Readers' Corner: Online Shopping

I've been an online buyer for years and I'm proud to say, I don't take advantage of my virtual purchasing power!  There are things that are "worth purchasing" and there are some worth letting go even if the deal is too hard to resist!

I've shopped at Ebay, Strawberrynet, KKCenterHK, various mineral websites and a lot more! (Please note that I am not affiliated to any of the online companies mentioned so please purchase at your own discretion.)

Here are some of the factors that help me decide if online shopping is worth it or not!

1. Forms of payment

I only shop online if the site accepts Paypal payments!  I am wary to give out my credit card information so signing up on Paypal is a huge plus and you don't have to pay anything unless you want your credit card verified!  You only get to pay a minimal fee which will be reimbursed once your card is verified! 

2. Shipping Cost

Free shipping is a huge factor for me.  Always check shipping rates before you start shopping!  It's such a heartbreak to put things you want on a cart then once you checkout, you see the HUGE shipping rate included which makes you leave the site and swear on online shopping forever!  

It pays to click "Shipping Information" and read thoroughly.  I don't mind paying shipping rates if they are fixed or affordable!  It's a personal choice of mine not to purchase at any site with shipping rates that goes as high as the price of the product itself! I'm not exaggerating!  I've seen quite a number especially on Ebay!

3. Product Price

Most prices are in US dollars, you definitely have to convert and bank rates are not on our side!  As enticing as it seems, a product that's approximately a dollar to $5 dollars cheaper doesn't mean its worth it!  Remember, you have to pay for shipping plus keep in mind the fact that you may end up getting the wrong shade or product because you only get to see them on photos!  

I, on the other hand, would go ahead and shop for products that are not available locally or out of reach!  For products that can be found locally, I will only shop for it online IF the price difference is high!  I don't mind waiting even for a month if I get to save at least 30% of the local retail price!  I get to have this thought because most products down here have sales ranging from 10%-20%.

4. Reviews

It pays to search for reviews on customers who shopped in the particular site!  I like reading their overall experience shopping in this particular site!  It helps to know how "fresh" the product they get, how they were packed and how soon they got the product!  These are the factors I check from buyers!

Local readers may want to read these additional information: 

• Request the seller to ship the package as "gift" and if possible, ask them not to include the price of the package.  If they must, request to write down whatever amount below $50.00.  Keep in mind though that Customs officer won't believe you if you're buying electronics or expensive clothing for less than $50.00! 
• Most Asian online stores would give you an option to choose between Registered and Unregistered mail.  Registered mail is safer as you get to ask the seller to track the package for you BUT, you have to bear in mind that most registered packages are sent straight to the Central Postal Office located in Manila.  If you live far from the area mentioned, it will be a huge hassle for you to pick up the package!  
• Most sellers I've encountered ship their packages quite fast!  Most of the packages I received took at least 3 weeks to arrive.  It's super lucky I should play the lottery moment if I get the package within 2 weeks!  In this case....
• Do not bother the seller every now and then on why you haven't received your package/s yet especially if they've done their part!  Most of the time, or shall I say --- AT ALL TIMES, our packages are stuck in our local post office because we need to wait for them to get to the mood to sort out packages and write notice cards!
• Try to have your packages sent at home instead of your office!  Most offices are located in business districts and most Postal Offices in those areas are huge!  More packages sent to the post office means taking more time for the P.O. workers to sort them out and write notice cards!  I've had one package arrived 2-3 months when I had it sent to my work address (wrong move).
• Not all packages gets to your door!  You won't even know which type of packages will get to your door or which ones you need to pick up!  I've asked that question a million times, it boils down to the "mood" of the people handling packages!  I've got big packages sent straight to my doorstep while small bubbled envelope packages required me to pick it up!  Any rules?  Beats me!  It must be their well-kept secret!
• Expect to have your package opened right in front of you for customs check!  There are lucky days they don't open it.  Again, it's a rule we will never understand!
• Once you are given a notice card to pick up the package, prepare Php40.00 (approx $1.00) PER package.  It's a fee we're doomed to pay!  

My most recent package is from Strawberrynet.com and I had to pick it up at the Central Post Office.  Here's how nicely wrapped the products are with loads of protection!

I got Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer for oily skinned clients and 2 Stila Oval Shaped Sharpener!  A huge reminder to everyone to always do your research before you order anything!  I actually bought the Stila Oval Shaped Sharpener in a whim because I need new pencil sharpeners for my favorite eyebrow pencils and eyeliners!  The funny thing is, I got too excited with the Buy-One-Take-One deal I didn't check online that this sharpener is meant for "oval shaped" pencils!  Which I haven't seen in my entire life!  

Yeah, that's a story to tell on my online shopping escapade!  It pays to RESEARCH! :)

Any other tips from online shoppers out there?
I'm sure I missed out a couple of important points! 
I can't get over the Stila sharpener I can't use!  *hahaha*

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Bulletin: The Darker Side of Black: Manels Rocks to School

Dear "Young" Philippine readers and the "Young-at-Heart":

**photo from Manels

I can totally remember those days when I was in school!  Back to school means new shoes!  That's one thing I am looking forward to each year and I would feel bad if my old shoe isn't broken yet because my mom wouldn't let me buy a new pair!  I am sure a lot of you share the sentiments as I do!  Don't  you just want to tear the shoes apart?

