BOHKTOH Perfect lash curler review

I felt like I am biased to 2 curler brands - Shiseido and Shu Uemura.  

These 2 brands have been compared side by side on Vlogs and Blogs.  Those were the days of constant product comparison (or versus mode!)  Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of those today right?  I see a lot of "dupes" or downplaying another brand by talking a certain brand. 

UGH.  

But let's get back to my purpose of this post!  LOL  I get older and tend to get distracted easily.

Though I am biased with 2 brands, I love ONE brand and ONLY ONE Brand --- SHISEIDO.  I hail it my MOST favorite eyelash curler year 2015 and 7 years after, I still felt the same!

After so many years of trying various brands from both local and international, one brand finally stepped up!  I mean not SHISEIDO LEVEL but for the price, it wasn't bad!

Bohk Toh Perfect Lash Curler
Php400.00
Available HERE or HERE

AMW says ---

• Inexpensive
• Comes with extra pad.
• The curler itself has a "pad holder", you won't lose it anymore like I always do.
• Same weight as expensive curlers.
• Does not pinch my eyelid.
• Does curl lashes properly but missed a few on both edges. (My lashes are extremely short so this is normal!)

I still love my Shiseido curler as it curls 95% of my lashes.  Bohk Toh on the other hand can curl 80% of my lashes which is great enough!  If you are looking for inexpensive lash curler that works, you may want to check this out!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

  

Purple Stare Look

 

I haven’t been playing eye makeup for YEARS!

Ever since I grew …ahem..older, as you can see, I have stopped myself from using colors just because….I got lazier, and I felt that the pandemic made it harder for me to enjoy colorful make up.

I have been loving the color Purple because of BTS!  So I’ve decided to make this an Ode to me being an ARMY! 

Check out the make up products and brands I’ve used.

Products used:
- @hudabeauty Naughty Palette from @sephoraph 
- @kpalette_ph Procast Eyeliner in Black
- @imagic.ph Pencil liner in black
- @lauramercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder 
- @nipponph lashes 
- @makeupforever Blush and lipstick
- Extreme Lip Plumper from @barrym.ph deal 

Hope this gives you a quick idea on how to recreate this look, if you want to! 

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A post shared by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐮 (@askmewhats)

East vs. West Makeup Looks

 

Hi AMW Friends!
I have been meaning to do this video ever since I started doing short IG TVs.  The laziness to edit and busy schedule got me so I only had a couple of months after to finally made this half face versus look into reality and I am so happy I did it because I've always wanted to know which particular look would suit best my face shape and features.

What do you think?  Can you spot which side is the Eastern side and which side is West?

As written on my IG post, I am not discriminating a particular look, I just based my makeup styles from books I read, videos I've watched and several photos I have seen online.  The western look has always been my style even when I was doing makeup professionally.  This is the type of makeup that would look great on photos, videos and a bit darker in person but with the right technique, you would still look like yourself in a more polished way.

Eastern side, I am basing on our Korean, Japanese and Thai counterparts.  I've followed a couple of makeup artists from those countries and noticed a common denominator and put it on my other face!  The effect?  Very natural, glowing and dewy skin!

A closer look on Western side.
Defined and arch brows.  Creating bigger eyes with cut-crease method, winged liner, bronzer, contouring and highlighting and defined lips!  

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.

Nippon Lashes are Here!

Fellow non-existent lashes...REJOICE!
After years of using similar designs as most of mine came in box of 6s and 10s. 
I can finally expolore on more lash designs!  (Please watch out for future FOTD posts on Instagram as I will start using them one at a time on special events!)

Nippon Esthetic, the makeup tools supplier I go to, finally launched their on lash line called NIPPON LASHES. 

Nippon Strip Lash designs: Bellini, Maitai, Margarita, Martini, Mimosa, Sidecar and Zombi
Also available: Nippon Knotted Individual Lashes

These are said to be made in Japan and I'm starting to use them one  at a time and here's what I have to say ---

• Inexpensive for the quality you get.  Php140.00 per pair.
• Comes with wide range of designs from simple to glam!
• Strip lashes are comfortable to wear even for first-timers.  The band is soft and lightweight.
• The lash hairs look very natural and lightweight too.
• They also have Knotted Individual lashes (Php140.00) which is so nice and easy-to-use.
• They also offer Clear-Finish Lash Glue (Php250.00) which works really well, I wore it the whole day and it stayed amidst humidity.  
• The lash glue does not leave a sticky feel unlike other lash glue.
• Can be purchased online so it is easy to shop minus the traffic.

Overall, this false lashes lover girl is happy and jumping for joy!
For more information visit https://nipponesthetic.com/

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft Matte Hydrating Foundation Review

Would you believe me when I say, I can actually pick a drugstore foundation even when I go on camera?

