1st Hand | A Vision in Green

The Product: The vision that IS Lancôme's Visionnaire

My latest 1st hand experience

How It Works: A product of 10 years of research, the folks at Lancôme uses Jasmonic Acid, a single molecule found in plants to create the breakthrough LR 2412. It heals, repairs (automatically) and self-propels and permeates even to the deepest layers.
How To Use: Give yourself about a week to touch, feel and witness amazing results on the entire face. I know it took me that short a time to see the difference. Plumper softer skin, is that you?
Perfect For: Unwanted eye bags, Unsightly crow's feet, deep laugh lines, (colorful) uneven skin.
Verdict: It just about sums up a magic in a bottle for me. At P5,300.00 it does give invasive facial treatments a run for their money. Start 'em age spots young. When you can work on something using topical creams, exhaust all efforts on that first. I learned never to make it tomorrow's problem, rather act on it now!

Tip: You don't need to slather the rich cream all over--just a pea-sized pump, warm it up with your fingertips and gently massage on problem areas (concentrate here). 

Available at Lancôme Boutique Greenbelt 5; Rustan's Shangri-la Plaza and Makati; Essenses Power Plant Mall. Like them on Lancôme Philippines for more inside information on the newest and freshest news and other promos! 

I'd like to invite you to follow and enjoy this blog (my little piece of heaven). Follow @mssydneygo on twitter. I'd love to hear from you, drop me an email at chinadoll.style@gmail.com for any comments and suggestions.

Mad Holiday Rush

December swiftly crept up on me just when I wasn't peeking! Suddenly, it will be the 15th in no time and still lots of gifts need to be thought of and purchased! (Yikes!). I did what all (panic-stricken) pro-active female would do...go to the mall and start shopping with a checklist! Lo and behold, I couldn't help doing some "damaging" stops for TDF beauty arsenals.


Shu Uemura's Holiday 2011 Collection with Wong Kar Wai. 

♥ My Holiday Peg. Her eyes says it all.

Yearly, Shu Uemura comes up with a limited edition line that beauty passionistas wait for. This year, I feel the rich dramatic flair will be even more clobbered in stores. It may be a bit late as I'm sure most items are lapped up already, I don't mind showcasing it anyway.

Color Play.  Yummy deep blue shade.

I love the holiday looks I can play with using the limited edition range, especially the eye palette. I've always been a sucker for fall/winter looks that come in easy cases! So fun to play with!!

Swish the cheeks with a pop of toned-down peach pink with a bit of gold.

The entire collection was carefully worked on coming from the original Shu Uemura concept of "Art is a Way of Life". Flashback to Shanghai circa 1920s. Deep meaningful eyes doing the talking; blood red lips on Shanghainese women smoking their ciggies. Opulent. Dramatic. Full of Emotion. A definite two thumbs up for my holiday look!! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to do some real gift-giving shopping! Cheers!

Feeling Blue. The perfect accessory! 

Looking for a thoughtful surprise for friends? If they're into makeup, do ask for the travel brush set (again, in limited quantities!)

Holiday Jet Set arsenal.

Make a mad dash to Shu Uemura boutiques at Power Plant Mall, Trinoma and counters at Rustan's Shangri-la Plaza and Rustan's Makati.

Guilt-Free Fashion Indulgence

The mad dash until the Holidays had me blanking out looking for therapies. Torn between "Bite Me and Buy Me moments", I chose the latter, minus the pounds.

The past week found me clicking on Catalogue63 searching for basic and easy to wear tops like these peach and white asymmetric tops. I found them interesting as it can "camouflage" some problem areas! Hey, I'm human after all. HAHA! Both look similar (I couldn't decide which one I wanted more for lazy weekends!)

 

The site offers quite a number of home grown brands from clothing to accessories. Navigating through the site was pretty easy too. I ordered them online on a sunday and it arrived on a tuesday. I got to admit, receiving something on a hectic workday sure has its rewards. It came wrapped up really well in a kraft-y feel which I love. Check out the homemade vibe.

