Instant pick-me-uppers!

Do you have those days when you don't feel like putting make-up on? I have to admit that most days, I do get that feeling. Ms.D will prolly get furious at me for admitting that I rarely paint my face pretty but I'm just so sleepy in the morning! Haha. But of course, as the title suggests, I don't completely go through the whole day without make-up. Instead, I wear minimal make-up that'll make me look (and feel) wide awake! I choose to wear one of the following (depending on what I'm wearing, what I'll be doing for the day and what my mood is):

1. Nivea Lip Care Star Fruits Cherry

Let me tell you about the make-up that is technically NOT A MAKE-UP. The first time I tried the Cherry flavored Nivea lip care, I didn't like its scent and taste because it reminded me of my medicine when I was a kid. That's also the reason I settled for the Strawberry flavored one. Although I don't remember what triggered my shift to Cherry, that's what I use now. I started to fall in love with this product when I saw that my lips were chapped-no-more and the hint of color (glossy&reddish yet still looks au naturel) is perfect for my skintone! Another perk of this product, it's quite affordable at P79.

2. Model Co. Cheeky Tints Cheek and Lip Tint

The texture of the product is a bit thick that's why I use this more for the lips (and rarely for the cheeks). There are several things that I like about this product (as a lip tint). One is that its finish isn't shiny. Remember the Lipps candy? The one that gives you pinkish lips after eating? The effect of this lip tint is similar to that. The only difference is that the shade this gives is darker and redder than Lipps' pink. Another thing I like about this product is that when you accidentally lick it from your lips, it doesn't taste bad. Fine, it tastes a bit salty but this tastes okay compared to the other cheek/lip tints I've tried.

3. Lip Color

Whenever I want to feel like a grown-up, I use lip color instead of lip tint or lip gloss. I use my Bobbi Brown Coral Pink lip color to get a natural-looking pink pout. According to the Bobbi Brown Cosmetics site, the shade I got is a bright warm pink, hence the orange-y shade. I like how subtle this hint of pink is on my lips. There's something about the color that helps me achieve that oh-so-feminine look I aim for whenever I opt to wear this. I use my Mary Kay creme lipstick in Sunset to get a warm red shade that's perfect for my skintone. I got this for 650php and it promises to defend your lips against wrinkle-causing free radicals with its Vitamin E and C derivatives. Also I like that it doesn't bleed when I wear it, making me unworried about getting lipstick on my teeth. There's also something about the Mary Kay lipstick that makes it quite appealing to me. Until I checked, I had no idea that it had a hint of vanilla flavor. But once I read it I had an 'Aha!' moment. I figured, that's why I like to use it so much...that's why I seemed addicted to it!

4. Nars Blush in Orgasm and Bobbi Brown Face Brush

I use the most popular shade of Nars' Blush, Orgasm --yes they also have the Super Orgasm. Orgasm is a peachy pink shade with shimmer while the Super Orgasm is a peachy pink shade with gold glitter. I use the Orgasm shade because I need this for everyday use, that means I need the less shimmery one. Ironically, I don't wear this everyday either. I especially avoided using this last summer because upon analyzing my face, I noticed that my face tends to turn red once I transfer from an air-conditioned room to a room with no air-con. So, using blush on really hot days would just make me look like a tomato.

5. Maybelline Volum' Express Lift-Up/Cat Eyes Mascara and Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

To highlight the eyes, you can emphasize your long, luscious lashes. To achieve that look, just curl your lashes then apply two coats of mascara. If I want thick looking, full lashes then I use the lift-up. If I want the sectioned (err, sorry can't think of a better term) and thick strands effect then I use the cat eyes. Another wonderful thing about mascaras is that there are a lot of good brands out there that are affordable.

