How To Use Make Up For Ever's Brow Liner, Brow Gel + Brow Pencil

To those who compliments my brows almost every time they see me, THANK YOU....but ya 'all should know by now how my real brows look without all the hoobaloo.

Now, isn't this a perfect "Yay" and "Nay" photo?  

Yes, thank you brow products...thank you!

One of the most trusted brand by makeup artists Make Up For Ever recently launched their full range of brow products and your resident AMW was there to cover for you (read article HERE)

And I was asked over email on how to use each product and if they should purchase ALL the products or can survive with just 1 or 2 out of the 3.  My answer?  IT DEPENDS on what you want to achieve and of course, your current brow situation.  I'll show you how using ONE or TWO of each against using ALL 3 would look with photos to prove of course!

AMW Brow Weapon of Choice (with shades)

Make Up For Ever Brow Pencil No. 30 (Php1,100.00)

Make Up For Ever Brow Gel No. 25 (Php1,200.00)

Make Up For Ever Brow Liner No. 20 (Php1,350.00)

Swatches

Guerlain L'ART DU TRAIT Precision Felt Eyeliner Review

I have been using eyeliner (pencils, gels and liquids) more than half of my life!  I remember using a brown eyeliner pencil for the first time during my Senior college days and I felt so beautiful back then #lol

Because of my small, chinky eyes, lining my eyes will always be the way to go to create that complete and wide-awake look!  I know I don't wear as much eyeshadow as I used to 10 years ago but I definitely will keep that eyelining game strong at present and for the years to come.

That said, I've been using, and testing, both drugstore and high end eyeliner brands and today, I am featuring the one from Guerlain called Guerlain L'ART DU TRAIT Precision Felt Eyeliner in 01 Ultra Black.

Housed in a pen like most liquid liners, you get a clear print of the Logo of Guerlain in Gold on top of a black pen.  Very chic!

Guerlain Precision Felt Eyeliner Says ---

Elegant and trendy, this ultimate Precision Felt Eyeliner L'Art du Trait from Guerlain offers precise, clear and definite drawing to create a natural or graphic look.

With a single stroke, it offers a perfect application and pay-off instantly. Impressively efficient, its long felt tip assures an ultra-precise gesture that enables you to draw a thin line or an intense graphic eye look.

Its water resistant formula and no transfer texture lasts from day to night (8 hours).

Meet the Boi-ing Family!

There are many things "I wished for" when I looked into my old graduation photo whenever I visit my mom and dad!  I wished my undereye darkness was concealed better and naturally!  But God is good, I was given a chance to take a better graduation photo, this time with better-looking brows and well concealed face!  Best of all?  I'm in ALL pink! (Added bonus pa na Class of 2017 ako! hahaha)

All thanks to Benefit Cosmetics Philippines!

After getting all excited with the lovely display during my first visit at Benefit Cosmetics Robinson's Magnolia Branch, I went down to business and got to know the Boi-ing Family!

Yes, Boi-ing isn't really knew to us Bene-lovers!  The Boi-ing we all love actually got married and had a family!  Housed in a better packaging with shades so easy to choose from (All of them comes in shades 01, 02 and 03) And guess what?  There's no second-guessing when it comes to concealing, whatever your "concealing" issues are, Benefit finally got you (and me) covered!

Tony Moly Facetone Cover FIX Concealer Review

I remember seeing the whole Facetone Cover Fix Line at Tony Moly branch at Lucky Chinatown.  "I want them all!" is what I remembered telling myself but I've decided to pick the Facetone Cover Fix Concealer (Php378.00) instead because I use up concealer more often than foundations!

Housed in quite a large tube considering this is just a concealer, it actually has 20g worth of Concealer and loving the tube packaging!

According to the SA, it comes in 2 shades: W01 Vanilla Beige and W02 Natural Beige.  Unfortunately, the shade I'm sure that would match me (Natural Beige) is out of stock and I can't seem to wait any longer, I went ahead to pick Vanilla Beige and crossed my fingers and toes, hoping this would work!

