Saturday, April 24, 2010

AMW Reviews: Cellnique Paramedical Solutions




Selina, from Cellnique contacted me 2 months ago to do a product review.  When it comes to skincare , I am very particular with it. That's when my profession as a researcher comes in.  I do my research on the products and ingredients before I go "yes" to testing a product.  I browsed through the site and read about the products they offer.  I learned that all Cellnique products are formulated with CX Formulation.   What's CX formulation?

CX formulation is an advanced in-clinic formulation that combines the power of biological active ingredients, natural plant extracts, antioxidants and a bio-active delivery system. Thus, offering the best performance for immediate and visible results for various skin problems. 

Key words: biological active ingredients, natural plant extracts, antioxidants...These words are enough to make me feel at ease and comfortable to give this brand a road test.  

I was asked to give them an idea on my skin condition, again, keywords--- Sensitive, Dry

These are definitely road tested really well for more than 2 months!



Cellnique Seaweed Cleansing Gel says ---
This unique and all natural-based daily cleanser consist the highest grade of Algae, Pennywort and Cucumber Extracts, serve to remove pore clogging debris and impurities without over drying. Leaves skin feeling super clean, smooth and refreshed!
  • Replenish hydration
  • Anti-irritation and soothing
  • Antioxidant and skin protection
Suitable skin types:
Dry and delicate skin

AMW says ---
Twice a day, morning and evening
Pros
  • very gentle on skin
  • soothes and refreshes my skin after every wash
  • smells great, minty scent without the minty feel
  • scent is quite relaxing
  • a little goes a long way and it lathers pretty well
  • skin felt moisturized and clean after every wash
  • skin does not feel tight
  • very simple and straightforward packaging
Cons
  • not available locally, that's it!
Tips
  • use half a teaspoon on wet hands, rub hands to activate the cleanser to form a lather

  •  gently massage on the skin with upward strokes, be careful not to get into eyes
  •  if you wear heavy makeup, use a makeup cleanser first to remove all traces of makeup before you wash your face.
  • use day and night, if skin texture improves, you can use this once a day alternating with your other cleansers.
Where to purchase and how much?
$32.00 (approx Php1,472) for 200ml, click this link  for more information.


Cellnique Skin Action gel Plus says ---
A proven AHAs plus BHA formulation in reducing inflamed acne lessons and lightening acne marks. The infusion of Tea Tree Oil, Camphor, Eucalyptus Oils and vitamin C accelerates the healing process, thus preventing the information of scaring.
  • Controls and prevents further breakout
  • Reduces inflamed acne lesions
  • Lightens acne scars or marks
  • Anti-bacterial, antiseptic, antioxidant
Suitable skin types:
Oily skinned

AMW says ---
Applied on  t-zone area once, spot treatment approximately thrice
Pros
  • does dry up pimples, especially when spot treatment is done
  • a little goes super long way
  • nice packaging with twist open/close lid
Cons
  • has tingling sensation which can make other people (a.k.a. ME) panic!
  • not meant for dry skinned people like myself
  • can cause irritation to sensitive skin
Tips
  • instructions states to use 2-3 pumps and apply on the whole t-zone area, for normal or dry skin. You can skip this step or you can use this only on areas that needed the product (ex. pimples, acne..)
  • is this your first time trying this product?  do a patch test first
  • once irritations like itchiness and redness occur, stop using the product IMMEDIATELY!

Where to purchase and how much?
30ml for $54.00 (approx Php2,484), click this link for more information.



