Friday, November 14, 2008

Askmewhats Reviews: TBS Nature's Minerals Cheek Color


As seen in my previous Coming Soon post, I got the chance to test on The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Collection. (again thanks to Lisa of Ignite Social Media )

I love blushes so I started using the blush first for the first part of my TBS Nature's Minerals review.

Color: Warm Copper






Nature's Minerals Cheek Color Says ---
  • Mediterranean clay is an absorbent mineral that helps bind make-up to skin for long-lasting coverage.
  • Mica adds luster and has light-diffusing particles to help disguise fine lines.
  • Titanium dioxide and red, yellow and black iron oxide provide a natural-looking color palette.
  • Dermatologist-tested with no added fillers, preservatives or fragrances.

Askmewhats Says ---

Pros

  • you won't be looking like a clown for sure as this creates a soft, natura- looking color
  • has tiny gold specks that can create a natural sun-kissed look
  • good quality packaging, I've checked the bottom part and the plastic is no. 7 (which is good number for water bottle)
  • since the sifter is made of mesh, it makes the mineral finer thus you can never have "streaks" on your cheeks.
  • no allergies for me!
Cons
  • based on the color Warm Copper, I would say it won't show up on some skin tone, so you have to really pack on the product to get the desired look.
  • can be messy for people who are not used to mineral make-up

Overall


TBS NM Warm Copper is a pretty combination of Peach and Gold. I would say it reminded me so much of NARS Orgasm not because of the color but because of the gold shimmer both products have. Even the size of the gold specks are exactly the same as Orgasm. <--- good timing I got my Orgasm huh?


Tips
  • use a denser brush (in my opinion) when you apply this blush, as I've tried using a loose brush and I can't seem to see the color on my cheeks.
  • start less then build up the color you desire
  • if you are looking for an "obvious" blush, this won't be it as TBS NM is aiming for natural looking beauty!

Will I repurchase?


Yes, I am aiming for Pink Quartz...hmmm..
Cheek Colors are available in 4 colors - Pink Quartz, Golden Terracotta, Warm Copper and Brown Topaz

How much?


At the local Body Shop, costs Php895 (approx $18.00)

The Specs ---

Here's the size on my hand
Instructions on how to use the product inserted in




The Blush size as compared to the Foundation
(L-Blush/R- Foundation)



When you peel the safety sticker, here's how the sifter looks
It's not the usual holes from most plastic sifters
They use mesh as sifters



You've seen how it looks like on my hand




Start with tiny amount
(you can always re-apply if needed)



Swirl...
Tap...
and Buff....

Here's the result on my cheeks
For reference, I swirled, tapped and buffed 2-3 times on each cheek to get this result



How do you like my Warm Copper Cheeks?
Interested to know what I think on the other line from TBS Nature's Minerals?
*nods*???
Well you have to be patient! LOL
Reviews coming up sooooonnnnn!!!!


Thursday, November 13, 2008

Askmewhats Reviews: MAC Renewal Defense Charged Water


I could never imagine myself buying "expensive" water. As what I call Evian mists and everything more expensive than that LOL Not until I watched Youtube videos and read beauty blogs. Everyone's been raving about the MAC Fix+ and the MAC Charged Water. I've done a lot of research (and trust me, I am a researcher by profession hahaha) and I finally gave in. A spray that seals in moisture? I am game!!!!


MAC Charged water are available in different variants
I chose the Peach Colored one because of it's Anti-oxidant factor.
And of course, a lot of people chose this over the others :D





MAC Charged Water Says ---

"Charged water, fused with vital ions from rhodochrosite to create a powerfully protective hydrating mist to help defend the skin from environmental aggression. Packed with anti-oxidants, its peach-toned hue is imparted by the rhodochrosite itself. Its aroma, is a gentle blend of grapefruit mandarin.”

Ingredients:

Water, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Rhodochrosite, Calcium Chloride, Sodium Sulfate, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Nitrate, Potassium Nitrate, Potassium Phosphate, Salycylic Acid, Fragrance, Linalool, Citral, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol

Askmewhats Says ---

Pros
  • has a "recharged" feeling because of the scent
  • hydrates my skin (not as moisturizer) but after foundation application, there are some areas that gets flaky, and I spray with MAC Charged water and it's gone :)
  • energizes me on those lazy morning! lol
  • packaging is really nice, I like the lock feature of this by turning left
Cons
  • you don't see immediate results <--- if you're expecting for one
  • if sprayed too much, can cause stickiness

Overall


MAC Charged Water is one product I cannot give super good or super bad reviews. Because it is something that you can live without but something NICE to live with :) Am I confusing you ? hahaha I'd say, most hydrating sprays gets the job done energizing you because..hey! Imagine you spray water on your face??? But what I like about MAC Charged Water that cannot be dupe is their scent, the way it really can seal in the moisture because even with MMU foundation, I don't see as much flakiness as I have in the past :)

It does sets the make-up well and creates a dewy look.

