Classic Finds

May 16, 2008 at 12:09 am (All About Beauty, Books and Literature, Make-up is Art)

A trip to the good old Mall of Asia had worked wonders to my damped spirit (I’ve been so sad recently). The mall wasn’t crowded, the weather was great for sightseeing, in-house bands were playing and I have a budget to buy anything I want. I’m not going to spurge… (but sometimes we have to cheer ourselves up!)

I first went to The Face Shop to find a really nice lavender eyeshadow. I actually found two shades of the same color family. One is lavender and the other is lilac. I found the lavender intense and shimmery while the lilac is subtle and glistens a little. I honestly liked them both but I have to choose one. Since the lavender has a more user-friendly container, I guess I’ll be choosing it over the lilac.

Just before I pay for it I saw a really nice golden-yellow eyeshadow. I remember my tita owning a similar one that she uses under her eye to brighten and conceal the dark circles. I even recall borrowing it and putting some on my nose bridge to make it look more prominent. I set my lavender eyeshadow down and studied the golder-yellow eyeshadow. And I remembered my experiment “Au Naturale”. This definitely fits the category. I bought the classic golden-yellow eyeshadow.

Happy with my purchase, I went to National Bookstore and scourge over the Classic Literature section. I was trying to find Louisa May Alcott’s Little Men but could not find it. I was debating whether to get Ivanhoe, The Prince and the Pauper or Moby Dick (Ah… Just reading the first line of Moby Dick I felt like I’ll be hooked!). But then, I saw something from the corner of my eye. Its a French classic, Madame Bovary. She doesn’t seem like the typical heroine in a story and I don’t want to read another Paulo Coelho’s Eleven Minutes (I kept blushing from every page and I found it rather repulsive… I didn’t learn a single thing! And I’m sorry to say that its not even close to my standards of “A Great Love Story”). But something about the word “French” and “Classic” made me put aside Moby Dick and go to the counter and buy Madame Bovary.

Ah… Starbucks… My favorite Caramel Machiatto and Madame Bovary to keep me company. It feels so good and thought I should do this often. I stayed there for 2 hours.

I still have another hour to spare. I’ll visit The Body Shop. And what can I say… surprise surprise… its their anniversary and they’re on sale! I immediately saw the cream blush on that I’ve been dying to buy… on 50% off! Though my shade Sunset Pink is unavailable, I chose the next best shade, Golden Pink. Hmmm… I think it will complement my new eyeshadow fairly well. I instantly bought it. Would you believe I stayed there for an hour? And it still wasn’t enough. You see, one of the saleslady there talked to me about a lot of things. I kinda know all the products of The Body Shop by heart and yet I found myself talking to her. She even asked me for personal tips on make up, skin care and dry brushing! Oh… It has been so long when I last had a real girl talk to somebody. It felt so nice. I was blushing with happiness. This has been a really good day for me.

Here are the classic finds that truly made my day close to perfect.

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My "Au Naturale Experiment"

May 12, 2008 at 6:34 am (All About Beauty, Make-up is Art, Skin Care)

All right, not that I’m defensive or anything, but that’s my current close up photo at the moment. And no, there was not a single part of my face that was edited by Photoshop. Though my current photo is not exactly “fashionable” (not even close to “pretty”), I’m proud to say its “Au Naturale”.

I’m currently trying this “Au Naturale Experiment” where you totally skip the foundation, blush-on, liner, primer, eyeshadow and highlighter with exemption to mascara and lip gloss (lipstick is optional as long as its natural. Doesn’t have to be pale). This way, I can re-apply either my oil-free moisturizer or my sunblock. Is press powder exempted? No (Oh, the horror! How do you control the shine?) I use oil blotting paper. It absorbs the oil and at the same time won’t hide your skin’s natural glow.

Alright, I have to be honest with you. This “Au Naturale Experiment” needs one important factor. A clear face. Let me broaden, you must have a pimple free and even toned skin. I know that’s very hard to achieve. I don’t have a “perfect skin” at all but I try my best to achieve it.

