Askmewhats Reviews: Ellana Foundation

Thanks to my blogger friends for helping me out post my Askmewhats Seminar for a Cause on their blogs!! A lot of you emailed me personally and messaged me to offer for help (you know who you are). Thank you so much, I feel like I am so loved and supported, I am sure Judith and her family will feel the love too. THANK YOU again and hugs to everyone. I will definitely update everyone!!!!!!!

Now, back to business :D

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Some of my readers ask me what foundation I use, I have to admit...
I am not LOYAL!!!
ONLY to make-up ok?? hahaha

I am variable-foundation user depending on my mood. I am almost done with my MAC studio fix foundation, I am still thinking at the moment if I should repurchase...Should I?

Anyways, I am not in a hurry with my decision making as I got MMU foundies to help save the day! And with those lovely samples I get and with "less is more",I still have a lot of products to use before I start thinking of purchasing ...again! :D

Lovely blogger friend Shen gave me samples for Ellana Foundation. I am excited to give this a try as I saw her personally and commented on how good her skin looks and she told me it's not her skin but the Ellana Foundation!!! I have to try this!!!

Personal Opinion ---

I can't help but reach for this foundation every morning!!! UH OH. And I got full sized pot of Joppa Mineral Foundation!!! How in the world can this happen????? I smell trouble *sniff sniff*

Ellana Minerals says ---

Ellana Mineral Foundation offers superior coverage, effectively covering and reducing dark spots, acne, fins lines, wrinkles, and other imperfections with Zinc Oxide and Allantoin, making your skin instantly flawless with an illuminating glow.

It contains Allantoin for cell regeneration and moisturizing properties.

It glides on your skin like silk, never gritty or sticky. It is easy to blend, providing an incredibly velvety finish.

Our exclusive foundation blends is formulated with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to provide natural sun protection and the long lasting coverage you need throughout the day. It sets up as a base for your eye shadow and blusher to help them glide on more evenly.

2 Variants ---

Premium Blend: Provides Matte Finish
Glow Enhancer Blend: Provides Satin Sheen

Askmewhats says---

Pros

• stays the whole day, super minimal retouching, the least retouching out of all my MMU foundies (in my case, I am dry skin)
• very good coverage, I almost do not need a concealer
• gives out a clean matte look (sorry but I love matte)
  
• no allergies or breakouts for me
• it's locally made! Yay for Pinoys!
  

Cons

• international readers: It's locally made! (Check out if they ship internationally though)
  
• again, just like most cons for me for MMUs, it's messy!
  

Overall

I am surprised as I've already set my mind on Joppa minerals as my HG MMU. I actually stopped purchasing mineral foundation for the time being as I wanted to use up those samples I have and really look for my favorite. When I received these samples from Shen, I told myself it will just be the same MMU foundation that I've tried in the past as I already put up a pedestal for my Joppa Mineral foundation.

I am wrong!

The Ellana Foundation I got in French Vanilla is the perfect color for me and I love how smoothly it goes onto my skin. Now I am still deciding if I should put Joppa on 2nd and Ellana for first....don't take my word for it yet, I have to test further!!!

But yeah, I am really reaching for this MORE than ANY of my MMU foundies!!! This is LOVE!

Tips

• apply minimally, then work your way to apply more if needed
• always check if there are reactions to your skin, eventhough these are minerals, it can still cause allergies!
• if you have combination skin, apply extra moisturizer on "dry areas" and apply thinly on the oily parts
• perfect if you use a kabuki brush or flat top brush to apply MMU foundation.
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes!

Where can you purchase and how much?

Available at Shen's Minerals website.

Price per size ---
1 g = Php100 (approx $2.00)
2.5g = Php190 (approx $3.80)
6 g = Php420 (approx $8.40)

Here's how Ellana Foundation in French Vanilla
looks when I pat it on my hand
Unblended!

I got 2 samples ---

Ellana Almond Latte: is medium to light with cool undertones
Ellana French Vanilla Latte: is light with gold undertones

No wonder French Vanilla works on me,
my skin tone is light with golden undertone.
I know I've got friends out there who are still hunting for their mineral foundation!
How's the search?
? Have you found THE BEST one for you?
Let me know :)
Stay Happy!

Please check out:
Askmewhats Seminar for a Cause

Askmewhats Seminar for a Cause

Dear Philippine Readers:

Yours truly will be holding a 3 hours make-up seminar to a limited number of slots. (details below)

Why?
My high school friend, Kerby, who's sister Judith suffers from Leukemia, she's undergoing Chemotherapy and my friend is the one who takes care of her. They already spent so much for the treatment and the group of friends (us) already sent a couple of emails and messages to others to help our friend Kerby.

We've got positive responses, but last night, I got a text from Kerby himself, thanking us for the help, and told us that his sister was in the hospital since December 23, yes they spent Christmas and New years in the hospital. He messaged all of his friends to let us know that his mom is selling off watches and some jewelries to help out with the finances.

I felt bad...I wanted to help... and just right on asking money won't be right...I have to do something... with a lot of thinking, and eating LOL (joking aside)

Askmewhats Seminar for a Cause was born!
(note from author: ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE GIVEN TO JUDITH'S FAMILY)

**please click to enlarge

(Thanks to my friend Sophia for the flyer! :D)

When: January 31, 2009
Time: 1:30pm-4:30pm
Fee: Php1,500/head (snacks will be provided)
Where: 2107 21st Floor One San Miguel Bldg, San Miguel Ave. Ortigas Pasig City
For Inquiries and Reservations: email ntiu1027@gmail.com

Thanks and please help me spread the word!
God bless!!!
Stay Happy!

Askmewhats Version: "Green + Plum" Look

Oye Oye!!!
Good morning everyone!!!
First day of work for the year 2009 was crazy! I was super busy yesterday but that didn't stop me from playing with make-up!!! Call me hardworking? You bet!!! I'm the type to "go crazy" if I do nothing! And I always complain I'm tired..tsk tsk tsk

Here's the look I created! I enjoyed blending colors and try on different combinations, because...it makes me happy! :D

Here's the final look I've created! Like it? Read on :D

Diagram for everyone on the products I've used

Step 1:

I applied MAC Painterly over eyelid as base. Apply the apple green color from CS 78pcs Palette to the inner corner of the eye and the lower lashline. (Thanks Digital Angel for this palette!)

Step 2:

Apply ULTA's Plum Noir e/s on the center of your crease using a patting motion. (thanks Toma, love this color!)

Step 3:

Apply Protest e/s from the Urban Decay Book of Shadows on the outer V and blend blend blend! (Gracie, I do love this palette so much!)

Step 4:

Apply Bourjois Beige Rose all over the brow bone area to highlight. (thanks Malaysian friend for this, you know who you are!)

Result

Eyes closed
The plum in the center was applied lightly with patting motion

Other products used not shown on diagram ---

The Body Shop Mineral Foundation no. 2
(applied using EDM Flat Top Brush)
Make up Forever Concealer Palette no. 5


Coastal Scents 78pcs palette blush


Stila Smudgepots in Black using CS White Angled Liner brush
Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero for waterline
Paul & Joe Curly Mascara in Black
Shu Uemura Eyelash curler

MAC Lip liner in Gingerroot
In2It lipgloss COSO6


Hubby gave me Mauna Loa Macadamia Chocolates!
I can smell the chocolate even when box is sealed!!!!

Thank you dearie!
I worked hard! I deserve this!
TEE HEE HEE!!!
(perks to be a model lol)

Make-up is definitely like a box of Macadamia Chocolates!
It makes you happy...
it's Orgasmic! lol
Have a great day!!
Stay Happy!!!

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!