AMW Reviews: Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio BL310 Punky Blues

Shiseido, the first time I met you, I was in Hong Kong and I left my whole skin care regimen back home (stupid me) and I hurried to Bonjour to purchase samples sizes! (ahhh! tactic!)

Shiseido Brightening Cleansing Foam

Shiseido Brightening Moisturizing Emulsion

and the Spot Serum!

You were housed in a tiny bottle and I don't know if I'll survive for 2 weeks!  Yet, a miracle happened!  Using these on a daily basis --- day and night, my skin looks WONDERFUL!  I remember seeing my grade school friend whom I haven't seen for YEARS told me I looked "happy" and "blooming"  <--- that's from her ok?

Going back, I've known all along that the brand has its own make-up line!  It was never a priority for me to look into their cosmetics line because I've labeled them as the "skincare expert".

Today, I will be reviewing the FIRST of the 2 Shiseido cosmetics I own!  Honestly speaking, I wasn't that excited to use this product as I thought it's just the usual "overpriced cosmetics that doesn't perform!" 

Thank God I was wrong! :)

Read on, as I hit myself with a book!....

Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio says ---

• Alluring combinations, Endless Variety.
• True Intense Color
• Silky-smooth texture.
• Long-lasting
• Dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested
• Available in 10 shades.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Sleek, simple palette that's easy to take along.
• Packaging includes Manufacture date which makes it easy to  keep track on when the product expires.

• The mirror that comes with the compact is HUGE! 

• Free brushes are all useful!  Made with quality.

• The shades are unique and I can't seem to find instant "dupes".
• Has a silky-smooth texture that's easy to apply.
• Pigmentation is surprisingly good, I used this without an eye primer and it stayed for the whole day!  (Note: My lids aren't oily)
• 1 gram of eyeshadow for each shade which equals to 3 g, the content will last for a long time!
• If used all together, the pink and blue combination doesn't look like I stepped out from the 80's!
• Each shade can be used on their own (don't forget the eyeliner!) so you can create various combinations! Or you can use all three at the same time and it'll match!
• No brain-er palette for newbies!

Cons

• Again, since this is a palette, you may like 1 or 2 of the shades and may probably have a similar shade on the 3rd! 
• Pricey at first glance.
  

Overall

I am impressed with this palette!  The quality of the shadows are good, even better than some eye shadows I've tried!  My favorite part is its texture, silky smooth that applies smoothly and the effect is not too heavy yet  not too sheer!  The color pops even without an eye primer!

 

Tips

• If you're not comfortable using eye shadows, here's a tip: The medium shade can be applied ALL over the crease, the lighter shade can be used to "highlight" or you can apply it at the inner corner of the eyes or the mid-section.  The darkest shade is always there to deepen the crease!  
• Never drop the palette! 
• Feel free to use the sponge applicator and brush that comes with the palette, it's work-able!
• If you have oily lids: Do not forget to use an oil-control eye primer!
• Blend! Blend! Blend!  No matter how pretty the shades are, if harsh lines are visible, it's not that pretty!
• Purchase a palette shade that you know you will use a lot!  There's no point spending on an expensive palette and leave it until its expiration!  Ex: If you know green looks great on you, purchase a palette that has a green shade!  If you're a brown/beige person, then go for that palette!
• Wash the free brushes that comes with the palette before you use!
• Try to apply the shadows differently each time until you find a "style" that works best for you.

Will I repurchase?

I wouldn't mind other shades!  Would love to include Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio inside my make-up kit!

To whom do I recommend this to?

The palette "Punky Blues" is great if you're not afraid to wear bright colors!  For the rest of the population who wants the toned-down look, the trio comes with other shades the complement each other as well!

Where to purchase and how much?
At Rustan's for Php1,998.00 (approx $46.50). 

Shades as seen on palette

L-R Denim Blue, Light Denim Blue and Baby Pink

Swatch on hand without primer

Photo taken without direct flash.

Here's how I used all the colors 

(of course there are various ways out there!)

1. Applied the Light Denim Blue on the inner corner and the other thirds of the lids going a  bit beyond the crease blending the edges.

