Monday, January 31, 2011

AMW Reviews: Avon Ideal Shade Foundation SPF10

January 2011 is almost over!  Not bad, the start of the year kept me busy and I am staying positive it'll be a very fruitful 2011!  

As everyone who reads my blog knew, I have received a wonderful gift from our friends from Avon!  Thank goodness for duplicate product because I can give one as giveaway and have another one to review!  Thank goodness the shade matches me perfectly so it did not take me that much time to review this product!  I have tested this for a good week on random occasions and situations!  Here's what I have to say...I always have a say on everything!  Gosh!  I hope you don't mind?  *winks*


Avon Ideal Shade Liquid Foundation says ---
Formulated with PreciseLight Technology. For continuous balance, adds moisture or absorbs oil wherever needed. Natural satin smooth finish. Featherlight medium coverage.

Available shades on brochure: Shell, Nude and Pure Beige

AMW says ---
Pros
  • Gives a very natural, "looks like your natural skin" coverage.
  • Easy to apply, does not create patches.
  • Gives out a matte finish, no shine nor unnecessary sparkle! 
  • No white cast on photos and in person.
  • Can double up as concealer especially on the undereye area because of its very nice, runny texture.
  • Dries up into a nice velvety finish after a couple of minutes after application.
  • Works even without patting on setting powder/powder foundation.
  • Sheer to medium coverage foundation.
  • Does not dry up dry skin, does not oil up oily skin!  This feels like a very good tinted moisturizer.
  • No weird smell.
  • Has SPF.
  • Pores and redness can be covered! 
  • Inexpensive
Cons
  • Packaging!  A pump packaging would be much appreciated.  You can over spill product or waste product because you can't control the product that will come out.
  • The cap can get dirty easily :(
  • Looking for the foundation shade that matches is a huge headache! :)  Especially since most Avon products can be purchased through brochures!
  • Not for people who are looking into full coverage foundation in one swipe!
  • May cause breakouts to people sensitive to the ingredients included in this foundation.
  • Limited shades sold locally.
Overall
This is the best "start-up" liquid foundation.  Meaning, if you are new to makeup and you are just starting to enjoy make-up application, this liquid foundation is the best to start because you feel like your skin still breathes and it doesn't have the heavy and oily feel that most liquid foundation gives!  Aside from that, the price isn't that bad for a 30 ml foundation that can last you months of daily usage!

Tips
  • Shake bottle prior usage.
  • Write down the date where you first open the foundation.  Do not use this if product smells weird!
  • For dry skin: you can choose not to set this foundation with powder as it gives a very natural powder finish.
  • For oily skin: though this gives out a nice matte finish after application, can still turn oily after several hours, use your preferred setting powder or powder foundation with a huge brush and dust the product gently on areas that oil up easily!  It doesn't hurt to use a face primer to prevent your skin from oiling up!
  • SPF10 is not enough so always use sunblock prior to foundation application.
  • Visit Avon stores to check on their foundation shades, do not depend on the brochure color to look for a shade that matches you!
  • Though this can give a nice, medium coverage, if you have acne-prone skin or a lot of marks on your skin, a concealer or corrector is still needed!
  • For light coverage: apply with a stippling brush or Beauty Blender.
  • For medium to heavy coverage: you can choose to apply with clean fingers or regular sponges!
Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
People who likes to use liquid foundation minus the heavy feel!  This would be perfect for people without much skin issues because this feels and looks like second skin!


Works for oily, normal, combination and dry skin!

Where to purchase and how much?
Avon ladies for Php530.00 (approx $12.30)

Avon Idea Shade Foundation SPF10
Shade: Nude
 
Product blended so well on my hand
Does not look like there's foundation at all!


 Applied on skin, no base, no powder 


The product lightened up the darkness under my eyes.
The product lightened up the redness on the sides of my nose.
But it does not make me look different, does not cover the small beauty mark on my cheek.
Sheer to medium coverage adjustable base on your preference.

Have you tried this foundation?
This foundation reminded me of the I Nuovi Litebase Foundation!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!







