Once in a while, you come across blogs that are just too good to be true. Manger is one of those sites. Mimi Thorisson shares her passion for food and delicious recipes in her website. All the mouth watering photos of her dishes are taken by her photographer husband, Oddur Thorisson. Mimi has lived almost everywhere— Hong Kong, Singapore, London, Reykjavik and Paris. She and her husband always dreamed of living a country life, and that’s exactly what they did. They are currently residing in one of the most beautiful parts of Médoc, France. Mimi is a mother to four kids and step-mother to two teenagers. They have fourteen dogs at home. Her family is her motivation for cooking yummy dishes.
Mimi Thorisson shares her beauty regimen:
After a large cup of hot water mixed with lemon, I start my day. In the morning, I wash my face with Caudalie face wash mousse, but if my skin is dry, I will use Bioderma Lotion Micellaire peaux sèches. I then moisturize my face with Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré (24 hour miracle cream) mixed with a few drops of Aesop Fabulous face oil and use Ystheal from Avène eye cream. I always give my face a 2 minutes massage to brighten up my complexion. It really soothes my face and gets me ready for the day. I then have a basic make-up routine: Laura Mercier secret camouflage, L’Oreal Lumi Magique foundation R5, Mac blush in fleur power and Nars Bellissima eyeshadow, Rimmel black eyeliner, Chanel’s lipstick in Mademoiselle and L’Oreal million lashes in Black (I also always use eyelash curlers from Muji). I can’t live without the Nuxe oil- multi-purpose care. It smells divine and I use it all over. It makes me glow! At night, I remove my make-up with Bioderma Lotion, Ysthéal eyecream and Ysthéal emulsion. Voilà!

*All photos taken from Mimi Thorisson’s website

As I was browsing through various wedding websites, I came across a name that was all too familiar to me — Kris Bacani. Kris, a batch mate of mine both in high school and college, is becoming more and more popular among brides these days. She trained in New York specializing in beauty, fashion and airbrush makeup. Aside from her passion in makeup, Kris also shares the same enthusiasm for health and fitness. She received her teacher certificate on Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga in Thailand this year.

Kris shares with me her skincare routine:

Morning:
1. Cleanse with VMV Hypoallergenics Hydrabalance Gentle Cream Cleanser for Combination Skin.

2. Before moisturizer, VMV Hypoallergenics id Monolaurin Gel. Helps control occasional acne plus a great mattifying primer too

3. Moisturize with VMV Hypoallergenics Hydrabalance Smart Moisturizer with SPF 15 for Combination Skin, or

4. If I’ll be working under the sun or heavy lights (they emit UV rays too), instead of the moisturizer I use Nivea Moisturizing Sunblock Collagen Protect for Face, SPF 50

5. Moisturize lips with Burts Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil (tastes great!) or Leyende Kiss Kiss Balm Balm

Night:

1. I rarely wear makeup, but on those times that I do, I remove them with Mary Kay Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover. It’s for the eyes but I use it all over my face as well.

2. Cleanse with VMV Hypoallergenics Hydrabalance Gentle Cream Cleanser for Combination Skin, but

3. Once a week, instead of cleanser, I exfoliate with Nu Skin Exfoliant Scrub Extra Gentle.

4. Every other night, I tone with VMV Hypoallergenics Superskin Toner with Clindamycin Phosphate and Retinoic Acid. It helps control occasional acne plus makes my skin clearer and brighter.

5. Moisturize with The Body Shop Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream. My skin tends to be dry especially when I’m about to get my period, so I put on something heavier at night

6. Moisturize eye area with The Body Shop Vitamin E Night Cream

7. Moisturize lips with Burts Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil (tastes great!) or Leyende Kiss Kiss Balm Balm

What I’ve realized also is that when I fully committed to healthy eating because of yoga, my skin greatly improved. Eating lots of fruit of vegetables helped. I realized that eating dairy products produce my occasional acne, so lessening that helped also.

