Tech Review: Adonit Jot Classic

I used to be a "Draw Something" addict and I believe a lot of you can relate!  I actually stopped playing the game as aside from the fact that I'm bad at drawings, I dislike how difficult it is to draw with your fingers!  When a JOT Classic sample was sent to my home for review, I road tested it straight away via Draw Something game and of course, with the expertise of Mr. AMW, I'm finally able to come up with a proper review!

Jot says ---

Touch screens have simplified technology, but there has yet to be a way to capture the precision of a calligrapher or the stroke of an artist.  Not only should it meet your needs, but a stylus should have a style.

Mr. & Mrs. AMW says ---
Pros

• Comes with a protective cap.

• Available in various shades: Turquoise, Green, Purple and Red.
• Weight is perfect.  It's not too light nor too heavy.
• It is easy to sketch, doodle and write.
• Compatible with a lot of device: iPads, iPhones, MacBook Trackpads, Samsong, Nokia, Blackberry, etc...
• This stylus performs really well in terms of its quick response.

Cons

• Does not work in ALL screen protectors (ex. Zagg Glossy Invisible Shield, Ghost Armor, Bodyguardz, Skinomi, Wrapsol).
• Would be great if the JOT Classic will come with a "clip" so I can easily clip it to prevent it from getting lost inside the bag.
• I know some are ok with it but I actually like the "ball" as the tip, not the clear disc that can be easily destroyed if not used carefully.  I nearly removed the clear disk thinking it was the protection for the stylus.

Overall

Fast response, perfect weight, price is reasonable.

Tips

• Hold the pen like you would do with a real ballpen.  Draw or write as usual.
• Be careful  not to tap the screen with heavy hand.
• Close the cap after every use to prevent from destroying the clear "disk"

Will I purchase?
 I would love to own one just for "Draw Something" but that's where I could use it for now so it's not practical.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes to use a "pen" on their devices.

Where to purchase and how much?
For Php950.00 (approx $22.00) available at the ff. stores:

• Beyond the Box
• Digital Hub
• Digital Hub – Limketkai Center
• E-Central – Cebu
• iBook – SM Clark
• iCenter – Cebu
• iCenter – Iloilo
• Podworx
• Podwrox – SM Calamba
• Power Mac Center
• Power Mac Center – Abreeza Mall
• Technoholics
• The Inbox Store – SM Clark

Product photos

The clear disk with the ball point.

The metal ball point tip makes it easy to control the angle

This is NOT my handwriting!  *lol*

But still cute right?  

*whispers* It's Mr. AMW's

Do you need Jot Classic in your techie life?
Would you purchase one only for gaming or do you have other usage for this?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

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

AMW Makeover: Bride and her Family (Monolid Edition)

Good morning Monday!  I'm not sure how I will look like today as I spent the weekend doing makeup for a wedding then headed straight to Tagaytay for an overnight bonding with my high school friends!  When I'm with my friends, stories are overflowing and as expected, we chatted til 4:30am!  

With the tiredness and lack of sleep, it was all worth it!  We all had an awesome weekend!

Speaking about Bridal Makeup, 2 weeks ago, I've done another bridal makeup for a wonderful family!  (Thank you Lord for giving me a chance to work with really nice and inspiring people -- both client and fellow suppliers!)  It was also a first, after almost 5 years that I saw the wonderful and talented lady who made my own bridal gown, Ms. Zandra Lim!  I highly recommend her as my gown was a perfect fit and it was even more beautiful as expected!

Back to the bride and her family, I have never met the bride and I was booked just a couple of weeks before this important day!  I communicated with the bride's sister over email and we got some pegs on the hairstyle and makeup looks they want.  The communication was a breeze! 

Bride

Skin condition: normal

Request: Super light, no-makeup look

The Bride has gorgeous skin to start with so I've decided not to pile on too much foundation.  She did request for a super light (almost nothing) eye shadow but I talked her out of it!  I explained to her how I wanted to focus more on her eyes by creating a fake"depth".  With that in mind, a bit more eye shadow may be needed.  

A combination of dark and light eye shadows blended well together to create a nice "smoked out" effect making the eyes appear larger which is one of the ways to do eye makeup for monolids.

Thankfully, she puts everything on my hands and she's such a doll!

