Nail Art Tutorial: Jeans on my Nails

I was going for a very simple nail art for the week as I am feeling under the weather after my Shanghai Trip.  Yup, even if I'm sick, I can't stand it when I see my "chipped" nails.  My Panda nails was losing either its mouth or the other eye so I've decided to create a quick nail art which anyone can try! :)

It's inspired by the most casual yet important piece of clothing in anyone's closet --- Jeans!

Step 1:

Apply your preferred base coat.  In this tutorial, I am using OPI Start to Finish Base and Top Coat.  Once base coat is completely dry, apply 2 coats of any "blue" polish that would remind you of your favorite jeans!  I actually do not have one so I chose the closest which is my OPI's Yodel Me On My Cell.

AMW Reviews: Maquillage Rouge Enamel Glamour

Ahhh Maquillage, the name itself spells "glamour"!  I've been intrigued with this brand when I was just starting out on make-up!  I've longed for this because it was quite well-known in Asian market because it is from the giant Japanese Cosmetics brand Shiseido.

The Rouge Enamel Glamour comes with a lip color (in bigger sized bottle) and the opposite side is the gloss (Smaller pot).

Maquillage Rouge Enamel Glamour says ---

NEW Maquillage Rouge Enamel Glamour Moisturizes and plump the lips with 8 mouthwatering-shades!

Does not transfer to the cup or smudges when eating! Long-wearing 6 hours each application.

Contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin and Silicate.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Once purchased, the product is well packaged so you know you are getting fresh, unused product.

• Comes with manufactured date.

• The brush applicator of the lip color is the best I've tried. Angled strategically to help spread lip color easily.  The sponge does not disintegrate.

• The gloss part applicator is made of doe-shaped plastic, makes it easy to apply the gloss on top without wiping off the lip color.
• Once set, the lip color is budge-proof, the color stayed at least the whole day!
• The gloss looks nice, gives a lovely dimension on my lips without looking like I've an oily dish!
• The lip color glides on the lips smoothly without any friction!
• The lip gloss isn't thick and can moisturize dry lips.
• No weird scent.

Cons

• The lip color dries up dry lips (like mine) if applied without the gloss. 
• Because of the super budge-proof quality, it's hard to remove this at the end of the day, need a good eyes and lips makeup remover!
• It settles in the lines on my lips on days that my lips are super dry.
• Very pricey for a lip product!

Overall

The budge proof quality is a huge pro!  This is also the first for me to try a lip gloss that doesn't look unnatural!  It's non-sticky and it gives a very nice dimension other lip gloss can't give!

Tips
from Shiseido

• Apply the rouge first (larger bottle) first. 
• Wait for a minute to dry (it may feel sticky at first, don`t rub)
• Apply gloss for a shiny, moisturzing finish! 

from AMW

• Always wipe the applicator after every use.
• If you want to apply more, apply the first layer of lip color first, wait for a couple of seconds before you add on another layer, or 3rd.
• Always wait for the product to "set" before you apply the gloss.  This way, the lip color will stay longer!
• Gorgeous lips can apply the lip color by itself without the gloss for a super natural lip shade!
• If you are used to moisturizing your lips with a balm, always remember to blot your lips prior to lip color application, as the product may glide off and the "budge proof" quality of the lipstick may be wasted!
• Leaving the lip color for a long time without the gloss may make your lips crack, so always take the time to apply gloss if you have really dry lips.

Will I repurchase?
No for myself yes for clients.  I wouldn't mind using this on my brides who have moisturized lips to start with. 

To whom do I recommend this to?

Brides or anyone who needed the long lasting lip color.  I don't recommend this to people with dry lips.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Shiseido Counters for Php1,900.00 (approx $45.00).

The shade I own is 

PK386 which is warm coral shade 

with gold sheen

PK386 on applicator

Gloss on Plastic Applicator

Swatch on Hand

The top most part is PK386 lip color applied alone

Middle part is the gloss

Bottom is the lip color applied with gloss on top

On lips:
Top: without Gloss

Bottom: with Gloss

Ok, I do use this on days that my lips does not feel too dry!  I can't seem to hate this product as it turns out so pretty!  I just dislike this on days that my lips are dry and chapped!  I should just dislike my lips overall! *laughs*

Have you tried Maquillage Rouge Enamel Glamour?
If not, have you tried any similar products?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: SunPlay Watery Cool Sunblock Lotion with Menthol SPF65 PA+++

Happy Monday!  Are you lazy?  Sleepy?  Wanting to go back to bed?  *high five*  I'm sure I feel the same!  Since I came back from Shanghai, I've been very sick but it's all worth it!  It was fun walking around the city and I'm proud to announce, I did not get lost!  I made sure to do my research and ask my brother on how to go to a certain place and took down notes as I take a peek at my post-it notes every now and then as I get pushed inside the train!  *laughs* 

All worth it! 

