Askmewhats

Saturday, April 9, 2011

AMW Reviews: Colour Collection Blush-On Duo Desert Rose

Hey happy people of the world!!! I hope I will have a relaxing weekend because I should arm myself with all the positive energy to continue my busy week next week! Gosh, I am thinking about fields, sun and a carabao! Meaning --- I am on a vacation mode! I wish to just sit back, relax, get away from the buzzing city and .... sleep, eat and sleep!

*snaps back to reality*

I am off for a nice relaxing Saturday, spend time with my family then off for a date with Mr. AMW! As I'm off for a nice day, I am leaving you a blog post for a non-nail product or nail related post! I will be reviewing my favorite product from Colour Collection! The Blush-On Duo!

Colour Collection Blush-On Duo says ---

Contours, colors and highlights the face!

Ingredients

AMW says ---

Pros

Simple, nice packaging.
Has mirror and free brush. Brush does not shed and does not feel scratchy.
The shade Desert Rose is very versatile, can be used on most skin tone.
Gives out a subtle "blushed" look, applying more, can work as a nice contour powder.
Can use as eyeshadow.
No weird scent, no allergic reactions.
You can never have "clown" look as the shades are very subtle and natural.
The lighter shade of Desert Rose (left side) is great as a highlighter! Can also be used to apply on the brow bone area to give that illusion of wide-eyed doll!

Cons

The blush does not stay the whole day, probably, need retouch in the middle of the day.
Not widely available especially for our international readers.

Overall
It does live to what its says...colors, contours and highlights the face! You can check out photos below.

Tips

Use a big, fluffy, blush brush and apply on the apples of your cheeks for the nice "flushed" look.
Use a contour brush to apply on your cheekbones to create a nice "dimension" to your face.
Apply below the cheekbones for contour.
Use an eyeshadow brush, apply the lightest shade of Desert Rose and highlight the brow bone or the inner corner of your eyes.
You can also use an eye blending brush and apply the lighter blush shade on cheekbones as highlighter.
Use the darker color as contour.
Always start applying less then stand back the mirror and gradually add as needed.
Be careful not to drop the compact!
Wash the brush that comes in this compact before you use it.

Will I repurchase?
Yes! In other shades!

To whom do I recommend this to?

I recommend the blush-on duo shade in Desert Rose for people from fair to medium skin tone. For fair skinned individuals, they will look "flushed" or "blushing" in a natural way. For Medium skinned individuals, the blush shade can give a healthy, natural glow that people can't tell!

Where to purchase and how much?

Local readers can call the hotline number (632) 867-2222, product costs Php360.00 (approx $8.57)

Up close of Desert Rose on packaging

Applied on hand without base

Applied using a small contour brush

giving my cheek a contour

Desert Rose on cheeks

I've been using Colour Collection Blush-On Duo Desert Rose when Sophie challenged me not to use any foundation for our Pond's Flawless White Unbeaten Challenge! It's one of those blush that works so well on my natural skin color! Even without foundation, I have a nice, natural flush!

By the way, if you are interested to read about the FULL Pond's Flawless White Range experience, smile and click HERE . It has been 3 weeks of me using ONLY the Pond's Flawless White range! Feel free to read the results of the other challengees! It's a way to know how the same products work on different individuals!

Do not forget to LIKE our PAGE because we are like-able! *major laugh!* Well, seriously, do Like our page for the wonderful writing done by Sophie. She's such a wonderful diary/reporter! She made this whole experience fun and so much easier! To be honest, it was a very difficult decision for me to say "yes" to the PFW Unbeaten Challenge, it is very difficult to give up my trustee skin care regimen, which I know gives me all the moisture that I need. As the challenges go by, day after day, week after week...with Sophie checking up on me every now and then on how my skin went, I know I'll always have a friend to ~~blame~~ *lol* lean on whatever happens! Thanks to her because the challenge is worthwhile! Thanks to Pond's for inviting us to join this contest! It was an unforgettable experience!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Note from Author: Product sent for review. The author is not affiliated with the company. All information written are based solely on author's personal experiences. Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Friday, April 8, 2011

AMW Reviews: OPI Start to Finish Base & Top Coat

Ah, after my loyalty to The Face Shop's Top Coat and The Face Shop's Base Coat, it's high time I try other brands! And I guess that's what my dear friend Frances had in mind when we gifted me OPI Start to Finish Base & Top Coat last Christmas! (thanks girlfriend!)

