Wednesday, August 4, 2010

AMW Reviews: Garnier Light Overnight Whitening Peeling Cream

Thank goodness, I don't have dark spots at the moment *knocks on wood*.  I may have some in the future but for now, I have my Garnier Skincare stash shared to my family and friends because I know they'll find it useful.  So useful that I ended up doing a review base on my family love --- My Mom-in-Law!

My mommy-oh is not into makeup but definitely addicted to skincare!  I used to hoard moisturizer for her when I travel to Hong Kong.  She uses mostly expensive brands as she thought those would work.  But she's wrong!

When I got my Garnier Skin Naturals pack from L'Oreal for Christmas, I gave it to her.  She got ecstatic when she saw "Anti-dark spots and dullness" written on the box!  I know she's been looking forever (and a day) for a cream that can visibly lighten her spots and freckles.

**photo taken from Garnier site
Garnier Light Overnight Whitening Peeling Cream says ---
With pure lemon essence and natural peeling fruit extracts.  While you sleep, it exfoliates dark skin cells and peels off dullness which will reveal fresh and fairer skin in the morning.  Not only will it lessen dark spots, but it will also prevent further darkening.

Away from external aggressions, night is the ideal time to reinforce whitening action.  With the combined attributes of Vitamin C from lemon essence, Vitamin CG from herbal extracts, and the natural peeling fruit extracts, you're sure to wake up with a healthy glowing, visibly fairer and more even toned skin.
  • skin becomes fairer in 28 days
  • Melanin Production is reduced (the pigment responsible for darkening and dark spots reproduction)
  • especially formulated for Asian Skin
AMW Guest says ---

Pros
  • scent is light and smells wonderful
  • includes manufacturing date
  • easy to apply and texture is not runny
  • wonderful glass packaging!  Keeps the product fresh
  • non-greasy and no heavy feel
  • non-oily
  • does lighten up dark spots!  (photo to prove below)
  • inexpensive skincare that works!
  • does not only lighten dark spots but brighten up the face overall!
  • no harsh peeling
  • no stinging sensation nor allergic reactions
  • product lasts 12 months once opened (which is quite long) and packaging is recyclable!  Yay for environmental-friendly packaging
Cons
  • if you're expecting for instant effect, do not hold your breathe, 28 days may happen to minority
  • for dry skinned individuals: this my dry up skin even more!
Overall
This product seriously works!  Pictures won't lie and you can scroll down to check the before and after shots!  I can't really tell when was the exact day the product works but who cares?  As long as it does right?  

The effect though definitely wasn't seen 28 days after, it does take longer for the product to work and Patience really is a Virtue!  Spots definitely lightened or almost disappeared, everyone in our family can notice that and I'm glad something inexpensive works against the more expensive creams!

If I do have age spots in the future, at least I know which product to rely on!  I hope this will work for me just like it did to my mommy-oh!

Tips
  • use a spatula to scoop out product instead of your fingers.  If you prefer to use your fingers, make sure your fingers are clean and sanitized
  • not sure if you're allergic to its ingredients?  Read labels, or apply this below the ear area for 24 hours to see if allergic reactions occur overnight
  • store in cool dry place
  • dry to massage onto face gently, never rub hard
  • close lid tight
  • if the brand works for you, use Garnier Light Whiten and Protect Moisturizing Scream with SPF15 to protect the skin in the morning against the sun.
  • try to be consistent with application, you won't see the effect if you use this once every 2 weeks or use it consistently for a week then forget all about it the remaining weeks!  Consistency is the KEY!
  • use sunblock!  Whether you use the Garnier day cream or not, do apply sunscreen with at least SPF20+  to protect your face
Will I recommend to others?
Yes, but then, different individuals react to skincare differently, so be careful!

Where to purchase and how much? 
At leading department stores, supermarkets, drugstores and beauty stores nationwide for Php299.00
(approx $6.50) 50ml

Before and After Photo
You can click photo to enlarge
First photo taken January 2010
Current photo taken July 31, 2010
*laughs* She's not wanted!!!  She's just a bit shy!
The effect on lightened spots isn't that obvious on photos but definitely in person!
Mark my words on that!


