Thursday, October 13, 2011

Nail Art Tutorial: "Ode to Frankie"

Halloween is near... nail artists out there are probably creating their own version of Halloween Nails.  I don't usually go with themes as I really do my nail art designs depending on my mood.  Well actually, it really depends on 2 things...

1. If I'm lazy
2. If I'm not That lazy

Hahaha, on days that I feel lazy, I would go for simple designs, on days I'm really inspired, I would probably go for a theme.  Since I'm in the mood and I found a nice green polish as base, here's my nail art tutorial called "Ode to Frankie", yes!  It was inspired by Frankenstein, he turned out to be my favorite after he tried to strangle me inside Universal Studios, Singapore! :P


 Cheers Frankie!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

AMW Bulletin: The Body Shop's Pre-Holiday Sale

Dear Philippine Readers:



Who can feel the Christmas? *raises hands*
The Body Shop is celebrating Early Christmas with The Body Shop's Pre-Holiday Sale!
I used to purchase sets from The Body Shop as gifts to my Godparents, I can see how much they love it!  If you're a TBS fun just like yours truly, here's an email I got from them.

Visit The Body Shop stores nationwide until November 10 and score a unique find with discounts up to 70% off!  Every store offers various products on sale perfect for your family and friends so don't just visit one.

Love Your Body members enjoy a 5% rebate for every Php100 purchase and become a Love Your Body member instantly with a minimum purchase of Php1,500.  

Enjoy shopping!  I love great deals!
I hope you do too!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


AMW Makeover: 2 Girl Friends off to a Friend's Wedding

Good morning!  Happy Humpy Wednesday!  The day before I left for Singapore, I actually went for a makeup gig!  I know I should've rested but when it comes to prettifying people, it's a job that doesn't feel like a job at all!

I want to thank Sophie for recommending me.  It wasn't hard prettifying them as they are super gorgeous to start with!  They are actually friends who will be part of the entourage for their friend's wedding!

(Note: I apologize for the semi blurry pictures, photographer is not with me at that time..lol)

Arlyn

Request: Even skin tine, eyes look a bit bigger
What I love about Arlyn is her familiarity to makeup.  She's quite adventurous and would even go for smokey eyes!  Her skin is good to start with, so I started off applying a foundation primer underneath just to keep her foundation from sliding off as the day is quite long for her!

I corrected her skin's redness with green concealer prior to foundation application, I used cream based foundation as she has normal skin.  

For the eyes, I took one look at the shape of her eyes and I knew "Daytime Smokey Eye Makeup" is calling her name!  I went for a combination of dark brown and a hint of lilac that complemented her milky skin!

Added with a simple matte blush and pink lipstick, she's ready to party! :)


Arlyn's Friend
Request: To make her uneven eyes look even
Seriously?  These girls can just wear their bridal entourage dresses and go bare faced!  Aren't they gorgeous even without makeup?

Arlyn's friend has a medium colored skin tone and skin is normal.  I prepped her skin by applying a foundation primer that gives a bit of "brightness".  I applied cream foundation on her as well and has nothing much to conceal!  

As requested, I went on and drew a crease on her right eye making sure both eyes are even and brightened up the inner corner of her eyes for the focus to go straight to her lovely eyes.

I've decided to use peach colored blush complementing with a peach colored lipstick because she prefers the shade and I believe she looks great on it.


The lovely girls ready to be on their friend's special day!
If only I get a shot of them wearing their lovely blue gowns!
Thanks girls for giving me the chance to prettify an "already pretty" face.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

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!


Monday, October 10, 2011

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!