AMW Gives: Gloww --- Winners!

Ok, please don't kill me for posting the winners' name late!  I have my reasons, I've been working and playing "tourist" in Shanghai.  After I came back, I've been very busy with work!  

Sound kinda defensive eh?  hehehe What?  You rather know the winners than read my excuses?  FINE!  *stomps* 

Serious side, thanks everyone for joining the GLOWW contest!  Seems like a lot of you would like to "GLOWW"!  So without further ado, thanks to my ever trusted Fruit Machine, here are the 2 winners!  Congratulations to ----

Nicole Aguilar Pare

Jopay San Juan

I will email both of you for shipping details!
To the rest, thank you so much for joining, there will be more contests coming up!  

Keep checking back for more contests!
Thanks Gloww for this!

Keep smilin'
Stay Happy

Eureka Moment: One Shade Lighter?

Today, my post is dedicated to readers who could be searching for such product in the market and can't seem to find one or doesn't even know exists!

When I took one look at the box of "Instant White" By Glorious Skin promising instant "white" at first usage, my first instinct: "Yeah right!  Who would want that?  Probably an actor/actress playing a role of a ghost? vampire?" 

Keep in mind that I won't be reviewing this product as I don't plan to use this on my face because I really don't need such function (for now), thank God that my face and neck color match!  But, mind you, I've met a couple of clients who told me their biggest problem is how their face and neck color does not match! This product may actually be the answer to their prayers! OR!  If you mistakenly purchased a shade darker foundation and wouldn't mind trying this product....aha!  Another Eureka Moment for you!

Instant White by Glorious Skin is a light cream that immediately results to a one shade lighter skin tone upon application.  Visibly fairer skin with daily use.  

Checking the box, it's formulated in New Jersey, USA exclusively distributed by Watsons Personal Care Stores (Philippines) Inc. and this costs Php399.00 (approx $9.50).

Initial reaction, the mouth of this pot is too big!  The product is too watery so be careful not to tilt the pot.  I should've listened to my own advise as it got messy on me!  It would be great to purchase a plastic lotion containers and transfer the product for easy storage and usage.

I applied tiny amount of product at the back of my hand.  The consistency is on the water-y side, almost the same consistency as SunPlay Watery Cool Sunblock Lotion.  This one is a tiny bit thicker.

You have to massage the product quickly onto the skin before it dries, once dry, it stays that way and does not transfer to your dark clothing.  I actually tried rubbing my hand against a dark shirt.

If your skin is dry like mine, the product will settle into lines as shown on my fingers, this can be reduced by applying your favorite moisturizer first, let the moisturizer set in then go on with Instant White application!  If you apply this on your face, same concept, moisturize your face before you apply small amount of  Instant White by Glorious Skin.  Less is more!  Keep that in mind!

Don't kill me for doing this but I tested the product on my knees. If its safe for the face, then I'm sure its fine for the body!  Do not apply on broken skin!  My knees aren't dark to start with but there's a spot at least a shade darker than the rest of my legs (I'm sure a lot of you can relate), after application (plus loads of laughter as Mr. AMW can't believe that the location of my face was transferred to my knees! hahaha) 

Yes, I have to agree, the instant whitening effect is there and not the "ghostly" type!  Its quite natural as long as you blend it well!  Take a look at the product "build up" on the side that was not not blended well! (pointed by a yellow arrow).

Eureka moment to the natural-looking one-shade lighter effect!  But keep in mind that not all products will work for ALL individuals.  Always test the product first before you start slathering all over your face and regret later on.  

Apply a small mount of Instant White on wrist area, leave for 5-10 minutes and check if its suitable for your skin or no allergic reactions occur!

Would you try such product?
If you've tried this, share to us your experiences!
I'm sure our readers will appreciate it!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: RMK Creamy Foundation

Note: The product I will be reviewing is not available locally but I think it deserves a space on my blog because......*shouts* I can't believe I'm loving this and it's NOT available here!!!!!!!!

Ok calming down....

Yes, I'm a bit calmer now!  First of all, I want to thank my dearest friend Connie for sending me a sample of the RMK Creamy Foundation in shade 102 (perfect for me!) and it was only recent that I gave this a try because, ahmm..because...I am too lazy to use cream/liquid foundation for the past months!  

The sample size is just a tiny 1x1 (squarish)  tiny packet but I use only a few each  time and I was able to maximize its usage to at least 4 applications!

**photo taken from Sasa Website

RMK Creamy Foundation says ---

With its water holding oil formula, RMK Creamy Foundation has a great moisture retaining quality, this luxurious, creamy type foundation replenishes the skin for a radiant and lustrous finish. You will experience an exquisite balance between coverage and lucidity. Further more, the stretch powder fits your skin surface perfectly, and just-applied finish lasts for hours.

Origin: Japan

Suitable for: All Skin Types

AMW says ---

Pros

• Build-able coverage, can create light, medium or heavy coverage without the white cast. (as long as you get the right shade).
• Feels very light on skin.
• No weird scent.
• Lasts the whole day with only one or two retouches.
• Can create dewy finish without setting powder.
• Texture applies smoothly and blends evenly.
• Can double up as concealer especially on the under eye area.
• Does not settle in fine lines or cake up.
• Keeps my face matte (which I prefer in liquid/cream foundation) and at the same time, this creates a nice glow (hard to find).
• Does not oxidize on me.

