FROM PRETTY TO PRETTY POWERFUL: THE MEANING OF EMPOWERED BEAUTY

“ I really believe that when you feel good about yourself, there’s no limit to what you can do in your life-and that’s pretty powerful stuff.”

- Bobbi Brown

When I was growing up, I never did care about my physical self. I would go to school without combing my hair nor putting cute clips or fancy headbands on my head like what other girls my age would do back then. And much worse, I would even go to school without taking a bath! Yes, that’s how I am when I was young.

And when I entered High School, I started noticing things about my physical appearance. I noticed that my skin wasn’t flawless, I was fat, dark, and my hair was lackluster, thin, and straight (I envied girls with wavy hair). And every time I look at the mirror, all I see is an ordinary and an (I would take a big gulp every time I’ll say this) UGLY me.

Then one fateful day, my mother told me that I should learn how to make the most of what I have, and that I should always try to make an impression by always looking my best.

And this remarkable quotation started my encounter with make- up and skincare.

Like all first- times, we always make a lot of mistakes before we learn. Make- up and skincare were my first tools in recreating my image. Make- up totally transformed me. Every time I put on make- up, I feel as if I’m a different Martha. My skin looked more flawless, my lips are red and juicy, and false eyelashes did the trick in making my eyes look tempting and pretty, contact lenses gave me a whole new look, and whitening scrubs and creams made me achieve beautiful and fair skin. I was enjoying my whole new image because I gained more confidence about myself. I started creating new friends and getting new suitors. Oh, the possibilities and attention are endless when you are extraordinary!

Me wearing hazel- colored Contact lens every time i'll go to school!

But at the end of each day, every time I remove every single trace of make- up, every time I peel off the false eyelashes and take out the contact lenses, I still see the same old me. All the painstaking and time- consuming process that I had to go through in putting make- up and using skincare stuff did not change the fact that at the end of the day, my face is still the same. And I realized that I am still on the road of frustration.

I recall the time when I had an epiphany about beauty when I was a sophomore in college. I was staring at myself in the mirror, and I started to really ponder on what my mom meant when she said “Look your absolute best everywhere you go”. Then I realized that no matter what I do, whatever God has given me will never change and can never be replaced. And if that’s the case, it’s a matter of MAKING THE MOST OF WHAT YOU HAVE.

And that’s the time where I started to appreciate the real meaning of beauty.

The fact that I told myself before that make- up TRANSFORMS me is the start of the disillusion. The fact that I want to be transformed is an indication that I do not love myself, when in fact I do. I’ve realized that make- up became my mask. It hid all the imperfections, but it never did eradicate them. The process of becoming someone else was tiring, yet unsatisfying. Then I started seeing myself looking like a clown or a geisha in pictures. I even tell myself “I ACTUALLY WORE THIS MUCH MAKE- UP???” whenever I come across an old picture of me wearing tons of make- up.

My mother was a faithful Bobbi Brown user. She has been using the brand for more than ten years. When I was younger, I used to see these Bobbi Brown make- ups, but I was more attracted to brands with brighter and bolder colors. I used to think before that Bobbi Brown is for older women because of the neutral and plain shades of the brand. She told me that she loves Bobbi Brown because the colors are natural and practical. The colors enhance your face without making you look too made up. She’s such a fan of the brand that she knows the fact that Bobbi is fond of pink on girls and women, because pink imitates the natural glow and tint of the skin.

I’ve been seeing the blush in Pale Pink in her stash years ago when it still came in round pots. And I recalled how in love I was with the shade because it just makes you look pretty without going overboard.

I got my own. And it’s now in the new flip top square packaging. And I still fall in love with the candy pink glow every time I swipe the color on my cheeks! And with this blush, I started to open myself up to the brand. I must say that this has to be my most favorite Bobbi Brown product of all time.

