AMW Bulletin: Beauty & Minerals Moonlit Bazaar, Forever 21 Sale!

Dear Philippine Readers:

Christmas season is here once again, to be honest, I've always been the "last minute" shopper!  Funny how OC I can get but when it comes to gift giving, I just want to make sure I purchase the best for my loved ones!  After months, weeks and days of planning, I always end up cramming on last minute gift giving! :)

Aren't we glad with technology?  We can easily learn about deals and discounts and bazaars online before we even get to the venue itself!  That's time saving for sure!  And here, at AMW, I will also share some news on sale or bazaars if it tickles YOUR shopping fantasy :)

Let's start with Beauty related news, a lot of you have emailed me asking me about the reviews I've done on Charm Brushes!  I've always suggest to checkout the brushes in person before you purchase!  This coming October 15, 16 and 17, it's your chance to checkout Charm Pro Brush Set (for those planning to be professional makeup artists), Charm Travel Pro Brush Set V2 (for personal use), and let's not forget, the wonderful Sophie of Beautynomics also include other fabulous items like Inti-mate Bra Converter (which I seriously LOVE), Beauty & Minerals Cosmetics, Blinc products, and a lot more!  Great idea to shop here for your "kikay" friends!

What about our fashionista guy and girl friends?  There's no reason to weep!  Shop as early as now and you can gift them Forever 21 items!  

Schedules as follows:
October 15 (Friday) - 9:30am to 11:00pm

October 16 (Saturday) - 10:00am to 11:00pm

October 17 (Sunday) - 10:00am to 10:00pm

10% off on all regular items when you present your SM Advantage Card, SM Prestige Card or BDO Rewards Card. 
50% off on selected Items.

0% interest for 6 months for participating credit cards (photo below)

Here's for your online window shopping glee!
** Take note that all the prices are already the marked down prices!

**Photos from F21

Brown and Cream Striped Top Php469.00

Black Bandage Dress Php469.00

Blue and White Striped Knitted Top Php469.00

Denim Mini Php359.00

Gray Assymetrical Top Php309.00

Gray Vest Php469.00

Linen Shorts Php469.00

Paris Tank Php259.00

Polka Dot Tank Top Php359.00

Red Shorts Php309.00

Sleeveless Braided Straps Php159.00

Spaghetti Strap Top Php259.00

Turquoise Dress Php459.00

White Skirt Php409.00

Yellow Tiered Top Php259.00

Oh my gulay! And I haven't posted even half of it!
Goodluck on the sale and let's not push each other okay?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!
Stay informed!

AMW Reviews: Shiseido White Lucent Skin Care

I was one lucky girl to have been invited for the Shiseido White Lucent Skin Care Launch last March 2010!  Yup, it was several months ago!  I am a turtle when it comes to skincare reviews! Sorry!  But better late than never and finally!  FINALLY!  I've given this a test and I'm actually done with the Cleansing Foam!  It actually took me almost a month to finally finish the Cleansing Foam!  The sample size is seriously a great idea to test on the product prior to repurchasing!  

How did I find this Skin Care line? 

Shiseido White Lucent says ---

The newly re-formulated White Lucent skincare collection illuminates skin's natural beauty for a pure radiance that glows from within.  With an innovative spot-targeting technology, dark spots and uneven skin tone are visibly diminished in as short as two weeks.

• A safe and effective alternative to medical treatemnts
• A 24-hour brightening system
• In just two weeks, skin shows increased radiance with a more even tone and texture
• Triple-action brightening system targets various types of spots while helping to prevent their formation
• Preventing discoloration while visibly diminishing existing dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Shiseido White Lucent Cleansing Foam says ---

A newly reformulated gentle cleansing foam that cleans away impurities with a fresh, creamy lather to promote a look of inner radiance, without stripping moisture.

Formulated with Micro White Powder and helps remove dead surface cells that can reduce skin clarity.

Full Size: 125ml/4.7 fl.oz

AMW says ---
Pros

• cleanses your face really well!  Seriously, the best cleanser I've tried!
• can remove face powder, blush and other makeup except eye makeup
• a tiny amount is enough to create a lather
• though it removes all traces of dirt and oil, it does not dry out my skin and make it flake!
• smells really light and good!
• can be easily removed with water.
• no skin irritations or allergies even on first usage!

