AMW Reports: Pond's Flawless White Unbeaten Challenge --- Mission Accomplished!

Early April, I posted about me trying out the Pond's Flawless White Range as Sophie (my partner) would write about my experiences!  That explains why I wasn't able to blog about any skin care for quite some time as I was really strict on using only the PFW line!  I removed BB creams and what-nots for the next 3 weeks and I can't believe the day finally arrived!  I survived the challenge and my skin is doing not only well but really good! 

Last April 12, 2011, Pond's invited us for the Pond's Flawless White Unbeaten Party and the day arrived and here's a huge wall that greeted us as we went to the event.  Nice photos everyone!  I'm sure you'll be able to spot a lot of familiar faces!

The intimate event started with words from Pond's Brand Manager, Ms. Jacqe Yuengtian...

Mika Lagdameo-Martinez, had her moment as she's part of the Pond's Family!

Each team were asked to walk on stage!  Let me introduce you the teams who joined the PFW Unbeaten Challenge!

Liz and Tanya

Click HERE for Tanya's PFW experience

Me and Sophie

Click HERE for my PFW experience!  

I love our photo here! I am acting the "big sister" by holding my little sister's hands! :)

Shen and Jheng

Click HERE for Shen's PFW experience

Tara and Dang

Click HERE for Dang's PFW experience

Lace and Earth

Click HERE for Earth's PFW experience

Ginger and Reena

Click HERE for Reena's PFW experience

Martha and Jill

Click HERE for Jill's PFW experience

Michelle and Cathleen

Click HERE for Cathleen's PFW experience

Rowena and  Catherine

Click HERE for Catherine's PFW experience

Rowena was having fun in the States during this event!  

Don't worry Rowena, Catherine walked the runway for you :)

The top 3 teams were announced base on Facebook likes!  Sophie and I were included!  Thanks to everyone who liked our page!  I appreciate it!  *group hugs*

Together with us are Shen and Jheng, Ginger and Reena!

Thanks to the judges 
Sophie and I won the Editor's Choice Award!  

 

Congratulations to Ginger and Reena for bagging the award!  I can't wait to see both of you on major glossies this coming June!

After-party Party!  Hi to Sophie's Friends, Trixie and Judd from Nuffnang! 

 

I also want to thank my friends Mags, Shanna and Bea for coming over to support us!  It rocks to have good friends like them!

It was even more fun when my friend Bea suggested us to have a fierce photo with "The Fierce Rissa Mananquil, the gorgeous Pond's Ambassador!  Thanks Rissa for accepting our request!  

I want to thank Sophie for writing such wonderful articles!  I love our late nights update via email and chat box!  I like the inserts of "personal stories and antics"!  I have to admit, it is a very difficult challenge!  I swear its tempting to give up or cheat in between!  But with the Pond's Flawless White line doing well with my very sensitive and dry skin, I am proud to say, expensive isn't always the best!  You just have to know what your skin needs, check out labels, test the skincare brand before you use it, then be consistent in using it and patience is definitely the key to seeing the real results!

Do read our entry!  Start from number 7 then down to number 1.  The reports were updated  every week and we have done some challenges to test the effectiveness of the Pond's Flawless White range!

Sisters from different parents!

Last but not the least, I want to thank Mr. AMW, the ever supportive friend, partner, boyfriend and hubby!  Thank you for checking out my skin for me and giving me your feedbacks too!  Thanks for the wonderful photos and just for being there! (yes, I had to raise one leg, because....just because, I got the idea from movies!) LOL

To the Pond's Team, Ogilvy and Nuffnang.  Thank you so much for choosing me to be part of this challenge!  I actually had fun amidst the hesitation to give up my ever dependable skin care!

Plains and Prints, thank you so much for dressing us up with such gorgeous dresses!  Theya, thank you so much for helping me at Shangri-La branch, I appreciate it!

Keep in mind that I tested the products 2x before I got in the challenge!  It is very important to do so! :)

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Version: "A Wash of Colors"

I don't have time to do my make-up every morning!
I am always on a rush but I want to try some colorful eye make-up to brighten up my day!
Summer is color!  I want to put some colors on my face for a "different look"

Those are some of the phrases you'll hear from most woman!  Well, you hear it from me!  There are some days "no make-up" look is not your thing and you want to go for a change!  Today is the day! 

"A Wash of Colors"

I call this a wash of colors as it's not too bright that everyone will stare at you on streets, its just playful and right!  Oh, it's your choice to use an eyelid primer, I did not use any as I don't oil up as much and again, I want to create a wash of colors!  Nothing too vibrant!

AMW Diagram

I used Shimmer Cubes Palette from The Body Shop for my eye make-up.

Step 1:

Apply this shimmery pink shadow all over lid for a nice wash of pink that sparkles a bit.