Speaking of walking around the city.  The weather in Shanghai was as crazy as Manila!  It's hot, humid and it rains mid-day!  Though I brought an umbrella with me, I'm not used to using it to protect myself from the sun! (Bad Nikki!)  But hey, I made sure to apply sunblock approximately 30 minutes before I leave the hotel room!  

Since I knew it's going to be hot and humid in Shanghai, I brought with me the SunPlay SPF 26 PA++ Watery Cool Clear & Smooth. 

Sunplay SPF65 PA++ Watery Cool says ---

Sunplay Watery Cool SPF65 contains Menthol that provides a cool refreshing sensation. It has a Revolutionary Watery Liquid Formulation that gives you the protection that you need, without you feeling a thing!

• High UV protection against UVA & UVB.
• Contains Menthol for cool & refreshing sensation.
• Japan Watery Liquid formulation is light and non greasy.
• Highly water-proof .
• For face & body.

Ingredients:

AMW says ---
Pros

• Packaging is super cute, simple, tiny packaging easily to carry during travel.
• Packaging has a clear print on expiration date.

• Once purchase, you know that the product you are getting is fresh from manufacturer due to its nice packaging.

• The twist cap prevents spillage.

• Easy to wipe/clean the tip after every use.

• Multi-tasking product, can be used on both face and body.
• Milky formula makes it easy to spread all over face and body.
• Gets absorbed into the skin in no time!
• Doesn't leave white casts.
• Does not feel heavy on skin even if I perspired a lot.
• I did not get dark after walking approximately more than an hour under direct sunlight.

Cons

• I can easily use up this product because of its tiny size.   
• It says to have "Menthol" for cooling effect but I never felt it? (could it be just me?)
• A bit pricey for 35g product.

Overall

I had a friend who texted me telling me how she hated the feeling of sunscreen but she needed the protection, I immediately recommended this to her because I've tested this under the most extreme weather (direct sunlight, heat plus humidity) and this fairs really well!  I did not have a bit of the sticky-feel that I sometimes get in other sunblock!  Once I got back, I immediately asked Mr. AMW if I got dark, he told me: "Nope!" So SPF65 protection, CHECK!

Tips

• Apply at least 15 minutes before you go out of the sun.
• Do not follow my crazy steps, try to use a hat, umbrella and steer clear from direct sunlight even if you have sunblock protection! 
• If you have very sensitive skin, do the patch test before you apply this all over your body.
• Do the same on face application, apply a bit on one area and see if your skin reacts!  
• Shake well before use, you can hear the sound of the "metal ball" inside.
• Always clean the tip after every use (just my OC thing).
• Re-apply  if you've been sweating a lot or if you were out of the sun for too long.
• Planning to head on to the beach and you needed much more protection?  Choose their other variant that has higher SPF.  Sunplay Super Block SPF130 PA+++

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who hates the feeling of lotion or sunblock.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Watson's or selected Beauty by SM for Php349.00 (approx $8.31).

A photo to show you the water-y texture

Once applied on one arm, after less than 5 minutes

it gets absorbed into my skin without the "shine" or "film-y texture"

A good sunblock lotion that goes up to my list!  
Have you tried SunPlay?  Do you like it?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Bulletin: Pay Now: Debit Cards

One thing that I can be proud of myself, is the way I handle my finances!  I remember owning my first supplementary credit card during senior high!  I had this card all throughout until I graduated College!  I never owe any bank anything as I always pay on time.


The Secret?
I treat my credit card as a Debit Card.  Meaning, I put aside the cash right after I swiped the card.

What's the point of using credit cards then if you pay upfront?
The fact that I don't need to bring cash and having a good credit standing.

The only complaint I could think of in situations like these,  I need to withdraw cash from the bank and set aside the money as payment for the credit card company.  (I actually have a small pink envelope were I put all my cash and sales receipts)

Let's not forget the long lines plus the hassle of carrying big amount of money is not safe at times like these!

That is why, when dear friends from OMD Digital, Chin and Cristel reached out to me and wanted to set a meeting for me to learn about the new Visa Debit Card, I really took time out of my busy schedule to meet up with them to understand the benefits of owning a Visa Debit Card because I know readers like YOU would appreciate this knowledge sharing as well!

It pays to live life to the fullest!  Spend your hard-earned cash on purchases you want and not by paying through debts!

Here are some key points I learned about the Visa Debit Cards ---

• Visa Debit Cards function exactly like any Visa card but they access funds from a checking or savings bank account and work like you were paying with cash!  It's like "buy now and pay now" scheme.
• With debit cards, you will need to have money in the bank to cover your purchases because the funds are immediately withdrawn from your checking or savings bank account and transferred into the account of the store or business where you completed the transaction.  This gives you the capacity to spend within the budget and keep you out of debt!

