Style and Soul

I'm the type who's not into dressing up for Halloween. Since wearing a costume is not an option, I found an alternative solution - right at my finger tips.

If you're like me who's ditching the prosthetic and "character" wardrobe, then why not give people the goosebumps with cool and creative nail art ideas? I'll tell you more about it plus give you a peek at my Halloween nails, which are simply perfect for the spooky season.

My schedule has been pretty hectic these past few months that's why my Nail It! weekly nail care pampering time is very precious to me.

For me to use the word preoccupied seems to be an understatement. I feel like being more than busy; my work mostly eating up long hours every day, including my weekends (which are supposedly rest days). Recently, the hours that I'm said-to-be "available" are either dedicated for travel time, sleeping, eating or getting dressed; which you might think I'm exaggerating but it honestly does feel like it.

Even my love life had to take the back seat. I only get to see my boyfriend every Sunday since he started working full time in the office (until Saturday). I no longer enjoy shopping or going to the mall or even manage to allot time in attending events or meeting my equally busy close friends (we communicate through text and online though). When I decided to focus on my production management / styling / hosting work and grabbed every promising opportunity being offered, I lost time for almost everything. BUT I'll never let my work load take away my time at least for myself (the little that's left of it). This is why I make sure I schedule a Nail It! appointment at least once in my week because it's a time for me to simply sit back and truly relax.

In case you didn't notice, fashionable nails have made it to the center stage since 2011 as an addition to existing famous beauty trends, evidently seen on blogs and websites solely dedicated to nail art and nail polish must-haves - all thanks to the popularization of behind-the-scenes coverage of runway shows. 

Early this year, pastel colors have been such a hit that these colors are carried over till the second half of the season and probably till next year (as seen on Resort 2013 collections). Pastel nails have been very prominent during spring/summer 2012 catwalk particularly in Chanel, Phillip Lim, Monique L'huillier and Zac Posen collections.

With these creamy toned-down hues, no one can go wrong. A huge portion of today's young fashionistas are more into anything dainty, pretty and ladylike so it's no wonder why pastels made their mark this year.

Despite the change in season, pastel nails aren't going anywhere. Chanel particularly kept this color (in rose blush pink) to compliment its Couture Fall 2012 collection but added a silver lining twist to it. According to MTV FORA, this is the first-time ever that Chanel did nail art for its couture show.

Hello, long time no blog guys! If you only knew how much I'm dying to blog all my rotten backlogs for you but since I'm running out of excuses except that I was just really busy, I'll just stay positive and believe that I'll get to it sooner. But if you're following me on Twitter or Facebook, you'll know I'm very much alive since I'm pretty active there because it's a lot easier to schedule tweets and status messages than blog entries, haha. 

Anyway, last week I dropped by Nail It! to get my nails done and while I'm at it, I noticed some display samples of the salon's nail art designs.  Usually, whenever I take a trip to the nail salon, I opt to have my nails painted in plain solid colors to make it easier for me to put together outfits and match my accessories.

However since last year, the practice of placing decorative designs on fingernails have been a hit and have now become such an added statement to your personal style. On my part, I never really explored nail art for myself except for this one time when I got "bee nails". So I told myself, as much as possible, I'll go and get myself one!

Here are some snapshots of Nail It! nail art designs:

Click 'read more' for full entry

I asked if Nail It! can do other designs aside from the ones showcased in the salon and turns out, you can bring a photo of your peg and they will be more than willing to do it for you as long as their trained in-house artists can achieve it. 

Summer is just around the corner and I've already been preparing my wardrobe for this season. Since I've been expecting the hot and humid weather, my upcoming outfits would be mostly chiffon dresses, sheer blouses and a lot of shorts - all in yummy colors. 

It never really occurred to me that I should ready my "make-up" for the season too, not until I was invited to the launch of Face Shop's Spring Trend Line called Pastel Romance. Aside from the fashion must-haves when it comes to clothing, the event reminded me that there are beauty trends that I should consider too when it comes to sporting my summer style.

In lieu with introducing this new collection, Face Shop conducted a makeover event which also featured a helpful tutorial on how to apply make-up in general. For this event's purpose though, the workshop focused more on utilizing the palette of the Pastel Romance line.

Keep it Romantic All Summer
From the name of the line itself, Pastel Romance is a "romantic" look inspired by the "soft pastel and velvety hues of spring floral blossoms." It looks light, fresh and all-natural. For the eyes, the key colors of the shadow treatment are "dusty rose and opaque lilac". The cheeks on the other hand, are emphasized using a combination of pink and peach blush for a natural flush on the skin. Use a highlighter is for that healthy glowing skin and rosy pink lips will definitely complete the whole look. (Source: PR)

Beauty 101
Since I'm not really into make-up but more into clothes, it's a good thing that the event included a quick demo which provided useful and practical make-up tips from the Face Shop's resident expert, Ms. Marge Apacible.

