Lipstick of the Day: A Lip Gloss that Helps!

And it's limited edition so hurry hurry hurry!

It is called Mary Kay Beauty That Counts™ NouriShine Plus™ Lip Gloss, if you think this is just another swirly gloss, think again!

Continuing the tradition of the Beauty That Counts™ NouriShine Plus™ Lip Gloss in Create Change (the original best-selling gloss) is available to all Filipinas who want to glow for a change or want to be part of something that helps women and children in need.

Eureka Moment: Gifted.PH

I am a fan of gift-giving!  I love giving gifts to my loved ones even on NO Occasion!  The only downside is, I don't see my friends or other family members often!  Especially now, with my extremely busy schedule, I can't even deliver gifts to my friends who have birthdays, anniversaries or just to let them know "I'm still here and I care!".

Material things, as I said over and over again, aren't important.  But don't you love it when on a bad day, you receive even the simplest gift?  It shows how much important you are from the sender and how much they think of you.

I have been a fan of online shopping for a LONG TIME!  When you look back in my first few blog entries, you can see how many times and "how brave" I was in online shopping!  

I literally thanked the heavens when Deal sites were born!  I got to gift my friends and family members restaurant certificates for them to enjoy or just to tell them how much I appreciate them.  I don't know about you, but I find deal sites aren't as appealing as before!  The deals they offer are redundant and not so interesting as before.

Recently, I was emailed by a past contact on the project she's working on!  She sent me the site to have a link and I actually tried browsing through the site and will actually try their service because I'm quite impressed by it!

Can I scream: EUREKA MOMENT?

A simple, easy, practical and personal way of giving gifts, the best part?  It is VERY Convenient for both the sender and receiver!

www.gifted.ph

This is an online gift certificate retail website where you and I can send/receive gift certificates online anytime, anywhere at our convenience!   So it is fun and practicial to send gifts depending on your recipient's interest, if unsure, there's always the gift of Money!  YAY!

To start off, you need to register and input your details before you can send gifts!

AMW Reviews: YADAH Twin Angel BB Cream with Lip & Cheek

Ever wondered how Korean actresses have this naturally amazing skin on TV or photos?

Well, I've wondered about that for so long!  And I know the answer is BB Cream, but, I haven't really found the BB Cream that looks just like those from the TV screen! 

So Yadah Twin Angel BB Cream with Lip & Cheek SPF35/PA++ is actually my "nth" BB Cream to try....

Will it give me the "Jan Di" look?  I remembered watching Boys Over Flowers and reacted on how "white" her skin looks yet it has this healthy glow making it easy for me to forgive her make up artist for using a light colored base!  

AMW Revies: Shiseido Full Lash Volume Mascara

I have tried and loved Shiseido Eyelash Curler for the longest time but I don't know why I didn't thought of trying out their mascaras considering the Shiseido Eyelash Curler is the top eyelash curler for me!  (Keep in mind this is a matter of preference, the eyelash curler from Shiseido fits my eye shape PERFECTLY!)

During my pampering experience at the Shiseido Penthouse event a couple of months ago and makeover was part of the "pampering sesh".  When the makeup artist was ready to curl and apply mascara, I immediately blurted out a disclaimer: "Sorry, I don't think you can do anything with my lashes!"   And he went: "Oh yeah, you have very sparse lashes!" (OUCH!)  "But, let's try this Full Lash Volume Mascara that may work wonder!"

Then the rest was history, I obviously loved the effect so much I went on and got one for myself!

As simple as a black packaging, Shiseido made a uniquely designed mascara tube making it look oh-so-gorgeous on my vanity table!

AMW x SM Gives: Php1,000 SM Beauty GC's as We Celebrate International Lipstick Festival

You guys probably know by now how much of a lipstick fan I am!  I just made a "lipstick-related" tutorial just this morning right?

I started my love for make up with trying out various lipstick shades back when I was in college as I was so scared to do anything on my eyes!  It was then I knew how lipstick could change the way I look and feel.

And truth be told, even as a busy mom, whenever I go out, I tend to reach out for lipstick to make myself feel and look better.  That's when I understood how lipstick can make a woman feel confident and ready to face the world!  Really, with just one swipe, I felt like my whole outlook for the day is a tad bit better.