And I’m glad I did because Bobbi Brown has the most accurate shades for any skin tone in my opinion. The shades of the foundation are not color- correct, but skin tone- correct, making customers find their perfect match easily and precisely. The pink shades are mistake- proof because whether you choose any shade of pink, the color just naturally warms or cools the skin tone, without making your cheeks stand out in a weird way. And the creamy eye pencils are love! The pencil imparts a soft color that’s perfect in lining your brows and lower and upper lash lines without giving off a striking appearance.

Bobbi Brown is known and appreciated worldwide by women because of her signature philosophy: And that is to enhance women through make- up, not transform them. And that philosophy is reflected in her products.

Recently, she launched the Pretty Powerful Campaign in New York. It is a campaign that aims to help women find the true meaning of being beautiful, and appreciate their natural beauty. Along with the campaign comes two limited edition make- up palettes: PRETTY (For young ones) and POWERFUL (For mature ones). Each palette is customized in such a way where all the colors will compliment each other, making it completely wearable.

I was one of the chosen few who got an invite from Bobbi Brown Phils. to take part in their Pretty Powerful contest. Apart from the fabulous prizes, I took part primarily because of the essence of the campaign. I have always supported and helped girls and women who appreciate and who try to appreciate real beauty. I don't have an online signature campaign nor an organization, but by simply reaching out to women who ask me daily on what make- up would look good on them is my crusade in promoting real and natural beauty.

The Pretty Powerful Palettes will be launched this February 2011 in the Philippines.

Ladies and Gentlemen, here is moi without make- up. And at this moment, I appreciate that pretty face!

Products used: Bobbi Brown Skin foundation (Warm Natural), Bobbi Brown Pretty Palette (Blush: Pretty Pink; Lipstick: Sandwash Pink; Eyes: Chocolate Caviar (creases) and Pink Flannel (lids))

And here’s moi wearing the colors of the Bobbi Brown Pretty Palette. And that’s more like it! It’s still me, only prettier. There are little pimple bumps on the cheeks, semi- concealed dark circles, and slightly covered- up marks. But I don’t mind. These tiny imperfections make me look and feel like… ME!

Make- up now has a whole new meaning to me. It is something that slightly tweaks my face without completely changing it. It is something that makes my face look better, but not different. And knowing that I can still be me without having to morph my appearance makes me feel more confident, and more appreciative of what God has given me. My journey with make- up was a fun one, and it is one of the things that made me who I am today.

I am so happy for having that epiphany about personal beauty. And whatever make- up fad comes out in the market, I am confident that I will still stick with whatever it is that enhances my natural beauty. After all, make- up should make you feel confident for who you are, not for what you will look like after. And make- up should never be something scary or too complicated for beginners. In the first place, make- up should be the solution, not the obstacle. Fads will remain fads. They will be gone after some time. But the basic, simple, clean, and natural beauty will stay forever. It will always captivate and illuminate. It will make you happy and confident about yourself. And being contented with what you have is the key in finding beauty amidst imperfections. Now that’s PRETTY POWERFUL!

Check out other pretty powerful stories by joining BOBBI BROWN'S FANPAGE. Find out what's the latest with Bobbi Brown and know all about the Pretty Powerful campaign!

"The love of beauty in its multiple forms is the noblest gift of the human cerebrum."

~Alexis Carrel ~

HOW ABOUT YOU? WHAT MAKES YOU PRETTY POWERFUL?

WACOAL SORCIAGE: IT'S HIP TO BE YOU- NIQUE

When you think of Wacoal, an image of your mom or elder sister instantly pops into your head. Because Wacoal equals mature and serious designs.

In 2007, Wacoal introduced the Sorciage line to the Philippine lingerie market. And Sorciage was able to open the doors of Wacoal to the youth. Wacoal takes women seriously, but it doesn’t mean that serious can’t been fun and funky.

I was so excited when Trixie of Nuffnang contacted me and asked me to do an advertorial for Wacoal along with three other bloggers (whose names I forgot. I’m so sorry! :p). The meeting was set on a Monday in Makati.

