Happy New Year!

2009 has been a challenging yet rewarding year for the vanity doctor.  It was this year that this blog has been recognized, which opened doors for more opportunities. Sorry that it had to take an award to push me to write more often in this site which I almost abandoned. To all the readers of this blog,  I wish you a more fabulous year in 2010! Even if you hardly make your presence felt in the comments section, as long as you're getting more gorgeous with each visit to this blog, that's fine with me. New year means renewal of auto insurance quotes but here's hoping for prosperity in every endeavor and better health for all of us! Stay beautiful, people!

Rolling With The Homies

A pre-debut shoot for Camille who will be celebrating her birthday on early summer, next year. Photos were taken by Dustein Sibug. Makeup by yours truly.

I noticed the semblance of our model, Camille, with young actress Maja Salvador as I was doing her makeup. The glamour rendered by Dustein's photos further leaves you wondering if she's part of Star Magic's stable of talents.

Yes, there are indeed lots of pretty faces and talented photographers in Cagayan de Oro. The only thing we lack is the magazine to put all these fabulous fashion spreads.

Melai's Transformation

If you're a viewer of Pinoy Big Brother Double-Up, you were probably one of those mesmerized with the transformation of the funny crowd favorite, Melai. She underwent a makeover to prepare her for a celebrity date with actor Jericho Rosales.

Melissa Cantiveros is a teacher from General Santos city who cracks up the PBB house with her natural candor and witty remarks, hence was tagged as the resident "kengkay." She does not see herself as an enchanting beauty despite her winsome personality and Fastin-svelte figure. Instead, her comedic tendencies deem her a threat to Pokwang, the famous local comedienne. The disparaging self-assessment of her looks gives her doubts about a fellow housemate's (Jason Francisco's) affection for her.  She has to be constantly reassured that she is beautiful in her own way.

With the help of make up artist Diane de Castro, a Maybelline Color Artist, the transformation that took place needed little effort into convincing Melai about the beauty lurking inside her.  She couldn't contain her excitement on her newly discovered innate loveliness. This is the best thing about the proper application of makeup- it empowers a woman's self-esteem. She obviously loved the way she looked that she didn't want the makeup to go off.

Diane de Castro imparted a natural but sexy look on Melai. The colors are peaches and browns from the eyeshadows to the lipstick. A slight shimmer was added to the apples of the cheeks. The eyebrows were groomed, the lash lines were defined  and the nose was contoured. Simple but amazing.




[caption id="attachment_1919" align="aligncenter" width="492" caption="Before"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1918" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="After"][/caption]

Dear Santa, I Need A High Chair

One of the dilemmas of a make-up artist is having terrible back pains after a gig. We hardly engage in strenuous activities during an event, except for carrying heavy traincases, but the after effects we suffer are similar to being pinned down in a sumo wrestling match (not that I did any wrestling in the past). The pain has to do with all the bending and straining of the back when the client is seated in an ordinary chair. We have to move closer to her face to achieve our desired results. A few hours after, the muscle pain sets in. And you thought our job was easy. Part of our earnings should go to health savings account because of these risks.

Wearing flats and putting pillows on the chair are just not enough. Ideally, the make-up artist chair or high chair is used to prevent this problem. The other day, a client went to our house for prenup make-up and I used the high chair which comes with the mini-bar set at home. The whole process went smoothly, without any back-breaking moves. This is how I want my gigs to go- painless. Unfortunately, the high chair at home cannot fit into the car trunk and I don’t see myself bringing furniture around town. I need a portable type.

About 2 years ago, I saw some makeup artist chairs sold in multiply. It was Php7000. The shipping to my place would surely cost more. My classmate in makeup school told me that they are also available in Quiapo for a cheaper price. Still, the transit cost is a problem. The only solution I could think of is to hire a carpenter and have him follow the design in the picture. If only we had the right materials to copy the lightness of the structure. The last thing I want is another tool heavier than my traincase. After all, I am a make up artist, not a body builder. Unless Santa has plans of enlisting me into the next Ms. Iron Body Contest, I hope he grants my wish for this Christmas. Well, if he could throw in a Flip camera for vlogging along with the high chair, that would be nice. Ok, ok, Santa, I know I’m getting on your nerves. If you could find me well-paying gigs so I could buy my own toys, that would be good enough, thanks!

Behind The Scenes Video

We had a Geisha/Indian Makeup Shoot last Friday for my friend, Malou  who's here for a vacation from the US. She requested for Dustein Sibug of http://dustein.multiply.com, the exceptional photographer who took my Pre-nup and Wedding Photos. Before we did the Geisha Shoot with Audrey, Malou already contacted me to do a Geisha makeup on her. Geisha  just happens to be a most requested look for me these days, I don't know why.

