I Wonder: "Are You a Belt User?"

Good morning, good afternoon or good evening to everyone on all parts of the world!  I hope I'm sending all the love from my side of the world to yours!  Cheerful eh?  I actually had a rough day yesterday, I lack energy and I was just too tired!  *gasp*  (Nikki gets tired?)  I actually do!  So today, I am gearing for a better Tuesday and I hope you feel the same too!

I have been a belt user for quite some time, that explains why I had a Eureka Moment for my belt holder inspired by the inexpensive spiral tie hanger from Japan Home Center.  You can smile and click HERE to read the previous post.

After the said post, my belt collection grew quite a bit and there's a unique one which is the youngest among my "belt family".  Shameless plug but it's from a photographer friend of mine Iris of Cevanne Shop. 

The Sidewinder Belt

I was told that the belt was custom made, snake skin design available in 3 shades available:  Black, Brown and Purple. 

I have to advise you though that this is the sexiest belt I own because the total length of the belt is around 27-27 inches, the garterized portion can be stretched but you have to bear in mind that this belt is a tad bit shorter as compared to other belts available in the market which gives that "figure" you are aiming for!  

My favorite is the back detail of the belt...

And for the neat freak out there, it comes with a free black pouch to keep your belt clean!

What I like about this belt is that I can use this on both formal and informal events!  My non-existent waist is actually showing with this belt!  Bear in mind not to wear this when you're enjoying Buffet Parties though! :P

Front View

Back View

And because I tried to be innovative, I used its name literally "Sidewinder belt" and turned the belt sideways, it actually works!

On the other side

Are you tired of the  model's body yet?  *laughs*  Bear with me!  There's no way to share to you guys how the belt looks without wearing it right?

I do hope Cevanne Belt would make this in different sizes so everyone can enjoy such unique design!  I'm sure I would like to use this belt still on random days I was left in a kitchen!  *winks*

So, I Wonder: "Are You A Belt User?"

Click comment and I'd love to hear from you!

By the way, the belt costs Php360.00 (approx. $8.35)!  May come off pricey to others but this is the price you pay for unique design! :)

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Paul & Joe Creamy Matte Foundation

Cream Foundation - Can clog pores, can oil up skin or can even dry up dry skin!  Creates a mask on face and feels very heavy after application. These are some of the myths about cream foundation that we often hear from people around us.

Things have changed,  a lot of cosmetics companies have progressed in creating cream foundation and a lot of make up artists worldwide are starting to use this because it has the benefits of a good coverage, hides skin imperfection, can be invisible once applied, feels light on skin and most of all, gives the benefit of improving skin texture with multiple usage!

One brand I can talk about that makes quite a good cream foundation is from Paul & Joe.  Here's my review on their newest Creamy Matte Foundation launched September 2010.

Paul & Joe Creamy Matte Foundation says ---

A light and airy whipped-formula that will leave skin looking flawless with a dreamy matte finish for absolute perfection.  Creates semi-matte skin with a joyous sensation and a unique lustrous appearance.

• Provides high coverage while offering feather-like light finish.
• Creates semi-matte skin that creates a joyous sensation and a unique lustrous look.
• Instantly fits while smoothly spreading over skin.  Stays in place because it adheres snugly to skin.
• Moisturises, and keeps skin hydrated all day long.

Shades: 00 Alabaster, 10 Ivory, 20 Fresh, 30 Clear, 31 Latte, 40 Almond, 50 Caramel and 60 Spice

AMW says ---

Pros

• Gorgeous glass packaging with spatula!

• Contains SPF20 PA++, which is good daily use.
• Feels super light on skin, feels like second skin!
• Has a hint of scent which smells really good!
• Wonderful matte finish for  matte lovers out there!
• Always looks natural even if you pile on several layers!
• Does not dry out my skin and no flaking!
• Does not set in my lines.
• Can double up as concealer by adding more product with a sponge with patting motion.
• Moisturizing and easy to spread.  
• Light to Medium to heavy coverage!  Can pack on foundation layer by layer without the heavy feel.
• No allergies nor skin irritations.
• Available in wide range of shades.

Cons

• A pump packaging will always be appreciated but I'm glad it came with a spatula!
• Pricey to some who aren't used to spending so much on foundation.
• Could get messy because of it's huge mouth opening.

• A bit hassle to apply as you need to clean up the spatula after every usage.

Overall

I actually believe that Paul & Joe does their research and improve their products.  I actually like this better than the Paul & Joe Light Cream Foundation.  This one is easier to blend and it feels even lighter on skin! 

