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 600 follower giveaway announcement coming!!! =)

Which Brush Do I Use?

There are so many out there and so many that are great. A lot of them look the same too with only little differences...so WHICH ONES ARE USED FOR WHAT? Here I show you some of the ones I have and which ones I use for what. Remember that there are NO rules to makeup and that includes application. These are just my lil opinions and how I use my brushes. That being said, ENJOY!!! =)

Kim Kardashian Au Naturel

This look of Kim K in natural makeup is fresh and pretty and perfect for summer. I love her glowy skin and minimal makeup on her eyes which makes this look very easy to do.

Products Used:

Face
Make Up For Ever Face & Body Foundation #34
Nars Laguna Bronzer (Nars Casino Bronzer for darker skin tones)
Make Up For Ever #2 Sculpting Kit
Mac Pearl Cream highlighter
Nars Torrid blush

Eyes
Mac Pearl Highlighter
Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash Mascara
Clinique
Shu Umera Eyelash Curler
Mac Lingering Eyebrow pencil

Lips
Make Up For Ever Labshine gloss D10

xoxo Eman

Lauren's Easy Updo

Can I confess? Will you judge? I'm going to have to take the chance.....I {heart} Lauren Conrad. I truly believe that if we were in the same town.......we would be besties! For SURE!!! She has a blog, not that I should be surprised, but I ToTaLlY didn't know that so when I found it I was pretty stoked! This updo was one of my FAVS of hers on whatever colored carpet she was on =). I am so glad that she made a tutorial on it!!! She has a giveaway going on right now and if you jump on over there you can enter to win some of her beauty favs (pictured below). Other than the giveaway she also has TONS of great tutorials on clothes, hair, makeup, and primping. What girl wouldn't love that??? Seriously, check this girl out. You will NOT be disappointed!!!

The Beauty Department's email box is literally flooded with requests for updos, so here’s a fun tutorial from Kristin Ess to get us all going!

This is always a favorite for attending an event. This updo looks gorgeous on any hair color but particularly amazing with highlighted hair because it gives the hair lots of depth and dimension. For lack of a better word, I love the way it becomes “swirly”. Best thing is; it’s easy to do, gorgeous and keeps your hair out of your way for the night.
I made this a printable tutorial, so all of the steps are next to the photos.
Enjoy!

Tools you’ll need:

• Curling iron (to prep the hair with waves)

• Sectioning clips

• Teasing comb or brush

• Clear elastic rubber band

• Bobby pins

• Light to medium holding hairspray (to mist over at the end)

Thank you Kristin for this tutorial from The Beauty Department!
XO Lauren

Joe Fresh

I get to try out lots of products and when I find something I love, I love sharing it with you guys. Joe Fresh Makeup is my newest obsession. I love all their stuff. It's a great quality product and it's very affordable. Check out my full video review for more.

xo Eman

Sunscreen & Avoiding "Makeup Meltdown"

Here's a double dose from the dailyglow.com since I have missed a few Mondays...I know SLACKER!!! I thought these two issues where SO relevant to us right now that I though I would share them first. Enjoy!

Have you ever stood in the sunscreen aisle at your local drugstore, staring at the shelves full of tubes and bottles until your eyes glazed over? Help may be on the way. This month, for the first time in 33 years, the FDA released new guidelines that are designed to simplify the confusing and often misleading labels on sunscreens. Most manufacturers have a year to comply, so it should be easier to pick one next summer. Here’s the lowdown:

• The word “sunblock” will no longer be allowed on labels, since this implies that the product blocks out all UV rays.
• Only sunscreens that protect equally against UVA (aging) rays and UVB (burning) rays can be labeled “broad spectrum.”
• Sunscreens with SPF of 15 or higher can claim that they prevent sunburn, sun damage, and skin cancer. Sunscreens with SPF less than 15 will be required to carry a warning that they haven’t been shown to prevent skin cancer or aging.
• Sunscreens will not be able to call themselves waterproof or sweatproof. This is because no sunscreen can be completely budge-proof under water. They can be labeled as water-resistant; if so, they’ll need to indicate how long (40 or 80 minutes) you can swim or sweat before the protection wears off.
• In addition, the FDA is proposing a maximum SPF of 50. Sunscreens that have SPF values higher than 50 would be labeled as SPF 50+. This is because there’s no scientific proof that a higher SPF provides more protection from skin cancer and aging compared to products with SPF 50. The agency is also taking a closer look at sunscreen sprays to evaluate how well they protect, as well as the safety of inhaling the mist.

