Nicocosity

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Travel
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Creative
What is Class Act, you ask? Let me tell you a short story...

Listen up!
For Christmas of 2016, I remember my boyfriend asking me what gift do I want to receive. He gave me options such as shoes, bags, and books, however I felt that those options felt meh- though I really don't mind whether he decided to give me a cactus or a happy meal, I'll still be happy with whatever it is (hopefully he isn't reading this). After stumbling upon a Youtube video of a polymer clay tutorial, I got so fond of it that I insist that he take me to this magical place called, Deovir.

Yes gurl!
Why magical, you ask? Well, it is a craft store that sells soooo many cool art goodies, and yeah they sell polymer clays. So after an hour of looking at different clays and tools, I ended up with a basic set.


And from then on, I am able to do these bad guys:








After posting these in my social media profiles, a couple of friends became really interested in getting their hands on these little bibis, so that's when I decided to make it into a bonafide small business.

With that, if you ever feel like splurging your money on little knick knacks, or if you are genuinely unsure what to give as a giveaway for a certain event or celebration, why not check out Class Act here ♥  or if you are lazy to click the link, here you go:



Love Always,
Nicole ♥

P.S.
I told yah it's just a short story *wink*
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No Comments
When I was younger and much foolish I always consider having a cat-eye a staple look for me. Back then, bibi Nicole always has blunt bangs, so the need for eyebrows on-fleek isn't that high. Back then, my go-to eyeliner product was Etude House's Oh m'Eye Line Eyeliner where I would have my upper lids in jet black, while my waterline in its glittery silver version.
My life-saver
Time have definitely changed, where I have traded these bad boys for Skin Food Choco eyebrow powder (which smells like chocolate, hnnng)which resulted to me having my muscle memory totally forgot how to do a finesse flick- Actually forgetting how to do make-up overall.

Me, now.
But with all the upcoming shindigs and travels on my way, I figured I have to get back and embrace my make-up junkie-ness (lol), and with that I decided to do baby steps. In doing so, I figured I should probably start with something very affordable before dabbling with MACs and Bobbi Browns. With that, I ended up in Miniso.


For those who have no idea what Miniso is Have you been living under a rock? , it is a low-cost shop that sells everything you can think of. They have everything, from toys to stationery, and even drinks! Its aesthetic looks like Uniqlo, but the extensiveness of its products is akin to Muji. The brand is marketed as 'Japanese', but really all of its stuff is made in China. They sprouted like mushrooms in the Philippines 2 years ago, and ever since they have been a big hit with the Filipinos.

Since looking for a branch of Miniso is as easy as spotting a McDonald's, it was easy for me to scour these goodies. Usually, the only thing I buy in Miniso are stationery and socks, but I have never bought make-up products from there, despite being really curious about it. Perhaps the reaaaally low price point makes me think, 'This is too good to be true", so I always pass by the make-up counter and go directly to where the pens are at.

Carry On, Move Along

Anyway, this time I decided to whisk away those thoughts and just buy all these stuff. Soooo, let's begin with the Mascara:


1. ALL-WEATHER NO SMUDGE MASCARA - Php 99.00 or around $ 2.00
Yup, not joking this retails for 99 pesos only. At that time when I was looking at the make-up counter, there are only 2 varieties of mascaras available, one is this, and the other is a volume maximizing mascara. However the other one doesn't have this:

Yup, this one's waterproof. 

VERDICT:
I hate it. HAHAHAHA! I don't know, but it's so clumpy! It's my first time to use it, and it's just so clumpy! When I applied it in my lashes, it did not perform well either. My lashes ended up looking like spider legs. Yikes! I did not even bother taking a photo of it, because it looks awful :/


2. EYELINER - Php 99.00 or around $ 2.00
Unlike the mascara, there's a myriad of types of eyeliners available. There's some that promises more precision, then there's also that claims it is super waterproof, so in the end I opt with this one since I suppose it's the best of both worlds- and look at how shiny the gold packaging looks like ♥

VERDICT:
Oh wow, I hate it too! HAHAHAH! Don't be fooled by how you apply it on your hands or wrist, because it's so difficult to put it in your eyes! Sure, I'm not as adept as I was in drawing a cat-eye, but daaaaayum, this runs quite patchy on the eyes! I've tried using it for the whole day, to see if at least its' waterproof claim would bring justice to this... but no. it disappointed me even more. So at the end of the day, I looked like I had a boxing match with all the smeared eyeliner in my eye area *sigh*


3. EYELASH CURLER - Php 99.00 or around $ 2.00
The only non-make-up item I bought is this mint green eyelash curler with grip support. Originally, this is the only item I was after for when I entered the store- I should have just trusted my instinct and just bought this HAHAHA!

