Various Contests --- Winners! + Pet Blessing Day!

Dear AMW Readers,

I enjoyed the active participation of AMW readers on both my posts and contests!  Thank you so much for being so active in sharing your thoughts, ideas and just simple ways to brighten up my day!

Finally, here's the announcement for the winners of the various contests which ended March 15, 2012!

Love Package from Glow and Glamour

Mary Kay Gives: "Glam Up Your Lips" Promo

I already picked the winner and Mary Kay will send the email directly to the winner!  Please check your mail box if you did join the contest!

Snoe Gives: Cool Snoe Products

Congratulations to ---

Gen-zel D. Habab

Strip Gives: Bare Necessity

Congratulations to ---

Charlene Bianes

Avon Gives: Giving Back

Congratulations to ---

 Anna Farinah Mindalano

Avon Naturals Rose and Rose Hips

Congratulations to ---

Lady Anne Lao

 

Avon Naturals Tea Tree Oil & Green Tea Purifying Skin Care

Congratulations to ---

Kristin Mendoza

Avon Naturals Milk & Honey Nourishing Skin Care

Congratulations to ---

Claire Sereno

 

I will email the winners to get your mailing address!  Again congratulations and thanks everyone for joining!  Again, as promised, there will be more contests for you!  I love you all! :)

Before I end this post, I want to share an important announcement to ALL pet lovers out there!  The Purple Groom is giving away 50% off on grooming service on MARCH 30, 2012 starting at 9:00am at the Xavierville Branch for their PET BLESSING DAY!  

LIKE them on Facebook and message them if you are going!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Makeover: Nikki and Camie

Today's post, I am dedicating this to one of super loyal client Nikki --- ahhhh! The name Nikki is really wonderful, don't you think?  They're usually loyal, pretty, funny, smart etc...! :P  

Seriously speaking, Nikki and her mom is one of my first few clients who trusted me even way back!  I'm glad to have loyal clienteles and I love my job because I get to know them not just as clients but as friends!  Nikki gave me a short message asking me if I can do her makeup as well as her friends' as they are part of the entourage for a wedding in the province.  

I happily obliged!

Client A

Skin type: Combination

Request: Well, I've done her makeup so many times she lets me do her makeup with ease and without any request :)

Client A has combination skin so I prepared her skin by moisturizing the drier areas and applied oil control on areas that I know will oil up the most!  In her case, it's her t-zone.  I mixed up 2 different shades from Graftobian to achieve her shade and applied a thin layer all over her skin as she's got good skin to start with.

She has a nice set of brows so all I did was to fill in the gaps and set it with a brow gel to tame them!  On to the eye makeup, Nikki has typical Asian eyes (monolid), I steered away from creating fake crease as it was a day time wedding event I don't want her to look too made-up and unnatural, I ended up highligthing the inner corner of her eyes giving a bit of dimension or creating a "shadow" on her "crease" area and lined her eyes with a thicker-than-usual liner. 

A simple flush was created using a Cream Blush from Stila as she has drier cheeks.  Cream blush set with a tiny amount of powder blush would be great for that "dewy" looking cheeks.

I contoured random areas of her forehead, nose, cheekbones and the chin area for that nice "color" as client is quite fair! 

Last but not the least, a lipstick that's close to her original lip color was used.

Final Look

Client B
Skin type: Normal and Dry
Request: Any look

Camie, is one of those girls who have a perfect canvass!  You can easily change her look with different sorts of makeup application and as I look into her clear skin, I thought of a nicer "flush" of color focusing on her eyes and skin!  

For the skin, I applied a regular primer from Laura Mercier to keep her makeup intact, let it set a bit then applied a tiny amount of Benefit Porefessional on her nose area.

In person, Camie has colored hair so I happily pulled out my brow powder, brow pencil and brow gel!  Brows are tricky yet fun to do and I took the time to really create a "young looking" brows fit for her age!  

On to her eye makeup, Camie's outfit has a lot of gorgeous bling so I want to keep it down with neutral shades, a light dust of rose colored eyeshadow was used adding up on dark purple and brown mixed together to create shades that people can't seem to identify!  And for another "monolid" client, it is very important to apply the right thickness of eyeliner to enhance her eyes but NOT applying it all over the eyes making it smaller!  I try to steer away from winging any eyeliner for monolid as I want to show "the roundness" of the eyes, winging it would make it even smaller!

