AMW Reviews: Pevonia Power Repair Age Correction Hydrating Cleanser

Happy Monday AMW Friends
A lot of you are probably on a week-long holiday.  As for me, I'm still at work getting busier as ever!  I had a lovely weekend spending time cramming on Christmas Gifts and attending parties/get-together!  I have more the following days but I'm not complaining, this is definitely the season to be jolly and what made this year's Christmas even better?  The fact that I have Baby Kyle with me!  He is God's greatest gift to us! :)

Anyways, Christmas is drawing near and I won't be on a holiday when it comes to product reviews.  I recently tried Pevonia Power Repair Age Correction Hydrating Cleanser and trust me what I say..."I'm In Love!"  

I'm always picky when it comes to my skincare regimen, expensive doesn't mean it will work on my super sensitive and picky skin!  But after using Pevonia Power Repair Age Correction Hydrating Cleanser for more than 2 months, I can definitely explain why I'm in love with this product. 

Pevonia says ---
Cleansing pleasure! Creamy textured and hydrosoluble, Hydrating Cleanser removes skin impurities and thoroughly rinses away without any residue. Precisely combining Marine Collagen and Marine Elastin, this hydrating cleanser helps to preserve your skin’s moisture and hydrolipidic film.

AMW Reviews: Pevonia Botanica Ligne Yeux Eye Make-Up Remover

Around 7 years ago, I had severe eye allergies that made me wore sunglasses even at night (yes, I'm singing the song on top of my head now!).  It took me 3 full months for my eyes to completely heal so from then on, I learned how sensitive my eyes are so I made sure to invest time, effort and money to take care of my eyes!  I make sure to clean my eyes with a gentle eye makeup remover EVERY night before I go to sleep.

After trying high and low on various brands of eye makeup remover, I have a conclusion on what my requirements of a good eye make up remover should be ---

• Does not sting the eye.
• Non-oily.
• Removes ALL traces of makeup, yes, even the waterproof ones.
• Should have a calming effect.

Recently, I "hit the pan" on Benefit's Remove It Makeup Remover so it was perfect timing when I got the Pevonia Botanica Ligne Yeux Eye Make-Up Remover from Elaine of Pevonia.  (Thanks Elaine!)  Elaine told me that most Pevonia partner spas use this to remove makeup before commencing any facial! 

After using this for a couple of weeks (almost a month), I'm ready to share my opinion on this luxurious eye make-up remover!

Pevonia says ---

Cleanse without irritation! Calming and decongesting, Eye Make-up Remover is a refreshing way to thoroughly cleanse eyelids and eyelashes. Gently aqueous and non-irritating, it combines Lettuce, Cucumber, and Arnica to remove your eye make-up without pressure or friction. Also suitable for contact lenses or sensitive eyes.  

AMW Reviews: Pevonia Botanica Micro-Emulsified Massage Oil “Anti-Stress”

Happy Saturday everyone!
The week passed by pretty quickly and today, I'm off to spend quality time with my family as my brother will be leaving the country again after a week long vacation!  We're staying overnight in a hotel for relaxation, speaking of relaxation, I'll definitely bring my Pevonia Botanica product in which I will be reviewing today so you'll understand why I'm taking this with me!  There will definitely be some massaging session for both my mom and sister! :D

Pevonia says ---

Exhale and De-stress! Enjoy a relaxing massage any time…anywhere. Elegantly creamy, Micro-Emulsion Massage Oil Anti-Stress releases pent up tension and fatigue as it easily glides onto your skin. Delightfully aromatic, nourishing Safflower, Geranium, and Orange Oils blend to activate circulation, replenish elasticity and hydration while relieving dryness.

Nt. weight: 150ml/ 0.5 oz
Ingredients:

AMW says ---
Pros

• Simple packaging that's perfect on my bath area.
• A little goes a long way.  
• Smells wonderful and relaxing.
• The product is non-oily and non-greasy.
• Hydrates skin immediately after use.  Moisture stays for the whole day.
• The product says "oil" but it's actually a light cream texture that gets absorbed into the skin easily.

Cons

• Price.
• Not widely available.

