I have Tattoos!!!

TEMPORARY TATTOOS! :P

A lot of people who personally knew me would know that I would NEVER tattoo my body!  It is not in my personality to be that adventurous.  But nowadays, having tattoos isn't that bad, with the option of colors, small delicate designs, there comes a moment where I would like to have a small one either at the back of my shoulder or ankle area.

Why not try using temporary tattoos?  

I've done it so many times but they all look fake and unnatural.  That defeats the purpose of looking adventurous *laughs*

Recently, I was contacted by FreakyNine.  Freakynine is a recently launched Korean online store that sells unique tattoo designs made by real Korean Tattoo Artists!  At present, I was told they are working with 10 artists and they have more designs to follow!  After checking out their English website, I've found a lot of designs I would personally want if I want a permanent Tattoo Design!  They have a wide range of designs that would suit your personality!

These are just a few designs I picked ...you get 2 sheets of similar designs so you can always go for 2nd round if you like the design so much.  

I went for DORAN Sparkly Butterflies for the back of my right shoulder.  I have a mole on that part of my body so it is perfect to cover it with these Freakynine tattoos since I have a Beach wedding to attend to and this delicate design goes so well for the occasion.

A closer look.  Real story update:  I was approached several times by guests thinking I had a real tattoo!  They all gave a loud gasp when I told them these are just temporary!  

Best of all, NO WATER NEEDED.  You just stick these temporary tattoos on desired area and press it with your hand for around 30 seconds and you have a nice tattoo that lasts more than a week!

Gift Idea: For Moms-To-Be and Moms

 

October 28.  A few days left and November is here.  
After Halloween and All Saints Day, what's in my mind is Christmas Gift Shopping!  I have to start early as I am always the last-minute-shopper kind of gal!  This year, I'll make it different.  I will shop as early as now also taking advantage of Double Digit sales on E-Commerce platforms.  

11.11 HERE I COME!

Let's start with my favorite gift ideas - for Moms and Moms-to-Be ...or JUST BECAUSE.  Because these products I recently discovered are good for EVERYONE!

Element Mom is a toxin-free skincare for pregnancy and beyond.  Based from research, this band was founded during the height of COVID Pandemic year 2020.  So this is a baby brand.  For someone who got the chance to test this out when this brand is just starting out, I am honored!

Element Mom Mega Moisturizing Stretch Marks Cream

Php1,495.00

Available at LAZADA

My Favorite Face Brushes

 

I have been reviewing a lot of brushes for the past years.  From high end brands to the most inexpensive ones, it is funny how I never shared my top picks!  I mean not everyone can invest on a set of brushes so today, I am sharing my top 4+1 brushes that I can't live without.

1. Foundation Brush

I never use this type of brush to "blend" my base, instead, I use this to apply the right amount of product seamlessly to my skin.  This is a nice brush to also apply concealer.  The flat side of the brush gives ample "coverage" so I don't need to use a lot of product because the brush does not absorb as much product as sponges.

Foundation brush brand: Estee Lauder

2. Oval Brush

The Oval Brush came out in the latter part of the Beauty Game.  Though I do not talk much about these type of brushes, I pick them up a lot. (if you zoom closer, you can see how worn out the this brush is!) 

How do I use this brush?  I apply a good amount of concealer (usually in Doe Foot applicator) and use this brush to blend the concealer on the undereye area and it gives off a perfect coverage.  With the extra product on brush, I sweep it on the sides of my nose, chin and other areas of my face and it immediately covers spots and redness!  I can do my makeup half the time because of this brush, 

Oval Brush Brand: Etude House

How to Apply Cheek Tint Seamlessly

 

At this stage and time, there more brands coming up with Cheek Tints!  One brand that I honestly LOVE and collect all the tints are from Benefit.  

Benetint is my ultimate fave and it made me love the brand from the start.  But afterwards, Cha Cha Tint won my heart and I even repurchased many bottles for Professional gigs.  After throwing out a lot of the tints - as a little goes a long way and they expired on me.  I am glad to try one of the newer shades PLAY TINT - God save me, they are coming up with more shades pa!

Benefit's Play Tint is honestly so easy to use.  But easy may be for me, but not for you!  So here's a quick tutorial on how to apply tints (in general) seamlessly!

All you need is a Tint of choice and a STIPPLING BRUSH.

Steps:

1. If tints are natural-looking, complete your base makeup first without setting with powder.
2. Apply cheektint at the back of hand or a dish, grab a few amount of product with your Stippling brush.  Tap excess on tissue, hand or dish before applying straight on cheeks.
3. Stipple the product on cheeks gently and if the tint is super pigmented, blend out excess using a clean sponge..
4. If the effect is too much on your cheeks, diffuse the color by adding powder foundation on top.

This method will definitely create a seamless blush look!  See the result?

