AMW Reviews: Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner

As I get lazier and lazier each day on makeup application.  My makeup routine has also decreased in number!  I can go as fast as 1-2-3 and leave the house.  

1. Face Powder

2. Eyeliner

3. Colored Lipbalm

Yes guys, I chose eyeliner over mascara application because it's a full proof secret of mine to make me look awake!  I have been a pencil-alternating-to-gel liner for the past years and I have to admit, I missed my liquid liners!  The effect of liquid liner and gel liner for me are almost similar but isn't it nice to not reach out for a separate brush?  That's probably one factor I missed about liquid liners, the brush that comes with it!

For a couple of weeks now, I've added a new member to my eye-lining essentials!  Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner in Blackest Black.

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner says ---

Elegant, sexy and sophisticated, Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner allows you to emphasize your eyes with precision. Dries quickly and lasts all day. 

Available in: Blackest Black and Black Brown 

Made in Germany good for 12 months

AMW says ---
Pros

• Easy to use packaging.
• Liner comes out very pigmented.
• Blackest black is super black!
• Perfect for winged liner.
• Allows to create thin and thick line easily.
• No smudging nor flaking for the whole day.
• Stays all day until removal.
• Dries quickly.
• Not too difficult to remove with a good eye makeup remover.
• Brush applicator is short so its easier to control.

• The liquid liner does not dry up easily or gets "sticky" after several usage or once exposed to air!  My Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner is as good as new at this very moment.
• Can make tiny eyes look larger! 
• Price isn't bad for a liquid liner that lasts all day and super pigmented.

Cons

• Since the brush is stiff, it may irritate the sensitive lids.
• Can only be used to line the upper lash line.
• Can be tricky to apply especially when you're a first time liquid liner user.

Overall

A nice liquid liner to start with!  What I like is its capability to dry quickly which makes it easy for first timers to try.  Very pigmented and one swipe can give a truest black liner color!

Tips

• Shaky hands?  Dot your upper lash line with several tiny dots and gently connect it.
• During application, try to tilt your head backwards, raise your eyebrows during application.  
• Do not open your eyes wide at once, give a couple of seconds for the liner to completely dry.
• Apply with light pressure as the stiff brush can hurt your eyes.
• You can choose to pencil your lash line first then apply this liquid liner on top!  Creating an outline with pencil is easier and mess-free.
• Made a mistake?  Do not worry, dip your q-tip with make up remover and gently remove liquid liner
• Do not tight line with this or apply on waterline as it will hurt your eyes!
• I prefer application with the brush on sideways rather than applying it straight poking the eyes!
• You see a space in between the lashes and the liner?  Proceed with tight line using your favorite pencil eyeliner.
• On removal, wet your cotton pad with your preferred eye makeup remover, close you eyes and leave the pad on the eye area for a couple of seconds, gently wiping the liner off.  Do not leave residues as it may cause allergic reactions.
• Stop usage once allergic reactions occur.

Will I repurchase?
No.  I'll go look for the "soft brush applicator" version.

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who has shaky hands but wants to try liquid liner!  The short and stiff brush gives control to line the eyes precisely!  

Where to purchase and how much?
At Revlon counters locally for Php550.00 (approx $13.00).

Here's to show you how easily you can create thin and thick lines 

with this firm brush

Applied with one swipe on my upper lash line 

creating a semi-winged look

My eye looks larger with Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner
(No wonder KPop stars love their eyeliners!)

(note: I applied a tiny bit of black eyeliner on the waterline)

I missed my liquid lining days!  With the Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner, its easy for me to create an obviously "lined" eyes!  I don't mind reaching out for this on days I want my eyes to be more distinct!

