AMW Bulletin: GUESS List Takes You To Maroon 5 Live in Manila!

Dear Philippine Readers:
Maroon 5 Live in Manila!

On May 23, 2011 the bank will perform with their hits at the SMX Convention Cente rin manila! GUESS List members at participating Guess stores (Glorietta, SM Mall of Asia, Robinson's Place Ermita, Trinoma, Alabang Town Center and SM Megamall).

"GUESS List takes you to Maroon 5 Promotion" gives away Gold and Silver tickets exclusively for GUESS List members! A minimum purchase of Php4,898 entitles you to a Gold Ticket; while just a pair of regular-priced jeans will earn you a Silver Ticket!

Not a GUESS List member? Simply make a purchase of Php3,500 worth of GUESS items to get yourself a Silver Ticket and a GUESS List Loyalty Card!

Promotion starts May 3, 2011! Hurry, only while tickets last!

Thanks to GUESS Philippines (Kim) for sharing this wonderful news to me and AMW Readers!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Waterlight Lotion SPF50+ PA+++

How's Mother's Day celebration?  Mine went well, I can't believe how much we can food trip in a day!  I'm glad to have spent quality time with both families and I feel good how much we value Mother's Day celebration!  

When I was younger, I used to complain how unfair the world not to celebrate "Children's Day"! (There actually is Children's Day by the way), but you know what?  Looking back, everyday has been children's day in our parents' eyes so they deserve the break! 

Back to regular programming!  A review of a face sunblock I've been using for more than a month!  The weather calls for it!

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Waterlight Lotion SPF50 PA+++ says ---

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Waterlight Lotion SPF50 PA+++ is a superior ultra-lightweight protection lotion against UV and environmental aggressors for healthy, beautifully radiant skin. With breakthrough Helioplex™ that works like an invisible shield for skin by effectively blocking out harmful UVA/UVB rays and helping neutralize free radical damage. Skin is provided with superior protection against darkening and signs of premature aging.  

Dermatologist tested, PABA-free, oil-free, does not clog pores.

Volume: 30ml

Active Ingredients:  Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 4%, Benzophenone-3 5%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 10%.

Ingredients:

Water, Homosalate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Alcohol Denat, Cetyl Dimethicone, Octocrylene, Silica, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dimethicone, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Steareth-100, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trisiloxane, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Steareth-2, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Neopentyl Glycol Bisabolol, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Fragrance, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Mannan, Xanthan Gum, BHT, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pantothenic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Packaging is compact and I like the how you can control how much product that will come out.

• Mild fragrance.
• No allergies experienced.
• Does not leave sticky or heavy feel! I don't feel like I have sunblock on!
• Finishes up "matte".
• Gets absorbed into the skin quite fast!
• Acts as a good make-up base but keep in mind this is NOT a primer!
• Does not aggravate dryness on dry skinned individuals!  Keep in mind to moisturize well prior to sunblock application!  
• Leave a couple of minutes after each application before you get to the next step!  
• For oily skin:  Does not give a shiny look, feels ultra light! (Mr. AMW who has oily skin tried this for us)

Cons

• Checking the ingredients, it contains alcohol which may cause skin irritations to some.

Overall
Gives a good "feel" and "texture" for a facial sunblock!

Tips

• Always shake before usage.
• Use at the END of your skin care routine.
• Apply liberally on face and neck!  Do not forget your neck and back of the ears.
• Try not to get into the eye area as it will sting!  Wash off immediately with water.
• Apply at least 15-20 minutes before you leave the house.
• Re-apply after excessive sweating or after getting out of the pool/beach.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Oily, combination or dry skinned individuals who likes to apply face sunblock with an ultra light feel!

Where to purchase and how much?

Php460.00 (approx $10.70) available at leading department stores, beauty and personal care stores and supermarket nationwide!

Waterlight texture and feel but it's not too runny! 

Texture is just right!

Can easily spread all over the skin surface

Gets absorbed into the skin as quickly as one minute!
I counted! :P

The name of the product lives up to my expectation!  The product indeed is as light as water!  So far, I've tried using this when I was out under the harsh sun for an hour plus, without re-application, and my skin stays the same shade!  The only downside I can find is the possible "allergies" some of the ingredients may cause to some individuals who have sensitive skin!

Have you tried this product?
Will definitely share more reviews on other facial sunblocks I've tried!

Enjoy your summer!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Sweet Pea + Happy Mothers' Day to All Moms!

