Temporary Hiatus

Dear All,

As you can see, I haven't been updating for the past 2 days and its unusual, indeed everything is unusual. As everyone who reads my facebook and twitter knows, my mom had her gallbladder surgery last Friday, everything went smoothly until the recovery period. She did not wake up and to make it short, everything on E.R. movies that are done to revive a patient, I've seen them do it to my mom. It's the WORST moment of my life. It's a miracle, she survived after 3 hours of trying to survive her, this is her second life, it is a miracle and I believe prayers are powerful.

She is stable now, but she's learning to breathe on her own, I am taking time to blog to ask for prayers from everyone! Please pray for my mom, I know she's stable but anything can happen and I am trying to push away negative thoughts. SHE WILL BE OK!!!!

I will be back soon, and will update more! Sorry to everyone who's been asking queries, I will be back soon...PLEASE PRAY FOR MY MOM....

Thank you!
I will be positive.

Love,
Nikki

Askmewhats Reviews: Kose Collagen Essence Mask

I am in love with my dear blogger friend Yumeko's ninja photos (photos secretly shot on beauty stores)! As she's living in one of the cutest city in the world --- TOKYO!!!

I've seen a couple of a bulk paper face mask from Kose on one of her post and I mentally told myself to purchase it when given the chance. The chance was a couple of weeks ago, when I went to HongKong. I was browsing through one of a Sasa Store, much to my delight, I've seen these bulk masks.

After reading a bit of Kanji! lol I've decided to choose the Collagen one for my dry skin!

The packaging looks like wet tissue box! :) Love it!

As you remove the carton
You'll see a nice resealable packaging
all in PINK! :)

Kose Collagen Essence Mask says ---

Content: 22 sheets (260ml lotion)
Made in Japan

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• very nice packaging, they are color coordinated (I believe there's a yellow one with Q10, this Pink one is Collagen and there's a whitening one, I think in blue?)
  
• the mask fits the face, not too big or small
• does moisturize my face
• has a lovely scent
• the sheet does not tear up easily
  

Cons

• because it's on a resealable package, the rest of the masks get dried easily, the mask is not as wet as those individually wrapped
• come to think of it, you need to use this daily to see an effect, it may look cheap but overall, you pay more as this is good for less than a month
  
• not available locally
  

Overall

I am not that addicted to face masks because I am quite lazy! But when my dry skin is bothering me, I find paper masks are a great way to "comfort" my skin. It's temporary but I find it soothing and relaxing!

The Kose mask is great for starters because they are not messy at all! The sheets are damp and not "irritatingly" wet.

I have used so many sheets in the past and based on my experience, this product doesn't leave me a strong impression, but it is nice to have around on days I want to feel special! This is definitely part of my "me" time routine every weekend. Including my home style hair spa! LOL Will tell you all about it in the future!


Tips

• these mask are made for daily use, so try to use this daily after washing your face
  
• leave for 5-10 minutes, better to close your eyes and relax
• after removing the mask, do not wash your face but gently massage the remaining liquid on the face to penetrate
• use moisturizer after using the mask, it'll lock in the moisture
  

Will I repurchase?

No, would go on finding other masks available in the market

Where can you purchase and how much?

I purchased this at Sasa Store in HongKong for less than $10.00 (approx Php400.00)
Available on ebay, just search on the name and a lot of sellers sell it for $14.00 (approx Php650) <--- free shipping

Close up on the resealable packaging

Here's a close up shot
on the mask sheet

I honestly haven't used any mask that's THE ONE!
Are there really any?
Enlighten me facial masks experts out there :P
I'm all EENT! (Eyes Ears Nose Throat) :D

Have a wonderful Friday!
Keep that smile coming and
Stay Happy!

Askmewhats Version: My " I Nuovi" Face

What's Inuovi?

Inuovi means "the New" in Italian. Perfect definition as it's definitely a new professional cosmetics brand invading the world inspired by fashion, technology and life!

