Askmewhats Reviews: MAC 242 Flat Shader Brush + Love Package

Dearest friends :) How's everyone today? Another review for a MAC brush I recently bought :) I know a lot of you have commented that MAC brushes are too pricey, yes, but I definitely thought of buying the ones I will definitely use for a long time, for clients :) Investment :)

MAC 242 says ---

For powder, concealer or emollient-based product application. This brush has firm fibers carefully shaped to form a rounded edge for a smooth, even finish. M·A·C professional brushes are hand-sculpted and assembled using the finest quality materials. They feature birch, linden and ramin wood handles, nickel-plated brass ferrules.

16 cm



Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• stiff enough to grab pigments
  
• size is perfect for my lids
• no shedding
• no flyaways
• multi-tasker: Can be used for cream and powdered eye products
• perfect for MAC paintpots, eye primers, etc...
• can also be used to apply concealer on small spots
  

Cons

• pricey
• MAC logo and brush number does it's disappearing act once again lol (but there's always the clear nail polish method as recommended by my dear readers)
  

Overall

Thanks Liz for helping me out with decision making (via twitter), she told me that if you are into foiling and you love to wet your e/s, or you are into cream based eye makeup, this is a perfect tool for you.

I am not into Foiling, I am not into cream e/s but I LOVE THIS.

Why? Because I use this to apply my UDPP (I had mine in a pot now so dipping my fingers ain't hygienic).

I also use this to apply my concealer closer to my waterline! I love this brush! I know there's a lot of dupes out there, but this, again, is a perfect size on my lids!

I put this on "MUST HAVE MAC BRUSHES".


Tips

• do wipe the brush with baby wipes or clean it after every application, as cream based products can stiffen this brush and harder for you to use on the other eye.
• spray on water/fix+/Evian or any product you want on this brush for a more vibrant eye makeup
• wipe this with Oil, or in my case, I use my face cleansing oil, as cream based products are harder to remove

Will I repurchase?

If I can!!! Just like MAC's 239, I'll hold onto this baby til I go to sleep :P

Where did I purchase and how much?

At Local MAC store for Php1,490 (approx $30.00)

A closer look to MAC 242

Side View

Side by side with my other concealer brush
I use the bigger brush for concealing the undereye circles
Both works well together!

Mother and daughter Happy Together :P

To be honest, Since I got MAC 239 and 242,
I am not lemming for other MAC brushes anymore!
*knocks on wood*
I get happy easily ya' know :P

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Before I end this post, I want to give a special shoutout of thanks to sis Hedley of My Sweet Fix for the wonderful gift! She told me it's for my birthday and she added so many goodies!

Aawww, made me smile :)

Prestige My Little Black Book Eye Lip and Face Palette
Paul & Joe Face Color 002
Lush Soap in Honey I Washed the Kids
Lush Lip Balm
Lip Balm (Wild Strawberry and Lily)
Elianto Aqua Shadow (pink and blue)

Thanks sis Hedley!
I will definitely enjoy the goodies!
Thanks for thinking about me!
Keep Smilin'!
Stay Happy!

Reader's Corner: How to Apply Falsies

Wow, it seems just like yesterday when I was bragging about the holidays!
And here I am, back to work!....
Time flies so fast! Will I just wake up one day, and blog as a Grandma? *shakes off thought*

Back to reality! LOL

I've got requests for applying falsies many times!!! I know there's so many Youtube gurus doing it and I thought, why would people want to see my tutorial on photos? Videos are way easier. So I procrastinated...but the question haunt me....and I really have to do this! LOL

Here's my way of applying falsies, there's so many ways out there but this is the best for me and my clients! You of course can do what's comfortable for you! Ok? OK! :D

Now let's begin.....

Before we start, choose your favorite falsies and lash glue!
In this tutorial, I am using DUO lash glue (thanks Gracie)
To those who wants to purchase cheaper alternative, you can go for Ardell Lash glue, it's cheaper and it works just as good as DUO :)

** Famous TFS XLH lashes

(Note: I always put on falsies AFTER my eye makeup, some people like to put falsies on BEFORE eye makeup application, it is again, your preference)

Step 1:

Curl your lashes well, in my case, since my lashes are short, I curl it "L" shape, so the lashes will be hidden in between the falsies.

