AMW Reviews: Charm Luxe Kabuki

Happy first day of February!  My favorite month of the year!  Since I am talking about a favorite month, let me tell you something about my favorite Kabuki brush that I reach out every morning for the past months!  It's the kabuki brush from the Ecotools Mineral Brush Set.  *gasp* Surprising right?  I haven't been talking much about it so it's definitely on the "Unsung Hero" list.

I've been reaching for this specific brush because it grabs the pigments quite well and its not scratchy at all!  But life is really tough, there will always be a sexier, prettier and more seductive K-brush (that's how I'll call kabuki brushes from now on hahaha) that'll come along to sweep me off my feet......

 

Charm Luxe Kabuki says --- 

Charm Luxe Kabuki is perfect for buffing in mineral makeup, loose powder, or mineral finishing powder. It's made of synthetic, vegan hair. So soft, that it glides like velvet on the skin! It comes with a pouch that you can bring your Luxe Kabuki anywhere, without the mess! The pouch can also house one minipot.

AMW says ---

Pros

• very soft

• no shedding or bleeding (at all!)
• comes in cute pink pouch (photo below from Beauty & Minerals site)

• very handy and looks super cute
• no scratchy feeling
• made of "vegan" hair which makes it kind to animals
• no weird scent
• price is affordable

Cons

• can't find any! Maybe too cute that this can get stolen? hahaha

Overall

Physically attractive, quality lives up to expectation at an affordable price!  Definitely a must have for mineral foundation user or even pressed powder users who loves to use K-brushes like I do!

Tips

• always wash the brush before using
• use a gentle brush cleanser or make your own
• let dry completely before you start to use this brush
• never store brush inside pouch if semi wet, could create molds *eeeww*
• dry the brush laying down, do not stand it up to prevent the glue from getting wet

Will I repurchase?

 I don't plan to repurchase, 1 is enough but I'll definitely tell my "K-brush user" friends about this

Where to purchase and how much?

Php580.00 (approx $12.60) at Beauty & Minerals website

My 2 favorite K-brushes for the moment

  

What's your favorite K-brush?

Have a great start of the week!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

I Wonder: "Do You Use Hair Spritz?"

My hair has been given the most attention lately.  I guess with all the heating and styling I've done on my hair, I know I've done enough damage and I needed to give all the tender loving care I could think of!  I seldom use any conditioning sprays or moisturizing spritz right after I style my hair because I don't want to add product after product which may weigh down my hair or worst, cause dandruff!

On some days that I wake up with rebellious hair, there is one moisturizing spritz that I reach out for, Aquair Deep Moist from Shiseido!  This was a gift to me by my brother when he came down for a visit!  The spritz bottle is fabulous and the scent smells fresh and wonderful!  And best of all?  It does moisturize my hair and it never weighs my hair down!  It feels as if nothing was applied!

I wonder:

"Do You Ever Use Hair Spritz or any Conditioning Sprays 

        right after you blow dry or style your hair?"

Click on the comment section and share me your thoughts!
I'd love to hear from you!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: NYX Professional MakeUp Artist Palette Set 101

I am a fan of palettes!  Why?  I find it easier to carry around during gigs and it looks way professional!  That's why when NYX, the brand I trust for drugstore makeup that's good in quality, created a Make-Up Artist Kit, I am NOT hesitant to give it a test and share my reviews based on my personal experiences and opinions!  Can I just say...expect a lot of photos as you scroll down?  :)  Enjoy!

NYX Professional Makeup Artist Palette says ---

 
All in-one case for easy and beautiful makeup application whether at home or jet setting across the world. 35 eyeshadow, 3 bronzers, 5 blushers, 5 lip colors. Comes with applicator and mirror.
 
Size: 7.3125"W x 7.3125"H x 1.625"D 
Available in 2 sets: 101 and 102 

Set 101 top contains 35 eyeshadow shades 

 

 

2nd layer contains 3 bronzers, 

5 blushers and 5 lip colors with applicators

 

AMW says ---

Pros

• packaging: looks actually nice and very professional + mirror!
  
• most of them are very pigmented
• the blush colors are very pigmented
• all 5 lip colors are gorgeous and easy to mix and match
  
• easy to blend
  
• a nice palette for those starting up on makeup 
• packaging actually looks expensive, very professional looking
• a bit pricey at first glance but when you count the number of eyeshadows, blushers, bronzers and lip color, it's worth it!
• each pan is almost the same as MAC e/s pan, a lot of product!
• available locally! 
  

Cons

• if you are into matte shades, this palette does not have a lot of matte e/s, mostly shimmery
• huge palette!  Quite heavy to tote around.  To show the size of this palette, I've put 2 PSP on top of the palette and there's still space!

• the slide compartment is a bit hassle to use and difficult to balance with one hand during makeup application
• there are a few shadows that are a bit powdery
• it would be PERFECT if they included contouring powder (wishful thinking) 
  
• useless "free" applicators

 

Overall

I own a couple of NYX single eyeshadows and I don't usually carry them around during gigs because it takes up a lot of space and it's a huge hassle to have it laying all around the makeup area.  That's why owning a palette is definitely a solution!  If you are looking for a palette that has almost everything you need, with the right quality and good price.  You definitely have to look into this one!  I just wish they make the packaging sleeker and easy to tote around!

Tips

• always use an eye primer for the eyeshadow to last longer
• don't want your blush to fade quickly?  Use a cream/gel blush prior to using the powder brush
• you can mix and match blush color!  I love applying the gold blush on top of the matte pink blush, it creates a health glow
• use a lip brush for the lipstick shades
• lip colors can get drying, moisturize your lips prior to application
  
• you can also mix lipstick shades to create new colors!  
• glitter on the lip color is quite difficult to remove, use a lip makeup remover!
  

