Thursday, March 4, 2010

Readers' Corner: Looking Good in 5 Steps

**note from author : Not all products mentioned in this article have been personally tested by the author unless stated otherwise.  Some products are mentioned as examples for readers to be aware of the brands out there.  

Thursday!!! Sizzling hot!!! The weather is getting seriously hot these days and all I want to do is stay in an air conditioned room and just drink my favorite Sugarcane juice!

I have so many reader questions that I answer directly, but one question caught my attention!  I wanted to give this a special space as I know a lot of you have good tips to share too!  So don't be shy and click the comment button and fire away!

 

Question for the day:

I envy girls who have enough time in the morning to do their makeup!  I can't seem to have enough time in the morning.  I have to wake up early, rush for work!  Any tips or ideas on how to look good in less the time? Thanks.

AMW says ---

Wonderful question!  As you all know, aside from being a blogger, a make-up artist, a wife and a daugther, I do have a full time job!  And this full time job demands me to be on time!  Where I live, I have to travel approximately an hour (or more with traffic) to get to my work place.   So spending time right in front of the mirror early in the morning is never an option for me!  What to do when you're pressed for time?  There are 5 steps I think that works to look gorgeous for busy girls like us!  Read on....

1. Create your base
After your regular skincare routine.  Apply tinted moisturizer with your clean fingers, sponge or a foundation brush.  Tinted moisturizers are the best way to go as they can moisturize your skin, even out your skin tone and has SPF which works as sun protection as well.  

Some tinted moisturizers to try ---
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
 
Smashbox Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer

Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer

Clinique's Moisture Sheer Tint

What AMW loves to use ---

L'Oreal UV Perfect Advanced Fluid Face Protector SPF 50
I've tried all 3 variants from L'Oreal, though this is meant to be a sunblock, I like the Even Complexion variant which has a bit of tint.  I use this when I'm in a rush as it does even out my complexion while giving me protection from the sun!  I love the light feel it gives on my skin with a healthy radiance.


2. Setting Powders

For oily skinned individuals, choose an oil free setting powder.  For dry skinned partners out there, you can skip this step.
You can choose either pressed or loose base on your preference.

Some setting powders to try ---
Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil
 
Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder
 
Guerlain Meteorites Powder for the Face


Lancome Ageless Minerale Perfecting and Setting Powder




What AMW loves to use ---
I actually prefer my setting powder to be really sheer and natural and pressed version.  In my case, it's the "baked" version.  I actually finished up (finally) my Mac Mineralized Skinfinish Natural and I use it as a setting powder and re-touching powder.  I love how I can layer it and it never cakes on me!  Great for all skin types!



3. Blush/Bronzer
Powder blush/bronzer is the easiest way to go.  Use a large fluffy brush for a natural flush.  Or use a medium-sized blush brush to sweep onto the apples of your cheeks for a healthy and more obvious "glow".

Some blushes to try ---
NYX Powder Blush



L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Blush


Clarins Powder Blush

Revlon Powder Blush

What AMW loves to use ---
I've been reaching for this palette for a quick blush every now and then.  I like how I can easily change the intensity of my cheek color.  I like using the light pink and bright pink shade on my cheeks!  If I've used too much, I can easily top it with the highlighting powder included in this palette.



Some bronzers to try ---
Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Nars Bronzing Powder
 
The Balm Bahama Mama Bronzer

Elizabeth Arden Bronzing Powder
 

What AMW loves to use ---
This has never failed to be my ultimate favorite bronzer!  I like how it stays on my cheeks and how natural it looks on my cheeks!  With just a swipe or 2, my cheeks glow like I just hit the beach!
 

4. Pencil Eyeliner/Mascara
Whichever is more important for you, you can choose one or if you have time to spare, you can choose to apply both!  In my case, I can survive the day without mascara but I can never survive the day without an eyeliner to give my eyes the "depth" I want and the wide-eyed look that I've been trying to fake on sleepy days! 
tip: You can choose colored eyeliners or mascara if you're in a rush as it gives an instant color on your eye area!