Ok, before I go ballistic over school shoes, I got an email from Manels and wow!  Kids nowadays are lucky they can really be Cool to School!

"We want to bring the sexy back into black" says Mark Siggaoat, VP of Operations of Manels.  The Manels "Black Rockin' School"  collection highlights mid-cut leather boots, rubber-soled oxfords with a sneaker-tupe finish, and casual loafers for the men.  For the ladies, modern Mary Janes and patent leather finish highlights the collection.  "The Black Rockin' School collection has a little bit of something for the rebel in each of us" says Siggaoat.  While the brand continues to carry its comfort staples and classic school shoes, the campaign takes a fresh angle into the Back-to-School season by giving style-conscious students a chance to "strut their styles" into the hallways this season.

BONGGA!

I like both Mary Janes in the middle

those are my shoes during "my days" :P

 Would totally wear the plain black flats!
Looks so comfortable!

Checkout Manels at all major Metro Manila Malls.  Checkout their Facebook page at Twitter via @marksig_manels.

Hay, I want to be a kid again!
But I don't want to study!  I changed my mind! :P

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(The author is not affiliated with the company/brand.  This post is for information purposes only.)

AMW Reviews: Revlon ColorStay Aqua Mineral Makeup

I've been using this particular mineral foundation for more than a week!  I haven't been testing other mineral foundations lately because I've been forever loyal to my favorite Ellana Foundation! 

Before I got to try this particular Mineral foundation, I've read mixed reviews!  Some hated it to the gut while others love it to the heart!  (Where the hell did I get that?)

I'm actually ready to share my thoughts on this, keep in mind we have different skin condition and we may share different opinions!  Feel free to click comment and tell us your thoughts if you're a user!

  

Revlon ColorStay Aqua says ---

NEW Colorstay Aqua™ Mineral Makeup delivers a burst of hydrating coconut water and an instant cooling sensation upon application. The result: your skin looks luminous and its texture smoother. With a shine-free formula that’s made with water, not oil, this lightweight powder gives you a fresh, flawless finish that lasts all day.

Fragrance free and non-irritating.
Provides medium coverage in 8 beautiful shades, with SPF 13 protection.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Product is sealed upon purchase.

• Well-sealed

• Cute clear packaging wherein you can see the amount of product left.
• Includes a brush that's tucked nicely at the cap itself.

• Finely milled mineral powder which makes it easy to blend.

• Has a very lightweight/no foundation feel!
• Has a cooling sensation once you applied on your face.  Imagine a wet brush kind of feeling!
• The powder itself contains tiny sparkles but its very tiny I actually like the "healthy glow".
• Gives a moist, healthy-looking skin.
• Doesn't create white cast on photos.
• I don't look like I have foundation on!
• Does not set in lines, I have a very distinct line under my left eye and the powder did not crease. 
• Good news to oily foundation haters, this one is oil-free!
• Would work really well on countries with colder seasons.  This is one of the few mineral makeup that gives instant hydration.

Cons

• Provides very minimal coverage.
• Oily skinned individuals may not like the tiny sparkles.  May make you look oilier.
• Re-touching is needed especially on tropical countries like ours!
• Won't cover pores.
• The feel of "wet" brush due to its cooling/aqua sensation may be a CON to some people.

Overall

I'm not sure what age range Revlon is trying to sell this to but I would say mature skinned individuals would appreciate it more or people with oilier skin!  I am not sold with the cooling effect of this powder once applied, I'm more sold on the nice outcome it gives to my face!  This gives me mixed feelings on my first few usage, during application, I am not that happy as it feels like there's no coverage at all! But once the powder sets, it looks really natural and my skin looks super healthy and glowing (not in a disco ball way)!

Tips

• Use a kabuki brush instead, I like the coverage of the K-brush more than the brush provided.
• Use the brush provided to apply the mineral powder on smaller areas like under the eye, sides of the nose. (as shown on photo below)

• Wash the free brush before use.
• Want more coverage?  Use your favorite liquid/cream foundation first then use this as a setting powder.
• For people who doesn't need a lot of coverage, you can use a concealer to conceal areas like red or dark spots.  Then set with this product.
• Use Oil-control sheets to help reduce oil if you are an Oil-producer! :P

Will I repurchase?
Yes, for personal.  I will actually try this as a "setting powder" for my mature clients.

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who likes mineral powder foundation and doesn't mind the light coverage!  People who are comfortable with BB cream the set with a light powder!

People with really good skin to start with who likes the "healthy glow" would love this!

Where to purchase and how much?

At Revlon Counters for Php1,299 (approx $30.20). A shocker at first glance but you get 9.9 grams of mineral foundation! A bit pricier as other mineral makeup brands but not too much!

A closer look on the free brush

Synthetic, really dense!
I think this brush is perfect for liquid foundation application or primer!

