I am very vocal with my admiration on Maybelline as a drugstore brand. If I would talk to a newly enrolled Nikki at a Make Up School, I’d tell her to go for Maybelline! You don’t need to spend a lot to practice on your Make Up artistry, you can practice without breaking a bank.
The longest wearing lipstick to date is the Maybelle Super Stay Matte Ink, but honestly speaking, my dry lips can’t wear them for long! My lips are extremely dry and it cracks for a living *lol*. So as much as I love all the shades they just can’t be worn on a daily basis.
Thankfully, I was able to try the Super Stay Ink Crayon (Php299.00) and I got the prettiest shade under the Summer Spiced Collected called Rise to the Top.
Don’t you just LOVE the color and finish?
Housed in a twistable “crayon-like” pacakging. I find this to be very convenient and easy-to-use. With the sharpened tip, I can wasily line my outer lips creating a more defined line making this a very pretty Lip Shape. I never appreciated the fullness of my lips until today.
Swatch: Rise to the Top
A gorgeous warm reddish orange color. This works for almost ALL Filipinas because it can give a nice warm to the overall look without the need for putting on makeup.
Ah, how old could I get? I can’t even remember the exact moment I signed up a Blogspot account and started blabbling about many things online!
Was it mid-2017? Early 2018? Is it my 14th year? 15th year Bloggerversary?
I don’t really mind not knowing the exact date but what I honestly mind is the fact that some of you are still here, after more than a decade! To the new readers out there, thank you still, for being part of my Blogging Journey! It started out as an anonymous advice Blog to a Beauty Blog, a Food Blog (hello Sunday Food posts!) , a Mom Blogr and finally calling this a Lifestyle Blog.
I used to Blog EVERY SINGLE DAY for the past 13-14 years. Do I have writer’s block? NONE AT ALL! I guess Blogging is really perfect for me as I have an awful lot to say every single day! Blogging does not feel tiring or work at all, it feels like a safe haven for me, a diary (journal) where I freely put out what I want to say on every single topic discussed out here.
Fast forward to 2020 when COVID-19 pandemic happened, our househelp left our home due to pregnancy, I have a day job, a LOT of side jobs adding up to a full-time mom and homemaker job! It was hard for me to write every single day like before but I focused my energy in creating content that makes me happy!
Videos are a thing of the moment, I also noticed the sudden shot of popularity on Tiktok and new influencers because readers/followers nowadays want instant gratification - quick videos, short articles, “Please go straight-to the-point” type of content.
For someone who was called an “OG Blogger” in the industry (which still made me cringe to say it by the way!), a lot of Bloggers my time would probably resist on this sudden shift of style of influence - but not me. I welcome the change. I welcome new learnings because I learn so much through the process and doing short 1 minute videos actually made me feel YOUNGER than my age! #hahaha
So I just want to say, through the years, Blogging/Vlogging/Content Creation/ Influencer Marketing will always be honest, straightforward and created with LOVE for me. Some would probably go crazy looking out on numbers, likes and followers. For me, having at least 1 or 2 or 5 of you reading this is already enough, enough to say, I have someone who listens to what I have to say and every single one of you matter.
Because of this journey as a Blogger, Beauty Influencer, Mom Influencer or how you would like to call it, you guys are HELPING ME HEAL through all the bad times I went through for the past 14 years of my life! I welcome every influencer(big and small) because cyberspace is enermous, everysingle one of us has a voice, a space, to put out what we want to say out there. Because, someday, somehow, like me, you will find someone getting comfort in what you do! And that’s all that matters.
Woke up in a better mood because I slept longer today! I love weekends, I seriously do! I wake up at 6:00am every single day from Mondays to Fridays for my son’s online school. Whenever I wake up, I would think about how my mom managed our household with 4 of us siblings and grandparents who were bedridden - no househelp, no help from my dad as well as he leaves the house early for work!
Ahhhh, just thinking about it gave me more strength to not complain about my current situation!
Anyways, Back to a not so personal topic. Innisfree Philippines recently launched their When The Camellia Blooms collection and I can’t help but use them right away even when I am only staying at home! Take a look at my happy face - that is genuine my friends! :P
Under this collection I was able to play with the When The Camellia Blooms Blusher in Red Camellia (Php990.00) and Camellia Petal Tint in Camellia Beige (Php690.00).
I have a strong feeling you can wear the whole collection and it would look fine! The colors are just matched with each other!
Innisfree Jeju Color Picker When The Camellia Blooms Blusher
Shade: Red Camellia
Php990.00
For this collection, they released 2 shades. One on the red side while the other on a softer pink side. I am glad I got this shade because blushers usually do not appear on my skin! I like those blush powders that look crazy on pan but natural on skin! And this one is the perfect description for it.
