Eureka Moment : Inexpensive 2-Way Desk Mirror

Hi Everyone :)

I've been doing make-up to this one client and she got so interested with the mirror I'm using. She wanted to know how much I bought it and she was expecting me to reply with $%#*$&@ amount LOL

She was surprised when I said "PHP88.00" (approx $2.00)

I'm lucky, I'm a bargain shopper and hunter! :) And it's not crappy mirror!

Specs

The Box :)



The Mirror The right size, perfect for your office table LOL Perfect to take along when you do make-up to clients
and show them the final look

The Stand Foldable, very convenient to take along



Unlike those inexpensive mirrors who's got mirrors on both side
but both are the same.
This vanity mirror comes in

Regular Mirror



Turn it backwards,
the Magnifying mirror to see your pores
and oh so bad Blackheads lol

(as you can see Crabby is nearer 3-4x)

Philippine readers can purchase this at Japan Home Center for Php88.00 (approx $2.00)
I've purchased 2 already :)
Hope my Eureka moment is helpful! :)
Stay Happy!

Askmewhats Reviews: Cover Girl TruBlend Foundation

Thanks to those who commented on my new banner. I won't take credit to it as Keith was the one who made it! Thanks sweetie! :D

As seen on my recent Askmewhats Version of the looks I've created, I've been using my MAC Studio Fix foundation, which I told everyone DOES NOT MATCH MY SKIN! I look like I have hepatitis or something as the color is too yellow on me. I've always thought I'm an NC30, so drop that thought! ---- I AM NOT NC30 and never will! lol

Since I bought the foundation already and it'll be good to use it for clients, I still would like to use it as a mix and match foundation for people who probably has my skin tone and I wouldn't want to put MAC Studio Fix foundation into waste as the coverage indeed is great!

I've been hovering around Cover Girl stall and it's funny how the first SA who helped me out still remembered me. I wanted something for mix and match so I am looking into a foundation that's easy to blend and of course in LIQUID form. That's when I decided to purchase my first CG TruBlend foundation.

I chose the lightest shade of all. It's in IVORY.

Cover Girl TruBlend says ---

TRUblend Liquid Makeup has color spheres that go beyond just matching your skin tone to actually merge with your skin, for a naturally flawless look. Specially designed to work with TRUblend pressed powder, concealer and blush; select your foundation, 1 - 6, then look for the corresponding concealer, blush and powder!

• Oil Free
• Dermatologically-tested
• Hypoallergenic
• Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• doesn't cake on my skin
  
• if you are a make-up artist, this is PERFECT for blending foundation
  
• I've tried wearing this alone, though not my shade for review purposes, felt light on my skin, I don't feel like I have any foundation on
• no allergies or skin irritations
• affordable
• best for dry skin
• love the packaging! Love that it comes in glass, not cheap plastic ones
  
• love the pump!!! (why can't MAC SF give the pump for free if CG can???)

Cons

• if you have oily skin, this could be a bit of a problem on oil control, as the foundation is a bit watery.
• if you're looking for heavy coverage - this isn't it. This is for light to medium coverage

Overall

I have read and researched about CG TruBlend being reformulated. I've read so many raves about the old formulation and the new one (the one I have) is crap. Now, I also wonder why they changed the formula? And how good is the old formula? Anyone used the old formula? Let me know

In my opinion, I would say this is a good and affordable product. It's definitely NOT a "Star Performer" but for it's price and the amount of product you get with good packaging, it's worth a try. I like this for "blending foundation" purposes but I wouldn't buy the TruBlend in my shade and use it as MY foundation. Again, there are better products out there :)

Tips

• apply using your fingers or foundation brush/stippling brush. Do not use sponges as the sponge will absorb the product easily, especially with the texture of TruBlend. Prevents wastage.
• use this to mix and match your old foundation that isn't your color, remember how many squirts you need to achieve the right color :) Mine is 50% MAC NC30 and 50% CG TruBlend.
• OC-ness Alert: Always wipe the pump with cloth or tissue before you store this.
  

Will I repurchase?

Maybe, I have a feeling this will take a long time to finish up!

Where can you purchase and how much?

SM Department stores for Php645.00 (approx $13.70)
But if you're in the US, I've seen Ulta online selling these for buy one get the 2nd bottle 50% off! Good deal!!! I've seen a lot of BOGOF for CG products! (lucky gals)

Now let me show you swatches

One squirt
Texture is just right, not too runny or creamy





Spread the product using fingers
Not bad for such small amount of product I squirted



I know, the shade is totally off, too light on me,
but here's to show you the nice coverage
and how it turned out to have a matte finish
(please click to enlarge)

I hope this review helps to readers who wants to know how this works :)
If you have further questions, ask away! :)
I'm not calling this blog "Askmewhats" for nothing ya know *winks*
Happy Friday or Thursday to everyone!!! :D
Stay Happy!

