Something New + Nivea Gives: Nivea Visage White Acne Oil Control and Nivea Refreshing Range --- CLOSED!

Our friends from Nivea Philippines sent me their 2 newest product ranges.  Please read until the end as you may get the chance to try either of the 2 ranges!  

Nivea Visage Refreshing Range

For Normal to Combination Skin

•  The range thoroughly cleanses the skin without drying it out.
• Has active ingredients: Lotus Extracts that provides pureness and refreshes with moisturizing properties.  Vitamins that protects the skin from environmental influences and free radicals.
• Foam is available in 100g for Php115.00 (approx $2.74) and 50g for Php69.00 (approx $1.64).
• Toner is available in one size 125ml for Php105.00 (approx $2.50).

Nivea Visage Sparkling White Range

For beauty seekers and modern women of today, who would like to have fair and glowing skin but feels that plain white is not enough as they also experience other problems such as excessive oiliness, acne, spots and marks and large pores. (according to Nivea).

Nivea Visage Sparkling White Acne Oil Control contains 2x small molecule of Acne Reduction technology that cleans deeper into pores by effectively lifting dirt and oil which is the cause of acne.  It also has Skin Nutrient Formula that helps lighten acne marks and dark spots.

• The Nivea Visage Sparkling White Acne Oil Control Foam is available in 100g for Php125.00 (approx $3.00) and 50g for Php75.00 (approx $1.78) in Watsons this September and more stores for the next months.
• The Nivea Sparkling White Oil Control Day Cream is available in 50ml for Php315.00 (approx $7.50) and 30ml for Php195.00 (approx $4.64) available nationwide.

Okay, here's the fun part!  As you all know, I am thanking my readers for always putting AMW as part of their daily reads!  I'm closed to 3 million page views soon and I have more than 2,000 subscribers which made me feel so honored to have loyal readers like you! 

Aside from that, I have read most of your emails, your requests and concerns on not wanting to spend a lot on skincare products you are unsure if it works for you!

So, to my local readers (so sorry international readers as the local post office gives me the headache), I am giving away the 2 ranges mentioned above! 

Here's how to join ---

• Comment in this blog post telling me which range you would like to win and why!  (Ex.: "I would love to win the Nivea Visage Refreshing Range because I want to cleanse my skin at the same time keeping the natural moisture of my face.")
• Include your name and email address.
• PLEASE, ONE comment per reader. 
• Contest starts today and ends October 8, 2011.
• 2 winners will be picked via Fruit Machine (1 for Nivea Visage Refreshing Range and 1 for Nivea Visage Sparkling White Range).  Products will be sent via courier.

Goodluck!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Version: Enchanted Eyes

Happy Tuesday friends!  Everyone, all together... "OH EM GEE"!!!
Yes!  It's AMW Version! I actually did this makeup last week but I just remember posting about this today!  The reason why I got inspired to create an eye makeup is because I recently got a new eyeshadow palette from Human Nature called the Mineral Eyeshadow Enchanted Evening palette.

Here's the outcome and of course, I did use a different palette which I will show you as you scroll down! 

 AMW Diagram

Step 1:

Prior to eyeshadow application, you can use an eyelid primer to make the eyeshadow more vibrant and stay longer.  In this tutorial I did not use any base.

With my Charm Blending Brush, I applied the purplish brown eyeshadow shade on the hallow of my eyes.  You can find this by tilting your head backwards and you will see the natural "depth" of your eyes.  Apply it there and blend with wiper motion.

 Step 2:

With a pencil brush, I've used the Charm Pencil Point Brush in applying the Silvery Gray eyeshadow from the same Human Nature Love Minerals palette on the outer-v.  Add as desired and do not forget to blend with a big fluffy blending brush.

With the same brush and same eyeshadow shade, apply this on the outer thirds of the lower lash line.

 Step 3:

I took out my first Lunasol pallette called EX02 Nature Summer Beige and applied a peachy eyeshadow with hint of gold shimmer on the inner third of the lid with a wet/dry eyeshadow brush.  (Tip: if you prefer this color to pop, apply this wet.)

