February Favorites

Chanel Bonheur #61

I typically stick with pink shades when it comes to lipsticks but this one is gorgeous! While it has shimmers, the lipstick doesn’t look that shiny when applied. The minimal shine eventually wears off leaving the lips with a lasting berry stain. Since it is a part of Chanel’s Hydrating Sheer Lipshine collection, the lipstick’s finish is translucent.

All about That Lace: A Piece for Zalora Community

“Searching for lace-accented pieces used to be a struggle as this material existed primarily for the elderly. Fortunately, this intricately detailed textile increased in popularity. So much so that pulling off a lace adorned ensemble became easier to achieve. Here are some quick and easy styling tips to keep in mind if your aim is to look chic and romantic in lace!”

I'm Never Coming Back to Myeongdong with My Boyfriend

“Are we done yet?” my boyfriend asks with his eyes trying to conceal his impatience.

“Malapit na talaga (It’s nearly over),” I say as convincingly as I can.

This post is long overdue but I simply cannot let go of my Myeongdong experience. Myeongdong is unofficially hailed as Korea's cosmetics haven. The district is teeming with eager shoppers because the rows of beauty stores seem endless.

In Myeongdong, it isn't unusual to see more than one branch of a particular beauty brand. If you have forgotten something from Tony Moly, don't worry because the next block would probably have another branch. Some stores are open until midnight and it's usually nice to go there after visiting Namsan Tower. 

5 Fashion Icons and Their Standout Jewels

Jewelry is perhaps the most transformative part of our closets. You might be clad in a simple black tee but pairing it with an oversized watch immediately does wonders. Nonetheless, you don’t always have to splurge for jewelry pieces except for those considered as investment pieces like watches.

Travelling is one instance where you don’t want to flash exorbitant items for they might be lost or damaged. You can enjoy a fanciful approach to accessorizing by searching for practical yet equally stylish alternatives. Zalora, for example, has a gorgeous selection of jewelry. If you’re a passionate crafter (I envy you), this article can help you,

For inspiration, here are some fashion icons and their standout pieces.

Grace Kelly

Her standout piece: A 10.47 carat Cartier emerald-cut diamond ring

Benefit First Class Flirts Review

“Touch up before touch down with our first-class ‘fake-its.’”

This is what the Benefit First Class Flirts gift set promises. Since Benefit knows that looking dolled-up might be your least priority when travelling, the brand came up with this set. The six items are not only lightweight but also easy to use. In a few seconds, you can already prep, prime, and perk up your skin. Benefit First Class Flirts is also perfect for those who haven't tried Benefit products yet.

March Favorites

Soap and Glory Hand Food

It’s a non-greasy hand cream that contains shea butter, macadamia oil, and marshmallow! This smells wonderful and the skin absorbs it quickly. 

January Favorites

Miss Dior

I like how dainty the bottle is but I believe the scent’s more suited for summer days. Tunisian Neroli and Bulgarian Damask Rose give the perfume a sweet scent although the Indonesian Patchouli makes Miss Dior slightly musky.

Belle de Jour Power Planner

This year’s Smythesewn planner is lighter because they have removed the lifestyle coupons and compiled them on a separate notebook. Despite initially having a planner from Starbucks (it unfortunately serves as an adhesive for my dog’s fur), I still went back to BDJ.

Sasatinnie Cucumber Mask

One of my favorite face masks from Hong Kong’s Sasa stores.

Juicy Couture Malibu Daydreamer

While I’m more into safe and classic designs when it comes to purses, I like how light and spacious this one is. It’s like the “mature” version of my Juicy Couture bags back in high school (yes, the baby pink velour ones which make me cringe now).

Pocket iBooks

I’ll always be a devotee of books with real pages but who am I to refuse a random gift from my brother? Filling it with books is a nice gesture too.

Birthday Wishlist

Ballet Beautiful Workout Videos Review: Why Natalie Portman And The Victoria's Secret Angels Love Them

As someone who encounters difficulty in gaining weight and who doesn't find pumping iron appealing, searching for a workout can be difficult. I love to swim and surf but sadly, I cannot do these things everyday.

The dance goddesses truly blessed me for I came across with Ballet Beautiful, a workout method that is designed to give someone a ballerina’s graceful yet strong physique. Mary Helen Bowers, a former member of the New York City Ballet, handles the class.