Housed in a squeeze-type tube with a sharp tip!  I am liking the packaging already!  Now, pushing the "Formal" look aside (almost like a medication from a drugstore) design, I am definitely ready to test this out because I was told this is a high coverage concealer and I get full pigmentation in just a little dot!

Tony Moly Says ---

A creamy, full-coverage concealer that won't 

ever crease, flake or leave you wanting more.

IN2IT Liquid Matte Lipstick Review (Ravish)

Happy lip product Monday guys!  I'm always excited for Monday posts because it is the best time for me to share to you my new lip product find!

IN2IT is the brand that we forever knew about (especially for Beauty Bloggers like myself!)  The super well-known IN2IT product will always be their powder foundation and that would be a separate blog post about it because I was actually able to try one!  (Finally!)

For now, I am quite happy (and surprised) to know that the brand actually came up with their very own Liquid Matte Lipstick line!  Yes, the Liquid Matte lipstick craze is still here to stay!  The shade I got is 03 RAVISH.

How do you like it?

 IN2IT says ---

• Shine like a gloss, covers like a lipstick.
• Soft and Creamy
• Long wearing, enriched with moisturizers, Vitamine E, Luffa Seed Oil, Sea Grass and Corn.
• Smooth and easy to apply.

Now let's talk about the packaging, it's housed in a "normal" liquid lipstick packaging but I actually like the simple design!  It's straightforward (transparent tube) so you can immediately see the color right away!  The lip product details are printed on tube but wordings are extremely small I had to take a photo of it and ZOOM if I needed to check out ingredients, thankfully, the brand included Manufacturing and Expiration date at the bottom portion of this tube which I super appreciate --- THANK YOU!

The doe-foot applicator is actually pretty nice!  I think most makeup companies already nailed the applicator because it gets better as I go on testing new products!  The applicator has 2 flat sides (which I love) and it applies the product pretty smoothly.

Weekend Food Trip at: All Day Cafe

Ever since I found All Day Cafe a month ago, I've returned 3 times to be exact!  Well obviously, I go back because the place serves GREAT Coffee!  But there's more to that!

The Cafe Restaurant isn't big like those giant retail chains but comfortable enough to even host a family gathering!  The first time I dined here was during lunch time and we got the place to ourselves with aircon in fullblast in HOT summer weather --- they got me at good air-conditioning system.

But that's not just it, the staffs are helpful too!  And oh, they also sells yummy Salted Egg Potato Chips!

Now let's talk about the food!  For a Cafe Restaurant, they actually have a good number of feel-good-tummy food!  My favorite is their Daing na Bangus!  I even picked my mom and dad and drove them all the way to Banawe just to try this exact dish!  It's perfect EVERY TIME!

Kanebo Skincare and Makeup SS2017 Launch

How exciting it is to attend a launch of new makeup and skincare line!  Kanebo Philippines never fail in stirring up excitement in me!  The Kanebo Spring/Summer 2017 collection is no exception, it happened last week at EDSA Shangrila Hotel and the experience was fun and unforgettable.

Let's all start with the Kanebo Skincare line, this is the basic line you saw me featured in the post Kanebo Skincare and Makeup Launch last November 2016.

This year, Kanebo presents specialized product series to help deal with universal concern about the monthly and yearly rhythm of beauty in addition to the skincare range mentioned above.

Kanebo's new skincare concept --- Chrono Beauty

AskMeMom: What's My #MeTime with my Crazy Schedule?

Drinking a good cup of coffee while watching my favorite Koreanovelas and my favorite Beauty Bloggers on YouTube!

Ever since Kyle goes to Summer School, I finish up my monthly data allowance so quickly I always find myself subscribing to additional packages via My Smart (app) and my favorite package?

"Giga Surf 99 which gives me 1.5GB of data with FREE 300mb of Spinnr, iFlix, YouTube, Dailymotion, Vimeo and Dubsmash for Php99.00 for 7 days."

And just when I thought this plan was the perfect plan for me as I wait for my Monthly Data allowance to refresh, Smart Prepaid, together with TNT and Sun Prepaid have exclusive promo this month and I have to share it to you because it is one of my favorite offer!!!

