Saturday, May 17, 2008

Askmewhats Reviews: Maybelline Whitestay UV Base



Before I bought this product, i was searching through the net for a good review on this product. But to my dismay, I can't seem to find an in depth review or even comment on this product. I've found several in HK websites or in Taiwan, but basically, it doesn't satisfy me. So I have to give this a go and buy!

The problem I find with this product is that most sales staffs from Maybelline (here) cannot even express to me what really is the use of this product. They can just tell me its a face sunblock! That's it! But they always make it a point to let me know that this is "used as a base before you put on your foundation" which could confuse buyer into thinking that this is a cheaper alternative of a make-up primer/base. I've used this product for a month, as a sunblock --- that's it!

Askmewhats says ---

Pros
  • cheap/affordable
  • absorbs to your skin easily
  • who doesn't love SPFs?
Cons
  • too watery
  • doesn't have good indication on what this is really intended for (well...i'm putting myself into someone who doesn't know anything about make-up.
Will I repurchase?
NO, I find Neutrogena's face sunblock works better on me

Anyone who tried this before? How'd you like it?

Your askmewhats,
Nikki

Friday, May 16, 2008

Reader's Corner: On Hair Fall


to Pretty Me, hope this helps :)

Hi Nikki! i have this hair fall problem. any suggestions? My hair is too fine and I've been wishing to have it thicker. Hope you can help me regarding this matter. =)

First of all, I want to clarify I'm not a hair expert. But I can only vouch on some products I've used and I can also give a tip based on my experiences or my friends.

First of all, I want to check with you Pretty Me if your hair fall is average or not. Is it more than the usual 100-150 strands a day? (yup, i researched this is a normal hair loss rate) As I can say that as we get older, our skin, the body's largest organ loses its elasticity, so we compensate that by using creams, lotions etc.. Same with our scalp, it needed attention and most of us don't give the right amount of attention to our scalp.

There are several reasons for hair loss, aging, stress, environment can all cause to hair loss. I believe you have to pinpoint the start of your hair loss and what causes it.

I believe a lot of people will ask you to use a hair fall control shampoo. Yes that could probably help but let's go beyond that, I've read from one magazine that I've been reading several years ago about hair loss, and here are some tips that I can think of and remember:

1. Massage your scalp - I believe this can help bring greater blood flow to your scalp. Massage it on circular motion and pull some of your hair (gently). I always have this type of massage in a spa and I always ask what's the use of it, and I always get to have this explanation, a massage for your scalp for healthier scalp :)

2. Use a large tooth comb when your hair is still wet - I've been doing this for more than a decade now, I still lose like 5-10 strands of hair, but not as much as using brushes!!!! And when I say LARGE tooth, I mean as large as possible :)

3. Eat healthy - this is very important! As our diet is one huge factor for a woman to be pretty. Just think of a woman so into diet, you can see their skin gone bad and also their hair lacks luster. So drink lots of water and go have a balance diet :)

4. Do not put conditioner directly into your scalp - or any treatment as this will build up onto your scalp.

5. Use any hair strengthening shampoo or conditioner - yup, you don't have to use both together to, to aid hair strengthening. I have used both Rejoice and Pantene, both of them works for me. Buy them in sachet and give them a try before you buy the whole bottle.

My dear askmewhats readers, I'm sure you guys have your own tips!
Let's help out Pretty me and tell me what your advises and tips are :)

Your askmewhats,
Nikki

Shoe Shopping

**bought this at Greenhills RIO store for Php599.00 (on sale)

**available in black, silver and golds at Landmark for Php399.00




The red shoes and the gold gladiator sandals are what I bought during the weekend :) I'm loving it. I'm not really into bright red shoes, but what pushed me into buying this is because it's SO comfortable!!! And I can wear this if I'm having a "blah" day and it will just boost my mood :)

Gladiator sandals are famous nowadays, and you know it can cost you an arm and leg (well not exactly) but I wanted a gladiator sandals that's comfortable and not too pricey as I know this fad will just come and go. Thanks Bea for telling me about Landmark's cheaper version of Gladiator sandals. The first time I fit it, I love it!!!!

So to all on the budget gals out there, looking good doesn't have to be soooo expensive, and feeling comfortable doesn't mean you have to work overtime just to pay for it! :)

I know a lot of you readers have been buying make-up every now and then... How about shoes? Did you go shoe shopping? When was the last time you shop for shoes/sandals?

Your askmewhats,
Nikki

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Askmewhats Reviews: Paul & Joe Light Cream Foundation


Available in 5 shades I got mind in 03 or Clear/Clar
Available at Rustan's Makati Paul & Joe for Php1,875.00 or USD44



P&J Cream Foundation Says ---

Cream foundation that is creamy yet translucent, protecting skin from ultraviolet rays and keeping it in beautiful condition.

Askmewhats says ---

Pros
  • it doesn't cake on
  • looks very natural
  • dewy finish
  • smells nice (not too overwhelming)
  • has SPF 15 (yay!)
  • a little goes a long way as it's super creamy
Cons
  • a bit pricey
  • the jar is cute but makes it hard to get the product, has to use spatula to keep it from bacteria
  • dewy finish could be great but if you've got oily skin, this may make your skin looks oilier (but read further below for my tip, I was told that this can't be use alone and it's TRUE)
  • according to P&J, this is for medium to heavy coverage. I would say this is for medium coverage only.

Overall

A great product from P&J but I find that the packaging makes it hard to tote along. Of course you don't need to reapply your liquid foundation when you're out. But at times you want to bring this to test it to your friends which is a bit of a hassle. Since I am go for a natural dewy look, this is ok for me.

Tips
  • I can't stress this more, but use spatula and please PLEASE do not dip your brush or sponge directly
  • A little goes a long way, so just start off with less rather than wasting the product
  • Always finish up by patting a loose powder (for best result: Really, this is perfect to pat on with any Loose/pressed powder, I find to really LOVE P&J Cream Foundation after you pat this with any powder). I've used this for some wedding looks and it works really well and your face looks absolutely FLAWLESS!
Will I repurchase?
Yes! Again, this product is so-so at first but when used together with a face powder, it works wonders! I guess this was made to marry a powder!

This is definitely my love and not so love product and loving it again! Confused? me too... But am I regretful for getting this? NO Is this post helpful? I hope so If not, let me know..I tend to blab blab blab *hugs to all*

Your askmewhats,
Nikki

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Nikki's Make-Up Portfolio

NOTE: HEAVY Pictures
Hey everyone, here it is, my first make-up portfolio!!! I hope you guys like it :)
You guys knew that I had the photoshoot done last April 26, 2008 with the help of the wonderful photographer Mr. Charles Lu He supplied me with 2 wonderful photographers Mr. Carlo Bandoquillo and Mr. Roy Macam.

You guys have seen them from my previous posts. Yup they are all my friends who are lovely enough to give me their time of the day :) Thanks ladies!

All make-up done by yours truly...Nikki of Askmewhats.

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The "Sweetie" Look
Modeled by: Bea Dacanay
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The "Bridal" Look
Modeled by: Katryn Grace Go
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The "Sophia Loren" Look
Modeled by: Sophia Loren

(yes, that's her real name)
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The "Wild" Look
Modeled by: Gemma Villanueva
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I am so excited to share it to you guys.
I hope you guys like it :)

Your askmewhats,
Nikki