VERDICT:
Surprisingly, this is good. This item does what it promises, it curls the eyelashes ☺ Though of course, it lacks the magic effect of what a Shu Uemura curler does, but hey what can you expect from Php 99 pesos compared to a Php 1,000+ one, right?

So, is Miniso Make-up worth it?
Well, it is very affordable, however if you have high expectations, don't even bother buying because you'll just end up being disappointed. I think the only scenarios buying make-up from Miniso is acceptable is when you have an emergency event, or if you just want to experiment, however if your criteria doesn't fit within the two, spare yourself from the heartbreak and buy equally affordable and trusted brands like Maybelline, or even local brands like Careline and Nichido.

Also, I've read a couple of stuff online where people are apprehensive about trying Miniso make-up, since they are soooo affordable that the ingredients used in making them are probably toxic, or at least harsh to the skin. So far, I did not experience any irritation or bad effects, but if you really are skeptic in trying them, buy non-make-up items in Miniso instead, they are much better than the make-up -And yes, I'll forever vouch for the Miniso Acrylic Markers ♥

With that, I shall go to Etude House now and get myself a fresh piece of jet black Oh M'Eye Line.

Love, Always,
Nicole ♥

P.S.
As of August 3, 2018 I have lost the mascara. I remember putting it in my jacket pocket yesterday, and when I checked the pocket, it is officially missing. R.I.P. Miniso Mascara.

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No Comments
Basically, the title of this post is the agenda of this day. July 7, 2018 was indeed a productive, and culture-filled day! I remember squeezing in sooo many activities, that ended up turning right! Anyway, let me put on my story-telling mode on...

WERQ IT
Initially, the only agenda I have set for that day was to apply for our (Me and Imman's) Japan visa, which we have planned a couple of weeks ago. We really don't have any plans later that day, except to take turns in playing Overwatch or stuffing ourselves with chicken. Well, things turned a bit interesting when...
... yup, Hannah asked me to go to a ballet with her ♥ I haven't been to a ballet before, and figured why not see it- and it's free! Hahaha! With that, July 7, 2018's plans includes: Japan Visa Application in the morning + Ballet in the evening.



In the morning, we applied for our Japan Visa in Reli Tours Dusit Thani branch in Makati. I was expecting long lines, and long hours for the application, but oh boy I was wrong. There were no lines, and we actually spent 10 minutes only in Reli Tours- I'll blog about Japan Visa application soon ☺ Leaving me with sooooo much time to waste before the 7:30 PM Ballet at Aliw Theater. Good thing, me and Imman's mind seemed to have synchronized, and decided to go to the National Museum or Natural History in Manila.


One of the things to consider when going to the museums in Manila, especially when you have a car, is parking. You see, there aren't much parking slots near the museums, and no matter how enticing it seems to just park your car anywhere near the vicinity of the museums, please don't, unless you don't mind losing your side mirrors- or worse, your car. With that dilemma, we decided to park our car in SM Manila, which is a stone's throw away from the Museums. By the way, just so you know the three museums namely: National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology, and the newest one, National Museum of Natural History are all close to each other, so you wouldn't need to take a pedicab or a grab to go from one place to another.

Once we arrived in SM Manila, we decided to eat some lunch first, since there aren't any good place to eat near the area of the museum.

Yes, we only ate mayo, mustard and some garnishings; that's how committed we are with Keto ☺
From SM Manila, we walked going to National Museum of Natural History, since it is near and it's not yet raining that time. On our way to the museum, we passed by National History of Anthropology, and Rizal Park.


The facade of the museum is majestic. However what we saw next is not so majestic...


Yup, there's a loooong queue going to the main entrance of the museum. If you are with younglings, PWDs or Senior Citizens, you can bypass this line by entering another door that can give you a fast pass to the museum- lol, ginawang Disneyland ride. After around 15 minutes of being in line, we have finally reached the door! Just when we thought we are finally getting inside the museum proper...


There are more lines inside the foyer!!!!!! Hahaha. KALURKS! Rather than getting annoyed by the fact that there are sooooo many people, especially teenagers and students, I actually felt happy and glad that kids these days are actually going to museums to learn and be as cultured-as-a-yakult as well!

