Girl group BLUSH 1st music video world premiere feat. Snoop Dogg in Channel V (in HD)

This July 1, 2011, our new pop music Pan-Asian girl group Blush will have their 1st music video world premiere in Channel V and in time to launch their new HD service in selected regions (do we have here in the Philippines?? ) MORE NEWS BELOW

The music video is entitled "Undivided" which is their first single and now already reached no.47 on the Hot Dance Club Play Billboard chart. The song was co-written by the awesome hip hop icon Snoop Dogg,who is also featured on the track and now club DJ are releasing their own club remixes of Undivided, Club DJ Alex Gaudino, Morgan Page, sander Kleinenberg, manny Marroguin, Chew Fu, Eddie Amador, and Wolverine aka Junkie XL.

(I don't know what time is the world premiere of Channel V, need to check the program guide online later)

The music video of Undivided was filmed in Los Angeles and directed by Taylor Cohen, winner of the Breakthrough video award at the MTV VMA 2009.

Our lovely girls of BLUSH is composed of Victoria Chan (China), Alisha Budhrani (India), Natusko Danjo (Japan), Ji Hae Lee (Korea) and our very own Angeli Flores (Philippines). Its great to hear good news from them and I heard that they will have an appearance on a tv show - "So you think you can dance?" in the US this July 21st.

‘Undivided’, released on the FarWest Entertainment label, was recorded at Avon Studios in Hong Kong with Steve Schnur (Grammy Foundation Chair Emeritus) and Darrell Brown as co-producers. Snoop Dogg recorded his vocals in LA in March.



‘Undivided’ can be heard online at Blush’s website www.blushband.com, on Blush’s facebook page www.facebook.com/blushgroup and is available on iTunes.


Check out our blog feature of BLUSH when we met them all during the 1st press conference here in Manila at Dusit Hotel

here's a video performance they showed to us at the press con last time

video by Jeman of Orange Magazine TV

Bobbi Brown Soft Nude Rich Lip Color SPF 12

There are three Rich Lip Colors featured for fall Twig, Soft Coral and Soft Nude along with three High Shimmer Lip Glosses in Bare Sparkle, Citrus and Beach. All the colors looked lovely at the counter, but I left with just one: Soft Nude Rich Lip Color ($23). Soft Nude is just that. A soft nude with a hint of pink. It's a your-lips-but-better kind of color with full rich smooth coverage. It's very natural but I love it. Soft Nude is one of those nudes that works perfectly. No tweaking or fixing required.

 

Compared to a few other Bobbi Brown shades, it's most similar to Heather Pink (previously reviewed here). The difference is Soft Nude is less mauve/pink while Heather Pink has more pink/mauve.
  

The Bronze Palette swatches will be posted early Friday morning :)

Bobbi Brown Soft Nude Rich Lip Color SPF 12

There are three Rich Lip Colors featured for fall Twig, Soft Coral and Soft Nude along with three High Shimmer Lip Glosses in Bare Sparkle, Citrus and Beach. All the colors looked lovely at the counter, but I left with just one: Soft Nude Rich Lip Color ($23). Soft Nude is just that. A soft nude with a hint of pink. It's a your-lips-but-better kind of color with full rich smooth coverage. It's very natural but I love it. Soft Nude is one of those nudes that works perfectly. No tweaking or fixing required.

 

Compared to a few other Bobbi Brown shades, it's most similar to Heather Pink (previously reviewed here). The difference is Soft Nude is less mauve/pink while Heather Pink has more pink/mauve.
  

The Bronze Palette swatches will be posted early Friday morning :)

Bobbi Brown Bronze Tortoiseshell Eye Palette & Soft Nude Rich Lip Color Coming Soon ...

Bobbi Brown's Fall 2011 Tortoise Shell Collection features two gorgeous palettes of classic neutrals along with beautiful naturals for lips. I had vowed to not cave for another BB palette, but my resolve was weakened by KarlaSugar and Best Things In Beauty. I opted for the Bronze Tortoiseshell Eye Palette (a double decker eyeshadow palette with 8 shades) and Soft Nude Lipstick (a lovely full coverage true nude-pink). Initially I was a bit concerned the Bronze Palette might be too warm for me. Today, DSK Steph's lovely feature confirmed that the Bronze option is gorgeous, wearable and naturally flattering.

