Just for fun I thought, can I slim my current must-haves into a say list of 10? Let’s see… :)

Last month, the unthinkable just happened. I thought it was purely out of my training (running) that I’ve been feeling sharp pangs on my right ankle. H, being quite an expert when it comes to sports related injuries (as he’s accumulated a handful overtime), suggested that I get myself checked ASAP. At 28, I was diagnosed with mild arthritis on my right foot. Wait, let me say that again — mild arthritis (!!!). Turns out, because of being overweight once upon a time (170 lbs. max) and pushing myself to my limits every time I run, I’ve worn out my ankles and my right foot just got the first blow. I’ve had my first of many PT sessions (with the currents and all) and one of my prescriptions include taking a break from wearing my beloved Havaianas flip flops and Anthology flats. *dies*

I can’t wear flat shoes and slippers and stilettos. *dies again* In fact, even if I could, they really make my ankle hurt SO BAD. I naturally asked the doctor what I should wear since I can’t wear rubber shoes to work. He asked if I’ve heard of FitFlops. I said yes and he said I should give it a try because most patients with the same condition found relief in it (in between PT sessions and medication).

I’ve been long lemming for the FitFlop Electra Strata in Tiger Eye but 1) I find them hella expensive at Php 3490 and 2) they’re always (no exag) out of stock everywhere. I guess some things really have to wait for the perfect timing because apart from having a legit reason to grab a pair  (hrrhrr), the pair I’ve been lemming for was finally in stock, anddddd I got it as a gift (you read about this in Twitter right?). *cartwheels*

Did it live up to its promise of tension relief? Oh my goodness. I can’t believe I waited this long to get a pair! It’s true what they say — it’s so hard to go back to other shoes or sandals once you’ve tried these. I’m lemming for another pair (same style but in black for versatility) and this trio I spotted in TriNoma:

The gripe about these boots called Dash? They’re Php 6990 a pop! OUCH!

Tearliners — you either love them or you hate them. Before I tried the Majolica Majorca Aurora Tearliner in Blue Sparkles (Php 595, selected SM Department Stores), I never really saw myself using this makeup product. All of the ones I’ve tried in the past are too shimmery or silver in hue for my golden skin tone. LOL This baby from Majolica Majorca’s wayyyyy different. It goes on almost like clear gel with fine, non-irritating (for me at least and I wear contacts) blue micro glitters. I like wearing it alone when I look (and feel) haggard because it gives my face that glow that you can’t point out where it’s coming from. Two thin layers, 20 seconds tops, and I’m outta the door.

I first shared these Pure Beauty Perfect Cleansers almost two months ago in Twitter:

Since then, I found myself reaching for them more often than my other makeup removers. I’m very partial to the Cleansing Water because 1) I don’t really wear much makeup and 2) it feels literally like water and best used to remove excess oil upon waking up. I like using the Cleansing Liquid when I just got off a longgggg, bad day cause I find it very soothing (as if it’s a cushy potion hugging my face) and the Cleansing Oil whenever I’m wearing thicker makeup than the usual. The best thing about them? They don’t cost over Php 300 each!

I got these gifts from Nivea a couple months back and I love them to bits.

The Nivea Baby Pure & Natural wipes are so tough I can’t even pull it apart after removing my makeup. Some say it smells weird but I like how it smells literally like pure cotton and water. The Pure & Natural Action deodorant’s heaven sent whenever I’m wearing sheer tops or sleeveless numbers because it guarantees no sweat nor residue (smells very fresh too!). The last item on your right aka. the Nivea Express Hydration Body Lotion is IMHO, the best product Nivea’s ever created. I hope they will never ever discontinue this because this is the best drugstore body lotion I’ve ever tried!

