AMW Reports: Dove Go Fresh Showeroke

Last week, I got an invite to attend the Skin-sational Dove Go Fresh Showeroke event at Strumms, Makati.  I attended another event prior to this one but I won't miss the chance to see my Vaseline Road Trip friends from the agency again!  I arrived at the event in the middle of contestants belting songs that I've been hearing over the radio.  The wonderful shower set up on stage is a very smart idea!  I love how I wanted to jump on stage and take a shower after a hot long day!  That's how inviting the stage set up looks!  

The creative people from Dove presents their first-ever Dove Showeroke.  As the name states, anyone who has the voice, the shower, the Dove Go Fresh Beauty Bar, Body Wash or Deodrant Stick plus the guts and confidence were invited to video themselves having fun in the shower while belting out their favorite shower tunes.  Entries were sent from May 25 to June 17, 2010.

Participants uploaded and shared these videos on YouTube and the top 10 videos that received the most views and likes were asked to perform live on stage at Strumms, Jupiter, Makati!  If I may add, the challenge is not over with YouTube votes and views.  Judges were chosen to give out feedback "ala" American Idol style.  Meaning...there will always be someone "Simon Cowell-ish" as part of the judging challenge! 

The people behind this challenge and made this event came true!

The Judges

(Thanks Jonathan Joson for the photo)

And the people whom I met recently but turned into new found friends

Here are the list of winners for the night.  

 Sai won Bloggers' Choice Award

Maisa, Ana and Gold won the consolation prize!  They deserve it!  

As the Shower-oke turned into a mini concert with all the props, 

dance steps and the right fuel!

And the Winner and I call her the Showeroke Queen of the Night

Pebbles!  I can't stop laughing when I saw her Video Entry! 
Definitely A+ for effort and confidence!

I want to personally thank the people from Media Contacts for inviting me in this event!  I wouldn't mind attending such events with friends and belt my favorite songs <--- READ: SONGSSSSS (Plural Form) hahaha.  

Congratulations to the winners and even to those who did not win!  I've seen their performance and they are all winners after confidently belting out their favorite songs!  With Dove Go Fresh, they'll definitely sing heir hearts out with the feel of freshness!

Do you to sing inside the shower?
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reports: Forever 21 Private Party

I just got home from a long day of work, meeting and shopping!  I repeat SHOPPING!!!  I finally saw the "talked about" Forever 21 opened its doors for a Private Party!  It was totally different compared to the first time I visited the store.  Tonight, it's full of energy and excitement!  Handsome and gorgeous shoppers chatted giddily as they browse through rack and tried on their favorite pieces whether inside thedressing room or right in front of the store mirror!  I wore very comfortable clothing and flats!  I wore an "almost" camisole top so I can easily try on clothing without going to the dressing room!  Smart eh?

Security and a lot of sales staffs were there ready to assist you.  Cashiers are standing at their post ready to accept your cash and card payments!  I hope they took vitamins today! 

Excited shoppers picking up stuffs that caught their attention!  I advise you to request for a bag to put all your "desired" clothing so you can freely roam around the store!  Or better?  Shop with a friend so you won't feel bored!  Shopping and Bonding - wonderful combination!

My dearest beauty blogger friends Jheng and Shen 

all ready to go on their separate ways for serious shopping!
Cute how they got together again at the cashier area to compare notes :)
Love love love their hauls!

Mommy and fashion blogger Lace all slim after giving birth *jealous mode*

First time to meet her cute and sleepy baby!

A shoutout to her hubby Azrael, Happy Birthday!

"I crush her hair" Earth wearing a nice Freeway number!

Another pretty blogger Lauren all smile for the camera!

Lauren, I see a couple of clothing inside that bag!

I think I was born a "paparazzi" as I was able to pinpoint personalities like Cheska Garcia Kramer, Tim Yap, Tessa Prieto-Valdez, Mitch Dulce, Joey Mead, Raya Mananquil, Nikki Valdez, etc... in a crowd!

My favorite Look magazine Beauty Editor Kelly Misa was also there wearing an F21 dress!  Shen loves her dress too!

Patty Laurel all ready to shop her hearts out!  Thanks Patty for stopping and posing for us!

I also saw the blooming OK! Magazine Editor-in-Chief Frances Amper Sales, who's also a proud blogger for Topaz Horizon and Beauty for a Living!  She's such a jolly person, I love talking to her!  She can uplift anybody's bad mood!  I was a bit in a bad mood (according to her, hahaha) while I was lining up to try on clothing!  And talking to her puts up a huge smile on my face! 

Finally, I was able to take a shot together with Forever 21's Marketing Manager, Ms. Jane Kingsu-Cheng!  Congratulations for the wonderful job and thanks for the invite!

