30 is Sexy! :P

I know some women hate to tell their real age. Me, it doesn't bother me at all! I am actually proud to tell my age because I want people to know how long I've been surviving in this world and letting them know I can still smile as I walk the way, it wasn't an easy one, but it was worth it! :D

My birthday celebration started early when I received so many gifts from blogger friends, THANK YOU so much! You gals know who you are! My colleagues also gave me a surprise birthday party that I won't forget. (photo above is from the office party, I will tell more about it as soon as I get more photos)

Everyone's been wishing me happy birthday for the past weeks and I want to thank everyone!!! But TODAY February 28 is officially my birthday!

I will be off today for birthday celebration. Weekend is busy with EATING. Yes, that's how I will enjoy my birthday! Lots and lots of food!!!

Thanks again everyone!
For making me feel so special!
Stay happy!

Askmewhats Reviews: Mandom Cleansing Express Agecare

Thanks to the pretty bloggers Fuz, Anne, RenRen, Muse, Nessa
(and a lot more out there, sorry if I forgot to mention).
I've read so many reviews about this famous water-based make-up remover before I've decided to purchase one myself. I blame it to pure curiosity as well and of course my love of removing make-up completely to keep my skin healthy and young-looking! :D

Mandom Cleansing Express
in AgeCare

This cute saying made me smile!
Ready for bed as soon as possible!
Can this be true?



Color looks like mixed starch on water :D

Mandom Cleansing Express Agecare says ---

Removes even point makeups (eye and lips). Simply wipe off after cleansing. Keeps moisture in your skin after wash. Moisturizing cleansing ingredients instantly removes makeups deep in the pores without drying your skin. No rinse necessary. Perfect for sensitive skin. No preservative, no fragrance, no colorant, no alcohol, no oil. Allergy tested.

Cautions: If you have scars or other skin problems, do not use it. If you notice irritation of any irregular skin problems, stop using it immediately and consult a doctor. Be cautious not to have it in your eyes. Do not leave the cotton on your skin for too long. Do not reuse the cotton. Once it is opened, use it immediately. Keep out of reach of children. Do not store in direct sunlight or in high temperature. Do not remove the pump from the container since it does not contain any preservatives.

Available in 3 variants

Sebum - for oily skin
Moist - for dry skin
Age Care - for dry and matured skin (eeekkk!!! ME!)

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• Removes all traces of make-up

One Eye First wipe

Back of the cotton Same eye

• Stopper works great, easy to detach and re-attach

• Non-oily
• Does not sting or blur the eye. Please read caution on my tip area :D
• Quite affordable even with shipping, as you get 300ml of this product for a good price
• Packaging isn't cheap, made of good plastic and the packaging design is quite cute and simple
• No allergies after using this product
• No yucky scent
  

Cons

• does not completely remove waterproof mascara
• though this is an Age Care, I don't see any age care as this doesn't moisturize the face
• pump isn't feasible, no matter how careful I am in spritzing this to the cotton, the liquid tend to spray straight

• not available locally

Overall

A lot of bloggers rave about this and call this their HG makeup remover. I can see why as it easily removes ALL traces of make-up! BUT, like I stated at the CON corner, it does not complete remove waterproof mascara. Though the product states "Ready for bed as soon as possible", I find that I still need to wash my face with a facial cleanser to make sure all traces of make-up are removed.

This is a wonderful product for make-up artist though, if you made a mistake, you can easily use this cleanser to wipe it off and re-apply the make-up without having trouble compared to using an oil-based make-up remover.


Tips

• Caution: If you have scar or allergies on certain area of your face, DO NOT rub the make-up remover, try to go over the face with Mandom but try not to touch the areas that are sensitive, it may cause further allergies or skin reaction. Ex. last week, I have bad eye allergies and I tried using this to wipe some foundation on my under eye area, it HURTS! But after my allergies are gone, I did not find any irritation to this product.
  
• I advise wash your face after using this product.
• To make this product lasts longer, I use this to clean my eye makeup, cheeks and lips. Then wash the whole face with a facial cleanser.
• Decant the make-up remover to a smaller spray bottle so you won't waste product by spritzing it on another person's shirt! LOL
• Transferred smaller bottle can be easily brought along, fits my traincase perfectly :)

----------------------------------------

Philippine Readers:

I know most of you would like to try this product, but since this is not available locally and not everyone has access to online buying, you can always purchase L'oreal Gentle Lip and eye make-up remover. It works just as great and it costs approx Php335.00 (approx $7.00) and I just saw L'oreal booth has 15% off! :) I realized I haven't had the chance to review this make-up remover, I will do soon! :) But it works really well and not oily at all! :D

----------------------------------------

Will I repurchase?

