Gelish Gel Polish Available at Nailaholics

Haven't gotten the chance to pamper myself for months!  So this photo, I tell you, is priceless!  Let alone having a foot spa, manicure, pedicure...the most exciting part is trying out Gelish for the first time!  YES!  GELISH Gel Polish and it's available at Nailaholics!

I'm not sure about you but Nailaholics Nail Salon & Spa is one of my to-go-to nail salon whenever I needed some hands and feet pampering!  The nail technicians are super professional and friendly (you just can't imagine what we talked about during this visit!)  It is a big news to know that they decided to use only Gelish Soak-off Gel Polish for all its gel manicure services, including gel manicure, pedicure and extensions!  That's great news because ever since I started learning about Gel Polishes, Gelish has always been receiving raves from international nail enthusiasts and artists!  Aside from that, Adele, Lady Gaga and Khloe Kardashians are also singing praises for this brand..so who am I NOT to try this right?

All thanks to my good friend Joel for inviting me because I am IN DIRE NEED of manicure and pedicure --- these hardworking girls can attest to that!  

Hairshaft Balayage and Brazilian Blowout Review

If you follow me on Instagram (@AskMeWhats), you've probably seen this photo of me smiling THIS BIG while caressing my tresses!  hahaha Silly me, but that's how I feel whenever I touch my hair --- giddy AND silly!  I am so in love with my refreshed Balayage Ash Tone Brown Color which is a Signature Tone that I've done for the second time around at Hairshaft Podium under the magical hands of Fred Penales.

If you follow my "hair color" journey, you know that I've done a lot of hair coloring for the past years!  I've done "boxed treatment" (Hello Revlon and L'Oreal!), I've done random salon visits and recently, it was with HairShaft Salon that I got the MOST COMPLIMENTS!

Whenever I post photos of me reviewing a product or me endorsing ANOTHER product, readers tend to comment about my hair and ask what the color it is!  So today, is the day, I'm formally spilling the beans!  (May formal pa talaga!)  

I have to thank my dear friend Angela for introducing me to HairShaft Salon!  Given my busy schedule, I wouldn't go ALL the way to Podium to have my hair done if not because of the constant "Hair Date" invite from Lush Angel I had to give in!  (hehehe, napilitan pa talaga ako no?)  But seriously, I have to thank her for introducing me to the master of hair color Fred because I really love the result!  It was actually a planned hair-date with both Angela and Alyssa but we weren't able to take photos together!

Now let's talk about Hairshaft Salon, they have a branch at Podium, Fort and recently, I spotted a soon-to-be-opend HairShaft Salon on my turf!  Robinsons Place Ermita!  I haven't visited the other branches because I want to make sure Mr. Fred is there whenever I visit the Podium Branch.  Thankfully, he was there giving all smiles to ALL the customers no matter how jampacked the salon was when I visited last week!  

HairShaft Podium Balayage Experience #Fredified

When Angela visited me during my salon treatment more than a year ago, I knew back then that she will be my perfect "hair salon date"!  No amount of blow-drying and hairwashing can stop us from sharing stories!  

And as you all know, I had my last Hair Coloring Treatment done at Vivere Salon last April, it has been more than half a year so my hair badly needs some TLC.  And that day finally arrived!

All thanks to my dear hair-salon friend Angela for working around my schedule to have our hair #Fredified !  I've seen how her hair transformed (all #Fredified) and they all look amazing!  So I mentioned to her I definitely wanted to tag along with her on her next salon trip!

I love my ash brown color which I have been sporting for more than a year!  But I seriously needed a change and I'm definitely comfortable to have it done at HairShaft salon!  If you search for the hashtag #Fredified on Instagram, you'll definitely see amazing hair transformation so I'm really excited to leave my hair to the hands of the hair master Mr. Fred Penales.

The Permanent Blowout® with Keratin Essence Hydrating Masque Experience at Design Studio Salon

Yes, I'm a hair addict! 

No, you won't see me walking around the busy streets sniffing other peoples' hair (that's extremely creepy!)  I am addicted in taking care of my OWN hair! :P

Since turning into a mom, my haircare routine changed drastically and I almost never get to visit the salon just because I prefer spending my free time with the little one rather than spending it inside the salon!  

