Friday, July 31, 2009

Askmewhats Reviews: MUFE Aqua Eyes

Happy Friday friends!!!

I did promise a couple of eyeliner reviews coming up! One of them is the famous Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes, well known as a long lasting eyeliner pencil that's smudge proof and waterproof! Do I like it? Or did it disappoint me?

I've decided to take a plunge and purchase the 2 basic colors for Bridal Makeup. One in black and the other one in brown. Would you believe they're always sold out at MUFE stores down here?

I am ecstatic to do this review because these pencils have gotten raves from both online and print media! Now it's my turn to give my 2 cents on these!




MUFE Aqua Eyes says ---

A two-in-one eyeshadow and liner pencil.
These waterproof eyeshadow and eyeliner pencils contain a unique formula that adheres to the eyelids and resists water even under the most extreme conditions, without running or fading.

Size: 0.04 oz

Askmewhats says ---

Pros
  • no tugging
  • applied smoothly on lids
  • stays on the upper lids like a tattoo, no smudging, smearing or fading
  • definitely waterproof!
  • the eyeliner didn't break while sharpening
  • nice simple "look" love the black pencil with the end colored the same shade as the pencils
  • available in different shades to pop your eyes!
Cons
  • both colors aren't as pigmented when first applied, have to go through the lids twice
  • does not last on my lower lashline and disappeared on my waterline right away (come to think of it, they didn't promise that it'll last on waterline! I haven't found any pencil that lasts, have you?)
Overall

Out of all the pencil eyeliners I own, which isn't a lot, I would say this performed quite good! It may not last on my waterline and lashline, it works great for upper lashline and tightling! Though I did say that I need to reapply them to create a "darker" look, it works great because it can come out more natural for Bridal Makeup! The pencils are creamy enough to smudge out but when it sets, it stays put!

They are not super matte, they have a subtle hint of shimmer which makes it more natural looking. If you are not a fan of "shimmery" eyeliner, then these are not what you're looking for. But if you're looking for a nice eyeliner pencil to jam up your makeup collection, these are great! So start saving up!


Tips
  • like any eyeliners, I don't expect them to last on my waterline or lower lashline, but like any other liners, top it with the same shade of eyeshadow to "set" the liner to make it last longer
  • you can also use an eyelid primer before eyeliner application, again, to make the eyeliner last longer
  • line your upper lashline like you normally would with pencil liners, use a smudger brush to smudge the eyeliner to create a nice, simple, smoked out look! :)
  • cotton buds tip! Do carry them around if you line your waterline and lower lashline!
  • if you have to purchase just ONE shade, start with the BROWN! It looks so natural and pretty for daily use!
Will I repurchase?

I got a lot of tips from fellow readers on best eyeliner pencils! I may give them a try, finish this up and see what I'll do. Will let you know when I revisit these pencils!

Where to purchase and how much?

At MUFE stores for Php900.00 (approx $18.75) <--- amount.="" correct="" exact="" forgot="" i="" if="" m="" me="" span="" the="" wrong="">

Swatches on hand without base
Without FLASH



With Flash



MUFE Aqua Eyes 1L


MUFE Aqua Eyes 1L



Waterproof test:

I've test both liners by putting my hand below running faucet
the liner didn't budge or smear



Smudge Test:

I rubbed both liners with dry fingers a couple of times



Do you own MUFE aqua eyes?
Tell me your experience!!!
Have a wonderful day
Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Askmewhats Reviews: Maybelline Watershine Collagen Shimmers



I've always been a fan of Maybelline ads, I remembered my first international magazine YM Magazine and I enjoyed flipping through the pages learning about new products that are available on the other side of the world! Maybelline has been one of my "wish list" as I've always been drawn to the colors and not to forget, lovely models from Cristy Turlington to my favorite Josie Maran!

I've always been complaining about my dry lips so lipsticks are always out of the question. Maybelline came out a lipstick called WaterShine Collagen Shimmers, now doesn't that sound enticing???



Maybelline Watershine Collagen Shimmers says ---

The New Watershine Collagen Shimmers from Maybelline nourishes your lips to the smoothest, most iridescent shine. Its unique collagen and Vitamin E formula with shimmering crystals give this lipstick its light-reflecting finish, amazingly silky feel and glossy sheen. Collagen nourishes the lips from inside and out for smoother lips, and richer, shimmery color.

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

  • very nice and sleek packaging
  • glide through the lips easily
  • moisturizing enough for regular lips
  • the "shine" lasts
  • the lipstick lasts more than half a day!
  • the sticker below is the exact same color as the lipstick itself
  • this lipstick has vitamin E!!!
  • texture feels like lip balm
  • no weird scent

Cons
  • the tiny speck of shimmers stay on the lips even after you wipe it
Overall

I seriously love everything about the lipsticks! Let's start with the packaging, I've always been a fan of sleek packaging and a cap that clicks well! I hate it when the cap gets lost somewhere in the makeup bag and the lipstick goes crazy!

I love that the lipstick glides easily on my dry lips even without moisturizing my lips! Though my dryness still shows at times, I make sure to moisturize my lips well before applying this. This definitely shows up like lipgloss on photos! People with thin lips who wants the pout? The shimmer gives out an illusion of a Megan Foxy lips :P

Tips
  • for crocodile lips like mine: you still need to moisturize your lips prior to using this lipstick
  • store your lipsticks in cool dry place to prevent lipstick meltdown
  • you can still top this with a clear gloss for a bigger pout
Will I repurchase?