Remember my 2 guesting at Unang Hirit last December?  Well, I actually picked a drugstore foundation called Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft Matte Hydrating Foundation as my base!  So far, it works fine!

Why did I pick this foundation?  Well, aside from the fact that it gives a matte finish, it is hydrating enough to use even on dry areas around my skin.  

This product, according to Maybelline, is the first-ever hydrating matte foundation for 100% velvet-smooth perfected skin all day.  I tested this so many times and I have to say, this is my favorite Maybelline foundation to date --- just because it is perfect for my skin type.

Maybelline says ---

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.

TenTen Magic Nail Polish Remover Review

Ever since I discovered a new way to remove nail polish through MYTHE Nail Polish Remover, I almost never look back!  One reason why I still go to conventional nail polish remover and cotton pad is because...well, I can't dip my toes inside these container!  (I can try for fun but it's gross! hahaha)

And recently, I've been seeing some brands coming up with a similar container to help remove nail polish easier (Ex. Tony Moly), but they don't come in with the polish remover (just a sponge and container) so you have to pour in your polish of choice!  And I thought that is a great idea until I discovered a new brand brought in by my favorite Makeup Tools Supplier Nippon Esthetic called TenTen.

TenTen Magic Nail Polish Remover

Php350.00 

Available HERE

As much as I love the idea of Mythe Nail Polish remover and expected both to have similar qualities, well they are totally different!  The TenTen Magic Nail Polish Remover contains liquid nail polish remover and a plastic "scrub" were you get to dip your fingernail and rub it against the spikes.

Smart innovation I would say!

TenTen Magic Nail Polish Remover Says ---

Magic Nail Remover with brush to clean nails

Melon-scent

90ML

Lifeford Hi- Precise Eye Pen Review (Black and Brown)

I will never get tired of reviewing eyeliners!  Why?  Well, aside from the fact that this is my daily staple, it is quite exciting for me to review because I sometimes ended up with smudged liner whenever I go out with family!  (Because I usually do eyeliner testing on weekends because...they won't judge me! hahahaha)

I recently got 2 liners from a good friend Sydney of Nippon Esthetic and she told me how much she loved these liners!  I was assured these are smudge and smear-proof and of course, I knew I have to test these babies myself which took me months!  

Because I'm "OC" like that.

Shades reviewed --- Black and Brown

The Lifeford Hi-precise Eye Pen Eyeliner is housed in a pen-type packaging with a sharp tip brush.  Reading through description, I expect these to be quick-drying, stain resistant, long-lasting, smear and smudge-proof.  Too much to ask for a less than Php500.00 liner you say?  Well, I seriously wasn't expecting much, just applied a good amount ONE weekend and crossed my fingers praying it won't make me look like a Panda.

Lifeford Hi- Precise Eye Pen Says ---

Create the perfect winged liner that stays put all day with Lifeford Hi-Precise Eye Pen. The pointed felt tip glides smoothly giving eyes subtle to bold definition. The waterproof formula won’t smear, smudge or clump. 

Made in Japan.

A New Face Sponge In Town!

It's shaped like a teardrop, it's pink and it helps apply makeup base with an ease!  

This is called the Nippon Teardrop Sponge!

My AMW Workshop Series Part 3: Waterproofing Your Makeup participants were lucky!  They each get to try the newest sponge from Nippon Esthetic, my to-go-to brand when it comes to professional tools!  

Unlike regular round sponge, this is shaped like a teardrop with a wide base and a narrower tip.  The teardrop shape makes base makeup application easier, I'll tell you why after the jump!

At least half an inch thick, this makes medium to heavy coverage base not only a "possibility" but a breeze!  You may use this wet or dry depending on your coverage preference.

According to Nippon ---

The reusable sponge creates an even, flawless finish for any foundation formula. Washable with Nippon Pro Dual-Purpose Cleaner. Dermatologist tested + hypoallergenic. Instructions: Use the tip of the sponge for a precise application, and the wide end to spread foundation evenly.

Bohktoh High Performance Eylashes Adhesive Review

Ever since I attended the Beauty Lab Bohktoh + Nippon: Nongchat event, I can't stop reaching out for the Bohtoh High Performance Eyelash Adhesive because I saw how wonderful it was during Nongchat's Live Demo.

Piling lashes after lashes (4-5 in ONE eye!)  I can't believe how this tiny lash glue can hold up all these lashes together.  Aside from that, the effect was unbelievably natural so I had to go home and give this lash adhesive a test too!

