Saturday, August 22, 2009

My Favorite Stila in the Philippines!!!

Hello everyone!!! I know a lot of beauty bloggers down here are quite excited and has been reporting about the Stila cosmetics being available to us locally!!!! YAY right????

I've finally had the chance to visit the counter a couple of days ago! I am in make-up heaven!!! they are really there and I can't believe I am touching the products instead of staring at them online!

Here's the overview of the Stila counter at Rustan's Glorietta Makati. (That's so cute on the alcohol, at least we know the staffs are keeping their stuffs clean right?)



What can you see at our local Stila counter?

For the eyes:

Stila eyeshadow pans
Stila eyeshadow duos
Stila e/s quads
(I can see the Marakesh I own)
and limited no. of Eyeshadow Trios



For the Face:

Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizers
Natural Finish Oil Free Makeup
Perfecting Concealers
Cover up Sticks
Misc: Mascara



More Face, Cheeks, Eyes and Lip Products:

Pressed Powders
Baked Cheek Duo
Convertible Color
Smudgepots
Lip colors



For the Lips:

Lipglazes
Cherry crush lip and cheek stain
Liquid Lip Stains
Long Wear Lip Colors



I actually bought backups for Stila Smudgepots!
I'm not scared to finish up my Stila Lipglaze from my dear friend B!
I'm excited to get the chance to try on their foundations!
I wonder why Stila Eye Concealer in pot isn't there?

What are you planning to purchase?
Do not be scared as I find the prices are ok! Not over the top!
I'm glad they didn't jack up the prices! Thank you Stila Philippines!
Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Askmewhats Report: Freeway National Artist Collector’s Series

(all photos by Keith Tiu except the Freeway Billboard shot)

I remembered, not long ago (lol), during my first job in an airline industry, me and my colleagues would eat our lunch quickly just to have a quick "window shopping" at the Robinson's Galleria mall. I remembered how we love to stop by the Freeway store because we love how trendy and fashionable their clothing are. I bought my first Freeway skirt from my first paycheck....

It warms my heart to think about those good 'ol days!




That's why when I got an invite from the dear people of Freeway for a Tertulia (Poetry Reading) together with the guests including friends from the press (both traditional and digital media) along with the members and friends of the Joaquin family, I am ecstatic!


**photo from Freeway



Freeway introduces its new collection commemorating the National Artists of the Philippines. In a celebration of Filipino culture and talent, Freeway features the works of the great Philippine poet, Nick Joaquin as interpreted in this seven piece pocket collection which includes graphic tees, hoodie jackets, woven tops, shirt dresses, a Limited Edition Nick Joaquin Clutch and for the first time, a graphic tee for MEN. The eye catching collection merges beautiful graphics with the masterful words of the artist, with each piece wrapped in individual special packaging and authenticated with a Nick Joaquin National Artist stamp printed on it. Perfect for a commemorative gift! The collection introduces Nick Joaquin to today's youth as it merges Filipino culture with current fashion. To see the entire collection, visit www.freeway.net.ph.

The event was hosted by the famous DJ from Magic 89.9, the man who's not afraid to talk, Mr. Mo Twister.

The event was filled with wonderful music of Asia's first Harpist, Songwriter and Singer Ms. Noelle Cassandra. Ms. Cassandra sang her version of "Imagine" which gave me the goosebumps as the crowd grew awfully quiet, this girl will go a long way as she's got the voice of an angel.

By the way, she guested on Magic 89.9's morning show yesterday and she sang more songs! I am a big fan now!


Poetry reading starts with Freeway's first model Ms. G. Tongi



Ms. Jocas De Leon The lovely and smart daughter of Mr. Joey de Leon
who hosts the famous QTV's "Fashionista by Heart"



And Mr. Bing Villegas
who represents the Joaquin Family



It was a great segment with the Prince of "forbidden question" Mr. Mo Twister interviewed Mr. Bing Villegas! It was great to learn that our National Artist Mr. Nick Joaquin is very humble and generous and he loves his beer!



That's why there is a beer bottle right beside the typewriter
owned by Mr. Joaquin himself!



Mr.Joaquin may love his beer. I love my coffee!!! Bo's Coffee was there to make me sane after a long day of work and straight to the event! Well the extras doesn't hurt and I downed on orange juice too! And some oatmeal cookies, brownies, sandwiches.... *burps* Thanks to the Marketing Manager, Ms. Adee Caluag, for being extra nice and not calling me a pig! lol



I want to thank Ms. Carissa Torres-Cruz, the Web Merchandiser for Elite Garments for the invite and for being super nice!


