Weekend Food Tripping at: The Stock Market + 2nd Meetup with Lisa

I missed Lisa so much after our first ever meetup .  I was thinking our next meetup would probably me having to go to Kuala Lumpur to be able to see her again (together with the rest of the #evurl girls). 

I got a lovely surprise when I saw an FB message from my FB message box with the first line: "Nikkiii! Guess what? *jeng jeng jeng*" (sorry Lisa, I had to share this one-liner of yours as I find it too cute and it made my heart jump!)

The meetup happened again and it was meant to be as our schedules suddenly cleared up and we met on a lovely Saturday evening at The Stock Market, Bonifacio High Street.  This meetup happened after my Blenz Coffee Experience by the way so you can just imagine how hyper I was considering it was a jampacked day for both me and Mr. AMW!

Here's what we had....

Celery and Pineapple Shake

This is similar to Flapjacks' Jack and the Beanstalk

It is indeed refreshing and a perfect drink for the health-conscious.

Chinois Chicken and Shrimp

Php395.00 (approx $9.00)

Succulent shrimp, grilled chicken bites over bed of mixed greens, 

fried wanton skin in sesame mango vinaigrette dressing

 Very unique textures in a salad! I like the crunchy fried wanton together with the succulent shrimp and the mix of sesame flavor with mangoes in a dressing bursts awesome, unique flavor inside my mouth.

 Home Specialty Carbonara

Php420.00 (approx $9.55)

Vegetable fettuccine in cream base,

with prosciutto, mushroom and fresh organic egg yolk

This comment is definitely base on our personal preference but in our taste buds, this is the BEST Carbonara we've tried to date!  It's not because of the fact that there's an egg yolk to it, but the creaminess is just right and it's not too thick or too watery!  Will definitely come back for this!

Texan Barbecue Chicken

Php575.00 (approx $13.00)

48 hour marinated chicken grilled to perfection.

Served with skewered vegetables and rose herbed rice.

The Texan Barbecue Chicken is definitely a unique dish.  It doesn't taste like the usual grilled chicken as the chicken is definitely marinated really well as I can taste the consistency of its flavors to the bones! :)

Cornmeal Bread Pudding 

with Whiskey Caramel Sauce+ Ice Cream

The Cornmeal bread pudding is nothing special, best eaten with ice cream!

Flaming Caramelized Pineapple 

Upside Down Cake

with Bananas

I can't seem to get the right name to this dessert as we were all surprised on how differently this looks as compared to the menu!  This order also took the longest time so I don't really know what happened but this is too sweet for our taste!

Even if the dessert portion was a FAIL, we didn't even notice it much as we spent it with great companions!  I enjoyed our Part 2 laughter and sharing of stories!  We had a wonderful time and I'm looking forward for Part 3! 

Thanks Alex and Lisa for dinner...thanks for the friendship!

After the super tummy-filling meal, we actually head off to Midnight Mercato just to have a look!  All of us wishes we weren't that full!  We went for "take outs" though! :D

The Stock Market

Bonifacio Global City

Taguig, Metro Manila

(632) 856-6301

Have you tried The Stock Market?
What's the "must try" dish?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reports: Kate Winslet's "Golden Hat Foundation" and Visionnaire

What are these gorgeous girls concentrating on? ....

I'd love to say THESE......

  

But, it wasn't!  I think I was the only one who stared at the wonderful food at the Lancome Greenbelt 5 boutique late this week!  We were invited to grace the Blogger Event for the Launch of Lancome Visionnaire.

The Visionnaire Routine

Milky Lotion Php2,295.00 (approx $52.00)

Emulsion  Php3,995.00 (approx $90.80)

Serum Php4,950.00 (approx $112.50)

I was stuck in traffic for almost 2 hours (and it wasn't the worst stuck in traffic experience I tell you!) so I wasn't able to see the "demo" done by Cary Co.

She was nice enough to explain after the event on the functions of Visionnaire. Cary explained that much more than being a wrinkle-corrector, Visionnaire can re-create more beautiful skin by propelling through skin layers as other skincare products can't get through the first layer of our skin.  

She took out a glass of water mixed with oil, she dropped the serum and I was told by the attendees that it did went to the bottom of the water passing through water and oil! 

*slaps forehead* Darn traffic I wasn't able to see it in my own "tiny" eyes!  

I was able to catch up lucky model Shen having a facial with the use of none other than, the star of the night, Lancome Visionnaire!

 

After the quick facial, a makeover was done on Shen and we all had a crush on the foundation used on Shen's lovely skin --- Lancome Teint Miracle.

