IT Cosmetics Brow Powder Universal Brow Pencil Review

I've heard so many raves on IT Cosmetics and it is a pleasure of mine to finally see this brand at Sephora!  Because of that, I was able to test out a couple of their bestselling makeup products!  

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed Powder

Both reviews earned thumbs up from me and will this brand earn another thumbs up from AMW?

Check out this photo and you'll know the answer!

it Cosmetics Brow Powder 

Shade: Universal Taupe

Php662.00 for 0.07g and Php1,730.00 for 0.16g

Available at Sephora PH

It Cosmetic’s best-selling eyebrow pencil matches all hair colours and covers gray. An oval tip defines both thin and thick brows, while the spooley brush finished for a natural look. Developed with leading plastic surgeons, proprietary anti-aging technology infuses a blend of brow-conditioning ingredients, while an exclusive shade adjusts to your hair colour based on applied pressure.

Beauty Around the World at SM Megamall

I hope I'm not too late but you actually have until TODAY to visit SM Megamall Fashion Hall to see the newest and best-selling beauty and skincare products.  Yes, if you see this huge display of the most-coveted makeup and skincare brands when you past by the area, you know you have to visit because there are a lot of samples and special offers perfect for Women's Month!

I get to feature only a couple of brands here but there are more!

Be in Cherry Blossom Heaven when you visit the MAC Cosmetic booth.  Featured are the limited edition MAC Bloom Boom Bloom collection. 

You can win samples when you play a game of UFO catcher with them and win a MAC sponge!

Inglot on the other hand offers 15% off on their bestselling makeup items. 

Tom Ford Traceless Perfecting Foundation SPF15 review

The first time I tried Tom Ford Traceless Touch Foundation Satin-Matte Cushion, I thought I'd stick to that forever!  It was one of the most seamless, natural-looking foundation I've tried to date!  So when I found myself face-to-face with their Traceless Perfecting Foundation, I was a bit hesitant in giving this a test run as I already set my mind and eyes on their cushion format.

A natural-finish, longwearing, humidity-resistant foundation that moisturizes and evens skin tone creating a flawless, supple and pore-less canvas.

The packaging itself is a JOY to use!  I love how I can tote this along during my staycations or travels without worrying about "spillage".  All you need to do is to twist the cap and the nozzle will pop up!  

Avon Body Illusion Review

"You wear so many hats!"  As people I meet would always say.  

It isn't new to me as I grew up in a household were there is no "PAUSE" moment.  Everything's in fast forward!  My dad, aside from working as a manager in a restaurant has a lot of extra jobs on-hand helping other restaurants do tax filing while he has his association on one side doubling up as an officer aside from being a member.  

My mom, who may be a housewife, is very hands on in taking care of the 4 of us siblings + grandparents.  She cooks, drove us to and from school, do the laundry, iron clothes and even tutor us at night!  

When people call me a Super Woman, I always disagree and tell them the real Super Humans are my parents!  

An overview of what I do - a Professional Make Up Artist and Trainer, a PR consultant, a speaker, a Blogger and a whole lot more in between. 

Women's Month SALE with the SM Store

On Women's Day, what do you plan to do?

Well, I make it a point to reward myself because it is really rewarding and FUN to be a woman!  It is WORTH celebrating indeed.

And SM store joins in the celebration with a lineup for activities for Women's Month.

Last March 8, Iza Calzado inspired the Filipinas to rise above her hurdles and embrace empowerment in a raw and heartwarming exclusive with The SM Store. Iza reinforced everyone's role in building a better and more exciting future where all genders get to participate as she detailed her journey into becoming the woman she is today.

Making this month even more exciting is the nationwide SM Women's Sale that offers deals on women's favorite items for up to 50% off!  Tag you mom, sisters, girlfriends and head over to the nearest The SM Store for hassle-free shopping on makeup, clothes, accessories, shoes, bags, homeware and more!  Make your shopping experience even better and shop with your SM Advantage Card for the hottest and most exclusive deals on select items.

Stay tuned for what The SM Store has coming your way on Women's Month by checking out the hashtags #SMWomenSale #BalanceForBetter #IWD2019 and follow @TheSMStore on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.  Visit www.thesmstore.com for more updates!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Anello Summer 2019

Anello once again did it with 2019 Summer Collection.  I passed by their store at Robinsons Manila branch and this greeted me.

