Monday, January 4, 2010

For the Win: A Complete set of Kerastase Mini!

(all photos taken from HairinManila)

Now this is another contest to start the year OPEN WORLDWIDE!!!  


 

HairinManila, thank you so much for letting me know about this contest,  I seldom post about other people's contest, but when I saw the prize, I knew this is something worthwhile for the readers.  I love my Kerastase Noctogenist Serum and I've done treatments in salons that uses Kerastase treatment and they are LOVE!  What's even better for this contest?  You get the chance to try on minis on ALL available Kerastase shampoo, conditioner and masques!  What a cute way to start the year!

How to win?

Head on to HairinManila and follow instructions!

What's the best news?  This contest is OPEN TO ANYONE IN THE WORLD!!!

Goodluck!  Again, if you want some inspiration, take a look :)



Goodluck!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Sunday, January 3, 2010

For the Win: It's Time! Sun Life Financial Kulay Pinoy Daily Organizer (Contest Closed!)

Thanks to my dearest friend Teeyah, for trusting my blog to be a channel of goodwill, I love contests!  I love it when my readers have the chance to win something!  Thanks again Teeyah.


Sun Life started a financial advocacy campaign called "It's Time!" last July 2009. In this campaign, they aim to educate Filipinos on the vehicles their money can ride to a better future. They believe that a large percentage of Filipinos are still uneducated in terms of finances, savings, investments and insurance.

To win the Sun Life Financial Kulay Pinoy Daily Organizer to keep track of your financial goals this year:

  • Leave on comment box "What your 2010 Financial Goal Is"
  • Include your name and email address
  • Contest run starting now until January 15, 2010
  • 5 Winners will be announced on January 16, 2010
  • Sorry, this is open to Philippine residents only
You can also get the chance to win a Rudy Project Watch by posting the same goals on the It's Time! Forum by smiling and clicking HERE


Another tip: If you want to increase your chances on winning, head on to Chronicles of Vanity and re-join the same contest!

Here's a closer look on the colorful pages, 
I seriously want one!

 

Huge space to write your daily activities

 

A monthly overview

 

I like it when organizers have tabs
OC-ness in me, sorry!  I just have to say that!
*winks*

 

Goodluck Philippine readers!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

AMW Reviews: Neutrogena Fine Fairness UV Compact

Neutrogena Fine Fairness UV Compact caught my attention when my colleague (from first work ever) came at work with very clear and smooth skin.  When asked what she did, she whipped out a silver compact with a HUGE mirror.  I won't forget that day when I took a mental note to myself to purchase this for myself when I get my first paycheck. 

First, second, third and many paycheck came and I didn't have the chance to purchase this because during those times, I can easily purchase a cheaper powder foundation that works A-okay.  Funny how the universe have this magnetic field that FINALLY reunited me with a product that I've been longing to own!

Neutrogena Fine Fairness UV Compact
my teenage years CRUSH


 

Neutrogena Fine Fairness UV Compact says ---

This extraordinary powder formulation blends evenly with skin tone to hide imperfections for beautifully natural-looking coverage. Contains Vitamin C and Licorice Extract, plus sunscreens to help protect the skin against harmful UV rays and prevent the formation of sunspots. Immediately leaves your skin luminous and helps improve skin fairness every time you apply it. Hypo-allergenic. Fragrance-free. Non-comedogenic. Resistant to humidity, sweat and sebum (oil). Comes in Light Beige and Natural Beige shades.

Ingredients (click photo to enlarge)




AMW says ---

Pros
  • dermatologist tested
  • easy to blend
  • non cakey
  • I like the plastic cover that comes with the compact

  • has SPF 15
  • huge mirror
  • does not have weird smell, there is a tiny hint of fresh scent
  • does not feel heavy on face
  • can be applied both ways for light to full coverage - wet or dry
  • no allergies or skin irritations
  • I've applied once in the morning and late afternoon, I find that the powder foundation is still intact
  • the sponge that comes along with the product is good quality
Cons
  • packaging!  I don't like the long compact
  • applying too much can make you look "powder-y" or unnatural
  • dry skinned individuals: using this without moisturizing your skin may make your skin looks flakey
Overall
The Neutrogena Fine Fairness UV Compact has been around for years but I just managed to use one recently, I have used one in the past but ended up giving it to my mom as she likes it.  I'm glad I reunited with this foundation again, it's not super cheap but its not expensive either, for its price, I like it that it's dual purpose.  Can be applied both wet or dry.  I personally prefer applying powder foundation dry because I hate the hassle, but with this, probably due to my dry skin, I prefer applying this by spritzing a bit of water on my sponge to dampen then gently apply my foundation with a light hand, the effect comes out more natural.  For people who prefer the compact foundation that works yet doesn't cost too much, this works fine!  I cannot say this is the BEST powder foundation out there but this baby has a lot to say! 

