Saturday, May 15, 2010

I Wonder: "Will Your Man Use an Icy Eye Roll On?"

I love anything "roll on", it's one of the best invention for me as I don't need to dip my finger with products as I just roll away.  The first roll-on I got to know are the deodorants, then came the Garnier Light Brightening Eye Roll On, which I think is the best eye product packaging ever and it got good reviews from yours truly.  It works even better for my mom-in-law as she chucked her expensive eye cream for this!

As we all know, the L'Oreal Men Expert line is getting it's own space in the beauty section because guys do actually take care of their skin and I wasn't even surprise when L'Oreal created a male version of Garnier Light Brightening Eye Roll On.  

Introducing, L'Oreal Men Expert 
Hydra Energetic Icy Roll On




L'Oreal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Icy Roll On says --Difficult to wake up? Tired eyes giving you away? Fight bags and dark circles with Men Expert Hydra Energetic Ice Cool Eye Roll-On.
Every morning, in one single action give your eyes the visible effect of a good night's sleep: the combination of the ice cool roll-on and the formula enriched with Vitamin C and caffeine
I tried giving this to my brother and he gave me this funny look and said he won't need it.  I discreetly put this in front of my hubby's computer table and he took one look at it and told me to store it away!  How come the "men" in my life are not interested with eye stuffs?  Shouldn't the "roll on" factor makes it easier for them to use? 

I tried telling them the key selling points to use this product:
Anti-eye bags
Stimulating roller-ball massage with Caffeine to provide you with a refreshing cooling effect:
- immediately refreshed look 
- tired eyes are relieved

Anti-dark circles
Enriched with Vitamin C and active ingredient PEPTIDO-COMPLEX to fight against dark circles:
- Peptido-Complex diminish dark colors of eye contours
- Vitamin C brightens the appearance of dark circles

Priced at Php349.00 (approx $7.60), the price isn't bad at all!  I want to give this a try myself but I was told that the skin around the eye area for men are different with women.  I may be a "Snoopy" (my term for a person who loves to snoop, lol) but I wont' take chances. 
My Mission: FAILED!


I wonder:
"Will Your Man Use The L'Oreal Men Expert Icy Roll 
               to fight dark circles and bags?"


Click on comment section!
You know how much I love to hear from you!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
 

Friday, May 14, 2010

Nail Art Tutorial: "Fireworks on Hot Coral" Nails



I don't care if Monday's blue,
Tuesday's gray and Wednesday too

Thursday I don't care about you..
It's Friday, I'm in love!

I always find myself singing this song from The Cure every Friday.  Maybe it's because the radio station I'm listening to plays songs from the 80's OR the fact that Friday makes me giddy inside like a teenager in love all over again!

I dedicate today's post to all nail art lovers out there.  Of course, I won't forget those who have requested for simpler designs and I've already done 2 polka-dots and it's high time to move further.  I've done a similar design in the past but this time, fireworks come in different direction and of course, I've used a new polish color from my dear friend Toma



Orange lips are in, and orange toned nail polishes are definitely getting back it's mojo!  Move over sweet pinks and let's start the fire!


Nail art tutorial for this week:
"Fireworks on Hot Coral" Nails



Step 1:
I can't stress enough on applying base coat prior to nail polish application to prevent your nails from yellowing and chipping.  Apply 2 coats of your favorite polish.  I am using a matte orangey-red polish shade from ELF called Hot Coral.  If I may add, I voted earlier this week which explains the distracting indelible ink on my pointer finger.  

Step 2:

Using my "dried up" L.A. Art Deco in white, creat 3 lines going to any direction you're comfortable with.  


Tip from AMW: if you want to create thin lines but have limited access to nail art tools, you can purchase art brushes at local bookstores.  If you're unsure of the brush quality, you can purchase L.A. Art Deco polish available in your area (for local readers: it's available at at Market! Market Department Store).  You can re-use the brush.


Step 3:
To create festivity, use any sparkly polish and create lines between the white lines created on previous steps.   I am using a gold one from L.A. Colors Art Deco in Gold.

Step 4:
This step is purely optional, I apply dots randomly on areas that are still "spacious".  I am just a sucker for extra step you know?

Step 5:

Making sure the nail art design is completely dry, top it with your favorite Top Coat to protect your hard work.

I celebrated the day I voted with a nice fireworks inspiration!
If you're comfortable in drawing lines, you can apply more colors!


If I may ask, those who have been telling me they've been wanting to try nail art but are scared to because it's too difficult, have you finally given it a try??? Please tell me yes!  I swear it feels so good at times to look at your "masterpiece".

Have a wonderful weekend!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Thursday, May 13, 2010

Eureka Moment: A Lipstick Holder That Fits

I've always been frustrated with the way I store my lipsticks.  I don't know about you, but the OC-ness in me store them upright and in a very organized way, but even before the week ends, it'll always end up like a mess.  Picking some lipsticks for the train case on gigs and throwing them back in a lipstick basket is a huge responsibility you know?  *winks*

 
I tend to throw them in a random case and forget to use a couple of them at the bottom part.  I know there's so many DIY lipstick cases out there but let me reveal something about myself... I am not a DIY-girl!

A couple of weeks ago, while checking out stuffs at Daiso and looking through their lipsticks.  I was impressed, not with the lipstick but with the lipstick holder.  It's a clear case that fits the size of lipstick perfectly!  I did a silent *curling of fist* screaming "YES" internally!  I told myself not to get excited until I find the case!  I literally ran..well not really...brisk walked toward the clear cases area and guess what?
EUREKA MOMENT!!!


It's called D-Tray A62-2, the case is meant for cosmetics, accessories and other smalls stuffs.  In AMW's dictionary, it's for my Lipstick Army!!!  Made in Japan, clear, sturdy case with nice curved edges.



Now this is the Nikki you know!!!  


My concern with this case is the probable difficulty to pick up your "lipstick for the day".  I did a random picking and I don't have any problems with it.  I can reach out any shapes and sizes of lipsticks in no time.


There's no reason to be a slob with all the nice containers and cases available at a very affordable price.
The Daiso D-Tray costs Php88.00 (approox $2.00) at Daiso stores.  I bought mine at Robinson's Galleria, Ortigas. 

I will definitely repurchase!

How do you store your lipsticks?
Share some tips and rock my world! *winks*


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Wednesday, May 12, 2010

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!



Tuesday, May 11, 2010

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!