How to: Speedy Office Makeup

A 30-year old mom and a newbie when it comes to makeup emailed me last month to ask for advice on how to create speedy makeup that doesn't require a lot of time and money! 

Thanks AMW reader "M" for entrusting me your makeup queries.  I have finally gotten the chance to create this post hoping I'm not too late!

Some important notes she mentioned ---

• She currently uses powder foundation and lip balm.
• Suffers from severe chapped lips so she's not into lipsticks.  
• Needs to be in the office as early as 8:00am and needs to be on field and out under the sun.
• Skin type: Oily.  Skin concern: Dark under eye circles.
• Requested for simple yet polished look as she gets overwhelmed with all the makeup products she sees on my blog!

Spots, Under eye circles, Blemishes, Acne Marks, etc..

To look presentable, no matter how in a hurry you are, invest on a good concealer!  If your biggest problem is the darkness around the eyes, invest in a salmon colored concealer.  If red acne marks are the villains in your life, go for a green corrector.  It is very important to take a look at your major issues and let's start from there.

Whenever in a hurry, I can skip liquid/cream foundation and just apply concealer quickly on my problem areas.  In my case, it's the dark circles around the eyes and some red spots on the sides of my nose.  If you're on a tight budget, you can pick your current foundation and apply it only on problem areas and leave the rest of your "good skin" to breathe.

Note: Read SAVE vs. SPEND Concealers HERE
You can also check out tips on how to spot conceal HERE. 

In this photo: AMW used Revlon PhotoReady Concealer in Light Medium

 

After concealing, I've decided to give powder a skip and proceed in doing my eye makeup.  I tend to have some "fall outs" that may need some cleaning up at the latter part of my makeup application. 

AMW Bulletin: Watsons Php50 On Us Promo

Back in college, one of my favorite place to visit is Watsons.  During those days, Watsons isn't as huge-looking as today!  With minimal choices, I still find myself engrossed inside the store as my then boyfriend Mr. AMW would follow me as I check one aisle to another!  

During my Hong Kong trip, I was in awe when I visited one of the biggest Watsons store I've seen in my entire life located at Causeway Bay!  3-storey building with various products from beauty, skincare, food, medicines and a whole lot more!  I think I was there until the store closes!  *laughs*

The items that stirred my interest are the various products with Watsons label, I bought my first Watsons labeled product called Watsons Facial Spray with Anti-Oxidant and I stocked up on more Watsons labeled items during my trips abroad!

Then, I saw the Switch & Save campaign via my Facebook friend Patty Laurel, I am so happy we, local readers get the chance to Switch & Save with more Watsons labeled products!  Last time I checked, there are more choices available and I don't need to fill up my suitcase when I travel abroad!

Various hair products

Shampoos, Conditioners and Hair treatments

Toiletries, Blow-dryer, Mouthwash and Hand Soap

And, to put switching and saving to its extreme level, Watsons Label has gone even wilder with its Php50.00 On Us Sale! 

Just pick up one coupon from any Watsons Store and give to the cashier to get Php50.00 off on your purchase of Watsons Label Products worth Php300.00 or more!

Now, I can't wait to stock up on more Watsons Hair Treatment products in Lavender!  My inexpensive way to do at-home Hot Oil hair treatment!

Which Watsons Label product is your favorite?

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(Author is not affiliated with the company.  This serves as information only.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Gives: NEW Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm for Breast Cancer Awareness (Contest Closed!!!)

Congratulations to ---

Ms. Elinor Semira

I will email you shortly for your  mailing information.  Kindly respond within 48 hours upon receipt of mail or a new winner will be picked.  Thank you everyone for joining!  *hugs*

The month of October may soon be over but I've decided to put this contest up on the latter part of October as for me, Breast Cancer Awareness shouldn't only be for the month of October, the awareness should be all year round and AMW supports the said campaign!

In line with the campaign, the NEW Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balms are also launched this month! 

"Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm's highly moisturizing formula uses a special blend of decadent butters, oils and antioxidants to help protect and pamper lips with immediate and lasting moisturization.  Infused with Shea Butter, Mango Seed Butter and Jojoba Seed Oil, Chubby Stick delivers a surge of moisture in a sleep stick leaving lips soft, supple and soothed."                                                                       

My first Chubby Stick is in the shade Super Strawberry in which I have it in my bag for weeks as this is one of the few moisturizing balm that is 100% fragrance free, allergy tested and dermatologist tested.  You can smile and click HERE to check out my review.

And since most of you are on a budget for Christmas shopping and no room to spend some money for yourself, today is your lucky day!  ONE lucky AMW reader may get to win this ---

 

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Plumped Up Pink and a special pouch made specially for the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign!  I have to thank our dear friend from Clinique Philippines Ms. Mirabelle Villanueva for sending me this!

How to join:

• Comment ONCE in this post together with your name and email address.
• Tell me: "Which particular Clinique product is your ultimate favorite and why?"
• Contest starts today ends November 15, 2012.  Contest is open to Philippine readers only.
• 1 Winner will be picked via Fruit Machine.  Winner will be notified via email and must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be picked.
• LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook.  

If you can't wait for this contest and want to have your own Chubby Stick, all 16 mouthwatering shades (Heaping Hazelnut, Bountiful Blush, Two Ton Tomato, Oversized Orange, Mighty Mimosa, Curvy Candy, Pudgy Peony, Voluptuous Violet, Fuller Fudge, Richer Raisin, Graped Up, Chunky Cherry, Woppin' Watermelon, A Whole Lotta Honey, Mega Melon and Super Strawberry) are all available at Rustan's Makati, Rustan's Tower Shangri-La, Rustan's Alabang Town Center, Rustan's Essenses Gateway Mall, Rustan's Ayala Center Cebu, Clinique Trinoma, Essenses Rockwell, Clinique Mall of Asia for Php920.00 (approx $22.00).

Thank you Clinique Philippines!
Goodluck and may the luck be with you! 

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Something New: pureDKNY Vanilla

For someone who loves fragrances and can't live without a spritz or 2 in a day, I got the shock of my life when I got pregnant and none of the scents I own passed my super sensitive nose!  Yes, I've been going out without spritzing my usual scents for the past 3 months and friends who knew me personally would say --- "It's a SHOCKER!"

Along comes 15th week of pregnancy, my sense of smell has finally calmed down and I'm starting to appreciate fragrances again!  What's the perfect fragrance to give my nose a head start?

Something crisp, gentle and pure....

"Look good. Feel good. Do good. This pure new scent adds a drop of vanilla to a world that needs a moment of calm. More than a fragrance, it embraces a way of being that takes time out for the simple things, the things closest to the heart: love, joy, comfort, relationships, and community. The fragrance's top notes soar of the pure scent of vanilla. Accords of dewdrop petal, lotus flower, and Bulgarian rose harmonize with a floral heart of jasmine, freesia and lush orchid. It finishes in a cradle of warmth: white amber, creamy sandalwood."                                                                                                                         

What I love about this fragrance is the fact that pureDKNY supports an international development organization called CARE.  This is a microfinance project that will reach 900 Ugandan vanilla farmers!

**You can do your part by purchasing a bottle.  Pure DKNY is available in Rustans Department Stores for Php4,900 for 100ml and Php3,500 for 50ml.  

Do you own any DKNY scents? I've always been a DKNY apple shaped bottle collector and this simple, water-drop bottle is a nice change!

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AskMeMom: First Trimester --- the Aftermath

The title of this post may sound a bit too tragic *laughs*  but it was meant as a joke to catch your attention, at the same time, jokes can be half-meant as my first trimester is definitely something I won't forget for the rest of my life! 

One thing you should know about me, is that, I have high tolerance to pain!  So if I tell you I'm in pain, I'm seriously *insert expletives here*  IN PAIN!!!  

