My Favorite Face Brushes

 

I have been reviewing a lot of brushes for the past years.  From high end brands to the most inexpensive ones, it is funny how I never shared my top picks!  I mean not everyone can invest on a set of brushes so today, I am sharing my top 4+1 brushes that I can't live without.

1. Foundation Brush

I never use this type of brush to "blend" my base, instead, I use this to apply the right amount of product seamlessly to my skin.  This is a nice brush to also apply concealer.  The flat side of the brush gives ample "coverage" so I don't need to use a lot of product because the brush does not absorb as much product as sponges.

Foundation brush brand: Estee Lauder

2. Oval Brush

The Oval Brush came out in the latter part of the Beauty Game.  Though I do not talk much about these type of brushes, I pick them up a lot. (if you zoom closer, you can see how worn out the this brush is!) 

How do I use this brush?  I apply a good amount of concealer (usually in Doe Foot applicator) and use this brush to blend the concealer on the undereye area and it gives off a perfect coverage.  With the extra product on brush, I sweep it on the sides of my nose, chin and other areas of my face and it immediately covers spots and redness!  I can do my makeup half the time because of this brush, 

Oval Brush Brand: Etude House

Instant Glass Skin Using Western and Asian Skincare

 

So I have been wondering which particular type of products would yield Glass Skin instantly.  You know how you wanted your makeup to look like that of a Korean-Drama superstar?

I tried using 2 types of products - Asian and Western on half of my face to see if I can achieve same results.  As I wanted to prove to you (and me) that you don't need to use all Korean skincare products just to look like a Korean Actress, we may actually use the skincare products we are currently using, or purchase products that are within our budget to create the same results.

Please note that the products I used are products I currently own, you don't have to use the exact same products I mentioned on video, feel free to use what you have and see if we can achieve similar results!

What do you think about my skin?  Is it obvious that I did the half face skincare test? 

Products used ---

Western

• Pixi Beauty Vitamin C Toner
• Estee Lauder Advanced Night Recovery (ANR) Serum
• Elizabeth Arden 8-hour oil
• Avene Thermal Facial Spray

Asian

• Innisfree Brightening Pore Toner
• Cathy Doll Power On L-Gluthathione Ampoule
• Modest Hyaluronic Beta-Glucan Serum
• In Her Element Rose Water

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Estee Lauder's July Gift Time!

I am one of those customer who really wait for a nice GWP (Gifts with Purchase) before I shop for backups!  

One perfect example is the Gift Time months of Estee Lauder.  I have so many bags and pouches from the brand and in one way or another - used them for travel, gifted them to my family and friends and made someone happy!

This July, the Gift Time is back and I am most excited about this collection because I am really amazed how beautiful the bag and pouch looks - doesn't look like a GWP-material!  I am honestly using them when I go out!

This collection is created by Amber Locke of the design brand AMBA Living.  The brand blossomed from her passion for healthy lifestyle.  she expresses her love of fruits and vegetables their colors, shapes and textures through her vibrant photographic prints. 

AMW June Favorites

I have been sharing my monthly favorites ever since late last year on IG Stories and only until today I get to save them up and post them just for "reference".  I mean, sayang ang hardwork to do all those stories and for them to be gone in 24 hours!

Please watch and enjoy my June favorites and do comment and list down your own June 2019 favorites!

Do you have a favorite from the items I mentioned?
What are you looking for July 2019 Favorites?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Estee Lauder Super Brand Day!

One of my skincare staples - Estee Lauder products!

I've been a long time user of Estee Lauder ANR (Advanced Night Repair) and I've been recommending their eye creams to friends for a long time!  

As much as I always get the question: "Nagsasale ba sila?"

I always say "Hindi eh, maganda kasi talaga at worth the investment!"  

Who would've thought I'm wrong at some point in time?  

June 27 was the day when Estee Lauder Philippine formally opened at Lazada (LazMall to be exact!)

It was a happy day as customers get deals and bundles and freebies!  Don't tell me I didn't warn you!  I was there sharing all about it on IG Posts and Stories (so shameless plus ahead!)  Please follow me on Instagram because I share beauty news REAL TIME!