Other post you may want to check out ---
Smile and click "Cover Girl Advanced Radiance"

Please check out ---
Askmewhats Seminar for a Cause
(Happening Tomorrow!!!)

Nail Art Tutorial: "Aloha" Nails!

Happy Thursday everyone!
I'll be off to my mom's today to do her nails! Yup, I'm not surprised my mom is so into nail art too! :) And she's the only person I do pedicures to! Yup, complete with all the tools! :D

And it's funny how I pamper my nails first before I pamper my mom's!!! I know it should be the other way around because I'll ruin my own nails at the end of the day! lol

Anyways, I've been inspired to go back to the basics, a simple flower tutorial that looks like "Aloha Hawaii!!!"

Here's my best step-by-step photo tutorial, I hope you gals enjoy this as much as I do! :D

Step 1:

Apply one coat of any base color you want. I use BNC Korean Polish in Aqua blue. Let dry.

Step 2:

Apply second coat of the base color, while wet, drop 5 drops of white polish. Do not panic if the dots disburse into bigger dots.

Step 3:

Quickly add 4 small dots as "shooting flower" effect.

Step 4:

Using a toothpick, spread the end of the dots going to the center, to create a nice petal.

Step 5:

Do the same procedure to the other nails (starting from Step 2). You can change the location of the flower on each nail.

Step 6:

Make sure the flowers are dry. Apply any Top Coat you prefer to protect the hardwork you've done. I personally love The Face Shop Top Coat. My nail art lasts longer.

It is your choice if you want to use other colors, but for this specific "Aloha" Nails, I prefer it plain and simple as my base color is already vavavoom! :D

Much mahalo for reading my nail art posts :)
And to my readers who wonder if I did anything to my hair from my past FOTD?
Yes, I cut my bangs a couple of weeks ago and I colored my hair :D
Stay happy!




Please check out ---
Askmewhats Seminar for a Cause

Askmewhats Version: "Quicky Smokey Eye" Look

My dear friend Bea of Beatrilicious wanted me to do a tutorial for a simple smokey eye look! She wanted a smokey eye look that's simple enough to be worn during the day.

So I've created a simple and easy way to do a smokey look! :)

Here's my version :D

Diagram time!!!

Step 1:
After applying MAC Cash Flow as base, using a medium sized e/s brush to apply a matte beige e/s color all over lids including brow bone.

Step 2:
Apply Ulta Galaxy e/s on the lid going above the crease. (thanks Toma for this)

Step 3:
Using any big fluff blending brush, apply CS 78pcs e/s palette in gold (Thanks Digital Angel) or any e/s in gold and blend the harsh line created by Ulta Galaxy color.

Step 4:
Tightline using Paul & Joe eyeliner in Black. Apply Stila Smudgepots in Black thinly on lashline. Apply 2 coats of Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara in black.

End result :D

And what did I use for the rest of my face? Read on...

For the face

MAC Studio Fix Liquid Foundation mixed with Cover Girl TruBlend in Ivory

For the cheeks


Coastal Scents 78pcs e/s palette
2nd blush color (hint of pink)


For the Lips

Eyeko Fat Balm on top of Kiehl's no. 1 Lip Balm

FOTD :D
Wishing everyone a great day!

I had fun doing this request!
Bei, I hope you learned something *winks*
If not, lol I'll show you in person
Take care everyoneStay Happy!

Please check out ---
Askmewhats Seminar for a Cause

Askmewhats Reviews: 4U2 Glitz Liquid Eye Liner

4U2 cosmetics is made in Thailand. I've seen them last year available at some malls like SM Megamall, or Watson's. I've been so intrigued with their packaging and the variation of colors available but nothing caught my eye except their lipsticks.

But a couple of days ago, I saw a new collection from them called GLITZ. It's more of a party-look collection and they got glittery eyeliners, mascaras available for the party girl!

I've been into colored liners and I can't help but test out all the eyeliners they have available and swatch it on my hand! :) I got home and the swatch are still in-tact, no smudging!

Top to bottom: Blue, Brown, Black, Green, Gold, Violet/Purple

Based on swatch, I came up with an amateur review on these ---

1. Blue - this is the least pigmented among all, I have to swipe it 2-3 x to get the color, and this is the first one who faded out of the 6 colors

2. Brown - the color looks like CS Truffle with glitters, pigmentation is ok but have to swipe it 2x to get the "swatch" color

3. Black - a very pretty color, pigmentation is good and I am now wondering why I didn't purchase this!

4. Green - pigmentation is good, the color looks wonderful, this color will look great on dark eyes! It'll definitely pop!

5. Gold - my favorite! If I didn't purchase 24k gel liner from the Coastal Scents, I will definitely purchase this in a heartbeat, the most pigmented of all, looks fabulous!!!!

