AMW Reviews: TBS Love Gloss

I haven't been a gloss person for the longest time because I have been sporting a natural lipstick look.  But the nice natural lips always turn into a parched-land!  Definitely a turn off right? So a gloss is definitely needed to save me from embarrassment!  

When The Body Shop came out with a gloss called The Love Gloss, I can't resist, such a cute name, with cute packaging!  Judging by the look of the packaging, it feels like Valentine's Day over again!  

The Body Shop Love Gloss says ---

Best if you want to create alluring lips with brilliant color and shine.  Best for all skin tones.

What this is designed to do:

• The specially designed heart-shaped brush has a reservoir that stores the gloss during application for an even layer of shiny color.
• Organic, virgin, cold-pressed Community Trade coconut oil softens and conditions skin.
• Community Trade cocoa butter is an excellent moisturizer that melts at body temperature, leaving skin soft and silky smooth.

Ingredients:

Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Beeswax, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Trihydroxystearin, Acrylates Copolymer, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Passiflora Incarnata Seed Oil, Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Talc, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Flavor, Tin Oxide, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol. May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Red 7 Lake, Red 28 Lake, Red 6, Blue 1 Lake].

AMW says ---

Pros

• non-sticky
• good staying power
• after the "super shine" fades, the lips ended up looking still moisturized!
• nice doe-shape (almost heart shape) applicator

• applicator is easy to clean or wipe as it's not too thick
• fool proof lip applicator, it'll be hard to mess up with this easy-to-apply applicator!

 

• very shiny yet natural looking, like you just licked your lips (sexy!)
• the more I use this, I actually felt my lips getting a bit softer and moisturized!

Cons

• others may not find this a con but I don't like the fruity scent, it smells like mango, pineapple...fruit salad? *hahaha*  I swear, others like this scent, I just don't! :)

Overall

If you are on a look out of a gloss that's non-sticky, moisturizes the lips and lasts, this is the one!  Gives a nice three dimensional look on a boring matte lipstick.

Tips

• always remember to exfoliate your lips once to twice a week for softer, more supple lips
• top this over your favorite lipstick for a nice, healthy shine
• wipe the wand after every use 
• never share this gloss with anybody else, use a disposable lip brush or wand if sharing is needed :P

Will I repurchase?
Yes!  In other shades!

Where to purchase and how much?
At local The Body Shop stores for Php650.00 (approx $14.13)

Easy to apply on lips with the heart shaped applicator

Applied on lips without lipstick or lip balm

Sorry, my lips are naturally pigmented, 

but this gloss is definitely clear :P

Have a wonderful lip smacking Saturday!!!
I'll be off to prettify someone today!  So excited!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reports: Discover the Hollywood Secret at The Spa

Hollywood...

The mere word reminded me of the "unreachable", living the life of total beauty and glamor.  Beauty treatments are readily available as the demand calls for it.  But one treatment has been raved by so many and here are just some of their testimonials.

"I love the treatments, so does my face!" --- Madonna

"The treatments are a necessity before every major event." --- Eva Longoria

"I use this skin treatment to hydrate my skin and give me that fresh, well slept glowing look before any performance or appearance" --- Katy Perry

"I am in the business of beauty and perfection and this is the ultimate secret weapon." --- John Galliano, Fashion Designer, Christian Dior

Intriguing right?  I, together with some of the beauty bloggers were invited by THE SPA to take a sneak peak on what the celebrities have been raving about!  To "Discover the Hollywood Secret" is the theme of the event.  Perfect!  I love secrets!  And I spill the secrets on beauty to my readers!

As I got into Crustacia at Powerplant Mall, an area was covered and a table of products immediately caught my attention.   Products from Intraceuticals Infusion.  Too medical for my regular brain! :D

An Intraceuticals Infusion is an all natural, non-invasive treatment that simultaneously infuses moisture, vitamins and antioxidants into the deeper layers of the skin via therapeutic grade topical hyperbaric oxygen creating visible age-defying results you can immediately see and feel.

This combination of pressured oxygen and specialized serums promotes superior dermal hydration, neutralizes free radicals, stimulates collagen and elastin production and supports healthy cell growth, all in all contributing to youthful, healthy, vibrant skin.

• Rejuvenate Infusion for Age Defying
• Opulence Infusion for Brightening 
• Atoxelene Infusion for Wrinkle and Line Smoothing

All 3 products above are used together with the  Oxygen machine in which they named it Hyperbaric Oxygen Technology (H.O.T.) 

The Company has also developed a complementary line of skin care products called Essential Home Care to prolong the results of an Intraceuticals Infusion and designed for total product synergy.

