Have you heard of the concept "basic bitch"? A basic bitch is someone who is a cliche and a conformist. She likes what everybody else likes - basic clothes, music, books, basic anything. Think Sex and the City, Marilyn Monroe "quotes", pictures of lattes and shoes, pink clothes, and so on. She is boring, fake, and mediocre.

No one would of course admit to being basic, but I really wouldn't take it seriously. So what if the Internet has classified you as a basic bitch? You like what you like. That doesn't define your entire life and identity! I think I'm a basic bitch in many ways, but I'm also non-basic in other ways. I wouldn't lose sleep about it. ;)

On to Skincare Week! Here's another facial wash that I've been enjoying lately: the Bobbi Brown Lathering Tube Soap (P1,600). This is a cleanser that also promises to remove makeup - by that alone, I'm sold! Lazy ol' me is always on the lookout for products that can quickly take off gunk on my face as soon as I get home. This looked like it'd be perfect, and I'm happy to report that I'm not disappointed.

The truth is I don't have much time to stress out about makeup. When I'm doing something - anything - not makeup related, it's the farthest thing from my mind. Is my lipstick looking like a rusty wall of red/orange/purple/pink paint? Am I now super oily that I can fuel a small lamp for a few hours? I DON'T CARE. Cheesus, worse things can (and have happened). I'm vain but it's a detached kind of vanity in the sense that it has stopped consuming me.

Yes, I retouch, but I prefer not to unless it's absolutely necessary. The thing is I have a selection of products that work really well for me, enough that I don't look like a sorry mess after say half a day. ^_^ So, that being said, here's what my face looks like after six hours with zero retouching during the day. If you're interested!

Oily and tired-looking, but happy (because I got new shoes again :P)

I just used the Revlon Nearly Naked Liquid Foundation, MAC Studio Finish concealer, and then the matching Nearly Naked Powder.

I've read someone describe herself as a "shower gel whore". It just means that she has no loyalty whatsoever to any particular body wash, which made me think, am I like that too? A quick scan of my bathroom will show maybe five or seven different kinds of washes, but the truth is I really only use one regularly. Two, but only when I feel adventurous. :P I'm definitely up to try anything I receive as a gift, but I will only buy my favorite.

These past couple of months, it's been theThe Body Shop Honeymania Shower Gel. I LOVE THAT STUFF SO MUCH. It gets me in such a good mood every time I use it, and my place smells fabulous afterwards. It's definitely high up in my repurchase list!

Still, I was pretty psyched to receive The Body Shop's Olive Shower Gel (price to be updated). This surprisingly smells fantastic as well - it has an energizing, sharp scent that makes me feel charged in the morning. It's not olive-y at all, more like a green acqua with some florals thrown in. 

Other than the invigorating scents, I love The Body Shop's shower gels because they don't dry out my skin.

Hello Ms Liz and all the readers :) I hope you could answer my question. I recently tried another variant of shampoo kasi I was getting tired of the scent of the old one. I just started two days ago and just today I noticed a few bumps on my forehead near the hairline. I don't know if it's the shampoo or the hormones as my period's approaching. I just wanna know how I can avoid getting serious breakouts caused by hair care products in the future and how to distinguish them from a normal breakout. Thanks! - Nerys

Hi Nerys! This is an excellent question because I feel that a lot of us may be unaware that hair products are as guilty of causing breakouts as skincare. Thing is, whatever's applied there and on our scalp can easily migrate to our face! When I was younger i would ALWAYS get pimples and I can never tell what causes them. Until I switched to my current (and unglamorous) shampoo - Head and Shoulders - the pimples did not stop.

I invest in good skincare but so far there is only one shampo that doesn't break me out after regular use. So yeah, this is pretty important! I've gone through a LOT of breakouts caused by hair products, so my advice is to observe a new hair care product closely the first couple of weeks.

