Maybelline Define & Blend Brow Pencils Review

How happy do I look when brows are made up?

Very happy!  I have a couple of brow pencils right on top of my dresser table because I find pencils to be the easiest tool (still) when I'm in a rush!  

Recently, Maybelline launched their newest eyebrow pencils called Define & Blend.  2 years ago, they went full blast with their brow products, created a full range namely ---

Maybelline Fashion Brow Duo Shaper

Maybelline Fashion Brow + Brow Precise

Maybelline MasterBrow pencil

And there were a couple more way back 2014!  I tend to look back and compare but for these particular pencils, I try not to look back because true to what it's supposed to be - you get better as you grow older!  Same with Maybelline, they get better as they create more brow products!

The Maybelline Define & Blend Brow pencils are no exception.  They are first-timer brow product users' friendly!  Easy to use and I love the range of colors!  They actually nailed it with the color choices and as a Professional Make Up Artist, I can actually survive with these 4 shades!

That's me doing the (what else) half-face test with Natural Brown!

Maybelline Define & Blend Brow Pencils

Shades: Light Brown, Natural Brown, Grey Brown and Red Brown

Php249.00 each

Available at Maybelline Counters near you

Naturally defined brows? EASY! With our slim angled tip, you can draw brow-like strokes to make it look real!

Brow Define and Blend is a retractable brow pencil with brush. It's unique slim angled tip gives you the most defined strokes to create natural brows. 

Thank You Aveeno for Coming into Our Lives!

BIG TRUTH - Moms don't always have the luxury of time even when it comes to self-care.

I started going back to salon, having massages, etc... recently, and mind you, it takes the whole Barangay to help make that happen!  Well, I only need Mr. AMW and he was super nice to always give me "me time" especially on weekends!  Because we need that!  After 6 years of being a hands on mom, I come to a point of, "Hey, what's happening to me?  Let's do something about it!"

Fellow mommies, you don't need to go out for self-care, with just the right brand/products, you can do self-care at the comfort of your home!  My special me time is after dinner when I take a shower and do my skincare regimen before my son goes back to the room!  That said, I want to make sure to apply something really safe not only for me but for kids because we do all sorts of "Octopus hugs" before he goes to sleep!  

Thankfully, (good news for all mommies!)  The Aveeno Body Skin Relief Range is finally here!  This range consists of body wash and lotion formulated with Prebiotic Oats.  The Triple Oat Complex is enriched with Colloidal Oat that locks in moisture for 24 hours, I can attest to that as I wake up with super soft and hydrated skin!

Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash is priced Php520.00 for 354ml, Php695.00 for 532ml
Aveeno Skin Relief Lotion is priced Php740.00 for 354ml
Aveeno Baby Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing Wash is priced at Php525.00 for 236ml
Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Moisture cream is priced Php660.00 for 227g

Aside from that, they also have the Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief range.  To be honest, the Pediatrican was telling us how Kyle suffers from really dry skin but we can't seem to put anything on him since his skin is very sensitive.  So I am looking forward to use Soothing Relief Moisture Cream on his arms and legs and bum!  After constant research, I've read that these are soap-free, hypo-allergenic, paraben-free, phthalate -free and fragrance-free so mommies, we can breathe and relax!  And hey, I used this when I was still breastfeeding Kyle!

The brand is backed up with 65 years of skin expertise so mommies, do your research too and give this brand a try!

Have you tried Aveeno and Aveeno Baby?

What are your thoughts mommies and non-mommies?

For more information, visit aveeno.com.ph and follow AveenoPH on Facebook.

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Lily Lolo Corrector Review

Do you still remember my event post early this month on the new product offerings from Beauty Bar?  (you can refresh by clicking HERE).

One of the many brands they launched is called Lily Lolo.

With ALL the different makeup brands popping up, what makes Lily Lolo different from the others?

Let me mention a few for you!  

First, Lily Lolo is made with LOVE, without Harmful ingredients.  Their products are made using only ingredients that are proven to nourish and protect the skin so no parabens, phthalates, synthetic perfumes, dyes, etc...  They are also cruelty-free so if you have very sensitive skin, you may want to look into this brand.