UNTIL JULY 10, 2017
Smart Prepaid Offers DOUBLE THE INCLUSIONS!!!

Example, my favorite GIGASURF99 (7 days) of 1.5 GB will be 3GB.  Additional 600MB for YouTube, iFlix, Spinnr, Vimeo, Dailymotion and Dubsmash!  Aside from that, there's Unli FB with full FB features (PHOTOS, etc...!) YAY!!!

For more details, feel free to visit
 Smart Giga Surf - http://smart.com.ph/gigasurf
 Smart All-out Surf - http://smart.com.ph/alloutsurf

Fellow moms would understand how crazy motherhood is, so for me, finding your simple #metime and #space is one simple way to cope, because as they all say: "A happy momma will lead to a happy kid!" 

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Jordana Made To Last Eyeshadow Primer Review

So I personally do not use Eyeshadow Primers on a daily basis but whenever I attend events or go out for long periods of time, I make sure to apply a thin layer of any eyeshadow primer of choice (whichever I have to review).  I have been very vocal about my drugstore favorite Etude House Proof 10 Eyeshadow Primer and recently, I've been testing the Jordana Made to Last Eyeshadow Primer in 01 Nude which actually reminds me so much of the Etude House one.

Housed in a tiny lipgloss-type of tube, I actually like the squeeze-type packaging of all because I can easily control the amount of product to be dispensed.



Jordana Made To Last Eyeshadow Primer Says ---

Intensifies any eyeshadow color

Prevents creasing and fading

Easy blending for a pro look

Made in USA

Club Clio Store and My Picks!

Hi AMW friends!  You've probably heard, read or even seen Club Clio and here I am, just getting really excited and talking about it!  I'm too late guys!  But better late than never for sure!

I was actually there at the launch of Club Clio but something important came up, I had to head to my mom to take care of her so I've decided to forego the store visit and it finally happened last week!  All thanks to Club Clio PH team for inviting me and for giving me a special store access!

And because I was toured by Angel, I will share to you what I learned about the store and the brands.

Located at 3rd Level, TriNoma, CLUB CLIO houses 3 brands --- Goodal, Peripera and Clio.

Once you enter the store, you'll see at least 4 displays of Goodal products.  Goodal is a clean and natural skincare line and as we all know, Koreans believe in taking care of the skin as top priority.

AMW suggests:
Green Tangerine line for intense hydration.  This line is perfect for those who have dry skin.
Keratin Care for anti-aging.
Premium line, go for Pearl Tone-Up Cream for that intense anti-aging + whitening.

Eureka Moment: Pro Studio Beauty Exclusives Miracle Sponge Set with Case (8 Pack)

I have been watching Korean Youtube Gurus like Jungsaemmool and I remembered wanting this huge sponges she used on her tutorials!

Eureka moment indeed when the Pro Studio Beauty Exclusives Miracle Sponge Set (8 pack) Php550.00 (on sale at BeautyMNL.com for Php440.00) in pastel shades landed on my table one day!




It comes in a Pentagon Shaped sponge, quite thick and very dense.  I immediately picked one and used one on my client and on myself!



What made me love this even more is the fact that it comes with its' own container, so doing some research, they sell 20pcs pack (all white) for Php200.00 making it a nice way for me to just repurchase a refill and put all these cute sponges free from dirt on this clear plastic container.

Benefit GALifornia Review

One of the most requested "powdered blush product" for the year 2017 is none other than --- Benefit's Galifornia Box O' Powder Blush!

What sold me from giving in to Galifornia?  Well, aside from the fact that I'm singing "GALIFORNIA Girls we're unforgettable, Daisy Dukes bikinis on top.." (sing to the tune of Katy Perry's California Girls.)  Seriously, the song does not go away!  It just gets more intense as I use this blush every single day.

Now back to another reason why I cave in!  According to Benefit Cosmetics, Galifornia is a Sweep of Sunshine --- who doesn't like that?  

And I actually own almost ALL of the Benefit's Box O' Powders and I have to say, this is my favorite box design to date!

