The Girls Get Talking: An Intimate Afternoon with naFlora

“It's not very easy to grow up into a woman. We are always taught, almost bombarded, with ideals of what we should be at every age in our lives: "This is what you should wear at age twenty", "That is what you must act like at age twenty-five", "This is what you should be doing when you are seventeen." But amidst all the many voices that bark all these orders and set all of these ideals for girls today, there lacks the voice of assurance. There is no comfort and assurance. I want to be able to say, that there are four things admirable for a woman to be, at any age! Whether you are four or forty-four or nineteen! It's always wonderful to be elegant, it's always fashionable to have grace, it's always glamorous to be brave, and it's always important to own a delectable perfume! Yes, wearing a beautiful fragrance is in style at any age!” 

The past week, I had the privilege to be invited to a great and very educational event at Posh Nails in BGC which was hosted by naFlora. From the get go, I wasn't quite aware of what was going to happen but after the program... can I just say that I learned so much vital information that  I, as a woman, didn't know but how to. We had a lovely speaker who was a specialist in OB-Gyn and granted that THAT was her area of expertise, she was definitely the best person to consult and learn insight from. Her presentation and talk was entertaining and was not the usual "lecture" type as she was able to explain the importance of knowing that at certain ages, we need different kinds of feminine wash concentrations to maintain a healthy pH balance in every girl's private part. Well aside from that, she also explained some tips on how to take care of your body and on how certain lifestyles (ie., drinking, stress, smoking, medications) can have an effect on your reproductive system. She also debunked certain tips that we, being a very superstitious race, tend to believe in because that was what their grandmother's grandmother who said so. I am shocked how little people knew and how they have certain beliefs which are not only unhealthy but potentially dangerous. At my age (I am 27 years old), I am knowledgeable in human anatomy specifically the reproductive organ of a woman... however, I also realized that there was so much more I needed to learn which is why I am thankful that I was able to get some expert advice from a specialist. 

This is letting go

It's time to let go. Who has heard this from someone who cares for them? Who has said it to someone they care about? I am sure at one point in anyone's life, they were on both the receiving and sending end of this saying. The thing with letting go is that most of the time, it is easier said than done. Somehow, we are wired to hang on to things even if the only thing keeping us from falling to the inevitable is the fact that we are hanging by a thread. Then it breaks and we are left with no choice but to stop hanging on... it's always better to jump than to free fall because at least you have control of the former. The thing is I have spent most of my life heavily invested on this idea of control that it is hard for me to let go. I think I need to fix things and handle things even if they are beyond repair. My least favorite feeling in the world is powerlessness and being "out of control" is never an option for me especially since I realized at a young age that I have terrible coping mechanisms. It doesn't sound easy and it is not in any way a fun life. However, recently, I have been aligning myself and putting things in perspective... I've realized that to avoid stressful situations and major diva-style meltdowns, I need to be more flexible, more capable of going with the flow and of course with that comes the ability of learning the art of letting go.

New In: Fascinating New Things

I am always so awkward when it comes to receiving gifts (yes, it is a thing of mine since I was young as I was taught not to rely on freebies). However, I think it comes along with the perks of being a fashion and lifestyle blogger to try out new products and so far, here are my favorite ones...

First Impressions

Say what you want to say about first impressions... but at the end of the day, we all have to admit it: (even if we don't want to) they matter. Recent studies show that it only takes up to 8 seconds to make a first impression!(And that's not really a long time) So to sum it up, basically, we are given only one shot to show our best foot forward, so let’s make it perfect! How would that be possible?--- you might ask me. And my answer is to begin with the basics: what I do is I make it vital to put my best face forward and I don't know about you but I do so with Maybelline Clear Smooth BB Cream which gives me instant skin perfection, the perfect first step for the perfect first impression! It is all I need to cover imperfections and brighten my complexion for a radiant and healthy glow!

Leather on Leather

A lot of people say that leather on leather is a fashion faux pas but as time and trends prove: in fashion, nothing is permanent- there are no rules and if there are, they are meant to be broken. Leather is one Autumn/Winter runway trend we cannot get enough of so it was bound to happen that double leather has appeared on fashion runways starting Fall 2013 and it is definitely carrying on to 2014 trends for the season. I never quite saw myself wearing double leather since it seemed to be too dominatrix, but, oh well, this isn't exactly the first time I am recanting my thoughts and words. Finding myself in a situation where I was donned in all leather proved that when it comes to style, one really can "never say never." The unpredictability of it all, I have to admit is what kind of excites me. What was a bigger shocker was that I actually had fun wearing this outfit and I didn't- in any way- feel constrained or bound which is what body hugging clothes usually do. Also, I was quite happy wearing this ensemble and finishing it off with a British graffiti themed spiked heels since I felt like I was going back to my rocker/ biker chic roots. I felt amazing and very ZZ Top meets AC/DC in this look and it's been awhile since I've dressed up in this style. I felt like I was back... ready to rock on!