How to (Really) Wear Red Lipsticks On Casual Days

Everyone in the Philippines would probably know the actress Kristine Hermosa.  She has one of the most beautiful face in the industry and when I saw her in person years ago at Shangri-La Mall, I had to agree!  

She had her hair tied up in a bun, wearing almost no makeup but a bright red lipstick!  We all know that when we are in a hurry to go out but no time to put on makeup, one trick is to wear a bright-colored lipstick to create that "I don't give a damn, I am beautiful face!"  Obviously, it wasn't like that in real life.  (Again, not unless you are Kristine Hermosa)

Don't just me, this is the #IWokeUpLikeThis face and I just swiped my favorite L'Oreal Pure Rouge Lipstick.  With that gorgeous bright matte red shade, it actually enhances the "tiredness" around my eyes and my skin looks so dull!  Where is Kristine Hermosa by the way and why does she look darn good?  Well, maybe, she could've worn something else, maybe she has makeup on but it wasn't obvious with my naked eye.

So after a bit of "tweaking" (and Twerking lol), I was able to achieve a better looking #IWokeUpLikeThis look and I don't look as tired on the above photo!  Can you spot the differences?

AMW Cooks: Samosa-Shaped Beef

Beef Samosa consists of Beef and Potatoes.  I actually had a couple of potatoes in my kitchen but I've decided to give potatoes a skip because we just had potato balls the night before.  And I call this recipe Samosa-shaped Beef instead of Beef Samosa because this is literally the simple recipe version that looks difficult to make!

My kitchen is consist of ingredients that you can find in most household!  I don't have cumin, turmeric, cinnamon and ground cardamon (which Beef Samosa has), so I'd go for a simple beef "lumpia" recipe shaped in triangles ! I bet it will look good especially for kids!

Ingredients:

• Ground Beef
• Carrots
• Chopped onions
• Kikoman soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Corn starch 
• Egg 
• Springroll wrap or in my case, I tried Vietnamese wrap (bought from SM supermarket)

Steps:

This Week's New Discovery: Tony Moly and Bohk Toh

You know how some products stay in the "to review" stash for quite some time before I get the chance to try it?  When I finally did, I'll go: "Why didn't I try it sooner?"

It happened to me this week!

Tony Moly Pure Eco Aloe Gel 92%

Php379.00 (approx $8.60)

Truth be told, I originally thought this product was meant for hair!  Come on, don't give me that look!  ALOE and packaged in a huge TUB?  That screams HAIR TREATMENT!

So the blogger in me went online and researched on how to use, because I can't seem to read the instructions at the back because of the clear packaging and small print.  After realizing this is a body lotion meant to be used to hydrate your skin especially on hot and humid weather, I went for it!

It was night time before I went to sleep, I took a quick shower and applied this product all over my arms, legs and feet!  The first feel was a bit too much and gooey!  Then once I went out of the shower, I felt refreshed, and the sticky feel was completely gone!  I was left with literally soft, smooth skin!  

Overall, I'm done with just 1/4 of the tub so I may have to go on using this and will report back and update this post if there's any changes.  But so far, no allergic reactions and even the driest part of my feet felt amazing the next day!  Oh, will share about my foot gadget discovery SOON!  I promise you, it is AMAZE-balls!

Then a couple of weeks ago, the owner of Nippon Esthetic Solutions who is also a good friend sent me a KIT that made me smile!  I'm so happy she always remembers how important hygiene is for me and how she constantly shower me with gift of "OC-ness"!

#CozyNailTurns5 VIP Event with AMW!

I've communicated with Michelle Taruc of Keeping It Together (KIT) years ago when she wanted me to try her products. 

Okay, I searched my own blog on my first KIT post and it was year 2012 April so yes, we have been communicating on and off via text and FB messages for the past 3 years.  I've seen her a couple of times when she passes by my Benefit Workshops but we never really had the chance to sit down and talk.  Let alone for me to tell her how much I appreciate her products.

The day finally arrived when both agreed on the "date".  That felt like "Date of A Lifetime"!  hahaha  

80% of our conversation revolves around our personal lives and the 20% was about the partnership we will be doing.  That's how comfortable we are with each other!

