Saturday, August 18, 2012

What AMW Wears: For the Movies

I have been emailed more than once regarding my choice of fashion.  I'm definitely your "comfort" kind of girl!  I wouldn't be caught dead wearing something I'm super uncomfortable with or an outfit that I have to check every now and then just because my underpants may be peeking or my bra can be seen from miles away! 

I'm a boring old woman!  *laughs*  So I'm not even sure why some of you could even get a bit interested!  But, *insert huge smile here*  Thank you!

I like soft pieces of clothing that doesn't hug my body, because I like to eat and pig out especially on movie nights!  This photo was taken last weekend after the Bourne Legacy movie.

Top: SD (Seven Dials) from The Ramp
Shorts: Bought in Korea
Shoes: Gold flats by ShoeBox
Bag: United Colors of Benetton

The top was a bit loose for me so I tucked it in a high-waisted shorts with a purple belt (as the top has small purple prints). Since the outfit is full of blacks and grays, I've decided to wear gold sparkled flats as I like it to be the focal point of my outfit!  It's cute that the gold flats matched the buttons perfectly!

For hair and makeup, I just blow-dried my hair quickly giving it a nice body. I had BB cream on and a face powder, eyeliner, blush and lipstick.  Oh, I tinted my brows to match my hair color too!

Last but not the least, I did not forget to wear a smile!   Nothing beats a genuine smile!  

What's your typical outfit for the movies?

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Stay happy!


Friday, August 17, 2012

Nail Art Tutorial: Big vs Small Game





Happy Friday guys!  The week went by pretty quickly, I guess it's because my brother is here for a short visit and he's leaving on Sunday!  

Anyways, on to the good-but-useless news!  *hahaha*  I got my own Resort's World Card! *yay*  Hey, don't give me that shocked look lady!  I'm not a gambler and will never be, but I won't be a party pooper inside a casino!  I'm scared of losing huge amount of money so I always set a side a very small budget just for the experience and fun!

And one game I would totally try aside from the Roulette?  It's the Big vs. Small game!  My brother and I played the game once inside a hotel in Macau and my bet was multiplied by 2 and I immediately cashed out!  (I'm a sissie that way!)  hehehe  My brother, on the other hand, has the luck, his bet was multiplied by 16 but he continued to play and before we get to zero, I asked him to leave!  So yes, I'm nagging gambling partner!

Today, I've created a nail art design to celebrate the game I can play at the casino.

My Big vs. Small Game Nails

Step 1:
Apply coat of your favorite base coat to protect your nails from chipping and yellowing.  I used ZOYA Base Coat

Thursday, August 16, 2012

AMW Reports: AMW Tried Segway!

Segway isn't new to me!  The first time I saw it was last year during our Singapore trip!  We were super tired after all the walking at the Universal Studios then we went straight to Sentosa Island, I saw huge posters of Jackie Chan on Segway and I playfully asked Mr. AMW to buy me one!  Of course he chuckled and play deaf!  *hahaha*

When Nuffnang Philippines contacted me and asked me if I would like to try Segway with friends, I immediately said yes!  Mr. AMW was very excited as well!

Why use a Segway you ask?
Well, it is one great alternative to accomplish daily tasks like going around the village, going to a nearby store, etc...  Segway is called "The Sweet Green Ride" because it's an electric two-wheeled, self-balancing transportation, easier to park, can take you places without as much noise and pollution as a scooter and can travel as far as 40km on a single battery charge.  This device was first introduced to the public on "Good Morning America in year 2002" and 10 years after, it's finally here in the Philippines.

Before we hopped on the Segway ride, Angela and I were given a short brief for safety precautions.  I have to admit, both Angela and I were squeezing each other's arm as we wanted to run out of the court!  (Yes, we're over-reacting that way!)


We were each guided by a Segway personnel on the basics. I kept in mind that the movement is totally controlled by me so I can't go dancing and shake my booty while we were on the Segway course!

Angela on Segway for the first time

And me getting nervous and laughing at the same time!