 Details, swatches and review on each to come separately very soon.

Bobbi Brown Bronze Tortoiseshell Eye Palette & Soft Nude Rich Lip Color Coming Soon ...

Bobbi Brown's Fall 2011 Tortoise Shell Collection features two gorgeous palettes of classic neutrals along with beautiful naturals for lips. I had vowed to not cave for another BB palette, but my resolve was weakened by KarlaSugar and Best Things In Beauty. I opted for the Bronze Tortoiseshell Eye Palette (a double decker eyeshadow palette with 8 shades) and Soft Nude Lipstick (a lovely full coverage true nude-pink). Initially I was a bit concerned the Bronze Palette might be too warm for me. Today, DSK Steph's lovely feature confirmed that the Bronze option is gorgeous, wearable and naturally flattering.

 Details, swatches and review on each to come separately very soon.

FAB! Leighton Meester.

I dig eveerything about this look.

The Carven print dress, the YSL bag, her bangs and sleek hair and the Alexandre Birman strappy sandals.

FAB!

Clueless! Sushmita Sen.

Once in a while, I come across a look that makes no sense to me, try as I might to understand it.

Attending her I AM SHE event, Sushmita had me in one of those predicament - dressed in a White drape dress with asymmetrical neckline and a black stripe across the front panel. To add to the woes, she paired the dress with chunky golden heels, not that we were fans of the dress to begin with.


I tried to see the dress from many angles to see if it makes any sense, sadly, it didn't.

pics credit
now running

Bipasha Basu - 'Players' team meeting with NZ Prime MInister.

Bipasha Basu was part of the cast and crew who met and interacted with the visiting Prime Minister of New Zealand - Mr.John Key.

Not sure if Bipasha was in character - I doubt that - she wore a salmon pink mini dress (bebe?)  with cut-out shoulder details and chunky heels.

 Some of you have written in earlier about Bipasha's obsession with mini dresses, in this instance, I wish she had changed it up a bit, I'm dying to see her do another silhouette, she sure has the body for it.

pics credit
now running

Wearing Black - Alexa Chung.

At the Burberry Serpentine party, where rest of the attendees wore color galore, Alexa stuck to her style region, in a Black Carven dress with white peter pan -esque color and exaggerated ruffles in the front.

We have seen Blake Lively in a dress from the same collection, where she rocked the look, I'm not so sold on Alexa. The length of the dress paired with black pumps hardly spells summer and was a little too heavy.

Do you think otherwise?

NOTD: Essie Beach Party!

Two (2) Coats of Essie Beach Party & One (1) Coat of Seche Vite Top Coat

I swear, it's a total coincidence that my last three NOTD's have been Essie polishes - not to mention pink polishes. I guess I've been on a pink "kick" lately. I received this polish in a swap last week and it's my first day testing it out!

I couldn't find much info on this polish, but NO WONDER! It's from Essie's 2004 "A New Summertime" Collection. So yes, this particular shade is 7 years old. Whatever. It still applies good and it's pretty! 

Essie Beach Party is a light, neutral, cotton candy pink. It's a bit of a nude pink, as it has a hint of beige. There are some complaints that the formula applies streaky, but I didn't have a big problem. It applied streaky with the first coat, and then evened out nicely with the second coat. I didn't apply a third, but depending on your preference, there is room for one more coat. 

I love this polish, I think the color is very flattering on my hands. 

What's on your nails?

Tag: What's in my shower?

 Hey Everyone! 

I was asking for ideas of what to post about, and someone suggested doing a "What's in my Shower" post. I thought it would be a fun, quick and easy post, so here it is! Also, if you have any ideas for future posts, let me know in the comments!

CHI Ionic Color Protect Shampoo - I purchased this for a very discounted price at Marshalls. I always like trying out new Shampoos to find my "perfect one", but I still haven't seemed to come across one that I can't live without. I thought this shampoo was very average - nothing I'd probably re-purchase.

One n' Only Argan Oil Restorative Mask - I've used this mask for the past month, maybe more. I use it after I Shampoo my hair, typically 3 times a week, and I honestly don't really see any difference in my hair. It has so many raves, but it just didn't do anything for me. Another product I won't be re-purchasing. 

