When I decided to try becoming a "beauty blogger" in the Summer of 2013, I was a bit apprehensive considering I just turned 30 and most gurus (the popular ones) who I've been following are younger than I am. Why now? Honestly, way before I learned that a highlighter is not just a neon green Stabilo Boss or a hot pink Faber-Castell pen, there were but a few things I bothered buying back then and have always been a staple in my kikay kit -- an eyebrow pencil, a kohl eye liner, a tube of mascara, and a pressed powder. I hardly ever wore lipstick or lip gloss before! I did own a couple of other makeup items such as a foundation that did not match my skintone, a blush that was too pink, and eyeshadows that I didn't know how to use. I didn't even own a single brush! I SWEAR, CROSS MY HEART, AND HOPE TO DIE! Let's just say 75% of my makeup stash were all presents and pasalubongs from friends and relatives from the US. (Who can relate? Raise your hands!) So yeah, I figured I might as well learn to use these things especially now that I'm older and besides, I'm already a mom!


Remember that old TVC for Flintstones vitamins where a younger sister asked her big sister, "Why are you wearing mommy's lipstick?" "BECAUSE..." I think that got into my subconscious since and for me, wearing lipstick is only acceptable when you have kids (to show that you are the mother). IKR!? But yes, I am serious. That was what I thought and besides none of my buddies were makeup junkies. We only wore makeup during special events and weddings. There wasn't any peer pressure to look like a million bucks. After all, the provincial life doesn't demand it.


It also was a major plus factor that during my adolescence/twenteens my battle for acne and my crazy hormones was controlled with medications as well as following a strict skincare routine. But when I got pregnant and laid off of all my beauty supplements and treatments, I got the worse of it and until now I'm still desperately trying to overcome this skin problem. (Maybe I ought to go back to using the Local Obagi now?) So then I figured since I couldn't do what I did before, maybe I could learn the art of maquillage to help me with my ongoing dilemma. And so my beauty journey began.


It all started with the search for the perfect concealer which, to make the long story short, ended with my discovery of NATURACTOR. Months later, I can still say it is the ultimate concealer for me and that I cannot live without it anymore. Say what you want, but I have regained my confidence because of this product and I am not even paid to advertise it! Seriously, believe the hype. I'm here to prove it.

And then I discovered contouring, which made all the difference! My gosh! If I knew how to contour I wouldn't have been so depressed while I was trying to lose my post partum weight. With the correct application of bronzer or (in my case, most of the time) a dark powder foundation, any angle of a #selfie can be perfect! Goodbye chubby cheeks and high forehead, I can disguise you now. KTHXBYE.


The best part about learning makeup tricks is also the boost of self-esteem that I garnered. Because truth be told, I am fairly insecure with my looks even though my husband just rolls his eyes every time I act so dramatic about it and reminds (assures?) me it's not the reason he married me. LOL! Yeah, I am shallow sometimes. Aren't we all? I mean, anybody who's going through PMS know that feeling all too well.


And then I got addicted, well, let's just say super enthusiastic about makeup, largely in part because le husband Noodle Boy bought me a vanity kit with mirror and lights and now I have a makeup station whereas before I simply sat on the floor perfecting that winged liner.

My current makeup station. It's super messy though it's not much, but it's a work in progress.

Right now I'm getting requests from people who want me to do their makeup. Whoa! And I'm not even a pro! Seriously, I'm so amateur at this and such a n00b that when I attended the Avon workshop, I felt absolutely small (and literally, too!). The ladies of the Avon Makeup Council are way beyond my league! They were all so beautiful that I had to stop myself from staring at them. But passionate as I am with everything that I do, instead of retreating inside my shell, I realized then and there what I needed to do. I wanted to get better at this. I was driven to become the best that I can be and so I continued to learn and teach myself all about makeup by scouring the interwebs at dawn and watching countless YouTube tutorials... even contemplating about creating a makeup channel myself... or not.


