I Wonder: "Have Your Forced Yourself to Finish a Product Because of its Price?"

Happy Thursday!  How's the week treating you?  Mine was still busy but at least, I get to relax a bit in between and meet up with lovely friends! 

As a beauty products writer and reviewer, I've tested so many products from head to toe!  There may be some products that are given by companies for reviews but most of the time, I purchase my own products using my very much hard earned money. 

Which led me to an "I Wonder" question for the week...

"Have you forced yourself to finish a product 

     because of it's price?"

I did and I still am!  When I went to Shanghai for vacation 2 years ago, I purchased Tsubaki's Shampoo and Conditioner.  The pair works really well for the first few months but I got bad case of dandruff mid-bottle!  I still finish it up!

And you think I learned my lesson.

When my brother came back for vacation last year, I requested him to help me purchase Shiseido's Aquair shampoo and conditioner because of the raves I've read online.  The dearest brother gifted me this and I knew it's almost the same price as Tsubaki's.  First few weeks, was love!  But after a month or so, dandruffs are starting to rear its ugly head again!  And you know what?  I am still using this because of the price and I feel guilty because my brother spent a lot for this.

So, AMW thought of a solution and so far, it's working.  I use this set alternately with Head & Shoulders!  No more dandruff and no more itchiness! *sigh*

Most of the time, I am not at all patient in finding solutions for products that do not work.  In this case, if the price is high, I will definitely find ways to make it work! 

Click comment and I'd love to hear your story!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reports: Clinique's Youth Surge Event

When I got an invite from Ms. May Samson, Marketing Manager of Clinique, to discover  

Age Suspended, Time Interrupted 

I couldn't say no.  I am a big fan of anti-aging products!  Not because I am aging.....well, I actually am, but I am a big believer of starting up early to prevent signs of aging!  And of course, I couldn't pass the chance to meet Ms. May and other attendees invited to this event!

The event was held at the Intercontinental Hotel, and I was greeted with such a lovely set with a huge backdrop of my favorite skincare brand!

 

I am  amazed with the ice sculpture with the new Clinique's Youth Surge Night Age Decelerating Night Moisturizer and Youth Surge SPF 15 Age Decelerating Moisturizer.

  

Ms. Kaye Fidelino, the Brand manager of Clinique, opened the event with such optimistic outlook with Clinique's latest patent-pending de-aging treatment line - Youth Surge.

  

The lovely Patty Laurel hosted the event with such charm and excitement and I can't help but feel the excitement myself.  There was a great Q&A portion with Clinique's Asia Pacific Executive, who uses Clinique's Youth Surge himself!

  

And here's the 2 stars of the day!

Clinique scientists have found a revolutionary way to help optimize cellular regenration and restore youth to aging skin, intensifyinig the natural nightly cycle of repair.  Armed with this cutting edge reserach and ground-breaking knowledge of Sirtuins, naturally occurring youth extending agents found in the skin, Clinique has been able to create a comprehensive de-aging line for the woman looking to slow down the hands of time.

 

Clinique's Youth Surge SPF 15 Age Decelerating Moisturizer

Youth Surge SPF 15 Age Decelerating Moisturizer uses a unique-to-Clinique molecule, Isoniacinamide, which helps slow down the appearance of aging, optimize natural cellular repair and restore a youthful look to aging skin.  Used for the first time in Clinique's patent-pending Youth Surge SPF 15 Age Decelerating Moisturizer, this molecule works to help repair lines and wrinkles effectively and deliver visible results.

Suggested Retail Price: Php3,650 (approx $79.00)

Clinique's Youth Surge Night Age Decelerating Night Moisturizer

Youth Surge Night uses an exclusive blend of ingredients - Isoniacinamide and NADH - to help skin extend its natural cellular longevity and to optimize reparative functions, resulting in youthful looking skin.  Coupled with the powerful enzyme Micrococcus Lysate, these repair-boosting agents enhance skin's natural ability to combat damage that can accelerate the aging process.

The combination of energy molecules Adenosine Phosphate and Creatine help skin utilize its "fuel" in the efficient manner during the night when skin is more receptive to reparative treatment.

Suggested Retail Price: Php3,650 (approx $79.00)

Like I said, I enjoyed going to events because I get to meet old and new faces! It was great to see Lauren (photo below left side) again for the second time, I've met her at the GlamBox event and we were both lucky enough to have won the airbrush set. 

I also had the chance to chitchat with Liz (photo below right side) again!  The first time I met her was at the JnJ Body Care  Launch Event!  I love her outfit!  I can't help but gush over her lovely skirt!

