SGT Goes To: Suesh and Mizon Makeup Workshop

Hello, lovelies!

I know this post is waaay overdue, but I want to tell you about my experience anyway.

A couple of weeks back, I attended the Suesh Makeup Workshop in Alabang Town Center. There were multiple legs in other Suesh branches, but I was most available during their ATC run.

I was actually running late and since I left my car in Makati, I had to take the van going to Alabang. Good thing the workshop started a bit late, I didn't miss much. When I got there, there were about 8 ladies intently waiting and eager to learn about the latest in (Korean) makeup techniques and products. I should probably tell you that the workshop was graciously sponsored by Mizon and it featured the makeup artist, Ms. Kim Bit Na.

If pictures are worth are a thousand words, then please feast your eyes (instead of hearing me babble, haha!):

The event invite

From the Suesh Facebook page

Pictures from the workshop

The lovely ladies testing out each product that was used on the model (I got to swatch them on my hand too.)

Step 1: Prep the skin by cleansing properly, toning, and moisturizing.
Ms. Bit Na used multiple products for each, but I fell in love with the CC cream,
 which works as a multi-functional skincare product. (Spoiler Alert: I ended up buying the pink CC cream!)

I will write a separate post about the wonders and go in-depth about the said product (the CC cream) which is the latest craze in Korea (and other parts of the globe) right now. Some call it a color corrector, and there are other meanings for the acronym, but it all just points to great skin care in one amazing product. Unlike the BB cream, the CC cream will not promise to give you coverage. On me, however, it gives me a nice radiant glow (even when I put foundation on top), makes my skin look more alive than flat, neutralizes the redness and even manages to "color correct" some of my dark spots and imperfections on the face. On lazy days, I just use this and conceal other visible spots and I'm out the door! Again, watch out for my separate review on the product.

She now proceeds to apply the rest of the makeup, keeping the product usage at a minimum.

According to Ms. Bit Na, the trend in Korea, as far as makeup looks go, is to appear as fresh and youthful as possible. Therefore, matte is not the hero. You know how KPop stars manage to look so dewy and young all the time? It all boils down to using the right products that won't snatch the freshness factor from your skin, but restore and boost that glow! It's a natural-but-not-naked face that they go for in Korea. After all, we go to great lengths to chase down the fountain of youth, right? 

Tip: Use lighter-colored products, especially on your cheeks and on your lips. You can never go wrong with pinks and peaches. Just find one that's flattering for your skin tone and skin type. You need not be KPop fair, you can achieve that youthful glow and rock that tan, girl! Just remember never to deprive your skin of that dewiness and freshness that it needs.

Anyway, while the whole face makeup was being applied on the model, I kind of wandered off, looking around the room for distractions stuff to take pictures of and show you guys!

Some of the products used

Mizon's products are available in all Suesh branches

I got the pink CC Cream, which, according to the brand representatives of Mizon, was specifically formulated for gals with combination to oily skin types, like myself. Believe me when I say that this does not make my skin look like a grease tank when I use it. 

Check out the pictures for inspiration. See the glow?
I'm sure us Pinays can also rock that youthful vibe! Who says you have to be porcelain to be beautiful?

Finishing off the look with brows...

Some more goodies to ogle at...

Here's the pink CC cream being demonstrated to the group.

Group picture! Oops, there I am in the back row, beside the wonderful Ms. Kim Bit Na!
Picture was grabbed from the Suesh Facebook page

And here I am, posing with the guest makeup artist. Please pardon the slight wardrobe malfunction.

Thank you so much to Mizon and Suesh for hosting this FREE makeup workshop. We got to take home goodies and a complimentary Pro Card from Suesh (also for FREE!).

Oh, and before I end this post, I will also share the makeup look that I did for this event:

Please note that after the commute, my foundation has slightly worn off due to sweat

and the humidity. You will see in the picture before this that my forehead has started to

show some of my breakouts. I used the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse with a  wet sponge

 on this particular day, but since that method has proven to be a flop, I now apply the

 foundation with my clean fingers and buff any remaining product on with a flat top brush.