(Note from Author: Product was sent as gift.  The review has been done base on personal experiences.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Something New: Crumpler Chinese New Year Limited Edition Rabbit Collection

I seldom go to the malls nowadays!  I am usually working from Mondays-Fridays then go straight to my mom's place after work!  Then the hubby pick me up and we usually dine out at night or go straight home!  Traffic is just crazy to where we live so its normal just to choose to go straight home.
On weekends, I usually have make up gigs which left me no room to have the energy to walk around the mall!  This weekend was a bit different though!  Since I was scheduled for my annual check, I've decided not to schedule myself with anything over the weekend but just "me" time..well it's actually a "You and Me" time with Mr. AMW!

After the wonderful Korean Restaurant Food Tripping, we've decided to walk around the mall because we like checking out what we missed out for the past months!  I remembered receiving an email from fellow blogger about the Crumpler Chinese New Year Limited Edition bags in which I told myself to check it out!

Crumpler
Robinson's Place Branch

I've always been intrigued with the store because I have a thing for their "mascot"!  Isn't it cute?  Reminded me of Jamaica!  "YA MAN!"


As I walked in the store, a very "reddish" area caught my attention!  Right on!  It is indeed the Crumpler Chinese New Year Limited Edition Rabbit Collection!   Though my favorite color is pink, most of the stuffs I own like mobile phone pouch, mini pouches, bags and clothing are mostly in reds!  It must be the "Chinese Blood" in me to be attracted to such color!
Here's a "ninja shot" on the collection!  

Western design meets Chinese Culture.
L-R The Squid (Php1,450/approx.$33.00)
 Hillman Hunter (Php3,850/approx.$87.50)


L-R 15" Goldschlagers Carpet (Php2,250/approx $51.00)
Small iPad Herbas (Php2,450/approx $56.00)
Plus the Rabbit Charm (Php395/approx $9.00)



Not on 'ninja shot'
The Freckle (Php1,200/approx $27.00)


For this collection, what caught my attention is the Ltd. Medium Headaitch Rabbit!  I like big bag space, simple design and durable bag that I can tote along everywhere!

All Red Color



With Crumpler semi-gold colored batch and its cute mascot!


This is the reason why this bag is a winner in my dictionary!  Zippered!  Living in a city like ours, my huge requirement for my bags is its capability to protect my stuffs!  I don't like my stuffs hanging around showing to the world where my wallet, cellphone, etc... are located!


Interior: Origami Print Inside
This is where the inspiration comes in for 2011 Chinese New Year!  Red and Gold are known to be "lucky" that's why they have these 2 colors printed on "red envelopes".  Together with the paper folding tradition in China, they printed gold colored origami lines inside the bag!


Spacious Interior with 2 side pockets 
and one zippered pocket

For you to be able to imagine the size of this bag, this can easily house 14-15" Laptop!  I can actually put my hubby's laptop with laptop sleeves together with charger and mouse conveniently inside!
If you still cannot imagine the size of the Ltd Medium Headaitch Rabbit, it's almost the size of LongChamp Planetes Large in Long Handle!


I do wish the bag comes with foam protection inside so I can easily fit in my laptop without having to use a separate laptop sleeves! 

My Headaitch Php2,950 (approx $67.00).  This does not come cheap but Mr. AMW owns a couple of Crumpler products for his "techie stuffs" and so far, most of them lasts years!  I hope it'll be the same for mine!

Where to purchase?
  • Crumpler Store , Bonifacio High Street
  • Crumpler Store , Trinoma Mall
  • Crumpler Store , SM Megamall
  • Crumpler Store, Robinsons Manila
I will be using this for my next travel for sure!  Now, all I need to do is book my next trip!  RED....I hope you attract cheap flights!!!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!






