How to get what you want at Christmas

Tweet

From getting you ill-fitting lingerie to offering you perfume that is totally at odds with your personality, some men need a little help before they can legitimately give Santa a run for his money. Sticking post-it notes in catalogues is a thing of the past, but what’s a savvy girl to do to ensure her beau puts the right Christmas gift under the tree?

Underwear you can wear

If your hubby loves to give the gift of lingerie at Christmas, he will, of course, be infinitely more successful if aware of your correct size! Bra sizes are like hieroglyphics to the uninitiated, and we all know that it’s pointless taking a stab in the dark. The trick is to save the tags when bra shopping and sneak them into your partner’s wallet.

Granted, it’s not an exact science, as different companies and styles have slight variations in size, but it’s more accurate than guesswork. The same trick can be used with dresses. No tags from recent sprees? Snip the fabric label from one of your garments. It’s more easily misplaced, but will do in a pinch.

The right scent for the right woman

Perfume is another problem area. It’s lovely to receive a fresh bottle of your favourite scent, but how often have you opened that little rectangular gift to find the wrong box underneath the festive paper? Eau de toilette and eau du parfum are easily confused for one another, and the case of right designer, wrong fragrance is a classic slip-up.

To avoid confusion, simply cut the front panel from an old perfume box, including the designer, type of fragrance and name of perfume, and then make another foray into your man’s wallet.

Of course, the old “tuck a label in his wallet” trick doesn’t work for everything. You might want to bookmark favourite items on his desktop, tablet or phone. There’s a great range of Christmas gifts at Very.co.uk, from fashion to fragrances, so why not start your search there? You’ll also find great offers during January Sale period. Keep your eyes wide open and be sure to bookmark as you go. If your hints are too subtle, you’ll always be able to raid your bookmark stash post-Christmas. Next year, perhaps resort to print-outs stuck to his bathroom mirror!

My Holiday Wardrobe Must-Haves

Tweet

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

This is my most favorite time of the year because I have all the excuse to layer up and wear fabulous blazers, tights, boots and scarfs! ;) Actually, regardless of the season, I almost always wear my tights and boots. lol

Anyway, I recently found an online shopping site that has my Holiday Wardrobe Must-Haves!

Blazer / Jacket

This is a no-brainer. For someone like me who works in an office that somehow feels like an igloo, a good blazer is a must have. For the holidays, I suggest amping it up a little bit by choosing a more tailored piece.

It's really sophisticated, and can be worn so many ways. 

Dress

Who can go wrong with a dress in a very classic cut and color?

I love this type of style because it will flatter even my plus size physique. For the holidays, I will go the other way and avoid dark colors. Besides, this particular dress can be worn any season, with the right accessories.

Scarf

I learned to love this accessory when I became friends with Dyms. ;)

I love how a scarf can keep me warm and stylish at the same. It's really easy to wear, and not as expensive as other fashion accessories. I particularly love leopard prints and wear it in a very subtle way.

For those who wants to experiment with prints but are too afraid to overdo it, a scarf in your preferred print is a great way to start. :)

Tights

Why am I crazy about tights?

They let me wear mini dresses, skirts, and even shorts without showing any skin!

Even my skimpiest (shortest, I mean) skirts look classy whenever I wear my favorite opaque tights.

I get a lot of flak for wearing them almost all the time, but I really don't care.

Tights will always be my forever love. :)

Boots

I'm pretty sure you've seen this coming. Hahaha!

I adore boots, especially flat (or at least a good walking) boots. I love how boots upgrades a very simple outfit. Now that the weather is cooler, I can finally wear boots with ease. Though I'm sure I will still get stares from.... the less fashion savvy crowd. >=p

So what outfit are you donning this season?