YES!

Where did I purchase and how much

At Adam Beauty for $14.00 (approx $672.00) plus $2.00 (approx Php96.00) for registered shipping.

Happy Friday everyone!
I want to thank everyone who likes reading my reviews!
I like doing them as most of the products I've purchased,
are done because of reviews :)
It's my small way to help others too! :)
Stay Happy!

Other posts to enjoy ---
Maybelline Makeup Remover Eye and Lip

Askmewhats Reviews: Benefit Lemon Aid

I've always been wanting to try the Benefit Lemon Aid. I've been searching ebay for good price, found a lot but shipping gets HORRENDOUS! Thanks to Sis Gracie for giving me the chance to try this!

I nearly fainted, when I saw my own Lemon Aid. I've already tried UDPP, TFSI, L'oreal Decrease, etc.. Why am I wanting this? Curiosity and because of it's CUTENESS factor! And I'm in love with the name and packaging!

Take a look how cute it is!

Nice!
It has it's own mirror!
Such lovely color, I want to eat! :P



The Box is so me!
So Optimistic!
It says: "Turn your frown upside down"
this product definitely made me SMILE!

After all the drama, all the "oohss and aaahhhss", I've waken up from my lovely dream and the Benefit Lemon Aid has to face reality! Lemon Aid has to go through my keen, watchful eyes!

Did Benefit Lemon Aid passed my expectations?
Is it worth my lemming all these months?
Read on!!!


Benefit Lemon Aid says --- Benefit Lemon Aid is a color correcting eyelid primer.

Wake up your eyelids with this warm yellow correcting cream. It helps to hide redness & discoloration on your eyelids. In a snap, eyes look refreshed, frisky and ready for fun.
Tips and tricks:
Pat on eyelids with your fingertip & blend. Wear alone or under makeup.
Product details

• 2.70g Net wt. 0.09oz

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• super cute packaging
• easy to take along as it fits your palm and the compact is slim (photo below)

• has it's own mirror, perfect for touch ups
• brings out a "Wonderful morning! I slept 8 hours" look!
• the e/s appears brighter

Cons

• for dry lids: you need a primer for easier application as this is a bit dry
• for super oily lids: you need a primer to prevent creasing, I said super as I find this helps in making your e/s stay and prevents creasing too!
• slightly dry texture
• not available locally

Overall

Do we really need an eyelid corrector? Well, YES! (in my opinion)

If I apply foundation, I usually apply all over my face including my lids. At times, after concealing my dark circles, I also use concealer on my eyelids. Why? I find that the color of my lids are different from the rest of my face.

Benefit Lemon Aid

Definitely brightened up the eyes, and true to what Grace is saying, she at times wear this alone, I do so too! BUT I find the color wouldn't match everyone! I am lucky I have yellow undertone.
If you want something to "correct" the color of your lids, I do suggest you can use a concealer or foundation BUT you have to apply a base pior to that as it can cause creasing.

Benefit Lemon Aid doesn't crease your eyeshadows BUT the anti-crease power is not as good as UDPP.

Tips

• use UDPP or TFSI, whatever your favorite base first, before applying Lemon Aid
• I find this is a great base if you plan to use loose pigments
• pat on the product with your brush or finger, do NOT rub on your lids, "wrinkles" alert!
• apply Lemon Aid all over lids including brow bone to make your eyelids appear "spacious" :P

Will I repurchase?

Maybe, but this tiny product will last long as you don't have to use a lot!


Where can you purchase and how much?
Benefit website for $20.00 (approx Php960.00) or on ebay

Here's how to color looks like on my hand
have to slowly blend it upwards on your lids

I hope this post is useful to all you Benefit buyers out there!
If you're living in the Philippines like me
and I turned your lemming button on
*smiles sheepishly *
Sorry! lol
Stay Happy! :D

Tag time

Tagged by: MySweetFix, Shexilicious, Lootwagon, Glow Chaser
Thanks for the tag!

what’s your favourite eye shadow color to wear?
Stila's Marakesh palette from Anne of Yummiebitez!

what’s the one product you wouldn’t leave your house without?
lip balm!!!

what’s your favourite makeup look – high drama OR natural?
natural! I'm boring!

which feature do you play up the most?
eyes!

which feature do you try to downplay/cover up?
undereye circles!