But, when I chanced upon Deal Grocer's recent deals under the Beauty section, I knew I had to grab this rare opportunity especially since my good friend Jackie Go was raving about their services!  

It was more than 3 hours "away-time" from Kyle but it was all worth it!  Once in a year lang naman to anak!

62% OFF from Php11,200 to Php4,200

For this deal, I get The Permanent Blowout and Keratin Essence Hydrating Masque treatment valid for any length and hair thickness but you have to make sure you are not pregnant, lactating.  Women who have currently bleached their hair or you have undergone Re-bonding, Perming, Brazilian Blowout, or Keratin Blowout within 8 months shouldn't even think about availing this service! 

I actually like how the terms are all clearly written on the site!  

(P.S.  It was sold out when I took a screenshot but I believe they re-opened this deal and you can still avail this service!)

My First Time at Creations by Lourd Ramos Salon

Everytime I see Lourd Ramos in person, he is this super down-to-earth, very beautiful person both on the inside and outside!  I always forget he is a celebrity because he doesn't shove it in your throat how big he is!  

I was invited to a couple of his "salon events" in the past because I have Blogger friends who knew him well, I always ended up not going because of time conflict or because the event place is too far to where I live.

Then one day, I got a private message on my FB page, Lourd himself invited me for a small "grand opening" event for his newest salon at BGC Stopover, Taguig.  Who can say no to that?  It was timing that my mom-in-law can look after my son so I immediately said yes!  And of course, my Blogger friends are there!  Who can also say no to that?

The salon is located at the third floor of BGC Stopover, the building isn't hard to spot because it is the only building that isn't "high".  With the maximum floor of 3, parking could be an issue on a busy day but I did tried parking and waited and actually got a slot after less than 15 minutes!  

Salon Review: Vivere Salon, Robinsons Place Manila

When was the last time I visited a salon?
I can't seem to remember!  My hair length as of the moment is probably the longest I've had for the past 10 years.  Not a choice by the way!  But it is because for the fact that I don't have time to pamper myself!

On weekdays, I'm doing my Consultant job in an Executive Search firm, in between hours I attend events and meet up with clients for meetings.  On a weekend, I'm usually out for a workshop or off prettifying someone.  On Sundays, that's a family day, as much as possible I free it up to visit my family so that (kinda) is the summary of how my life is since I became a mom!

Again, not complaining there!  But my hair probably is!

Vivere Salon recently invited me for an event but I can't seem to pry myself away from my son on that day because no one will look after him!  Thankfully, the Vivere Salon team are nice enough to give me a Saturday Slot at the branch of my choice!  I chose Robinsons Manila because that is nearer to where I live.

Lush New Shampoo Bars Launch at Piandre Salon

Shampoo in a bar?
Would it suds up?  Will my hair feel extremely dry?  Is it even possible?

Well, let me answer those questions for you as I finally got to have my own #lushtime last week as they launch 6 new Lush Shampoo Bars in a place I feel quite comfortable with....Piandre Salon, Fort Bonifacio!

According to the Lush team, Lush's naked, unpreserved solid shampoo bars are not only convenient and unpreserved, but, they are actually saving bottles of liquid shampoo going to landfill when you use each bar!  Aside from saving the environment, these bars are quite effective because they have been hitting off the shelves!

Salon Report: Hairshaft Salon, Podium

First things first, Happy Belated Birthday to my dearest blogger friend Lush Angel and to Mr. Fred Penales of Hairshaft Salon!

2 years ago, I had a hair treatment that took me hours (story HERE) and good friend Angela visited me as she lives close by and a quick chat turned into hours of fun memories! (with Mr. AMW sleeping at the background).  From then on, we knew we are best salon buddies!  And I got pregnant, gave birth and the rest was history!

Because Angela enjoyed my company so much!  *laughs*  (This is my blog, walang hihirit hahaha)  She invited me to have another "salon date" with her at Hairshaft salon (her favorite salon) at Podium.  Because of the location, the long-overdue salon date didn't happen until that fateful day when we both attended Burt's Bees 30th Birthday event and both of our cars are coding and we'd rather spend hours pampering inside a salon! 

Let's talk about Hairshaft Salon, I heard about Hairshaft way back when I used to work at Ortigas area.  My colleague always have good hair day and when asked about where she usually have her hair cut, the answer is always Hairshaft Salon, Podium!  So can you imagine the excitement of me finally meeting the "GODFATHER" Fred?  Owner of Hairshaft Salon?

