What does it take for one to be simply fabulous? Let’s strip off the thick layers of foundation, digress from size zero and 24-inch waisted models to something more REAL. The girl inside you.

Me at the studio

Good news! Maybelline and 8TV has joined forces and together, they concocted a star search for average girl-next-doors to live their dream. From thousands of applications, only 10 lucky ladies were selected as finalists for Maybeline New York’s Simply Fabulous reality TV series.

As one of the official bloggers for this competition, allow me to introduce to you the 10 beautiful lasses – all in the running to live their dream. What dreams might they harbour, you ask?

Well, read on and find out for yourself!

One of the younger ones, Zhareen Anshary is one of the 19 year old chicks in the competition. Her dream is to “open an orphanage and to be a successful fashion mogul. As her fashion business grows, so will her contribution to charity” She’s just one that you wont miss! She emits this really sultry aura each time she walks into the room. If looks could kill, she’d have you murdered with her glance.

Ng Bei Shan is a 22 year old lady who appears to be very focused in her career. Her dream is to “further her studies because like a doctor, it takes lots of training to produce a professional in the field of counseling and psychology” She’s one of the quieter ones, but there’s something about her that’s really pleasant. I reckon it’s her smile!

The 25 year old Nurdiana Ashraf bt Abu Bakar, is one that has caught my attention. Partly because she’s the only one clad in a headscarf (tudung) and also because I simply adore that babyface of hers. It’s so cute! Her dream is to “open a boutique which focuses not only on branded items but a boutique for teenagers within all social standards”

Calista Wei Fen Leah Liew’s secret dream is to be a petite model .This 22 year old lass told us she “wants to break boundaries for everyone who has ever been told NO to their dream, and give the average-sized girl a chance to show that they can be as good as tall and size 0 models”. She’s from Sabah by the way – and personally, I feel that she has sucha bubbly personality. That’s the way to go gurl!

Nalinder Manoharan is a 27 year old computer programmer, but secretly… she has always wanted to host a travel show. “I love the idea of being able to meet people from different walks of life from around the world and learn about them, their cultures and their way of life” This chick really has got some spunk and funky sense of style! Rawr I’m diggin’ it babe!

Kimberley Cham Siang Fen is this 24 year old cheerful lass who brings light into the room. She claims to have a bubbly and chatty personality and dreams to “express this part of herself through a travel show as a travel host” Hmm.. now that makes 2 aspiring travel hosts!

Niksyifa Umar bt Nik Aziz is one which you can hear a mile away. The 21 year old pastry lover dreams to “open her very own bakery, working her way into the international market and have everyone sinking their teeth into her lovely creations” Hmm.. now I know who to go to should I want some apple strudel!

Another 19 year old lass, Steffanie Vanessa Schubert is that tall and lanky one you spot. She dreams to “become an actress and a versatile artiste who can easily portray different characters” Do I see the next superstar in the making? You go gurl!

One whom I reckon is a purple-lover, Preeta Sharenia Nithianantham is a 20 year old girl with big dreams as well. She aims to “first work under a renowned international clothing label and then run her own international fashion clothing empire after gaining experience” She totally reminds me of my bestie who is now in the UK. Sniff.

Susilawati Mohd Ariff, a 24 year old airline cabin crew is a pretty artsy-fartsy gal herself. Her dream is to “set up her own dance and performing arts studio for children who dream of becoming a successful performer in dancing,singing or acting but cannot afford the fees” She’s gorgeous! I really admire her sharp features and dreamy eyes. Hey! I’m straight but yeah..

So there you have it. All 10 beautiful girl-next-doors who will eventually battle out and compete among one another in Maybelline-8TV’s ‘Simply Fabulous’ reality TV show. Who will take home RM10K in sponsorship, a trip to New York City and other prizes totalling up to RM50K to live their dream?

Me making them rock on hard.
A GURL’S GOTTA DO WHAT A GURL’S GOTTA DO
Bring out your attitudes and roll!

Well, the 1st webisode will begin tomorrow! Not enough of MDG or other laughter, tears, frustration or even *cough* some biatchy-drama? Log onto www.8tv.com.my/simplyfabulous and check out those girls for yourself.

