AMW x SM Gives: Php1,000 SM Beauty GC's as We Celebrate International Lipstick Festival

You guys probably know by now how much of a lipstick fan I am!  I just made a "lipstick-related" tutorial just this morning right?

I started my love for make up with trying out various lipstick shades back when I was in college as I was so scared to do anything on my eyes!  It was then I knew how lipstick could change the way I look and feel.

And truth be told, even as a busy mom, whenever I go out, I tend to reach out for lipstick to make myself feel and look better.  That's when I understood how lipstick can make a woman feel confident and ready to face the world!  Really, with just one swipe, I felt like my whole outlook for the day is a tad bit better.

AMW x Maybelline Gives: MNY Rebel Bouquet

Hi AMW Friends!  You've probably seen swatches and reviews from fellow Beauty Bloggers on Maybelline's newest 11 shades!  Under the same Color Sensational franchise (and packaging!) --- these are called Rebel Bouquet because the shades definitely remind me of gorgeous flowers!

One of the most gorgeous press kit I received!

Mind you, these are fresh roses in shades of peach and pink!

#RemoveYourMakeupMovement with TBS + Giveaway

After the fun and successful workshop with The Body Shop last Saturday.  I've decided to create a post on the Camomile Cleansing Range which I highlighted during the workshop!  I hope the participants didn't feel like I'm hard-selling them (because truth be told, I wasn't paid to say good things about any of the products mentioned during the workshop).  I just realized how much I am in LOVE with this range I've decided to share my thoughts and review on each product from the Camomile range in this blog post because I'm sure some of you who weren't able to attend are quite intrigued with the said range.  And as you all know, it is very important for me (personally and professionally) to highlight makeup removal before going to bed --- because that is my ultimate secret to having good and healthy skin!

So before I remove all my makeup from a day's worth of activities --- makeup + dirt + oil, I have to be honest, I did a bit of powder retouch so I don't look too stressed from the day's busy activities --- here's my day time makeup look before removal.

Now hold on to that photo (above) because I will share to you first the products that I've used from the Camomile range.  I don't use all 4 products at the same time, I use each product depending on my mood and depending on what type of makeup I used!  I will share in-depth thoughts and reviews on each product as you scroll down!

Bond with AMW and Philosophy (Part 2) on June 27

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 10 WINNERS! 

1. Ira Ann Pangilinan
2. Arlyn Louisa Ferrer
3. Glorie Paralejas
4. Lianne Ninia
5. Iane Chua
6. Bheng Acorda
7. Andrea Sy Centeno
8. Glenda Candedeir
9. Jo Anne Baladad
10. Yve Ramos

Kindly email me within 24 hours your complete name and contact number (ntiu1027@gmail.com).  Can't wait to talk to you and meet you guys in person!

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Remember my first ever AMW x Philosophy Bonding invite last April? (read invite HERE)
Well, the good folks from Philosophy Philippines enjoyed the first get-together and they wanted more!  *yay*!

So here goes my second invite!

And here's probably what's on your mind, how to join?
Please read mechanics below!

AMW x CURE Gives: Cure Natural Aqua Gel and Cure Water Treatment

Hey guys!
Remember how I am not into exfoliating my skin but one product changed it all?  Read my past review HERE

Mr. AMW and I uses this and we hoarded in Tokyo Japan 3 years ago before it was finally available in Beauty Bar.

I know, I know!  Some of you would LOVE to try this product but due to budget constraint, you're probably just wondering how it'll work for you!

Well, WONDER NO MORE!

The good people from CURE together with beautiful AMW (ahem, walang aangal!  may giveaway! hahaha)  Will be giving out a CURE set to 1 lucky AMW reader!

And this contest will also run on my Instagram Account, just wait for THIS photo to be uploaded on my account!