Since I got this shade a bit darker than myself, I will be using this on clients who have normal and dry skin.  Though this gives a matte, powdery finish, an additional dust of powder foundation or setting powder will make this last even longer!

Tips

• Can be applied with foundation brush or sponge.
• Seal in cap tightly after every use, especially if you tote this along with you.
• Mark down the date you first opened the foundation to monitor the expiration date.
• Oily Skinned individuals can use this with oil-control primer underneath.
• Dry Skinned individuals can use this by moisturizing their skin prior to foundation application.
• To double up as a concealer, you can apply more product on the area you want to conceal (like the under eye area) and gently dab with a sponge or your clean fingers.

• Choose the right shade by testing it on your face rather than on the wrists or hands!
• Always set with a powder foundation or setting powder for the foundation to last longer and looks even more flawless.

Will I repurchase?
Yes.  I may be on the powder foundation side but this is great for clients!

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who's into cream foundation with matte finish.  Oily, normal or dry skin can use this foundation as it never feels heavy on skin and it holds up for at least more than 4 hours without retouching.

Though I said this works for all skin types, I would strong suggest the normal and dry skin to purchase this more than the oily skinned readers out there! :)  

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at Paul & Joe counters, Rustan's Makati for Php2,375 (approx $55.25)

Paul & Joe Creamy Matte Foundation 

in 40 Almond

Almond is said to be a medium natural shade that subdues redness and gives skin a healthy and radiant look.

It's 2 shades darker than my original skin tone which is more obvious when seen in person, but for review purposes, I've used this for 2 weeks and I've also used this on clients and so far, its promising!  I set it with a lighter foundation though just to counteract the darkness.

A tiny amount on hand

Spread on my hand, you can click photo to enlarge

to see color and coverage

Set lightly with a lighter mineral powder foundation 

to match my shade

I'm glad I have more options for foundations in my make up train case!  It feels like I have more ammunition when I'm in front of a beautifying battle!  Though this is a bit hassle to tote along during makeup gigs, it looks aesthetically gorgeous and it makes me happy every time I pull this out!  *it's just me though, I'm happy that way* LOL!

Have a wonderful week ahead of you and I hope Paul & Joe lovers out there are happy with my post!  It's nice to see what's new from them because I haven't been around their counter for the longest time!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: King Bee Restaurant

Happy Sunday everyone!  Weekend food tripping once again and this time, I will be sharing Chinese Lauriat and if you are hungry, you can come back later!  hehehe

Chinese Lauriat service usually consists of several dishes served in a table good for 10-12 people!  Dishes starting from Cold Cuts, Soup, Rice with several main dishes that ranges from pork, beef, chicken and fish!  

I am a Pro when it comes to Lauriat Menu service as I grew up in a family full of parties and most of them are celebrated in Chinese restaurants with Dragon Dances (during the New Years), Song and dance number (from organizations) to showing the love of the couple (for wedding celebrations).  I am sure most of you have at least one lauriat food service experience!

It was my uncle's 70th Birthday celebration and my cousin threw him a party at King Bee Restaurant.  It's a first time for me to try the dishes served and I am quite excited because at times, you get too tired of the same restaurant and same menu!  

**Note, I don't have the menu or the Lauriat dish names, all the names of the dishes mentioned are coming from yours truly, they are not the exact name of the dishes!  

Birthday Noodles

I am quite surprised the first dish was a noodle dish!  It's just a way of saying "Be Full as Early as NOW!"  *laughs*  Just by the look, you can see that this noodle dish is quite a blockbuster!  Quail Eggs, Pork, Vegetables, Mushrooms, Shrimps, Squid, Liver strips and noodles covered in sauce!  I like my noodles very sauce-y!

Cold Cuts

Century Egg, Seaweed, Pork Asado (Roasted Pork), White Chicken, Beef strips and Duck are the usual suspect when you see a cold cuts platter! 

Spinach Soup

Shrimp bits and mushrooms in a spinach soup 

with Tofu (soy bean) and egg.  Nice!

Beef, Squid and Crab Cakes

I can't comment much about this dish because, it was a table favorite!  I wasn't able to give this a taste because it was all gone before I even get the chance to taste some!  I am with hungry people!  *laughs*

Deep Fried Chicken

Tastes like regular deep fried chicken!  It came with its own gravy.

Seafood Mix

At this very instant, I popped in an anti-histamine pill because I wanted to give this a try and I can see loads of seafood and my allergies may start to show up and I may be scratching so much and miss the rest of the dishes!  *laughs*  This dish is quite unique and I don't always see this included in most lauriat menu!  I like how the shrimps, roasted pork (asado), scallops and cashews are blended well together and I can still pinpoint the unique identity of each ingredients.