After watching a quick makeover done by Lancome's makeup artist, we were asked to grab something to eat as we get to understand the huge poster right in front of the boutique.

Lancome supports their Brand Ambassadress for 4 years Ms. Kate Winslet on her "Golden Hat Foundation".  To celebrate such partnership, a make-up collection has been created.

"Golden Hat Foundation" 

Non-profit foundation aims to better the lives of autistic children by removing or limiting the barriers they face.  Its mission is to teach autistic children how to communicate more clearly, as well as offer them education, job training, recreating activities adapted to their disability.  

How can Lancome help support Kate Winslet with this project?  With the limited edition make-up collection created which will be available at the end of this year, Lancome promises to donate at least 150,000 euros of its sales profits to the "Golden Hat Foundation".  

I love it!

Wonderful for someone as successful and gorgeous as Kate Winslet to spearhead the said foundation and "hats off" to the people from L'Oreal group for giving back!

Oh, if you're wondering what you can find in this collection ---

L'Absolu Rouge Lipstick 

Php1,495.00 (approx $34.00)

(the exact lipstick Kate Winslet wore on TV) as seen on photo above.

 

Le Vernis Divine Lasting

Php995.00 (approx $23.00)

The Golden Hat

Php2,295.00 (approx $52.00)

Group shot 

Happy, knowledgeable and
FULL bloggers!

Thanks to the girls for the invite!

L-R Alexis, Sheena and Cary

I haven't taken a shot but thanks to the wonderful boys and girls at the Lancome Boutique.

Have you heard about the "Golden Hat Foundation" of Kate Winslet?  To be honest, I didn't even know she has a foundation and I'm glad to know that celebrities like her to give back after receiving all the success in her career.  I hope everyone will be this way! :) We may not be celebrities and we could be nobody to establish our own foundation, but as I always say, in our own unique ways, we can make a difference.

Let's start by smiling today! :D

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: Ribbons and Laces

*screams* POSITIVE VIBES!!!

It's Friday!!! Happy Friday!  *breaks into a dance*  Okay, you can stop imagining me doing that crazy dance! :)   I am in a good mood, though I will be working on a weekend still, it's a work I love!  --- Prettifying People!  *yay*

Before the week ends, I will be sharing to everyone the most colorful part of my body!  *teeheee*  You're probably thinking about the brain --- WRONG!  It's all GREEN! *wahahahaha*  

Nail Art Tutorial!  I know not a lot of you are into nail art but I hope this colorful design I've done called Ribbons and Laces can brighten up your day!

Step 1:

Apply a good amount of base coat underneath.  Let dry.  Pick any 2 light shades polish as your base.  I applied only 1 coat each nail as I am going for a sheer base.

Blue base: Caronia Frosted polish in Bliss
Pink base: The Face Shop polish in BR802

AMW Reviews: Charm Essentials Vegan Brushes

The first time Sophie came up with a Vegan Brush idea, the first thing I remembered telling her: "Will it grab the right amount of makeup pigments?"  The reason for the said thinking is because I do own a set of Synthetic brushes in the past and I found myself skipping this as much as I can as it doesn't grab as much pigments as I want.  

After almost a year, during our UBE at Tagaytay, Sophie whipped out her Vegan Brushes sample and I told her: "Wow, it's soft, but does it perform well?"

As you can see, I have this "angst" with synthetic brushes, I have a love-hate relationship with them!  I love it for the fact that it's good for our furry-animal friends but it's not that good as compared to natural bristled brushes when it comes to performance! 

To make the long story short, Sophie finally came out with her line of Vegan brushes!  Before you read my in-depth review, good news to everyone! YOU CAN PURCHASE THEM IN SINGLES!  You don't need to force yourself to purchase a set but you can choose the brush you want and need!

Powder Brush

Php399.00 (approx $9.00)

Apply your powder products, may they be pressed or loose with this luxuriously soft powder brush that distributes product evenly across the face.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Super soft.
• Dense and has a right "firmness"
• No weird/funky smell.
• Can give light to medium powder foundation coverage.
• No shedding nor bleeding.
• Multi-purpose brush, can be used on both powder and cream products.
• Can create airbrush-finish with stippling motion.
• Super worth the price for its performance!

Cons

• Takes a bit of time to dry as compared to the rest of the brushes in this line.

