Preview: Estee Lauder Pure Color Collection

Estee Lauder was one of the first makeup brands that I used growing up. Whenever my aunt from Seattle would come home to the Philippines, there was always an Estee in the bag for us- much to my delight. I played with lipsticks and eyeshadows given to me, was amazed at the wonders of makeup on myself, and eventually found myself wanting to make others look pretty as well. Needless to say, Estee Lauder plays a (major, major..lol) role in my makeup addiction.

Here in the Philippines, Estee Lauder is constantly bringing us the latest releases from the internationally renowned brand. In September 2010, a new collection hits the spotlight, consisting of the the Pure Color Eyeshadows and Gloss.

Pure Color Eyeshadows

As Estee Lauder creative director Tom Pecheux puts it: " I think eyeshadows bring to a woman a lot of self-confidence and power. The new Pure Color Eyeshadow shades and finishes are sensual and powerful and I love them. These are definitely my babies."

The vibrant eyeshadow collection is said to give a new meaning to high impact color that  envelops the eyes in raw attitude and style . The Exclusive True VisionTM Technology incorporates intense, highly pigmented shades for a saturated color rich application and ultra brilliance. A crystalline laminate polymer intensifies color clarity and vibrancy in one easy stroke.

A subtle to high impact range of  color palette ensures a shade for all skin tones and desirable eye looks 48 powerful shades create endless color combinations and eye looks.

It boasts of its  long lasting pigments and  fade-resistant formulas, in 4 buildable finishes to create versatile eye looks:

1. MATTE:  jet-milled coated pigments provide a contemporary, suede-like finish

2. SATIN: a low lustre texture combined with a refined luminosity creates a soft sophisticated sheen

3. LUMINOUS: prismatic light-reflecting pearls provide a chic, lustrous sparkle

4. METALLIC: Flattened and round pearls are paired to create intense, vivacious drama

Chic Packaging

The first to be introduced in the new Pure Color collection packaging: a sleek, golden mirrored compact with oversized  Estée Lauder cartouche for a luxurious presentation. It comes with a new, specially designed sponge-mitt applicator was created to work with all four finishes.

Suggested Retail Price: Php1250

Pure Color Gloss

Estée Lauder introduces the next generation of color with high-impact glosses that drench lips in enviably chic shades in 19 Seductive Shades, 3 Brilliant Finishes and a Custom Collection by World-Renowned Makeup Artist, Tom Pecheux.

Lasting shine, maximum moisture and three multi-dimensional finishes combined with vibrant color and nuanced tones, set the

stage for a modern, sensual look. A special collaboration of six fashion-forward shades by Estée Lauder Creative Makeup

Director Tom Pecheux folds into the irresistible collection of bold, juicy hues and subdued neutrals, redefining color for lips.

Experience a collection of rich attitude and saturated color by Estée Lauder.

19 BOLD, SEDUCTIVE SHADES

• Exclusive True VisionTM Technology wraps pigments in a crystal-like coating to provide intense, brilliant color and

shine

• A subtle to high-impact color palette ensures a shade for all skin tones and desirable lip looks

• Smooth, even pigments impart a soft, fullness to the lips

• 19 sleek shades of natural nudes, edible berries, seductive reds and sensual plums

3 LUXURIOUS FINISHES

• From a soft satin shine to an energetic sparkle, these three distinct finishes glide onto the lips to draw maximum

attention.

SHINE: Color-true pigment polymers deliver an ultra shiny, glossy finish

SHIMMER: Finely cut pearls provide a mirrored shine with fierce shimmer

SPARKLE: Super high-shine fused with high-powered metallic sparkle for the most dramatic look

INFINITE MOISTURE

• Vitamin C and Vitamin E moisturize and help protect lips

• Multi-functional humectants enhance lips’ emolliency and moisturization leaving lips immediately soft and hydrated

• Over time the condition of the lips improves, feeling and looking younger and healthier

LIGHTWEIGHT, COMFORTABLE TEXTURE

• Non-sticky, non-tacky formula leaves lips beautifully cushioned

• The new flexible, precision applicator delivers the perfect opacity in an even and fluid application

• Exclusive signature fig scent

Availability: The NEW Pure Color Gloss will be available at Rustans Makati, Rustans Shangri-la, Rustans Alabang, Rustans

Gateway, Rustans Cebu, and Marionnaud starting in September 2010.

