Askmewhats Reviews: MAC 226 Brush

A couple of weeks ago, I gave MAC from Rustan's Shangri-la a call regarding the MAC226 brush. I was expecting them to say it's out of stock. I was surprised when the SA told me they have it! And he only got 4 brushes left. I immediately reserved one! Screw the LAW OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND! lol Anything that's limited and almost out of stock makes us want the product more right? hahaha

So, I finally got my hands on this famous brush that's been out of stock in the US for weeks! What's the buzz all about this brush? It all started because it has LE labeled to it! (Limited Edition)

MAC 226 says ---

Short, tapered blending brush with ultrasoft, natural bristles that is used for application and blending of shadow on the lid, and perfect for working the crease.

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• can easily apply e/s on the outer V
  
• if you don't have a lot of eyelid space, like me, this is a great blending brush
  
• because of it's pointed tip, you can apply e/s with precision at the crease area

• great length, same as other MAC brushes
• deposits e/s really well as I find the bristles are dense
  
• did not bleed or shed when I washed it
• it's bristles are black, I like black bristles more as I hate the stain the white ones get LOL (it's just my personal opinion)
  

Cons

• a bit scratchy as compared to other MAC brushes
• limited edition, this is part of the BBR (Brunette Blonde Redhead) Collection
  

Overall

I still love my MAC217 brush to create a wonderful smokey-eyed look. People with smaller lid space like mine find that it is hard to use a MAC217 to create smokey eyes as they'll end up with a "muddy look". This is true with constant practice and using light-handed application, MAC217 can create a wonderful smokey eyed look.

But I am talking too much about MAC217 and this is a review on MAC226 LOL Sorry

I find that using the MAC226 still requires me to use a blending brush to blend the harsh lines that MAC226 creates. This brush is perfect to apply e/s on the outer v though and it does give out a deeper eye look :)

You ask if I can survive without this brush? YES

Tips

• after applying an e/s using this brush, use a bigger and fluffier blending brush and brush it with a wiper motion all over your lid to lessen the harsh lines
  
• do not give up about the scratchiness, try to wash this brush with a conditioner and after several washings, the bristles goes softer
• use this brush to apply highlighting powder on the brow bone and the cheekbones! Works perfectly!
• this brush can deposit A LOT of color, so if you're using this for dark e/s, be careful on tapping the extra e/s before applying it on your lids

Will I repurchase?

No, one is enough to last me for long! Same with all my other MAC brushes :)

Where did I purchase an how much?

At local MAC store for Php1,490 (approx $30.40)

Do you have this brush?
Do you plan to purchase this?
What brushes do you use for blending?
Share your thoughts!
Stay happy!

Clinique Bonus for Philippine Readers

Dear Philippine Readers:

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Bonus includes:

Repairwear Intensive Eye Cream
High Impact Mascara in Black
High Impact Lipstick in Extreme Pink
Color Surge Single Eyeshadow in Frosted Bloom
Rinse Off Foaming Cleanser
Clarifying Moisture Lotion no. 2
Cosmetic Bag

This offer runs from March 1-17, 2009!

All About BB Creams

Hello AMW friends!

How's the weekend? I had a wonderful weekend, I made sure I'm well rested to be charged for the whole week! But I'm still not over my Monday blues :P

I know BB creams has been out there, since I'm on the topic of BB creams over the weekend, let me sum up the BB creams I've used and let you gals know what my favorite BB Cream is. Gale from My Wonderful World of Colors, messaged me and asked me if using BB cream over time does help improve my skin as promised, well read on! You'll know the answer at the end of this post! Excited? I hope so!!!

First BB Cream:
BRTC Cover BB Cream

I will be honest to say I bought this BB Cream because I thought this was the cheapest for USD20.00 (approx Php980) including shipping via ebay. I've done research and I know that the company BRTC is trusted in Korea based on my research.

This came in super small and I would say I wasn't disappointed with this product. As the name says, COVER BB Cream, this is the thickest BB cream I've tried and this works really well as a concealer. I first used this all over the face applying thinly and I've realized I can use this on particular spots that has redness or breakout.

Weekend Food Tripping at: Ying Ying Tea House

Hey everyone!!! Weekend food tripping!!!! I am sorry if I'm backlogged for a week! I just had the chance to crop the food photos we took when we celebrated my birthday last week. I did a post in the past about Ying Ying Tea House and I love the food so much I requested to go there again!

