Saturday, March 20, 2010

I Wonder: "Do You Use Round Cosmetic Sponge to Apply Setting Powder?"

Happy weekend everyone!  I will be off for another makeup gig and will have a nice dinner date with  my family!  That means, a very busy weekend again!  The whole week has been hectic but it was a good kind of busy as I've met a couple of bloggers via events that I've attended.  Sometimes, I'd love to just sit back, and think about the changes that has happened to me since I've started to blog.  And I just can't stress enough that meeting new people from different backgrounds gives me the natural "high"! :)

On with the post....

The inquiring mind of AMW has another "I wonder" moment as I checked back the stuffs I bought from Japan Home Center.  The UBL Round Cosmetic Sponge!  These are not the best round sponges available inn the market but it is ok enough for its price and perforrmance to be included in my make up traincase for those "spur of the moments" or in more panic term....emergencies!  That's why I hoarded these stuffs and have them with me all the time, I am a HOARDER and I am proud of it!

UBL Round Cosmetic Sponges purchased at Japan Home Center 2pcs for Php66.00 (approx $1.43)



AMW wonders ---

"Do you use round cosmetic sponges to apply your setting powder?
       Do you like it or not?"

Personally, I may be a hoarder but I don't use this on myself.  I've tried setting my makeup with these sponges thrice but I ended up with a powder brush instead as I find using the sponges a bit too heavy for my taste for daily use. 

To the oily skinned readers out there, you can use these sponges to set your powder but pllease use an oil blotting sheet prior to to setting your powder with these especially if you're starting to oil up.  This prevent your powder from creating uneven patches due to oil build up.

Why do I carry these around on gigs?  I use these at times when I apply eye makeup on clients to prevent my hands and fingers from touching the clients' faces!  If you're a makeup artist, choose the sponges that has handle like the photo above!

Now it's your turn to click COMMENT and spill the beans on my I Wonder query!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Friday, March 19, 2010

AMW Reviews: Blinc Kiss Me Mascara

Great morning everyone!  I am on the roll with reviews!  And I'm glad it's another mascara review and this time, it's not the regular mascara we all knew and loved!  A brand called Blinc came out with a mascara that says... "Stop Painting Your Lashes...Tube Them!"



Before I go further with the review, I want to clarify that I own the sample size, I'd rather try it first before purchasing a full size to make sure I'll love the product!  A sample size would last me approximately 10-14 days of usage!  I've used this for more than a week and I'm still using this to date!  

A close up shot on the sample sized wand



Blinc Kiss Me Mascara says ---


Kiss Me Mascara is the original mascara invented to form tiny water-resistant “tubes” around your lashes rather than painting them like conventional mascaras. Once applied, the tubes bind to your lashes and cannot run, smudge, clump, or flake, even if you cry or rub your eyes.

Kiss Me Mascara will add both volume and length to give you a radiant natural look that lasts all day. Only when you are ready for removal, the tubes will effortlessly slide off your lashes into your hand without the use of a harsh makeup remover.

All it takes is the combination of lots of warm water and gentle pressure, from your fingertips, a washcloth or water pressure (i.e. shower) and the tubes will slide off your lashes effortlessly. Upon removal you will actually see the tiny tubes in your hand!

Kiss Me Mascara has been clinically tested to be non-irritating making it ideal for sensitive eyes, contact lens wearers, and active people in search of a mascara whose look, hold and ease of removal is without compromise.

Available in: Black, Dark Brown, Purple


AMW says ---

Pros
  • no flaking
  • lengthens 
  • curls held quite well
  • lasts the whole day without smudging or even falling remnants of mascara
  • perfect for sensitive eyes because the mascara flakes doesn't get into the eyes
  • no raccoon eyes
  • no clumping
  • does not make the lashes "crunchy" as compared to regular mascaras
  • super easy to remove
  • easy to apply
  • dries off easily upon application
  • does not irritate my eye especially when I remove it at night as I only use warm water with slight pressure, no residue left 
  • stays on oily lids and even on our hot weather
Cons
  • if you are looking for extreme and exaggerating volume, this isn't the one
  • a bit pricey to others who aren't used to spending a lot on mascaras (but there's good news, locally, Beauty & Minerals sells sample size)
Overall
For cry babies out there, for you...who has the oiliest of all oily lids, the "I love to rub my itchy eyes" kind of girl and of course, to all of us who lives in a hot, humid weather, we finally got an answer to our mascara problems!  

If you love to double the length or even triple the length of your lashes that can still look natural, this is the perfect one!  Though the volume side is not as much as compared to other mascaras, it's still a "winner" because of it's ultimate smudge-free, budge-proof properties! 

