AMW Reviews: Pond's Perfect Matte Pressed Powder

Happy to know, I have readers who are students!  My age is definitely far from being the "highchool or college" student but my heart is always there!  I got a lot of queries on cheaper alternative for a powder!  I have to look back during my college days when I purchased my first face powder ever!  Oh, actually it was gifted to me by my dearest sister!  It was the Pond's Loose Powder in Pink packaging!  (remember the loose powder type that's housed in blue, pink and yellow-orange packaging?)

In my opinion, if you're a student, your skin is still young and fresh and piling on heavy foundation is not advisable.  Trust me, your skin will thank you in the future for letting it breathe as much as it can! 

Today, I will review on a pressed powder that's widely available in the market!  I've been seeing this everywhere!

Pond's Perfect Matte Natural Sheer Pressed Powder

I got mine in Shade 02 Rosy Beige

Pond's says ---

The light, super-fine powder will help you reduce oily shine to keep skin looking naturally smooth and matte.  With UV protection.

Net Wt.: 10g
Best before: 2 years from manufacturing date

AMW says ---

Pros

• packaging - product is well sealed and housed in a very feminine box!

• the foam that comes with the compact is quite good

• very light on skin
• I don't have a lot of oil but on the oilier zone like the nose and chin, it does reduce shine
• gives a nice matte finish that's natural-looking
• because it's "pressed" powder, toting this along in your makeup kit is easy! No messy makeup pouch!
• never cakes up
• using a brush, it does not dry up on me
• there's a whole located at the bottom for you to be able to depot this powder, this is great news for makeup artists who want to transfer these into palettes for easy storage
• packaging includes manufacturing date at the back
• has SPF for that added protection
• no skin irritations and does not cause my skin to break out

Cons

• packaging doesn't have mirror for people who like applying with a mirror

• for someone who does not like fragrance on their powder, this has a faint scent, like that of the facial wash!

Overall

This is an inexpensive alternative for the MAC's Mineralized SkinFinish Natural but this one has a bit more "shade" visible!  I like using this powder for touch-ups, to lessen the oily feel and look minus the added coverage!  

Tips
from Pond's 

• dab puff onto pressed powder and spread gently across skin.
• use as part of your Pond's Perfect Matte Skin Care regimen.

from AMW

• sponge application may be nice but I find using a big face brush to gently brush onto your face looks more natural and application is easier!
• if you prefer to use the sponge, wash it regularly with soap, water and a bit of gentle dish washing liquid
• never drop your powder compact!
• if possible, do not share the puff with another person, if needed, use a brush instead
• the SPF included in this pressed powder is not enough for outdoors, do not forget to wear your sunscreen!
• if dry skin find this a bit too drying for them, try to purchase their different pressed powder variants, or, you can gently brush this powder only on the part of the face that oils up

Will I repurchase?
I just did, gave another one for mom!

Do I recommend this?
For budget conscious who wants a no fuzz product that works on oil-control department?  YES!

Where to purchase and how much?

At leading groceries, beauty stores for less than Php200 (approx $4.00).  Sorry I wasn't able to take a peek at the exact price, holler if you know the price and I'll do my part in checking this as well!

Rosey Beige swatched on hand and blended

See how it disappeared onto my skin tone

A super close up photo using Myra VitaGlow Tinted Moisturizer and Pond's Perfect Matte Pressed Powder.  Sorry for the super glowy face as the flash was directed towards my face! 

Obviously, when I am too happy, my lids disappear!  So monolids out there?  You guys are not alone! *hahaha* 

I hope you find my review helpful!  Of course, feel free to comment if you have further queries about this product!  Again, do purchase these products at your own discretion, your skin and my skin are totally different so be careful ok?

To our Chinese friends out there, Happy Mooncake Festival!!!  Since I'm following the Chinese Holidays, I will be off work today and head on to mom's and help her with the Mooncake Festival preparation! 

 **photo from google image

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

What's Up AMW? : Dollface Annual Sale and Makeup Seminar

Dear Philippine Readers:

Good morning!  How's everyone's Tuesday morning?  Mine is doing okay, been a bit hyper again but it's all good!  September may look like it's almost over but this month is definitely "one-hell-of-a" jampacked month especially for Dollface Cosmetics.  

As you all know, I have been lucky enough to be invited as the instructor for Dollface Personal Makeup Workshop Part 1 and Part 2.  Click HERE for Part 1 workshop and I haven't gotten the chance to blog about the 2nd workshop but judging with the photos below, I guess the students did have a great time eh?  I know I did!

With Pearl of Dollface Cosmetics

Because YOU want to learn more about Skincare and Makeup and YOU don't want to spend a lot, Pearl of Dollface organized another makeup seminar this time, for a bigger group!  Not as personal as the first two but various topics will be covered from Skincare to makeup tools and makeup application!  Details below.

