Vaseline Road Trip Summarized in a Video

Hi Everyone!  Last May has been one of the most exciting month for me as I, together with Hannah and Ada were chosen to test Vaseline Healthy White SPF24 Triple Lightening Lotion.  Along the way saw and appreciated the wonderful sites our country can offer and at the same time,  met a lot of wonderful people from different walks of life.

Here's some behind the scenes on our "almost" 1 week Roadtrip Adventure up North!  I love the Philippines!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Kerastase Promo!

Remember how I've told you what I've gone through to save up on my first Kerastase hair care products? Those were the days I had to go to the salons and ask: "When will there be discounts or promotions?"  And I always got "None for now" as answer.  

Things have changed.  Lucky people nowadays can easily give Kerastase a try as they came up with something exciting!  To celebrate the holiday season, they offer you something that's worth spending  your hard earned money for!

This September 2010, Kerastase gives you an offer you won't be able to resist (I know I can't).

Please note that:

• Oleo Relax Coffret is For Dry Frizzy Hair
• Age Recharge Coffret is For Dull and Thin Hair
• Chroma Reflect Coffret is For Colored Hair

(You can click photo to enlarge)

For every purchase of a Kerastase masque and a Kerastase texturiser, you get a Free Kerastase Bain and an Evening bag!  Seriously!  Worth it!  I usually purchase these products and do treatment at the comfort of my "crib"!

Visit your nearest Kerastase salon and avail of this offer starting September 2010.  For more information, visit the official website of Kerastase, www.kerastase.com.  Or call the Kerastase hotline (632) 672-7200.

Happy Hair Pampering!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Sigma Travel Kit Nice in Pink

And you thought the addiction on makeup brushes stop!  It never will I tell you!  If guys have addiction for cars, I would say mine are the brushes.  Makeup brushes are considered one of the most important tool especially on my career as a makeup artist.  I don't mind owning a lot as I do believe it will last because I take care of them!  

As everyone knows, Sigma Brushes has been coming up with several brush collections and each set is created more unique and interesting as collection goes by.  Sigma recently sent me another set, a Pink Travel Set for review.  They probably sniffed the makeup brush addiction from the opposite side of the world!  Here's my review on the said brush set after a couple of weeks' usage!

Sigma Travel Kit Nice in Pink says ---

The Sigma Makeup travel kit Nice in Pink contains 7 essential brushes to achieve a flawless look on the go. Take Nice in Pink to your favorite travel destination or keep it in your purse for a quick touch-up during the day or a night out. All brushes are individually stored in a stylish metallic pink clutch equipped with a convenient pouch to carry all your must-have makeup items.

Clutch Dimensions (closed): 7 x 4 inches.
Face Brushes: 5 inches total
Eyes/Concealer Brush: 4 inches total

Large Powder Brush

Very dense with a rounded top.  Ideal to apply powder products on face and body.  Natural bristles.

Pros

• non-scratchy
• no shedding upon first wash or even after several washes
• stiffness is just right for powder foundation application (light to medium coverage)
• for that nice rosey cheeks, this is a perfect brush too
• once washed a couple of times, brush gets a bit fluffier which is actually nicer

Cons

• bleeds a super tiny bit on first wash, probably the dirt from manufacturer

Duo Fiber Brush

Specially designed to generate an 'airbrushed' finish when used to apply liquid foundation.  It can also be used to apply blush, highlight shades and loose pigments.  Blend of synthetic and natural bristles

Pros 

• no shedding nor bleeding when washed
• stiffness is just right to apply using 'stipple' motion
• saves up liquid foundation
• perfect for cream blush application
• no scratchy feel

Cons

• takes quite some time to finish up the whole face if used for liquid foundation application and on a 'stippling' motion

Large Angled Contour Brush

The angled shape makes this brush ideal to apply blush or contour shades.  Natural bristles.

Pros

• very soft for a natural bristled contour brush
• no shedding upon first wash and during usage
• does not feel scratchy on skin

Cons

• has a bit of fly-aways after several washes
• I find this brush works better as blush brush as compared to contour brush.  The longest portion of the hair is not stiff enough.

Tapered Blending Brush

Rounded and tapered top.  Specially designed to apply and blend color on the crease.  Natural bristles.

Pros

• no bleeding upon first wash
• wonderful brush to blend eyeshadow for people with large lid spaces
• perfect to apply powder foundation under the eye area
• used to highlight smaller areas like nose bridge, forehead and above the lip

Cons

• fly-aways drives my tiny lids crazy!  This is perfect for people with bigger eyelids for blending.
• sheds a total of 2-4 hairs after my first few usages

Eye Shading Brush

Soft and dense with a rounded finish.  Can be used to apply pressed or loose eye shadows and pigments.  Ideal to build intense color on the eyelid.  Natural bristles.

Pros

• no bleeding nor shedding
• super soft on lids, no scratchy feel
• since its not too dense, I find this brush perfect to apply contouring powder on the nose area
• nice brush to use as highlighter on the brow bone area

Cons

• does not grab a lot of pigments as expected
• bristles too soft so no control on packing eyeshadow pigments.

Concealer Brush

The rounded, tapered, flat shape makes this brush ideal to conceal the under eye area.  It is also recommended for a precise application in small areas.  Synthetic bristles.

Pros

• no bleeding, shedding and scratchy feel
• brush looks exactly the same even after several washes
• perfect brush to highlight the nose bridge, corners of the mouth and brow bone area using cream products.
• best brush to use for spot concealing

Cons

• I find this concealer brush is a bit tiny for under eye concealing, tends to go back to one area over and over again which makes you drag your under eye circles even more

Pencil Brush

Precise application of color on the crease, outer corner, and upper and lower lashline.  Also ideal to smudge out pencil liner.  Natural bristles

Pros

• the pointed tip makes it easier to smudge out pencil liner minus the messy look, has nice control
• no shedding 
• no fly-aways
• can grab pigments pretty well!