Second, Lily Lolo is created with different women in mind from all walks of life! No matter what your skin color is, your age, you'll get something for you!   That explains the wide array of shades available when I took a peek at the recent launch.

Lastly, the products are housed in a very simple yet nice packaging making it visually gorgeous to look at and easy to use even for first time makeup wearers!  I would say, in my point of view, this makeup line is perfect not just for personal but also for professional use!

With that intro, let me share to you my review on my first Lily Lolo product.  I got my eyes set on this Corrector in shade PeepO.  There are a total of 2 shades to choose from, the other one is called Blush Away.

Lily Lolo says --- (from website)

Our multi-tasking Corrector expertly covers and conceals blemishes and redness with Blush Away or dark circles and pigmentation with PeepO. You will be amazed at the staying power of such a soft delicate loose powder.

The Body Shop Fresh Nude Tinted Beauty Balm Review

I don't know about you but I've changed so much in terms of putting on (or not putting on) makeup.  I guess it is indeed the age, I put more skincare products rather than makeup nowadays!  If not only because for the fact that I need to review makeup products, you'll probably see me strutting along Makati, BGC or Ortigas without makeup on!  

Thankfully, brands like The Body Shop is making "my transition" easy.  They also came out with a smart new product from their Fresh Nude line called The Body Shop Fresh Nude Tinted Beauty Balm!

Can you believe I am actually wearing something in this photo?  JUST ONE PRODUCT!  The Tinted Beauty Balm!

I got the shade 01 Fair

I find this to be a bit too light for me at a glance but I was surprised how this actually works for me!



From The Body Shop Website ---

Want that naturally confident, fresh-faced look? Our multi-tasking beauty balm will give you a light, even coverage with a boost of hydration for a lasting, luminous finish. This effortless make-up essential is comfortable and non-greasy with a lightweight formula that matches to most skin tones perfectly. It’s super quick and easy to use so you can get soft, healthy-looking skin in seconds.

• BB cream

• Available in five shades

• Blends to your skin tone

• 24-hour hydration

• Transfer and sweat resistant

• No-flashback UVA/UVB protection

• Enriched with Community Trade organic aloe vera from Mexico

• 100% vegan

Favorite Family Restaurant at Shangri-La Mall

One of our favorite "Family mall" is Shangri-La Plaza mall for SO MANY REASONS!

Convenient parking space, nice array of restaurants and shops, clean washrooms and just nice ambiance!

For some reason, when we are famished and tired, we always ended up at CPK restaurant (California Pizza Kitchen).  I have to commend the staffs for always giving us GREAT Service (one of the best if I may say!)  and I love the huge serving of food we order every single time!

These are just some of our favorite orders!  We were just too hungry I didn't get to take down notes on price and food names but hey, can we just chill this Sunday and just enjoy food photos?

Salad

Pork Chop

Dr. Kong Back To School Promo

Mommies and daddies!
Hear ye!  Hear ye!

Seeing "PROMO" or "SALE" is one of the best feeling in the world!  What's even better?  When the sale happens for a brand that your family loves!

Dr. Kong!

Since Kyle started school, he wears Dr. Kong and loved this shoe brand so much we ended up going in every single Dr. Kong stores he sees (in every single mall) to have his foot assessed!  He just loved the idea of having his foot assessed and loving more that the shoe brand he wears is Dr. Kong! 

#TrueStory Even when we're inside a different shoe store and we would ask him to pick a new pair, he would always shout for "Dr. Kong please!".  Such a loyal kid!  :P

Kyle's nth time Assessment

He honestly reads every single word and note it by heart!

We Love to "Twin" !

Do you tend to do a bit of "Twinning" when you and your family?

I usually don't?  Because I have a son and you know fellow mommies how hard it is to "Twin" with your son especially when you live in the Philippines.  Unlike in other countries, there are so many clothing options to "twin".

