AMW Reviews: Charm Angled Kabuki Buffer Brush

Goodness!  It's already Friday!  This week passed by pretty quickly right?  Or was it just me?

Today, I will be sharing a review on one of the newest baby from Charm!  It was a huge HIT for me when Sophie created the Charm Essentials Travel Pointed Brush and I've been very vocal in praising her for a job well done!  Since I got it, I've been using it constantly to apply foundation, concealer and even cream blush!

Then, I was told 2 more new brushes will be launched at the same time with the Travel Pointed Brush, I nearly brushed off the idea as I'm already contented with what I have.

True to what they say: "You can never have enough brushes!"  --- I'm not sure who said it?  Was it my own voice?  *laughs*

Just when I read good reviews popping out here and there on various blogs, I told myself I need this too!  I need to try this out and see what the fuss was all about! 

Charm says ---

The Charm Angled Kabuki Buffer Brush is made of ultra lush bristles that feels like velvet on the skin. Buff in your mineral foundation, powder foundation, or any powder product with this brush!

Its angled shape allows you to efficiently apply your makeup and work thru the folds and contours of the skin so that no spot would be missed out. This very dense brush also allows you to obtain buildable coverage, from light to full!

AMW says ---

Pros

• Length is perfect for personal and even professional use! (Even if this is not a full sized length)
• Charm handle never chip and I own a lot of Charm brushes and the logo remains even after all the washing.
• Brush hairs are synthetic, so perfect for people who are into vegan makeup brushes!
• Super soft and 100% no scratchy feel!
• No bleeding nor shedding even on first wash.
• Multifunctional: Can be used to apply liquid, cream or powdered products.
• Super dense and gives a nice
• Inexpensive for the quality you get.

Cons

• Takes longer to dry as compared to your other face brushes.

Overall

Perfect density.  Very soft.  No bleeding nor shedding.  Super useful!

Tips

• Always wash new brushes with a baby shampoo prior to usage.  Follow washing instructions.
• Best way to dry this brush is to lay this on a clean and dry towel, the towel does absorb the extra water and moisture making it quicker to dry!  You can choose to spritz the bristles with brush cleaner after every use then deep cleanse once a week.
• To create a very natural "contoured" look, pull out your liquid/cream/powdered foundation that's a bit darker than your original skin color, apply the darker foundation on areas that you want to recede.  (Hollows of cheeks, temples, sides of nose, chin etc..).  With your shade of foundation, buff the product on the rest of your face blending with the darker foundation!  
• If you used this brush to apply liquid or cream products, try not to use this to apply powdered products.  If you must, use a quick drying makeup cleaner in between.
• The perfect way to use this brush (personally) is by BUFFING then SLIDING!  You buff like regular kabuki brush then slide downwards with the longer bristles facing top to create not only flawless but super natural-looking skin!  (As foundation application should be the same direction as the growth of your facial hair.)
• Must....own!

Will I repurchase?
I won't need to repurchase as all my Charm brushes are still working to date.  I would highly recommend this to friends and YOU.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who loves to "buff" their powder foundation or likes to apply liquid/cream foundation using a brush!

Where to purchase and how much?
Php650.00 (approx $15.00) at Beauty and Minerals Website.
If you want to see the brushes up close and personal, you can check them out at PurBeauty, Serendra and The Ramp, Crossings at Shangri-La Plaza Branch Ground Floor.

Photos

 Charm Angled Kabuki Buffer Brush

Up close

The length of brush hair is perfect for buffing.  The slanted tip works perfect especially when placed on the hollows of your cheeks.

Top view:

The tip of the brush is also perfect for liquid/cream foundation application!

Did you know that? 

You save a lot of your makeup by using a brush instead of sponge or your fingers.

Perfect density

The brush hairs go back to its original place no matter how much I try to "mess it up"!

On regular no-makeup makeup look, I prefer to use a darker powder to be applied on areas of my face that I would like to contour.  

BUFF and SLIDE!

Happy AMW!

The Charm Angled Kabuki Buffer Brush may seem like a brush that you want but do not need.  In truth, once you get to try the angled version of a buffer brush, you will enjoy the luxurious feeling of sweeping this brush on your skin and the "contoured" effect it natural gives due to its angled tip!  I ended up using this brush in applying my blush and contouring powder too, okay, even my setting powder!  Sorry Angled K-Brush, you're overused!

