Tuesday, July 27, 2010

AMW Reviews: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

When I accepted the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate Challenge, I am very serious about it.  So serious that I tried to complete 7 hours of sleep.  (I use "tried" because there were some days I failed).  To jumpstart with the challenge, I went for a simple facial wash from Mineral Flowers, no scrubs nor toner was used as I went straight to this Concentrate even on days without electricity!  (It's not hard to put on skincare product with flashlight! hahaha)  I even had to tote this bottle along when I stayed in a hotel!

In most cases, it takes me at least a month to review skincare products as I strongly believe most products do not work miracles and it takes time for the skin to get used to the product and of course, to see its effectivity.  Since the challenge calls for 15 days, and I think with this challenge meant the company is confident enough that consumers and users like myself will see some changes as early as 15 days after. 

I have to clarify that my skin is okay to start with.  I don't  have acne marks nor scars *knocks on wood* but one thing about my skin --- it's my "sensitivity-oh-meter"!  My skin has occasional pimples and allergies from food, from environment and of course, from different beauty products!  Let's not forget the dryness that I've been complaining for years since my mid-20s!

I've done The Challenge for 15 days and I've reported about it once in awhile, here's my summary and of course, photos to show!  Ready?  Set?  Go!


Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate says ---
One night.  Two drops.  Younger-looking skin by morning.  99.80% Natural Ingredients.
  • Paraben-free
  • Skin looks visibly restored by morning
  • Enhances skin's natural recovery activity
  • Recyclable glass bottle, dropper and plastic squeeze top in a protective 100% recycled board carton.

AMW says ---

Pros
  • wonderful dropper that's easy to "gauge" how much product is needed

  • no product wastage
  • does not cause breakouts nor skin irritations/allergies
  • skin looks hydrated and fresh in the morning, non-oily at all
  • this product is paraben-free and silicon-free!  Which makes my skin breathe
  • smells great and relaxing
  • this full size bottle will last forever!  As only the stated 2 drops are needed because this is a "concentrate"!

  • has manufacturing date included on box which makes it easier for you to know the expiration of the product

  • my hubby and myself can see the "brightening effect" after a week!
  • skin feels and looks moisturized
Cons
  • putting a lot may cause breakouts
  • oily-skinned individuals: may find this really oily and uncomfortable upon application
  • first few days of application may cause "discomfort", some sensitive skin may react to this!
  • a bit pricey especially to those who are not working yet!
Overall
Imagine the "Korean actresses" glow we are longing to have?  Well, I kinda achieved it with the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.  It was a glow I am not used to as I found myself re-applying face powder all day thinking my skin is oily but I mistaken the brightness to oiliness!  *laughs*  My bad!  After a week, I found myself getting used to the brightness and waking up and taking a look at my skin in front of the mirror is my favorite activity after using this product for 15 days!  (Note: I am not that vain!) After the challenge, I found myself using this product and incorporate it with my favorite moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated after the challenge!

Does this product work?  It does!  And I shall say, this will probably work better after longer duration.  15 days for me is still not enough to see the overall effect of this product!  So the review continuous! 

Tips
from Kiehl's
Apply 2-3 drops on cleansed skin. Gently press fingertips to cheeks, forehead, and chin to evenly distribute the application before gently massaging it into the skin. Can be worn alone or under moisturizer. 

from AMW
  • greasy feel on first few usages, it takes time to get used to this product
  • drop 2 drops and gently pat on your skin until absorption is felt
  • if skin irritations occur, stop using product immediately
  • include your neck on application
  • the rest? I rub it agains my knees and elbows!  
Will I repurchase?
Maybe, if I finish up the current skincare products I own.  I have a lot to test!  *laughs*  Do I recommend this?  I strongly suggest to test on samples as not all skin types would work well on such concentrate.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Kiehl's Store Greenbelt 5 for Php2,880 (approx $63.00)

The dropper I love, easy to create 2 drops

The concentrate, though feels oily, is actually light and looks like water


My skin diary
My skin definitely went a bit crazy on Day 1, not used to the oily after feel
The 4th day felt better as seen on photos






Before and after shot from Day 1 and Day 15.  PhotoShop was used only to crop and watermark photos.  Camera settings was set the same, whatever lighting changes are due to natural fluorescent lighting.  Both photos taken at night.