You can check out more of Kris Bacani’s profile and work at KRISBACANI.COM

* photo by John Mateos Ong of Imagine Nation Photography

“Il Sono L’amore” (2009)
directed by Luca Guadagnino
costume designer Antonella Cannarozzi

home renovation with simply chalk in hand

Meet Philippine Theater’s New It Girl, Yanah Laurel. Yanah is a complete package — the looks, the voice, the skill and talent and the heart. It is no surprise that she finds her place on stage and in lights as she hails from the prestigious family of Laurels in the Philippines. Yanah has done quite a lot for her age. Most notable are musical productions with Atlantis such as “Spring Awakening”, “Legally Blonde”, “The Little Mermaid” and recently, “Nine”. I had the privilege of working with Yanah back when I was still in Manila. She is probably the kindest, earnest and most thoughtful person I know. Her pretty face radiates so much love.


Yanah shares her favorite makeup products:

First and foremost, I truly believe that health is wealth, therefore I believe that having a healthy body is key to having healthy skin! I always start my day by drinking a glass of water; I aim to take 8-10 glasses a day to keep my skin hydrated. I then follow by cleansing my face with MUJI OIL CLEANSER; it is very similar to Shu Uemura’s Oil cleanser with a friendlier price and finishing off with CELETEQUE FACIAL WASH. Before I put on my make-up, I always prime my face with L’OREAL’S BASE MAGIQUE TRANSFORMING SMOOTHING PRIMER.

Eye make-up primer is necessary for my eye makeup to stay on and BENEFIT’S “STAY DON’T STRAY” is an excellent primer for concealers and eye shadows. I do not wear eye make-up on a regular day-to-day basis, however, when I do for work and such this is a product I rely on. It keeps my make-up on, clean and solid for hours.
Face

LOREAL’S TRUE MATCH liquid foundation is the way to go for me! I wear it on a regular basis as well as for work. What is wonderful about it, is it is lite on the skin but provides full-coverage which I love. It is very build-able as well providing the necessary coverage I need for work.

I set my foundation with MAC’s STUDIO FIX powder; I use it on a day-to-day basis and for work as well.

I am very keen on a good highlighter and YVES SAINT LAURENT’S RADIANT TOUCH TOUCHE ÉCLAT is great.

Eyes

I use Shu Eumura’s eyelash curler, it curls the lashes beautifully and I have been using it for years. For mascara, I am currently using and loving MAYBELLINE’S THE FALSIES WATERPROOF MASCARA. I love FASIO’S CURL LOCK MASCARA LONG WATERPROOF as well.

For my brows I have been using the very nifty BENEFITS BROW ZINGS brow shaping kit. I follow-up with MAC’s BOYGIRL eyebrow gel.

I do not use eyeliner on a regular basis but whenever I do, I use MAC’S FLUIDLINE in BLACKTRACK.

Blush

For my blush, I am currently using STILA’S BAKED CHEEK DUO.
Lips

I recently became a huge lip product junky! However, my ultimate favorite lipstick of all time is VMV VELVET MATTE LIPSTICK in KITTEN. LOVE!

A handy palette I have been using for work is THE BALMS BALMBINI make-up palette. It has the basic shades and essentials I need.

I seal my make-up with MAKE UP FOR EVER MIST & FIX SPRAY. *photo of Yanah by Raymund Isaac

Finally had the inspiration and balls to tinker with garageband ipad version. This is for three years of togetherness. A cover of Mark Owen’s Making out

Esel De Sagun-Madrid is the woman behind Ready for Rain, Manila’s one-stop shop for wet weather wear. I met Esel during the photo shoot of their signature product, Plueys rain boots back in 2008. Ready for Rain was still under construction then. Esel left quite an impression on me — she is focused driven and definitely a go-getter. Her fun adventurous spirit inspired her friends to join the Ready for Rain team. Esel is married to her longtime sweetheart and is currently residing in the U.S.

