Happy Skin X Posh Nails Express Gel Polish Collaboration

Our hands reflect our daily lives. A friend of mine who reads palm lines even said our palm lines change over time, depending on what direction or situation our life takes and each line tells a story and reveals something about our personality. When we work or do sports, our hands take a beating. Just like the eyes, there's so much the hands have to say since our hands help us everyday. They make us lift, hold things like our food, or smartphones or makeup brushes, etc.

With social media posts, our hands make an appearance in our photos. They take side roles in our flatlays or when we hold that item for that #travelphoto in IG. As makeup artists, our hands get photographed a lot. In the recent bridal masterclass I took, there was a joke that we also need to have nice manicure for your hands just in case the photographer takes a photo of your hands holding the brush or airbrush gun. I actually looked back to see if a wedding photographer took a photo of my hand in its beat-up glory.  With that in mind, part of my travel and work preps is to get my nails done for picture-perfect hands, because you will never know.

Happy Skin X Posh Nails Express Gel Polish
L-R Pampered, TLC, Posh, and Luxe

Happy Skin, one of my favorite local beauty brands collaborates with top nail salon Posh Nails in their latest collection of Express Gel Polish. They feature four shades that can suit every woman in any occasion that she chooses. These are four classic shades which can be worn by anyone: Pampered (white), TLC (nude), Posh (pink), and Luxe (red). These four shades  happen to be the favorite shades of  most Posh Nails clients and they can have these shades at the comfort of their own homes whenever they need a manicure with no time to go to the nearest Posh Nails salon. I'm a fan of Happy Skin's Express Gel Polish because they give awesome color without compromise meaning they are 10-free (none of the top 10 toxic ingredients are in their formulations) and are vegan so yay for my vegan friends out there. The formula also nourishes the skin as it is enriched with hydrolyzed keratin and almond oil to strengthen and nourish your nails.

  I was able to see the collection for myself as I was invited to the event a few weeks ago held at the East Tower of One Rockwell.

So glad to have spend my afternoon here for a much-needed pampering session!

The function room was transformed to a nail bar where guests were treated to a mini nail pampering treat by Posh Nails therapists. Stations were set up corresponding to nail color and guests were free to choose whatever color they like.

Nail Bar courtesy of Posh Nails therapists.

I was on a debate to choose either red (which is my go-to color usually) or nude. I then decided on TLC for my nails. I'm usually into brights and darks when I wear polish for events so I thought a nude color could be a nice change. Not only is it a classic and wearable color, they actually make the nails look neater and cleaner. For those wearing this during travel, nail regrowth isn't as obvious. They are perfect for warm-toned skins and morenas but fair-skinned girls can wear this and still look like they are wearing polish.

TLC on my nails

Drying time too was fast, around 20 minutes so it wasn't long that I went around in my "Edward Scissorhands" mode.

I also checked out the other colors. Luxe was a very bold and statement red. Now if you're that person who is afraid of red polish because it's too bold, red is actually a very classic color that never looks dated. In fact, with the right red, it can make the feet and hands look neater and whiter, and that's this type of red is. So if you're that shy girl who wants to try red, this could be yours. Pampered, the white color actually I was happy. Some whites kind of look like I experimented on correction fluid on my nails. This one looked nice like creamy nail polish. White also enhances a nice tan making it perfect for summer. Posh happens to be a very pretty blush pink. Think that millenial pink that's understated and muted instead of candy color pink. This is the type of pink that's not too tita pink but nice enough to be worn even by tita. You don't have to be a millenial to wear Posh. In fact, this can be the perfect daytime wedding polish for a bride, bridesmaid, or mother of the bride. I am so recommending this to my January bride and her mom.

For our take-home shades, we were asked to choose two of our favorite out of the four. I was happy with TLC so I chose that. I already have a plethora of reds already and I have one white one so I guess I chose the millenial pink of Posh since I don't have a pink of that kind yet.

I already took Posh in my pedi trip and wore it in my recent travel. Although I wore closed shoes the entire time, they totally stayed put for a legs-up-the-wall IG stories photo. I may try it again in my next mani-pedi. This time, I will bring my Happy Skin Express Gel Polish Mirror-Shine Top Coat for an added shine.