Even befor watching Crash Landing On You, I love Son Ye Jin on her portrayal of a nerd at My Personal Preference with Lee Min Ho. I find her beauty to be very natural and she has this really kind look! That is why I am not surprised to see her as a face of a Natural Beauty Brand.
I recently saw a lot of buzz on Jennyhouse products with Son Ye Jin as their model. Little did I know the brand also has their own Hair Care line called RE;BAK. I was told these are Organic Hair Products that can manage hair loss as well!
Perfect timing, the stress and dry hair is taking a toll on my hair nowadays!
RE;BAK says —-
Those with itchy scalp and dead skin cells Those with damaged or weak hair
[INGREDIENTS/MATERIAL] Aloe Vera Leaf Water: Increases hair vitality and nourishes hair Jeju Tangerine Peel Extract: Prevents oxidative stress to hair Jeju Green Tea Extract: Moisturizes the scalp
[FEATURES] Balances oil and moisture to enhance hair's health and vitality Improves hair elasticity Helps maintain the scalp's healthy pH balance Made with EWG Green Grade ingredients
I immediately tried both products upon receiving these as gift! What I noticed is how sweet smelling the shampoo and Treatment is. They aren’t the “waxy” type like those commercial ones. The shampoo itself gives hydration, my hair does not feel stick dry during wash! With the treatment, I like how I can easily comb my long hair (which is usually hard to do with tangles!)
Happy to report that I do not suffer any scalp allergic reactions, which I usually do when a hair product does not work for me. I have been using this pair consistently for 2 weeks straight. I don’t suffer a lot of hairlost but the less tangle means lesser hair loss!
Due to my chemically treated hair I still need deep conditioning treatment at least once or twice a week but this goes straight to one of my favorite brand when it comes to haircare.
I love Innisfree not only for their makeup but their Skincare line! The first Innisfree product I tried is the Green Apple Cleansing Oil which I bought from Seoul. I loved the product so much I made sure to hoard on more cleansing oils and other skincare products whenever I visit Korea.
Fast forward to present, I am so thankful and happy the brand is finally here! Getting my backups and favorites won’t be as hard especially since they are also available online at Lazada!
I recently chanced upon their Brigthening Pore Set - I love sets, they are inexpensive way to test on product without commiting hefty amount!
Available at Lazada for the price of Php2,350 but on SALE at Php1,800+, I highly recommend YOU to add to card this set right away because I am so in love with their Brightening Pore Serum!
I originally got enticed to use this product because of the scent, I mean let me know if you are like me - scent is everything especially if it has to be on my face! It has a light citrus-y scent, somewhat like a light breeze of orange. It smells great! But most of all, the texture was amazing too! Almost like tha tof a water, it gets absorbed into skin in no time and I love the NON-tingling sensation. Whenever I see the word Vitamin C, I worry about the harshness on my extremely sensitive skin. Thankfully, after finishing up a bottle, I am happy to report that this product help keeps my skin brighter and lesser dark spots!
How I know? I breakout once a month and it always leave an ugly mark on my skin, this product helps lighten the spots which I appreciate a lot!
Innisfree Brightening Pore Spot Treatment
Speaking of spots coming from breakouts, I guess they finally made something for that! I usually do spot treatment with the serum but now they created a light cream version which excites me!
How have you been? Down here in Manila, we are back to lockdown once again which doesn’t give much impact in my life as I have been doing self-lockdown for a year plus! I only go out on weekends whenever I visit my parents and that started only latter part of 2020.
I felt sad to be honest in our situation but there’s nothing I can do but to continue do my part as a citizen. Stay calm for my son, keep on whipping out good dishes and study with my son for his homeschool assignments and exams.
On my free time, I create content because I enjoy sharing my discoveries and learnings through the years.
As for someone who live on T-shirt, I was gifted with a super cute Cooky Pink T-shirt on my partner from a very dear friend Dinna! Thanks Dinna for the friendship and for always cheering for me! I appreciate the love!
So she gifted me this shirt on my birthday and I wanted to say - this shirt looks OH-SO-FINE and comfortable even without styling but for someone who likes to wear this in multiple ways, I came up with a nice way to make it look more “dressy”
This tip can be paired with any bottom - pants, jeans, shorts, skort, skirt! You can even wear this with leggings as the length is just right! Or with Lolita Skirts!
As for my tutorial, I paired this with a demin mini skirt! I like how it turned out!
If you are a long time follower of Askmewhats’ Blog, you’ll know that Nail Art plays a huge role in my life! I have been doing nail art for so many years and have done various designs!
