AMW Reviews: Benefit High Beam

Do you still remember the Benefit To Go Beauty Bestseller Set I got last year for $10.00 (approx Php420.00)?  I tested the Benefit Posietint and forgot about the rest.  *ashamed*  Thanks to the constant queries from AMW readers on how to achieve dewy and glowing skin!

The Benefit High Beam

Benefit High Beam says ---

A luminescent complexion enhancer. 

Benefit High Beam is an ethereal pink liquid highlighter that creates a radiantly dewy complexion.  For an angelic sheen, this pink shimmering lotion adds a soft, natural afterglow.

Ingredients: Water, Propylane Glycol, Sesame (Sesamum Indicum) Oil, Mica, Isopropyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Lanolate, Stearic Acid, Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius) Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Titanium Dioxide, Polysorbate 60, Cetyl Alcohol, Jojoba (Buxus Chinensis) Oil, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Corn (Zea Mays) Starch, Triethanolamine, Talc, Oleth-20, Iron Oxides, Lanolin Wax, Simethicone, Sorbitan Stearate, Cellulose Gum, Methylparaben Diazolidinyl Urea, Propylparaben, BHA.

Good for 6 months upon open.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Very cute packaging. Both the original size and sample size.
• Very natural and subtle, won't create a disco-ball effect.
• A little goes a long way.  With the right application, your whole face looks lifted and bright!
• Even with direct flash, does not show white cast.
• Does not oil up or turn greasy.  Perfect for any skin type!
• Works on most skin tone!
• Even if you pat setting powder on top of the Benefit's High Beam, there's still an unexplainable "glow" underneath especially under sunlight!
• Lasts a while, the mini sample version lasted me more than 3 months and I'm still using it now (on a twice a week basis).

Cons

• Not readily available locally!
• Pricey.

Overall

Highlighting powders are the easiest to manage but if you want them to stay for the whole day, I strongly recommend Benefit's High Beam!  It's not too white as it has a hint of sheer pink shade which makes it look so natural even applied beneath the foundation!  The trick is to blend it well before it dries up completely.

Tips

• Use this on areas wherein you would want the light to reflect specific areas of your face.  (cheekbones, the bridge of the nose brow bone and inner corner of the eyes).
• Want a soft, dewy look all over your face?   Mix a bit of this product to your favorite liquid/cream foundation.  
• Start with dots then blend it gently and quickly. Do not apply too much at once as a little goes a long way.
• If you want a dewy foundation look, try not to set this powder, if setting is needed, try to steer clear from areas you used High Beam on.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone with any skin tone who are addicted to highlighting!  Anyone with young to mature skin!

Where to purchase and how much?

I got my sample sizes at Maison d'elan House of Flair online store . 

Benefit High Beam Swatch on Hand

Application on the Cheekbones

Application on the bridge of the nose

I love this product for the fact that its fool proof!  Even if you put a bit too much, you can easily blend it to make it look natural or you can always "correct" by patting with your choice of powder.

I'll keep this on my "to buy" list when I travel to Hong Kong or if anyone can refer to me and AMW readers a legit, price-worthy, local resellers who carries Benefit High Beam!

I'd love to hear from you!
What's your highlighting secret?
Like Benefit Philippines on Facebook to get updated on events, contests and promos.




Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: Armband for iPhone

I love to walk!  I even love it more if I could jog!  I used to be an exercise fanatic!  Imagine my workout schedule --- five times a week of intense cardio workout for 1.5 hours plus another 1.5 hours worth weight lifting!  No, I wasn't sexy then (not even now), I was quite bulky almost manly muscles *lol* Those were the days I was addicted to working out.

Over the years, age got the good and bad side of me.  Whatever "hyper Nikki" you've seen today is nothing compared to the Nikki 8 to 10 years ago.  I've slowed down and I call myself a weakling! *covers face in shame*.

After a month of on/off sickness, I've vouched to take care of my body by at least doing a bit of cardio early morning or night time when I'm too lazy to wake up early!  

That's when music comes in!  The better the music, the better my workout!  A good music is equivalent to a good workout!  I used to exercise with an mp3 player but my Iphone is more updated with songs!  I've been looking everywhere for an inexpensive Armband for Iphone of course, inexpensive should always go hand-in-hand with quality to fit in the Eureka Moment category.

EUREKA MOMENT!

i.LINK Armband for iPhone made for

iPhone 3gs, iPod Touch4 and iPhone 4g

Whether you're working out or hanging out, you want to bring your iPhone/iPod for a ride, the Armband is the all-in-one solution.  With padded neoprene and adjustable armband.  i.LINK Armband is the case that's as versatile as you are.

The brand i.LINK is unknown to everyone (including me) but, the good news is...the Armband fits perfectly  my arm perfectly and it does not budge while I do brisk-walking or even jogging.  The velcro design makes it versatile for anyone with different arm sizes!  

Adjustable, fits almost any arm size

Once my iPhone was inserted inside, its safely tucked inside and does not budge at all!  I've ran with this and  my phone did not went M.I.A. *whew*.  The clear plastic cover is thick enough at the same time, I can still use the touch screen function without any problems!  (let's say, changing of music).

Best of all (and the main reason why this got into Eureka Moment), the product is inexpensive and costs only Php249.75 (approx $5.80) at Landmark near the entrance going to Glorietta!

 

I've searched high and low and there are a lot of good ones out there but this one's the most inexpensive so far!

As you can see, quality is really good.

Passed AMW's QC (Quality Check)

Start playing the music: "Let's Get Physical...Physical" *lol*
Accckk, I don't have that on my playlist ok!  Promise...wala (none)!  :P  

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

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!