Weekend Food Trip at: Bubble Tea Restaurant Tomas Morato

Happy Sunday!  Remember my first food post on Bubble Tea Restaurant, Wilson Street?  It was for my Baby Shower Party and I had a great time with great food!  Because of that, I've decided to recommend this restaurant again when my brother arrived from Shanghai for vacation.  This time, we've decided to dine in at Tomas Morato branch!  How was the experience?

AMW Reviews: Mustela Facial Cleansing Cloths

Hi Mommies and non-mommies out there!  Today's review is about a facial cleansing cloth that I swear by --- Mustela Facial Cleansing Cloths!  If baby AMW doesn't need it, I won't mine using this all over my face and neck as it definitely is the sweetest, most wonderful smelling facial cleansing cloth I've tried!  

Here's the good and BAD thing about trying out samples!  My "to buy" list goes on and on and on and I don't know when to stop anymore!  

After receiving a huge package from Sample Room for being a Partner Blogger, one product I immediately used even without taking photos yet is the Mustela Facial Cleansing Cloths!  If you have a baby, you will understand why you need such thing!

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a lazy mommy, baby AMW takes a bath regularly but because he drinks my breastmilk from the bottle, sometimes, they tend to spill all over his chin and neck!  At the end of the day, instead of sniffing a sweet, smelling baby, I smell spoiled milk! *ewww*  Mommies would agree that cleaning baby's neck is quite challenging (with double chin and weak neck) plus the extra wiggling and shouting!

Washing the neck area with cotton and water isn't enough so I prefer using a facial cleansing cloth that's alcohol-free and of course....smells great!

I'm Excited for Bobbi Brown's Here Comes The Bride

As you all know, I am a professional makeup artist and I love saying that over and over again! (Pagbigyan niyo na ako!)  One of my pride as a makeup artist is the way I do makeup for brides (in fairness, that rhymes!) 

I believe all soon-to-be-brides have a certain glow no makeup can create!  But of course, after years of doing bridal makeup, I've come to realize that the right makeup and tools can aid in enhancing the natural beauty plus the natural "glow". 

I Wonder: Organic Soaps?

Happy Thursday dear readers!  Thank you for always checking www.askmewhats.com!  I know some of you have been long time readers and I just want to extend my gratitude by sending you all *group cyber hug*!!!  Thank you for the lovely emails, comments and kind words!  It meant the world to me!

Upon reading this post, most of you are probably at work, getting ready for work or is off to bed, whatever you are doing at the moment, I'm sure in some way or another, you've already taken a shower.  I have a feeling some of you are starting to raise your arms and start sniffing your armpit! :P  Come on, admit it!  If not...well, I guess I'm the only one doing it? :P

Since we're on the topic of shower, let's talk about the soaps we use!  To be honest, I've always been into commercialized soaps!  I've always read positive reviews and good benefits on using organic or soaps made with natural ingredients but I don't know why it doesn't hit the spot on me!  I guess it's the fact that most organic soaps do not lather up as much?  Or they finish up so fast?  So yes, those are some small things that made me steer clear from purchasing them amidst the benefits of using one!  

Thanks to Sample Room, I was able to give these organic/natural soaps a try and I think I'm starting to be converted!  Here are some of the organic soaps I get to try and will try!  I'm sure some of the brands are familiar to Organic soap Lovers out there! :D

Zenutrients Baby Love Calendula and Milk Soap

Available at: http://www.zenutrients.com.ph

ZA Perfect Fit Two-Way Foundation (Powder) Review

Though I have loads of liquid and cream foundations at the moment, nothing can beat my love for powder foundation!  I've been a powder foundation user for years and I can't keep track how many compacts I've thrown away!  

The last and most recent compact that I hit the pan was from Majolica Majorca called Skin Remaker Pore Cover Powder Foundation in BO10, I love it so much I kept the case as I'm definitely game to purchase another refill!  

And just when I thought I need to pull out my Majolica Majorca refill, I put that step on hold as I recently got ZA Perfect Fit Two-Way Foundation also in BO10!  Sorry MJ, I've heard so many great reviews about ZA I had to pull this out and use it ASAP!

