Ruby Woo, the Vivid Blue-Red

Here's how I got (sorta) picture-perfect ready for the Olay Product Launch:

Perfect Black Cocktail Dress: Done! (thank you Ultimate Travel Pal!)

Scarlet Toes: Got It! (Sally Hansen Maximum Growth in Faith)

Matching Nails: Got It!

Periodic Trim to keep my strands healthy: Check!

The perfect red lip: Sure!

A reader requested that I road-test MAC's Ruby Woo after I posted Russian Red. With the help of my favorite MAC Makeup Artists at MAC Makati, I got ample information on Ruby Woo

Here it is:

MAC lipstick in Ruby Woo (Php 900.00) shown

Swatch:

(the yellow tone is due to MAC's lights but I'll post a better picture on my lips)

According to product specialist Mikee Raymundo, MAC Ruby Woo is also a matte finish but the difference between Ruby Woo and Russian Red is that Ruby Woo has more of a bluish undertone (a vivid bluish red, according to the MAC website). The effect is more pronounced and striking, this despite being a matte finish. MAC Counter Manager Kang also said whereas Russian Red is more universal, Ruby Woo might be selective in its wearers, particularly those with fairer complexions because of its intensity. In fact, my friend told me that the attention zeroes on my bright red lips.

Staying power is also as effective, since it was able to withstand 1 glass of Starbucks iced tea, 3 glasses of wine, 3 goblets of water, cocktails, and a sit-down dinner. I just needed to retouch once. :)

Ruby Woo, I would recommend to those girls who want a big, bright, and vivid red. Since it's got a bluish hue, it makes the teeth look whiter (although I would recommend it to those with fairer complexion, but you can mix this with another red to suit you, since I do that too!)

(photo by Apy Arevalo)

The perfect red lipstick? The perfect vivid red lipstick!

The Official Product Launch of Olay Regenerist

November 25, 2008 is the official press launch of Olay Regenerist. With me being a new avid user of their line, I wouldn't miss this for the world and so I came and witnessed it for myself.

In a program called SkinDeep, hosted by Ms. Daphne Oseña-Paez, the complete line of Olay Regenerist is introduced, complete with information and advice from leading dermatologists Dr. Ma. Pia Lagdameo-Leuenbeger and Dr. Clarissa Villarama-Cellona and P&G Beauty Skin Care Scientist Mr. David Khoo, M.Sc.

This event also introduces Olay Regenerist ambassador Ms. Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales, supermodel/mom of four/designer/all-around fashion icon. Already in her 40s, Tweetie still looks radiant and beautiful. How I'd love to be like that at her age.

Here's what she has to say about the product:

"I really enjoyed using it [Olay Regenerist] because it applied very smoothly. It feels velvety in the skin and it finishes oil-free. It's matte. My skin tone improved. I've less lines. And the most dramatic improvement in my skin is the texture - the clearness and flawless finish that my skin now has."

The event was capped off with the guests receiving gift packs from the event for all of us to try...(wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

I just couldn't resist doing a bit of layouts. Heeheehee... That's the Olay Regenerist cleanser and their star product, the Olay Regenerist serum, in elegant black-and-red packaging (which was the color theme of the night). In fact, I've used the serum as my makeup primer for my makeup at that event and I really loved how my makeup glided on that day.

The cleanser (retail price Php299.00) is supposed to lift away dead surface skin cells in a gentle exfoliating action with their oxygenated Derma-Bead formula. It's safe to use everyday. In fact, I just used it this morning and it's pretty gentle. The beads did not scratch and I love the luxurious texture of the cleanser. It preps the skin for the rest of the skin care line.

Oh and what's an event without pictures?

Me with the event host, Daphe Osena-Paez.

Ms. Daphne and my lovely friend, Apy Arevalo.

Apy and I with the Olay Regenerist Line. :P Give us 3 months after using the product. :P

Olay Regenerist is already available in leading drugstores and department stores. In fact, before the event, I already checked and it's available already in Watsons, Landmark, and Mercury Drug. :) Aside from the serum and cream cleanser, they also have an Eye-Lifting Serum, Regenerating Cream with spf 15 (for daytime use), and Regenerist Night Firming Cream.

Makeupbybambi Says Thank You to P3

Plugging plugging plugging!

November 25, 2008 is a good day for me!

