Thursday, December 15, 2011

I Wonder: "What Do You Love About Your Body?"


Last October, a few of us bloggers were invited for a very informal dinner at Lugang Restaurant.  We didn't expect much but probably to get acquainted with new Dove product line.


It wasn't the case, after the scrumptious dinner, Dove's Brand Manager, Mr. Gem Laforteza stood up and showed us a video...You have to watch this, it'll only take less than 2 minutes of your time yet the video left a very powerful message, so powerful it got stuck inside my head and I'm willing to share it to everyone!


If you're going for a positive person who always sees the good side of everything *raises hands* -- me!  But with the same question thrown at me "What do I love about my body?"

That took some time...*clears throat* it actually took me a lot of time to give myself an answer.

My answer would probably be.... My legs?  When you remove the scars that I recently got from last week and probably the tiny veins that's starting to show up after all those walking! (I sense negativity there!)

To make this activity easier, copied a bit of what the video did, I went up to my dear friend Bea and we did the same activity and it was actually fun because she told me she'll have me floored with her answer and I told her it'll be the same for me!  I just have so much to say about her!

My dear friend Bea has the world's brightest smile!  She can lit up the whole room the moment she shows her sparkles.


When I was studying makeup, I love putting eye makeup on her and call on her as my "practice face" as she's got the gorgeous eyes with huge lid space!  Any eye color would work so well on her gorgeous big brown eyes!


Other people would go for fair-looking skin and would probably go crazy on whitening soaps and lotions.  I'm glad Bea is proud of her skin and I like how healthy her skin looks --- with or without makeup mind you! :D


And her skin glows in any type/color of clothing!
I can go on and on but let me put at least one last one that she probably doesn't know, she'll probably kill me for posting this but Bea has one gorgeous pair of legs!  They are not as long as a model or as fair as those seen on glossies but they are easy on the eyes and works well with her shorty shorts! *winks*  Last time I check, I'm still a girl okay? :P


Before I end this post, I got Bea's feedback on what she loves about my body! *handed a hundred dollar bill to her*  hahahah

Bea says ---
I love Mrs. AMW's hands. Hands down!!! Hahaha! Well, I've done numerous holding hands with Nikki *not the romantic kind or Mr. AMW will definitely deep fry me!* and I can attest it's soft and smooth! Whenever she gives me a makeover, I feel her palms on to my face or when she consoles me when I'm frustrated or depressed, I can feel how she has taken care of it. Second, everyone can attest that she has the best fingernails and toenails as they're all dolled up all the time! Her endless nail art designs keeps on inspiring others to do the same. Come to think of it, it's really hard to do your nails with just swiping the polish.. how much more designing it??! One thing I learned from her is to file my nails in square shape. I just did that recently because I loved how her nails are shaped.. it's a perfect square! Not too long and not too short. I know that for a fact since she needs to maintain that length for her to properly type in her laptop keyboard really fast! Hehehe! :) *Trivia: I was too "boastful" that I can beat her out in that keyboard typing game. But I was no match!! Hahaha! She beat everyone out while sporting her gorgeous nails!*

To show some "proof" how much I love her hands, here are some "evidences" of our so-called "touch therapy". Hahahaha! See some BFF/girl action in here. Estrogen galore!! More than the physical look and feel of her hands, I thank God for giving me a friend and a big sister like her, who never fails to extend her hand anytime and every time for me :) 

Bea, thank you so much for sharing what you love about me, actually you shared too much!!!  *laughs*  I am quite at awe with her testimonial as one of the most hated part of my body was my hands.  I used to call them "Laundry hands" as they are dry and I even felt uneasy holding hands with friends, or even then boyfriend "Keith" *blushes* that time!

With this activity, now I've gone one thing I am turning to love about my body!  Okay, starting today, I'm shouting to the world that I got soft hands!  *celebrates*!!!


Wanna hold hands with me?  *winks*


With this activity I recently enjoyed doing, (gave me the boost of confidence on down days), I'd love to ask the same question to you: "What Do You Love About Your Body?"

Having a hard time?  Share this activity with a friend and tell me "What Do You Love About Your Friend's Body and What She Loves About Yours!"

I love my friends' - "legs, arms, neck..." etc..
My friend loves my - "eyes, cheeks, nose..." surprising, I didn't know I have good looking "eyes, cheeks, nose.." etc...

Trust me on this, this is an activity that showers us with positive vibes!  It helps us stay confident amidst the crazy judgmental world!