Also, since it's Dollface 2nd Year Anniversary in this lovely face of the earth,they will be offering Free Shipping for the whole month of September as a way of thanking her loyal customers!  If you are stalking her site on some products, this MONTH is definitely the best time to indulge! 

Want Dollface products but you want to make sure you like them by seeing them up close?  Hear ye! Hear ye! (gosh, glad to be bearer of good news!)  Dollface will be holding a ONE-DAY ANNUAL SALE at the Event Factory, Eastwood Mall.  Smile and Click HERE for more information!  Same day as my Dollface Makeup Seminar, be sure to say hi if you see the "stressed but hyper Nikki" ok?

Happy 2nd Birthday Dollface!!!

See you when I see you!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Purederm Vitalizing Orange Pads

I haven't relaxing much lately!  I've always been wanting to have a massage or spa experience but due to time constraint, the only "almost spa" relaxation I get is at home!  In between chores!  

Pads as masks, in my experience are made for the eye area!  The round pads fit perfectly on the said area!  When Purederm came up with Vitalizing Orange Pads meant for the face, I am a bit wary as you know how pads slides off your face!  I gave it a test anyways as I could be wrong!

Did it slide or not?  Is it better than face masks?  Read on....

Purederm Vitalizing Orange Pads say ---

Purederm Vitalizing Orange Pads are formulated with skin re-energizing ingredients such as orange, ginseng, gingko and aloe extract.  Enjoy the cooling sensation and natural aroma of freshly cut orange slices as Vitalizing Orange Pads relax tired, stressed skin.

Ingredients:

Water, Glycerin, Butylene, Glycol, Orange Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Gel, Portulaca Extract, Gingko Biloba Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Casotr Oil, PEG-60, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Mashroom extract, Ginseng Extract, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Fragrance

Unit Pack: 10pads/zipper bag

AMW says ---

Pros

• packaging is handy and easy to tote along as it's resealable
• nice, natural orange scent
• expiration date is quite long, 2 years after the manufacturing date
• manufacturing date is visibly printed onto the packaging
• very cute orange-like design/pad, interesting to use
• no skin irritations, does not feel any tingling sensation
• originally Made in Korea  (The country who's proud of producing great masks)

Cons

• pad is not moist enough, gets dried up easily
• Personal preference: I like the mask sheets better than these tiny round orange-like pads
• effect is not as "instant" as facial masks! 

Overall

For pads, I prefer to put them on my eye area for relaxation, I have a friend who gifted me the Purederm Cucumber Pads and I love using it on my eye area.  For the orange pads, I find that its quite hard to put on your face as it tends to slide off!  I will stand to my belief on using face masks for the whole face and specific pads for the eye area!  My opinion!

These are the types of products we need to keep on using to see the effect, one time usage won't do much just by observing with our naked eyes! 

Tips
from Purederm

• wash your face and place pads over cheek or other face areas, lie back and relax
• leave pads for 10-15 minutes and remove
• make sure reseal zipper bag after use
• do not sleep with pads on, do not reuse pads
• if essence get into your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water
• if skin irritation occus, discontinue use

from AMW

• relax and close your eyes as you  have these pads on
• never leave pads on the face beyond the given timeframe
• treat them like real oranges so you won't feel harrassed if this pad kept on falling down
• apply on area you needed the most relaxation, cheek area, the forehead and the chin for that extra "brightening" effect
• if you prefer to save up the sheets, you can choose to place the pads ONLY on areas needed most!  Ex. cheeks 

Will I repurchase?

Though I'm not totally crazy for this, it was a great experience using this and it's nice to look crazy once in awhile!

Where to purchase and how much?
At various SM Watson's Branches for Php69.00 (less than $2.00) for 10 sheets.

A closer look on the yummy Orange Pad from Purederm

The thickness of each pad

Crazy me got addicted to the pads and covered my whole face with it!

Enjoy this photo while you can, I may wake up someday and tell myself...
"What the heck am I thinking to post such unflattering photo?"

*clicks DELETE* hahahaha

Seriously, the photo above showed the "con" side of these pads, due to the lack of moisture, they don't stick much on my face and instead of relaxing, I ended up pressing each pad onto my face! 

Worth the try though as it gives me the excitement of trying something new!  And I believe this does not cost expensive anyways, so it's a nice experience!