Step 2:

If you are using full size falsies, measure the lashes to make sure it fits the eye, trim the lashes if desired.

TIP: always trim the inner part of the lashes and count the number of lashes you trimmed, make sure it's equal to the other falsie. Yes small details like that are VERY important.

Step 3:

You can apply the glue directly only the lashes, but DUO lash glue has a big hole, so I've press the glue on a cardboard. You don't need a lot of glue.

Step 4:

Go through the lashes onto the glue, be careful and apply an even amount of glue.

Step 5:

After going through the lashes with the glue once, apply more glue on both ends, to make sure it doesn't fall off. (Lashes on your cheeks?.... NOT sexy :P)

Outer Corner

Inner Corner

Some people prefers to leave the glue on the lashes for 30 seconds to make sure the glue is tacky so it doesn't slide off easily during application.


Step 6:

Apply the falsies while looking down

You can use your fingers

OR With the help of tweezers

Step 7:

Looking straight, adjust the lashes while you can. Making sure to apply the falsies very near the lashline.

Try not to blink too much while you do this step.

Do not worry about the glue
It'll dry transparent

Step 8:

Using the ends of the tweezers, or handle of your brush, press the lashes downwards, making sure it sticks well.

Step 9:

This is a very important step. Roll the lashes with brush handle upwards.

Do the same step on the other eye

Optional:
(do not do the following steps if you plan to reuse your falsies)

Fill in some spaces
with a gel liner/liquid liner
if needed

You can combine the natural lashes with the falsies
by applying your favorite mascara



Now you're ready
to flutter those lashes

"How do we remove the falsies?"

Gently tug the outer corner of the falsies, going inward. If it gets to be painful, use a wet cotton bud, slowly wipe the glue as you go on.

Whew! And I thought I wouldn't be able to finish this post! :)
Thanks for the query!
I hope this photo tutorial helps!
Keep Smiling!
Stay Happy!

Something New: L'oreal Derma- Genesis Toner

L'oreal Paris Derma-Expertise Introduces
Derma Genesis Toner 200ml

The origin of skin youth lies in the creation of new cells. Over time, skin becomes poorer in vital substance and generates less new cells.

For the first time, skincare with Pro-Xylane and Hyaluronic Acid helps create new cells for visibly young skin.

Innovation from L'oreal's Advanced Research

For the first time, after 7 years of research, Pro-Xylane -- a new generation of naturally derived, bio-degradable anti-aging molecule - is combined with Hyaluronic Acid - an ultra-powerful moisturizer found naturally in the skin and the ingredient used by dermatologist to re-plump the skin and fight against wrinkles.

VISIBLE RESULTS

• In one application, your skin is hydrated for 8hours. Instantly, this toner leaves a cooling sensation on skin and smoothes it.
• Day after day, your skin looks more radiant and its texture is redefined.
• After 1 month, your skin is plumper and less dull.
• Your face looks incredibly young! With this toner, you can now complete your Derma Genesis skincare routine!

Price: Php360.00 (approx $7.35)

Let me know if you've tried this :)
Keep smilin'!
Stay Happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: RSM Tagaytay City

Hey everyone! :) How are you today? Another post for food!!!! Warning, if you are into Filipino dishes and you are hungry, sorry Come back later! LOL

Me and my colleagues went to Tagaytay City, home for the world's smallest volcano Taal Volcano a couple of weeks ago. I should have posted this weekend food tripping earlier but I had to crop pictures and I have to get all these files from our company computer. But it's better late than never :)

Oh yeah, we also call this our very own team building but we went to Tagaytay because our colleague from Shanghai came over for a vacation, so we all act as tour guides and of course, let her taste what Filipino dishes really are :D

We took her to RSM Lutong Bahay, Lutong Bahay means Home Cooked meals.

