Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Readers' Corner: My Must-Try Liquid Eyeliners

Great Wednesday AMW friends!
One of the most asked question on my "Ask Me" page is the topic of liquid liner!  A lot of you love the effect of liquid liner but felt the need to know which liquid liner is good plus works on our humid weather!

In today's readers' corner, I have picked my top 4 liners that I use (to date).  I alternate these liners depending on my mood and so far, these liners have done a great job and because of that, they deserve a huge applause because I finished them all up! 


Left to right: (please click product name for past reviews)

  • Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner - I highly recommend this eyeliner to first time liquid-liner users.  Why?  Because of its stiff brush that makes it easier to control.  The effect will always be thicker than soft bristled eyeliner brush and light hand application will always be highly recommended!
  • K-Palette 24H Real Lasting Eyeliner Waterproof - A great liner for someone who can't seem to control the amount of product you want to dispense.  The K-Palette 24H Real Lasting Eyeliner Waterproof dispenses perfect amount of liner every time.  The brush is perfectly shaped making it easy to create the liner shape you want whether thick or thin.
  • Maybelline HyperSharp Liner - Another wonderful liquid liner that dispenses product by itself.  The brush is very thin and precise so I prefer to pick this up if I want a very thin liner that goes very close to my lash line.  Also tested its waterproof, smudge-proof ability and it passed!  Great job for a drugstore brand!
  • Majolica Majorca Perfect Automatic Liner - This was actually one of the first "click type" liquid liner that I got and it takes some practice to finally get the hang of it!  What I love about this brand is the availability of different shades and it has a black colored base making the colors look not-black yet black (confusing) at the same time!  This product is also tested to stay on your lids the whole day unless you rub your eyes.  It may disappear but never smudge!
So far, that's my simplest list as of the moment as I base it on products that I personally use!  These liners are also recommended even as professional makeup artist but I prefer to use liquid liners for myself for hygiene reasons.

Can you add more of the "Must-Try Liquid Eyeliners" list?
Tell us the brand (and price if possible) and your experience using it!

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

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Narcissist Review






Since we're on the topic of Estee Lauder today.  Let me share to you my most recent nail polish that I'm not afraid to try (had them on my toenails at the moment) as the polish is 4-Free (including formaldehyde resin).
 

Estee Lauder says ---
Turn your fingertips into fashion statements with a wardrobe of sensational shades to add definition, polish, and style to your fingertips.

Designed by Tom Pecheux, world-renowned makeup artist and Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director.

Tom combined today's top trends with timeless classics-all the colors he prefers for photo shoots and fashion shows.

Formulated with True Vision™ technology to transform ordinary color and make it extraordinary.  Rich, glossy with an intense, mirror-like high shine.

AMW says ---
Pros
  • Gorgeous square bottle that sits perfectly on my nail polish collection case.
  • Wonderful shades available.
  • Comes in different shades for the collection (Beyond Black and Metal Mania, Red Hautes and Heavy Petals collection).
  • The cap is long enough to handle polish application and of course, nail art.
  • Brush is flat and wide and the bristles are easy to use.  No streaks on EVERY application.
  • Dries up in a good amount of time.
  • High gloss and shine, I can skip top coat application (since I'm unsure how safe my top coat is).
  • Wore this shade for a week and wore closed shoes most of the time and so far it didn't chip.
Cons
  • Price.
  • A bit difficult to roll the polish bottle between your hands due to its bottle shape. 
  • Collection available at limited time.
Overall
Great viscosity, pigmentation is very good and can be applied even 1 coat.  Has a good amount of shine even without top coat and best of all?  It's 4-Free!  (Most polishes safe for pregnant women are free from Big-3)

Tips
  • Store in cool, dry place.
  • Never shake polish bottle rigorously, try to roll them on your palms instead.
  • Never apply polish in front of a fan.
  • Do not apply nail polish in an enclosed room.  Use face mask if necessary.
  • For polish to last longer, always use a good base and top coat.
Will I repurchase?
Yes!
I know this is a bit pricey as compared to other polish brands but for someone who's into polish and is pregnant, I don't mind spending a couple more just to feel pretty.  I researched about the polish ingredients online and checked with my OB and got a go signal!


To whom do I recommend this to?
Nail polish lovers!

Where to purchase and how much?
At local Estee Lauder counters for Php900.00 (approx $21.40).

Photos

Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer
in Narcissist

Flat brush makes it very easy to apply polish even on first time users!

