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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Simple Pregnancy Fashion

Pregnancy Fashion, is there such a thing?  Well, I don't call myself fashionable but at least, I do  know what to wear that makes me feel and look comfortable!

My mom and Mr. AMW expected me to go out and shop for pregnancy clothes the moment I learned I was pregnant!  Well, they were wrong!  Mr. AMW had to "force" me to shop for clothes as I consistently say "NO" each and every time.  (Come on, tell Mr. AMW he's lucky!)  *laughs*

I haven't been going out much during my first trimester + first half of second trimester as you probably know by now how much pain I've gone through in terms of morning sickness.  It's over..so let me move on! :)

I started going out on dates with friends, family and husband on my fifth month.  I haven't bought any single pregnancy outfit then  as I can still wear all my loose tops and smartly wear my low waist pants and shorts and use a hair tie as an extension!  

Comes 6th month, my belly is starting to show and I can't seem to wear my old bottoms anymore.  I logged in Zalora and bought some shorts, jeans and leggings from their Maternity section.  Thank goodness they all fit me!

AMW Wears #1
Casual date with the hubby

For a casual date with the hubby, I wore a simple black tank top inside and my loose Forever 21 knitted top.  As for the shorts, I wore my Buntis shorts in medium with adjustable belly band which made my overall outfit even more comfortable.  Since I know there will be a whole lot of walking, I've decided to wear "elevated" sandals from SM Parisian as flats could hurt my back with all the walking.

AMW Wears #2

 A semi-formal affair

Dresses are great when you're pregnant and I can't thank having some loose dresses inside the dresser when I was asked to be the God mother of my best friend's daughter.  

A simple long navy dress from Prima Donna worn with a plain white tube inside.  To create a more "formal" vibe, I've decided to wear my simple light pink pearl necklace by SM Accessories.  Check out my protruding belly!  I don't care!  I'm proud of my bump!

PrimaDonna Dress

Now you understand why I had to wear a white tube inside?  The dress is quite sexy with a low cut back and LONG slit!  (Okay, didn't show the slit anymore as I'm shy to show my legs) *blushes* :P

AMW Wears #3

Welcoming New Year with Simple Family Lunch

As I wasn't able to shop for any polka-dotted outfit (for luck), I've decided to color block and create a very cheerful vibe on the first day of year 2013!  We had a nice lunch with the family and I've decided to visit Lucky Chinatown Mall as it is usually crowded on a regular day!  Thank goodness most the people have decided to rest at home so it's my time to walk around the spacious mall! 

Since my outer Ever New Orange top is a bit too short and I don't want to expose my huge belly, I've decided to wear my Bossini Yellow sleeveless top underneath and my navy blue shorts because I want to scream HAPPY NEW YEAR without uttering a single word!  :)

AMW Wears #4

Meet up with High School Friends

I haven't seen my high school friends for quite some time, the group decided to have a mini get-together.  Since my friend would like to see my bump, I've decided to wear my Cinderella top (which was supposed to be a loose blouse) but now, it worked so well as my pregnancy top!  This photo was taken on my 6th month of pregnancy and you can literally see how showy Baby AMW is!  Paired with my Buntis shorts and a lovely necklace from SM Accessories, everything turned casual with a blushing  March Slither Flats.

AMW Wears #5

Shopping Rush

As I was in a rush for some quick gift-giving, the hubby and I have decided to visit a nearby mall!  What's the best mall outfit?  My loose Promod striped navy top and a medium sized pregnancy leggings from Gingersnaps!  The sandals from The Flat Shop which has a nice support at the curve of my feet is perfect for a comfortable shopping experience!

AMW Wears #6

A Day of Errands

When I'm swamped with errands, it is vital to feel comfortable with the clothes you wear plus to feel "cool".  As all pregnancy books would say, a pregnant woman would feel like an oven most of the time, I do feel hot even inside an air-conditioned room so a sleeveless top is what I would wear if I know I have many places to go! 

AMW wore Cinderella 1 piece top and Buntis Jeans.

AMW Wears #7

Dinner

When I know I'm off for a dinner and fulfill my food fantasies, I picked my most comfortable Boyfriend Shirt!  The vertical lines can hide the look of a pregnant belly (not that I plan to hide it) but funny how some can't tell that I'm pregnant. (Mukha lang busog!)

AMW Wears #8

Makeup Workshop

Because I have a gig as a makeup trainer at Benefit Philippines, looking at least a tiny bit formal is what I'm aiming for!  I wore my long yellow t-shirt top from Greenhills and my navy blue blazer which I bought from KL Malaysia.  Simple black pants with stretchable band made my overall look more formal!  My favorite gold flats from ShoeBox are comfortable enough for me to stand up for 4 hours!

