saying goodbye to falsies

double the fun

It's been a long time since I've done a multiplicity edit on Photoshop and I thought it would be fun to combine my portraits for this entry... As I reviewed the shots I noticed that he duality of my personality was reflected in them-- I captured the same amount of static & motion pics. 

My uptight self hatin' on my crazy side.

I know I should know myself well enough by now but even I can't figure out why I'm such a bipolar creature. I guess it's fine as long as I know which to switch on when I work and play. All that matters is that I am REAL. As cynical as I may sound, I can spot fake people from a mile away and this is why I only choose to hang out with a few, and if possible, I stay in seclusion. 

Okay, enough about this self-assessment nonsense...

Might've delighted in the fact that I discovered taking photos against my perforated shades proved to be effective (for portraits). During the day they allow just the perfect amount of light to creep in for backlit shots. For the images below I used my huge floor lamp and built-in flash for lighting. I can also eliminate the shadows by disabling the flash & setting aside the lamp but I wanted them for these photos. Sometimes shadows are good. 

Perfect white background, yes!

What I wore to lead worship today. Happy that I got to sing my thanks to the Lord for passing the board! I will forever be in disbelief. I know I deserve it but I felt like I abused my lucky streak just a wee bit... 

men's shirt from Team Manila, boots from Charles & Keith, glasses from Uniqlo 

Maybe I should hold off spending on some decent equipment (background + stand + lighting) for now. This simple setup should suffice until I get a bigger place OR til I decide to give photography another go...

Hope you all had a great Sunday!

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Parisian bloggers pictorial party

P.S.

Wish my hair was like this every day! 

Makeup + hair by the MaxFactor team a while ago at the Parisian Shoes photo shoot! The whole team was super nice and I'm glad I got to see a couple of other bloggers. Will be writing about that soon... Can't wait to see our photos! 

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normy days

FACE:

MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 concealer (under the eyes/around the nose)

Chanel Purete Mat shine control powder

Guerlain Terracotta bronzing powder

NARS Orgasm blush 

Urban Decay 24/7 glide-on eye pencil in Zero

Maybelline Great Lash mascara or MAC's False Lashes mascara

Clean & Clear's oil blotting sheets (I use 3-5 the entire day to keep the oilies away)

BROWS:

MAC eye shadow in Espresso

MAC Brow Set in Girl Boy 

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I just wanted to post a self-portrait after getting treatments from Skin 911 during my most recent visit to Cebu. My friend Jennifer owns the clinic and she was kind enough to let me try some of their services for free. My mom also got a couple of treatments and so far we love it!!! They're at a temporary location in Banilad but will be moving to a place near SM Cebu early next year. They have non-invasive slimming treatments as well as skin pampering treatments at very affordable rates! 

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I don't think I've updated my makeup routine too much. I use products I trust, and believe me when I say that the more expensive powders (blush, pressed powder, bronzer) and concealer last me a long time! My Chanel powder lasted me 7 months plus my blush & bronzer's pans aren't even showing yet. I bought all of them at the same time (last trip to Singapore)

My favorite mascaras would be Dior's Diorshow mascara or Chanel's Inimitabe Mascara but I just can't afford to splurge on things that dry out so quickly.

Urban Decay's 24/7 glide-on pencil in Zero is my holy grail liner and it's proven to be the one that stays put the longest as compared to all the other brands I've tried. It goes on creamy but stays put the whole day. It's too bad none of the stores in Manila carry Urban Decay makeup... I have to get my stash from Singapore or America. 

(For those who are curious about my skin type and acne medication, see the bottom of this post for more info + my dermatologist's contact details.)

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Posh Nails

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Posh Nails recently opened a new branch at Venice Mall, McKinley Hill Piazza (Taguig) and I was one of the bloggers they invited to try out their services. I wasn't able to join the rest of the bloggers for a huge nail spa party because of my schedule so I went there alone last November 2.

I chose not to take photos inside because it was packed that day-- that's enough proof that they're doing really well-- so I guess y'all just have to pay the branch a visit! 

I chose the "Posh Spoiling" package which involved a manicure and pedicure, plus foot and hand spa... It was the best way to start my month since I haven't had the chance to get my nails done & I've been doing them on my own during the course of our exhibit (October).


What I loved about their service was that the place remained really quiet even if it was full of people, the nail technicians took their time and the scrub they used on me smelled like candy and butter combined. I seriously wanted to eat it! It was super relaxing and I was pleased with the result. I'm very OC about my nails. I'm glad there were no bubbles, streaks and they were shaped just the way I liked them. 

They have tons of colors available and they carry the best brands of polish so you don't have to worry about that...

The interiors are colored in quirky pinks and purples, plus they have really comfortable sofas for every guest. They also have 2 private rooms. Expect the staff to be super friendly and accommodating. :) 

You can check THIS out for their services and price list. 

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i conquer claustrophobia

Today I discovered my contacts were ripped so I had to wear my glasses out the whole day. 

