AMW Reviews: Rexona Skin Light with Sunflower Oil

I've always been a SECRET deodorant user for my whole teenage years!  I have tried several brands but I always ended up going back to SECRET.  When I went to the Rexona event last May, I learned about the new Rexona Skin Light with Sunflower Oil which helps in lightening up the underarms.  I told myself I will try this out but I'll definitely have SECRET at the backside to help me out if something goes wrong.  Well, nothing went wrong!

Rexona Skin Light with Sunflower Oil says ---

• Reduce unpleasant smell underarm
• Smoothen skin and minimize pore
• Lighten & whiten your skin naturally
• Protect 24 hour

Ingredients

Cyclomethicone, Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex GLY, Stearyl Alcohol , C12-C15 Alkyl Benzoate, PPG-14 Butyl Ether, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Parfum, Dimethicone, Polyethylene, Helianthus Annuus, Steareth-100, BHT

AMW says ---

Pros

• the lovely scent stayed for the whole day
• no perspiration for the whole day, but of course, this depends on the work of each individual
• no darkening of underarms as compared to other deodorant
• inexpensive
• no allergies on my underarm area
• smells great
• the stick is not too hard nor soft
• one stick lasts more than a month for  daily use!
• packaging is great! Love the combination of white and purple
• I don't need to wait long before I can wear my top
• expiration date printed at the bottom
  

Cons

• well if you really have dark underarms, the result won't be as fast as 2 weeks as advertised (this is my opinion)
  

Overall

I am very picky with my deodorant.  I want both Anti-perspirant AND deodorant MINUS the darkening PLUS the wonderful scent. Since my last event report on the Rexona Lighten Up!, I've started using this and I chose the stick as I am always in a rush in the morning!  No time to raise my hands and wait for my deodorant to dry up.

I don't have dark underarms to start with so I cannot really tell about the "lightening" properties of this deodorant for people with dark underarms.  But I am happy to announce that there is a sligh lightening on my underarms!  It's not my imagination, I've raised my underarms many times to my husband and he said there is lightness, not much, but noticeable.  Keep in mind though that I've used this constantly for 5 months, and I only started to see the effect after 3 months!  So if you plan to use this, please be patient :)

I haven't bought any Secret deodorant now, enough said...

Tips

• always twist down the deodorant stick before closing the cap
• though instructions from Rexona says apply 4-6 swipes, I believe applying 4 swipes maximum is enough
• if allergies occurs, STOP using the product

Will I repurchase?

Yes!  I did, after receiving freebies from the Rexona Event, I repurchased and I'm on my 3rd Deodorant stick!

Where to purchase and how much?

All leading department stores and groceries for Php150.00 (approx $3.30) for 40g

 

What deodorant or anti-perspirant are you using?
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Joey Pepperoni Pizzeria

Joey Pepperoni Pizzeria has been around for quite some time but I did not feel "intrigued" to visit this place as I thought "It's just another pizza parlor"!  When I was at Save More supermarket, it was one of those days I am too hungry I can eat a horse moment, I wanted something fast and I was craving for pasta!

The place was warm and cozy, what the heck!  Pizza is pizza, pasta is pasta, a hungry crocodile has to eat!!!   A menu was given to us and it says... 

I wonder, How Pizza Should Really  Be?  A lot of us have our own version of a perfect pizza, my kind of pizza is thin crust oven baked to crispiness!  Real mozarella cheese with the right amount of toppings!  I am not asking too much!  Did Joey Pepperoni pass my expectations?  Read on...

Let's start with the service, I love it that their staffs are quite friendly and have a smile in their faces!  I was at Save More Sta. Mesa branch by the way.  Though the restaurant was quite small and it was in the afternoon, the food came in a  bit late but I was busy with their Fun Facts game anyways, as long as the food is fresh, I don't mind!

Bottomless Iced Tea

Php35.00 (less than $1.00)

It's bottomless, and it's only less than a dollar, what more can I ask for? Nothing!

But another round of iced tea please! :P

Pizza Messicana

Beef toppings, bacon, cheddar cheese, 

mushrooms and mexican seasoning

Php135.00 (approx $2.90) for SMALL

Thin crust - check!

Right amount of toppings - check!
Mozzarella cheese - check!

Crispy thin crust - well, it started out a bit soft, 

and we requested for them to oven toast it again, 

they happily obliged..so finally...check! 

