Askmewhats Reviews: MAC 187 Stippling Brush

Everyone calls this the "magic" brush, everyone raves about the "Airbrushed" look!

Are these true? Or is it just a hype?

I've been lemming for this brush for the LONGEST TIME!!! It took me a whole lot of contemplating as this is the most expensive brush from MAC!

The MAC187 Duo Fiber Brush
*damn you brush! lol*

I actually bought this in HK as it's a couple of hundreds cheaper (in peso), yeah yeah, everybody knows by now that I'm a bargain shopper. :P Again, there are so many dupes but something about this brush hypnotizes me to purchase it....I'm glad I bought this or it'll be haunting me FOREVER!!!

MAC 187 Duo Fiber Brush says ---

A large full circular brush used for lightweight application and blending of face powder or pigments. Use to create soft layers or add textures. Made from a soft blend of goat and synthetic fibers.

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• multi-purpose: can be used with liquid, cream and powder foundation, cream blushes
• will use lesser product compared to sponges
• soft bristles, not scratchy at all
  
• does give out an airbrushed look
• foundation blends seamlessly
• foundation application cuts half of the time
• doesn't smell

Cons

• sheds, approximately a hair on 2 on every other usage (will it go bald? lol)
• brush isn't perfect, I've got a lot of "flyaways" lol
  
• the price is steep especially for people who aren't earning their own moolah yet.
  

Overall

I find the raves true, it does give out an "airbrushed" look without the streaks. BUT, I do believe there will be a good dupe out there. Though I haven't tried a lot like some of the beauty bloggers, I am sure there's a comparable one.

Is it worth the price???

It's actually worth it, if you take care of this brush and use it everyday. I would say this brush is very versatile, but if you are only using this brush to apply your blush? Then you are not using this brush to the fullest.

People who are into liquid/cream foundation, this will definitely be an answer to your prayers as you save more of your foundation with this brush, using this brush cuts your foundation application time in half. If you are a powder foundation user, you can skip this, save the money and buy EDM Flat Top brush (in my opinion)


Tips

• some people thinks the coverage is sheer if you use this brush. In my opinion, you can always layer the foundation with this brush and it always gives out a soft, natural coverage.
  
• if you are using this brush for your powder foundation, spritz on mists or sprays on the brush for the powder to "stick" to the brush
  

Will I repurchase?

Maybe not, I will take care of this brush and use it for decades! LOL

Where to buy and how much?

MAC store for approx Php2,400 ($45.00) <--- not sure

VISUAL TIME!

Here's how the MAC187 Duo Fiber Brush looks like
Top view

Here's a photo I've posted 2 months ago,
using MAC187 brush to apply my liquid foundation

Speaking of Dupes
I got a CHARM Duo Fiber Brush from
Beauty & Minerals

I will be testing it and I will definitely report back if this is a good dupe or not!

Have you tried MAC187 or any dupes?
What's the best dupe in your opinion?
Let's do the battle of the Duo Fiber Brush....NOW!
:D
But let's not get toooo competitive ok?
Have a great day!!!

Reader's Corner: Questions Answered and a New Traincase!

Hello pretties! Thanks for the wonderful comments for the makeover I did yesterday!!!

I've been super tired and busy the past few days and I do apologize for not getting back to some queries at once. These are some questions on the comment section that I wanted to answer in a new post for everyone to be able to read it as well. Thanks ladies for asking these questions! *hugs*

Question:

Nikki! I'd like to ask what you used for each of the two girls .

Askmewhats Answers:Thanks for liking the makeover and thanks for the interest. I've re-edit the post I did yesterday and added the products used (as I remember) . Smile and click HERE

Question:

Hi Nikki! I've been curious about Clinique All About Eyes for the longest time. What changes have you noticed on your eye area ever since you started using it?

Askmewhats Answers:

I've got a couple of queries about my eye cream. I would say the best I've tried is Clinique's All About Eyes. Though I've only used a sample jar, which lasts me more than a months of daily usage. I didn't see any drastic change, (same as all eye creams), but my eye area doesn't get as dry as before. The darkness of my eye didn't lighten up but the puffiness definitely lessened. I'm never consistent on my eye cream as I always felt eye creams never give out "obvious" result due to the small area it covers. But with patience and consistent usage, you will definitely reap what you sow.

