I Wonder: Oil Blotting Sheets - Vital or a Waste?

You will never see me use an oil blotting sheet on myself.  I have the driest skin and you'd probably see me dab a bit of moisturizer or spritz myself with moisturizing spray instead.  Though there are stuffs I don't use, there are definitely a lot of products out there that can stir my interest and I am sure it will be useful for readers who are on the oilier side.

I have used a couple of oil blotting sheets on clients who have VERY oily skin.  Is it vital for me?  Not for myself but yes, it is vital as a make-up artist!  It helps a lot to have this inside the kit for those makeup and retouch moment, I once had an experience applying light powder on the groom, I spritz water and wiped his face well prior to doing so. I thought I was ready!  But turned out, this guy client have very oily skin so the powder ended up on his face in blotches!  Boy!  Am I glad I was early and I had enough time to ask him to wash his face all over again and thank goodness for oil blotters which are heaven sent on times like these!

One Oil Blotting Sheet I've used is from J&J Clean & Clear, it costs a little bit above Php100 (approx $3.00) for 60 sheets.  I like it that it doesn't tear like other paper blotting sheets.

Now, I Wonder:

"Do You Use Oil Blotting Sheets?  

If Yes, what's your favorite brand?"

Before I end this post, I want to give a shoutout to my wonderful friends for sending me Christmas gifts!  Thank you!  It arrived super late but it gave me a huge smile!  I do have a rough 2009 and 2010 may not be an exception!  But having people who cares from all walks of life can make my life easier! :)

From Plue

From my long time friend Toma

 

And from my angel in Malaysia!

Major hugs for the love! :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: BaByliss Mighty Mini 6-inch Straightening Iron

Aside from makeup, I do hair once in awhile and hair tools are very important to me.  That's why I don't mind investing on it as long as my clients get the best!

One item has been in my Watch Item for the longest time! When I finally clicked BUY NOW, I was having mix emotions as I have never purchased any electrical products online!  What if it gets lost?  What if I get charged for taxes?  Worst?  What if I receive a defective item?

Well, all the worries disappeared the moment I had it on the palm of my hand...literally...and it's almost the same size as my tiny hand!! :)

 

BaByliss Pro Mighty Mini says ---

The Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium Mighty Mini Flat Iron is the perfect size for your travel needs.

• high heat levels up to 430 degrees F
• measures 6" in length
• Nano Titanium plates conduct heat and maintain stability in ultra high temperatures
• digital ionic technology emits negative ions
• slim design
• ultra light weight
• easily fits in most purses
• 1/2" ceramic plates
• dual voltage, works worldwide!
  

AMW says ---

Pros

• tiny enough to easily fix bangs
• perfect size for short hair
• dual purpose - can straighten and curl
  
• easy to straighten hair close to scalp without burning
  
• plate is smooth and doesn't tug hair

• Nano titanium technology which heats up easily, combined with ceramic plate which protects the hair while heating
  
• can easily straighten or volumize roots if needed
  
• I can take it along with no problem due to its size
• nice design, comfortable enough to use, has a comfortable grip so it does not slip
  
• the edge is not sharp so I can easily wave the bottom part of my hair with  no "kinks"

• on/off switch works really good, no accident on shutting it off during usage

• dual voltage!  I love it that I don't need transformer or adapter
• I believe this cutey comes in different colors!  I chose white as its the safest color! :)
• the product has enough safety precautions

Cons (not much)

• cord does not swirl

• a free pouch will be appreciated :)
  
• heat settings are not specified as compared to other tools
  

Overall

No regrets in purchasing this even though my hair is long, there are some bad hair days that I need this mini flat iron to flip my hair inwards or outwards depending my mood.  I like how I can easily lift the hair on my root area or fix my bangs!  This is one MIGHTY mini product indeed! 

Tips

• do not throw away the "tie" wire to keep the cords organized at all times (you can tell in this photo how tiny the flat iron is, the cord is almost bigger than the flat iron itself)
  

• when plates are cool, wipe the plates with a clean damp cloth to prevent product build up
• for rebonded hair: if you have regrowth, section hair and gently iron the regrowth area
• if you think the iron gets too hot, you can turn off the switch and continue to use the remaining heat, this helps save electricity and your hair!
• use heat protecting product on your hair prior to ironing
• do not press the plates hard, love your hair ok? :)
• always turn off switch and unplug after EVERY use
  

Will I repurchase?

I certainly hope not!!!

