Weekend OOTD : Young and Sweet

When it comes to weekends, I usually love dressing down—comfort over everything. But let’s be real, there are always those days when I still want to look classy, even if I’m in my casual staples.

Today was one of those days!

I’m a shorts girl through and through—I probably own almost every color imaginable—and this battle green shorts from Love, Bonito is no exception. The length is just perfect, and I love how versatile it is. Pair it with a classy top and a belt, and suddenly, what could’ve been an underdressed outfit becomes dressed-just-right. Weekend vibes, but make it chic.

I've had the top from eons ago, I bought this in HK and never get to wear this much.  Because off-shoulders are back in the game, it finally saw the light of day!

 

Quick tip from me on pairing shorts ---

• Tuck it in for instant polish
• Add a belt for structure
• Opt for tailored or structured shorts - this one from Love, Bonito is perfect!
• Play with textures - both top and bottom uses different material.
• Can layer with a blazer or light jacket.
• Footwear matters - change to heels from usual sneakers or rubber shoes will make a huge difference.
• Accessorize.

Enjoy styling!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Issy & Co True Flex Illuminator Review

 

I love a good Illuminator. Recently, I have been using the one from MAC and still, with a favorite in mind, I can't help but compare the higher end ones to somewhat more affordable version.

I've got the Issy & Co. True Flex Illuminator since 2023 and I am unsure why this draft has been sitting here for the past 2 years.  I guess I haven't been picking this up more often or my work (as a host) requires me more of a matte-finish foundation rather than radiant ones.  

Issy & Co. has been receiving positive reviews on their base makeup and I was excited to see if this single product could live up to the hype—especially for those of us who want glow without looking overly shiny or textured.

Issy & Co says ---

A versatile, affordable liquid highlighter with micro-fine pearls for a natural glow.  Available in shades like Flare (Champagne) and Halo (Rose Gold) and Ray (Pearl Opalescent).  It's desinged for various applications: As a glowy primer, mixed with foundation/tint, used as a liquid highlighter on high points, or applied all over the radiance, offering customizable luminosity without the heavy glitter.

Shade: Flare (Champagne)

Php600-Php700 via LAZADA

AMW says ---

• Packaging is sleek, minimalist and easy--to-use and control the amount to dispense.
• Travel-friendly.
• Texture is easy to work with.
• Can use on its own or blend with Foundation or moisturizer.
• Not thick or greasy.
• No harsh shimmer.
• No patchiness.
• Does not dry out dry skin.

Marie France Celebrates 40th Year

 It’s not every day that a brand gets to celebrate 40 years of transforming lives, so when Marie France marked this incredible milestone, it was truly a moment worth celebrating.

As someone who has been with Marie France and been actively trying out their treatments especially 2025 --- Hello TMP, EvolvX, etc..

I was so excited to celebration this momentus moment with the brand/company I truly trust and believe in.

The anniversary event wasn’t just about looking back at the past four decades — it was about embracing the present and future of wellness. From real-life testimonials from my favorite endorsers like Mariel Padilla and Dawn Zulueta-Ladameo.  I realized, all women go through something about their body in any shape or form!  I always have this thought that they look perfect, they must feel perfect right?  Well, Ms. Mariel proved me wrong and I had a wonderful time sharing stories and learn each of our favorite MF treatments.

Another special highlight for Marie France was officially welcoming Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo and her daughter, Ayisha Lagdameo, as the brand’s new ambassadors. For Ms. Dawn, the moment felt deeply personal — a true full-circle experience, as she shared that she was once an MF girl herself.

With the addition of the mother-daughter duo, Marie France beautifully marked a generational milestone. The brand is no longer just about non-invasive slimming treatments; it now embraces a more holistic approach to wellness, focusing on overall health, balance, and self-care at every stage of life.

Talk about the evolution of health and wellness.

The Body Shop Holiday 2025

 

It feels like just yesterday when I published my last post, but I shocked myself when I realized it was all the way back on September 29, 2025.

Where did the weeks go?

I’ve been incredibly busy catching up on work, hosting gigs, planning PR consultancy projects, and hopping from one event to another while celebrating the holiday season.

One of my must-attend Christmas-related events will always be with The Body Shop. One of the very first big brands I ever collaborated with as a blogger was The Body Shop USA, so being able to work with the local TBS now feels truly surreal. And it doesn’t hurt that every visit feels like a family reunion!

From the management to the store staff, everyone was an absolute delight to reconnect with.

This year’s The Body Shop Shopping Event at Greenbelt was especially memorable. It was an intimate and thoughtfully curated experience that allowed us to explore their holiday collections up close, test best-selling products, and discover new seasonal favorites. From body butters and skincare staples to festive gift sets perfect for the holidays, every corner of the store felt like a celebration of self-care and conscious beauty.

Huda Beauty Baby Duo

 I beg you, if you see the cute Huda Beauty Blush Filter Liquid Blush duo at Look At Me, grab them immediately as these Baby Duos are limited edition!

