Eureka Moment: A Frosted Pink Lipstick Perfect for Smokey Eyes

I got this as a gift from Digital Traincase for quite sometime, I've used this lipstick once on regular days and I left it inside the lipstick case for the longest time because I find myself looking "sick" wearing this shade of pink!  

Once I was in the mood to create a dark smokey eyed makeup and I've decided to give this lip color another try!  Lo and Behold, it was the best "frosted" pink lipstick to give a nice contrast on my smokey eyes!  

I've got a lot of reader query asking me about the nice pink lipstick and this is definitely part of the list!  This is again, too light on dark, pigmented lips like mine but it works great masking the darkness and mimics a pale lip color that's perfect for dark looking eyes!

NYX Acapulco Lipstick costs a bit more expensive than NYX Round lipstick but this shade is quite unique for Php350.00 (approx $8.30), not bad!

Tip on pale lipstick application:

• Moisturize the lips very well with your preferred lip balm or petroleum jelly a couple of minutes prior to the lipstick application.
• Blot excess moisture with a tissue paper prior to lipstick application to prevent it from sliding off.
• After first layer application, smack the back of your hand as the "warmth" of your hands can make the lipstick last longer.
• Re-apply 2nd layer of lipstick until desired result.
• If lips are extra dry, you can choose for glossy pale lips by applying a moisturizing clear gloss on top of the lip color using a lip brush!

I will be posting an AMW Version soon using this lipstick!  You can also wear this on non-smokey eyes!  Hint: Something Sweet and Romantic! 

What's your favorite Pink Lipstick for your Smokey Eye Makeup?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Jergens Naturals Renew Daily Moisturizer

Happy Monday everyone!  My weekend was full blast but things never change!  It has always been that way and I guess it's part of me!  I am just so energized I can't stay put!

Let me share to you a bit about my mom's case, after the "not so successful" surgery (Gallbladder Stones), she suffered a couple of setbacks and one of them is the clogging of her varicose veins probably from the Potassium (K) that was injected to her a couple of times to make her stay awake.  Of course I'll choose having "clogged veins" rather than losing her life but, can I choose not to have both?

It's not my choice though so I chose to dealt with it!  I took her to a specialist for veins and it was 6 months long treatment!  She had to take medication, not eat anything "green", be injected (by yours truly) with blood "thinning" agent and wear compression stockings.  It was only a small part of the "hell" we've been through, and it was last year....

And her veins today are better!  She has to wear a certain size of compression stockings for life and it was difficult seeing her irritated scratching her legs.  Each time I visit her and check on her legs, it was all horrible from the scratches and I've decided to check with the doctor.  We were advised to purchase a lotion that moisturizes the "leg area" for 24 hours.  I went ahead and purchased a couple and I was keeping my eyes open for better alternatives.

When I got this lotion, I gave it to my mom right away....

Jergens Naturals Renew Daily Moisturizer

Renew Daily Moisturizer says ---

Renew Daily Moisturizer reinvigorates skin with a blend of potent antioxidants and moisturizers that smooth and rejuvenate, returning it to a state of pure, healthy softness.

Ingredients

• Grapeseed oil - relieves distressed skin and boosts its natural barrier.
• Blueberry extract - a powerful source of antioxidants
• Pomegranate extract - antioxidant that combats skin-damaging elements that promote aging.

Available in: Hydrate Daily Moisturizer, Renew Daily Moisturizer, Soothe Daily Moisturizer and Referesh Daily Moisturizer.

Made in the USA

AMW says ---

Pros

• The twist cap that means product is fresh and new

• The pump dispenser makes application a breeze
• Skin feels soft and supple
• My mom's skin does not dry up or flake like before
• Scent is faint and very relaxing
• No animal by-products
• Paraben Free
• Dermatologists tested

Cons

• Quite huge to tote along
• If you are into multi-functional product, this is not for you as this does not contain any SPF

Overall

This moisturizer works!  Heard no complaints from mom on itchy  legs due to dryness from the Compression Stockings!  I am just starting to use this as well and my skin is less flaky!  Minimal flakiness is still there after several hours but I'll have to use this for prolong period of time to see the effects.

