Cathy Doll's 5th Year Anniversary Celebration in Bangkok, Thailand

So today is my birthday!  Yes, I am a year older and this post came right on time!  For me, getting older means getting extremely grateful for a year's worth of "life" and "experiences", a year older means conquering your fear too!  

I look like a very strong woman, but I do have my own fears!  Okay, this may sound too "OA" (Overacting) but I fear of separation with my toddler, you guys who follow my travel "logs" would probably realize how I haven't traveled for the past 3 years (last one was in the US with Kyle and Mr. AMW).  

A couple of weeks ago, I received an email to attend Cathy Doll's 5th Year Anniversary in Bangkok and I told myself it is TIME for me to go and conquer my fear of Separation Anxiety #Sepanx at the same time, appreciate the opportunities that was offered to me!  I finally said YES, and it was one of the BEST YES I did before I turn a year older.

Juggling multiple tasks and jobs on hand, I guess I don't have enough time to expand my learnings, so I guess at this stage, the best learning is through life's lesson and this short trip is an eye-opener for me!  There really isn't any "division" when it comes to the world of Beauty...people really flock together, giving each other's smiles (even with the lack of language skills) just because we all understand our similar passion.

That's me, sick and all but happy in Bangkok 

I realized Cathy Doll is indeed super Big in Thailand, they have ads almost EVERYWHERE! 

With just a full day in Bangkok and the rest of the days for travel, I am so glad to get to squeeze in a quick visit in one of their Karmart Store located at Siam.

Karmart is where you will find Cathy Doll products in Thailand same in modern trade channels such as 7-Eleven, Watsons, etc.. 

I got in to check out Cathy Doll Products and actually see which products we don't have here locally.

Beauty Discovery with Shiseido, Guerlain and Elizabeth Arden

When invited for a "Beauty Discovery", who can say  no to that especially since I've been living and breathing "anything Beauty-Related" for the past 2 decades?  (yes friends, I've been holding and touching makeup as young as 16 years old applying makeup on classmates during school plays!

Brands Shiseido, Guerlain and Elizabeth Arden unveiled their 2017 Spring/Summer Collections in Ayala Mall's Greenbelt 5 Gallery.

Let's start with Elizabeth Arden, I have always known about the brand for their effective skincare products, I have stocked up so much on their Eight Hour Cream and little do I know the brand has so much more to offer!

The cream has its' own version called the Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist!

That 90's Look!

This particular lip color is such a versatile shade!
This can pass as a daily lip color perfect for office work, business meetings.  This can also be a bridal lip color or an entourage lip color too.  And if you plan to go out on a date or just meet up with friends, this is totally wearable whether you have full face makeup on barefaced like I usually do!

This color, works well on ALL skin tones and the name is so yummy --- TIRAMISU.

I got to pick this last piece during the Bhagis Event a couple of weeks ago, this was the only lip product I got and it didn't fail me!

According to Jordana ---

Give your lips some sugar, sweetie! Sweet Cream Matte Liquid Lip Color starts off as a liquid and melts into a velvety matte finish. Indulge in a light, creamy-whipped feel and dessert-rich shades like Cherry Cobbler and Red Velvet Cake. Infused with a drop of vitamin A—Sweet Cream Matte Liquid Lip Color keeps lips comfortable and never dry. Each tempting shade stays fresh on your lips for up to 16 hours. You just got one step closer to yum!

Tomo Japanese Dining Restaurant Review

So I love meetings, especially with people whom I'm extremely comfortable with.  I've met Dra. Janina (yes, this gorgeous lady has the beauty and brains!) when she learned how much of a Girlstuff Polish user  I am.  After a couple of meetings and several projects and events later.  Our relationship bloomed into a super nice friendship!  That's why it is always a good excuse for us to set a date for "meeting" but it always ended up a "chikka session".

We've decided to dine at Tomo Japanese Dining Restaurant which I am actually excited about!  The first time I dined here was for a Highschool friends get-together for Christmas and all the food I had were amazing!  I knew I had to go back.

Now it's funny I forgot to take a photo of the Ramen we ordered, and the RAMEN (shown on photo above) was our favorite among other dishes we ordered!  It was split in 2 so I didn't take a photo of it, but if you are a Ramen lover like I am, go for Chashu Tonkotsu (Php315.00).

