AMW Reviews: Stila Eyeshadow in Kitten and Wheat

Stila has always been a part of my "I wish it's available down here" brand!  There's the oh-my-ultimate HG gel liner smudgepots!  The click-click lip glazes and of course, there's a couple of single eye shadows that are known to be very pigmented!  Just so you know, I hate purchasing eye shadows, why?  There are numerous shades of eyeshadows available in the market that are meant to confuse us!  And I know you gals agree with me, we hate making decisions!  So prior to purchasing, my researcher blood would do further investigation for the "best".  For Stila, there are 2 eyeshadow names that's constantly popping up! 

Kitten and Wheat!

Stila Kitten e/s says ---

Shimmering Nude Pink

AMW says ---

The Stila e/s pan in Kitten has been on top of my head for the longest time.  Various YT gurus, beauty magazines has named this the best eyeshadow shade from Stila as this was known to be universally flattering!  This shade is in the middle of champagne and light pink!  The texture is creamy and very pigmented.  Very shimmery and I find that patting this onto the lid using a flat shader blush  is the most flattering of all! 

Every Pros of course has its Cons, in my opinion, this is a bit too frosty for my taste, I don't have problems using this on my own eye but for someone who's got problems with "puffy" eyes should steer clear from this as this shade can enhance eye puffiness.

This shade is perfect to use on the inner corner of the eye to make your eyes pop!  I don't think I will repurchase this (sorry Stila Kitten lovers out there), I don't find myself reaching out for this during makeup gigs!

 

Stila Wheat e/s says ---

Pearlescent Beige

AMW says ---

Stila e/s in Wheat is a toned down version of the Stila Kitten when it comes to frostiness.  The texture is not as pigmented as Kitten but it still has the smooth texture that I love.  This eyeshadow is best applied using a flat shader brush or used with a fluffy brush to highlight the browbone area or even the cheekbones!

Compared to the Kitten, I prefer wheat, it's more natural looking and it gives a nice pop without the exaggeration or without me thinking of a disco ball.  I do reach out for this during gigs for the inner corners of the eye and brow bone to make the area pop!

Here are swatches of the 2 famous 

Stila Single eyeshadow

in Natural Light

 

With Camera Flash

 

Both available locally at Stila counter or for international readers, try strawberrynet.com, Rustan's for Php595.00 (approx $12.95).  The huge eyeshadow pan is the same size as Elianto e/s so it fits the Elianto e/s palette!

Side by side comparison with MAC eyeshadow, Stila eyeshadow pan is way bigger and lasts longer!

 

Now, did I make you want to purchase these?
Or did I helped you save money?

Keep smilin'!
Stay happy! :)

AMW Reviews: L'Oreal Tecni.Art Style Constructor

I must admit, I don't have perfect hair!  But over the years, I've learned a few tricks on how to take care of it, with the right styling products, you'll be your hair's boss in no time!

"If you can't beat your hair, you join 'em!" --- the so called silly motto of mine!  How?  By learning a few tricks and tips on how to care for it! Understand your hair, learn about your hair texture and styling lifestyle, then.. you deal with it!  Life has enough problems and dealing with hair problems shouldn't even be part of it :)  Now, ain't that a strong, empowered woman talking?  You bet! *winks*


My venture for the perfect styling product ain't over, you'll definitely see a lot of it coming and one product I've been using for quite some time is the L'Oreal Tecni.art Style Constructor, a spray type hair styling tool that protects our hair while we style!  Read on for my 2 cents...4 cents....

L'Oreal Tecni.Art Style Constructor says ---

It is a heat protective spray that is perfect for creating texture.  Spray onto dry or damp hair and use a blow dryer or curling iron.  This product should protect your hair from the effects of heat.

Effect: Heat-activated product for protection, volume and texture

Hair Type: All Hair types

Hold factor: Natural (3/6)

AMW says ---

Pros

• easy to use, just a few spritz is enough
  
• makes hair more manageable and hair doesn't get very dry or frizzy
• aids in volumizing my hair with the right kind of styling tools
• smells wonderful!  Lifts my mood every morning
• never feels heavy on hair, hair feels light
  

Cons

• quite pricey
• not easily available, have to look for L'Oreal partner salons
• spray can is inflammable, keep out of extreme heat or fire!
  

Overall
I've reviewed the L'Oreal tecni.art Hot Style Iron Finish a few weeks back.  What's wrong with using 2 different products for one head?  Easy...

I use the Hot Style Iron Finish (cream version) when I use my flat iron.
I use the Style Contructor (spritz version) when I blowdry my hair or use a curling iron.

Simple right?

I never thought of using different products with different styling tools.  I've always thought one product is enough!  That's when I realized I could be wrong and it's good to be wrong!  Using the right product makes a huge difference for my hair!  The L'Oreal Tecni. Art Style Constructor is great to spritz onto my hair prior to blowdrying, my hair feels light and tangle-free!  At the end of the day, I don't have dry ends and my hair remains soft and manageable!

Tips

from L'Oreal

• Spray on damp or dry hair
• Work with fingers under the heat of hair dryer to create texture or style with curling iron

from AMW

• Section your hair and spray at least 5-6 inches away from hair
• I love working the product with a comb before I use a styling tool
• I try not to leave the product overnight, styling products are styling products.
• Wash your hair at least once a week with clarifying shampoo to prevent product build up
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes!  This is definitely with me every morning when I plan to curl or blow dry my hair!

Where to purchase and how much?

These products are available exclusively in L'Oreal Professional partner salons for Php965.00 (approx $21.00)

A simple "imperfect" blowdry 

using the Style Constructor

 

Now, even though you see my back, 

you'll know that the smile is still there!