Have you tried Angled K-Brush?
Is it from Charm or from other brands?  

Do you like it?  I"d love to hear from you!

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Stay happy!

(Product received as gift.  Reviews 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Readers' Corner: All About Concealers

Hey girls and boys (if there's any boy reading this blog --- Hello there!!!)  

I get email queries on a daily basis and I'm quite happy answering each email as I read each query!  I find it more personal that way.  But for the past weeks, I came into one realization --- most of you are addicted to concealers!  That's when I realized my answers could be shared in my Readers' Corner area!  Why Nikki, why didn't I even think of this from the start!  *tsk tsk tsk*

As of today, here are some of the concealers I've tried and loved and some of them even went straight to my makeup train case.  I will divide this into 2 parts - The Save and The Splurge.  Feel free to click the product names for links of past reviews and swatches.

Note: Ask me again after a year, the list could change!  *hehehe*

THE SAVE

1. SkinFood  Dark Circle Salmon Concealer Php950.00 (approx $20.65)- as the name says it all, this product is meant to cover the darkness under the eye area.  Most of you probably heard or read about the ability of salmon shade to counteract darkness.  The pot lasts forever and a tiny amount is enough to prevent product creasing.
2. NYX Concealer in a Jar Php300.00 (approx $7.00) - I have raved so much about this product even my friends ended up buying their own pot!  This is a full coverage concealer that works on the under eye area (if you pick Medium shade which has a bit of peachy shade).  If you pick other shades, you can either use it as a highlighter or to conceal spots from zits or acne.
3. Revlon PhotoReady Concealer Php725.00 (approx $17.25) - Seldom will you see me use stick concealers as they tend to dry out my skin. Not until I met Revlon's PhotoReady Concealer, this is my "retouch" concealer as I can easily take this along with me and directly apply the product under the eye area, the  redness on the sides of my nose and on those "zit" attack days, it's great to spot conceal without pulling out a brush!  All I need is my clean fingers!  This concealer applies on creamy and never creases on me.
4. The Body Shop Lightening Touch Php950.00 (approx. $22.00) - This product has been compared to YSL Touche Eclat for the longest time!  To set things straight, I do not own YSL's  Touche Eclat so I can't compare the 2 for now.  But for it's price, this product works on "highlighting" your features and I like using this on top of a concealer as it gives an extra coverage PLUS glow leaving the area looking radiant and natural.
5. Graftobian High Definition Corrector Palette around Php1,200 (approx $28.00) - I purchased this online and I just recently opened it and used it on clients, so far, I'm happy with the pigmentation and its creamy texture.  I've always been a fan of the Graftobian Cream Foundation so I'm not surprised this will also be a hit!  If you suffer extreme darkness under the eye area, redness or dark spots on your cheeks or forehead, correcting your spots prior to concealing is the best way to achieve maximum coverage.  Give me some time I'll definitely write a proper review for this palette!

THE SPLURGE

1. Benefit Erase Paste - I own a smaller sized version of this from my Confessions of a Concealaholic Palette.  This product is very tricky to use as a tiny amount is very potent and can crease if not applied correctly.  The trick on using Erase Paste is to always warm the product with your fingers then gently tap on your problem areas.  This product can cover under eye circles, red spots and even freckles!
   
2. Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit Php1,900 (approx $45.20).- Best used on the under eye area. The extra powder that comes in the palette is a nice "plus" as it instantly set the concealer in place making it stay until you remove it.
3. Estee Lauder Disappear Smoothing Creme Concealer - Another concealer that works so well on the under eye area, acne marks, freckles, etc..  All you need to do is pick the right shade for you!
4. Amazing Cosmetics AmazingConcealer Php1,800.00 (approx $24.20) - As recently reviewed, this product does not only give the coverage you need but it gives an overall highlight effect.
5. Make Up For Ever Camouflage Cream Palette Php1,600 (approx $34.00) - A must if you are a makeup artist!  The palette on photo above is already my 2nd.

When we talk about Concealers, it is very easy to say: "Let's SPLURGE on it!"  I agree, I don't mind paying more for makeup products that sits into my skin for a long period of time.  But mind you, Expensive doesn't always equate to the BEST.  At the end of the day, the best way to pick the best concealer is to understand the needs of your skin.

