LIP TALK: Owning the basics and choosing the right shade + Giveaway!

WE HAD JUST CELEBRATED the International Lipstick Day last July 29, 2017. Ladies went gaga over back-to-back sales and promos of their favorite lipstick brands (a guilty soul here!), that they seem to can’t get enough with a few shades---hoarding is a must! Well I can’t blame them, it is indeed a once in a year chance to get your hands on some well-loved and most-raved lippies for a very good deal. Selling like hotcakes, these lipsticks found their rightful owner in just a snap. But will they make their girl boss lovelier or sadly break their looks? 

I’m not a super fan of lipsticks before, because it sometimes make me feel uneasy and too made up. But as I discover the shades that suit me well, I surprisingly found myself wearing them every day. And I tell you, choosing the right color and shade can be a great dilemma. With the vast selection, each color seems to strike you differently, that you just want to have them all! Also, there are times that we become influenced by models or celebrities too, that next thing we know, we are purchasing the same brand and shade they are endorsing! *sigh*

There is certainly no problem with owning a lot of lip tubes, just like what they say, you can never have too many of it. But purchasing a lot and just letting them sit inside your vanity drawer, untouched or used only once, is not good. Because if you are not using them once in a while, maybe you’ve realized that they are not the perfect match for you. In simple words, they are a waste of money. 

So now, let me give you a quick guide on picking the basic lip color and choosing the right shades depending on your skin’s undertone. Let’s get started!

OWNING THE BASICS

For me, all you need to have is these three colors: RED, PINK and NUDE. For the type, I always stick with creamy and matte, because they offer a fuller look.

RED goes well with minimal makeup, creating a more mature and professional-look. This color is perfect for work, lunch meetings and for business errands. It also makes the teeth appear whiter. 

Applying for work? I'm wearing L'Oreal "Blaze Red" in this 2x2 shot

PINK is my pick for normal days. It gives a youthful vibe and softens the look. If you want to play with your eye color, it goes well with nudes. 

Still sporting braces here! Smiling while wearing Colourpop "Solow"

NUDE is meant for the days when you want to bring out the MUA in you. Going for smokey eyes? Better pair it with a nude lippy. However, you must be careful in choosing the shade because it can result to a “washed-out” look.

During the E! Bloggers Ball. I'm wearing Maybelline "Nude Embrace"
  to complement my smokey eyes 

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHADE

Practically speaking, if it looks acceptable on your lips, then it is a good shade for you. However sometimes, we still need to consult someone because we simply doubt ourselves. No worries, simply take note of the tips below and you can go on your own.

1. Know your skin’s undertone: Are you Warm or Cool?

Those with WARM undertones generally have yellow, golden or olive skin color. If the veins on your wrist appear to be green and you look better with gold jewelry, then this is your undertone. 

Your shades: Bright Reds, Vibrant Pinks and Beige Nudes

Those with COOL undertones generally have fairer skin color. They have pink, red or bluish hue on their skin. If the veins on your wrist appear to be blue and silver jewelry complements you, then this is your undertone.

Your shades: Deep Bluish-Reds, Deep Pinks and Peachy Nudes

Image from Pinterest

If you don’t fall under the two categories, your undertone is NEUTRAL. Congratulations! You have a wide array of choices! But darker shades will definitely suit you well. 

2. Be aware of your lip shape and natural lip color

For those with THIN lips going for light pinks and nudes will only make it look thinner, unless you want to keep it that way. Darker shades are recommended so it will look fuller. You may also try using a lip liner to adjust your normal lip line.

But if you have THICK lips, wearing dark lipstick shades is a no-no. Go for slightly lighter shades; nude is your bestfriend. Also, avoid using lip liners, but if you must, don’t line beyond your lips. 

Now with your NATURAL lip color, just remember this one basic rule: Always choose the shade that is two tones darker than your lip color. If you’ll go lighter, you’ll end up looking sick or “washed-out”.

