AMW Reviews: ES Lashes

All makeup artists should have at least a set of false lashes in their makeup train case.  I myself have hoarded so much at Landmark (the famous Landmark lashes) and I've also hoarded a whole lot more during my Hong Kong trips and it was funny how it was checked during our transit to Shenzhen and I was questioned why I have so many False Lashes in my hand carry bag!  I had to explain to them that I am a makeup artist!  During those times, I thought I was hoarding too much!  But now, looking back, I wished I've purchased more!  The quality are great and the price is really good for approximately Php35.00-45.00 (approx $0.80-$1.00).

Don't get me wrong, the Landmark lashes are great but there are only few choices of their lashes I really like, the natural ones!  What if clients wanted more dramatic lashes?  Some of the Landmark lashes are plastic-y!  

Maggie of KKCenterHK emailed me asking me if I wanted to try their ES Lashes.  I checked their website first on their pricing before I said yes!  I don't want to effort myself reviewing products that are more expensive than what's offered down here!

After checking the prices and the variety of their lashes!  I was impressed and I said yes in giving them a test!  After a month or more, the lashes have landed!

False Lashes were neatly placed in a black box

ES Lashes say ---

• Lots Of 10 Pairs
• Brand New In Retail Packaging
• Make Your Eyes Look Bigger And Attractive
• Can Be Re-use If You Take Them Off Carefully
• False Eyelash With Box Package
• Suitable For Any Personage
• Can Be Used Party Or Professional Make Up

AMW says ---
Pros

• Each lashes are displayed in their rightful location inside the box.
• Many styles to choose from.
• Very natural lashes.
• Not plastic-y and does not hurt the eyes upon right application.
• Inexpensive for the quality.
• Comparable to branded lashes.
• Reusable if well taken care off.
• They automatically mark this as "gift".  I am hoping most postal office will take this seriously! 
• Shipping rate is not that bad if you chose the regular shipping method.

Cons

• Have to purchase online which means long waiting time!
• For some who needs to pick this up in this postal office (like myself), its a huge hassle!

Overall

I am impressed with the quality of these lashes!  Some are even comparable to Ardell lashes!  The thing is, I am not impressed with our postal office services :( I had to pick them up at the Main Post Office (Quiapo) and its not delivered straight the post office nearest our area! :(  I guess that's the only setback!  I really like to order these lashes because they are really inexpensive for the quality but its the long wait and the hassle that would probably stop me from purchasing :(

Tips

• Do not yank the lashes out prior to usage, instead, use a tweezer and gently pull out the lashes.
• Put the lash on your upper lash line without the glue to check if the length is okay.  Cut if necessary.
• Handle lash careful with both hands as you bend it a bit to maintain its curvature.
• If you plan to reuse the false lashes, gently remove them and glen the band with a makeup remover to remove makeup and glue.
• If you plan to reuse the false lashes, I would strongly suggest not to apply mascara directly onto the falsies.
• You can share shipping costs with fellow false lashes enthusiasts to save on shipping.
• If you want to see step-by-step tutorial on how to apply falsies, smile and click HERE.

Will I repurchase?
Yes, definitely but I may have to ask favor from friends who will be visiting HK to help me pick these up.

To whom do I recommend this to?

Makeup artists like myself who needs to have gazillions of false lashes available inside their makeup kit.

Individuals who loves to use false lashes on a daily basis.

Where to purchase and how much?

Online KKCenterHK between the range of $2.50-$12.00 (approx Php110.00-Php528.00) depending on lashes quality and material.  Please include shipping costs of Php31.00 (approx $0.70) per box.  You can have them calculate the total shipping rate prior to payment.

A10 Handmade Soft Black False Eyelashes

$11.68 (approx Php513.92) for box of 10 pairs

Very soft to touch and each pair are done with care! Feels like natural lash hairs.  

Very full and there are no space in between hairs.

A24 Clear Liner Short to Long Cross Fake Eyelashes

$5.40 (approx Php237.00) for box of 10 pairs

Lashes have this "firmer" touch.  Synthetic lashes but does not look like one!  Using this false eyelash would enhance a cat-eye look because of the longer at the outer corner.

A134 Handmade Clear Line Black Natural False Lashes

$7.49 (approx Php330.00) for box of 10 pairs

Gives out a more dramatic full lashes look.  Hair is very soft and the band is made of clear line which won't give out an obvious "line" most false lashes would give.  The longest part of the lashes is located at the middle portion which can give a wide-eye look!

 

A715 Black False Eyelashes

$10.94 (approx Php481.36) for box of 10 pairs

The lash band itself is made of a string instead of plastic which makes the false lashes very flexible!  Will take extra effort to apply as it does not have the "curve" most false lashes have.  Hair is very soft and full.  Alternate long and short hairs for a dramatic eyes.

