BeachBorn PiggyLash Review

"Use Castor Oil ma'am!"

"Ma'am, iksi ng lashes mo, try mo Castor Oil."

I've heard those lines gazillion times, I always ask "Where to buy?" and ended up with answers like "Sa Mercury lang!" and I never bought one.

I guess it's the fact that it is housed in bottle and the thought of putting "oil" on my lashes.  Seriously: "Seryoso ka ba? Masakit yon for sure!"  was on top of my head.  You know me, I love beauty but I love myself more!  Why would I torture myself right? :P

So when I got myself a BeachBorn PiggyLash named so cute plus housed in a bottle that looks like a makeup and skincare product!  Why not?

I used it right away and fast forward to today, it has been a month already!  

BeachBorn Piggylash Lash and Brow Serum

Php149.00

Available HERE

It's small, handy and have a mascara wand that comes with it making is super easy to apply on brows or lashes.

A product inspired by The Muppets resident vamp, Ms. Piggy.

Caster Oil is an age old beauty treatment that has been proven to stimulate hair growth by up to 5x more.

We've infused our cold processed and cold pressed caster oil with Vitamin E for an added boost.  Apply daily before bedtime for lush brows and lashes.

Eureka Moment! A Nail Hardener Plus MORE!

I know I've talked highly about Girlstuff for so many years now!  Even way before I get to meet the owner, I was a proud user because I love the fact that these polishes are safe for my nails!  They are indeed gentle because I can leave them for quite some time and my nails won't turn yellow.

I love Nail Revive so much, it is the product I used when my nails was murdered by a nail technician when I was randomly looking for a place to remove my gel.  It lives up to its' name --- Nail Revive --- my nails were back to normal in a week or two.

Now, EUREKA MOMENT (Nails Edition)!

I've found another Girlstuff product that's worth the space on my blog (and mention).  They introduced their newest nail care product called Girlstuff Nail Hardener this month and I've been using it a lot - not just as a nail care product but as a polish!  

Remember those times you were looking for a perfect nude-colored polish to complete that French Tip?  Or you are a type who don't like to wear color but wanted to clean digits look?

THIS IS THE ANSWER!

And guess what?  They also keep your nails harder and stronger!

And I realized, I put in so much "exclamation points" in this post because I am THAT excited!

Girlstuff Nail Hardener strengthens and hardens our nails with the help of Keratin.  A coat of Nail Hardener can build a second nail protection. It really helps because I my thumbnail recently cracked at the center!  And I immediately applied 2 coats of nail hardener upon arrival in the Philippines, and here I go typing away like there's no issue!

Any Eureka Moment from you guys?

Share naman!

Girlstuff Nail Revive is available at Girlstuff outlets and online www.girlstufforever.com .

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Keeping It Together KIT Ken Charger Organizer is the Way To Go!

Whether you travel or a lot or not?  I actually like using this on a regular basis because seeing wires inside a bag can stress a busy gal who needs to move fast whenever-wherever.  

Thankfully, I was gifted this last Christmas and the Mr. and I were excited about this but because I am a "loving wife" (hahaha), I gave it to him as I know he lug more cable wires than I do!  

KIT Ken Charger Organizer

Php695.00

KIT Ken Charger Organizer is a 5 piece,all in one organizer that can be carried in one go. Made of heavy duty, double inner lining that holds your chargers in place. The most versatile charger organizer you can find.

Tip for the Day: How to Prevent Dry Skin After Base Makeup Application?

Have this happened to you after finishing up all the steps of base makeup?

GASP!

It happened to me so many times (and to my clients) I'm actually NOT freaking out anymore!  The first time it happened to me was in the middle of work with a very important client and I want to cry right there and then ---> that was 10 years ago and I'm thankful there are so many products that can aid situations like this!

I've shared so many ways to making sure your foundation won't dry out your skin!  Example - How to Keep Your Skin from Looking Dry.

Eureka Moment! The Original BeautyBlender is HERE!

