Paul & Joe Holiday Magic!

Dear Philippine Readers:

Paul & Joe unleashes it's Holiday Magic --- Paul & Joe's Holiday 2009 Collection!

If you want to witness the magical collection with free-flowing drinks while learning several tricks from P&J Chief Makeup Artist, be at NUVO, Greenbelt 2 tomorrow!  December 12, 2009, Party starts at 9:00pm!


Click the photo to enlarge for RSVP details!

Keep smilin'

Stay hapy!

AMW Reviews: Clinique Quick Blush in Peach-in-a-Pinch

First of all, I want to thank my dear friend B!  My dear Clumps of Mascara, thank you so much for sending me the love package! :)  She made sure I can try what's best out there and seriously!  I can't help but grab onto this and give this a try...ASAP!

The Clinique Quick Blush 

in Peach-in-a-Pinch

Looks like a big fat lipstick

Clinique Quick Blush says ---

Portable, all-in-one brush and blush, available in six natural-looking shades. Swivels up to reveal a full brush, pre-loaded with cheek color contained right in the cap.

Available in 6 shades: Minute Mocha, Hurry Honey, Pronto Pink, Peach-in-a-Pinch, In-a-rush-Blush and Berry On Time

AMW says ---

Pros

• perfect for travel
• brush bristles are well protected and hygienic
• natural shade
• brush is soft 
• very nice packaging
• no shedding
• brush is useful even if you finish up the blush powder
• if you love the natural blush look: this is it!
• no mess
  

Cons

• a bit troublesome to use at first, blush pigment won't show up 
• brush hairs takes a bit of time to dry up after washing
• does not last long, need to re-apply

Overall

Due to my high IQ level (Just joking!!! LOL) I didn't have a hard time figuring out on how to use this product.  I find it really nice and easy to deposit the blush pigment onto the blush and gently sweep it over my cheeks for a nice, natural shade!  Though I am a make-up artist, you would be surprised that I don't carry a lot of makeup on regular days, I hate bulky pouch and bags so I appreciate 2-in-1 products!  Clinique came out with a super handy blush with brush! 

Tips

from Clinique

• with package closed, simultaneously twist the base clockwise and cap counterclockwise so the brush picks up cheek color contained inside cap.
• Lift off cap and lightly tap brush to remove excess.
• Sweep on apples of cheeks, gently blending color up cheekbone toward temple

from AMW

• to make this last longer, apply a cream blush prior to using this blush
• if you want a natural flush: twist the base and cap around 2-3 times then apply onto your cheeks
• if you want a flushed look: twist the base and cap around 5-8 times then apply onto your cheeks
• once you're done with the blush that goes with the product, you can re-use the brush for different blushes
  

Will I repurchase?

I'd love to!

Where to purchase and how much?

At Sephora website for $21.50 (approx Php989.00), not sure if locally available <-- let me know if you have information on this

A closer look on the product

 

The cap and the brush base

 

The shade Peach-in-a-Pinch

 

As I twist the cap and base 2-3 times

Here's the amount of blush pigments on the brush

 

Peach-in-a-Pinch on cheeks

applied no base

I do wish more makeup companies would create travel friendly products like this!

Don't you wish you have this inside your makeup kit?

Keep smilin'

Stay Happy!
Happy weekend!

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!