Thursday, August 23, 2012

Award - Liebster Award


Kumiko Mae over at http://lovingsunshine.com tagged me for my first blog award, The Liebster Award. Rules are, you tag 11 bloggers with under 200 followers (a rule I had to bend because I didn't have enough friends with under 200 followers) and have them write down 11 random facts about themselves. After which, you ask them a set of questions that you set up just for them. In turn, they must tag another 11 bloggers and they must do the same with another set of questions that they set up with those they tag in mind. It's a fun way to get to know people in your blogging community and make new friends along the way.

Here are some random facts about me:


1. I fancy myself an artist. I've been at it since I was 3 years old. I've dabbled in painting, writing, photography, dance and drama. Lately, as many of you who follow my blog know, my medium of choice has been make-up.


2. I bite my nails. My mother says I was born with both hands in my mouth. I've never been able to drop the habit. We've tried a number of things over the years. They've coated my fingers in sili, painted them bright colors, covered them with fake nails... Nothing worked for very long. I actually had my first manicure last month and the lady who did my nails looked appalled by their state. All the while I felt like I had to apologize for making her job so much harder.

3. I have no domestic skills whatsoever. This is pretty embarassing considering I am 23 years old. When I was younger my mother threatened to sell me off to the first guy who asked for me. "Before he realizes what he's gotten himself into," she used to say. To me, a broom is that thing Harry Potter flies around on. I am also utterly useless in the kitchen. The only two appliances I can work is the microwave and the telephone (to order takeout). Sad, I know.


4. I used to be terrified of getting my hair cut. I've had long hair for as long as I can remember. The longest it has gotten is a little past my knee. I'm not afraid of getting it cut anymore. I'm actually thinking of growing it out again. It has always been a dream of mine to be able to give to Locks of Love or other similar foundations that make wigs for cancer patients. Hopefully I'll be able to do that soon.


5. I am a Disney baby. I know the soundtracks of all the classics by heart. I can even mouth the lines with the characters. Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, etc... I know 'em all. I still try to keep up with all the new films that come out, but they just aren't the same. Nothing beats the classics.

6. I have a mini-library. I've loved to read ever since I was a little girl. I used to take books home from the library back then. When my family realized that I would much rather spend money on books than anything else, well, you could say that's how I started my collection. I now have over 300 books of different genres lined up on three giant bookcases in my room. My little library is still growing.

7. I can't sing. I played Elsa in my high school's production of the Sound of Music and I swear, I saw the audience let out a collective breath (in relief) after my solo. They were literally in pain. Ofcourse, I now tend to avoid kareoke bars and jam sessions. Injured cats sound better than I do.

8. I have over 15 pairs of white shoes. They're mostly doll shoes but there are a few sneakers too. They go with everything! 'nuff said.


9. My boyfriend is a ballet danseur. I know this one is technically not about me, but I like to brag about it. We met when his company staged the Nutcracker in 2006. Most people still can't get over the whole "ballet-is-for-girls-basketball-is-for-boys" concept. I find it ridiculous.


10. I am the ultimate daddy's girl. My dad is my hero. He is the standard by which every other guy is measured.

11. One of my feet is bigger than the other. Maybe I should have led with this. It feels like one of those things you expect to see on Ripley's believe it or Not. There's more than a half-inch difference between my left foot and my right one. I've been stuffing my left shoe my whole life. I call my left foot "Little Foot" (Yes, like the dinosaur).

These are Kumiko's questions:

1. What's your favorite book and why?

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Of all my books, this one is the best-loved (though most would probably see it as distressed). The spine is beyond saving, the pages have yellowed over the years, and most of them are dog-eared from when I refused to use a bookmark. It is one of my most cherished possessions. The perfect blend of feminism and romanticism (contrary schools of thought) appealed to my feministic and hopelessly romantic nature.

By the way, I hated the movie.

2. If you can be born again to a life of your choosing, what would it be like and where will it be? If different period, you might want to share the period too! Be creative!

This is what comes of reading too many historical romances! If I had to choose, I would pick England in the 1800s. I loved the fashions of the time. Full skirts, tiny waists, piled curls, walking dresses, riding habits... And the language! "In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." What wouldn't I give to have someone speak to me that way. Shallow, I know. I do recognize the downsides: idleness, fickleness, helplessness... I'd do my best to get around those.

3. What are you saving up for right now?

I am putting every penny into a trip to Cambodia and Thailand. My friends and I have been travelling a lot lately. In 2010 we went to Hong Kong and Macau. This year it was Singapore and Malaysia. Here's hoping for the funds for more adventures!

4. What were you like in high school (if still in high school, in grade school then)?

You know Elizabeth Wakefield from the Sweet Valley High series (I hope someone does or I'll feel really old)? I was a lot like her. Almost-a-nerd-but-not-quite-there-yet. I was editor-in-chief of the yearbook, on the editorial staff of the school paper but at the same time was part of the drama club, the dance troupe and the volleyball team.