The Segway stays upright by itself, stepping on the Segway needs to be done in caution.  As soon as you're comfortable, lean a bit forward for the Personal Transporter (PT) to move forward,  To move backward, leaning a bit backward is the key.


The Lean Steer frame is easy to manage, turning left and right is quite easy making the Segway course challenging yet fun!  After the first round, both Angela and I relaxed a bit and increased the speed.  
 

We actually felt safe and in control!  This is definitely easier than riding a bike!  *laughs*


Off we went for a short course at Rockwell's old basketball court.


Angela having fun

and isn't it obvious that I'm enjoying this too?

No wonder international celebrities like Jackie Chan, Justin Bieber, Jim Carry plus local celebrities like Pops Fernandez and Crystalle Belo were all seen using a Segway PT.
I wouldn't mind owning one!  Seriously, I don't want to get off the ride!  Angela and I managed to go for 4 rounds!

Kiddie Mr. AMW gave Segway a try too!

To learn more about the Segway PT, visit www.segway.com.ph or LIKE them on Facebook.

** Simply Moving Philippines, Inc. is the exclusive local distributors of Segway PT
** Thanks to Arthur and Angela for the photos!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!





(this is a sponsored post.)



AMW Reviews: Palgantong Vita White BB Cream SPF30 PA++

BB Creams --- a huge gift from the Beauty God!  Since my first discovery of the famous Blemish Balm Creams, I never stopped using them as my skin can tends to breathe better.  How?  The answer is simple,  I tend to use less foundation or  none on a good skin days!

I have tons of "BB Creams"-related queries and the most common question is: "What's the best BB Cream for me?".   I'm very consistent in explaining to readers on how difficult it is to find the best BB cream for you without you having to test them on your own.

Yes, beauty bloggers are everywhere and almost all beauty bloggers I know have tried at least 1 BB Cream brand!  You can probably pick the best BB Cream for you based on a Beauty Blogger who has the same skin type or skin tone as you do but bear in mind that at the end of the day, our skin are uniquely different from others!  Skin 79 VIP Gold may be the best BB Cream for me but a friend of mine suffered serious allergic reactions to it!  My friend swore on Missha BB Cream but it didn't work for me as it gave me the itch!  

Can we blame the BB Cream brands?  No!  That's why I always explain to BB Cream fanatics to do researches, read reviews and then test them!  Ask a friend who owns the brand of BB Cream you want to give you a sample or go to the stores and ask if they offer samples!  

At the end of the day, the best way to find the best BB cream for you is to test them on your skin!

And why the fuzz over BB Creams?  It's a no-brainer that my review for today is (yet another) BB Cream called Palgantong Vita White BB Cream!

(Note from author: I've seen Palgantong products everywhere when I visited Tokyo!  The products were selling like hotcakes!)


Palgantong says ---
This is a one of a kind BB Cream, when wore, results in a poreless, flawless complexion. It also has great coverage that can blur out minor imperfections. SPF 30 PA++ blocks off UVA and UVB rays. It also brightens your complexion as you wear it throughout the day. Long-lasting, and great even for oily skin.

Some other special points of this product :
* has good coverage
* has good sun protection against burning and aging
* gives your skin a hydrated look
* contains various including Vitamin B3, C and E, & Pearl Extract to reduce the appearance of spots.
* brightens the skin
* creamy coverage minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles
* good coverage but lightweight in feel.

Shades Available :
#10 Light Beige - yellowish in tone
#20 Natural Beige - pinkish in tone

AMW says ---
Pros
  • Well sealed upon purchase.
 
  • Squeeze type tube.
 
  • Lightweight.
  • Buildable coverage.  From medium to heavy.
  • Stays the whole day even on humid weather.
  • Matte finish.
  • A little goes a long way.
  • Has SPF30 PA++
  • Happy that the 2 shades are meant for yellowish and pinkish tone.  At least we have both bases covered.
  • Smooth consistency, easy to blend.
Cons
  • Just like most BB Creams, limited shades. 
  • Not widely available in the local market.
  • Darker skinned individuals may find this to be light.
  • With direct flash, may create white cast due to its SPF content.
Overall
I'm quite impressed with the Palgantong Vita White BB Cream in terms of its coverage and its creaminess making the product easy to blend.  The scent is mild and leaves skin looking fresh the whole day!

