AMW Reports: AMW Judging Ms. Silka 2011

Last month, I was asked to be part of Miss Silka's history, not as a contestant (of course) but as a judge!  It was overwhelming on my part as Silka is a brand I'm not a stranger to.  I've been one of the many few who was lucky enough to see how the brand grew as big as today!

It was a very busy Saturday for me, one of the busiest I've had in a year.  I had an early call for a shoot at 4:30am and I only had an hour of sleep that day.  Adding up to the Christmas traffic...nothing can stop me from going to this event! 

December 3,2011 at the Activity Center of Market! Market!  My whole spirit lifted when I saw this gorgeous stage!  I suddenly had a full 8 hours of sleep!

I had a quick chat with Silka's Brand Manager, Bea Dacanay as she ushered me to my designated "judging area".

I'm the type of person who sees beauty in everyone.  I seriously had to take a moment to read and familiarize myself with the judging categories!  Hey, I may sound like all fun and game but when it comes to serious stuff like this?  You can definitely count on me! :P

A staff from STI briefed me on how to use the system.  I will be judging 30 contestants from different parts of the country.  The judging was divided into 3 categories --- Performance during the Program, Swimsuit Competition then Evening Gown.

Before the start of program, I went backstage with Bea and had a quick chat with one of the performers Mr. Christian Bautista, a photo-op is definitely in mind!

** My favorite "The Way You Look At Me" 

was seriously playing on top of my head when we took this shot! *laughs*

Back to the judging station, everyone was asked to sit at our designated area and the show started with a blast!  At this point, I took a mental note and trimmed down the girls that gave out the best performance!  

All the 30 girls obviously took their time and effort as they all did well!  Everything's in order and everyone danced their best!  

After the performance, the night's host Mr. Luis Manzano came out with his partner.  I personally like Luis Manzano as a host, he's funny and witty!

A welcoming remarks and a little introduction for the judges was in order.  I was introduced as a Makeup Artist and a Blogger of AskMeWhats.  Hmm..I was hoping the "Ms. Universe's Baby 1979" was also included in the introductory speech?  *laughs*  I'd rather not!!! 

Swimsuit competition was next.  I felt like a man scrutinizing all these gorgeous ladies but I took a moment to understand what Ms. Silka is --- someone who has the grace, beauty, talent, knowledge and of course, clear-looking skin!

Long Gown Competition was next!  The ladies strut their gorgeous gold and beige gowns which shoes up their beautifully flawless skin even more!  Christian Bautista serenaded the girls as the crowd were going wild with picture taking and screaming "I Love You Christian!" on top of their lungs!

Some judging points for this segment is the suitability of the gowns, their body structure, poise and beauty!

While the guys from STI are tabulating the scores for the top 15.  YouTube sensation Marie Digby wowed the audience with her song "Say It Again" as she flawlessly played the guitar. 

I love her dress and her makeup!!!

After 2 songs from Marie Digby....

Several corporate awards were given out to deserving candidates.  Online voters choice award, Ms. Juicy Cologne, Ms. Magnolia Ice Cream, Ms. Negros Navigation, Ms. Shoe Up, Ms. Revage and other Minor awards like Best in Talent, Best in Casual Interview, Best in Swimwear, Best in Production Number and Best in Gown.  

The girls turned out to be winners just being part of the top 30 and winning these awards!

Then, Luis Manzano came back on stage with his partner to call in the Top 15!

The list of candidates who made it to top 15 ---

Ms. Davao, Ms. Panay, Ms. Bicol, Ms. Cagayan de oro, Ms. Ilocandia, Ms. Tacloban, Ms. Cavite, Ms. Quezon, Ms. Bulacan, Ms. Zambales, Ms. Bukidnon, Ms. GMA, Ms. Cagayan Valley, Ms. Tarlac and Ms. Dumaguete!

As the scores are tabulated again for top 5, Marie Digby came back on stage to sing an OPM.

Top 5 were chosen and they were further judged by a Question and Answer portion. If I was serious on the first 3 categories on judging, I was even more spaced out as I listened intently to the answers of the contestants.  Q&A portion for me is a a make or break in any beauty pageant!  Beauty should always comes with brains!

