Wednesday, March 9, 2011

AMW Reviews: Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil

When I visited Korea, I hoarded loads and loads of eyebrow pencils from different Korean Brands.  Looking back, I regret that I did not purchase a single pencil eyeliner!  The past few days, I've given my eyes a huge rest from gel liners and I'm leaning on to pencil eyeliners nowadays!  One reason could be because I am into tight lining more + a few coats of my favorite mascara, I'm ready to face the world!

Just like gel liners, I am opting for the regular blacks and browns even on pencil liners!  I searched through my "makeup backups" for clients and I told myself they won't miss this if I grab one for personal use!  :P
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Brown

Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner says ---
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner glides on easily adding drama and definition to your eyes for up to 16 hours. Waterproof formula won’t smear, smudge or fade.


AMW says ---
Pros
  • Retractable!  No sharpening needed!
  • Has built in sharpener at the bottom end to sharpen the eyeliner anytime, anywhere!
  • Glides on easily.
  • Matte brown shade is what I'm looking for.
  • On tight lining:  Does not transfer to the bottom part of my eyes.
  • On upper lash line: stays for the whole day with no smudging (note: author does not have oily lids)
  • No allergies or eye irritations even when applied on waterline as it's said to be ophthalmologist-tested.
Cons
  • Instead of smudging, eyeliner does fade a bit especially when applied on waterline.
  • A bit pricey as compared to other local eyeliner brands.
  •  For super oily lids, this may still smudge on them.
Overall
It's a good eyeliner in terms of pigmentation and the way it glides on easily.  This is not the BEST eyeliner pencil around but definitely worth owning.

Tips
  • Use an eyelid primer if you have very oily lids.
  • Set the eyeliner pencil with a similar colored eye shadow to "set" the liner to make it stay longer.
  • Remove eyeliner at the end of the day with a good eye makeup remover and q-tip. Be very gentle.
  • Do not twist the eyeliner too much as you may break the eyeliner.
  • Try not to sharpen too much, having a super sharp tip can hurt the eye at times!

Will I repurchase?
For the price, I am ok with my Elianto Eyeliner Pencils though.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who wants the less hassle eyeliner pencil, people who doesn't mind shelling out a bit, and the color brown is so natural to look at its meant for people starting out on makeup and doesn't want the "exaggerated eyeliner" look!

Where to purchase and how much?
At Revlon counters locally for Php475.00 (approx $11.30).

The whole length of the Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil


Applied on hand

Brown is just plain, matte brown, 
no sparkles nor glitters which I like!


Left: Bare Eyes
Right: with Revlon ColorStay eyeliner pencil in Brown
(applied on upper lash line, waterline and lower lash line)


It's no-brainer to reach out for this on a daily basis because of the natural look it gives! 
What's your "No Brainer" eyeliner?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Tip for the Day: How to Have Lively Looking Hair

With the long straight hair a bit out of fashion, girls are now opting for a  natural, wavy hair instead!  I used to like my hair sleek straight because my hair is naturally wavy!  (The rule of WWYDH - Wanting What You Don't Have) . *lol*

Last week, I posted this photo for my Kevin Beautymaker Oil Free and Moisturizing 2 Way Powder Foundation review, some of you commented how you liked my hair (thank you!) shown on photo below and some of you even requested for a tutorial!  Because I appreciate the compliment *ahem*, I've made a simple tutorial on how I can easily liven up the look of my hair whenever I want to!

Excuse me....Hello?


Anyways, back to the tutorial....
The tools I used and you may need ---
Flat iron and a rat-tail comb



It would be great if your flat iron has heat settings.  Medium temperature is my choice! The lesser the heat, the more natural the outcome of curls! 

You can easily say..."Oh? This hair?  It's naturally this way!" *flips hair* hahaha!


Since my hair is layered and not so thick, I sectioned my hair into 2 just like photo below. If you have thicker hair, you can opt to section your hair into 4 parts.  


The rat-tail comb is best used to section your hair.  I like using it to separate the shorter part of my hair which is the upper portion which I like curling first.



