AMW Reviews: Human Nature Mineral Eyeshadow

Pressed mineral eyeshadow --- don't we all love the good benefits of mineral eyeshadow minus the mess?  I'm glad a local Proudly Philippine made brand finally heard our woes. 

Human Nature Mineral Eyeshadow, is it worth the second and third look?  Read on....

Human Nature Mineral Eyeshadow says ---

Mineral Eyeshadow in Enchanted Evening from Human Nature is a palette of beautiful, rich, velvety smooth colors so wearable that it suits every Filipina's skin tone.  From fair mestizas to the dark olive morenas.  Its beautiful shades of purple creates a perfect sexy, smoky evening eye look that's flaterring on anyone. 

This Mineral Eyeshadow is 100% natural, 100% free from harmful chemicals and animal cruelty-free.  It’s enhanced with passion fruit seed oil and natural Vitamin E, containing Only the Good. Passion fruit seed oil is rich in vitamins A & C and has a calming effect on the skin. Unlike conventional make-up that use chemicals which may compromise your skin’s health, mineral makeup from Human Nature always promises to give you Only the Good -- no talc, no nano-particles, no mineral oil, no artificial dyes, no synthetic fragrance, no toxic ingredients.

Available in: Sweet Innocence and Enchanted Eyes

Ingredients:
Mica (CI 77019),Titanium dioxide (CI 77891), Zinc Oxide (CI 77947), Polyglyceryl-3-Laurate, Passiflora edulis (Passionfruit) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Ether, Magnesium Stearate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Lauroyl Lysine, Tocopherol, Farnesol, Linalool (+/-) Manganese Violet (CI 77742)

AMW says ---

Pros

• Cute plastic purple packaging.
• Well printed manufactured and expiration date.

• Comes with a good-sized mirror.  

• Shadows work on any skin tone.

• Velvety smooth.
• Pigmentation is quite good, can even be better with an eye primer on.
• The free sponge that comes with the compact is actually good.
• All 3 shades complement each other.
• Not much fall outs and it lasts me the whole day even without primer.  The shade decreases a bit but it was bearable.  (Note: I do not have oily lids).
• No eye irritations.
• 100% natural.
• Inexpensive.

Cons

• Only 2 palettes available for now, I wish they'll come up with more color choices!  Waiting for something blue, something green and something neutral!
• If you are looking for "wild" purple looks, it won't happen in this palette.

Overall

For a mineral eyeshadow that's free from chemicals, I am quite impressed with the quality of this pressed mineral eyeshadow.  Great for sensitive eyes!

Tips

• If you have oily lids, use an oil control eyelid primer prior to eyeshadow application.
• If you prefer to apply this wet, make sure to wet only "one" area so you can use the other areas for dry eyeshadow application.
• To prevent black eye look, always line your eyes with your preferred liquid liner, pencil liner or gel liner.
• Apply mascara AFTER eyeshadow application, the fall outs on the lashes can actually make your lashes appear thicker when you apply mascara afterwards.
• Apply in various ways, using the free sponge applicator or brushes.
• You do not need to use all 3 shades at once, you can mix and match and see which combination works for you.

Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who likes the combination of pink and violet eyeshadow.  The shades are not "in your face" black eye look, it gives out a nice warm color with a sheen.

Where to purchase and how much?

Priced at Php325.00 (approx $7.50) at Human Nature dealers and branches and in all Beauty Bar outlets in metro Manila.  Check out their site www.humanheartnature.com or call (632) 931-5787 for nearest Human Nature branch.

Human Nature Minaral Eyeshadow 

in Enchanted Evening

 L-R Smoked gray shade, Plum and Lilac

 Swatch on hand without base

Applied using all 3 shades on my eye

without base

Finished with gel liner

The gorgeous fall outs on my lashes 

made my lashes "sparkly" in a very natural way

I have a reader asking for other natural mineral eyeshadow brands.
Care to share?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Tech Review: SoundFreaq Sound Platform

Beauty comes from within, I can be the most positive and cheerful person you may find but I do have those days where I feel like crap and there are days that feels like my world is crumbling down!

I've got ways to redeem myself, these are secrets that I will reveal!  

The power of good music!  What's a good music you say?  It all depends on you!  Your choice!  Mine can go from Pop songs to songs from the past!  There are days I'd go for disco music while there are lots of days I would go for lovely 80,s music that would bring a huge smile on my face as I tap my fingers on the table and sway left and right! (even while working!)