Mich wanted me to do a workshop for her 5th Anniversary Party for her VIP clients at Cozy Nails, she is also a part-owner of Cozy Nails by the way and it was a partnership I wouldn't miss!  Even if it means I have to drive ALL THE WAY to Libis (my most unexplored Metro Manila area).  I immediately said yes and we thought of bringing in brands that I worked closely with in the past!  It was an easy decision to go for Benefit Cosmetics and Girl Stuff.

Why I'm Starting To Religiously Wear Primers

.....and they are from Make Up For Ever STEP 1 line.

You guys know how I can get away without any face primers because of my skin condition (Combination - Normal/Dry).  I only test face primers for the blog and of course, to make sure it is good and safe enough to use for my clients. 

But recently, I am enjoying the extra step because I've found a face primer that is meant for my skin type.  The primers are called Skin Equalizer Step 1 and they are from Make Up For Ever.

I've written about the MUFE Skin Equalizer Event last year, if you got as confused as I was with the wide range of "Skin Equalizers" available, well, it will help to know your current skin condition ---

• Is it oily, dry or normal?
• What are your skin issues? (Oily skin?  Zit? Large Pores? Sallow skin, etc..)
• As much as we would like to say ALL, I'm sure there's always the BIGGEST skin issues you have, as for me, it is dryness and sallowness.

Then that's the time you can pick the best Skin Equalizer for you.  I went for Hydrating Primer and Radiant Primer.  I need both!  If I can only go for one, it will be Hydrating! 

Why can't I just depend on my usual moisturizers or day creams to use as base prior to make up application?  Well, I tried, and they seem to be absorbed so quickly by my skin that none of the "hydration" was left on the exterior thus make up application could still be a bit difficult especially on those dry areas/patches.  

As for the Radiant Primer, one of my favorite is still the Benefit That Gal Primer, but, it doesn't hurt to give other brands a try and I will share to you my thoughts if they deliver!

Radiant Primer Pink adds radiance to light to medium skin.

Hydrating Primer is used for normal skin as it restores balance. 

AMW Reviews: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++

Happy Humpy Day everyone!
Today, I will be reviewing another "lightweight" sunblock brand!  I know I've told my readers so many times how important it is to wear sunblock, but who really wears them on a daily basis?  Even as a Beauty Blogger, I do skip sunblock application every now and then especially when the temperature rises.  

So just like you, I am on a hunt for lightweight, or shall I say, SUPER DUPER Lightweight sunblock that I can use on a daily basis.  A product that makes me feel good during and after application.  So is Biore the one?

 When I posted this on Instagram, there were a couple of loyal users who gave me positive reviews about this!  So I got really excited to give this a test as soon as I'm done testing with the previous lightweight sunblock I've tried.

Casual, Day and Night Look Using L'Oreal Color Riche Star Matte Reds

So you guys probably knew by now how I love to play around with my looks by merely changing my lipstick shade?

If you don't...well, I guess the secret is out!

You know how we always think Red Lipsticks are for special occasions, you're probably one of those who blurted out: "I don't look good in Red Lippie!".  Truth be told, I was one of those!  But thankfully, we have a wide range of "reds" nowadays to choose from there will surely be a RED meant for YOU!

L'Oreal Paris Collection Star 3 lipstick shades meant for Light, Medium and Dark skin tone arrived at my desk one day, as much as I would love to showcase 3 different skin tones on my blog, I want to create a different take on how different shades of REDS can be worn by just one person --- YOU.

AMW Reviews: YADAH Auto Lip Crayons

It's Monday today and I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  Cheers to good vibes everyone!

And today, I will be sharing a review on a "cute" brand.  When I say "cute", I always think about brands like Etude House or Benefit Cosmetics!  Who would've thought another brand joined in the "cute packaging" bandwagon?

You probably read about Yadah Cosmetics on my first YADAH post.  Aside from skincare, they have a full range of make up line that even professionals can really look into!  ONE product that really caught my attention is their Auto Lip Crayon line!  I "swatched" them during the event and was impressed with the smoothness, creaminess and high pigmentation! 

Today, I will be reviewing 2 shades --- a light and dark shade.

Auto Lip Crayons in Shades 06 (Plum Burgundy) and 07 (Rose Beige)

Healthy Food Delivery Review: Fit Food Manila

If you are active on Instagram, you've probably seen celebrities or your favorite Bloggers going for Healthy Meals! 