2. Applied the baby pink shade on the middle portion as seen on diagram.  Also apply the same shade on the inner lower lashline.

3. With a smaller crease brush, apply this shade on the outer-v and use this to line the lower lash line as well!

Here's the final look with 

thin eyeliner and 2 coats of mascara!

Have you tried Shiseido cosmetics?
What's a "must" Shiseido "makeup" item a girl should own?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Bulletin: Tech Lovers Watch Out for This!

Dear Philippine Readers:

Because Digital Walker wants to say "Thank You" to the customers, they are having a sale up to 90% off at Pod's Trinoma beginning July 27th through July 30th!  

The brands to watch out for!  Apple, Crumpler, Speck, Canon, Nikon, Belkin, Capdase, Griffin, Case Logic and Sumdex will be included!

Eeeeekkk!!! Gotta tel Mr. AMW!

The new Digital Walker store is located at Space 2077 - Level M2 Trinoma Mall (near Gadgets Plus).

Check out their Facebook page for future announcements!
Smile and click HERE.

This report is brought to you by -----

(bwahahahah)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner Wipe

I used to dislike the existence of Brush Cleaner Wipes!  Why?  Well, I just think having a brush cleaner spray is always better in terms of earth saving and brush cleansing!  

I got 2 foil sachets of  Parian Spirit Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner Wipes together with my Parian Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner as a sample.  I've used up a 60ml and 475ml bottles and I was left with these 2 wipes!  I thought I'm never going to use this!

"Do not judge the cleaner wipes by its foil sachet!"

Eureka Moment!

The tiny 2.7 grams of  Parian Spirit Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner Wipe works wonder on things we do not notice! 

As a make-up artist, I created my own brush/tool belt (as seen in this post).  I have always tried to clean this with alcohol and it never gets the "clean" that I would like it to be!  Well, it was a "lighting of the bulb" moment when I realized that the dirt comes from make-up build-up (duh, earth to Nikki!). What's the best way to remove make-up?  Make-up removers?  Nah...may be too oily!  Brush cleaner of course!

Spritzing your brush belt or any other tools can get expensive!  So I'm glad to discover this one tiny packet of cleaner wipe can clean these....

The dirt that cannot be removed by alcohol

 

Voila!  Looks as good as new!

There's my Charm PRO

If you're wondering where the rest of the brushes are, they just took a bath :P

All Clear!

Because I still want to save the environment, I can spritz a tiny bit of brush cleaner and continue with the "joy of wiping" :P  The cloth does not tear so you can use this again and again until the whole sheet is covered with makeup dirt!

Saves the environment --- CHECK!
Clean make-up tools --- CHECK!
Happy Nikki --- CHECK!

For reference, the Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner Wipe costs Php40.00(approx $0.90)/foil sachet.  You can purchase them at Suesh.  Pricey but with the multiple use, I used it to its final breathe! *laughs* 

But feel free to use other brush cleaner wipes! :)

Do you clean the "house" of your tools?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Pure Beauty Treatment Haircare Oil

The first haircare oil I own was from St. Ives and I was only 15-years old then! It costs around Php375.00 (approx $8.70) and it was a huge amount of cash to shell out during that time.  I actually saved up the money (from the red envelopes) given to me by my relatives during birthdays or new years.  

When I finally purchased my "expensive" hair care oil, I used it approximately 3-5 times and never finish it up and actually ended up throwing it away.  :(  Typical sad story that I would like to share to you.  Moral lesson?  Purchase products ONLY if you know how to use them and if you really need them!

Because of that experience, I did not give oil-based haircare products the second look until I started blogging.  Blogging changed me!  I turned into a more adventurous consumer and I wouldn't mind testing on different products because I know I can relay my experiences to YOU! :)

I've tried Tsubaki, Kerastase, The Face Shop, etc.. oil-based hair care products gained positive reviews from yours truly.  But not everyone can shell out that much amount for a hair care product so today, I am happy to share a review on Pure Beauty Treatment Haircare Oil....promise, it's inexpensive!

