Health Corner: Thoughts and Review of mySlim Detox and Fat Burner Drink

The holiday season is upon us and for the most part, that means we are set to be entranced by platter after platter of moist chocolate cakes, crispy lechon (pig roasted over open flame) skin, buttermilk fried chicken, butter garlic shrimps and all those other irresistible good eats.

And no matter how hard we try to stand our ground and say no, that hard veneer of will power will tear apart just as the aroma of a cheesy rice cake topped with slices of salted duck egg and shreds of coconut meat seductively wafts through the air.

And believe me, my battle plan to wage through the holidays without putting on layers of body fat fails every. damn. year.

But this time around, I am facing this upcoming week of pure food porn armed with a bottle... or two of mySlim, that is. mySlim is a sugar-free energizing and detoxifying drink that effectively reduces bloating by flushing away toxins (a.k.a that quarter-pound burger and large fries you had for lunch) from the body.

Makeup Inspiration: Sarah G. on Preview Magazine

Just like the next makeup junkie, I love taking inspirations from various looks seen on the glossy pages of magazines. It never ceases to amaze me how the makeup, outfits, editorials and even the personality tests (wink* wink*)  remain fun and fresh month after month after month.

Same goes with the year-end issue of Preview Magazine featuring über-talented Sarah Geronimo. Her overall look from the makeup to the sleek straight hair spells FIERCE. I must say Sarah is the best choice to cap off 2012 for Preview Magazine, which has had a string of gorgeous covers this year.

Speaking of which, please also check out my first Preview inspired look here.

From the moment I saw the cover, I immediately wanted to try and replicate the look - the slanted smoky blue eyes, contoured cheeks and soft pink lips.

Please take note that this is my own version and as much as I tried following every meticulous detail of the makeup, it will look different on me because the shape of my eyes, slant of my brows, skin tone, etc are not the same as Sarah's.

Fyi: It was my first time doing the the masking tape technique and it makes me giddy that I was able to pull it off quite nicely. #makeupgeek :-)

Wearable Red Lip Look (Video)

I was feeling a bit down recently because I had to cancel my six-day trip to South Korea because of reasons I can't blog about. Actually, it's not some big dirty secret... oh what the heck. My mom asked me (in other words, demanded) to postpone my trip so I could supervise the renovation of our house.

Yes, I can refute her amicable request (read: I'm being sarcastic), but then I would be putting my sanity on the line. Just imagining the endless whines, cries and random episodes of dramatic guilt-inducing monologues I'd be experiencing first-hand from her was enough to just let the plan go.  I bought the tickets on the first week of January, so I was quite literally looking forward to it all year long, but.. but... but... oh well, there's always next year.

To cheer myself up a bit, I did a wearable red lip makeup look that would be perfect for the holiday season. It is subtle enough for a daytime affair but would also be perfect for a casual night out.

The Mod List: Coral Lippies

I am obsessed with corals.

No, scratch that, actually I am obsessed with bright and bold shades on my lips. But since this post is supposed to be color-specific, I won't bombard you with my lust for red, hot pink and the likes. I'll do that on another day.

*Makeup Forever Aqua Lip Pencil in 18C*

Exfoliate For Better Skin: How I use the PMD System

I had severe acne when I was growing up - it began when I was around nine years old and cleared up right after I graduated from High School.

And because it flared up right at the time I was going through adolescence, it really hampered my self-esteem.

I remember trying everything to somehow mitigate the acne from regularly getting facials, mildly exfoliating my skin and using various kinds of creams/serums.

The weird thing about my situation was that my acne cleared up when I started using a no-name papaya soap my mom used to buy from her colleague. I figured the papaya enzymes effectively stopped my pores from producing too much oil, thus making the zits finally go away. Whatever made it so effective, I am just thankful that it did help me.

But there are remnants of that period of my life, I have some scars on my nose and cheeks. Although the scars are not deep, they are there and I hate them. Up to this day, I believe that my sister was right when she told me NEVER to touch my pimples or wash my face after getting facials because supposedly that causes the dented scars.

 

Fresh Everyday Look (video)

Hey guys! I'm back from my self-imposed hiatus.

Actually, I've just been busy with work after my short vacation in HK. Boo.

I feel like I've been neglecting my blog for the past week, y'know, because of work and stuff. So, I went home straight from the office  yesterday and did a Fresh Everyday Look, which is the exact opposite of what I feel after being stuck in heavy traffic along EDSA.

So, I hope you guys like it and please if anyone knows how I can choose/customize a thumbnail for my videos, please let me know.

