Oh So Sassy! Nail Colors in Vivid Shades

Happy rainy Sunday everyone! And just because I was so lazy to go out for the weekend, I decided to write about my latest nailaholic discovery -- Sassy Nail Polish! I know these have been in the market for quite awhile but I must say whoever was in-charge of their R&D has done a very good job! Nice colors that are unique and wearable!

Last week, when we were in SM Mall of Asia and I was looking for some new nail colors, I saw a bunch of Sassy nail polish in its new packaging, along with its new line -- their version of cracking nail color. Since I still have a lot of cracking nail polishes that had remained untouched in my bucket, I decided to get a few of the regular ones. I got (L-R) Neon Pink, Lucky Red, Neon Red and Midnight.

These babies are so cheap (Php 17 - 18.50 each). The bottle may look small, but for me, the contents are just enough to satisfy your nailaholic cravings. This gives room for you to try more colors and allow variations, rather than getting a big bottle for several hundred bucks only to find out you are starting to get tired of having the same color on your nails for months!

In terms of color pay-off, I must say it is pigmented, except for Midnight (frosted) which I had to put four coats before arriving at the dark blue color that I want. I used two coats for the other three colors. 

Overall, Sassy Nail Color is a steal! I'd love to get more colors in the future! 

Available in all Watson's nationwide.

Avon Shine Attract Lipstick in Guava

I've been seeing Anne Curtis' ad on the walls of Ayala Avenue's underpass - the one with her signature red luscious lips - and so when I saw Avon's Shine Attract Lipstick on my neighbor's brochure, I ordered one just to give to it a try. I got the one in Guava, a natural-looking apricot shade.

The formula (or presentation) is quite unique, as it is a mousse lipstick on the center, surrounded by clear lipgloss on the side. 

Pros:

Nice nude-apricot shade

Moisturizing

Sleek packaging

Cons:

Color payoff is so-so

Not longwearing

Hard to apply

I am just thankful I didn't get the red one, as I am pretty sure it is harder to apply. I use this now on top of my Avon Simply Pretty Lip and Cheek Tint, the way I use a lip balm before.

CHI, The Spa at EDSA Shangri-La Unveils the Secrets of the Sea

Photo courtesy of EDSA Shangri-La

It was a hot summer night and I was  trying to finish an article then when an email popped into the screen of my computer. It was from the EDSA Shangri-La, containing their Mother's Day specials. I browsed the email from top to bottom and the phrase "Secrets of the Sea" caught my attention. A Golden South Sea pearl body scrub? Interesting. 

Who wouldn't want to  indulge in an invigorating body scrub made of immaculate Golden South Sea pearls? Seriously, tell me, who wouldn't? So I replied to the email and asked more information about it. The staff at EDSA Shangri-La responded promptly., and I was very fortunate to be invited to try it.

When I went at CHI, I was welcomed by the opulent Shangri-La ambiance. We walk through the 5th floor where the Spa Suites  are located. If you want to spend a night of bliss, the Spa Suite is the best option. Pamper yourself with its own Jacuzzi and L'Occitane toiletries, as well as other premium amenities. CHI's treatment rooms are located in the same wing as the Spa Suites. We went down a few plight of stairs where CHI's reception is located.

As explained to me, finely-milled Jewelmer Golden South Sea pearls  are mixed with CHI's signature element oils. To know what element oil suits me, the spa therapist handed me a questionnaire before the treatment. After I accomplished the questionnaire, she told me that my elements are a mix of fire and water, and that my mood for the day leaned towards fire. So, having said that, to complement my mood, water element oil was used for my scrub, and fire element oil for my massage. I wonder if this water element of mine has something to do with my love for beaches, islands and marine life?

 The spa therapist then led me to the lavish treatment room and had informed me that I can use the steam bath (which she had pre-heated already) for 15 minutes. I love this part. I just love steam baths than sauna. I can dwell in it for hours. 

Photo courtesy of EDSA Shangri-La

After the soothing steam bath, the therapist showed me the finely-milled Golden South Sea pearls and the water element oil. She started putting oil on my body and gradually dust it with the immaculate pearl powder. It felt cold when it finally touched my skin. It is not coarse like the usual body scrub. It feels like baby powder. Unless you have allergies to pearls (I am not even sure if there is such a thing), this treatment is a better option for those who have sensitive skin. Since it is finely-milled, there is less risk of having abrasions. 

When the spa therapist had finally finished applying the delicate pearl powder on my body, she asked me to touch my skin and indeed, it was very smooth. A refreshing shower and another few minutes of steam bath followed, before my another  favourite part - the massage.

A gentle yet penetrative massage pressure focusing on the earth element (building ch’i), wood element (moving ch’i) and fire element (clarity and peace of mind), their signature massage - CHI Balance - uses techniques that include acupressure, energizing massage to stimulate yang and relaxing massage to calm yin. 

In the earlier questionnaire that I had filled out, there was a part there where I have to mark some body parts that I wish the therapist to focus on. True enough, these marks are very well taken into consideration. The spa therapist focused on my stiff back and legs. The strokes were divinely perfect. It was so relaxing that I almost fell asleep. 