Help! I can't remember what Janina ordered, but this one is okay but a bit too "loose" for me, I wish they roll it tighter.

Benefit POREfessional Pore Minimizing Makeup Review

Whenever I visit Benefit Brow Bar, I always ask for the person working there for new product releases.  Because that's how I am #pakialameraToTheNthPower .  I was told their newest Benefit POREfessional Pore Minimizing Makeup products are out on shelves and not a lot of people really knew how "effective it is".  

I raised my newly "waxed" brows and said: "Even better than Benefit POREfessional Balm?"

Well, that's another story, I went home, gave this new PORE Minimizing Makeup a try and I told myself this has got to have it's own portion in my blog....it is amazing, in its' own very special way.

Brows done at Benefit Brow Bar SM Megamall

The Benefit POREfessional Pore Minimizing Makeup comes in different shades.  I got shade number 2 which is a perfect match for me.

Okay, big question coming from you guys.... "Nikki, you don't have pores, how in the hell can you review this?"

Well, that's the thing guys, I don't have Pores, my skin around the sides of the nose tends to get dry, but why am I even loving this?  I was just amazed as you are!

Don't worry guys, I have photos to back me up on this, so read read muna tayo okay? :D

Benefit POREfessional Pore Minimizing Makeup Says ---

"The POREfessional: pore minimising makeup covers imperfections without settling into pores or clogging them. The weightless, long-wear formula instantly mattifies and controls excess surface oil for 8 hours*, and contains mushroom extract known to reduce the appearance of pores. Available in 4 shades"

Cathy Doll RealBrow 4D Tattoo Tint Review

Cathy Doll recently launched their newest Brow products, one is called the Cathy Doll Tattoo Tint Pack (which is a peel-off product and lasts up to 3 days), and another one called RealBrow 4D Tattoo Tint which I am reviewing today.

Since I help out with the company in terms of Product Training for their Beauty Advisors, I have the chance to get first dibs on their newest products, test them ahead of time before I train the staffs the right way on using them! (A job I don't call a job!)

The RealBrow 4D Tattoo Tint comes in 3 shades for our local market ---
01 Light Brown
02 Ash Brown
03 Dark Brown

 It comes in a regular pen-type packaging (like liquid liner or brow liner) but once you open the cap, that's were the uniqueness comes in.

Cathy Doll RealBrow 4D Tattoo Tint Says ---

How to Use NYX Cream Highlight & Contour Palette Medium + Review

Note from your friendly AMW, cream contour and highlighting is definitely NOT for the first-timers!  Even for someone who studied makeup artistry, it is still a challenge to "perfect" cream contour and highlight application and it takes a whole lot of practice!  But once you get the hang of it, the effect is longer-lasting, more dramatic and photographs prettier the "powder counterparts".

I recently got my hands on NYX's newest product that arrived our shores --- the Cream Highlight and Contour Palettte in Medium.  What the hell am I doing with a medium shade when I'm this fair?  Well, trust me, I don't mind!  Though Light will be the more perfect shade for me, I seldom do cream contouring and highlighting on myself and most Filipinas (clients) fall under the Medium division!  

This, my friend is your AMW wearing NOTHING but NYX Cream Highlight and Contour Palette.  As much as I am tempted (very tempted) to fix my brows and wear lip color for this particular photo, I want to prove to you that a 3 dimensional face makes a huge difference on your overall look!  Well, well-drawn brows would look much better but you get the point!

Note: with barefaced photo like this, I usually look like a "bun-face", thankfully, with the right placement of contour and highlight products, I look a bit healthier and slimmer!

Side View on how my contour and highlighter looks.

And here's the nifty product I got to test for the past 2 weeks!

AMW Wears: Yosi Samra v2.0

You see me wear heels most of the time on event photos but I have a tiny secret --- I always have extra flats inside the car or bag!  

I can't survive wearing heels the whole day like most of my friends do, I spell heels with "hells" so many times I think it sums up my feeling whenever I wear them!  And flats aren't as comfortable as they seem, I've tried so many brands out there and there are only a handful that I can totally say: "Truly Comfortable."