Though you have the above guidelines in choosing the right lipstick shade, you still have all the power to decide which color will bring out the confidence and beauty in you. Sometimes, even if others would say, “Hey I think that’s too light (or too dark) for you…” as long as you are happy with it, then go ahead and slay it! 

***GIVEAWAY ALERT!***

And because we talked about lipsticks...I'm giving away a handful of lippies to one lucky reader! Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to my blog and FOLLOW me on INSTAGRAM in order to be qualified for the raffle draw! As simple as that :) 

Will be drawing the winner on August 03, 2017 at 4:00 PM (PST). Best of luck lovelies! 

Be BOLD as your lipstick,

How is it like to make a MISTAKE in this world filled with PERFECT people?

WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF CHITCHATS among my friends, someone accidentally mispronounced a certain word and of course you already know what happened next---everyone bursted into laughter and mocked at the mistake! It is certainly a normal thing among friends, even within the family. If you are too naïve, you’ll break into tears for sure. I am also guilty of teasing others for petty mistakes, just for fun I guess, nothing personal. But honestly, I don’t see that mistakes are being taken this lightly nowadays by most people. What I’m seeing right now are perfect human beings crashing the life of someone who just committed a mistake…just a mistake. 

When I was still a teacher, I had never expected my students to be perfect, because I am not a perfect teacher as well. I have dealt with some problematic kids and was even involved in their mishaps. Now, I can’t clearly remember how I’ve handled each hopeless incident, but what I know is that I’ve never condemned any of them. But regardless of my efforts to help a student get up and stood with pride again, there will be these people who would still look at him with judging eyes. From this, I saw how a person can be easily labeled by the mistake he committed…and life will never be the same from there on. 

And that’s why I should never commit a mistake.

I would always offer the best hand (like everyone else) on everything that I do, even if sometimes I don’t actually like it, I would still put my best efforts on it. But life will surely play tricks on you, and in just one slight move, you’ll get surprised that you already made something unacceptable. It is frustrating to be at fault, but even more exasperating to be condemned because of that single error. I have experienced this predicament a lot of times. No matter how good you are, regardless of how much you have contributed and how reliable you are to others, the moment you slip, every single good deed that you have done in the past will be washed-out completely. Now, what you are is just a great blunder. 

Are we better at throwing rocks than uttering words of praises? 

It seems so easy for us to give lengthy remarks over a minor mistake, than offer a single word of compliment for a job well done. I don’t know if our egos are being shattered by every commendation that we will release, that we would rather dwell on the lapses more, because in doing so, we are satisfying our self-worth. Mistakes are being tinted so they will become more noticeable, while the accomplishments are just collected and buried so no one would see. How pitiful is the life of a person who is ridiculed for an ounce of error sitting on his left hand, rather than be recognized by a bushel of achievement resting on his right?

Can't we divert our focus on the positive things? 

It hurts to see people trying so hard to avoid making mistakes. They are actually preventing themselves to learn the true value of what they are doing. Life without mistakes is not life after all. Mistakes are inevitable, but that’s the beauty of it; you cannot avoid it so you must face it and eventually learn from it.  I have once been afraid of committing a mistake, maybe because I don’t want to look like a catastrophe to rest of the world. But then I saw the purpose of it, and that’s when I decided to be brave and commit more mistakes in the future. 

I make mistakes and I’m proud of it.  

Now I’m truly living my life. Those mistakes that I’ve done in the past, and the future boo-boos that I’ll be making in the future, made me and will make me a better person. I’m no longer scared of those judging eyes and will be unmoved by the foul comments, for I believe that these mistakes are the fruits of my pursuit to learn about life, and for sure, I will encounter more as I move out of my comfort zone. In the end, I know that He is there to catch me as I stumble upon the stones. He will lift me up and give me another chance to walk the road without stumbling for the second time. 

We must all give one another a second chance.

