Spotlight | BeautyCornerPH Mixing Palette.

Earlier this week, I received a surprise package from my friend Smile - the one-woman-army behind Updated Trends and Beauty Corner PH. Inside the package was a bunch of goodies - a Mixing Palette, the famous BCL 24-hour Browlash EX from Japan, Sleek Makeup's Flick It Eyeliner, plus Smile's handwritten note for me.

Don't you just love getting handwritten notes? In this day and age of Viber, Kakao Talk, and LINE, a cute stationery with a friend's penmanship is such a refreshing sight.

Thank you, Smile! :)

I'll do a separate review of the Browlash and the eyeliner, but for now, the spotlight is on the Mixing Palette.

A must-have for makeup artists!

An up and coming product from Beauty Corner PH, the Mixing Palette is a must-have, and should be a staple tool for every professional makeup artist. Made with acrylic, this mixing palette offers a hard, durable and easy to clean work surface where you can do some serious mixing, mashing, and blending of makeup products right before applying.

Mixing, blending, swatching.

Whether you're a professional or freelance makeup artist, or simply someone who likes experimenting with makeup on other people's faces, then this tool is for you. Not only does this palette make it more convenient to mix shades of lipsticks or foundations, it also makes the process more hygienic as you avoid constant dipping into your makeup and cosmetics.

My mixing palette and Seunghyun, my Samsung Note2.

The ring on the top-left corner allows easy grip on the palette. And mind you, this product is no bigger than a Samsung Note2.

This Acrylic Mixing Palette sells for Php 480 each, while the Mixing Palette with Stainless Steel Spatula sells for Php 650.

For orders and product inquiries, you may contact Smile via email (amberlights.laguna@gmail.com) or mobile (09162675881). And don't forget to like The Updated Trends on Facebook, too! :)

Wordless Wednesday #47 | Matchy-Matchy!

Wordless Wednesday #36 | Playing with Filters.

Wordless Wednesday #35 | Building Blocks.

Wordless Wednesday #34 | Maggie Boo!

My niece, with rice on her face. Haha!

Compare Mobile Phone Insurance.

The increasing number of people searching for mobile phone insurance online is simply unbelievable. With brands like Protect your Bubble and Gadget Buddy all offering insurance policies including loss and accidental damage cover, finding the right company to insure our mobile phones has become a task in itself.

Whilst searching online today looking for mobile insurance for my new phone I found a comparison site offering nothing else other than mobile insurance - Mobilephoneinsurancecomparison.com.

I found the site fairly easy to navigate, the home page has a compare your handset button which directs you to a page with a number of mobile phone brands including Blackberry, iPhone and Samsung.

The next stage is to select the value of your phone, I chose £400 -£500 and then pressed the next button in order for a comparison table to appear, a few seconds later a long list of insurance companies were in full view.

Fantastic I thought, a simple list with prices and details of insurance cover. The companies I had seen advertising on TV were on the list as were a couple of insurance companies I had never heard of. It only took a few minutes and I had made my choice. £5.99 a month, full cover including loss and accidental damage. On direct debit, I'm covered from today. (One of the sites didn't cover me until 30 days). Vodafone wanted to charge me £14.99 a month. Big saving...yipee!

Like me, If you are looking for insurance for a mobile phone or want to check to see if you can make a saving on your current insurance provider, give this site a look— mobile phone insurance comparison.

Note: This is a guest post.

Choosing the Best Android Security App.

Security is vital for everyone that uses the Internet, regardless of whether it is on your Android, laptop or PC. Whether you are a single Mum, business man, or Mother of four, you need to be aware of the best security available for you to download. There is a huge array of choice, which is why it can be daunting to decide.

Apps are fantastic; however, they are the window to threats, and abuse, which is why you need to ensure that your Android is protected at all times. As the market for Apps continues to grow, you need to ensure that you understand the concerns and threats which are always prominent. Many Apps are removed to ensure that the market remains safe and secure.