Cellnique Intensive Hydrating Complex says ---
A lightweight formulation with high concentration of Hyaluronic Acid and Essential Amino Acids. Helps bind moisture to restore elasticity of the skin. It thereby minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and helps deliver an instant supple and smooth skin.
  • keeps skin moist and smooth
  • locks in skin moisture
  • improves on scarring, lines and skin tone
Suitable skin types:
All Skin Types

AMW says ---
Twice a day,  morning and evening
Pros
  • seriously hydrating 
  • does not feel oily at all
  • absorbs to the skin quickly
  • dual purpose as this can be used on eye area
  • wake up with moisturized and supple skin even inside an air conditioned room
  • very nice packaging and and dropper applicator

Cons
  • not available locally!  
  • no added properties like anti-aging
Tips
  • asked to use 4-6 pumps, I use 4 pumps only or less for my whole face and neck
  • pat on remaining product on the eye area with your ring finger
  • once or twice a week, I apply on my favorite moisturizer even after using this, does not oil up my skin ever!

Where to purchase and how much?
$61.00 (approx Php2,806) for 30ml at this link.


Cellnique Total DayTime Protection 30 says ---
This ultra-light, skin-friendly UV ray protection blocks UVA and UVB from harming your skin at SPF30 and PA+++.  It's not greasy, non-comedogenic formulation is enhanced with Grape Seed and Geen Tea Leaf extracts to act as powerful free radicals scavengers.
  • Anti free radical and antioxidant
  • Protects skin from the sun and ultraviolet radiation
  • Reduces skin swelling and soothe sensitive skin
Suitable skin types:
All Skin Types
AMW says ---
Once every morning for 2 weeks
Pros
  • never feels oily on the whole day even under makeup
  • smells great
  • matte finish, texture felt like primer
Cons
  • only SPF30, better if it's SPF 50 and above
  • not available locally
Tips
  • Apply face and neck using upward motion after skincare
  • Apply at least 10 minutes prior to going out
  • If you will be out on the sun for a long time, apply half teaspoon all over the face and neck for protection
Where to purchase and how much?
$51.00 (approx Php2,346) for 50g , click this link for more information.

Cellnique Vital Cellular Repair Masque says ---
This gentle, nourishing and repairing mask is specially enriched with potent nutrients of to promote healthy skin and to further protect your skin from pollutant and environmental allergen assault. Suitable for all skin types including post-operation skin.
  • Increases and retains skin moisture
  • Restores skin collagen and elastin content to fight against aging and enlarged pores.
  • Stimulates cells renewal and promotes scars healing
  • Repairs damaged cells and prevents further damage
Suitable skin types:
All Skin Types
 
AMW says ---
Once a week
Pros
  • calms the skin especially my dry areas
  • immediately soothes itchiness
  • redness disappears a bit right after treatment
  • smells great
  • easy to spread all over face and neck
  • housed in a very nice, glass packaging

Cons
  • not available locally

Tips
  • apply a thick layer on your skin adding up on areas that needed most, leave for 20 minutes

  • rinse thoroughly with water, do not leave residue
  • use a spatula to grab product 
  • do not forget to apply the neck area
  • best done once a week!

Where to purchase and how much?
$45.00 (approx Php2,070) for 50g, click this link for more information.

Overall, my experience with Cellnique was great!  I felt the improvement of my skin right after a month of usage.  On the second month, I even have to reduce the number of times I use the product to save up the remaining.  The downside on this is that it's not easily available on most countries and people have to order online and wait for the package to arrive.  The good news though is that the company does not overcharge you with expensive shipping rates and they use DHL services.  Bear in mind that you have to pay for taxes locally.  You can click HERE for more information. 

The company also offers 7 Days Assurance, if you are not satisfied with their products, have any allergies after using their products, you can either have a refund or exchange to another product with same or lower value!  If you received defective or damaged product,  Cellnique will send out replacement on the same product at no extra cost!  That's great customer service!

If I live in countries that has Cellnique Counters, I will definitely repurchase the Facial Wash, Hydrating Complex and Vital Cellular Repair Mask.

I can skip Skin Action Gel Plus because I'm lucky enough not to grow acne on the latter part of my young *coughs* years.  I do have occasional pimples every now and then and that can be treated by my favorite Body Shop's Tea Tree Oil.  Though their Total Daytime Protection Sunblock works really well, I find that it's SPF is not enough for the harsh rays of the sun we have down here.  I've found locally available alternatives that works!