Thankfully, I had a bit of "me" time shopping one fine weekend!  I stopped at a Giordano store and saw all these gorgeous Classic Giordano shirts and I immediately asked the SA available shades for both Daddy, Mommy and Son!  I was given 2 options, the yellow pieces or grey!  I went for the latter because I want something really classy that would work for our recent Swimming trip at Casa Primera Laguna!

We look cute with our matching Giordano pieces right?  Just for fun, I pulled out both Giordano top and bottom for ALL of us!  I love how put together we all look!

Happy 2nd Birthday Club Clio!

And what to expect from the store that brings us so much joy?
A WHOLE LOT OF GREAT Skincare and Makeup products!  I am drooling when I attended their Birthday Party and I can't wait to share my thoughts on some of the items I got!

But for now, I'll just give you an "overview' on what to expect (and what to spend on) when you get inside a Club Clio store!

Let's go per brand shall we?  There's Clio, PeriPera and Goodal!  Let's start with CLIO!

CLIO launched their Pro Layering Eye Palettes and I got the Pink Palette!  Can't wait to play some cute looks with it!

There's also the most-awaited Kill Cover Glow Cushion!  This cushion (I tried on AMW IG Stories) won the hearts of many as you can see my skin glow so naturally!  And please, don't let me start talking about the packaging as it looks gorgeous!



And who would've thought primers could get any better?  The Pre-Step line from CLIO is a must as they have options to choose from!  Peach Tone Up Primer for that glowing skin, Moist Primer for extra boost of moisture before makeup application, a Pore Primer for users with Oily skin.

Personal Thoughts on Blogging

So many times over the past decade plus, a lot of my friends and readers asked me this question: "Why do you still blog?  Don't you even have writer's block?"

It may sound like a huge "yabang" to you but I seriously never had one --- siguro naman gets niyo na ever since Instagram Stories was invented --- you understood naman how talkative I am right?  (Even my Coach was amazed how I can blab during the most intense boxing session!)

Aside from my talkativeness, this space... AskMeWhats.com means so much to me.  You all seen my journey when I was just starting out, the time I pursued  Make Up Artistry to becoming a Make Up Trainer today.  How I juggled having a day job to being a freelancer wearing multiple hats.  The time my mom fell into depression to the time I tried to have baby and finally made it! (Look!  Kyle is already 6!)  

As to every single posts that seems to be very pointless at some point - why do I keep on reviewing Lipsticks, blush, foundation etc... when there's a whole lot of other people who does the same?  

Well, aside from the fact that I'm enjoying all these (kahit na hardwork talaga siya), I see a couple of views per post (not a lot!) but every single view means so much to me!  Whether there's just a handful of you or thousands of you on good days,   as long as someone is interested to hear me out, to read what's on my mind... I will still be here!  

But I do missed those days when I see comments, people asking questions regarding the product or service I posted.  Or days I just receive comments asking me how I am!  But I guess times have changed especially with the existence of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  

Do I feel bad about the changing times?

NO

Of course not!  I just go with the flow and just continue to do what makes me happy.  

Just like this MAC Compact Powder which I first purchased for the sake of review a decade plus ago!  Looking at my old posts makes me cringe yet smile all at the same time!  

So what's the point of this post?

Wala naman! :P 

But I just want to say THANK YOU, if you are here, reading my posts no matter how repetitive they seem to be!  I love you from the bottom of my heart for making me Ms. AMW or Mrs. AMW or Mommy AMW.  Thank you for continuously asking me questions and for being so nice to me because NONE of you bashed me on my wrong grammar and spelling ---> because who in the hell have time to proof read if you have gazillion things to do?  (Not me obviously)

But THANK YOU, THANK YOU for staying put.  This is not a special anniversary post or anything, this is how random gratitude is and I am "encapsulating" gratitude in a short post!

Have a wonderful day ahead and stay HAPPY!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

A Blush That Brightens!

My love for Lavender blush magnified as the year goes by, or shall I say, as I get a year older!

