It is typical of women to look in the mirror and sometimes feel underwhelmed by their image. I personally relate to this because I feel like I have "off" days when I feel like my skin looks a little dull or I feel blah. When this happens, I know that it is time to make a little adjustment to my look.
Depending on certain factors such as your time and budget, the adjustments can be simple and periodic, but they will go a long way into changing up your look. Sharing some tips below ;)
1. Change Your Lip Color to Red
This is my favorite tip because, well, a bold red lip is my favorite statement look. One swipe and you're ready to go! Many people tend to forget the sensual appeal that lips have. They may be the first feature that a person notices and admires about you. If you are one of the women who prefer to remain subtle in their makeup choices, you might be surprised at how much venturing into the wilder side changes your look.
Red is a surprisingly democratic lip color. Bluer shades of red favor most hair shades and skin tones and they also work well with neutral wardrobe colors such as brown, black, white, grey, blue, and khaki.
To balance out this bold lipstick color, you can darken your eyebrows using a brow pencil or dab petroleum jelly on them. You may also opt to add mascara and eyeshadow, but this is purely optional. If you can achieve this balance, your cheekbones will instantly look more prominent, teeth whiter, and your eyes will have more shine.
2. Change Your Accessories
Accessories usually get the least share of attention when it comes to a wardrobe upgrade. When you think of switching up your look, your jackets, pants, sweaters, and skirts are at the top of your list. However, the secret to changing your look with minimal effort is paying attention to details.
Scarves, necklaces, and earrings are easy ways to inject excitement into your wardrobe. Belts, on the other hand, help to improve the appearance of dresses by adding color and shaping your body. A few small updates can greatly impact your overall look.
You may also change up the look of your face by going for a flattering eyeglass frame that complements the shape of your face, whether it has lenses or not. www.eyeglasses.com is a good site where you can shop for prescription or non-prescription glasses from the comfort of your home.
3. Change Your Hairstyle
Changing your hairstyle can be scary since it is an integral part of your look. On the other hand, staying with one look for too long can be boring. Moreover, hair trends are very dynamic, and what looks hot now might not be trendy in the next five years. This doesn’t mean that you must do away with the general color or length that suits your face. However, switching up your hair look often can leave you looking young and fresh.
If the idea of changing your hair sounds a bit too scary, you can start with a little experimentation as you progress. For instance, you can add a few highlights to your hair for a younger and more sun-kissed look. Going a shade darker will help to add a mystery to your look. I used to sport different colored hair and/ or hairstyles when I was younger, and pre-pandemic I had permed hair. I would love to do it again as soon as it's safe!
4. Shop Out of Your Comfort Zone
Style isn't only about how you look in clothes. It entails how you feel in them as well. If you are never open to trying new things, you will hardly ever feel comfortable in fashion. Depending on your perspective, new materials, styles, and accessories can either be exciting or intimidating.
Visit medium-sized or large malls and window shop the clothes and accessories shops. You can visit a few shops that can upscale your lifestyle in some way but ensure that you hop within your budget. Get comfortable with looking around and asking questions until you are bold enough to try new looks. Or, since we're in a pandemic, check out online thrift shops like what I do and shop sustainably :)
5. Learn From the Best
There is an endless parade of slideshows on the internet about the latest fashion trends. If you often come across such, it is time to stop admiring and start taking notes and screenshots.
You can always borrow styling tips from your favorite celebrity or fashion blogger. If you are impressed by how a certain fashion figure dresses, you can pay attention to their look and borrow tips on updating your style from someone whose fashion savvy you trust.
If you wish to quickly update your looks, try one of the above solutions for pleasant results. ;)
If only I could go about my day without having to wear a bra, but that's not possible because my girls need support and coverage. I am actually one of the few who choose to wear bras with underwire because I like a li'l cleavage action, but preferably something that doesn't poke nor pierce my skin or even leave welts because as I said, I want a nice décolletage–not undergo modern torture. Plus points if the bra looks pretty. Tough order? Well, with the difficulty I've had in getting bras that tick off all the boxes without costing an arm and a leg, I suppose so.
Well do I have great news for you. Avon Fashions came up with the new Body Illusion, their line of lightest, most comfortable underwear everrr.
