Monday, December 28, 2009

AMW Reviews: Graftobian High-Def Warm Palette #1

I've been lurking the Graftobian sellers on ebay because I've been meaning to purchase a High Definition concealer/foundation palette.  I've read raves  on how great this foundation is.  Thanks to Stef, my dear friend, because it's nice to know it's finally available locally!  I've asked her what palette number to purchase first and she recommended warm pallete which works well for most Asian Skin.  I'm glad I listened! :)



 

Graftobian HD Creme Palette says ---

With rich color and coverage yet satin smooth creamy consistency, our Hi-Def Glamour Cremes are formulated to yield flawless High Definition results whether or not you're in front of a camera. These special palettes were designed to separate Cool, Warm and Neutral shades for artist convenience, poured into professional friendly, attractive packaging.

An artist can and often will use both media on the same face without having to work to match colors from scratch. The colors in this HD line have been sorted into Warm, Cool and Neutral shades as well as cream Corrector shades. This sort of user friendly system allows an artist to order within a "family" of shades for temperature correct use.

Made in the USA

Ingredients:Caprylic/Capric/Triglyceride, Octyl Palmitate, Carnauba Wax, Petrolatum, Lanolin Oil, Bees Wax, Ozokerite Wax, Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol, PTFE, BHA, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, N-Butylparaben. May contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Talc, Ultramarines.

AMW says ---

Pros
  • very light, felt like you're not wearing any foundation at all
  • easy to mix to get your desired shade
  • gives a nice coverage, can also double up as a concealer
  • doesn't dry out my dry skin, no flakiness
  • for matte finish lover: this has a very clean matte finish!
  • very smooth and easy to apply
  • a little amount goes a long way
  • if you're looking for foundation that does not contain SPF, this is it!
  • if you have dry skin, you don't even need to set this with a powder, this finishes up a really nice matte finish
  • build-able coverage, your choice of light to heavy finish
Cons
  • if you're not a makeup artist, you won't need all these shades
  • if you are into multi-purpose product, this isn't it.  There's no sunsceen, no skincare ingredients, no nothing!  Just pure foundation pigment.
Overall
I've always wanted to try HD foundation, but the price always stops me.  I'm glad there is a more affordable alternative Hi-Def makeup out there that's easier to the pocket.  I didn't think twice purchasing this because I know I can use this for clients and ended up using this for myself too *winks*

I am thrilled with the simple packaging, the smooth application and the nice coverage I get and I can't wait to try this to other people! This palette works well for both oily and dry skinned, you just have to prep your skin well before and after foundation application.  What I love about this palette is its multi-purpose, works well as foundation and concealer!  I don't need to carry tons of product on gigs.

Warm Palette #1 works well for MAC's NC15-35

I will definitely purchase more! :)

Tips
  • if you plan to purchase this for personal use, purchase the single foundation pot instead, you don't need all 5 shades not unless you are into highlighting and contouring
  • if you plan to mix, do not apply this directly onto your brush/sponge, better to scoop the product out with a spatula and plate, mix it well to warm the cream foundation prior to application
  • prior to application, prep your skin with your desired primer or moisturizer
  • for oily skin: pat with a setting powder to "prolong" the matte finish
  • yellow undertone: purchase the warm palette
Will I repurchase?
Yes.  I plan to purchase more shades as this is cheaper for makeup artist like me :)

Where to purchase and how much?
At HD Makeup Studio for Php1,400 (approx $30.40).

 
 

L-R (lightest to darkest): 
Graceful Swan, Ingenue, Vixen, Temptress and Enchantress

My shade is a bit of mix 
between 2 Ingenue and 3 Vixen


 

 

Have you tried HD?
This is my first, and definitely  not a last :)



Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Sunday, December 27, 2009

Weekend Food Tripping at: MoMo Cafe

How's holiday Food Tripping? Mine was great, spent with both families, lots of story telling and laughters.  I love holidays!

The first time I dined in Momo Cafe, it was early this year or late last year, I wasn't that impressed with the food and I didn't even find it exciting enough to blog about it.  But when I heard a new branch of Momo Cafe has opened up and people have been raving about it, I have to give it a try, Food Love could be sweeter the second time around.

Momo Cafe
Robinson's Plate, Ermita

I love the revamped look of the restaurant.  Drinks are well displayed and I like how bright the interior is!  Can I be childish and say, I love their colorful plates too?



Complimentary Crunchy Garlic Toast 
served with Cheese Pimiento spread
I seriously love this!

 

Family Starter Platter
Php395.00 (approx $8.60)

A selection of Jalapeno Cheese Rolls, Chicken and Bacon balls "on a stick"
"Calamari" strips served with all the goodies!

 

Here's what's inside of the Chicken and Bacon Balls



Grandma's Country Herb 
and Bacon Wrapped "MeatLoaf"
Php395.00 (approx $8.60)

Stuffed with Spanish Chorizo and topped with tomato cream gravy and a fried egg

 

Old Fashioned Beer Battered "Fish & Chips"
Php325.00 (approx $7.06)


Huge serving of Dory fish with sweet pickle tartar sauce coctail sauce,
malt vinegar and lemon

 

12" Thin Crust Pizza
Meat, meat and more Meat
Php385.00 (approx $8.37)

U.S. Beef, Hungarian Sausage, "meatloaf" balls and crispy bacon

 

Huge Glass for Bottomless Iced Tea



We oinked oinked our way out to the restaurant.  I love how nice their staffs are, food was served quickly and the servings are definitely good for sharing!  Humongous!!! Price is really affordable! 

Payments can be done via cash or credit card.  Expect 20% tip to be included in the final bill!

MoMo Cafe
Robinson's Place Manila
Manila Midtown Wing
tel: 632-567-3417

MoMo Cafe
G/F Eastwood Mall, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave,
Bagumbayan, Libis QC
tel: 632-900-1006

What's your holiday food tripping?
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!


Saturday, December 26, 2009

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!



    Friday, December 25, 2009

    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!




    Thursday, December 24, 2009

    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!