Tips
  • If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test.
  • BB Cream application comes after skin care routine.  
  • Apply with clean fingers.  Massage gently and wait for the product to settle down before going to the next makeup routine.
  • If you have dry skin, it is best to moisturize your skin properly then follow with the BB Cream.
  • If you have extremely dry skin, mix a bit of your favorite moisturizer with the BB Cream.  I've done it and I love the result.
  • If you have oily skin, you can apply Palgantong Vita White BB Cream as it is as it will result into a fresh, matte finish.
  • If you have good-looking skin to start with, top the BB Cream with your choice of loose powder.  Oily skin would appreciate following this up with Palgantong's Theatrical Powder.  (I tried this combo and it dried out my skin even more!  Note: I have normal/dry skin!)
  •  If you need more coverage, set the BB Cream with powder foundation of choice.  This is the best time to adjust your BB Cream shade.  If this is too light on you, it's time to bring out those powder foundations you bought in the past that's a bit too dark on you!
  • Felt the effect is too matte for your taste?  Pull out your brightening powders or face highlighters!
Will I repurchase?
I may not repurchase for now as I have a lot of BB Creams to finish up.  I wouldn't mind recommending this to others though!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Normal, Combination, Oily skinned individuals are all welcome to try this!  Best for NC20-35 MAC users.

Where to purchase and how much?
Online via Beauty & Minerals for Php1,200.00 (approx $28.00).

 Photos

The box is written in Japanese.  To those who don't know, Palgantong the brand is from Japan!  I've seen a lot of girls in Tokyo Japan grabbing random Palgantong Products.  They're selling like hot-pancakes there!

 The shade I got is #10
Light Beige 

 A tiny amount shows true light beige shade.


No sparkles.  
Coverage is buildable and I'm quite impressed with its pigmentation.'
The color did not came off grey like other BB creams.

Light Beige seems to be too light for my skin

But after a minute or 2, the product settled and it blends into my skin quite well!  With this BB Cream, I like finishing this up with a medium beige shade of powder foundation or bronzer to give more life to my overall look.

Before and After (Applied Palgantong Vita White BB Cream alone)
My skin looks more even and the redness were gone.


Here's a photo after powder foundation application that's a shade darker than my skin.
  It made my skin looks healthier.

Have you tried any Palgantong products?
I used to purchase them at Greenhills but the store closed down!  At present I own 3 Palgantong products --- The Vita White BB Cream, The Sky Long Mascara and Theatrical Powder.

I'd love to try more!  Any other recommendations?

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Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Wednesday, August 15, 2012

How to: Contour the Face for Daytime




Good morning AMW Readers!  I'm still suffering from colds, maybe I pushed my body to the limit, but I'm staying positive!  I may look like crap at the moment but there's always makeup to the rescue!  *shhh*

For this week's "This Is How I Do It" post, it is inspired by readers' comments on how they dislike to contour on regular days as it will look fake on them!  Well guess what?  There is such thing as contouring for daytime!  That's why I came up with a simple tutorial I do as I like to create dimension on my face but it's always subtle-looking!  

Before you scroll further down, here are some of the old articles I've written about Nose Contouring and  face contouring (super old post).  Some of the products I've used are a shade or 2 darker powder foundation, MAC sculpting powder in Lightsweep/Shadester, Stila Contouring Trio and in this tutorial, my Yves Rocher Duo Powder/Bronzer!  (reviews will be up in the future)

Hope you enjoy my mini tutorial!  Feel free to click Comment below if you have further queries! 

Let's start with the nose area...

With a soft angled eyeshadow brush or any fluffy brush, apply the contouring powder starting from the inner corner of the eyes as shown on photo below.