The Flavors and Benefits Behind Your Favorite Tea

The Chinese invented Tea.  I am Chinese, I should know everything about tea! Well, I am no expert on tea but I do have my fair share of tea tasting!  I do drink tea on a daily basis and I've tried so many brands of tea both sold in China, Hong Kong and locally!

My knowledge on tea was enhanced when I worked in China for a good 3 years.  Most of my students who were older than me would treat me for a tea session after class to show me the beauty of tea-making, at the same time, its a healthy way of bonding and learning about their culture.

I used to know only 3 types of teas ---

AMW Reviews: Beautymaker Oil-Free and Moisturizing 2-Way Foundation

Kevin Beautymaker

Is it a person or a brand?  It's actually both!  I heard about this brand and person 5 years ago as I love watching the Taiwanese beauty show called "Queen/Nv Ren Wo Zui Da".  

Kevin is a famous make-up artist and beauty adviser in this show.  People in Japan, Hong Kong and Korea love and trust his products because Kevin of the said TV show.  Kevin aside from being the "guru" in this show has also come up with beauty books and has written in magazines to teach women how to take care of their skin and how to put on make-up thus making him popular around Asia.

I've always been looking around for Kevin Beautymaker products from Ebay but failed to purchase any due to expensive shipping prices!  When a reader Bon, emailed me about her multiply site, I checked her site right away and found that she sells a lot of Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese make up and skin care products which a lot are "quite in demand"!

One of the brand I want to covet is Kevin Beautymaker.   I checked on the album and saw quite an intriguing product.  I usually stay away from anything Oil-Free because it meant "dryness" for me!  I got a little confused when I saw a 2-way foundation that has Oil-free and Moisturizing in its name!  I must give this a try!  I want to have an inexpensive alternative for my favorite P&J Dual Powder Foundation anyways.

Kevin Beautymaker Oil-Free and Moisturizing 2-Way Foundation says ---

Hi-tech elastic water-retaining powder particles, holding on tight to water molecules, seamlessly attached to the skin and forming a summer as if light and clear of a pristine skin quality, capable of sedating and moisturizing skin for the long haul.  The light power foundation that keeps skin soft and tender all day long.

Made in Taiwan

Ingredients: (you can click photo to enlarge)

Shades available:

AMW says ---

Pros

• Wrapped quite well for safe transit.

• Packaged in a simple white compact which looks clean and nice.
• The sponge that comes with the compact is made of good quality.  Does not tear up easily and can be easily washed.

• Has manufactured date so you can gauge on how old the product is or when the expiration date is.

•  The sponge area has holes or vents to make the sponge "breathe".

• Gives light to medium (dry application) or even heavy coverage (wet application).
• Can be used wet or dry.
• Gives a nice coverage, looks very natural both in person and on photos.
• Gives a nice control on the areas that oil-up and moisturizes the area that dries up.
• No skin flakings.
• No skin irritations.
• Product has no weird scent.

Cons

• Limited choice of shades!
• The packaging is quite huge!  
• Difficult to find your right shade especially if you're online buying!
• Some products are not readily available so you have to wait for weeks.
• No SPF.

Overall

Gives a nice, natural look minus the cake-y feel.

Tips

• If you chose to use this dry, use it dry all the way.  If you prefer to apply this wet, apply with wet method all the way!
• Do not drop the product to prevent the mirror or the powder from cracking.
• Use a k-brush (kabuki brush) for light and very natural coverage.
• Use a sponge and press gently onto face for medium to heavy coverage.
• Sensitive skin may need to test the product on the lower chin area or under the ear to make sure no skin irritations will occur.
• If you have dry and flakey skin, moisturize your skin properly prior to usage.
• Do not forget your sunblock as this product does not contain any SPF.

Will I repurchase? 

Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who is into powder foundation.  Whether you have dry, combination, normal or oily skin.  

Where to purchase and how much?

