Unsung Hero: K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliners

The announcement for The Unsung Heroes will never be a scheduled one.  You either suddenly discovered how important they are in your life when you ran out of it, or you'll realize how great they are when you have been going back to this product no matter how many other brands you've tried.  That said, I've found a product meant to be listed on The Unsung Heroes file, it's not new to the eyes but an additional color member was added to the family that's why I have to give this product a special space on my Blog.

The first time I get to try the wonderful powers of K-Palette REAL Lasting Eyeliner was year 2011 (oh gosh!  7 years of pure liquid lining goodness!)  Then, there were a bit of reformulation they called it POWER UP 2 years after which I felt was not necessary because these liquid liners were good enough!

But I obviously welcome those improvements and changes because there will always be something to improve!  

Then, I was one of those beaming with joy and excitement when a New shade was added in the family - Brown Black!  I am one of the few who really mix both black and brown eyeliner because my eyes are small, so using plain BLACK would be too strong while using only brown seems to be u useless!  So I was one of those who jumped into the Brown Black liner trend and have been religiously using this shade for the longest time!

Fast forward to nearing the end of 2017, the brand added another color to the family!  The NATURAL BLACK!  If you ask me, I can't seem to pick a favorite between Natural Black and Brown Black as of the moment!  But I'm happy I have more liner color choices now!

Unsung Hero: Artistry Exact Fit Longwearing Foundation

The Unsung Hero Series, ahhh I nearly forgot about this!  But yeah, it's been awhile since I found a product worth including in this series!  And finally, I'm ready to update this segment with the new Artistry Exact Fit Longwearing Foundation.

I've had this foundation in my makeup kit for quite some time, more than 3 months to be exact!  I've been meaning to post a simple review about this but I can't help but try it on different occasions, telling myself there is something unique about this product.  

According to Amway ---

"Lock in the 24-Hour Look of Flawless Perfection.  Your key to round-the-clock, natural-looking perfection begins with our breakthrough Color Lock technology. No matter the activity, heat, or humidity, perfectly calibrated pigments are expertly time- and climate-controlled to constantly know their place, and stay there for up to 24 hours of comfort wear. Now, every minute of every day, it’s always your moment to look perfectly flawless."

 It comes in a glass packaging with pump that won my heart.  Now let's talk about the foundation itself.

Unsung Hero: Benefit's Play Stick Foundation

I've done so many works for the brand Benefit Cosmetics.  And mind you, I know all their products by heart!  If you ask me, I have a lot of favorites and not-so favorites!  But I realized, there's one Benefit Product I felt didn't get the attention "it" deserves!  I've used this product so many times on shoot and on myself but realized I haven't done any proper review!  So please let me know if this is also the first time you heard about the product!

AMW Wore Her Favorite Benefit Product --- any guesses?

Definitely not hair product though my hair looks darn full in this photo!  *laughs*

It's called the Play Stick Foundation!  

Unsung Hero: Mouthwash

When I used to work in an office, I carry with me a toothbrush and toothpaste set and I always brush my teeth after lunch and wherever I'm off to an important meeting.

When I started to work from home several years ago, I forgot about the tooth-brushing habit because I'm too comfortable in my pajamas working in front of the computer at the comfort of my room! 

Thankfully, before I go totally gross and be the type of girl who stays at home with no Hygiene, I actually go out a lot for Blogging Events, Meetings, Workshops and Make up Gigs!  Because I literally face a lot of people on a daily basis, I am forced to take care not only on my physical looks but oral hygiene!  As much as I want to bring toothbrush and toothpaste with me, you all know the situation here in the Philippines, there are washrooms that have non-working faucet which lead me to this question: "How can I brush my teeth?  Shall I just spit the toothpaste and leave with bubbly teeth?"  #yuck !

Ever since I got samples of OraCare from SampleRoom, I find myself taking this cute 80ml sized with me wherever I go!  I can't believe I haven't blogged about this because I literally have fresh breathe anytime, anywhere or whenever I need to face people!

That is why Oracare, you are part of my The Unsung Heroes post!

OraCare says ---
OraCare Mouthrinse Merrymint contains stabilized chlorine dioxide technology that works two ways:

• Gets rid of bad bacteria causing plaque build-up, gum disease and tooth decay
• Neutralizes volatile sulfur compounds or also called as the waste material of the bacteria – the true sources of strong mouth odors.

OraCare’s no alcohol formulation lets you gargle and experience real clean, fresh feeling without the painful burning sensation and sting, in a refreshing spearmint flavor!