 So when I got an invite to check out Yosi Samra's core collection which is also their v2.0, I, for once, who owned a couple of v1.0 had to check these out.

The store was located at SM Aura and I immediately spotted the pairs I like to own!  But first thing's first, are they more comfortable now?

I tested a pair over and over again and even had to wear them chasing after a toddler at a park, inside the mall, carry him up and down several flights of stairs just because he doesn't like walking!  Checking my toes and feet right now, they look alright!  And I feel great!

Yves Rocher Radiant Lip Crayons Review

Lip crayons are the crazy thing for now!  Even the French Brand Yves Rocher took the plunge and created something unique!  Instead of the usual Matte Lip Crayons you see recently popping out in the market, they created Radiant Lip Crayons.

Yves Rocher Radiant Lip Crayon

Php595.00 each

I got 5 shades to work with for 5 different work days and here are the shades at a glance!  What's your top pick?  What's your least favorite?

Yves Rocher Radiant Lip Crayon ---

"Moisturizes and sublimates lips.Make your smile even more beautiful with the Radiant Lip Crayon. Its moisturizing texture melts on your lips, enhancing them with radiant colour. Shades may be applied on their own for solid colour or two at a time for a trendy “tie-dye” effect.  

Result: Moisturized, radiant and subtly tinted lips. The Plus: With its retractable tip, the Radiant Lip Crayon never needs sharpening!  Paraben free."

Weekend Food Trip at: Dohtonbori, SM MOA

How does it feel to have a Yakiniku Party and eat Okonomiyaki in Manila?
Made me missed Japan even more!
It was my mom's birthday when we celebrated at Dohtonbori.  It was a wonderful decision because we get to eat good food, see how it was made right in front of us (where Kyle enjoyed watching) AND, we get to bond and chat.

The mini party started with 3 Meat Teppanyaki.

This whole platter is actually perfect for a family of 3-5 depending on how hungry you are.  

Eureka Moment: For You With the Bangs

I had my bangs shortened since the start of 2017 and let me share to you something, I've had FULL BANGS for most of my schoolyear (Nursery 'til College) and like I said in my previous hair posts, I am not hailed as the "Bangs Girl" for nothing.

But for a decade now, I have always been sporting a side fringe, and going for full bangs again takes a lot of effort, patience and...well....EFFORT?

Especially with makeup application!  So Hair Velcros have been around for so long, I've used them professionally as a makeup artist and I've seen them around my make up artist friends too!  But personally, I have never thought of relying on them so much until the start of the year, when I've decided to sport full bangs again.

Thanks to my dear friend Sydney for gifting me this "packet of survival" as Christmas Gift.  You are heaven-sent!

I don't know the exact name of this but it is called Hair Velcro and I was told these are available at www.nipponesthetic.com

In a packet, you get a pair of hair velcro and with all the colors I've used, my favorite will always be this simple black.

Happy Skin Festival of Colors Collection

Happy Skin really showed what a Festival of Colors party should look like.  The photo below, is not only a collection of bright colors, it is the first collection for 2017 for the said homegrown brand.

We were told to dress up our favorite colors, as much as I love reds, pinks, yellows, orange and blues, I've decided to come in "muted" tones because I knew the real star of the party are the colorful Happy Skin products.

with Sophie, Tara and Nicole.

Shall we start with each product I get to know during the launch?

AMW Workshop Series Parts IV and V: Registration Now Open!

Dear AMW Friends!

I welcome you, the start of AMW Workshop Series Year 2!   I am so excited and I've been working for this since December of last year!  It was a dream come true to have sponsors and YOU AMW friends to entrust me with my skills of make up artistry and teaching!

I will go straight to the point, a lot of you have requested for me to increase number of participants, as much as I wanted to, I am definitely aiming for quality.  Instead of adding the number of participants, I've decided to split the workshop into 2!   That way, I can cater to two locations!  

 Please note that the list of sponsors are EXACTLY the same but some of the products aren't!  So if you are addicted to make up learning, feel free to go to 2 workshops!

Here are more details about each workshop for you to be able to decide (aside from location).

AMW Workshop Series IV

AMW University Graduation Rites 2017

Php2,800.00 / head

March is graduation month so Graduation Day is definitely one special event you need to learn to put makeup on!  The makeover you will learn will make you look polished and camera-ready.

