AMW Reviews: Face of Australia Face Base Primer

Every time we visit the Duty Free Shop in the Philippines, I make sure to stop by the Smashbox counter to restock my Smashbox Photofinish Primer Light which I like using on clients!  Unfortunately, I get "Sorry, it's still out of stock." answer for the longest time and I actually ran out of my favorite primer so I have to be always on a lookout for an alternative!

My most recent primer that I've tried on both myself and clients is the Face of Australia Face Base Primer with Vitamin E and Chamomile.  Scroll down for my in depth review! 

Face of Australia says ---

Face of Australia Face Base Primer is specially formulated to apply under your foundation to improve your complexion and assist make-up last longer. Face Base Primer contains Vitamin E to nourish and hydrate skin and chamomile to smooth your complexion, leaving it fresher and brighter, ready for foundation application. Face of Australia Face Base Primer fills fine lines for a more balanced surface, so that your foundation applies evenly and stays on longer for all-day flawless skin.

It smooths skin tone, fills fine lines, whilst delivering instant hydration that retains skin's moisture level and controls shine. Face Base Primer improves performance and foundation wear with chamomile to promote skin repair. Contains Vitamin E to strengthen and smooth skin's texture and Yarrow Extract encourages cell regeneration. Face Base Primer is Oil Free so it won't clog pores.

Size: 50ml (1.7 fl. oz.)
Ingredients

AMW says ---
Pros

• Tube packaging with flip top lid.  Easy to tote along.
• Oil-free primer indeed and never feels heavy on skin.
• Contains Vitamin E and Chamomile as its top ingredients.  Vitamin E is always great on skin while Chamomile gives a relaxing effect.
• Texture is in between gel and lotion.  Very lightweight.
• Fast absorbing. 
• Hydrating, non-drying.
• Doesn't create heavy or oily-feel.
• Silicone-free.
• Makeup stays longer and maintains a fresh-looking appearance for people with dry, normal and combination skin.  Super oily individual may still need to retouch at the end of the day.
• Powder, cream or liquid foundation can  be applied more evenly with this face base primer underneath.

Cons

• No added sunscreen.
• There's a very tiny hint of "plastic" scent which doesn't bother me but may bother people with super sensitive nose.
• The product doesn't blur out or fill in fine lines and wrinkles.

Overall

The Face of Australia Face Base Primer reminded me so much of the Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation Primer base on the texture and calming properties.  The FOA Face Base Primer is lightweight, moisturizing, gives a calming effect on skin and makeup stays fresh longer than applied without it.

Tips

• Apply sunscreen prior to primer application for added protection.  But if you are mostly indoors and will be photographed a lot, you can skip sunscreen just for a day!
• After skin care, apply Face of Australia Face Base Primer on freshly moisturized face and let it sit for a couple of minutes before you proceed with foundation application.
• On areas that needed more "protection" (ex. dry spots, wrinkles, fine lines, t-zone, etc..) apply a bit more of the face base primer using patting motion and wait for the product to sink in.
• Primers are best applied with clean fingers using massaging motion.
• If you have very sensitive skin, do a patch test before applying the product all over your face.  Once signs of irritations occur, stop usage IMMEDIATELY.
• If you have BB creams added into your makeup regimen, it boils down to trial and error on which comes first, BB cream with added skincare can come first and proceed with primers while some prefers to go the other way around.  It is basically your choice at the end of the day!
• People who suffers from super dry skin may need the extra help of a moisturizer prior to primer application.  While people with super oily skin may need to take with them oil-control films to pat off excess oil midday.

Will I repurchase?
Yes

To whom do I recommend this to?First time primer users or even long-time primer users can give this a try!  Works best on normal, dry, combination skin!  Oily skin would appreciate this too due to its oil-free formulation, but VERY Oily skinned individuals may find the need to retouch at the end of the day!

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at D Hip Sanctuary for Php618.00 (approx $15.45). Add them up on Facebook or email them dhip.sanctuary@facebook.com.  If you want to learn about their bazaar schedules, contact Karen 0999-888-2682
 
Photos

Face of Australia Face Base Primer Tube Packaging

with flip top cap

Sealed upon purchase

Texture is lightweight, lotion/gel-like texture

Easy to apply and blend into the skin

The product gets absorbed into the skin easily and gives a fresh, moisturized texture.