Follow this reality TV series online and be in for..

THE DRAMA

THE BARENAKED
MAKE-UPLESS FACES

THE HIDDEN TALENTS

That’s what you’ll see on TV, but on benjicajessdotcom, I will be sharing with you some insider scoop, those behind-the-scenes moments and well technically, other scenes and still-shots that did not make it to the show.

Fooling around with the TV crew

Stay tuned as I will be holding some contests too for you to win fabulous Maybelline products and also, exclusive passes to the finale of ‘Simply Fabulous’ star search at a club called.. (I’m not telling which one yet! You’ll find out if you follow closely nyahaha)

These girls will be competing against each other in a few challenges and *whoops* cat-fights, to outdo one another. But it is of course, during this journey they discover the true meaning of healthy competition, friendship and betrayal.
Here’s some hints for you guys on what they’ll be up to next –

Do notice something about the dressing tables?
HAHAHA 🙂

Us playing with the masks.
I wonder what they’re used for in this challenge?
Hmmmm 🙂

Follow the series and I’m pretty sure you’ll either have a favorite one or the one you simply want to bitchslap very soon. For me, I definitely have my favorite girl already! This is one online reality show you don’t wanna miss, join them and their host Sarah Lian. Come back here for more juicy gossip but for now,

For those not in the loop yet, my guestlist is out already! Ya’ll should know where to check yea? 🙂 Same place as where yall wrote your names to RSVP in [this post]

Anyways, the day is tomorrow! That’s right…. it’s gonna be

Just came back from an awesome shopping haul again to prepare myself for what to wear tomorrow at Euphoria. Honestly, this is the 1st time Imma flaunt so much insane colours on myself. Ya won’t even recognize me anymore wtf

My colorful neon buys!

I love themed parties, especially rad ones. Where’s the fun if there ain’t no theme to unleash our creativity? So this time round, the dresscode will be anything that spells fun. Plus points go to colorful tones, neon, happyhappy joyjoy & cheery colors and don’t forget your shades! Wacky sunglasses are good to go!

/shy
Can see price-tag summore FML

Sunnies are a must! It totally sets the mood of

Yeah, too bright till you just have to put on your favorite pair of shades

So for those of you who still ain’t got no clue on what to wear, think

Got the whole gist yet? Awesome.
For the fellas, try decking yourself in something like this if you’re brave to pull it off

The dudes could just go vibrant all the way. Hmm… or just dip yourself in yellow paint and walk around in your birthday suit. Whoops! My thoughts are louder than I thought

Jokes aside, Adidas is a pretty good place to hunt down some neon brights as you’re just in time for their season.

Ladies, here’s the time for you to look like a star! There’s plenty of accessories to choose from and lotsa funky colors for you to splurge on. Diva for accessories and Colors for funky clothes are pretty good places to choose your stuff for the partay!

And don’t forget your nails! Although hmm.. the fellas would prolly look pretty interesting painting their teeth with it to match your nails.

Finally remember! There are absolutely no rules in fashion… it’s just how you wear it and pull it off. Oh but.. there is ONE rule though. Don’t ever be caught dead looking like this psycho-experiment-gone-wrong clown below.

I don’t know who this freak is.
Do you? LOL

STFU
Imma go paint my nails now!

For the 3rd year running, many gorgeous young ladies endured training after training for hours on end and finally strutted their stuff on the catwalk yesterday. Each having their mind set on nothing else but to prove themselves worthy to be the face of Estee Lauder.

Let the games begin

It was divided into 2 categories – Category A & Category B.
One being the contestants below 30 and the other above 30 repectively. Why above 30, you ask? The answer is, why not? Beauty transcends at any age, doesn’t it? 🙂

Anyway, thanks to Mei Fong the Senior PR Manager, I made my way into the competition grounds. It was surprisingly held in the middle of a working afternoon day though. Anyway, the first thing I did after shooting some contestants was to give some love and lucks to Beatrice Au, of which was coincidentally mom’s former colleague.

30 and thriving!

Estee Lauder has always been a favorable brand of cosmetics by me. Heck, mom has a collection of it in her dressing table – of which I secretly used to paint my face with when I was a child of 5.

