P&J Gives: Php2,500 Worth of Makeup Makeover!

Dear Philippine Readers:
I received 5 certificates from Paul & Joe Philippines today!  They are giving Makeup Makeover worth Php2,500!  

Here's the thing, February, is my favorite month because it's the love month, my birthday month and its the shortest month in a year which means, we get paid faster!  *laughs*  Okay, before I start drifting to a different topic, I will be giving away these 5 Certificates to 5 of my lovely local readers!

Note from AMW:

• You don't need to pick up the certificate if you win.  An email notification from me will be sent to you.
• The certificate will be valid only at the Paul & Joe Beaute Counter located at 1st level of Rustan's Makati.
• One transaction per voucher
• Voucher is valid from today until February 28, 2011!
• You have to be within Metro Manila to be able to visit the Paul & Joe counter, not unless if you're on a short trip to Manila anytime soon, it's not a problem then!
• Call 899.9331 for appointment/reservations.

This will best if you will be going for a party and you can get a free makeover before you attend weddings, birthday parties, graduation parties or even on a very special date! 

I actually had my FIRST Paul & Joe makeover done almost 3 years ago!  It turned out to be a beautiful relationship between me and the brand!  

How to get the voucher?

• First five readers to comment will get the certificate!  (You can comment: "I want the makeover because I will be attending a debut party on Saturday!" etc...
• Leave your name and email address.
• Please do not send multiple comments, comments will not show up at once!  
• The first 5 VALID comments will be sent a notification email and you only need to print out the email to present to Paul & Joe Counter!

Easy as 1-2-3!
Enjoy!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

I Wonder: "Do you wait for sales?"

Happy Friday AMW Readers!  Such a long tiring week but at last, Friday is finally here!  I will be off for another makeup gig over the weekend but that, on the other hand, does not feel like work because I love prettifying people!

Remember my post on how I store my earrings with a "ring" holder from an old jewelry box?  (Smile and Click HERE)  Well, I found something even better for people who have more than hundreds of earrings collection!  I found this at True Value in Rockwell branch.

The Foldable Earring Screen

Clear acrylic screen holds up to 144 pairs of earrings, four panels with hinges easily stands on dresser or vanity top and folds up for flat storage!  The price?  Php900.00 (approx $21.42)!  Not bad...

BUT!

The thing is, I saw a "red sticker" remnant on the earrings holder, so I asked the guy and he told me it was on 30% off sale last January!  It was an un-EUREKA moment!  The thing is, I am a smart shopper, I can and will wait for another sale because the guy said they will come up with another one but no definite date!

Oh by the way, to make me feel even worse!  I found another nice holder for accessories lovers out there!

Necklace Keeper 

Its priced at Php1,200 (approx Php28.00).  Also on 30% off last month!  I gave a quick peekon the stocks and so far, they still have a number left!  I will wait!  My will power is still there!  30% discount on each product mentioned above isn't bad!  It's actually huge savings!

I Wonder:

"So You Wait for Sales the way I do?"

I may give up ... no I won't! Yes I will..NO!

Keep smilin,

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Graftobian GlamAire Air Brush Beauty Makeup

When I tied the knot 3 years ago, it wasn't difficult to look for a makeup artist because all I need to do is have my trial makeup done, take a photo of it, liked it, then moved on!

Unlike brides today, looking for a Make-up artist is difficult enough, choosing the type of make-up is another story!  I always get queries on Traditional?  Or Airbrush Makeup?  

After I won my first Glambox Airbrush Kit, that was the time I got exposed to airbrush makeup!  I moved forward to try on different brands of airbrush foundation because, as I always say... "Variety is Good!" 

Graftobian GlamAire Air Brush Beauty Makeup says ---

Graftobian has worked closely with Hollywood makeup artist Brad Look and his peers to create this Water based, silicone FREE, AirBrush makeup range of shades in a special formulation that yields durable coverage, comfort and color while also offering an alcohol free product. The actors on which Brad has used Graftobian Makeup have been impressed with the pleasing feel of the product. The camera personnel as well as the viewers are delighted with the natural, non-glossy look of the product. Whether you are using AirBrush Makeup for the nightly news anchor; the leading lady in a drama; big time film productions or just your own daily wear makeup, Graftobian GlamAire AirBrush Make-up will outperform and be more cost effective than whatever else you have tried.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Has a protective cap you need to remove after purchase.

