Saturday, March 13, 2010

The FLOW Surf.Yoga.Samba Weekend Retreat

Dear Philippine Readers:

Some of you reading this may be craving for a relaxing weekend!  Summer season is scorching hot down here and all you want to do is curl yourself inside an air conditioned room or in front of an electric fan and eat your ice cream away!

Before you pig out!  There is something exciting to do this summer!  Read on....

You can click photo to enlarge and read details


The FLOW Surf.Yoga.Samba Weekend Retreat aims to unify the body, mind, and soul. We offer each guest an experience of a lifetime – practicing yoga will develop focus, strength, and flexibility; surfing will develop confidence, stamina, and ocean awareness; dancing and creating music enhances sense of well-being and builds social skills. The whole retreat is complemented with healthy food to help nourish this unique journey to self-discovery.

April 9-11, 2010 Long Weekend
Package Rate: P7,500
Inclusions:

- 2 Vinyasa Yoga sessions
- 2 Surfing Lessons
- 2 Samba Lessons and Brazilian Batuccada Samba Drumming
- Roundtrip private transfers Manila - La Union - Manila
- 3D/ 2N aircon accommodation at San Juan Surf Resort
- Wholesome meals and snacks
- Flow Shirts
- Tote Bag with freebies from sponsors

Here are some photos from past retreat
 (photos from Flow:SurfYogaSamba)



For more details please visit their website by smiling and clicking HERE
Be their facebook fan: www.facebook.com/flowsurfyogasamba

Definitely exciting for sure!  
I'm sure it'll be great to tag along your family or friends!
Enjoy the summer!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Friday, March 12, 2010

AMW Reviews: Coffret D'Or Fluffy Shine Eyes

My first Coffret D'or ever!  Coffret D'or is under the huge Japanese brand Kanebo.  Kaneba isn't a stranger to me, my first liquid liner that I bought prior to my engagement party is from Kanebo and I love it to bits. 

I want to thank my dearest friend for sending me this on my birthday!  I have always wanted to try this.

 

Coffret D'Or Fluffy Shine Eyes says ---
An eyeshadow which gives your eyes the 3D effect with its brilliant quality color.

Available in 5 shades
01 white
02 pink
03 gold
04 blue green
05 purple


AMW says ---

Pros
  • wonderful, luxurious packaging
  • very light on skin
  • dries up easily
  • easy to blend
  • does not crease
  • works great as a base, can make your powdered shadow more vibrant
  • no weird scent

Cons
  • have to dip the product with your fingers, using a brush won't work due to its texture
  • the shade is quite sheer so you have to build up the intensity
  • some of the shimmer can transfer to other parts of your face
  • looks very very shiny on flash camera
  • not readily available
Overall
Base on research and further readings, the Coffre D'Or Fluffy Shine Eyes was released Autumn of 2008.  Only 5 shades were released with "Pure Shine Pearls" which gives your eyeshadow a 3D effect depending on which angle you are looking at.  Personally, I've seen a lot of similar packaging and concept from different Japanese and Korean brands.  I admit, the packaging, the concept looks luxurious and I want to own it for the sake of having an aesthetically gorgeous product on top of my makeup table!  

My final thoughts after using one, this is a great product if you are someone who likes shimmery eyeshadow.  This products works alone and as an eyeshadow base to intensify your boring powder eyeshadow.  The mousse-y texture makes it easy to blend and it dries up almost instantly!  

The only problem is that, this was released a long time ago, I've done some research and seen ebay or some online sellers selling them but the prices are jacked up to $30 above and the retail price of this is only around $10-$15.  

If you have someone to swap with, then go for it.  To go through all the trouble to find this and pay for the high price?  Not worth it.

Tips
  • apply a similar shade of eyeshadow on top of this fluffy shine eyes to lessen the shimmer and intensify eyeshadow color, making it 3 dimensional
  • use your clean fingers to gently apply this all over your lids
  • always close the cap tightly after use
  • if you want a sheer shade, gently blend out with short strokes
  • press down the product directly onto the lid for a more pigmented shade
Will I repurchase?
No, I think this one pot is enough, I think this will dry up on me before I finish this up.

Where to purchase and how much?
I haven't checked local Kanebo counters, but online for approx $30.00+ (approx Php1,300+)

Coffret D'Or Fluffy Shine Eyes in 05 
The shade is purple with a bit of bluish undertone.  This works well as a base for my purple eyeshadow and even pinks!  I like applying this just on my crease area not going beyond the lid for a nice "shimmer" everytime I blink! 

