I Thought I Was Just Wearing My Favorite Keds… Then I Won Homecoming Queen!

 

I walked into the Keds 110th Anniversary celebration thinking about one thing: putting together an outfit that felt completely me.

A little preppy, a little nostalgic, effortlessly classic—that's always been my style. So naturally, I reached for my favorite pair of Keds Mary Janes to complete the look.  This look has been my go-to look since Highschool and College days so I thought nothing special about it!  

I honestly thought I'd simply be celebrating an iconic brand that's been around for 110 years, catching up with fellow creators, and enjoying the festivities.

Little did I know, I'd be walking away with the title of Homecoming Queen.

Celebrating 110 Years of Keds

The event perfectly captured what Keds has always represented: timeless style, individuality, and effortless confidence.

For over a century, Keds has remained a wardrobe staple for people who appreciate versatile footwear that never goes out of style.

One of the reasons I've always loved Keds is how timeless their shoes are. They effortlessly complement different styles, whether you're dressing casually or leaning into a polished, preppy aesthetic.  Best of all, I tend to pick them more often because I can walk more than 10,000 steps with their pairs and my feet aren't tortured at all!

GRWM Glam & Go Stix Review: The Multi-Use Cream Stick for Effortless Everyday Makeup

 

If you love products that simplify your makeup routine without sacrificing performance, you'll probably enjoy the GRWM Glam & Go Stix.

I'm always drawn to makeup that lets me achieve a fresh, polished look in just a few minutes, especially on busy days. Cream stick products have become a staple in my kit because they're easy to apply, blend beautifully, and are perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.

GRWM Glam & Go Stix says ---

GRWM Glam & Go Stix is a multi-purpose cream stick designed to add color and dimension to your makeup routine. Depending on the shade, you can use it as a blush, bronzer, contour, or highlighter, making it a versatile addition to any makeup bag.

The convenient stick packaging also means you can apply it directly onto the skin and blend using your fingers, a brush, or a makeup sponge.

AMW says ---

• The twist-up stick packaging is travel-friendly, sturdy, and mess-free. It's the kind of product you can easily toss into your handbag for quick touch-ups throughout the day.
• Creamy, easy-to-blend texture
• Buildable pigmentation
• Natural skin-like finish
• Beginner-friendly application
• Compact and travel-friendly packaging
• Perfect for quick everyday makeup

Additional Notes ---

• Setting with powder helps improve wear time, especially on oily skin.

• Since it's a cream formula, proper storage is recommended to avoid exposing it to excessive heat.

Final thoughts 

The GRWM Glam & Go Stix is the kind of product that makes everyday makeup feel effortless. Whether you're getting ready in five minutes or doing a full face, it's versatile enough to fit into almost any routine.

I especially love how seamlessly it blends into the skin, giving a fresh, healthy flush instead of looking overly made up.

If you're looking for an easy-to-use cream stick that delivers a natural finish and works well for everyday wear, the GRWM Glam & Go Stix is definitely worth checking out.

Pixi LipLift Max Peptide Infused Lip Plumper Gloss Review: The Lip Gloss That I Call DAILY

If you ask me, THIS LOOK is my go-to look EVERY single day!  Surprised?  Well, I am lazy like that, I love prettifying people but kind of lazy when it comes to beautifying myself.

And if you are a long time AMW reader, you probably knew my FULL Lips by heart!  I used to be shy about it as it is THICK, FULL and DRY!  So Lip Plumper you say???  Nah-Ah!

But things have finally changed, it's 2026 anyways and I've been talking about my hatred for stinging lip plumper around year 2010!  

Truth : 

Not all lip plumpers are created equal. Some burn, some dry out the lips, and others promise fuller lips but end up looking like an ordinary gloss. 

Pixi takes a different approach by combining skincare ingredients with a comfortable gloss formula.

Pixi LipLift Max says ---

Pixi LipLift Max is a peptide-infused lip treatment that doubles as a lip gloss. It promises to temporarily enhance the appearance of your lips while keeping them hydrated and smooth.

The formula contains peptides to help soften the look of fine lines, plus nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, aloe, and chamomile. It also has a refreshing minty sensation that creates a subtle plumping effect without being overly intense.

AMW says ---

Packaging

The gloss comes in Pixi's signature mint green packaging with a large doe-foot applicator that makes application quick and easy. One swipe is enough to coat the lips evenly.  It's compact enough to throw inside your everyday makeup pouch.

Formula & Texture

The formula feels smooth, cushiony, moisturizing, non-sticky.  Unlike other lip plumpers, these do not sting or feel dry after hours of usage.  It has noticeably minty cooling sensation during first few minutes but it goes away after 5 minutes or so.

Does It Really Plump?

Realistically, it doesn't plump as much as we expect with Lip fillers!  What Pixi LipLift Max does is create the illusion of fuller lips by combining hydration, shine, and a gentle cooling effect. 

My Lip Combo of The Week THAT WORKS!

 

There are days when I'm running on less sleep than I'd like, but I still want to look fresh, polished, and put together without looking like I'm wearing too much makeup. Lately, I've found myself reaching for the same lip combination over and over again—and I think I've finally found a duo that's become a staple in my makeup routine.

The Combo

• Rare Beauty Lip Pencil
• Kanebo Rouge Star Vibrant Lipstick

What I love most about this pairing is how effortless it looks. The Rare Beauty Lip Pencil gives my lips subtle definition without creating that obvious, overlined look. It enhances my natural lip shape, making them appear fuller while still looking soft and natural.

The star of the combo, though, is the Kanebo Rouge Star Vibrant. The formula glides on beautifully with a comfortable, moisturizing feel, leaving my lips looking healthy with just the right amount of vibrancy. It's one of those lipsticks that instantly brightens your complexion without overpowering the rest of your makeup.

Together, they create that "I woke up looking refreshed" effect—almost like I actually managed to get a full eight hours of sleep.

As much as I love trying new makeup, I always find myself gravitating toward products that enhance rather than transform. I still want to look like myself—just a little more rested, a little more radiant, and a little more confident.

This lip combination does exactly that.

It's wearable enough for daytime, polished enough for meetings or events, and effortless enough to become an everyday favorite.

If you're looking for a lip combo that adds life to your face while still keeping everything natural and elegant, this pairing is definitely worth trying.

Have you discovered a lip combination you can't stop wearing lately? I'd love to hear your favorites!

My Hair Had an Instant Glow-Up at the Aveda Miraculous Oil Launch at Culture Salon

One thing I truly appreciate about beauty events is when I get to learn something new—not just about a product, but about how to use it properly. Last July 10, 2026,  I spent the afternoon at Culture Salon MNL in BGC for the launch of Aveda Philippines' newest haircare innovation, Miraculous Oil, and it turned out to be one of those events where I left with both healthier-looking hair and new haircare knowledge.

The afternoon started with a masterclass by celebrity hairstylist Jim Ryan Ros,  a huge reunion since I met him during my Blogging days which was around 2009 or 2010!  From makeup artist to hairstylist and to be a salon-owner, I am so happy and proud for him!

Jim shared not just styling techniques but also practical tips on keeping hair healthy despite frequent heat styling, coloring, and everyday exposure to environmental stressors.

One thing that immediately caught my attention was how Miraculous Oil challenges what many of us usually think about hair oils.

Growing up, I always associated hair oils with something you apply after styling for extra shine. While that's still one way to use them, I learned that this particular formula does much more than simply add gloss.

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