AMW Reviews: Benefit Remove It Makeup Remover

Happy Humpy Day AMW Friends!
Ahhh, the joys of makeup removing (not!).  I tend to get lazy at times..ahm...most of the time and Mr. AMW would always point out the extra "liner" or mascara that was left even after I washed my face!  Thank you Lord for sending me an "OC" husband who takes care of my eyes as I ended up visiting an ophthalmologist in the past because my eyes got irritated from mascara "leftovers".  *laughs*  Oh, at that time, it wasn't as funny!

Through the years, I don't mind investing on various makeup removers (from drugstore to high end) as long as they earn raves from online reviewers.  Yes, I've found some good and not-so-good ones but that doesn't stop me from trying MORE! :)

Benefit says ---

Removing your makeup is as important as applying it. Remove it makeup remover effectively removes eye makeup, including long-wearing & waterproof formulas, with an oil-free, no-rinse formula.

Size: 177.4 mL 6.0 US fl. oz.
Ingredients

AMW says ---
Pros

• Super cute bottle.  Great on top of your vanity table.
• Lightly scented.
• Can easily remove makeup on face and eyes.
• Oil-free. No greasy-feel.
• No sting.
• No eye irritations.

Cons

• If you're using super waterproof eyeliner and mascara, may take some time to completely remove it.
• The "pour" jar which can accidentally spill if not handled properly.

Overall
Great makeup remover that doesn't sting or blur out my vision.

Tips

• Best applied on cotton pad for easier makeup removal.
• For eye makeup removal, close your eyes and press the cotton pad with Benefit Remove It Makeup Remover for a couple of seconds and gently rub off makeup.  Repeat on the other side of the cotton.
• If you are clumsy (like me), transfer some of the makeup remover on a smaller container with small stout like that from Keeping It Together (KIT), or purchase small containers from Landmark or Beabi.
• To learn more about Benefit's newest products, Like them on Facebook.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!  I'm on my 2nd bottle. 

To whom do I recommend this to?
People who wears contacts and have sensitive eyes and skin.

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at Benefit for Php1,200 (approx $28.60).

Photos

Sealed upon purchase

Big opening of the bottle.

I can easily remove eye makeup and face makeup without much pressure.

What's your current makeup remover?
Do you like it?  Would you give Benefit Remove It Makeup Remover a try?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Makeovers: My Friend's Special Day!

Good morning AMW Friends!
I will be sharing to you a recent Bridal gig that I have done and I am so excited to share this to you not only because they are my clients but because the bride is an old friend of mine!  I've known her since elementary so it was an exciting moment not only for them but also for me to be part of their very special day!

The happy couple after the ceremony

The Bride

Skin type: Normal, perspires a lot!

Request: Makeup that stays and natural to look at

My friend has a beautiful face to start with so I'm not at all pressured to prettify her.  This look was done using airbrush.  Prior to airbrush foundation, I created a smooth base by applying face primer all over her skin concentrating on visible pores.  After the primer was set, I corrected her undereye circles a bit with a concealer and applied some light-colored concealer on the center of her face to create an "inner glow".  

As soon as I'm happy with the result, I whipped out my airbrush system and mixed 2 foundation shades to come up with a color that matches her skin.  With a darker foundation, I also contoured her face for a very natural three-dimensional look!

I've decided to pick neutral-colored eye shadow (which is perfect for Brides) and created an illusion of a deeper set of eyes, of course, with the help of eyeliner!  Lashes were also used as it'll always look perfect on photos!

I airbrushed a very simple rose colored blush on the apples of her cheeks and matched her lip color.  

Here's a photo to show you why contouring and highlighting is super important on photos!  The right placement of contouring and highlighting shades will create "depth" and make even black and white photos more alive!

So pick up your contour/highlight powders and practice, practice, practice!

The Groom

Skin type: Combination (normal and oily)

Request: None

The groom was easy to groom even though it was a first for him to have his makeup done, he didn't move much and let me do my thing!  :)  

I don't usually apply much makeup products on groom unless needed.  What's important for me is to know the condition of the skin and apply moisturizer or oil-control primer on areas needed.  For this groom, I applied an oil control primer on the t-zone and leave the rest for him not to feel too overwhelmed with makeup products.

I applied powder foundation all over his face and used 2-3 shades darker powder foundation as a contouring powder.  I gave his nose, his cheeks some dimension that would work well on photos!  