Not one to stop, I found myself walking through Glorietta 5 in Makati for a meeting. I'm not too familiar with the stores but when beauty blogger Liz Lanuzo of Project Vanity shared with me a lovely new find--Ferretti Shoes, I was hooked! A nice surprise --I found a style I went gaga over from color to fit!  

Amazingly light weight and easy to walk in, I secretly got 2 pairs of the same style in different "Holiday" colors Deep Purple and Red. Ssshh.... I like that the brand has become fashion forward in a fun corporate way. It's now one of my favorites so if you see me pounding the pavement in these, you know why!♥ Aside from being available in malls, they're available online! Hurry and check their site for more styles Ferretti Shoes Online.

*Asymmetric Tops Photos from Catalogue63 site.

Celebrating L'Oreal Color Trophy Philippines 2011

AWESTRUCK. I've been in awe of Filipino talent since my first stint at Mega Magazine Publications, Inc. as fashion and beauty assistant.  I immersed myself in countless projects and shoots showcasing both raw and polished talent. Irreplaceable experiences include sitting at the forefront of some fabulous shows and being in awe of sheer talent.

L'Oreal Love 2011: The coming together of the Philippines' Top Hairdressers

INSPIRED. Last 18 October 2011, L’Oreal Professionnel celebrated true Filipino talent in Hairdressing. Dubbed as the Oscars of Hairdressing, the L’Oreal Colour Trophy competition celebrates the talent of hairdressers worldwide as they interpret an international colour theme while maintaining hair integrity. (Hard to manage with the industry being so competitive!) A much awaited production, the Philippine Hairdressing industry is in an uproar to present, their best versions of creativity. This year's theme centered on Beaute Originelle, L’Oreal Professionnel’s international Fall/Winter 2011 Color Collection. Inspired by the fusion of high fashion and pure nature, Beauté Originelle interprets the rustic beauty of the untouched wilderness, the undeniable power of tribal forces and the free spirit of the savage mystique.

L'Oreal Professionnel Beaute Originelle: Precise and distinct color+shine

FLUID MOVEMENTS. Backdropped at the Resorts World Newport Performing Arts Theater, 1,000 seats were booked solid, all eagerly anticipating a fabulous show reminiscent of Cirque Du Soleil--yes complete with hanging acrobats and colorful dance attractions. The most highlighted portion?--Filipino hairdressers dressed to the nines admiring fellow colleagues' works of art. 

Wildly Natural--Talented performers light up the stage

Expect full on warm colors and tones for this Fall/Winter 2011 Color Collection. As interpreted by Paul Serville, L’Oreal Color Trophy International Guest Artist and Judge, Paul Serville, a man who lives and breathes beauty since 1968--a true example of being one of the world’s greatest hairdressers. Paul says, “I’ve never worked a day in my life because I’m so passionate about hairdressing. I can’t call this work because I love what I do.” He couldn't be a better choice to push and appreciate the Filipino talent a notch more. I love the look below--I wish i had her lovely locks!!

The Perfect Mix: Color, Shine and Cut by Paul Serville

Esteemed judges, include fashion designer Russel Villafuerte; top photographer Pat Dy; L'Oreal Professionnel Singapore Education Manager Dylan Sew; World Master of Hairdressing and International Guest Artist Paul Serville.

Categories and Winners:

Next Generation (for stylists 23years old and below)

Richelle Moradas of Hairshaft The Podium

Men's Best Image (for fashionable up to date look for men)

Rendelito Samot of Edwin Samot Salon, Nueno

Ladies' Best Image (to interpret the trend best suited for the Filipina)

Anthony Erlano of Davids Salon, Ali Mall, Cubao

Total Look: (best blend of cut,style and color using the revolutionary INOA)

Grand Winner: Richard Perello of Henri Calayag Salon, Makati

1st Runner Up: Hauelle Dongalo of Hair Studio, Davao

2nd Runner Up: Wesley Po of Angelo Falconi III Salon Professionals, Shell Almanza

Special thanks to L'Oreal Professionnel's Marketing and Education teams spearheaded by, Mr. Robbie Lizares and Ms. Yam Palisoc-Barcena, Marketing Manager and Artistic and Education Manager. L'Oreal Professionnel Fall Winter 2011 Beaute Originelle Collection available at your nearest Salons.

