AMW Makeovers: Last Wedding for the Year 2012!

Happy Saturday AMW Friends!  Today, I will be sharing my final Bridal gig for the year 2012!  I am very thankful as I have prettified so many men and women this year and I'm looking forward for more!

Thankfully, I am feeling so much better on my last Bridal Gig and I was able to enjoy and savor the prettifying session with our gorgeous family featured in this post!

The Bride

Skin type: Normal

Request: Smoky eye makeup

Seldom do I get "smoky eye makeup" request from brides so it was a bit of a shocker for me coming from a Bride who's not used to having her makeup done!  It was a request I can't deny as I can immediately imagine a daytime smoky eye makeup look that would work well for her features, skin tone, dress and hair!

Let's start with her skin, the Bride has lovely skin to start with, not oily, not dry.  So I picked Laura Mercier Foundation Base and applied it all over her face and neck for a smoother foundation application.  I want her special day to be her "most radiant" day, I took my time applying layers and layers of medium coverage liquid foundation using the same foundation to cover the darkness under her eyes.

As for her requested Smoky Eye Makeup, I picked a medium gold eyeshadow color and applied it all over the crease blending and applying more.  I layered the eyeshadow with medium brown eyeshadow in matte and finished the rest off by applying glittery black eyeshadow near the lash line for a perfect "gradient" effect.

Gel liner was applied very close to her lash line and strongly recommended her full falsies for an extra drama!

I contoured her face and applied a matte peachy-pink blush finishing up with a similar shade of lipstick.

I love how the Bride is in a festive mood!  She was smiling and laughing the whole time which made her even more beautiful! :D

The Groom
Skin type: Combination (Oily on the T-zone)
Request: None

The very sweet groom was there all the time to help out with the wedding preps!  Most grooms are just in their rooms waiting for photo-ops while this groom was very hands on!  I even had to ask him to relax and savor his special day!

When asked about his skin condition, he groom complained to me his oily T-zone so I applied an oil-control primer generously on the said area and applied a shade darker powder foundation all over his face applying a bit more on under eye area for more coverage!  I did a lot of contouring for a nice dimension both on and off camera!

A brow gel was used to maintain the shape of his brows and a very natural colored lip balm was used for that wonderful "You May Now Kiss the Bride" moment!  (The lip balm tastes great by the way!)

MOG (Mother of Groom)

Skin Type: Dry

Request: Natural-looking

MOG is very young at heart!  I enjoyed prettifying her as I get to hear her share her stories! I took time preparing her face by applying good amount of moisturizer all over her skin waiting for the product  to set in before I proceeded with foundation application.

I gently drew her brows and redefined it before I apply liquid foundation.  As soon as the moisturizer was set, I tested on various foundation shades and was able to prepare her most matched shade by mixing 2 colors!

A matte colored eyeshadow shade was used mixed with shimmer-gold shade applied carefully at the center of her lids giving her the feel of her makeup. 

Matte peach blush was used and a brownish orange colored lipstick was used.

MOB (Mother of Bride)

Skin Type: Normal
Request: None

Looking at MOB's facial features, I've decided to focus on giving her eyes a lift and cover some of the pigmentation around her cheeks.  

After moisturizing her skin with an oil-free moisturizer, I applied 2 layers of cream foundation and used concealer for some dark spots.

MOB's tattooed eyebrows were fading a bit turning into a grayish shade.  Armed with my K-Palette 1-Day Tattoo Lasting 2 Way Eyebrow in dark brown, I gently filled her brows with a gray-colored eyebrow powder as well to make her brows look more natural than ever!

As for her eye makeup, I focused on creating a "lifting effect" so I applied darker shadow shades on the outer-V and used light reflecting shadows on the inner corners of her eyes to the center for brighter-looking eyes!

Red lips would make her look gorgeous and I'm glad she agreed! 

If  I were to do your makeup for a special occasion, what would your request be?
I'd love to hear from you!

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AMW Reviews: Guedez Industria Bag

I am very picky with the bags I use!  No, it doesn't have to be branded but it has to be made with good quality!  I can easily say "NO" to a branded bag 70% off if the materials used aren't worth the price or the way it was stitched was messed up.

Last but not the least, it has to fit everything that I need to bring, friends who knew me personally know I take with me loads of stuff!

After harassing my Longchamp Planetes bag for years, I finally put it to rest and used my newest baby for a Christmas Shopping Trip!