Yang Chow Fried Rice

Oh!  Let me tell you that the photos are uploaded in order!  Don't be surprised that the rice came in late, in Chinese Lauriat, rice is usually served at the last part but I guess my cousin requested the fried rice to be served a bit earlier for us to be able to enjoy this with the dishes!  We're definitely Filipinos at heart!  We love our meals with a good cup of rice!

Garlic Shrimps

I only tasted one because the shrimps served are quite small and I had a hard time removing its shell and I'm so lazy to get dirty!  *laughs*  I'm actually not a fan of "dressed shrimps" I like them naked!  *hahahah*

Pork Spareribs with Deep Fried Tofu

My favorite dish for the day!  The pork spareribs are cooked perfectly!  Sauce is just right and the pork does not have a lot of fat nor bones!  The sweet, salty and a bit of spicy taste of the spareribs stays true even on your 3rd or 4th bite!

The Deep Fried Tofu does not have any sauce to it but eaten together with the pork spareribs, it's wonderful!  Trust me, I am thinking of going back just for this!

Steamed Fish on Soy Sauce

It may look bland but do not judge the fish by its look!  Its very fresh and sweet tasting fish!  Soy sauce is not even that strong to taste!  The mixture of sauce and onion leaves are just right especially at this "dining stage" as everyone's starting to get full!

Almond Jelly

I am an almond jelly lover!  And this definitely does not pass my standard!  The taste of almond in this jelly is a bit overwhelming, I think they put too much almond concentrate and the jelly is not the "soft" type that I want!  It's actually more on the crunchy texture which is a no no in my dictionary!

Platter of Fruits

You can't go wrong with these unless the fruits are not in season!  So far, all the fruits I've tasted are wonderful!

King Bee Restaurant

UG2 Seneca Plaza

#1152 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Mariana

Quezon City

Tel. No: (632) 738-2046

The restaurant is located at the main road of E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, it's not eye catchy though because I have to watch closely to find this restaurant.  There's a parking space right in front of the building and I was told there are more spaces at the back!  (You just have to drive around though).  Restaurant ambiance is not unique, it's a regular Chinese Looking Restaurant.  Servers are quite polite and service is quite good.

I don't have the price of the Lauriat set because this isn't paid by yours truly.  But base on experience, Chinese Laurit can costs from Php6,000-Php12,000 (approx $140-$280) depending on the kinds of dishes and the number of dishes!  The price is good for one table which can serve up to 12 guests!  Drinks are usually not included and VAT can be waived if paid in cash (not applicable to all Chinese restaurants). 

*whew* And would you believe, I'm off for another food tripping today?
Ahhh the wonders of eating!
Have you eaten Lauriat Style?  What's your favorite Chinese Restaurant?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Happy Weekend Food Tripping!

Tip for the Day: Creating Bright Looking Skin

Happy Saturday everyone!  By the time you are reading this, I am off for a makeup gig and I'm quite excited about it because as you all know, prettifying someone after a stressful weekend at work is another stress reliever for me aside from blogging!  I'll share what happened when given the chance!  *crosses fingers* 

After my "Some Kinda Blue, Some Kinda Purple" Eyes tutorial, I did promised a next tutorial on "Creating Bright Looking Skin".  Why did I ever think about doing such tutorial when most of you wanted the non-shimmery or glowy look?  A lot of you are opting for a matte looking makeup right?

I know, I heard you, I am the same too!  But as I watch Korean Series, "Perfect Match" to be exact!  *laughs*  I can't help but remember my Seoul Trip 2 months ago and I've seen how gorgeous the women in Korea are and they are not even piled on makeup!  That's where the "Bright Looking" skin makeup came up because I can seriously leave for work earlier because this does not take much time! :)  

*Note from AMW: There are a lot of creating "bright looking skin" tutorial out there, this is just a simple version from yours truly and I am in no way the inventor of these tips! :)  Enjoy!

Step 1:

You have to check on your skin condition before you start this tutorial. 
If you have oily skin: you can opt to use a light moisturizer, BB cream or Oil Control Primer

If you have dry skin: you can moisturize your skin really well, let it set, apply a moisturizing primer or moisturizing BB cream.  

In this tutorial, I have applied a thin layer of Skin79 VIP Gold BB cream after moisturizer.

Conceal spots or blemishes, in my case, I lightened up my dark circles with SkinFood Dark Circle Salmon Concealer.