For a local fare, CHI also prides itself in promoting the Philippines' very own - Hilot massage. It is an authentic treatment that focuses on ancient diagnostic methods passed down through generations of Philippine culture. In the traditional setting, warmed coconut oil and banana leaves are placed over the body and allows the healing hands of the Hilot to detect areas of energy imbalance and blockages in your body. 

I was awakened by the clink of this metal, the final ritual for every CHI treatment. It is believed to dispel bad vibes. There. Back to reality. How I wish this indulgence did not come to an end.

Photo courtesy of EDSA Shangri-La

I was served with a soothing cup of honeyed ginger ale before I put on my wardrobe back. The treatment lasted for about two and a half hours. Believe me, every single minute of those two and a half hours are all worthwhile. 

The Secrets of the Sea is available at CHI, the Spa at EDSA Shangri-la until June 2012 only, so better grab the opportunity to indulge in this unique indulgence. For reservations please call(63 2) 633 8888 or (63 2) 634 7303 or email at chi.edsa@shangri-la.com.

While I was waiting for hubby to pick me up at the CHI lobby, I saw these lavish oils and soaps available for purchase. This is perfect for your very own DIY spa treatment at home.

Product Spotlight: NYX 10 Color Eyeshadow in Haute Couture

I love neutrals and grays. Perhaps it's because these colors are so easy to pull off. These are so easy to blend, mix and match. One can never go wrong with browns, beiges and taupes. A reason why Urban Decay's NAKED palette sells like hotcakes when it was launched. So you could just imagine what my traincase contains - lots of neutral palettes for eyes, cheeks and lips. Lately I realized that my stash contains almost the same colors, only with different brands. Redundancy, that is. 

But out of all my browns, beiges, nudes and grays, I found this one! NYX 10 Color Eyeshadow Palette in Haute Model. I remember that when I was about to order this from Digital Traincase, I was actually eyeing the Nude on Nude palette (a dupe of the nude superstar NAKED), and the other neutral palette from NYX. But, as if a blessing in disguise, all of those were out of stock back then. So I settled for this colorful palette.

It has silvers that are perfect for smokey look, as well as brights for some out of the box eye makeup experiment. I actually like the aqua blue on the bottom right paired with either the light silver above it or the dark metallic blue at the bottom left. The bronze and maroon are also nice for some nightouts.

Texture-wise, NYX eyeshadows tend to be a bit chalky, but color payoff is better than drugstore brands like Maybelline or Revlon. I also believe that NYX palettes are cost effective than the individual ones. I mean, you won't need a whole tub of say a blue eyeshadow to consume before its expired right? 

Current Fave: Dove Damage Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner Hair Fall Rescue

I have been suffering from hair loss since like forever. An exaggeration maybe, but believe me, it's getting really serious. Like when I comb my hair I wouldn't be surprised when I get a handful strands. I am actually happy with my old regimen (another famous brand of hair fall control shampoo in the Philippines), since my aunt and mom are so hooked to it. Well, in all fairness, that brand  has really improved my hair condition. But just like anything else that you routinely do, my hair perhaps is looking for something new. So when I saw Dove Damage Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner Hair Fall Rescue on the stands, I became so intrigued.

I have been a fan of Dove products like their soaps and body wash which smell so fresh, and their gentle deodorants. My mom and aunt would even use their bar soaps for their hair when I was a little child. And when someone comes home from abroad, we would usually say, "bring some Dove bars". So seeing a product like the Hair Fall Rescue line is good news for me. 

I did not buy a bottle yet, because I want to try it out first, so I just got the sachets from Shopwise Makati. 

The scent, as expected is so lovely. The scent would stay from morning 'til night. And since Dove is famous for its moisturizing products, this shampoo and conditioner line is no exception. It says it has "patented Micro Moisture Serum" that helps repair the weakened hair surface from roots to tips. 

Pros:

-Love the scent

-It lathers creamy foam

-Hair is so soft after use. As if you just had a hot oil treatment

-I think my hair was kinda straight after, perhaps because it became too soft and bouncy

-My hair is easy to comb after usage, lessening the occurrence of hair fall/ hair breakage

Cons:

-sometimes, the sachets get out of stock easily

-price is a bit (just a tiny bit) steeper than its counterparts

I also saw in the web that this line includes a daily treatment conditioner (some sort of an intensive conditioner for daily use) and a hair therapy serum. How I wish I could try those, they sound promising. Too bad, Shopwise Makati doesn't have it. 

Overall, I think I will continue usage of this line. I am so satisfied with its results. Time to change my all-time hair fall control regimen!

Congratulations MEGA YDC 2012 Grand Winner, Renan Jay Pacson!

