Saturday, May 5, 2012

AMW Reports: Donut Talk with Go Nuts Donuts

When I was working at Eastwood Libis area, I remembered me and my colleagues would order a box of Go Nuts Donuts just to relieve work-related stress!  There's even a time where we had a "company break" and all the departments were asked to join the "Treasure Hunt within Eastwood Area" and how giddy I was when I got myself a dozen of Go Nuts Donuts as we proceed to watch "Herbie".  *yahoo! Lindsay Lohan days! hahaha*


It has been more than 5 years, I've always have this image when you say "Go Nuts Donuts"....


As I was invited to attend a "Donut Talk" event at Go Nuts Donuts, SM Mall of Asia branch, I did not hesitated as I would love to give my body some more calories via donuts!  *laughs*  On a serious note, I haven't really tried much of their products lately, the last one was the Minnie  Mouse Donut I purchased for Mr. AMW, that was more than 3 years ago!  

Check out the huge surprise when I was offered this as soon as I got in the store!  I was literally looking around thinking: "Did they have these catered?" 


As I was wondering, I guess Trixie was ready to take the plunge of Go Nuts Donuts', ahm..non-Donut creation! :)


The event started when we arrived but it was wonderful seeing familiar faces!  The event was hosted by Mellow 94.7's DJ Vince.  


Ms. Christina Lagdameo of Go Nuts Donuts shared to us the latest product innovations of the brand!


Pizza Donuts
Php36.00 (approx $0.85) each! 
They are pizzas that look like a donut but are 100% pizza!  
Available in Barbeque, Garlic and Cheese, Hawaiian and Pepperoni


Cookie Bites
Php25.00/pack (approx $0.60)
Bite-sized chewy, flavorful cookies available in Classic Chocolate Chip, 
Double Fudge Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Oatmeal and Peanut Butter


Pocket Pies
Php45.00 each (approx $1.00)
Pocket Pies available in Tuna, Pizza and Chicken!

Tropical Donuts
Php18.00 each (approx $0.40)
I can't believe I gave Durian Delight a try!  It does have a hint of Durian scent and taste, OH MY!  All I can say is....it's "acquired taste"...(and I haven't acquired it yet!  *laughs*)  But I'm sure Durian lovers out there will definitely enjoy this!!!


Summer Koolers
These are the koolers I've tried via a contest cooked up by the DJ!  *laughs*  Vince have decided to pick the "late comers" and we were asked to join in the contest, the person who finished the koolers first will be hailed THE WINNER!



Okay, I'm showing you how I did! In less than a minute, I was able to finish this amount... *laughs* 


Because I was being defensive "up there" hahaha I did not win!  The guy on the left most side of the photo below creamed us all!!!  He's the best of the best among the best "Kooler Sipper" in the country!  Okay I'm exaggerating!  But!  He finished in less than a minute!

*Photo taken from Go Nuts Donuts Facebook Page

Of course, Mother's Day is coming up so they are cooking something for our loving moms out there! :)


Another thing that the brand is proud of, is the fact that Go Nuts Donuts is proudly Filipino-made!  They use premium ingredients and even incorporate local flavors to appeal not only local but even international market! 

Can you imagine how wonderful it is to gift your foreign friends with Durian Delight Donut?  

Because Go Nuts Donuts is all about Proudly- Filipino, our friends from Yabang Pinoy were also there!  I sat beside a lovely lady from Yabang Pinoy, Ms. Maricris Sarino and she shared to us how Yabang Pinoy intensifies its consumer revolution campaign through the PHmade movement.

PHmade's tagline "It's Worth Buying For" encourages us Filipinos to think twice before spending!  I agree on how each Filipino can make a difference if they are conscious of every peso they spend, patronage of locally made goods and services should be a lifestyle thus encouraging homegrown brands to improve.  As a chain reaction, more job opportunities for Filipinos will be generated! 

Yabang Pinoy invites every Filipino to be part of PHmade movement by visiting Global Pinoy Bazaar on November 10-11,2012 as they showcase 100% Filipino made products!


As soon as the event proper was over, we were asked to create our own donut...


I thought of creating a "sunshine-y" donut that could put a smile on anyone's face who's busy on a work day, business meetings or errands.  It shows "me time" as I enjoy my doughnut and drink my cup of coffee.

I named my doughnut the "Smile Please" Donut, it's a reminder for us to smile amidst the pressure of life.

To show the happy vibe, I picked a bright yellow cream with colorful sprinkles on the side!  That shows how colorful our world is if given the chance to look around!  By the way, I picked pastillas as the filling because I want to incorporate Yabang Pinoy!  My love for Pastillas!


With the use of colorful chocolates, I asked help from the Go Nuts Donuts staff to help me create a big smile!


And of course, what's AMW without a pink flower?

Don't I look too happy with the outcome?  lol Childish, yes, but it puts a smile on my face, that's what matters!