You are not a graduate?  Fret not!  You can still learn a tip or two on how to do special events makeup in this particular workshop.

AMW Workshop Series V

Corporate Girl - Go Get That Look!

Php2,800.00 / head

Ever wonder how you should look when you are facing a client?  Your Boss?  Or just sitting at your table?  There are tips and tricks on how to keep your face from looking stressed and tired to "ever-ready"!  A well made-up face will give a good impression to your boss, colleagues and will give you the good mood you need on a stressful environment.

As much as I would love to keep the rate to as low as I can, I hope you understand that there are certain expenses that I would have to do to make you guys comfortable as you learn!

The fee includes :

• Free makeup/skincare items from sponsors (Mix of full size and deluxe size) worth more than what you paid for!  
• Snacks and Drinks.
• Nail Art service from our dear friends Girlstuff and Solique.
• Unlimited Q&A with yours truly within the provided period of time.
• Will be part of the AMW Workshop Series FB Group so you can continue to ask questions online.
• Personalized Ecobag plus special prizes awaits.
• Pro tips on how to apply makeup flawlessly and easily!  There will be a demo and you also get to do your own makeup on spot while I roam around the guide you.
• Best of all, the lessons are easy-to-follow, informative and extremely FUN!

For registration, kindly click the link below ---

AMW Workshop Series IV: AMW University Graduation Rites 2017 (Makati)

AMW Workshop Series V: Corporate Girl  (Ortigas)

Please make sure to register ONLY if you are seriously joining!
I am accepting max of 20 participants PER workshop only.

See you soon!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal and Chinese Ginseng & Rice Review

I have always been a "mask sheet" girl because I find it very easy-to-use and mess-free.  With an active toddler around, who needs more mess right?

But after attending an event for the launch of The Body Shop Exfoliators and Masks.  I was able to do some research and read so many positive reviews about them, I've decided to forego my regular mask sheets and tried the 2 variants.

The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal and Chinese Ginseng & Rice 

Php1,195.00 each (approx $26.50)

There are a total of 5 variants to choose from aside from the 2 mentioned above, there's also Ethiopian Honey Deep Nourishing Mask, Amazonian Acai Energising Radiance Mask and British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask. 

When it comes to choosing masks, you have to know and understand the needs of your skin.  And it doesn't mean you have to use JUST ONE variant for your whole face.  For me who have combination skin, I like to mix and match.  That is the advantage of using masks like this instead of mask sheets because you can mix and match.

The 2 variants I used and will review in this blog post are ---

My Lunasol Look

Who says we must look good only on Valentine's Day?
I choose to look good Everyday, because looking good means respecting other people, showing them you take time to make yourself look presentable for them,  that time spent, aside from making yourself feel good, makes the other person feel important too.  That's just my opinion #WagNiyoAkongAwayin :P

Because for me, February is especially SPECIAL (Valentines Day and Birthday), I enjoyed creating simple looks using ONE brand!  Inspired by my new makeup from Lunasol, I am inspired to create a simple, clean and very "Nikki" look.

Yes, that's me!  Pati Posing! :P

I have shared my love for Lunasol brand years and years ago!  And thankfully, the brand is available locally because I dislike shopping for makeup online knowing I can easily find brands/products I want to review or use locally today.  

Don't you just love the sleek, copper-like packaging?  I smile (seriously smile) each time I reach out for Lunasol Makeup.

Revlon Colorstay 2-in-1 Compact Foundation and Concealer Review

In today's cosmetics industry, product formulation aren't the only ones getting the makeover, even the packaging!  It was a lovely surprise to see Revlon Colorstay 2-in-1 Compact Makeup and Concealer - a compact that includes cream foundation and concealer.  Long time AMW readers would know how much of a reviewer I am especially with base makeup.  And Revlon (so far) delivers when it comes to base makeup, check out my old reviews on their foundations!

Revlon Photoready Airbrush Effect Makeup Line
Revlon Age Defying DNA Makeup
Revlon Colorstay Foundation with Softlex
Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation
Revlon PhotoReady Makeup
Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Makeup
Revlon Custom Creations 

According to Revlon ---
Revlon's ColorStay 2-In-1 Compact is an expertly matched makeup + concealer that lasts all day.