Anyways, time flies when you're having fun and when I look back at my old photos on Instagram, I can very well criticize myself and I'm glad to see the improvements I've made. So you see, posting shameless #selfies does have a purpose. I have kept track of my skills and found out where I need to work more on. I'm not becoming a beauty blogger just to promote products. I would continue to rave (or rant) about something especially when it has significantly impacted my life -- a product or an event, it doesn't matter. I am also excited to try new products because for the past 3 decades I've always stuck to popular and trusted brands, not considering what is actually appropriate for my skin type, etc. Armed with an open mind and a fresh new outlook, now I choose to be a beauty blogger because I'd like to show you guys, especially the people who know where I'm coming from (acne, oily and problematic skin), that there is something we can do to primp and prettify... and with practice, become drop dead gorgeous bombshells, too! Plus who needs to learn Photoshop or edit pics when you can transform yourself with makeup instantly?! Tee hee.


So now I'm thinking I'm actually not too old to become a beauty blogger. I mean, I don't care if I'm Jurassic compared to these young ones. This is the right age for me to wear makeup. I once tried asking my mom to buy me a Revlon lipstick back in college, the slim one with the elegant gold tone casing which I reckon was MoistureStay™ or I'm not sure what it was called back then and it had this minty taste which was very cool on the lips (I don't know for the life of me why I even tasted it!), but it was pretty costly at more than PHP500 in Metro Ayala. (Take note this was back in 1999. That absurd amount was worth my one week's allowance!) Of course, she refused and told me it was not appropriate and I need to learn the value of money. Meaning, I was still a student and it was too expensive! Also she stated that when I earn my own money, then I can very well buy whatever I want. And she was absolutely right! I may have sulked a bit back then but I never hated her for denying my request. Cue in the Flintstones commercial which played incessantly in my head.


If I am ever going to have a daughter, I'll probably tell her the exact same thing and that there is a right age to wear makeup. Please don't misunderstand because I'm not saying these younger (more nubile, vibrant, and spirited) beauty bloggers out there are doing it wrong. In fact, they are indeed very knowledgeable about beauty and the current trends. Suum cuique. To each his/her own. If you can afford makeup and need/want it, regardless of age, by all means... WEAR IT! Makeup really is an art and a wonderful way to express yourself. As for myself, I'm not quite the artist yet, but I'd just like to say... BECAUSE.... It's about time.



Journey into the world of beauty with me! Thanks for reading and please come back for more blog posts, beauty reviews and giveaways!


Don't forget to follow me on IG: @bastaigat_sikat to find out about what products I use and currently loving. :) Ciao!


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How time does fly, huh? I was so late in posting my October BDJ BOX unboxing as it is November already but oh well, better late than never! Also, I accepted the 7-day challenge and completed it a week ago so here's the blog post about it and my review on the products I've used to create the different looks using affordable Maybelline products.

DAY 1



For me... This BB STICK works best as a primer because of its texture and finish. I also find it great for under eyes for a brightening base/effect before putting on my concealer. And then there's this CHEEKY GLOW blush which gives a subtle finish, just enough for that flush of color on the cheeks.


DAY 2


Guess what Maybelline mascara is it that I'm wearing?


The mascara used in the post above is no other than THE FALSIES! Big fan of their Volum' Express over the years and this one here doesn't disappoint! Same great quality, holds curls, no clumps, and fairly lightweight on the eyes! So impressed and instantly opens up those pretty peepers! The mascara wand is flexible, too! It makes application very easy.

DAY 3


Here's a Saturday daytime look for lunch at the in-laws! Baby soft lips looking moisturized as ever with BABY LIPS RUNWAY BRIGHTS and a subtle #eotd with EYE STUDIO LUMINEYES SHADOW plus CHEEKY GLOW for that warm flush on the cheeks.

