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.

What I Found at #SMWorldOfBeauty

I remembered preparing for my Engagement Day (which is almost like preparing for a Wedding day).  I've decided to cut down cost by doing my own makeup and with that in mind, I've decided to go to a Beauty Store to purchase my own set of makeup.  That was year 2007 (same year I started my Blog).  

There wasn't much brand choices back then.

Fast forward to a decade, I am so happy how SM Beauty changed the way we beauty enthusiasts shop!  I can finally say, I have STOPPED online shopping for more than a year now because there are so many holy grail products I can literally see, touch and try at SM Beauty!

Do you like Asian makeup?
Brands like K-Palette, 4U2, Shiseido, Tony Moly, Etude House, Kate Tokyo, Holika Holika, Canmake Tokyo made its' way to our shores!  Here are just some of my picks.

Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas: Take A Peek On What Makes Me Happy!

I know my Christmas Shopping Ideas pop in and out like a mushroom!  I'm so sorry for that!  As you can obviously see and feel, I am on a panic mode, most of the gifts have been wrapped and sent but I still have a long way to go!  Relatives, friends and more gatherings are still pouring in!  This made me realize, I have good amount of friends!  #hahahaha

Anyways, I've been receiving gifts here and there too!  I want to thank friends and companies whom I met through years of blogging for spoiling me with gifts!  And even though I have enough makeup , skincare products and just ENOUGH GIFTS in general, I still find myself opening up each gift like a kid!  And you may want to take a peek on what made me happy and giddy this season and maybe, you can look at this list as a cheat sheet for your last minute Christmas Gift Ideas.

Photo taken from Strip Ministry of Waxing

Laneige Milky Way Fantasy Holiday Collection

(IG: @laneigeph FB: https://www.facebook.com/laneigephilippines)

The best-selling Water Sleeping Mask is housed in a limited edition holiday packaging!  You may have friends who are a fan of this sleeping mask and he/she will definitely appreciate the new packaging!  Aside from that, you may include Two Tone Shadow Bars which are mostly "holiday colors", shimmery without the glitters!  Will definitely share more looks and photos of these Two Tone Shadow Bars soon!

What to Expect: Project Vanity's Wanderlust Kit

Do you still remember my first Project Vanity Girl Boss Glam KIT which I "unboxed" for you guys?  Guess what?  I got the 2nd most-sought-after Wanderlust KIT!  Thanks Liz for sending this to me!  

I am so happy Liz and her team went ahead for a second KIT because the first one is amazing and I can't wait to show you how wonderful the Wanderlust KIT is!

Project Vanity Wanderlust Kit

(Php1,450.00)

This Kit is curated with the traveler in mind!  And trust me, this is indeed a perfect, all-you-need kit when you travel!  Whether locally or internationally!

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm Petunia

A gorgeous tinted lip balm for those who have sensitive lips!  Made with 100% natural ingredients, I've been very dependent on these during my breastfeeding days and still do until today.

Burt's Bees BB Cream Review

I have reviewed so many BB creams on this blog but one brand that REALLY excites me is the arrival of Burt's Bees BB Cream.  Quite late (in my humble opinion) but there could be a reason why they came in super late when other brands graduated to CC and DD and "whatever double-letter" creams!

Burt's Bees, as you all know, is all about NATURAL.  From the packaging down to their ingredients, this is one of the "shortest ingredients list" I've seen in a BB Cream by far!

That could be the reason why they take this long to master their BB cream!  It must work at the same time, must commit to the Burt's Bees "natural promise".

And this particular base makeup from the brand did not disappoint, it's 98.9% natural and comes with 9 Benefits (and more!)

Intrigued???

AMW Workshop Series 2: Perfecting Your Base Report

Remember last March when I kicked off AMW Workshop Series?  (Read about it AMW Workshop Series 1: Get Ready for Summer Report)

Who would have thought just a couple of months after, I continued with part 2?  And the slots were filled in less than 2 days!  THANK YOU LORD!

Here's our obligatory Class Photo!

The workshop was held at SanCoCo still, one of my favorite coffee shops to date because they serve really good coffee!  (When I say they're good, they are REALLY GOOD)

Just like any AMW Workshop Series, all the attendees will get their own personalized Ecobag with their names printed at the same time, with the names of the sponsors printed at the back!  This is just a small way of me saying THANK YOU to the attendees and sponsors for the support.  Seriously, this has all been a dream come true for me!  

Working Mom Tips

Whenever I meet friends, they would always tell me: "You are doing so much!  How do you find time?"

I usually give them this exasperated look and tell them: "I don't sleep!"   But now, as I'm sitting in front of the computer while my son is sleeping soundly with my favorite Leaders Insolution sheet mask plastered on my face, I'm doing quite good!  I'm actually enjoying this roller coaster ride called MOTHERHOOD!