• Sweat resistant
• Perfectly matched shades
• Blends seamlessly to an even, semi-matte finish
• All day wear

Party in Ibiza - A Shade You May Want to Choose for Valentine's Day!

It's literally a day before Heart's Day!  For me, Valentine's Day should be EVERYDAY because that's how we should always feel - To Love and Be Loved!  But if you are the type of girl who wants to get extra romantic or you want to celebrate the said season!  Why not wear something bright and bolder instead?  ---- talking about Lip product okay? #hahaha

So I had this BYS Lip Tar in shade Party in Ibiza for the longest time!  I find this shade to be a type of shade that you need to mix with a lighter color to tone down the brightness.  I can never walk around with almost neon lips!  But for the sake of Valentine's Day, and for those who are into bright-colored lip color...why not?

The color literally jumps from tube to your lips!

BYS Lip Tar says ---

"BYS Lip Tar is a game changer! Get serious pigment pay-off with BYS' high-concentrate LIP TAR formula. BYS Lip Tar gives you the coverage of a lipstick with the easy application of a gloss. Only a small amount is required, so start small and build up the level of colour you want. Featuring a nozzle tip, the tube design gives you the perfect control over the amount of product that comes out. The precision lip brush included in the pack provides a precise application and even coverage."

AMW Cooks: Wonton Crisps

Ah, I've been joked so many times by fellow Bloggers how I "IG story" my cooking sesh!  Well, I don't know why but I kinda enjoy doing so!  I guess because most of the time, I can't repeat the exact recipe because I'm the type of cook who doesn't measure!  I just go by my taste buds so can you imagine how "burned" my tongue is by now?  #justjoking

During one of those "Supermarket" session, I bought Wonton Wraps because I've always been meeting to create wonton noodle soup!  But as I was thinking about it being an appetizer, I've thought of Wonton Crisps and how it would make my son happy with "something crispy for dinner".  But instead of the usual Wonton Crisps (baking wonton wrapper or frying them in batches til golden brown and crisp)

I've decided to create something more filling!  This is the chance for me to just grab whatever I have in fridge!

And voila!  This is the result!

What you need: 

• 1/4 ground pork
• Chopped onions and green bell pepper
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Cornstarch
• Tomato Sauce
• Wonton Wraps
• chopped mushrooms 
• grated quick-melt cheese

Vionic Footwear Launch

I have tons of clothes that I can mix and match on a daily basis but when it comes to my footwear, I may have a lot of pairs but there are only 2-3 pairs that I really use on a daily basis.  They don't look as fashionable but they are comfortable enough.

Raise your hands if you are like me, you go for comfort before style.

But, in this generation, isn't it high time for us to ask for both?  AskMeWhats has always been on a lookout for comfortable footwear yet fashionable enough to be worn in public especially on events where I usually attend!  Thankfully, a fashion-forward footwear brand is finally in our country!

VIONIC Footwear

"Vionic benefits from the expertise of some of the finest minds in health and lower limb biomechanics. This collaboration, the Vionic Innovation Lab, brings together world-renowned health and fitness experts who share a common vision of enhancing foot health and promoting a more vibrant, active lifestyle."

Vionic recently opened retail stores at Uptown Bonifacio and Ayala Malls The 30th.  I was lucky enough to be invited to their launch at Uptown Bonifacio and I get to see and try the footwear in person and give it a feel.  

Kate Tokyo Black Feather Lash Review

Gosh, I haven't reviewed a single mascara this year!  I knew I had to, I've been using them but I get really "lukewarm" with all the mascaras I've reviewed not because they don't work, it's just because I am not blessed with "lushes" (aka lashes)

Castor Oil...do you work?

(Any feedback would be highly appreciated)

So I used the Kate Black Leather Lash until it dried out!  Yup, I used it so consistently I am sure I can give an in-depth review!  Though photos do not show how much my lashes appreciate the mascara, I actually do!  Please scroll further down to read more.

Kate Tokyo Black Feather Lash comes in 1 shade only BK-1 or Mysterious Black.

It is housed in a simple black packaging and the mascara wand comes with 2 sides!  

