Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Nail Art Tutorial: Back to Retro!


When we talk about Retro, I remember 2 things --- Retro inspired dresses....


and the Deee-lite's "Groove is in your heart"..... *laughs* 

There's just so much inspiration during the "Retro-Years" so I've decided to create my own Retro Nail Art design!  Nothing too fancy or complicated as I just cut my nails super short!  If you follow me on  Instagram (AskMeWhats), I did mention that this is my shortest nails ever!  And here's a proof that short nails can still do nail art! :)

Monday, March 11, 2013

AMW Reviews: BYS Blush Duo


Isn't it a lovely day today?  :P
Come on guys, just trying to cheer you up as most of you probably have the Monday blues!  (Or am I referring to myself?) 

To spread my "cheery" (Cherry?) mood, I will be reviewing a super bright colored blush from a brand I recently get to know!  BYS - By YourSelf!


Note: It does look as red and as pink as the photo!  Your eyes aren't playing tricks on you!
Shade: 03 Miss Pink


BYS says ---
With a choice of 2 shades from this BYS Blush Duo you can create the style you want easily. The blush comes in a lovely coral and bright pink shade, great for Spring/Summer.

Ingredients:


AMW says ---
Pros
  • 2 blush shades in 1.  Actually can go up to 3 shades (you can blend both shades to create a new color)
  • Very pigmented.
  • Price.
  • No allergic reactions.
Cons
  • A bit too powdery.
  • Can easily mess up if not applied correctly due to its heavy pigmentation (please read tips below on how to deal with this mistake)
Overall
Inexpensive yet super pigmented blush that lasts a day for normal and dry skin.

Tips
  • Use a big fluffy powder brush or k-brush (kabuki brush) for application.
  • VERY light hand is needed.
  • Over applied?  Do not fret!  Pick up your powder/powder foundation and apply it on top of the blush to lessen pigmentation.
  • Blend!  Blend!  Blend!
Will I repurchase?
If they come up with other shades.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Blush lovers!  If you love blush colors that pop, go for BYS Blush Duo!

Where to purchase and how much?
BYS cosmetics are available in major SM Department Stores and Watsons Beauty Outlets nationwide.  BYS Bronzing Powder costs Php349.00 (approx $8.73).  Like BYS Philippines on Facebook for more product updates.

Photos

BYS Blush Duo in 03 Miss Pink
Left: Deep reddish pink
Right: Bright pink with blue undertone
 

Swatch on Arm
This swatch was done once using my finger.  
The lighter pink looks a bit more powder-y than that of the deep pink.


Usage (AMW Style)
I prefer mixing both shades using my Charm K-Brush.  Can I repeat myself?  
In a very VERY light-hand motion. 

Applied from the apples of my cheeks up to my hairline for a natural contour.

Smile and you are ready for the camera!


How do you deal with very pigmented blush shades?
I have my fair share of super pigmented blush and I always finish my blush application with a layer of powder foundation on top to "set" the blush plus to lessen the blush intensity!  It works and my blush stays longer!

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

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Weekend Food Trip at: Krazy Garlik (Part 2)

Happy Sunday AMW readers!  How are you today?  Are you well rested and ready to take the world for the week to come?

If you're as lazy as me, well, there's always food to reach out to!  Shall we officially call this day "Pig Out" day?  Please, let's make it official!  *cyber blood contact* :P

During our family bonding at Crown Regency Makati, I've decided to have a birthday lunch with my family while my brother is still here for vacation, since Greenbelt 5 is the way to go, I've decided to take them at Krazy Garlik as I've dined here once and so far, food was great!

Beef Salpicao
Php395.00 (approx $9.87)
Sauteed beef tenderloin with garlic, 
black olives, pimientos and olive oil
This was the free appetizer I got because of my Bistro Card and the free Appetizer coupon.  I'm glad I chose this as this tastes really good!  The beef is very tender and juicy, looks very spicy but it isn't as spicy as it looks!  I like the version of Krazy Garlik better than the ones we had at Italianni's.


Amazing Krazy Garlik Salad
regular Php275.00 (approx $6.87)
to share Php475.00  (approx $11.87)
A refreshing Asian salad mix with cucumber, bell peppers, 
onions and oriental chicken strips toosed in sesame lime dresing.  
Topped with fried wanton and peanut sauce.

