AMW Reviews: Maybelline EyeStudio Crayon Liner in Black

One of the many challenges most eyeliner pencils are facing nowadays are the ability to withstand our humid weather!  I've tested loads of eyeliner pencils in the past, there are the good ones (waterproof, smudge-proof, creamy, pigmented) and the not-so-good ones (not-so-waterproof, smudges a bit, creamy, pigmented) and the forgettable ones (smudges, hard liner tip, gave me the eye allergies!).

I've found good eyeliner pencils that can withstand our country's humidity but I'm still on the lookout for a similar one but with the lesser price tag!  Have I finally found one in the name of Maybelline Eyestudio Crayon Liner?

AMW Tested: BLACK

Maybelline says ---

• Well sealed upon purchase.
• A classic pencil liner that gives natural definition to the eyes.
• Soft texture glides smoothly on skin.
• Swipe over lids for a bold, vibrant color.
• Blend in for more natural look.

Ingredients:

AMW says ---
Pros

• Creamy.
• Easy to blend.
• Quite pigmented.
• Build-able color.
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Applying a thicker line will cause the liner to smudge.
• Not-so-waterproof especially if applied on waterline or if used to tight line.

Overall
Nice, inexpensive pencil liner best used for upper and lower lash line. Creamy and very pigmented.

Tips

• If you have oily lids, use a very good oil-control eye primer prior to eyeliner application.
• Stay away from tightlining using this pencil or apply on the waterline if you have very sensitive eyes.
• After application, make sure to let the product "set" by smudging the liner with a pencil brush.  The liner will stay better with this method.
• If you prefer a thin, very clean liner line, always sharpen your crayon liner.

 Will I repurchase?
No.

To whom do I recommend this to?
 Dry-lidded individuals with pencil liners seldom smudges on them.  If you are the type who prefer to use pencil liner as eyeshadow base, this product is also for you due to its creamy consistency.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Maybelline counters for Php149.00 (approx $3.50).

Photos

The Maybelline EyeStudio Crayon Liner in Black is true to its color!  

What you see is what you get.

Swatch on hand

The crayon liner can be used as eyeliner 

or eyeshadow base for smoky eye makeup!

If you prefer super black liner, you have to apply with a heavier hand.

Yes, it's possible with this pencil!

Applied on both upper and lower lashline.

With this pencil, I tend to steer clear from tight-lining or application on waterline as it gave me the itch and it smudges a bit on me at the end of the day!

Have you seen the Maybelline EyeStudio Crayon Liner in stores?
Would you give it a try for its price?

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Eureka Moment: Nippon Esthetic Solutions PRO gone Retail!

Happy Friday AMW friends!

Today, I will be sharing a great news for both Pros and Non-Pros!  If you are into makeup, I strongly recommend to invest on beauty and hygiene disposable products to keep your skin free from makeup residue, dirt and oil!  

Over the years,  I have used Nippon Esthetic Solutions Pro products for personal and professional use. I have voiced out my wish to SNR Enterprises' Managing Director Ms. Sydney Go on them selling their wonderful products in retail so it will be easier for me, as well as my non-makeup artist friends!  The smart friend of mine just told me to "Wait and see". 

And the long wait is over!!!!

Nippon Facial Cotton Quilts 

Php50.00 (approx $1.20)

"Seamless quilts used for removing makeup and cleansing the skin.  

It's seamless edges don't leave unwanted cotton lint on face."

Aside from using the Nippon Facial Cotton Quilts for toner application, I prefer using this to remove my eye makeup!  For a piece of cotton quilt, I get to clean both eyes by pouring a bit of gentle makeup remover at the center of the cotton, I close my eyes and gently press the cotton quilt leaving it for 30 seconds to 1 minute.  This method melts down eye makeup, liners and mascara thus lesser rubbing is needed.  (Lesser rubbing = lesser wrinkles!)

I also find using cotton quilt more advantageous than cotton balls in terms of nail polish removal.  I can easily remove nail polish for 5 fingers on each side of the cotton quilt and lesser amount of nail polish remover is needed as cotton balls tend to absorb more.

 Nippon Cosmetic Wedge Sponges

32pcs Php180.00 (approx $4.30)

62pcs Php300.00 (approx $7.14)

"These ergonomic wedge shape sponges are the best companion for makeup application. 

The wedge shape allows coverage in hard to reach areas for even application."

As a professional makeup artist, I can easily save disposable sponges by using the same one on different clients (they wouldn't notice, right?)  

BIG NO!!!!

Hygiene is very important for me personally and professionally, my rule will always be "one cosmetic wedge sponge to 1 client".  If I accidentally drop the sponge, I even had to go for 2nd just to make sure I take care of my clients' skin.  In one makeup gig, I could use up to 10 Cosmetic Wedge Sponge and stocking up on these are very important for me!  Just so you know, I have packs after packs at home!  *winks*  I'm a hoard-er, what can I say? :P

And who would've thought my love for nail art will lead me to picking up these cosmetic wedge sponges?  Check out my recent "Dainty Tri-Color Nail Art" tutorial.  You'll understand why these sponges are nail artists' savior!