You can click photos to enlarge.  As seen on before and after photos, there wasn't much difference on my skin, only that my second photo has this weird smile!  *laughs*  But in person and up close, I have seen some "brightening" effect on some areas especially on my cheeks.  Take a look at the "shadow" part near the hairline was actually lightened up!  And most of all, I was able to survive without moisturizer with this concentrate. 


Do I really need the concentrate?  I can live without it but its definitely a nice "addition" for that added luxurious feel. 

*whew*  Long post, loads of photos and lots of things to say! 
But overall, I want ONE LOCAL Reader to try this concentrate!
Do check back as I'll be posting the details on the contest anytime within the day!

Do check back!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Monday, July 26, 2010

Nail Art Tutorial: "Colors of the Philippine Flag" Inspired Nails + Contest Winners

Today is SONA day! (State of the Nation Address).  Our new president President Benigno (NoyNoy) Aquino III will talk to the nation about his plans for our country.  Since I am on a "nationalistic" mode, I tried using the colors of our dearest flag for my nail art tutorial.  My apologies in advance as I don't own a dark blue shade so I used a purple instead, but you get th drift right?


Here's my Colors of the Philippine Flag Inspired Nails
How to achieve such nail art design?
Read on!


Step 1:
Do not forget to apply your favorite base coat prior to nail polish application.  Using Elianto's Matte White polish, apply 2 coats and let dry.



Step 2:
To create a nice "glow", apply Caronia's polish in Crystal.

Step 3:
If you have dark blue polish, use that shade.  If not, you can use any shade you want.  I am using Prettynails' Purple polish and create random lines. 

Step 4:
Using White L.A. Colors Art Deco, create lines just below the purple lines created above.


Step 5:
Using L.A. Colors Art Deco in Red, continue the lines...



Step 6:
Create a tiny check with L.A. Colors Art Deco in Black.


Step 7:
The Philippine Flag has a distinctive yellow shade (sun and 3 stars).  I am using L.A. Colors Art Deco in Gold to create a nice "sparkle" between colors.


Step 8:
Top your hard work with your favorite top coat.  I am using The Face Shop Top Coat.


Enjoy your nails!


Feel free to look around your surroundings for nail art inspiration.  Colors, shapes are always there in front of us!  We just have to open our eyes and be inspired!

Since this is a nail art tutorial day, I will announce the winner for my AMW Gives: Prettynails contest.  Thank you so much for overwhelming responses!  Here are the prizes just in case you forgot.


Congratulations to: 
Jesca Maye!

AMW also gives: L'Oreal Expert Hydra Energetic Icy Roll On!  Your excuses are so funny I was laughing when I read all your comments. 

The Winner for this is....

Congratulations!
Mrs. Martinez!!!

I will email you both for mailing information.
For the rest, there are more contests coming for my lovely readers.
Thank you thank you thank you!  *cyber hugs*

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Sunday, July 25, 2010

Weekend Food Tripping at: CAV Wine Shop/Cafe

Happy weekend food tripping!  Weekends are always great to sit back, relax and talk about the week's worth with friends and family.  I am very busy this weekend but nothing can stop me from enjoying the food that's served!  I call them "Blessings!"  

I attended an event with fellow bloggers and we were served food that literally calls for all my 5 senses.  Wonderful lunch at CAV Wine Shop/Cafe.

I've been in this cafe twice, both for events and their food and snacks never fail to put a huge smile on my tummy!  Wanna see?

Mini sandwich with ham and cheese


Beautynomist and my favorite, the Mini Cheese Pizza
(not sure the exact name but this tastes great!)
Imagine the crust of this pizza is the same texture as croissant


Iced Tea


Young Arugula Salad
Watermelon and Cherry Tomato Confit, Parmesan Crisp

I can defeinitely chow down 10 Parmesan Crisps!!!  Tastes like cookies!


Meuniere of Lemon Sole
Roasted Barley Risotto, Sprouts, Caper Mousse, Champagne Froth


A closer look on my favorite Risotto


And for dessert, Hannah knew how excited I am with this!

Flourless Chocolate
With Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Rich chocolate brownie with Vanilla flavored ice cream on top that melts perfectly inside your mouth
I wasn't able to finish this though, not because I'm on a diet, because I was full!