For one, I attended the Olay Regenerist launch and not only did I learn the product and got a pretty goodie but had fun. :-)

Also, Issue 04 of Project Three online magazine has been launched and I'm happy to be a part of it since I got featured as an On The Rise Artist!

For those who haven't heard of it, Project Three (P3) in

"an online magazine geared towards featuring artists and upcoming artists in the genre of fashion founded by Leandro Mercurio aka Curios.

The name Project Three is a metaphor. It stands for the third phase of its founder's life. Leandro felt the need to continue his cause to promote artists from all realms. He also felt that there was a strong need to provide the artistic community with resources."

[text credits]

This cause is something we as artists have to be thankful for. I've met a whole lot of talented individuals - photographers, makeup artists, models, stylists, graphic artists, designers, etc. Just in the Multiply community alone, there are dozens of them, as talented as those who have graced glosses, publications, and billboards, perhaps even more. This helps all of us as we struggle in this path and get up there.

I've already contributed in the P3 Issue 03 remix edition's special collaboration, which I blogged about before. Here, now, they have featured me as an On The Rise artist, which are artists who are relatively new in the field. It's been a pleasure to be featured here as an On The Rise Artist, so I'm really excited about it. When I checked my Multiply account while I was outside, I saw an announcement that Issue 04 has been launched, so it's one happy day for me. :)

To go to the feature here's how:

1. Go to this URL: http://project-three.net . You will need fast Internet connection though.

2. You will see two covers, enter the cover that says On The Rise.

3. Click on my feature. You'd see my name there with a thumbnail of my picture (it's my work, which I also modelled taken by Marc Yu)

Tadaaaa!!!!!

Be sure to leave a comment so I know you stopped by! At the last page, just click on the banner that says, "Click Here To Comment"

Congratulations too to the other feature artists. More power to p3!

Red She Said in Manila

Wheee! Wheeee! Wheeeee!!!!!! Just in time for the Holidays

(layout by me)

Red She Said, MAC's newest collection here in Manila arrives this Saturday, November 29. I already got a preview of the collection, which includes 6 mineralize eyeshadows (in trios which you could mix and match, although the coverage is quite sheer), 2 fluidlines (including the classic Blacktrack), 3 brow pencils, fibre rich lash mascara, five shades of lipsticks, 5 dazzleglasses, 2 blushes, and 2 nail lacquers to give that pretty classic old Hollywood girl vibe.

When I saw the collection, it's all about the brows (remember how vintage girls have such defined brows, regardless of the shape, size, and contour?), lips, and lashes. I love love love love the "Red" She Said lipstick, which according to the MAC website is a Mid-Tone Blue Red. It's in an Amplified finish, meaning it's more creme rather than matte so the look is glossier and moist.

For lipgloss fans, the dazzleglass gives glitter and shine in a nonsticky, sheer finish, if you just want a slight tint with lots of shine. They didn't come in red packaging though, but in the classic black MAC is known for.

Anyone passing by the MAC counter for an advanced Holiday purchase?

Makeupbybambi Loves MAC Russian Red

When I look at my Christmas stocking, I wish to have a Russian Red inside it for each time I swipe it on my lips, I fall in love with it more and more and more

Russian Red is an intense bluish-red in a matte finish. It's a favorite among red-lipped fanatics and flatters almost anyone. It's a universal red that anyone could pull off. I was introduced to this shade by makeup artist Mari Wild, who happens to be a long-time Russian Red fanatic. I was sitting next to her and I noticed her red lips and I asked, "Ms. Mari, I really love your red lipstick, what shade is it?" When she said Russian Red, I knew I had to immediately try it on for myself.

I love how Russian Red makes my lips pop. Since it's matte, it can be drying on the lips to it's best to prep first the lips with lip balm prior to lipstick application. Then, before lining the lips (a must if you're sporting dark or intensely-colored lipstick), blot excess balm with a tissue. Line lips and fill in then go with your lipstick. Blot and re-apply. It's pretty effortless I can just go on with neutral eye makeup and I look polished.

Russian Red can be mixed with another red to create a customized red for you (I will always remember Ms. Mari saying that there is always a perfect red for everyone, and indeed she's right.) This red is just purely Russian Red with MAC lipliner in cherry. MAC Russian Red can be mixed with MAC Viva Glam I for a very intense red (this tip I learned from Kang of MAC Makati).

