Tip for the Day: Face Sunblock

I can clearly remember those days during summer when I would save up to purchase a bottle of Coppertone 25 (the highest number available back then) for whatever swimming activities planned out!  These days, with the excruciating heat from the sun, SPF25 is not even enough!  Aside from applying sunblock all over the body, I strongly suggest everyone to use face sunblock as well!

"It'll turn me into a grease ball"

"I'll probably breakout!"
"I don't like the heavy feel!"

Whatever your reasons are, well, reason no more!  More and more companies are coming up with GOOD sunblock for the face which I find myself  addicted to it!  I'm glad I've finally incorporated this into my skin care regimen!

Here are just some of the sunblock brands I've used, I am currently using and will be using!  Watch out for in depth reviews as I have only one face and it takes time for me to finish one bottle!  *laughs*

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Waterlight Lotion SPF 50+ PA+++ 

Php460.00/approx $10.95)

I am currently using this and so far, I am very happy with this!  Injecting this into my skin care is a breeze as it does not have the heavy feel and it gives a matte finish which makes it easy for me to put on make-up!  Does not oil up my skin throughout the day and it doesn't dry my skin out as well!

The Face Shop Natural Intensive Sun Cream SPF 50 PA++

Php495.00 (approx$11.50)

This was my first Sunblock for the face ever!  It didn't fail me!  Finished up a tube of this and definitely worth repurchasing!  Smile and click review HERE.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF50 PA+++

Php1,998 (approx $46.00)

Okay, this is a bit too pricey as compared to other brands mentioned here!  But Shiseido Sun Protection creams has been known for quite some time for its good performance!  The matte finish that you get after application, the protection and the fact that a lot of people feel it doesn't cause allergic reactions to their skin.

If you have money to spare, this is a good sunblock for the face!  I've used this a couple of times but saving the rest up and use the more inexpensive ones on a daily basis!  

 

Nivea Sun Whitening Immediate Sun Protection  SPF50 PA++

Php379.00-427.00 (approx $8.81-$10.00)

This is an intriguing product for me because this is the first sunblock that promises immediate sun protection!  No more waiting time, just apply and get out to enjoy the sun!  I am really looking forward to test this out and will report back! 

Beach Hut Face SPF65

Php399.00 (approx $9.25)

The highest SPF for the face and it promotes to be really good to very sensitive skin! Also watch out for an in-depth review for this!

 

What are you using to protect your face from sun spots, aging or wrinkles?
If you are reading this post and you don't apply face sunblock, what are you doing here? 
Get out and buy yourself one! *lol*
Sunblock is really one of the best skincare secret that's not so secret anymore!

Happy weekend!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

I Wonder: "Do You Regret Buying Something?"

Just like you, no matter how "OC" I was made, I am human and I make mistakes especially when it comes to purchases!  I've had so many stuff I regret buying but some are just minimal amount and I don't mind the mistake as what most people would say..."You learn from your mistakes".

I will be sharing one recent stuff I regret purchasing.  Remember the Ice Watch Event I attended last year?  Well, I was a proud owner of black Ice Watch (photo below) but, after less than 3 months of usage (note: Not daily as I love alternating), the strap broke! *insert wailing sound*

AMW with her New 

Ice Watch Last September 2009

(yes for the sake of this post, I am attaching the stressed looking me again!  LOL)

Encircled part is where it was broken

I always house it back to the original Ice Watch casing 

after every use! 

People who knew me personally would know how much I take care of my stuff!  Especially watches, but this happened to me and the sad part?  The warranty only covers defects on mechanism as well as movement parts pertaining to the clockwork!  Physical damage (intentional or unintentional) are not covered!  Don't get me wrong, I am not back lashing the company as I am sure I'm just one of the rare case.  I am just saying that for the price tag of this watch at Php4,200 (approx $93.00)  I wasn't expecting the strap to die on me so soon! (Why me?)

I actually appreciate the company for offering their service for free to fix the watch and I only need to pay minimal fee for whatever part/parts of the watch to be fixed. I actually appreciate it that their service center guy even gave me a call!  So service center people for Ice Watch --- CHECK for great service.  (They do not know I'm a blogger...just so you know *winks*)

It's just that, I do regret buying this because I can only stare at it for now! 

I Wonder:
"Do You Regret Buying Something?"

Click comment and share it to us!  

It'll be even more fun if you also include the price tag!

The highest price tag wins the most pity from all of us!  *laughs*  Just joking!!! 

