Friday, February 19, 2010

AMW Reviews: Kerastase Reflection Chroma Reflect Masque

Finally!!!  Lemmings after lemmings, stopover from one salon to the other.  I finally purchase another Kerastase hair treatment!  There are so many ranges of Kerastase products targeted for different hair needs.  I have tried Kerastase Oleo Relax way back and instead of repurchasing the same product, I've decided to give the Reflection range a try since for the past years, I've colored my hair multiple times and my hair obviously lacks the luster and shine it was born with! The Kerastase Reflection Chroma Reflect is set to be for "sensitised hair", in simpler language, for hair that has been chemically damaged. <-- points to my own hair!

 

Kerastase Chroma Reflect says ---
A rich and luxurious conditioning treatment for thick and very sensitised colored hair.  This beautiful hair mask conditioner aims to restore the hair fiber and give the hair a masque aims to leavve the hair supple and soft with a beautiful luster and  mirror-like shine, while helping to provide the hair against external aggressions.

size: 200ml

AMW says ---

Pros

  • a little goes a long way, I use at least 1.5 tablespoon for my hair length
  • smells great
  • makes hair softer and more manageable
  • makes hair color livelier
  • nice color coordinated packaging base on range
  • has a protective cap

Cons

  • pricey as compared to other hair treatment
Overall
I've always been offered Kerastase hair treatment when I asked for salon treatments.  Though purchasing this is quite pricey, I would calculate the times I can treat my hair and it's still cheaper as compared to having it done in a salon.  

First time using the Chroma Reflect Masque, I felt it's a bit sticky after first wash and I find my hair a bit hard to comb!  This happens to most hair masque I've tried so I did not panic.  What I love about this masque is on it's 2nd and 3rd and the days to come.  I can definitely see my hair shinier and more manageable.  

Tips
 from Kerastase
  • Apply 1 to 2 teaspoons to clean, towel-dried hair. 
  • Massage through from roots to ends, focusing on sensitized areas. 
  • Leave on for 10 minutes. 
  • Emulsify with warm water and rinse thoroughly.
from AMW
  •  use this treatment once or twice a week depending on the degree of damage of your hair
  • try to concentrate the product on damaged areas
  • massage onto hair and scalp gently, be gentle especially when hair is wet
  • if your hair is very damaged, do not save up on product and use as much as you can to help save your hair!
Will I repurchase?
Definitely.  I did!

Where to purchase and how much?
I bought mine at First Aid, Greenbelt for, Php2,625 (approx $57.00), other salons do sell these too
For international readers, there are online sites selling these.

  

Have you tried Kerastase home or salon treatment?
Tell me your experience!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

 

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Eureka Moment: I Can Now Shop at Sephora!

Good Eureka day everyone!!!  I know how some of you like my Eureka Moments.  I enjoy sharing some good finds and exciting treasures!

I remember those days that I would "window shop" at Sephora website!  How I wish I can shop there!  But because of geographical difficulties, all I can do is salivate in front of the screen as I see the deals passing by my very own eyes!  That's when I'm glad that there are smart sellers out there who reads the mind of buyers like us!  I've chanced up a local multiply seller called Maison d'elan House of Flair online store.  I believe we can pre-order anything available at Victoria Secret and Sephora.  There are also some interesting on hand products sold.


Anyways, yours truly got intrigued with the Benefit To Go Beauty Bestseller priced at $10.00 and they sell it for Php715.00 (approx $15.50) + shipping!  Not bad since I get the product faster and I'm sure the product  will get to my hands as compared to getting lost in local post offices!

I wanted to try the famous Posietint for quite some time and I don't want to spend a lot on a full size not knowing if it'll work for me or not. Since the price ain't bad, I gave it a go!  The order came in approximately 2 weeks!  And here's how it was packaged!!!!


Finally! I have my own Benefit to Go Beauty Bestseller!  I can't wait to test them and give you a review as soon as I have the chance to do so!!!  My heart melts when I see sample sizes housed in a very cute packaging.

  

This set contains:
- 0.08 oz Posietint: A poppy-pink tinted lip & cheek stain
- 0.06 oz Some Kind-A Gorgeous: The foundation faker
- 0.25 oz That Gal: A brightening face primer
- 0.09 oz High Beam: A luminescent complexion enhancer
  
The itchy hands tested the Posietint right away!  The shade is really pretty!  No wonder it was raved by many!  

  

I also got a freebie from the seller!  Thanks for the Hourglass Veil Oil Free Mineral Primer  


I will definitely window shop more at Sephora!  Glad to have a third party seller who helps bring these products! Oh, please do not forget to email the seller on how much they would sell the product plus shipping rate before you place an order!  

Sephora addicts out there, hope this helps!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Nail Art Tutorial: "The Heat is On" Nails

Happy nail art day!!!  After Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day, I can definitely feel the heat!  Summer's definitely coming!  So my nail art tutorial for this week is inspired by summery colors!  Let's turn on the heat and enjoy the sun!  Don't forget the SPF ok?



Step 1:
Apply base coat prior to 2 coats of your choice of nail polish.  I am using The Nail Fantasy polish no. 66 (glittery peach color)


Step 2:
Create a French tip using Elianto polish in Yellow.


