AMW Version: "Color Blocking" Look

Hi everyone, I am a tiny bit proud of myself as I am able to do one version a week!  YAY!  *clap clap clap*  Well thanks to readers who are so sweet to request for it, I never thought it would give impact to you!  I am glad it did and I am glad I was able to brighten your day even on the cyber world! 

Like I said over the past "AMW Version: Twiggy Inspired Summer-Ready Makeup", I will be doing a series of summer related make-up for those enjoying the summer!  Of  course, technically, less is always the best on a hot summer day!  This tutorial is probably best to do on summer parties you need to attend!

In fashion, Color Blocking is quite famous and I've seen models and actors/actresses wearing the Color-Blocking styles.  

Color blocking refers to using 2 or more colors complementing each other in a creative way!  Imagine the costume of Spiderman?  Well, I am not doing Spiderman-inspired make-up but something more summery...blues and purples....

 AMW Diagram

Step 1: 

Apply MAC shadesticks in Beige-ing as base.

Pat on Ulta's Deep Sea eyeshadow all over the lids going beyond the crease.

Step 2:

Flip the same flat shader brush, apply PAC Pearly Blue (my favorite bright blue eyeshadow to date) on the crease area going 1cm beyond.  Add as much as you want  and use a blending brush to gently blend in Ulta's Deep Sea shade and PAC's Pearly Blue shade.

Step 3:

To enhance the brightness of the blue eyeshadows, I apply white pearly eyeshadow on the outer corner, below the brows with Majolica Majorca BR742 palette.  Use the same color to apply the inner lower lashline for a bright look.

 

Step 4:

Using a pencil brush, I applied Milani's Shock eyeshadow on the lower lashline.

Step 5:

Create black eyeliner on the upper lash line with Revlon's ColorStay Liquid Liner in Black.  

Step 6:

To make the eyes pop even more, apply Lancome's Le Crayon Kohl Pencil in Aqua.
 

 Applied A10 falsies from KKCenterHK

Used Sassy Brush-on Eyelash Glue

(lashes are very soft  and feels so light)

Filled in my brows with powder brow powder

My Color Blocking look for the week :)

 What's on the rest of my face?

For the Face:
Majolica Majorca Skin Remaker Pore Cover SPF18

 

 On Cheeks:

Stila Illuminating Finishing Powder in Bronze

 On Lips:

Prepped my lips with Kiehl's LipBalm #1

MAC's Pink Nouveau

Wear that huge smile and I'm showing my smiley baby as well!
Yes, it has been awhile Smiley Baby wasn't able to show up!

How do you wear your summer makeup?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Style: Sexy White Shirt

Happy start of the week!  How was the weekend? Mine went well so I'm ready to face the busy week ahead! 

Don't you love it when it seems like it's effortless for you to look beautiful?  That's why "Natural Make-up" is such a hit!  When it comes to fashion, the simple white tee is still the safest way to look hot and sexy minus the effort!

If you follow Hollywood fashion, you've probably seen several paparazzi shots of actresses on their "non working" days looking gorgeous wearing a simple plain tee! 

**photo taken HERE

I've been wanting to find one myself for that casual, lazy days but I can't seem to find one that really fits!  I've had a couple that are a bit too loose, some are a bit too tight and I don't plan to battle with such white shirts anymore until....

Dearest friend who brings our favorite Mineraux cosmetics also came up with a "sister" shop called Sexy White Shirt!  The brand says it all.  It's the plain, sexy white shirt that I've been wanting for quite some time that's easy to pair up with anything!

I had an easy breezy weekend spending quality time with my babies sporting Sexy White Shirt in V-Neck with Pocket paired with People are People High Wasted Shorts and pair of flats from CMG.  Heart necklace from Shannaholic.

They also have the shirts in grays and blacks, I actually have another one in gray without pockets!  For Php395.00 (approx $9.40), it's worth the investment as these are classic pieces you can pair with almost anything!
The only downside is its lack of sizes as they only sale one sized shirts which fits small to medium frame.  

Check out their online store by smiling and clicking Sexy White Shirt.


What's your favorite White shirt?  
Where did you purchase it?
As I want more!!!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Product sent for PR consideration.  The author is not affiliated with the above mentioned company.)

Weekend Food Tripping at: Chicken Charlie + Happy Lemon + Suzhou Dumplings!

Happy Sunday!  Let's all relax today and enjoy the day off!  Some of you may spend time with friends, family or just bond with the Lord.  However you may want to spend this day, seize it and do not forget to tell your loved ones how much you love and appreciate them!

I appreciate you all AMW Readers!  *group hugs* 

Weekend food tripping is once again!  I am really happy to share to you my food finds because food does make us happy!  And happiness is really next to gorgeousness! *winks*

I've heard so much about Chicken Charlie and BonChon, I wanted to try both but just do not have the luxury of time!  My friend makes really good chicken and there are times I do crave for them!  It would be embarrassing to knock at their door and ask them to cook for me!  So we settled on trying Chicken Charlie as I heard they are really good!

We were able to visit the original, tiny restaurant before the move to the bigger one!  Nice posters on the wall and I like 0 grams trans fat! 

