AMW Bulletin: MAC Maleficent Collection

By the time you're reading this, I'm probably sleepy, tired yet very happy prettifying 10 heads for a wedding!  Ahhh the joys of working with makeup!

Do I have enough?  YES!
Do I want more?  YES! (sounds selfish) but I really do!  Especially with MAC!  They always come up with 3-4 collections in a month I can hardly breathe!  And this collection is no exception!

I'm still moping that I didn't get the chance to attend a block screening for Disney's Maleficent and I heard nothing but rave reviews of Mareng Angelina Jolie!  *sigh*  I was just telling Mr. AMW we are on a "no movie date night" mode until Kyle is probably..hmm..5 years old?  *laughs*  So back to the collection....

This collection is so dark..yet so sexy!  I like the deep, blood red shade of lipstick, lipglass and lip pencil and the extra products to enhance the eyes!  And oh, let's not forget the exaggerated contouring done on Angelina Jolie so I'm not surprised a Sculpting Powder is included in this collection!

 

AMW Bulletin: What's Up Sampleroom?

One of the many blessings I thank as a Blogger is ME being a Sample Room Blogger.

When I was asked to join this group, I didn't hesitate one bit (aside from the fact that one of the founding member is a good friend of mine), I totally agree with the mission of this group....

To Try Before You Buy!

If you are a long time reader of my blog, you do know how much I encourage you to ask for samples (if applicable) especially if you're eyeing for a product that costs an arm and leg!  Okay, that's exaggerating but you know what I mean!  I can definitely call myself a smart buyer as 99% of my purchases, I'm usually satisfied because I always take ample time in research and a lot of patience in waiting for SALE season or discounts!

Just in case you have the same philosophy as I do!  Well, it's time to head on to www.sampleroom.ph as they have loads of samples for you to try!  EXCITING!

SkinWhite Advanced

What to Expect: Laneige Winterland Magic Makeup Collection

Okay, makeup palettes are really hard for me to review!

Why?

• Most of the time, they are housed in a gorgeous packaging I don't want to mess up!
• They usually are Limited Edition so there's no point in sharing a review as you may never see them in stores again!

So why am I even posting the Laneige Winterland Magic Makeup Collection which MAY not be available on counters?

Well, I love the shades so much I find myself using these even on non-winter days a.k.a. SUPER HOT SUMMER DAYS!

And...I'm sure there are similar items or shades that are available at the counter.  Just ask their SAs! :)

4 eyeshadow shades

+ 

3 Lipsticks

 

AMW Reviews: Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm (Rose)

I've sung praises for Burt's Bees lip balm for years!  One of the few lip balms that really helped my super dry and chapped lips!  (I'm sure by now, you understand how extreme the condition of my lips are with lip swatches and all)  But please...tell me you still love me!  Chapped lips and all!  PINKY SWEAR?  *drama mode*

During my first ever collaboration with the brand last May 11th!  Each of my attendees went home with their own Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm and May, the Brand Manager of Burt's Bees, was super nice to hand me one as well!  I was all giddy inside as I've always been a fan! 

Of course, my lips can't wait!  I immediately tried this right away and you know how straightforward lip balms are!  I won't make you suffer by writing a super comprehensive review but you'll get the drift!  Burt's Bees never fail me in creating good lip balms!  I love this not because I got this for free....I LOVE this because this product loved my lips!  (Just don't give me the Honey version, the scent is not for me - personal opinion)

Housed in a cute recyclable carton

Burt's Bees products are all about saving Mother Nature --- from product ingredients down to the packaging!

Rose Tinted Lip Balm looks oh-so-vampy-red but don't be deceived!

Burt's Bees says ---

Initial Thoughts: Maybelline Eye Studio Fashion Brow Mascara

Brow Mascaras...

I am addicted to them like chocolates!  I survived going to Japan and purchased only a few makeup items...and you guessed it right!  They're mostly brow mascaras in various shades!  Here in the Philippines, the famous brow mascara is from MAC called Girl Boy...I find the shade perfect for girls with "reddish tint" on their hair but for girls like me who enjoys highlights or lighter colored hair, it is very difficult to find an almost blond colored brow mascara so I had to shop online or purchase them whenever I get to travel!