Aside from the bold, intense red.... here's what I love too about it: STAYING POWER

That's been wiped a wholelotta times already, yet it's still uber pigmented. I love lipsticks that stay on my lips since I can get too lazy to reapply.

Next project will be this one...:)

Tough (Nail) Paint

After I read this review from Phoebe about Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear Nail polish, I've been intrigued and impressed as this type really stays on your nails and still remain shiny and true to its color with hardly any chips for a longer time than your regular polish. As you all know, my hands are subjected to laundry, harsh chemicals, washing dishes, and all sorts of things that wreck havock to nail color. That's why sometimes, I only wear polish (especially dark ones) when I have events and I take them out the next day, when most of the time it starts chipping.


When my auntie arrived from the States, she gave me a pouch full of nail polish and among them I received two bottles of Xtreme wear. Last Friday, I used it for my manicure since I'll be going to an event that night and another one the following day so I needed something to withstand the test of hard work.



So here it is... my newly-manicured and shiny nails painted red (rarrr)





shiny, no chips, and fresh... just like a mani done well. The therapist actually didn't have a hard time with the polish as the consistensy was very manageable and the brush long and thin enough to get to the edges without straying from the nail.



7 days after washing dishes, doing laundry, washing brushes, typing, doing makeup, and all sorts of mechanical work... my polish looks like this:







Save for the nails starting to grow, it's still presentable. As of now, there's a tiny chip on my left middle finger, but it's not like other polishes that chip off quite easily. I told my aunt how long-lasting the polish was, for people like me with abused hands and totally subject to manual labor.

I plan to get this in more colors as soon as my stash runs out. :)

My 3-minute Miracle Experience

With my smack of photoshoots for the past few months subjecting my hair to teasing, products, and even walking in the scorching sun, inevitably, my strands have turned lifeless and frayed. Since again, I'm a cheapskate to spend thousands on a salon treatment, I went for another DIY, quick (3 minutes!), and waaay cheaper experience.

Those who pass by EDSA would see Judy Ann Santos's posters across the MRT station with her long, shiny hair framing the product. At only Php 299 for 3 ampoules (roughly Php100.00 per ampoule), this looks like a cheaper and quicker alternative rather than spending hours and pesoseseses in the salon.

After Pantene's product launch last Friday, I received products from Pantene's Total Care collection, which included a box of Pantene's 3-minute miracle. The following day, after my hair being parched from blow-drying, teasing, settng, hairspray, mousse, products, and all, I gave it a powerdose of TLC.

The direction states that after shampooing and conditioning, squeeze all excess water from hair and apply all the contents of the entire tube (goodie... my hair's really long and I'm growing it) to your hair, leave it for 3 minutes and rinse off. So as soon as I hit the shower, I shampooed and conditioned my hair (with Pantene Total Care products, of course!). The directions stated to "twist the cap to open" but I think I got overly excited I just broke the cap (heeheehee) and then poured everything on my palm and worked this magic potion on my hair.

Oh, and just when I thought I squeezed everything, when I gave the ampoule one more squeeze, out came more. The product was rich enough and creamy. I love that the scent wasn't to chemical-like or "parlor-like," which are like the scents of most parlor treatments. It wasn't too strong either. Anyway, so I left the product on my head for 3 minutes plus a few more, since my hair was parched dry. I left it with a butterfly clip and rinsed it after. Of course, I gotta rinse it well!

My ends feel softer after, not that it's sales plug or anything, and I could feel a difference. The ends are no longer as itchy and I haven't blow-dried my hair since last Sunday and my hair's been pretty obedient. My blower and hair's been thankful. Just a tip for shorter-haired girls... maybe you could use half of the ampoule for one session and half of the other ampoule for another session.

Yep... I may not be a hairstylist but I take care of my hair

Bratpack Launches its flagship store at Greenbelt 5

Bratpack opens its Flagship store housing brands such as Jansport, Timbuk2, and Hedgren. They have also included new brands catering to more lifestyles such as DC, Sector9, Sanuk, Skullcandy, Eastpak, and Life Is Good. Each brand caters to different lifestyles and different personalities.

The store is located at Greenbelt 5 and being true to its indie roots, this store was designed by renowned graphic design house Team Manila.