Overall

The Pevonia Botanica Micro-emulsified massage oil is called "oil" amidst the light cream texture is due to the fact that it can activate the skin's natural oil release which helps the skin feels silkier and smoother.  The product is lightweight upon application and grease-free for the rest of the day.

Tips
from Pevonia

• Use as desired for a relaxing and renewing massage by applying a small quantity on areas of tension or all over your body and applying desired pressure. 
• Your skin's own warmth promotes the oil’s release and helps it become increasingly silkier. 

from AMW

• Best applied after shower or bath.
• I like applying more on areas that needed more moisture, my knees, my elbows and my ankles.
• Take time in application, if you worry about the product feeling heavy and greasy the whole day, wipe off excess "moisture" by patting your skin with a clean towel.
• It helps to have someone massage you.  Now that I can't reach my toes, Mr. AMW helps me apply lotion on my legs and feet before I go to sleep.
• Apply on pressure points like the bag of the neck, temple etc... for relaxation.
  

Will I repurchase?

I just did.  I have a friend who just gave birth to her second daughter in the US and I think she deserves some relaxation!  Well, she's probably reading this so I'm not saying anything more! :D

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who needs to hydration plus relaxation.  This is perfect as gifts for busy moms and even single women out there who's busy with work!

Where to purchase and how much?

Available locally online for Php2.570.00 (approx $64.25). Like Pevonia Botanica Philippines on Facebook and visit http://pevoniaskincareblog.com.ph/ to read more about our products, promotions and other skincare and wellness articles.

Photos

Packaging 

Twist cap and squeeze tube in which I appreciate as I'm sure to get all the products inside!

A pump packaging will always be appreciated but I don't mind this.

Light cream texture in which I was a bit surprised as I was expecting "oil" to come out!  I'm glad it's not as I tend to worry about the greasy feel most oil-products give!  

Upon massage, the effect looks like regular lotion but its more absorbent than regular creams/lotions.

So far, this is my second Pevonia Botanica products that I've tried and both experiences are positive!  Their prices are a bit higher than regular skincare/bodycare but at the end of the day, if it works for you and can satisfy the needs of your skin, why not?  You deserve it!

Just in case, if you don't have the budget to purchase their wide range of products, you can always have a massage at The Spa as I believe they also offer Pevonia Botanica products there!  I actually learned about the brand during my stay in Shenzhen, China as the Spa place in which I bought my 1 year membership from uses all Pevonia Botanica products and both the facial and body care works for me!

Please LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook 
Follow AskMeWhats on Twitter  
Get "photo-updated" on Instagram (search "AskMeWhats")

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
 

Readers' Corner: My Pregnancy Skincare

Happy Friday my dear readers!  Today, I will be writing a special post on the most requested "Pregnancy Skincare Routine" that I've been doing since I got pregnant.  The readers who asked are either pregnant while some aren't, they just have strong sensitive to product scent or some have really sensitive skin!  

Please bear in mind that the products listed below are used based on my continuous product testing and I did ask my Doctor regarding some of the products used below!  If you are pregnant and has sensitivity to certain ingredients, it is very important to ask your doctor, they are way more professional than I am!  :)

It is funny how our body works, as soon as I got pregnant, no matter how much I would like to use my regular skincare regimen, my strong sensitivity to product scents puts me off and it was automatic for me to use the least products possible!  I call my Pregnancy Skincare Regimen the "Evolution of Man" stage!  I started from the super basic "water only" cleansing routine then slowly improving as my morning sickness subsides!  

First 2 Months ---

I cannot stay inside a washroom without the urge to throw up so I always try to be as quick as possible when I brush my teeth and wash my face.  My skin survived 2 full months of just plain water and scrubbing my face using my Konjac Sponge! (Please read past review HERE.)  It was a big surprise for me that I did not have breakout at all!  My skin looks okay, not at its best but I can face anyone with bare face at this stage!  

AMW Reviews: Pevonia Botanica Dry Oil Body Moisturizer

Good morning Monday!  I am sending all the good vibes to AMW readers so as not to suffer from the Monday Blues!  Did you have a good rest over the weekend?  

