Thursday, December 31, 2009

My 2009 Finished Products


Soon, it'll be goodbye 2009!!!  I have rounded up a couple of products I've finished up or even repurchased for this year!  I don't have the complete list but you get the point! :)  I'll be sharing my 2009 Finished Products!!!!

1. Clinique Liquid Facial Wash Mild

I've finished a total of 3 bottles of this!  I love this that it doesn't dry out my skin, I hate it that this finishes up super fast! :P



2. Clinique Clarifying Lotion no. 2

The huge bottle lasts more than 6-8 months.  I like using this prior to moisturizing my skin.  I think after these 2 botttles, I'll go for the non-alcohol version, the lighter version.


3. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

I finished a huge bottle of this this year and I haven't repurchased as I've been a bit lazy and go straight to the Moisture Surge Extended Skin Relief.   I do miss this moisturizer though.  I may go back to this next year.  For now, I am using other sample moisturizers I got from GWPs. (gifts with purchase)

 


4. Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

I know this doesn't do a lot to other people but I seriously love the "gel" texture and the relief it gives me as soon as I apply this on my skin.  On days that my skin are super dry, I would apply an ample amount and leave it as facial mask and I wake up with really soft supple skin!

 

5. Ellana Intensive Coverage Mineral Foundation in French Vanilla Latte

Thanks to Shen for introducing this foundation, I do own a lot of other foundations but on days I want a very simple yet good coverage, this works very well and the shade is perfect on me!  Like I woke up with naturally flawless skin! *winks*  I finished 2 full size of this and *note to self*, I NEED to repurchase!

 

6. Paul & Joe Protective Dual Powder Foundation


I've finished up 1 compact, 2 refills of this for year 2009!  This is my ultimate MUST bring powder foundation to "set" the makeup I do for my clients.  This never fails me!  I use this alternately with Ellana foundation.  If  I want something more luxurious, I use this, if I want to save up and get the same good result?  Elllana is ok!

 


7. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Light

This is one product I finished this year not on myself but for clients.  I seriously do not even need any oil controlling primer but I depend on this for my oilier friends or clients.  I already repurchased a 2nd bottle and it's nice to have a good primer on hand.

 


8. Orly Nail Lacquer Remover

An unsung heroine I recently reviewed, the 2 bottles on photo below does not give justice!  I...admit...I've finished a total of 3 bttles and I'm on my 4th bottle!  You can't blame a girl who changes her nail art every weekend right? :P

 

9. Cream Silk and L'oreal Elseve

I've used up 4 tubs of L'oreal Elseve and I just recently tried Cream Silk's Precision repair Treatment and finished 1 tub.  I will probably alternate both brands!


10. Rexona Skin Light

I got this from the Rexona Event and I've finished up 1 and repurchased another one.  This is actually a nice alternative for my HG Secret. 


I've finished up a lot more products but these are what I can remember for now.  What about you?  What have you repurchased again and again for the year 2009?  I'm sure there's a long list for you too! 

I want to wish everyone a wonderful end of 2009 and let's all look forward for a better and brighter 2010!!!

Happy New Year!
Continue to keep smilin' and stay happy!!!!



Wednesday, December 30, 2009

AMW Reviews: MAC MSF in Dark

I've been searching for a back up contouring powder just in case I ran out of the limited edition MAC Sculpting Powder . My requirement?  Something non-shimmery, natural-looking and readily available to purchase (no no to limited editions!)

Have I found the one?
Before you further react, this is not meant to be just a contouring powder, MAC's Mineralized Skin Finish Natural is multi-purpose and it really depends on the user on what you plan to do with it! :) 



 

MAC MSF SkinFinish Natural in Dark says ---

A luxurious domed face powder with minerals, slowly baked to provide a dimensional yet natural-matte finish.  Provides perfect low coverage.  Use to set and fix foundation or as a touch-up throughout the day.

Ingredients: (you can click photo to enlarge)




AMW says ---


Pros
  • multi-purpose: can be used as setting powder for darker skintone, used as contour powder or blush/bronzer
  • lightweight
  • product lasts a long time!
  • since this is "baked", it never gets cakey and gives out a really soft, natural finish

Cons
  • applying too much may turn out quite "orangey" <--- be careful
  • because of the "dome" shape, the powder if very delicate
  • no mirror that comes with this
  • powder tends to fly everywhere when you swirl using a denser brush, product wastage
Overall

Matte yet gives a bit of a sheen finish, that's the best description I can give for the MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural Line.  I have purchased this mainly for contouring but I find this a bit too "rusty" for my NC20 skintone, I think this will go perfectly for NC30-35 skintone.  I've used this to give a bit of healthy glow all over my face on days that I feel like I need the "color", but using the right type of brush is very crucial for products like this! 

