My EDM Samples

My first MMU foundation is my Bare Escentuals' (BE) MMU foundation which I got in full size. I would say it didn't or did work for me. It's didn't do anything super bad to my skin like cause irritations or breakouts, my only concern is it darkens my skin after a couple of hours and I am not acidic at all!

Anyways, after BE, I lost my interest on MMU foundation because I don't want to order online because I really have a hard time choosing my color. Digital Angel, sent me a sample of an Everyday Minerals Foundation (EDM) which she and her sister loved so much! Though it looks a little bit light on me, I used it and I fell in love with the coverage and it's lasting power.

I have to clarify though that I am not saying goodbye to my pressed powders, liquid foundation, but I've been leaning onto using MMU foundation the past few days, because...well...it depends on my mood :D

So, I went online, checked out the EDM website and decided to order their 5 mini sampler as it's free, I only have to pay for their shipping which is quite reasonable amount of $4.55 (approx Php214.00)

The good thing about ordering NOW is I do have a "sample" color on hand. With the Fair Light Intensive sample from Digital Angel, I chose a shade one step darker and everything got easier afterwards!

I paid via Paypal last August 31, 2008 and I received my EDM samples a little bit over 2 weeks! (not bad) and since it was packed in a smaller package, I do not need to go to the Postal office to pay for taxes as it was delivered straight to my home!

This greeted me one morning!

I love that their samples all came in small pots instead of resealable bags Definitely GENEROUS amount

(Note: I've read their site recently that the temp jars will be used till September 15th, so I'm not really sure how they would pack their samples after the 15th of September)

In this pack you have the freedom to choose ---

3 foundations - you can choose their finishes as well (original glo, semi-matte, matte and intensive)
1 Blush/Face Color
1 Concealer

And here's what I got --- Foundation (color and their finishes)

• Golden Light (intensive)
• Buff-Fairly Light Neutral (intensive)
• Buff Ivory (Matte)
  

Blush

• Weekend Getaway
  

Concealer

• Mint Color Corrector

And of course, let me show you some swatches.
I am an NC30 for MAC Studio Fix Foundation
Paul & Joe Foundation No. 30

1. Golden Light Intensive
2. Buff - Fairly Light Neutral Intensive (my color)
3. Buff - Ivory Matte
4. Fair Light Intensive (From Digital Angel - thanks enabler LOL)

Left - Mint Color Corrector
Right - Weekend Getaway blush

Askmewhats Reviews (EDM Foundation) ---

The finish and the coverage is great that's why I gave in ordering samples. It lasts more than half a day before I need to do touch-ups. Considering the weather here in the Philippines, not bad at all!

After more than 4-5 hours, the areas I need to retouch are: the side of my nose and forehead, the rest looks ok. Since I applied EDM with a Kabuki brush, more intensive coverage = lesser pores!

Askmewhats Reviews (Mint Color Corrector) ---

Green concealer works best to hide redness. I don't have a lot of redness the past few days (knocks on wood) and I don't plan to have any redness, LOL so I can't really say a lot about the product, for now.

Askmewhats Reviews (Weekend Getaway) ---

This is a nice peachy pink color matte. It looks really pretty if swatched but I find the color doesn't show up on my skin.

How to order samples online (for Philippine readers) ---

1. Register if you don't have an account
   
2. Click on Make-Up on the upper left hand side of the site
   
3. Click Custom Kits
4. Scroll own and you will find Free Sample Makeup Kit -- FREE!
5. Click Add to Cart (you have to do this before you choose your foundation shades, blush and concealer)
   
6. Next comes the tricky part, on the right hand side of the site, you will see that you already have the Free Sample Makeup Kit in your cart but you haven't had the chance to choose any shades yet, don't fret! lol
7. Go back to Make-up, this time click on foundation you will find computerized foundation colors, choose foundation shade you want and drag to cart and it will automatically be added to the sample kit
8. Repeat steps for the next 2 foundation, blush/face color and concealer
9. Choose your payment method and wait for email confirmation!
10. Voila free EDM samples!

P.S. I am not paid for doing this lol Just helping some of you who are interested but had a hard time with their site, it is quite tricky and it took me some time to figure this out too! LOL

I hope this is helpful for you gals who are interested with EDM.
I wouldn't say EDM is my HG MMU foundation because I haven't used much!
I may give other MMU foundations a try!