DAY 4


I wish I had smooth skin like before my adult acne started acting up but too bad my hormones are not cooperating much. So here's a quick fix with the BB STICK, BABY LIPS RUNWAY BRIGHTS, CHEEKY GLOW, and CLEAR SMOOTH SHINE-FREE FOUNDATION (non-comedogenic, yayyy!) for a 5-minute face trying to look decent enough without scaring the people because it was too early for Halloween.

DAY 5


Casual daytime look created with EYE STUDIO LUMINEYES SHADOW to brighten up sleepy tired eyes; paired with Maybelline COLORSENSATIONAL lipstick in Peachy Scene, 36h LASTING EYE STUDIO GEL LINER in black, and CHEEKY GLOW in Peachy Scene.

DAY 6


For beautiful eyes, look for the good. If you look for the good, that's what you'll see. Wearing THE FALSIES for that wide awake look, CHEEKY GLOW in Peachy Scene for a subtle flush, COLORSENSATIONAL lipstick in Make Me Pink, and EYE STUDIO 36h LASTING GEL LINER in black.

DAY 7


And to conclude my BDJ BOX 7-day challenge, my Halloween look as Tinker Bell was made perfect with inexpensive and readily available Maybelline products that you can buy in leading departments stores, supermarkets, and drugstores. Here's using the BB STICK, CHEEKY GLOW, CLEAR SMOOTH SHINE-FREE FOUNDATION, COLORSENSATIONAL LIPSTICK, and EYE STUDIO 36h LASTING GEL LINER.

As it has done in more than a decade since I learned how to use makeup, Maybelline continues to help me "EXPRESS IT" and Rock Out in Fashion. You know, if you're not born with it, there's always MAYBELLINE! ^_^





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October was crazzzzzzzy! Tell me, how is it that it's November already??? So sorry for the late post, guys! Anyway, here's my October BDJ BOX unboxing of the exclusive Maybelline Express It beauty box in RUNWAY ROCK.

Ain't the packaging pretty cool?

I realize I've been spamming my social networks with beauty posts using Maybelline products but what can I say? I'm not born with it so you know, it's definitely MAYBELLINE. I'll do a quick blog post of the items I got from my customized October BDJ BOX and full review of the items will be posted on my blog up next which will feature my 7-day challenge using the same products below.


Here's what you need to get the RUNWAY ROCK look.

STEP 1: Start with an oil-free, clear base using CLEAR SMOOTH BB STICK. Best used around the forehead, nose, and chin area.

This 12-hr anti-shine powder in a stick is perfect for oily to combination skin.

STEP 2: Create wide ipen eyes with LUMINEYES EYESHADOW with color-control primer that keeps the color on 2 x longer.

Use the middle shade all over your lids, and the darker shades for contouring along the lash line.

STEP 3: Curl your lashes and swipe on VOLUM' EXPRESS THE FALSIES.

Gives perfect flash lashes look!

STEP 4: Get cheeky and brush on CHEEKY GLOW on the apples of your cheeks.

Lightweight blush that is very easy to blend and gives a natural finish.

STEP 5: Swipe on sheer layers of the all-new BABY LIPS RUNWAY BRIGHTS.

For baby soft lips all day long!

STEP 6: After a day of rocking out, don't forget to retouch with CLEAR SMOOTH ALL IN ONE SHINE FREE FOUNDATION.

Formulated with skin brightening vitamin C for a healthy glow.

TBH (Did I just say that?), when I first got this EXPRESS IT ROCK RUNWAY ROCK beauty box from BDJ BOX, I was expecting to create a look that's more grunge and sort of emo-ish but it turns out the looks I came up with looked subtle and even perfect for everyday makeup. Do check out my October 2013 BDJ BOX 7-day Challenge for more details.

So affordable! For beauty that won't break the bank!

If you want a monthly beauty loot surprise, you can subscribe to BDJ BOX! Although due to high demand, the earliest you can subscribe to right now is already for March 2014 and they are currently putting subscriptions on hold. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter to get updates!