Big, Bouncy Waves Tutorial

While shampoo commercials and Asian soap operas standardize the look of poker-straight hair as beautiful hair making salons richer as girls avail of rebonding and hair straightening procedures, in last night's Hairspray show, I went the other way and lived with what my hair is naturally when air-dried - big, bouncy, and wavy - although a bit better than how you're all used to it.


me with Gabe Mercado, one of the actors, after the show

The hair is best on girls with naturally wavy hair with layers, as the layers can also add shape. It's also good if the hair is not rebonded or relaxed or chemically straightened. I used medium-sized rollers on this one but if I want more volume, I use large velcro rollers on the tops.

I started with washed hair (conditioner can be skipped especially if you're scared of conditioner could weigh your hair down, like I did). I blow-dried my hair until it's about 90% dry. For more volume, you could add a bit of mousse and continued blow-drying lifting my hair to produce more volume and shaping the hair with my fingers. After spraying my hair with a bit of curl-defining spray (or you could leave the hair a bit "damp" with the mousse), I set my hair in velcro rollers (thermal rollers are good too) and blow-dried my set hair to heat the rollers. As I waited for my hair to cool, I did my makeup.

When my hair has completely cooled, I removed the rollers. My hair is a bit toussled now, so to hold the style, this is when I applied mousse for hold and scrunched the ends for more curls. for definition, I used styling clay on the ends and on my bangs and lightly smoothed my hair to avoid messy strands. A spritz of hairspray (how fun!) and a shake of the head and I'm done. Velcro rollers add just body and define waves instead of curling the hair. The look is really soft waves without looking too 80's.

My Super Starstruck Sunday

Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of doing makeup for a shoot featuring two of the most-renowned people in the field of fashion. I did makeup for supermodel Ms. Jo Ann Bitangcol who modelled the creations of Philippine fashion Maestro Jojie Lloren of Project Runway Philippines, and meeting them has been an experience for me. Jojie will be featured soon in an online magazine and Ms. Jo Ann modelled his clothes.


photo by Darrel Pobre

I was really thrilled to have this experience and I really learned a lot from Jo Ann, who's also a photographer so she gave us some tips on how to take pictures, how to direct, how to pose, and how to work. I also learned a lot on speed without sacrificing quality, especially if we're pressed for time. Also, it's important to concentrate well on every detail of my work and not rely heavily on digital photo-editing. JoAnn really was effortless in her poses. She looked fierce in each frame! And can I just say how much I love her skin and bone structure? She really is a true, ageless beauty.

I really enjoyed the shoot. They were really fun to work with and are such sweeties despite their overflowing success. Thanks to Dennis for the invite again!

Watch out for the pictures soon! In the meantime, here's a teaser:

Hot Treat: Regenerist Daily Thermal Mini-Peel

Since I can't afford major dermatological sessions nor do I have the energy or guts to subject my skin to laser beams, I went for regular, DIY approaches that are less traumatizing to my bank account. I was intrigued when friends told me about the Regenerist Daily Thermal Mini-Peel on how it relaxes the pores and rejuvinates the skin. Also, it warms up on the skin on contact. So, when I was asked what stuff I want abroad, I requested a tube of this product.

Regenerist Daily Thermal Mini-Peel

"activates regeneration of surface skin cells for the results of a mini-professional treatment....rejuvenated, newer skin.

"Rejuvenate...water activated, self-heating formula deeply warms skin to relax pores. Reveal...nourishing hydration for skin that is beautifully moisturized. Regenerate...exfoliating glycolic acid + micro-crystal complex gently polishes skin's surface for the look of newer skin."

Since it exfoliates and contains glycolic acid, it's recommended to wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or higher after using the product and avoiding sun exposure.

Drections: After moistening face with water, dispense the product (pea-sized is what I used) and dab onto forehead, chin, cheeks and nose. Massage all over face and re-wet 1-2 times and rinse with water.

The product is water-activated and it warms upon contact with the water on the face. For those who are warry of the skin "burning," the warmth is not too hot, but just like a sauna or hot steam during the facial. Also, be sure to avoid the eye and lip areas as these can be sensitive. I also advise not to scrub too vigorously, especially if the skin is quite sensitive to avoid scratching it. I also love the smell since it's not too heavy on my nose. After I rinsed my skin, I've noticed how my skin felt significantly smoother. The warmth of course, was gone. I applied Olay Regenerist Serum right after to seal in the moisture, since I wasn't going out. If I were going out, I would need its day cream or a separate sunblock, especially if I'll be out in the scorching sun

Me: No makeup, no photo-retouching, no special effects right after using Daily Thermal Mini-Peel and Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum.