(Note from Author: Product provided for PR consideration.  The author is not paid to write this post. All information written are based solely on author's personal experiences.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Weekend Food Tripping at: Maru Korean Restaurant + Serenitea + Papa Beard

Oh hello everyone!  Most of you probably knew what's coming up!  It's the usual weekend food tripping!  So if you are on this page and you haven't had anything yet, go away and come back later! :P

Mr. AMW and myself woke up early on a Saturday morning for my annual check!  Had blood tests and I was quite brave about it!  After the tests, instead of going straight home, we've decided to have a good lunch because I deserve the energy!  I need to refuel my blood! :P  --- You do know they are all excuses!  I just wanted to EAT! EAT! EAT!

Korean food!  *happy sigh*  I am so in love with this dish and I swear I must be half Chinese half Korean in my past life!  Whoever I may be in the past, I must be chowing down on Kimchi from morning til dawn!

We've seen Maru Restaurant at Macapagal Avenue, but at that time, the next door Korean restaurant looks more intriguing because bus loads of Korean tourists are all flocking inside!  Boy am I glad Maru Korean Restaurant opens a new branch at Robinson's Place, Ermita!  The place looks even better!    This will be the first for us to experience Korean Dish in this restaurant so let me take you to our food journey!


 The usual Korean appetizers!  I am quite amazed on how they don't look too inviting aesthetically, but I tasted them all and they all tastes WONDERFUL!  Sour, Sweet, Spicy, Salty --- the appetizers played with all my senses!  I wish they have tofu appetizers though!  --- oh well, Uric Acid-less day for me then!


We've decided to try their BBQ because it just looks so cool seeing customers cook in a high-tech grill!  We chose the least fat dish because we may be pigs, but we're healthy pigs!  *winks*  

Nukgan-Sal 
Thin slices of boneless shortribs
Php380.00 (approx $8.60)
Raw, this does not look appetizing at all!  *blech* 

 But once its starting to cook, my stomach goes WOW!  
Can't wait to wrap this on fresh lettuce!
(Kinda reminisced on the BBQ we had in Seoul, Korea)



 Dolsot Bibimbap
Korean rice meal with mixed vegetables, marinated ground beef, served on a hot stone pot, topped with sunny side fried egg, Korean chili paste and sesame oil!
Php300.00 (approx $6.80)
In every new Korean Restaurant I dine in, the Bibimbap is a MUST for me to try because that is the basis for me to note down inside my head if I like the restaurant or not!  Hehehe  personal Quality Assurance Form!  This dish tastes really good!  A bit too spicy because the hubby put too much red paste!  I suggest you ask for a separate bowl and transfer some of the rice because the stone pot can maintain the temperature of the rice which is a bit too hot for my tongue to handle! 
 

The restaurant is not too big but spacious!  We chose to sit at the cool area where you look like you need to cross your legs, but you don't!  No more cramps because there's a huge space under the table for your legs to relax!  And best of all?  They have this super cool chair and people with back problem like myself don't have to worry on the back pain after hours of conversation with good food!  Such a nice place to visit with family and friends!  I suggest not to go for BBQ on dates because it gets too smokey and I smell like roasted 'pig' afterwards :D  --- still sexy :P


Maru Korean Restaurant
Robinson's Place, Ermita
New Wing

Waiter helps you with the BBQ but you can request to do it yourself. The restaurant do not serve house tea but cold water instead. Want alcoholic drinks?  They serve local beers to Korean beers! 

No service charge.  Accepts cash and credit card.

Because we did not order any drinks and our mouth were breathing fire!  We've decided to tone down the spiciness by drinking something with milk!  Milk helps cool your tongue after a spicy meal!  Serenitea was just right at the Adriatico Wing!  

Hokkaido Milktea
M - Php95.00 (approx $2.15)
L - Php105.00 (approx $2.40)

What I always complain about drinks served in our country is how sweet everything tastes!  At Serenitea, you have the power to choose how sweet your drink will be!  