Benefits of Debit Cards ---

• Can be a valuable financial management tool for budgeting, monitoring funds on deposit and for keeping track of spending.
• Just like a credit card, it can be used to pay for purchases at various merchant locations like restaurants, gas stations, department stores and hotels.  
• Visa Debit Cards are accepted worldwide in more than 200 countries and territories especially online shopping!
• Visa Debit Cards allow access to foreign currency from ATMs around the world that carry the Visa logo.  Travel lovers out there, hear ye! hear ye!

 

• Debit cards are tied to the card holder's existing checking or savings account.  Meaning, no need to bring loads of cash, safe indeed!
• There are no monthly payments or debt accrued.
• Debit cards can be used in ATMs to withdraw cash just like an ATM card.  I was told the charging rate is lower than that of withdrawing from a credit card.
• Debit cards are perfect for students and young professionals who are just starting out, need the budget skills.

Tips on using Debit Cards (base on personal experiences) ---

• Always keep sales receipts as reference.  I never throw them away at least after 3 months.
• Remember to account for any bank fees that may apply.  It pays to ask before you purchase.
• Review statements carefully.  I do that on ALL my bills and computers or humans behind this aren't perfect, someone in someway can still make a mistake!  So please check your bills and contact the bank right away if you suspect a mistake.
• Always follow up with a confirmation letter for the bank, this would eliminate suspicions of identity theft.
• Last but not the least, if I may have to add, NEVER write down your passwords.  Try to keep your password as difficult as possible!  Change your passwords annually.

For more Visa's financial literacy materials.  You may visit www.practicalmoneyskills.com

I wish I've applied earlier, I was in Shanghai just last week and I was carrying around different currencies Peso, Dollar and Chinese Yuan (RMB) and I was getting paranoid each time someone bumps into me!  And guess what?  It's also an "in" thing to use Visa in Shanghai!  See the huge billboard? 

Thanks Cristel and Chin for this!  I am appreciate Visa Debit Cards more and I think I needed this more than anything else!  Saves me the time to go to ATM machines to withdraw!

I hope I was able to relay the things I learned out of the meeting!
I am in no way connected to the company, I personally use VISA and I love it!

Where to apply?

Visit BDO, Chinatrust Commercial Bank, Equicom Savings Bank, Inc., HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Sterling Bank of Asia and Unionbank.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Travel Food Tripping at: Shanghai City

I am back!!! Bad timing, I woke up with throat ache and stuff nose!  I thought drowning myself with water would help but too late!  I guess it's the Flu Season in Shanghai plus the weird super hot and humid weather then the sudden pour!  Sad to say, I'm human, so I got sick! :(  

Well, Shanghai is a great place to food trip because there are variety of food available for almost all nationalities!  My first meal in Shanghai was with my brother and he recommended me this Vietnamese restaurant which I like!

Pho Sizzling

Weird name but it's located at Nanjing West Road near Marks & Spencer.  Located at the 2nd floor!  I wouldn't see this restaurant if it weren't for my brother! :)

Beef Noodle Soup

Beef noodle soup mixed with beef balls

My order!  I can't finish this up!

The second day, I  went for full day meeting/work, I just had sandwich for lunch and for dinner, met up with my brother again to go back to my favorite curry house, COCO Curry!  I ordered the exact dish I ordered 3 years ago.  Pork Chop Curry!  I died and went to Curry Heaven!

Felt guilty as my brother is coughing like mad so he did not order anything spicy and opted for Chicken Salad instead.

Each table, you'll see a jar of this crunchy vegetable (sorry, I wasn't able to ask what kind of vegetable), I love putting this on top of my Curry Rice!

And I finished my first Happy Lemon Pudding Milk Tea (for this trip) coz I had seconds!  *laughs*  I personally liked the taste of Happy Lemon in Shanghai better than here in Manila!  The taste is just right and there's no bitter taste at all!  And the best?   Pudding is abundant!  I can bite pudding all the way until I finished the drink!

On the third day, I went to work again so I wasn't able to do anything exciting!  Had simple sandwich for lunch then went out with my dear friend for dinner at a restaurant called Element Fresh, located at Ritz-Carlton Hotel!  Very posh!  A lot of foreigners like it here!  We actually waited for at least 10 minutes for our table!

I was feeling a bit too tired so I went healthy instead, ordered Classic Cobb.

It was a hearty portion of grilled chicken breast, cheddar cheese, avocado, tomato, hardboiled egg, bacon and onion all chopped into good size served on a bed of crispy lettuce and pita bread!  Dressing on the side was 1000 Dressing :)

Ok, first 3 days, I've been eating non-Chinese food!  Hey, I'm in Shanghai!  I want Chinese food!  Well, I'll talk more about my food experiences in Shanghai on my part 2 report!  :)  Watch out for it!

I'm seriously thankful I got sick on my last day, I won't be able to survive all the walking I did when I'm feeling this way! 

Normal blogging will be back!   More reviews and information coming up soon! :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!