Saturday, November 10, 2012

AMW Reads: Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Book

Good day AMW friends!
Looking back at my journey as a makeup artist, it was a fun memory I don't mind sharing the stories again and again!  

When I started to look into makeup artistry as a professional 'job', I've decided to read books (first book was from Kevyn Aucoin), went online and researched on various products and makeup tips on the web.  There's one makeup mantra that I always keep in mind: "Make a person look like the better version of themselves." 

I came from a very conservative family in terms of makeup.  I can still hear my brother's laughter when I got home from a makeover for my Junior Senior Prom.  "You look like a huge lips with a face!"  *laughs*  It wasn't funny then but now, it made me chuckle!   Looking back, I have to agree with my brother as my face was as white as snow and my lips was painted so red even my own mother can't recognize me! 

Each individual is beautiful no matter their age and color of the skin is.  I believe in God creating nothing but beauty in each individual so every time I look at a client, I look into their best features and decide to enhance it instead of covering them up with makeup. 

Here are some of the makeovers I've done during my early years in makeup artistry.

Focus: Eyes and cheeks


Focus: Her gorgeous big eyes and perfect brows

Focus: Her glowing skin and nose


And because of that, I strongly believe in Bobbi Brown's philosophy when it comes to makeup artistry --- Make up should make you look and feel Pretty Powerful!


Pretty Powerful is a New Kind of Makeup Manual ---                                                                          
"It starts with who you are rather than how you look.  Bobbi Brown helps you define your beauty type and shows how to accentuate your unique features and personality so that you'll feel and look your best."                                                                                                                                        


I finished reading the book in one sitting but it stayed beside me by my bed side as I love browsing through inspiring photos of before and after makeovers and read inspiring stories from these women!  The book is definitely packed with steps and guide on how to be Pretty Natural, Pretty Radiant, Pretty Strong, Pretty Classic, Pretty Authentic and Pretty Bold.

If you are into collecting makeup books, you can get your own copy for Php1,255.00 (approx $30.00) available at National Book Stores, Fully Booked and Powerbooks branches. 

Thank you Jill for sending me a copy!  You made a pregnant girl VERY happy! *winks*

Do you collect makeup books? 
If yes, tell me the book and I may look into them too! :)

Please LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook 
Follow AskMeWhats on Twitter 
Get "photo-updated" on Instagram (search "AskMeWhats")
 
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!





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

Friday, November 9, 2012

Something New: Human Nature Body Products

Hey Human Nature lovers!
Guess what?  The homegrown brand came out with a set of new products perfect for our body!  As they say, it is very important to look and feel good from head to toe! 


Human Nature Bamboo Body Scrub
in Vanilla Paradise
50g for Php129.75 (approx $3.00)
200g for Php349.75 (approx $8.30)


Human Nature Body Butter Cream
in Mango Passion
50g for Php109.75 (approx $2.50)
200g for Php274.75 (approx $6.55)
also available in Berry Bliss


Human Nature Hand & Foot Salve
in Eucalyptus
50g for Php129.75 (approx $3.00)
also available in Strawberry Scent

All 3 products mentioned above are 100% natural.  Visit www.humanheartnature.com for more information.  visit Human Nature branches nationwide and branches and in all Beauty Bar outlets in Metro Manila.  Call (632) 931-5787 for nearest Human Nature branch.

Have you tried any of the 3 star body products above?
Any experiences and information you may share to me and fellow AMW readers?


P.S. This is another great gift-giving idea this Christmas! :)

Follow AskMeWhats on Twitter 
Get "photo-updated" on Instagram (search "AskMeWhats")
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

The Newest Revlon ColorStay LongWear Nail Enamel Review





Happy Friday fellow nail polish addicts!
Look who's back!  Well not exactly!  I haven't been using much nail polish for the past 4 months not because of the ingredients but I can't handle the scent!  Thank goodness my pregnancy hormones have settled down a bit so I'm okay swatching!

My sister test drove the newest Revlon ColorStay LongWear Nail Enamel and I used the same ColorStay line for my mom's toenails (I used face mask by the way and felt so professional!  *laughs*).  After a month of testing, I'm ready to give my thoughts on these!


Thursday, November 8, 2012

AMW Reviews: L'Oreal White Perfect Micro-Vibration 3-in-1 Eye Brightener

Happy Thursday AMW Friends!  Today, I will be reviewing another eye cream!  YES!  I believe a lot of you are suffering from undereye darkness and puffiness and that explains why I get tons of emails asking me for a good eye product!

Here's the deal about skincare products especially eye creams.  You have to keep in mind that we are all different in many ways and certain products could be holy grail material for me but a "Match Made from Hell" for you!  Please keep in mind to always be in-the-know of the ingredients you're allergic to (if there's any) and get to know what your major eye issues are.

As for me, it's puffiness and darkness under the eyes!

