AMW Reviews: TBS Kiss of Colour Cheek Blush

Happy morning everyone!
I like how the world is becoming such a "hi-tech" place!  From computers to cameras to mobile phones to cars and now...make-up!  There's oscillating mascaras, oscillating foundation, heated lash curler and there is such thing as Stamping Blush!

The event from The Body Shop that I recently attended, one "hi-tech" product (in my dictionary) caught my eye and I was too excited to bring it home and try it!  It's The Body Shop's Kiss of Colour Cheek Blush!

TBS Kiss of Colour Cheek Blush says ---

Give cheeks a radiant, rosy tint of colour in an instant, thanks to the innovative blush tamp, easily portable for make-up application 'on the go'.  The sponge applicator is coated in the pressed powder so it can be applied lightly to the cheeks for a fresh -faced glow.  Cheeks look like they have been gently pinched by Mother Nature. 

Available in two delectable shades --- 

Limited Edition 01 Vibrant Rose and 02 Golden Coral

 **photo courtesy of TBS

The blush is stylishly presented in a fresh white pack with a handy mirror for making-up on the move.  To help care for skin, the Cheeks Blush features moisturizing Community Trade sesame seed oil and Community Trade Brazil nut oil.

 

AMW says ---

Pros

• convenient to use, non-messy
• blush color is very pigmented
• I love it that the key ingredients include brazil nut oil and sesame oil, both helps soften and moisturizes the skin!  Makeup that keeps your face healthy! 
• easy to apply using the stamping method or even using your favorite blush brush
• a little goes a long way
• cute packaging
• the tiny mirror that goes with the packaging!
• has a faint "stationary" scent
• gives a nice natural glow, not too bright or over the top
• blush stays approximately 5-6 hours without cream blush, no retouch, which is actually impressive and good enough for a powder blush!

Cons

• cannot wash or disinfect the "stamping pad"
• the mirror is a fab idea but after carrying this around your kit, the mirror gets blurry because of scratches
• a bit pricey to some who doesn't have the budget
• limited edition!  What if I want to repurchase???

Overall

I know this idea isn't new, but an innovative blush WITH the added care for the skin is definitely a better choice for cosmetics!  The Body Shop has always been a skincare brand for me so I don't have high expectations when it comes to their makeup line. This definitely came as a wonderful surprise!  The Body Shop Kiss of Colour Cheek Blush is definitely a must for women on the go! 

The color I chose Vibrant Pink is a very subtle light pink shade when applied lightly creates a naturally flush that comes from within.  This is definitely a great addition to  my "daily natural look". 

Tips

from TBS make-up artist

• softly smile, then press Kiss of Colour onto the apples of your cheeks.
• using either your fingers or blusher brush, blend up and along your cheekbones

from AMW

• to create a very subtle blush, stamp onto the apples of your cheeks gently and spread upwards
• to intensify the blush color, press the stamp further down (you can feel the spring pushed downward) and the color is more pigmented and gently blend outward and upward.
• if you prefer using your fingers to spread the color, make sure your fingers are clean
• apply a similar shade of cream blush prior to stamping for more intense blush shade and to make the blush color stays longer
• use a hot pink lipstick with this blush!  Barbie doll inspired look!
• less is always more
• applied too much?  Use your favorite powder foundation and brush it on top of the blush to lessen the color

Will I repurchase?

Yes!  I want the 02 Golden Coral shade before it runs out!

Where to purchase and how much?
At local Body Shop stores for Php1,395 (approx $29.60)

Press and create a dot on each cheek

Please blend and do not leave looking like this! *hahaha*

Spread the color using your favorite kabuki brush or blush brush

This was the "Summer Ready" look I've done early this week 
using TBS Colour Cheek Blush in Vibrant Pink

Hope my cheeky smile makes your day a happy one!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Ensembles Summer Campaign

(note: all photos in this post from Ensembles)

Dear Philippine Readers:

It's the time of year again when all we think about is packing our bags and heading to warm weather summer destinations.  ENSEMBLES Summer Collection fulfills your vacation fantasy and its sleek sophistication and comfort.  The collection features light textured fabrics with matching summer bathing suit.  Highlighted in this collection are beautifully cut dresses, bathing suits and cover-ups perfect to make statement in any vacation destination.