Askmewhats Reviews: Nana May's Magic Hands (Contest Closed!)

Edit: (Note from Tiny Tapir)
The product should be used on completely dry skin - not damp or wet after washing with soap and water. The oils do clean as well.

Also, the only difference between face and hand s(other than the price! face is more expensive) is that the face salts are much finer - almost like flakes whereas the hand salts are coarser like normal salt granules.

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

As promised, I will also be reviewing the Nana May's Magic Hands, I have used this for 2 weeks because I've been concentrating on using the Facial Scrub and the Facial Scrub doubles as a scrub for my hands as well! So why waste a product right?

Anyways, the Nana May's Magic Hands look exactly like the Nana May's Magic Face which gets to be confusing at times especially if they're side by side!

Here's the product, same size, same ingredients, same look! I guess they are just packaged separately for hygienic purposes

Nana May's Magic Hands says ---
Hand and body scrub which exfoliates and moisturises the skin leaving it clean, smooth and moisturised.

Ingredients (There are no added chemicals and the products are not tested on animals)

Salts - Dead Sea Salts & Celtic Salts
Essential Oils - Spearmint, Peppermint, Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Rosemary & Chamomile
Carrier Oils - Jojoba, Vitamin E, Apricot Seed, Avocado and Hazelnut

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• it really leaves my hands softer and smoother
• doesn't feel oily after washing
• has a minty sensation, great for summer

Cons

• again, a bit messy for someone who's not used to it

Overall

Just by looking at the ingredients, you won't be complaining as everything is just natural and you don't have to go through the process of creating your home made beauty product. It's all in one jar. I usually use this for my hands, feet, elbows and knees. But on weekends, I would use this to scrub my back as well.

Tips

• wash your hands with regular soap and water
• gently scrub the product on your hands then the heels, gently massaging it until the oil gets absorbed
• wash with warm water
• clean with a dry towel

Will I repurchase?

I may just repurchase a Nana May's Face Scrub, since the ingredients are the same, I will use one product for everything!

WAIT....There's MORE!!!!
(hahaha sounds like home tv shopping!)

The wonderful friends from Tiny Tapir sent me another set of the Nana May's Face Scrub and Magic Hands for Askmewhat's readers. I have been contemplating a lot if I'll be opening this up for my international readers or not. I am concern on the shipment of glass and I don't want this to be wasted during shipping.

Anyways, after giving a lot of thought, I've finally decided to package this the best I can to whoever who wins. So YES, this is OPEN to ALL READERS from across the globe...even aliens :P As long as they have postal offices!

So what are you waiting for? Just leave me a comment with your name and email address stating why you want to try this product.
Contest ends September 25, 2008 11:59PM Manila Time
and I will be announcing the winner via electronic raffle on September 26, 2008!

Unsure about winning and you want to try the products?
You can check out their ordering information here

Goodluck!!!

Askmewhats Reviews: Nana May's Magic Facial Scrub

As seen in my previous post
I have gotten the chance to try on Nana May's Magic Face and Magic Hands.
It took me quite some time to finally write a review on this as I made sure to test on the product myself and note down changes (both good and bad)

Here's how the product looks like, this comes from a special set for RM80, it comes with a simple glass case with plastic spatulas to scoop out the product.

The plastic spatula is sturdy, I use the smaller side to stir the product and the bigger side to scoop them out and transfer on my hand!

For such a small product, I've used just 1/4 of this for a month!

Nana May's Magic Face Says ---

A more delicate mix for fine skin. Excellent for controlling teenage acne. Great for mature skin, leaving you feeling silky smooth.

There is no need to use a cleanser, toner or moisturizer

Ingredients (There are no added chemicals and the products are not tested on animals)

Salts - Dead Sea Salts & Celtic Salts
Essential Oils - Spearmint, Peppermint, Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Rosemary & Chamomile
Carrier Oils - Jojoba, Vitamin E, Apricot Seed, Avocado and Hazelnut

Askmewhats Says ---

Pros

• 3-in1 product, what more can we ask for?
• all natural, just take a look at their ingredients!
• Smells heavenly
• I love the tingling sensation it gives after every washing and I love it more that the tingling feeling lasts only 5 minutes (I hate it when it stings for so long it gets to be irritating)
• After a month long of nightly usage, my skin felt soft and never have the dryness problem
• No matter how oily it feels, after you wash it with water (still oily) and tap your face gently with towel, the OILINESS was gone! like magic!
• No allergies or breakouts caused by this product
  