AMW Reviews + Giveaway: Happy Skin Insta Beauty Blur Cream Primer Foundation

Hi AMW Friends!
Wow, I am excited to share this new product from Happy Skin which isn't available in store but you may purchase it online!  As much as I wanted to post this right away to share another tube for giveaway, I had to stop my excitement and actually use this for weeks so you may read about my thoughts on this silicone-based primer!  

Yes, you heard it right!  Happy Skin Insta Beauty Blur Cream Primer Foundation has silicone so you may click X and say goodbye if you are allergic to the said ingredient!  If you have no issues using silicone-based product --- well hello!  Thank you for staying and reading this post!

Happy Skin Insta Beauty Blur Cream Primer Foundation says ---
Beauty in an instant! No filter needed. The Happy Skin InstaBeauty Blur Cream is a soft focus primer foundation that refines large pores and fills in lines & wrinkles giving you an amazingly smooth base for make-up to glide over. With this all-in formula, you get a light tinted veil that corrects, brightens, and blurs away skin imperfections. Used alone or under makeup, this multi-tasker not only preps the skin but also boasts anti-aging properties. It vanishes imperfections instantly before your eyes and helps turn back time, too!

Initial Thoughts: Belo Kojic + Tranexamic Acid Intensive White

Have you seen this new commercial?
Intriguing right?

Well, long time reader would know how I am not into whitening products!  But ever since I see some uneven spots on my skin, I don't mind using whitening products on specific areas like my knees and elbows.  I recently chanced upon Belo Kojic + Tranexamic Acid Intensive White Line from Sampleroom and tried the soap!  It was an on and off usage so I can't seem to write a proper review not until a fellow Blogger swore on the said product line and gushed on how effective the Belo Intensive White line was on helping her get back to an even skin tone after a bad sunburn!  I then picked up the set that was sent to me for review and used the Intensive Whitening Bar Soap again and was able to find a willing "reviewer" to test the rest of the products.

Maybelline White Super Fresh Cake Powder Review

Winners picked via Random.org
Congratulations to ---

1. Chien Magdarang
2. Alyssa Concepcion
3. Dawn Domeza

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What do I love about Maybelline products?
Well, aside from the fact that my love for makeup started when I was in college and I would stalk Maybelline counter at SM Sta. Mesa (then Centerpoint)?

These products are very affordable and they deliver!
So yes, you and expect some raves for this particular post!

I recently missed the Maybelline White SuperFresh event because mommyhood comes first!  But thanks to the Maybelline PH team for still sending me not only a test product but also MORE for my dear AMW friends to try!  YAY!

This is the newest powder foundation from Maybelline New York that promises to keep your face fresh and matte for up to 12 long hours!  White Super Fresh is the name!  And I got it in shade Natural which is a perfect shade for me!

#SeizeTheSummer and Win a Trip for 3 to Bali, Indonesia!

New AMW readers probably do not know that I used to be a Vaseline Girl and I still am!

Several years ago, one of my biggest project as a blogger was Vaseline Road Trip of  A Lifetime, you can read more about my entries HERE.

That's why when I got an invite for a launch of Vaseline Healthy White's newest product, I had to clear up my schedule and go!  Seriously, this brand is dear to my heart not only because they made me a Vaseline girl in the past, but I actually used Healthy White and finished up Nth number of tubes!

At the launch, I was greeted with this table set up...ahh Summer is definitely here!

The star product was there, up close and I gave it a test right away!  Thank Lord they didn't change the scent!  The scent brought me back to so much good memories!  

AMW x HyC150 Gives: HyC150 worth Php3,000+ for 5 Winners!

Hi AMW Friends!
Remember my first ever collagen drink review 2 weeks ago?

Well, my mom-in-law finished all 14 sachets and guess what?  She told me she definitely felt major improvement!  She is a believer and will definitely continue taking this!

AMW Reports: Shu Uemura Rockwell's New Look + Contest

If you pass by Shu Uemura rockwell branch, you'll definitely take a second (or even third) look!  Who wouldn't?  Look at the colorful lights that screams TOKYO!