5. What are your thoughts on bullying (online especially, let me know if you've experienced it or know someone who have!)?

I think bullying is a manifestation of envy and insecurity. I know a pretty little girl who was bullied at school. I didn't understand how anyone could be mean to her. She was the sweetest thing. She was so traumatized by the experience that she refused to go back to school and ended up being home schooled.

These experiences leave young girls in a fragile state. They do not form new relationships easily because they do not trust anyone not to point out their flaws (real or imaginary). It's sad. But it's real.

6. Why do you blog?

I blog for a lot of reasons. For one, I love to write. I'm very opinionated and my blog gives me an outlet. Also, I'm making the most of the creative energy that ultimately goes to waste studying the law. As I mentioned earlier, I am an artist.

7. How do you unwind?

I read. I know that is probably not the answer most expected of me. I do all the regular stuff too. I go to the mall, I hit the beach, I watch movies... However, nothing beats a good book. I can't think of a more relaxing activity.

8. What's the most irritating thing for you?

I hate it when people who have too much money spend it on vices. I know people who spend what would feed a family of four for a month on a night about town. I think its wasteful.

9. If there's one thing you can change about yourself, what would it be and why?

My fatal flaw is hubris; Pride. I feel like I do things better than others. It keeps me from asking for help even when I need it. It's a horrible quality that I'm working to quash.

10. What are your thoughts on mermaids?

I love 'em! If we're talking Ariel and the Little Mermaid, then you're looking at the first princess who fought for what she wanted instead of just waiting for it to be handed to her on a silver platter. She didn't need a prince to kiss her awake either. On a similar vein, I love the Pirates of the Caribbean 4 kind too. I find the power they have over men fascinating.

11. What's the most remarkable thing that ever happened to you so far?

This one was really tough for me. It's pretty sad that I couldn't think of anything remarkable right away. If I had to pick, it would probably be getting lost in Kuala Lumpur last summer. It was the most exhausting thing I have ever gone through. It'll make a good story for the grandkids someday.

Thank you Kumiko for tagging me! In turn, I tag:

http://silverwriting818.blogspot.com
http://mylipstickbullets.blogspot.com
http://4seasons92.blogspot.com/
http://norwegianelephant.blogspot.com/
http://marseillefrances.blogspot.com/
http://sweethestia.blogspot.com/
http://dressmeupbuttercup.tumblr.com/
http://rhaichael.blogspot.com/
http://nz-loverlys.blogspot.com/
http://nerdybeauty.blogspot.com/
http://carmiscaprice.blogspot.com/

My questions are:
1. What do you think is your most attractive feature?
2. Where do you see yourself in five years?
3. What's your blogging style?
4. How do you feel about plastic surgery?
5. Who is the most influential person in your life?
6. Do you have to be a size 2 to be sexy?
7. What is the first thing you do when you get up in morning?
8. What is the last thing you do before you go to bed?
9. What is your personal style?
10. How do you feel about calorie counting?
11. If you could send a message to your future self, what would it be and why?

'til next time,
Maite

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Blush - BT Minerals Mineral Blush Duo



I discovered this blush while out shopping with my mom. She was on a new diet that prescribed only mineral make-up. How make-up factors into weight loss, I have no idea. However, my mother was adamant that we had to replace all her beauty essentials with mineral equivalents. One of the items we picked up was the BT Minerals Mineral Blush Duo.



Walking through the make-up counters at the department store, I was instantly drawn to the blush's unique packaging. The cover doubles as a container for the cream blush. The top opens much like a pressed powder or single eyeshadow would. To get to the loose blush, you just twist off the lid. They carry four different colors in this collection: Mauve Pink, Pink, Coral and Rose.

Upon closer inspection, I was disappointed to find that the material was made of cheap plastic. Also, I could see the glue they used to stick the cream blush onto the lid of the mineral blush. Undeterred, I played around with the testers a bit. After a lot of thought, I picked up Coral and Rose.

Before I get into what I think of the product as a whole, I'd like to discuss my thoughts on them as two different products: a cream blush and a loose mineral blush. As to the former, before this buy, I had absolutely zero experience with cream blushes. I've only ever used powder blushes and, occasionally, tints and stains. The ones in the BT Minerals Mineral Blush Duos are my first. However, they will not be my last.



I love the natural finish the cream blushes [Rose and Coral] provide. They leave a rosy glow which I find more comely than the pinched effect that tints and stains give. They also apply closer to the skin while most powder blushes sit atop the skin. They are blendable and buildable. The way I see it, both colors would work well on most skin tones.



I wasn't as excited about working with the loose minral blushes. There isn't anything wrong with them. In fact, they're really good. They're very pigmented; a little goes a long way. Moreover, the container holds so much of the loose blush, there's no danger of running out any time soon. The one thing I wasn't looking forward to was the mess. You see, I'm a bit of a clutz and with these loose products, if you're not careful, they tend to fall everywhere. So far, I've managed not to knock them over.