At wehaveit43.multiply.com or visit them at their store in Banawe. The product costs Php900.00 (approx $21.00) plus shipping.  They also sell various BB Creams like L'egere and BRTC!

You can also visit their shop called ---
Wang Lai Mart

876-D Banawe St. Barangay Siena, QC

(Beside Hap Chan Restaurant)

Tel. no: (632) 749-1264

Open hours: Mondays to Saturdays 9:30am to 9:00pm

A sheet of paper written in all Chinese included inside the box.

 Do not fret, the box has English translations at the back portion

Plain white packaging 

 The size as compared to IPhone 3GS

Kevin Beautymaker is a bit bigger

The thickness of the phone and the foundation 

is almost the same

I chose the darkest shade which is no. 3 Natural

 

A closer look on the sponge that comes with the compact

Do not do this in public!  *laughs*

Have you heard about Kevin Beautymaker?
Have you tried any of his products?
What's the best?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Note from Author: Product sent as gift.  The author is not affiliated with the company. All information written are based solely on author's personal experiences.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Something New: Estee Lauder Time Zone Night

If you are still in high school or college, you can skip this post because this has nothing to do with you!  Well, not unless you have wrinkles from all those late-night studying!  *laughs*

I have heard so much about Estee Lauder Skin care and how a lot of our mom's friends or relatives who swore by the brand!  I've been to one of their event and I've seen their loyal customers!  A lot of them!

Well, I'll be turning 32 soon (exactly tomorrow), I may have to look into anti-wrinkle creme more than a couple of years ago!  There's one that I got for Christmas in which I told my mom-in-law I'll be sharing with her!  

Estee Lauder in 2009, re-invented their anti-wrinkle moisturizer with Time Zone.  Estee Lauder introduces New Time Zone Night Anti-line/Wrinkle Creme, a powerful formula that works to hydrate skin and says to dramatically reduce the look of lines and wrinkles for radiant, younger-looking skin!

Natural Photoshop?  I hope so!

The New Time Zone Night Anti-Line/Wrinkle Creme has exclusive Sirtuin EX-1 Technology which says to help skin naturally stimulate its proteins hence helps in skin cell renewal.

As for the texture, the creme has been designed to suit all skin types.  It also has a light, modern nighttime signature scent with top notes of lilac, freesia, and pink marshmallow, tempered with a heart of white orchid, purple iris, and lily of the valley.  These are comfortable enough to relax us for bedtime.

The product is best applied every night after your skin care regimen. 

New Time Zone Night Anti-Line/Wrinkle Creme arrives at Estee Lauder counters this month for Php4,250 (approx. $99.00) for 50ml. 

I will share half of this with my mom-in-law and I'll give this a try myself once in awhile too!  I'll report back once I've seen some results!  (the good and the bad!)

Anyone an Estee Lauder skin care line user?
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Matsuri

Like I said weekend ago, my birthday starts Monday ends on my Birthday itself.  The more I grew older, the more birthday celebrations I am celebrating!  I am not complaining though, its a great reason to meet up with friends or people who touched your lives!

I am glad I got to check Ensogo a couple of weeks ago as I saw a very good deal from a Japanese Restaurant Matsuri!  The regular buffet price is Php595.00 (approx $13.80) and I bought it for Php299.00 (approx $6.95).  I bought the maximum of 5 coupons right away and actually planned to use it for my mom-in-law's birthday!  Since they were booked then, I booked it for my birthday celebration with the family instead! 

Buffet at Matsuri is actually good!  You get the menu, order the dishes you like, finish them up and you can re-order again as long as you finish the dishes!  I think we tried almost all the dishes available for the buffet menu!  No, we're not THAT hungry! :P

Matsuri on a quiet Monday night...

Tamago

Egg Omelette

My sister-in-law's favorite!  I think she ordered 3 plates of this?  I can understand them, egg-lovers would love these dearly!

 Dynamite Roll and Philadelphia Roll

Dynamite roll has spicy tuna included inside while Philadelphia roll has cream cheese!  

