AMW Reviews: L'oreal UV Perfect Advanced Cream-Gel Protector

I got to admit, I haven't been faithful with my sunblock application, but its a big improvement as compared to no sunblock for the body at all!  After finding the right kind of sunblock, it isn't hard to stick to the regimen and the feel of protection is definitely priceless!

I haven't been reviewing a lot of sunscreens because it takes me lifetime finish a tube and so far, I'm done with my Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF50+++ so I'm on the try different brands!  One brand that caught my attention because it's name has "CREAM-GEL" written on it....

 L'oreal UV Perfect (XL Block) Advanced Cream-Gel Protector

for Chest, Arms & Hands SPF30 PA+++

L'oreal UV Perfect Advanced Cream-Gel Protector says ---

To better protect skin against outside and inside aggressions, and prevent premature skin aging.It is easily absorbed by the skin while being water-resistant, ensuring comfort and non-stickiness right from the time you put it on your body.

AMW says ---

Pros 

• non sticky and non greasy
• easily absorbed by the skin
  
• nice squeeze type tube that's easy to use
• no strong scent or weird sunblock scent
• no weird white residue on skin
• no allergies for my sensitive skin!
  
• has manufactured date imprinted (very very good L'oreal!)

Cons

• better if has higher SPF, reach it to 50+++

Overall

This is a wonderful product because it lives up to what it claims, non-greasy, oil-free and doesn't give out weird sunblock smell.  True to its claim again, I've been constantly using this for a month and so far, no skin darkening for me and both my left and right arm are still the same color.  Due to travel from home to work, the sun always shines (weirdly) on my left side!  So far, I don't look like a zebra, so that's good news!

But, I can't help but compare this to my first sunblock love, both works great!  But one factor that made me lean on to Neutrogena is the SPF 50 ++ as compared to L'oreal's SPF30++.  I know, I don't need SPF50+++ for regular days but I just can't help but feel more protected with it!

But, on L'oreals defense, I like the flip-type cap of L'oreal better!  Click Click in the morning is something I'd love to play with!  Childish?  Yes, but I don't care, it makes me happy! lol

Tips

• apply sunscreen at least 5-10 minutes before you get exposed making sure the product has been completely absorbed by the skin

• if you're out in the sun too long, re-apply after 3-4 hours
• re-apply approximately 2-3 hours later if you perspire too much
• wait for sales, L'oreal brands are frequently on sale from 10%-20%
  

Will I repurchase?

Probably, if they are on sale, but for it's price I can easily go for my first love Neutrogena Sunblock which has SPF50++

Where to purchase and how much?

At L'oreal counters for Php460.00 (approx $10.00)


Now, I have to ask!
"Are you using sunblock to protect yourself from the sun?"
If not...How Dare You!!!
What are you waiting for?
It's never too late to start!


keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reports: Becca Cosmetics Counter

Happy Monday people!  I won't be having any Monday blues because I won't be at work today, I will be off for a passport renewal so I took the day off!  Passport renewal means more places to go? *I wish!*

Let me bring in sunshine for our Monday Blues to the rest of the crew who has to work!  When I posted about my Becca Cream Blush review, one reader emailed me and asked me Becca stuffs should they expect when they visit the counter.  My mind went blank. Seriously, I can't seem to remember, so when I had to chance to visit the counter again, I didn't think twice to ask my "ninja husband" to help me take shots.  Sorry it's not that clear as he used a cellphone camera!  A ninja shouldn't be obvious right? :P

Note: Yours truly is off to a wedding party right after so please do not think I'm dressing up just to shop! lol

Becca Counter is located inside Adora mall.  Adora is located at the 2nd and 3rd floor of Greenbelt 5.  It reminded me of Rustan's (for people who are familiar with it) but better, its a posh looking area that sells perfumes, cosmetics, clothing and a lot more. 

