Sunday, September 6, 2009

Weekend Food Tripping at: Wham Burger + Meetup

Happy Weekend Food tripping! What's your agenda? Today, I declare UNHEALTHY food tripping! No diet, no calorie counting and "I deserve to eat" day! I feel you gals nodding ... hahaha Vote me for President?

My weekend food tripping is from our favorite burger chain, WHAM! Burger! Read on to know why I choose this over the other burger making businesses!

It doesn't hurt that their burgers are freshly grilled...




Wham! Burger
Php84.00 (approx $2.00)

Freshly grilled beef patty, Cheese and Bacon on a fresh bun!



Country Style Fries
Php45.00 (approx $1.00)

I love fat fries! Do you too? I'll go for the fatty over the thin fries from McDonalds



Now, here it is, my ultimate reason why I love WHAM! Burger!

Cross Trax Fries
Php50.00 (approx more than $1.00)

Seriously! I can have 2 boxes of these for dinner! lol
Of course I'll die young with cholesterol but my oh my!
I seriously love this and keyboard are full of saliva right this moment!



Cafe Latte Shake
(sorry forgot the price)

This is even better than any other shakes I've tried, so far.
It's pure ice cream heaven! They scoop out your favorite flavor of ice cream
and blended it with a blender! VOILA...



Pistachio Ice Cream
(sorry forgot the price)

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe they serve ice cream from FIC
Ladies who live here knows how yummy FIC ice cream is! :)



Now I'm heading off for lunges and jumping jacks! LOL

-----------------------------------------

(all photos from Shen, thanks sis for the lovely shots)

Anyways, before I leave all of you gals salivating, I want to add up a post for a blogger meet up last month! Our dear friend Gracie visited the Philippines after 3 long years! She came with Neil, the funny boyfriend and Sam, too bad didn't get the chance to meet Sam! :)

We met up with her at Ricky Reyes Salon at Robinson's Place, Ermita. Yes she had her nails painted in a lovely RED polish! After a year of crazy chatting, we finally met!!!!


L-R Shen, me and Gracie

It doesn't hurt that her BF Neil is one of the coolest guy I know! Though it was his first time to be in the Philippines, he can ride along with the crazy humor of ours! And I want to add that he's not afraid to eat ANYTHING! I can scare him about eating "Pig's butt" or internal organs of whatever! He'll grab a bite and goes "YUMMY!" The 2 are just funny!

After lovely dinner at Dencio's, Jheng was able to catch up with us at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.


L-R Jheng, Me, Gracie and Neil

Now this next photo is my favorite photo! Female beauty blogger friends unite! Though we all met because of blogging, we were like friends forever sharing stories not only about beauty but about life in general! Gracie told me that the staff from the salon asked Neil if we have been friends for long! And imagine the shock when Neil told them that it was our first time to meet Gracie in person! :) Looking back, I'm super happy I am a blogger :)


L-R Jheng, Shen, Me and Gracie

Gracie and Neil, I know it was a short trip but thanks for squeezing us in the tight schedule!
I hope to see you all again!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Happy weekend darlings!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Something New: L'oreal Paris UV Perfect


**photo from L'oreal


To effectively protect your skin from these damaging factors, L’Oreal Paris Laboratories have created a range of products tailor-made for Asian skin with advanced UVA/UVB protection, which act as a protective shield against the sun and pollution. Following the success of L’Oreal Paris’ best-selling UV Perfect Advanced Fluid Face Protector SPF 50/PA+++, UV Perfect Advanced Spray Protector SPF 40/PA+++ and UV Perfect Advanced Cream-Gel Protector SPF 30/PA+++ for the chest, arms and hands were created.


With UV PERFECT, NO skin darkening even after 29 days exposure, unlike with other brands. Exposed everyday, skin stays fair and appearance of spots is prevented with UV Perfect, unlike with other brands.


Thanks to its patented filtering system [XL Block]: Mexoryl® SX and XL with proven efficacy on both UVA and UVB rays, UV Perfect obstructs the pigmentation process caused by sun exposure, inhibits pollution from fixing on skin and detoxifies cells for a powerful anti-dullness action for the skin.


The Activa-Cell® enriched UV Perfect Advanced Cream-Gel Protector SPF 30/PA+++ helps the natural repair system of the skin against free radicals, premature ageing and dryness. UV Perfect Advanced Spray Protector SPF 40/PA+++ is designed for sensitive skin and offers a very high level of UVA and UVB protection wherever you are. Both are easily absorbed by the skin while being water-resistant, ensuring comfort and non-stickiness right from the time you put it on your body.


