Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Askmewhats Reviews: Fan Brush

Happy Wednesday everyone!!! Where's that smile baby? *winks*

When I did the Reader's Corner episode on "How I Contour my Cheeks". The sweet Yumeko chan saw the fan brush that I included for brushes you can use to contour and she wanted to know more about the fan brush! :)

Here's the inexpensive brush I bought, this is China made brush.

How does it fair for the price?
Is it worth to have this type of brush
in your Brush Collection?
Read on and be enlightened LOL



Fan Brush says ---

NOTHING

But for the sake of argument, I researched about the usage of Fan Brushes.

A fan brush is a brush with layers of bristles spread out by the ferrule. A fan brush is commonly used to blend colors.

Specs

Handle - wooden
Length of the brush from end to end - 7.5 inches
Height of the fan -
2 inches
Expansion of fan - 4 inches


Askmewhats says ---

Pros
  • great to take off fallen pigments
  • great for blending colors
  • great for contouring as you don't grab a lot of colors in one swipe
  • multi-purpose: For blush, contour powders, finishing powders, to remove excess pigment fall outs
  • inexpensive
Cons
  • has a bit of hair fall (but for the price, it's not that bad)
  • cannot be taken along on your daily makeup kit due to its size
  • has a bit of flyaways but nothing bad
  • if your skin is very sensitive, the brush hairs are a bit rough (just a bit)
  • not all stores carry these
Overall

If you don't have problems contouring your cheeks, and you have enough blush brush and slanting brush... You do not need to purchase this brush anymore.

In my opinion, this is a great brush to have as part of your collection but not a requirement.

I originally have a smaller fan brush just to highlight the cheekbones and to remove fall outs from my eyeshadow application, I never thought a large fan brush would even be available. I guess they are available for a purpose, and it really depends on the user on how they would use this brush to its maximum level.

I find that contouring is a breeze using this brush, I don't use this as a blusher brush but I use this mainly to contour the hollow of my cheeks and the jawline area. I use lesser product and the effect is very natural.

Tips
  • always wash them well before usage, I can literally see the dirt washed out and the dye
  • swipe the brush gently twice, no tapping needed, and spread it gently on areas you would want to contour.
  • this brush can also be used to apply your finishing powder, for a more natural look
  • always store them well, do not smash them with other stuffs as it may "ruin" the "fan" effect (this is what you're paying for, the fan effect)
  • since this brush is huge, the hairs of the brush attracts more dust, so always clean them well
Will I repurchase?

One is enough for me :)

Where did I purchase and how much?


At Landmark for less than Php200.00 (approx $4-5)
Coastal Scents call them the Jumbo Italian Badger Fan Brush sold for $11.95 (approx Php576.22)


Fan Brush Moment

See how thick the hairs are?
Has a bit of flyaways that doesn't bother me


See how huge it is
?


Ferrule close up


Handle with no. 801
and the brand name Mai Shani
(FYI: they have a smaller version available too)

Another view
I like the fan shape
and it doesn't look cheap!


Right beside
my Nokia phone



And you thought photos are done!

Of course not!

Here's to show how I use my fan brush



See how natural and
non-streaky it looks?



Let's not forget that chin!



And cover that
double chin?



So many ways you can find
Try to maximize everything you have!
I'm a pro-maximizer (LOL never sounds right!)
It's always great to have multi-tasking stuffs!

Keep smilin'!
Stay Happy!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Nail Art Tutorial: Nail Art for Beginners

Hi everyone! How's your day? Hope everyone is feeling good!
Today, will be a nail art tutorial! But this is a simple nail art tutorial for beginners. No nail art pens needed or special nail art brushes needed! :)

I've done a lot of nail art designs in the past and I've always read comments about not being able to draw even a simple straight line. So this is dedicated to everyone who'd like to prettify their nails but don't have the time to create one, NAIL ART STICKERS are the answer!!! :) You can still create "wow" looking nails with them.

Here's the sticker I will use :)



Here's a preview
on how cute they are



Did you know that?


Applying base coat is vital, as it protects your nails from direct exposure to the harsh chemicals of your nail polishes. Though I do change my nail art and polishes weekly, I am proud to say I do have strong nails and it doesn't chip as much as other people who doesn't use base coat. Of course...the right vitamins are needed as well for strong nails :)


Step 1:

After applying base coat. Apply 2 coats of dark polish color of your choice. I am using P&J 003 Nail Polish. (Color is dark brown with a tiny hint of gold specks)




NOTE:

Very important to make sure the 2 coats of polish are DRY!!! If you want to speed up the drying process, you can blowdry your nails in medium temperature.

Step 2:

It is easier to use a tweezer to grab the nail art sticker.