It started with Etude House's Dreaming Swan Eye & Cheek , then I expanded and searched at Tony Moly and went for Tony Moly Cheektone Powder in P05.

Don't ask me why but most Korean makeup brands have the option of Lavender blush because they have this thing for "bright skin".  No wonder..because it  really brightens my cheeks and makes me look a bit more youthful!

All thanks to Althea for offering wide variety of Korean skincare and makeup products at an affordable price I get to pick this new Cotton Blush from Missha.

Missha Cotton Blush

Php230.00

We love Missha's Cotton Blush for a soft, pillowy glow! These adorable little rectangles contain a matte formula that blends easily into the skin, giving your cheeks a nice, natural flush. Its formulated with "silky elastic powder" that allows for a non-cakey application, even after a couple of layers. Choose from 3 pretty shades to suit your look!

Lip Care Regimen the Burt's Bees Way

I have dry skin all over, I've said that for the past decade and what's improving probably is the skin on my face, the bady - uhmm..way better from all the body lotions I've tried and tested.

One thing that has been bothering me FOREVER are my dry lips.  I've acknowledged the fact that I'm born with it and all I can do is to do my best to hydrate my lips as much as possible. 

So over the years, I've learned the ropes of exfoliating the lips as part of the regimen.  And one of my favorite lip care brand Burt's Bees finally have their own Lip Scrub! 

Here's the 3 step Burt's Bees way of taking care of your lips!

Burt's Bees Conditioning Lip Scrub

Php395.00

This is actually a sweet and fine scrub that helps exfoliate lips in a very gentle manner!  I find this very addictive and even if you plan to do it on a daily basis, it is actually okay as long as you don't rub your lips hard!

Aside from being a lip scrub, my lips was left soft and smooth immediately after use.

Easy Drunk Blush Look

I did a "How to create drunk blush look" #AMWIGTv last year, I used more than 1 product to achieve such look.  

Fast forward to 2019, who would've thought only 1 product is needed to create such dewy and natural-looking drunk blush effect?

You get it with K-Palette's newest baby - the Cheek Tint in Classic Red (shade 04)

K-Palette Lasting Cheek Tint Limited Edition

Php795.00

Available online and Beauty Bar nationwide

Give your cheeks a healthy, dewy-looking flush with K-Palette Lasting Cheek Tint.

Its special penetrating formula and half-circular powder particles apply smoothly and lasts long. It comes in a mirrored flip-top compact for on-the-go application.

They originally came up with 3 gorgeous shades that I have been using alternately.  You can read my K-Palette Skin Care Cheek Tints review on swatches and thoughts about the said innovation from the brand.

AMW Wears FSJ Shoes

I was offered to try out a pair of shoes from FSJ Shoes, an online shoe seller.  I was literally wowed by the wide range of shoes.  I mean just try to go to their site and you'll know what I'm talking about.  

Thankfully, I knew in my heart heels that are 4inches higher won't work for me no matter how gorgeous their designs are!  So it was an easy decision for me to browse through their "chunky heels" category and picked 3 inches below!  

My eyes laid on the Retro Black Chunky Heels Sandals Peep toe Buckle Angle Straps (USD74.99) and I was sold!  

After ordering, I got the pair of shoes in about 2 weeks time (Free shipping) and I was surprised this was delivered straight to my doorstep with a fee of Php100.00 (with receipt).  Not bad, I mean I can't vouch on having them delivered straight to your doorstep ALL THE TIME as it really depends on your postal service location!  

The pair came right on time when I attended a Dior Stellar Lipsticks launch, I was asked so many times on DMs about this pair of shoes and guess what?  This was super comfortable and I don't need to "break in" these pairs because the leather was so soft it doesn't hurt my sensitive feet!  Most importantly, the height of the heels are just right and seriously, I LOVE THEM SO MUCH I drove home with them!  

I can't wait to pair these with my favorite pair of jeans or even shorts and more dresses maybe?  I love how versatile this design is!

Althea A'Bloom Collection - A MUST TRY!

