AMW Reviews: The Body Shop Autumn Leaves Compact

Whenever I opt for a very natural almost "no makeup" look, I'll reach out for my favorite Mineraux Skin Perfecting Minerals Beach Tan Bronzer as my blush!  I love using it and my only complaint is that I can't carry it around because I don't want it to mess up inside my bag!

I was hoping for a pressed version of something as pretty and as natural and my wish came through after a year when The Body Shop launched its Autumn Collection 2010!

I wanted to blog about this as early as I can as I believe this is super limited edition!  I hope that they still sell these at this very moment!  If not....can I just say.. "Sorry?" *bats puny eyelashes*

TBS Autumn Leaves Compact says ---

Light up with a choice of two pressed powder compacts, each with a mix of four pearly shades pressed together in a beautiful autumn leaf design.  Choose the compact to suit your skint one, give your cheeks and decolletage a gorgeous glow with two new natural-looking palettes in soft dusky pink shades and warm russet tones.

Available in Shades: 01 Chestnut Apples and 02 Berry

Wt: 9grams (0.3 oz)

AMW says ---
Pros

• Packaging: Nice clear case wherein you can see the lovely autumn leaves emboss at once!
• Very pretty to look at!  Very unique.
• Does not crack easily as compare to other baked blushes (I actually dropped mine and thank goodness it did not crack!!!!) 
• Gives a very subtle shimmer which adds up to a nice glow on your face.
• Gives a super natural flush on the cheeks.
• Will never create the "clown" look we're scared off.
• Looks really nice on photos, does not look glittery or oily at all.
• Multi-functional, can be applied on face and other parts of the body like arms and decolletage.

Cons

• Very tiny Oc-ness detail of mine, I'd love it if they have a bigger sticker at the back as I don't have super sonic eyes to see the details at once :)

• No mirror
• Limited edition! 

Overall

I reach out for this daily as I can't go wrong using this!  I could never go overboard with this and it gives me a nice "awake" look eventhough I only have less than 4 hours of sleep!

Tips

• Use any blush you're comfortable with, test with a big powder brush, fan brush or blush brush!
• Apply on the apples of your cheeks going outwards to create that naturally "flushed" look.
• Apply sparingly and add up as you go on.  
• Step back and look at your reflection with ample lighting in front of the mirror to check if both cheeks matched or if colors are blended.
• If you want more color on your cheeks, you can use a separate blush color and apply this on top for that nice "inner glow"
• If applied too much, brush on your favorite matte powder foundation on top of this to lessen the "glowy" look.

Will I repurchase?
No, this one will last me for quite some time.  And this is limited edition anyways.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes the super natural flush!  Not for you if you are looking for matte blush or something more obvious!

Where to purchase and how much?
At The Body Shop stores for Php1,395.00 (approx $31.00)

Shade: 02 Berry

Soft Pinkish Shimmer Shade 

Texture felt like MAC's Mineralized Skin Finishes

Gently applied Berry using 

Thevi Blush Brush with upward strokes

*laughs* Sorry for the shocked look!  Here's a photo to prove that using this compact gives a natural flush that's not too obvious that I have blush on!  

Face: Neutrogena Fine Fairness Compact in Natural Beige
Eyebrows: Paul & Joe Eyebrow Pencil no. 04
Blush: The Body Shop's Autumn Leaves Compact in 02 Berry

What's your super-duper natural blush at the moment?

Happy Friday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Purederm 3-in-1 Beauty Magic BB Cream

I've purchased gazillion of Skin79 VIP Gold BB Cream (Exaggeration of course), because it works for me!  But I've received so many queries regarding BB creams for so long and I've always replied to them that I don't try other BB creams much because I've found "The One".  But BB Creams seem to be finding its way straight to my arms or shall I say...Face!