I featured their Holiday Collection last year and it was a hit whenever I use their bags!  Their fashionable, functional and mom-friendly!

This Summer season, Anello turns to nature as inspiration with a series of natural colors and patterns that gives that refreshing summer vibe. The classic shape backpack and shoulder bag takes on a slimmer shape yet still boasts of functionality and versatility. True to what Anello has always been known for. 

Anello is a type of bag brand that works for all ages!  As I'm inside the store choosing for my perfect design, I see students, teenagers, a whole lot of working age group and even moms and dads coming in searching for THE PERFECT BAG!  

Something New: NEKKID products

More than 3 years ago, NEKKID Beauty was launched by good friend Sabs.  I shared my initial thoughts on their skincare products (read HERE)

My favorite from that line was the Creamy Body Scrub - I finished that tub in a month as I was addicted to the scent and the quality!

Fast forward to 2019, I got a message from Sabs telling me how excited she was with the new product offering.  I thought, maybe, more skincare and body products?  Upon receiving the box, I was surprised and giddy to learn that she included MORE!  

New product offering from Nekkid Beauty ---

• Nekkid Beauty Big Hair Sea Salt Texturizing Spray
• Nekkid Beauty Creamy Tomato Natural Soap (Php90.00)
• Nekkid Beauty Skin Rescue Salve (Php390.00)
• Nekkid Beauty Grapefruit scent (Php360.00)
• Nekkid Beauty Pocket Perfrumes (Jo Malone Collection 2) (Php400.00)

I have already tried their fragrance line and aside from smelling great, it was a wonderful surprise to announce that they are long-wearing!  I actually apply some on key pressure points and it lasts the whole day!

I am also loving the Skin Rescue Salve which I use whenever I have my brows and upper lip waxed at Benefit, it just gives me a nice sensation and it does reduce redness big time!

I can't wait to try Big Hair Texturizing Spray as hairstyling is something I really love to do!  I'll report back to you some noted products to purchase soon!  Watch out for Nekkid Beauty in my small space!

For others and product information, visit HERE.
Like NEKKID Beauty on Facebook for more product information and deals.


Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Remington Air3D + Php1000 OFF PROMO CODE!

My love affair with hair started as early as gradeschool days!  During first grade summer, I insisted to join my mom in a salon and had my hair permed!  (Yes, I had minimal kulot at that age!)  I was such a good daughter my mom can't resist me!  *laugh* 

Comes highschool, the first hair straightening treatment was introduced in the Philippines and I actually went for that treatment with my bestfriend and ended up with unnatural STICK STRAIGHT hair!  

When I started earning my own, I invested on hairstyling tools - from blowdryer to curling iron, steamer, flat iron and a whole lot more!  I practice everything on my own head then decided to move up a notch and studied hairstyling.  

The rest was history --- ask me anything hair tools related, I will have my say!  

One of the few brands that I highly recommend includes - REMINGTON!  

Did you know that my mom and mom-in-law actually own a Remington hairdryer from the 80's pa and it's still working at present?

So back to my story, I knew about this brand way back and actually invested on my first 2-inch curling iron from the brand - I bring it with me on my makeup and hairstyling gigs and it gives me nothing but GOOD memories!  

So when the brand invited me for an intimate dinner for the launch of their newest styling tool - even on a weekend (Sunday pa!)  I knew I had to be there.

Remington Philippines introduced Remington AIR3D.

Our next generation of dryers is here, the AIR3D - with a new structure to hair drying and designed for ultimate styling, you won't have to worry too much about heat damage.
Engineered by a team of experts bringing together years of experience and research, the lightweight AIR3D is leading the way in performance.
AIR3D combines two key features needed for effective hair drying - a unique 3D airflow and temperatures that are ideal for achieving optimised styling results quickly.  
Depending on your preference, three styling attachments with 360 degrees in-use rotation allows for concentrated drying or a diffused flow to help create stunning curls.  All combining to  mean you can achieve a salon worthy blow dry without leaving your home.