Thankfully, our favorite drugstore brand Maybelline FINALLY came up with their own version called FASHION BROW MASCARA!  I can't contain myself as the price point is wonderful!  For only Php359.00 each (approx $8.00)!  I can easily get all 3 shades without thinking twice!  P.S. I'm not rich!  It's just that I spend at least Php1,000 on a SINGLE brow mascara!

Housed on a sleek black "short mascara-like" packaging with shades easily spotted with the color-coordinated circle.

AMW Makeover: Trial Makeup For Soon-To-Be-Bride (Airbrush Makeup)

Happy makeover Tuesday AMW friends!
I'm all excited to share a Makeover I've done for my soon-to-be AMW bride!  She's a sister of a very good Beauty Blogger friend (who is very good in makeup) so I'm super glad she entrusted me!

The DAY is this weekend so a week before, Soon-to-be-bride decided to experience an AMW makeover!  I will also share some tips as I go along so feel free to ask questions on comment box below!

Airbrush Trial Makeup

Skin: Combination with a bit of acne marks.

Request: Fresh makeup that helps keep her oils at bay!

AMW Reviews: Benefit Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer

I personally LOVE face primers because I specialize mostly on Bridal makeup and you know how demanding brides are when it comes to making sure their makeup stays until the end of the day!  I've used and tested out X number of primers and long time reader would know my favorite would still be the Smashbox PhotoFinish Primer in Light!  I love it so much I went to the US and looked for the "pump" packaging but seems they faced it out and all they offer is the squeeze type tube packaging!  It was a bummer for me but I have no choice as I depend on it so much!

When my favorite brand of makeup (obviously) Benefit!  I love this brand so much I work closely with them in terms of makeup workshops came up with a face primer (finally).  I didn't purchase it at once because no one can replace my favorite foundation primer until this very moment!  Thankfully, during my Benefit US Trip, the Stay Flawless 15-Hour primer was included in the "kit" provided to us so I might as well give this a test before I include this in my makeup kit!  Is this worthy to be inside my ZUCA Pro Case just like Benefit Porefessional?  

What's unique about Benefit Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer  is that it comes in a "stick" form!  This is meant to be applied directly on the face before foundation application!  I have to admit, most Benefit products are very easy to use (even for first time makeup wearers) but this one was a bit of a challenge for me!  I had to practice different styles in application to finally get the "best" technique!

Benefit says ---
Flawless works overtime! Benefit's instant PRO-long primer acts like a magnet to lock on your foundation for 15 fresh & flawless hours. This invisible stick primer glides directly onto skin for optimal wear and a natural-looking finish. Go longer. Stay flawless!

Size: 0.54 oz.Ingredients: Isododecane, Water, Polyethylene, Polydecene, Silica, Nylon-12, Phenyl Trimethicone, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Heptahydroxystearate, Paraffin, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Carbonate, Galactoarabinan, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phytosterols, BHT. May Contain: CI 19140 (Yellow 5, Yellow 5 Lake), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide).

Weekend Food Trip at: Yabu's New Location at SM MOA

Finally, I have time to blog about food once again as I skipped a couple of Sundays with "food-less" posts as I always find myself caught up busy doing something on a Saturday Night! 

I hope to get my food mojo back because I definitely have the appetite to talk once again about FOOD!  Who's with me?

Last week, I was one of the few who was lucky enough to get an invite when Yabu SM MOA branch moved to a bigger (personally speaking) BETTER location.  From the smaller south wing branch now to the North Wing that's twice the size!  Yay for us SM MOA branch customers who wait for hours lining up just to have a taste of our favorite Yabu dishes!



Okay, I have to mention this, ONE huge reason for me to pick this branch aside from it's location is the fact that my favorite manager who used to be at Robinson's Magnolia Branch is now the manager of SM MOA branch!  He's one of the nicest restaurant manager I came across because I remembered lining up for hours at Robinson's Magnolia branch but you won't get mad at him as you see him making sure the staffs move twice as fast and he's genuine enough to come to each of the customers to apologize for the long lines!  That's customer service worth the mention!

