AMW Reviews: Revlon Beyond Natural Smoothing Primer

I've known to be a primer addict years ago!  I've been testing on different primers and  it's astonishing to know that lately, my primer topic died down a bit!  Gosh, my last Primer post the Becca Silky Hydrating Primer, and it was BB Creams that rocked my world!  

Fear not... CPR is here!  I am reviving the near-death Primer experience!

If you're wondering, I do prime my clients' faces when I do their makeup.  Of all the primers I own, I actually do use them and finish most of them up!  All my makeups are put to good use so no worries ok?

Anyways, enough with the talk, here's the new Revlon Beyond Natural Smoothing Primer I've been wanting to try for quite some time.  Thanks to Eman for sending this to me, appreciate the love!

Revlon Beyond Natural Smoothing Primer says ---

Creates a smooth base for foundation.  Evens skin for a smooth, virtually pore-less appearance and creates a smooth base for lasting foundation.

• Lightweight, gel-like formula fills in pores and lines
• Clean, fresh fragrance refreshes your senses.

AMW says ---

Pros

• housed in a squeeze type tube packaging which makes it easier to control how much product is needed

• hygienic packaging
• clear packaging which makes it easier to see if product is almost done
• sealed for freshness

• a little goes a long way
• it moisturizes my skin
• gives a nice, smooth texture after application
• foundation applies smoothly
• foundation does last longer than applied alone, let's say, extended life for approximately 2-3 hours more? 
• product life is good for 24 months! 

Cons

• oily-skinned individuals may find this a bit heavy on their skin
• on humid days, a little bit more of the primer used will feel heavy and sticky on skin
• may cause breakouts to some with super sensitive skin (Ex. I myself have super sensitive skin and the first time I used it, my skin got a bit of redness, it was gone after my 3rd usage, skin is probably adjusting to the silicone as I've never used primers with silicone ingredient).
• not everyone would like the 'silicone' feel

Overall

A primer does its job when makeup lasts longer, pores and lines around your face are minimized.  To start with, I don't have issues with pores so I can't tell if this product works for visible pores.  I do have laugh lines and tiny lines around my forehead so I'll base my opinion from my own face! :)

This product definitely helps foundation last a bit longer, makeup application is easier due to the "smooth canvass" it creates.  How about the lines?  It did not blur the lines as we expect on most primers.

Overall?  This is not my favorite primer yet it's not the worst!  Read my "tips" on how to maximize the functions of this primer!

Tips
from Revlon

• Apply after moisturizer and before Revlon Beyond Natural Skin Matching Makeup.
• Smooth a few drops all over face, blending from the center outward

from AMW

• Do not skip your regular moisturizer prior to this primer application
• Give an ample "drying" time before you apply your liquid/cream/powder foundation.  I would say, at least 5 minutes
• On days that the weather is hot and humid, try to apply as "thinly" as possible and apply a bit more on areas that oils up and pores appear the most.
• AMW EUREKA MOMENT: I tried mixing a tiny bit of primer onto the liquid foundation and applied the 'primed foundation' (laughs) with a foundation brush onto the skin!  Works like a Charm!
• The above Eureka Moment is quite tricky to apply, you have to work fast!
• If applied near sensitive the skin like under the eye area, use patting motion
• If irritations occur, STOP using the product immediately
• At the end of the day, cleanse your face well!
• As always:  It'll be great to purchase this on sale!  Be on the lookout for discounts!

Will I recommend?
I suggest everyone to give this a test before purchasing.  Not all skin would go well with a primer!

Where to purchase and how much?
At Revlon counters locally for Php829.00 (approx $19.00)

A tiny bit of the Revlon Beyond Natural Smoothing Primer

Clear and light gel-like texture

Gently applied on one side of the hand 

and let it sit for a couple of minutes

How does this compare to the famous Smashbox Photofinish Primer?

Smashbox performs better and foundation stays longer as compared to using Revlon Beyond Natural Smoothing Primer as base.  There's a huge price difference to consider though! 

Let me know if you have further queries about this primer!

What's your first primer ever?
Mine is the Smashbox Photofinish Primer Light (click name for past review) and I'm loving every bit of it!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Note from Author: Product was sent by company as gift, author reviewed this product base on personal experience, please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Reviews: Charm Travel Pro v2

I have this special relationship with my brushes!  You would be surprise how much time I spend a week to deep clean them!  My legs may be tired but I don't mind!  As long as I take care of them, I"m happy!  <--- spoken by a true Brush Addict.

