From Askmewhats and the Masala with Love (Contest Closed!)

**thanks to Toma for the photo! :)

Dear US and Philippines Readers:

My dear friend, the wonderful Masala and I have cooked up a contest for the readers from our respective countries. I have to apologize for readers outside the US and Philippines, Ms. Masala and I will do more contests in the future that would be open to everyone from Earth and outer space :D

What do you need to do to win?

If you are a US Reader (with US address) ---

• simply comment on my post that you would like to join and do not forget to include your name and email address.

If you are a Philippine Reader ---

• visit Makeup Masala and follow her rules!

US readers, what will you win?

Nail Art Pens (so you'll be able to try on nail art designs)
The Fanny Serrano Eyelash curler with 3 refills (this has won Cosmopolitan Philippines Award for 2 or 3 consecutive years)
PAC blush
Plus some freebies :)

Since we are from different time zones and it does confuse us, do comment at once because the contest will end on Dec 24th 11:59pm (Philippine Time). Winners will be drawn via random.org and names will be announced on Christmas day on both sites!

Goodluck!!!
Happy Holidays !!!!

Weekend Food Tripping at: John & Yoko

The post title should be "Last Weekend's Food Tripping". It took me some time to re-size these photos cause we ordered so much! LOL Me and my college friends make it a point to meet up every Holidays, and so far, we never fail. We were even joking about our topics of discussions...

It started as ---

1. crushes
2. boyfriends
3. getting married
4. kids

and you know what?
It'll go to

Health Issues
How to stay and look young

and I won't be surprised if we're going to talk about our

GRANDKIDS sooon!!!

OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL

We've decided to go to Greenbelt 5 Makati as the place is more quiet and not a lot of crowd (inside note: Cause everything's darn expensive there! shhhh)

John & Yoko restaurant is owned by actor Mr. Marvin Agustin, I'm not sure if the partners are the same though. And he also own our favorite restaurant at the Shangri-La Mall called Sumo Sam!

John & Yoko, the restaurant name, is obviously derived from the Beatles' singer John Lennon and wife Yoko Ono. I don't know why, but you wouldn't find their photo inside the restaurant (thank goodess). I love the restaurant ambience, great for meet-ups, for gatherings and family! :) No matter how crowded it is, it's not that noisy!

Here's how cute the restaurant look outside
And we are the 3 early birds!
We have to wait for our table
Yup, that's a lot of people inside!

The cute plate and menu



Note: This will be pics heavy coz there's a lot of us who ordered!

First stop ---
Salmon Shashimi
Php208.00 (approx $4.16)

I didn't have the chance to try this, I'm not a Sashimi Lover



Chicken Teriyaki and Mango Pizza
Php258.00 (approx $5.15)

My friends love this so much and they've been raving about this!
I had to take a piece myself, it is delicious!
I love the crunchiness of the pizza, as thin as a cracker
I love the taste of the Chicken Teriyaki
mixed with the sweetness and sourness of Mangoes!



Chicken Tempura
Php228.00 (approx 4.50)

The highlight of this dish is not the chicken, though the chicken tastes good but the frieds!
I love that they sprinkled "nori" flakes on top of the fries



Tofu Steak
Php248.00 (approx $5.00)

If you are a reader of my blog, you'll know that if a restaurant I go to serves Tofu, I'll definitely order it! I am a tofu lover! And I guess I'll have "Uric Acid" when I'm older! *knocks on wood* I love how different this tastes compared to other restaurants. You have the choice of Beef or Pork. This dish, we chose Beef. Iron dude! Iron for the body! lol



All Meat Fried Rice
Php178.00 (approx $3.50)

The name didn't live up to my expectation. The rice tastes wonderful though but I'm not showered with MEAT. It's a huge serving though great to be shared by 3-4 ladies! Great to be shared by 1-2 MEN lol



Beef Tepan
for Php358.00 (approx 7.20)

Juicy beef! Love the vegetables too! We had 2 orders ot his! 'nuff said!



Tonkatsu with Curry Sauce
Php238.00 (approx $5.20)

You have a choice of 2 sauce.
I can't remember the other one
But curry blocked my memory coz I love curry!




I forgot to take a shot of their Iced Tea
They have 3 choices. Sumo Sam has 2, not sure if they added the 3rd one already.

Red colored Tea - (has Calamansi - local Lime)
Green colored Tea (has Lime)
Blue colored Tea (Dalandan)

And here are the UST Goddesses lol All full!!!