So back to my Yabu experience and I'm so happy I got to taste their newest dishes that night!

AMW Reports: Burts Bees Daisy White Counter Event with AMW

It was last May 11th when we took this group shot!

I still smile whenever I see this!
A skincare talk with my AMW friends and friends from Burt's Bees Philippines!

Thankfully, it was a success and I have nothing to thank but GOD for giving me the wisdom to talk about the things I love most! 

AMW Reviews: Ellana Lip & Cheek Gel (Ruby)

Happy Friday!
I'm busy with 2 clients this morning and I'm excited to use the Ellana Lip & Cheek Gel in Ruby as they are both attending a wedding and both tend to perspire a lot!  I have full faith in Ellana Lip & Cheek Gel in Ruby as I used this for more than a month now and so far, I'm very impressed!

Ellana says ---
One of our bestsellers, the Lip & Cheek Gel gives a gorgeous, rosy glow that lasts the whole day. It delivers a sheer and beautiful no-makeup look while moisturizing your skin. It doesn’t dry quickly, giving you enough time to blend it evenly on your cheeks.

Net Weight: 18ml
Ingredients: Dimethicone (and) Ceteth-10 (and) Laureth-4 Red 40 (CI 16035) Tocopherol acetate Aloe Barbadensis Deionized Water Propylene Glycol (and) DMDM Hydantoin Carbomer

Unboxing: Summer Radiance BDJ Box (May)

Happy Thursday AMW friends!
Yesterday I thought will be just another boring day but I ended up on my dentist's chair for at least an hour for tooth extraction!  I will spare you the gory details but I just want to keep reminding everyone to go to the dentist at least once every 6 months because I forgot about taking care of my teeth when Baby AMW was born and I know it's not a good excuse!  Yup, this is a friendly reminder to schedule your next dentist appointment!

Back to beauty talk, I received BDJ Box for the month of May and every month, I get more and more excited to take a peek on what's in store for me!  Thanks to "Summer Radiance" box, the BDJ box focuses on bringing back glowing skin perfect for the last stretch of summer season!  

AMW Reviews: L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable MakeUp (Nude Beige)

Early this month, I attended A Match Made For Me event and no, I'm not talking about dating!  :P  It was a foundation-matching event by L'Oreal Paris and I learned so much about this foundation during the event!  Thank God L'Oreal answered our prayers when they categorized their foundations into cool, neutral and warm!  Aside from that, they offer 15 shades for us to choose from and I'm sure this time, you won't need to purchase 2 shades of foundation for mixing just to get your customized shade!

After more than 2 weeks of usage, here are my thoughts on L'Oreal's newest foundation which they hailed as a super-blendable makeup! 

Shade on AMW
W3  Nude Beige

I knew from the start I'm on the warm category and the shade Nude Beige is a perfect match for me!  Just for reference, I'm usually on beige/warm beige or neutral beige on other brand of foundation.  I'm NC20-25 on MAC.  I do wear a shade or 2 darker than my face to match the color of my neck.  

L'Oreal says ---

• is Non-comedogenic
• is Non-Acnegenic
• is Dermatologist Tested
• is Oil-Free
• has a natural SPF17 finish.
• is good for all skin types.

Ingredients: Active: Titanium Dioxide (3.1%) Inactive: Water, Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Polymethylmethacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Isoeicosane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, C9-15 Fluoroalcohol Phosphates, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Hexyl Laurate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Tocopherol, Panthenol May Contain: Iron Oxides, Mica, Titanium Dioxide

AMW Reports: MAC Playland Event and Collection

MAC can always come up with collections beyond your imagination!  But when I received an invite to attend their MAC Playland Retail event last Friday, I told myself I have to be there as this collection exemplifies ME....the 35 year old me who acts like an 18 year old girl! :P  Because I believe the best Fountain of Youth is maintaining a child-like heart!  (Not Childish mind you!) :P

I gave a huge "oohhh and ahhh" upon arriving the North Atrium of Rockwell Powerplant!  You'll understand how I feel upon seeing these colorful photos!

Huge balloons right at the center!  I can totally imagine Baby AMW wanting to take home one of these!