During my 7 years of corporate job, I've had music accompany me and my colleagues can vouch on that!  Would you believe that I've changed my mp3 players so many times but used only 1 cheapo speaker which I bought for only Php350.00 (approx $8.14) 7 years ago?  Yes, this tiny Alien-looking thing lasted me 7 years and its actually dying out on me!  

I am currently contemplating on purchasing another "cheapo" speaker or go for a high end ones that I hope would last me more than a decade.

It was great timing as I was sent a "demo" unit to try for review.  It's actually perfect because I get to test expensive products before I purchase one, the bad side is, when I ended up liking the product I review, I'll end up spending more money! *lol* Oh well, I'm not that easily swayed!  Let's see how this SoundFreaq Sound Platform performs....and I'll let you know if I'll purchase one after the review.

Front part of SoundFreaq Sound Platform

The dock and dock cover

Front Part ---

left hand side, you will see 3 silver knobs that controls the sound

On the right hand side you can see several touch controls like what you would probably see on most sound system.  There's a small led display that shows your source of music connection and even shows you the volume number once you press the volume touch control.

Back of SoundFreaq Sound Platform

For power plug-in

I believe this supports 220v

Auxiliary input that supports 3.5mm jacks

Sound Freaq says ---

Sound platform is designed to fit in any room and fill it with exceptional acoustics.  With four ways to play - Bluetooth, iPod dock, Aux In and FM Radio* - Sound Platform gives you more options to listen to your audio than any other home speaker.

For more information, check out www.soundfreaq.com.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Sleek, black and silver design that would look good at any room plus it blends well with my iPhone! Not bulky at all as compared to my "forgotten" sound system from the early 2000s.
• Lightweight.
• Comes with 2 power cord cable.

• Instructions that come with the box is clear and concise.

• Very easy to use, even for tech dummies like myself! 
• Sleek looking remote control with simple, straight forward buttons.

• The compartment for remote control is a genius!  A lot of us have problems finding the remote control of "anything" and this is a very smart idea!

• Comes with 2 iPhone, iPod connector that matches whatever device you plan to use (iPhone or iPod).
• Aside from putting the iPhone or iPod on dock, its Bluetooth device is wonderful for iPad or laptop users who can't put it on dock.  
• Works also on sounds from video playback using iPad2 and iPod Touch (using various players even YouTube!).
• Tested on my non-Apple laptop and the Bluetooth pairing still works!
• Has Auxiliary in function which would work on old model phones or mp3 players. Thanks to Mr. AMW for his Auxiliary in cable I can enjoy radio music via my Sony MP3 player.
• Delivers good surround sound.

Cons

• Very pricey for a sound system.
• Very tiny complaint but it would be great if the ambient light (orange) can be changed.
• Does not include the Aux in cable, you can either buy one or look for the ones that comes with your gadget!
• Not portable to be taken anywhere.

Overall

A very nice sound system to invest on if you highly depend on music on a daily basis, its not a necessity but if you have extra money to spare, why not go ahead and indulge yourself?

Tips

• Always read instructions carefully before you operate any product.
• Clean with dry cloth.
• Try to steer this system clear from water.
• Proper ventilation is needed.
• When in doubt, ask help!
• Download "SoundFreaq Remote" APP for free at iTunes App Store.
• Always store back your remote control on the remote control magnet located at the right hand side of the system.
• Here's how I started using the Sound Freaq without asking help! :)

One you carefully connect your iPhone/iPod and have not downloaded the SoundFreaq Remote App, here's a prompt you will see.

Click "yes" and follow directions

Install the App and you don't have to worry as it's FREE

Select iPod mode by pressing the SOURCE button on the unit

Will I purchase?

This is a demo unit sent to me for review and will give this back.  I am actually rethinking on purchasing one for myself IF I have the extra money!  Let's say, more make-up gigs? :P

To whom do I recommend this to?
Music lovers who want the new generation sound system!

Where to purchase and how much?

Worth Php9,950 (approx $231.40) at Beyond The Box, Digital Hub, Digital Walker, Gadgets In Style, Gui - Davao, Heima, iCenter - Davao, iStudio, Mobile 1, Power Hub - Davao, Power Mac Center, Switch, Technoholics, Xsite Mobile.

