Gee...you smell terrific!

Aaahhh, fragrance, really can make me smile! I am a bit tone deaf, but God blessed me with a strong sense of smell. I can sniff like a dog! I'm a type of person who can relate a certain smell to a certain event. I can still remember my "victoria secret's body spray" as my movie date scent. My Elizabeth Arden's True Love as my Junior Prom moment. The Gianni Versace Red Jeans as my "highschool" life scent. I could go on forever....

For those who are not that familiar with the fragrance world, let me give you a bit of Fragrance 101. (hehee...that's the only level I know haha)

Different types of perfumes are categorized based on the concentration of the perfume oil. (concentration would include the percentage or volume). Types listed below (from strongest down to the lightest) :

• Perfume extract
• Eau de Parfum
• Eau de Toilette
• Eau de Cologne

Always bear in mind when buying fragrance is to note down that the more concentrated a perfume is, the scent will be stronger and will last longer. But the most important thing is, you like the smell (on yourself) and not because it smells good from a fragrance counter, or because a friend smells nice on it. Just listen to yourself, shall I say, listen to your nose when it comes to fragrance shopping. Below are my favorite fragrance , I will list down when I usually use them :) ENJOY the scent searching!


Gucci Envy Me
Eau de Toilette Spray

This is floral fruity fragrance. Smells so good, the first time I came across this fragrance was in Hong Kong. I was at Time Square and I literally STOPPED and was sniffing like a dog on the street. It was super new and expensive at that time, but I didn't care! I bought it on spot.

Good for daily use. Day dates or even going to school or work :)

Lacoste Touch of Pink
Eau de Toilette Spray

Floral and fun!!!! This is very young and vibrant kinda feeling. Very light like summer all the time

Daily use, for work, school, dates, etc..









Paris Hilton Heiress
Eau de Parfum

This is quite new as this was just introduced by Paris year 2006. The bottle is quite attractive as the whole back of the perfume as a mirror on it . (though I don't it you're gonna carry this on your bag and pull it out everytime you need a mirror)

The smell is sweet, bubblegum-like.

Great for Daily use. My hubby commented me EVERY TIME (no joke) and just can't stop hugging me *aaawww*








Carolina Herrera
Eau de Toilette / Eau de Parfum

For me, this has the most unique and cutest bottle EVAH! This is quite old already and a lot of department stores don't sell it anymore as they have the newer scents like Sexy or Chic etc..

This has a subtle "perfumy" smell. A little drop or spray can be enough to last through the day. I did my own research on this, the product acted like a perfume but they consider this an EDT (Eau de toilette).

Love love love to use this on dates, or a whole day affair where you know you can't reapply your perfume.



J'adore by Christian Dior
Eau de Parfum

A total feminine , sparkly fresh floral smell. Can last all day.

What I love about this perfume is that the scent can last really long and the scent changes with your body. The smell is different from the first time you sprayed it on your body, compared to noon and evenings. I don't know if its just me. But I did noticed the evolution of this smell. So worth it, it's like having at least 2 separate perfume in one bottle :)


What about you guys? What's your fragrance?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil

** available at all Rustans

Expensive! But it's so worth it as it can last more than a year! I make sure I don't waste this precious oil. Here's how I use this the cheap-o way.

1. I place 1-2 pumps of oil (instead of the suggested 5-6 pumps)
2. I gently massage this oil to my dry face and neck.
3. I leave it for 5-10minutes
4. Dampen hands, and emulsify the oil by massaging gently.
5. Wash with lukewarm water
6. VOILA! Cleanser and Massage oil all-in one

This oil is definitely suitable to all skin types, with such sensitive skin as mine, I didn't have any breakouts (knocks on wood) and my skin felt really soft and I would say my skin texture did improved! Just to prove how much I love this product, I already used up the first one and bought a 2nd bottle ..this time it's the Shu Uemura Beauty Oil Premium A/O (the green one). I'll definitely post another review on the green one and will give some comparisons.

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Tip for the Day: Organizing your accessories

Tool boxes aren't only meant for tools. I had a whole lot of earrings, bracelets, necklaces and I just had a hard time rummaging through them every morning especially when I'm in a rush to get to work!

I have been using different shapes, forms and sizes of jewelry boxes and it was never satisfying (minus the fact that I'm an organize freak) Just one fine day, I saw this toolbox lying around the room , I took a look at it and *DING!* *idea idea* (this WAS originally owned by my sweetie) I cleaned it up, removed the nails and used it as my "now favorite" jewelry box!

It's cheap, space saving, and it looks cool! (I just wish the toolbox is in PINK) hahaha But if my husband owns a pink toolbox......uhm...never mind! hahaha

(tool boxes can be found in all hardware stores, ex. True Value, Handyman etc.. I didn't buy this, so I don't know how much this is, if I will be able to come across with this cuties, I'll take note on the price and post it here)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

What's in my bag

Here's the list of stuff inside my bag...