Thanks for droppin' by!



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The July BDJ Box was ginormous! There were so many products to try and I couldn't wait to just dive in and test them all out. So here are my favorites and what I've sampled so far including what I can say for myself about these beauty products. #BDJBOX7DAY Challenge accepted!

1. The first thing that caught my eye when I opened the July BDJ Box is the Revlon Lip Butter. I thought it was a lipstick but I figured this was indeed a lip gloss. But to my surprise, when I put it on, it was very pigmented! I can wear this everyday and without lip balm! It is super hydrating and it made my dry lips look fuller and healthier! Nice!

Kissable lips!

2. One of my favorite looks is the no-makeup makeup look or just neutral eyes that is simply contoured and highlighted. This is what Enchanted's Pixie Dust palette is for. It has a white matte highlighter, a brown matte contour powder, and a brightening yellow shadow with just a little bit of shimmer to make tired eyes pop. I love it! It's very affordable, too. Everyone should have this in their makeup.

Pretty peepers

3. This is the most innovative beauty product I've come across so far. I never thought it was possible to really peel off those dry and dead skin off your feet! But it works, it works, it works!!! It took about 5 days before my feet started to shed the skin, you know, like a snake. I'm currently still peeling so I'll do a separate blog post to show you guys what an amazing product the Foot Appeal truly is! It's just remarkable. I'm totally in awe.

What sorcery is this?

4. The Too Cool For School After School BB Foundation Lunch Box is for people who are fans of matte faces. If you like dewy, this may not be the product for you. I have oily skin so I really prefer matte finishes, else I'd end up looking like an oil slick by the end of the day. But of course, that depends on the weather. This BB cream brightens and evens out your complexion, although the coverage is light to medium. You'll need concealer for blemishes. I love that it feels lightweight on the skin, too. I need to use it some more to see if the formulation breaks out my skin.

Matte but not flat

5. I never owned a spray sunblock so I find this Beach Hut with SPF 75++ sunblock a very interesting product. All these years I've always hated putting on sunblock (as you have witnessed during the summer months and previous blogs I've posted that I become way too tanned for lack of sun protection). It's the icky feeling and the white gunk that become patches on your skin that really turns me off. Add in the weird sunscreen smell, and it's a total dis for me. However, when I sprayed this on, my skin felt immediately cool. I never needed to spread it out since it was sort of oily. Now I can picture walking on the beach looking all shiny and radiant when you spray this on your skin. But most importantly, no white mess!!!

How cool is a spray sunblock huh!?

6. DOVE Intense Repair Shampoo & Conditioner - If you like fruity and fresh scents, you will love these two. Noodle Boy actually commented that my hair smells divine. So now he's using it for himself. He has longer hair than me and he says his hair is so much smoother. He has curly hair and he also says his locks are pretty manageable. We have chemically colored hair to this is perfect for both of us to restore whatever damage that dyes have caused.

Shiny hair with other hair products used.

7. Last but not the least, the Dove beauty bar. My face feels so moisturized and I feel 15 years younger! Also maybe it's because the scent reminds me of high school back when I first used Dove. This is great for women who have dry skin. I have oily skin but that doesn't mean I don't need moisture. I stay in a pretty cool room most of the time and I need enough moisture I can get to balance things out. I use this at night (or dawn because that's usually the time I tuck myself in).

BAREFACED! [O.O]

So there you have it, I still have a lot of products to test out from the July BDJ Box and I will soon be featuring separate reviews for my favorites on upcoming blog posts. So until then. Thanks for dropping by!

P.S. Bored? Need something new in your life? Be surprised with new beauty products by subscribing to your own beauty box from www.bdjbox.com. Maybe all it takes is a 7-day challenge to get you out of the dumps, yes? 


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It's time once more for another unboxing. And this is yet another beauty box I was eagerly looking forward to! Say hello to the biggest beauty box I've ever laid my eyes on... and it's only for Php 598 at BDJBOX!