Now, don't get me wrong!  Don't compare me to other moms who have more than 1 kid!  They are definitely my hero!  My idol!  So please look at this post as a Motherhood Guide 101 --- nothing fancy, complicated or scienfitic!  Just a newbie mom who learned something through 3.2 years of motherhood and I'm sharing what I learned through the years because I think I'm doing quite a good job!  *pats on my back*

A little background about me to newbie readers.  I'm a hands-on mom with a Day Job and multiple side jobs.  My freelance jobs include --- Make Up Artistry, Make Up Training to Various Brands and AMW Workshop Series, a Brand/PR Consultant.  Adding to that is my day job as a Consultant in an Executive Search firm.

Now how hands-on am I as a Hands-on Mom?  I spend more than 50% of my time with my son!  If I work from home, jump it up to 80-90% of my time!  I co-sleep with my son, bathe him everyday, cook for the family, play with him and teach him (if he's in the mood for learning) and I am also his favorite toy!  --- yes guys, I'm an ANIMATED mom and I'm proud of it!

And yes, I do all these in 24 hours, there are days I can't complete a task but most of the time, I sleep with a big, contented smile on my face.  So if I can do it, you can definitely do it too fellow mommies!

Today's post, I am sharing some of the Working Mom Tips I Live By.  PLEASE SHARE YOURS on comment box below because I'd love to learn from you too!  

Burt's Bees 100% Natural Lipsticks Review and Swatches

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

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

And the more surprising part, I was able to wear all 14 shades for you to easily pick your favorite shade! 
 

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

Can you spot your favorite shade?

My vote goes all the lip color on first row!  What's your vote?

AMW Workshop Series 1: Get Ready For Summer Report

AMW Workshop Series --- has always been a dream of mine for the past 5 years!  Yes, FIVE Freaking Years!  It was always written on my "wishlist" whenever I have a new planner and I guess, the best of "Scaredy-cat ME" always wins!

For me to finally push it through, I've created an evil plan, a plan to counteract my fear and shyness (yes guys, I'm shy in real life! Well seriously, shy in terms of marketing myself)  I've decided to announce to all my good friends by December on my "Workshop Plans".  As they say, the power to success to is CLAIM it!  And I did!  By blabbering about it at the same time, changing my blog template and included a WORKSHOP Category.  Knowing me, seeing it "blank" makes me feel uneasy!  So I know it will push me to the limit to be Pro-active about it, and it worked!

The day, March 5, 2016 finally happened!  And I couldn't be happier!  

AMW Workshop Series 1: Get Ready For Summer
Class Picture

Of course, this won't be possible without the help of my dear sponsors!  And yes, they are all printed in my first AMW Workshops Bag (Thanks to my dear sister-in-law Grace @Archaic_Era for helping me out with this giveaway tote!)

Instantly Hydrate with Burt's Bees Cucumber & Sage Facial Cleansing Towelettes

It was wee hours of the night when I was in a rush for a lipstick swatch-fest (14 lipsticks to be exact) for a staff training of a prestigious skincare and lip care brand.  My skin was breaking out, my lips are dry and cracked from all the lip swatches.  I was extremely tired, but I knew I had to do it!  It was a job that I accepted and I always give 101%  

It was already 1:30am and I realized, my face makeup just won't stay!  My body is just too stressed and tired nothing would work!  Then I saw a pack of Burt's Bees Cucumber & Sage and thought: "Aside from the fact that cucumbers are great to lessen undereye puffiness, cucumbers can improve complexion by simply rejuvenate the skin!  Cucumbers are also known to help tighten pores and fade freckles."

Whatever they said, I just put a sheet on top of my face for a couple of minutes and voila!  The shoot went ahead and I finished everything in no time!

Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Nourishing Facial Water Review

Half a month ago, I attended the launch of Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Nourishing Facial Water under the Intense Hydration line.  Without a doubt, you all know this line is made for me --- normal or sometimes combination skin with dry patches.  So I immediately injected this to my current skincare regimen!  After half a month, I'm ready to share my initial thoughts.

Now a quick question for you my dear readers, who doesn't like hydration in a form of water?  Well, companies are finally understanding the need of consumers for products that are close to nature --- aside from the fact that it feels like "water", the IH Nourishing Facial Water is 99.0% natural which gave me that instant attraction!

Burt's Bees IH Nourishing Facial Water Says ---

Infused with the hardy, moisture-loving botanical Clary Sage, Intense Hydration Nourishing Facial Water is clinically proven to give skin an instantly nourishing, pH-balancing boost of hydration. Use it before your favorite moisturizer for visibly smoother, softer skin.

• Instantly hydrates
• Improves skin texture
• Enhances benefits of moisturizers
• Penetrates skin quickly
• Noncomedogenic
• Dermatologist tested

Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Nourishing Water Launch

Floral crown, backdrop and skirt....I feel beautiful being ONE with nature.