Yours truly was called on stage to award the runner up!  I was praying I don't trip!  Thank God I didn't! :)

 

After months and months of preparation, the moment is here, the winners of Ms. Silka 2011 ---

3rd Runner up: Ms. Silka Bicol

2nd Runner up: Ms. Silka Tarlac

1st Runner up: Ms. Silka Tacloban

Ms. Silka Philippines 2011 Ms. Vianca Louise Marcelo

(3rd from left)

Ms. Silka 2011 shows her gorgeous smile!

And who said regular people can't take triumphant photos?  Bea and myself took a super happy and contented shot after a successful event!  

I want to congratulate all the lovely girls who were part of the Ms. Silka Pageant!  To the sponsors and organizer TMX Events and of course, Cosmetique Asia for entrusting me to judge such prestigious event!

I can't believe the product line have grown this big!  I used to take with me the Silka Papaya Soap and Lotion to China and use them during the summer as they never feel heavy on skin and it has sweet smelling papaya that lasts!

Thanks for this!

Please LIKE Silka Skincare on Facebook for more information about their products.
Hang on for giveaways from Silka as the brand supports AMW and the readers! *yay*


Are you a Silka user?  
What's your favorite Silka product?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: 3s Pre-glued Lashes

"I can't apply false lashes on myself!  It's just too difficult!" --- that's one of the many few lines I read and hear from friends who are into makeup, who likes the idea of long and full lashes but hates the false lashes application!

I understand!  Even I, as a makeup artist, who knows how to apply false lashes gets really lazy to do it!  That's why when pre-glued lashes came out in the market, I am very happy to give it a try as I want to prettify myself in less effort as possible. 

The first pre-glued lashes I've tried is from Revlon, but they never made it to our country!  I find the pre-glued lashes are a great invention but there are times it just won't stick as much and it's embarrassing to walk around with weird looking lashes!  So I always end up applying a lash glue still just to make sure it sticks!

3S Pre-Glued False Eyelashes

Delicate

Adorable

3S Pre-Glued Lashes says ---

All our pre-glued eyelash products are made with latex-free adhesive strand and 100% sterilized human hair or synthetic fiber are carefully handmade by our artisans according to the diversity of our style designs.

These can be used over and over again, as the adhesive strip attached to the eyelash can be removed if the adhesive does not seem to stick anymore on perhaps the 3rd use. You can replace it with the extra adhesive strip inside the pack, and you're good to go! Once the adhesive strips don't work anymore, feel free to remove them and use regular glue. These lashes are very durable and they can last you a long, long time!

AMW says ---

Pros

• Gorgeous packaging!  Can you believe the product comes with a mirror?

• Instructions on box are easily to follow.
• Once it stick it, it stays the whole day.
• The lashes are soft and doesn't irritate my eyes.
• Lightweight.
• Has a spare pre-glued strand included.
• These lashes are made of high quality so using it again and again with care is possible!  
• I actually tested one pair by being super harsh on it (pulling and just leaving it elsewhere, the lashes are still ok and looking good!) --- Lash Police!  I'm just a tester! Not a murderer! *lol*
• You save up more if you can use these lashes multiple times.
• Changing the spare pre-glued strand is actually easy!
• The dark pre-glued strand makes it look like you have eyeliner on.

Cons

• A bit pricey at first glance, BUT, if you know how to take care of your lashes and you can re-use this again and again.
• The pre-glued are not forever!  You will still use a regular lash glue once you finished up the extra pre-glued strand.
• It takes a bit of time getting used to using this as the glue strip is a bit thicker.

Overall
These lashes are best for personal use.  The lashes are soft, durable and lightweight.  Easy to use for first-time false lashes wearers even experts would appreciate these!

Tips

• Store the false lashes back to its packaging after every use.
• Remove the sticky side of the lashes with a tweezer.

• Pull the lashes downwards using your thumb as shown on photo below.  This is the best way to maintain the shape of the lashes.

• Trim the lashes on the outer corner to fit your eyelid.
• I prefer applying these false lashes first prior to makeup application.  I find the glue to adhere better.
• Gently wipe the lashes with a damp cloth or cotton bud with makeup remover to clean the lashes from fall-outs.
• To remove pre-glued strand, hold the lashes in the center and gently pull off.

• Attach the eyelash only spare pre-glued strand on the stand and press with your fingertips, since I have long nails, I use the back of the tweezers to gently press.

• Once you finished up both pre-glued strands, feel free to use the lashes with a regular glue, it'll look even more natural as the lash line will appear less thick. 

