Eureka Moment: I Do Not Look Sick with this Lippie!

There's always a first time for everything right?  Well, it's a first that my Eureka Moment doesn't come with a cheap price tag.  But don't get me wrong, the product deserves this space because....well...just read on! :)

My lips are pigmented to start with, I can get away with just lip balm and people would think I have lipstick on!  You find that lucky?  Nah, I'd look like I have only 1 shade of lipstick forever!!!  Too boring...and boring ain't my thing!

Fast forward, remember those gorgeous nude lips you've seen on other blogs?  The nude lips that looks "oh so natural" like Jennifer Lopez?  Oh my!  Speaking of Jennifer Lopez...let me gush!  She's the queen of nude lips!  I love her!  Okay, I need to find a picture of her!  (off to Google)

I'm back, just take a look on a collage of photos I've made, photos taken from various websites....

Hands down, J.Lo can rock nude lips sans the smokey eye makeup!  How gorgeous can this girl get?

So, the tryin' hard copycat li'l me have purchased various nude colored lipsticks ranging from peach to pink to browns.  All of them worked for me...IF I have smokey eye makeup on!  Once, I used a nude pink lipstick on a natural makeup and the first thing my friend said?  "Are you sick today Nikki?"

*wipes nude lipstick*

That's it!  I give up!  No nude lipstick shade on regular days!  Then I got this.....

Bobbi Brown Lip Color 

in Pale Pink

It gives off a nice, light pink shade on my lips at the same time, does not make me look sick!  Keep in mind that our lips' pigmentation are different so this may look light on my lips but could be darker on you.  

Lipstick straight to my bag!  Yes, I'm bringing this on a daily basis and I did not realize I've been using this for a week straight!  (unusual but true!)

Priced around  Php1,100 (approx $27.00), it is a bit hefty but if it made my lips moisturized and happy?  I don't mind!  

I'm still on to find an inexpensive nude colored lipstick that works for me.  You'll definitely see it on another "Eureka Moment" post if I found one!

For now, help AMW out!
Which brand and shade of lipstick do you use that creates a gorgeous nude look
MINUS the smokey eye  makeup?
Click comment and share some of your secrets! :)

Happy Weekend!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reports: Freeway x Manansala Event

Early this week, I was one of the lucky bloggers who got an invite to attend the Freeway x Manansala Event.  The brand Freeway isn't new to me and I've attended a couple of their Freeway Loves Art: National Artists Collectors' Series and to those series that I've attended left me a good impact! My pride for our local artists expanded to this "nth" level!

I got tied up with super busy schedule so I wasn't able to attend the previous Two: Ramon Valera (Fashion Design) and the first living National Artist in the series, F. Sionil Jose (Literature)!  The latter, F. Sionil Jose is one of my favorite local novelist and I've read his book "Mass" from cover to cover (it was a highschool book report but I ended up liking it I reread it again a couple of years ago).

The Freeway x Manansala Event is no exception in putting me at awe so I'm glad I was able to bring myself to the event right in time!  Thanks Mira of Freeway for updating me!

To those who do not know who Vicente Manansala is ---

Vicente Silva Manansala was a Philippine cubist painter and illustrator.  Born in Macabebe, Pampanga on January 22, 1910, he studied at U.P. School of Fine Arts and received a six-month grant by UNESCO to study at the Ecole de Beaux Arts in Banff and Montreal, Canada.  He received a nine-month scholarship to study at the Ecole de Beaux Arts in Paris by the French Government.

Impressive right?

 Manansala painted an innovative mother and child, Madonna of the Slums, 1950 which reflected the poverty in postwar Manila.  Besides the Mother-and Child, his subjects included jeepneys, barong-barong, cockfighters, familieis gathering for a modest meal, and Quiapo women vendors of various goods.

Vicente Manansala was hailed a National Artist of the Philippines in Visual Arts in 1982.

The event was hosted by my schoolmate Tim Yap and the ever fierce Divine Lee both wearing Manansala outfits.  

The 22 piece beautiful collection was showcased in a Fashion Show.  Everything was in a blur (so many people in the event) so I took shots of my 'favorites' amongst the huge collection.

 Three Quarter Sleeve Tent Top 

with Neckline Loop Piping

Extended Collar Tailored Dress with Print

Php1,995.00

Halter Bubble Dress with Print

Php1,995.00

Oversized Sublimation Print Top

Php1,295.00

Fans!

  After the fashion show, 3 important guests were asked to come up on stage for a chat.

From Left to Right ---

Ronna Manansala, the Granddaughter of Vicente Manansala

Cedie Lopez-Vargas of The Lopez Museum

and Maritess Mendoza-Pineda, Presdient of Freinds of Manansala Foundation

The 3 guests shared to the audience the brilliance of the man of the hour --- Vicente Manansala.  Oh, according to Ronna (the granddaughter), Mr. Manansala likes watching his tv shows with light on top of his head then he would wear sun visor!  It's a tiny tidbit not everyone would know about the said National Artist!

