AMW Reports: Fashion's Finest, Beauty's Best

When I was growing up, I was a Pond's White Beauty user and I was able to inspire my sister to use the same.  We would share the same tube and she actually liked it so much she uses it until this very moment.  Though I've grown to change moisturizer because of the current needs of my skin, Pond's will always have a special place in my heart.  That's why when I was invited for the Fashion's Finest, Beauty's Best event, I can't say no...

My dearest Pond's has grown its collection and I'm glad to see the familiar light pink and white packaging!

Eight icons in the fashion and beauty industry were selected as muses for this collaboration.  Photos of these lovely ladies were showcased at Red Restaurant, Makati Shangri-La Hotel last June 29th.  Read on to know more about these ladies who possesses the beauty and fashion principles that Pond's and Plains & Prints would like to portray.

The effervescent beauty top model turned Project Runway Philippine judge and now Global PR Manager for Pond's, Apples Aberin knows her fashion and beauty being in the same business.

Sultry Siren Kelly Misa's youthful beauty and classic charm has been captivating many being a model and now as one of the hosts for a TV program.

Ageless Beauty is the best phrase to describe Patty Betita, who always exudes simple sophistication as a model, mother and personality development expert.

The Pond's Ambassador Rissa Mananquil who turned from columnist to model and full-time mom has always been known for her effortless elegance and innate intelligence.

The chameleon, Bianca Valerio - name it and she can deliver - from modeling, styling, and now a make-up artist, she is definitely the expert for everything in fashion and beauty.

A prominent face in Manila's fashion and social circuit Mai Kafman also known for her store Karma is a bag and interior designer who has perfected multi-tasking with all these professions and adding to this is her favorite job - being a mother to Alexa and wife to David.

The Real Estate Goddess Divine Lee is the epitome of style and substance who juggles her personal and career life always in haute fashion.

As one of the faces of Plains and Prints, Celine Lopez has been named most stylish in the society for her classic yet eclectic fashion sense.

Several bloggers were also invited to grace this event.  Attending events are really wonderful seeing familiar faces and meeting new people!

Mr. and Mrs. Kikay Exchange!  Gary and Jill!  Gary has been sweet in taking photos of the bloggers and I can't help but want to get a shot of him and his wifey!

Kristine and Liz

Kristine is the young writer from Candy Blush whom I met for the second time around.  Liz has always been a darling and we always share quick chat on every event!  She's such a sweetie to always say "hi".

Jane and Rowena

It was great meeting Jane for the first time, I can't believe this lady writes a food blog and maintain such gorgeous physique!  I've seen Rowena a couple of times recently on events and she's wearing a nice red head band which works well with the event's motif!

Jheng and Shen

Jheng though busy from work managed to look gorgeous and crazy at the same time *peace* with Shen on her side busy with her drinks in her gorgeous red dress and red lips!

Sophie

I fondly call her my "shobe" or little sister.  I haven't seen her for quite some time and it was such a pleasant surprise to see her sporting a new hairstyle and gorgeous outfit! *whistles*

Lace

I've met Lace a couple of times and seen her during her pregnancy days and look at her post pregnancy body now!!!!  So proud that this mommy blogger still manages to juggle time for events and take care of her new born baby!

First time to meet Trixie *waves hi* and photo together with Shen :)

What a small world!  Bumped into my first makeup teacher Ms. Cherry Pacheco! 

You can check out the Pond's Plains and Prints Collection by smiling and clicking HERE

A nice day cream and night cream from Pond's 

Pond's Flawless White and Pond's Age Miracle

This set goes to my mom-in-law and I'll definitely interview her for reviews :)
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

The Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Diaries Challenge

Anyone who reads my blog would know that my blog's content is basically everything that can make a person feel beautiful in and out.  And most of you will find loads of product reviews from yours truly as I believe in spending your hard earn money on products that deliver!

When Sheena Dy from Kiehl's contacted me (and 4 other beauty bloggers, I believe) to try the new Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, it was a right timing as I just finished  my Cellnique's Intensive Hydrating Complex, my skin is all ready to try on other products!  I don't mind testing on Kiehl's as I own a skincare travel pack gifted to me by my brother and I don't have issues with the ingredients used by the brand.  

What's The Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Diaries Challenge?

I was encouraged to follow the 7 Habits of a Healthy Sleeper:

1. Get at least seven hours of sleep each night - goodluck to me on this
2. Drink soothing beverages before bed such as herbal tea, water or milk! - I definitely go well with water
3. Try to avoid exercise near bedtime - definitely will!
4. Stay away from late afternoon, early evening stimulates like caffeine. - no issues on that, I finish 2 cups of coffee before 10am! And I'm not into sodas *hahaha*
5. Enjoy relaxing activities before you go to sleep, like reading or taking a bath.  - how about blogging?  It's relaxing for me! (seems like I'm being  hardheaded eh?)
6. Shut the TV off when you are ready to fall asleep.  - definitely!  I even need to turn off lights!
7. Curb your alcohol consumption. - No problem at all!  Not into alcohol!

