Eureka Moment: A Quad So Versatile...

Today's Eureka Moment is not from a Japan Home Center or from any supermarket or department stores.  This is quite a unique Eureka Moment entry because I actually got this for free and it has been sitting inside my make-up drawer for months and months! 

Mind you, this is not even a full size!  It's a tiny sample size of the Bobbi Brown's Champagne Quartz Eye Quad.   The packaging is so tiny its actually the same size of some single eyeshadow packaging out there!

 

Champagne Quartz Eye Quad includes Bone Shimmer, Champagne Quartz Metallic, Copper Sand Shimmer and Expresso.

• Bone Shimmer has a hint of shimmer with almost matte white texture.  This works best to highlight browbone area.
• Champagne Quartz Metallic has a bit of similarity with the famous Stila Kitten eyeshadow.   Gives out a very subtle glow which works well to blend in smokey eye makeup or just use as a base!
• Copper Sand Shimmer can pass for a deep gold/coppery shade with specks of gold shimmers!  This gives out a nice wash all over your lid!  Best applied on the inner thirds of the lids. 
• Expresso, the name speaks for itself, plain dark brown chocolate shade!  No frills, just matte dark brown perfect to be applied over the outer-v for that deep set eye look.  Or apply all over the lids to create a single colored smokey eyes!

The sample size of this quad has been kept inside my makeup drawer for months so I am not sure if they still sell the full size of this quad!  I believe you can purchase each eyeshadow color though at Bobbi Brown counters. 

A photo of the sample sized Bobbi Brown Quad

against my tiny hand

Here's to show you how versatile this tiny palette is!  I actually found this to be really useful on one make-up gig I've done for 6 clients.  

(Note from AMW:  I did not use all 4 shades on each client, its a mix and match of various eye shadows but I've used at least a single shade from this quad in each of them)

From a teenager

To Young Adults

 

  

To Adults

 

  And a Mature Client who's proud to be 87 years old!
My oldest client to date :)

I found ways to use the tiny, yet powerful quad to each of the clients shown above!  I will definitely be taking it along with me on all gigs and it won't leave my train case for now!

And here's a proof on what smiling can really do....

Brings out natural beauty, with or without makeup!
So where's that smile of yours?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Note from Author: Make-up done by Nikki of AMW, Hairstyle by Yrynne)

The Flavors and Benefits Behind Your Favorite Tea

The Chinese invented Tea.  I am Chinese, I should know everything about tea! Well, I am no expert on tea but I do have my fair share of tea tasting!  I do drink tea on a daily basis and I've tried so many brands of tea both sold in China, Hong Kong and locally!

My knowledge on tea was enhanced when I worked in China for a good 3 years.  Most of my students who were older than me would treat me for a tea session after class to show me the beauty of tea-making, at the same time, its a healthy way of bonding and learning about their culture.

I used to know only 3 types of teas ---

AMW Reviews: Beautymaker Oil-Free and Moisturizing 2-Way Foundation

Kevin Beautymaker

Is it a person or a brand?  It's actually both!  I heard about this brand and person 5 years ago as I love watching the Taiwanese beauty show called "Queen/Nv Ren Wo Zui Da".  

Kevin is a famous make-up artist and beauty adviser in this show.  People in Japan, Hong Kong and Korea love and trust his products because Kevin of the said TV show.  Kevin aside from being the "guru" in this show has also come up with beauty books and has written in magazines to teach women how to take care of their skin and how to put on make-up thus making him popular around Asia.

I've always been looking around for Kevin Beautymaker products from Ebay but failed to purchase any due to expensive shipping prices!  When a reader Bon, emailed me about her multiply site, I checked her site right away and found that she sells a lot of Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese make up and skin care products which a lot are "quite in demand"!

One of the brand I want to covet is Kevin Beautymaker.   I checked on the album and saw quite an intriguing product.  I usually stay away from anything Oil-Free because it meant "dryness" for me!  I got a little confused when I saw a 2-way foundation that has Oil-free and Moisturizing in its name!  I must give this a try!  I want to have an inexpensive alternative for my favorite P&J Dual Powder Foundation anyways.

