Ecotools Now in the Philippines

 

If you are a long time AMW reader, you would know I joined a couple of online international giveaways at some point in my life as there are so many brands I wanted to try, test and own but they are not available locally.  One of the brand is a brush brand called Ecotools.  

The first Ecotools brush set I own was year 2009 and would you believe they are still working fine after 11 long years?

Then I purchased another one from an international site and loved my Ecotools Bamboo Eyeliner Brush.  It was really the earthy tone, bamboo handle that sets the brand to where it is now.

Fast forward to several years after, FINALLY, they are widely available in the Philippines and I can't help but reminisce through my blogging journey, how I went high and low just to get a product and try them out and write a detailed review for you!

See that "kilig" happy smile?  That is legit!  I still felt the excitement up until this very day - a decade plus of Blogging!

With the pandemic, I am glad the brand launched not only physically but digitally.  Widely available in SM stores, they are also easy to purchase at Lazada, Shopee, Zalora, BeautyMNL, Beauty by freyja, Kalm Cosmetics, Beauty Bubble and Watsons.

To start off let me share to you my newly acquired Ecotools brushes.  And there's more!

Check out the Jade Roller!  This is amazing in amplifying your skincare routine!  Does it work?  Well, to shorten my answer, it really does!  But you have to really be consistent about it gently! 

If you want a good eye makeup brushes to create nice looking eye makeup, go for Ecotools 1217 Eye Enhancing Duo Make Up Brush Set.  You are technically paying for 2 brushes but you get 4 brush heads to help define, blend, smudge and just blur out your eyeshadow application!  The bristles are extremely soft and because they are synthetic hair, you can use it both wet or dry application!

If like me, you wear more base makeup than eyeshadow, please invest on Ecotools 1290 Complexion Buffer Make Up Blending Brush.  This works so well on both pressed and loose powdered makeup.  Best of all, you can use this same brush to apply your sunscreen, tinted moisturizer, foundation or concealer!  I also use this same brush to apply blush, contour, highlight powder/cream/liquids.  Basta, most sulit brush ever!

How To Create Bigger-Looking Eyes

Happy day!  Let me share you some of the mails I received recently! Okay, just the gist!  A lot of you have been requesting me to do video tutorials or start my own YouTube channel (why, thank you!).  Unfortunately, with my super hectic schedule (Mr. AMW calls me kiti-kiti as I have a lot on my tiny plate!) so creating a video is far from my thoughts for now!  Maybe..when I turned 60?  Come on!  Promise you'll still be here to watch "Wrinkly-AMW"!  *knocks on wood*  *shakes off thought*  It's not gonna happen!  *grabs eye cream*

For now, the best I can do is to create helpful tips and tutorials through photos!  I know videos are way more easier to follow but I'll try to make these photo tutorials as simple and as clear as possible!  This special post, I call... "This is How I Do It" (everybody move it..to the left to the right...)  Whoever can sing along this song...ahm...you're cool!  :P  (The song is actually called This is How WE Do It.) 

Makeup is a very powerful tool!  A lot of you knew that by now and that's probably the reason why you read my blog!  I've seen transformations (big and small) done by using certain makeup and the AMW-style will always be the easier and simpler version!  I know there are hundreds and thousands of tutorials out there on how to change the shape of your eyes!  But on regular days, who would want to spend an hour in front of the mirror?  *looks around*  I don't know about you but definitely NOT ME!  

Today, to jump start this exciting segment, I'm sharing the simplest steps I've learned through the years on how to create rounder-looking eyes!  This is best for Asian eyes or people who would like to create bigger-looking eyes.

AYE?  AYE!

Let's begin...
Your choice between gel liners, liquid liners, cream liners or pencil liners.  In this tutorial, I used Kate Gel Eye Liner in Black.

Some more products you may need ---

AMW Version: Purples without the Black Eyed Peas

Happy Thursday! Sorry for the weird title!  Black Eyed Peas lover out there, don't hate me ok?  I just find the title unique and hoping it would catch your attention! (KSP kasi ako) :P  

When it comes to purples, clients would always shy away and say: "I'm not that fair, it won't look good on me, I'll probably look like someone with black eye!"

I actually went through the similar stage when I was still studying make-up!  There are definitely a lot of practice and a lot of color combining done before I found a way to use purples on a daily basis without looking tired or messy!

Note that this is a toned down version because this look is meant for daytime!  Yes, you can wear it at work without getting strange looks from colleagues!

Tips

• Try not to pile up a lot with a single shade of dark purple eyeshadow.
• Use different shades of purples to have "3-dimensional effect."
• Use at least 2 shades to create a purple look, one is any shade of purple while the other is a highlighter!  Could be golds, beige, etc...
• Use an eye primer or eyeshadow base and pat on the dark eyeshadow to prevent fall outs.
• For fall outs, do not use your fingers in wiping them off, gently brush the excess off with a big powder brush or fan brush!  *works ALL the time!*

AMW Diagram

Step 1:
It wasn't shown on photo but I actually applied Urban Decay Primer Potion all over lids.  Applied purple shade from Lancome Color Fan 6 Color Eyeshadow Palette.