Over the course of 15 days or less, I am encouraged to write my experience about the experience.  This is also a way for busy bloggers like myself to recover my sleep-life!  And I'll definitely share my experiences to you for sure!  Expect honest to goodness review from me as always!  Feel free to ask me questions as I go through this challenge and encourage me to sleep early!

I started the challenge July 5, 2010 Monday night and here are my impressions and reactions. As you all know, this is a concentrate, a 99.8% natural, paraben-free serum which was said to be proven to rejuvenate my skin while I sleep.

Nikki's Stats:

Skin Type: Dry/Normal (I included normal as I've been using the right type of products and my skin condition isn't as dry as before)
Skin Condition: Sensitive
Products used: Facial Wash, Toner and Kiehl's Midnight Recover Concentrate (nighttime)

AMW's First impression: (Days 1-2)

• looks and feels like oil but doesn't feel heavy or oily
• feels a bit weird after application because of its texture
• my skin is dry and I feel it takes a bit of time to absorb, can you imagine how long it'll take for oily skin to wait for this product to absorb?
• the concentrate absorbed to the skin approximately 5-10 minutes depending on temperature of the room
• no itchiness nor skin irritations
• no signs of redness or allergies
  
  
  
  
• woke up minus the oily look and feel
• no signs of change after first night, after the second night, skin feels moisturized even after washing my face with facial wash

For 2 days, those are my observations!  I'll definitely report more in the coming days!


Before I end this post, good news to my local readers (sorry to my international friends! I will be hosting contests soon for everyone across the world and universe!)!  The people from Kiehl's will give one reader a chance to try on the new Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate in Full Size!  Keep on reading and I'll announce the contest soon!

WIN YOUR OWN BOTTLE SOON!!!

Encourage me to do all 7 steps ok?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Maybelline ColorSensational Moisture Extreme Color Review

Remember 2 Eureka Moments for Maybelline's ColorSensational Moisture Extreme Lipcolor?  If you can't, here's a flashback.

Eureka Moment: "My Favorite Pink" Lipstick

Eureka Moment: "Another Red Lipstick that Works"

This lipstick line from Maybelline impressed me so much I have to own a shade or orange and a shade or brown!  After using and testing on all 4 shades.  I am ready to share to you my 2 cents on these lipstick army!

Mr. AMW Reviews: L'Oreal Men Expert White Activ Oil Control

Happy Monday everyone!!!  I slept quite well over the weekend, in short, I slept a lot over the weekend!  It has been very hectic since the start of this year but I'm not complaining!  I am quite thankful that there are so many things to keep me busy to keep me from going to emotional mode!  

I want to thank my 1000 followers!  I've reached the 1,000th mark over the weekend it warms my heart to know you guys include me in your daily reads and thanks for the trust!  I promise to do more reviews and put you readers "in-the-know" as much as I can!  Can I ask for group hugs? *group hugs*  

I know I don't have a lot of male readers, but I'm sure my female readers have special men in their lives - the husbands, the boyfriends, the dads, the brothers, the cousins, the boy friends!  My husband, who's been a soap user for years, is finally willing to give some male products a try! Yay for Male Vanity!!!  He has used a couple of skincare line for men and I'll be interviewing him for reviews for the men in our lives!  

L'Oreal Men Expert White Activ Oil Control Foam

and White Activ Moisturizing Gel Cream

Mr. AMW's Skin stats ---

Skin type: Very Oily

Skin condition: prone to breakouts

Skin color: fair

L'Oreal Men Expert White Activ
Oil Control Foam

L'Oreal Men Expert White Activ Oil Control Foam says ---

1. Cleanses, clears and mattifies for long - enriched with Salicylic Acid, this formula cleanses and clears skin efficiently: excess sebum and dull dead cells are removed, skin stays clear and matte for long.  Your skin is comfortable without tightness.  It becomes soft, smooth and radiant!
2. Reinforces the skin's natural resistance - ADS (Active Defense System), a powerful soothing active ingredients that helps to reinforce the skin's natural resistance against daily aggressions.  Results: less irritation, less tightness and more comfort.
3. Fine bubbles remove impurities for brighter skin - with L'Oreal Paris' new foaming texture with fine bubbles, impurities are washes out and your cleansed skin is brighter, leaving you a pleasant fresh feeling after wash.

Size: 100ml

Mr. AMW says ---

Pros

• scent is seriously good!!! (AMW can vouch on it!)
• bubbles up easily 
• nice squeeze-y tube 
• a small pea size is enough for the whole face
• skin feels comfortably clean and tight after every use
• does control oil!
• inexpensive
• tested on Asian men skin under dermatological control

Cons

• NONE!

Overall

For oily to very oily skin, this works so well as it does help decrease the feel of oiliness throughout the day. 

