Product Reviews - Marc Anthony Oil Of Morocco Argan Oil Collection

Recently, a lovely package from the people at Marc Anthony True Professional arrived in the mail. And in it was the latest haircare collection, the Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Collection - the perfect range for damaged and weakened hair that has been through alot (like mine!).

Marc Anthony True Professional Oil of Morocco Collection- (left to right) Argan Oil Conditioner, Argan Oil Treatment, and Argan Oil Shampoo

I am personally guilty of abusing my hair on a daily basis, using blow-dryers, flat-irons, curling wands; and on top of that, I colour my hair every 3-4 months as well, hence my tresses has taken quite a beating! I tend to notice that especially with the weather acting all crazy recently, my hair tends to frizz up and feel like straw alot, so when I found out about this collection, I got all excited - something to save the damage in my hair!

Well-known for centuries in its homeland as a beauty staple for healthy looking hair, ARGAN OIL is the foundation for Marc Anthony's NEW Oil of Morocco Collection. Deemed as one of the greatest ancestral beauty secrets from Morocco, it has garnered a huge following of celebrities like Selena Gomez, Madonna, and Josie Maran, all of whom are amazed at the multiple benefits of Argan Oil treatments, which strengthens, moisturizes, gives shine and relieves hair from damage.

Weak, dull, dry hair is often the byproduct of a damaged cuticle resulting from regular styling, processing and evnironmental stress over time. To help combat damaged cuticles, the Oil of Morocco Collection has combined Argan Oil with another super-ingredient, KERATIN, which helps to fortify, protect and correct hair cuticles. This divine combination ensures that your hair transforms into a lush, rich, shine that reflects a healthy scalp.

The Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Collection is entirely sulfate-free, thus, every single step helps to cleanse, strengthen and retain your hair's natural oils. Suited for a sensitive scalp, the sulfate free formula is mild and will help liberate the scalp from any irritation.

Marc Anthony Argan Oil Shampoo (Sulfate-Free) - SGD $17.90

The texture of the shampoo is very smooth, and has an exotic smell to it - everytime I use it I get reminded of Morocco for some reason! I didn't need to use alot of product to cover the whole of my hair shaft - the product lathered quite well and didn't leave behind any residue. However, my advise is to always use the shampoo with the conditioner - as the shampoo tends to tangle my hair if used alone - possibly due to its powerful cleansing properties!

Marc Anthony Argan Oil Conditioner (Sulfate-Free) - SGD $17.90

I always look forward to using Marc Anthony's conditioners, because they're always so creamy and rich! It had the same exotic smell like the shampoo, and eased out all the tangles in my hair like a dream. I left it in for about 5 to 10 minutes before washing it off, and no residue or "oily" feeling was left in my hair and scalp - perfect!

Marc Anthony Argan Oil Treatment (Sulfate-Free) - SGD $18.90

The first thing I eyed when I got the package was this particular product - mainly because I am a huge fan of hair oils and serums. Immediately after washing my hair, I applied a generous amount of this product to my roots and ends, and blow-dried, after which I put in a little bit more. I was completely amazed by the results from using the treatment in conjunction with the rest of the collection - my hair didn't feel heavy, felt clean, soft, bouncy and most importantly - NOT DAMAGED! Gone were the days of having hair that felt fried - I was esctatic! It has been a week since I've used this product - and so far my hair has broken off less during brushing and feels alot stronger!

Here are the results!

Smooth, Strong, Soft Hair using Marc Anthony's Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Collection!

The Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Collection is available at selected Watson's stores in Singapore, including Ngee Ann City, Bugis Junction, ION Orchard, Marina Square and Vivo City.

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Product Reviews - MAKE UP FOR EVER AQUA SUMMER COLLECTION 2013

Ever since I first laid my hands on waterproof make-up, I have never looked back since, especially since I am one who isn't really keen on touching up my own make-up, which is impossible for non-waterproof stuff in ever-humid Singapore! And by far, the only brand I've come across with such a comprehensive range of waterproof and high performance cosmetics would be Make Up For Ever!