It may seem trivial to some, but there's something about what you wear underneath your clothes that affect your day. I don't know about you but when I wear nice underwear that fit perfectly, I feel more confident and self-assured, like I can seize the day; an effect akin to sporting a power lipstick and walking in heels.
When I don't need to worry about straps showing or digging in my skin, or see lumpy pads that ruin the look of my outfit, or even panty lines that show, that's a good day. When I wear a bra that is so comfortable it feels like second skin, that's a GREAT day. And Avon Fashions Body Illusion has been giving me a lot of great days.
What I am wearing in the photos is the Charlene Underwire Seamless Bra (Php 899), a ¾ cup bra in eyeglass silhouette with ultra soft foam cups. Laser-cut edges leave no marks, and won’t show through tight clothing. The straps do not ride up and the molded cups are super soft. Yes, it has underwire but I didn't feel any discomfort at all.
Designed to be out of sight and out of mind, Avon Fashions Body Illusion combines comfort and flexibility.
They’re made with Avon’s proprietary Invisilite material, which offers the lightest and most flexible fit from Avon Fashions intimate apparel. The unique material is also fade-resistant, and will stretch up to twice(!) its original size.
This is the stuff dreams and HG-worthy products are made of.
Meanwhile, for those who prefer non-wire bras, Avon Fashions Body Illusion also offers the Sonia Non-Wire Seamless Pull-on Bra (Php 899) that offers even more flexibility with its pull-on form factor, complete with ultra soft fabric and moulded cups. This can be worn as a camisole, too.
The tightest of skirts are also a non-issue with the seamless Panty (Php 299).
I am a PR girl in a hyper-bundled global agency, an entrepreneur, a serial hobbyist, a blogger, and several other things. I have enough stuff on my plate without having to second-guess my underwear. I am glad and I appreciate that Avon, a company that has been known to stand for women, empowers me to accomplish many more things, and it's amazing how it can do that just by giving me the best choice for underwear among all the other options in intimate apparel. It's amazing how much you can do when you feel unshackled, yes?
It feels like freedom, and I really, really like it.
Avon Fashions Body Illusion is available through Zalora, Avon Representatives, or via Avonshop.ph. Follow Avon Philippines on Facebook and Instagram to learn more
Don’t have an Avon Representative? Visit www.avon.ph or like and check out Avon Philippines on Facebook to find out how you can shop your favorite Avon products!
I didn't know why it took me so long to wake up, and then I realized that it had to hurt enough. It was a dark period in my life that I am glad I have already gotten over. I still get bad days when I doubt myself and let my insecurities get the better of me, but I have learned to discern, take a step back, and put things into perspective.
Right now I am in a relationship with someone who considers me a partner in every way, I am working in a nice office with officemates I enjoy working with, and I have a close-knit family and a small but dependable circle of friends I can rely on.
I am living my best life.
There is no point in rehashing past pains so I rarely think about this but I was reminded of how far I have come when I went to Avon's Step Into Your Comfort Zone event on my second day back to work. During the event, Avon Fashions turned the spotlight on five inspiring Filipinas who have boldly defined their own success and found purpose in their cause.
Filipina supermodel and actress Wilma Doesnt tells all about breaking the mestiza stereotype, finding her own niche in modeling, and how she inspires women to live life despite the judgment they might face. Actress Alice Dixson defines “living life in your own terms,” as she shares her thoughts on defining her own pace and the importance of staying in your element. Host Tricia Centenera talks about bouncing back from a failed marriage and how she was able to create a new and fulfilling life for herself after. Weightlifter and Olympic Silver Medalist Hidilyn Diaz shares the struggles of being a woman in her sport and the hindrances she faced before achieving glory. Finally, actress and single mom Jennylyn Mercado candidly speaks about the hardships of raising a child alone and finding comfort in taking on multiple roles in life. She believes that all women deserve to enjoy who they truly are, because no one else can define that for them.
This advocacy really appealed to me because it acknowledges that women today are making great strides and breaking free from outdated gender roles. In this world where women are expected to have it all—a job she excels at, an Instagram-worthy home, a husband and kids—it can be incredibly frustrating to cope with the pressure to conform. Avon Fashions' Step Into Your Comfort Zone disrupts the meaning of “comfort zone” from being one’s safe place and redefines it as the place where every woman’s true passions and purpose begin. Avon does this in the best way it knows how: provide women with the stylish comfort they deserve so they can easily focus on the things that truly matter.