• Super lightweight, almost 2nd skin feel!
• You can control coverage from light-heavy.
• Stays on skin for the whole day with minimal retouching needed.
• Does not give out a white cast on both photos and in person!
• No streaks
• Does not transfer to clothing.

Cons

• I am not a fan of this messy twist-like packaging!  It's very messy!

• Difficult to find your perfect shade, though there are a wide range of shades available from Graftobian GlamAire, locally, the shades available are limited.
• Mixing and matching shade colors can be challenging.
• If you have acne scars, marks, you need double the effort to cover it with this product, I suggest to use a separate concealer to spot correct.
• Pricey!

Overall 
I actually tried using these on both the airbrush machine and with a Beauty Blender.  Both have a similar result but of course, the airbrush system is more convenient (during application but a pain to clean!  LOL).

Tips

• Prep your skin and you can choose to protect it with a face primer prior to air brush foundation application.
• An airbrush system is optional!  You can try these airbrush foundation using sponge or stippling brush.
• Always begin with clean, oil-free skin.  Try not to use any oil based skin care products to prevent foundation from sliding.
• You can mix airbrush foundation like I did!  Practice makes perfect!
• I personally like to correct and conceal first prior to applying thin layer of airbrush foundation.
• If you have oily skin: you can choose your preferred oil control setting powder to let makeup stays longer.
• If you have dry skin: you can choose to add up a bit of moisturizing spritz or moisturizer on dry areas!
• Always be ready with a towel as this could get messy especially when you're in a hurry!

Will I repurchase?
I'll try other brands!  I actually bought OCC!

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who wants to try airbrush makeup!  You can always start with a tube, no need to purchase the whole airbrush system!  I think this is the best way to try airbrush makeup by starting with the foundation and a Beauty Blender OR Stippling brush.

Where to purchase and how much?
I bought mine locally from HD Makeup Studio & Academy website for Php1,500 (approx $35.70) per bottle + Shipping.

Graftobian Midnight Marigold

Graftobian Graceful Swan

Here's what I do without the airbrush system 

using my Beauty Blender

I use the bottom part to "bounce" the foundation 

on larger areas of my face

Using the tip of the Beauty Blender to spot conceal

I also like to use a bit of the Midnight Marigold to contour

Difficult to find the Graftobian shade that matches you especially on online ordering?  I got this from PaintandPowderstore website, print screen for your reference!  Please note that the chart below is just for reference!  Testing the shades in person is still the best --- Just like Breast milk!  (LOL Where did that come from?)

(Note: You can click photo to enlarge)

I bought an OCC Airbrush Foundation too which I will review too!
Have you tried using Airbrush foundation applied manually?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: HBC's San San Mousse Blush

Any student readers out there?  Raise your hands please?

I believe I have a couple of students reader base on the emails sent to me asking me for tips or product reviews on more inexpensive products!  Well, the request is acceptable and even if I'm working and earning my hard earn cash, I would still like to purchase products that are of quality and worth the price!  

I haven't been purchasing much makeup nowadays because I hoarded a lot when I started beauty blogging, I've even hoarded more when I studied makeup!  Back-ups after back-ups, sales after sales!  I am doomed to be laying down on a bed of cosmetics!  (Aawww, that sounds really nice if Bon Jovi can sing that exact lyrics!)  *laughs*

Though I wanted to purchase more makeup to help you girls with product reviews, I do apologize because I just can't!  That's why its a great timing when HBC contacted me to help them review their products!  I told them yes, as long as I'm interested with the products!

Here's a review on the first San San makeup I own.  The packaging, the shades, the price, is really interesting!  Feel free to smile and continue reading for my thoughts on HBC's San San Mousse Blush.

San San Mousse Blush in Pink Blush

San San Mousse Blush in Mocha Blush

San San Mousse Blush says ---

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isononyl isononanoate, Isopropyl Isostearate, Mica, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ceresin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Propyl Paraben, Methyl Paraben.

• SPF15
• Vitamins A, C &E
• Net Wt: 0.32 oz/9g
• Made in People's Republic of China

AMW says ---
Pros

• On clear glass packaging with plastic lid which is quite nice to look at.
• Inexpensive!  
• Very pigmented, a little is enough for one cheek!
• Stays for the whole day!  Less blush touch-ups.
• Work well as a blush base!
• Both comes off matte, which I really like on a Mousse Blush!