For those wondering, Happy Skin has affordable polishes. The Express Gel Polish retail for Php 299 and the Top Coat retails for Php 249. Use the two together to get gel polish results that aren't such a hassle to remove.  They are available at all Happy Skin stores and counters as well as Posh Nails salons. If you have no time to visit a physical store, order them online via happyskincosmetics.com, Lazada, Shopee, Zalora, and BeautyMNL. When you find you shade, take a photo and tag @happyskin_ph and @poshnails_ on Instagram and use the hashtag #HappySkinxPoshNails.

Makeup Must-Haves For Your ID Photos

A few months ago, I wrote a blog post on ID photo tips. So finally, I was able to get my plastic DL card last week. When I saw the photo, I was just super thrilled because I came up with quite a decent ID photo, probably the best ID photo I ever took with a webcam. My license the last time, I wasn't exactly bad looking but it could use more improvements.

I never really realized how important looking good in government ID photos mattered to most people. It was when I saw how many blog posts were there about it when I saw that indeed, it does matter. Not really a requirement, but it counts in life.

I was quite surprised at the likes and comments I got with my makeup look for that photo (a friend even joked I should have brought my own fan so I can have that Beyonce-ish effect) so I thought about writing a part 2 post on how to look good for your government ID photo, this time enumerating the stuff I usually use whenever I have to do a headshot using a webcam.

get the natural look that radiates on a webcam using these products

Benefit The POREFessional Face Primer (Php 1,800)

This has got to be the favorite of every single makeup artist I know. It smoothens out the face to a nice, velvety texture, makes makeup last longer, and matts out shine. I have this problem on the center of my forehead that tends to look shiny even if I'm not even oily. The POREFessional takes care of that.


Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation (Php 825)

I forgo BB creams and use Liquid Foundation set with loose powder or powder foundation instead. BB creams have high SPF content and may cause a white cast, especially if there's harsh, un-metered flash that makes photos reminiscent of our "Gulat-Me" 80's to early 90's ID photo days. Colorstay lasts long enough, which is perfect in slowing down makeup meltdown most especially for locations where whatever we do, we're still prone to makeup melting. Again, this sets matte.


MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Powder in Dark (Php 2,100)

This adds warmth and contours which create shape and dimension. I just add a tad, instead of photoshoot-level ready, just so my face doesn't look flat. The key to natural-looking contours is all in the blending so blend this well.  Save the heavy contours for fashion shows or theatre performances.


Benefit Blush in Coralista (Php 1,600)

Personally, I stick to warm colors for government ID photos so I don't look super washed out with white fluorescent lights and blue backgrounds. This isn't too flat matte but not too shiny that it looks oily either.


MAC Blush in Mocha (Php 1,200)

A healthy, natural flush of pink also works. This bridal staple doesn't have too much shimmer speckles and delivers a nice, pink color to the cheeks, kind of like a natural glow.


Revlon Brow Fantasy Pencil and Gel in Light Brown (Php 575)

As overhead top lights can sometimes make my brows disappear, I need extra definition. This product gives me a more defined brow that doesn't disappear with the lighting yet it's natural enough for real-life appreciation. It gives me the defined, strong, but still natural type of brows. The mascara tints the brow hairs, (most especially if you have colored hair) and keeps the brows in place.


Happy Skin Eye am Here To Stay 24h Gel Eyeliner in Chic Brown (Php599)

Black liner in the bottom lashlines can look harsh, My alternative is dark brown eyeliner tightlined to make the lash roots fuller. You don't even have to worry about lines being perfect,


Colourpop x Hello Kitty Ultra Satin Lip in Tiny Chum (USD 6.00 at colourpop.com)

Colourpop has been making waves for having major color payoff that's comparable with expensive brands at a fraction of the price. This gorgeous liquid lippie has a pretty, fresh pink shade that's great for fair-skinned ladies. Paired with a blush, you can have a gorgeous, natural rosy glow instead of looking ghostly or pasty,


L'Oreal Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray (Php 500)

The long lines plus humidity can cause makeup meltdown. The setting spray does the job of locking the makeup or making it last longer. It also helps blend the makeup as well on the face so it looks gorgeous on photos, more like healthy skin instead of powder.

