Charm Essentials Brushes I Highly Recommend!

I haven't talked about makeup brushes for the longets time!  I guess, my brushes collection is complete and I take care of them even after X years, they still work good as new!

But for newbies or even professionals who plan to invest on something inexpensive yet affordable, I always recommend one of my favorite local brand Charm Essentials.

Founded year 2007, the year I started Blogging, I've seen how this brand grew and how I grew with the brand!

(P.S. I am still using the Charm PRO MakeUp Artist Tool Belt as of the moment!)

Rounding up all the Charm Essentials brushes I own, I picked some essentials that I truly think you can look into or invest on because I have been using them for personal use still!

Rainy Season Look with Etude House

Rainy season started months ago but I think I can always do this look adding up with a twist because I won't let rain dampen my mood.  And to make this even more fun, I've used only ONE brand for the entire face just because, I find it fun and challenging to do so!  I've seen YouTubers done it and I find it quite interesting to try!

Why not right?

So after picking up my favorite items from Etude House, this is finally...my Back-to-School perfect for rainy season look!  I added a lot of tips too especially on how to warm up a super light-colored base product (a request asked by many of you!)

Hair color by: Hairshaft Fred, Haircut done at Tony and Jackey Salon

Always start with a cleansed face and moisturized skin.  I used Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream Matte because most of you (younger AMW readers) have oily skin so I highly recommend this matte version.

Swatch: Petal

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!)

5-Minute Valentine's Day Look

So it is possible to do a full face make-up in just 5 full minutes?
It's all in the power of mind!  And the answer is: YES!

I was able to do it, so can you!

• 30 seconds - brows (because I only used brow mascara)
• 1 minute - zz cream
• 2 minutes 30 seconds - eyes
• 30 seconds - blush
• 30 seconds - lips

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!

 

My Thoughts on Tony Moly's Tony Tint Delight and The Better Application Technique

If you ask me what my favorite reddish lip and cheek tint is, hands down, my answer will be the Benetint!  (Review HERE)

But I know, the price tag may stop you especially if you're a student reading this post!  So I scoured on the next best thing --- The Body Shop's Lip and Cheek Tint.  (Review HERE)

Then, of course, I've read a lot of queries on Tony Moly's newest tint called Tony Tint Delight, priced less than Php200.00, I must give this a test and see how it goes!

Tony Tint Delight is available in 2 shades: 01 Cherry Pink and 02 Red

How to: Contour for Photography

Happy Monday AMW Friends!  I know I've talked a lot of times about contouring in my blog and you're probably wondering why I'm opening this topic up again!  

Firstly, contouring will never get old!  Secondly, this is a more "intense" contouring because we're talking about "photography makeup".  

I remembered during my makeup artistry days, "Makeup For Photography" gets a full day's worth of attention!  (Especially black and white photography!  I'll get to that topic if you guys wanted that!  Please let me know!)  And I'm sure at least once in our lives, we need to prettify ourselves to face the camera!  And we don't want the "I look so pale in those photos or why can't I see my makeup?"

Here's my version of how I would contour whenever I get to face the camera!  (eye makeup not included because I want to focus on contour!)

The basic question is, what is the best contour powder?  Sadly, you won't get an answer here because the shade of your contour powder will always depend on your skintone!  I can only share you the basic "rules" to note for ---

• Contour powder should ALWAYS be matte.
• Steer clear from bronzers!  They are not meant for contouring!
• Try to pick shades that lean on to a "grayish" tint rather than orange.
• If you don't want to think hard, choose your favorite powder foundation shade that is at least 2-3 shades darker (again, remember tip above, should not have orange tone)
• Always test on your skin, not at the back of your hand!

For this particular tutorial, I would love to pick my favorite Happy Skin Feeling Scupltacular Kit,

but, just to prove to you that sometimes, your contour powder can also come from eyeshadows or brow powders, I'm picking up Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Eyeshadow and Eyebrow Quad.

The thing is, most eyebrow powders have non-orange tint making it the perfect contour shade!  My favorite contour shade is called "Beloved", it works for fair to medium skin.

How To: Special Events Make Up

Hi AMW Friends!  This post will be full of AMW photos so please bear with me!  As much as I would love to lessen the products I used, well, for the first time in AMW history, I think I used more than 10 products!  Well, forgive me for such tedious tutorial because I was requested to do a Special Events Make Up and when it comes to special events, we do need a lot of help to make us look like the better version of ourselves!  Right?

