AMW Reports: NaRaYa

NaRaYa, have you heard or seen this brand?  The brand has been around for years and I've visited their Robinson's Place branch several times and even bought some cute ribbon pouches as gifts!

I love ribbons!  *ahmm* I am sure it's quite a known fact to my friends! So seeing ribbon travel bags, handbags, pouches is like seeing a huge DOLLAR sign!  hehehe

Here are store photos of NaRaYa in SM North EDSA branch....

In-store display

You get my point about feeling like a princess inside the store, right?

To get to know more about the brand and just to get to know the people who brought the brand to our country.  A couple of bloggers were invited for an intimate dinner at 2nd's Restaurant last week.  I was a bit early and got in to a function room with this gorgeous display of NaRaYa bags!

 

The Brand Manager for Ferretti and NaRaYa  Philippines, who is also a blogger Ms. Liz Lanuzo was there to accommodate us.  Gorgeous outfit and her shoes I want to "shoe-nap"! 

Lauren was also there and we both enjoy our Buffalo Chicken!

And Jill who sat right beside me for the night,
I believe base on her lovely smile, she enjoyed sitting next to me noh? *laughs*

As I took the photos quite early, I wasn't able to get a photo for the rest of the bloggers together with Ms. Cecille (the wonderful person who brought in NaRaYa to the Philippines), but I grabbed a photo from Pax of Drowning Equilibriums.  Thank you dear!

Here's what I learned about NaRaYa, the brand creates various products from different fabrics depending on the demands of clients!  Each production was done in such quality control that I took a huge "gasp" when I learned how meticulous they are in creating ONE bag!

There are surprisingly so many variety to choose from colors, textures, sizes and fabric designs!  Whether you are a huge bag person or a tiny pouch person, you will definitely find something worth your money!  I was glad to be assured that the NaRaYa products are made for durability as seen on its stitches!  That is what I am aiming for in a bag as I carry gazillion of stuffs!

Here are some products available locally, all photos from NaRaYa Philippines.

 

I got myself a medium-sized white bag!  I usually don't go for white bags but the fabric is washable! 

I will use this bag for make-up gigs!  I've changed so many "gig bag" because they tear up quite easily. I am excited to use this to store my make-up brushes, make-up tools and a lot of those extras that aren't inside my make-up train case!

Fellow blogger Kim also uses NaRaYa bag for her hair stuffs, which are seriously heavy!  I think she vouch for the quality of these bags as well!

NaRaYa branches that I know is SM North EDSA and Robinson's Place Ermita.  
The bag shown on photo costs Php1,199.00 (approx $28.50)

Oh, we do not only talk about bags but also shoes!  We were also re-introduced to the Ferretti Shoes!  Yay for locally-made shoes!  I will talk more about Ferretti when I get the chance to visit their store and take photos for everyone okie dokie?

Ah, are you into ribbons like AMW?
Gosh, I have ribbon clips, headbands, dresses, shoes, sandals!
Grow up Nikki, grow up! :P

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Avon Ideal Shade Dual Powder Foundation SPF15

I have been a lover of powder foundation, no wonder Sophie used that as a weapon to challenge me not to use one for a week!  

I have been using the Avon Ideal Shade Dual Powder Foundation for a couple of weeks prior to the challenge and when the challenge was lifted and I'm allowed to use powder foundation once again, I continued using this and I'm finally ready to give my thoughts.

Avon Ideal Shade Dual Powder Foundation SPF15 says ---

Customize your look.  Wear it wet for a natural finish.  Wear it dry for a matte powder finish.  Medium coverage.

Available in: Pure Beige, Natural Beige, Shell and Nude
Net Wt. 9g

AMW says ---

Pros

• Packaging is nice, I like that the sponge has its own personal compartment.

• I like the all black packaging.  So chic!

• Sponge that comes with the compact works really well, washable and dries up easily.

• Has SPF15.
• Gives an even light-medium coverage if applied dry.
• Gives medium coverage if applied wet.
• No weird scent.
• No skin irritations nor allergic reactions.
• Does not create a white cast on photos even on direct flash.
• Does not dry up my dry skin.  Well it pays that I do my skin care regimen well prior to make-up application.

Cons

• If applied dry, retouching is needed after approximately 2-3 hours.
• Not for people who prefer heavy coverage powder foundation!
• A bit difficult to choose for your shade since you can't see them in stalls!

Overall

This dual powder foundation works great for people on the go who doesn't have the time to always check on the  mirror if their foundation matches their neck!  the product can really sets in well and looks very natural both in person and on photos!

Tips

• To find the right shade you can test on this from a friend who has one!  Or, look online for pictures of people who have the similar shade as you and uses this foundation.  Check which shade they use!
• If you plan to use this dry, use dry all the way.  Same with using wet, once you applied wet, the powder won't be nice enough to use as dry.
• If you prefer heavy coverage foundation, apply your favorite liquid or cream foundation then set with Avon ideal Shade Dual Powder Foundation with a patting motion using a sponge or with a circular motion using a powder brush.
• Dry skin must moisturize skin well and let it set prior to powder foundation application.
• Oily skin must use oil-control primer especially on areas that oil up easily prior to powder foundation application.
• Wash the sponge at least once a week to keep your sponge bacteria-free!
• Though the powder foundation has SPF15, with the harsh rays of the sun, use a face sunblock before make-up application.

Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who likes the natural looking foundation.  Works better on normal skin.  Drier skin may need a bit of moisture boost prior to application.  Oily skinned individuals on the other hand may need an extra help from an oil-control primer!

Where to purchase and how much?
Php499.00 (approx $12.00).  Call your Avon ladies by visiting www.avon.com.ph.

The shade I use is Shell F101

Size of compact side by side with MAC Studio Fix

The size is almost close, Avon's a bit bigger

Applied on one side of my hand

as seen with a check mark

It blended quite well on my skin color

In my past tutorial "AMW Version: Opening up my eye with purples", I've used the Avon Ideal Shade Dual Powder Foundation in Buff which works really well on my skin color!  Look at photo below on how the shade matches my neck!

Have you tried any Avon powders?  Powder Foundations?
Which one works for you and what shade you use?
Avon enthusiasts may look into your blog and find their matched shade through you! :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Note from Author: Product sent for PR consideration.  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 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!