AMW Reports: My Favorite Beauty Bar Opens MORE Branches

I used to work at Libis area in a Fortune Top 500 company.  Everyday I would walk through Robinsons Galleria to wait for a bus or sometimes, my mom would pick me up!  While my thoughts were lingering on work, emails and client calls, there are 2 places that I love to visit that would temporarily put my stressful life on hold!  

Auntie Anne's for my quick Almond Pretzel fix then the Beauty Bar as I love to keep myself updated with brands, products and trends!

I do own a lot of makeup and skincare products at present but the first few significant ones are actually bought from various Beauty Bar Branches.

Weeks before my 25th birthday, Mr. AMW and I went inside the Beauty Bar, Shangri-La mall and he took notice on how much time I took staring at the Smashbox Beyond Beauty Encounter Brush Kit.  

Because I've been a very loving girlfriend *winks*  and I've been a super hardworking, Mr. AMW gifted me my first-ever full -sized brush set and that's when my goal to learn makeup professionally started. 

After receiving my first brush set, I started to build up my make up collection and I've always been very keen on buying the basics as a starter kit.

As seen on my first few months of blogging, I talk a lot about Burt's Bees products.  Some of the Burt's Bees products I used are ---

Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

(which I repurchased three times)

 Burt's Bees Lifeguard's Choice

I would hop from one Beauty Bar branch to another and always leave the store with at least something that would give me the push to learn more about makeup artistry!  I expanded my brush collection by purchasing Prestige brushes!  Since MAC was a bit too much for someone starting up on makeup at that time, I picked a MAC 224 dupe called Prestige #103 Shadow Crease Brush and then followed with  Prestige #102 Shadow Contour Brush.  Both brushes are still doing well at present and I'm glad I invested on them.

Birds of the same feathers flock together, they say.   I find this statement true as I found myself surrounded by friends who are into makeup too!  It was still fresh in my mind our fun Kris Kringle game!  The girl I picked wrote down here wish and it was the Prestige Eyeshadow Quad which made me extra happy as I get  to go back to the Beauty Bar!  I find roaming around the store gives me the relaxation and satisfaction.

Imagine the good news when I received an email recently advising me that Beauty Bar will be opening up more branches!  Yay for all of us!

• Bonifacio High Street – August 2012
• Magnolia Mall, Quezon City – September 2012
• Subic – September 2012
• Glorietta – October 2012
• Bacolod – December 2012

The news made me extra happy as I have more reasons to visit the store especially now that they have more brands!  They carry my favorite Andrea Modlash Adhesive and also my K-Palette 24H Real Lasting Eyebrow Liners and K-Palette 24H Real Lasting Eyeliner Waterproof.  Oh, don't even make me talk about the sponges, eyelashes and nail polishes!

Are you excited that more Beauty Bar stores are opening up soon?
What do you usually purchase inside the Beauty Bar?

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(this is a sponsored post.)

AMW Reviews: Black Beauty Silk Conditioner and Hot Oil

If you are into hair care products, today's post is perfect for you!  I've been taking my time reviewing each of the hair care products as we all know, the real results will take approximately 3-4 weeks of usage!

I have received Black Beauty Products a couple of months ago (almost 2 months), after I'm done with my L'Oreal Elseve Conditioner, I used a clarifying lotion to wash off all the product built up and started my conditioning regimen using Black Beauty Silk Conditioner and Black Beauty Hot Oil with Vitamin E.

 Let's start with the conditioner...

Black Beauty says ---

A deep moisturizing formula designed to help repair and nourish dry, damaged hair.  Its all natural formula adds volume to limp hair and detangles hair strands without greasiness.

Ingredients: Deionized Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol, etc.. (sorry I can't read the ingredients list, too small)

AMW says ---

Pros

• Smells great!
• Prevents tangles.
• Hair feels soft and light.
• No greasy-feel!
• No dandruff. 
• Available in different sizes making it easy to test if products work for you or not without spending a lot.  Available in 10ml, 120ml, 500ml and 948ml.

Cons

• May not be moisturizing enough for super dry, sensitized hair.

Tips

• Same with all conditioners, apply from mid-shaft until tips, try not to apply on the roots as hair may fall limp.
• Leave conditioner for more than 10 minutes if possible.  
• Use clarifying shampoos at least once a week to remove product build-up.

Will I repurchase?
Yes

To whom do I recommend this to?