I have tried L'Oreal Dermo Expertise White Expert Micro-Vibration a couple of months ago and since I've been testing out different eye creams, I've used almost half of the tube and give the rest to my sister for testing!  My sister, by the way, is an expert eye cream users, she can immediately tell if an eye cream works for her or not as she gets allergic reactions to those that doesn't match her!  

Are you as excited to read the results? 


L'Oreal says ---
Around your eyes, the skin is so fine it shows any  unevenness:  the slowdown in blood circulating under your eyes can turn into dark shadowy circles and excessive melanin production can saturate cells with dark pigments which leads to spots.  Furthermore, water easily accumulates causing puffiness.  Eye contour looks dull and uneven.


AMW says ---
Pros
  • Unique product making it more fun to apply eye cream day and night.
  • Texture of the eye care is light and gets easily absorbed into the eye area.
  • No fragrance.
  • Moisturizes the eye area.
  • After 2 months of usage, I can see puffiness under the eyes have lessened.
  • The look of fine lines aren't as distinct due to its moisturizing properties.
  • The micro-vibration factor makes eye cream application more relaxing than ever.
Cons
  • Dark circles didn't completely disappear or I didn't see any difference in terms of undereye darkness.
  • Cannot be used by people with sensitive eyes, sinus infections and migraines.  
  • Battery operated, if you are one of those unlucky ones, you need to change batteries even before using up the product.
  • I know some people could get allergies with the ingredients. I know some who are sensitive to whitening products. (So please read ingredients list carefully!)
Overall
Nice texture, moisturizing, may lighten other people's undereye darkness for longer usage.

Tips
  • Always keep in mind to turn the switch off after every use to save battery.
  • Do not use this near water.
  • People who have undergone surgery shouldn't be using such product.  
  • Do a patch test prior to applying the product on the eye area if you have sensitivity to certain ingredients.
  • If signs of irritations occur, stop usage immediately.
  • Wipe the "metal tip" with cotton and alcohol every now and then.
  • Press the 'massager' gently onto the pressure points and do not overuse.
  • You can use the massager with other eye creams.
Will I repurchase?
Personally speaking, I have eye creams that works well for me so I can give this a skip.  Will I recommend this?  Yes!  My sister actually repurchased this after trying this.
 
To whom do I recommend this to?
Start-up eye cream users who want to apply eye creams consistently on a nightly basis.  Having a tool that's "hi-tech" and unique will make eye cream application more fun!

This product will also work for people who have random days of puffy eyes and darkness.  If you were born with dark and puffy eyes, this product may not work for you!

Where to purchase and how much?
Available locally in leading stores nationwide for Php695.00 (approx $l6.00)

Photos

Keep the box and instruction manual inside
 just in case you need help on how to change batteries.  
The box has printed manufactured date.

 Clear instructions on how to use the product.
 

Sealed with sticker for freshness.

Numbers 1 and 2 clearly visible.

#1 Intense brightening and anti-dark circle eye care 
Said to be enriched with brightening complex to help reduce the darkening around the eye area.  


#2 Anti-puffiness micro-vibration tool
130 micro-vibrations per second is said to reduce the excess liquid under the eyes 
thus helps lessen eye puffiness.

#1 Eye Cream application
I like to apply 3 dots of the eye care around the 3 major points under the eyes.  
I gently spread the product with my clean fingers evenly.

#2 Micro-Vibration Tool
As soon as the tool has been switched on, I hold the massager like a pen and applied gentle pressure on each pressure points starting at the center (as shown on diagram).
 

  I spend around 2-3 seconds on each pressure points.  A total of around 10 seconds on each eye.  Please keep in mind that this could be addicting but try not to exceed the preferred time frame.

Have you seen this unique product at L'Oreal counters in your country?
Would you use a massager around the eye area?

I am usually wary of using any vibrating tool around the eye area as I know how sensitive this area could get.  As for the L'Oreal Micro-Vibration, I don't mind using it as I can easily control the pressure and time frame and so far, I like using it even with my own eye cream!  As for my sister, she texted me and told me she likes this and have repurchased! 

Please LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook 
Follow AskMeWhats on Twitter 
Get "photo-updated" on Instagram (search "AskMeWhats")

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Wednesday, November 7, 2012

AMW Reviews: Benefit Coralista Blush

Benefit blushes has been known to be a hit rather than a miss to most beauty bloggers worldwide!  I have always been lemming for Benefit's Box O' Powders but I waited until I visit a country that sells Benefit to get myself one!  

Lucky me, the brand arrived our shores and I can easily try these on prior to purchasing!  One of my favorite Benefit Blush is Hervana and I always pair this blush with a pink toned lipstick!  On days I want to look warm and healthy, my to-go-to blush is the Benefit Coralista as my Nars Orgasm blush is in my train case for good!


Cute Coralista Packaging with Blush Brush