Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Revlon Colorburst Lipsticks Review

Ironically, as a makeup artist, I don't bring a lot of makeup and my friends can vouch on that.  I like bringing the staples and that includes powder, lip balm and lipstick!  I always tend to eat my lipstick when I eat and drink and I find myself re-applying lipstick as often as I re-apply my lip balm.

When I bid goodbye to the lip glosses I love during summer, I was on a hunt for moisturizing lipsticks that has good color payoff and of course, wide range of shades!  Thanks to Revlon I got to meet Colorburts Lipsticks!  Just to name, brings out a huge sunshine-y smile from yours truly.

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick Army



Monday, June 7, 2010

Nail Art Tutorial: "Splash of Sparkly Color" Nails


Happy Monday to all Monday lovers and haters!  I heard a lot of "ayes" on haters right?  Let's all bring in positive energy in the start of our week!  And because I am on the positive side of the energy, I will be sharing another nail art tutorial for the positive splash!

I wanted something free, something on "going with the flow" and I came up with these nails...


Step 1:
Apply your preferred base coat prior to polish application.  Apply 2 coats of Caronia polish in Crystal (Frosted).  Let dry.




Step 2:
Create French Tip using  Elianto nail polish in Shimmery Burgundy.  French tip does not have to be perfect as it will be covered anyways.



Step 3:
Create a thin line in the middle section of your nails using L.A. Art Deco in Black.  Create a sharper tip at the edge.

Step 4:
Randomly create lines using reds and silver glitter polishes, same from L.A. Art Deco.   This is the time to be creative with color combination.


Step 5:
Using a dotting tool or 2 way Prettynail's Dotting pen in white, create dots on random areas.


Step 6:
Top your nail art design with your favorite top coat.



I seldom create designs like these as it's a bit far from my personality.  As you all know, I'm more of dainty nail lover but going beyond what is expected is the way to go!  Move out of your comfort zone and you'll be surprised how much in life you've missed!  And I have to clarify, I am NOT preaching! *laughs*

Hope my nail art tutorial for this week inspires you to think out of the box and do something  you've always thought you can't do!  No to stealing and killing ok? *laughs*

Have a gorgeous week ahead!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Weekend Food Tripping: My Vaseline Road Trip Food Galore!

I am not picky when it comes to food.  I try to be as adventurous as possible as we live only once right?  During the 6-days Road Trip Adventure care of Vaseline, one of the highlight of the road trip is the local delicacies!  I am quite excited to give different dishes a try!  As to what our director would say, he oringinally hought I was a food blogger as he saw the excitement of my eyes every time "food" is mentioned.  I am just a passionate person you know *winks*

When we were at Laoag on our first day, it was a busy day full of activities.  I did not feel hungry at all but when we finally stopped at La Moda Panciteria (owned by Shen's family).  I learned that La Moda is the oldest restaurant in Ilocos.  That's when I took a breather and realized how hungry I was. Each of us got our own plate of the famous Pancit Canton, known to be preservatives-free.  Being Chinese myself, I am a expert when it comes to noodles and this definitely rocked my world.  Topped with fresh vegetables and "Bagnet" (Deep Fried Pork Meat).  I can't get over that this huge plate costs Php55.00 (approx $1.20) only!


Still at Laoag, we went full blast with Ilocano dishes.  We had lunch La Preciosa, which was owned by the Aragoza family.  I've met Mrs. Aragoza and I enjoyed the introduction on each dishes served right in front of us!  I try to remember each dish but the hungry side of me took the best of me.  So I can only recall a couple...sorry!

Dinuguang Bagnet





Poqui Poqui
My absolute favorite!  Eggplant with lots of tomatoes and onions.  I was told that most Poqui Poqui are served dry, but this restaurant made the difference and I'm glad they did!  It melts in my mouth!


Grilled Squid


Soup


Their specialty, Carrot Cake!  To carrot haters out there, give this a  try, I swear you won't taste carrot at all! I can turn into Bugs Bunny after this!  I love how huge the slice is!  Perfect for sharing!


After 2 wonderful days at  Laoag, we head on to Saud, Pagudpod and after all the sight seeing, we had a nice lunch at Tera Rika Beach & Dive Resort.  Wonderful view of the beach as you enjoy scrumptious dishes with great company.

Pinakbet, Ilocano Style


More Veggies!

The high-cholesterol Bagnet (Deep Fried Pork)


Soup that warms my tummy!


Freshly grilled fish


After a nice lunch at Tera Rika, we head off to where we will be staying for the night.  It's at Hannah's Beach Resort!  The resort is right in front of the famous Blue Lagoon and the blue water made me sigh and reminisce.  There's only one restaurant inside the resort and they serve wonderful breakfast!


Beef Tapa with egg that woke me up early in the morning
I like my eggs sunny side up!
** Beef tapa are cured beef usually served with garlic rice and egg


Hannah has been craving for Tocino all through this trip!
So her wish was granted!
**Tocino are also cured meat and sweet.  Pork  are usually used


After all the food tripping from Laoag to Pagudpod, I am most excited to try Vigan local dishes.  I've set my mind to try the famous Vigan Empanadas but sad to say, the breakfast I've had early morning at Hotel Salcedo de Vigan was enough energy to last me the whole day!  Next time Vigan Empanada..next time!

