AMW Bulletin: Beauty & Minerals Moonlit Bazaar, Forever 21 Sale!

Dear Philippine Readers:

Christmas season is here once again, to be honest, I've always been the "last minute" shopper!  Funny how OC I can get but when it comes to gift giving, I just want to make sure I purchase the best for my loved ones!  After months, weeks and days of planning, I always end up cramming on last minute gift giving! :)

Aren't we glad with technology?  We can easily learn about deals and discounts and bazaars online before we even get to the venue itself!  That's time saving for sure!  And here, at AMW, I will also share some news on sale or bazaars if it tickles YOUR shopping fantasy :)

Let's start with Beauty related news, a lot of you have emailed me asking me about the reviews I've done on Charm Brushes!  I've always suggest to checkout the brushes in person before you purchase!  This coming October 15, 16 and 17, it's your chance to checkout Charm Pro Brush Set (for those planning to be professional makeup artists), Charm Travel Pro Brush Set V2 (for personal use), and let's not forget, the wonderful Sophie of Beautynomics also include other fabulous items like Inti-mate Bra Converter (which I seriously LOVE), Beauty & Minerals Cosmetics, Blinc products, and a lot more!  Great idea to shop here for your "kikay" friends!

What about our fashionista guy and girl friends?  There's no reason to weep!  Shop as early as now and you can gift them Forever 21 items!  

Schedules as follows:
October 15 (Friday) - 9:30am to 11:00pm

October 16 (Saturday) - 10:00am to 11:00pm

October 17 (Sunday) - 10:00am to 10:00pm

10% off on all regular items when you present your SM Advantage Card, SM Prestige Card or BDO Rewards Card. 
50% off on selected Items.

0% interest for 6 months for participating credit cards (photo below)

Here's for your online window shopping glee!
** Take note that all the prices are already the marked down prices!

**Photos from F21

Brown and Cream Striped Top Php469.00

Black Bandage Dress Php469.00

Blue and White Striped Knitted Top Php469.00

Denim Mini Php359.00

Gray Assymetrical Top Php309.00

Gray Vest Php469.00

Linen Shorts Php469.00

Paris Tank Php259.00

Polka Dot Tank Top Php359.00

Red Shorts Php309.00

Sleeveless Braided Straps Php159.00

Spaghetti Strap Top Php259.00

Turquoise Dress Php459.00

White Skirt Php409.00

Yellow Tiered Top Php259.00

Oh my gulay! And I haven't posted even half of it!
Goodluck on the sale and let's not push each other okay?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!
Stay informed!

AMW Reviews: Blinc Heated Lash Curler

In today's "beauty crazed" world, technology meets beauty and I won't be surprise if future comes when we have a robot specifically there to prettify us!  That would be scary and boring!

With the temporary curls we create on our heads using curling irons, it is not surprising companies use the same concept to create a nice curl for our lashes.  I've always been amazed with such tool which explains why I purchased my first heated lash curler lash year when it was on sale at the Beauty Bar.  I thought one was enough.  But I found the ModelCo heated lash curler I bought does not curl as much as I wanted to.  So when a new brand came in with the same function, who could dare to walk away?  Not this lady typing this post for sure!

Blinc's Heated Lash Curler

Blinc Heated Lash Curler says ---

• Works without clamping or using excessive pressure making it safer and not damaging for your lashes
• Nothing sets a curler better than heat.  After all, that's how we curl the hair on our heads!  It's the same for your lashes.  Not only is it safer, heated curls last longer than pressured curls.
• Delivers the precise amount of heat that can set a long lasting curl without damaging your lashes.
• Simple yet advanced design gives you more control and makes it easy to reach and curl even your tiniest lashes
• Ready to use in 30 seconds.  Only requires one AAA Battery (included)
• Small, compact making it easy to carry, even in the smallest makeup case or purse
• Blinc Lash Curler's heated comb has a special buit-in guard that prevents contact with your skina nd eyes
• great for those who have poker straight lashes

AMW says ---

Pros

• Housed in a very cute tin packaging 
• great for super short lashes
• has 2 "Heating rods" which heats up easily

• 1 AAA battery can heats up multiple times
• easy to change battery

• warms but not hot enough to burn your eyes
• not a single lash fell off since I tested it for months
• curls up naturally, does not have a sharp curve
• curls even short lashes like mine
• has a color indicator to know if the lash curler is heated up and ready for use

  Cons

• tears me up a bit the first time I use it
• scary for people who are not comfortable with "heat" on the eye area
• traditional curlers are easier to use, this takes a lot of time
• the free "cleaning" brush isn't nice as other brands

Overall

I prefer my traditional lash curler especially because I'm always in a hurry.  I finally realized the importance of the Blinc Heated Lash Curler when I was doing makeup for a client and a traditional eyelash curler won't fit her eye.  Thank goodness for this!  It works really well and client is impressed with the "gadget" I used on her :)

Tips

• takes a few tries to get the hang of this so please be patient
• never be in a hurry when using this, to prevent from accidents
• if the heated lash curler is warm, hold at the root of your lashes for 10 seconds, then slide about halfway up your lashes & hold for 10 seconds again.
• never leave the battery left inside the heated lash curler for a long period of time
• to maintain optimum battery life, switch off immediately after use
• if you're a makeup artist planning to use this on clients: Please check with them if they are okay with it, I have several clients turning down the chance to try this as they're afraid of the heat near the eye area.
• use a mascara that holds the curl for a better curled lashes
• clean the heated lash wand with a brush to prevent dirt and mascara build up
• you can heat your lashes before or after mascara application

Will I repurchase?
Hopefully not! I am hoping this will last me almost a lifetime!

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at Beauty & Minerals website for Php1,350 (approx $29.00) Inclusive of shipping!

