Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Leaders Insolution Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patch Review




Years before sheet masks are a "hit" in our country, I have been constantly using them back when I work in China!  I would buy those sheet masks and even powdered masks and mix them at home and create my own "spa-time"  I love walking around Watsons in Hong Kong where I get to score unique and innovative beauty products.  One product that I tried is an eye patch and I remembered how uncomfortable it was to use!  The eye patch kept on slipping every second I don't think I got the relaxation I deserve.

When my favorite mask sheet brand Leaders Insolution came out with their own eye mask called Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patch, without second thoughts, I picked it right away!  With all the late night work and of course, random "toddler waking up moments", I knew I had to do something about my undereye circles, puffiness and darkness.

Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patch
Php498.00
a photo of Leaders Insolution Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patch

According to Leaders Insolution ---
This is a 20-minute eye gel that revitalises your eyes and reduces imperfections like dark circles, puffiness and fine lines.  Your skin absorbs the many nutrients which are loaded into each gel, so it gets an instant moisture boost and noticeable difference.

Happy 15th Zen Zest!




Definitely a gorgeous way to celebrate 15 years anniversary!  Congratulations Zen Zest!  
If you haven't heard or seen Zen Zest, you are probably living under the rock!  As for someone who seldom goes out to the mall, I always see their kioks around malls!  No matter where I go, I always see them, and I'm not surprised learning that today, they have over 100 outlets nationwide and abroad!

Now, that's what Filipinos should be proud of!



I was lucky to be invited to celebrate with Zen Zest at Le Petit Soufle for their 15th Year Anniversary Celebration.

Monday, May 30, 2016

Cathy Doll Geisha Hanazakari Lip Matte Review



After Welcoming Cathy Doll in the Philippines, what now?  Of course we have to try their products!  I was one of the lucky few who got to try these Geisha Hanazakari Lip Matte months ago (months ago because I will be hosting this event and it would be nice to share to the audience my experience after using Cathy Doll products) and already found a favorite shade!  Can you guess which particular shade I call my shade?

Karmart introduces 5 gorgeous colors for their Geisha line, I have actually used ALL shades in various occasions and I'm finally ready to review my honest thoughts.

a photo of Cathy Doll Geisha Hanazakari Lip Matte

AMW Wore all 5 shades!
Which one is your favorite?

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Weekend Food Trip at: Tao Yuan Lucky Chinatown Mall




We go to Lucky Chinatown Mall ALMOST every weekend so it is a challenge for us to pick a restaurant for dinner!  "Where to eat again?"  is the multi-million peso question.


After having to carry my Toddler who is too lazy to walk for hours, I've decided to go to the nearest restaurant which was Tao Yuan Restaurant.  The restaurant is always packed!  So I assume the food must be great!

Well, assumption was right!  Food indeed was WONDERFUL but the service isn't :( (unfortunately)  Nothing too big of a fuss but definitely, the service is slow and we good thing we checked our bill because they billed us wrongly!   


Again, nothing alarming, you just have to make sure you are not extremely hungry when you see the "packed" restaurant and always check your bill (no matter what restaurant you go to!)

Now on to the more positive side, the food!  The food was indeed AMAZING!  One of the best Chinese Restaurants in the Metro!

Beef Tenderloin
Php498.00
One of the most tender beef tenderloin I've tried.  Very soft and almost melts into your mouth on every bite!  Even Kyle approves of this dish!


Happy Birthday Noodles
Php428.00
Okay, I wasn't expecting my Birthday Noodles to look like this!  The Tao Yuan version has more sauce and seafood than noodles itself!  The serving isn't as big as I expected but nevertheless, I am fulfilled with all the fresh ingredients used.

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Have You Tried Belo Baby Products?




You know how much I appreciate Sampleroom for so many things!  The first reason is that --- we can always Try Products Before We Buy!  Secondly, they really include some of the best products and brands in the market for sampling!  And recently was no exception!