VISIT THIS LINK and start adding to CART !

So, are you the type who would Stay IN or GO OUT?

Beauty Around the World at SM Megamall

I hope I'm not too late but you actually have until TODAY to visit SM Megamall Fashion Hall to see the newest and best-selling beauty and skincare products.  Yes, if you see this huge display of the most-coveted makeup and skincare brands when you past by the area, you know you have to visit because there are a lot of samples and special offers perfect for Women's Month!

I get to feature only a couple of brands here but there are more!

Be in Cherry Blossom Heaven when you visit the MAC Cosmetic booth.  Featured are the limited edition MAC Bloom Boom Bloom collection. 

You can win samples when you play a game of UFO catcher with them and win a MAC sponge!

Inglot on the other hand offers 15% off on their bestselling makeup items. 

Beautiful Belle by Estee Lauder

My love for fragrance started as early as first grade.
The first time I sniffed on a cologne that reminded me so much of my childhood.  Then the next scent came that reminded me so much of my first crush (I was Grade 3 back then!)  

Then the rest was history.

Each of my fragrance has a story to tell.  And the newest fragrance called Beautiful Belle added up to my Story.

My story of love and happiness.....

Perfect for Valentine's Day, a blend of lychee, mimosa, rose petals, orange flower, gardenia and marzipan musk....a romantic girl like will definitely fall in love with this scent.

Putting this in layman's term, the fragrance calls for a nice walk at the beach holding hands with your loved one.  Or, it could be a beautiful memory of spending quiet time with your mom and dad inside their room bonding over story-telling going back to memory lane.  Or as a mom, the scent reminded me of the first time I learned I was pregnant.  A fragrance of Happy Memories, happy news.



Available at Rustan's Makati, Rustan's Shangri-La, Rustan's ATC, Rustan's Gateway, Rustan's Cebu, SM MOA, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, Lucky Chinatown and Rockwell.

Happy weekend Beautiful Belles!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

A Concentrated Recovery Eye Mask... A Must!

REFRESH EYES FAST.
That's the line from the Estee Lauder site when you check on the new ANR Concentrated Recovery Eye Mask and to use is to believe in my opinion.

After years of late night sleeping - hello fellow Owl Mr. AMW!  I knew the condition of my eyebags and I actually call it eyeluggage.  Let's talk about the fine line around my eyes and of course, the dark circle underneath that shows my true age.

Considering I've been Beauty Blogging for more than 10 years, I've used up a LOT of eye products and eye mask, and truthfully, all of the products I've used have shown results --- OVERTIME.  For something more on the immediate side, I am surprised I actually found it here. 

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Eye Mask

Available in Rustans and Estee Lauder Boutiques locally

For a pack, you get 4 sheets and I actually use this box for a month, 1 pair a week!  I use it on days I needed to look refresh the next day - let's say special events, a shoot, important meeting with client or a gathering.  Basta, special occasion, you know the drill.

I love the packaging, you need to just press the product making sure it gets soaked into the eye patch before you open the pack.  I love this step so much I am addicted to it!  I mean don't you just love "soaked" masks?  I do, and I actually use the remaining on pack and apply on my eye area after "masking".

Over a span of 1 full month, I can see my eyes refreshed, hydrated and the distinct line under my eye area shorted (seriously), I know this is pricey but a price worth spending if you get immediate result as such!

If you see me and you get a "Wow Nikki, you look fresh!"  now, you know my secret!

Short and sweet, do you think this product is worth investing on?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Estee Lauder Holiday Gift 2018 is a Great Gift Itself!

Ho Ho Ho!
Merry Christmas!
Well, not yet but this is definitely the time of the year when you see holiday sets from makeup and skincare brands just like this gorgeous Good as Gold set from Estee Lauder.

With just a minimal purchase of Php3,000.00 worth of Estee Lauder products, you can purchase this set at Php1,800.00 and here's what you will get!

