Here’s a little bit of art inspiration. So, yes, make-up can be drawn. Fantabulous.
If I’m not mistaken they might both be by an artist who put her work up on Etsy.com (see bottom of 2nd photo). Have a lovely day! 
It’s a pretty-in-pink party, no doubt, and the UK’s lovely Lily Cole makes her mark as The Body Shop’s endorser for this cute, young, and fun cosmetic collection. I was given 3 items from the collection to try, the Lip and Cheek Dome in Pinch Me Pink, the Radiance Primer, and the Lily Cole Shimmer Cubes quad (eyeshadow).
I had a great natural light moment when shooting this photo, the sun shone exactly where I needed it to. Consider this a simple introduction to one of The Body Shop’s youngest and most hip makeup collections yet. Read more to get the full post and more photos.
I’m not planning to be a competitive runner, it’s just that I’ve made a promise to myself that my last year in my twenties would be the year I get fit. All the years before that were impossible because of my toxic post production career that would leave me with only a few hours or even just minutes of sleep in one day. Cardio would have “killed” me or given me a heart ailment together with my insane dose of sleep deprivation. When it comes to my fitness goals I don’t want to be ripped as in like muscle-popping hard, just undeniably fit. Martial arts is out of the question or any activity that could sustain trauma to the hands because as a makeup-artist I need to protect them. I’ve made a few small efforts to begin my fitness journey. Unlike others who have admittedly fallen behind on both the weight targets and eating healthy goals my health and fitness needs aren’t that many because I already live clean, eat healthy, and I’m not overweight. My only real problem is I don’t exercise regularly. That changed in May before I left for Singapore when I began the 30-Day Shred workout by Jillian Michaels. I only did it for 2.5 weeks till my mom protested that she was stressed out by the aggressive pace of the program even though it was doable and then said she preferred to walk or run. Then there was a gap in the fitness initiative until I began walking a lot in Singapore and felt my calves burning day in and day out. Then yesterday, unplanned, I did my first 4km run/jog (according to my cousin, Ella) in Laguna with my brother and my cousins. What surprised me was I didn’t walk-run-walk as I thought I would, I actually jogged/ran straight for ’bout 3.5-4km without any trouble, then after 2 uphill climbs I felt the slight labor in my breathing (as my body properly told me my limit) and I decided to walk instead of jog back and began cooling down. I actually realized I wasn’t as UNFIT as I thought, I was thrilled, I could actually do 4km and I wasn’t even that FIT yet. What could that mean?!!
My cousin Ella, the eldest among her siblings, showed us a simple warm-up before we set off then we talked while we ran which I believe made us forget about the distance at one point, it was a light but lively jog. She handed down minor tips after years of running with the best trainers in the country (Coach Rio dela Cruz, Coach Anna). There were small tips like inhaling then exhaling on the 4th count while running “(inhale) 1,2,3,4(exhale)(inhale) 1, 2, 3, 4 (exhale)…” and keeping elbows near your rib cage at a loose right angle and your hands comfortably suspended while swinging and positioned as if you were “holding a potato chip” in each hand. None of these tips on form were expressed to be mandatory, just recommended, but I did as I was advised. Their family is “insanely fit” and not in an overboard way, they love playing, eating, and enjoying their naps, too. I love how Ella and her “bunch” have really embraced the Spirituality and righteousness found in physical fitness and taking care of your body. Not every couple on earth can say they are both tri-athletes, have 5 children (including a 1 year old), and 4 out of those 5 children happen to be tri-athletes as well.
Post run, I walked proudly into my Tito Anthony’s house (popularly known as the head of his tri-athlete family, Team Pangilinan) and said we just did ’bout 4km. He said “Before you know it, Jules, you’ll be telling me ‘I just did my first 10k, Tito’ “, and Tita Maricel told me to ice my legs when I arrived home because of the hills in the terrain of their village, to boost recovery and lessen pain. Coach Dan Brown (not the author of the Da Vinci Code he says) said “As a beginner better to run every 2nd day (not daily) so that you can recover. And you don’t have to run all the way to complete it the first time. Alternate between walking and running first, if you must, then after a few weeks or months just run and time yourself…”. So what was I supposed to do on non-running days like today for example? On the hunt for a new “less aggressive” but still intense workout I could share with my mom I remembered Tita Maricel did pilates. So I researched online and came across this POP Pilates Begginers’ Workout with Cassey Ho.