Since my last bride for year 2012 have normal, clear skin, I've used this primer on her and I am so happy to report that I got a text from her a couple of days later thanking me for the makeup and gave me a super helpful feedback!  Her makeup stayed the whole day and she didn't have to do much retouch! Great job Face of Australia Face Base Primer!

With BB creams and CC creams around the corner, are you still using primers on daily basis or on special occasions?  Why or why not? 

Feel free to read my previous post on Tip for the Day: Base Makeup/Primers.

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AMW Reviews: Face of Australia Gentle Make-Up Remover

When my dear blogger friend Tine of Beautyholics Anonymous blogged about FOA Gentle Make-Up Remover, and I can't help rummage through my "stocks" of makeup and screamed: "I have this!!!" 

She discussed how it can remove difficult mascaras like the Majolica Majorca, I am sold!  I used the product immediately that night!  

Here's my thoughts on the makeup remover!

Face of Australia says ---
FACE OF AUSTRALIA presents our innovative Make-Up Remover that is a dual phase formula containing no Oil or Parabens.

This super gentle fluid is activated when liquid is shaken combining the two phases for the ultimate make-up removal. With a tear compatible pH, this fragrance free formula melts away all types of make-up including stay-put and waterproof and will not sting sensitive eyes. Contains soothing Cornflower Extract.

FACE OF AUSTRALIA Gentle Make-Up Remover Lotion is an innovative "tear Compatible" pH sensitive formula that is perfect for all skin types particularly those with very sensitive skin or eyes. The dual phase formula is Oil and Paraben Free and contains soothing Cornflower Extract.

Ingredients:

Water, Cyclomethicone, Isopropyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Centaurea Cyanus (Cornflower) Flower Extract, Propylene Glycol, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol, Lauralkonium Chloride.

AMW says ---
Pros

• Packaging is simple and clear, makes it easy to check how much product is left.
• Very gentle.
• Non-greasy.
• Doesn't sting my eyes.
• No blurring of vision.
• Removes waterproof makeup well.
• Fragrance-free!
• I can make eye makeup mistakes, remove makeup and re-apply makeup with no problems at all!
• Price.

Cons

• Limited areas to purchase for local readers.

Overall

A very gentle make-up remover that works on the eyes and face with no signs of irritations.  This product reminds me so much of my favorite Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover but the FOA one is more inexpensive.

Tips
from FOA

• Shake vigorously till phases have combined, then apply liquid onto cotton pad. 
• Wipe gently over face beginning with closed eyes, being careful not to rub make-up into the eye area.

from AMW

• The back of the bottle says shake vigorously and they mean it!  You can only make the product work by doing so!
• Use a cotton pad instead of cotton balls for eye make-up removal.  
• Use around 3 drops for light makeup application and 5-6 drops for heavy makeup.
• Press the cotton pad on the eye area for a couple of seconds, rub your eyes gently back and forth for complete removal.
• Take the time to use a separate cotton bud to remove stubborn waterproof eyeliner.  Doing so will prevent your eyes from getting infections.

Will I repurchase?
YES!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Make-up users!  You'll love the super gentle formula minus the oil residue!

Where to purchase and how much?

Locally at D Hip Sanctuary for Php448.00 (approx $10.67). Add them up on Facebook or email them dhip.sanctuary@facebook.com.  If you want to learn about their bazaar schedules, contact Karen 0999-888-2682

 
Photos

The tip of the bottle

Before shaking, product looks semi-clear

After shaking vigorously

I press the cotton on my eye area for 10-20 seconds

 then gently rub the eye area left and right to remove stubborn eye make-up.

Brow gel, eye shadow, mascara and liner removed!

Keep in mind to do the extra step of removing excess liner close to the lash line that may not be removed by cotton pad.  Check the rest of my brows and eyelid, looks clean and oil-free!