And before I get all "intriga", thankfully, I was invited for an exclusive walk-through last week to take a peek on what's new and what's happening at the Shu Uemura Flagship store.

Did I mention Shu's new retail concept is inspired by Tokyo?  I did!  And truthfully, the store does remind me of Tokyo for its' vibrant, lively look accompanied by quirky chairs and live-moving screens!  Ahhhh..how I missed Tokyo, I will definitely go back!  If you want some Tokyo Travel tips visit my blog posts HERE.

Now back to the store.
Upon entering the store, I immediately saw different sections to "Play With".

The ShuATELIER

This is the heart of the retail store.  The display area that showcases all of Shu Uemura's make-up products and what I love about this area is that you can easily find and see ALL the products at a glance! 

Above the counter, you will also see shuLIVE...

The area were you can watch behind-the-scenes videos and make-up demos of International Artistic Director Kakuyasu Uchiide and the rest of the Shu Elite team.

AMW x Benefit Gives: POREFessional Balm, Agent Zero Shine and SPYGAL!

WINNER:
CONGRATULATIONS JUVY of wolfgirl0703
Kindly email me your complete name and mailing addy within 48 hours or a new winner will be picked.  --- November 6, 2014 10:00am (Local time)

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I have very dry skin so I don't really use much "Pore-zapping" products.  BUT, as a Make up Artist, that is one thing I promise myself --- the fight and zap large pores like a "kick-a**" superhero!  I love it when my clients would say: "What did you do?  My skin feels so smooth and my pores reduced instantly!"  I want to tell them? "All thanks to my super Pore-zapping super power!"  But of course, I can't keep it a secret!  The moment I pull out the "aqua blue" tube, they knew what it is!  

Read my Benefit POREfessional Balm review here.  Don't forget to scroll down and check out the before and after photo of a "male" client who has huge pores!

I have a lot of POREfessional Balm back ups and kulang na lang, clients would buy my POREfessional when they immediately see the results!  So, di naman ako kuripot!  And thanks to Benefit Philippines' ultimate support, I was able to grab 1 for 1 lucky reader!  And may bonus pa!  You also get lovely SpyGal and AGENT ZERO SHINE!

PLUS

Benefit's Agent Zero Shine!

Please follow mechanics via Rafflecopter!  You must do ALL of the mechanics mentioned!  1 winner will be picked via Rafflecopter.

• Open to Philippine residents.
• Contest starts today ends October 31, 2014.
• 1 Winner will be announced in this blogpost and all my Social media accounts anytime on the first week of November.  
• Prize will be sent by yours truly via courier. 
• No multiple entries please!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Goodluck! Stay POREfessionally Pretty!

Please LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook 
Follow AskMeWhats on Twitter  
Get "photo-updated" on Instagram (search "AskMeWhats")

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
 

Have You Heard About Himalaya Herbals?

I haven't heard about Himalaya Herbals until recently when samples were made available via Sampleroom.  When Sampleroom made these samples available in their website, it must be really good!

When I posted about my "haul" on instagram, I get a lot of positive feedback about the brand and I wonder why I only knew about these today! 

 Himalaya Herbals is actually a global brand with herbal products in personal care category.  They are present in more than 85 countries across the globe!  And it was just last year they launched in the Philippines together with their oral care range.  Here are some of the products I get to try and please let me know your thoughts which product is worth trying out!

AMW x Benefit Give: Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner and Makeup Remover

The buzz has been going around on how wonderful Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner is!  Some of you probably bought one and agreed but most of you are still wonderful, saving up, and hoping someone may gift them this as Christmas Gift!

Well....1 person may get the chance to try this for free!  Together with They're Real Remover (that works so well for the Push-Up Liner) and what else?  A very cute Benefit Pouch!

Excited?