There was one last semi worn-out box of these Kai Beauty-M brow razors sitting in Japan Home Center, Market Market. I had little interest at first until I pulled one out and realized they were concealed weapons, with plastic blade sheaths. Crazy SHARP. Holy, hair-splitting brow blades, Batman! Plus who wouldn’t be happy that there were 5 pcs. for Php99.00 in one box? These blades are so sharp you can easily shave/carve your name out on the back of a grizzly bear while it’s asleep and it wouldn’t feel a thing. I personally like how sharp this tool is, I can craft a brow shape quicker and more precisely as a result.
I’ve got some of the lighter, plastic Watsons ones lying around somewhere in my room, they’re like Php85 for 3 pcs in a pack, but in my experience with those it takes several heavier-handed scrapes to clear out brow hair for a proper arch. When it comes to my brows and the brows of models I do makeup for I really haven’t got all day. I prefer to shave rather than pluck or wax my brows because my brow hairs are fine and not that long but they scatter beneath my arch. I try to avoid any strain and pulling on the skin around my eyes.
When using this blade it’s best to disinfect the blade first with cotton and alcohol and prep the brow area with alcohol as well. Scrape in small, measured strokes, and stare straight into the mirror, don’t look up when using this, never do one long stroke. The sharpness of the blade might cause some skin soreness or redness after shaving so apply a light moisturizing cream or aloe after shaving to soothe the area. Do not use this tool on someone else unless a professional has personally shown you the proper method. Definitely sheath the blade always after and KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. There’s also a Php66 peso box of these Kai ones at Japan Home Center but the ones inside that one don’t come with plastic sheaths for proper storage (blade guards). If you want to keep these blades rust-free long enough and avoid it cutting yourself and other items stored with it better to get the sheathed ones in a box for Php99. My makeup artist friend, Sari Campos, has a similar metal scraper (complete with the flower) in a blue shade by Pure Beauty, but she said she only bought a single one. She thinks I may have gotten more value for money with 5 in a box.
…began when I spotted this foot bath salt. I genuinely suspect they were trying to get a point across about remedying calluses with this label, but it didn’t quite make it.
Catena Cappuccino Horniness Removing Foot Bath Salt. Possibly effective for people with an involuntary “footsie” urge? Who knows… *rolling in laughter. Seriously speaking though, a cappuccino foot soak sounds divine.
Okay, if there’s anything I really splurged on in Singapore, and Noelle will agree, it was these reformulated Urban Decay single eyeshadows. To be honest…I’m kind of, heck no, SUPER regretting I chose to get them in Singapore, because they were SGD$33 each (ouch!). I remember even computing with my calculator in the store that these should cost way less in the U.S. (WAY LESS IN THE U-ESS) but I was still unfazed in that moment there in Sephora, Takashimaya and still all superficially googly eyed, as a result ’twas the type of “Sephora” receipt you’d hide from your husband (lmao). It’s too bad I didn’t get over the initial elation as I pranced merrily over to the Urban Decay counter. My friend, Noelle aka Kikayrunner, was too polite and kind (and needing to go to the ladies’ room badly lol) to comment before I made my choice (next time, Nanay Noelle, you may wag that finger at me). It is a major boo-boo ’cause I was able to resist so many other great items while I was in Singapore for 10 days (didn’t buy a single item of clothing) because of these. Photos in this post are taken with a friend’s 600D DSLR, was playin’ round with it (posts prior are with my Canon G1X). If you haven’t read the Pt.1 post of when I received the custom palette itself go to this link.
