AMW Wears: Fly Shades' Latest Collection

Happy Friday AMW friends, I hope it's a lovely sunny day today as I'll be featuring my latest collection of Fly Shades.  A little bit of background regarding the brand, Mr. AMW and I bought a similar Fly Shades years ago and we marked it as our "couple shades", the glass is interchangeable and we loved it so much we wore it each time we went out!  (aren't we cute nerds?)

Over the years, I do check out Fly Shades' newest collection at their random shops (check my Fly Shades purchase last year HERE) and little did I know that Fly Shades was actually co-owned by my very good friend's husband!  (small world eh?)  Through the years, the brand has broadened its collection and I can definitely spot better quality, better looking, chic designed shades perfect for all ages!

The newest collection isn't an exception, I got the set as a gift from them and I can't seem to pick the favorite as I love them all!

**Note from AMW: sorry but I do not know the names of each pair so numbering them will do for now! :D

 Fly Shades #1 

The shades is quite unique and I love it that it gives a huge "oomph" to my plain, simple outfit!  I actually wore this shades when I tote my Guedez Industria Bag in Desert. 

Fly Shades #2

This glass may be too round for my taste but once worn, it actually works well on my face shape and it gives a nice classic vibe!  This very round shaped glass reminded me so much of the Women's Marc by Marc Jacobs round sunglasses that was a huge hit! 

Fly Shades #3

This is turning out to be my favorite pair out of the collection that I received.  You know how I realized that?  I actually went to visit the Fly Shades booth again and picked this one and purchased the exact same pair without knowing I already own one!  My oh my!

Fly Shades #4

The Aviator glasses has been a hit for many years and I actually own a Rayban version in black but I'm glad to own something as fancy as this housed on a white frame!  White-framed sunglasses has always been a hit for me as I love the "cool" vibe it exudes! 

Fly Shades #5

Love the unique red color that gives an extra "oomph" to normal-looking aviators.
Shall I give you that: "I don't care how you feel" attitude? *meh*

Fly Shades #6

Another great pair I wouldn't mind wearing on days I want to look mysterious and classy!  The gold side-frame gives a nice touch of class to any outfit! I promise you, even if you wear a simple white tee and plain old jeans!  This spells: "I'M A MILLIONAIRE!" :P

Here are just 2 photos taken using my Fly Shades!

Fly Aviator shades worked so well with my makeup-less face!  I was too lazy to apply any makeup on first day of January and I just went for a simple family lunch so I opted for bare face with my trustee shades!

The price of Fly Shades ranges around Php250.00-400.00.  Again, as long as you take care of them, they may last you years!  Please LIKE Fly Shades on Facebook to get updated on their newest collection!

Which one among the 6 pairs I featured in this post is your favorite?


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(Product received for PR purpose.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Reviews: Face of Australia Face Base Primer

Every time we visit the Duty Free Shop in the Philippines, I make sure to stop by the Smashbox counter to restock my Smashbox Photofinish Primer Light which I like using on clients!  Unfortunately, I get "Sorry, it's still out of stock." answer for the longest time and I actually ran out of my favorite primer so I have to be always on a lookout for an alternative!

My most recent primer that I've tried on both myself and clients is the Face of Australia Face Base Primer with Vitamin E and Chamomile.  Scroll down for my in depth review! 

Face of Australia says ---

Face of Australia Face Base Primer is specially formulated to apply under your foundation to improve your complexion and assist make-up last longer. Face Base Primer contains Vitamin E to nourish and hydrate skin and chamomile to smooth your complexion, leaving it fresher and brighter, ready for foundation application. Face of Australia Face Base Primer fills fine lines for a more balanced surface, so that your foundation applies evenly and stays on longer for all-day flawless skin.

It smooths skin tone, fills fine lines, whilst delivering instant hydration that retains skin's moisture level and controls shine. Face Base Primer improves performance and foundation wear with chamomile to promote skin repair. Contains Vitamin E to strengthen and smooth skin's texture and Yarrow Extract encourages cell regeneration. Face Base Primer is Oil Free so it won't clog pores.

