My Top Beauty Haven #2 – Suesh (Alabang Town Center, Gardens)

Posted on February 9, 2012 by

Here’s the second (the third including the Intro) post on MY top Makeup and Beauty stops in Manila. Having been away for 5 years, I really didn’t know where to go to stock up or replenish my makeup and tools/equipment here. So I asked my makeup artist friends and soon found out where the best online and retail store suppliers were. Can’t go wrong by asking the local Pro’s and beauty buffs!

First, a shout-out for the tips Cathy and for the supplies for my makeup classes Sydney Go -of China Doll Style Blog fame, and Nippon Esthetic Solution -I LOVE Parian Spirit brush cleaner.

On to the star of this post: Suesh Makeup Toolkit.

Suesh Alabang Town Center Opening: February 5th 2012

It’s pronounced “Sue-Sh” and not as I’d been saying- “Swesh” the past 9 months(!)- giving me away as a newbie, much like my “Tor-on-Toe” pronunciation does of the Canadian “Toron’-O” City where I’ve been based for several years. Anyway, I’m like a kid in a candy store in this place! Everytime I’ve been there. Check out these snaps that I took of their new branch in Alabang Town Center (ATC) at the Mall’s  Gardens (wing) last Sunday:

I can’t shop too much because of the luggage-weight limitation going to Toronto, but it made sense to stock up on my disposable wands (a pack of 10pcs for P75/3 packs for P200), powder puffs (stand-out from the rest Leopard print design P70 each), a neat finger glove P400- to protect me from burns when I use my hot curler/straightener on clients;  a box of Natural-Look false lashes for my brides (P400-Great deal considering, so far I’ve seen them sold at prices that are more expensive than Toronto (I mean, “T’ron-O” suppliers) and a face guard (P250) to shield client’s face from hairspray- also a good deal, since I cracked the one I had and felt bad for spending on a new one til I found the Suesh ones. Love that they have a rubber grip handle and the shield is smaller than the regular sizes I’ve seen in the market, yet large enough to do a good job. Plus, they come in blue, pink… ;)

These babies came home with me last weekend. Replenishing makes "Shopping" feel guilt-free haha!

There’s so much more to see, including the director’s style makeup chairs, makeup kits that have drawers, brush holders, sharpeners, hair stylist’s tool kits/rolls in fun colors…It’s also a fantastic plus, that the Suesh staff are so friendly, knowledgable and look the part!:)  

Visit their website to find out more:  http://suesh.multiply.com/

I was browsing through their website when I found their contact no. re: Direct orders and inquired about their makeup chairs (since I need one and had missed the IMATS in Canada last year).

 Good news! We are currently accepting individual orders and we will deliver for *free in Metro Manila! Just text us at 09178942625 or call our landline: 8068013/7823797 to order.

Payment through Bank Deposit at BPI/ BDO /Gcash/ PayPal.
Please see PRODUCTS page for all our product listings and prices. -Suesh
 

Someone texted me back, in perfect English and their friendliness came through the text- I could almost imagine her voice answering my queries. Wasn’t until that evening and the following day that I found out it was Ms Sheryll herself, one of the sisters who own the boutiques, who I was communicating with! Haha. She invited me to the ATC opening and gave me a gift pa. Thank you! :)

Alex and Mylene Wollboldt, Jeena and Me at Cibo. We missed my GF Jazel.

That was a lovely Sunday afternoon with friends and…Makeup Shopping!

Thanks Ladies. I’ll see you again soon!

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My Fave Beauty Haven #1: Belle & Cat Nail and Wax Studio

Posted on February 9, 2012 by

Come be pampered, relax or shop at Belle & Cat Nail and Wax Studio, Makati.

In my previous post, I introduced my good friend Cathy and the rest of the

 team. Now, take a look and see why this is one of my favorite Beauty Havens in Manila, aside from the place being co-owned by Cathy, Isabel, Stacey, and their silent partner Chris Cantada!