You are not perfect…and please be ashamed if you think you are, because nobody is. You may now be running this road smoothly, but there will come a time that you’ll get tripped and the wound will be so deep you’ll scream in pain. Don’t wait for that time to come that others will mock at you, just like what you did to them before. Never humiliate or ridicule a person for a mistake he committed, because what you are doing is more than stripping off his clothes, it is like stabbing him to death. We don’t co-exist to make life miserable for one another, but to help each other grow and enjoy the beauty of life. All we need to offer is an ounce of understanding, and that will result to tons of great possibilities. 

It is truly difficult to live this life, but we can make it easier for one another. We are all born different; some are highfliers, while some must strive hard to reach the top. But whatever we are, let us live with a loving heart and we shall be perfect in His eyes. 

Cheers to our beautiful mistakes!

Why is everybody getting MARRIED?!

WEDDING BELLS HERE AND THERE, my Facebook feed is continuously being adorned by pre-nuptial clips and same-day video edits. From high school classmates to college friends, most of my girlfriends already exchange vows with their mi amours…and individually living the married life. Wow…I’m just amazed on how brave they all are to face a new chapter in their life. 

Well I’m not totally single, because I’m still (for the past 11 years) in a relationship, but technically in status, I’m single. Do I feel any pressure right now? Thinking about it, sometimes yes, but generally, I’m not. I already have thoughts of my dream wedding and how my own family would look like…but planning the wedding itself and having kids have never become my top priorities---neither my partner’s. It might seem odd, but even though we casually talk about these stuff, we still managed to set them aside for more important things. 

But there will always be pressure.

I am always being pressured by the people around me, as well as the circumstances, to get married as soon as possible. They all have these reasons: First, I’m in the right age and condition, mature enough to handle a deeper relationship and a lifelong responsibility. Second, I’m at the best age of conceiving a child, with lesser problems in the delivery. Third, my age gap with my possible kids will be shorter and I can retire early. Lastly, I’m in a long-term relationship that must be taken to another level. 

Though all of these things may be true, I am still not ready.

Anyone can always be ready for marriage, that’s what I believe. Actually, someone even told me that “You can never be ready for marriage. You must live the married life first, and then everything will follow”. Most couples that I know would say “It just happened. We wanted to spend our lives together, so we decided to get married”. Without enough savings or concrete plans for the future, they gamble all that they have and entered the conjugal life. I guess nothing can be sweeter and braver than risking it all for love.

But life has taught me something different: Wait patiently and prepare. 

I can actually get married right now; perhaps a civil wedding won’t be that costly. Moreover, we can just settle anywhere, at their place or at my parents'. Having kids won’t really be that difficult, for we both have jobs to sustain their needs. But I know all of these things won’t be easy as they seem to be. That is the reason why I’m not giving in to the pressure, why I keep on suppressing my feelings. I know the difficulties it will bring, not only to me, but to the both us and most especially, to our loved ones. Even if I was blessed to have a really wealthy life, I would still make the same choices. Life is never easy, you cannot totally prepare for its surprises, but you can make yourself ready somehow. 

I know that my own wedding bells will ring soonest.

I’ve seen how my parents struggled to raise their three kids; I saw how a married life can be so happy yet shattering at times. I’ve experienced how difficult life can be even if you’re prepared, how much more if you are not? The existence of my parents taught me the greatest lessons in life. Right now, they both believe that I won’t be making such careless and unwise decisions---that I will be more patient. God already answered my question a long time ago…Why did He let such problems cloud my parents’ relationship and family life? This is the exact answer: Because He wanted us, their children, to learn the lesson and become better individuals in the future. 

We all have different time frames. Some can get married early, while some must wait for quite a long time. If you are waiting because you don’t have a special someone in your life yet, don’t be anxious, but instead, prepare yourself. It may still not be your time, but you’ll get there. Improve yourself, chase your dreams and become someone who is worthy of a great love. You can never be too old to found someone who will sweep you off your feet and promise you a life filled with love and happiness. Ask for it, be deserving and it will be given to you. 