Since eyebrow shaving is mostly required for models, a groom does not need to have their eyebrows trimmed and be careful not to do so unless requested.  I picked a spoolie brush and gently brush his brows and use a bit of wax to tame them.

For the lips, I used a very natural colored tinted lip conditioner.

Mother of Bride

Skin type: Normal

Request: To look younger!

The MOB has gorgeous skin to start with and I can't stress how much a good skin care can help your skin "trick" old age!  *lol* 

I took my time applying an oil-free moisturizer on MOB and applied wrinkle-fillers on the lines under her eyes.  After making sure the products are all-set and the client doesn't have any itches or skin irritations, I proceeded with foundation application.  For clients with mature skin, it is very important to take time in foundation application to prevent flaking or foundation sliding off.  The client may have some tiny discolorations around her cheeks but it can all be covered with a medium to full coverage foundation.

I've decided to take my time to draw her brows as her original brows are thin and sparse, adding the thickness of the brows will make a person look younger!  For the eyes, I originally used a medium brown colored eye shadow but due to client's request, she wanted something a bit brighter, something pink, so I added a pink eye shadow on top of the medium brown eye shadow to highlight her eyes.  

Peach colored blush was used and a medium red colored lipstick (as requested by client as well.)

Sister of the Bride

Skin type: Normal

Request: Very light makeup

The sister of the bride is not part of the entourage so she requested to make her look "made up" but not too much!  She's not into makeup so applying too much makeup may make her feel uncomfortable.  

Since her skin is gorgeous to start with, I picked a foundation shade closest to her skin color and applied it all over her face.  I lightened up her brows as the client has colored hair and it instantly made her look younger (also as requested)  *laughs*.  

For the eyes, I picked earth colored tones using deep gold, medium browns and grays.  A baby pink colored blush was used and a pink colored lipstick.  So far, she is happy and comfortable with the end result. 

Younger Sister of the Bride

Skin type: Normal

Request: None

Since the younger sister is still young, I've decided to keep her make-up apt to her age and as simple as possible.   Her eyebrows were shaved and redefined by yours truly and I made sure to leave the "thickness" behind not making her look older than her age.  

For eye shadow, I've decided to create an illusion of even-looking eyes faking a "crease".  Pink blush and pink lipstick was also used!

It was another fun-filled day of me prettifying my friend and her family!  I am so happy to have witnessed such important event of her life and I thank her and her family for entrusting me with my skills!

Clients' hair done by: Kim Tan-Rodriguez

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AMW Reviews: Avon ExtraLasting Dual Powder Foundation

Happy Monday AMW Friends!  How was the weekend for you and your family?  

I still have my morning sickness but I'm glad that I survived another makeup gig that was booked months ago!  Thank you Lord for the strength and I even got the energy to visit mom and dad after the early makeup gig!  My family gives me strength and I'm very thankful for it!

Today, I will be sharing a review on the newest powder foundation I've tried.  I got this a month ago and I've been using it ever since to test this out!  I'm now ready to share to you my thoughts!  Oh by the way, if you have also tried this product, feel free to share to us your "current skin condition" and how this product works for you so our dear readers can get more information how this product would work on different skin types! :)

Thank you in advance!!!! :D

Avon ExtraLasting Dual Powder Foundation in Natural Beige 

comes in SPF15

Avon says ---
Start your day flawless and end it looking just as fresh!  ExtraLasting Dual Powder Foundation has Comfort Wear Complex that helps maintain quality, so color stays fresh and true all day.  It is also oil-free, formulated with mattifiers that absorb oil and surface shine.  Plus this foundation comes with SPF15 to keep your skin protected.

Available shades: Natural Beige, Nude, Pure Beige, Shell
Size: 9g
Ingredients:

AMW says ---
Pros

• Sleek, not so bulky packaging!
• No scent!  (Thank goodness, I cannot stress how important this is for me at this point of my life! lol)
• Comes with a sponge that's super useful and made of good quality.
• Comes with shades that works for most Filipinas.
• Powder is smooth to touch.
• Gives light-heavy coverage. 
• Can be applied dried or wet.
• Controls oil.
• Works for my normal-dry combination skin with minimal retouch.
• Gives a fresh, natural, non-powdery look without the white cast.
• Comes with SPF15.

Cons

• Difficult to choose shades without testers.

Overall
Smooth, good coverage, stays the whole day.