Thanks Dove Philippines for this eye-opening activity.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!





(This is a sponsored post.)

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

AMW Reviews: The Balm FratBoy Shadow/Blush

My dearest friend from Malaysia (you know who you are sweetie pie, thank you!) asked me if I've tried any The Balm product.  I gave a sheepish "no" and told her we do have them locally but I just didn't get the chance to even visit the stores who sell them due to my super busy schedule.

She said: "No worries!"  

When we met, she handed me the gorgeous FratBoy shadow/Blush and told me its a gorgeous color!  I agree, I gave it a try the next day and the days after, I even have this blush on while I type this post.


The Balm FratBoy Shadow/Blush says ---
This velvety smooth, peachy-apricot shadow/blush adds the perfect amount of color for a foxy flush so you look stellar around the clock.  Frat Boy leaves you with a face that's pretty and polished.  When you can't keep the boys away, blame it on the blush.

Ingredients:
Mica, Boron Nitride, Polyethylene, Isoeicosane, Silica, Ptfe, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyisobutene, Dimethicone, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Carmine (C1 75470), Iron Oxides (C1 77491, C1 77492).



AMW says ---
Pros
  • Some may not like the carton packaging but I actually love it for the fact that it's a super space saver!  I can easily fit this in on tiny spaces left on my makeup traincase.
  • Comes with a mirror.
  • Gives out a pinkish matte finish yet exudes a healthy, unexplainable glow.
  • Smooth texture.
  • A little goes a long way.
  • Works as eyeshadow and blush, but I prefer to use this for the latter.
  • Build-able, you can create a light flush to a super "obviously there" wild blushing.
Cons
  • The Balm can still come up with MORE blushes!  
  • Oily individuals may find this to disappear on them in less than half a day.
  • Available locally.
Overall
Compared the product on pan, I like it once applied on my cheeks!  It just shows that we can't judge a blush by it's "cartoon-ish" cover!  *laughs*

Tips
  • Test on different blush brush to get the right "pigmentation".  I prefer using this with my Charm Vegan Powder Brush
  • If you like to have a better glow on cheeks, apply your favorite "illuminizer" on top of the FratBoy.
  • Apply with big fluffy brush on the apples of your cheeks for a sweet glow.
  • Apply on the apples of your cheeks going upwards to the temple for a more defined look.
  • It helps to apply a cream based blush underneath for the blush to stay longer.
  • If you apply too much, do not worry but apply your shade of powder foundation on top.
  • It helps to keep the "sleeves" so this won't open up accidentally inside your bag.
Will I repurchase?
Not the same shade, but I just checked the online site and I would love to give Cabana Boy and Down Boy a try :)

To whom do I recommend this to?

Blush lovers out there who has the same thinking as mine --- "You can never have enough blush!" *laughs*

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally, at the Beauty Bars for Php850.00 (approx $19.32).

The Balm FratBoy is a 
matte Pinky Peach Blush on pan



gives out a Satiny Finish on my cheeks


How do you like the blush on my cheeks?
Yay or nay?
Would you go for this shade?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Tuesday, December 13, 2011

AMW Reviews: Visa Debit Card

Remember my post re: Pay Now: Debit Cards?

Well, a couple of months after, Mr. AMW applied his own UnionBank Debit Card.  It was perfect timing as the Christmas season is here....of course, he shopped using his Debit Card with yours truly!  *laughs*  What's the point of shopping without the wonderful shopping companion? :P *pointing myself*


I love to use my credit cards and like I said, the only issue I have on using a credit card is hassle of long lines to withdraw cash and long queues on credit card payments on both the banks or malls!  Let's not forget the money that I separate and keep inside an envelope just to pay for credit cards on a monthly basis.

Note: You may think this is totally not related to beauty but I believe it is because I used this to purchase dresses, makeup and oh!  I dined using Mr. AMW's  this card a lot of times! 

Visa Debit Card says ---
Using your EON Visa Electron card is quicker than making a visit to the bank, more convenient than writing checks, and safer than carrying cash. And shopping at home or at locations around the world has never been easier. Using a Visa Electron card helps simplify your life. With a EON Visa Electron card purchase, the payment is automatically debited directly from your bank account. Your online banking statement then provides you with a record of all your EON Visa Electron card purchases, making it easier for you to manage your expenses.