CLOCKWISE: Snatch (pale peachy pink with gold glitter), Loaded (deep metallic emerald, luminous sheen no glitter), Naked (nude tan brown, matte), Rockstar (deep aubergine, luminous sheen no glitter)
I already got the palette from the U.S. before at the wonderfully low price of US $18, the special introductory price, but wisdom in the tank ran on empty when I was faced with the 4 eye candy “bullets” I was supposed to load that baby up with. The palette came with the default, matte highlight shade “Walk of Shame”, then I got four of them to meet the SG GST refund minimum (over SGD100), stupid. Yea, yea I know no regrets dapat, but I truly wish now I’d been more patient and planned for someone in the U.S. to get them for me, because they’re way cheaper there even without a GST refund, and the difference between there US$18, and this side of the world, US$24 is a painfully great one. Yea, I told you, it’s like “What were you thinking, Julia”. Read more to see where the ranting ends and the review begins LOL!!
In IKEA Queensway, Singapore, that was where I spotted these lovely coated, galvanized (anti-rust) steel planters for $SGD 5.20 each (Php175). The IKEA “skurar” pots looked lacy to me and worthy of my dressing table. I’ve never seen a post done on these plant pots although I wouldn’t be surprised if people have already used them in this same way. This idea purely came to me while I was fixing and sorting my strewn calamity of costume jewelry last night, and I’m quite proud of having thought of this. The opportunity to fix was inspired by Vivianna, and the idea with the plant pots was instinctive.
These are majority of the makeup brushes I own and use professionally. Real life dictates that I not keep them all here, I’m merely showing that this can be done. The IKEA Skurar pot is actually somewhat tall for the brushes so I layered in some cotton wool at the bottom so that the brushes would stand above the rim with better height.
The stuff in the other pot will truly stay as is for the moment. This currently sits on top of my dresser with my brushes, body spray and hand lotion for daily use. I remember how my best friend, Alma, keeps her earrings plugged into a stand frame specifically made to store and display earrings. I’m particularly fond of the fact that this prettily scored plant pot does the job even if it was probably not meant for what I discovered it could do. In keeping with the “garden theme” the 3 pairs of earrings I chose to display are all birds or bird related. A suggestion would be to keep 3 or more most frequently used pairs out on display like this and the rest in a jewelry box you can keep nearby. You’re sure to use displayed accessories more often, because otherwise, if out of sight, out of mind. Read more to see more photos and another thing that surprised me.
Hi, everyone, I’m back from Singapore! Sorry for the silent last few days…it was a bit hectic. I was always coming home quite late ’cause of the last few meals abroad with friends and gleaning for small deals along the finishing line of the Great Singapore Sale. To celebrate my return, let’s do it with a post on something local and super affordable (because Singapore is anything but). I used this Bench sculpting wax so often while I was away 10 days that I actually think I’m almost half way through it, and I just bought this pot before the trip.
Notice the package label isn’t your typical, clear sticker, it’s printed onto the white cap segment (diff material from the blue plastic) excellently. I appreciate little things like that.
I counted the number of times I’d ask Chok for help because I was looking for it (because I’d sometimes misplace it while dressing up, which is the case when traveling) and that proves that I really meant to use it and didn’t want to leave Chok’s Tampines pad without putting some on. However, this photo wasn’t taken at Chok’s place, it was taken at the condo unit of our first host for the first two days in Harbourfront (notice how we went cross-country, LOL). Read more to see how I look with my hair semi-tamed by this super effective hair product.
Hearing about this Caudalie Beauty Elixir get heaps of praise from the respectable pro UK makeup artist, Lisa Eldridge, from UK vlogger Fleur, and my current fave Brit vlogger, Vivianna was enough to convince me to pick up a small bottle from Sephora here in Singapore. It’s super lovely and smells amazing. It’s not at all your regular sort of face spray, it’s not just “water” it has ingredients that do more than just wet your face. I actually feel aggravated pores relax when I spray this on and flaky parts become hydrated and this provides an invigorating burst of stress-busting aromatherapy that’s herbal but doesn’t make you smell old or like a salad. I even lightly spray this on top of my makeup as Lisa does after a long day and press in with my palms and it sort refreshes whatever makeup you’ve applied as long as you didn’t over-apply your base.
