Eureka Moment: Catch Your Nail Clippings!

Happy Saturday everyone!  Did you wake up with a huge smile today?  I'm off to a very busy morning til evening so I'm making sure to leave you with a post before I leave home!  

Over the years, we have a favorite nail clipper, a small, Hello Kitty one that works so well for my tiny nails and the added bonus?  It's never messy when I cut my nails!  The Hello Kitty plastic catches each nail clipping and I took the fun of it for granted!  When it finally died on us after a decade and I started to cut my nails like a regular person *laughs* ooohh sounds so critical! :P  I cut my nails in front of a trash can and try to be as gentle as possible but I still ended up having my nail clippings flying everywhere!  

Am I a whiner?  *sorry*!  

Whiner or not...it's....EUREKA MOMENT! 

No more Hello Kitty Neat Clip but hello Denco Accents Neat Clip!  It's a tad bit bigger and it looks more professional!  This simple innovation may be nothing to other people but it means a lot to me and my feet!  *laughs*  Stepping on a nail clipping ain't fun :(

A regular sized nail clipper is covered with a plastic case, it may look just like decoration to some of you but it has its purpose!

The plastic catches the nail clippings.  The only concern for now is that I find it difficult to remove the plastic from the nail clipper, it takes a bit of practice and tactical skill!  *laughs*

But overall, I'm happy such unique find still exists!  Again, this may be a useless invention to some but this means a lot to me!  A lot!  Since I love to cut my nails inside our room and I like walking around barefooted! 

Don't forget to follow directions! 

Denco Neat Clip costs Php149.00 (approx $3.50) available at Purbeauty Store, Landmark Trinoma and PCX.

Do you think a Neat Clip is a nice invention or a useless one?
Would you purchase and use one?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Lancome's Rouge In Love

I have a couple of Lancome Lipsticks which I save only for clients!  I tend to pick it up for my more mature, classy clients as that is what I feel about most Lancome lipsticks. 

Not until I saw this ad...what's in my mind?

"Emma Watson!  Don't do that do your Lancome lipstick!"  

*laughs* With Emma Watson as their model, the lip colors must be hip, fun and vibrant!  After a quick visit at the Lancome Counter at Rustan's Shangri-La Mall a couple of weeks ago, I'm happy to say, I'm right (again) *beams* :P !

Lancome says ---

Love your lips! Finally, the long wear lipcolor you'll love to wear. This collection of radiant, high potency colors, with up to 6 hours of wear, is surprisingly featherlight, offering delightful comfort.

Discover the lipcolor that describes you best and let your lipcolor show your mood, any time of the day.

Categorized in 3 moods:

• Jolis Matins: Fresh shades for daytime wear. Jolis Matins shades are identified with the letter M in the shade number.
• Boudoir Time: Pop shades for cocktail hour. Bourdoir Time shades are identified with the letter B in the shade number.
• Tonight is My Night: Intense shades for magical nights. Tonight is My Night shades are identified with the letter N in the shade number.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Smooth and creamy.
• Doesn't settle in lip lines.
• Gives moisture on lips.
• Nice, "true to tube" , pigmented shades.
• Has wide array of shades good for day 'til night.
• I saw the full sized packaging at Lancome Counter and they don't look boring!
• Stays on even after drinking and eating!  I'm surprised I came home with still a good hint of lip color even though it was completely a "no retouch night".
• I believe this line is permanent.

Cons

• Price.  Though the concept of changing lipsticks depending on the time of day is wonderful, it is a bit pricey to do so.

Overall
Pigmented lip color that hugs your lips and stays for longer hours and moisturizes the lips blurring out lip lines.

Tips

• I usually advise readers to apply lipstick with a lip brush but not Lancome's Rouge In Love lipsticks, they are so creamy on tube that I enjoy the feeling of applying it straight from tube to lips!
• If you are a makeup artist, use a lip brush and wipe before dipping your brush again on the lipstick.
• For extra plump and shine, add a clear gloss at the center of the lips.

Will I purchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Daily lipstick wearer.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Lancome counters for Php1,295.00 (approx. $30.00)

Swatch

Rouge in Love in 132M on tube 

and applied heavily on lips

Rouge in Love in 163B on tube 

and applied heavily on lips

132 M

Jolis Matis

This is a great day time lip color that's close to my original lip color.  It has a pale rose pink type of shade that works for an office look, no makeup look or a nice coffee break with friends.

