How to Trim and Groom Your Brows the Easiest Way

Today, I will be sharing "my way" on how to trim and groom the brows the easiest way!  Keep in mind that it takes practice, patience and a whole lot of effort!  I hope my mini tutorial will help you guys who are scared to fix their own brows!  

If I haven't stress enough, well, let me say this again.  Eyebrows can make or break your appearance and I learned that a bit too late!  I'm not asking you to start staring at your brows in front of the mirror right this very moment and start plucking like there's no tomorrow!  Since this tutorial is done for beginners, here are some tips you should at least consider before trimming and grooming your brows.

Have your brows shaped, cut and groomed by professionals!  Professionals consider your face shape before grooming your brows and the right arch and thickness are also considered to match your face.  You can go for an inexpensive Php50.00 (approx $1.00) eyebrow shaving from neighborhood salon.  If you're used to having your brows done, you may try Benefit Brow Bar or Browhaus for eyebrow waxing needs. Or if you have super high tolerance to pain, you may also give Eyebrow Threading a try!

I've done all three, and my favorite would be eyebrow waxing but due to time constraint, I always end up in our neighboring salon for a quick shave at a super affordable price! 

Now that you took your pick on how to have your brows professionally done, what's next?  Well, let's start taking care of the perfect shape to prolong the professional visit and trust me, it helps save your hard-earned money!  

Step 1:

Stand in front of the mirror and check the "original" shape done by the professional.  Always start with clean brows free from brow products.

Eureka Moment: Hair Arrange Set

Happy Friday!!!  I think I do not have sense of "days" anymore as I thought yesterday was Friday and today is Saturday!  *hits head*

Nevertheless, it's a day worth celebrating as we survived the entire week!  YES!!!  Let's give ourselves a nice pat on the back for a wonderful job!  As for me, aside from a huge pat from Mr. AMW (He treats me like a li'l puppy at times..lol), I finally have scheduled a hair treatment!  Finally!!!  I haven't had my hair color redone after THIS.

Speaking of hair, you won't believe me if I tell you that I have so many queries over email regarding the Spin Pins and what-nots.  Honestly speaking, I find myself loving my hair down so I never really took interest on purchasing these.  

One day, as I was strolling around the 88 Heaven, a.k.a. Daiso *laughs*, I found these....

Hair Arrange Set

So Php88.00 (approx $2.00) for both the spiral pins and the chignon-maker (I invented the term by the way), not bad!   Looks like a "Eureka-moment" post worthy!

Instructions at the back.  They were all written in Japanese but you'll get the drift just by looking at the step-by-step diagram.

My hair is super layered by the way so twisting it into a bun will always be a challenge!  Out of the 2, I like the one for modern updo better!  I find it easier to manuever with my current hairstyle!

Step-by-step:

• I gather my hair into a mid pony tail.
• Twist the ponytail as you wrap it around your head to create a bun.

•  Insert the pin upwards through the base of the bun.
• With a light hand, twist the pin going downwards for it to be secured.

As you can see, the pink is hidden yet, I have this huge chunk of chicken hair showing, you can choose to leave it that way or you can secure them with bobby pins.  Ahhh, the agony of layered hair!

Overall, I still prefer a regular hair elastic to create casual looking updo on a regular basis but, I will definitely recommend this set to anyeone with medium to long hair minus the extreme layers!

For the price of less than a hundred pesos, the Daiso Hair Arrange Set definitely deserves its Eureka Moment slot!  You can purchase these at Daiso at the hair accessories section.

Update: I have found quite a  number of ways to use both hair product from the Hair Arrange Set!  I'll definitely share more in this blog once I get the chance to take photos :)

Have you used a similar Hair Arrange Set?
How do you find them?
Useful or useless?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: Daiso Eyebrow Shaver

Happy Friday everyone!  I will be going back to Manila soon!  I can't wait!  I am really wondering why China is THIS BIG!  A simple walk from one place to another can always turn into a marathon!  hahaha  It was raining so hard in the afternoon, I guess I  get the taste of mini "typhoon" from Manila!  

Before I left for Shanghai, I want to keep my brows neat and clean as I believe its one of my stronger feature - full brows! :)  I went to Daiso once again to find my previous Eureka Moment on Eyebrow Shavers and guess what?  It's GONE!  So I'm off to find another one that works!

EUREKA MOMENT!

When it comes to brow shavers, I prefer the short ones as it is easier to control and I get to remove hairs in smaller areas rather than one HUGE area!  I actually like this better than the previous one I bought!  The quality of the blade is a tad bit better!  How do I know?  The previous brow shaves I've tried can only clean both brows approximately 3 times then I need to change them as the blade gets dull!  With this, I've been using this more than 5 times and so far, so good!

For a price of Php85.00 (approx $1.97) a pack?  Worth it!

Where do you purchase your brow shavers?
How much do they cost?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Version: Fresh, Natural Look

Yay!  First AMW Version for the year 2011!  It has been taking me time to create tutorials lately because of the same reasons!  So before I go on blabbing, I've created a look perfect for office meetings or just regular day at work!  A fresh and natural look that spells "Prepared, Organized, Ready-to-face-the-day!".