I have tried a lot of Baby Skincare products ever since I turned into a mom!  One reason I try my best not to stick just one brand is because I don't want my son to get accustomed using just one product.  If he gets allergic reactions to certain ingredients, I want to know as early as NOW.

So when I received samples of Belo Baby from my Sampleroom family!  I gave 2 of the products a test!

What's New?
Belo Baby Face and Body Lotion

Belo Baby Hair and Body Wash
Belo Baby Bar Soap


a photo of Belo Baby Face and Body Lotion Belo Baby Hair and Body Wash Belo Baby Bar Soap

Friday, May 27, 2016

Choose Simple Skin Commitments + Join the Contest!



It is a great reminder from our friends from Cetaphil Philippines when they launched a campaign to educate Filipinas how to easily achieve healthy skin called Choose Simple Skin Commitments.

The campaign is telling us women that one's skincare routine need not to be complicated.  True to that!  I may be a Beauty Blogger who have so many skincare products to try but I always choose to simplify everything!  Use products that my skin needs and always focus on 3 important steps: Cleanse, Moisturize and Protect.  And the rest we may add and follow but the major steps should always be there.

My bare skin.  Not perfect but I still love it as it is! :D


Of course, it's never to late to take care of your skin!  Note girls, lesser skin problems, lesser makeup!

First step: Cleanse
The most important step of all!  Cleansing should be done in NO hurry!  This is the step were we get rid off dirt, oil, dead skin cells and others that could damage our skin.  Your cleanser should never be drying on skin, it has to be harsh to unwanted pollutants but gentle on skin!

Maybelline Fashion Brow Duo Shaper is Surprisingly Good!



I've had the Maybelline Fashion Brow on my dresser for months now!  I realized, on days I am in a hurry, I tend to pick this up and just fill in my brows with both the pencil and powder and I'm ready to go!  I can even skip my favorite Brow Mascara!

a photo of Maybelline Fashion Brow Duo Shaper in shade Light Brown.

The Maybelline Fashion Brow Pencil is called an all-in-one pen for brows!  The uniqueness about this is that, the pencil portion contains 0.2 mm micro lead fixing pencil that makes it very convenient and easy (even for first-time makeup wearers) to fill in brows with minimal to almost no mistakes!  

On the other side is the pointed sponge applicator to fill in brow powder!  This smudger reminds me so much of the Maybelline Color Sensational LipGradation, same smudger sponge but a tad bit smaller.


Thursday, May 26, 2016

Join Catching Butterflies: Spotting the Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders in Children!




I used to brush of "any kind of sickness" like I'm INVINCIBLE!  The "I don't care about getting sick" attitude quickly dissolved the moment I turned into a mom!  I find myself reading about more about health topics on both online and offline (books!)  

So when I received an email regarding ITAW or International Thyroid Awareness Week, I knew I had to share it to YOU.

If you don't know by now, Thyroid disorders affect millions of Filipinas.  ONE in 11 Filipino adults has goiter and around ONE in 12 Filipino adults suffers from some form of thyroid disease!  Worst, it is estimated that 8 out of every 1,000 children worldwide are affected by thyroid disease..





As we all know, prevention is better than cure but personally speaking, KNOWLEDGE is also important!  The International Thyroid Awareness Week is the perfect opportunity for everyone (parents or not) to learn more about how the thyroid gland and the thyroid disorders affect one's metabolism.  

L'Oreal True Match Genius 4-in-1 Primer Foundation Concealer Powder Review




I talked about this new L'Oreal True Match Genius 4-in-1 Primer, Foundation, Concealer and Powder on my social media accounts and most of you requested for a review right away!  I did my best and used it even though the shade doesn't match me that well!  Weird how it looks oh-so-perfect on pan but once applied, it looks a bit light on me but nothing a bronzer and darker setting powder can't do!  Although for the sake of review, I actually went out wearing JUST this to test its' longevity.

