Women's Month SALE with the SM Store

On Women's Day, what do you plan to do?

Well, I make it a point to reward myself because it is really rewarding and FUN to be a woman!  It is WORTH celebrating indeed.

And SM store joins in the celebration with a lineup for activities for Women's Month.

Last March 8, Iza Calzado inspired the Filipinas to rise above her hurdles and embrace empowerment in a raw and heartwarming exclusive with The SM Store. Iza reinforced everyone's role in building a better and more exciting future where all genders get to participate as she detailed her journey into becoming the woman she is today.

Making this month even more exciting is the nationwide SM Women's Sale that offers deals on women's favorite items for up to 50% off!  Tag you mom, sisters, girlfriends and head over to the nearest The SM Store for hassle-free shopping on makeup, clothes, accessories, shoes, bags, homeware and more!  Make your shopping experience even better and shop with your SM Advantage Card for the hottest and most exclusive deals on select items.

Stay tuned for what The SM Store has coming your way on Women's Month by checking out the hashtags #SMWomenSale #BalanceForBetter #IWD2019 and follow @TheSMStore on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.  Visit www.thesmstore.com for more updates!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Holiday-Shopping AMW Style!

Let me tell you a secret, I may look so organized and always a step ahead --- That's how I look but in reality, I'm a Queen of Last Minute!  With all the tasks and errands I need to do on a daily basis, there will definitely tasks that are left undone until the last minute.

Just like Christmas Shopping, and it has been going on like that EVERY SINGLE YEAR since I became a mom!

On a positive note, it tests my wits when it comes to shopping!  I do have a list, check it twice and shop in between mother/wife/daughter duties!  

Last December 24 was the final stretch of my cramming, my yaya was on leave so there wasn't any extra  hand for me (prepare Kyle's things, wash the dishes, etc...).  We went for last minute shopping at SM Makati and I only had an hour to squeeze in shopping for both my family and Mr. AMW's family!  The mall closes earlier than usual (8:00pm) so the shopping trip was even more nerve-wrecking!

Skipping dinner since we had heavy snack, we took our son to a toy store leaving Mr. AMW with him (he's a super hands-on dad too by the way so he can definitely manage), I rushed to SM Department store and completed my list!  I was just looking for a gift just for last one recipient, the mall suddenly closes the doors and we were asked to pay for our merchandise!  The air-conditioner was also turned off so I was literally panicking and sweating (a lot!)  Gulay, what to do?  We had a family gathering that evening!  

What I Found at #SMWorldOfBeauty

I remembered preparing for my Engagement Day (which is almost like preparing for a Wedding day).  I've decided to cut down cost by doing my own makeup and with that in mind, I've decided to go to a Beauty Store to purchase my own set of makeup.  That was year 2007 (same year I started my Blog).  

There wasn't much brand choices back then.

Fast forward to a decade, I am so happy how SM Beauty changed the way we beauty enthusiasts shop!  I can finally say, I have STOPPED online shopping for more than a year now because there are so many holy grail products I can literally see, touch and try at SM Beauty!

Do you like Asian makeup?
Brands like K-Palette, 4U2, Shiseido, Tony Moly, Etude House, Kate Tokyo, Holika Holika, Canmake Tokyo made its' way to our shores!  Here are just some of my picks.

I am SM Woman!

Yes I am!

Even before attending ANY of the SM Events, I have always been a constant SM Woman shopper.  I find their clothes not only fashionable and stylish, but they are also made with good quality materials and offers wide size range!  And thankfully, I can see more variety of clothing perfect for day and night and any occasion!

SM also showcased different facades of how women are!

STRONG

I Love You SM Stationery!

It was weekend when we take both our families out for dinner!  A Saturday for my family and Sunday for Mr. AMW's family or vice versa!  Even if we have our own family, we make sure to spend quality time with the family who brought us up!  Whether it'll be a simple dinner at a close-by restaurant or just a walk inside the mall.

I usually have Kyle running around the mall and I do the chasing!  Since he was quite busy with the grandparents at the toy section, I've decided to grab the chance to walk around the SM Stationery section because I was just taking a peek and saw something eye-catchy (You'll see the photos and will understand)!  