Something New: Pears Soaps since 1789

What's the first soap you remember?
My answer would be --- Tender Care! 
All these years, I never thought of asking "What's the World's First Ever Soap Brand" and the answer fell right on my lap!

It's Pears Soap! 

I personally haven't heart about this brand until recently and it was hailed the World's First Ever Soap Brand since 1789!  Thus making this the oldest existing commercial label in the world!

I personally believe that if a product can exist that long?  It must be good!

Here are the 3 variants of Pears Soap.

Pears Amber Soap

This soap maintains skin's natural moisture balance, very mild and hailed by dermatologists in over 10 countries worldwide.

AMW Reviews: Max Factor Creme Puff Powder

Years ago, before graduating high school, I purchased Max Factor Creme Puff just because I need a base for touch-up on our Junior-Senior Prom.  I actually didn't know what I was gonna do with it so I ended throwing this away!

Fast forward to today, I can't believe this clueless girl turned into a makeup artist!  

Max Factor has been a well-known brand worldwide but I have to be honest with you, their packaging are a bit on the "boring" side and you always see them housed in plain black plastic packaging so I don't find myself hovering around their counter as compared to their competitors Revlon, L'Oreal and Maybelline.  

Thankfully, the brand created some noise November last year and I was invited to check out their new and upcoming products (Read article on AMW Reports: A Visit at Max Factor Landmark Trinoma Branch).  True enough, the brand is "upping" their game and came up with more interesting products for makeup enthusiasts like YOU and ME!  And thanks to them as they collaborated with BDJ Box and I got to try more Max Factor products (check my Unboxing post here) ! YAY!

One product that really got my interest is the 60-year old Creme Puff Pressed Powder - if this has been around for more than 6 decades...it must be good!

How To: Korean Gradient Lips/Just Bitten Lips

Happy Thursday AMW friends!
I am sharing my favorite lip trend OF ALL TIME!  Why?  This trend works so well on my "already full" lips!  No wonder I have been doing this for the past weeks mixing various lipsticks, lip glosses and tints!  The art of trial and error and the fun of getting the best shade (combination) for you!

Are you ready to have "Just bitten" lips in a minute or less?

AskMeMom: Travel with a Baby

Hi AMW Friends!
How are you today? I have a couple of mommy readers who emailed me and asked me how it was to travel with Baby AMW during my most recent US Trip!  I won't lie....it is extremely CHALLENGING but definitely a challenge worth accepting as exploring a new country with the people you love is PRICELESS!

Tip #1 RESEARCH
Prior to visiting San Francisco and Los Angeles, I made research on how the weather was by asking friends and relatives who live there!  I knew San Francisco will be windy and cold so I brought extra jacket and pants for layering! 

This layering may look funny but it helped keep Baby AMW warm!

AMW Wears: Sammydress Blazer on Eazy Fashion Caramia Pop Flowers & Cream Dress Set

"Your closet must be full of clothes!"

That's what my friends usually comment when they see me attend events here and there!  True enough, I do have quite a number of clothes but I'm not the type who would purchase new outfit on every occasion/event!  

Even before being a mom, I knew my priorities in life so I never spend too much on clothing!  I try to purchase basic pieces for me to easily mix and matche just like my recent online purchase from Sammydress and Eazy Fashion.

Okay, I try to veer away from online shopping but as long as I know I get good deals, I wouldn't mind the waiting time!

I've shopped at Eazy Fashion quite a number of times so I'm comfortable with their service and the quality of the clothes they sell.  As for Sammydress, it is my first time to shop with them but so far, I'm quite happy with them!

EazyFashion Caramia Pop Flowers & Cream Dress Set

Retail price: Php880.00 (approx $19.50)

Wholesale price (if you purchase 3 items above): Php632.00 (approx $14.00) 

Free shipping for any single order worth Php1,000.

I have been eyeing this for quite some time as I worry about the length of the dress, but after constant lurking at their website, I finally gave in!  You get 2 items for the price of 1!  That's worth the gamble for sure!  And I'm glad I gave this a go!  The floral print dress screams "NIKKI" all over and the cream cardigan works so well on any outfit!  I can easily pair this with pants, jeans, shorts, skirt etc...!