Yes, for you guys, I can go out with a foundation that doesn't match my neck!  If you don't call that true love, I don't know what :P
a photo of L'Oreal True Match Genius 4-in-1 Primer Foundation Concealer Powder in shade G1 Gold Ivory.

Shade: G1 Gold Ivory
I have always been a "beige" girl so the gold maybe perfect fit for me but the Ivory puts the shade a bit off a bit!  Nothing too alarming, but I just have to put on a disclaimer!

The slim compact is retangular-shaped, comes with a small mirror and a sponge.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

AMW Workshop Series Part 2: Perfecting Your Base *FULL*





After 2 months, I'm finally ready to continue what I started!  The AMW Workshop Series Part 2 (read more about AMW Workshop Series Part 1: Get Ready for Summer)  After contemplating and reading some of your comments, emails and suggestions, I'm ready to share the topic for my second workshop. 

It's all about the bases girls!  I have always been a makeup artist who prefers to enhance than cover.  And let's face it, having a good base can make you look and feel good without adding too much makeup!

It is time to learn all the tricks and tips I've learned through the years!  Girls, you will be surprised how the right tools, right type of makeup would make a HUGE difference!

Do you want to know more?  Better grab your slot as it's there's only 12 slots available for this workshop for Php2,500.00.



As always, what's a workshop without the help of our lovely sponsors?  Thank you so much to my old and new sponsors!  This won't be possible without your support and help!

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

My Top 5 Pro Makeup Artist Secrets Revealed!



I have been a professional Makeup Artist for almost a decade now!  Counting those times when I was just "happily" doing my classmates' or friends' makeup?  That would be a total of 2 decades!  Prettifying boys and girls have always been a goal of mine!  I remembered saving up my allowance to purchase international magazines back then just to flip through pages after pages admiring the makeup on each model (even on ads!)  That, my friend, was pre-Youtube days.

Now that I'm living my dream prettifying people professionally.  There will always be friendly competition out there and I know I have to "up" my game to make sure I keep existing clients and get new ones!  With so many talented makeup artists out there, we need to do something right to stay in the game!  How?  By ---

1. Constant Learning.
2. Maintain Client-Makeup Artist good relationship.
3. Take care of EACH of your client like how you would take care of yourself.

Well, there's more but that's the top 3 on my head as of the moment.

As you all know, makeup artistry is not all about fun and glamour!  Well, I do look a bit more "glamorous" in the photo below taken for Biogenic shoot just because they need a profile picture of me as a makeup artist but trust me, I don't look like this at work!



During the shoot, the makeup artist in me can't help but retouch my co Biogenic-mommies' makeup.  It is as natural as "breathing" when I would automatically check the makeup of Jackie and Frances making sure they are camera-ready!  I guess, once you're a makeup artist, you'll always be one! 

I bonded with Frances over retouch and we did a bit of "beauty talk" while taking the photo (above).  Frances told me about her dry skin issues and how I deal with clients who have dry skin.  I immediately shared all my tips and tricks and realized, hey!  I do have a couple of tips up on my sleeves, so why not share it to you guys too?

Monday, May 23, 2016

Burt's Bees 100% Natural Lipsticks Review and Swatches





Who would have thought our favorite All Natural Brand Burt's Bees FINALLY came out with lipsticks!  Not just any other lipsticks --- these have intense color, full-coverage and are hydrating enough to soften and condition your lips all day!  The amazing part?  Available in 14 gorgeous shades! 

Yes guys, I'm not pulling your leg!  There are really 14 shades and I got them all!

a photo of Burt's Bees 100% Natural Lipsticks

And the more surprising part, I was able to wear all 14 shades for you to easily pick your favorite shade! 
 
This collage will definitely show you why a woman can't have too much lipsticks!  See how each color changes my overall look even with the same makeup, same outfit and hair color?  You can easily spot the shades that work for me and shades that make me look, ahmmm...sick!  But hey, with all 14 shades, I don't have to worry!  I can easily mix and match and the best part?  They are 100% natural so these are my obvious choice of lip color especially when I'm around with my toddler!  Nothing beats him kissing me with the comfort of knowing my lipstick is safe!

