AMW Makeover: Trial Makeup

Happy Choose-day! :)  Everyday is a Choose-day for me as we have a choice...a choice to be happy!  I always proclaim each day as a happy day and most of the time, it worked!  

I will be sharing to you my first few makeovers for the year!  Let's start with a Trial Makeup!  Anne, my dear client, disclosed to me how much she likes to have a very simple and natural-looking makeup for her special day!  I agree, I myself went for that look on my wedding day year 2007.

Once I saw Anne, I told myself it won't be hard to prettify such beautiful face with such beautiful smile! 

Anne's Skin Condition ---

Very Oily

A bit of redness on some areas

To start off, I was glad to know Anne applied moisturizer prior to me going to her place.  I spritz a bit of water to freshen up her face and found Anne to have oily skin (Super Oily on the T-Zone).

I primed her face with Laura Mercier's Foundation primer, pat it gently until it gets absorbed into the skin and proceeded by looking for the right foundation shade.

As I was waiting for the primer to set in, I spot corrected her redness with various correctors.  Spot correcting on redness on the sides of her nose, her under eye circles and freckles.

I went ahead to mix cream foundation as I do not seem to have the exact shade for her and applied it all over the face adding up as necessary but making sure not to pile on too much to make the bride-to-be feel uncomfortable.

Making sure areas that need to be covered are completely covered "up close", I went ahead and set the foundation and went straight to the brows.

The shape of Anne's brows are perfect, I just filled some of the gaps and lightened up her brows a bit as her hair color is medium brown!  Anne requested for a not so heavy eye makeup and I just enhanced it with a bit of eyeshadow and eyeliner.  No falsies yet (as she's not going anywhere after this trial makeup) but I will definitely use one on her wedding day!

Anne loved the first look...

but her mom wanted the same look

using red lippie

Can you help Anne and her mom decide?  
Natural lip color or the red lippie?
My answer would be natural lippie in the morning and red lippie for reception!
(But that's just me) :D

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: Ode to my Dogs..Arf! Arf!

Happy Start of the week!  I will be starting the 2nd week of the year with a Nail Art Tutorial!  It won't be related to new year or even anything too fancy as I would like to make this special post for my dogs!

Yes, to some who don't know, I am proud momma to my Pomeranian dogs!  A brief background on my love affair with the furry friends.

I used to be scared of dogs, we may have a fair share of taking care of Chicken, Duck, Rabbits, Turtles and Fishes but never in our wildest dream to own a dog!  Which is understandable as my brother used to suffer from asthma.

When I was working as a teacher in China, one of my Dutch colleague asked me for a favor, a favor I nearly "accidentally peed on my pants".  He will be traveling with his girlfriend to Netherlands for a month and asked me to help take care of their 12-year old Shih Tzu.  He was with "Di Di", the Shih Tzu, when he asked for a favor and I tried to be friendly with this dog and reached out to pat his head and he want "Grrrrr" and nearly bit me!  *shudders*  Great!  I told myself I'll be losing one finger in a month but I said "yes" anyway as I want my colleague to enjoy his much awaited vacation!

To cut the long story, the first few days was the most challenging days but the days passed by with me walking to the mark, crossing the street (without leash), eating meatballs from 7-11 every night and jog with "Di Di".  I got sick and had "di di" watch me while I sleep and he would wiggle his tail each time I wake up for the much awaited "morning bonding".  He got sick and I remembered rushing him to the vet with my bike as it was snowing as I covered him and put him in front of the bike basket as I whispered to him "Everything's going to be alright"

Can you imagine how hard was it was to say goodbye to "Di Di" when the owners returned?  I gave my mom a call and I was in tears and my mom (who dislikes having dogs around the home) said: "Don't worry, we'll buy a dog when you return."

And it happened, when I returned to Manila for good....the rest was history!  I may not be with Di Di but I have my own babies!

So to kick off Nail Art Tutorial for the year 2012, this post is dedicated to my dogs....

"Ode to my Dogs --- Arf! Arf!"

Weekend Food Tripping at: Hanobe

Happy Sunday everyone!  I can't explain how busy my Saturday was but guess what?  Here I am surprisingly still alive and kicking to share a food post to make you...drool! :)

Whether holidays are over, our family love to bond with the presence of Food!  Each time I dined in a restaurant that gave me good experience, I can't wait to share it with the family and invite them for get together!

The get together happened at Hanobe Restaurant.  Surprisingly, the first and last time I dined in this restaurant was the year 2009 when it bears the same name but the restaurant ambiance looks super different!  (Read my post HERE.)

Here's how Hanobe Asian Food House looks at present....thank God for early arrival I was able to book the "private" room.

