AMW Mid-Year's Finished Products

Happy weekend everyone!  If you're living in the Philippines, you're probably in bliss right now because of the long weekend.  Happy Independence Day to my dear Country! 

Time flies really fast and we're already in the middle of the year!  I've written down the 2009 finished products !  This year, I wanted to split it in two!  Mid-year and Year-end !  I love seeing my money going to right places! 

This list is written in no particular order (You can click on product name to read my past reviews)

1. MAC Mineralized Skinfinish

I purchased this in a whim, not expecting to actually like this, I ended up using this daily for touch-ups and I  can't deny the fact that this lasts quite a long time!  I purchased this March of 2009 and I finished this around May 2009!  More than a year of "almost daily" usage!  Worth every single penny.  

Will I repurchase?  Yes!

2. Clinique Purifying Toner 2

I haven't reviewed this as I've always included this as part of my Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care System.  I should have purchased the mild/non-alcohol version of this but I actually like this!  I've finished the 2nd bottle!

Will I repurchase? Yes!

3. Skin79 VIP Gold Collection BB Cream

I am quite lucky I did not go through gazillions of BB Cream before I found "The One"!  It was an easy choice for me when I've seen my "before and after" shot after using this BB Cream!  I, surprisingly, finished this up in no time!  The packaging is very sophisticated but I am not impressed that I finished this up without "knowing" I'm almost done with this!  

Will I repurchase?  Definitely!

4. Cellnique's Seaweed Cleansing Gel and Intensive Hydrating Complex

When I review a skincare line, even after reviews, if I find the product to be positive, I continue to use them until I finish them up.  This is the case for both the cleansing gel and hydrating complex from Cellnique!  I actually like them as much as I love Clinique.  Too bad shipping is an issue as the brand is not available locally!

Will I repurchase? Only if I visit  Malaysia or Singapore

5. Jessie's Girl Tatoo Pen in Black
I only use this for "winged" eye look or those rare instance that I need to draw the "band" of the falsies.

Will I repurchase?  No

6. The Body Shop's Tea Tree Oil

The most repurchased product in AMW's Life!  I think I've finished up 2 bottles then the hubby finished up another 2 and that's a total of 4!  And I am talking about "spot treatment" only!  I don't drink this or apply this on my entire face!  That just shows how much this product works on me and to prove to you girls that I do have occasional breakouts!

Will I repurchase?  Yes!  I just did!

7. Amu'in Hand Lotion

I love the travel kit from Amu'in and one of my favorite is the Hand lotion.  I take this mini bottle along with me and it fits inside my pouch!  I love using this as it's non-greasy, non-oily and smells wonderful!

Will I repurchase?  Yes

8. Liposan/Nivea Lip balm in Cherry
Thanks to Diamond Enigma for the "swap" and I got to meet Liposan Strawberry and Cherry.  She sent me 2 flavors and I am loving both! This is definitely a "staple" to make my lips "sane" for the whole day!  I love the wonderful tint it gives on my lips!  So natural looking.  My roadtripper friends Ada and Hannah loves this too!

Will I repurchase?  Yes, but locally this is known as Nivea.

9. Shu Uemura Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O 

My secret to makeup cleansing?  This one!  I have finished 2 bottles of Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil in A/O and I'm on my 3rd (expensive eh?).  I don't use heavy makeup but I am very "OC" in makeup removal so aside from using a makeup remover, I love using Shu Uemura's Cleansing Oil as I feel it cleanses more!  It's just me.  It's really pricey but it's worth it!

I haven't formally reviewed this but I've reviewed Shu Uemura's High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil (Yellow) and I think it's almost the same.

Will I repurchase?  Yes!

10. Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Foaming Cleansing Water

I am actually surprised that I am liking this!  When I first used this, I felt that it doesn't clean my face at all as it's super light on skin.  What I love about this is the "energizing" effect it gives every morning!  It leaves my skin clean (not squeaky dry kind of feel) and I can literally feel my skin brightening up!

Will I repurchase?  I did!  I haven't start using my 2nd bottle yet but it's on back up.