While these guidelines are a step in the right direction, the labeling is still not as informative and helpful as labels in Europe and Asia, which have rating systems that help sunscreen users compare the degree of UVA protection between products. The FDA should also take a closer look at the safety of current sunscreen ingredients, and speed up their review and approval of newer ingredients with better UVA protection as well as less irritation and potential toxicity.
For more information on the change in sunscreen labeling, visit the American Academy of Dermatology.

Here is how to avoid a "makeup meltdown" =):

Q: I want to schedule more sessions with the cute new trainer at my gym, but I need to figure out how to keep my makeup from dripping all over my face during the workout. How do I pull off a polished look while exercising?

A: Dripping makeup is messy, and it can be a real turnoff — even at the gym. But don’t sweat it! Here are some tips that’ll help you avoid makeup melt and show off your natural glow instead:

1. Wear less makeup. The gym is one place where you can get away with this, so go for it. Instead of full foundation, just dab on a little concealer wherever you need it.
2. If you need more coverage, add some tinted moisturizer to help even out your complexion. For oily or acne-prone skin, try Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Enhancer, which is oil free and noncomedogenic. Bobbi Brown’s Tinted Moisturizing Balm works well for dry skin. (Or mix some of your usual foundation with a bit of moisturizer to make your own.)
3. Skip the blush — your workout will give you a natural glow.
4. Use waterproof liner and mascara to avoid raccoon eyes. For a clean, natural look, I like Maybelline Unstoppable Smudgeproof Waterproof Eyeliner and L’Oréal’s Panoramic Curl Waterproof Mascara because they add definition and won’t run down your face.
5. Use a tinted lip balm instead of lipstick, and skip the lip liner so you don’t end up with an odd-looking outline around your mouth by the end of your workout. And no goopy gloss, either — it’ll just get all over your teeth and water bottle.

       6.   Carry a towel for blotting the sweat from your face — pat, don’t wipe! 

MAC Cosmetics Bloggers’ Obsessions Collection

No one<3’s M∙A∙C more than a beauty blogger. To thank them for their passionate devotion & always honest feedback, we invited nine of our favourites to our lab in Toronto to custom-create their own Eye Shadow or Lipglass. Exclusively online, just like the makeup-mad minds that created them.

Eyeshadow ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN) (Limited Edition)

Hocus Pocus Dark sooty grey with silver pearl (Satin) (The Makeup Girl)

Jealousy Wakes Seething emerald green with teal and gold pearl (Veluxe Pearl) (Temptalia; my post on the experience!)

Parisian Skies Muted grey-blue (Satin) (Lipstick Powder N Paint)

Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle! Deep rusty brown with champagne-colored sparkle (Velvet) (Beauty Blogging Junkie)

Lipglass ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN) (Limited Edition)

All of My Purple Life Deep purple/grape with subtle sparkle (Afrobella)

Caqui Persimmon orange (Beauty Maverick)

Evolution Revolution Warm peachy pink with subtle purple, green, blue micro glitter (Makeup and Beauty Blog)

Nitro:licious 2046 Intense shiny red (Nitrolicious)

Sonoran Rain Deep coral-red with gold and silver pearl (The Shades of U)

Makeup For Eye Glass Wearers

So here is a tutorial for all of those ladies that are eye glass wearers. Not much different than normal as far as technique bt there are for SURE a few tips and tricks to help with opening up the eyes and concealer issues. I have another tutorial already in mind for when daytime turns to evening and you want to be more dramatic. Tell me though, do you wear contacts for special evenings or do you all still wear glasses no matter what?

May Favorites

Yeah, I'm a slacker but it's summer and me and my boys are LOVING our time together!!! How is your summer going? What plans do you have and what are you enjoying? Here are some products that other readers are loving.
Kelby says: My favorite product this month is Laura Geller Long Lasting Color Brow Marker Duo. It is truly easy to apply, just like a marker, but matches my hair color perfectly (I got the Taupe). It's fool proof, comes off easier than any other of my products (even with just my face wash!!). I recommend this to anyone who can't leave the house without doing their eyebrows!

