Something New: L'oreal Paris UV Perfect

**photo from L'oreal

To effectively protect your skin from these damaging factors, L’Oreal Paris Laboratories have created a range of products tailor-made for Asian skin with advanced UVA/UVB protection, which act as a protective shield against the sun and pollution. Following the success of L’Oreal Paris’ best-selling UV Perfect Advanced Fluid Face Protector SPF 50/PA+++, UV Perfect Advanced Spray Protector SPF 40/PA+++ and UV Perfect Advanced Cream-Gel Protector SPF 30/PA+++ for the chest, arms and hands were created.

With UV PERFECT, NO skin darkening even after 29 days exposure, unlike with other brands. Exposed everyday, skin stays fair and appearance of spots is prevented with UV Perfect, unlike with other brands.

Thanks to its patented filtering system [XL Block]: Mexoryl® SX and XL with proven efficacy on both UVA and UVB rays, UV Perfect obstructs the pigmentation process caused by sun exposure, inhibits pollution from fixing on skin and detoxifies cells for a powerful anti-dullness action for the skin.

The Activa-Cell® enriched UV Perfect Advanced Cream-Gel Protector SPF 30/PA+++ helps the natural repair system of the skin against free radicals, premature ageing and dryness. UV Perfect Advanced Spray Protector SPF 40/PA+++ is designed for sensitive skin and offers a very high level of UVA and UVB protection wherever you are. Both are easily absorbed by the skin while being water-resistant, ensuring comfort and non-stickiness right from the time you put it on your body.

And of course, sun protection for the face is always important. Quickly absorbed by the skin, the multi-tasking UV Perfect Advanced Fluid Face Protector SPF 50/PA+++ can be used as a make-up base as it ensures optimal protection against UVA/UVB rays and pollution, prevents brown spots, skin darkening and premature skin-darkening.

Suggested retail price for UV Perfect products:

• UV Perfect Advanced Spray Protector SPF 40 – P495 (approx $10.00)
• UV Perfect Advanced Cream-Gel Protector SPF 30 – P460 (approx $9.30)
• UV Perfect Advanced Fluid Face Protector SPF 50 (available in anti-dullness, transparent and tinted variants) – P495 (approx $10.00)

Available nationwide at SM Department Stores and Watsons Beauty Stores, PCX, The Landmark, Robinson’s Department Stores, Shopwise, Rustan’s Supermarket, Mercury Drug Stores, and Gaisano Metro Department Stores.

I am currently using their UV Perfect Line and I'll be letting you know my experiences soon!
Are you using any of the products from this line? Do share your experiences!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Askmewhats Reviews: Kiehl's Creme De Corps

Dear Saturday, won't you stay longer? I'd love to spend more time with you! LOL

Happy weekend!!! I will be off for my dentist appointment this afternoon, of course, the usual cleaning and for my annual checkup! Yes people, beauty should be, I repeat, SHOULD BE in and out! Go to your dentist and have your beautiful set of teeth checked, promise?

Today, I will be talking about a moisturizer I've used and finished up! The Kiehl's Creme de Corps Rick Nourishing Cream. Just the name gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. How did it work out for yours truly? Read on...

**photo from Kiehl's

Kiehl's Creme De Corps says ---

Superb All-Over Body Moisturizer of Superb Quality for extremely dry, or flaking skin. Enriched with the finest ingredients known to Kiehl’s, for a rich, elegant skin texture. Continued use for 10 days will provide a skin texture heretofore unattainable.

Key Ingredients

Beta-Carotene
eta-Carotene is a naturally derived antioxidant predominantly found in many orange/red vegetables such as carrots. It is used in Vitamin A production and gives an orange tint when used in skin care products.

Cocoa Butter
Cocoa Butter is a yellowy fat expressed from the roasted seeds of the cocoa plant. It is solid at room temperature but melts at body temperature. It softens and lubricates skin and is used in a variety of skin care formulations.

Sesame Oil
Sesame Oil, which is a refined moisturizing oil derived from Sesame Seeds, has the same emollient properties as other nut and vegetable oils and is commonly used as a carrier oil for skin care products. Absorbs easily and softens the skin.