1. Umbrella -ella-ella-eh-eh-eh
2. Alcohol
3. MP3 player
4. notepad and post-it
5. work ID
6. discount coupons (from different retailers)
7. toilet seat cover (disposable)
8. comb
9. Keys
10. medicines
11. Wallet
12. Pucca coin purse
13. Belle de Jour (BDJ) 2008 Organizer
14. Nokia phone
15. Scrunchie
16. Make-up purse

• Clinique Superpowder Double Effect in Matte Ivory
• Maybelline Watershine Pure in Apricot Crepe
• Artdeco Glam Couture Lip Gloss
• The Face Shop Black Label Pot Lip Gloss Luxury Orange
• The Face Shop Fruits Jelly Tube (PP401)
• Maybelline Color Wear Blush
• E.L.F. Tone Correcting Concealer in Light
• Burt's Bees Lifeguard's Choice Lip Balm
• Lip brush
• band aids
• Eau de toilette (in mini bottle)

I've just realized after typing it all down that I have a whole bunch of lip glosses in my make up bag. What about you? What's in your bag?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Smashbox Beyond Beauty Encounter Brush Kit

P4,500 at the Beauty Bar

Teeee heee...I am smiling like crazy when my husband bought this brush set for me. He knew my passion for HMUs, and I was salivating like HELL when the sales lady at the Beauty Bar showed me this uberly cute limited edition brush set. I honestly felt so guilty about him spending so much on this brush set. He kept on insisting that it's worth it as I've been buying brushes separately for quite some time now and adding it all up, it's more expensive than this brush set.
I was told by the saleslady that the brushes are authentic hairs bleached into white. I wasn't believing her as the hairs are super soft and there's no smell AT ALL! And going home and researching on it, I was right! It is made of synthetic hair but I didn't feel down at all as the brushes are darling!!! It's soft, it doesn't hurt the skin and it blends my make up perfectly well!!! What I'm not impressed with is the white case, as you need to "snap" the brushes back to its location and I kinda twinged everytime I do that. I felt like it's hurting my precious brushes. So I suggest, if you're using your brushes at home, put your brushes in a pen boxes or pencil cases instead of putting it back in this white case.
Be sure to wash your brushes or clean it up with a wet tissue everytime you use it. As brushes can be a home base for bacteria. Enjoy the brushes! Love it as much as I do!!! :D

Have you seen this brush set from Smashbox?
 What's your favorite Smashbox brush?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

What I'm Luvin' Right now

I am Lurvin' this product line!!! My friend had her hair rebonded and for a year plus, I can see a straight shiny hair from her!!! I just can't help but ask what shampoo she's using. She told me about The Face Shop's Changpo product line. I can't even seem to remember the name and all I did was go to the Face Shop and ask for their "IT" shampoo and conditioner!!! They are OUT OF STOCK!!! I had to reserve from them and ask them to give me a call as soon as they have the stock!!!

Almost a year had passed, and miraculously, I am still using this hair care product line (I am a two-timer when it comes to hair products). I'm an avid fan of the Changpo Magic Straight Shampoo, Conditioner and the Hair Coating Essence. Though the product says "magic straight" , do not expect a rebonded straight look if you've got wavy or curly hair. This product line is best for naturally straight or rebonded hair. They've got another product line called Changpo Wave Volume Up (This is intended for wavy hair). I am so luvin this product because it smells really good!!! My husband just can't stop talking about how good my hair smells. And the good thing? My hair is indeed softer and more manageable, the conditioner doesn't wear down my hair. And the added 2 drops of serum makes my hair shine!!! ---- BEA friend, thanks!

This is available at all The Face Shop branches for P355.00 each. The Hair coating essence is around P295.00.

Have you tried this brand?
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil

I always thought I've got the greatest genes, as I went through my "teeny-bop" years without acne, or pimples. I may have a couple of those "once in a blue moon" sprouts, but that's just all about it.  Well, guess what?   talked too soon!!!! 

I believe I'm a late pimple bloomer (darn, that doesn't sound right). And I just can't eat my favorite nuts and drink or my favorite choco-milk without me waking up with pimples on my forehead, chin , or even on the top of my lips!

I came across The Body Shop's Tea Tree Oil when it was on sale. I currently used up my 2nd bottle, and I'm on to buy my 3rd one!

