Smashbox Halo Sheer to Stay Color Tint in Terracotta Review

 

How do I love Smashbox?

In so many ways!  My first brush set ever was a WHITE synthetic brush haired Smashbox and it serves me pretty well it is still looking fab and wonderful even today. 

When I got my own Smahbox Halo Sheer to Stay Color Tint from my Sephora Haul.  I immediately tested it and will share a quick review as a dry-skinned gal.

Smashbox says —-

A primer-infused cream cheek and lip tint that gives you a flush of blendable and buildable matte color for a fresh, blurred look.

What it does:

This creamy multi-tasking formula puts sheer-to-medium coverage at your fingertips. Its powder-like matte finish refracts light to help create a blurred, soft-focus look. The lasting colour tint is also infused with a rich Primer Oil Complex for comfortable wear.

 

I personally felt scared to use a matte type of tint as I may end up with a big blob of unblended spot.  I have dry cheeks so. Most matte tints tend look uneven on me. 

After using this product for more than a month, I can say this is a great summer companion.  

Terracotta is a bright warm orange shade that looks bright on tube but quite natural once blended.  This may look bright if you have really fair complexion and would appear really pretty on users with medium to darker complexion.

Though pigmented, it blends into the skin upon application naturally giving a nice natural glow.  

On lips, it looked a bit brighter than that on cheeks so I prefer using this on cheeks rather than lips.  

Though I must say, color aside, the consistency of the product on cheeks and lips are both comfortable and it doesn’t sit on my lip lines!  Which is a super YES considering most matte lip products tend to dry out my already dry lips.

Cheek Color - Check.

K-Palette Lasting Semi-Matte Lip Tint Sticks Review

Ohemgee I am so excited to finally share another bunch of lipsticks!  If you are a long time AMW reader, you'll know I post about any lip product on Mondays --- if you noticed, please comment below because I want to know you!  I love you! :x

Now back to the lip product that made me want to create a full blog post immediately!  I received these last week and tested them non stop for 1 full week before I decided to share my thoughts!  

Say hello to the skincare matte lip tint that I wished for - a MATTE lipstick that I can comfortably wear!  

K-Palette Lasting Semi_Matte Lip Tint Sticks 

Php795.00 Each

Available at: Beauty Bar, Lazada, Shopee, BeautyMNL, 

Zalora, The SM Store, Rustan's, The Landmark, Watsons and Chimes

K-Palette launched their first lip product 2 years ago, I reviewed the 4 shades they released and I find them hydrating enough for my lips I am actually using them until this very moment.  They are housed in a similar packaging and container so I am not sure if they totally phased out the first version or still sell 2 versions, if they do, it'll confuse the hell out of their consumers because they look exactly the same on bullet!  

But let's not worry about that for now as these 4 are right in front of my vanity area for a week plus (and counting!)  That means, I am obviously loving these!

According to BeautyBox Corp., the official distributor of K-Palette here in the Philippines, these 4 shades are made in collaboration with K-Palette Philippines with Filipinas in mind.  That said, I am expecting the collection to have at least 1 red shade, 1 red orange, 1 nude/natural lip color and maybe a pink?

Simple Makeup Look for Mask Wearers

Hi AMW Friends!
I have done an FB Live for Make Up For Ever to do a makeup for mask wearers.  I used all Make Up For Ever products back then and this was actually done using random products I own at home.  

Meaning, you can do this makeup look using your existing makeups!  You don't need to use the same makeup products I used but please watch the video and follow my simple steps!

As much as eye makeup is the vital part of this type of makeup, I've decided to make it subtle still as a lot of you do not find applying makeup as a priority in these days and times.  As for me, I felt more confident covering my undereye circles and felt even more confident if I have a wash of color on my lids!  I picked a brighter eyeshadow makeup for this particular look because....everything has been gloomy since COVID-19 started.

Please watch my video and don't forget to subscribe my channel.  The video is simple and edited on the phone by yours truly but I hope my message will be heard and tips will serve a good purpose.

Work From Home Make Up Tutorial

As a Work From Home VETERAN, yup!  I'd like to call myself that since I worked from home for almost 10 years before I resigned.

Coming from my husband who saw how I winged this profession, he said he has never see anyone that dedicated and hardworking!  He asked me several times this question: "Don't you feel lazy?" "Won't you want to sleep?" "How do you manage to stay focus?"

Well, there's a whole lot of tips and secrets but I'm sharing the first few ones!  I will share more if you want more by commenting below! 

If you want to see my simple skincare tutorial  on how to rejunvenate tired and stressed skin, you can watch HERE.

