Ask Gem Anything | February 2012

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Hi, ladies! It's that time of that month again - time to share a few Q&A that I received!


1.  Have you tried eyelash extensions?  Where? Could you still put eyeliner? How do you remove eye makeup if you have eyelash extensions?
     Yes, I have. Several times actually!  I usually have my eyelashes done at i-Lash Salon.  I've tried this other salon in Megamall and it's okay, too.  You could still put eyeliner even if you have eyelash extensions and you can remove it by using a makeup remover that is water based.  But if you really want to use oil based makeup remover or cold cream, use cotton buds.

2.  Which EOS lip balm flavor is better?
     I have only tried Summer Fruit, the red one.  So, I can't really answer this question.

3.  Can you recommend a blush-on that can stay on the whole day? PhP150-180 lang ang range?
     I recommend Fashion 21's #1 blush on.  It's a really nice shade of pink.  I'm not sure how much it is now but back in 2007, it was about PhP100 only.

4.  Can you recommend a blush-on that stays on the whole day?
     I recommend Nars Orgasm or Ellana's Flirtation.  It stays on the whole day (on me) because I'm almost always inside the office.  If you really want super long lasting blush, go for cream blushes and then use a powder blush to set it.  Ewan ko lang kung matanggal pa yan hehe.

5.  Gumagamit ka ba ng local make-up?
     Yes, I do!  Actually, since I bought Ever Bilena lipsticks, I can't help but go around the beauty section of SM and check out local brand of makeup.  I'm just resisting to buy because I still have a lot of makeup that I need to use.

6.  Please post more fotds using the Naked2 palette.
     I will.  I want to.  I just don't have the perfect camera to take good shots of me wearing makeup.  I'm working on it.

7.  Kelan next blog sale?
     Soon.  Just check my blog from time to time.

8.  Anong bank ka nagwork?
     Your success is our business. The world's local bank.

9.  Where did you get your MAC nude eyeliner?
     I bought it in DFS, Hong Kong.  It's limited edition.  You might want to try Nichido's nude eyeliner since it looks promising.

10.  Na-try mo na po? (follow up question when I replied via SMS)
     Not yet since I don't own one and di pa ko sure if I want to buy once since mahaba pa yung MAC eyeliner ko.  But it looks promising naman.

11.  Ikaw ba yung "good morning sa iyo" Nescafe commercial?
     Noooooooooo!  For the nth time, hindi po ako yun :)



Happy February 29th!

Du Gets Married

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I have a confession to make.  I love weddings.  I have loved weddings even before I got engaged.  There's something about weddings that make my heart beat faster and faster.

Last January, my friend/colleague got married.  Wedding ceremony was somewhere in Cavite and reception was in Tagaytay.

We were all required to wear long dresses.  I was in panic mode because my long dresses or better yet gowns are the ones that I wore at prom back in high school.  And although I love those gowns a lot, they are not fit for a wedding.

Honestly, this wedding is probably the best wedding I have attended so far.  It was just so much fun!  And here are some of the photos to prove it.

with my lesbian lover, Chattie

with MKJ PBs, I miss you girls a lot!

with my tall, dark, and handsome date

with the newlyweds, April and Duanne

And of course, a wedding wouldn't be complete without photos from Photobooth!  I really love baicapture!  They are, for me, the best photo booth out there!









I would like to thank June for my very wonderful dress!

OMG, I'm next!

Makeup Class at CCMA

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Last Saturday, Sab and I attended a makeup class at CCMA.  It was all the way in QC and schedule time was 8AM.  But it was alright.  It's a makeup class!  The class lasted for about 4 hours and I really enjoyed it.

Here are some of the photos that I took from last Saturday's class.

I was a little too prepared for the personal makeup workshop.

Sab checking her eyeshadows

corporate look

evening look

another snapshot of the evening look

It was really, really fun!  Arlita, the MUA-teacher even said that I should consider professional make-up artistry already.  She also told me and Sab "yung makeup nyo hindi na hobby yan, pang professional na yan!"