Feast your eyes on this!

When the package was delivered at home last Saturday, I didn't realize it was my July BDJ Box because of the heft of the thing! I mean, I expected a smaller box. I also resisted the temptation to view other people's unboxing photos before I got mine so that I'll still get that element of surprise which is the purpose of subscribing to a monthly beauty box. And boy, did it surprise!!!

So here are the items that were in this month's big ass beauty box...


DOVE Damage Therapy for hair and body products! And they didn't just include 1 shampoo and 1 conditioner but 2 of each! Also there's the intensive repair treatment mask, a moisturizing beauty bar (soap), and not just 1 but 2 anti-perspirant/deodorant (spray and roll-on)! These are full-sized items so if my calculations are correct, the total cost of these DOVE products is Php 969!!! ZOMGGGG!!!

And next up are what's inside the actual BDJ Box.


Summer may be over but since our Little Mao will be having a pool party for his 2nd birthday this coming August, I could really use all the extra sunblock for the kids. :) This Beach Hut sunblock is perfect because I don't have a spray sunblock in my beach stash; all I got are lotions. I can't wait to test this out! And 75++ SPF!!!?? Whoa!


This is an item I'm majorly looking forward to try. I use lotion for dry skin on my feet everyday because I really don't know why my feet get super dry all the time. Maybe because I'm getting old? I don't know. I need those baby feet back!!! A Foot Appeal Mask sounds very, very appealing indeed!


But what's a beauty box without the cosmetics, right? Well, the July box didn't disappoint here. There's a BB cream that's fairly new to me. The brand, Too Cool For School, is unfamiliar but hey, I'm always open to new discoveries and who knows? Maybe it'll turn out to be an HG product! We'll see...


Look what we have here! An eyeshadow palette for daily use! OMG! The timing couldn't be better! I'm getting crazy over eye makeup lately, as you've noticed in my Instagram posts and that's why I'm also thrilled to try Enchanted's PIXIE DUST palette. It claims to be shimmery but I'll have to try it out to see if it can actually be worn for day makeup. At first glance, I think it may be too light for evening makeup, but that's just my 2 cents. I like 'em smokey eyes a lot!


When I picked up this bright tube of lippie, I was surprised that it was made by Revlon. I've always associated the brand with "serious" makeup... you know what I mean. This here is more of a Maybelline kind of product if you ask me. This is a MUST TRY really. It is supposedly very hydrating which boosts lip moisture by 156%! Oh, yes! That's something I could really use for my dry, chapped lips! Then again, I love all Revlon products! From their hair colors to their cosmetics. Even their beauty tools are pretty awesome. Thus, I'm sure I'll love this one, too!


Lastly, there's a Php 1,500 voucher from Sure Slim for a weightloss program enrollment. I may have to give this away because I'm absolutely sure I won't be availing of this anytime soon.

So the July BDJ BOX itself is valued at Php 3,101. Now add up the DOVE products and all in all, everything is worth Php 4,070!!! Incredible!!! If you haven't subscribed to BDJ Box, it's not too late. Their September subscriptions are ongoing. Sorry, but the August box is already sold out but good thing I was able to subscribe to that one, too. Another beauty box to look forward to next month! But for now, let me enjoy and play with my awesome July BDJ Box treats.

I'll be posting reviews of the items in the coming weeks so 'til then! Thanks for droppin' by!



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For everyone who have been visiting my blog time and again, you must have noticed that my blog posts do not contain as much passion and emotion as it did before. Perhaps I've found a comfortable life and you might think all the drama is gone. But it doesn't mean that just because everything looks picture perfect, nothing is happening behind it. Tell you what. To be perfectly honest... it isn't.

