AMW Bulletin: Forever 21 SM Megamall 3-day Sale (May4-6)

Dear Philippine Readers:
Were you there at The Block (SM City North EDSA) opening of Forever 21?  The brand is growing and nothing can stop them!  SM Megamall branch has something wonderful coming up!  The much awaited 3-Day Sale!

On May 4 10:00am to 12:00nn ---

• Present your F21 Mastercard and SMAC/BDO Rewards to get 20% off regular items with a minimum purchase of Php5,000.
• Present your SMAC/BDO Rewards, get 10% off on regular items.

On May 4 12:00nn onwards until May 6

• F21 Mastercard holders can get 10% off on regular items with a minimum purchase of Php5,000.

*BDO Cardholders can avail of 5% rebate with a minimum purchase of Php5,000 for all 3 days!

Happy F21 Shopping!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

 

Something New: Sanuk's Yoga Mat

My first ever Sanuk sandals was purchased year 2008! (As seen on my post HERE) Today, both black and brown are still doing okay (a bit too old looking though!  *laughs*).  I trekked near and far with both sandals!  I can't even start telling you how far we walked when we traveled around Hong Kong and China bringing both pairs with me!  

So when I got an inbox notice on what's new with Sanuk, I can't help but share this to my readers who prefer simplicity, back-to-basic type of sandals without the frills!

Introducing ---
Sanuk's Bestselling Range:  The Yoga Mat Sandals

Yoga Wedge

Php1,990.00 (approx $46.00)

Yoga Paradise

Php1,290.00 (approx $30.00)

Yoga Twist

Php1,290.00 (approx $30.00)

Yoga XYZ

Php1,990.00 (approx $46.00)

 "Boasting of a functional yoga mat foot bed, Sanuk's yoga mat sandals are truly a joy to wear no matter where you're headed especially this summer season.  Take it to the mall, the beach, even for a quick coffee run, Sanuk's Yoga Mat sandals seamlessly combine comfort with its "season-less" style.  Complemented by classic styles and colors, these yoga mat sandals can outlast fleeting fashion trends and make for a practical choice for no-nonsense individuals who want more bang for their buck."

So imagine how well they go with (Photos taken from Polyvore website)---

Dresses

Shorts

 Pants

 

 Rompers

 

and a whole lot more! :) Very versatile for sure!
Sanuk is exclusively distributed by the Primer Group of Companies. Get the latest on Sanuk Philippines by “liking” their Facebook fan page at: Sanuk Philippines or visit www.sanuk.ph

Which among the 4 caught your attention?

I think Yoga XYZ is cute!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Makeup

The first ever airbrush (in a can) product that I came across with is called the Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Spray.  I even wished they came up with something for the face!   

And Sally Hansen did, unfortunately, it was never available in the local market.

Finally, a drugstore brand Revlon came up with one and it's readily available locally! 

After weeks and weeks of usage, I'm ready to share my thoughts on this!

Revlon says ---

PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Makeup, an air-light makeup provides a flawless finish,w hether it's on camera or in person.  The whipped texture allows you to blend evenly for undetectable coverage, leaving you with smooth, poreless complexion.  The formula's photochromatic pigments bend and reflect light to minimize flaws, leaving you with perfectly airbrushed skin in any light --- indoors, outdoors, or under the flash of a camera.  Oil-free, fragrance free.  Use alone or over PhotoReady Primers.

Ingredients (shown on packaging)

AMW says ---

Pros

• Sealed upon purchase.  You know you get the product fresh from manufacturer.

• Unique packaging and come on!  You have to admit that the innovative "mousse" packaging makes this product interesting!

• Since this is air-filled, it feels very light on skin upon application.
• Light-medium-heavy coverage.
• As compared to the regular Revlon PhotoReady Foundation, this one has less shimmers.
• A little goes a long way.
• Does not create white cast on ANY lighting.
• Fragrance free and no allergic reactions.

Cons

• Since you cannot see the product inside, it is difficult to know how much product you have left.
• Pump gives you difficulty in controlling the amount of product to be dispensed.
• A bit messy, need to wipe the mouth of the pump after every use!  There are a bit of product wastage no matter how "controlled" you try to press.