If only time permits.  If only.  

You may check CCMA's (Cheryl Cabanos Makeup Academy) website for their makeup workshops.  They have available workshop on weekends in the morning and in the afternoon.

Until the next makeup workshop :)


Please don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel and like my page on Facebook!

My New Pencil Sharpener

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My trusty Face Shop pencil sharpener is almost giving up on me.  It still does the job but every now and then, it  snaps out of its case.  It accidentally fell that led to is looseness.

Well, I wasn't really looking for a new sharpener but when I saw the item on the photo below, I knew it had to be the replacement of my current pencil sharpener.



I got this cool sharpener at Clipper for only PhP19.50.  Actually, Lawrence paid for it, haha!  It's so cute.  It's probably a sharpener for real pencils but I use this for my eye/lip pencils.

How about you, what are your recent cute finds?

Happy Sunday, loves!

Rare Vanity Meets Yellow Yum

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Last Thursday, I met up with Char of Yellow Yum to have dinner at Metrowalk.  Jes joined us, too, since they went to the Kanebo event together.  I had so much fun!  It was as if meeting up with long lost friends!  We talked about anything to everything!  We ended up at almost midnight since we didn't notice the time.  That's how much kwentuhan we had hehe.

Char is the owner of LuLu Makeup in which I am one of the bran ambassadors.  Please check out their products to satisfy your makeup lemming.  Price is affordable, too!

Not alot of pictures from last Thursday but this won't definitely be the last time I'll be having photos with these lovely ladies.



Looking forward to meet the other ambassadors!

Don't forget to subscribe on my YouTube channel and like my page on Facebook!


Happy Friday, loves!

Valentine's Day Look using Purple Hues (with video tutorial)

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Hi, everyone!

I know I'm one week late for this Valentine's day look.  I originally created this video 2 Saturdays ago but I was not able to publish it successfully because the minutes were too long for YouTube.  It took me one week to edit the video on iMovie because I'm a noob at this hehe.

Video was originally shot on HD but it lost its quality when I edited it. Bummer.  So, I apologise if some scenes are pixelized.

Please watch the video!

Don't forget to subscribe on my YouTube channel and like my page on Facebook!

Products used:
Stila Oil Free Natural Foundation in D
Nars blush in Orgasm
Nars bronzer in Laguna
NYC dark brown brow/eyeliner
Benefit Stay Don't Stray eye primer
Harujuku liquid eyeliner
MAC Chromographic eyeliner in NC30
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam
Purple eyeshadows from Beverly Hills Palette of LuLu Makeup
MAC 226 tapered blending brush
Charm Pro makeup brushes
Charm travel set brushes



Happy Wednesday, loves!

At 10% Off Haul

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Landmark Department Store had a 10% sale on most of their items in celebration of Valentine's day.  The sale was up to the 16th.  So, I decided to buy a few things since sayang ang 10% off haha!

vanity box
Maybelline makeup remover
My Nails polish remover
unbranded makeup brush roll



Wait for my post as to where I'll be using the vanity box for!

Happy Monday, loves!

Beauty Pro + Charm Brushes at Cosmetologie 2012

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It's the event that makeup addicts look forward to every single year.

Please visit Charm Makeup Brushes and Beauty Pro's booth.  Charm Makeup brushes will be having a special deal for this event only!

Cosmetologie 2012 will be held at SMX on Feb 21-22, 10AM to 7PM.

See you guys there!




Beauty Cosmetics Beauty Blender

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We've heard the rave about the very famous Beauty Blender and how it keeps to wow those that have just discovered it.  I was one of those ladies that was so curious with the pink sponge but always decided against it cos of the very expensive price.

Beauty Blender costs Php1,495 here in Manila.