Kate Tokyo Black Feather Lash Says ---

The unique two-sided wand brush transforms your eyelashes into jet black with alluring luster. 
Experience the black bird feather-like, soft and gorgeous lashes.

Easiest Brush to Contour Your Face

I currently own so many makeup brushes I can't seem to keep track and I dread washing them on a weekly basis!  (shhhh)  

But, a certain brush brand caught my attention because it is indeed so easy-to-use and it delivers as what the name says, it frames my face whenever I use this and the name is called.....

Face Framing Contour Brush 

by Pro Studio Beauty Exclusives 

Php480.00

I got this brush as a Christmas Gift last year and have been testing and using this for almost 2 months now.  

If you ask me, at first glance, the brush doesn't look anything special at all!  I mean judging by the look of the bristles, application could go messy.  But of course, who am I to judge?  I gave this a small sweep under my cheekbones the moment I received this (not recommended as you need to wash your brushes upon purchase)

Initial thoughts?  Brush hair is quite soft and easy to use and it fits under my cheekbones perfectly.

Golden Rose Cosmetics Dream Eyebrow Pencil Review

I've always been adventurous with makeup.  I don't look into just trying out expensive brands, I am more for going for products/brands that works (irregardless of how much they are worth).  So when I saw an eyebrow pencil lying on top of my desk called Golden Rose, I immediately had to go straight to the computer to do some research about the brand.

Golden Rose is cosmetics brand from Turkey.  They actually are already in the market for over 30 years!  The price range of the cosmetics are on a drugstore side and they have complete makeup range to create various looks!

The Golden Dream Eyebrow pencil doesn't look unique as compared to other brands, it comes with an eyebrow pencil and a brush.  But hail to those into brushing their brows!  The brush is actually soft and useful!

The shade I got is 306 which is actually almost taupe but lighter than regular taupe shade makeup you own.

Golden Rose Cosmetics Dream Eyebrow Pencil  Says ---

The eyebrow pencil, expressing your eyebrow in natural form and shaping brush are all in one to complete your make-up perfectly.

Ingredients:

Synthetic Wax, Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax, Glyceryl Ricinoleate, Octyldodecanol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, PPG-3 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Isopropyl Lanolate, Myristyl Myristate, Cera Alba, Acetylated Lanolin, Isododecane, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Allantoin Aloe Vera Callus Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter. Tocopheryl Acetate. Bisabolol, Octadecyl Di – T – Butyl – 4 Hydroxyhydrocinnamate. May Contain (+/-) : Mica, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 15880.

Tony Moly Kiss Kiss Lip Scrub Review

Hey AMW friends!  It's Tuesday and the days flew by pretty quickly and my AMW Workshop Series for year 2017 is lurking around the corner!  Will post more details soon!

Today, I've decided to share my tiny secret on how to keep my lips half-sane especially on days I swatch gazillion of lipsticks!  My secret?  I use lip scrub to completely remove lipstick/lip lacquer residue!  

Most of the time, lips/eye makeup remover doesn't do the cut!  So to answer most of your queries, you need to invest on a lip scrub!  And one brand/product you can look into is from Tony Moly called the Kiss Kiss Lip Scrub!  

It is housed in a super cute "lip-shaped" plastic packaging and I originally thought this is a tinted lip balm when I picked this out in store!  It was a lovely surprise to find a lip scrub instead because I honestly own so many lip products and only a few lip scrubs!  The most previous one I reviewed was Bliss Fabulips and I already "hit the pan" on that. 

Tony Moly Kiss Kiss Lip Scrub says ---

"Removes dead skin cells and make lips soft, smooth and elastic 2. With vegetable nature scrub complex 3. Help lip essence balm absorb into lips"

Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipsticks by Colorsensational Review

So it has already been established that drugstore brands like Maybelline and L'Oreal (comes from same company by the way) are "upping" their game in terms of lipsticks!  With the wide array of lipstick shades in several finishes, I can't imagine leaving their counter without buying at least a single tube!  (Consider the price and sale they have every now and then)

With all the neon and vibrant lipstick shades that they are coming up, they finally came up with (well, in my opinion, my age appropriate lipstick shade)  Don't get me wrong, these colors can be worn by women of all ages but this reminded me so much of the 90's I have to claim the browns, courtesy of Maybelline Colorsensational Creamy Matte Lipsticks.