Nancy gives us her favs:I'm nearly 52 years old and I've always had a huge interest in beauty products. Over the years I've seen products come and go. And because I've always been on the hunt for the best product to make me look my best, I've tried quite a few. I don't regularly shop the cosmetics counters at the dept. stores because I feel that one can look good with less expensive products purchased at Target or a drugstore. That doesn't mean I haven't tried some. Lancome has been a fave foundation in the past as well as Clinique's eye shadows and Estee's aero matte translucent face powder. But recently I've discovered some products that have made me look the best I've looked in a long time (in my opinion!) They are:

 Oil of Olay's Regenerist night resurfacing elixer, 

 L'Oreal's Magic Smooth Souffle foundation and 

 L'Oreal's HIP eyeliner in black.

My skin has never looked so youthful and dewey without looking greasy. I don't know if it's the Olay elixer or the L'Oreal foundation...or a combination of the two. Whatever, I'm satisfied! As for the eyeliner, I really prefer a pencil as I seem to be able to use them the best (I sorta have all thumbs). This HIP eyeliner applies so smoothly. And it stays on for hours.

I wanted to share my 3 fave products. I don't know if my standards have lowered or these are really good products because I never endorse a product to anyone. Generally, if I like a product okay, I change my mind after a few weeks of using it. But not these! I really love them.

K ladies, my turn!!! Here is my first love of June =): 

LOVE this swimsuit!!!!! SO worth it the money and since this is the first month of pure sun here it is on my May favs list!!! The video has the rest =).

Philippine Fashion Week HOLIDAY 2011: TEN BEST HOLIDAY COLLECTIONS

Philippine Fashion Week Holiday –was the most eagerly awaited fashion event held last May 8-15 2011 at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia. Holiday fashion is always more indulgent and infused with colourful creativity. This year's runways have turned out numerous trends, some practical, others completely fantastical....others just turned out to be visual blunders. There was no real formula, no fashion equation, but there is always a method to the madness.

There’s always a bittersweet pang that comes with the final day of Philippine Fashion Week. I know, I know… we still have a long way to go. But each season has its own special little fashion flavor, and while it may sound silly it’s always difficult to say adieu once the shows move on. This season, was the best so far for the Philippine Fashion, it was.

They came prepared. They arrived with a plan and set to execute it with determination, some seasoned, some neophytes....playing the game where the runway was the ultimate battle that separates the boys from men. It was not exactly a grand benchmark, but the full packed arena was a sight to behold for a relatively young and unpredictable Philippine Fashion Week. Once fledgling, the fashion week indicated solid grounds, the shaky days are behind and after a decade or so, it means a serious business, just a little so.

The fashion energy and style dynamism was there, the aesthetics, the opulence, the necessary glam to the hangers, this is just a start for the thinking space for positivity, a week we love to be there, to be counted and to lend support. The flashes already followed them, the extra attention and the media adulation. The creative reins with marketabilty and design recognition, a vision that played between design strategy in the domestic market that will slowly cement it's presence in the international scene, hopefully.

They intend to have a piece of every pie. Runway regulars showcased their collections with every season of late, made us guess which season and year it was supposedly been exhibited. Fashion weeks are trade events, it's all about business..it's all about trends, fashion forward merchandize that international buyers will notice and come. Selective showcasing is much better than bringing in the whole brigade of clueless designers. A modified platform is important that will shape the arena for creative presentation, like a fashion week about organic fabrics or a tribal meets modern silhouettes or simply terno revisited. But why not.......?
The importance of a very organized fashion infrastructure is the biggest challenge of the fashion week, planning ahead systematically and integrations of modern ideas that will set up a higher standard in the future weeks to come, thus maintaing creativity and business in balance, the solid marketability of the products, the manufacturing areas and strategies in the whole fashion industry.
 It was no surprise, to say the least. Sensibilities and aesthetics struggled -in shapes, inspirations, fabrications and silhouettes to stamp their marks and signatures, well, some  did achieve..... some did not.

Fashion watchers conjectured endlessly at the lobby of SMX/Mall of Asia, the fashion venue for the packed crowd that had been always abuzz on who's who on the runway since day ONE. I squeezed myself through the mob, bypassed the cameras and flashing bulbs and walked down to the front row seat, relieved to get inside.

The show is about to begin......