**photo from souce

Should I just give real oranges a try?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Note from Author: Product was sent for reviews.  All information written are based on the writer's personal experiences.  Author did not and will never receive payment for positive reviews.  Please purchase at your own discretion)

Nail Art Tutorial: "Bioman" Inspired Nails

This week's Nail Art Tutorial...I've been inspired by something you promise you won't laugh at ok???  Promise?  Well....it's Bioman!  I'm not an avid Bioman fan but I've watched a couple of episodes!  Ok ok!  I've imagined myself to be Pink 5 and I know their steps!  *laughs* 

The inspiration that I've derived from the Bioman are the colors!  It'll be better if I can draw their masks on my nails right?  But I'm not that Bioman crazy though!  So nope!  *hahaha*

Here's my final Bioman Inspired Nails done on both fingers and toes
I've used the colors that can be seen on their costumes
Main color plus white, black and silver!
Now let's all shout: "BIOMAN!" *does action*

The shades used

from L-R: TFS RD301, BNC 21, L.A. Colors in Static Electricity

Elianto23 Yellow and Orly Cotton Pink

Step 1:

You can freely create a diagonal line or tape your fingernails to create a better-looking diagonal colors of the Bioman costumes.  Do not forget to apply them in order!  (Red 1, Green 2, Blue 3, Yellow 4 and Pink 5)

Step 2:

After applying 2 coats.  Let dry and gently peel off the tape just like photo below.

You'll end up with gorgeous looking shades.  Simple gal can just top this with a top coat and you're ready to go.  For someone like me who wants to go further, continue reading the steps below.

Step 3:

Using the shades of the Bioman Masks, I applied L.A. Colors Art Deco in Silver and create a diagonal line just where the colors end. 

Step 4:

Just below the silver glitter polish, apply another line using L.A. Colors Art Deco in Black.  If you don't have this polish, you can use a regular black polish applied using a think art brush you can find from bookstores.

Step 5:

Continue creating diagonal lines this time with a white polish from L.A. Colors Art Deco in White.

Step 6:

This is the best time for you to soak up your cotton bud with an acetone and clean up excess.

Step 7:

Making sure the lines drawn are dry, top your nail art with your preferred top coat.  I've used Elianto Top Coat in this nail art tutorial.

Viola~!!!  The Bioman Costume Colors inspired nail art for the week!

A closer look on Red One and how I need to clean up the sides for excess!  Top 2 coats of top coat if you want a "glossy" finish!

What's your favorite Bioman Character?
Do you even watch the series?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Sugi + New Phone Casing

The term "Sugi" means Pine Tree in Japanese, base on my research, pine trees have fragrant woods and when I got inside, the scent of yummy food greeted me so the name of the restaurant fits perfectly!

I went in this restaurant on a rainy Thursday to meet up with the Winner for the Vaseline Road Trip of a Lifetime contest!  It was nice to see familiar and new faces and good food served while sharing stories is a match made in heaven!

California Maki

Sushi roll with mango and kani stick

Love!!!  Had 3 rolls? I don't usually like to eat California Maki as its too filling!
With this, I enjoyed each roll as each ingredient can be tasted inside your mouth!

Sanshoku Maki

Sushi roll with tuna, ika and cucumber

Though I'm not a fan of cucumber, I only enjoy them when I put them on my eyes! *laughs*

this is not bad at all! The flavor of the cucumber did not overpower the tuna and ika!

Tori No Momo Teriyaki

Chicken leg barbecue with Sugi Teriyaki Sauce

Tastes really great, Ada and I were actually discussing if its pork or chicken, the bone leg is a giveaway!  Love how tasty the Teriyaki sauce and I had quite a number after popping my Anti-histamine!

Tofu Steak

Unlike most tofu steak, its covered with mushrooms and veggies.  Tofu is firm yet soft

Tenderloin Steak Teppanyaki

Beef tenderloin cooked misono style with bean sprouts as sidings

 Love this dish! My favorite of all!  The beef tenderloin is soft to bite and it almost melts inside my mouth!

Various Fruits for dessert

Mangoes, Watermelon and Pineapple to healthily end the meal

Gosh! I missed out taking a photo of the Koebi Tenpura (All shrimp tempura)!  The shrimp is actually quite big and not the malnourished type that you eat on other restaurants.

Oh yeah, sorry for the grainy shots as I forgot to bring my camera and I'm using a camera phone!

Overall, the experience was great! The servers are quite attentive and move quite fast.  Food price starts around Php300.00-500.00 per meal!

Thanks to the people from Vaseline and Media Contacts for this lovely dinner! :)  Enjoy the Roadtrip Trina and the gang!

Sugi Greenbelt 2

1st Level, Greebelt 2, Greenbelt

Paseo de Roxas cor. Legaspi St. 

Ayala Center, Makati

Oh yeah, if you read my tweet yesterday, I finally got my order online!  I searched for a Rubberized Cover Case for my Samsung I5700 Galaxy Spica and it's Eureka Moment when I found them on Ebay!  I got them in 2 colors --- Hot Pink and Red! 

Fits like a glove!  Perfect!

I'm more comfortable using my phone 

knowing that it's protected even at the back!

Have a gorgeous Sunday!

Enjoy your weekend food tripping!
Keep smilin'

Stay Happy!