Tuesday, March 19, 2013

AMW Bulletin: Bobbi Brown's Pretty Powerful Beauty Campaign

I've always loved how Bobbi Brown portrays what a Pretty Powerful Woman should be.  With just a glimpse of her new book, Pretty Powerful, a makeup guide containing beauty tips, transformations and powerful personal stories from dozens of real women, you can tell that she believes that all women possess natural beauty and with the right tools and makeup techniques, EVERYONE can become Pretty Powerful --- Yes, that's YOU and ME!


These are some of the before and after photos handpicked by Bobbi herself featuring women of all ages and ethnicities from all over the world!  From moms to cancer survivors, actresses, recording artists, journalists, bloggers and entrepreneurs.  Beauty definitely comes in all shapes, sizes and colors!  The photos still shows the person they are but with more confidence!

 

As part of the Pretty Powerful Campaign, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics will launch a contest in 11 countries --- Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam and of course...the Philippines!  We are all invited to submit our very own unique Pretty Powerful Beauty Story on our local Bobbi Brown Facebook Page for a chance to win a trip to New York with a friend! (http://www.facebook.com/BobbiBrownPH
Check out my Pretty Powerful Story in this blog post (I am Pretty Powerful).

Round 1:    
  • Beginning March 8th, each week, each country’s Beauty Team will select one contestant to win Bobbi Brown products. 
  •  Weekly winners will also advance to Round 2 of the contest.

Round 2:

  • In May, a panel of judges will choose one Pretty Powerful story from these weekly winners to to represent the Philippines in the grand sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to New York City. The Semi-Finalist also wins P10,000.00 worth of pre-determined Bobbi Brown products.

Round 3:
  • Later in May, Bobbi will then select one winner from the 11 finalists who will enjoy a trip to New York City with a friend for an exclusive Pretty Powerful experience.
I'd love to hear from you if you're joining or not!
If yes, do let me know as I'll definitely include you in my prayers!

But whether you are joining the contest or not, I'd still like to know what makes you Pretty Powerful!

Goodluck!
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I Wonder: What's Your Favorite French Tip Combination?

Happy Tuesday AMW Friends!
Another I wonder moment today as I get to be a nosy woman every now and then!  (actually, all the time!)  Let's get back to basic when it comes to nail polish and nail art.  Before I got into nail art craze, I was so in love with French Tip application (still am at the moment) and it was one of those nail polish application that frustrated me as I can't seem to get the even lines that I went!  I even saved up my allowance that time to purchase my first Sally Hansen French Tip set that comes with strip stickers to guide me.  I still wasn't that successful then! 

That's when I realized, creating your first French tip doesn't really require you those stickers or tapes, it all boils down to picking the right shades of nail polish!  Matte polish doesn't work for first timers and after years of testing various combinations, I finally found one that is subtle, yet works even for beginners!

The Wet n Wild Megalast Nail Colors
These 2 came in set, I got these a year or 2 years ago but I recently tried both polish out and guess what?  It was the easiest combination to create my kind of French tip!  A classy one!  
 

Let's start with the base color called Sugar Coat, the color is a milky, pale pink shade and I need at least 2 layers for the color (I want) to show up.


Imagine the color of fake nails?  This is the one! 



Making sure the base polish is completely dry, I picked up the next shade to use as my "French Tip", usually, people would pick a matte white nail polish shade but I find that a bit too bright and easy to spot if the lines are uneven.  Break the Ice is a beautiful shimmer white polish with frosty finish.


Since my nails are short, I prefer applying it vertically as shown on photo below.  The frosted finish will always create a better effect and less mistakes are shown!

Final look before Top Coat application.  As you can see, the effect came out really natural and classy!  This is my to-go-to simple French Tip application if I need to attend formal affairs like weddings!


**Wet N Wild nail colors are locally distributed by Sprint Asia Beauty.  Visit www.sprintasiabeauty.com for more product information.  Like Wet n' Wild Philippines on Facebook.