Super yummy salad that can rule the salad world!  I love the texture of various vegetables with fried wanton giving it an extra crisp on the overall dish!
Shrimp Maramonte
Php450.00 (approx $11.25)
Al dente spaghetti paste sauteed in pesto sauce,
 fresh baby clams and shrimps
Because I'm staying away from seafood, I didn't give this a taste but according to my brother, this tastes okay.  Nothing spectacular but it wasn't bad!

Mushroom Matsuri
Php350.00 (approx $8.75)
Oyster, shiitake and button mushrooms
 sauteed in our homemade teriyaki sauce
I don't know why I missed this dish on the menu!  My brother-in-law has a good eye for good food!  Upon serving, I want this dish myself!  I love dishes with all sorts and kinds of mushrooms!  This dish is perfect with a hot cup of rice!  Or 2 cups?

Sweet 16 Chicken
Php495.00 (approx $12.37)
Crispy chicken fillet, fresh pineapple, capsicum in sweet and tangy sauce
 topped with crispy noodles and served with salted fish fried rice
May not look appetizing on physical appearance but my mom exclaimed the sweet and sour chicken is tender and very flavorful!  I'm glad there is only a minimal amount of fat!


Honey Fried Chicken
Php395.00 (approx $9.87)
A family favorite, half-fried chicken with top grade honey and fried garlic
My dad ordered this chicken dish and I ordered mashed potatoes separately as I know he's a fan of it!  Out of all the dishes we tried at Krazy Garlik, this was a major fail as the chicken doesn't have much flavor, as soon as you get into the meat, it tastes really bland and an extra gravy could help!  

As for the mashed potatoes, it came off quite dry and there wasn't any gravy or sauce that comes with the dish too!  Sorry dad!  At least you enjoyed our company *winks*

Barbi BBQ
Php245.00 (approx $6.12)
My nephew's kiddie meal!  This is a wonderful variety to what kids would ask for!  Spaghetti, barbecue and mojos, my nephew was happy and full!

BBQ Garlic Chicken
Php450.00 (approx $11.25)
Hot-off-the-grill chicken fillet with mozzarella, asiago cheese, 
onions, peppers, cilantro and garlic flakes in a special hickory barbecue sauce
Since Mr. AMW and I were quite full from the hotel's breakfast, we've decided to go for pizza and share it with the rest of the table!  The pizza was baked fresh and I like the flavorful kick of BBQ sauce, the taste of BBQ sauce could get a bit overwhelming on your second slice!  So note to readers:  not for the faint heart, order this if you are into BBQ sauce!

And since it was my birthday month, I was given a nice scoop of my favorite Vanilla Ice Cream! :)




If you look back on my first Krazy Garlik experience (read post HERE), I wasn't that impressed with their service and after almost a year, I've decided to see if there's any improvement.  Unfortunately, their service is still slow (really slow)!  I know the fact that I should consider the number of customers who were dining in but that day, it wasn't that full and I realized the servers aren't that organized!  We have to follow up on our drinks several times and we even had our food ready before our drinks!  

I really love to dine in again at Krazy Garlik but the slow service is putting me and other diners off!  

Have you dined in at Krazy Garlik? 
Did you have the same "slow service" experience we had?

Krazy Garlik
Second Floor Greenbelt 5
Tel. Nos.(632)501-3752 to 53

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Stay happy!

 

Saturday, March 9, 2013

AMW Wears: FitFlop Rokkit in Black Diamond

I've had my FitFlop's Rokkit in Black Diamond for almost a year and I just realized I haven't blogged about this until recently since I have a limited number of shoes and sandals to wear as my tummy grows bigger each day!  

I've put FitFlop on top of the pedestal (I don't know about your pedestal but mine is quite HIGH :P ) exactly a year ago on The Unsung Hero post (HERE) and I've added a pair since then!

The FitFlop Rokkit in Black Diamond
Php4,990.00 (approx $125.00)

The Rokkit is part of the SS2011 collection, I'm not really sure if these are widely available as of the moment but I'm glad I got myself a pair and thankfully, after daily use, the black diamonds are still intact and I haven't lost a single one!  

I know people suggest pregnant women to wear flats but after constantly wearing them and with the consistent back pain, a little bit of elevation and support on my sole is still the best way to deal with backaches and bulging belly!


Now, as I stalk the FitFlop Philippines Facebook page, I'm looking forward to purchase my next pair as it has been a year!  My lonely Rokkit needed a partner....

Fitflop Whirl
Php3,790.00 (approx $94.75)


Isn't she lovely?  *sigh* She has to wait until I gave birth or I'll bring my butt out of the house and get myself one!  

Do you currently own a FitFlop pair?
How many pairs do you own and are you happy with it?