• Does not control oiliness so super oily skinned individuals may need to retouch every now and then.
• Does have sparkles if you look closely and some people dislike that especially if you have oily skin.
• Can be rubbed off easily so I strongly suggest to set this foundation.

Overall

This is a very interesting product, I have to admit I set aside most of my foundation and road tested this IMMEDIATELY!  Though it states "Airbrush", the mousse is light and airy upon dispense but as it settles down, you are left with a medium to heavy cream foundation that gives a build-able coverage!

Tips
from Revlon

• Shake can well.
• Hold can upright, and press button gentlyl to dispense a dime-size dollop of foamy air-infused mousse.
• Apply over face and blend for a smooth poreless complexion.
• Use fingertips to apply.

from AMW

• If you own and use the regular Revlon PhotoReady foundation, do not automatically pick the same shade as Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Foundation's shades come off a bit darker (even with the same shade name.)  Always try on testers before you buy.
• Always wipe the tip of the applicator after every use.
• Though Revlon advised using fingers to apply, I found that using the Beauty Blender or a Flat Kabuki Brush is the best way to apply for an 'airbrush" finish.
• Try to control the way you press the pump to prevent product wastage.
• If you have oily skin: Use an oil-control primer prior to foundation application.
• If you have dry skin: do not forget to moisturize dry areas around your face really well prior to foundation application.
• It helps to "dab" the product instead of swiping it for a "poreless" finish.
• Always include application on your neck area.
• If you prefer the dewy finish, you can leave this product on its own.
• If you prefer matte finish, set with your favorite setting powder.
  

Will I repurchase?
No. I prefer the non-messy Revlon PhotoReady Foundation and I don't mind the extra "shimmer" it gives since I have dry skin.

To whom do I recommend this to?

Works well for normal, dry and combination skin!  If you love the original Revlon PhotoReady Foundation but you dislike the "shimmers" it gives, then go for the Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse makeup as the coverage and texture feels almost the same but this one has less shimmers!

Where to purchase and how much?
At local Revlon counters for Php925.00 (approx $21.50).

One pump can dispense this much of product

It looks weird for me (like a brain) lol!
*playing Plants vs Zombies song in my head*
"I'm gonna eat your brain!" LOL

Swatch on arm the shade 050 Medium beige

Medium Beige is best for medium to fair skin with yellow undertone.

If you're familiar with MAC shades, this will be around NC25-35.

 

I am NC20 but I don't mind using a shade darker as it's not that obvious once applied sparingly!  I can also easily match the shade to my skin by u sing the right "setting powder" or lighten it up a bit with a lighter powder foundation.

Which tool to use for application?

I prefer applying the Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Foundation with a damp Beauty Blender with stippling motion.  If you do not own a beauty blender, you can use any damp foundation sponge.

To create a seamless and pore-less finish, I continued dabbing with the use of my Charm Luxe Flat Top Brush until it dries.

This technique adheres the product into the skin creating natural and flawless look!  Product won't rub off easily especially after setting this with your preferred setting powder.

Note: If you do not have setting powder, a regular powder foundation  may do!  It adds even more coverage!

 

It helps to do your eye makeup prior to setting the foundation so you can clean up whatever fall outs during eye makeup application.

 

Have I gotten you intrigued to try on the Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Makeup?
Do you think this is worth to try or it's another one of those "gadget-y" product you may want to miss?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Product sent for review.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Weekend Food Tripping at: Bento & Snack

Once we craved for something, we really go all the way just to get it!  Obviously, I'm talking about food!  It's funny how I always end up craving for Korean Dish after a makeup gig!  It was still early and most Korean restaurants around Macapagal Avenue and Ermita are closed during those times!  We drove around Ermita to search for any Korean Restaurants we may find that are open at weird hours after lunch!  There we found a small restaurant called Bento & Snack!

Pwede na! This looks like the small Korean restaurants we see when we walk around Seoul.  But once you go inside and check out the menu, they actually offer both Korean and Japanese dishes.