Can you spot your favorite shade?
My vote goes all the lip color on first row!  What's your vote?

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Weekend Food Trip: Pan-Grilled Pork Belly (New) from Pancake House




Whenever we go out on weekends, one of the most visited restaurant is Pancake House.  Especially the one at Lucky Chinatown and Quezon Avenue.  

There are just a few reasons why this is our family restaurant of choice ---
  • Good food
  • Cozy ambiance
  • Has high chair (all restaurant owners, this is very important!)
  • Child-friendly activities (Crayons!)


Last weekend, as to EVERY weekend, we visit my parents and go out to have quiet dinner.  We picked the branch at West Triangle because of the spacious location (for Kyle to run around) and because it is near my parent's home! 

The usual orders would be ---  Pancake House Fried Chicken, Spaghetti and Tacos.  But just as the menu was given to us, we spotted a new dish!  (It takes a Pancake House fan to know something is new with the menu!)

True enough, we were told this is the newest addition to the menu and all of us ordered this right away!

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Kate Tokyo Launches New Products!


I was invited to an intimate launch for Kate Tokyo because of an Asia exclusive base makeup item developed especially for Asian women.  Can you guess what it is?


The event was held at Cafe 1771 hosted by Kate Tokyo's Robby Da Silva.
He shared the 3 products everyone need to watch out for!

Friday, May 20, 2016

Welcome Cathy Doll Philippines!



"Welcome Cathy Doll Philippines!"
The exact phrase I exclaimed with so much energy and excitement during the Grand Launch of Cathy Doll Philippines last May 17th at the Emerald Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Yes, I was lucky enough to host the event with Cathy Doll's Marketing Manager Ms. Darlene Espino.

A photo of Cathy Doll Philippines Grand Launch Host

Because of my hosting gig, I was there super early so I had this rare chance of taking a photo of the event before the "hustle and bustle" (a.k.a. CROWD!)

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Etude House Tint My Brows Gel Review (Shade 2)



So Etude House finally created a brow tint that is semi-permanent.  Well, semi-permanent in a way it lasts more than a day!  I was a bit busy with shoots and projects, I had no chance to really play with my brows so I asked my dear mom-in-law (who is into brow tinting) to try this out!  So far, I am quite surprised with the result! 

a photo of Etude House Tint My Brows

Etude House Tint My Brows says ---
New-concept eyebrow gel tint that makes eyebrow makeup last longa after removing the tint.

Shades: Brown, Light Brown and Gray Brown

Ingredients:
Water, Alcohol, Butylene glycol, POLYVINYL ALCOHOL, Dihydroxyacetone, PVP, 1,2-hexanediol, Yellow 6 (CI 15985), POLYSORBATE 80, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, RED 33 (CI 17200), Citric Acid, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Disodium EDTA, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Lilium Tigrinum Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract

Product description printed on box

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Get to know the Biogenic Mom Bloggers!



Can you spot the familiar looking faces? 
I am so proud to announce that AskMeWhats is part of Biogenic Mom Squad!  This campaign is definitely for the books because I am a self-proclaimed BIOGENIC walking advertiser!

A photo of Biogenic Ambassadors
Photo by: Trio Photography
Even before turning into an "AskMeMom", amidst the popularity of alcohol in "gel form", I am still a believer of regular alcohol.  I'm old school (Not old :P )  but I have this sense of comfort every time I spritz.  Especially when I'm outside with no access to soap and running water.

During those times, alcohol housed in a spritzer bottle is not a regular thing yet so I would purchase my own perfume atomizer and put alcohol instead so I can safely use it anytime, anywhere!  (Especially public washrooms!)  

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Benefit NEW Brow Collection Launch + Product Info



A launch with gorgeous men and bright lights?
That's definitely a Benefit Event!  I have been to a lot of Benefit launches and I always ended up laughing my heart out!  

