MOTD: An Ode to 90’s Grunge

Lately, I have been so inspired by the decades. Big thanks to my mum’s collection of little snaps (and yes, I am talking about legit film-to-print photos, because they are way cooler than us) from the past. I remember the days when I would watch MTV (sans Teen Mom and other stupid shows) the whole entire day without getting sick of it. And I would consistently sit by the radio patiently waiting for my favourite song to come on and hit the play+record buttons. Those were the days when my inner rebellion was born – the inner rebellion who kept her grades up and would still have a little warm snuggle with mum here and there. Haha!

Growing up, I have always had a love affair with the city I was born in. Manila, though invariably bombarded with uncertainties and ambiguity, its imperfections make it unforgettable. It is like that bad boy you have always wanted to date. HA! And for the look, I wanted the lips to POP! So I balanced the whole look with a bronzed halo eye makeup. My eyes were inspired by the humidity and streets of Manila and a thousand warm sunsets along Manila Bay.

 

First, I prepped the skin with skincare and primer. I used Laura Mercier Foundation Primer – Blemish-less since I am more oily and prone to breakouts. I did my concealing and cream highlight and contour then I evened out my skin with Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Cover Stick Foundation in Y405. I LOVE it because it provides enough coverage while giving my skin a little bit of that dewy, healthy look. After, I shaped my brows with Make Up Forever Aqua Brow in color 40 then I proceeded to do my eyes and chose Anastasia Beverly Hills Master Palette by Mario.

photo via Temptalia

It had the perfect warm tones and shimmer for that bronzed look. After applying a tinted eyeshadow primer, I built up the smokey corners with the colours Isabel then Violeta and then I wet my eyeshadow brush and applied 5th Ave in the center of the lid for more pigment. I didn’t really want to take away from the halo effect so I went with a classic line using Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper then added extra glam with faux lashes. For the final touch, I swiped Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Craft on my lips.

I hope this look inspired you! Wishing you all the very best of 2017 and beyond.

 

Hawaii and Summer’s Day Beauty Favourites

If there is one thing I would’ve done differently, it would be to pack less in the beauty department. That was the main goal until a surge of panic overcame me and my conscious mind started asking questions like “What if we had to go to dinner and in need of a rockin’ smoky eye?” or “What if my powder doesn’t have enough coverage?” A woman’s brain indeed – am I right ladies?

So I ended up bringing all of these:

I have equal love for all of my beauty products and I treat each piece as if it were a valuable art piece. So when my husband and I found out that the airline lost our luggage, my heart sank because most of my precious liquid and cream makeup was in our checked bag. Those were not my best moments but thank goodness, God had our backs and we were reunited with our luggage.

Those kind of experiences teach you a few things – that there is Costco and Walmart in every corner to save your bum from the first 24 hours and to try to pack a carry-on and as little as much as possible. Believe me, I try EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

This goes to all of my beauty essentials. I may have packed it all but only ended up using what I needed. My go-to’s most days were the following and should be in your summer beauty kit.

BARE MINERALS COMPLEXION RESCUE GEL TINTED HYDRATING GEL CREAM

A perfect way to lightly even out your skin on a warm, sunny day is with a good tinted moisturizer. I love this product because aside from its “barely-there” feel and hydration factor, it is also infused with marine botanicals and heart-leaf globe daisy to energize, replenish and protect skin. It also has SPF 30!

ELATE COSMETICS BAMBOO POWDER, BLUSH AND/OR BRONZER COMPACT

One simply cannot forgo simplicity especially when going to the tropics. What I love most about this compact is its dual compartments which makes it customizable to your needs. I decided to fashion mine with Elate Cosmetics Fix Pressed Powder in Tawny and Flushed Pressed Cheek Colour in Sunkiss Bronzer. The pressed powder is infused with grounded argan shell powder and coconut extract powder to hydrate and nourish. It also has titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which gives it sun protection factor.

ANNABELLE COSMETICS BLUSHON POWDER IN HIBISCUS

There were days where I would just go out with just complexion and bronzer. But as soon as I brushed my cheeks with this baby, it just gave me the perfect summer flush. It goes on smooth and provided a lovely youthful glow.

May summer bring you endless sunshine and new adventures!