Readers' Corner: "Brushes I Use Daily"

To my dear AMW Readers:

Thank you for asking questions via Cbox, email and comment page per post!  Thank you, from the bottom of my huge heart, for entrusting your personal beauty problems to me!  As much as possible, I answer the queries directly to save time, but if a question concerns majority of the readers, I will be sharing it here! 

I got a reader query regarding makeup brushes.  Reader knew the "brush whore" in me and wondered how I know which brush to choose "from the huge brush collection you have" (quoted from her)

Well, to make it clear, I do  have a good number of brushes but more than 75% of it are meant for professional use.  I do keep them clean and away from dust.  I have a couple of brushes displayed for personal use but there's top 5 brushes I've been using daily!  Read on and take a peek!

 

1. Dual-ended foundation and concealer brush both from Dollface and Essence of Beauty

If I use liquid foundation, this is my favorite foundation brush.  But since the weather is very hot and humid, down here, I use the "foundation brush" to apply concealer under the eye area and on the sides of the nose.

2. Ecotools Kabuki Brush

Surprisingly, this is a very good k-brush to apply my mineral foundation or setting powder! 

3. Sigma Eyeliner Brush/Ecotools Eyeliner brush

I love to use pencil liners on a daily basis, but on days I go eye shadow-less, I prefer using gel liner and my best tool to apply gel liner is the Ecotools Eyeliner brush and I also alternate it with my new Sigma SS266 brush because I'm too lazy to wash my brushes daily!

4. Thevi Dome Blush

Thevi sent me this brush more than a year ago for review.  I love this brush so much I use this daily!  I am proud to say, I wash this brush often because I don't like breaking out especially on my cheek area!  This is the easiest blush brush to use for that fresh "blushing" look!

5. Eyebrow brush from G-lish

Oh my, my ultimate eyebrow brush ever and I sad to say, I can't even repurchase this alone!  This was made by a local brand called G-lish and it was part of a travel set!  I love how I can easily fill in my brows with a brow powder or an eye shadow shade that matches my brows.  I can't live without this brush!

On some days, I can go from 5 brushes to 3!  It really depends on my mood and my skin condition!  Thanks for asking this question, I enjoyed rummaging through my tools and show you my li'l nook! 

Have a wonderful Friday!
Do share your top brushes!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Event: Paul & Joe 3rd Birthday Bash

 **you can click photo to enlarge

Dear Philippine Readers:

Name one makeup brand you can think on top of your head that's a favorite of mine....

No there's no prize for this!  (although there will be a contest coming up sometime this month or next month) If the Japanese/French brand PAUL AND JOE came right on top of your head...bravo!  You know me too darn well!  You deserve a cyber hug and kiss from me! :D  If you don't know, then you can always click HERE and read my fun experiences and reviews with the brand.  I've also attended the Protective Dual Powder Foundation with SPF launch which I did not regret because I got to meet my soul mate!  My Powder Foundation Soul Mate!  

Recently, I haven't been blogging  or reviewing much about the said brand, that does not mean my relationship with this brand has ended.  Can I tell you a secret?  Can you keep a secret?

If answer is Yes...continue reading.... No?   Well, continue reading and be guilty! *hahaha*

I've been to a couple of sales event from Prestige Brand (the company who brought in Paul & Joe) and I hoarded like I have the money to spare!  I have stocks of my favorite Paul & Joe products that I needed to finish up before they expire!  It has been a year...and I'm near the finish line! (Finish Line = finishing all my backups!)  YAY!  

The First Paul & Joe Birthday Bash was a success, I was there!  I skipped the Second because of a busy schedule...and time flew by so fast!  The 3rd Paul & Joe Birthday is coming up!  Thanks to the people who brought  in P&J Philippines, and thanks to Prestige Brands for sending me an invite for their 3rd birthday party!  And YOU, can join the fun event too!

The event will start around 4:00pm Friday and Saturday.  I didn't get the Sunday schedule.  But if you're just around Rustan's Makati area, do check them out!  I may probably be hoarding stocking up (again) on Protective Dual Powder Foundation in shades 20 and 30 and my favorite P&J eyebrow pencils!  

I may be going but it depends on my schedule!  If you see me, please smile and say "hi!" okay???  I'm not a snob!  Promise!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: "Sophisticated" Nails

Good day gorgeous people of the world!  How's the week treating you so far?  Good? Bad?  Keep your chin up no matter how tough life is!  We've gone this far!  

Enough with the inspirational talk!  *laughs* I know, I tend to preach!  I guess I'm way older than my age!  I do sound like a grandma!  

Last weekend, I had a couple of minutes to spare so I browsed through YouTube (which I seldom do nowadays due to a circumstance called...work! *lol*) and chanced up a lovely YT guru "Love4Nails".  She's done a very cute nail art tutorial which caught my attention and I'm inspired to do my own version!  I've used 3 different shades for this tutorial!  There's my love for pinks and reds I've added brown!  We all know pinks and browns are perfect match!  On makeup and nail art!

Step 1:

Apply your preferred base coat prior to nail polish application.  AMW is using The Face Shop's Base Coat.  Apply only 1 coat of ELF's Bubblegum Pink polish.   The reason for it is that I'll be layering 3 different polish colors!

Step 2:

As soon as the first coat of base polish dries, apply a hot red polish diagonally!  I am using ELF's Polish in Red.