Step 2:

Use a lighter concealer/cream foundation (2-3 tones lighter than your original skin tone), apply a tiny amount on the bridge of your nose and the brow bone area with a concealer brush or our clean fingers.

**Note from AMW: this is the perfect time to pull out concealer or foundation shades that you wrongly purchased!  Those that are a bit too light for you!

Step 3:

If you are more comfortable with heavy coverage foundation, you can choose your favorite mineral powder foundation, regular powder foundation, of if your skin is quite good and you don't need coverage, you can choose to use a translucent setting powder.

In this tutorial, I used Revlon's Age Defying 2 Way Foundation with Botafirm in Buff with my Charm Luxe Mini Kabuki.

Step 4:

Since I wanted a super natural, "no make up" look, I will use a bronzer as a blush!  Thanks to Gracie for the Elizabeth Arden Bronze Beauty Bronzing Powder Duo.

I've specifically applied the bronzing powder on the hallows of my cheekbones to make my cheeks pop out each time I smile! 

Step 5:

This is the most exciting part!  Also the most crucial part!  Highlighting!  I used the Eyeko Pretty Eyes 3-in-1 Eyeshadow Cake shimmery white eyeshadow as a highlighter or you can choose any highlighting powder you currently own.

With a blending eyeshadow brush, I applied the shimmer powder at the bridge of my nose in one swipe.  Using a blush brush, I highlighted the area from the temple down to the prominent cheekbones.  Be very careful not to apply too much!

Step 6:

I can actually stop at Step 5 but since I've blabbed so much, why not just finish the task?  *lol*  I chose a very nice bronze-y lipgloss that has a hint of gold speckles from Bath & Body Works.  It was a gift to me by my dear ELF Nail Polish supplier Toma!  Thanks honeybunch!

I can't stress enough that the best "Bright Looking Skin" comes with a huge, sincere smile!  Smiling is free so keep that smile with your now glowy skin!  

You'd think the application of the highlighting powder you've done is not enough, but once a source of light hit your face, there will be a certain glow that's not too obvious!  So please be careful not to pile too much shimmery powder or you'll end up looking like a bacon!  :P

Any more tips you may add for our readers?
Feel free to share!

Have a gorgeous weekend!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: Inexpensive Stuff akes Me Happy!

A lot of my mascara, eyeliner pencils or eyeshadow base on sticks move around inside my train case when I travel, I don't like it when I open it and some pencils are scattered inside!  That irks me!  I've thought of organizing my pencils by using resealable bags but at times, I need to change them often which isn't good for our environment so I've decided to purchase a pouch or pencil case to house all the pencil goodies! 

Makeup pouches, pencil cases, so easy to find right?  WRONG!

When I search for something, at times, I have an idea on top of my head and I would like to get the exact thing I am looking for to prevent me from purchasing and repurchasing just because I am not contented with what I have.  That's just me...so don't mind me!  *laughs*

Anyways, to cut the long "hunting" story, I was out looking around the department store office supplies area and I finally found a nice pencil case to house my (as I said) pencil oldies but goodies!

TADA!!!

Why this you ask?
Well, I have a couple of requirements ---

• Mesh type but does not hole up easily
• As much as possible, clear, transparent or translucent so I can easily see the stuff inside.
• Expands as I tend to add up my stuff!
• Inexpensive or much better?  VERY CHEAP!

FOUND IT!

Soft Mesh Case

250x110mm

approx. 9x4 inch

I've seen a couple of mesh pouches but I have a feeling it'll be ruined in no time as I could get careless at times!  This one is perfect because it's mesh-type protected with a frosty plastic which protects my stuff from dirt plus I can see the products I want to reach out for easily!

And the cute part, there's a name tag space?  I can label it with my name!  Now, help me....shall I put : "Gorgeous Nikki?  Nikki the Great? or Nikki the Super Talented Freak?"  *lol*  You get the drift, you can label it anything you want!  Just because it feels like first day of school all over again!

The pencil case expands at a certain level which I find "just right" for my pencils, primers and even mascaras!

Once you open up the zipper pouch, you can easily rummage through your stuff as there's enough room!

And last...seriously, last!
This is the best of all that's why it's on my Eureka Moment list....

The product costs Php29.75 (approx $0.70)

purchased at SM Department stores

I can purchase backups but I prefer to save the earth and just purchase one because I don't need a lot of these!  But this tiny thing made my day!  Seriously! YES!  I am serious!!! :D

What's your Eureka Moment for the week? 
Anything as simple as this made you happy?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!