Seriously, what are you boys looking at???

a photo of Benefit NEW Brow Collection launch

The event was filled with gorgeous Bene-cake and cupcakes!

Monday, May 16, 2016

Kojie San Kojic Acid Soap Review


I posted about Kojie San Lightening Range last month and I got a few more queries on how "effective" the product is.  So for the love of AMW readers, I gave the No. 1 Kojic Acid Soap a try for almost a month and I'm ready to share my experience.
 

a photo of Kojie San Kojic Acid Soap
It was a timing when I recently had allergies on my arm and I was left with dark spots that doesn't seem to go away (as of speaking, it has already been there for 1 month and I haven't used any medication)!  It was embarrassing on my part since 90% of my job, I get to meet with people.  Sadly, most of the time, I tend to see their eyes wander on my arm and probably wonder if what I have on my arm is infectious or not.  So,  I always choose to wear long-sleeved tops or dresses just to "cover up".  Unfortunately, the weather gets hotter by the day and wearing long-sleeved outfit isn't practical anymore.  I knew I had to do something!

It was great timing that a lot of my readers emailed me and asked about Kojie San Kojic Acid Soap.  I knew it will be difficult for me to share how "it can effectively whiten my skin" since my skin is quite fair to begin with!  So what I did was, I used the soap like regular soap whenever I shower and take a bit more time to leave the product on my dark spots caused by food allergies.  (Note:  If you have skin allergies, please do a patch test first!) 

Bridal Beauty Lab with Thai artist Nongchat


As a makeup artist who actively does makeup at the same time teach makeup, I will NEVER call myself an "expert" in this field because there will always be room for improvement and learning.  As I would always say: "Don't Stop Learning!"

Trends can change so fast nowadays and in order to keep up, we, as professional makeup artists needs to be well-versed in various makeup styles.  And how to hone that skill?  By joining workshops and seminars by various makeup artists you look up to!

Lucky us Filipinos, Top Thai Professional Makeup Artist Nongchat will be here in Manila this July and in collaboration with Bohktoh x Nippon x Beauty Lab, for a full day event!




Nongchat at work

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Weekend Food Trip at: Wooden Spoon Rockwell Powerplant Mall



Tucked inside the posh Rockwell mall is a Filipino "Comfort Food" restaurant called Wooden Spoon by Sandy Daza.  I grew up watching the "Dazas" on TV learning recipes after recipes.  I always tell myself: "They look great on TV but I bet they don't taste as good in person!"

When the family and I had were finally at the mall and decided to grab dinner there, it was perfect timing for me to see if it is worth the visit!

Lechon Kawali
Php265.00
This is every Filipino's favorite.  I agree, they use the leanest pork belly and simmered it until very tender before deep-fried.  That explains the crunchy texture on the outside and juicy soft pork on the inside!   This comes with 3 different dipping and I love them all!


a photo of Wooden Spoon Rockwell Powerplant Mall

 Pan Grilled Tuna Belly
Php310.00
I've always been a fan of Tuna Belly from Gery's, but this is definitely a-must-try dish at Wooden Spoon.  Why?  Well, the tuna belly here is juicy and grilled in perfection!  With kamatis itlog na maalat, crunchy green magoes and bagoong, this reminds me so much of HOME.

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Unbox: Asus Zenfone2 Laser 5.5S



I have been using my Asus Zenfone 2 Laser 5.0 for quite some time and I'm very happy with its' performance!  I heavily rely on it for Social Media postings, checking of emails and Youtube for Kyle Nash!  I know I said I'm 100% happy, it doesn't hurt if the same Zenfone 2 Laser phone comes in bigger screen!

Unboxing, my newest Asus Zenfone 2 Laser 5.5S!


Zefone 2 Laser 5.5S looks similar to my Zenfone 2 Laser 5.0 particularly because I got both units on same Gold shade!  