Question:

I want your brushes!!! What are they??? (Referring to my post yesterday)

Askmewhats Answers:The brush set I am using is from a local distributor called SUESH. They're quite famous in terms of having a lot of exposure on magazines, newspapers as they're known for selling good quality brushes at an affordable price. I would say they are not comparable to MAC or those high end brushes brand but for starters, they are really good, I love their eye brushes!

If you're wondering, I own the 28pcs brushes set for Php4,500 (approx $90.00). NOT BAD.

Question:

I am beginning to wonder why aren't you in this professionally? (referring to being a make-up artist) Or are you? :)

Askmewhats Answers:Great question, thanks for asking! I guess I've been doing a lot of makeovers for a lot of my friends and family that people would think it's just a past time. Well it started out to be, but I am leaning into this as a profession. And those makeovers I've done recently, well they are clients. I don't know them personally, I was just referred to them by a friend and I got paid!!! :D

That's why being a professional make-up artist means, I needed more space for make-up I have to bring as I have to be ready on whatever foundation shades, eyeshadow colors, blushes etc... that clients would need. So, I will now present to you my new "Trolley Traincase" !!!

Sorry I haven't had the chance to take a shot of it beside me, if you want to know the height, it's up to my knees :) A size of a regular luggage that can pass as handcarry.

This is available in ONE SINGLE SHADE!
I wanted something black or just plain silver, but they don't have any
and I love the size of this, so I gave in and bought this!
Now, as I look at it more, I am starting to love to color...
Hip!!!

Back Side
I love that the handle is sturdy



Side View



When fully opened



Spacious inside
I love that I can put my brush set and palettes in here



And the best part?
I can lock it!!!

**Bought at Quiapo Seller for Php5,000 (approx $100)

Isn't it pretty?
I can't believe I upgraded from a semi-pro traincase to a PRO!!!
I've seen the ones with BULBS...lol
Next time...next time...
One wish at a time right?
Have a great humpy Wednesday!!!!

AMW Makeover: "Attending a Wedding Event" Look

** EDIT: Added products used

Hey everyone!!! I guess you read what kept me busy last weekend. I've had the chance to do a makeover for 2 lovely ladies who will be attending a wedding of their friend. It was funny because they thought the wedding would start at 4:00pm but at the last minute realized the wedding starts at 2:30pm!!!

Can you believe the rush??? One thing I can pride myself of, is my ability to be "poised under pressure" lol Though I looked really calm, my heart is pounding as the minute passed by! The funny thing is, even though everything is on a rush, we still got the chance to mingle and get to know more of each other LOL I do chat while I work ya know <--- Multi-tasking is one talent too! They're nice ladies and I do wish to work on their faces more in the future. Too bad I didn't get the chance to fix up their hair as we're pressed for time! This is how I like to organize my stuffs, everything laid neatly for easy access. I do look serious no?

Cara's Before shot

Skin: combination





After shot




Products Used ---

• Smashbox PhotoFinish Primer Light
• The Face Shop Foundation in NB21
• NYX Concealer in a Jar Beige
• Paul & Joe Dual Powder Foundation in No. 30
• UDPP
• Urban Decay eyeshadow in Baked
• Milani Chocolate Brown eyeshadow
• Paul & Joe eyebrow Pencil no. 2
• MAC Coquette e/s to fill in brows
• Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in Black
• Stila Smudgepots in Black
• Paul & Joe Curly Mascara in Black
• Nars Orgasm
• Kiehl's No. 1 Lip balm
• NYX Round Lipstick in Herades

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

Cara's Friend Before Shot
Skin: Dry



AFTER



Products Used ---

• Thevi Liquid Mineral foundation in Sandy Beige
• NYX Concealer in a Jar Medium
• MAC Studio Fix Foundation Powder no. 40
• MAC Coquette to fill in brows
• L'oreal HIP in Secretive
• Urban Decay e/s in Grifter
• MAC Carbon
• Stila Smudgepots in Black
• Urban Decay 24/7 liner in black
• Stila Bronzing Powder
• The Face Shop Lipgloss Pot

Thanks to both for posing eventhough they're super in a hurry :)
I hope both of you had a great wedding party!!!

*giddy giddy giddy*
I had fun!
What made your weekend?

Weekend Food Tripping at: Chef Wong and Greenwhich Pizza

Hey Everyone!!! Another weekend has passed and I can't believe it's Monday again!!! LOL

I had a very busy weekend. Here's what happened ---

• went to Quiapo (a super crowded area) to shop for a new make-up traincase. A trolley version. I've found one and it is super pretty!!!! Photos coming soon as I haven't gotten the chance to take a photo of it!
• tried to look for the Twilight series, but failed, as they're all SOLD OUT.
  
