Askmewhats Reviews: CHARM Retractable Kabuki Brush

I have been longing for the retractable brush from Stila for the longest time! What stops me from purchasing this is because, number one, we don't have Stila here in the Philippines, additional shipping costs won't make my wallet happy.

Though the researcher in me found this at Strawberrynet for only $21.50 (free shipping), I am a smart buyer and didn't buy it because this is a Bronzing Brush. I am looking for a "powder foundation brush", a brush with shorter bristles and denser...

So I kept on praying...till one day..... someone answered my prayer....

*Romantic Music Playing*

Introducing, my
CHARM Kabuki Brush!!!

Beauty & Minerals' Charm Retractable Kabuki says ---Have a charming kabuki with you wherever you go with this chic baby buki that is functional, and beautiful at the same time!

Askmewhats says ---Pros

• very handy, can fit in your small purses (length: Approx 4 inches)
• brush is soft (made of natural goat hair)
• brush can pick the mineral foundation or regular powder foundation without problems
• affordable, I believe it's sold less than Php1,000 (less than $20)
• does not shed, haven't seen it shed on me since I used it.
• multiple function : can be used to apply your blushes or face highlighter or bronzing powders

Cons

• smells, BUT, the smell is gone after 2-3 washes
• takes time to dry, but I'm ok with it
• the casing can be easily dent..if you're not careful <-- so far, I'm very careful! lol

Overall

I like this brush! I really do, just by looking at the bristles, I thought it would be very harsh on my skin, but I am surprised it felt soft, not scratchy at all.

This is always in my make-up pouch and I love using this with my MAC NC35 (which is a bit too dark if I use a sponge), best for retouch when I'm on the go :) No more sponges for retouch from now on!


Tips

• always wash the brush before letting it touch your face
• after washing, if you find the brush still smells, use it first, I find that using the brush will reduce the smell

Will I repurchase?

Yes.


Where can you purchase and how much?

Beauty and Minerals website
They do ship internationally too!
I don't know the exact amount of the brush for now, do send an email to Sophie/Tine at beautyandminerals@gmail.com

Brush Visuals!

as compared to the Stila Bronzing brush
Charm Retractable Kabuki Brush has shorter and denser hairs

**photo from strawberrynet.com website


Pull up the black casing



Close the lid!
Brush tucked in to sleep :)

Thanks Sophie from Beauty & Minerals for giving me the opportunity to try your wonderful Charm brushes!
Happiness really..is next to Gorgeous-ness!
Have a great day everyone!

Tip for the Day: Facial Wipes for my Brushes

Aside from my OCD-ness on "down under".
I am a clean freak with the stuffs I use!
Can you imagine how my brushes look like? LOL
CLEAN!!!
And before I get sued for wasting water, please read on...

Everybody knows I do make-up to myself and others, I do have a separate brush set for myself and for clients. Both brush sets are well taken care of because I know how bad it is to use a dirty brush!

At times, I need to do make-up to multiple clients and it is difficult to run around the faucet area just to wash the brushes. So....I always bring wipes with me..and NO not the feminine wipes... lol

I know a lot of my beauty pals wouldn't spend a fortune for make-up brush wipes, I myself wouldn't spend a fortune on that. If I do have gigs, I'll take my home-made brush cleanser inspired by Koren, and facial wipes for in-between brush cleansing. It doesn't take off all the make-up but it does help in sanitizing the brushes and I find it easier to clean my brushes at the end of the day. Aside from that, people you do make-up on will appreciate this extra step as well!

Here are some of the wipes I have at present
Since I have to tendency to STOCK UP,
I haven't started to use some of these....


A Chinese brand wipes from Watson's China

Another Chinese brand Wipes
I bought from a local supermarket

Those 2 wipes above , I haven't used it yet, these facial wipes below I've used a lot of times
It doesn't remove "ALL" the make-up residue but it's great for in between make-up application! They smell great too!!!

"If it's good for the face, definitely good for my brushes!"


L'oreal Re-Nourish Cleansing Wipes



Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleansing Wipes



Nivea Visage Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes

NOTABLE NOTE:

Have you tried buying any of the similar items above and found that it's an old stock?
Everything gets dried up? And you felt like you wasted your moolah?
I have a tip for you!
Buying Feminine Wipes/Facial Wipes/Baby Wipes or any similar stuffs
They are usually sold on supermarkets or malls that are air conditioned
Put the package between your hands and press it, if you can feel the "coldness"
IT IS FRESH!
If you don't feel anything... Don't buy it!
:D Hope it helps!


You want to know which ones work the best?
I really can't tell!
I can't tell the difference and they all smell good!
So yeah, I alternate them once in awhile to have variety!
I'm a woman!
I need variety! :P LOL

Askmewhats Version: Holiday Green and White

Here's the season to be Jolly falalalala, lalalala! :D

I love December! This is the month of sharing and happiness! I was sitting at home, thinking of a look to start off December, a look that would remind me of thsi wonderful season and that's when I thought of GREEN.

I wanted a simple, nothing too outlandish look, a look that goes with the season and at the same time goes with the work environment as well.

Here's the final look

And here's a diagram to simplify all the details

Step 1: (in Blue)

I've used MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre as base.
Pat on Lancome's Daylight or any matte white eyeshadow on the inner 3/4 of the eye. Also pat on the brow bone area and inner corner of the eye to highlight.