An essential tool for professional make-up artists, the AQUA range is also essential for women who desire quick-to-apply make-up that is both waterproof and smudge-proof. Offering an extensive range

of eye, lip and cheek products that produce both natural looks and spectacular effects alike, the AQUA range was first launched in 2006 and has since become the ultimate choice for everyone – from synchronized swimming champions to urban beauties who are constantly on the lookout for truly high performance, inventive make-up.

MAKE UP FOR EVER launches their new Aqua Summer 2013 - This time, it is a combination of 4 striking AQUA products in exciting, aquatic pop colors that highlight the qualities of this superb waterproof line.

The lovely people from the MUFE tribe sent me a little summer Aqua goodie bag with some fabulous colors in it! :)

What caught my eye immediately were the new colours from the Aqua Rouge Collection of waterproof lipglosses that MUFE carried. I am a huge, HUGE fan of Aqua Rouge, its by far the only lipstick/gloss/stain that has never done me wrong - it is so easy to apply, and the color stays on strong even after eating oily food and gulping down bottles of liquid! It dries really quick too, so I never really have to wait very long to get that perfect striking lip! 

The new collection features 5 new, sexy shades in Poppy Coral, Fuchsia, Pomegranate,

Baby Pink and Pale Orange that will literally light up your lips for sunnylicious,

kissable moments!

I bagged #16 Fuschia, #20 Baby Pink, and #18 Pale Orange!

MUFE Aqua Rouge in #16 Fuschia (SGD $40 / 5ml)

MUFE Aqua Rouge in #20 Baby Pink (SGD $40 / 5ml)

MUFE Aqua Rouge in #16 Pale Orange (SGD $40 / 5ml)

Swatches of MUFE Aqua Rouge from the Summer 2013 Collection!

3 limited edition shades of AQUA CREAM in Pearlescent Teal, Delicate Pastel Green and Deep Iridescent

Mauve that is the perfect color combination for a fun, playful summer have also been launched - Aqua Creams are by far the most waterproof eyeshadows I have ever used in my make-up life. They hold up the whole day without creasing or smudging, and deliver intense color payoffs. Dries pretty quick though, so you have to be fast when you use them! Here are some swatches!

MUFE Aqua Cream #54 (SGD 41 / 6g)

MUFE Aqua Cream #52 (SGD 41 / 6g)

Swatches: Pearly colours from the new collection! This is with just one coat, the product can be layered on for a more intense colour payoff! 

Another great one from the collection: a limited edition shade of AQUA EYES in stunning Pearlescent Teal to excite your eyes for a day out in the sun!

MUFE Aqua Eyes in 52L (SGD 33 / 1.2g)

Summer also calls for new lipliners, and the Summer Collection boasts 2 new, mouth-watering shades of AQUA LIP in 19C Pomegranate Pink and 20C BabyPink that are the ultimate, trendy lip colors for Spring/Summer 2013. I got the pink one - my favourite colour! 

MUFE Aqua Lip Pencil in 20C (SGD 33 / 1.2g)

I decided to do a little make-up trial and incorporate the Aqua Rouge #16 Fuschia into the look - here it is!

On my lips: MUFE Aqua Summer Collection Aqua Rouge in #16 Fuschia! Loving the intensity and love, love love the hot pink colour!

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Summer 2013 Collection is available in the following stores from 16 May 2013 onward:

Sephora ION Orchard

Sephora Ngee Ann City

Sephora Marina Bay Sands

Sephora Great World City

Sephora VivoCity

Sephora Plaza Singapura

Sephora Bugis+

MAKE UP FOR EVER Academy & Pro Loft

( 36 & 38 Armenian Street #01-06 & #02-06 )

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Behind the Scenes - Andy&Weave Bridal Shoot

Just last week, I brought two white wedding dresses out for a little shoot, in collaboration with Shamsydar of Shamysdar Ani Photography, to bring you an up and coming bridal package! The concept of the shoot was to celebrate brides in all their glamour, hence I mixed it up and dolled my models Belinda and Sofia in matching yet different styles of hair and make-up, to complement yet still maintain a distinction from each other. After all, every bridal look is unique to me! Here are some behind the scenes photos of their looks:

My Diva Bride - Belinda sporting a classy textured updo, embellished with a sparkling diamond hairpiece, accompanied by classic smokey eyes and a strong red lip - totally Monroe Inspired!

