Saturday, September 5, 2009

Askmewhats Reviews: Kiehl's Creme De Corps


Dear Saturday, won't you stay longer? I'd love to spend more time with you! LOL

Happy weekend!!! I will be off for my dentist appointment this afternoon, of course, the usual cleaning and for my annual checkup! Yes people, beauty should be, I repeat, SHOULD BE in and out! Go to your dentist and have your beautiful set of teeth checked, promise?

Today, I will be talking about a moisturizer I've used and finished up! The Kiehl's Creme de Corps Rick Nourishing Cream. Just the name gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. How did it work out for yours truly? Read on...

**photo from Kiehl's

Kiehl's Creme De Corps says ---

Superb All-Over Body Moisturizer of Superb Quality for extremely dry, or flaking skin. Enriched with the finest ingredients known to Kiehl’s, for a rich, elegant skin texture. Continued use for 10 days will provide a skin texture heretofore unattainable.

Key Ingredients

Beta-Carotene
eta-Carotene is a naturally derived antioxidant predominantly found in many orange/red vegetables such as carrots. It is used in Vitamin A production and gives an orange tint when used in skin care products.

Cocoa Butter
Cocoa Butter is a yellowy fat expressed from the roasted seeds of the cocoa plant. It is solid at room temperature but melts at body temperature. It softens and lubricates skin and is used in a variety of skin care formulations.

Sesame Oil
Sesame Oil, which is a refined moisturizing oil derived from Sesame Seeds, has the same emollient properties as other nut and vegetable oils and is commonly used as a carrier oil for skin care products. Absorbs easily and softens the skin.


Directions for use

Apply after bath or shower or anytime, as often as necessary. Gently massage this rich creme into dry body areas. Allow to remain and soak in several minutes before dressing. Our thick, elegant non-greasy formulation will be absorbed by the dry skin tissues, leaving skin soft, smooth and beautifully moisturized.

Askmewhats says ---

Pros
  • absorbs to the skin quickly
  • moisturizes my skin for the whole day
  • smells wonderful
  • packaging is simple and straightforward
  • non greasy
Cons
  • quite pricey for people who aren't comfortable in spending a lot for body moisturizers
Overall

What you're looking for in a body moisturizer, you find it here. Kiehl's Creme De Corps did not fail my expectation, it nourishes my skin and dry itchy patches are gone after regular usage. I can't say this is a HG (holy grail) material for now as there's so many moisturizers available in the market that it's quite difficult for me to stay loyal to one! What I love about Kiehl's is the simple packaging, the potency it has for me not to squirt too much which I find is money saving! The wonderful fresh scent of milk doesn't hurt my nose too! :)

Tips

  • not sure if the product is worth purchasing? Go to Kiehl's store and try on their testers
  • apply Creme De Corps right after taking a shower
  • apply generous amount on dry areas like elbows, knees and feet
  • wear socks at night with ample amount of Creme De Corps and you'll wake up with soft feet!
Will I repurchase?

I want to, but I also want to try other moisturizers out there that are lesser expensive!

Where to purchase and how much?


At Kiehl's shop at Greenbelt 5 available in 2 sizes
250 ml for Php1,800 (approx $37.00)
500ml for Php 3,150 (approx $64.00)


Have you tried Kiehl's Creme De Corps?
How do you feel about the price and its quality?
I'd love to hear from you!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Friday, September 4, 2009

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!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

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!


Wednesday, September 2, 2009

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!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

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!