Say Hi to Li'l AMW!

Good morning friends! :) Today, let's pause the beauty talk for a day and let me share to you a great news that I've been holding off until my doctor's visit 2 nights ago.

YES, I am pregnant! :)  I am confirmed 7 weeks pregnant and Mr. AMW and I saw our baby's little heartbeat last night when I had my ultrasound.  Not sure if you can see it but don't worry if you can't, Mr. AMW originally thought the Yolk Sac was our baby!  (Sorry Keith!  Nilaglag kita!) hahahaha

Prior to this hi-tech ultrasound confirmation, I've gone through 6 pregnancy tests, the first 5 tests were all faint second line but the 6th test said it all!  (Yes, I was that OC even on pregnancy tests!  lol)

That is the reason why you haven't seen me going out on events or even see a new nail art tutorial for now as my finger and toe nails are completely polish-free! If it does affect li'l AMW or not,  I don't care!  I'm taking all precautions!

As of today, I am suffering from morning, afternoon and evening sickness and I am tired at all times!  To those who are sending me queries over email and FB message, please understand I won't be answering them like a SPEEDY Gonzales that I used to be :)  But rest assure I will still do my best to help you out with your queries once I feel better!

This is it! :) Please pray for me and my baby's safety!

God bless you all!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

The first time I saw the cute Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain was from my online Glamour Magazine last month! They reminded me so much of my favorite Clinique's Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm.

Scroll down to check out the 4 shades I got!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain's Packaging is the exact color as the balm!

035 Charm

050 Precious

020 Lovesick

045 Romantic

Revlon says ---
It’s a pampering balm fused with a lightweight lipstain in an adorable chubby crayon. Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain gives softer, smoother lips with a perfect flush of color that lasts hour after hour. The gel formula comes in 12 vibrant shades that match any look or mood. 

•  Lightweight Lipstain + Moisturizing Balm
• 100% of women who tried it felt their lips were instantly moisturized with a soft stain of color
•  Retractable chubby crayon, no sharpener required

AMW says ---
Pros

• Retractable!  No sharpening needed and the tube is too cute!

• Glides on smoothly. 
• Very moisturizing.
• The darker shades are quite pigmented.
• For a lip stain/balm, the product stays on your lips for at least half a day!
• Tiny hint of scent that doesn't bother me.

Cons

• The lighter shades may not show up as much as we want them to.
• Because re-application is addicting because of the moisturizing properties, I think I will finish up the product faster than most of my lipsticks!

Overall
A lipbalm and lipstain in one!  I love to bring this along for touch-ups even without an extra lip balm!

Tips

• If you prefer very subtle shades, pick the lighter shades.
• If you have dark pigmented lips like mine, keep in mind that the lighter shades may not show up.  It works just like regular lip balm.
• I tend to skip lip balm application because the product is moisturizing enough, I strongly suggest to still apply a good amount of lip balm and blot off excess before Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain application.
• Always store in cool, dry place.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!  But definitely the more deeper shades.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone into lipsticks minus the drying factor.

Where to purchase and how much?
Local Revlon counters for Php575.00 (approx $13.70).

Photos

Swatches

035 Charm doesn't show up on my lips and applies sheer just like a regular lip balm

050 Precious has a creamier texture but still appears nothing in terms of color.  It helped made the color of my lips more even and I like to use this underneath a light colored lipstick.

020 Lovesick is a gorgeous hot pink shade that's moisturizing at the same time!

045 Romantic is great for girls who are just starting out on using red lipsticks!  The red shade isn't too strong yet it gives a nice statement.

What's your favorite shade among the 4 that I swatched?
My favorite is 020 Lovesick!  I love it so much I used it on The Purple Groom Photoshoot with Char Char :)

P.S. Char Char...on the other hand, doesn't have any lipstain on! *laughs* 

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Stay happy!

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

AMW Reviews: Human Nature Perfect Coverage Mineral Foundation

Who loves Mineral products? 

*Raises hand* ME!

If you scroll back to my blog posts 3-4 years ago, you'll probably see some reviews on various mineral brands which I love to order online and put them on small tiny pots!  I love the process of tap, swirl and buff!  My first mineral product was from Bare Minerals and I can't count how many times I watched the instructional video!  I was that addicted! 