Once the waiter gave us the menu, we "kinda" scratched our heads as we can't seem to find the "usual" suspects! 

After a couple of minutes, we finally made our decision and an appetizer was served!  I am actually a fan of the tofu skin strips (left side) and the Kimchi (right side).  I'm okay with eggplant but I'm not sure why it doesn't feel like what I was aiming for when I gave it a try!  So yup, that was my least favorite out of the 3!

Ramen

Php150.00 (approx $3.50)

I originally asked for jjampong  as I like having a bit of seafood on my noodle soup, unfortunately, they do not have it!  So we opted for regular ramen.  The soup base is spicy (you can request for the level of spiciness) and flavorful.

The texture of the noodles is not soggy, the firmness is just right!

Bibimbap
Php250.00 (approx $5.80)

The Bibimbap meal served at Bento & Snack is more targeted on vegetable lovers!  I can see more vegetables here than other restaurants!  You can expect huge beansprouts, eggplant, sliced carrots, cucumbers, and a bitter tasting vegetable (stem-like light green vegetable shown on lower right side of the photo).  The whole dish was okay but I'm not a fan of the bitter tasting vegetable so I had to remove it and add more red paste to enjoy it fully!

Of course, the added egg on top is a must!

Since the weather was hot and humid, we've decided to walk to nearby Korean Grocery Store and bought this drumstick!  Please, if you see this, you have to buy this!  It is super good!

I also went up to the Korean Lady holding different cans and bottles of coffee asking her which one has the "Thumbs up" mark approval from her, she picked BaBa Coffee and I trusted her!  It was in Cafe Mocha Classic flavor and it was really good!

Overall, Bento & Snack is a comfortable, tiny, yet clean restaurant that serves good Japanese and Korean Dishes.  The prices are almost the same as big Korean restaurants (considering the size of their restaurant) but I can tell the quality of ingredients used are good!  I have tried better Korean restaurants but this is a place to go just in case, like me, when you are craving for one and the rest of the Korean restaurants nearby were on their afternoon break!

Bento & Snack 
Adriatico Malate
In Front of Star Bucks
Tel Nos: (632) 567-5819/ (632)474-1856

What's your weekend food cravings?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reports + Contest: Nourishing Night Oil (NNO) Event --- Contest CLOSED!!!

**Winner picked via Fruit Machine. Congratulations to ----

Norissa Chavez!
I will email you for mailing information!

I got an invite to a small gathering last Tuesday for a light dinner, spa treatment at Blue Water Day Spa and get to know a product called Nourishing Night Oil (NNO). 

This event feels like shooting 3 birds in one stone!

1. I'd love to try spa treatment at Blue Water Day Spa for quite some time but just didn't have the time!
2. After reading product information on Nourishing Night Oil (NNO), I got intrigued and want to learn more on its advantages!
3. Dinner - need I say more?  *laughs*

I'm just joking on number 3 but I'm serious in trying to learn more about NNO, its functions  and usage!

I arrived a bit worried when I saw how "busy" the parking space was but thank goodness the event organizers thought about it and have someone do valet parking! 

I thought I was a bit early to be arriving at 5:30pm when the event calls for 6:00pm time!  Look how ready everyone was and I got comfortable right away!

Food table! :)

And the reason for our existence in the said event *grins*

Both Shen and I were the early birds so we gave the skin analyzer machine a try before other people could overhear the condition of our skin! *shudders*

First, the skin around the inner arm area was tested

It was further explained that this area is the least exposed to the harsh environment.

Then the skin around my face was also tested! 

Here are the results!  (Don't judge me!  Let me explain!  *laughs*)

The right hand side of the photo shows the skin as seen by naked eye.  The left side is the "zoomed in" version.

As expected, the skin around my body are considered healthy BUT dry!  (Shown on first 2 photos on top).

On the other hand, the skin on my face is on the healthy side, I learned that night that my skin is a combination skin!  Oily on the t-zone and normal on the rest of my face!  (Ah, the skincare regimen must be working as I used to be super dry!).