Have you found your most gentle make-up remover to date?
If yes, what brand is it?
Prior to FOA, I've found 3 products that I alternate every now and then because they are all gentle on the eye area.  Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover, Benefit Remove It Makeup Remover and Lancome BiFacil.  Now that I've discovered FACE OF AUSTRALIA Gentle Make-Up Remover and is the most inexpensive among all the brands that I love, you do the math!  :)

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AMW Reviews: Face of Australia Divine Shine Lip Plumper

If you put a lip plumper in front of me, I'd probably run to the opposite direction!  That's how allergic I am in anything that would make my lips appear thicker than it already is!

Back in the day, before the famous "Angelina Jolie" sexy lips, I am quite shy about my full lips and would press my lips together or worst, bite my lips when I'm meeting new people.  That's probably the huge reason why my lips are always dry as I tend to eat my lip balm even before the product takes action!

Today, I'm not saying I'm proud of my full, dry lips but I'm embracing what was given to me because I got them from my parents!  *laughs*  The point is, I'm quite happy with what I have because these lips make me the talkative person I am! :P  

When I got the Face of Australia Divine Shine Lip Plumper, I nearly gave this away....

Don't get me wrong, it's not about me + my full lips issue but the ingredients that came with the lip plumper.  Ginger?  Cinnamon?  On my makeup?  NO WAY!

As I applied the product on my lips ready to gag (with Mr. AMW enjoying the view), I am quite surprised the combination of Ginger, Cinnamon and Menthol blended so well together like a married couple + mistress *laughs*

Face of Australia says ---

Cinnamon & Ginger stimulate circulation below the skin's surface, encouraging lips to flush and plump. Menthol combines to produce a longer lasting plumping effect for bigger lips. Lanolin fills fine lines and makes lips appear smoother & fuller. Intense light reflecting pigments ensure a mirror-like gloss effect.

Shades: Sterling Blossom and Lavish Instict

AMW says ---
Pros

• Comes with sponge applicator that makes it easy to apply on lips.
• Contains cinnamon and ginger (both I'm not a fan of) but I'm quite surprised the scent is okay for me.
• Super non-sticky.
• Never feels heavy on lips.
• Doesn't sting.
• Moisturizes my lips.

Cons

• Though the good moisture makes my lips look a bit plump, it doesn't give the exaggerated "Angelina Jolie" lips as you may want.

Overall
Has a nice tingling sensation that I find relaxing.  Applies smoothly and doesn't feel sticky.  Gives the lips a good amount of shine and moisture.

Tips

• If you are in dire need to make your lips appear fuller, let's not depend on just one lip product (the Lip Plumper), gently apply lip liner outside the natural line of your lips.  You can choose to apply lipstick on top then finish it with a nice Lip Plumper.
• Avoid dark lipsticks or lip glosses if you want fuller looking lips.
• Apply more of the FOA Divine Shine Lip Plumper at the center of your lips for more shine.
• If you are not a fan of cinnamon and ginger, you may think twice on purchasing this product as not everyone is a fan of these ingredients!

Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone into lip plumper without the painful feel.

Where to purchase and how much?

At D Hip Sanctuary for Php538.00 (approx $12.50). Add them up on Facebook or email them dhip.sanctuary@facebook.com.  If you want to learn about their bazaar schedules, contact Karen 0999-888-2682

Photos

As seen on my before and after photo my lips are full to start with so I don't think it could get fuller (I don't intend to!).  The immediate gratification is the lovely natural warmth it gives with added shine and moisture.

The shade Lavish Instinct is sheer with light shimmers that doesn't equate to a disco ball!

Are you into Lip Plumpers?
If yes, what's your favorite brand?

I have to be honest with you that I dislike lip plumpers and I dislike the way they sting my "already fat" lips!  I am quite surprised with the Face of Australia Divine Shine Lip Plumper as it gives my lips a natural moisture and shine without the sticky feel!

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How to: First Trimester Pregnancy Face

Happy October 1st AMW Friends!!!  It's a Monday and it's the start of another new month!  I am sending good vibes to everyone!!! 

To jump start the busy week, my "This is How I Do It" post may be dedicated to all expectant moms out there especially on their first trimester but this is also a makeup look that our younger readers can try!  I'm talking about you high school and college students who want to start on makeup yet don't want to look too made up! 

Because of the pregnancy hormones kicking in, my sense of smell has multiplied 100x and I do have the nauseous feeling and I throw up every now and then!  Going out and fixing oneself is one easy task I love to do in the past but things have changed and I'm finding myself tempted not to apply makeup at all and leave the house!