Cons

• Tricky to apply.
• Difficult to pick up product with fingers especially if you have long fingernails like I do!
• May cause allergic reactions to people allergic to Parabens.
• Difficult to blend if you have acne scars or your skin is very dry.
• More shades and colors would be very much appreciated!

Overall
For the price and quality, you've got nothing more to complain!  Again, it is very tricky to apply but with a lot of practice and different tools, you will find your best tool in application and you can stick to it!

I find using my fingers the best because the warmth of my fingers help "melt" the product which makes it easier to glide on to my cheeks!


Tips

• Close lid tight after every use.
• Use a spatula instead of your fingers to pick up product.
• I like putting a bit on my hand then warming it up with my fingers first prior to applying it on my cheeks!
• You can choose to use a foundation brush (synthetic) or a stippling brush!  Personally, my fingers are fine.

• Make sure your fingers and tools are clean!
• You can purchase this and share with a friend!  If you plan to split this product with a friend, try to transfer it to a glass container (from old skincare samples) instead of plastic containers!  Product dries up easily on a plastic container!
• If you applied too much, do not panic!  You can brush off excess with a "loose powder" or a powder foundation.
• Always start by applying minimal mousse blush and add as you go on!
• If you prefer shimmer on your cheeks, you can top your favorite shimmery blush as this San San Mousse Blush helps power blush last longer.
• If you have dry skin: moisturize your skin adding a bit more on the cheek area prior to mousse blush application.
• If you have oily skin: use a primer prior to mousse blush application.
• If you have acne scars or pimple marks: continue with your mousse blush application, once the part of the acne scars or pimple marks are showing up, go back by mixing the mousse blush with your favorite cream concealer, use a concealer brush and spot correct!  (Will do a tutorial on this in the future!)

Will I repurchase?
Yes!  If they have more shades available.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes to have a nice mattte "blush" that lasts the whole day!

Where to purchase and how much?
At HBC stores for Php120.00 (approx $2.85)

Applied on hand, very tiny amount, no base

Lightly applied on cheeks (as is)

San San Mousse Blush in Pink Blush

 

San San Mousse Blush in Mocha Blush

If you are a newbie on Mousse Blush, you can always give this a jump start because it doesn't hurt to shell out such amount of money for product that works and lasts for months!

If you own these pots,
what tools will you use to apply these?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: "Ode to Ribbons" on Valentine's Day

As promised, here's a nail art tutorial inspired for the Heart's Day.  I have to tell you in advance that you won't be seeing any hearts in this tutorial though.  Let me tell you why...

Though hearts are romantic and have been widely used to express LOVE, I actually have a soft spot for ribbons!  Looking at my Shoe Collection, Hair Accessories and Jewelries, I have a lot of ribbons and it looks like it's growing into a collection!  Whenever I receive gifts that are tied up in a nice ribbon, I always end up taking gazillion of photos of it and stare at it for a good couple of minutes before I open the package!  That's why for Valentine's Day, it's an "Ode To Ribbons"!  Looking through my nail art tutorials, I haven't done any ribbon nail art so this is going to be simple yet special!

Step 1:

Prior to polish application, you can choose to have your nails done in a salon to help maintain the cleanliness of your nails.  I applied a coat of OPI Start to Finish base and top coat.

Applied 2 coats of Revlon Nail Polish in Temptress.  A very nice matte pink shade.

Step 2:

Using OPI's Ali's Big Break Polish gifted to me by a dear friend who's also into nail art!   I created tiny dots using a nail art dotting tool.

Step 3:

Using Prettynails' 2 Way Nail Art Pen in White, I drew a shape of a ribbon as shown on photo below.

Step 4:

To finish up a ribbon look, I've used L.A. Art Deco Polish in Gold and line in between.

Step 5:

Making sure the dots and ribbons are completely dry, apply OPI Start to Finish Base and Top Coat to protect your nails and to prolong the nail art design.

Dainty, sweet ribbons to perfectly match your sweet smile!

Oh, thanks everyone for commenting on my "AMW Version: Because I am Ready for Valentine's Look", it's not a regular look of mine but it's nice to doll up at times on special occasions!

I hope my simple nail art tutorial puts a huge smile on your face today!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!