I want to try them, badly!  Not because I am really into diet, but for the fact that I know I should eat well and get in shape!  It has been 2 years since giving birth so I want to stay active, look healthy and feel good with my body!  

Truth be told, there are days I am not treating myself well, I tend to skip breakfast and just have a cup of coffee, or skip meals because I'm too busy with work!  Such a huge no-no right?  Especially if you're a mom with a super hyper-active toddler.

When a good friend of mine asked me if I wanted to give these healthy meals a try!  I immediately said YES!  As much as I love cooking, there are days I don't want to think about the food I will eat!  And best of all, I want to eat healthy!

For 5 days, I've tried meals from Fit Food Manila.  Fit Food Manila sends delicious low-calorie meals straight to your doorstep the night before for 5 full days! 

True enough, Sunday night at around 9:30pm, a set of food was sent straight to our doorstep with this menu.  I was ecstatic!

Day 1

#PlayForReal with AskMeMom and #KyleNash

What my brother told me, when I was a baby, my mom just leaves me inside the "wooden crib", without any toys, with just a single bear that I hold on to.  

I was the youngest child, with 3 toddlers running around the house without any househelp (yaya), I don't feel bad anymore that I don't have the much-needed attention most babies or toddlers get nowadays!  

You know why?  Because I grew up to be very creative with my existing resources, talent and time.  I may not be the top of the class or the best of the best but I know I've created a tiny spot in this big world.  

I'm sharing this mini  tidbit about myself because over a month ago, I got an invite to #PlayForReal with Johnson's.  Unfortunately, because of my extremely busy schedule with works here and there, I didn't make it.  But Johnson's Baby Philippines was kind enough to send me this set and I got to understand what they are trying to tell moms today.

Creating fun experiences with your kiddos using their sensory organs.  Again, I'm not implying that electronic devices are bad, they aren't!  They are really helpful with my son's learning, but I highly recommend adding the "old school" learning of getting down to your knees using your hands to get dirty! 

Antipodes is Now In The Philippines!

I first learned about New Zealand Organic Brand Antipodes from fellow Beauty Blogger (also a really good friend) Paris B. of My Women Stuff, she's done a lot of reviews on Antipodes products and I can't help but wanting to try them all!  

Thankfully, it didn't take years for me to wait, it's just around a year or so when these landed my desk (literally) via courier one boring day. 

Are they really locally available now?  Thankfully, according to my very reliable source, They are!  Antipodes are definitely HERE TO STAY!

Upon seeing the products, I am most interested with the Divine Face Oil --- under the moisture boost line.  I immediately washed my face and gently massaged the oil mid-day, in between phone calls, research and interviews --- wow!  I was immediately relaxed! 

So as much as I want to use all 3 products at once --- I didn't!   I chose just 1 from the 3 products I got and settled on trying out Divine Face Oil first and added Anada Gentle Toner the week after!  I'll share more about my first impressions after the jump!

AMW Reviews: Mary Kay at Play™ Dual-End Shadow & Liner

Hi AMW friends!  Yesterday was such a challenging day for me!  I was all positive of sorts in the earlier week but I was woken up around 5am because my son was sick with fever and he has diarrhea (sorry to those who are eating as of the moment).  Now I understand what most of my mommy friends would say: "It hurts even more for mommies!".  

*sigh*

Setting all worries aside, (well trying to), the show will go on and I will share my review of the newest multi-tasking product I received from Mary Kay Philippines.  

The Mary Kay At Play Shadow & Liner comes in a double-sided "twist-able" packaging.  One side is the colored shadow while the other side works as a liner. 

Available locally in 3 shades: Rebel Rose, Mint to Be and Iced Lilac.  I got Rebel Rose for review.

AMW Reviews: Etude House Proof 10 GelQuid Liner Review (Black)

Hi my dear AMW friends!
I had a wonderful start of the week!  It went by pretty quickly with make up trainings/workshops and several meetings for exciting collaborations!

God is really good!  I thank him for giving me the talent to teach about make up and giving me YOU guys as my wonderful readers!  #THANKFULTHURSDAY!

When I was applying liquid liner at around 5:30am in a dark room, I realized, I had to review this one that I got called Etude House Proof 10 Gelquid Liner.

Everyone knows I'm a fan of the Proof 10 line, from Proof 10 mascara to their Proof 10 Eye Primer --- I first learned about them during my Seoul, Korea visit which was several years ago!