Hope this review helps to a lot who wanted to try this product :)
You can click comment for queries and I can ask the "shy" girl and get back on you!  *hahaha*

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Something New: Rexona Nature Nuture on Facebook

Dear Facebook Users:

Are you logged on most of the time?  Do you play Plants vs. Zombies?  Do you feel great when the sun shines so bright and your flowers bloom to fight the zombies?  


This month of August, one company took a step forward to take care of nature.  Facebook is used for a good cause!  Watch your garden grow right in front of your own computer and you have the chance to cultivate Facebook's first-ever live garden!  Starting 5:00pm (Local time) a real gardener is right in front of you to take care of your plants.  How?  There are applications available for you to click - Fertilizer, Water, Play Music, Trim, Mist, Remove Caterpillar, etc...and all these will be amazingly done by Gardener Ikey!

Smile and click Gardener Ikey to watch him on YouTube.  This guy is hyper I swear and I think he downed on 10 vitamins before he reports as a gardener!  Big applause to him and Harold for taking care of 30 plants!



Give Plant Nikki and the rest of the plants your love by doing this simple task!  Hey, care for nature and let it care for you! There's no prize for us to win but its the prize of seeing how healthy our plants grow!

30 days, not too long til we see our plants grow!
Click this link to take care of 30 plants!
Enjoy gardening!

A project of Rexona Naturals!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Test your green thumb!


Nail Art Tutorial: "Chain of Love" Nails

As promised!  I'll be doing a simple nail art tutorial as inspired by my OrganicRituals Spa Manicure and Pedicure experience.  Since the color I chose is quite lovely to begin with, I did something really simple because I want the Hot Pink shade to pop up!  It's basically combination of dots and tiny flowers, which when put close together looks like connecting chain!  That's why I call this nail art tutorial the ...
Chain of Love Nails 


Step 1:
Prior to polish application, apply a base coat.  I usually use The Face Shop Base Coat but the base coat used this time is from Zoya.  2 coats of Zoya Polish in Whitney was applied and let dry.

Step 2:
Create a line of tiny dots all over your nail as shown below.  On the second line, you can create a tiny flower with 5 dots.  The smaller the better!


Step 3:
Create a line of tiny dots all over your nail as shown below.  On the second line, you can create a tiny flower with 5 dots.  The smaller the better!


Step 4:
This is optional, but to create a nicer flower look, use the needle method while dots are still wet.

Step 5:
Making sure dots are dry, apply a coat of your favorite clear polish or top coat.



Step 6:
Apply rhinestone if you have some, use a toothpick and press it hard! Do not forget to top it with a clear coat to protect the rhinestones from falling.


Voila!  Simple yet feels like the nails are all connected with tiny chains!  Don't you just love the polish color?  I do!!!!


Before I end this post!  I want to thank EVERYONE who joined the AMW & Dollface Gives: The 88 Dollface Palette.  It has the most number of joiners so far and I want to give each one of you a hug!  I do wish I am super rich to give each one of you a palette, I can't!  Dollface will shoot me!  *laughs*  Don't worry, AMW promises to have more contests for readers!  There will be more!  I promise you.

As I said, there were so many contestants that I need to use the help of a "Fruit Machine" to help me pick up the winner!  So here you go..the winner for The 88 Dollface Palette is...


IANEE LEE!!!
 
Check your mailbox as I will be emailing you for your mailing information!
Thanks again everyone and have a lovely day!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Monday, August 2, 2010

Something New: DKNY Men II EDC


My family is very simple.  None of them are as vain as I am!  *laughs*  My mom and sister is not into cosmetics and they tend to stick to what they love  Unlike the youngest member of the family (me!) who tends to try this and that!  Though I may sound like an adopted member of the family, there's one thing that gives me a hold to be part of the family, our love for Fragance!

August is the birthday month of my dad!  I am definitely on a lookout for daddy-o's birthday gift!  I went to the fragrance section because the last fragrance I gave to my dad was 3-5 years ago!  This year, I said no to diabetes-friendly birthday cakes, cholesterol-loving meals but yes to sweet smelling fragrance that's Fat-Free!

As I was window shopping over the weekend.  Thanks to the "men" roving around the counter asking permission to give me a spritz!  I usually feel awkward and wanting to punch them on the face *laughs* (I am seriously NOT that violent).  I did not entertain that thought this time!  One scent that caught my "nostril's" attention is the 

DKNY MEN II


**photo from DKNY

I was told this is the new Eau de Cologne spray that's a lighter version of the original DKNY Men Fragrance.  This light concentration is said to be ideal for the warm months.  The crystal clear bottle is definitely cool and manly enough to be put on my dad's dresser together with his favorite gel!  My dad definitely will love this as he's a typical DKNY man --- very simple, modern and uncomplicated!  

