Askmewhats Reviews: Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Blush

Happy Friday people of the world!!! I feel good vibes, I feel positive energy! Everyone happy and excited for the weekend right?

Today is a blush day! I know I've talked about a couple of blushes in the past, and as you know, most of them are on "bronzey" shade or "peachy" shade. But what about the "Pink Ladies" out there?

You should know that I was a pink blush user and lover in the past, I may have steered away from the pinks, but of course! A girl is a girl! A girl needs variety! There are days and will always be days I would like to feel girly and romantic! And it's time that I share the pink blush I am using for the moment!

Maybelline's Clear Smooth Minerals
Luminous Blush

Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Blush says ---

• Clear Smooth Minerals luminous blush is oil-free and fragrance free. Benefit: Never clogs pores, healthy color that is never fake.
• Micro-minerals have closer affinity to skin. Benefit: Natural flush of color that blends in skin tone.
• Kabuki brush is made of 100% natural bristles for flawless coverage and a natural looking finish.
  

Ingredients:

(you can click to enlarge)

Askmewhats says ---


Pros

• pigmented
• affordable, as it goes with a nice cute kabuki brush
• pigmented and pretty
• no matter how much I apply, the color shows up but always came out natural to look at
• no allergies or cheek irritations
  
• because of the small kabuki brush that comes with it, I don't find application messy!
• lasts more than half a day, great for a mineral powder blush!
  
• packaged so well, I like it that everything was well thought of

Cons

• limited shades available
  

Overall

I seldom use mineral blushes because they seldom last on me! When Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals came out with a Luminous Blush, I was a bit hesitant as I thought it will be another mineral blush that would be left behind my makeup kit! I'm glad I'm wrong!

On days I want a pink blush, I reach out for my Gentle Pink shade! I like that the kabuki brush included isn't scratchy and I like it that the blush is so pigmented I only use a little and my cheeks are oh so "POW WOW WOW"!

Tips

• Maybelline counters go on sale for 20% on most of their products, do check out their sales and purchase their products while its cheaper!
  
• I use an angled brush to create a more structured/contoured look
• on days I want to have a natural flush, I use a big blush brush and apply it on the apples of my cheeks
• to make any powder blush last longer, apply a cream blush prior to powder blush application
• do not apply too much at once, try to pile on colors slowly!
  
• always step back to check on your blushes to make sure they match!
  
• accidentally applied too much blush? Don't fret! Use a bigger brush to brush off excess blush pigments
• still feels like a clown? Apply loose powder on the cheeks
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes!

Where to purchase and how much?

At Maybelline counters for Php499.00 (approx $10.20)

Check out the cute kabuki blush brush included and how soft it is! When I had a mini chitchat with Maybelline's Sr. Product Manager, Michelle Fernandez, she told me that she's proud about this line because the Kabuki brushes included are of good quality and they are made in Japan.

My Gentle Pink Luminous Blush Up Close

I find the overall packaging quite cute! It may look the same as most mineral makeup companies but the sifter sticker imprinted again with instructions, the right size of holes for the right amount of blush to come out each time you tap the blush on the cap and the cute cap...what's not to love?

Product swatched on hand
Dry and without base

This is one example of an FOTD using
Clear Smooth Minerals
in Gentle Pink

I know people hate rules when it comes to makeup, but I do like to follow a mini rule...pink blush for pink (or any close to pink) shade of lipsticks! Love the effect especially with dark eyes! :)

So, is this blush a yay or nay?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

I Wonder: "What's Your Favorite Mineral Foundation Brand?"

This space is dedicated to my dear mineral fanatic friends who's been asking me what's the best mineral foundation out there. If you ask for my opinion, there's never going to be "THE BEST" on mineral foundation or anything else. We are all made different, that's the challenge and excitement of life!

How challenging life you may ask? So challenging that for the simplest thing of choosing the best Mineral Foundation could be tedious! So instead of carrying the burden, I will share! lol

AMW Wonders:

"What's Your Favorite Brand of Mineral Foundation?"

I am sure there will be a lot of mineral makeup brands popping out, so please use this for reference and always read ingredients list! Nothing beats testing the product yourself and see how it works for you! Do go for sample sizes to save money ok?

