AMW Reviews: Monda Oval Steel Mixing Plate

I am not a born artist and anything that looks like "painting" or "drawing" products scares the hell out of my brains!  I am allergic to anything artistic and I am quite surprised I grew up to be a Makeup Artist.  That's one mystery in life I guess.

I've always thought mixing tools for makeup are useless and just a marketing strategy to make people spend more money.  But when I get into makeup class and learning that being a makeup artist, I don't need to own every shade of foundation available in the world,  I learned the art of mixing, and with the art of mixing, comes the mixing tools needed!  Embarrassing for me to admit, I've used square carton boxes to mix my stuffs and girl, I swear, it doesn't look good! :)

That's when stainless steel mixing plates made especially for makeup artists or enthusiasts.  I'm glad we have it available down here and I don't need to look for it at the "cooking" section! 

Monda Oval Steel Mixing Plate says ---

No description on the mondastudio.com website.  I can't even find it there.

AMW says ---

Pros

• made of stainless steel, do not rust
• very handy, perfect for mixing lip product, foundation or any other cream/ liquid based makeup
• very professional looking
• easy to clean up

Cons

• useless for people who hates mixing their make-up
• quite pricey for a mixing plate (but this lasts forever!)

Overall

I've used a lot of plastic plates or even cardboard to mix my makeup and it doesn't look professional at all!  I'm glad I got my own stainless steel plate for mixing which looks very professional and hygienic at the same time.  This is perfect not only for makeup artists but for make-up addicts out there who loves mixing their foundation or even lipstick shades!  I am one lipstick mixer so this is a perfect tool for me!  I like it that the plate is quite spacious so I have enough space to mix different products without having to wipe the plate each and every time.  

Tips

• goes hand in hand with the mixing steel spatula

• always clean up your mixing plate right after usage
• spritz the plate alcohol prior to usage to make sure it's hygienic

Will I repurchase?

1 is enough for the rest of my life.  Do not lose this though! :)

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally, at HD Makeup Studio for Php750.00 (approx $16.30)

Brand name printed on the plate

 

shaped like a painter's mixing plate

 

Just the right thickness

 

Easy to hold

 

Do you mix your makeup?
Do you use a mixing plate?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Merry Christmas!!!

AMW Readers:

Christmas day may be a time for gift giving or reunion to a lot of us.  But let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas!  Let us all thank the Lord for the wonderful blessings He showered upon us.  Thank Jesus for his unconditional love!

I don't have a Christmas wish list as I got enough great friends, wonderful family and relatives for being there for me through the thickest times.  That is enough for me to go on...

I did not wish for material things and yet, I am still spoiled to be showered with love package from a Secret Santa.  Whoever you are, thank you!!!!

 

I also received my winnings from JC, thank you sweetie for the Barry M nail polishes too!  I can't wait to give it a try! So festive!

 

I'm wishing everyone the Merriest Christmas!
Now, ain't this the best time to tell everyone how much you love them?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Christmas Giveaway by Makeup Mix Shop --- WINNER!

To My Dearest AMW Readers:

Thank you!  Thank you for joining the Christmas Giveaway and thanks to our dear friend Makeup Mix Shop for sponsoring this contest! 

Christmas day is tomorrow!  As promised, I will announce the winner before Christmas Day!  I ain't too late yeah? 

Thanks to my trustee Random.org.  The winner for the ELF Studio Brush Set + Case is... *drumroll*

KAREN of Pixelgraffiti!

I will email you soon!!!

For the rest, there's still a code ASKMEWHATS for 10% off any order, including Sale Period!  No expiration date on my code!  Can I use my own code? lol

Have a wonderful Holidays everyone!
Of course, let's all keep smilin!
And Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Neutrogena Body Oil

The quest for a good moisturizer for dry skin continuous, and I'm glad to share my journey with you!  Body Lotions, Body Creams, I've tried....and now..there's Body Oil to give it a test!

Neutrogena Body Oil 

Light Sesame Formula

Neutrogena Body Oil says ---

Experience Neutrogena Body Oil .  Its light sesame formula glides on easily to moisturize dry skin.  It's so sheer it vanishes into shower-damp skin leaving it soft and silky, with a radiant, healthy glow.  No moisturizer can touch this experience.

Ingredients

Isopropyl Myristate, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, PEG-40 Sorbitan Peroleate, Propylparaben, BHT, Fragrance.

AMW says ---

Pros

• moisturizing.  Moisture stays longer than regular lotion
  
• doesn't feel greasy once absorbed
  
• smells really nice
• gives the skin a nice glow
  

Cons

• to people who hate the texture of oil, this is not for you
  
• I'd love to have it "housed" in a better packaging, the cap gets oily and product could easily spill
  

Overall

Though I have super dry skin, anything with "OIL" written on its packaging is a huge NO NO for me.  I am allergic to anything OILY!  And I am sure a lot of you feel the same.  The first "oil" based product I've tried for my skin is the Johnson's Baby Oil Lite which I didn't use long enough.  I really, seriously hate the feeling of oil no matter how "non-greasy" they claim to be.

