Monday, May 14, 2012

Tech Review: Mohzy Loop USB Cable

When it comes to travel, Mr. AMW carries all the chargers and cables in one pouch as I dislike seeing them as I can never organize them well!  I used to complain how some cables could get too long and why can't they just create one that's perfect for travel!

Mohzy heard my woes....


The cable comes in various designs
The one on photo is called: Daisy

Mohzy says ---
The loop micro usb & iPhone/iPod cable combines fashion and utility into 1 simple product for most Apple iPhones/iPods, Android smartphones, and Blackberry devices.
  • provides data transfer and battery charging
  • clips together with magnets to wear as a wristband or attach to your bag
  • attach to any metal surface such as a desk or cubicle wall to hang notes and photos with ease
Dimension: 23 x1.2 x  1.0 cm
Weight: 18g


AMW says ---
Pros
  • Unique, very fashionable designs.
  • Works for most Apple iPhones, iPads and iPods, Android smartphones and Blackberry devices.  
  • Easy to take along for travel, can be clipped on wrist or on your bag.
  • Comes with an add-on for iPhone products.  
 
  • Provides both charging and data transfer.
  • Hidden magnets inside the cable makes it easy to clip on metallic surfaces making it easier for me to put it on a spot where I can always see it.
  • Never gets tangled with other stuff.
  • Comes in many designs!
Cons
  • Wearing this as a wristband is a very cool concept but it may look a bit weird!
Overall
For it's cute design, I think girls would appreciate this more than guys! :)
 
Will I purchase?
Yes, I plan on getting one.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Fashionistas and bloggers like myself who needs this inside their bag but dislikes the messy cables.

Where to purchase and how much?
for Php795.00 (approx $18.50) at the following stores

Would you go for a travel-friendly Mohzy Loop USB Cable?
What's your design preference?


Mine would be Giraffe!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!





(Test unit provided for review. Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Reviews: Benefit Sun Beam

Happy start of the week!  How was your weekend?  To those who get to read my Facebook update, you probably know how much I enjoyed my long weekend!  So today, I'm pumped for the rest of the very busy week!  I have my schedule all plotted out and it is crazy!!!  Crazy yet fun!  So I'm looking forward to it!

The weather down here gets a bit crazy, from the harsh rays of the sun to the sudden pour of rain, who says our makeup look has to suffer?  We can always look healthy and blooming anytime of the day!  I've found a unique product (I'm sure most Benefit addicts already own by now.) called Sun Beam, does it really look like the sun beams right through me minus the harsh UV rays? 

Benefit says ---
This golden bronze highlighter gives you a natural, sun-issed radiance. Dot & blend over makeup on to cheek & brow bones for a bronzed glow that complements all skin tones. It’s liquid sunshine in a bottle!

Size: 130 ml/0.45 US fl. oz.
Ingredients:

AMW says ---
Pros
  • Comes with a nail-polish like packaging making it easy to get product and control the amount of product.
  • Product includes manufacturing date which makes it easier for users like me to track how long I've had the product.
  • Product can be used on its own straight from bottle to the face or mix it on your tinted moisturizer, foundation or BB creams.
  • Golden tint which I think would be perfect for Asian skin like myself!
  • Very subtle and easy to blend.
  • Works for all skin tone!
  • A little goes a long way!
  • Gives a nice hint of sparkle but never the chunky type.
  • This is one highlighter that you don't get to see the effect immediately, so prevent yourself from applying too much, the effect is best seen under natural lighting!  The effect is very subtle yet gorgeous!
Cons
  • Probably the price, but personally speaking, this will last me a long time so at the end of the day, it's worth it!
  • Liquid version:  Not everyone would appreciate this as powdered highlighter is still the easiest to use. 
  • The box says the product is good for 6 months, for the amount I use, I may have a hard time finishing this in 6 months!
Overall
I personally love this as a highlighter as this suits my skin tone better than regular "pearl" or "whitish" colored highlighters which can make it look unnatural if I applied too much!  The Benefit Sun Beam, even if applied a bit more than the usual can still give me the natural effect.

This product is fool-proof, easy to use, even for first time liquid makeup wearers!

