Shop for a Cause, why not? (Voucher Code Php200 off!)

When I do my grocery shopping, I pick a lot of UNILEVER items!  I mean can you tell me if you can find 1 home that does not have or own at least 1 Unilever made products?

That would be a challenge!  But for the brand I support, I am happy Unilever is active in GIVING BACK to the community.

Shop for a Cause at Unilever’s #BeautyThatCares Sale

This coming Friday, August 9, 2019, you can look forward to Unilever's first ever #BeautyThatCares Sale exclusively on Shopee!

For one day only, Unilever products from iconic brands like Cream Silk, Dove, Pond’s,Closeup, and Rexona, to name a few, will be on sale for up to 75% off*, with proceeds goingto three partner organizations that share Unilever’s advocacy:

• For the people, Unilever will be supporting UNICEF, the world's leading organization for children. UNICEF works in the toughest places to reach children in greatest need with life-saving assistance and long-term help, and to protect the rights of every child everywhere.
•  For the society, they’ll be working with the LGBT Chamber of Commerce, an industry organization of businesses of, by, and for the LGBT community. The chamber promotes business excellence and development in the Philippines for workplace equality, national development, community-building, and pride and professional advancement in the country. 

• And for the planet, proceeds will go to Future Faces, a non-profit organization that develops sustainable solutions to decrease waste production. Future Faces aims to build a multi-purpose center using repurposed plastic that will enable them to feed impoverished communities while helping the planet at the same time.

To further land the message of #BeautyThatCares, Unilever’s Beauty and Personal Care brands will each unveil a refreshed packs on digital showcasing its purpose. The brands’ purpose statements like Dove’s advocacy to bring out every woman’s self-esteem, and Closeup’s mission to fight for the freedom to love, will be displayed front and center on the Shopee app and the brands’ social media pages.

I guess it is time for YOU and ME to shop and stock up on our favorite Unilever products.  This is the best time to shop and help people and our society and planet as well!  Great Job Unilever!

Since we are doing our part to give back, I may as well do my part in sharing this ---

Use the voucher code: ULBTC200 to get an additional PHP200 off with a minimum purchase of PHP1,000. Plus! Get a free Beauty That Cares shirt and drawstring bag when you shop on August 9. Until supplies last! Proceeds from the sale will go to UNICEF, LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and Future Faces. For more information, visit https://shopee.ph/BeautyThatCares.

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

#RealNotRetouched

In a world where most of us are multi-hyphenated, I realized that there are small things in life we don't want to worry about.  Such thing as our underarms!  

I used to be the weird gal who doesn't sweat even inside a spa, that said, I was able to survive without using deodorant for years!  Then my body changed after giving birth, the weather went crazier by the day.  The last time I felt most insecure was the day I did a full day shoot with full blown lights and malfunctioned airconditioner - it was the worst work day of my life, I wasn't able to concentrate on my lines and whenever there's group pictorial, I would feel so insecure and obviously, the photos came out me looking weird and uncomfortable.

That's when I realized that my short "insecurity" moment could be a long term issue for most girls!  And for the past years, I have been using this brand that helped me do everything I can without having to worry about dark or perspiring underarms!

The classic Dove Original Nourished & Smooth Nourishing Cream.  I love to use this and the stick variant because of the wonderful scent, how my underarms stay smooth for the past months of usage!  Best of all, I feel and look fresh all day even under the crazy heat!

The "Raise It High" Confidence I Had During My Sister's Wedding

October 28, 2018

One of the busiest day of my year - well, I've been saying that for almost everyday of the year but that is the busiest because it was my sister-in-law's Wedding Day.

I am NOT only a mom with an active toddler, I am also a Matron of Honor, makeup artist and a family of the bride and groom that day.

I woke up at 4:30am to prettify myself before I prettified my sister and mom-in-law!  It was a long day, with the Bridal ceremony happening at San Agustin Church (hello no aircon and intense heat) and thankfully, I had the confidence to do everything I need to do because I actually used the new Dove Ultimate Repair Dark Marks Corrector that week! 

