AMW Version: "Summer's Almost Over"

AMW Version for the week, I brought out my Dollface 88pcs Eyeshadow Palette because I haven't been using it much lately!  The summer may be over but there's no reason why I cannot use bronzey colored eyeshadow because it works on a lot of skin color!   

"Summer's Almost Over" --- a look I created to showcase the look of summer (using bronze) and the coming of the rainy season (silvery gray colors).  Blended together to showcase the weird sunny and rainy days we are encountering nowadays!

AMW Diagram

Step 1:

Prior to eyeshadow application, you can opt to use your favorite eyeshadow primer, in my case, I used the Maybelline Impact Express eyeshadow stick in gold.

Pat on a similar shade on top.  I gently dab it all over my lids going a bit beyond the crease.  

Step 2:

I used a smaller brush to define my crease by drawing a line a little bit above my crease, filled in dark silver eyeshadow from the same Dollface 88pcs Eyeshadow Palette.  You can opt to use different shades to match with the gold eyeshadow on Step 1.

Step 3:

Use a matte beige eyeshadow, I applied this on the brow bone as "highlight".

OPTIONAL:

I forgot to draw a diagram but I used a shimmery white eyeshadow to be applied on the inner corner to brighten up your eyes.

Step 4:

Line my upper lash line with Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner in Black.  Tight line with Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in dark brown and also lined my waterline.

  

  

Curled my lashes and apply coats of your favorite mascara.  In this AMW Version, I am using Revlon CustomEyes Waterproof Mascara in Black.

 Voila, a bit bigger looking eyes for someone who has small eyes :D

And here's to show you what I used on the rest of my face

For the Face:

San San Soleil Matte Foundation

Majolica Majorca Skin Remaker Pore Cover in BO10

For the Cheeks:

I Nuovi Colours D36 in Lollipop

For the Lips:

San San Soleil Lipstick in Nude Carribean

AMW Version of "Summer's Almost Over" look

with my new haircut from Tony & Jackey

Think happy thoughts!  Weekend may be far away but there's no reason why you shouldn't smile!
Let's celebrate each day of our lives!  We only live once! 

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

I Wonder: "How Many Times A Week Do You Treat Your Hair?"

Happy start of the week AMW Readers!  How's your weekend?  It was quite a relaxing weekend for me because I spent it playing my favorite PSP game of all time "Patapon 3", watched re-runs of Boys Over Flowers on KBS Channel and the best of all!  Had another hair treatment and haircut session at my favorite Tony & Jackey salon!

Let's talk about the haircut!  If you are a long time reader, you can count the frequency of my haircut because I always like my layers to be in shape!  I get irritated right away if the ends of my hair starts to get dry!  That explains why I can never sport that "Rapunzel-looking" hair! (Sorry Prince!  No hair to fall off the tower for you to climb up!) :P

Tony & Jackey haircut for women costs Php500.00 (approx $11.60) the nice lady who washed my hair offered me hair treatment with free haircut for Php1,000 (approx $23.00).  I usually say no to hair treatment as I do them at home, but since I'm there and I'm looking for some well-deserved "me" time.  I said yes!

The point of the post, *laughs* is how I got to chat with my favorite Korean Hairstylist!  She asked me how many times I do "at-home hair treatments" and I proudly told her once a week!  She gave me a disappointed look, like a mom, she asked me to increase the frequency of my hair treatment because of my hair color.

Exact words from her: "If you want color your hair forever?  You treat your hair with care forever!"  

Yes, I was scolded by my hairstylist!  (How dare her?!!?)  LOL  In which at the end I realize, she's right! 

Thank goodness for my love for hair that I have a lot of hair treatment back-ups I store in a huge case under my bed!  (yes, I have to be that specific!) :P 

Here are some new ones I will try!

Cream Silk Vitamin Treatment

Weekly Straight Shine

Dove Damage Therapy

I believe it's not available locally, brother bought me this in Shanghai!

Hortaleza Hair Spa Treatment

I got this as a birthday gift from HBC family, thanks!

I Wonder:
"How Many Times A Week Do You Treat Your Hair?"

I'll start doing the "at least 3x a week hair treatment" and I will report back if I see any improvement on my strands!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: M Cafe

M Cafe or Museum Cafe --- I've dined in this restaurant a couple of times for events or meetings, I want to give this restaurant another try without the pressure of work but just to unwind!  It was perfect timing when I found a 50% off coupon from a deal site!