• Pure Color Envy Sculpting Eyeshadow 
• Double Wear Zero Smudge Lenghtening Mascara
• Brow Now Brow Defining Pencil
• Double Wear Stay-in Place Lip Pencil
• Pure Color Envy Hi-Lustre Lipstick 
• Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick
• Evening Bag 

I don't know about you but these are the type and size of make up items I bring with me whenever I travel or go for a weekend staycation!  That's the reason why I am hailed as a master-packer in our family! 

Happy Holiday Shopping!

For more information, Like Estee Lauder Philippines on Facebook and Follow them on Instagram.

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Estee Lauder ANR Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask Review

At this stage of my Blogging career (if I can call it such), okay, that sounds weird, let me rephrase it.

At this stage, 10 years plus of Blogging, I can honestly say, I'm quite confident in knowing what my skin wants/needs.  Let's talk about Face Masks, I've tried a lot of brands through the years, I started out thinking they are just there to add up to my expenses to "I can't live without them!" 

Yes, I am at that stage of knowing and understanding the full importance of using Facial Masks!  I use them weekly (once, twice even thrice!)  and I can vouch on them and honestly tell you that this is honestly my secret to healthier-looking glass skin!  -- I am claiming it today that I sometimes have glass skin! :P

I've tried Php50-Php250.00 worth of face mask and I thought I wouldn't go higher than that!  Then Estee Lauder came out with their own mask called ANR Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask which retails approximately Php1,075.00 each (fine, you can do the jaw drop now!), it took me MONTHS to finally review this because I waited for that "skin moment" when it really needs all the ANR moisture and the day finally came!

Are you ready to read my thoughts about this?

Estee Lauder ANR Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask

Php4,300.00 for a box of 4

Available at Estee Lauder Counters and Boutiques

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask is a weekly treatment mask that leaves skin instantly looking fresh and renewed. The foil-backed sheet mask creates a protective barrier, allowing the treatment to penetrate fast and deep within the skin's surface, and helps lock in moisture. The anti-ageing formula delivers a surge of liquid revitalisation, immersing skin in a double dose of Advanced Night Repair Serum's powerful moisture magnet.

Nail Art Tutorial: Bridal Nails for Crystal Fashion Show

You all know by now that I had my runway walk at the Crystal Bridal Fair wearing a Zandra Lim Bridal Gown for a cause last weekend.  

I had my first fitting and I absolutely have NO idea what's in store for me.  I was only told by Zandra that she will be putting gold accents so I just played it by ear and created a very simple nail art design apt for this gorgeous gown.

photo by: Jervy Santiago

Please bear with the uneven application, I usually clean up the cuticles the next day when nail polish is COMPLETELY dry!  

Inspired by the blushing bride, I picked a nice blush pink shade as base topped with gorgeous shimmers and simple rhinestones that fit the color of my Bridal Gown.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude Review

I LOVE Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In Place Makeup.  I even hailed it as a liquid foundation that can be used daily considering the coverage it gives, the longevity and how it works for all skin types!  

When I got my hands on the Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup, I tried it for several days right away!  Because this is said to be water-proof yet it can make the skin look fresh, natural, healthy, even-toned and best of all?  Has a 24-hour staying power (according to the brand)!

Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup

Php2,400

Shade on spotlight: Tawny

The fresh-feeling makeup offers the look and feel of flawless skin plus real protection and 24-hour staying power. The water-light fluid formula moves comfortably with your skin for a fresh, natural, healthy, and even-toned appearance. With SPF 30 and antioxidants, it’s your invisible defense against environmental damage from UV rays and pollution. It hydrates continuously upon application with a moisture complex of red fruit extracts, including watermelon, lychee seed, and apple. In a variety of shades for all skin tones, it is your secret to beautiful skin.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude is the Newest Base I'm Starting To Love!

So you all know how much I love the Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation!

I've tested it and written a review my blog and even tested it on #AMWIGstories once awhile back.

It delivers!  So I can't think of any other way the brand can top that!

Then I saw something new....well, it's technically NOT new as it has been around since a year or so but it is new to my eyes because it has been fixed to Double Wear Stay-in Place Makeup for quite some time now.  (Can't blame a loyal girl!) 