Go Nuts Donuts is creating an online contest for guests and bloggers who attended, if you would like to see AMW's "Smile Please" Donut as part of their product line for 6 full weeks, please LIKE GoNutsDonuts on Facebook and vote for me at their POLL QUESTION.

Thanks in advance and 
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Friday, May 4, 2012

AMW Makeover: UFC Girl Arianny Celeste

Good morning and Happy Friday Everyone!

An old client of mine recommended me to a company who needed a makeup artist to do their print ad (thanks Joey!).  Who would've thought the "lucky me" gets to work twice with the country's number 1 Car Accessories Center --- Concorde ?

The first project was an outdoor shoot and I will be sharing my experience once the company have released the photos!  For now, I'm quite excited to see this photo at their Facebook page for the newly opened Concorde Harbor Point in Subic!


The model's name is Arianny Celeste, to those who don't know her (mostly girls hahaha)  Here's a snippet from Wikipedia.

Arianny Celeste (born November 12, 1985) is an American ring girl and model  She is best known for being an Octagon Girl for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Arianny is of Mexican and Filipino decent which spells G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!  She appeared in various international magazines such as Maxim, FHM, Sports Illustrated, Playboy and a whole lot more!

So am I ready to do her makeup?  YOU BET!!! (fan girl mode on)
The shoot was done at The Fashion Academy Manila, prior to the Concorde shoot Arianny was up for FHM Philippines Cover Shoot (you can see her in this month's issue!)

As soon as the FHM shoot was over, I immediately fixed the work station as I'll be doing both her hair and makeup! (Okay, there wasn't any fixing!  Look how messy everything was!!!  *laughs*)


We had a meeting with the Photographer and the client a couple of hours before the shoot and it was decided how the company wanted the "look" of their model.  Everyone (including myself) agreed on a very natural, fresh, young and vibrant look!  

Here's a photo taken several hours after the shoot

  
 Here's another peek on her makeup!  I will do my best to remember the products used!



One of the few shots I got from the photographer Mark Lao of  Trio Photography Philippines.   Do book them if you need photographers as they are very professional and good! 



I can't wait to see these posters in person and probably take a photo with it  *lol*!  Let me know if you've visited the store!  


I want to thank the wonderful people behind Concorde Philippines for the trust!  This is indeed a project that I enjoyed doing and doesn't feel like work at all!

Do you know Arianny Celeste prior to my Wikipedia knowledge power?  *laughs*

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Thursday, May 3, 2012

AMW Reviews: Mary Kay Foundation Primer

I'm not a primer person, as you all know, I am quite happy with BB cream underneath my makeup!  But I have to admit, primers are VERY important especially when I'm doing makeup for clients!  That's why the test and quest for good primers are endless!

One primer I've tested is from Mary Kay, called Mary Kay Foundation Primer (yes, simple as that!)
Mary Kay says ---
This must-have foundation accessory perfects skin as it enhances foundation benefits and extends wear.  Glides on like a dream so makeup applies smoothly and blends easily. Its patent-pending,  oil-free gel formula is mineral-enriched to absorb oil and diffuse light for skin-perfecting benefits. Dries to a lightweight, matte finish and can be used with any Mary Kay® foundation.

Size: 1 fl.oz.
Ingredients:


AMW says ---
Pros
  • Nicely packaged making it easy to control amount of product needed.
  •  Box printed with expiration date.
  • Skin feels smooth immediately after application making foundation application a breeze.
  • Dries up matte and lightweight.
  • Does help reduce oiliness.

Cons
  • Silicon-based, we all know how some of you may be allergic to this!  So be careful.
  • The performance of this primer is not consistent as compared to other primers in the market.  To explain this statement further, the product works best if used together with my Mary Kay Time Wise Luminous and Matte Wear foundation.
  • Weird smell (but this disappears after a couple of minutes.)

Overall
This is not the worst yet it's not the best primer I've tried.  I am still loving my Smashbox Photofinish Light as the "to-go-to" primer especially for clients! I am a bit wary on putting silicon-based primers on them!

Tips
  • A little amount is enough, I prefer applying this only on areas that oil up to prevent the "heavy" feel.
  • If you are a bit sensitive to some makeup ingredients, do a patch test before applying the product all over your face.
  • Start by applying a little, a little goes a long way!
  • Once allergic reactions occur, stop usage immediately!
  • If you have oily skin, it helps to bring oil control blotting sheets as you may still oil up.
  • This product is BEST used with Mary Kay foundations.  I promise you, the finish and look is amazing!
Will I repurchase?
No.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who's into trying out oil-control primers!  Those with SUPER oily skin may try on other brands!

Where to purchase and how much?
The product costs Php1,300 (approx $30.00).  Available at Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant by calling them at (632) 859-6211 or visit www.marykay.com.ph

Mary Kay Foundation Primer Swatch on Hand
Product does not come off runny, gel-like texture that's easy to blend.


Disappears immediately and blends into the skin blurring out lines and making it smooth to feel!
Have you given any Mary Kay makeup a try?
Would you go for this primer?


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!






(Product sent for review.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Tip for the Day: Why False Lashes are Needed on Any "Photograph" Day!

