Your burning questions, answered. Took me about three full days to answer everyone’s questions but here they are. From editing apps, to my love life, to my butt work out routines that everyone asks about. All truths and nothing but.
BEAUTY
- alwayselusivekg Living in New York, what is your facial routine and how does it change from season to season? Whats your go to foundation as well?
I barely change my make-up routine. I’ve been doing the same routine since highschool! The major thing I do change is my skincare routine which is the most important part of living in a city with four seasons. Foundations are a no-go for me. I’ve switched to Nars Tinted Moisturizers! They have enough coverage and is a healthier choice for your face.
- mamariel_What product/s do you use for your brows? Sending love all the way from Toronto (come visit us here!) and thanks for being an inspiration love, a fellow pinay
I switched my brow routine about 6 months ago and wondered why I’ve never used the Anastasia Dip brow ever before! Thanks for the love!
- http.dragonWhat skincare products do you use?
In the mornings I use Kiehl’s Daily Reviving concentrate, and at night I use The Face Place’s Collagen Moisturizer. Serums are oil based and moisturizers are water based. Your skin needs ample balance of both so it’s good to use both daily 🙂
- mikeibella What products do you use to keep your skin acne free?
Once a week exfoliate with a salicylic acid based scrub to take out impurities and balance the pH of your skin with serum and moisturizer.
HAIR
- viancamandalica I’ve always been thinking of dying my hair dark grey like yours! How exactly did the dyeing process go?
The dyeing process took an entire day. Having colored hair is a full time job. The dyeing process starts off with stripping your dark hair completely of its color using the lightest and strongest bleach possible. Second, it will be platinum blonde and so your colorist will gloss it to a grey color. Note all the bleach and chemicals you are adding onto your hair. Nature will take its course and your hair will begin to dry out, be course, fall out, break apart and won’t ever be the same ever again — unless you already have light hair to begin with. Lucky for me, I use Zelda wigs and don’t ever have to bleach my hair ever again. I get to keep my black bob and my grey mane 🙂
- hellotintin Is grey hair too hard to maintain?
Yes it’s a full time job to maintain and it gets very expensive. It is not meant to be a lifetime hair color unless it is natural because due to the bleach and gloss process, you will lose your hair , I can guarantee that.
- lea.venl How do you make your hair so perfect?
One word: Zelda Wigs.
ETHNICITY
- sunnypuns_when is your birthday?
My birthday is on February 5.
- smileforhiba what is ur zodiac sign? :p love uuuuu ♡♡♡♡
You’re so sweet! Love you right back! I am an aquarius.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
- _uyen_h What education path did you take to get where you are today?
I did not go through an education to get to where I am today. I went to school for General Science, Nursing and Healthcare Management, graduating with a health management bachelors degree. Passion, the drive to inspire and follow my own path is what got me to where I am today. No education required, just struggles.
- kathykaelyn What programs did u take in HS/college that helped you get the dream job that you have have currently? As well as what college did you go to?
I did not go to school to achieve my dream job, nor did Oprah, or Steve Jobs, or Bill Gates, or Gabrielle Chanel. All it takes it the drive to make a little bit of difference, the want to inspire others, and being yourself. When you are doing what you absolutely love, you have 90% more of a chance to succeed than if you are doing something for the want of money. The universe always provides as long as you do your own part of doing more than just existing.
- kazo.8 What university/college do you recommend for fashion design
I did not go to any Fashion university or school but I think FIT in New York is a good school for it.
STYLE
- chelseanatics What did u do to learn all about fashion?
I learned by simply following my own intuition and learning what makes me most comfortable in my own skin and confident. I’ve also learned that trying too much and hard only sabotages yourself and your path of getting to where you want to be. Simply being yourself is all it takes.
- evoxai What are some style rules you live by?
If it makes you confident, if its most you and if you love it yourself and not because others would, then go for it! This is the only rule I follow.
- chalkye Who are your biggest fashion inspirations? ?
My mother, Everything Club Monaco and Margaret Zhang is always bae.
- chloezhng How do you build a wardrobe you can mix and never get too much repetition if you know what I mean? Like keeping it fresh
Basic staples! They are comfortable, easy to match and pair up with anything and basics will always be classics no matter what anyone says.
- slen.a Do you own any colour?
Yes! A crap ton of vegetables and fruits in my fridge 🙂
- faniliakon What’s your 3 favourite clothing pieces?