Apply this similar shade with a clean pencil brush on the inner corner of the eyes including the inner lash line.

Step 4:

Lined my upper lash line with a liquid eyeliner.  I used Avon Extra Lasting Liquid Eyeliner in Glittery Black.

Filled my brows with MAC Coquette Eyeshadow, curled with Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

and applied coats of Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara in Black.

Enchanted Eyes --- done!

What's on the rest of my face?

For the face:

Paul & Joe Light Cream Foundation in Clear using foundation brush

Set with Kate Mineral Powder Foundation in OC-C

 For the Cheeks:
NYX Blush in Pinky

applied with Charm blush brush

Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Sandwashed Pink (photo is a sample size)

My bad, since I haven't been doing a lot of AMW versions lately, I forgot to take a full shot of my face!  *eeekk* Okay, blame my memory, its always filled with so many things ...darn! I know I'm too defensive!

*zips mouth* :x

Have a great day everyone! I hope Tuesday is better than Monday to all of you!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Benefit's "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer Review

"That Gal" Brightening Face Primer sample by Benefit is part of the Benefit To Go Beauty Bestseller.  It has been lying around my "makeup storage" box as I was enjoying the "spot" highlighting I've been doing for months or a year.  Thanks to wonderful readers who always remind me to review this product.  As of this moment, it has been a month that I've used "that gal".  Even if I'm at home and not going out, crazy!  I know!  But that's how much I love you guys!

Smile and read on for further information --- that sounds like an instruction from a box! *lol*

 

**photo taken from Benefit site

Benefit "that gal" Brightening Face Primer says ---

Brightening complexion primer from benefit will turn dull to dazzle.... Can be used on its own or under make-up. Either way your complexion will have never looked as glowing.

Contains soothing raspberry & chamomile, combined with sweet almond & algae extracts to help skin retain natural moisture, for a soft & silky finish.

Light-reflecting pigments brighten the complexion.

Size: 11 ml 0.37 US fl. oz.

Ingredients: 

WATER (AQUA), OCTYLDODECANOL, GLYCERIN, CETYL DIMETHICONE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, TAPIOCA STARCH, POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), PHENOXYETHANOL, SESAMUM INDICUM (SESAME) SEED OIL, TRIBEHENIN, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, MICA, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, CETYL ALCOHOL, POLYACRYLATE-13, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) SEED EXTRACT, CARBOMER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-100 STEARATE, POLYISOBUTENE, BENZOPHENONE-4, SORBIC ACID, LENTINUS EDODES EXTRACT, BHT, DISODIUM EDTA, IRON OXIDES (CI77492), FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), ANTHEMIS NOBILIS FLOWER EXTRACT, RUBUS IDAEUS (RASPBERRY) FRUIT EXTRACT, POLYSORBATE 20, SODIUM METHYLPARABEN, AMINOMETHYL PROPANOL, CHONDRUS CRISPUS (CARRAGEENAN), SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, TIN OXIDE, SODIUM PROPYLPARABEN, SODIUM ETHYLPARABEN, ALUMINA, METHYLPARABEN, LINALOOL, SILICA, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, BUTYLPARABEN, ETHYLPARABEN, CHLORPHENESIN, RED 33 (CI17200), POLYQUATERNIUM-7, CITRIC ACID, ISOBUTYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE. N° 091307-4

Weekend Food Tripping at: FlapJacks + Php1,000 GC for 1 AMW Reader! --- Closed!

When I was invited to dine at FlapJacks because of the FlapJacks' Back...Better...Best! menu, I immediately said "yes"!  What's not to like?  I looked back on my first FlapJacks experience which was 3 years ago!  Imagine, 3 long years!  Thanks to my "Food and Drinks" tag I was able to look back on the restaurants I've tried. 

By smiling and clicking HERE, you'll see that I had a grand time at the FlapJacks Restaurant several years ago with my family.  If you wonder why I haven't been back to this restaurant even when I sing nothing but praises for them?  I try to dine as much restaurants I can because I want to try new dishes!  

