My Thoughts On IMAGIC PROfessional Contour Cream KIT

There are so many makeup tricks I learned in Make Up School years ago, but one learning that I will never forget is how to contour and highlight the face using cream-based product(s).  Just the mere fact of applying additional "cream" product in a humid weather is quite scary, and let's not forget most Filipinas have oily/combination skin.  

But what's the advantage of using cream based contour product?  

Well, aside from longevity, when applied properly, the effect is more natural (because non-powdery) at the same time, it is easier to create a natural-looking transition of your contour and highlight product.  

That's why as difficult it may sound to use such product, I do use cream type contour and highlight on clients and myself (especially if I am hosting or attending an important event).

Whew, such long introduction, but basically, I got the IMAGIC Contour Cream KIT months back and I'm finally ready to share my thoughts on this after testing this out on both myself and clients.

IMAGIC Contour Cream Kit

Php750.00 (now Php645.00 at BeautyMNL.com)

The Palette I got is Light which I think is perfect for my complexion.  It comes with 6 shades and I like the variation of shades that would match for both cool and warm undertone.

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!

AMW Gift Ideas: For the Make Up Learners and Lovers

Christmas day is less than 10 days away!  I seriously haven't really gotten the chance to sit down and breathe, but I'm not complaining here, my year 2016 is such a wonderful year I don't mind repeating this all over again for 2017!

Now, are you done with your Christmas shopping?  I know I am still cramming for a couple of get-together and reunions!  So I'm definitely panicking (a bit!)  Thankfully, there are a couple of ideas I can share..this time, for our Make Up Loving friends and those who plan to study make up artistry too!

If you haven't seen on my social media posts, well, I have to repeat this again, to celebrate Benefit's 5th Birthday in the Philippines, they are offering 20% off ON ALL PRODUCTS (Except gift sets) until December 18, 2016 (Sunday)  And our favorite HOOLA products are on 50% off!  So please hurry and stock up on your favorite Benegoodies!  

On top of my head, I am definitely stocking up on ---

• Benefit That Gal Primer
• Benefit 3D Brow Tones
• Benefit POREfessional Balm
• Benefit Gimme Brow
• Benfit Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW powder and liquid foundation

Now if you want a huge surprise for a friend who plans to study make up artistry, you may want to look into Pro Studio Beauty Exclusive Concealer/Corrector Palettes.

Glambox High Definition Finishing Powders Review

To those who want High Definition Finishing powders to set their makeup or just to wear alone, you may want to check out Glambox High Definition Finishing Powders.

I got all 3 shades a couple of months ago (almost a half a year) and I took my sweet time reviewing these because let's be honest, Finishing Powders are actually more difficult to review because you have to make sure they work on (in our case) cool and humid weather. 

After going through crazy HOT weather and now, we're finally feeling the Christmas breeze, I'm finally ready to share my thoughts on these.

AMW Reviews: Pro Studio Beauty Pro Blend Sponge

Hi AMW friends!
Today, I will be sharing a review on my "egg-shaped" sponge which I got from Pro Studio Beauty.  I have this in my professional makeup kit for months and I only got to use this on my most recent gig on a male client!  You know how it is with male clients right?  Some may be used to having their makeup done while some aren't!  So pulling out a brush may scare the hell out of them so I've decided to whip out my airbrush machine, at the same time, do some spot concealing using the Pro Studio Beauty Pro Blend Sponge.

I owned a couple of Beauty Blenders so I can definitely compare this to the "original one".  Aside from that, I only have another called HD Makeup Blender and so far, you can read both reviews by clicking the "name" for link. 

Lilac colored egg-shaped sponge called Pro Studio Beauty "Pro Blend Sponge".  

You can go for other shades and I think they also offer the same shape as my HD Makeup Blender.

GlamBox Beauty Studio

Glambox says ---

Use this Pro Blend Sponge to apply foundation to get the ultimate professional flawless finish!

Best used when damp. Hold the sponge under cool water and squeeze several times (to wet the sponge). After, give the sponge one more squeeze to remove excess water before using the sponge for makeup application. During application, gently pat and glide sponge on skin.

Available in various colors.

AMW and Char Char as The Purple Groom's Brand Ambassadors

When The Purple Groom contacted me and Char Char to be one of their Brand Ambassadors, I did not hesitate one bit as I want to have good memories and photos with my furry friend Char Char.

Char Char's mom Lucky was a gift to me by my uncle, when Lucky gave birth to Pudding and Char Char, she underwent caesarian operation in which Lucky turned out not to recognize her puppies!  Because we don't want Char Char and Pudding to die out of hunger, my mom and I took turns feeding them every hour for the next 3 weeks.  It was a difficult task but I didn't mind at all as I love them dearly.

