I am Pretty Powerful!

Dear AMW Readers:

I have been blogging for around 3 years and a lot of you knew bits and pieces about me base on each post.  A lot of you may wonder how I get all the energy, the confidence, the passion to do the things I love.  Well, this is the moment you'll learn something deeper about the girl behind AskMeWhats.

First of all, I got an invite from Bobbi Brown Philippines to take part in a blog contest, to share a story on how we feel "Pretty Powerful"!  To be honest, I felt uneasy because I've always preferred teamwork over competition.  But come to think of it, I cannot pry myself away from competition as it is an integral part of our life!  Looking back, I've been competing (on life) without me knowing it and have been luckily surviving!

When we were assured by Bobbi Brown's Ms. Ina Casas that there won't be any pulling of hairs, punching of the throat, kicking of each others' shins, and worst, pulling each others' fingernails *gasp*  I told them I'm in!  Because I have a story to tell, a story worth sharing, a story that made me who I am today!

I was called a "Crybaby", "Weak person", "Scared-y Cat" most of my life!  Crying is a sport I've perfected!  That's why I've always been put inside a bubble that protects me from reality.  When I turned 22,  it was the time I suddenly wanted to get out!  I graduated with honors, got myself a good job even before I graduated, everything was sunshine-y for me but I felt it's not enough!  I haven't seen the world, the "reality".   I've always wanted to travel - that explains why I took up Tourism in the first place.  I've always wanted to start with the country I studied the most after my very own (Philippines)--- which is China!!!  I am not the type  who would ask for money straight out from my parents and I obviously haven't earn enough to spend that much on travel!  I was searching for "out of the country job" through my low-speed dial-up internet and I remembered having only an hour left on my internet credit when I found the website called "Teach in China".  As I clicked from page to page, my hopes were high!  I can speak English!  It'll be easy to Teach and Travel in China all at the same time!  Gosh, I was that optimistic then!  *laughs*

It was an hour of CV attachments, after I finished up the credits of my internet connection, I went to sleep, purchased another internet card the next day, and I was really hopeful and all ready to "choose" where I plan to work!

Of course the world didn't work that way! 

I got a lot of email replies, a lot of rejections!  

Here are some of the valid reasons  ---

"You don't have a teaching degree."
"You don't have teaching experiences."

"We require candidates coming from English Speaking countries."

And a lot of unacceptable ones ---

"You don't look foreign enough."
"You should have blonde hair or blue eyes."

"You look like one of us!"

And you think that would stop me?  Of course not!  Who are they to stop a gorgeous 22-year old lady like me? *laughs*  Don't they know me?  *hahaha* Okay, seriously, as hurtful as the responses sound, that did not stop me!  It was actually a challenge that made me want to conquer!  I was even more determined to scatter my resume and my "cute" 1x1 sized photo!  I got rejected 50 times? Well, guess what? I will send 50 more!

One University (God bless that University), accepted my application after series of phone calls.  I got in a big University called Zhejiang Forestry University located in Lin'an, Hangzhou, China.  Difficult to pronounce eh?  Well the place is difficult to find I tell you!  But hey, I passed, someone with NO teaching degree, no teaching experiences, and mind you, I have black hair and dark brown eyes!  Best of all, someone who has an email box called "Clefairy" (a Pokemon character)! *groans*  I must be jumping for joy right?  Well, I shouldn't, as it was the start of my Real Life Adventure.

As young as 23, it was the most difficult moment in my life to be away from my family, my friends and my then boyfriend Keith.  I was armed with One Year Contract, a round trip ticket, and $100.00 (which my brother gave me).  I seriously thought of jumping out of the plane during transit and head back home and cry 'til my eyes pop!

I didn't...it was a battle I wanted to face!  I chose this road.

As a University Professor for an Australian Program called TAFE, I was surrounded with a group of highly qualified, professionals, Non-Asian foreign teachers.  All of them have teaching degrees impressive teaching backgrounds.  I won't forget the first day of class, I was even scolded by the school administrator for "loitering" around during class period thinking I was a student!  (Can't blame him!  I was wearing  Powerpuff girls top!)