When you want to dine Chinese, you have to include SOUP! :)

Spinach Soup

And it's not a birthday celebration
without the
BIRTHDAY Noodles
(birthday noodles includes quail egg, you have a choice of seafood version, Beef or Pork, I chose pork)

The Super Gigantic
Yang Chow Fried Rice

My Super favorite Fried Spring Roll
My most favorite spring roll

Prawn Salad
I have to admit,
I ate this and suffered the consequences
ALLERGIES!
(but it's worth it)



Shredded Pork with Lettuce
(the reason why I requested for this restaurant)



Beef in Oyster Sauce



My cute mini Smiley Cake from Break Talk
Mom-in-law tricked me,
told me she doesn't have enough money to buy me a big cake
so she bought me a small one instead
I don't care, this is a "ME" cake
It's actually mango cake Yumm!!!



And this is the real deal!
My real birthday cake!
Toffee with Cashew cake from The Sugar House!!!
Love Love Love this!!!

I really ate too much on my special day! :)
Time to de-stuff myself!

Oh yeah, I curled my hair using the Babybliss YouCurl Iron
Thanks Sis Gracie for this! It is definitely easier to use!

Oh my!
This looks like I'm taking an ID photo!
hahaha or passport picture?

Have a great weekend!
From the resident curly hair crazy-o woman!
:P
Stay Happy!!!

Askmewhats Reviews: L'egere BB Cream

The most intriguing BB cream I purchased, I've been wanting to try Le'gere White Multi-BB cream after seeing raves and raves from both beauty bloggers and you tubers! Before I wrap up all the BB creams I've tried (not a lot of them), here's my review.

Le'gere BB Cream says ---

All in One Function

• Sun Protect
• Makeup Base
• Skin Cover
• Foundation for 24 hours

Whitening & Skin Care Formula

• Acts effectively on irritated skin, concealing dermal blemish and helps skin rejuvenation with innovative active ingredients
• Block the penetration of UV rays and other harmful factors
• This silicon-based formula defines a natural, long lasting complexion with gentle calming effects of natural plan derived soothing particles not only on oily and sensitive skin but also for sensitive skin

Good for

Skin that needs protection, irritated skin by peeling and laser procedures, sensitive and troubled skin

Application

• After following the daily skin routine, apply generously on face and senstive areas
• For skin protection and natural looking coverage, lightly pat a small amount of product over entire face in the final stage of basic skin toning.

Ingredients:

Arbutin, Cyclomethicone, Jojoba Oil, Polyglceyl-4 Isoterate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1Deimethicone, Bees Wax, Tocopheryl acetate, Propyl Parabem, Sorbita Sesquioleate, Petrolatum, Titanium oxides, Cyslopentasiloxane, Iron Oxides/Dimethicone, Glycern, Butylene Glycol, Magnesium Sulfate, Mehtyl Paraben, Sodium Hysluronate, Marine Collagen, Rose Water, Centella Asiaticac

Weight: 50g
Origin: Korea

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• my skin glows a bit using this as base
• no allergies
• the redness on my skin lessened after several days of usage
• gives out a medium coverage, top with foundation, the skin looks flawless
• my make up stays longer, I retouch my powder once a day (as compared to 2-3 times in the past)
• non-oily
• scent is wonderful, not overpowering and it disappears afterwards
• squeeze tube makes it easier for me to get the right amount of product

Cons

• not available locally, it would be difficult to order one whole tube and finding out at the end for some of you that it doesn't work
• only ONE shade available
• texture is a bit difficult to spread out for someone who's got super dry skin like mine (I still use a moisturizer before using this product)

Overall
I won't be comparing this to my other BB creams for now, as I will do a separate post about it. But what people and the Taiwan Beauty Channel are raving about this product is TRUE. This product lives up to my expectation.

It works really well as make-up base, it does give a bit of coverage for my skin's redness, on days I don't feel like using a foundation, this acts as my tinted moisturizer and I just set it with a powder. This definitely blends in my skin well and even when photographed, it doesn't give out a white cast.

Here's how the product looks right
after you squeeze it out from the tube



Slowly spreading the product



VOILA!
(click photos to enlarge)

Without Flash



With Flash

Tips

• make sure your hands are clean before applying the product
• warm the product on your hand first by slowly spreading the product before applying it over your face
• tap the product gently on your face, do not rub too hard

Will I repurchase?

Yes

Where did I purchase and how much?

At Bobodave shop for USD29.38 (approx Php1,400++) Email them for shipping details. I was told by the owner shipping overseas would be approximately USD2.00 (approx Php100)

And what's a product review
without putting this on my face?

(sorry photo didn't show the differences)



I have a little bit of discoloration
on the encircled area,
and it was lessened after applying Le'gere BB cream

Lemming button on? off?
Let me know what are your thoughts on the BB Cream craze!
There are so many brands out there it goes crazy!
But I am proud to say, I am happy with my BB cream purchases!
Whew! *wipes forehead*
I'll let you gals know my BB Cream summary! :)
Stay happy and enjoy the day!!!

Other bloggers' view on this bb cream ---

Fuzkittie
Ebeautyblog
Kimberly Tia
MonaIyah