Since I plan to wear this dress on my recent Burt's Bees x AMW Daisy White Counter Event, I went for a more formal look!  It was the best time for me to pull out my Sammydress Graceful V-Neck Stripe Lining Long Sleeve Solid Color Slimming OL Blazer for Women (okay, that's a mouthful so I'd rather call this a pink blazer).

AMW Reviews: Estee Lauder Pure Color Stay-On Shadow Paint (Halo)

Happy Monday AMW friends!
I had a wonderful busy weekend!  How was yours?

Today, I will be sharing a paint shadow from Estee Lauder.  I haven't really explored much on the eyes for months now as I've been very comfortable with whatever I have!  Urban Decay Primer Potion has always been my number 1 eye primer while it's inexpensive counterpart is still Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer.

As for cream shadow base, I have my favorite MAC paintpots, Bobbi Brown Cream Shadows and a couple of shadow pencils!  Who would've thought after exploring Rustan's, I saw a tiny wonder from Estee Lauder counter?

Estee Lauder Pure Color Stay-On Shadow Paint

Shade: Halo

I always prefer to try natural colored paints as they are easier to work with especially for starters!

Estee Lauder says ---

Go from smoky to wildly intense with non-stop shadows lit with shimmer. Pure pigments in a creamy shadow. Light-emitting dimensional pearls create shimmer to high-metallic finishes. Finger paint it onto lids. Glides on quickly, wears infinitely—all day. 12-hour wear. Crease-free. Won’t fade.

Happy Mother's Day Mama!

Dear Ma,

Happy Mother's Day!
I have always known how difficult it is to be on your shoes!  Raising 4 of us without "yaya", taking care of grandpa and grandma.  You did all the cooking, dishwashing, ironing and a whole lot more without a single complaint from you....I knew back then I had a wonderful mom.

But now that I'm also a mom, I realized....you are not only a wonderful mom but you are an angel sent from God!  The dedication, limitless love and support that you've given us made me into the person that I am now.

Ma, God knows how good of a person you are that's why He gave you second life.  Thanks to Him I have more chances to let you know how much I love and appreciate you!

Mommy AMW and AMW with 2 month old Baby AMW

Happy Mother's Day mama and to all the wonderful moms out there!
Don't miss the chance to let them know how much you love them!

Please LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook 
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Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
 

#UberSmartMoms

Hi friends!
Happy Mother's Day to you or your moms!
Are you a busy individual like I am who don't have time to purchase Mother's Day present?  Well, I've got news for you fellow Smart Subscribers!

 Uber has done several campaigns to provide instant gratification by partnering with biggest companies in the world!  Campaigns like ---

#UberKittens - Uber partnered up with a local cat shelter in NY and if you donated $20 to the shelter, Uber would bring you a kitten you could play with for 15 minutes.

#UberSkywriting - For Valentine's Day Uber partnered up with MasterCard and when you opened up the app you could request for a message written in the sky

In line with Mother's Day, Uber has partnered with mobile leader Smart Communciations, Inc (Smart) for the first-ever on-demand campaign in Manila!

On May 11, Uber users can request for a special Mother’s Day package which will include the following:

•  A bouquet of fresh flowers
• Gift box with beauty products from Glamour Box
• A sweet treat from Grechelle's Kitchen
• Gift certificate for a manicure session at Posh Nails

If you are a SMART postpaid subscriber, you'll get all these at a discounted price!

Active SMART Postpaid subscribers will receive a special code on Mother's Day which they can use to avail of the Uber on-demand promotion for half its usual price.  This will be charged to the credit card used to register for an Uber account!

Read poster above on steps to register!  Since this is on-demand service, this will only be available between 9am to 8pm comes May 11 and there are only 100 gift baskets available for delivery so hurry!  Make your moms happy today! 

I am definitely grabbing these baskets for both  my mom and mom-in-law!  I hope I lucky! 

  
Please LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook 
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Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
 

Initial Thoughts: Forever Living Aloe Hand and Face Soap

Have you heard about Forever Living?
I did, specifically the ALOE line almost a decade ago when I was having trouble with my bowel movement (okay, that's too much information but that's the real story!) :P  

So my good friend Jals recommended me this Aloe Vera Gel drink which I find quite difficult to ingest (don't mind me, I'm iffy like that!)  but it did it's job making my life easier!  :P  I only consumed a quarter of it and didn't repurchase not because it didn't work but it is because I don't need it after!  