My very simple, and very short skin care routine for the summer is to cleanse my face with Ivory (currently in love with its Aloe scent), tone my face using .010% Tretinoin and 2% Hydroquinone solution and moisturize with DHC Alpha-Arbutin Milk. Another important thing, please don’t forget groom your eyebrows.

Believe me when I say that you’ll experience an increase number of pimple, blackhead and whitehead for a week or two. Its the effect of the tretinoin and hydroquinone. Afterwards, say hello to a new, firmer, smoother, clearer and whiter skin! A warning though, you’re skin will be very sensitive to the sun. Use your sunblock (you should use it even if you’re not in tretinoin and hydroquinone) and re apply every two hours at the very least.

I have to say I’m very happy with the results of my experiment at the moment. I feel as if resting my face from tons of make-up had dramatically improved my face. I do respect every individual’s taste in make-up but I think this no-make up look fits me perfectly well.

Oh one more thing, being able to re apply my oil free moisturizer and sunblock through out the day makes me feel as if I’m nourish my skin 24/7. It actually makes me feel good. So I guess this experiment for me is a success!

The last thing I want people to say behind my back is “She’s not really that pretty if you take aways that 10 layers of make-up off her face…”

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How to be Beautiful… But What is Beauty Anyway?

May 12, 2008 at 1:55 am (All About Beauty, Legendary Icons)

Before learning the secrets of achieving beauty, we must first define what is beauty. I will give you the real facts regarding the standards of beauty with out incorporating my personal opinion (you know, about personality, morals and stuff). So lets learn what’s the science behind beauty and get on with the facts.
SYMMETRY

Yes you read it right. Symmetry is having the exact reflection of form on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane. A good example is your face. Imagine that a vertical line in the center of your face, diving it into halves. Now the relation of beauty to symmetry enters when one side of your face (either the left or right) is very identical or similar to its other half. Is your right eyebrow symmetrical to the left? Does your left eyes similar to your right? Is one side of your nose identical to the other? Well, take it from the babies. Studies shows that babies stares longer at a more symmetrical faces than asymmetrical ones!

THE GOLDEN RATIO

I’m not very good in math at all. But I will try to shed some light on this. The Greeks believe that beauty can be explained through mathematics, in ratio to be exact. So beauty as defined in mathematical ratio is 1:1.618 or in decimal 1.618. I just wished its that simple but its not. For example, the human face. The mere distance of each parts of the face like the eyes, nose, mouth and chin are in accordance to the golden ratio. In fact, a “golden mask” has been created that somehow became an instrument that “measure” beauty. So who are the famous icons that has successfully fitted the golden mask on? A beauty Greek icon, Nefertiti, the original sex icon, Marilyn Monroe and in our present time… hmmm… Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears (oh come on! REALLY?…) Yes, really!

Will this mask perfectly fit your face?

OTHER CRITERIA OF PHYSICAL BEAUTY

According to studies, a woman who is youthful or possesses characteristics of youth like full lips (doesn’t have to be a exactly like Angelina Jolie’s!), smooth even-tone skin, big bright eyes etc… is more attractive to look at. Maybe that’s the reason why we find “cute” people really attractive.

And of course I wouldn’t skip the ever so popular topic regarding skin tone. What is more attractive? Pale or tanned? Well, from what I read, it depends on what country you’re in. If you are in Asia, pale skin is most prized as it symbolizes youth and being born in a rich family where you don’t have to bask in under the sun to work. In the western world, its a totally different thing. Tanned skin are considered attractive because it carries the idea of being able to afford a vacation or being engaged in an outdoor sport.

So what is beauty anyway? Its symmetry, its a ratio, its youthfulness and it depends on your culture’s criteria… in short, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

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Knowing a Little of Everything

May 10, 2008 at 8:31 am (All About Beauty, Fashion Trend, Legendary Icons, Make-up is Art, Skin Care)

In a typical guy, the mere mention of the word “woman” may seem synonymous to fashion, make-up and a one hour skin care routine. And that is exactly what this post is all about. We women should know a little of everything not because guys expects that from us (well, maybe it is one factor) but because this will boost our self-esteem and will actually make us feel good about ourselves.