What's your favorite liquid liner brand?
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(Note from Author: Product sent as gift.  The author is not affiliated with the company. All information written are based solely on author's personal experiences.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AskMeWhats on TekTok TV

I was invited to talk about my blog AskMeWhats on Tek Tok TV last month!  I thought I'll break into cold sweats or faint during air time!  I was expecting the worst but I guess Tek Tok TV hosts Vince Golangco and Hannah Villasis made me comfortable right away so I survived the interview without any E.R. drama.  It was also an honor to be guested together with Mr.Brad Geiser of Geiser MacLang.

When the video was posted on Tek Tok TV website, I got an email query from a reader on where I got my skirt.  It's actually Skort (Shorts + Skirt) which I bought from Korea.

Top: Forever 21

Innter black tube: People are People

Skort: bought in Dongdaemun, Korea

Shoes: Prima Donna

Here's a clip of AMW on video! :)  Sorry I had to choose the part where I was interviewed as it took me forever to download the videos from YT!  You can go to Tek Tok TV website to watch the full Episode 28 with interesting music videos, funny videos and interview about AMW and on a Social marketing and PR strategies agency --- Geiser Maclang.

I think I don't look as nervous as I feel I hope!  Thanks Hannah, Vince and Tek Tok TV for the invite  Thanks to Mr. AMW for the photos and the support :D

Episode (2 of 4)

Episode (3 of 4)

It was a first time for me to talk on TV so this is going to be part of AMW history! :)

P.S. I've also mentioned about my dear "Angel Friends" (You girls know who you are) who helped our country during Typhoon Ondoy and I forgot to mention that there are a lot more angels who helped sponsor AskMeWhats Seminar for A Cause. 

My deepest gratitude for supporting me in helping people in my own little ways.

I may not be changing the world but I am trying my best to do good deeds one lipstick at a time! *winks*

Again, thanks for being an AMW Reader!  THANK YOU for opening this page on a daily basis!

Love you all!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: "Happy Birthday" Nails

February is my birthday month!  My age is probably not as enticing as a decade ago but I am still up for celebration!  I may be old when it comes to my age but I'm young at heart and nails! :P  

My birthday isn't today but I am preparing my nails for a week long celebration!  I will be celebrating my birthday in advance with families and friends starting tonight!  Yes, tonight!  I don't mind blowing candles multiple times! 

Happy Birthday Nails

Be ready for super long steps!  You can choose to create only ONE design on all nails!  I was just in the mood for multiple designs! 

Step 1:

Use your preferred base coat to prevent yellowing of nails.  I painted 2 coats of Elianto Turquoise Nail polish and used ELF Platinum Polish color on the ring fingernail.

Step 2:

Creating a single balloon on Ring Finger

I applied a coat of Barry M "Once Upon A Time" polish to create a nice confetti effect.  

Using my biggest nail art dotting tool, I made a huge dot with Revlon All Fired Up.

Using Black Prettynails 2 Way Nail Art Pen, I've created a balloon string.
 

I've also highlighted the balloon with White Prettynails 2 Way Nail Art Pen.

Step 3:

Creating a group of balloons on Pointer Fingernail

I reached out and randomly picked nice shades of polish and dotted it straight on my pointer fingernails!  Very important that your base coat is completely dry so the colors won't mix!

Create a reflection again with White Prettynails 2 Way Nail Art Pen.  If you don't have nail art pens, you can purchase a small brush from art supply stores to line the dots with white polish.

With L.A. Art Deco Polish in Black, draw a thin line right below the dots to create balloon strings.

Step 4:

Creating Cupcakes

I can totally imagine how cute a blue and pink would look together!  (Exactly like our wedding motif)  I painted a thick French Tip on top of a dry base with Revlon Temptress.

Using a White Nail Art Pen, draw cupcake outline and fill it in.  

Using L.A. Art Deco Nail Polish in White, draw a thin line on the pink portion just like photo below.

Create a huge red dot on top of the cupcake with Revlon All Fired Up.  The dot does not have to be perfect!

You can create sprinkles on the cupcake itself with a toothpick or in my case, with a nail art dotting tool.

