Something New: Malin + Goetz Essentials

I remembered last year, I was googling about the best lip treatment for my super dry lips!  I've seen a lot of brands coming out and a new brand caught my attention called Malin + Goetz.  Judging by the website and product packaging, the whole feel reminded me of Kiehl's.  It screams Professional!

Did you know that?

Matthew Malin overseas global distribution and sales development for family operated Kiehl's.  After Kiehl's sale to L'Oreal, Matthew accepted a position with Prada to develop and manage the Helmut Lang Parfums Division anad licensing agreement with P&G.  Two years later, Matthew and Andrew began developing a business plan for (Malin + Goetz).

As always, I forgot all about this brand as I can't seem to put myself to purchase skincare essentials online.  So, when I learned that Malin + Goetz is finally available down here, after reading this article, my excitement is back!

Malin + Goetz 1oz. Essentials

(Carry-on Approved)

Php1,450 (approx $31.50)

Travel-related products are available for all airline flights and travel needs.  These smaller sized products make great gifts and introductions to key products.  This core range of products can also be found as in-room amenities available at select luxury and boutique hotels worldwide, in addition to salon, gym, and spa amenity services.  And now, I have it, right in front of me... *sigh*

Essential Kit includes : (all in 1oz. 29ml)

Grapefruit Face Cleanser

Our foaming cleansing gel synthesizes natural bergamot with amino acid-based cleansing agents. Gently and effectively purifies and balances all skin types, especially sensitive and eczema prone, unlike traditionally harsh detergents. Blended to hydrate, rinsing free of residue without irritation, drying, or stripping; helping to reduce epidermal stress. Natural fragrance and color. Easily integrated into daily maintenance and prevention regimen; cleansers can be blended to create personalized bathing experiences.

Vitamin E Face Moisturizer

Our oil-free, residue-free moisturizer scientifically synthesizes natural anti-oxidants vitamins E and B5 and soothing chamomile with absorbent fatty acids.  Gently and effectively hydrates and ph balances all skin types, unlike traditionally greasy pore-clogging oils, for an intensely nourishing treatment, reducing epidermal irritation for the most sensitive of skin. Perfect foundation for immediate make-up application.  Natural fragrance and color. Easily integrated into daily maintenance and prevention regimen.

Bergamot Body Wash

Our foaming cleansing gel synthesizes natural bergamot with amino acid-based cleansing agents. Gently and effectively purifies and balances all skin types, especially sensitive and eczema prone, unlike traditionally harsh detergents. Blended to hydrate, rinsing free of residue without irritation, drying, or stripping; helping to reduce epidermal stress. Natural fragrance and color. Easily integrated into daily maintenance and prevention regimen; cleansers can be blended to create personalized bathing experiences.

B5 Body Moisturizer

Our intensive and oil-free, residue-free body moisturizer scientifically synthesizes natural vitamin b5 and soothing bergamot extract with absorbent fatty acids for performance.  Naturally hydrates and ph balances all skin types, unlike traditionally greasy, pore-clogging oils and wax and silicone fillers.  No slick or slippery false sense of moisturize.  A nourishing treatment that eliminates wait-time for dressing. Natural fragrance and color. Easily integrated into daily maintenance and prevention regimen.

Peppermint Shampoo

Our best selling, gentle, hydrating shampoo synthesizes natural peppermint extract with amino acid-based cleansing agents.  Effectively purifies and balances all hair and scalp types, unlike traditionally harsh detergents.  Blended for frequent use without drying, stripping, irritation, or build-up. Mildly foaming, residue-free formula leaves hair soft and scalp conditioned. Natural fragrance and color. Easily integrated into daily regimen for color treated and processed hair.

Cilantro Hair Conditioner

Our gentle, daily conditioner scientifically synthesizes natural cilantro with absorbent fatty acids and fatty alcohols.  Effectively hydrates and ph balances all hair and scalp types, unlike traditionally greasy oils that weigh down hair and irritate scalp.  Blended for advanced, residue-free conditioning and detangling. Natural fragrance and color. Easily integrated into daily maintenance regimen for color treated and processed hair.

Now all I need is a good travel plan so I can take this along with me!  But even without travel plans, I am already using this!  Bad bad Nikki!

Ohhh the Peppermint Shampoo is pure love for my scalp!  I love how it gives a cool sensation on my dry, itchy scalp! 

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

AMW Reports: "Ang Kiukok Holiday Collection"

Freeway has launched it's second National Artist Collector's Series at The Row, Glorietta 5 last week.  The first sequel was the Nick Joaquin collection.  For this coming Holiday season, a new collection has blossomed, from the National Artist For Visual Arts, Ang Kiukok.

Ang Kiukok was a National Artist that one remembers with not just admiration and respect, but for those who knew him with endearment and affection. A man who was bold in his art but quiet in nature. As he told an interviewer once,

“I am not good at speaking. At school when the teacher asked me to recite, I could not say anything. When I was asked to write a long composition, I would only give a few sentences and the teacher didn’t like that. But in my painting, I feel free.  I can express what I want to say.”

