Askmewhats Version: Just another "Bridal" Look

When I had my one-on-one make-up lesson with the Chief Make-up Artist of P&J Ms. Cherry Pacheco Uy, the first request look I've asked from her is Bridal look. I know bridal look is one of the most difficult look a make-up artist have to do as it requires flawless skin that looks so natural yet a "glow" should be created for the Bride's most important day of her life. Plus that fact that everything has to be waterproof! LOL

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Did you know?

I cried while walking down the aisle? The moment the door of the church opened, I looked at Keith, then to my parents, then I saw my mom crying! LOL There you go! Poise --- GONE! lol But thank God for waterproof make-up, I know how important that is!!!

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A reader requested me to do a bridal look, I have to apologize as I didn't complete all the "Bridal" Look requirements, I've only used Mineral Foundation as I came back from work and putting on liquid foundation on my "already made up" face felt weird. But, because I love you my dear reader who requested this look, I've done this before the year ends. Congratulations in advance and I hope you have a great wedding next year!

Here's my finished eye look



Diagram time!

1. Cover Girl Eye Enhancers Barely Beige - swept all over the crease

2. Lancome Maquiriche Eyecolor Duo Matte Brown color - out V corner to deepen the crease.

For bridal look, try to use matte colors as glittery shadows will not show up good on photos.

3. Bourjois Beige Rose - to highlight the brow bone and inner corner of the eye.

Choose any beige color but make sure not the shimmy ones.

Other products used not on diagram ---

FACE

BRTC Cover BB Cream Ellana Premium Foundation in French Vanilla
(thanks Shen love this!)

For the EYES


Make up Forever Concealer Palette no. 5
1st - the weird orange color under the eye area
2nd - covered a layer of lightest concealer on top of the weird orange color


Cover Girl Lash Blast in Black
Paul & Joe Duo Crayon in Black
Stila Smudgepots in Black using CS White Angled Liner brush

More products


Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
NYX Round Lipstick in Georgia
MAC Sculpt and Shape duo in Shadester to contour

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Final look

Eyes closed
Yes, I've used a natural looking falsies!

I'm ready to walk down the aisle?
Nah..lol Been there done that!

I hope you enjoyed the simple Bridal Look!

New Years eve!!!
Just so you know, fireworks gets crazy down here!
Time to put coins in my pocket and jump around like a crazy monkey!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Askmewhats Reviews: Kerastase Noctogenist Serum

Almost everyone working in the Philippines are on their Holidays! Sad to say, I work in a company that DO not follow Philippine Holidays! So I'm at work Dec 26th, Dec 29th and Dec 30th! NERD! lol

Anyways, everyone knows aside from make up, I'm also a Hair Product Geek! I love hair products that can promise smooth, shiny, silky hair! LOL Don't we all wish it?

I've been eyeing Kerastase products for the LONGEST time, what's stopping me is the price! LOL I find it really hard to shell out Php2,000 (approx $43.00) worth of ONE single hair product.

I am lucky that a contact have this product sold for half the price! I guess she's got the means! Definitely original! The lady works in a magazine company, the reason for the freebies and the reason for selling it to me at an affordable price!!! :)

The Looks

125ML tube

Kerastase says ---

For the first time, Kérastase offers total overnight care for your hair. Your hair needs to be looked after 24 hours a day to be in fantastic condition, during the day, humidity, sunlight and city living can be damaging to the hair and can cause it to lose essential moisture. Noctogenist deeply nourishes hair throughout the night, so you wake up with revived hair that is in optimal condition.

Technology

• Amino Acid
• Vitamin E Derivative
• Silk Protein

Benefits

• Renews hair with softness and shine and adds suppleness and manageability.
• Protects hair from daytime aggressors.
• Nourish hair all night long
• Replenish and moisturize hair whilst you sleep.
• Awaken to beautifully radiant, replenished hair

Application

Before going to bed, massage through dry or towel-dried hair. Do not rinse. Ingredients are absorbed by the hair during the night, leaving no residue. In the morning, style as usual.