Step 2:
With the same Lancome Color Fan 6 Color Eyeshadow Palette, use the shimmery gold eyeshadow on the inner corner of the eyes to create a "brigher" look!  This helps cast away the dark shadow that can make your eyes look tired!

Step 3:

For a fake "deeper set of eyes" look, I used a darker purple shade from my Sleek Divine Graphite Palette.

Step 4:
Apply eyeliner of your choice!  I always go for gel liners or liquid liners!  Pencil liners I use to tight line!

Drew my brows with Paul & Joe Eyebrow Pencil no. 2.  Curled my lashes and used Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Glamour Volume on Mascara in Black.

Here's a daytime, non-tiring eyes

Workable for office girls!

 

Scroll down to check what's on the rest of my face

 

For the Face:
Kanebo Revue Powder Foundation BE-C

For the Cheeks:
The Body Shop's Autumn Leaves Compact

in Shade 02 Berry

For the Lips:
Stila Lip Pots in Amande

Top with Stage Wondergloss in Sophia

Get that lazy bum out of your room!
Face your day with a huge smile!  It's Thursday!
Friday is super reachable!

Have you perfected your purple eyeshadow?
What shade do you pair it with?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Askmewhats Version: "Safe" Neutral Look

Are you off for an important meeting?
Going for a first date?
Meeting the 'rents?

Those are the moments you would like to sport a very nice neutral eye makeup that does not take a lot of time! You want to look great but not too made up! I've always tried on different colors for eye makeup but if an occasion calls for a natural prim and proper look, there's always one look that comes into my mind! Of course it's neutral. But I call it my "safe" neutral.

A "safe" neutral is a neutral look that you know it's fool proof and mistakes free! You've been doing this look forever and you get compliments each time you create this look.

So, what's my "safe" kind of neutral? You'll know as you read on!

Here's my final eye shot!

Askmewhats' Diagram

Step 1:

Prior to eye makeup application, I applied a layer of MAC Soft Ochre Paintpot.
Using any flat shader brush, pat on Joppa Pearl eyeshadow on the inner center of the lid as shown on diagram.

Step 2:

Apply brown eyeshadow, in my case, I am using STAGE e/s from the So Loverly girls. Lightly swipe it on the outer crease to create a depth.

Step 3:

Highlight with Bonjour Rose Beige e/s

Step 4:

Line the upper lashline with MM Cocoa Gel Liner using my Ecotools Eyeliner brush.

Tightline with Urban Decay 24/7 Bourbon eyeliner, line the waterline as well and use Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in Ye-Yo on the inner corner of the eyes to make the eyes pop.

I added natural falsies, curl my lashes and added 2 coats of mascara!

Voila!
Natural looking eyes
that pops! :)

If you girls have the time, show me your version of a safe neutral! Neutrals are neutrals but I'm sure there's one neutral look that's safe to sport anytime of the day! I think I know the reason why I love this look! My mom always compliment me if I sport this eye makeup! Coming from my mom! Who loves her daughter free of makeup! It's a HUGE compliment! LOL

Have a wonderful day everyone!
Keep smilin!
Stay Happy!

Askmewhats Version: "Teal I Met You"

Happy day everyone!
LOL I can't stop smiling on my own post title.
I've named this look "Teal I Met You" because I've realized that I haven't been doing much "teal" looks :) So I've finally met a nice looking teal color! And I'm in love with it!
It's not so drastic but it's "cool" enough to be done for night outs!

Let's just say, a look for both day and night! :D

Here's a final look!

Askmewhats Diagram

Always prep your lids with a primer
And if you want a more "obvious" look
Apply any cream based e/s
Since I am eyeing for a bright look
I applied Fashion 21's Pearl e/s stick
all over lids including
the inner corner
up to the brow bone

Step 1:
Using any flat shader brush. Pat on a matte white e/s all over the inner thirds of the eye including the brow bone area (the effect is shimmery because I have a shimmery cream e/s base)

Step 1:
Pat on Makeup Masala Mineral in Jadoo on the center of the lids. Do not worry about blending yet


Step 3:
Using a blending brush, apply any dark "bluish toned" e/s on the crease area. I am using Laura Mercier's Blue Sky Quad's darkest color. It has a hint of blue sparkles on it.

You can always choose
to intensify the colors
if you want

Step 4:
Create small winged eye look with your choice of gel liner/liquid liner/ eyeliner pencil. I am using Stila Smudge Pots in Black with my Ecotools Bamboo Eyeliner brush.

