Readers' Corner: How Nikki Organize Her Traincase

Happy Friday everyone! :)  Now, aren't you feeling the weekend excitement?  Come on, give out a smile =)  See? It's easy to be happy eh?

Anyways, Friday, I dedicate this to a reader query that I wasn't able to answer for quite some time.  I apologize!  But hey, I will finally answer it!  That counts right? *pats myself on the back*

I was once asked to show my make-up collection and how I pack for makeup gigs!  As organized as I am, I do not have everything in one place, I have a place for makeups that are used often and a "storage" area for backups.   I don't use as much makeup as you expect me to be.  If you ask me, my "daily used" makeup will be packed in one medium sized pouch and that's it :)

Since I will be off for a wedding gig today!  Let me show you how I pack my stuffs.  I guess I pack the same as others but what the heck?  If you're intrigued, you can see how boring I could be!  *laughs*

Here's my traincase in wheels

As you open the cover I like to see eye products

 

Let me break it down for you :)

 

1. Single Eyeshadows, Concealer Palette and Foundation palette - I like to bring some single shadows that could get useful, especially on the more colorful shades.

2. Eyeshadow palettes - the quads, the mini palettes etc...

3. Eyebrow powder, falsies, tools like mini scissors, tweezers, shaver, etc..

 

4. Blushes and contouring powder - both in cream and powder form

5. Lipsticks and lipglosses

6. Random concealer pots, primers, eyebrow pencils, eyeliner pencils, etc...

and for the huge storage space

 

7.  Eyeshadow palettes, concealer palette, blush palette, brush cleansers, facial mists, make-up removers and brush brushes protected in brush rolls

 

I also include the clear plastic case that includes my sponges, velour puffs, cotton buds, cotton pads and random clips for hair!

I also have this tiny sticker with my name on the traincase...out of topic!  I know! *smiles*

Anyways, if you  notice, I don't have any foundation or setting powders in the huge traincase because I like it separated.  I don't like digging deep.  I put all my foundation and powders in a separate case.

A Lancome case that was gifted to me by my Aunt

Thanks Aunt! :D

I include random shades of powder/cream/liquid foundations. Also, I make sure to bring moisturizer for clients who haven't had the chance to moisturize their skin!

Did You Know That?

I usually ask the skin color of my clients prior to organizing my make-up so I don't have to lug everything!  That saves space, time and energy!  Smart eh? :P

 

 I hope seeing the way I organize my make-up for gigs doesn't give you an "eye sore"!

Don't blame me!  Blame the reader who requested for this!  :P  Don't worry, I'll keep you anonymous! *winks*  Well I'm off to rest now!  I must be ready for a busy weekend!!!

Happy weekend everyone!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!
Thank goodness it's FRIDAY!!!

AMW Reviews: Hot Tools Professional Gold Curling Iron

I have been wanting a curling iron as young as ... YOUNG!  *laughs*  I've used many curling irons in the past, mostly cheap ones and I find that it doesn't do anything for my hair!  Either they don't heat up easily or they just get broken before I learn how to use one!


When I started to blog and started to read reviews, I've got to learn a brand that's inexpensive yet works great!  HOT TOOLS!  And I swear, this is one product I've been lemming FOR-EH-VAH! 

My friend from the US helped me purchase one and after almost 2 years of constant salivation (if there is such term!), I held it close to me.....

 

After days of staring, not because of "awe" but because it was in 110 volts!  hahaha Now that's what you call someone out there is playing a joke on me!  I finally have my own "transformer" (and I'm not talking about Optimus Prime! *sigh*)  I finally used it and here's a serious review..I mean business this time! :P

Hot Tools Professional says ---

Hot Tools Gold Spring Curling Iron is great for adding waves, curls, or volume to any hair style. The Patented Pulse Technology® senses heat loss and begins restoring it immediately so the iron stays hot, curl after curl. The 24K gold plated barrel speeds the circulation of heat, enhancing heat up and heat recovery.

• Patented Pulse Technology for Gets Hot... Stays Hot performance
  
• Variable heat settings with built-in rheostat control up to 430 degrees
  
• Powerful spring clamp
  
• Extra-high heat
  
• 24K gold-plated barrel
  
• Fast heat up
  
• Heavy-duty long-life heating element
  
• Foldaway safety stand
  
• Pilot light
  
• Extra-long cool tip
  
• Soft-Grip¿ textured handle
  
• 8-ft. cord
  
• On / Off switch
  
• Solid-state circuitry
  
• One-year warranty 

 AMW says ---

Pros

• *whistles* looks GREAT!!! Imagine pulling this out??? *sigh* Gold......
  
• heats up pretty fast
  
• great 360 degrees swivel cord

• the clamp is just right, not too tight or loose

• easy grip handle, just the right size

• I love the on/off switch that doesn't accidentally turn off while styling, my flat iron tends to accidentally turn off while using!