Are under eye circles your major issue?
Is it the eye puffiness that's giving you all the trouble?
Or the red spots from acne scars and pimple marks?
To some, is it the freckles that's making you go insane?

Focusing on your major skin concern is the best way to target the right product for you!  I used to purchase concealers just because I see other Bloggers rave about them but guess what?  Most of them ended up inside my makeup case or I've given away most of them!  

Now that I'm not in denail, I've finally accepted the fact that my major skin concern would be the darkness under the eyes.  So I'm focused on purchasing and trying concealers that are meant for the under eye circles!

Then it's time to shop! 

Big question is: "Where will I start?  There's so many brands out there I'm so confused!"
Relax and take a deep breathe, check your budget.

How much are you willing to shell out for a concealer?  Is it between Php500-1,000?  Then stick to it!  With the wide range of cosmetics nowadays, I'm sure there will always be "the one" meant for you!  Keep in mind that testing them over the counter is the key, trying to purchase "blindly" online may work but only 20% of the time!  Bring a friend (whose opinion matters) and have the SA apply the product on your problem areas and see if it works for you!  Never feel pressured and learn to say "no, thanks!". (Been there, done that!)  

Tell me, have you found the best concealer for your problem area?
What's your concealer budget at present?

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AMW Reviews: Tarte Amazonian 12-hour Blush in Blissful

I have this thing for blush as long as I can remember!  My first few blush purchases decades ago were from a local brand calleds called Fashion 21 and Aido.  At present, I still look up to those 2 brands as I grew up with them and used them long before I get to earn my own money to buy Maybelline, L'Oreal etc... Don't get me wrong, at present, I still like both brands in terms of blush and I wouldn't mind using them!  It's just that, they do not have a lot of shades to choose from and, me and my sister have hit the pan on most of their shades! 

As makeup brands are popping out like mushrooms, I find myself having fun trying on different brands and I try my best not to repeat the same blush shade on 2 consecutive days!  Before you raise one eyebrow, come on!  I'm sure I'm not alone on this! :P

Who reads Jenn's blog called www.frmheadtotoe.com?  I do!  If you're a loyal reader of her blog, you'll probably associate her to her favorite Tarte Amazonian 12-hour Blush!  The name of the blush  itself intrigued me!  For someone with dry skin, I can't seem to find a powdered blush that lasts me more than 8 hours!

Is Tarte Amazonian 12-hour Blush a hit or miss?

Tarte product shade on trial:

 Blissful

Tarte says ---

These solar-baked blushes are infused with Amazonian Clay, nature's most perfect ingredient. These nutrient rich and skin-nourishing Amazonian clay blushes restore harmony for a flawless finish that lasts all day.

The soft blush is great for all skin types:

Oily skin: Amazonian clay minimizes oil in and around pores to balance skin and keep product in place  Dry skin: Amazonian clay hydrates skin naturally to restore moisture so your blush wears better & longer  Dull skin: Amazonian clay improves the appearance of skin clarity and skin texture  Combination skin: Amazonian clay is completely intuitive; gives skin an overall smooth & even appearanc

8 Shades: (as taken from Tarte website)

Ingredients

Product info

AMW says ---

Pros

• Nicely packaged.  Mirror that comes with the packaging is very useful!   
• Good for all skin types.
• Nice pattern that puts a smile on my face every time I use this.

• Gentle on skin.  This product doesn't have paraben, mineral oil, phthalates and other harmful ingredients that may cause breakouts.
• Perfect matte that doesn't dry out skin.  The surprising fact even though this is a matte blush, it gives an overall sheen or glow.
• Stays all day!
• Super pigmented.
• Works on light to dark skin tone. (If applied in a right way)
• As a makeup artist, I appreciate the fact that this can be depotted so I can put this in a palette.

Cons

• At first glance, the price!
• Not widely available in the local market. 

Overall

The name Blissful sounds like a perfect shade for "Bridal Makeup" and guess what?  It is!  Blissful  is a nice coral, peachy-pink matte blush that lasts until you remove it!  This is the type of blush that works on most skin tone as it gives a peachy and pink vibe at the same time.  Even with matte finish, the blush surprisingly gives a nice sheen over your cheeks thus creating a "happy" vibe.