Cons

• not available in the Philippines, have to order online and of course, ordering online meant adding shipping charges
• a bit messy for someone who's used to regular cleansing regimen
• a bit too oily to start with (this doesn't bother me though coz it gets to be dry after patting with a towel)

Overall

For someone who's used to the 3 step regiment like I am, it is a bit difficult to steer away from the toning and moisturizing step because you always have the feeling that your skin regimen isn't complete! I find this a bit hassle to use at first but after sometime, you'll get the hang of it!

This product after a month, in my opinion doesn't give out a MAJOR change in my skin, but definitely NO dryness, no allergies and some red spots from previous breakout lightened a bit. Plus of course, the additional fact of using an all natural product makes me feel good!

Tip

• Stir product with the spatula slowly, never shake it
• Never use your finger to get the product directly
• Do not leave the product in direct sunlight
• Massage the product gently, never SCRUB hard
• Do not forget to massage the rest of the product to your neck and even hands!
• Do not scrub on the eye area, this gets to give a "minty" feeling so rubbing this product accidentally on the eye area could cause a bit of sting.
• If you are a heavy make up user, always cleanse your face with a make up remover first, do not expect this product to remove all the make up for you.
• After you are done massaging your face, use the remaining product and massage your hands gently
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes, this is a good product!

Visual Presentation

Use the spatula that comes with the product. Stir the product gently and use the bigger end of the spatula to rub the product on your hand, no need to scoop, a little does go a long long way!

This is just how much product you need to cover the whole face and neck

A Closer Look
The yellowish color is the oil
the whitish thing are the salt/scrubs

Distribute the product all over your face
Gently massage your face
DO NOT rub too hard

After massaging onto my face for a couple of minutes, I choose not to wash my face at once, I leave the product onto my face until the oil gets absorbed
As seen in the photo below

Wash your face with water, I prefer warm water and slowly pat gently with a dry towel!

Watch out for my next review on the Nana May's Magic Hands!
If you are interested to learn more about Tiny Tapir's products, feel free to check out their site
You can also check out their ordering information by smiling and clicking
HERE

5 Musts in a Relationship

Pear and Miemiemie tagged me on this, thanks girls!

Here it goes:
Rules:
1. Pass this game on to 5 people
2. Write down 5-10 ways your relationship ticks and works for you!
3. Include a brief history of how you and your significant other met or a timeline,
whichever you prefer :)
Best part? NO WORD LIMIT

5 Relationship Must Have!

1. Trust and Honesty

I believe that in any relationship without trust and honesty, it will NEVER work out. As you know, you can never be with your significant others 24/7. If you are a type of person who gets paranoid and freaks out on any girl your partner talks to, you will be dying YOUNG! lol

A lot of people are surprised why I was able to manage a long distance relationship with my then BF Keith for 3 years going back home once a year. It was an easy answer: "I trust him"

2. Understanding

Understanding is easy to say but really, it's very difficult to do. Why do couples argue? Because they just don't understand each other! We always say "I don't get him/her"

We must understand why he wasn't able to pick you up on time, we have to understand why he loves computer games so much, we have to understand why he has to do a certain decision. And it's all vice versa. It's not always "just one" who's understanding! It is a 2 way street!

3. Humor

Up until now, me and Keith cannot end a day without laughing. We would go crazy and laugh so hard that we felt like dying. Well dying doesn't make the relationship last lol but I find a relationship really needs a lot of humor. Being too serious will bore both of you to tears!

Sharing something funny just the 2 of you knows gives out a certain feel of togetherness!

4. Patience

Keith is the most patient individual I know in my entire life. He has waited for me for more than 4 hours inside a mall while I finish our school project. He waits for me to choose my prom dress, he goes shopping with me and wait for me to try on all the clothes as it take some time for me to choose which one I like. Because of his patience, it is difficult for me to get angry if he came late, or if it's his time to do the stuffs he needed to do. Again, relationship is give and take. When we argue, he would patiently wait for me to calm down, no matter how long it takes before we talk, because he knew that if he insisted on talking at once nothing will be settled!

5. Love

Need I say more? Nothing lasts without LOVE! <--- in my dictionary!

