Saturday, September 25, 2010

Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy Color Care Review




Good morning!  Today marks another exciting day for me as I will meet a lot of people this afternoon for the 2 hours Dollface Makeup Seminar!  I love teaching, if you don't know, I was once a teacher in China for 3.5 years!  I will probably be a teacher as my second choice if Makeup Artist job won't be available for me!  Isn't it obvious I am into service? 

Anyways, thanks for the overwhelming responses for the HOPE palette Contest from L'Oreal, I appreciate all the sharing and it does help reading your comments and its nice to know we area all holding onto our loved ones to keep us strong!  

I've had my first ever Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatment last August 23rd and I'm done with my first month!  I've been a good girl as I stayed loyal with one brand of shampoo and conditioner as advised to extend the results of the treatment.

Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy 
Shampoo and Conditioner



Keratin Complex Color Care says ---

Keratin Color Care Shampoo was developed to extend the vibrancy of color-treated hair. This sodium chloride and sulfate free formula contains mild surfactants that gently remove dirt and buildup without stripping hair of its color. Formulated with Keratin, soy and wheat proteins for lasting protection.

Keratin Color Care Conditioner was developed to moisturize while protecting hair color. Helps detangle leaving wet hair feeling smooth and slick. Special Keratin, wheat and soy proteins provide lasting nourishment while protecting the hair from the heat of blow-drying, hot curlers, and straightening irons. Hair is softer, more manageable and stronger. Works in symphony with our Keratin Color Care Shampoo.

Friday, September 24, 2010

What's Up AMW?

Happy gorgeous Friday!!!  Are you very excited for the weekend?  I know I am!  I will be at the Eastwood Mall, Libis for the Dollface Makeup Seminar!  I can't wait to share what I've learned about Skincare and Makeup and I can't wait to interact with fellow beauty lovers!  Don't forget to smile and say hi ok?

I know a lot of you have been asking me on this certain product and what nots!  I am currently using so many products and some takes gazillion years to review, so I want to share what's up and running with AMW and the family!  (Yup, family included!)

Soon to be reviewed products are not included in this post!  *laughs* Gulay! I am getting tired of myself! Such hyper dude! :P

Let's start with fragrances, my fragrance collection is growing big and I wouldn't mind going for trial sizes every now and then to stop myself from feeling guilty!  I have this thing for different fragrance daily depending on my mood!  I've been an Estee Lauder "Pleasures" user and I remember buying my first full sized bottle in Hong Kong!  After years, Estee Lauder finally came up with the sister of "Pleasures", the new "Pleasures Bloom" launched this month! 

Thanks Liezl for the sample size and this lasts!  I put this inside my bag for that instant spritz and I love the fruity scent mixed with floral scent like Jasmine and Green Lily!   Perfect if I'm on a "Go with the flow" mood!



You probably read my recent review on the Pond's Pure White Deep Cleansing with Activated Carbon , I am using this once or twice a week for that extra cleansing due to my normal/dry skin!  What am I using on those days I'm on a non-Pond's regimen?  Well, if you remember, last March, I've attended an event/launch for the Shiseido White Lucent skincare line, I got myself a sample sizes for the cleanser, toner and moisturizer.  I actually did not plan on using these because the packaging is just too cute for words!  But I need some skin brightening recently and I've used this together with the Pond's.  So far, it's quite good and I have a feeling I'll take these cuties along with me on my next trip!


Mr. and Mrs. AMW recently have been using "Made in the USA" products for hair.  That is not intended though, I was sent Nick Chavez Shampoo, Conditioner and Gel to test, since I've had my Keratin Smoothing Complex Treatment done, I've been using the special shampoo that needs to be used for post treatment.  So, the dear Mr. AMW is willing to give these products a test and he's been using these actually more months now!  You know what made him say YES?  The cute packaging with the bees! *hahaha*  I know!  He's as childish as I am!  Will interview him on his experiences on these! 


I, on the other hand, after a month of Keratin Treatment, I followed instructions and used the Keratin Complex Shampoo and Conditioner. These 2 are designed to complement the needs of my hair and maintain the therapy treatment and hair color, they clarify and re-balance the hair texture which I was told, detergent free!  Making it gentle for daily use!



Since I love to use serums, I was told that another brand that can also offer non-detergent ingredients and safe to be used after the Keratin Complex Treatment is Pureology.  I am using the Pureologoy Serious Colour Care Thermal Antifade Complex to keep my hair healthy looking even after blow drying! 