Nature Republic Botanical Cream Concealer Review

"Ang Fresh mo naman!"

"Di naman halatang kulang ka sa tulog!"

Friends, CONCEALER LANG YAN!

I stick to my phrase, the right concealer can make you look FRESH and YOUNGER than your real age!  *laughs*

Check out how much concealer I apply!  And check out my 'excess baggage' on the other eye.

As I was browsing through my favorite K-beauty makeup and skincare site Althea, I always go to the concealer section because it is indeed one of my most used makeup item!   I chanced upon an inexpensive concealer from Nature Republic so I immediately Add to Cart and the rest was history!  

Nature Republic Botanical Cream Concealer

Php390.00

Available at: Althea

Shades: #21 Light Beige and #23 Vanilla Natural

Glossier Generation G Sheer Matte Lipstick Review

Good morning AMW Friends!

Shouting to the world how busy March was and I am NOT complaining!  Thank you Lord for keeping me busy each day doing the things I love to do so I am extremely grateful.

So, I shared unboxing stories on my Instagram account last month and one of the most requested review is the Glossier product.  I got 2 Glossier products and I am sharing my thoughts on the Glossier Generation Sheer Matte Lipstick in ZIP.

Little Miss Shopper MNL is an online seller and I got to know this seller from a common friend.  They offer Beauty Products On-hand at the same time they do personal shopping services for anything you need and I was assured that these items are Authentic!

Glossier Generation G Sheer Matte Lipstick

Price available upon request as they add shipping fee

Available at: Little Miss Shopper MNL

Generation G is a new kind of lip color that gives the look and finish of just-blotted lipstick, without the blot. We’ve created a short list of the six most important shades, with dialed-down pigment loads for a casual look. They’re lipsticks that adapt to you, not the other way around, so they'll appear a bit different on everyone as your natural lip color shows through. The effect? Diffused, matte goodness—just swipe it on.

Tough Mama - that's us mommies!

I used to think my mama is so tough nothing can make her tired!  After turning into a mom myself, I realized my mom is not just tired (taking care 4 of us + 2 bedridden grandparents) - SHE WAS EXHAUSTED!

But because of her extreme love for the family, she is turning herself into a TOUGH MAMA because she wanted the best for us.

Up until today, I still call my mom to tell her I miss her, love her and appreciate her!  I know NOTHING CAN REPAY her unconditional love but its' the least I can do!  Mommy work is NO JOKE! 

So when I got an invite to attend a Tough Mama event, I knew I had to clear up my schedule because I want to meet fellow tough mommies and learn ways to make life easier!

I wish my mom has these means to make her life easier back then - aren't we lucky?

The event was held at Flossom Kitchen last February 19, I met a lot of cool mommas!  I had a great afternoon with loads of laughter!

It was hosted by Ms. Karen Kabuhat and Chef Jam Melchor was there to do a cooking demo!  I actually did his Pork Chop recipe and it was a huge success!

Rock Climbing Experience with Zojirushi PH

Zojirushi, invited me with fellow bloggers/vloggers for an afternoon of wall/rock climbing.  This is one activity I've been wanting to do all my life, everytime I have the opportunity, I was either busy doing something else or I don't have enough time.

I drove all the way to Edge Climb Gym by Upper Deck for this one, it took me 1.5 hours but it was worth it.  Just look at my "I got it to the top of the wall  face!"

You all knew by now I started going back to workout 2019, because of the intense workout, I drink MORE water than usual and I can see my skin getting more plump than ever and I go to the bathroom more often, meaning, toxins are washed off from my body.  Because of that, I feel healthier each day!

Now, since we're on the topic of drinking, shouldn't we enjoy the beverages we drink?  Whether hot or cold?  I usually prepare my coffee early in the morning and drink in between stoplight!  At times, I've noticed I've been driving for good 15 minutes without stopping so my coffee ended up getting cold!  Zojirushi is a brand known for vacuum insulated stainless tumbler which can maintain hot or cold beverages for up to 24 hours, yes, tested!  The hot coffee stays HOT for HOURS AND HOURS.  

And I appreciate the fact that these tumblers have special inner coating that prevents corrosion, discoloration and most especially ODOR - I have a thing for tumblers with odor so I ended up not using them!