163B

Boudoir Time

A lip color that has enough shine for that late afternoon to night out!  Though this lipstick shade is part of Boudoir Time, I feel applying this shade lightly on lips can still double up as a day time lip color!  This reminded me so much of a Clinique lip color I own called All Heart but this one is a tad bit lighter.

Personally speaking, I think all the lip shades from each category can work on different times!  There's no limit to your makeup creativity!  In simpler terms, Rouge in Love is a permanent line of lipstick from Lancome wherein different age group can enjoy!  There's always a shade for everyone because there's a wide array of shades ranging from pinks, reds, corals, browns and nudes.

Would you change your lip color depending on time of day?
How many times in a day can you change your lip color?

I do change my lip color but it doesn't depend on the time of the day but it depends on the functions I'm attending to!  In a day, the most number of lipstick shades I can change is around 3 --- MAX! 

Share your lipstick stories!  I'd love to hear from you!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation SPF10

As a makeup artist who loves to focus her craft on Brides, AMW is always on a lookout for "Bridal-friendly" cosmetics!  Meaning, lightweight, can stay more than 10 hours, waterproof, sweat-proof and tear-proof!  

That's a huge demand not every makeup brand can handle!  As I go through this journey of finding the best of the best (via product reviews as I love to look back on my own reviews and compare products.), I will definitely share it here as I try on different products on myself and on clients!  

Please, feel free to click comment and share your experience as an "end user" and maybe, if I have any professional makeup artist readers, do share some of your great finds as the world is a better place with beautiful people helping each other stay beautiful! :)

Spotlight: Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation SPF10 

which was hailed "Best for Brides" in Brides Beauty Awards, Brides Magazine June 2010

Winning an award in the US won't stop me from raising my brows as we have unique weather here in Asia.  I'm not sure I read it right but I believe there's a Western and Asian version of this foundation and the Asian version is made in Japan.  If that's the case...this...might work!  Smile and read on for my full blast review!

Estee Lauder says ---

15-hour wear, light as air-long-wear makeup is now lightweight makeup.

• Fresh, natural, comfortable.
• Goes on sheer, leaves skin free to breathe all day.
• Controls oil.
• Resists smudging and won't "melt" off through heat and humidity.

For a look that stays vibrant and fresh whether it's a workday, a workout or a weekend. Smooth it on once and don't think twice about it.

Formula facts

• Oil-free
• Dermatologist-tested
• Non-acnegenic
• Won't clog pores
• Fragrance-free
• Photo-friendly

Size: 30ml
Shades: Intensity 1.0 (lightest) to 3.0 (darkest)

AMW says ---

Pros

• I used to be very OC when it comes to tube packaging, I like to peek at the hole to see if someone squirted out some of the foundation making me feel uncomfortable as I don't get what I pay for!  *laughs*  So getting a "sealed" product always makes me feel good that the product is "fresh from manufacturer" and I get all 30ml!  (I know, I'm sick!  hahaha)

 

• Feels super light on skin.
• You can create light to medium full coverage.
• Once you pick the right shade, you get a very natural look no matter how much you apply!
• Can even out my skin tone and reduce redness.
• Does not dry out my skin even without moisturizer underneath.
• Very easy to blend.
• Indeed photo friendly, none of the white cast!
• Fragrance free!  I'm not a fan of scented foundation.
• No allergic reactions.

Cons

• Very limited shade availability.
• Gives a bit of "sheen" which may translate as "oily" to super oily-skinned individuals.
• I can't say this is a15-hour wear with our super humid and crazy weather.  Let's say max 6 hours for normal/dry skin and 3-4 hours for oily skin? 

Overall

Though the color range is small, I'm glad I found a perfect match on Intensity 2.0 which works for NC20-25 skin.  I like how this foundation feels so light and blends like a dream! 

Tested on an oily-skinned client, I got a feedback that the foundation looks as good as it was freshly applied with minimal oil-control film-blotting after 2-3 hours.

Tips

• Concealing may still be needed for that extra spots and dark under eye circles.
• To prevent the product from sliding off especially for combination and oily-skinned, a good oil-control primer would help make the foundation last longer!
• If you prefer a very natural finish, feel free to leave without setting the foundation.
• Try on different brushes to pick which one works best for you!  For this particular foundation, I love using the foundation brush.

•  The foundation dries pretty fast so you have to work quickly and blend properly.
• Brush with downwards stroke, same direction as the growth of your facial hair.
• Start foundation application on your skin that needed the most coverage!  I always start at the center as that's where most of my redness are!

Will I repurchase?
Yes!  For myself and for brides!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Everyday liquid/cream foundation wearer and because of the low SPF, I also highly recommend this to brides!

