Anatomy of a Makeup Brush

 Makeup brushes are essential tools for makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike. A makeup artist’s stash for instance is more often than not, 40% composed of a variety of brushes. Some people might not understand why these goodies are considered an investment. For some, a brush is nothing but a couple of tapered strands with a long handle. But for those who eat lipstick for breakfast, a makeup brush deserves a spot in the pedestal. But how do we choose the right brush?

Before you buy a brush, evaluate if it is a worth-while investment. Assess the quality of the brush by running your fingers through the bristles. It should be a soft as baby bottom. Remember that these brushes will touch your face, or in some cases, others’ faces, so it should be soft enough not to cause any irritation. 

You should also know the parts of a makeup brush: bristle, ferrule and handle.

The bristles may be natural or synthetic. Natural bristles like goat, squirrel, pony and sable are very soft and are perfect for blending. Brushes with natural bristles are best for applying powder-based products like blush, powder and eye shadow. Price of brushes with natural hair may be costly, but they are worth the penny. However, there are brands that are affordable, yet maintaining quality like Suesh Ultra Luxe Set that are made from fine blue squirrel hair, the softest bristles you could find in the market. 

On the other hand, synthetic bristles are best used with creamy products like foundation, concealers, lip colors and gel liners.

The ferrule is what connects the bristles to the handle. When you clean your brushes, make sure to run the bristles with running water from the middle of the ferrule up to the bristles. Do not let water run in the center part of the bristles where water will seep through the ferrule as this will cause separation between the two parts.

The handle should be as special as the two parts. Birch wood is better for its durability. If you want brushes for keeps, make sure the handles are tough as well. 

With these in mind, who could says good brushes are hard to find?

Suesh Ultra Luxe Set

Made from fine blue squirrel hair, the softest in the market. 

Handles are made of birch wood

 1. Powder Brush

2. Blush Brush

3. Foundation Brush

4. Large Eyeshadow Brush

5. Small Eyeshadow Brush

6. Blending Brush

7. Crease Brush

8. Lip/Concealer Brush

9. Liner Brush

10. Mascara Wand

Will post a detailed review and brush usage article soon!

My New Baby: A Traincase Story

I've been wanting to study Professional Makeup Artistry. I always inquire. I collect makeups and brushes, even makeup books. But I can't seem to find a right time to finally enroll in a Makeup School. I always feel that I do not have enough makeup stash yet, and I cannot afford to buy all the tools and stuff needed for the class all at the same time. So little by little, I invest on makeup and tools. And just recently, my beloved hubby gave this to me:

My first ever traincase! Finding this one entailed me to do rigorous research. I read blogs and forums to see where I can buy an affordable traincase that's not too small nor too gigantic.

Thanks to thebeautyaddict, askmewhats and of course, Girtalk. I was able to find where I can buy a traincase. We went to Manila City Plaza, a building near Quiapo church. If you will take the LRT, alight at Carriedo station. walk towards the church and you will see the building before you enter the church's premises. It has Jollibee at the 3rd floor that's visible from the street.

Off to the 3rd floor, we saw 2 stores selling traincases and other salon supplies. I went around a corner near Jollibee and that's where I found this baby. The other one is the one you will see in front of the  escalator upon going up. 

Published price is at Php 1,500 but you can haggle it for php 1,200. Two colors are available, silver and black. I chose black because it's less prone to dirt and scratches.

 

 It has 8 trays, 4 in each sides. The bottom part can contain your brushes or bigger palettes. The trays are lined with acetate for easier maintenance. It also has a lock.

 

Here's my makeup collection. Sorry for the resolution, as my daugther keeps on bugging me while doing this shot. She wants to "climb the stairs" of my new traincase. =)

They also sell bigger traincases like the one I saw in IamSutil's blog. Price is at Php 3,500 but you can haggle it for Php 3,000. They also have director's chair, traincases with lights, curling irons, palettes, etc. 

Next project, a good set of brushes and finally enroll in a Makeup Class. Maquillage Professional perhaps?

Sunday Morning Indulgence at Purple Oven

 After going to mass earlier this morning at the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Makati City, my hubby said he wants to try out the cakes at Purple Oven,located in YMCA just across the church. 

Our dearest friend, Angela Lim, owner of N.Y.OR.K. (Not Your Ordinary Coffee) introduced Purple Oven's brownies, bars and tarts to us when we had our outreach program last December. From then on, we really wished there's a Purple Oven near our place (original store is in Pasig). Our wishes have been granted when we saw months ago that Purple Oven is putting up a store in front of the church where we attend masses weekly.