But if you are like me who is still preparing, be patient and don’t get pressured by other people. You and your partner must set priorities, grow together and become worthy of a great blessing---having your own family. 

I believe that this blog will be different once Miss G becomes Mrs. G. It is quite overwhelming but I’m looking forward to the day that it will finally happen. But for now, let us hold the wedding bells; wait and see what will happen in the future. 

until the "I Dos"… *smiles*

Cathy Doll's AffordaBeauty Packs

I WAS QUICKLY BROWSING on Instagram when I saw a post featuring sample packs from Cathy Doll. I gave it a second look and found out that they already offer the affordable versions of their most-raved items. Since I’m quite intrigued with the popularity of this Korean brand, now is my chance to try their products without the guilt of spending a lot---hooray! 

I bought my stash (consisting of five different items) in a nearby 7-11 store, which made it not only affordable but very convenient to begin with. Now I’ll be sharing with you my first impression and some helpful insights about these items and maybe recommend which one is worth the hoard---hoping all of them!

Let’s get started!

Cathy Doll Anti-Acne Serum 

+ Foam Cleanser

19.00 Php

Anything with anti-acne is my thing because I really hate having zits (we all do!). Since it’s my first time to try a serum + cleanser rolled into one product, I’m expecting this to be a different “washing” experience. 

It actually smells like tea tree extract, which made it very refreshing. But when mixed with water, it doesn’t create generous foam (like super generous foam). Overall, it gently cleanses the skin without making it dry (unlike other anti-pimple products do). As for its acne fighting ability, I can’t say at this point, because I have only used it once, just for this quick review. I’ll give updates after several weeks since I’ll start using it as my daily cleanser.

Cathy Doll Water Splash Essence 

with L-Glutathione

I was confused with the “water splash” thing until I tried a small amount of the white cream and rubbed it on my face. The cream slowly turns into droplets of water! I actually felt that my skin absorbs it which left me in awe for a few seconds *laughs* It has a mild soapy scent and smooth texture, especially after turning completely into water. True to its claim, it does instantly whitens the skin, though I prefer to use the term “lighten” because it is not yet permanent. Aside from that, it somehow minimizes the appearance of pores thru its blurring effect.

40.00 Php

Cathy Doll Milky Splash Essence 

with Heot Gae Na Mu

Now this one is a translucent emulsion that is somehow cream in color. It turns into white droplets of liquid, milk-like, and is quickly absorbed by the skin. The smell is stronger than the water splash essence, like a perfumed-lotion. I like this one more than the previous because it has a softening effect on the skin, it make it surprisingly supple. When I looked at the ingredients, it contains a lot of fruit extracts! Wow! But hey what is Heot Gae Na Mu?

Cathy Doll Ready 2 White 

Milky White Cream Pack

50.00 Php

Another “instant” whitening product here! This one is a washable face mask, which you put on your wet face for only 3 minutes then rinse. When I tried it, all I can say is that it brightens my skin but I didn’t noticed any significant effect on my pores. The white cream is thick, which will make your face really white (like a Geisha) after spreading it evenly but rinses well with water. Checking the ingredients, it mostly contains unnatural substances plus ascorbic acid.

Cathy Doll CC Cream

(Color Control)

40.00 Php

A bit hesitant to try this cream because my skin is really sensitive and I fear of having breakouts. But still I gave it a shot and tried a few dots…and holy moly, an instant favorite!!! I love the scent because it’s just light; the texture is so nice as well because it blends easily on the skin. I like how it lightens my skin tone without making it look unnatural---just like my real skin, but better. Moreover, it also managed to minimize the appearance of my large pores (along the side of my nose) and make the overall look of my skin healthy! I tried it alone (plus powder) and as a make-up base (with foundation on top), and it did well on both. 