Products used:

• Laura Mercier Oil-free Foundation Primer
• Graftobian Cream Foundation (mixed)
• Benefit Brows a-go go Palette
• Urban Decay Primer Potion (eye primer)
• Various mix of eye shadows from MAC and Lancome
• Bobbi Brown Gel Liner 
• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Pencil liner
• Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes Mascara
• Becca Cream Blush in Amaryllis
• Dior Blush
• Stila Contouring Powder Trio
• Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color in Bikini Pink
• KKCenterHK Lashes

Sister of the Bride

Skin condition: normal

Request: None

One look at the sister of the bride (whom I communicated a couple of times prior to meeting her),  I already have a look in mind to bring out her natural beauty.  I've decided to play with flattering eye shadow colors for her yellow undertone --- browns, golds and light yellow.

For the foundation, it was effortless on my part as she has great skin to start with!  I took into consideration how fair she is so I've decided to play with contouring powders and highlighters for a healthy and natural glow!  I planned on creating a look that would focus her eyes.  To do so, I began by concealing her under eye circles then add up a tiny bit of lighter colored foundation at the center of the face to draw attention on her best features.

Products used:

• Paul & Joe Face Primer
• MAC Studio Fix Foundation (mixed)
• Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit
• Urban Decay Primer Potion (eye primer)
• Etude House  Brow Pencil 
• Various eyeshadows from Urban Decay Book of Shadows Palette and MAC.
• Bobbi Brown Gel Liner
• Makeup For Ever Aqua Eyes in 1L
• Maybelline Flasies Mascara
• Stila Contouring Powder Trio
• Lancome Lipstick in shade I forgot! (sorry)
• KKCenterHK Lashes

Sister of the bride

Skin condition: Oily

Request: None

A tall yet super young girl!  She's only 18 so I've decided not to pluck too much of her brows and give her an overall young, yet fresh look!  I've decided to use pinks on both her cheeks and lips and lift up her "almost" droopy-yet-very cute eyes.  

I can see that her skin oils up a lot even during makeup application (and it was also confirmed by her.)  I've decided to focus on priming her face with an oil-control primer to keep her makeup intact the whole day!  I got her foundation shade by matching it to the color of her neck.

P.S. Oil Control Sheets are a MUST!

Products used:

• Smashbox Photofinish Primer Light
• Calvin Klein Foundation (mix)
• Benefit Brows A-go go.
• Urban Decay Primer Potion 
• Graftobian Cream Foundation (as concealer)
• Various eye shadow shades from L'Oreal Hip, Bobbi Brown and MAC.
• Maybelline Falsies Mascara.
• Stila Convertible Color in Petunia
• Christian Dior Blush
• Revlon Color Burst Lipstick in Carnation
• KKCenterHK Lashes

Mom of the Bride

Skin condition: Normal

Request: none, just to look young

The mother of the bride, again,  is one of the most important people a Wedding Day so attention to her makeup is also needed!

For any MIL whom I worked for in the past, present a future,  I always aim for non-cakey, almost no foundation look to create a younger looking vibe!  Who wouldn't want to look young if you're in your 40's, 50's, 60's?  

To start it off, it is very important to moisturize the client's face really well and look for a "SUPER" matching foundation!  For this particular MIL, I've decided to create a "fake" deep crease by adding a mid-tone matte brown shadow shade at the exact hallows of the outer-v and highlight the inner corner of her eyes to lift half of her upper face giving her an instant, non-surgical, no laser Botox Treatment!

Products used:

• Cover FX Primer
• GSL Tri-Aktiline
• Paul & Joe Creamy Foundation
• Ruby & Milli Brow Powders
• Various eye shadow shades from MAC, Estee Lauder and Bobbi Brown.
• Nars Orgasm Blush
• Stila Contouring Powder (trio)
• Sorry I can't remember the lipstick!

Happy Family Portrait

Thank you for the trust and for being such an easy-to-work with client :)

And of course, smiling + true happiness will exude a "gorgeous" vibe to anyone you face!
Which makeover is your favorite?

Note: All hair done and styled by Kim.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Sugarhouse

Good morning friends!  By the time you're reading this, I'm probably still in Tagaytay or heading back to Manila!  It's going to be a wonderful weekend spent with my friends!  I can't wait to share to you my food adventures once I get back!

Everytime I visit my parents' home, I always like to bond with them over dinner, the problem with Sta. Mesa area, is the lack of food choices!  Boy was I glad when SM Hypermart was there and there are a couple more restaurants added up aside from the usual SM Sta. Mesa.  One place I haven't really taken the time of day is Sugarhouse, it was a sudden "craving for sweets" that took us to the place!  From then on, it changed my overall view of the "Dessert Place", it is one nice place to dine as well!