This post is created for me to look back and reread this story like a dear diary.  But the real reason for this post is to dedicate this to my li'l AMW for him (if it's a boy) to understand what mommy has gone through so he needs to be extra sweet to me and not be all "macho", and for her (if it's a girl) to be reminded how difficult pregnancy is so she can forget about early pregnancies!!!  *laughs*

Everyone who follows me on Twitter and Instagram (AskMeWhats) knew I've been suffering from major morning sickness. I know morning sickness stories are boring but, I'm sorry, I had to let it out or else, I'm going bonkers!!! hahaha

I learned I got pregnant quite early, it was during The Purple Groom Brand Ambassador Shoot but I wasn't able to announce the good news to anyone yet unless I get a confirmation from the doctor.  Those first few weeks, I have abdominal pains but I still had to smile on cam while carrying handsome Char Char!  See what a good stage mom I was?  :P

6th weeks of pregnancy came and it was the start of my nightmare!  I woke up in a mood one sunny Saturday and I was greeted with extreme headache that lasted the whole weekend!  My body was suffering from fatigue from fighting the pain.  I tried taking "Biogesic" but it didn't do anything and I felt nauseous!  It was the first Saturday and Sunday of my life that I've spent lying on my bed and not move a single bone!  It must be the universe's way of telling me to "RELAX".

I went to the doctor on my 7th week and I was confirmed pregnant with a heartbeat!  It gave both me and my husband joy but I felt so bad for not being able to celebrate as my whole body is fighting over fatigue, sleepiness, nausea, heartburn and a whole lot of pains that I don't think a human being should go through! 

Makeup Gigs

Here's the joy/sorrow of being a makeup artist, you get makeup bookings as early as half a year ago and I have a couple of bookings made and all of them are super important!  Because I love my job and client dearly, I've miraculously completed a fashion show, wedding, and other makeup gigs!  I have mask on when I do airbrush makeup, I have Mr. AMW feed me bread or lasagna in between, and I excuse myself and throw up inside the wash room in between makeup.  What's the most important part?  I was able to finish my job and I'm so thankful I have understanding clients!!!  

Day Job

I work from home for the past year and did I stop working since I got this morning sickness?   The answer is simply NO.  My job is a bit unique taking a leave for a day would mean me piling myself up with more work once I get back!  It was very difficult to wake up early in the morning but I did and I still do!  I have to admit, I can't seem to work as effective as I'd like to be as I get to throw up in between phone calls and lay down every hour for 5 minutes just because my body can't handle staring at the computer screen, researching, making phone calls all at the same time!  But you know what kept me strong?  The fact that I'm still lucky enough to have a day job that doesn't require me to travel to work!  Working from home is a great ease for pregnant women like me who suffers from morning sickness!

On Blogging

How do I get to blog daily in this situation?  

Well, if I get to work everyday in this situation, blogging is nothing!  It actually helps me go through my worst days!  Working could get stressful but blogging doesn't!  I get to talk about makeup, skincare, clothes, accessories and other stuff which tend to put my morning sickness on hold!  Product reviews could take a bit more time as I do have strong aversion on scents.

Cravings and Food Aversions

I don't have specific cravings for now but food aversions?  I definitely experience it so much I dislike eating most food which made me lose more weight!  The problem with food aversions is the fact that I don't get to eat much which ended up giving me the worst heartburn I've experienced in my entire life! Thank goodness for the internet and books, I know baby is still alright as long as I get to eat healthily once 2nd trimester comes!

This week, I'm on my 15th week and I still suffer from morning sickness but I'm still thankful I don't get to vomit 5-10 times a day but it has trimmed down to maximum of 2 times!  That's a huge improvement!  I don't have my appetite back as of the moment but I'm lucky I still get to eat!  

Thank you so much for reading about my first trimester experiences!  Before I end this post, I will be sharing the latest photo of Li'l AMW taken on the 13th week!  I was told Li'l AMW is one active baby and isn't shy in front of the camera!  That's my boy/girl!!!

Check out the clear photo of Li'l AMW's head, spine and legs!

*proud momma*

Thanks for reading and I hope I didn't bore you!

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