Bye OFRA!?!

Did you know that OFRA is saying GOODBYE?

Well, hold your horses!  Not saying goodbye in general but they are saying goodbye to their old look and they are treating US OFRA fans with a special set of bestselling Long Lasting Liquid Lipsticks.  With the same unique formula, we can avail of the limited edition Ofra Liquid Lipstick Duo for only Php850.00 --- that's Buy 1 Take 1!



This limied offer will be available at Ofra counters in premiere SM department Stores, Watsons and Landmark Department Stores as well as www.glamourbox.ph from March 1, 2019 until supplies last.

Natural Beauty Look the Pixi-way

If you follow me on Instagram, you knew that I unboxed the Huge Pixi box and even given away an eyeshadow palette and a brush set! 

Yes, shameless plus but it helps to follow me on Instagram as I do a lot of giveaways there!

Leaving myself the Reflex Light palette, I was inspired to create a very simple, natural yet-fresh eyeshadow look using some of my favorite shadow shades from this palette.

 Eye Reflection Shadow Palette With specially curated colors, these eye shadow formulas are highly blendable and incredibly rich in pigment and payoff! Super silky mineral shadows in light reflective shades make it easy to create stunning looks with a few sweeps. The mix of creamy metallic colours ranging from light to dark help create a 3D glow and shimmer, making your eyes the center of attention. Swish on these gorgeous shades to brighten, define, and enliven!

My Visit at AOJO Store

It has been a while since I last visited SM North EDSA, and over the weekend, I was able to pass by The ANNEX and found myself inside a trendy eyewear shop called AOJO.

If you know me personally, you've seen me sport different eyeglasses and sunglasses because aside from using them for fashion, I use them a lot to protect my eyes.  You see, all my eyeglasses (total of 5) do not have grades in them but I wear them mostly for TWO reasons - to protect my eyes when I use computer (as I purchase those with blue coated lens) as I stay in front of the computer A LOT!  Aside from that, my eyes tend to get easily irritated and I feel more at ease and comfortable wearing glasses (whether eyeglass or sunglass).

Thankfully, shops like AOJO are opening up not only to offer quality frames and glasses but I love the fact that they are inexpensive and very TRENDY!  I mean susuot ka na lang ng glasses, make sure bagay na sayo at ikagaganda mo di ba? :) 

Since its launch in 2013, AOJO is a Hong Kong based brand and has expanded its presence to over 400 stores around the world.  With a wide variety of high quality eyewear, Aojo offers its customers functional, stylish and fashionable optical frames, sunglasses, PC glasses and reading glasses to all its customers.

Once you get into the store, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the HUGE array of collection.  Here's a tip for you coming from someone who were able to pick my favorite frames, had an eye examination and took home my specs in a total of 1 hour! (Minus 30 minutes waiting time for the lens to be installed)

Inglot LipSatin Lipsticks Review

Inglot came up with a lipstick that is meant for ME.
Seriously this was MADE for me and my parched lips!  And the shades?  Just pick your favorite.

Inglot LipSatin Lipsticks 

Php1,050.00

Inglot reinvents their bestselling lipsticks with the new Soft Matte Lipsatin Lipstick.  This soft matte formula feels lightweight and gives a satin-velvet finish, leaving your lips looking fuller with a clear contour.  Its moisturizing properties such as Vitamin E, cherry seed, argan, apricot seed and coconut oils makes it easy to apply on the lips, while providing nourishment and regeneration.  

There's a "HOTDISH" in town!

Food delivery services are so important to me because it comes with a "story".

Back when my mom suffered depression (story HERE), I had a full time job back then and my mom can't seem to do everything (even the thing she loved most --- cooking!)

So I ended up ordering from 1 restaurant to another, I tried searching for food delivery services option but there wasn't a lot of those back then!  And what's worst, my mom and dad got bored with restaurant food and they ended up not wanting to eat anymore!

They wanted homecooked meals, that's why when I heard about Hotdish: Real Food for Everyday Celebration food delivery service, I gave it a try and let me tell you something - it hits right the spot - my heart and stomach!  :P

 Hotdish is a delivery and take-out service which provides delicious yet affordable Filipino-Asian inspired dishes.