100% Full Sugar
 75%  Less Sugar
  50% Half Sugar
  25%  Mild Sugar
    0%  Healthy
You can also choose your Sinkers (no, I'm not talking about bowel movements!  LOL)
  • pearl
  • crystal
  • lime jelly
  • red bean
  • black bricks
  • egg pudding
Here's my order of Hokkaido Milk Tea
Size: Medium
Sweetness: 25% Mild Sugar
Sinkers: Pearl
After all the shopping and walk, we've decided to take home some  Papa Beard Cream Puffs for AMW MIL!  She adores cream puffs (which I surprisingly don't).  So cute how the company are going for variety!  So many types of cream puffs now!


They also serve more cakes and pastries!  Sylvannas, Chocolate Mousse, Decadents, Braso De Mercedes, Choco Caramel, etc...Just the right kind of food to make you live LONGER ....hehehe


For only Php25.00 (approx $0.50) a piece, we've decided to try their Sylvannas!  Not bad, but I find it too chewy for my taste!  The taste is wonderful, but I'm not a fan of "rubber" texture!  Too much caramel I guess?

Of course, AMW MIL attacked the famous Papa Beard's Original Cream Puff!  For Php50.00 (approx $1.10), I made someone super happy!


This is my weekend food tripping!
What's yours?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!




Saturday, January 29, 2011

AMW Reviews: L'Oreal White Perfect Fairness Control Moisturizing Day Cream

My mom-in-law (MIL) loves her inexpensive Garnier Light Overnight Whitening Peeling Cream.  You can check out my review (on behalf of my MIL) on that by smiling and clicking HERE.

I think she is enjoying the "lightened" dark spots.  She actually came up to me and asked me what's best to use for day time as she's done with her current day cream!  Well, thanks to my ability to remember products I own!  As I scan through my OC-brain ALPHABETICALLY on products I have hidden inside a huge box *laughs* It stops at letter "L" for L'Oreal!  Choosing L'Oreal isn't a bad idea because Garnier worked for her and Garnier is part of L'Oreal group.  I could be wrong, but this could be a possibility!

I pull out the new L'Oreal White Perfect Fairness Control Moisturizing Day Cream because it has the "whitening" properties that Garnier have for her skin to look even-toned, bright and healthy!

She's almost done with this tube so it's time for a conversation between AMW and AMW M.I.L.!



L'Oreal White Perfect Moisturizing Day Cream says ---

  • More Rosy Glow.  Enriched in new Tourmaline Gemstone that helps stimulate skin microcirculation, this cream gives skin intense rosy glow.
  • Less yellowish complexion.  It also contains Advanced Melanin-Block, which acts to regularte the melanin production at the source to help skin become fairer.
  • Protection against UV-induced skin darkening.  Exposure to UV rays, especially to UVA, accelerates and intensifies melanin production, leading to skin darkening.  Enriched with the powerful L'Oreal patented Mexoryl SX UV filters system. 
  • White Perfect Fairness Control Moisturizing Day Cream SPF17 provides perfection against UV induced darkening and the appearance of brown spots.
AMW MIL says ---
Pros
  • The product packaging comes with a protect cap which prevents spillage.
  • Gets absorbed into the skin easily.
  • Moisturizes skin minus the greasy feel.
  • I find that most whitening products are drying on dry or mature skin, I was told that this works well even on mature skin! 
  • Smells great!
  • Price is not bad for a product that works as moisturizer, sunblock (although not much) and a whitening product.
Cons
  • Unhygienic packaging!
  • If you are expecting for quick results, again, this is not a magical potion!  
  • SPF may not be enough for those who are more exposed to the harmful rays of the sun.
  • Does not have the extra anti-aging properties that some can offer! 
Overall
I am quite surprised that a whitening moisturizer can actually moisturize quite well!  My MIL told me that this actually does not dry out her skin as much as other products she tried!  I can't tell if this product reduces her dark spots as it was reduced drastically with her Garnier Light Overnight Whitening Peeling Cream, what I can attest is that her spots did not come back with continuous usage of "lightening" products!  