Size: 50ml (1.7 fl. oz.)
Ingredients

AMW says ---
Pros

• Tube packaging with flip top lid.  Easy to tote along.
• Oil-free primer indeed and never feels heavy on skin.
• Contains Vitamin E and Chamomile as its top ingredients.  Vitamin E is always great on skin while Chamomile gives a relaxing effect.
• Texture is in between gel and lotion.  Very lightweight.
• Fast absorbing. 
• Hydrating, non-drying.
• Doesn't create heavy or oily-feel.
• Silicone-free.
• Makeup stays longer and maintains a fresh-looking appearance for people with dry, normal and combination skin.  Super oily individual may still need to retouch at the end of the day.
• Powder, cream or liquid foundation can  be applied more evenly with this face base primer underneath.

Cons

• No added sunscreen.
• There's a very tiny hint of "plastic" scent which doesn't bother me but may bother people with super sensitive nose.
• The product doesn't blur out or fill in fine lines and wrinkles.

Overall

The Face of Australia Face Base Primer reminded me so much of the Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation Primer base on the texture and calming properties.  The FOA Face Base Primer is lightweight, moisturizing, gives a calming effect on skin and makeup stays fresh longer than applied without it.

Tips

• Apply sunscreen prior to primer application for added protection.  But if you are mostly indoors and will be photographed a lot, you can skip sunscreen just for a day!
• After skin care, apply Face of Australia Face Base Primer on freshly moisturized face and let it sit for a couple of minutes before you proceed with foundation application.
• On areas that needed more "protection" (ex. dry spots, wrinkles, fine lines, t-zone, etc..) apply a bit more of the face base primer using patting motion and wait for the product to sink in.
• Primers are best applied with clean fingers using massaging motion.
• If you have very sensitive skin, do a patch test before applying the product all over your face.  Once signs of irritations occur, stop usage IMMEDIATELY.
• If you have BB creams added into your makeup regimen, it boils down to trial and error on which comes first, BB cream with added skincare can come first and proceed with primers while some prefers to go the other way around.  It is basically your choice at the end of the day!
• People who suffers from super dry skin may need the extra help of a moisturizer prior to primer application.  While people with super oily skin may need to take with them oil-control films to pat off excess oil midday.

Will I repurchase?
Yes

To whom do I recommend this to?First time primer users or even long-time primer users can give this a try!  Works best on normal, dry, combination skin!  Oily skin would appreciate this too due to its oil-free formulation, but VERY Oily skinned individuals may find the need to retouch at the end of the day!

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at D Hip Sanctuary for Php618.00 (approx $15.45). Add them up on Facebook or email them dhip.sanctuary@facebook.com.  If you want to learn about their bazaar schedules, contact Karen 0999-888-2682
 
Photos

Face of Australia Face Base Primer Tube Packaging

with flip top cap

Sealed upon purchase

Texture is lightweight, lotion/gel-like texture

Easy to apply and blend into the skin

The product gets absorbed into the skin easily and gives a fresh, moisturized texture.

Since my last bride for year 2012 have normal, clear skin, I've used this primer on her and I am so happy to report that I got a text from her a couple of days later thanking me for the makeup and gave me a super helpful feedback!  Her makeup stayed the whole day and she didn't have to do much retouch! Great job Face of Australia Face Base Primer!

With BB creams and CC creams around the corner, are you still using primers on daily basis or on special occasions?  Why or why not? 

Feel free to read my previous post on Tip for the Day: Base Makeup/Primers.

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Eureka Moment: Wild Peach Cosmetics Palette

Good morning everyone! I hope you had a wonderful New Year's Day celebration and are we now looking forward to Valentine's Day?  *laughs*

As a professional makeup artist, I am one of the lucky few who have a wonderful "assistant" who carries all my makeup stuff without asking anything in return!  Holler to Mr. AMW!  As for some who doesn't have anyone to help carry their stuff, isn't it a nuisance to lug your makeup train case especially if you're doing makeup for someone who lives on the 4th floor without elevator? 