Let me give my two cents on my own question :)

My favorite mineral foundation for the moment is still Ellana Premium Blend Mineral Foundation in French Vanilla Latte. I've finished the sample size I got from my first review, bought full size pot and finished it off. And I'm currently using my 2nd full size pot from Shen, thanks sis!

**One empty and one half done!

I haven't had the chance to use a lot of mineral powder foundation as compared to other lovelies out there! Should I buy my 3rd pot? Or am I missing something else?

You know what's next!
Spill the beans!
and don't forget to Keep Smilin'
and Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: "Metallic" Nails

I may be boring at most times but it doesn't mean my nail polish has to be on the boring side. I've had my nails rested after a bad crack! Since I cut the rest of my nails short, short nails doesn't have to be plain and simple, I can do even wilder nail art with shorter nails as it doesn't look too overwhelming on my small hands! Yes people, my hands are small and my fingers are short! :D

Here's the final "Metallic" Nails I've created! I want to thank my blog reader Angela for the Skin Food Nail Vita polish shade in BL503! This nail art tutorial is for you and your sister-in-law Jenny! :)

Wild thing....
you make my heart sing! *head bangs*

Step 1:

Apply your choice of base coat, apply 2 coats of metallic polish, I am using The Skin Food's Nail Vita. Let dry.

Step 2:

Using L.A. Colors Art Deco metallic red polish, create different angles on different nails. Your choice of designs, angles whatever! Think about Geometry! Difference though, Geometry has to be perfect, in nail art? You can be as imperfect as you can be!

Step 3:

Using LA Colors Art Deco gold polish, thinly apply the edgnes of the metallic red to create a nice pop!

Step 4:

Using a dotting tool, toothpick or whatever round tip, in my case, I'm using Prettynails' Nail Art Pen in white, create dots on your desired location.

Do something different for your thumb!
I added something dainty, a simple flower will do :)

Step 5:

Making sure the dots are dry, top your lovely nail art with your choice of top coat.

Wild metallic nail art on short nails makes a whole new difference to the looks of your nails! I enjoy creating simple nail art for longer nails and a 'wilder' and more 'outrageous' nail art designs or colors for shorter nails. I call it, my sense of balance :)

Enjoy your humpy Wednesday!
In just the blink of an eye, weekend will be here! :)
Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!

Askmewhats Reviews: Jessie Glova 28pcs Neutral Palette

Happy day everyone!

Let me tell you something, when Coastal Scents came out with their wonderful 28pcs Nikki (ahem Neutral) palette, I told myself I wanted one! International shipping has always been a nuisance to me so I never really got myself into ordering one. I want my eyeshadows pressed...not cracked after shipment!

It was heaven scent when these palettes are becoming reachable to our local market! With several distributors coming up with similar palette, what other excuses can I think of to steer away from MY palette? :P

I totally believe in match made in heaven! Introducing... the Jessie Glova Palette, MY palette!

Pretty imprint of the brand name

Jessie Glova 28pcs Neutral Palette says ---

Kimberly, our dear beauty blogger friend, and a Makeup Artist Jessie R. Glova, came up with their own line of cosmetics and brushes.

The Jessie Glova 28pcs Neutral Palette are similar to the Coastal Scents 28pcs Neutral Palette. They are imported and guaranteed of good quality.

Ingredients

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• inexpensive
• great to take along especially if you're starting up on makeup classes
• great for first time makeup users, wonderful to practice on different shades which doesn't make you go broke
• it doesn't hurt that the palette has it's own brand name
• most shades are pigmented and shades are all pretty
• with this palette, you can create different types of neutral looks without a problem!
• for local buyers: Quick shipping, doesn't have to wait long for international shipments
• a lot of good matte shadows, I find it quite hard to look for great matte e/s!
• shipping: great! Shipped fast and the product was packed really well
  

Cons

• not all shades are pigmented enough, some are powdery (but who cares? 90% of the shades are wonderful)

Overall

I don't own the 28pcs Coastal Scents Neutral Palette so I cannot do a comparison, but I've seen the CS 28pcs neutral palettes from makeup artist friends, I would say this exactly the same distributor from the Coastal Scents one. The same or not, I wouldn't even worry about it as I find that eventhough I own a lot of eyeshadows, having this as part of my makeup kit is awesome! I don't have to worry about not having enough neutral shades!