Whoops the secret’s out, but I think you already know who was behind that smashed lipstick and smeared eyeshadow palate of yours right mom?

I personally love their lipglosses

Contestant with that aforementioned lip pump

To me, I second the fact that beauty is only skin deep. But make up can enhance every single part of that skin depth. So why not make it worthwhile while it lasts?

Last year’s winner, Cay, having her make up touched-up

Many local celebs and TV personalities were invited as well. To name a few, Amber and Xandria graced the event among many others.

The committee of Estee Lauder Model Search o9 were a really fun bunch! You can tell by the looks on their faces, no? 🙂

Okay-lah, since everyone is having a go at the photo wall… I think we should jump onto the bandwagon as well.

Photographers Ken & I
(kindly ignore the uglyshortfringe)

LOL this post will only have one photo of me, due to the reason in brackets.

ANYWAY

After having their hair and make-up done, it was almost time for the showdown. The dresses and other outfits of the ladies were specially designed by Sonny, the boss of Eclipse boutique.

Emcees Daphne & Naz

Would you believe me if I told you they’re married with kids?
Pretty stunning for their age, methinks.

Emcee Naz was donning a rather retro suit for this event. Think black and white movies of Charlie Chaplin back in the days.

And trust me, the walking stick is not a prop!
He had some injuries

The catwalk and Q&A session began rather promptly after the 1st introductary walk. Some were nervous and stammered whilst answering, where as the others were pretty darn calm and very eloquent, if I have to say so myself!

Contestant Mabel having a go

But one answer I especially liked was by Dr. Sharifah. Yes you read right. DOCTOR SHARIFAH. She’s a doctor by profession in the emergency ward.

Seriously, don’t you wish your doctor was this hot?

Guys, get sick more often LOL

3 of 7 from the panel of judges

More Q&A’s ensued as the judges kept vigil towards their communication skills, catwalk, beauty, poise and body shape. I could somewhat see a little scribblings and figures on the score sheets from where I stood but they were too tiny. Anyway, I wouldn’t want any spoilers too 🙂

Contestant Soraya giving her two cents

“Eh, who you think winning ar?”
“Donno lah. Wait la haiyoh”

Ohmy.
Who do you think it will be?

THIS IS IT.
READY?

Estee Lauder Malaysia Brand Ambassador (Category A)
Jennifer Pedersen
Estee Lauder Malaysia Brand Ambassador (Category B)
Carol Lai

Much love & grats to the both of you!
♥

Before I end, I’d like to vehemently express how exorbitant KLCC’s parking fees can be. RM15 for approximately 4 hours?? It’s not as though my friends and I have never parked at KLCC before but look, is the car park gold studded with diamante walls?

Friends of mine mentioned that the 1st installment of Urbanscapes was in 2002 and its sequel was held in 2004. This year, I was lucky enough to be residing in KL; giving me no excuse to conveniently get my arse to KLPAC in Sentul Park where the celebration was.

I’m not KLpac virgin anymore!

This is my take on Urbanscapes for the peeps who left early
I arrived at 7pm!

I only managed to catch Pure Vibracion and Gerhana Ska Cinta do their thang on the stage at X-Lawn. Concerts & more concerts!

/puts on ethnocentric skin. For the love of local music yall!

Oh and, I’m loving the lead singer’s dreadlocks. Looks awesome on him!

There’s more than enough to go around! Come and share the love!

Hmmm.. IDK if my fellow Pokemon fan Yatz is gonna slaughter me but, I observed the way he ate and took some yummylicious photos. *runs and hides*

That aquarium is just one of the many scrap material art on display. Love the way people can be so ingenious sometimes. I bet Robinson Crusoe must be so effin’ proud.

• Wow @ the live Twitter updates displayed on a flat-screen telly
  (Curse my non wifi-enabled cellphone. My tweets ain’t up there!)
  




• A couple of those firebugs actually burnt themselves!




• A can of beer costed RM10
  




• One of the e-boutique owners actually said “F*ck youu lah you should buy this now” when she recommened something to me

Oh and to add to that, there was a Barsonic booth too, out in the open field. You can recognize the Barsonic fans from a mile away, with their funky neon colours and eccentric sense of style.