Since it's the start of the week, let's slow down a bit, I'm writing about something relaxing!  What's more relaxing than a good spa treatment?  Over the years, I've shy-ed myself on facial treatments but I wouldn't mind spending a bit for body massage!  My body longs for it especially after a week's hard work!  As my friend Bea would say: "Let's release those tension knots!"  It's an invitation I can't seem to resist!

I've tried a couple of SPAs in the Metro and most of the time, I do check what products they use on my body and most of the luxurious spas I've tried have one thing in common, the availability of Pevonia Botanica products!  Mind you, my first Pevonia experience was in Shenzhen, China! 

Pevonia says ---

Absolutely luscious, Pevonia Dry Oil Body Moisturizer indulges your skin in aromatic glory without an oily or greasy feeling. Immediately absorbed, it revitalizes and nourishes every inch of skin. Squalane, Lavender, and Chamomile synergize to deliver a replenishing veil rendering your body silky-soft with a radiant, healthy glow.

Size: 200ml/6.8 fl.oz.
Ingredients:

AMW says ---

Pros

• Spray type bottle making it easy to control the amount of product needed.

• Definitely a body oil but never feels oily/greasy.
• Smells WONDERFUL!
• Gets absorbed into the skin easily.
• Locks in moisture, my skin feels soft for the whole day!
• Gives my skin a nice radiance.
• This product contains Squalane Oil, Safflower Oil, Aloe Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Lavender Oil --- all natural ingredients.

Cons

• Price.
• Availability.

Overall

The most luxurious body oil I've tried!  For the first time, I'm actually looking forward to application as it's an overall "at-home spa" experience.  The scent, the feel relaxes me after shower.

Tips

• Best used after bath or shower.
• If you have SUPER dry skin, it's best to lock in moisture by applying a body lotion after Pevonia Botanica Dry Oil Body moisturizer application! 
• For normal to oily skinned individuals: Towel off some "excess" moisture after application.
• For someone who suffers extreme dry skin like yours truly, I transferred this product into a small spray-type bottle so I can re-apply this product on dry spots mid-day!

Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes the advantages of body oil minus the greasy feel!

Where to purchase and how much?
Pevonia Botanica Dry Oil Body Moisturizer costs around Php 3,120.00 (approx $72.55).  To check availability, LIKE them on Facebook or contact them at http://www.pevonia.com.ph/

Check out my past Pevonia Products experiences by smiling and clicking ---
The Spa Purifying Moroccan Mud Therapy Experience
Toccare Spa

Have you tried any Pevonia products?
Do you check which products were used on you during spa treatments?
I definitely do! :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Product received for PR purposes.  Opinions/reviews 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Reports: Toccare Spa

Hair Color --- check!

Hair Treatment --- check!

Now what's left to complete my ultimate pampering package AMW style?

Massage!!!

After I came back from my teaching gig in China, I told Mr. AMW that I have never found a "spa" place that gives me the comfort as what I've experienced in Shenzhen, I actually purchased a 12 sessions + 3 free for a year membership!  It was pricey but it was all worth it as teaching isn't easy, the stress, the pressure that I've experienced, I'm glad I have a "spa" place were I can throw my troubles away.

Back in Manila, I've had bits of services that are my favorite but I can only find them on different places.  Where's the TOTAL package that I was looking for?  After several years of search, I've finally found it!  

At Toccare Spa

It was perfect as I just finished a makeup gig that day.  A girl's gotta learn how to relax, and I'm learning pretty fast! :)

Toccare Spa is located at the Antel Spa Suites, once you get into the lobby area, you will be directed to an elevator that goes straight to 4th floor.  Once I got in, I was greeted by the receptionist and you get to choose the services you want!  You can choose from their packages available or you can personalize it base on your needs.

I was given the chance to choose the scent of the oil, the scent of the room and the type of music to be played (available for private rooms only).  For the oil, I went for Lemongrass while the room scent, I chose Lavander.  For the music?  I want for nature!

I was ushered to the changing room were I get to put my stuff inside the locker provided.  Any service you choose, you can go for Dry Sauna, Wet Sauna or Jacuzzi.  I went for 15 minutes Dry Sauna and watched "The Buzz" while I drink a cold glass of water. (There's a television right outside the sauna and you can actually see it as they're facing you!).

 

I had a quick shower right after and changed into a robe.

