My Barney Lips...

I love you, you love me

Let's go out and kill Barney

With a shot gun bang! bang!

Barney's on the floor, 

No more stupid dinosaur!

(evil laugh)

Okay, before somebody kills me for killing Barney, let me show you probably one of the boldest lip color that I have to date:

(excuse the red marks on my face...and don't get me started with my lady mustache!)

I'm wearing here Revlon's Colorburst Matte Balm in Shameless which I've been dying to have since the first time I saw a swatch online. I've waited for months before I finally got my hands on it because unfortunately, product launches are a bit (such an understatement, really) delayed here in the UAE. This particular line from Revlon has been out in PH early this year while it just got released here a week ago.  

Anyways, I got this lippie while on vacation in PH.  I saw these lippies at Watsons in SM Baguio and though I wanted to get more, the remaining shades they have are those I'm not really excited about.  I want Unapologetic, Showy, Complex and Elusive but they were all sold out. GAH!

Good thing Shameless is still available.  But guess what, it was their last piece!  

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm

The packaging reminds me of their Just Bitten Balm Stains. It's retractable, so no need to worry about keeping a sharpener for this chubby crayon. The packaging also matches the actual shade, so no need for you to pop the cover to check out the color. It gives an amazing burst of moisture and color in one swipe! Despite that, it doesn't feel heavy on the lips.  I love their Colorburst lipsticks, but I think I love this line more.

Bobbi Brown Nectar and Nude Collection: The Perfect Hues for this Summer Season...

Temperature was recorded at 43 °C yesterday, no wonder I still felt my cheeks burning when I went out of the office at half past 6pm.  And I heard, it can even rise up to 50 °C on some days. GAH! So this is how summer feels like here in my part of the world.  

^_^

Anyhoo, warmer (humid, even) days are no excuse to look less fabulous.  Dapat kahit mainit, maganda pa din! Barbie or bubblegum pinks are love, but this season calls for shades that will bring out that beach goddess in all of us. I rarely wear peaches or bronze as I think they make me look muddy.  But I am willing to make an exception with this Bobbi Brown collection that will hit UAE counters this June, the Nectar and Nude Collection.

Bobbi Brown Nectar and Nude Collection

This season, Bobbi pairs her favourite nudes with stunning nectar shades for the ultimate beach to cocktails look.  The collection has gorgeous shades of soft browns, peachy pinks, corals, apricot and touches of gold.

Lipstick meets Liner with Bobbi Brown Art Sticks...

And I'm back with another lip lovin' post, this time with Bobbi Brown Art Stick!

Bobbi Brown Art Stick

(Php1500/ AED155)

Touted as a two-in-one product, it provides the precision application of a lip liner with its pointed tip and the ease of application of a lipstick. 

Keep Your Crowning Glory At Its Best, with Davines Nounou Shampoo And Conditioner...

I got another haircut today. And to my surprise, the hairstylist praised my hair because here in UAE, it's not usual for one's hair to stay healthy most especially if it has been chemically treated.  I had my hair coloured more than a month ago (the same day I got a haircut) but despite the drying effect of water here and the wax I put on everyday, my hair color still looks like I just had it done.  

I've tried a lot of shampoos and conditioners here in UAE but I think I've found the perfect duo for my hair:

Davines NouNou Nourishing Illuminating Shampoo and Conditioner

NouNou means Nourishing, as this specific Davines line is best suited for treated and colored hair.

Unboxing this month's Glambox PLUS the unveiling of Benefit Cosmetics' Top Secret Product...

When this month's Glambox arrived, I was just so happy because it's no secret, I am a fan of this month's feature brand…Benefit Cosmetics!  

The Benefit Cosmetics exclusive box has sample sizes of They're Real Mascara, Fake Up Concealer, Porefessional, Big Easy and…a card about a top secret product!?  

^_^

By now, I'm sure you already know what this secret product is.  I've already posted it on my Instagram account yesterday.  

It is the..

From my long curly hair, to my fab short 'do….

When it comes to my hair, I've always been (sort of) adventurous. I've gone from my natural hair color of medium brown to semi-blonde (I've also tried to be a red head once!), from straight to curly and for so many times already, from long to a short 'do.  

And when I make (drastic) changes to my hair, it's not because I got brokenhearted (like some women do) but just because I got tired of my looks and I want to look new.  I don't even get hinayang to my hair, as for me, it's just hair…and it will grow back. 

Last year, I went from having straight hair to curly.   I've always wanted to experience having a long, curly hair as I've always had straight hair.  I had my hair permed twice and was happy  that I've finally crossed out an item from my bucket list.  But after a few months of living here in UAE where water can be oh-so-drying, I again decided to move on and give my hair a restart. I also need a new hair color as the regrowth is already so obvious!  My dilemma was where to go to have it done?  Hair services here can be so damn expensive, I once got a haircut for AED270 so how much more if I'm getting a hair color too!?  Even if I'd be willing to pay for such amount, I wanted to go to someone that has been tried and tested by friends.  I've talked to my friend Michelle about it and she recommended her long-time friend and hairstylist, Abel of Menage Salon in Makati.  I've always admired her short 'do and haircolor so I've added the salon visit to my itinerary on my vacation to PH last March.