Askmewhats says --- Pros

• smells great
• leaves my hair tangle free the next day, even if I shampoo my hair again in the morning
• hair is soft to the touch, hair doesn't feel weighed down
• hair is easier to comb
• you don't need a lot, just a dime size

Cons

• pricey, BUT the 125ml tube lasts long as you use only small amount
• for lazy people: this is a CON lol
• I don't see the shine that the product promises

Overall

The Kerastase Noctogenist serum is actually an overnight serum for thick hair, I don't have thick hair and so far, it works for me. They have another one for fine hair that is a spray on formula (never tried this)
Now, I understand why most hair salon offers hair treatment using this brand, as this product does deliver and come to think of it, even if its expensive, I don't need to pay a lot to go to the salon just for ONE treatment. One tube can last me more than 3 months for sure!

Tips

• apply this from mid shaft of the hair down to the root area, avoiding the scalp
• massage the product on your hair
• slowly comb through your hair for the product to be evenly distributed
• apply this on dry hair
• you don't have to use this every night, you can do this 3-4 times a week

Will I repurchase?

Yes

Where can you purchase and how much?

Any salon here in the Philippines (ex. David's, Jessie Mendez, Bench Fix, etc...)
Costs Php1,500++ (approx $32.00)

Oh yeah, I had the chance to meet up with blogger Anne from Yummiebitez
She came to the Philippines to visit her relatives and she spared time for us Filipina bloggers!
It was great to finally see her in person!!!
She's really cute and pretty!
Pictures will be up soon...
well depends on how soon my fellow bloggers post theirs and I'll just nick it from them
LOL :)

Weekend Food Tripping at: Sizzlin' Pepper Steak + Iceberg

Before I start collecting my thoughts on what to say....this is a FULL BLOWN food fest with dessert photos!!! Well, it's the season to be Jolly, it's the season to be FATSO! :P

Falalala FAT FAT FAT FAT...LOL *dances around*

Weekend gluttony! But all photos below are eaten by more than 5 individuals so don't point fingers at me about wastage...all food below are finished up!

We went to the Trinoma mall and it was packed with people, people shop like they're all MILLIONAIRES! lol I wish I can do that too but we went to Trinoma to eat!

A lot of people have been raving about the Sizzlin' Pepper Steak and this is the season to taste their sizzlin' plates. Let's see if it does sizzle my 5 sensory nerves! :P

Here's their huge Menu outside


Free Kani Salad because bro is a Standard Chartered Credit Card user
Always check for promotions from Credit card companies


I don't have the receipt with me right now but all sizzlin' plates photos below costs approx Php235.00-250.00 (approx $5-6) per plate without rice
Additional rice costs Php35.oo (less than $1.00)

First stop My Hamburg with gravy sauce



Hamburg with Katsudon
(with gravy on the side)


Hamburg with Tempura

Hamburg with Crispy Chicken



Hamburg with Fried Fish

After full lunch, brother who came back for the Christmas holidays, is craving for Halo-Halo. What is a Halo-Halo?

Halo-halo (from "halo" = mix) is a favorite Filipino dessert or snack. It is basically a mixture of sweet preserved beans(red beans, chick peas), coconut meat (macapuno), jackfruit (langka), pounded dried rice (pinipig), sweet yam (ube), cream flan (leche flan), shreds of sweetened plantain (saba), filled with crushed ice, milk (or coconut milk) and topped with ice cream. The halo-halo basically is sweet, creamy, and a filling dessert. (source: here)

One of the best place to eat Halo-Halo is called Iceberg. Iceberg started with so many branches in the Philippines, but they closed down most of them. After a couple of years, they were able to add up to their menu and serve not only Halo-Halo but dishes and ice cream sundaes. Variety is a key if you plan to open any food chain here in the Philippines. (I guess same with other countries)

Hubby and I are still full from the lunch
We decided to share a Strawberry Shake

Php118.00 (approx $2.50)

Super Halo-Halo Regular halo-halo ingredients plus scoops of ice cream!

Php94.00 (approx $2.00)



Mango Con Hielo Mango ice cream with real mangoes with milk and crushed ice Php110.00 (approx $2.30)




Strawberry Mango Con Hielo Real Mangoes and Strawberries plus Strawberry Ice cream on top of crushed ice with milk Php125.00 (approx 2.70)

If you plan to visit the Philippines, definitely have yourself a Halo-halo! A hot sizzlin' plate dish is perfect for our friends who are cold at the moment, Cold dessert like Halo-halo are perfect for our friends who are in a tropical country like us :) What are you eating at the moment? Smile and stay pretty!