It was like a walk towards heaven!  SM Stationery has all things bright, colorful and everything that reminds me so much of my childhood!

Now, the simple walk-back-to-memory-lane turned "What did I missed?"  SM Stationery had a HUGE makeover!  When did this happen guys?  

Cute travel pouches and bags!

Ahh the Paradise pouch perfect not only for pens, pencils and highlighters but also for, makeup!

#BeautyBloggerProblems

AMW on SM Beauty Ball

So I seldom go out and attend events during dinner time, if you follow me on Snapchat, you'll know I'd rather stay home and whip out my home-cooked meals for the family and spend quality time with the little one.

But there's a reason why this particular night...I'm out!

Because it is the night for Makeup Artists like you and me!



The first ever SM Beauty Ball was held at Rizal Ballroom, Makati Shangri-la Hotel last April 5th.  It is the night were recognition were given to the "Pioneers of Beauty" like James Cooper, Jesi Mendez and Fanny Serrano.

I Wonder: Do You Really Need a Lip Cleanser?

Is there even such product?  Well, my idea of cleansing my lips is by using a damp toothbrush OR if I have hard-to-remove lip makeup on, I'll use an oil-based make up remover or a makeup wipe to remove lipstick or lipstain.  Who would've thought there exist a product called a Lip Cleanser?  Yes darlings, it is from Bliss called Fabulips Foaming Lip Cleanser.

Based from research, the Bliss Fabulips treatment comes in a set.  The KIT includes a Foaming Lip Cleanser to lift impurities, Sugar Lip Scrub to gently exfoliate, Instant Lip Plumper to visibly volumize and Softening Lip Balm to soften and moisturize.

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.

Mommy and Son Bonding

Whenever we visit the mall, my son is on the stage where he doesn't want me to let go of him!  He's scared of shiny floors!  (any moms who can relate to this?)

So to solve this issue, we take him out for a walk, he prefers granite floors #lol!  Or any non-shiny, non-slippery-looking floors!  And here he was super happy with his "I'm finally free!" walk with momma!

If there's one particular place that makes him the happiest boy alive, it is NOT the toy store but a bookstore!  Our favorite hang out place?  National Book Store or BookSale!  He got my genes!  (Ahem, sorry hubby!)

Something New: Pond's Products and The Face Search Winners

Everyone who's into "showbiz" knew Heart Evangelista, the pretty girl behind Ponds, is recently engaged!  And obviously everyone would like to know the details on her wedding preparation including makeup and skincare.  Yes, she does have glowing skin (I check her Instagram posts) and according to her, her secret is staying positive and surrounding herself with good people.  Aside from that, she uses Ponds.

According to Heart: “I start by cleansing with the cult favorite Pond’s Cold Cream and wash the day off with the Pond’s Flawless White Facial Foam,” she says. And while Heart likes to have her share of fun under the sun, she makes sure she does it responsibly. “I use Pond’s BB+ Cream every time I leave the house because it has SPF 30 PA++ that protects from harmful UVA aging and UVB burning rays,” shares the actress. “It makes my skin feel so soft and smooth and helps control oil the whole day.”

And with only months away until her wedding, Heart injected the New Pond's Dewy Rose Gel - this is a whitening product in Refreshing Gel that is infused with Rose Lumiere Serum that goes deep into the skin to lighten dark spots inside and smoothen pores outside.  This unique gel formulation (my favorite texture) is easily absorbed by the skin!

I am proud to say that I used to be a #PondsGirl , the first skincare regimen that I spent my hard-earned money on is the Pond's Flawless White range and so far, it worked on me.  I stopped using the Flawless White line when I grew older and started to suffer extremely dry skin.  I hope the "gel" texture would help in hydrating my quenched skin!  Any dry skinned users out there?  Thoughts please?

AMW Reports: The Grand Launch of CAVA

I started this blog when I wasn't a Professional Makeup Artist and you (my dear long-time readers) saw my makeup school escapades and even were there when I graduated!  *yay*  I receive a lot of emails asking me: "Do I really need to go to a makeup school?  I've been doing makeup almost all my life and I read makeup books and watch YouTube tutorials, I think that's enough."

