Wednesday, March 17, 2010

AMW Reviews : ELF Studio Creme Eyeliner in Coffee

How's everyone doing today?  It's a Humpy Wednesday and I'm hoping the hump isn't too huge! :P  Anyone who reads my blog knows how much I love gel liners, aside from brushes, well, I love anything and everything that's worth to write about!  I gave a couple of lowdown for the gel liners I've used in the past and I stopped a bit because I only 1 set of eyes! *laughs*

When ELF came out with the ELF Studio line, one product caught my attention and the packaging is just too cute to resist.  It's the ELF Studio Creme Eyeliner!  I got the 2 basic and boring shades ---  The Brown and The Black.  It's inexpensive, but the biggest question is....does it perform? 




ELF Studio Creme Eyeliner says ---
Creates smooth lines that are defined and precise. Smudge-proof, budge-proof and water-resistant coverage for all day wear to combat against, sweat, tears and rain!

Available in 4 shades: Coffee (brown), Black, Midnight (a dark gray) and Ivory (white)

Ingredients:

Isododecane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polybutene, Polyethylene, Barium Sulfate, Cyclomethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Propylene Carbonate, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI77891), Red No.40 Lake (CI 16035), Mica (CI 77019), Blue No.1 Lake (CI 42090), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Ultramarine Violet (CI77077). 

AMW says ---

Pros
  • creamy and easy to apply, no tugging of the lid area
  • for the upper lash line: does not smudge, stays the whole day til I remove it at the end of the day
  • water resistant 
  • no eye irritations
  • very inexpensive
  • one pot can last more than 6 months to a year even when used daily
  • stays on my lid for the whole day even without eye primer
  • nice packaging

  • dries up quite fast, never experienced the liner transferring on my lids
  • if you are into natural liner look, this works great as its not too dark nor heavy
  • not difficult to take off with eye makeup remover as compared to other liners

Cons
  • on the lower lash line: gone in less than 2 hours, smears a bit
  • not available locally, have to purchase online
  • if you are into dramatic eyeliner look, the "coffee" shade is not for you, need to re-apply 203 times to get the darkness you prefer
  • as stated on PRO above, it has nice packaging but its not made of glass, so I'm not sure how soon this creme liner to dry up
Overall

Definitely worth the value!  One of the most inexpensive creme liner I've tried and this works like crazy!

The shade "Coffee" is a perfect matte brown shade that does not have the "reddish" undertone in which other brown eyeliner gives.  I love how it is a "creme" type but felt "mousse-y gel" in texture.  This is great for daily use! The shades itself is in between sheer and dark, its just in between so the color comes out naturally, no wonder I reach out for this daily!

Once, I was telling a story to my colleague about some "emotional" issues in my life and the crybaby in me...cried!  *hahaha*  Seriously, the crying isn't intended for review but such great timing right?  I have doubts and worries because it was the first time I'll be crying with my ELF Creme Eyeliner.  When I got back to my seat, I checked my liner right away and my upper lash line liner is still intact and no smudging and smearing!  But the liner on my lower lash line smeared a bit and the rest are gone!  It didn't smudge really bad as compared to other gel liners!  Nothing a cotton bud can't solve! 

Tips  
from ELF
  • Dip a thin brush into the formula, swirl around gently until brush is saturated with color. 
  • Swipe off any excess formula on the top edge of the pot. 
  • Trace a line along the top lash line from the inner corner towards the outer corner of the eye. 
  • If desired, apply on lower lash line as well. Remove with an oil based eye makeup remover.
from AMW
  • because the shade is not as dark as compared to other gel liners, the pigmentation is build-able so this can also be used as "smokey" eyeshadow base
  • test on different eyeliner brushes to see which brush would be easiest for you to use, I prefer my stiff angled liner brush
  • do you have very oily lids?  Apply an eye primer prior to eyeliner and eyeshadow application
  • do you have sensitive eyes? Steer clear on waterline application
  • always close the cap tightly, it's not a problem with this as you'll hear the "click" sound
Will I repurchase?
Yes!  I plan to give away my ELF Studio Creme eyeliner in Black, but looks like I'm going to keep it for myself!




Where to purchase and how much?
I'm not sure where you can purchase ELF Studio line in your country but I purchased mine at The Makeup Mix Shop for $3.00 (approx Php138.00) + shipping.


Here are the swatches of ELF Studio Creme Eyeliner in Coffee
Applied with a slanted eyeliner brush swiped once, no base


Applied on the upper lashline winging it a bit!


Applied on the lower lashline as well


It is indeed water resistant


Smudging the liner while dry does not create smudges, but smudging the liner with water smudges the eyeliner.  It's fine though, no one in the right mind would smudge the eye area as hard as I did!