Optional:
You can stop in this step, apply your favorite top coat and enjoy the bright colored Orange and Yellow combination French Tip! :)

 

Step 3:
Using L.A. Colors Art Deco in black, create 3 lines going to the directions you are comfortable with.



Step 4:
Using L.A Art Deco in white, create lines between the black strips you've created on Step  3.




Step 5:
Using the same yellow polish you used as French Tip, I've dotted random dots using nail art dotting tool.  How?


Drop several drops of Elianto's Yellow Polish on a used CD


Using a nail art dotting tool, gently apply dots on areas you prefer
You can always be creative on this step


Step 6:
Protect your nail art with OPI's RapiDry Top Coat or any top coat of your choice.


Wave your hands and enjoy the hot combination!


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!










Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Something New: Graftobian HD Creme Foundation Temptress (Dish)

The first Graftobian product I own is the Graftobian High Definition Warm Palette #1.  I've been using it on clients on an myself for a while and I found that the small quantity of each color made me finish up the product as fast as a speeding bullet!  It's not bad though because I love mixing and matching shades and the palette is a perfect foundation palette for makeup artists like me.

But what if you're not a make-up artist?  What if  you don't need all the shades?  I've been asked these questions so many times and I'm glad I got an answer!  There is such thing as Graftobian HD Creme Foundation in dish

 

I don't need to tackle the pros and cons as the creme foundation is the same as the ones on palette form.  They are indeed very soft, silky and light on skin!  I also use this to spot conceal blemishes or undereye circles.  This is definitely great for everyday use that's why I've decided to re-purchase another one for personal use! 

I wanted to order Vixen as it's closer to my skin color, since the color is out of stock, I ordered the next shade instead which is Temptress.  It's not a biggie as I like my skin tone a bit darker on some days!  And if it doesn't work?  I can always mix and match with my lighter Graftobian Creme Foundation like Graceful Swan or Ingenue! 

Here's Temptress on dish with and without flash 

  

Swatched on hand without base

 

Clean face using Temptress shade, no base, no setting powder
Used with Beauty Blender in application

 

Each dish costs Php900.00/approx $20.00 available at HD Makeup Studio.
I am loving High Definition makeup, I don't need to use a lot and yet it photographs really well!  How say you?  Have you tried any high definition makeup?  

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

 

Monday, February 15, 2010

AMW Reviews: Mineraux Plum Blush

One Mineraux product that I can't stop raving is their Mineraux Beach Tan bronzer.  It was a Blush for the Week and I even revisited it and it maintained it's HG (holy grail) status for the past months. I am seldom a fan for mineral blushes because it doesn't stay as long as regular blushes!  I'm glad to be introduced again to a Mineraux product.  This time, it's their blush in shade PLUM! 

 

Mineraux Plum Blush says ---

Finely-milled minerals that are highly pigmented and provide a warm, sheer and natural finish

Ingredients: Sericite, Titanium Dioxide, Silk Powder, Magnesium Stearate and Iron Oxides (imported from USA and Canada.  Packaged and perfected in the Philippines)

Plum: Matte plum. Best for medium and fair skin tones.

Available in other shades: Nude, Peach, Pink, Pink-Peach, Raspberry, Auburn, Rose Wine and Cherry Blossom

AMW says ---

Pros
  • very pigmented, a little definitely goes a long way
  • very natural looking
  • stays longer than other mineral blushes I've tried
  • inexpensive
  • no allergic reactions
  • packaging is simple.  Sealed if brand new.
  • shipment is quick and packed really well
Cons
  • can be a bit messy for non-mineral makeup user
  • difficult to take along if you like to travel with cosmetics
Overall
I love matte blushes because of it's natural look!  I can seldom find mineral blushes in matte form and I am glad to have found this!  Plum shade is very pretty and shows up really nice not only in person but also on photographs! 

Tips
  • I am a pro-cream blush user prior to powder blush application
  • for natural flush: swirl, tap and apply using a bigger blush blush on the apples of your cheeks
  • for a more dramatic blush: use a smaller blush brush or angled brush to apply this
  • applied too much? Apply more setting powder or powder foundation on top of the blush to lessen the blush pigmentation
Will I repurchase?
Yes!  In other shades!

Where to purchase and how much?
30g sifter jar (approximate net weight of 10g): Php650/approx $14.13
20g sifter jar (approximate net weight of 7g): Php500/approx $10.87
10g sifter jar (approximate net weight of 3g) : Php350/approx $7.60
5g sampler jar (approximate net weight of 1g, without sifter): Php180/approx $3.90
 
 
Plum Blush on pot
  

Swatched on hand no base



Anyone who's on my Facebook friends know this photo, this is my profile picture as shot by  my dearest brother who came home for a vacation.  I've got queries over email on my makeup.  I don't have much on but a powder foundation, a blush and a lipstick!  And the blush I've used is.... you guessed it right --- Mineraux's Plum Blush!  I like how natural it looks and never over the top :)


Hope you had a wonderful Chinese New Year's and Valentine's Day celebration!
Enjoy this week and have a wonderful day!


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!