That's what I thought so too.

But when I enrolled myself in a professional makeup school, I realized was...there are definitely so much more to learn! And up until today, I am still learning!

And recently, I discovered a newly launched school called CAVA (The Center for Aesthetics and Visual Arts).

Top: The Flower Collection 3Leone 

Shorts: From Korea

Shoes: SM Parisian

The Grand Launch was hosted by gorgeious Tracy Abad of 94.7.  

AMW Reports: Benefit's Hard Hat Bloggers' Party

What happens when a group of girls who loves makeup get together to check-out the newest store of Benefit Philippines at SM Mall of Asia?

They wear a Hard Hat and go crazy!

Because I live at downtown Manila, it is really difficult for me to travel to Shangri-la Mall or even Glorietta/Greenbelt.  These places aren't far but from where I live, traffic always gets the best of me so I'd rather stay and sulk at home!

Something New: SM Beauty Box

How's your midday?  This is a quick post on what I recently got from SM!  It's the SM Beauty Box!  I am so excited to share this to you I immediately grabbed my camera and took shots!  Please forgive me for the unclear shots as I have an active baby (almost in tears out of boredom) next to me as I gave these products a well deserved shoot!  Yes, you guys are so important I have to share this news so you get to be armed and ready comes August!

What's inside this huge pink box?

AMW Bulletin: The Supreme 4 for SM Accessories

I bet by this time, you're already aware of SM Accessories' Supreme 4!  I see them even on public buses!

Anne Curtis

 

Georgina Wilson

Richard Gutierrez

and

Xian Lim

I have always been a fan of SM Accessories and have bought several for myself and as gifts to my friends and loved ones!  I like how affordable they are as compared to other accessories brand!  I am actually posting this today as I'm heading to SM mall tonight to shop for last minute Christmas Gifts!
 
SM Accessories offers necklace, bracelet, earrings, cap, bags, belt, watch, wallet and others. 

Visit SM Accessories section in all SM Department stores nationwide.

Do you own any SM accessories?

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Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Bulletin: SM Cinema's Free Movie Day!

SM believes in spending time with our loved ones and one of the priceless activity we could think of is "movie watching".

As SM Cinema celebrates this special all-time bonding activity, they will open their doors to a FREE MOVIE in all the 256 Digital Theaters in 45 SM Cinema branches around the country!

Registration for SM Cinema's Free Movie Day is from November 22 to December 6, 2012.  Follow these easy steps:

1. Like and Register the e-PLUS Facebook Fan Page (www.facebook.com/eplus.sm)
2. Click on the Free Movie App.
3. Choose your Cinema, Time and Movie.
4. Print the confirmation email.
5. Surrender the printed confirmation email at your preferred SM Cinema branch for your free two tickets.

Fun and easy! I can't wait to book my parents free tickets for their "afternoon movie date"! 

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 Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Be informed!

(Note: Author is not affiliated with the company.  This post serves as information purpose only.)

AMW Wears: SM x PAWS Tee

Happy Friday AMW Readers!  How was the week for you?  Mine was very very busy but it was a great week bonding with my brother (who arrived for a week's vacation) and catching up with my relatives from Canada!

Because it was just 2 nights ago I was able to revisit SM Sta. Mesa to pick up some food for the family, it was also the best time for me to roam around the department store and I was reminded by the tee I got from ARC Public Relations, Inc.

SM Kids' Fashion has partnered with the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) to provide food, shelter as well as medical treatments to rescued animals! 

I am very grateful with the collaboration between SM and PAWS and here's why YOU can help!

"JusTees, one of SM Kids' Beloved Brands, features several designs that any pet-loving family will surely love.  A portion of the sales automatically goes to PAWS to ensure the organization can continuously care for their rescues."

Check out the cute lovely designs dedicated to our furry friends! 

(arfs and meows alike!)  

Yes, I know these shirts are for kids but I can't help it!  I want to show to the world my support for SM x PAWS so I'm wearing my "I Love Doggies" Tee to go out with my family for a relaxing shopping trip at Greenhills!