  

 05 Purple on pot on swatched on hand without flash

  
 
  05 Purple on pot on swatched on hand with flash

 
  

You can't blame me for falling in love with this!  Bling blings are girls' bestfriend!  
Have you tried this?  Or similar concept eyeshadow like these?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

 

Thursday, March 11, 2010

AMW Reviews: TBS Kiss of Colour Cheek Blush


Happy morning everyone!
I like how the world is becoming such a "hi-tech" place!  From computers to cameras to mobile phones to cars and now...make-up!  There's oscillating mascaras, oscillating foundation, heated lash curler and there is such thing as Stamping Blush!

The event from The Body Shop that I recently attended, one "hi-tech" product (in my dictionary) caught my eye and I was too excited to bring it home and try it!  It's The Body Shop's Kiss of Colour Cheek Blush!



TBS Kiss of Colour Cheek Blush says ---

Give cheeks a radiant, rosy tint of colour in an instant, thanks to the innovative blush tamp, easily portable for make-up application 'on the go'.  The sponge applicator is coated in the pressed powder so it can be applied lightly to the cheeks for a fresh -faced glow.  Cheeks look like they have been gently pinched by Mother Nature. 

Available in two delectable shades --- 
Limited Edition 01 Vibrant Rose and 02 Golden Coral


 **photo courtesy of TBS

The blush is stylishly presented in a fresh white pack with a handy mirror for making-up on the move.  To help care for skin, the Cheeks Blush features moisturizing Community Trade sesame seed oil and Community Trade Brazil nut oil.
 
AMW says ---

Pros
  • convenient to use, non-messy
  • blush color is very pigmented
  • I love it that the key ingredients include brazil nut oil and sesame oil, both helps soften and moisturizes the skin!  Makeup that keeps your face healthy! 
  • easy to apply using the stamping method or even using your favorite blush brush
  • a little goes a long way
  • cute packaging
  • the tiny mirror that goes with the packaging!
  • has a faint "stationary" scent
  • gives a nice natural glow, not too bright or over the top
  • blush stays approximately 5-6 hours without cream blush, no retouch, which is actually impressive and good enough for a powder blush!
Cons
  • cannot wash or disinfect the "stamping pad"
  • the mirror is a fab idea but after carrying this around your kit, the mirror gets blurry because of scratches
  • a bit pricey to some who doesn't have the budget
  • limited edition!  What if I want to repurchase???
Overall
I know this idea isn't new, but an innovative blush WITH the added care for the skin is definitely a better choice for cosmetics!  The Body Shop has always been a skincare brand for me so I don't have high expectations when it comes to their makeup line. This definitely came as a wonderful surprise!  The Body Shop Kiss of Colour Cheek Blush is definitely a must for women on the go! 

The color I chose Vibrant Pink is a very subtle light pink shade when applied lightly creates a naturally flush that comes from within.  This is definitely a great addition to  my "daily natural look". 

Tips
from TBS make-up artist
  • softly smile, then press Kiss of Colour onto the apples of your cheeks.
  • using either your fingers or blusher brush, blend up and along your cheekbones

from AMW
  • to create a very subtle blush, stamp onto the apples of your cheeks gently and spread upwards
  • to intensify the blush color, press the stamp further down (you can feel the spring pushed downward) and the color is more pigmented and gently blend outward and upward.
  • if you prefer using your fingers to spread the color, make sure your fingers are clean
  • apply a similar shade of cream blush prior to stamping for more intense blush shade and to make the blush color stays longer
  • use a hot pink lipstick with this blush!  Barbie doll inspired look!
  • less is always more
  • applied too much?  Use your favorite powder foundation and brush it on top of the blush to lessen the color

Will I repurchase?
Yes!  I want the 02 Golden Coral shade before it runs out!

Where to purchase and how much?
At local Body Shop stores for Php1,395 (approx $29.60)



Press and create a dot on each cheek
Please blend and do not leave looking like this! *hahaha*


Spread the color using your favorite kabuki brush or blush brush
This was the "Summer Ready" look I've done early this week 
using TBS Colour Cheek Blush in Vibrant Pink


Hope my cheeky smile makes your day a happy one!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Ensembles Summer Campaign

(note: all photos in this post from Ensembles)

Dear Philippine Readers:



It's the time of year again when all we think about is packing our bags and heading to warm weather summer destinations.  ENSEMBLES Summer Collection fulfills your vacation fantasy and its sleek sophistication and comfort.  The collection features light textured fabrics with matching summer bathing suit.  Highlighted in this collection are beautifully cut dresses, bathing suits and cover-ups perfect to make statement in any vacation destination.

