Thursday, November 20, 2008

Askmewhats Reviews: TBS Nature's Minerals Foundation

Part 3 and final part for my TBS Nature's Minerals Review.
I've written the review for the Mineral Foundation last as I've used this mineral for more than a week. Had a query sent to the Body Shop and I got an answer

Read on :)

Let's check out the specs first!
Come follow me
Here's how the packaging looks like
All made from recycled material! (I like)



I love the safety sticker!



My Love/Hate relationship with the Mesh Sifter



Swatched Shade 02 on my hand
Perfect Match
(I'm MAC NC30, I would say this is great for most Asian Skin)




Nature's Minerals Foundation Says ---

Best if you want to: Achieve a healthy, radiant complexion with ultra-fine minerals that blend evenly to protect skin and reduce redness and imperfections.

Best for: suitable for sensitive skin, provides light to medium coverage

How it works:
  • Kaolin clay and Mediterranean clay are absorbent minerals that provide long-lasting coverage.
  • Mica adds luster and has light-diffusing properties to help disguise fine lines and pores.
  • Titanium dioxide and iron oxide protect skin from the sun without clogging pores.
  • Dermatologist-tested with no added fillers, preservatives or fragrances.

Askmewhats Says ---

Pros

  • very natural, doesn't create a white cast on your skin
  • easy to blend
  • non-drying
  • no allergies
  • mesh sifter: the product will come out really fine and easy to blend (love part, read on to the Cons for the hate part)
  • has SPF!!!
Cons
  • as the product specs goes, it is for light to medium coverage and I agree with it, I have a couple of red spots on my skin and it isn't completely covered, for people who needed heavy coverage, need to use a concealer first
  • Mesh Sifter: no matter how careful I am in tapping the product, since the mesh made the powder super fine, it's too messy! Every time I open the jar, foundation flew from all direction! I suggest the company make the foundation mesh sifter "smaller" <--- just for the foundation line as I don't have problems with the blush and eye color packaging.
  • Compared to regular MMU, this has expiration. BUT!!!! It's not as CON as it has SPF! (as confirmed by Lisa, in the US, anything that has an SPF has to have an expiration date due to FDA) <-- everyone should take note on this :)
  • need to reapply after 2-3 hours

Overall


The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Foundation works best for anyone who doesn't need a lot of coverage and who doesn't like the heavy feeling of foundation. I find that their product are very natural and caring for the skin and would suit anyone from all ages! I can imagine my mom using this!

True, as compared to other MMU companies, this is pricier compared to others but I won't say they are overpriced. I guess because most MMU companies do not have a lot of operational expenses as compared to The Body Shop because they sell it online.

Tips

  • I use a spoon and transfer the "sifted" foundation to another jar with a regular sifter. Works better this way
  • If you want coverage on spots, use a concealer brush, foil the foundation and apply it on areas that needed more coverage OR, use your favorite concealer before you use TBS foundation.
  • always tap the cap before you open the jar, so that not a lot of product flies out if you twist open the cap.

Will I repurchase?


I would say, yes, because there are days I am longing for a light coverage (on good skin days)

How much?

At the local Body Shop, costs Php1,499.00 on US Body Shop website $25.00


And before I finish this review,
here's a visual on how I apply my TBS Minerals
Of course you have to shake your booty while you do these steps! :P







Well...that's it!
I hope you guys find my 3-parts Nature's Minerals Review helpful :)
Feel free to ask me if you have any questions!



Want to look back on the other TBS Nature's Minerals Reviews?
Smile and Click
Part 1 Cheek Color
Part 2 Eye Color

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Stuff I Hauled Over the Weekend

Finally took shots on what I hauled over the weekend at the Duty Free Shop :)
I only planned to buy my Clinique's Skincare as I've used up my Moisture Surge Moisturizer and Mild Facial Wash. But Christmas is in the air and I saw bundled Shu Uemura item!!!! Hubby enabled me!!!!

One cleansing oil priced $92.00 was sold in twos for $125.00!!! Isn't that a great deal??? I can finally try the Cleansing Water!!! But I have to finish up my current cleansing oils before I get into these LOL So reviews will definitely take some time :)






And I HAVE to ask for freebies!
Tsk tsk tsk!
Last 2 and glad I was able to get one~~~~

Shu Uemura Leather Case
What's inside? Scroll down please!



Shu Uemura White Recovery FX+ moisturizing Lotion and serum!
And a face brush! :)




And here's what I originally planned to spend my money on!

Clinique's Mild Facial Wash

and
Clinique's Moisture Surge EXTENDED Thirsty Skin Relief



And again, I HAVE TO ASK for the Samples!
They told me they don't have any...
and what are these??????



A sample of Clinique Lip Balam
Clinique Mild Facial Wash
and
Clinique's Moisture Surge Extended Skin Relief

I was asking for eye cream samples!
But better than nothing right? LOL



Philippine Readers:

Moral lesson, if you are spending your money on products, do check if they have samples! Most companies usually do have samples but I don't know why but they don't give it out! Well as if I am just "ASKING" right? I do purchase!

Use your purchasing power people!