Ms. Marge Apacible conducting the demo with model Janelle Santos

Bloggers listening carefully and watching attentively

Workshop lessons for that day:
1) The "BB" in BB Cream originally meant "Blemish Balm". But since it can now be used not just to cover blemishes but to even out the skin as a whole, the meaning now stands for "Beauty Balm". Anyway, the real tip here is to apply a darker shade of powder to blend if the BB cream you're using has a lighter tone than your complexion.


2) Application of eye shadow should always be outward goin in. That way, the color for the outer creases is darker and becomes lighter towards the corner of the eye.


3) Always blend the eye shadow colors! Make sure the difference from where the other color starts isn't obvious.


4) Curl your eye lashes first before applying mascara (or your false eye lashes). BTW, if you feel like using fake lashes everyday, just go for it. It's now acceptable these days.

5) Connect the upper eye liner to the lower eye liner on the side (corner). Apply as near as the lash line as possible. When doing the cat-eye style of eye line, always consider the shape of your face first. Make sure the angle of the line looks like a connected extension of the lower lash line heading towards the temple.

6) There are no rules to wearing any shade of lipstick now! Wear any color at any time of the day.
7) For the face, less contouring and more highlighting! This, I also agree with.

Makeover Time
After the demo, each blogger was treated to a spring look fitting each one's persona and style. According to Face Shop guru Marge Apacible, the whole make-up team of the brand's Philippine arm were all trained in Korea.

All of us had a make-over after! Fun!

The folks from Allura Body Contour and Slimming Center invited me over to their clinic a week ago to try a few of their services. I would definitely not lie to you about being interested to experience non-surgical weight loss treatments. I've never been to one and so, a visit to Allura was definitely my first time.

Allura, which is turning one year this 2012, focuses on non-invasive slimming technology. It centers on weight loss, reshaping and re-contouring one's body. According to Dr. Manuel Ma, one of the doctors behind it, one of the benefits of being relatively new in the industry is that Allura has the most updated equipment compared to its competitors. The slimming programs it offers do not just include the use of the equipment but also the consultation its medical team provides to the clients.

Before getting started, I had a personal assessment. They referred me to Ms. Mari, one of their specialists, to evaluate my fat percentage, body mass index and to advise me on the kind of treatment appropriate for my body's needs. We had a quick discussion about my body type, which was characterized as pear-shaped. It means my upper extremities are normally lean but I am heavy down to my hips, thighs and/or legs. 

True enough, this is what I notice about my own body. I wear pants that are 2-3 sizes bigger not because of my waistline but because of how the jeans would fit my thighs. When I was younger, I get intimidated because my older brothers would tease me and call my legs "logs" instead (haha).

Ms. Mari added that no matter how I lose weight or what form of exercise I do, it would be extremely difficult to get rid of my natural body shape. Therefore she recommended a treatment that would target my localized fat in the thigh and tummy area - Lipo Cavitation (P3,500/session) and Lipo Endermology (P2,800/session). 

Lipo Cavitation uses ultrasound technology to break down fat tissue and converts it to expendable energy (Source: Press Kit).

First, an ultrasound gel was applied on my thighs. Then, the Cavitalipo machine was pressed on to it in circular motion. I heard a beeping sound that was an effect of being in contact with the apparatus (caused by ultrasound waves) and I felt a slight burning sensation.

Lipo Endermology is a mechanized body sculpting method that intends to reduce the size and volume of the treated area. It was done on my thighs and bilbil (belly bulges). I don't know how to exactly describe it but just to give you an idea,  during Lipo Endermology, I felt like my fats were being sucked and at the same time, the machine rolls over the target area to flatten it out.

As a bonus, I also got to try their bestseller and most popular program, Thermo-Lipolysis (P5,500/session). It features a hi-tech capsule that is said to dissolve fat and speed up one's metabolism. 

My trip to Allura felt pretty good. It was like going to the spa to relax and at the same time lose weight. Before I end this entry, let me give you a quick rundown.

1. Price: All my treatments cost P11,800. I find it expensive for the working class who probably earn about the same amount monthly. But for rich people, they can definitely afford this. To further get a discount, check out their available packages!

2. Service: The medical team and staff of Allura know how to treat their clients well. Everyone is very friendly, prompt and hospitable.

3. Accommodation: The halls are clean and its rooms are all tidy and cozy. Plus, the whole clinic smells great too.

4. Results: It was only a one-day experience and I'm not in the position to say how effective the treatments are. A client should go through a program which is tailored to a specific need. Measurable and visible results would take about 8 - 20 sessions depending on the case. Allura also recommends multiple treatments because all its procedures go hand in hand.