Tips

• Perfect to be applied both day and night.
• Apply ample amount on each area (legs, arms, back, etc...)  Do not scrimp on lotion application.
• You can use this to apply on your heels for softer feet in the morning!  Wear socks at night!
• If irritations still occur, STOP product usage immediately.
• If rashes occur, consult a doctor and check on the ingredients that you could be allergic to!
• Store in cool, dry place!  Never place this on direct sunlight.
• Always check on expiration dates, never use expired products especially on products that absorbs into your skin.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!  I purchased another one for myself!

To whom do I recommend this to
Anyone who has sensitive skin and wants the "boost of moisture" for prolong period of time minus the sticky feel.

Where to purchase and how much?

At selected department stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets, health & beauty stores for Php449.50 (approx $10.70).  For more updates, you  can visit their FB page "Jergens Moisturizers in the Philippines"

You can click photo to enlarge and see other ingredients

Glad to have found something for my mom that works.  It's actually part of her morning routine before she wear her stockings!

Have you seen this product around?  

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Note from author: Product was sent for review purposes. Author will not accept payments for POSITIVE reviews. All reviews are based on personal experiences, please purchase at your own discretion.)

Something New: Caronia Bright Nights Collection

Dear Philippine Readers:

Great news to girls who just want to have fun *belting Cyndi Lauper song*.  Caronia came up with Bright Lights Collection!  I am actually loving this collection because of its metallic finish that reminds of me the gorgeous Christmas Tree Balls!

Li'l birdie told me that the Bright Lights Collection is already available in leading health & beauty shops, department stores, supermarkets and drugstores for Php31.75 (approx less than $1.00) for 8ml!

Inexpensive stuffs that works!

L-R Lounge (green), Stellar (red), Trance (purple) and Gold Rush (gold)

Expect to see them on my nail art tutorials anytime!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Pasto, Brother's Burger + Random Update

My weekend starts today!  It was really a busy week but this girl ain't complaining!  Being busy means getting things done and I like the feel of it!  Though I've always been "work then straight to mom's place" kind of girl, I do schedule to meet up with friends or attend events to keep my brain out of the "worrying stage".  This week is definitely not an exception!  I got to have a bonding time with an ex-colleague as her birthday's coming up!  Advance Happy Birthday Ghetto B!

Thanks to Bea for the dinner and the wonderful stories at Pasto!

Pesto

Php225.00 (approx $5.35)

Capellini with basil pesto sun dried tomatoes and pine nuts

If you are not into heavy tasting pesto, this is not the dish for you.  I like pesto so this one is a winner in my dictionary!

Salsiccia e Funghi

Php215.00 (approx $5.11)

Rigatoni with sweet and spicy Italian Sausage, mushroom, onions and bell peppers.

Rigatoni, I believe are the "tube type" pasta, they probably ran out of it, that explains the spiral pasta!  I don't mind though, this dish is my absolute favorite for the night!

Formaggi Pizza

Php255.00 (approx $6.00)

Four cheese pizza, consists of Feta, Ricotta, Mozzarella and Parmesan

Not for the "cheese-phobic".  Four types of cheese on top of a crunch crust keeps my tummy happy and smiling!  That includes my fats too!  *laughs*

PASTO

El Pueblo, Ortigas Center

Pasig City, Metro Manila

Tel. no: (632) 634-0157

Good service, great ambiance, accepts both cash and credit card!

--------------------------------------------

I also did a trial makeup for a client yesterday, I did both hair and makeup (will post photo next time).  We were done after lunch hour so me and the hubby rushed to nearby fast food joint, Brother's Burger for a quick chow!  I am glad when I saw a poster of rice topping as I'm not craving for hamburgers at that moment!