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Bulletin: Paul & Joe's Mommy and Me Beauty Spree

Dear Philippine Readers:

May, Mothers' Day Month!  You guys knew how much I love my parents and how I've gone through a lot of challenges because of mom's health!  God is good, everything is picking up and my mom and I are as close as ever!  

Only, if only my mom is into makeup!  Fact: She isn't!  She's just a face powder and lipstick person and that got me wondering... "Am I adopted?" lol

For moms out there who's into make-up!  Kids!  Take your mom with you at Paul & Joe counter for free one-on-one makeup workshop for you and your mom all weekends of May!!!

Limited slots only so call 899-9331 or better, email Maan (marie@prestige.com.ph) to register.


Enjoy the Labor and Mothers' Day Month!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Makeover: Pre-Nup Pictorial

Hi everyone!  I haven't posted about makeovers for quite some time and it's time I do! A couple of weeks ago, my dear friend Emily has a best friend who will be tying a knot soon and she wants me to do her best friend's Prenuptial Shoot make-up.

Requirements:

• Natural looking foundation!  Face that matches the neck and the rest of the body.
• Make-up that shows up on photos.
• Make-up that can withstand the heat as the client will be having her shoot noontime at UST grounds!  (oh my goodness, with this kind of weather!)

Client's skin condition:

• She actually has really good skin!  Very soft and smooth, easy to apply foundation all over.
• Gets red/rashes easily.
• Perspires easily on the nose and above the lip area.

I primed her skin with oil control primer on areas that oils up easily and use a regular moisturizing primer on drier areas.  To cover up her redness, I used Make Up For Ever's Green Corrector.  Making sure the corrector is applied evenly, I chose the foundation that matches her skin (as she's not acidic).  I used Graftobian Foundation.

Using foundation 2-3 shades lighter than her skin, I highlighted areas like the bridge of her nose and on the cheekbones.  Set with powder foundation then I proceeded with the eye make-up.

Client wanted to get out of her comfort zone.  She's not comfortable wearing eye makeup, she's actually just a foundation and lipstick person!  Thanks to her open-mindedness she actually told me to do whatever works for her face!  I was going for eyes that's well defined!

With the help of false lashes, cream blush topped with powder blush, lipstick and a bit of contouring.  She's ready for her pictorial!

Oh with regards to her "perspiring a lot" issues, I advised her to pat with regular tissue paper then advised her to use oil blotters for areas that oil up easily!  As much as possible, I asked her not to retouch too much with face powder as the shade of her foundation may change!

Before and After Photo

It wasn't difficult to prettify her as her gorgeous 1,000-watts smile can lit up any room!

Told you!  Keep smiling!  Stay happy and you'll look gorgeous!

Have you gone out of your comfort zone recently?
I actually did!  I went from Caffeinated to Decaffeinated coffee!  *laughs*
Hey!  That's HUGE deal for me! 
Ok keep wearing that smile and have a wonderful day!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Bulletin: Summer is Everywhere with Havaianas

Everyone may be into heels but as hot as THIS summer, I am definitely bringing out my flip flops and I don't mind wearing one even inside the office!  Well, not that I don't care, there's no dress code in my work place anyways!  

Havaianas came up with 2011 Collection and I'm liking a lot of what I see!

Ipe Filhotes in Baby Lilac

Slim Rubber Logo Hot Pink

 Slim Turkish in Black

 

  Slim Turkish in White

  Slim Turkish in Ocean Green

  Slim Turkish in Red

Feel free to watch the video to see more from this collection!

  
For or more about Havaianas and their collection, visit www.havaianas.com.

Havaianas is available at All Flipflops, Celio, Duty Free Philippines Fiesta Mall, Gas, J&S Surf Shop, KidSports, Manila Polo Club, Manila Yacht Club, Moana, Nail Spa, ROX, Rustan’s, Stoked, Tick Tock Flip Flop NAIA Terminal 3 and Urban Athletics.

Keep Smilin'

Stay happy!

(Note from AMW: Author is not affiliated with the company, post was created for information purposes only)

AMW Reviews: Majolica Majorca Perfect Automatic Liner

I have to admit, my favorite gel liner of all times Stila Smudgepots has been stored inside my make-up train case for quite some time!  Yes, products that get to be stored there meant it's going to the clients instead of myself!  Well, aside from the fact that I'm giving up what I love for my clients, I actually found a good replacement for daily lining! 

