AMW Reviews: Yves Rocher Bronzer and Shimmer Powder Duo

Do you still remember my "This is How I Do It: Contour the Face for Day Time" tutorial?

Okay, before the remembering, I forgot to say: "HAPPY FRIDAY!!!"  Boy am I so excited for the weekend!  

Back to the topic, the Bronzing Powder that I used for the past tutorial is from Yves Rocher! By this time, you probably know the brand more than I do!  Yves Rocher has been around for quite some time locally and they're not only known for their skincare products but also their cosmetics!

Yves Rocher Bronzer and Shimmer Powder Duo may not have other shades available but I didn't mind picking this up as I'm a fan of using bronzers and darker powders to contour my face on a daily basis! :)

Yves Rocher says ---


Bronzer and Shimmer Powder Duo for a made to measure sunkissed effect
A very natural matte bronzing powder complemented by the superb radiance of pearlised powder, both worked for perfect harmony with the skin. The bronzing powder procures a very natural instant tan. Applied with a brush, a touch of pearl revives and gives face a satiny radiance.
Bronzer and shimmer powder duo contains all the natural benefits of radiance-boosting rice bran extract..

Size: 0.24 oz & 0.12 oz compact

AMW says ---
Pros

• Nice compact with huge mirror.
• 2-in-1 product.  Worth the price.
• The shimmer powder gives a natural shimmer, not-over-the-top look.  Sparkles aren't huge.
• Bronzer can be used as contouring powder (to some skin color) or blush.
• Both texture of the powders are smooth and easy to blend.
• Effect (with the right application technique) comes off super natural.
• Inexpensive.

Cons

• The Bronzer (matte portion) may not work for all skin color as a contouring powder as it may look too orange for a fair skinned individual.
• Only 1 shade available for the bronzer.

Overall

The Bronzer is a matte powder that can be used as blush or contouring powder while the shimmer powder duo can work as a blush on anyone!

Tips

• If you are fair and you plan to use the bronzer as a contour powder, please be careful not to apply too much as the effect could be "muddy" or dirty.
• Shimmer Powder is best applied on one area on your face.  Use it to highlight your cheekbones or as an eyeshadow.  Do not use the Shimmer Powder on various places, you may end up looking like a disco ball.  (Now sing with me: "Stayin' Alive! Stayin' Alive! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!)
• Use the right brush in application, test on different brushes until you get to pick the most comfortable brush to use.
• If you have medium dark to dark skin color, feel free to apply a bit more, you'll look gorgeous nevertheless!

Will I repurchase?
Yes

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who loves bronzing powders and love to contour the face on a daily basis.

Where to purchase and how much?

Locally for Php680.00 (approx $16.19) at Yves Rocher  TriNoma Mall, SM North Edsa The Block, SM South Mall, SM Fairview and Ayala Center Cebu.

Guess what?  I got mine on sale!!! Lucky me at Php499.00 (approx $11.60)

 Photos

Left: Bronzer (matte powder that has an orange base)
Right: Shimmer Powder 

(reminded me so much of a darker version of Stila Kitten eyeshadow)

 

To give a natural contour all over my face, I pick my Charm Angled Kabuki Buffer Brush

and lightly pick the Bronzer using the "most dense" portion of the brush.

 

Gently apply the powder with a buffing motion creating an "E" shape.

Blend! Blend! Blend!

The same powder can also be used to contour your nose IF the shade isn't too much for your skin tone.  I picked my Sigma Precision Angled P84 to contour the sides of my nose. 

Now, using the fluffier side of the Charm Angled Kabuki Buffer Brush (which has the longest hair), I pick some of the Shimmer Powder.

Apply it on the apples of my cheeks or on the highest point of my cheeks with a dabbing motion.

Voila!  My face is contoured at the same time, I have a beautiful warm blush that makes my skin healthy and glowing!

Overall effect of Yves Rocher Bronzer and Shimmer Powder Duo 

applied with the light hands!

Would you give Yves Rocher Bronzer and Shimmer Powder Duo a try?
How would you use it?

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AMW Reviews: Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin

My love for Urban Decay Primer Potion has always been there since I first tested it out 4 years ago.  It was love at first try!  Up until this very moment, I have tubes of UDPP inside my makeup train case as it has been tested by yours truly on her oily-lidded friends and it's the perfect eyeshadow primer for our weather!

I'm so happy Urban Decay came up with different shades of Primer Potion just for variety, and I got my hands on Urban Decay Sin! 

The shade Sin looks almost the same as the packaging

Urban Decay says ---

The most legendary primer in the beauty industry. Eyeshadow Primer Potion is coveted by makeup artists and makeup junkies alike because it guarantees more vibrant eyeshadow that lasts for 24+ hours and Never Creases!

Once you experience its powers (plus how smoothly it glides on – an added bonus) you'll never want to live without it. Original formula dries down invisibly

Now this extraordinary elixir comes in an easy-to-squeeze tube so you can control how much you apply. You also get more primer in every tube - 11 ml instead of the original 10!

