Askmewhats Reviews: Kiehl's LipBalm SPF15

One part of my face that I really take care of. Are my lips.
I've been complaining on how dry they get, how easy I get to have windburn on a tropical country (weird), how easily I can get from normal lips to a lips of Angelina Jolie multiplied by 3! LOL How easy it gets to be discolored at times!

The list of complaints will go on, so what a girl to do? Take some action! I have been mum about my lips when I started using my Kiehl's No. 1 Lip Balm, the original formula, this product has both raves and rants. In my opinion, I love it, it works for me! I've finished 1 tube and now on my 2nd tube. I haven't formally done a review on it because I wanted to review something FIRST.

The Kiehl's LpBalm SPF15
*you don't feel the lovin' on my tone* lol

Here's my Lip Balm in Hue 58B

Kiehl's says ---

• Helps protect against sunburn
• Relieves chapped lips
• Hue 30G is a light golden color with peach tones, similar to our Golden Berry Lip Gloss
• Hue 58B is a sheer lip gloss with cooler red tones, similar to our Black Raspberry Lip Gloss
• Not tested on animals

Temporarily protects and helps relieve chapped or cracked lips. Helps protect lips from the drying effects of wind and cold weather. SPF15 sunscreen provides UVA and UVB protection.


Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• the tint is pretty on lips, looks natural
• easy-to-squeeze tube, you can get the product easily
• not tested on animals! :)
• has SPF15
  

Cons

• ugly tip, there's something weird with the way they made the "applicator". No matter how OC I am in wiping the tube and the cap itself, every time I open to cap, it looks like THIS (photo below)....and no, it's not just sitting inside my bag, it's inside my make-up pouch and cap sealed tight all the time.

• my chapped lips aren't relieved at all
• the tint is gone in less than an hour

Overall

The first time I tested the color, I've wanted this so much and it made me want it more when I learn that it was out-of-stock!

OUT-OF-STOCK = GREAT PRODUCT

WRONG!!!

On my most recent HK trip, I visited Kiehl's and imagine the excitement I have when I saw this color available. Good thing I didn't hoard and bought only 1!

I love Kiehl's No. 1 Lip balm so much that I can't believe I won't give the same lovin' to the Lip Balm SPF version. What I love about Kiehl's is the "no animal testing" and the simple and straight to the point packaging.

I know a lot of users rant about the bad packaging of the Original Kiehl's (photo below) because it's unhygienic, and with SPF version, they came out with a different applicator...I was thanking the heavens, but I got excited too early!

It still doesn't workout the way I wanted them to be....

What's wrong Kiehl's? Vaseline has great tube packaging for the lip products! I am just wondering....I really am...

Tips

• always wipe the tube after use especially if you apply the balm directly onto your lips.
• if you own the Kiehl's LipBalm SPF15, apply this over the lips, then top with a lipstick RIGHT AWAY, gives out a smooth base.

Will I repurchase?

No

Where can you purchase and how much?

I purchased mine at Kiehl's HK, there's only one Kiehl's store in the Philippines and they are located at Greenbelt 5. This Lip Balm SPF15 costs around Php700++ (approx $ 14.00). Sorry I asked the price 2 years ago so I can't remember the exact amount.

Here's how Hue58B looks on my lovely chapped lips! lol
Fresh application looks really pretty noh?

Do you own a Kiehl's LipBalm SPF15?
Does it work for you? I hope so!
There are some products that I try to love!
I did my best trying for 3 months! lol
Have a great week ahead!
It's Monday! Accck back to work after the holidays!
I'll keep on smiling! lol
Stay Happy everyone!

Weekend Food Tripping: at Aristocrat Restaurant and a Post X'mas Gift!

Christmas, New Years...
Definitely a lot of food tripping! :)
When it comes to BBQ, there's only one place that I really crave for!
Aristocrat Restaurant!

Aristocrat restaurant is known or it's Chicken BBQ, and a lot of other Filipino dishes. In my case, I love their Lumpiang Shanghai (Filipino Spring Rolls). Of course, I ate here with husband's family! So don't be shocked with all the food photo I have as you scroll down :)

My Favorite
Lumpiang Shanghai

Php234.00 (approx $4.90) for 9 pcs

This is my ultimate favorite, it smells a bit funky but it tastes heavenly,
I can eat like 3 of these!!!



Pork Spareribs with Java Rice
Whole order
Php303.00 (approx $7.00)

Not the fatty one or boney ones like most that I've tried



Aristocrat Pork Barbeque with Java Rice
Php150.00 (approx $3.20)

BBQ? Pork? On Stick? Need I say more?



Aristocrat Chicken Barbeque
Php195.00 (approx $4.00)

This is my ultimate favorite Chicken BBQ
The chicken is scrumptuous,
the JAVA sauce that goes with this tastes so good togethere
They're definitely Husband and Wife!



