AMW Reviews: Kerastase Oléo-Relax Nuit

"A Woman's Hair is her Crowing Glory" ---  that line, I've heard a million times!  I've always thought that's one cheesy line invented by companies for marketing strategy.   As I grew older, I can't hide the fact that I want to let my hair down, I have to let go of my kiddie-ponytail stage.

Letting my hair down isn't as easy as Rapunzel!  I found myself getting frustrated even at the smallest blow of wind as I try to comb my hair in place with my favorite mini Hair Doctor comb.  That's how crazy "OC" I was when it comes to hair.  

That's when I discovered the beauty of hair products, finding the right products that works WITH my hair instead of AGAINST it.  One brand I've been lemming for the longest time is Kerastase.  I told myself I have to work double time to be able to afford this.  I did work extra hard and I managed to reward myself with this....

Kerastase Oléo-Relax Nuit

Kerastase Oléo-Relax Nuit says ---

Kerastase Oléo-Relax Nuit is a nutri-disciplining night treatment for dry and rebellious hair designed to reduce volume and leave hair silky soft and super sleek.

Formulated with nocto-active formula, containing Camelina oil to nourish, soften and polish the hair fiber and next generation disciplining silicone to restore the hair surface for long lasting control. Kerastase Oléo-Relax will leave hair feeling renewed and the fiber soft, supple and shiny with 72 hour anti-frizz and anti-volume protection.

AMW says ---
Pros

• smells wonderful
• a little hazelnut-size amount goes a long way
• hair is tangle free and really soft when you wake up
• hair is soft even after shampooing
• texture is not as runny as my Kerastase Noctogenist Serum Nuit, easier to manage and control

Cons

• packaging, I prefer the squeeze-tube type
• an expensive form of addiction
• product claims frizz free for 72 hours (instrumental measurement carried out after 3 shampoos), I can't say this stands all through to all individuals.  Different hair types react differently.

Overall

Kerastase hair treatment never fails me!  It is the most pricey hair care product I own but it's worth every single cent I've spent for it. 

I may not have very frizzy hair, I do have problems with tangles because my hair is growing out with wild layers.  Using the Kerastase Oléo-Relax Nuit definitely gives me a softer, more manageable, easy-to comb and tangle-free hair every time I wake up in the morning even after shampooing.  The added factor of course will always be the gorgeous scent!  Who would want to sleep on a bad smelling hair right?

If you have really frizzy and hard to manage hair and you have the money to spare.  Invest on Kerastase Oléo-Relax Nuit or better, also invest on Kerastase Oléo-Relax Masque for weekend treatment.  This line is intended for people who hate to go back to rebonding and wants the less frizzy hair.  I repeat, LESS frizzy hair, if you have really frizzy hair, please do not expect miracles from products.  Again, work with your hair and never against it! 

Tips 

from Kerastase

• Brush hair to remove any styling residue.
• Once the hair has been detangled, hair fibers are more receptive to care.
• Before going to bed, massage one or two hazelnut-sized amounts of Oléo-Relax Nuit through the lengths and ends of dry or towel-dried hair.
• Avoid roots, do not rinse, if desired blow-dry the hair.

from AMW

• use this 2-3x a week depending on hair condition
• apply from mid-section of the hair down to the tips, concentrate on the tips because the hair is drier and more damaged in that area
• after application, comb through hair and wait for the product to absorb before going to bed
• if you prefer the product to absorb faster, use a blow-dryer.  Be careful with the temperature, not too hot!
• I prefer applying this product on damp, towel-dried hair and let it air-dry, it works better for me
• if applying stuffs on hair irks you prior to going to sleep, cover your pillows with extra towel
• start by applying 1 hazelnut amount and add if needed, do not apply too much, prevent product wastage
• use a spatula instead of dipping your fingers for hygiene purposes

Will I repurchase?
I mistakenly purchased this instead of the masque, will try the masque version and see how it goes

Where to purchase and how much?

At selected salons for Php2,160 (approx $47.00) you can checkout other variants from Kerastase by smiling and clicking HERE

A closer look on the product texture and color

What's your luxury hair care routine?
A lot of you may give me the "raised eyebrow" look but this is still cheaper than going to salon for treatment. Am I being defensive?  Blame my hair!  *laughs*

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Something New: GlamBox Launches New Colors

GlamBox, launches new products this May 2010 after the wonderful launch January this year.