Whenever I wear sleeveless dress or shirts, I always raise my arms and ask Mr. AMW if my underarms are ready to be "raised high".  I feel that looking fresh does not only comes from makeup but also with hygiene.  I have used the past Dove variants and liked them so far because they don't darken up my underarms, but seeing the NEW Ultimate Repair Dark Marks Corrector, which is said to be formulated with 1/4 moisturizing cream and Vitamin B3 (also known as Niacinamide) made me went for them right away especially since the products are said to not only correct dark marks but to also help repair underarm skin damage to visibly restore smooth and even-toned underarms.

So I was able to face the day with confidence looking fresh from day til night.

Dove Deo Cares

That awkward stage when you first had your period then you are starting to grow hair on unwanted places.  I remembered around 12 years old, right after I got my period, I started to see a strand (or 2) of armpit hair (gosh!  TOO MUCH INFORMATION!)  But oh well, that's the truth!  I remembered rushing to my older sister (thank goodness I have older sister to lean on to!) and we even scheduled a bonding time after dinner for her to pluck that 2 strands of hair!  

Of course, puberty kicks in and that 2 strands multiplied into a number I couldn't imagine!  Okay, it wasn't a "lawn" but some aren't visible to the naked eye!  That's when I first purchased my "pink shaver" from a health store. Ahhh I remember how I felt so "mature" and a "full-pledged woman"!

Fast-forward to today, there are so many ways to remove unwanted hair.  With all the options, I still find myself going back to my trustee shaver especially since I don't have time to book an appointment outside!

Now, shaving maybe the quickest, easiest, least painful way to remove unwanted hair, did you know that shaving also takes off 1/3 of your skin?  ALong with your hair, shaving takes away the top-most-layer of your skin leaving it raw, sensitive and prone to further damage.  

That leads to bumpy, dry and dark underarms!

For women like me who can't give up shaving at times, it is good to pick a deodorant that will help soothe and repair damage caused by shaving!  

Thanks to my Sampleroom family for sending these Dove goodies and you girls can try before you buy! 

Dove Deodorant have 1/4 moisturizing cream and been formulated to moisturize underarm skin while protecting it with its gentle, skin-loving ingredients.  I also love how my underarm does not darken as compared to not using Dove at all!

My favorite Dove Deo is their Original Whitening Stick Deodorant

Unboxing: BDJ July 2015 Prepped and Polished Box

As some of you may go "Hohum" on the previous BDJ boxes, my heart gave a skip on this month's PREPPED and POLISHED Box!  The name says it all!  Who doesn't like to look prepared and polished wherever we go?  I know I do!  As I seem not to sport that look nowadays with all the crazy schedule!  

What I like about this month's box how diverse the brands they included here.  But all of them have the same purpose --- to make us feel good both in and out.

Let us start with the most "obvious" product/s in the box!  It just came out of the market and you've probably seen ads on all social media!  And yes, BDJ Box subscribers, you get to try them immediately!

Mid-Year Gift-Giving Ideas

Hi AMW friends!  You are probably surprised seeing this Mid-Year Gift-Giving ideas.  It's not even Christmas and it's not even a countdown to Christmas.

Well, why not?  I realized, we don't need holidays to be generous!  I am a strong believer of making people who matters to you happy anytime of the day!  And of course, doing good deed (non-material thing) is priceless but sometimes, it would help to give some material things that you think would matter to the receiver!  And after looking at the products inside my home, I can't help but think of the people who would appreciate these thus came the blog post: "Mid-Year Gift-Giving Ideas".  

And as always, feel free to add the list so we can all share gift-giving ideas and how it can make anyone's day extra special!

For the Hair Lovers

Me!  And probably you?  My big sister too!  My favorite gift-giving guide for hair loving friends are "Hair Treatment".  Deep conditioning treatment as inexpensive as those from Watson's (Buy 1 Take 1 offer) or as pricey as those from Kerastase.  It really depends on my budget.  But on days you just want to say: "Just because I thought of you", a simple shampoo and conditioner combination could be a deal breaker!  I would happily accept a shampoo and conditioner set just like the ones I recently received.  It actually made my day because I may have bouncy hair every time you see me, it took me some time to reach to that "level of bounciness"!  With the help of my trustee flat iron or curling iron!  