Best used by people who have oily, normal or dry hair!  Extreme dried out hair or sensitized hair may use the Hot Oil Treatment I will be discussing below.

Where to purchase and how much?
Available in all Mercury drugstores nationwide and all SM Hypermart supermarkets for

10ml Php8.75 (approx $0.20)

120ml Php79.75 (approx $1.85)

500ml Php265.50 (approx $6.20)

948ml Php552.00 (approx $12.90)

Product photos

Easy flip cap just like regular shampoo and conditioner

The conditioner is not too liquid nor too sticky, the texture is just right.

Now let's head on to the more potent version of the Silk Conditioner, the Hot Oil with Vitamin E treatment.

Black Beauty says ---

A natural leave-on treatment SPA for damaged, relaxed or color-treated hair.  Black Beauty Hot Oil is formulated with healthy blend of Vitamins and Protein based nutrients that helps to nourish and rejuvenate hair.  It provides a pleasant, long lasting freshness and cooling-effect to the scalp.

Ingredients: EDTA, Deionized Water, Carbomer, Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth 20, Glyceryl Monostearate, Mineral Oil, Virgin Coconut Oil, Triethanolamine, Propylene Glycol, Polyquartermium 7, Vitamin E, Silk Protein, Pine Bud Extract, Menthyl Lactate, Preservative, Dimethicone, Fragrance, Panthenol.

AMW says ---

Pros

• The added cooling-effect on scalp leaves me rejunvenated.
• A little goes a long way.
• Hair feels soft, tangle-free and light.
• No greasy-feel.
• Available in different sizes making it easy to test if products work for you or not without spending a lot.  Available in 20ml, 200ml, 300ml and 948ml.

Cons

• Scent could be overwhelming to some users.

Tips

•  If you have extremely dry or sensitized hair, instead of finishing up with a regular conditioner after shampooing, grab a small amount of the Black Beauty Hot Oil treatment with Vitamin E and apply all over hair and treat it like regular conditioner!  Hair will be more moisturized.
• If you have time, wrap your hair with a shower cap and leave it for at least 15-20 minutes at least once a week.
• Once signs of irritations occur (since this product can be applied on scalp unlike the conditioner), stop usage immediately!

Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Any hair type that needs the extra boost of moisture.

Where to purchase and how much?
Available in all Mercury drugstores nationwide and all SM Hypermart supermarkets for Php128.00 (approx $3.00) 300ml.

Product Photo

Overall both products targets hair that needed moisture!  It does give the moisture my hair deserves and I find myself waking up with softer, smoother hair.  With regards to the shine, I can't seem to see it for now!

I'm glad Black Beauty is coming up with more products as my mom used to be addicted to Black Beauty Shampoo and that's the only product I knew back then!

Have you tried Black Beauty hair treatment?
It's proudly Philippine made by the way!
Feel free to LIKE them on Facebook.

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

Eureka Moment: Foot Secret

Good morning everyone!  How was your weekend?  Mine was busy yet fun!  We had the chance to watch the blocked screening of The Bourne Legacy, I can't say I'm in love with the movie but I'm very happy with the various scenes that were all too familiar to me!  Though I just can't imagine how someone can drive all the way from EDSA ended up in Manila then to the fish port area! *laughs*  Don't worry, I'm not trashing, I'm quite proud and happy that our country and city was mentioned twice in the movie! :)

Thanks to Nuffnang Philippines and Mandaue Foam Furniture Store!

Yesterday, I had a full day Bridal gig and it was time to transport little Chin Chin and big Char Char (Pomeranian dogs) back to my mom's place as they were arriving from Hong Kong together with my brother who's visiting for a week!  So this week is going to be an exciting one!

Let's get down to business, eureka moment I say?

Well, a long-time reader would know how much I adore comfortable shoes!  But let's face it, there are some moments when you see a gorgeous looking pair and you would do anything to wear them no matter how uncomfortable they are only because they make your legs look leaner and longer!

Eureka Moment!  I know this is not the freshest news around and I've bought a lot of "similar ones" from different brands in the past but thanks to the GlamBox Airbrush Workshop, we were all gifted with Foot Secret products which I immediately used and fell in love with.

Heal Wing
Available in Black, Silver and Pink
Php309.00 (approx $6.00)/pair

This is a multifunctional shoe cushion that eases friction between the heels and shoe!  I have used a "gel like" version of this, I like them too but the adhesive didn't stay as long!

