The Hardworking Make Up Brushes

This year, I did the make up of one of the members of a wedding entourage and two looks for graduate school graduation of my friend. Last weekend, I was able to get my first ever paid make up gig out of a referral. I will write about that maybe some other time this week, but while I was cleaning my brushes, I decided to write about my most hard working make up brushes that I tend to use most of the time.

After I cleaned some of my make up brushes, in preparation for my first make up gig.

You can't lug these may make up brushes all the time and just because you have this many, you will not really use it on one face on one session alone. 

Here are my most used brush, when doing someone else's make up, in no particular order:

Asus Credit Card Sized Power Bank

I've had this power bank since third week of June and only got to blog about the review just now, when I intentionally monitored my usage.

Last year, part of my wishlist was to get a portable power bank for my iPhone. I got myself a powerbank from Bavin but it was bigger than my phone. I got it in a jiffy because I was afraid of running out of batteries when a storm was predicted to be coming. I learned well from the last time. 

So when my sister called and said there's a credit card sized powerbank that it the same Mah as the one that I have, and it's only for less than Php 800, I gave it ago. Actually, I was attracted to its aesthetics first then I asked my sister to get it for me online and she purchased via Lazada. 

Not exactly same size as my credit card, but come on! I think the best description would be - Cigarette Box sized Powerbank

And its Asus!

I'm no techie, but here's my review of this powerbank:

• It charges iPhone 5s four times.
• Charging time (to store energy) is 6-7hours depends on the level it was drained.
• Very handy, and I love that it came in pink. I was actually going for the gold one to match my iPhone, but they said it doesn't look as nice as the pink one.
• I wish it comes with other ports too. Therefore you can charge just one gadget at a time, unlike the Bavin one that I can charge a samsung phone while charging my phone.
• I wish it comes with a lightning cable for Apple products so I can charge my iPhone5s and iPad Air.

The Asus powerbank was designed to cater to Asus phone products, actually, but still it can be used with other brands. 

But still I love that it's not bulky and didn't take up too mych space in my already-jam packed bag. 

Fake it with Maybelline Falsies Mascara

Since I hit thirties, I have minimized wearing a lot of make up and just switched and invested in the basics. One of them is a good eyeliner and mascara. I am a fan of Maybelline and I love the Great Lash mascara that I asked Apy's friend to buy two for me from US. I understand now why Great Lash is iconic, but I got the one that is not waterproof. I was hoping to get the waterproof version in the Philippines when Maybelline recently had the Great Lash mascara back in town but it was out of stock. 

My sister got me the Maybelline Falsies (waterproof) instead:

Fanned out mascara brush

Here's what it looks like from the raw pictures from my phone:  Take note, this is the first application. If you apply more, it would amplify.

I love that it actually gives the illusion of more, and longer lashes, hence the name "Falsies". Also, I don't use an eyelash curler. 

I usually put eyeliner first before the mascara, but I had it reversed today for this blog post. 

Pardon the brow situation, I'm growing mine out.

Now for the quick review. Maybelline Falsies is:

• Waterproof, Sweat-proof, Cry-proof. - Trust me, I did all that.
• Hard to take off, it doesn't easily come off.
• Good value for money. (Php 350.00+)
• The bent wand or "fanned out brush" doesn't really do much. I mean, had it been regular brush, it will still be the same effect given the Falsies formula.

And yes, I will purchase again. 

Kimberly Hotel, Tagaytay

I spent three days in Kimberly Hotel in Tagaytay for a business trip last month and although it was mostly work and very minimal play, I am thankful for a change of scenery.

We arrived in the afternoon but only started taking photos at night. This is what it looks like:

Pardon the lazy blogger in me, but let me have the pictures do the talking instead.  

I enjoyed the first day of the breakfast buffet. The following morning, its just blah.

This way to the organic farm:

Now for the room rates:

Superior (Single/Twin) – Php 5,500.00

Deluxe (Single/Twin) – Php 6,500.00

Premiere Suite (Single to Quadruple) – 7,700.00

Kimberly Suite Php 12,000.00

Extra person/bed – Php 1,200.00

Other add ons and my reviews:

Complimentary Wifi Internet access throughout the hotel

Very poor wifi, strong access only when you are in your individual rooms. When the hotel is fully packed, very poor signal in the conference area where you need to get out just to check something.

Rates are inclusive of breakfast

I experienced two breakfast buffets, and the first one is good, because...how can you go wrong with breakfast food. The rest of the food, (next day breakfast, lunch and dinner) were nothing special.

Daily housekeeping

They immediately clean your room which is good but there's something wrong with the "lock of the doors"that you need to slam it in order for it to lock. Housekeeping left our room open at one point because it did not really connect with keycard's lock.

Daily local newspaper

The newspaper you need to request and they offer one broadsheet only, and I think it's Manila Bulletin. (Not sure)

Massage services

They have services advertised in each room but I did not try one.

DVD Library

You can borrow DVD from the reception, you just need to leave a valid ID. Each room is equipped with a DVD player.

Safety deposit box

I only saw one in the Quadruple room where I stayed on my first night.

Business center services, gift shop, and hotel clinic

They sell plants from the organic farm that they have. You may request for details at the reception.

Check in time in 2:00, Check out time is at 12:00nn

If you still have a conference ending at 5pm and you need to check out, they offer a luggage area to store your luggage. But in our case we kept it with us in the conference room, better safe than sorry.

Other stuff: 

Tour assistance

Laundry services

Kids 12 years old below stay for free with parents when using extra bedding

More details at: www.hotelkimberly.com