AMW Version: "Some Kinda Blue, Some Kinda Purple" Eyes

Ahhh, I can't keep track on the days!  Time is definitely flying super fast, the week went ok, it's finally Thursday!  Friday is just around the corner and I'm looking into a busy weekend!  I am actually looking forward for my brother's arrival!  He'll be coming back for vacation and I'm excited about it!

Today, I will be sharing an AMW Version, I call this "Some kinda blue, some kinda purple" look because the purple eyeshadow I used has a tiny specks of blue that would show up as blue on some angles on camera!  This is as usual, perfect for day time but also for night time if you want by packing up more colors! 

I just realized, that I have a very distinct line on my lids that looked like I've gone through surgery! *laughs*  Beauty Blogger Jess actually asked me about it!  No surgeries though, if ever I did, I'll make it more "deep set" *lol* But I don't plan to because nothing would make me go through that!  I'm just a coward that way!  hehehe

AMW Diagram

Prior to eyeshadow application, you can choose to apply your favorite eye primer.  In this tutorial, I am using the Too Faced Shadow Insurance.

Step 1:

Using a flat shader brush of your choice, I applied a light peachy eyeshadow from the Sleek Graphite Palette all over the lids including the brow bone area.

Step 2:

Using the free sponge applicator that goes with the palette, I packed on the "dark purple" eyeshadow from the Sleek Graphite Palette all over lid area going a bit beyond.  I also include the 3/4 portion of the lower lash line as shown on diagram above.

Step 3:

With my MAC's 226 brush or any "crease/blending" brush that has a pointed tip, I applied Shimmery Black Eyeshadow from the same palette on top of the "purple shadow" done on Step 2 packing on colors until it creates gradient effect (upwards).  At this stage, I am taking time blending and adding up shades as I move back and check my reflection!

Step 4:

Using a Bent Liner Brush from Coastal Scents, I applied MakeupMasala Gel Liner in Inky Black on the upper lash line with a slight winged effect.

** The thing with using Gel Liners, or Liquid liners above the lash line, there's a white space that needs to be covered so I tightlined with Make Up For Ever's Aqua Eyes in Black.

Step 5:

Using Maybelline Eyestudio Vivid & Smooth Liner in Purple, apply it directly on waterline.  Make sure the pencil is not too sharp!

Step 6:

Highlight the inner corner of your eyes with a shimmery white eyeshadow or in this tutorial, I am using Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Yeyo.

I added a bit on the brow bone area and blended the shimmery white pencil for that "bigger eyed" look. 

Use an eyebrow pencil of your choice to fill in those brows, 

curl my lashes then applied 3 coats of 

Etude House Proof 10 Henna Fix Mascara in Black

You can choose to apply falsies for a dramatic effect

What's on the rest of my face?

Revlon's Age Defying 2 Way Foundation with Botafirm in Buff

On Cheeks:

MAC's Gel Blush in Just a Pinch

Applied MAC's MSF Blushin SuperDuperNatural!

On Lips:

L'Oreal Colour Riche in Peach Blush

Stage Lipgloss in 12 Sophia

Smile and even without makeup,
you'll look great!

*P.S. My skin is "glowy" in this photo as I have created a tutorial on creating glowy skin and I had to apply a lot for it to register on cam.

Have you sported any colored eye makeup looks lately?
I have to admit, I haven't much, I just did a couple of bright eyed makeup for tutorials
But there's no reason to doll up for now! :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Etude House Proof 10 Henna Fix Mascara in Black

I am loving Etude House because of 2 things!  The cute doll house exterior and interior and of course, the fact that the company got 2NE1 star Sandara Park to be their model!  I like Sandara Park and I am proud of her achievements both in the Philippines and in Korea.

Admittedly, I did not have plans to purchase mascara (at all) during my Korea Trip!  The sales lady, while looking at my puny lashes, advised me to try the new mascara under the Proof 10 line!  With the huge HENNA Fix written on the tube, I gave it a try right away and saw my lashes grew darker and longer which is a huge 'yes' for me and no for my wallet!

"Proof 10" was made according to the Sales Lady who can actually speak Mandarin *LOL* for the humid weather in Korea and I was told humidity is crazy there during summer!  If this mascara is made for the harsh weather up there, that made me hopeful that this will work in our country! 

After several times of usage, does this pass my standard for a good mascara?

Paul & Joe Goodies

I haven't blogged much about my favorite makeup brand Paul & Joe, you want to know why?  I'll share you my tiny little secret.  Paul & Joe have sales every now and then in makeup schools or fairs, and the "cheapskates" in me would hoard during sales and I ended up with 2 of each product that I use.  Well, 3 refills of my favorite Paul & Joe Protective Dual Powder Foundation to be exact, in which I finished up 2 and I'm on my 3rd *taking a mental note to hoard more once they have sale!*

Thankfully, after a year plus of hiatus with this brand, I've finally reunited with the brand again with 2 tiny addition to my Paul & Joe family....