Directions for use

Apply after bath or shower or anytime, as often as necessary. Gently massage this rich creme into dry body areas. Allow to remain and soak in several minutes before dressing. Our thick, elegant non-greasy formulation will be absorbed by the dry skin tissues, leaving skin soft, smooth and beautifully moisturized.

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• absorbs to the skin quickly
• moisturizes my skin for the whole day
• smells wonderful
• packaging is simple and straightforward
• non greasy
  

Cons

• quite pricey for people who aren't comfortable in spending a lot for body moisturizers
  

Overall

What you're looking for in a body moisturizer, you find it here. Kiehl's Creme De Corps did not fail my expectation, it nourishes my skin and dry itchy patches are gone after regular usage. I can't say this is a HG (holy grail) material for now as there's so many moisturizers available in the market that it's quite difficult for me to stay loyal to one! What I love about Kiehl's is the simple packaging, the potency it has for me not to squirt too much which I find is money saving! The wonderful fresh scent of milk doesn't hurt my nose too! :)

Tips

• not sure if the product is worth purchasing? Go to Kiehl's store and try on their testers
  
• apply Creme De Corps right after taking a shower
• apply generous amount on dry areas like elbows, knees and feet
• wear socks at night with ample amount of Creme De Corps and you'll wake up with soft feet!
  

Will I repurchase?

I want to, but I also want to try other moisturizers out there that are lesser expensive!

Where to purchase and how much?

At Kiehl's shop at Greenbelt 5 available in 2 sizes
250 ml for Php1,800 (approx $37.00)
500ml for Php 3,150 (approx $64.00)

Have you tried Kiehl's Creme De Corps?
How do you feel about the price and its quality?
I'd love to hear from you!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Askmewhats Reviews: Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Blush

Happy Friday people of the world!!! I feel good vibes, I feel positive energy! Everyone happy and excited for the weekend right?

Today is a blush day! I know I've talked about a couple of blushes in the past, and as you know, most of them are on "bronzey" shade or "peachy" shade. But what about the "Pink Ladies" out there?

You should know that I was a pink blush user and lover in the past, I may have steered away from the pinks, but of course! A girl is a girl! A girl needs variety! There are days and will always be days I would like to feel girly and romantic! And it's time that I share the pink blush I am using for the moment!

Maybelline's Clear Smooth Minerals
Luminous Blush

Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Blush says ---

• Clear Smooth Minerals luminous blush is oil-free and fragrance free. Benefit: Never clogs pores, healthy color that is never fake.
• Micro-minerals have closer affinity to skin. Benefit: Natural flush of color that blends in skin tone.
• Kabuki brush is made of 100% natural bristles for flawless coverage and a natural looking finish.
  

Ingredients:

(you can click to enlarge)

Askmewhats says ---


Pros

• pigmented
• affordable, as it goes with a nice cute kabuki brush
• pigmented and pretty
• no matter how much I apply, the color shows up but always came out natural to look at
• no allergies or cheek irritations
  
• because of the small kabuki brush that comes with it, I don't find application messy!
• lasts more than half a day, great for a mineral powder blush!
  
• packaged so well, I like it that everything was well thought of

Cons

• limited shades available
  

Overall

I seldom use mineral blushes because they seldom last on me! When Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals came out with a Luminous Blush, I was a bit hesitant as I thought it will be another mineral blush that would be left behind my makeup kit! I'm glad I'm wrong!

On days I want a pink blush, I reach out for my Gentle Pink shade! I like that the kabuki brush included isn't scratchy and I like it that the blush is so pigmented I only use a little and my cheeks are oh so "POW WOW WOW"!

Tips

• Maybelline counters go on sale for 20% on most of their products, do check out their sales and purchase their products while its cheaper!
  
• I use an angled brush to create a more structured/contoured look
• on days I want to have a natural flush, I use a big blush brush and apply it on the apples of my cheeks
• to make any powder blush last longer, apply a cream blush prior to powder blush application
• do not apply too much at once, try to pile on colors slowly!
  
• always step back to check on your blushes to make sure they match!
  