Kevin Beautymaker Oil-Free and Moisturizing 2-Way Foundation says ---

Hi-tech elastic water-retaining powder particles, holding on tight to water molecules, seamlessly attached to the skin and forming a summer as if light and clear of a pristine skin quality, capable of sedating and moisturizing skin for the long haul.  The light power foundation that keeps skin soft and tender all day long.

Made in Taiwan

Ingredients: (you can click photo to enlarge)

Shades available:

AMW says ---

Pros

• Wrapped quite well for safe transit.

• Packaged in a simple white compact which looks clean and nice.
• The sponge that comes with the compact is made of good quality.  Does not tear up easily and can be easily washed.

• Has manufactured date so you can gauge on how old the product is or when the expiration date is.

•  The sponge area has holes or vents to make the sponge "breathe".

• Gives light to medium (dry application) or even heavy coverage (wet application).
• Can be used wet or dry.
• Gives a nice coverage, looks very natural both in person and on photos.
• Gives a nice control on the areas that oil-up and moisturizes the area that dries up.
• No skin flakings.
• No skin irritations.
• Product has no weird scent.

Cons

• Limited choice of shades!
• The packaging is quite huge!  
• Difficult to find your right shade especially if you're online buying!
• Some products are not readily available so you have to wait for weeks.
• No SPF.

Overall

Gives a nice, natural look minus the cake-y feel.

Tips

• If you chose to use this dry, use it dry all the way.  If you prefer to apply this wet, apply with wet method all the way!
• Do not drop the product to prevent the mirror or the powder from cracking.
• Use a k-brush (kabuki brush) for light and very natural coverage.
• Use a sponge and press gently onto face for medium to heavy coverage.
• Sensitive skin may need to test the product on the lower chin area or under the ear to make sure no skin irritations will occur.
• If you have dry and flakey skin, moisturize your skin properly prior to usage.
• Do not forget your sunblock as this product does not contain any SPF.

Will I repurchase? 

Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who is into powder foundation.  Whether you have dry, combination, normal or oily skin.  

Where to purchase and how much?

At wehaveit43.multiply.com or visit them at their store in Banawe. The product costs Php900.00 (approx $21.00) plus shipping.  They also sell various BB Creams like L'egere and BRTC!

You can also visit their shop called ---
Wang Lai Mart

876-D Banawe St. Barangay Siena, QC

(Beside Hap Chan Restaurant)

Tel. no: (632) 749-1264

Open hours: Mondays to Saturdays 9:30am to 9:00pm

A sheet of paper written in all Chinese included inside the box.

 Do not fret, the box has English translations at the back portion

Plain white packaging 

 The size as compared to IPhone 3GS

Kevin Beautymaker is a bit bigger

The thickness of the phone and the foundation 

is almost the same

I chose the darkest shade which is no. 3 Natural

 

A closer look on the sponge that comes with the compact

Do not do this in public!  *laughs*

Have you heard about Kevin Beautymaker?
Have you tried any of his products?
What's the best?

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.)

Something New: Estee Lauder Time Zone Night

If you are still in high school or college, you can skip this post because this has nothing to do with you!  Well, not unless you have wrinkles from all those late-night studying!  *laughs*

I have heard so much about Estee Lauder Skin care and how a lot of our mom's friends or relatives who swore by the brand!  I've been to one of their event and I've seen their loyal customers!  A lot of them!

Well, I'll be turning 32 soon (exactly tomorrow), I may have to look into anti-wrinkle creme more than a couple of years ago!  There's one that I got for Christmas in which I told my mom-in-law I'll be sharing with her!  

Estee Lauder in 2009, re-invented their anti-wrinkle moisturizer with Time Zone.  Estee Lauder introduces New Time Zone Night Anti-line/Wrinkle Creme, a powerful formula that works to hydrate skin and says to dramatically reduce the look of lines and wrinkles for radiant, younger-looking skin!

Natural Photoshop?  I hope so!

The New Time Zone Night Anti-Line/Wrinkle Creme has exclusive Sirtuin EX-1 Technology which says to help skin naturally stimulate its proteins hence helps in skin cell renewal.