Tips
  • Use a spatula to dip on the product instead of your fingers!
  • For all skincare product with this type of packaging: on some days I am too lazy or I can't find my spatula, *embarrassed*, I used the protective cover to dip some product, sorry!  I'd rather do so than dip my fingers!
  • If you have very sensitive skin, apply a good amount from below the ear to the neck area, leave it overnight and check the next morning if allergic reactions occur.
  • Apply a thin layer on areas of you skin that is fine!  For areas that have dark spots, massage and concentrate a bit more.
  • Store in cool dry place!
  • I strongly suggest to follow up with a sunblock still!  
Will she repurchase?
Yes, not bad for a Day Cream.  But for the night cream, nothing will stop her from the Garnier one.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Normal, Combination or even Dry Skin.  This moisturizing day cream actually works well to all skin types.  For sensitive skin though, please be careful as this is still a whitening product, meaning, it does have a couple of ingredients that could cause allergic reactions to very sensitive skin!

Where to purchase and how much?

Available at all L'Oreal counters for Php595.00 (approx $13.50).

Texture of the L'Oreal White Perfect Fairness Control
Moisturizing Day Cream
(not so fluffy, so I'm not gonna die! LOL)



I want to thank my dear AMW Mom-in-law for being such a fabulous mom, for helping me out with these reviews (especially on skincare)!  Watch out for my skin product reviews as she's almost done with this!  What's the next product I'll let her try?  Hmm, ain't gonna tell!  :P

Have you tried this product?
Does it work for you?


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Friday, January 28, 2011

Something New: Girl Two Doors Down at The FlatShop

I may not talk a lot about fashion in this blog but that does not mean I am not into fashion!  Aside from checking beauty blogs, I check out fashion blogs and blogs about Hollywood actors and actresses because I want to snoop on their unglamorous life and of course, the highlight of snooping on such websites are the paparazzi shots that comes with it! 

No, I am not talking about racy photos of Miley Cyrus or the Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears getting off the car wearing short skirts with no undies!  You have to agree, those are quite intriguing though!  *laughs*

*won't insert photos*  tee hee

I like checking on fashionable stars as regular human beings, checking on what they wear and get amazed on how some of them can stay glamorous even when they're off to do regular chores!

When it comes to footwear, everybody knows that I am into fashion AND comfort!  Can anyone honestly tell me that the cute shoes they are wearing at this moment are super comfortable?  

8 out of 10 of my gorgeous shoes are UNCOMFORTABLE, that's why I only wear them during special events.  On most days (my colleagues can vouch to this), I love wearing sandals!  How can I be fashionable when I'm comfortable?
These actresses can!
Emmy Rossum, Eva Longoria, Stephanie Pratt
 Michelle Trachtenberg, Halle Berry

All 5 of them were seen sporting flip-flops with matching Vintage Diamond Bling that gives a bold statement!  Comfortable Flipflops plus a huge bling?  That calls for my attention!

The brand available in the US are now reachable to us locally!  The brand is called Girl Two Doors Down.  The brand is a mouthful but just think of a Girl Next Door who wants to be more than just typical, someone who wants to be unique, sexier, more confident and exciting, the girl is there two doors down!  Cool concept! 

Flip-flops are usually flats and flats are not my thing as they can hurt my back when I am walking too far!  After using this a couple of times, I appreciate the "no more heel pain" because there is a nice support on the arch of my feet!  It makes a huge difference because I was diagnosed with a very slight Scoliosis at a young age and wearing the right kind of footwear is as important as eating the right kind of food!

AMW Feet on Girl Two Doors Down
Gray Color
Diamond Brooch ornament

Size 7 (yes, I'm Chinese, and I don't have tiny feet! LOL)

 A closer look on the gorgeous Diamond Brooch!  Looks like a huge engagement ring on my feet! :D What's nice is that you can choose different styles or blings from Diamond Ring designs, Flower, Martini Glass, Trophy Medallion, Cross, Leaves, Triple Circles!  So many to choose from!

You can also choose flats or platforms at the same price or adding a couple of hundred pesos! That's variety!

