AMW Reviews: Maybelline ColorSensational Fifth Avenue Fuchsia

Happy Thursday everyone!
My mood hasn't been great for the past few days!  I was sick since last weekend until the start of the week, then my dog Pudding passed away last Tuesday.  Seldom do you find negative happenings on my blog but yeah, life is like that!  We do have our ups and down, I'm not saying I am perfectly fine now but life has to move on, and I'm trying my hardest.  

Speaking of moving on, I have been looking rather pale so picking up the brightest lipstick I could find and yet, gives the comfort at the same time of not looking too "shockingly bright" is one big challenge I embraced!  I found a gorgeous lip color that I used even during my Tokyo Trip!

Shade is 160 Fifth Ave. Fuchsia

Maybelline says ---

• Crisper color from pure pigments.
• Creamier feel from nourishing honey nectar
• Lipcolor so rich, so stunning...it's sensational.
• 68 captivating shades.

AMW says ---
Pros

• Better packaging as compared to the previous Maybelline ColorSensational Moisture Extreme Lipcolor.
• The cap is the same color as the lipstick which makes it easier for us to know the shade without peeking the name.
• Includes manufacturing date and sealed upon purchase to ensure freshness.

• A perfect, bright fuchsia shade that can brighten up the whole look even without eye makeup.
• Very pigmented, you get the shade on first swipe.
• Applies smoothly and has a slight sheen finish which prevents lips from cracking or drying.

Cons

• I can't seem to find one for now!  I love this lip color!

Overall

A perfect "to-go-to" lipcolor on lazy days that I don't want to put much makeup!  Since Japan was extremely cold, I was too lazy to do much makeup so I just applied this lip color and it goes perfectly well with the Cherry Blossoms! :)

Tips

• It helps to prep your lips with your choice of lip balm to prevent dryness.
• feel free to top this with your favorite gloss for that shiny look!
• On a regular day, you can apply this lipstick without much makeup.  On a party night, apply this lip color with full eye makeup for that dramatic look!
• If you think the lip color is too bright for your taste, blot your lips with a tissue paper to lessen "brightness" and "pigmentation".
• Use a lip brush for more defined lips!

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes the bright, summery lip color!

Where to purchase and how much?
At Maybelline counters for Php399.00 (approx $9.30).  Thanks to the reader who confirmed the price :)

Swatch
Top photo: Bare, super dry lips!

Bottom photo: Applied with a swipe of Maybelline's Color Sensational Fifth Ave Fuchsia without lip balm or gloss.

AMW wearing Fifth Ave Fuchsia during a temple visit at Senso-ji Temple, Japan

Would you go for Fifth Ave Fuchsia on a regular basis?
Do you think you can sport this look?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Bulletin: Nescafe Decaf Summer Picks Promo

Fellow coffee lovers like me may want to join this wonderful and exciting promo from Nescafe Decaf!

Brief Mechanics:

1. Buy special Nescafe Decaf Summer Picks Promo packs.  Scratch off the promo code under the strip.
2. Go to the Nescafe Decaf Summer Picks app, register and type the promo. http://www.facebook.com/nescafe.ph?sk=app_146257735492196
3. Pick the relaxing travel package you want to win - a trip for four (4) to Hong Kong< Singapore or Malaysia.
4. Attach your face onto the picture of your desired prize.  Use the app webcam or upload from your computer.
5. There will be bi-weekly winners of Sodexho GC's worth Php2,500 and Grand Winners of 3 exciting trips: Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.
6. Promo Duration is from March 1 to May 31, 2012.

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!
Be informed!

(Author is not affiliated with the company.  This post serves as information purpose only.)

L'Oreal Gives: "Who Wants A Makeover?" --- CLOSED!!!

WINNER PICKED BY OUR FRIENDS FROM L'OREAL PH.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ----

Marilet Aclan

I can see some arms raised from here!

*raises mine too*"

I think every girl's dream is to have a nice makeover at least once in their lifetime!  Don't you just love the feeling of stepping out from a salon?  It's the perfect time to go straight on a date *winks*, a gathering, or parties!

Before I get distracted talking about ways to enjoy your new look...seriously...

"Who Wants A Makeover???"

Mechanics:

• Comment in THIS blog post together with your name and email address and tell us: "Why do you deserve to win this makeover?".
• ONLY ONE Comment per reader please.
• Friends from L'Oreal will help pick the deserving winner!
• Contest starts TODAY ends May 15, 2012.
• The lucky winner will be sent an email and have to reply the email within 48 hours.  A new winner will be picked if the first winner failed to respond on time.
• Before and after will be featured or posted in sites.

For more information about Chroma Straight and other treatments, visit www.iloveglosstreatments.ph

Please don't forget to LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook. (Yes I finally made a page!  LOL)

Thank you L'Oreal Philippines!
Goodluck AMW Readers!!!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Charm PRO Makeup Artist Toolbelt

I have been using the most inexpensive toolbelt for quite some time!  It has helped me breezed through various gigs and don't get me wrong, I am very happy with it!  