New Luminizer Colors (Water Based)

Seoul Silver - creates a healthy Korean-style dewy glow
Vegas Sparkle - creates a shimmery high street night out look
Both water based, Php890 (approx $19.35)  for 20ml each

New Luminizer Set

The Luminizer Set includes: Venice Gold, Seoul Silver and Vegas Sparkle
Php2,450 (approx $53.00) for a set, sold separately for Php890 ($19.35) each

New Color Adjuster Line (Silicone Based)

Red - adjusts color to become more pinkish or tan for darker colors
Yellow - adjusts color to become more yellow based
White - adjust color to become lighter, can also be used to highlight
All Silicone based, Php980 (approx $21.00) each for 20ml

GlamBox also has a promo wherein Luminizers and Adjusters can be bought as a set for a discounted price

The Adjuster Set  

includes 3 color adjusters: Red, Yellow and White
Php2,700 (approx $59.00) for a set (sold separately for Php980 each)

Savings of Php240 (approx $5.00)

They are also giving away luminizer and adjuster set for Facebook fans.

For more details, log on to: www.glamboxairbrush.com
Contact their hotline: 0922 – 8200172
email at: glambox.cosmetics@yahoo.com
Order Online and Get FREE DELIVERY within Metro Manila

Keep smilin'
Stay happy

Stay in the know!  

AMW Reviews: Maybelline Volum' Express Magnum Waterproof Mascara

Early this month, I've attended a very relaxing event from Garnier, Maybelline and Matrix  called Fab, Fresh & Fun: A Summer Picnic.  I was excited when Jim Ros, makeup artist of Maybelline used a new mascara on me!  After he finishes his work of art, I took one look at my reflection and instantly liked my lashes.  I immediately asked him which mascara he used on me, he told me it's the Volum' Express Magnum Mascara which was his personal favorite.  I have to give this a try and tell you what I think :)  Read on...

 

Maybelline Volum' Express Magnum Waterproof Mascara says ---

Maybelline Volum' Express Magnum Mascara gives your lashes 9x more volume thanks to its Collagen Formula that plumps up lashes without clumping, and patented Mega brush packed with more bristles that reach even the smallest lashes.  The bestseller that's taking the world by storm is also waterproof, smudge-proof and long-wearing. 

AMW says ---

Pros

• can hold curls for the whole day, does not weigh down the lashes
• gives a bit of length and a volume
• seriously waterproof
• lasts the whole day or until makeup removal
• inexpensive mascara that works
• the slightly curved brush makes application a breeze
• no flaking
• yellow tube is a bit "cheesy" (literally for its color) but you can easily see it amidst all the mascaras

Cons

• formula is a bit dry, the whole tube dries up easily as compared to others
• brush is a bit too big for short and sparse lashes like mine
• a bit hard to remove

Overall

Maybelline seldom fails me when it comes to performance and price!  It's a drugstore brand that I lean on most of the time.  I am not a fan of mascara but I found myself using this more often than my other mascaras.  

If you like the curl that stays, this is definitely a keeper.  Though the length and volume did not  increase dramatically, the "curl factor" that stays for the whole day is a winner in my dictionary.

Tips

• wait for discounts or sales
• curl your lashes prior to mascara application
• wiggle the lash wand from lash root to tip
• write down the date you first opened the mascara tube so you'll know when to chuck the mascara
• comb your lashes after mascara application with a spoolie to prevent clumps
• gently remove this with your favorite makeup remover prior to washing your face to prevent eye allergies.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

Where to purchase and how much?
At local Maybelline counters for Php429.00 (approx $9.33)

After curling the lashes and applied Maybelline's Volum' Express Magnum Waterproof Mascara.  2 application on each eye

You can read reviews from other beauty bloggers on this

Smile and click

Beetrice's Review
Pretty Beautiful
My Women Stuff
So Loverly
SkinDeco
Beauty Fool

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Stay happy

AMW Reviews: Sigma Professional Brushes Complete Kit

I've always been intrigued with different brush brands outside of "MAC".  I admit, I don't mind spending a lot on brushes, I look at it as an investment and nothing beats using a brush on a client that you are proud of!  And nothing beats touching your face with brushes that you know are made of high quality.

I've always seen Sigma brushes on YouTube and reviews from Beauty Bloggers abroad.  When Kathryn of Sigma Makeup contacted me to do a review on their brushes, its a chance I have to grab!  I was hoping it'll be their professional set as I have enough travel brushes and I wanted a backup for my Suesh 28pcs Brush Set. 

After 2-3 weeks, I finally got this on hand.  The Sigma Professional Makeup Brushes Complete Kit.  At first glance, I was impressed with the way they package their brushes, aesthetically gorgeous and obviously well thought of!

I like it that the brush roll is quite sturdy and easy to tote along.  It has a nice logo of Sigma brand and it looks professional enough.

Instead of the usual "ribbon it yourself" strap, the Sigma Professional brush roll have a magnetic button. I get addicted to the "click" sound.

