Eureka Moment: Sunblock with Menthol + Highest SPF Sunblock

Happy Friday everyone!  If you're in a mood today just like I do, flash me a huge smile please? 

 **photo from source

Any reader of my blog knew how happy I was when the brand Mentholatum came down to our shores.  Gone were the "Stalking Sasa website" days for "online hoarding"!  And I'm even feeling giddier when I learn from my dear twitter friend Mimi when she confirmed that SunPlay is indeed available locally!

Summer season is definitely on our way and there are so many outdoor activities we want to do!  As we get exposed to the sun, the ultraviolet rays are harmful to our skin!  

Confused on the difference of UVA and UVB?

UVA rays darken skin color as it penetrates deeply into skin.  Prolong UVA exposure causes permanent damage to our collagen fiber.  Once damaged, our skin will lose the elasticity leading to wrinkle development and aging.

UVB rays, on the other hand, are known to cause sunburn.  It's when the surface of our skin reacts quickly by becoming red, inflamed and freckled.

When you purchase sunblock, you will also see PA and a couple of pluses (+).  And you think they are just there because it looks cool?  *laughs*

PA+      means 2-4 times protection

PA++    provides 4-8 times protection.

PA+++  gives an 8-time protection or more

Now that you get the basic on sunblock, it is natural we choose a sunblock that contains both SPF & PA factors for broader protection! 

I remember how I get excited on SPF25 as its the highest available in the market back then!  Would you believe we finally have the highest SPF and PA in the market available locally?  Eureka Moment!

SunPlay SPF130 PA+++

Php399.00 (approx $9.50)

• Highest SPF and PA in the market, giving maximum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
• Super sweat and waterproof formula for long hours outdoors and water activities.
• Absorbs quickly onto skin for a weightless, non-greasy feel. 
• Suitable for daily use on face and body

SunPlay Watery Cool SPF65 PA+++

Php349.00 (approx $8.30)

• contains menthol for a cool and refreshing sensation.
• Watery Liquid Formulation provides ultimate sun protection that's weightless and non-greasy.
• Highly water-resistant.
• Ideal for sports and outdoor activities.

There are 2 other lower SPF variants available!

SunPlay Clear Water SPF50 PA+++

Php349.00 (approx $8.30)

SunPlay Powdery White SPF47 PA+++

Php349.00 (approx $8.30)

All of them are ideal for face and body, ideal for daily use!  Local readers can find these exclusively in all Watsons stores nationwide!

Definitely a Eureka Moment for sun protection lovers out there!

It'll be perfect if they bring in Mr. AMW's favorite facial cleanser OXY, which has this cooling effect during wash!  Mr. AMW hoarded in Shanghai and he has one tube left! 

(also made from Mentholatum, same company)

I will review the SunPlay SPF130 PA+++ and SPF65 PA+++ once I've used them!  Do wait for my reviews!  For the early birds who have purchased these, feel free to click comment and tell everyone your experiences on these!

What's the highest SPF you've used?
Happy weekend!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Bulletin: Clinique Bonus

Dear Philippine Readers:

Clinique is celebrating Bonus Promotion from now until  March 20, 2011.  If you plan to purchase a couple of Clinique Products anyways, then do it today because they are giving away Best of Clinique worth php3,000 if you spend Php3,900 and above!  

You can click photo to enlarge for further details!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Version: Neutrals with a Twist

Because I am into neutrals, it doesn't mean that I can't play around with it!  I personally have 2 types of neutrals --- The Barely There Neutrals and the Sultry Neutrals which I call Neutrals with a Twist.  It is a personal preference of mine to go for Barely There Neutral Makeup on regular work days and whip up more eyeshadow or probably add on a falsies on random days that I will be attending a "press conference" just because I am an well-known actress!  *laughs*  

Joking aside, if I am required to be made up, I'll still go for my favorite neutrals but darken it a bit or probably add up a bit more color on my cheeks and lips because I do like the natural makeup in me!

Here's a Neutrals with a Twist, AMW Style!

AMW Diagram

Before I start the explanation, I want to thank my blogger friend  The Purple Snowflake for sending me my first Lunasol Palette, Majolica Majorca palette and Palgantong Theatrical powder for me to give these brands a try!  This tutorial is dedicated to you! :)

Step 1:

I applied my Etude House Proof 10 Eye primer thinly all over the lids patting to make sure its dry.  Using a soft brush, apply peachy eyeshadow shade from the Lunasol Nature Summer Beige Palette all over the lids.

Step 2:

Using the brown eyeshadow from Majolica Majorca BR742 palette, swipe a bit of the color on the outer corner of the lids creating deep set eyes (in my dreams!)  Well at least I tried!  Pack up more colors depending on your preference.

Step 3:

Because I like the gold shimmer from the  Lunasol Nature Summer Beige Palette shown on photo below, I applied it all over the upper part of the crease to blend everything together.

Step 4:

Using my favorite Bobbi Brown Expresso eyeshadow shade, I apply a bit of the matte brown shade close to lashline.

Since I wanted this neutral look to be a bit more dramatic, I used KKCenterHK's A134 lashes.  Using Sasi eyelash glue.  I filled in my brows with Paul & Joe Eyebrow Pencil no. 2.

After attaching the false lashes, I used Revlon's ColorStay Liquid Liner in black to line the upper lash line and cover the gaps in between.

Do not forget to line your lower lash line, you can choose to use your prefered eyeliner but in this tutorial, I am using the Bobbi Brown expresso eyeshadow as a lower lash liner to have a natural effect.

Here's the result!

Of course, as always, here's to show you what's on the rest of my face!

