Elianto Brush Cleanser

After a weeklong deep retreat (without any spa! BOOHOO!), I've finally brought myself up and I'm feeling better now. Whew! Well sooner or later, I'll be back to normal in no time. ;)

Anyways, after a long hiatus, I've decided to post something close to my heart, makeup. :p

I'm sharing one of a makeup artists' best friend. A brush cleanser!

Take note: I actually use a mild soap to clean my brushes. You can also use a baby shampoo to do this. However, there are some events that require you to work fast and work on several faces with a limited amount of time. So what do you do? It's quite unsanitary to use the same brush for other faces. You would want to sanitize and clean it before using it again.

So I use my Elianto brush cleanser in times like this.
(This bottle has been with me for more than 7 months and it's more than half full!)


Back view:


I transfer it to an atomizer spray bottle for easier usage and compact storage.



What I do is after using a brush a spritz a small amount of the cleanser to the hair of the brush and swirl the brush to a tissue paper and voila, all clean.

Tutorial coming soon!

Note: I still clean it with my mild soap when I get home though. I only use Elianto brush cleanser when I need to sanitize my brushes during a gig that requires me to work on many faces.

Tips:

1. You can never have too many brushes especially if you're a makeup artist! :)
2. Invest on your brushes! You'll be using it so many times and good quality brushes will save your day!
3. Use brush cleanser (whatever brand it is) sparingly. The components of the cleanser may be too harsh on your brushes. It has alcohol, so if you don't want to ruin your babies, spray just a small amount of cleanser until all the pigments are removed.
4. Clean your brushes after every gig! You don't want your brushes to be infested by bacterias and use it for your clients again.

Nobody told us to get our trophy, says Franz

By Abac Cordero of Philippine Star

Saturday, September 27, 2008

It wasn’t really on purpose that La Salle failed to accept the runner-up trophy last Thursday at the Big Dome following a very painful loss to Ateneo in the UAAP finals.

Coach Franz Pumaren said as the hurting Green Archers locked themselves inside their dugout after the game, nobody really told them that it was time to receive their trophy.

(Related stories on Page 15)


“Nobody told us to come out and accept the trophy,” said Pumaren yesterday. He was no longer as bitter as he was right after Ateneo clinched the title with a 62-51 win.

“Of course we were feeling bad but we were never really told to come out,” said Pumaren, who rued the officiating in the game that turned out to be the last of the season.

According to Pumaren, UAAP president Sergio Cao of host University of the Philippines decided to hand the champion’s trophy to Ateneo, amid all the celebration going on in the court, even if La Salle had not accepted theirs.

“I was told Mr. Cao told Fr. Bernie Oca (of La Salle) that they did not bother to call us because they felt that we were feeling really bad. That’s why we were not told to come out anymore,” said Pumaren.

Pumaren said it has already happened in the past that the runner-up team in the UAAP was no longer asked to come out and accept the trophy.

The Green Archers, their coach added, have already accepted defeat.

“We’re okay now. In fact we’re already looking forward to next year,” said Pumaren, adding that from the Big Dome the Green Archers had a sumptuous dinner in a Chinese restaurant in San Juan.

Last Thursday’s match was the last game for JV Casio in the UAAP, and probably also for Rico Maierhofer who might turn pro since he’s about to finish his studies.

“Whatever Rico’s decision is we have to respect. We will not hold him back. He has played for La Salle for so long and he has given us a title (2007). He’s ripe for the PBA,” said Pumaren.

Pumaren raised the fact that during game the Blue Eagles were awarded 28 free throws (making 18) off 29 fouls called on the Green Archers.

“And compared to us, we were awarded only eight free throws during the entire game where Ateneo only had 13 fouls in 40 minutes of play,” he said.

“It’s quite a disparity. But that’s how the competition goes,” he said.

When it rain, it pours

When it rain, it pours... that's how I would describe yesterday. I was in a big hole and was feeling so bad words cannot describe it. From the start of the day until I go to bed, stress, problems seemed to take its toll on me. I wanted to stay home today, rest for a while and not do anything, but I couldn't. I'll be meeting with clients and some suppliers today and I've already confirmed the schedule. I know I have to snap out of this real soon, but I wanted to allow myself to feel how I'm feeling for the time being because I know it's valid.