Because I love variations!  I do alternate it at times with the Kerastase Chroma Riche Leave In Essence which I won from Frances' FB Page because I was the first liker!   This stuff smells seriously good and is lightweight!

Let's move out of the hair topic, and talk about this BB Cream brand that I've been receiving so much requests for review! 

I've been holding myself on using this because once I swatched them on my hand, the shade is totally different with my skin tone, to be honest, I still haven't tried it on my face, I know I can workout the shade of this BB Cream by counteracting this with a foundation shade, I'm just too lazy though, so please be patient ok? :D


I want to thank Roanne for personally delivering these to me!  It actually comes with a mask, but I've already used the mask!  *laughs*  These are not alien to me because I've seen The Revitalift Double Lifting Eye cream a year ago when my brother gifted this to my mom.  He bought it from Duty Free Shanghai and he said the packaging is just unique!  It also proves that packaging does make a huge impact with consumers!  *Laughs*  Too funny, just got a call from my sis while typing this post and she asks me for help in finding a good eye cream, I told her I'll give her this!  In return, she'll tell us her experiences on this!  :)



L'Oreal came up another line for pore minimising, I'm glad I don't have pore problems but my sister-in-law does!  So I gifted her the L'Oreal Derma Genesis Pore Minimising Smoother Scrub, Toner and Gel Cream.  Look like she's liking it!


My mom, after her varicose treatment last year (this is not the aesthetic treatment but more on life treatening varicose veins), she is required to wear medical stocking everyday!  She wears the super tight stockings as soon as she woke up and she can only remove it before she sleeps!  You can imagine how harsh the tight stockings on her legs!  My mom has great legs, I felt bag looking at it scaley and dry from all the scratches!  I was advised by the doctor to purchase a 24 hour moisturizing lotion to be applied prior to wearing the medical stockings!  We were advised to purchase the Jergens brand.  She's almost done with the tube and I'm glad to know that recently, they came up with the new Jergens Naturals with 93% natural ingredients!  And it's a huge size perfect for daily use with a pump for ease of application!  


On a lighter note, my measly, non-existent lashes are happy to try on different mascaras!  Revlon came up with a new mascara called Revlon Grow Luscious by Fabulash, the packaging says 96% saw instantly longer, more lush lashes which made me super excited to give it a try!  The fact that it's available in Black and Blackened Brown is a winner!

I love to walk, and I haven't given my feet the time of the day because of my super busy schedule!  I go home, and usually doze off to sleep without even knowing what's happening!  *laughs*  When I got the Intensive Repair Foot Mask with "Avocado", I am very excited to use this because Avocado is known for it's high fat content!  Maybe, just maybe, the extra fat will help my dry feet gets back to it's healthy state!  If this works, I may hoard and make this my weekly habit!  Wish me luck, I hope I'm not too lazy!



*whew* That's quite a number of products in one post!  I like telling you guys what's up with me!  I'm just talkative you know! *winks*

Let me know what products you're using, or you recently bought that you're excited to try!  I love knowing what's happening in your life too!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Have a great weekend!



Thursday, September 23, 2010

Eureka Moment: Life Begins at 40 at Duty Free Philippines


Note from Author: sorry for the blurry photos, all ninja shots were taken by my Samsung Phone Camera. 

My dad-in-law has a membership card at The Duty Free Philippines so I can go there wherever we want!  Hubby's working in an airline company so I can drag him to get in too!  I haven't been using that power though, why?  Because I am not the type to go there when I don't plan to purchase anything!  Over the Mid-Autumn Festival Holiday, yup, no work for me as I follow the China Holiday Schedule at work, I went with the in-laws at The Duty Free Philippines while the hubby was busy working!  

What greeted me?  "Life Begins at 40... $1 = Php40.00"  PESO POWER!!!!

**Photo from Duty Free FB


What's even better?  End of Season Sale on items like bags, shoes, clothes!!!  Betcha' By Golly Wow you wanna sing with me?


I am actually there just to purchase  my hubby's electric shaver!  We can't find these outside, even if we did, its overpriced!  There are only 2 to choose from and I got the blue one for $30.00 (Php1,200)!


I also passed by great bargains from Essie!  Ohhh look at Smashbox Counter, I usually purchase my Smashbox Photofinish Primer Light there!