My black motto leggings, my white V neck and my black leather jacket are three basic classic staples I can play on repeat.
- alys.a What is your go to outfit when you’re in a rush?
All black or minimal colored gym clothes.
LIFESTYLE
- siscauli What is your longterm target in life @thegreylayers ?
Happiness and Peace in life.
- fiennica What is your advice for the youth to improve career life or hobby
Never do anything for the money. Your parents might be pushing you into a career or college degree because it “pays” a lot of money. You might even be going for it because it’s what “makes sense in society”. Do it for you. Do it because you can’t sleep at nigh thinking about how excited you are to start your day. Do it because it makes a difference. Do it because you love it. Do it because it gives you purpose everyday. Money comes after that. Like I’ve mentioned, the universe always provides, just do you and do it well.
- landuhhh Advice/tips to maintain drive/motivation throughout each individual’s journey towards their dreams? Especially for those times before goals are met/uncertainty is rampant! 🙂
First thing’s first: Believe you’re on your way. Give yourself some more credit. It won’t work if you don’t believe it will. Your entire experience on this planet is determined by how you choose to perceive your reality. What you choose to focus on because your reality. Choose you and your dream every single time. Focus on that. Want it so damn bad. Go get it.
- _no03_What’s your favorite type of song ?
I love Trapsoul and just trap in general. I also love the 80’s and jazz. I want to know how jazz feels like.
- markbustos Where can I buy the best diniguan @babyl_a_l_a
My mom’s kitchen.
- oh.nanazWhat do you do when you’re feeling stuck creatively and don’t know which path you gotta take to ‘upgrade’ yourself? ?
Take a trip. A new perception and view always uplifts the soul and facelifts your whole life.
- mpvlovve Are you satisfied with yourself?
In every way yes and no. I am because I have come far and have gone through so much and I couldn’t be happier and more grateful. No because there is always room for growth and improvement. If you are too satisfied, you might as well be a tree.
- thesittieland What are your tips to get motivated whenever you’re feeling a little sad? How do you break out of it?
We all hit a wall but it’s up to you to get through or past it. I have to pull myself together most of the time because no one else will do it for me. I get out of my normal routine when I feel this way. I switch my schedule around and immerse myself in the little things, like a new cafe, a new book, a new museum visit or a new shade of lipstick.
- drizzlingessentials I started my own company a year ago, and as soon as I did some people who I thought were my friends started writing nasty comments about me on my social media and on Twitter. It’s been one year and these people continue to bully me online. I’ve ignored them, but the main person continues to come in my way and just won’t stop. At this point I have haters at a college that I don’t even go to!! Any thoughts on what I can do, since this girl and her friends continue to harass me?
Do they pay your bills? Do they help you in any way with your own problems? If you don’t have haters then you’re not doing it right. You can be the brightest most ripest peach in the world but there will still be people who won’t like you. It’s just how life is. Ignore them. Keep doing you. You’re doing great! You have your own business that pays , they aren’t. So what’s really going on here, answer yourself. 🙂
- mili.c.fl Do you watch k-dramas?
I never got into them :(.
- decadentdrama do you consider yourself as a minimalist?
I am a minimalist in every way. Minimalism isn’t just my aesthetic, it’s my way of life. I own only what I need, spend only on what I need, surround myself with people who only support, love and respect my growth and loved ones’ well being. I love what I love and don’t engage in things/people that are unnecessary. My shades are more than just colors. To many they’re simply aesthetics. To me, it goes beyond that. It’s about uncomplicating life. Life’s too short for the unnecessary.
- _thekitkatbarWere you ever lost on what to do with you life? If so, how did you figure things out?
Yes. It took me tons of mistakes to get to where I am now and I still have yet tons to learn. It’s always going to be a continuous learning process. You can’t learn without making mistakes and getting lost. Surprisingly, getting lost and making mistakes are the answers to figuring things out in life. Goodluck!
- kristinaamae Do you speak any other languages besides English?
Yes I speak slight French and speak Filipino (Visayan).
- luxuryccv Ur favorite tv series?
I am so hooked on Big Bang Theory ( so nerdy, I know.)
- itscarus What types of literature do you love and if I send you a book would you read it?
I love self helps a lot and occasional classics. And ofcourse!
- hvbasa DO YOU LOVE US
I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH.
- yayorkay Who’s your girlcrush?
Emily Skye! She’s an awesome inspiration and great at what she does!
- chicpeajc why you so perfect?!