The Huda Beauty Blush Filter Liquid Blush Baby Duo are a mini version about 2ml/0.06oz each of their bestselling shades - Cotton Candy + Peach Sorbet or Strawberry Cream + Black Cherry.  The latter is what I got!

I originally picked this duo as gifting but I ended up taking this along with me for travel due to its' size and color.  I mean these 2 can create the simplest daytime look to an oomph in a night time look.

I love combining both shades together because that is how I am.  Strawberry Cream at the bottom and Black Cherry to create gradient effect.

Cas:Pace is HERE in the Philippines + OOTD

 I know my blog name is called AskMeWhats but do not ask me why it took me so long to update this Blog!  I guess this is the longest so far and I missed sitting here in front of the computer (eating cashew nuts as of the moment) as I came back from a treatment from Marie France.  

That would be a totally different topic but for now, I am introducing a new phone case brand that arrived in the Philippines!  

CAS:PACE

Cas:Pace drived from the words CASE + SPACE and the brand was founded year 2018.  I guess Casetify is older because I have been buying and collecting Casetify cases for so long. It was until recent I have been seeing fellow content creators posting their Cas:Pace Shibuya iPhone Case, Baby Machine Quicksand iPhone case and a whole lot of cute Japanese-inspired designs.

Since me and my family loved Japan so much, we traveled a total of 3x just within a year, I knew I had to grab my hands on this.

Airplane Travel MagSafe – ₱3,200

available via Tenkiebox

But don't get me wrong, I am not just into cute cases, I always go for cases that will protect my phone and will last me a lifetime - well, not really, until I change my phone model!

And yes, you'll be seeing me use this case as it comes with Magnetic ring which works for my phone holders.  

Now on to my favorite OOTD of the week.  Top is from an old purchase which I totally forgot where but the pants are TDF!  Butter colored pants from Pink Lemon Wear!

Versatile, perfect length and comes with different colors!  I plan to get them all!

Pink Lemon Wear 

Denise Linen Pants

Php1,200

Shade: Butter Yellow

How do you like my case and look?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Shiseido Revitalessence Foundation Review

 

June was indeed super crazy I realized I didn't write a single entry for the whole month.  That said, I wasn't that busy on my social media accounts though so if you want live update, I'm on AskMeWhats on Instagram --- shameless plugging!

Without much talking, just look at the photo below, can you spot the area that I used the Shiseido Revitalessence Foundation?  

Here's the answer!  Right side facing you is the one applied with Shiseido Revitalessence Foundation in shade 240.

Before and After photo

Shiseido's Revitalessence Skin Foundation is marketed as a serum-like foundation with a lightweight, glowy finish that aims to improve skin's radiance and evenness both instantly and overtime.  Think of a foundation that is also a Skincare!

OOTD: Call it Business Casual

 If I can stay inside a coffee shop for good, I'd do so!  I remembered staying daily in a random coffee shop spot at Quezon City because I would drive my son to school at 7am and pick him up at 12nn.  Instead of driving home to traffic-infested Manila..I would just take this opportunity to try random coffee shops and stay there for hours as I bring my laptop to work virtually.

Now that my son is already in Grade 7 - whew, time flew by sooo fast.  Staying in Random Coffee shops happen on weekends instead!  When I bond with my family or friends!  I still take this oppotunity to wear something nice and comfortable for me to feel good.

This look is one of my fave.  Both top and bottom I bought in a random Bazaar!  

Smart casual, very business meeting appropriate and very Nikki-style still!

How do you like this look?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Black and Orange OOTD

 

A pairing I never thought I'd enjoy!
BLACK AND BRIGHT ORANGE.

I got the Rivka Pleat Square Neck Romper from Love, Bonito online last year.  I have worn this Romper so many times I can't keep track.  

Though I do keep track on wearing these again and again on random events, from Birthdays to Brunch with girlfriends and now, to events.  I want to up my Orange Romper Game into a more cocktail-like setting.  Cute enough to hold a glass of champagne with this but still comfy enough because this is NOT a dress but a ROMPER!  

It also comes with pockets!

To make this classier, I paired this with a Celine thin belt and wore black heeled shoes with ankle straps!  I always get compliments wearing this pair from HK.  

Though high, the shoes are comfy to walk around Makati.  Yes, I tested it out parking far away from events place and I survived.

How do you like this look? Would you wear such pairing?

My black chiffon long sleeves is a very old outerwear which I bought on Sale at SM Department store!  

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

 

Kate Tokyo Transform Cheeks Review

 I love blushes! 

I love them so much I can actually get away without eye makeup but just a good blush and lipstick!  Ever since reviewing a lot of Blush and seeing my before and after application, I always perk up after every single  blush application!  Thus, I am leaning towards to it every single morning for a quick pick-me-upper!

And just when I thought I've seen it all!  I chanced upon Kate Tokyo's Newest Limited Edition Transform Cheeks Blush that comes in cream format.

