My Fragrance Collection Gets Bigger...

... and I'm Loving It!!!

My love for fragrance was evident when I started to save my allowance from school just to purchase my first expensive Eau De Toilette from Aspen!  I even remember choosing the Aspen scent for men rather than the women because the latter exceeds my budget.

When I was working in Shenzhen, China, I would spend 360rmb (approx Php2,300+) ferry fee from Shenzhen to Hong Kong just so (you guessed it right) I can visit Bonjour shops to purchase sample fragrances!  I'm that addicted to fragrance!

This year, 2 wonderfully packaged scents were added into my collection!  Thanks Jenny and Theya for the scents of love! :)

Aura by Swarovski

Aura by Swarovski is a fragrance that has fruity floral scent centered on a fusion of amber and white musk.  Top notes of juicy lychee and powdery rose are both included to add up to a feminine touch with a spunk!

 The top of the cap has a huge Swarovski clear crystal embedded onto it!  If only I can pry this out and use this as a ring!  I'll get kidnapped adultnapped in broad daylight for sure!

Aura by Swarovski, the tantalizing new fragrance created by acclaimed perfumers Jean-Pierre Bethouart and Fabrice Pellegrin, is inspired by the same radiance and light evoked by these world famous crystals. It is inspired by the same way the crystals are cut and faceted with Swarovski’s exclusive know-how, capturing the light, diffracting it and then finally releasing it in a thousand brilliant rays. It is this phenomenon that has moved the perfumers to fashion this unique scent.

Aura by Swarovski EDT is available in 30 ml., 50 ml. and 75 ml. bottles and retails at Php2,900, Php3,600, and Php4,800 respectively. Aura by Swarovski is available at all Premium Department Stores Nationwide and Art of Scent, Luxury Fragrance Boutique Resorts World Manila, and Fresh Fragrance Bar Eastwood Mall and Abreeza

Next is an Apple, apple is really a temptation not only to Adam and Eve but also to me!  I have given in to this temptation several times!

DKNY Golden Delicious Eau De Parfum

The newest, most regal apple of the DKNY DELICIOUS collection is finally here!  I've owned a couple of scents from the DKNY DELICIOUS line and I use them  mostly on casual events as the scent are usually on the sweet and fruity side.

DKNY GOLDEN DELICIOUS Eau De Parfum is a luxe scent that radiates lavish seduction.  The newest, most regal apple of the DKNY DELICIOUS collection, DKNY GOLDEN DELICIOUS has an elegance that is reserved for the most discriminating taste.  It's tempting, sensual and warm.

For this newest collection, the scent embraces a radiant modern spirit with the contrast of glistneing florals and delicious heat!  The top is Orange Flower Water, Sparkling Mirabelle and Signature Golden Delicious Apple. The body of the scent is bouquet of White Rose, Casablanca Lily, Vanilla Orchid and Muget.  The bottom or the warmth of the fragrance is a sensual blend of Musk, Sandalwood and Taekwood.  With all of these  combined together,  creates a very sultry and sophisticated scent. 

The DKNY GOLDEN DELICIOUS EDP will be available in 50ml and 100ml sizes, retails for Php3,100 for 50ml and Php4,200 for 100ml at Rustan's Department Store starting this month!

And just for fun, can you imagine how a pretty bottle can even get prettier?  The first ever Million Dollar Fragrance Bottle!

OMG!

 *heart-pounding*

DKNY partnered with celebrity jeweler, Martin Katz, who used the new DKNY Golden Delicious EDP as an inspiration behind his, one-of-a-kind design.

"I began the design process by handpicking unique stones from around the world to create the NYC skyline.  The finished result was the most exquisit fragrance bottle in existence." said Martin Katz.

I AGREE!

The Million Dollar DKNY bottle will go on a world tour making stops at various events and fragrance retailers including the USA, Asia and Europe.

I wonder, will I be able to take a glimpse of this super pricey bottle?  I'll keep you updated for sure if I get some news on its whereabouts!

Don't ask me the price!  The name says it all!  *lol*

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit Review

I haven't been a "concealer-user" lately, most of my concealers are inside my make-up kit for clients! Its not that I consider myself perfect but you probably read from my previous makeup looks and posts that I prefer to use my foundation as a concealer!  This is just one of the many "money saving" tips I can share base on experience!