8 years ago was the first time I touched the Original Beauty Blender when I was doing a shoot for a make up school I attended.  My foundation application has changed (for both myself and clients).  Through the years, I have this in my KIT and even repurchased this several times even with all the new brands coming in.

The Original will always be the original and mark my words for it!  It feels different and I can tell the difference even when blindfolded!

8 years after, imagine the happiness when The Original Beauty Blender is finally here in Manila?  Guys, not from resellers but officially distributed?  I was able to get 2 and they actually have other shades available!  (if you don't believe me, check out BeautyMNL!)

BeautyBlender Pro Black 

BeautyBlender Single

Php990.00 each

Signature elliptical shape invented by Hollywood makeup artist Rea Ann Silva; designed to “bounce” makeup onto skin for a flawless finish; blends product with utmost ease; soft suede texture; latex-free, odor-free, and non-allergenic.

Eureka Moment: Pro Studio Beauty Exclusives Miracle Sponge Set with Case (8 Pack)

I have been watching Korean Youtube Gurus like Jungsaemmool and I remembered wanting this huge sponges she used on her tutorials!

Eureka moment indeed when the Pro Studio Beauty Exclusives Miracle Sponge Set (8 pack) Php550.00 (on sale at BeautyMNL.com for Php440.00) in pastel shades landed on my table one day!




It comes in a Pentagon Shaped sponge, quite thick and very dense.  I immediately picked one and used one on my client and on myself!



What made me love this even more is the fact that it comes with its' own container, so doing some research, they sell 20pcs pack (all white) for Php200.00 making it a nice way for me to just repurchase a refill and put all these cute sponges free from dirt on this clear plastic container.

Eureka Moment: For You With the Bangs

I had my bangs shortened since the start of 2017 and let me share to you something, I've had FULL BANGS for most of my schoolyear (Nursery 'til College) and like I said in my previous hair posts, I am not hailed as the "Bangs Girl" for nothing.

But for a decade now, I have always been sporting a side fringe, and going for full bangs again takes a lot of effort, patience and...well....EFFORT?

Especially with makeup application!  So Hair Velcros have been around for so long, I've used them professionally as a makeup artist and I've seen them around my make up artist friends too!  But personally, I have never thought of relying on them so much until the start of the year, when I've decided to sport full bangs again.

Thanks to my dear friend Sydney for gifting me this "packet of survival" as Christmas Gift.  You are heaven-sent!

I don't know the exact name of this but it is called Hair Velcro and I was told these are available at www.nipponesthetic.com

In a packet, you get a pair of hair velcro and with all the colors I've used, my favorite will always be this simple black.

Eureka Moment: Ungrip Your Phone!

Funny how this simple thing that I put on my phone can call so much attention!  Can you see it?

Well, the lovely strap on my phone is called Ungrip!

My phone has flown and fell on the floor so many times I can't keep track --- Joys of being a mom to a Tornado...ahem, I mean...Toddler!

There are so many "phone grip" products in the market but nothing caught my attention until I saw the brand Ungrip!

Without saying much, the wide range of colors and designs won me over!

L-R Aztec, Aluminum Prism (for Mr. AMW) and Pink 

Eureka Moment: Travalo And Perfume Pod

So, finally!  Another great find from AMW!

Imagine my delight when I got the Travalo Perfume Pods?  I mean, where were you tiny bits from Heaven when I needed you most?  Ever since I became a mom, I NEVER wear perfumes before going out, instead, I wear them whenever I'm in the car or when I'm out!  Kyle Nash is a hugger, so I make sure I don't have anything too scented when I hug him before heading out of the door!  So what do I have inside my bag?  This ONE AND ONLY sample size scent from Michael Kors!  

The Michael Kors scent isn't bad!  I LOVE it actually, but having to wear them EACH and EVERY TIME I go out, well, ahmm....is kinda boring!  I used to change my scents DAILY!  So imagine how hard it is for me to say loyal for just ONE scent just because I do not want to 'lug' all my full-sized perfumes whenever I go out?

SO THIS IS INDEED A EUREKA MOMENT!

Travalo, the brand, is originated in United Kingdom.  These are perfect solutions for those who want to travel as light as possible!  