• accidentally applied too much blush? Don't fret! Use a bigger brush to brush off excess blush pigments
• still feels like a clown? Apply loose powder on the cheeks
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes!

Where to purchase and how much?

At Maybelline counters for Php499.00 (approx $10.20)

Check out the cute kabuki blush brush included and how soft it is! When I had a mini chitchat with Maybelline's Sr. Product Manager, Michelle Fernandez, she told me that she's proud about this line because the Kabuki brushes included are of good quality and they are made in Japan.

My Gentle Pink Luminous Blush Up Close

I find the overall packaging quite cute! It may look the same as most mineral makeup companies but the sifter sticker imprinted again with instructions, the right size of holes for the right amount of blush to come out each time you tap the blush on the cap and the cute cap...what's not to love?

Product swatched on hand
Dry and without base

This is one example of an FOTD using
Clear Smooth Minerals
in Gentle Pink

I know people hate rules when it comes to makeup, but I do like to follow a mini rule...pink blush for pink (or any close to pink) shade of lipsticks! Love the effect especially with dark eyes! :)

So, is this blush a yay or nay?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

I Wonder: "What's Your Favorite Mineral Foundation Brand?"

This space is dedicated to my dear mineral fanatic friends who's been asking me what's the best mineral foundation out there. If you ask for my opinion, there's never going to be "THE BEST" on mineral foundation or anything else. We are all made different, that's the challenge and excitement of life!

How challenging life you may ask? So challenging that for the simplest thing of choosing the best Mineral Foundation could be tedious! So instead of carrying the burden, I will share! lol

AMW Wonders:

"What's Your Favorite Brand of Mineral Foundation?"

I am sure there will be a lot of mineral makeup brands popping out, so please use this for reference and always read ingredients list! Nothing beats testing the product yourself and see how it works for you! Do go for sample sizes to save money ok?

Let me give my two cents on my own question :)

My favorite mineral foundation for the moment is still Ellana Premium Blend Mineral Foundation in French Vanilla Latte. I've finished the sample size I got from my first review, bought full size pot and finished it off. And I'm currently using my 2nd full size pot from Shen, thanks sis!

**One empty and one half done!

I haven't had the chance to use a lot of mineral powder foundation as compared to other lovelies out there! Should I buy my 3rd pot? Or am I missing something else?

You know what's next!
Spill the beans!
and don't forget to Keep Smilin'
and Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: "Metallic" Nails

I may be boring at most times but it doesn't mean my nail polish has to be on the boring side. I've had my nails rested after a bad crack! Since I cut the rest of my nails short, short nails doesn't have to be plain and simple, I can do even wilder nail art with shorter nails as it doesn't look too overwhelming on my small hands! Yes people, my hands are small and my fingers are short! :D

Here's the final "Metallic" Nails I've created! I want to thank my blog reader Angela for the Skin Food Nail Vita polish shade in BL503! This nail art tutorial is for you and your sister-in-law Jenny! :)

Wild thing....
you make my heart sing! *head bangs*

Step 1:

Apply your choice of base coat, apply 2 coats of metallic polish, I am using The Skin Food's Nail Vita. Let dry.

Step 2:

Using L.A. Colors Art Deco metallic red polish, create different angles on different nails. Your choice of designs, angles whatever! Think about Geometry! Difference though, Geometry has to be perfect, in nail art? You can be as imperfect as you can be!

Step 3:

Using LA Colors Art Deco gold polish, thinly apply the edgnes of the metallic red to create a nice pop!

Step 4:

Using a dotting tool, toothpick or whatever round tip, in my case, I'm using Prettynails' Nail Art Pen in white, create dots on your desired location.

Do something different for your thumb!
I added something dainty, a simple flower will do :)

Step 5:

Making sure the dots are dry, top your lovely nail art with your choice of top coat.

Wild metallic nail art on short nails makes a whole new difference to the looks of your nails! I enjoy creating simple nail art for longer nails and a 'wilder' and more 'outrageous' nail art designs or colors for shorter nails. I call it, my sense of balance :)

Enjoy your humpy Wednesday!
In just the blink of an eye, weekend will be here! :)
Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!