ID pictures do matter in a way that it represents you for the years it is still valid. It represents you in legal and official documents and it really is a confidence booster when you have an awesome visa or passport photo (that still follows the rules obviously). These arsenals for the gorgeous lasting look can be your best bet, especially if you have no idea what to use. Let me know which ones are your favorite or which one you use for yourself. okay?


Image Directory

Cover Photo shot by Ozzy Lavina


Store Directory

Benefit Cosmetics

1/F Greenbelt 5, Makati; (02) 729-9854; 3/F TriNoma Mall; Rustan’s Makati; Shangri-La Plaza; Mall of Asia; benefitcosmetics.com; facebook.com/benefitcosmetics; facebook.com/benefitcosmeticsphilippines

Colourpop
colourpop.com; facebook.com/ColourPopCosmetics; instagram.com/colourpopcosmetics

Happy Skin
Glorietta 3, Ayala Grand Mall; Greenbelt 5, 2/F; Powerplant Mall 2/F; Robinson’s Magnolia 2/F; SM Megamall. 2/F Mega Fashion Hall; Eastwood Mall, 1/F; UP Town Center, 1/F; available at Rustan’s Beauty Source, Beauty Bar, and Plains and Prints; happyskincosmetics.com; facebook.com/happyskincosmetics; instagram.com/happyskin_ph

L'Oreal Paris

Available at all leading groceries, beauty hubs, and department stores nationwide; lorealparis.com; lorealparisexclusif.ph; facebook.com/LOrealParisPhilippines

MACclick here for a complete list of stores; maccosmetics.com; rustans-thebeautysource.com; maccosmetics.com,ph; facebook.com/MACCosmetics

Revlon
Available at all leading department stores nationwide; revlon.com; facebook.com/Revon; facebook.com/RevlonPhilippines

A Look Back: Throwback Items in Our Kikay Kit

I grew up in the 90's and although the fashion and trends weren't super mega distinct like shoulder pads and big hair during the 80's, the subdued trends of the 90's had a sort of classic appeal on its own. In fact, it's been recycled fairly recently with the babydoll clothes, brown lippies, chunky heels, and leather chokers making a comeback. The only heels I wear lately for events are actually very 90's inspired, chosen by Kate. I liked it since it was chunky and sturdy and less likely that I would trip. No, I shall not post a 90's photo of teenage me from my baul because that would probably make me lose my beauty writer credibility with the makeup faux pass I had back then.

The 90's also was probably the time I started collecting items for that tiny kikay kit I had tucked in the corner of my schoolbag or the few items in my mini backpack I'd use when I would go to the mall. Writing this blog post for a #FlashbackFriday at my part of the world or #ThrowbackThursday on your part, stuff like these sort of made me smile. I don't know if this awakened the makeup artist/beauty writer gene that I have though, since I didn't know how to put on makeup back then. Besides, school didn't allow it.

So here were the beauty items I had stashed in my own kit. Any one of you notice your favorites?

Bath and Body Works

This brand is probably in every high school girl's bag back then, and a #1 pasalubong list or an item to hoard during that summer vacation to the US. The fruity scents were fresh and youthful, but more grown-up than the Angel's cologne you wore during grade school. Sun Ripened Raspberry, Juniper Breeze, Country Apple, Plumeria, Sweet Pea, Fresh Pineapple, the list goes on and on. I purchased a bottle of Juniper Breeze just a few days ago, and even though the package has changed, it still has that same scent.

Hard Candy Polish

Long ago, polish colors were red, pink, peach, white (for french tips) and neutral. The colors were too tita for a high school girl to wear on weekends since school did not allow nail polish. So happy that there were brands that had fun colors to wear for young girls. One such favorite 90s brand is Hard Candy, and although they have changed their packaging, the favorite is still the iconic 90s packaging complete with the ring. I had one shade of this, which was yellow, I don't know where the ring went now though. I hope Hard Candy releases a few shades here in the Philippines because I will be just so happy to score a few shades, especially that pretty powder blue shade.