For every services you avail, you also get a complimentary 15 minutes foot ritual.  The pedicure/manicure and food ritual room's interior is well decorated.  The ambiance is very relaxing!

A television was there right in the middle of the room just in case guests wants to watch cable television programs.

My foot spa started by dipping my feet into a warm tub of water as the attendant sprinkled some bath salts and scrubbed my feet and legs massaging it all at the same time.

I was offered drinks so I chose hot tea as I enjoy a bit of the magazines.

The foot spa ended with the application of lotion on both feet and legs and a nice massage.

Skin Nourishment Body Scrub 

60 minutes

Lemon-grass Sage Salt Scrub

Php1,500 (approx $35.00)

I was led into a common room for my body scrub, the room has its own shower, sofa and sink.  You get to strip off your robe for body scrub so it is advisable that you bring extra undies so you don't have to be in your birthday suit.

The scrub itself felt a bit uncomfortable at first as I seldom have someone "scrub" my body!  The pressure of the "scrub" can always be requested, I am glad my attendant have such "light" hands and I was put to ease in no time.  

After the scrub, I was asked to wash off the lemon-grass sage salt scrub and my skin felt moisturized immediately after even without oil or lotion.

Filipino Hilot

Php1,000 (approx $23.50) for 60min

Php1,200 (approx $28.00) for 90min

This can be done in a private room and I immediately took a shot as the room reminded me so much of my favorite private room in Shenzhen, China. 

I looked around and saw a sink, toothpaste and toothbrush just in case client would like to brush their teeth after!

The unique thing about Filipino Hilot is the warm banana leaves that was pressed on my back.  It immediately soothes the pain around my back and the massage done was to die for!  The massage started at the back area down to the legs then the head.  The oil used absorbed immediately into my skin miraculously leaving me with no greasy feel!

I actually dozed off a bit and woke up again when I have the Appertizer Facial next.  It was for good 30 minutes and they actually used Pevonia Botanica skincare products!   

After more than 3 hours of total treatment, I changed and went to Mr. AMW who's waiting for me in this waiting area.  Mr. AMW applaud the spa for the comfortable waiting area and he told me the staffs took care of him by offering drinks!

By the way, for any package you get, you can choose to include the SPA CUISINE to complete the ultimate pampering experience!  Though the meal was good for 1 person, I think it is even enough for 2!  I went back to the Foot Ritual room to watch HBO movie and enjoy the lovely dishes served with Mr. AMW.  It felt like a date night! :)

Spa Cuisine for the night:

Pumpskin Soup, Salad with Vinaigrette,

Teriyaki Chicken with rice and vegetables and Blueberry Panna Cotta

Pros

• Staffs are very helpful and knowledgeable of each services offered.
• Place is very clean!
• Clean lockers, slippers and bath robes.
• Hair brushes and blow dryer available for clients to use.  They have hair brush sterilizers available which I appreciate a lot!
• Disposable toothbrush and toothpaste are available for clients to use.
• I was told the spa also have disposable underwear.
• Price is quite reasonable for the high class service they provide.
• The spa has a lot of choices to chose from on Body Massages, Body Scrubs, Body Wraps, Body Sculpt, Hand & Foot Repair, Face Therapy, Other Services like ear candling, hair waxing, threading and a lot more!
• The Spa Cuisine!  My overall spa experience ended around 10pm so most of the restaurants nearby were close and I was really hungry!  The extra service makes this spa a unique place to go to! 
• Seriously good food!

Cons

• The place is world class but it's not as accessible to everyone.
• I know it is just me, but I came in with makeup, and after the sauna, I went out with HUGE panda eyes from my eyeliner smudging everywhere.  It would be great if they have facial wash or makeup removers available.

Overall

I will definitely go back and will take my parents with me!  I may not go for the same services I had as I find it a bit too much (I'm not used to being pampered for more than 2 hours! hehehe)  I will definitely go back for more body massages and seriously? I"m actually looking forward for more of their cuisine!  

Toccare Spa

4th Floor Antel Spa Suites

7829 A. Venue Makati, 

Makati Avenue, Makati City

Tel. nos: (632)555-1232 or (63927) 768-6556
Website: http://www.toccarespa.com.ph

Facebook: Toccare Spa

Have you heard about Toccare Spa? 
Which among their services would you try?  