I have to add that I am very impressed with the packaging of the products and I love how they take time to put on stickers to prevent the cap from twisting during transit.  Seriously, these tiny stickers are super sticky and hard to remove!



Here's a photo to show a Before and After shot.
Before shot taken: February 5, 2010
After shot taken: April 23, 2010
Angle, lighting and camera setting were set to be "similar" to the before shot. 


** you can click photo to enlarge 
and you can compare some patches of dryness on my skin reduced

I can't say there's a drastic change on photo, but I can definitely feel the "tightness" and flakiness on areas around my skin gone. 

*whew* Is this the longest post ever?  I thought I'm not going to finish this one!
I hope people who have Cellnique counters can find this post helpful!  Do talk to the sales person and discuss to them your skin concerns and condition.  Do not be scared to ask questions before you purchase!  This is, by the way, your skin!  You have the right to take care of it!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!







(Disclaimer: Products are sent by company for review purposes.  The writer did not and will never receive any kind or form of payment for positive reviews.  The review has been done based on personal experiences.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Friday, April 23, 2010

AMW Reports: My Bobbi Brown Makeover

Happy Friday friends!  As promised, I will share to you my wonderful experience at the Bobbi Brown Philippines counter! 

Bobbi Brown has always been one of the most trusted brands for makeup artists and regular people.  It's also a brand quite intimidating, I am sure a lot of you feel the same.

I got an invite to try on the Bobbi Brown's 10-Step Guide to Perfect Makeup recently.  I said yes because this is definitely a chance for me to get to know the brand first hand and share to the rest of the world (a.k.a YOU)


The best part about this experience?  The makeup artist, FINALLY gets her own makeover!  Are you ready to read through my journey?  Hang in there! Here's how I look like on regular days. 


I was asked for the look I was aiming for.  I told them I wanted a look that's "soft" and "sweet", as I will be attending an event for JnJ that night! 


I got to meet up with Bobbi Brown's Brand Coordinator, Ms. Ina Casas (super lovely lady by the way) as she cleansed my face with Bobbi Brown's Cleansing oil and prepared my skin prior to makeup application with Bobbi Brown's Brightening Hydrating Lotion and Hydrating Serum.  I was told that a good foundation application starts with a good skin.  


Here's Ina gently massaging my face as we talk about the new skincare line from Bobbi Brown.



Here are the products used for my makeover
Products numbered and more details can be read further below


Prior to makeup application, 3 shades were swatch on my lower cheek area til the neck line for me to be able to pinpoint my foundation shade.  My make-up artist for the day, a very talented, Ms. Maureen Marquises did the following steps:

1. Undereye correcting - After eye cream application, a corrector was used to counteract the darkness of my undereye circles.  A Light Peach corrector was used. 


2. Foundation - Since my skin is very dry, Bobbi Brown's Skin Foundation (launched April of 2009), was used on my face.  The perfect shade for me is Beige.  Maureen concentrated the foundation application on the center of my face blending outward.


3. Setting Powder - A pale yellow setting powder was used to set the foundation.
4. Blush Application -  2 shades are used for a more dimensional look. Warm colored blush was used to contour the face and Peony blush was used to apply on the apples of my cheeks for a natural flush.


Did you know that?
Bobbi Brown believes that every women should do blush application right after foundation application.  Not  everyone has the luxury of time, if you need to dash out the door in minutes, having a nice flush on the cheeks is enough for you to get through the day!

5.  Eyebrows - After spritzing the eyebrow brush with water, Cocoa eyeshadow (which was closest to my hair color) was used to reshape and fill in my brows.  

Note: Always choose an eyebrow pencil or powder color that's closest to your hair color.


6. Eyeshadow application - a matte, cream-colored eyeshadow called Bone was used as a base, Champagne on my lid area and Cocoa on the outer crease was used to deepen the crease of my eyes.  A light sweep of Shimmer Wash on the brow bone and inner corner of the eyes for an awake look.