Cons

• a bit pricey for a cleanser but worth every single squeeze!

Tips

• use a small amount cleanser and water to create a  generous lather.
• cleanse gently with circular motions.
• always rinse well
• for heavy makeup user, make sure to remove all traces of makeup with a makeup remover or cleansing oil before washing it with this cleansing foam.
• if skin is dry, never skip moisturizing process as this cleanser strips off oil and grime really well!

Price: Php2,800 (approx $63.00)

Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener Enriched says ---

An enriched brightening softener that replenishes skin moisture for a luminous look.  Newly formulated with m-Tranexamic Acid to prevent dark spots.  Super Hydro-Synergy Complex, composed of Hydro_Wrap Vitalizing DE plus Bio-Hyaluronic Acid, intensely hydrates to give skin a dewy, radiant, and even-toned look.  Erythritol, Apricot Extracts and Super Hydro-Synergy Complex normalize cell turnover to retexturize skin.

Full Size: 4.7 fl. oz

AMW says ---
Pros

• non-alcohol so no sting-y feel or scent.
• very lightweight, absorbs to the skin easily
• skin feels, and looks refreshed!  
• skin feels healthier and have this "healthy tight" feel
• skin feels really soft!
• skin looks bright and dewy in an instant after application

Cons

• again, the price is a huge factor but it lasts really long, there's still half left of the 25ml sample bottle after a month!

Tips

• saturate a cotton pad and wipe gently all over face after cleansing, before moisturizing.
• if excess product remains on skin, gently pat with your clean, bare hands for further absorption.
• on areas that have dark spots or pigmentation, add more Brightening Balancing Softener by gently pat the area with the cotton pad.
• this is also the best time to gently massage your face

Price: Php3,500 (approx $79.00)

  

Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Cream says ---

An ultra-rich brightening moisturizer that works on skin during its regeneration phase at night to repair skin damaged by daily UV exposure.  Refines skin's texture and helps it capture light.  New formula contains Multi-Target Vitamin C to reduce existing pigmentation.  Contains Tranexamic Acid to prevent dark spots.  Super-Hydo Synergy Complex to deeply moisturize and refine skin's texture for softer, smoother skin.  Erythritol, Apricot Extracts, and Super Hydro-Synergy Complex normalize cell turnover to retexturize skin.

Full size: 50ml/1.7 fl. oz

AMW says ---
Pros

• never feels greasy or heavy on skin
• smells wonderful!  Reminded me of Vitamin C.
• brightens and softens the skin around the face once you wake up
• 
  

Cons

• may cause irritations or spots to some super sensitive skin as this moisturizer is quite rich.
• pricey, packaging is a bit unhygienic

Tips

• if possible, use a spatula to take out product instead of dipping fingers in.
• gently massage using clean hands after cleansing and balancing, best before you go to bed.
• after the product gets absorbed to the skin, pat your warm hands gently on your face until "semi sticky" feel is gone
• massage with upward motion and do not forget to include your neck.
• wipe remaining on your hands or elbows not to waste product!
• use a separate eye cream to protect the areas around your eyes.
• try to be consistent with application to see results.

Price: Php3,850 (approx $87.50)

Overall

Though this is really a wonderful skincare line, I found myself focuses on moisturizing more than Brightening or lightening of spots.  I do not have pigmentation or freckles, I am lucky I don't have issues on discoloration so I can save my money and targets on anti-aging (for those lines) and moisturizing (for the dryness).  

Does the lightening or brightening works?  I can't tell about lightening but I can definitely see my skin brightened up!  I can even see the effect right after usage of these 3 and the effect is more visible after a month!   And the best of all?  The brightening effect is the "healthy" kind and not the "greasy/oily" look!  There's a radiance that came from within!

Will I repurchase?
If I'm starting to have skin discoloration, this skincare line is on top of my list!

To whom do I recommend this to? 

People who want to lighten up spots but again, this is no miracle product, it takes time!