YASSS! We’re done! I hope you enjoyed my quick review on these products. If you’ll ask me which one will I recommend, well I’m currently enjoying three out of these five items: (1) Anti-Acne Serum + Foam Cleanser, (2) Milky Splash Essence and (3) CC Cream. In the end, I hope other Korean brands would offer budget packs like what Cathy Doll did. Because I personally find their products pricey and trying them out first will give the customers a chance to test which one is effective for them before purchasing a regular item. 

In the end, kudos to Cathy Doll and please create more beautiful products! I still have a few items to try so if you’ll excuse me… *runs to the nearest 7-11 store*

Put that pretty face forward and run the world!

Is it the more you PRAY, the more you FAIL?

I BELIEVE THAT I’M NOT THE MOST religious person in our family or even among my friends, but I have always maintained a personal relationship with God. However, I’m guilty of the fact that in good times, in times when I feel like I’m living the life, I would sometimes forget to stop and say a little prayer of thanks. In moments when I achieve the things I deeply desire, I’ve realized that I would rather thank someone first than say “Hey God, this is all for you”. Though I honestly don’t have the intention to neglect Him, sometimes, I do... 

With my strong will to succeed on things I want to achieve, I would always brave it through the gust of life’s challenges, asking for just little of His help. Often than not, I would end up victorious. I get so accustomed with the belief that I can be successful on every endeavor as long as I’m focused and determined, that I forgot what failure is.

Then the storm came.

It was when I experienced the worst that I came running to Him, beggiing for His help. I did manage to put myself up and slowly get back on track---thanks to Him. Since then, I prayed habitually, asking for His guidance…for His favor. Days passed and I could see that it is better than before; I become better than who I was before. But just as when I almost reached the end of the line, something strong pulled me back, so quick that in a blink of an eye…I lost everything.

I started questioning Him “Why?” After praying diligently, after surrendering everything to Him and after prioritizing Him above anything else, why did I get this? It is not that I am mad with God, because I still believe that I don’t have the right, it is more like asking for an assurance that this is just a trial and that I’m not being forsaken. With the thinking that I  just have to be more patient, I continued praying and put myself back on the starting line. I worked hard, prayed hard and believed that I’ll be able to win this time.

But then I failed again...and again...and again.

A series of drawbacks seem to be the result of the petitions I did. If before I’m not used to failing, now, I fail more than I succeed. It is so devastating to hear right? But let me tell you, it is ten times more heartbreaking when you experience it first-hand. You’ll become frustrated and will try to prove that there is a way to overcome such disappointments thru your guts and will. However in the end, you are still defeated, beaten by the circumstances that you didn’t actually know of. So now tell me, is it true that the more you pray, the more you fail?

Looking at my own experiences, it may be true. Yes, the more we pray, the more we face challenges. The more we move closer to God, the more hindrances come our way. Maybe this is why some people already stop praying. Those people who experienced the worst while leaning to God had just chosen to move away from Him, maybe because they don’t find the right reasons to stay anymore. Some would even think that it is better to be away from God, because mishaps may be fewer or even none. For me, I don’t think so.

I will not let Him go, until He bless me.

I may look into those failures as failures, but I know that He has a reason for letting me experience such. I may have the greatest of dreams, but His plans would always be greater than them. I may not be patient enough, but I will try to patiently wait for my time and trust His perfect timing. I may be restless at times, but I will try to calm my mind and heart and listen to what He has to say. See? Staying with God would really be tough. Praying and asking for your heart’s desires may took a long, long time, that you’ll get tired of waiting, but you must not give up because nothing great in this life will come easy.

I will always tell myself, even at moments when I lose all the hope in my heart, that God only wants the best for me and for everyone. I’m still lucky with what I have now: an understanding family, supportive partner and caring friends. We may look at our lives as a huge mess, things are not in the right places…but if you’ll just stop and look around, look at your life carefully, you are far more blessed than the others---so be thankful for it.