My skin gets very dry (even back in the Philippines) so moisturizers are very important to me. I have sensitive skin that gets reddish when irritated either by stress or the weather. I use cetaphil in the mornings as a gentle cleanser and Clinique Comforting Cream Cleanser at night (both a cleanser and makeup remover). After cleansing, I just use a moisturizer with SPF. I find that Aveeno’s Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer works best for me.

For the body, especially now that I’m pregnant, I generously apply lotion all over. I try to moisturize frequently so hopefully I will have minimal stretch marks after child birth! I use a lot of cocoa butter as my main moisturizing agent. I use it in the shower. on my lips and also as lotion

Hong Kong Halloween 2012

My throat is usually my best gauge for sudden weather changes. It could be the job that I do that makes me extra sensitive to dry air. Aside from bad health, I cannot think of anything worse than dry air at work. Dry skin, however, is a different story altogether. My skin gets extremely dry during winter. It got to the point that I started using baby oil for moisturizing.

I find Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse the best dry oil so far (with or without the gold shimmer). I love the scent too. No more dry skin during winter.

Cathy Azanza-Dy is whom I consider the Grace Kelly of Philippine Theater. She is gracious as a real princess should be, extremely talented and skilled yet surprisingly humble. Cathy has inspired me a lot since New Voice Company’s production of “Into The Woods”. She has a very sharp ear for Sondheim’s dissonant notes and a brilliant soprano voice that is both gentle and commanding. Her theater credits are quite intimidating as well: Doubt, Once on this Island, Man of La Mancha, Into The Woods, Love Loss and What I Wore, The Little Mermaid, 25th Annual Putman County’s Spelling Bee to name a few. When she is not on stage, Cathy is also directing shows, mostly for corporate events. Cathy is married to commercial and film director Paolo Dy.

Her skincare routine:

When I’m not doing shows, I like a clean, fresh face with just a bit of concealer, powder, and a bit of color on the cheeks. My favorite facial cleansers are Pond’s Pure White, and this Lipid Free Soap that I get from my dermatologist. Both formulas feel really gentle on my skin. Twice a week, I use Bliss’ Clog Dissolving Cleansing Milk (which doubles as a mask and a cleanser) to exfoliate my skin. I follow up with a formulation of Clindamycin, which I also get from my dermatologist. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that helps limit acne. I just like to rub a few drops of that on problem areas, like my T-zone. I also prep my skin with Sakura Intensive Serum. It’s as light as water when you put it on and feels really refreshing. Before putting on makeup, I always make sure to put on some heavy duty SPF cream, which again, I get from my dermatologist (Can you tell I’m a fan of her formulations? They work! ). The formula is SPF 70 and doesn’t feel greasy on my skin.

After SPF, I just dab some Cinema Secrets Concealer under my eyes and on other areas I think need some coverage. On days when I get less sleep, I help the concealer out a bit by combining it with Sakura Anti-Wrinkle Cream. The cream helps me spread the concealer more evenly under my eyes. Then comes a bit of cheek color. I really love Nars’ The Multiple in Portofino. It blends really well, and mimics the color of naturally rosy cheeks beautifully. As much as possible, I like to have blush looking really natural. You can also use a small amount to color your lips. When my blush is set, I pat some Clinique Perfectly Real Radiant Skin Compact Makeup in Fresh Beige. Since I’m really big on SPF, I’m happy this is SPF 29. Finally, I apply Maybelline Baby Lips in Smoothing Cherry to my lips for some moisture. It tastes super yummy. Show Time:

Before any makeup, I start with a clean face and some SPF. The stage lights can be really strong, so it’s always a good idea to apply SPF cream even if you’re not technically out in the sun. (Yes, I really love my SPF!)