First photo: hold your flat iron in an angle as shown on photo, clamp your hair and around halfway through the strand, turn the flat iron 180 degrees into the direction you want your curl.
Second photo: if you want your curls to be tighter, leave the flat iron a bit longer and continue to gently pull downwards.
Third photo: Gently release the flat iron as you move further downwards.


I choose to do all top portion of the layers for that "bouncier" look.  With the same method as above, I  then finish the curling on the bottom part.  I don't need to section as the longer layers are thinner.


Remember, the flip method is a bit difficult and it takes practice, you can always practice with an unheated flat iron! 
*Flip - pull downwards - flip - pull downards*  
It's a chant!


Here's a closer look on how the curls came out with my flat iron.  This loosens up as I don't apply any hairspray nor mousse as I want it to look as natural as possible!


Voila!  Instant Lively-Looking Hair!

Before and after



Tips:
  • Make sure your hair is completely dry when you plan to do this.
  • Use a heat protectant spray or lotion of choice.
  • You don't need to reach out at the back to do the back part of your hair, you can pull the back portion of your hair to the side and curl as usual.  It'll come out good.
  • Flat iron can heat up pretty easily so be careful not to burn yourself. (protect your legs as well especially when you're sitting down, you may accidentally drop a very hot flat iron)
  • If all else fails, ask help! :)
I hope you get a bit of tip from this simple photo-tutorial.
It's easy for me to choose between straight hair and wavy hair anytime of the day with these easy steps!

What's your secret in creating lively-looking hair?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Monday, March 7, 2011

Nail Art Tutorial: "Angry Birds" Nails

*Angry Birds song playing*

I can literally hum the Angry Birds tune anytime of the day!  I actually finished the game that's why I knew the faces of the characters by heart!  After a bit of push from Mr. AMW (who loves Angry Birds too), I finally gave in to try out my own version of Angry Birds on Nails!  I hope I gave justice to the characters!

To those who are not familiar with Angry Birds, here's their family photo!


Here are the main characters --- 
Yes, they are friends in this photo, wait till you see the bottom part of this post!

Step 1:
This looks crazy but you'll get why I strategically arrange the colors to be this way.  Applied 2 coats of each shade with a nice base coat to protect my nails.


 These are the polishes I've used

Step 2: "Pigs"
The pigs are the easiest to draw.  I used the brush from the nail polish in creating dots for the eyes and nose.

Making sure the dots are completely dry, dot on black polish with 2 Way Nail Art Pen or toothpick to create eyes and nose.


You can skip this step, but I chose to outline the eyes and nose area.


Step 3: "Red Bird"
Apply 2 coats of Matte White Polish (mine from Nature Republic), let dry.  Once the base is completely dry, draw an outline with a thin brush with curve then fill it up with your choice of red polish.  I am using Revlon's All Fired Up.



Use the same step as the pigs in creating eyes, use a thin brush in drawing the brows and apply orange polish for the beak.  Finish up by outlining the eyes and beak just like the way I did for pigs.


Step 3: "Yellow Bird"
The yellow bird in the game is triangular in shape, I cannot do anything with the shape so I'll just draw the face of the bird on my regular shaped nails!  Same with the Red Bird.  Apply 2 coats of Matte White Polish and let dry.  Use a matte yellow polish to create the yellow part of the yellow bird.


Eyes and eyebrows drawn similarly as that of the pigs.  Since the beak of the yellow bird is tinier and has more shape, I opted to use a tiny brush.


Do not forget to outline the beak and eyes for a more distinct appearance.


Step 4: "Blue Bird"
There was nothing spectacular with the way the blue bird was drawn, its the same as the rest of the birds drawn.


Step 5: "White Bird"
This bird is supposed to be white but I chose to use a grayish polish instead for the eyes to show up.


Same step on creating eyes.  You can choose to give them more expression by putting the dots in different direction.  I made this bird looking at the pig on its left side.

Draw the brows with black 2 Way Nail Art Pen

Step 6: "Black Bird"
This is actually my favorite character as this bird blows up!  Applied the black similarly as the red and yellow bird.  If you find it difficult to curve your nail polish brush, it is advisable to do an outline first so you won't make mistakes.