-----------------------------

Expensive!  Very Pricey!  I know that's on top of everyone's head!  But we have to take in consideration that there are some people who would spend big bucks for peeling sessions just to have the "bright" look they what to achieve.  I am not saying that the Shiseido White Lucent is the answer to all those discoloration and pigmentation woes, but it doesn't hurt to give this a test and if it works for you, in the long run, this is more inexpensive as a little does go a long way with these products!  

Seriously, after a month, I was only able to finish the Cleansing Foam.  I still have half of the Brightening Balancing Softener and 1/4 of the Brightening Moisturizing Cream and these are all in sample sizes!  What more if you purchased the full size version right?

Photo of bare skin after the 3 products application

I think I blabbed too much!  Sorry!  Can't help it!
I hope my review helps those who wanted to give this skin care line a test!  Please bear in mind that we all have different skin so please purchase at your own discretion :)

Have a gorgeous Humpy Wednesday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

I Wonder: "Something You Like Taken Away from You"

My "I Wonder" moment probably sounds too serious!  Let's try to be a bit superficial for once hahaha, it's nice to take things lightly at times especially at the start of the week.  One reason I am on a sentimental side because of what happened to me on my way back to Manila...

I am almost done with my Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner, so I told myself I'll be bringing along a shampoo and conditioner that's not too bulky and yet, gives the protection against damage that I need!  

I've had L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo and Repairing Treatment all along with me for quite some time ever since I saw the Anne Curtis commercial, I wasn't able to give this a test because I had my Keratin Complex Therapy Treatment and I was advised to use a special shampoo and conditioner!  I followed instructions!  Good girl!

I brought this shampoo and treatment along with me on my recent Korea trip and I am actually impressed with the shampoo and treatment!  Even Mr. AMW uses it and you heard no complaints from him!  He usually gets itchy scalp and would complain non-stop about it! 

I actually love this combination and I was quite excited to continue using this when I get home!  Though the weather in Korea is quite cool and windy, my hair usually gets tangled in such environment!  With the L'Oreal Total Repair 5 (Well 2 to be exact that I've used), I can survive the whole day sightseeing, posing for photos, walk around without worrying about brushing my hair!  Let's not forget that this smells really good and I actually left my perfume back home and I did not worry because my hair smells great!

So here's the story!  On our way back, we "kinda" have excess baggage so we ended up handcarrying one bag which was supposed to be checked-in!  We did transfer some liquids and creams to the check-in luggage and forgot all about these 2!  Once we passed through customs, they opened our bags and we were told they have to confiscate these because it's not allowed!  *huge sad face*  No choice, rules and regulations need to be followed, but isn't it saddening that I lost almost a full tube of these?

Oh well, it's just material stuff, but hey! Just when I am starting to love the product...

So, it crosses my mind as I Wonder:

"Have something you like been taken away from you?" (product wise)

I'd love to hear from you and I'm sure, there are more expensive stuffs out there lost in space!

Let's all share our sorrows here and promise not to talk about it again! :D 
That's moving on eh?

Have a gorgeous Tuesday!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: The Body Shop Special Edition Kajal Eyeliners

Aishwarya Rai, an Indian actress and former Miss World 1994.  Such a beauty!  What drew me into her beauty are her lovely eyes!  Don't you agree with me that most Indians have the best looking set of eyes ever?  In my opinion, their eyes are one of the most expressive ones!  I am not surprised that people are looking into their eye makeup tips to get at least a third of their beautiful "windows of their souls".

One thing I read about their eye makeup, they love to use Kajal Liners! I've always been intrigued with kajal liners but what stopped me are reviews about how messy application is and how it smudges on our humid weather!  

When I attended The Body Shop's Autumn Trend 2010 and learned that Kajal Liners are part of their collection, I am super happy because I can get to try Kajal liners and they came up with shades from dark to not-too-dark!  Aishwarya Rai....my tiny eyes will try to look at least a tiny bit like yours...you just wait and see! *laughs*

The Body Shop Special Edition Kajal Eyeliner

Let's all together sing..."JAI HO!"

The Body Shop Kajal Eyeliners say ---

Create the season's sexy, smoky eye - essential for the Smoke and Fire look - with new Kajal Eyeliner.  The intense Kajal eye-look is traditionally used in India as a protector against the evil eye, and with three shades of Kajal Eyeliner, discover a unique product that helps to define the eyes, so you can create and intensify and reflect light.  Apply to the lash lines for dramatic, dreamy eyes or smudge over the eyelid for a sultry, smouldering eyeshadow look.