Drop a comment below! :)

All items are available in Javelin. <3

The 411 on MAC Lipsticks

Tweet

If you haven't noticed, 95% of my posts are about MAC lipsticks. My love for MAC lipsticks began when I purchased Girl About Town, 2 years ago. The moment I swiped that must-have shade, I just got addicted. Jannie, a fellow beauty blogger and a good friend, asked f I have a post about MAC lipstick finishes that she can check out. She wanted a reference since she's not that familiar with MAC lipsticks just yet. I thought its a pretty good idea for a blog post, so here it is. Why haven't I thought of that? Silly me. ^_^

Disclaimer: I'm not a professional / expert on this subject. My sentiments and explanations on this subject is based solely on my experience and observation using my growing MAC lipstick collection. I'm just a huge (addicted) fan. I encourage you to try them out yourself and not just take my word for it. :)

MATTE

This is my favorite finish, and not just with MAC. I love how long wearing and opaque (most colors, if not all) this finish is. As the name suggests, it doesn't have any sheen/gloss on it. I love how non-drying this MAC finish is even though it's matte (with the exception of Ruby Woo and Smoked Purple). Some of my favorites are Candy Yum Yum, Russian Red, Velvet Teddy, Quick Sizzle and Pink Pigeon.

MATTENE / SEMI-MAT

This is the creamier version of matte. This formula glides on more smoothly, providing superb opacity. I love how easy this formula is to wear. I would say that this is the child of matte and amplified creme, if ever they hook up. The downside? It's not as long wearing as its parent, matte. My favorites are Eden Rouge and Rare Exotic(limited edition).

AMPLIFIED

For those who wants a perfect opacity and creaminess to their lipstick, this is the right finish for you. This provides the opacity of matte and mattene finishes, but a little more creamy and moisturizing on the lips. Some of my favorites are Girl About Town (review to be posted), Something New (limited edition), Morange and Vegas Volt.

PRO LONGWEAR

This finish boasts its longevity and wear without drying your lips and sacrificing opacity. Lipsticks in this finish are a bit more expensive than other MAC lipsticks. Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of this range. I don't like the packaging and I really don't get why I should pay extra for something I can enjoy with the (creamy) matte ones. But who am I to whine? LOL. My favorite from this line is Dear Diary.

SATIN

As the name suggests, this has a satin (slight sheen yet still very opaque in color) finish. I really love how light this feels when worn, without sacrificing color opacity. It won't dry your lips and won't make any lip imperfection (chapped? wrinkled?) more apparent. My only problem with this finish is that it's not as long wearing as I'd want it to be so I suggest you invest in a good lip primer prior to using this. My favorite shades are Rebel, Viva Glam Nicki and Love Goddess.

LUSTRE

This is my least favorite finish. It doesn't really do anything for my pigmented lips. It's quite sheer like a gloss, only it's a tad more opaque. The only shade that I own is Flamingo, It's perfect for very dramatic eyes during summer.

CREMESHEEN

I never thought I'd love this finish. It's a creamy formula with a sheen, usually sheer but buildable. For those days I don't want anything too dramatic on my lips, lipsticks in this formula are my weapon. My favorites are Ravishing and Crosswires, though I prefer the latter.


So there you go. I believe there are other finishes of MAC lipsticks out there, but since I don't have them and never got to try them, they're not included here. I also try to avoid posting reviews on MAC lipsticks that are from older limited collections, unless it's requested or I'll use them as reference for comparison.

Any requests? Would you like me to create a post featuring my entire MAC lipstick collection?

Leave a comment below or post it on my Facebook Page! :)

MAC Charmed I'm Sure - Review, Photos, Swatches

Tweet

MAC Charmed I'm Sure is a part of the MAC Marilyn Monroe Collection. This shade is a true red with blue undertones. It's slightly lighter than MAC Russian Red, but not as bright as MAC Ruby Woo. It's a hint brighter than MAC Such Flare. This has a matte finish (favorite!) which makes it quite long wearing. It's also really opaque so if you have pigmented lips, it will still work for you.

I've had this lipstick for a while now, right about the time it was released locally. I was a bit apprehensive if I should post about it since its already sold out, but I just had to share it. I love Marilyn Monroe and I think MAC did justice in this collection: from the formulation, shades up to the packaging. I was so tempted to get Scarlet Ibis but I already got one from the Iris Apfel Collection. Didn't even bother getting Pure Zen. LOL

MAC Charmed I'm Sure

I'm sorry, I was in a hurry that day.
Didn't even bother fixing my hair 'cause I was running late for work.