So how will you know if you shampoo is breaking you out? Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you usually break out on those sections of your face/body? Usually, breakouts caused by hair products happen on the chin and near the hair line. If you don't normally get pimples there, then it's likely your new hair care is causing it.

Even if you're breaking out somewhere else, it might be because your hair tends to touch that area (like the cheeks and back). 

2. Is it the only new thing you're using? I strongly recommend using new products only one at a time so you can isolate any effects you get from them. I know how exciting it is to use new things all at once, but a bit of restraint and patience will save you a lot of trouble and backtracking in the long run!

How was your long weekend? Mine was very quiet as I just stayed at home painting and working. ^_^ Anyway, this week I thought I'd do Skincare Week, where I will be talking about excellent products you can use to nourish and protect your skin. We all need a few of those! Hopefully this week you can discover awesome additions to your current skincare routine.

To start off, I have a unique find for you: the Avon Skin So Soft Fast Hydration Body Gel Lotion (P330). I've tried quite a host of body lotions but it's my first time to see a legit gel one! I mean, gel face moisturizers are easy to find, but it's rare to see one for the body in the PH. That's why I was pretty excited to hear about this latest innovation from Avon!

So what's up with this gel moisturizer? It literally feels like you're applying water on your skin - it's light, quickly absorbed within seconds, and leaves no greasy residue. It smells very fresh and clean and has this cooling effect due to the alcohol content.

At first I thought that having SD Alcohol-40B in the ingredients list is counterintuitive as alcohol is known to be drying.

Hi, Ma'am. I'm a fan of your blog and have been reading it since before. I would just like to ask some advice on make-up. What brands can you recommend, taking consideration of the budget since I'm a senior in college (still depending on allowance. Huhu.) on these following products:

1. BB Cream - matte finish
2. Lipstick - nude pink or the natural pink // super hydrating, please because I've tried a lot of lippies and after a while, my lips are cracked already
3. Concealer - to cover my eye bagsss (from lots of sleepless nights studying)
4. Blush and Bronzer in one - I find it cute to have a gold shimmer along the blush 
5. Pressed powder - mineral 
- Tricia Chua

Hi Tricia! Thanks for sending this message! It takes me back to when I was in college myself, and struggling to buy nice makeup on my allowance. I remember eating P20 palabok (a noodle dish) for lunch, which worked out very well as I am a HUGE fan of it. I can eat it everyday! :P

Anyway, I've answered your questions a few times in the past, but I'm answering it here again based on your exact preferences. I highly recommend these products! They are not mega cheap but that's because they are totally worth what you'll pay for them. None is over P800.

Here goes! 

Etude House BB Cream Cotton Fit (P795). This is a matte finish BB cream with mid to full coverage and SPF30. It's a great everyday base since it has sun protection, plus it does a great job of brightening skin! This is the most expensive thing you'll need to get, but there's a lot of product in the tube and the quality is at par with high end bases. It's a pretty good deal for the price, IMHO.

Yesterday I read Lourd De Veyra's blog post about his thoughts on the Filipino Holy Week. He made a lot of relevant points, but what spoke to me the most is his introduction of the "bliss station". It's "a room, or a certain hour or so a day, where you don't know what was in the newspapers that morning, you don't know who your friends are, you don't know what you owe anybody, you don't know what anybody owes to you. This is a place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are and what you might be."

I didn't know it until yesterday but apparently my bliss station is where I lay out all my painting and drawing materials on the dining table. It's the part of my day where I don't care about anything else except creating something and exploring what I can do with what I know about painting (so far). ^_^ What or where is your bliss station? Will you be doing more of it this long weekend?

Anyway I just want to quickly show you something I purchased recently: these white blocky sandals from Stradivarius!

The Pixy BDJ Exclusive Box just arrived in everyone's doorsteps last Saturday but there's already a lot of buzz around it. Why? Because it's filled to the brim with full-sized products! There are three lipsticks, three foundations, one blush, mascara, and eyeliner. Seriously, who wouldn't be happy to receive a full makeup kit for only P580? That's why BDJ Box is such an awesome service to subscribe to!