Fast forward to 7 years after, I'm glad to have this chance to share to the world how much I love dogs in general!

It was a lovely day at The Purple Groom, California Garden Branch.  The store is quite huge as compared to other pet grooming stores I have been to. 

I was told that The Purple Groom offers no-frills complete grooming package for our pets.  Groomers are certified licensed dog handlers who can make the grooming experience comfortable for our lovely friends!  And the cute mission?  "Is to make every pooch happy and clean".  Don't we owners love that?

Since it was a photoshoot with the owner, yours truly was also groom *ahem* made up!

Melai from The Face Shop, did my makeup using all The Face Shop products except for the Glambox Mink Lash that I brought and my Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Lovesick Passionnee in which she happily helped me applied.

Thank goodness Ed from Bench Fix Salon was there to help me style my hair!  I was in a rush that morning so my hair looks limp, straight and boring!

Of course, while I was made up, my dearest Char Char is also going through his own makeover!

Thanks to a fellow pet-lover photographer Benjie Tiongco from Benji Tiongco Photography for the patience and the directions!  He definitely knows how to take good angles not only on human but pets as well!

 

**photo taken from The Purple Groom Facebook Page

 Some of the shots taken by Mr. AMW

Char Char was well behaved!

Hugging my baby!
Check out Char Char's expression!

And of course, the star needs to have his own photoshoot

Mr. AMW and Char Char

Char Char was obviously exhausted but still managed to look at the camera

The glamorous life is definitely not for him! :P

Thanks to The Purple Groom owner Jayme Chua, who at the end turned out my friend's cousin!  (that's a small world!).  

 

For your pet grooming needs, feel free to visit The Purple Groom at the following branches ---

• Pasig (Tiendesitas)
• Quezon City (Xavierville)
• Cainta (Greenwoods)
• Mandaluyong (California Garden)
• Home Service (Metro Manila)

**Don't forget to Like them on Facebook. 

I'm not endorsing them just because they had me and Char Char as their Brand Ambassadors.  Just look at how lovely Char Char looked after the grooming.  I am satisfied and happy with their service!

Where do you bring your lovely pooch for their grooming needs?

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Get "photo-updated" on Instagram (search "AskMeWhats")

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reports: The New GlamBox Pro 5000 Series

Over the weekend, I was very excited to attend a short Airbrush workshop from GlamBox Cosmetics.  It was a better day as the rain stopped and we had our workshop done outside Mango Tree Bistro at Greenbelt 5. 

There I met Noi, who trained us in the afternoon.  His makeup artistry resume is impressive and I can't wait to learn more about Airbrush makeup.

Readers' Corner: On Eyelash Adhesives and False Lashes

Reader's corner day!  I have loads of questions that I need to unload and one of the most number of queries I recently got was about false lashes and adhesives!  Ah hah!  A lot of you are probably braving up wanting to get the thick, luscious-looking lashes that mascaras can't do much anymore?

*high five*

I'm sure some of you were born with thick, long eyelashes so I won't get hurt if you close this site!  To the rest who kept on reading?  Now, let's start fluttering those false lashes!  We have hope! :)

One of the most used Eyelash Adhesive brand is called DUO.  I have finished a tube of DUO which I got from dear friend Gracie a couple of years ago!  I used this brand especially for Brides.  This brand can be purchased at MAC store for approximately Php700.00 (approx $16.00) but the downside is, these are out of stock most of the time!

Thank God for bazaars!  When I visited Rockwell's Moonlit Bazaar last December to visit my dearest friends Sophie, Jheng, Shen and to meet Sol of Digital Traincase in person, lo' and behold...--- DUO Eyelash Adhesive right in front of me!  I grabbed one right away!  I do apologize I forgot the exact price but it's definitely less than Php700.00! 

To those who are on a budget and still want to try some eyelash adhesive that works!  I have 2 which costs less than Php400.00 (approx $9.30).  One is the Ardell Lash Grip Adhesive and the other one is Andrea ModLash.  Both brands came from the same manufacturer  (Past review HERE).  I have finished both tube (in clear and black) and I repurchased Andrea not because I like one better than the other but I can't seem to find Ardell at the Beauty Bar!  Must look for them at Watsons maybe?

If you ask me why I own various brands?  I really can't tell!  It's nice for a makeup artist to have lots of choices!  I usually go for the DUO on brides though as it's tested to stay until removal time!  And so far, none of my clients complained about lashes falling off or allergic reactions! *knocks on wood*

Now let's proceed to false lashes!  When I was just starting up on makeup, I would go to Landmark and purchase various false lashes! (Read the various lashes I've bought from Landmark HERE)  My favorite is the one called Natural and it looks absolutely natural you can even wear them daily (if you're comfortable enough with application.)  I realized after, that these natural falsies may look great in person but I find them not enough on photos.  I tried going for the thicker ones but they felt a bit too plastic-y. 

