Reader's Corner: Q&A + Pressies

Lovely Friday!!!
I haven't been doing Q&A for awhile!
I hope you enjoy the questions and keep the questions coming!
I enjoy it every time I give answers and some readers would add up their 2 cents too!
LOVE IT!!!


Question

Hi Nikki! What cosmetic brands do you remember seeing at Duty Free?


Askmewhats Answers

I've obviously been "obvious" about buying some skincare products from The Duty Free Shop here in the Philippines. Let me list down the cosmetic brands I remember seeing, I'm sure I'll miss out some brands, but I'll do my best to juggle my memory...

• Pupa
• Smashbox
• Origins
• L'oreal
• Maybelline
• The Body Shop
• Clinique
• Elizabeth Arden
• Chanel
• Lancome
• Estee Lauder
• Shu Uemura
• etc... (not a brand lol)
  

There's definitely NO NARS or MAC.

Question

What is your favorite Paul & Joe foundation?

Askmewhats Answers

My favorite Paul & Joe foundation is definitely the P&J Dual Powder Foundation. I swear on this lovely powder foundation as the coverage is really good and it works well on anybody!

Question

Hi! I love your hair color! What particular color is that? Can you recommend a good brand of DIY hair dye? By the way, are you Chinese?

Askmewhats Answers

Thanks for loving my hair color. It's from the L'oreal Feria Line and the color is Frosty Beige. A good DIY brand for me is definitely L'oreal Feria as it doesn't dry my hair as much as other DIY brands. I'm sure there's a lot of good ones out there, but I've used more than 5 sets of L'oreal Feria already!

Yes, I am Chinese but I am born and raised in the Philippines. Fil Chi as they call it! :)

Question

Hi Nikki, I've once read an article from your blog about using a gold ring to test on cosmetics if they contain lead. I've tried doing this to my cosmetics and black streaks did occur. I've even tested it to my minerals and to my horror, the black streaks came out darker. I hope you can shed light to a lot of us who converted to mineral makeup because it's supposed to be safe.

Askmewhats Answers

Let me start off by saying I'm in NO WAY an expert on this one but I have done research and read a lot about these before I give my answers.

Mineral Make up as everyone knows started to make it's mark in the beauty industry due to it's being "all natural". While a lot of mineral make-up companies claim that, we should ALWAYS check the label for the list of ingredients as some of the mineral make up contains fragrance, coloring agents and chemicals that could break out your skin or you could be allergic to.

I've read a lot about the lead content on cosmetics a couple of years ago and I did the test myself by swatching the product on hand and rubbing a real gold on it. Having a black line meant the cosmetics have lead content. I was appalled as almost ALL brands of cosmetics I've tested came out positive on my own "test". Yes, there are some brands that has lesser streak of dark color, while others came out really strong. But is my way of testing legit?

Nobody confirmed if this is the legitimate way to test the lead content on cosmetics but I've read via research that most cosmetics do contain lead but it is regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), if the lead content exceeds the "safe level", it will be regarded as harmful and cannot be made available to the market.

With regards to the mineral cosmetics having lead content, there are some minerals that contain Bismuth Oxychloride, this is a mineral that gives a youthful "glow" to some mineral make up, this may claim natural, but this is a by-product of lead and iron processing and considered a skin irritant that can cause dryness, flaking, itching and rashes. This is an ingredient that some people may not have reactions to but a lot of people does and you may want to steer clear from this especially if you have sensitive skin.

A lot of mineral companies nowadays do not include this as part of the ingredient.

But the most important lesson is, before you purchase anything that you would want to put on your face, do a lot of research, read articles about the ingredients and always take note on how your skin reacts, if redness or itchiness occurs, do not take a blind turn, but chuck the product away!

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

Can you see just how cute they are??? I won this from Cosmetic-Candy's Christmas giveaways.

