AMW Reviews: MAC 217 Blending Brush

**photo from MAC website

I''ve always included MAC 217 as the "must have" MAC brush for blending and for creating smokey eyes. One reader caught my attention by asking my review for this famous blending brush I've been raving about! I didn't put up a review of this brush because I thought it was "given" that this brush is great..that's it! lol I guess I'm wrong! Well, if you're reading this my dear, I hope you like this post and this is for you! :) And I've learned my lesson, I should NEVER assume! :P

MAC 217 says ---

For shading or blending of color or creamy products. This brush has fine, densely packed fibers that are arranged in an oval shape. M·A·C professional brushes are hand-sculpted and assembled using the finest quality materials. They feature wood handles and nickel-plated brass ferrules.

length: 17 cm

AMW says ---

Pros

• can be used for both powder and cream eyeshadow
  
• blends all hard edges like a breeze
• multi-purpose, can be used alone to do a simple smokey eyed look
  
• grabs pigments well
• can be used both wet and dry
• bristles has a nice firmness but it's not harsh on lids
  

• perfect size for small lid spaces
  

Cons

• for the OC people out there? White bristles, gets dirty easily
• the MAC 217 name embossed goes invisible after several washes (i put a clear polish a bit too late)
  

Overall

If there's only ONE MAC eyeshadow brush that you have to purchase, seriously, in my humble opinion, this is definitely THE ONE! No matter you're a beginner or a pro, this is definitely a must have for blending and it's not called a blending brush for nothing. Seriously, I have never sang praises for a single brush!

I know there's a lot of dupes out there or cheaper alternatives, I myself have used blending brushes from different brands, but the MAC 217 blends like a dream. Everytime I have a gig, I've used this brush for sure! So in the long run, though this brush is quite pricey, its worth the price as I've used it every single time!

MUST HAVE...again..MUST HAVE...oh, did I say ... MUST HAVE?

Tips

• wash your brushes regularly especially if you love using vibrant eyeshadow colors as it could stain the bristles
• use a brush guard to protect the bristles right after washing

• perfect to apply cream eyeshadow or even concealer, it feathers out cream products naturally
  

Will I repurchase?

I hope not as I plan to take care of this til my hair is the same color as this bristle! lol But if I wouldn't think twice repurchasing this brush if needed.

Where to purchase and how much?

At local MAC Store for Php1,100 (approx $23.40)

A close up on my bristles
after a year of constant use
But take note: I do take care of my brushes
like my bestfriend :D

Do you own a MAC 217?
Do you plan to purchase?
Am I making you want one? Sorry.....
You asked for this review! lol

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Check out other reviews on this brush ---
Shen's Addiction

AMW Reviews: L'oreal Texture Expert Perfect Shimmer

My hair has always been dry and lifeless. Growing up, I've always been envious of my sister's long shiny hair and I told myself I'll do everything to have half of the shine she got :) Yes, I'm not born with it but I got to do something about it right?

When L'oreal Professional came out with a Texture Expert Line that has Perfect Shimmer on it's packaging, I told myself it's a must try for me!

**photo from L'oreal

Perfect Shimmer says ---



AMW says ---

Pros

• smells WONDERFUL! I swear, I feel like I'm addicted to this smell!
• packaging is sleek and very pretty
• gives my hair the subtle shine
• hair feels light and weightless
• no greasy feel
• even on humid weather where I live: doesn't oil up
• tames flyaways
• spray type hair product, I love it when I don't have to wash my hands after using a hair product!
• the product "liven up" the color of my hair, I haven't colored my hair for almost 4 months now!

Cons

• flammable packaging
• seriously, 100ml worth of this product is not enough for me! I wish they offer a bigger size for the same price (wishful thinking)

Overall
At first glance, I thought the product didn't do anything for my hair, but after several usage, I finally see a nice shine on my hair especially on photos! I started spraying just a tiny amount as I am scared it'll oil up or grease on me after a whole day, but after some trial and errors, I've finally realized this product is really great to give out a nice hint of shine and it makes my hair feels soft and seriously without the "product buildup" feel.

For people who has frizzy hair, do not expect this to tame down the frizzes as this product doesn't work as an anti-frizz, this product purely gives out the "effect" of healthy hair due to the brilliance and shine.

I think this product is luxurious to have. This is not a necessity for our everyday living but if you have the extra cash, this is a nice product to have. But if you are currently using a product that gives out multiple benefits plus shine, I think that would be enough!


Tips

• when hair is dry, spray this onto your hair around 10-12inches away
• count how many times you have to spray to get the "shine" you want
• shake the product first before using
• after spray, I prefer to leave the product for a couple of seconds then I use a paddle brush and gently brush my hair
• as much as possible, try to wash off your hair with clarifying shampoo every now and then to avoid product build up that could weigh your hair down

Will I repurchase?
Yes. Because I've always wanted the shine! But will my hair survive without this? --- Yes

Where to purchase and how much?

At leading local salons for Php395.00 (approx $8.20) for 100ml

Here's a photo of my hair with
L'oreal TEC Perfect Shimmer



Here are photos of models using the same product
Lucky them they have GORGEOUS hair!!!