your favorite makeup brand, if you could pick only ONE to exist?
Paul & Joe (you gals knew I'm going to say it right? lol)

which product have you re-purchased OVER and OVER again?
P&J Dual Powder Foundation, Clinique's Skin Care System, L'oreal Lips and Eyes makeup remover, Kiehl's No. 1 Lip Balm, Victoria Secret's Secret Crush (they're not producing this scent anymore *sad*)

which product would you NEVER repurchase again and why?
Burt's Bees Lifeguard's Choice Lip Balm
BE Mineral foundation - does not work for me

one beauty treatment you would always PAY to have done?
pedicures and manicures, I tend to have in-growns, so I need a professional to help me clean my cuticles at least once a month, I do the minor cleaning on the rest of the week.

one beauty treatment you would NEVER pay to have done?
waxing, because I'm lucky to be born with invisible hairs! lol

one beauty trick you can share with everyone?
After liquid foundation application, instead of patting your face with "setting powder", I'd rather pat the face with a Powder Foundation especially on special events as coverage is heavier and face makeup lasts longer.

best advice you've ever been given regarding beauty and makeup?

Regarding Beauty ---

I know I've been saying this again and again, but SMILING makes a HUGE difference. I am not born gorgeous, but a lot of people remember me because of my smile. :) It's great to hear my mom's friends telling her : "Your daughter has a great smile!"

Regarding Makeup ---

Less is always MORE :)


I don't need to tag specific readers as I want YOU to do it if you have the time! :D
Let me know if you've done yours!
I'll be excited to read about it!
Stay Happy!

Askmewhats Version: My Late Heatherette Look

Shocked with the title? LOL I know MAC Heatherette is "so last year", but I can't help but play with it because I haven't had the chance to do a look using this palette :)

To those who don't have this palette, do not worry as most colors are "dupe-able" :)

Here's my very simple,
Easy-to-do
Daily Heatherette Look

And here's Askmewhats Diagram!

Before I do the steps below,
I applied NYX Jumbo Pencil in Yogurt
all over lids

Step 1:

Using an e/s brush, pat on Hoppin', or any shimmer pink e/s on the inner corner of the eye.

Step 2:

Swirl a small crease brush and blend with Mood Ring on the center of the eye.

Step 3:

Using any blending brush, apply Cloudburst on the outer V of the eye, making sure not to apply too much and slowly build on the color. Be careful with this as this can make your eye makeup look dirty.

Using a smaller crease brush, apply the same color to the lower lashline, around 3 fourths. Do not go all the way.

Step 4:

Apply P&J Face Color043 on the browbone and my favorite inner corner of the eye for wide eyed look.

Finish with Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide on Liner in Zero
Curl your lashes and apply Lancome Virtuose Mascara



Of course, you must fill in your brows.
You can check out old tutorials
on what I used for brows




And the rest of my face?

The Body Shop Mineral Foundation no. 2

The Body Shop's Cheek Color
in Warm Copper



NYX Herades
Topped with Bath & Body Works Gloss
in Gold Dust



HELLO!!! :D

Note: e/s on the right side looks like it doesn't match the left one
I swear they both match!
my eye has just recovered from eye allergies
so I lost the eyelid on that eye
Still cute I believe, according to my MOM LOL!!!

It is indeed a quick look!
Use any light colored e/s and darken your crease!
Use a nice flush on the cheeks and prettify your pout!
You're all ready to go!
Happy Humpy Wednesday!
Stay Happy!

Eureka Moment: Eyeko Offers Liparazzi

**please click photo to enlarge

Fantastic offer from Eyeko until February 28, 2009.

Spend £10 or more on Eyeko Beauty to get the A list looks you love and we'll treat you to the stars favorite light up lip-gloss LIPARAZZI PREMIER worth £15

LIPARAZZI, the genius light up lip-gloss features a handy mirror fixed in the barrel and an innovative dual light concealed in the cap to ensure your lips are always red carpet ready! Add a touch of lustrous shimmer to lips with Liparazzi Premier the pretty pink shade with a winning combination of natural jojoba and vitamin E.

Enter checkout code LIPARAZZI to get yours whilst stocks last!!!

Click HERE to start shopping!
Enjoy and pucker up!
Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: "Peppermint" Nails

Hi my dearies!

Another nail art tutorial today! :) I didn't get inspiration from a photo but I got inspired on looking for a photo AFTER I've done my nails! LOL Yup, my nail art always reminded me of something AFTER I've done this!

Here's my post-interpretation!

Of course, do not expect my nail art to be as cute as peppermint candies :D

How did I do this?

Step 1:

Apply a base coat and apply 2 coats of a matte nail polish. I've used Caronia Regular polish in Apricot Beige

Step 2:

Apply 3 thin lines of white polish on the tip of the nails.