Let me muse on my first- ever sponsored post courtesy of Wacoal.

Before the whole thing started, we kicked off the meeting with a feast of yummy dishes from Piadina. I am eternally on a diet, but I wasn’t able to resist the mouthwatering mini calzones, pizza, pasta, and the heavenly cheesecake! I just told myself that I’ll work out like hell the next day.

The meeting was short and sweet. The Sorciage line was introduced, the designs that are bound to come out were introduced, and we had a primer on the “right way to wear a bra” (which happens to be my most favourite part in the meeting).

We walked home with a full stomach and with a bag loaded with freebies of our choice.

Let me show you what I got:

Goodies from Wacoal

A black lace bandeau bra and underwear terno. Style is called Popstar Viva Vida (Spring/Summer collection).

A convertible blue with black lace detail bra and underwear terno. Style is called Dancin’ Diana (Autumn/Winter collection).

My free sets with the Sorciage catalogue.

The Sorciage line is all about uniqueness in style. The line believes that every girl is uniquely beautiful in their own different ways. Sorciage is inspired by music and art, which is very relevant to girls and women, young and old alike. Art and music are ways to express one’s own individuality, and that’s what Sorciage is all about. Every style is inspired by the different unique personalities of every girl, so it’s impossible not to find a pair that will match your taste!

I personally believe that whatever makes you feel good inside and out, do it. And when it comes to clothing, it is also important that every piece helps you pull your look together, therefore making you more confident in whatever clothing you’re in. It feels uneasy if your bra straps are falling, or if your underwear just can’t resist going inside your butt. It just destroys your confidence, and it can lead you to ungracious situations (e.g. being caught fixing your wedgie). You could also be a victim of your own lingerie! (e.g. exposed butt cracks, cup marks on your breasts, ungodly sightings of “bacon garters” peeping out of your pants). I tell you, you wouldn’t want people seeing these, most especially your date!

Sorciage is specifically cut to fit Asian women. And that means perfect fit and the right size. I’ve worn these for a week and I must say that the panties stayed put, and the bras perfectly support my bust without feeling too tight and too loose. Price tag may be a bit hefty, but the undeniable comfort and great quality is what you pay for when you buy your innerwear from Wacoal. The material of the bra is great, and the stitching on every corner is expertly done so your Wacoal bra will last you for almost a lifetime. No sagging, no loose stitches, and no shrinking. And did I mention that the Sorciage line has pretty designs that are sure to match every girl’s funky personality? The designs are so pretty, you can even wear the bras and undies on its own!

My personal favourite is the Popstar Viva Vida. It’s such an innovative bandeau. Usually, bandeaus don’t give you enough support as compared to wearing a bra, but you need ‘em to cover your babies if you’re wearing a top with a low neckline Popstar Viva Vida is a combination of the two. Don’t shy away from wearing v- necks, scoop neckline tops, and sheer tops because this bandeau covers your babies, whilst still providing comfortable support. And this brandeau doesn’t fall off (which is the case for most bandeaus).

As you can see, Sorciage’s line is all about embellished bras and undies. Some might feel intimidated in wearing them because the laces, embellishments, and designs might show up under basic clothing, which is quite unfashionable. Fret not! You can play with Sorciage’s designs! For example, if you’re wearing a tube, you can wear the strap on, because every strap is stylish enough to be part of your clothing. Or if you’re wearing racerbacks or tanks, the embellished straps are unusual yet funky additions on your shoulders. My friends saw me in my Dancin’ Diana pair and they commented on the pretty straps of the bra. Sorciage also has basic styles for girls who like it plain and simple. The line has t- shirt bras, bandeaus, and plain underwear in basic colors. So whether you like it simple or funky, Sorciage has everything to offer!