I'm not a YouTube partner, so I just have to settle with whatever thumbnails the system generates for me. And so, if I look ridiculous in the thumbnail, I am very sorry. he-he

Please change the quality and watch the video in HD :)

Lost in Translation: Hong Kong with my Ma

Me and my Ma are on our third day in HK. Well, technically it is our second day since we flew in Sunday night after a short flight via Cebu Pacific Air.

As a birthday gift to her, my sweet fiancè put together this trip. Of course, I was ecstatic! Giving my Ma an experience of HK has always been a dream for me. Just one condition on my end, no stop to Disneyland! Too much sun and happy faces make me grumpy like an angry 90-year-old man. Lols

This trip marks a couple of firsts for us - it's her first overseas vacation and I am pretty much a neophyte in leading one. I've always depended on Henry (fiancè) to map out everything - things to do, places to go as well as find the good eats in a particular city/county.

So, being with her feels like it's also my first time here. Plus the fact that between the two of us, we only have  three Chinese words  under our belts - cesuo (CR), pai fan (white rice) and kele (coke).  I believe these are essential words that would make certain conversations in HK much much easier. Haha

To keep myself from going batshiz cray-cray and hop on every cab I see to navigate the city (imagine the costs THAT would incur), Henry gave me a copy of the MTR Map.

Video: Creepy Manyika Look

I've had a bit of a problem with properly rendering this video so that's why it took way too long for me to do this post.

I had such a great time doing this look and all the preparations that went with it. The most exciting part was discovering that there is a store in the city that retails the Ben Nye products! So, after buying the Spirit Gum along with the Nose & Scar Wax, I ordered the creepy contact lens from a nearby optical shop and from there, I was good to go!

I know the Halloween parties are pretty much over but I think you can still do this look if you're gonna have a themed Christmas party - uhm zombies, anyone?

Initially, I wanted to do a ghostly Maria Clara but I couldn't find the right dress to go with it. So, I went with my next option, which is the creepy manyika (doll). I'm really happy with the results and I hope you try it out as well!

Teaser: Creepy Manyika Halloween Look

Date Makeup: Smudged Liner with Purple Lips (Video)

I was inspired by one of the makeup looks Cher Lloyd wore on her 'Want You Back (UK Version)' music video.

Of course, I look nothing like her but I find her so gorgeous in this video that I couldn't help but try and emulate her makeup.

Repost: FaceShop's 4-Minute Smoky Eyes (Video)

Hey guys!

So, I was lolling around the house yesterday when I decided to compile the photos of my FaceShop's Smoky Eye post into a video.

Here you go, I hope you like the updated format :)

Quick Share: The Marilyn Monroe Collection From MAC

A predictable, almost redundant statement: I love Marilyn Monroe.

I know there are some you who might be getting tired of her with all the media exposure she's been getting this year - the critically-acclaimed 'My Week with Marilyn', endless/recycled stories about her life and death, a number of magazine covers (case in point: Vanity Fair's May 2012 issue) and amazingly enough, MM-themed businesses are also slated to come out, proving that these black suits still believe her name can lure in profits up to this day.

But whether you like it or not, these are true testaments that even half a century after her death, the world remains fascinated by her fame, beauty, sex and the vulnerability of her life and mysterious demise. 

Now, MAC joins in on the spectacle with its Marilyn Monroe collection. Of course, this is no news since it came out in the States early this month. But for us living on the other end of the globe, this collection just hit stores last Saturday, the 20th of October.

I knew that there was gonna be a long queue for the launch, as with every other collection MAC comes out with. So, I had asked a very reliable person to get a number as soon as the mall opens at 10am so my slot would be guaranteed when they start selling the goodies at three in the afternoon.

But when I got there around 3:15, the host told me I was late and had to fall in line. Damn. Apparently, they started the program an hour earlier!

My first thoughts were: Reliability is a myth! Misinformation kills!

Anyway, I instantly calmed down after noticing that the line was quite short so, I begrudgingly went ahead and queued up.

I'm almost there!!

Celebratory Midweek Haul

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PREVIEW Bench Muses Inspired Look - Bordeaux Lips (Video)

Deep red-wine lips are everywhere - from the runways to TV shows and even on the glossy pages of fashion magazines.

One great example is Preview magazine's October edition, where its gorgeous cover girls are rocking bold, dark lips. 

Bench hotties with va-va-voom lippies

I decided to do my version of the look but toned it down just enough to be wearable on a regular day- minimal eye makeup, well-defined brows with dark plummy lips.

Wedding Series: Pegs, Gowns, Designer Lust, etc

He asked. I said yes.

Then, everything falls perfectly into place, happily ever after and all that stuff, right? Not Really. 