BUT, 

I've encountered some shoots that demand "more touch ups" and there were times that I don't have enough space on my tiny toolbelt for bronzing powders, setting powders or bulky body glitters and lipsticks!  I tried to steer clear from the regular makeup toolbelts sold in the market as they are mostly meant for holding brushes! (and I don't need just that!)

When Sophie and I met up for The Hunger Games premier night c/o Nuffnang Philippines, she brought 2 Charm PRO Makeup Artist Toolbelts.  One in black and one for pink.  Everyone would think I'd go for pink but I honestly thought of going for black as it looks more professional!  *teehee*  I guess the "unprofessional-look during professional work" is what I'm aiming for! :)  But seriously, the hot pink got me!

Charm says ---

• Made with handpicked fabric, design that is elegant and professional at the same time.
• Made with a premium fabric that is light.
• Made with textured fabric that is really, really easy to clean. Its textured fabric quality makes it easy to clean, as easy as just using wipes! You will never have stain woes on your makeup toolbelt again!
• 20 slots for makeup brushes ( that one slot that can fit 2-3 small makeup brushes or one big makeup brush for each slot ) and lots of extra slots and pockets that you will love utilizing - for your tweezers, scissors, and other beauty tools!
• Comes with a flap for that extra hygiene and will not cause your brushes to get scattered in your bag when traveling.
• A zipper at the back of the toolbelt that you can even put in your palettes and some makeup there!

Dimensions :
Width : 13.5 inches
Height : 12 inches
Belt is adjustable and can fit everyone.

Colors : Pink and black



AMW says ---
Pros

• I've seen both black and pink and they are both good-looking!
• The fabric used is indeed very easy to clean.
• The brush pockets are wide in space so I can easily put back the brushes with not much effort.

• I can store a lot of tools (tweezers, eyelash glue, scissors etc..), I can also store a whole makeup palette at the zippered portion.  
• I love the space where you can put your business cards!
• The zippered space at the back side is a nice BONUS!  I can put more makeup or even hair clips here! (I even put my mobile phone here! hehehe)

• The flap is fold-able, you can fold it to protect your brushes and unfold it when you're at work!
• The belt is adjustable and very comfortable to use.
• The color is unique and eye-catchy!
  

Cons

• I can't seem to find one for now.

Overall

I have used this on one very important shoot for a client, the touch up area and makeup area is quite far so I'm glad I have the Charm PRO Makeup Artist Toolbelt which saves me from going back and forth to 2 different rooms! 

Tips

• I still prefer to put used makeup brushes on one side so I will know which brushes I need to clean at the end of the day.
• Wipe stains immediately with brush cleaner wipes.
• It would be cute to put your own "buttons" or clips to personalize your toolbelt!

Will I repurchase?
Not for now.  This one seems like it's going to last me for long! :)

To whom do I recommend this to?
Professional Makeup artists.

Where to purchase and how much?

At Beauty & Minerals website for Php1,200 (approx $27.90).  You may also visit Charm at ----

in the Philippines

Crossings The Ramp - Trinoma ( Quezon City )
Crossings The Ramp - Shangri-la Plaza ( EDSA )
PurBeauty Serendra, Bonifacio Global City ( 2nd floor, just above Conti's )

in Singapore
Joie The Makeup Bar
119A East Coast Road, Singapore, Singapore 428806
Phone No. : 93857769

Random brushes that I insert on the Charm PRO Makeup Artist Toolbelt

AMW and Charm PRO Makeup Artist Toolbelt in Pink!

If you are a professional makeup artist, would you go for a toolbelt like this?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: ZUCA Case

I've had tons of request to show my makeup train case for quite some time!  I haven't really gotten the chance to show it as I've always been on a lookout for "THE TRAIN CASE" that I will hold on to...forever! 

Just like Marriage!  *laughs*

After loads of research and with the help of wonderful angels, I am happy to announce, I am one proud "momma" to my ZUCA SportPro!  

I believe MAC made one specially for the brand but it looks exactly the same on the outside (Change Zuca to MAC) and the inserts are a bit different!  

My past huge train case was finally sold to a lovely AMW reader (hi Nancy) and don't get me wrong, I love my first ever huge train case so much but as my makeup increases, they tend to topple inside so I've decided to adopt a new baby!

I bid over Ebay and crossed my fingers that I'll win it!  With God's help, I actually did and the ZUCA was sent to my Godmother's place in the US and she shipped it here!  Thanks Auntie! :)

After a couple of uses, I am ready to give my thoughts on this case.  Most of the professional makeup artists who uses this have said that this is the best investment ever and 99% of them do not regret spending almost $300.00 for this case!  I got mine around $230.00 (approx less than Php10,000) and it retails for $285.00 (approx Php12,255), not bad huh?

Zuca SportPro says ---

Developed for the seasoned road warrior, the ZÜCA Pro is a PATENTED new concept in travel that protects your valuable gear and provides a place to sit. You can also use the seat as a platform for carrying additional gear. Measuring 19" x 13" x 10" the Pro fits in the overhead compartment of standard commercial aircraft from 737's up. Easily roll down narrow aircraft aisles with an adult friendly 41 1/2" telescoping ergonomic handle. The Pro is protected by a limited LIFETIME WARRANTY, see details. With the ZÜCA Pro, you will always have the best seat in the house.