Latest guilty pleasure: Made in Chelsea

It's embarrassing, but I admit that Made in Chelsea got me hooked after just one episode.

They're wealthy, fashionable, obnoxious, stupid, have no idea how to act, but they are very entertaining in so many wrong ways!

Here's the scene that sealed the deal for me --



Binky: Fish give birth through their mouths, don't they?
Cheska & Ollie: No, no, darling.
Cheska: They have bumholes.
Ollie: Their bumholes? Your bumhole is not where it comes out! You're a woman, you should know that babies don't come out of your ass.
Cheska: No, but they come out a hole.

Michael Kors & Coach bags/wallets sale!

SALE! SALE! SALE! 

Last Michael Kors and Coach items, prices reduced further! 

I would loooove for these to sell out by Christmas, so I'm auctioning them on eBay too. So if you buy from here, you can get them at the listed price (a.k.a. "Buy it now). 

Visit my Frustrated Sosyalera Facebook fan page and have a look around. Happy shopping! :)

Frustrated Sosyalera

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Never skip on your SPF!

My friends and I took a long drive up to Bolinao, Pangasinan over the weekend for a nice dip into Patar Beach. Unfortunately, the heavens decided to be uncooperative and chucked down a lot of rain on us.  The result is this --

I love the contrast of this shot!  

(Hey, nobody said you can't fall in love with your own talent. :P )

As the sun was tucked away in the clouds, we all skipped on the sunblock and frolicked about thinking it won't do any damage.  The thing is, our skin colour still turned darker than normal.

What happens when you skip on sunscreen, anyway?

Well, this --

This man was a truck driver for 30 years.  We're all familiar with driver's arm, which is when our left arms get sunburnt when we go for long journeys on the driver's seat, but this man was doing his profession long enough to have the left side of his face also affected by sun damage.  Not a pretty sight, especially if you're only 69.

I hate being out under the sun, not only because I don't want to get any darker, but to also avoid making my wrinkles worse a lot quicker.  Everyone gets old, but I prefer to push aging back as much as possible.  It might sound too anal to use sunblock when I work at home, but all my moisturisers contain some kind of SPF, anyway, just to be safe.  So should yours.



Source: What Sun Damage Looks Like

Eyes got it!

See what I did with the title? Wordplay, oh yeah! Hohoho!

Anywayyy, the reason for that is a couple of my last purchases before I left California were these babies --

So I wandered off into Walmart's makeup aisles, big deal! :P

I love liquid eyeliner, it's one of those makeup products that I would never manage without.  I have a very small makeup case. My daily makeup routine just involves concealer, face powder, blush & lipstick.  If I want to go a level higher, I bring out the liquid eyeliner and mascara.

But liquid eyeliner is so hard to put on!!!  I could never give both my eyes the same look, no matter how much I practice (okay, maybe I continually slack on the practicing, pfttt).  So I'm always on the lookout for the easiest liquid eyeliners to use -- I'm currently using The Face Shop Greatist liquid eyeliner (it glides on, can be easily removed and doesn't smudge, but it's shiny).    

I guess I'm in an experimental mood, so I thought I'd see how I'd fare with Maybelline's Lasting Drama gel eyeliner and L'Oreal's Lineur Intense liquid eyeliner.

While I'm at it, maybe I oughta practice some of the techniques my friend has given me, like so -- 

Mannnnn, it'd be SO COOL if I learned how to do all that, but how do I find the time?!

Lost in all that makeup

Say you put makeup on every morning and never bothered to take it off at the end of the day for a year, what do you think you'd look like? 

Never mind what you'd look like, but how do you think would it  feel??  Talk about slapping stuff into your face. 

If you're really curious, two Dutch filmmakers have decided to show us how it may look like.



Lernert & Sander: Natural Beauty on Nowness.com.

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Megan Fox's Battle With Wrinkles

There's no denying that Megan Fox is beautiful.  Anyone who says otherwise needs to go have his or her eyes (or mind) checked.  Of course, some would say that her beauty is too good to be true, so the rumour mills have been busy and there are claim that the actress had used plastic surgery.  In an effort to disprove these accusations, she posted some photos via her Facebook page.

Very pretty, but also very made up for just a stinking webcam photo op.  Does she put all that make up on everyday? 

 

Oh, I see... She apparently doesn't use Botox, which explains those wrinkles that you get from brow furrowing.

 

Now, this is just HILARIOUS.  I have never seen forehead wrinkles like that!!  It looks like she pushed her forehead up with a finger... except the finger is missing!