This type of eye makeup I've done does not alter the shape of your eyes, there's no corrective styles done, instead, just played with neutral colors to give a well polished look!

AMW Diagram

Prior to eyeshadow application, I choose to brighten up the undereye area with The Body Shop's Lightening Touch.  You can choose to use your preferred eyeshadow base, in my case, since I don't have oily lids, I chose NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Yoghurt as an eyeshadow base!

Step 1:

In this tutorial, I am using all the colors of L'Oreal OpenEyesPro Palette in Beige Harmony.  Using a fluffy eye crease brush, I applied the lightest shade over the entire eyelid on top of my NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Yoghurt base.

Step 2:

Using a flat shader brush, apply the e/s (as pointed with the brush on photo below) onto the crease with a patting motion to create depth and dimension.

Step 3:

Using the same crease brush or even a smaller version of the brush, apply the pointy tip on the outer-V corner of the eyes!  Blend out harsh lines.

Step 4: (optional)

Since the L'Oreal OpenEyesPro palette is very shimmery and natural in person, I wanted to create more depth on the outer-v, in doing so, I am using MAC Mineral Eyeshadow Odd Bits (from MAC Colour Craft Collection). Adding more as  go on.  

Do not forget to apply the same eyeshadow shade on the lower lashline.

Step 5: 

Using the sponge applicator, I pat a bit of the gold shimmer on the inner 1/4 of the eye for that "wide awake" and "bright" look!

Step 6:

Apply ELF Cream Eyeliner in Black on the upper lash line.  You can choose to wing your eyeliner but I chose to make it  more natural.  

Apply Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in 1L on the waterline.

Curl your lashes and apply coats of your favorite mascara.  I am using my favorite Etude House Proof 10 Henna Fix Mascara in Black.  Fill in your brows with your favorite brow powder or pencil.  I am using Tears Line and Mode Autobrow in 04.

Other products used on the rest of my face

 

For the Face:

Avon Ideal Shade Liquid Foundation in Nude 

with HD Makeup Blender Sponge.

Avon Ideal Shade Loose Powder to set

For the Cheeks:

DiorBlush #839 Vintage Pink - using the brush that comes with the palette

Clinique Up-lighting Liquid Illuminator - applied using fingers on areas I want to highlight (bridge of the nose and cheekbones)

For the Lips:

Daiso PE-3 Lipstick  - though drying, I am seriously in love with this shade! So Unique!

LipIce Color Gloss in Summer Pink

Show your best smile and you're ready to face any day!

Note to self: "I will, try to do more AMW Version!"
Hope this helps!  I am sure there's a whole lot of better versions out there! 
*sigh* Life is fun with so many choices!

Enjoy Thursday!  I can sniff Friday like a dog!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: My Favorite Eyebrow Shaver

I seldom care about eyebrow shavers!  But at times my client's eyebrows are "all over the place", I need to reshape and trim their brows which led me to a tool that I think is a must for most makeup artist -- an eyebrow shaver.  Is there the right one?  Is there even the best one?  I usually purchase them randomly based on price and design.  When I was looking around my "Eureka Favorite Store" Daiso, I randomly picked an eyebrow shaver amidst all the  eyebrow shavers in front of me.  I picked this base on its size, its color and of course, it comes with a cover!  And who have thought this goes to my "EUREKA MOMENT" list?

Most eyebrow shavers are made in China (yup, I've checked) and this one is no exception, definitely made in China, produced for Daiso Japan.Hopefully, there's the Quality Control there :D

One pack comes with 2 eyebrow shavers, the length of the blade is just right for good control on eyebrow shaving.  

The cover is easy to remove and put back on

Comes with easy grip handle, length of the handle is just right

And best of all?  It shaves neatly and it doesn't hurt the skin around the eyes!  Each shaver can last approximately up to 5 shaves and you have to throw this away and purchase a new one!  Blades do get dull and better not hurt yourself using a "dull" blade.

Priced at Php88.00 (approx $2.00) for a pack of 2
I can't tell the brand name but do remember the packaging and please leave some for me okay? 
I'll be back at Daiso to repurchase!

EUREKA MOMENT indeed!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: For the Hairstylists and Makeup Artists

At times, I need to do both hair and makeup, and juggling between  hair brushes, clips and makeup brushes is the hardest thing to do and not to forget, holding hot iron on my other hand is quite dangerous!  Fainting is NEVER an option so I need to organize myself before I burn my own hand or my client's head!

Thanks to Daiso and Japan Home Center, I find so many "Eureka Moments" inside the store.  2 years ago, I purchased a tool bag in a whim not knowing what to do with it.  As I had my wedding  gig and I needed to be there near the Bride for retouch, carrying the whole train case is not convenient and carrying a mini pouch or bag is a hassle as I needed both of my hands free!  I'm glad I got creative and remembered the tool bag I bought and slipped it into a belt and VOILA!  Instant belt organizer! 

How this looks without plastic

As I went through one gig to another, I found that one tool bag is not enough,...

so I repurchased !  Check out my current "retouch pouch"

I actually own 3 too bags now!  All you need is a nice durable belt to hold these tool bags!  And you're ready to go!  Glad my belt color and design matches the tool bag!  It's fate!