But wait, what is Pixy? It's a new drugstore brand set to arrive soon in the Philippines. It's huge in Indonesia with its Japanese-themed cosmetics and super affordable prices. Elsewhere, they are distributed by Mandom Beauty, a Tokyo-based company famous for products such as Gatsby, Bifesta, and Lucido-L, to name a few. 

Pixy's prices here range from P265 to around P500 only. It's not yet available anywhere in the PH at the moment, but it will be out in major drugstore chains soon. ;) So check it out then! In the meantime, consider this as the sneakiest of previews.

Are you ready to see what's inside?

The thing about sharing your thoughts and life online is that people form an opinion on who or how you should be. I think everyone is entitled to have that opinion - if you're free to think or talk about whatever, everyone else is darn well free to do the same! That's why I'm always super chill about any critical comments I occasionally get here. What people think of me is not equivalent to who I actually am. It's healthy to know the distinction!

That's my advice for you today: have a strong sense of who you are and what you're worth, so that when the time comes these are challenged (because they will be), you know how not to be lost.

Anyway, I have a skincare product for you here: the Philosophy Hope In A Tube Eye and Lip Firming Cream (~P1,900). I've been using this for about three months now and it's been pretty great! It didn't magically remove my under eye circles and lines overnight, but I've noticed that they just look fresher - I often don't even need to wear under eye concealer. When I do, I can get away with just sheer brightening ones.

Philosophy claims that Hope In A Tube has antioxidants and vitamins but I've observed that they are rather low in the ingredients list. The main components of this eye/lip cream is water, squalane, glycerin, mineral oil, and petrolatum.

In any long-term relationship, sometimes, you just run out of things to say. Perhaps it's the lack of something new to explore, or the absence of inspiration and interest. How do you stay interested in something or someone for six years? 

Commitment, however, is not a passive thing. You choose to stay interested and to say something even when it bores you sometimes. You choose to keep the relationship because it's part of your identity and it keeps you happy. That's why I still blog, even when I feel like doing something else. It's just who I am. 

In addition to that: The thing about trying to write as quickly as possible is that I don't get to say everything I already take for granted in my head. There are simply days when it is difficult to do what I need and want to do, but often it's as easy as breathing air. There are rough patches in any relationship, but I choose to step over them instead of getting caught up. At the end of the day, it's not really an issue.

Anyway, it's time for my monthly hit list! Here are ten things that I loved last March. ^_^

Not gonna lie - the Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in 45 L'Adoree is rather drying, but I love it because the color is so unique and sophisticated. As The Rolling Stones would say - you can't always get what you want! But this color is what I need. (Naks)

I adore the super shiny formula of the Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm. My fave shade is Flirtatious - it's such a fun color to wear! It reminds me of chilled fruit juice, haha. I'm always up for complexion-brightening colors like it.

The Clinique Cheek Pop in 01 Ginger Pop is a beautiful warm color that's perfect for summer. It has a buildable formula that blends on my skin seamlessly. Ginger Pop is definitely a welcome change from pink and peachy blushes!

Bright lipsticks are easy for me to wear since I seem to have an undertone that works with lots of colors. Nine times out of ten, a bright lippie looks good on me! I'm lucky in that sense. Finding nudes and MLBBs though are a bit tricky. I look nice in them, but nice just doesn't cut it. If I'm going to wear something not-so-exciting, it might as well be extremely flattering! Does that make sense? :P

Anyhoo, as promised, here are the swatches of the new Happy Skin Turn Up The Heat set! These three Shut Up & Kiss Me Lippies (P549 individually and P1,249 for the three) are all gorgeous, but my favorite - my absolute favorite lippie right now - is The Morning After. Check it out!