**photo of the lashes without the pre-glue

Will I repurchase?
Yes, but only for personal use.

To whom do I recommend this to?
First time false lashes wearer or lazy bums like myself who likes to wear lashes on special occasions minus the hard work!

Where to purchase and how much?
You can purchase them at Beauty & Minerals for Php250.00 per pair (approx $5.70).  If you want to see these in person, you can visit Rockwell Moonlit Bazaar on December 9, 10, 11, 2011.

A closer look on the 2 Pre-glued lashes styles I own ---

Delicate

Delicate may look "vava-voom" on my eye photo below but it's because I do not have eye makeup on.  Once you completed your look with an eye makeup, it'll look nature and indeed...delicate!

 Adorable

Adorable has mixed thick and thin lashes.  Same as Delicate, the longest lashes are located at the center which tends to open up your eyes making it appear bigger and brighter!

Sample look with Delicate

Without eye makeup though
The glue made it look like I have eyeliner on!

Can you apply false lashes on yourself?
If not, would you give pre-glued lashes a try?

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Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
 

Your Very Own Sneak Peek at Benefit Cosmetics Philippines!

Remember the story about missing the Benefit Cosmetics Sneak Peek?

It's true... I missed it!!!  But thanks to the wonderful people from Benefit for giving AMW and AMW readers a chance to get "up close and personal" just in time before THE OPENING on the 15th of December!

Benefit Cosmetics, as makeup junkies would know, is one funky, frisky and unique makeup brand!  We wished and probably threw coins at Pasig River *lol* for them to arrive to our shores!

Aren't we all excited to learn that The Philippines will finally have a branch of Benefit Cosmetics before Christmas?  Just in time to spend our 13th month pay or, to the lucky ones, Christmas Bonuses!

After hours of driving, I'm finally HERE!  ....

The famous line to show how Benefit Girls should be --- Confident!

AMW Reviews: Beach Hut Max 100++SPF Unbelievably Light Lotion Sunblock

It's the month of December, the colder month....bleh...NOT!

Would you believe I still use sunblock on both my face and body just because the weather down here gets super sunny and hot?  

Though I suffer from dry skin, I am the same as the rest of the population when it comes to choosing the type of sunblock.  Let's all chant our ultimate goal --- Non-greasy!  Non-greasy!

I am almost done with the Beach Hut Max 100++ SPF Unbelievably Light Lotion Sunblock *whew that was long!*  Someone asked for my updated Sunblock routine!  Perfect timing...here you go!

Beach Hut says ---

Unbelievably light lotion sunblock
It’s here! Experience extreme high spf protection without the messy and oily feel like other lotion sunblock. Beach Hut Max SPF 100++ w/ micronized zinc oxide is uber light on skin, quick drying, and gives you that non messy, non sticky sheer feeling while offering up to 99% maximum protection from UVA/UVB rays that causes sunburn, skin cancer and skin darkening. This summer, don’t settle for anything less than 100, get the new Beach hut Max 100 unbelievably light lotion sunblock.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Has a clear print of manufacturing and expiration date.

• High SPF!  
• Very light on skin, gets absorbed easily.
• Doesn't leave a white mark after application.
• No weird or strong scent.
• Doesn't feel heavy or sticky on skin.
• Doesn't cause allergic reactions nor skin irritations.
• My skin gets protected in terms of the physical attributes.  I did not get dark even after prolong exposure under the sun!  I followed a client for her prenup shoot under the sun and I wasn't using any umbrella or wearing any hat.
  

Cons

• The mouth of the packaging!  It gets really dirty after every application.

• Others may find this a bit too watery in texture.

Overall

This is a wonderful product for people who likes to stay under the sun for too long.  This product definitely lives up to it's name, very light and gets absorbed into the skin without the sticky feel.

Tips

• Feel free to transfer the content to a better bottle!
• Apply approximately 20 minutes prior to getting out under the sun.
• Re-apply if you sweat a lot or after getting out of the water.
• Shake before you use.
• Be careful in squeezing the product as it may get a bit too messy.
  

Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes the high spf minus the greasy feel!

Where to purchase and how much?

Price is around Php400+ sorry I didn't get the exact amount.  Kindly let me know through comment if you know the price!  Thanks!