11. Tsubaki Treatment with Tsubaki Oil

My dearest brother bought this for me together with the shampoo and conditioner line.  I like using Tsubaki but not regularly as it gives me the "flakes".  The Tsubaki Treatment smells wonderful and works okay!  I apply a good amount of this only on the tips of my hair to lessen hair breakage and dryness.  A good product but doesn't leave an imprint in my "to buy again list"

Will I repurchase?  No, so many local hair treatments that work just as well and cheaper.

12. Kerastase Noctgenist Serum Nuit

Finally finished this! I use this 3x a week.  Sometimes, I tend to forget that's why it took so long for me to finish this up!  But this product lives to what it claims.  I definitely woke up with softer and more manageable hair!

Will I repurchase?  I tried other Kerastase ngiht treatment.  Smile and click here to know what I'm talking about!

6 months...12 products! NOT BAD at all!  This post made me feel good!  I guess it's time you check out your own stash and see which product's almost on the "Finished Products" List!  It'll make you feel good I promise you!  Money well spent!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

I Wonder: "Are You Still Into Mineral Cosmetics?"

I have to admit, I was once a mineral sample makeup hoarder! I get into different mineral makeup sites and I love adding those sample baggies to cart as they are quite affordable and easy to ship due to its size! After a year, I've lost my interest on Mineral makeups overall!

Recently, Sophie from Beauty & Minerals, sent me samples of B&M Mineral Makeup. The cute packaging and sticker made my heart flutter. I think I got my mineral mojo back!

A closer look on the foundation and eyeshadow samples

I Wonder:
"Have you lost your mineral makeup mojo?"

Smile and click comment! I'd love to hear from you!
If you are still on the mineral makeup love, tell me your current favorite brand!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: For the Hairstylists and Makeup Artists

At times, I need to do both hair and makeup, and juggling between  hair brushes, clips and makeup brushes is the hardest thing to do and not to forget, holding hot iron on my other hand is quite dangerous!  Fainting is NEVER an option so I need to organize myself before I burn my own hand or my client's head!

Thanks to Daiso and Japan Home Center, I find so many "Eureka Moments" inside the store.  2 years ago, I purchased a tool bag in a whim not knowing what to do with it.  As I had my wedding  gig and I needed to be there near the Bride for retouch, carrying the whole train case is not convenient and carrying a mini pouch or bag is a hassle as I needed both of my hands free!  I'm glad I got creative and remembered the tool bag I bought and slipped it into a belt and VOILA!  Instant belt organizer! 

How this looks without plastic

As I went through one gig to another, I found that one tool bag is not enough,...

so I repurchased !  Check out my current "retouch pouch"

I actually own 3 too bags now!  All you need is a nice durable belt to hold these tool bags!  And you're ready to go!  Glad my belt color and design matches the tool bag!  It's fate!

Eureka moment for finding these priced only for Php88.00 (approx $2.00) per piece!  Quality is great, very durable and my partner hairstylist sometimes put his hot curling iron inside and so far he wasn't hurt and the tool bag is still in good condition!  (It is advisable not to do this  for safety's sake).

Do you agree that I put this on Eureka moment for our hairstylist and makeup artist friends out there?  I think it deserves this spot!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Win Your Own Vaseline Road Trip of a Lifetime! (Contest Closed!)

Dear Local AMW Readers:
If you are a reader of my blog, you have definitely read about my first ever Road Trip of a Lifetime in Northern Luzon together with my blogging friends Ada and Hannah! Thanks to Vaseline for including me to be part of this unforgettable experience. I swear, the Philippines is GORGEOUS!

The exciting news I want to share, is that the great people from Vaseline are extending this offer to one reader and three (3) of her friends! Yes, YOU! You can get the chance to win the exact Roadtrip experience AMW and her 2 blogger friends went through! All-expense-paid!!!

**photo taken by Mr. Jeck Simbulan

How to join?

• contestants (Female, Residing in the Philippines, 18 yrs old above) must visit www.VaselineRoadtrip.com, register with their full names,e-mail addresses, contact numbers and other details.
• type in an answer to the questions provided on the website. (Tip: these can be better answered if you read Ada, Hannah and my Blogs)
• upload a photo of yourself ready to go on a roadtrip of a lifetime. There will be only ONE (1) question that will be on the website during the promotion duration.
• submission of entries will be open from June 2 to 30, 2010

Check out the promotional video done by Orange House

Goodluck girls!
I swear, this is one contest worth giving a try!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Revews: Tri-Aktiline Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler

I laugh and smile a lot!  Everyone who knew me personally would probably nod their heads right now!  (Be careful not to hit the computer screen)  The only negative side about it is that, I can literally see lines particularly on my forehead and near the mouth area!  Well, I can't blame it all on smiling and laughing, I am not getting any younger anyways so seeing laugh lines or wrinkles are expected for *ahem* maturing woman like myself!  

