Win Your Own Vaseline Road Trip of a Lifetime! (Contest Closed!)

Dear Local AMW Readers:
If you are a reader of my blog, you have definitely read about my first ever Road Trip of a Lifetime in Northern Luzon together with my blogging friends Ada and Hannah! Thanks to Vaseline for including me to be part of this unforgettable experience. I swear, the Philippines is GORGEOUS!

The exciting news I want to share, is that the great people from Vaseline are extending this offer to one reader and three (3) of her friends! Yes, YOU! You can get the chance to win the exact Roadtrip experience AMW and her 2 blogger friends went through! All-expense-paid!!!

**photo taken by Mr. Jeck Simbulan

How to join?

• contestants (Female, Residing in the Philippines, 18 yrs old above) must visit www.VaselineRoadtrip.com, register with their full names,e-mail addresses, contact numbers and other details.
• type in an answer to the questions provided on the website. (Tip: these can be better answered if you read Ada, Hannah and my Blogs)
• upload a photo of yourself ready to go on a roadtrip of a lifetime. There will be only ONE (1) question that will be on the website during the promotion duration.
• submission of entries will be open from June 2 to 30, 2010

Check out the promotional video done by Orange House

Goodluck girls!
I swear, this is one contest worth giving a try!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Revews: Tri-Aktiline Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler

I laugh and smile a lot!  Everyone who knew me personally would probably nod their heads right now!  (Be careful not to hit the computer screen)  The only negative side about it is that, I can literally see lines particularly on my forehead and near the mouth area!  Well, I can't blame it all on smiling and laughing, I am not getting any younger anyways so seeing laugh lines or wrinkles are expected for *ahem* maturing woman like myself!  

I don't mind using anti-aging creams as long as they don't give me allergies!  But using a wrinkle-filler is something I wouldn't have thought in this world!  I want to thank a friend for giving me a sample of the world famous Tri-Aktiline Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler from GoodLabs.

 **photo from GoodSkin Labs

Tri-Aktiline  Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler says ---

GoodSkin Labs introduces Tri-Aktiline Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler, a potent deep-wrinkle formulation that instantly fills fine lines and wrinkles while helping to firm the skin over time.  This innovative concentrate helps eliminate the appearance of wrinkles on contact, evening out and smoothing away the look of the deepest, most visible lines.  Use it right where you need it most - on crow's feet, laugh lines, anywhere facial expressions have left their mark.

• immediately provides a visible reduction of facial lines
• clinically proven to help fill and relax the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles
• visibly reduces wrinkle depth and length

Studies also showed a significant improvement in skin moisturization and barrier strength.

Key ingredients:
Gatuline Expression : helps relax the look of facial tension and expression lines
Kombuchka PH Extract : plums and smoothes wrinkles
Argireline: prompts skin into its re-build mode, boosting natural collagen production for visible results.

AMW says ---

Pros

• as compared to other anti-wrinkle creams, you see the effect of this in an instant!
• feels very light on skin
• non-oily and non-greasy
• easily absorbed on skin
• fragrance free
• lessen the look of lines
• a little goes a long way
• a tube lasts forever!
• I love the tube packaging, mess free and no product wastage
• when dried completely, this product works as a good base or primer!  Makeup applies easier when lines are reduced

Cons

• a bit tricky to apply, if you applied it wrong, it'll flake or create tiny ball of "glue like" texture
• takes a bit of time to set

Overall
This product may sound and looks like a miracle product but I want to stress that this works for mild lines.  If your lines are deep, do not expect them to be completely gone!  If that's the case, there's no "wrinkled" skin out there.

This product blurs out lines and wrinkles but only up to a certain extent.  What I love about this is that the blurring of lines happen in an instant, you don't have to wait for months or years but you can see it right after it sets!  I love using this on "mature" clients who has really deep lines and it helps lessen the lines before foundation application. 

Tips

• I can't stress enough the importance of applying this in a dabbing motion!  NEVER apply this like you would on a regular cream

• it would be better if you warm this product at the back of your hand first before applying it directly onto lines, this will lessen product flaking or product build up
• while waiting for the product to set, you can do other stuffs to save time
• keep in cool dry place
• if rashes, allergies or itchiness occur, STOP using the product immediately
• it's suggested to use morning and evening for best result, I think its up to you on how comfortable you are with the product, you can start once a day
• you can use on areas that you would want to blur out lines
• apply moisturizer first or this?  It's your preference, after tests, I prefer doing my skincare first then apply this prior to makeup application

Will I repurchase?
YES!

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at selected Watson's Department Stores available in 30ml for Php2,600 (approx $56.50)

Note from Author: All Photos below has been photo-shopped ONLY for cropping.  No other forms of alterations has been made.

Here's to show how much product is needed to fill in certain lines
All photos can be clicked to enlarge

Check out the lines on my hand on upper and lower portion

(check mark has Tri-Aktiline)

I tested it on my forehead.  I arrowed the areas that has lines 

and areas that I have applied Tri-Aktiline

(This photo was taken in an instant, did not wait for hours or weeks)

Applied on the under eye area, since my eye wrinkle is prominent it did not blurred out everything

Though the great effect of this product can be seen in an instant, I am more intrigued with the long term effect of this!  I was told that this product, when used over time will really help lessen fine lines and wrinkles!  Well I will definitely do a revisit on this!

Have you used any wrinkle filler creams?
Do you think you need them?
Click comment and I'd love to hear from you!

Keep smilin'

(even if it causes wrinkles, LOL)
Stay happy!

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

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!

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!