How many times have people told you to "be strong, and ignore what others are saying and thinking". This is true and if I wasn't in this predicament, I would say the same too. But honestly, is it that easy? It's not. I've learned that we have let ourselves feel tired, hurt, angry, emotional sometimes. Those feeling will make us stronger one day, sooner hopefully, but we have to feel it and let emotions flow.

I'm so grateful that my family was there to back me up to comfort me during these times. I know that they're also worried about me, my welfare. And I cannot thank them enough for simply being there. Because of these times, I also learned who my real and true friends are. I'm so lucky to have found friends I can trust. Two of my friends, Mari and Vassy dropped everything when I asked them to meet me. They didn't know what my situation is, but they were there, with just one call (or email).
I'm still feeling low as of this moment, but knowing that I am loved and that life must go on, I know I'll be fine, soon I hope. For now, I'm just happy that I feel better than yesterday. Though my heart is still aching, my mind still throbbing, it's a lot better now.

Thank you for being there. Thank you for letting me feel this way for now. Thank you for simply being who you are.

Low

Mood: Low

For the couple of weeks, I've been preoccupied with a project I'm doing. It's quite stressful since it involves a lot of detailed planning. And now I don't know if this is due to stress, or it's just because of a situation I'm currently in... I am feeling low. I'm sad, I feel helpless, irritated. I've been dealing with a lot of things right now, with my project, gigs, etc. I guess I just feel that I need a vacation, some sort of free time to do nothing.

Thanks to my friends, Mari and Vassy for being there when I needed comforting. Seeing you guys already made me feel lighter than how I feel now.

I hope all my worries come to an end, and I do get my much deserved vacation really soon.

Backpacking through Ilocos

13 bayans. 4 modes of transportation. 8 new friends. Miles and miles on foot. And thousands of new memories and experiences.

This is the Amazing Race Region I series!

To satiate our craving for adventure, Ken (Gen's bro), Gen and I hopped on a plane to Laoag one rainy evening here in Manila and got lost in a 3-day sunshiny escape in Ilocos.

Sleeping bag: Texicano Hotel
Upon landing, we took a tricycle into the city and asked the driver for the cheapest hotel there is. He directed us to Texicano. Fair enough, it was pretty cheap for P300 per head per night. We each got our own bed, the room had an aircon and TV and the shower had hot water. All we could ask for.


DAY 1
Plan was to go around the neighboring bayans around Laoag. These bayans surround Laoag and can be reached either via jeepney or tricycle. Be wary of trike drivers though. Some will charge you higher seeing that you are tourists. Negotiate for the fixed rate per head in that area.

LAOAG

Sinking Bell Church
It does sink, so says its marker. Reminded me of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.



St. William Church
Ilocos is home to some of the oldest and most beautiful churches in the Philippines. These churches date back to the Spanish period and were preserved as battles were scarce up north.




Capitol

Fort Ilocandia
Pretending to have stayed here. Yeesss. It's that expensive. Cheapest must have been P5k per night. Nonetheless, it's its own li'l haven up north.



BACARRA


SARRAT

Fabian Ver's House

Church

Convent Ruins

Marcos birthplace


VINTAR


SAN NICOLAS


PAOAY


BATAC

Church

Empanadahan
Ilocos' delicacy. They really add in the color orange. It's a hodge podge of veggies and meat with egg. Tastes good. I vaguely remember that they sell this in SM MoA and is called Okoy, have to check though.


Marcos Museum
This is one of the reasons why I'll be going back to Ilocos, if his remains are still lying there that is. Wasn't able to see Marcos' preserved body since it closes by 4.




DAY 2
From Laoag, we move further north - on the trail to Pagudpud.

BURGOS - Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
So here's the thing, since apparently we're roughing it out, we took the bus. Now the Lighthouse is situated on the mountain top, so we had no choice but to climb up the paved path 15 minutes long.. OR we trek it up through the woods for 5. We chose 5. With our heavy packs and steep unpaved uphill trail, it's a good thing I wore my Veja sneakers.

