What's Up AMW?

Okay, do I take a breather?  THIS IS a breathing ground for me!  Blogging can take the stress out of my system!  It's like talking to my friends and I can say whatever I want!  So I want to thank YOU for reading whatever I have to say in this cyber world!

I am on a sentimental mood as it's raining quite hard outside and all I can think of is how lucky I am to have such wonderful friends and readers to take time to read what I write.  Thank you followers for following, subscribers for subscribing and commentors for commenting! <-- that's one hell of a lazy sentence but you get my point right?

There are a couple of contests and happenings and I just want to give a summary of it just so you won't miss anything! Is that ok?  Well, if not...no choice!  I'll still continue to type... *hahaha*

Feel free to click on the link to get into the contest details ---

1. Levi's Create Your Own I Believe Badge and Win Php1,000 Worth of Gift Certificate - this contest is open to local readers, I swear, I got my own pair of the new Levi's jeans and I'm loving the fit! 
Contest ends: September 4, 2010

2. Happy Kainan Saturday with Mr. and Mrs. AMW - this contest is sponsored by Coca-Cola for the family!  Philippine readers are to comment on how they enjoy sweet moments with food and Coke!  Easy easy easy!  Click on the contest title to win yourself Php10,000 worth of Family Package at Manila Peninsula!  So worth it!  I love the hotel so much!

Contest ends: September 11, 2010

3. Something New: Lorys Hair Cream - for the hair lovers out there who wants some pampering time for the hair!  There's a 1,000 grams worth of hair cream that's meant for your tired and stressed hair!

Contest ends: September 10, 2010

Aside from Contests, there's a 2 hour seminar by yours truly.  Dollface Makeup Seminar from 2:00-4:00pm on September 25, 2010 at Eastwood Mall, Libis!  Dollface is also hosting a contest on her Facebook for you to win yourself a slot!  Click HERE to join and she will be selling Dollface Makeup too!  I'll see you there?

Last but not the least, my dearest friend Sophie from Beauty & Minerals recently launched awesome brush collections!  I was actually quite lucky to be able to test on these brushes!  I'll give you an in-depth review for sure, better wait and see as it's going to be LONG and ass kicking!  *laughs*

Charm Pro Makeup Brush Set

Charm Travel Pro Brush Set V2

**both photos above taken from Beauty & Minerals website photographed by Mark Ong

Note from Beauty & Minerals for my US and Canada readers ---

Beauty & Minerals will be offering special shipping arrangements for orders from the U.S. and Canada, as Sophie will be going to Canada this September 13. Sophie will be taking orders for September 1 until September 10, 2010. Take advantage of the lowered shipping fee (based on Canada Post rates ) instead of having them sent via Fedex from the Philippines, which is so expensive! Please email Sophie for your orders at beautyandminerals@gmail.com for a shipping quote.

I will have more exciting contests and happenings soon!
Thanks for reading AMW!
I love you all! 

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: "Super Mario's Mushroom" Nails

Good morning everyone!  It's Thursday and I'm staying positive as weekend is near!  Though I've been super busy the couple of days, I'm glad I was able to squeeze some time for a nail art tutorial!  I know how a lot of nail addicts out there would like to see some nail action! 

I did not have much time to spend on nails so I've done something quite simple yet cute, for me anyways! :)  I've always been into cute stuffs and the Mushroom from Super Mario is not an exception!  I was in Hong Kong then when I saw this cute Mushroom paper clip that I've been wanting so bad that was given for free at 7-11 for every purchase! I have to go to different 7-11 stores to claim for the free paperclips and can you imagine the look on my face when I finally got one????  The sales guy thought I went crazy when I screamed "YES!" in front of the counter! :P 

See what I've been doing collecting paper clips?

Before I start the tutorial, I want to thank the wonderful CutePolish's Channel on Youtube for inspiring me to do this nail art tutorial.  When hubby saw the tutorial, he requested for me to do this!  I'm glad I did!  As this nail art for the week can put a huge smile on my face!