Paul & Joe Lipstick C and Paul & 

Joe Creamy Matte Foundation

I own the Paul & Joe Light Cream Foundation in the past which me and my best friend absolutely love for its very "natural" effect with light to medium coverage! I tend to reach out to this for myself or for clients who has normal skin with not much coverage needed for that "very natural Korean Makeup" glow. 

If you read my previous review regarding the foundation, I love how chic and classy the packaging look but I've complained about the huge opening of this and it is unhygienic to dip your sponge, brush or even fingers directly onto the product.

Lo and behold!  Companies do listen to consumers' needs!  The new Paul & Joe glass packaging includes a cute Paul & Joe spatula!

Aside from the added spatula, this is the Creamy Foundation from Paul & Joe perfect for Normal to Oily skin!  I remember using the Light Cream Foundation to people with drier skin!

Together with the newly acquired Cream Foundation, this will actually be a first Paul & Joe Lipstick for me and its Lipstick C 068 Moon Shadow which I believe is a limited edition!  Most Paul & Joe products are housed in very cute packaging and this one is no exception!

The beautiful black and pink flowers motif are designs straight from the Paul & Joe runway collection.  And the gorgeous packaging is not even enough for me to want to keep this lipstick for good!  Scroll down and you'll understand...

The lipstick itself has a cat carving which according to my research, represents Sophie Albou's (the fashion and cosmetics company's founder) favorite animal cat.

Too bad most of them are out of stock, I want them all!  *meow*!

**photo lifted from Google images

I am currently reviewing the products and will even use the P&J Creamy Matte Foundation on clients to have a better review on different skin types!  Check back for detailed reviews!

As of the moment, presentation, packaging alone receives 2 thumbs up from me!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Darlington Gusset Panty Stockings

I dislike wearing stockings!  I actually wanted to put HATE but that's too much negativity!  I remember those days when I work in an airline and we were required to wear stockings and I never did!  I am a rule follower!  But this is one rule I just can't follow!  I think the management gave up on asking me to wear one, because I never did!  I just hate the feeling of stockings and the probability of having a run in stockings as I tend to be too running around like there's no tomorrow! 

So why did I purchase one?  Prior to my Korea trip, we did not book any tour groups so I had a feeling that I'll be walking around until I won't feel my legs anymore!  Let's face it, I am older and my legs are weaker!  After seeing my mom go through hard times to treat her Varicose Veins that nearly threatened her leg veins, I told myself I have to do something about my legs before I have huge varicose veins popping up as early as now!  

I went to the mall and asked advice from the sales lady!  There's a couple of brands out there but I actually asked for the brand she used and she gave me the Darlington brand and told me most of the sales staffs use it as they are standing ALL DAY!  It's inexpensive, so what the heck?  I purchased black as I want to wear it on its own as leggings!

Black

Darlington Gusset Panty Stockings says ---

Guaranteed made from finest quality hosiery and hygienic cotton gusset.  These materials provide you with comfort and reinforcement for added run protection.  Thus, will surely keep your legs looking classy and feeling energized all day.

Made in the Philippines
Available in: Skin tone, Fresh Beige, Light Gray, Almond Brown, Dark Gray and Black.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Because of its micro fiber, it does not feel warm or uncomfortable against the legs!
• Does not "run" easily as the stockings is a bit thicker compared to others.

• Gives a nice support, feels tight but not too tight.
• One size fits all!  The stretchable material fits legs of all sizes!
• Comfortable.
• Very inexpensive!
• Can be used as a piece of clothing on its own.
• Available in various colors!
• The Cotton Gusset makes it comfortable to wear.

• The garter is comfortable enough not to create marks on your tummy area.  Stretchable to an extent.

• Prevents chaffing between your feet and the shoes.
• For countries with winter climate, you can wear your favorite skirts with this underneath to keep your legs warm. (Check out the photo of this cute girl in Korea!  She knows her fashion :P)

• Can tone down a bit of the flabby tummy!
• Proudly Philippine-made!

Cons

• Feels uncomfortable if you have long toenails (MYSELF!)
• Difficult to wear if you have long fingernails too!  Have to be very careful!
• If worn religiously, may cause bacterial growth on the unmentionables if material is non-breathable!  
• Runs in the stockings may happen and it'll be a fashion boo-boo! 
• On the other hand, if you are fully "blessed" around the tummy area, fats will show up *ouch* :(

Overall

I like having this inside my closet but I don't wear this religiously not unless my work requires me to stand up the whole day!  I have to clarify that the Darlington Full Support Gusset is not used to heal existing Varicose Veins (as there is another product meant for that).  This is used as prevention. 