I Wonder:
What's your favorite French Tip Combination?
Tell me the brand and colors!  I'd love to hear from you!


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Stay happy!

Monday, March 18, 2013

Product Spotlight: Estee Lauder Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palette in Violet Underground

Last week, I posted a photo on AskMeWhats Facebook Page and asked readers if they are willing to sport a purple eyeshadow and/or purple lips!  Surprisingly, most of you are quite adventurous when it comes to makeup application, unlike decades ago! 

**photo taken on Google images

I was inspired to post such photo because of the New Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palette in Violet Underground that I have kept inside my makeup case for a while before I've decided to use it!

 
Well, don't judge me, it's housed in a gorgeous blue with gold packaging and the colors are so vivid and vibrant I just can't put my heart to use it!



According to Estee Lauder:
"Pure Color Violet Underground uses contrasting high lacquered intensified pigments and matte hues to create rich dramatic dimension.  Together the strong pigments collide against a beautifully radiant satin complexion to give the overall look a modern yet dramatic high-fashion feel that any woman can try."



Yes, every woman can create their own drama in their own unique ways even beyond the runway! As the Creative Makeup Director of Estee Lauder Tom Pecheux would say: "We created a dramatic fashion look with a touch of fantasy, inspired by glam rock, women can play dress up with color and become a character that encompasses mystery, opulence, sex and confidence.  It can transform her world."

I personally do not look into Estee Lauder brand when it comes to eye shadows but I'm quite amazed with the newest collection as pigmentation is really good and the texture of each shade are very creamy upon application even without eyeshadow primer!

I will definitely share some looks created using this when I get the chance!  The effect isn't as scary as seen on pan I promise you!


Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palette in Violet Underground is available for a limited time at Rustan's Makati and Shangrila branch for Php2,500.00 (approx $62.50).

Would you go for this palette?
What color of lipstick would you sport using this eyeshadow palette?
I'd personally downplay my look a bit by matching this with a nude colored lipstick.
 
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 (Product sent for PR purpose.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Reviews: Avon Healthy Makeup Hydrating BB Cream

More than a year ago, I reviewed Avon's first BB cream called Avon Healthy BB Cream (review HERE), to keep the product usage experience short and sweet, I hail the original Avon Healthy BB Cream as an inexpensive BB cream that works for normal, oily and combination skin.  The said BB cream has more of a pinkish tone, it contains SPF20 PA++ which is good for daily use.

Now, dry skinned individuals who would love to try out BB creams but dislikes the matte and dry finish can definitely give this new Avon BB cream a try called Avon Healthy Makeup Hydrating BB Cream!  This time, the product comes with SPF30 PA+++ (note on 3 pluses) so definitely, this has better sunblock properties!  Aside from the obvious difference, feel free to read more about my experience using this!

It's great that I get to try Nude shade again for this hydrating variant.


Avon says ---
Healthy looking skin in one step. Your favorite Healthy Makeup BB Cream now has a Hydrating version. Infused with skin loving Vitamin Complex and Hydration Essence. Skin is nourished and hydrated.
It has 8 benefits:
1. Hydrates
2. Conceals
3. Reduces Redness
4. Brightens
5. Nurtures with Vitamin A, C, E
6. Sun Protection with SPF/PA
7. Revitalizes
8. Leaves a Healthy Glow

Ingredients: 


AMW says ---
Pros
  • Squeeze type tube.
  • Higher SPF and added PA.
  • Easy to blend.
  • Moisturizing.  Doesn't dry out my dry skin.
  • Has more of a yellow undertone which works better on most Asian skin tones.
  • No weird fragrance/scent.
  • Gives minimal coverage.  Can lessen the look of redness.
Cons
  • Normal/combination skin may find the need to retouch midday.
  • Extra concealing is needed for obvious marks, spots and darkness.
Overall
A great sized BB cream to start with.  This product works for normal and dry skinned individuals.  Can be used on its own due to its light coverage.