Tip:  If you do not have steady hands, you can use a thin brush to draw an outline first, before filling the rest of the polish color!  

Step 3:

Same as step 2, wait for the 2nd polish color to dry up and apply a dark brown nail polish from Paul & Joe. 

Note from AMW:  You can clean up your nails, apply top coat and you're ready to go with this simple nail art!  If you want to make your life more complicated like I do, continue reading please! :D

Step 4:

Use Prettynails' 2 way nail art pen in silver glitter and apply thin, diagonal lines going on different directions as you prefer.

Step 5:

To make the glitters more obvious and create a nice "3d" look.  Top the silver glitter with a gold glitter from L.A. Art Deco in Gold.

Step 6:

Do not forget to protect your hard work with your preferred top coat.  I am using TFS Top Coat.

Sit back and relax as you wait for your polish to dry completely

Another tip: As soon as the nails are completely dry, you can use a cotton bud and wet it with your preferred acetone and clean up the sides of your fingernails for a cleaner, more sophisticated look!

Another pat on my back for another nail art tutorial!  I am seriously on the roll!  
I hope you like my nail art for the week!  Keep that smile coming and give me that big energy!!!


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Daiso PE3 Lipstick

When I reviewed MAC's Pink Nouveau lipstick last week, I got such exciting responses on the "dupes" (duplicates) from different brands.  I really love it when AMW readers interact and share their thoughts on my site!  THANK YOU ALL for that!

In today's post, I will be doing something different, I won't be posting brand and shade names of "dupes" for MAC's Pink Nouveau, instead, I will be doing is a review on a cheaper lipstick that has the same impact as the most coveted lipsticks out there!  In short...Sexy Lip Color Minus the hefty price!  

Doesn't that sound sexier?

I recently purchased a Daiso lipstick in PE-3 available at local Daiso Store.   I seldom purchase random lipsticks from brands I haven't tried or heard but I got drawn to its unique shade. You'll know why!  Just pucker up!

Daiso PE-3 Lipstick says ---

Sorry, I can't read Japanese, so I really can't tell.

AMW says ---

Pros

• very unique shade
• pigmented
• inexpensive
• packaging is not bad at all
• no weird scent

Cons

• VERY drying
• enhances the lines and cracks of my lips
• not available anywhere, can only be purchased at Daiso stores
• made in China, led content could be a problem, so make sure to prime your lips to protect it
• alpha-numeric shade name which I find it too boring!  "What's your lipstick shade?"  "PE-3!" *gulps*  Doesn't sound nice at all!

Overall

The shade PE-3 is a deep warm peachy-pink lipstick that has a stronger peachy tone once swatched or applied on lips.  The shade, no doubt is really unique as I can use this alone on a bare face and it can still manage to brighten up the whole look.  The thing I don't like about this lipstick is its "crayon-like" texture, very drying and enhances the wrinkles on the lips.

For it's price, it's inexpensive so there's no reason to whine.  I can always take time to prep my lips prior to lipstick application and top it with my favorite lip gloss as the shade speaks for itself!

Tips

• use this lipstick alone ONLY if you have very soft and supple lips
• moisturize your lips several minutes prior to lipstick application, dab your lips with a tissue paper to prevent the lipstick from sliding once applied
• top with a clear gloss of your choice for a nice shiny lips
• use a lip brush for a more precise application (Thanks B for the Stila lip brush, I love it!)

Will I repurchase?

No, I've seen the rest of the shades, not intrigued!

Where to purchase and how much?
At Daiso store for Php88.00 (approx $2.00)

Daiso Lipstick PE-3
Applied on hand without base

The shade is "matte" in person, the flash from the camera showed a bit of shimmer

Applied on lips on prepped lips

*prepped lips: moisturized with Kiehl's no. 1 lip balm,

removing excess on tissue paper

Top with The Body Shop's Love Gloss

Now, the hunt continues...for an affordable "unique" lipstick shade minus the drying factor!
I'll definitely share what's on my map to stardom! *laughs*  (Where did that come from?)

Keep smilin' everyone

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: TBS Lip and Cheek Tint

Ahhh, after a long weekend here in the Philippines!  Here comes Monday!!!  Even a cheerful and positive girl *ahem* woman like myself gets grumpy!  I am only human you know!  But a grumpy day can always be brighter for people around you if you exude a nice flush on your cheeks!  A flush off excitement, a flush of happiness! 

In today's post, I will be reviewing my first tint ever!  I know there are a lot of lip and cheek tints available in the market at the moment (a.k.a. Benetint).  Let me start with The Body Shop's first as this brand is available locally! 

Does it give me the flush I expect?

**photo from The Body Shop

TBS Lip and Cheek Tint says ---

A truly versatile product, Lip & Cheek Stain has a cult following - and here is your chance to discover a new shade to give your cheeks and lips a healthy-looking glow.  Use alone for fresh-faced allure or underneath the Kiss of Colour Cheek Blush or Hi-Shine Lip Treatment to intensify the look.  Presented in a sleek bottle with easy-to-use sponge applicator, the product features Community Trade aloe vera, and restores moisture, smoothness and suppleness to skin.  Available in 01 Rose Pink and the new Limited Edition 03 Shimmering Coral, Lip & Cheek Stain is a make-up must have for the new season.