The restaurant is wonderful because you have a lovely view of the volcano, you've got singers roaming around from table to table singing songs you can even request for.

Here's a shot of all of us
FULL and happy!

Let's rewind
before we left the restaurant
we started with

the menu

It was hard choice for all of us
our visitor is not a beef eater
I am allergic to chicken and shrimps LOL
you figure it out!
But RSM still has a lot of food choices

Pork Sisig

Sisig is made from chopped parts of a pig's head —
ears, snout, the brain, etc.
(are you grossed out? lol sorry)



Tawili Fish

A tiny fish found only at the Taal Lake



Ginataang Gulay
Veggies with Coconut Milk sauce



Baked Cheese Tahong
(Mussels)



Grilled Squid



Their famous
BULALO

Bulalo is a popular Filipino beef soup including the bone marrow
(sorry I'm not into bulalo but looks like most of them are)



Garlic Rice

if you are vacationing in the Philippines
you have to order Garlic Rice
I am not a rice eater
but I'll definitely go for at least half a cup!



Fresh Buko Juice



Mango Shake

EEeekkk, my fave!



Happy Campers!


**Our visitor is Echo, the lady beside me who gave me rabbit ears LOL

And photos won't be complete
without me and the hubby
Lovely Taal Volcano as background

It's just an hour and a half to two hours ride,
but it's a wonderful resting place outside of the bustling city!
I've been here so many times
but the place never ceases to amaze me :)
Keep smilin'!
Stay happy! :)


HAPPY EASTER SUNDAY EVERYONE!!!!

Askmewhats Reviews: MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush

I remembered those times, when I passed by a MAC store, took one good look at the price of their brushes and went "Tsk! Overprice!" I swore to myself that I am not going to purchase a single MAC brush because I can survive without them!

That's why my first pricey brush is from The Smashbox.

Then my collection of brushes grew bigger and bigger, and I still told myself I am NOT going to purchase MAC brushes ever.

I FAILED! I am a total failure! My first MAC brush is the MAC187/Duo Fiber brush! Because I try to tell myself there is NO DUPE for it! LOL (you gals clearly know there are dupes out there)

And the list goes longer, I am giving myself more and more excuses to purchase more MAC brushes. THIS HAS TO STOP! lol

Here's a MAC Brush
Worth purchasing
MAC239

MAC 239 says ---

Soft and dense to shade or blend eye shadow or emollient-based products. This brush has a tapered, rounded edge with smooth, firm, fine fibers. It can be used to build intense color on the eyelid. M·A·C professional brushes are hand-sculpted and assembled using the finest quality materials. They feature birch, linden and ramin wood handles, nickel-plated brass ferrules.

Length: 17 cm

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• no shedding, I've washed mine more than 5 times
• grabs the right amount of e/s and pigments
  
• not harsh on the eyes
• no flyaways
• size is perfect for my lids
• soft, does not hurt the eyes
  

Cons

• quite pricey
  
• the MAC logo and brush number is gone! :(
  

Overall

I've been wanting this brush together with MAC's 242 forever, the reason why I kept stopping myself from purchasing because how many eyeshadow brushes can you see available??? Too many right? I've bought different brands of shader brush like this but NOTHING compares to MAC's 239 (in my opinion). Maybe I didn't look further, but of all the brushes I own that's similar to this, the difference between MAC's and other brands is that the bristles are stiff enough but not harsh or hurtful to the eyes and it makes it easier to control the way you apply e/s or pigments.

I include this brush to "must have MAC brushes".
(trust me, I don't own a lot, so I make sure to purchase what's really worth it!)

Tips

• pat on e/s instead during application if you use this brush
• maximize the use of this brush by using one side per color
• wash your brushes with care
  

Will I repurchase?

If I get super rich! lol But for now, I'll hold onto this baby!

Where did I purchase and how much?

Local MAC stores for Php1,450 or Php1,490 (approx $30.50)

A closer look to MAC 239

Side ways

I love!
Do you own MAC's 239?
If not, what's the best dupe for MAC239 for you?
I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Stay Happy!