Well, before I proceed with my make up "photo-torial", I want to say, today is my Mom's birthday!!!  And I am feeling generous today by awarding my top commenter "rhaindropz"!  You can see her name popping on my top commenter list on the right hand side!  So Rhaindropz, if you are reading this, comment below and tell me you won together with your full name and mailing address!  I'll message you personally on what I will send you!  It's worth it I promise you!

Now back to the tutorial....here's my version of Special Events Make Up!

And if you find something different with my photo, well, you are right!  I am finally wearing contacts after so many years!  (Posts HERE and HERE)

And I'm loving the new contact lens brand I'm wearing  because it looks way more natural than the Korean Lenses I've tried! 

AMW Wore: Air Optix Lens in Sterling Gray

Initial thoughts: Feels very comfortable to wear and I definitely love the effect of Sterling Gray on me!  I can't wait to try out  more colors!

If like me, you plan to wear contact lens, please wear them before you do your make up!

How To Draw Brows Using a Brow Pencil

Can you spot the difference between two photos?
I bet you can!  Both photos prove how important it is to groom, fix and apply the right brow products onto your brows!

End of post.

JUST JOKING!

I've done several tutorials on how I do my brows but I haven't really done one using just a brow pencil!  I am inspired to do so when I got the Tony Moly Lovely Eye Brow Pencil during The Beauty Rush event!  I am actually impressed with this brow pencil so much I am going back to using brow pencils!  BUT, with my colored hair, I still used an extra brow product in the form of Brow Gel because my brow hairs are too black!  If you don't have colored hair and your brows aren't as dark as mine, you can literally go out using just ONE brow product --- your brow pencil of choice!

Gift Guide: For Brush Lovers

Ohhh, the year 2014 is almost ending and I have so much to share about my great 2014 finds!  Just in case you don't know, I have been randomly giving out my favorite items on Instagram and/or Facebook so please follow both my FB and IG account (@AskMeWhats).  

Now on to one of my favorite brush brand!  If you met me in person, on the job as a MUA, you'll see that I highly use my Charm Pro Brush set together with my individual MAC brushes because these babies really delivery!  I have been using them constantly for years and so far, I am still very happy with the quality (as long as you take good care of them). 

For all my CHARM Brushes review, please click LINK HERE. 

And who would've thought the brand came up with 2 new brush sets perfect for gift-giving?  Maybe you don't have Brush-loving friends but you love makeup brushes yourself?  No one can deny the fact that receiving a good set of makeup brushes this Christmas can make you feel extra good!

New Charm Pocket 5pc Brush Set in Black

Php500.00 (approx $10.50)

This is the sleek black version of the Pink Pocket Brush set (reviewed HERE).  As much as I would love to say that almost all "kikays" love pink!  I am wrong!  I have a lot of kikay friends who wanted a set that isn't too "girly" so this black version is perfect for emergency makeup retouches and you can slip this inside a big, medium and small bag!

AMW Supports: #PusoToTheMax and #WhatsInMyBagForLife

If you follow me on Instagram (@AskMeWhats), you've probably seen my posts for my support on great companies like The Body Shop and MAX who supports a team or foundation that I totally believe in!

Just like The Body Shop, if you check out their stores, you'll see limited edition Bag For Life which I think is a must have for everyone!  Aside from you saving the environment by using eco bags instead of plastics, you also help support the Charities The Body Shop supports for the past 25 years. 

 What's inside my Bag for Life?  Well, as you all know, my life, aside from my family, is makeup artistry!  I don't know what I'll do if I haven't pursued this love of mine!  I did tried haircutting but makeup artistry is really something I do that makes me extremely happy!  So what's in my Bag For Life?

My important makeup brushes, makeup and of course, a cup of good coffee that I house in my Contigo tumbler (thanks to my Aunt and Cousin for this!).  My coffee stays oh-so-warm even after hours!  Yes, that is very important for me as I need some perk-me-up especially on really early call-time!

Aside from that, I also support Max's  Fried Chicken and thumbs up to them for supporting Team Gilas!  If you haven't know by know, Max's restaurant is the major sponsor for Gilas Pilipinas!

#SplashofSummer with my Sampleroom Family!

I'm holding a "SampleRoom Rocks" card because I totally believe THEY ROCK!
They rock my world as a beauty blogger when I joined them as they never fail to surprise me on very important events in my life!

My birthday

My pregnancy

Giving Birth

Kyle's First Birthday

Mother's Day

and a whole lot more!

I'm not referring to the gift-giving but the fact that they never fail to forget every milestones that happened in my life!  They showered me with love and attention to let me know how important I am to them. 