After using this a couple of months and testing through nail art after nail art, you will finally hear my say....

OPI Start to Finish Base & Top Coat says ---

The OPI Start To Finish Base & Top Coat is a breakthrough, three-in-one nail treatment that combines a base coat, top coat and natural nail strengthener in one high performance product. As a base coat, it can be applied before nail lacquer to prevent staining and to strengthen the natural nail. Also provides a smooth base for the application of OPI Nail Lacquer.

As a top coat, the OPI Start To Finish dries quickly to give a high gloss shine. As a nail strengthener, it helps to bond nail protein fibres, a process which hardens nails and prevents moisture loss.
The result - stronger, more flexible nails.

Ingredients:

Butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, alcohol denat. (SD alcohol 40B), nitrocellulose, propyl acetate, heptane, tosylamide/epoxy resin, isopropyl alcohol, dibutyl phthalate, camphor, formaldehyde, etocrylene, polyvinyl butyral, Cl 60725 (Violet 2).

AMW says ---

Pros

The brush is flat and easy to use!

As base coat, it dries quickly and serves as a nice base prior to polish application.
As top coat, the polish lasts more than a week with a lot of typing jobs, I also wash dishes and likes to wash my hands a lot of times a day!
So far, it does not cause further yellowing, the yellowing of my nails actually decreased as compared to using other brands!
As a top coat, it does not dry quickly but it doesn't dry slowly as well. Just right!
I will have to repeat, the brush shape, size is just a dream to apply! So quick and easy!

Cons

The brush part gets stuck into the cap a lot of times!

Not as shiny as other top coats in the market.
Pricier as compared to other brands.
Thanks to reader "L O" she wanted to add that the ingredients "Camphor and Formaldehyde" are not good. (Do your own research and use at your own discretion).

Overall

When it comes to preventing nails from further yellowing and longevity of the nail polish, the OPI Start to Finish Base & Top Coat passed with flying colors! You just don't get the extra "ooomph" or "shine" that you may get from other top coat which I don't mind much as I am more into anti-yellowing!

Tips

Apply one coat and let dry as base coat.
As top coat, apply 2 coats.
Use the "wrapping method" to prevent nail polish from chipping.

If you plan to make your polish/nail art lasts longer, apply the OPI as Top Coat again midweek with wrapping method, the nail polish will last longer.
Always close cap tight when not in use and store in cool, dry place to prevent polish from drying up easily.
Do not apply any polish in front of an electric fan as it will cause bubbles!

Will I repurchase?
Yes, will use this as base coat more than top coat.

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who's dead serious with nail polish application and wants to protect nails from further yellowing. If you do have "resting time" for nails, then it's ok to stick to more inexpensive base and top coat!

Where to purchase and how much?

I actually will check to make sure but I believe this is around Php400.00++

Here's a good test on my OPI Start to Finish Base and Top Coat

I applied 1 coat as base and 2 coats as Top coat. PVZ nails after 2 weeks, no chipping and obviously, it has been weeks as my nails are starting to grow. Oh, I also applied another coat before the start of the 2nd week thus the lifespan of my nail art extends! I think I can even go further to 3rd week if not only I'm itching for new nail art design!

A photo of my bare nails leaving Tall Nut (My fave)

As seen on photo, there are still slight yellowing on my nails which is actually not bad considering I have nail polish on for good 3-4 years! I know, its not healthy but I can't help it! With a good base coat, it really helps maintain at least ...close to ...healthy looking nails plus my nails are still strong as ever! *knocks on wood*

What's your weapon in preventing your nails from ---
Turning yellow?
Weakening?
Chipping?
I'd love to hear your secret!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Eureka Moment: Inexpensive Summer Collection Polishes

Our dear local brand Caronia came up with a Summer 2011 Collection called Sweet Bliss. Sweet Bliss is composed of six vibrant colors to match the summer groove!