And I will continue that efforts by creating a simple makeup that would make you look worry-free and stress-free!


Enjoy this tutorial and don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube channel!  Love you guys!  Stay safe!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

How to Draw and Fix Messy Brows

It is easy to do brow makeup tutorial when your brows are already shaped and trimmed.  Whether you have them micro-bladed, threaded, waxed or plucked, there are days that your brows seem to be unruly and messy and here's a quick video on how I would handle such brows!

Products mentioned/used:

• IT Cosmetics Universal Brow Pencil
• Benefit Brow Contour Pro
• Full Brow Brow Brush
• Nippon Esthetic Spoolie
• Benefit Precisely My Brow (Shade 3)
• SilkyGirl 3D Brow and Nose Shader Powder
• Kate Tokyo Brow Gel
• Benefit 3D Brow Tones Shade 2

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

YADAH Green Tea Pure Cleansing Balm Review

I lived and breathe Cleansing Oils ever since I learned about Shu Uemura!  Thank goodness for more alternative (and inexpensive brands) out there because I use them up so fast!

For a Beauty and Skincare enthusiast like myself who hoards skincare and makeup products I like, I actually ended up one fateful night without a cleansing oil!  I was in shocked because I usually have stocks!  I obviously didn't and I rummaged through items I got for review and found Yadah Green Tea Pure Cleansing Balm which I used immediately without much expectation.

Now, I'm writing a full blog post about it, you kind a know what's next!

I FREAKIN' LOVE IT!

Okay, I was too excited but seriously, why haven't I heard about YOU earlier?  YADAH, for a brand with cute doll-like logo --- you are professional as hell!

Now let me TRY to be professional for this particular post! 

YADAH Green Tea Pure Cleansing Balm Make-Up Remover 

Php1,190.00

Available at: https://glamourbox.ph/

Yadah's Green Tea Pure Cleansing Balm is the perfect gentle balm-type cleanser as the first step to your double cleansing routine. Enriched with green tea powder and olive oil to effectively remove makeup and impurities.It changes from a solid balm to oil upon contact on the skin and leaves the skin feeling clean, hyrdated, and smooth! Can also be used on its own without a second cleanser.Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.Free from harmful chemicals such as Parabens, Fragrance, Ethanol, and Artificial Coloring.

K-Palette Lasting 2Way Eyebrow Liquid (Shade 02) review

I am not an Eyebrow Liner product user because I have full brows.  As much as I love the idea of using it, I use them on most of my clients who have "space in between their brows" or those who don't have brows at all!  

For me not being able to use it does not mean I won't test them out!  I will always be on a hunt for good eyebrow products that would help ALL TYPES OF BROW ISSUES!

Sparse brows in between and non-existent brows?  Everything COVERED!

K-Palette Lasting 2Way Eyebrow Liquid 

Php895.00

Available shades: 01 Light Brown, 02 Natural Brown,

 03 Mocha Brown and 04 Grayish Brown

A dual-ended pen that effortlessly draws and shades brows with a revolutionary smudge-proof, water-resistant formula
FAST FACTS: Reformulated ink features a newly improved translucent liquid for natural-looking eyebrows that stays on all day; provides easy brow definition with a fine tip pen on one end that mimics real hair; strong-holding powder applicator on other end applies and blends soft, pigmented, and buildable color; nourishes and conditions with beauty essences
PERFECT FOR: Shapely brows with a fuller look 

(taken from BeautyMnl) 

#AskAMW : "What's A Nice Skincare line for Oily skin?"

I know I have always been "bragging" (not!) about my combination (normal/dry) skin.  You all know the products I use mostly are hydrating and moisturizing.  To my oily skinned readers out there.  This post is finally made for YOU!

Though I don't use skincare products for oily skin (obviously), I always keep my eyes open for you gals and I have Mr. AMW to help me out testing the other side of the skincare world products!  

The brand needs no major introduction as I've talked about this brand a couple of times whenever I attend Beauty Bar launches.  But just in case you are new and wants a bit of history about this brand - let me indulge you!

Owner and CEO Anna Kang started the brand when her child hit puberty and began to experience breakouts.  She looked for mild and low-irritant skincare products but she wasn't satisfied with what she found in the market thus, the birth of YADAH.

That said, the brand uses ingredients that are mild and safe to avoid skin irritation, suitable even for the most sensitive skin.  The key botanical she discovered and is unique is most YADAH skincare products is the native Prickly Pear (Opuntia Ficus) extract, a cactus species organically grown and cultivated in Korea.  The prickly pear has anti-inflammatory and potent with high antioxidant properties which help neutralize free radicals harmful to the skin!