Guedez Industria Bag in Desert

**photo taken from Guedez website

I originally like the color Firetruck (Bright red) but decided to pick Desert (light mustard yellow) shade as the color would work well on most outfit and I can easily take this with me on formal and casual affairs!  I made the right decision as the bag goes well with my skintone too! 

Guedez Industria ---
A structured box bag with adjustable handles and a matching removable long strap.  Includes open pockets and an interior zipper with a featured flap closure.  Can fit a small water bottle and a foldable umbrella, a tablet or your netbook, various reading materials and your coveted diary.  Or you could just have a few things and your Chihuahua.  Fully-lined, medium-weight.

Comes with a dustbag.

Dimensions: 12x10.5x5 inches

Colors available:

AMW says ---
Pros

• Nice color choices.
• Made with good quality leather.
• Can be used as an arm bag, shoulder bag or body bag!
• Can store a lot of stuff! 
• Both hand and shoulder straps are adjustable. 
• Made locally! :D

Cons

• Online shopping!  Not all bag-shoppers are comfortable with this idea.
• Some may find the size still too big for their taste.  (True for those who are into small bags)

Overall
Sturdy, works for all occasions, trendy and definitely worth the price!

Tips

• For people who likes to use this for travel, go for Industria Gran.
• Wipe your bag with clean damp cloth to remove dust and dirt after every use.
• Fill your bag with bubble wrap to keep the shape of the bag during storage.
• Put your bag inside dust bag after every use.
• Do not hang your bag as it may stretch the handles.
• If you plan to store your bags inside a cabinet, make sure the area is not moist or under direct sunlight.

Will I repurchase?
Yes and I'm waiting for more designs from the brand!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Women on the go who wants to store their stuff inside a sturdy bag .

Where to purchase and how much?
Visit  www.shopguedez.com to order.  The Industria Bag costs Php 2,690.00 (approx $67.25).Follow them on Twitter: twitter.com/shopguedez 

Photos

Guedez Industria Bag with shoulder strap

Guedez Industria Bag as hand bag

Very spacious inside and I love the extra pockets!

Since there are times I don't want to carry a "super structured" bag, I can easily tuck both flaps inside and create a more casual shape!

The Guedez Industria Bag can fit my iPad and netbook!

I can seriously fit CharChar (my Pomeranian dog) inside!  

Here's how I would normally carry my stuff using my new found favorite bag!

Inside: iPad, Black bag organizer (large size), wallet, mobile phone, makeup pouch and a short umbrella at the bottom part of this bag as I dislike seeing umbrellas inside my bag but I can't go out without it!  *laughs*

Since it was just a short, Christmas shopping day for me, I've decided to use this as a body bag and I can easily maneuver the bag on the side or front of me which made me feel more secure of my belongings.

What's your newest bag to date?

So far, the Guedez Industria Bag is the newest in my small bag collection!  This is also a perfect Christmas/New Years gift to our loved ones who are into leather bags!

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AMW Bulletin: The Supreme 4 for SM Accessories

I bet by this time, you're already aware of SM Accessories' Supreme 4!  I see them even on public buses!

Anne Curtis

 

Georgina Wilson

Richard Gutierrez

and

Xian Lim

I have always been a fan of SM Accessories and have bought several for myself and as gifts to my friends and loved ones!  I like how affordable they are as compared to other accessories brand!  I am actually posting this today as I'm heading to SM mall tonight to shop for last minute Christmas Gifts!
 
SM Accessories offers necklace, bracelet, earrings, cap, bags, belt, watch, wallet and others. 

Visit SM Accessories section in all SM Department stores nationwide.

Do you own any SM accessories?

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AMW Reviews: Fairydrops Creamy Treatment Base Mascara

For someone who has non-existent lashes, using falsies is the best way for more defined eyes but I prefer not to use this  method on a daily basis as I love my existing lashes, I want to enhance what I have and of course, protect them while I can!

One of my recent favorite mascara brand Fairydrops came up with a Creamy Treatment Base.  Hailed as a lash base that protects your lashes from mascara application with extra "fibers" that could increase volume/length, who can say NO to that?

Fairydrops Creamy Treatment Base Mascara comes with unique 3 teardrop mascara wand patented in Japan and USA.  This patented wand makes my mascara application fun!  (Check review on Fairydrops Volume Burst Mascara Waterproof and Fairydrops Platinum Mascara Film Type Water Resistant)

Fairydrops says ---

Pearl gray color won’t look too obvious (compared to white colored mascara base) if some lashes are missed during mascara application

Can also be used as a base for waterproof mascara. If applied before the waterproof mascara, one can easily remove the waterproof mascara with lukewarm water.
Has a light Sexy Vanilla scent.