Li'l AMW, yes, you can borrow mommy's shirt once you're old enough!  *winks*

** JusTees are available at SM Department Stores nationwide.

Are you a dog or cat-lover? 

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Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Tip for the Day: How I Store my Hair Accessories

When I was young, my mom's idea of making me happy is not by buying me Barbie dolls nor new clothes and shoes (I'm a hand-me-down baby! :P), she knew I'm not the type who would want her parents to spend all the money for the youngest kid in the family!  Yes, I was a good girl!  Wait!  Before you react, I was a good girl because I AM a VERY good girl now!  *proud*  hahaha

Okay, back to the story, my mom, a simple housewife, who has a budget to feed all 4 kids would spend some of the "family budget" in buying me hair clips and ribbons!  When I toured my parents around Shenzhen, China a couple of years ago, she was busy haggling with a seller and at the end, I realized she was buying me a Swarovski-studded hair tie!  She got a good deal!  It was gorgeous and it was super touching on my part as my mom isn't the type who would go waste money on something that's not a necessity!  We have to admit, Swarovski-studded hair tie will never be a necessity! 

Simple things matter to me.

And because they matter, I take into consideration on taking care of them!  I have hair ties and clips that were with me through the years years!  They have a value attached to it as they were gifted to me by my sister, my mom, my friends, etc...

Here's how I store all my hair accessories, aside from making sure they are clean and safe, I also want to make sure I can see them easily! 

TADAH!

I originally have an "all-black" version but it died on me after 8 long years.  I head up to SM Department Store and purchased a red and white one!

Approx Php500.00-600.00 

(approx $11.60-14.00)

Are you into hair accessories?
If yes, how do you store your prized possessions?
Any other storage tips you may want to share?

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Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: Organize-It!

"Eureka!!!!"  *raises arms and a leg* hahaha

I'm finally back with a Eureka Moment post!  Forgive me as I haven't been going out that much to see great finds!  Mr. AMW and I was searching for a good, sturdy case to put inside my Zuca Case.  If you've seen my detailed review (HERE) one of the Con of this case is the need to purchase sturdy cases for the products not to topple over each other inside the pouch.  The challenge?  Finding the right sized cases and I thought of SM Homeworld right away! 

Here's what I ended up with

Keyway White Plastic Organizer (small)

Php129.75 (approx $3.00)

This comes with a detachable divider, this case is perfect for potted products!  I put my gel liners, cream based blushers, lip balms, etc...

Keyway White Plastic Organizer (big)

Php199.75 (approx $4.60)

A bigger version of the photo above, this is best used to store my powdered eye shadows and blushes.  I like piling them next to each other so I can easily see them while doing makeup!

Masflex Mesh organizer (small)

Php89.75 (approx  $2.00)

Another nice case to put my powder foundations.  I can put 4  to 5 MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundations standing right up against each other and add up some smaller loose setting powder pots on the side.

Masflex Mesh organizer (small)

Php119.75 (approx  $2.80)

I didn't bring the ZUCA pouch with me when I purchased these, so yeah, I made a huge mistake of purchasing this big one that can't fit inside the Zuca pouch!  But hey, nothing gets wasted on AMW-land *lol* This is the "star" when it comes to cleaning my brushes, after washing, I put the brushes in here and it gets dry easily with the mesh!

So far, I'm very happy with all my purchases and the cost isn't too much to keep my train case sturdy and organized!

Any other storage cases you've found that works?
Care to share?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Fashion Report: PFW SM Ladies' Fashion

It's Fashion Week and I was invited to the SM Ladies' Fashion Show last May 23rd at the SMX.  I can't decline an SM Ladies' Fashion show as I've always been a fan of their clothes!  I love how I can find different pieces for different occasions and they're always within the budget!

I was expecting for a fashion show that would showcase "runway" worthy pieces but imagine the surprise when I ended up "mentally shopping" all the gorgeous pieces I've seen!  I nudged Mr. AMW so many times and whispered: "That's a Nikki outfit!"  *laughs*

Let me show you some of the pieces that I would wear!  (Note: Photo heavy post)

The event started with models strutting various Parisian shoes