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Stay happy!

 

Friday, March 8, 2013

AMW Reviews: FairyDrops Platinum Mascara Waterproof Type

I am one strong advocate of: "If a mascara is non-waterproof, it's not worth purchasing if you're living in the Philippines!"

But it wasn't long ago that I got hold on to my newest Fairydrops Platinum Mascara Film Type - Water Resistant  which turned out to be on top of my list!  (Read review HERE Though the said mascara never smudge on me for the past months, I would still feel a bit hesitant to recommend this to girls with highly oily lids! 

Guess what?  A waterproof version is finally here in Manila!  *drops down on both knees and thank the heavens*

The Waterproof version is housed in a similar packaging to that of the Water-Resistant tube with the same 3 teardrop shaped curved wand!
FairyDrops says ---
    • A do-it-all fiber mascara gies you doll like lashes + treatment
    • Contains Volume Up Powder, Wax and Fiber and 5 kinds of treatment essence of beautify and repair eyelashes.
    • Hydrolyzed Collagen, Squalene, Sodium Hyaluronate, Jojoba Seed Oil and Pantehnol: retains moisture, softens, hydrates and adds volume to lashes.
    • All day curl, smudge proof and yet easily removed with cleansing oil and water.
    • Lashes feel soft to touch.  No to brittle feeling lashes.
    AMW says ---
    Pros
    • Cute packaging.
    • No need to curl my lashes as it gives an instant "lift" to my short and sparse lashes.
    • Clump-free.
    • Gives the desired amount of length I want in a mascara.
    • Coats each lash strand thus showing a bit of volume.
    • Easy to remove with regular eye makeup remover or cleansing oil.
    • Though formulation is waterproof, doesn't dry out or create "crunchy lashes" effect.

    Cons
    • Due to my low IQ, I tend to get confused with the waterproof and water-resistant version!  Maybe the obvious change of color is better for low memory gals like ME :P
    Overall
    Easy to use fiber mascara that coats each lash strand thus giving extra length and volume.  The waterproof formulation is indeed waterproof that lasts the whole day even with some rubbing!  It can be easily removed by regular eye makeup remover at the end of the day.

    Tips
    • Since this product is made waterproof, it is best to wipe off excess mascara with a gentle eye makeup remover prior to washing your face.
    • For better look of your lashes, curl them prior to mascara application.
    • If your lids aren't as oily, go for the water-resistant version as it gives "breathing space" for your lashes.
    • If most mascaras tend to smudge or transfer on you, purchase the waterproof version.
    Will I repurchase?
    Yes, for clients!  As for personal use, I prefer the water-resistant version.

    To whom do I recommend this to?
    Mascara users who have very oily lids.

    Where to purchase and how much?
    Fairydrops is available in the Philippines exclusive through the Beauty Bar stores (Trinoma, Rockwell, Greenbelt, Shangri-La, Eastwood, Galleria, Gateway, ATC, Podium, MOA, Lucky Chinatown, Midtown, Bonifacio High Street, Cebu and soon to open Magnolia) for Php1,195.00 (approx $29.87).

    Photos

    Cute packaging similar to most Fairydrops products

    Simple Diagram instructions on how to use the Fairydrops Platinum Mascara


    Front view
    The mascara doesn't only give length and volume to my lashes, it gives a nice "eyeliner" effect as well as I apply the mascara close to my lash line.


    Top View

    The added length is quite obvious in this angle.  This photo shows how this mascara is 100% clump-free no matter how many times I re-apply the mascara.



    Side View
    I did not curl my lashes in the before photo to show how the mascara itself can "lift" my lashes without the use of eyelash curler!  This is a great mascara for people on travel who are lazy to take with them their eyelash curler!


    Difference of Water-resistant and Waterproof Platinum Mascara
    Water-resistant comes in silver tube packaging (left facing you) while Waterproof version comes in Light Metallic Pink packaging (right facing you)

    Given the chance to choose, would you go for the water-resistant or waterproof?  Why?
    For daily use, I'd go for the water-resistant version to give my lashes room to breathe.  For very special occasions or when I know I'll be exposed under the sun or I'll be sweating like a pig, I'll probably reach out for the waterproof version!

    P.S. Local AMW readers who wants to win a pair of Pyromusical Competition Tickets at SM Mall of Asia.  Please check back anytime within the day for contest details!  Good luck! :D

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    Stay happy!


     (Product sent for review.  Opinions 100% mine. Please purchase at your own discretion.)