After the inspirational interview, Freeway's CEO, Sheree Roxas-Chua Gotuaco gave her thanks to all the wonderful people behind the event!  The inspiration, the love makes National Artists Collectors' Series a success!

Some more merchandise from the collection that sparked my interest....I don't know about you but they do make a great gift especially to our friends from abroad!

Clockwise Starts from Upper Left 

Mother of Pearl Necklace with Print Php845.00

Sleeveless Tent Dress with Center Panel Print Php1,995

Wooden 4 Square Bracelet Php795.00

Mousepad with Manasala Sungka Print Php145.00

Clockwise Starts from Upper Left 

Canvass Tote Bag with Manansala Market Scene Php695.00

Commemorative Manansala Watch Php1,195

Knitted Bolero with print and Hem Ribbing Php1,495.00

Crop Semi-Circle Shaped Knit Top and Print Php795.00

 

For more information about the collection, visit Freeway website at www.freeway.net.ph. Like Freeway on Facebook (facebook.com/FreewayOnline) and follow on Twitter (twitter.com/FreewayOnline)

Which among the pieces above caught your interest?
Do you own any of the previous Freeway Loves Art: National Artists Collectors' Series piece/pieces?

Filipino Pride!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: KATE Mineral UV Gel Base

When I was starting out on makeup, I heard about the greatness of a makeup base but I can't seem to find one that's inexpensive for me to try.  I strongly remember finding one from Maybelline and I actually finished up a tube (without the review as I do not blog then).  I wasn't ecstatic about the product but it did not fail me either.

Then came brands and brands of makeup bases that gets a bit confusing.  Well it gets a whole lot confusing at first but once I get the hang of the needs of my skin, everything turned out a bit easier.

I do not use an oil control primer on myself, I do use them on my clients!  When it comes to makeup bases, I prefer them to work just as base --- shield between my foundation and skin + the added benefits like SPF protection would be even better.

Then came KATE UV Gel Base and its Mineral! I've given this a try for the past weeks and I'm ready to tell you my thoughts!

KATE Mineral UV Gel Base says ---

An advanced UV protection mineral makeup base that protects skin from dryness and UV rays, and keeps it beautiful with just a single application. A clear gel that can work as a sunscreen and does not whiten the skin
SPF32 PA++

• Double-effect mineral powder (skin protection and visible pore coverage)
• Multiple moisturizing ingredients (olive oil, jojoba oil and almond oil)
• Paraben (preservative) free
• Fragrance free
• Pigment free

Size: 25g
Made in Japan

AMW says ---

Pros

• Comes in squeezable tube.
• Nice tip, non-messy application.

• Dries off invisible, does not change your skin's color.
• Very light on skin, doesn't feel heavy for the rest of the day.
• Gives protection with SPF32 PA++.
• Foundation stays and does not slide.
• Mineral lovers like the mineral makeup base.
• Does not create white cast even when taken with direct flash.

Cons

• Information in Japanese. I can't even read ingredients.

• Has a very tiny glue scent. (This goes off several minutes after).
• Gives a tiny sheen, your skin feels like there's a very thin layer of film/coat all over your face.

Overall

I can give this product a skip because of the light "gluey scent and feel" as I am very particular with the scent of any skin products.

The product does give a nice layer of smoothness which makes it easier to apply foundation.  I do not have huge pores (due to dry skin) to test the pore coverage but my powder foundation does not sink into the lines around my eyes.

The product is not moisturizing enough, so for dry skinned individuals, an application of moisturizer is still needed. On a positive note, it helps my foundation stays longer.

Tips

• Dry skin needs to moisturize skin properly prior to KATE Mineral UV Gel Base application.
• Do a patch test if skin is sensitive even to mineral based products.
• Apply a very thin layer especially on areas that have visible lines and pores.
• If you choose to apply a small amount of the UV Gel Base, use appropriate sunscreen prior to makeup application.
• Do a patch test if you have sensitive skin.
• Stop usage immediately once allergic reactions occur.

Will I repurchase?
Not for myself.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes to use a makeup base and sunblock in 1 product.  Mineral makeup lovers too.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Watsons Beauty for Php720.00 (approx $16.75).

Light, gel-like texture that's white 

once you squeezed out from tube

Gets opaque as you blend

Gets absorbed into the skin without any marks

Just a tiny sheen when you look closely

What's your first makeup base ever???
Mine was the Maybelline UV White Stay :)

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Muji 7 Herb Fragrance Shampoo and Conditioner + Special Haircare Promo

The first time I set foot on a Muji Store, it was in Hong Kong and I was at awe as I wanted to purchase loads of stuff but I worry on excess baggage so I ended up with small, lightweight products like pencils, notebooks and of course nuts and chips!

