The Second Project Vanity Clinique Party

When I first read about the Clinique party on Project Vanity, I wanted to sign up right away but couldn't because I had things to do that March. Good thing there was a take two, and I was so excited I immediately sent an email without giving my name and contact details! I really wanted a chance to get to know the brand especially after I decided to pay more attention to (a.k.a. invest in, hehe) my skincare routine.

This is a picture-heavy post, so if you and your internet connection are ready, click on the jump!


Second evidence of my excitement: I was at the Clinique counter in Rustans Makati early, around 1:20 p.m. when the time given was around 2 (I already got lost several times at that point haha). The first fellow PV reader and beauty blogger I met there was none other than Kira! Though meeting people I first met online is not new to me, that hasn't happened in awhile and I was still rather shy. Kira however was really warm and friendly and it was only seconds before I felt like I've known her for quite awhile (which technically I have, right?). I underestimate the Internet. I was also able to meet Mira, the marketing manager of Clinique, who had perfect hair. Perfect.

Me, Kira, and Mira!

I decided to go ahead with the skin consultation and makeover while waiting for everyone else. Dindin, one of the Clinique consultants, helped me go through a comprehensive skin test and patiently explained the reasons for each of my skin problems. I didn't realize how much I had to look out for in terms of my skin: dullness, pimples, redness, signs of aging, and so on. I think I have a litany of skin problems, hehe.

Dindin gave me tips on how to keep those skin concerns in check, which basically boiled down to: 1.) exfoliation and 2.) sun protection. My dry-combination skin (type 2) needed regular but gentle exfoliation to scrub old skin cells away (which caused flaking) and sun protection to take care of the new ones that emerge.

Dindin and me. Thank you Kira for taking charge of my camera!

Part of the skincare lineup Dindin recommended. I am eyeing that eye cream!

Samples

Up next was the makeover, and by then there were quite a few girls already milling around the Clinique counter, including Liz. Again I was excited but shy to meet her, and I found her to be as down-to-earth as her reviews. Plus I loved her dress!

Ms. Vannie the MUA, me, and Liz

Ms. Vannie helped me pick a foundation match and fixed my problem area (eyebrows--thank youuu!). I did away with blush and settled for taking more time to learn how to do eye makeup, where Ms. Vannie did one eye and I tried to copy it. I think I did okay, haha! I think she used the Milly palette, and I quite liked the colors, very neutral and good for everyday.

The result: neater eyebrows, fresher face. Yay!

The eye makeup. I am loving how dreamy-looking this photo is

After that, I just hung out. It was really fun, laid-back, and not the really awkward I-have-to-meet-new-people scenario I had at the back of my head. Being able to talk about beauty and fashion stuff like it was everyday news was awesome! I also spent a lot of time doing this:

Thanks Lori for the photo!

Bringing that huge bag was worth it, because now I have a lot of pictures. 

Mira! See what I mean about the hair?

PV readers and friends with Mira

This was Liz trying out Moisture Surge on Bea's hand. I am loving my samples of it!

Lori & Liz

Angeli & Bea

Ms. Vannie & Mara

They used Clinique makeup for our makeovers, of course

I'd bomb you with even more photos, but I'll let my Flickr set do that for me. Suffice to say that I had a great time letting my kikay side show with beautiful, friendly people who I hope to meet again! I promise to test my very generous samples and return if my skin glows with happiness... or if I just feel like dropping by. Hee. (On that note, I am *loving* Moisture Surge and I will no longer be afraid of the little breakouts that my Turnaround Concentrate gives me.) Thank you so much Liz, Mira & the rest of the Clinique team!

As for what I wore that day:

Photo credit: Kira

Blue ruffle blouse: thrifted

Tiered floral ruffle skirt: Never Been Kissed @ Rob Dept. Store

Skintone pumps: Ferretti

Blue hobo bag (lower right): Segue

Those pumps can go with nearly everything. I love how they're not just for work. :D