 

AMW Reviews: Mary Kay Makeup Finishing Spray by Skindinavia

Happy Tuesday dearies!  How are you doing today?  I hope you're sipping a warm cup of coffee while munching on your favorite breakfast as you visit my page! If not..well, I am!  It's not breakfast but I'm definitely back on sipping my favorite brewed coffee (in decaf though) as I munch on my favorite Kinder Bueno Chocolate!  Fattening?  Who cares?  I'm nursing!*winks*

Let's get back to business, I have something exciting to share!  As a makeup artist, I'm always  updating myself not only with makeup artistry but makeup products!  I make sure to be updated with whatever products that may help make clients appear more flawless than ever!  

When I ordered by Zuca Case online, I plan to purchase several Skindinavia products as well as I've read positive reviews online from bloggers! 

This is How I Do It: My College Kinda Look

Happy Monday AMW friends!  How's your weekend? 

Today, I will be doing a very simple, quick look inspired by our dear college readers!  I have once received an email from a college student requesting me to create a makeup look for college students.

To be honest, I'd like to put up a photo of me without any makeup at all but face powder and lip balm as those are the only 2 products I used when I was in college.  But of course, life today is different, college students know how to prettify themselves (unlike me! *lol).  As you all know, I'm pro-natural beauty or to make it longer...I'm PRO "Let your Natural Beauty Shines Through!".

Please include face sunblock in your daily routine!  My skin darkened at least 2-3 shades when I was in college as we need to walk around the campus under harsh rays of the sun and you know how it is to be "cool" not to use an umbrella!  *laughs*  

 One Face Sunblock you can try that's not too pricey yet works for sensitive face ---- 

Beach Hut Face Ultra-Sensitive Hypoallergenic Sunblock in SPF 65

Mama Chow's Lactation Goodies + Surprise from Ford Philippines

Happy Sunday dear friends!  Today, I will be sharing a wonderful yummy find for moms who are nursing!  When I posted a photo of my expressed breast milk, Jayvee (another blogger) commented on trying out lactation cookies.  I nearly laughed as I thought he was just inventing it!  But of course, he wasn't joking at all as there is such thing called Lactation brownies, cheese cupcakes and cookies!

Mama Chow's Lactation Goodies 

by Ginquelrus Pastries

I agree with them!  Tastes fresh from the oven eventhough it was delivered via local courier.

Want to see what I tried?

Something New: K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner --- POWER UP!

December of 2011, I blogged about K-Palette's 24H Real Lasting Eyeliner Waterproof HERE (wow, I didn't realize it has been more than a year ago!) and I still swear by this liquid liner until this day!  (Read my Readers' Corner post on Must Try Liquid Liners).

This liner is approved by yours truly that I even highly recommend these to clients! Recently, I saw their newest ad, K-Palette 24 Hours Real Lasting Eyeliners with addition of 3 beauty essences aside from the usual long lasting, instant drying and super fine brush that won my heart!

I'm glad to try these 2 out (one in black and one in brown)!  To be honest, I don't need to ask for anything more for the old 1 Day Tattoo liner but 3 additional beauty essences is definitely a huge plus!  Want to know more?

AMW Reviews: L'Oreal Color Riche Intense Color Nourishing Care Lip Colors

Happy Friday AMW friends!  Who's excited for the weekend?  What are your plans?

I seriously have no plans at all as my schedule really depends on Baby AMW's mood!  *laughs*  All I know for sure is that I'll be taking Baby Kyle to visit my mom and dad as he's growing up so fast I want my parents to keep track on his different stages! 

Anyways, I will be sharing a review today on my favorite drugstore lipstick for the moment!  I can't believe I have these way back gifted to me by my Aunt from Canada but I ended up using them on clients and never tried them myself!  Now that was given the chance to try these again, all I can say is WOW!  Please scroll further down for more details about this wonderful lip product!

L'Oreal Color Riche Intense Color Moisturizing Care Lip Color are housed in a gorgeous gold box with Japanese characters.

Want to read more?

Readers' Corner: What to Pack (Make Up Artist Edition)

Happy Thursday AMW friends! Are you in a good mood today?  I hope so as I don't like people frowning as they read my blog!  People beside you might have this crazy idea that reading AskMeWhats gives you stress!  Well, I can, if you like me too!  *evil laugh* :P

To future makeup artists and to my lovely readers interested for makeup artistry who requested me to share what I pack for makeup gigs, Halleluiah!!! I finally got the time to finally answer this most requested "Readers' Corner" topic.