Available at Robinsons, Landmark, Chris Sports, Olympic Village, R.O.X., Nothing But Water, Stoked Inc., Travel Club, Island Souvenir, PCX and Cash n Carry.

Texture and color against the skin

Dries off matte and invisible

Have you tried Beach Hut products?
What's the current SPF number do you use for your sunblock?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Tech Reviews: Marshall Headphones Major and Minor

Major and Minor....

The 2 Techie products I will review because I believe some of you are into music as much as I do!  Keep in mind that these are test units and will be returned to manufacturer, I am doing this review to share to you guys who plan to purchase either of the two and probably can't decide.  Well, I hope I can help you out in deciding which one's for you!

Marshall Headphones Minor White

Marshall Headphones Minor White says ---

The Minor is an advanced and hard working in-ear model. In addition to its good looks it incorporates quite a few exciting features. EarClick is a patent that ingeniously secures the earphone into position in your ear. The Minor comes equipped with microphone and remote for use with your cell phone*. Combined with excellent audio and a tangle resistant fabric cord the Minor is in it for the long haul.

AMW says ---

Pros

• It's white!  I like plain white colored headphones/earphones.
• Comes with an adapter.

• Have several ear pads to fit comfortably on your ear.(Small, Medium, Large, XL)

• Probably and first and only earphones I've tried that doesn't hurt my ear after hours of listening due to it's EarClick Construction that locks the earbuds securely in place.
• The Minor comes with a mic which is useful for voice control or when talking to people over the phone.
• Sounds: clear and crisp.  
• The tangle resistant cord!
• The cord is covered with braided fabric which I find to be super smart!
  
  
     
  
  

Cons 

• It's white!  Some doesn't like this because it can easily get dirty. 
• Since the earphones sit on your ear rather than tucked inside it, it may take some time to get used to listening without pushing the ear piece closer to the ear. 
• Pricey! 
• The Marshall tgold plated plug may be a bit too big to fit in some iPhone or iPad casing. 

Minor on my ear

 Marshall Headphones Major White

Marshall Headphones Major White says ---

The Major encloses vast amounts of the massive Marshall legacy. The exterior of the headband is made out of the same vinyl used in Marshall amplifiers and it bears the original Marshall texture. Besides being straight up dazzling.

The Major is a solid workhorse with great stamina, designed with non-stop, all-day listening in mind.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Comes in white.
• Has a gold  replica signature from Jim Marshall himself.
• Coiled cord (just like a telephone) makes it tangle free when you use it or when stored inside the bag.

• Has a very pleasing, surround sound and you can hear the bass quite clearly.
• Music sounds way better with the Marshall Headphones Major.
• Sits comfortably on my head and it doesn't hurt on your head or ears even after hours of listening.
  

Cons

• It's white!  Can get too dirty.
• Hard to store. Can foldable but only to a certain extent.  Bulky for travel.

• Same as the Minor, the gold plated plug is a bit too bulky if you have tight casing.
• Pricey.

Major on AMW's head

Overall

Both Major and Minor delivers when it comes to surround and good quality sounds.  I personally like the sound coming from Major as it can literally give me goosebumps from songs I've been hearing over and over again on a daily basis.  I find Major a bit too bulky for my taste because I'm not into using bulky headphones in public.

Minor on the other hand is my bet among the two.  I am willing to shell out a bit more than regular earphones for good sounds and comfort!  It takes a while for me to get used to the Minor as it felt like it's falling off anytime!  The EarClick system, I find to be the most amazing discovery for earphones!  (Personal preference)

To whom do I recommend this to?
Music lovers!!!  Only music lovers can spend this amount of money for good, quality music!  I would!

Where to purchase and how much?

Minor costs Php2,950.00 (approx $67.00) and Major costs Php4,650.00 (approx $106.00)

These 2 are available at: 8Telcom Davao, Astrovision, Beyond The Box, Digital Hub, Digital Hub CDO, Digital Walker, ECentral Cebu, Gadgets iN Style, HTC MOA, iStore (Cebu, Dumaguete, Manila), Listening Room, PC Hub, Power Hub - Davao, Power MAC Center, Switch, Technoholics, Urban Atheletics.

Which one would you go for if you have the budget?
The Marshall Headphones Major or Minor?
ME?  *slams palm on table*
MINOR!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Test units were sent for review and will be returned to supplier.  Opinions are 100% mine, please purchase at your own discretion.)