Ms. Emily Sia-Koa, the Marketing Executive of The Spa, conveniently volunteered me to be their model for the night! (such a lovely girl who's got an energy of an energizer bunny).  It was a bit stressful at first as I've never done any treatment in front of a crowd!  I can be shy at times you know! *winks*  I didn't eat much as the mere thought of having a crowd taking a peek on my face during and after treatment scare the bejeebers out of me!

Before they start the oxygen therapy, I was introduced to the CEO/Senior O2 Therapist Dr. Lorenzo A. Mata Jr. to evaluate my skin.  Spot on to my skin problems.  He talks about my dark undereye circles (due to late nights), some lines around my eye area (signs of aging? *sigh*) and minor pigmentation on my right cheek (due to the harsh sun). 

And let's start the Oxygen therapy!  I am so ready!  

As my skin was being prepped, I was all ears listening to the presentation wonderfully done by The Spa's Marketing Associate Ms. Jo Vicencio.  I learned that this treatment fits for all skin types.  It helps increase the skin's moisture levels and effectively targets dry, dehydrated, prematurely aging, sensitive or stressed skin and addresses fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentation and uneven texture and tone.  All are major skin problems men and women suffers.  In a treatment of 40-60 minutes, I was told to expect plumped, tightened and lifted skin with visibly reduced wrinkles and pigmentation.  Yay right?  That got me really excited!

The treatment was very soothing and calming and seriously painless!  I am trying so hard not to fall asleep. 

Half of my face was done to show the world the instant effect of the treatment! *shudders*  As seen on photo below, everyone gushed on the lesser puffiness on my right eye (left on photo).  If you could reach out and touch my skin, it does feel like a baby's bum!  I should also add that prior to this treatment, I had a dry, flaky patch on my lower right cheek and it was gone right after the treatment up until the very moment I am writing this post.

This treatment was said to be proven safe and this is the only treatment that you can go to the areas not only around the eye but also on the eye area itself.  My skin looks shiny because of the moisturizer applied right after the treatment!  It absorbs to the skin right after.  Oh yes, I was told that you can apply makeup right after! 

As the result is immediate and visible in just one treatment, it is still advisable to continue the treatment up to 6 sessions of repeated infusion as recommended by Dr. Mata.  There will also maintenance treatment to prolong the result.  Of course, the individuals' lifestyle will always play a very important role for results.  Better say goodbye to the three S's --- Stress, Sleep-deprivation and Sun Exposure!

L-R Shen, Sab, Teeyah, Jamie and myself

Overall, it was a wonderful treatment, I've never felt my skin so rejuvenated  in my entire life!  And the great thing about this is that, the Hollywood Secret was finally brought down to our country.  We don't have to be in Hollywood, we do not need to sing "Material Girl" gazillion times hoping to turn into Madonna. (A little birdie told me Madonna bought 3 machines on all 3 homes as she's in love with this treatment!)

Scared of the treatment rate?  I was told that The Spa is trying to tie up with credit card companies so women can enjoy this luxurious service at staggard payment 0% interest!  Let's cross our fingers this will push through so  more and more women can enjoy this wonderful service!  I will definitely keep you updated!

Again, the Oxygen treatment is now available at The Spa, Acropolis branch.  You can give them a call or visit them to ask them about the treatment and rates.

The Spa Acropolis

Acropolis Center, Acropolis Green Subdivision

80 E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Libis, QC

Tel. nos.: 634-2848 / 634-2709 / 0918-8-THESPA



Serious stuffs right?
Well we should always get serious with anything related to our skin!
Have a wonderful Friday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


(note from the author: I did not get paid or receive any form or kind of payment to write this post.  This is reported by me base on my own personal experience.)

Something New: Jean&Rosz Accessories

Dear Philippine Readers:

Have you been salivating on some fashion pieces from the stars but the unavailability plus the high priced tags put you off?   Here's what I've found over my email box early this week!

Jean&Rosz Accessories

The brand targets fashion aware females from 16-45years old with pricing maxed at Php1,000 (approx $22.00).

 The store sells Fashion jewelries ---

Hair pieces 

Jean&Rosz is owned and managed by Jeanny Lyn So (29) and Krisha Rosz Iliscupidez (28).  Jeanny and Krisha have been best friends since high school days and have been fashion aware probably since birth.  Young entrepreneurs!  I sing nothing but praises for them!  According to these two: "We serve as Accessory Trend Spotters who make the lastest pieces accessible to you at Best Value".

Want to check out more of their gorgeous pieces?
Smile and click Jean&Rosz multply page

Enjoy computer shopping! 

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

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!