Then boom!  After I finished my 2nd huge pot of Ellana Premium Blend Mineral Foundation, I went back to traditional compact foundation as I always wished mineral foundations would come in pressed powder form!  

Guess what?  I'm glad more and more mineral makeup companies are hearing us out!  One of the brands that made me Proud to be Pinoy --- Human Nature came up with a Perfect Coverage Mineral Foundation.  Scroll down to read my thoughts!

Human Nature says ---
Perfect Coverage Mineral Foundation is formulated with multi-functional rice powder, bamboo powder, and Vitamin E to give medium to high coverage and help seamlessly cover imperfections! It leaves you only with a velvety soft matte finish, perfect complexion, flawless-looking, shine-free face... and not the harmful chemical ingredients found in regular foundations! Just the perfect match for your skin you’ve been waiting for!
Available in 4 Filipina-friendly shades:

• Vanilla – Light
• Honey – Fair
• Caramel – Medium
• Toffee – Morena

Size: 0.26 oz. (7.5g)
AMW says ---
Pros

• Cute purplish packaging that has a huge mirror.

•  Expiration date well printed on packaging.

• Comes in shades that work for most Asian skin.
• Build-able coverage.  From light (by using a brush) to medium to heavy!
• Talc-free
• Soft, smooth texture. 
• Easy to blend.
• No scent.
• Non-drying.  Skin looks healthy and moisturized.
• Matte-finish.

Cons

• Well, online shoppers?  It is difficult to pick the right shade for you without swatching the product.  Kindly read tips on how to deal with this.

Overall
Good coverage, smooth texture and has a good staying power.

Tips

• Never drop the compact as mineral powder are softer in texture.
• If you plan to buy online, I strongly suggest to PLEASE visit any Human Nature stores near you and swatch on each at least 2-3 shades to pick the right shades for you!  Online, I originally thought I'm a Caramel-Medium, but turned out a tad bit dark on me.
• For retouch, use a fluffy brush to apply on areas that needed the extra coverage and leave the rest bare.  Applying too much foundation within the day will give unnatural finish.
• If you have oily skin, always blot off excess oil before you use the sponge for retouch.

Will I repurchase?
Yes

To whom do I recommend this to?
People with sensitive skin, who loves to use Mineral foundation but dislikes the messy loose powder form.

Where to purchase and how much?
Online for introductory price of Php475.00 (approx $11.30) or visit Human Nature branches nationwide and branches and in all Beauty Bar outlets in Metro Manila.  Call (632) 931-5787 for nearest Human Nature branch.

Photos

Shade: Caramel - Medium

I personally think this would work not only for medium skinned girls but also for girls who don't mind having a hint of healthy than (me!)

Swatch on finger

Coverage is buildable

Applied all over skin using the sponge that comes with the compact.

(Since the shade is a tad bit darker on me, I applied light layer all over face and added more on areas that I would like to contour!  The product doubles up as a very natural contouring powder for me!  Smart eh? :P)

Coverage is good, 

Skin looks fresh!

Do you still use mineral makeup products at present?
Would you give Human Nature a try?

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Stay happy!

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

Weekend Food Tripping at: Maki Haus

Happy Sunday AMW Friends!
Where are you off for lunch or dinner?  Are you dining out or cooking at home?  Whatever your plans are, make sure to eat right and eat whatever your body and heart desires! :)

Over the week, I have been craving for flavorful dishes and there's nothing Mr. AMW could do but go for what my tummy says! hehehe

Since I'm usually around Manila area, we make it a point to try as many restaurants as we can!  One restaurant that got a seal of approval from my parents-in-law is called Maki Haus ---> I did not invent the spelling, it was really spelled that way!  *lol*

Maki 

Php105.00 (approx $2.50) for small serving

Php130.00 (approx $3.00) for bigger serving

We ordered the bigger size of course as we always say: "There's always take outs!"  *laughs*

 In the metro, I find there are only a few restaurants who serve good Maki/Maki-Mi.  I'm glad to announce that Maki Haus did deliver!  But first of all, what's Maki or Maki-Mi?