And on days I don't have time, I may gift this shampoo and conditioner a try from Dove.  

The Dove Oxygen and Nourishment Solutions

This pair is said to address our #FlatHairProblems so I can't wait to give this a try!

AMW Reports: Dove Invites us to #GoPlay with Your Hair

Did you know that almost 84% of us are aware that styling activities we do on our hair can actually damage them?

I knew about it from the start but I still style my hair on a daily basis because...it makes me feel more confident and beautiful!  Please say "Yes" if you agree with me!

So when I got an invite from Dove to Go Play With My Hair and Dove takes care of the damage, I knew I had to free up my schedule and see what they are up to!

Readers' Corner: Q&A Portion to Jumpstart 2015

Hi AMW friends!
Today, I will be answering some queries I get from my email!  I think I have to do this or else, I will be loaded forever!  :P  Don't get me wrong, I am very happy with all your emails because that keeps me going!  If you wonder how I get the time to blog?  That's for you to find out *winks*  Just joking, I do so in between breaks!  When I have coffee break or right now, a Calamansi juice break! 

Reader Question #1

"What should I invest on aside from makeup kit and brushes if I plan to pursue a career in makeup artistry?"

AMW Answers:

Okay, my answer may probably surprise you but I can actually  put this in an "Unsung Hero" post.  After years of doing makeup, I realized how important Z-Palette is (or any customizable palettes available in the market) for a PRO MUA like me!  Especially when I started to go on gigs on my own, lugging a huge Zuca bag, it is very difficult to transfer from one place to another (ALONE) with a luggage full of makeup, a huge mirror and a bag!  

I first "depotted" all my face powders and transferred it to my first Pink Z-Palette and I realized not only does it help lessen the load of my kit, it is very easy for me to do retouch as I only need to carry 1 palette instead of 6 compacts!  

I got more Z-palettes and I plan to depot some of my blushes and contour/highlight powders!  

I got my 2nd Z-palette online via Shopping District. 

Reader Question #2
"Nikki, can you recommend a lipgloss brand that has wide range of colors just like MAC but lesser the price tag?"

Unboxing: BDJ Corporate Chic and October 2014 Skin Savers

Before October ends, I want to share my unboxing expeience on BDJ Box!

I originally got the Corporate Chic "pouch" which isn't housed in the usual BDJ Box, instead, it comes with a very cute Simply She Cosmetic Pouch!  

Corporate Chic was put together by the BDJ team to help us "working ladies" look presentable when you're working from nine to five.  As for me, my work schedule is crazy!  I even work at 12mn when Baby AMW is asleep!  So yeah....with little time for myself, I need quick and easy fix to make me look presentable (not losyang)

Simply She Cosmetic Pouch

Php400.00

Don't judge the pouch for its' size, it is small yet super terrible!  Terribly WONDERFUL!  Daily beauty essentials for the face and hair!

Unboxing: BDJBox September 2014 Beauty Innovations

BDJ Box never failes to surprise me with their monthly beauty products, this September Box ain't no exception!  This Beauty Innovations Box is worth EVERY SINGLE CENT you spent in subscribing because they are fill in mostly FULL sized products!  I love how this box is versatile!  You see new releases and all-time favorites as well!  

You want something for hair?  Skin?  Face?  They have it all! 

The box is bigger than the regular BDJ Box.

TADAH!

AMW Reports: All Things Hair (ATH)

Did you started out watching makeup tutorials or hair tutorials?

I have to admit, I went for hair tutorials first, because I did share the story about my love/hate affair with my hair in my past blog post right?  

I am one hell of a hair girl!  I like creating different hairstyles and I was able to do this hairstyle for an important Nuffnang event (NAPBAS 2011) 3 years ago in Malaysia.

Yes, sariling kulot, sariling "tease" and sariling ponytail....in less than 5 minutes!  On the side note, I just realized, this was the memorable trip that brought me closer to my dear blogger friend Lush Angel! :)

L-R Patty Laurel-Filart, Me and Angela Nepomuceno

As much as I enjoy the international hair tutorials, I dislike the fact that sometimes, they use specific hair styling products that aren't available locally, or, they have different hair texture and color that sometimes, their tips won't matter for us Filipinas.