I am not a fan of both as I've tried better tasting from Teriyaki Boy and Omakase.

 Sanma

Seasoned Pacific Saury

I can't say much about this as I did not taste this!  Hahaha, the family thought it tastes just like regular "gigi" fish (mackerel?)!  *laughs*

Creamy Chicken Mushroom Ragout

 Grilled boneless chicken topped with assorted Japanese mushrooms 

and asparagus and creamy Champignon Sauce.  

This is quite unique, best eaten with rice!  I like the unique blend of diced chicken and Japanese Mushrooms!

Shrimp Tempura

The shrimp tempura served are quite huge and clean!  I am very particular with the shrimp itself!  Most restaurants do not clean their shrimps and I like the fact that this restaurant does!  The tempura sauce always comes in late but the family loved to munch on this while removing excess batter.

 

  Tonkatsu

Panko Crusted Pork Tenderloin

 Can't go wrong with this crunchy pork Tonkatsu!  Tastes really good!

 Matsuri Steak 

Served in tiny amount but worth the wait and worth to order again!  We ordered 3 plates of these as the steak is really soft and tasty!  Served with beansprouts.

Spicy Gyuniku Nikomi

Braised beef stew with Togarashi

The beef slice is quite huge, included are noodles, tofu and vegetables.

Also best eaten with rice. 

Gyu Chiisu Aspara, Kani Bacon Maki Teriyaki, Aspara Bacon Maki Teriyaki,

Yakitori Teriyaki and Tebasaki Teriyaki

I am not surprised that all of them tastes great!  My favorite is the Aspara Bacon maki Terikayaki!

All grilled to perfection.

Various Deserts ---

Muscovado and Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee

Chocolate Ice Cream

Various fruits 

Leche Flan

Mondays to Fridays (Lunch) = Php495.00 (approx $11.50)
Mondays to Sundays (Dinner) = Php595.00 (approx $13.80)
Saturdays and Sundays (Lunch and Dinner) = Php595.00 (approx $13.80)

No leftover policy, no service charge.  Restaurant accepts cash and credit card payments.
Children below 4ft. Php295.00 (approx $6.85)
Leftover amount is Php250.00 (approx $5.80)

Matsuri 

233 Tomas Morato cor. E. Lopez Jr., 

Near ABS-CBN Compound

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(632) 376-6351

I enjoyed my birthday food tripping!  More to come!
How's your weekend food tripping?  Are you dining out?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Mentholatum Lip Ice Color Lip balm

Teenagers nowadays are lucky in every way!  From technology to as simple as lip balms!  I can still remember my mom telling me how much she wants to have her lips "colored" and her mom was very strict about it so she ended up using crayons!  (I must have gotten a bit of that genes..LOL)

During my time, I remember wanting the lip balms that my classmates use, one swipe --- nice pinkish lips!

I've longed for those but I don't have the money to purchase one!  I've ended up purchasing those inexpensive ones that tastes like melted plastic!   The things I do to have a nice hint of color on my lips!

Nowadays, I've been seeing more and more tinted lip balm that are priced just right and works really well!  I wish we have them decades ago! 

The Mentholatum Lip Ice Color Lip Balm

Lip Ice Color Lip balm says ---

• Gives natural and lovely color for soft and beautiful lips.
• A super moist retention formula with water microsphere and AcHA (Sodium Acetyl Hyaluronate).
• Contains Vitamin E, Lanolin Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Mango Seed Butter to keep your lips soft and moisturized.
• SPF15 for UV Protection

Available in: Candy Apple, Pretty Pink and Sweet Rose

AMW says ---

Pros

• Gives out a very pretty shade of reds or pinks depending on the variant you choose.
• Glides on easily on lips.
• Packaging is sleek.
• No weird scent.
• Gives out a nice "glitter" that is not too chunky!
• Gives a nice 3-dimensional look of your lips because of the various shades of tiny specks or glitters.
• Has SPF 15!
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Since the product is housed in a very slim packaging, it is very easy to finish up the product!
• Limited shades available.
• Moisture power is not enough for super dry lips.