Do not forget to curl your lashes and apply 2 coats of mascara. Thanks Gracie for the Clinique Mascara sample :) Love it!

Final Look

What's on the rest of my face?


For the Face

The Body Shop Minerals Foundation No. 02
Joppa Finishing Silk in Original Formula Sheer

For the cheeks

Dollface Contour Palette
(You can check back on my previous post
on how I contour my face)


For the Lips

NYX Round Lipstick in Sky Pink
(from Alyssa)
Top with Nivea Caregloss Shine

It's time for me to smile to everyone
and say BYE BYE :D

Have you realized that I've got no nail art this week?
I had a week rest for my poor nails!
So do check back next week for nail art designs!

Keep smilin'!
Stay happy!

Askmewhats Reviews: Ecotools Mineral Brush Set

Great day everyone!!!
Today is a humpy Wednesday and also last day of work for the week! Yes, it's the Lenten season, I know a lot of you have to work on holidays (I know how that feels), but cheer up! It won't be long and weekend is crawling around the corner! :)

Today is another review day!!! Everyone's probably raving about the brush sets from Ecotools and I really took time getting to know each one of them before I go on with a review. Do I like them? Are they worth it? Read on please....

Here's the pretty packaging
I love that it's resealable, can reuse!

Aren't they pretty?

Ecotools Mineral Brush Set says ---
* Five piece set
* Handles are made from fast-growing sustainable Bamboo
* Super-soft brush hairs are made of Taklon and are 100% cruelty free
* The sleek ferrules are made from recycled aluminum
* Natural... See more »

• 4 high-quality brushes inside a natural cotton & hemp linen bag
• Soft, cruelty-free bristles
• Natural & recycled materials
  

This earth-friendly brush set is packed with the 4 high-quality brushes you need to look beautiful. And, it shows respect for the planet:

• Bamboo handle has a low impact on the earth’s resources as it is a highly sustainable plant.
• Synthetic taklon bristles are 100% cruelty free.
• Sleek ferrule is made from recycled aluminum.
• Cosmetic case is made from natural cotton and hemp

Askmewhats says ---

Mineral Powder Brush

(length: 5 inches)

Pros

• when washed: No bleeding and shedding
• hair is dense
  

• the size of the brush is perfect for my face, great to apply Mineral foundation and even non-mineral foundation all over the face

• dual purpose: Can also be used to apply blushes
  

Cons

• none

Concealer Brush

(length: 4.5 inches)

Pros

• no bleeding and shedding
  
• very dense, perfect to apply concealer
• if eyes space is big, can also be used as eyeshadow brush
• after washing, no flyaways

Cons

• none

Eye Shading Brush
(length: 4.5 inches)

Pros

• no bleeding or hair fall
• works great as highlighter brush
• very soft

Cons

• because of it's size and fluffiness, I find it hard to use this as a blending brush for my eyes, tends to remove all the hardwork I've done for my eye makeup

Baby Kabuki
(length: 2 inches)

Pros

• no bleeding, shed's a hair or two on first wash
  
• size is perfect to carry along
• hair is soft

Cons

• too soft, no control on the hair
• if you are looking for medium to heavy coverage, this is not a kabuki brush for you
  

Overall

The star brushes in this set is the Mineral Powder Brush and Concealer brush. The other 2 is just "ok". The hemp pouch is good too, but you cannot store your brushes straight, you have to put the brushes in diagonal, which is weird! But since it's free, what more can I ask for? lol

For the price, I am impressed with the quality of the brushes. This is not the best brush set around but not bad at all! I know this has been tagged as Mineral Brush Set but this set works even to non-mineral makeup user. I love that this set is handy. It would be perfect if they included an eyeshadow brush in this set. :D Well, am I asking too much? lol

Handy Dandy!

Tips

Mineral Powder Brush

• use this to apply mineral foundation all over face in a circular, buffing motion.
• can also use this to apply powdered blushes
  

Concealer Brush

• you can use this for both cream, liquid concealer , to conceal blemishes and under eye circles
• this brush can also be used to apply eyeshadows or pigments if you have larger eye space
  

Eye Shading Brush (looks like blending brush)

• used to blend eyeshadow to remove harsh lines
• can also use this to apply shimmer powders areas you want to enhance (cheekbones, nose bridge, browbone, temple, etc...)

Baby Kabuki

• can be used to apply blush
• this brush can be used to apply setting powder
• you can use this brush to apply mineral foundation or regular foundation if you want light coverage
• if you want heavier coverage, squeeze the brushes closely together during application
  

Will I repurchase?

Not this set, but for other Ecotools brushes, yes.....

Where did I purchase and how much?

At the Makeup Mix Shop for $11.75 (approx Php576.00) <-- sad to say out of stock already

Do you own a brush set?
What's your "must bring" brush set when you travel?
Let me know!
Stay happy!