Most of the products I used are from local brands. For the eyes, I used my San San CYO Eyeshadows, which I recently reviewed, Ever Bilena Eyebrow Pencil in Medium Brown, Collection Gel Eyeliner, San San Cream Concealer, and Ever Bilena HD Waterproof Mascara. On my cheeks, I just used Bench PrettyWhenPinched Cheek Stain, and on the lips, I have on Wet N' Wild Megalast Lipstick in Mauve Outta Here. 

Catch you crazy kids at the next event! 

Figure-Hugging

Have you ever had one o those "5 minutes to get up and go" moments? I had a big one today! UGH. It takes me quite a while to get ready, makeup and all. I went through 5 to 6 cycles before I made up my mind on what bottom to wear for my inaanak's birthday party. I wanted to look casual but poised, still. See, I've been feeling unwell since last night. I figured, dressing up somehow will lift me out of my miserable state.

Funny how I dug up this denim A-line skirt from my closet. I had it since I was in 6th grade. Would you believe it?! I don't know if it's panic or sheer fate that made me drag this piece from the deepest, darkest corners of my closet. I love how it accentuates my "curves". Okay, I gained some weight over the past few weeks, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't flaunt them, right?

I've had a lot of body image issues since I can remember. I still do. But I am starting to realize that having a skinny figure doesn't always have to be the only definition of beauty. It comes in all shapes in sizes. Besides, I know I'm never going to be as skinny as the models I see everywhere, even if I starved myself for an entire year! People are born into different molds and the best we can really do is embrace the one we're given and do the best we can to prolong its shelf life. It's a tough battle but I hope I'm nearing victory against those issues.

It doesn't follow though, that I no longer care for my health. In fact, I learned that by punishing my body so much from starving and depriving it, I'm only making things worse. Once I hit that level where I know what kinds of food are actually good for me, I'm all set. It takes practice and a whole lot of discipline, but health is something I wouldn't sacrifice for anything.

I have yet to nail down the right fitness routine to get me back on that toned and tamed spot I was in, but I'm working my way to get there. ;)

Anyway, back to the outfit, this denim skirt fits me to a tee! It hugs me in all the right places and it doesn't feel like I'm about to explode when I have it on. I paired it off with a peach V-neck tee from Bench to tone it down to a whole new casual level. The wedges made me feel and look like I was 6 feet tall! Haha! Heels give me an instant boost, both physically and emotionally. They make me feel like I can take on the world and rock it like nobody's business!

Eek! Muscular, manly legs! Haha! 

Top: Bench

Skirt: Crissa Jeans

Wedges: Privileged

Belt: Thrifted

Earrings: from Quiapo

Meet my super-pretty niece, Rania. Beauty runs in the family, don't you think? ;) 

Goofing around. :))

Curvy girls everywhere, please don't think that just because you don't fit into a Size 0 dress, doesn't mean you're worth any less. I even read this somewhere: The only reason I'm fat is because a tiny body couldn't store all this personality. I know it's not an easy pill to swallow, but you'll come to terms with your own body and learn to love it, all of it. It all starts with you loving yourself and when you decide not to care what everyone else thinks, people will pick up from that. You'll instantly have that vibe of charisma and confidence that just can't be taken with any diet pill. So rock what yo' momma gave you! 

Love,

SGT <3

Running in Heels

I don't know who invented high heels, 

but all women owe him a lot.

~Marilyn Monroe 

Ah, heels. Every woman must wear them at some point in their lives. As for me, I occasionally try to squeeze in a little height boost. A pair of heels not only creates the illusion of added height, it also improves a woman's posture, enhance a woman's assets, and help magnify their self-confidence. Oh, it can also turn any outfit from drab to fab in a snap!