Althea's A'BLOOM products are one of the most unique and interesting to try!  When I received this box as an #AltheaAngels , I gave this a roadtest right away and of course, I can't do it all alone, I have to drag Mr. AMW on this because there is a product meant for him!

Let's talk about the cutest face mask sheet packaging on earth as of the moment!  The Althea A'BLOOM Mask Sheets (Php180.00 for 10 sheets) in 4 variants covering all skin issues!

As of the moment of typing, they are ALL SOLD OUT!  So please, put them up on our wishlist and wait for restocks!

AC-ME-Peach Anti-Blemish Peach Mask Sheet

This mask sheet is very gentle on skin because it uses tea tree oil to fight off acne and pimples.  Anything with tea tree oil get thumbs up from me because it really helps shrink "upcoming" pimples in no time!

Skechers Rule the School 2019 Collection

How easy it is to level up your school style nowadays!  Lucky students and I'm inggit!  But hey, I can always feel like a student and pick one from the collection right?

That's at the back of my head when I saw the Skechers Back-To-School 2019 Collection.

Wearing 1 shoe from the collection because it looks oh-so-fine!

Click and continue to check out the full collection!

Mary Kay At Play Matte Liquid Lip Colors Review

 Mary Kay came up with their own version of a Matte Liquid Lip Color, there are a total of 13 shades on Mary Kay PH website and I tried 6 shades!

 

Have you found a favorite based from my photos?

Mary Kay At Play Matte Liquid Lip Color

Php599.00

Be a true beauty explorer with lip colour that applies like a gloss with the matte of a lipstick!A variety of on-trend shades to suit your every mood.The glide-on wand delivers creamy colour with ease.Delivers a shine-free finish.Perfect for work or play.

I Will Have A Gradeschooler Soon!

I don't know about you, this may not look like a Big Deal to some of you but this is a HUGE milestone for the AMW household!

Yes, I have a Grade 1 student by next schoolyear and I can't help but feel dramatic about it, I seriously do not have a baby anymore :(

My friend teased me: "You still have around 15 years to go!", there will come a time we'll look back at these digital photos with Kyle himself and just talk about it like it was yesterday.

So I am definitely seizing EVERY SINGLE MOMENT like it was "Oh!  Seems like yesterday!".  Because I want to look back and say: "I never regret every single moment I spent time with you Kyle!" 

The Gift of Health

When I turned into a freelancer two years ago, the first thing on top of my mind was --- what will happen to my healthcare plans?  I mean, having a company with HR backing you up on the needed insurance and healthcare benefits, I just realized how hard it is for me to start from square one and look for a plan that fits to my budget - as a freelancer.

Then, I learned about Maria Health thru a friend.

Maria Health has revolutionized the healthcare shopping experience by offering you the ability to pull plans beside each other and compare which fit your needs and budget best.

For comprehensive plans, you can instantly get a free unbiased proposal from experts by simply

answering a few questions. The proposal contains the best possible options you can enroll yourself, your family, or your business to.

Meanwhile, for prepaid plans, you can choose from Maria Health’s wide range of packages and bundles covering emergency care, diagnostic exams, and doctor consultations to name a few.

And because of this discovery, it was an easy decision for me this Mother's Day to give the gift of health for my own mom.  My mom who selflessly give - she just give and never thought about herself!  Now that she is getting really old without any healthcare plans, I've decided it's time for me to give back by repaying her with just a simple gesture.

Looking into buying her this plan ---

Sweet Thoughts For Mother's Day

Just a few days away, it's Mother's Day!
My son made a personalized card for me with 4 hearts and 4 Beautiful adjectives that describes me - Happy, Beautiful, Good and Nice.  That is enough to fully charge my mommy heart!

But....if like me, you want something "tangible" to show your mommies how much you love them, let me share you some ways!

A HUGE KISS + HUG 

And a whole lot of sweets!

Boulangerie22 Strawberry Cake Bundle Promo

Choose from any of the following bundles for only Php999.00!  Hurry as they always ran out of stocks really fast! It happened to me every single year so start ordering now!