Will this turn out to be my 3rd favorite Proof 10 product?

AMW Reviews: Max FactorX Excess Volume Extreme Impact Mascara

One of the biggest mascara tube I've held in my life! 

That came from Max FactorX Excess Volume Extreme Impact Mascara.  The company probably wanted to convey a message to us consumers that you get EXTREME BULK and VOLUME on your lashes (same as packaging) when you use it.

This mascara comes with 2 steps.  And for the first time, they are both "working mascaras", not one end as a mascara base (usually white in color) like what we're used to.

A Drama Without the Drama: Shiseido Maquillage Dramatic Mood Veil

Happy Tuesday everyone!  I am off to a meeting for a fun collaboration with brands I trust and Love so I'm quite excited!  I will probably be wearing THIS blush again because I feel so (keyword) YOUNG, romantic and in-love whenever I have this on!  

And please, tell me the look doesn't give you that instant mood lift!  Come on, you do have a soft-spot for gorgeous looking blush right?

If the photo above didn't give your heart a bit of pinch, I hope this next photo will!  One of the most luxurious packaging I've seen in make up history!

Eureka Moment: Nippon Esthetic Eyelash Applicator

Hi AMW Friends!  Happy Monday!
Remember my previous tutorial on Special Events Make Up?  Well, if you did, you probably saw the nifty "gadget" I used to apply my false lashes!  For years, I've been very dependent with my Tweezers when it comes to application on both myself and clients!  

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind using Tweezers, they do the job, I'm comfortable with it but I'm sure a lot of you aren't!  So this nifty "Tool" definitely deserves a spot in my Eureka Moment Post!

AMW Wore Bohk Toh Lashes  in J-202

Are you ready?  It looks like this!

Back to Childhood.. with Minions!

At 36 years old, I am definitely still a child-at-heart!

Upon receiving this box of "happiness", I literally shrieked and surprised both my Husband and Son!  Well, my husband was going-back to his second childhood too upon seeing this box of surprise.

Well you see, he likes to collect Kiddie Meal toys!  He and his sister collected McDonald's Kiddie Meal toys through the years and only when we had Kyle Nash did he actually removed those from display and let his son play with it!  Grimace, Ronald McDonald, Hamburglar, you name it, we got them!  

Obviously, the Minions aren't an exception!  The first time McDonald's offer them for Kiddie Meals, we got a couple (but they aren't complete).  So now that we know they're officially back, the hubby and I were actually discussing on how to collect them one by one --- we actually don't mind ordering Kiddie Meal for the rest of the month!  *laughs*

But God Is good!  A full MINIONS Experience arrived at our doorstep all thanks to McDonald's Philippines for sending all 10 Minions to the AMW household.

Along with Bob, Kevin and Stuart, collecting will always be fun!  Whether you have kids or you call yourself a kid!

Weekend Food Trip at: Tokyo Bubble Tea

Yes, you read that right!  Tokyo Bubble Tea again after so many years!  The last time I blogged about this restaurant was during my surprise Baby Shower organized by my bestie!

2 years after, I'm finally back!  But actually the Baby Shower was at their Wilson, San Juan branch, this time, I'm back at their Timog branch after a busy day of gigs!  With my family of course!

This isn't my first time in the branch but this is a first to have lunch there!  The ambiance is different, well, because for the fact that their air conditioner was not working properly so it wasn't that much of a fun experience that time.  (I hope they are fixed by now).

So it was my decision to go back to this restaurant because I was craving for their Bibimbop!  Yup, the restaurant serves Korean dishes too!  They actually serve quite a huge selection of Asian dishes so there is definitely something for different palettes.

First order of business...soup!

Truffled Mushroom Soup

Php138.00

A bowl golden happiness that will bring you 

a hearty and nostalgic flavor of mushroom.

True enough, I tasted strong flavor of mushroom!  NOT Truffled Mushroom but just regular mushroom!  This isn't TDF (to-die-for) but on days you are craving for creamy soup and you're a fan of Chinese mushrooms?  You can go for this!

Unboxing: June BDJ Bioderma Box + #EverydayWithHappiness

Happy weekend AMW Friends!  I hope today is not as wet as previous days!  I had a wonderful and fruitful week so I can't help but share my good vibes to everyone!  It helps to really focus on the positive elements of your life because you can definitely attract more good things!