According to I Nuovi ---

With a worldwide presence in more than 10 countries, I NUOVI Cosmetics is the world's first Asian professional beauty line that embraces a modern and eco-friendly concept, with core values of minimalism, innovation and individualism as its foundation. We believe that everyone should be empowered with the freedom to choose their own style and thus equip them with the necessary beauty tools to make their dream a reality. That is precisely why, I NUOVI is the preferred choice for leading makeup artists and celebrities worldwide. Our Products are the fruits of intensive research and development by world renown cosmetic scientists together with leading professional makeup artists. Each and every product incorporates the most advanced technology and cutting edge raw materials and manufactured in Europe and Japan. Active ingredients have also been added to provide enhanced treatment benefits and antioxidant properties to the skin.

The first time I've seen their products are from several beauty bloggers both from Singapore and Malaysia. When I went to Hong Kong last month, I've seen their "playstation" at a SaSa store and I am impressed! (sorry for the poor ninja shot)

Thanks to I Nuovi Professional Singapore
for sending a photo of their "flagship" store
in Singapore

Now I've got the chance to try on I Nuovi Professional cosmetics, I will be creating an "I Nuovi" look first and I'll a comprehensive review on each to follow! Hope you like it!

All I Nuovi Professional Products

1. Litebase Light Diffusing Liquid Foundation 3Y
2. Blush in Lollipop
3. Dust in Moonstone
4. Colours D27 Chrome
5. Ivoluxe in Flirt

Askmewhats Diagram

Step 1:
Prior to e/s application, prime the lids with MAC Shadestick in Beigeing.

Apply I Nuovi Professional Colours D27 e/s in Chrome all over lids using a medium sized blending brush.

Step 2:
Using the same brush, apply L'oreal HIP Sassy e/s, the metallic blue one on the outer crease.

Step 3:
Using a smaller crease brush, apply NYX Morocco on the outer v to create depth, also apply on the lower lashline. BLEND WELL

Step 4:
Tightline using Makeup Forever's Aqua liner in Black and apply CS Gel Liner in True Black on the upper lashline creating a small winged effect.

Optional:
Apply a white eyeliner or eyeshadow liner on the waterline to create a wide awaked look.

And you think you're done! Do not forget to curl your lashes and apply 2 coats of your choice of mascara. (thanks Grace for the Clinique High Impact Mascara)

Now you're done with your eyes :D

Fill in the brows if needed!
I've used Paul and Joe eyebrow pencil no. 2



What's on the rest of my face?



For the Face:
I Nuovi Professional Litebase
Light Diffusing Liquid Foundation in 3Y

For the Cheeks:
I Nuovi Professional Colours D36
in Lollipop

For the Lips:
I Nuovi Professional Ivoluxe
in Flirt

The foundation does create a different look! My skin has a certain glow ready for the camera! But I'm not ready yet as I'm still in my pajamies! LOL

Do check out I Nuovi professional products online
Want to wait for my review?
Holler if you want an urgent review on any of the I Nuovi products
I hope you like my look for the day! :)

Take care!
Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!

Paul & Joe Presents Gold Collection

DEAR PHILIPPINE READERS:

Be the ultimate goddess with Paul & Joe's
Limited GOLD Collection!
Bronzers, Lip Gloss, Eye & Nail colors with hint of Gold
ONLY 12 SETS AVAILABLE!

for reservations or queries ---
email: stefanie@prestige.com.ph
call: 818.68.91

Click photo to enlarge for more details!
Who's reserving?
Ooohhh tempting!

Nail Art Tutorial: "Chocolate Dipped" Nails

Nail Art day!!!! It's humpy Wednesday and I wanted to create something that's close to women heart --- Chocolates!!!!

Chocolates warms the heart, proclaims love, an upper drug!!!!
So I am sharing a wonderful and legal drug to everyone!
*sigh*....Happiness.....

Step 1:

Apply base coat prior to any nail polish application. Using Maybelline Colorama in Hint of Taupe, apply 2 coats and let dry.

Step 2:

Apply P&J 003 Nail Polish in brown in a diagonal manner going to whichever direction you want.

Step 3:

Using L.A. Colors Art Deco in Glitter gold, line between the brown and taupe polish color to separate the 2 shades.

Step 4:

Draw dots using a white nail art pen or dotting tool.

Step 5:

Apply rhinestones of your choice, I applied a rectangular rhinestones to create running lines :)

Step 6:

Apply Top Coat of choice to protect nail art.