Compared to Sumo-Sam,
John & Yoko is a bit more expensive and the food is cooked differently.
In my opinion, I love the taste of Sumo-sam better!
But John & Yoko isn't bad at all!

I've bombared everyone with all those food shots! LOL Sorry!
But this weekend, I also got a gift delivered straight to my doorstep from a reader and a nail art lover now a MMU addict, Ms. Nancy! She's the one who gave me my acetone dispenser!

Thank you Nancy! Now I have more MMU foundation choice to test on! And thanks for the cute cake!

ELF Light,
Revlon Medium Light
Blusche Columbian,
Philosophy Natural
and a cute cake

Thanks Nancy!
Have a great weekend everyone!

Askmewhats Reviews: Coastal Scents Brushes

Good day everyone! Today is a happy mood for me coz it's Saturay!!!!!!! Christmas is near and time flies super duper fast I can't seem to keep track!

My brother, whom I visited last October in Shanghai, will be coming home for Christmas! I'm so excited to see him again!

Anyways, let's get back to beauty related issues ! :D

After the post on my CS Hauls, a lot of my dear readers asked me about their brushes, so here we go! A review from yours truly!

First brush
the Pink Oval Fluff Shadow Brush

Coastal Scents says ----

This brush measures end to end 6", has a brushed nickel ferrule with pink pearl painted handle.
Hairs measure 1/2" x 1/2 " Sable Hair

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• it's PINK! lol
• super affordable
• does not shed
• no bleeding
• packs on colors amazingly
• perfect for people with small lids
  

Cons

• if you're not a Pink lover, this is a CON
• the ferrule looks a bit cheap (but this brush is really cheap though lol can't complain)
• shipping is more expensive than the brush itself
• for people who are used to more expensive brushes, this could be a bit prickly (but very minimal, you wouldn't notice much)
  

Overall

I find this brush to be a very good brush especially for people starting up on make-up. It's super affordable and it does not shed! It doesn't lose it's shape no matter how rough I was in cleaning this the first week!

This is a very good brush to play eye make up with. If you can buy back ups, go ahead! :) worth it


Tips

• newly purchased brush should always be washed first before using.

Will I repurchase?

Yes, I'm waiting for the next sale from Coastal Scents

Where can you purchase and how much?

Coastal Scents website for $1.69 (approx Php90.00) + shipping (variable rate depending on how many your purchase)

Close up Shots

Hair is soft

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

Next brush to review is the Black Deluxe Shadow Brush

Coastal Scents says ----

If you love the Pink Deluxe Shadow then you will be just as happy with this one. I use the deluxe when applying shadow on my lower lid, it packs in the powder and offers an even application.

Shiny black ferrule and wooden handle
Top of hairs to bottom handle - 6 inches
5/8 inch hair span, made of sable

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• very dense
• picks up colors well
• no shedding
• perfect brush for highlighting the brows
• looks very pretty and professional
  

Cons

• if you plan to use this for eyeshadows: this is too huge!
• again, shipping is more expensive than the brush itself
  

Overall

Though I bought a couple of brush sets, I haven't seen such a big eye brush my whole life! This is perfect for brush collection. But if you are only starting up and needed some brush essentials, you can skip this as other brushes can do the same function as this brush.

Tips

• aside from highlighting the brows, I love to use this brush to contour my nose
• you can also use this brush to contour your cheeks then blend with a blush brush
  

Will I repurchase?

Maybe not anymore, as this brush isn't as versatile as the Pink Oval Fluff Shadow Brush. One in my collection is enough :) I am not greedy hehehe

Where can you purchase and how much?

Coastal Scents website for $2.49 (approx Php125.00) + shipping (variable rate depending on how many your purchase)

Close up Shot
As you can see, the brush hairs do not move much,
Very dense

I hope my review is helpful! I haven't had the chance to try on the Coastal Scents' bestselling brushes, The Badger Brushes. I think I will give brushes a skip. I will only purchase a new brush if I don't see it in my collection :)

Anyways, some of you are intrigued with the Coastal Scents' White Angled Liner Brush. I've just started to use this recently, as I have my own Eyeliner brush and I bought this for back up, but since this White Angled Liner brush causes a bit of a stir of interest to my readers, I washed this, and have been using this for 3 days straight! Reviews will be coming up soon!!! So please be patient.