Cons

• May oil up to oily-skinned individuals.
• Shade choices are quite light.  (problem of most Asian made cosmetics)
• Packaging, I know they include a spatula when you purchase it but still, I like squeeze-y tube packaging :)  Just like toothpaste! :P
• Not readily available locally and even international sites! I've checked various sites and they're mostly sold out :(

Overall

People notice my skin each time I use this foundation, I may not have acne but I do have allergic reactions on days so my skin tends to look dull aside from my usual "dryness" concern!  I actually wore this on the GlamBox Airbrush Workshop and I was even asked if I use airbrush foundation on myself! *giddy*

Aside from what other people see, I personally feel good using this foundation, feels so light on skin at the same time, gives the coverage I want minus the dryness, plus the natural glow! :)

Tips

• To save more of this foundation (as this doesn't come cheap), use a foundation brush or stippling brush to apply and spot conceal areas that needed more coverage!  I used this method that's why my sample lasted long enough for me to create this review.
• Apply from the center of the face brushing the foundation outward!  This way, the coverage is concentrated more at the "center" - the area that needed the most coverage.
• Wash your tools after every use!
• If you have oily skin and still want to try this, use an oil-control primer prior to foundation application.
• Same for dry-skinned individuals, though this cream foundation is non-drying, it helps to moisturize your skin prior to foundation application.
• If you plan to purchase this, I strongly suggest to try their samples first or some websites sell trial packs!  It's heartbreaking to spend such a huge amount of money for products that does not work or worst, not the same shade as your skin!  
• Store in cool, dry place and never dip your fingers or brush directly, use a spatula.
• Prefer lighter coverage?  You can go for the RMK Liquid Foundation.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone into cream foundation as this does not settle into fine lines!  Perfect for Normal/Dry skin.

Where to purchase and how much?

I've checked the amount online for you to have an idea, costs $52.40 (approx Php2,200) at Sasa.

 Sorry I wasn't able to swatch shade 102 on my hand as I originally thought I won't be able to review this product!  Didn't know a little goes a long way so I was able to use this a couple of times!

As applied on face without primer, moisturizer or even setting powder!  I just used eyebrow pencil, eyeliner and lipstick!  Opted for a very simple look for dinner.

Close up on the nose area, drying foundation would definitely show up as close as this, considering that I did not use any moisturizer prior to foundation application, this isn't bad!  No flaking!

Full face without blush.  I felt my skin does look like in the early 20s? *chokes*

Sorry, I meant late teens! *bwahaha*

RMK or  Rumiko cosmetics, show your butt here in our country!
I'd love to have you here! :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Tip for the Day: Packing for a Trip AMW style!

I got an email last week from a reader who asked me if I carry a lot of stuff when I travel, my answer? ---- NOPE!  

When I travel, I don't bring so many stuff because I don't want to end up paying for excess baggage, plus I want to have a space for my "pasalubongs" (gifts) to my loved ones every time I travel!  Here's how I packed for my most recent travel!  It was a "6-Days" trip in Shanghai.  First thing you want to check ---

• The weather of the place you're visiting.
• Any formal events you need to attend?
• Check your hotel if they have blow dryer (if you need one), slippers, towels and other toiletries! 

Shanghai weather is hot and humid, it was a business trip (slash) leisure trip, I counted the days I needed to wear something nice for "office work" and the days I can just look like trash (just joking), I mean on days I can wear really casual clothes.

I brought along dresses for the "more formal days" and the rest?  I carried shorts as they are space saving as compared to jeans!  It helps to bring clothing that has light fabric and doesn't get wrinkled right away.  For foot wear, I brought one super comfortable flats and another one more formal but I wore it to the airport so it doesn't take much space inside my luggage as well! 

I love rolling my clothes, aside from it being a space saver, it doesn't wrinkle the clothes easily! 

See? I still have half of the luggage space!  I also brought along some local goodies to share to my friends in Shanghai!  Dried mangoes, nuts, and tiny keychain souvenirs!  I also gave dried mangoes to the sweet driver who helped carry my luggage! :)  It's nice to share to them our local delicacies!

For my toiletries, I put it in one pouch and will include it inside my checked-in luggage as most of them are in liquid/cream forms!  This is the best time to pull out your sample sized facial wash, moisturizer, cleansing oil, body lotion, BB cream etc... I carried along Face and Body sunblock as it saves space for 2-in-1 products!  I knew the hotel I am staying will supply toothpaste and toothbrush but I usually find them too harsh for my gums so I bring my own instead!

I have to admit, I do keep shower caps, cotton buds, cotton balls and comb from previous hotels I've stayed.  It's time to pull them out and carry them with me just in case I ran out of them!  I know, I'm a cheapo but you have to admit its smart too right? :P

I feel they're not safe just thrown inside my pouch, I used a clear plastic to store them, just in case it broke inside my luggage, I won't have them ruin my clothing too!  That would be a traveler's nightmare to have whatever liquid or cream explosion!