As much as I wanted this post to be as organize as I'd like it to be, I apologize if it isn't as my life has been upside down (in a very good way) since Baby AMW came along!  So bear with me :)

The Basic Needs

MAC Fix+ - I love setting my clients' make up with MAC Fix+, it does not only "set" the makeup but it refreshed the client after 30minutes to an hour of prettifying session.

Bench Pure Mist Facial Water - the inexpensive version of Evian, I like using this to spritz and refresh the client prior to makeup application.

Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner - I use this to clean brushes in between clients.  Quick drying and smells wonderful!

Kleenex - I carry loads of these!  This also helps when the bride gets sentimental and starts to cry.

There's more!

AMW Reviews: Maybelline Hyper Glossy Runway Pop Liquid Liners

It's mid-week everyone!  I don't know about you but my energy is quite low considering it's just Wednesday! You can't blame me though, it's exactly 2 months of sleepless nights and lots of breastfeeding!  Again, don't get me wrong, I enjoy every special moment spent with Baby AMW and I just want to say --- staring and looking at a baby for hours is possible!

Single readers out there, I am so sorry for gushing so much about Baby AMW!  I can't help it! 

Anyways, back to makeup!  I haven't been playing with colorful makeup nowadays as I try to wear as minimal makeup as possible as I don't want to rub my made-up face to baby's sensitive skin!  So imagine, nothing much on face and lips so that leaves me like a zombie!  Thankfully, I pulled out my colorful liquid liners from Maybelline, this was released around April (I think) perfect for summer!  I have used all 3 shades (not all together) and I'll share to you  my favorite after the review!

AMW Reviews: Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream

A year ago, when I was discussing BB creams with my friends, I remembered mentioning to them that a CC cream is coming up and the first brand (that I know) who made it was from Chanel!  I even joked about the possible apperaance of Double D creams (referring to bra's cup size).  Now that CC creams are out and available in the market, I guess it's not a joking matter anymore!  CC creams are also called Complexion-Correcting Creams!  What's the difference between a BB and CC cream?  I guess CC creams have "correcting" properties like that of correcting concealers.

As I was browsing through my favorite Glamour Magazine, I chanced upon a Clinique ad for their CC cream and I "instagrammed" it immediately as judging by the name, this CC cream is meant for me!  You know how much I love the Moisture Surge line so an additional Moisture Surge product is a huge Christmas Gift for my dehydrated skin!

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream

in Fresh Peach

AMW Reviews: Majolica Majorca Shiny Ray Liner Limited

Good morning!  I hope you have a great start of the week!  The weather was crazy over the weekend, it has been raining nonstop and I can't help but feel gloomy!  Since it's Father's Day yesterday, we've decided to go out still and nothing can perk up my mood than a good "brightening" product!  A long time reader would know how much I am into brightening products and I guess, that's my secret on looking "human"! :P

Majolica Majorca recently released their 2013 Summer Collection (Moonlight Virgin).  Part of their collection is a uniquely packaged Shiny Ray Liner!  There is a reason why Majolica Majorca has always been a head turner for me, just look at the unique packaging!

Weekend Food Trip at: Luck Garden Seafood and Tea House

Keith's cousin arrived for a vacation, as usual, the way to celebrate is to dine out and stuff our faces with food! :P 

I've seen this restaurant packed most of the time when we go for drive through at Burger King. So I'm looking forward to see what the fuzz is about!

Assorted Cold Cuts

AMW Reports: I Met the Cute Couple - Jorgen and Christine

It's Saturday!!!  It's going to be a busy day together for mommy, daddy and baby AMW!  Yes, we're going out as a family and I'm quite excited to see Baby AMW explore the world!  *naks!  Exaggeration lang*  

Last Thursday, I was invited to watch the final episode of Christine and Jorgen's love story.  In case you forget, it all started with The Rose Fever wherein I get to experience how sweet Jorgen could be!  (P.S. I was still very pregnant back then).  Then, from all the research, I found a bit of information about Jorgen via www.jorgendipity.com .  Then the first kilig episode came when Christine (the accountant) shared a VLOG about how she met "the man who got away" the second time around during her first day of work!  Frankly speaking, I got "bitin" with each episodes and was able to watch all 4!  (Search Jorgendipity on Youtube).