I'm lucky to have won the ff. ---

Mini Bourjois e/s nos. 60 and 68
Mini Bourjois Lipstick

and she added samples of ---

RMK Gel Scrub
Shu Uemura Phyto Black Life
Givenchy Skin Drik Soft Creme

Thank you!!!! Row, I enjoyed reading your blog with or without contests! :D

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

And the good day didn't end, I finally got my gift from my dear friend Beetrice! Girl! I know you sent it before Christmas but I guess this is an early Chinese New Year gift now! lol Here's what the lovely lady sent me!

Wow with the presentation!
just so you know Bee,
I kept the ribbon and I'll probably tie it on my hair!

What's inside?

1. Wooden mini-roller - she probably knows how stressed I am from work
2. Revlon Diamond Lust in Bedroom Bronze - awww she liked it and probably thought about me!
3. Maybelline Moisture Extreme in Cranberry Pink - girl! You are right it looks wonderful on my lips BUT, it looks wonderful on my mom-in-law as well, so if its ok with you? I gave it to her! :D Thank you from both of us!
4. Coca-cola lipbalm - you are right, this is a gift for Keith as he loves to drink cola! *winks*

Thanks to Row and Bee for the lovely gifts!
Every package day is definitely more than just packages,
they are love sent from different parts of the world
Thank you !!!

Happy Friday everyone!
Stay Happy!

Please check out ---
Askmewhats Seminar for a Cause

Askmewhats Reviews: The Body Shop Body Shimmer

Hello gorgeous-ness!!!! :D

Thursday is actually my next favorite day after Friday! LOL And I don't need to explain that don't I? *grins*

I haven't used everything that I received from The Body Shop, but I've started to use one of them the moment I received it, which one is it??? Hmm.... you have to read further to know! LOL

WHAT??? You don't want to know???

*drop down knees and beg* "Please don't leave me....."

Here's the cute Seasonal Body Butter Bonanza
3 Body Shimmer Butter packed in a acute gift box!

The gift box is definitely made from recyclable materials
and are environmental friendly. I am using it at the moment for my cosmetics brushes!

L-R Cranberry Shimmer, Vanilla Spice Shimmer and Warm Amber Shimmer

The Body Shop says ---

Description: What would the holidays be without a little indulgence? This festive trio of body butters is packed with Community Trade ingredients to moisturize skin for up to 24 hours.

Includes:

• 1.7 oz Cranberry Shimmer Body Butter
• 1.7 oz Vanilla Spice Shimmer Body Butter
• 1.7 oz Warm Amber Shimmer Body Butter
• Rejoice Reuse Recycle metallic canvas tray tied with a gold-colored ribbon

Best if you want to: Envelop your skin in an intensive cream that moisturizes and helps prevent dryness for up to 24 hours with a warm, rich scent.

Best for: all skin types

How it works:

• Fragrant amber extract provides an opulent, rich scent.
• Community Trade cocoa butter is an excellent moisturizer that melts at body temperature, while Community Trade shea butter protects and softens skin.
• Community Trade organic soy oil is rich in essential fatty acids to repair skin’s moisture barrier, while Community Trade sesame oil and Community Trade organic babassu oil moisturize and soften skin.

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• has a very nice hint of shimmer
  
• very creamy and rich, not oily
• scent stays for approximately half a day
  
• cute packaging
• packaging: I love the simplicity
  
• very moisturizing!
  

Cons

• if you're not into some of the scents included, it will be overpowering for you
• I haven't checked local Body Shop if they have Body Shimmers available (enlighten me!)
  

Overall

The only body butter I've tried from The Body Shop is their Mango Body Butter and their Almond Body Butter. What I love about The Body Shop is how creamy it is and it does help in hydrating and moisturizing my skin. Don't judge product buy it's size! Because the product is very creamy, just using a small amount can make your skin soft and supple! :)

My favorite out of the 3 is the Warm Amber scent. 2nd would be the Cranberry Shimmer and don't get me wrong, I've had Vanilla as last because I am not into vanilla scents :)

My mom and sister are definitely enjoying the body butter I shared to them!

Tips

• apply after shower
• try not to use any perfume or cologne, as the scent alone from the body butter is good enough
• apply onto the cleavage especially when you're wearing a low neckline dress, SEXY!!!! *winks*
• apply all over your legs especially when wearing a skirt

** I Have a feeling I'm helping out PERVERTS OUT THERE! hahahhahah


Will I repurchase?