Ingredients:



AMW says ---
Pros

• Super cute packaging!  I love that the Creamy Treatment Base Mascara comes in white tube making it easier for me to spot inside my makeup case.
• The fiber shade is gray so even with uneven mascara application, it won't be obvious you have a base underneath like most white colored mascara base.
• Has a faint vanilla scent but not too much.
• Does a great job in adding thickness to my lashes.
• Works well especially on my bottom lashes.  I can't seem to use regular mascara on my bottom lashes but I can with Fairydrops Creamy Treatment Base Mascara.
• Makes waterproof mascaras easier to remove with the base underneath.
• Doesn't stiffen my lashes.
• Has 5 treatment ingredients claiming to retain moisture, soften, hydrate and add volume to lashes.
• Hard-to-remove mascaras are easier to remove with this base underneath.

Cons

• Can't tell regarding the treatment as of this early stage.
• May clump if not applied properly.
• May weigh down curl.
  

Overall

I love the shiny gray-colored base as I don't have to end up going out with white lashes.  The fiber gives extra volume and length.  The treatment base from the brand helps treat your lashes at the same time protect it from constant waterproof mascara usage which could dry and weaken our lashes.

 
Tips

• Curl your lashes before applying the Fairydrops Creamy Treatment Base mascara.
• To keep the curls from weighing down at the end of the day, apply maximum of 2 coats of mascara!  
• Try combining the Fairydrops Creamy Treatment Base Mascara with various mascara brands and see which one gives the best result.  As for me, I enjoy using this with my K-Palette Tattoo Mascara.
• Be very careful with application to keep the fibers from getting into your eyes.

Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Daily mascara wearers who likes the treatment and protection.

Where to purchase and how much?

Available in all Beauty Bar stores for Php795.00 (approx $19.88).  LIKE FairyDrops Philippines on Facebook for more product updates.

Photos 

The usual gorgeous packaging you get each time you buy something from Fairydrops.

Clear diagram on how to use the mascara base.

  A closer look on the treatment base.  

You can see fibers and the shade is in gray which works so well on our natural lashes.

I like looking straight and gently wiggle the lash wand starting from the roots to the tips.  Re-application maybe needed depending on how much of the creamy treatment base you want.  Apply both upper and lower lashes.

Front view after application

Looking close, you can see some fibers extending the length of my lashes in a very subtle way.

The fibers blend into my lashes making it look very natural, I can even leave home without applying mascara on top.

Side View

Are you currently using a mascara base? 
If yes, which brand? 

I am currently enjoying my Fairydrop Creamy Treatment Base Mascara because it gives a very natural effect.  I like the fact that my lashes are soft and waterproof mascaras are easier to remove at the end of the day!

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Unboxing My First Ever BDJ Box

My first BDJ box is dedicated to YOU who loves to travel!  This box was handpicked for this Holiday season!  The products that we would love to take with us during travel.  

Personally, I have my own "stash of samples" for travel and I can't stress how it made my travel life comfortable!  That's the huge reason why I won the "smallest kikay kit" contest during our Tagaytay trip with fellow blogger friends (a.k.a. Team UBE).  So please, don't throw away those samples!  Even Mr. AMW is starting to enjoy these tiny samples as we definitely have more luggage space for SHOPPING! :D

Let's get back to my BDJ box! :)

The size of the box is a tad bit bigger than my hand, so the size is just right!  Not too big nor small and as soon as I opened up the box....

 

It felt like Christmas as the box was packed with full size and sample sizes from skincare, to proper hygiene, fragrance and a lot more!

 

An overview of BDJ's November Box

 

I know the overall photo could get a bit overwhelming so I've pictured the products separately sharing my thoughts on each!

2 sample tubes of Shiseido Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam 

1 x Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist24 Day Cream

Full Size 150ml of Cleansing Foam costs Php1,850.00 (approx $46.25)

For any samples of Shiseido skincare puts me back to my Hong Kong shopping days!  These tiny samples can last you 3-5 days and with the brand, you can definitely see results that's why these were selling hotcakes in Sasa and Bonjour shops in Hong Kong! 