Boneless Chicken Barbeque
(for the lazies) lol
Php149.00 (approx $3.20)

If you are on a date and you still want your POISE
This is the best meal! LOL

Crispy Fish (forgot the name, sorry)
Forgot the price too :( Another sorry

You know why?
Coz it's Forgettable!

This looks super crunchy and yummy but it lacks marinate
I love the sauce though! I could drink it! hehehe



Last but not the least,
Gulaman Sago Drink!
Php55.00 (approx $1.25)

What is Gulaman Sago Drink?
(answer taken from Pinoy Recipe)

Sago’t Gulaman is a very popular refreshment. In restaurants it is served in a tall, footed glass, in neighborhood stores it is ladled into plastic cups and in street stands it is simply poured into plastic bags and provided with straw. It can be taken as an after-meal beverage-dessert, a snack or a drink to accompany another merienda item. Sago itself is also seen in Tahu, Ginataan and Ginumis while gulaman which is made from seaweed called agar-agar can be eaten as a gelatin dessert with or without fruits.




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Today has been super hectic for me. I did make-up for one who has an engagement and her mom! Photos will be up soon! :)

I also went home to visit my brother as he'll be flying back to Shanghai Monday *sadness* and I want to spend more time with him so I had lunch at home. I also went to Greenhills shopping center after months!!! There's still so many people!! I can't believe people still have money! LOL

When I got back home, I was surprised to see a package waiting for me. Why? Because it's Saturday, the postal office has been closed for a week for the Holidays, so I am not expecting anything.

It was a nice surprise as I am quite tired today. I got a post Christmas present from my friend Toma!

The card note is super sweet. I felt really touched that she took time to know the ULTA e/s shades I chose when I joined her monthly contest several months ago. I really love these shadows and I can't believe she sent me these.

Thank you so much for the lovely present and the lovely note :)

Cute Kitty Notebook
A cute oval magnetic frame
3 Ulta New formula e/s - Plum Noir, Galaxy and Calla Lily

Thanks for brightening my year!
Ooohhhh I'm going back to work on Monday :(
Take care everyone and I can't wait to keep 2009 rollin'!
More posts..more product reviews... and most of all...
More smiles!!!
God bless sistahs!

Askmewhats Reviews: Coastal Scents White Angled Liner Brush

Who wouldn't want to purchase a $2.19 (approx Php106.00) brush and it'll work and last you forever right?

I'm one of those! I have a HG gel liner brush but I'm still on the lookout for something "more". When I say more, I don't even know what I want more :) But reading a lot of raves about angled liner brush, especially the Sonia Kashuk one, I want one myself. But since I don't have access to purchase the Sonia Kashuk angled liner brush, I settled for the Coastal Scents one. First because it's cheaper, 2nd because they ship international.

I finally got it and has been using it for more than weeks. I poked my own eye many times, but for the love of my readers who would love to read reviews about this brush, I kept on poking...ehm... using the brush for me to be able to do a proper review :)

Read on :)

Here's the CS White Angled Liner brush. yes, it is very slim
The length of the brush itself from end to end is approx 6.75 inches
The brush hair is 5cm



Here's a close up shot of the brush hair
I knew it's not pointed as seen on the CS website

Coastal Scents Says ---

The hairs are precisoin cut; white taklon; formed in a solid fluid line without a tapered pointed end for a beautiful flat line.
Long slim line black handle with shiny metal ferrule.
7" in length

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• very cheap (if you are living in the US and shipping amount is not calculated)
• no hair fall
• easy to create a wing look with this brush as the brush hairs are too short, easy to control
• brush is firm
  

Cons

• after a good first application, when you dip the brush again on the gel liner, it creates a big blob of gel liner on the tip, which makes it harder for me to create a fine line for the 2nd time.

• expensive shipping
• the handle is too slim, I had a hard time holding it
  

Overall

If you are gel-lining your eyes for the first time, as read on reviews, a lot of people prefer this angled liner brush as the angled portion of the brush assists you in lining your eyes without having a hard time in making sure it matches with the other eye. I think I am so used to using my flat liner brush from Smashbox that I prefer going back to it than the angled one. I find that the fine brush will give me more chance to poke my eye than the flat liner brush.

Here's my HG gel lining brush from Smashbox :)

Same brush as the Coastal Scents
White Taklon

Tips

• always start with a thin line then slowly re-apply to get the line you desire
• try to wipe your brush before the next application to prevent the gel liner from thickening on the brush tip
• do not be in a hurry if you are applying gel liner, as this could seriously poke your eye lol (I am writing based on personal experience)
  

Will I repurchase?

No, this is enough :)

Where can you purchase and how much?

At the Coastal Scents website for $2.19 (shipping not included)

There is nothing fabulous or bad with this brush,
if you have the means to purchase it, why not?
It is inexpensive and it's a great brush for you to start up your collection!
Always try out different brushes when you line your eyes for you to know which ones work for you!
Enjoy eyeliner brush hunting :)
Let me know what your HG eyeliner brush is :)
Stay happy!

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!!!!