This product, however, is not available localy and is available (as far as I know) in the US. I use this once-a-week, although the product states that it's okay for daily use. Exfoliating for me should be done (at most) twice a week since my skin could get sensitive. Do I love it? I sure do. I just can't wait for my Thermal-Peel Day!

Makeupbybambi loves Marie Claire!

I'm loving Marie Claire this month!


At the Music, Tats, and Flowers event I attended at Mag Net in Bonifacio High Street, I was interviewed by MC's Kate Alvarez as part of their Vox Pop section. The question was, "If you could be famous for a day, who would you be?"



Also, it didn't stop there. I also was interviewed as a source person for that same issue's Get That Look



Closer....



It was great sharing my knowledge to a wider audience. :) I'm glad I was interviewed. I got a guestbook comment asking if I've seen it and yes I have and I'm excited about it until now.

All these in Marie Claire's November 2008 issue. Thanks to Kate Alvarez for the interviews.

Makeupbybambi Reviews: The Body Shop Divide & Multiply Mascara

With lipstick, mascara is one makeup product I cannot live without (well, theoretically speaking, I cant live without my makeup stash since it's what feeds me heehee). Mascara gives that wide-eyed, feminine, put-together look and even without eyeshadow, mascara alone can just do wonders. Maybe it's also because it gives the lashes extra definition that further frames the eye, just as how our eyebrows frame the face.

When The Body Shop launched their mineral makeup line a month ago, they had a promo where we do not only get 100-300 pesos off our purchase, we also get a free mascara, which was their Divide & Multiply Mascara. I got this when I purchased an eyeshadow brush and here I am reviewing it for you.





The Body Shop Divide and Multiply mascara, their newest to their line of mascaras aims to:

"Extend your lashes to glamorous new lengths with an ultra-fiber based, non-clumping mascara." [text credits]

It also contains Community Trade marula oil, which conditions the lashes. So, our lashes don't just get mega lengthening power, they also get TLC, and this is great since mascara can sometimes dry our lashes. Remember, lashes are also hair.

So, looking at the brush, when I opened it, I saw that there were fine bristles (to ensure that mascara stays clump-free, I suggest wiping the wand with a tissue before use) and these bristles enable to coat each lash hair, especially for those with super fine lash hairs.

The end-tip part I could use to apply mascara to the hard-to-reach areas like inside corners of my eyes. Basically, it was quite easy to apply and doesn't require much dexterity as some mascaras and this could be attributed to how the wand is shaped. Don't expect the lashes to bulk-up though. By definition, this is a defining and lengthening mascara, meaning the lashes are defined and separated creating the illusion of more fringes and the lengthening quality of the formula means fibers stick to the ends of the lashes "extending" them. The effect is really more natural rather than va-voom. The formula isn't waterproof though. In fact, it washes away quite easily. Not to fret, though, our non-waterproof mascaras can be used if we want a natural look or when we're taking a break from all the waterproof mascara we use (too much waterproof mascara can be taxing on the lashes)

An after-effect:

On the left picture, that's just curled lashes with no mascara. The one on the right shows the effect of the product. Note how the lashes are more defined (my lashes are quite sparse here. Blame it in a little accident. heeheehee). The effect is more subtle rather than the plumping effect a volumizing mascara would give. This mascara just separates the lashes and lengthens them. Note also in the bottom lashline how the difference is more distinct. Lower lashes with mascara are more obvious and more defined.

Overall, the effect of this mascara is subtle. I'd use this mascara when I want a simple, no-makeup look since the effect is gentle or when I just want to go with minimal makeup but I want my eyes more defined. I can also use this in conjunction with a waterproof volumizing mascara for more drama. With the shape of the handles and ease in application, this can also be used on the bottom lashline.

Metallic Smoky Eyes Tutorial

With the Holiday Season coming back, warmer, spicier, and more dramatic shades looking really hot this season, I went for a dark, warm smoky eye with a spice by adding a metallic texture in this new tutorial.



And like any makeup tutorial I have, you guys know how much I stress about blending! Blending makes the colors seamless and the effect very pro. :)

Have fun!

Coming Soon-Teaser Post

Look what came from the US for me... along with others...

Makeupbybambi is definitely working on new tutorials quite soon. :-) I guess it's high time my nails get some attention too!