I like the fact that the adhesive was made by 3M!   The brand I trust for adhesives!  It comes with 3 colors and I actually like how it didn't tightened up my shoes instead, reducing the friction between my heels and the shoes!  It is super comfortable!

Strappy
Available in Lovely Pink, Milky Brown, Sexy Silver
and Modern Black
Php249.00 (approx $5.80) for 16pcs

This adds relief to sensitive ankles and heels and 

helps in preventing shoe/sandal straps from falling off or being too lose

Over the years, I've stayed away from strappy heels like a plague.  Harsh straps that could get too lose or too tight can give me blisters.  The customizable "Strappy" is best used on shoe straps and it immediately lessen the friction and adds comfort.

Both products are available at Charles & Keith Branches locally.

Do you have any secret weapon on making your feet comfortable?
Or do you just let it be and make them suffer for the sake of fashion?

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

Weekend Food Tripping at: Cafe Monaco + My Favorite Noodle Soup

Good morning!  It's a Sunday and at the moment, I'm off for a Wedding gig!  It'll a full, busy day but I can't way as my brothers and parents will be coming back from their Hong Kong trip!  I can't wait to hear their stories!  Ahhh, I have to get back to Hong Kong after 3 long years!  I missed the food and I missed just walking around the area!  *chants* "Must...Go...Back!!!"

Since last week has been crazy with the monsoon rains that seem to go endless, we were on house arrest so we definitely didn't go out for "Weekend Food Trip"!  But guess what?  I have stock photos from the week prior to that and let me share to you first, my favorite noodle soup at the moment....

Lam Tin's Asado (Pork) Wonton Noodle Soup

less than Php200.00 (approx $4.00 or less)

On days that I get to visit Banawe, Lam Tin Tea House will always be the restaurant of choice!  I'm sure the servers would know our orders once we get in the restaurant!  "Fish and Tofu rice plus Lumpiang Shanghai please!"  *laughs*  And one day, as I was craving for something to warm my tummy, I've decided to give their noodle soup a try and I can't believe why in the world would I miss this!

The difference between Lam Tin's version of Asado Wonton Noodle Soup as compared to other restaurants?  Aside from the fact that you get a lot of noodles, pork and wonton, the soup base is very tasty!  The restaurant added the "honeycured pork" sauce over the soup making it extra yummy!

If you're within the area, definitely a must try!

 Lam Tin Tea House

#30-U Banawe St. Cor. Cuenco St.

Brgy. Sto. Domningo, QC

Tel nos: (632) 425-7093 / (632) 998-46-85

Please keep in mind that the restaurant only accepts cash payment.  No service charge.

Since we're within the area, let's head to a quaint restaurant that you don't see often without having someone recommend this place to you!

Cafe Monaco

Also located at Banawe, Quezen City, this restaurant was highly recommended by Keith's colleague as she knew how much we love Korean dishes.  Yes, Cafe Monaco, the restaurant serves Korean, Japanese and a bit of Filipino dishes!  

The restaurant is dark and it's always packed!  All the seats and tables do not match so it gives a nice "homey" feel!  

Free appetizers

Bibimbop

Php140.00 (approx $3.25)

 For the price, I wasn't expecting much but once the dish arrived, it did not disappoint us!  

With the separate red paste, we mixed it to our Bibimbop rice according to our needs.  I like how Cafe Monaco included fresh vegetables and grilled beef into it!  The grilled beef pieces were small yet very tasty.

Korean Beef BBQ

Php125.00 (approx $ 2.90)

Another good find!  Strips of tender beef with sesame seeds and vegetables work so well with the Bibimbop! 

Cafe Monaco has a whole lot of other dishes from Tempura to Chicken and beef Ramen, Tapsilog, Losilog, Ginseng Chicken etc..!  If you're craving for Asian Dishes but don't know where to start and you are at Banawe QC, give this restaurant a try!  The food is very tasty, prices are affordable and you feel like you're eating at the comfort of your own home!

Cafe Monaco

647 Banawe St. St. Peter, QC

Tel no: (632) 743-2685

Restaurant accepts cash payment only.  No service charge.  Parking is limited.

What's your current cravings?
I'm still craving for something Korean!!! :)

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Happy weekend!

Something New: Clinique's Pore Refining Solutions

Happy Saturday AMW Readers!  I hope our Philippine-based readers are doing okay, the week has been crazy with non-stop rains but I'm glad we were born resilient so guess what --- Filipinos are standing up again!  We are survivors!