Bonne Bell Lip Smackers

#90s #lipsmackers #fashion #90sfashion #nostalgia

A photo posted by Sidney Ann (@fannypackclub) on Jul 5, 2016 at 2:48am PDT

There was a time that I chose lip color not by the actual color but by the flavor and scent. These sheer-tinted lipglosses and lip balms were almost dessert-like. I found myself leaning towards the berry, mocha, and sweet vanilla flavors. Lip Smackers are still very much alive today with new fun flavors like Coca-Cola Classic, Salted Pretzel, and Pink Velvet Gelato

The Paddle Brush

Before VS Supermodels and Cosmo magazine covers made me embrace my naturally big hair, I would have a big paddle brush to help flatten my hair straight as the length of my hair never seemed to weigh my hair down. Poker-straight hair became in way up until the early 2000s. The paddle brush never made my hair super duper straight and flat as I wanted it to be up until I embraced the  beach waves I have all year round. I still have a paddle brush (2 in fact) now, but when I wear my hair straight, it's now straight with volume, like a donya from the parlor.

Johnson's Pressed Powder in Beige

It was 1998, I forgot the exact name, but this and a few oil-control sheets saved me from teenage midday shine. Since MAC Studiofix was too much for my pocket and my teenage skin, this one was bought from the grocery and made me look less espasol-like than putting baby powder on my face. The pink compact was also easy-to-spot. This and lip smackers were probably the makeup I ever owned. I didn't even think of using eye cream because I worried less about wrinkles then. Actually, I worried less about anything in the world then. Life was much simple, no?

Butterfly Clips

Hello, 1997 #butterflyclips #90sforever #foreverever

A photo posted by ॐMoonchildॐ🌙 (@laughswitheyes) on Jul 7, 2016 at 7:51pm PDT

Don't judge me. It was 1997. It was the coolest way to get my bangs away from my face.

What were your 90's beauty essentials?

image sources;
Bath and Body Works product shot - Bath and Body Works Facebook Page
Nail Polish shot - Hard Candy Facebook Page

Makeup Tricks For ID Photos (Without Breaking The Rules)

Unlike our Facebook profile photos, our government IDs (passport, voter's ID, driver's license) can be the most unflattering photos - the type where we look like an ex-con or just got out of the hospital. Does it matter though that we have a nice photo? It's not really important in a sense but it matters, That will be our photo for a number of years and we do have to constantly whip it out for bouncers, credit card transactions, entering villages or subdivisions, etc.

While we may not be bongga as Anna Wintour to get Mario Testino for our passport photos, here are several tips to improve how we look like in poorly-lit overhead fluorescent lighting, blue walls, and have our taken via webcam or point-and-shoots.

Know The Rules

We may be tempted to get our gear and do a very sexy VS look - smoky eyes, big hair, glossy lips, etc. but we know that there are rules to follow. Driver's license photos are less strict as visa applications or passports which require a certain look. Knowing these rules can help you come up with a good palette.

Mattify!

After years of having a shiny forehead in several ID photos (even if I'm not oily), I learned to use matte foundation and mattifying primers. At this moment, strobing  will not work, especially if your highlighters are shimmery. Even the girls with the best skin can look shiny and oily in this case. If you know it's going to be hot, sweat-proof your makeup and do a quick touch-up before your photo.

Get as much warmth and light as possible.

Cool and drab is what we could describe the lighting in these offices. They can make our skin look washed out. To get the warmth, I (very lightly) contour my face, not to Kim K level of chiseledness but just to get some warmth to counteract the cool lights. I stick to corals and bronzies as my color scheme but rosy pinks can look good too. Also, wear light-colored clothing ( a white polo shirt is generally safe) to act as some sort of a reflector.

Define those brows and eyes.

Brows make so much difference. For government ID,s I prefer my brows strong but still natural since the too-light brows can look nonexistent with the lighting.  Eyeliner and mascara can also instantly open up the eyes but if you would want to do eye makeup, I'm usually safe with soft, subtley smokey morning bridal eyes. I don't recommend falsies but if you do, just choose individual lashes on the outer corners for a more natural look. For my lashes, I would go for a really good mascara like Browhaus HD mascara.