Tips
from Neutrogena
  • Apply with a water-moistened sponge for more complete coverage, or with dry sponge for a light matte finish.
 from AMW
  • if the application turned out to be too unnatural or powdery looking, spritz your face with mist
  • make sure to choose the right shade, this gives out a white cast on flash photography if you chose the wrong shade
  • I personally s uggest if you plan to use this wet, use this wet ALL THE WAY or vice versa
  • oilier skin may need to retouch but doesn't have to retouch many times.  
  • prefer even lighter coverage?  Use a brush to apply this
  • wash your sponge applicator at least once every 2 weeks, or better? once a week!

Will I repurchase?
Yes

Where to purchase and how much?
At any leading beauty stores or Neutrogena counters for approx Php700.00 (approx $15.00)



A closer look on Natural Beige #21



Applied on hand

 

 Applied on skin, no base, no nothing
just pure foundation

Note: You can still see a bit of "redness" on my lip area as I applied this "dry"
either I conceal it first or apply the foundation wet for heavier coverage



It's a nice drugstore foundation that lives up to its promise of a good performance. 
Worth to try for sure!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Friday, January 1, 2010

Beauty Bloggers Top Picks of 2009


Thanks to my dearest friend Paris Beaverbanks for including me in the beauty bloggers top picks 2009!  It was hard to pick just one but I thought of one product/tool that I've been consistently using and find it quite difficult NOT to touch it on a daily basis...you'll know what mine is!  But let's read on for the other's beauty picks for the past year!


**photo courtesy of My Women Stuff

Tine of Beautyholics Anonymous picks Clinique’s Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer Serum and says “It’s a pity it doesn’t work for everyone, but I’m so glad it works very well for me. Hello smooth skin!”

Yani of Red Luscious Lips chose as her top pick the Chanel Rouge Allure Lacque.

Connie of Skindeco highlights the RMK Powder Foundation EX for 2009.



Xin of PrettyBeautiful went for Stila Smudge Pots which she says is a lifesaver for oily lids.

Nikki of AskMeWhats picked a gadget! The Remington Protect and Shine Pro Soft Curl Tong and she says “This is my ultimate favorite, been using this everyday and it gives a nice soft curl on my hair :)

Kahani, Syen and Eli of Soloverly picked the H20+ Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment gel and the Cellnique / B.Liv Pro Sebum Gel as their top picks of 2009.

Paris B of My Women Stuff couldn’t pick just 1 item but eventually settled for the Dior Serum de Rouge lipstick – every girl should have one!

Now if you can only pick one...
What's yours?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!




Happy 2010!




2009 has been the best and worst year for me. I went through a lot for the year, so many good times, yet so many stressful and bad times.  A lot of you knew what happened to my mom mid-year of 2009 and it was the worst!  I have never thought things could get any worst until I've encountered them all in a year!

Did I survive the year?  Maybe...
Is everything perfect now?  Of course not!
Am I ok?  Of course!  I am a survivor, I am surviving!


Life is definitely tough, I may not know what will happen this year but I am armed and ready to face this year.  Seriously, I cannot even imagine if things would get any better or worst, if it gets worst, oh my...I can't even imagine how things could get any worst, but who knows right?  I've been hit, punched, kicked so many times with problems and I'm sure the pain will always be there, but all I know for now...is with family, friends and loved ones, I can definitely face this year.  I can't promise I won't cry, I know I will, but it doesn't mean I'm giving up, I am looking forward to fight for a better year.  Even if it isn't, at least I made the ride worthwhile.

I want to start the year by thanking YOU, my readers, my blogger friends, for being in this wonderful ride of LIFE with me.  There will always be good and bad times for all of us, but with community like ours, who would dare give up right? :)

Happy New Year everyone!
Let's all start the year by doing what we do everyday...

KEEP SMILING
STAY HAPPY!

*group hugs*