With all the gorgeous "after" photos of Angela with her gorgeous locks, I knew I had to pry myself away from Baby AMW and finally have my much-needed haircut!  Sorry baby, you may appreciate a nice-looking mommy when you go to school in the future! :P

A group shot prior to our hair-makeover!

"groufie c/o Samsung NX Mini"

Now let's talk about the salon itself!  Upon entering the salon, on a weekday, you would be surprised to see the salon almost full!  Angela told me this is the first time she saw the salon not that crowded.  I mean seriously?  On a weekday?

AMW Reports: Macadamia Muse Party + Giveaway

Congratulations to ---Kimberly Tiu and Lorielyn Nocasa!

Check out this poster...

And I can't help but did the "Hashtag" because I actually had Fabulous Hair right after attending the Macadamia Muse Party!

Salon Visit: Louis Phillip Kee Premier Salon, Makati

One of the many things I missed doing after giving birth is visiting a salon!  Don't get me wrong, not being able to do so doesn't affect my cheerful disposition, but going to one will definitely make me a super happy ducky! *trying hard to make a duck face* :P

Since Monday was my errand day, I've decided to finish the day with a nice pampering session in a salon!  Thanks to Marcie from Love and Light Productions for introducing me to LPK (Louis Phillip Kee).  I've heard so many good things about the salon but it was only last Monday I got to try their premier services!

After a long and tiring day, I'm ready to be pampered!

Salon Report: Hair Cut and Aroma Hair Therapy at Azta Urban Salon

Happy Thursday everyone!  Time for Salon Report and I'm so happy to announce that I finally had a tiny "me" time after pregnancy!  To be honest, it was a difficult decision to leave home since I'm very attached with Baby AMW as I've been with him 24/7!  It was a difficult decision but I'm glad I made it to the haircut and hair treatment as my poor hair deserves the TLC!  Motherhood is definitely not a simple task, sometimes, I just want to walk in jacuzzi tub (I wish!) 

A couple of years ago, I had Hair Coloring and Gloss Treatment done at Azta Urban Salon (read post HERE), SM San Lazaro branch and so far, the experience was great so it wasn't a difficult decision to go back to this place!  

The salon was packed with clients when I arrived so I had to wait a couple of minutes for my turn.  The staffs were really helpful and accommodating and I didn't mind the wait as I get to see what services other customers availed!  The girl beside me had a gorgeous OMBRE hair treatment in purplish red and I wish I can do the same on mine but I have to put hair coloring on hold as I'm breastfeeding Baby AMW!  It's nice to know that the salon strongly suggest me to ask my Doctor regarding hair coloring while nursing to keep baby safe!

I opted for Aromatherapy for my super dry and lifeless hair and a simple hair cut as I still prefer to tie my hair in ponytail when I'm with baby Kyle!  

The in thing on hair shampooing?  I used to call this "dry shampooing" back in China.  Dianne applied shampoo on my hair and lather it while seated comfortably on my chair. Then I was asked to proceed to the rinsing area to wash my hair.

Salon Report: Revisiting Salon Beauvoir for a New Hair!

Happy Saturday!  Happy last weekend for the year 2012!  I am very excited for the coming year as both Mr. AMW and I will welcome Baby Boy AMW with open arms!

Today, is the day I will be sharing my newest hairdo!  The last salon I visited was 6 months ago and it was at Salon Beauvoir (read my experience HERE)!  After 6 long months, I have finally set a schedule with the same salon with the help of dear friend Char!  (Thanks Char!)

As soon as I got in the salon, I've noticed how well-kept the interiors are and the place still look as good as new!  Since it was the Christmas season, I love the added Christmas tree for that nice holiday touch! 

6 months without haircut + pregnancy hormones + lazy to use any at-home hair care treatment = Dry, unruly and damaged hair! 

Check out the excited girl while I was waiting for more quick consultation with one of my favorite hairstylist Sam!

Had a quick chat with Sam and I am so happy to see familiar faces!  John (the guy who washed my hair 6 months ago and gives one of the best head and back massage was still there and he still remembers me!)  