Dior Addict Stellar Shine Launch

Dior Addict Stellar Shine was launched locally at One Canvass Place Makati. 
I was there to witness the "Be Dior. Be Pink" launch.  An invitation to shine your very own way. 

Dior Addict Stellar Shine has extraordinary shine and colour with 8hour wear.  This has formulation like that of a balm comfort because their formula includes beeswax of natural origin and five ultra-sensorial lightweight oils.  Aside from that, Dior Addict Stellar Shine also promises hydration upto 24 hours.  The formula infused with aloe vera combined with oils and waxes provides a fresh sensation in every application.  

Happy Skin Active On-The-Go Blush in Glowing Review

How HAPPY can I look when I have glowing cheeks?

VERY!

I love it when my cheeks flushes like I do so naturally no one can tell I have makeup on!  The kind of color that you get after a workout - that what I get when I apply Happy Skin Active On-The-Go Blush Stick in GLOWING.

Available in 2 shades - Flushed and Glowing priced at Php399.00.

According to Happy Skin: 

The fuss-free blush you can take anywhere! This ON-THE-GO BLUSH Lightweight Cheek Stick has a soft texture that's long-lasting but leaves a natural-looking finish. It's easy-to-bend texture won't clog pores and gives a weightless feel for that effortlessly blushing look.

The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Face Mist SPF45 PA++ review

Perfect for the crazy heat, The Body Shop recently added more products under their Skin Defence line.  The Multi-Protection Face Mist which contains SPF45 which for me is not to be used alone but as a great "retouch sunblock" for the face!  Especially for girls who have makeup on!

How easy is it to use?  Housed in a spritz bottle, you only need to spritz straight to your face with eyes close and you  know you are protected from the harmful rays of the sun --- again!

The Body Shop Says ---

Feel free with this super-lightweight, multi-protection face mist with SPF45 PA++ and help protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays and pollution particles too. The cloud-like mist forms an invisible protective film without leaving a residue on the skin. Enriched with red algae extract and anti-oxidant vitamin C, the mist helps brighten your skin’s appearance for a more luminous complexion. So easy to use on the go, help to protect your skin without smudging your make-up for any adventure.

K-Palette Lasting Matte Liptints Review

When K-Palette released their Limited Edition Matte Lip Tints, I knew I have to try them out immediately as these were said to be Semi-matte, meaning, they won't be as drying as those I've been using for the past months or years!

They released 2 shades that are very wearable - Rose Pink and Mauve Red.  You can were them all over your lips like what I did on photo or create gradient lip effect by filling only the center of your lips and blend out with your fingertip.

K-Palette Skincare Lip Tint 

Shades: Rose Pink and Mauve Red

Php795.00 each

Product description in English as translated by BeautyBox Corp.

What's in a Summer Beauty Box?

I missed opening up a beauty box and get surprised by the various products inside.

That's what happened when I opened The Summer Beauty Box by The Style Quarter.

Curated with best products for my skn type (Yes, I was asked what my skin type was), I got a box-ful of products I want to try at once!

Let's take a look what's inside the box!

Beauty Bar Introduces New Brands To Love for 2019

Can I see some hands if you are like me who enjoys roaming inside a Beauty Bar boutique?

I have been doing that for so many years I honestly knew what's newly displayed every single time I do "ocular".  Yes, my husband says I do a lot of ocular sessions inside a Beauty Bar store and he doesn't mind because "it makes you happy"!  

And I am happy to announce that our favorite beauty store gets us up to the speed on latest developments in beauty.  I also love the fact that they include a lot of indie brands and brands who are created cruelty-free and natural!  

And here are the "it" brands I can't wait to share with you after attending their super fun event a couple of days ago!

Thanks Pau Guevarra for this photo!

Fancy Handy

Fancy Handy is a Spanish skincare brand that is housed in very cute and colorful packaging.  From their bestselling Banana Hand Cream to Aloe Pure Range.  I was told their bestselling Face Moisturizing Stick in Anti-Pollution and Refreshing Variants are must-try especially this summer season.