This outfit screams Nikki!

I want her shoes!!!

A new collection from one of my favorite clothing brand Ensembles.  I am happy they chose Ms. Carmina Villaroel to be their image model.  She's the perfect example of a woman I look up to!  A bubbly girl with all the right kind of personality.  A great host, model, actress and best of all?  A loving mom to her twins! 

Here's my favorite candid shot of her....

To see the collection, visit Ensembles website at www.ensembles.com.ph
Be a fan of Ensembles on Facebook, search for "Ensembles"
Follow them on Twitter

I'm definitely checking out the stores over the weekend

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reports: The First Dollface Personal Makeup Workshop

Last February 20, 2010 marked a very memorable day for me!  I was invited to be the instructor for The First Dollface Personal Makeup Workshop by none other than Ms. Pearl of  Dollface herself!  It was weeks of planning, YM meetings, back and forth emails and the day finally arrived. I arrived half an hour early and it was great to meet Pearl in person for the first time!  I also met her lovely sister May.  While waiting for the rest of the students to arrive, we've chatted a bit and decided to take a photo.

L-R May, Pearl and Nikki

The workshop is from 10:00am til 5:00pm, I thought this will be a gruesomely tiring day, but boy was I wrong!  It was heart pumping, over-the-top "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" day for me!

The workshop started with talks about Basic skincare, different skintypes and skin problems was raised and it was a room of oilies, normal, combination and dry skin!  Yes, we have them all in one room!

The next topic includes Makeup Tools and their uses.  Then Cleansing Makeup Tools with a live demonstration was done too!

Choosing the right foundation shade is the next big thing!  The students did admit that it is very difficult to purchase their own foundation shade.  So there's live demonstration on how to test foundation testers and a lot of tips to save your hard earned money.

Watching the students use their own foundation with the right tools 

and application techniques put a huge smile on my face

Color correcting using colored concealers from green, orange, purple etc...  I love how they are very conscious with areas they would like to conceal.  Common questions like how to hide zits, acne scars, undereye circles were raised in this workshop.

Students trying out color correcting, foundation application and concealing

Let's not forget one of the most important basic makeup application, brow shaping!  For me, there's no perfect eyebrow for everyone!  Eyebrow shaping has to be done with sensitivity on the facial features, the characteristics and preference of each individual.  Removing unwanted hairs, using the right tools and trimming long eyebrows are all included in this lesson. See how intense the class is?  *hahaha*

Then it was the students' turn to reshape and fill in their brows to frame their faces before they start eye makeup application.  Of course, there's also me as the "third person's point of view" to guide them too!

Contouring won't be missed on any makeup workshop!  Thanks to Pearl for bringing her projector as it was easier to discuss facial shapes with the dear hubby manually clicking on the next photos!

Live demonstration on how to contour facial shapes and even the nose!

No Makeup Look

Simple Smokey Eyes

Each student was given the chance to create their own smokey eyes with any shade they want

Last but not the least, false lashes application!  Everyone "almost" moaned when they heard about applying false lashes on their own!  It was a challenging task but one student did it successfully!

A group picture with the students and Pearl

I want to thank Dollface for the trust on my teaching capacity and makeup knowledge.  To May, her sister, for helping out and for being such a sweetheart!  Kallfood for the wonderful lunch and snacks (I swore I added pounds on that day).  To Ms. Cats Del Rosario for the wonderful venue and for dropping by for a chat.  To Keith, my dearest hubby and photographer for being patient and very supportive!  Would you believe the students want me to apply foundation on him too?  Of course I didn't!  hahaha

And to all the wonderful students who continuously ask questions and shared information and laughed on my jokes which made the class a wonderful and successful event.  Without each and every one of you, this workshop won't happen!

That's no Oscar speech by the way, it came from my heart :D

It was a full day's hard work but worth all the time and effort!  An added bonus, I've met a couple more new friends too! Aaaahh for the love of beauty...both in and out!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: Disposable Mascara Wands

EUREKA!  EUREKA!

When I started doing makeup for other people, I told myself I will be a neat freak!  Hygiene will always be top priority for me!

Disposable sponges - Check! 
Disposable spatulas - Check!
Brush cleansers - Check!
Cotton Buds to apply lip gloss - Check!
Alcohol to sanitize my tools - Check!