Vigan Longganisa with my favorite sunny side up and garlic rice


Going to Baguio, we passed by other wonderful tour-worthy location like the surf capital of the North  (in my dictionary) --- La Union!  We had a quick stopover at Midway Grill to fill our stomach.  It was jampacked with tourists and  upon looking at the menu, I am quite impressed with the prices.  Quite affordable!  We took a break from local dishes and shared on ...

Pancakes


and Binagoongang Pork
Whew, this is hard to pronounce I tell you!


Ahhh, Road Tripping ain't complete without Food Tripping.  Me and my stomach (yes, I consider it as a second person) are both happy with the different dishes we've tried!  Fresh vegetables and fish are my favorite and now I'm back in Manila, let me get back at McDonalds and KFCs.  *laughs*  JUST JOKING!

Wonderful Sunday everyone!
Have an adventurous food tripping ok?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Saturday, June 5, 2010

AMW Reviews Elianto Polishes

I've owned several brands of polishes but I haven't gotten the chance to really review them because, I have to admit, they are part of the "Unsung Heroes".  I've used them a lot but I never thought of giving them the time of the day or a special post for them.  So here it is!  Better late than never right?

One of the most recent polish brand I've tried is from Elianto.  From my Elianto shopping experience.  I've picked up 2 polishes from the brand.  One transparent and another one is Turquoise (thanks Sophie for helping me pick up this shade)

After usage, I can give a brief review on the most recent Elianto Polishes I own.  

Turquoise and Transparent


Elianto Nail Color says ---
Show off your beautiful nails and toes with our selection of radiant shades that glide on smoothly onto nails to deliver beautiful, long lasting, chip-resistant colors.

AMW says ---
Pros
  • has so many shades to choose from
  • shades are unique

  • inexpensive as compared to other brands
  • color lasts for 3-4 days, with top coat, can last up to a week
  • dries up like regular polishes, approximately 15 minutes above for 2 coats
  • the polish does not dry up easily as long as you store them well
  • does not turn my nails yellow instantly as long as I have base coat on
  • packaging is simple yet I love how it was labeled with number and shade name

Cons
  • the brush, I find local brands have better brush
  • some shades are quite sheer, need to apply 3-4 coats
Overall
Elianto is known for their wonderful polish shades from regular to party shades!  I personally like them because of the price and its quality.  I don't have to pay a lot to get good quality polishes. I have to clarify though that hat not all shades have the same pigmentation and consistency!

Tips
  • store polishes in cool dry place
  • never shake the bottle, gently roll them between the palm of your hands instead
  • since not all of the shades are of the same consistency, do test out their testers, they have acetone anyways
  • always use base coat to protect your nails on all polish application
Will I repurchase?
Yes

Where to purchase and how much?

At Elianto stores for Php99.00 (approx $2.00)

A sample of Turquoise applied 2 coats


Have you tried Elianto Polishes?  Do you like them or dislike them?
Click on comment and let me know your thoughts!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Happy Saturday!




Friday, June 4, 2010

AMW Reviews: L'Oreal Elseve Anti-Frizz Serum

Happy Friday everyone!  The week passed by quickly and you won't hear any complaints from me!  Thank goodness it's seriously Friday!  The day of joy and traffic! :P

I've been a hair junkie for the longest time.  That's when "Hair Product Reviews" came in!  I may not be an expert on hair but this girl has tried enough hair products!


L'Oreal Elseve Smooth-Intense Anti-Frizz Serum says ---

The new L'oreal Paris Elseve Smooth-Intense Anti-Frizz Serum contains patented Nutrileum the combination of a nutritive micro oil and a smoothing agent which is instantly absorbed onto hair. Smoothes out frizz and adds gloss along its entire length. Perfectly smoothes your hair for long lasting manageability.

AMW says ---
Pros
  • hair maintains soft and manageable
  • no tangles
  • does not weigh down hair
  • very inexpensive
  • a little goes a long long way!
  • smells really good
  • works for frizzy hair
  • wonderful spill-proof packaging

Cons
  • applying too much may weigh down hair and feels oily especially during the hot season
  • lazy people may not like the extra step
Overall
If you have frizzy hair and you're on a budget, this is definitely the product to go for.  There are so many variants out there but I've tested this on a friend with super frizzy hair, it did not do miracles but it does help in minimizing the frizz for sure!


Tips
  • apply from the mid section of the hair down to the tip, try to avoid the roots
  • I prefer rubbing the product between the palm of my hands to "activate" the product with the heat of the hands and gently apply through hair
  • start with a pump full then add as you go on
Will I repurchase?
Yes!

Where to purchase and how much?

At leading department stores for approx Ph400.00 (approx $8.70)

To my readers who are emailing me for hair products that aren't too expensive and works for frizzy hair, I strongly suggest you give this product a try!  

Have you tried this product?
What's your experience on this?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!