Style | Spotlight: Maureen Disini

It's not everyday one meets a creative and most real soul in the fast evolving world of fashion. One day many moons ago, I was fortunate enough to have met and gotten to know Maureen (MO) Disini. 

Mega Magazine's Peewee Reyes-Isidro, Me and Maureen Disini

So much different from me but somehow, her honest to goodness relationship with us, her colleagues at Mega Magazine Publications, Inc, shows a kindred spirit about her. With an eye for beauty (past jobs include posts as Fashion Editor for Philippine Tatler and stints at Mega Magazine, MTV Philippines and Philippine Daily Inquirer), Maureen further honed her appreciation for fashion and technical know how via intense and rigorous training at the prestigious Istituto Marangoni in Paris and Istituto di Moda Burgo in Milan.

Mo at her inviting atelier overlooking Makati City

Recently having 2 gowns made, I fell instantly in love with her rich fabrics and curve-at-the-right-places execution. What makes her creations stand out is her ability to know a woman's body so well --highlighting assets and overshadowing "flaws". Deceptively simple in appearance, the entire line of cocktail dresses and evening gowns is meticulously constructed, yet always light and effortless to wear.

 A peach creation from her first capsule collection. I had a similar creation made-Chinadollstyle.

Known for her classic + feminine manner of personal style, Maureen manages to transcend her personal tastes when it comes to designing creations for her steadily growing clientele. Not one to follow current trends, she designs for women confident enough to embody femininity. “The best compliment for me is when people tell my client she looks beautiful, not that her dress is beautiful,” Maureen says. “To me, it’s never about the design itself, but what the design does for the woman.”

LOVE. One of Mo's early designs for me.

NOW. One of her more recent sophisticated sketches.

On a personal note: Cheers to you Mo for reaching for your dreams and finally making it all happen! I knew this day would come and you'll be running on full speed making more women beautiful!

Good Times. Where it all began-- with the MMPI gals circa 2005.

I wore my first M.Disini cocktail dress creation last night for my mom's thanksgiving dinner--I kid you not when i say i practically received 6 compliments left and right! Now i know how celebrities feel! On that note, I can't wait to use my peach Grecian gown to attend other milestsones♥

For more information, you may contact Maureen Disini mobile (917) 8911104 or email maureen@maureendisini.com

Style | Smells Like SFO

VOLCANO. Citrusy. Uplifting. Brings a smile to my face. Pure LOVE. Thanks Gory for introducing me to this Capri Blue Candle.

Volcanic Eruption: Screams Light Me!

Trips to SFO are not complete without my good friend Gory going all out . (READ: all stops for food, fashion,beauty,off road finds and what nots!). My mini Thanks? Anything within my budget! ♥
Gracious as ever, she would say, none. Being a little snooper, and I chanced upon her love affair with Anthropologie's Capri Blue in Volcano. Scent grows on you, I tell you! It sure grew on me.

We would go home from a day of shopping, tired but happy!! She'll find it sitting pretty on her desk amidst all the bags with other finds! Warms my heart that she loves this treat. It works all the time!! A small token that speaks volume.

Tip: Hand poured, it lasts for a longer time. Made from recycled glass--eco friendly! An instant picker upper! Best used after a long hard day's work! Soak yourself in the tub if lifestyle permits, even.

Photo from www.anthropologie.com

Beauty Formula | Taming The Tresses

GOODBYE Headbands. HELLO Shiny Straight Locks!

Macy Yambao-Galvez gets ready!

Young mom and chinadollstyle reader Macy Yambao-Galvez is first and foremost a wife and mother. She is blessed with an active 1-year old baby girl, Morgan. Having her hands full with errands and duties, she desires a fuss-free, low maintenance hairstyle that still brings out a bit of her feminine side.