I've been given another chance to try on another variant of Purederm BB cream after THIS review.  I want to thank the company for entrusting my opinion about their products!  I know I shouldn't even be trying this product as I have a feeling this BB cream is meant for the oilier lovelies!  But hey, there are some products I am willing to try just to be able to prove a point!  And there are times..well..most of the time, I am right!  (Just using a bit of my bragging rights) *laughs*  oh oh!  *evil laughs* Bwahahaha

Purederm 3-in-1 Beauty Magic BB Creams says ---

SPF30 PA++, Wrinkle, Skin Conditioning

Moisturizes and protects your stressed skin.  With SPF30 PA++, it blocks out UV A and B rays from the sun.  It's waterproof feature makes sure that the 3-in-1 attributes remain against water and sweat.  Enriched with natural and herbal tea extracts increases skin elasticity and improves skin conditioning.

Use this for: Uneven skin tone, lines and wrinkles, dry skin

Content: 50ml

AMW says ---

Pros

• Packaging looks so cute with it's Pink tube and twisty silver cap!
• Sealed when new

• A tiny amount goes a long way
• Gives a matte effect that most of us love!
• Has UVA and UVB protection, works as good as a regular sunscreen (SPF30)
• Has additional anti-aging properties
• Evens out uneven parts of the skin.
• Blurs out tiny lines or wrinkles!

• Inexpensive!
• No weird scent
• No white cast on photos and no weird patches once applied correctly.
• Yellow undertone which matches most Asian skin.

Cons

• Can be a bit too drying on dry skin!
• A bit tricky to apply, have to blend really well
• Shade could be a bit too light for darker skin toned individuals
• Creates "white cast" if not applied correctly, if other areas are applied thicker than the other!  Trick is to blend blend blend really well!
• Just like most BB Creams: Not everyone can use this, some ingredients may cause irritations or allergies. 
• Only 1 shade available

Overall

A great mattifier and makeup base!  I haven't tested the "overall effect" of this BB cream as prolong usage is needed, but for a span of almost a month, I find that this works best for oily or combination skin.  Dry skin individuals like myself needs EXTRA moisturizer prior to the usage of this BB cream.

Tips
from Purederm

• Evenly apply the right quantity to your face. 
• It can also be used as a makeup base.

from AMW

• For normal skin: after skincare regimen, apply liberally with clean hands.
• For oily skin: after skincare regimen, apply this liberally with clean hands then use another makeup primer on areas that oils up easily. (sides of the nose, cheeks and forehead)
• For dry skin: after skincare regimen, do not forget to double moisturize areas that tends to dry up easily.  (sides of the nose, lower cheeks, etc...)
• For sensitive skin: test the product on your wrist area or apply product on small part of the skin like lower part of the ear or back of the ear for the whole day to see if allergies or skin irritations occur.  
• For combination skin: you can choose to apply lightly on areas that do not need much coverage or "primer" while apply a bit more on areas that needed coverage or oils up more! 
• Always apply with clean hands.
• I prefer to warm the product at the back of my hand then apply thinly onto my face starting at the middle portion of the face.
• After BB Cream application, if coverage is enough, gently dust on face powder or setting powder to "set" the BB cream and you're ready to go
• If this color is too light or dark on you, you can always adjust with the foundation  (liquid/powder) you use.
• Always wash your face with a cleanser that has makeup removing properties before going to bed.
• Do not forget to apply on the neck area as well!

Will I repurchase?
No.  Purederm's Pearl BB Cream works better on me.

To whom do I recommend this to?

If you have oily skin, this is a better BB cream for you.  If you have dry skin like myself, I prefer to use the Pearl BB Cream variant from Purederm.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Watson's stores for Php659.00 (approx $15.30)

Purederm 3-in-1 Beauty Magic BB Cream 

Texture and Shade

Applied lightly on my bare face

For reference: I am MAC NC20/25 shade

Paul & Joe Dual Powder Foundation number 20/02

Are BB creams part of your morning regimen? 
Do you think it does wonders to the skin?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Note from author: Product was sent for review purposes. Author will not accept payments for POSITIVE reviews. All reviews are based on personal experiences, please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Bulletin: Beauty & Minerals Turns 4 Anniversary Sale

Dear Philippine Readers:

I've heard about Beauty & Minerals when I first learned about Mineral Makeups 4 years ago.  I fondly remember browsing through the multiply site checking out photos of Ms. B&M meeting up clients at coffee shops to teach them how to use mineral makeups!  I was intrigued!  But I wasn't into mineral makeups those times and I don't think I would like to spend money on them as I was saving up on something I can't even remember!  (seriously, old age is getting to me!) *laughs*

Now, Beauty & Minerals have grown, and what's even better?  I personally got to be friends with the Ms. B&M Sophie and I am so proud of her!  It's such a small world that we studied the same elementary/highschool and she's way younger than I am and look how she managed her small business!  This girl's got the energy, the creativity, the hard work and the brains!  Oh, can I add something unrelated?  She's got the beauty too! 