Hubby ordered Rustic Chocolate Torte (P750/whole cake) and had it divided into 8 slices since we are 5 in the group. When the cake was brought to our table, our eyes widened as we saw 5 big slices of mouth-watering cake. A slice costs less than a hundred bucks but the taste is worth a million!

We are originally looking for Sanzrival, but it was unavailable, so the lady from Purple Oven (I'm guessing she is the owner) recommended Rustic Chocolate Torte. It has layers of crunchy ala "Sanzrival" crust, nuts, chocolate and cream. The cream is not too sweet, not too rich. It tastes like vanilla ice cream but doesn't melt like one. The chocolate shavings are bittersweet. The crust is perfectly crunchy and light.For its price, it's definitely worth it.

  Purple Oven at YMCA, in front of the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart.

The dining area though has very limited seats. It only has 2 small tables with a couple of chairs.

The amibience is like a relaxed version of Starbucks. It's black and white everywhere. There are glass windows that makes the place cozy.

 Now wonder Purple Oven is a blockbuster. This is the line when we arrived.

 The friendly Purple Oven people. 

 Aside from cakes, they also sell ensaymadas, bars, tarts, loafs, etc.

Why do I want to experience and join the Lanzones Festival in Cagayan de Oro?

Photo from WikiPilipinas

I’ve been in Cagayan de Oro (CDO) for countless times already due to work-related travel. Surprisingly, during my travels in CDO, I only got to explore nearby areas like Divisoria (night market), Lim Ket Kai Mall, and was able to try the gastronomic delights of Dear Manok and the soothing massage at Ban Sabai. Not only because I have little time for pleasure during my trips, but I am also being vigilant, considering that CDO is still part of Mindanao and knowing safety concerns abound.

After my business in CDO, I always travel to Iligan and Ozamis to continue my “work caravan”. And each time I travel in those places, it is inevitable for me not to be scared of what might happen. Perhaps, it is the trauma brought about by the time I was in Iligan and the siege between MILF and the military ignited that resulted to bombings and side-by-side threats. I was there during those times.

I even remembered the taxi driver telling me that there’s no bus trip back to CDO that day (my flight from CDO to Manila was at 3pm) because all the streets were blocked by the rebels. I insisted that he bring me to the bus terminal and luckily, there’s a bus, an ordinary bus, to CDO. Lo and behold, I took the risk and rode the bus, praying that I’ll reach CDO safe and sound. I was praying all throughout. I wanted to cry but I cannot. I am alone and I have to be tough.

Thank God, I arrived at CDO airport at around 11am, too early for my 3:00 pm flight to Manila. As I entered the departure area, I saw that there are no passenger planes on the runway. Instead, there are several fighter/military planes. Then I heard a commotion from a crowd at the other side of the room, only to realize they are reacting towards former PGMA, on her statement over the rebels. I even remembered my husband’s text saying, “Don’t ever go back to that place again.”

Luckily after lunch, passenger planes started to arrive and our flight left on time.

With this, why do I want to experience and join the Lanzones Festival in CDO? It is as simple as this, I still believe that the Philippines is naturally beautiful, and that scenarios like what I experienced are just isolated cases. I also believe that Filipinos are generally kind and warm, whatever race or tribe we belong.

Despite the safety concerns in Mindanao, I still believe that festivals like Lanzones Festival are events where each one of us can be reunited, whatever belief we have, at least for the time being.

I am confident that the Lanzones Festival will erase the negative experience I once had and replace it with a good one. One that I can really share with the whole world, one that can make me proud and say, I joined the Lanzones Festival in Cagayan de Oro and and will definitely go back!

Experience MassKara Festival, Hermosa Festival and Lanzones Festival this October. Airphil Express flies daily to BACOLOD, ZAMBOANGA and CAGAYAN DE ORO from Cebu and Manila. Visit www.airphilexpress.com to book!



Our SeriAsia Spa Experience

 About a month ago, I scored 2 Metrodeal vouchers of a 60 minute full body massage and oxygen facial from SeriAsia, a spa in Southgate Mall in Magallanes. When I got the vouchers, I thought of sharing it with my hubby so we can have relax and unwind for awhile.

SeriAsia is at the second floor of Southgate Mall, along with other salons. Southgate Mall can be reached through MRT (alight at Magallanes station), buses that pass by EDSA or jeepneys going to Mantrade.

We can already smell the "spa-ish" aroma from the escalator. Inside the spa, you will be welcomed by their friendly staff who will then offer you coffee, tea or wheatgrass while waiting. SeriAsia also offers a variety of wellness products like coffee with ganoderma mushrooms (from Malaysia, as I was told), lotions, vitamins, masks and a lot more. A former colleague told me that their 6 in 1 lotion is good as it is not sticky and it helps lighten the appearance of stretchmarks.