They're so heavy and I probably almost tripped thrice. Thick-rimmed glasses are cute but not practical especially when going down stairs. I can't even do something as simple as running/sprinting bec. super blurry vision messes with my balance on the treadmill!

But the camwhorage continues despite my blindness because I finally got my new Oly! 

Hi, please take this pasty girl to the beach. 

A lot of micro four thirds cameras are going back to that retro look, replicating film + cross-processed + pinhole effects.  But I'm not complaining. 

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Don't have a lot to say today... But please watch our gig tomorrow.  :) 

For gig scheds, follow us on Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook!

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weaves

Many thanks to Aivan for the Primitive Revival cardigan + vest and to Asian Vogue for sending me these JC Gallatin dupes. Seems like I'm in a crazy pattern-mixing streak here... or am I the last one to notice? 

I'm getting quite annoyed at how straight and flat my hair is but I can't be bothered to wear any more wax on my mane. Yes, I'm growing it out a bit and it's in this awkward stage, but I'm happy that it's gotten to that low-maintenance length. I already miss my boy cut, undercut and pointy/waxed-up hair but I'm done with a year of styling it each day & getting it cut every 2 weeks. I'm ready to rock the no-fuss style again! 

I've realized that having the faux-hawk and pixie cut definitely made me gutsier it my fashion choices. There have been many times wherein I've thought to myself "If I had my long, straight hair I wouldn't be able to rock this." And my sister always agrees. She wants me to keep my hair as short as possible. Maybe the edgier getups merely resulted from... growth? And a desire to express myself even more with my clothes? Must...stop...overanalyzing...this! 

Whatever. It's just hair! 

| jeans- Terranova | earrings- Topshop | rings- Koket/Topshop/Hip at Rockwell | bracelet- Anagon Collection

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Catwalk Cosmetics

I received a lovely package two nights ago. Got too giddy about it and I just couldn't wait to try out the highly-pigmented shadows...

Catwalk Cosmetics Eyeshadow & Blush Runway Palette

*lens cap included for size comparison

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Thanks to Marj, I now have fun colors in my makeup kit! I've been overusing my NAKED palette for night-outs/gigs and I can't wait to use these eyeshadows from Catwalk Cosmetics for future events.

Will post more makeup looks soon.

[Visit & like Catwalk Cosmetic's Facebook page for more info]

♥

basics + a contest- CLOSED

I get asked so many times about the different brands I use for my toiletries or bath products and I think I've disappointed quite a lot of people by saying that I only use the simplest ones. I use an unscented soap for my body, Cetaphil for my face and ANY shampoo my mom buys for my hair. I'm pretty blessed with hair that doesn't need to be treated every month and it stays alright as long as I use a shampoo with conditioner. Before I decided to cut my long hair a year ago, I did so many things to it (permed, colored x times, straightened, colored again), and I never followed mum's advice about having some sort of hot oil or hair spa treatment.

I know I have to start taking care of my hair or it will rebel against me, so it was very timely that Watsons invited me to shop at their SM Megamall branch with a chance to give one lucky reader a gift pack!!!

To win the gift pack, all you have to do is:

GUESS HOW MUCH MY ENTIRE WATSONS LOOT COSTS

either by

1. COMMENTING ON THIS POST

State how much you think my loot costs, and include your NAME and E-MAIL.

OR

2. by TWEETING ME @raleene

Guess the amount and include the hashtag: #raleeneXwatsons

Here's a complete list of what I got:

1. Two (2) pieces of Dermaction by Watsons gentle skin cleanser

2. Two (2) Watsons moisturizing cream bath

3. 2 pcs. of Watsons moisturizing facial mask

4. 2 tubs of Watsons repairing treatment wax

5. 2 Watsons volumizing treatment shampoo

6. 2 Watsons mint dental floss

This contest ends on July 18!

Won't be publishing your comments but will send you an e-mail if I've gotten your entry.

The first to guess the exact amount (or the closest to the amount) will win a HUGE gift pack from Watsons!

Who knows, you may even get the chance to win my faves from their line. The Dermaction facial wash is just like Cetaphil! Oh, and their shampoos smell AMAZING.

GOOD LUCK!

♥

P.S. Selfy at the start of the post was an obligatory shot because I just got my hair lightened at Color My Hair today. Tryin to grow my hair (just a TEENSY bit) and was itching to do something new to it so I turned to coloring. Thank you to Ianna Hortaleza and the nice peeps at CMH! :)

day-to-day makeup (updated)

My hair's so long already! I'm trying out a pixie cut for a change... Getting bored as usual.

[b&w version here]

What I currently use everyday to look decent (if I'm not too busy or when I know I'm gonna bump into someone I know. LOL):

Face:

1. MAKE UP FOR EVER'S #25 DUO MAT POWDER FOUNDATION- I don't use the sponge to apply this on my face. I use a retractable brush from the Body Shop and use it as a blotting powder. It's the best powder I've tried so far (but also the most expensive). I don't use up all of it right away since I use a brush.