Client B has oblong face shape so I contoured areas on her forehead, chin, cheekbones and let's not forget the non-surgery nose lift via contouring powder! *winks*

A light peach colored blush was used and I topped it with a tiny amount of bronzing powder for that healthy glow!  Of course, to finish it off, a peach colored lipstick was used.

Final Look

And here's the ultimate final look ....

*laughs* Just Joking!  Isn't he adorable??? :)  

To those who haven't seen this on my Facebook Page, I actually got my ZUCA case last February 28 (right in time for my birthday) and I've been putting this case in action for quite some time!  I'll share to everyone my thoughts on this once I'm ready! 

Thanks Nikki and Camie for the trust!
Do you like their makeovers?
Happy Monday!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy

Weekend Food Tripping at: Kogi Bulgogi

Happy Sunday! :)
Please do not get angry if you are seeing yet another "Korean Food" post, if you do, you'll get angry quite a number of times on my blog as you'll definitely see a lot of these blogged here! :)

Because I live at downtown area, seldom do I go to Eastwood, but because I had a makeup gig near by, Mr. AMW and I decided to drop Eastwood Mall!  We were walking around wondering where to eat, then we saw his Aunt! 

As advised by Aunty Anne *waves hi!*, the place to go for Korean food craving is called Kogi Bulgogi!

 Free Appetizer

We asked for second round of Kimchi, 

Seasoned Bean Sprouts and flavored dried fish

Jjampong 

Php215.00 (approx $5.00)

Fresh noodles in spicy seafood ramen

The noodles are definitely fresh and doesn't come out from an "instant" noodle packaging!  I've dined in several Korean restaurants and I can immediately tell if the noodles they served are freshly made or not (it's a talent :P).   When you order Jjampong, you can request for your preferred level of spiciness! In my case, I went for Mild just so my tummy won't act up again!

 Bibimbap

Php165.00 (approx $3.40)

Beef with fried egg

Bibimbap is one of the many few dishes you can see me finish a big cup of rice!  Seasoned vegetables served with egg on top mixed together with beef slices and red paste gives an overall pleasure inside my mouth!  

 Dweji Kalbi

Php188.00 (approx $4.37)

Grilled pork served with fresh lettuce and spices to test your "meat wrapping" skills! :)  I like the fact that the pork served doesn't have a lot of fat, yet the meat remains tender because of the way it was sliced!

The restaurant is not that big and most of the time, it is packed with hungry customers!  The exterior could be intimidating but the prices are reasonable!  Ambiance is comfortable for family gatherings or even for dates! 

Servers were quick, attentive and helpful!  Kogi Bulgogi accepts cash and credit card payments.

Kogi Bulgogi

2/F Eastwood Mall Veranda, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., 

Bagumbayan, Libis Quezon City

(632) 470-6884 to 85

Have you seen this restaurant at the Eastwood Mall Area?  Have you tried their dishes?  How was your experience?  Can you share to me another dish recommendation from this restaurant?  I'll definitely go back!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reports: Toccare Spa

Hair Color --- check!

Hair Treatment --- check!

Now what's left to complete my ultimate pampering package AMW style?

Massage!!!

After I came back from my teaching gig in China, I told Mr. AMW that I have never found a "spa" place that gives me the comfort as what I've experienced in Shenzhen, I actually purchased a 12 sessions + 3 free for a year membership!  It was pricey but it was all worth it as teaching isn't easy, the stress, the pressure that I've experienced, I'm glad I have a "spa" place were I can throw my troubles away.

Back in Manila, I've had bits of services that are my favorite but I can only find them on different places.  Where's the TOTAL package that I was looking for?  After several years of search, I've finally found it!  

At Toccare Spa

It was perfect as I just finished a makeup gig that day.  A girl's gotta learn how to relax, and I'm learning pretty fast! :)

Toccare Spa is located at the Antel Spa Suites, once you get into the lobby area, you will be directed to an elevator that goes straight to 4th floor.  Once I got in, I was greeted by the receptionist and you get to choose the services you want!  You can choose from their packages available or you can personalize it base on your needs.

I was given the chance to choose the scent of the oil, the scent of the room and the type of music to be played (available for private rooms only).  For the oil, I went for Lemongrass while the room scent, I chose Lavander.  For the music?  I want for nature!