Doctors claim those wrinkles are anatomically impossible and that the last image was photoshopped.  

What do you guys think?

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Jeffrey Campbell Shoes For Free!

As if I don't have enough pairs of shoes that I don't wear, I want to get more!  And because it's not bloody likely that I'd get my credit card out for a a pair of Jeffrey Campbells, I thought I might as well try winning a pair.  If you want to do the same, here's how --

1. Join AVA -- an invitation-only shopping community where you can shop designer brands (i.e. Rajo Laurel, Aranaz, Jeffrey Campbell, Victoria Beckham, etc.) at up to 70% off the retail prices.  Click here to sign up.

2. Invite your friends.  Whoever invites the most friends to join AVA by 8th July (that's this Friday, in case you forget) will win a pair of Jeffrey Campbell shoes of their choice.  This should be easy enough, right?

Whoever wins gets to choose a pair from any of the following styles --

 

Foxy  

(not sure if this is the exact one, ok?haha!)

 

So Crazy

 

So Much

 Lita  Woven

 Be Well

Whatchudoin' oglin' them shoes, for?? Get crackin' and get invitin'! 

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Old new shoes

I keep doing this to myself, seriously. 

I hate shopping, but when I see something I like and I go home still thinking about it and can't sleep, then I go back for it asap.  It's not exactly a practical thing, it's an emotional thing.  I always end up suffering buyer's remorse and this is the latest casualty --



I love, love, LOVE this new pair of shoes, which I bought WEEKS ago and haven't worn yet.  Nor is there any prospect of me wearing it any time soon.  Why?!  Because I don't drive to go anywhere and I do a considerable amount of walking every time I leave my house.   So I always end up choosing my other, more comfortable shoes.

So why buy killer platform heels, then??  Because it's purrrrr-ty, that's why!  If I want to murder my feet, I'll use it, but I'm still thinking about it.  This is why I call myself a Frustrated Sosyalera -- my inner vanity is always battling with my sensible, comfort-loving mind. 

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Nail Spa Lounge, SM Megamall

I had been invited to try out the services at Nail Spa Lounge by Ellabell, found at the top floor of the Atrium at SM Megamall, over the weekend.




I've mentioned before how I'm not really a mani/pedi kind of girl, but I thought this would be a pleasant change.




This the sister waiting for me. Hehe! I just love the interiors in this place -- so feminine and it has that luxurious European feel.

One of the great things about Nail Spa Lounge is you won't be charged extra if you choose a high-end nail polish colours, unlike other nail spas.





This nail bar is made for the little princesses who also want to get their pretty nails done while waiting for mommy to finish with her treatments. The Princess Manicure only costs Php150 for little girls that are 10 years old and below.





Today's treatment is called the Prima Donna Hand/Foot Spa (Php 1,370), which includes a mani/pedi. You start off with a relaxing foot soak. The spa has built-in sinks on the floor beside individual faucets -- so none of those vibrating plastic things that could potentially electrocute your pretty legs. Heck, I don't know if that's possible, but I'd always been bothered by those electric basins.




Your choice of water, hot or iced tea is served while waiting.

The treatment involves an exfoliating scrub, massage and moisturising serum for your feet, legs and arms. Your feet will be placed in warm booties and your hands will experience a herbal glove treatment to relax and soothe your muscles. The manicure and pedicure will follow these treatments. The Prima Donna Hand/Foot Spa treatment will take at least 40 minutes.




And here's Olive, giving me my foot treatment.

I have this strange need to keep my feet private, so there will be no feet photos in this post. I can assure you, though, that the treatment and pedicure was excellent!




As Nail Art (P250 for Basic and Php400 for Special) is also one of the services offered at the Nail Spa Lounge, I decided to give it a try. I've chosen a simple basic flower design for today. If you prefer something more dramatic, you can opt for designs which include stones, pearls, beads and even Swarovski stones.




Nail artist, Cris, did a very good job methinks!




One of the best things about Nail Spa Lounge is Owner/Manager, Sheila Chua. She makes sure that clients are happy with the services and that every one leaves the shop wanting to come back.

Just in case you're wondering who Ellabell is, the name was coined from a combination of Sheila's nickname, Ella, and her husband's name, Kimbell.

There is only one branch at the moment. However, the branch in Robinson's Ermita will be opening in a couple of weeks and the Greenhills branch to follow by December this year. The three branches will have their own distinct interior design styles, so regulars can enjoy different experiences in each one.