I have to explain to people gazillion times that I am a teacher, not a student! That I know how to speak English!  That accent doesn't matter, because we all have our own accents to be proud of.  That I love teaching by nature, that I have passion and compassion on students who have a hard time learning...amidst my salary being the lowest just because...I look like them.

I have been advised, many times by my friends back home to dress up maturely!  To use more make-up just to appear "older" than my real age.  I told myself, I know I have the talent, I know I have the heart to teach, I don't need to change for people to believe in my capabilities.  That well said, may I borrow Bruno Mars' song ---  "Cause girl I'm amazing, Just the way I am" :P ?  That's what I did, I stayed just the way I am.  I did gain a lot of weight though!  *laughs*  It wasn't intentional!  It was all the Hot Pot, the oily cafeteria food, the change of weather, and of course, the homesickness!

I still look cute naman di ba? :P

But you get the drift!  I just changed physically but I did not change the way I am in terms of personality and teaching style!

 (Note: The super sexy girl with "hand horns" in the middle, is..ahmm..me!)

It was a tough ride, but students are starting to get used to my round face, getting used to the way I dress, getting pass the stage of "shock" on how much their parents paid for a Foreign Teacher but got someone who looked like them instead!  They finally stopped trying to find ways to irritate me, or to bully the "young teacher".  They finally opened up their minds and hearts to listen to my teachings and realized I do make sense!  A year quickly passed.  My students who are on a Basic English Level went up to Intermediate Level, some even to Advance Level!  It was a very proud "motherly" moment for me.

 Ang serious ni lolo, nag aaral pa din kahit picture taking! :D

Because I was starting to be known as a "very good (and hyper)  teacher", I was given extra night classes to teach adults and professionals!  Some were grandfathers!  I won't forget that fateful day when I saw one of my "grandfather" student on the street as he went up to me, introduced me to his wife, and said: "She is MY teacher who made me speak Good English  I learned a lot from her!".  

It was an achievement for me that no amount of money can ever replace the price of pure happiness and contentment.

Year 2004, after nearing the end of my contract, I received an award given by the University to 10 deserving teachers (of all colleges)!  I was in line with teachers who were teaching for more than 30 years.  My name was printed on the University Paper as "Top 10 Best Teachers".  It was an achievement, I was the youngest, and I was the ONLY foreign teacher who received such prestigious award! 

A closer look on the article for people who can read Chinese :D 

One achievement I won't forget, after a year of service, I, confidently marched up to the University President (wearing a Peanuts shirt) the day before I head back to Manila, without appointment!  I gave him a mouthful (in a very respectable manner) on how he should open up his eyes in hiring talents not only from specific countries but instead, search for good teachers who have the passion for teaching!  Almost an hour of  debate and second-hand smoking!  It was worth all the effort as I received a plaque of appreciation from the University the next day and best of all,  the University started to hire Asian teachers!  *yay!*

This shirt was my lucky charm!  So don't laugh! :P

What does this long story had to do with Bobbi Brown's Pretty Powerful Campaign?  Lots! The Pretty Powerful campaign symbolizes Bobbi Brown's belief that all women possess natural beauty.  She wanted individuality and inner beauty to shine through with the right kind of tools. In my case, I was expected to dress up differently, I was advised by school authorities not to blend in so much with the students because no one would respect me if I look like a kid.  With the same ideals as Bobbi Brown, I wanted to embrace who I was almost 10 years ago, I was young then and I am comfortable dressing up and putting on very minimal makeup!  I don't need to conform to the standard on how foreign teachers should look just to fit in!  The key is confidence, I am confident with my capability to teach and be heard amidst my looks and age! 

You can see 3 looks of ME in the photo below: 

Pretty - natural me, no makeup at all!

Powerful - a darker makeup that hides the flaws and some contouring to give my face a bit of change and dimension.

Pretty Powerful - very natural look that's not far from the original look. The best feature (according to the hubby) which are my cheeks, are enhanced.