Overall
A very nice tinted lip moisturizer that looks like you have naturally good, colored lips!

Tips

• Store in cool, dry place.
• Do not twist the product too much to prevent breakage during application.
• If you have very dry lips, choose to prep your lips with a really good lip balm prior to application of the Lip Ice Color Lip balm.
• Re-apply as much as needed as this has moisturizing properties which makes the color glides off easily.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?

From teens to adults!  This is a great start up lipstick that youngsters can play with as the price isn't bad and the quality is good!

Where to purchase and how much?
Available at Watson's or Beauty by SM for Php125.00 (approx $2.90).

Sweet Rose on hand

Sweet Rose on lips without lip balm

What's your first tinted lip balm?
I can't seem to remember mine!  It tastes so bad it crashed my memory! :P

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: Big Time Make-Up Storage

If you are fond of reading beauty blogs and watching YouTube videos on beauty.  You probably knew about this "storage system" Makeup Gurus are going gaga for!  I remembered wanting this myself and imagined what I will put in here!  Back-ups probably?

I may be late with my Eureka Moment but I finally found them locally!  At Handyman (Ronbinson's Otis Branch) for Php2,500 (approx $59.50).   You may also check  Sogeshome for international readers.

As colorful as my life is, I actually prefer the white frost version as we all know, most of our make-up are colorful and I like to see a bit on what's inside without sliding the drawer outwards!

The aluminum frame makes the drawer quite stable!  I like the fact that I can put a sticker and label them by Foundation, Powders, Blushers, Lipsticks, etc...

The negative part that I can say for now is that dust can easily get inside!

Still, its nice to see them available locally! The price maybe shocking at first glance but come to think of it, I've been purchasing so many storage stuffs and it actually boils down to paying as much as this drawer!

I gave this a pass for now as I currently own a 5 layered plastic drawer where I store all my back-ups!  If you don't own one and you plan to, this is one product to consider! 

What's your make-up storage?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy

AMW Reports: TBS Brush with Fashion Event

I've always known The Body Shop for their body butters!  My brother would always ask me to help me purchase one because it really helps his skin during winter season!  I do take a look on their makeup collection and my first purchase was their mini brush kit! 

Last year, The Body Shop is coming up with better make up collection and I can't help but choose favorites of mine to include inside my make-up train case!  

Here are the list of TBS items I got inside my make-up traincase ---

1. The Body Shop Eye Palette in Twilight
2. The Body Shop Autumn Leaves Compact - in which I use to dust all over the shoulders and arms of my clients.
3. The Body Shop Special Edition Kajal Eyeliners - perfect base for that smokey eye makeup.
4. The Body Shop Lightening Touch - well, I remove this from my train case as I love using this personally!
5. The Body Shop Love Gloss - perfect in giving that nice shine after lipstick application.
6. The Body Shop Cheek Blush Cream - to use as base prior to powder blush application.

4 out of 6 of the items above have something similar --- their ability to make me cry because they are limited editions!  *laughs*  What I love about The Body Shop though is that the makeup collection they are coming up are getting better and better!  I learn something new on this event and I'll share it all to you!  Ready?

Brush With Fashion

For the Spring of 2011, our dear friends from The Body Shop collaborated with the London College of Fashion in producing a makeup line that is also fashionable!  The new Limited edition "Brush with Fashion" Spring Make-up collection comes with built-in cruelty free brushes!  The colors in this collection were inspired from catwalk!

I took a quick peek on the display and got a closer look on the testers for you to decide if this collection is worth checking out or not! :)

Boho Beauty Eyeshadow Quad
Php2,195 (approx $52.00)

This quad I assumed as the neutral quad right away!  Though the orange eyeshadow is a bit out-of-place, I actually like it that its there as it makes this Neutral Palette a bit more special as compared to others!  This palette also comes with a tiny eyeshadow brush and brown eyeliner.