During last year's Super Sale Bazaar in Rockwell, I saw Beauty Cosmetics' booth and checked their products. And look what I saw:


Beauty Cosmetics Beauty Blender, Php400

This pink egg shaped sponge creates wonders.

Be careful not to scratch this hypoallergenic sponge.

effect of Beauty Blender on my face
I used Revlon Photoready liquid foundation



I am liking this pink sponge!  What they say is true that application is a breeze using this and the effect is a flawless, natural face!  Whenever I put foundation, one of my usual concern is whether I will be able to apply the foundation evenly.  The beauty blender does the job!  I've read from other blogs that this can also be used to put blush though I still haven't tried it.

One thing I don't like about the beauty blender is that it's difficult to clean.  I really had a hard time cleaning this especially drying it!  No exaggeration but it took about a week before it totally dried up.  It gets bigger when wet and it stayed about an inch bigger for a week.  I had to blow dry and heat it in the microwave oven for 5 seconds for it to dry.

The sponge also requires cleaning after every use.  So to those that do not clean their brushes regularly, you might want to think twice about purchasing this sponge.

Am I going to repurchase?  Maybe.  It comes in purple, too!  I'm also thinking of getting the original Beauty Blender as it comes with its own cleaner.  But not anytime soon.  Temporarily, I am okay with this because it does the job.

Beauty Cosmetics Beauty Blender is available online and at Hip Culture, Market Market.

Gelibean + DAS

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Last Sunday, the fiance and I went to Rockwell for our usual Sundate.  We watched The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.  I felt like wearing my DAS shoes again because I can only wear them on weekends.

Zara Basics top | Zara leather jacket
Gelibean Couture animal print skirt & skirt | DAS 12 Cream

Face:
Stila Natural oil-free liquid foundation in D
Benefit Erase Paste concealer in #2 Medium
Nars blush in Orgasm
Nars bronzer in Laguna

Eyes:
Benefit Stay Don't Stray eye primer
Benefit cream eyeshadow in Birthday
NYC brow liner in Dark Brown
Harujuku liquid eyeliner in Black

Lips:
EOS lip balm in Summer Fruit



Btw, I'm already on YouTube and Facebook.  Please subscribe to my YouTube channel and like my Facebook page.  Show me some love!

Happy Thursday, loves!

The Shoes that Got the Dagger Look

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It's no secret that I love to wear high heels.  Even when I was a kid, I loved being in heels, platform boots, wedges - anything that could make me look taller.  Growing up, I was quite insecure with my height cos I was among the few inside my circle who was short.  And even then, I didn't find short as sexy.

But then I grew out of it - my insecurity about my height, that is.  But my fascination with heels grew in me some more.

I have more high heels than flats.  I can run in heels.  I trip more when I'm in flats and I get the weirdest bruises, too.  True story.

With all that said, it wouldn't be surprising to me wearing these..

Zara white shortsleeves polo | Zara black skirt
Zara brown belt

CMG pumps

Killer heels on my workstation



I originally wanted the one in Aldo but it's around Php7,000 - Php8,000.  So, I didn't really think twice when I saw these killer heels at CMG.  I tried to resist but it had a 20% discount haha!  Talk about being a shoe addict!

I love these killer heels.  And even though they look really painful to wear, they are actually very comfortable.  Its comfort reminds me of my DAS shoes actually.  Not to mention that I (well, the shoes) get the dagger look all the time when I'm wearing these killer heels.

How about you, do you have a pair of shoes that got a dagger look?  I'd like to know!


Happy Thursday, loves!

Simple Everyday Look Using an Eyeliner

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I work five days a week.  As much as I want to look really made up everyday for work, I just don't have all the time to prep up.  I've been working on my sleeping habits but staying up late is a habit that is just so hard to break.  So when go to the office feeling like a zombie, my look goes with that mood as well.

However, I've learned a technique that will make me human on days that I feel like a zombie!  And I can't believe that all it took was just an eyeliner!  Yes, mainly just an eyeliner to look alive hehehe.