This, I consider a Eureka Moment, as this is the best collection I've seen to date from Caronia! All the shades are pigmented, colors are unique and gorgeous! I can't help but flaunt it by creating a colorful Nail Art Tutorial (say..M&M nails?)

First Crush (Rich Lilac)

Baby Pink (Salmon Pink)

Summer Fling (Coral Red)

Sweet Surprise (lemon yellow)

Sun Kissed (Pumpkin Orange)

On-the-Go (Aqua Green)

All shades above were applied once without base coat or top coat! 8ml bottle costs Php30.00 (approx $0.70) while Sweet Surprise is Php32.00 (approx $0.76). Caronia's Sweet Bliss collection is now available in all leading department stores, supermarkets, drug stores and health & beauty shops nationwide.

Check them out on their website

Add them up on Facebook for more details on their new collections!

What's your favorite shade in this collection?
I honestly can't choose one! Love them all!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Something New: Freeway Summer 2011 Collection

Summer is here! I will start working out and I'll probably use this as an inspiration...probably cut my head out and paste it on this photo?.....

Freeway came up with Summer 2011 Collection which is a Handpaint Tattoo Swimwear! The company collaborated with designer Twinkle Ferraren which makes the collection unique and loved by art-lovers out there!

Freeway’s Tattoo-Inspired Collection is striking and definitely hot! Tattoo lovers can take their passion for the ink to the waves or just casually lounge pool side while looking stylish. The collection inspired by tribal and tropical tattoos includes mix of strong with vibrant colored statement, sporty, functional and active-wear inspired pieces and cover-ups. Swimwears are mixed with mesh materials and tattoos printed on the suit, perfect for those who love to try new sports and activities in the beach. Twinkle describes the collection as “a modern and female version of the Pintados and tribes”.

Prepare to see these sexy collection at Freeway stores nationwide! Aside from that, you can also checkout their wide assortment of summer dresses, shorts and tanks!

For now, I'll share some more photos from the collection....

This is actually a favorite of mine!

For the red lovers out there!

And if you have nice...sexy..back...

Check out Freeway’s swimsuit collection at www.freeway.net.ph. For fresher updates, like them on Facebook, search for “Freeway Online” and follow us on Twitter twitter.com/FreewayOnline.

Are you doing anything to prepare your body for the swimsuit season?
I personally think you should purchase swimsuits you are comfortable with!
Nothing beats walking under the sun with that gorgeous smile and confidence!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

AMW Bulletin: Style Origin Beauty in Fashion

Dear Philippine Readers:

Good news to "fashionistas" out there! Our favorite Ayala Malls bring out "Style Origin". Style Origin is not just a week of Fashion events but for the whole quarter of 2011! From the month of February to May!

**photo from Ayala Malls FB Page

Ayala launched Beauty in Fashion, an online outerwear application on Facebook. It's like red carpet photowall wherein you can upload a picture of you in your best ensemble! (www.facebook.com/AyalaMalls360).

In line with this, there is an online contest wherein 9 fashionable Ayala Mall patrons will win Php10,000 worth of shopping sprees and this is the best part....9 of these winners will get the chance to meet....

(note: Both photos taken from Google Images)

Mr. Nigel Barker

and Ms. J. Alexander!

Definitely winning in style! Here are the promo mechanics:

Visit any Ayala Malls and have your photo taken with the Style Origin backdrop.
Like the Official Ayala Malls Fan page and go to Beauty in Fashion tab.
Allow access to your Facebook profile for Facebook application.
Upload your photo and include a description of your outfit in less than 200 characters including space. Be creative and expressive!
Share this application with your friends!

Photo uploads (in front of the official photo wall) will be judged by three reknowned Filipino Fashion Heads: Direk Jackie Aquino, fashion stylist Charmaine Palermo and Designer and owner of Schu and Myth Ruby Gan.

Kindly checkout (www.facebook.com/ayalamalls360) for more information about this contest!

Goodluck!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(Note from AMW: I am not affiliated with the company, this post is written for information purposes.)