Bohktoh High Performance Eylashes Adhesive Says ---
Applying false lashes is made quick and easy with this high-performance eyelash glue from Bohktoh. 

To use: Apply a thin line of adhesive along the lash band. Wait for 10 seconds for the glue to set. Put the lashes onto the center of the eyelids as close as possible to the lash line. Dries invisibly. Formulated for 24-hour wear. Designed for use with Bohktoh False Lashes. Waterproof + Hypoallergenic.

Beauty Lab Bohktoh + Nippon: Nongchat in Manila!

When it comes to Make Up Artistry, I am one firm believer that there will always be room for learning, there will always be room for improvement.

So when I learned Thai's Top Make Up Artist Nongchat is coming to Manila for a ONE DAY workshop/masterclass, I knew I had to be there.  Thanks to Nippon Esthetics and Bohktoh for sending me an exclusive invite.

The long wait was finally over, the day arrived but the bad news is, I was really sick and the weather wasn't even cooperating!  Arming myself with 101% willpower, I knew I can't miss the chance of the lifetime so I went.

The event was held at The Green Sun Hotel and you wouldn't believe how early my fellow makeup artists were!  The workshop starts at 9:00am and I arrived quarter to 8:00am and the place was almost packed with make up artists buzzing with excitement.  I almost forgot I was sick when I arrived there!

The wonderful part aside from the workshop is, the presence of sponsors.  A Pop-up is available (and open to public) for that day with exclusive discounts.

Sighted: Nippon Esthetics and Bohktoh Booth

AMW Workshop Series 2: Perfecting Your Base Report

Remember last March when I kicked off AMW Workshop Series?  (Read about it AMW Workshop Series 1: Get Ready for Summer Report)

Who would have thought just a couple of months after, I continued with part 2?  And the slots were filled in less than 2 days!  THANK YOU LORD!

Here's our obligatory Class Photo!

The workshop was held at SanCoCo still, one of my favorite coffee shops to date because they serve really good coffee!  (When I say they're good, they are REALLY GOOD)

Just like any AMW Workshop Series, all the attendees will get their own personalized Ecobag with their names printed at the same time, with the names of the sponsors printed at the back!  This is just a small way of me saying THANK YOU to the attendees and sponsors for the support.  Seriously, this has all been a dream come true for me!  

Bridal Beauty Lab with Thai artist Nongchat

As a makeup artist who actively does makeup at the same time teach makeup, I will NEVER call myself an "expert" in this field because there will always be room for improvement and learning.  As I would always say: "Don't Stop Learning!"

Trends can change so fast nowadays and in order to keep up, we, as professional makeup artists needs to be well-versed in various makeup styles.  And how to hone that skill?  By joining workshops and seminars by various makeup artists you look up to!

Lucky us Filipinos, Top Thai Professional Makeup Artist Nongchat will be here in Manila this July and in collaboration with Bohktoh x Nippon x Beauty Lab, for a full day event!

Nongchat at work

Eureka Moment: Best Nail Polish Remover to date!

And I can do that by literally wiggling my fingers!  FUN!
I love nail polish application, out of 10 years that I've been polishing my nails with various shades, one thing I dislike the most is nail polish removal!  As embarrassing as it sound, I am too lazy to do so I even seek the help of Mr. AMW just because I dislike the step! 

So when Mythe Nail Polish Remover was introduced to me by my friend Sydney of Nippon Esthetics, I gave it a try immediately and check out the result!

That in just 3 seconds of wiggling!

(Note: the color on the sides of the finger around the skin can be further removed by 2nd and 3rd wiggling!)

This product is made in Thailand!  I haven't seen such thing that's why this deserve a spot on my blog under EUREKA MOMENT!  This is indeed an innovation we can't miss!

AMW Workshop Series 1: Get Ready For Summer Report

AMW Workshop Series --- has always been a dream of mine for the past 5 years!  Yes, FIVE Freaking Years!  It was always written on my "wishlist" whenever I have a new planner and I guess, the best of "Scaredy-cat ME" always wins!

For me to finally push it through, I've created an evil plan, a plan to counteract my fear and shyness (yes guys, I'm shy in real life! Well seriously, shy in terms of marketing myself)  I've decided to announce to all my good friends by December on my "Workshop Plans".  As they say, the power to success to is CLAIM it!  And I did!  By blabbering about it at the same time, changing my blog template and included a WORKSHOP Category.  Knowing me, seeing it "blank" makes me feel uneasy!  So I know it will push me to the limit to be Pro-active about it, and it worked!

The day, March 5, 2016 finally happened!  And I couldn't be happier!  