Huge "hi" to Jane of Here's To Life!  I didn't have the chance to take a photo with her! :)

  

A dearest friend Phoebe was also there!  I love her outfit and her usual gorgeous haircut and hair color!  

And last but not the least!  I went to the event with the dearest friend  Beatrilicious!  I had a great lunch with her prior to this event and we had a nice frozen yogurt right after the event!  Girl bonding for sure!  Oh yeah, it was a day full of stories, laughters and meeting up new people!  Before I forget, the snacks they serve at the Intercontinental Hotel is wonderful! Salmon on wheat crackers, Bea's ultimate favorite!  I love the Chicken on stick by the way! :)

  

The event ended really well and I went straight for The Spa Experience right after.  Now, isn't it such a relaxing day? 

Have a wonderful day!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

AMW Reviews: Mineraux Mulberry Organic Lip Color

I haven't use a lot of lip gloss products lately!  I am actually leaning towards moisturizing lipsticks instead as I like my lips a bit toned down.  My lips are quite picky with the lip products I use because of extreme dryness and weird fullness!  I actually prefer lip tints better on regular days.  That's why when Mineraux came out with an organic lip color that states to combine healing benefits plus nice lip color, I am game to give this a test!

 

Mineraux Mulberry Organic Lip Color says ---

Organic liquid lip colors that combine healing benefits and vibrant colors that last

Contains: Unrefined Shea Butter, Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil, Organic Meadowfoam Oil, Candelilla Wax, Mica, Iron Oxides, and Tangerine Essential Oil

Size: 6ml

Available in:
Mulberry: Warm pink in sheer gloss
Red Chili: Reddish-pink in sheer gloss
Nectarine: Bronze-copper in high gloss
Grapefruit: Baby pink in sheer gloss
Maple: Pinkish brown in sheer gloss
Passion Fruit: Plum in sheer gloss

AMW says ---

Pros

• very nice shade, not too overwhelming
• does not dry the lips
• looks very natural
• ingredients are written all over the product, can easily check out ingredient list
• non-sticky
• does not leave a yucky film after removing lip color
• since it works like a moisturizing lipstick, it lasts longer than regular gloss 
• tested by drinking water and coffee, the lip color transfers a bit on cup but the color stays on lips!  Quite impressive!

Cons

• the sticker packaging, I prefer the brand name printed, but it doesn't matter
• if you are looking for a super glossy finish, this isn't the one

Overall

This is the first lip gloss packaged product that I've tried that doesn't have a "lip gloss" finish.  It looks like a moisturizing lipstick in a lipgloss bottle!  This product is very smooth and easy to apply.  I actually like this product because I have quite full lips and a very glossy lip gloss will enhance the fullness of my lips, so I actually like the subtle glow it gives instead of the "Hi!  My face consists of one huge lips" look!

The healing benefits of the lip color is too early to tell but I like the fact that my lips does not dry out every after usage.

Tips

• if lips are extremely dry, exfoliate lips once or twice a week and leave with petroleum jelly or your favorite lip treatment
• apply lip liner prior to this lip color application to make the lip color last longer
• after every usage, I prefer wiping the wand with paper towel or cloth to prevent bacteria from growing
• do not share lip gloss using the same wand to others, use a lip brush or applicator

Will I repurchase?

Yes!

Where to purchase and how much?

At Mineraux website for Php400.00 (approx $8.70)

International readers, I believe the website accepts paypal payments, please email them at info@mineraux.com.ph to check if they ship internationally or not

A close up on Mulberry on wand

  

Swatch on hand no base

on lips applied alone

  

I am intrigued to try Grapefruit shade because I'm on a pink mood lately!  

*huge smack* to everyone!
Have a wonderful day!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

AMW Reports: "The Spa" Purifying Moroccan Mud Therapy Experience

Happy Manic Monday people!!!  I had a wonderful week last week!  I promised everyone I will do a couple of reports for the stuff I've done! The highlight for the week was a spa therapy experience which was the best thing I've done because I haven't had any massages or spa treatments for almost a year!  I've been caught up with so many stuff and with such hectic schedule, the only time for myself is my "stay at home" personal treatment!  So this will be the first after many months for a real "me" time.  I want to thank Emily, the Marketing Executive of The Spa, for the invitation!

I visited The Spa, Greenbelt 1 branch for The Spa Purifying Moroccan Mud Therapy.  I am excited to try the treatment because it purifies and cleanses the skin as well as retain moisture, moisture retention - a magical phrase for dry skinned like myself!

