Messy ballerina bun

After getting ballet (sort-of) flats, I just had to complete the look, right?

Nah. I just really wanted to tie my hair up into a messy ballerina bun for the longest time. I've seen this style with models, celebrities, and on Japanese magazines but never could figure out how they were able to do it. Also, my hair wasn't as long as it is now so this was finally my moment to try out this refreshing hairstyle.

 Feels like I have a dumpling on top of my head...


Sideways view

I learned how to do mine using the video tutorial below, which is just for the standard ballerina bun. Of course, mine turned out to be messy (which is basically my style anyway) but I think it looks better. The way it looks like it's going to topple any second brings some suspense and drama to the look, haha...

Easy, right?

I think I'm going to do my hair up this style a lot. Gotta take advantage of the current length of my hair because I don't know when I'm going to go crazy and chop it all off again. For a little variety, I think this hairstyle will also look great with a ribbon tied up on the base of the bun or maybe a hair pin - kinda like the one you see in those period dramas. If you also move it a little bit nearer to your nape, you can wear a thin and dainty headband. Very, very versatile 'do, indeed.

May Day Hair

I've been meaning to go to the salon for the longest time. Unintentionally, my hair was following the ombre trend - two-toned tresses with a darker hue on top. See Rachel Bilson for an example of ombre hair.

Well, yeah. Mine didn't look that pretty. Mine looked like exactly what it was - the hair of a person who was too lazy to retouch her roots. LOL.

So I finally went to my salon and hair stylist today. Is it kind of elitist to call him hair stylist? I don't know what else to call him. The name card says 'stylist' so I guess we'll go with that.

My stylist's name is Rick. He's a senior stylist at the First Aid Salon over at Greenbelt 3. He's really great and he knows my hair well. I think I've been going to him for three years already? I think what sold me on him is that he didn't force me to have my hair rebonded or relaxed, like most tell me to do. Actually, I thought about it one time but he even discouraged me from doing it! And you know how expensive having your hair straightened can be. So, since then, I've been embracing my natural curls which he cuts so wonderfully that it doesn't look like my hair exploded around me.

 The end result:

Anyway, I'm pretty happy with my hair right now (Despite the non-smiling pic above!). It's all in one color now so I won't have to disguise it with hats and headbands anymore. I wanted to go a bit red, and I did tell Rick, but he said that it has a tendency to become orange. As much as orange is the trend right now, I think I'll keep my ash brown (?) hair color, thank you very much. I've been receiving compliments and questions about it so I guess I'll stick with what works.

Of course, the true test is when you lose the glamor of salon hair and shampoo it on your own. Nothing I can do about that. Until then, just enjoy it, right?

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First Aid Salon

2nd Level, Greenbelt 3,

Ayala Center, Makati City

757-4976

Arabian Sky frame: maybemej

Product Love: Human ♥ Nature Lip Balm in Watermelon

Human ♥ Nature Lip Balm in (L-R) Watermelon, Peppermint, Mandarin, and Choco-Vanilla

There's nothing more refreshing than watermelon during summer.

Besides indulging in an occasional watermelon shake, I love using my watermelon lip balm from Human ♥ Nature. The refreshing watermelon smell aside, what I love about this product is that it slides smoothly and really prevents my lips from chapping for hours. I've used a lot of lip balms, even some of the most popular ones, but this is the best one for me so far.

Human ♥ Nature lip balms contain bee propolis and beeswax that protects and keeps our lips moisturized. They also contain calendula extracts which come from marigolds that provide sun protection. The company that produces this wonderful product also espouses that their products don't use harmful chemicals and are proudly made in the Philippines. That makes me love it even more!

Another great thing about this product is the price. It's only Php 59.75! It's so affordable that I am tempted to buy all the flavors! I bought mine at a booth in the Legaspi Sunday Market but I saw them selling at mall kiosks too. They also have an online store where you can purchase it. While you're there, you can also browse through their whole range of products - make up, lotions, and shampoos... 100% without harmful chemicals and 100% Philippine made!

I'm so impressed with their lip balm and their company philosophy that I'll be sure to check out what else they have to offer when I get the chance. I'm especially curious about their hand creams and shampoos as one of my friends has been raving about the banana-scented hand and foot salve. I'll try to get to it and post a review soon. :)

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Human ♥ Nature online store

Dara for Etude Precious Mineral BB Cream

credit: etudeblog

Dara's new CF for Etude is out!

After being Miss Tangerine, Dara of uber-cool girl group 2NE1 extends to endorsing Etude's Precious Mineral BB Cream.

What's BB Cream?

BB Cream or Blemish Balm Cream was originally prescribed by dermatologists for post-surgery cover-ups and for its healing properties. But the effect on the skin was so good that it became sought after as everyday make-up by Korean celebrities. Soon after, cosmetic companies began selling this miracle cream to the public.

My first experience with BB Cream was in Japan where I impulsively bought a BB Cream Morning Makeup Set. I couldn't help it because it was all pink and packaged nicely! But when I used it - wow! I became a firm believer in the product.

I haven't used Etude's BB Cream yet, but for sure - now that Dara is endorsing it, I'll be sure to score one for myself!

Dara looks so fresh in this CF and I must say that Etude definitely chose the right person for their campaign. I mean, look at that skin!

*sighs* Dara, why so cute?

Check out the HQ pics (and a download link to all 99 of them!) plus a Behind The Scenes look at the making of the CF.

Download all 99 pics (91.30 MB)
(There are only 99 pics because 2 of the pics were the same - #2 & #89)

credit: hotpinkmallows

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For more information about Etude, visit their Korean website
http://www.etude.co.kr

and for Filipinas who love Etude
http://www.etudehouse.ph/
http://www.facebook.com/etudehousephilippines
http://twitter.com/#!/etudehousegirl