AMW Reviews: L'Oreal Renewal Lash Serum

Happy Gorgeous Thursday gorgeous people!  Thanks for coming back to read my post daily!

On my previous post on sharing what I'm using, a lot of you have shown interest on the L'Oreal Renewal Lash Serum, so, the good girl in me have to come up with a good, accurate and concise review as soon as possible! :)

This reminded me of the Ardell Brow and Lash Accelerator which works fine, but as soon as I stopped using it, my lashes went back to its natural state.   So let me move on to this product and report if this works well or not.

I have TRIED to use this religiously on both day and night, I have to admit, there are some days I've missed it because I am too sleep to even remember!  You have to be reminded that different individuals react to a product differently, so please do not take my word for this! 

L'Oreal Renewal Lash Serum says ---

Give lashes a nourishing boost every day with L'Oreal Paris' first Renewal Lash Serum.  Developed by L'Oréal laboratories following 3 years of lash research, the Renewal Lash Serum has an intensive formula enriched with Arginine and Centella. Lashes feel fortified and nourished.

The professional applicator is designed with a rounded end to treat the lash line whilst the curved edge is tailored to coat the length of the lashes from root to tip.

Clinically tested. Patent pending.

AMW says ---

Pros

• curved wand that's perfect enough to reach even the inner corner of the lashes

• I see the effects in shorter period as compared to other lash renewal serum
• my lashes are more moisturized
• lashes are softer
• I saw a tiny increase in length (tiny is ok, better than none at all)
• no lash fall outs even if I apply mascara more often for this month
• no eye irritations occur 
• does not affect the performance of the mascara even having this as a base

Cons

• to people who have sensitive eyes, this may irritate them a bit if the serum touches the eye area, it did a bit on me but no harm!
• for impatient people out there, this is not for you, it takes time to really see the result
• an additional step for lazy people (sorry)

Overall

I have used this without much excitement because I know products like these takes time to really see results (if there's even any).  I wasn't even consistent in application as there are days I am just too lazy and to admit it..I'm getting old to even remember this step!  What surprised me is my hubby was the one who told me about my lashes getting a bit longer than the usual.  He even thought I had mascara on!  That..made me grab a magnifying mirror and stared at my lashes for minutes!  He was right!  There are definitely some minor improvement for less than a month application!

I haven't seen the thickening of my lashes yet, but my lashes are definitely smoother, looks a bit healthier and increases a tiny wee bit of length!  I can tell!  I know my lashes..even better than my bum! *laughs*

Tips

• consistently apply day and night
• during the day time, apply prior to mascara application, making sure it is dry before you proceed with mascara application
• on nighttime, make sure lashes are clean, apply coats of this on bare lashes before going to bed
• take time in application, I try to apply all areas especially the inner and outer corner of the lashes
• affordable compared to others and this is readily available!
• wipe the wand with wet tissue every now and then to keep bacteria from growing

Will I repurchase?

Yes!

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at L'Oreal counter for Php845.00 (approx $18.37)

Now on to the photos!  The photos taken aren't perfect but that's the best we can do to show you how the product works :)  Hope this helps!

Closed eye shot

The angle is definitely wrong in this photo, I think my eyes on before shot is more relaxed.  The length is almost the same in this angle but the after picture has shown better and healthier looking lashes.

Open eyed shot

You can definitely see my lashes a bit longer in the center, the inner corner of the lashes are still the same (non-existent)

Side view shot

In this angle, the length of the lashes looks the same, but looking closely you can see the outer corner of the lashes on the after shot has some extra lash growth, not much but still, there are some new lashes growing on that area.  The fullness looks the same but the lashes in this angle on the after photo looks more conditioned...you think so too?

If there are any major changes after several weeks, I'll definitely report back!   I hope my review helps those who have weak and sparse lashes like mine.  Just a friendly reminder again, when you purchase products like this, please do not expect immediate result, and please be careful in testing out new products, be very keen on the negative reactions.  There's no "BEAUTY" in anything harmful for you!  Keep that in mind as it's well said by an 'old and mature' woman! *points to YOU* gotcha! :P

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: "Blue Is Hot For The Summer" Nails

Stayin' Alive...
Stayin' Alive...

Ah..ah..ah..ah...

Stayin' Aliiiiiivvvvvvveeee!!!

Last song syndrome (LSS) at the moment with this song.  That's how I'm feeling!  Have to stay alive and awake to last the week!  Humpy Wednesday is here!  And I hope you missed my nails!  I have done my nails weeks ago but no one was there to take a shot of my nail art!  Yumeko wondered how I took shots of my step-by-step tutorial, well, I am super dependent on my photographer!  If he's not around and I'm too lazy to fidget on the tripod, it's buh-bye nail art tutorial! :)

Now that we have our in-house photographer available, let's bring the mojo back!  I call this "Blue is Hot for the Summer" Nails!  Aside from the new polish I recently purchased made by L.A. Colors, which is super gorgeous by the way.  I've done a bit of experiment combining lines and dots! I've always thought it's a "no no" to combine both in nail art, I guess I proved myself wrong!  I am actually liking this fun, playful colors all ready for the heat!