Ina says ---
You can purchase single eyeshadows and fill them in Bobbi Brown's refillable palette.  It's easy to create your own palette with the colors of your choice!


7. Gel lining - my favorite part!  The famous Bobbi Brown gel liner was used on me.  I love it that they used SEPIA instead of Black Ink as the effect looks more natural.


8. Mascara - Perfectly Defined mascara in black gave my lashes the volume and length I want after 2 applications.
9. Lipstick application (not on photo) - A lip brush was used to apply my lip color.   I forgot the lipstick shade used but I love how moisturizing it is!
10. SMILE! :D - the easiest step of all! Seriously, it's 10-steps including skincare, but isn't it great to incorporate this on ALL makeup steps?

 


Introducing, the ladies I met at the Bobbi Brown Counter, Rustan's Makati
L-R Ms. Maureen Marquises - Makeup artist
Charlotte Espiritu - Counter Manager



L-R Ms. Maureen Marquises - Makeup artist
Ms.Blossom Santiago - Brand Assistant - thanks for taking the shots for me
Ms. Ina Casas - Brand Coordinator


Here's my look at the JnJ event.  Make up works really well on harsh lighting!


I want to thank the ladies from Bobbi Brown Philippines for the time and the makeover!  
It was a great experience and I had fun learning more about Bobbi Brown products beyond the famous Bobbi Brown Gel Liners!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Thursday, April 22, 2010

AMW Reports: JnJ's Soft Look Launch with Bayo

BREAKING NEWS: DollFace will no longer be participating at the Eastwood Vanity Fair due to a sudden change of schedule. Instead they will be holding a private event on April 30-May2, 10am-9pm at Unit 6c Burgundy Plaza Katipunan Ave. in lieu of the canceled bazaar. Please submit your names to  dollfacecosmetix@gmail.com to be included in their guest list.

Back to regular program....

Around August last year, I was invited to Johnson & Johnson's Body Care Launch, I was able to take a peek and report back to you all how beautiful skin can go hand in hand with fashion!  The line was presented through a fashion show with Manila's top fashion and beauty icons.  This year, JnJ did it again!  Yours truly got another invite for an exclusive multimedia fashion show event with this in mind....
Get Softest Summer Skin with Johnson's Body Care
Flaunt it with Bayo's Soft Look Collection




The event will showcase limited edition collection of specially-designed summer ensembles that will help women showcase their beautiful, soft skin!  The launch of "Soft Look" Collection by the leading female fashion brand, Bayo.  This event was hosted by Ms. Sarah Meier


According to Johnson's Body Care Senior Brand Manager, Ms. Via Abano
"Johnson's Body Care is delighted and excited to launch the Soft Look Collection that will enable women to choose outfits that highlight their best asset this summer --- their beautiful soft skin."  She also added: "Summer is indeed one of the most appropriate times to flaunt beautiful skin.  The benefits provided by Johnson's Body Care are definitely best paired with pieces from the Soft Look Collection."

Seventeen pieces of the collection was featured, and here are some of them!


as quoted from Ms. Mary Grace Magcamit, Bayo's Merchandiser
"Off-white eyelets and lace are the base fabrics of the collection with a little blush as an accent color.  The silhouettes are meticulously definied with a gorgeous variety of tops, dresses and bottoms in styles ideal for the summer season.  Halters, tunics and strapless pieces with a soft, flowing feel, show off more skin to soak up the summer sun."


Ms. Abano also added that Bayo was chosen as partner for the Soft Look Collection because Bayo appleas to the modern and confident Filipina, with fashion styles and clothing pieces that naturally accentuate a woman's soft skin.