When Muji finally opened its doors at Bonifacio High Street, I got the excitement of my life when I visited the store!  Though overwhelmed, I am most intrigued in 3 of their categories --- Food, Storage and of course, Health and Beauty!

I've always been a fan of Japan-made hair care products!  That's a huge reason why I went all the way to Shanghai to purchase Tsubaki and Aquair shampoo and conditioner sets both from Shiseido.  When I heard about the hair care line from Muji, I got really excited! Okay, they're all written in Japanese but let me translate it for you (as if!) *laughs*

 Seaweed Shampoo and Conditioner

 5 Fruits Shampoo and Conditioner

 7 Herbs Shampoo and Conditioner

And here's the set I got for review :)

(a bit worried on the herb part, let's see...)

Muji Shampoo and Conditioner says ---

There are five variants to choose from: Five Fruits, Seven Herbs, Seaweed, Mild Natural and Mild.

1. Five Fruits - Infused with Peach, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Grapefruit and Apple extracts, this pair of shampoo and conditioner helps revitalize dull and dry hair and stimulate hair growth. Good for oily hair.
2. Seven Herbs - Infused with Rosemary, Matricaria (Sunflower), Sage, Peppermint, Thyme, Jojoba and Lavender extracts, these herbs are known to stimulate growth of healthy hair, leaving it shiny and moisturized. Good for dry hair.
3. Seaweed - For frequent hair washers, the seaweed extracts maintains a healthy scalp and helps develop shiny, healthy hair. Good for colored hair that requires daily maintenance.
4. Mild Natural – Contains Coconut Extracts (Gugo), a popular natural ingredient that soothes the scalp and strengthens hair. Good for normal to dry hair.
5. Mild – With a mild soap solution, this variant is perfect for sensitive scalp and fine hair.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Very cute packaging that would look great in ANY bathroom.  The bottles are made from PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, which are eco-friendly and recyclable.
• Pump is sealed to assure buyers you get the product fresh.

• Nice pump which makes it easy to control how much shampoo and conditioner you need.

• Smells nice, reminds me of most shampoos and conditioners that you find in most hotels.  Okay, the set is called 7 Herb Fragrance and there's nothing herbal in it!  It smells really good.
• Does not oil up my scalp.
• Hair feels soft and light the whole day.
• Hair is easy to comb.
• I feel like my hair has this nice "moisture".

Cons

• All in Japanese wordings.  Can't seem to read the label.

• Not everyone would be "okay" with the scent.  Could be a PRO or CON but the scent does not last long.
• If you have very oily hair to start with, this may feel a bit heavy for you!  Go for the other variants made for oily hair.

Overall

I'm actually surprised to use a natural, organic shampoo (on its own) that does not dry my hair or make it feels like straw (base on past experiences).  I feel much at ease putting on natural ingredients on my hair as my hairdresser has been complaining on how sensitized my hair is! 

Tips

• If you plan to purchase this on sale, go ahead!   (Kindly read further below for more details).
• For conditioner, always steer clear from the scalp area.  Apply from mid-shaft to the ends of the hair.
• If scalp itches or dandruff occurs, stop usage immediately!
• If you dislike hotel shampoos and conditioners, purchase containers and transfer.  Saves luggage space and your hair stay happy!
• Use clarifying shampoo at least once a week to remove product buildup on your hair.

Will I repurchase?
Yes, in other variant!  I'm eyeing on the  Mild Natural variant as I have dry scalp or the Seaweed variant due to my color treated hair and I do wash my hair on a daily basis.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone looking for shampoo and conditioner made with natural ingredients and not much chemicals included.

Where to purchase and how much?

Shampoo costs Php925.00 (approx $21.50) and conditioner costs Php925.00 (approx $21.50).  Every purchase of 400ml bottles of MUJI Shampoo and Conditioner of the same variant saves you 20% from the original total amount of the two bottles. (that would mean, each would now cost Php740.00 (approx $17.20) this month of October!) You can purchase these at Bonifacio High Street, Rockwell Powerplant Mall, Greenbelt 3 and SM Mall of Asia. 

*infomercial voice* "Wait!  There's MORE!" 

MUJI officially begins the early Holidays this October. For every pair of socks or stockings or a piece of handkerchief, customer gets 50% off on his next purchase of the same item.

Food items will be on “Buy 1, Take 1 at 50% off” deal starting October 15 onwards. Customers will see doubles of snacks and goodies like Pea and Corn Snacks, Chocolate-Covered Peanuts, Dried Fruit Mix, Dried Squid and Lemon and Strawberry Marshmallows. These are ideal in preparation for the Halloween weekend. New favorites now include Special Pasta Sauces like Cod Roe, Squid Ink and Sea Urchin and pastries Easy to Bake Lemon Cheesecake and Pumpkin Scone.