Step 5:

Creating Candles on thumb nails

How can I blow a birthday cupcake without candles?  I've chosen my favorite Blue and Pink color again and draw a straight line. 

Using Black Nail Art Pen, create a wick

Using yellow polish to create "tiny flame" 

Draw lines on the candle itself for it not too look too bare!  I was actually thinking about tiny birthday candles at this point!

I went ahead with adding a bit of "confetti" again with Barry M Once Upon A Time polish.

Step 6:

Give it some time to make sure the nail art designs are COMPLETELY dry, you can blow dry your nails at this point.  Apply one coat of your favorite Top Coat.

Aren't the nails festive enough for someone celebrating her 18th *ahem* birthday? 

*no violent reactions ok?* :P

Yes, too tedious but I really enjoyed playing with colors and being kiddie!
Again, you can choose only one design for the whole 10 fingernails!

Hope you like it!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Suzhou Dimsum

My friend asked me what's Mr. AMW's favorite food.  I got this blank look as I can go on and on and on on his favorites!  There's one particular Chinese dimsum he really loves though!  The worst case scenario?  He had a bite of it at Shanghai and we don't own a jet plane to fly to Shanghai every time he's craving for this!

Intrigued?  Well, its a simple dimsum called "Xiao Long Bao".

Xiao Long Bao is a typical steamed bun originated from China.  It is traditionally steamed on a bamboo basket!  Most people refer Xiao Long Bao as Soup Dumplings!  Literally speaking, there's a tiny bit of soup and pork inside the cute buns! 

2 years ago, we visited my brother in Shanghai and there's this tiny restaurant with a long line!  I asked my brother what they're lining for, and it was the famous Xiao Long Bao people were crazy about!  Keith and I got intrigued so we lined up and gave it a try!

It was a Dumpling Heaven Experience for Mr. AMW!  He said it was the best Xiao Long Bao he had and would you believe he thinks about it once in awhile for the past 2 years?  *laughs*  I am even tempted to have them FEDEX'd down here!  

Anyways, fast forward, to any restaurant who serves Xiao Long Bao that we've been to, we make it a point to try their Xiao Long Bao and would always discuss how close or far it was from the taste of the ones in Shanghai!  The closest one he tasted is from a Chinese Restaurant in Seoul, Korea!  But hello?  Do we really need to travel for a good Dumpling?

We heard from the mommy-o that they tried a tiny Chinese restaurant at Robinson's Otis called Suzhou Dimsum.  We passed there a couple of times but never thought this tiny restaurant "may" serve the Xiao Long Bao we're looking for.  Did it pass the expensive tongue of Mr. AMW?  Read on...

Suzhou Dimsum 

3rd Level of Robinson's Otis

Deep Fried Spring Rolls

Php100.00 (approx $2.38)

I immediately asked for a sauce after once this was served but I was told there's none.  I got pretty disappointed.  It was a pleasant surprise that this dish do not need any sauce at all.  It's not a typical pork fried spring rolls you served in most restaurants, inside were vegetables and its surprisingly tasty and not dry at all!  I don't recommend this to vegetable-allergics out there though :D

  The inside of the Fried Spring Rolls

SuZhou  Fried Rice

Php140.00 (approx $3.33)

I find nothing special as they taste quite the same as other restaurants or I may even find better tasting  Fried Rice!  I love it though that they mix it with a lot of vegetables and eggs.

Green Pepper with Shredded Pork

Php220.00 (approx $5.24)

It's spicy and just right! I like it that it has a lot of sauce which I like spreading all over my rice!  

Special Xiao Long Bao

Php95.00 (approx $2.20) for 4 pcs.

This is the most exciting part.  Judging by the look, the skin and the size is close to what we had in Shanghai.  How to eat a Xiao Long Bao?  Most people would like to hold it with a chopsticks, take a bite on the tip first to release the heat, hold a spoon on the other hand to support the rest of the dumplings as you go and bite the rest of it!  Soup will definitely come out and that's where the spoon comes in!