When Jamie blogged about MAC Cosmetics now available at the Duty Free Philippines, its certainly a wonderful news for makeup enthusiasts and makeup artists out there!  I've taken a peek on their price tags and they are definitely a good buy especially with the exchange rate of $1.00 = Php40.00!  Imagine, Lipstick for only Php680.00 instead of the usual Php900-1000!  I've seen a lot of products available, from Studio Fix Foundation to MSF Natural to all sorts of lipstick shades!  I haven't purchased much, only to stock up on MAC's Mineralized Skin Finish Natural and the MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation!


Longchamp!  Girls are going crazy calling their friends!  Do not expect much though, the colors available are limited!  Price range, let me try my memory ok?

Small long and short handle costs around $90.00 (Php3,600)

Medium long and short handle costs around $110.00-$120.00 (Php4,400-4,800)
Large long and short handle costs around $125.00-$140.00 (Php5,000-5,600)

Ladies' faces were covered as I did not ask permission to take their shots! LOL


Let's not forget, the chocolate section!  We purchased quite a number but I only took a shot on what I went to the chocolate section for!  GuyLian Truffles!


Thanks to Grace for sharing this to me!  Love it!


And of course, the coffee lover in me needed to stock on coffee!  Sungold White Coffee tastes wonderful!  Product of Malaysia!!!


Bear in mind ---
  • Payments should be made in CASH to enjoy the Php40.00 exchange rate!
  • There's 2 ATM machine near the food court, BPI and forgot the other one!
  • Purchase only what you need!  Do not go crazy ok? :D
Last 3 PESO POWER DAYS!  Only until September 26, 2010!!!
Hurry, if you have friends from abroad or you have friends who work in an airline or has a membership card, grab onto them and treat them for dinner afterwards!

Love peso power!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



AMW Gives: L'Oreal Wear Infinite Pressed Eye Shadow Quad (Contest Closed)


Good Thursday everyone!!!  Did you wake up with a good mood?  I guess you should , Friday is just around the corner!  Everyone who reads my blog would know that I'm a very cheerful person, you'd think that nothing will go wrong in my life.  You're wrong though, I've gone through so much in life I can definitely write a book about it!  The only setback?  It can bore you though! *winks*

What turned me into a very positive individual?  The fact that I've been down a lot of times, each time I have the tiniest "up" moment, I enjoy it as much as I can and thank the Lord for it.  I grab on to the happy and positive moments and store them inside my memory bank and hold onto them each time I needed to!  It's more like investment!  I can hear myself saying: "I have survived it before, there's nothing different about it now!" 

I guess that's my secret!  Well it's not a secret anymore! You're probably wondering why I'm on a sentimental mode, I should just get to the point and talk about the contest right?  *giggles*  

The sentimental side of me has to do with the prizes I will give!  It's a special L'Oreal Wear Infinite Pressed Eye Shadow Quad which isn't available locally.  The quad is so simple yet enticing! 

L-R Peaceful Spirit and A Little Bit of Glitz


Now you see why I got so sentimental right?  "A Little Bit of Glitz" quad has "HOPE" written all over the cover!  And it's a message from me to YOU!  In life, whatever you're going through, open up your heart and mind and believe that there is HOPE.  I've seen hope in each and every situation I've been through, and so far, the sparkle of hope inside me gave me the strength and willpower to hold onto my dear li'l life, and there's so much things out there way more important to look out for!

I am not saying that my life is perfect right now, I still have issues, actually, a lot of issues!   But I always tell myself --- "Life is too short....enjoy it while you can with the people you love and who loves you back"



As for the contest mechanics:
1. Contest is open to ALL Readers, locally and internationally.
2. Comment with your name and email address.  One comment per person, no duplicates please.
3. Answer this question: "What gives you hope each time you're going through tough times?"
4. Contest starts today and will end October 9, 2010.  One winner will receive the 2 gorgeous quads.
5. There's no right and wrong answer, so the winner will be randomly chosen using my dearest Fruit Machine!

It may be superficial to give out makeup when talking about serious stuffs about LIFE, the point of this contest is for us to share what gives us the drive to move forward in times of need.  This may even be an inspiration to others who needs  the extra boost of positivity.

Prizes comes from yours truly!  I love it dearly I never even dare open it or use it!  The quads will be sent with a kiss (promise, no saliva included) *LOL*

Click comment and goodluck!!!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Wednesday, September 22, 2010

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!