1. DANILO FRANCO

His sartorial formula of sharp, clean and high-shine uncluttered urban filipinism remained one of his best bet under his sleeves, season after season. Franco's broadened surface texturized with hand embroidery in ethnic three dimensional manipulation added sartorial finish to his measured elegance. It's architectural yet powerful femininity, his risque paid off. Organza was his fabric and he was right, the texture shimmered and flattered, giving the somewhat  Lake Sebu's indigenous rice prints a mystifying ethnic story. The "banig weaving" richly done in strong colors gave a haute feel...indeed  Franco's polished collection elevated luxury in theme filipiana- fluidity in highest form. Intelligently managed, he showcased his prowess with precision tailoring- high geometry and crisp construction....this is Fashion Week's HOLIDAY all about.



2. EDGAR SAN DIEGO


Minimalism championed Edgar San Diegos' presentation; his uncanny eye for styling provides the desired twists in a show. This time, the characteristically ethno-retro range toyed even more with menswear. But the soft constructions, languid silhouettes and minimal use of colors in beige, black, white and mustard prevented the outfits from becoming too flashy and costume-like. He explored   textiles in different weights, weaves and falls and incorporated  his collection with photographic print of curved stone and harmoniously  retained the distinct Filipino elements without going superficially or overtly heritage. Light, non overly embellished filipiniana are always refreshing to see; the perfect match of stripes and lines were heartwarming, after all, details, details and details will always be the gauge that separates fly-by-nights to the frontliners. The unconventional yet simple strokes made traditional seems cutting-edge. Non-conformist yet ‘normal’, dynamic yet calm – the EDGAR SAN DIEGO woman is always flirting with definitions.

3. GERRY KATIGBAK

Gerry Katigbak made a softer, more covetable version of his elegantly tailored separates on the runway. Coordinated blouses and trousers were almost holistic with its fluid lines. His ensembles were appealing  with his  classic clean constructions on  tiered maxi dresses, light jackets, silks and chiffons with manipulated  finish to soften the somewhat rigid trouser/shirt combo. Sartorial grunge with a penchant of mixing orientalia with bohemian looks, Katigbak's tongue-in-cheek irony is one excellent factor on  his dominance....  distinctively, Gerry's.

His jewelries were well crafted and finely hand made and playfully adding the texture to the complete silhouette. Thematically constructed, the accessories produced a punkish-tribal elements deceptively so desirable, that sometimes it took away much of the attention from the clothes.


 The costume-made tailored pieces, fine detailing and construction, best showcased Katigbak's skills and design DNA. His collection exudes luxury, although his jackets  with neck accessories seemed borrowed from his previous collections, but over all, Gerry Katigbak upped his artistic quotient with his "looking rich...and looking good" works.

4. SALVACION LIM HIGGINS

 Returning to the runway, Madame Higgins' collection is a breath of fresh air, an alternate collection that inevitably raised above the ‘seen-done- that’ factor.  Setting  a fine line between haute couture and you-know-what- parade of un- identified walking hangers with forgettable clothes, her vibrant  décolletage hailed the fiery sensuality of the vintage couture, from draped ensembles, floral prints, rosette laces and symmetrical skirt  were all part of the carefully planned irreverence. Almost like  challenging her audience to guess her woman, juxtaposing traits that defied age or personality.

Slim  or Salvacion Lim Higgins, the designer, presented immaculate tailoring, strong lines and strict vision, clothes displayed an intricate balance of volume and restraint, especially her black terno in black. Madame Higgins  "look"  shows the Maestra's haute experience...and it matters.

5. ALBERT ANDRADA

Dubai -based designer Andrada opened his runway show in a rollout of skilfully-layered ensembles of floaty, light maxi cape and coats interspersed with lace, gold and silver embroideries with dashes of Swarovski brilliants and diamants. Inspired by the last virgins of the Renaissance, recalling the style dandyism of that particular age, exquisitely ruffled dresses in off-white was revitalised with broderie, chiffons, organzas, feathers and fine embroideries. The avant garde collection beautifully transposing to contemporary urbanity by the clever use of loud and vibrant colored stockings. Large shaped pendants in hand crafted crystals and wrist cuffs backed with net and highlighted with stones add the overall romantic feel. And so the audience waited with suspended breath as Andrada's virgins appeared on the runway. The crowd applauded.

6. DERICK HIBALER

Derick Hibaler's latest menswear infuses sexuality in fashion, unapologetically, dripping sensuality on the runway, it was effective...isn't it we use fashion to feel good, sexy and stylish?

There is a thin line dividing both and there is something about Hibaler's fashion metaphor that would probably mirrors his state of mind, is it the male domain of power?, a mensline reinvention? or simply his antithesis of all soft, voluminous, girlie type dressing and so sartorial clothes...... who knows.