Eureka moment for finding these priced only for Php88.00 (approx $2.00) per piece!  Quality is great, very durable and my partner hairstylist sometimes put his hot curling iron inside and so far he wasn't hurt and the tool bag is still in good condition!  (It is advisable not to do this  for safety's sake).

Do you agree that I put this on Eureka moment for our hairstylist and makeup artist friends out there?  I think it deserves this spot!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: A Lipstick Holder That Fits

I've always been frustrated with the way I store my lipsticks.  I don't know about you, but the OC-ness in me store them upright and in a very organized way, but even before the week ends, it'll always end up like a mess.  Picking some lipsticks for the train case on gigs and throwing them back in a lipstick basket is a huge responsibility you know?  *winks*

 

I tend to throw them in a random case and forget to use a couple of them at the bottom part.  I know there's so many DIY lipstick cases out there but let me reveal something about myself... I am not a DIY-girl!

A couple of weeks ago, while checking out stuffs at Daiso and looking through their lipsticks.  I was impressed, not with the lipstick but with the lipstick holder.  It's a clear case that fits the size of lipstick perfectly!  I did a silent *curling of fist* screaming "YES" internally!  I told myself not to get excited until I find the case!  I literally ran..well not really...brisk walked toward the clear cases area and guess what?

EUREKA MOMENT!!!

It's called D-Tray A62-2, the case is meant for cosmetics, accessories and other smalls stuffs.  In AMW's dictionary, it's for my Lipstick Army!!!  Made in Japan, clear, sturdy case with nice curved edges.

Now this is the Nikki you know!!!  

My concern with this case is the probable difficulty to pick up your "lipstick for the day".  I did a random picking and I don't have any problems with it.  I can reach out any shapes and sizes of lipsticks in no time.

There's no reason to be a slob with all the nice containers and cases available at a very affordable price.

The Daiso D-Tray costs Php88.00 (approox $2.00) at Daiso stores.  I bought mine at Robinson's Galleria, Ortigas. 

I will definitely repurchase!
How do you store your lipsticks?
Share some tips and rock my world! *winks*

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Daiso PE3 Lipstick

When I reviewed MAC's Pink Nouveau lipstick last week, I got such exciting responses on the "dupes" (duplicates) from different brands.  I really love it when AMW readers interact and share their thoughts on my site!  THANK YOU ALL for that!

In today's post, I will be doing something different, I won't be posting brand and shade names of "dupes" for MAC's Pink Nouveau, instead, I will be doing is a review on a cheaper lipstick that has the same impact as the most coveted lipsticks out there!  In short...Sexy Lip Color Minus the hefty price!  

Doesn't that sound sexier?

I recently purchased a Daiso lipstick in PE-3 available at local Daiso Store.   I seldom purchase random lipsticks from brands I haven't tried or heard but I got drawn to its unique shade. You'll know why!  Just pucker up!

Daiso PE-3 Lipstick says ---

Sorry, I can't read Japanese, so I really can't tell.

AMW says ---

Pros

• very unique shade
• pigmented
• inexpensive
• packaging is not bad at all
• no weird scent

Cons

• VERY drying
• enhances the lines and cracks of my lips
• not available anywhere, can only be purchased at Daiso stores
• made in China, led content could be a problem, so make sure to prime your lips to protect it
• alpha-numeric shade name which I find it too boring!  "What's your lipstick shade?"  "PE-3!" *gulps*  Doesn't sound nice at all!

Overall

The shade PE-3 is a deep warm peachy-pink lipstick that has a stronger peachy tone once swatched or applied on lips.  The shade, no doubt is really unique as I can use this alone on a bare face and it can still manage to brighten up the whole look.  The thing I don't like about this lipstick is its "crayon-like" texture, very drying and enhances the wrinkles on the lips.

For it's price, it's inexpensive so there's no reason to whine.  I can always take time to prep my lips prior to lipstick application and top it with my favorite lip gloss as the shade speaks for itself!

Tips

• use this lipstick alone ONLY if you have very soft and supple lips
• moisturize your lips several minutes prior to lipstick application, dab your lips with a tissue paper to prevent the lipstick from sliding once applied
• top with a clear gloss of your choice for a nice shiny lips
• use a lip brush for a more precise application (Thanks B for the Stila lip brush, I love it!)

Will I repurchase?

No, I've seen the rest of the shades, not intrigued!

Where to purchase and how much?
At Daiso store for Php88.00 (approx $2.00)

Daiso Lipstick PE-3
Applied on hand without base

The shade is "matte" in person, the flash from the camera showed a bit of shimmer

Applied on lips on prepped lips

*prepped lips: moisturized with Kiehl's no. 1 lip balm,

removing excess on tissue paper

Top with The Body Shop's Love Gloss

Now, the hunt continues...for an affordable "unique" lipstick shade minus the drying factor!
I'll definitely share what's on my map to stardom! *laughs*  (Where did that come from?)

Keep smilin' everyone

Stay happy!