Tips
  • Normal/Dry skin can skip moisturizer as this product is moisturizing enough.  
  • If you have VERY dry skin, an extra boost of moisture from your favorite skincare brand may still be needed.
  • Normal/combination/oily skinned individuals must skip moisturizer application, apply more on areas that doesn't oil up and apply the least amount on the t-zone area.
  • On regular days, apply BB cream all over face after skincare routine, conceal areas that needed to be concealed and set with your choice of powder.
  • Once signs of irritations occur, stop usage IMMEDIATELY!
  • Do not forget to apply BB cream on the neck and ears.
  • Wash face with a makeup remover or gentle cleansing oil before going to bed.
Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Best used for people with dry skin.  Oily skinned individuals may check out Avon Healthy BB cream.


Where to purchase and how much?
For Php399.00 (approx $9.00) 18g Call your Avon ladies by visiting www.avon.com.ph.  Like Avon Philippines on Facebook.

Photos

Squeeze type tube with a pointed tip, easy to control amount of product needed.
Shade in Nude has more yellow undertone as compared to the shade Nude in the original Avon Healthy BB cream. 


Upon blending, the product looks a bit lighter than my NC20-25 skin, doesn't enhance dryness or lines.


Giving a couple of minutes, the product settles in and matches my skin perfectly.


Before and After 
Left: Bare face, see the redness around the apples of my cheeks and sides of my nose.  I also have a dark shadow close to the hairline.
Right: Applied a pea size amount of Avon Healthy Makeup Hydrating BB Cream in Nude.  As seen on photos, some of the red spots disappeared especially on the sides of my nose.  The dark shadow near my hairline also disappears giving my face an even complexion.


Don't judge me, this is a weird mug shot but this works to show how the product looks!
Check mark: with Avon Healthy Makeup Hydrating BB Cream in Nude
X mark: bare skin

Bare skin without ANY makeup on except Hydrating BB Cream.
Extra contouring and highlighting may be needed to keep my skin looking fresh and alive!

Have you tried the newest Avon Healthy Makeup Hydrating BB Cream?
If yes, what's your experience? Do you love it?  Hate it? 


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

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Weekend Food Trip at: Dakasi, Makati

There are a lot of milk tea brands out there and I'm sure everyone has his/her own favorite!  As for me, I've been quite vocal recently on my love for Dakasi Milk Tea!  If you follow me on Instagram (AskMeWhats) and Foursquare, you'll know that I go there almost on a weekly basis because....I'm pregnant and I can get anything I want!  *laughs*

**dress: Latch a Babe

But seriously, I love Dakasi Milk tea because....

According to the Dakasi Head of Operations, Mr. Aldrich, the tea made are always on the right temperature, if not, it must NOT be served!


The sugar used are made by Dakasi themselves, they don't use regular sugar you can purchase at groceries or supermarket.  Aside from that, the milk used are measured well and all the staffs are trained tediously for consistency.


Even the ice used are weighed pretty well, you can't go more or less! 


Last but not the least, the "shake" machine is used for consistency in milk tea texture, each cup goes through around 25 seconds of shaking motion.  And the coolest trick?


While the person waits for the "shaking motion" to be over, he/she MUST clean the bar.  No wonder Dakasi counters are always neat and tidy!  No room for spillage! 


How do I get to learn all this?  Well, lucky me I get an invite for the first ever Dakasi Grand Launch which happened yesterday at their Dela Rosa, Makati branch!  Thanks to Liz Lanuzo for inviting me and the hubby!  We're both ecstatic as we both enjoy our Dakasi Milk Teas, shall I say, baby AMW also enjoys it too?


Each time I stand at the counter, I get overwhelmed by the huge variety of milk tea and juice drinks and I always go for the original Dakasi Pearl Milk Tea.  I promised myself to be more adventurous that day so I went for a different variant!