How?  By appreciating all the little things in life!  Like receiving this box of mini Bioderma samples!  Okay, the negative Nikki would probably go: "All small sample sizes? WHAT?"  (Hashtag MEANIE)  But instead, I went ahead and said: "YAY!  I can finally try Bioderma products!"

Truth be told, I was invited for the grand launch of Bioderma products (the distributor is a very good friend, so is the PR person), unfortunately, family always comes first so I declined the invite so I wasn't able to understand it when my fellow Beauty Blogger friends would rave about these well-sought after products!  

So when I received the BDJ June Box, it was a delight for me to be able to try the brand!  And BDJ box girls were kind enough to add a full sized product that I love!  Will tell you more about it after the jump!

Unsung Hero: Mouthwash

When I used to work in an office, I carry with me a toothbrush and toothpaste set and I always brush my teeth after lunch and wherever I'm off to an important meeting.

When I started to work from home several years ago, I forgot about the tooth-brushing habit because I'm too comfortable in my pajamas working in front of the computer at the comfort of my room! 

Thankfully, before I go totally gross and be the type of girl who stays at home with no Hygiene, I actually go out a lot for Blogging Events, Meetings, Workshops and Make up Gigs!  Because I literally face a lot of people on a daily basis, I am forced to take care not only on my physical looks but oral hygiene!  As much as I want to bring toothbrush and toothpaste with me, you all know the situation here in the Philippines, there are washrooms that have non-working faucet which lead me to this question: "How can I brush my teeth?  Shall I just spit the toothpaste and leave with bubbly teeth?"  #yuck !

Ever since I got samples of OraCare from SampleRoom, I find myself taking this cute 80ml sized with me wherever I go!  I can't believe I haven't blogged about this because I literally have fresh breathe anytime, anywhere or whenever I need to face people!

That is why Oracare, you are part of my The Unsung Heroes post!

OraCare says ---
OraCare Mouthrinse Merrymint contains stabilized chlorine dioxide technology that works two ways:

• Gets rid of bad bacteria causing plaque build-up, gum disease and tooth decay
• Neutralizes volatile sulfur compounds or also called as the waste material of the bacteria – the true sources of strong mouth odors.

OraCare’s no alcohol formulation lets you gargle and experience real clean, fresh feeling without the painful burning sensation and sting, in a refreshing spearmint flavor!

AMW Reviews: L'Oreal UV Perfect Aqua Essence Advanced Watery Gel

So, it's starting to rain!  But should you skip your sunblock/sunscreen? 
OF COURSE NOT!

And just because you don't see Mr. Sun much, you still have to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful and long UV rays.  As you all know, the harsh sun gives us not only sun burn but also brown spots, pigmentation and yellowish skin tone.   Yes, that's the ugly truth!

But like I said, we are living in the "lucky generation".  We have all these sunblock that feels and looks almost invisible!

I recently tested out the L'Oreal Paris UV Perfect Aqua Essence.  When I took a quick glance at this product packaging, it brought me back to memories!  When I was just starting out with my love for "beauty", I was in deep search for face primers (yes, blame the international blog reading!)  There wasn't any back then so I went on and purchased the L'Oreal UV Perfect Advanced Fluid Face Protector SPF50 because the SA said it can work as a primer (true naman!).  It didn't do a lot on the "primer" department (maybe just a subtle differences lang) but I actually liked using it as a sunscreen because it was in fluid texture, lightweight and non-greasy.

Years after, I was reunited with the UV Perfect line!  Do I love this as much as the first version?

How To: Special Events Make Up

Hi AMW Friends!  This post will be full of AMW photos so please bear with me!  As much as I would love to lessen the products I used, well, for the first time in AMW history, I think I used more than 10 products!  Well, forgive me for such tedious tutorial because I was requested to do a Special Events Make Up and when it comes to special events, we do need a lot of help to make us look like the better version of ourselves!  Right?

Well, before I proceed with my make up "photo-torial", I want to say, today is my Mom's birthday!!!  And I am feeling generous today by awarding my top commenter "rhaindropz"!  You can see her name popping on my top commenter list on the right hand side!  So Rhaindropz, if you are reading this, comment below and tell me you won together with your full name and mailing address!  I'll message you personally on what I will send you!  It's worth it I promise you!