Off to search for inexpensive yet good quality ones!  I shifted to ES Lashes from KKCENTERHK.

I was initially sent some for review but I love them so much I repurchased and hoarded a lot that the customs officer lifted an eyebrow on me thinking I'm importing some drugs. *laughs*  (ES review HERE)

What about those who are uncomfortable with online shopping?

Thanks to my one tiny trip to Moonlit Bazaar, I learned that Beauty & Minerals are now selling Flutter Eyelashes and I swear, these are somewhat similar to the ES Lashes --- quality wise. Since I got a number of natural lashes ES for Bridal clients, I am glad to own more dramatic ones for future shoots!  Check out the names!

A box of 10 pairs costs Php350.00 - 400.00 (approx $8.00-$9.30), if calculated, each pair costs much cheaper.  You can purchase these at Beauty & Minerals.

Majestic

Crazy thick for that super dark eye makeup!

Drama Queen

Need i say more? for the Drama girl in you!

Purr

These lashes reminded me so much of the Ardell lashes 

which can be bought in singles and these can be purchased by bulk 

and it's more inexpensive that way!

Feisty

Similar to The Face Shop False Lashes

Use this to create a better "winged eye" look!

I can't wait for them to stock up on "natural" lashes so I don't have to order online and wait for shipping and probably have a police waiting for me outside the post office as they have a police dog sniff on my false lashes!  (too imaginative, I know!)

For personal use, it doesn't hurt to purchase them in bulk as you get to throw some pairs after a couple of use!  False lashes do wear and tear so purchasing a box won't harm  your health :P  To some who really can't go for bulks!  Here are some singles that I've tried that works!

First time users can go for 3s pre-glued lashes

International readers may probably go for Revlon Fantasy Lengths Self Adhesive lashes.  I have personally tried these too as I was gifted by Beauty Blogging friend Toma but I would say, the 3s Brand have stronger adhesives meant for our weather!

Various Asian cosmetics brand like The Face Shop also makes good-looking lashes for around Php100.00 (approx $2.30) a pair.  My favorite is The Face Shop's XLH lashes which I used HERE on my How to Apply Falsies tutorial.

Other good brands I've used for Brides are Ardell lashes that I ordered from International sites.

A favorite of mine to use for Brides or Pre-nup shoots are the 110 Demi Black

Or if brides are more adventurous and wanted a bit of drama and still looks great and natural on photos, the 101 Demi Black is also a wonderful choice!

Ardell lashes cost approximately Php400.00-500.00 (approx $9.30-11.60) a pair.

If you have the budget and you can apply false lashes on yourself!  There's the GlamBox Mink Lash which costs a lot but worth it as I'm still using these on special occasions and they still work like a charm!

Each pair costs Php1,500 (approx $35.00), looks crazy on packaging but oh-so-worth it when worn!  Photo can be seen HERE.

If false lashes are considered life and death, then...feel free to indulge on MAC and Shu Uemura lashes!  I own a pair of MAC lashes which I'm still saving up for that special moment....definitely not a wedding but could be for my Second Wedding Ceremony at the age of 80?  :P

Important tips to remember ---

• Wear false lashes that sits comfortably, cut them if necessary to prevent sharp edges.
• Once the lash glue creates stinging sensation or redness, do not use the lash glue anymore.
• If you plan to re-use falsies, always remove excess glue and clean with eye makeup remover.
• Store false lashes in a tiny container free from dust and pollution.
• For the lash glue, once the scent changed, toss them right away!

Hope this post helps to current and future false lash wearers out there!

Any other tips you may want to add?
Any other lash glue and false lashes brands?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Year Ender Report! Happy 2012!

This is it!  Several hours left and we're all ready to bid 2011 goodbye!  2011 may be the best or worst year to some of you but I believe this is yet, another memorable year for all of us!  

Because I have been blogging for a good 3 years going to 4th, I am comfortable enough to share to you --- "AMW's Highlight for the year 2011!"

The year started when I was asked to join the Bobbi Brown's "I am Pretty Powerful" campaign .  It was one of the first few post I poured my heart out and shared to readers my background as a Business English Teacher in a University in Hangzhou, China.  It was also the first post that I shared the "chubby Nikki" photos which I am proud (even at present) to show to everyone how the "Chubby, Round-faced Nikki" survived the harsh weather in China plus being the youngest and only Asian Foreign Teacher at that time.  