No Makeup to a Darker Makeup

This is a great attending a party or event look.  I think this is what other people want me to achieve.  Look older than my age and look professional.  This look will definitely separate me from the rest of the students, though it does not take that long time for me to create this look way back, I personally do not feel comfortable at the age of 23 to wear such make up. 

No Makeup to Very Natural Makeup

This was the look I sported way back because I think it's appropriate to my age.  Plus the fact that I have a busy teaching schedule, I go home late and I need to study for next day's lesson!  I have to wake up at 5:30am for a 7:00am class!  Teaching classes after classes for full 4 hours in the morning and another 3 hours in the afternoon, it is just right to sport such natural look without me having to worry if my eyeliner or mascara are smudging on me or my red lipstick stains my teeth!

It's a look I personally like because you can still see the flaws, the laugh lines, the under eye circles, these are proofs how I did my part to be where I am today.

I've used the Pretty Palette to create looks above

Real women should celebrate real beauty!  Looking back, I am glad I embraced the real me!  I may be really chubby those years, but those were the times I felt the strongest!  I worked out five times a week, I played tennis, I do my own household chores, I hiked,  I biked,  I accepted multiple teaching jobs!  No one sees the young, chubby-looking Nikki anymore, all they see is a strong woman who survived homesickness and the harsh reality of life outside my comfort zone!  They have seen the Nikki - who may not have the teaching degree, nationality and right age they were looking for, but a very effective teacher who helped change lives!   I, was a living proof to them, that they, can also make a difference, in their own ways even once in their lifetime!

That, for me, is Pretty Powerful!

How about you? 
Do you consider yourself Pretty Powerful too?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Revlon's Fire & Ice Nail Polish Collection

I can still remember my first Revlon product.  It was a clear Nail Polish which I bought a couple of years ago when I was in Hong Kong!  I think it was those rare moments I had to bring myself to Hong Kong to purchase a good "clear polish" used as a top coat because my nail polish just won't last for more than 3 days! 

Revlon, is known as a pioneer in the beauty industry with its matching lip and nail shade statements.  I can still remember those US magazines I've bought as I stare at the gorgeous print ad from the said brand!  This month, they are re-introducing its famous "lips and tips" pairings with the Fire & Ice Collection.  This collection includes 3 new shades in the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick with matching Revlon Nail Enamels.  These shades pay homage to the classic colors of what started Revlon as....Revlon!

(Note from AMW: The red lipstick equivalent is not on photo as it's packaged differently, will share the details soon)

 

I will do a separate post on the lipsticks, for today, I will be showing you the Nail Polish Collection newly launched for the love month called February!

AMW Reviews: Finess Oil Control Sheets

If you like taking a walk around Watson's and you like looking through new stuffs, you are probably just like ME!  Oh that's beside the point, my point is, you probably chanced upon another brand of oil control sheets from a brand called Finess!  Yes Finess minus the E not the Finesse Hair Care Line.

I was on the verge of insanity a.k.a. last minute hoarding on oil control sheets when I saw how nicely packaged this new brand of oil control sheets!  Chic right?  Darn packaging!  Do you really have to be that pretty and exciting to look at?  So, as usual, the marketing strategy works!  I bought it just because of its face value!  I am superficial! Sue me!

Finess Oil Control Sheet says ---

Shine-Free Oil Control Sheet effectively removes dirt and oil from skin, leaving your face feeling fresh and shine-free.  It's handy and convenient to bring anywhere for instant clean-ups of face anytime.  It's ideal for cleaning eyeglasses and camera lens as well!

100 sheets

AMW says ---

Pros

• Packed in a very chic packaging perfect for girls!   
• Oil control sheet has cute prints! 

The Regular Oil Control Sheet has Animal Prints 

The Pearlized ones have tiny specks of gold sparkles

• Multi-functional, aside from retouch to lessen oil, I do use this to clean my makeup mirror which I think costs less!  One sheet is enough for the whole mirror!
• Does remove oil without bothering the makeup!
• This is better for the environment though, this can be recycled easily as compared to the film-type sheets.
• Inexpensive!

