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Told my sister (Reluctant Stylista blogger Alex): “Please take me anywhere because if you don’t, I’d either go back home to Makati and totally miss the scheduled family meeting or I will pick fights (a.k.a. troll) in comments sections of some political websites again.” I was that bored.

Anyway, she contacted Liz Lanuzo (pictured below), who also happened to be my editor when I was still writing for the Philippine Online Chronicles, and it turns out that I could go to her Project Vanity’s 5th year anniversary celebration. I had actually wanted to go when I first read about it on Liz’s blog, but didn’t think I could make it.

The day was full of pleasant surprises. First, I ran into Michelle Lim of My Mom Friday, whom I haven’t seen in ages! It was her birthday, too! =)

Anyhoo…going back to the topic, Project Vanity’s 5th year celebration was held at the Beauty Bar in Bonifacio Global City…and I was stupid enough to forget that it was a beauty event: everyone had make-up on. I only had my eyebrows and tinted lip balm.

Yeah. Compared to everyone in there, my face looked so bare. But I looooved my outfit, which technically isn’t mine because I borrowed it from my sis. I lacked accessories, though. I always forget them.

Another pleasant surprise: There’s Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at the top floor of Muji, where Beauty Bar is also located. Now I know where to go whenever Starbucks at Fully Booked is packed. That’s my sister figuring out what drink to get.

Third wonderful surprise: Den Alibudbud, my cousin (make-up artist) Rae‘s high school best friend, turns out to be Liz’s assistant.

Because it was such a warm day, my sis and I decided to get some fresh air at the balcony, along with the other guests. I love it! I really should hang out here more often.

Later, I found Liz prepping Den’s face for her make-up demo, which is the highlight of the party.

While everyone else was busy, I got curious about this brand that many of my blogger friends have been raving about: Fairy Drops. Since my face was so bare (wasn’t even wearing foundation!), I decided to at least put on some mascara and a bit of concealer. That purple tube of Fairy Drops mascara over there? Whoa! I certainly didn’t need anything else.

And then I decided to play with the K-Palette eyeliner. This was fun!

Event introduction by Karrots. Lots of reminders about grooming your eyebrows. Hehe.

The highlight of the event began once Liz was done prepping Den. I noticed that most of the women here look confident, even in their casual getup.

Everyone was all eyes and ears as the demo ensued. Honestly, as I was listening to all of the beauty tips and as I observed all the enthralled guests, I realized that proper grooming — such as making sure that your eyebrows are neat and arched properly — can actually be very empowering. Looking good builds confidence.

Token sibling photo. Most people who see my sister’s blog posts think she looks like me. But when we’re side by side, we really don’t look alike.

Well, Michelle, upon introduction, said we looked alike, but here I barely see the resemblance…except maybe for the curly hair… I think the huge difference is that I smile a lot while Alex is always sophisticated and fierce.

Aaaand up close: seeing the effects of the Fairy Drops concealer, mascara and K-Palette liner. I feel like they lit up my eyes somewhat.

Hahaha! Without foundation, I can see all my moles.

And pores. -_-;

Anyway, this has been an enlightening event. Learned a lot about certain areas of Bonifacio Global City and some make-up brands I could check out.

I had been wanting to replenish my depleted make-up stash ever since I went back to teaching. When I was working for Anino Games, I didn’t see the need for make-up but as a university professor, who wanted to make a distinction between me and my students, I realized I need to polish my look. So yeah…I’ll probably be dropping by this area again soon.