 

A nice table setting was set and we were served with appetizer for the day!  I can't explain the dish but I'm sure there's cucumber!  :P  A bit spicy but not too much!  I like it!

Signature Iced Tea in Dalandan Flavor

Php120.00 (approx $2.79)

Crystal Prawn Dumplings 

6pcs for Php225.00 (approx $5.20)

thick sweet soy, chili oil, mustard sprouts

I've tried this and loved this and made sure to order this "each" time I visit M Cafe.  Shrimps are huge and the perfect blend of chili oil and sweet soy works perfectly!

Sisig + Chicharon

Php295.00 (approx $6.86)

Sauteed chopped pork, tofu, pork cracklings, fresh calamansi and chili

I am not that impressed with the Sisig, I like the simple Sisig that I usually eat at Gery's!  Mr. AMW liked this and he finished this dish without any problem! Goodluck to his cholesterol level! :P

M's Stir Fried Hokkien Beef + Noodles

Php395.00 (approx $9.18)

Bok choi, green onions, roasted beef, 

fresh cilantro and scrambled egg

I am not a fan of cilantro!  So I am thanking the food gods that the cilantro wasn't mixed with the noodles as I won't enjoy the dish as much!  M's version of Stir Fried Hokkien Beef + Noodles is on the oilier side, one plate is best to be shared as they serve the dish with ample amount of beef!  I would love it if they add more noodles!  Personal choice, I love noodles!

Best place and location to dine for families, friends and I'm giving "thumbs up" for dates!  I like the modern classic feel of the restaurant as you see your appetizers freshly made at the counter!  Servers are very helpful and friendly.

Museum Cafe

G/F Greenbelt 4, Makati Ave. cor. Dela Rosa St., Ayala Ctr.

Makati City, Metro Manila

tel. no: (632) 757-3000

I like calling this restaurant Museum Cafe rather than M Cafe! It was a good laugh when one of my friend went to Mc Cafe instead of M Cafe because she thought it was the same restaurant!  :P  

Enjoy your weekend food tripping

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: ZOYA Color Lock

Good day everyone!  Today, I will be posting Nail Product Reviews, I haven't done that for quite some time as I've been using the same nail care system for the past months!  I'm glad I took the big leap and embraced change!  As I find there are so many wonderful products out there worth to try!  

It was a first for me to try ZOYA Mini Color Lock System. 

ZOYA Mini Colorlock says ---

The wearability of ZOYA Nail Polish works better with the Colorlock System. It stays on longer and keeps lustre of polish for at least 5 days. This is safe to use by pregnant and lactating women as well (nontoxic, noncarcinogenic)  

Each kit contains:

• ZOYA Anchor (Basecoat)
• ZOYA Armor (Topcoat)
• ZOYA Hurry Up Drops
• ZOYA Remove+

AMW says ---

ZOYA Remove+

Pros

• A little goes a long way.
• Can remove stubborn glitters.
• Does not leave a white film on nails.
• The scent is not strong.  
• Awarded by Allure magazine as best nail polish remover!

Cons

• None!  Probably, the price?
  

ZOYA Anchor

Adheres Nail Color

Pros

• Dries up easily once applied on fingers.
• Brush is easy to use.
• One coat is enough to protect the nails from further yellowing.
• Nail polish stays longer together with the Zoya Armor (top coat).
• No chipping.
• Safe to use for pregnant and lactating woman due to its non-toxic, non-carcinogenic factors.

Cons

• Other people may find this pricey but I think the full size price of this is worth every single penny!

ZOYA Armor

Protects Nail Color

Pros

• Brush is consistently good!
• Nail polish looks new even after a week with this top coat.
• No chipping after 7 days!  (Dish washing, cooking, typing, etc.. all included to test)
• Safe for pregnant and lactating moms.

Cons

• Same, price!  But again, worth every penny!

 ZOYA Hurry Up Drops

dries polish fast and ends bubbling

Pros

• Does help speed up drying time.
• The dropper is a brilliant idea as helps even distribution.
• One tiny drop is enough for one nail.
• One tiny bottle lasts!

Cons

• Not comfortable with the oily feel of my fingertips especially if I plan to type after nail polish application.  It gets transferred to my keyboard.