Becca greeted me with a nice makeup area.  2 of the exact one on photo!  You can freely roam around and check out the testers that are readily available for you.  They also include cotton pads, paper napkin and alcohol for you to disinfect before and after testing!  I love it when cosmetic counters took the effort to do these.

First stop, the Complexion and Makeup section.  Looking at the photo below, the left side are the Stick Foundations while the simple packaging on the right side are their tinted moisturizers called Luminous Skin Color. 

I tested the Luminous Skin Color and I am loving the texture.  I am really happy to announce that they have wide range of shades for every skin color.

Next stop, the Compact Concealers, if you are familiar with Eve Pearl concealers, the concept is similar, 2 concealer shades in one compact, but I think the Becca Concealers are larger in size, correct me if I'm wrong.  Same as the Stick Foundation and Luminous Skin Color, these are available i wide ranges of shades for both warm and cool skin tone.

The Fine Pressed Powders are too cute to miss out!  They are separated in Light and Dark.  I've swiped the powder on hand and they are very silky indeed.  Those cute little jars you see that looks like MAC's loose pigments?  They're Loose Powders.  I believe they are used to set foundation and some people like it in loose form!  So they have it!  I personally like the pressed version though, as always!

Another cute jar called Loose Shimmer Powders are there for the cheeks area.  These are multi-functional and can be used for eyes, cheeks, body or even the lips!  They also have their bestselling Becca Beach Tint on a cute squeeze type tube.

 And several shades of Becca Cream blushes that are lined up like an army!

As I went oooohing and ahhing on all the products.  The diligent photographer strategically took shots on everything while I'm checking out the lips area.  There are Sheer Tint Lip Color packed in a nice silver lipstick tube, Glossy Lip Tints packaged in a glass tube and another set of Beach Tints for the lips!  They also have Lip Liners but I don't see a lot of shades available for it.  The nude lip liner caught my eye!

And I nearly forgot this area!  I was amazed when I saw their display for makeup brushes and beauty tools!  They don't come in cheap, but with my quick touch test, these brushes are definitely promising!

 I like it how their products are all strategically displayed and there's a huge sofa where you can sit or relax, or probably a place where most "significant" others would sit while waiting for their loved ones spend their lifetime savings! lol

A guy from Adora came towards us (not to tell me that I look pretty) but to tell us that we're not allowed to take photos. I smiled my sweetest smile and apologized....

"Sorry, we will be leaving..."

*whispers to husband*

"Sorry, we will be leaving...we got enough shots before you caught us!"

Bleh :P

Do expect a review on 

Becca Silky Hydrating Primer soon!

Yes, Primer Lady strikes again! :D 

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Home Cooked Meals

Home cooked meals are still the best in my opinion!  There are a lot of great food out there but nothing beats the warmth of meals made by your relatives or loved ones!  Thinking about it, I do miss my mom's cooking!  My mom doesn't cook much recently but before I move on to the sad story, let me go to the brighter side.

We were invited by Keith's Aunt and Uncle for a dinner over the weekend.  Keith and I love their cooking and it really fills the tummy with a huge smile on our faces!  I love it that they prepare different and well thought dishes each and everytime!  What did we fill our tummy with?

Steamed egg with eggplant

Steamed egg itself is wonderful, but with a mix of eggplant

and the soft texture of the egg, perfect to start the meal!

Fish Fillet Strips

This is my ultimate favorite!  The batter they use is perfect and not oily at all!

The meal was accompanied with home maid mayonnaise!  Sorry not on photo

the Fish strips was gone in less than 10 minutes! lol

Noodles with Vegetables

The noodles my look dry or tasteless

but looks really can be deceiving

it's the healthiest and most tasteful noodles I've tried

Hong Ba (Red Meat)

A Chinese version of Adobo (Filipino Dish) 

Pork leg cooked til the fire is "red" served with thick sauce.

These are basically cooked in long hours! The longer the better

The photo of the Pork may look dry but there's a separate sauce that came with it

Nothing beats dessert!