Step 1:
I protected my nails with The Face Shop's Base Coat, I applied 2 coats of L.A. Colors Color Craze polish in matte blue (sorry no name color was written or even color number, I've searched all over the bottle!)

Step 2:
Using L.A. Colors Art Deco in matte baby blue, create diagonal lines on your nails, you can go whatever direction you're most comfortable with.

Step 3:
Using L.A. Colors Art Deco in White, create a thinner diagonal line just right below the blue line.  Do not worry about uneven lines, you can check out the next step to know why.

Step 4:
You can cover whatever uneven lines with L.A. Colors Art Deco in gold right in the middle of the blue and white diagonal lines.  It gives a nice pop of glitter/shine on your nails.

Step 5:
You can stop on Step 4 and top with your favorite top coat.  I prefer to go further, I don't like the blank space, so using Prettynail's Art Pen in white, create random dots, do as many dots as you like.

Step 6:
Protect your nail art with your favorite top coat.  I am using OPI's Rapidry Top Coat. 

Colorful Summer-ready nails! 
Ready to wave to the world 

like a Ms. World candidate! :P

Hope this day treats everybody fine!
Keep that genuine smile coming and you'll be surprised how great the day will be!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reports: Ipanema Colorful Sea Collection Launch

 

It was a fun affair last week when Ipanema launches the Colorful Sea Collection endorsed by none other than the Brazilian goddess and world's most successful model, Gisele Bundchen! 

 

The collection talks not only about hip design, high quality and chic style but Ipanema's model, Gisele Bundchen is a devoted environmentalist who actively adheres to her role as UN ambassador by using each GB collection to raise funds and awareness for specific eco-causes.  The 2010 "Colorful Sea" collection supports the preservation of Brazil's turtle population as well as the welfare of our own local marine life.  Now that's beauty IN AND OUT!

The event was held at White Space, a lovely place for events to be held.  Cute Ipanema sandals for all ages were showcased as people got busy checking out the new collection.  I met and chatted with a couple of bloggers as the nice waiters serve hors d'oeuvres and drinks on the side.

We were then guided to the function room and was greeted with wonderful table setting.  Jelly fishes couldn't be any cuter!  Look closely on the photos and you can see gorgeous Ipanema sandals as decors!

Via Mare Restaurant served the food for the night and there are desserts  to fill in the tummy!  I can't forget their blueberry cheesecake!  Up until this very moment!

The event started with welcoming address from the lovely emcee Anne Joy Asis or DJ Anne of wave 89.1 (thanks reader Rhea for her name), I can't help but stare at her Ipanema Thong Fem in Ivory White.  Matches her peachy pink dress which made her look relaxed and free!

A welcome address from the Managing Director of ELRO (Exclusive Distributor of Ipanema, Grendha and Rider) Mr. Francisco "Patxi" Elizalde.

Talks about our local environmental issues was done by the Vice Chairman, President/CEO of WWF - Philippines Mr. Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan.  Water conversation was stressed and we were all taught to start doing something to save our environment.  Everything starts from our own and we should do something real quick to save our natural resources!

The lovely dance troupe with a fabulous, breathe-taking dance number from The Ballet Philippines. I enjoyed the dance number and enjoyed starting at their Ipanema sandals as they change the it base on the theme!  I may not a ballet dance expert, but one thing I know for sure... it is VERY difficult and challenging to do a complicated dance steps on sandals!  So bravo to the Ballet Philippines! 

It was great seeing familiar faces and new faces in this Bloggers' Event

I'm holding the Thong Fem in Ivory White as Shen said it's my personality and she thought of me when she saw it! :)

This was my first GB Ipanema sandals bought to me by my then boyfriend, now hubby, Keith !  I've used this so many times for the past 2 years.  I guess its time for it to relax...you can tell by the photo that it still looks new and the print didn't fade!

Now that I own the The Colorful Sea "Thong Fem" in Beige Gold, I will definitely alternate this on "relaxing" days, which I personally believe was made to exude pure class and grace, adding an extra touch of tropic sophistication to my wardrobe!  According to Ipanema, it's perfect for casual strolls or romantic evenings.  For me, it'll be perfect for those long walks with the dogs, and of course, shopping!

But man! I can't help but long for Ipanema GB CS Thong Special Edition Fem in Grey Silver!  It's made with real Swarovski!  The bling is definitely in!!!