Not even!
- milanprt Where do you find your inspiration?
In architecture, shadows, lines, everyday people and nature.
- fefefetus Are you happy doing what you do? 🙂
Way too happy to describe and it’s all because of you guys ! 🙂
BLOG Q/ADVICE
- ohsnapitzlizzie What inspired you to start blogging and how do you stay consistent?
The thought of inspiring others and moving people to work and focus on their own passions inspires me everyday to keep at it.
- astoldbychristi favorite influencers?
One: Margaret Zhang.
- itsvday Nothing to ask! Just to tell you that your insta in amazing and you’re fab! Keep up the awesome work! ❤️
This is amazing! Thank you for the love 🙂 I appreciate you tons!
- c.chxvz Any advice for someone who wants to start blogging? (: thanks! ?
Be yourself. Following someone else will lead you to no growth. Write about what you love. Do it for the love of it. Goodluck 🙂
- fannyelle When you first start, did you contact a brand or did they contact you?
I started off writing about my outfits – No brands contacted me. I didn’t do it for the money or the fame. I did it because it inspired others to find their own passions too. When the brands rolled in, it was I who reached out in the beginning. Now it’s 99% the brands and 1% me.
- thekoleenhernandez What tips do you have for writing content for your blog? How do you maintain connections with people you meet and see?
I write about what I like and what I believe in. Things are bland when its forced. Never write or compromised yourself for things you don’t want to write about. I am choosy with the people I keep my connections with. If I like the connection and want to keep it, showing gratitude always makes the biggest impact, no matter how small they’ve helped, or impacted your blog.
- thesavvyheart In your professional opinion. What critiques/ tips do you have for a small brand like ours? Thanks! ♡♡
Be open to marketing through influencers more to spread the word of mouth about your market. You have amazing product :)you just need a little push! Goodluck !!
- gofitjo How did you get to where you are now? I love that you constantly talk so open and vulnerable about life, struggles, and your journey. Way to infuse that aspect in life with style. (My number one reason why I love following your account.)
I had to go through getting lost, being homeless, spending all my money, not having my family’s support or understanding, crappy modeling among many other terrible experiences to get here and I still have yet a lot to learn. Talking about your struggles and keeping it real is the only way to inspire others and let them know that everyone has a fair chance if they choose to take it. it’s all about perception and giving yourself more credit that you can do it! Thanks for the love Jo! I always tell my sister who just started lifestyle and fitness blogging to look at your for inspo because you are amazing 🙂
- connorsurdi When are we going to collaborate? ??
Send me an email.
- jor.vision Do you need a photographer? Lol
Sometimes I do. I love working with new talent. Send me an email.
- fionahx3 How do you balance work life and still have the time for yourself?
There is never time, you have to make time. Luckily for me, my work is sort of my lifestyle as well and my job never feels like a job. I am very lucky and very grateful.
- maxxgerardo How did you get recognized?
You really just have to embrace what makes you weird. That’s what makes you different. Use it to your advantage.
- shearenusch What’s your biggest tip for cultivating a presence/brand on social media? Love your Insta and your blog ?
Thanks for the love! Consistency is key. That’s all I have to say.
- artpopcummshot What was the first brand you worked with and how did they find you? ?
No clue how they found me but it was an underwear company.
- carly_tice How long have you been blogging and how have you created such a great Instagram following? ??
I’ve been blogging full time for only two years but have been creating my social media presence since 2009.
- carly_tice What would you recommend for new bloggers looking to increase their following?
Don’t focus on the following number, focus of making sure there is depth in your content. Make sure you are posting more than just a pretty picture.
- spassstic What’s your advice for young people going into a creative field? How do you stay away from negativity in your field
You choose to stay away. It’s a choice. Surround yourself with only people who love and respect your hustle and your way of life. Quality over quantity.
- mariateguifranciscoHow do you write great content for a fashion and lifestyle blog without it being repetitious?
You write from the heart and you will write well.
- annecdgn How do you edit your instagram pictures ?
I play with the contrast and the brightness and stay far away from filters. I go for a natural photo look where less becomes more.
- laurenlalipop Who’s your hottie with a body assistant???
Her name is Ellena and she’s a cutie huh?
- missmisschelle Do businesses contact you to attend meetings/appointments and do you attend these occasions to help market brands?
I do them because I love the brands and I love their products 🙂 I never work with brands I don’t believe in or want to use ever. The second reason is because yes it is for marketing reasons ofcourse :).