So this is the Double Wear foundation that has been testing on staying power, oil-free and waterproof abilities and a nice lightweight finish.  They are all TRUE!

It isn't difficult by the way to find your shade because they have a TOOL to be put on your chin and other areas of your face to tell you the shade that would match your tone! 

Of course, after trying out the tool, swatch test is still the best step!  So I highly recommend to do both steps!

Wedding Guest Makeup Look and Outfit

So it has been a while since I attended a wedding!  Several wedding invitations passed by my hands but I wasn't able to attend any of them for so many reasons and I told myself I had to break the "bad luck".

My Best Man got married but Kyle was extremely sick.  

My college barkada got married this year and I was looking forward to attend her wedding but my dad had a stroke.

My highschool classmate invited us for his Wedding last week and I told myself I had to go, praying so hard nothing bad will happen again.

THANKFULLY, I was fully made up and was able to dress up...so you know I was able to attend - FINALLY!

This is my hair and makeup by YOURS TRULY.

Makeup products used:

Base makeup: Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation,

 Hello Flawless Powder and Lancome as contour.

Eyes: Etude House Play 101 Blending Pencil Shade 6 as base and L'oreal Nude Palette, K-Palette Liquid Liner and L'Oreal Super Liner in dark brown.

Brows: Benefit Goof Proof Brow pencil shade 3 and Karadium x Pucca Brow Cara

Cheeks: Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palette in Defining Nectars

Lips: Silky Girl Matte Junkie Lip Crayon in shade 04

A Not So Innocent Look?

When I did a review on the Smoky Kit eyeshadow palette from Son&Park, I got a couple of queries on my IG DM on this particular lipstick that I used for my FOTD (Face of the Day).  I realized, I haven't blogged about it so I'm featuring my "Not So Innocent" face today.

Well, not really, I still look innocent as a 12 year old di ba? *hahaha*  I'm just teasing you, the name of this lip color is called Not So Innocent #308 by Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Liquid Vinyl.

But it doesn't hurt if you agree with me that I look INNOCENT here :P

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Liquid Vinyl 

Shade: 308 Not So Innocent
Php1,900.00

Available at Estee Lauder boutiques and Rustans

Discover the power of liquid Envy. Intense, smooth, ultra-comfortable color. This is paint with a passion. Saturates lips with 3 boldly seductive finishes: Matte, Vinyl and Metallic

My Estee Lauder Skincare Recommendation

I get asked so many times about skincare products both on and offline.  I am proud to say, one part of my body that I'm extremely proud of is my skin --- not because they're perfect.  But because I take care of it through the years investing on products that works for me, it's actually one reason how this Blog started.  In my quest for good skincare regimen.

My friends can attest to it that whenever they ask for recommendations for anti-aging skincare line, I always mention Estee Lauder because I know it really works!  (Estee Lauder for anti-aging, Clinique for basic skincare).

Which particular Estee Lauder product you ask?  It pays to visit them and have your skin analyzed, but here are just some of the many Estee Lauder products I've used and found effective through the years.  Are you ready?

Barefaced: Current Skin Condition

Let's start with the ones I've used multiple times, this is actually my 3rd bottle!  The Estee Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion (Php3,220.00 for 50ml). 

My Imperfect Skin with Estee Lauder NEW! Perfectionist Pro Rapid Firm + Lift Treatment

"You have good genes!" 

"You're Chinese, that's why you have good skin!"

As much as I want to nod with all those compliments, I just want to say: "Yes, I thank my genes for good skin but I also work hard in taking care of them!'

As much as I would like to thank my great grandparents down to my parents for my good skin genes (as most of you would say), I'd like to let you know that you don't see the part where I invest and really take care of my skin every morning and evening!  When I was pregnant and breastfeeding a few years back, all my skincare products were put on hold and I actually saw how my skin sags, how wrinkles start to show up and how dry and old I look!  It was those 2 years I realized --- my skincare products ACTUALLY WORK!  I just don't see the result instantly but they really work.  

Mark my words!