It stopped when I gave birth to my son and I just find it hard to juggle between motherhood and nails - let’s face it, what’s the point of having cute and beautiful nails when it has to be short all the time for my baby’s safety?
Now that he is older, I am going back to doing nail art because —- you wouldn’t believe what I’m going to say —- My son actually awaits for new nail art! He would say “Mommy, where is your March Nails?”
Obviously, my son is exposed in the “Beauty World” where his mom lives in ! :)
So recently, I was contacted by the brand Cathy Kathy to try out their products without the pressure of posting! They just wanted me to try it while I record it and maybe, let them know if I like the products are not. Without the pressure - plus the products are made in Japan. I said yes because I really want to see how good “home Gel Polish” would be.
I always have my heart on regular polishes with the challenge of wet base while I do my nail art designs! I mean I always prefer the harder and hassle route #NOT :P
After trying out Cathy Kathy Gel Polishes, I COULD be a convert! Could be in a sense that I love how shiny and perfect my nails look! How easy it was to do nail art as the base coat are completely dry! How I can easily continue with my day to day activities without having to worry about smudging my nail polish!
The only downside? The exposure of UV Light! I mean the brand did say it isn’t harsh but I can literally feel the heat whenever I put my fingers inside the UV Lamp!
That is my ONLY CON! But overall, I am saying this for the brand and only brand I used as of the moment - this brand is amazing in a sense that these are SOAK FREE! I dislike Gel Polishes because of bad experience with soaking and removal - my nails were PAPER THIN when it was supposed to be done professionally but they obviously didn’t know what to do!
With that scare, I swore of Gel Polishes forever and this brand changed that! They have Nail Polish Remover that can remove gel polishes with NO SWEAT.
Best of all, I’ve had this nail art for a week now, I cook, wash the dishes and do a lot of stuff and it remained fresh as freshly applied! No Chipping (as long as you apply them well!)
I won’t blab more, watch my quick and easy-to-understand tutorial coming from someone who was literally using this KIT for the VERY FIRST TIME!
Can’t wait to use more of these products and create more art for you guys!
What can you say about my FIRST EVER GEL POLISH applied at home?
For more information follow Cathy Kathy on Instagram
“Can you please make sure my eyes are lifted after makeup?”
“I have hooded lids! Paano mag eyeliner?”
These are just some of the many requests my clients sent my way when I was actively doing makeup. So yes, this tip is based from years of experience and years of perspiring on top of my head hoping my techniques would work on them! SO far it did, so I am sharing you this finally with photos and a quick video!
Best of all, I only used 2 products! YAY RIGHT?
Here’s a sample eyeliner and eyeshadow
Closer look, my eyes are lifted yet the liner doesn’t look extremely sharp like it’s going to cut anyone passing by! *lol*
A full view on how lifted my left face (facing you) look as opposed to the other side. What do you think?
I have to be honest, it is such a huge hassle to edit 2 videos as I uploaded one on IG Video but I wanted one that is in horizontal format for my blog so I had to put it on AskMeWhatsTV Youtube account (Shameless plus, please follow me!). That said, I. Had to change the music on Youtube postings because of copyright issues so I am too lazy to add up the wordings I manually did on Instagram Video so I will explain the process here instead.
Nars Philippines recently launched 3 collections and all are exciting! I got to dip my fingers on each collection with Nars Afterglow Lip Shine in Dark Deeds (Erratum: It should be Dark Deeds on Video instead of Deep Realm).
I was able to try 3 Air Matte Moussse from Air Matte Blush Collection and an O Eyeshadow Palette under the Ox Collection. For some reason, all these colletction looks so inviting to create 1 dainty look and I actually did!
Before the look, let me show you a closer look on why Nars can always give me a flutter in the stomach because it brought me back to so many good ‘ol Bridal Wedding makeup days! These Air Matte Blushers are so pretty to use I can imagine the term “BLUSHING BRIDES” for all 3 shades below.
Last year, I received these Ellana Multi Purpose Color Creams and I did a first impression video (which you can see at the last part of this blogpost) but I set it aside for a while as the pandemic kind of put a halt on all my normal activities especially on makeup application. I’ve mastered the art of brows and concealing the undereye area and nothing on the rest of my face because of mask-wear!
Thankfully, my makeup mojo returned and I got my interest back so early this year, I pulled out all the Multi Purpose Color Creams from Ellana and tested these out.
Ellana says —-
IT'S BACK, with an improved formula and now in 12 shades. The only all-purpose color you'll ever need, perfect for everyday use! This cream pigment with a matte finish can be used for eyes, lips, and cheeks for a color coordinated look.