Light Medium Shade

You can see the shimmer as shown with the pink arrow




Applied all over the face without base, right after sunblock application

Here's an FOTD done from yesterday's AMW Version post.  As you can see the overall look is quite natural (don't mind the smokey eyes and orange lips and cheeks)  The shade actually matches the rest of my body!  Check my arm!

Light Medium matches my NC20 skin perfectly!

Have you tried this foundation?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(Note from Author: Product sent for PR consideration.  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.)

Shine on Sister!

(note from author: it was the exact cheerleading skirt decades ago, 
changed the top as the original one disintegrated!  *laughs*) 

A personal note that a lot of you probably do not know!  I actually love to dance irregardless of what type of  dance or music!  I've done oh my can't believe I'm sharing this interpretative dance, 1970's "Grease Lightnin'", 1980's "Just Got Lucky" and even ballroom dancing! (Chacha, Tango, Swing, Samba...you name it, I've tried them!)

I guess it started when I was dragged by my friends in high school for cheerleading tryouts  It was Junior High then and I was there to support a friend!  The friend got in, yay!  So did the "supporter" *panics*.  At that time, I wasn't even comfortable with my dancing skills!  I don't even think I have a skill to start with!

We actually won and it was a huge surprise for me coming from someone who never include dancing in the "What are your talents?" section on slambooks!  *laughs*

After winning the championship for a high school cheering competition, it was the first and final dance competition I've joined but the dancing never stopped and I was hailed the "Queen of the Dance Floor"!

Why?

From all those dancing moments, I learned one thing...

I STAR AT ...
dancing for 8 hours straight without sitting down!

Yes, it happened during a company Christmas Party and the wonderful dance music started as early as 7:00pm and I stood up, danced until 3:00am!  No sitting, just water breaks!  

My mini talent won't make me rich; as I haven't thought of doing this professionally.

This talent won't make me popular; as I don't plan to contact the people from Guinness World Records.

It won't bring world peace, as it wont' stop war but I could end up being killed and bring shame to my countrymen.

It does make the people around me happy, it makes me happy and my legs in shape!

I am sharing this mini talent of mine for you to look into yourself and appreciate yours!  A non-professional dancer like myself who can do this can only mean one thing --- I am unique, I am truly special!  In my own queer way! It's simple but not everybody can do this!

Now it's your time to share your uniqueness...

It's your time to shine!

Go to Shine On, Sister Facebook Page  (https://www.facebook.com/ShineOnSister) and share to us what makes you a star in your own little ways!

I would appreciate it if you share it here through comments too!
The Lord made us unique in our own little ways, Stand Tall, Stand Proud! :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Version: Smoke-ready Summer!

Happy mid-week!  After sharing my nail art for the week, I am sharing another version I've done on my *ahem* gorgeous face!  hahaha  Come on!  Give it to me, this is my blog anyway so you have no choice but...to keep on reading!  (please do!) hahaha

I've decided to play a bit with the smokey look as it's actually nice for people with small eyes!  I've also used a very light brow pencil for those readers who asked why their brow powders or pencils make their brows super dark!  The secret is the shade!   This is the lightest brow pencil shade from Paul & Joe. 

Wondering if you'll believe me if I say

these are my original lashes?  

(Are you shaking your head?)

AMW Diagram

I used my Urban Decay Primer Potion as base

Step 1:

Though I plan to create a dark smokey look, I used an aqua shade underneath.  Applied Ulta's Deep Sea eyeshadow all over the lids.

Step 2:

With Ulta's Galaxy Eye Shadow, pat on the color on top of the blue base that I've created on step 1.  Blend well and add as you go on.  Do not worry about fall-outs at this stage, you can use a huge powder brush to brush it off afterwards.

Use a pencil brush to apply on the lower lash line.

Step 3:

With Ulta's Calla Lily, apply on the brow bone area including the inner corners of the eye and inner lower lash line.

Step 4:

Lined my eyes with Stila Smudge Pots in Black with the remaining gel liner on the brush, apply a bit on the lower lash line to define your eyes. 

Filled my brows and color them light with Paul & Joe Eyebrow Pencil no. 4.  Shade is equivalent to Blonde.

 

Applied false lashes.  

I used EO Lashes from KKCenterHK A88 Lashes

with DUO lash glue

The lashes may look too wild and fake on box but once applied on the eyes, it works perfectly on me and it looks amazing on photos! Very lightweight and it doesn't make me teary-eyed as compared to similar style of lashes.

AMW Version: Smoke-ready Summer

Check out what I used for the rest of my face

I opted to go for orange cheeks and lips as it's a nice color perfect for the summer!

For the face:
Revlon's ColorStay Aqua Mineral Makeup Foundation

in

For the Cheeks:
Paul & Joe Face Color 08
or use any peachy orange blush

For the Lips:

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Siren

Fix your hair and smile!

I want to thank Modess Philippines for sending the 2 shirts that says:

"'di lang ako basta babae" (I'm not just a regular girl)

Lalaki din ako (I'm also a boy!)...joke! hahaha

Modess Angels

Got 2 colored shirts from Tomato.  One will be given to my SIL! :)

Aside from being a Modess Angel, I would strongly suggest everyone to be an Angel to at least..somebody today!  It's not that difficult!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!