Whoever said that having short hair’s wayyy easier to maintain than having long hair’s seriously nuts. Or has never had a good short haircut and colouring job. On a bad hair day, long hair can be sleek-tied. Short haired gals have to battle with a nest with a life of its own (which by the way I seriously believe I’ve become very good at). When it comes to colour, long haired chicas can call uneven regrowth as “low lights”. For short haired mamas like me, we have to run to the salon for a fix or mukhang nadaanan ng highlighter yung buhok namin (a guy friend told me that upon seeing my roots some 2 years ago).

So tell me again — anong mas high maint?!?! LOL

I bring good news (uhmm maybe half bad because of the price tag) to all my fellow short haired gals. I found and am currently swearing by 2 luxe hair products that you might want to try:

To cleanse and moisturize coloured hair in one go, hands down — Kerastase Chroma Sensitive is the best way to go. It’s the first anti-fading cleansing balm that washes hair without making colour fade. It’s also very gentle and low foaming which reduces the friction on the hair fiber. This results to smooth, shiny, and radiantly coloured tresses. For short hair like mine, I use 2 pumps (there’s no point of going over that) every shower. I’m on bottle #3 and I will still rebuy when I run out. The con? A 200ml bottle costs $42.

To style my hair into my signature bedhead, disheveled ‘do, I toss a coin every morning between Bench Fix Professional in Clay Doh (less than Php 200 I think) and Osis Dust It Mattifying Powder (Php 1500, Fab Salon). What’s the difference between the two? Osis Dust It is weightless and washes off 1 million times easier than Bench Clay Doh. It also gives me a better matte hold and finish that stays even under the sweltering MNL weather.

I can go on forever talking about this duo from Good Skin Labs but let me cut the chase — this is my secret to the plump, dewy complexion I have (in between breakouts of course). Smooth 365 (Php 2000) perfectly primes my skin for moisturizer application ensuring the skin tone’s even looking and feeling while Filextra (Php 2800) targets the sunken and unhealthy looking complexion (which really is a pain considering I work at night). Alternatively, I’ve been using Smooth 365 as a primer over a gel moisturizer and I’ve cut my oil blotting sessions in half. They might be pricey but they’re absolutely good stuff!

Apart from my kids’ body washes from Human Nature, the Johnson’s Baby Cooling Bath’s also grown very close to my 10 year old heart. It smells so good and yes, it’s comfort in a bottle. J&J — I’m looking at you — please don’t ever pull this out from the Philippine market! Kids and kids at heart like me need this! :)

The last two items that made it to my current must haves would be this duo:

The BlackBerry 9300 is made of pure fun. Mine’s running really fast and it’s made me way more efficient in terms of managing my email and calendar vs. when I had the Xperia Mini Pro (which I’m selling btw…any takers?). Beside it is the latest addition to the Charm brush crew which also is a very good gift to give to your lady friends this Christmas.

The very cute Charm Pocket Brush Set (Php 500) gives you five very basic travel brushes, in a very very cute small bag, that promises to let you function and do your basic makeup when you only have a small, small bag. It is also very helpful for emergency makeup situations, and retouches when you have limited bag space. You will never ever be short of makeup brushes ever again, with our Charm Pocket Brush Set!

Featuring five basic brushes that has dual functions :

* Powder Brush – can be used as powder brush, and blush brush
* Big Eyeshadow Brush – can be used as eyeshadow applicator or concealer brush for undereyes
* Angled Eyeliner Brush – can be used to shade and shape the eyebrows and apply eyeliner
* Lip Brush – can be used to apply lipstick or be used to spot conceal blemishes
* Brow Comb – allows you to sweep your brows in one, uniform direction as you need to have neat brows all of the time! It also lets you blend your eyebrow color.

I got my hands on this fresh Charm brush set over the infamous Team E UBE weekend and I’ve been using it everyday since then! It’s super soft and picks up every single pigment I need without even a bit of resistance unlike the other vegan brushes I’ve tried in the past. Love, love, love this!

WHEW! That’s quite a list and while I failed to list just 10 items, I hope you found my list helpful on your next trip to the mall when you’re scouting for some beauty finds. :)