A801 Handmade Clear Line Black False Eyelashes

$4.87 (approx Php214.00) for box of 10 pairs

Clear lash band for a more natural look.  Lash hairs are synthetic.  This is the perfect "Twiggy-look" lashes.

A020 Clear Liner Short Lower Eyelashes

$6.84 (approx Php301.00) for box of 10 pairs

Curved perfectly to fit the lower lashline.  Synthetic hairs but very soft to touch and looks very natural.

You will see me use these lashes on clients and on some of my FOTDs so do watch out for it!
Thanks to KKCenterHK for the trust in my blog to give these lashes a test!

Will give you update if there are some changes on my reviews on these products!

Not sure if you are into false lashes?
Does it makes a huge difference on your eye looks?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

 

(Note from Author: Product provided for PR consideration.  The author is not paid to write this post. All information written are based solely on author's personal experiences.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Weekend Food Tripping at: The Real Thing Diner

It's THE DAY of the week, where calories rule!  I am glad looking back at photos do not add on pounds!  As I am getting hungrier by the minute I am writing this post!  Cropping food photos doesn't help!  

I've heard about a newly opened diner at Tomas Morato area when I listened Noelle Cassandra's plug over the radio.  Noelle Cassandra, for those who doesn't know her, is a famous Harp Artist who's got the talent and voice like an angel!  I've seen her perform live at Freeway event and I've met her via a common friend!  Very friendly and TALL lady!  It's out of the topic, I just had to say that *laughs*.

Anyways, when I heard about The Real Thing Diner, the name itself puts a twinkle into Mr. AMW's eyes.  Everyone knew how he loves to collect Coca Cola stuffs and how he's into drinking Coca Cola!  I promised him I will take him there but it took us months because we're always busy!

It was my mom-in-law's birthday this week and it was a perfect timing to try this restaurant as the whole family is into Coca Cola anyways! 

Once you step in, you see a lot of Coke memorabilia!  It's like a Coca Cola museum in which Mr. AMW got lost-in-space right away and forgot he has a wife!  *joking aside*  I sat down and took a look at the menu as he clicked away!

The cute Coca Cola Polar Bear!

Just in case you're wondering, everything's NOT on sale!

The cheery ambiance!  It was around 7:00pm when we arrived on a quiet Wednesday night.  I'm glad we had the opportunity to take such a nice photo as customers are starting to come in at around 8:00pm.

The gorgeous display at the cash register area!  Everything's so neat and clean!  

Even the table setting is well thought of!  I like the coaster!  So Coca Cola!

I guess I gushed so much on the look of The Real Thing Diner.  What about the food?  Here's what we ordered!

Criss Cut Fries

Php49.00 (approx $1.00)

I like the fact that their Criss Cut Fries are not overpriced and the serving size isn't that bad!  The criss cut fries are served hot and crispy!  Perfectly spiced to taste!  Not too salty nor spicy!  Just right!  I can definitely have another plate of this!

Sarsi Wings

Php199.00 (approx $4.50)

Buffalo wings glazed with special Sarsi glaze

I am not a cola drinker and the worst cola you can ever offer to me is Rootbeer!  I hate the taste and I just don't understand why people like drinking it!  (no offense to rootbeer lovers out there).  When I tweeted and checked about this restaurant, CanDIshhh tales tweeted back telling us that the Sarsi Wings is a must try in this diner!  Who am I to say NO?  I am quite adventurous when it comes to food!  It looks delicious anyways!  First bite, I can't explain the taste but it actually tastes good!  Sweet , tangy taste that plays inside your mouth!  I was so into this that I even licked on the sauce and I can taste the Sarsi right away!  :( So no licking of the sauce from now on!  I like the sauce with the wings!  The family loves the sauce poured on their rice!

 Grilled Lemon Chicken

Php259.00 (approx $5.80)

Tender Chicken Fillet infused with lemon and herbs

We asked the waiter what's their bestseller when it comes to chicken dish and he recommended this!  It's actually not bad!  The chicken is grilled just right!  Some people may not like the "burnt" look but I actually like it!  Crunchy on the outside and very juicy inside.  All chicken dishes are served with vegetables and 1 siding of your choice!  We chose mashed potatoes.  The mashed potatoes lack gravy though!  Actually there's no gravy at all!

Coca Cola Baby Back Ribs

Php399.00 (approx $9.00)

Tender baby back ribs glazed in their signature Coca-Cola BBQ sauce

I was actually worried that the ribs will come out dry and "boney" It's actually the star dish of the night!  The ribs was served juicy and full of flavors!  All meat dishes served with vegetables and 1 sider.  We were so in love with Criss Cut Fries that we requested for the same once again!

