AMW Reviews: Charm Luxe Flat Top Brush

For a flat top brush, nothing comes close to my heart  except my Everyday Minerals (EDM) Flat Top Brush.  I did not even try to look for a duplicate as I know nothing can match its quality and price!  However, I think I've spoken too soon!  Local readers will like the fact that a similar quality EDM Flat Top Brush can be purchased locally and in my opinion, it looks even better!

Introducing

Charm Luxe Collection: Luxe Flat Top Brush

Charm Luxe Collection - Luxe Flat Top Brush says ---

As mineral foundation demands to buff, buff, and buff, create that flawless face with the perfect buffing mineral foundation/powder brush, the Charm Luxe Flat Top Brush!

Created with densely packed synthetic bristles, The Charm Luxe Flat Top Brush ensures you a wonderful time in front of your vanity mirror as you enjoy the silky softness of the Charm Luxe Flat Top Brush, and see flawless results with it! Ultra soft, but firm bristles work their way into perfection!

The Charm Luxe Flat Top Brush is great for applying loose mineral foundation, or pressed foundation, to ensure even, buildable, flawless coverage on the face!

AMW says ---

Pros

• very soft, non-scratchy feel

• no shedding nor bleeding even on first wash - I was a bit harsh on it on my first wash
• maintains its original shape once dried
• very lightweight 
• bristles attached to the ferrule pretty well

• perfect density

• can be used for pressed and loose powder
• since the brushes are made of synthetic hair, can be used on liquid foundation too
• method in application: Buff and Stipple, both works!
• inexpensive for good quality brush
• perfect length and size
• the longer ferrule (silver part) makes it unique
• PINK!

Cons

• takes a bit longer time to dry as compared to other brushes (because of its density)
• non-pink lovers - this is in PINK!

Overall

I have nothing bad to say about this brush as it performs really well.  I've tried this brush and its a breeze in application.  The size is perfect, not too long nor too short!  I prefer using this with my loose mineral foundation!  Love! Love! Love!

Tips 

• always wash after purchase
• since this brush is a bit dense, remove makeup reside with Olive Oil first then deep cleanse with baby shampoo + dish washing liquid (with conditioner)
• always make sure brush is dry before usage
• never blowdry the bristles, let it dry naturally

Will I repurchase?

I won't need to as this looks durable, but I strongly recommend this to friends!

Where to purchase and how much?
At Beauty & Minerals website for Php600.00 (approx $13.00) + Shipping

A close up on its simple and nice logo

Length side by side with EDM's Flat Top Brush

EDM - approx. 4 inches

Charm - approx. 6 inches

Bristles

Both are dense and really soft

I believe this was added to the Charm brush collection due to public demand!  It's made available to purchase just last month and I'm glad I own this!  Definitely a keeper!

Do you have a favorite flat top brush or are you still on a search?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

An Update: The Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Diaries Challenge (Days 9-11)

AMW signing on reporting on Days 9-11 using Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.  I have to admit, the first 8 days felt a bit like a chore, a "task" that I must complete!  On days 9-11, things have changed, I've found myself enjoying the regimen before I go to sleep!  Before I tell you my observations, let me admit one thing!  I haven't been doing the 7 hours sleep because of some "jobs" I need to finish up!  But read on before you judge me ok?  *blushes*

• I took time in massaging this concentrate on my face and neck and pat my fingers gently onto my skin
• Remember the dryness around my nose area?  Gone because I made sure not to forget that area
• Mark my words:  I seriously saw the brightening effect!  The effect was seen by my hubby on the 10th day!  
• Brightening effect: At first, it looks like "oiliness", I found myself not used to the "brightening" look that I kept on patting face powder thinking it was my oily skin!  But looking closely, it was the unexplainable "glow".
• Moisturized?  I haven't been using any moisturizer as I want to see the full effect of this concentrate, since my skin is super dry, there are some dryness on random days but it is bearable. This probably won't happen to oily skinned individuals and I should really use a moisturizer after the 15 days challenge!
• No allergies nor skin irritations
• Skin never feels oily as compared to the first 4 days!
• Skin feels really soft.

Do not forget to read the other 3 Beauty Bloggers' take on this challenge!  And get a chance to win a full  size bottle for yourself and see if this product works for you!