Where to purchase and how much?
Available locally at Estee Lauder counters for Php2,000 (approx $46.50).

Product Photos and Swatches

  A tiny hole making it easy to control the amount of product needed

 Shade Availability:
6 shades in other countries but 

3 shades locally (Intensity 1.0-3.0)

 

A tiny drop of Intensity 2.0 

has a yellow base undertone

This shade reminded me so much of MAC Studio Fix Liquid Foundation in NC25

As you lightly blend the foundation it sinks into the skin quickly showing some of my lines which scared me a bit, at this stage, please to not fret and continue to blend the product to "warm" it up.

 Once blended, the foundation disappears making it look like my original skin - the better version!

Looking very closely, there is a tiny hint of 'sheen' making your skin looks extra healthy and glowing.

I requested Mr. AMW to take my before photo in as much natural lighting as possible for you guys to see the redness at the center of my face (ex. sides of my nose) and you can also see some tiny veins on my cheeks + dry patches (that's how thin my skin is and a dermatologist agreed.).

Right photo shows my skin after applying Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation in Intensity 2.0 using a foundation brush blending with my clean fingers patting motion.  As seen on photo below, my skin looks super even and all the redness were gone making it look like I have naturally gorgeous skin! It was an added bonus that the foundation did not dry up my skin considering the fact that I skipped moisturizer application for the sake of product review. :)

I haven't really looked into Estee Lauder as a brand for my clients but after having a good experience on this foundation, I'm definitely giving this brand a second and third look!

Any other Estee Lauder star products in your kit?  I would love to know so I can try them myself!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Product received during an event. Reviews 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.  The author highly recommend buyers to try on testers before purchasing.)

AMW Wears: Hang Ten Dress

Hang Ten Dress?

Wow, seriously?  Well, I was as shocked as you when I went for a quick Hang Ten store stopover at SM Mall of Asia to buy shirts for Mr. AMW!  Gone were the days I see shirts with 2 foot prints (they are still there!) but, they definitely have a lot of fashion items available for young to not-so-young *ahem* girls! 

The dress may look familiar to you as I've decided to wear it for a FULL day of events and workshop!  I wore this paired with a nude flats which I bought from Tokyo during the MAC Hey, Sailor! launch.  

Then I went for shoe change before I head on to the Benefit Porefessionally Pretty Workshop!  I changed it to my favorite Ferretti wedge because this is the most comfortable pair that gives me the added height!

Hang Ten Floral Dress Php845.00

The dress is very comfortable and I can move around easily, added that I have a shorts underneath just in case the wind decides to be a man!  *laughs*

I will share more of my outfit finds that would work on any occasions, anytime of the day!
Feel free to Like Hang Ten Philippines on Facebook.

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

If you are into prettifying your nails, a good base and top coat will always come in handy.  I have heard the same complaint from various readers: "My nail polish smudges after application!"  What's the solution?  A quick drying top coat!  

One of the most well known top coat brand that has been favored by many is called Seche Vite!  I've seen various nail blogs who call this the "best top coat in the world!"  That intrigued me and I nearly ordered mine via Ebay but the long wait on shipping stopped me from doing so! 

As I was browsing through Facebook, a note from Digital Traincase that says: "Seche Vite - On Hand" made me literally jumped out of my seat and paid immediately!  I got my order the next day and I've been using this from one nail art design after the other! 

I have mixed feelings regarding this top coat, read on to know why!

Seche Vite says ---

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat is widely acknowledged as the world's finest top coat.  Specially formulated to penetrate through nail lacquer to the base coat forming a single solid coating over the nail plate for a much more durable finish.  Guaranteed not to yellow while leaving nails silky, stronger and resistant to chipping and peeling.

Size: .5 fl oz.
Ingredients:

AMW says ---

Pros

• Nice brush that's easy to maneuver.
• Polish dries up pretty quick!  Around 1 minute (top dry), 5 minutes (completely dry).
•  Application is easy and it gives a smooth finish.

Cons

• The scent.  The scent of this top coat is way stronger than regular polish.
• Does not give a very glossy shine as compared to other top coats.
• Polish at times may peel off!  I really can't tell what's the cause of this but my polish peels off easily with this as a top coat.  (Kindly read tips below on how to work this out.)
• The warning sign printed on box.  I mean, most polishes aren't safe for pregnant but having it printed on box gave me a bit of chills each time I use this.

Overall
The best quick dry top coat I've encountered to date!