**photo from L'oreal

Are you born with naturally shiny hair?
If you say YES, I hate you! lol
If you say NO, welcome to the club! :P
It really does take a lot of effort and work to create nice looking hair for some of us (points at myself), but we always have to keep in mind that we have to be smart with our purchases and we don't need to put a lot of hair products on our hair. Simplicity is always the key. Let's all learn to work with the hair we got and not fight with it :D 'Nuff said, the Professor is signing off!.... lol

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Happy start of the week!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Emerald Garden

Happy Sunday!!! It's another weekend food tripping, I am glad a lot of you likes my food tripping posts! I can't believe people enjoy salivating on food pictures just like ME and my hubby! :)

Are you ready for Chinese food galore? Well today is the day! If you're hungry, do not blame me if you continue to scroll down! lol

We had a mini reunion because my Uncle will be going back to Canada soon and my brother also will be leaving for Shanghai again! It was my dad's birthday too so it's triple the celebration. Those who read my twitter knows what me and my family has been going through so a mini celebration is great to lighten up the mood! I want to thank those sweet messages too! I appreciate everyone's concern! Love ya all!

We've decided to dine in an authentic Chinese restaurant. Emerald Garden --- I love Emerald Garden that's why I celebrated my engagement party 2 years ago (July 7, 2007) on this exact restaurant! I believe it was the exact function room too! :)

We had a Lauriat Party for 2 tables :)

Hot & Cold Cuts Dish

Birthday Noodles



Corn Soup Crabmeat



Yang Chow Fried Rice (again lol)



Slice Beef with Gourd (Ampalaya)



Fried Shanghai Pork Springroll



Fried Fish Fillet with Separate
Sweet and Sour Sauce



Quick Fried Chicken with Kropeck



Mixed Seafood with Tausi Sauce
(this came in super late and everyone's already full! lol)



Plain Almond Jelly
My favorite!

Table for 12 for all those dishes costs around Php5,500 (approx $115.00) drinks NOT included. Come to think of it, you can feed 12 people and make them happy and full for that amount? Worth it! :)

You want to eat good quality Chinese dish? You can dine in here and order A La Carte! Trust me, its worth it :) Love this restaurant, never fails to satisfy our tummy!

Emerald Garden
1170 Roxas Blvd., Ermita
Manila
tel no: 632-523-8510, 632-523-8515

What's your weekend food tripping?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

I Wonder: "What's Your Favorite Neutral Eyeshadow?"

On days I want a simple wash of color, on days I don't feel putting up too much makeup, on days that I have makeup gigs, I make sure to have a "safe", "matte", "brownish" eyeshadow along with me. Aside from giving me an "Au Natural" look, it's safe to use on gigs because it photographs well and it works on anybody of all ages!

I've found myself reaching out for Stila Eyeshadow in Champara several times on different occasions.

Stila Eyeshadow in Champara is a Mineral Matte Eyeshadow that gives out a light brownish wash of color with a very smooth texture. It's made to "deepen" the crease area and the shade is definitely build-able! I love using this for clients who wants the "No Make Up" look and this shade works well for the more mature clients too! This is my favorite for the moment!

Now I Wonder:

"What's Your Favorite Neutral Eyeshadow that you think would work on anybody?"

Spill the beans!
Love to hear from you!


P.S. Thanks to Dollface Cosmetics for featuring me as the
"Featured Make-up Artist"
Smile and click here to read the article!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Version: "Fantasy Lashes" Look

Happy Friday everyone! I haven't been doing much FOTD lately as I've been super busy. Thanks to my dear friend Toma, I got inspired to do a look as she sent me Revlon's Fantasy lashes and I got inspired to create a sparkly Fantasy Lashes look.

Here's my final look

AMW Diagram

Step 1:

I did not apply any base as I don't have oily lids and I want to show how pigmented these Urban Decay eyeshadows are. I use my MAC's 217 brush to gently brush on Urban Decay Book of shadow's Last Call on the outer crease area blending inwards.

Step 2:

Using any flat shader brush, pat on Urban Decay Book of Shadows' e/s in Grifter to the inner lid area. Adding as desired. Do not worry about fallouts as it gives out a sparkle to the whole look.

Step 3:

Deepen the outer v by applying Milani's Storm eyeshadow, blend the colors well.

Step 4:

Line the upper and waterline with Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye pencil in Zero.

Step 5:

Line the lower lashline with Maybelline's Eyestudio Vivid and Smooth Liner in Dark Purple.

Step 6:

Line the inner waterline and inner lower lashline with Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Yeyo to create brightness.

Step 7:

Apply Revlon's Fantasy Lengths lashes in Intensifying. I did not use any lash glue.

Fill in the brows with your desired brow pencil or powder I applied Maybelline's Volum' Express Cat Eyes Mascara



For the face:
Primed my face with SkinPrep FX (thanks Gracie)
P&J Moisturizing Compact in no. 30 Set with The Body Shop's Mineral Foundation no. 02



For the cheeks:
L'oreal True Match Blush in Apricot Kiss



For the Lips:
L'oreal Colour Juice stick in 460 Island Punch



Now my eyes look huge! Too huge! lol



Hair products used:

L'oreal Tec Perfect Shimmer
for my straight hair to look shiny! :)

Where are you going tonight? Any exciting plans? I'm off for a family reunion! My uncle will be going back to Canada soon so he wants us all to have a nice quiet dinner :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Happy weekend!