I don't mean to bore you with endless posts about what I'm going through at the moment. It's just that somehow, a part of me is hoping that by sharing my predicament with friends, I'll feel a little better.
Just when I claimed that I'm virtually bacteria free, I was told that I have to be admitted in a hospital for observation and treatment. I have been having trouble with my throat since Sunday but was only able to see an ENT specialist today (the ENT doctor that I was supposed to see yesterday was still on vacation). I'm once again voiceless and enduring the pain brought by my tonsils, pharynx, larynx and what have you. We have not yet identified if it's bacterial or viral. All I know is, my heart is at great risk right now (I was diagnosed with a heart ailment almost a decade ago in conjunction with RA which I was diagnosed with in 2000). I wish I could explain what's going on in my life right now but all this is too complicated to me to explain to other people. If you're a medical practitioner and have knowledge about rheumatic diseases, you'd probably have an inkling of what I may be going through at this point. Until I am discharged from the hospital or until I have fully recovered, Practical Vanity will rest in supreme silence and solitude. Your posts about everything beautiful will be missed. Until then...
To get the ball rolling, here are my answers to some 40questions Nehs tagged me to answer way back in February.
SKINCARE -How many times do you wash your face daily?
Since, I'm barely ever at home, I wash my face only twice --- in the morning before dolling up and in the evening before hitting the sack.
-What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
Like a lot of people I know, my skin type's a combination of sorts. At times, it's normal-oily (just the nose), at other times, dry-normal. I think there are a lot of factors that come into play with regard to my ever changing skin type. The weather, stress, diet, hormonal changes and the products I use have certain effects on the skin.
-What is your current facial wash?
I use Human Heart Nature's Aloe Vera and Guava Organic Facial Wash. Sometimes, I switch to any of the three --- Biore Pore Minimizing Foaming Face Wash, Biore Revitalize 4-in-1 Self-Foaming Cleanser, Kiehl's Centella Skin Calming Facial Cleanser, or any of the organic soaps I have in my stash.
-Do you exfoliate?
I do though I don't have a schedule for it. I exfoliate when I feel like my skin needs it.
-What brand do you use?
Just like everything else, I switch it up from time to time. I use Biore, St. Ives, Human Heart Nature.
-What moisturizer do you use?
Ever since I discovered that Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion was the culprit behind the milia around my eyes, I've since switched to Human Heart Nature Royal Jelly Day and Night Moisturizer. They're organic, effective, affordable, and Philippine made.
-Do you have freckles?
Last time I checked, none.
-Do you use eye cream?
Yes, though not religiously. *grabs eye cream*
-Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
Thankfully, no. I only get breakouts if and only if I use certain products and when I'm PMS-ing (not always though). So I wouldn't really say that I have acne prone skin.
-Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
Nope, and I don't think I'll need to.
MAKE-UP -What foundation do you use?
I switch it up every now and then. At times I use mineral foundation, at other times I use liquid foundation. For mineral foundation, I use Bare Naturals, Everyday Minerals, Pureglow Minerals, Joppa Minerals, and Ellana Minerals. For liquid foundation, I use Maybelline Angel Fit Foundation and MUFE HD Invisible Cover Foundation (shade 140) when I know that I'll be photographed a lot on that day. Notice that I didn't include any Revlon foundation even when I have three of them? I'll say why in future posts ;)
-How about concealer?
Depending on the need, I use Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer Cream, MUFE HD Invisible Cover Concealer, Pureglow Minerals Tonic Liquid Concealer, Pureglow Minerals Eye Brightener and Eye Wake powder concealers.
-Do you know your undertone color?
I've yellow undertones. Sometimes, it appears golden.
-What do you think of fake eyelashes?
I think false lashes are handy to add extra oomph when attending special occasions. I wouldn't consider using these on a day to day basis.
-Did you know that you are suppose to change your mascara every 3 months?
Yes. I run through mascaras pretty quickly, so I change every so often.
-What brand of mascara do you use?
I use Covergirl, Maybelline and L'Oreal mascaras.
-Sephora or MAC?
I'd like to say MAC, but I think I'd much rather go for Sephora. They offer a wider range of products from a variety of brands.
-Do you have a MAC Pro-card?
No I don't, but I think it'd be great to own one.
-What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
I use the usual makeup tools every girl does: makeup brushes, q-tips, eyelash curler, sponges (rarely) and even fingers!
-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
Always.
-For the face?
Yes. I think I've gotten so used to using foundation primers that I never ever skip doing it.
-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
Even though I do play with colors at times, I'll still go for neutrals any day of the week. They're versatile enough to create subtle day looks and dramatic smokey looks.
-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
I use all: gel, cream, liquid and pencil. It only depends on the look I'm going for.
-How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
I don't think I've ever poked myself with eye pencils, though I nearly poked my eyes with my new pencil brush earlier this week.
-What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
Pigment eyeshadows normally have incredible pigmentation to them but they're a chore to use. I still love them though.
-Do you use mineral makeup?
It used to be the only thing my skin can tolerate, so yes.
-What is your favorite lipstick?