Tips
  • depending on your preferred usage, always test on different brushes to find the "perfect match"
  • to achieve a nice healthy glow, apply lightly on areas that the sun naturally hit your face with a stippling brush for "softer" dimension
  • prefer more coverage:  wet your sponge or spritz your brush with water 
  • to prevent product from flying everywhere, I prefer using a "dab dab" method rather than a swirling method
  • NEVER drop this!
Will I repurchase?
I purchased my MAC SkinFinish MSF Light last March and I use it daily, I've hit the pan (just in the middle) but still have a lot left, since I bought this only for contouring, this may last LONGER.  Not sure if I'll repurchase this within the year!

 

Where to purchase and how much?
At MAC store for Php1,600 (approx $34.78). I purchased mine cheaper from a blogsale!  Thanks Hedley!


Let me give you a closer look
to the MAC MSF Natural in DARK



On pan

 

 

I know contouring is not really for everyday, but if you do, have you finally found "zee contouring powder" that works so well for you?  I'd love to know!


The year's almost over!!! 
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!




Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Askmewhats Reviews: Nick Chavez Plump N Thick Leave in Thickening Cream

(note: all reviews are done based on the experience by this author, different individuals may have different views, feel free to comment if you want to share your views, thanks)

I thought I finished reviewing all my Nick Chavez hair products that was sent to me for review.  Guess I'm wrong!  I've done reviewing those that I use most of the time and I realized I haven't been giving this the time of the day!!!  Bad Nikki!  Oh well, better late than never right!


Nick Chavez Plump N Thihck Leave in Thickening Cream


**photo from Nick Chavez website

Nick Chavez says ---
An exceptional day or night leave-in creme that maximizes your hair's body and thickness to create richer, fatter hair. Formulated for all hair types. It has whole wheat protein, panthenol, and botanicals help strengthen hair.

Ingredients:

Water, VP/VA Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Benzophenone-
4,Cyclopentasiloxane,Cyclohexasiloxane,Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract,Honey, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed
Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Lactamide MEA, Lecithin, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract,
Panthenol,Polyquaternium-11,Polyquaternium-37,PPG-1Trideceth-6,Propylene Glycol,Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate,Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium
PCA, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethanolamine, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben,
Fragrance, Red 33, Red 40.


Askmewhats says ---

Pros
  • does not weigh hair down
  • smells great
  • hair do not feel greasy the whole day
  • hair feels a bit fuller
  • works really well if you plan to do a "poufy" hairdo
  • one bottle lasts as a little amount is enough
Cons
  • not available locally and too expensive to have it shipped here
  • if your hair is not layered, you won't feel much of the volume
  • won't do anything for you if you're not into volumized hair
Overall 

I don't have thin or thick hair to start with, my hair is just right.  But when I had my hair layered,  I've thought of giving this product a try and so far, it does enhance the look of the layers done by the stylist.  I am not into big hair though so I don't use this as much as I wanted to.  I've given this up to a friend of mine who has thin and limp hair.   She loves it and she told me she will repurchase via a friend in US.

This product in my opinion works for well anyone who wants a bit of volume without the weight or the greasiness.  I haven't seen any similar product locally or I may not be looking hard enough, but this is a product that works but I'm not a fan of it due to my personal reason of not liking the thick looking hair :)

Tips

From Nick Chavez
  • after shampooing, apply a dime-sized amount into palms, maassage into hair and leave in.
  • on dry hair, rub a dime-sized amount into palms and massage into hair and scalp, leaving product in hair.
  • before bed time, brush dry hair thoroughly, dispense a dime-size amount into palms of hands and massage into hair, do not rinse.
From AMW
  • use a pea sized amount only
  • test onto your hair which one works better, applied on wet hair, dry hair or before bedtime.  I like it applied on dry hair on my own experience.
  • if this product works for you, ask for a friend or relatives who live in the US to purchase this for you
  • try to avoid applying onto the root area, our humidity will weigh down our hair or make our hair looks greasy
Will I repurchase?
No, again, I'm not a "volume" person

Where to purchase and how much?


CVS website for $22.000 (approx Php1,012) for 8oz.

Are you into sleek, straight hair? 
Or full wavy hair?
I'd go for any!  Depending on my mood :)


Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Monday, December 28, 2009

AMW Reviews: Graftobian High-Def Warm Palette #1

I've been lurking the Graftobian sellers on ebay because I've been meaning to purchase a High Definition concealer/foundation palette.  I've read raves  on how great this foundation is.  Thanks to Stef, my dear friend, because it's nice to know it's finally available locally!  I've asked her what palette number to purchase first and she recommended warm pallete which works well for most Asian Skin.  I'm glad I listened! :)



 

Graftobian HD Creme Palette says ---

With rich color and coverage yet satin smooth creamy consistency, our Hi-Def Glamour Cremes are formulated to yield flawless High Definition results whether or not you're in front of a camera. These special palettes were designed to separate Cool, Warm and Neutral shades for artist convenience, poured into professional friendly, attractive packaging.