That's why when I got a whole day out of town invite on a weekend, mind you, it is very difficult to pry me away from Kyle, I told myself I had to be there, to show them how much I love and appreciate them too!

AMW wearing Soak Swimwear Resortwear Margherita Maxi Dress and Fly Shades in SARI

*International readers may find wearing sarongs to be comfortable especially if you don't want to show off your body! :) Try the online seller site that I chanced upon that sells really cute sarongs called Fair Winds Sarongs at FairWindsSarongs.com.

Last Saturday we met up at Makati 6750 Starbucks for a quick breakfast and get together.  We arrived Pico De Loro, Nasugbu Batangas at 10:00am with a huge welcome sign!

Something New: Charm Double Duty Makeup Brush Set

How many brush sets do I really need?
If you're Nikki Tiu, A LOT!

I'm OC when it comes to my client so I always bring at as many brushes as I can especially on a Bridal Gigs.  Why?  Because I'm too in a hurry to clean my brushes on spot so I'd rather use a clean brush instead on each client!  

On a negative side, since I bring almost ALL the brushes I own on a gig, I don't have good brushes left for myself!  Can you believe that???

When I got the Charm Essentials Vegan Brush Set, I finally have a set I call MY OWN!  I even brought the set with me when I traveled to the US early this year.  And because I like giving and I enjoy making other people happy!  I ended up giving my personal brush set to Keith's cousin who has been such a gracious host when we visited them in L.A.!  I didn't know she was into makeup (thus I didn't prepare Kikay gift) but upon peeking inside the room and saw that she uses mineral makeup, an idea crossed that the Vegan Brush Set would be a perfect match for her mineral makeup!

It is true when they say, when you are into giving, God will definitely give you something in return.  And the turnover was quite fast!  During our Splash Of Summer Party (all thanks to my Sampleroom family), each of us received goody bag and what made me squeal?  The Charm Double Duty Makeup Brush Set!

The set looks like this!  Sorry for the ruined box as it was squashed inside a lootbag filled with loads of products!

TADAH!  No matter how much brush sets I own, this made my heart flutter!

AMW Version: Happy Heart's Month Look

Happy Wednesday AMW Friends!
Today, as promised, I will be sharing an "AMW Version" post a.k.a. step-by-step makeup tutorial as inspired by the "Heart's Month".  I've created day time and night time Valentine's day look on my last post using L'Oreal Color Riche lipsticks and the night time looks won with a landslide!  I guess you guys are tired seeing me in neutral looks huh? Well, all your wishes are my command!  Thanks for emailing me your requests and I'll try my best to do more looks and more tutorials! 

Here's how it looks like when I'm doing the "dramatic" look *lol*

Are you ready for picture-laden tutorial?

This is How I Do It: My Inglot Freedom Palette Look

Happy Friday!!! 

I am looking forward for this weekend but I am definitely NOT resting at all!  There's just so many things to do and there are times I pray I have 2 bodies!  *lol*  Do you feel the same?

Well, I'm busy preparing for a "trip" (will talk more about it when it's finalized) plus...moving out...and Baby Kyle's First Birthday Party!  Wish me luck!  I hope I can manage this!  

I recently blogged about my new Inglot Freedom Palette and I created a simple look using all the products included in my Freedom Palette.  Thanks to my dear reader Theresa for requesting a tutorial on this!  I hope this simple tutorial helps newbies out there! :D

My Inglot Freedom System Look

Eureka Moment: Brush Guards

Hi AMW Friends!  I posted about The Brush Guard 4 years ago and I got it from online shopping!  Honestly speaking, I have been using them for 4 long years now and loving them to bits!  The problem though, my brushes are increasing in number but I didn't get to increase the number of my brush guards!  Why?  Well, I'm too lazy to shop online (internationally) again as the waiting game is too much and I have to pick ALL my packages at the Local Post Office, that's difficult considering I have a day job!  

So yup, it was only me and 6 pcs. Brush Guards for 4 long years, it was a wonderful relationship between us but I would like to have a "third party" to spice up our relationship *laughs* 

Thankfully, because of Sample Room, I got to know Charm Brush Guards!  (Shame on me I didn't get the time to browse the Beauty & Minerals site as I will definitely purchase this early on if I have known!)

EUREKA MOMENT!

AMW Reviews: Charm PRO Angled Foundation Brush

I haven't added anything new to my brush collection for quite some time!  Don't get me wrong, I still have a lot of brush lemmings but I have to stop myself from purchasing so much because I have a hard time washing them!  

