Include Mentholatum Products on your Holiday Shopping List!

Because having Lips On Fleek is possible if you have well-hydrated lips!  

I can assure you that Mentholatum has the right type of product for each member of the family!  I can attest to that because I was able to transform my family into a lip balm user since the arrival of yummy, non-sticky brands like Mentholatum.

If you follow me on SnapChat, I can actually get away putting my bare face on camera!  But I'm sharing you one tiny secret, I always have lip balm on!  You know why?  Because my face immediately "lit up" with a well moisturized lips!  You don't believe me?  Give it a try!  Take a photo of yourself without lip balm and with lip balm on (both barefaced!)  You'll see a difference! 

And thankfully, one of my favorite "lip balm" brand came up with more products to choose from!  And I believe they are worth including in your Christmas Shopping List!

Lip Pure Fragrance Free and Orange 

Pure & Natural Ingredients

My favorite "lip base" because it goes beyond lip balm that seems to be made just for women!  I have my husband bring one inside his bag and I actually saw him reapplying midday!  The balm slide on smoothly because of the bees wax, royal jelly and manuka honey and I love my lips feel smooth all day long!

Aside from that, I always recommend this to my friends who are pregnant or are lactating because this product is Natural, made from 100% food grade ingredients thus making it safe for both you and your baby.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Colleagues

Every Christmas season, the company I work for would prepare for Exchange Gift and the fun starts even before the gift-exchanging itself! The fun starts at Creating your own screen name (from Local actors/actresses to cartoon names, etc...) to the whole guessing game of who picked who!

Now that I'm working from home, I'm missing all office gift-giving but that won't stop me from sharing my Christmas gift ideas!  And I'm picking products ranging from Php500.00-Php1,000.00.

For the Kikay Colleague

Ah, the easiest Exchange Gift Recipient in my dictionary!  It takes one to know one --- 'nuff said!  But if you're not Kikay or you're probably a guy who chanced upon this post, well, here are some gift ideas you  may give to your "Kikay" Colleague.

If you see her into eyeliner, purchase the limited edition K-Palette Rose Scented 1Day Tattoo Liner priced at Php795.00!  She'll love this!

 

If she is into lip products, you may go for ---

AMW Reviews: LipIce Water Colour Lip Moisturizer

Happy Tuesday dearies!  Did you wake up with a good mood?  

Today, I will be sharing a review on a lip product that I received as a gift from a friend who visited the country!  It was a spot on "gift" as I love lip products that are very moisturizing!  

So thanks angel!  (You know who you are!) 

LipIce says ---

• Natural soft pink shades to enhance your natural beautiful lips.
• Contains Super Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramide to provide long lasting moisture to the lips.
• Enriched with Maxilip and Vitamin E.  An anti-oxidant that helps to reduce fine lines and keep lips supple.
• Available in 4 pink shades 

Net Wt: 3g

Ingredients: (click to enlarge)

AMW says ---
Pros

• Very cute, lipstick-like packaging.
• Very moisturizing.
• Gives a natural yet gorgeous color.
• Reduces lip lines.
• Can be used on its own, without lip balm underneath.

Cons

• Locally not available.
• They could make more shades!  
• None of that "menthol" feel which I enjoy on most LipIce products.

Overall
One of my favorite lip moisturizer + lip color to date.

Tips

• Local readers can try a similar concept lipstick + balm that is available locally called LipIce Color Balm.  Keep in mind that this one is slimmer and less moisturizing.
• Keep in mind that whatever color that was shown on tube, it will always turn out differently on your lips as different individuals have varying lip pigmentation.  The color that shows on your friend's lip may not necessarily mean it will turn out similarly on yours.
• Pick LipIce Water Colour Lip Moisturizer if you visit neighboring countries like China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, etc...
• Bring the LipIce Water Colour Lip Moisturizer with you as re-application is needed to maintain moisture on lips.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes to use both lip balm and lipstick!  This is a 2-in-1 product!

Where to purchase and how much?
Available at Watsons in neighboring countries.

Lip swatch

Colors on Tube 

L-R 03 Kissy Pink  , 02 Fantasy Pink

03 Kissy Pink looks like it can pass as a coral shade lip color but if both were applied on "my pigmented lips", I don't see much differences!  (photo proof below)

02 Fantasy Pink

03 Kissy Pink

Have you tried any of the LipIce Lip products?
Which one is your favorite?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: SunPlay Watery Cool Sunblock Lotion with Menthol SPF65 PA+++

Happy Monday!  Are you lazy?  Sleepy?  Wanting to go back to bed?  *high five*  I'm sure I feel the same!  Since I came back from Shanghai, I've been very sick but it's all worth it!  It was fun walking around the city and I'm proud to announce, I did not get lost!  I made sure to do my research and ask my brother on how to go to a certain place and took down notes as I take a peek at my post-it notes every now and then as I get pushed inside the train!  *laughs* 

All worth it! 