AMW very serious on preparing for the night's dishes

Same owners or not, I'm just glad the restaurant looks bright, ambiance is better and everything felt just right!  Wonderful glass window and clean utensils!

 Hanobe Global Fried Rice

Php688.00 (approx $16.00)

Yes dear, it's not a cake but fried rice!

This looks weird to most of you but one of the best tasting and unique fried rice I've tried.  The rice were wrapped inside egg with sauce that I can't seem  to pinpoint but it tastes very good!  Nothing weird and the sauce blends so well making the rice easy to chew and swallow!  I can even eat this on its own!

I have to report that this was a huge hit!  My family usually cannot finish a large order of Fried Rice but they finished this in an instant!  Will definitely order this again as this was my second time trying out this unique, super cute-looking rice!

Sweet and Sour Fish 

Medium for Php428.00 (approx $9.95)

I am very particular with the freshness of the fish and it did not fail!  

Crunchy fish coating blended with sweet and sour sauce!  Perfect with the Global fried rice rice!

Beef Tenderloin 

Large for Php748.00 (approx $17.40)

I am comfortable ordering beef tenderloin in this restaurant that's why I went for large right away!  I have tasted this and was impressed how tender and juicy the beef was!   The taste of the sauce was just right.  Nothing overpowers the other!

3 Kinds of Vegetable Dish

Medium for Php388.00 (approx $9.00)

I just wanted something healthy and green that I went for my gut feel for 3 Kinds of Vegetables.  It was a hit as the taste was unique!

Pork Spareribs

Medium for Php368.00 (approx $8.56)

Another hit!  Mixed with loads of garlic and the pork is quite meaty and not much fat!  The vinegar that comes with it is a match made in heaven!

Braised Stuffed Tofu

Medium for Php338.00 (approx $7.80)

Ahhh, tofu!  What more can I say?  In any Chinese Restaurant that I visit, a tofu dish is a must and this one is quite unique as the tofu was stuffed with meatball and the added slices of Asado (BBQ'd Pork) gives a different texture!  One piece is enough to keep you full! (Not true!  I had 2! hahaha)

  

Cha Misua

Sorry can't remember the price

I think we over-ordered as we didn't even get to the half of this dish!  I am not a fan of Cha Misua as I like my noodles to have more sauce! (Ex. Birthday Noodles).  I ordered this because I know my nephew and sister likes this!

Various Korean-made Ice Cream

Ahhhh after a full stomach, a light, not-too-sweet ice cream is the best way to finish off a good meal!  Melona has been around on most Korean restaurants and I'm glad they are making their way to Chinese restaurants!  I am not a fan of "anything too sweet" so I am loving Korean made ice cream!  They taste really good!

The restaurant serves their food quick and fresh!
Servers are very friendly and they attend to our needs in as quick as they can!
Restaurant accepts Cash and Credit Card Payments.

Hanobe Asian Food House

99 Maria Clara St. cor. Banawe, Brgy. Sto. Domingo

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(632) 731-4381

Last time I check, I can still fit in the clothes I own!  *whew*  Lucky you as you did not gain any pounds reading this post!  :)  

Where are you going for food tripping?
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Tip for the Day: Foundation

I have been asked by many...through Cbox, email, twitter, or even in person on what's the best foundation for them.  I am very honest when I say..."It Depends..."

It depends on your skin type, skin condition and it really depends on YOU.  So what's the point of making my top picks?  To serve as a basis, but of course, this post will always be open for further comments and suggestions!  I am just a beauty blogger and a makeup artist, I am in no way an expert in guessing the best foundation for each individual so please try on testers, ask a favor from a friend who owns ton of makeup then try the products before you start spending your hard earn money on them!  

Keep in mind that I haven't tried all foundation mentioned below, some are highly recommended by my makeup artist friends! :)  It doesn't hurt to share then you pay me back with cash. *winks* :P 

For Dry Skin

The best person to ask if you have dry skin aside from oldies?  ME!  *laughs*  Just joking, I'm sure a lot of youngsters (aside from myself hahaha) suffers from this skin condition either "They were born with it" or they were under skin treatment which led them to have dry, flaky skin!   Here are some of my best bet for dry skin individual after we *high five*! :)

SPEND

Clinique Supermoisture Makeup

I have used this way back when I wasn't even blogging!  This gives out the "moisture" any person would want and I  have a couple of friends who have dry skin and swore by this. 

MAC Mineralize Satinfinish SPF15 Foundation
Thanks to Sis Gracie for sending me this so I was able to try this.  The good thing about MAC Mineralized Satinfinish foundation is the fact that it never feels heavy but it gives a nice, healthy sheen after every application!