This time, I made the white makeup more opaque but darn, it took forever to blend it. The one on Audrey was much easier to apply because it was transparent white, just like putting makeup on the Twilight characters. I'm still on the hunt for the perfect white base that would pull off a smooth Geisha look as an alternative to its traditional materials, which aren't available here. Perhaps office supplies like the liquid eraser would be a last resort, but I used  Snazaroo and Kryolan water-based white cake on this shoot.

My new apprentice, Jim Russel Cabanag, did the hair. I was holding the camera for this video, so as much as I wanted to document how the makeup was done, my hands were full. The pics that appear on the slide are just my shots. Watch out for the official photos from Dustein Sibug, soon!

Makeup Artist In A Bag

Are you a sucker for makeup tutorials? I just came across Stila's latest product, a portable makeup player that lets you bring your makeup guru in the bag. The Stila Makeup Player is a makeup bag and video player in one. After you download free beauty videos from www.stilabeautytube.com, you can connect the makeup player to an mp3 player or smartphone for audio or video playback right on your traincase.

Aside from the sleek bag and the portable video player, it contains $110 worth of Stila makeups including the One step makeup foundation, Convertible Color for the lips and cheeks, Eyeshadow trio and #7 eyeshadow brush, plus a full sized Lip Glaze. The whole package is worth $250 but is being sold for only $69.90! They're even offering it on 2 installment payments of $34.95.

This is great for makeup newbies who want guidance on the proper application of makeup from the Stila Pros themselves. The bag size is just right for those beginning to build their own stash of makeups. While you do primp yourself up facing the large mirror on the bag, the video will show you how it's done step by step. Even if you already have a cell phone or laptop where you can easily view the tutorials, the affordable price of the whole package is just too good to ignore.

Regine Velasquez in CDO

Last December 4, 2009 at the Limketkai Atrium, Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez took Cagayan de Oro by storm with her rendition of the fans' most requested songs.

Too bad I wasn't there to watch the concert because hubby was on duty, but I watched Regine's show a few years ago in Manila and she's definitely one artist whose performances are worth every penny you spend for the concert ticket.

Buzz around town is that her Eraserheads and Hearts Medley were among the most applauded numbers. Her duet with Jed Madela of "The Prayer" blew people away and sharing the stage with her childhood singing rival, Eva Castillo, was a spectacular showdown of vocal power. Thanks to Youtube, I was able to catch a few clips from the concert.

Team Oro covered the event and one of the photographers, Bon Aserios, permitted me to post some of his shots. Bon is the same photographer I worked with during the Geisha shoot we did about 2 weeks ago.

If you need a photographer for your wedding or portrait shoots, please visit his website at http://bonaserios.com. His rates and contact details are posted on his site.

I enjoyed my Century Bangus Fillet at the Hospital

... At my husband's hospital duty, that is. My hubby goes on 24 hours (or more) duty as an Ophthalmology Resident at a local hospital. Having gone through endless duties myself, I know how physically and mentally taxing it is to be sleepless for several hours yet be constantly on your toes for patients' needs.

When he goes on duty during the weekends, I am his personal catering service provider. I make sure he eats on time and he fuels his body and mind with healthy food. Doctors look after their patients, not minding the hunger pangs as if they are invincible. In turn, they get sick. My husband has hyperacidity and I worry about him not eating right. Last week, I brought him his favorite, the Century Gourmet Bangus Fillet to complete his packed meal.

We are both fans of bangus belly that during groceries, I always include some in the cart. The fat in the belly is something I could consume all to myself without fearing the cholesterol because it's a healthy option. The Omega-3 fatty acids in fish are beneficial to the body, fighting off the risks for coronary heart diseases and preventing cancer development, among its many health benefits.

With Century coming up with the Gourmet Bangus Fillet, this was something that really got me excited because we can eat it anytime, anywhere we please. Plus it's got the fat belly that we really crave for! During the recent typhoon Urduja in the city, my hubby was on duty and he narrated that it was flooding outside the hospital when he went out for dinner. To make sure he doesn't go hungry during these times, I put an extra can of Century Gourmet Fillet in his locker during my visit to him. Its easy to open can makes it a trusty companion and a filling gastronomic delight during emergencies and unexpected circumstances that get you stuck somewhere.

We feasted on the Spanish style Century Bangus during lunch break at his call room. Thankfully, there were no emergency calls while we were eating. It was a perfect bonding moment, with Gregory House on the laptop and Century Bangus on our platter. I captured our fun memories and made a video of it. And, oh yeah, did I mention that the Century Gourmet Bangus Fillet was yummy? The video will show how much we enjoyed it.






Note: This blog was a contest entry to Nuffnang's Century Bangus Promo. I was sincere in everything I said although it didn't win. :P

No More Bad Hair Day

One of our readers, Bianca/Sunmom, named a few local manufacturers of organic beauty products in a previous blog post on organics. Human Heart Nature was one of them, thus I researched about it immediately. Surprisingly, upon browsing the goods on the Human Heart Nature website, I noticed  that the prices are very reasonable. Knowing organics, they usually come at a price, but their company proves it otherwise.

