AMW Reviews: Beauty Blender

The first time I saw the Beauty Blender on various websites, I had my mouth in big "O" and it got me thinking.."What the heck???? That price for a single small sponge?"  When I went back to my makeup school to do a photoshoot (Thanks Jeave and Stef), I borrowed Stef's Beauty Blender which is a good and bad idea.  Great idea because I find it very easy to apply foundation and it looks too cute on my hand!   Bad idea - for my wallet!  I got home thinking about it!  (imagine Beauty Blender with eyes and mouth calling for me!  Sorry my brain could be a bit cartoonish at times hahaha)

Yes people, I can be weak too!  I gave in and bought my very own cute Beauty Blender!  My excuse?  It's available locally!  I don't need to wait for months or pay a lot for shipping!  :P

Beauty Blender says ---

The ultimate make up sponge applicator invented by top Hollywood make up artists Rea Ann Silva and Veronica Lorenz, Beautyblender has been created to leave you with a professional finish and a flawless complexion. Silva and Lorenz know that the key to a perfect face is simple: a perfect blend. So forget your fingers or sharp-edged triangular sponges, these application methods waste make up and can leave visible streaks.

Beautyblender’s patent-pending elliptical shape makes application foolproof by allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas with stunning ease. Its suede texture is sensual to the touch and its unique curves fit the contours of your face, leaving your make up dazzling and undetectable. Beautyblender is latex free, non-allergenic and odor free.

Weekend Food Tripping at: Five Cows Resto & Ice Cream Bar

Funny how I forgot to post a weekend food tripping last week!  I guess I lost track of the days and I do miss the weekend food tripping post!  I hope you do too! :)  Now, let's get the groove back!  I got my appetite back as well!  Here's to a cute restaurant that screams "Moooooo!!!!"

Five Cows Resto & Ice Cream Bar

A nice "barnyard" ambiance!

 

Loaded Nachos

Php135.00 (approx $2.94)

Tortilla chips topped with cheese, salsa and pico de gallo

 

Salpicao

Php260.00 (approx $5/65)

Tender US beef chunks with garlic, olive oil, 

buttered vegetables and my favorite garlic rice!

 

Rocky Almond Bars

Php160.00/ slice (approx $3.48)

Php995.00 for whole (approx $21.63)

Chef's heavenly creation of chocolate and vanilla ice cream,

caramel and chocolate sauces, praline, chopped almond over an oreo crust

topped with generous swirl of extra chocolate sauce

A must try for all ice cream cake + chocolate lovers out there!
I swear! You have to order this and share with your loved ones!

awww...isn't that sweet?

 

Five Cows Resto and Ice Cream Bar

located at 4th Floor Trinoma mall EDSA 

tel no: 632-901-3748/ 632-901-3948

Great service, the restaurant accepts cash and all major credit cards!

The restaurant is packed most of the time, both food and dessert are a winner for me!

Enjoy chowtime! 

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

I Wonder: "....it's too darn cute!"

How's everybody doing?  Well, I'm still an "energizer bunny"!  Like I said, it will be a very busy weekend but here I am, I still want to catch up with everyone!  As I was organizing my stuffs.. AGAIN  (nothing's new)!  I found an OPI Teeny Bikinis set given to me by my bestfriend as a gift.

As a nail addict like yours truly, its quite surprising to think that I didn't use this the moment I receive this!!!  That got me thinking, I love polishes and each and every polish I have, I can't leave it more than a week not trying or using it.  What stopped me???

 Who could resist using them?  They're super cute!

The set was available Spring of 2009 (Around February) in the US, I believe it's not available locally! This is the mini version of the regular sized OPI and they are packed in a cute pouch which is great for gifting or a perfect size if you want to test the brand without spending too much!

 

The OPI South Beach Teeny Bikinis mini nail lacquer set includes: (left to right)

• Done Out in Deco
• Suzi & the Lifeguard
• Overexposed in South Beach
• RapiDry Top Coat
  

That got me thinking and I want to hear from all of you.

"What new product you have that you just don't have the heart to use because...

.... it's too darn cute?"

Yes, I promise I'll try to use this, on my next nail art tutorial,
even if it breaks my heart!
I'll probably play "Achy Breaky Heart" while I use this no? *hahahahaha*

Keep smilin!
Stay happy!

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!