Cons

• Though I am in love with the packaging, I can't give this to male clients, imagine them doing touch ups with this?
• Once its soaked up with oil, can tear up as opposed to the super durable Oil Control Films.
• If you're not into cute prints, you''ll probably find this too childish!
• It is not easy to grab, I may tear a sheet while trying to pull out one!  Because of the way it was packaged, I may even pull out more sheets than needed which equates to wastage.

Overall

Not the best but not the worst oil control product available in the market.  It does tear up but not as easily! There's nothing spectacular about this product, I can actually compare this to the Toilet Seat  Sheets that you can also use!  This, of course looks better than the Toilet Seat Sheets!  Can't complain, the expensive alternative that works really well costs twice as much as this!  

Tips

• Gently pat the oil control sheet on face especially on areas that oil up easily!.
• Never rub, I have to stress it again.. PAT! PAT! PAT!
• Throw this in a trash bin after use.  Be a responsible citizen!
• If you have a nice "tin can" for tissue paper or sanitary napkin, I suggest you transfer the content in a different packaging to prevent product tearing and wastage.

Will I repurchase?
Why not?  This is inexpensive and works!

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who oils up but not as much!  If you don't usually fill up the whole sheet and you just need oil-control on small areas like forehead, sides of the nose, this is A-okay!  

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at Watson's store for less than Php50.00 (approx $1.00).

As usual, just when I was about to test on oil control sheets, I have to look for an "oily" face, which obviously isn't me!  So, calling Mr. AMW!!!

Thanks to his face, but I have to let you know that he washed his face a couple of minutes ago so the sheets shown does not have much oil! 

Shine-Free Pearlized Oil Control Sheet

Regular Oil Control Sheet

Have you tried this brand?
If not this brand? Have you tried similar oil control sheets like these?
I am torn, I like the ones that does not tear but this one is way better for the environment!
How say you?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: "Year of the Rabbit" Nails

First day of my favorite month of the year!  February!  I'm sure a lot of you understand why I chose February to be a favorite month of mine!  The weather is cool, the days are shorter, the Hearts' day fall in this month and last but not the least, it's my birth month!  Most people probably hate it because it means they're getting older, I should feel the same too, but I don't!  I'm quite excited for another birthday!

Before I talk about MY day, February is a good month because most of the time, Chinese New Year falls in this month!  Well not all the time but for the past years!

I've decided to create a nail art tutorial that is actually not an original of mine, but I saw it from Confessions of Polishaholic!  Thanks so much for the inspiration! Her nail art design looks way better than mine though!  But it's a good try! :)

Step 1: 

Apply your base coat especially when you are using a dark base color!  I am using Revlon's newest nail polish collection under Fire & Ice called All Fired Up.  Will feature the polishes of Revlon soon! :)

Step 2: 

Note from Author: You can choose one design and create similar designs on all nails.  I prefer to do variable designs.

Since "gold" means money, and the combination of red and gold exudes luck and prosperity.  I've decided to create a sparkle gold nail with Bourgeois Mini Gold Polish.  

Using Prettynails' 2 Way Nail Art Pen in black, I drew the year "2011"

Step 3: 

Creating same "sparkly" gold nails just like on step 2.

Using the same art pen in black, I wrote the Chinese character which means "Rabbit"

I want to create "Chinese Lanterns" hanging on top of the word "Rabbit".  Using nail art dotting tool, I randomly drew yellow and orange dots in no particular order.

 

Step 4: 

For the "rabbit" drawing, I don't want to take too much effort drawing the whole rabbit!  Instead I drew a simple sketch that represents a rabbit! 

Step 5: 

Making sure the nail art designs are completely dry, apply your preferred top coat.  In this nail art tutorial, I am using OPI Start to Finish Base and Top Coat courtesy of my dearest friend Frances!

Happy Year of the Rabbit!!!

Before I end this post, just a li'l something that says...

"Eh....What's Up Doc?"

If nail art is not a thing for you, just paint your nails red and top it with a glittery gold polish and you're ready to celebrate the Chinese New Years with Joy, Prosperity and Luck just right on your fingernails!