Beyond the Zone Protein Cocktail - I usually spray this in my hair after I get out of the shower as an added leave-in. I've had it for a few months now, and I think it's a decent product. I really like the scent, and it doesn't weigh my hair down or leave it looking greasy. I do think with continued use, it made my hair feel a little stronger. When I run out, I'll probably try a different product though, and maybe only re-purchase if I find a great deal on it.

Kiss my Face Moisture Shave - This is my favorite shaving cream to reduce razor burn. It does really work! (See my review here)

St Ives Oatmeal and Shea Butter Body Wash - I really love this body wash - it leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized. I have pretty dry legs, so this helps keeps them hydrated better than any other shower gel/soap I've used.

Earth Therapeutics Tea Tree Oil Refreshing Foot Scrub - I purchased mine at Marshalls, but they sell the whole line at Ulta. It's a really great gritty exfoliating scrub. It's for the feet, but I actually use it on my body prior to using self tanner, or to get rid of hard to remove self tanner. It's my favorite exfoliate! Even though it's harsh, it doesn't dry out my skin.

Bath & Body Works Sweet Pea Body Spray - I don't really keep this in my shower, but I keep it on an outside shelf. Once I get out of the shower and dry myself, I spritz it all over my body. Yum!

Olay Pro X Cleansing System - I usually use this in the shower once I've cooked up a little steam. I'll use it with whatever cleanser I have on hand, or African Black Soap. (See my review here)

Mr Pumice Pumice Bar - The one pictured is a brand new one I have on hand because I didn't wanna show you guys the actual gross one I have in my shower. Once my feet are a little softened from the hot water. I'll scrub the heck out of my heels with this to rid my feet of any dead skin. Everyone should own a Mr. Pumice!

African Black Soap - I usually take a shower at night while all of my makeup is on, so I'll lather a little soap in my hands and wash my face with it - or use it with my Olay Pro X. (See my review here)

Massage Mitt - For extra exfoliation of my body. I like using these or exfoliation gloves as opposed to wash cloths or loofahs. It helps a lot with rough skin and in-grown hairs.

Venus Breeze Razor - I've always liked men's razors better than women's razors because they give a closer shave - but I ended up purchasing this Venus razor with an awesome P&G coupon I had, and I haven't looked back since!

Are there any products in your shower you think I should try??! I'd love some suggestions of your favorite Shampoos and Leave in Conditioner!

I now tag the following bloggers to do this post! 
(Of course you don't have to.. it's just for fun!)

Cheryl

Laiqah

Kelly

JC

Kim

Tiffany

New shoes: Forever 21/Pink Duchess Leatherette Wedge Sandals!

Pink Duchess Erin-2/Forever 21 Leatherette Wedge Sandals

I usually don't like to purchase synthetic shoes because they are bound to give my feet blisters, but I typically have pretty good luck with shoes at Forever 21. I was looking for sandals that were trendy, not completely flat and could be worn every day.

Granted, I haven't raided all of the shoe departments at my local shopping centers, but I have done a bit of browsing online with no real luck. So, I was a little excited when I came across these sandals on the Forever 21 website last week. They have a short wedge, so they aren't completely flat, the style is trendy and they are casual, so I can wear them with any outfit - every day. Also, the price was really good at $19.80. It's really annoying when I find cute shoes I like at Forever 21 and they are close to $40 - Sorry, not paying that much for cheap quality shoes when I purchase high end brands at Marshalls for the same price. So with all of that said, I placed an order!

I was hoping they'd still be available on the website, but they must have just sold out of them in the last 48 hours. Several times, Forever 21 will re-stock items that sold out quickly, so if you're interested in them, keep your eyes out on the website! I did go to the mall Monday, and they had several pairs in stock, so you may be able to find them in-store.

My shoe size is an 8.5 - very true to size. An 8 is usually too small, and a 9 is usually too large. I do have wide feet (thanks Dad), so certain "M" styles don't fit correctly. Since Forever 21 doesn't stock half sizes, I purchased a size 8. They do (thankfully) fit my feet perfectly and comfortably. I wore them all day yesterday, and I did lots of walking and my feet didn't hurt in the least. They are pretty good quality for the low price.

DETAILS

These particular shoes aren't actually manufactured by Forever 21, but by the brand Pink Duchess, a wholesale shoe brand. The Forever 21 item number for these are: 78967669017 and are called the Leatherette Wedge Sandals. The cost of them is $19.80. The actual style name on the Pink Duchess shoe box is Erin-2, but I couldn't find any information on them from the brand directly.