If you want to see other reviews about Nail Spa Lounge, click here and here.

Needless to say, I left the spa feeling like a real sosyalera!




And I also can't finish a post without some kind of camwhoring session. Pretty, noh? ^_^



For more information, visit the Nail Spa Lounge Facebook page -- make sure to "Like" it, yeah?

Imelda Marcos on beauty

A few weeks ago, CNN TalkAsia interviewed Imelda Marcos. I just want to quote what she said about one particular question...



TalkAsia: You speak about how you and your husband, you built hospitals, you tried to improve the quality of life of people and yet, you are perhaps better known for your shoe collection and your extravagant, over the top and what appears to be irresponsible spending. That's what people associate with your name. How does that feel?

Imelda: It is never irresponsible spending when it is beauty. There is no extravagant in beauty.



Under normal circumstances, I might agree with that statement. HOWEVER, extravagant spending on beauty should involve YOUR OWN MONEY (this may or may not include your parents' money -- usually willingly given. haha!) and not money from credit cards and government funds.

So porny!

When I tell people that I work from home, everyone exclaims how lucky I am. It definitely has it's advantages --

• Can wake up or shower whenever I feel like it
• No need to fuss with matching clothes or putting on makeup
• Can cook lunch or snacks
• Can watch television during breaks

Unfortunately, it can also be boring and much more stressful because you are trying to get more work done to get paid. And with the summer heat, I think I'll be getting heat-stroked just by staying at home.


However, I think the best thing about working from home is that I can squeeze tiny breaks within the workday that I would otherwise not have been able to do at the office.

Such as curling one's hair, which I did last week.



Whatta hair, Tina Paner!


I think I did an ok job, but somehow I made myself look like an 80's porn star! My friend kept telling me all night that I looked like I just had an "o."

*cringe*


I guess that meant I need more practice. (-_-")

I'm sort of shy...

... but not when I'm all made up, have nowhere to go and alone with my camera.

The last few months, I have barely charged up my camera and hardly bring it with me. Hence, the lack of posts. But I think I've woken up from my semi-coma, which had resulted into --




I've managed to bring the "whore" into this self-timer-photoshoot session. Anlandeeee!!!

Sheesh.

Honestly, I don't really know whether I should be ashamed of my vanity. Should I embrace it?






But I'm shy!!!!

The idiot award goes to...

... Me!!!

I think the most embarrassing thing that happened to me in 2009, is something that happened towards the end of the year.

One of my best high school bud was getting married and I am one of her bridesmaids. I was so proud of myself because I did my own hair and makeup for the occasion. I only used to do makeup and not hair, because I just couldn't do it. I'm now expanding my mad hair-raising skillz, y'all!

Anyway, I was so preened up and ready to go, but guess what happened?

I was err... 45 minutes late for the ceremony.

No wedding march for me, then. I was so ashamed, as I quietly weaved my way to the bridesmaids' pew in the church. The wedding coordinator suddenly lurched beside me, handing me my bouquet and quietly hissed at me "Why were you late???"

*sigh*





At least I arrived in time for the photo shoot!

Seriously, my friend is never gonna let me live it down. She said to me "How DARE you be late for my wedding?!" I was scared she was going to tear me apart!






As it turns out, the other girls were late too (worse than me). But they're not bridesmaids, so I still got the most flak. Hehe! We had a great time catching up -- it has been something like 2 years since we last saw each other.






Embarrassing moments aside, I'm still might proud of my styling efforts. It's very simple, but it's a hell of a lot more than I would have normally done.

G-lish Eyescream

I still can't get away from food, even when it comes to makeup. I walked past the G-lish stall at Megamall (near the cinemas) one day and got me a couple of creamy, metallic eyeshadow pots.




Eyescream in gold and metallic brown (which is, what, rust?), Php60


Did you see that pricetag??? It's Php60 EACH, damnit! It can't get any cheaper than that, I believe. You can stack 'em up like building blocks too, if you get bored enough.

I've tried these also and they're quite good value for eyeshadow that's worth less than a McDonald's meal. I especially love the gold for nights out.

Bon appetit!


UPDATE: A friend of mine told me that well-known Filipino makeup artist Patrick Rosas collaborated with G-lish to produce a makeup line. This makes it an even better bargain!!

Beauty Find: 4u2 Glitz Eyeshadow

The trouble with going into Watson's is passing through the kiosks of makeup on the way to the drugs counter. There was always something cool or funny to find in drugstore aisles such as the controversial virginity soap.

