Laura Mercier Rouge Essentiel in 191 Crème: A Pretty Pink for Everyday Glam

 

There’s something about finding that perfect pink lipstick shade that makes you want to wear it on repeat!

I recently tried Laura Mercier Rouge Essentiel in 191 Crème, a pretty pink shade that adds a lovely touch of color to my makeup look. I love how a lipstick can instantly pull everything together, whether I'm going for a polished everyday look or something a little more dressed up.

What I enjoy about exploring lipstick shades is how they can change the overall feel of your makeup without needing to do much else. A beautiful lip color paired with softly defined eyes and a fresh-looking base is often all you need for an effortless, put-together look.

And as always, here are my honest thoughts ---

For me, this shade is a lovely option when I want my makeup to feel feminine and polished without looking too overdone. It's the kind of color I'd reach for when heading out for coffee, attending an event, or simply wanting to look a little more made up for the day.

If you enjoy classic lipsticks with rich pigmentation, a creamy texture, and a polished finish, Laura Mercier Rouge Essentiel Silky Crème Lipstick is worth considering.

Its biggest strengths are the smooth application, comfortable feel, and beautiful color payoff. The main trade-offs are the need for occasional touch-ups and the possibility of the formula emphasizing lip lines, particularly with lighter shades.

For me, a pretty pink lipstick is always a welcome addition to my makeup collection, especially when I want a feminine look that doesn't feel overdone.

Brew & Beauty with KATE TOKYO: A Day of Coffee, Beauty, and New Makeup Finds

 

There’s something about good coffee and discovering new makeup that makes for a lovely day out! Recently, I joined KATE TOKYO for Brew & Beauty, an intimate gathering with fellow creators filled with beauty conversations, product discoveries, and a little catching up over coffee.

I always enjoy opportunities like this to explore about the new product offerings from the brand I loved for so many years.  I wanted to use these on my next Get Ready With Me moments because as a Beauty Content Creator and Makeup Artist, using new make up releases as I review them wholeheartedly is something that keeps my heart pumping!  

A Pop of Color with KATE Bouncy Cheek & Eyeshadow

One product that caught my attention was the KATE Bouncy Cheek & Eyeshadow, a multi-use color product designed for both the cheeks and eyes.

What I like about the concept is how it encourages you to play with color and create a coordinated makeup look without making things too complicated. Whether you prefer a fresh, rosy finish or something a little more subtle, it’s a fun addition to explore if you enjoy experimenting with makeup.

The collection includes shades such as Pink Mousse, Raspberry Rose Pop, Apricot Pop, Cinnamon Pop, and Mauve Pop, offering options for different moods and makeup styles.

Lifestrong at 18 : A Celebration of Purpose

 

Some hosting are extra special.  And that hosting day was last September 18, 2026.

I recently had the pleasure of hosting LifeStrong at 18, a celebration of the 18th anniversary of Lifestrong Marketing Inc. held at SOS Children’s Villages Alabang.

It was such a meaningful morning because it wasn’t just about celebrating an anniversary. It was about bringing everyone together—especially the kids, moms, ates and titas—for a morning filled with activities, learning, beauty and, of course, a lot of fun.

I was especially excited for my session with the mommies, ates and titas, where we had a little beauty bonding moment.

One thing I always enjoy sharing is how makeup doesn’t have to be complicated. We did a simple fresh makeup routine—just enough to brighten up the face, look more awake and feel a little more polished. Basically, that fresh and put-together without looking too made up kind of look that I personally love.

It was also nice seeing everyone enjoy trying things out, asking questions and simply having that little moment for themselves.

Because sometimes, especially for moms and women who are busy taking care of everyone else, a few minutes to put on makeup, fix your hair or simply do something for yourself can make such a difference.

And that's what I loved about this event.

From the kids' activities and games to the beauty session with the moms and titas, there was this wonderful feeling of everyone simply being present, participating and enjoying the morning together.

As a host, I always love events where I don't just get to stand on stage and follow a program—but actually connect with the people in the room.

Thank you, SOS Children’s Villages Alabang and Lifestrong, for having me be part of LifeStrong at 18.  Thanks to my fellow Content Creators for being there putting smiles on everyones' faces.

A beautiful celebration, a little beauty bonding, lots of smiles—and a good reminder that confidence can start with something as simple as taking a little time for yourself.

And yes, I definitely left the event feeling happy… and inspired to do my own fresh makeup routine too. 

ROOTED IN CONFIDENCE: Real Women, Real Stories, Real Hair Journeys

 

Some events are more than just a celebration—they create conversations that stay with you.

I recently had the privilege of being the moderator for “Rooted in Confidence: Real Women, Real Stories, Real Hair Journeys,” a meaningful gathering celebrating women, their stories, and the everyday strength they carry.

Under the theme #NotAllHeroesWearCapes, we heard from real women—a teacher and moto-taxi rider, an educator and mother—about balancing work, family and their own needs.

Our conversations with Coach Pia Acevedo and Dr. Rafael Fortus also explored stress, burnout, wellness, self-care and the importance of not always putting ourselves last.

We ended with “Her Hair, Her Confidence,” talking about hair health, lifestyle and the connection between feeling good and feeling confident.

As moderator, I loved being part of a conversation that reminded us that being strong doesn't mean doing everything alone.

Sometimes, strength means slowing down, asking for help, setting boundaries—and simply choosing yourself.

A beautiful reminder that confidence isn't about being perfect. It's about being rooted in who you are.

Thank you to Hairreve and Dra. Janina Gutierrez-Tan for creating this meaningful space for women to share, learn and connect.

Real women. Real stories. Real confidence.

GRWM: Hair, Makeup & My On-Camera Look as a Makeup Trainer

Here's my GRWM from start to finish.

 

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There’s something about getting ready for an event when you’re the one who’ll be stepping in front of the camera—and as a makeup trainer, I’m naturally a little more particular about the details.

For this GRWM, I’m taking you behind the scenes as I put together my hair and makeup look, from skincare and base to eyes, lips, and the finishing touches that pull everything together.
I wanted the final look to feel polished but still like me—fresh enough for the camera, long-lasting enough for a full day, and with just enough definition to make everything pop.

What I love about getting ready isn't necessarily having a lot of makeup on—it's knowing what works for you, what photographs well, and how to make the look last.

As a makeup trainer, I'm always reminded that makeup is really about enhancing what you already have and making you feel confident enough to walk into the room and own it.