Thursday, November 1, 2012

AMW Reviews: Benefit Speed Brow

Most of the Benefit products I've tried are quite impressive and I don't mind spending a bit more for good, quality products housed in a super cute packaging!  

Today, I will be sharing a brow product review!  Something that's straightforward, a product that can fix and tame the brows without changing the shade!  I remembered using those clear brow gels in the past that tends to stiffen my brows!  

The Benefit Speed Brow is the brow gel I've been using for most of my clients who don't need to change their brow shade!

Benefit says ---
Tint, tame and set brows in record time! This brush-on gel dries to a natural-looking finish for instantly beautiful brows. One natural shade dresses up all brows.

Size: 3.0g Net wt. 0.10oz.
Ingredients:
 


AMW says ---
Pros
  • Easy to use brush.
  • Tames the brows without making it stiff.
  • Brows stay put the whole day.
  • Can be used on both men and women.
  • Gives a nice dark brow tint which works for most Asians.
  • Dries immediately upon application.  
  • Does not weigh down my brow hairs.
Cons
  • Only 1 shade available.  If you're looking to lighten your brows, this won't be the product for you.
  • Price as compared to the amount of product you get.
Overall
Gives your brows a nice shine and make them stay in place for the whole day!

Tips

from Benefit
  • Brush onto eyebrows in light, upward strokes. 
  • With the tip of the wand, trace along brow contour to create a smooth line.
from AMW
  • Feel free the use the wand that comes with the packaging if you intend this for personal use.
  • If you prefer to use this professionally, use a disposable spoolie on each client.  Do not double-dip.
  • Just like the way you wiggle your mascara to get into all lashes, do the same for your brow hairs.  
  • Benefit Speed Brow can be used before or after brow pencils or brow powders.
  • If you love your brows but find none of the brow products can tame them, invest on this!  It's worth it!
Will I repurchase?Yes.  I use this on both my male and female clients.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Boys and girls who have full-looking brows and need to tame them without changing much of your brow shade.

Where to purchase and how much?
At local Benefit boutique for Php1,000.00 (approx $24.00) LIKE Benefit Cosmetics Philippines on Facebook to get updated on Sales and events.  At Benefit international website for $16.00 (without tax).

Photos

Benefit has always impressed me with their packaging!  
I love reading their product packaging!
 

Short wand making it easy to work around.

I always start by wiggling the wand on my lashes then gently swipe the brows from inner to outer corner.

Voila!  My brows look clean, tamed and very natural!
Check out the super light brow tint the Benefit Speed Brow gives.

Do you prefer tinted or non-tinted brow gels?
With the way Benefit Speed Brow performs, do you think its worth the purchase or would you go for other inexpensive brands?


As for me, I need tint and color for my brows so I can easily give this a skip.  As a professional makeup artist, I find this my perfect companion in styling and fixing my clients' brows!  I love the fact that I can use this product even on my male clients and they don't feel uncomfortable about it due to its simple, no-frills packaging!

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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

How to: Speedy Office Makeup




A 30-year old mom and a newbie when it comes to makeup emailed me last month to ask for advice on how to create speedy makeup that doesn't require a lot of time and money! 

Thanks AMW reader "M" for entrusting me your makeup queries.  I have finally gotten the chance to create this post hoping I'm not too late!

Some important notes she mentioned ---
  • She currently uses powder foundation and lip balm.
  • Suffers from severe chapped lips so she's not into lipsticks.  
  • Needs to be in the office as early as 8:00am and needs to be on field and out under the sun.
  • Skin type: Oily.  Skin concern: Dark under eye circles.
  • Requested for simple yet polished look as she gets overwhelmed with all the makeup products she sees on my blog!
Spots, Under eye circles, Blemishes, Acne Marks, etc..
To look presentable, no matter how in a hurry you are, invest on a good concealer!  If your biggest problem is the darkness around the eyes, invest in a salmon colored concealer.  If red acne marks are the villains in your life, go for a green corrector.  It is very important to take a look at your major issues and let's start from there.

Whenever in a hurry, I can skip liquid/cream foundation and just apply concealer quickly on my problem areas.  In my case, it's the dark circles around the eyes and some red spots on the sides of my nose.  If you're on a tight budget, you can pick your current foundation and apply it only on problem areas and leave the rest of your "good skin" to breathe.

Note: Read SAVE vs. SPEND Concealers HERE
You can also check out tips on how to spot conceal HERE

In this photo: AMW used Revlon PhotoReady Concealer in Light Medium
 


After concealing, I've decided to give powder a skip and proceed in doing my eye makeup.  I tend to have some "fall outs" that may need some cleaning up at the latter part of my makeup application. 

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

AMW Bulletin: Watsons Php50 On Us Promo

Back in college, one of my favorite place to visit is Watsons.  During those days, Watsons isn't as huge-looking as today!  With minimal choices, I still find myself engrossed inside the store as my then boyfriend Mr. AMW would follow me as I check one aisle to another!  

During my Hong Kong trip, I was in awe when I visited one of the biggest Watsons store I've seen in my entire life located at Causeway Bay!  3-storey building with various products from beauty, skincare, food, medicines and a whole lot more!  I think I was there until the store closes!  *laughs*

The items that stirred my interest are the various products with Watsons label, I bought my first Watsons labeled product called Watsons Facial Spray with Anti-Oxidant and I stocked up on more Watsons labeled items during my trips abroad!