Tips

• If you prefer to use this on top of your favorite liquid foundation, best used as a "setting powder" with a brush for flawless, clean finish.
• If you prefer to use this on its own and likes medium to heavy coverage, wet the sponge and apply this wet for heavier coverage.  
• To double up the product's usage, do the "wet application" only on 1/2 of the pan and leave the rest of the 1/2 for "dry application".  
• Do not forget to apply your sunblock underneath as SPF15 won't be enough to protect you for the whole day!

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Normal, Combination and Oily-skinned individuals.

Where to purchase and how much?

ExtraLasting Dual Powder Foundation is available exclusively through Avon Representatives nationwide for Php515.00 (approx $12.25).  Log on to www.avon.com.ph to find out how to contact an Avon Rep.  Follow them on Facebook and Twitter (via @AvonPH).

Photos

Natural Beige shade on pan

Slimmer packaging

Applied all over face using "dry application" with a dry sponge for medium coverage.

I like using a brush for "retouch".

Natural Beige suits me!  It matches my neck perfectly and it gives a natural yet luminous (minus sparkles) look!  Because of my situation at the moment, I'm suffering from "extreme dryness" so a good moisturizer underneath works better for me if I use this foundation! 

Have you ever thought of picking an Avon-made foundation?
I'm quite impressed with their liquid foundation and I'm getting even more impressed with their powder foundations!
Great job Avon!

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Weekend Food Tripping at: FlapJacks --- Third Time's the Charm!

Mr. AMW and I are quite adventurous in terms of food!  Keith would do his research on new restaurants and tell me about it and we'll make it a point to visit the place especially after reading awesome reviews from customers!  

The food-lovers in us don't stop us from going back to restaurants that gave us the "warm, fuzzy, contented" feeling after a meal.  I can't count how many times I've been around Lam Tin Restaurant, Cyma, etc...  One of the many restaurants we love going back to is FlapJacks!

2 reasons why the restaurant has a charm we can't deny!

The Clam Chowder and Jack and the Beanstalk!  Read Part 1 and Part 2 FlapJacks visit by smiling and clicking HERE and HERE.

Clam Chowder

Php145.00 (approx $3.40)

Creamy clam and vegetable soup

Jack and the Beanstalk

Php125.00 (approx $3.00)

Combination of celery, apple and pineapple

Since we repeated 2 of our favorites, we've decided to be adventurous and pick on 2 new dishes we haven't tried!

Country Fried Chicken Breast

Php295.00  (approx $6.90)

Served with creamy gravy, Tex-mex rice and macaroni salad

 Who can go wrong with fried chicken breasts?  It was fried perfectly and you can taste the lovely crunch on each bite.  The gravy could get a bit overwhelming so I suggest requesting for "gravy on the side"!  The macaroni salad is a nice "finish" to the wonderful meal!

Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallion

Php365.00 (approx $ 8.50)

Served on a bed of black peppercorn sauce

 and your choice of Tex-Mex rice or mashed potatoes

Bacon wrapped in a tender "fist sized" pork medallion drizzled with yummy gravy sauce.  What's not to love?  I can imagine the dish to work perfectly with mashed potatoes as well!

The menu changed a bit from our last 2 visits!  I'm quite happy the restaurant has done some changes for repeat customers like me to enjoy new dishes that would tickle my taste palette.

Visit Flapjacks restaurants in Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center; Theater Mall, Greenhills; Al Fresco, Midtown; and UP Ayala Technohub. 
Restaurant accepts cash and credit card, service charge will be added to your total bill.

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AMW Reports: Getting to know Magniflex

Last Wednesday, I got an invite to visit the three-story building along  Connecticut Street in Greenhills called Homestudio Inc.  What's inside the building?

A high profile brand called Magniflex.  To those who don't know the brand, Magniflex is 100% Italian made mattresses and sleep accessories!

You read that right, mattresses....sleep accessories!  That's the reason why the pregnant woman who suffers morning sickness drag her butt out of the house to visit the showroom!  I am definitely in need of good night sleep and so far, 4 pillows with me still doesn't help and I'm intrigued to get ideas on how to have a more comfortable sleep! At the right price and within my budget of course!  *winks*

The event was hosted by Melai and we were introduced to the owner of Homestudio Inc. Mr. Grant Lim.  It was a wonderful success story to share that Grant finally fulfilled his dream to open up his own business and this is actually the industry he is very passionate about!  See?  Dreams do come true!