 I am Pretty Powerful...

Yesterday and today!

Comes the month of February, it was a first for yours truly to be in front of a camera!  Being a makeup artist, I am used to prettifying people who will go in front of a camera or video but it was nerve wracking for me when Tek Tok TV invited me to be a guest for one of their segment!

I guess being a teacher for almost 4 years helped reduce the nervousness of being on a spotlight!

Read experience HERE

To end the first quarter of the year, things started to get very busy when I was invited by Pond's Philippines to take part in the Pond's Flawless White Challenge (read experiences HERE) with Shobe Sophie as my diary as I do the testing!  We were able to finish the challenge and Sophie and I got the special award called "Editors' Choice Award".  Mission Accomplished!  The nerd side of me would like to add, the added cherry on top of the ice cream would be having my face (together with other gorgeous bloggers) plastered in a wall!  I have to admit, I want to take the huge wall home! :P

If having my face plastered on a huge wall isn't enough, AMW went digital!  Nokia offered to have AskMeWhats available in OVI Store!  Who would've thought AMW can be an app now? :D

Before the first half of the year ended, the kiddie side of me was super happy when I got the invite to visit Yakult Plant!  To those who don't know, going to factories is one of my greatest love as I love seeing how each product was made!  I can still remember the first time I visited a factory and it was Carlsberg Brewery!  (Great!  I was only 12 years old then!  *laughs*)

The next experience, I have to thank my Nuffnang Family for the various movie invites from X-men to Transformers!  As if those special movie screening weren't enough, they even had a Nuffamily Day (report HERE) were I enjoyed an almost whole day with fellow Nuffies at the same time, re-create what the movie Tangled have done.....

Lantern Lifting!

(it wasn't as easy as it looks but it was FUN!!!!)

And just when I looked back on how much I missed teaching, the wonderful gals from GlamBox Airbrush Cosmetics invited Sophie and myself to be Airbrush Makeup teachers for a day!  It was fun day for Achie and Shobe to share our knowledge of airbrush at the same time, meet wonderful girls who are as passionate as we are!

Aside from makeup, my nails have brought me places!  I mean, I've had random strangers coming up to me telling me how much they like my nails!  My nail art designs have always been a good conversation starter at random events!  Popularity isn't a reason why I've been doing various nail art designs from Plants vs. Zombies to Pacman, Frankenstein,  Angry Birds!  As you can see, my nail art designs are usually in line with an event or occasion and I feel like doing nail art is like putting on makeup!  I may not have creativity on paper but if I can show them on nails and faces, why not? 

Speaking of nail art, wonderful people from Style Speak, India contacted me again for their Nail Art Special Issue!  I was challenged to do Water Marbling Nail art and see the pride in my face when I saw a hard copy sent to me!  I will never get the hang of seeing my works printed on glossies!  This was my second time to contribute for the magazine and I appreciate their trust!

Read article HERE

And like I said, my nail art tutorial have brought me places!  Even at Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho!  It was challenging to do Angry Birds Nail Art Tutorial right in front of a camera but I survived!  Thanks to the friendly staffs and producer from the said show for making me feel at ease.

As I was jokingly telling Mr. AMW he needs to find me a manager because "A Star Was Born" *laughs* the same month, I was invited to share my makeup tricks for Rainy Season at Net 25's HOMEPAGE!  This was done LIVE on tv and I was as nervous as hell!  I think I got too nervous I used gay-lingo in front of a camera!  (Mr. AMW told me that after the show but I can't even remember the exact word I blurted out!)  *laughs*  Oh well, no one noticed I guess! :P

To complete the "Feeling Media Star", thanks to Nuffnang for choosing me as Blogger of the Month of August!  My dream to be on a radio show was answered as I talked about my blog together with fellow Nuffies from Australia!  

So, this is How it Feels Like to be on Radio

at the Wake Up Show with DJ Vince and Tracy

Now let's leave the Media Star for now and let's go back to reality!  *laughs*  Thanks to Sunsilk for choosing me together with 3 other bloggers to experience the ultimate Pampering Day with Sunsilk's Loyal Members!  Because of this experience, it was the makeup artist's day off and I get to experience having someone put makeup on my boring face!  *wooooppeeee*!  It was also a first for me to have my photograph taken in a studio by THE Niccolo Cosme at the same time, styled by Rain!  Because of that, I shall be forever grateful because I have a professional photo to share to my grandchildren!  (smile and read my experience HERE)

This photo screams Sex and the City

I look like a building in the city though!  *laughs*

As the real world is slowly creeping into my mind, I was brought back to reality with Clinique's Real Women Campaign Party!  It doesn't hurt to be dolled up or be on a radio show or tv show.  In reality, I do have a full time job, I'm a daughter, I'm a wife, I'm an employee, I'm a friend....there's so much things to do amidst our thirst for Fantasy!  Thanks to Clinique Philippines for inviting me and one of my reader to enjoy how it feels to be a REAL woman!  It was an evening of makeovers, getting to know our skin and the event ended with lovely dinner!  Who says beauty has to be "magazine" looking?  Each of us have a beauty in us that is so unique because God made us so....