And the new menu of FlapJacks definitely makes it worth re-visiting!

  

Clam Chowder

Php145.00 (approx $3.40)

Creamy clam and vegetable soup

It is very difficult to appreciate creamy based soup as it usually tastes overwhelming when you're not even halfway there!  With the FlapJacks' version of clam chowder, I had to say, this is the BEST Clam Chowder soup I've tried.  They obviously used fresh clams that are chopped in medium size, not too big and not too small!  The texture is just right mixed with various vegetables.  I consider this a very healthy meal!

Awesome Trio

Php395.00 (approx $9.20)

A platter of traditional Buffalo Wings, Fried Calamari and Zesty Nachos

The Buffalo Wings are spicy and I can taste Tabasco sauce? (not sure if I'm right).  I think my tongue is used to the taste of Chicken Charlie, Bon Chon etc... that's why I don't crave for this as much.  

The calamari is perfectly cooked! Crunchy on the outside and it was soft and chewy inside.  

The nachos?  The name says zesty but the chips itself is light to taste, best partnered with sour cream and salsa!

 

 Lemon Pepper Pan Seared White Fish

Php295.00 (approx $6.85)

Mildly seasoned white fish with fresh squeezed lemon and pepper, 

pan fried in olive oil. Served with herb rice and chef's veggies.

I feel the dish is good but it lacks something, probably sauce?  I'm a sauce eater!  *lol* Fret no more, remember the Clam Chowder that I ordered?  It actually works pairing it with this fish!!!! It actually tastes perfect!

Mexi-Burrito Wrap

Php265.00 (approx $6.16)

Grilled chicken strips, vegetables and 

Mexican rice in soft tortilla wrap

I'm not a fan of anything with beans except, maybe..pork n' beans in can?  *laughs* Good thing I raised my concern to the order taker and I was told I can request to remove the beans, which they did and I LOVE this Mexi-Burrita Wrap sans beans!  The tortilla wrap is soft and easy to chew at the same time, the chicken strips are flavorful.

Closer look on the flavorful rice, chicken strips and vegetables

The Original Hashbrown Burger

Php350.00 (approx $8.30)

Mouthwatering pan seared all beef patty with fresh tomatoes and lettuce.

Topped with golden fried hashbrown & American cheese

Hashbrown, oh how I love thee!  It actually tastes good to have a piece of hashbrown in between the melted cheese and beef pattie.  I was told by the server that this was requested by a lot of customers when they took this out on the menu.  So now, they put it back due to customers demand!

For the drinks, I've decided to be adventurous and tried the unthinkable (in my dictionary).  I'm a fan of vegetables but there are certain vegetables I just can't put near my mouth!  Celery!  I hope you guys are proud of me!  I mustered the courage to try....

Jack and the Beanstalk

Php125.00 (approx $3.00)

Combination of celery, apple and pineapple

Surpisingly, the tiny hint of taste of the celery complemented the taste of apples and pineapples!  I even challenged the server that I'll give this back if I don't like it!  Of course, they won!!!  This drink is surprisingly good!  With everything that I tasted above?  Adding a bit of celery will burn "a tiny bit" of calories!  (wishful thinking) :P

Of course, Mr. AMW had his favorite Coca cola!

I am very happy that after years, the restaurant still has one of the best service I've tried!  Smiling servers, a manager that goes up to you and ask how you liked your meal (they did that even years ago).  The restaurant was packed and ambiance was definitely a great place to hang out not only with friends, but with the family!

Visit Flapjacks restaurants in Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center; Theater Mall, Greenhills; Al Fresco, Midtown; and UP Ayala Technohub. 
Restaurant accepts cash and credit card, service charge will be added to your total bill.

To receive special news and deals from Flapjacks, feel free to sign up at mybistro.com.ph or visit their website

at flapjacks.com.ph.

Here's a great news for dear AMW readers who got hungry after reading THIS post, they are giving away 2 x Php500.00 worth GC which I will be giving away to ONE lucky AMW reader!