When used together, loose blush on top of the cream, the outcome is really pretty. The powder sets the cream so it doesn't move throughout the day. Instead of taking away from the natural finish, it enhances it.

All in all, the BT Minerals Mineral Blush Duo is a very versatile product. You can use the cream blush on its own, the loose blush on its own, or use both, the powder over the cream. They give different effects, but ultimately, they all look good. I'm definitely going back for the other two colors. They're sold at Php 397 each.

BT Minerals Mineral Blush Duo is distributed by Beauty Treats International Co., Inc.

I hope this review helps those who are looking to pick this product up.

'til next time,
Maite

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Make-up Look - Greek Goddess





This year's testimonial dinner was Greek-inspired. The entire set-up incorporated pillars, drapes, clay pots and stone statues. The event was attended by prosecutors, faculty, students and the new lawyers of Xavier University all dressed up in their Grecian best. Being on the organizing committee, I did my best to impress. This was my take on the theme.

The entire look was inspired by Blake Lively's get up on one episode of Gossip Girl.


The hair was a challenge. I didn't know how to pile the curls. I eventually found a few hair tutorials on Youtube that helped (Click here and here). The photo below is of the trial I did several hours before the party. I ended up taking it down and redoing it.


My make-up is a look I picked up from Youtube guru Eman Aziz's channel. This is my version of her Victoria Secret look.



Products used:

FACE
X-out Shine Control
MAC Prep and Prime
Revlon Photoready Foundation in Shell
Maybelline Angelfit Concealer in 01 Light Beige
E.L.F. Bronzing Powder in Bronzed (From the E.L.F. Contour Kit)
BT Minerals Mineral Blush in Pink


EYES
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Benefit Moonbeam
NYX Loose Pearl Eyeshadow in Nude
NYX Loose Pearl Eyeshadow in Pearl
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Chopper (from the Naked 2 palette)
NYX Single Eyeshadow in Black
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
Maybelline the Falsies Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara in Black
Beauty Cottage Beautiful Eyelash in BC-002
DUO Lash Glue in Clear

LIPS
MAC Lip Pencil in Subculture
MAC Lipstick in Plink!
NYX Megashine Lipgloss in Sugar Pie

I was pretty happy with the final look.

I'll probably be more active in August than I have been for July. There are a lot of local holidays to look forward to. Also, after Midterm week the professors tend to call a ceasefire on most of the heavy stuff. I'm looking forward to doing more writing for this blog.

'til next time,
Maite

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Make-over - Maan


I am so sorry that I haven't put up anything new in forever! I've been swamped with schoolwork ever since school started. I'm also on the committee for two testimonial dinners. I barely have time to close my eyes at night. I'll work my schedule out so I can keep this blog alive.

This post is actually long overdue. I got this gig last month but, like I said, have been to busy to do a post on it. My friend Maan, who you might have seen in one of my earlier posts (I gave her and a few of her friends makeovers for a night out), asked me if I would do her make-up for a wedding she was attending. Never one to disappoint, I said yes.


I struggled with making her eyes appear bigger.


What do you guys think? How'd I do?

'til next time,
Maite


Friday, June 22, 2012

Make-up Look - Katy Perry T.G.I.F. Inspired


I wore this to my grandmother's 80th birthday last week. The theme was bright colors. I don't usually wear a lot of color, being a sheep in law school and all, so I thought, "Hey, why not take advantage of the situation?" I ended up sporting a look inspired by Katy Perry in her video Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.).




FACE
Skin79 Super Plus Beblesh Balm (Hot Pink)
The Body Shop All In One Face Base in 03
E.L.F. Bronzer in Bronzed (from the Contouring Kit)
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Natural Radiance Bronzer
MAC Blush in Peachykeen


EYES
E.L.F. Eyelid Primer in Sheer
Maybelline Cool Effect Cooling Cream Eyecolor in Lilacfreeze
The Body Shop Eye Definer in Vibrant Emerald
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in 622 Electric Blue
Revlon Beyond Natural Cream to Powder Eyeshadow in Plumberry Prune
Raspberry from the Stila Dream in Full Color Palette
Supernatural from the Stila Dream in Full Color Palette
Inspire from the Stila Dream in Full Color Palette
MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Prussian
Shu Uemura Lash Curler
Ever Bilena Mascara with Fiber
Maybelline the Falsies Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara
Maybelline Pulse Perfection Waterproof Vibrating Mascara

BROWS
MAC Eyeshadow IN Brun
MAC Brow Set in Girl Boy


LIPS
The Face Shop Lovely Me-Ex Auto Lipliner in 04
NYX Megashine Lip Gloss in Beige

I thought going with a bold lip would have made it look overdone so I decided to stick with a pretty pink.

What do you think?

'til next time,
Maite