People have been emailing me asking me where to start in purchasing eyeshadows. I would say, given the restrictions of funds, this is the best way to invest in good quality eyeshadows to practice, a lot of great shades wearable daily, that doesn't break the bank!

I am giving this 2 thumbs and 2 toes up! :P

Tips

• just like any e/s, use a good base to make the e/s last longer and more vibrant
• for shadows with a bit of glitters, apply using patting motion first to lessen fallouts
• be creative! Mix and match different shades! I've tried it and it works beautifully!
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes, why not?

Where to purchase and how much?

Php800.00 (approx $16.30) + shipping
Click here, here and here to purchase

Seriously...
swatches galore coming up!
All swatches done dry, without a base
Click photos to enlarge



Row A



Row B



Row C



Row D



This was the Jessie Glova look I've created

Neutrals doesn't always have to be boring!
With great shades to choose from, you can be a queen of neutral!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Stay neutral-icious!

Askmewhats Version: Majestic Smokey Eyes

Happy Monday everyone!!! A lot of you are home, sleeping in, resting!!! It's a Philippine Holiday today and I'm going to be at work! :( So I'm creating a look for a reader who requested for this way back!

Dear Nikki,

I've been wanting to do a smokey look for myself but I am scared of making my eyes look too dark and dramatic! I wanted a smokey look that doesn't look too scary. HELP!
A.

A., this look is dedicated for you and to the rest of the population, like me, who aren't comfortable with smokey eyes as well. SHOCKER right? Well people who knew me knows that I'm into neutral and natural look rather than dramatic. But it doesn't hurt to shock the hell out of the people you meet right? Once in awhile..once in awhile :)

Here's my Majestic Smokey Eyes
inspired by Majestic mineral e/s from Joppa

AMW Diagram

Step 1:

Apply a dark base, in my case MAC's Shadestick in Sharkskin on the crease area going a bit beyond. Doesn't have to be perfect and blend it well with a taklon brush or your fingers.

Using a flat shader brush, pat on Matte Black E/S just above the Sharkskin base. I am using Jessie Glova's 28pcs neutral palette with my MAC's 242 brush. Patting motion.

Step 2:

Flipping the same brush on the other side, pat on Joppa's Majestic mineral e/s (or any loose e/s that looks like yellowish gold dust) on the crease area only. Again, using patting motion!

Step 3:

Using a blending brush, brush on a matte neutral color a bit lighter than your skin tone on the browbone area gently blending on the inner corner of the eyes.

Using a big fluffy brush, start to gently blend the harsh lines from the black e/s going beyond the crease area. Do this gently so you won't make your e/s fall out. Blend until there's no more harsh line!

Step 4:

Tightline with Urban Decay's 24/7 eye pencil in Zero (black), include upper and lower lashline.

Step 5:

Apply Urban Decay's 24/7 eye pencil in Yeyo (white) on the inner sides of the eyes to create a nice pop.

Step 6:

Using any liner brush or pencil brush, smudge the black eyeliner with a matte e/s to "set" the liner.

Do not forget to fill in your brows with your favorite eyebrow pencil, curl your lashes and apply 2 coats of mascara. I am using Clinique's High Impact Mascara

Here's a dark smokey eyes that has
a nice pop of sunshine! :)

And what's on the rest of my face?



For the face:

Ellana Intensive Mineral Foundation in French Vanilla Latte
using EDM's Flat Top Brush



For the cheeks:

Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Blush in Gentle Pink
using Charm Blush Brush from the Charm Travel Case

For the lips:

Kiehl's Lip Blam #1
NYX Round Lipstick in Tea Rose

Smile your week away!

Thanks for the request, I do take some time due to cropping and taking of photos! But I am seriously loving it and it's great to share some ideas yourself!!! What's the best smokey eyes that doesn't look too "wham! bam! boom!" for you?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!