Tips

• For light to light medium skin tone, apply using light hand with a big fluffy brush or fan brush.
• For medium to dark skin tone, apply using a smaller powder brush and add more for the color to show up.
• If you want this blush to stay longer, feel free to use a similar shade of cream blush underneath for the blush to stay even longer.
• Always start by smiling and applying the blush a third away from the each sides of the nose then blend upwards toward hairline.
• If you applied too much, don't fret!  Use a clean powder brush or kabuki brush and blend the brush blurring out heavy pigmentation.
• Afraid to apply blush on top of acne?  Correct and conceal the spots well, set with setting powder then gently apply the blush using big, fluffy brush with super light-hand.
• If some of the concealer were gone after blush application thus showing your "spots", feel free to spot conceal it then gently tap the concealed area with the blush using an eyeshadow brush.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes to use a blush that lasts long and safe for sensitive skin.

Where to purchase and how much?
Available at Stuff in Style online site for Php1,200 (approx $27.90).

Photos

Blissful is a warm peach blush shade as mentioned on website 

but I can't help but see a hint of pink to it once applied on my NC20-25 skin.

Applied on cheeks with a fan brush for natural look

Overall look using
Tarte Amazonian 12-hour Blush in Blissful

What's your favorite Tarte product?

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Stay happy!

(Product received for review.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

How To Create Bigger-Looking Eyes

Happy day!  Let me share you some of the mails I received recently! Okay, just the gist!  A lot of you have been requesting me to do video tutorials or start my own YouTube channel (why, thank you!).  Unfortunately, with my super hectic schedule (Mr. AMW calls me kiti-kiti as I have a lot on my tiny plate!) so creating a video is far from my thoughts for now!  Maybe..when I turned 60?  Come on!  Promise you'll still be here to watch "Wrinkly-AMW"!  *knocks on wood*  *shakes off thought*  It's not gonna happen!  *grabs eye cream*

For now, the best I can do is to create helpful tips and tutorials through photos!  I know videos are way more easier to follow but I'll try to make these photo tutorials as simple and as clear as possible!  This special post, I call... "This is How I Do It" (everybody move it..to the left to the right...)  Whoever can sing along this song...ahm...you're cool!  :P  (The song is actually called This is How WE Do It.) 

Makeup is a very powerful tool!  A lot of you knew that by now and that's probably the reason why you read my blog!  I've seen transformations (big and small) done by using certain makeup and the AMW-style will always be the easier and simpler version!  I know there are hundreds and thousands of tutorials out there on how to change the shape of your eyes!  But on regular days, who would want to spend an hour in front of the mirror?  *looks around*  I don't know about you but definitely NOT ME!  

Today, to jump start this exciting segment, I'm sharing the simplest steps I've learned through the years on how to create rounder-looking eyes!  This is best for Asian eyes or people who would like to create bigger-looking eyes.

AYE?  AYE!

Let's begin...
Your choice between gel liners, liquid liners, cream liners or pencil liners.  In this tutorial, I used Kate Gel Eye Liner in Black.

Some more products you may need ---

AMW Reviews: Ansley Flash Eye Color Stick

Happy Monday AMW friends!  Can you believe it's already mid-July?  Time flew by pretty quickly and this is a reminder for everyone to please SEIZE every single day!  I used to dwell on tiny problems so much and waste time worrying about little things that doesn't even matter today!  I know there are moments I crumble and problems eat me up!  But I'm happy to say, the 80% of me already knew the secret to happiness!  It's holding each day close to your heart and treasure every moment and experience it as we can NEVER turn back time! I never forget to tell the people I love how much I appreciate them and love them though I may not be physically there.  So yes, it's easy to frown and curse the easy target --- Monday!  But before we do, let's just give ourselves a moment, think how lucky we are as we get to read blogs, to understand what we're reading (as we are lucky enough to have education), and to have friends and family who listen to our stories, laugh and cry with us through the good and bad times! :)

I know I'm being melodramatic here.  The reason for such behavior is because I was reminded of the day I lost our dearest Pudding (our Pomeranian dog), the family mourned over it but we were able to survive the sadness and on to the good part (there's always good news after a bad one!) We finally found a new baby --- Chin Chin!!!  I'm so excited to get to know our li'l baby pup!  As early as I now, I can tell she's a sweetheart!  (You can follow my Instagram "AskMeWhats" and you'll see a photo of our newly adopted puppy!)

Okay, I'm stopping myself from being a preacher and start doing what AMW is good at!  A product review for my Ansley Flash Eye Color Stick in Pure White! 