Oh, before I forget, each stylist pair comes with bold statements like...
"I believe in Total Body Workout, currently my finger benches 3 carats"

Mine says: "If You Believe It's Excessive, You Don't Deserve It!"
I have to read this when I'm eating!  *laughs*
The next question would be...how much?
Well, I have to say, this bling doesn't come cheap!  
Diamond Brooch in Flat costs Php1,890.00 (approx $42.90)
I know!  Shocking right?  Most people would spend tons on clothing but not for me, I usually buy inexpensive clothing and spend more on footwear because my feet need the extra care!

Most of my footwear are well-taken care off and lasts more than a year or to some, even more than 2 years!  Definitely value for money! 

Visit The Flat Shop at the Ground Floor, Connecticut Arcade, Greenhills Shopping Center for US brands like Girl Two Doors Down, FitFlops, Sanuk, Bandals, Melissa and Anthology.

What's your most expensive flip flops to date?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!






(Note from Author: Product provided for PR consideration.  The author is not paid to write this post. All information written are based solely on author's personal experiences.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Thursday, January 27, 2011

AMW Version: Fresh, Natural Look

Yay!  First AMW Version for the year 2011!  It has been taking me time to create tutorials lately because of the same reasons!  So before I go on blabbing, I've created a look perfect for office meetings or just regular day at work!  A fresh and natural look that spells "Prepared, Organized, Ready-to-face-the-day!".

This type of eye makeup I've done does not alter the shape of your eyes, there's no corrective styles done, instead, just played with neutral colors to give a well polished look!


AMW Diagram


Prior to eyeshadow application, I choose to brighten up the undereye area with The Body Shop's Lightening Touch.  You can choose to use your preferred eyeshadow base, in my case, since I don't have oily lids, I chose NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Yoghurt as an eyeshadow base!

Step 1:
In this tutorial, I am using all the colors of L'Oreal OpenEyesPro Palette in Beige Harmony.  Using a fluffy eye crease brush, I applied the lightest shade over the entire eyelid on top of my NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Yoghurt base.


Step 2:
Using a flat shader brush, apply the e/s (as pointed with the brush on photo below) onto the crease with a patting motion to create depth and dimension.

Step 3:
Using the same crease brush or even a smaller version of the brush, apply the pointy tip on the outer-V corner of the eyes!  Blend out harsh lines.
Step 4: (optional)
Since the L'Oreal OpenEyesPro palette is very shimmery and natural in person, I wanted to create more depth on the outer-v, in doing so, I am using MAC Mineral Eyeshadow Odd Bits (from MAC Colour Craft Collection). Adding more as  go on.  

Do not forget to apply the same eyeshadow shade on the lower lashline.

Step 5: 
Using the sponge applicator, I pat a bit of the gold shimmer on the inner 1/4 of the eye for that "wide awake" and "bright" look!

Step 6:
Apply ELF Cream Eyeliner in Black on the upper lash line.  You can choose to wing your eyeliner but I chose to make it  more natural.  

Apply Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in 1L on the waterline.

Curl your lashes and apply coats of your favorite mascara.  I am using my favorite Etude House Proof 10 Henna Fix Mascara in Black.  Fill in your brows with your favorite brow powder or pencil.  I am using Tears Line and Mode Autobrow in 04.

Other products used on the rest of my face

 
For the Face:
Avon Ideal Shade Liquid Foundation in Nude 
with HD Makeup Blender Sponge.
Avon Ideal Shade Loose Powder to set


For the Cheeks:
DiorBlush #839 Vintage Pink - using the brush that comes with the palette
Clinique Up-lighting Liquid Illuminator - applied using fingers on areas I want to highlight (bridge of the nose and cheekbones)

For the Lips:
Daiso PE-3 Lipstick  - though drying, I am seriously in love with this shade! So Unique!
LipIce Color Gloss in Summer Pink



Show your best smile and you're ready to face any day!

Note to self: "I will, try to do more AMW Version!"
Hope this helps!  I am sure there's a whole lot of better versions out there! 
*sigh* Life is fun with so many choices!

Enjoy Thursday!  I can sniff Friday like a dog!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!