- chrissy.tran I love your overall feed! What kind of camera and editing apps do you use?
Thank you! I use my iphone on 99% of my photos.
- xoloverahma How do you edit your pics?
Step one: Adjust the brightness, Step two: Adjust the contrast. Step 3: VSCO. Choose very minimal filtering.
I use the following apps: Phototoaster and Warmlight. VSCO occasionally.
- nycxclothes Can you tell us more about brand collaborations/partnerships? Anything from the logistics of how that happens, how one can reach out to brands and tips to maintain your social media presence and your followers engaged. Thanks ?
Social presence is achieved through consistency. Once you’ve achieved the presence and the consistency, the brands will naturally roll in.
- chelseanatics Who takes most of your pictures?
My boyfriend / instagram husband @VarickTecson
- disdainfulpoet I would like to know the filter you use if it’s from Vsco which one is it ?
I use the A series but tweak it when I do use it.
- jadenotjasmine How do you stay consistent? In posting that is. Do you have someone who always takes your photos, or do you have a timer? I want to post more often but this is my struggle
I post 4-6 times a day consistently. It’s a push that you must do for yourself.
- __pineeapple Did you always want to be a blogger? Did you ever want to quit? How do you get through difficult times?
I had no idea this was called blogging when I started. I just kept writing about what I loved, what inspired me, what I hated and etcetera. I love my work so much that it never feels like work. I would never want to quit. GreyLayers has become my baby. She gets me through the most difficult of times.
- uhh.sha.nah What other brands are you looking forward to collaborating with? And any thoughts on designing? It was so great to meet you last summer; you’re really inspirational and true to yourself??
Thanks so much ! 🙂 I really appreciate that! I have so much in store! I just can’t share yet. 🙂 Soon!
FITNESS
- linhtvo How do you work out your lower body?
I do 300 squats everyday and I kick box every other day. I eat what I want because in order to achieve the booty, one must eat. You cut your intake and only exercise and you lose it. Balance your eating with daily ab workouts as well and eat tons of fiber so you never get build up in your system which equals out to muffin tops due to eating whatever you want. I take tons of fish oil and once a week I rub fish oil directly onto my butt cheeks. You will be guaranteed to see results in 6 months.
- lookitssteffy What’s your fitness routine besides kickboxing? And how much weight do you use in your exercises?
15 minutes of jump rope, 12×4 mountain climbers, 12×4 glute activation lunges, 300 squats daily and kickboxing every other day. I don’t really lift. I do 10 pounds with squats and lunges but I don’t lift.
- amyverity What’s your fave exercise / work out? Love your style and your realness xx
I love Kickboxing. It’s the ideal work out. You lose about 800 calories per session.
TRAVEL
- lalalaandrea Were you in Alaska?
No I went to Morocco instead! But Alaska is on my list.
- thesweetdreama Do you plan visiting Russia ??
Yes ! It is on my list 🙂
- missizaacs what city do u recommend? favourite hotel?
I recommend for everyone to visit Morocco. It will keep you on your feet unlike any other.
- adeltemes r u planning to visit budapest?
I am actually.
- evst30 In which country would u like to live (besides USA ) ?
I want to live in Italy for 2 months, then Morocco for 3. Japan for 2 and then Africa for 2.
- kash.trendsHave you been here to Philippines?
Yes! I lived there my entire life. I moved to New York when I turned 14.
- _thepetiteandrea What has been your favorite travel destination so far?
Morocco was a dream 🙂
VARICK
- averinewyou How are things with you and your guy? (If its too personal I understand!!) (-: just asking!! & do you have plans to come to Singapore?
Varick is amazing 🙂 He’s supportive in every way possible. We balance each other out. Yes I do. I will be updating you on my visit when it gets closer.
- chelseanatics Can u describe varick in one word?
Life Partner.
- yen_yan@thegreylayers do you plan on getting married any time soon?
Ask Varick. lol.
- rob.ninety DO I have a chance?!
Not even close.
- karengamusDo you have some sort of love life?
We travel together, we share everything together, we go on datenights once a week… Yeah I’m pretty sure I have a love life :). It is all about balance and knowing what to prioritize.
Jeanne is wearing [ Wool Jacket by Club Monaco, White Slip Jacket The Fifth Label, Snakeskin skip ons by Ivy Kirzhner]
Matcha from Chalait
Captured by Sara Kuszelewicz