As for the texture, the creme has been designed to suit all skin types.  It also has a light, modern nighttime signature scent with top notes of lilac, freesia, and pink marshmallow, tempered with a heart of white orchid, purple iris, and lily of the valley.  These are comfortable enough to relax us for bedtime.

The product is best applied every night after your skin care regimen. 

New Time Zone Night Anti-Line/Wrinkle Creme arrives at Estee Lauder counters this month for Php4,250 (approx. $99.00) for 50ml. 

I will share half of this with my mom-in-law and I'll give this a try myself once in awhile too!  I'll report back once I've seen some results!  (the good and the bad!)

Anyone an Estee Lauder skin care line user?
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Matsuri

Like I said weekend ago, my birthday starts Monday ends on my Birthday itself.  The more I grew older, the more birthday celebrations I am celebrating!  I am not complaining though, its a great reason to meet up with friends or people who touched your lives!

I am glad I got to check Ensogo a couple of weeks ago as I saw a very good deal from a Japanese Restaurant Matsuri!  The regular buffet price is Php595.00 (approx $13.80) and I bought it for Php299.00 (approx $6.95).  I bought the maximum of 5 coupons right away and actually planned to use it for my mom-in-law's birthday!  Since they were booked then, I booked it for my birthday celebration with the family instead! 

Buffet at Matsuri is actually good!  You get the menu, order the dishes you like, finish them up and you can re-order again as long as you finish the dishes!  I think we tried almost all the dishes available for the buffet menu!  No, we're not THAT hungry! :P

Matsuri on a quiet Monday night...

Tamago

Egg Omelette

My sister-in-law's favorite!  I think she ordered 3 plates of this?  I can understand them, egg-lovers would love these dearly!

 Dynamite Roll and Philadelphia Roll

Dynamite roll has spicy tuna included inside while Philadelphia roll has cream cheese!  

I am not a fan of both as I've tried better tasting from Teriyaki Boy and Omakase.

 Sanma

Seasoned Pacific Saury

I can't say much about this as I did not taste this!  Hahaha, the family thought it tastes just like regular "gigi" fish (mackerel?)!  *laughs*

Creamy Chicken Mushroom Ragout

 Grilled boneless chicken topped with assorted Japanese mushrooms 

and asparagus and creamy Champignon Sauce.  

This is quite unique, best eaten with rice!  I like the unique blend of diced chicken and Japanese Mushrooms!

Shrimp Tempura

The shrimp tempura served are quite huge and clean!  I am very particular with the shrimp itself!  Most restaurants do not clean their shrimps and I like the fact that this restaurant does!  The tempura sauce always comes in late but the family loved to munch on this while removing excess batter.

 

  Tonkatsu

Panko Crusted Pork Tenderloin

 Can't go wrong with this crunchy pork Tonkatsu!  Tastes really good!

 Matsuri Steak 

Served in tiny amount but worth the wait and worth to order again!  We ordered 3 plates of these as the steak is really soft and tasty!  Served with beansprouts.

Spicy Gyuniku Nikomi

Braised beef stew with Togarashi

The beef slice is quite huge, included are noodles, tofu and vegetables.

Also best eaten with rice. 

Gyu Chiisu Aspara, Kani Bacon Maki Teriyaki, Aspara Bacon Maki Teriyaki,

Yakitori Teriyaki and Tebasaki Teriyaki

I am not surprised that all of them tastes great!  My favorite is the Aspara Bacon maki Terikayaki!

All grilled to perfection.

Various Deserts ---

Muscovado and Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee

Chocolate Ice Cream

Various fruits 

Leche Flan

Mondays to Fridays (Lunch) = Php495.00 (approx $11.50)
Mondays to Sundays (Dinner) = Php595.00 (approx $13.80)
Saturdays and Sundays (Lunch and Dinner) = Php595.00 (approx $13.80)

No leftover policy, no service charge.  Restaurant accepts cash and credit card payments.
Children below 4ft. Php295.00 (approx $6.85)
Leftover amount is Php250.00 (approx $5.80)

Matsuri 

233 Tomas Morato cor. E. Lopez Jr., 

Near ABS-CBN Compound

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(632) 376-6351

I enjoyed my birthday food tripping!  More to come!
How's your weekend food tripping?  Are you dining out?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!