Unlike other local online stores that require going to the bank or Globe outlet to transfer payment, the Human Heart Nature online shop conveniently accepts credit cards. Being a supporter of organic products, I took advantage of the affordable prices and purchased some items including the Hair Mask- Intensive Gugo Bark and Avocado (Php 84.75) and the Hair Styling Cream- Acapulco and Mango Butter (Php 89.75).

Hair Mask-Intensive Gugo Bark and Avocado

After shampoo, the Hair Mask is to be left for 30 mins before rinsing. It is said to have strengthening, nourishing and moisturizing properties, boosted with Vitamin E and B complex. The Omega-3 in Avocado helps in restoring moisture and elasticity while the Gugo Bark, a time-tested natural hair enhancer that our grandmothers swear by, nourishes and minimizes hair loss. The addition of organic virgin coconut oil adds shine to worn-out locks.

The ingredients are as follows:

Water, cetrimonium chloride (from palm/vegetable oil), cetyl alcohol (from coconut), organic Entada Phaseoloides (Gugo Bark) extract, organic Persea Americana (Avocado) oil, Virgin Coconut Oil, natural honey extract,  Rosemary fragrance oil, gluconolactone (natural preservative), Rosemary essential oil, tocopherol (Vitamin E), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Peppermint essential oil, citric acid, and sodium benzoate.

The peppermint oil makes it a cool and fragrant bath essential that you would want to use often. It is just as effective as hair spas or intensive damage control conditioners sold at department stores, minus the harsh chemicals.

Hair Styling Cream- Acapulco and Mango Butter

I say this is the bomb! This has light to medium hold that affords a great hairstyle without leaving nasty residues. After bath, I apply it on my hair that has been ravaged by regular rebond. As I mentioned before, my hair has frizzy strands that looks fried by the bathroom lights and it isn't easily solved by my usual leave-on conditioners or hair cuticle coats that come with a greasy feel. It had to take an organic hairstyling product to tame my damaged locks.

At first, I dampened my hair with the cream a little too much that throughout the day, I sported a wet-look as though I've been out playing in the rain. By wet, I mean water-wet and not the oil spill kind.  I learned that it only took a little amount to get it working. Noticeably, the frizz were gone and my hair was more manageable without being oily.  The effects are even more remarkable when I use it after the Hair Mask which I don't apply on a daily basis because I'm scrimping and I can't wait for 30 minutes before rinsing it every time.

It contains the following organic ingredients:

mango oil, vegetable-derived cetyl alcohol, mango butter, purified water, Philippine carrageenan, acapulco extract, natural vitamin E,  and peppermint fragrance oil.

On my next order, I'd like to try their organic shampoos and conditioners. For something that you apply daily, wouldn't it give you some peace of mind if you know that you're using products that are environmentally-friendly and healthy? Human Nature's price is not a prohibiting factor so I expect more people turning to organic products eventually. Hopefully, more Filipino companies would take after the example of Human heart nature and offer quality products from natural resources found locally.

Human Heart Nature has a satellite office in La Palma, California. Readers from the USA can order online from the Human Heart Nature US website.

Geishock

Last Saturday, we had a Japanese-themed photoshoot with multi-faceted artist Bon Aserios. The photo session was his birthday gift to Audrey, our model. Thanks to his recommendations, Audrey contacted me to be her makeup artist for this shoot.

Audrey has a thing for everything Japanese, hence she requested for the Geisha look. Bon also suggested another design inspired by Sarah Meier's prenup pics which we incorporated in the chosen theme. The colorful splatter gave the Geisha a modern twist, hence the name "Geishock" or "Geishuck," if we take it after Audrey's chucks.

Traditionally, geisha makeup is done using a wax or oil base called bintsuke-abura followed by the application (using bamboo brush) of a white powder mixed with water to a pasty consistency. The white makeup (oshiroi) originally contained lead and mercury, which are toxic substances to the body. Zinc and titanium dioxide later replaced the hazardous ingredients.

The essential colors in a Geisha makeup are white, red and black. To whiten the skin, I used the Kryolan Aqua Color in white using a damp sponge. Ben Nye Azalea eye shadow on top of Nyx Electra were dabbed on the outer corner of the eyes. Nyx Electra alone rendered the puckered lips a vivid red color.

For the splattered look,  I used the 24 shimmer palette, which contains subdued, pretty pastel shades. It would have been bolder had I used the Kryolan aqua colors beneath it. Note to self: get Ben Nye's other Lumiere Grande eyeshadows.


Here are some shots taken by photographer Bon Aserios. For more of his fresh, funky works, please visit his website at http://bonserios.com.

Thanks to my Mom for doing the hairstyling and my hubby for carrying my heavy tools. Thanks also to Audrey and her family who are the coolest people to get to know.Her cousin, Stephanie served us Wasabi chips ( which went with the theme) for snack during our shoot at the Flores Orchidarium.

Music Playlist at MixPod.com