Friday, May 13, 2016

An Everyday Pink Blush




Pink Blush?  *Stays away*
That's my reaction ever since I turned 30!  And that was 7 years ago so it has been a good 7 years that I haven't touched a PINK blush unless I am going to apply that on a teenager or a young client!

Then one day, I met with Poise Makeup Professional and found a subtle matte pink cheek color that I can finally call MINE.  Meant for every age.

A photo of Poise Makeup Professional Mineral Cheek Color in Seattle

According to Poise Makeup Professional ---
Rich pigmented formulation with minerals, vitamin E and botanical extracts to provide a silky, soft, light weight application.
Weight/ Size: Net Wt.0.11 oz./ 3.1 G

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Estee Lauder Double Wear Makeup To Go Review



So, you love your foundation too much but you just take the foundation bottle with you for the fear of "foundation-explosion".  I know I feel that way so I always accept the fact that I don't look at fresh as the time I left home.

Thankfully, brands like Estee Lauder thought of something, the same Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation we love is now housed in a compact, just like BB cushions from Korean Brand.  Same concept, different content.

a photo of Estee Lauder Double Wear Makeup To Go shade Sand

BUT, if you need to click "x" and stop reading, you may have to know that this is NOT the same Double Wear Foundation formulation, the Makeup To Go is thinner in consistency and works especially well as retouch foundation because it won't dry the skin as compared to thicker foundation.




Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Eureka Moment: Vitamin C For the Skin Does Help!




Remember last month when I visited the Laneige Pop-Up store at SM Mall of Asia?   I love it that I get to talk to fellow bloggers who are Laneige user and of course, talk to the people behind Laneige and get tips from them on which products are the best!  (I seriously believe they know better because they get to try the products first!)


I am happy with our long-afternoon talk with Laneige's Brand person Ms. Mela Fortes, big reason is that, she was very vocal with the products that work for her and those that do not (Even if it is her own brand!).  She honestly shares to me her personal experiences on the products I am intrigued with and that is one major reason why I believe her when she gushed on Laneige's newest skincare product called Clear-C Advanced Effector.

I had to pick one to try!


Laneige Clear-C Advanced Effector contains 150ml worth of Vitamin booster with 92.5% super berry extracts that have clarifying effects, giving you a brighter complexion.

Ingredients:
Malpighia Emarginata (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Propanediol, Alcohol, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Melia Azadirachta Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Nasturtium Officinale Extract, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Glutathione, Glycerin, Lecithin, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Adenosine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Water, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance


Tuesday, May 10, 2016

L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Review




I've been stopping myself to purchase a makeup setting spray because I knew in my heart, it will always work differently if I use it in our country.  The humidity really won't make the cut so I always depend on a good primer and a good setting powder and skip setting sprays.  

When L'Oreal Paris came up with their newest and most innovative product for the year 2016 under Infallible line called the Pro-Set & Spray, I knew I had to give it a test before even thinking about including this in my professional kit.


It comes in a sleek black packaging with a rubberized texture that tend to "collect dust".  I wish they do something about the bottle and just make it as simple as possible.

Monday, May 9, 2016

NYX Butter Lipsticks Review



To lighten up the "Election Day" mood, I am sharing 3 NYX Butter Lipstick shades that I've been trying for the past months!  NYX has always been my to-go-to shadow when I was just starting out on makeup ---> long time readers have read my online shopping journey with various NYX Single Shadow Shades!
 
Surprisingly, I haven't tried their much coveted lip products!  From their Soft Matte Creams to Matte Lipsticks and Butter Lipsticks, I've read so many good things about them and see gazillion swatches but never really own them until recently.

I got 3 shades from the Butter Lipsticks line --- Sweet Tart, Snow Cap and Hubba Bubba.

a photo of NYX Butter Lipsticks in shades Sweet Tart, Snow Cap and Hubba Bubba.

L-R Hubba Bubba, Snow Cap and Sweet Tart
Php390.00 (approx $8.90)

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Happy Mother's Day, Mommies!



