Readers' Corner: Q&A Portion to Jumpstart 2015

Hi AMW friends!
Today, I will be answering some queries I get from my email!  I think I have to do this or else, I will be loaded forever!  :P  Don't get me wrong, I am very happy with all your emails because that keeps me going!  If you wonder how I get the time to blog?  That's for you to find out *winks*  Just joking, I do so in between breaks!  When I have coffee break or right now, a Calamansi juice break! 

Reader Question #1

"What should I invest on aside from makeup kit and brushes if I plan to pursue a career in makeup artistry?"

AMW Answers:

Okay, my answer may probably surprise you but I can actually  put this in an "Unsung Hero" post.  After years of doing makeup, I realized how important Z-Palette is (or any customizable palettes available in the market) for a PRO MUA like me!  Especially when I started to go on gigs on my own, lugging a huge Zuca bag, it is very difficult to transfer from one place to another (ALONE) with a luggage full of makeup, a huge mirror and a bag!  

I first "depotted" all my face powders and transferred it to my first Pink Z-Palette and I realized not only does it help lessen the load of my kit, it is very easy for me to do retouch as I only need to carry 1 palette instead of 6 compacts!  

I got more Z-palettes and I plan to depot some of my blushes and contour/highlight powders!  

I got my 2nd Z-palette online via Shopping District. 

Reader Question #2
"Nikki, can you recommend a lipgloss brand that has wide range of colors just like MAC but lesser the price tag?"

Tip for the Day: Big Hair Don't Care

Hi AMW friends!  Happy Humpy Wednesday!  Today, I will be sharing my first "Hairstyle Tutorial" blogpost because I received emails requesting on how I do my "Big hair" when I posted several photos of it on my Instagram account.  You guys know how Non-techie I am so instead of videos, I'm creating photoTorial instead (Photo Tutorial) :P

I'm always in a rush, so trust me when I say, once you get the hang of this, you wont' take more than 5 minutes to create Big Sexy Hair!  

You may need the following: (Not everything on photo as I only have 2 hands :P)

• Heat protectant spray (ex. Prostyle Fuwarie Curl Styling Mist or CHI Silk Infusion)
• Flat Iron
• Dry Shampoo (ex. Made By David Dry Shampoo Lemon and Freesia)
• Paddle Brush (ex. Acca Kappa Protection Brush)
• Matrix Biolage Exquisite Oil

Matrix Chairs of Change: You Can Make A Difference!

Did you know that everyday, an additional of 3,500 children in the Philippines struggle with various types of cancer?

Sometimes, we tend to be so busy with our own issues we forget how others have it even worst!  Imagine going through these nerve-wracking, painful treatment at the same time losing your hair?  Imagine how these young children feel?

Thanks to my Matrix Family (I am so proud to be an Ambassador for this brand) as they took the initiative to gather hairdressers and Filipino women to make a difference with the Matrix 8-Inch Cut for Cancer Challenge.

When I got an invite to give 8-inches of my hair, my mind says yes but my hair says "excuse me, you don't have enough of me!"  I wished I have really long hair as I wouldn't mind chopping it off!   But that didn't stop me from helping in my own tiny ways!  Thank you Matrix Philippines for inviting me to be part of this important shoot to help spread the word to other Filipinas out there!

How?

I shared my makeup expertise to prettify a beautiful Blogger friend, Jackie Go, one of the Project Ambassador.

Jackie Before and After Shoot

AMW Reports: Heroine Make Cosmetics in Manila!

In which event the 3 of us (Kuala Lumpur 2010 travel buddies) united?

At the Heroine Make Philippine Launch!

HEROINE MAKE is a Japanese Cosmetic Line which aims to empower women to be their own kind of leading lady.  That is what I've always been aiming for as Mr. AMW makes me feel like one each and everyday! *kilig*

L-R Angela, Me and Patty

 When you visit Japan, you'll probably end up buying too much and nothing!  I went for the latter, I wasn't able to purchase any Japanese cosmetics because I got so confused with all the lovely packaging and the different brands!  That's why I am very happy when brands arrive, because that means, someone tried it, really loved it to have brought the said brand locally!

Just like these products!

With 10 years (and counting) history, Heroine Make was first sighted in neighboring countries Hong Kong and Singapore in Sasa, Bonjour and other drugstore counters.  So yes, we don't need to travel afar to grab our favorite Heroine Make products as they are here!  And the best part?  They are priced really affordable for consumers who are on a budget like YOU and ME!