Priced affordably at Php299.00, I can't imagine not grabbing more than one!

So I originally got 3 tubes to start with!  The shades are (L-R) Clary Crush, Nude Nuance and Burgundy Blush.  Then I saw Divine Wine on counter and I told myself I had to get one!

The packaging is just like the Vivid Mattes but instead of vibrant cap shades, this time, it was housed in an almost transparent brown cap which I don't mind!

My Fairy Bread

Though my son is currently homeschooled, I make sure he has his "snack time" during and after "class".  He usually calls for cookies or chips but I am planning for better option!  Something pleasing to the eyes at the same time packed with vitamins and minerals to help his complete development.

I got inspired to create Fairy Bread when I got this package.

Note from AskMeMom: Everything should be in moderation.  

Here's my simple steps to make colorful Fairy Bread.

Step 1: Toast Bread
Step 2: Cut into fun shapes.  Mine is in star.
Step 3: Add a good amount of Star Margarine
Step 4: Sprinkle candied sprinkles on top.  The more colorful the better.

Essence Liquid Ink Waterproof Liner Review

I've chanced upon Essence Liquid Ink Waterproof liner when I was roaming around SM Makati Beauty Section looking for "new products" to watch out for.  This nifty product caught my attention because after looking at the tester, this reminded me so much of the discontinued Benefit Liquid Liner.

So based from performance, I call this the inexpensive dupe of the said product.

Essence Liquid Ink Waterproof Liner

Php249.00

According to Essence ---
This is the must-have eyeliner! the liquid ink eyeliner waterproof with the special fine tip applicator makes applying an accurate, black line as easy as child's play for gorgeous eyes.

Ingredients:
AQUA (WATER), STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, ALCOHOL DENAT., ALLANTOIN, BISABOLOL, XANTHAN GUM, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, TETRASODIUM EDTA, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, TOCOPHEROL, PHENOXYETHANOL, FARNESOL, CI 77266 (BLACK 2) (NANO), CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES).

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask Review

I've said it so many times, if you need hydration/moisture, look for skincare products that focus on keeping your skin's natural moisture at bay.  One brand I literally went gaga for (not because it is endorsed by my girl crush Song Hye Kyo), but because it really works in the hydration department.... is called the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask.  It is indeed a mask-ful of hydration and protection that I can literally call my skin today ---- NORMAL!

The first time I tried Laneige skincare product was year 2011, the most-coveted Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX which received a lot of approval from fellow Beauty Bloggers and enthusiasts worldwide!  

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe they started out with Water Sleeping Pack, Water Sleeping Pack Plus, then Water Sleeping Pack EX (which I reviewed) and today, the Water Sleeping Mask.

I may not be a Laneige expert but I'm sure the change means the formulation gets better and they probably "listened" to the needs of the consumer thus the "evolution of water sleeping products".

This version I got is from the Limited Edition Milky Way Collection last December!  

Housed in a cute snow-inspired packaging, this tiny "add-on" can lift my mood which for me is a nice sensory experience.

AMWtv: Belo Sunexpert Initial Thoughts

Hi AMW friends!  If you follow me on Instagram and are cool enough to click my IG stories, you've probably seen how often I do initial thoughts/product reviews on products that I'm currently testing, random makeup and skincare tips and a whole lot of life-sharing.  With the positive messages I receive on the short and sweet IG stories, I am more inspired to do more!  And with this in mind, I've finally decided to create AMWtv, nothing special, not a full-blown "Vlogger" for sure but you won't definitely see the last of this video!  

Recently, I received a full range of Belo Sunexpert from my Sampelroom family!  Ever since Kyle went to school, I've been using more than the usual sunblock because I wait for him 3 full hours right under the sun so I tend to apply and re-apply more than usual.  So this is a blessings in disguise when I got fresh supplies of my daily sunscreen.  

YES, you read it right, DAILY sunscreen because the Belo Sunexpert definitely falls into that category.  They aren't sticky, extremely lightweight and doesn't change the color of your skin tone, and best of all, they work!  So please scroll further down for my initial thoughts video (upon receiving the products) and my in-depth review on each product.

Please be nice to me, this is definitely super amateurish but its done with 101% love!