Top: EX-1 and Bottom: EX-2

Kate Tokyo says ---

This versatile palette offers stunning shades that blend effortlessly, enhancing your natural beauty for any occasion. Perfect for all skin tones.

Swatches: Top: EX-2  Bottom: EX-1

Based from Cheek Swatches alone, I favors EX-1 the most because it appears purplish on me and I am biased to Purple Cheek Color.  Though on pan it has a swirly green and blue cream color shades, the after effect on my medium, warm tone skin is medium lilac color.  It does have a subtle glowing effect and very natural flush.

EX-2 on the other hand is orange on pan with specks of light brown color.  Once applied on cheeks, it appears yellow and more like a subtle bronzer color minus the shimmers.  It has lesser glowing effect as EX-1 and I call this color to be perfect for the summer season or when I am opting for a healthy summer-glow makeup look.

Elevate Your Regular Fit

 

How do I elevate a regular errand fit?  By adding a nice structured blazer!

It also helps that you pick shorts in neutral shade that has pleats and a good length.  Not too long nor too short.

The shorts is my favorite cream shorts from Love, Bonito.

A nice classy belt also does the drink!

And lastly, a nice blazer that I shopped from Rihoas.

It also helped to change your regular flats to heeled shoes and you're off to a classier vibe!

Watch a quick video here on how I easily transformed from Simple to Classy.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nikki Tiu 黃素華 (@askmewhats)

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

  

Huda Beauty UBE Collection Review

 

I first saw Huda Beauty's Limited edition UBE Collection from GLAMZILLA.  I am a fan of Lilac or Purple powders ever since I discovered them accidentally via Korean Brand Etude House 9 years ago called Dreaming Swan Eye and Cheek.  

That is why when the brand invited me for the UBE-est event.  I had to be there!  It was a fun celebration celebrating with fellow content creators, learning from Professional MUA Jigs Mayuga and a whole lot more!  Check out my IG Video here.

Now you are back here for the review/thoughts.  I am the perfect person to come back to because I have been using all 3 items from the collection ever since I got them.  Let's start with the Birthday Cake Loose Powder.

The Easy Bake Loose Setting Powder in Birthday Cake ---

• Multi-purpose loose powder for baking & setting.
• Non-cakey.
• Does not crease.
• Absorbs excess shine/oil.
• No flashback.
• Makeup stays in place all day.
• Dermatologist tested.
• Suitable for all skin types.
• Non-comedogenic.

True to its claim, it works so well in setting my undereye makeup, highlight the area, and keep my makeup last until removal.  Because the color is indeed bright lilac, I love how it made my skin appear like I also have blush underneath my eye making it look like a Drunk Blush application.

The powders are super fine and messy to use to be honest but the filter-like result made it okay to clean up my makeup area every so often!  

Does it make me look like I have filter on?  YES, just take a look at the unfiled photo below.   But if you dislike the purplish tint, go for the regular Huda Beauty Loose Powders which aren't limited edition so you can purchase it all year round.

Next comes the Blush Filter Ube Cream --

Our latest Blush Filter shade features the same ultra-creamy, soft-focus formula you know and love. Now in a vibrant electric lilac, the super blendable & buildable pigments create the perfect ubelicious flush.

An ultra-creamy, easy-to-blend, that works as a highlighter for medium to darker complexion but will appear as a glowing BLUSH on fair-skinned users.  Long-wearing, sweat-proof and lasts until makeup removal.  I personally think wearing this alone won't be enough for me as I love COLOR on cheeks and this appears more of a brightening product than a blush so I'd love to apply more and set with a different colored blush to create a Gradient effect.

Cathy Doll Shiny Bear Lip Moist Review

 

I was invited to be the host for Cathy Doll's Bear It Collection event last April 24 and trust me when I say, I was so excited about this collection eventhough it looked like a collection for girls ages 12 and below.  

Don't be fooled by the cute packaging!  These Cute Mini Bears are packed with pigments!  Pigmented enough but to ask kids 12 and below to give this to their big sisters or moms!  

Cathy Doll says ---

Introducing the Cathy Doll Shiny Bear Lip Moist, designed to give your lips a fresh and lively burst of color. Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Avocado Oil, Shea butter, Vitamin E, and Beeswax, this lipstick nourishes and plumps your lips,

The collection comes with Big Bear Lip Balms (less pigmented, highly moisturizing) but I will do a separate review on that.  Here are my thoughts after using all 4 shades of the Cathy Doll Shiny Bear Lip Moist Priced Php109.00 (approx USD2.00 less)

01 Candy Pink

This shade reminds me of Mac's Candy Yum Yum in a more subtle version.  Buildable Pigment and this medium pink lipstick has a warmer tone making it easier to work with on Asian skin.  

02 Redlipop

Redlipop is the only red shade in this collection.  I love how it works as a "tint" if applied with light hand and would look like Classic Audrey Hepburn RED when applied with heavy hand.  It is more of a Rose Red shade rather than True Tone Red.