AMW Reports: Pink Me Up

Happy Saturday AMW Friends! :)
Today, I will be sharing a unique, very relaxing place that I recently visited!  Before I do so, let me share to you the side story first! *winks*

When I was in high school, I joined the MPFA group (Military Police and First Aiders).  Sounds serious right?  Well, it was the best decision I've made as I enjoyed summer training with friends from both my batch and higher/lower batches!  Snake-crawl, frog-leaps, jumping jacks, sit-ups, running, rifle-demonstration were all useless to me for my present career but the biggest thing I learned?  Camaraderie!

That's were I got the chance to meet a batch lower fellow MPFA-ers Steph and Reg.  Who would've thought these 2 remained good friends and opened up their own business?  I am so proud of them when I first heard about Pink Me Up Beauty Nail and Dry bar.  I was invited to visit their "baby" so many times but due to my hectic schedule, I wasn't able to do so.

Not until the day I was invited to do makeup for Reg's family and it was done at the Nail and Dry Bar! 

I made a silent "gasp" once I got in, this is how I would picture my own room to look like!  *laughs*  The ambiance is super comfortable, the architecture feels like the olden days at the same time have the modern kick!  The main color is pink but the overall look doesn't scream "PINK" which makes it okay even for guys to relax here!

Salon Report: Haircut at Salon Beauvoir

I love visiting different salons around the Metro.  Why?  Well, I get to feel the different vibe on each salon (even out of the country).  Going to salon is like going for a massage!  I love the feeling of having my hair pampered even for an hour, just like the rest of my body, I think our hair deserves the tender loving care!

Since my hair has been out of shape for the longest time, half a year without a trim!  Can't blame me, I've been very busy prettifying other people during my weekends and I tend to forget about myself!  So after a long and tiring week, I've finally booked myself a hair appointment with the help of Char!  (Thanks Char!)

Okay, I've seen a lot of posh looking salons in the past but this one topped the list for the moment ---  Salon Beauvoir!

Salon Beauvoir means "Beautiful View" in French and so far, as I stepped in the salon located at Somerset Olympia Building in Makati, I was indeed amazed by the luxurious interior that reminded me so much of a view inside a prestigious cruise line!  Imagine "Titanic" the modern version! :)

As I waited for my turn, I was offered a Raspberry Iced Tea drink as I plopped myself into this gorgeous velvet couch and there I see international and local magazines to choose from!  I was also busy updating my phone's email as the salon is equipped with Free WIFI!

L'Oreal Chroma Straight Hair Makeover at David's Salon Eastwood

Happy weekend once again!  The week passed by pretty quickly but I have managed to use my time wisely!  Last week, after the Estee Lauder counter visit, I went straight to David's Salon located at Eastwood for my L'Oreal Chroma Straight Makeover.

As you all know, L'Oreal was kind enough to give away Chroma Straight Makeover to one lucky AMW Reader!  The winner and myself were originally planned to do this makeover together, but I guess scheduling was a huge problem and I was a bit too busy for the past weekends so it was a perfect Saturday afternoon for me to finally do something to my "starting to get unmanageable" hair!

Let's rewind to my Rebonding History, some of you may not know that my hair is rebonded!  My first rebond was a result of "boredom in China"!  It was those years I was young and easily swayed so I was talked into doing this treatment (In Chinese!*lol*) even though I do not have super curly or frizzy hair.  Like most people who went through the rebonding process, you would probably understand why we need to do the process again and again!

After a year, yup!  A year!  Thanks to all those hair treatments, serums and moisturizing sprays that I tediously apply on my hair as it survived a year of "half and half hair" (wavy on top, straight at the bottom)

Let's get back to the makeover story!  I do not go to Eastwood much so I did ask directions from the friendly security guys and we were guided to the right direction, as I entered the salon, I took notice on the lovely hair products display right away and went straight to the receptionist as I have an appointment!  Waiting area is huge and a staff went up to me right away to lead me to my area!

What's a Chroma Straight Makeover?

Hair Philosophie Color and Hair Treatment

Happy Morning AMW Readers!  Today marks the last day of I Love Beauty Workshop with Garnier, Maybelline and AMW!  If you are free on March 31 and you haven't joined the contest yet, what are you waiting for?  Smile and click HERE to join and cross your fingers and toes after!