Vodana Glam Wave Curler Review

 

If you type in hair curlers on this blog's search box, you will probably see that for someone who has only 1 head of hair, I do own a number of hair tools!  Don't get me wrong, hairstyling was my first love that is why I studied hair cutting and hair styling first before I studied make up artistry.  

I am frustrated with curling and styling my hair.  I used to sit for hours practicing at my own hair and that includes buying various tools to create the hairstyle I want.  At the end of the day, aside from a good curling tool, you also need a good pair of hands with loads of practice to achieve the hairstyle we all want.

Just like this BEACH WAVES!

A few years ago, I watched this light Korean Drama called True Beauty.  In this story, this girl, who has bad skin learned to do makeup and style her hair to look pretty!  On episode 1, my eyes got caught with this cute pastel-colored curling iron she used and I researched the brand right away -- Korean brand VODANA.  At that time, it was close to impossible to buy this brand because I have to either physically go to Korea or buy from their website which is way more expensive to have it shipped locally.

Thankfully, with the advancement of online shopping (No Thanks to COVID by the way for all the lockdown), I was able to find a Korean seller via Lazada who sells VODANA products.   I did a lot of research and finally went for 32mm size.  

For your reference:

• 32mm is equivalent to 1.25 inches
• 36mm is equivalent to 1.5 inches
• 40mm is equivalent to 1.75 inches

I already own a 1.5 inches iron which I bought more than a decade ago - Read Remington Review

And with  my hair length, I knew 40mm won't do much as the weather calls for CURL NOW- STRAIGHT in 60Seconds! :P

It was an easy-peasy decision and thankfully, the color PURPLE is available as I was left with only Black or Purple.  BORAHAE BTW to fellow ARMYs!

I got the best time of my life curling as soon as I received the VODANA GLAM WAVE CURLER (Php3,134.00)

AMW says ---

Silkygirl Lipstick for Dry Lips

 

You have dry lips?
YES? YES? YES?

Follow me!

I probably have one of the most dehydrated lips as a Beauty Blogger here in the Philippines! :P  For once, I am quite proud of it huh?  :P

That said, I can't seem to enjoy Matte Lipsticks like most Beauty Reviewers.  They can show close up gorgeous lips while I can't - you'll just see a SEA OF CRACKS :P  So anyhoo, I am sharing lipsticks that I am proud to wear daily!

So anyways, SilkyGirl is a drugstore brand that has been making rounds in the Beauty world.  They are inexpensive yet most of their products deliver.  I have always been a fan of their Matte Cushion Foundation, their Eyeliner pencil is an unsung hero - glides on so smoothly and stays!

They have been releasing new products - including fragrances but these 2 lippies caught my attention immediately.

SilkyGirl Moisture Balm Lipcolor
Php275.00
Available at LazMall

AMW wears 01 Raisin

How to: Longer Staying Curls

 

"My curls won't last!"

"1 hour pa lang bagsak na!" (Just a few hours layer, my hair is straight once again!)

That's what I read on my comment section whenever I post about curly hairstyles.  So here, I posted another technique to prolong your curls since I have been doing a lot of Bridal makeup and I've been watching and looking how hairstylists prolong the curls of brides and bridesmaids.

The main idea to make the curls last longer is ---

• Do not condition your hair the day you plan to curl your hair.  Better yet, even the day before!
• Shampoo your hair thoroughly massaging your roots well on the day of hairstyling.  
• Use dry shampoo if you have extremely oily hair.
• Use mousse before styling or CURL sprays.
• Do not spritz A LOT OF product on the hair as it will weigh down the curls.
• Set your hair with a light mist of hairspray - again, same concept as above.
• Set your hair after curling with tools until hair is cool or while doing makeup.  This setting technique will make your curls last SUPER LONG!
• Also, use small iron size, start with very tight curls as it will loosen up after a few hours.

Here's a video for you to know how it is done!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐮 (@askmewhats)

What do you think?
Do you have more tips?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

  

Laneige Retinol Line is Here!

 

 Retinol is good for so many reason.  It helps eliminate and reduce visible signs of aging.  Improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and it helps create better skin texture.

So why can't you find much retinol ingredient products reviewed here?  

I. AM.  SCARED.  

I have very sensitive skin and I have read various reviews on skin purging, negative reactions, etc...  I just don't have time for that yet!  I have a lot of work to do and I don't want to worry about my skin for now.

Thankfully, Korean brands are coming out with much gentle formulation of Retinol.   The first one I tried is from Innisfree and this time, Laneige.  I am biased to both brands because their products all work for me without issues!

Grateful they have a set for starters!  Laneige Perfect Renew Retinol Set

I started using the Perfect Renew Youth Retinol Pro  (Php3,450.00)

If it's for the eyes and face, that means you can literally use this ONE product for both your eyes and face!  YAY!

"A retinol cream for the entire face contains pure retinol with 95% purity to provide relief for the appearance of both pores and wrinkles in just 7 days."

 

AMW says ---

As for usage, I started applying this product in very THIN layer focusing on areas with lines and marks.  I use this product 2-3 times a week only and focuses more of using this on the eye area since I ran out of eye cream.

