Lessons of Pretty

Late bloomer, that's me. Yes, I started a career in Fashion and Beauty Publishing back in 2001. I appreciated pretty things but was never one to buy beauty products on a whim. I charge it to having sensitive skin. Last 2011 had been an amazing year of learning and beautification (LOL!). No amount of countless shoots can make up for Studio SnR Workshops I attended. It boosted my otherwise sagging beauty morale. I diligently learned the proper way of slathering creams and washes on my face. I started putting a bit of color too!

With Nikki Tiu at the much desired Studio SnR x Bobbi Brown Workshop

Pretty Satisfied. When back then I scoured counters to "pull out" beauty products to shoot, now I walk into a store knowing what I need/want, eagerly :) There's a bit of confidence to listen and compare. Age now makes me stand by my decisions even in simple beauty choices. Hint: Never let the seller railroad you into buying something just because!

2011: The Last Quarter Splurges

I saw this Cosmetic Chiller at Suesh and had loved it since. I had other practical uses for it (stocking some food treats in my office, perhaps?) Last December, I finally gave in and never regretted it! Check what's inside!

Shu Uemura Face Architect Fit Foundation in 764: Best thing I have come across since its water based formula does wonders for a flawless base. It's my constant go-to now. (Thanks Patrick Alcober for showing me how to use this!)

Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation: A Miraculous Illuminator is what I call it. Dabbing less than pea sized drops on my round cheeks make me feel I'm glowing morning till night. :)

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water: I'm trying this to see if it makes much of a difference to take off makeup. 

Suesh Sponge Puff: Looks familiar? It works wonderfully like the Beauty Blender but at a fraction of a price. Moisten it and "roll" on skin--it can be alternated with a foundation brush when I'm in a rush.

Benefit Beauty Bella Bamba: I may be a bit late but this baby rocked my world! Adds color especially in my sluggish days--'nuff said! Swish and pat. Repeat.

Suesh Orange Puffy Hair Benders: When I've got at least 30 mins to spare, I use this (pack of 6) to add definition to my soft waves.

Suesh Blue Hair Velcro: Asian inventions are pretty neat when it comes to vanity tools. This 2 piece velcro pulls back my baby hair away from my face when putting on my pop(s) of color!!

Coming Up: My 2011's Firsts: Beauty in Retrospect. Watch out for it. 

Follow Me on Twitter: @mssydneygo for updates on some of my favored lifestyle choices. 

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