Part 1 : I love my Boracay Philippines Island Getaway!

 Hello everyone I am back from my holiday in Boracay Philippines! If you have been following my facebook fans page, instagram or twitter, you might saw of the pictures posted here already! 

Instead of a long blog post of my holiday (which might take a lot of my time to do it), I shall incorporate everything I remembered into my post ( I might have to break into few parts) so that you all could read this and find this useful if you are going there soon! And if you have more questions about my trip, leave a comment and I would try my best to answer.

Like I always do, I always bought my holiday destination air ticket when it  first launched because the price are relatively cheap! My bf and I bought our air ticket KUL-KAL(Kalibo) from AirAsia when they first launched this route back in January 2014 for RM122/person round trip, great deal right!! 

The flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kalibo will take approximately about 4 hours non-stop. And since the journey would be long, we already pre-booked our favourite Pak Nasser's Nasi Lemak!

Upon landing at Kalibo International Airport, you can either pick to take bus, van or private car to go to the Caticlan Port which is about 1 hour 40 mins - 2 hours away. End up we picked the van for Php250 as we are told it's faster, more comfortable and the price includes a boat ticket to Boracay.

At Caticlan jetty, we are the required to pay Environmental fee Php75.00/person and Caticlan jetty terminal fee Php100.00/person before we could take our 10 mins ride ferry to Cagban jetty port in Boracay.

Cagban jetty port is located at the south of the Boracay Island and upon arriving the port you have a choice to take either a tricycle or motorcycle taxi to the your hotel. Usually tourist would book hotel in White Beach or Bulabog beach (depends on seasons) which is about 20 mins from the jetty. 

Here you need to negotiate and agree with the price before taking the tricycle. Usually driver would asked for Php100 for 2 persons to White Beach but I negotiated for Php40 for two to Station 3 of White Beach (as I remembered reading from the net that is what usually a local would pay).

We stayed in Arwana Hotel for our first three nights. This hotel is a beachfront hotel and it is located in Station 3 White Beach. We booked through Expedia and paid about RM167/night with breakfast. We used Cimb card to book and enjoy 10% discount, I remembered that the promotion ends 30 April 2014 i.e today!

The room is simple but clean. Wifi is a little bit weak in the room. Hotel provides free beach chair for hotel guests!

 The location is a bit too far from the nightlife in Station 1 and 2. And by walking, about 30 mins to Station 1 and 10-15 mins walk to D'Mall which is located in Station 2. If you like quiet night, enjoying sea breeze& star gazing this might be a great place to stay. On the contrary, if you are a party animal, I would suggest you to stay in Station 1 or 2. 

The reasons why we stayed in Station 3 because the rooms rate offers in travel websites are relatively cheaper. Besides that Station 3 is the centre for all the water activities, for eg Parasailing, Helmet Diving, Banana boat & etc.

Green turtle spotted in Boracay ?

For your information, now is summer season (March - May) in Boracay and White Beach is pretty calm and there is a lot of algae that is wash to the shore. Even though there is a lot of algae, bear in mind this is a peak season in Boracay and hotels are more expensive during this time. 

Hehe we realised the algae made the water looks greenish/bluish and looks really nice against the white sands in our photos! Locals told us that Dec and Jan would be great time to visit them as there will be no algae or very little of them. 

White Beach is 4km stretch long and not every part has algae. It does not really disturb me as I usually walk to towards the middle of the sea (which is still pretty shallow) and water is clear from algae. I love how the White Beach water is calm & shallow like a big swimming pool! Hence it's very suitable for kids to play on the beach! 

We also found out Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival (with AXN as their main sponsor) was happening on the 2nd day of our stay. We could see the dragon boat from near... while swimming at the sea! Quite a view and so much cheer from the crowd! 

Do you know why White Beach is named so ? It's because their sand is really WHITE and POWDERY! So fine to touch! And the local kids use this to their advantages to make money (very smart & skillful!), they build sand art and offer tourist to customise their names too!

I was trying to be creative and crafted my own name on the sand - not easy yo!

I'm wearing my new Debenham's Beach Collection : Black & white polka dot skirted swimsuit. 

Personally we prefer to swim in Station 2 or 1 as it is more crowded! Station 2 is where all the restaurants and D'Mall located.

Station 1 is where all the expensive resorts, pubs and Willy's Rock located! The sand here is the finest one among the 3 stations. Very powdery finishing that you barely can feel it!

You will see Willy's Rock appearing in most travel magazine or website because it is famous for its oddly shaped volcanic formation with Virgin Mary's statute on the top!

With statue of the Virgin Mary which is built on top of Willy's Rock.