I will definitely sum up all my observations after the 15-days challenge!  We'll have photos for sure!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Something New: Freeway's National Artists Collector's Series --- Jose Garcia Villa

When Freeway launched their National Artists Collector's Series last year, I told myself I will be attending all the launches because such idea is intriguing and I am Pro "Proud to be Filipino" companies!  Sad to say, I spoke to soon!  The next National Artist Collection from Jose Villa was missed by yours truly.  But hey, that does not mean I won't be reporting the collection to you! 

Last June, Freeway paid special homage to a great National Artist for Literature, the multi-awarded Jose Garcia Villa. 

 **photo from Freeway

Villa was considered as a powerful literary influence in the Philippines throughout much of the 20th century, although he had lived most of his life in the United States; thus earning the name "Pope of the Greenwhich Villages".  As Luis Francia explained from Asiaweek magazine.. "In a world of English language poetry dominated by the British and Americans, Villa stood out for the ascetic brilliance of his poetry and for his national origin."  Villa was a Filipino poet, literary critic, short story writer, and painter, and was hailed Philippine National Artist in 1973.

Freeway is proud to feature some of his well known work as interpreted in the collection which includes graphic tees, leggings, outerwear, woven tops, woven dresses, tote bags and clutches.  

**you can click photos to enlarge

All items will have their own gift packaging, a swing tag of Villa's bio and a Jose Garcia Villa authenticity stamp printed on the merchandise.  

   

To view the entire collection, visit www.freeway.net.ph.  Plus get fresher updates at their Facebook Fan Page (search for "freeway Online")  and Twitter.

To check back my report on my 2 previous National Artists Collection, smile and click ---

Literary Genius Nick Joaquin

Visionary master AngKiukok

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: "California Girl Katy Perry" Nails

Happy Tuesday friends!  I've been "trying" to be energetic after getting sick over the weekend.  So I'm listening to a lot of "feel good" music and "California Girls" by Katy Perry is definitely part of my song list!  I've watched the music video many times and it caught my heart because it has everything childish and girly!  Just look at how hot Katy Perry look!  Wait, self check.... yup!  I'm still a girl!  *laughs*

I actually got inspired to do a "California Girl" Music Video inspired nails by Katy Perry because it's such a feel good color!  I have to thank Sol from Digital Traincase for the lovely base color from Orly!!!  I could find similar color elsewhere!  Made my day!!!

Step 1:
Apply base coat prior to polish application.  Let dry.  Apply 2 coats of your favorite baby pink polish.  I am using Orly Nail Lacquer in Cotton Candy.

Step 2:
Making sure the base color is dry.  I create "dripping" effect with Elianto Polish in Turquoise.  Remember not to be too perfectionist, drippings aren't supposed to be in perfect shape :)

Step 3:
Drop Elianto Polish in white or any matte white polish brand on a sheet of paper.

Use a dotting tool or toothpick to create dots on the Turquoise color.  You can do random dots on different directions. You choice, your creativity.

Step 4:
Never forget to top your nail art with a nice top coat to protect our nail art.  Make sure to let the dots dry prior to doing so!

Sit back and enjoy your "Katy Perry/California Girls" looking nails

Don't you just love to bite the colors? 
Well hopefully not my fingers! :P

Have a wonderful day!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

An Update: The Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Diaries Challenge (Days 5-8)

Though I've been mostly sick from Days 5-7, I did not fail with the challenge, I made sure to apply this prior to going to bed and I actually slept more than 7 hours on these days because I've been sick and tired.  Thank goodness I am better now! 

What happened for the next 3 days after my last update?

• the oily feel is totally gone, I don't have the "icky" feel like that of the first 3 days
• the concentrate absorbs my skin way faster as compared to the earlier days of the challenge
• I wake up with clear skin, no signs of irritations or allergies
• no huge difference judging by the look on the mirror
• skin feels soft the next day
• I skipped moisturizer after this concentrate at night (it is actually ok to do so, but I refused for the sake of this challenge)
• the rest of my face is normal but the sides of my nose gets a bit dry, I guess I wasn't able to include the concentrate on this area.  Will do so for the coming days

Here's my bare skin on Day 8

(no alterations done, Photoshop used to crop photo)

I'll keep you readers informed for sure!  Let's wait for the 15th day!  I want to thank Kiehl's Philippines for this lovely photo! Don't forget to check out the other blogs for their experience!  Click photo to enlarge.

Stay tune for the giveaway!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!