I was ushered to the changing room were I get to put my stuff inside the locker provided.  Any service you choose, you can go for Dry Sauna, Wet Sauna or Jacuzzi.  I went for 15 minutes Dry Sauna and watched "The Buzz" while I drink a cold glass of water. (There's a television right outside the sauna and you can actually see it as they're facing you!).

 

I had a quick shower right after and changed into a robe.

For every services you avail, you also get a complimentary 15 minutes foot ritual.  The pedicure/manicure and food ritual room's interior is well decorated.  The ambiance is very relaxing!

A television was there right in the middle of the room just in case guests wants to watch cable television programs.

My foot spa started by dipping my feet into a warm tub of water as the attendant sprinkled some bath salts and scrubbed my feet and legs massaging it all at the same time.

I was offered drinks so I chose hot tea as I enjoy a bit of the magazines.

The foot spa ended with the application of lotion on both feet and legs and a nice massage.

Skin Nourishment Body Scrub 

60 minutes

Lemon-grass Sage Salt Scrub

Php1,500 (approx $35.00)

I was led into a common room for my body scrub, the room has its own shower, sofa and sink.  You get to strip off your robe for body scrub so it is advisable that you bring extra undies so you don't have to be in your birthday suit.

The scrub itself felt a bit uncomfortable at first as I seldom have someone "scrub" my body!  The pressure of the "scrub" can always be requested, I am glad my attendant have such "light" hands and I was put to ease in no time.  

After the scrub, I was asked to wash off the lemon-grass sage salt scrub and my skin felt moisturized immediately after even without oil or lotion.

Filipino Hilot

Php1,000 (approx $23.50) for 60min

Php1,200 (approx $28.00) for 90min

This can be done in a private room and I immediately took a shot as the room reminded me so much of my favorite private room in Shenzhen, China. 

I looked around and saw a sink, toothpaste and toothbrush just in case client would like to brush their teeth after!

The unique thing about Filipino Hilot is the warm banana leaves that was pressed on my back.  It immediately soothes the pain around my back and the massage done was to die for!  The massage started at the back area down to the legs then the head.  The oil used absorbed immediately into my skin miraculously leaving me with no greasy feel!

I actually dozed off a bit and woke up again when I have the Appertizer Facial next.  It was for good 30 minutes and they actually used Pevonia Botanica skincare products!   

After more than 3 hours of total treatment, I changed and went to Mr. AMW who's waiting for me in this waiting area.  Mr. AMW applaud the spa for the comfortable waiting area and he told me the staffs took care of him by offering drinks!

By the way, for any package you get, you can choose to include the SPA CUISINE to complete the ultimate pampering experience!  Though the meal was good for 1 person, I think it is even enough for 2!  I went back to the Foot Ritual room to watch HBO movie and enjoy the lovely dishes served with Mr. AMW.  It felt like a date night! :)

Spa Cuisine for the night:

Pumpskin Soup, Salad with Vinaigrette,

Teriyaki Chicken with rice and vegetables and Blueberry Panna Cotta

Pros

• Staffs are very helpful and knowledgeable of each services offered.
• Place is very clean!
• Clean lockers, slippers and bath robes.
• Hair brushes and blow dryer available for clients to use.  They have hair brush sterilizers available which I appreciate a lot!
• Disposable toothbrush and toothpaste are available for clients to use.
• I was told the spa also have disposable underwear.
• Price is quite reasonable for the high class service they provide.
• The spa has a lot of choices to chose from on Body Massages, Body Scrubs, Body Wraps, Body Sculpt, Hand & Foot Repair, Face Therapy, Other Services like ear candling, hair waxing, threading and a lot more!
• The Spa Cuisine!  My overall spa experience ended around 10pm so most of the restaurants nearby were close and I was really hungry!  The extra service makes this spa a unique place to go to! 
• Seriously good food!

Cons

• The place is world class but it's not as accessible to everyone.
• I know it is just me, but I came in with makeup, and after the sauna, I went out with HUGE panda eyes from my eyeliner smudging everywhere.  It would be great if they have facial wash or makeup removers available.

Overall

I will definitely go back and will take my parents with me!  I may not go for the same services I had as I find it a bit too much (I'm not used to being pampered for more than 2 hours! hehehe)  I will definitely go back for more body massages and seriously? I"m actually looking forward for more of their cuisine!  