So let us continue praying, even if more failures will come in the future. Don’t worry, we shall not always fail, there will come a time that we will succeed, just hold on to God and keep the faith.

Let me leave you with these wonderful words from Sonia Rocotti (which I originally got from Didache 2017):

“Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be.”

Don't let go until you're blessed!

NEUTROGENA Hydro Boost Gel [Review]

IT HAS BEEN a long time since my last beauty review! Now I'm so thrilled to be back with two amazing products which I personally love! Actually, I was planning to write about it last year, but then I decided to carefully observe if they are truly worth the post---it turns out that they are! I know you're quite intrigued right now, so...

Let's get started?

Product Name: 
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel SPF 30 PA++
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel


Product details: 
NHB gel SPF 30 PA ++ : moisturizer with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB filters (40ml)

NHB water gel : moisturizer (50g)


Description: 
Gel moisturizers that contain anti-oxidant Olive extract formula and purified Hyaluronic acid. Oil-free and Non-comedogenic


Claims: 
Clinically-proven to help achieve 3 dimensions of ideal healthy skin - "Hydrated, Luminous and Bouncy". 

Incorporates "Progressive Release Technology" which effectively replenishes and retains hydration all day long.


Price: 
Each costs 872.00 php


From: 
Watsons (SM Store)

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel SPF 30 PA++

The product is contained in a plastic cylindrical bottle (approx. 7 inches) with cap. There is a pump to dispense the contents (40ml), that is bluish-white in color. The gel has a light fragrance and smooth, watery texture.
                                               

I like the product because it is lighter as compared to the moisturizers I’ve used in the past, which makes it a good make up base. In addition to that, it has sun protection properties as well, so it can definitely replace two products: a primer and a sunblock. However, since I have an oily skin, I basically opt for super light and non-greasy moisturizer, and this is still a little bit (just a little) sticky for me. 

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

The product is inside a pot-like container with lid. There is no spatula available. The gel is bluish-white in hue and has a watery texture with light fragrance.

This is my skin’s match. It is easily absorbed and leaves no sticky or uneasy feeling after. It actually turns watery upon contact with the skin and dries up in just seconds. A perfect substitute for a primer indeed, especially during summer when we definitely don’t want to pile too much product on top of our face. But unlike the previous one, it doesn’t have UV filters.



THE VERDICT


I love them both. Probably the best moisturizers you can abuse that won’t break your bank. However, I’m going for the water gel since it fits my skin needs and condition. I have used these products for almost a year now, and I am sure you won’t regret buying either or both of them. One can be used during the day, while the other one at night. That explains the slight difference in their consistency, since the first once has SPF 30 PA ++, it would certainly be thicker than the water gel. Nonetheless, the exceptional quality of these moisturizers lies with the presence of an active ingredient---Hyaluronic acid. 


Just to give you a background:

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is present in the body, with higher concentrations in some areas like the fluids in the eyes and joints. In the field of medicine, this substance is extracted from rooster combs or made by bacteria in a laboratory in order to treat joint disorders, aid eye surgeries and used as lip filler for plastic surgery. 

Hyaluronic acid has been dubbed as the "fountain of youth" because of the claims that in can prevent skin aging. Further, it is also being used to heal wounds, burns, skin ulcers, and as an effective moisturizers. 

But how does it really work? It is basically a smart nutrient that can adjust its moisture absorption rate based on humidity, relative to season and climate. I'll discuss this subject matter fully on a separate post because I'm also deeply interested about it :)

References: 
www.m.webmd.cim>vitamins>hyaluronicacid
https://organicbeautyandskin.com>benefitsofhyaluronicacid

Alright! So the rating of our featured products will be... *drum rolls* 4.4!

Though I want to give them perfect 5, the products can still be improved...so let us save some space for developments! Still a fan here!

Stay tuned for more beauty and wellness posts! 

Thanks for reading lovelies :)