The past few weeks have been extra stressful because of the two events I've been working on for Pinkbox. They are finally over! Not to say that I had a horrible time, but everyone's nerves are understandably frayed. There's this intense pressure because it's our first time to do something of this scale. We had to be perfect. We had to be smooth.

Thankfully, everything turned out well!

Forever 21 shorts and blouse / Shoe Etiquette heels / Pinkbox headband, ring, bangle

Last Saturday, I hosted a meet & greet for sisters Vern and Verniece Enciso. You may have heard of them! They're only some of the prettiest, most popular fashion bloggers in the country. ;) They're so very Pinkbox so we thought we'd invite them to one of our stores to finally meet their fans. And oh what a fan base! More on that in a bit.

I didn't want to wear anything elaborate since the venue was in SM Southmall (biggest Pinkbox store) and I had to carry lots of stuff going there. Hence, just the shorts and the blouse. On most days you'll find me in different variations of this fuss-free template. It's easy, it's comfy, and it flatters me.

People ask me why I didn't become a makeup artist. Well, for many years I didn't think it was a good fit. I was just happy doing makeup on myself, writing about it, growing this website. Recently though I've seriously considered going for it. I was supposed to do makeup for a couple of bridesmaids last month, but that was the weekend Snaps was horribly sick so of course I couldn't leave him. I was so excited about that gig! It just wasn't meant to be.

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago Shiseido invited the press to a makeup workshop conducted by their Regional Training Manager for Asia, Angela Boh.

Angela demonstrated Shiseido's 2012 Autumn/Winter collection which features the Radiant Lifting Foundation - a new foundation that takes the reflective properties of light into play to create an illuminated base, the Camellia Compact – a soft, velvety highlighter and blush compact, and the Lacquer Rouge Collection which has intense liquid lipstick shades for Fall.

Shiseido Camellia Compact - highlighter, blush, and contour in one

She also showed us how to apply makeup the Shiseido way.

Great news! Aside from Greenbelt 5 and Rustan's Shangri-La, you can now get your Benefit fix in Rustan's Makati. It's a boutique, not a counter, which for me makes the shopping experience so much better.

The new and shiny pink store

Aubrey Bautista, Benefit's Brand Manager, with event host Isabel Roces

Here are photos of the launch. I unfortunately was not able to make it (boohoo), which makes me sad, because everyone looks like they had a blast! Anyway aside from the new store, watch out for the new Benefit kits: three for the face and three for lips and cheeks. You'll love 'em if you love Benefit's clever palettes. ;)

This is where I start talking about some of the events that I've attended these past few weeks. This blog doesn't exist in a vacuum after all! :P One of the parties I've been to lately is the launch of the reformulated Kerastase Chroma Captive Line. It was held at The Goose Station in The Fort, where the dreamy Chef Rob Pengson prepared a special three-course meal for the guests.

Here are pictures and information about Chroma Captive (must-try if you have colored hair)!

Chef Rob 

Sophie, me, Rowena, Nikki, Kim, and Jen. Always nice to see everyone!

A couple of weeks ago I had the honor of being one of the panelists at Unilab's Social Media Summit. The topic I participated in, along with Kris of OC Mom in Manila (who runs her own marketing consultancy firm) and Dr. Narciso Tapia of CebuMD, is blogging. 

For the panel discussion –  Your online BFF: Blogger Friend or Foe?  Partnering with bloggers as message advocates 

Unilab thought that it would be great to invite bloggers who are also in marketing and PR to get useful insights on how to work with online influencers. We were asked questions like blogger integrity, how to approach bloggers, what motivates bloggers to work with brands, and so on.

It was fun! I'm passionate about blogging and the community. No - I am in love with it.

Yesterday I attended the MAC AW12 Trends Presentation at the Mind Museum in The Fort. James Molloy, MAC's Director of Makeup Artisty for the Asia-Pacific Region, visited the country to talk about the latest trends in cosmetics. It's not new for brands to have makeup artists do a demo in an event, but I have to admit that I'm usually bored when this happens. There isn't a lot to learn from them especially when they insist on talking about the same old techniques.

Or maybe I'm just jaded. James Molloy, however, was incredibly inspiring. It was in the way he talked about makeup, the way he moved as he did the models' faces. He's enjoying himself and looked happy just talking about what's new in the makeup world! I really loved how he discussed the inspiration behind the four new looks that MAC has come up for the autumn-winter 2012 season.

There is a sense, a story if you may, behind each look. The first one that James demonstrated is Sense + Sensibility.

The gorgeous model in her to die for dress

Sense + Sensibility is "all about timeless classics done in a modern way - these are elements of makeup that never go out of fashion but simply get reinvented." That's the full brow, the red lip, subtle neutrals, and of course matte skin.