If you don't mind spending on these treatments, by all means, go ahead! However, keep in mind that the key to a successful weight loss is maintenance. After achieving your ideal weight or body shape, make sure you watch out for what you eat.

We all wanted to be the best version of ourselves - physically, mentally and emotionally. Admit it or not, looking good on the outside gives that positive kick in the inside. Like what Allura's endorser and radio jock Nicole Hyala said, what you'll lose in pounds, you'll gain in confidence!

Allura Body Contour and Slimming Center
102 Richwell Center, Timog Avenue, QC
Telephone number: 352-7876
Visit them on Facebook

Your "California Dreams" are about to come true as American pop superstar Katy Perry performs live here in the Philippines at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on January 22, 2011 (next week)! With five consecutive number 1 singles under her belt, Katy Perry comes back to Manila with a breathtaking spectacle for her Filipino fans. Just watching her concerts online, there's no doubt that we can expect a major musical feast which will be worth every peso. In an interview, the platinum-selling artist said that "it's going to engage all of your senses - sight, sound, smell, taste and touch."

Speaking of "smell," just a month ago before this upcoming concert, Katy Perry's first fragrance, Purr, was launched here in the country. The perfume was first introduced internationally last November of 2010 and at last, after more than a year, it has been made available locally.

Prestige Brands Philippines, the company handling the local distribution of the fragrance, said that Katy Perry was deeply involved in developing her signature scent just so it would turn out to be a delicious reflection of her unique personality. Her obsession with anything feline has also inspired the concept of the perfume and its bottle, which Katy designed herself.

Available nationwide at P3,700 100ml | P2,600 50ml | P2,100 30ml

If you ask me, its really hard to fully describe how it smells. One thing I'm very sure of is that Purr perfectly suits a young lady. How can I tell? Well, you know how fruity scents seem to fit teenage girls while on the other hand, strong and powerful notes remind you of older and mature women? The scent of Purr by Katy Perry lies in the middle - not exactly juvenile but not quite matronly; something someone my age (early 20s) would probably wear. It has a balanced mix of floral and fruity scent that works well for the feminine type.

For reference, it is composed of "peach nectar, apple and green bamboo with supporting notes which include jasmine blossom, pink freesia and Bulgarian rose, plus a hint of vanilla orchid, white amber, sandalwood and musk." (Source: PR)

The packaging totally won me over! I'm definitely a cat person since I've been taking care of one since I was a child. I didn't know, not until the launch, that Katy and I have the similar affinity for such animals. For this reason, you can probably tell my bias over Purr's adorable cat bottle complete with its jewel eyes, metallic accents and lavender color.

Purr is said to be the extension of Katy's sophisticated yet playful style and envelope-pushing lyrics. Now that she has become probably everything that she wanted to be, I'm sure there's no stopping the Firework singer in expanding her brand into beauty starting with this fragrance line. 

Following the success of Purr, Katy just released her second scent called Meow in the US just before 2011 ended. Can't wait for it's launching here in the country!

P.S. Special thanks to Prestige Brands Philippines for sending me a Moschino Hippy Fizz perfume!
Photo Credits: starpulse.com & Paul Chuapoco

It was the last Saturday of October, a usual busy weekend for someone like me, who just went through a couple of meetings and decided to skip Philippine fashion week again. All day's work ended in such a sweet note the moment I entered my room and found a basket with some flowers lying on my bed.

My heart skipped a beat. Being in a relationship for three years, it's been quite a while since I last received flowers from my boyfriend! And by saying that, I feel the need to explain now, haha. You see, flowers and teddy bears are not my thing. Life has taught me to be practical and frugal and the same principles apply to my romantic relationship. We (my boyfriend and I) are big on moments, not gifts. Naks.

Anyway, I rushed in to take a closer look at the flowers and found out that it was a gift sent over by the generous people from Prestige Brands Philippines. If you think I got disappointed because it wasn't from my boyfriend, you are totally wrong, haha. It was a funny scenario and I was caught laughing at myself.

Took some so-so photos so I edited it like this! Got this idea from Paul Jatayna's blog :)

Of the five ACQ fragrances, I got the Melissa and Verbena variant which is reminiscent of soothing gardens and healing herbs. It's my current fragrance and I've been using it for a week now.


Here's what I like about ACQ's Melissa and Verbena:

• Usually, perfumes are overpowering but this one is so mild that I use to think it's baby cologne which is something that I find great because it's an everyday fragrance that I can use; not just on special occasions.
• Its mild scent doesn't hurt or sting my nose no matter how much I apply.
• The smell reminds me of leaves, morning dew and meadows with a powdery touch to it.
• I applaud the fact that the smell is genderless! With this variant, you can't exactly pinpoint if it's for a male or female because it's mild and minty. It can be for both actually.
• I love the bottle which is nostalgic of a vintage alcoholic drink with a modern twist (think Godfather movie), haha.