"Am I ready for motherhood?"
Well, I used to think I have an answer.  I told everyone I love kids and would be ready as early as 18!  (thankfully, di naman nangyari yon hahaha)  But that very moment I gave birth, I finally knew what to say when faced with that question.

"You'll never be ready."



Even with that cute cheeky, toothless smile.  You may never be ready for sleepless nights.  You will never be ready for that constant worry whenever your little angel gets sick or whenever they cry.  You will never be ready when your heart breaks into many pieces when they hurt themselves or when you have to bring them to a hospital for an emergency.  Oh God, I will never be ready for that!
On the brighter side, you will be surprised on how much UNCONDITIONAL LOVE you feel.  You will realize how much LOVE your heart can give.

Truthfully, the joys and pains of being a parent.  Especially a mom.

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner Launch at Paul SM Aura



When you are A Beauty Blogger, you've probably came across the brand Bioderma.  And if that brand comes to mind, the next phrase would be --- Miscellar Water.  Yes, that's what Bioderma is famous for!  But after meeting several times with DMark Beauty CEO Ms. Nikki Tang, I got to learn so much about the brand and the products they offer.  Bioderma is indeed more than just a cleansing water.  Bioderma is BIOlogy at the service of DERMAtology!

Photo grabbed from Nikki Tang's IG


 BIODERMA is founded by pharamacist-biologist, thus, the brand has developed innovative approach based on dermatological biology adapted to each skin type and each cutaneous disorder.  What struck me after learning about the brand?  The fact that BIODERMA has pioneered skincare that not only corrects skin disorders, but also acts on skin's natural biological processes so skin could naturally restore itself on a daily basis.  This is one thing I learn about the brand, no other brand has offered!  

Last April 28th, was the launch of BIODERMA Sebium Pore Refiner.  Together with a small group of Beauty Bloggers, we also got up close and personal with the rest of the Sebium line.

Friday, May 6, 2016

The Body Shop Drops Of Light™ Pure Healthy Brightening Serum Review




When the 30ml worth of The Body Shop Drops Of Light™ Pure Healthy Brightening Serum was dropped on my table last month, I knew I needed something to "brighten" my skin after I finished up my Shiseido Ultimune Serum!  The Body Shop skincare products are mostly okay for me so I actually skipped doing skin patch test and went on and tested the product that same night!

a photo of The Body Shop Drops Of Light™ Pure Healthy Brightening Serum

Then after seeing how I actually love the product, I went ahead and did a bit of research for you.  According to The Body Shop website

The Body Shop Drops Of Light™ Pure Healthy Brightening Serum ---
Replenish and illuminate skin with this lightweight, fast‑absorbing, non‑sticky serum. It glides effortlessly to deliver efficient brightening whilst leaving skin feeling instantly supple and hydrated..After 4 weeks skin imperfections and yellowness are reduced, pores look minimised and skin looks brighter and more translucent.


Thursday, May 5, 2016

Readers' Corner: On New Discoveries



One thing a lot of you don't know is that, I have an eyelid tape snucked inside my professional kit!  Why?  Well, you just don't know just don't know what clients will request next!  

I remembered one client who asked me to turn her "large almond eyes" to "Chinky-eyes".  One mature client demanded me to remove her "wrinkles" entirely.  Who says being a Makeup Artist is an easy job?  So this makeup artist has to be ready!  I'm not saying all my clients are demanding, I'm just a good 'ol "always ready Scout"!  

New discovery #1
BohkToh Eyelid Tape
Comes in Medium and Large
Php250.00 


These are super easy-to-use pre-cut eyelid tapes to help create "double eyelid" effect.  What I love about these is that it doesn't look too obvious as compared to regular tapes and it doesn't shine!  It has a matte finish thus applying eyeshadow on top will mask the look of tape thus giving a more natural effect!  