Some eyeliners to try ---
The Face Shop Automatic Eyeliner


Shu Uemura Drawing Pencil

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils




What AMW loves to use ---
I know I've said this a million times, if you're looking for no smudge, no mess, long wearing eyeliners!  You can always go for liquid or cream liners.  But if you're in a hurry, pencil liners are the easiest way to go. 

My least smudged pencil liner up to date is the MUFE aqua eyes, I use this everyday alternating brown and black!

Line the upper lashline with your favorite eyeliner making sure to stay close to it.  Pencil liners are easy for unsteady hands!  You can skip lining the waterline if you have watery eyes or if you want to make sure you won't end up with panda looking eyes!

Some mascaras to try ---
Maybelline Volum' Express Lift-Up Mascara


CoverGirl Lash Blast
 
Diorshow Mascara
 
Eyeko Mascara

 
What AMW loves to use ---
I haven't repurchased this, but looking back on all the mascaras I've used, this works really well in lengthening and volumizing my lashes and I don't need to spend too much! 
  

5. Lipgloss/Lipstick
Choose your favorite lipgloss that's not too sticky or a lipstick that's moisturizing.  I prefer using a tinted lipbalm as it moisturizes really well while giving me the natural pout!

Some lipsticks or lipglosses to try ---
Estee Lauder Kissable Lip Shine

Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipstick


Becca Glossy Lip Tint



Mineraux Mulberry Lip Color



What AMW loves to use ---
I can never rave enough about these inexpensive lipsticks that performs!  The wide range of colors that's enough to make me want more!  I like the fact that these lipsticks aren't too drying as compared to other lipsticks I've tried.

 
My ultimate favorite on the go lip balm!  I love how moisturizing it is and it gives out a subtle hint of "just been kissed" lips!  




Now, doing this post is even longer than me putting on make-up early in the morning for 1 week! *laughs*  I hope you find this post useful!  I am sure there are more tips out there!  Do share!  This is an open space for all of us!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!






Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Eureka Moment: Handy Converter/Transformer for your Tools

Remember my post regarding my darn-it's-110v Hot Tools Professional Gold Curling Iron?  I have been searching around for a lightweight transformer!  I've seen enough bulky converter/transformer at home and in stores!  I could never tote this around on gigs! *panicking*




Thank goodness I got an Engineer for a brother and he suggested I purchase a travel size converter.  I told him the specs of my curling iron then he recommended me to purchase 150watt max converter!  After searching high and low, the geek gal found a perfect sized converter for her spoiled curling iron! :)


Newstar NF150 AC-AC Converter
150Watt Max
Round and Flat Outlet
made in: Taiwan
Php599.75 (approx $13.00)

 
  

I did some research first prior to purchasing and its perfect that the brand is Newstar.  The reason why I purchased this brand, aside from its size is because I have used the same brand for rechargeable batteries and I don't have problems with it!  

7 days full warranty upon purchase and I can easily take this back to the shop if there's something wrong. Input AC220V/Output AC110V or you can change the setting to Input AC110V/Output AC220V, works for both round and flat outlet.  Which is perfect for travel as well!

  

Glad I have my own handy-dandy converter!  Huge nerd!  You know, I'll do anything to make my Hot Tools Curling Iron work!  

Keep in mind, do check with a professional on what maximum wattage you should purchase for a converter!  I purchased this at Electronics Boutique, Robinson's Place Ermita Manila.  You can purchase similar product (same or different brands) at your local electronic shops!  


Eureka Moment!
AMW Nerd signing off....
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

  

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Discover Clinique Favorites!