This one works best if you can sense a new pimple "just starting" to rear its ugly head, DAB AWAY!!! I dab the oil with my fingers or sometimes, with a cotton bud directly to the pimples. I can dab like crazy (doesn't have to limit yourself to morning and night). The only downside for me is that, this product smells woody and a bit funny, but you'll get used to it. Any product with Benzyl Peroxide works really well, but since I'm allergic to it, I'm sticking into this one! :)


Have you tried TBS Tea Tree Oil?
Love it? Hate it?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

All About Hair

I've always been searching for good products for my hair since I was born!!! I just can't help but enjoy those gals with long black silky hair!!! That's why "hair rebonding" is like E=mc2 for me! It was the greatest invention in the hair world !!!! (I'm sure Einstein isn't happy with the comparison). Even with all those rebonding and stuff like that, I would say it is still REQUIRED for us to take care of our hair (especially with all those treatments our hair have been through). Below are some of the brands worth trying, but hey, if you are on a tight budget, go for really cheap brands that can be bought in big tubs (at times buy one take one!). Advise from a senior stylist at Jesi Mendes Robinson's Galleria Branch. He's super nice and touched my hair and asked me if I did any treatments before, told him "NO" and he told me "yeah! You don't have to go through expensive treatments via salons as you can just buy cheap hair treatments and just massage it onto your hair and leave it for one whole "lazy" afternoon with a shower cap, effect is the same as salon treatments!" < ---- isnt' he the greatest??? Never tried to sell me any treatments! Love him! :D
L'oreal Professional Vitamino Color (Color protecting gel masque 200ml)
- Smells great! I don't need to use a lot, just took one handful and concentrate it down the ends, I leave it for 5minutes with shower cap, this is great as for one tub worth approx 700+php, I used this for 2 months (8x).





L'oreal Professional Absolut Repair (yellow 200ml)
- doesn't smell as great as the Pink version. Did what I did with the Pink one, but i felt the effect of the PINK one is better.






Biolage Matrix
- cheaper compared to L'oreal professional, but same quality as L'oreal Professional. Smells great as well, and same effect as no. 1. If you want cheaper version , this costs around 375php at salons. Same usage, leave for 5-10 minutes while in the shower with a shower cap.
**note, this is a different contry's version , I just can't seem to find the picture of the one I used, but basically here in the Philippines, there's only one Bioloage masque




David's Salon Moisture Masque (For very stressed hair)
David's Salon Conditioning Treatment (For dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair)
- same price as Biolage Matrix, Used best when left more than 15 minutes. Massage ample amount on your roots and hair as well with shower cap. I can feel the softness and smooth texture for one whole week! the downside is, I finished this one in a month only (meaning 4 usage) but it's worth it!


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Getting Married?

A little bit of information about me. I recently got married (yes, yes), me and my long time boyfriend decided to get married October 27,2007 (because of our Chinese descent, I would say the TEMPLE decided it) and that decision was made like end of April (same year). You know how couples would plan their weddings a year ahead or so, and me being an "organized" person, this is a STRESS-O-MANIAC for me!!! Thank goodness I remembered a friend's wedding I attended a year before and she told me about this great yahoogroup called Weddingsatwork. (thanks Gwen!)

The W@W eGroup is an online community of Filipino brides & grooms. Home of the W@Wies (as we call ourselves). Let me quote them : " In here, soon-to-weds & newlyweds can exchange their ideas and experiences with others planning for their BIG day in the Philippines and elsewhere. Vent all your wedding troubles away and rave about those rare precious wedding finds. You could ask for contact numbers of suppliers or maybe get other couples to comment on prospective wedding professionals or simply 'talk' and interact with others on the list. Why, you can even post your wedding day here to remind the whole group!"
 

I am proud to be an ex-W@Wie, and because of them, my husband and I didn't need to wash other people's car or do other people's laundry to afford a wedding of our dreams. All I need to do is join the group. You are not even required to post anything, you can be a "lurker" and be happy and contented. All you need is TIME to read tons of emails. NO JOKE, I have like more than a 100 mails in my email box. But there, I was able to trim down all my suppliers to top 3 and I can just get their contact information and set an appointment to meet up with them. Isn't that nice? (aawww, now I'm reminiscing).

Thanks Ms. Benz and John for this yahoogroup!!!! They are LOVED, really, by the community!!! Happy supplier hunting for those soon-to-be-weds!!!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Official "blog" day...

Hey hey, welcome to askmewhats. I created this blog because I am very talkative, well since I'm not talking right now, let me change my sentence.  I'm a "typaholic" (if there is such word!) , I can type approximately 90wpm and when you meet me in person, multiply my typing speed by 2, I can talk up to 180 words per minute! (hahaha, totally exaggerating!). 

Well, let me tell you a bit about myself. I LOVE to socialize and I'm a huge "share-r". I like to share stories , advices, tips and tricks!  About what?  About life!  And what would make my eyes lit up?  Topics about beauty, makeup, skincare, gadgets, food, nail art, etc..But don't get me wrong, I'm not a shallow person and ask me about life...I have my fair share of ups and downs and obviously, I'm still standing tall and proud so I'm surviving with a flair in this crazy world!

I hope you keep on reading AskMeWhats as I share bits and pieces of my life, it would mean so much to me if I hear from you so feel free to comment away!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!