Instructions for Playing Back from iPhone/iPod

 

Instructions on Playing Back via Bluetooth/from iPad

Ms. Piglet is quite happy with the sounds

I am impressed that this works for almost all my devices

(Laptop, mp3 player - both Creative and Sony, iPhone 3gs, iPod Touch 4th gen and iPad2)

What do you highly invest on?
My brother would say "sound system",
I would say.. "Makeup?" *laughs*
In all fairness to SounFreaq Sound Platform I've been enjoying my iPod playlist and my mood has been on the good side!  

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Avon Personal Match Concealer Stick Review

Happy Monday!  After almost a week of Singapore madness=happiness!  I'm back to work!  I'm not sure how I'll perform today but I am hoping the day will go on quickly! :) Wish me luck!!!

Thanks everyone for reading about my Singapore adventure, there are a bit more of the Singapore remnants especially on food and hauls!  Take note though, I haven't hauled much as everything is quite the same as down here or even more expensive!  I'm not complaining though, I went to Singapore to experience culture, food and tourist spots!  And....mission accomplished!

Back to product reviews, I've had this concealer for quite some time and I've been using this on random days that I have marks.  I haven't gotten the chance to review this until the day I had bad allergies on my cheeks which lasted for more than a week!  What to do on days like these?  Get into the makeup stash and look for concealers!

Avon Personal Match Concealer Stick

Multiply Gives: Biggest Shopping Party on October 18, 2011 --- CLOSED!

Update: Congratulations to...

You won Php1,000 worth of shopping GC!

To the 10 joiners, you all won yourself 2 tickets (each) invitation to join the Multiply Shopping Party!

1. Charice Anne Chua
2. Bec San Diego
3. Marge
4. Roxanne Perez
5. Amera hassana
6. April Escamillan
7. J Allyssa
8. Katherine Rose Rivera
9. Jhoanne Luna
10. Jerica Chingcuangco

Thanks for joining!
Nikki

The year 2011 saw the evolution of Multiply from a social networking site to the Philippines' biggest online shopping destination with over 100,000 on-line shops across 16 categories such as fashion, gadgets and mom and baby products, to name a few.  Aside from opening its virtual doors to digital shoppers, Multiply has also become a choice of platform for technopreneurs looking at starting their businesses.  With the enormous amount of support it has been receiving in the country, Multiply also opened its first office in the Philippines ealiers this year as a testament of its commitment to the market.

Because of the tidbits above, multiply went up to AMW for a partnership to give AMW readers a chance to win invites to the Philippines' biggest shopping party.

I said "yes"!  Because I know most of my readers love to shop!  Not just regular shopping but "bargain shopping"! :D

Multiply is giving 20 invitations.  I will choose 10 winners and each winner can bring a friend!  (There's no point in shopping alone right?).

How to win?

• Comment in this blog post with your name and email address.
• Let me know the link of your favorite Multiply Store and tell me why it's your favorite place to shop.
• 10 winners will be chosen via "Fruit Machine" 
• Winners will be announced on this blog post on October 14, 2011.

There's more!
Out of all the comments, there will be 1 winner of Php1,000 worth of shopping GC's which can be used at the party!  The first name that will be seen on the "Fruit Machine" will get this lucky prize!

Goodluck!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(Author is in no way affiliated with the company, AMW is just the bearer of good news! :D)

Travel Food Tripping at: Watami Singapore + Meetup with the #evurl Girls

This weekend food tripping post is dedicated not only for my Singapore travel but also for my dearest friends online --- PB, Xin, Connie, Bee and Rinnah.

Most of the girls have been my online friends since the year I started blogging, we email each other or chat with each other not only about beauty but we do check how each of us were on random days!  The girls are so sweet to include me in the monthly Beauty Roundup !  Though adopted, I felt I belong.

The day has finally arrived, we've been talking about the meetup for quite some time and mind you, some of these girls have to fly all the way from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the weekend just to make this "dinner" happen!  *super touched*

The place was easy to find, the girls gave me a very clear instructions!  I actually got there late not because the place was hard to find, I got there a bit late because of the funny MRT story!  

