AMW Reviews: Purederm's Nutritive Firming Hydro Pure Gel Mask

I haven't been on mask mojo lately, you want to know why?  If you read my twitter messages, you'll know that I'm addicted to games lately and I've been finishing up games after games after games!  I've been sleeping late for a couple of weeks!  I know, it's not healthy!  And NO, I'm not on my second childhood! :P

I was on the roll with Purederm masks when I was sent with a couple to try!  I have been quite lucky with most of the Purederm Products I've tried as they work for me!  Or have I spoke too soon?  

There is one that gave me the allergies and I took note on the ingredients as my skin is sensitive, and I have to admit, I do have allergies to certain ingredients I can't tell up to this very moment! 

(Note from AMW:  Not everybody will have the same allergic reactions as I did.)

Purederm Nutritive Firming Hydro Pure Gel says ---

Contains high-moisturizing ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin to deliver results. You will notice the mask become thinner with time, as the active ingredients get absorbed into your skin.

The rich invigorating mask is enriched with Caviar Extract, Green Tea Extract and VitaminE and other natural ingredients to visibly nourish, lift and firm your skin to bring back it’s youthful glow. Leaving you looking and feeling for the day ahead!

Use this for: Uneven Skin Tone, Brightening

AMW says ---

Pros

• Easy tear packaging.

• 2 sheets, upper part of the face and lower part which makes it easier to adhere to each individual's face shape.
• Sticks to the face easily!
• Moisturizes the skin even after several days.
• I can instantly see and feel the "brightening" effect of this mask right after I peel it off.
• Has a nice cool sensation.
• People may find the gel-like texture weird but I personally like it, its the best fitting face mask I've tried!
• Expires after 3 years from manufactured date.

Cons

• Gave me a bit of allergies on the lower cheek and chin area a couple of days after.
• The firming effect cannot be seen or felt at first usage.

Overall

This is one of the few masks I really love!  I call it LOVE-at-First-Use!  This mask gave me the instant moisture that stayed for several days after first usage.  I may have to add that the instant brightness that my skin exudes is a huge plus! Sad to say, one of the active ingredient that's part of this mask isn't meant for me!  Allergies around my lower cheek and chin area occur for the next 4-5 days!  It wasn't that bad but it was definitely itchy!  This was the only "new product" I've tried when the allergic reactions happened.

Tips
from Purederm

• Thoroughly cleanse and dry face.
• Take out and unfold the mask and apply it on your face.
• Wear the mask for 15~20 minutes and peel off slowly from the edges.

from AMW

• Make sure to apply this on clean, dry face.
• Do not leave for more than the amount of time stated in the instructions.
• Once mask is removed, gently massage the remaining ingredients onto the face for absorption.
• Check on ingredients and see if you are allergic to any of it.
• If signs of itchiness or irritations occur, remove mask immediately and wash your face with your facial wash.
• If signs of irritations appear several days after, try not to self-treat it but have it checked with a professional.
• Avoid using on blemished or acne skin.

Will I repurchase?
No.  I'll give other variants a try.

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who's not allergic to any of the ingredients in this mask.  For people who likes the natural bright skin plus the moisture!

Where to purchase and how much?
At Watson's or local beauty stores for Php199.75 (approx $4.65) per sheet

The back of the packaging, 

with Korean and English instructions

A closer look on the gel-like mask

Sticks to the face like a glove :)  

Now I look like Shrek!  Or Princess Fiona? :D

After removal, fresh faced!

Too bad, I am really in love with the moisturizing power and the brightening power of this mask!
If only I can find a similar mask that works the same minus the allergies!

Ever been allergic to face masks?
Share 'em and we can take down notes!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Product sent by company for review.  The author is not affiliated with the company and all reviews are done base on author's personal experiences.  Please purchase at your own discretion!)

AMW Reviews: San San Mousse Foundation

I've got to learn about San San makeup when Kris Aquino was the endorser for the said brand!  I've always been interested with their lipsticks or the nail polishes but never took a second glance on their foundation!  When I was requested to do a review on some San San products, I am glad the San San Mousse Foundation was included as these reminded me of the famous "Maybelline Dream Mousse Foundation".  I've never tried the Maybelline ones by the way as I've always been turned off with the look of their "dried up" testers.

San San Mousse Foundation says ---

San San Mousse Collection has an air whipped formula that provides long lasting colour. It glides on smoothly and blends easily for a natural radiant finish. The products under the Mousse Collection are enriched with Vitamins A, C and E and are sold at a price affordable to the budget-conscious beauty shopper because HBC believes that everyone has the right to be beautiful.

AMW says ---
Pros

• Inexpensive!
• Gives light - heavy coverage.
• Can be applied with fingers, sponge or brush.
• Doubles up as a concealer.
• Matte, powder finish.
• Blends easily with fingers!  No harsh lines nor white casts.
• The texture of the mousse foundation is okay to "mix"
• Does not oil up easily (base on my dry skin).