It's a jumbo liner pencil that can be used as eyeliner, eyeshadow base and highlighter!

Ansley says ---

Ansley New York Flash Eye Color Stick definitely gives a soft feeling and one touch eye make up expression.  It spreads smoothly, adheres well on skin and maintain lustrous, crease-free finish giving an accentuate dimension and brilliant luster to the eyes.

The waterproof eye color stick does not smudge even with water or sweat. It expresses the amazing color with once drawing. In addition, the Natural Vegetable Oil and Vitamin E are the lasting moisturizing factor.

Shades available: 

• #1 Star Gray - stylish smoky color
• #2 Pure Pink - lovely cute pink, eye zone highlighting
• #3 Pure White - shining color expression, eye zone and "t" zone highlighting
• #4 Apple Green  - fresh light green color

AMW says ---

Pros

• Very easy to use.
• Pure White color is multi-functional.  I use these on waterline, brow bone, inner corners of the eyes and cheekbones for instant highlighting.  This product can also give your eye shadows a nice "3D" effect if used as base.
• A nice retouching pencil that can be brought anywhere. (Even during travel)
• Glides smoothly. 
• Pigmented.
• No allergic reactions.

Cons

• Need to wait for shipping.
• Pencil type liner, sharpening is needed and since the size of this pencil is bigger than regular pencil, you would need a special sized pencil sharpener for this.
• If you're looking for a plain matte white pencil, this isn't for you.
• More shade choices would even be better!
• The exterior of the pencil looks exactly like the Ansley New York Flash Lip Color Stick which may need me to open each of the cap to get the right product!  Kindly read tip below on how to make your life easier!  :)
• If applied on waterline, the product may be gone after an hour or 2.

Overall

These jumbo color sticks reminded me so much of the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils!  These are indeed pigmented, creamy and easy to use!

Tips

• I can use the Ansley Flash Eye Color Stick Pencil in Pure White alone all over my eyelids, very oily-lidded individuals may need to apply a primer prior to pencil application to prevent creasing.
• If you want to create a "doll-like" eye makeup, use a white pencil on the waterline to exaggerate the size of your eyes.  If you prefer a more subtle shade, go for a beige or cream-colored pencil!  Pure Pink may work better.
• If you own several shades including the Lip Color Stick, I strongly suggest to label the exterior of the pencil with stickers or apply a "similar nail polish shade" on the tip of the cap to avoid confusion.
• If you have very sensitive eyes, apply the product closer to the waterline instead to the waterline itself to prevent irritations and also keep the liner last longer as it doesn't get wet as compared to applying on the waterline.
• If you prefer to use this product on the eye area, keep the rest of your face matte.  Applying too much may make you look like a walking disco-ball!
  

Will I repurchase?
Not for now.  I only need a Pure White eye color stick and so far this will last me long.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone comfortable with online shopping and those who wanted a creamy pencil that's waterproof and multi-tasking.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Glow and Glamour website for $7.90 (approx Php340.00) + Shipping.  Check my code given by the company below especially for AMW readers to get 10% off.

If you plan to order from Glow and Glamour website, feel free to use the Glow and Glamour coupon code specially for AMW readers (AF280291458).  Less 10% on all products in store!

Product photos

Ansley Flash Eye Color Stick in 03 Pure White 

Clearly labeled at the bottom of the pencil.

A quick swatch without base.

As you can see on photo, there's a hint of white glitter to it.

The glitter isn't as chunky and does not irritate my eyes.

Applied very close to the waterline to create larger looking eye.

If I like to create a fake 8-hour sleep, I like applying a tiny bit of the Ansley Flash Eye Color Stick in Pure White on the inner corner of the eye and blend using my fingers.

On those I used a boring matte colored eyeshadow, I brighten up the whole eye makeup by applying Pure White on the brow bone and again, blend using my fingers.

Here's how my eyes look with Ansley Flash Eye Color Stick in Pure White

applied on the brow bone, near the waterline and the inner corner of my eye.

Glow and Glamour Facebook page has an ongoing contest!  Anyone can join so please head on to their Facebook page and follow directions!   The winner gets to win products shown on photo below.

**photo taken from Glow and Glamour

Do you use white eye pencil to create brighter-looking eyes?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(Product sent for review.  Reviews 100% mine.  Code generated for the purpose of discount, I am not affiliated nor paid by the company.)