Available in 2 sizes:
50ml for Php3,100 
100ml for Php4,200
Available at Rustan's Department Stores and selected Watson's Personal Care Stores and Landmark Stores.


Shhhh...my dad doesn't know I blog and he won't know about his "gift" until you tell him!
So please...don't!  *laughs*

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Make your family members happy too! :)



AMW Reports: "OrganicRituals Spa" Mani and Pedi Experience

Over the weekend, I finally had "ME" time!  Thanks to OrganicRituals Spa for inviting me to experience their Manicure and Pedicure services!  I was longing for it as my nails are wailing for help!  I had my hair done prior to that so why not continue the pampering sessions?  With the traffic and rain, I had to give them a call to apologize as I am super late!  I arrived the place 8:00pm and they close around 9:00pm. 

I am quite amused with the wonderful arrows that guide you to the right place, you won't get lost for sure!


As soon as I got in, the wonderful relaxing  scent greeted me with the huge friendly smiles from the owners Kathy and Nikki. 


The place is simple, ambiance is not over the top but definitely tastefully decorated!  I can definitely sleep here! 


Aromatherapy stuffs decorated for SPA treatment


I got to chitchat with Kathy and I learned that OrganicRituals Spa offers 2 brands of polishes.  One of them is SpaRitual.  We, locally may not heard about this brand but this is quite famous in the West.  SpaRitual are Vegan Nail Lacquers free of DBP, Formaldehyde and Toluene. "I had my nails painted with bright red and left it for a month and there weren't any visible signs of stains or yellowing!" --- according to Nikki from OrganicRituals Spa.



The second brand they use is well known to most of us --- Zoya Polishes.  The brand Zoya is also known for it's natural, organic ingredients which are very friendly to our nails!  I'm in nail polish heaven!  They also offer the new Matte Shades from Zoya.


The "OC AMW" had to check out the stuffs they use.  Definitely a CHECK on cleanliness and hygiene.  I am very particular with the tools used as I've had my fair share of bad experiences on other salons.


Since I got an hour left before closing, I got 2 ladies working on my toenails and fingernails!   I have to say I enjoyed chatting with them.  Having friendly staffs working for you is a big bonus! 


They serve the best tea ever!  This tea was bought from Korea and I had 3 cups of these.  Even the hubby loves this!


The ladies in action


The steps done base on my "bad" memory (laughs)
  • spritz my hands with alcohol to disinfect
  • massaged my hands and feet a bit with sweet smelling lotion
  • trimmed, filed and buffed my nails
  • a base coat from Zoya was applied
  • applied 2 coats of your preferred polish.  I chose a bright pink shade which I love!
  • applied a top coat from ZOYA 
  • wiped off extra for that perfect looking nails 
  • dropped quick dry
The friendly entrepreneurs of OrganicRituals Spa


Kathy (left) and Nikki (right) are college friends at Assumption College.  Kathy loves SPA while Nikki has her addiction on pampering her nails (no wonder she's got the same name as me!)  Both ladies wanted to open up a business that boils down to their passion, thus having SPA and NAIL services in one place!  Smart idea!



My finished nails done by OrganicRituals Spa using ZOYA polish in Whitney!  
Expect a nail art tutorial inspired by this shade! :)
I love the nail shape by the way!


Rate:
Manicure: Php200.00 (approx $4.35)
Pedicure: Php250.00 (approx $5.45)
SpaRituals additional Php20.00 (approx $0.50)

Prices aren't bad considering the brands and products they use.  I don't mind going back to this place if not because of the location.  I live downtown Manila and they are located at 

Mezzanine Floor
Atlanta Center
31 Annapolis St. Greenhills San Juan
Mondays - Saturdays 11:00am to 9:00pm
Sundays by appointment
Tel. no. : (632) 661-3101


And now, let me leave you with a cute 'artsy' photo from Mr. AMW!  They offer spa package services I believe for occasions like birthdays, bridal showers, corporate parties, etc..

You can checkout their Facebook page
With my positive experience I will definitely visit back once I'm within the area! :)


Happy start of the week everyone!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!