AMW Reviews: MAC MSF in Dark

I've been searching for a back up contouring powder just in case I ran out of the limited edition MAC Sculpting Powder . My requirement?  Something non-shimmery, natural-looking and readily available to purchase (no no to limited editions!)

Have I found the one?

Before you further react, this is not meant to be just a contouring powder, MAC's Mineralized Skin Finish Natural is multi-purpose and it really depends on the user on what you plan to do with it! :) 

 

MAC MSF SkinFinish Natural in Dark says ---

A luxurious domed face powder with minerals, slowly baked to provide a dimensional yet natural-matte finish.  Provides perfect low coverage.  Use to set and fix foundation or as a touch-up throughout the day.

Ingredients: (you can click photo to enlarge)

AMW says ---

Pros

• multi-purpose: can be used as setting powder for darker skintone, used as contour powder or blush/bronzer
• lightweight
• product lasts a long time!
• since this is "baked", it never gets cakey and gives out a really soft, natural finish
  

Cons

• applying too much may turn out quite "orangey" <--- be careful
• because of the "dome" shape, the powder if very delicate
  
• no mirror that comes with this
• powder tends to fly everywhere when you swirl using a denser brush, product wastage
  

Overall

Matte yet gives a bit of a sheen finish, that's the best description I can give for the MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural Line.  I have purchased this mainly for contouring but I find this a bit too "rusty" for my NC20 skintone, I think this will go perfectly for NC30-35 skintone.  I've used this to give a bit of healthy glow all over my face on days that I feel like I need the "color", but using the right type of brush is very crucial for products like this! 

Tips

• depending on your preferred usage, always test on different brushes to find the "perfect match"
• to achieve a nice healthy glow, apply lightly on areas that the sun naturally hit your face with a stippling brush for "softer" dimension
• prefer more coverage:  wet your sponge or spritz your brush with water 
• to prevent product from flying everywhere, I prefer using a "dab dab" method rather than a swirling method
• NEVER drop this!
  

Will I repurchase?

I purchased my MAC SkinFinish MSF Light last March and I use it daily, I've hit the pan (just in the middle) but still have a lot left, since I bought this only for contouring, this may last LONGER.  Not sure if I'll repurchase this within the year!

 

Where to purchase and how much?

At MAC store for Php1,600 (approx $34.78). I purchased mine cheaper from a blogsale!  Thanks Hedley!

Let me give you a closer look

to the MAC MSF Natural in DARK

On pan

 

 

I know contouring is not really for everyday, but if you do, have you finally found "zee contouring powder" that works so well for you?  I'd love to know!

The year's almost over!!! 

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Askmewhats Reviews: Nick Chavez Plump N Thick Leave in Thickening Cream

(note: all reviews are done based on the experience by this author, different individuals may have different views, feel free to comment if you want to share your views, thanks)

I thought I finished reviewing all my Nick Chavez hair products that was sent to me for review.  Guess I'm wrong!  I've done reviewing those that I use most of the time and I realized I haven't been giving this the time of the day!!!  Bad Nikki!  Oh well, better late than never right!

Nick Chavez Plump N Thihck Leave in Thickening Cream

**photo from Nick Chavez website

Nick Chavez says ---
An exceptional day or night leave-in creme that maximizes your hair's body and thickness to create richer, fatter hair. Formulated for all hair types. It has whole wheat protein, panthenol, and botanicals help strengthen hair.

Ingredients:

Water, VP/VA Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Benzophenone-

4,Cyclopentasiloxane,Cyclohexasiloxane,Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract,Honey, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed

Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Lactamide MEA, Lecithin, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract,

Panthenol,Polyquaternium-11,Polyquaternium-37,PPG-1Trideceth-6,Propylene Glycol,Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate,Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium

PCA, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethanolamine, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben,

Fragrance, Red 33, Red 40.


Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• does not weigh hair down
• smells great
• hair do not feel greasy the whole day
  
• hair feels a bit fuller
• works really well if you plan to do a "poufy" hairdo
• one bottle lasts as a little amount is enough
  

Cons

• not available locally and too expensive to have it shipped here
• if your hair is not layered, you won't feel much of the volume
• won't do anything for you if you're not into volumized hair
  

Overall 

I don't have thin or thick hair to start with, my hair is just right.  But when I had my hair layered,  I've thought of giving this product a try and so far, it does enhance the look of the layers done by the stylist.  I am not into big hair though so I don't use this as much as I wanted to.  I've given this up to a friend of mine who has thin and limp hair.   She loves it and she told me she will repurchase via a friend in US.

This product in my opinion works for well anyone who wants a bit of volume without the weight or the greasiness.  I haven't seen any similar product locally or I may not be looking hard enough, but this is a product that works but I'm not a fan of it due to my personal reason of not liking the thick looking hair :)

Tips

From Nick Chavez

• after shampooing, apply a dime-sized amount into palms, maassage into hair and leave in.
• on dry hair, rub a dime-sized amount into palms and massage into hair and scalp, leaving product in hair.
• before bed time, brush dry hair thoroughly, dispense a dime-size amount into palms of hands and massage into hair, do not rinse.

From AMW

• use a pea sized amount only
  
• test onto your hair which one works better, applied on wet hair, dry hair or before bedtime.  I like it applied on dry hair on my own experience.
• if this product works for you, ask for a friend or relatives who live in the US to purchase this for you
• try to avoid applying onto the root area, our humidity will weigh down our hair or make our hair looks greasy
  

Will I repurchase?
No, again, I'm not a "volume" person

Where to purchase and how much?

CVS website for $22.000 (approx Php1,012) for 8oz.

Are you into sleek, straight hair? 
Or full wavy hair?
I'd go for any!  Depending on my mood :)

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

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!

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!

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!