Tips 

L'Oreal Men Expert says ---

• lather in the palm of your hand
• apply on wet face and gently massage concentrating on forehead, nose and chin
• avoid eye contour area

Mr. AMW says ---

• gently massage for about 30 seconds to a minute, Mr. AMW personally feels this is much better for his face

Will he repurchase?

Yes!

Where to purchase and how much?

Php195.00 (approx $4.20) available in leading department stores, drug  and beauty stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets (SM Department Stores and Watsons Beauty Stores, PCX, The Landmark, Robinson's Department Stores, Shopwise, Mercury Drugstore, Gaisano Metro Department Stores).

A closer look at the packaging of White Activ Oil Control Foam

Texture is not too watery nor stiff.
Like a beaten egg white with a bit stiffness

L'Oreal Men Expert White Activ Oil Control

Moisturizing Cream

L'Oreal Men Expert White Activ Oil Control Moisturizing Gel Cream says --- 

1. "Oil-trapping-like-effect" for matte skin - this patented formula contains mattifying fibers to help create an "Oil-trapping-like effect" to mattify your skin.  Enriched with zinc-G, a powerful sebo-regulator, it delivers a long lasting oil-free feeling and look to your skin.
2. Helps to reduce excess sebum for brighten skin - enriched with Vitamin C and Salicylic Acid, this formula helps to remove surface dead cells  and excess sebum.  Skintone is brightened and healthy looking.
3. Moisturizing gel cream for men - hydrated skin all day long, non greasy, non sticky, penetrates rapidly with a matte finish.

Size: 50ml

AMW says ---

Pros

• smells great
• no allergies or skin irritation
• helps mattify the skin, lesser oil
• non-sticky on face
• non-greasy
• absorbs on skin easily

Cons

• for super oily skin like Mr. AMW: oiliness still occur after several hours

Overall

This is a nice addition to the oil control facial cleanser.  Has a tiny tingling sensation after usage but it doesn't bother him and the sensation was gone a couple of seconds after.  This product instantly mattifies the skin and creates a clean and bright face.

Tips
from L'Oreal

• use all over the face in the morning and/or evening on cleansed skin
• can be applied after shaving, can soothe razor burn

from Mr. AMW

• apply all over face then additional spot treatment on areas that  are very oily like t-zone and forehead

Will he repurchase?
Too early to tell if he really needed this, will wait a couple more weeks

Where to purchase and how much?

Php375.00 (approx $8.15) available in leading department stores, drug  and beauty stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets (SM Department Stores and Watsons Beauty Stores, PCX, The Landmark, Robinson's Department Stores, Shopwise, Mercury Drugstore, Gaisano Metro Department Stores).

A closer look on its packaging, 

mouth is a bit smaller than the White Activ Oil Control Foam

White in color, texture is not runny

Gently massaged onto skin

Dries up invisible

Thanks to Mr. AMW for patiently answering the questions I threw towards him!  He's been very patient with his explanation! 

Hope this review helps to the men out there

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Something New: The Pond's Plains & Prints collection

When a leading beauty and skincare brands Pond's and famed home-grown clothing brand Plains and Prints unveil a collection that show's synergy between style and beauty, a very nice collection will be expected.

Eight of the most sought-after fashion and beauty icons in the contry lead the special collection with Pond's that will be seen in Plains & Prints stores nationwide starting July 3, 2010! 

These red and white dresses have been exclusively made for the collection which I believe took more than 6 months in the making.  The entire red and white limited edition collection represents Pond's Age Miracle and Pond's Flawless White lines.

Introducing, the Red and White Collection

You can click photos to enlarge

L-R Rissa Red, Kelly Red and Youthful Red Sleeveless Dresses

L-R Miracle Red,  Romantic Red Sleeveless Dresses and Classic Red Cap Sleeved Dresses

L-R Apples Red Cap Sleeved Dress, Eternal Red Sleeveless Dress and Lydia Red Cap Sleeved Dress

L-R Divine Red Sleeveless Dress, glowing White Cap and Stunning White Cap Sleeved Dress

L-R Gorgeous White Sleeveless Dress, Radiant White Cap and Patty White Cap Sleeved Dress

L-R Mai White Tube Dress, Bianca White Sleeveless Dress and Celine Sleeveless Dress

L-R Jacqe, Flawless White and Lustrous White Sleeveless Dresses

For loyal patrons of Pond's Age Miracle and Pond's Flawless White, every purchase off specially marked Pond's Age Miracle or Pond's Flawless White Day Cream 50g, Night Cream 50g, or Serum 30ml, shoppers will get Php200 off the Pond's Plains and Prints dresses or Php100 off on any Plains and Prints regularly-priced apparel.  Offer starts on July 3 until September 15, 2010!

I am eyeing for this Red dress.....

Rissa Red Sleeveless Dress

and this White number!

Flawless White Sleeveless Dress

Which dress caught your attention?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
(all photos from Pond's)