*Side story: When we were in line, we saw this kid with a Yakult-shaped backpack! I'm not shit-brixing here, there really is a kid lugging around a Yakult bag! Such Culture indeed (I should have taken a photo of the kid, she is #goals!)*


The first notable thing you'll see is the "Tree of life" which is basically a beautiful elevator that you won't be allowed to ride. Another thing that will welcome you is this guy:

A same sized replica of Lolong, the largest crocodile in captivity.
There are still some parts of the museum that aren't open or completed, particularly the upper floors- but hey, everyone should go and see the museum! Oh, haven't I mentioned that admission is free... FOREVER? Yep, I think this is our government's way of encouraging its citizens to learn more about our history, our culture, and the arts that our country has. So, if you're thinking of going, but you only have money for transpo and a Paotsin meal, don't worry, the admission to the 3 museums I have mentioned are free forever.

Here are some 'reminders' when it comes to museum-hopping:
1. The 3 mentioned museums have no admission fees! But they are closed during Mondays- just like most of the museums all over the world.
2. It is best to wear your comfiest shoes! You'll be walking a lot, however there are a lot of stools and seats to cool down when you feel your feet is about to give up on you.
3. Don't bring to much stuff! If you bring a backpack or any big bag, they'll ask you to leave it in the baggage counter, which has a looooong line.
4. Don't bring pens, art materials, and weapons- I mean, c'mon you won't need those things.
5. Bring a small nifty umbrella. In order to go to the 3 museums, you'll be walking in paths that don't have any sheds, and with the weather these days, you're a fool if you don't have on hand.


Anyway, I won't explain much about the museum, since I really encourage everyone to go and visit the 3 museums! Instead, here are some photos I have taken during our excursion




Masaya sya guys, di lang sobrang halata


After seeing all the wonders the National Museum of Natural History has to offer, we realized that it was only 1:30 pm, and we still have soooooo much time to spend before my 7:30 PM ballet with Hannah. With that, we decided to go to our favorite museum, The National Museum of Fine Arts, just to see our favorite Juan Luna piece.
Anlaking balakid




After going through our favorite pieces of Art in the museum, we realized that we have only spent 30 minutes in the Museum, and we have already seen what we want to see! Also, it's only 2PM! That's when we decided to go back to SM Manila and watch The Incredibles 2 HAHAHA! Yes, the turns of events in that day are very unexpected and fun. But what's not fun was the sudden pour that caused a lot of floods and blockage in Manila.

No exaggeration here
I was thiiiis close to giving up on ballet night! But since I actually looked forward for it, I still insisted! Despite already arriving in Trinoma from SM Manila, I quickly took an MRT ride going to Taft, then from Taft an LRT ride going to Vito Cruz. One stupid realization I had is, I should have taken an LRT ride coming from the nearest station to SM Manila, rather than go to Trinoma! But oh well. it already happened! I arrived in Aliw Theater at around 8:00 PM, and I think I missed 2 performances *cue sad song*


Initially, I thought I'd find ballet boring. I thought only those from alta-ciudad would appreciate something like this, but hey I was wrong. I admit, my taste on things aren't refined, but hey this girl really enjoyed ballet. One of the notable performances that got stuck in my mind was "Bru" which is a mix of Latin/Salsa dance and Ballet. Another thing that I truly loved was "Arachnida", which fuses sensuality, power, and grace- Basta, maganda sya! Would I want to watch ballet again? Definitely! Should I encourage people to watch ballet? YES!

So there you have it, one of the rare productive weekends of my life ☺

Love, Always,

Nicole ♥

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No Comments
Going to the mall is pretty much a daily occurence in my life, especially since in order for me to go home I have to go pass 4 huge malls. Sure, it is hella fun seeing stores brimming with things you wanted to waste your money on, but of course over-buying stuff isn't fun.


Given that, it's no surprise that a random trip to SM department store's stationery section after a bid, I'd end up taking home 2 new pens. As of this moment I try my best not to buy a lot of art materials because of 3 reasons:
1. I want to REALLY use each art materials that I buy, before buying other brands.
2. I still have a lot at home, hence it just feels unnecessary to keep on buying stuff.
3. I'm going to Japan (the land of amazing art stuff and pens) soon, and I wanna save money (and storage) for it.

Me, in Japan

But because I've been too curious about this certain pen for sometime already, I decided to give in to the urge and get myself 2 colors of Artline Supreme Brush Marker.


I got myself 2 markers in colors Plum and Dark Teal, because the Black one is out of stock- which is pretty much a usual scenario in stationery shops. Though, before I had apprehensions on whether to get myself one, because I thought perhaps this will be just a glorified, and a little bit more expensive older sister version of the Artline Stix (the one that looks like lego). However despite of this, I ended up buying 2 pcs, these retails for Php 59.75 or around $1, which is Php 20 more expensive than the Artline Stix lines. Also, unlike Artline Stix, the Artline Supreme Brush Markers are sold separately. I did ask the salesgirl if ever they will sell these babies in sets, just like the Artline Stix (which comes in 4s. 12s, and 24s sets), unfortunately this won't seem too likely to happen.