My last trip had resulted in an excellent find -- 4u2 Glitz Eyeshadow.



4u2 Glitz Eyeshadow Duo (black and metallic gray), P234


4u2 is apparently a US brand, but the makeup is manufactured in Thailand. The Glitz line of eyeshadows are sold in sets of two, with colors that are great for lively nights out.

I bought this set because of my obsession for smoky eyes and wanted to practice it with this set. Why? Because it is pretty and cheap! I think I'm gettin' the hang of doing them smoky eyes with this baby! Woot! Will show you the pictures once I've done them in broad daylight so you really get to see the colours.

Til then, my sowshall friends!

Obsessing over the smoky-eye

I've always been a plain-jane and the boldest I had been with make-up was a wine-coloured lipstick or a two-shade shadow combo when out clubbing. I've always thought that being simple was more beautiful, because that's what my mother taught me.

These days, though, I seem to be veering towards stretching the boundaries when it comes to clothes and make-up (not today, however, as I'm feeling super lazy). Maybe it's because I'm having a mid-life crisis (yeah, I'm that old) and I want to make the most of what is left with my youth. There are certain things you can only wear while you are still young, as my auntie would say.

I'm very tempted to try a sultry smoky-eye look for years. So when I've seen Kim Chiu's magazine photos from the September Preview, I've suddenly become obsessed!





I've always wondered how to do smoky-eyes with almond eyes. I've don't have any eye creases, so I thought this would be difficult. But this version is so pretty that I'm currently obsessing about it and want to do it myself.





I will learn how to do this, even if it kills me!!!

White stripes

On the shuttle bus to work last week, I was sitting behind this girl with nice shiny hair. Halfway through the journey, I see something peeking out from the top of her head...

A single strand of white hair.

I was mesmerised like a moth to candlelight -- I can't take my eyes off it. I know it's rude to stare, but I can't look away for some reason.

I had wanted very much to reach into my purse and get that pair of tweezers that I always bring with me, for some inane reason.

I stared at the friggin thing until she got off.

Which makes me wonder --

If I start getting more than a handful of white hair in my head, maybe I'll just dye everything white.




I just hope I can pull it off like this girl (no chance).

Too rich for my wrist

I've decided to sell my DKNY watch. It's really nice, but I've only worn it a handful of times.





I don't know why posting these photos, as I'm parting with it anyway. I guess it's because this watch was just one of the very few luxuries I had bought for myself, but had regretted buying it because I don't even wear it.

For some reason, I don't think it suits me or my personality. Looks like major bling ain't my thing (it rhymes!!!).

So I'm slowly discovering what my style is and it's not designer-driven. My mama would be so proud.

See my bun(s)

I had been wearing my hair in a bun a lot lately.

The way I do it is simple:

Pull all your hair up as if to make a ponytail near the top of your head, twist all around the base to make it look like a cinnamon roll (or like a piece of crap, whatever you prefer to compare it to) then secure the whole thing around with an elastic.

It's clean and unkempt at the same time -- I just love the contradiction!




Some guys dig the librarian look, but that's just a little too kinky for me. I'm just happy to get the hair outta my face! Hehe!

I'm a Mag Hag

I have this love/hate relationship with glossy magazines.

They "expire" so quickly, quite possibly as soon as you open them (which is most probably mid-month) and then a new issue comes along after a week or so when you've finished reading the one you just bought.

They then pile up on your bedside table or in that little compartment underneath your lounge coffee table before you realise it. They pile up until they get so high that you now have to throw them a way. By this there should be at least 20 magazines in those stacks which, when you think about it, would be at least Php 2,000 going to the rubbish bin because you won't need them anymore.

Thousands of pesos just gone down the drain.

But I still buy them. I can't help myself, especially if I see covers like this and think to myself ---




"What the heck, is that Maricel Soriano???"


So I buy the magazine because I'm shocked that she looked fantastic in the cover and much better than me despite the decade-and-a-half age difference and I wanted to read about how amazing she looks in her 40's and what sort of clothes she wears and makeup she uses and whatever stuff that's not exactly relevant to my life. And maybe (and that's the microscopic-sized kind of "maybe") I may have wanted to look like (or at least give the same aura, possibly) as she does when I reach that stage.

*sigh*

Pathetic, right? Well, I just thought that I'd been a good girl lately, so this was a mini-reward to myself.

And so the stacking begins once more.