Yes, I do purchase Body Butters from The Body Shop :)

Where can you purchase and how much?

The Body Shop website from $25.00 (approx Php1,225) on sale to $12.50 (approx Php 612.00)

Let's show the Body Butters!

L-R Cranberry Shimmer, Vanilla Spice Shimmer and Warm Amber Shimmer

If swiped once
You can see the differences of the colors
But if you rub them, they all look the same!
Lovely hint of shimmer!
Perfect for summer!



Left - NOTHING/ BOLD/ NUDE
Right - With TBS Body Shimmer

Have you tried any TBS Body Butters or Shimmers?
How'd you like it?

Stay happy!

Please check out ----
Askmewhats Seminar for a Cause

Say Hello To --- Askmewhats.com

Dear Readers:

Thank you so much again for all the support on my blog!

I enjoyed writing and learning from all of you and I've finally decided....to move from
www.askmewhats.blogspot.com
to
www.askmewhats.com

After the change of address, my blogroll was wiped off completely and I had to input the sites that I visit one by one, if I missed anyone, please let me know!!!

Thanks again for all the support!!!
Keep reading
and keep the wonderful comments coming!
I love to brighten your days just as much as all of you brighten mine!!!
Stay happy!!!

Nail Art Tutorial: "Jungle" Nails

(Note from Author: I am no way an expert in nail art designs, I just do nail art for fun! I hope you enjoy these)

Happy Wednesday!!!

Some people may not be into nail art, so this probably won't be any help to some of you! LOL Maybe just enjoy taking a look what crazy stuffs I do with my nails? lol

I know a lot of my readers are into simple nail art, don't worry, I'll try to add more "office friendly" nails. I was supposed to do an office-friendly nail but...I have to admit...I went overboard! LOL I got so into colors and crystals that I did my version of "Jungle Nails".

How did I make this design?
Let's start scrolling!!!

Step 1: After applying a base coat. Apply 2 coats of White Nail Polish (matte). I've used mine from Elianto.

Step 2: Making sure the 2 coats of white polish is dry to touch, using my Neon Orange nail polish (from Sis Aika), paint only the corner of the nail.

Step 3: Do the same step as above this time, with a Neon Pink colored polish. You can choose whatever color combination you want.

And here's how colorful your nails look like And you're not done yet :D

Step 4: Using my thin nail art brush, or eyeliner brush, or any thin brush, apply a black polish line on the corner of the Neon Orange and Neon Pink polish to create a boundary.

Step 5: Be creative and add on any design you want.

Step 6: Apply a glittery polish from Elianto on top of the design

Step 7: While the glitter polish is still wet, press on any nail rhinestone you have

As usual, apply more rhinestones on the thumb area

Step 8: Let Dry and top with The Face Shop's Top Coat.

Here's the final Jungle Nails *roar*

This nail art design takes me 30minutes longer than the other nail art in the past, I guess the difference with this is in most steps, I have to wait for the polish to completely dry before I go on with the next step. I'm glad I did this! I may look crazy to others but looking at my nails? I know I have the "Rawr" in me! :P

Stay Happy!!!

Please Check Out ---
Askmewhats Seminar for a Cause

Askmewhats Reviews: Cloth Pantyliners

On my previous "All About Down Under" Post regarding pantyliners that I am using, Ms. Li from the Tiny Tapir hit me on the head (not literally) on how much wastage I've been adding up to the environment and how the plastics from the pantyliners can harm my health.

Here's a blurb according to Mentruation.com.au

Disposable pads contain a myriad of chemicals and additives which serve to increase their absorbancy and keep them looking white and bright but these chemicals don't do you any good at all.

Your genital tissue is highly sensitive, and these chemicals are easily absorbed into your body, causing irritation and discomfort in the process. We already live in increasingly polluted environments, so it makes sense to reduce your exposure to chemicals in any way you can.