Q: My hair has become “ugh-ly”—read: curly / frizzy; tips are “fly-away” and lacks luster. My husband Migy says there might be a war happening between the strands! What in-salon color and straightening treatment is worth my time and effort to put my hair back in shape?

A: Chinadollstyle referred Macy to Azta Urban Salon for a fun long afternoon trying out L’Oreal's Chroma Straight (Gloss Treatment-Color+ Xtenso Moisturist).

Born with curly / frizzy hair, it has always been a struggle for Macy to find the perfect fit! She had tried rebonding 7 months ago and now her hair is in agony. Luckily, she tried Azta Urban Salon’s branch at Forum Robinsons (Mezzanine level). Senior Stylist Mon provided his expert know-how as she tried the L’Oreal Chroma Straight (about P6,000.00 on her hair length). He gives tips on what to expect and how to care for her hair to prolong the nice effects of this treatment!

From roots to tips: Retouching the roots played a vital part on Macy’s hair. Application of gloss treatment to bring out the shine came in second. Mon started doing the L'Oreal Chroma Straight which usually takes 5 hours.

Azta Urban Salon's Mon + happy Macy

“I love that Mon and assistant Wendy took time to make sure I was comfortable in all of 5-7 hours (depending on length)! Thankfully, they have comfy chairs to make all of the waiting and sitting bearable. They used warm water (love!) but I wish they had more ear caps to lessen the sting. Of course nothing compares to how I know my hair will look after 48 hours of no washing!” Macy gamely shares.

*note: after 48 hours of no washing, Macy happily reports that her hair is so soft and shiny! Hubby Migy was pretty amazed about her hair's newly minted "peace front"! She now wears her hair like a badge of honor and happily cares for playful Morgan!

TIP: Azta Urban Salon has an ongoing promo. Avail of 30% off on Regular Rebonding, Root Rebonding, Power Rebonding and Chroma Straight Rebonding. All in cooperation with L'Oreal Professionnel. Check Azta's FB Page for salon listing. 

Special thanks to Mr. Robbie Lizares, L'Oreal Professionnel and Ms. Meg Lachica of Azta Urban Salon.

Basic Beauty Finds

The month of September had been a whirlwind of activities for me. I noticed different body reactions when things get a little too hectic! One of those areas: lips, in chapped and dry form--a sorry sight. This new find (for me) serves my needs pretty well. Affordable and yummy and does its job, I can't ask for more.

Lip Service

When things get a bit "toxic", I run to the mall and do a quick round of "brisk walking + a bit of window shopping!" I instantly liked this eye candy! With three colors to play with, it's easy to mix colors for a quick night out! The pink box caught my fancy--it's too pretty to throw out just yet! Follow this guide as easy as 123.

Human Nature's Evening Eye Palette

You can also purchase these items at the newly available online store Beauty Bar Philippines !! Shopping is as easy with this new site!!

Follow this 123 guide

What's nice about Human Nature is what it stands for and believes in. A 100% Proudly Philippine Made company and 100% no harmful chemicals, you know you're in for products with a cause! Having been started by Gawad Kalinga volunteers and front runners, Human Nature supports a lot of communities that employ GK residents. Considered to be a social enterprise, I like that it takes a whole lot of research and advocacies to create 1 product. It adds that they are able to keep their pricing to be reasonable. I heard from their Marketing and PR Executives Reby Baldoz and Dia Lacaba that there are so many more products in the pipeline! I'm definitely waiting for that! 

Check the complete line at Human Nature Philippines

Far Skyes Enterprise: Caramel-Mocha Frappe

Check out SNEAK PEEK Coffee Recipes! More to come at Studio SnRxCoffee Tea BY Me this September 30,2011 2-5pm. With Saeco Coffee Machine, Cuisinart Coffee Grinder, Imarflex Blender, Boyds Coffee, Stasero Flavored Syrups. RESERVE NOW avail of special discount!!