Tips

•  Not to be used as base coat.  I know some top coat doubles as base and top coat but this one doesn't work!  I mistakenly used this as a base coat and my poor nail art peeled off instantly.
• If you want to prevent peeling or shrinkage of your nail polish while using Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat, apply a layer of another brand of your favorite top coat then top just 1 layer of Seche.  My polish lasts longer with this trick.
• Try not to apply polish in an enclosed room, try to open your room door as the scent could get overwhelming.
• Never apply polish in front of a fan! 

Will I repurchase?
No.  As I am quite patient with waiting for my nail polish to try!  The possible peeling freaks me out since I take time to do my nail art for it just to peel after a day or 2!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who are into nail polish but hates the drying time!  It is best used by people who aren't pregnant.

Where to purchase and how much?
Available locally at Digital Traincase for Php420.00 (approx $9.80).

Have you tried Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat?
What's the top coat brand you use at present and how long does it take for your polish to completely dry?
I'd love to read suggestions and comments from you!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reports: Ahoy! MAC Hey, Sailor! is here!

Over the weekend, I was invited to sail with MAC with their newest summer collection!  The gorgeous stripes that took my breathe away!  (As you all know, I have a thing for Nautical!). 

Because of a super busy morning, I arrived at the MAC counter, Glorietta later than the time I stated!  But the kind girls from MAC Philippines' Ms. Kirsten Brito and Rizel Magno welcomed me with open arms and I was ushered for my makeover right away!

Something New: Azzaro Fragrance - Decibel (DB)

Someone sent the newest guy fragrance from Azzaro to Mr. AMW!  Was I a jealous freak?  Of course not!  :P  That someone is our lovely friend Emily Sia-Koa, Brand Manager of several fragrance brands under  Midas Brand Management. 

Emily is a family friend so it's such a shame for both Mr. AMW and myself for not being able to join her at the Azzaro Rockstart Party last June 5th as something important came up!  When I saw her photos on Azzaro Philippines Facebook Page, darn, I missed a lot!  Seems like a super fun party!

The gorgeous Emily being interviewed by media

 Decibel is a new masculine fragrance by Azzaro.  The campaign is definitely very "Rocker-inspired" and the packaging definitely screams "On Stage"!

 

 The handsome man behind the campaign?  Julian Casablancas!

 According to Wikipedia:

Julian Fernando Casablancas is an American musician, singer-songwriter and frontman of The Strokes.  He was born August 23, 1978.

Now let's stop from staring at Julian and focus on the fragrance *laughs*, the bottle is definitely very unique and eye catchy.  It's a microphone bottle!  

Mr. AMW exclaimed: "Ay! Ang Cute!" (Wow! So Cute)

What makes the scent unique aside from its masculine, energetic scent?  The unique code you get upon purchase of the DB fragrance, you get special backstage access at the Decibel Backstage website.

Fragrances are a matter of personal taste and choice, all I can share is that the Oriental + Masculine scent of DB passed both our "sniffing" test!  

 

The Decibel Range Eau De Toilette
50ml Php2,440.00 (approx $56.75)
100ml Php3,600.00 (approx $83.70)
Available in leading department stores, Fresh Fragrance Bar Boutiques and Art of Scent.

Do fragrance bottles catch your attention?
I have to admit that it's an added bonus to own and collect unique fragrance bottles!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Garnier Pure Active Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-on

If you think the reason why I don't test or write much about "pimple zapping" products because I have perfect skin, you're wrong!  

The reason why I don't test or use these types of products much is because my skin is very sensitive to Salicylic Acid and I'm allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide.  Both are pimple zapping ingredients that are super effective in drying out pimples!

That's why I settle for the natural Tea Tree Oils, I've been a loyal user of The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil and have been constantly repurchasing especially if they're on sale. 

So what's Garnier Pure Active Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-on doing here on my page?  Well, my dearest bestfriend Mr. AMW suffers from acne the moment he was in his mid-twenties, a late-bloomer I should say!  We're both been constantly finding for products that would help lessen his spots and pimples that has been constantly there for years!  He's been a number 1 user of Benzoyl Peroxide made by the company Galderma but once in a while, he uses other pimple fighting products to "confuse" his acne!  *laughs*  We like to put it that way! :)

So a huge thanks to Mr. AMW for trying out the newest Garnier product and I'm happy to write about this because this product is inexpensive so anyone who suffers from acne may give this a try.  I can't promise you it will work for all of you but it's worth the try because you don't have to shell out that much.

Garnier says ---

Dries out imperfections.  Visibly fades marks.

Concentrated in Purifying Salicylic acid, its fresh  non greasy formula quickly dries out imperfections instantly.  Anti-marks fading action as it is enriched with HerbaRepair known for its regenerating and repairing properties, it helps to improve skin, minimize redness and fade out marks.