AMW with Jenn

Speaking about real beauty, who would've thought Ms. AMW could pass up for a judge at Ms. Silka 2011?  I was surprised when I was invited to be part of the prestigious panel of judges! I have to be honest when I got "chills" and "goosebumps" when Mr. Luis Manzano introduced each of the judges and I was clearly introduced as "A BLOGGER" (bloggers...REPRESENT!) It may sound nothing to the audience but it was everything to be acknowledged as a Blogger!  As you all know by now, this started out as a hobby, a venue for me to share my thoughts and make new friends, who would've thought bloggers are starting to have a VOICE now? :)

The event was a huge success and I was able to share wonderful goodies from Silka to 3 lucky AMW readers!  :)  Contest ended yesterday and winners will be announced 2012!!! :)

AMW looking constipated 

because there were a group of cameramen flashing here and there!

Feeling "Media Star" ---- FAILED!

And just when I thought the year has ended as I am counting my blessings thanking the Lord, He never failed to surprise me with an invite at NAPBAS 2011!  Blogging really took me far!  As far as going out of the country!  

Thanks again to my Nuffnang Family!

Okay, wrapping up (duh!) I traveled 3 countries this year!

• Shanghai, China
• Singapore
• Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

(promises myself I will travel more!)

Nothing beats spending a weekend with my co-Beauty Bloggers (a.k.a. Team E) in Tagaytay.  Oh my!  I can't even tell the topics we discussed and the stories we shared!  They will have to kill me before I can even kill myself!  hahaha *zips mouth* *adding double sided tape* :P

P.S. I did not forget my sunglasses, I just prefer not putting it on because I want to show the world how lovely my eyes are!
P.P.S. I really forgot to put on my sunglasses!  *lol*

Shots taken from Shen, Jheng and Phoebe

Aside from spending quality time with my local beauty blogger friends!  This year has been a "Blogger Friendship" year!!!  This was the same year I met most of my online blogging friends!

With Aileen of The Shades of U

Click HERE to read her article re: the meetup :)

 

With my #evurl girls...twice this year baby!!! :)

First was when most of them flew to Singapore

Second time was when I went to KL for NAPBAS 2011

If I may, I'll do a separate entry for meeting Lisa and Alex!  3 Times this year!!!  First 2 times were in Manila and the third was shown on photo above!!!  It was a pleasure for both Mr. AMW and myself to have spent time with the couple and got to know them well....too darn well! :P

First time at Sentro

 

Second time at The Stock Market

There's quite a number more bloggers both local and international I would love to meet!  Who knows? By year 2012?

I know some of you may have fallen asleep from this super looooonnnnggg post!  But hey, it isn't easy summarizing the "highlights of the year" in one post!  Anyways, if you reached this bottom part without falling asleep..THANK YOU SO MUCH, if you have fallen asleep and just scrolled down to this paragraph...well..I guess we need to meet up for Coffee? :P

Let's not forget, this year has been the ultimate year were my mom got "miraculously" better!  After more than 2 years of treatment (and still under treatment for now).  She has gone a long way on the road to recovery!  I want to thank my family and God for this!  You can remove all the material stuff and I won't care, as long as my family is doing well! :)

Out of all the bad things that has happened in the year, I don't think its even worth mentioning considering how many good stuff has happened (take note: haven't written ALL of them).  At times when I'm feeling down, it pays to look back to all the "good times" and from there, thank the Lord for all the blessings.  It doesn't hurt to look at the half full glass than a half empty glass!

Of course, the year won't be great with the wonderful Mr. AMW beside me supporting me all the way with a cheerful heart!  Trust me, I won't be THIS ---> :D cheerful without a cheerful partner!  

We're the Wonder Twins!

We're the Petronas Towers

We're Itchy and Scratchy

(from the Itchy and Scratchy Show, Simpsons)

We're Pucca and Garu

And most of all, 

we're just plain Mr. AMW and Mrs. AMW

Who wishes everyone a wonderful 2012 Ahead!
Happy New Year!
P.S.  To the companies, readers who believed on my blog....thank you!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!