Not so?
Here's the better view of what you may win!  The liner itself is AMAZING!  You can read my quick review HERE.  This liner is close to my heart because I was one of the FIRST few makeup artists who get to know about the product last March 2014 during its launch in San Francisco.  Aside from that,  I went around Benefit Counters to conduct 9 WORKSHOPS! YES, 9!!!  To share to fellow liner enthusiasts how amazing this liner is and why they should include this in their "liner arsenal"!

Still not amazed?  Well, you better try one over the counter OR, better yet...join this contest and try to win this cute set!

AMW & TFC Gives: Clothing GCs!

Hi AMW Friends!
Today, I will be sharing something exciting!  Well...as you can see, I am showcasing 5 AMW with 5 different outfits I wore on various occasions!  There is ONE common denominator though.....they look girly, classy and oh-so-comfortable!

When I was asked to help spread the love about The Flower Collection, I immediately said yes because the brand is closet o my heart. I didn't tell them about it but I actually bought from The Flower Collection way back when I was still in college working my way to the corporate world!  Yes, I was graduating then when I've decided to spend some of my hard-earned "summer job money" to upgrade my wardrobe to look more professional when I enter the world of Airline Industry.  Yes, I used to work at Vietnam Airlines (practicum) and China Airlines! 

To be honest, I am one of those shoppers who go by "what's in" and looking at my closet, I need more classic pieces that screams "Nikki" and nothing beats a "NIKKI OUTFIT" when it's bright, girly and printed with florals or dots!

Because I was too busy to visit their store, or any other stores in general, the queen of Online Shopping went to their website and I find their website very friendly even for first-time online shoppers.  The size chart is a huge help and I managed to pick the right size for me!  FYI: All the outfit I got fits me perfectly!  Am I good or am I great? :P

AMW Reports: Happy 30th Birthday Burt's Bees!

If you are into beauty products, you probably heard or seen Burt's Bees.

I wasn't a Beauty Blogger back then when I shopped for my favorite Burt's Bees products.  I can still remember some of my first Burt's Bees purchases....

The Garden Tomato Toner, Hand Salve, Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream and Foot Cream.  But who could forget my first splurge on a lip balm that really works on my dry lips - yes, it is from Burt's!

So when I received an invite to attend Burt's 30th Birthday, no matter how crazy my schedule was and mind you, my car was coded that day, I knew I had to make it!  And I did!

I was greeted with a huge Happy 30th Birthday Sign made from either vegetables, flowers and the big 0 is one huge beeswax!  Amazing isn't it?  I have to hand it to the Burt's Bees Philippines team for such a wonderful setting!  And you haven't seen it all!

AMW Reviews: Absynthe Happy Girls are the Prettiest Banana Powder + Giveaway

Hi everyone!  Today, I will be sharing a review on a Ben Nye "look-a-like".  Though this may be compared to Ben Nye Banana Powder a lot of times, the Absynthe Happy Girls are the Prettiest Banana powder has unique qualities that I want to share!  

Of course, the best part about this post?  10 lucky AMW readers get to try this powder as well!  Thanks Absynthe for this as I like my readers to try out the products I tested and see for themselves how it would work for their skin type!

The product is housed in regular loose mineral powder packaging, sealed upon purchase and has manufacturing date printed for your reference.

Absynthe says ---This silky fine formula feels weightless, natural and smooth on skin. Controls unwanted shine all day. Softens the appearance of imperfections, fine lines and pores. Makes you instantly, the Prettiest Happy Girl. It has Ultra Cooling Sensation, A remarkable loose powder that gives ultra cooling effect, keeps skin feel fresh and sweat free. Perfect for Philippines humid weather.


Net Weight: 10g

AMW Reports: Macadamia Muse Party + Giveaway

Congratulations to ---Kimberly Tiu and Lorielyn Nocasa!

Check out this poster...

And I can't help but did the "Hashtag" because I actually had Fabulous Hair right after attending the Macadamia Muse Party!