Men should be more invested in a proper skincare routine. Not for the sake of vanity, mind you, but for the future of their skin! A simple cleanse and moisturize routine today can make a huge difference in say, twenty years from now; their skin will maintain a more elastic texture with less wrinkles at the very least.

Anyway, when LAB SERIES, a premium skincare brand for men, asked the press to bring a male +1 I immediately thought of one friend: Osmond! I'm sure he'll be receptive to the idea of investing in skin care. Besides, I haven't seen him in ages. Reuniting for the love of skincare was an excellent idea.

So here's what happened. He got a high-tech skin analysis that determined his skin type and condition. Unlike other skincare brands where analysis is based on a Q&A format (it is subjective), the Lab Series analysis is objective using a sensor specifically calibrated for male skin. Cool eh? It only took a few minutes.

Osmond was found to have fairly good skin already, with a bit of oiliness around the t-zone and dryness in the cheek area. The skincare specialists recommended that he use the basic cleanser (Multi-Action Face Wash, for all skin types) and exfoliator (Invigorating Face Scrub) to maintain his skin.

Do you know how the "pinup girl" came about? During the Second World War, American soldiers would put up posters of sexy women on their walls or lockers. Sex symbols of the day such as Betty Grable, Marlyn Dietrich, and other girls who became pinup stars had an honored place in these testosterone-filled military camps. Popular pinup artist Gil Elvgren also drew women for these posters, one of which is this:

Photo from Oh, for the love of vintage

So that's a short history lesson for you. :) Anyway, today I want to talk about MAC's latest collection to hit the Philippines - Hey Sailor! It's inspired by the nautical pinup girl, with shades of bronze and tan capturing beautiful beach skin while brilliant blues and greens remind us of the sea. Here's the price list for your reference.

I went to the launch to have my makeup done (will show you in a bit). Of course, the girls from MAC were also there to join in on the fun. Check out their Hey Sailor! looks:

Rizel Magno in navy blue smoky eyeshadows and a bright red lip (Red Racer, a bright yellow red)

Here's whats been happening in the beauty industry! For your information. ;)

Be Part Of The Beauty Buzz with Pond's

Visit the “Pond’s Institute” Manila booth at the SM Mall of Asia’s Main Mall Atrium and be one of the privileged ladies to experience beauty and technology when you join Pond’s beauty activities from June 15 to July 4. Get a free skin analysis and a derma consultation every Saturday and Sunday. 

One event I recently attended was the launch of Daphne Oseña-Paez's home fragrance and furniture line in Dimensione. I'd say it's one of the better functions I've been to lately! The second floor of Dimensione in High Street was transformed into a stylish high tea affair, quite deserving of Daphne's image as a stickler to detail and the evangelist for beautiful surroundings.

Watch the event unfold while Daphne tells the story of her new adventure. :)

Okay! I've been using the Daphne Home Scent in Mint Jasmine Infusion (P349) for a week now. How was it?

I like that the jasmine is not too pronounced - it smells quite sweet actually, with a hint of mint thrown in.

I've heard that Rustan's in EDSA Shangri-La has undergone a renovation. True enough, the place looks so chica now! I remember it being a bit gloomy and admittedly shabby before. Now it's bright, fresh, with gleaming counters and warm beauty assistants.

Last Saturday, I went there to check out Estee Lauder's new counter. What can I say - they really outdid themselves this time! They're occupying a big space near the entrance, complete with a lounge and a long table for anyone who wants to play with EL makeup.

Feeling like a queen. Lol!

The place looks so posh and worthy of Estee Lauder as a premium brand. After touring it, I settled down to listen to a cool and fairly new makeup tip that EL shared to us beauty bloggers. It's called their 4-step Simple Smoky eyes inspired directly by EL's creative makeup director, Tom Pecheux.

Hi Julia! :D

Step 1: With a generous amount of eyeliner, draw a circle on the back of your hand about an inch across.

Benefit Cosmetics held an exclusive party for beauty bloggers last Wednesday and holy hell, I haven't had that much fun in ages! The Benefit gals really know how to throw a girlie bash!

The girls of Benefit

The event was held at Sweet Bella in Burgos Circle. Even though it was stormy that night, the cafe was close to bursting with giggles, makeup, and Sweet Bella's signature macarons and cakes.

So! Here's a rundown on what transpired that fateful night. Warning: expect to see your favorite poised beauty bloggers doing lots of silly things! :P

I'm in Bonifacio High Street at least three times a week. It's where I grab my favorite drink (Happy Lemon!), walk my dog, run errands, eat dinner every so often. It's one of my favorite places to hang out but I've always wished that there were more shopping choices. I only like the shoe and bag stores there; when it came to clothes, there wasn't anything spectacular.