Happy Chinese New Year AMW Readers!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Avon Ideal Shade Foundation SPF10

January 2011 is almost over!  Not bad, the start of the year kept me busy and I am staying positive it'll be a very fruitful 2011!  

As everyone who reads my blog knew, I have received a wonderful gift from our friends from Avon!  Thank goodness for duplicate product because I can give one as giveaway and have another one to review!  Thank goodness the shade matches me perfectly so it did not take me that much time to review this product!  I have tested this for a good week on random occasions and situations!  Here's what I have to say...I always have a say on everything!  Gosh!  I hope you don't mind?  *winks*

Avon Ideal Shade Liquid Foundation says ---

Formulated with PreciseLight Technology. For continuous balance, adds moisture or absorbs oil wherever needed. Natural satin smooth finish. Featherlight medium coverage.

Available shades on brochure: Shell, Nude and Pure Beige

AMW says ---
Pros

• Gives a very natural, "looks like your natural skin" coverage.
• Easy to apply, does not create patches.
• Gives out a matte finish, no shine nor unnecessary sparkle! 
• No white cast on photos and in person.
• Can double up as concealer especially on the undereye area because of its very nice, runny texture.
• Dries up into a nice velvety finish after a couple of minutes after application.
• Works even without patting on setting powder/powder foundation.
• Sheer to medium coverage foundation.
• Does not dry up dry skin, does not oil up oily skin!  This feels like a very good tinted moisturizer.
• No weird smell.
• Has SPF.
• Pores and redness can be covered! 
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Packaging!  A pump packaging would be much appreciated.  You can over spill product or waste product because you can't control the product that will come out.

• The cap can get dirty easily :(

• Looking for the foundation shade that matches is a huge headache! :)  Especially since most Avon products can be purchased through brochures!
• Not for people who are looking into full coverage foundation in one swipe!
• May cause breakouts to people sensitive to the ingredients included in this foundation.
• Limited shades sold locally.

Overall

This is the best "start-up" liquid foundation.  Meaning, if you are new to makeup and you are just starting to enjoy make-up application, this liquid foundation is the best to start because you feel like your skin still breathes and it doesn't have the heavy and oily feel that most liquid foundation gives!  Aside from that, the price isn't that bad for a 30 ml foundation that can last you months of daily usage!

Tips

• Shake bottle prior usage.
• Write down the date where you first open the foundation.  Do not use this if product smells weird!
• For dry skin: you can choose not to set this foundation with powder as it gives a very natural powder finish.
• For oily skin: though this gives out a nice matte finish after application, can still turn oily after several hours, use your preferred setting powder or powder foundation with a huge brush and dust the product gently on areas that oil up easily!  It doesn't hurt to use a face primer to prevent your skin from oiling up!
• SPF10 is not enough so always use sunblock prior to foundation application.
• Visit Avon stores to check on their foundation shades, do not depend on the brochure color to look for a shade that matches you!
• Though this can give a nice, medium coverage, if you have acne-prone skin or a lot of marks on your skin, a concealer or corrector is still needed!
• For light coverage: apply with a stippling brush or Beauty Blender.
• For medium to heavy coverage: you can choose to apply with clean fingers or regular sponges!

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
People who likes to use liquid foundation minus the heavy feel!  This would be perfect for people without much skin issues because this feels and looks like second skin!


Works for oily, normal, combination and dry skin!

Where to purchase and how much?
Avon ladies for Php530.00 (approx $12.30)

Avon Idea Shade Foundation SPF10

Shade: Nude

 

Product blended so well on my hand

Does not look like there's foundation at all!

 Applied on skin, no base, no powder 

The product lightened up the darkness under my eyes.

The product lightened up the redness on the sides of my nose.

But it does not make me look different, does not cover the small beauty mark on my cheek.

Sheer to medium coverage adjustable base on your preference.

Have you tried this foundation?
This foundation reminded me of the I Nuovi Litebase Foundation!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Note from Author: Product was sent as gift.  The review has been done base on personal experiences.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)