I currently own 2 Heated Lash Curlers.  One from ModelCo Lash Wand Heated Lash Curler and the other one is the Blinc Heated Lash Curler.  Here's a physical comparison on both and I'll tell you at the end which one I prefer.  I have to remind you though that this is not required to be part of your personal makeup kit, but if you prefer the extra "gadget" to prettify yourself, go ahead, but I prefer using this for other people rather than myself.  It's easier to control and the curl does stay longer given the right kind of pressure!  Practice is definitely needed!

Length of the Heated Lash Curlers:
Blinc is almost an inch longer than the ModelCo

Base on length, ModelCo brand is easier to store

Heating Rod:

ModelCo has only one while Blinc has 2 heating rods 

which makes Blinc easier to heat up and curls the lashes easily

In changing batteries:
ModelCo has a push button while Blinc does not have any

But both are easy to slide off for battery changing

Cleansing Brush

ModelCo has better cleansing brush as compared to the tiny one from Blinc

No need for further explanations, you can see it clearly on photos 

If I may add, the Blinc one has a heat indicator which  I think is an integral part in any heated lash curlers!  It's a huge PLUS for me as I don't need to "guess" or use "finger touch" test to feel if it's "warm" enough to start curling or safe enough to put near my eyes.

Shot on bare lashes, no mascara before and after using Blinc Heated Lash Curler.  If you ask me, it does work minus the "L-shape" that most traditional curlers create.

I prefer Blinc's over ModelCo and I found myself reaching for this more often

Have you finally tried heated lash curler yourself?
If not, would you dare try it?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Blinc Kiss Me Mascara

Great morning everyone!  I am on the roll with reviews!  And I'm glad it's another mascara review and this time, it's not the regular mascara we all knew and loved!  A brand called Blinc came out with a mascara that says... "Stop Painting Your Lashes...Tube Them!"

Before I go further with the review, I want to clarify that I own the sample size, I'd rather try it first before purchasing a full size to make sure I'll love the product!  A sample size would last me approximately 10-14 days of usage!  I've used this for more than a week and I'm still using this to date!  

A close up shot on the sample sized wand

Blinc Kiss Me Mascara says ---

Kiss Me Mascara is the original mascara invented to form tiny water-resistant “tubes” around your lashes rather than painting them like conventional mascaras. Once applied, the tubes bind to your lashes and cannot run, smudge, clump, or flake, even if you cry or rub your eyes.

Kiss Me Mascara will add both volume and length to give you a radiant natural look that lasts all day. Only when you are ready for removal, the tubes will effortlessly slide off your lashes into your hand without the use of a harsh makeup remover.

All it takes is the combination of lots of warm water and gentle pressure, from your fingertips, a washcloth or water pressure (i.e. shower) and the tubes will slide off your lashes effortlessly. Upon removal you will actually see the tiny tubes in your hand!

Kiss Me Mascara has been clinically tested to be non-irritating making it ideal for sensitive eyes, contact lens wearers, and active people in search of a mascara whose look, hold and ease of removal is without compromise.

Available in: Black, Dark Brown, Purple

AMW says ---

Pros

• no flaking
• lengthens 
• curls held quite well
• lasts the whole day without smudging or even falling remnants of mascara
• perfect for sensitive eyes because the mascara flakes doesn't get into the eyes
• no raccoon eyes
• no clumping
• does not make the lashes "crunchy" as compared to regular mascaras
• super easy to remove
• easy to apply
• dries off easily upon application
• does not irritate my eye especially when I remove it at night as I only use warm water with slight pressure, no residue left 
• stays on oily lids and even on our hot weather

Cons

• if you are looking for extreme and exaggerating volume, this isn't the one
• a bit pricey to others who aren't used to spending a lot on mascaras (but there's good news, locally, Beauty & Minerals sells sample size)

Overall

For cry babies out there, for you...who has the oiliest of all oily lids, the "I love to rub my itchy eyes" kind of girl and of course, to all of us who lives in a hot, humid weather, we finally got an answer to our mascara problems!  

If you love to double the length or even triple the length of your lashes that can still look natural, this is the perfect one!  Though the volume side is not as much as compared to other mascaras, it's still a "winner" because of it's ultimate smudge-free, budge-proof properties! 

Tips

• curl your lashes prior to mascara application
• never pump your mascara to keep the shelf life longer
• no need to wait for mascara to set, just keep on applying til your desired length and volume
• apply like regular mascara making sure to "cover all areas", not to forget the lash corners
• using damp soft cloth, close your eyes and gently remove the mascara with downward strokes, I prefer doing this than my fingers as I may poke my eyes or accidentally pull out my original lashes 
• don't want to spend a lot?  Purchase the sample size first and see if you like the product or not! 
• my personal choice to "volumize" my lashes, I apply a regular volumizing mascara first then I tube it with Blinc Mascara, then comb quickly with a lash comb to prevent clumps, it works!
• if you are faint-hearted, please be warned that the "tube mascara" comes off like your own lashes!  Do not panic and think that you're losing  your original lashes! *Breathe in...breathe out* calm down...

Will I repurchase?

I am not a fan of purchasing expensive mascaras, but looks like this is an exception to my own rule.

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally, at Beauty & Minerals site
full size for Php1,350 (approx $29.34)  
sample size for Php350.00 (approx $7.60)
Special discount for 2 or more product Php1,300 (approx $28.26) per piece.

Here's an "almost" top view of my 

Blinc "Kiss-ed me" Mascara :D

Side view, this was applied 2x without lash primer

And here's a photo to show how it comes off easily

Have you tried Blinc mascara or any "tube" mascara?  What's your experiences?
I'd love to hear from you!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!
Happy Friday!