It occurred to me that first of all, I need to check my lazy ass at the door and get organized fast! And Oh. My. Gawd. the list of suppliers we need to book is daunting. It's like a spoiled, rich girl's credit card bill - it just goes on and on.

Nobody told me I need to break a sweat before I get my fairy tale ending! Lols

But kidding aside, I've decided to start a series dedicated to my wedding - from the church down to the souvenirs. I believe writing down my ideas would really help me gain a solid grasp on the preparations as well as maybe help those of you who are also planning for the big day.

The Mod List: My Top Nude Lipsticks

Hey 'er girls and boys.

The holiday season is upon us and for us lovelies, that means there is a string of parties (from Halloween to the New Year's celebrations) we will be preparing for. ICantWait!!

Because I understand the process we go through in choosing the right outfit and the banging makeup that goes with it, I'm sharing my top six favorite nude lippies you can wear to complete any type of look you are aiming for.

*MAC Cherish*

Quick Demo: How I Use My Clarisonic Plus

Hey lovelies!!

I know, I know I haven't been posting as frequently as I should be this week. Don't be tampo, it's just that work has been extra demanding for me recently.

Another thing that has kept me from updating is because of a nasty scab sitting on top my frickin' nose. The lesson here is try not to get carried away while using the PMD Microderm.

I'm just letting it heal for a while and as soon as it dries up, I'll be back on the zone!

Anyway, I decided to post the video where I did a quickie demo on how I use the Clarisonic Plus. As you can see, I did this right after the My UST school spirit makeup entry.

Winner of My First Giveaway - Pics

My reader,  Andrea Bancud, the lovely winner of the makeup giveaway has kindly sent me her pictures when she received the prices - full sizes of MAC Prep+Prime Beauty Balm SPF 35, Skin79's Hot Pink BB Cream and a bullet of a MoodMatcher lipstick.

Here she is already enjoying the goodies!

UAAP Cheerdance: My UST School Spirit Makeup

I was halfway through college when UST scored the championship title at the UAAP Men's Basketball Division a few years ago and I can still vividly remember the joy that deliciously filled the air in our campus weeks after that event.

I'm telling you, everyone - from the administrators to the students and even manong from the siomai stand in Dapitan - soaked in the victory.

And like hot chocolate fudge on top of a creamy double-scoop vanilla ice cream, the UST Salinggawi dance troupe also clinched their fifth-consecutive win on the cheerdance competition!

So, you can just imagine the ecstasy those titles gave all of us. It was like we were constantly smoked-up all high during those days.

School spirit - sometimes it can drive people crazy, you know? :)

Now, let me get started with makeup, which is the main subject of the day, lest I forget after the nauseating nostalgia I just submitted myself into.

The UAAP Cheerdance Competition is on Saturday and to pay homage to my Alma Mater, I did this bright yellow makeup as my own little way of cheering for UST.

Winner Announcement - My First Giveaway!!

Conducting my first blog giveaway was really exciting and I loved all the comments/entries that were submitted.

The only problem I had was choosing the winner because all the suggestions hit the marks in relation to ModFancies' content.

I mean, if only I could give everyone the prizes, I totally would!

To help with my dilemma, I used an online tool called Random Line Picker.

I placed all the names of entrants in individual lines and the system randomly chose one name and voila! I have a winner!

Flirty Pink-Purple Makeup

When in doubt, skip the sushi counter.

That's the lesson I unfortunately learned when my stomach fought with me the entire weekend after I gobbled like three platters of sashimi Friday evening. 

I had an inkling that the quality of the sushi from that restaurant was not at par with the standards of the other buffets we frequent to, but I just can never stop myself from happily crowding my plate with raw fishes when it's right there! in front of me!

Sheesh, what pains I suffered for my gluttony.

Moving on...

As I noted in my sneak-peek post, I will be using drugstore makeup products for this flirty pink-purple look.

It's quite easy to do, something you could wear when you're going out on a casual date -  it's gonna look fun and sassy without coming off as try-hard. Nobody wants that, right?

Here you go, I hope you like it!

Step 1- Prep

For that fresh and flawless look, I reached out for my HG bb cream and with a powder blush, I buffed it into my skin in small circular motions to make sure the product doesn't sit on top of my pores.

I skipped setting the bb cream with powder, but if you want the makeup to last longer, go ahead and do so.

Skin79 Super+ Hot Pink BB Cream in its cute mini sample bottle

Up Next: Makeup Look For Less

Although I'm already armed with the right products, I can't get my hands on doing this right now because some wedding stuff is making me a very busy girl.