Pure Beauty Treatment Hair Care Oil says ---

All products from the Haircare Treatment range are enriched with an advance formula that targts dry and damaged hair.  Using high quality Japanese Camellia Seed Oil, a well-known natural source of powerful anti-oxidants and rich in Vitamin E, the formula is nourishing and intensely moisturizing.  The oil effectively penetrates each strang of hair resulting in stronger and sleeker hair.  The formula is also blended with luscious hair conditioners such as Panthenol (Vitamin B) that helps smoothen and soften hair.  Not only nourishing and moisturizing, the range helps to repair and strengthen damaged hair with an improved elasticity that makes hair manageable everyday and on the go.

Restores moisture and sheen, leaving hair ultra smooth and shiny.
Size: 60ml

AMW says ---
Pros

• Simple packaging that's easy to use and easy to take along due to its size.

• You can see how much product is left.
• Very inexpensive for a hair care product that can last a long time!
• A little goes a long way.  Pea size amount for medium-length hair like yours truly.  
• Smells really good! 
• Once applied correctly, the product does not weigh down my hair and does not feel oily!
• The product gets absorbed into the hair strands as quickly as 5 minutes!
• Reduce frizzy hair!
• Hair looks healthy and shine level did increase a bit (but not too obvious).
• Extra pro: My hands felt softer and more conditioned.  I don't mind leaving the product on my hand and wash 10-15 minutes after.

Cons

• Not everyone feels comfortable to put "oil" on a hot and humid country like ours.  
• May weigh down hair IF you put on the root area or if you put too much! (Time to practice on how much your hair needs).

Overall

Inexpensive yet good product!  I like how my hair feels soft, light, easy to comb/brush and frizziness does decrease around 5-10%.

Tips

• I personally like applying this on dry hair after blow dry or air-dry.
• Start by using a tiny amount and add more if needed.

• Apply starting from the mid-section of your hair going down to the ends.
• Feel free to blow dry or air-dry your hair after.
• Spread the product between the palms of your hands to "warm up" the product plus spread it evenly so you don't apply a "blob" of product on one section of your hair. (Major No-No)

• Use this as often as you can to see if the treatment does improve your hair's texture and condition.
• If you have fine, limp hair, go for the Pure Beauty Treatment Haircare Water instead.  The extra oil (no matter how light) can still weigh down your hair.
• I did say NOT to apply at the root area BUT, after you applied the product all over the hair, even if you think there's not much product left on your hands, you can still press your hand at the top portion of your head just to tame down those tiny hairs. (This really works!)

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?

If you have frizzy-hair.  People who also likes the extra smooth texture and moisture of the hair even after conditioning.

Where to purchase and how much?

Exclusively available in all Watsons Your Personal Care Stores and SM Department (Beauty Section) nationwide for Php229.00 (approx $5.30).

 

Application techniques:

Feel free to massage your hair with Pure Beauty Treatment Haircare Oil

Keep in mind to start from the mid-section of your hair going down.

After application, you can gently press the top portion of your head with the remaining product

to tame down tiny hairs!

Are you comfortable using Oil-based hair treatment?
What brand are you using and how much?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Bulletin: Make-up Talk at Studio SnR

The place Studio SnR is no stranger to me, I once had a make-up seminar held here via Dollface Cosmetics.  The place, is comfortable not only because of its huge space!  It's wonderful because of the ample lighting, the make-up chairs, the mirrors and the right tools to create the right make-up are easy to reach!

It was no surprise when I received an email regarding The Beauty High Tea Series for this coming August and to start its kick-off, Studio SnR x Shu Uemura!

Date:August 3, 2011 (Wednesday)
Time: 1:30pm-5:30pm

Location: Studio SnR Unit 301 Millenium Place, 17 Meralco Avenue Ortigas Center Pasig

Details: A 4-hour paint and play workshop with Manila's Top Makeup Artists.  Coffee, Tea and treats will be served.

More exciting details: Take home a Shu Uemura set of Skincare, Makeup, Hygiene Tools and GC's (Redeemable at the boutique).

Fee: Php3,900/person limited to 20 participants ONLY!


Book NOW until July 31, 2011 to get 10% discount per person. 
Group of 3 and more can avail 10% discount.

I am so excited for the participants! I"m sure it's going to be an afternoon of fun and learning!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

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