And if you come to Boracay, you MUST TRY Jonah's Fruit Shake!!!

They are located in Station 1. and in total they have 3 outlets. One of them is beachfront (just opposite Willy's Rock) and starting this April 2014 this outlet is opened 24 hours daily. This Jonah's Shake beachfront outlet also a restaurant and you can choose to dine in here too! Tried their food not too bad!

What to try from Jonas's Shake ?
- Mango Banana & Banana Choco Peanut for Php110/each! They are so so so good!

Okay will continue my Boracay's trip story in the next post

Tory Burch Lip Color Collection is in Malaysia

Tory Burch loves color — and has created 12 distinctive shades for her new Lip Color Collection. From tomboy neutrals to feminine pinks and bold brights, the collection is designed to flatter a variety of skin tones. Encased in gold and orange fretwork, each lipstick is a super-chic accessory in itself.

The new collection builds on the successful launch of Tory’s signature pinky-nude lip color — “Pas du Tout.” Formulat- ed to deliver the ideal balance of sheer yet vibrant color and rich texture with a weightless finish, each lipstick is subtly scented with the notes from the Tory Burch fragrance — cassis, grapefruit and mandarin.

Many of the shades in the Lip Color Collection have names inspired by Tory’s personal history — from old-fashioned phrases and family nicknames to superstitious sayings. The name of Tory’s signature shade— “Pas du Tout” — comes from a phrase often said by her father, Buddy. Its part of the original French version of the classic “she loves me, she loves me not” daisy-petal-pulling game. “Swizzle,” a reddened plum with silver shimmer, refers to an old-fashioned gentleman’s drink that is a family favorite. “Tomboy,” a pinky bronze, is a nod to Tory’s childhood identity — and an aesthetic that informs her design sensibility.

Tory Burch Lip Color Collection will be available end April 2014 only at Parkson Pavilion

Suggested Retail Price is RM95.00 for each Tory Burch Lip Color

Introduction of Make Up For Ever HD Cosmetic Range

Make Up For Ever has been for Malaysia for quite some times and they have some ups & downs and I was glad to find out that they have finally settled down and available exclusively in all Sephora Malaysia. 

If you have heard of them before, I'm sure you know how they are popular with their High Definition (HD) and Aqua makeup products. To be honest I have not really explored their brand before and was glad to be invited to learn more about their range in one of their workshop.  

Thank you Stanley Wong (Brand Manager for Make Up For Ever Malaysia) & his team for inviting me to the first MUFE blogger workshop and we would be talking all about Make Up For Ever HD makeup in this post.

He shared how Make Up Forever and how HD range was developed about in partnership with film and TV technicians back in year 2008 to meet the demands of professional makeup artists and everyday women. HD cameras magnify and exaggerate fine lines and wrinkles, imperfections, shine and make-up mistakes. A HD Complexion is the only way to be invisible to high-definition cameras and the naked eye for the most naturally flawless complexion.

Very often we heard about High Definition on TVs, mobile phone and images. 

How often do we heard about High Definition make up. Correct me if I'm wrong that Make Up For Ever is the first brand to introduced High Definition (HD) make up. 

In high definition, an image was presented 6 times more precise than before, which means every detail, line, redness and spot of powder was more visually obvious on the skin. To help counteract the implications of this new digital technology and its superfine granularity, Dany Sanz (Creator and Artistic Director of MAKE UP FOR EVER) began researching on ingredients for new formulas. She even got professional cameramen to test the success of the formulas. After years of trials and testing, the first HD make-up range was born in 2008 with the introduction of a liquid foundation and loose powder that promise to conceal imperfections and yet keep the skin utmost fine. 

Make Up For Ever HD makeup range create a new generation of makeup that is invisible on high-definition cameras and to the naked eye. Thanks to the soft-focus effect of the formulas and the wide variety of shades available, every skin type can now enjoy flawless perfection in their own comfort.

All thanks to Make Up For Ever Malaysia as we had the privilege to see how Jason Ooi who is the Education & Artistry Exec did a demo on one of his colleague Shirley.

I bet a lot of you don't know that he was the one who did the make up for American Next Top Model Cycle 20 winner Jourdan Miller while she was in Malaysia last year. 

Make Up For Ever HD Elixir 12ml - RM148 RM160

An innovative serum that instantly hydrates and adds radiance to the skin. This unique, lightweight elixir absorbs quickly into the skin, instantly hydrating and brightening the complexion. The breakthrough formula contains D-Panthenol and glycerin to ensure an immediate boost of hydration (+520% after 15 minutes) that lasts throughout the day (+175% after 6 hours). Argatensyl is added to provide an immediate smoothing effect. Each ingredient was specifically added to prepare skin for high-definition makeup—so you can count on the camera picking up the perks of this perfecting formula. This product is oil & paraben free.