Dermatologically tested on Asian acne-prone skin.

Ingredients:

Aqua, Alcohol Denat, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamde, Salicylic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30, Alkylacrylate Crosspolymer, Camphor, Capryloyl, Menthol, Sodium Hydroxide, Vaccinium Myrtillus Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Zinc Gluconate, Parfum.

Size: 15ml

AMW Bulletin: Who's Excited for Shu Uemura x Karl Lagerfeld Collection?

Some of you may not know who Karl Lagerfeld is but I actually got to know him (of course not personally, lol) via online fashion articles.  I believe he is a head fashion designer for Chanel fashion.

For two decades Karl Lagerfeld has been using Shu Uemura eye shadows to illustrate his fashion sketches. So it was an easy design for him to collaborate with the brand to create an entire collection!  He's very hands on in terms of picking the shades, the design of the packaging and he also photographed the visual campaign.

 Talk about One Man Show!

The collection will be launched November 2012 in Asia!  I'm looking forward for this!

How do you think the packaging will look like?
What are the shades that will be included in this collection?
Any guesses?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Bulgogi Brothers

One thing you can't take away from me, is the comfort of eating my favorite food after a very long and tiring day!  I had a full day yesterday! We went in and out of the house around 3 times in the morning to do some errands then leave again in the afternoon and  head on to Makati for MAC Hey Sailor Collection Launch and of course, Benefit Porefessionally Pretty workshop!  

What's a great way to end a tiring day?  Good food, and what's my favorite dish?  (All together now....)  Korean!

Mr. AMW knew how much I love to down on some Korean food after any tiring day and he told me he'll take me to the Bulgogi Brothers which was conveniently located at Greenbelt 5! Aubrey (from Benefit) also joined us for dinner as we're both famished!

Free appetizers were served

The corn is very sweet, quail eggs and sweet potatoes.  It is quite unusual to see these served in local Korean restaurants but it's a nice change!

More appetizers with salad!  I am seriously hungry by this time so just to tell you the truth, this was all gone just around 5 minutes after the camera flash!  *laughs*  Poor me! :P

We've decided to go for house tea as they serve Oksusu Cha (Corn Tea) housed in a nice tumbler that retains warmth!

The well-prepared Mr. AMW was able to get a coupon from his colleague and we get to enjoy an appetizer for free!  For the night, it was a noodle soup!  I asked the lady the name of the dish but I just can't seem to remember!  Forgive me, brain isn't working when hungry!  So ask me the next dishes instead!  *laughs*

Bulgogi Brothers Special

Php1,495.00 (approx $35.00)

Special assorted bulgogi  is seasoned to perfection

 for the ultimate experience.

(Un-yang & Gwang-yang Style Bulgogi)

This was how it looked like raw and they helped us cooked this as we were seated outside so we're not aloud to cook anything on our table!  

Once cooked, the heart shaped "burger" is my favorite!  It may look dry but once you take a bite, it's very sweet and tasty and no extra sauce is needed!  Both are must try and it was stated this dish is good for 2-3 people.  I'm just a bit confused on why they only served 1 rice bowl together with this dish!  I don't mind though as we ordered Bibimbap! :)

Sogogi Japchae

Php350.00 (approx $8.14)

A colorful dish made with glass noodle beef, bell pepper

and onions seasoned with soy sauce

Uniquely plated!  I like the presentation and the taste was really good!  A hint of sesame oil can definitely be tasted and the added Dukbokki on the side gives a unique texture!

Bulgogi Bibimbap

Php395.00 (approx $9.20)

A traditional Korean favorite.  

Great combination of bulgogi, 

various vegetables and rice.

Definitely a very nutritious and delicious meal!  If you're a "weekend food tripping" reader of mine, you'll know that I would never miss a Bibimbap on any Korean restaurant I try!  This is not the best BUT it is good enough to make my senses go wild!  I love how fresh their vegetables are, and the red paste on the side is such a great idea so people can control the spicy level to their liking!

 

The servers were very helpful and prompt with our orders!  Though we dined outside the restaurant, I was able to check out what's inside and I see they have good exhaust system! Overall, I had a wonderful time and food tastes really good!  

The restaurant accepts cash and credit card.

 

Bulgogi Brothers

3/F Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St, Ayala Center

Makati City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(632) 621-6216

Have you tried Bulgogi Brothers?
This is our first and definitely not our last!  We'll definitely go back for more!
What do you think shall we order next?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!