I'm a Matrix Girl + Giveaway!

CONGRATULATIONS TO --- Ms. Nadine Diamante!!!

After I gave birth to Kyle, I never thought I would immediately get projects because seriously, who in the world would get someone who looked "Hagardo Versoza"?  (Sorry international readers, just a funny Tagalog way of saying "stressed")

Thankfully, my Matrix Family didn't think so!  They just probably took one good look at me and say: "She definitely needs a new hair color!"  True enough, this was the first ever hair coloring treatment I've done after learning I was pregnant!  And it has been almost 2 full years of messy long regrowth!

The shoot was fun and....super fun!  We went to the L'Oreal Academie to have our hair color treatment and for the first time in my life, I've finally decided to go for highlights!  They call it the Dual Colors Service using Wonder.Brown Gold and Wonder Light Gold! 

And here's the outcome of my hair and the shoot itself!  Thanks to Jim Ryan Ros for my makeup!

 

Up until this very day, I still have beautiful highlights because I've taken care of my hair using Matrix Biolage products for color-treated hair!  Though regrowth is quite long and though a Matrix Brand Ambassador, it doesn't change the fact that I'm still a very busy mom who juggles work, blogging, make-up gigs, make-up workshops, wife duties, etc...!  So please, don't judge my not-so-pretty hair color anymore but I'm definitely going back for my next color treatment!  

And because I am proud and happy to be part of Matrix's Family, I am sharing my joy and happiness via simple giveaway!  I was sent some Biolage products to use and I've found my favorites!  

The Matrix Color Bloom Masque which is meant to protect the radiance of Color-Treated Hair and the newest Biolage Exquisite Oil which I love to apply on my hair after every shower as it makes my hair soft, silky and the added bonus?  Smells so good!

And yes, I'm giving 2 of these products to ONE LUCKY AMW READER :D

AMW Reviews: MYRA VitaGlow BB Cream (Ivory)

Myra VITAGLOW, this particular located brand of tinted moisturizer won my heart 4 years ago and you may refer to my review HERE.  I also did a second post showing how this product worked even on my most grueling schedule as a makeup artist with no chance of retouch (post HERE).

And yes, I finished a tube of it!  When I received a press kit from our friends from Myra for their newest VITAGLOW BB Cream, it brought back good 'ol memories!  If I love the tinted moisturizer so much, the BB Cream could be as equally fine!  Or even better?  Are you excited to read my thoughts?

Well, just so you know, I was TOO EXCITED to try this product I forgot to take product shot and used it right away!  (Which rarely happens to me as I have strong self-control), so yes, this is a product photo taken from Myra!  And you'll see more personalized photos as you scroll down!  So bear with me please.

Myra says ---

• It’s moisturizing. This lightweight cream hydrates your skin to keep it soft and supple. 
• It contains Vitamin E. This helps nourish your skin even more, so your complexion appears younger-looking and healthy. 
• It doubles as foundation. The tinted formula comes in two shades: Ivory and Beige, to help you even out your skintone perfectly and hide pigmentations. 
• It contains skin-enhancing minerals. Staying late at the office? Use this unique BB cream to add a natural, glowing finish to your skin! You’ll love how the subtle, light-reflecting shimmers in this cream will make you look like you’ve got a lit-from-within glow. 
•  You can use it as concealer. Just pat an extra layer of Myra VitaGlow BB Cream to camouflage dark spots and blemishes. 
•  It’s also has sunscreen. The SPF15 in this easy to bring tube will protect you from harmful UV rays that causes premature aging. 
•  It’s hypoallergenic. Girls with sensitive skin don’t need to worry about breakouts, because this dermatologist-tested cream is proven safe for daily use. 
•  It's the most affordable! There's no need to hesitate when it comes to purchasing this product, since you can score instant glowing skin for only P99 a tube. Such a great beauty steal!