Here's my Super Mario's Mushroom character inspired nails!  Not as good as the original but hey...I've tried!

Step 1:

Apply a base coat or a clear polish if you don't have a base coat.  I am using The Face Shop's Base Coat.  Let dry.  Create French Tip using any matte white polish.  The French Tip does not have to be perfect.  For the OC folks out there, you can use a French Tip tape to create better looking lines!

Step 2:

Using a Nail Art Brush (which I bought in Hong Kong), Create a red line using the same red polish you will use to create mushroom.  In this nail art tutorial, I am using The Face Shop's Polish in Red (RD001)

Step 3:

To create mushroom, draw a curve or outline to create mushroom's head.

Fill in the outline with the red polish color.  Use short strokes at a time and do not worry if you got into the white portion.  You can always fix by re-applying the white polish over the red. 

You can always adjust and slowly correct the lines with a nail art brush.

Step 4:

Using L.A. Colors Art Deco in Black, draw 2 vertical lines as "eyes".

Step 5:
Using a nail art dotting tool, apply random dots.

Step 6:

You can do Mushroom nails on all your fingernails.  In my case, I chose to do the ring finger and thumb.  On other parts that I prefer to leave it as French Tipped nails, I apply a glittery gold polish for that nice "shimmer".

Step 7:

Making sure the polish are dry apply your preferred top coat to protect your nail art.  I used Elianto's Top Coat.

I did similar nail art on my toes using green!  One Up! :)

I felt like a kid with this nail art!  I love this!  I hope you'll give Mushroom a try! 

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: GoodSkin Labs Eyliplex-2

I consider eye creams as "Unsung Heroes".  People aren't giving them the time of the day as most eye creams are expensive and you only get to put that much on the eye area.  Most people would spend more on moisturizers rather than eye creams. 

"Can't I just use my moisturizer on my under eye area?"

Well, in my dictionary, products are produced for a reason, there's a reason why there are eye creams because the eye area is way more sensitive than the rest of your face!  No matter how good you look, if you have dark under eye circles or you have wrinkles around the eye, it can make you look stressed, tired and ugh...mature looking!

Investing an eye cream that works for you as early as NOW is not a bad idea!  Your eyes will thank you in the long run!

Recently, I've discovered a new system called Eyliplex-2.  The Eyliplex-2 Eye Regimen targets eye concerns with two complementary innovative formulas.  It says to have fast acting and long lasting formulas housed in one small convenient package.  A day gel instantly awakens the eyes by immediately smoothing and lifting lines making wrinkles less visible and skin more radiant.  The long-lasting night balm helps recharge and repair the skin's appearance by using a cocktail of highly effect ingredients helping to reduce the appearance of dark circles, restore firmness and further continuing to reduce the appearance of eye area wrinkles.

Too good to be true?  Read on and see how it works on me!

Eyliplex-2 says ---

The Claims

• Clinically proven to visibly lift and tighten
• Boosts natural collagen to restore firmness
• Noticeably reduces the appearance of dark circles

Clinical Data
Immediately: 73% improvement in moisturization with the Day Formula
                       39% improvement in radiance with the Day formula
                       55% improvement in moisturization with the Night formula

After 4 weeks: 20% reduction in the appearance of dark circles.

After 8 weeks: 58% improvement in barrier strength

                         56% improvement in the appearance of lifting

                         41% reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles

                         28% reduction in appearance of dark circles.

AMW says ---

Pros

• easy to tote along especially on travel, packaging can be sealed tight and the plastic used is not easy to break
• packaging is simple yet I find it quite cute, I tend to reach out to this every morning and night because I like the fact that you have a product that targets for day and night but housed in ONE packaging!

