I knew that I was saving all my beauty shopping energy till last. I was so consumed with shopping for clothes and shoes in Australia that I actually ended up “just browsing” whenever I wander into a beauty store. And during the last few days in Adelaide, I just picked up a tube of TBS’ Tea Tree Oil Cover Stick over at Westfield cuz mine was running out. See? Twas more for a practical reason than anything else.
However.
I finally gave in and tuned my shopping prowess in the beauty department when I reached Singapore. I was determined to buy some …read more

Right before leaving for Australia last December, one of the last minute things on the to-do list is to get a massage. Reason behind that is the long plane ride ahead and getting a bit of rest and relaxation would do me good.
Cathy Turvill, co-owner of Nurture Spa Village, had suggested that I pay them a visit in Tagaytay and try out one of their newest spa treatments, the Nilaib Spa Treatment.
According to Spa Manager Chuchi Silva, this spa treatment is actually developed by and unique to Nurture Spa.
And since I’ve only been to Nurture Spa Village once and …read more

The year 2008 is drawing to a close. I can’t believe that it’s New Year’s Eve tomorrow! Times like these does make you want to think back to what had transpired in the year that’s ending, yes? I decided to look back at all the products that I had experimented (and shared to you beauties) this year. It’s been quite a year of journey into makeup and skincare (and then some); getting to know my skin better and taking care of it more PLUS exploring makeup further, honing what skills I have as a makeup artist (more on that later!).
Anyway, …read more

It took me a while to write up this review. Two reasons: one, over the weeks that followed the purchase, I had hardly applied makeup hence the lack of need for a makeup remover or thorough cleansing. Two, I had wanted at least to have tried using the product extensively before I drawing up any conclusion and such.
Primary reason for opting to go for the Premium A/O over the original formula or even the brightening one is because I’m currently keen on anything “anti-aging”. Is it because I’m a full-fledged 30s lady or just plain paranoia? Perhaps both. LOL.

Maybelline
BlushStudio Mousse
Next on my list of makeup must-haves is the blush. I reckon that’s why I had gone great lengths (distance-wise) to get the NARS Super O and I’ve been shopping for other fabulous options for a blush. A surprising great find came from an equally surprising (though I should’ve expected it) source, my mum. It’s Maybelline New York BlushStudio Mousse or also known as Dream Mousse Blush.
Reading up on the product tells me that it has an air-soft formula which provides luminous, long-lasting color on cheeks. It’ll glide on smoothly and blends easily for seamless color and a natural, …read more

As a trial, an impromptu one at that, I had decided to take my new NARS Blush in Super Orgasm for a test run this morning. Ah, the joy of finally getting behind the wheel then the knee-knocking whatev starts. Gah. Expectations are so high!

Shooting from the bottom simply because I had wanted to capture great light on my face. No luck in blind focusing. Sigh. You see a tinge of the Super Orgasm shade and sparkle, though. I had opted for a lighter application, first, cuz it was after all my first try, and, two, I was headed …read more

Dior ‘J’adore’ Eau de Parfum Spray
Image: nordstrom.com
Dior
J’adore
Eau de Parfum Spray
Radiant, sensual, sophisticated, J’adore is a fragrance that celebrates the renaissance of extreme femininity and the power of spontaneous emotion with a brilliant bouquet of orchids, the velvet touch of damascus plum and the mellowness of amarante wood.
It’s not everyday do I get the chance to enjoy the luxurious (and expensive, if I may add) scent of this Dior perfume, J’Adore. I esp love wearing this perfume at night, particularly when on a date.
The scent can be described as velvet-y and rich but not too over-powering. It leaves an elegant …read more

Photo© 2008 Sasha Manuel
OLAY
Moisture-Balancing Foaming Facial Wash with Vitamin E
It is designed to thoroughly remove dirt, oil, and make-up without over-drying. Enriched with Vitamin E, it helps your skin retain its natural moisture balance. It is 100% soap free, oil free, and pH-neutral. Dermatologically Tested.
My trip to Palawan was close to perfect, in terms of packing my stuff. I mean, I had opted for a bigger luggage to accommodate everything that I may need even when I’m only slated to stay for four (4) days. Remember when I featured the vanity kit I had packed?

Photo© 2008 Sasha Manuel
Careline Extra Wear Nail Polish
Getting manicures and pedicures are such luxuries that most women appreciate and will even find ways to pencil in an appointment with a nail technician at every chance they’d get. I’m one of them ladies who prefer having someone else care for my hand and toe nails. However, I do suffer bouts of insanity OC tendencies that I have to clean every nook and cranny MYSELF. This is esp when I’m bored and having nothing to do.
Of course if you clean your nails, it’s best to top it off with a nail polish …read more

Photo© 2008 Sasha Manuel
Dolce & Gabbana
Light Blue
Eau de Toilette
A stunning perfume, overwhelming and irresistible like the joy of living. Surprising and colored: the liveliness of Sicilian citron, the happiness of Granny Smith apple, the spontaneity of bluebells. Feminine and resolute: the intensity of jasmine, the freshness of bamboo, the charm of white rose. Deep and true: the character of cedarwood, the fullness of amber, the embrace of musk.
A wonderful treat for this Asian Beauty blogger of Beauty Bento Box to get a a chance to experiment on this perfume by Dolce & Gabbana called Light Blue.