Chicken Parmigiana

Pomodoro sauce topped with deep fried chicken breast 

and melted mozzarella cheese

Php218.00 (approx $4.80)

It's actually just one order that's good for 2!  We requested for the kitchen to separate them in two!  I love how wonderful it tastes!  Fresh tomatoes oozes inside the mouth!  Though I'm allergic to chicken, I swear, I devoured the deep fried chicken breast and popped an anti-histamine tablet!

 

A closer look

Oh! Can I just add, the garlic bread is fabulous!!!

I had a wonderful experience and I'll definitely go back to try their other pasta and pizza dishes!  Oh yeah, they have rice dishes too and a whole bunch of set meals!  Joey Pepperoni Pizzeria is definitely not just another pizza place!  They do know how Pizza and Pasta should be :)

By the way!  US Readers!  Here ye!
I'll be having a contest for US readers up anytime soon!
So please check back :) It'll be fun!

Have a wonderful weekend food tripping!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

I Wonder: "What do you use to contour your nose?"

Contouring the nose isn't a daily thing for me, though I gives an instant nose lift, I don't think it's natural to do so daily!  But when the need arises, let's say important events, parties... I wonder...

"What Do You Use to Contour Your Nose?"

My take?

Coastal Scents Black Deluxe Shadow Brush

(you can read my review by smiling and click here)

I used MAC's Shadester, applying more to show up on photos

I blend this afterwards

 

If you have to contour now!

What do you reach out for?
I'm quite excited to know!
Enjoy your weekend!

Keep smillin'

Stay Happy!

Reader's Corner

Happy Friday people!  Today's post is dedicated to readers' query.  I haven't been doing this much because I've been answering queries directly! I believe I have to learn so much still, so I will definitely open this comment section for people who can add up to the advices for our AMW Readers' Query.  :)

(note: all queries shortened to make it straight to the point)

Q: "Are waterproof mascara bad for the eyelashes?"

AMW says: Both waterproof and non-waterproof mascaras aren't bad for the lashes.  As long as you check on the ingredients and you are not allergic to any of those ingredients.  Your lashes will be fine!  To answer your query, I personally think waterproof mascara doesn't give out a huge negative effect on your lashes as long as you learn to remove the waterproof mascara properly.  It takes twice or thrice the effort to remove waterproof mascara so please use the right eye makeup remover to prevent lash fall out and eye infections!

Q: "I find a lot of good pressed powders are pricey, can you recommend a cheaper alternative that works just as well as the pricier ones?"

AMW says: I know I've reviewed a couple of pricey pressed powders or foundations, why?  Because I do makeup for clients and most clients, sad to say, are very particular with the brands I use so I have to invest on those pricier range.  Because of that, never think that I don't give chances to the cheaper alternatives!  Prior to all those pricier pressed powders, I was once a Maybelline Clear Smooth Face Powder user, back when I was still an "oily faced" girl! :)

The Clear Smooth's ultra-fine shine free pressed powder has SPF18 and it can control shine for almost the whole day!  The texture is finely milled and I use this to pat on the "oily" areas and it feels light, doesn't cake and it doesn't give out a "heavy makeup" look.  The best part is its price!  It's available at local Maybelline counters for Php199.00 (approx. $5.00).  Available in 4 shades: Natural, Honey, Light and Nude Beige.

My sister loves this too and finished 2 of these compacts and she's on her 3rd!  On the downside, well it's not really a downside but I prefer the old packaging!  The old packaging looks better and of course, the price was higher then!  Maybelline reduced the price so the packaging changed!  It's ok, as long as the quality is still the same!

Q: "What shampoo and conditioner do yo use?"

AMW says: I've been loyal to The Face Shop's Changpo Magic Straight line, I've used more than 4 sets of the shampoo and conditioner and I think my hair is already on its saturation stage!

I'm almost done with my current set so my next shampoo and conditioner set will be Shiseido's Aquair!  It was gifted to me by my brother :)  Will let you know if it works for me.

Q: "I've got dark elbows and knees, any secret?"

AMW says:  I smiled with this query!  I never even care about my elbows and knees til 2 years ago when I was preparing for my wedding!  Though I don't have super dark elbows or knees, I was quite conscious about them so I purchased Amira Magic Soap as I heard so many raves about this! 