I have tried and tested a lot of brushes and I can sniff a good brush from afar!  When Beauty & Minerals came up with their 2nd version of the Charm Travel Pro, I was one of the few who tested this like crazy.  Sophie, the owner of Beauy & Minerals is a friend of mine, when she told me she will be coming up with a new set of travel brushes, I got as excited as she is and I was a bit mean on testing her brushes.  I washed them "without care" and I've washed...air dried them so many times, if brushes could talk, I'll hear this "&^#$#)#" from them! *laughs*

I'm now ready to share my thoughts on these NEW CHARM TRAVEL PRO SET (Version 2).

**Photo from Beauty & Minerals photographed by Mark Ong

Charm Travel Pro Set v2 says ---

Charm introduces for the second time, the Charm Travel Pro as your take-me-with-you-anywhere brush set promising professional results. 

The NEW Charm Travel Pro dares to impress you, upping the notch in terms of bristle softness, and overall brush quality.  

A pleasant blend of the softest animal hair, and synthetic hair brushes, fit for their own uses, the Charm Travel Pro Brush Set makes sure you never have to scrimp on your essential seven if you're a girl always on the go!  Another plus is the very girly textured pink case for your fashionable makeup brush storage.

The Charm Travel Pro Set features twelve outstanding makeup brushes that ensure only the best performance not only for mineral makeup, but also for traditional makeup as well!  

AMW says --- 

Pros

• the "pink" handle that I love is still there
• handle is longer for a travel brush, perfect for personal use
• all the bristles are soft and non-scratchy
• bristles do not shed much.  The  most I've seen is around 2-3 hairs on the bigger brushes
• all the brushes included are useful for a complete "made up" look
• inexpensive for a brush set housed in a good casing
• casing is firm, can house the brushes individually
• brushes well protected on both the handle and bristles

Cons

• people who uses a small handbag may find this casing a bit bulky (See tips below on how to deal with this)

Overall (What's the difference between version 1 and version 2?)

• Case: v1 was housed in a plain black case, v2 is housed in a textured pink case
• Length of handle: v2 has approx 1cm longer handle
• Brush hairs: v1 and v2 both have mixed animal and synthetic hairs.  
• Handle: the texture of both v1 and v2 are different.  v1 handle is pink covered with glossy finish, v2 on the other hand  is leaning on a more "matte" side

Overall 
If you want to purchase your own travel size brushes especially when you're on a budget, this is definitely worth every single cent!  I call this the tiny version of the professional brushes!

Tips

• wash the brushes upon purchase.  Do not use dirty brushes, may cause skin irritations
• air dry on a towel, never blow dry or expose your brushes under direct sunlight
• try not to let water seep into the insides of the ferrule
• if you think the case is too bulky to tote along, I suggest you use a tiny pouch to house these brushes.  I do that!
• if you don't plan to use these brushes yet, you can store them inside the pink pouch for protection
• label your brushes with a "name sticker" or paint them with a polish for it to be unique to call as own

Will I recommend?

Yes.  This set is actually easy to tote along and complete for a full face makeup.

Where to purchase and how much?

The Charm Travel Pro Makeup Brush Set is sold for Php1,800.00 (approx $40.00) and is available, along with the complete set of Charm makeup brushes at Beauty and Minerals website.  They are also available at Shopsui outlets in Glorietta 3 and Tiendesitas.  Beauty & Minerals participates in bazaars during the December months so add them up on Facebook (Beauty & Minerals) for the latest updates!

Dual Fibre Brush

Most travel sized Dual Fibre Brushes are the worst of all!  They either shed or bleed like crazy and all you want to do is throw the brush away!  With this, I find that it was made with the right stiffness and the right fluffiness for that liquid foundation and cream based products application!  Sheds 1 or 2 hairs but afterwards, I don't have problems with shedding anymore!  With the size of the bristles, I prefer using the full sized Charm Pro Dual Fibre Brush for Liquid foundation application and the Travel Pro version to apply cream blush!

