Tuesday, November 13, 2012

AMW Bulletin: Ramen Bar Instagram Promotion

"Have you tasted our new Ramen yet?" --- Ramen Bar

My answer is: "No! But I'm looking forward to it!"  And to most of you who haven't, it's time to make our tummy happy at the same time share a photo and get the chance to win!

**click photo to enlarge


**Don't forget to LIKE Ramen Bar on Facebook, add them up on Twitter (@RamenBar) and Instagram (@ramenbar_ph) for more information about this fun contest.

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Monday, November 12, 2012

MAC's Marilyn Monroe Collection

Funny how I could never keep track of MAC Collections!  As I'm writing this post, The MAC Glamour Daze has been hitting the local MAC stores nationwide!  But hey, a girl can always write about her LMS (Last Makeup Syndrome).  *laughs*  The makeover done by Owen Sarmiento gave me a huge impact that's why this collection stayed inside my head for quite some time!


Now, let's pack our leather luggage and do some online window shopping shall we?



Beauty Powder
Php1,600 (approx $38.00)
Forever Marilyn Sheer Pale Peach Highlighter




Large Eye shadow
Php1,250.00 (approx $29.70)
How to Marry (Soft White Veluxe Pearl)
Preferred Blond (Pale Champagne Veluxe Pearl)
Silver Screen (True Silver Veluxe Pearl)
Showgirl (Dark Blue Grey Veluxe Pearl)


Eye Khol
Php950.00 (approx $22.60)
Fascinating (Intense Matte White)
Smolder (Intense Black)


Penultimate Brow Marker
Php1,100.00 (approx $26.20)


Penultimate Eye Liner
Php1,170.00 (approx $27.85)
RapidBlack (True Black)

Lipsticks
Php1,100.00 (approx $26.20)
L-R Charmed I'm Sure, Deeply Adored, Love Goddess

L-R Pure Zen, Scarlet Ibis

DazzleGlass
Php1,260.00 (approx $30.00)
Left: Little Rock (Soft Sheer White with Pearl)
Right: Phiff! (Sheer Yellow Peach)



 Lip Pencils
Php950.00 (approx $22.60)
 Beet (Vivid Reddish Pink)
Redd (Clearly Red)
Cherry (Vivid Bright Bluish Red)


 Powder Blush
Php1,430.00 (approx $34.00)
Left: Legendary (Pale Soft Coral, Satin)
Right: The Perfect Cheek (Neutral Pink Beige, Matte)


Nail Lacquer
Php700.00 (approx $16.67)
Flaming Rose, Kid Orange,  
Rich Rich Rich, Stage Red and Vintage Vamp




 Brow Finisher
Php950.00 (approx $22.70)
Clear


Lash
Php750.00  (approx $17.86)
35Lash

 And here's my super humble loot from this collection ...

Marilyn Monroe Large Eye Shadow in Silver Screen
and Dazzleglass in Phiff!
 

Have you checked out the MAC Marilyn Monroe Collection?
Have you bought anything?
I'm still lemming for the Powder Blush in Legendary and Lipstick in Charmed I'm Sure! I'll head back for sure!

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AMW Reviews: L.A. Colors Mineral Pressed Powder

Happy start of the week AMW friends! 
Today, I will be reviewing my first L.A. Colors makeup product.  I've always been a fan of L.A. colors when it comes to nail polish and long time reader would know how much I hoarded on the L.A. Colors Art Deco polishes for my nail art designs!  

I've read good reviews on the brand's eye shadows, lipsticks, etc...  Now, I'm glad to get the chance to try their Mineral Pressed Powder!  This was gifted to me by my friends from Sprint Asia early this year but I only get to try this recently as the shade I got was way too dark for me!  I'm lucky that I have enough light colored liquid foundation and BB cream so I can use this on top to match up the color of my neck!  And oh, I've found the best function for this!  This product works as my daily contouring powder as its not too dark and unnatural but it gives my skin a healthy amount of color instead! 

L.A. Colors Mineral Pressed Powder 
in Classic Tan
L.A. Colors says ---

Mineral pressed powder is a whisper light powder that allows the skin to breathe.  Use it to bring life to bare skin or to extend the life of foundation.  Mineral Pressed Powder is talc-free and fragrance free for a natural coverage with velvety smooth finish.  Includes compact case with mirror and applicator!