Happy month of May!!!

It is cute how  most of my clients would dismiss the idea of wearing falsies for the reason of: "It's not my wedding day!" 

Well, excuse you lovelies!  Wedding day or not, if you know you will have your photos taken, I strongly recommend you to at least, give false lashes a chance!  It makes a HUGE difference to your overall look!

I can prove it to you :)

Photo Below: Anonymous client who wants very light eye makeup (as she needs to carry her baby around).  Check how her "after false lashes" shot made her eyes look more alive and awake!



Of course, the quality of false lashes have to be really good!  Really good doesn't have to equate to really expensive!

Here are some of the brands I highly recommend ---

ES Brands by KKCenterHK


I love it that ES Brand recently came up with box of 5 pairs of different styles eyelashes for USD15.44 (approx Php664.00 + shipping not included).  I like taking these with me especially if I'm meeting the client for the first time and I wouldn't know her eye shape and makeup preference! 


I am also finding myself stocking on another favorite from ES Brand, the ES A599 lashes!  These also comes in 5 pairs!  I am liking this brand from KKCenterHK because its handmade, the stems are very thin and easy to maneuver at the same time, the lash hairs are super soft and lightweight!

ES A599 costs USD15.12 (approx Php650.00 + shipping not included) and I used this on the model's eyes above!  Feedback from clients are always positive and they would even keep the lashes for future use!


To those who are uncomfortable in terms of online shopping, you can easily order Flutter Eyelashes at Beauty & Minerals.  Quality are the same but the lashes they have are more dramatic ones!  


Available in - Drama Queen, Purr, Feisty and Majestic
A box of 10 pairs costs Php350.00 - 400.00 (approx $8.00-$9.30)



So, are you the type who would wear false lashes on special events or occasions?
If not, why?
Scared to apply false lashes on your own?
Feel free to check out my tutorial here.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

AMW Reviews: Shu Uemura's Whitefficient UV Under Base

Happy Month of May! Happy Labor Day!!!

Since the sun has been crazy hot for the past few weeks, I made sure to keep my face and body well protected from the harsh rays of the sun, at the same time, I'd like to keep my face looking fresh, glow-y and healthy at the same time!

I pulled out the Shu Uemura Whitefficent UV Under base brightening mousse for Summer 2012! 

Shu Uemura says ---
Shu Uemura Whitefficient UV Under Base Brightening Mousse SPF 30 PA++ is a new instant brightening ultra-light mousse base, as efficient as a whitening essence.
  • Prepare the skin for pore-less radiance
  • ”trans-glow complex” immediately reverse yellow skin tone and combats dullness.
  • reduces dark spots and freckles, improves skin transparency day by day.
  • fortified with SPF30 PA++ to prevent premature aging and hyper pigmentation.

AMW says ---
Pros
  • Packaging!  Very hygienic and easy to use.
  • Has SPF30.
  • Contains Vitamin C which works to treat dark spots on the skin.
  • Gives an almost instant brightening effect.
  • Very light and never feels heavy on skin.
  • Works to almost all skin types.
  • Skin appears matte and foundation (powder, liquid or cream) can be applied easier due to the smooth surface.
  • A tiny amount goes a long way.
  • The "brightening effect" lasts until I remove makeup at the end of the day.
Cons
  • Applying too much may create "white cast".
  • SPF30 is not sufficient for our current temperature.
  • Price!
Overall
I can't vouch on the long term effect of the product yet as I have used this only for a month!  Some of my friends who used and loved this product has experienced lightening effect especially on areas of their faces that has dark spots!  

This product is the answer to anyone's wish for healthy, glowing skin in an instant!  The product does not have coverage so further concealing is still needed.

Tips
  • Purple can create "brightening" effect to yellow skin tone BUT, you have to apply sparingly!  Applying too much will turn the skin "ashy".
  • Apply after your skin care regimen, if you will be out in the sun for long, apply sunblock prior to this product.
  • Apply all over face and don't forget the neck area.
  • If you are into very cute packaging, purchase NOW as they have this as part of the Mamechiyo For Shu Uemura collection.
Will I repurchase?
Since I'm a fan of brightening products, YES!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes "instant" brightening under base.

Where to purchase and how much?
Available at local Shu Uemura counters for Php2,200.00 (approx $51.00).

Light, mousse-like texture of
Shu Uemura Whitefficient UV Under Base Mousse
This amount is enough for the whole face and neck



Though some people prefer applying this with clean fingers, I prefer blending it all over my face with a synthetic foundation brush.  Spreading downwards just like what I usually do on a liquid/cream foundation.

Don't be scared on how "purple" you turn to be, keep on blending and I finish the application by using my clean hands and gently blend the product making the purplish tint disappear.

 

Giving it a couple of  minutes, the product will settle down and the purple tint will disappear leaving a natural, healthy glow.  Photo shown below without foundation.



Do you need Shu Uemura Whitefficient UV Under Base Mousse for the Summer 2012?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!