2. NARS BLUSH IN ORGASM & BRONZER IN LAGUNA

Eyes:

1. MAC CHARCOAL BROWN MATTE EYE SHADOW- I use this on my brows and apply it using an angled/straight-edged brush

2. MAC BROW SET IN BEGUILE

3. MAC ZOOM LASH- I don't like this mascara at all. Makes my lashes clump together. Will try another mascara from MAC or go back to Dior/Chanel when it runs out. MaxFactor has some good mascaras but I stopped buying from them when I found out that they tested on animals... If the buying stops, they will take action, so please spread the word.

4. URBAN DECAY 24/7 GLIDE-ON PENCIL IN ZERO- the best eyeliner in the world. I'm running out and I have to let someone ship me some from Sephy soon! This eyeliner duo (Zero and Whiskey) came with the Naked palette I got from my friend Holly. I draw a thick line on my eyes and smudge it so it's not too harsh.

♥

couleurs festives

Just had to post a self-portrait since I haven't done one in ages! I got new glasses so I think it was time for me to do a selfy :)

Used my old white RayBan clubmasters and just changed the lenses to Airwear. Needed light ones since my grade's -3.00 on both eyes. Having normal lenses would make my glasses SO heavy. It's a big plus that Airwear/Essilor's decided to go GREEN, too.

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Yesterday, Riz and I ate at Chuck's Deli with Robin & Julz, then got introduced to the last of their new MYX VJ trio, Ton. You could guess that we were all very noisy chatty. This was before they went to the MYX Christmas party, which got me thinking- wow I haven't been invited to any Christmas party aside from our school's fundraiser. I'm performing there + going someplace else for another gig right after. But I find that a good thing- not much eating and worrying about Christmas presents. ;)

Thankfully the decorations everywhere I go spell out "CHRISTMAS".

I got myself half of the Vegetarian Slabwich (grilled herbed zucchini, eggplant, tomato, roasted garlic, feta cheese and garlic sauce)... Got scared when I read in their menu that the whole thing weighed half a kilo so I got the half order... It was more than enough for dinner, even if it does look small in my pictures...

Their garlic sauce was really good, too... And I love their homemade bread!

Robin got "the Buffy". It had Buffalo chicken, garlic sauce and coleslaw.

Riz picked up some cupcakes from Sonja's and the fondant cake on display was really cute!

The 22 pieces of Chocolate Surprise Christmas cupcakes (with toppings) cost Php 2,486.00 and you can rent the cupcake stand for Php 500.00. Not bad!

These cakes from Starbucks look heavenly as well... Spotted them after our Utilities tour and just had to take photos.

Cookie Dough Cheesecake

Hot Fudge Brownie Cake from Starbucks

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*UPDATE*

I've been trying to come up with some contests for you guys... I've got some GCs, awesome CDs and accessories to give out, but I only have one in mind.

Send me an e-mail if you have any suggestions on what type of contests I should have!

:)

My new GirlFriend(1), Pancake.

I got a haircut today!

Clearer photo of the white GF1. Isn't it so pretty???

[source]

After our photo shoot at Heima last night, I decided to just cancel my LX5 order and looked for a white GF1 online. My LX5 didn't get delivered to my house that night too, because of "traffic" (psshhh) so I took that as a sign... Initially, I didn't want it since I had a DSLR (the GF1 is considered to be the smallest DSLR in the world) plus I just really wanted a pocket camera to bring with me everyday. The LX3 proved to be a really excellent camera before I sold it to Vito, so I thought that upgrading to the LX5 was fine for me. Sulit.com.ph proved to be really helpful since Henry's in Quiapo didn't have white ones on hand, and the ones I found online were cheaper (and offered free delivery) by a couple of thousands. Everyone kept saying that the white version was rare, but luckily I only had to ask 3 stores til I found one that still carried it. It's slightly more expensive than the black or red ones, but Inez advised me to just get it since it would be worth a lot in the future (if ever I decide to sell it).

I've been wearing bracelets from Charmed Life

Here's the team! Grabbed these photos from Tricia. YAY! And that was my hair before having it cut (which I should've done before this shoot, grr). My hair grows out really fast! The stylist was even shocked and told me that I had to go back every two weeks. Say whuttt?!

Can't wait to see the final catalogue! I took photos of BJ and BJ was the main photog who took photos of Tricia and I.

And ooooh fun iPhone photos from the shoot! Tricia and BJ took clearer BTS pics but I was too busy using my Flip cam to capture videos (video post soon) so I didn't bother taking my DSLR around. Heeee :)

My first makeup look. I had to be a "hands-on housewife" for my first two looks!

Cute cootie catchers made for Tricia's bedroom set-up

So many cute set-ups!

Ryan asked if we could Facetime since we were the only ones with the iPhone 4! LOLZ

Ryan and Garovs!

I really wanna buy this pillow! Cute :)