True enough, I actually uses some of these products myself as I find my "t-zone" to be oilier by the summer!  Whenever I use products meant for oily skin, I will itch and have allergic reactions and NONE from YADAH #truestory

So yes, if you have oily skin and you also have sensitive skin, you may want to look into these! 

Anti-Trouble Bubble Cleanser

Php790.00 

Size: 150ml

This is a foaming bubble cleanser making it easier to remove oil, dirty and grease without stripping off skin's natural moisture.  I have used this once or twice a week since I received this but Mr. AMW used this daily and liked it a lot! 

He loved the feeling of using a "foam type" cleanser as he felt his skin is cleaner.   

Anti- Trouble Toner

Php1,090.00

Size: 100ml

I don't use this but Mr. AMW does.  He said this finishes off really nice on skin, non-greasy and his skin appears more matte.  He likes to use this after cleansing with Anti-Trouble Bubble Cleanser.

I like it that this soothe redness and clear up skin or Mr. AMW noticed when a pimple is just starting to pop out, he would apply this and it would disappear quicker.

Anti-Trouble Mist

Php550.00

Size: 95ml

I am using this once in a while and I love how this is housed in a spritz bottle.  This mist can work for ANY skin type because its' main function is to hydrate and soothe troubled skin with its gentle and non-greasy formula.  It is said to help control excess oil but I find it works even for my skin type!

In the YADAH Anti-Trouble line, there are a wide range of products from Emulsion to Spot Cream to Mask pack even Concealer!  

YADAH is currently available online at Glamourbox (where I got it from), BeautyMNL, Lazada, Zalora, Shopee and coming soon to SM Beauty and Watsons Satores and Landmark Department stores.

To know more information visit www.glamourbox.ph/collections/yadah-philippines and follow YadahPH on Instagram and @GlamourboxPH to get the latest deets on Yadah.

Have you seen or tried any of the YADAH products locally?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Lily Lolo Corrector Review

Do you still remember my event post early this month on the new product offerings from Beauty Bar?  (you can refresh by clicking HERE).

One of the many brands they launched is called Lily Lolo.

With ALL the different makeup brands popping up, what makes Lily Lolo different from the others?

Let me mention a few for you!  

First, Lily Lolo is made with LOVE, without Harmful ingredients.  Their products are made using only ingredients that are proven to nourish and protect the skin so no parabens, phthalates, synthetic perfumes, dyes, etc...  They are also cruelty-free so if you have very sensitive skin, you may want to look into this brand.

Second, Lily Lolo is created with different women in mind from all walks of life! No matter what your skin color is, your age, you'll get something for you!   That explains the wide array of shades available when I took a peek at the recent launch.

Lastly, the products are housed in a very simple yet nice packaging making it visually gorgeous to look at and easy to use even for first time makeup wearers!  I would say, in my point of view, this makeup line is perfect not just for personal but also for professional use!

With that intro, let me share to you my review on my first Lily Lolo product.  I got my eyes set on this Corrector in shade PeepO.  There are a total of 2 shades to choose from, the other one is called Blush Away.

Lily Lolo says --- (from website)

Our multi-tasking Corrector expertly covers and conceals blemishes and redness with Blush Away or dark circles and pigmentation with PeepO. You will be amazed at the staying power of such a soft delicate loose powder.

Easy Drunk Blush Look

I did a "How to create drunk blush look" #AMWIGTv last year, I used more than 1 product to achieve such look.  

Fast forward to 2019, who would've thought only 1 product is needed to create such dewy and natural-looking drunk blush effect?

You get it with K-Palette's newest baby - the Cheek Tint in Classic Red (shade 04)

K-Palette Lasting Cheek Tint Limited Edition

Php795.00

Available online and Beauty Bar nationwide

Give your cheeks a healthy, dewy-looking flush with K-Palette Lasting Cheek Tint.

Its special penetrating formula and half-circular powder particles apply smoothly and lasts long. It comes in a mirrored flip-top compact for on-the-go application.

They originally came up with 3 gorgeous shades that I have been using alternately.  You can read my K-Palette Skin Care Cheek Tints review on swatches and thoughts about the said innovation from the brand.

K-Palette Lasting Matte Liptints Review

When K-Palette released their Limited Edition Matte Lip Tints, I knew I have to try them out immediately as these were said to be Semi-matte, meaning, they won't be as drying as those I've been using for the past months or years!