Maki is a dish where you find sliced pork cut into small pieces, seasoned and tenderized with starch.  The extra starch, eggs and onions give a smooth yet thick texture.  You can opt for just the slices of pork or you can go for Maki-mi which are slices of pork with noodles.  Best ordered if you're really hungry.   

Beef Wanton Mami

Php135.00 (approx $3.21)

I wasn't impressed with this dish as the soup was bland and the noodles were too soft.  The beef lacks taste and I think the best part of this noodle soup is the wanton.  We ended up transferring the noodles to our Maki dish (above).  We're creative that way *winks*.

 Lumpia Shanghai

Php125.00 (approx $3.00)

This order came in super late!  The restaurant must've nearly forgotten about it or they were really busy as it was a full house that night!  So far, it's okay if you're craving for fried lumpia that night but my favorite will always be the one from Lam Tin!

Another must try, give their Hipon Rebusado (Shrimp Rebusado) a try!  One piece costs Php70.00 (approx $1.70) , we had 3 orders for to-go and so far, it's good!

The restaurant accepts cash payment only.  No service charge included in the bill.  Service was not that good as our Lumpia Shanghai came in too late!  We were done eating our Maki and Noodle Soup and had to follow up.

Maki Haus
Banawe Ave St. Peter, Quezon City  
tel. no.: (632) 411-8767 

Have you tried Maki?
Do you like it?

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AMW Reviews: Benefit BeneTint

Benefit's Benetint has always been the "star product" of the said brand.  I went in and out of the boutique so many times but I don't know why I haven't really put myself into purchasing one!  I guess, I always think it's always there and there will always be a good, inexpensive dupe to the said bestselling lip and cheek tint!

Yes, I've given different brands of lip and cheek tints a test but as a blogger who loves to pry and compare, I finally gave in and got myself THE Benetint! 

Benefit Benetint says ---

Our original rose-tinted stain is kiss-proof, see-through color for lips & cheeks that lasts for hours. Naturally sheer & sexy on all complexions...it’s innocent yet provocative.

Originally created for an exotic dancer in the 1970s, Benetint has soared to cult fave status. It's loved by celebs, makeup artists and gals around the world. It's the sexiest flush you can get from a bottle!

size: 12.5ml
Ingredients:

AMW says ---

Pros

• Comes with manufactured date printed on box.

• Has a nice hint of rose scent.  (not too overwhelming for me)
• If applied correctly, the effect is always natural.
• Stays the whole day no matter what type of skin you have!
• Waterproof, sweat-proof.
• Pricey but the bottle lasts me long! 

Cons

• A bit tricky to apply especially first time tint users.
• A bit challenging to remove especially if you love to apply this with the use of fingers like I do.
  

Overall
A long lasting natural flush and shade is build-able depending on user preference.

Tips

• If you plan to apply on cheeks and lips, try not to use the same brush for application.
• For cheeks, best to use your clean fingers and work fast!
• A little goes a long way so start with 3 dots then work your way adding more depending on your preference.
• If you plan to use this as a lip tint, apply 2 dots of the Benetint on your clean finger and gently dab the product on clean, dry lips.
• Lip balm comes after Benetint application to prevent lips from drying.
• Benetint is best used after BB Cream, liquid or cream foundation application.  
• For the color to appear more vibrant, set the Benetint with your choice of powder blush.

Will I repurchase?
Yes

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who's into tints.

Where to purchase and how much?
At local Benefit Boutique (Greenbelt, Rustan's Makati and Shangri-la Mall) for Php1,800 (approx $41.80)

Photos

  The Benefit Benetint is housed in the same bottle

 as Moon Beam, Sun Beam, Posietint , etc...

For application:

I like to apply 3 dots of the Benetint on my cheeks 

as shown on photo below after my BB Cream application

I blend immediately by creating quick, 

dabbing motion using my clean fingers

Voila!
Benetint on cheeks and lips

As compared to other lip and cheek stains that I have tried, Benefit Benetint offers you longer lasting tint and the nice rosey scent not all lip and cheek tints have.  I find the product to be very liquid in texture thus making it easier to blend thus creating a more natural flush.

Have you tried Benefit's Benetint?
Do you like it or not?

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