SAVE

Revlon Age Defying Makeup with DNA Advantage

I recently road tested this and it worked on my skin and never felt dry and it gives me the moisture I need for the whole day!

Cover Girl Advanced Radiance
One of the first few drugstore foundation I purchased when I told myself I need to stack up on makeup for school!  This one has the added moisturizer and the name says it all "Advanced Radiance".  Anything with Radiance would be great to create a fake, healthy looking skin.

Mary Kay Timewise Luminous Wear Foundation

I have tried this on both mature clients and myself.  Since my skin isn't that dry as compared to mature clients, I like the fact that this product never settled into fine lines.  The effect came out really well.

For Oily Skin

I am used to doing makeup for oily skin as most of my clients surprisingly suffers from oily skin!  Keep in mind that if you have very oily skin, on oil-control primer will still be needed prior to foundation application at the same time, a good oil-control setting powder would help prolong the "matte-looking" finish of your skin!  It doesn't hurt to carry oil-control blotter sheets with you at all times!

SPEND

Make Up Forever Mat Velvet
I have once chatted with a fellow makeup artist and when I asked about her best bet foundation for Oily Skin, she blurted out Make Up For Ever's Mat Velvet.  I was told this foundation does not only give a matte-looking finish foundation but it does help control a bit of the oilies.  I will probably purchase this once I'm done with my current foundations.

MAC StudioFix Foundation (Liquid)
Ah, need I say more?  I've seen these Studio Fix Liquid foundation been used on various makeup artists and you have to agree when I say, most of our makeup-loving friends own at least one of these!  The downside though, not all skin would agree with the ingredients of MAC SF Foundation.  I have friends who love this product dearly but it causes their skin to break out the day after usage!  

OCC / Graftobian Airbrush Foundation
You don't need to go out and purchase an airbrush equipment but the tiny tube of airbrush foundation are great for oily skin!

 

MAC StudioFix Foundation (powder)

Since oily skin individuals are "in dire" need to set their foundation, a powder foundation with oil control is best and MAC SF Powder Foundation gives extra coverage and removes shine!

SAVE

Revlon ColorStay Makeup with SoftFlex
This is the drugstore version of MAC Studio Fix Liquid Foundation (in my very humble opinion).  Even the scent is similar and it gives a good coverage and can hold up to humidity.

Maybelline Mineral Powder Foundation

Most inexpensive oil-control loose mineral foundation that works!

Mary Kay Timewise Matte Wear Foundation
I surprisingly reach out to this eventhough I have dry/combination skin.  I like the super matte finish it gives with an extra glow! 

For Normal Skin or
Combination Skin

Normal skin individuals are lucky as they get the liberty to try different brands and types of foundation as most of them would work for normal skin. I also included the list for combination skin as most the brands listed below can also be used for Combination skin.  It helps to use an oil-control primer applied only on areas that oil up and leave the rest as is.

SPEND

RMK Creamy Foundation
Oh my! Need to say more?  Kindly read how I gush about the product HERE

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation
this also suits combination skin!  Perfect on photos!

Clinique Superbalanced Makeup
This make up is known to give moisture on areas that needed one and control oilies on areas that oils up!  Smart makeup I should say!

SAVE

Avon Ideal Shade Foundation
Inexpensive and it works on all skin type!  I put this on Combination skin's Save portion because I can use this liquid foundation on both my dry-skinned days and the not-so-dry to normal skin days!

Graftobian Hi-Def Creme Foundation

Though this comes in tiny amount of product for the price, I still call this inexpensive as a little goes a long way with this cream foundation.  I have used this on both  normal and combination skin and the effect was consistently good!

Products listed above came out from the moment I've written this post.  The list is not complete and I'm opening the "comment section" for everyone to share their list base on their experience!  In that way, it will be helpful to everyone reading this entry!

Today, I am off for 2 makeup gigs and I have more faces to prettify and it helps to share what I learn as each experience go!  There's no 100% way to know which type or brand of foundation is right for you unless you went out there and give the product a test.  I am not requiring you to spend your money to buy different foundation from here and there, but, let us try on testers, borrow from friends, do some research!  At the end of the day, no one knows your skin better than yourself! :)

So, start sharing your favorite foundation brands and which skin type would it work best for!
Goodluck!
Happy Hunting!

Keep smiln'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Etude House Party Queen

My 2012 New Year Nails are simple and sparkly!  Like I said, it goes with my favorite sparkly gold shoes which I recently bought!  

Enjoy my simple EH Party Queen Sparkly Nails as you won't see much simple looking nails from me in the coming Nail Art Posts!  *laughs*

To those who wonder, this is how the Etude House Party Queen Gradation Nails set look like!  I'm ready to review this after having this on my nails for almost 2 weeks!