I don't mind using anti-aging creams as long as they don't give me allergies!  But using a wrinkle-filler is something I wouldn't have thought in this world!  I want to thank a friend for giving me a sample of the world famous Tri-Aktiline Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler from GoodLabs.

 **photo from GoodSkin Labs

Tri-Aktiline  Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler says ---

GoodSkin Labs introduces Tri-Aktiline Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler, a potent deep-wrinkle formulation that instantly fills fine lines and wrinkles while helping to firm the skin over time.  This innovative concentrate helps eliminate the appearance of wrinkles on contact, evening out and smoothing away the look of the deepest, most visible lines.  Use it right where you need it most - on crow's feet, laugh lines, anywhere facial expressions have left their mark.

• immediately provides a visible reduction of facial lines
• clinically proven to help fill and relax the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles
• visibly reduces wrinkle depth and length

Studies also showed a significant improvement in skin moisturization and barrier strength.

Key ingredients:
Gatuline Expression : helps relax the look of facial tension and expression lines
Kombuchka PH Extract : plums and smoothes wrinkles
Argireline: prompts skin into its re-build mode, boosting natural collagen production for visible results.

AMW says ---

Pros

• as compared to other anti-wrinkle creams, you see the effect of this in an instant!
• feels very light on skin
• non-oily and non-greasy
• easily absorbed on skin
• fragrance free
• lessen the look of lines
• a little goes a long way
• a tube lasts forever!
• I love the tube packaging, mess free and no product wastage
• when dried completely, this product works as a good base or primer!  Makeup applies easier when lines are reduced

Cons

• a bit tricky to apply, if you applied it wrong, it'll flake or create tiny ball of "glue like" texture
• takes a bit of time to set

Overall
This product may sound and looks like a miracle product but I want to stress that this works for mild lines.  If your lines are deep, do not expect them to be completely gone!  If that's the case, there's no "wrinkled" skin out there.

This product blurs out lines and wrinkles but only up to a certain extent.  What I love about this is that the blurring of lines happen in an instant, you don't have to wait for months or years but you can see it right after it sets!  I love using this on "mature" clients who has really deep lines and it helps lessen the lines before foundation application. 

Tips

• I can't stress enough the importance of applying this in a dabbing motion!  NEVER apply this like you would on a regular cream

• it would be better if you warm this product at the back of your hand first before applying it directly onto lines, this will lessen product flaking or product build up
• while waiting for the product to set, you can do other stuffs to save time
• keep in cool dry place
• if rashes, allergies or itchiness occur, STOP using the product immediately
• it's suggested to use morning and evening for best result, I think its up to you on how comfortable you are with the product, you can start once a day
• you can use on areas that you would want to blur out lines
• apply moisturizer first or this?  It's your preference, after tests, I prefer doing my skincare first then apply this prior to makeup application

Will I repurchase?
YES!

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at selected Watson's Department Stores available in 30ml for Php2,600 (approx $56.50)

Note from Author: All Photos below has been photo-shopped ONLY for cropping.  No other forms of alterations has been made.

Here's to show how much product is needed to fill in certain lines
All photos can be clicked to enlarge

Check out the lines on my hand on upper and lower portion

(check mark has Tri-Aktiline)

I tested it on my forehead.  I arrowed the areas that has lines 

and areas that I have applied Tri-Aktiline

(This photo was taken in an instant, did not wait for hours or weeks)

Applied on the under eye area, since my eye wrinkle is prominent it did not blurred out everything

Though the great effect of this product can be seen in an instant, I am more intrigued with the long term effect of this!  I was told that this product, when used over time will really help lessen fine lines and wrinkles!  Well I will definitely do a revisit on this!

Have you used any wrinkle filler creams?
Do you think you need them?
Click comment and I'd love to hear from you!

Keep smilin'

(even if it causes wrinkles, LOL)
Stay happy!