Will I repurchase?

Not the same palette, this lasts for a long time!

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at HD Makeup Studio for Php1,800 (approx $39.00)

Now on to the real thing

Swatches GALORE!

I seriously love all of you.  I swatched everything!  Just to show you guys how pretty and pigmented these eyeshadows are!  Swatched without base!  You can check out some really pretty shades!  A huge holler to my favorite shades:  1a, 1f, 2f , 3f (a nice dupe for MAC Amber Lights), 4f (reminded me of Stila Kitten), 5a (I can't seem to remember the shade name but I own a MAC shade that's similar to this) and 6f which is a nice old rose color that I don't have!  You can always click photos to enlarge!  You can also see which shades are really pigmented and creamy while there are some bad eggs that are quite powdery, but it's no big deal!  Just one or two of them!  Nothing serious!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Bronzers

I do like using them as eyeshadows on most days

I also like mixing both colors to create a "lighter" shade

Blush Shades

I love using D for a nice healthy glow

letter E for a barbie pink cheeks! 

 

Lip Colors

ranges from nudes, pinks and peach

  A is my favorite, it is a nice pink lip color with bluish undertone!

B lip color looks close to my lip color!  Very natural looking

and D is perfect for that "nude" lips that you want

 

This is definitely a "hit"!  I won't be surprised this will get into the hands of make-up artists and make-up enthusiasts out there! 

Have a wonderful Friday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Neutrogena Says: "Love Your Skin This Valentine's Season"

Dear Philippine Readers:

Celebrate the Valentine’s season by showing your skin some love! Neutrogena®, the brand recommended by dermatologists, is now offering a special promo for its revolutionary facial cleanser – the Neutrogena® Wave. 

Get a 50% discount on Neutrogena® Wave’s Deep Clean Foaming Pad Refill pack of thirty (30) foaming pads! Simply purchase a Neutrogena® Wave starter kit from January 28 to February 24, 2010 in all Watson’s and all Beauty by SM outlets. 

The Neutrogena® Wave starter kit includes the power cleanser gadget, two-week supply (or 14 pads) of single-use foaming pads and one AA battery. Proven to clean the skin ten times deeper than traditional facial cleansers, the Neutrogena® Wave’s tingly cool foam penetrates deeper into pores while the gentle vibrating motion stimulates and opens the skin’s surface to remove more dirt, oil and make-up. At the same time, the softly textured Deep Clean Foaming Pad sweeps away layers of dead skin cells for visibly softer, smoother skin after just one use.

Avail of the thirty-day (30) refill packs for half the price at Php 200.00, with the Wave starter kit, and experience a deep clean for a refreshed and remarkably softer skin that you will surely love! After all, providing superior cleansing for your skin will help you look your best as you spend Valentine’s with your special someone or your best friends.

If you've been planning to try this anyways!
Why not grab the chance now to save?

I am using Neutrogena Wave once a week to exfoliate and it works really well!
I even repurchased for my brother!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Tip for the Day: Cream Blush Application AMW Style

As a makeup artist and beauty blogger, searching for a "long lasting" makeup is definitely a priority!  I've done my search on eyeliners, foundation, and of course, blush will definitely be the next!  I've always had problems with my blush as it fades in less than half a day!  When I finally purchased my own cream blush and tried the "sandwich" method, I never put blush without a cream blush underneath!

Now on to the requests.  A lot of you have requested on how I apply my cream blushes.  Each person has their own methods and I'm not saying mine is the best but I am comfortable with this method that I will share.  I do this method both on myself and clients! 

Tools of trade: (choose any) + any brand of cream blush

• your fingers
• stippling brush
• medium sized foundation brush

I am comfortable using my Smashbox  no. 13 foundation brush from the Smashbox Beyond Beauty Encounter Brush Kit.  You can use any foundation brush that's made of synthetic bristles.  The less dense, the better.

I use "dab" method to grab the product instead of swiping it back and forth. The latter grabs more product which may lead to clown face.  Less is more.  Add as you go on, it is better to add than to subtract....well, I'm talking about MakeupTICS! hahaha

 

With light, gentle strokes, brush the cream blush onto the apples of your cheeks.  Of course, the blush placement depends on your face shape.  You can smile and click HERE for tips.

 

Stand back and check if you're happy with the shade.  Try to make this look as natural as possible because you will add a powder blush.  Using too much will definitely make you look like you've been jogging for 2 hours under the hot sun!

 

I try to match the cream blush with the powder blush color, it doesn't have to be exact but same family.  A pink cream blush would go perfect with a pink powder blush.  I am using a matte pink blush from the NYX Professional Makeup Artist Kit (reviews and swatches will be up soon).

 

Gently apply the powder blush on top of the cream blush.  Blend as much as possible.  If you think you applied too much, do not panic!  With a fluffy brush, pat on press powder on your cheeks to lessen the blush pigments!

 

I've actually applied a bit more for photo purpose!  I hope my step-by-step photos help for those who are wary to use cream blushes out there.  What if you have pimples or spots on cheeks?  Always make sure you prime, conceal and apply the right type of foundation to create a smooth and clear base.  When in doubt? Practice! Practice! and Practice!  You'll get the hang of it!

 

So, are you game to try cream blushes?  I hope so!  I am definitely hooked!
Have a wonderful day!  Thanks for the requests and trust.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!