AMW Reviews: Nichido Juicy Lips in Raspberry Float

Expensive doesn't mean the best!  I am happy to announce that today's review can also be included on my"Eureka Moment"!

Thanks to Mags for gifting me this.  I was staring at her lips one day while she was talking to me and I can't help but comment on her lovely lips! A nice shade of lipstick has been spotted that's non-drying and very inexpensive!  And I am happy to share....

Nichido Juicy Lips 
in Raspberry Float

   

Nichido Juicy Lips says ---

Can't find anything, they don't even have a website!

AMW says ---

Pros

• inexpensive
• very moisturizing
• very pigmented
• lasts almost the same as most expensive lipsticks
• nice peachy pink packaging, it reminds me of AVON lipstick, I don't know why?
• the brand name and lipstick color printed at the bottom was done with taste!

Cons

• not available worldwide
• thanks to commenter K, this could darken your lips, better prime your lips first prior to using lipsticks that could cause darkening!

Overall

*jaw drops*  The shade was love at first sight for me!  It works on different lip pigmentation and I've seen my colleagues use the same shade and it'll all turn out different and unique!  I love how creamy it is and non drying for an inexpensive lipstick!  

Tips

• for super dry lips like mine: Always moisturize or prime lips prior to lipstick application
• exfoliate lips once a week 
• top your lipstick with your choice of lipgloss to create shinier lips
• you can always mix and match lipstick shades to create more exciting lip colors!
• test lipstick on your lips rather than your hand, your lip pigmentation can change the color on your lips!  (do bring a tissue to wipe the testers)
• do not choose a lipstick color base on other people's lips!  You know it won't look exactly the same on you!
• if your lips get dry or itchy after several usage of the same brand, STOP!  You may be allergic to it.

Will I repurchase?

YES!  Definitely!

Where to purchase and how much?
At Nichido counters for Php88.00 (approx $2.00)

 
 

Swatched on hand once

  

Applied on lips 

no gloss

Because my lips are very pigmented to start with, 

the shade on my lips is different with the shade on swatch above :) 

  

Have you tried very inexpensive lipstick that surprised even your own lips?

I am definitely not a brand snob, and I only look for the best!  This definitely passed my watchful eyes!
I am definitely looking forward to purchase more shades from the Juicy Lips line! 

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

 

Nail Art Tutorial: Easy Breezy Valentines Day Nails...Again!

Happy nail art day!!!  Here's my third and final installment for Valentine's Day nails 2010!  Heads up to everyone, this will be the final Valentine's Day inspired nails, so hopefully you won't be seeing pinks and reds for awhile...I'll try! :P

I call this nail art the "Easy Breezy Valentine's Day" nails because there's no complicated drawing needed, just lines and of course...stickers!!!  Easy breezy indeed!

 

Step 1:

Apply a base coat then 2 coats of your favorite base color.  I am using ELF Nail Polish in Bubble Gum Pink

  

Step 2:

Using any gold sparkle polish, I use a thin brushed version from Prettynails', I create gradient nails.  I have to say it again and agian that this does not have to be perfect.

  

Step 3:

Using L.A. Art Deco Polish in Sparkly Red, create random strokes on top of the gold sparkle polish.  Making sure the polish gets dry on each step.

  

Step 4:

Use any Nail Art Sticker you prefer, I chose the ones that comes with hearts

  

Using a tweezer to grab the sticker gently and stick it on your nails randomly.  Make sure the base is dry.

  

Step 5:

Protect the nail art with O.P.I. RapiDry Top Coat or any top coat of your choice.

  

Enjoy this  easy to do nail art!  

If you still can't paint your nails, then ask for a friend to help! hahaha 

That's the easiest thing to do I believe!  

 

Enjoy the coming Valentine's Day!
Do you do anything special to prettify yourself for the love season?
You bet I'll be wiggling my nails in front of everyone!  *laughs*

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Stay in love! :)

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!