And then the day came.  I like that Abel is willing to adjust to his clients' schedule.  He usually comes in to the salon at 11 but for me and Michelle, he came in half hour past 9 because we had to leave at noon.

taking my last photo with my long, curly hair

My New Eyebrow Hero: Happy Skin Eye Love View...

When Happyskin Cosmetics launched their first batch of products last year, I hoped that they come up with eyebrow makeup too. I think they might have heard my thoughts because fast forward summer of this year, they came up with one! I love how  they make me feel so important! Haha, kiddin!  I sure bet they just know that a lot of women nowadays are obsessed with having beautifully drawn eyebrows.  Gone are the days when girls with almost non-existent  brows (like me!) will turn to brow tattoos or simply put up with having none. 

Going back to the brand's eyebrow product, it absolutely surpassed all my expectations!  For years now, I've been loyal to K-Palette but this baby simply makes me go astray whenever it's time for me to draw my brows. 

My loves, meet my new eyebrow hero:

Happy Skin Eye Love View Double Duty Eyebrow Duo
(Php799)

Don't you just love how this brand give their products a name?
^_^

This beauty must-have makes grooming your eyebrows a breeze. With this product, eyebrows look natural—never fake or overdrawn. The fine-tip micro-fibre brush allows you to achieve feathery strokes, professionally mimicking real brow strands. The auto-pencil tip lends brows the most natural hue. Channel the pros with easy-peasy application! Smudge-proof and water-resistant, it gives you perfect eyebrows for 24 hours.

Product Review: Sleek Be Beautiful Blemish Balm...

I've been on Obagi Nuderm regimen for more than 3 months now and I'm glad my skin isn't as problematic as it was last year.  I rarely get pimples now (knocks on wood) and the scars are a lot less visible.  My skin looks more refined, too!  Of course there are still days when my skin will still go gaga, most especially when I haven't had much sleep or when I've been eating too much junk food.  But yes, I am happy with my skin now and hopefully, it stays that way.

^_^

Now that my skin is at its happier state, I don't use heavy foundations as much as before.  I try to let my skin breathe and stay away from putting layers of bases.  Before, I apply a primer, liquid foundation, concealer then set everything with a heavy coverage powder just to make sure I keep those nasty blemishes from saying hello to the world! (laughs) But now, I prefer using light bases like tinted moisturizers or BB creams.  When set with a light dusting of powder, they are already enough to make my skin look more even and well, less scary. 

So when I got my hands on the Sleek Be Beautiful Blemish Balm (or BB cream to put it simply), I was just so glad because aside from I love trying out new products, this is the type of makeup that I would prefer  having on my skin these days.  

Sleek Makeup Be Beautiful Blemish Balm

Be Beautiful Blemish Balm combines unique properties of skincare with makeup, with this multitasking balm that can be used as a primer, tinted moisturizer or concealer.  With added benefits of SPF15 to protect you from harmful UV rays, it is perfect for those who want light to medium coverage.

Product Review: Dermalogica Precleanse...

Now that I am finally back to working, I get to apply makeup every day again.  You know how much I love putting on makeup and as matter of fact, more than half of my prep time every day is being spent on it. Tee-hee!  

I do spend a lot of time doing my makeup, but I also make sure that I spend time taking it off my face too!  I believe in doing the "double-cleanse" method when it comes to taking off my makeup.  No, it doesn't mean cleansing your face with the same product twice but it's all about removing your makeup and cleansing your skin in two different steps to totally get rid of makeup residue, sebum and bacteria.  My usual method of double-cleansing is using my trusted Ponds Cold Cream first, massaging it all over my face to loosen up the makeup then wiping it off with wet wipes. Then I follow it with a facial wash.  When I have too much makeup on, or I've used mostly waterproof, I use a cleansing oil as my first step.  Now, oily-skinned people like me don't need to stay away from cleansing oils.  You just have to know the right kind of oil to use. Some oils can aggravate oiliness and worse, cause breakouts. 

For today, let me share with you my current favourite cleansing oil. I have used different brands before but in all honesty, this one is the BOMB!  

Dermalogica PreCleanse

(AED 165/150ml)

A lightweight, Olive and Apricot Kernel-based cleansing oil, fortified with Kukui Nut, Borage Seed and Rice Bran oils.  Gently permeates and liquefies sebum and oil-based debris from the skin’s surface, encapsulating it so it is readily rinsed away without leaving behind any greasy residue.  

Updates! Updates!

For those who have been following me on Instagram, you'd know that I'm not actually missing in action.  I'm still very much alive and kicking!  Though I haven't been active here on my blog, I'm posting updates on my Instagram and Facebook often.  I know I've said again and again, but I will try my best to update this blog as much as I can.  My life has again turned 180 degrees, and I'll tell you more about it in a bit. 

Last March, I went home for a 3-week vacation in PH.  I've been gone for more than 7 months, but when I got back, it actually felt like I never left. 

^_^ 

reunited with my baby MAC

I went home to attend my sister's college graduation. Can you believe how time flies?  And guess what, she's starting on her first job soon!  She had her first job interview a day before her graduation, and got the offer the same day!  I'm so excited for her. I still remember when I got the offer from my first job too!

During my 3-week vacation, all we did was to go out of town!  Mom made sure she had my schedule occupied. Hahah! Though I wasn't able to spend much time with my friends, I'm glad they understand my situation. I was still able to squeeze in an event and short meet ups with some of my good friends.