Okay, I wasn't THAT adventurous as I cave in to Dakasi Oreo Pearl Milk Tea as recommended by a lot of Dakasi drinkers!  Mr. AMW, on the other hand, got the Dakasi Pearl Milk Tea with Egg Pudding as add-on.  Need I say more?  I finished my large drink in less than 10 minutes!  Thank goodness I'm pregnant, no one will judge me!  (I hope!)


Aside from drinks, the owners from Dakasi were asking us to try on their food as they will definitely include these on their menu for the coming months!
Nachos, chocolate chip cookies and Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches were all a hit that afternoon! 


After a good chat and catch up with fellow bloggers with milk teas and finger foods, the event started with the cheerful and perky host for the day, Melai!   Melai has done a great job on her previous hosting job and I am not surprised to see her doing another one....and more to come for sure!


Fellow blogger/friend Liz, the brand consultant for Dakasi Philippines was also introduced.  I love how she made sure everyone feels welcomed!


Mr. Dexter, one of the owners of Dakasi Philippines also went up on "stage" to talk about the history of Dakasi Philippines.  It was so refreshing to learn that Dakasi started only a year ago (February 14, 2012 to be exact) and they already have 17 branches (and still counting)!  Their first branch is located at Marquee Mall Pampanga and obviously, it was a great success for them to be able to expand to almost 20 branches!

Dakasi was brought to the Philippines when one of the owners, who traveled to Guangzhou, China gave Dakasi a try and fell in love with the taste (I can totally relate!).  Good thing the owners were easy to talk to so it was an easy deal to bring Dakasi here in the Philippines!

Did you know that?
There are 400 branches of Dakasi in China alone!

When asked how Dakasi is different from other milk tea brands, Dexter proudly stated: "It's all about the taste!"  It's true, I've had my fair share of Dakasi experience and one thing I can commend about the brand is that, their drinks area always consistent!  Not too sweet, not too bland, not too warm nor too cold!  The tapioca pearls are always on the right texture and I always smile each time I take a sip! (Consistent product= Consistent reaction!)

After a quick introduction and information about the brand, there was also a quick fun contest held for bloggers who attended the event! 

Whoever finishes their large Dakasi Pearl Milk Tea  gets to win a special prize!  

Congratulations to Ana for bagging first place! She was really fast!!!


Aside from good food, wonderful drinks and fun games, one lucky attendee gets to try on making his/her own Dakasi Milk Tea drink!  And you guessed it right, the lucky person was ME! :P
 

With guidance from the head of operations and Gabby, I successfully created my own drink!  Of course, it's not perfect but it tastes great! :)


The event was a success and I want to congratulate everyone, even the event stylist for creating such lovely "tapioca pearls" inspired ambiance!

 Dakasi Philippines Team with Liz and Melai 

Congratulations to team Dakasi Philippines!  I can't wait to try more of their drinks!  Promise, I'll be more adventurous next time!

Like Dakasi Philippines on Facebook.
Follow Dakasi Philippines on Twitter (@DakasiPH).

Visit these Dakasi branches ---
Annapolis Carpark, Greenhills Shopping Center (632)871.5499
Ground Floor, Dela Rosa Carpark 1, Makati (632)401.4929
Level 1, Marquee Mall (6345)304.1343
Level 1, Market! Market! (632)514.0249
Level 1, SM Sta Rosa
Level 2, Harbor Point (6347)306.5061
Level 2, The District (632)710.2561
UN Avenue corner Orosa, Manila (632)917.7077
Level 1, Festival Mall (632)775.6465
Level 1, Robinsons Place Otis (632)710.2562
17 P Tuazon, Cubao (632)945.2646
Level 1, Technohub Iloilo
Level 3, SM Calamba
Level 1 Padre Faura Wing, Robinsons Place Manila (63926)681.9698
Level 3, Trinoma (632)710.2547
207 Banawe St, Quezon City (632)546.8146


Have you tried Dakasi?
If yes, what's your favorite Dakasi drink?


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