And of course, sun protection for the face is always important. Quickly absorbed by the skin, the multi-tasking UV Perfect Advanced Fluid Face Protector SPF 50/PA+++ can be used as a make-up base as it ensures optimal protection against UVA/UVB rays and pollution, prevents brown spots, skin darkening and premature skin-darkening.


Suggested retail price for UV Perfect products:


  • UV Perfect Advanced Spray Protector SPF 40 – P495 (approx $10.00)
  • UV Perfect Advanced Cream-Gel Protector SPF 30 – P460 (approx $9.30)
  • UV Perfect Advanced Fluid Face Protector SPF 50 (available in anti-dullness, transparent and tinted variants) – P495 (approx $10.00)

Available nationwide at SM Department Stores and Watsons Beauty Stores, PCX, The Landmark, Robinson’s Department Stores, Shopwise, Rustan’s Supermarket, Mercury Drug Stores, and Gaisano Metro Department Stores.


I am currently using their UV Perfect Line and I'll be letting you know my experiences soon!
Are you using any of the products from this line? Do share your experiences!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Askmewhats Reviews: Kiehl's Creme De Corps


Dear Saturday, won't you stay longer? I'd love to spend more time with you! LOL

Happy weekend!!! I will be off for my dentist appointment this afternoon, of course, the usual cleaning and for my annual checkup! Yes people, beauty should be, I repeat, SHOULD BE in and out! Go to your dentist and have your beautiful set of teeth checked, promise?

Today, I will be talking about a moisturizer I've used and finished up! The Kiehl's Creme de Corps Rick Nourishing Cream. Just the name gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. How did it work out for yours truly? Read on...

**photo from Kiehl's

Kiehl's Creme De Corps says ---

Superb All-Over Body Moisturizer of Superb Quality for extremely dry, or flaking skin. Enriched with the finest ingredients known to Kiehl’s, for a rich, elegant skin texture. Continued use for 10 days will provide a skin texture heretofore unattainable.

Key Ingredients

Beta-Carotene
eta-Carotene is a naturally derived antioxidant predominantly found in many orange/red vegetables such as carrots. It is used in Vitamin A production and gives an orange tint when used in skin care products.

Cocoa Butter
Cocoa Butter is a yellowy fat expressed from the roasted seeds of the cocoa plant. It is solid at room temperature but melts at body temperature. It softens and lubricates skin and is used in a variety of skin care formulations.

Sesame Oil
Sesame Oil, which is a refined moisturizing oil derived from Sesame Seeds, has the same emollient properties as other nut and vegetable oils and is commonly used as a carrier oil for skin care products. Absorbs easily and softens the skin.


Directions for use

Apply after bath or shower or anytime, as often as necessary. Gently massage this rich creme into dry body areas. Allow to remain and soak in several minutes before dressing. Our thick, elegant non-greasy formulation will be absorbed by the dry skin tissues, leaving skin soft, smooth and beautifully moisturized.

Askmewhats says ---

Pros
  • absorbs to the skin quickly
  • moisturizes my skin for the whole day
  • smells wonderful
  • packaging is simple and straightforward
  • non greasy
Cons
  • quite pricey for people who aren't comfortable in spending a lot for body moisturizers
Overall

What you're looking for in a body moisturizer, you find it here. Kiehl's Creme De Corps did not fail my expectation, it nourishes my skin and dry itchy patches are gone after regular usage. I can't say this is a HG (holy grail) material for now as there's so many moisturizers available in the market that it's quite difficult for me to stay loyal to one! What I love about Kiehl's is the simple packaging, the potency it has for me not to squirt too much which I find is money saving! The wonderful fresh scent of milk doesn't hurt my nose too! :)

Tips

  • not sure if the product is worth purchasing? Go to Kiehl's store and try on their testers
  • apply Creme De Corps right after taking a shower
  • apply generous amount on dry areas like elbows, knees and feet
  • wear socks at night with ample amount of Creme De Corps and you'll wake up with soft feet!
Will I repurchase?

I want to, but I also want to try other moisturizers out there that are lesser expensive!

Where to purchase and how much?


At Kiehl's shop at Greenbelt 5 available in 2 sizes
250 ml for Php1,800 (approx $37.00)
500ml for Php 3,150 (approx $64.00)


Have you tried Kiehl's Creme De Corps?
How do you feel about the price and its quality?
I'd love to hear from you!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Askmewhats Reviews: Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Blush

Happy Friday people of the world!!! I feel good vibes, I feel positive energy! Everyone happy and excited for the weekend right?