Fast forward to today, I was sent Aloe Hand and Face Soap by an AMW reader and I immediately put this inside my bathroom and gave this a "constant" use for the past weeks! 

Aloe Hand & Face Soap Php656.32

Here's the overview of the product taken from their US site ---

Aloe Hand & Face Soap is a rich, pearlescent, moisturizing hand and face cleanser with a generous amount of aloe. It creates a luxurious lather, leaving the skin feeling clean, smooth and silky, while minimizing the irritations experienced with some bar soaps. Its mild formula also makes Aloe Hand & Face Soap an ideal shampoo for children and adults alike.

Biodegradable, pH-balanced and non-irritating, it is mild enough for daily facial, hand, hair or body cleansing, and is suitable for those with sensitive skin.

• Mild formula
• Moisturizing cleanser
• Mild and non-irritating
• Pump-action dispenser

Initial Thoughts: Bobbi Brown Art Stick

As soon as I got the newest "Art Stick" from Bobbi Brown PH, I gave an immediate "sigh" and raised my arm to surrender!  I'm surely gonna lose this battle!  Just the sight of this jumbo wooden pencil, I'm probably saying "bye bye" to this and give it to someone who has better (a.k.a. more moisturized lips) than I do!

But after reading about the inspiration behind the Art Sticks (note: I love reading Bobbi Brown's inspiration on each makeup line she creates!) I was actually surprised seeing the 2 adjectives --- creamy and moisturizing.  They must be kidding me!

AMW Reports: MYOH 2014

I have only a total of 2 pairs of Havaianas, very simple baby pink color and the recent one which I got from Dove's First Summit in white.  Both are simple yet girly and I wear both a lot!  Though just a pair of slippers, they are super comfortable and I wouldn't mind adding more "Havis" in my collection!

When I got an invite to join Make Your Own Havaianas 2014 (MYOH2014), I made sure not to miss this event!  Though this is MYOH's 8th year, this is my first time to join the MYOH craze so I'm glad I was with blogger friend Lush Angel on this!

This year, Havaianas returned to its Brazilian roots as they complement pins with Brazilian Vibe! 

Win a slot at Brighten Your Skin Naturally with Daisy White Workshop with Burt's Bees

Congratulations to ---

• Paula Alagao
• Iris Castillo
• Theresa Ibanez
• Sherry Ann Cruz
• Sherry Mae Legacion
• Eula T.
• Jessila Gines

I will email you girls shortly! See you on May 11th!
---------------------------------
To my dearest AMW friends!

Want to make "chikka" with me about skincare/makeup?

Finally!  There's a venue for us!  Thanks to Burt's Bees Philippines for inviting me to be their guest blogger this coming May 11th at Beauty Bar Trinoma!  

It will be a fun afternoon talking about what we love most!  And of course, Burt's Bees came up with a new range of products called Daisy White --- the answer to "I want brighter skin"!

Burt's Bees PH is giving away 7 slots for my dear AMW family!  I would love to meet you guys so please follow mechanics if you can make it!  Please make sure you can make it to the event if you join this contest so as not to waste the slot given to us! (Sayang naman di ba?)

Aside from attending the workshop, the 7 lucky winers will get Burt's Bees surprises too!  *yay*!

AMW x Burt's Bees Gives: Burt's Bees Lip Glosses

Happy Tuesday AMW friends!

I'm sharing my current lip gloss love from Burt's Bees!  Burt's Bees has always been known for their Hand Salve, Foot Creme and Lipbalms!  But lip glosses?  I just knew about them late last year and I'm a happy camper as these glosses are lightweight, super non-sticky and they actually come in variety of shades!  They're not highly pigmented but the glosses give a good "oomph" of color perfect for this season!