I hear you!  That's why bringing the least heavily packaged makeup as possible is one goal of mine as I don't want Mr. AMW to break his back!  I have invested a big sized Z-Palette a year ago and depotted my powder foundations and insert it all there!  It definitely saves a lot of space and energy!  

**Photo taken from Z-Palette website.  Mine is in light pink!

I'm lucky I have a lovely godmother/aunt who lives in the US who helps me ship this palette together with my Zuca Case!  But what if I want more?

EUREKA MOMENT!  Finally, a local seller who sells a good Z-Palette dupe!  

**Photo taken from Wild Peach Cosmetics FB Page

My order came days before Christmas and it was perfectly wrapped for the season! I was told by the seller that they do wrap your orders individually but yours will probably look different since Christmas season is over!

Wild Peach Cosmetics comes in two sizes!  You don't have to be a professional makeup artist to be able to use these customizable cosmetics palette as these comes in 2 sizes! 

Wild Peach Cosmetics large size palette comes in black with a clear window is the only color available for now and I don't mind as I like to look professional after my baby pink Z-Palette case!   This palette comes with a sheet of sticker for use on non-metal pans.

**clear window blurred.

The large palette is best used to store cosmetics housed in larger pans like blush or powder foundation!  If you're a professional makeup artist, you can fill in as many eye shadow palettes as you can!  

On the other hand, if you do not own a lot of makeup and plan to bring a customized palette just for your own use, the personal size palette is your perfect choice and the best thing about this is the fact that you can change the eye shadow shades or blush shades you need for the day!  Same as the large palette, this also comes with a sheet of sticker for non-metal pans!

I picked mine in black and polka-dotted hot pink as it screams my name all over!  Because I love my husband's back so much, I've decided to depot more of my MAC eye shadows!  (Note to self: I just need time to do this!) 

Wild Peach Cosmetics Personal Size Palette costs Php280.00 (approx $7.00)
Wild Peach Cosmetics Large Size Palette costs Php550.00 (approx $13.75)
Facebook page: Wild Peach Cosmetics
Website: http://www.wildpeachcosmetics.com
Email: wildpeachcosmetics@gmail.com

Overall, I am very happy with both palettes and the quality exceeds my expectation!  I love the additional sheet of stickers that I don't need to buy separately and both come with instructions on how to use!  Once I've filled them all up, I'll definitely post a picture of it through Instagram and Facebook so don't forget to follow me there!  

Are you currently using a customizable palette?
If not, do you plan to purchase one?
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(Product received for review.  Opinions 100% mine. Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Year End Report! Happy 2013!

Last year, I've written my Year End Report Welcoming 2012 (click post HERE), can you believe 365 days has passed?  We're done with another year and I'm sharing my highlights for the year 2012!  Why?  It makes me appreciate life even more and how happy I am to have experienced the whole year with people I love!

Makeup Gigs 2012

I have an "auditor" husband who notes down on all my makeup gigs and he reported to me that my makeup gigs multiplied twice this year!  I want to thank all my new and returning clients for getting my services as I enjoyed prettifying all of them!  The year 2012 has been a wonderful year for me doing the job I love most!  

**some of the Brides

Studio SnR's First Ever I Love Beauty Workshop

My love for teaching combined with my love for makeup puts me into various workshops with different companies and brands!  Early this year, my dear friend Sydney from Studio SnR have decided to create a workshop series called "I Love Beauty" with Garnier and Maybelline and I was the lucky girl who was picked to teach about skincare and help out with students on how to apply makeup that suits them! 

The event was covered by Manila Bulletin!

Japan Trip

Mr. AMW was kind enough to take me to South Korea (my dream place to visit) so I told him the year 2012 will be HIS year!  His dream destination is Japan so I have decided to go ahead with the booking and enjoy 5 days in Tokyo!  It was the best decision ever as we enjoyed Tokyo so much we would love to go back someday!  Probably...with Baby AMW! :D

Porefessionally Pretty with Benefit x AMW

Mid this year, I was invited to do a workshop at Benefit Boutique in Greenbelt 5 for ladies who wants to look Porefessionally Pretty!  It was 4 hours of basic makeup to professional makeup teaching and we ended up with party makeup!  I enjoyed the workshop so much I am looking forward for more of our partnership the coming year! 