There are a few standout dishes that cannot go without special mention: Pancit Sisig, Pancit Tapa, Supreme Sisig, Beef Caldereta, Kare-Kare, Creamy Spaghetti, Shanghai Lumpia and Pichi-Pichi. 

And call me "mababaw" but I LOVE their packaging!  It's Octagon in shape making it easy to serve straight from box to the dining table!  I like how I can create "beehive" with it!  

Join the Baby, Kids & Family Expo and Hear My Story!

I have heard this statement so many times: "Nikki is a Blogger, she's a mom, but she's blogging and talking more about Beauty than Motherhood."

TRUE.

Nothing wrong with that and it is just my personal preference not to talk too much about my motherhood experience because if you are a long time reader, you'll know that I'm the type who would talk about something if I already know ---

• What's really going on.
• What to expect with what I'm talking about.
• How to deal with the negative situation (if there's any).

And up until this very moment, you only see snippets of my "AskMeMom" life because I have to admit, I may look so organized and knowledgeable with what I'm doing on my social accounts but in reality, like what most moms would say: "You don't see the reality!"

Ben & Jerrys ice cream available in the Philippines na!

"Well, you seem to know what you're doing!"

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed Powder Review

So when IT Cosmetics arrived at Sephora PH, I knew I have to try some of their products since this brand has been mentioned so many times by many of my favorite Youtubers!

In EVERY single workshop that I do, I highly recommend all makeup enthusiasts to invest on translucent pressed powder (or loose powder) and use it as a "touch up" makeup product.  Nothing more, nothing less.  Why?  Because piling up on powder foundation will add up to the "bulk" and your makeup will look unnatural by the end of the day!  

And even though "pores" isn't my issue since I have dry skin, I still try and test on pore control powder because most of my clients have oily skin and investing on a good setting powder is a key to make up artist success!

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed

Php1,980.00

Available at: https://www.sephora.ph/

Instantly erase the appearance of your pores and fine lines with IT Cosmetics® Bye Bye Pores® Pressed Silk Airbrush Poreless Finishing Powder. This is your award-winning airbrushed silk anti-aging finishing powder now in a pressed formula. This talc-free hydrating powder is created to give your skin a flawless finish with the sweep of a brush. This is for everyone who wants the look of airbrushed skin in an instant! Everyone who wants to erase the look of pores and skin imperfections! Everyone who would like to treat your skin with an anti-aging finishing powder that doesn’t settle in your fine lines! Formulated with anti-aging ingredients including peptides, real silk, hydrolyzed collagen, and the optically blurring Drops of Light Technology®, this powder was created to erase the look of pores and other skin imperfections. This talc-free pressed powder is translucent and buildable, perfect for touch-ups throughout the day!

How to use Make Up For Ever's GLITZY Palette

How many times do I have to stress to you the importance of subtle contouring, highlighting and blushing?

If not a lot of times, well I'm doing my part today!  

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT since this is the social media times - everyone's taking photos of their food, their clothes and most of all, their faces!  

And to have your photos taken on a smart phone, you'll want your skin to look healthy and fresh!  And I've got news for you --- it takes a bit of work sometimes and this palette I recently tried got its' own space at my dresser table!  I have been reaching out for this almost everyday!

Subtle look by Yours truly!

Make Up For Ever Glitzy Face Palette

Php3,950.00 (approximate)

Discover the all-in-one pro palette with 9 universal shades to create appealing makeup looks for all skin tones. Highlight, Sculpt, Blush, Glitz: 4 steps is all it takes to #glitzitup 

The Launch of Asvel with Kris Aquino as their Newest Endorser #KrisLovesAsvel

I remember clearly when I was in first grade, almost everyone in school have a cool lunchbox that can keep the heat intact until lunch time.  I clearly recall bugging my mom to buy me one but since I'm the youngest in the family, my mom said "hindi sulit kasi wala nang susunod gagamit!" (can you relate friends? hahaha) 

So up until this very moment, I tease my mom about it and how I always wished to have a cool lunchbox which I never had - mind you, brown and black lang ang color back then. 