Anyways, the launch was held at Makati Shangri-la Hotel and all 4 videos were shown.  Just when I was expecting for the last episode, Christine came out (fresh na fresh) looking so much like Toni Gonzaga still gushing about Jorgen. 



Then she left and the last episode was shown as we really want to know what happened.  Was it a happy or sad ending?

AMW Reports: Beauty Can't Wait! White Now, Why Later?

Happy Friday AMW friends!  Yesterday, yours truly was quite busy attending events (finally) and it felt new and exciting once again to know what's happening in the beauty world!

I was invited to get to know the newest Close Up White Now endorser, before I tell you who she is, let me tell you about my experience using Close Up White Now --- I have finished tubes after tubes of the said toothpaste and indeed, it does give me a quick fix on whitening my teeth!  I can't say anything about the long term effect as of the moment as I switched back to regular toothpaste when I got pregnant.  Now, with all the events and meetings and makeup gigs I have to attend, I will definitely use this again for me to show up with a brighter and whiter-looking smile.  I do believe it's really the Blue Foam Technology that covers the yellowish stains on my teeth.  Just like how my favorite correctors would do on my face!

The event was held at Manila Peninsula Hotel and was hosted by Ms. Sam Oh.  Man, I love her shoes!

After a quick welcome, Celebrity, model, columnist, host, social advocate and editor at large --- was finally introduced.  It was none other than Bianca Gonzales.  Bianca is definitely one busy woman but she still finds the time to stay beautiful while keeping a polished and put together look, according to her: "Beauty Can't Wait" and I share the same sentiments!

I Wonder: Who's Your Korean Actor Crush?

With my love for Korean cosmetics especially their BB Creams --- Hello Skin 79 VIP GOLD Beblesh Balm, many Korean cosmetics are using Korean actors as their endorsers and I'm sure a lot of you have picked your own favorite/s!  

As for me, I'm not really into Korean actors or actresses, yes, I enjoy watching their drama series but I am not that addicted to them to really research about them!  Ahem..well, I actually did research about Song Hye Kyo (my girl crush) and Yoo Ah from Sungkyunkwan scandal as I'm addicted to his nose!  *laughs* 

Song Hye Kyo

Yoo Ah In

Wait, there's more!

AMW Reviews: Bobbi Brown Retouching Powder in Yellow

Happy Independence Day to AMW readers here in the Philippines!  Most of you are enjoying your one day holiday so do seize this day and enjoy it as much as you can as the weather is gloomy and depressing so a little bit of happy music and yummy food can revive your spirits!

Today may be Independence day but products definitely do not get a holiday from my discerning eye!  Another product review for you!  A loose, setting powder that promises "correcting properties".  Yes, you've heard about correctors (concealers) but have you  heard of retouching powders that corrects your skin issues?  

Interesting...

AMW Reviews: Boppy Bare Naked Pillow From Taste Central

Happy Tuesday everyone!  It's officially rainy season and I hope everyone stays safe and dry okay?

Today, I will be sharing a great find to ALL MOMS out there!  I mean who would've thought a C-shaped pillow could make such a HUGE difference in my life as a newbie mom?  

A couple of weeks before I gave birth, I got a huge package from Taste Central, to be honest, I immediately took notice on snacks and set the huge pillow called Boppy Feeding and Infant Support Pillow a slide.  Fast forward to several weeks after giving birth, I would give up EVERYTHING and hold this pillow tight!

Eureka Moment: Almost Nude

Monday is here again!  Are you dreading this day?  As for me, I will probably feel that when I get back to work next week!  As for now, I'm enjoying quiet times with my dear baby at the same time, trying to regain energy to get back to work as my brain haven't been functioning properly for the past weeks!  Imagine dreaming about the need to feed baby and standing up randomly late at night wondering if baby is really crying or was it just my imagination?  *laughs*  Mothers out there, I'm sure you can totally relate!