Benefit says ---

"Benefit’s NEW GALifornia golden pink blusher is part sun, pure fun! It blends bright pink with shimmering gold, capturing the warm glow of California sunshine in a box. The signature GALifornia Dreamin’ scent features notes of pink grapefruit & vanilla. Comes complete with a custom rounded blush brush for soft, diffused application."

Revlon Ultra HD Gel Lip Colors Review

Oh, how much do I missed lipsticks in slim packaging!  I think the first ones that I have is from Maybelline?  Or was it Cover Girl?  See?  How long was that I totally forgot about them!  But seeing these new Revlon Ultra HD Gel Lip Colors packaging brought me back to so much good memories.

And that's not all, these are even more beautiful than ever!  The packaging is metallic and the same color as the lip color itself!  I got 5 shades to show you out of the total of 15 shades available in Revlon counters near you.

Found your favorite?

Revlon Ultra HD Gel Lip Colors (Php575.00) says ---

"Get high-definition, lightweight color with Revlon's Ultra HD Gel Lipcolor. Intensely hydrating formula with hyaluronic acid."

Mida Food Turns 20 + Pacific Bay

It was one Rainy Thursday Night when I was off to Enderun Tent to attend the Feast of the Pacific hosted by Mida Food Distributors.  I usually do not stay out late but this is definitely an exception when we are talking about a celebration with the leader in the Philippine seafood industry.

Alongside with other Food-loving Bloggers who loves to cook like I do!  I went ahead and learned about the company and the retail brand Pacific Bay --- which I personally purchase on a monthly basis!



Pacific Bay offers full line of retail seafood specialty items from Tuna products, crabs (softshell crab, King Crab and Snow Crab) to lobster, shrimp, squid, octopus, bacalao, halibut, dory, cod, salmon, tuna, scallops, mollusks and a whole lot more!

Sleek Studio

I remembered being a start-up Beauty Blogger, I find it so difficult to go to Cosmetics Stores or counters just to take photos!  I remember I had to really sneak my way into taking swatch photos and product photos in-stores just because....I got looks for staffs.

Thankfully, brands like Sleek MakeUp came up with something not only fun but exciting for Beauty Bloggers/Vloggers or even if you're not, it is still an exciting idea to know there is a concept store called Sleek Studio.

Sleek Studio is currently located at 2nd Floor Atrium of Robinson's Galleria Mall and here's what you can do to jazz up those photos, flat lays and selfies!

Makeover Area

A haven of product testers and all Sleek MakeUp items right in front of you to play and use!  You are free to create your own looks but if you're not confident enough with your skills, feel free to ask help from Sleek MakeUp consultants and they will happily assist and guide you.

AMW Workshop Series VI: Bridal Makeup

Dear AMW Friends,
Life has been a roller coaster for me (in a good way) because I was extremely crazy juggling so many tasks I almost was shocked it was only 2 weeks left when I posted the registration for this particular workshop!  I was nervous, worried and.... SUPER NERVOUS!

But God is good, and I am very thankful for all the AMW Workshoppers who trusted me and went ahead and joined my 6th workshop called Saying I Do: Bridal Makeup.

Shoutout to Spark It HQ, Thanks Franco and super thanks Kara for helping me

Happy Faces!

As always, all my workshoppers get a personalized bag designed and created by Assembly Line (former Archaic Era).  

Aren't they cute?

Bridal Makeup is my most favorite "type" of makeup because that's were I concentrated my makeup artistry and actually did a lot of Bridal Makeup looks in the past before I concentrated on being a Mom and a makeup instructor.

The Body Shop Vegan Brushes Review

So you think I have enough makeup brushes for now.

Well, you're wrong!  

As a makeup artist, I am always on a lookout for both professional and personal makeup brushes and the newest brushes from The Body Shop definitely caught my attention and I am actually including these into my personal "daily-use-brushes".  I use them on a daily basis you can actually see these brushes popping out on my blog photos whenever I do tutorial or reviews.

Before you start raising your brows on what sets these brushes apart from other brands, The Body Shop brushes (and all their skincare and makeup items) are 100% cruelty-free from the synthetic bristles down to the sustainably sourced wooden handles --- they are totally VEGAN.