• shopped for Kris Kringle gifts
• done make-up for 2 lovely ladies who will be attending a wedding event. (photos will be coming soon as well).
• last night, we attended a wedding party as well. Hubby's colleague got married.

If you're wondering how I am...I am still in ONE piece, a bit tired, but HAPPY!

Before I go out of the topic, YAY! It's weekend food tripping once again. After a long day of make-up traincase hunting, we went to SM San Lazaro mall. The pregnant HUBBY wants to eat "Yang Chow" Fried rice <--- he's very specific! LOL We planned to go to our favorite Flavours of China but something happened to their kitchen so they weren't able to serve anything except noodles.

That's why we went to the 2nd option, a restaurant we never tried before called Chef Wong. Sad to say, this weekend's food tripping isn't going to be on a positive note as I am not impressed with their dishes.

Impressed or not, I'll always show photos! Sorry the photo quality isn't great as we forgot our camera and we used my cellphone camera.

I have nothing against the restaurant ambience,
quite cozy....





Our order of Beef Siomai
Don't like the taste :( Sad to say,
it's inexpensive because it doesn't taste good
Price: 4pcs for Php49.00 (approx $1.00)





Pork Asado/Honeycured Pork
this is the best out of all the order we had
Price: Php180.00 (approx $3.60)





Beef Wanton Soup
Very salty, not a lot of noodles
Price: Php135.00 (approx $2.75)




Yang Chow Fried Rice (for hubby)
that didn't impress him
Price: Php30.00 (approx $.75)



Overall, we didn't spend so much for the food but we can definitely eat better dishes with the same amount :) Oh well, that's life, we like some, we hate some :D
That's experimentation and being adventurous :D

Oh yeah, we also had Pizza hours ago at Greenwhich Pizza. I love Greenwhich Pizza, it's way better than the Chinese food we had. We ordered the Thin Crust Version of All Meat. YUMMMMMMOOO!!!!!

Well this week and the coming weeks will be busy with reunions, parties, events!
I will definitely keep you all posted
There are a couple of requests and I'll try my best to answer them as soon as I can
I am hoping for your patience :D
Great week ahead and keep the smile coming! *muwah* :x

Reader's Corner: My Day and Night Regimen

Hi Everyone!!! I'm really glad it's weekend! I will be busy this weekend because it will be a weekend of Christmas shopping, a make-up gig, and a wedding to attend! What am I going to wear? I still don't know :(

Anyways, it's Reader's Corner once again, a dear beauty blogging pal Jojoba asked me about my basic skin regimen. Come to think of it, I've always been talking about products I am using but I haven't formally talked about it. So Jojoba and the rest of my readers who wants to know, I will spill the beans :D

My skin regimen basically starts with Cleansing -- Toning --- Moisturizing! And those lazy days, I would go from Cleansing straight to SLEEPING! LOL I have to admit, I get lazy sometimes :(

I will start with my DAY ROUTINE

1. Cleanse with Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild

2. Tone with Clinique Clarifying Lotion no. 2 for Normal to Dry Skin

3. Moisturize with Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Skin Relief

4. Apply Clinique All About Eyes eye cream all over eye area

5. Protect whole face and neck with The Face Shop's Natural Intensive Sun Cream

For my Night Regimen, there are some additionals
Additional CLEANSING

1. Cleanse with Cleansing Oil
(I alternate Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil A/O with Yumei Nano Cleansing Oil

2. Cleanse with Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild

3. Tone with Clinique Clarifying Lotion no. 2 for Normal to Dry Skin

4. Moisturize with Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

5. Apply Clinique All About Eyes eye cream all over eye area

As you all can see, I am a Clinique fan for now...
I hope it works for long,
times may change,
climate and environment will change,
my age will change!
So check back for any changes on my skincare regimen in the future!
I hope there won't be any drastic changes...
like additional Anti-aging products? :( :( :( noooooo!!!
LOL
Have a happy weekend!!!!!

Want to check out related post?
Smile and Click

Clinique Moisture Surge Extra Thirsty Skin Relief
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
The Face Shop Natural Intensive Sun Cream SPF50
Shu Uemura High Performance Balance Cleansing Oil
Yumei Nano Whitening Deep Cleansing Oil