AMW Reports: K-Palette 1 Day Magic event and 1Day Magic Products

How do you feel when you enter in a room with cute pink dresser loaded with cute Japanese products and magazines?

No matter how much make-up I currently own and use, I still shriek deep inside!  But on the exterior, I kept my cool!

That's what happened to me during the K-Palette 1 Day Magic event that happened last week at R Space, Makati.  How could a product like K-palette gets any better?  When they are housed in very cute packaging and obviously, they are still the wonderful K-palette products that deliver!  One of my favorite Asian Cosmetics brand!

K-Palette 1Day Magic Dessert Bar

I have to admit, I got a bit sidetracked with their desserts table and went back to what's new and what's a 1Day Magic!

Here are the 4 products that's causing all the "magic"

I'm a Matrix Girl + Giveaway!

CONGRATULATIONS TO --- Ms. Nadine Diamante!!!

After I gave birth to Kyle, I never thought I would immediately get projects because seriously, who in the world would get someone who looked "Hagardo Versoza"?  (Sorry international readers, just a funny Tagalog way of saying "stressed")

Thankfully, my Matrix Family didn't think so!  They just probably took one good look at me and say: "She definitely needs a new hair color!"  True enough, this was the first ever hair coloring treatment I've done after learning I was pregnant!  And it has been almost 2 full years of messy long regrowth!

The shoot was fun and....super fun!  We went to the L'Oreal Academie to have our hair color treatment and for the first time in my life, I've finally decided to go for highlights!  They call it the Dual Colors Service using Wonder.Brown Gold and Wonder Light Gold! 

And here's the outcome of my hair and the shoot itself!  Thanks to Jim Ryan Ros for my makeup!

 

Up until this very day, I still have beautiful highlights because I've taken care of my hair using Matrix Biolage products for color-treated hair!  Though regrowth is quite long and though a Matrix Brand Ambassador, it doesn't change the fact that I'm still a very busy mom who juggles work, blogging, make-up gigs, make-up workshops, wife duties, etc...!  So please, don't judge my not-so-pretty hair color anymore but I'm definitely going back for my next color treatment!  

And because I am proud and happy to be part of Matrix's Family, I am sharing my joy and happiness via simple giveaway!  I was sent some Biolage products to use and I've found my favorites!  

The Matrix Color Bloom Masque which is meant to protect the radiance of Color-Treated Hair and the newest Biolage Exquisite Oil which I love to apply on my hair after every shower as it makes my hair soft, silky and the added bonus?  Smells so good!

And yes, I'm giving 2 of these products to ONE LUCKY AMW READER :D

AMW Reviews: Biolage Colorcare Therapie Shampoo and Conditioner

Hi AMW Friends!
It's a hair product day today!  I know I haven't really talked much about hair products as I find them to take a bit of time and several uses before I can really say if it's good or not!  But I do get a lot of email queries on what's the best shampoo and conditioner and to be honest, I always answer them: "It really depends on your hair situation."  

I have to admit, there's NO brand out there that could really make my hair look like a hair shampoo commercial unless if I go through Rebond service or Permanent Blow Dry services.  I can improve the "feel" or look of my hair but it takes time and a whole lot of effort!  

So far, my best advice is to deep condition your hair at least once a week with hair treatment of choice plus use clarifying shampoos at least once or twice a week depending on how much hair products you  use in a day! 

Today, I will be sharing one of my favorite shampoo and conditioner brand, Biolage by Matrix.  I have used Biolage more than a decade ago when this brand isn't even available in the local market!  My best friend, who lives in Canada then, went for a Rebond Treatment (which was really new and very expensive during that time) was advised to use Biolage Products by her Hairstylist and she loved the results!  Since my best friend and I have almost the same hair condition, she purchased me a set and I ended loving them too! 

Fast forward to today, I may have used a lot of shampoo and conditioner brands but Biolage will always have a special place in my heart!  So when I was invited to be one of Matrix Ambassador for the year 2014, I immediately said YES!  And what's even more exciting?  I got to take home these....

 
Ahh, brings back good 'ol memories!  I used to really scrimp on using these!

Biolage says ---

AMW Reports: Fab, Fresh & Fun: A Summer Picnic

Do I need a break from Stress?  Of course!  Who doesn't?

And if relaxing means pampering myself with facials, makeovers and hair treatments with Maybelline, Garnier, Matrix  at The Grove by Rockwell, Count me In!

We can start our pampering journey by having a facial done by Garnier.  I gave this a skip because I am so excited for my hair treatment! 

