Todd English Food Hall Review

I went to dine at Todd English Food Hall at SM Aura a couple of times for events.  The experience has always been wonderful so one fine weekend, I've finally decided to take my family to experience the good food I experience whenever I go to events.

We've decided to check out online reviews on what's the best food to order and we went for that, no need to think or decide!

We started off with ....

Calamari 

Php230.00

Deep fried tender calamari, chipotle chorizo dipping sauce

This is a MUST if you are a fan of calamari!  I like how it's soft on the inside (easy-to-chew) yet extremely crunchy on the outside.

Bold is Beautiful Project - Benefit Gives Back

"We are doing this not for marketing but just to give back..."

The words was stuck in my brain for the whole week after attending the Benefit Bold is Beautiful Project event.  Finally, a company who transforms brows (my brows to be exact) is not only making every woman feel beautiful on the outside, they are empowering women and girls on the inside through their global philanthropy program called: "Bold Is Beautiful Project".

Annie Ford Danielson, daughter and niece to the company's co-founders, Jean and Jane Ford, who is also the brand's Global Beauty Authority was here last Tuesday to explain the said project.

"Why Brows?"
"Benefit Cosmetics has been transforming brows since Jean and Jane opened their very first boutique in 1976.  Since then, millions of our customers have visited over 2,100 BrowBar Beauty Lounges worldwide and received a positive, uplifting feeling.  Through the Bold is Beautiful Project, we want every woman and girl around the world to feel the same way too."  explained Annie.

Erase and Rewind

How do I erase and rewind?

Well, aside from a quick staycation with the family, don't get me wrong, I do have "me-time" din naman!  And usually, "me-time" pertains to me spending 1 full day driving myself to my favorite "beautifying" places, kahit na opposite directions pa sila!  That's how worth the visit they are!

First stop:  NAILS

As much as I know how to do my own nails, I crave for that manicure pedicure session with a side trip of short-yet-sweet massages between cuticle care.  I usually do not go to any nail salons because I got hurt so many times with nail artists with heavy hands!  (If you can relate, pa-share naman your experiences here!)

I've had once where 8 out of 10 of my toes were bleeding from a super "robotic" nail technician who didn't seem to hear my complaints and screams!  I was too young back then so I just kept my mouth shut and bear the pain!

Obviously, I've matured (bakit ang haba ng kwento ko?  LOL), so I make sure to pick a place where they do not only take care of your nails, I have high requirements for staffs too!  They should be friendly, but also knew when to give you that much needed "quiet time".  

That's me with the friendly staffs of Nailaholics, Glorietta Branch.  Since I'm always in a rush, I always go for manicure and pedicure session with a quick polish application.

Of course, if you have more time than I do, feel free to try their other services like Foot Spa, Hand and Foot Paraffin and so much more!  They have packages for you to choose.

Then, there's brows!  I have my brows fixed at Benefit Brow Bar at least once a month.  Obviously, my schedule depends on where I will be so I actually rounded up all branches of Benefit Brow Bars and truthfully, I can't seem to pick a favorite as I get 101% good service from all the Brow Artists!  Holler to all the Benefit Brow Artists who has done my brows (ang dami nila!)  They are all super friendly, professional and really good!

Always ask them to shape and teach you how to do your brows after Brow Wax session.  I like how my brows changes PER brow artist, I get a good look on how my face changes on different brow styles and shapes!

SiliSponge Review

Silisponge or Silicone Sponge has been making rounds the internet for quite some time.  As much as I am a Beauty Blogger who is in-the-know on everything new.  I am actually not that into the idea of using a silicone product in applying makeup!  Just the thought of the texture (breast implant?) gave me the idea on how uncomfortable it is to use.

BUT, thankfully, I have angels out there!  Holler to Kara for sending me one because she wanted us to test it together!  The known brand is called Molly Cosmetics from Hong Kong but I'm unsure if this is the same one from the brand.  Judging by the look on photos online, it doesn't look any different and I doubt the original or a fake would make any difference, they are made with nothing but Silicone with an outer shell called TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane).  

I actually used this so many times to finally write this post!  So are you excited to know if this "fad" is worth to try?

Of course I won't tell the answer now, so don't hold your breath!  I want you to read the whole article...pretty please? :D

A lot of fellow Beauty Bloggers worldwide compare the Silisponge like that of a silicone boob insert --- well, I do not know as I never use those, alam niyo na...don't need it!  #NOTBlessed !!!! hahaha  

Back to the Silisponge, I own several Beauty Blenders, so I will give my final say at the end of this post if this is indeed BETTER than Beauty Blenders or regular sponges.

The Silisponge has a non-porous surface which the product boasts to let you use half the amount of foundation as it won't soak any of it.  When it comes to cleaning?  It is extremely easy to clean you only need soap and water or at times, I just wipe it off with a makeup cleaner.

Maybelline #PowderYourPout Powder Mattes Lipsticks Launch

How does it feel to stand beside our country's up and coming model signed on to Wilhelmina Models (One of the biggest global modelling agencies)?  Surprisingly awesome!  In just a quick photo-op, I get to chitchat a bit with this girl and learned how down-to-earth she is!

She whispered: "So what does Maybelline PH Squad gets?".  "An exclusive preview of Maybelline's newest products to be launched before it hits the market." I softly responded.  And she exclaimed: "WOW!  That is so cool!"  

Seriously Kelsey!  Your job is way "cooler" but you made me feel like I have a better job than hers!  That's how crazy simple this gorgeous girl was!  No wonder Maybelline handpicked her to be their latest endorser and I can understand why.

She is a type of model who struggles to balance her schedule between University studies and work and stays true to herself and manage the embrace the life she has chosen --- no complaints!

I love this girl!



Aside from launching Maybelline's newest endorser, it was also the day I get to try the first ever lightweight matte lipstick called Maybelline Powder Mattes.  Wore one during the shoot and indeed, it felt lightweight, like I'm not wearing any lipstick at all!

As you all know, matte lipsticks are in since the start of Beauty Blogging, I remembered swatching the first matte lipstick that made my lips look like the most expensive crocodile-skin to inserting "Eureka Moments" post on matte lipsticks that can actually work for my parched lips!  

Until today, I am still on the lookout, like what my Beauty Blogger friend Phoebe would say: "Nikki, if you say it isn't drying, we know it will be good!"  She knew my quest for the best non-drying lipsticks and I'm definitely putting the new Maybelline Powder Mattes to test.