Sad
Sooooo, let us start the quick review of this pen, shall we?


Obviously, this is a brush pen perfect for making calligraphy. I did not find it difficult to maneuver, because the brush tip is not too soft or flimsy, nor is it too hard or rigid that it disables the pen to make flexible strokes. Another thing worth noting about the pen is its body, because it's kinda curved so I find it easier to handle, unlike the Artline Stix. Sure, the novelty of the lego-like packaging of the stix is appealing, but hell I find it hard to grip on it! But in terms of the brush tips, I see some improvements in the Supreme line compared to the Stix, however I do have a feeling that it might be easy get frayed, so it's a must to use it in an angle to preserve its form.

As for making thin and thick lines, I don't think it is as versatile as the Pilot Petit Fude pen or the Tombow ABT brushpen, but meh, it still do wonders in making lines without any hassle. Moving on to the ink, and how pigmented it is, somehow it kind of reminds me of Sharpie brush pens-minus the toxic smell of course! But unlike the Sharpie ones, it's not as strong since the ink of Artline Supreme doesn't bleed out at the back of the paper despite doing 2 layers.

Clap clap
As I have mentioned awhile ago, this retails for Php 59.75 or $1 and is available in 20 colors (well, around 10 colors are in stock when I saw it yesterday), which is perfect for those who are beginning to try out calligraphy without the commitment of spending a lot on materials. However, another thing worth noting about the Artline Supreme is that I haven't seen it anywhere yet except in SM department store stationery area in SM Megamall and in shopee : here  (it's also more affordable here). Given that, it's just sad because it's not as accessible like its pricier competitors (I'm looking at you Zig and Tombow).

Cersei ain't pleased
Anyway, here's an artwork I did using these pens

Materials used: Artline Supreme Brushpens in Plum and Teal, Sakura Gelly Roll in crystal and white soufflé, Zig kuretake brushpen in Gray, and random scratch paper from the office hahaha👌

To cap it all off, here's the quick Pros and Cons:

Pros:
👍 At Php59.75 it is a steal, a good alternative to pricier ones that retails at Php100 and above.
👍 Available in multiple colors.
👍 Easy to use, favorable to beginners of calligraphy.
👍 Very pigmented.
👍 Can do thin and thick lines without a sweat.

Cons:
👎 Not as accessible as its competitors.
👎 It's water-based so you can't use it in any surface (unlike the Sharpie Brush pens).
👎 It appears that it may fray easily, but then again it depends on the person using it.
👎 Not available in sets.

Given that, I'd probably give this pen a 4/5 👌👌👌👌. It may not be the best I have used, but it indeed impressed me. 4 for you Glen Coco!


Love Always,
Nicole 🍋
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
1 Comments
The first time I saw a Kate Spade bag was when my older cousin showed off all of her loot from a recent USA trip of hers several years ago. The Kate Spade bag of hers was this box-like pink and orange vinyl-like leather handbag, definitely a standout from the sea of black and red bags swimming inside her balikbayan box. At that moment, the 16 year old in me vowed to have a quirky Kate Spade bag someday.

https://media.giphy.com/media/3o751UsQ7TxjWfMo92/giphy.gif
In acquiring myself a Kate Spade bag, I got so addicted not only with their bags, but with everything the brand has to offer. I've become so engrossed in checking out the sale portion in their site, checking out shoes and accessories that are so cute it makes my eyes water from wanting it so bad.I suppose the reason why my adoration for this brand further flourish is because it embodies what I aspire to be: A quirky, colorful human being who exudes happiness that makes everyone smile. 

My first baby ♥

Indeed, Kate Spade's creations did not only make me smile, but also influenced my taste in fashion, where I opt to dress as brightly and colorfully as what the brand suggests. Aside from the aesthetics, Kate Spade also inspired me to someday create my own clothing line with designs that will make people smile, just like how she envisioned her brand will be in 1991.

https://media.giphy.com/media/3oFzlYXRYs3bMbgjKw/giphy.gif

So when I find out earlier this day that the woman who inspired me to live colorfully hanged herself, I was shocked. Of course I do not know her personally, but just thinking of the fact that this person who embodied cheery quirkiness had gone through something dark and grim, that she ended her life is deeply saddening. Kate Spade is an accomplished designer, who probably lives a comfortable life with her family, and yet she felt immense pain and melancholy. No amount of wealth nor success exempts a person from having depression or challenges with their mental health.  One can never truly know what's going on in a person's life. 