Available shades: Lightest Ivory, Fair, Creamy Natural, Soft Honey, Natural Beige, True Beige, Classic Tan, Warm Caramel, Sand, Toasted Almond, Nutmeg, Toffee, Creamy Cocoa, Mocha and Ebony. (Shades taken from L.A. Colors website)

Ingredients:








AMW says ---
Pros
  • Packaging comes with a good quality mirror and sponge.
  • No fragrance.
  • Light weight mineral powder that feels light on skin.
  • Powder is finely milled and smooth to touch.
  • Can control a certain amount of oil on your skin.  (Very oily skin may need some retouch within the day.)
  • Doesn't cake up no matter how much you apply.
  • Looks natural in person and on photos.
  • Good range of shades available.
  • Animal cruelty-free.
  • Price.
Cons
  • Clear plastic packaging is a great idea but it's a bit flimsy.
  • Coverage is light to medium.  Will not cover blemishes or marks.
Overall
Light weight, has moderate oil control properties.  Very natural effect and inexpensive.

Tips
  • Purchasing online could be challenging, be ready to pick a wrong shade and deal with it.  One way to go is to research on beauty bloggers with your same skin tone who uses this product.  
  • For medium coverage, use the sponge that comes with the product.
  • As a setting powder on top of your favorite liquid/cream foundation or BB creams, use a fluffy powder brush or kabuki brush for a more natural coverage.
  • Retouch is best done with a fluffy brush and apply lightly only on areas needed to prevent product from caking up.
  • DO NOT drop the product as the plastic packaging gets cracked easily.
  • Conceal blemishes with your favorite concealer prior to using this product.
  • If you purchased a wrong shade, you can always fix it by using a lighter or darker foundation underneath.  Practice makes perfect!
  • For a more natural contour, pick 2-3 shades darker than your original skin tone and use it as a contouring powder.  I love using mine as a contouring powder as it doesn't have any sparkles or shimmers plus it's not too orange against my skin!
Will I repurchase?
Not for myself but will recommend to girls on a budget.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Girls on a budget looking for pressed mineral powders!  The product works best for normal to oily skin.

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally priced at Php249.00 (approx $5.90) available at Purebeauty Store at Serendra.  Sprint Asia is the local distributor of L.A. Colors makeup.

Photos

Shade: Classic Tan on pan

Mirror and Sponge that comes with the packaging

Closer look upon application
Since Classic Tan is 2 shades darker than my regular foundation shade, I used Bobbi Brown Brown Illuminating Base Cream underneath (which is a base cream yet it has a brightening and light effect) and applied L.A. Colors Mineral Pressed Powder with a fluffy kabuki brush.  

Full face application with a K-Brush

Used as a daily contouring powder
Using  Charm Angled Kabuki Buffer Brush  I picked up a bit more product and contoured areas that I want to contour.  (Ex. cheekbones, nose bridge, etc...)


 Effect after a bit of contouring using Classic Tan

Left: Classic tan applied all over face with K-Brush
Right: Classic tan applied all over face plus used as contouring powder. 
 (Look ma, my nose looks more defined!) :P
The effect is very natural even in person!  There wasn't any sharp edges made due to its finely milled powders!

Have you tried any L.A. Colors makeup?
Any other makeup recommendations from the brand?


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(Product received as gift.  Opnions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Sunday, November 11, 2012

AMW Bulletin: Estee Lauder Holiday 2012 Sets

Our country loves Christmas Holidays!  I went to Rockwell Powerplant last night and was amazed by the wonderful Christmas decors!  Christmas shopping is definitely around the corner and what to buy?  Ahhh, I got wonderful news from my mailbox which I would love to share!  If you're a guy reading this, ask your wife, mom, sister or girl friends to thank me later! *winks* :P

Estee Lauder enhanced the holiday gift-giving season with these fragrance sets that are worth every single cent!