Powder Brush

Compared to version 1 set, the powder brush of version 2 is less fluffier.  I actually associate this with my Shu Uemura travel powder brush.  Using this brush for powder foundation application gives out a light to light medium coverage.  If you want a full coverage, a flat top brush or kabuki brush is preferred.  I like using this for loose setting powders, blushers and bronzers.  This is a perfect brush for retouch minus the "yucky heavy" feel.

Angled Blush Brush

This is one of the trickiest brush to use.  Its almost the same as v1 but this one is a bit denser.  Drying time for this brush is special as well!  For some reason, this brush dries up slower compared to the rest!  So make sure to use this brush once 100% dried.  If brush is wet and you use this? (Like what happened to me the first time), creates a gross mark on my cheek in which I can't seem to blend! 

Using the shortest end of the brush to contour the cheekbones and blend with the longer bristles.

Jumbo Concealer Brush

The most unique brush of all!  The jumbo concealer brush is not available on v1.  This concealer brush is the largest concealer brush I've seen!  The size for me is perfect as I am currently using foundation brush to conceal undereye circles, foundation brush is a bit huge to conceal the undereye area, the Jumbo Concealer brush is the answer to all panda eyes out there!  With the right concealer and this brush?  Works like a dream!

On spot concealing, this brush is work-able as well, you use only the tip of this brush to gently dab onto the "spot" needed to be concealed and using the brush itself to "pat" the concealer and set with powder.

Multi-Purpose Eyeshadow and Blending Brush

I prefer to use this brush as eyeshadow blending brush.  Blending is a breeze with the right size and shape especially for small to medium lid space that most of us have!

Pencil Point Brush

On a personal level, I seldom use this brush but for a quick smokey eye makeup, apply a thick line using kohl pencil liner and smudge it with this brush!  The bristles of this Pencil Point brush is non-scratchy.

Contour Eye/Nose Brush

Best brush to contour the nose area!  I am very picky when it comes to nose contouring brush and this one passed my test!  I also like using this brush to highlight the browbone area!  Just make sure you don't do that in one usage as you may transfer contour powder on your browbone!

Flat Liner Brush

Another brush that I seldom use.  This is supposed to be used for gel liner application, in my case I use this brush to apply "eyeshadow" on top of the gel liner or liquid liner to "set".  Works on both upper and lower lash line!

Angled Liner Brush (For Eyebrows and Eyeliner)

Though the name calls for Eyebrows and Eyeliner, I prefer to use this as eyeliner brush!  The handle is quite thin which makes it perfect to control. 

Pointed Eyeliner Brush

For gel liner and liquid liner application.  I prefer to use this brush for liquid liner application especially if you are using your own liquid liner for others!  Pull out the liquid liner applicator and grab some product using this brush and gently apply it on your clients' or friends eyes!  Winged eye makeup is easy with this brush. 

Brow Spoolie Brush

The Brow Spoolie Brush is considered an "unsung hero", a lot of people thinks this is not a useful brush inside a travel case, in my opinion, brow spoolie brush is as important as a foundation brush!  This is best used to brush your eyebrow after brow pencil or brow powder application.  Brushing your eyebrows with the spoolie makes it looks more natural and less dominant!  

Using the Spoolie Brush to untangle your mascara is also an important makeup trick to avoid a makeup booboo of MASCARA CLUMPS!

Retractable Lip Brush

Perfect friend to apply those dark shades of lipstick!  Slowly trace the corners of your mouth with this brush before filling the lipstick in gives a nice "pout". 

Oh, before I forget, the length of the New Charm Travel Pro brush and the Sigma Travel brush are similar as seen on photo below!  The ferrule of the Sigma brush is a tiny bit longer..just a tiny tiny bit!

With the new Charm Travel Pro, I find myself lugging these brushes daily.  I felt embarrassed as I think I'm one of those rare case "Makeup Artist who never carries a set of brush inside her bag".  I've been asked to do someone's makeup on random days and I've blushed many times asking them if they carry their own brushes.  Now, with this brush set, I'm ready for the random makeover! 

Hope you find this review helpful!  If you have further questions on these brushes, do not hesitate to ask!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

I Wonder: "Are You a Mouth Wash User?"

How important is hygiene?

VERY IMPORTANT!

I don't care how pretty or handsome a person looks, as long as I can literally smell what they had for that day, it's a big turn off for me! Everyone's been saying that brushing is not enough!  Using a mouthwash after brushing is turning into a vital regimen for most of us.

