Askmewhats Reviews: Charm Duo Fiber Brush

Thanks everyone for the New Years greeting!!! I had a great New Year with my family!!! We of course went out to have lunch then we are planning to go to Tagaytay this afternoon!!! I love the cold weather and I can't wait to go "up" there to feel the breeze! Manila is quite polluted so my lungs would thank me! :)

Anyways, I'll start with what I love doing best...Product Reviews! When I received this Charm Duo Fiber Brush from Sophie, I've got a lot of readers asking me about this and how it compares to the original MAC187 brush.

Charm Duo Fiber Brush says ---

Our bestseller brush, reminiscent of MAC 187, this dual fiber brush is great for applying blushes (picking up pigments is great!), setting powder, and even foundation for that ultimate, airbrushed finish.


Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• almost no shedding, I think for 10x I've washed it, it sheds once
• way cheaper than MAC 187
• very soft bristles
• it's PINK!
• can pick up powder foundation/blush/finishing powders better than MAC 187
  

Cons

• the MAC187 creates a MORE airbrushed look compared to Charm if you use liquid foundation
• if you don't like pink ---- THIS IS PINK! lol

Overall

One reason people who has found dupes for MAC187 still purchases the MAC187 is because we really wanted to compare how good our dupe is with the original. In my case, I got the original first before I got the dupes. Why? Because I wanted more MAC187 and that ain't possible as MAC is quite expensive. I use the original MAC187 for liquid foundation and the CHARM Duo Fiber brush to pick up blushes and finishing powders! I can't even choose my favorite as both are useful!

Tips

• always wash your brush before using
• Charm Duo Fiber brush can be used for cream blushes too, gives out a naturally flushed look :) So pretty
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes!

Where can you purchase and how much?

At Beauty & Minerals website for Php850.00 (approx $18.00)

Now let me show you the specs

The Charm Duo Fiber Brush is made of synthetic hair
The white portion is best to pick up liquid / cream foundation/blushes

The Charm brush looks a tiny bit shorter than MAC because of the HANDLE
Handle of Charm is 1 cm shorter than MAC
The ferrule and the hair length are both the same



As seen on photo below

Charm hair are shinier because it's made of synthetic hairs
while the MAC 187 is mixed
(the white portion is synthetic while the black portion is animal hair)

What's the difference between these 2?
L- Charm R- MAC

HAIR ---

The hair of the MAC187 is more scattered as compared to CHARM which in my opinion gives out a more airbrushed look as compared to CHARM. But the difference is too minimal and you can see it ONLY if you look CLOSELY.

SOFTNESS ---

Touch test, MAC brush is softer than CHARM but when you use it on your face, you can't tell the difference as both are soft.

LIQUID FOUNDATION ---

Both gives out airbrushed look, very clean and foundation application is cut in half for both! Again MAC gives out a more "airbrushed" look as compared to CHARM but not too obvious.

POWDER FOUNDATION and POWDER BLUSHES ---

CHARM works better for powdered make-up due to the brushes are closer to each other which makes it easier to pick up the pigments. MAC can work well on powdered make-up but it will be very light.

CREAM FOUNDATION and BLUSHES ---

Both works well.

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I personally haven't tried a lot of Duo Fiber Brush/Stippling brush dupes. But if you are on the budget, I strongly suggest to buy the CHARM one as it works just as well.

If you have the extra cash, it is great to have MAC187 as applying liquid foundation with it definitely is a breeze and the effect is definitely worth it :)

In my case, I am happy to have both!!! I use them almost everyday!
Hope you find this review and comparison helpful!
Stay happy!!!

Check out MAC187 Stippling Brush Review

Happy 2009!!!

The year 2008 has treated me well!!!

• I started cutting people's hair
• I pursued my love for make-up and start painting people's faces
• I got married Oct 2007 and 2008 is a well-adjusted year for me!
• I've bought most of the stuffs I've been lemming for the past years!
• I've finally done nail art and have created a lot of nail art designs (they may not be the greatest but it is a big achievement for me especially DRAWING is my waterloo)
  
• No matter how stressful work is, I've got colleagues, who are always there to listen to my complaints!
• I had the chance to travel with my family and my husband's family (who said life ain't fair? We can make it fair!)
• No matter how busy I am, I still have "US" time with my hubby which strengthen our relationship!
• there's so much more that I can think of, but the most memorable event for year 2008 was when I started to sign up for a blogger account and START BLOGGING...I've met so many wonderful friends both online and offline! Making friends really knows no boundaries!!! A great experience worth remembering!!!
  