Suggested Retail Price: Php 1,150

Estée Lauder introduces the next generation of color with high-impact glosses that drench lips in 19 Seductive Shades, 3 Brilliant Finishes and a Custom Collection by World-Renowned Makeup Artist, Tom Pecheux.

Lasting shine, maximum moisture and three multi-dimensional finishes combined with vibrant color and nuanced tones, utilizing  the exclusive True VisionTM Technology wraps pigments in a crystal-like coating to provide intense, brilliant color and shine.

With 19 sleek shades of natural nudes, edible berries, seductive reds and sensual plums, the range covers subtle to high-impact color palette, ensuring a shade for all skin tones and various lip looks.

3 LUXURIOUS FINISHES

From a soft satin shine to an energetic sparkle, these three distinct finishes glide onto the lips to draw maximum attention:

1. SHINE: Color-true pigment polymers deliver an ultra shiny, glossy finish

2. SHIMMER: Finely cut pearls provide a mirrored shine with fierce shimmer

3. SPARKLE: Super high-shine fused with high-powered metallic sparkle for the most dramatic look

The non-sticky, non-tacky formula in its exclusive signature fig scent leaves lips beautifully cushioned.  The new flexible, precision applicator delivers the perfect opacity in an even and fluid application.

The new Pure Color Gloss will be available at Rustans Makati, Rustans Shangri-la, Rustans Alabang, Rustans Gateway, Rustans Cebu, and Marionnaud starting in September 2010.

Suggested Retail Price: Php 1,150

Preview: Urban Decay Holiday 2010

What is it with Urban Decay and its limited edition palettes that seem to disappear from the makeup counters instantly? Cult favorites Alice in Wonderland and earlier volumes of Book of Shadows are already nowhere to be found except on ebay or from sellers who marked up the prices due to its limited availability.

If you're constantly frustrated about missing the chance to grab their latest crowd pleasers,  be sure to prep yourself up  to grab the next Urban Decay treat, the Holiday 2010 collection- Book of Shadows volume III!

Here's a glimpse into what will be hitting the stores come fall 2010:

Great news for New York residents:

As a tribute to NYC, Urban Decay will be hosting a one-day, sneak peek event at Sephora Times Square (1500 Broadway, #304) on Saturday, August 28th from 1 to 9PM where 1,000 pieces of the limited edition Book of Shadows Vol. III will be available for purchase on a first come, first served basis (limit 3 per person) The first 200 die-hard fans will also receive a limited edition Urban Decay t-shirt with their consultation. Urban Decay’s Eric Jimenez, Worldwide Retail Sales Director and International Makeup Artist, and his team of A-list artists will also be in attendance!

The coveted palette doesn’t even launch on UrbanDecay.com until after Labor Day, and will not be available in-store at Macy’s, Sephora, and Ulta, until October 1st!

Check the swatches from Temptalia here.

Symantec support

Cinematica in CDO

Parc Cruz... Ku Manahan.. If either of these names ring a bell, then you must have been bitten by the photography bug. These are  two of the Philippines' most respected photography giants who will be coming to CDO for a one day workshop. Dubbed as Cinematica Cagayan de Oro, Parc Cruz and Ku Manahan will be teaching Kagay-anons the essentials of lighting, photography, and post-processing, on September 12, 2010 at the Cagayan de Oro Polymedic Medical Plaza conference room.

When I saw the event's poster tagged on facebook, I immediately contacted the person who posted it, who turned out to be our resident in Obstetrics during senior clerkship in med school, Dr. Carl Tan. An obstetrician and photo enthusiast in Cagayan de Oro, Dr. Tan is co-sponsoring the event with Hundred One Events & Exhibits.

About the Mentors

Ku Manahan took the musical route to photography by shooting concerts, band profiles, and singers. He's done press photos, website photos, and album inserts for various local musicians. Capturing rock star enigma, the drama of fan hysteria, and human interactions in events that he covers are his melodious ways of expressing the beauty of music through the still and silent nature of excellent photos.