SeriAsia also offers a wide variety of spa services from massage to scrubs to facials. However, they do not have jacuzzi or steam bath. Perhaps it is because of the limited space.

This is their facial room. The "room" is enclosed by curtains so if privacy is a big deal, you might find this an issue. However, for me, this is just okay. this is even better than Let's Face It's row of beds where you are literally rubbing elbows with each other. SeriAsia can only accomodate 2 guests for facials at the same time.

Their Oxygen Facial is one remarkable facial for me. It is very relaxing yet I can really feel that my skin is deeply cleansed. Initially, the therapist cleansed my face with a combination of facial wash and a sea salt scrub. The usual 5-minute facial sauna (steam) came after. Instead of the tedious pricking (which annoyed me always), they use an intensive vacuum. This will exfoliate your skin and extract blackheads/whiteheads. A cool mask is applied after and will be left for 15 minutes. The oxygen infusion will come after the mask. This is the most relaxing part of the facial. It is cool and hydrating. Oxygen Facial has anti-aging and rejuvenating properties and is becoming popular globally.

You can also enjoy foot scrub or massage here.

Our vouchers also include a full body massage. SeriAsia has a couple's room. Actually, its the only room that they have, so that also means they can only accommodate 2 persons at a time. It is better to book ahead to secure a slot especially on peak days.

What I like about their massage is the pressure. The therapist were able to capture the pressure that I want. Hard on my back but gentle on my legs, thighs and arms. They also use good-smelling aromatheraphy oils and a mentholated balm. I asked what balm was that and they said they sell one in a big jar (P1000) and a small tub (P99). however, the latter was out of stock.

They also provide a robe and boxers for your perusal. The massage ended with a warm towel to remove stickiness of the oils used.

Foodie: La Grotta Cucina Italiana

If you are looking for a great Italian restaurant around Makati City, you may want to check out La Grotta at G/F,Angelus Plaza Bldg., V,A Rufino St. in Legaspi Village.

The ambience of La Grotta is similar to that of Bellini's in Cubao. It looks like a traditional Italian restaurant that has a very homey yet sophisticated feel, thus, perfect for formal meetings and romantic dates. The place is very intimate that it can only accomodate about 40 to 50 pax.

While waiting for your order, you will be served with an assortment of breads, liver pate, butter and a mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Their liver pate is a must try. Though it is a sophisticated version of liver spread, their liver pate is good as it doesn't have an annoying after-taste. The balsamic vinaigrette (mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar) also goes well with their warm assortment of breads and is also a great way to tease your palate before your main course.

Our favorite is their Tagliatelle Di Tartufo Crudo, a flat pasta mixed with porcini mushrooms topped with parma ham in a rich truffle cream sauce (P395). We usually split the serving into 2 or 3 as one serving is too much for me to finish.

We also ordered Margherita pizza (Tomato, mozzarella, oregano, basil and extra virgin olive oil). This is good for 2 if eaten alone or for 4 if you will order pasta or other entrees. The tomatoes and herbs in this pizza counteracts the richness and creaminess of Tagliatelle Di Tartufo Crudo. Priced at P380.

Where to Eat Chinese Food in Davao : Mandarin Tea House

We were supposed to try out any of the famous buffet in Davao City but we were able to arrived in Sta. Ana Wharf a bit late for lunch already so we decided to check out the restaurants along Rizal Ave. There's Jollibbe along the way but hey, we're in Davao and we should explore something new. Across Jollibee is Tops (an open-air grill and "silog" diner). Since it's almost 2pm, the sun is really at its peak so we decided not to eat there because my baby might have another skin asthma attack due to the extreme heat.

We walked and walked and walked until we arrived at this Chinese restaurant, still along Rizal Ave. -Mandarin Tea Garden.

We checked out the dining area and it looks clean and the food looks appetizing, too! Think North Park or Super Bowl of China.

Plus, it's a non-smoking restaurant, so we decided to settle here for our late lunch.

We ordered Siomai Noodle Soup for my baby. Serving is good for one, but if you're ordering other dishes, it may be enough for sharing.

My husband ordered Mandarin Spareribs rice bowl. The meat is so tender and tasty. It tastes like sweet and sour spareribs. More on the sweet side.

I cannot decide what to order as their menu has lots to offer so I decided to have Soy Chicken rice bowl. It's tender and juicy. The sauce is a bit spicy but just enough to tease your palate.

By the way, they really have good-tasting chili-garlic sauce that's perfect for siomai and even the Soy Chicken! Our will was P232, not bad for the taste and quality of their food. We went out full and recharged again.