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Tony Moly BCDation+ Review (Shade 02)




Last year, I got the try the Tony Moly BCDationAll Master SPF30 PA++ Air Light Base But Perfect, it won my heart!  And just last month, as I was having the usual fun conversation with my favorite S.A. from Lucky Chinatown branch, she highly recommended to me the newest product from BCDation line, the Tony Moly BCDation+.  I usually get swayed by "High Recommendations" but surprisingly, I managed to say "No" because I just had too many bases and the weather doesn't call for it!  

Thankfully, after shopping, I was able to grab some samples for this newest product. Thankfully, in the GWP that I got, there are 5 sachets of BCDation+ samples so I was able to test it in 5 consecutive days!  

a photo of Tony Moly BCDation+ (Shade 02)

This is how the sample looks 
Shade: 02

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Estée Lauder First Boutique Launch at SM Aura




You all know by now that Estée Lauder is highly important in my life especially for someone in mid-30s (okay, I lied, I should call myself late 30's na! hahaha)  If you think the brand Estée Lauder is only for older generation, well, you're wrong!  Have you seen their color makeup?  Have you tried their base makeup?  


If you don't believe me, you have to read further...



As much as you want to steer clear from visiting any Estée Lauder boutique, now you just can't miss it!  The brand just opened its very first stand-alone boutique in the country at SM Aura and it is too hard to miss!

Monday, May 2, 2016

Daytime Purple Lips!



From Max FactorX Lipfinity Long Lasting Lipstick in shade Eternally Luscious.
So how difficult it is to wear purple lipsticks during office hours without having your colleagues giving you that: "Are you going to skip work and party later look?"

I have a good number of purple lipsticks now but most of them are gearing towards nighttime look.  Thankfully, I found a nice color that would work on both day and night!  The shade Eternally Luscious may "sound" a bit too party-ish but the outcome is more of a medium lilac pink shade that works for most skin tones!

If you own MAC Heroine lipstick, the shade is almost similar but 2-3 shades lighter!  The Max Factor version is not too matte, I would say, this lipcolor falls into the demi-matte category giving added moisture and sheen on lips upon application.

 The packaging is very simple!  It comes with a gold packaging that says: "I'm so chic and you love it!"  The only concern I have with regards to the packaging is that the lipstick does not twist all the way down.  If your lipstick is still new, you may end up accidentally touching the lipstick on to the cap, which is a huge no-no if you are an OC gal like me!  It won't be an issue if you used up a quarter of your lipstick!

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Kyle's 3rd Birthday at Lucky Rainbow




If we follow my journey as a mom on AskMeMom, you will probably notice I missed mentioning about Kyle's 2nd birthday considering he is my first and only son.  Well, it wasn't because we wanted to make it private, we actually didn't have any celebration for him because Keith's Grandfather passed away a couple of weeks before Kyle's 2nd birthday!  If you are accustomed to Chinese Culture, it is best not to celebrate anything when a close family member passed away.

Now on to the happy story, the 3rd Birthday is finally here!  As much as I wanted to create a big children's party for him, I've decided to go for an intimate "adult" party.  1. Because Kyle Nash doesn't have playmates yet (because he isn't formally schooled yet).  2. Our family is quite small, Kyle's youngest cousin is more than 10 years old!  So technically, the Kiddie party may not be enjoyed my many.

Even with a full-packed schedule, with the help of Mr. AMW, we were able to book a spot at Lucky Chinatown Z Mall, Banawe.  Thanks to Keith's Uncle for helping us book the function room too!

The day finally arrived and looking at the wonderful smile on this little man's face, I knew no matter what our celebration plans are, it will be a memorable one as long as we are complete as a family!


Now, here's my quick review on the food from Lucky Rainbow.  Overall, I am very happy with the service, the location and of course, Z mall has good ample parking spaces so it is also a perfect venue for mini celebrations like this!

We went ahead and told our orders to the restaurant several days before.  We booked 2 tables and everyone came home happy and contented.