This outfit screams Nikki!


I want her shoes!!!


A new collection from one of my favorite clothing brand Ensembles.  I am happy they chose Ms. Carmina Villaroel to be their image model.  She's the perfect example of a woman I look up to!  A bubbly girl with all the right kind of personality.  A great host, model, actress and best of all?  A loving mom to her twins! 

Here's my favorite candid shot of her....



To see the collection, visit Ensembles website at www.ensembles.com.ph
Be a fan of Ensembles on Facebook, search for "Ensembles"
Follow them on Twitter

I'm definitely checking out the stores over the weekend
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



AMW Reports: The First Dollface Personal Makeup Workshop

Last February 20, 2010 marked a very memorable day for me!  I was invited to be the instructor for The First Dollface Personal Makeup Workshop by none other than Ms. Pearl of  Dollface herself!  It was weeks of planning, YM meetings, back and forth emails and the day finally arrived. I arrived half an hour early and it was great to meet Pearl in person for the first time!  I also met her lovely sister May.  While waiting for the rest of the students to arrive, we've chatted a bit and decided to take a photo.

L-R May, Pearl and Nikki

The workshop is from 10:00am til 5:00pm, I thought this will be a gruesomely tiring day, but boy was I wrong!  It was heart pumping, over-the-top "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" day for me!

The workshop started with talks about Basic skincare, different skintypes and skin problems was raised and it was a room of oilies, normal, combination and dry skin!  Yes, we have them all in one room!

The next topic includes Makeup Tools and their uses.  Then Cleansing Makeup Tools with a live demonstration was done too!


Choosing the right foundation shade is the next big thing!  The students did admit that it is very difficult to purchase their own foundation shade.  So there's live demonstration on how to test foundation testers and a lot of tips to save your hard earned money.


Watching the students use their own foundation with the right tools 
and application techniques put a huge smile on my face


Color correcting using colored concealers from green, orange, purple etc...  I love how they are very conscious with areas they would like to conceal.  Common questions like how to hide zits, acne scars, undereye circles were raised in this workshop.


Students trying out color correcting, foundation application and concealing



Let's not forget one of the most important basic makeup application, brow shaping!  For me, there's no perfect eyebrow for everyone!  Eyebrow shaping has to be done with sensitivity on the facial features, the characteristics and preference of each individual.  Removing unwanted hairs, using the right tools and trimming long eyebrows are all included in this lesson. See how intense the class is?  *hahaha*


Then it was the students' turn to reshape and fill in their brows to frame their faces before they start eye makeup application.  Of course, there's also me as the "third person's point of view" to guide them too!


Contouring won't be missed on any makeup workshop!  Thanks to Pearl for bringing her projector as it was easier to discuss facial shapes with the dear hubby manually clicking on the next photos!


Live demonstration on how to contour facial shapes and even the nose!


No Makeup Look


Simple Smokey Eyes
Each student was given the chance to create their own smokey eyes with any shade they want


Last but not the least, false lashes application!  Everyone "almost" moaned when they heard about applying false lashes on their own!  It was a challenging task but one student did it successfully!


A group picture with the students and Pearl


I want to thank Dollface for the trust on my teaching capacity and makeup knowledge.  To May, her sister, for helping out and for being such a sweetheart!  Kallfood for the wonderful lunch and snacks (I swore I added pounds on that day).  To Ms. Cats Del Rosario for the wonderful venue and for dropping by for a chat.  To Keith, my dearest hubby and photographer for being patient and very supportive!  Would you believe the students want me to apply foundation on him too?  Of course I didn't!  hahaha

And to all the wonderful students who continuously ask questions and shared information and laughed on my jokes which made the class a wonderful and successful event.  Without each and every one of you, this workshop won't happen!

That's no Oscar speech by the way, it came from my heart :D

It was a full day's hard work but worth all the time and effort!  An added bonus, I've met a couple more new friends too! Aaaahh for the love of beauty...both in and out!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!