I was hungry so cocktails right after you shop makes a girl  happy!  Menu from Chef's Quarter.  Wonderful service and food tastes wonderful!!!!

I ate quite a lot!  Poise no more!

Shared drinks with Earth

And a final pose at the "wall of F21 fame"!  Thanks Keith for the shot!

Tomorrow marks "the day"! 
SM Megamall will open at 9:30am to give way to all the excited shoppers for the original Forever 21!
Enjoy shopping!  I'd love to hear your experience!
I, purchased basic tops and a nice short dress!  All in all?  Worth the pain on my legs and feet!
Now I have to raise my legs up and sleep!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: GlamBox Starter Kit

Early this year, I attended the GlamBox event and won my first raffle prize if the year!   Thanks GlamBox for this!  It was the best New Year's Gift ever!  Though it has been months, I only had the chance to review this product because I have to admit, I stopped using this product for the whole summer as I was too lazy to put on anything on my face except sunblock and mineral powder.  I know a lot of you have been waiting for this review!  Sorry it took such a long time as I wanted to be true and as precise as possible on my review on this!  This doesn't come cheap and money does not grow on trees! (Where did that come from? lol)

GlamBox Starter Kit says ---

Airbrush Makeup is the next generation of makeup. It gives you a light natural looking coverage that’s long lasting, water-resistant (tear proof) and smudge proof. It stays on all day, so no touch ups required. The feel is so light. It does not cake. It’s everything you want in a makeup line and more.

Airbrush is not just for makeup pros anymore. It’s no longer expensive, intimidating or hard to find. With GlamBox, you can easily achieve professional looking and flawless airbrush looks everyday at the comfort of your home.

Includes:
One - 30ml Foundation (of your choice)
One - 20ml Cheek Color (of your choice)
One - 30ml Cleaner and Thinner
Compressor
Airbrush Gun (w/ accessories)
Gun holder
Adaptor
Air hose
DVD
PLUS ++ (the new) carrying case!


AMW says ---

Pros

• lightweight and portable as compared to traditional airbrush system

• no need to figure out PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) which means it's a measurement of the pressure put out in an airbrush system.  Quite confusing right?  GlamBox has easier settings of Low, Medium and High (read tips on which settings to use on which areas)
• Foundation: feels very light on skin, applies quite sheer and it's build-able
• Foundation effect never looks cakey or fake
• the effect of the airbrush look is so natural it won't create white cast on photos 
• no streaks from makeup sponge or brushes
• after several usages and getting the hang of this, it takes half the time to apply foundation! 
• applying foundation on body is very easy as compared to makeup brushes or sponge
• power supply passed QC (quality control)

• cute bag that comes with this system (note: color of the bag may change depending on availability)

Cons

• quite messy to use for starters, need to clean the airbrush system after every use
• a bit tricky to use for first time users
• a bit pricey for people on the budget
• Foundation: a bit sheer and not enough for problematic skin (please read tips on how to achieve flawless skin)
• coverage may take forever especially if you're not used to how many times you have to go through your face

Overall

I prefer powder application every morning as I only have 5 minutes to do my face before I leave for work.  Knowing the OC-ness in me, I know I would probably take more time cleaning this airbrush than the airbrush application itself.  In this case, I use this system only on special events or if I know there are a lot of photographs to be taken!  At first, I felt the coverage is too sheer and it can look a bit oily on hot and humid days.  With the right foundation base, the right concealing prior to airbrush application and the right techniques and hand movements, I am getting the hang of this. 

Do you seriously need this?  If you're a makeup addict and a makeup artist, this is a good investment for backups and practice.  But if you're currently happy with the traditional makeup you use, you'll get along fine without this. 

Tips

• pre-set button.  Low setting for hair, eyebrows and eyes.  Medium setting for face and neck and High setting for the rest of the body.
• to create a flawless look, apply your preferred concealer on problem areas like under eye circles, breakouts etc.. prior to airbrush application.
• for first time users: test the airbrush on your skin minus the foundation first and gently go through your skin to gauge how you handle the gun and how much pressure is needed. 
• mentally note down how many drops are needed for your whole face to save products.  I prefer 6-8 drops for foundation, 4 drops for blush and to clean the gun, I use approximately 2-3 drops.
• use a makeup primer prior to airbrush makeup application to protect your skin and to prevent makeup from sliding off in the middle of the day.
• after first layer foundation application, let dry before you go and continue with the second layer.
• if you use this for clients, ask your clients to hold their breath for a couple of seconds when you are spraying this near the nose area.  Try not to do this too long as your client may turn violet! *laughs*
• clean the cup with a cleaner or thinner after every usage.  To prevent product buildup, I use a cotton bud to gently wipe the inner corner of the cup. 