PROS: a beautiful shade that's perfect for the holidays, long wearing, matte but not drying, opaque, fabulous packaging!

CONS: limited edition :( 

VERDICT:

 I will definitely repurchase! (if ever it gets re-promoted)

Where To Buy:

MAC Charmed I'm Sure

Online, prices may vary

MAC Vegas Volt - Review, Photos, Swatches

Tweet

MAC Vegas Volt is perfect for those wants to rock a bright lipstick this season, without looking too dramatic. Vegas Volt is a warm bright coral orange shade. It's not as loud as MAC Morange and MAC Neon Orange, but it will still give you that oomph. It's in amplified creme finish. It's opaque and has a decent hours of wear. I would suggest a good lip primer though if you're like me who usually unintentionally eats the lipstick on my lips. LOL. I also think this shade flatters most skin tones. Perfect for summer, but it surely deserves the spotlight even during the holiday season. :)

I had a little trouble finding this shade here in the Philippines. Most makeup artists from MAC Philippines never even heard of this shade. The same thing happened when I went to a MAC Pro store and a regular MAC Counter in Hong Kong. Weird, right? Anyway, I was able to get one online.

MAC Vegas Volt

]

PROS: lovely bright coral shade, creamy and opaque finish, decent hours of wear, flatters most skin tones

CONS: I think the shade is not available in MAC Asia. Not sure about this but it sure seems like it. Again, MAC lipsticks are quite pricey. Needs a lip primer to increase the hours of wear.

VERDICT:

 I will definitely repurchase!

Where To Buy:

MAC Vegas Volt

Online, P1000

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipstick in MPK376 - Review, Photos, Swatches

Tweet

It's that time of the year again and I just love wearing bright lipsticks! Well, actually, I always love wearing traffic-stopping lipsticks. I love the drama and the pop of color it brings to my usually pale face.

Anyway, you ladies know I love matte lipsticks, right? But even I hate how some formulas dry out my lips.
I'm also not a fan of the "heavy feeling" of matte lipsticks when worn. I'm just so glad I found a matte lipstick in a bright fuchsia pink shade that doesn't wry out my lips at all. :)

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipstick in MPK376 is a bright fuchsia pink in matte finish. I would say it's a blue-based shade. It's not as opaque at first, but it is buildable. This formula reminds me of MAC's mattene lipsticks: creamy yet matte. This is my first Shu Uemura lipstick, and I must say I'm quite impressed. It's an exact dupe of the famous MAC Quick Sizzle, though Quick Sizzle is more opaque. But I find this formula just a little more long wearing and doesn't feel as heavy on the lips. I'm not exactly a fan of the packaging: clear caps and a bright shade usually means smears everywhere.

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipstick in MPK376

Top Row: (L) MPK376 without flash, (R) MPK376 with flash
Bottom Row:  (L) MPK376 and Quick Sizzle without flash, (R) MPK376 and Quick Sizzle with flash

when worn

PROS: matte, creamy yet it won't dry out your lips, long wearing, a permanent shade, locally available, dupe for the limited edition MAC Quick Sizzle
CONS: had to swipe 2-3X to achieve my preferred opacity, not a fan of the packaging, pricey


VERDICT:

 I will definitely repurchase!



Where To Buy:
Shu Uemura Counters
Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipstick in MPK376,  P1195

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Pink Me Up - Review, Photos, Swatches

Tweet

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Pink Me Up is my new favorite drugstore lipstick for everyday. It's a light pink shade with a slightly cool undertone. It has a creamy finish and good color payoff. Its also opaque so girls with pigmented lips like me won't have a problem with this one. Actually, this is the most opaque lipstick I've had from Maybelline. The color and finish is almost identical, and I would say a dupe, for MAC Chatterbox. It's the "everyday pink lipstick" because it has a good punch of color so it won't wash you out and it won't intimidate the lipstick bashful. It's also a lot more affordable than MAC Chatterbox so that's an awesome news.