 So true, I've seen the short film shown on the event when he received an award and all he could say was... "Maraming Salamat.....Maraming Salamat....Maraming Salamat.........Maraming Salamat" (Thank you).  It was really touching.

Hosted by Jocas de Leon, Freeway showcased the collection in a fashion show were models wore amazing hat pieces to complement each bold Kiukok outfit. Each model look gorgeous with dramatic lashes and smokey eyes that was done by VMV Hypoallergenics team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The evening winded down with interviews with passionate Ang Kiukok collectors such as Joey de Leon and experts such as art critic Cid Reyes and prominent collector, Dr. William Chua.

I must not forget to thank Mangan for the wonderful snacks served and definitely service with a smile!  My favorite is the "camote chips" (sweet potato chips) and their iced tea!!!

Ang Kiukok's unfinished painting

his brushes and his Picasso book 

where he gets his inspiration from

 

  

The lovely bunch together with Mr. Joey de Leon 

and Ms. Jocas De Leon

 

Me and Mr. Joey de Leon

such a nice guy!

 

Shen, yours truly together with my friends

Beatrilicious and Shannaholic

can't help but pose and tried to outdo the models!

(I said TRIED...but we failed lol)

 

I will definitely be going back to purchase some tops I've been eyeing during the fashion show!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Asian Twist Fusion Restaurant

First day of November!  I will be off to the Cemetery to visit my loved ones who passed away.  I hope it won't be crowded or even rain!

Sunday Weekend Food Tripping!  It's a "green colored" newly opened restaurant that I've been wanting to try for so many times but it's always crowded!  When we found a parking space, we gave it a go right away and see what the people are buzzing about!

 A lot of dishes to choose from! 

Grilled Squid

Php195 (approx $4.15)

Marinated Big Squid Served with 

BBQ Sauce and Fried Onion Rings

Teppanyaki Fillet Bibimbop

Php175 (approx $3.70)

Korean styled Bibimbop

with Teppanyaki Fish Fillet

Black Gulaman

Php55 (approx $1.00)

Wonderful taste of black gulaman plus small sized sago 

served on a very tall slim glass

Asian Twist

101 N S Amoranto St. (Retiro)

Corner Speaker Perez Street Q.C.

tel no: 632-711-2248/632-749-3878

NO SERVICE CHARGE

By the way, I want to thank the wonderful readers who joined and shared their "Worst Pimple Experience" for the JnJ Active Clear Acne Control Kit giveaway!  Contest is closed and I will announce the winner anytime within the week! :) Stay tuned!

What's your weekend food tripping?
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: L'oreal Colour Riche in Coral

I am not used to wearing bold colored lipsticks!  Why? Because I am conscious of my dry lip!  

When I braved the fear for red lipsticks, I know the rest of the colors will be easier for me to wear!  Next is a "peachy orange reddish" toned lipstick!  I finally realized that its easier to wear Red than Orange, I don't know if you feel the same.

My Aunt from Canada gave me a couple of L'oreal Colour Riche Lipsticks.  One shade caught my eye and I told myself : "It's definitely a sign, I must try this shade!"

L'oreal Colour Riche lipstick says ---

• Nurtures lips to keep them soft, smooth, and supple with ultra-hydrating Omega 3.
• Protects against moisture-loss with the conditioning power of Vitamin E.
• Creamy, anti-feathering lip liners coordinate perfectly with Color Riche lipcolors.

AMW says---

Pros

• shade: wonderful peachy orange tone that suits both dark and light skin
  
• moisturizing
• very pigmented 
• applies evenly on lips
  
• packaging is quite cute, love the L'oreal etching on the lipstick

Cons

•  scented, not too strong, but if you hate scents on lipsticks, this is a con then
• do not expect a super long lasting lipstick, need to reapply every now and then
  

Overall

This lipstick shade looks very matte on tube but it gives out a pretty sheen when applied on lips.  For a drugstore lipstick, I find the quality of this quite good!  I like it that it doesn't create flakiness on my lips and I've tried using this without lip balm beneath and it didn't create "crocodile lips"!  I can still see the lines on my lips but that can be solved with a clear gloss.

Tips

• if you have super dry lips like mine, moisturize your lips prior to lipstick application
• if you find the shade to be overwhelming, blot excess with a paper napkin right after
  
• hate the lines created by lipstick on your lips?  Apply clear gloss on top
• store in cool dry place
• wait for sales coming up every now and then
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes

Where to purchase and how much?