Brush addicts?  Just imagine yourself standing in front of the sink!  Ahhh...pain on the back and legs!  (signs of old age)  *lol*

But ONE isn't too much, right?  Who can skip this unique brush meant for foundations, BB Creams and CC creams?  I can imagine myself using this on clients for primers and moisturizers application!

Charm says ---

The New Charm Pro #22 Angled Foundation brush! Perfect for liquid foundations, bb cream or cc creams.

Charm PRO Makeup Brushes are made from the best quality and precise craftsmanship that will ensure you professional results in your makeup application!

How To: My Simple Look for Pregnancy Shoot

Good day AMW friends! If you follow me on Instagram (@AskMeWhats), Twitter (@AskMeWhats) and Facebook (AskMeWhats), you probably  know by now that I gave birth to a lovely baby boy! Baby Kyle!  Kyle was born a week earlier as expected but I'm very happy as I get to see him a week earlier!  I'll tell you guys more about my experience as soon as I'm back at my feet!  As of the moment, I'm on adjustment stage and I haven't been sleeping much!  (Hi Concealers!)  Not complaining though, I am very happy each day as I stare at my lovely Baby's face!

As for now, I will be posting some of the reviews and articles I've written before I gave birth!

Oh by the way, to those who have been emailing me and asking me queries, I hope you understand that it would take me forever and a day to answer them!  I promise you guys I will.... :) 

Thank you all for the wonderful well wishes!  I feel blessed having YOU guys (even whom I haven't met) through good and bad times!  Love you all! Mwa :x

Love,
Nikki

------------------------------------

As promised, I will be sharing my very simple "Pregnancy Shoot" makeup that I've done early Saturday morning!  No matter how lazy I was, I made sure to at least put something on my face so I'll look presentable on my informal shoot!  

Thanks to my dearest readers who complimented my look and for taking the time to email me to ask for the products I used!  Again, this is a very simple, almost "no makeup" look as I believe the star of the day was....well...my Belly!  Or shall I say Baby AMW!

Various products used for Pregnancy Shoot

Any familiar and favorite products in the bunch?

Readers' Corner: Fix Your Brows with Eyebrow Pencil

Dear AMW Friends!
Today is the day!  We talk about brows AGAIN!  The reason why I'm sharing another tip on how to fill in brows is because I was asked about brow questions so many times during my Benefit Fine One One Emergency Workshops 1, 2 and 3!  Yes girls!  3 workshops and most girls ask about brows!  

Don't get me wrong, I am very happy that you guys are so interested about this particular beauty topic because I cannot stress enough on how important it is to fix your brows!  Trust me, it's like chocolates, it's addictive!  *laughs*

The reason why I created a separate post on using eyebrow pencils as I have done a tutorial on how to fix your brows using brow gels and brow powders!  I know some of you are not comfortable with the mentioned products so to those brow pencil users out there?  Raise your eyebrow pencils and let's start the eyebrow party!!!

Just in case you get lost on the way to the party, let me share to you my previous related posts---

This is How I Do It : Lightening my Brows AMW Style

This is How I Do It:  Easiest Way to Trim and Groom Eyebrows

AMW Reviews: Benefit Brows A-Go-Go (Tutorial on how I use the set here)

First and foremost, it is very important to groom your brows!  You can either do that yourself, or in my case, I always advise readers to trust the professionals!  You can groom them on your own later on!

Step 1:
Starting with clean brows, pick the eyebrow pencil that matches your skin, face and hair.  Keep in mind not to pick any eyebrow pencil with strong red undertone as it gives an illusion of super fake brows.  

In this tutorial, I picked a Blonde Colored Brow and Eye Pencil from BYS Cosmetics (reviews will follow soon) as my brows are way too dark and my hair (though haven't colored for MONTHS) still have the medium brown shade that was left from my pre-pregnancy hair coloring.

How to: Eye Makeup for Hooded Lids

According to online dictionary, the term "hooded eyelids" means having heavy eyelids that appear to be half closed.  

As for me, it doesn't have to be half closed but eyes that has extra "lid" that covers a bit of your crease.  This tutorial is made not only for people with said lids but this also works for anyone who likes to create an instant eye lift with the use of makeup!  (Promise, it's painless!)

Here's the most simple steps that I've done, feel free to use your own eyeshadow shades, in this tutorial, I picked my newest Bobbi Brown Rich Caviar Eye Palette as it has all the shades I need to create this eye makeup!