Coca-Cola Seafood Jambalaya

Php229.00 (approx $5.20)

A delicious medley of Coca-Cola, rice, celery and bell peppers, topped with prawns and dory

This is refreshing to taste!  The rice meal is quite flavorful and you can eat it on its own!  Spices were used which tastes quite distinct to the tongue!  Some people may not like it!  The shrimps and dory are great as toppings, very under-the-sea-like!

We wanted to be adventurous, the family ordered regular Coke and tried one of their non-alcoholic mixed drink!

Coca-Cola Egg Nog

Php99.00 (approx $2.00)

Coca-Cola with Vanilla, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Eggs and Milk.

Sorry, not a fan!  It didn't pass all our taste buds!

 

Because it was AMW MIL's birthday and the waiters are quite attentive eventhough we discreetly sang "Happy Birthday" song, my MIL got a free strawberry ice cream which puts a huge smile on her face!  She's an ice cream lover and she obviously can't wait to take a spoonful even during photo session!  *laughs*

Bought her 3 mini cakes from Dulcinea

The dishes in this restaurant are priced fairly!  All prices inclusive of 12% VAT and no service charge.  Diner accepts cash and credit card payments.  Pay parking at Il Terrazzo.  Servers are very attentive and friendly!

The Real Thing Diner

2nd Floor Il Terrazzo 

305 Tomas Morato Cor. Sct. Madrinan

QC

Sundays to Thursdays (11:00am to 2:30pm/ 5:30pm to 10:00pm)

Fridays and Saturdays (11:00am to 2:30pm/ 5:30pm to 11:00pm)

It was a wonderful mid-week food tripping and I'm actually off for another one soon!
Ahhhhh how food can relax us!

By the way, before I end this post, I want to thank each and every reader who read my "I am Pretty Powerful" post and thank you for all the kind words!  It was a huge pleasure of mine to be included in this campaign and its a blessing from God that I can touch lives even through simple posts like these.  Thank you!

YOU my dear friends, can also join the Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Campaign and get your chance to win your very own Pretty Face Palette!  You can click photo below on how to join!  Goodluck!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reports: HBC and San San Products

One weekend, after a long day, I've decided to stop at the SM mall nearest my place!  The mall I heard that has the most number of visitors!  Not SM Mall of Asia nor SM Megamall!  It's SM San Lazaro!  New found information right? :)  

Anyways, I usually go there just to buy what I need or probably have a quick dinner or take out as I don't want to stay too long in this mall because its always crowded!  As we were on our way to the car park, I nudged hubby when I saw a display that puts "bling" into my eyes!  SALE and PROMOTIONS!  Who doesn't want to save money?  I know I do!

HBC is my "to-go-to" store when I need the basics!  I used to go to their main branch back then when I need to purchase hair cutting tools like scissors, cape, brushes, hair clips and a whole lot more!  I even ventured on purchasing San San Nail Polishes just because the colors are quite nice!

I wasn't looking at their makeup collection back then!  But after months or years, things have changed!  They have been upping their game and the store is looking more and more visit-worthy!

The store is bright and welcoming, the staffs were there to greet you courteously the moment you stepped in!  It doesn't hurt to see the gorgeous Anne Curtis poster!  I can also see the HBC Make-over zone which is a great idea for people who wants to learn how to use the makeup prior to purchase!

(Note from author: Sorry for the blurry shots, they were all ninja shots taken using my phone camera.)

The store was divided sections per sections base on the brand name!  One brand caught my attention because of its colorful display is called Allue!  Allue I would recommend to teenagers starting on makeup and does not want to spend so much! 

 

Just by mere looking at the display, the lip glosses are definitely must try!  So  many to choose from!

It took me longer time in front of the San San Cosmetics area.  Well, not because Kris Aquino and myself are of the same age (definitely NOT!) :P  But because the variety of products available in this brand fits consumer on my age range!  I would say College graduate to working girls! 

The liquid liner is inexpensive for Php86.00 (approx $2.00) and the pencils are not bad as well for Php72.00 (approx $1.50).  I will definitely go back to give them a try!  I need to finish up what I currently own..which is a lot! :P

There are a whole lot of powder and powder foundation, blushes and lipsticks!

I took home 2 intriguing products which I hope works well because they are inexpensive!

San San Mousse Foundation

An airy-light, whipped face base

Php150.00 (approx $3.40)

L-R Natural, Beige and Olive

 San San Matte Touch Mousse Blush

Php120.00 (approx $2.70)

Color: Pink Blush

 San San Matte Touch Mousse Blush

Php120.00 (approx $2.70)

Color: Mocha Blush

They also have a brochure!

Product names, details and prices all included!  There are also some tips to learn!

What's your favorite HBC product?
I can't wait to test the products out and will report to everyone!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

 

(Note from Author: Product provided for PR consideration.  The author is not paid to write this post. All information written are based solely on author's personal experiences.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

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!