Cons

• Jar packaging makes it difficult to pick up product especially with long fingernails.
• Limited shades!  
• No SPF
• Can show skin flakiness if you have very dry skin.

Overall

For its price, you've got nothing to complain as it gives a nice coverage at the same time, the finish is quite natural!

Tips

• Request for a "makeover" or at least, try on their testers before you purchase.  Not a difficult choice as there's only 3 shades to choose from.
• Use a spatula instead of your fingers for hygiene.

• Warming up the product on your "clean" hands for ease of application.
• If you really like the coverage of this product, since it's not expensive, you can purchase 2 shades and mix them together!  You have to try it before you purchase if the mixing works on you!  (On my part, I mix a bit of the Natural with Olive).

• For Oily Skin:  Use an oil-control primer prior to application.
• For Dry Skin: Mix a fragrance-free light moisturizer onto the mousse foundation, blend in prior to application.

• For Sensitive Skin: test the product behind your ear or below the cheeks and leave it a couple of hours before you apply it all over your face.
• Do not skip your skincare regimen.
• Do not forget your sunblock!
• If you tend to oil up, dust the areas that oil up easily with a setting powder or oil-control powder.

Will I repurchase?
No.  Not for my skin type.

To whom do I recommend this to?

Normal or Oily skinned individuals.  It would be best if your skin color is either of the three shades available.  Mixing shades at all times will be a bit tedious!

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at HBC stores for Php150.00 (approx $3.50) each.

A closer look on the shades from their jars

 Natural is great for people with yellow skin tone

 Beige has a bit of pinkish undertone to it

 Olive has a bit more orange shade 

which makes it good as an under eye concealer

Applied on hand with a spatula

 

 A Mix of Natural Mousse Foundation and a tiny bit of Olive

Applied on moisturized face

As seen on the arrows, there are obvious dryness on my drier areas like the sides of the nose, sides of the lips and the chin area.

I mixed a drop of Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer onto the Mixed Moussed Foundation, blended well with my fingers and applied on my other cheek.  Looks much better!

Do you have foundation that tends to dry up your skin?  Have you tried mixing them with a light moisturizer?  It works especially if you feel guilty throwing out a product you spent much on!

Have you tried San San Mousse Foundation?
Let me know your experience and more tips will be very much appreciated!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Note from Author: Product provided for review purposes.  The author is not paid to write this post. All information written are based solely on author's personal experiences.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Eureka Moment: A Quad So Versatile...

Today's Eureka Moment is not from a Japan Home Center or from any supermarket or department stores.  This is quite a unique Eureka Moment entry because I actually got this for free and it has been sitting inside my make-up drawer for months and months! 

Mind you, this is not even a full size!  It's a tiny sample size of the Bobbi Brown's Champagne Quartz Eye Quad.   The packaging is so tiny its actually the same size of some single eyeshadow packaging out there!

 

Champagne Quartz Eye Quad includes Bone Shimmer, Champagne Quartz Metallic, Copper Sand Shimmer and Expresso.

• Bone Shimmer has a hint of shimmer with almost matte white texture.  This works best to highlight browbone area.
• Champagne Quartz Metallic has a bit of similarity with the famous Stila Kitten eyeshadow.   Gives out a very subtle glow which works well to blend in smokey eye makeup or just use as a base!
• Copper Sand Shimmer can pass for a deep gold/coppery shade with specks of gold shimmers!  This gives out a nice wash all over your lid!  Best applied on the inner thirds of the lids. 
• Expresso, the name speaks for itself, plain dark brown chocolate shade!  No frills, just matte dark brown perfect to be applied over the outer-v for that deep set eye look.  Or apply all over the lids to create a single colored smokey eyes!

The sample size of this quad has been kept inside my makeup drawer for months so I am not sure if they still sell the full size of this quad!  I believe you can purchase each eyeshadow color though at Bobbi Brown counters. 

A photo of the sample sized Bobbi Brown Quad

against my tiny hand

Here's to show you how versatile this tiny palette is!  I actually found this to be really useful on one make-up gig I've done for 6 clients.  

(Note from AMW:  I did not use all 4 shades on each client, its a mix and match of various eye shadows but I've used at least a single shade from this quad in each of them)

From a teenager

To Young Adults

 

  

To Adults

 

  And a Mature Client who's proud to be 87 years old!
My oldest client to date :)

I found ways to use the tiny, yet powerful quad to each of the clients shown above!  I will definitely be taking it along with me on all gigs and it won't leave my train case for now!

And here's a proof on what smiling can really do....

