LOTD: Deep Forest

Yesterday, Day 5 of Philippine Fashion Week, I decided to be a forest girl! I have a big fascination for forests and trees. It's like you're connected to a different world due to the tall trees touching the sky. But a deep forest makes this more grand because as they say, there are no medium-sized trees there. If you wanna get lost and see another "dimension" of the Earth, this is the place to be!

So, in a place like a deep forest, I'll look like below. ;) Unfortunately, in the SMX Convention Center, I think people recalled my lashes!! haha 

Below are close-up photos with flash. The lashes tend to make the eyes down so there is a need to put eyeliner in the lower lash line to make the eyes full and right. Since I focused on my eyes, I needed to make my lips almost nude and face with minimal cheek color.

Eyeshadow: Catwalk Cosmetics (brown and gray)

Eyebrow: MAC Show-Off

Lashes: Shu Uemura Premium Eyelashes in Feather Deep Forest

Lips: Shiseido Perfecting Lipstick in Praline

Bronzer: Palladio

 I think there's a forest in Baguio. Let's get lost with this look ;)

Fun & Fashion Under The Sun: NIVEA SUN Summer Wonders Launch

Last February, NIVEA kicked off Summer with a campaign with Department of Tourism called #it'smorefunwithNIVEASun : 7 Summer Wonders which was introduced through an event together with a fashion show featuring Charina Sarte's newest collection inspired by NIVEA's colors and the Philippine tropics. 

The event was held at Skye, Manila's only rooftop bar. True to its name, you can really see the beautiful sky and view of the Fort ;)

Of course, this wouldn't be possible without NIVEA Sun, the No. 1 Sun Care brand worldwide. 

Who wouldn't love to lounge and drink at this place? I loved the artificial green grass - feelt like I'm in a fab outdoor!

My favorite male model Nat Kiefer wore Charina's golden bottom. ;)

 I really loved Charina Sarte's take on this. The bikinis, swimsuits and maillots were all very revealing and sexy!

They say, summer is all about skin. So for those who wouldn't dare to wear these, the best fashion accessory then? Sunblock! ;)

It was also a very fun night with friends! Lee Shen Gee of Shen's Addition, Rowena Lei of Animetric's World, Marj Sia of The Traveling Heels, Val Chua of Quiet Girl and Raisa Mislang, Group Product Manager of NIVEA.

NIVEA Executives Jon Lee, Raisa Mislang, Camie Santiago and Gel Nibungco. Did Camie's and Gel's makeup here ;) 

For those who haven't visited the application, visit NIVEA on Facebook! They have lots of sun and skin care tips that we should know. Remember, Fun & Freedom under the sun, everyone!

Sunny Disposition: Beauty in Summer & Boracay

Every year, I go to Boracay to celebrate Summer. I think it's the best time of the year to, of course, go to the beach, wear bright colors and just soak yourself under the sun. And maybe stare at beautiful people and things. 

We need more time to clean and fix this part of Boracay though.

We stayed at Astoria Boracay. I specifically loved their benches which had a very Filipino feel. And its sexy-basket-like design just makes everyone "fit" and effortlessly, well, "Belo-made" ;)

I also liked the room. The blue-green hue just makes me want to wear all my colorful outfits, like my mom, but not my brother Gio! haha

More than aesthetics, I loved the GMA artists who stayed in there for the Kapuso Week! ;) My mom just couldn't hide it; she went swimming with Geoff Eigenmann and Dingdong Dantes. Lakas! Belated Happy Mother's Day, Ma! Yes, you're a mom!

I actually just stayed in here for 2 days because I had a full body wax from the Victor Ortega salon near Astoria, and my skin was quite red and patchy. I was too busy with work so I had my skin done on my 1st day. But I didn't let this keep me on staycation. I used NIVEA Moisturizing After Sun Spray, as I desperately needed the Aloe Vera component to soothe my skin. I also used NIVEA Pure & Sensitive with SPF 50 to still protect my skin from the hidden sun rays hitting our skin despite indoors. As you can see in the picture, my legs were smooth and flawless! Beach-ready on the third day!

Speaking of NIVEA, have you heard of the NIVEA ball? Trivia: "Before the beach ball, there was the NIVEA ball. And it took the world by storm. Originally created in the 1930s as a 3D version of the NIVEA Creme tin, the inflatable NIVEA Ball was designed to help people make the most of their leisure time outdoor. While it was initially popular in Germany, the NIVEA Ball really took off in the 1950s, when post-war prosperity gave people money to spend on holidays and having fun. As cars became increasingly affordable, people began flocking to beaches and the great outdoors – and the NIVEA ball became the perfect holiday accessory. It was easy to pack and even easier to inflate. And it was fun for the whole family. By the 1960s, the NIVEA ball had become a huge hit, and it remains popular to this day. We’ve produced more than 20 million balls over the last 40 years alone, and people around the world know it and love it. And just like our skincare products, the NIVEA ball brings us closer to the people we love. That’s why this simple, inflatable rubber toy has been one of our most active and understated brand ambassadors for decades."(nivea.ph)

This really became my ultimate toy during my leisure time outdoor! I also visited the Sun Village (where I stayed last year) and ate my favorite Mongolian dish! Below were some photos I found from my computer, unpublished ;) 

NIVEA just creates great booths in Boracay, don't you think? Have you visited theirs last month?

They also have a great application that lets you create a Summer Scrap Book! You can put background, objects, photos, etc to document your summer experience. Below was mine =)

Obviously, I loved being alone and just doing nothing in the afternoon. Sometimes it takes a different place, with the perfect view of the sun, sky and water, and a sunny disposition to be able to reflect on things. ;)

But of course, I didn't let clubbing pass! I went to Epic but Summer Place was my favorite. It's not too luxurious but the music was good and I loved the local beach feel. There were more foreigners there than any of the clubs in Boracay. Maybe they're too tired of the luxe bars in their countries already? 

So here's myself and my sister Mikka in our floral tops and pink lips. People were saying I looked like Barbie. But I also got Lady "gow-gow" and Goldilocks hahah I didn't mind, they're all pretty! ;)

See the guy in the stolen photo below. I wasn't able to focus properly on him but I he was so cute, and all alone! We were to shy to approach but in my head, I wished I could go to an island all alone, party by myself and just stop and stare, like him ;)

Free As My Hair: Lady Gaga Born This Way Ball Manila

In the song "Hair", Lady Gaga asked us to be as free as our hair. As for me, I think that I have always been, but even more last night in all aspects - myself, art, music, Lady Gaga- after the Born This Way Ball in the SM MOA Arena.

Speaking of freedom, I think it entails knowing and breaking notions and ideas that can put us to prison forever, may it be in art, beauty, politics, or even life. And the Born This Way Ball somehow helped me, and hopefully us, reach our own liberation.

"I've had enough, this is my prayer. That I'll die livin' just as free as my hair." (Hair) Contrary to what they say, based on the lyrics, Lady Gaga has a god. And as she told us yesterday, "she wants the best for all of us". Thing is, in this song, she compares freedom with hair (read: figure of speech!) and I can totally relate because I can be blonde, red-head or brunette, as long as I want.

So I attended the concert with this look. I was in the mosh pit area and people called me a lot of things but I didn't care and I was as free as my hair, and my makeup =)

As for the show, despite all the political and religious protests and close-minded thinking, Lady Gaga as an artist showed especially yesterday, what she stood for: "a big giant statement of art liberation" every element of which further touched every part of her little monsters, every fabric of my identity. 

First, the stage! It was truly frightening but glamorous. It was like a haunted house, but only that beautiful creatures lived on it. And I guess that's the point of art: to make you scared at first and realize how beautiful and different it is at the end!

Of course, our Mother Monster in her Gaga clothes, makeup, music and performance! My goosebumps didn't go away for 2 hours! This was truly beyond fashion, a song and a concert.

While taking pictures using left hand, i did put my paws up using the other during this part! 

Her sleeves were enormous! And looked like a Filipiniana indeed with all the holes or windows.

Now that's a hat!

The picture above was very American but the below saved it! 

This specific performance was very artistic and sentimental! She sang Hair and and I couldn't forget this because this was when I really cried. I know right? But who wouldn't? 

Moreover, her speech moved me! Quoting Lady Gaga, "And to those of you that don't feel free, take the best opportunity to free yourselves. I just feel like, you know, so many people have been protesting and it really doesn't bother me truly because I know that there has to be change, but for all those kids all over the world that take their lives when they're so young because they feel bullied or they're afraid because they're gay and they don't want to tell anybody, don't you think that some of us should stand up and say the godd**mn truth? It's true. It's not about the music, it's not about, it's not about anything, it's not about my clothes, it's not about having a hit record, it's the fucking goddamn truth that people in the world need to be free of who they are and be proud and feel valuable no matter where they are." (MTV)

Below was when she said "hi" to me with her monster fingers, and smiled. I was close to tears!!! Felt like I can die already. ;)

 Yes, she could fight like that! And she won last night.

Furthermore, her dancers were far from ordinary.You may call them of deviant color, or gender but they comprised the whole thesis statement of acceptance, of not being afraid of who you are and of doing what you want to do no matter what. ;)

The guy below's a Filipino! Gaga introduced her to the audience and looked too proud of him. ;) She kept saying how she loved Filipinos, and Filipino gays, and gays in general. Thing is, her music went beyond pop and served as statements representing the "underdogs" of the society, the ones bullied, looked down upon. And as they say, that makes an art, truly art, with purpose and meaning.

Gaga said, "It's in uniqueness that we are all the same". True enough, through Lady Gaga's spell, we were all equal in that arena. People didn't mind "crazy" monster dancing, excessive makeup...

or people who dress up like this. And that's because we were born this way.

 Truly one of the best days of my life! Thank God for Gaga.

Born This Way Giveaway: Lady Gaga Tickets + Cosmetics for Gaga

Paws up, little monsters! I'm having P7,000 worth of giveaway for Lady Gaga fans! 

But first, have you seen my latest LOTD and Tutorial on HOW TO ACHIEVE Lady Gaga-inspired makeup? Click here.

In line with the Born This Way Ball, I am giving away the following Lady Gaga-related items: tickets for you and your co-monster for the Tuesday concert (since I have another set for me ;), and cosmetics to make you look and feel Gaga - from lashes, liners, shadows to red lippies!

1 winner will get 1 pair of:

1. Catwalk Cosmetics Lady Gaga Fashion Falsies
2. E.L.F. Brightening Eye Color in Black
3. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Red Revival
4. Majolica Majorca Honey Pump Gloss
5. Lady Gaga Born This Way GA Ticket worth P2,120
6. Catwalk Cosmetics Harajuku Liquid Eye Liner


Are you ready for this little monsters?

Mechanics (all steps required):


1.) Like/Follow Mikki on Facebook (@Mikki G), Twitter (@TMiksGalang) and *optional*Instagram (@mikkigalang).
2.) Follow Break My Spell blog via Google Connect, Bloglovin' and Networked Blogs (see side bar)

3.) Facebook shout out: “I want to win Lady Gaga tickets and makeup for me and (@ name of +1) from @Mikki G . See Break My Spell's Lady Gaga Tutorial here: http://breakmyspell.blogspot.com/2012/05/lotd-and-tutorial-lady-gaga.html"

4.) Twitter shout out: “I want to win Lady Gaga tickets and makeup for me and (@ name of +1) from @TMiksGalang @LadyGaga breakmyspell.blogspot.com”

5.) Tell me how you will be a monster this Born This Way Ball if ever you win the tickets and items (@name of co-monster). Don’t forget to provide your full name and e-mail address too!