Eureka Moment: Vitamin C For the Skin Does Help!

Remember last month when I visited the Laneige Pop-Up store at SM Mall of Asia?   I love it that I get to talk to fellow bloggers who are Laneige user and of course, talk to the people behind Laneige and get tips from them on which products are the best!  (I seriously believe they know better because they get to try the products first!)

I am happy with our long-afternoon talk with Laneige's Brand person Ms. Mela Fortes, big reason is that, she was very vocal with the products that work for her and those that do not (Even if it is her own brand!).  She honestly shares to me her personal experiences on the products I am intrigued with and that is one major reason why I believe her when she gushed on Laneige's newest skincare product called Clear-C Advanced Effector.

I had to pick one to try!

Laneige Clear-C Advanced Effector contains 150ml worth of Vitamin booster with 92.5% super berry extracts that have clarifying effects, giving you a brighter complexion.

Ingredients:

Malpighia Emarginata (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Propanediol, Alcohol, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Melia Azadirachta Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Nasturtium Officinale Extract, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Glutathione, Glycerin, Lecithin, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Adenosine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Water, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance

Eureka Moment: My Pocket Doctor

I'm not sure about you but I don't have a family doctor that I can say: "I'm comfortable to give him/her a call or text anytime of the day!"  Even with Kyle's Pedia, I feel uncomfortable texting or calling them wee hours of the night (unless emergency situations).  

But you know how at times you wished you have your own "Doctor on call" without any judgement?  

Eureka Moment!

The doctor is always IN with MediCard's My Pocket Doctor and I'm so happy this service is finally available!  

MediCard, our leading health maintenance organization (HMO) provider, gives another option for us who needs time-saving and convenient options to get medical consultations anytime and anywhere!  Perfect for the millenials too! :D 

My Pocket Doctor is a game changer because with the advantage of modern technology, we can make medical consultations (for minor issues) without braving traffic and waiting in line!  (Goodness, I despise waiting in long lines!)

Everyday Eyeshadow Palette from Cover Girl Bold Shadow Quad

Considering I'm a professional make up artist, you would think I have all the expensive shadows in my vanity table to be used daily right? 

WRONG!

All the expensive brands are in my professional KIT and I am quite simple with my daily makeup look!  So I always go for inexpensive (yet effective) drugstore brands!  And I recently found a good one from CoverGirl Full Bloom Collection!

My default daytime look for the past weeks!

All thanks to CoverGirl Go For The Golds, it is easy for me to create that look in no time!  Let's say, 3 minutes max for both eyes without liner and mascara?  Good enough for a busy girl!

Instantly Hydrate with Burt's Bees Cucumber & Sage Facial Cleansing Towelettes

It was wee hours of the night when I was in a rush for a lipstick swatch-fest (14 lipsticks to be exact) for a staff training of a prestigious skincare and lip care brand.  My skin was breaking out, my lips are dry and cracked from all the lip swatches.  I was extremely tired, but I knew I had to do it!  It was a job that I accepted and I always give 101%  

It was already 1:30am and I realized, my face makeup just won't stay!  My body is just too stressed and tired nothing would work!  Then I saw a pack of Burt's Bees Cucumber & Sage and thought: "Aside from the fact that cucumbers are great to lessen undereye puffiness, cucumbers can improve complexion by simply rejuvenate the skin!  Cucumbers are also known to help tighten pores and fade freckles."

Whatever they said, I just put a sheet on top of my face for a couple of minutes and voila!  The shoot went ahead and I finished everything in no time!

Tony Moly Make HD Silk Argan Oil Review

So you all now by now that I had my hair "Balayage-d" (if there's such term) with the help of HairShaft Salon.  As you all know "With Colored Hair comes Dryness!".   I knew from the start I should follow-up with hair treatment as advised by salon experts but I obviously do not have the luxury of time!  So I'm dealing this problem by ---

• By treating my hair with an at-home-treatment at least once a week.  
• By using "for color-treated hair" shampoo and conditioner. 
• By adding up an extra step to protect my hair from styling (ex. Heat protectant)
• By adding another step after shampoo and conditioner EVERYDAY!  (It was Dove Hair Vitamins before and now, I found another effective one!)