Locally, I see them popping in stores and I actually got 3 to try!  These 3 are my must-have brushes from the said brand and I use them daily holding each wooden handle like my dear life! :P

The Body Shop Point Highlight Brush

• Pointed highlighter brush to expertly strobe
• Made with charcoal-coated, super-soft bristles
• Developed with the latest make-up trends in mind
• Synthetic, cruelty-free bristles and a sustainably sourced wooden handle
• Vegan make-up brush

Essence Camouflage Cream Concealer Review

So I am finishing up concealer after concealers!  I realize, I am turning to be like my big sister (Hi Sister!)  She can't live without concealer and I am starting to understand how she feels!  (All thanks to late night jobs and waking up early morning for Kyle's school!)

That's why when I saw the Essence Camouflage Cream Concealer, I knew I had to pick this up especially since the shade seems exactly what I need!

It comes with a small compact that contains 2 shades of concealer.  The shade I got is called 10 Natural Beige and it comes with a concealer that has more orange base and a lighter version of that on the other side.

Essence Camouflage Cream Concealer says ---

• Very high coverage of skin imperfections and dark circles
• shades to perfectly match every skin tone

MakeUp World Complete Contour Palette Review

Next to brow products, I amp'd my "daily look" to the next level!  There's always contouring happening around my face and you have to give it to me..that's my way of adding dimension and "life" to my tired face!  (yes, if only I can contour my whole body on a daily basis hahaha)

Makeup World Philippines is a proud sponsor of AMW Workshop Series, thanks to them I also get to try out the products given to my attendees, and one product that I've been using so many times since receiving them last March is the Makeup World Complete Contour Palette.

This palette is a handy rectangular palette that contains 6 products --- 2 Bronzer/Contour, 2 Blush and 2 Highlight Shades

Swatches

The top color for me is apt for users with Fair to medium skin tone while the bottom 3 shades are perfect bronzer/blush/highlight shades for users with medium to darker complexion.

Of course, there are no rules in using this palette, you can always feel free to use any shades, even mix and match and create your own perfect face color!

Happy Skin Say Eye Do Easy Eyeshadow is Indeed Very Easy-to-Use!

Most of the makeup students I meet complain about eyeshadow application!  I don't blame them, it is indeed one of the most challenging makeup step after foundation and brows!  

I always tell my students during workshop that eyeshadow application really is tricky because you don't have exact set of rules for that!  It all boils down to personal preference, eye shape and a whole lot more!  

In my opinion, the best way to start practicing is by using the least amount of product as possible and practice BLENDING first before anything else!  And one product that Happy Skin came up with is actually very friendly to first-time eyeshadow users at the same time, quite fun to use for makeup enthusiasts like myself!

The Happy Skin Say Eye Do 

Easy Eyeshadow Cushion Duo

Php699.00

"Make a vow to achieve prettier eyes every day with the Happy Skin Say Eye Do Easy Eyeshadow Cushion Duo Pen. This double-ended tool promises to create effortless eye makeup on the go without a brush! The double cushion tips allow instant color pick up from the eyeshadow-filled caps while being gentle to the delicate eyelid area. Featuring micro-fine shimmer hues in Champagne and Espresso, these easy-to-blend colors give the best makeup mileage. Perfect for everyday use, this is all you need to take you from desk to dinner to create different looks. It's time to say yes to easy eye makeup looks!"

Eden's Paradise Minty Matte Stick Rouge in Bourbon Peach Review

Eden's Paradise came up with a Minty Matte Stick Rouge (Peaches and Cream Edition) which consists of 5 lipstick shades that are known to be wearable "My-Lips-But-Better" Summer shades.

I have tried a couple of shades randomly but I've recently used this particular shade a lot so I've decided to share my thoughts on these Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free and 100% Non-Toxic lipsticks.

AMW Wears: Bourbon Peach

Eden's Paradise is a local brand who does their own skincare and cosmetics line.  I have tried a couple of the Eden's Paradise products like ---
Eden's Paradise Lip Cream in Nude Teddy
Eden's Paradise Lip Custard Cream in Winterberry

Both earned positive reviews from me so I actually was excited to try their new lip products upon receiving them over mail.