Via Abano and Mary Grace Magcamit from Bayo


Good news to Philippine readers.  Special freebies and discounts await women up to June 15, 2010.  By purchasing any item from the Johnson's Body Care Soft Look Collection in participating Bayo outlets, women will get a free 100ml Johnson's Body Care lotion and a 20% discount coupon for a succeeding purchase of a 200ml or 400ml lotion or wash at Watsons.  Alternately, when women buy 200ml or 400ml Johnson's Body Care Lotion or Wash at Watsons, they will get 10% off any item from the Soft Look Collection!  Great deal!



For more information abut Johnson's Body Care and the Soft Look Collection, simply log on to Facebook and become a fan of Johnson's Body Care at http://www.facebook.com/bodycareph.


 ----------------------------------

And you think I'm done with this report?  How could I end this without sharing to you the wonderful people I've met during the event?

Saw my high school mate Ms. Jane Kingsu-Cheng of Style Kit


Gorgeous Bloggers and a Hunk *winks*
L-R Me, Earth, Jennifer, Wendy and Azrael


L-R Tara, Dang (nice to FINALLY meet you)
Me, Frances, Shen, Jamie and Jheng


First time meeting Maui in person, great to meet you Mau!
(leftmost side)



A group shot with Strategic Edge's Annie (leftmost side)!


I had a wonderful time!!!
Thanks to the people from JnJ, Bayo, Watson's, staffs from Encore (former Embassy) and the gorgeous ladies from Strategic Edge!  Thanks to Bobbi Brown too for the makeover!  I'll tell you more about it soon!  

Ooohh, that felt like an Oscar Speech.
Should I start thanking my family too?  *laughs*
Oh!  Thanks to hubby Keith for the shots!  (that's family!)
And that completes my Oscars' winning speech!

*flying kisses*
Sorry! Can't help it! :P
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!




Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Nail Art Tutorial: "A Splash of Color" Nails

Happy Wednesday people!  I am not in an energetic mood today, nothing serious, just that the weather down here is so darn hot!  Better slather that sunscreen of yours, yeah? 

Another nail art tutorial for the week!  I got inspired with the bright yellow polish given to me by a dear friend Shanna, I believe she bought this for me from her Malaysia trip?  Thanks girl!

Playful colors are definitely "in".  My nail art tutorial looks a bit like a "splash" of colors!  Imagine painting class....imagine being a kid again....

Here's my nail art for the week! 
I hope this brings you joy!


Step 1:
Apply a coat of your preferred base coat to protect your nails from nail polish.  Apply 2 coats of Elianto polish in yellow.  Let dry.


Step 2:
Apply 3 random lines starting from the center.  The line from the center is longer than the lines between it.  Make sure your nail polish brush does not have flyaway!  I am using BNC polish in Aquamarine.


Step 3:
Using a nail art dotting tool or a toothpick, apply 3 dots on the "yellow" polish area just like photo below.


Step 4:
Apply yellow dots on the Aquamarine polish area randomly as well.  Reference can be seen on photo below.

Step 5:
I want to add more colors so I've placed 3 white dots on area with a huge space or gap.   You can skip this step!
Step 6:
Making sure all the dots are dry, apply your favorite top coat.  I am using my 3rd bottle of The Face Shop.

Enjoy your nails with splash of summer colors!


This tutorial can be altered base on your personal taste.  If you find the colors used above are a bit too bright for your taste, you can always tone down your nail polish color by choosing your own color combination with the same application technique!  Be adventurous!  A lot of my readers have shared their thoughts on nail polish application.  I know it is very difficult to apply polish let alone do nail art using the left hand!  Trust me, I've been there!  I went through zigzag-y French Tips!  I went through dirty finger nails because of bad polish application; I went through gazillions of ingrown and sported lots of ugly nail art design!  We have to go through all those to be able to confidently start with simple nail art!  You can do it!  Yes you can!  Repeat after me.... 

"I (state your name) CAN DO IT!"

I should just be named "Nike" instead of "Nikki"
Cause I love to "JUST DO IT"!
So corny!  But hey, I'm on a preachy mode again but it doesn't hurt to try to inspire others right?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!