Fashion is not only about the season’s new trends, the most expensive Louis Vuitton bags nor the runway’s latest fashion collection (though they are important in every sense). Fashion is an art. Sometimes you are born with a keen sense on it and sometimes we try to learn and master it. Are there any rules in fashion when it changes every season? There must be… but for me I keep this one rule all the time.

You can change your taste in fashion as fast as fashion changes itself but do keep one thing constant, your identity.

So what must you keep in mind regarding the art of fashion? Don’t get swayed by models or by people who wears the current trend. Not because its looks good on them doesn’t mean it will look good on you too (most of the time…). Keep in mind that body structure, skin tone and even your personality plays a vital role in selecting the right jeans, that indispensable handbag or that ever so flattering stilettos. Remember that this not only about fashion, this is about YOU being a real fashion icon!

Gisele Bunchen makes every designer’s dreams come true.

Ah, make-up. They are also the pride of the runway. You don’t really have to be Picasso or Bobbi Brown to master the basics of applying make-up. All you need is proper guidance and a lot of practice. First of, like in fashion, you need to take note of a lot of factors that includes your skin tone, the occasion, the time of the day, the color of your clothes and of course whether you have a sensitive skin or not.

Two of my personal favorites (that I know can never go wrong) are mascara and lip gloss. Not far from the list is a very good liquid foundation and blush-on. Knowing what is best for your skin tone like “fair looks good on pink and light colors while dark looks great with deep colors like berry and blues” can ready enhance your natural beauty.

The more you learn and practice the more you’ll realize that with make up you can actually make your face appear slimmer or that small eyes appear bigger. It’s really just a matter learning, practicing and mastering. There are a lot of make up brands out there. Choose one that has a reputable name and one that you know will not add years to you face in the long run (if you know what I mean).

Lastly, remember this cardinal rule. Always take your make-up off before you go to sleep… and I mean ALWAYS.

Make-up + Aishwarya Rai = Art

Now for my favorite topic, Skin Care. My boyfriend could never really figure out why I need to have atleast two different lotions for day (with tons of spf) and for night (creamy and loaded with vitamins and anti-oxidant) and why I put so many cream on my face (hello, its an eye cream, an emulsion, a moisturizer…). But at least he respects that.

All around the world, skin care varies. There are those three step routine that consists of cleanse, tone and moisturize and that eight step routine of cleanse, facial mask, tone, emulsion, serum, spot treatment, eye cream and moisturize. Of course, there are those who make their own routine which is fine as long it perfectly fits your need.

The skin, as you already know, is the largest organ in the body. Even the most expensive little black dress or the best make up in the world cannot replace a really beautiful skin. That skin shows more than your natural beauty, but also reflects how you take care of yourself.

Remember that in skin care it takes more than La Prarie or Lancome to work its magic. It needs your effort, consistency and your dedication. Consider both skin care an art and a science. Know what you put on your skin and the rationale behind it. Never ever get swayed with advertisement. And lastly, love the skin you’re in. Enhance and not change.

The Japanese perfected the science of Skin Care. Take it from Keiko Kitagawa!
You don’t have to be rich or be an artist to learn these art. You are special in your own way and you deserve to be beautiful. I’ve always admired women who’s beauty and talent were already encoded in their genes but lucky for us we too can actually learn. So never give up nor lose hope. Beauty is not just for one but for all. So for the very last time, learn, practice and master!

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A Perfect Beauty

May 10, 2008 at 4:10 am (All About Beauty, Major Events)

I have always believed that beauty is more than just mere biological “accident” of nature. Though we cannot deny that appearance plays a vital standard in defining what is beautiful today, adding a a little bit of talent, intelligence and a great personality is absolutely the cherry on the cake.

I never thought a perfect beauty really exist until I actually met three women that took my breath away. They don’t look alike, they have different skills and each has their own unique lovable personality. And I’ve met the three of them.

