I Wonder: What Will You Include in Your SOS Kit?

Before the year 2012 ended, I got an invite from Bridges PR for a nice lunch and unveiling of a "Beauty Secret".  I have to admit, I was very intrigued, but because morning sickness got the best of me, I had to decline and prayed I get to know what these "Beauty secrets" are!  

Thanks Franco, for sending me the SOS kit that's perfect not only for the holidays but wonderful as these are instant beauty fixes I need since I don't feel and look good at this time of my life!  Come on, hormones!  Who can control them?

SOS Beauty Kit

Included inside the kit are wonderful must-have products to make any girl survive a day looking like a diva.  Okay, not really a diva but at least, well made up to face anyone!  

Do you spot familiar brands and products?

Some Instant Fixes ---

1. Pouch - any cute pouch you own that would fit all your essentials.
2. CloseUp White Now - I have used this product for a year and used this daily after lunch!  This product does help whiten your teeth instantly because of its Blue Foam Technology.  (Think why red lipstick with blue base can make anyone's teeth whiter?  Same concept!)
   
3. Acca Kappa Travel Toothbrush - or any brush that you can bring at work!
4. Maybelline Falsies Mascara - this mascara is great for volumizing your lashes.  As for me, I still love my Maybelline Volum' Express mascara!
5. Nars Orgasm - true to the name of the product, it gives a nice euphoric vibe to anyone who wears this.  This blush I have one in my makeup train case and I have another one for personal use!  This works for most skin tones! 
6. The Balm Kabuki Brush - the K-brush is the easiest brush to tote during travel due to its size and various functions!  This works not only as a blush brush but also a powder retouch brush!
7. Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick in Gabrielle - Red lipstick will always be an instant fixer to any girls!  Though it is a bit scary to wear red mid-day, a deep warm red shade as the Gabrielle from Chanel works so well anytime of the day!  I can get away with no eye makeup on wearing just this lip shade! 

Check out the gorgeous shade!  This is my current favorite red lippie as of the moment!  Even Mr. AMW (who's not used to seeing me wear bright red lipsticks) approved this!

A girl, of course can bring much more makeup as long as she has the space for it!  Given the chance to add my SOS kit, I would add my favorite setting powder and my recent favorite face illuminizer as of the moment!  Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl!  Can't blame me, I'm a "glowy skin" type of girl!

Now, it's my turn to take a "virtual peek" on what's in your SOS Kit!  If you are given this size of a pouch, I WONDER --- "What Will You Include in Your SOS Kit?"

Aside from the products listed above, I want to add that SMILING is the best secret in making even a makeup-free face look gorgeous!  Try it!  It's free! :D

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Weekend Food Trip at: Modern Shanghai

Last weekend, I was invited by our family friend for a nice meal at the newly opened restaurant at SM Mall of Asia called Modern Shanghai.  Modern Shanghai, based on my research prior to visiting the restaurant is part of The Bistro Group.  I've always been a fan of restaurants from the said group and most of the time, I leave their restaurants with a silly smile on my face as I don't get out just being "plain full" but very contented!

Will Modern Shanghai be just like any other Chinese restaurants I've tried?  Well, you better stay focuse and scroll down while I reminisce these wonderful dishes!

Modern Shanghai on the outside reminded me so much of the posh restaurants I've dined in Shanghai.

As soon as I got in the restaurant, the wonderful ambiance and yellow lighting greeted me and immediately puts me at ease.  We had a nice table reserved for both Mr. AMW and I plus our friends.  As I looked around mentally wished for their signature Xiao Long Bao, well, wishes do come true!

Unboxing my January GlamourBox

Before the month of January ends in a wink!  I'd like to share to you the January GlamBox I received from the Glamourbox Team. 

This month's beauty subscription box from the GlamourBox Team is called Beauty Resolutions and I'm glad they have put together products that are mostly new to me and brands that I haven't heard of!  Consider this, it's me trying something new for the wonderful year!

Note from Glamourbox Team:  The box that you will subscribe will not contain the exact products seen in this post.

Subscribers will get the ff. products ---

• 2 EmerginC Hyper Vitalizer Masks
• 1 Aqua Mineral Spa Eye Contura
• 1 Aqua Mineral Spa Juveness De-Wrinkle Cream
• 1 Lip Staysss
• 1 Nippon Esthetic Solution Wedge Sponge
• 1 Kanebo Freshel BB Cream
• 1 LA Splash Enlightened Cream Shadow

Samples of ---

Aqua Mineral Juveness De-Wrinkle Cream

Aqua Mineral Contura Eye Cream

EmerginC Hyper Vitalizer Cream

Sample Size of Kanebo Freshel Mineral BB Cream

Full size 50g Php960.00 (approx $24.0)

Nippon Esthetic Solutions Wedge Sponges

Full Size 62 pcs for Php460.00 (approx $11.50)

In this box, you get approximately 6 pcs of wedge sponges!