Given that, if you (a reader who stumbled upon my page, a friend, a stranger) ever feel or have thoughts of committing suicide, please please please remember that there are people who cares about you, and are more than willing to listen. Always remember that the world won't be as amazing without you in it, you are a human being worthy of love. Lastly, here's a link to suicide crisis lines : here, and hey if you want to talk I can be a friend to you, just remember to hold on, life is beautiful with you in it. Also, if you know someone who you think is going through something, please do not hesitate to approach them, offer a hug, or simply remind them that you are there for them, because you have no idea how much they need it. Be kind to everyone for we never know what battles other people are going through.



To end this post, I'd like to say Thank you to Kate Spade for inspiring the 16 year old (the present, and the future) me to live my life colorfully. I hope you find the peace you were longing for.


Love Always,
Nicole 

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No Comments
Newer Posts
Older Posts

Nicocosity

Hi, Nicole A. T. here! I write about things ✨

Are you looking for something?

Want to Collab, Sponsor, or You Have a Great Idea?

You can reach me at nicocosity1993@gmail.com ♡

Labels

  • NicDoesArts
  • NicDoesBeauty
  • NicDoesFashion
  • NicGoesToPlaces
  • NicTheBookWorm

recent posts

Blog Archive

  • ▼  2026 (16)
    • ▼  August 2026 (1)
      • How I Ended Up Buying My First Polène in Japan #Ni...
    • ►  July 2026 (2)
    • ►  June 2026 (1)
    • ►  May 2026 (1)
    • ►  April 2026 (1)
    • ►  March 2026 (1)
    • ►  February 2026 (7)
    • ►  January 2026 (2)
  • ►  2025 (3)
    • ►  October 2025 (3)
  • ►  2024 (1)
    • ►  January 2024 (1)
  • ►  2023 (11)
    • ►  October 2023 (2)
    • ►  September 2023 (4)
    • ►  April 2023 (2)
    • ►  March 2023 (3)
  • ►  2022 (2)
    • ►  March 2022 (1)
    • ►  January 2022 (1)
  • ►  2020 (32)
    • ►  December 2020 (3)
    • ►  November 2020 (1)
    • ►  October 2020 (2)
    • ►  September 2020 (1)
    • ►  August 2020 (1)
    • ►  July 2020 (3)
    • ►  June 2020 (3)
    • ►  May 2020 (7)
    • ►  April 2020 (3)
    • ►  March 2020 (5)
    • ►  February 2020 (3)
  • ►  2019 (34)
    • ►  December 2019 (3)
    • ►  November 2019 (1)
    • ►  October 2019 (7)
    • ►  September 2019 (2)
    • ►  August 2019 (2)
    • ►  July 2019 (3)
    • ►  June 2019 (3)
    • ►  May 2019 (4)
    • ►  April 2019 (2)
    • ►  March 2019 (2)
    • ►  February 2019 (3)
    • ►  January 2019 (2)
  • ►  2018 (29)
    • ►  December 2018 (2)
    • ►  November 2018 (5)
    • ►  October 2018 (3)
    • ►  September 2018 (2)
    • ►  August 2018 (6)
    • ►  July 2018 (1)
    • ►  June 2018 (2)
    • ►  May 2018 (5)
    • ►  February 2018 (2)
    • ►  January 2018 (1)
  • ►  2017 (17)
    • ►  December 2017 (2)
    • ►  November 2017 (7)
    • ►  October 2017 (6)
    • ►  March 2017 (2)
  • ►  2016 (2)
    • ►  July 2016 (1)
    • ►  June 2016 (1)
  • ►  2014 (1)
    • ►  July 2014 (1)
  • ►  2013 (8)
    • ►  April 2013 (7)
    • ►  March 2013 (1)
  • ►  2012 (42)
    • ►  December 2012 (1)
    • ►  October 2012 (4)
    • ►  September 2012 (1)
    • ►  August 2012 (1)
    • ►  July 2012 (3)
    • ►  June 2012 (5)
    • ►  May 2012 (6)
    • ►  April 2012 (8)
    • ►  March 2012 (7)
    • ►  February 2012 (3)
    • ►  January 2012 (3)
  • ►  2011 (40)
    • ►  December 2011 (3)
    • ►  November 2011 (4)
    • ►  October 2011 (13)
    • ►  September 2011 (8)
    • ►  August 2011 (5)
    • ►  July 2011 (3)
    • ►  June 2011 (1)
    • ►  May 2011 (3)

Created with by BeautyTemplates | Distributed by Blogger