BANGUI - Windmills
Far from Holland, but amazing structure up close.

Plus, Bangui's Church. By this time, we joined our 8 new friends and hitched a ride to Pagudpud.



PAGUDPUD

Patapat Bridge
Difficult structure to build since it curves according to the outer edges of the mountain. Aka French Riviera of the North, it's the only bridge which connects Ilocos and Cagayan Valley. You can still see the footbridge below.


Pannzian Resort
No decent photo for this one. Aside from Tina and Owen's group (thank you so much again guys!), there were no other guests. The sand wasn't sparkling white and talc like as I've heard, but if you want to find that little piece of jewel in Pagudpud, you should head for Saud beach instead. Perhaps next time I can see this treasure myself.

Kabigan Falls
If it weren't for Owen's prodding, we would have missed this breathtaking view completely.

Trek to the falls was a good 30 minutes, plus another 30 for the trek back. Crossing running water, almost lost my havaianas.

Only photo we have of our 8 new friends.



DAY 3
Heading down south to Vigan. And finally to Manila!

BADOC - Juan Luna Shrine

BANTAY

VIGAN

Crisologo House
The Crisologo family was quite influential in Vigan since they were rich and later on ran for politics.


Syquia Mansion
Now this house was really something - quite grandeur - had 2 living rooms where one is for VIPs, a peephole to see visitors, a sort of bank room where the gold are kept and weighed, stables leading back to the front door so the carriage can stop right in front of the staircase. This was actually the house of President Quirino's wife and belonged to the Syquia family. It once was named the Quirino Mansion as a tribute to the President but the Syquia family was apparently the righteous owners. The caretaker was very well informed mind you. Sometimes, he relates, he can sense the spirits of the owners roaming around the house. Shiver.


Pottery making

Then, it was back to Manila for us. Partas bus became our refuge for 10 hours and before we knew it, the sun no longer shone and we nestled back into our homes respectively.

Til our next adventure!

Busy Bee & House

Hi guys,

Just want to share I've been so busy and I'll be quite busy these coming weeks, because of personal matters. Nevertheless, I'll still be posting time and time again, so keep S2S in your bookmark.

Did I mention... I've only watched 2 full episodes of House? Haha! Well I find him quite funny amidst his obnoxious acts and speeches. Anyways, I don't follow the series but if I catch it on, I watch it.

I saw this poster, I think House is already on its 5th season. I found it funny. This is really HIS personality! Haha! :)

Do you watch House too? What series do you follow?

Colorful Eye

I have been quite busy lately that I haven't had time to post new and exciting entries. So here I am with an eye makeup tutorial.

I find eye makeup really challenging but fun. It's all about blending and combination of color and balance. Thus, the eye makeup is really the one responsible for making the whole look stand out! (That is if you're not wearing red lipstick.)

One day when I got home, I saw my old sarong (sarong is cover up in English). Sarongs are always coloful and mine was no exception. My sarong had a lot of pink, blue, purple and green. So I was inspired to do a colorful eye makeup tutorial. :)

My eye. (You can see a crease because of my oily lids.) :(

Prep the entire eye with primer. I'm using Skin Hour Mattifying Day Cream.

I'm using my Elianto palette for my eye color since I bought lots of candy eye colors. I'm using this cool pink shade.

Using my Suesh eyeshadow brush. I apply to the center of my lid.

Here's how it should look:

Next is to apply the second color which I'll be putting on the inner corner of my eye. I'm using the apple green shade.

Apply it from the inner corner blending to the pink shade.

Unblended version:

Blend it well so that the demarkation goes away.

My third shade, I'm using the dark blue shade from my palette.

I apply it on the outer corner of my eye forming a v shape.

Like this:

Blend blend blend!

Now for highlight, I'm using Lancome Color Focus in Moonlight.

Line the eye with liquid eyeliner. I'm using Fashion 21 liquid eyeliner in black.

Add some color on the lower lashline. I used the apple green and cool pink shades.

Lastly curl the lashes and add mascara. I used Maybelline Unstopabble Shiny Black mascara.

Final look: