Studio SnR + Bobbi Brown Pop-up Store in Shangri-la

Happy 1st Year Anniversary to Studio SnR! Congratulations Sydney! I hope you continue organizing all these fun sessions that make things like makeup application and coffee appreciation for both enthusiasts and regular (but extremely interested) folks alike less daunting!

You see, I have always wanted to learn how to put on makeup. But I could never find a program that was right for me. I did not want to commit too much time going to makeup school or taking up makeup classes. After all, I only wanted to put on makeup on myself, and not on other people.

When my sister Nicole went to the first Studio SnR x Bobbi Brown makeup workshop last year, she enjoyed it so much and told me she learned a lot in one afternoon. So, when Sydney said they were opening up slots for another Bobbi Brown session this year and invited me, I happily said yes!

Just want to give a shout out to April! It was nice meeting you at Studio SnR!

From L to R: Ina (BB marketing executive), Bea (BB makeup artist) & Budit (BB education manager)

In a nutshell, Ina, Carrot, Budit & Bea aka the girls of Bobbi Brown, briefed us on the history of Bobbi Brown, taught us about the importance of starting off with a great skincare routine, and then introduced us to Bobbi Brown's 10-Step Beauty program. They went around helping us decide on which colors work best for our skin, and teaching us how to apply makeup properly.

I have to say, that truly, in just one afternoon, I gained a lot of confidence in putting on makeup! So much so that I found myself convinced it was time to take the plunge and invest in a nifty little collection. It helped that while Studio SnR provided the necessary makeup materials and lots of little freebies, we also got a GC to spend on Bobbi Brown makeup in Rustan's! So if you enroll in a session, it's sulit because not only do you acquire a new skill, you bring home all these disposable makeup sponges, cotton buds and cotton pads, you get product samples, plus of course the GC.

I think an added bonus of attending a workshop such as this, is making new friends! I met April, my sister's officemate who told me she reads my blog regularly! I also found myself seated with lifestyle blogger Jean of TriporTreats.com and beautyblogger Phoebe of Phoebeann.me. We were joined by journalist/editor Kissa Castaneda of Preview and Cosmopolitan magazines, who like me, used to write for Radar - she as Japonista and then, Curiouscities. I had so much fun playing with makeup with them! By the end of the workshop, it felt like we were old friends! 

A couple of days later, I got an email from Ina informing me about their temporary pop-up store on the third floor of Shangri-la Mall. Turns out, since the beauty section of Rustan's is being renovated until the end of March, they have opened up a bigger space near Figaro and Mango to accommodate more clients.

Of course, Estee Lauder, Clinique, MAC Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown and ADF can still be found in 2/F of Rustan’s Department Store but just an FYI ladies, they are also at the 3rd Level of Shangri-La Mall. I actually came by to check out the pop-up store, and armed with my cheat sheet and gift certificate from the workshop, I proceeded to purchase the makeup essentials I now realized I need to have in my vanity kit!

Tadaaaa! Hardcore Bobbi Brown, no?

Clockwise from bottom left: mineral loose powder, corrector, concealer with yellow powder, foundation, eye palette, powder compact, lip gloss, lipstick

Well, the eye palette I bought from Bobbi Brown in ION Orchard a few months ago, and the nude lipstick and purple lip gloss are swag from Bobbi Brown's latest Neon & Nudes Collection for Spring 2012!

Bobbi Brown Neon & Nudes Collection for Spring 2012

The Bobbi Brown skincare line is pretty good too actually! The makeup removers are amazing. I hear the cleansing oil made from olive oil is a bestseller. The eye gel is cool and soothing, and the lip salve feels so nice on the lips - makes it really soft and smooth. But I still have a lot of skincare products, so, bookmarking for next time!

What really sold me on Bobbi Brown was that the colors really looked natural on my skin. It didn't look like I had make-up on, while still looking polished. And most importantly, because I have sensitive skin, my face didn't get itchy after having all that makeup on the whole afternoon.

Hay, I love Bobbi Brown na talaga! Sydney and Studio SnR, you started this!

Studio SnR x Bobbi Brown

Beauty and Tea come together once more, from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm this Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Studio SnR.

It's Bobbi Brown take 2 and this time, it's with Serenitea!

Master the basics of makeup application, this time using Bobbi Brown's Spring/Summer collection! And of course, bring home Bobbi Brown swag bags as well!

For more details, visit studiosnr.wordpress.com and add Studio SnR Workshops on Facebook to stay updated on new events. You may also reach them at +632 584 5988.

Beauty High Tea Series: Studio SnR x Bobbi Brown

My sister Nicole was lucky enough to attend Studio SnR's Bobbi Brown Workshop last week. Today, she shares her experience with all of you dear readers. Makes me wish I was there as well. I need to learn how to put on makeup, seriously. Incidentally, for those in Manila, Studio SnR x Majolica Majorca happens on September 3!

My sister has always been the go-to-girl for fashion advice. But if there is one thing she’s not an expert of, it would be picking out and putting on makeup. Yes, that’s right. MFO is no makeup guru. (Sorry Ate. You said it yourself. Haha!) In fact, none of my sisters are. (Of course, I am all about skin care first, heehee - MFO)

Here's Nicole, no make-up

One day, I was online on Facebook when Ate messaged me, asking if I wanted to attend a makeup workshop. I do not know a single thing about makeup, so I ecstatically said YES! After that she made me choose between Lancome, Bobbi Brown, and Majolica Majorca. I had difficulty choosing but I decided I wanted Bobbi Brown the most!!!