Step 2:

Gently brush on Sparkling Sky shade on the outer lid area going inwards.  Add more if you want the color to show!  I am using a tiny blending brush to keep on blending.

Use an pencil brush and also apply the same shade on the lower lash line.

Step 3:

Using a tinier brush, apply the same shade as Step 1 on the inner crease as the blending on Step 2 lighten up the shade. 

Step 4:

Using Revlon Perle Eye Shadow in Sunlit Sparkle, apply the inner corner of the eye including the inner waterline to create bigger, brighter eyes!

Step 5:

Line your eyes with any liner of your choice.  In this tutorial, I am using Majolica Majorca Perfect Automatic Liner in BL603.

Step 6:

Apply Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil in 021 Denim Blue on the waterline. 

Fill in your brows with your favorite brow pencil or brow powder.  Curl your lashes and apply your favorite mascara.

This is my final look

Here are the products I used for the rest of my face

Please don't get tired of it!  *laughs*

For the Face:
Majolica Majorca Skin Remaker Pore Cover

in BO10

For the Cheeks:

Paul and Joe Pressed Powder in 004

The bronze-y side to be used as blush and the light side to use for highlighting

For the Lips:

Majolica Majorca Lipgloss in BE706

 

Just fix your hair and head off for a brighter day!  Do not forget to do good deeds to others and smile!  Seriously, it's the best and priceless way to stay young!

Have a gorgeous week ahead!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Ya Kun Kaya Toast and King Chef Restaurant

Yes, 2 restaurants to talk about in this weekend food post because, I want to share some good restaurant finds I've tried!  I visited one midweek when I was off from work to renew my drivers' license, got a coupon from dear friend Mark (thanks Mark!) to Ya Kun Kaya Toast and it was perfect timing to visit the restaurant before we head off to Robinson's Galleria!

First things first, Kaya Toast, what's that?

Kaya toast is popular snack amongst our friendly neighbors Singaporeans and Malaysians. According to Wikipedia, the delicacy is credited to the Hainanese as they replaced the western jams with native coconut jams!

I remembered my dear brother who gifted me 2 bottles of Kaya spread when he got back from Singapore!  I just can't get it at first why people are "craving" for it, and after dining at Ya Kun Kaya Toast, I know I've been doing something wrong with the bottle of Kaya Spread that was given to me (sorry bro!).

Ya Kun Kaya Toast

I know I should visit this place during breakfast but hey, a hungry girl is still a hungry girl!  Now move away and let me in!  :P  It was around 1:30pm?  Perfect time to relax after a busy morning!

Cheesy French Toast with Kaya

Full Set: Php160.000 (approx $3.72)

French Toast with Kaya

Full Set Php150.00 (approx $3.48)

 

Kaya Toast with Butter 

Half Set (1 slice) Php125.00 (approx $2.90)

Full Set (2 slices) Php160.00 (approx $3.72)

Peanut Butter Toast

Half Set (1 slice) Php125.00 (approx $2.90)

Full Set (2 slices) Php160.00 (approx $3.72)

The prices above is for the Set.  The Set includes 1 or 2 soft boiled eggs (Half Set/Full Set) with hot coffee/ tea.  The toast are made perfect with the right combination of butter and/or kaya!  My favorite of all is the French Toast with Kaya!

The soft boiled eggs may look weird for people who are not into eggs (like myself), but the right way to eat this is add a dash of pepper plus the Singaporean Dark Soy Sauce that's readily available on each table!  Mix them a bit and voila! 

Tea

Oh my, love at first sip!  I love this! PERIOD!

Brewed Coffee

Strong coffee to perk me up!  I actually enjoyed the tea more (considering I'm a coffee person).  The coffee tastes good but I guess I was quite biased as I love the taste of their tea!  Best "nai cha" I've tried to date!

Ya Kun Kaya Toast

G/F AYK Bldg., Escriva Drive (Right beside Astoria Plaza)

San Antonio Village, Ortigas, Pasig City

tel. no: (632) 470 4285

Service was great!  I want to thank Mark again for the coupons, we went out FULL!  Super full! 

And that fullness was gone when we visited another restaurant called King Chef.  It's new as they were on "Soft Opening".  So many customers flocking in which intrigued us more!  We got our seats right away and ordered! 

Xiao Long Bao 

Php 85.00 (approx $1.97)

The skin was too thin so the soup was all gone before we were able to enjoy it!  Too bad!

Spring Rolls

Php75.00 (approx $1.74)

I used to love spring rolls of any restaurant as each restaurant has different recipes for their Spring Rolls. 

I am not that contented with these as the meat isn't that tasty as expected!

Satay Chami

Php190.00 (approx $4.45)

Really tasty and the noodles were served with abundant seafood and chicken meat!  I was expecting it to be spicy but it's not!  It doesn't matter though, it tastes really good!  Must order!