Speaking of walking around the city.  The weather in Shanghai was as crazy as Manila!  It's hot, humid and it rains mid-day!  Though I brought an umbrella with me, I'm not used to using it to protect myself from the sun! (Bad Nikki!)  But hey, I made sure to apply sunblock approximately 30 minutes before I leave the hotel room!  

Since I knew it's going to be hot and humid in Shanghai, I brought with me the SunPlay SPF 26 PA++ Watery Cool Clear & Smooth. 

Sunplay SPF65 PA++ Watery Cool says ---

Sunplay Watery Cool SPF65 contains Menthol that provides a cool refreshing sensation. It has a Revolutionary Watery Liquid Formulation that gives you the protection that you need, without you feeling a thing!

• High UV protection against UVA & UVB.
• Contains Menthol for cool & refreshing sensation.
• Japan Watery Liquid formulation is light and non greasy.
• Highly water-proof .
• For face & body.

Ingredients:

AMW says ---
Pros

• Packaging is super cute, simple, tiny packaging easily to carry during travel.
• Packaging has a clear print on expiration date.

• Once purchase, you know that the product you are getting is fresh from manufacturer due to its nice packaging.

• The twist cap prevents spillage.

• Easy to wipe/clean the tip after every use.

• Multi-tasking product, can be used on both face and body.
• Milky formula makes it easy to spread all over face and body.
• Gets absorbed into the skin in no time!
• Doesn't leave white casts.
• Does not feel heavy on skin even if I perspired a lot.
• I did not get dark after walking approximately more than an hour under direct sunlight.

Cons

• I can easily use up this product because of its tiny size.   
• It says to have "Menthol" for cooling effect but I never felt it? (could it be just me?)
• A bit pricey for 35g product.

Overall

I had a friend who texted me telling me how she hated the feeling of sunscreen but she needed the protection, I immediately recommended this to her because I've tested this under the most extreme weather (direct sunlight, heat plus humidity) and this fairs really well!  I did not have a bit of the sticky-feel that I sometimes get in other sunblock!  Once I got back, I immediately asked Mr. AMW if I got dark, he told me: "Nope!" So SPF65 protection, CHECK!

Tips

• Apply at least 15 minutes before you go out of the sun.
• Do not follow my crazy steps, try to use a hat, umbrella and steer clear from direct sunlight even if you have sunblock protection! 
• If you have very sensitive skin, do the patch test before you apply this all over your body.
• Do the same on face application, apply a bit on one area and see if your skin reacts!  
• Shake well before use, you can hear the sound of the "metal ball" inside.
• Always clean the tip after every use (just my OC thing).
• Re-apply  if you've been sweating a lot or if you were out of the sun for too long.
• Planning to head on to the beach and you needed much more protection?  Choose their other variant that has higher SPF.  Sunplay Super Block SPF130 PA+++

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who hates the feeling of lotion or sunblock.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Watson's or selected Beauty by SM for Php349.00 (approx $8.31).

A photo to show you the water-y texture

Once applied on one arm, after less than 5 minutes

it gets absorbed into my skin without the "shine" or "film-y texture"

A good sunblock lotion that goes up to my list!  
Have you tried SunPlay?  Do you like it?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: Sunblock with Menthol + Highest SPF Sunblock

Happy Friday everyone!  If you're in a mood today just like I do, flash me a huge smile please? 

 **photo from source

Any reader of my blog knew how happy I was when the brand Mentholatum came down to our shores.  Gone were the "Stalking Sasa website" days for "online hoarding"!  And I'm even feeling giddier when I learn from my dear twitter friend Mimi when she confirmed that SunPlay is indeed available locally!

Summer season is definitely on our way and there are so many outdoor activities we want to do!  As we get exposed to the sun, the ultraviolet rays are harmful to our skin!  

Confused on the difference of UVA and UVB?

UVA rays darken skin color as it penetrates deeply into skin.  Prolong UVA exposure causes permanent damage to our collagen fiber.  Once damaged, our skin will lose the elasticity leading to wrinkle development and aging.

UVB rays, on the other hand, are known to cause sunburn.  It's when the surface of our skin reacts quickly by becoming red, inflamed and freckled.