 Last September 18, I was invited to a launch called ATH All Things Hair.  I told myself I won't miss this event because I am one HAIR Addict and aside from that, one of my very good friend is part of this!  You got it!  Angela is one hair guru and you have to watch her tutorials (and the rest of the ambassadors), I learned so much from them!

During the launch, Joey Mead, the night's gorgeous host, interviewed Thomas Poulain of Google Philippines.  We were told that every thousands of Filipinos search for hair tips, tutorials, styles and inspirations, that is why Unilever thought of addressing these issues by collaborating with the world's Top Vloggers and hair brands to form an online destination for hair solutions and inspirations.

Initial Thoughts: Dove Daily Hair Vitamin

Happy Monday AMW Friends!
I am so excited to share my recent discovery for our crowning glory!  That is why I love attending events, aside from meeting fellow Bloggers who turned into real-life friends, I get to know what's new in the market and I get to test the products before I buy!

One brand that I look up to is Dove, why?  Because Dove has a mission that I totally believe in, that is, to enable women to love and embrace their real beauty through products that provide real care.  I knew about Dove haircare products way back before they were available in the market locally.  AMW Brother is so nice to supply me with Dove Shampoo and Conditioner and my favorite hair treatment at least twice a year when he visits.  I didn't bother writing a review on that because I know how hard it is to want something yet it isn't available locally.

Thankfully, today, I can freely "blab" about one of my favorite hair care and skincare brand --- Dove.

During the launch of Dove Daily Hair Vitamin at Blo Dry Bar in Powerplant Mall, Rockwell, I learned that following a daily regimen with the use of Dove Intense Repair range is key to achieving damage-free hair.

How to Get Good Skin (Shower Edition)

You probably have an idea on what I use on my face, body, hands and feet based on the products I review each day.  But what do I really use when I take a shower?  What do I do to protect my skin keeping it (as much as possible) healthy and smooth?

Okay, I've thought about this post so many times and I get a bit overwhelmed because I just have so many bath products!  Blame the "Beauty Blogger" in me.  To keep this post simple and straightforward, I will divide this post into Hair Care, Body Care and so on so that ...you won't think I'm using too many products!  *laughs* 

No judging okay? 

To start off, it helps to make your "shower room", "bathing area", "comfort room" (depends on how you call it) as comfortable as possible.  Why?  Because it is actually a place where you get the ULTIMATE ME time!  Not unless you always take shower with another person *winks winks*  Okay, back to R-rating!  Shower time is like the ultimate "rest" for me especially now that I'm a mommy!  So make each shower experience worth it and your skin will also thank you for it!

To give you an idea on the products I use for my body, here's an "overview".  By the way, I have a total of 3 racks and this one, I call my "Body Rack" (Body rock!)

To start off, keep in mind that I change products every now and then but the "basics" will always be there.  What are my basics? 

I Think I'm Beautiful!

Congratulations Jhoanna Tacorda!  You are the lucky winner of my Dove gift pack! :) Thanks!

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As a "Beauty Blogger", I never thought of myself as a "beautiful person" but just someone who writes about beauty.  When topics arise on how "beauty bloggers" should be beautiful to be able to blog about beauty products, I was taken aback....seriously..What is Beautiful for you? 

If you ask me, well, my husband thinks I'm the most beautiful woman alive! *laughs*  My mom says I'm very beautiful a day before her surgery which almost put her life at risk....that, is enough for me.

According to some of my friends (I call them MY REAL FRIENDS lol), they think I'm beautiful and you know what?  I used to think I just have a beautiful personality and that's it!  But now that I'm older (and wiser) hahaha  I tell myself I'm beautiful because God created me in His own Liking and God never fails in creating his "perfect" masterpiece.  I'm beautiful because someone fell head over heels in love with me for more than a decade *ahem* Mr. AMW --- ikaw lang ang may topak! :P

What's with the "I'm Beautiful" topic?  Well, recently, I attended Dove's 1st ever summit and I learned so much about #RealBeauty.