• no allergic reactions 
• absorbs to the under eye area easily
• I like the fact that this system targets on dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles!  The 3 issues most people would like to target on and this system covers all that
• you don't need a lot per application so this can last for 3-4 months
• the skin around my eye area is moisturized
• puffiness has lessened after constant usage for 1 month

Cons

• the day gel is quite tricky to apply 
• at first glance, people may find this pricey, but after 4 weeks usage, I still have more than 3/4s left! 
• not for the lazy bums :)

Overall

Not bad, it's never greasy and I wake up with moisturized under eye area which makes it easier for me to apply concealer on days that I needed to!  If you have the budget, I suggest you go for it, I don't have a lot of wrinkles to really see the final result but prevention is what I'm doing at the moment!

Tips
from Eyliplex-2

• in the morning: apply Day Gel after cleansing to the entire eye area (above and below) by gently patting onto skin and let it set for 3 minutes before applying other cosmetics.
• at night: warm the night balm between fingers and gently press onto eye area.

from AMW

• I have to say this again and again, you can see the result of eye creams after constant usage and it takes weeks or months to see results
• for eye creams, I prefer using "patting" motion in application rather than rubbing.  
• leave for a couple of minutes before you start applying your makeup, that goes true especially for the day gel!
• sleeping early and drinking lots of water helps in having an "awake" look.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

Where to purchase and how much?

At selected Watson's Personal Care store and Beauty by SM Department Stores for Php2,600 (approx $59.00)

Before and after using Eyliplex-2

1 month usage

Puffiness has reduced as seen on photo below

(Note: different people reacts on products differently, purchase at your own discretion)

Take a lot of rest if you have the chance and drink lots of water!  I have to remind you on that as I was one of the many who hates drinking water in the past!!!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

**product was given as gift by a friend.  Reviews were written based on author's personal experience with the product.  Please purchase at your own discretion.

AMW Reviews: Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner

After my series of gel liner reviews, I've given it a rest as you know how long it takes to finish up one!  Out of all the gel liners I've reviewed, I have to admit, I haven't finish even ONE of it.  I've thrown away my Stila Smudgepots in Black though because I have 1/4 left and it has finally dried up after 2 years! 

I know the Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner have been creating a buzz over the gel liner world!  I finally had the chance to test, making sure it's worthy to be part of my makeup traincase!  Read on for my in dept review...

Shade 02: Brown

Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Liner says ---

Only our oil-free formula can hold highly concentrated pigments in a clear gel base

• So color is more intense and lines resist wear for 24 hours
• Smudge-proof and water-proof
• The most intense line for lasting drama
• Removes easily with soap and water or Eye makeup remover

Net weight: 2.8g of product

AMW says --- 
Pros

• I actually like the very cute packaging.  Quite unique as compared to other gel liners
• Glides on smoothly, no need to tug my lids
• Quite pigmented, no need to go through the same area again and again
• No eye irritations
• Easy to remove with a makeup remover as compared to other gel liner brands
• Free brush is actually good quality!  The brush stays the same even after usage and washes

• The length of the handle of the free brush is actually just right as compared to other brands who gives free 2-3 inches handle eyeliner brush which makes it difficult to apply
• If you are into natural eyeliner: this 02 Brown shade works really well for daily use minus the exaggerated eyeliner look
• Waterproof
• Can be used on the lower lash line without getting eye irritations
• Do last for the whole day if you're not the type who rubs the eye too much!  I applied this on the upper lash line and I had an almost 24 hours makeup shoot and it stayed until I got home!

Cons

• It smudges!  If you constantly rub your eyes, this will definitely smudge!
• Personal preference: I like my gel liner like black and brown to have matte finish, this has a tiny hint of shimmer

Overall

Out of all the gel liners I've used, I would say the quality of the Maybelline Gel Liner is almost the same as the ELF Studio Creme Eyeliner I've used.  They are both very creamy and easy to glide on lids!  Though a lot of people find that this is tad too tiny, I think it's the best size for a gel liner as a little goes a long way and there's no point keeping gel liner for a long time as it gets dried up easily!  The price is inexpensive and wroth the purchase especially for first time gel liner users!