“Inspired by the “elixir of youth” used by Queen Isabelle of Hungary, this treatment smoothes features, tightens pores, and gives the complexion a burst of radiance. an excellent base for make-up, this water awakens the skin in the morning and livens it up before a night out. Part-toner, part-serum mist of essential oils and plant active ingredients. For all skin lacking radiance. Beauty Elixir is an exceptional anti-dull complexion treatment and a wonderful after-shave for men.
USE: Shake well before use. Close your eyes and mist onto the face before applying your moisturizer and at any time of the day. 0% Parabens, Absolutely NO Sulfates, Synthetic Dyes, Petro-Chemicals Phthalates, GMOs, Triclosan. Against animal testing. 100% Natural Fragrance. Active ingredients: Grape, orange blossom, rose, organic balm mint, rosemary… “
Caudalie is a French brand that champions the use of loads of natural ingredients that are expertly processed together to create gentle skincare for specific skin needs. This beauty elixir is not just good for your skin, what’s also nice to do is, as Lisa recommended, spray it twice onto your hands and rub your palms together if you’re absolutely stressed or nauseous then cup your hands over your nose and inhale the natural fragrance this provides…instant relaxation. I wouldn’t be surprised if this would be a lovely after-sun spray as well. I got the smaller 30ml bottle from Sephora, Marina Bay Sands for SGD$23.00 but all Sephora outlets that carry Caudalie skincare should have it (about Php600+, that’s cheaper than in U.S.). There’s a bigger 100ml size bottle as well but I forgot how much that one was, twas about over $30 SGD I think.
Mom and I were “interrupted” during our shred workout, because of a sudden wave of social functions, shoots, coming home late, a lack of commitment and other things. After roughly 2.5 weeks of regularly then semi-regularly doing the Level 1 workout I haven’t continued on that Jillian Anderson 30-day shred workout since about almost 2 months ago. I’m really disappointed with myself since for the first time after the first 2 weeks I was getting regular exercise. I guess for now painstakingly getting around SG a lot on foot for 5 days straight (aside from the train, no cabs) is slowly making up for the sudden gap of inactivity. Mom told me she wanted to run rather than do home aerobics. I’d made the well-intended mistake of thinking she didn’t want to be “exposed” to the elements (UV rays, heat, wind etc.). Having decided together that we’d rather walk and run together than do home aerobics I realized I had never owned a properly prescribed pair of running shoes. So, being here in Singapore during the great Singapore sale gave me the opportunity to track down the newest pair of Mizuno Wave Riders alo.gside one of the best running advisers around, Noelle de Guzman, aka Kikayrunner.
“Mizuno Wave® – The leading footwear technology that combines cushioning and stability, two distinctly different, yet necessary elements in running shoes. While the running world labors over the pros and cons of lightweight, cushioning and stability, Mizuno labors to strike the perfect balance…a harmonious marriage of all three, achieved through Mizuno Wave Technology®. SmoothRide™ – Minimizes the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the foot during transition, creating the smoothest ride possible. Mizuno has taken SmoothRide Engineering™ a step further with the Wave Rider 15. Forefoot Flex Controllers allow optimal flex at toe-off and by moving the heel contact point a bit further forward on the sole it smooths out heel contact producing a more fluid ride. Dynamotion Fit™ – Relives the stress the foot naturally places on footwear, eliminating distortion for the perfect fit. A running shoe should work with the foot, not against it. Dynamotion Fit™ achieves this by allowing the upper to move in harmony with the foot through the entire running gait – from heel strike through toe-off. With Dynamotion Fit™ a runner and shoe literally become one.”
I’ve wanted to run in our beauty of a village for the longest time, I’ve only brisk walked with the dogs in my sneakers or slippers. Read more to see the full post of my first impressions on the Mizuno WaveRider 15.
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