AMW Workshop Series 1: Get Ready For Summer
Class Picture

Of course, this won't be possible without the help of my dear sponsors!  And yes, they are all printed in my first AMW Workshops Bag (Thanks to my dear sister-in-law Grace @Archaic_Era for helping me out with this giveaway tote!)

AMW Workshop Series by Nikki Tiu...Get Ready For Summer *FULL*

Today is finally the day I'll be sharing what I've been busy working on for the past month!   This has always been my dream to create my own Brand of workshop series!  Teaching has always been my first love and I'm glad this time, I can combine my love for beauty with teaching!  With words of encouragement from friends, family and AMW Readers, with the grace of God, this is finally happening!  My baby is here!  AMW Workshop Series by Nikki Tiu

Part 1 GET READY FOR SUMMER

I planned to have this on my blog's 8th year anniversary (January 28) or on the weekend of my birthday (February 28 is my birthday).  BUT, the year started out quite challenging so the date was moved to March 5th which is also a blessing in disguise because it paved way for me and brands to work closer together to make this happen!

When: March 5, 2016 (Saturday)

Time: 2:00pm-4:30pm

Where: SanCoCo (San Francisco Coffee)
Price: Php2,500.00/head

As much as I would like this to be a FREE workshop like I mostly do with other brands, I hope you understand that the amount you pay will definitely be worth it!  We get a good location (SanCoCo Coffee located at HV Dela Costa), the coffee shop started out just a couple of months ago and I already checked out the place and it is definitely a perfect place for my first workshop!  You get Coffee, snacks and 2.5 hours of makeup and skincare learning!  Aside from that, all attendees get to bring home goodies from wonderful sponsors (worth more than what you pay for I promise!)  

AND AND AND...

That's not it!  Attendees also get to win awesome prizes too!  Hey, this is my first workshop to kick off a wonderful series so the first will always be special so I made sure to make YOU feel special!  So please follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat (@AskMeWhats) as I may put up a teaser photo on what attendees get to bring home and what they also get to "win"!  Some prizes are already in my room at the moment and I'm feeling oh-so-giddy and excited!

For my first workshop, I will only be accepting a total of 12 attendees!  Sorry, the place is small and I want to make it more intimate, at the same time, for attendees to really learn the basics of skincare and makeup tips perfect for summer!  All you need to do is to fill up registration form HERE and I will email you back a confirmation email for payment details and other information needed.  This is a FIRST COME FIRST SERVE basis so even if I won't be able to answer emails immediately, the participants included will be based on the date and time I received the registration form.  Again, first 12 participants only girls! 

Are you excited?
I surely am!

Thank you so much to the wonderful sponsors who were so easy to talk to!  Thanks for being part of the first ever AMW Workshop and I am looking forward for more to come!  I hope to meet and see you gorgeous girl on March 5!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

AMW Reports: Benefit VIP Party with Jared Bailey + Limited Edition Holiday Brow and Lash Service

When Jared Bailey, exactly 1 year after, visited the Philippines again, the Benefit girls made sure to invite us to their exclusive private party!  This was held at Vask Curve last November 3, if it covers Brow topics plus meeting the Global Brow Authority, I knew I had to be there!

As always, Benefit events are fun and unique!  Upon arrival, our photos were taken and we get to try their Limited Edition Holiday Brow and Lash Service.  Remember last year's "BLING"?  Well, this year, they are bringing it back this time giving both brows and lashes the royal treatment.

You can choose between ---
Brilliant Brows - an eye-catching set of Swarovski crystals to illuminate and lift the brow.
Pop o' Previous - A solitary Swarovski crystal for a subtle sparkle.
or  Flashy Lash - A shimmering set of Swarovski crystals to light up the lash line.

Solique Gel Polish by GirlStuff Launch

Happy Thursday AMW Friends!  If you follow me on Instagram, you were probably flooded with my #SoliqueByGirlStuff posts!  I'm sorry, I was just extremely excited  because I am working again with the brand I wholeheartedly love!  GirlStuff Polishes.

You've probably seen my first collaboration with the brand a couple of months ago via GirlStuff Bloggers' Elite Summer Collection and so far, I'm happy with the outcome!  Thank you so much to those who bought not only AskMeWhats polish but the rest of the "Blogger" Shades!

When President of JRadiance Corporation, Dra. Janina Tan messaged me to help her out for her Gel Polish launch, I said yes in no time!  

So here I was, haggard-looking but still happy!  Thanks Mr. AMW for this test shot!  I realized I don't have a "formal" photo because I was so busy running around!

Dress: Something Borrowed, Shoes: Zalora

The event was held at Chef Jessie, Rockwell.  After all the guests get to have their photos taken, they were ushered to the registration booth to pick their "passport" as a guide on how to enjoy several activities prepared by the brand.