L-R G Tongi, Me, Carissa and Mo

Shen and I had a mini chit chat about makeup with Jocas! She's such a sweetheart and her makeup is wonderful! Tidbit: What's her favorite makeup brand? --- I am not surprised... MAC!!!


**me, Jocas and Shen

Noelle Cassandra, the lady with the voice and fingers of an angel, towering over us! She's super nice and sweet! (thanks KV for taking the shot)


**Keith, me, Noelle and Shen
And who says taking a pose is illegal?



It was nice to see you Shen! I will see you.. again and again!


Overall, I left the event full of pride!
If you pass by Freeway, do check them out !

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Be proud to be Filipinos!



Thursday, August 20, 2009

Askmewhats Reviews: Inuovi Colours D27 eyeshadow

Happy morning friends!!!
I will be talking about an eyeshadow that's close to my heart. I find that I don't have a lot of "silver" e/s in my collection, so everytime I needed silver? I reach out for my cute "space-like" iNuovi eyeshadow! And yes, I can use this daytime or office time, it doesn't look like a disco ball in real life ok...

*hums*
"Dancing queen, young and sweet only seventeen...."




Inuovi Colours D27 Pressed Wet/Dry Colour Pigment says ---


One of our most raved-about signature items, these pigment rich, high intensity eyeshadows never fades nor dulls. Enriched with natural UV filters and anti-ageing agents to protect and condition the sensitive eye area. Colours D27 can be used dry for regular eye colour application, or wet for greater intensity and water-resistance. Available in a dazzling array of matte, shimmer, metallic and sparkling effects.

Net weight 1.5 gms

Shades available in more than 70 shades

Ingredients

Talk, Mica, Nylon-12, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Lauroyl Lysine, Bis-diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Cetyl Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Preservative, Colorant

How to apply

To use dry, swirl a brush across the color pan to pick up color and apply to eye area. Blend well. To use wet, lightly dampen brush with water and swirl brush across the color pan to pick up color and apply to eye area. Blend well. Allow to dry before proceeding to apply other makeup over the same area.

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

  • very pigmented
  • texture is not too powdery, no fall outs
  • fits MAC pro palette perfectly
  • many choices of colors!
  • did not cause me any eye allergies
  • comes in holes at the bottom so it's easier to depot
  • perfect shimmer, not the usual huge chunky glitters other e/s has
Cons
  • packaging
  • not readily available locally
Overall

Thanks to my readers' comment, it is true, iNuovi cosmetics were available several years ago at the First Aid Store at Greenbelt. They pulled out their stocks and there's no more iNuovi products. TOO BAD!

I find that iNuovi products are definitely for professionals and I don't have problems using them on clients.


Tips

  • if you plan to use this both wet and dry, try to wet the e/s in one area only and leave the dry area for dry application only
  • perfect if you have a palette and depot these shadows! Easier to take along!
  • can use fingers to apply if you're doing eye makeup on your own
  • use a sponge tip applicator for a more "pigmented" look, swipe it over your crease area and do the sexy blink ;-)
  • have friends going to Singapore? Malaysia? or Hong Kong? You can ask them to help you purchase!
  • PRAY that iNuovi cosmetics will be available locally! lol
Will I repurchase?

Yes!

Where can you purchase and how much?


At Sasa Stores in other countries.
On Inuovi Professional E-shop for
$18.00 (approx Php820) Shipping not included.

iNuovi D27 Chrome on pan



Swatch without base
swiped only once



An eye look created using the Chrome
as base eye color
Applied DRY



I know a lot of my dear readers would think it is quite difficult to try on products that can only reached via online shopping. Our good friends from iNuovi has something for my dear Philippine readers!
Watch out this weekend!!!

What's your favorite silver eyeshadow?
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!


Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Askmewhats Reviews: MAC Blot Powder Pressed

How's everybody on a mid-week?
Surviving?
I know I am! If you read my twitter, I broke my nail! "OUCH!!!" and I had quite a stressful day yesterday so I am praying to have better day today!

MAC has always been famous for their Studio Fix Powder Foundation, Studio Fix Foundation or Mineralize Satin Finish... MAC's Blot Powder Pressed didn't have the chance to shine! Some doesn't even know this product exist as the packaging looks almost identical as the Studio Fix Sister! Wait till you see the MAC Select Sheer! It just gets so confusing at times especially inside the traincase!