KJI & CO Lip Staysss

Php410.00 (approx $10.25)

LA Splash Enlightened Creamy Shadow Base

Php400.00 (approx $10.00)

So far, the January GlamourBox didn't fail me as I get to try products I haven't seen, touched or heard before!  I can't wait to try the Lip Staysss and I will definitely share more about the Enlightened Creamy Shadow Base from LA Splash which can also be used to highlight certain areas of the face!

Visit www.glamourbox.ph to register, join their community on Facebook and Twitter (GlamourboxPH).
Which among the contests this month excites you?
Are you currently subscribed to any beauty box subscriptions?

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

AMW Reviews: Benefit Fine One One

When I get to celebrate Benefit Philippines' First Year Anniversary, one nifty product that was passed around for everyone to try was called "Fine One One".

"Fine One What?"

Jane Kingsu-Cheng, my schoolmate and friend, also a blogger whispered: "Fine One One, just like 911!".  

AHhhhh....what does this "emergency" thing does?

I asked Ms. Tiffany, Training Manager of Benefit, to show me how the product is used and I have to admit, it amazed me on its "easy-to-use" packaging alone!

At that time, Benefit's Fine One One isn't available yet and I was told to wait another month to be able to get my hands on them!  Trust me, this good girl waited...and waited....

Finally!  I got my own instant "Lift, Shape and Pop" shades!

Benefit says ---
Fine-one-one to the rescue! This sheer brightening cheek & lip color gives your look instant LIFT, SHAPE and POP. Glide on the three shades—pink champagne, sheer watermelon and soft coral—for a sheer coral pink flush that builds from soft & natural to bright & cheery.

Net Weight: 8.0 g/0.28 oz

Ingredients:  TRIETHYLHEXANOIN, POLYETHYLENE, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, OCTYLDODECANOL, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, POLYMETHYLMETHACRYLATE, SILICA, DIMETHICONE, CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL, SQUALANE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, TIN OXIDE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, BENZOIC ACID, CI 19140 (YELLOW 5 LAKE), CI 15850 (RED 7 LAKE), BHT, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL.

AMW says ---
Pros

• Cute packaging making it easy to tote around for touch-ups.
• Works anytime, anywhere, without extra tools needed.
• Comes in 3 shades: Pink Champagne, Sheer Watermelon and Soft Coral. 
• Applies smoothly on cheeks.  Doesn't leave the cheeks dry or oily.
• Gives a nice "contour" and "highlight" in the most subtle way.
• Very easy to apply.
• Pigmentation is build-able.

Cons

• Could be drying when applied on lips.  (if lips not moisturized well.)
• Not as long-wearing as other cream blushes.
• As a makeup artist, I find it difficult to use on clients for hygiene purpose.  (if you must, read tips below.)

Overall

Out of all the cream blushes I own, this is by far, one of the easiest cream blush to blend!  I don't have to worry about streaks on my cheeks as the Benefit Fine One One glides on cheeks easily.  The creamy texture makes my cheeks moisturized but never oily.

Tips
from Benefit

• Glide from the apple of your cheek to your temple.
• Blend with fingertips in an upward circular motion.

from AMW

• Best applied straight from tube.  Pink Champagne (lightest shade) is best applied on the cheekbones for a nice, subtle highlight.
• Blend both Sheer Watermelon and Soft Coral with your clean fingers and apply on your lips for a natural lip color.
• Pink Champagne can be used on its own to highlight the bridge of your nose, the brow bone and your upper lip.
• Benefit Fine One One is best applied after skincare (if you are not using any liquid/cream foundation) then set with your choice of powdered face powder.
• Benefit Fine One One can be applied after liquid/cream foundation and set with a translucent powder.
• Store the product in cool, dry place.  The product is very creamy and may melt easily.
• After swiping product directly on the apples of the cheeks with an upward motion, blend the "obvious" edges with clean fingers.
• For makeup artists out there, if you plan to use this product on clients, use a sponge or brush to apply, or if you must apply it straight from tube, make sure to disinfect the top portion by using wipes. 

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?