But I can't! I do need to go out for some special gatherings and most especially, those makeup gigs that was booked months ago!  I want to put an effort to look good as I don't want my clients to see my super tired, stressed, nauseous-look!  

This is How I Do It!!!

Brows

I find myself creating lighter looking brows as I tend to skip on eye shadow application so creating strong brows is not the thing as of the moment.  Since my hair is still lighter than my brows, I take time to redefine my brows and fill in spaces by using brow powders.  (Ex. Benefit Brow Zings)

AMW Reviews: Face Of Australia High Definition Liquid Liner

Good morning!
How are my dear friends doing?  Today, I will be sharing a new brand that probably isn't new in other countries but quite new to my ears since its arrival to our shores via a reseller who's a sister of my batch mate in high school.  

I want to thank Karen for sending me these Face Of Australia products as it is always nice to try something new!  

Liquid liners, I've always been a lover for liquid liners and I do not mind liquid liners that comes with super sharp, pointed brush.  My hands are (thankfully) quite steady.  But what about the rest of the population who worries about shaky hands but likes the effect of liquid liners? 

Well, that's a reason why felt-tip pen liners were made available!  There isn't a lot of them I believe as compared to those "soft bristled" brush but I was able to try one from Jessie's Girl several years back and another one which is from Face Of Australia (FOA).

The one I tried is in Black

Face Of Australia says ---

FACE OF AUSTRALIA High Definition Liquid Eyeliner pen delivers precision color with the ultra high definition felt tip applicator.

For clean, sharp defined lines in a convenient no mess pen application that creates precise definition to the shape of the eye. Create a dramatic statement with a mistake proof application which sets in seconds and is water resistant.

AMW says ---
Pros

• Well sealed upon purchase.
• Felt tip pen makes application a breeze even for unsteady hands.
• Nice formulation.
• Pigmentation is good.
• Can create a perfect "flick" or "cat eye" look all the time!
• The product didn't smudge.  It does lighten a bit ONLY if I accidentally rub my eyes.
• Easy to remove with regular eye makeup remover.
• No scent.
• No irritations.

Cons

• If applied with heavy hand, may hurt the eye.
• If the pen is not stored properly, there will be times the line won't be as dark thus it is needed to close the cap and shake the pen again.
• Since this product is not available in stores for now, online shopping is needed.

Overall
A nice liquid liner especially for newbie!  Pigmentation is great, felt tip pen is very precise.

Tips

• Shake the pen well before usage.
• Best if the product is stored standing up to get the most of the product.
• Always apply with light hand.  Do not tug your lids.
• As soon as you finish using, put back the cap immediately to prevent product from drying.  
• Be careful not to ruin the precise tip.  Once ruined, the pen will be useless!
• Do not apply on waterline.  Never tightline using a liquid liner.
• Once signs of irritations occur, stop usage immediately.

Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
First time liquid liner users or those who love to create cat eyes or draw "Avant Garde" style makeup on face!

Where to purchase and how much?

At D Hip Sanctuary for Php618.00 (approx $14.40). Add them up on Facebook or email them dhip.sanctuary@facebook.com.  If you want to learn about their bazaar schedules, contact Karen 0999-888-2682

Photos

Marker-like tip making it easy to create straight, curve lines

With the pointed tip, it is easy to create thick or thin lines.

I tried smudging the product but I ended up rubbing very hard thus the lines almost disappeared!  Keep in mind that I took all the effort to rub off the product (in which we don't usually apply that amount of pressure on our eye area.)

Application:

Apply on the upper lashline with the pen facing sidewards as shown on photo below.

Once you reach the outer eye area, feel free to point the tip and create a flick.

The pen can also be used to apply on the lower lashline.

Keep in mind to use light-hand strokes for a natural finish.

Never press the pen hard on your lids nor apply with pressure.

See how the hard tip can pull the skin on your lids?

FOA High Definition Liquid Liner in Black

Applied on upper lashline

Have you heard about Face Of Australia Products?
Would you go for a felt-tip pen type of liquid liner or a liner with soft bristled brush?

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(Product sent for review.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)