Dear Philippine Readers:

It's Bonus time once again!  Receive an exclusive 6-pcs gift for minimum single purchase of Php3,500.  Get an additional trendy bag when you step up your purchase to Php4,000!  Limited offer only - March 1-17, 2010.  Gift includes Repairwear Contour, Turnaround Instant Facial, Turnaround Concentrate, Liquid Facial Soap, Long Last Lipstick in Berry Kiss and Lash Power Mascara!

I have readers asking me about the Clinique's Bonus Time!  Well..here it is!!! I'm glad to be a bearer of good news!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


AMW Reports: The Body Shop Colour Me Spring 2010

Last Friday is a very exciting day for me!  Aside from being my favorite day of the week, aside from being the day nearing my birthday, it's The Body Shop's Colour Me Spring Bloggers' Event!  I haven't really given The Body Shop a chance when it comes to makeup, I've always loved their skincare products and their makeup brushes, so this is the perfect time for me to investigate further and see what The Body Shop can offer!

Introducing, The Body Shop's Spring Trend Make-Up

   

I'll show you up close and personal on TBS' Colour Me Spring 2010 collection plus some wonderful tips from a make-up artist!

Shimmer Cubes (Php 1,195.00/approx $26.00)

Make-up artist Chase Aston says:
"These fabulous Pop-tastic shades are my favorite Shimmer Cubes ever!  Wear shades alone, or smudged together, creating seamless, contrasting hues on the eye-lids.  Use with The Body Shop metallic Eye Definers for a modern twist on the smoky eye, layer shades for an individual and unique eye-look.  These four fantastic, easy-to-wear shimmering shades can be applied dry for sheer hints of color.  Or apply with a moist brush, for a more intense wash of color."

 

Lip and Cheek Stain (Php795.00/approx $17.25)

Chase Aston, make-up artist says: 
"Easy to apply, sweep over a nude lip, wearing alone for a sheer flash of color or re-apply to intensify the hue.  Worn on cheeks, layer with Kiss of Color to shape, shade, contour and highlight the cheekbones"


Kiss of Colour Cheek Blush (Php1,395.00/approx $30.32)

Make-up expert Chase Aston, says: 
"Softly smile, then press Kiss of Colour onto the apples of your cheeks.  Next, using either your finger or a blusher brush, blend up and along your cheekbones.  These fantastic shades can be worn alone, or layered over The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain to intensify the shade."


 
Hi-Shine Lip Treatment (Php595.00/approx $12.90)

Make-up maestro Chase Aston says these are: 
"Two fabulous, super glossy, ultra moisturizing, must-have lip shades for spring.  Fresh and flirty, easy to wear shades that can be worn alone for a sheer hint of a tint, layered over Lip & Cheek Stain and Colour glide Lip Colour."
  
  
Love Gloss (Php650.00/approx $14.13)

I've been ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the new collection!  And trust me, I've seen so much make-up from The Body Shop on that day and my  mind went blank and I didn't even took a shot on the huge traincase!  Whatever I ask from them, they seem to have them!  Where in the world am I from?  I have tried their liquid eyeliner and it's pure love!  

Aside from being impressed with the new collection, the event was such a success as beauty bloggers met up again and some, for the very first time!  And it's even more fun creating "Spring Make-up Looks" while chit-chatting with the rest of the girls!

Phoebe & Jamie creating their own version of Spring look
These 2 ladies look gorgeous even without make-up!


Dearest partner-in-crime Shen and a wonderful lady I've been wanting to meet for a year!
Teeyah!  Girl!  You are hard to get! Imagine?  A year to finally meet you in person? 
Worth the wait though!

 

And I can't help but feel envious of her sexy outfit!  
Off shouldered top?
I gotta have one ahem...make one!  *pulls one sleeve down*


A gorgeous model-like blogger Tish and her beloved!
Great to meet you both!!!


Also met the girl behind Candy-Blush
Kristine (right) and her friend
They're both super *ahem* young! :)
I seriously felt over 30 with them around! *laughs*

  

Thanks to Earth for this shot!  I have to grab this because I don't have a photo of her!  It was such a fun event as you can see from our smiles!