Swatch
top: 2 coats
bottom: 1 coat
both looks the same as pigmentation is really good!
Like Estee Lauder - Philippines on Facebook for more updates.
Call Estee Lauder counters to check availability of the Estee Lauder New PureColor Nail Lacquer Collection.


Do you like the color Narcissist?
Though I own a lot of pink polishes! I love how dainty this color look!  Reminds me of cotton candy!


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
 

Monday, December 3, 2012

Unboxing my November Glamourbox

Happy Monday everyone!  How was the long weekend for our Philippine based readers?  I had a lovely weekend spending time with my family and of course, I was back to doing makeup for the busy December month and I am so happy to get to prettify clients once again!  

If you are a beauty blog reader, you have definitely came across fellow beauty bloggers unboxing their November Glamourbox, well, as for me, I was a bit late but I'm still happy I get the chance to take a peek at the first box as I'm sure a lot of you are probably on "decision-making" stage on which beauty box subscription to purchase!  Isn't it nice to take a peek at other people's box and from there it is definitely easier to make a decision!

Glamourbox promised to bring beauty innovations from all over the map.  Once you subscribe, you will receive a gorgeous (reusable) box with five deluxe beauty samples from premium, boutique and niche brands delivered to your doorstep!  (Mine was delivered via Xend Express and I don't have any issues with this courier service.)

Okay, before all the babbling, let me share to you my Glamourbox November box!  Most of you probably knew the contents by heart but I'm glad there was a tiny bit of change in one of the product and it was a star product for me inside the box!


Housed in a gorgeous, very sturdy, white box that I plant o reuse to put my makeup or accessories inside my drawer.


TADA!
At first glance I was overwhelmed with brands that I wasn't familiar with
 (considering I'm a beauty blogger and I do online research on beauty products --- a lot!) 

 What's inside the box?

  • Eye of Horus Mascara (Php1,290.00 Full size)
  • Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist 24 Night Cream (sample size)
  • Yves Rocher Slimming Action Concentrate (sample size)
  • Ofra Cosmetics Lipstick Palette (Php1,050 Full size)
  • Bvlgari Omnia Amethyste (sample size)
  • Calvin Klein Eternity Aqua (sample size)
  • Bvlgari Man (sample size)
  • Burberry Sport (sample size)
  • Bonus: 1 x Php200.00 off gift cert for Yves Rocher for every Php1,000 minimum purchase.
 Ofra Cosmetics Lipstick Palette (Full size)
 This brand is new to me.  Made in the USA with an array of clear, light pink, dark pink, burgundy, orange tone, light brown and dark brown shades to match any outfit or in my case, I prefer lip palettes with a lip brush for clients!


 Eye of Horus Mascara (full size)
This mascara is made in Taiwan and prides how they are naturally formulated int he style of the ancient Egyptians with plant based ingredients.
  
Yves Rocher Slimming Action Concentrate (sample size)
 Will not be able to use this for now but I'm sure my sister would love to use this anti-cellulite slimming solution with the power of green coffee to smooth and tone her skin!  I hope she likes it!

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Night Cream (Sample Size)
This is my ultimate favorite product in this box as I have tried Shiseido skincare products when I was working in Shenzhen years ago and because I'm on a tight budget so I had to purchase sample size of these in Bonjour and Sasa shops in Hong Kong!  This sample size costs around Php200-300 depends on conversion rate so the box is definitely worth it!


If you think what I got is worth it and you would like to subscribe to your own Glamourbox for the month of December, follow the simple steps below.


Visit www.glamourbox.com.ph to register, join their community on Facebook and Twitter (GlamourboxPH).

How do you like the contents of my November Glamourbox?
Have you subscribed with any beauty boxes that are locally available? 


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.)

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Weekend Food Tripping at: Kokoro Ramenya

It was a lovely Sunday night last week when hubby and I have decided to shop at S&R for "stocks", meaning, whatever I may crave for!  *laughs* We've decided to head out for dinner at Kokoro Ramenya which has earned raves from food bloggers for a nice date away from home!

I was super excited to get my own taste of warm noodle soup that could make or break a good dinner.

 
Gyoza
Php155.00 (approx $3.60)
Everyone who has tried dining at Kokoro Ramenya has been raving about their Gyoza.  Personally speaking, I'm not a Gyoza lover but I ended up eating a piece and nodding myself out of satisfaction!  We even went and order another set for take away!  

The "dumpling" skin was crunchy at the bottom yet the pork inside is tender and super flavorful!  I love how a tiny amount of sauce would ooze out on every bite!  Definitely a must-try!