Formulated with Cocoa Butter, our multipurpose color cream conditions your skin, even after you wash it off.
Available in 12 colors.
I got 4 shades to test out, by the way, these can be used on eyes, cheeks and lips! Very multi-purpose I must say!
L-R Delight, Glee, Wish and Divine
According to the Ellana website , Delight is a warm red-brown shade, Glee is a dewy copper-brown color, Wish is a Cocoa Maple and Divine is garnet shade.
I love doing half face looks to test out makeup and show you the difference. One particular makeup look got a lot of DMs over my Instagram account , it was the recent photo for my Sace Lady Look.
Because my AMW Friends are important to me, I’ve decided to create and share to you my favorite style of makeup - this!
Simple with just a few makeup needed and you get whole day fresh-looking makeup - and it stays!
Lifted face needed a bit of glow on the cheeks, so I added a subtle glow using a glowing blush. You’ll know all the products and the effect on the short video below!
When I posted this on Instagram stories, a lot of my followers requested for a detailed recipe on this! So here I am, finally ready to share this Simple Okonomiyaki recipe you can re-create at home!
All the while, I thought making Okonomiyaki is hard, it is just a bit hassle in prep’ing the ingredients but overall, it was fairly easy! It would be easier if you purchase Okonomiyaki Flour available at Japanese stores or Landers and you don’t have to worry about seasoning these.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup potato starch
(Or you may opt to buy Okonomiyaki powder, that’s easier)
Cabbage sliced thinly
Shrimps peeled/ calamari bits
Salt and pepper
1-2 eggs
Okonomiyaki sauce
Japanese mayo
Bonito flakes
Enjoy watching. Let me know if you were able to recreate one and how your family enjoyed them!
I have grown my hair to the longest length. I am usually a fan of going to the Hair Salon for that much needed Me-Time. But ever since Covid-19 broke, I am staying home 99% of the time! That said, going to a hairdresser is out of question.
Staying home gave me more time to juggle work, motherhood and extra activities/hobbies like playing with my hair! I have been practicing a lot on haircutting and hairstyling since I believe in constant learning rather than: “I already know everything!”
Learning never stops, even a 42-year old mom would say so.
And if you are a long-time follower of my Blog and Social Media accounts, you’ll see these familiar hairstyles because I have been sporting bangs for TOO LONG! I’ve been wearing bangs 90% of my life! The 10% would be me being a bald baby and toddler years then there was a point in my life (3-4 years in China) thta I didn’t have bangs at all! Then the rest...you know how it goes!
So these are simple styles I really swore by! There are days my bangs look so good I’d like to flex it, but there are days I’d rather tie it up with pins or clips because it just won’t go to the direction I wanted them to go to!
These are my top 4 favorites and you’ll see more tips on video below.
Note: These are all mega easy you don’t have to be a professional to be able to do these.
Tie a Hair Scarf!
2 Clips
Pearl Headband
Side Braid
More tips and tricks here! Please show me some love by Subscribing and liking my video! My videos on Yourube aren’t professional at all and I am not putting it there for money. Most of them did not pass the Youtube Vibe because of the sounds I used. I don’t mind, I Just want to share my learnings and I hope you get to learn something from me!
So I have seen “BoyFriend Jeans” or recently called Mom Jeans A LOT!
On both Online shopping sites and fashion bloggers alike. I mean, why haven’t I thought of purchasing one since it is High Waisted and perfect for moms who have a bulge on the tummy that needs extra hug and support?
GAHHHHH
I love it and I will buy more colors!
I paired my Mom Jeans with a cropped Hot Pink top!
Let’s talk about mascaras, which I seldom talk about here because I almost never get to use mascaras anymore!
Thankfully, with the launch of Benefit’s newest and innovative mascara called They’re Real! Magnet, this mascara changed the way I apply makeup - again!
Benefit says —-
They’re Real! Magnet is a 360hour lengthening mascara with a magnetic force that draws out lashes to Extreme Lengths, making them look 40% longer. The innovative Extender Brush with magnetically charged core pulls the Magnetic Mineral Enriched Formula up and out beyond the tips of lashes for extreme length and powerful lift. Custom-designed ZigZag bristles are strategically positioned to fan out, separate and define lashes
.
Me wearing 3 coats of Benefit They’re REAL! Magnet
Sorry for being late in my Nail Art Game! I mean, it is technically still Year of the Ox so I have the whole year to create Moo-nails! Hahaha
I have been so busy this whole February - Chinese New Year, Birthday, Final Exams for Third Quarter for my son and a whole lot more! That said, I was able to finally sit down one evening and stay up until 1:30am because my son has a 4-day break!