Each 170ml bottle costs Php 2,500.00 and is available at Rustan's nationwide.

Special thanks to Prestige Brands Philippines' Ms. Marcela Pabellano (Group Brand Manager), Mr. Brian O'Hara (Brand Manager) and Ms. Marla Cabahug (Brand Assistant) for this gift of scent for my style and for making me feel like it's high school all over again as I imagine that I have a random secret admirer who happened to send me flowers, haha!


Websites:
Acqua Colonia: http://www.acqua-colonia.com
4711: http://www.4711.com/

Celeteque DermoScience's six new skin care lines

Last August 26, SM Makati's ground floor area was packed with media people and an intimate group of beauty bloggers and enthusiasts as UNILAB launched its new innovation in skin care technology: the Celeteque DermoScience.


This latest breakthrough introduces six new skin care lines that are customized for different skin conditions. UNILAB is proud to present Celeteque's new products as a result of "new active ingredients, technologies and dermatologist-developed" solutions.


The six skin care solutions are the following:
1. HYDRATION
Condition: Dry skin caused by frequent washing, environmental factors, sunburn, and medication. Dry skin has a weak capacity to retain water and this slows down the process of cell renewal making skin rough. Skin is vulnerable to environmental aggressions and prone to permanent damage.

Solution: 90% softer, smoother and moisture-balanced skin in two weeks. Gently restores the skin's healthy suppleness with moisturizers and vitamins that nourish the skin without the greasy after-feel.


2. BRIGHTENING
Condition: For dark skins caused by a natural pigment called melanin. Most whitening products in the market lighten the skin but the result is usually unnatural as it reveals pale and dull fair skin instead of a brighter glow.

Solution: Expertly targets melanin concentrations and evens out skin tone. Lightens and brightens skin in as early as 1 week without harmful side effects.

3. SUN CARE
Condition: The sun gives out 3 types of rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. The last one isn't harmful since it can't get past the ozone layer but UVA can cause wrinkles (fast skin aging) and UVB causes sunburn, skin cancer and sun spots.

Solution: 2x sun screen protection against UVA and UVB. Adequate provides daily protection with broad spectrum coverage and moisturizing agents to help prolong the skin's youthfulness.

4. ACNE SOLUTIONS
Condition: Skin has scaly red skin, blackheads and whiteheads, pinheads, pimples, nodules and acne scars. All these develop as a result of the blockage of follicles due to genetics, stress, hygiene and diet.

Solution: Controls excess sebum and clarifies unsightly acne by removing build-up of dead skin cells and combating pimple-causing bacteria for a smooth and blemish-free skin.

5. ADVANCED ANTI-AGING
Condition: Aging caused by internal (genes) and external (sun exposure, alcohol intake, pollution, poor nutrition, etc.) factors that make the skin thinner, thus forming wrinkles and fine lines.

Solution: 92% fine lines reduction in 6 weeks. Slows down and diminishes the first signs of aging by stimulating collagen production for a beautifully restored skin elasticity, softness and smoothness.

6. RESTORATIVE
Condition: Skin degeneration causing sagging and dehydrated skin for 50 years and above.

Solution: Lifts sagging skin by 2mm in 2 weeks. Firms skin and lessens the depth of adult wrinkles.


I find it interesting that Celeteque DermoScience seemed highly specialized for a variety of skin types, addressing different skin problems. To be honest, I'm not really into using beauty products because my mom raised me to believe that the more "stuff" I put on my face, the more it will deteriorate in the future and it will only manifest past your 40s. Looking 50s (10 years younger!) at the age of 64, my mom told me that her only and best beauty secret was the simplest of all the methods - she didn't put anything on her face when she was younger.

And so, like mother, like daughter, I had the same principle with myself. I don't even have a "daily" skin care regimen and I hardly use any product on my face (thus the lack of beauty entries or product reviews). Also, I simply wash my face using my regular bath soap which my mom just randomly buys from the supermarket.

The event made me reconsider though. I had my skin analyzed during the event using the high-tech DermoScience machine.


Here are the findings:

• Over all, I have normal, healthy skin
• My pores are small and tight
• Nose area is oily with comedones (blackheads) but the rest face is clear
• No wrinkles
• My skin lacks a bit moisture
• Prone to sun spots

The dermatologist told me that even though I have good skin, maintenance is still a must. In my case, my skin is low maintenance (yey! thank God!). And so, I only need to do the basic steps: wash, tone, moisturize and apply sunblock during the day.

For my skin type, a mix of skin care solution, hydration and sun care was applied. It's cool that after the test, they'd give a print out of the results along with the recommended Celeteque products to use. So if you happen to be in SM or Watsons, have your skin checked too!


Now for some photo ops!