The formula feels more hydrating (I don't wear lip balm anymore) and applies more pigmented than the first wave of Shut Up & Kiss Me Lippies. One swipe, and I get such rich color! These also stay on better, around five hours even when I drink or eat (lightly). Note that the first lippies were amazing already, but this new set just pushed the envelope. 

Summer Crush, Sunset Kiss, The Morning After

I've been having my laser treatment at Wink Laser Studio for over half a year now, and I swear, hair barely grows on my legs and pits after five sessions! My life is easier knowing that I can wear whatever I want without worrying if I look like a sasquatch (no offense to sasquatches though, I'm sure they are awesome). I think I'm due for one last session until the hair is all gone indefinitely. 

Anyway, I'm excited to enjoy that kind of freedom - on my face. I mean, imagine not having to wear concealer or foundation anymore because your skin is completely blemish and wrinkle-free. Imagine not having to spend a lot of time brushing and layering on the ironic "no makeup" makeup. Well, it's possible with laser today. Wink Studio's latest laser facial, Revlite, is now available in the Trinoma branch! While it is expensive, it's not as expensive as you might think.

I worked on launching Wink's Revlite treatment to the press and bloggers a few weeks back. Our magazine friends were there, and of course, our favorite online personalities. Holly Chang, the founder of Wink, and dermatologist Dr Angela Castro were there to talk about the new service. The very funny Karrots Nazareno also hosted!

So what is Revlite, exactly? It's a laser treatment that stimulates and rejuvenates collagen in your skin with short pulses of light. The increase in collagen gives skin a youthful glow, a smoother texture, and a more even skin tone.

I realize that, in a lot of ways, I'm not a likeable person. I've been working on my likeability for years now and while I think I've achieved a modest amount of success in that regard, I'm never going to be one of those women other people just take to. I guess it's because for me, it's important that we know where we both stand before we can have any meaningful interaction. I don't have much time to waste (I wish I do) and if we're not on the same page then, well, we're not. No harm done. Let's move on.

(I bet that just made you like me less haha, but that's okay! We'll survive it!)

Anyway today I wanna quickly talk about the Colour Collection Ultimate Wear Lipstick (P350), which was introduced to bloggers by Sample Room recently. I'm sure you've seen the giveaways and the swatches! There are LOTS of exciting, intense colors in this collection, but to simplify I've chosen the three I like the most.

The Ultimate Wear Lipstick is a slim tube packed with this staining pigment that wears well throughout the day. It has a dry texture (even drier for colors with a matte finish), but I'm happy to say that it's not drying. It's still best to wear a lip balm though!

Bobbi Brown has an amazing cosmetics line-up but what she's most famous for is her foundation. You see, in the time of pancake makeup in the 90s, she had this idea that womens' foundation should look like second skin. She came out with yellow-toned bases around that time and since then was a firm proponent of natural beauty and the power of yellow to brighten any skin tone.

Today, Bobbi Brown has created several foundation formulas to suit a wide range of skin concerns. My personal favorite is the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Compact because it's convenient to use while still giving me that flawless, natural finish that is usually possible only with liquid foundations. It wears well on my combination skin, too, so I never have to worry about it melting off!

The best seller, however, is the Skin Foundation. This looks like second skin - dewy and practically invisible while softening imperfections. The Long-Wear Even Finish Liquid Foundation has heavier coverage and is ideal for oily faces, while the Bobbi Brown Stick Foundation is more for dry skin types. There is also a new formula, the Extra Bright Powder Compact Foundation SPF 25 PA+++. This powder base is created for very oily skin that needs quite a bit of coverage!

Felix Nguyen, International Makeup Artist for Bobbi Brown, flew in to the Philippines some weeks back for the House of Foundation event. He talked about these five foundations and how best to apply them. Here are a few snippets from this super fun event!

The Bobbi Brown Foundation Bar. How awesome would it be to go up to the "bartender" and ask for a shot of Perfect Skin, on the rocks?