So many good things happened to me and I must be good to have deserved all these! I know 2009 will be another great year for me, my friends, my hubby and my family!

I wish everyone a great year!
I'm sure the path won't be an easy one!
But with our friends, family and loved ones beside us to hold our hands...
Everything is possible!
And don't forget to start the year 2009 with a big SMILE!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Askmewhats Version: Just another "Bridal" Look

When I had my one-on-one make-up lesson with the Chief Make-up Artist of P&J Ms. Cherry Pacheco Uy, the first request look I've asked from her is Bridal look. I know bridal look is one of the most difficult look a make-up artist have to do as it requires flawless skin that looks so natural yet a "glow" should be created for the Bride's most important day of her life. Plus that fact that everything has to be waterproof! LOL

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Did you know?

I cried while walking down the aisle? The moment the door of the church opened, I looked at Keith, then to my parents, then I saw my mom crying! LOL There you go! Poise --- GONE! lol But thank God for waterproof make-up, I know how important that is!!!

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A reader requested me to do a bridal look, I have to apologize as I didn't complete all the "Bridal" Look requirements, I've only used Mineral Foundation as I came back from work and putting on liquid foundation on my "already made up" face felt weird. But, because I love you my dear reader who requested this look, I've done this before the year ends. Congratulations in advance and I hope you have a great wedding next year!

Here's my finished eye look



Diagram time!

1. Cover Girl Eye Enhancers Barely Beige - swept all over the crease

2. Lancome Maquiriche Eyecolor Duo Matte Brown color - out V corner to deepen the crease.

For bridal look, try to use matte colors as glittery shadows will not show up good on photos.

3. Bourjois Beige Rose - to highlight the brow bone and inner corner of the eye.

Choose any beige color but make sure not the shimmy ones.

Other products used not on diagram ---

FACE

BRTC Cover BB Cream Ellana Premium Foundation in French Vanilla
(thanks Shen love this!)

For the EYES


Make up Forever Concealer Palette no. 5
1st - the weird orange color under the eye area
2nd - covered a layer of lightest concealer on top of the weird orange color


Cover Girl Lash Blast in Black
Paul & Joe Duo Crayon in Black
Stila Smudgepots in Black using CS White Angled Liner brush

More products


Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
NYX Round Lipstick in Georgia
MAC Sculpt and Shape duo in Shadester to contour

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Final look

Eyes closed
Yes, I've used a natural looking falsies!

I'm ready to walk down the aisle?
Nah..lol Been there done that!

I hope you enjoyed the simple Bridal Look!

New Years eve!!!
Just so you know, fireworks gets crazy down here!
Time to put coins in my pocket and jump around like a crazy monkey!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Askmewhats Reviews: Kerastase Noctogenist Serum

Almost everyone working in the Philippines are on their Holidays! Sad to say, I work in a company that DO not follow Philippine Holidays! So I'm at work Dec 26th, Dec 29th and Dec 30th! NERD! lol

Anyways, everyone knows aside from make up, I'm also a Hair Product Geek! I love hair products that can promise smooth, shiny, silky hair! LOL Don't we all wish it?

I've been eyeing Kerastase products for the LONGEST time, what's stopping me is the price! LOL I find it really hard to shell out Php2,000 (approx $43.00) worth of ONE single hair product.

I am lucky that a contact have this product sold for half the price! I guess she's got the means! Definitely original! The lady works in a magazine company, the reason for the freebies and the reason for selling it to me at an affordable price!!! :)

The Looks

125ML tube

Kerastase says ---

For the first time, Kérastase offers total overnight care for your hair. Your hair needs to be looked after 24 hours a day to be in fantastic condition, during the day, humidity, sunlight and city living can be damaging to the hair and can cause it to lose essential moisture. Noctogenist deeply nourishes hair throughout the night, so you wake up with revived hair that is in optimal condition.

Technology

• Amino Acid
• Vitamin E Derivative
• Silk Protein

Benefits

• Renews hair with softness and shine and adds suppleness and manageability.
• Protects hair from daytime aggressors.
• Nourish hair all night long
• Replenish and moisturize hair whilst you sleep.
• Awaken to beautifully radiant, replenished hair

Application

Before going to bed, massage through dry or towel-dried hair. Do not rinse. Ingredients are absorbed by the hair during the night, leaving no residue. In the morning, style as usual.