Good morning Sunday!  I hope you wake up refreshed and ready to enjoy the rest of the day!  This weekend, I did nothing but bond with my brother who came for a visit, bonding means shopping and food tripping!  I spent a good dinner time on a Friday night with my mom-in-law for Mother's Day!  

I bought coupons for Sweet Pea by Chef Florabel Co from CashCashPinoy!  I bought 4 coupons of Php250.00 for Php500.00 worth of food and drinks which I find a good deal! 

I have something to admit though, I made a huge mistake and we all went to Burgos Circle instead of McKinley Hill, don't ask me why!  *laughs*  Okay, I'm human!  I made a huge mistake and our stomach had to suffer!  *embarrassed* 

View of Venice Piazza at night

The place was packed on a Friday night and we had to wait for 15 minutes or more and finally got our table!  While waiting, I took the liberty to order in advance!

Squash Soup 

Php145.00 (approx $3.35)

I actually finished this up on my own as the family isn't that into creamy soup!

The texture is not as smooth as others I've tried but I would give this one thumbs up sign for the taste!

Crispy Duo

Pph350.00 (approx $8.10)

Crispy pork belly and beef tapa with sweet sauce and spicy vinegar

Crispy beef tapa = bacon!  Crispy pork belly = lechon.  

Well tastes like it if you know what I mean :D

Fried Calamares with Tartar Sauce

Php275.00 (approx $6.40)

My favorite to munch on and the tartar sauce tastes quite good!

Crispy Fish Fillet Roulade

Php295.00 (approx $6.90)

White fish with herb butter, served with curly fries and house salad

Most of the dishes we tried are good but the most unforgettable in our opinion is this!  The fish and herb butter are served perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.   House salad tastes great but not a fan of the curly fries!  It was soggy when served.

US Angus Beef Bellly Shortribs

Php350.00 (approx $8.35)

Served with parsley rice and buttered vegetables

Meaty and juicy!  Sauce is just right to mix with plain rice!  

Baby Back BBQ

Php375.00 (approx $8.70)

Served with corn, yellow rice and house salad

The yellow rice is actually curry flavored rice, I like it as I'm a fan of anything curry!  The pork was served in quite a good serving size and I like the fact that it's mostly lean meat!  For such thick meat, I am quite surprised how juicy it is!

We were quite stuffed, though I wanted to end the gorgeous dinner with desserts, we gave it a skip and went for a walk instead!  Good girl, Nikki!

I'm not impressed with the washroom location.  Each floor has only 1 washroom but the one at the ground floor was temporarily closed that time so we have to walk all the way to the 2nd floor which is a huge re-route! Can you imagine how many people were dining that night with just ONE washroom?  Just saying....

Restaurant accepts cash and credit card.  The company has service charge!  Parking space isn't that big so you have to be patient in looking for a spot!

Sweet Pea Restaurant

The Venice Piazza

Ground Floor The Venice Piazza, 

McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Tel. no: (632) 659-3685

Before I end this post, I want to wish my 2 moms and all the moms out there....

 **photo from Google Image

You, mom, are definitely a hero in your own ways!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm in a Jar

If your lips are quite ok to start with, not too dry and yet, you wanted the extra moisture and protection from time to time, then I would recommend Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm in pot, this is actually my favorite out of all the Carmex lip products available in the market (personal choice), no extra flavor, just plain minty taste and feel that I long for in a lip care product! 

Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm says ---

• Available since 1937, with over 1 billion jars sold.
• Original lip-tingling formula
• Relieves the symptoms of chapped lips and cold sores.
• Non-addictive and not tested on animals

Net wt.: 7.5g
Ingredients:


 
AMW says ---
Pros

• Simple, original, no frill packaging.
• Packaging includes expiration date.
• Men wouldn't mind using this as it looks more "manly"
• Gives a nice tingling, relaxing sensation on lips.
• Can be easily used as a base without making the lipstick slide off.
• No uncomfortable waxy-feel.
• I don't have cold sores or blisters, I can only test this on my dry lips and it does help relieve pain due to dryness! 
• Inexpensive

Cons

• You will need to use your finger or lip brush to grab product.  Very difficult if you have long nails like me!
• Does not totally erase or "mask" lines of lips.
• Won't be enough if you have super chapped and super dry lips!

Overall
As stated on my introduction, this is my favorite Carmex lip product! It targets the problems without complications --- relieves dryness and moisturizes without the heavy, waxy feel!