Sophie Martin Paris Makeup Talk

The year 2012 must be the year for makeup x teaching!  I was surprised to get an invite from Sophie Martin Paris for a makeup talk with their members!  I didn't know what to expect that day but I dressed myself professionally as I shared the whole day event with 2 fellow bloggers Tin and Carissa (both bloggers talked about fashion).  The event was held at the Sophie Martin Paris, Philippines showroom and I have to admit, for someone who was used to teaching a huge crowd, it was a bit overwhelming to see such huge crowd of people who are very much interested learning about simple skincare and makeup tips!  Given the chance, I'll do this over and over again in a heartbeat!

AMW x CharChar as The Purple Groom's Brand Ambassadors

Who says women in their 30's can't be brand ambassadors?  *chuckles* Can I say you're wrong?  Anything can be possible if you own a super cute, fluffy pet friend like I do!  CharChar, my 6-year old Pomeranian dog, and I were invited to be The Purple Groom's Brand Ambassador! This shoot (Shot around end of August) was very special to me as I already knew I was pregnant !  I was actually heading to the doctor immediately after the shoot for Doctor's confirmation!  

(Inside my head: "Charchar, you are my baby for now but I will have a real baby soon!")

But don't worry Charchar, you'll always have a special place in my heart and I'm sure Baby AMW will love you as much as I do! :D

Nestle Crunch x AMW

Since we're on the topic of photoshoot, I was also invited to shoot for Nestle's Funtacular Ways of Eating Nestle Crunch Ice Cream!  It was a fun day as I get to work with Niccolo Cosme once again and I've always been a fan of his works!

AMW Featured on Maven Magazine

After my Vaseline magazine feature, I haven't really thought I'd see myself in a glossy once again!  This time, it was a feature for AskMeWhats as a blog and blogger!  A full page dedicated for my blog!  I am very happy with it and I want to thank Maven magazine for this awesome opportunity!!!

The Birth of AskMeMom

Last but not the least, the best gift that I won't forget is the birth of AskMeMom!  I am finally going to be a mommy!!!  Many people have prayed and hoped for a Baby AMW and I want to thank all my friends who prayed for me! I have gone through really tough times making sure my mom is alright and I'm glad my prayers has been answered and I cannot hope for anything more for the coming years but the safety of Baby AMW!  I hope you are as excited as we are to share my journey not only as a Blogger but as a Mom! :D

Thank you 2012, you've been very good to me!  I'm pretty excited and looking forward for 2013! :)  

What are you most thankful for the year 2012?
I'd love to hear from you!

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Weekend Food Trip at: Holy Cow Steak Ranch & American Grill

4 years ago, Keith and I first tried Holy Cow Steak Ranch and American Grill at Robinson's Midtown branch and didn't get the chance to go back ever since!  It wasn't because we had a bad experience but we found the dishes we tried to be "just okay", nothing spectacular or worth going back for.  I can't blame the restaurant as we probably ordered a very simple dish those times.

Fast forward to a couple of years plus some added wrinkles or white hair, we've finally decided to go back and celebrate quiet dinner before Christmas day with my family!  I'm glad their menu changed and there are so much more dishes added that made us want to go back for more!

Cowboy Combo Platter

Php320.00 (approx $8.00)

A variety of fried chicken, onion rings, calamarings,

and BBQ flavored crispy fries served with ranch dressing.

Usually combo platters are a combination of hit and miss in one plate!  Not with the Cowboy Combo Platter!  Everything tastes wonderful!  The fried chicken is definitely worth trying and I love the crunchy large onion rings and crispy calamari that's super soft on the inside!  The simple fries turned into something I would crave for as they sprinkle it with a tiny amount of BBQ spice!  Everyone's happy with this and I will definitely order this again!