Tips

• Best used for pressed and powder foundations or setting powders.
• Can also be used as blusher brush if you like a very light hint of shade on the cheeks.
• A great brush to apply powder foundation or sparkly powders all over the arms and body.
• I also like to use a "clean" version of this to remove makeup fall outs.

Blush/Contour Brush

Php399.00 (approx $9.00)

This brush is created to apply blush products, wet or dry, on the cheeks, as well as contour the cheekbones to give the face its much-needed dimension.

AMW says ---

Pros

• No weird, funky smell.
• Washed this several times and confirmed, no bleeding nor shedding.
• Most of my synthetic angled blush brush/contour brush aren't as firm as this!  This has a good control for contouring!
• Can grab good amount of pigments as compared to other synthetic bristles.
• Can use for powder, cream and liquid products.
• Since this is a synthetic brush, you don't get fluffy brush after several washes.
• Functions similarly with my MAC169 brush but the bristles of Charm are a tiny bit longer.

Cons

• As compared to natural hair, this grabs a tiny bit "lesser" pigments.  (It's all good for me)

Tips

• If you use cream/liquid products, you can add an Olive Oil on your regular shampoo to remove stain from the bristles.
• Use the shortest portion of the brush to contour.  Use the longer portion to apply blush powders.  With this technique, you do not need to mix the contour and blush powders!

Foundation Brush

Php399.00 (approx $9.00)

Apply your primer, and liquid foundation with ease using our Charm Essentials Foundation Brush.

AMW says ---

Pros

• No bleeding nor shedding.
• Dense!  This turned out to be almost similar to my favorite Essence of Beauty Foundation brush.
• Multi-purpose: Can be used to apply moisturizer, primers, foundation, concealer and other cream/liquid based products.
• Very soft, no scratchy feel.

Cons

• None!

Tips

• This brush for me is the most difficult to clean!  Add olive oil in your shampoo/gentle detergent cleaner to remove oil-based makeup.
• As compared to the rest of the brushes, I suggest to wipe this immediately with a makeup cleaner pad or wet ones as this may cause skin irritations the most!

Big Eyeshadow/Concealer Brush

Php250.00 (approx 5.70)

Our multitasking Charm Big Eyeshadow Brush picks up, and distributes eyeshadow color efficiently on the lid, and can also work as a concealer brush. Apply eyeshadow wet or dry, you won't be disappointed with our Big Eyeshadow Brush!

AMW says ---

Pros

• No bleeding nor shedding.
• Has a good control.
• Very dense and thicker as compared to regular concealer brush.
• Can be used to apply eyeshadow (wet) and concealer.

Cons

• I like this as a concealer brush rather than eyeshadow brush.  If eyeshadow used aren't that pigmented, it's a bit difficult to transfer on lids! (This brush will work better if you apply eyeshadow wet with foiling method.)

Tips

• Again, as stated, if you plan to use this to apply eyeshadow, best if you applied this wet with a patting motion.
• Since the brush is dense enough, you can use the flat portion to conceal larger areas and the tip for spot correcting/concealing.

Small Eyeshadow/Precise Concealer Brush 

Php230.00 (approx $5.25)

Our multitasking Charm Small Eyeshadow Brush is used for a more precise, and concentrated application of eyeshadow, may it be wet or dry. This can also be used to apply concealer for more precise, spot concealing.

AMW says ---

Pros

• No bleeding nor shedding.
• Even if the bristles aren't as thick as the bigger version, this is not flimsy and has a good control.
• Multi-purpose.
• Spot correcting/concealing is easy with this brush.

Cons

• None

Tips

• This brush is best used for small eyelid space.
• Best for foiling eyeshadow pigments.
• Best brush to use to apply my cream eyeshadow.

Crease Blending Brush

Php275.00 (approx $6.25)

Charm Essentials Crease Blending Brush is a must-have as a blending brush, as it defines and contours your crease, and also blends eyeshadow into a seamless gradient.

AMW says ---

Pros

• No bleeding nor shedding.
• OH MY!  This is definitely a synthetic version of MAC's 222!  SPOT ON!
• Has the right Amount of "stiffness" yet soft enough to create smokey eyes.
• Can do all the blending of eyeshadow colors without the scratchy feel! (No matter how soft the natural haired Blending Brush, it does scratch at times.)
• Multi-purpose: Can be used as a blending brush and would you believe....under eye concealing brush?
• Seriously inexpensive, I bought Prestige blending brush 3-4 years ago almost the same price but look how many years have passed?

Cons

• NONE!