• do not leave the compressor turned on for too long, it will heat up as the compressor is not as heavy duty as compare to other airbrush system.

Application technique 

1. Since I'm taking my own photos, I used my left hand in holding my airbrush gun, but you get the drift on the right way to hold the airbrush gun.  Begin by pressing down the airbrush trigger first for air to be pressed out.  As a test, gently feel the air on your face before your start the real airbrush application.

2. After getting used to the sensation on your skin, pull the trigger back slowly to gently release the product.

 3. Maintain at least 3 to six inches away from the skin, with a circular motion, start at the jaw line going upward.  Spray less on the areas that does not need much coverage by not lingering the airbrush gun too long on one area.

Will I repurchase?

Not this brand.  I will definitely purchase a more professional airbrush system for clients.  But for personal use, I recommend this!

Where to purchase and how much?

At GlamBox Multiply Site for Php8,500 (approx $185.00) for Starter kit.  You can add them up on Facebook to know their schedules for demo.

Airbrush face minus without concealing.  If I want to lessen the under eye circles, I may conceal my "bags" first prior to airbrush foundation application.

*whew* this is quite a long post!
Feel free to comment if you have any other queries. 
I believe a lot of you have tried airbrush makeup via airbrush system or the stippling brush or the beauty blender bounce method!
Let me know if you prefer traditional makeup or the airbrush finish look!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: "Hawaiian Grimace" Nails

Good morning everyone!  It's Humpy Wednesday and I need all the boost of positivity today as everyone's on "no work" day and I have work today!  It's the inauguration of our new president and I do apologize that I forgot to paint my nails Yellow (the color of our new president).  But to make it up, I will show you my inspiration for this week!  I know, the title is the funniest ever, but what can I do?  Grimace is my favorite McDonalds character ever!  I remember seeing this cute li'l Grimaceat McDonald's in Macau and I wasn't able to purchase this because of long lines!  I  took a shot of this instead.  Adding a touch of Nikki = craziness, I put a cute flower on Grimace's cute face just like how I did on my banner photo! 

And here's my nails inspired by Grimace

Step 1:

Prior to polish application, apply a base coat to protect your nails.  Apply 2 coats of ELF polish in Royal Purple (thanks Toma) and let dry.

Step 2:

Apply a clear coat on top of the polish color, while dry...

Step 3:

Create flowers by dropping 5 dots of white Prettynails' 2 Way Nail Art Pen.  Adding tiny dots for design.  Just like photo below

Step 4:

Use needle to create a petal 

Step 5:

Since I wanted two-toned florals.  I dropped a pink dot on top of the white dots using Pink Prettynails 2 Way Nail Art Pen.

Step 6:

Similar to step 4, use a needle to create a more believable flower petal!  Make sure to do this while the dots are still wet!

Step 7:

You can use rhinestones as flower bud, but I prefer using my Prettynails 2 Way Nail Art Pen in silver glitter and drop it in the middle of 5 petals.  I tried to steer away from rhinestones this time!

Step 8:

Protect your nail art with your favorite top coat.  And voila!  Instant Hawaiian Grimace Nails! 

Have a wonderful day everyone!
I hope this nail art inspires you to prettify your nails!  Even once!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Vaseline Road Trip of a Lifetime TV Commercials and Print Ad

Dear Philippine Readers:

If you're 18 years old, Female, resident of the Philippines and has been a reader of my blog. You've probably read so much about my wonderful Road Trip experience last month for 6 days with fellow bloggers Ada and Hannah. Words cannot express my gratitude to the people from Vaseline and people from agency for choosing me to be part of the Vaseline Bloggers. It was the best decision I've made to take a leave from work and accept this challenge! Thanks to my dear friends who gave me the push (guys and girls, you know who you are!)

The experience has been the best so far and words can't express my amazement and awe in each places I've been to. Laoag, Pagudpod, Vigan and Baguio --- all 4 places has its own uniqueness and taste and each location left a wonderful memory inside my heart! Here are 3 TV commercials shown on cable channels to inspire the others to join this Road Trip of a Lifetime I experienced!

Agency: Media Contacts, Inc.
Director: Gerald Santos (Orange House)

TVC #1 Laoag

TVC #2 Pagudpod

TVC #3 Vigan

Print ad shown on Yes! Magazine July 2010 issue. Photos by: Mr. Jeck Simbulan for Vaseline.
(click photo to enlarge and read article)

Visit www.vaselineroadtrip.com and choose your own unique photo to show how excited you are to join this road trip. You have until tomorrow to send in those entries! Who knows? You may be the lucky winner for this Once In A Lifetime Road Trip!

Have I told you "It's Worth It?"
I guess I did, gazillion times!
And it's worth saying it again and again!

Goodluck!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!