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Even with my super busy schedule, I'm glad I was able to squeeze in an hour or 2 to color and treat my hair!  I was contacted by Ria, PR Consultant for Hair Philosophie, weeks ago and it was funny how our schedules won't match!  When the day has finally arrived, It was great to finally meet the lovely girl who was kind enough to fix my salon appointment! 

Hair Philosophie salon is located near Salcedo Park and location was easy to find!

As soon as I got in, the "candy area" caught my attention after the FREE WIFI sign!  All you need to do is ask for candies and ask for the WIFI password, I went for the latter and forgot about the candies and honestly speaking?  I'm having regrets!  *laughs*  Those are peppermint candies!!!

Salon Report: FAB Salon Part 2 at Valero

Browsing through my "cute" organizer, I just realized that my last haircut was around August, for someone who's so into fixing the "layers" or "re-constructing" the hair, 4 months of no-haircut is like 3 days of no water!  (Okay, don't mind me, that's exaggeration!)

My life was a bit of a whirlwind running here and there but this girl ain't complaining!  I love being busy and you wouldn't believe it when I say, the more busy I am, the more energy I get!  --- That's probably an Energizer Bunny's Mantra too!

When I got an invite for a "salon pampering" session at FAB Salon,  I couldn't resist it and it was a perfect timing as it was on a holiday!  I said yes right away and this greeted me once I got in.....

Oh, of course, I saw this too! *discreetly* Shhhhh....

Salon Report: Hair Coloring, Gloss Treatment at AZTA Urban Salon

Happy First Day of October!
To celebrate the Happy October month, not because its October-fest (I'm not that much of a beer drinker), but because October is my brother's birthday!  October is also the month I start to feel the spirit of Christmas!  *inserts Christmas songs as I wear my reindeer headband* :P

One way to keep yourself happy is to give yourself "me" time.  What's my definition of a "me" time? 

All together now: "Visit a salon!"

I try to salon-hop as much as possible because I believe there's just so much to offer in each salon!  I may have a favorite hairstylist but I am quite adventurous in trying out different salons and I'm not that icky when it comes to who's touching my hair!  (as long as they don't pull it hard!)

One rainy weekday, my brother-in-law picked me up at our home and drove me to SM San Lazaro (thanks B.I.L.!).  My sister was also there and my nephew!  He was so cute!  Before we bid our "temporary" goodbyes, he said: "Auntie Nikki will look pretty after!"  --- good job training him sis!  *laughs*

I have been a local customer of Tony & Jackey (my favorite stylist is Water) and it was a surprise for me to know that AZTA Urban Salon has a branch at the nearest SM mall from home!  I'm glad I visited this place on a weekday and here's the gorgeous, comfortable ambiance that greeted me....

Let's not forget the friendly smile of the receptionist Ms. Chien.  

 

First thing I checked....magazines!  Do I have enough to read?  Are they updated?  YES! 

Salon Report: FAB Salon Newport Mall

I've been around the Newport Mall a couple of times and I can't believe I missed a posh salon hidden on the 4th level next to McDonalds!  When I got an invite to try out their services with a couple of gorgeous bloggers, it was a "beauty field trip" that I wouldn't miss, it's high time for me to take a peek at this newly opened salon!

Fab Salon is a full-service salon with a lot of services for both men and women!  I checked their service menu right away and I like the fact that they specify the "meaning" of hair lengths.  At least, you won't be surprise with your bill!  All the rates are clearly published right at the reception area.

Short (up to chin line)

Medium (up to shoulder line)

Long (up to underarm line)

Extra Long (beyond underarm line)

Fab Salon was conceptualized to cater to a market that does not want to compromise quality in exchange for affordability, comfort for functionality, and expertise for accessibility.

Salon Report: INOA Hair Color at Regine's Salon

In the middle of this year (wow, time flew by extremely fast!), I reported about the new professional permanent hair color that boosts their pride in saying INOA --- Innovation NO Ammonia! 

I received a gift certificate to try on INOA at Regine's Salon, because I just had my hair colored, I've decided to gift it to my mom-in-law because I heard the system is great not only in lightening or darkening the hair color but its great in covering whilte/gray hair! 

My mom-in-law is quite happy with the result and I can see how gorgeous the color she has on!  I wasn't able to go with her to the salon so no report about the treatment then!  I was quite amazed on how gorgeous the color came out and it stayed longer than regular at-home hair color system, I've decided to give it a try myself after I have more than an inch of regrowth!