YES!

Where to purchase and how much?

Available in Maybelline counters (drugstores, supermarkets and department stores) in 6 shimmery shades for Php369.00 (approx $7.68)

Here are swatches
Without Flash
Shade 501

(note from author: I intentionally did not moisturize my lips to see the exact effect of the Watershine Collagen on my lips, you can see a bit of flakiness of my lips, but my lips are super dry to start with! You can also look closely to see a nice hint of shimmer)




With Flash



This is a winner from Maybelline!
5 other shades? I'll stalk you!!!
Keep smilin'
Stay Happy! :)


Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Nail Art Tutorial: Romantic Bridal Nails

The month of wedding has long been gone but I've got friends getting married left and right! That's when I realized I haven't done any inspiration nails for the Brides.! I remembered having my own nails in white with colored flowers and I love how it came out on photos! Gone are the usual French Tipped nails!

Well this tutorial, I mixed the usual French Tip nails with added romance. So whatever angle the camera gets to shoot, you're sure your nails won't feel embarrassed :D

Here's my Romantic Bridal Nails, I may add more in the future.




Step 1:
Apply base coat prior to any nail polish application. I am using Sally Hansen's Base and Top Coat. Apply 2 coats of light purple polish. Let dry. I am using 2True polish in shade no. 12



Step 2:

Using a thin brush, apply L.A. Colors Art Deco white polish on the tips. If you have a hard time making the tip looks perfect, you can use French Tip stickers from Sally Hansen.



Step 3:

Apply a top coat or any clear coat of your choice.



Step 4:

While the clear polish is still wet, drop 5 dots to create petals.



Step 5:

Use the needle method to fix the petals and create a petal illusion.

NOTE: If you want to create perfect flowers, you can skip Steps 4 and 5 and put on flower stickers :)



Step 6:

Put a dot of silver polish in the middle as a flower bud.



Step 7:

Top everything with a top coat to protect your nail art. I am using Sally Hansen's Base & Top Coat.



Now's my bridal ready nail art :)
Romantic and sweet




Reader question:

Where do you purchase the rhinestones and acetone pump?

I actually sell them on my online shop Prettynails. Smile and click here to visit the site!

Hope you like my nail art for the week :)
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

The Row is now at EDSA Shangri-La Plaza



THE ROW now opens in Edsa Shangri-La Plaza! It houses your 3 favorite brands: Freeway, Ensembles and Solo. Where else can you enjoy an all-stop shopping for workwear, weekend wear, party wear, and even men's wear! You won't believe the comfortable fitting rooms and spacious shopping area. Check it out, you won't want to leave!

The Row is located at Level 5,
Edsa Shangri-la Plaza.
Tel.No. 470-2104 to 05

3 of my favorite clothing brand in one shop?
Now this is a genius idea!
Happy shopping!

Askmewhats Report: Lancome's Genifique Event

(thanks to the commenter for clarifying the price for me! The price of Lancome Genifique has been corrected! Even better now for us to give this product a try as it's lower than the "launching day" amount)


"Youth is in your genes and we can reactive it."


After 10 years of research with 7 international patents. Lancome Paris invents the first youth activator reviving genes activity that stimulates the production of youth proteins. I learned about the wonderful effects of Lancome's Genifique last July 24th at the Lancome Boutique Greenbelt 5.

Ms. Khristine Dy and Ms. Cary Co, both from the L'oreal group, expressed that Genifique is incredibly simple to incorporate into any skincare regimen as Genifique is the ideal layering product. It's lightweight texture absorbs beautifully into the skin leaving it very soft and velvety to touch. I like what I heard! I like it when a new product is launched and I don't need to purchase their full line!


Visibly younger skin can be seen in 7 days
  • drop by drop, skin is infused with life
  • vibrant with youth, skin looks as if lit from within - breatakingly radiant
  • skin's youthful quality returns: cushiony soft and velvety to the touch
  • skin's tone is astonishingly even; its texture dramatically refined



To make the event more fun! We were given a Lancome version of Amazing Race! Each of us were divided into teams in threes or fours. I was lucky enough to be grouped with Shen, Ellaine and Hershey. Girls in heels? No worries! We're all up for the challenge!

We were given a letter with instructions and the first 3 to be able to reach the "pit stop" will be given a blue pebble, the more blue pebbles you get, you'll get a chance to win a door prize!


Though we came in second! I still call ourselves winners! We got into the top 3 for every pit stop! Hey ho!!!! 5 blue pebbles in the house!!! We've scored ourselves a lovely white purse and a full size Hypnose perfume!



Thanks to the Lancome people for coming up with crazy ideas and for making this event memorable! My body got the workout it deserves!

Thanks to Bambi for this photo
I can still manage to smile after all the running!
(L-R Me, Emily Koa of L'oreal Group and Shen)



Other beauty bloggers who graced the event
Thanks Shen for the photo :)


Coming from a wonderful source (aka Ms. Khristine Dy), after Lancome Genifique opened its doors to the public last Friday, all the bottles are sold out and they are accepting reservations!



Reserve by calling the Lancome boutique
tel no: 729.9394 or

visit: Lancome boutique Greenbelt 5
Price: Php5,300 (approx $110)

Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!