Reader's Corner: Q&A + My Nail Polish Collection

Hey all!!!

Here's another set of Q&A, I usually answer them directly and post them again for everyone to share their comments, ideas and answers :)

I also included my nail polish collection which some of my readers wanted to check out. Nothing too fantabulous :)

Question:

What's the difference of NC and NW for MAC shades?

Askmewhats Answers:

NC-Neutral Cool -For golden undertones
NW-Neutral Warm-For pinkish undertones

You can check out this link for more information :)

http://www.specktra.net/foundation.php

Question:

Where can I purchase Carmex Lip Balm here in the Philippines?

Askmewhats Answers:

You can purchase Carmex lip balms at PCX shops. You can find PCX shop at Robinson's Place, Ermita.


Question:

Can you suggest a concealer that can really cover dark post acne blemishes?

Askmewhats Answers:

Post Acne Blemishes are quite hard to cover as it gets to be sensitive and dries easily. Make sure to use a concealer that is hypo-allergenic. Aside from concealer, I suggest use your favorite Liquid Foundation/ Cream foundation that is one shade lighter than your skin and pat on to the area that has spots. After foundation, if the spot is still there, you can add on your concealer. But making sure do not pack on too much and it'll be cakey and the spots will be more obvious.

Some concealers I can suggest are the Make Up Forever Concealer Palette (so you can mix and match the shade), Cinema Secrets Concealer (as this is quite creamy), if you have the chance to find a local reseller, I like NYX Concealer in a Jar as well.

But of course, not all brands that works for me will work for you, do give it a test first before purchasing :)

Question:

Can I see your nail polish collection?

Askmewhats Answers:

Sure you can! But do not expect me to have a nail polish salon type of collection :) When I got married, I left all my polishes at home and my collection started when Toma sent me complete set of ELF polishes, then Sis Aika continued my collection by sending me the neon collection polishes, then Alyssa sent me the nail art dotting tool..and the rest are gifts from lovely friends too! Tine, thanks for the lovely Maybelline polish and a dear friend from Malaysia, you know who you are, for the Kanebo polish :) So in short, I did spend money on my own for my collection but a lot are from dear friends who knew my love for nail stuffs. I'll cherish my collection for sure! :)

Enjoy the photos! :)

My first traincase from my lovely colleagues
for my birthday February 2008! Thanks gals!

When opened, they're usually laid flat
But for photo purposes,
I made them stand up



What's on the lower part of the traincase?
I put my pedicure/manicure kit!

Useless Nail Stamping Tool
Super useless, all 3 polishes all dried up! lol
No, this is NOT Konad



Nail Art Dotting Tools Nail Gems from Market Market
and the rest Are gift from a colleague Pam
<-- Thanks Pam! You have to let me know where you purchase it! :D



Here's the case from Japan Home Php88.00 (approx $2.00)
For my nail art pens



I recently purchased a nail art brush From Koichi Store,
Robinson's Place Ermita
There's just ONE left, so I wish this is good!
For precision nail art :P
Don't take my word for it,
I never do things PRECISE hahaha

People ask me what I want for Christmas and the new years?
Material "want" --- it never ends...
but happiness 'wise, I am very happy!
I've got a good husband, lovely family and supportive friends!
Wonderful blogger friends and readers!!!
Those are more than enough for me!
What are you thankful for the year 2008?

Askmewhats Reviews: Coastal Scents Gel Liner in Truffle

Lovely people!
How's the Christmas celebration? I went to the mall to have lunch with my family and had fun because family is complete! Brother came back to the Philippines. It was a great lunch, we ate at Pepper Steak (will show you the photos of the food soon!)

Dinner came we had Christmas Dinner at Fish & Co. with my husband's family! So it was a day of EATING! :) The mall is packed with so many people! I just can't believe there's "recession" going on!

Anyways, let me go straight to a review!

Coastal Scents Gel Liner
in Truffle

Coastal Scents Gel Liner says ---

Application is easy, has the ability to design and be creative, lasts all day without smudging or creasing and are highly pigmented.