Today, I will be sharing to you 2 new products from one of my favorite skincare brand Clinique that I have recently included in my makeup train case.  Let me tell you why I needed these.

A lot of my clients, once they are on the makeup chair, have super clean face minus the moisturizer.  I always start by checking out their current skin situation with a couple of questions before I get to decide which skin care products I would use.

Yes, the condition of the skin is very important to achieve flawless makeup! 

Introducing ---

New Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector

Keep in mind that I did not test the Pore Refining Solutions products on my own skin as I have a normal/dry combination type of skin.  But bear in mind that since I have a lot of clients who suffer from combination, sensitive to oily skin, I do take time to learn about these products and I hope my  experiences would at least give you a rough idea on how the products work!

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Correction Serum says---

A serum that instantly diminishes the appearance of pores while simultaneously helping to strengthen and tighten skin's structure over time resulting to a smoother, nearly poreless look in just 2 weeks.

Allergy Tested.  100% Fragrance Free.  Oil-Free.  Non-Acnegenic.  Dermatologist Tested.

AMW says ---

As of the moment, I can't tell if the product does give a nearly poreless look in just 2 weeks as I use this product only once in most of my clients.  As of initial usage, I appreciate how the product gets absorbed into the skin in no time and best of all?  It works for most skin types. 

The Clinique Correction Serum does not instantly reduce the appearance of pores but it helps keep the area hydrated and gives a matte-looking finish.

Cost ---

Php3,000 (approx $71.40) available at Rustan's Makati, Rustan's Tower Shangri-La, Rustan's Alabang Town Center, Rustan's Essenses Robinson's Place, Rustan's Essenses Gateway Mall, Rustan's Ayala Center Cebu, Clinique Trinoma.

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector says---

Our best-selling instant perfector now upgraded. On contact specialized cross-linked silicone polymers drape the skin in an invisible, breeathable film that fills in and smoothes out the pore surface providing immediate oil absorbing benefits, leaving skin with a flawless matte finish.

Size: 15ml
Allergy Tested.  100% Fragrance Free.  Oil-Free.  Non-Acnegenic.  Dermatologist Tested.

AMW says ---

Because the product says "Instant Perfector", I always welcome anything "Instant" especially on clients!  My favorite Instant Pore Minimizer to date is the Benefit Porefessional and the Instant Perfector is definitely getting to the top! I believe this bestselling Instant Perfector has been further upgraded.  Though I haven't tried the older version, the newer version seems promising!

Once applied, the product immediately settles into pores and lines and minimize the look of it with a matte finish.  Unfortunately, the product contains silicone polymers so this may not be advisable for people sensitive to silicone-based products.  The good thing though, is the product doesn't have a heavy-silicone feel!

And who doesn't appreciate the tube packaging? :)

Cost ---

Php1,500 (approx $36.00) available at Rustan's Makati, Rustan's Tower Shangri-La, Rustan's Alabang Town Center, Rustan's Essenses Robinson's Place, Rustan's Essenses Gateway Mall, Rustan's Ayala Center Cebu, Clinique Trinoma.

Added information regarding Pores from Clinique ---

• Pore size is partly determined by inherited factors, such as the levels of androgen (male hormones) present in the body and oil gland sensitivity to androgens.
• If you have higher androgen level, more oil will be produced thus may have more chances of pores.
• Drier skinned individuals may have barely visible pores.
• Can you shrink pores?  Generally, yes, by reducing the androgen levels.  How?  By medications such as contraceptives and these can only reduce the size of pores to a certain extent.  Isotretinoin, or Accutane, can also be used to bypass the male hormone effect and works directly on the oil glands decreasing its output of oil.
• New technologies like laser and IPL can also aid in lessening the look of pores.
• The largest pores are generally found on the nose and the cheeks areas immediately adjacent to the nose.
• It is important to keep skin properly cleansed and exfoliated to avoid blackheads that can stretch pores and inflammatory acne that can lead to permanent scarring.
• In 20's and 30's, pores can start to stretch due to sun damage, constant picking and squeezing of the skin.
• Chronic sun exposure damages and wakens the supporting structures, surrounding pores and contributes to their enlarge look as we age.  Just as skin, pores can also loosen and sag as we age.
• To keep pores look smaller, a cleanse, exfoliate (if necessary) and moisturize.  
• Use oil-free makeup can help.

Any other information you have regarding the newest Clinique Pore Refining Solutions?
Any other pore minimizing tips you may add?

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(Product sent for PR purposes.  Reviews 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)