And before I go, here's the close up shot of the White Angled Liner Brush for reference! Yes, the tip is not pointed but if you dip this brush on your gel liner, it sharpen a bit :)

Found my review helpful?
Give me a hug! :)
Have a great weekend everyone!
and stay safe with Christmas Shopping! :D

I Can Feel Christmas!!!

This is first in my lifetime to have received all packages in one single day!!!
Work is stressful,
Traffic is crazy!
And it takes me way longer time to go home!
I am starting to feel like a Grinch!

But the Grinch in me died down when I saw what I got when I got home! It's not even the gift that I'm looking into, it's the fact that people I haven't met sends me Christmas Greetings and Gifts! I am really touched!

My dear friend Toma, after winning so many times on her blog, became a good "blogger" friend of mine sends me a lovely Christmas card! I am so envious of her personalized Christmas Card!!! Fantabulous!

A lovely friend from Japan Yumeko, whom I originally thought a Filipina, (don't ask me why I thought of that), sent me a nice gift as well. She's the best ninja ever! I love her "stolen" shots of a beauty store!

She gave me a very cute Hello Kitty Face Blotting Sheets and Trio Eyeshadow :)

Tine of Beautyholics Anonymous , spoils me as well.

Eeeekkkk!!!!!
More prettifying products!!!!

Lancome Lipstick in Soho Red! (ooohh she wants me in red lippie!)
Burt's Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion
Maybelline Express Finish Advance Wear Nail Polish
Samples from L'occitane
BB Cream samples!!! (she knew I wanted to try these so badly!!!)
Skin Food Aloe Sun BB Cream and Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream #21

And here's a swatch on the red lippie!
It's not too dark, I like it! :)

I also got a surprise from a lovely reader! Joyce, she's so sweet! I've never met her or seen her my whole life! She emailed me and we became email pals, I guess because of our same love for MMUs! I know she's super busy but it's sweet how she sends me gifts and told me she thought of me when she saw these stuffs!

She got me ---
Eyeko Fat Balm
Creed Spring Flower Oil
Marks & Spencer Bath Soap
Nail Art Stickers from Anna Sui
e/s and blush samples from Adorned with Grace minerals
e/s and blush samples from Meow Cosmetics
and the best of all?
The super touching note!!!
Thank you!!!

Aside from all those overwhelming gifts! I've also received my first order of BB cream. I know I'm late, I know I don't need it that much, but I got intrigued, and I can't stop thinking about it! LOL So I gave in. I bought BRTC Cover BB cream on ebay for $22.00 (with shipping) straight from Korea! :) I got Dr. Jart's toner as freebie too! :)

I just can't believe how small the BB cream is....
Well it's good, coz I just wanted to "try" it right?
I just hope I don't get addicted! :D

Definitely a lot of reviews coming up! :)
Thanks again for all the wonderful surprises!
I feel so loved!!!
I love you all too!!!!
(now that feels like showbiz...tsk tsk tsk)
But I really do love you all!!!
to each and every single reader who visits my blog...
Thank you!

Reader's Corner: "More Questions Answered"

(Note from Author: I'm in no way advertising any of the products mentioned)

Hey gorgeous ladies!

I will dedicate today's post to some reader's queries that I have answered personally but I thought of sharing to everyone as they are all good and valid queries and the best part? Everyone can share their 2 cents.

Question ---

What other powder foundation can you recommend that has good coverage?

Askmewhats Answers ---

Everybody knows my love for Paul & Joe Dual Powder Foundation (Php2,125 approx $43.00), and of course, not everyone can afford it. I've come up with powder foundation I've tried that works just as good and of course, the cheaper the better! LOL

1. MAC Studio Fix Foundation (Php1,500 approx $30.00)

The ultimate favorite powder foundation of a lot of people out there! This is still a bit pricey to some, but I have to include this as I've used this. What I love about the MAC SF Foundation is the coverage! This is a powder foundation that has a very good coverage!

2.The Face Shop Dewy flower Soft Touch Pressed Powder Foundation (less than Php800 or $16)

I've used this twice, the reason why I moved on to other foundation because my skin got used to this, but it works well on me!

3. The Face Shop Span Clear Matte Compact Powder (less than Php800 or $16.00)

I haven't really finished a whole compact, but a friend has been using it and I have tested it on her and tested on hand and it has a very light finish, nothing too heavy! Medium coverage.