Reader must be from Metro Manila to be able to enjoy this deal!

How to join:

• Comment "I'm Joining!" in this blog post together with your name and email address.
• Let me know which among the dishes I tried you think you would want to try yourself and why.
• SMILE because all you need is positivity and luck! :D  A big one ok? 
• Contest starts today until October 8, 2011.  
• One winner will be picked via Fruit Machine.

Thank you for more than 2,000 readers and almost 3million page views.  I will cook up with more contests to show my appreciation to YOU, YOU and YES... YOU!

Goodluck!
Keep smilin'
Stay "burp"-y

AMW Reviews: Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara

Good morning! By the time you're reading this, I'm off to Tagaytay with girl friends because we want to unwind, binge eat and hike to Taal Volcano naked!  *laughs*

Can you just forget the first paragraph and remember the "Off to Tagaytay" part?  

I'm not leaving you without a review though.  Who says Saturdays are for lazy people?  Not to me...well Sundays are!  *winks*

It is a bit funny how I threw most of my mascaras away by bulk as I tend to open them all at the same time!  Well by 3s to be exact!  After the Revlon CustomEyes Waterproof mascara review, I also reached out to a cute-boxed Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara which I got together with my Mary Kay's Creme Lipstick in Coral Pink which I have inside my bag for months! 

(Note: this one is a sample size)

Mary Kay Lash Love says ---

• Flexible, sculpted brush separates and coats even hard-to-reach
  lashes so volume looks instantly magnified with no clumps in sight.
• Lashes appear fuller, lifted and multiplied, while looking
  naturally flawless, soft and healthy.
• Exclusive Mary Kay Panthenol-Pro Complex™ and Vitamin E help moisturise, strengthen and condition lashes, defending them against breakage and brittleness.
• Developed with strong pigments to provide deep color on lashes.

Because the brush is flexible and sculpted, it

• Reaches even tiny, hard-to-reach lashes.
• Separates lashes.
• Is designed to eliminate clumping for cleaner and more precise application.
• Delivers just the right amount of formula and deposits mascara evenly on lashes.

net wt.: 8g
Ingredients: listed on the box but it was too tiny for me to take a shot of.

AMW says ---
Pros

• I actually like the simple, straightforward packaging, who would want curves around their mascaras packaging?  Imagine UDPP concept, the harder you can reach out for the product or maximize it.
• Rubber brush makes it flexible and it easy to use for my short and sparse lashes.  
• Does not transfer on my under eye area.
• No flaking, no smearing.
• No crunchy lashes.
• Lashes appear very natural yet defined.
• Does not weigh my lashes down.
• Does not create clumps.

Cons

• If you are looking for the SUPER vava-voom lashes, it won't go that direction as it'll always look natural no matter how many times you apply the mascara. 

Overall

Not bad!  I won't say this is a favorite of mine as I personally prefer vava-voom lashes, for someone with already good amount of eyelashes, this will give a super nice, natural volume and length!

Tips

• Never share mascara with another person.
• Do not pump the one in and out but roll the wand instead.  
• Always start from the base of the lashes wiggling it upwards.
• If it starts to clump your lashes, use a lash comb or spoolie in separating the lashes while "wet".
• You can use a mascara protector in application or just the plain business card trick to prevent mascara from getting into the lids or lower lash line.
• No sneezing immediately after application *lol* (I seriously need to add this tip on ALL mascara reviews.).

Will I repurchase?
Yes.  For clients that have short and sparse eyelashes like mine!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who hates the "big-wand" mascara. 

Where to purchase and how much?

Available at Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant by calling them at (632) 859-6211 or visit www.marykay.com.ph if you wish to know more details.  The Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara costs Php725.00 (approx $17.26)for full size 8g.

A closer look on the unique MK Lash Love Mascara Brush

If you've seen the Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara, they look quite similar.

The MK one is smaller.

Before and after shot of a super non-existent lashes

then applied with 2 coats of MK Lash Love Mascara

 

Two out of 3 mascaras opened....
What's the 3rd mascara brand?  You guess!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!