I have finally decided to make a video tutorial.  I've been wanting to do one since I started this blog in 2009.  But you know, I chose to be lazy for 2 1/2 years.  After shooting my first video, now I know what bloggers are also in vlogs.  It's entirely a different feeling - in a good way, of course!

Please watch the video that I have embedded below.  I would also be truly grateful if you like and subscribe to my videos.  I've shot 2 videos already but I'm still editing the other video.  The video below is not edited so I hope you guys can bear with me.  I'm new to this vlog thing.




And here are some photos of me with this simple look that I have created.







Products used:
Revlon's Luxurious Color Matte Kohl Eyeliner in Brown
Benefit Erase Paste Concealer
Maybelline Mineral Powder Foundation in Soft Shell
Ellana Mineral Blush in Flirtation
MAC Pro Longwear Lip Creme in Love Forever

Brushes used:
Charm brow duo
Charm travel angled blush brush
____________________________________________



I hope you learned something from the video!

Happy Wednesday, loves!

RareVanity Loves Pinkberry

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Last December, Pinkberry finally opened in Manila.  As I have mentioned before, I am not a fan of yogurt.  I don't like it actually.  But I promised my mom that when Pinkberry opens, I'll treat her a cup of yogurt.  You see, my mom loves yogurt - Pinkberry in particular.  But she only gets to eat it when she's home in California.  She said the yogurt tastes different from the other yogurts.  But I think it's the coziness that she digs.  Case in point, she can't get over their flooring.

Last Christmas, I treated her to a cup of Pinkberry.  I was surprised to see that they have more flavors here than in California.  They even have Chocolate!  So, I tried it and I liked  loved it so much that I told Lawrence that I'll bring him there one time.  Haha.

And that one time was last week.  What a good way to calm someone down by treating them to an ice cream yogurt, yeah?!

Chocolate yogurt.  Very sinful.  True story.

Lawrence enjoying his yogurt

Pinkberry's counter.  Notice their flooring.

with a chocolate yogurt. Still not a convert though.

It is true that I love Pinkberry although I don't love yogurt.  It might sound confusing.  The thing is, I only like Pinkberry and Golden Spoon for their flavored yogurts - the ones that tasts like ice cream.  I still can't stand the original frozen yogurt.

And for some reminiscing, here are some photos of me and my mom at Pinkberry at the Americana.

mom with her Pinkberry original yogurt filled with fruits

posing with mom's Pinkberry yogurt

Do you see the difference in cup sizes?  In California, the cup that I was holding is the regular size.  In Manila, that's large.  The cup that Lawrence was holding is the regular size here.

A regular cup at Pinkberry Manila is Php100 (without toppings).  A regular cup in Pinkberry California is around USD3.99.  I'm not so sure anymore.

To those who aren't a fan of yogurt, you might want to give Pinkberry a shot.  Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Pinkberry is located at Greenbelt 5.

Friday Night at Conti's

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The fiancé and I had dinner at Conti's.  It's been awhile since we last dined at this restaurant.  We forgot how good the food is!


Roast Beef in Mushroom Sauce, Php315

Grilled Porkchops, Php295

Strawberry Cheesecake, Php90

Happy Campers!



It's already common knowledge that Conti's serves good food.  I love their pasta and their Baked Shrimps that my friend Sab introduced me to.  They have increased their price over the years but really food here is still affordable.

What's your favorite dish at Conti's? I'd like to know.

Btw, please show me some love by liking my page on Facebook!

Happy Saturday, loves!

The Accidental Smokey Eye

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I really was going for a neutral look.  But being the color illiterate that I am plus the fact that I didn't have any lenses on at that time, I ended up having smokey eyes.





I used Verve on the lids then Pistol on the crease.  Then I accidentally blended it all over haha.  I used Bootycall for the brow bone.

Tools used for this fotd.




Happy Friday, loves!