Since I'm married and I don't need to have poise anymore!  *laughs* I prefer biting it at once and squirt  soup all over!  *hahahaha*  It was a half-joke!  Half joke because it did squirt but not intentionally!  I wasn't expecting the Xiao Long Bao to be THAT juicy!

How about the taste?  Mr. AMW said its close, around 80% close to the ones he had in Shanghai and that's good enough.  After finishing up the steamed version, we've decided to go ahead and try the Fried version because we're pigs! :P

Pan Fried Xiao Long Bao

 Php105.00 (approx $2.50) for 4pcs.

90%  Yes, that's the score of the Fried Xiao Long Bao, the scent, the taste is really close!  I had to text my friend (who's into Xiao Long Bao hunt too) and told her about it right away!  She said the Xiao Long Bao from Lugang is great too!  I can't compare for now as we haven't try it yet.  For now....this is the winner!

To show you how juicy the insides of the Xiao Long Bao (and no, they're not saliva lol).  The taste is not too salty nor bland, everything is just right.  You can choose to dip your dumplings on a Ginger sauce provided but we like it just the way it is.

I will definitely visit back the restaurant because of the Xiao Long Bao, the rest of the dishes are okay but not fantabulous!  I wasn't that happy with the customer service, it's not bad customer service but its obviously not that good as well.  You don't' get a smile or an acknowledgment when you requested to order something.  It's like they're dragging their feet to work!

Cash payment basis only, no service charge.  Ample, Free parking space located at the mall's basement.

Suzhou Dimsum

3rd Floor Robinson's Otis

Enjoy your weekend food tripping!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Avon Gives: Simply Because --- Contest Closed!

Happy Saturday!  How will you spend your weekend?  Me, I'll probably slave myself washing my brushes and cleaning my train case as I prepare myself for a make up gig!  I also booked myself a haircut appointment because I needed it!  Though my hair is layered, the longest part of my hair is getting quite long and dry, so it's time for some change!  Not a huge change but I'm hoping for a nice change!  Wish me luck!

Today, I will be hosting another contest for our local readers (sorry international readers).  What's the prize?  Do you remember my AMW Bulletin: Gift of Fragrance for Hearts Day?  Well, here's a reminder....

Five of my lucky readers will get the chance to win His and Hers fragrance called Simply Because.  This pair of fragrances inspires the romantic in each one of us to make everyday extraordinary!  Valentine's Day may be over but I believe everyday can be Valentine's Day with your loved ones!

How to join?

1. Simple comment in this post together with your name and email address.

2. Write down a short story of an unexpected but romantic moment that happened between you and your loved one which made a huge impact!  (ex. A wedding proposal, a surprise dinner, or a simple gift your brother gave you when you graduated, etc...)

** Because I wanted a lot of you to be given the chance to join, you can tell a story between you and your brother, father, uncle, grandfather or whoever!  It doesn't have to be a romantic love story as love can be shared to anybody!  Well, as long as it's his and her!

3. Our friends from Ogilvy will be the one picking the 5 winners!

4. Local readers can join whether you have a blog or do not have a blog!  

5. Contest starts today and ends on February 28, 2011 (11:59pm).

6. No multiple entries please!
7. 5 Winners will be announced in this blog.

It'll be fair if I share my simple romantic moments.  Mr. AMW and I go to work everyday and we're always together most of the time!  On days that he will be going somewhere or on days that he knew I won't be around him, he will leave random sweet notes, he usually puts it in front of my computer as he knew I always check my mails!  *laughs*

There are way more post-its not shown on photo, I think he used up several pads of sticky notes!  *lol*  

Note from AMW: Some of the weird drawings are probably meaningless to you guys but those were the times I was addicted to the PSP game "Patapon" *laughs* 

So now, it's YOUR time to tell me those sweet stories!
Doesn't have to be huge, simple gestures matter, it's the thought that counts!

Good luck everyone!  I can't wait to read your stories!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!