Last 2006, I was lucky enough to win the title Miss University Philippines and compete for an international beauty pageant, the Mister and Miss University International. That pageant both taught and mold me so much that I felt as if I was a renewed woman after the painful farewell. It was also in that same pageant that I met three women from Mongolia, Korea and Thailand that made me realize that perfection does exist and it exist in unique and gifted individuals.

So, without further ado, may I present to you the beautiful women I was fortunate to meet. Though all of the MMUI candidates are beautiful I would just mention the three that honestly strike me as a perfect beauty.

Meet Miss Thailand or Patta, Miss Mongolia or Ono, Miss Korea or Sunny and of course, me. We’ll be giving the spot light to the three women I mentioned. First off, we’ll start with the closest to my heart, Miss Mongolia.

She was so beautiful I could barely take my eyes off her. She was one of the most quiet of all the candidates and yet her beauty shouts to all four corners of every places we went to. But her perfectly symmetric face was only a portion of her true beauty.

I once accompanied her to her room in Manila Hotel. I was so surprised how she charmingly shriek when she saw the view. I could really see the sincerity in her eyes when she said to me something like this:

The sky and the sea are touching. In Mongolia there is no sea…

Her happiness was as simple as seeing how the sky mysteriously touch the sea. And that was when I realized, she’s more than what meets the eye.

Uno has got to be the most talented candidate in the whole pageant. She won the Best in Talent award to support my claim. She danced and sang so gracefully I just can’t help asking her, “Don’t you want to be an artist?” That was when she told me

I wanted to give my service and help many children…

And it was true. She has been doing service for peace for so long that she has dedicated her life on working to be of service in helping other people… especially the children.

She was without trace of vanity or conceit. She quiet, simple, truthful and beautiful. Her morals and values are so admirable that I truly believe she passed the standard of a Godivian Beauty… and so much more.

Our next perfect beauty is Sunny or Miss Korea.

There will always be that girl that the camera loves (and no, not the other way around). She seems to have the perfect smile, the perfect angle and the perfect beauty. In the pageant, it took a form of Miss Korea. Like her name implies, Sunny, she always, always brighten up the room with her smile.

She always dresses her best. You’ll find her in a floral dress, a cute pink top or very elegant attire. She was always eye catching. You can never catch Sunny at her worst. She seems to be always in her very best. Even her perfectly curled hair, or that beautiful accessory that totally compliments her outfit, she seems to be the apple of everyone’s eyes.

I remembered Miss Thailand telling me that Miss Mongolia is gorgeous but Miss Korea is very cute! I think she’s correct. Sunny is cute in every way. I think she’s a doll that has come to life. A Korean beauty without any plastic surgery or the such. She was a natural. But I know that deep inside that easy smile is a lot of consistent maintenance. She didn’t only caught my eyes, but also of the judges. She won the title!

The last but definitely not the least is none other than Miss Thailand or Patta, the “funny girl” as she always tells everyone.

She has got to be the most popular candidate in the pageant. She seems to charm everyone with her funny jokes, her unique antiques and her intelligent mind. Yup, she is the brightest of them all. Its really hard how to describe her. Maybe that’s the point. Her beauty is indescribable. She’s studying to be a doctor in a university, she could speak at least threedifferent languages (I think she could speak more than 3), she joins quiz bees and like a girls scout, she seems to know what to do at the proper time and the proper place.

My friends who watched the pageant said that they really like how her funny nature compliments her Asian beauty. She’s very talkative in a good way that made everyone around her feel at ease. She could invent games, funny poses and so much more, that she bagged the award of Miss Friendship… and Miss Formal Wear… and 1st Runner-up. Phew!

But personally, what I admire about Patta is her intelligence. But beyond that I know she’s also hard working and really studious. During the pageant she acts as our resident doctor. She bought a lot of medicine and was sincerely and professionally prescribing them to us… her patients. And she is truly inspiring.

This is me during the pageant. No I’m not one of those perfect beauty but I’m glad I met them at least once in my life. I have always believe that beauty is learned, practiced and mastered. I learned a lot from these three women and right now I’m in a middle of practicing it ’till I master… Hopefully.

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