Sometime in April last year, I wrote about PAXON, a brand of clothing designed by my dear friend Renan. Back then, his designs were just starting to create buzz. From Abayas (a middle-eastern national costume) to wedding gowns, his designs are really one of a kind. He even made a friend's wedding gown in December  and flew all the way to Catbalogan, Samar to assist my friend. That's how he works. Dedicated. Creative. Extraordinary. Breaking a leg is not new to him. No wonder, he won MEGA's Young Designer Competition 2012!

Last Thursday, the grand finale of MEGA YDC 2012 was held at the NBC Tent in The Fort, Bonifacio Global City. Our friends Virra, Chariz and Ricaday attended the event to support Renan, while the others, including me, showed support by monitoring Virra's post on FB. 

The event coincided with MEGA's 20th Anniversary, and was hosted by supermodel Sarah Meier. She was stunning in her elegant black dress.

MEGA Young Designers Competition is composed of 18 young designers from all over the country. The reality show was aired every Saturday and Sunday on ETC.

The judges from the MEGA team.

And the finalists who made it to the grand finale.

Each of them had the chance to showcase their collections. Renan's collection is dubbed as the "Great Armor".

According to his FB page:

"Great armor"....the literal translation of ø-yoroi; used by ancient high-ranking samurai.

"...as the samurai prepares for a battle, his servants are ceremonially putting on his ø-yoroi; one servant is lacing his master's kote (armored sleeves) while another is adjusting his master's hai-date (thigh armor); the samurai deeply inhales, trying to fill his lungs with strength from the air, but all he could smell is blood. He then puts on his dø (chest armor), adjusts it; he feels a tinge of fear running up and down his spine. The servant hands him his mengu (facial armor) then he puts on his kabuto (helmet)..He is ready to fight...Ready to take on the battle of his life...He wipes his tachi (sword) before placing it around his waist...rides his horse and moves toward the battle field..."

MEGA WOMAN 2032:: she is indestructible; her strengths are beyond limits; a modern warrior; she is fierce; she is fearless...INVINCIBLE!

I totally agree with his description. The collection is fierce, fearless and invincible! The cuts are edgy, and the colors are dark, reminiscent of strength and power.

How I wish I was at the event to witness Renan's work sweep the runway! 

The designer, Renan Jay Pacson, onstage. We knew it! He'll reach stardom in no time! And there he was, facing fashion aficionados with his own designs. 

So Virra said Robin got the 3rd place. I became so nervous! I really feel he is going to make it. And there, she updated her status again saying Mara was 2nd. I had goosebumps! This is really is it! Dizzizit!

And when Virra confirmed that indeed, Renan won, we all rejoiced! We were soooooo happy for him. He deserves it! He have been working too hard to win this competition. I remember that in December, a few days before my friend's wedding, he was literally sleepless. I even joked that I might just as well drape the cloth he bought for my gown, so that it will not consume his time. But he did it! He did it fabulously well!

The MEGA Young Designers Competition Grand Winner Renan Jay Pacson with his models.

And the finalists, Mara, Renan and Robin.

And of course, our ever supportive friends, Ricaday, Virra and Chariz who were as stunning and gorgeous as Renan's works.

Once again, CONGRATULATIONS RENAN! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!



______________________________

Photos By: Tet Roberts
Taken from Renan's FB album

Product Spotlight: Etude House Bubble Hair Coloring

Just like how feng shui experts predict what's lucky and unlucky for the year 2012, the beauty industry proclaims RED as the hair color of the year. And since I haven't colored my hair in the past two years, I decided it is time to dye my tresses.

While doing my research, I came across different DIY hair color products, and this one stood out among the rest with more positive reviews: Etude House Bubble Hair Coloring. I got Wine Red.

Here are my pegs for my new look. My next target is to have digital perm. =)

The photo on its box is a bit bolder for my taste, but decided to get one anyway since I know that it is very rare for photos on DIY hair color boxes to match the actual results. 

Etude House Bubble Hair Coloring comes with a pump that contains the color activator, the hair color on a tetra pack, gloves, cape and perfumed silky treatment.

It is so easy to use. Just pour the hair color to the pump bottle that contains the activator and tilt back and forth. Do not shake. Wear the gloves and cape, pump some "bubbles" and put on your hair, just like how you normally shampoo your tresses. Leave it on for 30-45 minutes, and voila! Rinse hair thoroughly. I did not shampoo my hair. I panicked because my hair felt dry and stiff! But after I put on the silky perfumed treatment, it softens significantly. I left the treatment for about 3 minutes and rinsed it out.

The results? Here are some of my photos. (l-r): Before dyeing my hair; After coloring my hair; After making faux curls using guess what? a chopstick.

Pros:

Easy to use

Cheap at Php 378

Does not stain on skin. Should you happen to have some stains on your skin, just rinse it off with water and it will be removed easily.

Does not smell odd

Cons:

My hair became a bit drier after a few days, especially when I don't put on conditioner

Tip:

The content of the pump and the tetra pack is more than enough to cover my long and thick hair. About 3/4 of it remained unused. I wish I did not mix it all at the same time, so that I still have something for retouch.

Overall, I like. I hope I can try Natural Brown and Sweet Orange soon.