Until Vogue Concepts opened new stores, that is. :) Bonifacio High Street Central is becoming the next high-street (get it?) shopping mecca. The latest addition is Promod, the French fashion brand! With this new opening, Promod now has 10 stores in the Philippines.

I've talked about Promod many, many times before. Bottomline is, it's a great place to look for on-trend but never tacky pieces to make your existing wardrobe come alive. They also have dresses in classic cuts, as well as the basics like shorts and cotton tops.

This season, Promod presented six key looks that is sure to tickle your stylish imagination. Check them out!

SAINT TROPEZ. Who says summer is over? Mix and match playful pieces with white and  pastel shades that keep you looking and feeling fresh, just like what you need on a hot summer day!

I've worn this dress and this eyeshadow look before, but I think it's the added little details that make them new. I don't have a bottomless closet, you know, so a girl has to reinvent her things every so often!

Topshop coverup / Forever 21 dress / Pinkbox bangle / SM necklace / t0nic heels

I wore this outfit to the Charriol event last week at Skye. It was a rather wet afternoon so I threw on this coverup and stable glittery heels. Yeah, I don't want to fall on my face, what with all those slippery pavements I have to navigate. My mantra: look good, but be practical.

Anywhoo, here are the details for the makeup! I created this grape eyeshadow look with the help of an Ever Bilena Mousse Eyeshadow. It's pretty awesome. I've never done purple as crazy as this before.

Face: Lancome Teint Miracle, MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer, Clinique Airbrush Concealer (for eye bags), Bobbi Brown mineral foundation to set

How do you feel about new foreign brands coming to the Philippines at breakneck speeds? I'm loving it! More brands mean more options for picky shoppers like me. The important bit is that prices become more competitive. Gone are the days when new brands can enter at prices that are 50% more than their SRP abroad. (Or am I just kidding myself? Still, let's not forget to buy Pinoy!)

Anyway, there's going to be a new clothing brand in town! It's called Ever New, a  brand founded in Melbourne, Australia. Ever New emerged in late 2006 as a start-up retailer and now trades over 120 stores across seven countries including New Zealand, the United States, Singapore, and now, the Philippines.

Their PR sent me a few photos to whet the appetite. If you like elegant, feminine clothes, then I think you'll love Ever New. 

Anne Curtis is the hottest celebrity right now. After seeing her in person last week, I understand why! Up close, she looks exactly like she does on celluloid and print - drop-dead gorgeous, with an ultra-slim bod. Someone commented that she looks like a live Barbie doll and I gotta say that's not too far off the mark! #starstruck

Anne's looks aside, I really appreciated that she seems genuinely happy and excited to be there. It seems to be a good fit, Avon lipsticks and Anne Curtis. Anne is famous for her trademark red shiny lips while Avon makes some of the best lipsticks around (at least for me) - call it destiny, predetermination, natural selection!

So, what's the deal with the Avon Shine Attract Lipsticks?

If I had television, I would have watched the Bb. Pilipinas Coronation last night! As it were I just had to get my news from my Twitter feed (please do follow me btw!). Many of them were catty comments on the evening gowns and the Question and Answer portion. Haha. I guess that's part and parcel of the festivities. 

May I present the Bb. Pilipinas court!

The Bb. Pilipinas 2012 queens are: Janine Tugonon as Miss Universe Philippines, Nicole Schmitz as Bb. Pilipinas- International 2012, Katrina Dimaranan as Bb. Pilipinas - Tourism 2012, Elaine Kay Moll as 1st Runner-Up, Annalie Forbes as 2nd Runner-Up

Photo from Adventures of a Beauty Queen

Janine Tugonon is a 22-year old pharmacy graduate from the University of Sto. Tomas. From her profile, you can see that she's a veteran in joining beauty contests, unlike Shamcey Supsup from last year. 

I have always enjoyed standing in front of a crowd and doing my thing, whether it's speaking or singing. That was why weird little me looked forward to reporting, especially in college! Lol. That's why I was very excited to give a talk on beauty and fashion in one of Manila's top schools, Adamson University, upon the invitation of Tupperware/ Colour Collection.

The huge purple tour bus and I

The Colour Collection / Tupperware team - I love you guys!

Inside the bus, a Colour Collection paradise awaits

I dished a lot of makeup tips for college girls - from applying base to working with color, all under 15 minutes -and then shared some advice on how to dress for certain occasions like job interviews or romantic dates. Many of the girls asked me tips on specific concerns like how to make thin lips look fuller, how to contour, and so on. It's like a hyperactive, live version of Project Vanity, and I loved every minute of it!