Overall, my second trimester pregnancy fashion is simple yet comfortable!  I am glad I was able to wear my existing clothes and I don't have to spend a lot on pregnancy outfit!  As I'm heading to my last trimester, I may be in dire need for some pregnancy clothes as my bulging belly is uncontrollable and seems like Baby Boy AMW is enjoying all the food he can eat!  

Any tips on where to shop for pregnancy clothes? 

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AMW Reviews: Etude House Dear My Blooming Lips Talk PK004

Good morning AMW friends!  Today, I will be reviewing something super cute!  Etude House, the brand has always been very interesting for me because of their product packaging!  Aside from that, I love the fact that they got my favorite Sandara Park as the lovely face for Etude House!  

Photo taken from website

My dearest friend (you know who you are) sent me this cute lipstick called Dear My Blooming Lips Talk for Christmas!

Something New: Nivea UV Whitening Serum

Early this year, just when I thought the year would go slow as Christmas Day and New Years Day are over, look what surprised me!  A lovely gift from Nivea Philippines!

I am very happy to receive such gift as Nivea as a brand has been a part of my household for years!  Now, with Baby AMW coming, I am more excited as I can definitely try their Baby Line!  So the gift is perfect for the whole family!

Thank you so much!

And just when I thought Nivea has everything for the family!  Well, they're not stopping there!  The Philippines finally has the first and only intensive whitening and repair serum for the body and it's available locally in a price worth spending!

Nivea UV Whitening Serum 

Php219.00 (approx $5.45)

size: 200ml

Details taken from the tube

Ingredients list

I am taking a break from any whitening products as of the moment as I carry Baby AMW!  I have to admit though that reading the 11 benefits found in just one product is quite intriguing.

The new Nivea UV Whitening Serum is currently available in all Watsons Branches.  To know more, visit www.Nivea.ph or www.facebook.com/NIVEAPhilippines.

Anyone bought the newest product from Nivea?  How do you like it?  Can you share to me quickly some of your experiences and reviews?

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AMW Reviews: Ahava Essential Day Time Moisturizer (Normal to Dry Skin)

One of the important regimen that I seem to have lost interest with the moment I got pregnant was moisturizer!  It took me 5 long months to finally get back on track as I have strong aversion to fragrance!  When I got my mojo (on taking care of my skin) back, I immediately went back to basic skincare and brought them to my Doctor to have them checked!  One daytime moisturizer that I enjoyed trying is the newest Ahava Essential Day Moisturizer which is meant for Normal to Dry Skin!  Perfect!

This review is basically my initial thoughts as I've only been using this for almost a full month!

Ahava says ---
Essential quickly absorbed hydrating day cream. Boosts the skin’s natural moisture for long lasting comfort. Powered by Osmoter™ for natural moisture leaving the skin feeling fresh, supple and soft, gaining back its natural glow.

Size: 50ml
Ingredients:






 

AMW says ---
Pros

• Floral scent which is okay for me.
• Amazingly moisturizes my skin without the heavy feel.
• No breakouts nor skin irritations. 
• My skin felt soft to touch for the whole day.
• A little goes a long way! 

Cons

• The scent could be overwhelming to some.
• Since this is a day time moisturizer, I would expect a bit of SPF but found none.

Overall
Moisturizing without the greasy feel.  Skin maintains the soft, supple feel for the whole day!

Tips

• Apply immediately after cleansing and toning.
• Read ingredients and check if you are allergic to any of the ingredients mentioned.
• If you suffer from sensitive skin, as always, do a patch test.
• Wait for a couple of minutes for product to get absorbed into the skin before you proceed with makeup.
• Apply sunblock after Ahava Essential Day Time Moisturizer.
• If you suffer from combination, acne-prone or oily skin, I believe Ahava has a different variant for that.  Check with Ahava SAs.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Normal and dry skinned individuals.

Where to purchase and how much?

Ahava Essential Day Time Moisturizer retails at  Php1,495.00 (approx $37.38).  Available at Ahava Kiosk 2/F SM Megamall Bldg A, G/F Glorietta 4 Makati, 2/F Shangri-La Plaza and Upper Ground Robinsons Magnolia!  Follow them on Facebook or visit their website for more products and information.

Photos

Ahava Essential Day Moisturizer's Packaging

Very simple yet I like it!

 

Sealed upon purchase to ensure product freshness.

The texture is like that of a whipped cream but a bit thicker.

The product is good for 12 months after opening.

Paraben free and allergy tested which is good!

Start by applying a thin layer and massage gently on your skin!  

Apply a bit more on areas that tends to dry up more.

Have you tried any AHAVA products?

So far, this is my first and it was a pleasant experience.  Because of Sample Room, I was able to score an Ahava All in One Toning Cleanser and Mineral Hand Cream!  Both seems promising but I can't talk more for now, I need to test them and review them for you! 

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