Taco Salad

Php165.00 (approx $3.80)

Crispy tortilla chips artfully topped with seasoned ground beef, 

crisp shredded lettuce, diced ripe tomatoes, onions, 

cheese cubes finished with tomato salsa.

I'm not sure if anyone who frequents SM Megamall would remember a small Taco stall called "Baron's Taco"?  It's a favorite taco place of ours and we were literally crushed when we can't find them anymore!  So this Taco Salad, from Sugarhouse is closed to what we were craving for from Baron's Taco!  I love crushing the tortilla chips into tiny pieces and mix them all together for a lovely crunchy salad!

Chicken Salpicao

served with Chocolate Bliss Cake and Iced Tea

Php280.00 (approx $6.50)

I'm not sure if they offer the set meal the whole day but it doesn't hurt to ask!  The meal is worth it as you get to try tender tasting chicken cubes, with a tiny bit of salad on the side with garlic rice!  

Chocolate Bliss

Baked Pork Spareribs

Php250.00 (approx $5.80)

Ribs marinated overnight in a flavorful tomato sauce then slow-baked until tender.  

Served with steamed buttered vegetables.

My brother ordered this one and he told me the pork spareribs is indeed very tender but he would appreciate the meal more if the fat wasn't that thick!  

Beef Ribs in Beer

Php270.00 (approx $6.25)

Some rib fingers, the tender and very flavorful meat in between, 

simmered them in beer to make this hearty stew

My dad loves his beer so I guess the presence of "beer" on its name made him order this!  The beef is indeed very juicy, tender and flavorful, there's no beer taste at all.

Fish Fillet en Papillote

comes with Chocolate Bliss and Iced Tea

Php280.00 (approx $6.50)

My mom was craving for something healthy so this is a perfect choice!  Cream Dory was used and I've given this a taste myself, I'm not a fan of peppered anything so I'll give this a skip!  

Sugarhouse 
GSM Mezza Residences Aurora Blvd. 
Cor. Araneta Ave. Sta. Mesa, QC
Phone: (632) 559-5995
website: www.sugarhouse.com.ph

Overall, the place is quite small so I'm not sure how they can accommodate a big crowd.  I think the place is nice for the ambiance (quite homey) and of course, with such a small area, the servers are very efficient.

Have you tried meals from Sugarhouse?  

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Vitacreme Anti-Ageing Serum

Remember my first Vitacreme B12 product review?  It's called the Vitacreme B12 Regenerative Cream and little did I know, they also came in serum form for anti-ageing!  

Vitacreme B12 Serum Anti-Age

Vitacreme B12 says ---

Enriched with Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, an potent anti-aging agent, blended with a high concentration of Vitamin B12, Hyaluronic Acid and Asiatic acid, it delivers various benefits, including anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, whitening, hydrating and firming. With this all-round treatment, skin is restored to a youthful-looking appearance.
This gel type care is fresh and readily-absorbed to perform the greatest efficacy.

Size: 30ml
Ingredients: (click to enlarge)

 AMW says ---

Pros

• Squeeze type tube with pointed tip making it easy to control the amount of product needed.

• Gets absorbed into the skin quickly.
• Leaves a soft, moisturized feel immediately after first use.
• Manufactured and expiration date clearly printed on box.
• Immediately blurs out lines and lessens dryness.
• Non-greasy. 
• No breakouts nor allergic reactions on me.
• My skin doesn't look and feel dry anymore!

Cons

• If you dislike fragrance on serums, this particular product has a floral scent but disappears less than a minute.
• Sensitive skin may react due to the presence of Parfum in the ingredients.
• Price

Overall

This product is medium pink shade of serum is a bit watery by texture which can get absorbed into the skin easily.  It doesn't leave a greasy or oily-feel and feels very light upon application.  The anti-ageing effect, I can't tell for now but I can immediately enjoy the softer, more supple feel of my skin.

Keep in mind that skincare products need TIME to really see its effectiveness and results.

Tips

• Unsure if this product would work for you?  Do a patch test.
• Once signs of irritations occur, stop usage immediately.
• Use a tiny amount to start with, press a small pea-size of product and gently  massage into the skin starting at the driest part.
• Once product gets absorbed into the skin, you may continue with your regular moisturizer
• This product is good for 6 months upon opening.  Mark the product with the date.
• Do not forget to apply your neck area. 
• Though it was written in the instruction portion to use day and night, I prefer to start using the product once a day until your skin gets used to the additional "potent" product.