**photo grabbed from B&M

Enough about the Beautynomist, I don't need anything from her so those are good words meant from the bottom of my big big heart!  For her 4th year anniversary celebration, she is celebrating it with her B&M friends by giving them huge sales!

Head on to Beauty & Minerals site for more information!

Enjoy shopping B&M friends!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

P.S. I am not paid to do this post, I am doing this because I love sharing "Money Saving" information to my readers!

AMW Reviews: Kerastase Masque Nutri Thermique

I call myself a mini-hair expert in my own little ways!  Why?  I've used enough hair treatments to last 100 heads!  Trust me, it takes effort to make my heart look healthy because I am not born with it!  

Recently Kerastase launched its Kerastase Nutritive line called Nutri-Thermique.  Heat treatment is quite interesting because it just makes sense!  "Hot Oil" treatment uses heat, Rebonding or Keratin Treatment uses heat too!  So I guess heat does play a huge role in treating your hair right!

Kerastase Masque Nutri-Thermique says ---

Thermo-reactive intense nutrition masque for very dry and sensitized hair.

Under the effect of heat, thick dry hair is intensely nourished, durably soft and shiny.  Hair is protected from the recurring drying-out process and the harmful effects of heat-styling tools.

Size: 200ml

AMW says ---
Pros

• hair feels super soft after use.
• hair is tangle-free 

• dry hair has obviously lessened by "look" and "feel"
• less frizziness
• scent: Smells a bit like Pond's Cold Cream *hahaha* but it's actually nice!
• packaging: has a safety "cap" which prevents spillage.

Cons

• price, Kerastase products always shocks the hell out of anybody but it's worth it especially if you are someone who likes to go to salons for treatment! 
• if you're a busy person who hates doing at-home treatments.
• packaging: you have to dip your fingers to get some product!  

• if you're into curling your hair, curls do not stay on!

Overall

If you have very curly hair, do not expect your hair to go straight after this treatment.  To summarize the point of using this treatment, this masque helps reduce frizziness, feels silky-smooth and I never have issues of tangles even a week after the treatment!

Tips
from Kerastase

• Apply 1 to 2 hazelnut-sized amounts of Masque Nutri-Thermique to towel-dried hair. 
• Gently massage through lengths and ends. Focus on the most sensitized areas. 
• For optimal results, leave on for 5 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

from AMW

• Shampoo with warm water so hair feels warm to start with.
• Wrap with a towel, better if used with "cling wrap" or shower cap.
• Instead of the usual 5 minutes, I prefer leaving it for 15 minutes which gives optimal result.
• Try not to shampoo the next day so the product will stay on your hair and gets absorb onto the hair for more than 24 hours.  I prefer doing this when I don't need to go out the next day!
• Concentrate treatment on the scalp area and ends of the hair.
• Do the treatment at least once a week for rebellious hair, once every 2 weeks for normal hair.
• If you hate doing this on your own, you can share with friends and do each other's hair.
• Some parlor offers cheaper rate if you purchase the whole tub at the salon and you only need to pay for their service each visit!  Check with the salons near you who offers Kerastase treatment and products.
• For hygiene purpose, you can choose to use a spoon to scoop out product instead of digging your fingers inside the tub.
• Do not use this treatment a day before going for an updo!  Hairsprays or gel won't stick to the hair.
• If you have the budget to just choose 1 out of the whole range, choose the masque!  I love how it can change the texture and feel of your hair!

Will I repurchase?

Yes!  I will wait for special offers like the one they had last August!.