They walked into the ramp, straight out of an all male fantasy. But, this was no dream. This was style reality, demi- couture on a rampage. Gorgeous men with bare chests prompted many a wolf whistle from the audience.

Hibaler pushed things with washed/distressed jeans paired with stylish cardigans and manly inner shirts. Mainly in cut-outs, his hypnotic use of abstract lines over surface or under surface displayed almost a compulsive and hyper deliverance of the designer's score of his vision. Palettes of black, gray and blue were intentionally expressed and utilized to male show-off ..of brawns and virility. Hibaler undoubtedly made a platform in the world of mensline and his collection, or shall I say his masculine tailoring, made an effort to be recognized, to catch attention....and he got it ....plus,plus!!!!!!

7. RONALDO ARNALDO

Surprisingly Arnaldo's Holiday Collection came up with  his couture line of surreal style using different strokes and bundles of new elements. Fabrics were heavy and light, streaks of multi colored palettes, 50's shape to modern and contemporary silhouttes and lots of details veering away from Arnaldo's minimalist and classic forte. 

Ronaldo Arnaldo's long jackets, coats, skirts and structured dresses were painstakingly perfecting the whole collection that started with a satin ensemble of floor length jacket with hugebow with detailed spaghetti pipes, lovely cuffs with dainty bows. It was a fabulous opener, achieveing its aesthetics, flair and panache.

The theatrically exaggerated bows, deep cowled cardigans, artistic sleeved blousons in off whites, deep red, manganese blue and purple light up the runway and exuded ever-sensual artforms.

8. FANNY SERRANO

Travel is a huge inspiration for Fanny Serrano's collections. From the orient to the pacific islands, influences from around the world play a key role in his comeback runway show. From his billowy kaftans in dazzling prints, it was a very creative collection indeed. The collection is easy, wearer friendly, certainly hip but with a twist. Serrano defines his design philosophy with three adjectives: clarity, wearability and most of all versatility, its uncomplicated clothes that they can take with them anywhere at anytime."

In today's return to elegance, the goal is to dress light, but come prepared for all options. There are basic things to take with you to wear: something you can dress up in; something you can bring to a dinner; looking chic and relaxed at the same time.

9. DODJIE BATU

 There is a certain sharpness in Dodjie Batu's mensline that I couldn't ignore anymore, he nailed it again. He showed bespoke elegance that separated him from the usuals. The palette was toned down by keeping it black and gray, cut close to the body the silhouette gave a tonal look of slim, crisp and masculine heft. The nice fit trousers void of creases became the point of emphasis, the jackets were glamorous with a playful tinge of metrosexual male. Get ready for Batu's double breasted ensemble, three pocket suit, strips of cascading fabric down the waist and very deep V plunging neckline, If Bowie can do it, why not!!!



Dodjie Batu subversively streaked and added technical details like bonded lining on classically tailored suits, leaving it neat sans puckering. Unhinged elegance emphasized the rock-chic sartotial lines of the clothes. He must be conveying something about masculinity with little femininity........ Batu chose the right clothes and visuals.

Leanness remakably set the mood, as it was punkish, youthful style, almost athletic. Injecting doses of physicality was his sleeveless shirt, chopping together to inhale the sense of freedom and exhale style arrogance both from the designer and the collection.

10. DAVE OCAMPO


He quietly asserts himself as a designer of substance, certainly a powerhouse design talent....in the future. Despite his short tenure in the fashion world, a  Filipino Alliance of Designers Manila member, the neophyte is making his presence felt with his distinct style among the heavyweights. His creations displayed a surprising maturity and finesse, chasing bounderies on concepts and translated simple designs into simply great garments.

Creative thinking and ingenuity define the works of this nouveau talented designer who made waves at the recent Philippine Fashion Week Holiday...at least.
Breaking every theory of balance and sobriety, Ocampo emerged strong by sticking to his arts. Delicate laces and rich lame fabric subtley texturized the print and detail. The little black dresses created a structure and volume interplay. Layering added depth, while lace textures made a playful sensuality, without being ultra-feminine.
The black masks were completely intriguing, they dramatized the effect on black  ensemble, it was like a journey from clarity to obscurity. Similarly, the shimmering fabrics were juxtaposed, giving a new dimension to the pret-look without much overtones on Ocampo's theatrical couture.

PHOTO CREDITS: MICHAEL FRANKS

                                   BRUCE CASANOVA
                                   PAUL CORTES
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