Will I repurchase?
May or may not.  Serum is never an integral part of my skincare regimen. It's a luxury :)

To whom do I recommend this to?
Girls and boys who are used to injecting a "serum" into their regimen.  This is best used for people above the age of 25, who needs the anti-ageing properties. 

Can be used by normal, dry, oily and combination skin.  Sensitive skin may need to do a patch test.

Where to purchase and how much?
Exclusively available in Watsons (SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Cubao, SM Makati and SM Mall of Asia) for Php2,400 (approx $55.80) per tube.



Product photo

Medium pink shade of the product

Once blended, it goes on clear,

reducing the look of fine lines and dryness.

 

For more information, LIKE Vitacreme B12 on Facebook.
Do you use serum in your current skincare regimen?
Which serum brand do you use and is it effective?

Once in a while, I include the usage of serum as part of my "night time" routine especially on days I feel my skin gets really dry and needs the boost of moisture.  I'm halfway done with Vitacreme B12 Serum Anti-Age and so far, I'm happy with it.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

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

AMW Reviews: Maybelline HyperSharp Liner

Happy Month of June!  The month for wedding bells! 

I know how a lot of you dislike to use liquid liner because of some unexplainable factors!  *laughs*  Let me explain, it's the unsteady hands!  I know because I used to complain about that too!  My first liquid liner was purchased months before my Engagement Party (that was year 2007), and I (bravely) did my own makeup during on that special day so I practiced... A LOT!  And guess what?  My eyeliner during my engagement party isn't perfect but it wasn't bad at all! 

Moral of my short story, do not be scared to try liquid liners as they aren't tattooed on your lids!  They can be removed easily by a nice eye makeup remover so please, don't get scared and start whipping out your liquid liners...NOW! :)

One of the sharpest, shortest brush liquid I own to date is from Maybelline.  It's a wee bit shorter than my K-Palette 24H Real Lasting Eyeliner Waterproof but similarly sharp! 

The HyperSharp Liner from Maybelline

Maybelline says ---

AMW says ---

Pros

• Perfectly sharp and short liner brush giving you a precise thin or thick line!

 

• Manufactured date is clearly printed upon purchase.  Product is well sealed.
• Pigmented.
• No smudging.
• Dries quickly!
• Easy to remove with any eye makeup remover.
• Can easily draw various winged liner look or designs for Avant Garde mareup.
• Inexpensive for its quality.

Cons

• Since it's a brush tip, it will be difficult for first time liquid liner users.
• The ink flow could be a problem as sometimes, I need to reapply twice for the right pigmentation.
• It won't smudge if you rub your eyes but some of it MAY flake off.

Overall
A great inexpensive liner that gives you a good control, a thin or thick line can be easily done with a short .05mm tip.  This liner won't give you the panda eyes.

Tips 

• Watch out for Sales!  Maybelline have sales every now and then so you may purchase and test on some of their products less 10-20-30% off!  Follow them on Facebook to get updated!
• Apply by holding the pen pointing the tip towards your lashline 

•  or flipping the pen on the side for a better application.  (Practice makes perfect.)

• Shake the pen before use.
• If you have extremely oily lids, it helps to prime your lids with your choice of oil control eyelid primer.
• If you use a liquid liner, apply with short strokes near your lash line, do not forget to tight line with your choice of waterproof eye pencil.
• Never share the same liner brush on different individuals.  If you must, wipe the brush tip with a makeup cleaner pad.
• Keep in mind that it takes time to apply a nice line, use a pencil if you're in a hurry.
• Since I can't seem to know when I use up the product, I like keeping a tiny sticker writing down the date I start to use the product and give at least a month (if daily use) and 2 months (not daily) and start to stock up before you ran out of the product.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
 Anyone who likes to create a nice thin/thick line without bringing an extra brush.

Where to purchase and how much?
 At local Maybelline counters for Php399.00 (approx $9.25).

Product swatches and photos

Thin or thick line can be easily drawn

The color is achieved by lining once on thin line, twice on the thick line

I like applying using short strokes flipping the pen sideways as shown on photo below.  Afterwards, I like to fill in spaces by pointing the sharp tip of the pen straight and gently rub the brush onto the area where extra lining is needed.  

Maybelline HyperSharp Liner in Black on my upper lash line.

Feel free to tight line with your choice of eyeliner pencil

How many days, months or years did it take for you to perfect your line?
Mine would be, around a week!  (It was daily!!!) :P and trust me, I still make mistakes!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!