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Pink 

Top Row: (L)Pink Me Up w/o flash, (R) Pink Me Up with flash
Bottom Row: (L)Pink Me Up & MAC Chatterbox w/o flash
(R) Pink Me Up & MAC Chatterbox with flash

PROS: Shade is perfect for everyday and will flatter most skin tones, good color payoff, opaque, creamy finish, decent hours of wear, a dupe for MAC Chatterbox, affordable, locally available

CONS: Can't think of any :)

VERDICT:

 I will definitely repurchase! 

Where To Buy:

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Pink Me Up

Watson's or Landmark, P399

The "Painless Facial" by Diana Stalder

Tweet

Is it just me or everyone dreads having a facial because of the painful pricking and the post-facial tomato face? 

I'm pretty sure I'm not alone right there. Though we know getting a facial at least once a month is necessary, the thought of having your face pricked and the less-than-beautiful aftermath is a great discouragement.
Good thing, a renowned company that provides top-of-the-line skin and body care services finally realized this dilemma and came up with what everyone wants: a painless facial by Diana Stalder.

I was luckily invited to Diana Stalder's Its Sparty wherein they introduced a new breakthrough in the facial services: the painless facial. After a short presentation, they gave us a mini tour of their premier clinic in Svelte, One Orchard Eastwood. For those who don't know, Svelte and Diana Stalder are sister companies.
I was one of the early birds (together with Joyce and Mitchie) so we got to try the painless facial first. ;)

The Bleaching Room

The Massage Room

The Liposculpt / IPL Room

The Facial Room

(photo from www.dishysammy.com)

Diana Stalder Products and Services

The Painless Facial

Diana Stalder's Painless Facial is a general facial procedure with desincrustation that allows for a painless extraction experience. This procedure softens sebum and dry skin cells, relaxes the pores, stimulated blood flow to the area and produces alkaline reaction on the skin, resulting to immediate softness and smoothness and leaves the complexion looking refreshed and glowing. This procedure takes about 45 minutes.

Just so you know, the pricking part is optional. It's totally up to you if you want to go through it or not.
The photo below is the "desincrustation" part. It sort of preps your skin and pores so it will be much easier to remove all the junk that's been clogging your pores. It will still be painful if you'll choose to have your skin pricked, but not as bad as the usual pricking. I'm usually in tears (as in crying like a baby) after a session, but with Diana Stalder's Painless Facial, it was a lot better. I did tear up a little. Just a single tear. LOL :)

The last step is applying a mask. Mine was black because that suits my skin type (oily and acne prone).
That mask was heavenly! It was really cooling and relaxing for my skin, leaving me with a rosy (no tomato face, yow!) glow. NOT KIDDING. That mask really helped in avoiding the less-than-beautiful aftermath  I was talking about. What's so great about it also is that I got to use the other side of the mask again that night!
Just had to leave it in the fridge for a while since its better applied when its cold. :)

Other Photos :)

Eya, Joyce and Me :)
Thank you Joyce and Eya for the photos. <3

Candid!!! Hahaha!
Aya, Mitchie, Eya, Joyce and Me :)

The sweet and fabulous people from Diana Stalder! <3

All in all, I really enjoyed my Diana Stalder's Painless Facial experience.
I appreciate how professional yet warm their people are. I also love how clean, relaxing and posh their clinic is. It's very spacious and welcoming. You know how some other skin clinics are cramped with beds that you literally lose your privacy? (Totally HATE that). In Diana Stalder, they really consider all the factors that would/might affect your experience.

So far, this is the best facial experience for me. My face healed in just a couple of days (usually takes a week), and I was able to do my usual makeup routine flawlessly (usually takes 2 weeks).
I love how much less painful the facial was, and how quickly my skin got better.
So yes, I will definitely go back. Worth every peso, I tell you. :)


Follow and Like Diana Stalder on Twitter and Facebook! :)