AMW Reviews: Penshoppe Mirage Aqualiner Pencils

Happy Thursday AMW friends!  First of all, I want to thank everyone for the well wishes.  Mr. AMW, myself and li'l AMW are grateful to have cyber friends like you!  I do feel the love and support although I haven't met most of you! :)

Now, let's get back to beauty talk for now so it'll take me away from all the nausea even for a bit! :)

Colored pencils have always been a not-so-secret of mine to create a "full made-up" look without the effort.  On days I'm in a hurry and I don't have time to blend, well, especially these past few days that I'm too lazy to do anything on my eyes, I prefer to pick a nice colored eye pencil and line it either on the upper lash line or lower lash line for an instant pop!  And it works!

When Penshoppe came up with their inexpensive line of makeup, my heart fluttered when I got all 3 Mirage Aqualiner Pencils to test!  These reminded me so much of my favorite NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils.

Celeste (White)

Nymph (Teal)

 Royale (Purple)

Penshoppe says ---
Mirage Aqualiner Pencil, a handy and easy-to-apply eyeliner pencil, has the perfect smooth glide to color the lash lines all the way. With three lively variants to choose from—Celeste (white), Nymph (teal) and Royale (purple)— Mirage Aqualiner Pencil promises an eye-popping look to highlight the most striking area of your face.

AMW says ---
Pros

• Pencil, easy to bring anywhere for touch-ups.
• Inexpensive.
• Color pay-off is good.
• Can be used as eyeshadow base or eyeliner.  The Celeste (white) shade can be used as highlighter.

Cons

• Smudges especially on oily-lidded individuals.
• You have to find the right size of sharpener to be able to sharpen these pencils.

Overall
Good pigmentation.  Inexpensive.  Needs primer to prevent smudging.

Tips

• Use an eye primer prior to usage to prevent aqualiners from smudging or transferring.
• Feel free to use them as eyeshadow base to make the eyeshadow appear more vibrant.
• Sharpen the aqualiner  every now and then if you want to create a defined line.
• If the pencils hardened and felt rough on your sensitive lids, blow-dry the tip of the pencil for 3-5 seconds, wait for a couple of seconds for the pencil to cool then apply on lids as usual.  The pencil will be creamier and less tugging is needed.
  

Will I repurchase?
No, these 3 shades are enough, not unless they come up with more shades!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who loves colored eye pencils and are on the budget!

Where to purchase and how much?
At Penshoppe stores for Php149.00 (approx $3.50) per piece.

Photos

Product Swatch 

top to bottom: White, Teal and Purple

I used all 3 pencils on my eyes for a simple yet vibrant look.

Celeste (white) was used to highlight the browbone and inner corner of my eye.

Nymph  (teal) was used on my lower lashline but I made sure to apply my favorite Urban Decay Primer Potion on the area to prevent smudging.  Teal or anything bluish-green has always been my to-go-to shade to apply on my lower lashline for an instant pop without much eyeshadow.

Royale (purple) was used to apply on my inner crease area and I tapped a bit of a similar shadow shade to "set" the pencil.  Again, an eyeshadow primer was used to make this overall look to prevent smudging and transferring.

Which among the 3 Mirage Aqualiner Pencils caught your attention?
I would definitely go for Celeste (white) as it can be used as a nice highlighting tool!

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

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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(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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(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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Stay happy!