Each brushes are protected with a plastic to prevent brush hairs from getting ruin during transit.  Even the handles are well protected too!  The Sigma Professional Brush Complete Kit has 12 slots for 12 professional  face and eye brushes and additional 3 pockets for your extra brushes! 

Each handle has an imprint of the brand and the brush number.  For MAC brush users out there, you'll know that the company uses the same brush number as MAC with an additional "SS" prior to the numbers.

Now let's take a closer look on each.  Be ready for a lot of photos! 

Sigma SS150 

(Powder Brush) 

Sigma SS150 (Powder Brush) says ---
Very dense with a rounded top. Ideal to apply powder products on face and body. Natural bristles.

AMW says ---

Pros

• very soft bristles, feels really nice when used on face
• perfect length and size to apply powdered products on both the face and body
• sturdy ferrule and handle
• very dense

Cons

• sheds and bleeds like crazy
• sheds even when dry, upon powder application

Sigma SS187 

(Duo Fiber Brush)

Sigma SS187 (Duo Fiber Brush) says ---

Specially designed to generate an ‘airbrushed’ finish when used to apply liquid foundation. It can also be used to apply blush, highlight shades and loose pigments. Blend of synthetic and natural bristles.

AMW says ---

Pros

• perfect to stipple liquid foundation onto face for an "airbrushed" look
• huge handle which makes it easy to hold
• almost same density as the MAC187 brush
• multi-functional: can be used for liquid foundation, cream blushes or even powder blushes, perfect tool to prevent powder look after spritzing your face with water

Cons

• sheds on first 2 washes
• when stippling: it's scratchier as compared to the MAC's

Sigma SS168

(Large Angled Contour Brush)

Sigma SS168 (Large Angled Contour Brush) says ---

The angled shape makes this brush ideal to apply blush or contour shades. Natural bristles. 

AMW says ---

Pros

• no bleeding nor shedding
• brush bristles are very soft even after several washes
• has a "stiffness" that makes it easier to contour the cheekbones
• nice brush to apply bronzer and blushes

Cons

• white brush hair which makes it easy to get dirty
• sheds a bit, around first 2 washes

Sigma SS190 

(Foundation Brush)

Sigma SS190 (Foundation Brush) says ---

Can be used to apply liquid or cream foundation. It is also recommended to apply moisturizers and conceal large areas. Synthetic bristles.

AMW says ---

Pros

• perfect stiffness for control
• multi functional: Can be used to apply any liquid/cream products like sunblock, moisturizer, liquid and cream foundation, concealer and even cream blushes
• very soft 
• no shedding and bleeding

Cons

• brush size could be a bit small to some
  

Sigma SS224 

(Tapered Blending Brush)

Sigma SS224 (Tapered Blending Brush) says ---

Rounded and tapered top. Specially designed to apply and blend color on the crease. Natural bristles.

AMW says ---

Pros

• multi-functional: aside from blending powdered eyeshadow, can be used to remove excess powder under the eye area, use this on cream concealer to apply "flawless" airbrushed concealed under eye circles
• very soft
• no bleeding
• a mix of MAC217 and MAC224, size is in between

Cons

• may be too huge to be used as blending brush for small-eyed individual
• sheds a bit

Sigma SS252 

(Large Shader Brush)

Sigma SS252 (Large Shader Brush) says ---

Flat shape is ideal for application of cream formulas and eye shadow primers. It also works great with loose eye shadows or pigments. Can be used to apply color all over the lid or precisely on the lash line. Natural bristles.

AMW says ---

Pros

• no bleeding or shedding
• very soft
• has a nice stiffness, makes it easy to control
• perfect to pat on eyeshadow on the crease area or foiling
• multi-functional: can be used on powdered, liquid or cream products

Cons

• a bit huge for small eyed individuals

Sigma SS275 

(Medium Angled Shading Brush)

Sigma SS275 (Medium Angled Shading Brush) says ---

Angled, tapered, flat top. Ideal to apply highlight shades underneath the eyebrow and on the inner corners. It can also be used for a precise application of darker shades on the crease area. Natural bristles.

AMW says ---

Pros

• no shedding or bleeding
• very soft hair that does not scratch
• perfect for crease color

Cons

• none

Sigma SS239 

(Eye Shading Brush)

Sigma SS239 (Eye Shading Brush) says ---

Soft and dense with a rounded finish. Can be used to apply pressed or loose eye shadows and pigments. Ideal to build intense color on the eyelid. Natural bristles.