Where do you usually have the best luck finding shoes that are affordable and trendy?

Drape Dress Duo! Simone Singh & Divya Thakore.

Wearing similar silhouettes - with very different styling were Simone and Divya in Mumbai.

While Divya went with an all black theme - black drape dress and all black accessories - and added a splash of color with yellow neckpiece, Simone channelled a pure summer vibe in a Morphe by Amit Agarwal yellow outfit.

I loved how cheerful Simon's look was, and that she paired her cheery dress with nude heels. Also digging Divya's effort on making the black look fresh , the arm candy doesn't hurt the eye, too.

FAB! Ashley Greene at Salvatore Ferragamo Resort 2012 Preview.

Ashley's was one of my favourite looks at the Ferragamo's Resort collection preview.

The white dress with accent shoulders paired with hounds tooth clutch and red heels appealed to me big-time, although I would have liked the pumps to be less pointed. Why am I nitpicking? I liked the look. A lot.

pics credit

daylife

Nearly There! Diane Kruger.

A fashionista with an unerring eye for detail and style, Diane Kruger's this appearance at Jaeger- LeCultre Grande Reverso 80th Anniversary left me a bit underwhelmed.

I love that she chooses to wear a mix bag of designers and not stuck in a style-label rut, and gets it right almost always.

In this instance though, it was everything was perfect and nearly there look in Vionnet dress and Gucci heels - till I got to the stockings. Almost there.

SIGH.

In Gucci - Kareena Kapoor.

Kareena Kapoor attended the Jaeger - LeCoultre Reverso 80th Anniversary in France, dressed in a Gucci gown.

Although there are no full length pics available at this time, I can tell you from what's available that it’s not a look that I'm sold on. The deep coal gown with halter neck did not need that emerald neckpiece and the Kareena's usual deft hand at make up seems to be off.

The tan make up that our celebs tend to do while attending international events doesn't work for the save for a certain Ms.Pinto, who seems to have mastered the art.

pics credit
daylife

Contest: Send a photo and win this cool 2011 Coca-Cola Can Glass series from McDonald’s

Do you own any old design of the McDonald's Coke Glass?

And if the answer is yes! then you can get a chance to win 1 set (6pcs) of the new 2011 Coca-Cola Can Glass series from McDonald’s. Its a new glass shaped like a Coca-Cola can and this is exclusively from McDonalds. The contest will be hosted here in my blog,
so read the details below

The much awaited 2011 Coca-Cola Can Glass series will be available in all McDonald's branch nationwide starting July 2, 2011. The glass can are available in 6 colorful designs - Blue, Charcoal, Purple, Lime and Pink. You can take home one glass can piece by just adding Php25 to any McDonald's Extra Value Meal, can be through dine-in, take out, drive thru or McDelivery ( dial 8-MCDO or 8-6236) call or order thru online at www.mcdelivery.com.ph

But for our contest giveaway, (read the mechanics below)


- Send in a photo of yourself with any previous Coca-Cola glass collection

- Include a caption in your photo

- You can send in your entry via email to me at azrael@gmail.com

- Or send it through a blog post and post a comment here with your blog post url

- Or you can post the photo in your Facebook wall , and comment back here with the FB post url

- Don't forget to include your Name, Email and mobile number (for FB and blog entry, its okay to include your email only in your post)

- all three kinds of submission entitles you a valid entry, you can choose any of it -1entry/person

- Contest will started today July 1, 2011 and it will end on July 2, 2011 at 11:59pm (before July 3)

- Winners will be announce on July 3 around 12nn.

- 5 Winners with the best photo and caption will win one set of 2011 Coca-Cola Can Glass series, that's 6 pcs. (and it will be judged by me!)

- McDonald’s representatives will contact the 5 winners via phone call / email regarding details as to how they can claim their Coca-Cola Can Glass Sets. Winners will have to personally claim their prizes (representatives are allowed with authorization letter and valid ID). Prizes must be claimed within 30 days from announcement.

- Prizes are non-transferrable and cannot be converted to cash or any other denomination.

- I have the right to reject any entry that shows any offensive images



yummy!!

Thanks to McDonalds for bringing this contest to my blog readers!
so join na! now na!

In Salvatore Ferragamo - Freida Pinto.