Make Up For Ever HD Elixir can be used alone right after skincare before primer.

And the beauty of this Elixir is that you can either mix with their HD Primer or HD Foundation and mix it together to use especially when you are in the rush. If you want to have more lasting and higher coverage make up, it's better to layer the HD Foundation on top of HD Elixir and HP Primer.

The texture of Make Up For Ever HD Elixir is very watery and absorb quickly into the skin. I could feel my skin feeling more hydrated, smoother and a little bit brighter. I was told that this Elixir can be used on any part of our face including on our eyes and lips. Apply HD Elixir to the eye area to minimize the appearance of fine lines and puffiness or to the entire eye face to help erase signs of fatigue and dehydration.It could immediately hydrate the dry lips. Do note that only small amount of HD Elixir is needed for the whole face

Make Up For Ever HD Primer 30ml - RM 155 (price remains the same after increment)

Make Up For Ever Primer deeply nourishes, moisturizes, and softens the skin, creating a glowing effect. Creates a protective layer on the skin allowing foundation to glide on easily and last longer.HD Microperfecting Primer deeply nourishes, moisturizes, and softens the skin, creating a glowing effect. Creates a protective layer on the skin allowing foundation to glide on easily and last longer. 

MUFE HD Primer comes in six color-correcting shades and one transparent shade. And each shades has different benefits.

Neutral : adds natural luminosity to the complexion

Green : minimizes redness - ideal for skin with rosacea

Mauve : counteracts sallow undertones

Caramel : combats ashiness in medium to dark skin tones/warms golden tones

Blue : adds radiance to fair skin/ reduces minor imperfections

Yellow : lightens dark complexions

Pink : brightens the complexion/ counteracts sallow undertones

Note that in Malaysia we only have 5 shades in total which includes one transparent  shade. Like the HD Elixir, HD Primer can be used alone to correct our uneven skin tone or mixed with the HD Foundation. I was glad to found out  at the event that if we bought the wrong foundation colour (or if our skin tone has changed) we can use the colour correcting HD Primer to correct it without throwing the foundation away! 

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation 30ml - RM 175 RM185

An oil-free medium coverage liquid foundation that covers skin imperfections flawlessly while remaining invisible even under the most magnifying HD lens. This foundation creates a soft-focus effect, which is designed to meet the coverage concerns of those in the spotlight. It leaves your complexion with such a flawless finish, it can withstand bright or harsh lighting. In Malaysia we have 12 shades available to suits for different skin tone. This is one of the best seller under Make Up Forever Malaysia and I could see why because it is light yet buildable with layers. And if you have dry skin better to apply MUFE HDElixir and HD Primer first before applying this so that the skin is hydrated and foundation would be more lasting.

Make Up For Ever HD Cream Blush 2.8g - RM125 (price remains the same after increment)

This MUFE HD Cream Blush is a new add on to the HD family. It would replaced the existing one in pump bottle. This new cream blush is an ultra blendable blush with a natural look and finish made specifically for HD technology. It is formulated with the perfect balance of oils, waxes, and powders, HD Blush combines the second-skin look of a cream with the ease of a powder. Created for HD technology, this formula blends into skin with no visible texture for a truly natural flush of color. It’s completely weightless and can be worn over or under powder to sculpt and highlight cheeks flawlessly. There are total of 15 shades under the MUFE HD Cream Blush.

I personally prefer the HD cream blush compared to their old packaging as it's easier to use.

Make Up For Ever HD Cream Blush in 210 Cool Pink swatch

MUFE HD Cream Blush is really pigmented and easy to blend as it turns into powder after I blend it.. It lasts me the whole day after I set it with their HD Pressed Powder.

Make Up For Ever HD Pressed Powder - RM148 RM150

Another new product that is recently added in to the HD family is the MUFE HD Pressed Powder. A silky, lightweight finishing powder that softens the appearance of fine lines and pores. Created specifically for HD technology, this talc-free professional touch-up powder is perfect for use throughout the day to reduce shine and slightly mattify skin. It adds a soft-focus, naturally radiant effect to blur imperfections, such as fine lines and pores, while remaining completely invisible to even the most magnified HD lens. I tried this and I love how this pressed powder texture is very fine and set my makeup nicely!

I was told that MUFE HD Pressed Powder is best to used with their 124 Powder Kabuki Brush RM205.

A dome-shaped, dense kabuki brush for smooth and even application.This is a makeup kit staple, this brush is the ideal tool for applying finishing powder. Its short, slender handle allows for controlled application while its dense head creates a lightweight, flawless result. This brush features both straight and wavy fibers, and can be used with all loose and compact powders. Although this is made by synthetic I love the soft brush bristle against my skin! 