Step 2: (in Red)

Using a blending brush, blend NYX Kiwi on the other crease. Use the same e/s to line the lower lashes.

Step 3: (in Green)

Using the same brush, blend a darker Moss Green eyeshadow from L'oreal to deepen the crease area

Step 4: (in black)

Using a pencil brush or Shadow Contour brush, darken the V-corner with MAC Carbon or any matte black e/s and blend well

Here are more products used for this look




Cover Girl Lash Blast in Black Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on eyeliner in Zero (black)
topped with Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on eyeliner in Stash (sparkly moss green)


More face and Lip products

MAC Studio Fix Foundation in NC30
Maybelline Blush Powder in Rose
Smashbox Smashing Tint for lips

And here's the final look

Eyes closed
(can you see the lovely Urban Decay 24/7 Stash liner on top of the black liner?)

And what's a Christmas-y look without something RED?
A RED shirt!!!

I would probably do more Christmas-y look the coming days
because I enjoyed this...
22 days to go before Christmas!!!
Aren't you excited? I know I am!!!

Weekend Food Tripping: Greenhills' Little Korean Restaurant and a New Brush

Aside from Chinese dish, ask me what's my next favorite dish, I will say KOREAN in a heart beat! And it's weekend food tripping and this post will be simple and straight to the point. I have to apologize in advance though because this food tripping consist of just ONE PHOTO. You'll know why!

Here's the cheapest Korean Meal I have ever tried!

A dish with Pork, Beef, Squid and Veggies
Plus 2 cups of rice
2 bowls of Seaweed Soup
a set of Kimchi

ALL FOR PHP185.00 (approx $3.75)

And we don't need to order anything else because we are so full! This restaurant I believe called "Little Korean" located at the food court of Greenhills Shopping Center, is owned by a Korean-guy and you can see him all the time standing near the counter. You know that he takes care of the business well and he runs it well because this small restaurant was there for a long time!

They also serve Bibimbop, other rice meals but the one we had is the BEST!!! And worth it! If you worry about the quality of the food, well, me and hubby ate here more than 5 times and we never have any stomach problems, and we both have sensitive stomachs.

Before I end the weekend food tripping post, may I add that I bought a new brush from Prestige, it's called the Shadow Sweep Brush #104. The Shadow Crease Brush #103 didn't fail me so I wanted the smaller one and we'll see how it goes. Will do a review on this soon!

**available at Beauty Bar for Php295.00 (approx $5.90)

And here's a comparison between Prestige #104 and #103

It's Philippine Holiday today!
But I have work :(
Let's have a great start of the week!
Happy Cyber Monday to our friends in the other side of the world!
What are you buying today????

Want to check out Prestige #103 Shadow Crease review?
SMILE AND CLICK
SHADOW CREASE!!!

All About Down Under

My blog title probably intrigues you or even confuses you. tee hee

I am passionately talking about anything that would make a person feel pretty both in and out...and that definitely includes HYGIENE!!! And hygiene includes what's "Down Under". So I've been quite open to my readers for quite some time, and I am totally comfortable to share my thoughts on this.

I am a loyal user of Feminine Cleansing Wipes. I know, some may raise their brows about this, but I love using it. And let me share you what I am loving at the moment.

Charmee Feminine Cleansing Wipes in Regular (Pink)
and Charmee Refreshing Menthol (Green).

This is a local brand.
They used to sell it 20 sheets/pack but I can't seem to find them anymore!!!
I alternate the regular one and the green one.
The refreshing menthol is really...uhm....refreshing! LOL

One pack costs Php24.00 (approx $0.50) per pack of 10 cloth

I recently bought another internationally made brand
Playtex Personal Cleansing Cloths
I love this because the scent is GREAT!!! And the sheet is bigger and thicker
It is 2-3 x more expensive than my local brand Charmee
But I wouldn't mind using this once in a while especially on those days
I have the monthly period because this is FLUSHABLE!
Costs Php185.00 (approx $3.75) for a pack of 40 cloth



I have also tried Summer's Eve Sensitive Skin Feminine Powder
I can't compare this to other brands as I haven't used other brands or I haven't seen any local version of this. I find that it is quite messy and I can actually survive without this. I don't sweat that much ya know! *grins*

I am also a daily pantyliner user :( Gosh I am sharing so much information am I? Again, it is my own preference. I sit so much at work and I don't like to have uncomfortable feeling down there. I usually change my liners 2-3 x a day depending on the situation. I hate it when liners go "scratchy" or "too cottony" for me, I've even tried some that sticks to my "undies" and I had a hard time removing the adhesives...YUCK! It took me a lot of "miss" in choosing for the right pantyliner...but it's all worth the experience because I've finally found the perfect one...again, based on my own experience and opinion.

I love it that it's cheap too!
Sister's Pantyliners
Pack of 20 for only Php19.00 (approx $0.40)




And you'll know I love a product so much
IF
I STOCK UP!!!!

I stock up because most of the products that are HG (holy grail) to me are quite difficult to purchase. Most of the times, they are sold out or they are not sold EVERYWHERE. Excuses excuses..yeah yeah yeah..

What are you going to do today?
It's Sunday my side, the only scheduled thing I need to do is to cut my sister-in-laws' hair! And probably just eat like a pig and rest!!!
I have to be recharged for the coming week!
Enjoy your day!