P.S. I did not tell the lady my age and I asked what was the age of my skin, and guess what?  She said the condition of my skin states that I am 25 years old below!  (Hey! I did not invent that!  I just quoted her! *defensive mode*) hahaha

So yes, I'm a living proof that taking care of your skin as early as NOW will bear good results! :)

Since we were quite early for the event, we were able to chat with the super friendly, down-to-earth and funny host of the night Divine Lee.  She loved the skin analyzer so much she wants to buy one!

We talked a lot about beauty products and even shared laughs on how we love Japanese do their makeup!  She was also in Japan during those times I was in Tokyo!

If I may have to add, it was a relaxing venue at the Foot Spa Room of Blue Water Day Spa!

Here are the rest of the bloggers who attended the special event with me!

Clockwise from upper left - Shen, Helga, Bambi and Alex

Clockwise from upper left - Tin, yours truly, Cheryl and Angela

The event started as we were introduced to Mega Philippines Managing Director Mr. Rishi Pradhan.
Mr. Pradhan took us to the Mega Journey.  How Mega cares by ---

• Building a thinking organization that also includes respect, freedom, truth and trust.
• Providing Right Products with the right quality that is safe for human consumption.
• Choosing developing countries in selling and marketing medicines for sustainable growth.

Mega is present in 21 countries which proves their stability!

To continue our learning experience about the star product for the night, NNO Brand Manager Ms. Maria Cristina Paloma further discussed to us information about the human skin, of course, different skin types will always be present in skin discussions and the participants were asked on their present skin condition! 

I can see different skin types in one room!  Definitely a nice bunch!

What is Nourishing Night Oil (NNO)?  Now I can help you understand after attending this event!

NNO is an all natural moisturizer that treats skin dryness due to loss of moisture.  

How about oily-skinned individuals?

Don't fret, we asked that question in an instant and we learned that NNO will never feel greasy on your skin and it works for ALL skin types as NNO resembles the natural skin oil, it acts like the natural oil in your skin making your skin supple and young-looking minus the oily feel!

We were even challenged to test our skin again after 2 weeks of usage! 

Did you know that?

• NNO has the non-cosmetic combination of Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil. 
• NNO never has greasy feel after application.
• NNO comes in applicap to prevent oxidation and to retain its freshness.  It's also a big plus as you get to use the "exact" amount of product needed for your face and neck!  Or if you may, even dry parts of your body!
• NNO is all natural.  Each capsule contains 4.70mg of Natural Vitamin E and 85.80 mg of Jojoba oil.
• NNO is best applied at night as it is the best time for skin cells to regenerate.
• NNO can be used together with your current skin care regimen.

As most of us were clueless on how application is done. We were shown on the how-tos via slide

and in person!  A live model was used to show application and everyone can't help but go up and try out the product to feel if it's greasy or not!  I guess in our minds...we were all thinking: "Come on!  It's OIL, how could it be NOT greasy?" (I'm not sure about the rest but I sure did think that way!)

Here's the model several minutes after application, we touched her face and her skin, indeed, is not oily and she looks refreshed!

Nourishing Night Oil (NNO) in box of 30s soft gel applicaps costs Php450.00 (approx $10.50)  available at Mercury Drug Store and South Star drugstores.

Feel free to add NNO Philippines on Facebook to get to know more about the company and the products they offer!  (P.S. They are also the maker of Gloww which I gave away last year!)

Now, my dear readers, before I end this post, I want to give 1 AMW reader a chance to try this wonderful NNO Nourishing Night Oil!  It's very simple!

• Comment in THIS post your name and email address.
• Tell me "Why do you need NNO in your life?"
• Like NNO Philippines on Facebook.
• Contest starts today ends May 18, 2012 (11:59pm local time)
• ONE comment per person please.
• Open to Philippine Residents.  
• 1 winner will be picked via Fruit Machine and will be emailed.  Winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be picked.

Go go go!
I'd love you to give it a try too!

Thanks to the wonderful people from Mega Philippines, The Loop, Blue Water Day Spa (for the lovely venue and massage after the event), Divine Lee (for doing a great hosting job), Vince Golangco (for inviting me) and to the rest of the bloggers who made this event fun!

Goodluck!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!