After all the health issues in the family I made sure we make it to the strictly formal affair lined up that weekend. I figured it would energize me. Some "me" time with the husband. Would allow me to get out from the sweat pants and into that long dress (thanks to the big mall who had a big sale that week...).

But don't get me wrong, Im not one to be spending a whole hour or more in front of the mirror just to put on make up. For one thing it now only takes me 20 minutes to do my hair ( if I shampoo the night before and condition on the hour...).

I have always been proud of my 7.5-minute make up. Ahihi (so is my husband, seriously). Doesn't take much really. What I have in my arsenal is just as simple. Must of them gifts, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to afford them.

The 7.5-minute make up. For my formal affair. 

  Two days prior I have already cleaned my face. A simple DIY facial at home, nothing complicated really. This would give any redness the chance to disappear two days later. Dark circles under the eyes are my worst enemies. Took me years and a lot of searching on the net what other ladies are wearing. And what I could afford. Two years ago a friend of mine from New York got me All About Eyes by Clinique. Luckily it works good for me. Lessens the puffiness and moisturizes the eyebags. I didnt have to look far for the cover up as I got the more affordable BB cream specifically for eyes by Garnier. But then of course knowing me, one must not presume I use it for my eyes alone. ahihihi.. works good for the eyebrow and nostril areas, corners of the mouth and under the lower lip, where shadows always form. I usually use my brushes to apply. I love the MAC brushes. But lately Ive been favoring dubbing the cover ups with my fingers. It absorbs and blends better that way.

One treasured possession is the Sheer Cashmere foundation by L'Oreal. It's matte and blends well. But  only apply it in certain areas which need attention. To set everything I love Covergirl's Trublend Mineral Loose Powder, applied with my Kabuki brush by Everbelena. 

Sometimes I like to play with colors as I have demonstrated in old entries of the blog but not during formal affairs. So I stick with the basics. You know the highlight on the middle of the lid and dark contours on the side of the lid routine.... I used to do a lot of winged-tip eyeliners but lately I've been favoring the more circular one. Wherein I just follow my natural curve of the lid up to the tip. I first saw it on Jinky Pacquiao on her controversial cover. No kidding. I said, "wow! Those eyes are not photoshopped. They're remarkably made up and lined! So I decided I like that..."

Gigi, my friend from Singapore gifted me with my now every-reliable color palette. I use them all the time. By Etude House.

Like I said, I always go for the more affordable stuff so I buy my stash at the Face Shop. Eyeliner, eyebrow pencil, the works...

It's a no brainer thing. I just go over some tutorials on Youtube and Im done. hehehe Seriously, 7.5 minutes. That quick. That easy...

Christmas holidays everyone! Have you gotten your shopping done already?...

Have you decided how your look will be this season?

Moi. I have decided this year's look will be based on make up Christmas gifts I got. My favorite south sea pearls from my mother will be dressing up ears.

Hair gets the extra wave after being ties up in a bun all day...

The compact with eyeshadow and cheek blush I got pretty much defined everything... it will be neutral on the eyes. With the black eyeliner as accent. Much as I want to keep doing the winged tip style I will opt to take the advise of my make up artist friend to just avoid the wings. It will make my eyes smaller. There will be times for it though. But for the Christmas family card, I will stick with the regular and simple line above the eyelashes for a fuller look, ala Adele. (oh, she's my most fave!!!).

Shimmery pink lipstick...

Layers and layers of mascara...

Neutral palatte...

The H&M ring is from a girlfriend...

How about for a more casual ensemble.

No change in make up. Just the accessories.

Golden studded tiger bangle from Doc Ann...

Merry Christmas to my dear friends from all over the world!!!

Spring I am loving you!

...and blues, violets, pinks, greens!!!

All them glitters I love!

Have you checked the make-up counters in your malls? Oh, you just must!

Everything, simply everything has gone diamonds.

This season I most specially love coz they have made the sparklings more refined and vivid.

But the colors are not just what got me marching to the cosmetic sections...

I had been on the hunt for the most suitable and affordable mineral powder. They are indeed pricey. But I just actually use mine for them so-called "special occassions". hehehe. It's practical that way.

It's my first time using a BB cream. You know, the ones that Asian women are going gaga about. As you can see, I am not so sure if I applied enough cream. I haven't actually decided how much is just enough for my skin type. I wouldn't want to look washed out or worse, my arms looking darker than my face and neck. That would be Frankenstein-ish Barbie. Harharharhar! The BB cream I got says 'moisturizer' on the label. But the problem areas such as inner brow bone, sides of nostrils and sides of the mouth were as dry as ever. (That's what happens if one doesn't use a moisturizer WITH the bb cream, but then again, mine says 'moisturizer' already...wouldn't that make my face rival an oil refinery? hehehe). Dabbing a little insy tinsy gel-creme moisturizer (I use Clinique) seemed to work. Still worried about the oil refinery thought. Teehee...

(wearing a Tina Campos Magistrado necklace, find her here.)

For those who texted and emailed me...here are some of what's in my arsenal:

I simply couldn't do without the Auto Eyebrow and Diamond Shine lipgloss both by Face Shop. MAC Penultimate eyeliner. This is the ultimate tip! Unlike most, it's tip is thick and hard, which means there is lesser shake in our fingers in handling it. Best in making them wings. Yes, that's a Nichido colored eyeliner! Php 80 ladies and gentlemen! Soft, beautiful pastels that glides on smoothly. On the other tip is a spreader for variety.

That's the new mineral powder I got. A fraction of the cost of what I had before and I actually think it works better, for me at least. DIAMONDS DIAMONDS from Maybelline. On the pricey side but MARVELOUSLY DELICIOUS! I got the pinks/violets and greens. Love mixing them up.

I'm not sure if it's working on me but I like the way my vividly orange colored magic wand feels when I apply it under my eyes. Yes, I got the one for men. There's the bb cream. It is in a small tube. Good thing it's for my special occasions. hehehe (cheapskate me!!!)

Last but not the least, my trusty powder blush by Nichido. It is soft. It is afterall their professional Kabuki brush.

Be inspired...be happy.

They are happy colors.