Example:I will wear Lady Gaga falsies (name of co-monster)
Mikki G - breakmyspell@gmail.com
(2 links to your FB and Twitter post - refer to #4 and 5) 

Criteria: Winner will be chosen through creativity of answer and of course, completion of steps ;)

*open to Metro Manila residents only
*winners will be announced this Tuesday, 11:59 am, in my FB page. Prizes will be given personally ;) Good luck, monsters!

LOTD and TUTORIAL: Lady Gaga!

2 days left before the Born This Way Ball in the Philippines! And I'm truly going 'gaga' over Gaga.


Thing is, contrary to popular belief, Lady Gaga's Born This Way album is a non-traditional art. As per Wikipedia, "described as a marriage of electronic music with metal, rock 'n' roll, pop and anthemic style melodies with sledge-hammering dance beats and referred to as an album 'about what what keeps us up at night and what makes us afraid'", Born This Way transcends music and this is just revolutionary.


While we may think that her message is too much, I think that this is what we need today. We need artists to make us feel different, or even scared, to push ourselves to the extraordinary and even the unknown, and help us open our eyes and appreciate. As Gaga said, "it something so much deeper than a wig or lipstick or a fucking meat dress".


True enough, literally and also figuratively, Born This Way is deep! Her makeup effect (e.g. the skeleton makeup, the pointed cheeks) is way deep, says more about her and her music, and is difficult to achieve! So, for this blog post and in celebration with her concert, I came up with the below look instead, inspired by Lady Gaga's Telephone, with Beyonce! Hope we see each other this Tuesday and when you see me like this, please don't call me "gaga"! And oh, I also have a GIVEAWAY here - get the chance to win tickets to the concert and makeup for your Lady Gaga look!


*Photo with creative filters

"Hello? I'm Busy" haha

The hair is just long but I hope I was able to achieve below with my slight modifications! haha! Obviously, it's hard to curl hair using a soft drink can! ;)

Moving on with the tutorial.. How did i do this? Thing is, Lady Gaga uses so much pointed lines, so much shapes, and bold colors for her makeup.  In general, you need to use pointed/angled brushes and deep blacks and reds. But practice makes perfect! Good luck to us ;)

In detail,
1. Create a shape for your brows. Lady Gaga's brows here are thick, black and curvy. I suggest you first use an eyeliner pencil for outlining. I used Ever Bilena eyeliner here in black. Since college when I was still in theatre, we all love Ever Bilena's pencil liners!

I sort of made it thicker for my face shape, but you can try to minimize ;)

2. Moisturize lips. In preparation for the deep red color, use red-colored balm. I used NIVEA Fruity Shine Lip Balm in Pomegranate.

3. Fill in brows with black gel liner using an angled brush. And re-outline your brows for more perfectly-shaped one. I used Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama in black.

4. Put little smoke. In Telephone, Lady Gaga has smoke in her crease line. I decided to not do this for more definition ;) I used L'Oreal Paris Open Eyes in black. I also put white shimmers in the middle of the crease and brows for bigger eye effect.

5. Achieve the Cat Eyes look with eyeliner. I used Catwalk Cosmetics Harajuku Eye Liner in black. I love its definition and quick dry formula! (I'll be giving this away in my next entry ;) Apply in lower eye also and connect it with your upper line.

6. Don't forget the mascara for bigger eyes. I used L'Oreal Paris Extra Volume Collagen Mascara.

7. Color lips with dark-red to black. If you don't have this specific hue, apply first your red color. I used Maybelline Color Sensational in Red Revival  - which i'll also give away! And then I used the black eyeshadow from Catwalk Cosmetics near the lines of my lips. Mix. Use with lip brush for definition.

8. Apply deep-red colored lip gloss on the center for bigger lips. I didn't make lips matte, unlike Lady Gaga's, to make my small lips bigger! I used Laura Mercier Plum Divine Shimmer.

So there! Hope I was able to at least motivate you for a Lady Gaga-inspired makeup in lieu with her concert. Of course, you can always tweak the peg, just make it bold, deep, different and mind-blowing, just like Lady Gaga. ;)