So when I was given the chance to try the Neutrogena Body Oil, the first thing that attracted me is the scent!  I've even given this a try when I know I'm not leaving home, I am THAT skeptical.

My skin hasn't improved overnight but it does give a nice "glow" and "moisture" my skin needs for the day!  Crazy as it sounds, I do use this right after shower then add up with a body cream to further "seal in the moisture", and yes, I do that night time to wake up with baby soft skin! Wooppeee! Wanna touch? *winks* LOL

Tips

from Neutrogena

While skin is still damp, smooth on a few drops to help seal in moisture.  Let your body dry naturally, or simply pat dry with a towel.

Or in the bath, add to water and soften your skin while you bathe.

from AMW

• it seriously doesn't make a difference for me to apply this right after shower or not.  I apply this prior to going out and let it absorbed into my skin first before sunscreen application
• gently massage this body oil onto the dry area, massage more if needed
• if your skin is extremely dry: apply this body oily right after shower, once absorbed, re-apply your favorite body lotion/cream
• do not forget to apply sunblock prior to going out
• store the product upright, as it could spill
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes!

Where to purchase and how much?

You can purchase this for a cheaper price together with Neutrogena Fine Fairness UV Compact (at half its original price) for Php939.50 (approx $20.40)

Can be easily purchased at department stores or beauty stores.

A photo of skin

with and without Neutrogena Body Oil

No Photoshop, cropped photo as is

 

Have you tried body oil to moisturize your skin?
Game to try? Afraid to try?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Orly Nail Lacquer Remover

Funny how I'm addicted to nail polishes and never blog about the nail polish remover I've been using.  I guess I've been using it for such a long time it felt like washing my face!  *laughs*.  For your information, I do have a preferred nail polish remover brand.  And I discovered it when I went to Hong Kong a couple of years ago when I purchased this for it's size.  I can't seem to find huge sized nail polish remover locally!

Orly Nail Lacquer Remover

Extra Strength

16 FL Oz/480 ml

Orly says ---

• Perfect for natural nails
• non-drying formula
• no oily residue
• works instantly

Available in 2 variants

• Orly Gentle Formula Nail Polish Remover (in green) - Great for artificial nails.  A non-acetone, non-oily formula that removes polish quickly and safely.
• Orly Extra Strength Nail Polish Remover (in blue) - Developed for natural nails, this salon-proven formula quickly removes polish.

Ingredients

Acetone, Aqua/Water/Eau, Parfum/Fragrance, CI42090/Blue 1, CI 17200/Red 33, Citric Acid

AMW says ---

Pros

• does not have a strong acetone scent
• non-drying
• easily removes polish without wiping hard
• it shouldn't make a difference, but the color is quite nice to look at! LOL
  

Cons

• pricier as compared to local brands
• the huge 480ml size is not available locally
  

Overall

I never thought the right type or kind of nail polish remover would make a huge difference in nail polish removing.  I haven't tried a lot of brands but I've definitely used local brands as compared to this and I am obviously hooked to this as this is non-drying and doesn't leave a white "film" around my nails.  I also like the fact that it doesn't make my nose suffer each time I remove my nail polish.  

Tips

• I prefer using a cotton pad instead of cotton ball to remove nail polish
• Leave it for a couple of seconds before wiping gently
• Always keep the cap tightly closed when not in use.
• If you have an acetone pump, use a pump dispenser for easier polish removing (can be purchased at Prettynails' website)

Will I repurchase?

Yes!  I have backups and I need to repurchase.  Anyone going to Hong Kong? lol

Where to purchase and how much?

The huge bottle I got from Sasa Hong Kong for HKD36.00 (approx Php216.00)
For Local Buyers: 
Gentle Formula (16 oz) : Php 595.00
Gentle Formula (04 oz) : Php 179.75
Extra Strength  (04 oz) : Php 179.75
Marrionnaud, First Aid Greenbelt, PCX (Rockwell, Ermita, ATC), Watsons (G5, Makati, Megamall Department Store, Ayala Cebu), Landmark - Trinoma, Caswell-Massey, Jesi Mendez (New World, Ermita, Park Square I, Tutuban), Chocolate (Trinoma), and Nail Tropics (Serendra and Eastwood)


*Thanks to Sprint Asia Marketing for the information on the prices above.

 

What's your favorite nail polish remover?  Nail polish remover for me is an "unsung" hero!  Not everyone gives it the time of the day but come to think of it, it's such a vital part of nail beautifying! :D

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!