Step 3:

Adjust to sticker to the nails, making sure it will be placed where you want it to.




Step 4:

Press the sticker onto the nail gently to make sure it's firmly attached.



(optional)
You can top the nail art designs with glittery polish



Step 5:

Top the nail stickers with your favorite top coat. You know what mine is *winks*



ENJOY!!!!
Perfect looking nails
without much effort :D



I hope this helps out to people
who are scared of nail art!

Give it a try! :)
You'll know how it feels to have lovely nails
doing chores *lol*
Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!


Monday, May 4, 2009

Askmewhats Reviews: Lancome Aqua Fusion


(Note from Author: Before we start to get excited about the product I will be reviewing today, I would like to let everyone know that this product I am reviewing has already been discontinued. Why do I still need to review this? Just in case, Lancome, if you're reading this...please make this product re-appear to the face of the earth! LOL)




Lancome Aqua Fusion says ---


Infuse your skin with moisture!

Infuse your skin with moisture all day and see it glow with health. This ultra-charged moisture complex delivers 16 skin-essential elements to maintain skin’s ideal moisture level.

Delivers oil-free, water-smooth, fresh moisture.

Askmewhats says ---

Pros
  • very light
  • no heavy greasy film left on the skin
  • smells HEAVENLY
  • I didn't have to re-apply, my face is moisturized all day long
  • has a wonderful sensation, I had really dry skin due to some allergies, applied it on and felt a huge relief
  • very nice packaging, so pretty
Cons
  • not available here in the Philippines (not sure about other countries)
Overall

Since I finished up my Clinique's DDML, I didn't have the chance to repurchase, since I got a couple of samples for moisturizers, I am starting to try on the ones I got from press kits or events or gifts from friends. I was having a super bad case of dryness at one point of time, so I've given Lancome Aqua Fusion a try, expecting to wash my face ASAP, I was surprised how smooth it goes onto my skin and how relieving it is on my dryness. I woke up with smooth and soft skin and I can't get over how good it smells! Therapeutic for me! :)

Tips
  • great for dry or even combination skin
  • apply more on dry areas and slowly spread it with your fingers on areas that are oily
  • a little goes a long way
  • use a spatula rather than dipping your fingers, for hygienic purposes
Will I repurchase?

I'd love to!!! But any moisturizer equivalent to this is good enough

Where can you purchase and how much?

Sad to say, I went to Lancome Boutique at Greenbelt 5, asked about this and I was told it was discontinued. WHY??? :( :( :( So if you have this in your country, you can check them out :)

Photos to share

Very light gel-like texture
in a super pretty packaging
that makes me smile

everytime I use it




Take a closer look at how light it is
Non-runny




See the slight glow it gives
to the
now-moisturized skin?
(you can click to enlarge)



Have you got samples or even tested on this?
How'd you like it?
Do you think it's worth discontinuing this product?

I have a feeling it's quite similar to
Clinique's Moisture Surge Extended Skin Relief
but this is creamier in texture (IMO)

Keep Smilin!

Stay Happy!


Sunday, May 3, 2009

Weekend Food Tripping at: Teriyaki Boy


Hello folks! :P

Weekend food tripping is here!

Combining the warmth of east and the efficiency of west, Teriyaki Boy is the fast casual Japanese dining restaurant in the Philippines. (taken from Teriyaki Boy site)

If I want fast and delicious Japanese food? I definitely go to Teriyaki Boy because they have so many branches and food are always served good :)

This is like the 19384735th times I've been in this restaurant LOL But it's always a great experience each time.

A warm tea served upon ordering
I love their tea



Crunchy Tuna
Php95.00 (approx $2.00)

It is huge for the size!
If you're on a date, and want to impress
DO NOT ORDER THIS lol
but if you're comfortable with who you dine with
definitely give this a try!!!
I love this!!!



Dynamite Roll
Php190.00 (approx $4.00)

Really spicy and crunchy at the same time!
Love it!!



Tofu Steak
Php155.00 (approx $3.30)

Lightly battered and fried tofu
with ground pork and vegetables
in steak sauce



Katsudon
Php180.00 (approx $3.80)

Deep fried breaded pork cutlet
with stirred egg topped on rice
it's their bestseller
for Don Buri!



I had a wonderful dining experience here as usual!
Whether I'm with the hubby,
with friends or family!
I always went out of the restaurant full and happy! :D

How's your weekend food tripping?
Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

FYI: Summer Lovin' Event



Dear Philippine Readers:

Got the message from Pearl of DollFace Cosmetics, Summer Lovin' event that's supposed to be happening from May 1-3, 2009 ends TONIGHT. (Please click this link for details). So if you're hoping to go tomorrow to visit the stalls. It won't be there.

Hope this helps people to save the trip!

Take care!