If you’re a lingerie freak or simply just looking for a nice pair of bra and underwear, check out Sorciage. The price you pay is practical considering that Wacoal is a good brand. If we can afford to spend so we can look good on the outside, might as well make an effort in looking good on the inside! As the saying goes, everything starts from within. And feeling good is feeling beautiful inside and out.

There goes my post! The rest of the entry will show you pictures from the meeting.

L-R: Rockbabe Roxanne, Popstar Viva Vida, and Rockbabe Roxanne sleepwear set

Candies! :)

Rockbabe Roxanne pair and promotional picture used for the tarp

Blogger peeps!

Personal notes:

*To the three bloggers, I am sorry for my poor memory. I can’t remember all your names! But I had a great time choosing freebies, chatting a bit, and pigging out with you. I hope to see you all again soon.

* To the Nuffnang team, thank you so much for trusting me and for giving me this opportunity to experience Wacoal. Now I want more of their designs! Cheers Trixie!

*To the Wacoal team, thank you for being nice, sweet, and amiable to me and my fellow bloggers. Your products are swell! See you soon, and I hope you like my post!

A VISIT TO THE NEWEST SHOPPING STORE SENSATION: MUJI

Muji had two openings: Unofficial and official. The 15th of Oct. marked its unofficial opening. It's a day for invited guests, friends, and press releasing. And Oct. 16 is the official opening of the store to the public.

As usual, celebrities and common people crowded to the Japanese sensation store. I went there at around 8pm, hoping not to catch a mob of people shopping. When I got there, there were also a hundred others who were thinking of the same thing. In short, there were still a lot of people.

And the line is horrendous. It was long, and the cashier people are like freaking out because they didn't expect the overwhelming welcome of the Filipinos for Muji. Good thing I was in dire need of a toner. If not, I will not waste my time falling in line.

Below are some of the best shots that I can get. It felt like I was in a Sardines can even if the place is kinda' big. Yep, that's how Filipinos respond to fads.

The make- up (yes, you read it right. Muji has make- up!), skin, and body care section

The entry level skin and body care products

The more expensive skin and body care stuff

The personal care for travel section

The pens and notebooks section

The Clothes and Accessories section

The Bed and Bath section

Now I'm just being opinionated. Honestly, I don't understand why Muji was being hyped even before it opened here in the Philippines. What happens to hyped up stuff is, you end up being disappointed in the end because your expectations skyrocket to unimaginable heights. If I just see this store one day if Im strolling in TFHS, and didn't even have a clue what Muji is all about, I would probably be amused.

Honestly, it's all department store stuff at The Fort High Street prices. Forgive me for raining on any parade, but, I really think that Muji's stuff are way overpriced! It's like this: an upscale Daiso/Saizen store. The only difference is, they have home stuff. And regarding the acrylic drawers, I find them pretty expensive, though I admit that they would really look good on my dresser and study table.

I can't bring myself to understanding as to why the pens are overtly expensive. I mean, c'mon! What makes them different from the pens you find in National Bookstore?! I was about to pay for a pink and purple gel pen and found out that they cost at around 80php+ each. Before the SA printed the receipt, I told the SA to void the pens from it.

And the clothes. Oh the clothes. They're horrible. Why? Because they're expensive, yet tasteless! I do understand that they aim understated, streamlined, simple, and down-to-earth styles, but I can get the same stuff from Giordano at a tad cheaper price! The shirts are too simple for 900php or 1k, the cardigans are too sheer to protect you from the cold, and the sizes are big--or too loose. Their clothing section is like meant for people who like wearing baggy clothes.

Just like how money experts would tell you to steer clear of fixed price stores, I would say that the same goes to Muji. They have a lot of interesting stuff, but only to the point that they're only interesting, but in reality, you can do without them. If you're into cheap skin care, then I can recommend that you Muji a visit. But if you're the type who is always at the brink of maxing out their credit card, do yourself and your wallet a favor. Practice responsible shopping first, then pay Muji a visit.