I did not use this all over my body as I have very sensitive skin!  I purchased this specifically for my elbows and knees!  I lather this and rub it gently on my knees and elbow leaving the "suds" on the dark areas for 5-10 minutes!  I remembered taking before and after shots of these but I wasn't a blogger then so I didn't get the proofs (too bad).  If you plan to purchase this, be aware that there are a lot of fakes!  I purchased mine at Market! Market! department store.

Another secret you want? 

On my mission to "Be Stunning for a Steal", I got Garnier Light Milky Lightening Dew to take home!  I try to steer away from toners that has alcohol plus lemon due to my dry skin, I've found a great way to use this!  Like how I usually use a toner, I soak this on a cotton pad and gently wipe this on my knees and elbows every night before I go to sleep!  See? I don't waste products!

I am sorry my answers took some time :)
I'll do more Q&As in the future!
Keep the emails and comments coming!
You, my dear friends, rock my world!

Keep smilin!
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hair Spray

HAIRSPRAY, I'll probably think about this...

Hairspray was never a necessity in my daily "beauty" living as I hate the fact of putting something stiff on my hair, I don't like it when my hair is constricted.  Being a makeup artist, hairstyles and hairdos are sometimes part of your responsibility, I may not be good with hair but when the need arises, just like my passion for make-up, I want to use the best hair products as possible!

I remembered seeing this really tall, bronzey gold packaging on my wedding day!  The first thing I asked?  "Is it good?" "How much does it cost?"  I don't quite remember the answer but all I remember was me thinking..."Damn!  That's expensive!"

I swear, it overcame humidity, stress, a lot of running here and there ...you're intrigued what hairspray brand?

L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hair Spray
in Strong Hold

L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray says ---

Classic hair spray that gives a flexible hold without leaving residues;  it easily disappears at the stroke of a brush.

Effect: Flexible hold hairspray, no flakes
Hair type: All Hair types
Hold Factor: Strong (4/6)
Size: 500ml
Made in: Spain

AMW says ---

Pros

• gives a nice hold
• hair stays shiny, no fake stiff hair look
• non-sticky at all
  
• no flakes after brushing
  
• versatile (for upstyles, curls, volumizing)
• doesn't feel heavy on hair
  
• packaging is great, very professional looking and nothing fancy
  

Cons

• smells like old hairsprays, think of Aqua Net but this smells a bit better
• the scent stays :(
• extremely flammable!  always be careful when using such products
  
• quite pricey as compared to other hairsprays
  

Overall

This is "THE HAIRSPRAY" for a lot of hairstylist!  I've been to a couple of events or shoots and I never fail to see this around.  No wonder stylist all over the world rave about this hairspray!  I am glad my stylist used this on my wedding day!  I never felt a single strand of my hair fell out of place!

I am not sure if locally we have all types of hold available but I believe there's an Extra Strong Hold somewhere in the world :)

Moving forward, I felt comfortable taking this along to gigs!  As this product, is tested by yours truly and it passed!

Tips

from L'Oreal

• apply to dry or slightly damp hair.  To add more volume, spray on the roots
• never expose in high temperature
  

from AMW

•  if you want your hairstyle to last, do not use conditioner prior to styling
• use a wide toothed comb to detangle
• it is best to wash your hair with warm water and clarifying shampoo to prevent product build up
• try not to use in confined space, avoid spraying on eye area
• if irritations occur, STOP using product completely!
• for extreme hairstyles, do treat your hair with hair treatment to regain its strength and shine
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes!

Where to purchase and how much?

At leading salons (ex. David's, Jesi Mendez, Piandre, etc...) for Php680.00 (approx $14.50)

Here's a stolen shot of my hair!  I'm glad someone took this shot as I don't even know how the back of my head looks like on my wedding day!  My hairstylist used L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hair Spray (yes, I took notice!) at around 7:00am...I was busy chatting with my Godmother I believe! :P

After Church Ceremony, Portrait shots, Long Reception program with a lot of table hopping and greeting of the guests... the photographer took this shot while Keith and I were resting on the "Emperor's" chair!  It was past 12 midnight!  Take a look at my hair!  My hair has always been layered and I've got fringes too, look at how neat it still looks :)

Seriously good stuff!
I love it!
Now, looking back at the wedding photos! 
Time flies so fast...
Keith and I just celebrated our 2nd year Wedding Anniversary :)

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!