** Limited Edition available locally until end of March 2011.

A La Mode Eyeshadow Quad
Php2,195 (approx $52.00) 

At quick glance, this will be named the "smokey eyeshadow" palette right away!  The unique part of this palette is a sweet pink eyeshadow that comes with it making it easy for you to mix and match smokey looks!  From romantic, day-time smokey makeup to dark, ready-to-party look!  This palette also comes with a free eyeshadow brush and a black eyeliner!

** Limited Edition available locally until end of March 2011.

Illuminating Face Base
Php1,195 (approx $28.45) 

This was the first item that I grabbed right away!  I am into "illuminating" stuffs as there are days my skin needs the "healthy glow" or "boost".  This is a perfect product to highlight your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose and your chin!  I am loving this!  Sad to say, this is also Limited Edition available locally until the end of March 2011.

Tailored Cheek Tint
Php1,095 (approx $26.00) 

 I originally thought this was the famous TBS Lip and Cheek Tint that got transferred into a different and more "posh" tube.  I was told otherwise!  This is totally different as this is gel-like texture that looks clear and once blended in your skin will create a shade depending on your body temperature!  Mine turn out light pink! 

** Limited edition available locally until March 2011.

High Shine Lip Treatment in Pink Cream

Php595 (approx $14.00)

 High Shine Lip Treatment in Juicy Peach

Both High Shine Lip Treatment will be available even after the Brush With Fashion collection but they won't be designed or packed in such a pretty packaging shown on photos above!  I honestly did not play much with both shades!  Must be the fact that I know they will still be available even after March?  I am also not much of a fan of lip glosses nowadays!  

The collection also includes the mini brush kit!  I have the original plain back brush kit and this one is super cute!  There's no point in owning 2!  So maybe, I'll just go home and paint my plain looking mini kit? :D

Mini Brush Kit

Php1,495 (approx $35.60)

 

With certain amount of purchase, I was told that buyers can get a free bag as modeled by our dear friend Kim! (thanks dear!)  Correct me if I'm wrong but I was busy thinking about other stuffs!  I think you should purchase Php3,500+ worth of products to get this?

 If you spend Php8,000 above, you'll get a cute tote wherein you can put your favorite makeup stuffs and brushes!

The Body Shop events are known for the fun activities they ask bloggers to do!  We were given a pizza box, and I was hoping I could eat the shirt?  *laughs*

A shirt with the word Brush With Fashion printed and we get paints to play around and paint our shirts!  I told them I'll probably end up taking this to a real artist and ask them to "Photoshop" the shirt for me!  :P

Thanks to Kim for this shot, I didn't even know she took a photo of me! I was that serious!  

Of course you'll know it's my shirt!  Just look at those tiny flowers!  *lol*

We were gifted with a gorgeous cookie after the T-shirt painting!

It was a fun event!  I want to thank The Body Shop Philippines for the invite and for making such fun activities to help relieve stress after a long work day!

Overall, the collection is not bad!  I am actually surprised on how pigmented the eyeshadow quads are and I will definitely go back for the Illuminating Face Base and use it as a highlighter!  I will test the Tailored Cheek Tint and see how it will also look on other people!  It'll be fun to have a unique blush shade per individual!  The lip glosses?  I'm not that thrilled so I'm giving them a skip and leave those to gloss lovers out there to tell me how much they like it!

I want to add that The Body Shop will have a Run to fight Human Trafficking this coming March 13, 2011.  I have done my part in leaving my signature,  have you?

Add them up on Facebook to get more updates about the Run and other good deeds The Body Shop Philippines has up in their sleeves!

Which among the products mentioned above caught your attention?

**Note from TBS Philippines: Php200 off on Brush With Fashion Makeup until March 17, 2011.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!