Avoid lipgloss and stick to liquid lipsticks or lipsticks instead

Lipgloss can just bounce light away defeating the purpose. Depending on the office, you may need to stick to conservative MLBB lipsticks, but that doesn't mean they are boring. Lovely choices are MAC Please Me, Revlon Mauvelous, Ofra Laguna Beach, and Happy Skin Honeymoon glow, which are not really stark bright but give your lips a nice, healthy shade without breaking the rules. If you can, however wear brights go ahead! For reds, MAC Russian Red gives a nice, warm color. MAC Pink Nouveau and Pink Sugar Catfight are my ultimate favorite pinks. Just avoid vampy colors because they can make the skin look paler.

Master the art of the smize.

Visa applications and passports do not allow you to show teeth. To avoid looking like you just woke up or killed someone, take a tip from Tyra Banks and practice "smizing". One thing that helped me so I don't look constipated or about to sneeze is to think of something funny or happy while having my photo taken.

Fix your hair

highlights can give you warmth and bring in as much light as possible. I styled my hair in waves to frame and add shape.

Soft waves or straight hair can work in this case. If your hair has highlights, style your hair in soft waves that can showcase your highlights since that also brings in some light. Smooth, straight hair is also acceptable. have a brush also with you and do a few fixes before posing for the camera.

Before you snap, Take a good look at the mirror, touch up a bit, smooth your hair, practice your smize, and pose. Hopefully, that will get you good for the next few years, because yeah! ID photos matter. :)

photos:
Girl facing front: pexels.com
mascara photo: Browhaus Manila Facebook page.

Beauty items to Fit Your Tiny Bag

I'm one of those guilty ladies who carry a lot on my shoulders - literally. I'm not talking about just all 118 pounds of me when I do my shoulder mount (correction: attempt to shoulder mount). My bag contains like the world and even more - bottled water, a scarf in case it gets cold, cat food for stray kittehs, and just a while ago my gong/bell chime for teaching yoga and my sequence notebook. Sometimes, when I have to bring a tiny bag, I feel kinda lost if I can't fit all essentials, especially if I have to take a day to night look.

Thankfully, beauty knows our needs, and if we need to go beyond the phone, keys, and money formula in our bags, here are mini beauty essentials that we can keep in our evening bags or tiny purses so we're prepared and polished.

products that don't take up much space in a teensy bag and cover all the essentials you need. Personalized bag with initials from Design Ur Bag studio purchased at the Supersale Bazaar.

Snoe Hair Heroes The Fixer (Php 399, The Landmark)

When there's no time to blow-dry, the go-to hairstyle is either bun, braid, or ponytail. Frizzies and baby hairs can be an eyesore for a supposedly neat 'do. Nix the tuchang with this lotion that's less sticky than hairstyling wax yet keeps our baby hairs in place.


The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Stain (Php 795)

This bestselling product from The Body Shop is a cruelty-free product that gives the right amount of color to your lips and cheeks when you feel that you look kinda a bit dead. Use this before powder and blend really well so it's less patchy.


Scents of Solenn Pocket Perfume (Php 69, leading convenience stores, drugstores, and department stores)

This is a pocket-friendly scent - literally! Because that teensy little bottle can fit in your jeans pocket. There are three scents to choose from but my favorite is the fruity-floral Sunrise, which is just perfect for the summer humid weather that's about to come pretty soon, Also, this very sophisticated scent doesn't cost much as well.


Browhaus Heavy-Duty Bi-liner in Noir Shimmer (Browhaus stores Php 498 each)

When you need to take your eye makeup to something more intense, you have a pencil liner that has a gel finish that can be smudged for a sexy, smoldering, smokey eye. If smokey eye is not your thing, do a nice, colorful winged eyeliner. No need to set this because the waterproof formula stays put until you decide to take it off.


L'Oreal True Match Genius 4-in-1 Primer, Foundation Concealer, and Powder (Php 600, leading department stores and drugstores)

A shorter name for this would be a True Match Genius Compact of Awesomeness and Handiness. This is a primer, foundation, concealer, and powder, all in one slim compact. Perfect complexion without bringing jars, bottles, tubes, or bulky compacts.


Messy Bessy The Little Warrior (Php 70 for 50-mL, Php 500 for a 1-L refill. Click here to shop)

This is an all-around germ-busting sanitizer for hands, surfaces, tabletops, phones, room spray, and so on. The list is endless. The one I have right now is the seasonal Winter Chill (available during Christmas season) but I also like the Chamomile scent). It's local with super uncomplicated ingredients you wouldn't have any difficulty pronouncing. I also use it as a quick-spritz sanitize for makeup brushes and yoga mats.


