I have to be honest. I only thought of shapewear once I ventured into the corporate world. The undergarment isn't exactly new to me since I have seen my mom wearing it on special occasions when I was a little girl. I have noticed, though, that my mom would wear them on special occasions and always looked more beautiful wearing them. Not to mention sexier!

Today, I have a couple of nude and black shapewear, which I now find a good wardrobe investment. While I can't speak for other women, wearing it makes me feel confident and empowered. If it has something to do with the illusion that I lose some pounds by wearing it, maybe it's how its magic works for me. I love that wearing shapewear immediately gives me that feminine silhouette, which is its one significant advantage.

Every woman's hourglass figure will complement one's casual attire or sexiest dress when worn with the correct shaper, something instantly attainable without dieting or visiting a cosmetic surgery. Don't we all hate dieting? Just kidding! Knowing its advantage on my part, I plan to add more shape-wear variants to the two that I currently have. I am also looking for different styles apart from the usual ones we see. Hence, I took the liberty to look around online for available and affordable shapewears. Lo and behold! Fortunately, I've found some, and they go in my cart!

Anyway, guys, where do you mainly shop for clothing these days? In a boutique or a shopping center? I hate to admit it, but I do shop online these days. I find it very convenient, especially when working around the clock. Below are some of the best I've found, and I hope my humble list can help you, too, if you're also looking for one.

First on my shopping cart is this body shaper faja tank top made of breathable fabrics. What I love most about this is that I can easily fit this for my everyday wear, and that it is so comfortable. I also admire its durability. The whole thing has a corset fitted with steel bones. This keeps my baby fats hidden, giving me that flawless hourglass silhouette.

There are days when I feel lazy to do my usual stretches and walking. To keep my tummy in control, I would love to wear this panty faja control abdomen shaper. I love the best sellers from Faja as they vary in range, style, and sizes for every woman. Their tummy control shaper is excellent on social occasions, especially those that require us to wear figure-hugging dresses.

Lastly, I've been eyeing their lace classic daily butt-lifting panties, which are functional and oh-so-pretty. If you have read some of my fashion blogs, you'd know how much I admire laces. I promise it's one of my favorite fabrics. I love how it makes anyone look instantly feminine and formal. Plus, anyone can wear this with a skirt or jeans. I can't wait to style this one.

How about you? Do you plan to purchase any body shaper soon? Remember, you can't control everything in life, but you can manage your waist and tummy with high-quality body shapewear.

I still remember the day

you held my hand and told me, 

you can drive for eternity 

all I have to do is wrap my arms 

tighter around you.  

Going through this new route with you,

I've lost count of the stop signs we've ignored. 

Turning red lights to green, 

always choosing to make love win. 

I swear, I'll put a brake on my fast thoughts,

so my words won't crash and hit you.  

Do you know that I always believe in you?

You're the one I want my ma and pa to meet; that's also true. 

My lover, will you still drive with all the baggage I carry with me? 

What if I tell you that I left 

all the reasons to love me at a gas station? 

Will I be enough to hit the road with you? 

Twenty years from now, when I no longer look like the singer you adore, 

when I can't make you blush like a teenager with a crush anymore,  

Will love still be enough for you to drive me home?

If there’s one gift that would surely bring a smile to my face it would probably be the new makeup. I’m not exactly adventurous when it comes to trying new brands of makeup, but if an opportunity arises for me to see if something works better than what I already have, then I wouldn’t pass on the chance to do it.

Recently, I got my hands on some products from Focallure, a makeup brand from China. I got them as gifts from a friend and she swears by some of the items that she sent me. I have heard of the brand from a popular online shopping portal in the Philippines, but I haven’t tried any of them. I know most ladies would cringe at using products from a brand that is not exactly a household brand yet, but I don’t want to make my friend feel bad by not trying on some of the gifts she gave me. 

Below is a photo of the Focallure makeup my friend gave me. I have used the products occasionally, and I grew to love some of them, which is why I decided to write this review, apart from sharing an unbiased insight for each item. The products from Focallure come at affordable prices, so I can understand the hesitation of many beauty lovers to purchase and use any of them. However, I also believe that price isn’t the only way to know if one thing works or not.