The moment the Apps pose a threat, they will be removed, however, if you have downloaded them before they are detected, you may have put yourself at risk. The open nature of the Android often comes into question as this can make you vulnerable. However, if you remain sensible, and have the correct security in place you will be safer.

Photo credit: Uber Gizmo

There is a high level of information that is stored on an android, which can make it the perfect target for hackers. This is why you need to ensure that you use a secure SFTP server, backed up with excellent security. With every possible solution in place, you will be able to protect your data from possible hackers.

Searching on the Android, you will find a number of different security packages, and some are very good, however, others may be pointless. You need to choose a security package that allows you to scan for viruses throughout the day. There are free packages which are basic, and if you are short of money they are better than nothing.

If possible you should always try to buy a package which will guarantee that you are protected from every possible threat. These will often scan messages, emails, and downloads to ensure that everything that enters your phone is safe. Many of the security systems are password protected, which makes them unique to your device.

As with all Apps, you need to download them from a reputable source, which will ensure that you are safer. Unfortunately, threats are present everywhere, and some people are simply unlucky when downloading form the Internet. However, if you choose wisely, make sure that you keep your passwords secret, and do not become complacent, you will remain far more secure and safe.

Wordless Wednesday #27 | Achy Breaky Heart.

Mum officially became a Golden Girl last February 12, and to celebrate this milestone, we threw a party for her over the weekend. Dubbed '50 and Fabulous', the event also became a mini-reunion for Mum and her high school and college friends. Our friends were there, too, and so was our relatives.

One of the highlights of the party was the Flash Mob/Line Dance spearheaded by my brother-in-law. Check out my little dancer, trying to keep up with the steps. You may change the quality to HD for better viewing. (Video taken with Seunghyun, my Samsung Galaxy Note 2!)

Holiday Gift Guide 2012 | Gifts from Php99 to Php999.

With a quick trip to the mall over the weekend, I was finally able to cross off the last few items on my Christmas shopping list. If not for the little man's last confinement, I'd be done with buying gifts weeks ago. I try to avoid the Christmas rush as much as possible, as I really hate it when the malls get overcrowded and queues at the cashier and the gift-wrapping counter hold up for an eternity.

Now I'm sure there are still some of you who aren't done (perhaps haven't even started) with their shopping yet. To make this task a bit easier, I came up with my first-ever Holiday Gift Guide and rounded-up a few items that you can give as gifts for your family, your friends, and even yourself. And because money don't grow on trees and it's always the thought that counts, we're keeping the spending to a minimum of Php 99 all the way to Php 999 only.

1. Mini Twinkle Star Necklace, Php 100.

Bronze-plated star pendant on a soft leather necklace. Perfect for teens and tweens. 

Available at Eazy Fashion.

2. Etude House Milk Talk Body Wash 3-piece Miniature Set, Php 192.

Moisturizing body care line in sweet strawberry, banana, and choco milk scents.

Currently on sale at BHappyWithMe.

3. Slick and Yummy Watch. Php 249.

Silicone watches in an array of fun and funky colors. Best when bought by two's. :)

Available at Eazy Fashion.

4. Human Heart Nature Jolly Body Christmas Bundle, Php 259.

Set includes the all-new Cleansing Bar, Bamboo Body Scrub in Vanilla Paradise (50g), Healthy Lotion (50mL) in your choice variant. Comes in a Christmas paper bag with ribbon and gift tag.

Available at Human Heart Nature. 

5. InstaMUG, prices start at Php 280.

A must-have for all Instagram addicts! Your IG photos comes to life on coffee mugs... 

even on tablet covers and phone cases, too!

An original product of InstaMUG.

6. Spud 'n Squishy eSPUDrilles, Php 370.

Handmade and handcrafted by local craftsmen, these espadrilles for babies and toddlers are made with breathable canvas/cotton uppers, organic Abaca fiber foxing, and non-marking, non-slip rubber soles.

An exclusive product of Spud 'n Squishy. 