To whom do I repurchase this to?

To you who have dry, rebellious, thick hair!  Or to some who have sensitized hair (rebonded, color treated, etc...)

Where to purchase and how much?

At leading salons for Php2,635.00 (approx $59.00) for 200ml 

Please do not base the "straightness" of my hair as I've had a Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatment months ago.  Here's to show the "tangle-free" look of my hair plus the nice shine after treatment!

If you can pay for rebonding treatments or other in-house salon treatments, it's worth paying extra for this as it helps strengthen your hair from all the harshness you've exposed it to!  It also helps to put it back to it's healthy shape.  Your hair deserves it!  Just like your skin and your body!

What's your most expensive hair treatment to date?
You know which one's mine!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
You can smile and click HERE to read all posts about Kerastase products.

Nail Art Tutorial: "Sesame Street" Nails

When I was in elementary, here's my daily schedule...

1. Wakes up at 6:00am
2. Goes to school after breakfast
3. Goes home from school
4. Dinner time
5. Study for quizzes and finishes the homework
6. Sleep time

That's my cycle for more than a decade and that leaves no space for TV!  When everyone's been singing "Sunny Day...Sweepin' the clouds away..." I was probably burying my head on books!  *laughs*  Do not get me wrong though, it was a personal choice to be a nerd! 

When I worked as a teacher to some kids during the summer, that's when I really watched Sesame Street together with the kids!  When a friend of mine Shane *waves hello* requested for a Sesame Street Character Nails (actually, it was Cookie Monster), I've decided to create something more and thought about my ultimate favorite Sesame Street character.  Everyone's been going crazy over how cute Elmo is or how greedy the cute Cookie Monster is...you know who's my favorite? 

GROVER!!!

Grover is furry, lovable, hyper monster in which I associate myself to him!  I'm not saying I am lovable and definitely NOT furry but I'm obviously a hyper monster!  That's why I put my dear Grover on my thumbnails! 

Don't worry, I'm not biased, I was able to incorporate the rest of the Sesame Street characters, not all of course but those that are quite distinct and easy to recognize!  Ready to see how I've done this? 

Step 1:

Think of which Sesame Street characters you would want to put on  your nails.  You have to keep in mine the nail polish shades available!  If you don't have a lot, you can choose to make one character for all 10 fingernails!

Just by looking at the shades, you'll probably know which one is for which!

Since these colors are quite vibrant, do not forget to use base coat prior to polish application.

Tip from AMW:

Do not be scared to mix the shades, since I don't have a Grover shade, I've used a dark blue shade from The Face Shop and top it with Caronia Frosted Polish in Bliss for 2nd coat as seen on photo below.

Step 2:  Create Character Nails

Elmo Nail

I forgot to take a shot of the pinky nail which is Ernie.  I've used The Face Shop Nail Color in RD301.  Using 2 Way Nail Art Pens in White and Black for eyes and mouth.

Cookie Monster Nail

2 coats of  L.A. Colors Nail Polish in Static Electricity.  Using 2 Way Nail Art Pens in White and Black for eyes and mouth.

Bert Nail

Using 2 coats of Elianto Yellow as base.  Using 2 Way Nail Art Pens in Black and White for eyes and mouth.  Caress Regular Nail Polish in Neon Orange for nose.

Grover Thumbnail

Using first coat from The Face Shop Nail Polish in BL604, after first coat is dry, applied Caronia Polish in Bliss on top of the first base to create a different shade close to Grover's color.  

Used 2 Way Nail Art Pens in White and Black for eyes and mouth.  Caress Nail Polish in Neon Pink for the nose.

Step 3:
Making the nail art is COMPLETELY dry, apply your favorite top coat to protect the designs.

If you have more time, you can choose to re-arrange the characters and do the same steps on your toenails!  Now, I can literally sing "Sunny day..sweepin' the clouds away" as I strut my childish butt to work!  *lol*

Hope you enjoy my Sesame Street Nails!
You can always choose to do your own favorite Sesame Street characters let me know as I would love to see it!

What's your favorite Sesame Street Character?

Have a wonderful Tuesday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!