**Note: Tiny Tapir offers different Cloth Pads, from Pantyliners, Light Day Pad, Day Pad, Night Pads... etc... This review refers to the Sugar Monkey Liners ONLY

**image from Tiny Tapir website

Sugar Monkey Liner Says ---

Flannel / Flannel Liners with 2 layers of inner flannel.

Very trim design (turned and topstitched, hourglass shaped) pantyliners which are perfect for daily use, during spotting days or for double protection when wearing a menstrual cup.

Super easy to care for - just throw in the washing machine and dry in the sun. All liners have been pre-washed to ensure no strange shrinkage or warping of the liner's shape after washing / use.

Snapped with industrial poly-resin snaps - 2 snap sizes to ensure best fit, these will be snug against your underwear to prevent slipping and sliding around. The larger size is good when you're folding up the pad for storage after use.

Top Layer : Flannel

Soaker : 2 layers flannel

Bottom Layer : Flannel

Length : 2 sizes available : - Regular & Petite
Regular Length - 8 Inches Long
Petite Length - 7 inches Long

Width (when snapped) : approx 2.5 inches

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• cheaper in the long run, as one can be used for a long time if you take care of it
• no sweat and discomfort down there
• no irritation, felt like part of my undies
  
• no harmful effects if used everyday compared to the regular commercial pantyliners
• environmental friendly
• cute designs to choose from! makes me happy looking at it
• I love the snaps, 2 choices, adjustable
• pantyliner can be used both sides
• I honestly have lesser discharge after using this!
• not that I SMELL lol I have to clarify that, but I obviously don't have the weird smell in the late afternoon from the chemical of the disposable pads!
• It's actually cheaper, because I use 2-3 disposable pads a day, do the math :D
  
• Ms. Li from the Tiny Tapir is so helpful with all my queries.
  

Cons

• not available locally, but shipping is affordable, I just ordered another 5 pads (as my colleagues would love to try it too) and the total shipping is only MYR20 (approx USD5.70)
• an extra step for lazy people (but who cares? If it's good for me and the environment)
  
• I can't seem to find any cons!!!
  

Overall

I honestly felt that the simple things in life are still the best for us. I have to admit that I'm a bit uneasy to use as I've grown to a culture of disposables. I honestly felt weird using cloth pantyliners as the usual notion of "Eeeww, Gross!" But you know what? It doesn't feel anything and it's just like you wearing your own undies. I honestly do not feel a thing or any signs of uneasiness.

No joke, since I first wore this, I told myself I am not wearing any disposable pantyliners again! And with the extra step of washing this? I don't care!!! If it's great for my health and the environment! I am in!!!

Tips (from Tiny Tapir)

• Please wash before first time use
• After use, if you're out, simply fold up pad and store in a ziplock bag until you return home
• You can soak pads in cold water (change water daily) or simply throw straight into the washing machine with your other laundry, wash in cold the first cycle.
• (optional) add 1/4 cup white wine vinegar to the washing machine
• do not use fabric softener, it will coat your pad and reduce absorbency
• line dry in the sun or dry in the dryer

Tips (from Askmewhats)

• Share shipping with friends, it'll be cheaper

Will I repurchase?

Yes, I just did!!! I just ordered these .... (images from Tiny Tapir website)

No.2 Honeybeehill Liner in RED



And Hag Rag Diamond no. 8 Doggies!!!

I can't wait for them to arrive!!!

Where can you purchase and how much?

At the Tiny Tapir website for MYR26.00 (Approx $7.30) each
Buy 3 or more, get 10% off

Specs on what I got and tested
Here's my Apples Cloth Pantyliner in Regular



Here's to show Tiny Tapir changed the snaps
from Metal to KAM Resin Snaps
Does not rust as compared to metal



Adjustable snaps
or secure 2 to make sure it stays!



Length is 8 inches
Width is 2.5 inches

Whew, this is a long post!
I hope I was able to help you gals learn something!
I honestly did! :)
So feel free to message if you have further queries,
I'm in no way expert on down under but we can all share! :)
Stay Happy!

Please check out ---
Askmewhats Seminar for a Cause