For a moment I was hesitant. One, it was going to be my first time  to attend a beauty workshop. Two, I’ve never attended an event alone. Three, I was worried I would be around pros & enthusiasts. Lastly, I didn’t own anything Bobbi Brown nor did I have any brushes. 

My sister reassured me that the workshop provided all the materials and there was no reason to be shy. Hihi. I was easily convinced and decided to take the opportunity! After all, its Bobbi Brown!!! How could I pass up Bobbi Brown??? I have heard so many wonderful things about it! It was something I came across while reading Teen Vogue as a teenager, and my friends would often rave about their products. Finally, I reserved online because there were very limited slots, and then I confirmed my slot to the very cordial Sydney Go.

The event was held on August 20, 2011 (day after my birthday!) at Studio SnR, on the 3rd floor of Millenium Place. Millenium Place is a 5-story building, and is easy to locate because it is right across Metrowalk on Meralco Avenue. I walked to the venue from my friend’s house in Alexandra because it was quite near. I was excited and nervous at the same time! I was worried I would be sitting beside aficionados using all these jargons!

Thankfully, the studio had a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. It was not filled with an overwhelming amount of people. I was handed a cute, mysterious paper bag that later on I found out, cleverly contained make-up materials from Nippon Esthetic Solutions and candies. I was easily impressed because I was such a NEWB. For most people it would be nothing but for me I was amazed by even the disposable stuff. For some reason it felt like a Princess Diaries makeover moment.

I was led to a room where there were two tables with individual mirrors, brush sets, magazines, and a Bobbi Brown pamphlet. I was seated with a very friendly set of people. I scanned around the room and I saw this table with an array of lipsticks, blushes, eyeshadows, foundation, concealers, etc. I wanted to play with all of it!

I was approached by a kind Miss Carrot who helped me pick the right shade of foundation, and then afterward, Sydney welcomed me and showed me around. At the corner was a Coffee Bean mini bar where I got my favorite Chai Tea, and then there was also yummy food to munch all throughout the event. (We loved the chicken fingers!)

The class was really for Beginners. Ina and Noel from Bobbi Brown were very well-spoken, amusing, and most of all very helpful. I learned a lot of things that I didn’t know about before, like the pre- makeup regimen. I was even able to correct a lot of mistakes when applying makeup. The class was great! We all had a good laugh. I had so much fun and I really enjoyed it!!! Oh, and they handed out a loot bag too!

A make-up palette from the Bobbi Brown loot bag, this one pa lang, sulit the workshop fee!

What I love about Bobbi Brown is that it is light on the face! It doesn’t itch either. Most of all, it looks so natural. It doesn’t look matrona or fake. It enhances what you already have. It accentuates your nice features. It’s like it really wants to bring out your beauty, not replace it with a different look. It is really a practical, no-nonsense, pang-everyday look. Not over-the-top-im-partying-tonight. 

I think Ate Tin would enjoy it. Its very MFO. The workshop was absolutely worth it. I highly recommend the Studio SnR workshops! 

Thank you sooo much Ate Tintin and Sydney for the extremely pleasing opportunity!

Visit Studio SnR on Facebook! The last of this Beauty High Tea Series is Majolica Majorca, which happens on September 3:

Written by Nicole Abu, all photos courtesy of Sydney Go

Studio SnR x shu uemura

You are all invited to sign up for the Studio SnR x shu uemura make-up session on August 3, from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm at Unit 301 Millenium Place, 17 Meralco Avenue, Ortigas. But you have to hurry, only 20 participants are confirmed per workshop.

The 4 hour make-up session with Manila's top makeup artists will cover everything from skincare, to make-up skills and playing with color. It costs Php3,900 per person and is inclusive of a shu uemura set & gcs, plus high tea.

Reserve a slot by July 31 to get 10% off the ticket price. Otherwise, book in groups of 3 or more to still get the 10% discount. Advance booking and 50% DP is required for a slot.

You may sign up at http://www.nipponesthetic.com/studiosnr and please add Studio SnR Workshops on Facebook to stay updated on new events. You may also reach them at +632 584 5988.

About Studio SnR:

Studio SnR, located in the Ortigas Business Center has always believed to be a place where knowledge and skills are learned and gathered. Since it opened its doors last March 2010, Studio SnR has been known to be an alternative venue for company workshops and training, from beauty and beyond. It has gained an overwhelming response from our clients and partners.

This 2011, Studio SnR elevates its mission to be more than just a venue, and rather be a resource for learning. Along with its partner brands, the studio will be offering its own series of workshops. Participants will be encouraged to learn useful exciting and creative skills.

Workshops willkick off with The Beauty High Tea Series with top brands like shu uemura, Majolica Majorca, Lancome & Bobbi Brown to showcase their products and share their professional and creative knowledge on skincare and makeup. In our experience, a hands-on skincare and makeup workshop in a relaxed environment is always a positive way to really knowledge and skills .

Intimate. Creative. Fun. Dynamic. Informative. This is what each class is geared to be

August 3,2011 Studio SnR x Shu Uemura
August 11,2011 Studio SnR x Majolica Majorca
August 19, 2011 Studio SnR x Lancome
August 20,2011 Studio SnR x Bobbi Brown