Tips
from Maybelline

• Defined Look - define in small strokes, glide liner across lash line from inner to outer corner
• Dramatic Look - define in small strokes, glide liner across lash line from inner to outer corner
• Enhance - to extend and thicken line from outer corner up towards brow; wing out for extra drama

from AMW

• You can apply using your favorite angled liner brush 
• Can be used to apply think/thick liner.  Can also be used as an eyeshadow base for smokey eye looks
• Twist the cap tight after every use to prevent product from drying up easily
• Try not to rub your eyes if you're a gel liner user to prevent from smudging
• You can apply an eyeliner sealant (ex. Makeup Forever Eye Seal) to prevent liner from smudging
• Maybelline have sales or discounts regularly, you can purchase this 10-20% off so watch out for sales
• If the gel liner smudged in the middle of the day, a quick run through with a cotton bud will lessen the smudges.  
• You can also use an eye brush to go through a setting powder on top of the gel liner to prevent it from smearing or smudging.

Will I repurchase?
I'd love to give black version a try

Where to purchase and how much?
At Maybelline counter for Php449.00 (approx $10.20).

Bottom of the packaging

Made in Korea

A closer look on the free brush, some people fine it quite difficult to apply gel liner using this brush but I found a great way to use this.  Apply using only the tip of the brush for that thin liner look

Here's how the free brush after several usage and wash.  Not bad quality!

Applied on hand with 2 strokes.  Thin line to thick line can be achieved.  Checkout the shimmer it has.  The 02 brown shade has this medium, bronze-y brown look.

Waited for 5 minutes, used a cotton bud to go through the line and you can see it smudged!  In fairness to the Gel Liner, I went through the cotton bud quite hard.  We don't usually do that on our eye area.

Wet the gel liner, no smudges

Harshly rubbed the gel liner with water and fingers, it took a couple of harsh rubbing before the gel liner "almost" disappeared.  This proves how easy the gel liner can be removed with makeup remover/soap and water. What I like about this experiment is that the liner gets disappeared instead of smudges like crazy which will create a panda look!  

Applied on both upper and lower lashline

Any gel liners out there worth giving a try next?
I hope you find this review helpful!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Happy Monday!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Army Navy and Yogi Berry

What will it be today?
Burger...Burrito...
Both?

That's the tag line of Army Navy Burger + Burrito when I passed by Glorietta 5 for a quick burger fix.  Everyone's having burrito as well but we wanted our quick fix of burger so we ordered burger instead!  Burrito?  I'll taste you next time! <--- doesn't this sound so malicious? hahahahaha

I was greeted with a lovely counter once I got in to look for seats.  They were jampacked by the way!

We were not in our adventurous mood so we tried the basics!

Classic Burger

Php135.00 (approx $3.00)

Classic single quarter-pound beef patty.  It's not outstanding yet, its not bad!  

I just need more ketchup and mustard please!

Starving Sailor Steak Sandwhich

Php225.00 (approx $5.10)

I call this their Philly Cheese Steak.  You can opt for Chicken or Beef.  We tried the Beef instead as that's what steak should be!  Taste is ok, a bit bland for our taste but still, it disappeared after a couple of minutes :P

Freedom Fries

Php60.00 (approx $1.50)

Seasoned thin-cut fries which makes it really crispy!  I love this!

Army Navy Burger + Burrito

Level 2, Glorietta 5

Self service, you go to the counter order your food and they give you a number and wait for your number to be called!

And I have to take a shot of the cute walls!  Simple posts on the wall can zest up the whole place!

I've also discovered a new yogurt place at Greenhills Shopping Mall.  I got attracted to the cute place and name!  Yogi Berry Frozen Yogurt! 

Self service, I had plain and strawberry flavored yogurt in one tub!  I think its Php25.00/grams and this tub costs Php120.00 (approx $2.75).  I love my yogurt plain and I can eat this everyday!!!

Ahhh had a wonderful weekend and I've been waiting for this as I've been super busy over the week and the week to come!  Good, comfort food can really perk me up!

For local readers, do not forget to join the Happy Kainan contest with Coca-Cola to get a chance to win Manila Peninsula Family Package!  Smile and click HERE to join!

Goodluck!
Enjoy your weekend!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!