Unfortunately, in this world, there's a lot of Butts *ahem* I mean...BUTS out there *lol*, what if you suffer from really dark under eye circles?  What if you need more coverage that a regular foundation can't give? 

That's where concealers come in, most of the usual concealer issues are ---

• It creases and settles into fine lines.
• It looks more obvious that I have dark undereye circles each time I use one.
• My eyes look puffy!
• It shows up on photos!

Let me share to you a concealer review and several concealer application tips as you read on! :)  Hope this helps!

One of my favorite concealer to date --- The Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit

Weekend Food Tripping at: Jack's Loft

September just started but the weekend was already packed with fun activities!  We celebrated my eldest brother's birthday at Jack's Loft!  I was a bit hesitant with this restaurant as I dined here several years ago and I'm was not that impressed.

Food is better the second time around.....indeed...it is...for Jack's Loft! 

Just by looking at the menu, the restaurant obviously went through major changes in terms of the look and the food choices!  It took me a while to choose my dish for the night!

Adobo Flakes on Rice

Php148.00 (approx $3.40)

Adobo flakes served on top of garlic rice with egg

The Adobo flakes aren't that flavorful as compared to regular Adobo Dish but adding a bit of the vinegar, the whole experience turns upside down! 

 Shepherd's Pie

Php198.00 (approx $4.60)

Beef and mixed vegetables simmered with spices topped with mashed potatoes

This was actually my order, I wanted something light as I like tasting everyone's dishes!  *lol* (Smart girl!)

The garlic toast is vital in this dish spreading the mashed potatoes with beef and vegetables on top was a match made in heaven!  The thing though, if you want to order the bread, they offer you the same 2 small pieces for Php20.00!

 The Big Mess

Php320.00 (approx $7.44)

Certified Angus beef burger patty with a scoop of mashed potato, 

bacon and fried egg, smothered in white country gravy, 

served with breaded onion rings.

Definitely not for the faint heart (as written on the menu)!  The angus beef is indeed juicy and everything just came out nice!  I can only enjoy a tiny portion of this as it fills the tummy!  I prefer to have the mashed potatoes on the side!

Beef Tenderloin Stroganoff

Php260.00 (approx $6.00)

Beef tenderloin sauteed with mushrooms and red pepper,

topped with stroganoff sauce on top of rice

Ah, the birthday boy's meal!  I was tempted to order this same dish!  According to my brother, the chunks of beef are very tender and the sauce mixed with rice warms his hungry tummy!

Hong Kong Style Baked Pork Chop

Php260.00 (approx $6.00)

Fried rice topped with breaded pork chop,

cheese and tomato sauce baked to perfection

I am positive the rice served is plain rice and not the fried rice I know!  The dish reminded me of my favorite dish from Cafe de Coral in Hong Kong!  My dad, who's a very picky-eater requested them to chop the pork into smaller pieces and he super enjoyed the wonderful taste of tomato sauce and the tenderness of pork.  He just can't stop saying how huge the pork chop served --- boneless!

Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowl

Php195.00 (approx $4.50)

A Japanese favorite now at Jack's Loft served with stir-fry veggies.

My mom likes to order either fish or chicken when she dines out for health reason!  But it seems like Teriyaki styled chicken is always her top choice!  Jack's Loft is definitely not a Japanese restaurant but the Teriyaki dish served is at par with other well known Japanese restaurants.

Let's not forget, the well known Jack's Loft Iced Tea!  This costs Php112.00 (approx $2.70), worth sharing!  I actually shared half glass each to my mom, my dad, my brother and sister!  The drink is single served but seems bottomless as the ice kept on melting and my iced tea just won't finish up!  No complaints, this goes to my "favorite restaurant iced tea" for the moment!

Jack's Loft staff are very attentive and courteous.  Il Terrazzo branch has ample pay parking space.  It was a disappointed though that the restaurant has "No Bringing of Outside Food" written on the door!  So we can't eat the cakes that was bought for my brother from other cake shops.

The restaurant accepts cash and credit card payments.  Additional 10% service charge to the total bill.

Jack's Loft

Il Terrazzo Mall

305 Tomas Morato Ave. cor. Scout Madriñan St., Brgy. South Triangle

Quezon City, Metro Manila
Tel. no: (63 2) 332-1894

Belated Happy Birthday brother! :) Thanks for the dinner and I'm off for another children's dinner party today!!! 