Tips
  • I can't stress this enough, try on testers and ask the SAs to teach you how to apply it!
  • Blend with clean finger tips to warm the product spreading the product more evenly.
  • Apply this on ares were the sun naturally hits the face.  Cheek bones, brow bones, nose bridge and even your cupid's bow.
  • If you are a makeup artist, I suggest not to overuse this especially on flash photography.  Keep in mind that not everyone is into "highlighted", "glow-y" look! 
  • I strongly prefer to apply this product on top of ANY cream, liquid-based product and try not to apply on top of a powder product to prevent uneven look.
  • If you plan to mix Benefit Sun Beam to your foundation, do it gradually, do not apply too much or you'll end up like a disco-ball!
  • If you prefer a "more obvious" highlighter, go for High Beam.
  • High Beam is best for cool skin tones while Sun Beam is best for warm skin tones.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!  

To whom do I recommend this to?
This product would suit tanned skin but fair and medium skin tone can enjoy this too!!!  I find this product to works on ALL skin color, you just have to control the amount of product used based on your preference.

Where to purchase and how much?
Benefit international website for $26.00, locally at Benefit Boutique Shangri-la and Greenbelt 5 for Php1,400.

Product photos and swatches

Benefit Sun Beam's Packaging
Nail-polish like bottle with a similar nail polish applicator. 

One swipe on my hand
Almost looks like a tinted moisturizer but more liquid in texture.
Benefit Sun Beam has a nice bronze-y sheen and you can apply more and still gives a subtle effect.

Once blended
 It looks a bit more obvious on my hand because of the camera flash, but I strongly suggest to apply sparingly as when you get out under the sun, you will see a tiny sparkly effect which may translate to "oiliness" especially if you applied a bit too much!  Keep in mind to ONLY apply on areas where the sun would natural hit the face.  (Note: This is a higlighter, NOT a foundation or blush!)


How I apply my Benefit Sun Beam
Since I do not plan to use this on clients, I use the brush directly from packaging and apply 3 tiny dots on my cheekbones as shown on photo below.  (Note: I already applied foundation underneath.)


With clean hands, I gently massage the product concentrating only on the cheekbones!  It is very easy to over spread the product but I highly recommend to stick to the areas where the sun would naturally hit.  

As Dory from Finding Nemo would say: "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...".  AMW would say: "Just keep blending...just keep blending!" :P


See the highlighted area that looks very natural?  
That's the effect of Benefit's Sun Beam if applied correctly.  Finish off with a blush and contouring powder and you have a perfect look that would look great in person and on photos!


Have you tried Benefit's Sun Beam?
Which is your favorite highlighter as of the moment?
Happy Sun-Beam-y Monday!!!


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!






(Product received during an event. Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Contest Winners

I picked the winners for contests that ended last Friday!  If you have joined any of my contests, kindly scroll down and check if you're one of the lucky winner!

AMW Gives: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Congratulations to ---
Dulce Dela Cruz


Jergens Gives: Soothing Aloe for the Summer

Congratulations to ---
Gail Te

Congratulations to ---
Girlie Camungay

Avon Gives: Anti-Aging Miracle

Congratulations to ---
Baby Flores-Yap

Oracare Gives: 3 Gift Packs for No Sting!

Congratulations to ---
Jamee Uy

Congratulations to ---
Winnie Pascual

Congratulations to ---
Junellene Sapinoso

Thanks everyone for joining!
Don't lose hope, keep on joining and may the odds be forever in your favor!  *laughs*

Thanks to Kiehl's Philippines, Avon, Oracare and Jergens!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!





Weekend Getaway at: Pico De Loro, Nasugbu Batangas

Happy Sunday AMW Readers!
I want to take this opportunity to greet ALL MOMS HAPPY HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!  Everyone know how much I love both my moms so I'm celebrating the special day with them through, *ahem* FOOD! :)   

As promised, I will be sharing to you guys my experience staying at the beautiful Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club!  Once I said yes to the invite for Orly's Feel The Vibe Launch, I went to my "Google" friend and searched for the place and photos!  It is one picturesque place worth visiting!  