Tips

• If you used this brush for cream/liquid based products, do not use this on powdered products unless you clean this.
• Apply a thick amount of eyeshadow (1 shade) of choice and use this brush and keep on blending the harsh edges and you have a quick, easy, smokey eye makeup!

Classic Blending Brush 

Php250.00 (approx $5.70)

Charm Essentials Classic Blending Brush is your multi-tasking blending brush - it blends your eyeshadows into a seamless gradient so that you need not sport harsh edges on your eyes! Aside from that, it is also a useful brush to dust loose powder around the eye area, and apply  a wash of eyeshadow on your lids.

AMW says ---

Pros

• No bleeding nor shedding.
• Fluffy yet firm.
• Very soft, no scratchy feel.
• Very nice nose contouring brush.

Cons

•  I can't seem to use this brush as much as I have very tiny lid space!

Tips

• Be creative!  Try to find ways to use this and make this brush work!  I think nose contouring is the best use for this brush.
• I also like to use a clean brush of this to remove excess fall outs without using my fingers.(Especially on clients)

Precise Lip Brush 

Php199.00 (approx $4.50)

Lipsticks are best applied with lip brushes for a more precise, and even distribution of color. Our Charm Precise Lip Brush has the right stiffness to pick up enough lipcolor to apply evenly on your lips, and has the right circular, angular shape that allows you to shape your lips into perfection!

AMW says ---

I can't say much with this brush as lip brushes aren't that difficult to review.  They are usually good no matter what brand!

Tips

• Can be used as spot concealing.  I super like to cover tiny pimple marks with this brush!
• Again, since lipsticks are oil based, add olive oil on your regular brush cleansing.
  

Pencil Point Brush 

Php250.00 (approx $5.70)

This brush is designed to further accentuate the outer-V of your eyes using more intense color. The precise pencil-like shape of this brush also allows you to smudge your eyeliner and perfect your smoky eyes!

AMW says ---

Pros

• Reminds me of my Smashbox Synthetic Pencil Brush.  
• Can grab good amount of product.
• 
  

Cons

• None

Tips

• Since the bristles are super short and dense, it is difficult to clean this, I suggest using a good amount of olive oil mixed with baby shampoo, swirl the brush on your palm for a minute, then gently wash it off again with baby shampoo.
• Best used to line your eyes with the use of powdered eyeshadow also on the lower lash line.
• Once you use this brush to create an outer-v shape, do not forget to blend this with a blending brush!  It's a no-no to see harsh lines on your eyeshadow application.

Shading Brush 

Php250.00(approx $5.70)

This brush is a hardworking multitasker as it can apply color on your  lids, apply powder on your under eyes, define your crease, and even contour your nose.

AMW says ---

Pros

• No bleeding nor shedding.
• One of the most unique brush I've seen!
• Best used as a nose contouring brush.
• Does not create harsh line.
• This actually helps blend in concealer under the eye area to create a smooth finish.

Cons

• Can make your eyeshadow disappears if you use this brush and you have tiny lid space!

Tips

• To make this work for my eyeshadow application, I like using this as a final step on applying highlighting powders on the brow bone area.
• Use a clean brush and apply a nice "glittery" eyeshadow powder on the inner corner of the eyes.
• If used as a nose contouring brush, blend! Blend! Blend!

Angled Eyeshadow brush 

Php250.00 (approx $5.70)

AMW says ---

Pros

• No bleeding nor shedding.
• Has a perfect angle to create "outer-v" minus the harsh lines.
• Can also be used as blending brush.
• Super soft, no scratchy feel.
• Best for people with small lid space like mine.

Cons

• None

Tips

• You can choose an eyeshadow shade that's a shade or two darker than your original skin color, bend your head backwards in front of the mirror and apply eyeshadow on the "socket" of your eyes.  This gives a super natural "deep set of eyes".
• I prefer to use this brush for powdered pigments, try not to use this on cream based eyeshadow.

Angled Eyeliner brush 

Php250.00 (approx $5.70)

AMW says ---

Pros

• Has a good "hold" or stiffness.
• Can create "winged" eyeliner look without problems.
• Can actually double up as an eyebrow powder brush.  
• Can be used to apply eyeliner with powder products. 
  

Cons

• If you want to create a super thin eyeliner, you may have a difficult time as it'll always come off a bit thicker than the usual.

Tips

• Add Olive Oil during cleansing as gel liners are a pain to remove!
• Best brush to use to apply powdered shadows on the lower lash line giving an effect of bigger eyes.

Overall?  You can obviously read on all my PRO portion how they are super soft, non-scratchy, no bleeding nor shedding when washed.