Beef Shoyu Ramen
Php285.00 (approx $6.75)
Beef brisket in Shoyu noodle soup
 Since I got pregnant, I have been choosing beef over chicken and pork (which is very unusual).  The first thing I asked the server was the amount of "fat" or "tendon" in their beef brisket and I was told not to worry as it is quite meaty!  

Once the Beef Shoyu Ramen was served, I knew I made the right decision as the soup itself seems very flavorful and rich!  And it was as good as it looks!

The noodles were cooked just right and the crunchiness of vegetables that goes with the good amount of flavorful beef brisket made my tummy very happy!  I had to ask for more soup as I really love the flavors!


Hakata Classic
Php325.00 (approx $7.74)
Rich and creamy Tonkotsu noodle soup boiled for 18 hours
topped with Kikurage, Chasu and Soft-boiled egg

Hakata Classic is one of the most recommended noodle soup and Mr. AMW decided to go for it.  The broth was obviously boiled for a long period of time as it traps a good amount of pork flavor.


Mr. AMW thinks the noodles could be improved as it doesn't go as well as the noodles on my beef brisket.  Maybe, for the future, a choice of different types of noodles for customers to try?  

The soft-boiled egg was done perfectly it puts Mr. AMW to temporary "euphoria". 


Overall, the experience was wonderful!  Servers were very attentive and nice.  The place looks very comfortable and clean! You can either enjoy the view of Roxas Boulevard or enjoy the view of their very clean kitchen!  Since it was late at night, we've decided to face the kitchen and I'm happy with how hygienic everything was handled! 


The price of Kokoro Ramenya is average, not too cheap yet not too expensive for the amount of food you get.  I will want to go back for the Beef Brisket noodles and the Gyoza.


Kokoro Ramenya
2nd Level, Avenue Of The Arts
1388 Roxas Blvd. corner Sta. Monica St., 
Ermita, Manila
Tel. nos.: (632) 254-9716, (632) 254-9438
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00am to 11:00pm

Have you tried Kokoro Ramenya?
Do you enjoy Japanese ramen?

After dining at Kokoro Ramenya, I really missed our Tokyo trip and the free ramen we get every night from the hotel!

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

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Saturday, December 1, 2012

AMW and Vibelle Gives: Caronia and Jergens --- CLOSED!!!

Congratulations to ---

Jenny Ruth Austria

I will email you and will await for your response within 48 hours or a new winner will be picked! 

Happy long weekend to Philippine readers!  To celebrate Bonifacio Day (which is totally unrelated with the prizes to be honest!)  *laughs*  I want to create better vibes by doing a quick contest care of our lovely friends from Vibelle (local distributor for Caronia and Jergens).

What's in store for the winner?

Caronia's New Collection: Miss Mystic
This is the new holiday collection released by Caronia.  The new collection features 3 mystifying shades that works well with any outfit and of course, perfect for the coming holidays!  It's not the usual bright red and bright green combination, these polish shades are perfect for girls who plans to hop from one party to another and yet looks fashionably gorgeous!

Shades:

  • Rouge - your basic red in a not-so-usual elegant shade.
  • Taupe - a great nude shade to complement this season's hottest colors and trends.
  • Moss - a deep green shade with a hint of frost.


Jergens Collection of Moisturizers
It's never too late to start moisturizing your skin anywhere and anytime with the new 100ml tubes Jergens imported from Australia.  

Variants:
  • Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer: penetrates through 5 layers of your skin's surface to start healing at the source.
  • Soothing Aloe Relief Skin Cooling Moisturizer: instantly revives and refreshes skin after prolonged sun exposure.
  • Age Defying Multi-Vitamin Moisturizer: rejunenates skin and minimize the effects of skin aging.


Mechanics:

  • LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook.
  • Comment in this blog post together with your name and email address and answer this question: "How old were you when you learned about Jergens and Caronia?" (As for me, it was around 15 years old!)
  • ONE Comment per person only.
  • Contest is open for Philippine Residents.  Contest starts today ends December 9, 2012.
  • 1 winner will receive both Caronia (including the super cute red pouch!) and Jergens gift pack.  Winner will be picked via Fruit Machine and name will be announced in this post and email notification will be sent.  Winner must answer the email within 48 hours or a new winner will be picked.
The Miss Mystic Collection is available in all leading supermarkets, department stores and drugstores nationwide.  For more nail styling tips, like Caronia on Facebook and check out www.caronia.com.ph.
Jergens moisturizers are available in selected health and beauty store, department stores and supermarkets nationwide.

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

Goodluck!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!





(Products received for PR.)