• has temperature controls, at least, you can control the temperature base on your hair texture.  Perfect if you're a hairstylist as different clients have different hair texture
  

• the cool tip is longer as compared to other curling irons which gives a better hold while curling

• included are 2 extra springs for you to change when the original one gets loose

Cons

• needs transformer to be able to use this if you are not living in a country that uses 110 volts
• if you use this everyday without protection, can easily dry up or ruin the texture of your hair
• not available locally
  

Overall

I strongly recommend this if you are looking for a curling iron that works and does what it was intended to do.  It curls and the curls stay!

What is the difference between the Gold Barrel and the Ceramic ones?

I own both the Gold Barrel and another one that has "teflon" coating or I would say, equivalent to ceramic ones.  The coated ones in my opinion does not curl as fast as the uncoated ones, and the curl does not stay as long, but the good side is, it protects the hair and great for daily use as its not as harsh.

In my case, both are useful.  If you like to curl your hair on a daily basis, go for the ceramic/teflon coated curling irons, if you have a special event or party and a long lasting curl is needed, this one will save your special day!  But I have to stress again and again to use heat protecting products!

Tips

• never use while taking a shower or on a wet environment
• be careful not to store in area that children can easily reach
• while iron is still hot after unplugging, store in place that's not easy to reach
• use a heat protecting gloves if you are clumsy
• use a damp cloth to wipe the iron when cool, or use an iron spray if available in your location
• use heat protecting product to protect your hair while styling
• if you are living in a country like mine using 220v, do stick on a "note" that reminds you on this voltage to prevent accidents

Will I repurchase?

I'd love to get other sizes! 3/4 inches, 1 1/4 is my next target! :)


Where to purchase and how much?
My friend purchased this one for me at Ulta for $32.00 (approx Php1,500)

And here's a photo to show the Hot Tools Professional Gold Curling Iron in 1"

Curled early morning around 9:30am, this was taken at exactly 11:30pm

Not bad eh? 

Hairspray used

L'oreal Professional Tecni.Art

Air Fix Force 5

If you plan to purchase a curling iron, I highly recommend this brand.  This is a perfect example of a product that works great yet inexpensive!  GOOD BUY! :)

I hope you find this review helpful!  Full of photos, sorry! I can't help but boast it's sexyness *winks*

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Cleansing Water

Happy day everyone :)

Today is the day I will be reviewing a facial cleanser, a non-Clinique facial cleanser!  Any shocked expressions out there?  lol  Well, here's the thing, I've been a Clinique 3-step skincare user but I always found myself using up my Clinique Mild Facial Cleanser way faster than a speeding bullet!  I've used up 3 cleansers at the rate of 1 toner and 1 moisturizer!  Not cool eh?

As I was repurchasing my Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil, I saw the Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Cleansing Water, Purifier...Cleansing...WATER...those 3 words, who could resist? 

Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Cleansing Water says ---

A soap-free, water-textured cleanser formulated with soft, mild cleansing ingredients and deepsea water.

AMW says ---

Pros

• very light on skin
• smells great
• no skin irritations
• lathers up quickly
• skin does not feel tight or oily, feels just right
  
• love the pump

Cons

• if you are a heavy makeup user, this does not remove all traces of makeup
• this watery texture makes it easier to finish up the product
  

Overall

At first use, I did not appreciate this as I feel like it doesn't do anything for my skin.  I even left this for a month and tried using other cleansers.  When I was done again with my existing cleansers, I would go back to this.  I find that this works, this makes my skin clean but it doesn't do anything special.  This has always been the "fallback" cleanser or the "backup" cleanser just in case I don't have any left.  But after several months of constant usage, I am actually liking it.  This made me realize that this is a type of product you won't fall in love at once but it takes time for you to get use to it.  Probably because of it's "water" texture.

I repurchased because I find this is quite easy to use, 2-3 pumps in the morning, my skin feels refreshed, no zits, no dryness, no oiliness, just right!  We'll see how the following months go,   I can always do a revisit :)

Tips

• if you are a heavy makeup user: use a makeup remover first
• best to use this early morning and use the Cleansing Oil before going to bed to remove all traces or makeup or dirt
• pump 2-3 times with wet hands, rub hands to lather
• gently massage onto face for a minute before washing your face
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes, I just did! (photo above is my newly purchased 2nd bottle) I'm almost done with my first bottle

 

Where to purchase and how much?

At Shu Uemura stores, sorry I don't have the exact price yet, I bought mine at Duty Free Shop.  Will update again

Update: Learned from Retail Manager of Shu Uemura that this is already phased out and they have the Pore Cleansing Foam for Php1,950 (approx $42.00)

On hand, definitely looks like water, be careful on spillage though

Lather up a bit, here's how it looks :)

I know this isn't as famous as the Cleansing Oil.

But anyone tried this?

How'd you like it?