  

Wonderful cupcakes with cute colors that made me want to keep it rather than eating them!


And finally, before I end this long post!  I want to thank the wonderful people from The Body Shop for holding such exciting event for bloggers like us.  

L-R Billie Liboro-Palabyab, PR Officer
Marian Alarcon, Category Manager

And the rest of the fresh-faced girls!


*sigh* events like these leaves me with such euphoria!  I do meet a lot of people online but meeting them in person is different!  It's nice to really talk to them, no matter how different our personalities are, we all ended up talking about the same thing, our love for beauty...both in and out!

Have a wonderful day!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!







**all product photos courtesy of The Body Shop

Monday, March 1, 2010

Something New: What AMW is Using at the Moment


I want to thank everyone for the birthday greetings!  Nothing feels better than having friends near and far sending you well wishes on your birthday!  A huge thank you and cyber hugs!!!

Happy first day of March!  Summer officially starts down here, the weather is scorching hot!  What a girl to do?  Remain positive and always keep it cool!  We can still remain beautiful on hot days like these! :)

I have so many requests for certain product reviews!  I'd love to give way to everyone but sad to say, there are a lot of product requests that I don't own and a lot of them I haven't used!  I may purchase them in the future but for now, I'll give everyone a sneak peek on what I'm trying out at the moment!  Expect more in depth reviews on these products coming up! :)

L'Oreal Paris Renewal Lash Serum

I am very excited to try this because the first and only lash serum I've tried is from Ardell.  The Ardell Brow and Lash Accelerator works but of course, I wanted to test other products out there especially from a world famous brand like L'Oreal!  I've started to use this so please do not hold your breathe :)

 

ELF Eyelid Primer
Sad to say, this isn't available locally yet, I purchased this online via Makeup Mix Shop!  I've read mixed reviews on this, I heard it doesn't even work on colder weather, so I'm not even expecting this to work really well!  We'll see how this fairs on our tropical island! 

  

ELF Cream Eyeliner in Coffee
I did mention I have enough gel liners to last a lifetime!  But when ELF came up with cream eyeliner, I seriously thought of this as an intriguing product.  One factor that led me to keep this is because of it's squarish packaging!  Tastefully packaged!  Enough product to last another decade!  

  

The Body Shop Kiss of Colour Cheek Blush
I've recently attended an event from The Body Shop.  They launched the Spring Trend Makeup for Year 2010.  And the product that really caught my attention is the Kiss of Colour Cheek Blush available Vibrant Rose and Golden Coral!  I've chosen Vibrant Rose as I'm into pinks recently!  This reminded me of Korean blush stamps!  So cute!

  

The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Stain
I am not a "stain" user, I think they have a tendency to dry up pretty quickly on both cheeks and lips which makes it even harder for me to "maneuver" especially for dry skin and lips like myself!  But this has been around forever and I've seen girls raving about this!  I've even tried to purchase this 2 years ago when they were on sale!  Now, I finally own this...is this going to disappoint me?  or wow me?  Do check back for reviews! :)

  

L'Oreal Elseve Smooth-Intense Shampoo and Conditioner
After Shiseido Aquair's "hey ma!  I've got snowflakes on my head" experience, this is the perfect time to test on other shampoos and conditioners! I've used several variants of L'Oreal Elseve Masques and they all work well for me!  So I'll give the Shampoo and Conditioner pair a try! 

  

Cellnique Paramedical 
After I finished my Clinique's 3-Step SkinCare system.  I put it on hiatus and tried on another brand that targeted my dry skin!  Cellnique, I've used this for more than 2 weeks and will be doing an in-depth review soon!  Anyone can shop online as they provide free shipping on all orders anywhere in the world via DHL. 
I am curently using these products as a morning and night regimen:

I'll add up to what I'm using as days go on :)  I will do more in depth reviews on them too but I have to take time :)

Have a wonderful start of the week!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy! :)