Pay as you order.  The menu right above the cashier is easy to read and there are not a lot of choices!  Well, what do I expect...the restaurant is CHICKEN Charlie!  *slaps forehead*

Potato Wedges

Not a fan as they obviously came from those frozen potato wedges that you can purchase in supermarkets!

Charlie's Bowl

Php59.00 (approx $1.10)

Crispy Chicken Rice Topping

What I love about the Charlie's Bowl is their special sauce!  I wish they drizzle more on the rice!  I can't expect them to be filled a lot of chopped pieces of chicken!  It's actually more of the bread crumbs than chicken pieces that I've tasted.  I can't complain for the price though!

 

Combo 3 4 wings and 4 drumsticks

Php288.00 (approx $6.85)

Your choice of Soy Garlic or Hot Sweet Sauce

We ordered Soy Garlic sauce for 2 wings and 2 drumsticks while the rest are on Hot Sweet Sauce for us to be able to taste the best of both worlds!  Chicken Charlie promises no greasy feel and taste and they stand true to their claim!  I find the chicken to be really crunchy but I find the meat itself isn't that tasty as compared to the skin! 

Chicken Charlie

Old restaurant

592 N.S. Amoranto St. Corner Banawe St.

Quezon City

Tel. no. (632) 742-3333

New restaurant (to open on or before April 15, 2011)

808 Banawe Street (Near Sogo Hotel and Yoh Froz)

Yesterday, Mr. AMW and myself finally went out on a date and were able to reminisce those Greenhills shopping and food tripping days when we were still boyfriends and girlfriends!  After a long night of shopping!  Yes, I actually did shop for some.. *clears throat* essentials!  *laughs*  We went to Promenade to wind up and I finally gave Happy Lemon a try!  I ordered....

Pearl Milk Tea with Oreo Cookies

Php100.00 (approx $2.35)

Size: Large

I love!!!!

What's the point of unwinding if there's no comfort food?
Our favorite...

Pan Fried Suzhou Dumplings 

Php110.00 (approx $2.60) for 4 pcs

(photo below: 2 orders)

Yes Trixie, I was munching on these when we were talking over the phone! :)

Ah, how will you unwind over the weekend?

Enjoy weekend food tripping!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Colour Collection Blush-On Duo Desert Rose

Hey happy people of the world!!!  I hope I will have a relaxing weekend because I should arm myself with all the positive energy to continue my busy week next week!  Gosh, I am thinking about fields, sun and a carabao!  Meaning --- I am on a vacation mode!  I wish to just sit back, relax, get away from the buzzing city and .... sleep, eat and sleep!

*snaps back to reality*

I am off for a nice relaxing Saturday, spend time with my family then off for a date with Mr. AMW!  As I'm off for a nice day, I am leaving you a blog post for a non-nail product or nail related post!  I will be reviewing my favorite product from Colour Collection!  The Blush-On Duo!

Colour Collection Blush-On Duo says ---

Contours, colors and highlights the face!

Ingredients

AMW says ---

Pros

• Simple, nice packaging.
• Has mirror and free brush.  Brush does not shed and does not feel scratchy.
• The shade Desert Rose is very versatile, can be used on most skin tone.
• Gives out a subtle "blushed" look, applying more, can work as a nice contour powder.
• Can use as eyeshadow.
• No weird scent, no allergic reactions.
• You can never have "clown" look as the shades are very subtle and natural.
• The lighter shade of Desert Rose (left side) is great as a highlighter!  Can also be used to apply on the brow bone area to give that illusion of wide-eyed doll!

Cons

• The blush does not stay the whole day, probably, need retouch in the middle of the day.
• Not widely available especially for our international readers.

Overall
It does live to what its says...colors, contours and highlights the face!  You can check out photos below.

Tips

• Use a big, fluffy, blush brush and apply on the apples of your cheeks for the nice "flushed" look.
• Use a contour brush to apply on your cheekbones to create a nice "dimension" to your face.
• Apply below the cheekbones for contour.
• Use an eyeshadow brush, apply the lightest shade of Desert Rose and highlight the brow bone or the inner corner of your eyes. 
• You can also use an eye blending brush and apply the lighter blush shade on cheekbones as highlighter.
• Use the darker color as contour.
• Always start applying less then stand back the mirror and gradually add as needed.
• Be careful not to drop the compact!
• Wash the brush that comes in this compact before you use it.

Will I repurchase?
Yes! In other shades!

To whom do I recommend this to?

I recommend the blush-on duo shade in Desert Rose for people from fair to medium skin tone.  For fair skinned individuals, they will look "flushed" or "blushing" in a natural way.   For Medium skinned individuals, the blush shade can give a healthy, natural glow that people can't tell!

Where to purchase and how much?

Local readers can call the hotline number (632) 867-2222, product costs Php360.00 (approx $8.57)

Up close of Desert Rose on packaging

Applied on hand without base

Applied using a small contour brush

giving my cheek a contour

Desert Rose on cheeks

I've been using Colour Collection Blush-On Duo Desert Rose when Sophie challenged me not to use any foundation for our Pond's Flawless White Unbeaten Challenge!  It's one of those blush that works so well on my natural skin color!  Even without foundation, I have a nice, natural flush!