I have to be honest, my nail aren’t on tip top shape for so many reasons - cooking, washing of dishes and a whole lot more! So please bear with me.
For this particular nail art I used the following:
Girlstuff Nail Hardener as base
Orly Happy & Healthy Nail Lacquer (Light Pink base)
Orly Barely There Nail Lacquer (White base)
2 Way nail art pens in Black and White
Sally Hansen Tip Gypsy (Medium Pink) for design
BarryM Base and Top Coat used as top coat
Here’s quick video on how I created the nail art!
Hope you liked this simple art as much as I enjoyed making this!
I have been cooking a lot for the past year since pandemic. I have done all sorts of dishes that I crave for because I’d rather slave in the kitchen than expose my family to the virus by dining out.
One dish that I always ended up ordering via Grab or FoodPanda is Pho.. I love Pho dishes, they are my heartwarming food that I tend to order especially on NO-Cook Sundays! But ordering has its’ limits. There are days I just want to conquer the dish and make it my own.
BUT HOW?
Vietnamese dishes mostly depend on various spices. Spices that I do not have at home because I stock up mostly on Chinese, Korean and Japanese dishes.
Thankfully, my friend’s sister owns a shop on Instagram called ShopSaigonMNL and they sell all sorts of Vietnamese goodies.
And because of this kit, I was able to make this dish that is super delicious!
The KIT Looks like this —-
Php Kit (Php500.00)
I wanted to cook this for so many days back but I lack a couple of ingredients! Since I already bought beef bones, I might as well start creating this dish minus the Beansprouts! I mean, hey, it is the thought that counts! :P
Firstly, let me share the good news at the start of this post before I start blabbing!
If you want to try Make Up For Ever’s Step 1 Primer to know which particular type would work for you, local PH residents, click THIS LINK to know the right primer for you and score a free sample!
Back to MY story. I have a long history with Make Up For Ever as a brand. I was probably a “resident” in their first MUFE Branch at Shangri-la Mall many years back! I studied Make Up at the Basement Academy also located at Shang Mall so it is natural for me to stay there to look for products needed in my school!
So primers back then weren’t a thing, I knew there are a couple of famous ones but we don’t have a lot of choices - you either pick a silicone one and non-silicone ones!
As for clients, I would pick whether to use an oil-control primer or apply moisturizer on them, which is quite tricky because different clients have different “hydrating” Needs. Some may find the moisturizer I brought to be too heavy or too creamy to be applied pre-makeup face!
Thankfully, one of my favorite professional brand has a WIDE range of primers which I ended up stocking up on. In my bag you’ll see - Oil-Control, Hydrating, Brightening primers to name a few! And they were all STEP 1 !
What’s different with Make Up For Ever Hydra Booster Step 1 Primer with the old one? NEWER Formulation! I can immediately spot the difference on first usage! It is creamier, has a tint and smells great! It has ginseng to help refresh dry areas, smoothen out your skin and create a radiant glow! You don’t believe me? Watch my short video!
If you follow me on Instagram (Please do!). I showed a huge unboxing of Sace Lady Cosmetics. I read positive reviews on the high quality product at a low cost and was surprised how beautifully packaged they are! After constant research, I’ve decided to give the a try knowing these have FDA Safety certification.
Here’s the company in detail as seen on their online pages:
SACE LADY insists that "everyone is the unique flower in the world, and being true to yourself is the best ever."
We support everyone to bravely pursue a life attitude by being positive, independent, and happy. Therefore, we design and provide high-quality, cost-effective beauty makeup products to help you to be more attractive and pleasant yourself，having every wonderful day.
Since the brand wants us to BE YOURSELF, here’s me being myself in terms of testing makeup!
TADA!
Showing you HALF FACE Sace Lady Cosmetics. Not bad for 18 (and more) products that costs less than Php2,000 !
Are you ready to check out step-by-step the makeup items I used to create this look?
Sace Lady All Matte Blur Primer
Php119.00
This is a silicone-based primer that gives off a smooth and easy-to-apply texture. Key ingredient - Dimethicone, which gives off a smooth, flawless finish. It does fill in pores and wrinkles but it does not dry out as quickly so it is very important to apply, pat, and let it sit for a couple of minutes before you apply your foundation.
TIP: I’d like to do my eye makeup at this stage if I am rushing, but for this particular review, I waited and it took me approximately 5 minutes for product to get fully absorbed into skin.
I am usually not allergic to Dimethicone so I have no issues letting this product stay on my skin for ours!
Sace Lady Longwear Foundation
Php120.00
Shade: 04 Natural
Available in: Light, Fair, Light Natural, Natural, Medium and Medium Dark