Pumpkin Soup

Php90.00 (approx $2.25)

Light, sweet and creamy soup with croutons 

and bacon bits comes with garlic French bread.

I'm in dire need for something warm and fuzzy!  Off I went to try Holy Cow's Pumpkin soup.  I find the soup to be too sweet and creamy for my taste, the bacon bits did help counteract the sweetness but overall, it is just an okay dish.

Holy Cow Quesadillas

Php240.00 (approx $6.00)

Toasted flour tortilla filled with ground beef and melted mozzarella cheese. 

Drizzled with garlic mayo and smoky barbecue sauce.

My sister was craving for something "Mexican" so she went for Quesadillas.  The beef and melted mozzarella cheese is a perfect combination but she finds the smokey BBQ sauce and garlic mayo to be too overwhelming for her simple taste buds.  We definitely recommend to order "sauce on the side" for future.

 

Superb Creamy Cheesy Carbonara

Php210.00 (approx $5.25)

Spaghetti noodles sauteed with smoked bacon 

and special carbonara sauce.  Topped with hot melted cheese.

 Who can go wrong with Carbonara?  The best Carbonara I've tried so far is from The Stock Market!  This one is just so-so.  Nothing spectacular!

Cowboy Ranch Style Burger Steak

Php175.00 (approx $4.38)

Juicy burger pattie drizzled with mushroom gravy sauce (on the side)

 We ordered gravy sauce on the side as my family really is a bit health conscious (unlike me) and wouldn't want to drown their dish with sauce!  So far, I was quite shocked by the way it look but I was told the taste was good!  No burnt taste and the burger was juicy on the inside.  

Ranch Style Grilled Chicken Fillet

Php190.00 (approx $4.75)

Grilled tender chicken fillet drizzled with trio mushroom gravy.

 My mom's order.  I find the chicken fillet to be a bit small.  My mom, who is a fan of chicken dishes got this order and requested for trio mushroom gravy on the side too!  When asked about her dish, she said "It was alright!".

Fillet Mignon Steak (5oz)

Php320.00 (approx $8.00)

Made from the most tender cut of beef.  

Rounded with bacon, flavored with scrumptious marinade and spices. 

 Served with garlic rice, crunchy buttered vegetables and choice of gravy.  

(Trio-mushroom or Spicy Peppercorn)

The Fillet Mignon Steak in 5oz. is a perfect size for someone that is not too hungry!  Mr. AMW was happy with his meal and I was able to give this dish a try too!  The fillet mignon was cooked medium well and the crunchy bacon wrapped around the steak gives a perfect taste of crunchy and juicy!

Line Rider's Beef Salpicao

Php250.00 (approx $6.25)

Diced beef tenderloin marinated in special seasoning,

 button mushroom, minced garlic and pepper sauteed in butter.

 Another good dish to try when you are looking for beef dish!  Flavorful cubes of beef that's juicy and tasty and cooked perfectly! 

Mashed Potatoes

Php55.00 (approx $1.38)

 My dad is a fan of mashed potatoes and he would choose it over rice any day!  (with beer of course!)  He was quite happy with the size of the mashed potatoes and loved the gravy that comes with the side dish.

Yummy Fish and Fries

Php270.00 (approx $6.75)

Loads of specially flavored fish fillet with black sesame seeds, 

perfect with BBQ flavored fries, 

and sweet tangy garlic mayo dip on the side.

 Another must-try if you're a fan of fish and chips!  A huge size of Dory Fish fried in perfection came out with a tiny slice of lemon and BBQ flavored fries!

Overall, the dishes came out really good, better than expected but I am not impressed with the waiter who served us that night as he was definitely not on a holiday mood!  I asked for some bestsellers and he told me all the dishes on the menu are delicious and worth trying!  When we asked for water, he gave me empty glasses and a full pitcher and asked me to "serve" everyone!  My sister laughed so hard and asked me to wear a "I am pregnant" sign!  

The restaurant accepts cash and credit card payments.  No service charge and all prices are VAT inclusive.

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