CAV Wine Shop and Cafe
Bonifacio High Street
Quadrant 8, Fort Bonifacio Global Cito
5th Avenue Taguig, Metro Manila
Tel. no: (632) 856-1798
Shop hours: Mondays to Thursdays 11:00am to 12:00am
Fridays and Saturdays: 11:00am to 2:00am

Thanks Hannah for helping me take this shot, this is how a full and contented person looks like!  Watch out for my new nail art design!  A sneek peak...a bit stripey eh?  Check back for the tutorial soon!
Note on my really cute bracelet gifted to me by Shen 2 years ago?  Yup, I still wear it!  I love it!  Simple top from Forever21 by the way!


Have a wonderful weekend!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Saturday, July 24, 2010

Readers' Corner: "What's The Deal With Expensive Polishes?"

I have been asked gazillion times on my take on really expensive nail polishes as compared to the inexpensive ones.  Aside from the yellowing and all those ingredients concern, in which I don't really look into detail on it as I always make sure to use a base coat to protect my nails.  One thing I learned over the week.  Expensive polishes do last longer compared to the cheaper alternatives. 


Take one example of my California Girls (Katy Perry) inspired nail art.  You can smile and click HERE to look back on the exact date I posted this and mind you, I've done this 2 days earlier before I posted this.  And I was busy over the weekend so I didn't get the chance to redo my nail art.  Take a look at my nails at present.  Oh before I do, here's my nail condition ---

1. Types the whole day at work and types after work for the blog
2. Type really hard and quick (my colleagues can attest to that)
3. Helps my mom cook at times for dinner
4. Dishwashing without gloves
5. Frequently washes my hands as I'm OC remember? Not to forget, I carry along an alcohol spritz and I love spritzing my hands with alcohol *lol*

In case you forget, here's my nail using Orly Nail Lacquer in Cotton Candy
(Thanks Sol for this)

 
And this was the "newly-done" design 2 weeks ago


Using the same base coat and top coat, here's my current ugly nails after exactly 13 days! You can literally see my nails grew approximately 1 cm longer.


Most of the drugstore nail polish lasts approximately 5-7 days depending on nail art design.  First sign of chipping always starts on my pinkie fingernail as pointed out on photo below.


The more expensive nail polish Orly lasted 2 full weeks without chipping!


If I may add, my nails has grown and it looks totally ugly, so please bear with it as I can't!  Hahaha.  Take a closer look on the photo below, the blue polish is starting to fade (as pointed by arrow) but the Orly Cotton Candy polish stayed.

I guess this post proved that expensive polishes do have some benefits --- Pigmented, Shiny and Long Lasting!  You do get what you pay for!  To some who find these polishes too expensive for their taste, no worries!  You can change your polish weekly like the way I do!  It's just a matter of preference!
Hope this post helps a lot of "wondering" readers out there! 
Thanks for asking me this query and I enjoyed this experiment!
Now time to get my nail polish remover and start another nail art design!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Friday, July 23, 2010

Something New: The Portable Pick-Me-Up


Gone were the days when roll-on are meant for underarms!  When it comes to eye cream, a few are consistent with application as the extra step is just too much for busy people.  That's when companies start to listen to lazy consumers *ahem..me!* and create products for our convenience.

The first eye roll-on I've tried is from a drugstore brand Garnier Light Brightening Eye Roll-On.  Would you believe my favorite skincare brand Clinique has finally came up with their own version!

**photo courtesy of Clinique

The New Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage has instantly cooling rollerball that deposits a liquid gel-serum to help massage and refresh puffy eyes on contact, reduce the appearance of dark circles and brighten.  The best part?  This is said to be non-irritating!

I've used All About Eyes Eye cream and this same product was created by the same original dermatologist.  Unique ingredients Amentoflavone and Humulus Lupulus Extract are included which has soothing properties to make the eye area calm and let's not forget the de-puffing ingredient --- Caffeine!
 
Allergy Tested 100% Fragrance Free, Oil-Free, Non-clogging.  Dermatologist Tested, Ophthalmologist Tested.  Safe for contact wearers.

New Clinique All About Eyes Serum will be available July 2010 at Clinique counters nationwide and at www.clinique.com for suggested retail price of Php1,800 (approx $39.00)

Have you tried this?  How do you find it?
Do you think its worth it for me to purchase?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!