An artist can and often will use both media on the same face without having to work to match colors from scratch. The colors in this HD line have been sorted into Warm, Cool and Neutral shades as well as cream Corrector shades. This sort of user friendly system allows an artist to order within a "family" of shades for temperature correct use.

Made in the USA

Ingredients:Caprylic/Capric/Triglyceride, Octyl Palmitate, Carnauba Wax, Petrolatum, Lanolin Oil, Bees Wax, Ozokerite Wax, Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol, PTFE, BHA, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, N-Butylparaben. May contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Talc, Ultramarines.

AMW says ---

Pros
  • very light, felt like you're not wearing any foundation at all
  • easy to mix to get your desired shade
  • gives a nice coverage, can also double up as a concealer
  • doesn't dry out my dry skin, no flakiness
  • for matte finish lover: this has a very clean matte finish!
  • very smooth and easy to apply
  • a little amount goes a long way
  • if you're looking for foundation that does not contain SPF, this is it!
  • if you have dry skin, you don't even need to set this with a powder, this finishes up a really nice matte finish
  • build-able coverage, your choice of light to heavy finish
Cons
  • if you're not a makeup artist, you won't need all these shades
  • if you are into multi-purpose product, this isn't it.  There's no sunsceen, no skincare ingredients, no nothing!  Just pure foundation pigment.
Overall
I've always wanted to try HD foundation, but the price always stops me.  I'm glad there is a more affordable alternative Hi-Def makeup out there that's easier to the pocket.  I didn't think twice purchasing this because I know I can use this for clients and ended up using this for myself too *winks*

I am thrilled with the simple packaging, the smooth application and the nice coverage I get and I can't wait to try this to other people! This palette works well for both oily and dry skinned, you just have to prep your skin well before and after foundation application.  What I love about this palette is its multi-purpose, works well as foundation and concealer!  I don't need to carry tons of product on gigs.

Warm Palette #1 works well for MAC's NC15-35

I will definitely purchase more! :)

Tips
  • if you plan to purchase this for personal use, purchase the single foundation pot instead, you don't need all 5 shades not unless you are into highlighting and contouring
  • if you plan to mix, do not apply this directly onto your brush/sponge, better to scoop the product out with a spatula and plate, mix it well to warm the cream foundation prior to application
  • prior to application, prep your skin with your desired primer or moisturizer
  • for oily skin: pat with a setting powder to "prolong" the matte finish
  • yellow undertone: purchase the warm palette
Will I repurchase?
Yes.  I plan to purchase more shades as this is cheaper for makeup artist like me :)

Where to purchase and how much?
At HD Makeup Studio for Php1,400 (approx $30.40).

 
 

L-R (lightest to darkest): 
Graceful Swan, Ingenue, Vixen, Temptress and Enchantress

My shade is a bit of mix 
between 2 Ingenue and 3 Vixen


 

 

Have you tried HD?
This is my first, and definitely  not a last :)



Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Sunday, December 27, 2009

Weekend Food Tripping at: MoMo Cafe

How's holiday Food Tripping? Mine was great, spent with both families, lots of story telling and laughters.  I love holidays!

The first time I dined in Momo Cafe, it was early this year or late last year, I wasn't that impressed with the food and I didn't even find it exciting enough to blog about it.  But when I heard a new branch of Momo Cafe has opened up and people have been raving about it, I have to give it a try, Food Love could be sweeter the second time around.

Momo Cafe
Robinson's Plate, Ermita

I love the revamped look of the restaurant.  Drinks are well displayed and I like how bright the interior is!  Can I be childish and say, I love their colorful plates too?



Complimentary Crunchy Garlic Toast 
served with Cheese Pimiento spread
I seriously love this!

 

Family Starter Platter
Php395.00 (approx $8.60)

A selection of Jalapeno Cheese Rolls, Chicken and Bacon balls "on a stick"
"Calamari" strips served with all the goodies!

 

Here's what's inside of the Chicken and Bacon Balls



Grandma's Country Herb 
and Bacon Wrapped "MeatLoaf"
Php395.00 (approx $8.60)

Stuffed with Spanish Chorizo and topped with tomato cream gravy and a fried egg

 

Old Fashioned Beer Battered "Fish & Chips"
Php325.00 (approx $7.06)


Huge serving of Dory fish with sweet pickle tartar sauce coctail sauce,
malt vinegar and lemon

 

12" Thin Crust Pizza
Meat, meat and more Meat
Php385.00 (approx $8.37)

U.S. Beef, Hungarian Sausage, "meatloaf" balls and crispy bacon

 

Huge Glass for Bottomless Iced Tea



We oinked oinked our way out to the restaurant.  I love how nice their staffs are, food was served quickly and the servings are definitely good for sharing!  Humongous!!! Price is really affordable! 