I'll still say, keep the smile coming

Stay happy and jolly! :)

Nail Art Tutorial: Berry Pink Florals

A romantic person will always be a romantic person!  Florals are definitely "in" for any season!  So let's get back to the romance groove *winks*

Step 1:

Apply 2 coats of ELF Berry Pink Polish.  Let dry.

 

 

Step 2:
Apply 1 coat of The Face Shop's Top Coat

 
While top coat is still wet, drop 5 drops of Prettnails' White Art Pen

Step 3:

While the dots are still wet, drop on another Prettynails' 2 way Berry Pink art pen on top of the white dots.  

Step 4:

Using the needle, create dimension to the flower petal.

Step 5:

Add several dots on top and bottom of the 2 toned flower.

Step 6:

Apply rhinestones if you like to.

Step 7:

Apply a think coat of glittery polish on top of the nail art.

Step 8:

Top with your favorite top coat to prevent the nail art from chipping and rhinestones from getting lost in space :)

I hope you find this tutorial helpful! :)

Keep smilin'

and keep that happiness flowing!
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: The Skin Food White Grape Fresh Foundation

Happy Monday everyone!!!  Start of the week!  An optimistic outlook is definitely needed to survive the Manic Monday! :) 

I haven't been reviewing foundation recently so let me bring back the mojo!  I want to thank my dear friend Zyra from down south for sending this to me!  At first, I was a bit hesitant on how she knew my shade!  Goodness gracious!  She can be my personal shopper as she got it right on! :)

I will be reviewing a brand that I haven't been giving much attention, The Skin Food.  I didn't even know they came out with White Grape Fresh Foundation!  Do I like it?  Is it worth the try?  Read on.....

Skin Food White Grape Fresh Foundation says ---

This fresh make-up foundation for skincare contains white grape extract rich with various vitamins and polyphenol to make your skin more moisturized and healthier.  It is applied smoothly and adheres well to your skin that you feel comfortable and light with make-up as if it were your own skin.  Moreover, your make-up lasts longer owing to its sebum-control powder.

Available shades:

No. 13 Light
No. 21 Light Beige

No. 23 Natural Beige

Size: 30ml

AMW says ---

Pros

• very light, no heavy feel
• gives out a natural "glow", skin looks healthy
• no allergies or skin reactions
• scent: is ok
• you can apply sheer or build up coverage
• it covers minor imperfections
• non-drying
• it dries up into a powdery finish 
  
• packaging: cute and I love it that it comes with a pump

 

• manufactured date visible

Cons

• scent: could be overwhelming to some
• if you have really bad skin, a concealer is still needed
• limited shades, both shades work well for lighter skinned individuals.
• super oily skinned individuals: May need primer prior to foundation application
• I can't tell which shade I got as it wasn't written in the packaging
  

Overall

I heart this foundation.  I have been using this consistently for the past 2 weeks and I like the fact that this foundation is non-drying and it lasts the whole day with super minimal retouching.  The scent seriously was a bit overwhelming for me the first time I've used it, but I can easily get used to it right after.

Lightweight, natural glow is definitely 2 key points that made me sold to this foundation!  Definitely a great foundation for daily use.

Tips

• pump 1x or 1.5x for the whole face
• you can use your "clean" fingers to apply, I prefer using my Dual Foundation Brush (either from Dollface or Essence of Beauty)
• oily skinned: needed primer to ensure not oiling up
• finish up with a setting powder 
• if itchiness or signs of redness occur: STOP using the product immediately.
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes!  For personal use and my colleague tested this on herself and she love this so much to want to purchase her own too!

Where to purchase and how much?

At local Skin Food stores for Php1,150 (approx $25.00)

A closer look on the texture

 

Swabbed on hand with and without flash

The shade looks a bit different than my skin

 

But when blended well, it actually blends into my skin

 

Applied on face

No Base

No setting powder

 

Have you tried this?
Share your experience!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Stay positive!

Weekend Food Tripping at: The Frazzled Cook

The week gets to be super challenging as the days unveil!  I am glad my dearest highschool friends decided to unwind in a new restaurant around San Juan Area called The Frazzled Cook.  Take a peek!

If you are familiar with Fat Michael's, I've read that The Frazzled Cook's Chef is from the said restaurant.  Excited to learn more about the place?  Take a peek (warning: Heavy photo content, do not scroll down if hungry :P )

 

Very cozy place that greeted us

 

Funny how inconsistent the designs are

but everything worked well together

and complemented each other

 

Even each chair are different to the other

 

Out of nowhere, we got a Hello Kitty printed spoons!!!

I love this!

Potato and Basil Chowder 

with Prosciuttto

Php150.00 (approx $3.26)

Herbed Chicken Salad

with Basil Vinaigrette

Php275.00 (approx $6.00)

Seafood Paella

Serves 4

Php550.00 (approx $11.95)

 

Spicy Chicken Kebab with Garlic Rice

Php285.00 (approx $6.20)

 

Pan Seared Dory in Olive Oil & Thyme

Php325.00 (approx $7.00)

 

Corn & Chops

Php375.00 (approx $8.15)

 

Grilled Beef Spareribs with Mixed pasta

Good for 2

Php600.00 (approx $13.00)

 

Grilled Chicken Rosemary

Php225.00 (approx $4.90)

 

And cute "Lucky Cats' Waving goodbye!

 

Good friends are seriously hard to find

If you found them, keep them and treasure them
Thanks to Berlyne and Charlie for the wonderful dinner!

 

The food tastes fabulous, service is great and background music is just right!  Definitely a wonderful place to hang out, enjoy a date or even spend quality time with the family!

The Frazzled Cook

#916 Luna Mencias Street, 

Barangay Additional Hills, 

Mandaluyong City

(632) 725-3354

Keep smilin!

Stay happy!

Enjoy your weekend food tripping!