--------------------------------------------------

P.S. Philippine Readers:  Please do not forget to join the Minute Maid Pulpy Orange contest to win a gift certificate for a SOFA short course on makeup worth Php15,000 plus Php5,000 worth of Kiehl's products! :)  For contest mechanics, head on to Beautynomics site and goodluck!!!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Crabtree & Evelyn Goatmilk Triple Milled Soap

Crabtree & Evelyn has always been a brand that's quite luxurious for my taste.  My first C&E product was an airplane gift given to me by my uncle.  I think he's flying long haul business class thus he has this cute C&E pouch with all the cute mini toiletries!  That's my one and only memory of C&E.

Well, I do have a couple of more, I visited a friend in Shanghai and she's a die hard Crabtree & Evelyn Fragrances fan, so I bought a couple, as gifts.

I never purchased from this brand, for myself.

Thanks to my Aunt for gifting me this, made me realize, it does feel great to receive Crabtree & Evelyn products for a change! *laughs*

Crabtree & Evelyn
Goatmilk

Triple Milled Soap with Milk Protein

Did you know that?
I never use anything with "Goatmilk" or "goat" whatever in my whole life, this will probably be the first, you know why?  Craziness thought, in Chinese Calendar, I was born in the year of the Goat/Sheep...so, I have this...feeling...of...protecting my herd? *laughs out loud*  If you think I'm weird, it's ok, I still love you! hahaha 

Ok, back to reviews!

The Goatmilk Triple Milled Soap comes in a huge box with 3 bars of 100g soap.  The packaging is simple yet eye catching.

Crabtree & Evelyn says ---

Our creamy skin soothing soap for sensitive skin contains goat milk extract and milk proteins in a special moisturizing vegetable base.

Benefits:

• Comforts sensitive skin
• Enriched with milk proteins
• Moisturizing

Scent: Soothing blend of fresh lavender and alpine flowers

Box of three 100g Soaps.

Ingredients:

Sodium Palmate. Sodium Palm Kernelate. Water (Aqua)(Eau). Fragrance (Parfum). Goat Milk (Lait De Chevre) Extract. Hydrolyzed Milk Protein. Sodium Chloride. Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate. Sorbitol. Glycerin. Propylene Glycol. Isopropyl Myristate. Bht. Tetrasodium Etidronate. Tetrasodium Edta. Amyl Cinnamal. Linalool. Coumarin. Geraniol. Benzyl Benzoate. Benzyl Salicylate. Methylparaben. Propylparaben. Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).

AMW says ---

Pros

• moisturizing
• smells great!  Not overpowering, just right
• as compared to other moisturizing soaps, it doesn't melt as fast
• lathers quickly
• doesn't irritate my skin
  
• feels clean after using this, other soaps that are luxurious doesn't make me feel clean lol
• no oily residue
  

Cons

• pricey

Overall

Paying Php315.00 (approx $6.80) for a 100g soap is quite pricey!  Seriously, not everybody could afford that!  And I myself, even with the driest of all dry skin couldn't shell out this much for a bar of soap.  But you know what I did?  Purchased as a gift!  I guess that's the power of packaging!  I honestly couldn't shell out this much amount of money for my own skin but I don't mind spending this much to gift this to someone as it looks really luxurious and it's, in my opinion, packaged to be purchased as gift!  Maybe its just me, but the marketing strategy is working!

Is it worth it?  Well, it's not a bad product, I love the scent, I love how luxurious I feel and how non-drying it is as compared to other regular soaps.  But with all the variations out there, we can easily purchase  moisturizing soaps without spending as much.

Moral of the review?

If you have the money, go for it!

If you don't...there are a lot of "me-eh-eh-he" (goat sound inserted here) soap out there!

Tips

• always use a soap dish and keep dry when not in use
• eventhough you are using a moisturizing soap, do continue with body lotion or oil after shower
• if you really want to try this, you can purchase with a friend to save up :)
• Crabtree & Evelyn have sales or bundles every now and then, keep your eyes open and try on their products during sale period.  They can go upto 30% off :)
  

Will I repurchase?
No for myself, yes as gift.

Where to purchase and how much?

Crabtree & Evelyn stores or booths for Php950.00 (approx $21.00) = 3 bars of 100g soap

 

100g fits my hand perfectly

 

What's the most expensive soap you've tried?
I guess this will be my "most expensive soap" for the moment

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

The Unsung Hero : Rat Tail Comb

I know I've talked about the "unsung hero" in my previous post.  That got me inspired to search for more "unsung heroes" available at home or just right in front of us that we haven't taken the time of the day.  Not until I've realized giving them a minute or two will make us realize how comfortable life is with them around!

My Unsung Hero for the moment, very cheap yet very useful Rat Tail Comb! 

I don't have the packaging but I bought this for less than Php100.00 (approx $2.00) from Landmark mall.  I love it that the "rat tail" comes in metal which makes it even easier to section my hair every morning when I blowdry my hair.  I also like using this when I cut people's hair!  Yes I still do! (Thanks to those who trust me lol).  The comb side works good too!  I have used a lot of cheap combs that just doesn't feel right when you comb your hair, this comb does not tug your hair or hurt your scalp.  "PERFECT!" is all I can say.

Have you tried using the "rat tail" comb?
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!