MAC Blot Powder Pressed says ---

A unique pressed powder designed primarily to provide shine control without adding any noticeable color or texture. Sets foundation, finishes faces. For use in professional situations and for frequent touch-ups. Blot Powder contains Mica and Silica to adsorb excess oils and reduce shine on the skin's surface. Can be applied with the puff that comes in the compact or with a powder brush like #129 Powder/Blush Brush. Perfect for touching up Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation throughout the day.

net wt: 12g

Available shades: Light, Medium, Medium Dark, Dark and Deep Dark

Askmewhats says ---

Pros
  • non messy compared to loose setting powder
  • does remove shine
  • does not create a heavy feel, perfect for retouching
  • great packaging, easy to take along
  • feels too light, doesn't feel like you have anything on!
  • you may think at first glance that this is expensive, but this is actually cheaper than retouching using your foundation! A little goes a long way and its not powdery and products aren't wasted!
Cons
  • don't like the puff
  • for super sensitive skin: this product could break you out, so please be cautious with products you use!

Overall

If you are heavy on retouching but don't like to pile on foundation more than 2x a day, this is for you! I find that using the blot powder pressed never cakes the foundation and never changes the coverage of the foundation you use. I love using this to gently pat on the nose and forehead of clients (which oils the most) and it creates a matte, clean finish.

Yes, its perfect for oily skinned, what about dry skinned sistahs like myself?

This actually works as retouching is difficult for dry skin as the skin tends to flake! With the MAC's Blot Powder, I can easily brush on the "oily" area like the sides of my nose, my forehead and everything will turn out clean and grease-free!

I find it a bit hard to choose shades though as the powders look almost invisible on most! So I advise to request for SA to apply this all over your face, wait...and go out on natural light and check it out if it casts a grayish or whitish tone.

Tips
  • if you don't need coverage and wants the "no oil" feel? use this alone!
  • throw the puff away, it can create a germ community! Use a brush instead
  • if you have super oily skin, make sure to blot your face first with a blotting paper or paper napkin to remove excess oil, to prevent pore blockage
  • for mature clients/dry skinned clients: NO need to use this!
  • though blot powders may look/sound invisible, you would still need to test on the product all over your face before purchasing, it still has a hint of shade so your face could get lighter or darker without you knowing it!
  • if you own Studio Fix, Blot Powder and Select Sheer, the packaging will confuse you! So if you may, you can put on label or stickers to remind you of which is which! If you own a special Heatherette or Hello Kitty compact, you can depot it!
Will I repurchase?

Yes, perfect for touch ups especially on makeup gigs.

Where to purchase and how much?

At local MAC counters for Php1,200 (approx $25.00)

Here's Medium Dark



A close up shot of the puff



Medium dark without flash



Medium dark with flash



What do you use for retouch?
Have you tried MAC's Blot Powder?
Do you even know it exists?
I seriously didn't know until my HongKong trip! lol

Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!
Stay oil free!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Nail Art Tutorial: "Creative Girly" Nails

Happy Morning everyone! Now, didn't Monday passed by quickly??? Oopsss, I believe it's still Monday for the other side of the world! But hey, cheer up!!! It's almost over! :)

Gosh, I sound like I'm in a chirpy mood eh?

I actually am NOT! Allergies are crawling back haunting me the whole week! I am just staying positive or I'll grow an extra hand to scratch myself all over! Not a good sight!

If you see me scratchin', at least I am proud to say I am scratching with great looking Nails! LOL Where did that come from???

Here's my nails for the week!
I've cut my nails short, and short nails can still do nail art!
I am proving a point here! :D




Step 1:
Apply base coat prior to nail polish application. Apply 2 coats of Sally Hansen's Purple Power nail polish. Let dry.



Step 2:

Using ELF's polish in Bubblegum Pink, draw diagonal lines in different directions on each nail. You can be creative! It's your nails! Own it!



Step 3:

Using L.A. Colors Art Deco polish in Red, draw a thin line, same direction as the pink polish.



I added a white line on the ring fingers





Step 4:

Draw dots using my White Nail Art Pen. Again use your creativity



Step 5:

Draw flower on some portions of your nails and apply rhinestones.




Step 6:

Apply glittery polish. I am using Caronia's Silver Glitter.




Step 7:

Apply your choice of top coat (I am using Sally Hansen's Base and Top Coat) to prevent the nail art from disappearing or rhinestones from getting lost!



Now you own sweet looking nails! :)




How does your nails look like this week?
Bare? Or colored?
Keep smilin' Stay happy!