Hair pampering using Matrix products.  I love it when Matrix Intensive Conditioner was massaged gently and left for a couple of minutes.  Washed, blow dried and finished up with a Matrix Serum which left my hair soft and bouncy!

Thanks Shobe for this shot!  If I may add, I am holding a vanilla ice cream by Nestle Heaven.  I had 2 cups of these (shhhh). 

After the blow dry and ice cream, I took off to the Maybelline counter and got my own "lei" and wait for my turn on makeover.

Took a shot of Shen obviously enjoying her makeover and looking fabulous!

And it's my turn to have my makeover. Guess who did my makeup?  Same Maybelline Make-up artist whom I met last year from the same event done by Maybelline, Garnier and Matrix called Mission Accomplished: Be Stunning for a Steal !  Jim Ryan Ros!  It was great seeing him once again and I am very proud of his success!   He wanted to do a darker look on me but I told him I'm going nowhere right after.  So he opted for a more natural look instead using pink and purple.

An additional product was used on my face and I'm liking it!  Maybelline's BB Cream applied with Maybelline's Clear Smooth Minerals Liquid Foundation in Buff Beige.  I already love the effect it gives.  Clean and natural.

Here's a  shot of me and Jim after my makeover.  Thanks dear!
Great to see you again!

There's also a nail art booth by Nail Spa.  I skipped this step because I've recently done nail art myself  and I worked hard for it.  I can see a  lot of girls and even guys enjoying the nail spa experience!

The event serves good food by The Plaza, which I haven't taken a shot of it because I was busy eating.  Fruit Shakes by Big Chill and Shooters by Swizzle Bar (photo below)

Let me start by saying, I've met wonderful people in this event.

Trisha Chua from Maybelline and I told her I have a crush on her dress!

I also met Michelle Fernandez from Maybelline too, but wasn't able to take a shot!  

She's wearing gorgeous dress too!

Roanne from All The Vanity Blog.  It was great seeing her after, hmm..a year or more?  We had a bit of time to chitchat but she has to leave early, or maybe I came in late? :D

Camille from Your Little Beauty Bag and her husband.  It was great seeing her in person for the first time.

And of course, my partner in crime, Beauty Crime!  Shen!

I left The Grove around evening and  see how gorgeous the event area is!  Can't help but take a shot!

Thanks Maybelline, Garnier and Matrix for this event and for the pampering experience.  I walked out energize and smiling!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy

According to your reporter for the day...

All About Hair

I've always been searching for good products for my hair since I was born!!! I just can't help but enjoy those gals with long black silky hair!!! That's why "hair rebonding" is like E=mc2 for me! It was the greatest invention in the hair world !!!! (I'm sure Einstein isn't happy with the comparison). Even with all those rebonding and stuff like that, I would say it is still REQUIRED for us to take care of our hair (especially with all those treatments our hair have been through). Below are some of the brands worth trying, but hey, if you are on a tight budget, go for really cheap brands that can be bought in big tubs (at times buy one take one!). Advise from a senior stylist at Jesi Mendes Robinson's Galleria Branch. He's super nice and touched my hair and asked me if I did any treatments before, told him "NO" and he told me "yeah! You don't have to go through expensive treatments via salons as you can just buy cheap hair treatments and just massage it onto your hair and leave it for one whole "lazy" afternoon with a shower cap, effect is the same as salon treatments!" < ---- isnt' he the greatest??? Never tried to sell me any treatments! Love him! :D
L'oreal Professional Vitamino Color (Color protecting gel masque 200ml)
- Smells great! I don't need to use a lot, just took one handful and concentrate it down the ends, I leave it for 5minutes with shower cap, this is great as for one tub worth approx 700+php, I used this for 2 months (8x).





L'oreal Professional Absolut Repair (yellow 200ml)
- doesn't smell as great as the Pink version. Did what I did with the Pink one, but i felt the effect of the PINK one is better.






Biolage Matrix
- cheaper compared to L'oreal professional, but same quality as L'oreal Professional. Smells great as well, and same effect as no. 1. If you want cheaper version , this costs around 375php at salons. Same usage, leave for 5-10 minutes while in the shower with a shower cap.
**note, this is a different contry's version , I just can't seem to find the picture of the one I used, but basically here in the Philippines, there's only one Bioloage masque




David's Salon Moisture Masque (For very stressed hair)
David's Salon Conditioning Treatment (For dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair)
- same price as Biolage Matrix, Used best when left more than 15 minutes. Massage ample amount on your roots and hair as well with shower cap. I can feel the softness and smooth texture for one whole week! the downside is, I finished this one in a month only (meaning 4 usage) but it's worth it!


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!