Personally, I am a mouthwash user,  I've used a lot of mouthwash brands and there are ones that hurts my tongue and the alcohol-free type!  I am very adventurous with testing new products (that explains the number of product reviews you can find here), recently, I've read and heard about the new variant that tells us they can make our mouthwash a delectable experience.

How Delectable?  2 flavors combined in a mouthwash --- Vanilla and Mint

 **photo from Listerine

Vanilla Mint is the only flavor of its kind and only Listerine can offer this new exciting taste.  We're used to mouthwash brands offering the typical peppermint and spearmint flavors.  Listerine brings something new to the table with the introduction of Vanilla Mint.  

Enjoy the sweet flavor of Vanilla Mint as it effectively eliminates the causes of bad breath, gum bleed and plaque.  Now, your mouthwash can provide not only a thoroughly clean and healthy mouth, but can also be quite a delight.  Who would have thought cleaning mouth germs could be such a treat?

Vanilla, I'm okay with it, but Mint?  I am not a fan of minty candies, chocolates, ice cream, in short...anything minty!  But I gave this a try anyways because I am done with my current mouthwash and I haven't been shopping lately.  Admittedly, I closed my eyes as I gargled this new variant from Listerine.

My verdict?  Not bad, I don't feel nauseous on days that I don't like the feel of strong minty taste, the vanilla is actually light to taste and it gives a nice balance to the strong minty sensation.  

The mouth of the Listerine packaging is quite huge though so I suggest to pour some on the cap slowly then mix it a bit water and gargle.

The Listerine Vanilla Mint 80ml will be offered locally at a special introductory price of Php47.25 (approx $1.20), that's 25% cheaper than the regular price of Listerine.  Perfect timing to give this a test yourself!

That led me to one question as I talk about Mouthwash.

"Are You A Mouth Wash User?"
"If you are, how often do you gargle?"
"What's your favorite mouthwash brand?"

Click comment and share your thoughts!
I'd like to know if I missed a good brand!

Have a wonderful day!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Tip for the Day: Achieving Smoke and Fire Look with The Body Shop

Remember those days when I still have time to do "Looks"?  I know, I have been super bad with it and it has been more than a year since my last makeup look!  Things has been going crazy for the past year and I think I'm starting to accept the fact that --- I am ONE busy girl and I just have to deal with it!  But trust me, if I get the chance to squeeze in some Looks Tutorial, I'll definitely do it, but don't hold your breathe ok?

On my last report on The Body Shop's Autumn Trend 2010, I've shared to you the secrets on Achieving Perfect Base "a la" The Body Shop style!  True to what I've promised, today, I will be sharing the last leg of sharing the tricks and tips I've learned. 

Achieving Easy Smokey Look

by Ms. Dens Congco of The Makeup Den

Step 1:

Using The Body Shop's Kajal Eyeliner in black applied on the lashline and lid area.  Dens applied on the outer 2/3s on the lids blending with her clean fingers.

Step 2:

The Body Shop's Midnight Blue Eye Color patted on top of the Kajal Eyeliner with an eye brush.  Intensify as needed.  (Note from AMW: You can use any form of sparkling or matte eyeshadow color of your choice in this step.)

Step 3:

Using the same TBS Kajal Eyeliner in Black, line the upper lashline and lower lashline like you regularly do with an eyeliner.  The Kajal Eyeliner is dual purpose, works best as base and eyeliner.  

This step is done to intensify the eyes.

Step 4:

In creating smokey eyes, the undereye area is usually dirty, so clean up with a liquid concealer.  According to The Body Shop's Training Officer Ms. Argie Lingat, using a liquid based concealer is best for people with dry under eye area.  Cream based concealers tend to sit in fine lines thus enhancing it instead of hiding it.  

Dens used The Body Shop's Lightening Touch (a cheaper alternative to YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch).  She gently dabbed the liquid concealer blending it using patting motion.

Step 5:

Set with a loose powder using The Body Shop's Powder Brush.

Step 6:

Don't forget to fill in those eyebrows to complete the look!  Dens used The Body Shop's Eyebrow Powder mixing light and dark brown shades.

Step 7:

Let's not forget the blush, lipstick to complete the gorgeous look!