Available in 3 shades: 01 Charcoal, 02 Evergreen, 03 Steel

Product size: 3g (0.1oz)

AMW says ---
Pros

• packaging is simple yet very nice, you can see the shade easily because of the transparent cap!
• if used as eyeliner: gives out a very natural, "barely noticeable" extra line that people can't pinpoint
• not as messy as we imagine
• very easy to use especially for newbies!
• does not crease or oil up in the middle of the day
• the pointed tip makes it easy to apply
• applies on smoothly and does not tug on lids
• pigmented
• does not transfer to the under eye area, no "panda" look

Cons

• the shape of the Kajal liner makes it a breeze to use at first, but once you're at the bottom part, you can only use it as an eyeshadow base because it's not as sharp anymore!
• instead of smudging, it actually disappears at some point if you constantly rub your eyes.  (try not to ok?)

 

 

• limited edition, so not sure how to repurchase if you are really in love with this product!

Overall

Very easy to use, with the 2 colors I own, I prefer using them as eyeshadow base because it makes the eyeshadow stays longer and shade becomes more vibrant!  Used as eyeliner on days if I want the "barely there" makeup look!

Tips

• if you have super oily lids, I suggest you still apply an eyeshadow primer prior to applying the Kajal Eyeliner.
• if you like the obvious "liner" look, choose the 01 Charcoal shade, if you want the lighter version, 03 Steel works really well!  02 Evergreen works really great on brown/black eyed people like us Asians!
• if you only need to purchase one, choose the shade you know you'll be able to use DAILY!  So you won't waste your money leaving them inside your makeup case!
• try to apply with a horizontally to maintain the "sharpened" tip.

Will I repurchase?
Limited edition, so I'm not sure if I can even repurchase this!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who's into smokey eye makeup, whether light or dark!

Where to purchase and how much?
At The Body Shop stores for Php695.00 (approx $15.00)

I got mine in 2 shades:  

 L- Steel R- Evergreen

Applied on hand, no base

1. 03 Steel - grayish silver

2. 02 Evergreen - moss green shade with hint of gold

Used as eyeliner, applied on upper lashline 

and lower lashline

Used as an Eyeshadow Base

Gently apply the Kajal Eyeliner in Steel a third of your lids concentrating on the outer corner of my lids base on my eye shape.

Using a flat shader brush, pat on TBS Eye Colour in 43 Velvet Green on the inner lids.  Continue patting until you reach your desired shade.  Since I'm opting for daytime smokey look, I patted approximately 3-4 times.

Using a blending brush, apply TBS Eye Colour in 41 Peach with a wiper motion on the edge of the Velvet Green shade to blend.  Keep on blending until harsh line is gone.

Apply eyeliner, curl your lashes, fill in your brows to complete the daytime smokey look!  Isn't it easy?

Monday blues can be erased with a Monday Green Eye Make Up!  Try green as it works on our eye color!

How say you?  Are you back to eyeshadow mojo?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Korea Report: Myeongdong Catholic Church and Myeongdong Shopping

Last day...we were scheduled for our flight back to Manila at 9:00pm and we have to take the 4:30pm bus!  What to do from morning til afternoon?  Explore nearby sites, final shopping and of course, final food trip!

The Myeong-dong Catholic Cathedral is just a few minutes walk from Hotel Ibis Ambassador Myeong-dong.  It is actually the main Catholic Church in Korea and also considered the symbol of Myeong-dong because of its size!  I can actually see the tip of this church wherever I'm within Myeong-dong area.  

Construction started in 1894 and was completed in 1898.  Churches as old as that is quite magnificent and gave me a sense of pride each time I walk in the building! 

The church was built with bricks and I am not sure if the bricks are in their original color or was it repainted?  There are 3 entrances, the main one in the middle and 2 small ones on left and right!  On that Wednesday morning, the middle door was closed so we have to go through the smaller entrance.

As we walked in, there's a sense of serenity, I gave out a silent prayer thanking the Lord for the wonderful and safe trip me and my husband had!