Not going for any particular brand, but shade wise, I go for muted pink-browns and nudes for daily wear. On days when I need a burst of color, I reach for hot pinks and reds.
-How about lipgloss?
I'm not so particular with lip glosses coz it's something I can pretty much skip.
-What is your favorite blush to use?
I normally lean towards more peaches and warm corals but I've been having the longest affair with Too Faced's La Vie En Rose Brightening Blush.
-Do you buy your makeup on ebay?
Not normally, but I do when I find something that I like or need.
-Do you like drugstore makeup?
There are some drugstore makeup items that perform just as well as their higher end counterparts if not better, so I'd have to say yes.
-Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)
I most certainly would if there ever was one in the Philippines.
-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
Yes, and I have plans of pursuing it.
-Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
I don't think I'm clumsy when putting on makeup. I like to take my time in doing things. I hate being rushed.
-Name a makeup crime that you hate?
Other than mismatched foundation, I'd have to say blush that's not properly blended. Think *dolls* with those dots on their cheeks.
-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
I mix it up every now and then. I can do a totally neutral look on one day and do something colorful or dramatic on another day.
-Which celebrity always has great make up?
Kim Kardashian tops my list on this, though Megan Fox, Kate Beckinale, Natalie Portman and some other celebrities are likewise noteworthy.
-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?
This one's a toughie as my dark circles are my main problem. I guess I'll go for tinted moisturizer.
-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
I can and I do.
-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
I think I look okay without any makeup on, though I've been told that I look 10years younger than my actual age.
-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
It's hard to pick just one makeup line coz each brand is famous for something. But for the sake of answering the question, I'll go for Make Up Forever.
-What do you think of Makeup??
Makeup is one of man's most amazing inventions. It can change the way a person looks in more ways than one can imagine.
And there goes my answers. I'd like to know yours!
A beautiful evening to all the beautiful ladies out there!
After a good five weeks (or more) of pulling all-nighters for work, I'm glad to say that I'm finally back. Work has taken up so much of my waking hours, so much that I'm often left with little to no time to rest after working for long hours. Those past weeks have been some of the most tiresome and stressful weeks that I've ever drowned myself into since I started working three years ago and I am so glad that it's all over (fingers crossed). I don't ever want to go home at 2 or 3 in the morning especially when my beloved is not around to pick me up from work. It's extremely horrifying to be out at that time of the night especially when you're going home alone. Thank God I have a coworker who's ever so thoughtful to even bother driving me home everyday for two weeks when he lives in another city far away from mine. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't know what would've already happened to me.
Another thing that I'm really thankful for is my health. Just a week ago while I was on my way to work, I ran a temperature and lost my voice to what my sister (she's a doctor) calls as tonsillopharyngitis --- inflammation of the tonsils and pharynx in layman's terms. My body temperature quickly shot up to 39degrees, which unfortunately, I had to endure until I got home that night. Because my tonsils and pharynx were inflamed and swollen, I wasn't able to speak for an entire week. I tried and struggled to speak on some days but it only made matters worse. So in the end, I had no choice but to type/write everything that I had and wanted to say lest I never get my voice back. Also, my appetite dropped a huge notch because swallowing anything, even my own saliva, was pure torture. After an entire week of gulping countless nyquils and dayquils (the only medicines that bring my temperature down quicker than any other), and co-amoxiclav(my sister prescribed this after she found out that I was self-medicating with erythromycin for one day) and puffing seretide (I also had asthma), I'm glad to announce that I'm virtually bacteria-free(doesn't sound good, eh?). Those streptococci bacteria got me really really bad this time. Now that the swelling and inflammation have already gone down, I will be making plans to see an EENT specialist to have my tonsils finally removed. This is something I should've done ages ago but kept putting it off because I'm a scaredy-cat. I know that it's a really quick and easy procedure but I have never gone under the knife and I'm hella scared to. However, I guess it's time I put my brave face on and get this done and over with. We'll see how it goes when I finally get it done.
Beginning this month, I should have a wee bit of extra time to do some other things that are in no way related to work. Hence, I should be able to have a few posts up here and there, especially the ones that have been in my drafts folder since February. There's gonna be quite a handful to expect from Practical Vanity this month so stay tuned for all that.
Meanwhile, I'd like to thank all of you for your continued support to me and to my blog even in my absence. I appreciate all the sweet and thoughtful messages I received while I was away. To my new followers, welcome to Practical Vanity, and I hope that you'd keep coming back for product reviews, FOTDs, and what not.
I'm sorry I rambled too much. I just... eh... really love details. When I tell a story, I make sure to include all the details to it. I'm sure you all can relate to me; this is a female characteristic anyway, and we're all females! Now I seriously have to stop.
Thank you so much for reading the whole thing (if you did. if you didn't, no biggie) and for keeping up with me. I should get back to blogging shortly.