Askmewhats says --- Pros

• smells great
• leaves my hair tangle free the next day, even if I shampoo my hair again in the morning
• hair is soft to the touch, hair doesn't feel weighed down
• hair is easier to comb
• you don't need a lot, just a dime size

Cons

• pricey, BUT the 125ml tube lasts long as you use only small amount
• for lazy people: this is a CON lol
• I don't see the shine that the product promises

Overall

The Kerastase Noctogenist serum is actually an overnight serum for thick hair, I don't have thick hair and so far, it works for me. They have another one for fine hair that is a spray on formula (never tried this)
Now, I understand why most hair salon offers hair treatment using this brand, as this product does deliver and come to think of it, even if its expensive, I don't need to pay a lot to go to the salon just for ONE treatment. One tube can last me more than 3 months for sure!

Tips

• apply this from mid shaft of the hair down to the root area, avoiding the scalp
• massage the product on your hair
• slowly comb through your hair for the product to be evenly distributed
• apply this on dry hair
• you don't have to use this every night, you can do this 3-4 times a week

Will I repurchase?

Yes

Where can you purchase and how much?

Any salon here in the Philippines (ex. David's, Jessie Mendez, Bench Fix, etc...)
Costs Php1,500++ (approx $32.00)

Oh yeah, I had the chance to meet up with blogger Anne from Yummiebitez
She came to the Philippines to visit her relatives and she spared time for us Filipina bloggers!
It was great to finally see her in person!!!
She's really cute and pretty!
Pictures will be up soon...
well depends on how soon my fellow bloggers post theirs and I'll just nick it from them
LOL :)

Weekend Food Tripping at: Sizzlin' Pepper Steak + Iceberg

Before I start collecting my thoughts on what to say....this is a FULL BLOWN food fest with dessert photos!!! Well, it's the season to be Jolly, it's the season to be FATSO! :P

Falalala FAT FAT FAT FAT...LOL *dances around*

Weekend gluttony! But all photos below are eaten by more than 5 individuals so don't point fingers at me about wastage...all food below are finished up!

We went to the Trinoma mall and it was packed with people, people shop like they're all MILLIONAIRES! lol I wish I can do that too but we went to Trinoma to eat!

A lot of people have been raving about the Sizzlin' Pepper Steak and this is the season to taste their sizzlin' plates. Let's see if it does sizzle my 5 sensory nerves! :P

Here's their huge Menu outside


Free Kani Salad because bro is a Standard Chartered Credit Card user
Always check for promotions from Credit card companies


I don't have the receipt with me right now but all sizzlin' plates photos below costs approx Php235.00-250.00 (approx $5-6) per plate without rice
Additional rice costs Php35.oo (less than $1.00)

First stop My Hamburg with gravy sauce



Hamburg with Katsudon
(with gravy on the side)


Hamburg with Tempura

Hamburg with Crispy Chicken



Hamburg with Fried Fish

After full lunch, brother who came back for the Christmas holidays, is craving for Halo-Halo. What is a Halo-Halo?

Halo-halo (from "halo" = mix) is a favorite Filipino dessert or snack. It is basically a mixture of sweet preserved beans(red beans, chick peas), coconut meat (macapuno), jackfruit (langka), pounded dried rice (pinipig), sweet yam (ube), cream flan (leche flan), shreds of sweetened plantain (saba), filled with crushed ice, milk (or coconut milk) and topped with ice cream. The halo-halo basically is sweet, creamy, and a filling dessert. (source: here)

One of the best place to eat Halo-Halo is called Iceberg. Iceberg started with so many branches in the Philippines, but they closed down most of them. After a couple of years, they were able to add up to their menu and serve not only Halo-Halo but dishes and ice cream sundaes. Variety is a key if you plan to open any food chain here in the Philippines. (I guess same with other countries)

Hubby and I are still full from the lunch
We decided to share a Strawberry Shake

Php118.00 (approx $2.50)

Super Halo-Halo Regular halo-halo ingredients plus scoops of ice cream!

Php94.00 (approx $2.00)



Mango Con Hielo Mango ice cream with real mangoes with milk and crushed ice Php110.00 (approx $2.30)




Strawberry Mango Con Hielo Real Mangoes and Strawberries plus Strawberry Ice cream on top of crushed ice with milk Php125.00 (approx 2.70)

If you plan to visit the Philippines, definitely have yourself a Halo-halo! A hot sizzlin' plate dish is perfect for our friends who are cold at the moment, Cold dessert like Halo-halo are perfect for our friends who are in a tropical country like us :) What are you eating at the moment? Smile and stay pretty!