Then, I saw the Switch & Save campaign via my Facebook friend Patty Laurel, I am so happy we, local readers get the chance to Switch & Save with more Watsons labeled products!  Last time I checked, there are more choices available and I don't need to fill up my suitcase when I travel abroad!

Various hair products
Shampoos, Conditioners and Hair treatments




Toiletries, Blow-dryer, Mouthwash and Hand Soap

And, to put switching and saving to its extreme level, Watsons Label has gone even wilder with its Php50.00 On Us Sale! 

Just pick up one coupon from any Watsons Store and give to the cashier to get Php50.00 off on your purchase of Watsons Label Products worth Php300.00 or more!

Now, I can't wait to stock up on more Watsons Hair Treatment products in Lavender!  My inexpensive way to do at-home Hot Oil hair treatment!

Which Watsons Label product is your favorite?

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Stay informed





(Author is not affiliated with the company.  This serves as information only.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Gives: NEW Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm for Breast Cancer Awareness (Contest Closed!!!)

Congratulations to ---
Ms. Elinor Semira

I will email you shortly for your  mailing information.  Kindly respond within 48 hours upon receipt of mail or a new winner will be picked.  Thank you everyone for joining!  *hugs*


The month of October may soon be over but I've decided to put this contest up on the latter part of October as for me, Breast Cancer Awareness shouldn't only be for the month of October, the awareness should be all year round and AMW supports the said campaign!


In line with the campaign, the NEW Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balms are also launched this month! 

"Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm's highly moisturizing formula uses a special blend of decadent butters, oils and antioxidants to help protect and pamper lips with immediate and lasting moisturization.  Infused with Shea Butter, Mango Seed Butter and Jojoba Seed Oil, Chubby Stick delivers a surge of moisture in a sleep stick leaving lips soft, supple and soothed."                                                                       
My first Chubby Stick is in the shade Super Strawberry in which I have it in my bag for weeks as this is one of the few moisturizing balm that is 100% fragrance free, allergy tested and dermatologist tested.  You can smile and click HERE to check out my review.


And since most of you are on a budget for Christmas shopping and no room to spend some money for yourself, today is your lucky day!  ONE lucky AMW reader may get to win this ---
 
Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Plumped Up Pink and a special pouch made specially for the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign!  I have to thank our dear friend from Clinique Philippines Ms. Mirabelle Villanueva for sending me this!


How to join:
  • Comment ONCE in this post together with your name and email address.
  • Tell me: "Which particular Clinique product is your ultimate favorite and why?"
  • Contest starts today ends November 15, 2012.  Contest is open to Philippine readers only.
  • 1 Winner will be picked via Fruit Machine.  Winner will be notified via email and must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be picked.
  • LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook.  
If you can't wait for this contest and want to have your own Chubby Stick, all 16 mouthwatering shades (Heaping Hazelnut, Bountiful Blush, Two Ton Tomato, Oversized Orange, Mighty Mimosa, Curvy Candy, Pudgy Peony, Voluptuous Violet, Fuller Fudge, Richer Raisin, Graped Up, Chunky Cherry, Woppin' Watermelon, A Whole Lotta Honey, Mega Melon and Super Strawberry) are all available at Rustan's Makati, Rustan's Tower Shangri-La, Rustan's Alabang Town Center, Rustan's Essenses Gateway Mall, Rustan's Ayala Center Cebu, Clinique Trinoma, Essenses Rockwell, Clinique Mall of Asia for Php920.00 (approx $22.00).

Thank you Clinique Philippines!
Goodluck and may the luck be with you! 


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Monday, October 29, 2012

Something New: pureDKNY Vanilla

For someone who loves fragrances and can't live without a spritz or 2 in a day, I got the shock of my life when I got pregnant and none of the scents I own passed my super sensitive nose!  Yes, I've been going out without spritzing my usual scents for the past 3 months and friends who knew me personally would say --- "It's a SHOCKER!"

Along comes 15th week of pregnancy, my sense of smell has finally calmed down and I'm starting to appreciate fragrances again!  What's the perfect fragrance to give my nose a head start?

Something crisp, gentle and pure....


"Look good. Feel good. Do good. This pure new scent adds a drop of vanilla to a world that needs a moment of calm. More than a fragrance, it embraces a way of being that takes time out for the simple things, the things closest to the heart: love, joy, comfort, relationships, and community. The fragrance's top notes soar of the pure scent of vanilla. Accords of dewdrop petal, lotus flower, and Bulgarian rose harmonize with a floral heart of jasmine, freesia and lush orchid. It finishes in a cradle of warmth: white amber, creamy sandalwood."                                                                                                                         
What I love about this fragrance is the fact that pureDKNY supports an international development organization called CARE.  This is a microfinance project that will reach 900 Ugandan vanilla farmers!

**You can do your part by purchasing a bottle.  Pure DKNY is available in Rustans Department Stores for Php4,900 for 100ml and Php3,500 for 50ml.  

Do you own any DKNY scents? I've always been a DKNY apple shaped bottle collector and this simple, water-drop bottle is a nice change!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!