Upon arriving at the Hamilo Coast, we went straight to Pico Sands Hotel (where we will be staying for the night).  I love the fact that the hotel has a lot of natural light coming in from all sides!  The sunny-vibe is indeed very visible with the help of some greens.

top: bought from Zalora
bottom: G.U. shorts
Ipanema Sandals

Earth is my room mate, once we got in, it was so funny how we went straight to taking photos of the room before fixing ourselves! 

The average room size is about 45 square meters.  We got 2 double beds in our room and the mattress and pillows were very comfortable!  I did not have a hard time dozing off that night!



The "veranda" is one great addition to the room and help makes it even more spacious!  I enjoyed standing out there once in awhile to enjoy the view!  I even had a nice chat with Mr. AMW outside before I went to bed!


The room has a mini fridge with complimentary water, coffee and tea!


The bathroom is quite spacious with another set of complimentary water, toothbrush, body lotion, shower cap, soap, shampoo and conditioner!  Each hotel room has a blow dryer.


Pico Restaurant and Bar is located opposite the hotel entrance also a couple of steps away from the gorgeous pool!   Pico restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine while Pico Bar serves wide range of beverages including its signature fruit juices and Mojito blends.


Our lunch menu
Iced Tea
Cream Soup
Salad with Sesame Dressing
Pork 

It is very convenient to go around the Beach and Country Club, I just tell the guys right outside the hotel to help give shuttle service a call!


 First stop: The Beach Club
This is located near the coastline where Arribada Lounge is located (where Orly's Feel the Vibe Launch happened).  You get to enjoy other facilities like the swimming pool, which was an obvious hit when I was there!


The Beach, I gave a slow "internal whistle" (as I can't whistle at all!  *laughs*) as the sands were fine and clean!  Outdoor recreation activities like kayaking, windsurfing, scuba diving, fish feeding, trekking, nature biking and ATV are possible!  All you need to do is to talk to the Outdoor Recreation Desk.


We only have a couple of minutes to walk around the beach front as we need to head back for a quick tour around Pico De Loro!  I enjoyed how clean the area was and the sand are very fine.


Even for less than an hour "break", Earth, Trixie and I were able to enjoy and put "lounging" in action! :)


 Second Stop: St. Therese of the Child Jesus Chapel
This chapel can be considered a great wedding destination!  The chapel is made of metal and glass, not too big nor too small, just right for a solemn ceremony!


You also get to see panoramic views of Pico De Loro Cove

The famous "walkway" were most magazine shoots take place!

Third Stop: The Country Club
Whatever recreational activities you can think of, I think they are mostly available in this country club!  I can live in this place forever!!!  *laughs*

Once you enter the complex, you will be greeted with a huge "living room-like" area where you can easily get relaxed.


 Fitness Center


Table Tennis and other racket sports area


Badminton and Tennis Court

Basketball Court

Studio for dancing


Game Room 
for the computer game addicts out there!

Bowling and Billiards Hall

We  headed back at Pico Sands Hotel for dinner and we had Bacon Salad, Fish and Vegetable Tempura and banana cakes!

Early morning, I'm glad Earth invited me for a walk at the beach!  It was a good walk and a nice way to bid goodbye to the gorgeous-looking beach worth re-visiting!

 top: WAGW
pants: Collective.com Marie Lad Pants
shades: Fly

Overall, I had a grand time staying at Hamilo Coast.  Hamilo Coast is actually SM Land's premier coastal development in Nasugbu, Batangas.

How to get to Hamilo Coast?
  • By Land: Travel through Tagaytay route going beyond to Nasugbu, Batangas taking approximately 2.5-3 hours.
  • By air on a helicopter for 20 minutes from Mall of Asia Complex.
  • By Ferry at Mall of Asia Complex to Hamilo Pier in Papaya Cove, Hamilo Coast for 1.5 hours.
Feel free to check out Hamilo Coast's website by smiling and clicking here.

Have you been to Pico De Loro?
Did you enjoyed your stay there?
If you haven't, have you been to Nasugbu Batangas?  Where did you stay?


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!