For foundation, I usually go with Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse in Nude Beige. It spreads on very easily and gives you a clean, airbrushed finish. I like using the Sephora Concealer Palette to cover up any blemishes or highlight my brow bone. Then, I dust my face with Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Powder Foundation in Classic Ivory. My choice of eye color usually depends on the type of character I need to play, but for typical glamour makeup, I like the Sephora Kiss From 10 Colorful Palette. It’s really flexible: you can go rather natural or even create an intense, brown smoky eye. I apply The Magnum Volum Express Waterproof Mascara by Maybelline to get thicker, longer lashes. For blush, I combine Nars’ The Multiple in Portofino with Maybelline Pure Blush Mineral Naturally Luminous Blush in Pink, which gives my cheeks that extra pop of color for the stage. I’m not much of a lipstick girl so instead I borrowed a trick from makeup artists. I lightly apply some lip liner on my lips, and then I spread the color evenly with a bit of shimmery lip gloss. My favorite is Sephora Lip Gloss in Precious Pink. To keep my face shine free, I keep a pack of Gatsby Powdered Oil Clear Paper on standby backstage. I just press a sheet on an oily area, dust some powder on my face, and I’m off to the next scene!

I’ve been quite busy this month. Aside from the wedding preparations, my husband and I flew home for my cousin’s wedding and be with family. I also busied myself with getting back into my dancing shape for an audition. Now that everything is over, I can work on GLOW which is long overdue.

I always thought Lilian Chan was a long lost sister of Tang Wei.

Lilian is a former colleague and a dancer. She greets you with the warmest smile and has one of the prettiest faces in the company we work in. Lilian proves that good skincare does not need expensive makeup products.

Products she swears by:

Medicated SekkiseiMy favorite Japanese brand..I’ve used N bottles of their toner and sunscreen. I love the sunscreen as it gives high protection and my skin feels great with it! Powder wash cleans really well as it foams up easily even when you use a little amount. Love this brand..

Cetaphil Moisturizing CreamSimple and good moisturizing cream..not heavy even when you re-apply

Borghese Mud Mask and Garnier Acno FightBorghese Mud mask is a good deep cleansing mask and does not irritate my dry skin…The formula of ‘original’ and ‘men’ is totally the same, but this is 30hkd cheaper :P Cure ances fast fast fast

Kanebo Lavshuca Makeup baseIt corrects skintone really well. Sometimes I don’t apply foundation. I put it on and apply some pressed powder and ready to go! My skin looks good and natural.

Labello Soft Rose Lip BalmMy life time partner.. I have been using this ever since!

Maybelline New York Clear Smooth Shine Free Face PowderCheap, super cheap! I don’t see much difference from expensive brands. I usually apply a thin layer with a big powder brush, on top of my Lavshuca make up base or foundation. It is not super matte but it looks really natural

Revlon Color StayCheap, natural and good coverage..

Revlon Photo ReadyOmg! My skin looks so good in it and seems like I’m not wearing makeup at all!

Barbie Super soft and long lasting eyelinerhighly recommended!

Body Shop Moroccan Rose Eau de ToiletteThis is definitely for me. No other perfume can stick on my skin!

practicing floral / foliage strokes

Kris Isaac is a professional pole dancer and a member of the Polecats. She also does hosting for events alongside her fiancé, Niki Flojo. Kris is a very dear friend and a fellow bride-to-be. She will soon be walking down the aisle early next year. She shares with me her skin regimen:

Being a pole dancer poses a lot of skin care challenges. We’re not allowed to wear lotion on the days that we train, which is pretty much everyday. Were always hitting the pole whenever we’re learning new tricks, so we end up with a lot of bruises and scratches. Not to mention our hands and feet! The callouses actually help with the job believe it or not, but the dryness that comes with it can be a little depressing.

So I make it a point to drink an enormous, ridiculous amount of water everyday. I drink a huge glass first thing after i wake up, and i carry a bottle with me wherever i go. I cannot recommend water enough! People really underestimate it’s cleansing and clearing capabilities, not only for your skin but for your insides too.

Before i start my day, i always wash my face with a gentle cleanser like Celeteque Facial Wash with NMF or Liquid Neutrogena Facial Cleansing Formula. Both leave your face feeling clean but still moisturised.