Fast forward to many years after, food storage and other cute containers tickle my bones - seeing them gives me the sense of happiness and great memories about childhood.

So when I got an invite for the first Asvel store launch located at Podium mall, I had to be there and I actually brought with me Kyle just to bond after the event.

#KrisLovesAsvel

Kris Aquino is their endorser and it was a pleasure for me to interview her!  

Thanks Spark It family for making it possible.

*sigh* My heart!

Asvel offers an extensive lineup of food containers, water jugs, rice stockers and a whole lot more!

Pink Sugar Lush Lips on my lips!

Pink Sugar does not need to prove me anything when it comes to their lip products.  I have been recommending their liquid lipsticks for so long!  

My favorite is their Sugar Tints, they are included in my top-3 liquid lipsticks to try if you have very dry lips!  

Then the brand came up with something else, it's called Lush Lips and I immediately found myself reaching out for this product even after testing them out!

I got these 6 shades to try and work with and here's a photo collage for you to see the shades side by side.

Pink Sugar Lush Lips

Php299.00

Our smooth liquid lipstick provides ultimate comfort 

while delivering awesome color payoff with its unique long-wearing formula.

Creamy Mushroom Pork Chop Recipe

So I posted this recipe on AMW IG Stories and a lot of you asked me about the ingredients and how to do this dish.  Well, this is very simple, simpler if you have Pressure cooker, but if you don't have, don't worry, you just need to boil the meat beforehand or cook this longer to make sure it'll turn out tender.

Creamy Mushroom Pork Chop Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 kilo pork chop
• Butter
• Chopped garlic 
• Salt and Pepper
• Nestle Cream
• mushrooms

Althea Petal Velvet Sunaway Review

"I like how soft and young-looking your skin looks."

That's what  my yaya said when we were having breakfast one day as we were waiting for my son in school.

"I don't have makeup on, I just had sunblock on!"  And this was the sunblock I used and I can't believe I am liking another brand of sunblock!  I mean gone were the days you can only find good sunblock for daily use and Althea's Petal Velvet Sunaway Moisture Filled Sebum Control sunscreen got my vote!

Althea Petal Velvet Sunaway

Php480.00

Available HERE

Shield your skin from the sun's rays and give it some petal protection with Althea's Petal Velvet Sunaway! Ultra lightweight, this invisible sunscreen is formulated with a moisturizing formula that plumps the skin and Damask rose extracts, ensuring that your complexion stays fresh and hydrated throughout the day without any streakiness or a white cast. It has an SPF of 50+ and PA++++, so your skin'll be kept protected all day. As part of the Petal Velvet line, it also contains micro-powder particles that give you a smooth, petal-like complexion. 

Facial Care Centre LaserLight Experience

I don't really have issues with body hair as I am lucky to be born with not a lot of those.  BUT, I do have issues with chicken skin on my underarms from constant shaving and random plucking.

I may be a Beauty Blogger for more than a decade now but one thing you may have noticed is how I almost do not have services done until recently --- Facials and hair treatments turn out to be something I'm focusing on for the year 2019.  

Yes, because I am not getting any younger and I realized, after working so hard, I DESERVE some "Me Time" because I used to be the type who gets guilty to splurge for myself.  Thankfully, with Mr. AMW's constant reminder of : "You deserve ME time, You deserve it!"  I finally go to monthly sessions at  Facial Care Centre for my much-deserved treatments.

Aside from Honey Almond Facial, one treatment that really interests me is the Laserlight treatment.  It is a treatment that helps remove unwanted hair quickly, permanently and painlessly.  

I don't have issues with my legs or other parts of my body except my underarm, so I went for my first Laserlight underarm treatment last January and returned for my 2nd treatment within the week.

Yes, in just 2 treatments, I am actually ready to share my thoughts because the effect was THAT QUICK!

You might be thinking: is laser hair removal painful? It doesn’t have to be. Being hair-free should be pain-free and hassle-free! LaserLight Hair Removal painlessly, permanently, and safely reduces unwanted hair using the combination of the Gold Standard 810-nm diode and IN-Motion technology. Directly targets the hair follicles, preventing the growth of new hair, in a pain-free, comfortable treatment experience.Ideal for permanent reduction of unwanted hair