Anyways, since it's a Monday, I want to keep this post light and straight to the point.  Remember how I NEVER get to wear nude or brown colored lipsticks as they ALWAYS look weird on me?  If I want to sport a nude lip color, I have to wear strong eye makeup which of course, I cannot, for now, because I want to rub my face against baby Kyle and I don't want makeup transferring on his cute face! 

When I received 3 lipsticks from the L'Oreal Color Riche line, I almost didn't gave them the time of day as I used to own several shades of them!  (Thanks to my Aunt from Canada for gifting me those.) 

Thankfully, the press samples came in red, pink and brown!  I (almost immediately) judged the brownish shade and put it on my "least favorite among the three" list.  Recently I need to go out for a short dinner and I had to wear something toned down as it was just a quiet get-together with my family and they are quite conservative in terms of lip color so I picked the brown colored shade called "Fuzzy Taupe".  

It was a EUREKA MOMENT for me....

Weekend Food Trip at: The Fifth Taste

Happy weekend food trip dear AMW friends!  Today, I will be sharing a new place to "hang out" and chill after a long week!  If you roam around Wilson Street San Juan, you've probably seen Tama Yaki as the place is just adorable! Who can miss out such cute character?

AMW Reviews: Cure Natural Aqua Gel

Happy Saturday everyone!  It is weekend and I'm not sure if I have a restful weekend as I get more busy as days go by!  I'm definitely not complaining, busy is good!

2 years ago, Mr. AMW and I were on a hunt for a good exfoliator for his acne-prone skin.  One brand that got the most positive reviews online called Cure.  I immediately went ahead and purchased one from a local reseller and we never looked back!  

Upon visiting Tokyo, Japan, we purchased 3 bottles for backup as not only Mr. AMW gets to enjoy this, I find this the most gentle exfoliator I've tried (keep in mind I have extremely dry skin).

Today's review, there's Mr. AMW and I who will give feedback on this product.  Mr. AMW has oily skin while I suffer from combination (normal/dry) skin.

Interested?

I Wonder: Products That Didn't Make It to AMW Approval!

Happy start of weekend everyone!  

I am looking forward for the weekend as I'll be meeting up with high school friends for mini reunion!  Meeting and catching up with friends has always been a nice "life booster" for me so given the chance, I always make sure to make time for bonding!  And of course, Baby AMW will get the chance to meet mommy's friends! 

Today's topic is a bit unique, instead of the usual product review or the usual Monthly Favorites, I've decided to write about 2 products that didn't make it to the cut!  I tried both products and have given them enough time and chances but I guess at the end of the day, they just didn't make it to the cut!

AMW Reviews: Celeteque Brightening Multi-Benefit BB Cream with SPF15

Happy Thursday everyone!  I am happy to share another BB Cream find!  I haven't been trying out much BB creams in the market since I found my favorites --- Skin 79 VIP Gold BB Cream and

Fairy Drops Candy Bar BB Cream.

Both are great and I am very contented with the mentioned BB Creams, but given the chance to find a good BB Cream that delivers minus the price tag...why not coconut? :D

Recently, I got to try Celeteque Dermoscience Multi-Benefit BB Cream with SPF15.  It promises light coverage, moisturizing and pore tightening properties with SPF15.  That's good enough for me for daily use!

AMW Reviews: Maybelline Blush Studio Blush 'Em!

Happy Wednesday everyone!  Today, I am finally sharing a review on the most recent blush I got!  It's really tiny and I believe it's the tiniest full size powder blush I own to date!  

When Maybelline came out with their Clear Smooth Minerals Blush, I am quite amazed with the good quality of the said blush and so far, I still haven't hit the pan and I haven't been looking at their other blushes ever since as I'm quite happy with what I have.

Now, they came up with something new, Blush Studio Blush 'Em!  It's housed in a super tiny square packaging that can be mistaken as an eyeshadow, we'll see how good this new blush is!

Looking at the photo, I can't help but sing "Lean On Me" *laughs* 

AMW Reviews: Make Up Factory Automatic Eyeliner

Ahh, Tuesday Choose Day!  A day that I choose to be happy and contented!  I know it is very difficult to stay cheerful at all times (trust me, for someone who only have an hour or 2 hours of sleep a day for 5-6 weeks) I still choose to be happy as there's no other way!  I always chant "Don't Quit" inside my head..it goes like this...

"....When things go wrong as they sometimes will...

