Eureka Moment: Inexpensive Foundation that Works!

"What Inexpensive Powder Foundation works that isn't too pricey?" --- I have been asked this question so many times!  I'm glad to finally share this "Eureka Moment" and I hope this helps especially those who aren't earning their own money yet.  Please note though that these are my opinions and different individuals do have different skin reactions, so practice safe usage! <--- you think I'm going to say otherwise? *hahaha*!!!!

One brand that I've tried and surprised me is the Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Powder Foundation.  My dear friend Beatrilicious have used this herself and I've seen how it works on her oily skin too!  (Note: She is a MAC Powder Foundation user and she repurchased this after finishing one!)

 

The great thing about this mineral powder foundation is that this contains no preservatives, oils or fragrances and has SPF25/PA++.   It uses triple refined micro-minerals which have been specially selected to their purity and quality to improve affinity to skin.  Coverage will always be gentle and the skin is allowed to breathe. Skin that breathes means there's lesser chances for breakouts due to clogged pores.

In my experience, this works really well with normal to oily skin!  Dry skin individuals like myself can still use this but preparing the skin with moisturizer prior to usage is still needed as to any powder foundation.  This blends in your skin well and doesn't look cakey.  Retouching may be needed but not as much.

Does not cause breakouts!  I'm glad it's dermatology-tested and says to be safe for sensitive skin!    The promise on improvement of the skin condition, I haven't seen it yet, but as long as there's no negative reaction on my skin?  I'm okay with that!

It doesn't hurt that this comes with a cute K-Brush that's made in Japan, as I was told!  Personally, it's not a bad "free K-brush" as it's non-scratchy and does not shed much.  I find it just a bit too small though :)  But for it's price, it doesn't matter.

How much is this foundation you ask?  It's priced at Php599.00 (approx $13.00).  If you plan to purchase, wait for Maybelline sales every now and then!  Less 10%-20% will make your pocket happy!  The happier your pocket, the happier your skin, the lesser the wrinkles! :)  And the world works that way and you know that! *winks*

Here's Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Powder Foundation in Buff applied using free k-brush on a swirling motion.

No Flash

  

With Flash

  

Have you tried this?

I'll share more Eureka Moments with you guys for sure!
But you have to promise to keep that smile coming and be positive! :)

Keep smilin'

Stay Happy!

 

Weekend Food Tripping at: Mesa Greenbelt 5

Happy weekend everyone!  I've missed last weekend's food tripping so I'll bring it back with vengeance!  More exciting food to share!  Mesa is a Filipino Moderne restaurant that serves Filipino dishes with a twist! 

 

  

Sisig* in a Pouch

Php180.00 (appprox $3.91)

*Sisig  is a Filipino dish made from parts of pig's head and liver, 

usually seasoned with kalamansi and chili peppers

I am crazy about Sisig and I love the new concept of sisig wrapped in a crunchy flour wrapper.  Very pretty and new concept but I prefer my sisig sizzling in a grill!  But such a nice experience tasting this!  Too cute!

Laing* 2 Way

Php120.00 (appprox $2.61)

*Laing  made of taro/gabi leaves cooked in coconut milk

 

This is my first tim eto eat Laing, because I am never a fan of it's appearance!  Since I was told this is 2 way, meaning served plain and the other one is spicey!  I gave spicey a try and this, I tell you, is my favorite dish for the night!!!  

  

Pochero*

Sorry forgot the price :(

*Pochero can be stewed pork or beef on tomato sauce, a dish influenced by the Spanish

I am not an expert Pochero eater but I can definitely say that this lacks the taste, the sauce is a bit bland and it didn't leave a mark on my tastebuds

  

Crispy Boneless Tilapia served with 4 sauces

Php290.00 (approx $6.30)

I love it when you have choices for sauce.  I love the presentation and of course, who doesn't like boneless fish???  I did not ask them the kinds of sauces served but I do like all of them!

  

CrispChon 1/6

Php799 (approx $17.37)

They offer 1/6 as the smallest, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 whole

  

And they help you cut it and serve it with wrap.  This reminded me of 2 way Peking Duck dish Filipino version!  There's also 3 sauces to choose from.  My favorite is the "Hoisin' sauce.

  

And the rest, they cooked it Chili Garlic style, now I wish I have my dogs with me! hahaha

  

For drinks, they serve Iced tea and Lemonade, both are ok, I don't find anything exciting about it as they taste like most Iced Teas and Lemonade from other restaurants!  These are bottomless by the way, so..bottom's Up!

Wonderful dining experience with good service!  Though I can't say this is my most favorite Filipino Restaurant, but this is definitely a nice place with good price to hang out with friends or family!  Great date place for the coming Valentine's Day too! *winks* 

The restaurant accepts cash and credit card transactions!

MESA, Filipino Moderne

Ground Level Greenbelt 5

Makati

tel no: 632-728-0886

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!
Happy weekend food tripping!

RAWColor Maximum Coverage Foundation Brush Review

**Note from Author: It was confirmed that RAW Cosmetics company do give out free trial but they charge you after 30 days if you've decided to keep the trial set.  I apologize for learning about this recently.  Hope this helps. Thanks to Khymm for confirming this.

One thing you should know or you may already know is that --- I am still a kid at heart!  A new makeup brush waving right in front of my face is like a huge M&M Peanut chocolate to my hubby! *laughs*  That is such a nice comparison!  Well, you get my drift!

A new brush, no matter how cheap or expensive, big or small, deserves at least 5 seconds of "oohhing and aahhing", 10 seconds of staring, 30 seconds of touching, and a lifetime of brush cleansing!  Over the holidays, I received a wonderful gift from my dearest friend Toma and the love pack includes something definitely NEW...RAW Natural Beauty Cosmetics (RAWColor, RAWMinerals, RAWSkincare).

I've played most of them and expect to see reviews from this brand, but in the meantime....

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! :)