I am quite happy that Charm took the time to tediously test on each single brush as I like that all of them do come with quality plus the fact that it's not too expensive as compared to other synthetic brushes!  I am actually confident to bring this for my make-up gigs as they are non-scratchy, very soft and easy to clean!

If you are like me who likes to see the brushes in person before purchasing, you can find Charm brushes at Mommy Mundo, Rockwell this weekend November 19-20, 2011 10:00am to 8:00pm.

Singapore-based readers can purchase Charm Brushes in Singapore!!!
Address: 119A East Coast Road, Singapore 
Tel. no: +65 93857769 (please give Joie a call first)

10% off on Charm Brushes from November 28 to December 5, 2011!

Which single brush/es caught your attention?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Avon Healthy BB Cream

Time for an inexpensive BB Cream review that I'm sure a lot of you are interested in!  To be honest, I think I went through BB Cream craze way too early because at this point, I have found THE ONE and haven't been Ebay shopping for a year plus!

Finding the one, I may have to remind you, doesn't mean I'm stopping at THE ONE!  (That's only applicable to marriage!  LOL)  I am still looking through different products and brands to try because I could get lucky in the future with a more inexpensive BB cream that works for me and I don't need to hoard in Korea to get a good deal.

Okay, let me stop the talk and let's proceed with the review!

Avon Healthy Make Up BB Cream says --- (from box)

Healthy looking skin in one step.  Infused with skin loving  moisturizing essence, triple Vitamin Complex A, C, E and Natural extracts of Pomegranate, Olive Leaf and Apple Root.  Skin is nourished, energized and protected from environmental damage.  This lightweight, breathable, luxurious BB cream, blends easily to conceal imperfections.

Reveal a natural, healthy, flawless look.  Healthy look in an instant.  SPF20/PA++

Dermatologist tested.  Suitable for Sensitive Skin.
 
Available shades: Light, Nude
Size: 18g

Ingredients:

AMW says ---

Pros

• Very cute squeeze type packaging and I like the pointed tip.

 

• Manufactured date printed clearly on the tube.

• Has a good amount of coverage considering this is a BB cream, not a foundation.
• Creamy consistency.
• Has SPF 20 PA++ protection which is the minimum SPF we need for hot/humid country like ours.
• Comes out not too matte, not too shimmery, just right!  Imagine matte finish with a tiny hint of "healthy glow" VERY SUBTLE!
• A little amount goes a long way.
• Can reduce the appearance of discolorations.
• Creates a nice, even base before foundation.
• Inexpensive.

Cons

• Limited shade availability, may not match everyone.
• May dry out dry skinned individuals.
• Has a tiny scent that I'm not a fan off.  I do have very sensitive nose but this goes off afterwards.

Overall
Gives a good light to medium coverage, blends into the skin and the color disappears after a couple of minutes upon application. 

Tips

• Best applied with clean fingers as the product is needed the warmth to make it blend seamlessly.
• If the shade comes off a bit different on you, let it settle for a couple of minutes before you proceed with foundation.  I find the color disappears afterwards.
• If you have dry spots, apply a good amount of moisturizer prior to BB Cream application.
• If you need higher SPF protection, apply sunblock first prior to BB Cream application.

Will I repurchase?

For myself not anymore as I am still loyal to my Skin79 VIP Gold BB Cream.  This is good for gift giving though as the packaging is gorgeous!

To whom do I recommend this to?

BB Cream enthusiasts who would want to give BB Creams a try for the first time minus the expensive price tag.

I highly recommend this to normal, combination or oily skin.  Dry skin may find this a bit drying for them.  

Where to purchase and how much?
For Php399.00 (approx $9.00) Call your Avon ladies by visiting www.avon.com.ph.

Avon Healthy BB Cream in Nude 

Consistency is just right, not too thick nor too watery

Once I blend it on my hand, the color is on the pinkish side.  Who knows "Caladryl" the anti-itch lotion?  hahaha It does remind me a bit of this base on color and consistency.

The pinkish shade disappears a bit but it's obvious that it doesn't match the shade of my skin.

Applied thinly on bare face without moisturizer

• Skin color did not change as it blends well on my skin (Referring to the shade NUDE).
• The allergies/redness on my cheek has reduced.
• Gives a bit of dryness on the sides of my nose but can be remedied with a moisturizer prior to BB Cream application.

BB Cream users out there, have you tried the Avon Healthy BB Cream?
How do you like/hate it?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Product sent for review.  Post is written base on my personal experiences.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)