So, I apologize for the blog delay!

But before I go, I just have to say that I'm so excited to dive in and do it right!

I'm gonna make sure the post on this look will be up this weekend.

By the way, have you submitted your entry on my first ever makeup giveaway?!

To do that, please click thru the link below:

http://modfancies.blogspot.com/2012/09/fulfill-your-mod-fancies-my-first.html?m=1

Stay tuned girlies! ❤❤❤

 

Featuring mostly local drugstore makeup products

Cheerios,

 

(Closed) Fulfill Your Mod Fancies - My First Giveaway!!

Hey loves!

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was planning something nice and sweet for you guys just because I am so happy with the response my (relatively) new blog is getting.

And I was thinking  that since this is a beauty blog that mainly focuses on makeup, I've decided to give away products that aid in creating a flawless-looking base. We all know that to create a perfect makeup look, you must have a great canvas to work with. Flawless looking skin is a must. 

The first of two giveaway items is MAC's Prep+Prime Beauty Balm SPF 35.

What is it?
 
According to the MAC website, it is "lightly tinted in a nearly sheer beige tone to work on an array of complexions, it creamily re-texturizes the skin and then goes on to excel at being a face primer with high everyday UVA/UVB SPF 35 defense."

It is basically a tinted cream that could either be worn on its own or as a face primer.

This would be perfect for those with oily skin because it totally keeps the skin matte and fresh so you won't have to worry about your foundation looking cakey right before your lunch hour.

Keep the sebum at bay with
MAC's Prep+Prime Beauty Balm

Date Night: Outfit and Makeup

Picture this: you're going out on a Saturday night but you don't have anything fabulous to wear! Que horror! So, you decide to just head to the mall and pick up something new to impress your hot date with.

Okay, stop right there.

Now, breathe.

Remember, you don't have to splurge any more than you have to; especially, considering that the next pay day is a lightyear away.

So, what you have to do is check your closet again and I suggest put on a black ensemble -maybe the good ol' LBD ala Audrey Hepburn- then pair it with some simple makeup  to achieve that 'glammed-up' but effortless look.

I say black because we all have it lying around and come to think of it, its magical 'thinnification' effect is not an unwelcome factor either *wink wink*. Another thing is, it makes it easier for us to pull off the polished with an edge style.

Black is the fashion default - you can never look over-dressed or under-dressed with it on.

So, this was exactly what I did when I went out for a dinner buffet (edit: hello! black is love when you're about to get stuffed with good food) a couple of nights ago.

Left photo with flash / Right photo no flash

Instant Happiness - New Beauty Stash

Warning - post loaded with product lust

You guys know I love makeup, right?

I don't know why but just looking at an array of makeup under the soft (insert cosmetic brand here) store lighting gives me a sense of happiness. Whenever I'm stressed out, a new tube of lipstick never fails to cheer me up.

But since not all great cosmetics brands have established presence here in our country, the next best option for us makeupholics is the Internet. Once or twice a year, I scour Amazon to pick up some of the goodies (makeup and more) that are not being offered here in Manila.

Actually, let me make a small correction on that last statement: I get to choose the products I like then my fiance would arrange all that needs to be done after. Oh, I just love him.

Scroll down for the goodies ↓↓↓

Real Techniques Brushes

Outfit of the Day: Dressy Friday

I have to admit, I love bold colors.

I love finding great and striking hues on lippies, shoes, accessories and of course, on dresses!

So, I thought I'd share with you guys this cute little number:

The belt (P150) and dress (P500) are both from SM Department Store. 

Yes, the ensemble is cute and affordable! You gotta love that, right?

The black pumps are from Zara, which retailed for a whopping P4,800 but I was able to snag it at 75% off  (happy dance!!) during their mega sale early this month.

 That's it for now!

The Face Shop Four-Minute Smokey Eyes Challenge

When it comes to makeup, I've always considered smokey eyes as this huge enigma: It's like EDSA without the 24/7 traffic or Brangelina without Jennifer Aniston; Twitter minus the incessant flow of TMIs or dial-up Internet in 2012. And for the ultimate punch, it's like Fifty Shades of Grey without all the explicit sexual content. It totally perplexes me out.

Anyway, back to makeup.

I was walking around Glorietta last week when I chanced upon Face Shop's Face It 4 Minute Smokey Kit, which promises that people like you and me would be able to create smoked up eyes faster than the commercial breaks during your favorite TV drama.

The kit contains four shadows (L-R: Black; Golden Khaki; Light Pink and Medium Brown), a couple of double-ended brushes, a black eyeliner and a mascara.