Do you own an Ipanema sandals? I did! And it lasts me a long time!  I have weak legs and feet so comfort is definitely number one for me, I am glad companies are coming up with more fashionable and comfortable sandals for people like me!

Keep smilin' 

Stay Happy!

AMW Reviews: SkinFood Dark Circle Salmon Concealer

Have you perfected your own makeup routine?  Is there a "safe" look because youl know it'll never fail to make you gorgeous?

I know I do, but there's something lacking with my overall look!  I tried to deny it but I have to face the truth that the dark undereye circles hindered me from looking "awake" and...well... a bit...prettier! *blushes*

Experiment after experiment, research after research, I've learned that mild darkness can be covered with regular foundation, and during those days that you're not into wearing foundation, a concealer one to two shades lighter than your skin is enough to cover the unsightly!

But what if your dark undereye circles are just too evident?  That's where salmon hued concealers come to the rescue.  Why salmon hue you ask?  The salmon hue of a concealer can blend right away into the purplish tone of the undereye circles which can cover the darkenss and brighten up the entire eye area and even the face!

The first salmon hue concealer I've heard is the one from Eve Pearl, I tried purchasing online but shipping is just too expensive.  That's why when The Skin Food, came out with a salmon concealer, the rest of the nation, including me went ga-ga and I told myself I have to give this a try!  Is it worth the purchase?  Read on....

SkinFood Dark Circle Salmon Concealer says ---

Contains triglyceride which is similar to skin constituent, so it can be applied on the weak skin around the eyes.
Concentrated and creamy, it effectively covers dark eye circles and wrinkles.  Can be easily applied without irritation.

Available in 2 shades: 

01 (light beige)
02 (natural beige) - this is what I purchased

AMW says ---

Pros

• perfect to conceal undereye circles because of it's "orangey" shade which counteracts the dark undereye
• very creamy and easy to blend with both fingers and concealer brush
• do not set in fine lines or wrinkles
• moisturizing but not oily
• lasts whole day if set with powder
• one pot lasts a long time
• very pigmented, a little goes a long way
• no weird scent
• no allergies
• cute pot!

Cons

• only available in 2 shades, they could go for more! :)
• I find its a bit difficult to get the product with your fingers especially if you have long nails like myself (please read tip below)

Overall

If you have dark undereye circles, this is a good product to invest and practice on this to perfect the best concealing technique.  If you get the hang of this, you'll love this!

Tips

• apply this with your fingers or your concealer brush gently after foundation application
• set with your preferred powder 
• to prevent bacteria from the pot, use a concealer brush to grab the product and apply on your undereye circles instead of dipping your fingers
• use patting motion, never rub your eyes
• apply more as you go, do not apply too much at one time
• even though this is moisturizing enough for your eye area, please do not skip your eye cream!

Will I repurchase?

This isn't a bad product, I don't mind repurchasing but I have to finish this first!

Where to purchase and how much?

You can purchase this at SkinFood stores for Php950.00 (approx $20.65) or you can pre-order in various multiply stores for lesser the amount but you have to wait!

SkinFood Dark Circle Salmon Concealer #2 on pot

Left: no Flash, Right: with Flash

Swatch on hand, left applied once, right blended while

Note: not too orange as compare to pot

Here's how I applied my SF Dark Circle Salmon Concealer

1. Using a concealer brush to transfer concealer to my undereye area, I use my clean fingers to gently pat the concealer on areas needed to be concealed, adding as needed.
2. Stand back and check on areas needed to be concealed, the areas near the lower lashline needed more, so I use a smaller concealer brush to reach the said area.  Be very gentle.
3. Blend well using your fingers, again, use patting motion, never rub! 
4. Set with your preferred powder.  In this photo, I am using Neutrogena's Fine Fairness UV Compact #21 Natural Beige.

Before and After shot to show the effect 

(no Photoshop or any form of alteration, 

lighting could be a bit different due to a bit of camera movement, 

but you get the point) :P

Are you purchasing this or have you purchased this?
How do you like it?  Tell AMW by clicking comment button! :)
An extra tip will be very much appreciated too!

Have a wonderful Monday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Weekend Food Trip at: Gumbo Restaurant

Happy weekend food tripping dear readers!  How was the weekend treating you?  Been waking up late today?  Well I know I am!  I've had a long and tiring week so this day will be "Me" day. 

I've had a nice weekend food tripping with the family.  It's actually a fourth or fifth visit for this restaurant at Robinson's Place, Ermita.

Gumbo... A Taste of New Orlean

I haven't tasted New Orlean dishes but hey, if they said so! :)

Served "on the house", their freshly baked bread with olive oil.  I love this!  Even my brother who isn't a bread lover asked for second serving!