Don't we girls LOVE flowers?  I know some of us would rather choose the practical route and go for chocolates or food over flowers.  But come one!  Let's admit it, putting practical mode aside, don't we just feel wonderful and beautiful whenever we accept flowers?  Especially from our loved ones?  Crush?  That wonderful feeling came rushing through my veins when I arrived the venue for the launch of Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Nourishing Water.

A gorgeous set up of the Intense Hydration Line.

AMW Workshop Series by Nikki Tiu...Get Ready For Summer *FULL*

Today is finally the day I'll be sharing what I've been busy working on for the past month!   This has always been my dream to create my own Brand of workshop series!  Teaching has always been my first love and I'm glad this time, I can combine my love for beauty with teaching!  With words of encouragement from friends, family and AMW Readers, with the grace of God, this is finally happening!  My baby is here!  AMW Workshop Series by Nikki Tiu

Part 1 GET READY FOR SUMMER

I planned to have this on my blog's 8th year anniversary (January 28) or on the weekend of my birthday (February 28 is my birthday).  BUT, the year started out quite challenging so the date was moved to March 5th which is also a blessing in disguise because it paved way for me and brands to work closer together to make this happen!

When: March 5, 2016 (Saturday)

Time: 2:00pm-4:30pm

Where: SanCoCo (San Francisco Coffee)
Price: Php2,500.00/head

As much as I would like this to be a FREE workshop like I mostly do with other brands, I hope you understand that the amount you pay will definitely be worth it!  We get a good location (SanCoCo Coffee located at HV Dela Costa), the coffee shop started out just a couple of months ago and I already checked out the place and it is definitely a perfect place for my first workshop!  You get Coffee, snacks and 2.5 hours of makeup and skincare learning!  Aside from that, all attendees get to bring home goodies from wonderful sponsors (worth more than what you pay for I promise!)  

AND AND AND...

That's not it!  Attendees also get to win awesome prizes too!  Hey, this is my first workshop to kick off a wonderful series so the first will always be special so I made sure to make YOU feel special!  So please follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat (@AskMeWhats) as I may put up a teaser photo on what attendees get to bring home and what they also get to "win"!  Some prizes are already in my room at the moment and I'm feeling oh-so-giddy and excited!

For my first workshop, I will only be accepting a total of 12 attendees!  Sorry, the place is small and I want to make it more intimate, at the same time, for attendees to really learn the basics of skincare and makeup tips perfect for summer!  All you need to do is to fill up registration form HERE and I will email you back a confirmation email for payment details and other information needed.  This is a FIRST COME FIRST SERVE basis so even if I won't be able to answer emails immediately, the participants included will be based on the date and time I received the registration form.  Again, first 12 participants only girls! 

Are you excited?
I surely am!

Thank you so much to the wonderful sponsors who were so easy to talk to!  Thanks for being part of the first ever AMW Workshop and I am looking forward for more to come!  I hope to meet and see you gorgeous girl on March 5!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Have a Bee-ry Merry Christmas!

One of the brands I really go for when it comes to gift-giving is Burt's Bees.  I find the packaging, quality of the products and price points good enough to make a person feel special.  

Here's just an example on how I would go for a Burt's Bees Gift!

For a female family member

A whole range of skincare like Daisy White

For a friend 

A set of head-to-toe products

Which Burt's Bees Lip Balm Should You Pick?

If you are a long-time AMW reader, you'll know that I am always on a hunt for good lip balms that would work for my extremely dry lips condition.  One of the many brands I've tried AND LOVED is Burt's Bees!  

I would call myself a Burt's Bees Balm-pert (Balm Expert) because I've used all their variants and can actually distinguish which variant would work best for which lip condition.  But keep in mind this is based on my personal experience so feel free to share your favorite Burt's Bees Balm Variant and tell us how you like it.

First of all, I want to thank my Sample Room family for sending these to me because I really need to stock up on lip balms I finish them so fast I always need backups!

AMW Reviews: Burt's Bees Lip Crayons

How much do you love lip products?  A lot?  How many brands can you name at the moment?  A lot still right?
But how many can you name to me that you can be 101% sure to be safe?  Even when you're pregnant?  Nursing?  

Not a lot right?
Well, Burt's Bees brand definitely came to mind!  As much as I love Burt's Bees for creating safe and natural products with ingredients you can find even in your kitchen, my only complaint from them in the past is their lack of "colors".  I know they do have a couple of my favorite lip products but when I want intensity, I just had to go to other brands.

NOT THIS TIME!

I was so excited when I learned I had to do a make-up training for the Beauty Bar Staffs last month and the product focus are Burt's Bees Lip Crayons --- "You guys have Lip Crayons now???"  --- was my first question.