I had a busy day today. I don't know what got into me but I decided to take out this long forgotten pair out for a spin. Went to Netbooster Asia in Makati to claim my prize from the Maybelline Do You Dare? contest. Special thanks to Ms. Kristine Rementilla for accommodating me, despite my haggard and just-ran-two-blocks-in-heels flustered look. Scroll down below to see what I won. ;)

I tried it right away! Fell in love! Review on this is coming soon!

Then, I met up with my college batch mate, Kristel (check out her site -- she's a talented photographer and writer for When in Manila), for a "rush lunch" in Greenbelt. You would not believe how I ran from Valero St. to Greenbelt IN HEELS! I never thought I can do what Amanda Seyfried did in "In Time"! I made it just in time for our lunch date! *victory dance!* I was too busy worrying about meeting Kristel that I didn't have the time to bother acknowledging people's stares and puzzled looks as I rush through Makati foot traffic, about 3 inches above ground. :))

We decided to settle in at The Cafe Mediterranean because that was one of the few places in Greenbelt 1 that catered to my vegetarian needs. No regrets though, the food was D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S! I had roasted veggies with hummus, wrapped in pita bread. Kristel got a chicken something wrapped in pita as well. Kristel had to rush back to work so we had to gobble down our food quickly and squeeze in a little chit-chat about work and whatnot. We were speed-lunching rock stars! LOL! 'Til next time, Kristel! ;)

Oh, and guess who we saw walking past? Dingdong Dantes and RJ Ledesma! :))

My choice for lunch. SUPER SARAP, GUYS!

Kristel's pita surprise. :D

Refreshing lemonade! I needed this after all that
running around in Makati!

When we parted ways, I walked all the way from Greenbelt 1 to Glorietta. Stop-over gone wrong: Landmark! I love, love, love going there not only for the wide selection of clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, and everything in between, but for their super affordable price range! Napa-shopping na naman ako ng wala sa oras! Hahaha! Check out what I scored for less than Php 500!

Obsessed with tribal and Aztec-inspired prints!
Please pardon my messy bed!

This set really caught my eye!

Bought my second box of Today's Advice from Papemelroti. Everyone can use a little push
every now and then -- not only from high heels, but from inspirational words
as well. :)

Met up with my Mom in SM Makati. Squeezed in a little window shopping in Forever 21 (I really wanted to buy three dresses but my heart sank when I realized I had to prioritize my expenses and that I already had caused enough damage with my impulsive shopping an hour earlier.) Oh well, next time!

Aaaand here's what I wore today. Here's what I ran around the city in:

Please pardon my super gulo room.
 I've been too busy to clean. T_T

I wore this skirt once before. It's super comfortable!

Whew! Made it home in one piece! Busy, busy, busy!
See how the Maybelline blush stayed on? I still have
that hint of pink on my cheeks, eh? :)

Wore my Harry Potter Time Turner necklace c/o my friend Ayeen.
HP geeks unite! ;)

Can't believe I lasted an entire day in these! I took many breaks, of course,
but I had them on all day!

Top: Bench

Skirt: Forever 21

Strappy heels: from Bazaar

Yellow Braided Bracelet: Bedazzle

Red Lucky Charm Bracelet: from Dad

You can use this yellow bracelet in more ways than one! Wrap it around your wrists, use it as a headband, or give your outfit a pop of color by donning it as a necklace! I should have gotten it in more than one color. I love versatile accessories and items!

Despite all the pain that resulted from wearing heels all day, I am genuinely thankful to the person who invented them. I always feel taller and a bit better about myself when I put on a pair of heels. I don't usually wear them, but when I do, I notice that my mood almost always instantly perks up!

So to all the dudes out there, respect. It ain't exactly easy doing everything and going places (let alone running!) in 2 to 6-inch heels. ;)

What a great way to end the week! Have a fun Friday night! 

Love,

SGT <3