And coming from a brand that is known for skincare and makeup products?  I am surprised to see "Argan Oil" in their stores and I had to grab one and try.

Eureka Moment: Crown Pro Blending Fluff Brush and Pro Domed Blender Brush

Dear AMW Friends, 

I've been quiet for a long time on make up brushes because..you guessed it right!  I have enough brushes to prettify 10 people without the need to wash them because I have back-ups!  And all of them are well-taken care off so I don't have the need to purchase new brush sets anytime soon.

Not when I laid my eyes on the Crown Brushes!  It was during the CBeauty event where I met Cristina Madara when I got to touch and feel Crown Brushes for the first time.

Yes, I've read positive reviews online but knowing the fact that I have to order online from US and have to wait for months for these brushes to arrive, I told myself I can get away without them.

NOT UNTIL I TOUCHED THEM!  Especially the Pro Blending Fluff Brush and Pro Domed Blender Brush!  I knew I had to get them, and now, I am thinking about purchasing backups because they are THAT good!

So...EUREKA MOMENT!

Crown Brush Pro Blending Brush

Php475.00 (approx $10.55)

I have enough eye blending brushes that I can really tell which ones are the good ones and which ones not worth a single centavo!  The best I've used is so far from MAC!  The MAC 217 Blending Brush!  I had to purchase 2 in Hong Kong because this is the perfect blending brush for me and for clients who have small lid space! 

As soon as I purchased the Pro Blending Brush from Crown, I am happy to announce, this definitely is the BEST blending brush I've tried!  No kidding!

It has the same "density" the MAC 217 brush has and actually shaped in a dome that is perfect to create "fake crease", create depth on your eyes or just simply blend out harsh edges!  This is a natural-haired brush that isn't scratchy even after several washes.  And best of all, the brush hairs are even better packed than the more expensive ones so this is a life-saver even for first-time eye makeup wearers.  This brush can turn you from newbie to pro!  My blending skill turns up a notch because of this brush!

Eureka Moment: Gifted.PH

I am a fan of gift-giving!  I love giving gifts to my loved ones even on NO Occasion!  The only downside is, I don't see my friends or other family members often!  Especially now, with my extremely busy schedule, I can't even deliver gifts to my friends who have birthdays, anniversaries or just to let them know "I'm still here and I care!".

Material things, as I said over and over again, aren't important.  But don't you love it when on a bad day, you receive even the simplest gift?  It shows how much important you are from the sender and how much they think of you.

I have been a fan of online shopping for a LONG TIME!  When you look back in my first few blog entries, you can see how many times and "how brave" I was in online shopping!  

I literally thanked the heavens when Deal sites were born!  I got to gift my friends and family members restaurant certificates for them to enjoy or just to tell them how much I appreciate them.  I don't know about you, but I find deal sites aren't as appealing as before!  The deals they offer are redundant and not so interesting as before.

Recently, I was emailed by a past contact on the project she's working on!  She sent me the site to have a link and I actually tried browsing through the site and will actually try their service because I'm quite impressed by it!

Can I scream: EUREKA MOMENT?

A simple, easy, practical and personal way of giving gifts, the best part?  It is VERY Convenient for both the sender and receiver!

www.gifted.ph

This is an online gift certificate retail website where you and I can send/receive gift certificates online anytime, anywhere at our convenience!   So it is fun and practicial to send gifts depending on your recipient's interest, if unsure, there's always the gift of Money!  YAY!

To start off, you need to register and input your details before you can send gifts!

Eureka Moment: Nippon Esthetic Eyelash Applicator

Hi AMW Friends!  Happy Monday!
Remember my previous tutorial on Special Events Make Up?  Well, if you did, you probably saw the nifty "gadget" I used to apply my false lashes!  For years, I've been very dependent with my Tweezers when it comes to application on both myself and clients!  