Ingredients

AMW says ---
Pros

• Better tube packaging!!!  No more product wastage as the old packaging!
• Has a nice hint of glitter that can be used on its own.
• No creasing.
• No smudging of eyeshadow.
• Eyeshadow is more vibrant.
• Eyeshadow lasts the whole day!  Until removal!
• Lightweight. 
• No eye irritations.

Cons

• If you're not a fan of shimmers, Sin is not for you.  Pick the original!

Overall

Sin has a hint of shimmer if used alone or underneath an eyeshadow.  Crease-free, budge-proof and eyeshadow stays longer!

Tips

• Control the intensity of SIN by using less amount for translucent look or use more for a frosted base.
• Best to use clean fingers in application.
• Apply a bit of Sin at the inner corner of your eyes for a nice effect.
• Apply Urban Decay Primer Potion close to lash line as it'll also help your eyeliner stay longer.
• The original UDPP works well even on the lower lash line.  For Sin, I choose to stay away from the waterline to prevent eye irritations due to its existence of sparkles.

Will I repurchase?
Not Sin but other shades for sure!  Especially the original formulation as I use it on clients.

To whom do I recommend this to?

If you are a fan of eyeshadow application and is adventurous with different shades, go and purchase Sin!

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at Stuff in Style online site for Php1,150.00 (approx $27.38).

Photos

New packaging.  Better than the genie-type bottle!

A tiny amount goes a long way!

Once blended, Sin is a beautiful champagne salmon color that can be "almost invisible" or frosted depending on the amount of product used.

Applied UDPP Sin on my bare lid

Once blended

It gives a hint of shimmer that looks natural.

Do you own the original Urban Decay Primer Potion?
Would you give Sin a try?

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

AMW Makeovers: Lancel Models for F/W 2012 Collection

After experiencing morning sickness that lasts the whole day, I've got several makeup bookings that I'm super nervous for!  Why?  Well, aside from the usual jitters of wanting to do a great job, I am so afraid to barf in front of my clients!  *laughs*  Can you just imagine how gross could that get?  

Last week, I was tasked to do makeup for Lancel event held at Shangri-La Mall for their F/W 2012 collection.  The event itself was held at the gorgeous Lancel boutique.

I went inside to check out bags and wallets from the premier French luxury bag brand.

What I have noticed are the gorgeous F/W 2012 bag collections that suits the taste of  younger generation!  Finally, leather goods that I can totally imagine myself carry!  

Check out the 2 gorgeous models who strutted back and forth holding different bags from F/W collection.  I mentally took down notes on my favorites.  Someday.....

Models were wearing simple black dress with simple makeup and hairstyle as the main focus of the night were..of course!  The Lancel Bags!

Let's get on to the makeover!  Just so you know, I survived doing makeup without the nausea!  The fun of doing makeup can really make me forget about these crazy morning sickness!

Model: Natalia (From London)

Skin: Normal 

At first glance, I immediately thought about my lightest colored foundations but once I took a closer look at model Natalia, I immediately complimented her for her gorgeous tanned skin!  

I wanted a makeup look that would give strong focus to her lovely eyes.  Her skin is super gorgeous to start with so a little coverage is enough.  After foundation application, I concealed a bit of her undereye darkness and proceeded by filling her brows to match the color of her hair.  I picked pink and purple eyeshadow blended with a matte brown eyeshadow to create more depth.  False lashes of course was used.

I kept Natalia's cheeks and lips very natural so I picked a rose pink colored blush with a similar shade of lipstick topped with clear gloss.

Model: Petra (from Czech Republic)

Skin: Combination (oily on t-zone, normal on the rest of her face)

Petra has fair skin and because of that, the redness around her skin can easily be seen!  Prior to foundation application, I used a green corrector around the center of her face to counteract redness.  Using a cream foundation from Graftobian, I applied it all over her face while adding up a shade darker foundation on areas that I want to contour. 

Petra has very thin, and light-colored brows so I took time creating fuller brows for her.  I made sure to look in front of the mirror and step back just to check both brows making sure the color isn't too much against her fair skin!

As soon as I'm done with the brows, I went straight to her eye makeup and immediately thought of a very natural, day time smoky eye makeup using silver, brown and black eyeshadow shades.  As you take a closer look on the before and after photo, I also changed the shape of Petra's eyes by extending the eyeshadow a bit beyond her lids for that very natural "almost cat-eye" makeup.  This method extended the shape of her eyes thus making it larger to look at.

Petra would look so good on bright red lipstick but same as Natalia, I opted for very natural blush and lipstick shade as I have to keep in mind that the main focus of the event are the bags, not the models! :)

 The models with their makeup artist and hairstylist Kim.  Check out the height difference!  *laughs*

 

Do you like both models' makeup?
Would you wear the same makeup on yourself?

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I want to thank Claire (and the agency she works for) and people from Lancel for the trust!

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AMW Reviews: Palgantong Sky Long Mascara

I received the Palgantong Sky Long Mascara from my dear friend Sophie.  It was one of those mascaras that got me intrigued and I immediately tested it out! 

It has been more than a month of usage and I just realized, I used this a lot on a daily basis that I forgot to share my review on this! 