Not knowing anything about Focallure, I decided to learn more about the brand, and what I’ve learned from its official website is that Focallure, pronounced as “Fo-co-llure”, is a cosmetic company that aims to bring out each person’s undiscovered beauty through the power of makeup. The brand was established in 2014 by a group of fun-loving makeup scientists who came together to make cosmetics unmatched in the industry. I wish there was more information about the brand itself, but I was glad to find that it has a viable website online.

Tinted Eyebrow Gel 

It wasn't long ago since I started using tinted eyebrow gels. Although I love how much time I can save using eyebrow pens, using eyebrow gels give my eyebrows a more defined look. Also, it lasts longer than eyebrow pens. I love this gel from Focallure; it lasts long and color stays throughout the day. Plus, it's relatively cheaper compared to other eyebrow gel brands I have purchased the previous year.

Gel Eye Liner (Black)

When I welcomed the new year, I told myself to be ready to try new things, including new and better products. Trying on gel eye liners is one of the things that I've always love trying and I'm happy that I'm able to do it.

The gel eye liner from Focallure does work. It has the right consistency and it dries pretty. However, my eye lids being sweaty, I don't think this will work on my everyday make up look since it takes time to put them on, and sadly, it smudges on certain amount of wetness on the skin. Hence, I would not recommend this to those who have oily eye lids. Still, it's a great product and you can still use it if you're not doing so much physical work.

The start of the year is the ideal opportunity to update your wardrobe. If you live somewhere far from the tropics and enjoyed plenty of snow last December, it's time to get rid of those bulky boots, scarves, and sweaters that have been accumulating in your closet all winter. Spring might be just around your horizon, while here in the Philippines, we will be enjoying summer real soon.

To remain relevant this year, you can swap them out for something current. In this manner, you can present your best self for all upcoming occasions, including parties, dates, and activities, making a positive impression on everyone you encounter. Aside from that, buying the proper wardrobe items could help you improve your entire attractiveness.

Here are some pieces that can instantly revamp your 2023 wardrobe without shelling so much cash out of your bank account.

Classic Pieces

Little black dresses and white button-up shirts are examples of classic pieces as opposed to passing trends that could become outdated after a few months or years. You can build a versatile capsule wardrobe with a little amount of mixing and matching that works for any event or season.

A black, plaid, or any neutral-colored blazers will always come in handy no matter what year it is. Also, be sure to have one in different fabrics if you will be traveling a lot this year. Going somewhere colder? A well-made blazer made of wool might be just what you need.

Quality Underwear

You don’t have to splurge on designer brands to look great. Instead, you can put an expensive look by adding quality underwear and a long sleeve shapewear bodysuit in your wardrobe. A lot of us don’t put too much detail on our underwear as long as they're comfy, but knowing its full potential can elevate your look. Good undergarments will not only make you feel comfortable as you get through your day but it can also boost your confidence as it hides away unwanted bumps and bulges in your outfit. In turn, you’d look more polished. This is really helpful especially if you are wearing lighter fabrics and sporting a professional look.

After a couple of mind-boggling years during the pandemic, people will surely enjoy a lot of parties this year. Expect a lot and prepare for it as face-to-face interactions are increasing. Who knows, a friend or two will be inviting you this month for a formal occasion. In that case, you might be wearing long gowns or figure-hugging dresses. For such types of clothing, shapewear bodysuits will be your best friends.

Pop of Color

While monochromatic clothing will continue to be popular, you can experiment and add exciting pops of color to your wardrobe. Consider how you might incorporate various red, blue, and yellow hues into your attire. You might feel more confident after wearing these hues. You might be keen to experiment with new appearances in 2023. For instance, it would be advisable to get a pair of caramel pants if you saw them because they would match nicely with the majority of your tops. You might also use a vivid blue coat to give your outfit choices more visual oomph. Just one or two colorful pieces will do; you don't need to use a lot.

Whether you are heading for a minimalist or embracing a whole new pop of rainbow and trends in your wardrobe this year, make sure that you love every piece. It also wouldn’t hurt to invest in something that you can re-wear time and again or mix and match with your existing clothes. Fashion trends come and go so knowing a thing or two about what’s hot is also a great idea. If there’s something basic such as a waist trainer that you haven’t added to your closet yet, this year might be the best time to have them.