A nice Dairy Queen 

Vanilla Ice Cream Bar Cookie Bar

And a DQ Dilly Bar

Do you prefer home cooked meals 

or you'd rather spend the money to dine outside? 

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Amu'in Shower Gel

I am a soap user and have always been, but soaps no matter how moisturizing they call themselves, aren't enough for my super dry skin.  Recently, I've been purchasing Bath Lotion or Shower Gel to ease up my dryness while taking a shower.  When I was given the chance to try the Amu'in range of products, I jumped in the chance as an all natural products are always a big YES for me.

After my review on the "Alaga" (Care) line including the Hand Sanitizer and the Moisturizing Hand Lotion, it's time for me to give "Sigla" (Energy) a try!  This time, its a shower gel!

Amu'in Shower Gel in Sigla says ---

Jump start your day and bring the sunshine in with this moisturizing and cleansing body wash using refreshing Lemongrass, Peppermint, May Chang, and Lemon essential oils with Mango Extract.

• Energizing
• Great to use in the morning
• Moisturizes and cleanses
• Contains 100% pure and natural essential oils
• Do not use if pregnant

Key Ingredients
Lemongrass, Peppermint, May Chang, and Lemon essential oils with Mango extract.

AMW says ---

Pros

• locally made
• natural ingredients
• no allergies
• it doesn't dry out my skin
• energizes me a bit
• nice and simple packaging
  

Cons

• not safe for pregnant women
• not everyone would like the scent, it may get too tiring to the nose if used longer
• for international readers: Locally made, so have to purchase online
• scent is gone by an hour or so (I don't mind about this)

Tips

• perfect to use this with a wash cloth
• mix the shower gel in a tub of water then dip your wash cloth to gently scrub your body
• always follow with body lotion or cream right after shower to keep your skin moisturized.
  

Overall

The Amu'in Shower Gel in Sigla is a nice addition for your morning routine, its scent does energize me during shower but a cup of coffee is still needed for me to last the day :)

Will I repurchase?
I don't think so, don't get me wrong, this is a good  product but I seldom repurchase the same brand of shower gels!

Where to purchase and how much?

Amu'in Multiply site Php435.00 (approx $9.25) for 450ml

or you can purchase the sample sizes from Gift Sets. 

Are you a soap or shower gel user?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

I Wonder: " Does Packaging Make You Spend More?"

Happy Friday!!!  Thanks for all the lovely comments I get on each posts that I make, it really gave me the drive to create better articles daily for my blog to be very helpful to some of you out there. And I learn so much from reading comments too!  So thank you...thank you...thank you.

When I posted my review yesterday on the Revlon Custom Creations Foundation, I did mention that the packaging intrigued me so much that a couple or negative reviews didn't stop me from purchasing,

That's where my weekend "I Wonder" question comes in...

"Does Packaging for both Cosmetics and Makeup 

Make You Want To Spend More?"

AMW says ---

For skincare, it'll be great if a product comes in with good packaging but I wouldn't mind if they don't as what's important for me is the quality of the skincare product.  See how much I love my Clinique Skincare products evenhough some of their packaging are just...blah?

As for cosmetics, I would still go for quality.  I know, I broke down with the Revlon Custom Creations Foundation, but to my defense, the rest of my purchases are based on quality!  And it's not like it was a crappy product!  *being defensive*

I am sure everyone would go for quality, but once, have you purchased something you think is similar to what you own but you just can't help it because the packaging is just too cute?  Are you one of those who went crazy with the Stila Barbie Collection, the MAC Hello Kitty or even the Paul & Joe Disney collection?

 

.............................. *still waiting for your answer*

Don't worry, I'm sure you're not alone, I guess in some way or another, we are all guilty of it, no wonder several beauty companies are quite smart in packaging and repacking their products.

Before I end this post,  let me admit something... I purchased my first Paul & Joe product because of it's packaging too!  Whew, I'm glad the quality's not crappy :)

I know...flowers again huh? *winks*
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!