Fragrance Treasure Coffret
Includes mini travel sized Pure White Linen, Pleasures, 
Beautiful and Sensuous
Php2,400.00


 Pure White Linen Fresh Favorites
Php2,500.00

 

Estee Lauder Pleasures Captivating Duet
Php2,500.00 
Estee Lauder Pleasures Day by Day Set
Php3,500.00
 

Beautiful Favorites
Php2,900.00

Sensuous Sensual Duo
Php3,250.00
 Also available are some of the Estee Lauder makeup favorites...

Art of Lips
Php2,700.00
Art of Eyes
Php2,500.00
And some more bestsellers from their skincare series...




Okay, can you keep a secret?  If you are on a tight budget, you can purchase these sets and probably give them individually to your friends!  It may not be as lovely as a "set" complete with pouch or box but hey!  It's the thought that counts!  Let's find ways to at least tell our loved ones how much we appreciate them even on a very tight budget! 

P.S. Please don't tell them you got this idea from me.  *nervous laugh*

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Weekend Food Tripping at: Jack's Loft...something changed...

Happy Sunday food post once again!!!  I had a lovely day yesterday spending time with a dear Malaysian Blogger Friend Lisa and her husband Alex.  We ate at Sumo Sam at Rockwell but I'll talk about the food probably next week or something.  

Today, I will be sharing a repeat visit at Jack's Loft Il Terrazzo branch!  (Read first post HERE) Interested to know what's with the title?  Well, I was quite excited telling my brother to order the Jack's Loft Iced Tea that I've been ordering every time I visit the restaurant.  This time...I don't understand why but it tasted way different from the previous Jack's Loft Iced Tea that I've tasted.  I can't put my finger on what's really wrong, they probably changed their iced tea mixture overall or it was mixed differently than before!  Nevertheless, I prefer the old version better!

Jack's Loft Iced Tea
Php112.00 (approx $2.70)


 Tom Kha Gai
Php140.00 (approx $3.33)
  Chicken with Lemon Grass Soup

This was my brother's order and he gave a good share to me so I was able to taste it!  I love how tender the chicken breasts (cut into square pieces).  It was mildly spiced and you can always request for the level of spiciness.


Gai Yang
Php270.00 (approx $6.40)
Thai Styled Grilled Boneless Chicken
 My dad is a bit adventurous with his orders nowadays!  Thai styled?  I have to remind him that the dish could be spicy (he can't handle spicy food) and I requested the cook to separate the sauce instead (which was a very good idea as it is indeed a spicy dish!).  So far, I can't comment on the dish as again, my dad ate it without the sauce that comes with it!  He of course, made his own version of his gourmet dish by ordering his favorite.....


 Mashed Potatoes
This obviously isn't part of the menu but you can request for a separate order of this for mashed potato lovers!

Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken
Php158.00 (approx $3.75)
Spaghetti noodles sauteed with a basil pesto sauce, 
topped with grilled chicken and parmesan cheese.
 This was my sister's order and she generously gave me some to try!  So far, the pesto sauce was mixed well with the pasta and it doesn't overpower the rest of the dish!  I love the tender strips of grilled chicken that comes with the dish and let's not forget, the garlic toast!
 

Tonkatsu Rice Bowl
Php195.00 (approx $ 4.60)
Breaded pork cutlet served with stir fried vegetables
 My nephew's rice bowl.  He seemed happy with what he ordered as he finished all the pork cutlet and left some of the rice! 


Pad See Ew
Php190.00 (approx $4.50)
Wok fried noodles with chicken and brocolli leaves
Not bad, I can't seem to finish the whole plate as by the time I get to 1/2 of the dish, I am starting to get tired of the taste.  It is advisable to share this with a friend or family member and try out other dishes.  Just like what I did sharing a dish with my brother.
 

Same with my past experience at Jack's Loft Il Terrazzo branch, the servers are courteous and helpful!  There's a parking space inside and outside the mall but it could get really crowded especially on weekends! 

The restaurant accepts cash and credit card payments.  Additional 10% service charge to the total bill.


Jack's Loft
Il Terrazzo Mall
305 Tomas Morato Ave. cor. Scout MadriƱan St., Brgy. South Triangle
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Tel. no: (63 2) 332-1894

Have you tried Jack's Loft?
Which branch do you usually visit and any dish recommendations?


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