Shade: Bourbon Beach

Other shades available: Ginger Peach, Salted Peach,

 Frozen Peach and Vanilla Peach

Boulangerie22 14th Store Opening at SM North EDSA

Aside from a cup of coffee, I have a soft spot for breads, yes...BREADS!  I used to "literally" lived on bread alone and survived without rice (that was eons ago of course I can't do it now!)  

But back to my topic, I am a bread lover and was actually a super loyal customer of Boulangerie22 ever since they opened up stores after stores a couple of years ago!  I can say I'm a loyal customer and I know all their breads pretty well....by heart to be exact.

That's the reason why I held one of my #AMWWorkshopSeries at B22 Makati branch early this year.  And to prove my love for the brand, I got an invite for their 14th store opening at SM North EDSA and actually went there...at 10am.

Can you see that happy and satisfied smile?  ---> that's definitely a sign of true love :D

During the opening date, the first 222 customers get to purchase cakes for 50% off while another 122 customers get to join the 22 seconds challenge!  22 seconds challenge means you get to put all the bread you can in a medium sized Boulangerie22 bag for the price of Php22.00!  No wonder the line was just as long as a line of a K-Pop concert!  It was crazy yet KUDOS to B22 staffs as everything went smoothly!  

The Boulangerie22 SM North EDSA branch is spacious, all the breads and cakes are neatly displayed in a way you get to see EVERYTHING at once glance!  I like how clean and spacious everything looks making it a wonderful "bread shopping experience" for anyone going in the store.

Palmolive Naturals White + Milk Review

One thing that I've been loving about my Sampleroom family?  The chance to try before I buy because I would sometimes just stick to what I use and never venture out on other brand/products.

I recently get to try the new Palmolive Naturals White + Milk line and I couldn't be happier.

Palmolive Naturals White + Milk Soap 

(80g for Php28.75 and 55g for Php12.95)

Palmolive Naturals White + Milk Body Wash

(200ml for Php80.00)

Saw this poster of Heart Evangelista so many times online and that sparked up my interest about the products event more!

According to Palmolive ---

"Palmolive Naturals White + Milk Soap’s formula is infused with 100% natural milk protein, helps nourish and reveal whiter skin in just 1 week*, so you can flaunt your naturally milky white, milky soft skin."*Based on mexameter instrumental reading; when used twice daily

Irresistible Me Jade Hair Straightening Brush Review

If you follow me on #AMWIGStories you've probably seen my Real Hair Situation.  

Lifeless, frizzy, unmanageable.

But how do I manage to look so "together" at times?  On photos?  During events? 

Well, aside from makeup and skincare, I highly depend on hair tools in making me look more "put together" than usual.  

I recently got the chance to try a Ceramic Straightening Brush , these types of brushes is what I've been longing to try as early as my teenage years!  I remembered browsing through international magazines hoping one day, I'll own one...and finally I did! (Sadly, I'm not a teenager anymore! hahaha)

Hay...I'm so in love with the pastel color!  It adds up to my excitement #truth

Irresistible Me Jade Hair Straightening Brush

USD69.00

"The Irresistible Me Jade with 3D technology for multiple contact points and special ceramic tourmaline heating surface will give you quick and effortless straight hair without heat damage."

Let's start by talking about the "brush head".  Each bristle is made of plastic and covered with heated ceramic and tourmaline heating surface.  

AMW Workshop Series VII: Photography Make Up - Registration Now Open!

Dear AMW Friends!
This Saturday, I will be teaching Bridal Make Up Artistry for the registrants!  I am so excited to meet everyone!  Now, some of you are waiting for the Ortigas workshop and it's finally here!  Registration is finally open for June 24, 2017 Workshop for Picture Perfect workshop!

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.
• Free Nail Polish/ Simple Nail Art Service c/o Girlstuff/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 LINK below ---
AMW Workshop Series VII: Picture Perfect! 
(Photography Makeup)

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

Again, thank you so much to all the sponsors for the trust, love and support!  I can't wait to meet you girls!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!