My life is just as crazy as it was before. Maybe even crazier. Although I am happier this time around. Ecstatic even. But you can probably tell from my tweets that sometimes I sound so stressed that I am just about ready to resign from life. In general, I may seem like a totally in control kinda girl (control freak?), when in fact, I'm just as messed up as most people trying to look for the definition of life. Heck, I still have a hard time cleaning my own room!

I am insecure. I am vain. I am materialistic. I am broke. I am fresh out of ideas. I am pathetic. But aren't most people? C'mon, nobody's perfect. We all struggle in this life... unless you're a saint. But saints even have their fair share of hardships.

I always believed in living one day at a time. I'm not sure I even have a future planned. I like living the good (simple) life, not affluent but privileged. And ultimately, ending up with Mr. Right. Sounds like something straight out of a book? Well, that's how I'd like it to be. And apparently, anyone can attest that if I want something, I will get it. However, I do know now how to take a graceful exit and/or accept defeat. Yup! It wasn't easy for me to do at the beginning but hey, I'm a fast learner.

So what's bothering me really is the fact that sometimes I feel... ummm, what's the word? INADEQUATE? I am far from perfect and I do not even intend to be. What I'd like really is not even to rest or to sleep. I'm not a big fan of sleeping. I just want to clear my mind from all that has been happening. I guess I need a vacation... but clearly, I can't afford one right now. So I'll have to make do of what I have... and thank goodness, I've become quite adept at that. I do not complain much anymore but I still do not settle for anything less. So if you tell me to eat something and I don't like it, I won't demand for something else that pleases my palate, but rather I just won't eat. Simple. No worries. I'm probably the most stubborn person in the world and the most persevering as well. It's conflicting but that's just me. I can make things happen or I can just completely (try to) stop things from happening.

Now the issue of people telling me what's good and right for me. Believe me, when you live in a small town, your business is everybody's business. You just farted and people are already saying how you shit your pants. WTF! Your Facebook status will define who you are as a person. Ugh. FML! There's no escaping it. But who cares? I DON'T. But obviously, up until now, people do. How do I emphasize this for the gazillionth time? I WILL DO WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY. I appreciate all the concern and your unsolicited advice but do you honestly think I'd listen? No, of course, you don't even think that. So why try? Because you are truly concerned noh, and you think I'd be better off doing things that people want me to. But this is what I choose and it's not like I blame anyone if things go wrong. Yes, I may be selfish but I do not point fingers at anyone. I'm glad that I'm not like some people who think they know everything and are so sure that they do not make mistakes. Well, I make mistakes. I make tons of mistakes... but through these mistakes, I become stronger. You know what they say... what does not kill you, makes you stronger, eh? True indeed. I skin my knees, I get my heart broken, I keep wishing I'd win the lottery, I get utterly frustrated that I could just cry myself to sleep or burst in fits of rage, but seriously... I am no criminal and I love it because it makes me feel alive. I like pain, that's why I have tattoos... and why is that a bad thing? We all believe in something... and I believe I can do whatever I want as long as I'm not stepping on someone else's toes.

I love my life, first of all. And I do not intend to waste it, even if I do not know the meaning of my life just yet. But if people are not happy with what I do, well, maybe they should just leave me alone. It's practically hopeless trying to help someone who doesn't want to be helped. Does that make sense!? I hope so because I am so sick and tired of living up to anyone's expectations. I will be better, IF i want to be better. You cannot make me better just as I can't convince anyone of anything. We got free will, don't we? Let's just follow the Golden Rule and that's that.

I will continue to be generous, not to the point where I will be abused. I have been there. I will play the part... just because I have to take a role at some point. I will bend, but I will not break especially just because people disapprove of me. Come on, you think after all these years I'd gone soft? Nope. I will be rock hard. And I will rock harder. I am what I am and I will only submit to people who understand me.

Do not get me wrong. I am not angry.

I am just saying. :)



PS. WOW! Sun is up! I'll go get some shut eye now and dream of an iPhone 4. Who knows what dreams may come true. ^_^ There is always light at the end of the tunnel.