But when it comes to mascaras, I find it a bit difficult to maintain hygiene because I cannot purchase a new mascara tube for each client! I wish I could!  But I'll be the poorest makeup artist ever!

I've seen disposable wands available in some cosmetic counters or even Sally Beauty supply website in the U.S.!  I've even tried asking cosmetic counters' SA to sell those disposable wands to me but I guess I'm not cute enough to be able to sweet talk them!  *hmph*  That's why when Pearl of Dollface Cosmetics told me she will be selling disposable wands, I am doing semi-cartwheels (as I can't do them anymore, signs of old age...sniffs) at the back of my head!  I try not to sound too excited!  But I actually am!!!

Finally!  Someone heard my wish!

Now should I start wishing on winning the lottery? *laughs*

I use this not only as disposable mascara wands for clients, but I use them personally to brush my brows after brow powder application.  I also use this wand to separate the clumps from mascara application.  For clients, I throw them out after each usage but for personal use, well, cheapo AMW rear its ugly head, I, wash them and reuse them because the bristles are actually made with good quality and bristles are firm even after several washes!

Up close on the bristles

 

The length is just right, the easy grip plastic handle is firm enough and it doesn't break easily.

  

Length is approximately 10 cm

  

24pcs of disposable mascara wands costs Php250.00 (approx $5.43) available at Dollface Cosmetics.

Not bad!  Php10.00 (approx $2.00) per piece compared to purchasing a new mascara for each client!  Love the savings!!!

Do you think you need  disposable mascara wands?
What other disposable stuffs you think we need to have?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

 

AMW Version: "Summer Ready" Look

Mak

Happy Monday!!! For a change, my  Monday post will be a bit different!  It's the AMW Version once again!!!  I can't remember the last look I've posted, people who knew me personally knows how hard it was for me to do these looks on those months that things aren't that good.  Let's just say, I am one good example that whatever problems you are having right now, no matter how heavy it is, you know you'll survive it!  No problems can kill you as long as you don't let them rule your life! :)  Now that's a positive way to start the week right?

So here we go!  I missed doing this!  I've created a Summer-Ready look!  I wanted a look that's fresh and perfect for both day and night! 

 Here's my super "on-hiatus" eye! *hahaha*

  

AMW Diagram!

 

Step 1:

Choose your preferred eyeshadow base or primer.  Since I am testing this new product I bought, I am using ELF Eyelid Primer.

  

Using an eyeshadow brush, pat on the inner thirds of the eye with Stila's Kitten eyeshadow.

  

Step 2:

Using an eyeshadow blending brush, I used 72 pcs palette's shimmery reddish brown eyeshadow and gently blend it on the outer corner and above the crease area.  Blending to remove harsh lines.

  

Step 3:

Using a smaller crease brush, applied deep chocolate brown e/s from the same palette on the outer-v of the eyes to deepen the crease.

  

Step 4:

Using a bigger fluffy eyeshadow brush, I've used a matte eyeshadow in cream to apply the brow bone area to highlight it.

  

Step 5:

Create a subtle cat eye with MM Inky Black Gel Liner or any gel liner brand of your choice.

  

Step 6:

For the waterline, I've used my favorite pencil eyeliner Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in 1L or choose to use any eyeliner of your choice.

 Final Summer-Ready eye look

 

  

Curl your lashes and add 2 coats of your favorite mascara

I've used Lancome's Oscillating Mascara in Black

Fill in your eyebrows with brow pencil or brow powder

  

What's on the rest of my face?

For the Face:

Revlon's Custom Creations 020 dial on no. 2

Using Beauty Blender

 

Set with Shu Uemura's Setting Powder

Using Ecotools' Kabuki Brush

 

For the Cheeks:

The Body Shop's Kiss of Colour Blush in Vibrant Rose

Using Thevi Dome Brush no. 15

 

For the Lips:

Clinique Soft Shine Lipstick 

in Blushing Nude

I'm ready to face the world!

  

But seriously, I'd rather go for "no make up" look on warm weather like this!  But on days that I need to doll myself up!  This is the look I'll go for!  

Hope you like this simple tutorial!
Have a wonderful start of the week!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!!!