 Nippon Moist Sponges 5s

Php25.00 each (approx $0.60)

"These moist sponges is the best type of sponge to use on the face and body.

Its special material allows the skin to breathe.  Ideal to use before each makeover,

facial or body treatment and at-home wash." 

One of the many tricks I learn to have better-looking skin is by using a damp sponge during cleansing!  Dirt, oil, dust and makeup won't be easily remove by your fingers!  After massaging the facial cleanser onto my face, I pick up a damp sponge and gently wipe through the whole face.  Goodbye dirt, oil and makeup together with the facial cleanser!  My face is definitely cleaner using this method!

Oh, and another thing, I also love to use these for my body!

 Nippon Micro Precision Tips 

Php60.00 (approx $1.40)

"Fine and ultra mini, this handy secret tool is perfect for the eye area 

when one wants to erase a bit of smudge at the corners of the eyes."

The availability of the Micro Precision Tips made me extra happy!  The regular Nippon Dual Cotton Tips has served me well in terms of wiping off excess lipstick or some smudges created by mascara or eyeliner using the pointed tip.  Most clients would get amazed on such existence and would always ask where I get these!  

Who would've thought a micro version will be created?  It's even more precise and perfect for the eye area! 

Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner Wipe

Read my previous post on how I use these wipes by smiling and clicking HERE. 

All the products above are available at Studio SnR 
Unit 301 Millennium Place
17 Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center Pasig City
tel no: (632) 584.5988
email: admin@nipponesthetic.com

Which among the products mentioned above you can't live without?

Mine would be the Cosmetic Wedge Sponge (professionally) and Facial Cotton Quilts (personally)!

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(Products received for PR purposes.  Opinions and tips 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Reviews: Face Of Australia High Definition Liquid Liner

Good morning!
How are my dear friends doing?  Today, I will be sharing a new brand that probably isn't new in other countries but quite new to my ears since its arrival to our shores via a reseller who's a sister of my batch mate in high school.  

I want to thank Karen for sending me these Face Of Australia products as it is always nice to try something new!  

Liquid liners, I've always been a lover for liquid liners and I do not mind liquid liners that comes with super sharp, pointed brush.  My hands are (thankfully) quite steady.  But what about the rest of the population who worries about shaky hands but likes the effect of liquid liners? 

Well, that's a reason why felt-tip pen liners were made available!  There isn't a lot of them I believe as compared to those "soft bristled" brush but I was able to try one from Jessie's Girl several years back and another one which is from Face Of Australia (FOA).

The one I tried is in Black

Face Of Australia says ---

FACE OF AUSTRALIA High Definition Liquid Eyeliner pen delivers precision color with the ultra high definition felt tip applicator.

For clean, sharp defined lines in a convenient no mess pen application that creates precise definition to the shape of the eye. Create a dramatic statement with a mistake proof application which sets in seconds and is water resistant.

AMW says ---
Pros

• Well sealed upon purchase.
• Felt tip pen makes application a breeze even for unsteady hands.
• Nice formulation.
• Pigmentation is good.
• Can create a perfect "flick" or "cat eye" look all the time!
• The product didn't smudge.  It does lighten a bit ONLY if I accidentally rub my eyes.
• Easy to remove with regular eye makeup remover.
• No scent.
• No irritations.

Cons

• If applied with heavy hand, may hurt the eye.
• If the pen is not stored properly, there will be times the line won't be as dark thus it is needed to close the cap and shake the pen again.
• Since this product is not available in stores for now, online shopping is needed.

Overall
A nice liquid liner especially for newbie!  Pigmentation is great, felt tip pen is very precise.

Tips

• Shake the pen well before usage.
• Best if the product is stored standing up to get the most of the product.
• Always apply with light hand.  Do not tug your lids.
• As soon as you finish using, put back the cap immediately to prevent product from drying.  
• Be careful not to ruin the precise tip.  Once ruined, the pen will be useless!
• Do not apply on waterline.  Never tightline using a liquid liner.
• Once signs of irritations occur, stop usage immediately.

Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
First time liquid liner users or those who love to create cat eyes or draw "Avant Garde" style makeup on face!

Where to purchase and how much?

At D Hip Sanctuary for Php618.00 (approx $14.40). Add them up on Facebook or email them dhip.sanctuary@facebook.com.  If you want to learn about their bazaar schedules, contact Karen 0999-888-2682

Photos

Marker-like tip making it easy to create straight, curve lines

With the pointed tip, it is easy to create thick or thin lines.

I tried smudging the product but I ended up rubbing very hard thus the lines almost disappeared!  Keep in mind that I took all the effort to rub off the product (in which we don't usually apply that amount of pressure on our eye area.)

Application:

Apply on the upper lashline with the pen facing sidewards as shown on photo below.