Tips

• For hand wash only
• Never bleach this.
• Hang dry and try not to stretch it too much.
• Try to roll the leggings one leg at a time, do not just slip in your foot and wiggle it on the way to the end.

• Adjust the foot area first before you start to slowly roll the stockings upwards.

• If you want to wear this as is, wear a long top like long t-shirts or oversized boyfriend shirt!

 

• This Full Support Gusset works with closed shoes or boots, do not wear open-toed shoes or sandals!
• If you have really large Varicose Veins on your leg area and it bothers you, check with doctors specializing in Varicose Veins as they will give you the right size of Compression Stockings and the length of time needed to wear it!  Never try to be your own doctor as it may cause major problems in the future.
• If you prefer the "see through" type, just tell the sales lady as they have this available too!

Will I repurchase?

Yes!  I actually did, I purchased the Skin Tone version to be worn underneath the jeans on days I know I'll be walking a LOT!

Where to purchase and how much?
At leading malls for Php199.75 (approx $4.65). You can check their website for more options. 

A photo to show how it dark the 

Darlington Gusset Panty Stockings in Black.  

No skin shown at all!

Have you used any Full Support Gusset?
Is it for fashion statement or for varicose veins prevention?
My answer would be both!  I killed 2 birds in one Panty Stockings!  *laughs*

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: "Christmas Ornaments Inspired" Nails

Happy Monday!!!  Today's nail art, well I wanted to put this on December 1, 2010 for that really nice kick-off for Christmas celebration!  But you know me, I've done it, and I want to share it ASAP!

I actually do have an inspiration for this week's nail art tutorial!  I was on a date with my mom and dad at the SM Mall of Asia and I can't help but stare at the gorgeous looking Christmas trees on display!  From green Christmas trees to white, gold and silver!  What drew me closer to a certain Christmas tree are the sparkly Christmas balls!  I was looking closely at its texture and I told myself it is a project I will be doing once I get home!  A nail art inspired by the metallic Christmas balls!  

**photo taken from Google images

This is my version in which I will show you step by step on how to achieve!  It's so funny how I finally decided to come up with these three colors by using hubby's fingernails to sample the color combination first before I decided with these 3....

Step 1:

As usual, apply your preferred Base Coat as this lessen the yellowing of your nails or even protect it from getting brittle and weak.  In using glittery polishes, the white base underneath is very important for the "glittery shades" to pop up.  I am using 1 coat of ELF Matte White polish topped with Caronia's Frosted Polish in Crystal. 

Step 2:

This is the trick to create a "texture" with your nail polish.  When your base polish is approximately 90% dry, meaning, its not too wet and yet its not on its driest stage, I would say approximately 5 minutes, do the sponge method not to create gradient nails but to create both texture and "airbrush" finish.

Apply Skin Food Nail Vita polish in metallic green directly onto a sponge

You can remove excess by blotting the sponge first onto a sheet of paper then gently tap it on the lower half of your nails.  Do not worry about the excess as you can clean them off later on.

Step 3:

Do the same step as above this time using Caronia Polish in Gold Rush or any gold polish of your choice. 

Directly press the gold polish in the middle part of your nails overlapping the Skin Food polish in Metallic green.  You can redo the steps above until you are happy with the pigmentation of the gold polish.  Again, do not worry about the mess!

Step 4:

To complete the 3 Christmas Balls color that I've been aiming for --- Green, Gold and Red.  I used Caronia Polish in Stellar and brush the polish directly onto the sponge.

Gently dab it on the outermost part or the tip of your nails.  Try not to create an obvious "line" that separates each color, try to create gradient in each shade!

Step 5:

While waiting for the polish to further dry up.  This is the perfect time to clean up the mess!  Dip your cotton bud with a polish remover and gently wipe off excess.  Be very cautious at this point as you don't want to mess up! 

You can choose to be happy with your nail art, apply a coat of Top coat and let dry.  In my case, I wanted to move further and do a bit of drawing.

Step 6:

Using Prettynails' 2 Way Nail Art Pen in White (my favorite), draw a tiny star.

Step 7:

I added some dots for that "shooting star" effect.  You can choose to draw my stars but I find it a bit tiresome to do so, so I opted for dots!  *lol*

Step 8:

Very important to wait at this point to make sure the stars and dots are COMPLETELY dry.  Apply your favorite top coat to protect the nail art design you worked hard for. 

My Christmas Ornaments Inspired Nails

So ready to party!!! :)

I know this may look "stressful" to some of you but here's in all honesty, using sponge as nail art is one of the easiest that I've done!  You don't have to have steady hands to dab the sponge!  Give it a try and you can always add up stickers or rhinestones instead of drawing! :)

Give it a try!  Life is too short to worry :)
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!