I was told MUFE would be introducing a full range of Artisan Brushes soon. And this 154 Buffer Blush Brush is one of them and it's selling at RM200.

 Shirley's looked so flawless after Jason used the MUFE HD range on her.

Make Up For Ever HD range is now already available in store! And if you asked me which products should you try first from HD range, my personal favourite would be HD Foundation, HD Cream Blush and HD Pressed Powder. 

And besides the normal make up range, Make Up For Ever also offers artistic, pro range and special effect make up and it's available exclusively in Make Up For Ever Pro Boutique which is located on Level 2 of Sephora Starhill.

Make Up For Ever range is available at all Sephora Malaysia nationwide includes Sephora KLCC, Sephora Starhill, Sephora Paradigm Mall, Sephora Sunway Pyramid, Sephora Nu Sentral and Sephora Gurney Paragon. 

For more information, visit

http://www.makeupforever.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/Makeupforevermy

Note : Starting 17 April 2014, some of the prices of Make Up For Ever products in Malaysia have been increased to be in line with their global pricing. 

Notice : Away for a holiday in Boracay, Philippines

Oh hai..I needed to take a break and by the time you read this post I would be on AirAsia plane flying to Kalibo, Philipines. 

Has been a while I had not had a beach holiday... and this time I would be Boracay for a week! I have heard so much about it and when AirAsia launched direct flight to Kalibo back in February I immediately booked it and got a pretty good deal for RM122 for round trip. (Yes Everyone can Fly you see!)

And now..I can't wait to land and touch the fine sands in White Beach! 

And if you want to see my holiday photo, do follow me on my instagram ( @jessyings ) or like my page www.facebook.com/jessying as I would be posting lots of photos :)

Till then, see you guys soon ya ! 

p/s: Please pray for my safe flight okay!

With CEO-V eyewear you will never lose your glasses again!

Being an eyewear users, I often lose my glasses ( be it my prescribed glasses or sunglasses)... most of the time I don't remember where I put it (got fish memory lah!). And I believe it happened this happened to most of us right? I found a solution , read on!

 Have you seen any glasses that looks like this?

Well this is my first time to come across such a cool eyewear!

Eyewear brand CEO Vision (or better known as CEO-V) latest collection ‘Vision 3’ carries all the hallmarks that makes CEO-V unique – a patented system that allows your glasses to hover around your neck without the unsightly cords or chains as the loop can be joint magnetically.

Hang it, flip it or fold it ... you can do whatever you want with your CEO-V eyewear.

Oh did I mentioned the retractable sleeves made from anti-allergic silicone.

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The ‘Vision 3’ is also 30% lighter than the previous models and comes in 4 styles of 3 colors each

You know how often our eyewear would slip off when we do exercise? 

Now with the ‘Active 2’ collection, one can enjoy their favourite sports comfortably with Double Extension Secure Loop (DESL) which  provide universal head fitting with comfort and the fully retractable rubberized temple loops converts your sporty eyewear into a fashionable optical frame again. 

And you are spoilt for choices with designs and for colours! 

I love the CEO-V Vision 3 ultra slim eyewear case (only 15mm in thickness!) which it does not take alot of my place in my handbag. Love how it comes with a handy finger grip cleaning cloth which I can use to clean my sunglasses!

Watch the video I took on how I took out the CEO-V sunglasses from the casing! 

Celebrities at the launch event wearing CEO-V eyewear

A picture with Clara Siu, Sales & Marketing Manager from their Hong Kong office.

Basically I think this CEO-V eyewear is stylish & light to wear! And now people who loves sports like running and gym would not need to give up their glasses now as their magnetic loop which is adjustable gives comfort head fitting. And yes with CEO-V eyewear ... you will never lose your glasses again!

The recommended price for CEO-V Active 2 is about RM350 each and CEO-V Vision 3 is about RM550 each. These are the price of the frame without glass prescription.

CEO-V is under the aegis of Eyewear Creations Group, optical experts trading in the premium end of the industry, purveyors to eyewear retailers numbering 400 in Malaysia and 150 in Singapore. Sole distributors for popular brands like Calvin Klein Collection, Calvin Klein platinum label, Calvin Klein Jeans, ic!berlin, Markus T, 999.9, Levi’s, New Balance and ModernRetroVintage. Eyewear Creations Group has birthed their in-house brands and Bling, targeted at successful markets in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Japan. 

For more info, visit 

http://ceo-v.com/

https://www.facebook.com/eyewearcreationsgroup