Tips
  • curl your lashes prior to mascara application
  • never pump your mascara to keep the shelf life longer
  • no need to wait for mascara to set, just keep on applying til your desired length and volume
  • apply like regular mascara making sure to "cover all areas", not to forget the lash corners
  • using damp soft cloth, close your eyes and gently remove the mascara with downward strokes, I prefer doing this than my fingers as I may poke my eyes or accidentally pull out my original lashes 
  • don't want to spend a lot?  Purchase the sample size first and see if you like the product or not! 
  • my personal choice to "volumize" my lashes, I apply a regular volumizing mascara first then I tube it with Blinc Mascara, then comb quickly with a lash comb to prevent clumps, it works!
  • if you are faint-hearted, please be warned that the "tube mascara" comes off like your own lashes!  Do not panic and think that you're losing  your original lashes! *Breathe in...breathe out* calm down...

Will I repurchase?
I am not a fan of purchasing expensive mascaras, but looks like this is an exception to my own rule.

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally, at Beauty & Minerals site
full size for Php1,350 (approx $29.34)  
sample size for Php350.00 (approx $7.60)
Special discount for 2 or more product Php1,300 (approx $28.26) per piece.

Here's an "almost" top view of my 
Blinc "Kiss-ed me" Mascara :D


Side view, this was applied 2x without lash primer


And here's a photo to show how it comes off easily


Have you tried Blinc mascara or any "tube" mascara?  What's your experiences?
I'd love to hear from you!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Happy Friday!



Thursday, March 18, 2010

Something New: DKNY Fresh Blossom + Coming Soon!

One thing I like about fragrances are their packaging!  The more eye-catching the packaging, the more intrigued I am to take a sniff.

Floral scent has always been my choice!  Florals are always associated with being romantic, sweet and of course!  Feminine!  I recently took up a "What's Your Signature Scent" quiz and I was a bit surprised I came across to be a Citrus-y person.  I am actually between Citrus-y and Floral.  As I checked back the scents I have in my collection, the quiz result was actually right!  I am in love with floral and citrus scents!

No wonder when I got my own DKNY Fresh Blossom (thanks Rizel from DKNY),  my nose hairs are doing the "Happy Dance" *laughs*! Am I gross or just plain gross? *hahaha*  But scroll down to see why I'm so excited about this!




The  DKNY apple is transformed into its comic counterpart filled with ben-day dots and thought  bubbles  Take a juicy bite of a scent that is innocent, lighthearted, intensely feminine, and radiant in a pop art inspired limited edition bottle.

Aside from the wonderful sweet smelling scent I've always loved about DKNY, they've also packaged this in the cutest packaging ever!  The color is just perfect for a pink lover like myself!  This will definitely be displayed on my "fragrance" collection even if I finished this up.



Suggested Retail Price: Php3,100 (approx $67.00) for 50ml
Available at Rustans Department Stores

-----------------------------------------------------------
And you think they'll stop there?  A "little birdie" told me that there's going to be a new scent coming this May under DKNY Brand: CANDY APPLES.



This is the ultimate treat dipped in syrup of urban sweet.  Creating a candy apple is about pairing the sweetness of candy with a juicy, ripe apple.  This pairing has been made perfected and with that, they are able to create three new Candy Apple Fragrances:  Sweet Caramel, Ripe Raspberry and Juicy Berry.


More and more cosmetics, skincare and fragrance companies are housing their stuffs in a really cute and eye-catchy packaging!  I like that!  You know why?  Because for someone like myself,  and to a lot of you out there...little pleasures in life, as simple as these, can make my day!  I hope it does the same to you!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Eureka Moment: L.A. Colors Art Deco Available Locally!



Dear Philippine Readers:

I have so many queries on the L.A. Colors Art Deco Nail Lacquer.  I always tell my readers that they are available online, which disappointed them because a lot of them are not into online shopping!  Well, that's the only advise I could give at that time as that is where I purchase mine!

EUREKA MOMENT!

I went to Market! Market! mall recently and it was a pleasant surprise to see an area for L.A. products!  (I could be late in reporting this as some of you may have seen this already).  From cosmetics to Art Deco nail polishes to LA Colors Nail polishes!  The downside is, it's mostly sold out, the basic colors like white, black, red, green aren't available anymore.  But I was able to grab 2 shades.  The gold one which is a repurchase and a new shade to add up my nail art collection, matte blue!

Priced at Php65.00 (approx $1.40) locally, NOT BAD!!!

Definitely a Eureka moment!  This is a perfect polish with the perfect thin brush to create French Tip or simple lines on your nails.  Photo samples below...


Local distributor of L.A. Colors?  Please replenish your stuffs!!!  I am sure your sales will shoot up!

Have a wonderful day!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!


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!