My Sweet and Feminine Bride - Sofia sporting a half-up half down ombre hairdo using Andy&Weave's signature extensions, accompanied by a pastel colored make-up palette and flower accessories!

The Feminine Bride meets the Diva Bride - same but different! :)

Close up of Sofia's Hair and Make-Up; Ombre hair effect was achieved using Andy&Weave's signature hair extensions in Saffron Blonde! 

Close Up of Bel's Hair & Make-Up; Big Updo was achieved using Andy&Weave's signature hair extensions in Dark Brown!

Decided to get creative and came up with this updo on random! Loving the blonde! :)

Apart from that, Andy&Weave is proud to announce the launch of a new bridal package in collaboration with Shamsydar Ani Photography, to bring you hair, make-up and photography services at affordable prices! We offer packages catered to Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Caucasian weddings: all races basically, just let us know what you need and we will be right with you planning for your big day!

 For more enquiries, please feel free to drop an e-mail to andyandweave@gmail.com.

Thanks so much for reading! Feel free to leave your feedback! :)

P.S. Actual photos from the Andy&Weave Bridal Shoot coming up soon! Stay tuned folks! :)

Celebrity - Hair & Make-Up for MunaHirzi

Just a few days back, the fabulous comedian duo Munah & Hirzi engaged me to do their hair and make-up for a huge event, the Social Star Awards! The event was graced by Hollywood stars like Jessica Alba, Psy, Aerosmith, so it was a pretty big deal and I had to ensure that both of them looked fab on the red carpet for interviews and photos!

Munah wore a cute pink and cream short babydoll dress, and Hirzi wore a blush-white suave yet casual tux, so I decided on hairdos that were formal, yet not too uptight and make-up that was red-carpet ready for the comedic duo! Here are some photos!

Make-Up & Hair for Munah - using my all time fav MUFE Technicolor Palette: I used mainly the irridescent brown, dark brown and white for the eyework! 

 

A fan photo I got off the web of MunaHirzi's make-up and hair in natural light. Glowing and fresh! 

Red (Black) Carpet Glam - I love it!

A quick snap before the duo had to run off for their red carpet debut: along with my little brother Andre whose been a huge fan of theirs since he started watching their videos on Youtube!

I absolutely love dolling people up for red carpet! Totally reminds me of Hollywood. Hopefully one day I'd get to go there and do hair and make-up! :D

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Published Work - InspirAsian for Audi Star Creations (Audi Fashion Festival 2013 Campaign)

Just a few days back, I was walking along the streets of Orchard Road, making my way to one of the malls for a job with Sunsilk that morning. As I was walking, I noticed something very familiar on the banners that were billowing on the sides of the road, it looked like one of my past works I've done! Immediately I snapped a photo, and nonetheless, it was confirmed, I had done the make-up and hair for that shoot. Here it is!

Audi Star Creations - Audi Fashion Festival Banner along Orchard Road!

Behind the Scenes Shot of the Hair and Make-Up for model Erika

 

I used Make Up For Ever's Aqua Rouge in #8 Iconic Red, the perfect red lipstick! Accompanying that, I also used Aqua Brow in #25 Ash for defined sculpted brows, HD Foundation for a natural flawless finish, Aqua Shadow to add some definition to her eyelids, and of course my must-have Make Up For Ever HD Powder to set this look. I absolutely love how the photos turned out on camera! Absolutely refined. :)

 

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Product Reviews - Laisite Pro Three-Barrel Waver Hair Iron

For the longest time ever, I had always wanted to get myself a three-barrel waver iron. I remember sourcing Ebay and online stores for it, as it is not readily available where I live (in Singapore), as compared to the highly commercialised curling irons and flat-irons. But nonetheless, I never went ahead to get it because of the ridiculous shipping charges.

A few months back, I was at the BeautyAsia 2013 Fair, and I went absolutely crazy grabbing various beauty essentials, from nail polish colours, to make-up, and hair equipment!