They released 2 shades that are very wearable - Rose Pink and Mauve Red.  You can were them all over your lips like what I did on photo or create gradient lip effect by filling only the center of your lips and blend out with your fingertip.

K-Palette Skincare Lip Tint 

Shades: Rose Pink and Mauve Red

Php795.00 each

Product description in English as translated by BeautyBox Corp.

Beauty Bar Introduces New Brands To Love for 2019

Can I see some hands if you are like me who enjoys roaming inside a Beauty Bar boutique?

I have been doing that for so many years I honestly knew what's newly displayed every single time I do "ocular".  Yes, my husband says I do a lot of ocular sessions inside a Beauty Bar store and he doesn't mind because "it makes you happy"!  

And I am happy to announce that our favorite beauty store gets us up to the speed on latest developments in beauty.  I also love the fact that they include a lot of indie brands and brands who are created cruelty-free and natural!  

And here are the "it" brands I can't wait to share with you after attending their super fun event a couple of days ago!

Thanks Pau Guevarra for this photo!

Fancy Handy

Fancy Handy is a Spanish skincare brand that is housed in very cute and colorful packaging.  From their bestselling Banana Hand Cream to Aloe Pure Range.  I was told their bestselling Face Moisturizing Stick in Anti-Pollution and Refreshing Variants are must-try especially this summer season.

Patchology Lip Service Review

Today, I focus on healthy-looking lips.
No color, no fuss!  But just good 'ol shiny lips just like the good old days!

Just like this...this used to be my default lips when I was teaching in China as a professor - the glossier, the better, the sexier!

All thanks to Patchology Lip Service, I get a glimpse on how my lips used to look like before all the matte lipsticks hoobaloos!

WHAT IT IS:THE POUT PERFECTOR- A smoothing, hydrating and protective gloss that transforms into a balm treatment after application for ongoing lip nourishment and hydration. This is the gloss that keeps on giving. POWER INGREDIENTS:Aloe and Honey cushion as Hyaluronic Acid deeply hydrates lips while Goji Berry Extract in our exclusive FlexMasque® Complex creates a protective invisible shield that helps to lock in the good stuff and lock out the bad. WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW:Comes in a luscious pink shade that leaves a lips with a luminous glow. The perfect daily AM and PM in between treatment with intensively restoring 5 Minute Lip Renewal Gels. 

Fancy Handy Peach Eye Contour Review

I have been asked so many times to share some eye cream recommendations.  So I gave this cute Fancy Handy Peach Eye Contour a try after seeing this in Beauty Bar stores locally! 

Housed in a cute peach fruit packaging.  It took a while for me to be able to use this as my son won't give this back to me! 

Fancy Handy Peach Eye Contour

Php395.00

Available at Beauty Bar PH

The peach extract, with its high amount of Vitamin C, it improves the skin texture thanks to its capacity to enhance the natural creation of collagen. This way it helps delaying the skin aging process, reducing the eyebags and expression lines, keeping the freshness and the youth of the skin face.

Aqua, Propanediol, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Carbomer, Parfum, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caffeine, Disodium EDTA, Trideceth-6, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol, Geraniol, Citronellol, Benzyl Benzoate, Alpha-Isomethyl ionone, Linalool. 

A Perfect Summer Moisturizer...

or all-year round!
Once I tried the Fancy Handy Ocean Glow Body Cream Colloidal Gold, I find myself using body moisturizer more often!  Why?  It is refreshing, has a cooling and nice sensation, does not feel sticky even on hot, humid days - and best of all?  My skin looks glowing!  (proof after the jump!)

Ocean Glow Body Cream Colloidal Gold by Fancy Handy

Php595.00

 (on sale today at Beauty Bar website priced at Php446.25)

Stimulates the cellular renovation and improves the elasticity of the tissues enhancing the production of collagen and elastin.

I did a quick unboxing and initial thoughts on #AMWIGStories previously and I find the "gold" beads to be the unique feature of this body cream.  As much as the name states body cream, I always call this my body gel because that's how it feels - a GEL!  

dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop Vitamin C Serum Review

Dear AMW Friends and Dear Klairs *lol*

What's good in putting Vitamin C on your skin?

Well, Vitamin C - in it's pure form is an effective ingredient to lighten/brighten areas applied.  The only problem is that (just like Ascorbic Acid tablets if you noticed), they have short shelf life so it turns yellow or worst brown after several days under sun and oxygen exposure.  That said, how can we use Vitamin C effectively in our beauty regimen?