Chocolate Dipped Fingernails
with a Twist! :)

I was told by some of my readers that they cannot draw, so I've decided to show everyone that you can use different polish colors to create diagonal lines and that's enough! :)

Hope my weekly nail art tutorials
inspires even one of you out there!
Take care and keep smilin!
Stay happy!

Something New: L'oreal White Perfect Fairness Revealing Soothing Night Cream

L'oreal Paris Dermo-Expertise Introduces
White Perfect Fairness Revealing Soothing Night Cream

Excessive melanin production can saturate cells with dark pigments, leading to skin darkening and preventing your inner rosy glow to shine through. On the surface, your skin looks dull and yellowish.

Without a healthy rosy glow, your skin cannot reach its inner fairness.

For truly radiant skin, L'oreal Presents:

Transparent Rosy Whitening

To wake up every morning with a rosy fair glow.

Overnight Action

1. Lightens skin tone and boosts rosy glow:

• Optimally enriched with Tourmaline gemstone known to stimulate skin microcirculation, it acts during the night for a radiant rosy skin in the morning.
• It also contains Advance Melanin-Block, which acts to regulate the melanin production at the source, to help skin become fairer.

2. Soothes and reinforces the skin:

UV, stress, pollution can lead to create free radicals, which have harmful effects on skin cells. Skin surface is darkened. This cream contain vitamin E, which is known to fight against free radicals and to enlighten skin during the night.

Results

• Immediately, skin is soft, supple and hydrated
• from the first morning, skin is smoothed and radiant with rosy fairness
• Night after night, skin is visiby fairer, more transparent, with a healthy glow

Texture

Nourishing but non-greasy, the re-comforting and velvety texture of new WHITE PERFECT Fairness Revealing Soothing Night Cream is quickly absorbed, leaving your skin soft and supple, with no feeling of stickiness.

Dermatologically tested on Asian skin.

Suggested retail price is Php525.00 (approx $11.00)

Available at SM Department Stores and Watsons Beauty Stores, PCX, The Landmark, Robinson's Department Stores, Shopwise, Mercury Drug Stores, Gaisano Metro Department Stores.

Askmewhats Reviews: Sustainable Youth Total Immune Performance

As seen on my Something New post.
Finally, after a month and a half! I am ready for a review!!!

As seen on my previous post here, I was given a chance to try and test Sustainable Youth Skincare. Given my sensitive and dry skin, I am a bit hesitant to give it a try plus the fact that I don't have that amount of wrinkles or fine lines to really see results! But thanks to Connie's wonderful review that urged me to try this after I finish up my Clinique Mild Cleanser and Dramatically different moisturizer.

So on with the review!!!



Immune Performance Elastifirm Supplement with Alastin says ---

An all-natural, vegan formula containing the immune-stimulating, patent-pending blend Alasta™ developed to sustain youth and beauty from the inside out.

Clinically proven to help improve skin elasticity and firmness up to 61 percent in only 12 weeks of use. Consumer case studies show visible signs of improvement in only 2 weeks of use and consumers report benefits in as little as 1 week of use.

A 30-day supply of 60 capsules is packaged in a compact, recyclable bottle.

Ingredients:

Alasta™ Complex, Defatted Rice Bran, Hypromellose, Di-Calcium Phosphate, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate

Directions:

Take one capsule in the morning and one in the evening



Immune Performance™ Revitalizing Serum with Alasta™ ---

Size: 30ml

A weightless, topical treatment containing the immune-stimulating, patent-pending blend Alasta™ that absorbs instantly to rejuvenate skin’s radiance and glow as it helps improve skin’s elasticity and firmness for the appearance of younger-looking skin.

Clinically proven to help improve skin elasticity and firmness up to 72 percent in only 8 weeks of use. Consumer case studies show visible signs of improvement in only 2 weeks of use and consumers report benefits in as little as 1 week of use.

Contains organic tea extracts and essential oils that help rejuvenate the skin and invigorate the senses.

Key Ingredients:

Alasta™, Rice Extract, Green, White and Rooibos Tea Extracts


Immune Performance™ Elasticity Cream with Alasta™ 30ml ---

Size: 30ml

A lightweight, daily moisturizer containing the immune-stimulating, patent-pending blend Alasta™ that soothes and hydrates as it helps restore skin’s elasticity and firmness for the appearance of thicker, plumper skin.