Yes, I'm out of the loop once again. I keep telling myself to take at least an hour off of my 24hours to update my blog, but since things have just gotten crazier and even more stressful at the workplace (what's new, eh?), no amount of pushing seems to work anymore. I have so much to write about --- product reviews, FOTDs, NOTDs, shoots, etc. --- but I always seem to never have enough time for all the things I have to do. Sometimes I feel as though I've bitten off more than I can chew. Now before I continue to rant about how busy and stressed I have been, I'd much rather talk about what my beloved and I have been up to as of late.
As I have mentioned in previous posts, my beloved is a budding photographer and he's currently building his portfolio by, of course, doing various shoots. While I may be his favorite model (I sure hope so!), he also does shoots with other ladies who want to play models for a day. I don't always get to do his models' makeup as I'm always at work during his shoots, but I do help him out as well when I can.
If you want to be a model for a day, you can drop him a line at his online portfolio by clicking here.
But for now, I'll leave you with a photo from one of the sets that my beloved and I did together just recently. Makeup was done by yours truly.
Before I end this quick post, I'd like to give a huge shout out to all my lovely 200 followers. I may not know you all personally, but your comments and messages are among the sweetest ones I have ever received. Your support means so much to me and to my little space in cyberworld. Again, my heartfelt thanks goes to everyone who reads and/or follows Practical Vanity.
Of all the eye shadows in my Glamour Revolution Palette, Label Whore is my most favorite, not because of the name but because of its uniqueness. The base color is reddish-brown with some beautiful specks of fine green glitter/shimmer. I'm not sure if my description gives a clear picture of the color coz Label Whore's too complicatedly gorgeous to describe with words. To give you a better picture of Label Whore, check out the swatch below. You can also read my two cents on the Glamour Revolution Palettehere.
Label Whore is the sixth (6th) from the left.
And because I'm gaga over Label Whore, I decided to use it [again] to create a smokey eye makeup for Valentine's Day. I was very happy with how my eye makeup turned out to be, but my lips lacked gloss and luster despite topping my lipstick with one of my go-to lip glosses.
The photos below were taken on a day when my migraine was at its worst, which accounts for the very few photos I have in this post. Though my beloved took a good number of shots, only these three seemed decent enough to be shared. Excuse the first two for being somewhat provocative (I reckon it comes with using the eyeshadow); they're just among the few that gave justice to how gorgeous Label Whore is.
Smooches to all of my followers and frequent readers. Happy Valentine's Day to all!
Struggling with oily skin and enlarged pores? Wanting a flawless and radiant glow? Needing something that'll look good on photos? Well, Bare Naturals has the answer to your needs and wants --- the Ultra High Definition Mineral Primer!
What Bare Naturals says about it: UDMP is the powder version of SKIN PERFECTING (S5) Primer! Promise of oil-control, lasting makeup and flawless look!
ULTRA-DEFINITION MINERAL PRIMER softens the appearance of imperfections. It has silica and Ronasphere LDP (Light Diffusing Properties) that make lines, wrinkles and minor imperfections unnoticeable. It completely evens out the complexion for a glowing, radiant look!
Best thing about our ULTRA-DEFINITION MINERAL PRIMER it is slightly tinted! (which will suit any skin tone and skin shade) You can use it alone, or as your base powder for maximum oil control and it will NEVER cake up on you!
When you touch or swatch our ultra definition powder, you will notice that it is indeed a cut above the rest! :)
Check out the swatches.
without flash
with flash
Yay!
Price. For Php225 (around $4) for 10g, Php395 (around $8)for 20g and Php635 (around $13) for 40g, this UHD powder is a lot cheaper compared to a lot of HD powders in the market (with the exception of ELF).
Texture. As soon as you touch the powder, you'll feel how smooth and finely milled it is.
Dual purpose. Aside from being a primer, this mineral powder can also be used as a finishing powder or a blot powder.
Matches any skin color. Despite getting a (an ugly tan, that is) tan lately (I hate the sun!!!), this powder still matches my skin color. I've also used this powder on ladies with a much darker color than mine and it has never made anyone of them look ghostly.
Blends well. It will not look streaky or look obvious when used as a setting powder.
Delivers. Everything that Bare Naturals said about the product --- keeps oil at bay, makes pores appear smaller, does not cake, and makes you look glowing and flawless --- is true! I haven't been wearing foundation for the past couple of weeks (just BB cream or tinted moisturizer and this on top) and my skin looks glowing and flawless.
Nay!
Messy. Just as with any mineral makeup or practically anything in loose powder form, this can get utterly messy. Every time I open and close the lid, it just goes POOOF! and the powder flies everywhere.
Inconvenient for traveling. If you're looking for something to throw into your purse for touch ups, this may not be the best thing to tag along UNLESS you're forgiving enough when the powder flies onto your clothes.
For repurchase? Definitely. Since purchasing the product early January, this UHD Mineral Powder from Bare Naturals has never left my vanity table and purse, albeit messy and unfit for traveling, all because of the benefits I get from using it. The promise of shine-free and oil-free face, smaller pores and radiant and glowing look can be achieved with this amazing, heaven-sent product.
*This product was purchased by me for personal and review purposes. I am not affiliated with nor was paid by the company to write this review. This is an honest review based on my personal experience with the product.*