I believe these are available at L'oreal counters for Php600+ (approx $12.75)

Shade 431 CORAL

Overall look and feel of the lipstick

Swiped 2x, no base
with and without camera flash

Applied on bare lips

no lip balm or clear gloss

Have you tried any bold colored lipsticks lately?
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: BECCA Silky Hydrating Primer

Good day everyone!  Thanks for enjoying my Becca Cosmetics Counter Report.  Let me clarify that the guy who stopped us from taking photos is actually nice and friendly, he told us that it's prohibited in a nice manner, so I don't have any grudge against him :)  To those who asked if Becca counter is customer friendly?  Base on my experience, yes.  Why? Because they have testers for almost all of their products and I don't have any saleslady hovering around me pressuring me to try on products I don't even plan to purchase!  I had my freedom and I enjoyed it!

My piece of advise, no matter how cheap  or expensive a product is, always understand the product you are purchasing and make sure the "need" is there. Always check for the availability of testers (especially for pricey ones) and please do not feel obligated to purchase just because you "tested" their testers or you took the time of the sales lady.  In times like these, spend your hard earned money wisely!   

BECCA Silky Hydrating Primer says ---

Silky Hydrating Prime with anti-oxidant vitamin E, works to moisturize and prepare the skin for foundation by creating a soft, even surface.  Helping the skin retain moisture and creating a silky smooth texture, it allows liquid and cream based products to glide on easily, and stay fresh looking, longer.  

• Visibly improves the look and texture of the skin by smoothing fine lines and pores. 
• Provides a protective barrier, sealing in moisture 
• Allows liquid and cream based products to glide easily over the skin and stay on longer
• Keeps makeup looking fresher longer
• Prevents moisture loss during air travel and in air conditioning
• Doubles as a moisturizer 
• Provides the perfect base for eye shadow to glide over

Size: 50ml/1.7 fl oz tube

Made in Germany

Ingredients:

(you can click to enlarge)

AMW says ---

Pros

• dermatologically tested
• absorbs to the skin easily
  
• no skin flaking for the whole day, skin is moisturized and hydrated the whole day
  
• wonderful for my "mature-skinned" clients as this is super moisturizing so makeup won't budge and skin remains moisturized!
  
• makeup stayed the whole day with a bit of touch-up on areas that aren't too dry
• I can use this without moisturizer on some days - sunscreen, this and foundation!
• cream and liquid foundations that are usually dry on me glides on smoothly!
• I also use this to gently pat on my eyelid area so my eye primer doesn't came out too dry when applied
  
• product is sealed to ensure "freshness"

Cons

• the strong floral scent, I am not a fan of the strong scent, it stays with me more than 30minutes!
• has a bit of "tacky" feel right after application (read tip below on how to deal with this)
  
• have to store this primer laying down or the other way around to make sure the product won't "burst out" when I twist the cap 
• even when stored properly, the opening looks like this when twisted to cap to open

• doesn't fill in fine lines, it decreases a bit but do not expect too much!  Botox will always be Botox, do not expect this product to totally erase your lines
  
• the box and the tube's product shelf life is confusing

Overall




BECCA Silky Hydrating Primer lives up to its name!  Silky and super hydrating!  It took me quite some time to review this product as I've tested this primer with cream foundation and liquid foundation and even powder foundation!  I've found that it doesn't create flakiness or dryness and it made my foundation application easier because it goes on smoothly. 

Another primer I own that works for dry skin like mine is the Paul & Joe Protective Foundation Primer but this is multiplied by 3x for its super moisturizing properties!  No other primers I've tried could moisturize my skin this much so please...for people who's reading this review having Normal or Normal to Oily skin, they have other primers from Becca that will suit your skin's need. This product will work best for people with dry or even super dry skin! 


Tips

• tacky feel: leave for a couple of minutes before you follow up with foundation application, make sure the primer has been absorbed to the skin
• set the foundation with a setting powder to prevent from oiling up
  
• normal to oily skin, do purchase different version of their primers suited for your skin type.
• use a small pea size amount for the whole face, I once applied too much because the product squirted out too much accidentally and my face felt weird and heavy the whole day!  A little goes a long way
• can use your clean fingers to apply this or a foundation brush
• let the product sink in to the skin approximately 5-10 minutes before you start applying your foundation
• if itchiness occur, STOP using the product
  

Will I repurchase?


Yes, because this will work great for my makeup gigs for mature and very dry skin!


Where to purchase and how much?

BECCA Counter, ADORA Greenbelt 5 for Php2,350 (approx $50.00)

Here's a sample amount I use for my whole face

this is the "perfect" amount, not too much and not too little

Rub gently on my hand, 

gently massaging and patting it

 

 Absorbs to my skin easily

 

And here's a close up shot of my skin using MAC Studio Fix Foundation in NC20, this foundation flakes on me the most so I don't use this much due to my dry skin, so I tested the primer with this, no moisturizer used and the result is...

 

The usual flakes on my cheeks and sides of the nose isn't that visible as before.  So the primer really works, it gives out a subtle glow and skin stays hydrated.  

I just wish the scent isn't that overpowering!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Happy Friday!