These tiny essentials can get you covered if you're iffy with leaving your big bag at home. Also, it helps to just enjoy the lighter load and the event itself so you don't need to worry about leaving your trust big brush or bottle of body spray. Enjoy the less burden your shoulders have to bear and have fun. Take care. Stay awesome.

Hot Stuff for a Hot Day

Is it hot in here?

Yes it is. It's already mid-May, it's begun to rain a bit but it is still friggin' hot. So hot that I had to do a lot of changes in things, particularly my beauty products. Last season, soap formulas were richer and lusher, I could afford to wear a full face of makeup, body oils, and creams (at night of course). Here are some of my summer beauty and wellness staples to keep me cool and refreshed with temperatures rising high.

Gel moisturizers

As many know, I don't use moisturizer during the day  since it makes me slip a lot when I do pole or yoga (no moisturizer is one cardinal rule in pole dancing, just like please warm up before class). When I do moisturize, I use a cooling gel formula instead of  December's creams and butters. My friend Romina gave me this tub of aloe gel as a gift when she went to Korea for a trip. It's like a cool glass of water on my skin. I can also use this to soothe my chafed skin after pole.

Go minty!

Ilog Maria Spearmint & Oatmeal Soap available at Ilog Maria Honeybee Farms or at Echostore

I love peppermint anything! This soap cools me down and the scent lingers even after I have left the shower. The scent of peppermint is very energizing too, like morning coffee without the caffeine jolt.

Light makeup

See the tutorial for this look at BDJBox.com

I have kept makeup minimum due to the weather. On days when I need to look a bit more er, alive, I have a basic makeup routine that I do using minimal products as possible. I also save time doing this!  I also switched to a lighter formula makeup remover. As of the moment, I'm using Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil in Fresh (the pink bottle) because it's really light on my skin which can get really greasy during these hot months. The smell is super fresh and even though the formula is super light, it's pretty effective in removing makeup too. Even waterproof mascara!

Lighten the (hair) load

haven't gone this short since I can't remember. Got a cut and style from my favorite salon

I've maintained my hair long, and I like it that way since I think it's more low-maintenance. This summer, I lopped off four inches off of it, and it's been a refreshing change. Hair dries faster and it's less of a load. There's still length to keep it away from my face and neck in a ponytail as well as do playful curls with it when I want to. By the time colder months start, it has grown already to the length that I'm used to.

Human Nature Clarifying Shampoo, Php 149.00
[image credits]

My shampoo formulation also changes. Since I swim, I switch to clarifying shampoos to rid me of the buildup. If I know I'll be outdoors, I put a light leave-on hair cream on my hair with built-in SPF such as Snoe Hair Heroes Intense UV & Thermal Barrier Shield.

Tummy Treats

I opt for fresh juices as much as possible or infuse my water with fruits and veggies instead of buying drinks filled with sugar or artificial sweeteners.

post-pole snack: smoothie from Jamba Juice and a DIY salad from Juju Eats

 Salads are super refreshing for the body too so whenever I dine out, I more often than not opt for salads. All these raw food goodness have so much benefits for our body and there are so many good fruits in season as well, so we better take advantage of them.

Instead of creamy or cheese dips, I make fresh mango salsa, which also goes well with fish or chicken. If I want something cold, I would go for fresh fruit popsicles or a cup of yogurt. I'll save the ramen and pho come rainy days.


These little tips help me keep cool during these high temperatures and definitely keep my mind cool as well. Try these to make summer more awesome. Because it really is an awesome season. Make the most out of it!

Your Personal 3-Minute Meditation to Happy Hair

My hair's been abused in all senses - blow-dry, style, and even the tugging of my hair from ponytails and scraggly buns (take note, hair when wet) with elastics can cause a lot of damage. Although the hot shower feels so good on my sore muscles after a yoga class, I know my hair, if it could talk would scream and beat me senseless. I think the hair gods heard the plea of my tresses because I got a sample of Pantene's newest product, the 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner as I was heading out. I love getting these goodies giving me this good karmic energy. I tucked it in my bag and drove to the studio.

