Wednesday, January 13, 2010

AMW Reviews: L'Oreal Professional Texture Expert Smooth Ultime Moist & Control Milk

I have received numerous email from readers about fighting frizzes or how to tame thick and rebellious hair!  I have always advised them to go weekly home treatments!  Choosing the right  shampoo and conditioner and of course, protect the hair if you are using heating  tools!

There are so many products out there, could get really confusing most of the time,  but all it takes for us is the pinpoint what we're looking for...then we'll get there!

There's one product out there for frizzy, thick and rebellious hair, I don't have thick rebellious hair but I like to tame my hair once in awhile.

L'oreal Professional Texture Expert came out with a Smooth Ultime Moist and Control Milk, Milk itself sounds really good!  Read on to see what my thoughts are...

**photo from L'Oreal

L'Oreal Professional Texture Expert Smooth Ultime says ---
  • Taming cream for thick, rebellious hair
  • Result: Instant volume reduction.  Frizz control and long-lasting humidity protection for smooth, soft hair styles.  Nutrition and softness.
  • Product category: Blow-in treatment for thick hair.
  • Main benefit: smooth, blow-dry stylling
  • Technology: Incell and pearl proteins repair and reinforce sensitized hair fibers.  UV filter and vitamin E acetate protect the hair.
  • size: 150ml
AMW says ---

Pros
  • hair feels smooth to touch after application
  • no tangles
  • doesn't feel heavy or greasy the whole day
  • smells wonderful!  I love the scent of L'Oreal haircare products!
  • hair is easy to comb or brush the whole day
  • my hair doesn't puff up the whole day (FYI: my hair does on bad hair days )
  • has extra treatment and protection as compared to other styling products
Cons
  • pricey for a 150ml hair product
  • not available anywhere, have to go to leading salons
  • packaging: I prefer flip top cap as compared to this twisty-type
  • the tube is a bit hard to squeeze
  • I like cream products that has a mouth, I dislike wiping the top portion after every use
Overall

If you have frizzy and unruly hair, this works to tame it down, I've seen it work for other people!  But of course, I'll always pull you back to reality, this doesn't work overnight or in an instant, this works temporarily and you may see good results with prolong usage! 

Tips
from L'Oreal
  • work a dab of the product into the palms and apply to washed and towel-dried hair.  Proceed with blow-drying.  Dry with diffuser to define curls.  If needed, repeat application on dry hair throughout the day for added control.
  • a small amount of the product is enough
  • ideal for women with very thick hair who want some control
from AMW
  • I store it upside down so the product flows easily and no more squeezing :)
  • Hazelnut size is meant to be perfect amount, but do experiement with different amount of product you use as different hair length have different  requirements
  • apply this on damp hair or dry hair, both are ok
    Will I repurchase?
    I have to finish up ALL my hair products first! hahaha I am seriously in need of help!  I am addicted to hair products!

    Where to purchase and how much?
    At local salons for Php995.00 (approx $21.60).  If this product is not available in your country, I believe Strawberrynet carries this for $26.00 (approx Php1,196) FREE SHIPPING worldwide!


     I always apply on the lower portion first 
    then with the remaining product on my hand, 
    I gently massage it on the root area

     

    I then would comb my hair to spread the product evenly

     

    It feels light and non-greasy at all!
    And yeah, you can say:
    "gee, your hair smells terrific!" :P

     

    I hope my review will help those who were asking me about hair products for certain hair types!
    I will try to give a review on other hair products that works for other hair textures :)
    Enjoy your day!

    Keep smilin'
    Stay happy!

    Tuesday, January 12, 2010

    Nail Art Tutorial: "Dainty Taro" Nails

    Good morning everyone!  Missed my nails?  hahaha  I haven't been posting nail art tutorials as I've been busy the couple of weeks!  Now, let's bring back my 10 fingernails!  They are all excited to see you!  My first nail art tutorial for the year 2010 leans on to something dainty as always, and of course, as promised, I've used my mini OPI Polish that I have been keeping for quite some time.  I'm glad I used it, the color is amazing!  Reminded me of "Taro Ice Cream"





    Step 1:
    Apply a base coat prior to nail polish application.  Apply 2 coats of OPI polish in Done Out in Deco.



    Step 2:
    Making sure the 2 coats are dry, use a gold glitter polish to apply the tip of the nails with feather-like motion.  I am using Bourjois mini polish.  I am in the mood to use mini polishes! *hahaha*


     

    Step 3:
    Just like regular flower nail art, drop 5 drops of white polish


     

    Use the needle and feather the dots inward just like on photo below

     

    Step 4:
    Now this is the "new" part, aside from feathering out the inner dot, feather out the outer dot as well to create a different "feel" of flower


     

    Step 5:
    This is optional, but to fill in the other space, create smaller dots below the flower.


     

    Alternate white dots and pink dots



    Do the same on other nails, I alternate the flower color
    Using White and Pink Prettynails' Art pen

     

     


    Step 6:
    I used Swarovski flat bed clear stones to create the flower bud, press with a toothpick to make sure it stays.