I have been conducting my Makeup Essentials, Tricks’n'Trends, Art of Airbrush and International Bride classes, and tailored personal classes here. So, you’d think I’d want to go elsewhere for my services, just to get away or for a change but nope -the B&C staff make all their clients feel relaxed and special, it’s near my place and far enough from the busy mall traffic to give me the peace and quiet I crave when I go for a pampering. Oh, and they serve good coffee!:)

Here, I have my brows threaded (P180); underarms waxed (tmi! haha) P350); and have enjoyed their Ultimate Spa Mani and Pedi (P450/P550) enough times to refer them to the fussiest friends (and mum!) who all agree that the girls know their stuff and give one of the most detailed, long-lasting mani/pedi’s we’ve experienced:) And I’ve even tried their Gel Polish (P650) and loved the long-lasting glossy effect!

I’ve seen new clients wonder in (my makeup students included!) and get all girly upon seeing the clean pink and white interiors, then get excited over seeing how there are cool accessories and makeup, bath & body products and hair products for sale there, too! And it’s always great to see regular clients come and leave the place again and again happy & satisfied after a nail, massage, waxing service Etc, and especially after a hair & makeup service- right at the studio’s makeup station. It’s one big happy family:)

Take a peep through these photos (click and view as a slide) and see for yourself! You might even meet the lovely owners when you come in! Makeup artists Cathy Cantada-Dizon and Stacey Tan Gana-Bravo, often service their clients at the studio and, along with Isabel de Dios open and close Belle and Cat and play receptionist themselves. Cathy’s brother Chris- is a silent partner and does the marketing and promo job for the girls (graphics designed by makeup/graphic design artist Stacey!) whenever he’s not on tour and busy with his Heartbeat CD concert tour. Yes, (so that’s why the name sounds so familiar!) he was the drummer for Filipino band Sponge Cola before releasing his self titled solo artist album last year- I got a signed copy! (Hehe yay!)

Come in and meet the dynamic quartet and the ladies in pink at Belle and Cat Nail & Wax Studio at : GF Sterling Centre, 131 Esteban cor Dela Rosa Sts. Legaspi Village Makati, Philippines. (02)480-6204 / 0916-6467568. Mon-Fri: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm and Sat & Sun 11:00 am – 8:00 pm.

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My Fave Beauty Havens in Manila – Intro

Posted on February 9, 2012 by

A year ago, I was facing a heart-breaking personal dilemma that had led me back home to the Philippines. On one hand time seems to have been flying by as I look back on the 9 months since my daughter and I had arrived in Manila, yet on the other, it’s been a long and rough “journey”. One, I’m so grateful to say that I wouldn’t have made through, if not for the love and support of Faith, family and friends. This post, is about one of those special friends. Wait a minute. I’ll get to the makeup and beauty part soon, don’t worry:)

About 7 years ago, my cousin asked me to help her good friend’s little sister out by letting her “shadow” me as my assistant or apprentice makeup artist. Since I loved sharing knowledge back then as I do now, I said yes (hoping I wouldn’t regret my decision!). Well, it all worked out well and we even became friends. I knew she had the natural touch and skills to make it good in the Beauty Industry. She quit her band, (yes she sings and plays to add to her many talents!) took her parents’ up on their offer to allow her to study makeup in a fantastic school in London UK, returned to the Philippines and continued to work with me on shoots and fashion shows until I immigrated to Toronto in 2006.

Fast forward to today. She is now one of the most sought-after and talented makeup artists and entrepreneurs in the Philippines, and she has been one of my blessings, dear friend and…Partner in business (and in crime a.k.a. makeup shopping, adventures and food trips) in the Makeup Industry. (Hey, it’s true – Pay it forward, and you never know when those blessings will make their way back around to you!) She’s got a long list of celebrity clients, including Paris Hilton, on her Philippine business visit last year, and recently Ms Shamcey Supsup- runner up on the 60th Miss Universe Pageant, has done so many magazine covers and Ads that I’ve lost count- and is still as humble as the day I met her. Who is this girl? Meet Cathy Cantada-Dizon and the rest of the Belle and Cat team:

Aside from the Look magazine article (above) get this month’s Meg magazine and read this article about       .  I’m just waiting for Isabel, Cathy and Stacey to sign mine so I can frame it in Toronto! (I will miss you all, my B&C family) <3

Me with the Belle & Cat partners on their 1st Anniversary last Nov 2011: Isabel, Chris (rock star) Cantada, Stacey, Cathy:)

Learn and see more about Belle and Cat Nail and Wax Studio  (referred to as “The Studio” by team insiders) on their website or in the following posts where I highlight MY top makeup maven hot spots in Manila.