In yin yoga world, 3 minutes is the approximate time we give our bodies to hold our poses for our connective tissues to open. The three minutes here in Pantene 3-Minute Miracle, we give our hair the TLC it needs from its daily damage and abuse. It's like an extended meditation in the shower to pretty and healthy hair. With 80% more key conditioning ingredients versus regular Pantene conditioner, this product is supposed to improve my hair health and smoothen my hair and repair up to like 3 months worth of hair damage my hair has.

Yes and all it takes is three minutes. This is great when I don't have the time (or funds) to actually sit down for an hour at the hair salon to get a hair treatment. My hair being super duper long and thick kinda costs a lot to get treated. I can get this done at the shower. It's like three minutes of meditation to healthy, happy hair. 

The formula in comparison with other conditioners is a bit thicker, but I'm just glad that it doesn't have that strong, heady smell or chemical-like smell. In fact, it has the same category of signature fresh-fruit clean scent Pantene shampoos and conditioners have. I do, however, have to use more than dime or pea-size amount to get all areas of my hair covered and I give my hair that massage to boost circulation. I leave it for 3 minutes (or a bit more, depending on my feelings) using my phone as a timer and rinse (not hot water, I know my lesson). 

My verdict: My hair is much better to manage to comb with a wide-tooth comb and less tangled when I run my fingers through it when it's dry, I'm giving a yay to the scent for not being too strong or overwhelming. I just have to remember to not use this when i'm styling my hair because since my hair's super slippery and silky, the curls may not hold. I can, however, use this after a photoshoot or event where my hair needs to be heat-styled and sprayed to hold. Without blow-drying my hair, it looks more human hair than barbed wire and since my wavy hair is prone to frizz, this actually minimizes the frizz it naturally has. 

This is already available in the market by the way. An 180-mL bottle costs Php159.00 while if you would be a regular user or have longer and thicker hair, you may want to avail of the 340-mL tube for Php259.00. 

The Morena Bride

I love doing makeup on morenas, or girls blessed with bronzey skin. I love accenting their color instead of masking it with light-colored foundation and making it glow with my play on earth colors and bronzers. Whenever someone asks me to make her skin look lighter like the Koreanovela actors, I tell her how beautiful her original color is. "There are some people who would pay thousands in tanning booths, tanning salons, or beach trips just to get your color." I myself spend some of my waking days getting that honey-colored glow.

I think morena brides are beautiful. There's something very beautiful about tanned skin against a pristine white (or warm ivory) dress. And just for summer, it looks fabulous! For this summer, I was able to do makeup for two morena beauties and I can show you how wonderful my chosen palette looks on their honey-colored skin. These are all photos taken from my camera, so it's not as artsy as wedding photographers do.

NICOLE

I met Nicole through Jenny, one of the first people I worked with in a PR shoot for a restaurant. Nicole's wedding would be coming up in a week and they needed a makeup artist. I was available for the May 7 wedding and when Nicole got to my house, she was an inspiration to work on. I told her she looks like a morena version of Kim Chiu. She has always a fascination for antique and anything Filipiniana inspired hence choosing a Filipiana theme complete with the ceremony, invitations, and reception said in Tagalog.

I chose earth colors to match her skintone and then a mixture of gold and pink with a neutral undertone so the browns aren't so dull. Morenas can wear pink too, as long as it matches the entire color scheme. Of course, since this is a wedding, I chose a more natural pink.

During the preps, Nicole was calm and was even joking around with her entourage. She showed me her gown, which was very simple in a warm ivory color.

I told you, she really looks like Kim Chiu.

Joking around with her entourage, bossom buddies from her high school and sisters. They're the cutest group ever!

Check out their church, a total blast from the past, like we were whisked away in time.

Right after the ceremony, rain started to pour, like the couple was being blessed or something. By that time, the couple were already in the bridal car on the way to Plaza Rizal.

JOAN

Joan is an overseas bride who is also a picture of calmness. She was fun to talk to and a makeup lover too. We have the same favorite makeup brand as she showed me her stash of makeup. We get along quite fine with being adventurous with color. But since it was a wedding, we had to make it conservative with the color scheme but still enhance her features.