I love Elle Fanning!

Day 18. From breakup--- to makeup...

What you call natural... I call lazy.
"BEAUTY is about PERCEPTION, not about makeup. I think the beginning of all beauty is KNOWING and LIKING oneself. You can't put on makeup, or dress yourself, or do your hair with any sort of FUN or JOY if you're doing it from a position of correction."

- Kevyn Aucoin

Color Story: It's a Charmed Life!

People always tell me I am practically dolled up 95% of the time, the 5% I am not I reserve for sleeping which on some rare occasions I am still quite cute for (well since I invest in cute PJ sets and eyemasks) but anyway, since I am known for my makeup skills and how I am almost always "dolled up" or "made up"...here's a sneak peek at my makeup kit/ beauty arsenal.

Side note---BTW, I am NOT offended when people comment that I love to wear makeup. It's not a bad thing. It's not that I have to hide under layers of cosmetics to be pretty because I do invest in my skin as I think great skin is a great canvas to experiment on. It's that I am a strong believer in enhancing my assets to its full potential (you have it, might as well prettify it!) and being 100% prepared for anything. I can rarely be caught off guard and if ever you do see me all puffy and pale, I probably must be super sick or in the brink of a nervous breakdown. I think other makeup enthusiasts get me on this. I love fashion and I love makeup. And whenever I dress up, makeup is a part of my ensemble...it's like a package deal. Oh and the same goes with my hair. I make sure it matches my look. I'm OC like that!

The Arsenal:

Top to Bottom, Left to Right
My Beauty Essentials...yes I have a lot! To think this was already filtered as absolute essentials!
(1) Beauty Formulas Petroleum Jelly Cream with Cocoa Butter (it has a coconut beachy smell to it, thats why I love it!)
(2)Maybelline Cat Eye Volume Mascara (perfect for separating lashes)
(3) MAC Like Venus Lip Gloss
(4) Smashbox O-gloss (it's magic makeup, starts off clear then gets super pink!)
(5) Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizer (new found addiction)
(6) Mac Prep + Prime Skin Makeup Primer- it's a light weight mousse that makes skin matte and blends perfectly with makeup to make it last all day and all night long
(7) The ODBO BB Cream (I had my BFF search for this all the way in Seoul Korea when she went. I am a BB Cream addict! Hardcore)
(8) MAC Fix+ Spray... perfectly sets my makeup and makes it last longer and keeps my face hydrated
(9) Versace Bright Crystal...my night scent
(10) Shu Uemura Loose Powder (sets my foundation to perfection)
(11) BVLGARI au the blanc (my everyday scent)
(12) Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Palette in Rose Quartz-acts as my bronzer, blush and shimmer all in one!
(13) MAC Asstd. Glitter Pigments- great lightweight eyeshadow and pretty easy to blend
(14) MAC Eyeshadow- this one in hot pink/ Rani Frost shade
(15) Sephora Rouge Lipstick in R11..the hottest hot pink shade ever (used this in the photo). Makes my lips look extra juicy and plump sans the red tone. This is my doll makeup secret, along with Mac Pink Noveau
(16) My gold makeup pouch (Midas Touch!) from Tickles!
(17) OPI Nail Polish in Hot Hot Pink
(18) Concealers: VOV and MAC camouflage. I hate that VOV has been discontinued here. I am still looking for a substitute but since I am a makeup hoarder (I buy lots of stocks so I never run out, I have 4 for backup)

The Glossies:

I think its safe to say, Pink is my favorite crayon!

All the Shimmers in this world is sure to fade away...again.

Thats why I have glitter and lots of it!

Life in technicolor!
Painting on my face has never been so much fun with this much paint/color to experiment, blend and play with!

And then some more...
I am pretty vocal about how organized my makeup table is supposed to be.
One of the reasons I take forever to get ready is that after I put on my makeup, I clean and make sure everything is in place before leaving. OCD at its finest right there!

Smashbox O-Glow's Cheek Tint has the smoothening properties of the Smashbox primer (below) except that it adds a rosy glow to your cheeks.


Lastly, the secret to great makeup application are state of the art brushes. So invest in your own set (I like to keep two, one for home and one for travel so I don't need to keep on packing)

Add ons:
Invest in a makeup chiller, in this temperate and humid country, extreme temperatures tend to ruin makeup so a cosmetic chiller (yes, a refrigerator for makeup is the perfect solution)

Get your own copy of Bobbi Brown's Book: Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual. It's the best and simplest makeup tutorial book ever. Seriously.

There you go. I've shared my secrets and I hope it help especially for those emailing me (there have been a lot, seriously!) for makeup tips. Feel free to ask me for anything or share your own beauty secrets would love to hear them!

xx