The fashinable Ms.Pinto attended Ferragamo Resort presentation dressed in head to toe Ferragamo.

Freida paired a printed halter top with a white draped pencil skirt and a brown slim belt. I wish she had worn the skirt a little higher to define the waist further since in some pics it lacks definition.

That little gripe aside, I think she wore this one well.

pics credit
Getty Images

On Photography

Have you dabbled in photography? Ever wondered if you can replicate those lovely photos you so admire in magazines and displayed at museums? I do have a penchant for the arts and there is no denying I love looking at beautiful and compelling photos. So much so I am now partly spending time learning more on how to be a master photographer.

I got my SLR camera a few months ago after I begin noticing how my non-photographer friends seem to have crispier and awesome casual photos. I discovered it was the equipment so I became determined to graduate from my old but reliable digital camera. The decision was timely as I now have a child who I can practice my photography skills on.

But aside from taking photos of my son's milestones, I began experimenting with various subjects. I am not an outdoor type of person so nature was definitely out. I was limited to things I can find and are happening indoors. Thus, for some time I became the designated photographer of the family. Responsible for capturing those momentous events like birthdays and holidays. I appreciated the opportunity to learn and hone my craft. And my family is quite easy to please and happy for the free service I render.

I am now working on my wife's costume jewelry collection. She has acquired quite a few interesting pieces over the years that I guess I'd like to further immortalize through photography. The inspiration came when I happen to come across Compton & Woodhouse. The company is noted for their expertise in taking masterful shots of jewelries. Something I aspire to acquire someday. The brilliance of stones and gems and even the shimmer of gold make jewelries a tricky subject to photograph. And it does takes a lot of knowledge and skill to capture the beauty and essence of every piece. And I am just realizing that now.

But still I do want to give my wife's treasures their due justice. So I continue to try. And with time and effort I am sure I'll get there soon.

Do you have any tips on taking beautiful shots of jewelries?

Celeb Travel Style - Anushka Sharma, Bipasha Basu & Dia Mirza.

The Bollywood folks from IIFA is back and its time to check out their travel style file.

All three ladies clearly dressed for comfort but in a put together manner, and we like celebs that dress for comfort but manage not to look homeless.

Anushka's travel style was fitted denims, printed T and a black cardigan along with her Fendi Silvana Bag worn cross body. Bipasha chose a loose fitting printed top and leggings and boots and wore my all time favourite travel companion - a Fedora.

Dia was in a frilled white sleeveless top, denims and what seemed like a nude bomber jacket. I'm digging the braid. Perfect for a long flight but adding a dash of style when done right.

                                   Left to Right - Anushka, Bipasha, Dia.

Fab! Gwyneth Paltrow.

Gwyneth Paltrow attended Beyonce's concert last evening in a summer worthy style, in London.

She wore an Isabel Marant blue dress with a tan double belt and Givenchy heels. Trust Gwyneth to look paparazzi ready when normal folks would have done a denim and boots combo.

I think she looks Fab, the blue tier dress channelling summer and the tan accessories dressing up the look just right.

Chanel Royallieu #58 Rouge Coco Shine

Chanel Royallieu #58 Rouge Coco Shine is currently a Limited Edition Chanel.com exclusive. It's a relatively new release in the US and I would describe it as a lovely pale cool-toned pink. In the tube it appears slightly faded with a slight greyish undetone. If you look closely, you will see the prettiest tiny micro-sparkles. As soon as I opened the tube, I was worried it would be too pale on the lips. Royallieu Rouge Coco Shine is actually quite a bit paler than I anticipated, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it is sheer enough to not wash out the lips, but pigmented enough to give a soft pale wash of pink shine.

Here it is swatched on my lips, I'm a Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in 30 now:

If you love pale pinks, you will love Royallieu. It is similar to a few other shades I have so I wouldn't say it's the most unique, however it is a pretty pink that is very wearable. Of the existing Chanel lipsticks, it's lighter/pinker than Mythic. Also shown below, Dior Urban (shown here) and Rose Comete. I find that Royallieu reminds me a bit of MAC Oyster Girl Lipglass (not shown).

Overall I think for me this fits the bill of a goof-proof go-with-everything lipstick. I will be able to wear it for any occasion and apply without needing a mirror. I love that it goes on smoothly and streak-free. I envision this looking great with a smokey eye, in particular the Prelude Quad from the fall collection!