Joan has such pretty eyes and since she's gifted with naturally long and thick lashes, we opted to skip falsies and just enhance her lashes with mascara. For her eyes, I used a mix of golds and browns, but blended them in such a way that they look like almost one color with a good transition instead of a whole rainbow of different colors.

For her lip color, Joan herself chose a peachy brown lip color that's not too dull. It's got the my-lips-but-better vibe which was one with her natural bronzy look scheme but it's got a pop of statement. If anyone would ask, that's MAC lipstick in Cosmo, one of MAC's bestsellers.

Romantic updos seem to be the in thing this summer, so Joan opted for a handcombed loose and romantic updo peppered with decorative pins.

The trick to really rocking wedding looks: enhance, not change. Enhance the features and bring them out. I really like bridal looks that I could look back 50 years from now and the look would be classic and timeless. For those blessed with skin color like Joan and Nicole, bring on the glow and be the beautiful bride you already are.

Hair for both brides: Maricel Basaysay

Makeup technique: Airbrush

Shoots: Tanya, Priscilla, and Leslie

Unexpected serendipity when I received an SMS from a photographer I worked with asking if I would like to be a makeup artist for their shoot the next day. It came at a right time because I'd be meeting a friend also that day so it was a perfect way to maximize my day.

South traffic was the only hitch I got (the alternate route was pretty clogged as well) when I got there, plus the horrible weather. When I got to the place, I set up my station and proceded to work with my first model. I was given the freedom to do what look I wanted on her. I asked if I could take a look at her outfits first and if she had any preference. She just asked if she could wear her hair straight since she's always photographed in curls.

Here's Leslie When you look at her, you immediately get reminded of anime girls with her expressive eyes and high cheekbones. I gave her a cool, rosy scheme of pink and purple without looking too Barbie, since her clothes were a bit sexy. Again, the classic pastely pink lips were used. I know I'm a matte fan but here, since I wanted her to look healthy, I put a bit of sheer shimmer on the tops of her cheeks for a healthy highlight.

Tanya is a dancer. She told us that it's her first time to model ever, but from her pictures, she looks like she has been doing this all her life. Her expressive blue eyes and platinum blonde hair are the first two things I was drawn to. It made her look angelic but since I already had a pink scheme done, I wanted something warmer to bring out and intensify the blue eyes. I chose copper and amber for her eye color followed by peach on her lips. The stylist, Mes, wanted a clean look on her too, for very basic beauty shots. Actually, most of the looks I did here are bridal-inspired shots, since I plan to focus on weddings again for the rest of the year and next. For platinum blonde hair, it was quite tricky to know what brow color to use. I went for a light color on the brows like charcoal brown then used Girl Boy to soften it. I didn't bring my Sophisticated brow set with me that day. darn. But I guess it's time to get used to Girl Boy now. I'm glad I used peach and browns for Tanya because she wasn't a fan of pink. I like how the color palette warmed her skin quite nicely and brought out the blue in her eyes.

Priscilla is what I called classic Bobbi Brown beauty, the typical face for most of the Bobbi Brown looks, so I knew now what technique I'd use on her. Pink-brown, but I made it my own by emphasizing her facial contours. I love Priscilla's brows. It makes her overall look more expressive and youthful. I didn't have to do much but brush it with Girl Boy brow set to soften them. Her long and thick hair was curled for volumzing waves. I envy how long and thick her hair is! I even asked the brand of her shampoo. Hahaha.

Strong brows go with strong lips so I chose berry for her lip color. All these colors are from my Kryolan lip palette, which I didn't know looked amazing in photographs. Well, that's one lesson learned too!

How would I describe the shoot? Fun and fast! The photographers were a riot and they really made the models feel comfy with posing. I love the headshots they did - they were all very clean with minimal retouching. I like headshots with skin looking like skin.

I'm really glad I got to do shoots like these. Not only did I get to work with three faces, I get to practice more on beauty and bridal makeup, skills I should always tuck by my belt.

Next up... airbrush!

Credits:

models: Leslie, Tanya, and Priscilla

photographers: Ogie Abastillas and Chi Busque

stylist: Mes Yuson

location: Red Digital Studios