7. Wallet Case with Stand for Samsung Galaxy Note2, Php 430.

Protective case fit for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Made from PU leather, 

this flip case turns into a stand and contains pockets for your ATMs or credit cards. 

Available at Hokkoh.

8. Clarissa Clutch by Ichigo, Php 520.

From the Clarissa collection comes these oversized clutches accentuated with pyramid studs. 

Comes in five pastel colors. 

A product of Ichigo Shoes. 

9. Finn and Jake Plushies, Php 600 each.

It's Adventure Time! Upcycled, handcrafted, and made with love, 

these plushies are a surefire hit with kids and kids-at-heart! 

Made especially for you by PopJunkLove.

10. Amber Lights Reed Diffuser, Php 620.

Organic, eco-friendly, and guaranteed phthalate-free, these reed diffusers come in 

six aromatic scents that can last from six to eight months. 

Available in 100 mL bottles at Amber Lights Laguna.

11. Look Beauty UK Brow Perfect Kit, Php 900.

Fool-proof, picture perfect brows made easy with this handy kit! 

Contains eyebrow stencils, fixing gels, mini tweezers, 

double-ended precision applicators, and brow shades.

Available at Skye Avenue.

12. Stila Lip Glaze Trio, Php 990.

Pucker up with Stila's most popular lip gloss in three gorgeous hues. 

Guaranteed to give your lips a splash of color and a healthy, glossy shine.

Available at Stuff in Style.

And there you have it - my Holiday Gift Guide with something for everybody. Hope you all get your shopping done within the next few days. After all, Christmas is just two weeks away!

Spazz Saturday #8 | Samsung Galaxy Note 2.

It's here! The Bahamut of smartphones has reached the Philippine shores - finally!
Ladies and gentlemen, meet the Samsung Galaxy Note 2.

I have my eyes set on this baby, and I reckon the husband will get this as a not-so-surprise birthday gift for me. Originally, I was lusting for its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Note - which is my Mum's current phone, and the phone overly represented by most Hallyu stars in Korean dramas. (Think Rooftop Prince and To the Beautiful You.)

But when Samsung dropped the bomb (about the Galaxy Note 2) sometime around August, my resolve melted. I was like, "Forget the Note! Forget S3! Who cares about iPhone5? The Note 2 will be mine!" (Insert Maleficent laugh here, lol.)

Check out the phone's features so you can understand my madness.

Stunning Viewing Experience
The Galaxy Note II's 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED display and 16:9 screen ratio allows you to see more content in breathtaking detail. Its innovative design includes a larger display and slimmer body, so it fits just right in your hand.

Air View 
Browse your photos quickly and conveniently without having to open any folders. Thanks to Air View, managing your life's contents is easier than ever before.

Quick Command
Need to send emails, text messages, meeting locations or call contacts immediately? Just write your command on the pad and Quick Command will instantly do it for you.

Popup Note
With Popup Note, you can easily jot down important details such as phone numbers, directions, and other information in the middle of a call. Simply double-tap the screen using the S Pen and you can take note of the details without delay.

Easy Clip
Click. Trace. Clip. Send. That's all it takes to including what you want in email, messenger, S Note, and Scrapbook. Now isn't that easy?

Enhanced Handwriting
Say goodbye to your paper planner! With the Galaxy Note II's enhanced handwriting support, you can send handwritten notes via email. You can even handwrite notes and memos to yourself with the S Planner.

Photo Note
Add a personal touch to your photos. Photo Note allows you to add handwritten notes on the back of your photos, helping you capture those moments perfectly.

Enhanced S Pen / S Note 
Now you have more writing tools and notepad templates to use, so you can always find one to match your creative style.

Pretty amazing, huh?
I'm thinking of getting this baby under Globe Postpaid's Super Plan 999. I've been with Globe for about a decade now, and I have no plans of switching networks yet. And yeah, the mobile number I'm using now is the same one I had ten years ago.

I can't wait for my birthday. :)

It's Saturday! What are you spazzing on?