If you plan to try the tips above, please take note to NEVER highlight your eyes and lips at the same time (you run the risk of looking clown-ish). Also, another tip we can give you is to assess your face. Maybe you need to conceal but don't need to put lipstick on (lip balm would do). Or maybe you need to put powder on your T -zone and skip putting blush. How about you girls, what's your fail-proof/ go to beauty product? :)

Project: Digiperm

Since 3rd year college, we've been dreaming of getting our hair permed. But everytime we seriously think about it we chicken out. Instead what we do is we just curl our hair with curling iron or curlers. Lately, my curly hair fantasies have relapsed.

I'm set to have my hair digipermed before June ends but to appease my longing, I googled tips, read magazines and asked around about stuff related to digiperming. To make it much easier for us to understand, I've divided the tips (do's and don'ts) according to 'timeframe'.

1. Pre-Digital Perm

Perm?What perm?

You're probably asking yourself "Am I sure that I want to have my hair permed?" Here are some facts to help you decide. First of all, there are two types of perms. The first one is a cold or traditional perm. The other one is the hot or digital perm. Some say the cold perm uses less chemicals, some say it's the other way around. The correct definition though is that with a cold perm, a solution is applied to your hair and makes your curls appear more prominent when it is wet. The cold perm is for you if you want tight curls. However, a number of people say that cold perms are not for recently treated hair nor for 'unhealthy' hair. A digital perm, on the other hand, is the process of applying a solution and heat to your hair, which in turn, makes the curls appear more prominent when it's dry. People say that with digiperm, it is easier to recreate the curls styled with a curling iron. So obviously, this is for you if you want to get loose curls. Most Japanese/Korean salons in the Metro also claim that digiperm is safe to use on hair that has been treated. Which brings us to our 2nd point..

Where shall I get my hair permed?

A lot of Korean salons and several Japanese salons have spurted around Manila. In considering where to get your perm, try calling the salon first or searching for reviews (consider the raves and rants) about their services. So far, I've read about the following:Tony and Jackey Hair Salon, Lee Chul Hair Ker Ker (1 Constellation St., cor. Makati Ave., 403-3728/29), Shine Girls (3/F Don Rafael Bldg., Guerrero St., cor. Makati Ave., 467-4302), Hair News Korean Salon (103 G/F, Raffles Bldg, Emerald Ave., Ortigas Pasig, 916-4582), Beauty Brick Hair Art (Unit 103 Doña Consolacion Bldg, 122 Jupiter St., Makati, 473-5108), Genic (G/F Pan Pacific Hotel, M.Adriatico cor. Gen.Malvar St. Malate, 4965853), and Shunji Matsuo (17 West Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo Pasig, 631-9424).

If you think you've found the salon that fits with your needs, go right ahead and book an appointment.

Among those on the list above, I'd love to try Lee Chul and Shunji Matsuo (if I had moolah to spend) and Beauty Brick and Hair News. However, the only one I've tried is Tony and Jackey. My tita has tried Hair News, though. Also, even though digiperm's technology originated from Japan/Korea, I heard that several Filipino (??) salons already offer perming services (like Bench Fix and Azta Salon).

Still unsure?

Why don't you try using virtual make-over sites? See how you'd look like with curly hair. Try one of our favorite sites, Taaz.

2. Day of Digital Perm

Washed hair or not?

It doesn't matter if you shampoo and condition your hair before going to the salon or not because once you get to the salon, that's the first thing they'll do (wash your hair).

What to bring?

Don't forget to bring your money. Digital perm costs around P2,500 to P8,000 depending on the salon but the average salon charges P3,000-P3,500 (depends on your hair length). You can also bring a picture of the type of curl you'd like to achieve. If you can't find a picture of the type of curl you want, don't fret. Salons will give you a variety of images to choose from. Another thing that's quite important to bring is an open mind. Sometimes, the stylist will give suggestions (such as using a different sized rod or giving you bangs). Don't shut out his/her suggestions right away. Listen to the stylist's reasons for suggesting certain things and from there, compromise. However, don't be a pushover too, ayt? If it feels as if the stylist is forcing a service on you just because it's more expensive (and not because he/she has justified that your hair needs that kind of treatment), you have every right to refuse. Lastly, don't forget to "bring your patience" because you'll be spending around 2 to 3 hours in the salon.

