Saturday, November 15, 2014

Tech reviews: Samsung NXMini

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably noticed the time I got my the much coveted Samsung NXMini, the Ultimate "selfie" cam, according to moi! :)

To be honest?  I have always been an SLR user and also used a couple of point of shoot camera in the past but this one is unique in so many ways.  Let me get straight to the point, this is NOT the PERFECT and BEST cam in the world (there can't be one!), BUT, it has the qualities of a camera that I personally need.  I'll share to you the list why this is such a "happy camera" for me!  I literally bring this everywhere I go!  


A quick look on the exterior, I got a white Samsung NXMini but if you're not a fan anything white as it gets dirty easily, you may choose from brown, black, mint green and pink! 

In a glance, it is very easy to use (even for Camera beginners out there!)

Friday, November 14, 2014

Unsung Hero: H2O Plus Aqualibrium Dual-Action Eye Makeup Remover

Thanks to Sampleroom I get to try H2O+ Aqualibrium Dual-Action Eye Makeup Remover, in short, I just call this my trustee H2O+ Eye makeup remover.  

Guess what!  I put this up as part of my "unsung heroes" list because, I realized, I have been reaching out for this sample whenever I wear hardcore waterproof makeup and this literally melts off my makeup!  


I'm usually a liner and mascara girl so I tested this product using my most difficult to remove mascara (a.k.a. Majolica Majorca mascara) and eyeliner (Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner) and guess what?  With a few drops on a cotton pad (yes pad makes a whole lot of difference!)  leaving the pad on closed eye for a few seconds, with a little pressure, almost ALL the stubborn makeup is gone!

Keep in mind though that this product has "oil" so you need to shake it before every use.  It won't sting the eye as long as you have your eyes shut.  The only tiny downside is the fact that it leaves a tiny film of oil but it isn't an issue for me as I always wash my face with facial wash after using ANY eye makeup remover!


I like to fold the cotton and do a second "clean-up" as there will always be makeup residue left especially on my lower eye area!

Thursday, November 13, 2014

AMW Reports: Rustan's The Beauty Source (Second Season)

Would you believe it is the 2nd year for me to attend Rustan's The Beauty Source?  It seems just like yesterday when I left my "kissmark" and this year....I'm celebrating with the city's most glamorous women!  I've seen Phoemela Barranda, Mika Lagdameo Martinez, Iya Vilania, Bubbles Paraiso, Ruffa Gutierrez, CJ Jaravata, Alyana Martinez, Maggie Wilson Consunji, Rissa Mananquil Trillo and Mariana Henud all gathered together at different counters of their favorite beauty brands like --- Chanel, Clarins, La Prairie, Sisley, Nars, Diptyque, Annick Goutal, Estee Lauder, Clinique, La Mer, Benefit, Bobbi Brown, Guerlain, Hermes, Murad, Perricone, Lancome, Mac, L’Occitane, and Acca Kappa, among others.

Of course, I may not be a star but I feel like one when I stook at this gorgeous Signed With Love freedom Wall!  In my own way, I was able to help as Rustan's pledged to ICanServe to donate Php300.00 on each signature signed using lipstick to help breast cancer survivors at the same time, promote early detection.

Top: AI Online Shop AU255 A2White
Skirt: Uniqlo
Bag: LV Speedy
There are several activities on each counter all for the love of beauty!  I haven't gotten the chance to pass by each booth (due to time constraint) but I was able to enjoy the Yummy Chocolate Balls designed to look like the brand's iconic pearl-shaped eyeshadows at the Chanel Counter.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

AMW Reviews: Pixi by Petra Flawless Beauty Primer

Hi everyone!
Who among you still uses face primers?
Me, I haven't for such a long time because every since I turned into a "mom", you can see how I always go for "no makeup" look on a daily basis.  Just check out my FOTDs on Instagram (@AskMeWhats).  I only get to play some colors with lipsticks because with a toddler who always press his dear face on mine?  I prefer to go naked skin at most times!

BUT, on times the little one is not hanging out with me as I'm going to an event or special party, that's the time I whip out my "brightening" base because my skin is "blah" and just..."blah!"  I still stand by on my favorite Benefit That Gal as my ultimate "blooming" base and the scent?  *sigh* Nakaka-good vibes!

All thanks to Glamourbox I was able to try Pixi By Petra Flawless Beauty Primer and guess what?  Well...I'm not spilling any beans yet...read on my review and I'll share how I feel about the product!


Pixi by Petra Flawless Beauty Primer Packaging

Pixi by Petra says ---

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

AMW Reports: Benefit Bling Brow and Interview with Jared Bailey

After doing several workshops for the brand, I must say, I know each of their products by heart!  And not one of them disappoint!  (no joke here and I'm not paid to say so!)

When I heard about the new "Bling Brow" fad, at the back of my head: "Oh no!  Maybe, there is one product from Benefit that I may not be as excited about after all!"  #Truestory

I mean who would go out on a regular day with Swarovski crystals on their brows?  Not me, and maybe...not you!  BUT, listen to this!  Benefit Cosmetics must've heard about my doubts as they invited me to interview Benefit's International Spokesperson for Global Services, also known as the Global Brow Expert Jared Bailey.  My idea about brows and Bling Brow changed --- big time!  And let me share to you why!

Oh, before I proceed, isn't he gorgeous?  I can't help but stare at his gorgeous eyes and his personality matched his gorgeous looks! 

Jared loves sharing the wonders of Benefit Beauty Services and indeed in just an hour of interview, I learned so much!  He is actually living and breathing the Benefit Brand for almost a decade, starting his career from Beauty Artist and National Trainer to U.S. Boutique Business Development and now a Brand Ambassador!  Imagine, he is from San Francisco but he only stays there 20% of the time as the rest of the percentage?  He travels worldwide to spread secrets to having good-looking brows! (Man!  His job is amazing!)

According to Jared ---
  • Jean and Jane, the creators of Benefit are the ones who invented brow-mapping.  
  • What's brow mapping?  Your brows start in line with the dimple from your nose.  
  • Next, hold the pencil horizontally from the outside corner of your nose through the outer corner of your pupil and make another mark—as this is where your arch should be.
  • As to were your brows should end?  Line the outer corner of your nose with the outer corner of your eye.  
  • Shape your brows sitting up.
  • Always start shaping brows from the bottom as shaping this area may spare you from removing hair on the upper brows.
  • Always keep natural brow shape and follow trends using brow makeup. So for Mr. Bailey, tattoo brows maybe for you but not for him!
  • Don't focus on making your brows even, instead fix one brow at a time.
  • Jared's favorite brow product?  Benefit's Gimme Brow!  (I swear by this too!  Read my review HERE)
  • Jared's favorite non-brow product --- Porefessional.  (I personally use this on my bridal clients, review HERE)
  • And now, let's talk about Bling Brow, there are made with Swarovski Crystals available in 8 shades (Rose Gold, Greige, Light Silk, Crystal, Smoked Topaz, Green Multi-color, Light Pink and Pink Multi-color)
  • These Bling not only add irresistible sparkle, they can help flatter and frame our brows. #TRUE



There are 3 ways to do Bling Brow and you can be adventurous and opt for your own design!