A few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Ayala Malls in the Makati Central Business District is a cozy one-stop beauty haven. Belle and Cat Nail and Wax Studio is the place to go for your Basic (P170-200) to Luxury (P210-250) mani/pedi, Long-lasting Gel Polish (P650), Hand/Foot paraffin treatment (P350-400), Ultimate Spa Mani (P450) and ~Pedi (P550) indugence, Nail art (P25/35 per nail), face and body waxing needs for men and women (P220-P1250), and private Spa Party Packages (starts at P5000)! They also offer: Hand, Foot, Back and Body Massage (P250-P550); Relaxing Facial Spa (P450); a 90-minute Body Scrub treatment (P950), Face and Body Threading (P180-700), Skin and Bath & Body products from Leyende, Human Nature (100% Natural and Made in the Philippines!), Vanity Park cosmetics and brush sets, Belle & Cat’s signature fragrances (love their green tea!), bath gels, lotions and room and linen sprays; Makeup and Hair services (P1500, 20% Off during current Valentines deal!) and Makeup Classes with… Me! (Sort of a “soft launch” of a pipe dream of Cathy’s and mine to have a Makeup School? Institute? Academy some day (had I not left, or if I were to move back. YES pleeease!). It’s been my second home and family here in Makati, and I love it!

I’ll be sticking around until the end of March, so it’s NOT too late to call in and book slots for my makeup classes. They’re currently on a “my last leg of visit” promo on Sulit. Call/Text 0926 680 5617 or go to my Facebook Page (button on the right panel of this page) to inquire today and join the fun!:)

Visit my Facebook Page where there are photos of some of my classes held at the Studio so far. Enjoy!:)

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2011 in review

Posted on January 2, 2012 by

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog. THANKS WordPress! 2011 was a TOUGH year, and my Blog wasn’t on top of my To-Do List (sadly).

Here’s to a new, more positive and blessed year, everyone!

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 8,800 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 3 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

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Photoshoot – Adphoto Inc. Philippines

Posted on October 10, 2011 by

Last July, I had the pleasure of working with award-winning Photographer, Anna Manlapas, thanks to art director/photographer/videographer multi-talented, Lao!

I posted a video of the Behind the Scenes here:http://makeupbymerry.com/2011/07/04/behind-the-scenes/

And finally…Here are some of the photos (click to enlarge) of Mercator models, Queenie and Mark:

 

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Come join our Makeup Classes!

Posted on September 28, 2011 by

Now on a @Belle_and_Cat Studio “-ber Months Special”! :)  


 
Basic-Intermediate: Makeup Essentials NOW P2,500 (3-4Hr Class) Valued at P3,500
 
Intermediate-Advanced: Makeup Tricks ‘n’ Trends NOW P2,500 (3-4Hr Class) Valued at P3,500
 
Pro Workshop: International Bride NOW P2,500 (4-5hr Class) Valued at P3,500
 
Pro Workshop: 20th Century Period Looks (Realway vs Runway) NOW P2,500 (4-5hr Class) Valued at P3,500
 
The Art of Airbrush Makeup -Beginners (3-4hr class) NOW P3,500* Valued at P4,500
 
The Art of Airbrush Makeup -Advanced (3-4Hr class) NOW P3,500* Valued at P4,500.
 
*Must have your own Airbrush gun, compressor and makeup. TSZ starter kits and individual equipment and sets available at Belle and Cat at a student discount rate.