     

    Step 7:
    Do not forget to apply top coat to protect your nail art.  Make sure to apply the top coat when the nail art is dry.


     

    Here's my very dainty nails to start the year right!

     

    I hope you learn something different to create flowers :)
    And I do hope you wont' get scared to try nail art!
    Practice makes you happy...

    Keep smilin'
    Stay happy!



    Monday, January 11, 2010

    AMW Reviews: Beauty Blender







    The first time I saw the Beauty Blender on various websites, I had my mouth in big "O" and it got me thinking.."What the heck???? That price for a single small sponge?"  When I went back to my makeup school to do a photoshoot (Thanks Jeave and Stef), I borrowed Stef's Beauty Blender which is a good and bad idea.  Great idea because I find it very easy to apply foundation and it looks too cute on my hand!   Bad idea - for my wallet!  I got home thinking about it!  (imagine Beauty Blender with eyes and mouth calling for me!  Sorry my brain could be a bit cartoonish at times hahaha)

    Yes people, I can be weak too!  I gave in and bought my very own cute Beauty Blender!  My excuse?  It's available locally!  I don't need to wait for months or pay a lot for shipping!  :P


    Beauty Blender says ---

    The ultimate make up sponge applicator invented by top Hollywood make up artists Rea Ann Silva and Veronica Lorenz, Beautyblender has been created to leave you with a professional finish and a flawless complexion. Silva and Lorenz know that the key to a perfect face is simple: a perfect blend. So forget your fingers or sharp-edged triangular sponges, these application methods waste make up and can leave visible streaks.

    Beautyblender’s patent-pending elliptical shape makes application foolproof by allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas with stunning ease. Its suede texture is sensual to the touch and its unique curves fit the contours of your face, leaving your make up dazzling and undetectable. Beautyblender is latex free, non-allergenic and odor free.

    Sunday, January 10, 2010

    Weekend Food Tripping at: Five Cows Resto & Ice Cream Bar

    Funny how I forgot to post a weekend food tripping last week!  I guess I lost track of the days and I do miss the weekend food tripping post!  I hope you do too! :)  Now, let's get the groove back!  I got my appetite back as well!  Here's to a cute restaurant that screams "Moooooo!!!!"

    Five Cows Resto & Ice Cream Bar



    A nice "barnyard" ambiance!

     

    Loaded Nachos
    Php135.00 (approx $2.94)
    Tortilla chips topped with cheese, salsa and pico de gallo

     

    Salpicao
    Php260.00 (approx $5/65)
    Tender US beef chunks with garlic, olive oil, 
    buttered vegetables and my favorite garlic rice!


     


    Rocky Almond Bars
    Php160.00/ slice (approx $3.48)

    Php995.00 for whole (approx $21.63)

    Chef's heavenly creation of chocolate and vanilla ice cream,
    caramel and chocolate sauces, praline, chopped almond over an oreo crust
    topped with generous swirl of extra chocolate sauce

    A must try for all ice cream cake + chocolate lovers out there!
    I swear! You have to order this and share with your loved ones!
    awww...isn't that sweet?


     

    Five Cows Resto and Ice Cream Bar
    located at 4th Floor Trinoma mall EDSA 
    tel no: 632-901-3748/ 632-901-3948

    Great service, the restaurant accepts cash and all major credit cards!
    The restaurant is packed most of the time, both food and dessert are a winner for me!
    Enjoy chowtime! 

    Keep smilin'
    Stay happy!


    Saturday, January 9, 2010

    I Wonder: "....it's too darn cute!"

    How's everybody doing?  Well, I'm still an "energizer bunny"!  Like I said, it will be a very busy weekend but here I am, I still want to catch up with everyone!  As I was organizing my stuffs.. AGAIN  (nothing's new)!  I found an OPI Teeny Bikinis set given to me by my bestfriend as a gift.



    As a nail addict like yours truly, its quite surprising to think that I didn't use this the moment I receive this!!!  That got me thinking, I love polishes and each and every polish I have, I can't leave it more than a week not trying or using it.  What stopped me???




     Who could resist using them?  They're super cute!

    The set was available Spring of 2009 (Around February) in the US, I believe it's not available locally! This is the mini version of the regular sized OPI and they are packed in a cute pouch which is great for gifting or a perfect size if you want to test the brand without spending too much!


     

    The OPI South Beach Teeny Bikinis mini nail lacquer set includes: (left to right)
    • Done Out in Deco
    • Suzi & the Lifeguard
    • Overexposed in South Beach
    • RapiDry Top Coat
    That got me thinking and I want to hear from all of you.

    "What new product you have that you just don't have the heart to use because...

    .... it's too darn cute?"

    Yes, I promise I'll try to use this, on my next nail art tutorial,
    even if it breaks my heart!
    I'll probably play "Achy Breaky Heart" while I use this no? *hahahahaha*


    Keep smilin!
    Stay happy!