Clinically proven to help improve skin elasticity and firmness up to 72 percent in only 8 weeks of use. Consumer case studies show visible signs of improvement in only 2 weeks of use and consumers report benefits in as little as 1 week of use.

Contains organic and natural oils, extracts and essential oils that condition, moisturize and soothe the skin and invigorate the senses.

Key Ingredients:

Alasta™, Organic Olive Oil, Natural Jojoba Oil, Organic Sweet Almond Oil, Organic Shea Butter, Green and White Tea Extracts

Directions:

Gently apply a thin layer to clean facial skin in the morning and in the evening. For maximum results, precede use with Immune Performance™ Revitalizing Serum.


Askmewhats says for the whole set ---

Pros

Tablets

• easy to swallow as size is small

• made of organic ingredients
  

Serum

• made of organic ingredients
  
• absorbs to the skin quickly
• non greasy/oily, has a liquid consistency
  
• great for oily skin as this dries off matte
  

Cream

• made of organic ingredients
  
• scent smells wonderful
• absorbs to the skin quickly in no time

Cons

Tablets

• for someone who expects to see huge results, this won't happen overnight
• for lazy vitamins taker like me, this is a huge commitment to take this day and night!
  

Serum

• the scent! case to case basis, this may not bother other people but I don't like the woody scent
• too drying for my already dry skin
  

Cream

• if you have dry skin and wanted moisturizer, this is not moisturizing enough
  

Overall

I am quite hesitant to give this a try because my skin has always been on a sensitive side. I've done research and read the ingredients list over and over again before I've decided to give it a go.

First try? I am so glad my skin did not react negatively! My skin usually would itch or turn red at once if I'm allergic to it. So it passed my first test.

I find that using this 3-step as my skincare program does improves my skin's elasticity, of course you cannot see that on photos but I can see the skin on my jaw area tightened up a bit, but with the wrinkles and fine lines? It stayed that way and it hasn't disappeared! I must be too stressed! LOL

What I like about the Sustainable Youth Total Immune Performance products is that I don't feel any sleepiness or weight gain as what we call "Side Effects".

The only concern I got is my dry skin isn't moisturized enough while I use this system. The first week of using this made my skin flakes a bit on the jaw and cheeks area. I've decided to incorporate my Clinique's Moisture Surge Extended Skin Relief AFTER the cream and it did not react negatively but I find it working hand in hand with my Sustainable Youth system.

I believe this is better for normal to oily skin. Dryer skin individuals like me have to use a separate moisturizer after the cream! And I have to stress on that!


Tips

If you don't feel comfortable spending so much on the whole set, you can purchase just the supplement or just the cream or serum. Of course using them all together will heighten and quicken the result as opposed to using just one.

Will I repurchase?

I'd love to purchase just the cream or the supplements! The serum dried up my dry skin more!

Where can you purchase and how much?

At Sustainable Youth website
Immune Performance Elastifirm Supplement with Alasta 60capsules for $55.00 (approx Php2,585)
Immune Performance Revitalizing Serum with Alasta for $65.00 (approx Php3,055)
Immune Performance Elasticity Cream with Alasta for $65.00 (approx Php3,055)
Introductory price for set of 3 $150.00 (approx Php7,000)

And here's what everyone's been looking for to prove if the products work or not, I've taken the before shot at exactly April 24, 2008 and the after shot was taken June 20, 2008. I've finished up the Elastifirm Supplement for a month taken day and night and I've used the Serum and Cream consistently day and night. I've added Clinique's Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief at night time as mask to make sure my skin won't get dry when I take my beauty sleep.

I've stopped applying any eye cream I've used in the past for the sake of this review, I've applied the serum and cream gently on the undereye area and massaged all over my face, neck and jaw area.

Note from Author: The results of the test could come out differently to different individuals. DO NOT take my word for my reviews, the results are all from my personal experiences based on my skin condition, the environment I am in and my diet. Please use any products mentioned here at your own risk.

Left Eye
(you can click to enlarge)

Before taking a look at the photos, I don't see any huge difference on my eye area, I only experienced firmer eyelids which was shown visibly on the photograph above. The fine lines on the undereye area are still the same as before.