Payments can be done via cash or credit card.  Expect 20% tip to be included in the final bill!

MoMo Cafe
Robinson's Place Manila
Manila Midtown Wing
tel: 632-567-3417

MoMo Cafe
G/F Eastwood Mall, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave,
Bagumbayan, Libis QC
tel: 632-900-1006

What's your holiday food tripping?
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!


Saturday, December 26, 2009

AMW Reviews: Monda Oval Steel Mixing Plate


I am not a born artist and anything that looks like "painting" or "drawing" products scares the hell out of my brains!  I am allergic to anything artistic and I am quite surprised I grew up to be a Makeup Artist.  That's one mystery in life I guess.

I've always thought mixing tools for makeup are useless and just a marketing strategy to make people spend more money.  But when I get into makeup class and learning that being a makeup artist, I don't need to own every shade of foundation available in the world,  I learned the art of mixing, and with the art of mixing, comes the mixing tools needed!  Embarrassing for me to admit, I've used square carton boxes to mix my stuffs and girl, I swear, it doesn't look good! :)

That's when stainless steel mixing plates made especially for makeup artists or enthusiasts.  I'm glad we have it available down here and I don't need to look for it at the "cooking" section! 





Monda Oval Steel Mixing Plate says ---

No description on the mondastudio.com website.  I can't even find it there.


AMW says ---

Pros

  • made of stainless steel, do not rust
  • very handy, perfect for mixing lip product, foundation or any other cream/ liquid based makeup
  • very professional looking
  • easy to clean up
Cons
  • useless for people who hates mixing their make-up
  • quite pricey for a mixing plate (but this lasts forever!)
Overall
I've used a lot of plastic plates or even cardboard to mix my makeup and it doesn't look professional at all!  I'm glad I got my own stainless steel plate for mixing which looks very professional and hygienic at the same time.  This is perfect not only for makeup artists but for make-up addicts out there who loves mixing their foundation or even lipstick shades!  I am one lipstick mixer so this is a perfect tool for me!  I like it that the plate is quite spacious so I have enough space to mix different products without having to wipe the plate each and every time.  

Tips
  • goes hand in hand with the mixing steel spatula

    • always clean up your mixing plate right after usage
    • spritz the plate alcohol prior to usage to make sure it's hygienic
    Will I repurchase?
    1 is enough for the rest of my life.  Do not lose this though! :)

    Where to purchase and how much?
    Locally, at HD Makeup Studio for Php750.00 (approx $16.30)

    Brand name printed on the plate

     

    shaped like a painter's mixing plate

     

    Just the right thickness

     

    Easy to hold

     

    Do you mix your makeup?
    Do you use a mixing plate?

    Keep smilin'
    Stay happy!



    Friday, December 25, 2009

    Merry Christmas!!!



    AMW Readers:

    Christmas day may be a time for gift giving or reunion to a lot of us.  But let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas!  Let us all thank the Lord for the wonderful blessings He showered upon us.  Thank Jesus for his unconditional love!

    I don't have a Christmas wish list as I got enough great friends, wonderful family and relatives for being there for me through the thickest times.  That is enough for me to go on...

    I did not wish for material things and yet, I am still spoiled to be showered with love package from a Secret Santa.  Whoever you are, thank you!!!!

     

    I also received my winnings from JC, thank you sweetie for the Barry M nail polishes too!  I can't wait to give it a try! So festive!
     

    I'm wishing everyone the Merriest Christmas!
    Now, ain't this the best time to tell everyone how much you love them?

    Keep smilin'
    Stay happy!




    Thursday, December 24, 2009

    Christmas Giveaway by Makeup Mix Shop --- WINNER!


    To My Dearest AMW Readers:

    Thank you!  Thank you for joining the Christmas Giveaway and thanks to our dear friend Makeup Mix Shop for sponsoring this contest! 

    Christmas day is tomorrow!  As promised, I will announce the winner before Christmas Day!  I ain't too late yeah? 

    Thanks to my trustee Random.org.  The winner for the ELF Studio Brush Set + Case is... *drumroll*

    KAREN of Pixelgraffiti!

    I will email you soon!!!

    For the rest, there's still a code ASKMEWHATS for 10% off any order, including Sale Period!  No expiration date on my code!  Can I use my own code? lol

    Have a wonderful Holidays everyone!
    Of course, let's all keep smilin!
    And Stay happy!