4. Cover Girl Advanced Radiance Age Defying Compact Foundation (approx Php800 or $16.00)

I included this due to its superb coverage, but it's not a Powder Foundation but a cream foundation. I included it here as it's a cream-to-powder finish and it works really good for dry skin.

5. Pond's Pressed Powder (less than Php200 or $4.00)

This is actually my first pressed powder ever! Brings me back to college years! lol This is a pressed powder, doesn't have a lot of coverage, but if you're on a budget and you're looking for a nice "matte look", go for this! You need to do a couple of times of retouching, but the price is very affordable

6. ELF Clarifying Powder (approx Php130 approx $2.50) <-- no, it's not $1! darn! My mom loves this, this does not have a lot of coverage, I call this the retouching powder! Very affordable!


Question:

I tried to clean my brush with a "homemade brush cleanser" and I saw spots of black color every time I wipe it. Is it normal?

Askmewhats Answers ---

It is normal for brushes to bleed, but it's not normal for a brush to keep on bleeding after several usage. Always remember to wash your brushes before use. I personally love Johnson's baby shampoo as it's gentle on my brush hairs but tough on dirt! Some brushes, especially the synthetic ones are dyed, so washing it will remove the dyes, wash your brushes until the water runs clear, making sure your brushes are clean before it touches your face.


Question:

What's the best foundation for oily skin?

Askmewhats Answers ---

For me, it is difficult to pinpoint the "best" foundation for oily skin, as if we all found that, everyone would purchase it and they'll be no oilies in the world :D

If you have oily skin and you have to put on make-up, make-up primers are really vital, so you can choose to use a primer (could be Smashbox Photo Finish, Monistat Chaffing Gel, Mineral primers, Bare Escentuals Prime Time etc...)

If you don't want to spend money on primers, make sure to buy foundation that's good for "oily skin". I strongly recommend everyone to ---

• go up to make-up counters
• talk to the Beauty advisers and tell them your skin concern.
• whatever they recommend to you, ask them to apply it all over your face. YES all over your face, NOT just the neck area.
  
• do not be scared to walk away and have it literally road tested while you do your shopping.
  
• check if you have some itchiness, or redness. If there's none, and make-up stays intact, go ahead and purchase it!

Do not pack on so much foundation as it could clog your pores and lead to bad looking skin!

Question:

Does Citre Shine Fresh Fusion hair serum works for you?

Askmewhats Answers ---

As seen on my previous post, the Citre Shine Fresh Fusion shampoo and conditioner is a miss for me, a reader asked if the hair serum works for me? Yes it does! I'm almost done with the serum and I like it that it keeps my hair fresh smelling and really soft!

Question:

Is the Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Skin Relief good for combination skin?

Askmewhats Answers ---

In my opinion, yes. I have combination skin on some days, and so far, this works well for me. I usually apply a thin layer of the moisturizer all over my face, then additional layer on the dry area like the side of my nose, and chin area.

Question:

What's the use of the Silica Powder you purchased at Coastal Scents? (referring to my haul here)

Askmewhats Answers ---

Make Up Forever came up with a new product called the High Definition Microfinish Powder. It's supposed to set the foundation and slightly mattifies the skin without changing the skin's natural contours. It softens the appearance of imperfection (which makes everyone go crazy and shell out money for this product).

The MUFE HD Microfinish powder is actually made of 100% Silica Mineral, in which, made all the smart beauty bloggers out there to easily find for a cheaper alternative, and the love for Silica powder was born!

I am currently using this product and will give out a more in-depth review on this. But if you're intrigued you can check out the swatch I've done on my hand the moment I receive this, click the photo to enlarge and you can see that the area applied with Silica powder blurrs out the line on my hand.

Question:

Do you pluck your own brows, thread, or shave?

Askmewhats Answers ---

Good question. I actually do all those! Not at the same time though! lol
Short background about my brows, I've got really thick brows with thick stubby hairs, one plucking mistake would be a mess and would lead to a bad brow week.
I have my brows professionally threaded once a month or once every 5 weeks. As I literally have red spots and scar because the skin around my brow area is super sensitive.
On some days, I have it professionally shaven, and I do the plucking on my own for those "growths" in between.

I still have a couple of queries regarding the Coastal Scents eye brushes I've purchased, I will do a proper review on the brushes soon! Give me some time to use them! Thanks for the queries! Hope I was able to satisfy you with answers! Great day!!!