Cons

• has a scratchy feel, it actually hurts my lids during precise application
• Sigma brushes mostly are non-scratchy, but if you ask me, this is the scratchiest brush in this set

On some orders, Sigma Makeup would throw in "A Gift For You!" which I like because there's an element of surprise there!  Together with this set, the special gift I got is a Foundation Brush.  Made of synthetic bristles

Again even the individual brush is covered and protected quite well.

Concealer Brush

Pros

• no shedding, bleeding and scratchy feel
• once dried, looks exactly as brand new
• perfect for liquid foundation, cream foundation, cream blush and concealer application
• has a nice "stiffness" that gives a nice control during application

Cons

• none
  

Overall

• What I love about Sigma is the way they package the brushes. This is my second time to have a brush set sent to me and I find that they take care of the way they present their product consistently.  Look at the nice pink mesh pouch they've used!

• Casing is really nice, perfect for pink lovers and non-pink lovers as it's not the "overly girly" pink shade
• Brush handle is not too shiny nor matte, just right and it does not get scratched easily.  Sticky substance gets to be attracted to this though, I have to clean the brush handle well as there's this "sticker residue" in which I originally thought was dirt.
• Handle length is just right for both personal application and even a perfect length to use for other people
• Has a zipper for you to put those cotton buds or cotton pads.

•  It has a nice flap which protects the bristles once you fold the leather pouch.

• Each brush are protected during transit with a plastic on the handles and a plastic protector on bigger sized brushes

• Each handle has "Sigma Makeup" printed together with the name and number of the brushes.  They also engraved "Made in PRC" on the wooden handle, at least people know right off the bat where these are made of!

• Size is perfect for travel, not bulky at all.  I find myself willing to carry this along on "emergency" makeover for friends!  I guess the pouch really has a lot to say!

• Here's a size comparison with a PSP player for your reference

*whew* This is quite long right?  I have nothing more to say but positive things about the brushes I got.  I would say the only downside of this is probably the fact that people outside of the USA have to wait for shipping.  Sigma Makeup ships worldwide and it took me approximately 3 weeks to receive this package and this is actually considered quite fast!  

The Sigma Travel Kit "Nice in Pink" costs USD49.00 (approx Php2,200) plus shipping depending on where you'll have it sent.  You can click Sigma Makeup Website to check out their other brush collections.  You can even start building your own kit!!! 

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Disclaimer: Products sent for review.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Dollface Makeup Seminar with Askmewhats!

**photo taken from Dollface Cosmetics

Dear Philippine Readers:

I want to thank everyone who joined Dollface Personal Makeup Workshop Parts 1 and 2.  I got to meet a lot of people and I was able to share my knowledge on what I love most --- Beauty! 

I did not even think another workshop will come along this year!  2 Workshops in a  year --- What fun!  The very hardworking Pearl of Dollface thought of another way for more people to learn about makeup.  A 2 hour makeup Seminar plus question and answer portion with me for more individuals!  It'll be great to meet makeup enthusiasts like myself!

You want to join and want to try your luck?

You can join the Dollface Facebook contest and win yourself a free seat to this seminar!  You can also purchase your favorite Dollface product on spot!

Join by smiling and clicking HERE
Goodluck!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Tip for the Day: How to Assemble GlamBox Kit

Good morning everyone!  It's a Humpy Wednesday, middle of the week but my body is as tired as end of the world!  *just joking* 

After my review on the GlamBox Starter Kit, I have a couple of queries over email if it is easy to take this along and use this.  I am sure a lot of  you are quite uneasy to purchase something that's too complicated to use.  

Here's a closer look on my GlamBox Starter Kit and what's the right way to install it minus the instruction manual.  Don't you just love pictures? :)

The carry on pouch that comes with the system

What you will get from the Starter Kit

(note: only the airbrush system is in this photo, 

foundation and blush not included on photo)

1. Attach the airhose to the compressor and the gun

2. Connect the adaptor to the compressor.

 

3. Attach the airhose "housing" onto the compressor.  Never push too hard.

  

4. Compressor ready to use.  Make sure you plug to adaptor to a 220v.  If unsure, ask!  

5. Once the compressor is plugged.  The Switch On/Off and Mode buttons lighten up.

 

6. Press once to switch on and once again to switch off.  For the Mode Button, there are 3 levels, L for Low, M for Medium and H for High.

Low for the eyes and hair

Medium for the face and neck

High for the body

Questions from Readers:
1. Is it worth the investment?

If you are into airbrush and has been longing for this, this is a great startup kit.  Very lightweight and easy to use.

2. Do you take this along on your gigs?

I don't, as I don't offer airbrush makeup service YET.  If I do, I will use the professional one given to me by my brother and will probably carry this along for backup.

3. Is this advisable for startup makeup artists?

Yes if you want to practice but your budget is low.  To use this on makeup gigs, I suggest not to do so, because the compressor is quite small as compared to other airbrush system, this can easily heat up and can ruin your GlamBox Kit.  If you do airbrush for 1 client, then it's fine, if you plan to use this on multiple clients, you have to switch this off for a couple of minutes before you start using this again (which takes a time if you're in a hurry).

4. Do I need special training to use this?
Most sellers offer free demo before you purchase this unit.  I suggest you attend a free workshop or even a half day workshop for a minimal fee.  Overall, you attend a class or not, you need to practice, on yourself and to others!  Practice makes perfect!

Hope this helps!
Let me know if you have further questions! :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!