Rest if you must but don't you quit!"

Try searching at Google for the whole poem of "Don't Quit" and print it out!  It is a nice reminder to keep your chin up and face the world! 

 Okay, let's get back to the real world of Pros and Cons!  *lol*  That's the review portion!  As shocking as it sounds, Make Up For Ever is not around anymore and the makeup brand that got the place of old MUFE at Bonifacio High Street is called Make Up Factory, a lot of our dear AMW readers emailed me and asked me to check out their products and see if they could at least replace or be at par with Make Up For Ever's quality.  I felt bad as I missed the grand launch last month but at least, I was given one of their star product a try and we'll start from here.

Just in case you don't know much about the brand ---
"Make Up Factory is a German cosmetics brand that produces high quality cosmetics for makeup artists and women who want to use professional-level makeup products."

Product Spotlight:

Make Up Factory Automatic Eyeliner 04 

Chocolat Noir

BTS: Ladies of Benefit Lane Photoshoot

Happy Monday dear readers! :)

Today, I will be sharing a BTS (Behind The Scenes) of a project I've been excited about!  The Ladies of Benefit Lane Photoshoot!  As you all know, I've been doing quite a number of projects with the brand (Staff workshop and Benefit Fine One One Workshops at Greenbelt, Glorietta and Shangri-La Mall) and I've always enjoyed each and every project with them.  That's why when I was contacted by Benefit Philippines' Marketing Manager Aubrey to do a photoshoot for the 2nd Ladies of Benefit Lane, I immediately said YES and thankfully, the schedule was perfect!  It was a month after I gave birth!

Though I've reviewed a lot of Benefit cosmetics, I still prefer to arm myself with more knowledge about the products, I borrowed a whole traincase of Benefit goodies and studied and played with each of them!  As you know, being a makeup artist, I like to spread my wings and not enclose myself in using only products that I am comfortable with!  In the shoot, I am allowed to use ONLY Benefit products and thankfully, they have complete range of products even for makeup professionals like myself. 

On that day, I happily piled Benefit products in front of me before the models arrive.  Doesn't that look AMAZING? Looking at makeup and colors make me feel so good! Hooray if you feel the same!

Weekend Food Trip at: Movie Stars Cafe

Rewind to a couple of months ago!  I totally forgot about my first Movie Stars Cafe visit!  It was after my sister-in-law's graduation and we went out to celebrate!  She picked the restaurant Movie Stars Cafe just because it is a newly opened restaurant around Macapagal area and we heard the restaurant looks great on the interior plus the servers are superheroes!

The place was packed even on a weeknight, upon entering the restaurant, the ambiance didn't fail!  So many flat screen TV and characters and posters. 



We went for dinner buffet for a price of Php699.00 (approx $17.47) per head.  Was it worth the price? 

AMW Bulletin: The Power of the Sea - H2O+

Happy first day of June! 

I'm not sure if you've heard about H2O Plus but I definitely knew about the brand a decade ago when I was working in China.  I used to visit high-end department stores and stroll along their beauty section (imagine Rustans locally) and check out how women would spend hundreds and thousands of RMBs (Chinese Yuan) for skincare!  One of the many brands that caught my attention is the lovingly blue-packaged skincare  brand called H20 Plus.  Why?  The fact that the products are marine-based and way back, I already have this habit of reading online reviews. According to users, H2O Plus products are lightweight and works for most skin types!  

Unfortunately, I didn't purchase any full sized H2O Plus products back then as I was busy trying out samples SAs gave me (It helps to be friendly you know!) :P  The first and only H2O Plus skincare I've tried is the H2O Plus Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment and this product is indeed lightweight and very soothing to dry skin!  The product reminded me so much of my favorite Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Skin Relief!

Fast forward to today, my brother (in Shanghai) swore on their men's skincare line and I'm happy to share to him that the brand is finally HERE!  And when I read about this wonderful news online and received a lovely H2O+ pack from our friends from Scent and Beaute Concepts Inc. (thanks Ems!), I had to blink twice as the brand went through a lovely makeover!  They are not the "plain Jane" marine blue colored packaging that I knew as the products are now housed in colorful, better looking packaging!

And here's a lovely news that I want to share to readers who had to travel or ask their friends abroad to help purchase H2O + products.