Fair to medium skin tone.  Individuals with dark skin tone may still use this but may need to swipe the product multiple times for the product to show up.  

Benefit Fine One One is best used by people who suffer from dry, normal and combination skin.  Oily skinned individuals may still use this but needs oil-control primer underneath.

Where to purchase and how much?

At local Benefit counters for Php1,700.00 (approx $42.50). LIKE Benefit Cosmetics Philippines on Facebook to get updated on Sales and events. Follow Benefit Philippines on Twitter (@BenefitBeautyPH)   At Benefit international website for $30.00 (without tax).

Photos

Benefit Fine One One
Pink Champagne, Sheer Watermelon and Soft Coral on Tube

Applied once on clean hand

All the shades blended using my fingers

Benefit Fine One One Application (AMW Way)

I start at the apples of my cheeks applying upward in a diagonal angle as shown on photo below.

Here's how it would look upon first layer application.

Since I want to create a nice, subtle dimension on my face, I do a gentle "tapping" motion to clear out harsh edges.  This trick is best done if you plan to maintain the highlight, the blush shade and the contour shade.

To create a different blush shade, blend all 3 shades well with fingers, brush or sponge.

I enjoy using the lightest shade (Pink Champagne) for extra highlighting powers!  I swear I am in love with highlighting products as it gives my skin an instant "glow" and lift!  (Fake Facial Anyone?)

Blending the 2 shades Sheer Watermelon and Soft Coral with my clean finger then applied directly on my lips.  Feel free to use the lightest color Pink Champagne and apply it at the center of your lips to appear fuller.

AMW Face of the Day

Products used --- 

Tears Eyebrow Pencil

Benefit Fine One One applied on cheeks and lips

Revlon Age Defying 2 Way Foundation Powder in Buff

Have you seen Benefit Fine One One in stores or online?
Would you give this product a try? 

Since I'm subscribed to Benefit You Tube account, I've seen the cute video of Fine One One and it immediately got my attention right away.  It must be the combination of highlighting shades and 2 cute blush shades that stirred my attention.  I'm glad I like it and for once, I'm keeping this inside my kit!  Sorry clients, I'll be selfish! *tee hee*

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AMW Makeover: Trial Makeup for Bride-to-Be

One thing that I love about wedding preparation is trial makeup!  I know some of my friends went through a lot of trial makeup before picking "the one", as for me, I was lucky enough to have just gone through 1 trial makeup and booked the makeup artist immediately.

Now that the tables have turned and I am the makeup artist, I understand and highly recommend clients to try as many makeup artists (as long as it fits their budget) because it is the greatest day of any woman's life to get married so looking great is not an option!

As for my first trial makeup this year, I am lucky to have met a wonderful woman whose inner beauty shone so bright she doesn't even need any makeup on!

Trial Makeup Client

Skin type: Normal, perspires easily

Request: None

My client's skin is almost perfect and all I need to do is to prime her skin with Laura Mercier Oil-Free Primer as a base for her foundation to apply smoothly and last longer.  Since the client has normal skin, I went for the shade that matches exactly her face and neck and applied all over her face!  Because I want to make sure the client looks picture-perfect, I used Bobbi Brown Concealer and applied a good amount to lighten up the darkness under her eyes and set with a translucent powder.

To create a nice frame, I tinted her brows and filled in sparse area with brow powders by mixing dark and light shades.  It is very important to take extra time in this step and constantly check at the reflection to make sure both brows at least match. 

As for her eye makeup, I've decided to play with these colors:  Bronze, Cocoa, Shimmer Gold and Matte Black (from various brands MAC, Bobbi Brown, Lancome and Shu Uemura).  I've decided to define her eyes by lining her upper lash line with dark brown gel liner from MAC and use the remaining gel liner to line her lower lash line as gel liners stay longer and have lesser chance to smudge and smear.  

I picked my ES Lashes A134 from KKCenterHK and instead of using a pair, I picked only 1 lash and cut it in half and applied false lashes only on the outer corner of the client's eyes.  

Let's talk about contouring and highlighting, as for any makeup for photography, contouring and highlighting is very important to create dimension.  I contoured the client's nose, cheeks and chin and highlighted the bridge of her nose, the center of her face and her chin.  Product used was my favorite Stila Contouring and Highlighting powder.  This creates better looking skin!

As for her cheeks, I used Shu Uemura blush and finished off with a brown orange shade of lipstick.

How do you like this week's AMW Makeover?
How do you perceive your bridal makeup to be?

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