Unsung Hero: H2O Plus Aqualibrium Dual-Action Eye Makeup Remover

Thanks to Sampleroom I get to try H2O+ Aqualibrium Dual-Action Eye Makeup Remover, in short, I just call this my trustee H2O+ Eye makeup remover.  

Guess what!  I put this up as part of my "unsung heroes" list because, I realized, I have been reaching out for this sample whenever I wear hardcore waterproof makeup and this literally melts off my makeup!  

I'm usually a liner and mascara girl so I tested this product using my most difficult to remove mascara (a.k.a. Majolica Majorca mascara) and eyeliner (Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner) and guess what?  With a few drops on a cotton pad (yes pad makes a whole lot of difference!)  leaving the pad on closed eye for a few seconds, with a little pressure, almost ALL the stubborn makeup is gone!

Keep in mind though that this product has "oil" so you need to shake it before every use.  It won't sting the eye as long as you have your eyes shut.  The only tiny downside is the fact that it leaves a tiny film of oil but it isn't an issue for me as I always wash my face with facial wash after using ANY eye makeup remover!

I like to fold the cotton and do a second "clean-up" as there will always be makeup residue left especially on my lower eye area!

The Unsung Heroes: While You Were Drying Your Hair...

Okay, the title is a failed attempt of "While you were sleeping" (movie) kind of drama!  

HELLO!!!  Happy Saturday!  I'm off for another very busy weekend but I'm never complaining!  Keeping myself busy is one way of keeping myself sane!  I dislike the feeling of being idle so busy is good!  

I haven't blog about The Unsung Heroes for the longest time *checks old posts*  3 entries for the past 4 years, not bad at all!  That only means that I'm giving the stuff I bought the equal opportunity of a lifetime they deserve!  I deserve an applause!!! *claps claps claps*

After the Rat Tail Comb article, which in my dictionary, is a MUST have in every household, my love into hairstyling got deeper and mind you, this post is meant hairstyling on special occasions!  I do not intend to do this on a daily basis as I'm a wide-tooth comb kinda girl.  This post is also perfect for hairstylists!

2 Unsung Heroes today....

The Boar Brushes

And sectioning clips

Let's focus on the boar brush first, I own one boar brush which I bought from Denman but can't seem to find it anymore so during Cosmetologie 2012, I went up to the Goody booth and saw this at 20% off!  This is definitely an older version as I've seen the newer and more colorful ones but I aimed for "professionalism" *ahem* actually, I just went for the more inexpensive so bought this for Php550.00+ (approx $12.50) as opposed to the original price of Php700.00+  (approx $16.00).

I actually got the tip from Kim who was doing hairstyling for my clients and she advised me that this size is perfect for almost all hair length!  I thought of investing a 100% boar brush that I'm sure will last long as I take care of them pretty well!

As I was touring the rest of the booths at Cosmetologie, I also bought 2 other sizes for a super inexpensive price, it's out of a whim and "just because".  Angela, who was with me that time, can't believe her eyes why I even need all these!  *hahaha*  

After I tell you how much I bought these, you'll understand why no one can stop me!  The biggest boar brush costs Php200.00 (approx $4.50) while the dark brown boar brush costs Php100.00 (approx $2.30).  Backups aren't bad if they are inexpensive yet still comes in good quality!  

And since I'm already on hair stuff shopping, I plan to purchase more sectioning clips because it may sound nothing to you but it's heaven scent for people who blow dry!  I used to use those butterfly clips but they're all starting to go "toothless" so time to get professional!  

You have to give me a pat on the back for finding these Crocodile Clips pack of 5 for a price of.... *drumroll* Php50.00 (approx $1.15)!!!

They clip onto your hair super well and doesn't hurt at all!  Oh yeah, *boasts* did I say it's super cheap??? And cute??? And cheap??? :P

I know, this may sound silly to people who are the "wash hair then go" type!  For someone who likes to style her hair once in a while PLUS doing other people's hair, this is definitely worth posting on THE UNSUNG HEROES portion!

Any hairstylists out there reading this post?  Come on , back me up! :)

Have a wonderful Saturday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

The Unsung Hero: FitFlop

Ohh, I haven't blog about The Unsung Hero for quite some time and I guess today is the right time to rekindle The Unsung Hero Series! :)  

My love for comfortable footwear has always been around which explains why I do not randomly purchase gorgeous looking shoes even if they were on sale!  And the wonderful part about being married to Mr. AMW (aside from him being supportive and all), I am also married to a family whom I can greatly connect to! 

Over the months, I've seen wonderful pairs of FitFlop right in front of me and I have never really mind them until one day I asked my mom-in-law: "Are these FitFlop sandals really as comfortable as they say?" 

Judging by the number of FitFlop pairs we have at home, you probably know the answer to the above question by now!