Year 1995

I knew him from school, we always acknowledge each other and one Valentine's Day, I helped him deliver cookies to this other girl he liked. I DROPPED the cookies (not on purpose promise!) lol and we laughed about it now! Imagine? I am the one who delivered it to the girl???? lol

Year 1996

We've been schoolmates since 4 yrs old but we got to be classmates ONLY during our Senior years. During the 2nd semester, the sitting arrangement changed and I found myself sitting next to him. During Chinese class, it tends to get too boring and we ended up chatting up in class talking about our "crushes" lol

Year 1997

Well we because friends and we ended up liking each other, we don't know who like each other first but I call him my "FIRST AID" lol, don't get me wrong, I never had a BF beside him, but I just call him First Aid because whatever tiredness, headaches I have in life, He is my FA (First aid) lol Come to think of it, it is corny! LOL

November 3, 1997

Yeah, right after All Saints Day, I said "yes' to him over the phone and we became BF and GF

1997-2001

We studied at different universities but we make it a point to go out every Saturday for movies, shopping, or just dine out! I even have curfew then, he has to take me home by 5:30pm because I am a NERD and he loves me for that! LOL


Year 2001

We both graduated, I worked at China Airlines and he worked at China Bank <--- isn't that cute? LOL We seldom see each other but we make it a point to meet once a week (mostly Saturdays) as Sunday is definitely Family Day for me!

Year 2002

The crazy/adventurous side of me wanted to work in China. We've always been open about our dreams and I've always told him I wanted to be independent, learn to be strong and work abroad. I don't want to "travel" I want to live and WORK abroad. He said yes, as long as I am happy.

August 26, 2002

I left for Hangzhou, China to teach at Zhejiang University at the age of 23 :( I can still remember the pain I felt for leaving him behind, I even told myself if ever he leaves me, it's not his fault, as I was the one who chose to have a long distance relationship.

2002-2005

Surprisingly...our relationship grew STRONGER. The distance didn't destroy us but made us stronger. I've got a lot of challenges when I work in China but he's always there, to back me up, to read my long emails! YUP, TRUST ME..all these years, I write emails for him and my family at least ONCE a day..so he definitely has 365 x 3 emails!!!! Updated on everything that's happening in my life in China!

Year 2005

I came back and I've decided to come back home as I have fulfilled my dream of working and living outside my comfort zone. I came back (REALLY FAT) and he still loves me for who I am!!!! LOL

When I came back, his work needs him to work out of Manila, so we would see each other once or twice a month :( But we just let it be and didn't worry about it, we just had fun everytime we see each other!

February 28, 2006

He proposed, on my birthday. It was more than 10yrs of us being together! It was the right time!!! I SAID YES!!!

July 7, 2007
Eva Longoria got married <-- who cares??? This was my Engagement day!

October 27, 2007

We finally got married after almost 11 years of true friendship and love!

I honestly don't know who to tag as I'm late with this lol I am tagging everyone who wants to do this :D
Thanks for reading!!!

HK Hauls

A lot of you wanted to take a peak on my HK hauls that are beauty related. Trust me, I bought a lot of non-beauty related items and mostly gifts for family and friends which I don't include here coz....it's going to take forever for me to crop the photos! LOL

Anyways, the more "personal" side about the trip will be coming up soon and I separated the post on the haulage first before the real thing. To be honest, I've armed myself with information on stuffs I plan to buy before I left for HK, but things changed because I've been to HK quite a number of times when I was working in China and I wanted to be the "tour guide" rather than the shopper. I went with Keith, with his mom and dad and his younger sister. I think I panic bought these stuffs, LOL coz some of them I shopped on the departure "day".

Here's the haul I've been wanting but kept stalling coz I've been guilty of spending so much on stuffs and I don't think I need more. But with hubby around who pointed a gun on my head and forced me to buy them *tee heee* What a wife to do but follow right?

(note: no price indicated, I will include the prices when I do a review on each of them, but if you are in a hurry to know the price, feel free to message me and ask)

1. MAC 187/Stippling brush - this is the only MAC product I planned on buying for liquid foundation application for that clean airbrush look for future clients and gigs.