Photographed without any makeup on.  Photo taken by: Gnie Arambulo

What I'm Thankful For

Happy Saturday AMW friends!
I'm sitting here in the hotel room, as Baby AMW is snoring away (he has colds), looking through my Instagram posts and remembered to say my thanks to mini things in life that makes me happy!

Nestle Temptations Flavors of the Month
Dutch Speculoos

I received this 2 months ago, I tried a bit but finally got to enjoy this 2 months after!  The new flavor Dutch Speculoos is something worth trying especially if you're a fan of Speculoos cookie and spread! 

Nestle Fruit Selection Yogurt and Yogurt Drink

 Yogurt used to be my "coffee", my "instant perk me up" when I was working in China.  I order yogurt by the dozen and finish them in no time!  When I got back in the Philippines, I kinda forgot about my love for yogurt so I'm glad I received these from Nestle Philippines, today, after every meal, I look forward to a healthier dessert!  My favorite yogurt flavors are Mango and Strawberry!

AMW Reports: AMW Attends Dove 1st Summmit

I got an invite to attend Dove's First Ever summit for 2 days at Sofitel Philippine Plaza.  I do not usually take 2 days off during weekdays to attend events but the message Dove wants me to help share is something I strongly believe in, so it wasn't a difficult decision to set my busy schedule aside to spend time with people from Dove and people who believe in the #RealBeauty movement.

Did you know that?

Only 7% of Filipinas actually consider themselves beautiful?

#IamBeautiful

Dear AMW Friends,

Please watch this short video...

So true right? 

Eureka Moment: Spend vs Save (Hair Oil Edition)

Dear AMW Friends!
Eureka Moment once again and this time, I'm sharing an inexpensive find!  Once in awhile I will be posting more Eureka Moments on splurge vs. save!  I mean, at times, it feels nice to splurge just to reward ourselves but if you look hard enough, and with some luck on hand, we may find an inexpensive alternative that works just as fine as the pricey sister!

Are you ready?

Some of you may have guessed the brand base from the bottle but just in case you can't seem to put your finger to it, why don't you just read more and see what's cooking....oil?  *lol*

Tip for the Day: Hair Products You Can Buy at Watsons

Good morning AMW friends!  Today, I will share to you a topic super close to my heart!  It's all about HAIR!  Everyone says the hair is an extension of your identity, that statement may seem outrageous to some but I totally agree, my hair/hairstyle is one huge topic until this very day, you'll understand why later on!  

The reason why I want to talk about hair is because I recently got a huge loot from dear Watsons as they launch the Hair Affair campaign. It's a loot that brought me back to memory lane! 

Please read more, you won't regret it as you'll have a good laugh!  I may even change my mind and put down the photo :P  *winks*

I Wonder: Dry Shampoo? Do you need them?

Happy Wednesday dearies!  How was Tuesday for you?  Mine was tiring yet super productive!  If you follow me on Instagram (@AskMeWhats), I was busy the whole day for a makeup shoot for one of my favorite cosmetics brand Benefit.  I will share more about my experience and the makeovers I've done soon! :)

Today, I have an intriguing question I'd love to ask for months but haven't gotten the chance to!  It's all about Dry Shampoos.  I've seen dry shampoos years ago through reading international beauty blogs 3-4 years ago.  I surrendered the idea of using one as I wash my hair regularly and I don't have any problems with greasy hair as my scalp tends to dry  instead. just like my skin. 

When I got pregnant, my dear highschool bestfriend sent me some post labor survivor stuff!  That includes the dry shampoo from Dove which we don't have it locally but she vouched it worked for her!  

Why do I need dry shampoo post labor?  Not sure if you've heard about the 1 month "no bath nor shower" after labor.  I'm not sure if it's a Chinese thing.  To those who don't understand what I'm talking about, it's 1 whole month of not taking a bath/shower after giving birth!  Imagine how awful I smell and how horrible my hair looks?  

The horrible looking part, I don't mind as I do not plan to get out of the house anyways.  But, the yucky, icky feel of grease ball hair is too much it can send me to post partum party (and that's a roundtrip!). 

Armed with my first dry shampoo ever, I started using Dove Hair Therapy Refresh + Care Invigorating Dry Shampoo.

A lot of you on Instagram asked: "Does it work?'