By the way, if you are interested to read about the FULL Pond's Flawless White Range experience, smile and click HERE .   It has been 3 weeks of me using ONLY the Pond's Flawless White range!  Feel free to read the results of the other challengees!  It's a way to know how the same products work on different individuals!

Do not forget to LIKE our PAGE because we are like-able!  *major laugh!*  Well, seriously, do Like our page for the wonderful writing done by Sophie.  She's such a wonderful diary/reporter!  She made this whole experience fun and so much easier!  To be honest, it was a very difficult decision for me to say "yes" to the PFW Unbeaten Challenge, it is very difficult to give up my trustee skin care regimen, which I know gives me all the moisture that I need.  As the challenges go by, day after day, week after week...with Sophie checking up on me every now and then on how my skin went, I know I'll always have a friend to blame *lol* lean on whatever happens!  Thanks to her because the challenge is worthwhile!  Thanks to Pond's for inviting us to join this contest!  It was an unforgettable experience!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Note from Author: Product sent for review.  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.)

AMW Reviews: OPI Start to Finish Base & Top Coat

Ah, after my loyalty to The Face Shop's Top Coat and The Face Shop's Base Coat,  it's high time I try other brands!  And I guess that's what my dear friend Frances had in mind when we gifted me OPI Start to Finish Base & Top Coat last Christmas! (thanks girlfriend!)

After using this a couple of months and testing through nail art after nail art, you will finally hear my say....

OPI Start to Finish Base & Top Coat says ---

The OPI Start To Finish Base & Top Coat is a breakthrough, three-in-one nail treatment that combines a base coat, top coat and natural nail strengthener in one high performance product. As a base coat, it can be applied before nail lacquer to prevent staining and to strengthen the natural nail. Also provides a smooth base for the application of OPI Nail Lacquer. 

As a top coat, the OPI Start To Finish dries quickly to give a high gloss shine. As a nail strengthener, it helps to bond nail protein fibres, a process which hardens nails and prevents moisture loss.
The result - stronger, more flexible nails.



Ingredients:

Butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, alcohol denat. (SD alcohol 40B), nitrocellulose, propyl acetate, heptane, tosylamide/epoxy resin, isopropyl alcohol, dibutyl phthalate, camphor, formaldehyde, etocrylene, polyvinyl butyral, Cl 60725 (Violet 2).

AMW says ---

Pros

• The brush is flat and easy to use!

• As base coat, it dries quickly and serves as a nice base prior to polish application.
• As top coat, the polish lasts more than a week with a lot of typing jobs, I also wash dishes and likes to wash my hands a lot of times a day!
• So far, it does not cause further yellowing, the yellowing of my nails actually decreased as compared to using other brands!
• As a top coat, it does not dry quickly but it doesn't dry slowly as well.  Just right!
• I will have to repeat, the brush shape, size is just a dream to apply!  So quick and easy!

Cons

• The brush part gets stuck into the cap a lot of times! 

• Not as shiny as other top coats in the market.
• Pricier as compared to other brands.
• Thanks to reader "L O" she wanted to add that the ingredients "Camphor and Formaldehyde" are not good.  (Do your own research and use at your own discretion).

Overall

When it comes to preventing nails from further yellowing and longevity of the nail polish, the OPI Start to Finish Base & Top Coat passed with flying colors!  You just don't get the extra "ooomph" or "shine" that you may get from other top coat which I don't mind much as I am more into anti-yellowing!

Tips

• Apply one coat and let dry as base coat.
• As top coat, apply 2 coats.  
• Use the "wrapping method" to prevent nail polish from chipping.

• If you plan to make your polish/nail art lasts longer, apply the OPI as Top Coat again midweek with wrapping method, the nail polish will last longer.
• Always close cap tight when not in use and store in cool, dry place to prevent polish from drying up easily.
• Do not apply any polish in front of an electric fan as it will cause bubbles!

Will I repurchase?
Yes, will use this as base coat more than top coat.

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who's dead serious with nail polish application and wants to protect nails from further yellowing.  If you do have "resting time" for nails, then it's ok to stick to more inexpensive base and top coat!

Where to purchase and how much?

I actually will check to make sure but I believe this is around Php400.00++

Here's a good test on my OPI Start to Finish Base and Top Coat

I applied 1 coat as base and 2 coats as Top coat.  PVZ nails after 2 weeks, no chipping and obviously, it has been weeks as my nails are starting to grow.  Oh, I also applied another coat before the start of the 2nd week thus the lifespan of my nail art extends!  I think I can even go further to 3rd week if not only I'm itching for new nail art design!

A photo of my bare nails leaving Tall Nut (My fave)

As seen on photo, there are still slight yellowing on my nails which is actually not bad considering I have nail polish on for good 3-4 years!  I know, its not healthy but I can't help it!  With a good base coat, it really helps maintain at least ...close to ...healthy looking nails plus my nails are still strong as ever! *knocks on wood*

What's your weapon in preventing your nails from ---
Turning yellow?
Weakening?
Chipping? 
I'd love to hear your secret!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!