Where to purchase and how much?
I purchased mine on Ebay for $22.95 + $9.00 shipping = $31.95 (approx Php1,500).
If you don't want to order online or wait for shipping, I am starting to see mini flat iron available locally for approximately the same price but not the same brand :)

If you cannot visualize the size of this iron,

here's a comparison with my regular flat iron

I guess everyone has seen enough of this iron!  hahaha You do know when I sing praises for a certain product!  Certified product camwhoring! :)

Have a wonderful day ahead!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

 

Dollface Personal Makeup Workshop

 **photo from Dollface Cosmetics

Dear Philippine Readers:

I am honored to be invited to teach for Dollface Personal Makeup Workshop this coming February 20, 2010.  I had fun on my last "Seminar for a cause" workshop and I am excited to meet more people and share what I learned! 

You can click photos above to enlarge and head on HERE for more details on how to reserve your slot!  Only 10 slots are available!!!

thanks!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!!!

Nail Art Tutorial: "Valentine- Ready" nails

Good morning!!!  Nail art tutorial for the week is inspired by Valentines.  I know it's a month away til the day of hearts but who cares?  Love is love... I've created a very simple, non floral nail art :)  Inspired by 2 color combination I love, reds and pinks!

 

Step 1:

As usual, apply your favorite base coat and two coats of OPI Nail Polish in Suzi & the Lifeguard.  (see? I am mature enough to use this cutey)

Step 2:

Apply The Face Shop Red polish diagonally.

 

Step 3:

Using LA Colors Art Deco in black, create lines.

 

Step 4:

Using LA Colors Art Deco in white, create a line between the 2 black lines I've created.

 

Step 5:

Using Prettynails' Art Pen in black to create  dots.

 

Step 6:

Create white dots using white nail art pen.

 

Step 7:

To create a nice glitter, apply 1 coat of glitter polish from Elianto.

 

Step 8:

Top with OPI RaPi Dry Top Coat to protect the nail art.

 

Here's my final nails ready for the Heart's Day :)

I hope my simple nail art would make people who are in love with life to go on and enjoy it!  Life is really difficult and there's a lot of trying times, but there's always simple things in life that makes us happy :)  Seize it!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Benefit Lyin' Eyes

A shoutout to my sis Gracie for sending this to me last year for my birthday.  I've been using this several times and it's time for me to give my proper review based on my experience with this.

Benefit Lyin' Eyes is such an attractive product with the right packaging the screams "Buy Me!". 

 

Benefit Lyin' Eyes says ---

With just a click of this concealing pen, you've got a lightly tinted under-eye color corrector that's swift, fast, and oh-so-sly!  Apply anytime, under or over makeup.

This concealer is suitable for most skin tones.

Size: 1ml

Net wt: 0.03 US fl. oz.

AMW says ---

Pros

• easy application
• easy to take along for touch ups
• easy to blend
• dries pretty quickly
• does not sit in fine lines or wrinkles
• does not cake
• brightens up the under-eye area
• the brush is soft and doesn't scratch

Cons

• if you want more coverage, this is a bit on the light coverage side
• since it has a bit of "shine" that gives out an awake look, be careful in using this as this could enhance the look of your undereye circles
  
• you have to twist a couple of times for the product to come out, too much product may come out which leads to product wastage
• you wouldn't know how much product are left

• not available locally

Overall

If you are looking  for "easy" under-eye concealer applicator or touchup, this is a very convenient product to tote along.  You can also leave it as it is as it isn't too creamy and it finishes off in powder form.

Tips

• since this can "highlight" or make you look like you have 8 hours of sleep, this works well to highlight your nosebridge area too and the corners of the mouth
• I prefer applying this after foundation application
  
• apply the brush pen directly on areas you would want then blend in with your fingers or brush
• on application, do not forget to apply the inner corner of the eyes too
  
• set with a translucent powder
  

Will I repurchase?

If its on sale and available locally, yes.  If I have to pay for hefty shipping?  No, there are a lot more concealers out there.

Where to purchase and how much?
Not available locally, can be purchased on ebay or multiply sites.

For your reference, this costs $13.50 (approx Php621.00) on sale from original price of $18.00 (approx Php828.00) at Benefit website

Benefit's Lyin' Eyes no. 2

  

 A couple of clicks, the product comes out in between

 

Shade 2 is considered medium

I think this goes much better for skin with pink undertone

 

it blends easily and disappears

 

Here's a before and after photo of me using the Lyin' Eyes

no setting powder used

Happy Monday everyone!  I hope you find this review helpful especially if you plan to purchase this :)

Keep smilin

Stay Happy!