We were greeted with a huge menu!  *stomach grumbles* 
By the way, thanks girls for ordering in advance and the food came in right when I was getting hungry! :P

Kari Kari Pasta

Crispy Capellini

Very unique appetizer.  Deep-fried pasta sticks with flavoring and I found myself munching this a lot!  If only I can make this at home? 

Crispy Potato

In simple term, we just call this French Fries.  The Watami version of Crispy Potato has a bit of sour cream powder which gives a nice hint of flavoring on the very crispy fries.

Assorted Sashimi

The 2 shrimps were staring right at me so I got intimidated and did not even try this dish!  *lol*

Watami Salad

Special Watami Salad with Tuna Mayo

Really nice salad to start a meal!  I like the very fresh vegetables with nice tuna mayonnaise that's not overpowering.  All the ingredients mixed together gave a nice burst of flavors inside the mouth.

Kushi Moriawase

Assorted Skewer

I love skewers and this gave me a huge satisfaction.  'Nuff said!

Watami Tonkotsu Ramen

Marinated pork slices and noodles in special pork broth

I did not try much of this but Mr. AMW finished this up and told me the soup was super tasty and flavorful!  I agree!  I love soup and I was able to give this a try and it wasn't oily at all like other soups served in other restaurants.

Ika Maru Yaki

Grilled Squid

Reminded me of Gerry's Grilled Squid.  Soft and easy to chew and the flavor is just right.

Kimchee Nabe

Spicy kimchee pot with pork in pork broth

Cooked

Anything with kimchee gives me the excitement!  The soup may turn out quite red but its not as spicy as it looks!  I'm glad the girls also love soup so we always ask for "soup refills"! 

 

Atsuage Okaka Itame

Bite sized Tofu on Hot Pan

Tofu, tofu..how I love thee? 

I love the crispy thing on top of the tofu.  I don't know how to call them but it adds to the texture of the soft tofu.

Tori Karaage & Negi Pirikara Sauce-gake

Crispy fried chicken with spicy sauce

I'm glad I popped in an anti-histamine pill before this dinner!  I'm glad to have tasted this crispy chicken in a sauce so unique I haven't tried it back home! :)

On to the dessert!  These girls know how to enjoy food and I'm glad I'm with this bunch as food is as important as makeup!  *laughs* What a comparison!  Don't mind me, I'm just hungry as I'm typing this post!

Creme Brulee

Cream pudding

Reminded me of the various Panna Cotta I've tried back home.  This has got to be my favorite among the rest of the dessert!  What's important for me is the fact that the Creme Brulee is not that sweet!  I know desserts should be sweet but when the sweetness overcame the taste of creme, it's a huge no-no for me!

Maccha Tiramisu

Green tea flavored Tiramisu

The Tiramisu melts into the mouth with a hint of bitterness from the Maccha powder.  It's unique and flavorful!

Sumiyaki Coffee Jelly

Coffee flavored jelly

I'm a fan of coffee but this coffee jelly has a strong coffee taste!  Definitely not for the faint-hearted :)

Hot Choco Brownie

Chocolate brownie with ice cream and hot choco sauce

It wasn't that hot when we get to have a bite as we all took turns taking photo of this lovely creation!  The mix of vanilla ice cream + choco brownies + choco syrup melts perfectly into the mouth! 

Chocolate Fondant Cake

with Vanilla Ice cream

Quite similar to the Chocolate Brownie we had on photo above but the difference is the texture of the cake.  The fondant cake..obviously is softer on the inside and has a unique crunch on the outside.  Perfect with a blend of Vanilla ice cream!  You just can't go wrong combining anything chocolate with vanilla!

After dinner, we took crazy, fun shots with each other!  I had fun meeting the girls and I wish we could stay and bond longer!!!!

We vouched to each other that this won't be the last meetup!  Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines aren't that far and thanks to budget airlines, meetups can be possible! :)

We had a nice, quiet walk at Clark Quay area as Bee explained to me the "must visit" places and the "must try" food!  Thanks for the tips and thanks again girls for the wonderful time!

Mr. AMW took this shot of us posing on random human shaped rocks!  *lol*

I have another meet up with a lovely Filipina blogger based in Singapore --- Mhean!  I will post about it soon together with the food that drove me crazy! :P

Thanks to blogging for giving me the opportunity to meet more people who share the same passion as myself!  Thanks to YOU for always reading my posts and hearing what I have to say!

Love you guys!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!