AMW Reviews: L'Oreal Professional Texture Expert Aqua Sleek

I've talked about L'Oreal Professional Texture Expert Smooth Ultime Moist and Control Milk as a nice anti-frizz a couple of weeks ago, I got questions from readers on which product to use for fine and limp hair.  Though I personally do not have very fine or limp hair, I am intrigued to try these types of hair products because my sister and mom have fine and limp hair so finding the right product would mean giving them hope!  Since the Smooth Ultime Moist and Control Milk works well on me, I didn't mind trying the same Professional Texture Expert line for fine and limp hair.

Introducing...L'Oreal Professional Texture Expert Aqua Sleek...

 

**photo from L'oreal

L'Oreal Aqua Sleek says ---

• Sleek and airy aqua-essence, airy category
• Result: Aqua-essence for a smooth blow-dry style or a hair style with a soft, lightweight finish
• Product category: smoothing cream
• Main benefit: smoothing, blow-drying styling
• Technology: incell and pearl proteins repair and reinforce sensitized hair fibers.  Vitamin E acetates protects the hair. 
• size: 125ml

AMW says ---

Pros

• spreads onto hair easily
• feels light, hair never feels heavy 
• non-greasy
• smells wonderful
• a little is enough
• does not weigh hair down
• aside from being a hair styling product, this also doubles up as hair care with its pearl protein repair
• protects hair as we style

Cons

• again, some people find this a bit pricey (I think this is ok as one tube lasts)
• have to purchase at leading salons, cannot just find them at health shops

Overall

My sister is never a fan of hair styling products, she's a wash-and-go type of girl!  But for someone who's low maintenance and liked the product?  There must be something good!  It doesn't give a miraculous "thickness" on your hair but it does lifts up and gives an illusion of a healthy hair.  This product smooths the hair and at the same time, never weighs hair down.  

Tips

• apply a dab of product on washed, towel dried hair and proceed with blowdrying or styling 
• when hair is still damp, rub the product onto your palm then gently massage it all lover your hair, even near the root area <--- does not make your hair roots oil up
• hair styling products are still hair styling products, do use clarifying shampoo once or twice a week to prevent product buildup

Will I repurchase?

For my sister, yes

Where to purchase and how much?

At local selected salons for Php915.00 (approx $19.89)
for international readers, this is available at Strawberrynet for $21.50 (approx Php989.00) free shipping worldwide!!!

Do you have fine, limp hair? or thick, rebellious hair?
Have you spotted the right product for your hair type? 

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: MAC Just a Pinch Gel Blush

Cheek tints give you the stain?  Cream blushes too difficult to apply?  Powder blushes won't last long?  And I thought I covered everything!  There is such thing as gel blushers and boy oh boy!  It is really nice and worth the "getting to know you baby" moment!

I purchased MAC's Just a Pinch Gel Blush from a friend who doesn't use this much and I'm glad I purchased this!  It looks scary on pot, but is it really scary to use?  Keep on reading...

**photo from MAC website

MAC Just a Pinch Gel Blush says ---

A limited edition product with MAC Rose Romance Collection this sweet little blush gives cheeks just the right amount of flush without being too red, too pink, or too bold! 

AMW says ---

Pros

• super blendable
• nice natural shade that's build-able
• gel texture is very smooth and easy to apply
• non-sticky
• housed in the same glass pot as MAC's paintpots
• great even worn alone as it dries up easily
• the shade would work on most skin tone
• dual purpose, though it was named as cheek color, you can double this as lip stain

Cons

• isn't as long lasting as cream blushes
• not available anymore as this is a limited edition
• a bit pricey for it's original price of $19.50 (approx Php900.00) <--- US price

Overall

A very nice "raspberry" shade, looks very sheer when applied as opposed to the shade on pot, I never over apply this product because of its gel-like texture.  If you are a fan of natural flush minus the hassle of application, gel blushers really are something you should look into.  This lasts a bit longer than powder blush but disappears faster than a cream blush.  

Since this is a limited edition, the point of reviewing this is for you to know there are several types of blush textures you can choose from. 

Tips

• apply with clean fingers or stipplying brush, or in my case, my favorite synthetic foundation brush
• apply using light hand strokes right after foundation
• if you have oily skin: set the cream blush with a translucent powder or powder blush
• for hygienic purpose, I prefer to dip the gel blush with a brush, apply it straight on my cheeks then blend the rest using my fingers
• always close the cap tightly

Will I repurchase?

I'd love to purchase more shades!  MAC make this available again, please!

Where to purchase and how much?

Probably ebay or from friends who purchased this and doesn't use this.

I've been using MAC's Just a Pinch Gel Blush for a couple of days

Take a look at the bright and bold red color you see on pot

  

Here's the shade once grabbed on my finger

  

Applied heavily on my hand

  

Applied lightly onto my cheeks using light feather strokes

Color is build-able

  

What blush formulation do you think will work for you?

Intrigued to try gel blushes?
Well I will be on for a lookout for other gel blush brands out there

Let me know which one I should try!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy

Happy blushing!

 

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!