**Muji at The Fort High Street is located at the second level of the building where Gap is located .

DID YOU GUYS VISIT MUJI? WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? LIKE IT OR LEAVE IT? I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS!

THE VILLAINS HIT MANILA: MAC PHILIPPINES LAUNCHES DISNEY VENOMOUS VILLAINS COLLECTION '10

Yesterday, MAC officially launched the VENOMOUS VILLAINS COLLECTIONS. It features four of Disney's timeless and most evil villains ever created: Queen Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty), Evil Queen (Snow White), Cruella De Vil (101 Dalmatians), and Dr. Facilier (The Princess and the Frog).

The opening in MAC, Makati featured a make- up tutorial of the Venomous Villains looks conducted by the resident MAC SAs and MUAs. And it ended with a costume fashion show of the four featured villains modeled by the SAs themselves as well.

I wasn't able to attend the said event because I had to go to the hospital for a check- up because I had a fever for almost a week, and I'm suspecting that I have Dengue. But thank God, it was just fatigue and flu. I'm a lot better now.

Anyway.

I went there to pick up two Toxic Tale lipsticks from the Evil Queen collection which I reserved a week prior to the release of the VV collection (Yes, that's how interested I am with this collection. I love Disney with a passion! :P).

Almost every item is sold out! Who doesn't love Disney?! Before the stocks were released, some of the famous shades are already sold out!

If you're planning to drop by any MAC branches and score some VV make- ups, I hate to break your heart, but you might not be able to buy the famous items anymore. Or if your luck could go worse, everything might be out of stock as of the moment. Well, there could be hope. I passed by Powerplant mall today, and they don't have the VV collection on their counters yet. You can go to Powerplant and ask them if they will carry the VV collection. If they are, then reserve your items right away!

Here are some pics of the drool- worthy VV make- ups. Good thing almost all of the stuff that I want are already sold out. Because if they're still available, I'd go beyond my budget (again!)!

Queen Maleficent collection

Cruella De Vil and Evil Queen collection

Dr. Facilier collection

"Uh- oh... I smell trouble. OOS Trouble! :p"

I only came home with the stuff I reserved for me and sis Ged. Toxic Tale lippies from the Evil Queen collection.

WHAT ARE YOUR VENOMOUS VILLAINS HAULS? DID YOU HAVE THE CHANCE TO BUY FROM THIS COLLECTION?

MAKE- UP TRENDS: ANIMATED BEAUTY

Some of our childhood icons and idols all came from cartoons. As a tribute to the characters that have influenced our childhood, Paul and Joe, Maybelline, and MAC are offering these Limited edition make- ups that are so hard to resist!

PAUL AND JOE LIMITED EDITION ALICE IN WONDERLAND TIN CAN MAKE- UP SETS

It's compact nature makes it easy to carry whether your bag is big or small. Each tin can contains an LE oil- blotting sheet and a tinted lip conditioner.

MAC VENOMOUS VILLAINS COLLECTION

It's time that the villains get the spotlight! After all, there would be no heroes without villains, right? MAC presents these LE make- ups with 4 timeless villains from Disney engraved in every product.

MAYBELLINE HELLO KITTY+VOLUM EXPRESS MASCARA

The coolest cat in the world is in the spotlight! Achieve your own "Cat Eyes" with Maybelline's Volum Mascara. Apart from the fabulous mascara formulation, you have to get one because the tube is purr-tastic and adorable!

WHY HIDE: A PRIMER ON CONCEALERS

In this entry, we are going to decipher the different uses of concealer shades.

If you're not contented with the effectivity of your concealer, you might need two or three more shades to completely conceal and change your skin tone. Concealer shades are made to help conceal different skin problems and discolorations. And of course, the evidence of late night partying. :)

Let's start first with the different kinds of concealers:

LIQUID CONCEALER

- Cream concealers take time when drying so liquid concealers are made. They work just like foundation. They settle easily, and are less likely to settle on fine lines. Works well on any skin type. Comes in a tube or in an automatic pen with brush.