Today is a blush day! I know I've talked about a couple of blushes in the past, and as you know, most of them are on "bronzey" shade or "peachy" shade. But what about the "Pink Ladies" out there?

You should know that I was a pink blush user and lover in the past, I may have steered away from the pinks, but of course! A girl is a girl! A girl needs variety! There are days and will always be days I would like to feel girly and romantic! And it's time that I share the pink blush I am using for the moment!

Maybelline's Clear Smooth Minerals
Luminous Blush



Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Blush says ---

  • Clear Smooth Minerals luminous blush is oil-free and fragrance free. Benefit: Never clogs pores, healthy color that is never fake.
  • Micro-minerals have closer affinity to skin. Benefit: Natural flush of color that blends in skin tone.
  • Kabuki brush is made of 100% natural bristles for flawless coverage and a natural looking finish.
Ingredients:
(you can click to enlarge)


Askmewhats says ---


Pros
  • pigmented
  • affordable, as it goes with a nice cute kabuki brush
  • pigmented and pretty
  • no matter how much I apply, the color shows up but always came out natural to look at
  • no allergies or cheek irritations
  • because of the small kabuki brush that comes with it, I don't find application messy!
  • lasts more than half a day, great for a mineral powder blush!
  • packaged so well, I like it that everything was well thought of


Cons

  • limited shades available
Overall

I seldom use mineral blushes because they seldom last on me! When Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals came out with a Luminous Blush, I was a bit hesitant as I thought it will be another mineral blush that would be left behind my makeup kit! I'm glad I'm wrong!

On days I want a pink blush, I reach out for my Gentle Pink shade! I like that the kabuki brush included isn't scratchy and I like it that the blush is so pigmented I only use a little and my cheeks are oh so "POW WOW WOW"!

Tips
  • Maybelline counters go on sale for 20% on most of their products, do check out their sales and purchase their products while its cheaper!
  • I use an angled brush to create a more structured/contoured look
  • on days I want to have a natural flush, I use a big blush brush and apply it on the apples of my cheeks
  • to make any powder blush last longer, apply a cream blush prior to powder blush application
  • do not apply too much at once, try to pile on colors slowly!
  • always step back to check on your blushes to make sure they match!
  • accidentally applied too much blush? Don't fret! Use a bigger brush to brush off excess blush pigments
  • still feels like a clown? Apply loose powder on the cheeks
Will I repurchase?

Yes!

Where to purchase and how much?

At Maybelline counters for Php499.00 (approx $10.20)





Check out the cute kabuki blush brush included and how soft it is! When I had a mini chitchat with Maybelline's Sr. Product Manager, Michelle Fernandez, she told me that she's proud about this line because the Kabuki brushes included are of good quality and they are made in Japan.

My Gentle Pink Luminous Blush Up Close



I find the overall packaging quite cute! It may look the same as most mineral makeup companies but the sifter sticker imprinted again with instructions, the right size of holes for the right amount of blush to come out each time you tap the blush on the cap and the cute cap...what's not to love?

Product swatched on hand
Dry and without base



This is one example of an FOTD using
Clear Smooth Minerals
in Gentle Pink



I know people hate rules when it comes to makeup, but I do like to follow a mini rule...pink blush for pink (or any close to pink) shade of lipsticks! Love the effect especially with dark eyes! :)

So, is this blush a yay or nay?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

I Wonder: "What's Your Favorite Mineral Foundation Brand?"

This space is dedicated to my dear mineral fanatic friends who's been asking me what's the best mineral foundation out there. If you ask for my opinion, there's never going to be "THE BEST" on mineral foundation or anything else. We are all made different, that's the challenge and excitement of life!

How challenging life you may ask? So challenging that for the simplest thing of choosing the best Mineral Foundation could be tedious! So instead of carrying the burden, I will share! lol

AMW Wonders:

"What's Your Favorite Brand of Mineral Foundation?"


I am sure there will be a lot of mineral makeup brands popping out, so please use this for reference and always read ingredients list! Nothing beats testing the product yourself and see how it works for you! Do go for sample sizes to save money ok?

Let me give my two cents on my own question :)

My favorite mineral foundation for the moment is still Ellana Premium Blend Mineral Foundation in French Vanilla Latte. I've finished the sample size I got from my first review, bought full size pot and finished it off. And I'm currently using my 2nd full size pot from Shen, thanks sis!


**One empty and one half done!

I haven't had the chance to use a lot of mineral powder foundation as compared to other lovelies out there! Should I buy my 3rd pot? Or am I missing something else?

You know what's next!
Spill the beans!

and don't forget to Keep Smilin'

and Stay happy!