 

2 sample bars of L'Occitane Extra Gentle Milk Soap  

Full Size 250g costs Php595.00 (approx $14.85)

I have never tried L'Occitane soaps so I'm quite excited with these 2 sample bars!  These are similar size to the hand soaps we get on hotels so a sample bar can last me at least a week!

Full Size 50ml Physiogel Hypo-allergenic Intensive Cream

Full Size costs Php517.00 (approx $12.92)

 Hubby grabbed this from me in an instant as he's been a loyal user of Physiogel.  He may have tried a lot of other brands but he goes back to Physiogel once in awhile as this brand works for his skin!  He put this inside his bag and told me he'll take this with him at work!  (great job Nikki!  I'm a good influence!)

 

1 Full Size Garnier Light Overnight Whitening Peeling Cream

2 samples of  Garnier Light Complete Whitening Cream

Garnier Light Complete Whitening Cream 50ml 

costs Php229.00 (approx $5.73)

Both the full size and sample sizes are sold in major supermarkets and drugstores nationwide.  Both products can last you long to be able to know if the product works for you or not!

 

Full Size Yuka Non-Acetone Wipes, 35sheets

Php68.00 (approx $1.70)

 I haven't heard or seen the brand before so it's nice to try something new for a change!  I've always been intrigued with non-acetone based nail polish remover!  The best part about this cute product is the non-drying factor plus no extra cotton is needed!  No mess, no spills!  Perfect for travel!  

 I will definitely post a review once I'm done trying this out!

 

2 pcs Nippon Cleansing Sponge

10-piece pack costs Php325.00 (approx $8.13)

I have used a lot of the Nippon Cleansing Sponges and I'm very happy with the quality.  I use these to wash my body, same sponge to deep clean my brushes and last but not the least, you can use this sponge for your face!

Sample tube of Dentiste Plus White Vitamin C and Xylitol

Full size costs Php395.00 (approx $9.88)

 This brand of toothpaste prides on having 14 kinds of premium natural extracts and works best in inhibiting bacteria growth!  One tiny tube can last you 2 days of morning and evening tooth-brushing!

At least, you get to test out the taste of the toothbrush before purchasing a full size!

1 sample size of Calvin Klein beauty Perfume

Full size bottle 100ml costs Php5,498.00 (approx $137.45)

 I find these tiny spritz sample scents are so handy especially during travel!  I used to just lug 1 scent for a week's travel and with these tiny samples?  I can use 7 different scents for 7 days without having problems at the airport!  (okay, that's a bit too much but you get the drift!)

1 x sample tube of L'Oreal Men Expert 

Hydra Energetic Multi Action 8 Cleanser

 Another tiny tube of skincare that Mr. AMW can take with him during travel.  This will last up to 2-3 days depending on how much you use or how big your man's face is!  :) 

Aside from all the full sized and sample sizes of products stated above, the BDJ box is filled with loads of coupons!  One coupon that made this box worth it is ----

Strip Upperlip Wax for Free

Since we're on the topic of Shiseido, there are 3 coupons for our Shiseido loyalists to use!

• 15% discount for purchases at least Php5,000 (regular items)
• Free quick facial for a minimum of Php2,000 purchase (regular items)
• Free product sample for any regular item purchase.

Too bad though as all these Shiseido coupons ends December 31, 2012.  I just don't have enough time to go out nowadays!

Aside from Shiseido coupons, there are also coupons for our tresses!  Azta Salon Gift Card that expires on March 31, 2013.  Inside details as follows ---

• Php1,000 off the price for INOA hair color services.  (I wish I could use this after I give birth on April!  This is my favorite hair color service!)
• Php2,000 off the price for L'Oreal X-tenso Moisturist Digital Perm and Rebonding Services. (Another great deal!  I've tried L"Oreal X-tenso service in the past and so far, my hair is still doing ok!)

Last but not the least, an extra coupon from L'Occitane!  Thank goodness this coupon expires January 31, 2013!

• 10% off for a minimum purchase of Php1,000. 

How do you like my December BDJ Box?  Have you subscribed from them?  Are you happy with your box?

So far, I am quite impressed with the number of products included in the box as there were indeed a lot of them for me and my loved ones to try!  Some of the samples I guess are just too small for me to gauge if the products work for me or not but the bigger sized and full sized samples made up for it! 

Monthly subscription costs Php480.00 (approx $12.00).
Log on to www.BDJBOX.com to register.
Connect with your BDJ Community through Facebook and Twitter (@BDJBox).

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(Box received for PR purposes.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please subscribe at your own discretion.)