Aside from pencil liners, I alternate it with liquid liners!  Yes, liquid liners are trickier to apply but it's mess free and instant! (Mess free = no brush washing)

Majolica Majorca Perfect Automatic Liner

Majolica Majorca Perfect Automatic Liner says ---

7 shades available: 

AMW says ---

Pros

• Nice packaging, you know you got 'em fresh due to its packaging and seal!

• Brush is really soft!  You can even reuse it as a gel liner brush once you finish this up.
• Has manufacturing date noted on the packaging for you to know if the product you are purchasing is old or new stock.

• Shades are gorgeous!  Quite unique! 
• Synthetic brush is sharp which makes it easy to create winged liner!
• Once dry, never smudge or smear!  I think i even cried with this liner and it didn't smudge at all!  Don't ask me why I was in tears, ok fine!  I was watching this local tv series!  *laughs*
• Does not irritate my sensitive eyes.
• Easy to remove with regular eye makeup remover!
• The color stays true for the whole day and no flaking!
• More inexpensive compared to the Shiseido Automatic Liner that I've been wanting to purchase for years!
• Perfect to tote around during travel! And I don't mind whipping it out as the packaging is Go-ORgeous!

Cons

• Not as pigmented as we want it to be, need at least 2 swipes.
• A bit tricky to apply for first timer as the brush is soft!
• Does not dry up as quickly as gel liners.
• It's a bit of a guessing game in dispensing the product!  You have to keep in mind how many clicks it takes to dispense the right amount.

Overall

The shades are not really blue, brown or whatever you are expecting.  The Majolica Majorca Perfect Automatic Liner uses a black base and adding up a bit of the colored pigments like blues, greens, browns to create unique shades!

Tips

• Draw tiny dots on the upper lash line and connect the dots one at a time.
• Try to maintain the "half closed" eyes so the liner won't smudge before it gets dry.
• Always seal in cap tight, with the "click" sound.
• Do not twist a lot at once, give at least 5 clicks for first time usage, for the rest, try at least 2-3. 
• Wipe the brush with clean tissue paper before closing the cap!
• Shake first before you start clicking.
• Oily lid friends out there?  Prep your eyes with an oil-control eye primer!  This will probably still smudge on most of you!
• Never use this to tight line or even try to apply this on the waterline HUGE NO NO!
• Be careful not to dispense too much as you may end up messing not only your eyes but your clothing!

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who wants to start using liquid liner but is afraid of the brush!  You can hold this like you hold a regular pen which is easier!

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at Majolica Majorca counters for Php695.00 (approx $16.15)

You have to remove this pink plastic, then press the "ink tube" inside to 'activate' the brush!  You know you get really fresh liquid liner straight from the manufacturer!

Click to dispense product

Reminder to keep in mind how many clicks for you to get the "right" amount!
New: Needs at least 4-5 clicks
for application: 2-3 clicks each eye

Can easily draw thin and thick lines!

Yes, the BL603 looks black with hint of blue shimmers!
LOVE!

Applied medium thickness line on the upper lash line 

Making sure my eyes stay this way for at least a minute 

to make sure the liner dries

Before and after shot of an eye without liner and with BL603

eyes look a bit bigger and more defined :)

Who says liner makes their eyes bigger?
*raises hand* I do!
What's your favorite liquid liner?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(note from author: Product sent for PR consideration.  All reviews are honest and based on my personal experiences.  Please purchase at your own discretion).

AMW Bulletin: AskMeWhats Available on OVI Store

**photo from Nokia OVI Store

Dear AMW Readers:

First of all, I want to thank all readers and subscribers for always keeping me up on my toes and stay energized with all those lovely comments, emails and messages!  *mushy mode* I do love you all!

For Nokia users out there!  Good news!  Thanks to OVI and Kim Perez for helping me set-up my  first ever AskMeWhats app which is now available in the Nokia OVI Store! Smile and click HERE to download and hey!  Following my nail art tutorial is easier with just your phone right beside you!  Reading reviews and updates from me while laying in bed is cool too!

 **photo from Nokia OVI Store

Again, thanks AMW readers and Nokia OVI for this!
Oh, I forgot to say, it's for FREE! :)

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Bulletin: Forever 21 Mega 3-Day Sale

Forever 21 lovers out there!  Good news!  After the Holy Week break, its time to break the shopping ban once again!  *laughs*  I am such a bad influence!

Anyways, our favorite clothing line Forever 21 is having another 3-day sale this weekend at Megamall!

