An Update: The Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Diaries Challenge (Days 3-4)

Okay, so you read about "The Challenge" I've accepted to try on the new Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.  There are 7 habits to healthy sleeping that I've followed and so far, I've been a good girl!  I may lack an hour of sleep on the first day, but the rest of the days?  I've been sleeping soundly for 7 hours or even more!  Especially last night as I wasn't feeling too well!

Though its still too early for a detailed review, this post is just an update on how my day 3 and 4 went. 

• First 2 nights, I have this weird oily feel that I get from using this concentrate, day 3 and 4 is a bit easier as I lessen the drops from 3 to 2 drops for my entire face.
• Woke up with no skin irritations nor breakouts
• In the morning, skin feels and looks the same but found my skin is definitely more moisturized and I can even skip moisturizer

Here's a sample of my skin right after Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate Application

See the shine and "oily" look?  It doesn't feel heavy though

I'll give you more updates for the coming days!  Please stay tune as I'll be giving away a full size bottle of this to ONE lucky local reader!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
I'm getting ready to catch my zzz's soon!

AMW Reviews: Mineral Flowers Facial Wash Water of Almond Blossom and Mud

When it comes to skincare products, I don't jump around like I do with makeup!  I finish most of the products that work for me before I use a new one.  I do take care of my skin and I don't want to test on different products in a short period of time.  When I finally finished my Cellnique Seaweed Cleansing Gel (which really worked for me by the way), I took a look at my stash and found myself getting excited to try on something close to natural as well.  Who could say no to Minerals?

Mineral Flowers Facial Wash Water of Almond Blossom and Mud says ---

Mineral Flowers was with Almond Blossion is 100 percent natural blend of concentrated mineral water from the Dead Sea with 26 Minerals and trace elements, Dead Sea Mud, a natural skin regenerator and lifter.  Almond Blossom that contains Vitamin E, known as powerful anti-oxidants, beeswax, a natural emulsifier and skin healer and organize pomegranate juice.

Excellent for dry skin.
Proudly made in Israel.

AMW says ---

Pros

• scent is really mild and smells really good
• a little amount lathers up really well
• very light and mild on skin
• skin feels moisturized and soft after washing
• no allergies or skin irritations
• inexpensive as compared to other skincare brands that has mineral water
• has different variants for different skin type
• wonderful packaging!
• added benefits of having natural dead sea water included in the ingredients which feels very light on skin and has a lot of extra minerals to boost the skin

Cons

• heavy makeup user: Not enough to remove all traces of makeup

Overall

I am actually loving this!  Been using this product for almost a month now and I found my skin looking and feeling healthy even at times I forget to tone or moisturize my face.  Price is not bad at all as compared to other competing brands!

Tips

• for heavy makeup user: remove all traces of makeup with your favorite makeup remover prior to washing your face with this facial wash
• Choose the variant that's right for your skin type (Almond Blossom for dry skin, Camomille for Sensitive Skin, Rose and Geranium for Normal to Combination Skin)
• if you have oily skin?  You're under the normal to combination skin as the people from Mineral Flowers consider the oil skinned individuals under combination
• lather up the product on both hands and make it foam up a bit and gently massage it all over your face including neck area
• be careful not to get this product get into your eyes.  If you did, wash it gently with warm water
• if the product does not work for you, share this to a friend or sell this to someone who's interested at a lower price, at least you don't waste your money!

Will I repurchase?

Too early to tell but for now, I'm ok with repurchasing, product is really mild on me.

Where to purchase and how much?

Php430.00 (approx $9.30) available at Watson's as well as Beauty by SM in Megamall, Mall of Asia, Makati, Cubao and North Edsa

I have used their hand cream and now their facial wash and both products gave me a wonderful experience.  I am very happy with the brand and I'm open to try their other products for sure!  

Have you tried products with Dead Sea Minerals? 
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

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!