For my day moisturiser, i use Moroccan Argan oil. The brand i’m using now is MommyPatch, which you can buy in Sesou Nature Source. Argan oil is magic. It works on rashes, allergic reactions, scars and fine lines. It’s great for under eye lines too! Some people call it “liquid gold” because it’s just that amazing.After a long day of teaching at the studio or a late night during pole gigs, i make sure to strip off all of the make up that’s on my face. It is SO important never to leave makeup on your skin overnight. For cleansing I use either Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover or Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser. Both are effective and don’t leave a weird film on my face.

Then to wash it all off, i use Neutrogena Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser. Gentle enough for sensitive skin but strong enough to strip off all that makeup!My night moisturiser is is Ahava Time to Hydrate Night Replenisher. Gosh, i love this moisturiser so much! It leaves my skin feeling super smooth and healthy, but since it’s so easily absorbed there’s no residue.

At night i slather on some Vaseline Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Lotion. I can’t put it during the day, so after my evening shower i put some on and let this baby work wonders during my sleep.My daily makeup is pretty basic, and i swear by Bobbi Brown. Grab their Corrector, concealer kit and Illuminating Finish Powder Foundation. I’m telling you, it’s like your pores, uneven skin tone, eye bags and fine lines disappear without caking! It’s on the pricey side so i try not to use it everyday, but during VTRs or events, these three are perfect for photos and up-close interaction with people.But when i’m on a budget, i use Cover Girl TruBlend Minerals Loose Mineral Powder. It doesn’t cake, and it leaves a dewy, almost glittery finish on your face.Other than these products, nothing beats a good night’s rest, gallons of water in your system and laughing :)

L’oreal Base Magique is a wonder primer that leaves a very thin unbelievably smooth sheen for your foundation. I highly recommend this along with an HD foundation.

I’ve been hearing a lot of craze about Fairydrops Mascara for quite awhile now. Fairydrops is said to be constantly sold out in the US. It was created by Japanese TV personality Aya Yasuda. The mascara gives volume minus the clumps with its definitive brush that is patented in Japan. It is also blended with fiber to give you doll-like eyes. Fairydrops is water and sweat-proof. Tried and tested. Use this with eyelash curler. People will think you’re wearing false eyelashes.

Elf Contouring Blush and Bronzing powder gets my vote for the cheapest and best bronzing powder and blush. Almost comparable to Nars Orgasm, Elf’s duo blush and bronzing powder gives more color in just one stroke. Definitely worth the 3USD.

“may you kiss the wind
then turn from it
certain that it will
love your back.”

- lucille clifton

self-portrait drawing while waiting for pacquiao fight

On Writing by Juan Miguel Sevilla

Directed and Written by Miguel Sevilla
Starring Gabs Santos
Cinematography by Pong Ignacio
Editing by Maui Mauricio
2012

She is considered the “First Lady of Philippine Musical Theater.” Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo has proven through time and versatility the title that almost everyone in the theater scene knows and respects. The stage is home to her. She has grown from being Liesl in “The Sound of Music” to Maria, from Johanna in “Sweeney Todd” to Mrs. Lovett. She is most memorable as Diana Goodman in Atlantis’ recent production “Next To Normal”. Menchu tackled numerous lead roles that are already life accomplishments for most actors - Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, Guinevere in Camelot, Evita Peron in Evita, Geneviève in The Baker’s Wife, Fantine in Les Miserables, the Witch and the Baker’s Wife in Into The Woods, Cathy in The Last Five Years, Fosca in Passion, the White Witch in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and so on.

Tita Menchu is a director, a teacher and a mother. She is just as generous onstage as she is offstage. During the run of “Little Mermaid” Qatar, Tita Menchu advised me to ask for a humidifier upon checking in the hotel or keep a bowl of water near the air condition. If the weather was too cold and dry, fried food was an immediate solution to get through a show. The way she looks after her fellow actors shows not just dedication to her craft but respect for fellow artists, young and old.

She shares her skincare

My routine is very simple. I love KIEHL’S products and OLAY products. I wash with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser and I use the Ultra Facial Toner as well. I use OLAY TOTAL EFFECTS as my moisturizer. I like MAC products. But I only wear make up when I need to, otherwise its just moisturizer.