When you purchase sunblock, you will also see PA and a couple of pluses (+).  And you think they are just there because it looks cool?  *laughs*

PA+      means 2-4 times protection

PA++    provides 4-8 times protection.

PA+++  gives an 8-time protection or more

Now that you get the basic on sunblock, it is natural we choose a sunblock that contains both SPF & PA factors for broader protection! 

I remember how I get excited on SPF25 as its the highest available in the market back then!  Would you believe we finally have the highest SPF and PA in the market available locally?  Eureka Moment!

SunPlay SPF130 PA+++

Php399.00 (approx $9.50)

• Highest SPF and PA in the market, giving maximum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
• Super sweat and waterproof formula for long hours outdoors and water activities.
• Absorbs quickly onto skin for a weightless, non-greasy feel. 
• Suitable for daily use on face and body

SunPlay Watery Cool SPF65 PA+++

Php349.00 (approx $8.30)

• contains menthol for a cool and refreshing sensation.
• Watery Liquid Formulation provides ultimate sun protection that's weightless and non-greasy.
• Highly water-resistant.
• Ideal for sports and outdoor activities.

There are 2 other lower SPF variants available!

SunPlay Clear Water SPF50 PA+++

Php349.00 (approx $8.30)

SunPlay Powdery White SPF47 PA+++

Php349.00 (approx $8.30)

All of them are ideal for face and body, ideal for daily use!  Local readers can find these exclusively in all Watsons stores nationwide!

Definitely a Eureka Moment for sun protection lovers out there!

It'll be perfect if they bring in Mr. AMW's favorite facial cleanser OXY, which has this cooling effect during wash!  Mr. AMW hoarded in Shanghai and he has one tube left! 

(also made from Mentholatum, same company)

I will review the SunPlay SPF130 PA+++ and SPF65 PA+++ once I've used them!  Do wait for my reviews!  For the early birds who have purchased these, feel free to click comment and tell everyone your experiences on these!

What's the highest SPF you've used?
Happy weekend!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Version: Neutrals with a Twist

Because I am into neutrals, it doesn't mean that I can't play around with it!  I personally have 2 types of neutrals --- The Barely There Neutrals and the Sultry Neutrals which I call Neutrals with a Twist.  It is a personal preference of mine to go for Barely There Neutral Makeup on regular work days and whip up more eyeshadow or probably add on a falsies on random days that I will be attending a "press conference" just because I am an well-known actress!  *laughs*  

Joking aside, if I am required to be made up, I'll still go for my favorite neutrals but darken it a bit or probably add up a bit more color on my cheeks and lips because I do like the natural makeup in me!

Here's a Neutrals with a Twist, AMW Style!

AMW Diagram

Before I start the explanation, I want to thank my blogger friend  The Purple Snowflake for sending me my first Lunasol Palette, Majolica Majorca palette and Palgantong Theatrical powder for me to give these brands a try!  This tutorial is dedicated to you! :)

Step 1:

I applied my Etude House Proof 10 Eye primer thinly all over the lids patting to make sure its dry.  Using a soft brush, apply peachy eyeshadow shade from the Lunasol Nature Summer Beige Palette all over the lids.

Step 2:

Using the brown eyeshadow from Majolica Majorca BR742 palette, swipe a bit of the color on the outer corner of the lids creating deep set eyes (in my dreams!)  Well at least I tried!  Pack up more colors depending on your preference.

Step 3:

Because I like the gold shimmer from the  Lunasol Nature Summer Beige Palette shown on photo below, I applied it all over the upper part of the crease to blend everything together.

Step 4:

Using my favorite Bobbi Brown Expresso eyeshadow shade, I apply a bit of the matte brown shade close to lashline.

Since I wanted this neutral look to be a bit more dramatic, I used KKCenterHK's A134 lashes.  Using Sasi eyelash glue.  I filled in my brows with Paul & Joe Eyebrow Pencil no. 2.

After attaching the false lashes, I used Revlon's ColorStay Liquid Liner in black to line the upper lash line and cover the gaps in between.

Do not forget to line your lower lash line, you can choose to use your prefered eyeliner but in this tutorial, I am using the Bobbi Brown expresso eyeshadow as a lower lash liner to have a natural effect.

Here's the result!

Of course, as always, here's to show you what's on the rest of my face!

For the Face:
Kevin Beautymaker Oil-Free & Moisturizing

2 Way Powder Foundation no. 3

For the Cheeks:
L'Oreal True Match Blush 

in Aprikot Kiss

For the Lips:

Elianto Matte Berry Lipstick in 03

Mentholatum Lip Balm on top

I am actually on the orange/peachy blush and lipstick look because...I want to give pink a rest in this tutorial!   Now, all I need to do is smile and say... "Friday is Near!!!!"