The Mini ZOYA Color Lock System

Php1,000 (approx $23.25)

Available locally at: Organic Rituals Spa 

(feel free to add them up on Facebook)

Overall, the Mini set is great to test if the product is worth purchasing or not!  I like the fact that these are all safe enough for pregnant women to use!  That's a great news for nail polish lovers like myself!  I can't imagine myself not applying polish for 9 whole months (if I get pregnant).

I am very impressed with how my nail art lasts for more than 1 week and it looks as good as new!  My nails do get a bit yellow but not as much as regular base and top coat!  I can dramatically see a huge difference of this from the other brands!

A picture of my Hello Kitty inspired nails after 2 full weeks!  Nails have grown and my nail art is still intact!

I can't attest the effectiveness of the Hurry Up Drops in terms of the "bubbling" as I don't usually have problems with my nail polish bubbling up!  A couple of nail polish lovers out there did voice out their problems on nail polish bubbling!  Aside from not shaking the bottle vigorously, instead, rub the polish between your palms.  Never apply polish in front of a fan, these tiny reminders may help!

Will definitely re-purchase these 2 items once I finish up my mini version ---

• ZOYA Anchor- Php455.00 (approx $10.60)
  
• ZOYA Armor- Php455.00 (approx $10.60)

I have so many base coats and top coats to finish from all my "hoarding", but this brand impressed me and definitely tops my "next to haul" list.

Have you tried ZOYA?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy! 

(Note from Author: Product provided for PR consideration.  The author is not paid to write this post. All information written are based solely on author's personal experiences.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Reviews: Mary Kay "Pink Changing Lives" Creme Lipstick

Happy Friday!!!

Its Mary Kay Philippine's 11th anniversary the month of May and they are thrilled to introduce their two latest product offerings:

• Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara 
• Limited Edition Beauty That Counts Mary Kay Creme Lipstick

Mary Kay Philippines is taking part on its Corporate Social Responsibility campaign called Beauty that Counts to support a local charitable institution in its effort to help change lives of women and children.  For every Mary Kay Creme Lipstick in Give Dreams sold, Mary Kay will donate $1.00 (approx $45.00) starting May 16 to December 31, 2011.

Give Dreams is a shade specifically made for the campaign and to show gratitude to buyers, the lipstick comes in a unique tube that says "Thank You" in different languages! 

Here's the exact lipstick I've been using for more than a week! 

Mary Kay Creme Lipstick says ---

Pink Melon, Shell, Apricot Glaze, Dusty Rose -- these are just a few subtly sweet shades. Long-wearing, stay-true color glides on with a lightweight creamy texture for unforgettable tips. Choose from 13 pout-prettying shades.

AMW says ---

Pros

• For the limited edition lipstick: I have nothing more to say but this is the best packaged lipstick I own!  Love the idea of Thank you on different languages.  

Photo below shows "Thank You" 

in different languages

• For the regular package creme lipstick: really good, plain black lipstick packaging with the shade of the lipstick on top for you to easily see the shade without looking at the bottom for shade name.

**photo taken from website

• Smooth and easy to apply.
• Does not flake on my dry lips
• Very pigmented, one swipe is enough for the color to show up.
• No weird scent.
• It gives a hint of coral and a hint of pink shade which works well on most blushers!

Cons

• Limited edition :( I would love to have this packaging forever! :P  *wishful thinking*
• Shades can only be seen if you meet up with Beauty Consultants, they are not found inside malls.

Overall
Mary Kay Creme Lipsticks are moisturizing, creamy and pigmented.  Stays on lips for a good amount of time!

Tips

• If you have no way to test on products, search for lipstick swatches online.
• If you have extremely dry lips, prep your lips by moisturizing it properly, blot with tissue then apply lipstick.
• To make lipstick last longer, apply first layer, blot, re-apply second layer, blot and go ahead and apply for the third.  It'll last longer!
• Want to lessen the shine of the lipstick?  Pat on translucent powder on top of the lipstick!  It helps prevent lipstick from sliding off.
• If you want shinier looking lips, top with your favorite clear gloss on top of the lipstick!  An inexpensive favorite of mine is the Fashion 21 Fruity Flavored Gloss!

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
All lipstick lovers!

Where to purchase and how much?

Available at Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant by calling them at (632) 859-6211 or visit www.marykay.com.ph if you wish to know more details.  The Mary Kay Creme Lipstick costs Php650.00 (approx $15.10). 