Leftmost pair owned by Mr. AMW's Dad!

Because he's a very cool dad-in-law :)

Frou in Black

 Electra in Coral

With the pairs we own? Are we stopping? 

The answer is as simple as "N-O" NO! :)

FitFlop are worth the price I would say as the pairs you see above have been with us for a couple of months and they still look as good as new!  Not much wearing nor tearing.

P.S. We purchased our FitFlop pairs at The Duty Free Shop Philippines.  So I do  not have the exact price of each pair!  FitFlop price ranges around Php3,500 to Php4,500.

Do you own a FitFlop?
Do you like them or dislike them?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Unsung Hero: ELF Nail Polishes

A serious case of "Unsung Hero" will be discussed today!  I have done more than 80 nail art tutorials for almost 2 years and I'm sure you've seen this brand being used so many times.  The ELF Nail Polish --- the set that I got from my dearest friend who sent it to me because she knew how much I love nail polishes!  It's a $1.00 nail polish from ELF and everyone would think a cheap nail polish wouldn't perform! 

Well this product proved a lot of us WRONG!

**photo from www.eyeslipsface.com

ELF Nail Polish says ---

This color-lock formula with chip resistant shield gives long lasting nail color with high shine. The aerodynamic bristle design glides color on flawlessly, while the quick dry formula gives perfect application every time. Key nutrients give nails that natural shine, infused with Vitamin E for stronger, healthier nails.
Our formula is FREE of: Toluene, Formaldehyde, and Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP).

Net Wt: .35oz (10ml)
Ingredients: Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Nitrocellulose, Anhydride/Trimellitic Anhydride/Glycols Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891) Iron Oxides(CI 77491 , CI 77492 , CI 77499), Red No.6 Lake (CI 15850), Red No.27 Lake (CI 45410), Blue No.1 Lake (CI 42090) 

AMW says ---

Pros

• very pigmented shades
• dries up quickly, no need for quick dry top coat
• does not turn the nails yellow (not unless you wear polish daily and doesn't let your nails breathe)
• very inexpensive
• great packaging
• the nail polish itself does not dry up inside the bottle, I've had mine almost 2 years and still working fine
• no weird smell
• after application, have this nice "shine", you can even get away without a top coat!
• does not chip easily or crack, without top coat, this can last more than 3 days, with a good top coat, it can last a week!  (with household chores and crazy typing skill)

Cons

• NOT AVAILABLE LOCALLY!!!! *wails*

Overall

Best inexpensive nail polish EVER!  PERIOD!

Tips

• even though some nail polishes companies vouch that their products are safe and does not turn your nails yellow, it is still safe to use a base coat prior to polish application
• if your nails are weak, alternate polish application 2x a month or 1x a month
• to keep the polish longer, store in cool dry place.  I store mine in a traincase which seriously prolonged the life of my nail polishes
• apply a top coat on top of the nail polish to prevent from chipping
• use a gentle acetone or nail polish remover in removing nail polishes
• not available in your area?  Ask help from a friend to help you purchase and ask them to bubble wrap them well!  (Mine came in bubbled wrap and they are all safe!)

Will I repurchase?

YES!

Where to purchase and how much?

At ELF website for $1.00 (approx $46.00)

To show you how pretty the shades I've used, I've used them multiple times on my nail art tutorials and I've posted some of them here.  It's posted alphabetically!  (OC I know!) :P  Enjoy!

Berry Pink

Black

Bubblegum Pink

Champagne

Coral

Light Pink

Nude

Platinum

Red

You want your own right?  Same here!  I'm almost done with some of the shades and I want to repurchase!  I hope my reader who requested for a review for of these polishes was able to read this!  Sorry it took such a long time!

Enjoy your week!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

The Unsung Hero : Rat Tail Comb

I know I've talked about the "unsung hero" in my previous post.  That got me inspired to search for more "unsung heroes" available at home or just right in front of us that we haven't taken the time of the day.  Not until I've realized giving them a minute or two will make us realize how comfortable life is with them around!

My Unsung Hero for the moment, very cheap yet very useful Rat Tail Comb! 

I don't have the packaging but I bought this for less than Php100.00 (approx $2.00) from Landmark mall.  I love it that the "rat tail" comes in metal which makes it even easier to section my hair every morning when I blowdry my hair.  I also like using this when I cut people's hair!  Yes I still do! (Thanks to those who trust me lol).  The comb side works good too!  I have used a lot of cheap combs that just doesn't feel right when you comb your hair, this comb does not tug your hair or hurt your scalp.  "PERFECT!" is all I can say.

Have you tried using the "rat tail" comb?
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!