Scheds will be posted later. Call 0926 680 5617 to schedule a class, TODAY :)

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Makeup Essentials Workshop Promo

Posted on September 9, 2011 by

After a dinner date with my dearest girlfriends a few weeks ago, they suggested I help hasten the spread of the news that I was back in the Philippines by joining an online e-commerce group to promote my services. My “sis” Myles introduced me to Gigette from Ensogo Philippines, and out of that meeting, came…

Be your own makeup artist with a 3-Hour Makeup Essentials Class from Makeup by Merry (valued at P3500) at 60% Off [through Ensogo.com.ph] for  ₱ 1,399

Highlights:

•You don’t need to have a professional make-up artist at your beck and call to look your best at a moment’s notice. Acquire basic make-up skills that you can apply personally or even jumpstart a career professionally—with a 3-hour Makeup Essentials class with Makeup by Merry.

•The Makeup Essentials class is an entry-level course that can provide its students the knowledge to create both natural day and evening looks.

•There will be a maximum of ten students per class, so you can be assured that the class will be as intimate and personalized as possible.

In Detail:

•Voucher is valid for a 3-hour Makeup Essentials Class from Makeup by Merry. This entitles voucher holder to a 20% discount on Advanced and Intermediate classes. •Voucher is valid for three (3) months, from September 10, 2011 to December 10, 2011.

•Unlimited voucher purchase per person.

•Only one (1) voucher can be used per person per class.

•Students are recommended to bring their own makeup and tools to class.

•Standard Ensogo Terms:

•Voucher is transferable and may be given as gift. •Price is inclusive of all service charge and VAT.

•All paid transactions are non refundable.

•Voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any discount card or promotion.

•Voucher is valid as a discount coupon

•Merchant suggests voucher-holders to make reservations 2 days prior to class schedule.

•Cancellation of reservation must be made a day before the start date of activity.

•Failure to cancel reservations / redeem vouchers within validity period will render the vouchers invalid.

•Class Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:30AM to 11:30AM

•Voucher is not valid for use on public holidays and special occasions.

•Please provide your voucher serial numbers upon reservation and present your Ensogo vouchers upon arrival at the establishment.

•For inquiries and reservations, please call (0926)680-5617 or (0927)312-6171.

Create a stunning look that lasts all day Learn how to glam yourself up at a moment’s notice Acquire the basic know-how on enhancing your features with Makeup by Merry About Makeup by Merry: Nothing inspires an equal amount of excitement and intimidation among women quite like makeup does. We all know that, when we reach a certain age, makeup has the power to make us look our best, or if applied inexpertly, make us feel stupid for even trying. Oh, how we look upon our favorite celebrities and wish we had makeup artists of our own. You don’t necessarily need to throw up your hands in frustration over your mascara, and you don’t even need to go on wishful thinking. Makeup application is an art that can be learned. Learn how to be your own makeup artist and have fearless fun with makeup from now on, with a 3-hour Makeup Essentials Class by Makeup by Merry. Makeup by Merry, spearheaded by Merry Carlos-Baguio, provides makeup classes of all levels for make-up enthusiasts and aspiring make-up artists alike. She received valuable training from The Body Shop’s own makeup consultant, Chase Aston, who has worked for world-renowned magazines and collaborated with a host of international celebrities such as Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer, and Britney Spears. After working with brands such as The Body Shop and Rustans’ Essences, Merry is now a most-sought after freelance makeup artist and a makeup trainer in Toronto Canada and in the Philippines, who combines her passion for makeup and her wide expertise to provide a fun and holistic mentoring to her students.

Review: Merry is a fun, easy going and talented makeup artist… Thanks Merry for making me look beautiful!” – Julie

Location: Belle & Cat Nail and Wax Studio: GF Sterling Centre, 131 Esteban cor Dela Rosa Sts. Legaspi Village, Makati, Philippines

For inquiries and reservation, please contact us:

Phone: (0926)680-5617 / (0927)312-6171 

FROM: Ensogo, A LivingSocial Company, © Copyright 2011

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