Now back to the tutorial....here's my version of Special Events Make Up!

And if you find something different with my photo, well, you are right!  I am finally wearing contacts after so many years!  (Posts HERE and HERE)

And I'm loving the new contact lens brand I'm wearing  because it looks way more natural than the Korean Lenses I've tried! 

AMW Wore: Air Optix Lens in Sterling Gray

Initial thoughts: Feels very comfortable to wear and I definitely love the effect of Sterling Gray on me!  I can't wait to try out  more colors!

If like me, you plan to wear contact lens, please wear them before you do your make up!

Mid-Year Gift-Giving Ideas

Hi AMW friends!  You are probably surprised seeing this Mid-Year Gift-Giving ideas.  It's not even Christmas and it's not even a countdown to Christmas.

Well, why not?  I realized, we don't need holidays to be generous!  I am a strong believer of making people who matters to you happy anytime of the day!  And of course, doing good deed (non-material thing) is priceless but sometimes, it would help to give some material things that you think would matter to the receiver!  And after looking at the products inside my home, I can't help but think of the people who would appreciate these thus came the blog post: "Mid-Year Gift-Giving Ideas".  

And as always, feel free to add the list so we can all share gift-giving ideas and how it can make anyone's day extra special!

For the Hair Lovers

Me!  And probably you?  My big sister too!  My favorite gift-giving guide for hair loving friends are "Hair Treatment".  Deep conditioning treatment as inexpensive as those from Watson's (Buy 1 Take 1 offer) or as pricey as those from Kerastase.  It really depends on my budget.  But on days you just want to say: "Just because I thought of you", a simple shampoo and conditioner combination could be a deal breaker!  I would happily accept a shampoo and conditioner set just like the ones I recently received.  It actually made my day because I may have bouncy hair every time you see me, it took me some time to reach to that "level of bounciness"!  With the help of my trustee flat iron or curling iron!  

And on days I don't have time, I may gift this shampoo and conditioner a try from Dove.  

The Dove Oxygen and Nourishment Solutions

This pair is said to address our #FlatHairProblems so I can't wait to give this a try!

AMW Reviews: Mary Kay Endless Performance Creme-to-Powder Foundation

So it's Tuesday today and I'm off for several meetings!  God is really good!  So before I go, I'll leave you with a review on my most recent foundation from Mary Kay!  If you have noticed on my previous "photo-torial", I used Mary Kay's newest Endless Performance Creme-to-Powder Foundation because the weather was really hot at that time so I've decided to use the least amount of makeup as possible and the Mary Kay one is cream-to-powder letting me skip a step or 2.  (Concealer and Powder).

After using this product several times, I'm ready to share my thoughts on this.  Please keep in mind that I got this as press sample so this is a "refill packaging" so if you purchase the compact itself, it won't look like this.

2 shades that was sent to me was Ivory 2 and Beige 1.

How To: Prevent Your Lipstick From Transferring

If you are in a hurry, I just included 2 easy steps!  BUT, if you have a minute or 2 more to spare!  I'll add more on the tips portion below!  But for busy mommies like me, this is my simplest and shortest trick to prevent lipsticks from transferring on clothing, mug or other people (ahem!)

Yes, we can all wear a bright red lipstick on a Monday for that instant "boost"! 

Not included in the two steps is your lipstick application!  Just apply your favorite lipstick the way you want to!  Whether it is directly from tube or with a lipbrush --- your choice!

Grab a clean tissue paper and blot your lips.  Imagine, just like your face that tends to oil up and you use oil blotters to deal that situation, same with the lips!  You need to blot your lipstick after application to remove excess "oil" or wax from the lipstick.  If your lipstick is not as bright as you wanted it to be, re-apply second layer and redo the blotting step!

Weekend Food Trip at: Red Kimono

I've tried Red Kimono restaurant at Fort, BGC at the same building of ONE Parkade next to Bon Chon several times because I usually go for "takeaway" whenever I'm out for an event before going home!  When the family accompanied me to a night event, I've decided to take them there to try their food, this time, fresh from the kitchen!  (Not from takeaway box!) 

The restaurant is seldom full but don't judge the restaurant by the number of customers inside.  The food they serve are quite good and the price is okay considering it is located at the heart of BHS Central.

