Thursday, March 6, 2008

You want Skincare and make up products REVIEW?

Sometimes, searching for make-up or skincare products review can be a drag. When you type in the product name in "any" search engines, you'll find a lot of places to SHOP for that product and maybe, have a li'l bit of review on those products that you want and they're mostly positive as it is always link to sellers.

I am a BORN RESEARCHER! Trust me, I never buy a product I didn't researched about. That's how "nerdy" I am. Well I'm into smart buying and that's where I thought of giving a special post for this special website I've always been visiting for ALMOST all beauty products.

THE MAKE UP ALLEY


You can read product reviews without signing up but if you want to leave your own reviews, you have to sign up for a membership and it's absolutely free. You'll get mostly reviews and a lot of tips from people all across the globe with different skin types, skin color and ethnicity. There are almost 90,000 products to date and more than 1million reviews.

Tip from me, like I said, different people have their different opinions and different reactions to products, so take some time to read and do your own decision making on buying a product or not. I sometimes, read this just for fun! It's just enlightening to know how a "great" product could be the worst for some people.

Enjoy review readings!!! Hope this helps.

Your askmewhats,
Nikki

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Urban Decay Potion Primer (UDPP)

My Urban Decay Potion Primer (UDPP) arrived Monday night! I can't believe I am now a proud owner this product!!! I honestly don't have oily lids and my eyeshadow lasts at least half a day! The reason why I've been wanting this so badly is because (1) I am a make up junkie (2) I am a frustrated make up collector (3) I am planning to be a professional make-up artist someday and (4) I am VERY curious with what people are gushing about this product...and CURIOSITY in my dictionary makes the CAT HAPPY hehehe

I am so lucky to have found a nice seller over Ebay...and this is my first time to pay via paypal and this is my first time to order via Ebay! I am so lucky that I found a good seller and I got my UDPP on time and stress free!!!

Here's how the package looks like, and I've got free DOVE chocolate!!!! (not in the picture, inside my stomach already *winks*)




My hubby enjoyed taking a photo on this primer..so I let him be



another shot, looks professional right? *grins*



I did a simple swatch and why I LOVE UDPP! I used Kanebo purple e/s. The shadow applied 2x each side. The left side is applied with UDPP and the right side without.



See the difference???

All the gushes are true! I've made the right decision ordering UDPP!!! I just wish they sell it here again in Manila. I've read from Kikay Exchange that they did sell Urban Decay here in Manila early 2000 but it was discontinued.


Anyways....any e/s primers that works for you guys???

Your askmewhats,
Nikki

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

My Sunday Haul at the DFS



From left to right: L'oreal Elvive Conditioner ($4.25) L'oreal Elvive Shampoo ($4.25),
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Light ($28.50), Smashbox Skin Tint ($24),
Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer No. 3 ($14.50),
Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 in 400ml ($28.50)
and Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild in 200ml ($21.50)


I gave in!!! I FINALLY bought my Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Light last Sunday and I got a lot of add ons. Hayyyy women!

I will do a separate review on those products I bought soon!!! You have to give me time to use i first.

I am still giddy and happy with my haul! A li'l bit of guilt but I'm still happy! hehehe

Your askmewhats,

Nikki

Monday, March 3, 2008

Good Hair Day, anyone?

No matter how good your make up looks. A bad hair day will ruin everything. The hair, is one of the biggest factor to make or break the look. A well made up face could probably be ignored with a bad hair day! Here are my tips for good-looking hair. Feel free to add more if you guys have anything that works, in mind :D

Tip 1
Do not apply shampoo directly to your hair

Pour a coin size amount of shampoo first on your hand, lather it with water, then apply the shampoo on your hair. DO NOT ever apply the whole blob of shampoo directly onto your hair.

Tip 2
Use clarifying shampoo once a week

I know, what's the difference of a clarifying shampoo with a regular shampoo right? Well there is one hair myth to a lot of us (I was a victim of this myth a well). We regularly change our shampoo as we believe that the hair develops "product immunity" after prolonged use. That is why we need to rotate our shampoo for it to work. --- so not true.

The real reason some products don't work as much as the first time we used it is because the hair products are all build up to your hair and needs to be washed out. That is where the clarifying shampoo comes in! Choose a good clarifying shampoo and use this once or twice a week to prevent product build up.


Tip3
Use conditioner after shampooing.

Concentrate conditioner at the ends of the hair even if you're using a 2-in-1 product. I find 2-in-1s great but not the greatest. Especially for long hair, extra conditioning is still a needed step for smoother hair.


Tip 4
Air dry your hair first before blow drying your hair

I've always noticed that when I had my hair done in a salon, I got out with really perfect hair. But the next day, I found my hair really dry and brittle, worst, full of split ends. One big reason is that most salon stylist concentrate the heat directly towards the strands, which is a BIG NO NO. So, that's when I came up to the conclusion of air drying your hair first with an electric fan and style your hair with heating tools. In that way, it will minimize heat damage and maximize their styling time.

Tip 5
Apply leave-in conditioner


Leave-in conditioners are your hair's bestfriend. But be careful not to put too much and stay away from the roots as it may weigh down your hair. Additional tip, after air drying your hair, apply leave-in conditioner BEFORE you blowdry your hair, in that way, your hair will be protected!

Tip 6
Apply leave-in conditioner (the moisturizing ones) before you go to bed

Since we are on the topic of leave-in conditioners, this one for me is really helpful! I know it sounds gross and you don't want your pillow sticky. I believe there's a lot of leave-in conditioners that are non-sticky and very light to the hair. Use the cream based ones and condition the ends generously before you sleep. (make sure to do this if you're going to wash your hair the next day).

After you wash your hair, you'll find it easier to comb and it's more manageable.


Tip 7
Never use a brush with wet hair. Use wide tooth comb instead.

Enough said, just do as told! hehehe

Tip 8
Trim your hair regularly

Maintain your hair with consistency. Have your hair trimmed approximately once every 6-8 weeks. It will cut those nasty split ends and your ends will feel softer and easier to comb.

Tip 9
Make friends with your stylist


Find a stylist whom you are comfortable to talk about your hair issues with. A good stylist doesn't have to be the expensive or those famous ones. A good stylist takes time to talk to you, to understand your lifestyle and will give you several tips on how to take care on your new 'do.

Tip 10
Deep condition your hair at least once a week


Use a deep conditioner once a week. Take time to massage the product onto your roots down to the ends of your hair and wrap it in a shower cap and leave it for 30minutes or the whole afternoon if you want!

Here's my favorite picture of a beautiful hair! :D



Any tips you guys have? I'd love to hear from you

Your askmewhats,
Nikki

Woman Republic

Bea and Shanna, modeled several clothings for Woman Republic. Checkout http://womanrepublic.multiply.com (NOTE: This site isn't complete yet as this is just starting out)

Yours truly did the make-up for the model and a bit of hairstyling. I did this with fun, natural theme in mind! The dresses are sold in affordable prices and I believe Woman Republic will add more dresses soon (yup, I saw them all in the photoshoot)

**Bea dress sold for PHP550 (inner white blouse not included)


** Nikki dress (yup named after me is sold for Php550













Your askmewhats,
Nikki