Brings out natural beauty, with or without makeup!
So where's that smile of yours?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Note from Author: Make-up done by Nikki of AMW, Hairstyle by Yrynne)

The Flavors and Benefits Behind Your Favorite Tea

The Chinese invented Tea.  I am Chinese, I should know everything about tea! Well, I am no expert on tea but I do have my fair share of tea tasting!  I do drink tea on a daily basis and I've tried so many brands of tea both sold in China, Hong Kong and locally!

My knowledge on tea was enhanced when I worked in China for a good 3 years.  Most of my students who were older than me would treat me for a tea session after class to show me the beauty of tea-making, at the same time, its a healthy way of bonding and learning about their culture.

I used to know only 3 types of teas ---

AMW Reviews: Beautymaker Oil-Free and Moisturizing 2-Way Foundation

Kevin Beautymaker

Is it a person or a brand?  It's actually both!  I heard about this brand and person 5 years ago as I love watching the Taiwanese beauty show called "Queen/Nv Ren Wo Zui Da".  

Kevin is a famous make-up artist and beauty adviser in this show.  People in Japan, Hong Kong and Korea love and trust his products because Kevin of the said TV show.  Kevin aside from being the "guru" in this show has also come up with beauty books and has written in magazines to teach women how to take care of their skin and how to put on make-up thus making him popular around Asia.

I've always been looking around for Kevin Beautymaker products from Ebay but failed to purchase any due to expensive shipping prices!  When a reader Bon, emailed me about her multiply site, I checked her site right away and found that she sells a lot of Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese make up and skin care products which a lot are "quite in demand"!

One of the brand I want to covet is Kevin Beautymaker.   I checked on the album and saw quite an intriguing product.  I usually stay away from anything Oil-Free because it meant "dryness" for me!  I got a little confused when I saw a 2-way foundation that has Oil-free and Moisturizing in its name!  I must give this a try!  I want to have an inexpensive alternative for my favorite P&J Dual Powder Foundation anyways.

Kevin Beautymaker Oil-Free and Moisturizing 2-Way Foundation says ---

Hi-tech elastic water-retaining powder particles, holding on tight to water molecules, seamlessly attached to the skin and forming a summer as if light and clear of a pristine skin quality, capable of sedating and moisturizing skin for the long haul.  The light power foundation that keeps skin soft and tender all day long.

Made in Taiwan

Ingredients: (you can click photo to enlarge)

Shades available:

AMW says ---

Pros

• Wrapped quite well for safe transit.

• Packaged in a simple white compact which looks clean and nice.
• The sponge that comes with the compact is made of good quality.  Does not tear up easily and can be easily washed.

• Has manufactured date so you can gauge on how old the product is or when the expiration date is.

•  The sponge area has holes or vents to make the sponge "breathe".

• Gives light to medium (dry application) or even heavy coverage (wet application).
• Can be used wet or dry.
• Gives a nice coverage, looks very natural both in person and on photos.
• Gives a nice control on the areas that oil-up and moisturizes the area that dries up.
• No skin flakings.
• No skin irritations.
• Product has no weird scent.

Cons

• Limited choice of shades!
• The packaging is quite huge!  
• Difficult to find your right shade especially if you're online buying!
• Some products are not readily available so you have to wait for weeks.
• No SPF.

Overall

Gives a nice, natural look minus the cake-y feel.

Tips

• If you chose to use this dry, use it dry all the way.  If you prefer to apply this wet, apply with wet method all the way!
• Do not drop the product to prevent the mirror or the powder from cracking.
• Use a k-brush (kabuki brush) for light and very natural coverage.
• Use a sponge and press gently onto face for medium to heavy coverage.
• Sensitive skin may need to test the product on the lower chin area or under the ear to make sure no skin irritations will occur.
• If you have dry and flakey skin, moisturize your skin properly prior to usage.
• Do not forget your sunblock as this product does not contain any SPF.

Will I repurchase? 

Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who is into powder foundation.  Whether you have dry, combination, normal or oily skin.  

Where to purchase and how much?

At wehaveit43.multiply.com or visit them at their store in Banawe. The product costs Php900.00 (approx $21.00) plus shipping.  They also sell various BB Creams like L'egere and BRTC!

You can also visit their shop called ---
Wang Lai Mart

876-D Banawe St. Barangay Siena, QC

(Beside Hap Chan Restaurant)

Tel. no: (632) 749-1264

Open hours: Mondays to Saturdays 9:30am to 9:00pm

A sheet of paper written in all Chinese included inside the box.

 Do not fret, the box has English translations at the back portion

Plain white packaging 

 The size as compared to IPhone 3GS

Kevin Beautymaker is a bit bigger

The thickness of the phone and the foundation 

is almost the same

I chose the darkest shade which is no. 3 Natural

 

A closer look on the sponge that comes with the compact

Do not do this in public!  *laughs*

Have you heard about Kevin Beautymaker?
Have you tried any of his products?
What's the best?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Note from Author: Product sent as gift.  The author is not affiliated with the company. All information written are based solely on author's personal experiences.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)