Friday, August 6, 2010

I Wonder: "Would You Dare Cut Your Hair Short?"

To my friends who knew me through this blog, you've always seen me with long hair!  Either straight or curly, the length has always been between medium to long.  Would you believe that my hair for my whole university year was short, ear-length short? 

Would I go back to that short length?  Ahmm...I am a bit queasy thinking about it right now.  You can't blame me, I've had this hair length for more than 6 years now!  It would feel weird to have it  cut short as I have the tendency to run my fingers through my hair.  Do I have the guts to do it?  Maybe...in the future!

My sister-in-law Grace, used to have short hair in grade school, during high school and now, in college, she is sporting the long hair look.  She has long, shiny and straight hair for quite some time and I got a shock of my life when she asked me to cut her hair "bob cut" style!  (To those who are new in this blog, I do know how to cut people's hair as I studied haircutting).  She usually asks me to trim, style or just layer her hair.  I  have to ask her gazillion times if she's serious!  I guess she was!....

That got me thinking....
"Would You Dare Cut Your Hair Short?"

If you want to know what happened after, well, I suggested cutting her hair mid-length first then cut again for her to have the "feel".  She ...actually liked the first cut I did so I don't need to go further....(thank goodness, I don't want to be the cause of her depression! hahaha)


Back view of her cut.  Secret to hair with texure and movement are layers :)



Click comment and tell me what you think?
Would you go for the cut?
Are you adventurous when it comes to haircut?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Thursday, August 5, 2010

AMW Reviews: Revlon Creme Gloss

Ooohh, I can literally sniff Friday anytime soon!  Are you excited?  I know I am!  Before we get on to "lazy mode", let me share to you my thoughts on the new Revlon Creme Gloss that I recently got from our friends from Revlon.  I am not a gloss fan as I don't like the sticky feel, but hey!  A review is a review!  I went on and use these 3 shades and now, my lips are ready to talk!  Or shall I say, my fingers are itching to type about my experiences!  Blab blab and away!....

Revlon Creme Gloss says ---
  • Full Colour impact of a lipstick with the extra shine of a lip gloss
  • The unique flow through pen with brush allows for a smooth, even application
  • Mega watt colour, fuses the light reflection particles to make lips look fuller
  • Includes Vitamin E to condition lips
  • Available in 10 shades (in Revlon Australia site, not sure in your local stores)
AMW says ---

Pros
  • super pigmented 
  • lip brush is soft and does not shed

  • shades can be easily seen on packaging 

  • you will know if product is running out as the "clear" portion is near the tip
  • lasts half a day!  Even if I drink, eat!  The gloss may disappear but a color stain stays
  • gives a nice high-shine look that's really sexy
  • gives a nice "glossy shine" but not over the top, my full lips did not look fuller, this looks like lipstick topped with a nice clear gloss even when applied alone
  • the tiny scent does not bother me at all as compared to other fruity flavored glosses
  • you can get away without moisturizing your lips with this!
Cons
  • still has a bit of sticky feel
  • click pen is not my thing
  • can't control the amount of product that can come out of the pen

  • price is a bit steep for others

Overall
I steered away from lip glosses for quite sometime because I got really comfortable with wearing lipstick and lip balm on a daily basis.  It took a while for me to get used to lip gloss again because no matter how minimal the sticky feel, it does bother me a bit.  

At first application, I get a bit irritated with the texture but standing back and looking at the "effect" it gives on my appearance, I can easily forgive the stickiness!  The best part?  It grows into you, the more you use it, the more the feel of "stickiness" lessen and the best thing about this gloss is the way it moisturizes my lips!

Not a bad gloss to own!

Tips
  • if you are on a budget, try to get 1 from pink range, 1 from reds and 1 from orange.  Most glosses look similar so do not purchase with numbering so close to each other
  • wipe your applicator each and every use with a brush wipe or spritz with brush cleanser
  • never share your lip gloss.  If you need to use this on others, click a lot of times until product disburse on the middle part of the brush, use a separate lip brush to pick up product and apply on others
  • apply alone for a natural shine and color, or lightly apply on top of your lipstick for that natural pout
Will I repurchase or recommend this?
 I will definitely recommend this to lip gloss lovers out there.  These 3 are good enough for me so I don't need to repurchase.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Revlon Counters for Php475.00 (approx $10.00)

3 Shades I got:
060 Peachy Sheen
065 Crush on Coral
025 Patent Leather Pink


Each shade applied on hand 2x (up and down motion) on bare hand
I love how pigmented and shiny it looks!  Color pops like crazy


Shade: 060 Peachy Sheen
A natural peachy pink shade that's closest to my natural lip color.  This gloss is the most natural out of the 3 I got and this one is my favorite for daily use!


Shade: 065 Crush on Coral
The least pigmented of all, as seen on photo below, the natural lines on my lips can still be seen.  It has a tiny hint of gold sparkles which looks great when applied on top of a similar shade lipstick!  I like applying this only on the middle portion of my lips after lipstick application then gently rub my lips together for that "natural" pout.


Shade: 025 Patent Leather Pink
A bright pink lip gloss that has a Barbie Feel.  The shade may look bright on first application bit it warms up and settles really nice.  A great lip gloss to use when you're off for a night out!


Which among the three looks good on my lips?
Which shade do you think will work well on you?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!







(note from author: products were sent by company as gift.  All reviews are based on author's experience and did not get paid for positive reviews.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

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!