I received a box that contains some pieces from their expansive range of intimate apparel. I loved it because it contained something for every purpose: wired, non-wired, nude, T-shirt, bold, printed, plain, and for when I'm feeling sexy. I have several Avon bras in my underwear drawer but more additions are always appreciated.
Avon says that each bra is designed with the Filipina body in mind, ensuring that it fits her body not just flawlessly but comfortably. Here is a rundown.
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| Charlotte Underwire Brassiere This is made with microfiber fabric. I like the floral theme and the gray and pink color combination. |
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| Eliza Underwire Moulded T-shirt Brassiere Made of shiny microfiber and features a two-tone lace accent on bottom panels. With built-in cookies. Very sexy. |
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| Feather Underwire Lightweight Brassiere This moulded bra made with breathable spacer foam feels light amd airy but offers underwire support. Features a removable lace back with an extra strap. |
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| Hillary Underwire Brassiere The lacy accents add a seductive and sophisticated touch to your intimates. Also, you can never go wrong in black. |
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| Larina Non-wire Soft Cup Brassiere Features 3/4 cup in printed cotton fabric on raspberry bottom band, top cup, and peek-a-boo binding. I love that it looks like a bikini top. I actually have the matching panty, yay! |
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| Lynette Underwire Balcony Brassiere I love balcony brassieres because they enhance the cleavage, hee. I love the lace details and that it comes in a sexy color, too. |
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| Mariah Underwire Memory Foam T-shirt Brassiere I love T-shirt bras because they're seamless and perfect for, well, shirts. This one has memory foam cups that mould to your shape and return to their original form after washing. |
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| Miranda Underwire Moulded Bra This one has perforated cups made of nylon spandex microfiber and breathable lining and has a double-lined back that looks seam-free. I also love the floral details, it's like a secret that only you know about. |
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| Salma Non-wire T-shirt Brassiere Simple, non-fussy, perfect for lazy days. |
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| Willow Underwire Breathable Brassiere 3/4 cup bra in microfiber with mesh that allows air flow to keep you feeling fresh and cool all day. |
With Avon declaring we can step into our comfort zone, we are encouraged to live an authentic life and to do that, we must be courageous to be true to ourselves first. I am so inspired by Avon's message of empowering women and I believe my actions and my voice make a difference. I am not bound by my past. I am stepping into my comfort zone and living my best life.
Ladies and gents, the new Barbie Made to Move Dancer!
I almost gave up on getting one because I didn't think she would be released here in the Philippines. As far as I knew she was only available in Australia, and even a quick search on Amazon didn't give me results. Imagine my surprise when my doll collector friend Wawie posted about her, and kindly offered to get one for me as I am still on bed rest following my operation. As luck would have it, my boyfriend J's sister, Courtney, was en route to Uptown Mall where there's a Toys "R" Us, and so as per J's request got me the last remaining doll on stock! Yay!
Special thanks to Richwell for distributing this doll locally!
I unboxed her as soon as I got her.
The first thing I noticed as soon as I held her in my hands is how hefty she is. Unlike my other Barbie Made to Move dolls and regular Barbies, she feels really solid and doesn't seem fragile at all, and so I wasn't worried about mishandling her.
I love her skin tone and her fiery pink hair with orange highlights!
Because she is a Dancer, there's a boombox included in the box with her. Unfortunately the phone in the boombox is just a sticker and cannot be removed, hee. To match her Dancer street style, she wears a cropped shirt with a black tube top underneath (plus points for two separate pieces of clothing!) and a pair of acid-washed denim jeans. She is also wearing a pair of teal sneakers that match the loudness of her hair. I love it!
I wanted to see if a regular Barbie's dress will fit her but all my dolls, dolls' clothes and shoes, and other accoutrements are in my boyfriend's house. Fortunately I had a package delivered here from the House of Malibu online shop so I was able to change my Curvy Barbie's clothes.
The front says this pencil cut dress fits, albeit a little snug. She also looks fierce in heels!
But the back tells a different story. Yikes. I could barely close the Velcro.
Still, I like this dress on her and I think it suits her and her personality.