6. Purple/Violet - this looks like "black" on a first swipe. It's more of a deep plum color.

And I purchased Brown because I seldom use glittery liners, I am more of a matte liner user and I want to see if I'll change my mind before I purchase the rest of the colors.

4U2 Glitz Liquid Eyeliner says ---

Ingredients: Aqua, Acrylate Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, anthan Gum, methylparaben, Propylparaben, Tocopheryl Acetage

Manufactured by : Colorcos Co., Ltd. Thailand under license from Bel*Air USA Cosmetics.

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• color is very pretty and looks natural
• stays and doesn't smudge on me
• easy to remove
• does not hurt the eye, no burning sensation
• brush is perfect, very sharp so easy to create a thin line
• the shimmer isn't outrageous, it doesn't fall off to your eye.
• tears test: I cried when I went to the temple and holy guacamole with the SMOKE! I was in tears and I was so scared I'll look like a Brown Panda, well the liner lightened, but it didn't smudge.
  

Cons

• for super oily lids, though this is waterproof, this may still smudge on them
  
• website is not updated, you can't see much information about their products online
• if you're in tears: the liner will be washed out and GONE
  

Overall

If you are new with liquid liner, this is a perfect way to try this as the brush tip is short and the handle is short too, which makes application in front of a mirror a breeze. I think some would say this is such a small product, I actually like it this way as I can finish up this product and use it all without wastage. The packaging is really nice and compact, easy to take along anywhere and it looks fab to be part of your make up kit! :)

Tips

• apply gently using short strokes to create a precise line.
  
• if you accidentally poke your eye with this (I hope not), rinse your eye gently with warm water.
• if you're using a liquid liner for the first time, you can apply a line using a pencil and top it with a glitter liner, works really well.
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes!

Where can you purchase and how much?

At selected SM department stores or Watsons. Php234.00 (approx $5.00)

Size as compared to Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara

A close up look on the brush

Swatch on both Natural and with Flash
Applied thin and thick

If you're wondering why you haven't heard any complaints from me on "Monday blues", well... I don't have it!!! Not because I'm mature and all LOL It's because I work for a company that follows Chinese Holidays, I don't have work for a week! So it's perfect timing for me to prepare my class for the upcoming Make-up Seminar! So to those attendees, can't wait to see you all!

Wish me luck!
Stay Happy!

Please check out ---
Askmewhats Seminar for a Cause

Happy Year of the Ox!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Chili's Grill & Bar Restaurant

It was my mom and dad's 44th wedding anniversary! Yup same with the 44th US President! :P It's totally NOT related but I don't know why I have to say that! LOL

Anyways, we've decided to have dinner at Chili's, we enjoyed margaritas there in the past and I can't imagine why we can't go back for another round :) I love how warm and friendly their staffs are and it was a perfect moment for my mom and dad to enjoy American Food! LOL We usually treat them at a Chinese restaurant :) But that would be for the Chinese New Years :)

Here's how cute the menu is! Love the CHILI!

Let's start with the food porn!
I haven't had the chance to take a shot on all the food and drinks :(
My bad, but I guess these photos are already enough
for all of you to hate me again for showing food photos
and making everyone hungry again :(
PEACE Sisters!

Chicken Crisper Php560.00 (approx $11.90)

I compare these Chicken Crispers to TGIF (Friday's).
I love Friday's Cajun Chicken more because of the batter,
but the chicken itself, this is the winner as the chicken is soft, tender and juicy!
Love the fries too!



Turkey Sandwhich Php395.00 (approx $8.45)

Hubby's Order, we love sandwiches!
And the Turkey sandwich tastes wonderful.
Just the right amount of cheese, mayonnaise and turkey!



Cajun Chicken Pasta Php475.00 (approx $10.00)

My order, LOVE THIS!
The chicken is grilled in a wonderful Cajun spice
and the pasta sauce is Alfredo. LOVE IT!
If only I can finish this up! But I can't, I shared!lol
and Oh, the garlic bread, I share it on the floor! lol
I dropped it! Ooooopss



Grilled Mahi Mahi Php 330.00 (approx $7.00)

Mahi Mahi is a type of fish, it was grilled perfectly
topped with mangoes. My mom loves it.
Fish is fresh and the rice and veggies complemented the dish




Herb Steak Php 450.00 (approx $9.60)

My brother and dad ordered this,
Dad loves mashed potatoes so he changed his rice to mashed potatoes.
Both cooked Medium Rare



Same order as above but with Rice

Chili's Grill & Bar Restaurant
Tomas Morato Quezon City

Happy Lunar New Year everyone!
Whether you celebrate it or not!
I wish everyone Good health, good fortune and lots of love!!!
Stay happy and have a great year of the OX!!!

Please check out ---
Askmewhats Seminar for a Cause