Left: Brother's Burger Bowl

Right: Beef Salpicao Bowl

Each meal costs Php150.00 

Includes: Ice tea or Lemonade, small brownie

I separated ordered Onion Rings and Fries 

Php65.00 (approx $1.50) each

We went to the mall after gazillion years to have my haircut!  The hubby was lemming for a bottle of Coke so we went to Watson's!  As he was lining up, I quickly scanned through the beauty store and I seriously asked myself the last time I set food inside the mall!  I've been hiding inside a rock for sure!  So many makeup brands popping up!  I've seen them around but I haven't seen them for quite some time!!!

(Note from Author: Sorry for the blurry shots as these are all ninja shots!) 

Shawill Make-Up 

I actually got to know this brand 2 years ago at Crossings mall.  I actually bought the Shawill Lip Gloss and haven't seen much of the brand ever since.  Glad to see this brand has grown and they're offering wider range of products!

Beauty Treats

Call me a Flinstone but I haven't heard about this brand til this photo!  The prices are quite competitive, I got intrigued with a huge set of lipgloss for only 160 peso something each!  (approx $3.80)  I haven't gotten the chance to check out the rest because....

My eyes got diverted to this....

Dream Girl

I can imagine myself looking around this area if I'm a teenager who's into make-up!  The booth is quite inviting for "Pink and Black" combination lovers like myself!  I find the products available are quite "teeny-boppy" but it obviously works because I've seen a lot of young girls roving around the area.

James Cooper

A famous makeup artist Fanny Serrano made his own makeup brand.  So why can't James Cooper?  Same generation professional make-up artists who made its name for ears!  His products are more on the professionally looking side, I think the powder foundations and lipsticks look promising!  It does remind me of the Fanny Serrano Cosmetics though!  Sorry James!

There are still a lot more brands which I've seen in the past so I did not bother to take shots of them!  I haven't really looked into the products because I am in a hurry to have my hair done and rest!  It was a long day!

I finally set foot at Tony and Jackey Salon.  I used to go to Mr. Tony from Tony and Jackey Makati Branch, after he left for Shanghai, I went to other stylists and fortunately, I always get good results!  I am quite ecstatic to learn that the salon opens it doors at the SM mall near me!  It's going to be my 2nd time to have my hair cut in this branch!  The guy who did my cut is on leave so it was a girl who did my cut and seriously!  Watching her cut my hair is "performance at its best!"  

If I may say, her scissors are so sharp that my brains will seriously ooze out if she accidentally pokes it on my scalp!  Am I being gross?  YES!  Because I'm paranoid that way!  *hahaha*

Here's me with "the length I want to maintain" plus "the lightweight layers" I've always wanted!

I love the cut she did and my good friend Tara loved her Tony and Jackey experience too!  My cut costs Php500.00 (approx $11.90).  Oh so worth it because my last haircut was 6 months ago!  I've always love their "cutting style" because it gets better as my hair grew longer!

Have a great weekend food tripping!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

I Wonder: "What's Your Favorite Falsies?"

I've always complain about my puny lashes!  But the complainer is not vain enough to make an effort to apply mascara daily or even falsies on special occasions!  I just leave it as it is because I accepted the fact that it will be that way until I grow old!  

Don't get me wrong, I know the effect of good lashes, and if I plan to wear false lashes, I wear 'em good!  The Glambox Mink Lashes looks really nice but I want to save them on special occasions.  But there's one cheaper alternative that I love using because it gives a nice "I know you have falsies on, Oh wait, you don't have falsies on" look! 

(Thanks go S for taking this shot while I was doing someone's makeup)

What's my "to go to" lashes?  It's the Korean Lashes I bought from Bonjour Store during my Hong Kong last year!  Don't worry, we have these look-a-likes available at The Face Shop called XLH lashes for about Php100.00 (approx $2.50)!  And another secret why I love using these?  They are way easier to apply because the lash band is shorter as compared to full lashes!

I Wonder:
"What's Your Favorite Falsies?"

Any brand you'd like to share?  

Click comment and it'll be great to know your weapon!
Have a gorgeous Saturday!  I'll be off doing a wedding trial makeup!
Nothing beats the high of prettifying someone over the weekend!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!