Pigeon Lettuce

Php395.00 (approx $9.18)

Not too oily as served by other restaurants.  This passed my expectations!  I just wish I don't have to see the head of the pigeon though.  Have this guilt feeling while eating!

King Chef 

989 Banawe Street. Quezon City

Tel No: (632) 410-4919 (632) 697-7781

For a restaurant on Soft Opening, the service is quick and the servers were very attentive!  The restaurant accepts cash and credit card transactions!  Will definitely go back to try their other dishes.

Note, I've eaten them all before Maundy Thursday and Good Friday!  I skipped on meat for 2 days so I'm a bit dizzy *faints* Just joking!

Have a wonderful Easter Sunday!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: L'Oreal Curl Impact Collagen Mascara

Ahh, mascara!  Anyone who read my blog for more than a year can quote me on not using mascara on a daily basis!  Times have changed, people have changed!  I've been using mascara on a daily basis!  I am finally, after 3 decades, appreciating the effects of "good" mascaras on a very simple make-up! 

I've got a couple of favorite mascaras in mind and I will probably write a separate post on my top 3 favorite mascaras!  

Let me tell you something about me and my mascara usage!  I am taking such a long time to review on mascaras because I use ONE mascara at a time and wait for it to expire at least 3-4 months and then open up a new one!  But now, I've been rotating 3-4 mascaras!  Gosh, I am growing up!  :P 

Part of the "mascara roster" is the L'Oreal Curl Impact Collagen Mascara.  Read on for my reviews and feel free to share your own experience of this!

L'Oreal Curl Impact Collagen Mascara says ---

L’Oreal Paris introduces its new curl-fixing volmumizing mascara. You get two amazing results in one easy step—jet set plumpy volume and all day lasting curl hold. Curl Impact Collagene mascara comes with a unique spiral curler brush with two sides to reach the perfect balance between volume & curl. This classic black mascara also comes with L’Oreal Paris special formulation that allows for easy warm water removal for effortless cleansing at the end of the day. So bold to wear, and effortless to remove.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Gorgeous gold packaging in which you can't miss inside your make-up bag.
• The brush has a nice curve making it easy to apply mascara.

• It gives volume and curl does hold throughout the day!
• Easy to remove, no more rubbing and scrubbing.
• No smudging at all!
• This can actually curl without using a lash curler, but if you want more gorgeous curl, I still use an eyelash curler because I have straight, hard-headed lashes who loves to bow down! :P

Cons

• A bit pricey for drugstore mascara! 
• Does not lengthen, this mascara focuses on volume and curl. 
• Creates a bit of "crunchy" lashes.

Overall

Not bad!  Though its pricier, I don't mind paying the extra as it does stand true to what it claims!  Gives volume, curls remain for the whole day no matter how hot it is down here PLUS the easy removal is the best selling point!  It does not smudge or smear! 

Tips

• Use the flat outer arch of the brush and start from the roots, zig-zagging it gently all the way to the tips.
• To create curl, apply more mascara using the side where the arch is and gently curl it up.
• To create more curl, use the handle of a cotton bud and gently press the lashes upwards, the mascara will make your lash stick to the cotton bud handle, wait for a couple of seconds then gently remove!
• Use the slim tip to gently apply more mascara on the outer lashes for that nice, cat-eye look.
• If mascara clumps, use a spoolie in gently separating the lashes.
• Though the mascara is said to be removed with warm water, I still want to make sure by using a cotton bud and eye makeup remover and gently wipe the lashes for those "extra mascara" left!  These may cause allergies to the eye area!  So I don't mind being OC when it comes to cleansing.
• If you also want the "lengthening" department, apply a coat of lengthening mascara before you use the L'Oreal Curl Impact Collagen Mascara.
• Use a business card if you're afraid of the brush to touch the lids of  your eyes.  I cut the business card with an arch so it fits the eye.
• Instead of pumping the brush back and forth the tube, I suggest to roll the brush instead to keep air from getting in making the mascara to dry up easily.  
• Jot down the date you first opened the mascara on the tube to keep track on expiration date!

Will I repurchase?

Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone looking for mascaras that gives volume and holds curl and easy to remove at the end of the day.

Where to purchase and how much?
At local L'Oreal counters for Php795.00 (approx $18.45)

L'Oreal Curl Impact Collagen Mascara in Black

Roll out and remove excess

Take time to apply your mascara

Here's to show a photo of my lashes after more than 8 hours!

The curl is still there, trust me, my lashes doesn't get up on its own!

Have you used L'Oreal Curl Impact Collagen Mascara?
I haven't use a lot of L'Oreal mascaras as Maybelline is good enough!  I've used just a handful way back and this is by far, the best L'Oreal mascara I've used.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!