Here's what you can expect ---

• Upto 50% off on selected items
• 10% off when you present your SMAC, BDO Rewards and Forever 21 credit card.
• 5% rebate (on top of your purchases) on all Forever 11, BDO and AMEX credit cards with a minimum spent of Php5,000
• 0% interest, 3 months installment for a mimimum of Php5,000 single receipt purchase

The 3-day sale is from April 29 to May 1, 2011
Store hours ---
Friday 9:00am to 11:00pm
Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 11:00pm

Happy Shopping!
Happy Savings!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reports: Pond's Flawless White Unbeaten Challenge --- Mission Accomplished!

Early April, I posted about me trying out the Pond's Flawless White Range as Sophie (my partner) would write about my experiences!  That explains why I wasn't able to blog about any skin care for quite some time as I was really strict on using only the PFW line!  I removed BB creams and what-nots for the next 3 weeks and I can't believe the day finally arrived!  I survived the challenge and my skin is doing not only well but really good! 

Last April 12, 2011, Pond's invited us for the Pond's Flawless White Unbeaten Party and the day arrived and here's a huge wall that greeted us as we went to the event.  Nice photos everyone!  I'm sure you'll be able to spot a lot of familiar faces!

The intimate event started with words from Pond's Brand Manager, Ms. Jacqe Yuengtian...

Mika Lagdameo-Martinez, had her moment as she's part of the Pond's Family!

Each team were asked to walk on stage!  Let me introduce you the teams who joined the PFW Unbeaten Challenge!

Liz and Tanya

Click HERE for Tanya's PFW experience

Me and Sophie

Click HERE for my PFW experience!  

I love our photo here! I am acting the "big sister" by holding my little sister's hands! :)

Shen and Jheng

Click HERE for Shen's PFW experience

Tara and Dang

Click HERE for Dang's PFW experience

Lace and Earth

Click HERE for Earth's PFW experience

Ginger and Reena

Click HERE for Reena's PFW experience

Martha and Jill

Click HERE for Jill's PFW experience

Michelle and Cathleen

Click HERE for Cathleen's PFW experience

Rowena and  Catherine

Click HERE for Catherine's PFW experience

Rowena was having fun in the States during this event!  

Don't worry Rowena, Catherine walked the runway for you :)

The top 3 teams were announced base on Facebook likes!  Sophie and I were included!  Thanks to everyone who liked our page!  I appreciate it!  *group hugs*

Together with us are Shen and Jheng, Ginger and Reena!

Thanks to the judges 
Sophie and I won the Editor's Choice Award!  

 

Congratulations to Ginger and Reena for bagging the award!  I can't wait to see both of you on major glossies this coming June!

After-party Party!  Hi to Sophie's Friends, Trixie and Judd from Nuffnang! 

 

I also want to thank my friends Mags, Shanna and Bea for coming over to support us!  It rocks to have good friends like them!

It was even more fun when my friend Bea suggested us to have a fierce photo with "The Fierce Rissa Mananquil, the gorgeous Pond's Ambassador!  Thanks Rissa for accepting our request!  

I want to thank Sophie for writing such wonderful articles!  I love our late nights update via email and chat box!  I like the inserts of "personal stories and antics"!  I have to admit, it is a very difficult challenge!  I swear its tempting to give up or cheat in between!  But with the Pond's Flawless White line doing well with my very sensitive and dry skin, I am proud to say, expensive isn't always the best!  You just have to know what your skin needs, check out labels, test the skincare brand before you use it, then be consistent in using it and patience is definitely the key to seeing the real results!

Do read our entry!  Start from number 7 then down to number 1.  The reports were updated  every week and we have done some challenges to test the effectiveness of the Pond's Flawless White range!

Sisters from different parents!

Last but not the least, I want to thank Mr. AMW, the ever supportive friend, partner, boyfriend and hubby!  Thank you for checking out my skin for me and giving me your feedbacks too!  Thanks for the wonderful photos and just for being there! (yes, I had to raise one leg, because....just because, I got the idea from movies!) LOL

To the Pond's Team, Ogilvy and Nuffnang.  Thank you so much for choosing me to be part of this challenge!  I actually had fun amidst the hesitation to give up my ever dependable skin care!

Plains and Prints, thank you so much for dressing us up with such gorgeous dresses!  Theya, thank you so much for helping me at Shangri-La branch, I appreciate it!

Keep in mind that I tested the products 2x before I got in the challenge!  It is very important to do so! :)

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!