Parc Cruz has come a long way from experimenting and exploration, and defying conventions in photography. A self-taught master lensman, his inclination to the arts and movies earned himself a distinct brand of emotionally powerful and cinematic photos. Each shot reflects his visions of the movies playing in his genius head.

Music and movies soulfully translated into beautiful images.. what more can a photography student ask for? When these two are offering the rare chance to teach you the tricks of the trade, grab it! Even CDO gurus like Dustein Sibug are recommending  this workshop to everyone interested in photography.

Here are the details :

A Lighting, Photography: Post Processing Workshop
by Ku Manahan & Parc Cruz

DATE: Sept. 12, 2010
TIME: 9 am to 5 pm
FEE: Php 4,000.00 (includes Lunch & Snacks)
VENUE: Cagayan de Oro Polymedic Medical Plaza Conference Room,
Kauswagan National Highway, Cagayan de Oro city

COURSE OUTLINE:

- hands-on workshop on basic ambient and controlled lighting
- basic guide on production shoots and model shoots
- tips on selection and output of best work
- post processing techniques

Workshop includes a photoshoot with a guest model from Manila, Ms. Maffy Soler.

WHAT TO BRING:
camera with full manual controls (DSLR)
laptop with at least photoshop CS3
extra shirt

For reservations, please call/text Dr Carl Tan 09228631998 09177181998

See you at the event! I will be there,  not as a makeup artist,  but as a student.  :)

sat prep courses

Wedding Supplier Spotlight: Flower Matters

In the recent events where I was the make up artist for fabulous people, I had the opportunity to work alongside talented photographers and videographers, awesome couturiers, and efficient coordinators. It was noteworthy that in almost all of the events, one supplier was a consistent favorite among clients- Flower Matters.

The exceptional events styling capabilities of Flower Matters can bring to life concepts that used to be just a dream. Truly, attending an event handled by Flower Matters can be a surreal experience. I was pleased to learn that a fellow doctor is one of the key personalities behind the successful venture, an eloquent one at that. I was happy to find a colleague doing well in the wedding business, but even more delighted to know that he is very accommodating and witty articulating his thoughts.

Dr. Don Avila Duero is an internist from Cagayan de oro who is also one of the creative minds behind Flower Matters. He says that doing business on the side provides him a larger canvas to explore and a more adventurous career path. At the same time, he credits it to his medicine degree the abilities to understand people better and approach them properly. With his crazy schedule, I was fortunate enough to be given this chance to interview him for this blog feature. People are landing on my blog searching for Flower Matters, so I feel I have a duty to provide you with more information about their services.

Here is our little chitchat with Dr. Don Duero:

Who are the people behind Flower Matters?

The people behind FM (Flower Matters) are a team of talented and creative individuals; sensitive and insightful to the needs of our clients. Mr. Erbie Misa with several years in floral arrangement executes my conceptual ideas, which are based on the needs and stipulations of the client. Our creative team of men and women are adept at creative applications and design execution.

How did you end up in event styling? Were you always this creative?

I would like to think that every individual can be creative; but my getting into event styling stems from a keen eye for detail and harmonious use of materials to come up with a style unique for each and every client FM cater to.

Who or what are your inspirations for coming up with grandiose designs?

Every project that is undertaken by FM for clients is looked upon as a challenge of not only pleasing the wishes of the client but making certain that the event, and execution of the design pertinent to the event, is wonderfully memorable for the client.

Do you still practice as a physician? Given the choice between being a doctor and an event stylist, which would you prefer?

I have been practicing as an internal medicine specialist in CDO for the past 8 years. My stint as creative guru of Flower Matters some 4 years back was a pleasant surprise not only to myself but came about as a relief valve of some sorts from the rigors of medical practice. Most of the time we are interacting with patients. We have little social life. The hospital/clinic atmosphere is filled with depression and agony where we spend most of our time. On the other hand, a business atmosphere is lively and dynamic. One is constantly interacting with large number of individuals and with every communication, he is learning new things.

So when they ask me why do some doctors leave the scalpel for corporate boardrooms? Personally, the business world where i am in now helps me remove my mental blocks and gives me wider perspective, making me receptive to change. Before, I had a very tubular vision, but the new atmosphere altered it. So far, I have managed to thrive in both endeavors quite adequately. And happily...I am a Physician by profession but perhaps an event stylist by design (pun intended).