Shade: Give Dreams

Sunny Coral pink

Applied on bare lips 2x each lip

The shade works on any skin color and the color looks brighter as the person gets to be fairer!
Mine look a bit brighter on photos because I have pigmented lips to start with :)
Just in case you see me today, yes, I'm wearing this! :D

Have you tried Mary Kay Products?  
In your opinion, what's their star product?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(Note from Author:Product provided for PR consideration.  All reviews are based on personal experiences, please purchase at your own discretion).

AMW Bulletin: Pond's Flawless White Unbeaten Challenge Open to All!

Dear Philippine Readers:
Remember the Pond's Flawless White Unbeaten Challenge I went through with my co-blogger/friend/sister Sophie?

Recently, Pond's Philippines launched the consumer leg of the Unbeaten Challenge.  Now, you can share your own Unbeaten stories on http://ponds.com.ph/unbeaten/challenge/!

Here are the basic mechanics of the consumer challenge ---

1. Submit a 100-300 word testimonial about Pond's Flawless White to ponds.unbeaten@gmail.com.

• This should include a photograph of the participant with a Pond's Flawless White Product.
• The title of the email must be: "Pond's Unbeaten - (FULL NAME OF PARTICIPANT)".

2. Once the entry is approved, it will be uploaded on the Pond's Unbeaten Site: "http://ponds.com.ph/unbeaten/challenge/index.php"



3. Pond's will randomly choose seven winners among the qualified participants who will get a full makeover:

• Php1,000 gift certificate from Plains & Prints.
• Hair makeover from Creations by Lourd Ramos
• Pond's Flawless White gift pack

4. Promo starts May 1st to July 30, 2011.

If you're a Pond's Flawless White user, give it a try :)
Who knows?  You get the chance to win a makeover!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Version: Purples without the Black Eyed Peas

Happy Thursday! Sorry for the weird title!  Black Eyed Peas lover out there, don't hate me ok?  I just find the title unique and hoping it would catch your attention! (KSP kasi ako) :P  

When it comes to purples, clients would always shy away and say: "I'm not that fair, it won't look good on me, I'll probably look like someone with black eye!"

I actually went through the similar stage when I was still studying make-up!  There are definitely a lot of practice and a lot of color combining done before I found a way to use purples on a daily basis without looking tired or messy!

Note that this is a toned down version because this look is meant for daytime!  Yes, you can wear it at work without getting strange looks from colleagues!

Tips

• Try not to pile up a lot with a single shade of dark purple eyeshadow.
• Use different shades of purples to have "3-dimensional effect."
• Use at least 2 shades to create a purple look, one is any shade of purple while the other is a highlighter!  Could be golds, beige, etc...
• Use an eye primer or eyeshadow base and pat on the dark eyeshadow to prevent fall outs.
• For fall outs, do not use your fingers in wiping them off, gently brush the excess off with a big powder brush or fan brush!  *works ALL the time!*

AMW Diagram

Step 1:
It wasn't shown on photo but I actually applied Urban Decay Primer Potion all over lids.  Applied purple shade from Lancome Color Fan 6 Color Eyeshadow Palette.

Step 2:
With the same Lancome Color Fan 6 Color Eyeshadow Palette, use the shimmery gold eyeshadow on the inner corner of the eyes to create a "brigher" look!  This helps cast away the dark shadow that can make your eyes look tired!

Step 3:

For a fake "deeper set of eyes" look, I used a darker purple shade from my Sleek Divine Graphite Palette.

Step 4:
Apply eyeliner of your choice!  I always go for gel liners or liquid liners!  Pencil liners I use to tight line!

Drew my brows with Paul & Joe Eyebrow Pencil no. 2.  Curled my lashes and used Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Glamour Volume on Mascara in Black.

Here's a daytime, non-tiring eyes

Workable for office girls!

 

Scroll down to check what's on the rest of my face

 

For the Face:
Kanebo Revue Powder Foundation BE-C

For the Cheeks:
The Body Shop's Autumn Leaves Compact

in Shade 02 Berry

For the Lips:
Stila Lip Pots in Amande

Top with Stage Wondergloss in Sophia

Get that lazy bum out of your room!
Face your day with a huge smile!  It's Thursday!
Friday is super reachable!

Have you perfected your purple eyeshadow?
What shade do you pair it with?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!