READ On!Far Skyes Enterprise: Caramel-Mocha Frappe: As requested by one of our loyal blog follower, we are preparing an easy-to-make Caramel-Mocha Frappe recipe which could be done in the co...

NYC Postcards: An Apple To Remember

NYC. One of my favorite cities to visit. The pulsating pace screams LOVE upon touchdown. Some of my Must-Do's: Shopping at Soho. Subway. Architectural Photos. Food Finds. Broadway. NYC drinks.

I had dreamed of studying fashion at the Big Apple, known as the cosmopolitan style destination. But, Fashion and Beauty Editor work got the better of me (I'm not complaining!), and that dream seemed to have been buried. It didn't stop me from visiting the city, from time to time, like a true New Yorker

I love taking the public transport in NYC. It makes me feel like a local.

Hitting the subway with my USA mole, Leslie G.

One Fine Fall Day. A typical afternoon at Bryant Park. I love the reflections clearly seen on the building!

Shutterbug Syd: One of my fave shots of Bryant Park.

Broadway. Watching it 2x doesn't stop me from tearing up. It never fails to tug at the heartstrings.

I will never tire watching this musical!

FDNY (Fire Department New York). Thanks to nephew lil F, the family trooped to the museum and witnessed moving videos and photos. I left the place in tears listening to the department's volunteer veterans share their 9-11 experience.

In memory of 9-11. FDNY commemorates the heroes.

NYC by Foot. We finally found Ippudo NYC! Cooling our heels with ice cold beers from our Pinoy bartender! How cool is that?

Sharing a beer with BIL F at Ippudo NYC. My little glass wasn't enough!

Leslie G surprises me with her yummy foodie finds. Must orders: Cuban Sandwich and Buttery Grilled Corn. Spell: Yum to the nth degree! Worth the calories. Expect a long line in this Prince street branch (Nolita).

Before chowing at Cafe Habana-YUM!

Wickedly Good. Another Broadway show that hit the spot. I was treated to this Broadway show by my sis, which made it all the more special!

A Welcome Treat--Wicked kicked some royal *ss!

No matter how far, I will keep visiting NYC. I've fallen in LOVE!!

Me Time with Coffee and Tea

Lost in Foreign Cities. I love traveling with family and friends. To those who know me well, they know I welcome hours of walking alone, taking in sights and capturing 'lightbulb' moments! Some of my favorite moments from past travels.

BKK. Thai Iced Tea at its finest by the pond at Jim Thompson House Museum.

Eat. Pray. Love. Relaxing ME time. Let the creative juices flow. 

NAPA. Bouchon Bakery, Home of Yummy Macorons.

NYC. Reunited with Magnolia Bakery's Red Velvet Cupcake and Banana Pudding.

SFO. My Must: Tartine Bakery's Morning Buns+Coffee.

Being alone in some trips is a treat. Drink, eat and people watch. Soaking it all in my memory bank. What's your favorite travel moment?♥ 

Cuppa Joe

Boyds Phils.' The Robert Francisco brewed for me a special cup of joe

Caffeine Fix. I used to hear colleagues at my first job (Mega Magazine) say I need my quick coffee fix. I would just always tag along to get a bit of fresh air after hours of being cooped up in my cube. I would end up ordering an iced tea or something with chocolate (another yum!). I never understood their fixation on wanting this cup so bad. 

BIL F of Farskyes, waiting for his fresh Zabar's Beans

After my friend K sent me a Zabar's Coffee package from New York City back in 2006, did I fully convert to being a self-confessed Coffee Addict. 

Taking a break at Corner Bakery Dallas, Texas

For a bit of a history- my family, starting with dad and mom had been avid (and i mean avid) coffee lovers way before the Starbucks chain hit Manila. They would go to great lengths to search new coffee shops, making it their version of "bonding". When my sister P married my brother-in-law (BIL) F, the coffee fever reached its all time high! Check out his documented love affair with coffee, from flavor to cup, Farskyes Blog.

SFO's Blue Bottle Iced Cofee--one of my SFO musts!