L-R Autumn Haze, Rosy Dan, Summer Twilight and Sweet Sunset

How To: Sparkly Minus the Jingle Bells Look

Okay, before I hear any negative reactions, spare my "pa-cute" cover photo!  This look was actually inspired by my "teen" and young readers!  Well...readers who are "young at hearts" like moi can also sport this look to look fresh and young this summer!

This look was inspired by my Laneige Winterland Magic Makeup Collection which I got last Christmas!  That explains the title of this blog post!  I am not the type who would wear "glittery" eyeshadow just because it is Christmas!  So I guess I'm one hardheaded Makeup artist who decides to pick this palette up just when the heat was turning up!  

I Wonder: Do You Splurge for your Baby's Shoes?

Hi fellow mommies!
How are you?  I have this question that has been bugging me for months!  Well, I'm one of those "practical" moms who know when to splurge or save!  I guess I got that from my mom and dad who did an amazing job raising all 4 of us!  A lot of you may think Baby AMW is spoiled because he's my only child.  As surprising as it may sound, you're wrong!  I guess I grew up with a strict mom and dad who made me learn the value of money at an early age and I want to instill that on my son!

Do you agree?

So back to my I Wonder topic!  Mr. AMW and I are quite lucky to have friends and family who were so nice to give us hand-me-downs on clothes, toys and shoes!  I don't mind splurging a bit on clothing especially when he needs to attend a party especially HIS own party!  *laughs*  but when it comes to shoes, I used to be a firm believer of "NOT SPLURGING" on shoes as everyone knows how fast they outgrown their shoes!

Weekend Food Trip at: Causeway Seafood Restaurant Masangkay

There's so many reasons why Chinese Lauriat is the best way to "bond" with family! 

Well, you get big round table, you get good servings of your favorite dishes, and of course, you have a family ambiance where everyone chats away!  Never mind the noise on the other table as you can get as noisy as you want! :D

When my uncle from Canada visited us, it was the best reason to celebrate thru food, it was also my sister's birthday so she decided to celebrate it at Causeway Seafood Restaurant!  I've dined at Causeway Restaurant quite a number of times but not at Masangkay Branch, which I believe is their newer branch! 

The food?  I love it!  The service?  Not bad!  And the best part?  You get 50% off on the price of Dimsum from 9:00pm onwards!  

Okay, we were too hungry to wait for 9:00pm so we went for the usual orders.

Steamed Fish Fillet with Beancurd

GAP Spring Summer 2014 Collection --- I like!

Okay, I haven't been shopping much since giving birth but now Baby AMW is a year old, I finally have a bit more freedom to go out and hopefully to shop!  I have to stop shopping ONLINE and start living the world out of cyberspace!  *laughs*

One of my favorite brand GAP came up with their Spring/Summer 2014 collection, after browsing through their collection photos, I've found a couple of items I want to check out in person!

Cream Eyelet Bib Sleveless Top

White Mini Stripe Broken-In Straight Khaki

I specifically love the top!  It is versatile piece I can wear with pants, shorts and even skirts!

AMW Reports: A Match Made For Me

When we speak about Match Made in Heaven....well I've found him, years ago...

But when we're talking about a Match Made for Beauty...I'm always on a hunt!  I'm sure you are too?

I recently attended an event at Nova Gallery with an air of Parisian sophistication that greeted me.  Yes live sketching and all!

The Reason Behind Benefit's Grand Launch in San Francisco/ Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner Review

Hi AMW friends!

Remember my US trip last March?  I've written a couple of posts reporting my days on one of the most exciting days of my life as a Makeup Artist/Beauty Blogger.

I did mentioned all the details that happened from The Criminally Sexy Party held at Alcatraz Island down to the #Benetease Launch at Bentley San Francisco Showroom

A Benefit Loot landed on my lap and my "makeup application" was never the same since that fateful day!  For the first time in AMW history, I picked the product inside, USED it even without taking a photo!  I knew I can't wait until May 1st to reveal it to you so I might as well test the product right there and then!  2 weeks in the US and the rest of the days here in very hot, oven-roasting humid Manila!  I actually had this product inside my makeup kit but vouched myself not to show it to my friends until TODAY!  Yes, I was held hostage in the US, I can't tell until today OR ELSE... :P

 Are you excited?
I can't HEAR YOU!!!!!!