Lo and behold I bumped into a MagicBoo booth selling just what I have always wanted to buy to complete my hair kit! As always, I threw it in my shopping bag without thinking twice. And here it is now in my room!

Laisite Pro Three Barrel Waver Iron (Retail Price: around SGD $106)

When I tried it out for the first time, I fell in love with it. It heated up so rapidly, I barely waited a minute and it was ready to combat the thickest of hair! 

Adjustable Temperature Control - from 160 to 220 degrees for fine to thick hair!

The three barrel waver makes texturising work alot easier for someone who does hair and make-up for others, as it is easier to control as compared to a curling iron. The end result of the waves produced is more relaxed, uniform and even as well! This tool is popularly known to create signature "beach-looks", donned by Hollywood celebrities such as Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen! 

Ashley Olsen wearing a hairdo created by a Three-Barrel Waver Hair Iron!

Here's the result when I tried it out on some lovely models at a recent shoot!

Result on fine limp straight hair - adds texture, body!

Result on thick wavy hair! Makes it even bigger!

Laisite Pro Three Barrel Waver Hair Iron is available at Magicboo, retailing at about SGD $106.

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Product Reviews - Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Make-Up Brushes

After I got hold of my Sigma brushes a few weeks back, I decided that I needed MORE colorful make-up brushes to complete my make-up kit, so I decided to go back on the hunt! I didn't want to get anything too pricey, and I'm a HUGE fan of make-up brushes that come in sets, I think its more functional and complete that way! So, I gave the Real Techniques brushes a shot!

Just recently, they arrived in a nice big box!

My Real Techniques Brush Haul!

I sourced their website for a good hour before deciding that I wanted to get the three different sets available, namely the Travel Essentials, Starter, and the Core Collection set! The individual brushes were great as well, but I felt like the sets were more bang for their buck!

A bigger picture- Left to Right; Travel Essential, Starter, and Core Collection Sets

About the Brushes

1. Ultra-plush taklon bristles for high-definition results
2. Extended aluminum ferrules for light, easy use
3. Brush names for quick reference
4. Self-standing bases* for countertop display
5. Panoramic brush cases included with sets for travel or display

Travel Essentials Set - On Location

Multi Task Brush - for effortless application of powder, blush and bronzer

Essential Foundation Brush - to build flawless custom coverage with liquid foundation or concealer

Domed Shadow Brush - tapered design smoothly shades and defines eyes

Starter Set - Your Eyes Enhanced

Left to Right: 1.Deluxe Crease Brush, 2. Base Shadow Brush, 3. Accent Brush, 4. Pixel-Point Eyeliner Brush, 5. Brow Brush

1. Deluxe Crease Brush - Soft, oversized design for effortless eye contouring

2. Base Shadow Brush - Applies a smooth flawless foundation of color

3. Accent Brush - Designed for precision detailing, spotlighting, highlighting and smudging

4. Pixel Point Eyliner Brush - Tapered Cut ideal for dense or fine eyeliner application

5. Brow Brush - Distinctive Shape easily defines eyebrows

Core Collection Set - Your Base/ Flawless

Left to Right: 1. Contour Brush, 2. Pointed Foundation Brush, 3. Detailer Brush, 4. Buffing Brush

1. Contour Brush - delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft-focus finish

2. Pointed Foundation Brush - use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage

3. Detailer Brush - Precision Cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas, or use with lipstick for long lasting shape and definition

4. Buffing Brush - Ideal for full coverage application of powder and mineral foundation

The brush sets also came in their own cases, which I found was a bonus, as these cases could stand on their own and create a exhibition-like feel!

Stand-alone Fold-able Case for great display!

Extremely convenient, I can fold them away compact into my bag when I need to be on the run, and put them back out on display when I need to use them! The cases and brush-rolls I currently own all don't have this multi-purpose ability, hence, these brush sets get a plus point from me! :)

Real Techniques Brushes can be found on their website www.realtechniques.com, or locally at www.realtechniques.com.sg. You may also find it at international website www.iherb.com. :)

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