The area where I put the product is softer and smoother - no huge result since I've only started using this in least amount of time.  What I really noticed is how my undereye area since less tired-looking.  MORE PLUMP? I guess?  I can't find the right words but I haven't been sleeping very well lately and I expect worst looking bags - so far, it's not as bad and I have to say this is the only product I use in the area.

I am very positive this product works for me with no skin irritations, I just add a layer of calming moisturizer from Skin1004 - which I recently reviewed.  Thankfully both brands work hand in hand without much issue.

I will use the other 2 products in this set together with Perfect Renew Youth Retionol Pro for face and eyes soon!

Have you tried Laneige's Retinol Line?

You may check more information about the product here!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

My Skin1004 Favorites!

I review and test skincare and makeup products both for Blogs and social media for quite a while now.  A lot of people do not know, I test products professionally too!  I've worked with several brands locally who plan to bring in skincare or makeup products to our country.  Before doing so, these tester products were sent my way for testing with multiple pages of questions.  That said, I do have this really sharp sense of love and dedication in testing products!  

When I was given the chance to try on a new Korean Skincare brand that I haven't tried in the past.  I jumped to the chance immediately and tested it for almost a month!  And this particular brand isn't hard to review because I ended up liking it so much I am still using it even after review.

On the spotlight for today is SKIN1004.

As always, I always do research before I accepting products to review.  The brand is known in Korea as an award-winning hypoallergenic & natural skincare brand.  They use main ingredient like CENTELLA ASIATICA which I have tried in the past and it worked so well for me so I immediately jumped to testing the whole Madagascar Centella range which is known to be the perfect line for sensitive skin.

Not everyone, of course, can pick up a whole line immediately like I did so I will share my top Skin1004 favorites!  I want to say ALL but I have to pick my top 3!

MUST TRY SKIN1004 Product #1

MADAGASCAR CENTELLA AMPOULE

I mostly use serums instead of ampoule because for the obvious fact that most ampoules I have tried have "thicker" consistency as compared to serum.  This type of texture won't go well with our hot and humid climate.  As soon as I tried Madagascar Centella Ampoule, I was a convert! because it has the lightest texture I have tried in an ampoule.

It is light, watery, non-sticky and works so well on all skin types!

How to use?

I like to use this after cleansing and toning.  I squirt once or twice for the whole face and gently tap on my face and neck.  The product can immediately calm skin redness from my usual double/triple cleansing (My skin is very sensitive so it usually turns red after cleansing.).  After applying this ampoule, I can immediately see how my skin is calmer and has lesser red spots.  I also noticed how noticeably brighter and more hydrated my skin gets!  Best of all, there's none of the greasy, sticky-feel!

Left side of photo is DURING APPLICATION -
 the camera didn't catch the product as it gets absorbed on skin instantly. 
Right side of photo is a few minutes after application of the Ampoule. 

How to Define Your Lips

 

Get Ready with Me with  a defined lips!

I have thick lips and wearing lipstick alone is ok but once you go beyond the blurry lip line, I'd look like Angelina Jolie-LIPS in steroids!

So here's my best way to do the defined lips trend.

HOLD ON!
Before you go crazy applying lip liner, remember this tip!

Apply Lipliner on FULLY DRY LIPS - meaning, no need to prepare your lips with lipbalm or lip moisturizer.  The lipliner will slide off easily!  What if your lips are dry???  

WELL, I am the right person to answer this problem because DRY LIPS = ME!

HYDRATE your lips with a non-wax lip balm AFTER lipliner and lipstick application.  You only need to dab the product at the center of your lips to hydrate your lips but preventing it from making lipstick pigment slide off!

Another tip?  You do not need to buy a pair of similar shade LIP LINER and Lipstick!  Close enough shade is goo but feel free to mix and match!  Be creative!

And lastly, watch this quick reel to see how I did this look!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐮 (@askmewhats)

Products:
@lorealparis LipLiner
@rarebeauty Lip Souffle available @sephoraph
@googoo_beauty Balm

What's your favorite lip liner brand?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

  

My First Mikana Collection

 

Since turning into a mom, my accessories area was left with spider webs --- Just Joking.  
But I haven't touched my accessories bags and kit for the longest time.  Fellow moms would understand especially if you are a very hands on mom!

Some moms can slay it, but I can't!  I breastfed, I cook, I wash my child's bum, I feed him, I chase and ran after him.  I am just always the go so getting ready --- takes a couple of minutes so no time to mix and match with accessories --- and being close to your son at all times - I'd rather not have any accessories for safety.

That said, when my son turned older --- and less clingy :P  I can finally dress up and take time to wear my favorite accessories.

Timing, I was sent a MIKANA Collection which I have been eyeing on Shopee.  

If you check out their Shopee page, they have many designs for earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets!

My favorite is this pair of dainty earrings with ribbon ear cuff! So cute!