Spicy Salmon Crunch

Php220.00 (approx $5.00)

A fiery roll stuffed and topped with 

grilled Norwegian salmon and Crispy Tempura Flakes

This was actually my request!  I haven't had any "rolls" in Japanese restaurant for quite some time and I missed the version from Teriyaki Boy!  Overall, this version is really good too!  A starter I'll definitely order again.

The Philippine Launch of UNIQLO Baby

When my son was still a baby, I tend to dress him up in cute outfit that would make everyone goes "awwww!" whenever they see him.  But, most of the time, I go for "blah" clothing as long as he feels and look comfortable.  Can't we just combine but cuteness and comfort?

YES we can!  All thanks to the Japanese Clothing and High-Street Brand Uniqlo!  I always find their clothing to be super comfortable so I trust them when they say their Uniqlo Baby Wear are categorized as Class 1 - the safest classification under the Oeko-Tex Standard.  From raw materials used to the finished product, all the clothes made are formalin-free to ensure the health and safety of babies.

I'll share more about those information later on but let me share to you the photos during the launch!

 UNIQLO Baby was formally launched at SM Aura branch last week.  I was right at the nick of time (sorry, long story!)

The event was hosted by Delamar of RX93.1 and she introduced to us the newest addition to the "UNIQLO MOMMY" (I coined that term!  Don't quote me! :P)  Ms. Nikka M. Garcia (the wife of Patrick Garcia) who is now I think 6 months pregnant?

Michael Kors Fragrance and Beauty Collection Launch

You know how it is when you read international blogs and you see them blog about brands that you wish were available here?

Michael Kors is one!  Don't get me wrong, I love their fashion line, especially their watch!  BUT, just like Tory Burch, I wish I could get hold of their makeup, fragrance and nail polish line because, fashion brands who venture into makeup can really come up with unique collection --- because they understand women quite well!

And I'm so happy to say, they are HERE! That's why you are seeing this post!  Oh, can I just say that GOLD works for my skin tone so the packaging deserves 2 thumbs and 2 toes up from me!

During the launch, I got to know about both the Beauty Collection and Fragrance Collection  Here you have Michael Kors' Philippines Brand Coordinator Kimi welcoming the guests.

AMW Reviews: Artistry Ideal Radiance Illuminating CC Cream

You know how I am when it comes to anything that brings out "radiance".  I test them out almost immediately!  Whether it's a BB cream, CC Cream or even a Skincare line!

Same goes with the new Artistry Ideal Radiance tube that I got a few months ago.  Now what is Radiance and what is Ideal Radiance?

Will answer that later!

So the ultimate test is here!  This was launched around April of this year!  This product, like most CC creams work as skincare and makeup in one!

Looking at the printed side of the packaging, it must be made in Korea to have Korean wordings.

AMW Reports: My First Family Portrait with Pampers

Can you spot the familiar-Family portrait that I grabbed from Pampers website?

Yes!  The AMW family!  You also get to see Shen's family too! (upper right hand side).

You know how I am so into taking photos on my phone on Kyle's EVERY move!  As much as I have all his facial expressions saved in my laptop, I always choose the best ones and have them printed out and displayed in our living room and bedroom.

AMW Reviews: Benefit Porefessional License to Blot

As much as I love Benefit Cosmetics so much!  The POREfesssional line really is not for me!  you probably know by now why!

No?  Well, to newbie readers, I have combination Normal/Dry skin.  So yes, as my sister will probably gasp with this statement: "I almost do not need to retouch midday!" and "My face powder lasts me more than 3 months because I use it only once a day!"

#ChroniclesOfADrySkin

So if you think I am not as excited as my oily-skinned friends when Benefit POREfessional License To Blot came to the market --- you are wrong!   Why?

Because I highly depend on Benefit POREfessional Balm on most of my clients and I finished 3 full sized tubes in a year!

The POREfessional Agent Zero Shine is also a nice setting powder so I seriously didn't think a new product from this line will pop out!  Like what else can Benefit think of right?

You know Benefit Cosmetics, when I got to know the brand last year during my Press Trip in San Francisco, I knew this brand never sleeps!  They are always thinking about new innovation and not just new!  New and UNIQUE!  

So the License to Blot was born!

What can this nifty product do?

Benefit Porefessional License to Blot says ---