I've found a product from dear Klairs called dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop Vitamin C Serum , one of the main ingredient is Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) but with constant research and packaging, dear Klairs were able to give us Vitamin C drops with longer shelf life.

Now, keep in mind that I have dry/sensitive and just weird skin!  I cannot imagine putting Vitamin C on my skin as I can imagine immediately redness, itchiness or worst - burning sensation.  That was my expectation when I did a patch test.

With constant research, I've found out that dear Klairs only put 5% of Vitamin C making it a safe amount to use even for users with sensitive skin.  But of course, I keep caution by adding moisturizer immediately after use and use sunblock more than ever!

dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop Vitamin C Serum is housed in a clear bottle with dropper which I love!  Very easy to use but I realized that since it has Vitamin C as main ingredient, it is best to store in dim areas not directly to sun.  I actually like putting this in the fridge instead to prolong shelf life.

dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop Vitamin C Serum Says ---

K-Palette 1Day Tattoo Lasting Eyebrow Mascara review

When K-Palette came up with their own brow mascaras, I am so excited because that is one brow product I really use and not a lot of companies can nail the shades I need and want!

If you are rushing to read this review, in a whim, they NAILED the shades!  Now, if you have a bit more time to spare, let's read what I have to say about the 1Day Tattoo Lasting Eyebrow Mascara okay?

But first, you have to know that these are LIMITED Edition, so if you love them a lot (like I do), you better start hoarding.

The Brow Mascaras from K-Palette (Php720.00 each) comes in 2 shades, both shades works for most Filipinas ---

02 Natural Brown

Better for those who have fair complexion and light colored hair.

03 Mocha Brown

A deeper brown shade that works for those with medium to dark complexion and dark-colored hair.  Light colored hair can still use this as the effect is very subtle and natural.

COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad review

If you follow me on #AMWIGStories , you probably heard me rave about Dermatory Azulene Gauze Pads  - I swore by them because these pads helped lessen skin irritations and because of the said product, I can easily review one skincare product to another!

When COXRX One Step Original Clear Pad landed on my desk one day (well not really, I attended their launch couple of months ago!)  , I've heard so many raves about these pads (the Pimple pads to be exact) and I've seen fellow beauty enthusiasts went crazy hoarding these during my most recent Korea trip.  Finally, I have the original version so I gave it a go!

COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad 

Php950.00

Available at: Beauty Bar 

Oil and excess sebum control just got easier. The award-winning COSRX One Step Original Clear Pads are pre-soaked in betaine salicylate and willow bark water to chemically exfoliate without drying out your skin. Active ingredients penetrate deeply into pores to dissolve oil and dead skin cells, which help in controlling breakouts. Not only are they good for the face but also recommended for blemishes on the chest and back.Includes 70 patches

K-Palette Real Strong Eyeliner Review

I can't believe how K-Palette can keep on improving their 1Day Tattoo Eyeliner when for me, they are already one of the best in the makeup world! 

But of course, I always welcome change, and when change is for the better, who am I to complain right? 

K-Palette came up with their waterproof and better version of their Liquid Eyeliner called Real Strong Eyeliner!  And why, thank you K-Palette for always creating a Brown Black shade which I absolutely love!

K-Palette 1Day Tattoo Real Strong Eyeliner

Php945.00

Available: https://shop.beautyboxcorp.com

The packaging is absolutely LOVE!  The best because of the soft metallic finish!  Black for Super Black and Bronze for Brown Black.

Product description in English

K Beauty by Beauty Bar Launch

We all love Korean skincare and makeup ever since the boom of Koreanovelas.  Glass skin is what we're all aiming for the past years and just when you think I have "glass skin" on photo below, don't be fooled, that's perspiration!  #hahaha

But seriously, I have been very consistent with masking and with my skincare products this year, less makeup, more skincare products is my goal because I am not getting any younger.

So the invite to see what K-Beauty brands are finally available in the local scene got my attention, even with crazy schedule, I had to squeeze this in!

Top: Plains & Prints, Skirt: Forever 21, Shoes: Zalora

The event happened at Okada Manila and the Cove was decorated so beautifully I had to take photos of each area!  Are you ready for a quick tour?

Dear, Klairs

This brand is known for its' respect to the environment by carrying products that has No colorants, no alcohol, no parabens and no artificial fragrances.  This brand caught my attention because it is a skincare brand for sensitive skin.

Just some of the bestselling lines are the Blue Line (to keep skin youthful), Freshly Juiced Line (the ultimate brightening solution) and Gentle Black Cleansing Line (deep cleanse without irritations) and a whole lot more!