Do you have your own Neutrals with a twist?
I would say mine is the added falsies!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Mentholatum Lip Ice Color Lip balm

Teenagers nowadays are lucky in every way!  From technology to as simple as lip balms!  I can still remember my mom telling me how much she wants to have her lips "colored" and her mom was very strict about it so she ended up using crayons!  (I must have gotten a bit of that genes..LOL)

During my time, I remember wanting the lip balms that my classmates use, one swipe --- nice pinkish lips!

I've longed for those but I don't have the money to purchase one!  I've ended up purchasing those inexpensive ones that tastes like melted plastic!   The things I do to have a nice hint of color on my lips!

Nowadays, I've been seeing more and more tinted lip balm that are priced just right and works really well!  I wish we have them decades ago! 

The Mentholatum Lip Ice Color Lip Balm

Lip Ice Color Lip balm says ---

• Gives natural and lovely color for soft and beautiful lips.
• A super moist retention formula with water microsphere and AcHA (Sodium Acetyl Hyaluronate).
• Contains Vitamin E, Lanolin Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Mango Seed Butter to keep your lips soft and moisturized.
• SPF15 for UV Protection

Available in: Candy Apple, Pretty Pink and Sweet Rose

AMW says ---

Pros

• Gives out a very pretty shade of reds or pinks depending on the variant you choose.
• Glides on easily on lips.
• Packaging is sleek.
• No weird scent.
• Gives out a nice "glitter" that is not too chunky!
• Gives a nice 3-dimensional look of your lips because of the various shades of tiny specks or glitters.
• Has SPF 15!
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Since the product is housed in a very slim packaging, it is very easy to finish up the product!
• Limited shades available.
• Moisture power is not enough for super dry lips.

Overall
A very nice tinted lip moisturizer that looks like you have naturally good, colored lips!

Tips

• Store in cool, dry place.
• Do not twist the product too much to prevent breakage during application.
• If you have very dry lips, choose to prep your lips with a really good lip balm prior to application of the Lip Ice Color Lip balm.
• Re-apply as much as needed as this has moisturizing properties which makes the color glides off easily.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?

From teens to adults!  This is a great start up lipstick that youngsters can play with as the price isn't bad and the quality is good!

Where to purchase and how much?
Available at Watson's or Beauty by SM for Php125.00 (approx $2.90).

Sweet Rose on hand

Sweet Rose on lips without lip balm

What's your first tinted lip balm?
I can't seem to remember mine!  It tastes so bad it crashed my memory! :P

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Readers' Corner: Inexpensive Alternative for Kiehl's Lip Balm No. 1

I was asked a lot of times on what lip treatment I've used that I would recommend.  I've always say for the very dry lips like yours truly, I'd invest on Kiehl's Lip Balm No. 1!  There's also an inexpensive alternative on using Petroleum Jelly but not everyone like the feel and taste of it.  

After trying out several brands, there's 2 in the market that's "almost similar" to the famous Kiehl's Lip Balm that people on the budget can try! 

Mentholatum Lip Gel

Net Wt. 8.0g
Php108.00 (approx $2.40)

Smoothening and improving texture of chafed, chapped lips.

 Texture is not too sticky  nor runny, just right!

The slanted applicator makes it very easy to apply on lips without messing up your fingers!  

Hydrates, moisturize lips instantly and I love the nice minty-feel
Nice tingling sensation stays for more than 5 minutes.

Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm

Net Wt. 10g
Php99.75 (approx $2.26)

Helps to moisturize and relieve dry chapped lips.

The rounded and smooth head makes it easy to apply straight to the lips

Texture of the balm is not too runny more sticky.  Just right.

Easy to apply straight to the lips or if you're sharing this,
you can choose to use your fingers or lip brush in application.  Hygienic packaging.

On lips, tingling sensation stays for more than 5 minutes!

Both products are worth giving a try especially if you're on the budget.  Mentholatum is runnier in texture while Carmex is a tad bit stickier.  Both have this nice minty feel which makes it really relaxing and soothing once applied on lips!

Carmex has a stronger minty taste while Mentholatum is on to the lighter side.  Both can relieve dry, chapped lips.  Both products work when used on a daily basis.  I like using them night time before I go to sleep and early morning while I dry my hair!  Both products are inexpensive yet works like a charm!

Have you tried any of these 2?
Which one's your favorite? I can't seem to pick one because I am always PRO on Variety!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!