How's your weekend?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: DEONAT Mineral Deodorant Powder

For today's review, we have to thank Mr. AMW for sharing his insight on this product as he's more of a deodorant/anti-perspirant user as compared to me as he perspire 10x more than I do!  He has been using this for months! 

That shows, he loves the product, he's stubborn, he won't use it the 2nd or 3rd time if the first dry was disastrous!

Let me break it down for you on how the product fairs.  If you've got the "pits" you gotta read!  :P

DEONAT Mineral Deodorant Powder says ---

With an active ingredient of Natural Mineral Salts, DEONAT Mineral Deodorant Powder works effectively in eliminating odor-causing bacteria and gives your body an all-day fresh, dry, odor-free and comfortable feeling with soothing sensation.

Ingredients: Purified Talk, Ammonium Alum, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium stearate, Camphor, Menthol, Fragrance.

Net Wt.: 50g
Product of: Thailand

AMW says ---

Pros

• Cute, simple white packaging easy to find at the dresser.
• No drying time.  You can wear your clothes IMMEDIATELY after application.
• Effective in odor eliminating!  (not that Mr. AMW has bad odor *defensive mode*) :P
• Best PRO : No darkening of the underarm.
• Has a nice cool/minty feel perfect during the summer..
• Very inexpensive, lasts approximately 2-3 months of daily usage.
• Can be shared!  As there's no direct contact against the person's skin.
  

Cons

• Messy as compared to other deodorant.
• May irritate people who have sensitive nose or have allergies to certain ingredients.
• Not the best on anti-perspirant department. (this is applicable for people who sweat A LOT!)

Overall

Putting Mr. AMW to test this product is like putting this product in a laboratory!  *laughs*  Mr. AMW is VERY particular with deodorant/anti-perspirant as he has been searching for a good one for years!  He has used various brands which smells "oh-so-wonderful" but darkened his skin! 

I have tried putting on this product and so far, I don't have complaints on the perspiration side as I do not perspire a lot!

Tips

• Avoid inhalation during application, but avoid to hold your breathe too long as you may pass out! :P
• Sprinkle a good amount of powder onto the palm of your hands and apply on your clean underarms after bathing.
• Make sure your underarms are dry during application.
• Do not apply on broken skin.
• If itchiness or skin irritations occur, stop product usage IMMEDIATELY.
• If you wear dark clothing, the powder may stick to it so be careful.
• When you take a shower, do not scrub your underarms hard as that's one cause of skin darkening.  Gently wash off product with a soft wash cloth instead.
• If you perspire a lot, you can choose to use this on days you won't be doing a lot of activities (like inside the office) and use a different anti-perspirant/deodorant brand on other days.  This way, your underarm gets to breathe.

Will I repurchase?
Mr. AMW did!

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who does not have much problem on perspiration but is looking for odor control.  Also good for people who suffer from darkening of underarms as this product has less chemicals.

Where to purchase and how much?
Exclusively available at Watsons and Beauty by SM Department Store for Php129.75 (approx $3.00).

Have you tried deodorant/anti-perspirant in powder form?
What's your best best?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy

AMW Bulletin: Clinique Bonus time for the Month of September

Dear Philippine Readers:

I am excited each time I receive email updates on Clinique Bonuses!  As you all know, the brand was the one who healed my super dry and itchy skin.  Best of all, itwas these tiny and cute packaging that won my heart!  I found out about the effectiveness of Clinique Moisture Surge and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion after testing their sample sizes!

If you plan to purchase or repurchase your favorite Clinique products, you can do it THIS MONTH because this is one of the best "bonus time" gift from Clinique.

For a single minimum purchase of Php4,500 you can receive an 8-piece gift ---

1. Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief 15ml
2. Moisture Surge Thirsty Skin Relief Face Spray 30ml
3. All About Eyes Rich 7ml
4. Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion 30ml
5. Rinse Off Foaming Cleanser 30ml
6. Super City Block SPF40 Oil-Free Daily Face Protector
7. Superbalm Moisturizing Lip Gloss
8. Circle C Mirror with C Charm with White Pebble Pouch

Anyone tried the Moisture Surge Thirsty Skin Relief Face Spray? I am so intrigued with this!

For more information, like Clinique on facebook at www.facebook.com/cliniqueph

True story: I always take Clinique samples with me when I travel!  *crosses my heart*

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!