3. Post-Digital Perm

Low Maintenance?

What sold the idea of getting a digiperm for me was the fact that I get volume (exactly what my hair needs) without having to blowdry my hair every single day. All I have to do is towel dry it. Since it's supposed to look a bit messy, I also figured that I don't need to comb it (yes, I'm THAT lazy at times). Another bonus is that it's easy to maintain with just the proper shampoo, conditioner and mousse/wax/gel/cream.

In reality though, most people who had their hair digitally permed said that it's actually quite high maintenance IF you want to maintain the curliness of your hair for a longer period of time. If, however, you want it to look wavy (and not curly) then it's not that high maintenance.

Retouch?

Ask your stylist (you can give them a call to ask this, if they forgot to tell you). Usually digiperms last for 4-6 months. Others say that it stays 'forever', you just have to put products to define the waves. Take note, it would only be waves, not curls.

Well, are you more excited now? Did we help you decide? I hope this lengthy post helped you with your digiperm queries. Will post soon about my own digiperm experience! :)

photosource:http://doublyhappytoo.blogspot.com/2009_11_01_archive.html

Relevant posts:
Digiperm at Beauty Brick 
Beauty brick digiperm, the repeat! 
Tony and Jackey Digiperm Experience 
Stuff to tame the curly

Real life "secret garden"

Part of the reason I think I got sick is because we went to Batangas last weekend. It was really fun especially since the province has beautiful treasures waiting to be discovered. One of the most memorable places for me was this quaint restaurant called Kainan sa Dalampasigan in Nasugbu, Batangas.

When I first heard we were going there I thought, "Oh no, another seafood resto. What do I eat??" But to my surprise, the restaurant wasn't "seafood-themed" at all!
I was pleasantly surprised to find a place completely covered by vines and pretty plants. The place looks so rustic that I was immediately drawn to it!

The interior of the restaurant likewise reflected a "home-y" feel. It was Spanish inspired with its cathedral windows, exposed beams and wooden chairs and tables. It was so pretty!

The best thing I like about it is it wasn't formal at all! It felt like visiting a home. The beautiful plants inside the resto also added to the laid back feel. Can you believe there's even a waterfall inside??

The interior is really pretty! I absolutely love how the whole place looks and feels like one big garden! ...and to think I haven't even shown you the garden itself! Ch-ch-check it out!

I am in love with these ceiling high wooden doors! They look so shabby chic!

And speaking of doors, here's the entrance to "lolo's garden":

I super love how you feel so close to nature. Every nook and cranny is filled with plants! It's a restaurant IN a garden not a garden in a restaurant. The place is so magical, I am half-expecting to bump into tinkerbell. lol!

So sorry didn't get to take pictures of the food. In a phrase, "it's unremarkable". It's just okay :P

No reservation is needed so if you happen to pass by Nasugbu, Batangas drop by this place! It's an experience you would want to have in your lifetime. Trust me on this :)

Health is wealth!

Hi girls! How you all doing? I hope everyone's well and sickness-free! I can't say the same for me co'z I just got home from the hospital. Diagnosed with acute tonsillitis which gave me high fever for about a week. I'm still recuperating and waiting for test results co'z I feel other pains in my body which after my hospitalization has got me extra conscious of.


It's my first time to be hospitalized and boy is it not fun! Having an IV attached to you is the worst! It didn't help that I have thin veins that two of them popped when then inserted the IV. Gaaaaah! It was so stressful! Good thing I "apparently" have high tolerance for pain so I was able to bear it. But I swear, never again!

Just a heads-up for all you girls out there to take extra care of your health! Never ever forget to take Vitamin C to boost your immune system. It's a lesson I had to learn the hard way. And yeah, because of this, I also vow to be a "healthy" vegetarian. I know I haven't been careful with what I eat, even if I'm vegetarian, I still don't treat my body well. Need to eat healthy, no junk and exercise! Exercise! Exercise!

Here's to a healthier lifestyle for all of us!

Will resume regular blogging in the following days :)