Rubbing extra hard, the eyeliner goes invisible rather than looking dirty on skin


Hope this full of photos post will help readers who plan to purchase inexpensive liners that works!
Have a wonderful smudge-free liner day!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Tuesday, March 16, 2010

AMW Reports: Mineral Flowers Event



Last week, I got an invite from "Mineral Flowers".  At first thought, I had this impression that this is going to be a mineral makeup brand.  But after further research, I've learned that the brand carries skincare that uses Dead Sea water.  Exciting right?

Off I went to the event thinking this is going to be a very pricey product to be launched in the market.  But I am glad to report to all of you, that this is actually wallet friendly!  Read on ....




The amazing benefits of Dead Sea ingredients blended with floral extracts are now available in the Philippines with the launch of Mineral Flowers, a skincare line uniquely formulated to help cleanse, moisturize, balance and support skin renewal.

The Mineral Flowers brand has its origins in Israel, where Dead Sea minerals have been used in beauty treatments since the days of Cleopatra for their proven effects in improving the skin's health and vitality.  Minerals are essentials for cell metabolism and needed to stabilize the skin's moisture content.



In developing Mineral Flowers, founder Uri Ben Hur, himself a trained chemist, reveals that nature was his strongest inspiration.  "Formulating a natural product with rich ingredients from mother earth is the key.  I have been working hard to do this since 1991 and through the years we have come up with around 1400 formulations," he says.  "Mineral Flowers has a unique blend of natural concentrated mineral water with 35% of mineral and trace elements.  Together with Dead Sea Mud, bee's wax, freshh flowers, promegranate juice and pomegranate peel, this formula works to enhance the moisture factor of the skin and its regeneration, and will help to reduce the signs of aging."

Monday, March 15, 2010

Unsung Hero: ELF Nail Polishes

A serious case of "Unsung Hero" will be discussed today!  I have done more than 80 nail art tutorials for almost 2 years and I'm sure you've seen this brand being used so many times.  The ELF Nail Polish --- the set that I got from my dearest friend who sent it to me because she knew how much I love nail polishes!  It's a $1.00 nail polish from ELF and everyone would think a cheap nail polish wouldn't perform! 

Well this product proved a lot of us WRONG!


**photo from www.eyeslipsface.com


ELF Nail Polish says ---

This color-lock formula with chip resistant shield gives long lasting nail color with high shine. The aerodynamic bristle design glides color on flawlessly, while the quick dry formula gives perfect application every time. Key nutrients give nails that natural shine, infused with Vitamin E for stronger, healthier nails.
Our formula is FREE of: Toluene, Formaldehyde, and Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP).

Net Wt: .35oz (10ml)
Ingredients: Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Nitrocellulose, Anhydride/Trimellitic Anhydride/Glycols Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891) Iron Oxides(CI 77491 , CI 77492 , CI 77499), Red No.6 Lake (CI 15850), Red No.27 Lake (CI 45410), Blue No.1 Lake (CI 42090) 

AMW says ---

Pros
  • very pigmented shades
  • dries up quickly, no need for quick dry top coat
  • does not turn the nails yellow (not unless you wear polish daily and doesn't let your nails breathe)
  • very inexpensive
  • great packaging
  • the nail polish itself does not dry up inside the bottle, I've had mine almost 2 years and still working fine
  • no weird smell
  • after application, have this nice "shine", you can even get away without a top coat!
  • does not chip easily or crack, without top coat, this can last more than 3 days, with a good top coat, it can last a week!  (with household chores and crazy typing skill)
Cons
  • NOT AVAILABLE LOCALLY!!!! *wails*
Overall

Best inexpensive nail polish EVER!  PERIOD!

Tips
  • even though some nail polishes companies vouch that their products are safe and does not turn your nails yellow, it is still safe to use a base coat prior to polish application
  • if your nails are weak, alternate polish application 2x a month or 1x a month
  • to keep the polish longer, store in cool dry place.  I store mine in a traincase which seriously prolonged the life of my nail polishes
  • apply a top coat on top of the nail polish to prevent from chipping
  • use a gentle acetone or nail polish remover in removing nail polishes
  • not available in your area?  Ask help from a friend to help you purchase and ask them to bubble wrap them well!  (Mine came in bubbled wrap and they are all safe!)
Will I repurchase?
YES!

Where to purchase and how much?
At ELF website for $1.00 (approx $46.00)

To show you how pretty the shades I've used, I've used them multiple times on my nail art tutorials and I've posted some of them here.  It's posted alphabetically!  (OC I know!) :P  Enjoy!


Berry Pink


Black


Bubblegum Pink


Champagne


Coral


Light Pink


Nude


Platinum


Red


You want your own right?  Same here!  I'm almost done with some of the shades and I want to repurchase!  I hope my reader who requested for a review for of these polishes was able to read this!  Sorry it took such a long time!