Step 3:

Apply dark pink colored polish to fil in the gaps between the white lines. This doesn't have to be perfect :D

Step 4:

Draw french tip "outline" using black below the red and white lines.

Step 5: (optional)

Apply rhinestones, if you want

Step 6:

Making sure the nail polish and art work is dry, top with a top coat!

And here's my final nail look :D

I know a lot of my wonderful readers told me they aren't good with nail art :) Well, you can always start with simple painting of your nails, then go up to French tip :) Then flower designs. It really takes time but the outcome is well worth it :)

Have a wonderful day everyone
I hope my simple nail art cheered you up :)
Stay happy :D

Eureka Moment: Coastal Scents Gel Liner

Note From Author: If you've read this post early on, you will see that the CS Gel Liner price below from Makeup Mix Shop will be the same as Coastal Scents because there was a sudden notice from Coastal Scents, according to Ms. Toma, that re-sellers aren't allowed to sell CS gel liners lower than the retail price on the CS website :( So that leaves Toma no choice but to move it back to the price same as CS.

To those who already purchased, Lucky You! :)

To the rest, don't fret, you can still enjoy free shipping for orders $20.00 above and also free Makeup Masala Mineral if you enter code NIKKI ! :)

**photo from CS website

Hi Everyone! :)

I've written a couple of times regarding Coastal Scents gel liners. They perform well and the price is really affordable. The only problem is, I've read a couple of comments from my readers stating that they would love to try Coastal Scents gel liners but SHIPPING is EXPENSIVE!

I am excited to write this post today because it's a Eureka Moment, meaning, a news that would make us "buyers" happy because we can purchase products we love and still saves money! :D

Coastal Scents sell if for $6.95 (approx Php334.00) plus horrible shipping rates! Makeup Mix Shop sells it for $6.95 (approx PHp334.00) and shipping? You get free shipping if you order $20.00 above!!! If you're not going for $20.00 order, the shipping is very affordable and she doesn't overcharge! If you are a non-US buyer, you can purchase together with your friends so you get free shipping!!! :D

ALSO..that's not all!!!!

If you enter the code: NIKKI (such beautiful code name lol) at the REMARKS area, you get free Makeup Masala Mineral. Please do not forget to include your desired shade at the remarks area too!

Thanks Toma for being nice to my readers! :)

I hope this helps!!! :)
Let me know what you're getting!
Stay Happy!

Askmewhats Reviews: Burt's Bees Lifeguard's Choice Lip Balm

I've discussed about different lip balms I've tried in the past on my "LipBalms I've Kissed" post
I've done a mini comparison between the Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm with Vitamin E and Peppermint and the Burt's Bees Lifeguard's Choice Weatherproofing Lip Balm.

I think the Lifeguard's Choice version deserves it's own space to be reviewed here, not because it's a HG material, but because it doesn't work for me! I want to post this here because there could be someone out there who loves this product and I could be using this product wrong! So feel free to let me know if this works for you! :)

Burt's Bees Lifeguard's Choice Lip Balm says ---

Protect yourself from the sun wind and sea with Burt's Bees Lifeguard's Choice Lip Balm, the natural lip protector with titanium dioxide for extra protection.

Ingredients:

Beeswax, Coconut Oil, Hybrid Sunflower Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E), Lanolin, Titanium Dioxide, Peppermint Oil, Comfrey Root Extract, Rosemary Extract

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• smells great
• not tested on animals
• packaging made of recycled plastic
  

Cons

• drying, it gives out a drying effect instead of moisturizing
• makes me look sick if I wore this alone as it creates whitish color on your lips (please read tip on how to deal with this)
  
• flakiness of lips enhances if I use this product

Overall

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Burt's Bees products. I've used 2 tubes of the Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm and it works wonders on my lips. That's why I got high hopes for this product and it disappointed me. Go check out their other lip care ranges, they all work! Sad to say, except this!


Tips

• after application, rub your lips with your fingers for the white color to disappear
• not comfortable with rubbing? Apply a moisturizing lipstick or lipgloss on top of this balm
  
• warm the product on your hand using rolling motion between your balm before using to prevent lips flaking
• purchase the original lip balm! LOL
  

Will I repurchase?

No

Where did I purchase and how much?

At Beauty Bar for Php250.00 (approx $5.20)

Here are photos to show what I'm trying to say
Lip balm is pure white in color

And here's how it looks like on my lips,
Lines are seen,
Dryness are enhanced
:(

Hope this review helps!
Of course feel free to purchase any product
using your own purchasing power :)
Happy start of the week and
Stay Happy!

Other related posts ---
Carmex Lip Balm
Kiehl's Lip Balm no. 1
Kiehl's Lip Balm SPF15