4 game-changing makeup finds

A new favorite concealer, two genius highlighters, 
plus the foundation beauty bloggers are talking about. BY INA AMOR MEJIA

THAT JOYFUL SOUND we heard early this year was of a million beauty junkies gasping and shrieking because Sephora Philippines finally went online. I know, because I probably gasped louder than most. After years of stalking the US site, my beauty wishes finally came true, and here it is. Sephora is the online equivalent of me going on a beauty shopping binge with my sister like we did back in the day. I felt pretty, thoroughly broke, and also slightly doomed. Only now in the comfort of my pajamas, and with a thousand more awesome products to choose from.

I found four things at Sephora recently, and they were all instant faves.

Ibarra Manila

Nostalgic yet timeless. A Filipino watch brand with global style. BY INA AMOR MEJIA

SOMEHOW I REMEMBER all the watches I've ever had, like we were kindred at one point. I remember my first real pay check and buying my first real watch. I remember sitting in a dark theater with this boy and feeling like it was meant to be, because we had the same backlighting in our timepieces. I remember when my Mom gave me her vintage gold watch. The first time my husband gave me a watch while we were dating. The second time, after our daughter was born. And that one time, I was wearing a rather flashy gold watch and clumsily flushed it down the toilet of an airplane. Listen, those things can really suck.

A watch is my daily necessity, and I've had my eye on Ibarra Manila since its launch late last year. I am thrilled that there's finally a local brand that I can wear everyday, no matter the time or place. 

Named after the main character in Jose Rizal's seminal Noli me Tangere (Latin for Touch me not), the brand is patriotic, paying tribute to legendary Filipino gentlemen both fictional and real. Its first watch is named after Rizal himself--the national hero who was an elegant polymath.

The Rizal watch comes in two diameters, and in gold, rose gold, or silver plating. The calfskin leather strap comes in brown or black. The watch has Swiss quartz movement and a scratch-proof Sapphire crystal window. All the essentials of a proper watch.

Ibarra's young founder is Nico Moreno, originally a physicist turned entrepreneur. At the launch of the brand, he said the aim was to show the world that the Filipino "could compete at a language everyone speaks." Rizal would have been proud.
The watches are water resistant. You can wear them while white water rafting, swimming, fishing. Although I may not be wearing my Rizal in the water, I will be wearing it every other time.

This is one watch I'm never flushing down an airplane toilet. Not in a million years.

Ibarra Manila's new limited line, the Plaridel, is now available for pre-order here.

* Tales from the Cusp supports Ibarra Manila. Go here to read more about the brands we support. All photos by Ina Amor Mejia.

At the Beach with a Book

THERE IS NO CURE like the sea. We had a few days at the beach leading up to Easter and after, and I came away, yet again, longing to live near the sea (someday!). In the meantime, here are my favorite picks for the summer. And it looks like the one-pice suit is making a comeback. Hooray!

Above: Olinger Stories by John Updike, Yellow Bandeau Bikini Top, Replica Beach Walk fragrance, blue striped tote, burlap slip-on, Fruit card set.

Above: The Goldfinch by Donna Tart, Black ruched halter one-piece swimsuit, Love & Salt beach hair and body mist, bubble glass, Pink and gold key fob, Genuine leather slip-on sandals.

Above: The Sea by John Banville, Gathered halter one-piece swimsuit, Alice flat sandals, Burgundy nail polish, Hanging clear glass terrarium, Fabric rectangular tote.

Hope you have a great summer!

12 Sexy Things

THIS BLOG IS DEDICATED to my daughter, and I'm hoping she'll find it interesting one day, when she's old enough. But she'll probably find this post right here and give me this look. This is clearly just my opinion, but house plants are sexy. House plants and eleven other things. Please feel free to agree.

In honor of Valentine's Day...

A few finds

This 14k gold Whisk Necklace, Ginger Miso Ice Cream, an Immaculate White Wall Clock (on sale), and this dreamy photo (via Her Paperweight).

Inked for the moment

I FEEL LIKE I'VE BEEN LIVING under a rock, having just found these. I was looking at Rifle Paper, a favorite stationery store, which features the whimsical art of Anna Bond. I love that Rifle is always thinking up new things to do with Anna's gorgeous art, but in a way that always makes sense. The iPhone cases came last year I believe. And now, they've made temporary tattoos. Genius.

I've been getting my tattoo fix from my daughter's stash of temporaries. And it's been largely limited to pink ponies, butterflies, smileys, and sparkly things. The tattoo above is just infinitely (a gazillion billion) times better. And it's made from vegetable-based ink. You can purchase the Rifle Paper tattoos on Tattly too, where the tattoos are from designers and illustrators from all over the world, who get a cut from each sale.

Gold Floral by Rifle Paper Co.

You're Late by Julia Rothman.

Scribble by James Victore.

Just Focus by Lila Symons.

Goodbye ponies, smileys, and sparkly things. 

*Plus these flowers, bread porn, and something I need to do so badly. Hope you have a happy and peaceful weekend. And thanks for reading.   

A few finds

Love these gold, woven oxfords. This sweet photo that reminds me of someone. Pear tartines with blue cheese and honey. And this blue backpack. 

Flowers in her hair

From Kiss the Groom.

SO, HERE I AM, always looking for an excuse to wear a flower crown. If I were five years old and could get away with it, I'd wear one to the park, at the library, or just because. They always look best when the flowers are mixed with green, like with leaves or buds. Arranged in a way that says they were foraged for just that moment. Even fabric or paper blooms can get this look when chosen carefully. And when the crown is worn loosely and merrily, with silky flowing hair or side-swept in a messy bun. 

Photo on left from Irrelephant. Photo on right via Indulgy.

They can be oversized and a bit quirky, but always pretty.

Via Welt Der Traume.

Not into flowers? What? Then the Leaf Crown is yours. I would have them, especially if they looked like this.

Photo on left from Once Wed by Jose Villa. Photo on right from Style Me Pretty by Jasmine Star Photography.

Here's one that you can make out of pine.

Photo and DIY from The Merrythought. 

But these flower crowns, how about it?

Photo and DIY from Green Wedding Shoes.

There is something unforgettable about a bride with flowers in her hair.

From Style Me Pretty by Redfield Photography.

From Style Me Pretty by Leo Evidente Photographers.

But let's not wait for a wedding to wear a flower crown. I'm going for 'just because'.

Photo and DIY from A Beautiful Mess.

Hope this inspires you, and thanks for reading. 

A few finds

A MESMERIZING photo of a favorite bird. This amazing burgundy chiffon dress. Cold brew coffee for eight. And these lovely bowls.