Use your EON Visa Electron card instead of cash or checks to pay for purchases worldwide. So the next time you shop at the grocery store, dine at a restaurant, or fill your car with petrol, use your EON Visa Electron card. Visa debit makes shopping fast, convenient and safe. Visa debit cards are accepted at up to 27 million locations worldwide, giving you purchasing power whether you are at home or traveling.

Don't forget. You may also use your EON Visa Electron card to pay for many of the purchases you make while shopping on the Internet. And you can use your EON Visa Electron card to get cash at more than 1 Million PLUS /ATMs worldwide.

AMW says ---
Pros
  • No need to separate cash payment and wait for monthly bills.
  • No need to line up on ATM to withdraw cash.
  • Safe to use, as signature is needed and some merchants would ask for ID.
  • VISA card, so it's acceptable on most merchants that accepts credit card payments.
  • Can be used even during travel.  Immediate deduction, no need to wait for the day the bill arrived and wonder how much the exchange rate would be.
  • You can check your balance online.
  • UnionBank Visa Debit Card also gives out freebies per usage (the last time I checked their online site).
  • For online shopper like myself, I can use this to pay via Paypal and I don't need to calculate conversion rates twice! (via Paypal and via Credit Card companies).
  • There are some freebies just by using the said card, you just have to keep yourself informed by checking out the websites of the banks who carry this debit card. 
  • There's no "time frame" when it comes to payment, there were times I didn't get my credit card bill and I was charged with "late payment fees".  Huge hassle to give them a call.

Cons
  • No credit card points! (I wish they would do that and I'll throw all my credit cards away!)
Overall
I am very happy with this, several merchants I've tried using this Visa Debit Card.

Food and drinks- Wee Nam Kee, Emerald Garden, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Clothing: - SM Department Store, Karimadon, Rustan's
Daily needs - Grocery shopping at Puregold and SM Grocery.
Toys - Toys R Us
Medicines: Mercury Drugstore

I'm quite impressed there weren't any issues using the card on several merchants and it was quick and easy!  I only need to keep my receipts for my own reference then I don't need to worry about anything else but earn more money!  *laughs*

Tips
  • A minimal fee of Php350.00 (for Unionbank) to get your own Debit card.
  • Always keep the receipts to double check the amount deducted.
  • To keep yourself from overspending, it helps to keep track the amount on a monthly basis that you need to spend.  Once you go overboard, you can keep the card at home.
  • Keep bank numbers just in case your card gets lost or stolen.
Will I deposit more in this card?
Yes, but I will still keep my other credit cards (seriously, just for the points!)

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who hates to withdraw cash, who doesn't need the points.

Where to apply?
Visit BDO, Chinatrust Commercial Bank, Equicom Savings Bank, Inc., HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Sterling Bank of Asia and Unionbank.

Would you go for a debit card?
Why or why not?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!





AMW Reviews: K-Palette 24H Real Lasting Eyeliner Waterproof





Note: This is a Waterproof version with WP printed on the pen.  This is different with the regular version.

I've seen K-Palette brand from various YouTube Beauty gurus.  A lot of them said this is their HG (Holy Grail) liquid liner.

To be honest, I never get swayed with people saying this is the best product to date not unless I gave them a try!  As you know, each product works differently to each individual!  Let's also consider the fact that we live in different countries so we always have to consider these factors in any products we use!

Recently, I got the K-Palette 24H Real Lasting Eyeliners and Eyebrow Liners, I've tested both products in various weather conditions and I'm finally ready to give my thoughts on the "Japan's Bestselling Eyeliner"!

They are available in 2 shades 
and I get to try them both!


Monday, December 12, 2011

Nail Art Tutorial: Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer




Happy Monday!  I'm jolly today because this week, there's more exciting things happening for me!  Benefit Opening at Greenbelt 5, Christmas Dinner with College friends, then...I'm off to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to be an actress!  *hahahaha*

Just joking!  I'm seriously off to Malaysia but sad to say, I'm not going to be an actress but I'll be joining fellow Nuffnangers for the Nuffnang Blog Awards 2011!  Don't worry, I'll definitely share to you my experience and I'll be a good AMW reporter! :)

To my nail art loving readers and friends, no matter how busy I am, I won't forget the Christmas Series!

Last week, it was "Snowman Says "Hi" 
This week, it's Rudolf saying: "I have a very shiny nose!" 

a photo of Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer Nail Art, Christmas Nail Art Tutorial
A lot of you have seen the cameo of Rudolf when I did a review on the 3s Pre-glued lashes.  To those who noticed and complimented his "cuteness", Rudolf blushes and says: "Thank you!" :P