Ingredients:

Isododecane, Polyethylene, Trimethylsilocysilicate, Cyclomethicone, Ozokerite, Ploymethylsilsesquioxane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Quaternium-18 Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lecithin, Propylparaben, BHT. May contain: Mica and Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide, Ultramarine Blue, D&C Red No.7 Ca Lake, FD&C Blue No.1 Al Lake, D&C Black No.2.

Askmewhats says ---

My review is based only to the ONE color I've tried, TRUFFLE

Pros

• no smudging
• lasts all day
• easy to apply, dries quickly
• pigmented
• does not cause any eye allergies (for me)
• easy to remove with make-up remover
• I've used it on my waterline too and it stayed for 6 hours, which is good! It didn't smudge, it was just gone by late afternoon!
  

Cons

• not available locally, shipping is expensive!
• the jar is not labeled, if you purchase a lot, you have to put the name by yourself to avoid confusion
  

Overall

CS Gel Liner in Truffle is a true matte brown color. I like it because it is very pigmented and it does gives out a very natural look!

The other gel liner I've used is my HG Stila Smudgepots in Black. I've heard and read so many raves about the CS Gel Liner in True Black but it was out of stock when I ordered Truffle. I have great experience with Truffle, I actually danced the whole lunch time and I was sweating like crazy and it stayed on till I remove my make-up.

With the price itself without the shipping cost, it is worth it and very inexpensive, but added with the shipping cost, I can just buy myself a Bobbi Brown or MAC gel liners.

Tips

• If you plan to purchase the CS liners, do read reviews and look for swatches online as I've read some of the colors are not pigmented enough and you have to apply many times for the colors to show up. Research please!
• Use an angled liner brush or a thin angled brush depending on which one you're more comfortable to use.
• Always close the lid between applications to prevent the product from drying up
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes! They came out with more colors!!! I want more!!!

Where can you purchase and how much?

At Coastal Scents website for $6.95 (shipping NOT included)

I usually just draw a thin line during work days!
Here's how it looks like after more than 12 hours!
I love that it stayed on, no smudging and it didn't fade!

Plan to buy CS Gel Liners yourself?
I honestly plan to get more!
I am definitely waiting for discounts again!
So if you see any CS discounts or coupons coming up!
Do holler! :D

Masala and Askmewhats International Christmas Winners!

Merry Christmas again everyone!!!
Here's the winner for the contest I posted here

Drumroll please....



Dwana!!!

Congratulations!!!
I will email you for your mailing info!

Philippine readers:

Head straight to Makeup Masala to see if you are as lucky as Dwana! :) Goodluck!!!

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!

Askmewhats Reviews: BRTC Cover BB Cream

Almost everyone who blogs about beauty knows what BB creams are. But for readers who haven't heard about this "craze", let me introduce you to them, and try to persuade you into this craze too *evil laugh* heeheehee ---

INTRODUCTION to BB cream

Blemish Balm, also call BB Cream, is known to have been formulated as an after-treatment cream to help patients who have gone through laser skin surgery to soothe and regenerate the skin. Soon, it became popular with many Korean celebrities.

~Advantage~

-Helps to soften skin texture
-Prolonged used of product may help to improve overall texture of skin & fade acne scars
-Act as a makeup base & foundation
-Helps to cover the irregularities on the skin, even out skintone, camouflage undereye circles, scars & add radiance to face

There's so many BB cream brands out there! There's Skinfood, Missha, L'egere, BRTC, Dr. Jart, Etude House, Lioele, Skin79....to name a few! For someone like me, who's into research and I wanted to read a lot of reviews before purchasing, I find it overwhelming to even start off by choosing just ONE BRAND.

And I finally did the choosing!

My first BB Cream Purchase BRTC Cover BB Cream

What made me choose this brand?

Before I answer this question, BRTC is an abbreviation for Bio Remedies Therapeutic Cosmetics. I chose this brand because I have read that this brand is one of the most famous and trusted together with Dr. Jart's.


Out of all the BRTC BB Cream lines, why did I choose the Cover BB Cream?