For the Face:
Kevin Beautymaker Oil-Free & Moisturizing

2 Way Powder Foundation no. 3

For the Cheeks:
L'Oreal True Match Blush 

in Aprikot Kiss

For the Lips:

Elianto Matte Berry Lipstick in 03

Mentholatum Lip Balm on top

I am actually on the orange/peachy blush and lipstick look because...I want to give pink a rest in this tutorial!   Now, all I need to do is smile and say... "Friday is Near!!!!"

Do you have your own Neutrals with a twist?
I would say mine is the added falsies!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil

When I visited Korea, I hoarded loads and loads of eyebrow pencils from different Korean Brands.  Looking back, I regret that I did not purchase a single pencil eyeliner!  The past few days, I've given my eyes a huge rest from gel liners and I'm leaning on to pencil eyeliners nowadays!  One reason could be because I am into tight lining more + a few coats of my favorite mascara, I'm ready to face the world!

Just like gel liners, I am opting for the regular blacks and browns even on pencil liners!  I searched through my "makeup backups" for clients and I told myself they won't miss this if I grab one for personal use!  :P

Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Brown

Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner says ---

Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner glides on easily adding drama and definition to your eyes for up to 16 hours. Waterproof formula won’t smear, smudge or fade.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Retractable!  No sharpening needed!
• Has built in sharpener at the bottom end to sharpen the eyeliner anytime, anywhere!

• Glides on easily.
• Matte brown shade is what I'm looking for.
• On tight lining:  Does not transfer to the bottom part of my eyes.
• On upper lash line: stays for the whole day with no smudging (note: author does not have oily lids)
• No allergies or eye irritations even when applied on waterline as it's said to be ophthalmologist-tested.

Cons

• Instead of smudging, eyeliner does fade a bit especially when applied on waterline.
• A bit pricey as compared to other local eyeliner brands.
•  For super oily lids, this may still smudge on them.

Overall

It's a good eyeliner in terms of pigmentation and the way it glides on easily.  This is not the BEST eyeliner pencil around but definitely worth owning.

Tips

• Use an eyelid primer if you have very oily lids.
• Set the eyeliner pencil with a similar colored eye shadow to "set" the liner to make it stay longer.
• Remove eyeliner at the end of the day with a good eye makeup remover and q-tip. Be very gentle.
• Do not twist the eyeliner too much as you may break the eyeliner.
• Try not to sharpen too much, having a super sharp tip can hurt the eye at times!

Will I repurchase?
For the price, I am ok with my Elianto Eyeliner Pencils though.

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who wants the less hassle eyeliner pencil, people who doesn't mind shelling out a bit, and the color brown is so natural to look at its meant for people starting out on makeup and doesn't want the "exaggerated eyeliner" look!

Where to purchase and how much?
At Revlon counters locally for Php475.00 (approx $11.30).

The whole length of the Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil

Applied on hand

Brown is just plain, matte brown, 

no sparkles nor glitters which I like!

Left: Bare Eyes

Right: with Revlon ColorStay eyeliner pencil in Brown

(applied on upper lash line, waterline and lower lash line)

It's no-brainer to reach out for this on a daily basis because of the natural look it gives! 
What's your "No Brainer" eyeliner?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Tip for the Day: How to Have Lively Looking Hair

With the long straight hair a bit out of fashion, girls are now opting for a  natural, wavy hair instead!  I used to like my hair sleek straight because my hair is naturally wavy!  (The rule of WWYDH - Wanting What You Don't Have) . *lol*

Last week, I posted this photo for my Kevin Beautymaker Oil Free and Moisturizing 2 Way Powder Foundation review, some of you commented how you liked my hair (thank you!) shown on photo below and some of you even requested for a tutorial!  Because I appreciate the compliment *ahem*, I've made a simple tutorial on how I can easily liven up the look of my hair whenever I want to!

Excuse me....Hello?

Anyways, back to the tutorial....

The tools I used and you may need ---

Flat iron and a rat-tail comb

It would be great if your flat iron has heat settings.  Medium temperature is my choice! The lesser the heat, the more natural the outcome of curls! 

You can easily say..."Oh? This hair?  It's naturally this way!" *flips hair* hahaha!

Since my hair is layered and not so thick, I sectioned my hair into 2 just like photo below. If you have thicker hair, you can opt to section your hair into 4 parts.  

The rat-tail comb is best used to section your hair.  I like using it to separate the shorter part of my hair which is the upper portion which I like curling first.

First photo: hold your flat iron in an angle as shown on photo, clamp your hair and around halfway through the strand, turn the flat iron 180 degrees into the direction you want your curl.

Second photo: if you want your curls to be tighter, leave the flat iron a bit longer and continue to gently pull downwards.

Third photo: Gently release the flat iron as you move further downwards.

I choose to do all top portion of the layers for that "bouncier" look.  With the same method as above, I  then finish the curling on the bottom part.  I don't need to section as the longer layers are thinner.

Remember, the flip method is a bit difficult and it takes practice, you can always practice with an unheated flat iron! 

*Flip - pull downwards - flip - pull downards*  

It's a chant!

Here's a closer look on how the curls came out with my flat iron.  This loosens up as I don't apply any hairspray nor mousse as I want it to look as natural as possible!

Voila!  Instant Lively-Looking Hair!

Before and after

Tips:

• Make sure your hair is completely dry when you plan to do this.
• Use a heat protectant spray or lotion of choice.
• You don't need to reach out at the back to do the back part of your hair, you can pull the back portion of your hair to the side and curl as usual.  It'll come out good.
• Flat iron can heat up pretty easily so be careful not to burn yourself. (protect your legs as well especially when you're sitting down, you may accidentally drop a very hot flat iron)
• If all else fails, ask help! :)

I hope you get a bit of tip from this simple photo-tutorial.
It's easy for me to choose between straight hair and wavy hair anytime of the day with these easy steps!

What's your secret in creating lively-looking hair?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!