AMW says ---

Pros 

• good eye brush for smaller eyes
• no bleeding or shedding
• picks up pigment really well

Cons

• none

Sigma SS194

(Concealer Brush)

Sigma SS194 (Concealer Brush) says ---

The rounded, tampered, flat shape makes this brush ideal to conceal the under eye area. It is also recommended for a precise application in small areas. Synthetic bristles.

AMW says ---

Pros

• no bleeding or shedding
• perfect dupe for Mac's 194 brush
• multi-functional: for cream shadow application, concealer application 
• very soft bristles

Cons

• brush hairs a bit too short to conceal under eye circles

Sigma SS219 

(Pencil Brush)

Sigma SS219 (Pencil Brush) says ---

Precise application of color on the crease, outer corner, and upper and lower lash line. Also ideal to smudge out pencil liner. Natural bristles.

AMW says ---

Pros

• perfect to apply outer crease color for that "intense" look
• no bleeding or shedding

Cons

• not stiff enough to work as pencil brush
• white bristles, easy to get dirty
• a bit scratchy

Sigma SS209 

(Eyeliner Brush)

Sigma SS209 (Eyeliner Brush) says ---

An extra-fine tipped synthetic fiber brush that delivers a precise, firm, even stroke with which to line the eyes.

AMW says ---

Pros

• great brush if you like thick eyeliner application
• no shedding or bleeding
• multi-funcational: Can also be used to apply lip products for a defined lips

Cons

• a bit too huge for small eyes

Sigma SS266 

(Small Angle Brush)

Sigma SS266 (Small Angle Brush) says ---

Essential for the application of gel or cream eyeliner on the upper and lower lash line. This brush is also excellent to filling out the eyebrows. Synthetic bristles.

AMW says ---

Pros

• no bleeding nor shedding
• nice "stiff" bristles perfect for gel liner application
• multi-functional: can be used for eyelining, filling of eyebrows and deepening of the crease to create a nice outer-v
• can give a perfect winged eyeliner

Cons

• None

Overall  (On Brush Set)

A lot of reviewers gave their 2 cents on why the Sigma brushes are numbered similarly with MAC's.  Some find it as a Con.  My take?  I seriously don't care if its named after MAC brushes.  For me, I actually like it because I do not need to jumble my brain cells and think of an equivalent dupe with MAC brushes.  Most of the brushes are not the exact dupe with MAC and please do not expect that when you purchase Sigma Brushes.  These brushes are made of good quality but its not and will never be the exact duplicate of MAC brushes.

These brushes have thicker handles and longer in length as compared to most professional brushes.  They are at least almost an inch taller than most brushes (if that helps to give you an idea on its size).  

These brushes are more inexpensive as compared to other brush brands and they are not bad at all!  I can be confident in taking these brushes along on makeup gigs but of course, I'll always have the extra "trusted" brushes.

Base on my experience with the Sigma Complete Kit, most of the face brushes shed and bleeds but after several washes and usage, they are much better.  For the eye brushes, they are GREAT to start with, I am really impressed with their eye brushes.

Definitely a good brush set to start with.  I suggest to purchase Brush Sets rather than the individual ones.  Saves you a couple of bucks.

Where to purchase and how much?

At Sigma Makeup website for $89.00 (approx Php4,940) + Shipping for 12brushes plus brush roll.

Do you own any Sigma brushes?
How do you like it?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Chase the Sun at the Neutrogena Run

 **photo from google

Dear Philippine Readers:
Neutrogena, the skincare brand most recommended by dermatologists, is mounting its first ever run dubbed Chase the un: The Neutrogena Run, on Sunday, May 16, 2010 in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.  Runners both men and women, can register for the 3k, 5k, 10k, or 15k races at R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street, Planet Sports Trinoma, New Balance Glorietta and Shangri-la Mall and Athlete's Foot Alabang Town Center until May 12.  Registration fees are Php400.00 for the 3k, Php550.00 for the 5k, Php600.00 for the 10k, and Php650.00 for the 15k.

Armed with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF50+ and Waterlight Lotion SPF 50+ PA+++, runners will finally get the chance to run under the summer sun with maximum sun protection.

Filipino running icon, Coach Rio, and his team have taken the Chase the Sun Run to exciting new heights.  Aside from the timer chip that ever runner will receive, participants can look forward to new and exciting race routes.

In addition to Chase the Sun singlet, runners will receive a filled-to-the-brim Johnson & Johnson lootbag and an awesome finishers' shirt made exclusively by Team Manila.  Cash prizes also await the winners of each distance from the male and female categories.  For an added treat, there will be numerous fun activities and games for the whole family sponsored by participating Johnson & Johnson brands: Carefree, Modess, Listerine, Johnson's Body Care, and of course, Neutrogena.

For more details, visit www.finishline.ph or call 703-1736

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!
Stay healthy!