Because the size isn't big, and the price is reasonable. If it doesn't work on me, I won't feel bad! lol But of course, I chose the Cover BB cream because it states that this covers blemishes and uneven skin tone naturally!!! <-- very important for Askmewhats.

Interested?
Here's how it looks like on my hand
Has a pinkish tone rather than yellow

Blends a bit
As seen, it has a thick consistency
Looks like a cream foundation



If blended well, you hardly notice anything!
The color blended in with my skin
(click on photo to enlarge)

You'll see that there's a certain glow




Now let's go to the real deal...
The Product Review!!!

BRTC Cover BB Cream says ---

It naturally covers the uneven skin problem caused by blemishes and trouble marks and express vital and brilliant looking skin.

Various botanical active ingredients are effectively delivered to the skin and care the blemishes and trouble marks while presenting flawlessly natural looking skin tone.

Main Ingredients:

Macadamia Nut Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Vitamin C derivatives, Swiss Alphine Herb Extract, Allatoin, Camomile Extract

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• Tube is hygienic and easy to use

• natural looking
• sheer-medium coverage depends on how much you put, can be used alone on lazy days
• brightens my skin: I can't help staring at my skin every now and then
• it didn't cover my blemishes and spots BUT my skin is definitely MORE even.
• ingredients are all natural
  
• A little goes a long way
  

Cons

• not available locally
• quite pricey for 10ml tube
• if you are looking for heavy coverage: This is not the one as it does cover up some blemishes and undereye circles, but not completely. Have to follow up with foundation though and it works ok
• Oil Control: not too much, have to re-touch a 3-4 hours later
• no SPF as other BB creams have SPF and Anti-wrinkle
• Available in ONE shade only, so not everyone will appreciate this
• has a tiny "clay" scent, but it doesn't bother me (could bother others)
  

Overall

If used alone, the BRTC Cover BB Cream looks like a tinted moisturizer with a tiny amount of concealer. If used together with your favorite foundation, it gives out a flawless looking skin with the natural "glow". I like this! I can't tell about it's function as the "healing" agent as I've only been using this for a couple of days. Definitely check back for Askmewhats Revisits when I finish this tube.

Is this vital to your skincare and make-up regimen?

It is considered a luxury for me, we can live without the BB creams as we aren't actors/actresses who needed the "CLOSE UP" shots all the time. For coverage, we can always use a concealer and our favorite foundation.

BUT, if you're someone who wanted the "extras" in life, it is ok, but I have to warn you! It gets ADDICTING! Can you believe I am now searching for other BB cream brands? I am looking into Dr. Jart's or Skin79!!! And I am not even halfway done with this!

Imagine how hard it is to choose your foundation shade? Choosing BB creams is harder because you don't get to see the product unless you're living in Korea!

So...... I'm holding off choosing for now.... because.....

Thanks to Tine though for sending me Missha and Skinfood BB cream samples, at least, I have my hands full for reviews.

Tips

• you have to apply moisturizer before using this product, especially for my dry skin, can cause a bit of skin flakiness
• apply BB cream AFTER basic skincare BEFORE makeup application
• you don't need to apply this BB cream all over your face, you can use a small amount on areas that needed more coverage and finish with patting motion all over the face
• you can apply BB cream with a Stippling brush/Make-up Sponge or Fingers. I've tried everything, I like using my fingers better! <-- funny how this doesn't sound right! LOL
  

Will I repurchase?

I might! I'm loving the extra glow!

Where can you purchase and how much?

Ebay! I bought this for $20.00 plus $3.50 shipping (approx Php1,175.00)

Now, this ain't a review if I don't use this on my face right?
Are you ready? lol
Am I the only one who's NOT ready?

Left: nothing but pure skin
Right: nothing but BRTC Cover BB Cream


(Click photo to enlarge)

As seen on photo, it didn't cover and "magically" remove the spots on my skin but it did brighten my skin a bit and even out my skin tone :)

I hope my review is helpful to people who plans to start using BB creams! I hope I'm not enabling some of you because I know how hard it is when your "ENABLED" button is switched on! Goodluck BB Cream hunting!


Christmas is near!!!
Christmas is near!!!
Are you opening up any Christmas presents?
Me, NONE :( I've opened up everything already! LOL
Merry Christmas everyone!!!
Stay Happy and Stay Pretty!