Instead of black eyebrows, I used orange for the brows instead as it is what the character has in the game. 

Drop an orange polish in between the left and right eye for the beak.
Finish up by outlining the beak with black 2 Way Nail Art Pen.
Step 7:
It is vital to make sure the nail art ARE COMPLETELY DRY!  It helps to blowdry your nails!  Apply 2 coats of your favorite top coat to protect the nail art design you've done.
 

Time spent: 1 Hour, it's all worth it!
I finally have my favorite Angry Birds characters on my nails!


I did say they were friends at the start for "pictorial purposes", now let the game begin!



I hope you like my childish nail art design!
Do you play Angry Birds?

NOTE: Click HERE for part 2 version of Angry Birds Nail art.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!




Sunday, March 6, 2011

Weekend Food Tripping at: Bok Lene

**Note from Author: Unfortunately, the restaurant closed down :(

Weekend Food Tripping!  I love it when I'm off to a restaurant that can serve me food that warms not only the tummy but the heart!  Seems like I'm talking about home-cooked meals.  

Bok Lene (pronounced as Bok Len), is actually a small restaurant you won't probably  know exist!  Once you get inside, the ambiance is welcoming and relaxing and the owner will greet you right away.  It was the second time for us to dine in this restaurant as we were craving for good, healthy, Chinese dish to prepare us for a busy week soon!

**Note: All orders have sizes available, you can choose between Small (good for 2-3), Medium (good for 4-6) or Large (8 and above).

Chicken Corn Soup (Medium)
Php280.00 (approx $6.50)
I love corn soup!  I like having a cup of my warm corn soup together with my rice! 
 

 Fried Dragon Balls
Php80.00 (approx $2.00) for 3 pcs.
 A must appetizer when you dine in this restaurant.  The sauce that comes with this is so unique you can't help but ask for more!

 Cha Misua (Medium)
Php220.00 (approx $5.10) for small size
Cha Misua is a favorite noodle dish for people who are celebrating their birthdays.  It may not be my birthday anymore but it feels like birthday to eat noodles that has good servings of eggs, peanuts, mushrooms, pork, various seafood etc...

 Yang Chow Fried Rice (Large)
Php180.00 (approx $4.18) for small size
 I like how it has a nice scent of Fried Rice cooked from an authentic Chinese restaurant.  I don't eat a lot of those often but this tiny restaurant can offer the Yang Chow Fried Rice I crave for.

Fried Spare Ribs Salt and Pepper (Medium)
Php250.00 (approx $5.80) for small size

Easy to chew, does not have a lot of bones nor fat.  I like it that its called Spare Ribs but I can eat a lot of the meat! :) 

Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet (Medium)
Php220.00 ($5.10) for smalls size
Fresh fish with the right sweetness and sourness!


Beef with Mushroom Sauce (medium)
Php250.00 (approx $5.80) for small size
Thinly sliced beef with loads of sliced button mushrooms and a lot of sauce! Perfect to be poured all over rice for that tasty feast.

Bok Lene
519 N.S. Amoranto Corner Pao Street 
Quezon City
Tel. No: (632) 413-8807

Cash payment only, no service charge.  You can even request Chinese dishes not included in the menu.  I will definitely visit this restaurant again!  It's perfect to drag along the family as it feels really good to eat with a lot of people especially when you're surrounded with people you love.

What's your weekend food tripping?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!




Saturday, March 5, 2011

Avon Gives: Simply Because --- 5 Winners Announced!

Thanks to everyone who joined my Avon Gives: Simply Because contest for that very own set of For Him and For Her Simply Because scents. 

I want to thank Ogilvy Philippines for helping me choose 5 winners.  All the stories shared are worth reading!  After long decision making, 5 winners were finally chosen!
Congratulations to ---
  1. Agnes De La Cruz
  2. Melody Kay
  3. Helen Blas
  4. Agnes Peran
  5. Vanessa Barrameda
Kindly send me an email with your complete name, mobile number and mailing address.

To the rest, do not worry, I'll come up with more contests soon!
Thank you Ogilvy and Avon Philippines!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!