*raise arms*

YEAH?
YEAH!!!!

People Power! LOL


Askmewhats Version: "Under the Sea" Look


As promised, I've created a look as inspired by my Body Shop Nature's Minerals Eye Color. I've always wanted a look using silver! As it is quite challenging for me as my skin tone leans toward Gold rather than silver! Oh well, it's not too late to try!

A teaser photo was up yesterday so here's the full on LOOK!








Diagram Time!!!







1. Using my Smashbox no. 26 e/s brush or any e/s brush available, I pat on PAC Pearly Blue eyeshadow in the inner corner of the eye concentrating on the center



2. Use any blending brush, in my case, I've used Prestige #103 Shadow crease brush and grab a bit of MAC Carbon and lightly swipe through the crease area.



3. Using my MAC 217 or any smaller blending brush, use the The Body Shop Nature's Minerals in Platinum Shimmer and lightly sweep on the crease area to blend in the PAC Pearly Blue eyeshadow and lighten the harsh lines. Also apply it below the lash line.




4. Using the same Prestige #103 blending brush, apply Bourjois Rose Beige or any highlighting eyeshadow to highlight the brow bone area and the inner corner of the eyes.



5. Apply Fashion 21 Stick Eyeshadow/Liner in Lagoon 3/4 area of the waterline.

6. Apply Fashion 21 Stict Eyeshadow/Liner in Pearl on the inner 1/4 corner of the waterline



And the rest of the face?




Use Nars Orgasm on the cheeks

NYX Herades and top with Shawill Gloss


VOILA!







Hoping to make you smile Photo Time!!!




Hubby's going out-of-town (work related) and probably be back 2-3 days after, depending on how fast the project will be over :( :( :( This will be the first time after I got married that I'll be away from my hubby/photographer/King Kong!!! :(

Oh well, I'll be keeping myself busy doing more product reviews so I won't miss him so much!!!!

Send me some smiles!
I needed that! :D


Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Shopping Time! Beauty & Minerals Bazaar


**please click to enlarge


Dear Philippine Readers:

Christmas time is coming up and better be ready for gift-giving and shopping!

Beauty & Minerals Bazaar schedule is up!!!!

What are you waiting for???? GO!!!!!

:D

Askmewhats Reviews: TBS Nature's Minerals Eye Color


This is Part 2 of my Body Shop Nature's Minerals Mini-Series.
Want to check out part 1? Smile and click "TBS Nature's Minerals Cheek Color"

I am finally ready to do a review on the Platinum Shimmer (Silver) Eye Color as I've been using this for several days.

I have chosen Platinum Shimmer because I can mix this with different e/s colors and Silver is the TREND nowadays!

Here's the product on my hand before I peeled off the safety sticker



And here's the color when swatched






Nature's Minerals Eye Color Says ---

Best if you want to: Accentuate your eyes with crease-resistant, blendable color that’s made from the earth’s purest minerals.

Best for: suitable for sensitive skin

How it works:

  • 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.
  • Dermatologist-tested with no added fillers, preservatives or fragrances.

Askmewhats Says ---


Pros
  • the mesh cover works well for eye makeup as the sifter makes the e/s finer and makes it easier to apply and blend
  • Color: what you see is what you get
  • no eye allergies!
  • foiling the eyeshadow doesn't change the color or shade but instead, makes the shadow more vibrant and stays longer

Cons
  • very messy, be careful with fall outs
  • if applied dry, I have to pack on the product for the color to show up on my skin tone
  • have to use a primer/cream base for the product to stick on as the sample I have which is shimmery tends to fall out at the end of the day (read further below on tips on how to correct this)

Overall


If you are into MMU and you are into wide variety of eye shadows, then Body Shop leaves you not much of a choice as they have total of 6 available eye colors. You can't blame them though as they have all the "basic" colors needed to create a natural look.

I personally like to swatch mineral products personally before buying as I can see the colors much better. I've also checked out the local Body Shop store and I've found not a lot of shades are available. I haven't checked other branches though.

If you are someone who's into sticking to natural looks and wants subtleness, definitely go with this as one as one tub lasts a long long time!

Tips

  • for any MMU, always have a big face brush ready to remove fall outs
  • use a firm e/s brush to DAB (not swipe) the e/s onto your lid to prevent fall out
  • in my opinion, most glittery/shimmery minerals tends to fall out at the end of the day faster than regular matte e/s. If you want this to stay longer and you don't have eye primer or base available, FOIL it, how? Read on ---
  1. use a taklon brush or a concealer brush (the stiffer the better)
  2. drop an eyedrop onto the brush and remove excess
  3. swirl the brush onto the minerals and pat it on your lid gently
** TESTED, the minerals stayed longer!

Will I repurchase?
Depends, if I find a nice shade that I like

How much?

At the local Body Shop, costs Php895 ($13 on website)

Here's a look I've done using the TBS Platinum Shimmer
and PAC e/s (no foiling, applied dry)




Watch out for more detail on this look!
On what products and brushes I've used!
*humming*

Under the sea...under the sea....

I feel like I'm Ariel from the Little Mermaid
:D