2. MAC 217/ Blending brush - since I have been using my prestige blending brush EVERYDAY for my e/s application, I find it a bit big for my small eyes, so I wanted something smaller that can be used for both powder and cream e/s

3. MAC Charged Water - I honestly can't decide on buying Charged Water or Fixed plus but when I tested both, I was in LOVE with the scent. So I bought this for that "moisture" I need for my dry skin.

4. MAC Fix+ - after purchasing the MAC Charged Water, I was thinking about the Fix+ and how it kept on being Out of Stock, hubby again pointed the gun and said I can always keep one for back up since we're not sure when we will be going back to HK. So...end of story..lol

5. The small pot is a sample of a MAC Strobe Cream given to me by the MAC staff at Harbourcity (Facess). I didn't get any freebie at the MAC Sogo Dept Store.

Can I just add everyone looks GORGEOUS in there? They have flawless make-up application and great customer service.

Next stop, my Kiehl's Haul

1. Kiehl's No. 1 lipbalm - I have been using the famous Kiehl's No. 1 lip balm as part of my night routine. I have to moisturize my lips or else I'll wake up with dry bleeding lips in the morning. I have the Kiehl's lipbalm near my bed and I've been using this for months. I am loving it and I need back up!!!!

2. Kiehl's Hue - I have tested this lip balm with a hint of brownish red shade in the Philippines but it was out of stock. Since they are available in HK, I bought another one. Yes, back up! lol

3. Samples of Kiehl's Shampoo and Conditioner - 'nuff said, samples...I HEART!

The next one if for my mom,
Her HG night cream from
Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex
Can I just add that it is 3x cheaper compared to the price here in the Philippines?
I think this will be my mom's 5th one! Works so well for her! She's 61yrs old but she doesn't look like one, I think I need to use this too???? lol

My Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler Back Up
because it is cheaper again compared to the Philippines.
I think it is approx Php300 ($6.50) cheaper in HK

I have been using Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil on days I have a lot of make up on. I have used both A/O and A/I version and I planned to buy more BUT, the lady insisted that I use this one as it feels lighter compared to Shu and she promises that it cleanses way better than SHU. I know..she's just doing the marketing strategy thingy but this is way cheaper compared to Shu Uemura....so why not give it a try right?

YuMei Cleansing Oil
This one is also made in Japan

I have been coloring my own hair since I remember. Well sometimes my mom does it for me. I have told someone that I seldom repeat a hair color, but I always go for the safe color (the browns). I've seen a couple of hair color that I can't seem to find here in the Philippines. So....it is embarassing, but yes, I bought 2 hair coloring treatment, I am a L'oreal Feria user but the Revlon one looks interesting too!

Check out the box, both models look alike!!! I swear, I thought they're both the same!!!

Left - L'oreal Feria in Frosty Beige
Right: Revlon Color Silk in no. 43 Medium Golden Brown

The lipbalm I carry along my make-up bag when I'm lazy to use my Kiehl's
Mentolatum Lip Ice
We don't have this in the Philippines but it's available all across Asia, grrrr

Now now, it gets more embarrassing, LOL this is honestly Keith's Fault. I was getting ready with the stuffs to pay at the counter, he came up to me and said : "This looks really nice and the plastic doesn't look cheap, it's thick and it has a sifter!" <-- yes! He used the word SIFTER! I am going to kill myself, I am educating my hubby the wrong stuffs! LOL What can I do? My hubby is a smart shopper too and he has eye for useful products! 9HKD (approx $1.20) for 6 cases? Not bad....

I am glad Keith was wrong! It is NOT a sifter but it's just an additional cover to protect whatever product you put inside...lol...but really....SIFTER??? lol

I honestly have a lot of makeup pouch but hey, this color is just so cute and great for traveling! This baby is calling my name...."nikki ...nikki...nikki" and I just can't say NO!

Yup, that's it!
Surprising huh? I didn't buy a lot of cosmetics because I do know how to control myself and I just bought stuffs I have "planned" to buy for months. Yes, I was patient and I am IN CONTROL! :) I didn't overspend and I was able to come back home with gifts for my friends and family!

Oh yeah, now I remembered I bought a KATE by Kanebo eyeliner.... *looks around* where did I put it??? Well, I will be writing a review on that ...IF I find it! (Note: Yup! Found it! but I'm too lazy to take a shot of it so let me search the net)

Thanks for reading this mah friends!
And thanks for being interested with the boring stuffs I buy! LOL