Enjoy your week!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Sunday, March 14, 2010

Weekend Food Tripping at: Shanghai Bistro

Happy Sunday everyone!  Are you giving your body the rest it needed?   You should!  Well, sad to say, I'm not!  At the moment, I am doing make-up so it's a busy morning for me!  It's ok though because I love what I do :)

Anyways, over the weekend we dined at Shanghai Bistro, they pride themselves to serve authentic Chinese dish in a a hotel atmosphere.  The ambiance is indeed better looking as compared to other Chinese Restaurants.  But what about the food?  Are they at par at my "exquisite" taste? *hahaha*  Do not react, that is a joke! :)

This wasn't a regular dining, we dined here because we had a surprise birthday party for my Aunt so this is a "set" meal!  All the servings are served large!  But you can dine in here and order ala carte.  Their food isn't pricey, its regularly priced at around Php200-Php300 (approx $4-8) per small order.


Barbecued Combination
My favorite for every platter like this are the Asado (Honeycured Pork) and the seaweed!  I am not a fan of Century egg!  Sorry to Century egg lovers out there.  It's just not my taste!


Seafood Birthday Noodles
This tastes good!  The quail eggs are usually colored in bright pink and this one came in neon orange!  Reminded me of a local dish "penoy" (duck eggs).  I love it that the noodles are served with a lot of sauce.  I don't like it when noodles are dry!
 

Seafood Beancurd Soup
I like Four Treasure soup, Sharksfin soup and Corn soup!  This tastes ok but not the type that would make me go "WOW".


Crispy Shrimp with Mayonnaise
I am not a mayonnaise lover but this dish tastes amazing!  I am allergic to seafood especially shrimps but I did not say no to this!  I had anti-allergy tablets on hand!  This girl's always ready! :P


Fried Crispy Garlic Chicken
Looks boring, but this is served with lovely tasting gravy.  Not the fastfood tasting sauce but it actually complements the chicken so well!


Fish Fillet with Mushroom
I am fish fillet addict!  But sad to say, this is the worst I've tasted!  It looks amazingly scrumptious but there is something wrong with the fish fillet itself.  It tastes like PLASTIC!  I don't know where it's coming from but the mushrooms and vegetables taste good, bye bye to the fish!  :(


Yang Chow Fried Rice
This didn't leave a strong impression on me!  Regular tasting Yang Chow Fried Rice or is it because it was served at the latter part and I am already too full for my brain to register how it tastes like?


Fried Eggplant and Chicken 
with a cute carrot bird in the middle!
I don't think there is something wrong with my taste bud!  I remembered giving a weird look on this dish, I heard from my relatives that it's eggplant with chicken inside.  For a vegetable that does not have any nutritional value, I am a fan of eggplant so I gave it a try!  My mom loves it! I love it! I went for 2nd servings!  That itself speaks about the dish!  And it doesn't hurt how they carve such cute looking bird with carrots.  The kids at the table are happy!


Shanghai Bistro
Eastwood City Cyberpark, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., 
Bagumbayan, Libis QC Manila
Tel no: (632) 687-7103

Shanghai Bistro
3F Paseo Center, 
Paseo de Roxas Makati
tel nos: (632) 892-8872/ (632) 892-8882

The restaurant has good service, prices inclusive of VAT and service charge I believe.  You can pay via cash and credit card!

Enjoy the weekend food tripping.
What are you eating?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!




Saturday, March 13, 2010

Freeway Summer 2010 Comapaign



Dear Philippine Readers:

Here's what I got over email, something exciting for the summer season from Freeway!  I love their swimwear!  My first branded swimwear was from them!  But not too sexy!!! hahaha

Enjoy sexy girl watching!

(all photos from Freeway)

Bead it!  This summer, Freeway brings out flattering silhouettes through its Beads Series!  Lots of natural coco beads in different sizes, strung through beautiful macrame portions of the swim wear.  Flattering sexy and fresh.  Aside from stunning swimwear, Freeway's Summer Collection includes the most coveted big mesh cover-ups in many flattering silhouettes, and wide assortment of summer dresses, shorts and tanks for that dressy casual summer feel.  Whatever your heart desires this summer... Freeway will be your partner in crime.

Striped Monokini
Php1,195 (approx $26.00)



One Piece Halter Swimsuit
Php1,295 (approx $28.00)


Beaded Tankini
Php1,295 (approx $28.00)


Beaded Bandeau Bikini
Php1,195 (approx $26.00)



Fashion: The Beads Series by Freeway
www.freeway.net.ph
Be a fan on Facebook, search for "Freeway Online"
Follow them on Twitter

Have a great day!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!