The thing about having a bunch of stuff is that you forget the nice things you already have. This always happens to me! It usually takes a bit of kismet for me to sorta "rediscover" amazing things that I've acquired in the recent past. Anyway, one thing I'm loving lately is the ZA True White Liquid Foundation (P595) which I got last November and, until this week, forgot.

The thing is my skin is really, really horrible right now. If you look at my latest pictures closely you may have noticed tons of bumps on my face! :( I tried this new high-end skincare for a few days and, well, it obviously didn't work out. I should be freaking out but I know that if I just stick to my normal skincare regimen, this nastiness will come to pass.

In the meantime I am so glad I found the ZA True White Foundation in my stash.

The minute I swiped on the Lime Crime Velvetine, I was strongly reminded of the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream, which I first tried a few years ago. They are both in liquid form and have the same cushy, slightly powdery texture that dries into a matte finish. They even smell alike! Good thing I recently got a new NYX Lip Cream around the same time as the Velvetine. Great timing, huh? 

I even managed to get two shades that are similar - Lime Crime's Red Velvet and NYX's Morocco. These liquid lipsticks are both richly pigmented but they do differ in many ways. Here are swatches and comparisons of the two!

MAC Philippines has several exciting new releases, and as usual I'm here to share everything I know about them! ;) For Spring, check out A Fantasy Of Flowers - a dreamy, ultra-feminine collection of fresh shades that'll brighten up your face. Think lots of pinks and iridescent textures! (Aren't the promo images so inspiring?)

I know some of you gals are shy to go up to the MAC counter to ask, so here's the full list of products, descriptions, and prices for your reference. Enjoy! 

This week wasn't supposed to have a theme, but then I realized that many of the things I want to write about involves - guess - lipsticks. So I decided to do yet another Lipstick Week! I have quite a few new things here so the time is most definitely ripe haha. 

Today let's talk about three lipsticks that would be fabulous with everyday makeup. You know, the natural, clean face, with neutral eyeshadow and a flattering pink blush. These are colors you don't have to think too much about - you just grab 'em and go, really. 

Here's the Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in Metalrose RS322, NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Love, and Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me in Just Married. Check out the swatches and my color notes!

I've already reviewed the NARS Satin Lip Pencil (P1,400+) before so this wouldn't be long. The Satin pencils shine because of their excellent color selection and pigmentation. I'm slightly miffed by the fact that you have to *gasp* sharpen them, but oh well. They are what they are!

This is Descanso, part of their Final Cut collection. It's a beautiful tea rose that looks like a nude on my medium skin.

The Smart iPhone 5 I got last 2013 was one of the best things that happened to me. It allowed me to work on the go and to stay in touch with my clients who prefer to talk on Viber and Facebook. It takes amazing pictures, only a small amount of precious space in my bag, and looks super stylish too! It's everything I want and need in a phone.

Thanks to Smart though, I was able to upgrade to the an iPhone 5s. I know this is a beauty blog, but bear with me as I talk about why this gadget is one of the best things I've gotten my hands on this year (so far)!

It's gold and gorgeous. It took a while but I'm so happy that Smart found me the color I originally wanted! If you know me then you know I always wear something gold. It's a color that looks good with my skintone since I'm very warm-toned. I also love seeing gold in cosmetics packaging as it whispers luxe whenever I see it. 

Physical prettiness aside though, gold also reminds me to excel in everything I do. Yes, cheesy, but it's true!

It takes awesome pictures and videos. The iPhone 5 takes great images already but the 5s is just on a whole different level! I'm not a techie but I can really see the difference. The 5s has an 8 MP camera, can shoot in burst mode (or x number of pictures just by holding the button), and can take videos in slow motion.

If you follow my Instagram, you may have noticed how the pictures are looking even better. lately. This wallpaper? I just took a pic of it with my phone! The iPhone 5s makes it easier for me to take FOTDs, OOTDs, and swatches too.