CREAM CONCEALERS

- For under eyes with dry skin. The creamy consistency helps nourish dry patches around the eye area, just like how lotion would nourish dry skin. Comes in jars and tubes with brush or doe foot applicators

STICK CONCEALER

- For spot concealing. It's good for specific concealing of blemishes.

POWDER CONCEALERS

- Became famous when mineral cosmetics have entered the cosmetic market. It will work well on people with oily skin. It's also perfect for people on the go, who usually can't afford to spend too much time in putting make- up.

PENCIL CONCEALER

- Made for hard- to- reach areas on the face. (E.G. Corners of the nose, area right below the waterline)

Now that you have determined the concealer that will suit you best, you have to know which shade will work for you. It's not enough that you have a concealer that's a shade lighter than your skin tone, especially if you think that you need serious concealing. For concealing to be successful and for concealers to take effect, you should know what color suits what skin discoloration.

LET'S START!

Photo Credit: cosmetic-candy.com

ORANGE/ PEACH CONCEALERS AKA "THE CORRECTOR"

- These shades are specifically created for dark circles with a slight black/ dark brown hue.

LILAC/VIOLET CONCEALERS AKA "THE DE- VEIN-ER"

- These shades are made to conceal skin discolorations such as purplish and bluish dark circles, and even veins on the face.

PINK CONCEALERS AKA "THE HIGHLIGHTER"

- Pink highlights the complexion. It also makes skin look healthier. And applying a pink concealer underneath helps people with serious dark circles achieve a healthy look. It also corrects sallow discolorations on the skin and under eyes.

WHITE CONCEALERS AKA "THE ILLUMINATOR"

- This is used in professional make- up. It helps further enhance an area that needs highlighting or definition.

NEUTRAL/BROWN CONCEALERS AKA "THE CONCEALER"

- A brown/neutral concealer is what will commonly come to mind when asked to define or picture a concealer. What people don't know is, neutral/brown concealers are only used to match the natural color of the skin tone. Total and correct concealing will require 1- 3 of the shades listed above. But this will pretty much work on people with less serious skin or under eye discolorations. Neutral/Brown concealers are perfect for people with eye bags.

YELLOW CONCEALERS AKA "THE BRIGHTENER"

- Late night partying, stress, and lack of sleep can affect the tone of your skin around the eyes. Yellow concealers are used underneath a natural concealer to help achieve a brightened and more awake look.

GREEN CONCEALERS AKA "THE BLEMISH BUSTER"

- Green concealers are used to tame down redness, rosacea, and newly emerged acne.

Now that you have learned the different purposes of each shade of concealer, it's now time to know what you could possibly buy and bring when traveling. It's quite costly to buy each and every shade, not to mention that it'll be a lot of bulk in your bag!

Thank goodness for the palettes. You get to have the shades in one case.

PERSONAL CONCEALER AND CORRECTOR

- For people who don't have grave under eye discolorations, a personal palette with at least two shades is recommended. Usually, it contains a neutral concealer and a brightener that are specifically matched.

Photo Credit: cosmetic-candy.com

A PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL CONCEALER PALETTE

- For people who go from casual to professional, a concealer palette comes in handy. It's also best for people who are having a hard time finding their concealer shade. A personal palette like this one gives you the option to mix and match different neutral/brown shades, so you can create the concealer that's perfect for you.

Photo credit: myclassycloset.blogspot.com

A PROFESSIONAL CONCEALER PALETTE

- This is an example of a concealer palette for PRO make- up artists . It contains correctors and concealers.

NOT IN THE PICTURE:

CORRECTOR PALETTE

- Contains all correctors (pink, yellow, peach, lilac)

There you go! Hope this helps! :)

**I am sorry for not being able to type in the sites where I got these pictures. I forgot to save the list that I've made. If ever you see your picture here, please comment and I will give you due credit. Thank you! :)