Summer Haul: Espadrilles, Day Dresses, Jack Johnson

While a summer haul should typically have bikinis and Daisy Dukes, I’ll be refraining from a beach trip for the next two months. It dampens my heart but I have to save my work vacation credits for a bigger travel plan this coming May. 

Beige espadrille peep toes from Mango

Charles and Keith & Grendha Haul

“A woman can be sexy, charming, witty or shy with her shoes,” says a highly-acclaimed shoe designer. While I will never spend an exorbitant amount of money for a pair of Loubotins which I will eventually ruin, I’m very fortunate to meet an equally stylish brand which doesn't leave me with ailing feet and wallet: Charles and Keith. Thanks to the utmost comfort that it brings, I was able to amass more than 20 pairs from this brand in less than a year!

What's in My Bag

My bag is such a far cry from all the contents of my high school bag. I still shudder whenever I remember all those glittery and feathery things that I have amassed as a teeny bopper! Throughout the years, I have learned how to get rid of excess baggage. Apart from its literal context, weeding out insignificant loads in your life can make everything less onerous. 

My Overused Office Shoes

Being clad in corporate wear does not mean that you're not entitled to be stylish. Gone are the days wherein office wear meant shapeless outfits. Despite the transition in corporate wear trend, my choice for shoes remains basic. 

Vous Etes Belle

It's a strange phenomenon that in Girl World, cutting yourself down seems to be the most appropriate response for a compliment. Rather than giving a meek yet wholehearted "thank you", we retaliate by using self-depreciating remarks. Through this "experiment", Dove proves that  you are more beautiful than you think you are. If in the mirror all you can see is a woman with large pores, aged features, frizzy hair, and so on, don't let such image get into you because someone else sees how lovely you are!

On a different side of note, I really have high respects for Dove because it's one of the rare beauty conglomerates that put so much meaning into their ads. These are the ads which do not shove their products down their target consumers' throats but instead inspire lives. In my previous blog (RIP, Multiply), I even remember musing about Dove's campaign about society's altered concept of beauty.

*Sigh*

Did your eyes get misty while watching the whole thing as well? :')

Sample Room Loot: First Impressions

If there's one thing that everyone loves about Sample Room, it's the opportunity to choose the samples that will go into your loot. Typical boxes have that element of surprise but I likewise can't deny that at times, I end up disappointed after getting products which don't suit me at all.

What's in My Belle de Jour November Box

While this might be late, I still want to share the surprises that I got from the BDJ November box. For the November month, the theme is travel so the box is filled with handpicked products which a wanderlust can conveniently stash insider her luggage.

Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist 24 Night Emulsion (P3,100 for 50ml)

Japanese women have enviable skin which is why skincare lines from their country are deemed trustworthy! I gave this to my mom though.

Happiness in a Satchel

It can be normal to be self-absorbed if it is your birthday. After all, it isn't everyday that you get stumped by tons of heartfelt greetings. Ms. Kira, the inspiring woman behind Elegantly Wasted, opted for the other way around. Instead of merely celebrating the day just for her self-satisfaction, she went out of her way to prepare a generous giveaway for her readers.

Apart from the fabulous stash that’s at stake, what enticed me to join her giveaway was the question the participants needed to answer. The question made me ponder over the things that I was able to cross out in my bucket list. I am indeed lucky because the giveaway had thousands of entries! Perhaps Saturday is her rest day yet Ms. Kira personally handed me the goodie-filled satchel at The Appraisery:

My Strip Gingerbread Cookie Wax Experience

Waxing might seem a daunting experience but what if you hear the words "gingerbread cookie," "chocolate", and "vanilla cheesecake"? Will you still feel hesitant?

Strip Manila offers waxing sessions that have been inspired by the delectable treats that we all love. A few weeks ago, I was invited to try Strip Manila's holiday-themed offering - the Warm English Gingerbread Cookie Wax.  It's commendable how cozy and inviting Strip's atmosphere is. You will definitely come out feeling refreshed and relaxed. 

Pink Birthday Giveaway (Open Internationally)

This is nothing but a little giveaway to show my appreciation for everyone who reckons my posts worthy of their time. With my birthday coming up in a few weeks' time, I have no plans for myself except the Bears Ending Tears project. 

This giveaway will end on December 5. For the simple mechanics, kindly wait for the Rafflecopter widget to load. I'm likewise looking forward to read how you usually celebrate your birthday! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What's in My Belle de Jour October Box

Following the continuous success of its planner, the Belle de Jour team decided to release another product for Bellas - the BDJ box.