I arrived 30 minutes earlier than my scheduled appointment, I was taken aback a bit with the nice "Greek"  ambiance, it looks intimidating at first but the wonderful smile from the staffs made me comfortable at once!  I felt like a goddess from America's Next Top Model walking towards the reception area!  A girl can work it out right? 

The waiting area is quite comfortable and you can sit down and relax while you wait to be called.  You can feel at ease too that your loved ones will be comfortable waiting for you  as you pamper yourself.

Wonders: "Who's that pretty lady sitting and waiting?" hahahaha

As I was called to go up for my treatment, I was told that the left side of the door are for males and the right side are for females.  There are also private rooms for couples!  I really like it!  I love privacy!  Not that I'm afraid of paparazzis!  I just want my privacy on semi-naked times like these! hahaha

Now let's talk about the treatment I tried!  It's called The Spa Purifying Moroccan Mud Therapy, a 60 minute treatment of pure bliss and relaxation.

Envelopment in a layer of warm mud enriched with pure volcanic-based minerals, increases pure wellness by reducing muscle aches and pains, balancing the whole body system to promote beauty from the inside and the body's skin to a youthful optimum health.  Your body will surely radiate and achieve a delightful sense of utter renewal and well being.

 

I had a quick shower first then went for a relaxing sauna to calm my tired muscles from a whole day's activities.  The treatment started by spraying and brushing my entire body.  I was a bit hesitant with exfoliation but this scrubbing was done with such gentle hands that I nearly fell asleep.

 

Afterwards, my whole body was applied with warm mud that's mixed with the rassoul powder.  The warm mud application stimulates and releases impurities as the skin absorbs enriching minerals which makes the body radiates healthy glow as it deeply hydrates it.  I was then wrapped with a plastic sheet and fleece blanket cocoon style for approximately 15 minutes accompanied with a relaxing scalp massage.  A quick note from author, if you are claustrophobic, do let the staffs know as this treatment may overwhelm you!

After the wrapping process was done, I was unwrapped and asked to soak in a hi-tech jacuzzi bath which  made me feel like a princess with bubbles that I can play with! :)  I had another quick shower after and while my body was still damp, the application of body moisturizer was done for finishing touch.  I like the fact that my whole body does not feel greasy at all!

I am very particular with post treatment area.  I want a relaxing place to change, to dry my hair, to have some retouch and The Spa definitely passed my watchful eyes and OC-ness with flying colors!  Some simple amenities like body lotion, powder, blowdryer combs and brushes are available and I love the fact that their combs and brushes are well sanitized.

Relaxed and recharged after the treatment.  Even the hubby said I look refreshed!

 

Check out The Spa website for more services. They have branches at Trinoma, Bel-Air, Greenbelt, Alabang, Acropolis and The Fort.

The Purifying Moroccon Mud Therapy costs Php1,900 (approx $41.00) for non-members and Php1,700 (approx $37.00) for members.  It looks quite pricey but the relaxation and the experience is worth it!  I will definitely come back and invite my mom for a special QT (quality time).

Have you had a luxurious body treatment?
Willing to try?
Thanks again to the people of The Spa for making this such a relaxing experience!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Banana Leaf + A Cute Combination

Happy Sunday friends!  I had a very busy week!  Though I was off for the whole week for a holiday, it was a very busy one!  Accompanied my brother who came back for vacation, went to an event, went out with friends, had a wonderful makeup workshop...it was really an exciting week for me!  I do feel tired but it's all worth it :)


Weekend food tripping!  I think I skipped the post last week!  It was a week full of food and laughter!  Love to eat .. and bond!  Let me start with a very simple dish that I came to realize that it's a favorite of mine!  CURRY!!!!

Went to the Banana Leaf Restaurant to have a nice curry fix!

Malayan Chicken Curry with Potatoes

Php228.00 (approx $4.97)

I love chicken and I love curry!  Some chicken hates me as I'm allergic to it!  But I don't care!  It's chicken on curry sauce!  I can taste the coconut and curry blended perfectly!

 

Deep Fried Pandan Chicken

Php168.00 (approx $3.65)

Another Thai dish favorite dish of mine!  And it's not surprisingly CHICKEN again!  The chicken itself is marinated in pandan sauce as what I know the deep fried with pandan leaf!

  

Yummy chicken minus the bones!

 

And you'd think I'll only talk about food?  I bought something really nice to use!  I finally own a very cute mouse and mouse pad!  This is made by A4!

  

It's pink.  The mouse design matches the mousepad!

Now I'm more inspired to blog!

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

I will be off for another weekend food tripping.  My brother will be leaving the country soon!  I'm going to miss him!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!