Toccare Spa

4th Floor Antel Spa Suites

7829 A. Venue Makati, 

Makati Avenue, Makati City

Tel. nos: (632)555-1232 or (63927) 768-6556
Website: http://www.toccarespa.com.ph

Facebook: Toccare Spa

Have you heard about Toccare Spa? 
Which among their services would you try?  

Keep smilin'
Stay happy

(Services provided for PR purposes.  Reviews 100% mine.)

AMW Reviews: Clinique Superpowder Double Face Powder

I'm a powder girl rather than creams and liquids!  It must be because time is so precious for me I wouldn't want to spend a lot of it just on my face as I can literally hear my mom clapping her hands saying: "GO! GO! GO! Hurry up!"  

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that I was trained to be conscious of time!  

Way before Paul & Joe Protective Dual Powder Foundation Days, it was Clinique Superpowder Double Effect for years and years! 

If you click HERE and go back in the year 2008, you can take a peek at my makeup pouch, I've always been a fan of the unique Clinique face powder packaging!  I used to purchase them at Greenhills mall (a tiny store that sells international beauty supplies) during college, where did I get the money you ask?  I actually saved them up from my summer job and part-time tutorial jobs!  (The things I do all in the name of beauty) *laughs*

Today, I may have tried all sorts of powder and powder foundation, it is nice to look back and review my number one love, the "expensive powder most dermatologists recommend" (This is how I used to call Clinique Super Powder) :P

Clinique Superpowder Double Face Powder says ---

A long-wearing 2-in-1 powder and foundation in a portable compact. The long-wearing, full-coverage powder works as an over-foundation finisher or as a powder foundation.  The extra-cling formula provides double coverage, yet leaves the skin with a natural skin-perfecting look.

For combination skin types.  Non-acnegenic.

 

Ingredients
 

AMW says ---

Pros

• Very "Clinique"packaging. 
• Packaging has a clear manufactured date.

 

• Huge mirror which can be used to apply all over face makeup.

• Washable sponge made of good quality.

• Using light-hand application, it gives a matte finish with a "glow".
• Coverage is build-able.
• Unscented.
• No allergies nor skin irritations.
• Does not dry my "already dry skin".
• Lightweight.
• Looks very natural to use on its own or even as setting powder.
  

Cons

• Shade choices aren't that wide.  Only 4 shades available.

Overall

This is a wonderful face powder that suits dry, normal and combination skin!  The powder foundation is lightweight and you can see the original skin shines through!

As for the price, people may judge this product to be pricey, but for someone like me who have sensitive, dry/combination skin, this is a great "investment" as I vouch on looking for the best product that suits my skin!  Each compact would last me around 3 months or so, so I guess it's worth it.

Tips

• Always start application with a clean face.
• Moisturize well if you have dry skin.
• Not to be used by very oily skin.  Go for Clinique Perfectly Real Powder or much better, go to a Clinique SA and tell them your concern! :)
• Wash the sponge prior to usage and wash as much as you can with soap and water, let dry completely before next use.
• For lighter application or touch-up, apply with the use of a brush.
• Pat your skin with oil blotter prior to retouching your face powder.
• LIKE Clinique Philippines on Facebook to know what's UP and Happening!

Will I repurchase?
Yes.  I've repurchased this product a lot of times!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Clinique Superpowder double face powder is good for dry, combination and normal skin.

Where to purchase and how much?
At local Clinique counters at Rustan's and Trinoma for Php1,700 (approx $39.50).

A closer look on Matte Ivory

This shade has a bit more "pink" undertone rather than yellow so it's a tiny bit different from my "comfortable" powder shade but I don't mind as I like light-handed application and it matches my neck and the rest of my body! 

If you are accustomed to the MAC shades, this will match NC15-20!

As seen on my close up shot yesterday (the one with bangs), I've used the Clinique Superpowder Double Face Powder in Matte Ivory on its own with moisturizer underneath.  It did not give me the white cast thus making it look like second skin.  This photo was taken 2-3 hours after application prior to make-up gig :P.  

Note: My skin turns into a combination --- dry on the t-zone area and normal on the rest of the face.

What's your first ever pricey powder or powder foundation?
Happy Weekend!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!