Palgantong says ---

Palgantong Sky Long Mascara allows you to have clear and bushy eyelashes with the help of its innovative formula. It leaves eyelashes very black with a slim, long and curly look, which have never been seen before, with the help of its patented formula. Its quick-dry formula prevents eye make-ups from getting damaged. As it is waterproof and oil-resistant, the eye make-up will last for one whole day. The product is easy to remove, causing less harm to the skin around eye area. 

AMW says ---
Pros

• Thin mascara wand making it easy to reach the roots of my lashes.
• Separates my lashes without clumping.
• Gives added length to my short lashes.
• Dries immediately after application.
• No fragrance.
• Doesn't irritate my eyes.
• Easy to remove with regular makeup remover.
• Retains the curl of my lashes for the whole day.
• Water-proof. 

Cons

• Not widely available.
• If you're looking for volume, this is not the mascara for you.  (Kindly read tip on how to deal with this.)

Overall
Lengthening mascara, doesn't clump your lashes and lasts the whole day without weighing down the curl!

Tips

• Apply from the roots of upper eyelashes to the tips with the side of mascara brush. 
• If you prefer to apply mascara on your lower lashes, turn the wand vertically and apply using the tip of mascara brush.
• To get the best of both worlds (volume + length), I prefer using a separate volumizing mascara and the Palgantong Sky Long Mascara together for a vavavoom effect.  (Ex. Maybelline The Falsies + Palgantong Sky Long Mascara = dream lashes)

Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Mascara wearers who are looking for the "length" without weighing down the curl.

Where to purchase and how much?
International readers can purchase from Sasa.com for $15.30.  Local readers can purchase at Beauty and Minerals website, check if she still have stocks.

Photos

Mascara wand of Palgantong Sky Long Mascara

It's long, not so thick so it's easy to use even on short, sparse lashes.

Palgantong is a brand Made in Korea

Widely available in both Korea and Japan!  I've seen a lot of customers purchase Palgantong cosmetics during my last Tokyo Trip.

Before and after photo of my lashes with 2 coats of 

Sky Long Mascara in Black 

(Note: For the sake of review, I did not curl my lashes in this photo)

 

The Sky Long Mascara does lengthen my lashes and darken it a bit but in a very natural way.

Side view

Have you tried any Palgantong products?
What's your favorite?  I believe the Palgantong Theatrical Powder has been a cult favorite!

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AMW Reviews: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Bone

Happy Start of the week AMW Friends!  

I had a very busy weekend but I managed to squeeze in "me" time by sleeping as much as I can as soon as I'm done with the gig!  

I love to use my Urban Decay Primer Potion on most of my clients, but on days I want their eyeshadow to pop even more, I also like the use a cream eyeshadow underneath!  What cream shadows have I used on both myself and on gigs? 

The new Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Bone - a nice shade to jump start your Cream Shadow collection!

The shade I will review today is Bone

Bobbi Brown says --- 

Velvety-smooth formula that goes on easily - and lasts all day without creasing or smearing.  Fragrance free.  Safe for contact lens wearers.  Ophthalmologist tested.

Size: 0.12oz/3.5g

AMW says ---
Pros

• Housed in a glass packaging prolonging the life of the cream shadow.
• Create a clean, matte base prior to eyeshadow application.
• No smudging nor smearing even without eye primer underneath (base on my own lids)
• Can be used alone and it helps brighten up the eye area.
• No eye irritations.
• Spreads easily without the need to pull my lids. 

Cons

• If you have very dry lids, the cream shadow may not spread well.  
• If you have dark skin, the color Bone may show up a bit too harsh on your lids.  I strongly suggest to purchase a warmer shade.

Overall
Bone is the best base for any eyeshadow application!  It makes your eyeshadow appears more vibrant, stays longer and crease-free!

Tips

• If you have long fingernails, use a spatula in picking up the product, warm the product by rubbing it with clean fingers and apply directly on lids or by using a brush.
• Apply on clean lids or on top of your choice of primer (if you have super oily lids) using your fingers or a synthetic eyeshadow brush.
• Always blend the cream shadow by using your clean fingers.
• Bone shade can also be applied on the brow bone area and inner corners for brighter-looking eyes.
• If you are off to do a daytime to nighttime makeup, instead of removing your daytime eyeshadow, apply Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow on top of your existing eyeshadow and it will magically blur out and remove the previous color!  Proceed with your night time eye makeup!  This works like magic and you don't need to redo your mascara or eyeliner!
• I like storing cream based eyeshadow upside down so the top portion won't get too dried out! (this works for gel liners too!)

Will I repurchase?

Yes!  In other shades!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Girls who love to create vibrant-looking eyes!

Where to purchase and how much?
At local Bobbi Brown counters for Php1,450.00 (approx $33.70).

Photos

Shade: Bone

A matte, very light beige color

 Picking up the shade using my fingers, it may look a bit dry at first, if that's the case, feel free to warm the product between your fingers prior to applying on lids.

Bone shade swatch.

Have you tried Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Cream Shadows?
Which shade have you got?  Do you like it?

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