Keep smilin'
Stay happy

(Services provided for PR purposes.  Reviews 100% mine.)

AMW Reports: "The Spa" Purifying Moroccan Mud Therapy Experience

Happy Manic Monday people!!!  I had a wonderful week last week!  I promised everyone I will do a couple of reports for the stuff I've done! The highlight for the week was a spa therapy experience which was the best thing I've done because I haven't had any massages or spa treatments for almost a year!  I've been caught up with so many stuff and with such hectic schedule, the only time for myself is my "stay at home" personal treatment!  So this will be the first after many months for a real "me" time.  I want to thank Emily, the Marketing Executive of The Spa, for the invitation!

I visited The Spa, Greenbelt 1 branch for The Spa Purifying Moroccan Mud Therapy.  I am excited to try the treatment because it purifies and cleanses the skin as well as retain moisture, moisture retention - a magical phrase for dry skinned like myself!

I arrived 30 minutes earlier than my scheduled appointment, I was taken aback a bit with the nice "Greek"  ambiance, it looks intimidating at first but the wonderful smile from the staffs made me comfortable at once!  I felt like a goddess from America's Next Top Model walking towards the reception area!  A girl can work it out right? 

The waiting area is quite comfortable and you can sit down and relax while you wait to be called.  You can feel at ease too that your loved ones will be comfortable waiting for you  as you pamper yourself.

Wonders: "Who's that pretty lady sitting and waiting?" hahahaha

As I was called to go up for my treatment, I was told that the left side of the door are for males and the right side are for females.  There are also private rooms for couples!  I really like it!  I love privacy!  Not that I'm afraid of paparazzis!  I just want my privacy on semi-naked times like these! hahaha

Now let's talk about the treatment I tried!  It's called The Spa Purifying Moroccan Mud Therapy, a 60 minute treatment of pure bliss and relaxation.

Envelopment in a layer of warm mud enriched with pure volcanic-based minerals, increases pure wellness by reducing muscle aches and pains, balancing the whole body system to promote beauty from the inside and the body's skin to a youthful optimum health.  Your body will surely radiate and achieve a delightful sense of utter renewal and well being.

 

I had a quick shower first then went for a relaxing sauna to calm my tired muscles from a whole day's activities.  The treatment started by spraying and brushing my entire body.  I was a bit hesitant with exfoliation but this scrubbing was done with such gentle hands that I nearly fell asleep.

 

Afterwards, my whole body was applied with warm mud that's mixed with the rassoul powder.  The warm mud application stimulates and releases impurities as the skin absorbs enriching minerals which makes the body radiates healthy glow as it deeply hydrates it.  I was then wrapped with a plastic sheet and fleece blanket cocoon style for approximately 15 minutes accompanied with a relaxing scalp massage.  A quick note from author, if you are claustrophobic, do let the staffs know as this treatment may overwhelm you!

After the wrapping process was done, I was unwrapped and asked to soak in a hi-tech jacuzzi bath which  made me feel like a princess with bubbles that I can play with! :)  I had another quick shower after and while my body was still damp, the application of body moisturizer was done for finishing touch.  I like the fact that my whole body does not feel greasy at all!

I am very particular with post treatment area.  I want a relaxing place to change, to dry my hair, to have some retouch and The Spa definitely passed my watchful eyes and OC-ness with flying colors!  Some simple amenities like body lotion, powder, blowdryer combs and brushes are available and I love the fact that their combs and brushes are well sanitized.

Relaxed and recharged after the treatment.  Even the hubby said I look refreshed!

 

Check out The Spa website for more services. They have branches at Trinoma, Bel-Air, Greenbelt, Alabang, Acropolis and The Fort.

The Purifying Moroccon Mud Therapy costs Php1,900 (approx $41.00) for non-members and Php1,700 (approx $37.00) for members.  It looks quite pricey but the relaxation and the experience is worth it!  I will definitely come back and invite my mom for a special QT (quality time).

Have you had a luxurious body treatment?
Willing to try?
Thanks again to the people of The Spa for making this such a relaxing experience!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!