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

I ♥ Emma Watson. French Excellence, Now Within Reach

Lancome's Newest Endorser, Emma Watson 

From playing Hermione in Harry Potter and now brand ambassador of Lancome, Emma Watson turns heads over and beyond. I’ve rooted for her since Harry Potter Book 1! Perhaps it’s her new pixie cut or her amazingly flawless skin, or her aura of innocence or her gift for acting. Simply put, she projects effortless style, even those in her 30s and beyond adore her, wanting to know more about her and how she keeps her beauty intact! (photo from www.helpmystyle.ie)

What Emma Wants

Being part of Lancome’s stable of ambassadors, she loves her miracles in a bottle and colors in palettes. Does that fit my needs? Amazingly, us Asian women can benefit from these available products. I’m excited to see the “move” for more women to start young(er) and really create the need to stick to a skincare regimen + splashes of color. It prolongs the need to go under the knife, *spoken like I’m a member of a guerilla movement on believing less invasive is more beauty!*

Having thoroughly Asian straight and thin lashes, I love that the brand knows what Asian lashes need—power to curl up and a long lasting effect! ♥ the Mascara Oscillation Power booster (contains activating skincare for the natural growth of the eyelashes). *Raise your hands if your head says, "I need that!".* 

Having had to combat easily chapped lips, I’ve felt negative towards putting lip color. Amazingly able to try the L’Absolue Rouge, it wasn’t just a fashion accessory. It came to me as a luxury within reach and gives doses of popping colors on my lips! Rich and moisturizing, it lasts longer and I don’t need to keep piling it on, now that makes me perk up!

I can’t wait to learn something new at the upcoming Studio SnR X Lancome Workshop on August 19,2011 (FRI) 130-530pm. Lancome Training Manager Cary Co-Choa promises 1-on-1 skin diagnosis and proper skincare regimen while Lancome Makeup Artist Kate Fernandez will show each participant tips and tricks using colorful palettes and available lip colors, very women-on-the-go vibe. I was promised the “language” to be used is directed towards those who want to learn something basic, new and personal.

To quote Lancome Worldwide President, Youcef Nabi:

"Looking after yourself, taking care of your skin, is a moment of pleasure. It is known to be closely correlated with an improvement in self-esteem, a value that has always been dear to Lancôme."

Studio SnR X Lancome reservations limited to 20 participants. Reserve at Studio SnR Workshops Reservation

Studio SnR Beauty High Tea Series

EXPLORE SKILLS. PAINT COLORS. CREATE PASSIONS.

CUTTING EDGE BEAUTIFUL SKIN.

WITNESS BREAKTHROUGH SKIN+COLOR TRANSFORMATIONS.

LEARN Bobbi Brown's Signature Secrets.

SPLASH WITH COLORS.

CALENDAR:

August 3 (WED) Studio SnR X Shu Uemura

August 19 (FRI) Studio SnR X Lancome

August 20 (SAT) Studio SnR X Bobbi Brown

September 3 (SAT) Studio SnR X Majolica Majorca

Insanely low prices are inclusive of hygiene tools, skin+makeup products and other gifts!
Like the page in Facebook: LIKE Get discounts and promos.
email: workshops@studiosnr.com
RESERVE NOW: ONLINE RESERVATION

French ♥ Invasion: Studio SnR X Lancome

KNOW YOUR SKIN, KNOW YOUR COLOR--this is how this Studio SnR x Lancome envisions your session this August 19,2011 (FRIDAY) from 130-530pm. Experience first hand, the art of French Love.  A never-been-done advanced skincare + personal makeup workshop, from this trendsetting brand awaits the first 20 participants.

Get to know this French Luxury brand, all over again while sipping coffee or tea and bonding with girlfriends. Witness 2 minute transformations and color makeovers. Take home over P6,000 worth of products and services. Expect honest to goodness 1-on-1 consultations for both skin and color. Each participant gets to assess, pamper and color their skin with Lancome's Training Manager Cary Co-Choa and Makeup Artist Kate Fernandez.

It gets better--from the standard P4,000/pax, one can avail of this for only P3,600 (special discount rate FOR book and pay now until August 16,2011 COUPON)! Hurry LIMITED SLOTS.

RESERVE now: www.nipponesthetic.com/studiosnr
Like the page in Facebook: Studio SnR Workshops
Call +632 5845988 email: workshops@studiosnr.com

Beauty and Coffee

This August 3,2011 (WEDNESDAY), I can't wait to be a part of a new experience in Beauty. The Studio SnR x Shu Uemura Workshop!♥ It came at the most opportune time--learning makeup (something new!) and being amongst beauty enthusiasts who share the same interests. Pure love!

If you and your friends want to be part of this series, just log on to www.nipponesthetic.com/studio SnR and reserve. Like the page in Facebook: Studio SnR Workshops and add as a friend..
August 3,2011 Shu Uemura (fully booked)
August 11,2011 Majolica Majorca (The slots are filling up! eye popping faves to tote!)
August 19,2011 Lancome (basics of skincare and facials + makeup! drop jaw loot!)
August 20,2011 Bobbi Brown (Bride and Company--feel like the bride makeup workshop! lovely gifts to boot)

Add this: Studio SnR warmly welcomes The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf as the Coffee/Tea Partner in this Beauty High Tea Series. Expect amazing cups of flavors and treats using the CBTL Kaldi machine, all for participants only! The lessons are loaded with tips and ticks! The loot bag is filled with branded goodies! The food spread is a treat.  Where else will you go?