So, I thought maybe I'd try the product out and see for myself if I could achieve the smokey eyes goal within four minutes.

Start out with a bare face - prep your skin then proceed with the eyes:

Using the angled brush from the kit, fill in your brows with the medium brown e/s.

If you have dark hair, keep the brows a couple of shades lighter than your natural hair color.
Otherwise, set the brows one or two tones deeper.

You can also opt to use a brow pencil if you want

First: Rim both the upper and lower lids with a black eyeliner, making a slight cat-eye shape at the end. This doesn't need to be perfect since we are going to smudge it out.

Teaser: Smokey Eyes in 4 Minutes?!?

I'm giving this a side-eye, but that's because for me, smokey eye makeup isn't something you  can do in a jiffy.

But who knows, Faceshop's 4 Minute Smoky Kit just might convert me.

Watch this space... ^^

90s Makeup Nostalgia Part 2

As promised, here is my attempt to recreate the 'natural' makeup trend during the early to mid-90s.

Think Donna Martin/Brenda Walsh/Kelly Taylor from the original swanky zip code of prime time teen television, Beverly Hills 90210, or maybe Kate Moss during the much-celebrated grunge wave of the decade, or even the 90s bombshell Claudia Schiffer.

The makeup was all about deep contours, full brows, brown hues and everything matte.

Before I begin, let me remind you, I'm a neophyte so please, be kind.. ^.^

Start with a fresh face: tone and moisturize if you like. 

I used Flawless' facial toner and
Clarins White Plus HP Whitening Moisture Day Emulsion

The base I used was a Korean brand BB cream, which provides light coverage, perfect for the hot weather in Manila.

Skin 79 Hot Pink BB Cream

90s Makeup Nostalgia Part 1

Thinking about the 90s brings back memories of the Kate and Johnny romance, Daria, Sweet Valley High (or was it just me?), Dawson's Creek and dare I say, the velvet choker!

And right at the top of my 'why I love the 90s' list, is the era's polished, earth tones makeup made all the more fabulous by the supermodels of that time.

Cindy and Linda Rocking the 90s Look

The look was all about the strong brows, soft brown eyes, matte face and well-defined pouts framed by thick and beach-y hairstyles.

As the 90s progressed, we saw this natural makeup look begin to change and soon it transformed into its softer version: the brows are less thick, peachy tones tinged the eyes and cheeks and lip gloss started to make a comeback as well.

Cher and Carrie with the mid to late 90s natural makeup trend

So, suffice to say that I am totally all over the 90s right now. That's why I am taking inspiration from this decade to recreate the look I've always wanted to try.

Next up: my version of the 90s natural makeup look!! Stay tuned!

Almost Hitched

I find myself cringing whenever I see videos or hear stories of a man very publicly proposing to his woman. Although some of them are quite touching, I still feel like punching my face at the thought of going through the same thing. Even now, just writing about it is making me hyperventilate.

It goes without saying that I always advice my man, who happens to be a very passionate person, against that sort of stuff. From anniversaries to the seemingly obligatory Valentine's Day celebrations, I would always raise my hand at the idea of a hassle-free romantic dinner. 

The Ring

So, I was over the moon when he proposed to me in a quiet way - in a boat overseeing the Boracay sunset a fortnight before the summer ended. 

It was the sweetest, most romantic thing ever done with sophistication and dignity. It was very private (as it should be) and lovely. 

Well, almost private - if you don't count kuya who was manning the boat.

Why Blog? Why Now?

Over coffee and eggs a couple of weeks ago, I suddenly felt the urge to write again. You see, I was quite an avid fan of this activity when I was a kid, with heavy influences from Elizabeth Wakefield from the Sweet Valley series. Quite embarrassing, but very true.

I took up Journalism in college and actually had a bit of 'professional' experience in that industry:  I cinched a stint at global news firm Reuters working as an interim stringer for its TV News Department and then also wrote some articles for Manila Standard Today.

Really, I was in love with writing. I still remember the tingle running down my spine whenever I get to string together words that, to me, created beautiful narratives.

Here is the link of one of my published articles

So why did I stop, you ask? I really don't know. Maybe I was bored, lazy or just stupid for not working on my craft. But since the interwebs present a diverse and comprehensive field of opportunities for people like me to make up for lost time and hopefully get past all the shouldawouldacouldas (more on this later), here I am, trying to grab hold of my share of the internet.

It's a small pixel, but I can live with that.

Anyway, fast forward to today, after much procrastinating loaded with more procrastination, I am finally getting around to working on that 'urge'.

So, welcome to my space and please allow me to tell you the story of my life while I exaggerate a memory or two.