Tips

  • close eyes and spray a couple of inches away from your face
  • I prefer to spray on this before moisturizing my face, spray a bit after to seal in the moisture
  • after MMU foundation application, spray this on my kabuki brush and lightly buff it on the face
  • or spray this directly on your face to set the make-up
  • to save up, some people use Evian Brumisateur to set their make-up as it's cheaper compared to MAC or Bench Pure Mist (check my post about this here)
Will I repurchase?

Depends, after I finish this up, I will use my MAC Fix+ and see which one I prefer

Where did I purchase and how much?

I bought this at MAC HK for less than Php1,000 (approx $20.00). This is also available at Local MAC Stores here in the Philippines.



Are you into "expensive waters"? lol
if not, I have a couple of cheaper alternatives to test on!
(there's Watson's, Bench Pure Mist, Evian...)
But I have only one face so give me some time,
I will definite revisit this product as soon as I finish this up!
Have a nice day ahead!
Energize people you meet by smiling at them!


Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Happy Birthday to Pam



Another birthday celebration!
My dear colleague Pam's birthday!
We surprised her with Disney Princess' theme party!!!
We made her the princess of a day!
Did a very light, natural make-up on her!
I saw the sparkle of her eyes! I think she enjoyed it :D
Happy Happy Birthday again Princess Pam!!!

We treated her like a real princess
By doing her make-up
and hair by Phia :D




Products Used ---


Foundation - EDM Fawn
Finishing Powder - Ellana
L'oreal Hip Duo e/s in Foxy
Maybelline Black Eyeliner
Natural Falsies
Nars Orgasm
NYX Jupiter


LOL Complete with Crown and Wand!



And there I am!
Holding a brush! LOL




Happy Birthday again Pam!!!!
Keep smiling and stay pretty!


Beauty & Minerals --- THANK YOU!!!

When I say, life is full of surprises, I am not joking!
I got a surprise package from Sophie of Beauty & Minerals. All I expected was some eyeshadow samples but boy am I wrong! Here's what's in store for me when I just thought it's going to be a crappy day!

*Major SIGH*
The mere sight of pink made my heart jump!



L-R Charm Travel Pro Set (i can't believe I have this now)
Charm Dual Fibre Brush
(I've been lemming this as this is a perfect MAC 187 Dupe)
and Charm Retractable Kabuki
(perfect because I needed a brush for my MMUs)


To show you the size of the Charm Travel Pro Set



TADA!!!!
I can't believe I have my own set now!
Now I don't have to lug my big brushes to the office for makeovers!


**click to enlarge

1. Mini Powder Brush
2. Mini Dual Fibre Brush
3. Mini Angled Blush Brush
4. Mini Concealer Brush
5. Mini Crease Blending Brush
6. Mini Pencil Brush
7. Mini Eye Contour Brush
8. Mini Flat Liner Brush
9. Mini Eyebrow Brush
10. Mini Spoolie Brush
11. Mini Lipliner brush
12. Mini Pointed Eyeliner Brush

I have to wash these babies :) I love love love them and can't wait to use them! My colleagues bought them too and they're all happy and can't wait to play with this!

Thanks so much Sophie, a girl really can't have so many brushes!!! I can be showered with 100 brushes and I'll still smile like a nerd!!!

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

I also got my NARS Orgasm!!! FINALLY!!!!!

This day is a wonderful "ME" day!!! Teee heeee





I know, I'm late!
But who cares?
I finally have my own!
Can't wait to put you to test Orgasm!






*giddy giddy*
Have a great day everyone!!!!
Hope you get surprises too, (doesn't have to be material)
Maybe, passing an exam? Getting a promotion? Getting a hug or kiss?
Take care and keep smiling!!! :D

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Nail Art Tutorial: "Office Ready" Nails

Nail time!!!
A lot of you commented that you like a couple of nail arts you've seen here but you cannot sport them at work.
So...I got inspired...to tone down my nail art tutorial into something "office friendly" and can be done for special occasions like Weddings, etc....

I hope you like it! :)

Step 1:

Paint 2 coats of your favorite earth toned polish. I go for ELF Nail Polish in Champagne (thanks Toma, this girl got a new site! I love it! Check her out!)





Step 2:

Create a French tip with a Gold Glitter Polish. I've Used Art Deco from Alyssa.



To create French Tip Nails, I usually steady the brush and move my fingers instead of the nail. It works for me better than moving the brush. LOL It's just my own preference.



Step 3:

Using a white 2 way nail art pen, create dots, I did a drawing using red dots circled in green



Step 4:

Using a needle, push the dots inward, to create a nice flower look.



Like This...




Step 5:

I never stop with just ONE flower, lol, create dots like shooting stars.



Step 6:

Using a different colored nail art pen, press a dot as petal.



Step 7:

What's a world without colors?
Add yellow colored dots in between the white dots you created on Step 5.



Now you can go to work with simple nail art designs like this! :D



I did say I will receive my NARS orgasm package today :(
Too bad, I still haven't, I did all the letter of authorization and stuffs, but forgot the ID
Oh well, Orgasm tomorrow then!

Have a great day!!!!