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind using Tweezers, they do the job, I'm comfortable with it but I'm sure a lot of you aren't!  So this nifty "Tool" definitely deserves a spot in my Eureka Moment Post!

AMW Wore Bohk Toh Lashes  in J-202

Are you ready?  It looks like this!

Eureka Moment: Hydrated Skin Minus the Greasy Feeling!

These products from Kracie called Natululu Skin Conditioner deserves ONE BIG POST with the 2 words --- EUREKA MOMENT!

FINALLY!  A hydrating skin conditioner that felt like water yet it works in hydrating your skin!  I can't believe someone finally thought of it!  Well, for the Japanese, nothing is impossible!

I know there are a lot of "lightweight" lotions that are coming out in the market!  But with the intense heat and humidity that we are experiencing, plus the fact that I have a super clingy son who almost lives beside me 24/7, I find myself applying less and less lotion and my skin is suffering big time!  So when I saw the newest product line from Kracie called Natululu Skin Conditioner, I immediately tested both out in the most extreme weather condition as possible!  Outdoors, indoors, while cooking, etc...!

There are a total of 3 variants and I got to try 2!

Natululu says ---
Hydrate your skin sans the greasy feeling with this latest moisture-rich skin conditioner/lotion in the form of water, which can be applied to your face and body.  Formulated with plant-base Ceramide Misture for Skin nourishment.

Eureka Moment: Mommy Hacks

Let me start by saying, I'm not a perfect mom!  But being hands on for a good 24 plus months, I can say, I do have some tricks under my sleeves!  All the drawing, the book-reading, the acting, I am definitely a teacher/actress/artist for life!  

As you all know, my title is inspired by "Life Hacks" seen on Facebook shared posts!  This is my personal "mommy hacks" list and I can add more if you are interested!  I will try to put up as interesting products as possible for "ahem" cool mommies out there!

My son turned 2 last April 16th!  Yes, TWO!  Eeeekkkk!!!! I know what I'm hearing now: "Terrible Two!"  Thankfully, he may be at his most active, noisy, running-here and there stage but I don't call him terrible!  NOT YET! :P  But for the past few weeks, he feel or hit himself a couple of times so I'm used to seeing some bruises and bumps on his adorable face and arm! *insert sad face*  Fellow mommies would understand how it literally crushes our hearts to see our kiddos getting hurt!  So I always have this first-aid kit with me!  Everybody should know that I use Lucas Papaw a lot!  They are perfect for insect bites.  But there are some instances wherein Lucas Papaw is not enough so I have these....

Mommy Hack #1

Arnica Bruise-Stick Php470.00 

Available at: NaturaMomma Facebook

Bruise-Stick™ is an all-natural ointment stick formulated to reduce bruising and swelling associated with injury or medical procedures. 

It looks like a glue-stick so it's easy to use especially on kids!  Kyle Nash had a huge bruise on his forehead when he fell face flat on the floor!  He was such a brave boy and didn't cry much but the huge bump said it all!  Whenever he goes to sleep, I would rub Bruise-Stick on his bruise and massage it gently.  So far, the swelling didn't get worst, instead, it died down in less than a week!  I did patch test first before applying all over the bruise, I applied a small amount at the back of his ear and leave it for a couple of hours, I didn't see any negative reactions so I went for it.

Eureka Moment: Plum Lips That Won't Hurt Your Pocket

You know how it is when you browse through magazines and online sites and you found the PERFECT lip color you want to try but it is a bit pricey for your taste?  

Well EUREKA MOMENT!

As we all know, purple/plum lips is the current trend and as much as you want to get into this trend, it is challenging if you're on a budget.  Well, here I am, sharing a great find!

As I was rummaging through my lipstick stash one day and was fighting off some lipsticks with Toddler AMW, I chanced upon a silver tube lippie that is still sealed to perfection!  I took one glance at the shade name and it was called Berry Smooth.  Hmm...sounds lovely!  Then I opened it up and tried it on my lips....

I am in love!

Not with myself silly but with the lip color!

The lip color glides on like a dream, pigmentation is really good and my lips never felt dry the whole day I wore this shade!  Guess the brand?