I Wonder: Are You Into Stickers?

Let's go for hand-raising game shall we?

"Who adores stickers?"
"Who among you collects stickers?"
"Anyone from you who likes to put stickers on random stuff like notebooks, pens or even make-up brushes?"
"Anyone of you who are into putting stickers on walls?"

The last question got you huh?  I think I can put down my arm now as I've had it raised the whole time!  I'm not a crazy sticker collector but I do appreciate cute stickers every now and then.  Yes!  Up to this very moment!  I even put stickers with "Nikki" on my important brushes!  It's not that I love myself so much, I just don't want to grab other people's brushes when I'm on a gig.

Back when I was in high school, my bestfriend, who moved to Canada to study comes home once a year and we like to exchange gifts!  Once she gave me a huge wall sticker from Precious Moments that looks like this....

**photo from source

It was one of those simple yet unforgettable gifts that I won't forget.  You'd think they all ended up inside my bedroom?  Nope!  I like to share cute stuff with the family so I actually pasted them on our living room!  *laughs*  Just so you know, I have 2 brothers!  *hahaha*

Years after, they do look old but they survived and are still looking okay.  So can you imagine how many times I cart wheeled (yeah, as if I can do that! lol) when I saw these cuties online?

I wanted this because it exudes my "happy and sunny disposition"

Oh, this took my heart away as it reminded me of my teaching years!

This looks perfect for anyone into blogging!  

I want aqua blue colored walls!

I'm not into Mathematics but I'm actually good at it!  

8x6 = ahhhhhmmm

Next!  *laughs*

This is so cute, I can stare at these all day 

and remind myself to work hard so I can travel the world!!!

This looks so adorable!  Reminded me of myself and Mr. AMW

It's NOT because we have huge nostrils!  :P

After hours *seriously* and hours of choosing, Mr. AMW and myself have decided to go with this.....

Because Mr. AMW thinks the cat with pink (and polka dotted) skirt looks like me!

And I plainly told him the cute pig reminded me of him! *comeback!!!!*

To be honest, I have gotten these for more than 2 weeks but I still can't decide where to put them!

I really wish we have dark-colored walls so these babies can show up better! :)

It's a project I'm excited to do! And before I end this post,

I wonder:
"Are  You Into Stickers Like Me?"

I want to thank Val for these Wall Stickers!  You made the child in me forever alive!

Feel free to check them out on Facebook.
Each Wall Candy Manila Stickers Set costs approximately Php450/650/750/850/950 shipping not included.  You can purchase them HERE.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Revlon CustomEyes Waterproof Mascara Review

Revlon, a brand of cosmetics that I'm quite impressed in terms of foundation, lipsticks and blushes!  I just can't seem to like their mascaras because they are either "hohum" or "so so".  

Then why another Revlon mascara review?  I've been using this mascara on and off for the past months and I just can't seem to categorize this under the  "to keep" or "to chuck" list!  Until now.....well. yeah, I'm a girl!  It's difficult to make up my mind sometimes but I finally did! :P

Revlon CustomEyes Waterproof Mascara is another addition to "gadgety-cosmetics" family!  A mascara that's made of plastic bristles that moves up and down!  (I'm sure its up and down!) :P

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!