AMW Reviews: Stage Wondergloss High Shine Lip Gloss

Stage Cosmetics is not available locally, but I think it deserves a space on my blog for my Malaysian and Singapore readers (stats did say I have some readers there!  So thank you!!!!)  or anyone who plans to visit the 2 countries soon or if you have friends who live there! 

First of all,  I want to thank my Angel from Malaysia for sending this to me for New Years and Birthday gift!  It is funny how you like a product that's not available down here, which gave me enough reason to list all the "to buy" list and plan on a much needed vacation!!!  Someday... *winks*

Stage Wondergloss High Shine Lip Gloss

No. 12 Sophia

 

Stage Wondergloss High Shine Lip Gloss says ---

Formulated shiny polymers and loaded with pearls and just enough color for a luscious high gloss shine. Uncompromising performance and absolute comfort. This non-sticky formula is light and glides luxuriously smooth on skin. The brush offers precise application with an expert's touch.

Available in 16 shades (base on website)

Net Wt.: 5.5g/0.19oz

Ingredients: (you can click photo to enlarge)

AMW says ---

Pros

• scent: light vanilla scent, very similar to MAC Lipgloss
• very nice and not-so-cheap packaging
• brush applicator: gives a more precision application, glides on lips easily and washable

• can be worn alone, shade is pigmented
• non-drying
• I find this quite moisturizing
• for someone who likes the pouty lips look, this does create a fuller lips due to its high shine
• the gloss does transfer to my mug when I drink my coffee but the color stays!

Cons

• not available locally! :(
• a bit pricey
• shine does not last (but color does so it's ok)

Overall

At first glance, I want to run away from this gloss because it looks like it came from Sticky-Ville!  I am glad to be wrong at first sight!  This is my favorite lip gloss at the moment as it gives the much wanted shine minus the stickiness!  I've been wishing and hoping for a gloss to come along that won't make me want to rub my lips on hard cement!  And this is definitely the one. 

The shade Sophia is a pretty peach shade that works well with my Nars Orgasm blush.  Topped over my Clinique's Soft Shine Lipstick in Blushing Nude, it's match made in heaven!

Tips 

• wipe the brush applicator with a wet ones or spritz with brush cleanser to prevent bacteria from growing
• if you want a natural look, apply this alone starting from the center of the lips, spreading the remaining amount from the brush on the rest of the lips
• if you want a more prominent lip color, apply a close shade of lip color prior to lip gloss application
• twist the cap open, and stir before use

Will I repurchase?

Yes!  This is actually on my "to buy" list if I plan to visit KL or Singapore!

Where to purchase and how much?

At Stage Counters in Malaysia and Singapore for SG$25.00 (approx Php818.00)

Oh wow, I just realized, its price is almost the same as MAC! 

Wondergloss High Shine in Sophia

Applied alone, no lip balm or lipstick

 See how naturally shiny and healthy my alligator lips look?

 

I've tried the Stage Nail Polish, Stage False Lashes and Stage single eyeshadow in Macchiato, all because of my wonderful friends who sent them to me as gifts!  (you wonderful ladies know who you are) With my experience on this brand, personally, I think these are the brands that deserves a space in other countries too!  Not just blogs!  So hopefully, they can spread their wings for rest of the world to try!  (P.S. Stage Cosmetics or any other companies mentioned in this blog did not pay me to say good stuffs)  It's just too difficult to shut my mouth if I like or dislike a product!  And you know that! *tries to zip mouth*  I tried...but failed! :P

Have a wonderful day! Thank God it's Friday!!!!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Stay smacker-licious!

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 ---

MAC Mineralized SkinFinish Natural in Light

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 ---

Dollface Contour and Blush Palette

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 ---

Mineraux Skin Perfecting Minerals Beach Tan Bronzer

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 ---

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes

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 ---

Maybelline Unstoppable Shiny Mascara

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 ---

NYX Round Lipsticks

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.

 

Nivea Lipcare in Strawberry

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!

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!

  

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!