What's the best part about running Flower Matters?

The best part of the business is not only being able to satisfy the needs of our clients but seeing that the concept agreed upon by us and the client satisfies the event, making an excellent mark on their guests. This translates on a job well done for us at FLOWER MATTERS.

What's the most challenging part? How do you deal with demanding clients?

Every project undertaken by Flower Matters  is a challenge we at FM deem necessary if only to satisfy the creative needs of our clientele. It is our delight to please and try to address demands made by our clients - this is paramount in our business philosophy of not only catering to the needs of the clients but also to be able to meet his or her demands within the scope of his budgetary parameters.

If a client wants to avail of your services, does he/she have to be wealthy to afford it?

We welcome EVERYONE who are discerning in their creative and event needs - and those who demand the best that FLOWER MATTERS can offer. They may reach us at telephone number 0919-835-2479 or email us at Flower_Matters@yahoo.com, or message me at my facebook account drdonduero@yahoo.com, or perhaps visit our shop at the following areas:

Cagayan de Oro:
Ground Floor of Maternity Hospital, infront of Gaston Park, J.Gaerlan St, Cagayan de Oro City

Butuan:
M.Calo St., fronting United Bookstore, Butuan City.

Below are some pictures of the events that they handled. These might convince you to have your wedding in Cagayan de Oro even if you're from some place else because it's in CDO  where the rates are lower but the quality of services rendered are world-class:

City-dwelling hipster theme for Carrot and Hadj Wedding. Photos by Bon Aserios:

Nautical setting for Aikaye Bollozos' Debut. Photos from Dr. Duero:

Nikka and Jeremy Heavenly Wedding. Photos from Dr. Duero:

Pretty sight for débutante Camille Montesines. Photos from Dr. Duero:



lead test kit

A Day at Vanity Works Salon

Since its opening in 2007, Vanity Works Salon has captured a loyal following from residents of Cagayan de Oro who go for posh yet reasonable pampering sessions. It is owned by CAS and Makeup Forever Academy graduate (and soon-to-be bride) Roselle Paras, who also runs Coffee Works, both in Cagayan de Oro and Manila.

I documented my recent visit to the place. My hubby and I supposedly came for a haircut but unfortunately, they did not have services on haircut for men. I went on to have my hair done. For Php 150, the cut is inclusive of shampoo and blow dry, plus a glass of iced tea...no, make that two, because my hubby who was waiting was also served a glass of iced tea. The courteous approach of the staff is definitely a selling point for Vanity Works, along with their services. Unlike in other salons where clients can be seen from the outside, like fishes inside an aquarium, the design of the place affords some degree of privacy for its clients. I don't have to worry about someone passing by and seeing me having my hair done.

rugs

It was Miss Morj who attended to me. I chatted her up on my plans of getting highlights, which is one of the services they are known for. Instead of pushing me into getting one, she advised that I put my hair on a "rehab" instead. The damages that my hair has incurred from rebonding and environmental factors might be compounded with the damaging effects of 12% hydrogen peroxide, which is a component of the highlights treatment. She suggested the hair spa to revive my (lackluster) locks.

Nikki, a schoolmate in high school who was there for a hot oil session and was seated next to me, admitted to being a regular in the salon. She pointed out that the helpful advice from the staff is what keeps her coming back often. Their professional expertise guides her on which services would work better for her, even if it's a cheaper treatment. I learned that a couple of fellow doctors are also regular customers of Vanity Works salon.



The Happy Hours promo is something worth looking forward to. Everyday, from 10AM to 2PM and 7PM to 10PM, you can avail of hot oil for only Php299, back massage at Php169 and express foot spa  at Php 199. For spa treatments, they use Babor, an imported brand from Germany used at high end salons.

Normally, they have a free wifi within the salon but during my visit, they were fixing it. It would have been a great treat for hubbies and companions waiting near the reception area.

Will I come back to Vanity Works for my next salon trip? Yes, of course. The reasonable prices for a high end salon with well-trained staff are reasons enough to come back. There is nothing much to say about my hair cut because I just went for a trim, but I was satisfied with the outcome and I'm looking forward to my hair spa session one of these days.

Vanity Works is located at Rosario Arcade, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City. For further information on their services and rates, contact them at 8562352 .