Thanks to May, I got first dibs!  I was able to test all 5 products before the workshop!  As excited as I was to share to everyone about it, I have to keep mum for a couple more weeks until they are available in the market --- see?  AskMeWhats can be trusted! :P 

So yeah, if you were one of those who asked me in person: "What lipstick are you wearing?" and I had this weird look and changed topic --- the answer is Burt's Bees Lip Crayons!

Yehey!  No more secrets!  Because they are OUT!!! 

Overview of all 5 shades --- can you pick your favorite?

There are a total of 6 shades internationally but the Philippine market only have 5.  It wasn't a bit deal because all these 5 shades are good enough for every lipstick loving gals!  You get pink, peach/coral, brown and red!

Skincare Talk: Creating Radiant, Glowing Skin

It has now been the most asked query on my mailbox on how to achieve healthy, radiant glowing skin!  YAY!  Finally!  I am so happy my readers are starting to take notice the importance of skincare, which by the way, I always stress when I do workshops!  

To achieve good make up looks, you need a good canvass meaning, a good and healthy skin!  So today, I will share some of the inexpensive to luxurious way to pamper your skin creating a beautiful glow from within!

(Note from author: I only mention products I've personally tried, feel free to share in the comment section below on the products you tried that works!  Let's help each other okay?)

Let's start with the most inexpensive way to the more expensive ways!  Check your budget and see which of the options listed below you would like to try.

Facial Masks
As much as you would like to think it's just a fad...no, it's definitely not!  Facial Masks are here to stay!  And my recent discoverY?  The Leaders "energy masks"!

I've tried all 4 but my favorite for instant glow is the "Yellow Energy Mask".  This variant comes with Orange (Vitamin C) that helps in creating GLOW.

Recent New Product Discoveries

Happy Saturday!
I'm off to a mall today for a quick event then I'm definitely heading to National Bookstore to buy Kyle a new book!  Yes, my son is a bookworm and I'm proud of him!  So yes, I'm a type of mom who can't come home without buying even the smallest thing for my family so I guess that means...I have to work hard because I have to have the budget to buy!  *hahaha*  

But on to a serious note, my son really loves books and he chooses them over any toy anyday!  So I'm so happy when I received a package from Scholastica telling me how you can purchase books up to 80% off!  Seriously, full-priced books are so expensive so I'm happy to share this discovery!

I haven't been to the warehouse yet as the place is quite far from where I live, but to those of you who frequent around Pasig area, do take a look and share the gift of learning to your kids!

Project Vanity's 7th Anniversary Party

You know what they say about "Blogging"....

It's a crazy world to get into, you'll be entangled between "Catfights" and jealousy! 

Well I am here to say in 3 big words : "SO NOT TRUE".

The Blogging World actually gave me so much more!  More friends, more experiences and knowledge in the field other people may find "shallow or useless" but for us, this "Field" means the world of Happiness to us! 

Liz of Project Vanity and I goes way back!  If you ask me about how we first met, I can't seem to remember (Liz, Help?)  

You may not see us often taking "Twofies", in an event, we may not be always together, but both of us have this special understanding that we love each other dearly! (Liz, aminin mo totoo ha!)  But we've been very vocal about how we respect each other and how much I look up to her because she achieved so much at such a young age!  

That's why when she invited me to be part of her 7th Blog Anniversary, without hesitation, I immediately said YES!  Even if I knew my life would be crazy that day taking Kyle to the Pediatrician, rush home (in crazy traffic Manila) and drive all the way to BHS Central.   I knew I had to be there, to support her, and to show her how much I'm a proud "sister".

The event was held at the newly opened Beauty Bar at BHS Central.  The place is huge!  Even girls who are used to exposing themselves in makeup (me) ooh'd and aahh'd inside the store!

How To Keep Your Skin From Looking Dry and Fake after Foundation Application

Hi AMW Friends!  Happy Monday!  I am off for a talk with Philippines' top company and I can't wait to share you all about it when I get the chance!  As for now, you may follow me on Instagram (@AskMeWhats) as I will definitely update my status there!

It is Monday, you're probably too lazy to get up and even lazier to do your makeup!  I mean who int he world would even use liquid or cream foundation on a hot and crazy weather like here in the Philippines?  

A tip for you especially commuters out there, well, you can actually do your makeup when you arrive in the office!  Let me know if you want me to share some tips on Office Makeup! 

And another tip I may share is that, you can actually use your favorite liquid or cream foundation without looking like you have a fake mask, or worst, when they create flakes up close!  That's a huge NO-NO especially if you have a client meeting or a Monday morning meeting with the boss!

Today, I have created a very simple yet effective tutorial on how to keep your skin from looking dry and fake after foundation application!  You only need to add one product in between!  Are you ready?