She's seen here wearing a pair of eyeglasses and clutching an iPhone that came from another Barbie accessory pack, also purchased last week from Toys "R" Us by my boyfriend while chatting with me about my top picks. (I love how supportive he is of my hobbies. ♥)
The Barbie Made to Move Dancer has light gray eyes, dark gray eyebrows, and a bubblegum pink lipstick. She's really pretty. I named her Jessica.
I asked J to bring my Barbie Made to Move Skateboarder when he came over on Saturday with my Barbie Made to Move Dancer, as I thought it would be fun to take photos of them together.
Sandy and Jessica are instant BFFs!
Here's a side-by-side comparison of the two Barbie Made to Move bodies:
Look at Jessica's booty! I am so excited for Mattel to release more body types under the Barbie Made to Move line!
I grew up surrounded by blond Barbies, and I remember wondering if I could ever be as beautiful as my dolls. Barbie with her thin waist, perfect smile, and long legs was always the star of the story lines I wrote in my head, and they were always stories of frivolous wealth and glamour because that was the world I imagined her to represent. I don't think my self-esteem was affected by this and it's not like I needed a doll to validate how I view myself, but now that I visit toy stores and see Barbie dolls from different races sporting differing skin tones, hair colors, and outfits that veer away from the standard pink clothing I was used to, I feel giddy because here, here are dolls that look like me. I am as beautiful as Barbie.
We were promised a day of workshops, sweet deals from their partner brands, and some fun activities, but we got so much more!
Upon registration, I was led to the Carefree and Lay Bare booth where I participated in some games and activities and even shared hygiene tips for down there that I subscribe to. Talking from my personal experience, I said we should always make sure our reproductive health is also taken care of, and that anything that seems unusual should be checked by your OB-GYN.
We also had an Intimate Beauty Talk with Carefree and Lay Bare with Carefree’s Intimate Beauty Ambassador Gretchen Ho who says that staying fresh and clean is an important part of feeling good, inside and out. This enables her to keep doing what she loves to do.
One of her beauty secrets is always keeping an intimate grooming kit with her—that includes pantyliners. As Carefree’s Intimate Beauty Ambassador, Gretchen advocates using pantyliners, not only because it makes laundry easier for her, but also to stay fresh and feel good all day.
I had a little time after this session to walk around the fair and check the booths out.
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| Swatches of the Chihuahua Lipsticks |
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| Guess the Shade at the Ever Bilena booth I got 6/7! |
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| Swatches of Wild Orchid, Bombshell Red, and Midnight Mystery from Revlon's Street Chic capsule collection I couldn't resist these and got all three! Good thing they had a special P100 off promo that day, and good thing that my lipstick shopping ban is over! |
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| With Darlyn Ty, founder of the Belle de Jour Power Planner |
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| With Liz Lanuzo, founder and editor-in-chief of Project Vanity |
I was able to attend two other talks: Derma Secrets for a Great Skin and Transformative Power of Mineral Makeup.
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| Here I am with the founder of Ellana Mineral Cosmetics, Theresa Carbonel Buenaflor Ellana and I go way back, and I am so happy they still remain a power player in the beauty industry as it's one of my favorite local brands. |
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| With Helen |
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| With Tara and Earth |
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| With Christine and Helen |
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| With Tellie |
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| I also joined Tellie's makeup workshop at the BYS booth shortly before leaving. |
I had to leave early because I had to attend church, but I was able to take home a media kit and my shopping haul.
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| So cute! I have the EQ of a pillow so imagine the self-control it took for me to wait until we got home from church before I opened this. |
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| The rest of the media kit |
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| TA-DA! SO MANY! |
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| And look! They gave us the complete Revlon Street Chic collection! |
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| Here are the things I bought: Colourette Colourtint in Kelsey and the aforementioned three Revlon lipsticks :) |
By the way, if you attended the event and you want another one OR you missed out and would want to attend next time, Project Vanity is holding their 10th Anniversary Event on March 10 while Belle de Jour Power Planner is holding the BDJ Women's Summit 2018: Women Redefined on March 11. Click on the respective links to know more!
Congratulations again, Belle de Jour Power Planner and Project Vanity! Thank you for doing what you do and may you continue empowering women everywhere. ♡
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