I started with cold coffee blended drinks--not yet the most real thing, F would tell me. A lot has changed these days, I now enjoy taking my pipin' hot cuppa joe with a bit of sugar and a bit of milk, like a true coffee aficionado. A little latte art on my frothy cup doesn't hurt 1 bit-nice to look at, warm on the palette!

I've wondered : When will I ever brew my own perfect cup? After all, I won't always have BIL F to craft the perfect brew for me!!!

I am Sydney, and I'm a coffee addict! Are you one too? Send in your thoughts, and make it the Coffeeholics Anonymous Club! ☺You just might win a slot in the upcoming Coffee Tea BY Me (You) workshop this September 30,2011!!

Earning My Stripes

Fate, Actually. The upcoming 6-day long weekend in Manila made me want to hie off to a place of sun and fun! Checking my 'finds' cabinet, I almost forgot I had this cool surprise find from Freeport, Maine. 

Sailing Away at Seabags

"Seek and you shall find" --Being one to get tons of magazines/maps to navigate a foreign place, I saw this little sign Seabags that supposedly produced RECYCLED sails into tote bags! It piqued my curiosity and insisted we pass by that store. I'm glad we did!

Feel the Breeze; Smell the Ocean

Show Me The Bling. The store silently screamed perfect "Maine". Clean lines, wood and rope are visibly seen all over, very nautical chic. What caught my eye were the Gold series (as I call it). I personally gravitate towards a bit of bling, you see. 

The Gold Shrine that Caught My Fancy

North Star. I had the opportunity to chat with Hannah Kubiak (co-owner of Seabags along with Beth Shissler), and she told me that since each sail is different,each tote is precious. It's sort of like different memories and experiences are etched on it, how magical! I love that about it. I could see the hard work, creativity that went on for each piece (no piece would be the same, only similar perhaps!). Luckily, they had this morning offer for some medium-sized totes to be sold at a lower price (It came out to be about USD47.25)--I got grabbed one automatically. Definitely a steal to the usual USD 105). I chose a medium from the available designs and got the N/S Design. It reminds me of a compass or that it may stand for North Star, yes, that brightly lit star that shows you the way..

Posing with Hannah toting my (left) purchase and (right) my bling wish--soon!!

Isn't it the coolest? I'm so excited to use it to put all only essentials for the upcoming trip! I hope it becomes available in Manila soon! How's your upcoming holiday plans coming along?

Special thanks to Hannah for gamely posing with me! Photos by Franklin and Peaches Tiu.
Visit www.seabags.com or #6 Bow Street, Freeport, Maine 04032

My Brush With Bobbi Brown

“My goal is to teach a woman how to look and feel her best.”

- Bobbi Brown, Founder and CEO, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

A Relaxed Bobbi Brown--true reflection of what her makeup line is all about

The makeup artist who learned theatrical makeup and pursued her dreams in New York City, Bobbi Brown's strength lies on using makeup to boost one's self confidence. After a chance meeting with a chemist during a photo shoot, Bobbi started a makeup revolution in 1991 with a handful of lipsticks and a simple philosophy: “Women want to look and feel like themselves, only prettier and more confident.” 

My Shade of Foundation

Sheer Finish Loose Powder

Makeup Revolution

This straightforward line came to Manila back in 2002. I had that chance to witness the simple line it was back then. During that press event, I got so excited trying on the different foundation shades and concealers. Basic, simple, it fit my yellowish and discolored tone beautifully. I was introduced to its Foundation Stick in Beige and Sheer Finish Loose Powder in Sand. Learning blending and using the right shades gained me a whole lot of compliments when I tried doing my own makeup while attending weddings! (It saved me a whole lot of money too!) A breakthrough for me-friends still recognized me despite a more polished look, with just a hint of color. Bobbi's shades for eyes, cheeks, and lips go from subtle skin-enhancing tones to impactful shades that work for all women. It’s about achieving and maintaining balance, cultivating a positive outlook, and loving yourself the way you are.
Bobbi Brown Products are available at Rustan's Department Store, Makati and Shangri-la Plaza