Right Eye
(you can click to enlarge)

Aside from cleaner brows on the AFTER shot, lol, there is again an obvious difference on my eyelid area being lifted more as compared to before. The fine lines under the eye area has shortened just a TINY bit but the rest remains the same and the circles on my right eye is more prominent due to stress from work and my mom who's going for a Gallbladder stones surgery soon! :(

Forehead
(you can click to enlarge)

The lines/wrinkles (ouch, I hate using that word) remains the same, I do have some spots from my breakouts once in awhile, yes, my spots moved from left to right! lol but I was looking up close and seen that there's no drastic changes on my forehead.

Final Thoughts?

Though the company claimed to see results in 2 weeks, yes, could be for others but not for me. It took me a month and more to be able to see tiny changes, but the tiniest difference is better than none right?

Overall, it was a great experience to try these products that are not too commercialized, I don't care as long as it works! :)

Don't you just think my post is getting longer and longer?
lol I just want to make sure to cover everything! :)
Drop me a note if you have any questions!
Have a wonderful day!

Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!

Other reviews you can check out
Vivawoman

Askmewhats Reviews: Kryolan Supracolor

I've always seen face paints on children's parties, Halloweens, theater, etc... But I would never thought in my lifetime I would be doing them on another person considering how bad I am when it comes to ART! lol I've always get the grade of 75%-80% for Art Class and 75% is just the boundary of a passing mark! LOL That's how bad I am and I'm not exagerrating. You can go ask my brother, I swear! He's not going to say nice things just because I'm his kid sister, lol

Anyways, as the day of the Makeup finals are fast approaching, I told myself I really have to go for the difficulty level because if I go for the safe level, no ones ever going to criticize me or even teach me for me to be able to improve myself. Since I bought myself this palette even before I started makeup class, why not put this to use?

Supracolor Standard
Combination A

Kryolan Supracolor says ---

Cream make-up made from beneficial oils and tested pigments.
Apply with a fine cosmetic sponge thinly and evenly.
To set make-up, use translucent powder.
Can be easily removed with Kryolan Make-up remover orHydro Removing Oil.


Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• colors are very pretty
• very pigmented
• makes the e/s or powder color lasts longer and more vibrant
  
• multi purpose: can be used on face, body and even hair!
• easy to remove
• no flaking after drying
• no weird smell, the scent is actually wonderful, like a hint of flowery fragrance
  
• no smearing
• does not cause allergic react so far to me and my model
• refillable

• sleek and easy to take along

Cons

• quite pricey compared to other face and body paints
• this Supracolor shades are too bright and loud that you can only use this for special effects or avant garde looks
• yes, the palette is refillable but you can't find all the refillable shades, it's limited down here
  

Overall

If you are studying makeup and you wanted to create a wonderful Avant Garde look, this is a wonderful palette! It enhances the e/s colors if used as base.

During my makeup class finals, I've been wanting to create a gradient face look and I've tried achieving it with the use of cream concealers. The colors came out more vibrant but not as vibrant as to having the Kryolan Supracolor. What I love is that it's so easy to blend and it doesn't flake out the skin of the model. Looking back, I am really glad I purchased this product as doing a creative makeup with this gives me the confidence that the colors I wanted to show up will show up the way I've imagined.

Tips

• you can apply the product onto the face or body with a synthetic brush or sponge
• always blend well the cream before applying the powder color.
• buy this palette only if you know you'll be using most of the shades, if not, you can skip this
• if you have someone coming from the US, ask them to help you purchase as it's cheaper outside of our country
• share with your make-up artist friends if you know you just need this palette once
  

Will I repurchase?

Not the same palette, I don't use them as much as regular makeup :) But I am eyeing for their other products like the lipstick palette, foundation palette and concealer palette.

Where and how much did I purchase?

At Kryolan shop at 3rd Level, Il Terarazzo Bldg, Tomas Morato, QC.
Online Kryolan shop
Price: Php1,600 (approx $34.00)

Here's are swatches for you
to decide if you need them or not :)




Here's the look I've created
with the help of this palette!
Thanks Kryolan Supracolor!

**Thanks to Julia for the inspiration

I wish everyone a great start of the week!
It does feel better to start the week right, as it'll make the whole week better :)
Here's to a great Monday!
I want to thank everyone who's leaving me sweet and comforting messages on Twitter :)

God bless!
Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!