That's why I am pointing my fingers to YOU right now, reading this post to invest and spend time on taking care of your skin!  It doesn't have to be fancy and pricey, just do YOU, whatever works for you!  As for me, I've said it so many times over my #AMWIGStories on which particular skincare brand that actually gives me good result --- fast!  One of the brand I mentioned (almost in loop) is Estee Lauder.

And the brand kept on improving and making new and more improved products and one of them is the Estee Lauder NEW! Perfectionist Pro Rapid Firm + Lift Treatment   (Php4,715.00 for 30ml, Php6,670 for 50ml)

The new force to fight gravity. This high-speed formula delivers visible improvement to multiple facial zones—along the jawline, cheeks, around eyes and even stubborn laugh lines—for an overall natural, more lifted and youthful look.

Instantly: Your skin is radiant, hydrated, rejuvenated.

A Subtle-Looking Liner that Stays

I was asked a couple of times on Instagram #AskAMW on my pencil recommendations that would keep your eyes looking wide without looking like a wide-eyed Panda.

I can totally relate.  We live in a humid weather country and using just eye pencil for the eyes is almost impossible (spoken by a liquid and gel liner lover!)

But there will be days I"m too lazy to wing my liner just because I'm just sending my son to school, as much as I would love to just leave my eyes as is, it looks puffy and "tired" without liner so I always opt for a liner pencil.  

One of my favorite brand is Make Up For Ever and I also have another one from Estee Lauder if I wanted a pencil that can be "smudged" and sets like a tattoo.

 A long wearing eyeliner to shape the eyes. Gives precise line and stay-put color for 24 hours. Creamy texture and smoothly glides on. Delivers different makeup effects from a simple line to a sultry smoky eye. Smudge free and resistant to water, sweat, heat and humidity. Features a soft smudge tip and built-in sharpener.

The Estee Lauder Double Wear Waterproof eyeliner pencil comes with retractable pencil on one side and a smudger tip on the other side.  I was using this for a good 1 month before realizing it comes with a sharpener.  The sharpener is actually vital if you want to create a define line.  Just pull the smudger tip and the sharpener is happily hidden there.

A Liquid Foundation That Can Be Used Daily

Half serious, half crazy.  

That's me in real life and that's me on photo proud wearing makeup only half of the face! I have been roadtesting the new Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup for 2 weeks now and I am starting to love it... a lot!

Housed in a super thick glass bottle with a nice gold brand name printed so beautifully.  I knew I had to try this well-raved foundation especially in our humid weather.  I mean seriously, I've read raves from fellow beauty junkies internationally but most of the time, the effect is different once tested in a tropical country.

Proven 24-hour staying power. The same long-wear makeup you love, now proven to last even longer. Looks flawless and natural. Feels lightweight and so comfortable, you won't believe it's super long wear. Won't change color, smudge or come off on clothes. Lasts through heat and humidity.
Oil-free. Oil-Controlling. Dermatologist-tested. Non-acnegenic; won't clog pores. Fragrance-free.
Medium to full coverage. Matte finish. Proven 24 hour wear.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Dear AMW friends, I'll stop talking about food for the first time on a Sunday because today marks the first day of October.  As we all know, October maybe known for the month of Halloween Parties, or maybe, 13th month pay to some?  Or, a month that signifies how close we are to Christmas?  Or beer drinkers out there --- Octoberfest?  

For me, October is BCA month!  Thanks to Beauty Blogging I get to learn all these campaigns and one of them is from the brand very close to my heart because this brand heeled my crazy skin when I started blogging --- Clinique.

As we all know, Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women globally.  Thankfully, a beauty company Estee Lauder goes beyond physically beauty and approximately 150 million pink ribbons have now been distributed at the Estee Lauder Companies' beauty counters worldwide.  

This year is no different, but it is actually more iconic because The Campaign marks its 25th Anniversary #PinkRibbon25 (search them on Instagram for more information).   (Pink Ribbon 25 because 25 years ago, there was no Pink Ribbon,) 

With Kate Kathleen Reyes, Marketing Executive of Clinique Philippines.

I fondly call her my baby sister!

And what made this shoot even more fun?  When you do it with Blogger Friends who support the same cause as you!