They all fit snugly inside my pouch!

Now on to my hand carry, I used my Beabi bag organizer as I can't seem to live without one nowadays!  There's the travel documents of course, I also brought along a copy of my passport and birth certificate.  Wallet that would fit the local currently I will be traveling to (Chinese Yuan is quite huge!).  Philippine peso, as I still need to pay for travel tax  and terminal fees!  Sunglasses, pens, alcohol housed in a tiny spritz container, lip balm (as I can't live without one) and an umbrella!  I took with me the shortest umbrella I own! :)

Ah let's not forget how I plan to food-trip!  

I need medicines!  Especially anti-histamines!

For make-up!  I usually don't carry much when I travel as I don't plan to put on a lot of make-up during my trip especially on a country that's on its "humid" state!  I took with me my new Charm TravelPro V3!!!  My Victoria Jackson Survival Kit (which includes blushes, lipstick, various eyeshadow shades), eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, liquid liner, mascara and lash curler!  To clean my brushes, I took with me wipes!  There's no reason not to clean your brushes when you're traveling!  Not on photo, I have my Majolica Majorca Powder Foundation inside my bag for easy retouch!

This is how I pack for a short trip!
How about you? Any other tips that I missed?

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

Travel Food Tripping at: Din Tai Fung Dumpling House

Yes, my butt is back in Manila but I can't get over the good food I've tried during my Shanghai Trip!  Thanks to my dearest brother who accompanied me for lunch and dinner even during working hours!  I'm so lucky to have such caring brother like him!

Anyways, back to the food story, I've heard him talk about this posh, expensive Taiwan restaurant located at the Ritz Carlton Hotel!  I actually passed by this restaurant the night before but line outside was crazy long so I gave it a skip and noted "Next Time"!  I was a bit surprised when my brother texted me before lunch telling me to meet him Din Tai Fung .yes..my "Next Time" restaurant!  He advised me to be there early for reservations!  I got us a table at around 11:30am and my brother arrived at 11:45am, just in time as people were starting to line up around 12nn!!!

Oh before I talk about the food, the history of Din Tai Fung is quite fun to read! To shorten the long story, the founder is originally from China then he moved to Taiwan to sell oil then steamed dumplings, then the rest is history! :)  Xiao Long Bao by the way are steamed buns!

The Table Setting

The tea that I ordered

I have to pay for this! *lol*

I opted for Green Tea

 

The cute "standing" ginger strips

 to be mixed with soy sauce

Steamed Pork Dumplings

29.00rmb for 5 pcs (Php197.00/$4.60)

5 tiny Xiao Long Bao that was housed in a huge steamer!  I guess aside from them "galit-galit" (angry at each other), they were situated far from each other to prevent bumping into each other during steaming as there's soup inside these babies.  You can also order 10pcs for 58.00rmb (Php395.00/$9.20)

To show you the size of the Xiao Long Bao 

against the porcelein spoon used for soup.

I try to bit it as gently as I can

The wet part isn't my saliva ok? *laughs*

See how much soup inside the Xiao Long Bao?
So be careful not to splatter them all over your clothing

Next came Steamed Chicken Xiao Long Bao

29.00rmb for 5 pcs (Php197.00/$4.60)

Don't ask me, they all look pretty alike! I don't know how the servers can distinguish them!

Ok, this wasn't a lady-like bite!

The Pork XiaoLongBao tastes a bit stronger while the chicken is on the lighter side!  

Shrimp and Pork Wonton Soup

I actually forgot the price but its around 

49.00rmb (approx Php318.00/$7.60)

The shrimp wonton is wrapped perfectly!  

They're not damaged inside the soup and the shrimp is big!

I think there were around 3-4 pieces of these per order

The ambiance of the restaurant is worth visiting at least once if you're in Shanghai.  You can see the Chefs preparing your dishes in the see-through glass window.  I like how they maintain cleanliness!

Wall of fame!  You can see Taiwan and Hong Kong actors and actresses' portrait with their signatures!  Whoever drew this is super talented as I can quickly recognize them!

*ahem* The Philippine Actor and Actress!  *lol*  Thanks to my brother dear for the wonderful lunch enjoyed on a super rainy day!  My hair was oh so nice in the morning but due to the humidity it went from Nice to Crap!  *laughs*

Food at Din Tai Fung Dumpling house is not as flavorful as what we have down here in the Philippines!  But this is best for the health-conscious as the food are prepared as soon as you order them and are served fresh!  Different types of dumplings are served!  There will always be something for the meat lovers, seafood lovers or even vegetarians!  The prices are more expensive than regular Dumpling House but its worth to visit at least once for that super authentic Chinese dumplings!

I may have to add that the service is great!  The washroom is super clean and westernized!

Din Tai Fung Dumpling House

上海市卢湾区马当路183号

Tel no: (008621)6385-8378

You can also find this famous dumpling house in the following countries: China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Australia and USA.

Enjoy your  weekend food tripping!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!