Thanks to Billie for being such a gorgeous model!  The rest of the beauty bloggers had their fair share of achieving Smoke and Fire look with the wonderful people from The Body Shop!

Ms. Argie Lingat did mine!   Sorry for the messy look, this was taken several hours after I got home! Well, after sleeping inside the car *yawns* :P

Before I end this post, I want to give a huge shoutout to my beauty blogger friend Shen!  Happy 27th Birthday dear Shen!  You've achieved so much for the past years and I am very proud of your achievements.  I am sure your mom (who is your angel watching over you) is proud of you as well!  May you be blessed with good health, fortune and of course...happiness!

Looking back Shenster, we have a lot of photos together no?  We are sisters in camwhoring for sure!!!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Pond's Pure White Deep Cleansing Foam with Activated Carbon

I've always associated Pond's with my "teenage" years.  The moment I stepped in college, I was armed with Pond's products to help me breeze through college worrying about my studies rather than my skin!  My skin has changed through the years, but that does not stop me from getting "intrigued" with new products produced from a brand close to my heart.

When I saw a commercial from Pond's for their new Pure White line, their deep cleansing foam with activated carbon caught my attention and what's even better?  When I was invited to checkout how activated carbon can do our skin with a "mini experiment", I told myself I'll give this a try after I finished my Ecobeau Sample cleansing foam (to those who wonder, I do finish the product before I go to the next). 

After 2 weeks usage.  Here's my experience...

Pond's Pure White Deep Cleansing Foam with Activated Carbon says ---

Pond's reveals its little black beauty secret with the new powerful Pond's Pure White Facial Foam!  It has the technology of activated carbon that attracts deep-seated "black" dirt caused by impurities, oil, and make-up to reveal a pure white you.

It is first of its kind to be formulated with activated carbon, which works with "black attracts black".  Carbon when heated or "activated" becomes 8x porous;  hence, increasing its ability to detoxify and gently exfoliate dead skin cells while retaining the needed moisture.

AMW says ---

Pros

• creamy consistency and not rough at all as it does not have beads.
• only a little amount is needed to cover the entire face, saves a lot of product!
• skin feels really smooth
• foams up easily
• skin felt refreshed and cleansed thoroughly after wash
• skin does not feel tight as what I've been worrying about
• no breakouts nor skin irritations after using this product
• simple, eye-catching packaging
• removes most traces of makeup on the face area (except the eyes)
• inexpensive product that works!
• both men and women can enjoy this product
• available in trial sizes, I reckon all skincare companies should do so, for consumers not to spend too much money on products that do not work!

Cons

• scent, some may find this scent a bit too manly (I don't mind though, it works okay as hubby likes the manly scent)
• a grayish tint of facial wash that says "Pure White" takes a bit of time to get used to

Overall

I have been scared in using any facial wash because I've had a lot of bad experiences with facial washes!  Most of the facial wash I've used stripped off my skin's natural oil and I ended up moisturizing a lot saving up on facial wash but spending more on moisturizer.  

With the new Pond's Pure White Deep Cleansing Foam with Activated Carbon, I actually find this quite good to clean up the makeup and dirt on my face at the end of the day minus the dryness!  The hubby is liking this product as well as he said it lessens the appearance of blackheads.

Tips

• if skin is super dry like mine, always follow with your favorite moisturizer to keep skin moist after wash
• if skin is normal/oily, do follow up with a moisturizer meant for normal/oily skin.  Never skip moisturizer just because you think you have enough "moisture" on your skin.
• if you find that using this daily is too much for you, you can alternate this product with your favorite moisturizer.  I use this usually at night time and use my regular moisturizing cleanser in the morning.
• don't want to waste your money?  Purchase a trial size for only Php5.00 before you purchase the full size! 

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

Where to purchase and how much?
At leading groceries, drugstore and department stores.
5 g for Php5.00 (approx $0.10), 10g for Php15.00 (approx $0.30), 50g for Php80.00 (approx $1.78) and 100g for Php150.00 (approx $3.33).

Sleek black shiny packaging, squeeze-y type tube like regular Pond's Facial Wash

A little goes a long way.  Foam comes out with a hint of grey color

I know I've been a bit late in giving this a try!  I'm glad I did!
Thumbs up from Mr. and Mrs. AMW!
Have you gave this new product a try?
How's your experience?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!