Once you reach the outer eye area, feel free to point the tip and create a flick.

The pen can also be used to apply on the lower lashline.

Keep in mind to use light-hand strokes for a natural finish.

Never press the pen hard on your lids nor apply with pressure.

See how the hard tip can pull the skin on your lids?

FOA High Definition Liquid Liner in Black

Applied on upper lashline

Have you heard about Face Of Australia Products?
Would you go for a felt-tip pen type of liquid liner or a liner with soft bristled brush?

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

How to Curl Short, Sparse Lashes + Not Pinching Your Lids

"This is How I Do It" series is here and I'm doing a very simple post regarding eyelash curling!  Everyone should know how to curl their lashes by now right?  But for someone who has short, non-existent lashes and because I'm blessed with more challenges in life!  *laughs*  My left eye is a bit more hooded so I tend to hurt myself when I tried curling my lashes during my younger years!

Just in case, you suffer from the same situation as I do, fret no more!  After years of pinching, hurting and losing some eyelashes, I finally learned the simple tricks on how to deal this situation and best of all?  I'm sharing the tricks I learned to all of you! 

P.S. By the way, if you have long, full lashes, get out of here!  *envious* :P

Picking the right eyelash curler

I own several eyelash curlers through the years and expensive ones don't always equate as the best ones, there are some lucky individuals who can get away with inexpensive eyelash curlers but there are a lot of unlucky ones!  (me!)   That's probably the reason why Shu Uemura and Shiseido eyelash curlers are famous because of their ability to "fit in" smaller eyes. 

How to know your eyelash curler works for you?  Close your eyes and gently press your eyelash curler as seen on photo below.  If the curve fits the shape of your eyes, you got a nice curler on hand and hold on to it for life!  *lol* 

I learned about this trick when I was doing makeup on clients, there are clients whose eyes were curved in a different way both my Shiseido and Shu Uemura lash curlers can't seem to fit thus, no matter how much I try, I can't seem to reach to their lashes.  If that's the case, invest in a heated lash curler like that of ModelCo or Blinc. (I've reviewed both in the past so please click the brand name for reviews.)

AMW Reviews: Avon Ideal Luminous Blush in Peach

Who among our readers can still remember the differences of Go, Grow and Glow foods?  

*Laughs*  The reason for such topic is because I remembered having the easiest time to memorize "Glow" Foods!  Why?  Well, there must be the love for inner glow as young as elementary that I didn't know!

"Glow Foods", by the way, if you don't mind me getting all nerdy and proud are foods rich in vitamins and minerals.  These are the types of food that makes us feel and look beautiful!  

Speaking about "glow", Avon came up with a blush called Ideal Luminous!  As the name states, this product were expected by yours truly to give me the nice glow I need especially these days that I'm feeling physically crappy! :)

 The shade I got is called "Peach"

Avon says ---

Get the perfect pop of color and make your skin glow even brighter with Avon's Ideal Luminous Blush in three lovely shades.  It has SPF15 for added sun protection.

Available shades: Peach, Rose Lustre, Cool Plum

Ingredients:
 

AMW says ---
Pros

• Housed in a nice compact with good quality mirror.
• Comes with a free blush brush.
• The luminous blush has good pigmentation.  
• Appears very natural and has a nice glow without the obvious sparkles.
• Can get away without using any face highlighters.

 Cons

• The powder can get a bit too messy which isn't a huge deal.
• Limited shades available.

Overall
Good pigmentation.  Easy to apply.  Works for most skin types.

Tips

• Use the brush that comes with the compact for retouch.
• Wipe off excess powder to prevent case from getting messy.
• For a more natural look: Use a regular powder or blush brush and apply on apples of your cheeks.
• For a little bit of contouring: Use an angled blush brush or use the brush that comes with the product for a defined look.
• To keep blush color for the whole day, use a similar shade cream blush underneath.
  

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone looking for natural-looking blush that gives a nice glow!

Where to purchase and how much?

Ideal Luminous Blush is available for Php370.00 (approx $8.60)  exclusively through Avon Representatives nationwide.  Log on to www.avon.com.ph to find out how to contact your Avon Rep.  Follow them on Facebook and Twitter via (@AvonPH).

Photos

The free brush isn't the best of quality but it's not bad as well! I enjoy using this for quick touch-ups.

The shade Peach has millions of nice sparkles that are almost invisible upon application but gives a nice "sheen" on the area that was applied.

Swatch of Peach shade on fingers

 The messy powder that needs to be cleaned after every use.

Applied on clean face with just a tiny amount of face powder underneath.

A little is enough for people who have fair and medium skin.  Dark skinned individuals may need to apply more for the color to show up even better.

Overall effect of Avon's Ideal Luminous Blush in Peach 

Have you tried any Avon Blush?
This is actually a first Avon blush of mine and so far, I'm very happy!

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(Product sent for PR purposes.  Reviews 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)