Tips

• Make sure your fingers are clean before you dip your finger to the product.
• Use a lipbrush if you are not comfortable using your fingers, or for girls with long fingernails.
• The special men in your life can use this without the feel of lipstick application!
• I prefer to apply a good coat of Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm all over your lips, let it stay for a couple of minutes before you move on to lipstick application!
• If you have super dry lips, re-apply as often as possible.
• Dry lips is not only caused by external factors, you also need to hydrate yourself by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day.
• Do not lick your lips too much!
• Once allergic reactions occur, stop usage IMMEDIATELY!

Will I repurchase?

Yes.  I actually tote another one along for "male" clients who needed to have moisture on their lips without the "flavor".

To whom do I recommend this to?
Guys or girls who needed a lip balm that protects the lips from dryness and chapping! 

Where to purchase and how much?
At local beauty stores for Php99.75 (approx $2.00)

Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm in a jar

Applied on bare lips, doesn't have the "oily look" some lip balm create.

The lines of my lips aren't "masked" but it does help relieve the uncomfortable feeling of dryness.

The best part? I don't have to blot my lips with tissue as I can apply my lipstick right after!

What's your favorite Carmex lip balm?
By far, this is my favorite!
Have you tried this? 
Keep it? Or chuck it?

Have a wonderful weekend!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: The Face Shop Lovely ME:EX Auto Eyebrow

Friday madness!  I am going mad because I have scheduled dinner plans starting tonight til the weekend!  Yes, food makes me crazy!  Isn't it obvious I love food?

Anyways, remember my Korea Trip last year?  I purchased a lot of eyebrow pencils because I found Korean-made eyebrow pencils to be inexpensive at the same time performs really well!  

For the first time in many gigs, I actually lost my Tears Line and Mode Autobrow and thank goodness it's not that expensive for me to cry river of tears!

Time to try out other brands of eyebrow pencils I purchased!  Next in line...The Face Shop's Lovely ME: EX Auto Eyebrow.  Don't ask me what ME:EX means but I'll definitely share to you how I feel about the said product!

Both sides have a protective cap

Left side is the eyebrow pencil

Right side is a spoolie

The Face Shop Lovely ME-EX Auto Eyebrow says ---

Convenient eyebrow enhancer that gives a subtle and natural shade . Define and restructure your brows with this practical and precise pencil. Comes with a screw brush for better finished look.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Nice, simple packaging.
• Packaging includes manufactured date, you know how "fresh" the product you purchase!

• Automatic, no sharpening needed.
• Includes a spoolie brush which makes it more convenient to brush your eyebrows to make the effect more "natural looking".
• Shade 04 (which is the lightest I believe) suits me perfectly!  
• Inexpensive!
• Stays for more than 8 hours.  Picture below shown my brows after more than 10 hours of humidity and heat!

• Though the pencil is short as shown on photo below, it can last 2-3 months of daily usage (depending on how thick you draw your brows)

• The pencil does not transfer to my eye area or to the face.

Cons

• I can't seem to find any for now!

Overall
Great inexpensive eyebrow pencil!

Tips

• Choose the eyebrow pencil close to your hair color!
• Draw with light, feather-like strokes.  Always stand back and check your reflection against the mirror.
• If you think you overdrawn your brows, use the spoolie and brush your eyebrows until it lightens. 
• Do not twist too much as you may break the eyebrow pencil.
• Wash the spoolie brush from time to time.
• Do not forget to wipe your brows with eye makeup remover at the end of the day!  Most people forget this area!
• Try on testers and always stand back and take a look on your "overall look" in front of a mirror before you purchase!  Try to check out your brows in natural light! 

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes to use eyebrow pencil and hates sharpening!

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at The Face Shop.  I don't know how much it's sold locally but definitely not over Php500.00!

04 shade is equivalent to Blond shade of other eyebrow pencils

I chose lighter shade as my eyebrows are dark to start with

Gently draw the brows, filling in spaces with light, gentle strokes

Don't worry if it gets a bit darker than what you want

To lessen the pigmentation and to make it more natural looking, use the spoolie brush and gently brush your eyebrows as shown on photo below!  Stand back after brushing and fill in spaces again if you see any!

Again, I chose 04 because it lightens the shade of my eyebrows to match my hair color!

I'm glad to review something I bought from Korea that you guys can easily purchase!
Eyebrows "sketcher" out there, have you tried this eyebrow pencil?

Happy weekend!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!