Feel free to add them up on their FB Page (Muji Philippines) to learn more about Muji products and future deals!

Are there any other stuff worth checking out at Muji's Health & Beauty section?
I'd love to hear from you!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(This is a sponsored post.)

AMW Reviews: Obagi-C C-Sunguard SPF30

The week flew by pretty quickly because I've been busy going in and out of the house!  *giggles*  That made me feel like teenager all over again!  *wahahaha*

Let's get back to the reason for this report!  I will be reviewing *drumroll* my most expensive sunblock to date!  Going out of the country is the best time to test products and one product I brought along is the Obagi-C C-Sunguard SPF30.  It was the ultimate test as I know when I'm out of the country, I expose myself to the environment and under the sun!  Who would like to bring an umbrella during travel?  Not this girl!!!

When I attended the House of Obagi Event more than a month ago, all the attendees were given an Obagi-C C-Sungard SPF30 sunblock which works for any skin type!  I didn't use this right away as I am saving this for the harshest sun exposure!

Obagi-C C-Sunguard SPF30 says ---

C-Sunguard SPF 30 is formulated with ultra-sheer Z-Cote, an effective barrier that provides a superior measure of sun protection from UVB damage and against long-UVA rays linked to premature skin aging.  Regular application of C-Sunguard SPF30 can help protect your Photolumines Skin from future sun damage.

Ingredients: butylparaben, cetearyl alcohol, citric acid, C13-14 isoparaffin, diethanolamine cetyle phospate, disodium edetate, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropyl palmitate, laureth-7, methylparaben, octyl stearate, phenoxyethanol, polyacrylamide, polyether-1, polysorbate 60, propylparaben, purified water, sodium hydroxide, triethoxycaprylysilane.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Simple squeeze type packaging makes it easy to control the amount of product you want to come out.

• Sealed upon purchase for freshness.

• Gets absorbed into the skin easily.
• No waiting time, finishes matte immediately!
• Doesn't feel oily or sticky in the middle of the day.
• No allergic reactions occur.
• No weird scent.
• The protection on UVA and UVB isn't seen by naked eyes but I did not turn dark in the duration of the whole trip.
• Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Cons

• Obviously, the price!  There are so many inexpensive sunblock brands out there!

Overall

As most sunblock lotions or creams, you cannot really see the quick effect of it as we cannot see UVA and UVB with our naked eyes.  The only basis for us to know if a sunblock works is on its physical manifestation which is getting dark or not!  

For the Obagi-C C-Sunguard SPF30 sunblock, the very positive thing that I've seen in this is the fact it finishes matte and I don't feel like I have anything on my skin for the rest of the day.  I was under EXTREME humidity and directly under the sun's harsh rays for the whole day but I went back to Manila with the same skin color!  Mind you, if I may have to add, I only applied this sunblock in the morning before I leave the hotel.  I did bring the sunblock inside my bag but I just didn't have time for re-application and so far, it still works! (Keep in mind that I do not perpire A LOT!)

Tips

• Apply generously and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure.
• Re-apply as needed especially if you perspire a lot or after swimming.
• Always store the product in cool, dry place.
• If you are sensitive to certain ingredients, read labels and do a patch test prior to using this all over your face and body.
• Keep out of eyes, rinse with water if accidents occur.
• Wear clothing that protects your skin even if you have sunblock on.
• Try not to stay under the sun too long.  Wear hats, sunglasses, clothing that covers major parts of your skin when needed.

Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who hates the sticky feel of sunblock.  If you're under Obagi skincare treatment too.

Where to purchase and how much?
At House of Obagi Trinoma, Alabang Town Center, Greenbelt 5, SM North, SM Pampanga and Ronbinsons Place for Php3,740 (approx $87.00).

A photo of me on the 5th day in Singapore.  I walked around the Lion city with Obagi-C C-Sunguard SPF30 applied once a day and so far,  my skin color did not change...at all!  So, I'm ready to say...

"WELCOME TO SINGAPORE!!!"

*arms wide open* LOL

When you're out under the sun for prolong period of time, I strongly suggest to reapply your sunblock and bring with you sunnies and hats.  (I know, I should practice what I preach but hey!  Who's the reviewer here?) *lol*

It feels good to be safe under the harsh sun!  I am actually giving this bottle to Mr. AMW as he hates sunblock application because he perspires a lot and he dislikes the moisturizing feel other sunblock brands offer. 

Love is sharing, and I'm giving up the product I like to the man I love. :D  

Would you be willing to shell out such amount of money for the super matte feel?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(Author received product during an event.  Reviews 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)