AMW Reviews: Mary Kay "Pink Changing Lives" Creme Lipstick

Happy Friday!!!

Its Mary Kay Philippine's 11th anniversary the month of May and they are thrilled to introduce their two latest product offerings:

• Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara 
• Limited Edition Beauty That Counts Mary Kay Creme Lipstick

Mary Kay Philippines is taking part on its Corporate Social Responsibility campaign called Beauty that Counts to support a local charitable institution in its effort to help change lives of women and children.  For every Mary Kay Creme Lipstick in Give Dreams sold, Mary Kay will donate $1.00 (approx $45.00) starting May 16 to December 31, 2011.

Give Dreams is a shade specifically made for the campaign and to show gratitude to buyers, the lipstick comes in a unique tube that says "Thank You" in different languages! 

Here's the exact lipstick I've been using for more than a week! 

Mary Kay Creme Lipstick says ---

Pink Melon, Shell, Apricot Glaze, Dusty Rose -- these are just a few subtly sweet shades. Long-wearing, stay-true color glides on with a lightweight creamy texture for unforgettable tips. Choose from 13 pout-prettying shades.

AMW says ---

Pros

• For the limited edition lipstick: I have nothing more to say but this is the best packaged lipstick I own!  Love the idea of Thank you on different languages.  

Photo below shows "Thank You" 

in different languages

• For the regular package creme lipstick: really good, plain black lipstick packaging with the shade of the lipstick on top for you to easily see the shade without looking at the bottom for shade name.

**photo taken from website

• Smooth and easy to apply.
• Does not flake on my dry lips
• Very pigmented, one swipe is enough for the color to show up.
• No weird scent.
• It gives a hint of coral and a hint of pink shade which works well on most blushers!

Cons

• Limited edition :( I would love to have this packaging forever! :P  *wishful thinking*
• Shades can only be seen if you meet up with Beauty Consultants, they are not found inside malls.

Overall
Mary Kay Creme Lipsticks are moisturizing, creamy and pigmented.  Stays on lips for a good amount of time!

Tips

• If you have no way to test on products, search for lipstick swatches online.
• If you have extremely dry lips, prep your lips by moisturizing it properly, blot with tissue then apply lipstick.
• To make lipstick last longer, apply first layer, blot, re-apply second layer, blot and go ahead and apply for the third.  It'll last longer!
• Want to lessen the shine of the lipstick?  Pat on translucent powder on top of the lipstick!  It helps prevent lipstick from sliding off.
• If you want shinier looking lips, top with your favorite clear gloss on top of the lipstick!  An inexpensive favorite of mine is the Fashion 21 Fruity Flavored Gloss!

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
All lipstick lovers!

Where to purchase and how much?

Available at Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant by calling them at (632) 859-6211 or visit www.marykay.com.ph if you wish to know more details.  The Mary Kay Creme Lipstick costs Php650.00 (approx $15.10). 

Shade: Give Dreams

Sunny Coral pink

Applied on bare lips 2x each lip

The shade works on any skin color and the color looks brighter as the person gets to be fairer!
Mine look a bit brighter on photos because I have pigmented lips to start with :)
Just in case you see me today, yes, I'm wearing this! :D

Have you tried Mary Kay Products?  
In your opinion, what's their star product?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(Note from Author:Product provided for PR consideration.  All reviews are based on personal experiences, please purchase at your own discretion).

AMW Bulletin: Pond's Flawless White Unbeaten Challenge Open to All!

Dear Philippine Readers:
Remember the Pond's Flawless White Unbeaten Challenge I went through with my co-blogger/friend/sister Sophie?

Recently, Pond's Philippines launched the consumer leg of the Unbeaten Challenge.  Now, you can share your own Unbeaten stories on http://ponds.com.ph/unbeaten/challenge/!

Here are the basic mechanics of the consumer challenge ---

1. Submit a 100-300 word testimonial about Pond's Flawless White to ponds.unbeaten@gmail.com.

• This should include a photograph of the participant with a Pond's Flawless White Product.
• The title of the email must be: "Pond's Unbeaten - (FULL NAME OF PARTICIPANT)".

2. Once the entry is approved, it will be uploaded on the Pond's Unbeaten Site: "http://ponds.com.ph/unbeaten/challenge/index.php"



3. Pond's will randomly choose seven winners among the qualified participants who will get a full makeover:

• Php1,000 gift certificate from Plains & Prints.
• Hair makeover from Creations by Lourd Ramos
• Pond's Flawless White gift pack

4. Promo starts May 1st to July 30, 2011.

If you're a Pond's Flawless White user, give it a try :)
Who knows?  You get the chance to win a makeover!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Version: Purples without the Black Eyed Peas

Happy Thursday! Sorry for the weird title!  Black Eyed Peas lover out there, don't hate me ok?  I just find the title unique and hoping it would catch your attention! (KSP kasi ako) :P  

When it comes to purples, clients would always shy away and say: "I'm not that fair, it won't look good on me, I'll probably look like someone with black eye!"

I actually went through the similar stage when I was still studying make-up!  There are definitely a lot of practice and a lot of color combining done before I found a way to use purples on a daily basis without looking tired or messy!

Note that this is a toned down version because this look is meant for daytime!  Yes, you can wear it at work without getting strange looks from colleagues!

Tips

• Try not to pile up a lot with a single shade of dark purple eyeshadow.
• Use different shades of purples to have "3-dimensional effect."
• Use at least 2 shades to create a purple look, one is any shade of purple while the other is a highlighter!  Could be golds, beige, etc...
• Use an eye primer or eyeshadow base and pat on the dark eyeshadow to prevent fall outs.
• For fall outs, do not use your fingers in wiping them off, gently brush the excess off with a big powder brush or fan brush!  *works ALL the time!*

AMW Diagram

Step 1:
It wasn't shown on photo but I actually applied Urban Decay Primer Potion all over lids.  Applied purple shade from Lancome Color Fan 6 Color Eyeshadow Palette.

Step 2:
With the same Lancome Color Fan 6 Color Eyeshadow Palette, use the shimmery gold eyeshadow on the inner corner of the eyes to create a "brigher" look!  This helps cast away the dark shadow that can make your eyes look tired!

Step 3:

For a fake "deeper set of eyes" look, I used a darker purple shade from my Sleek Divine Graphite Palette.

Step 4:
Apply eyeliner of your choice!  I always go for gel liners or liquid liners!  Pencil liners I use to tight line!

Drew my brows with Paul & Joe Eyebrow Pencil no. 2.  Curled my lashes and used Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Glamour Volume on Mascara in Black.

Here's a daytime, non-tiring eyes

Workable for office girls!

 

Scroll down to check what's on the rest of my face

 

For the Face:
Kanebo Revue Powder Foundation BE-C

For the Cheeks:
The Body Shop's Autumn Leaves Compact

in Shade 02 Berry

For the Lips:
Stila Lip Pots in Amande

Top with Stage Wondergloss in Sophia

Get that lazy bum out of your room!
Face your day with a huge smile!  It's Thursday!
Friday is super reachable!

Have you perfected your purple eyeshadow?
What shade do you pair it with?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Nivea Sun Whitening Face Cream SPF50

Rain may be coming our way but that won't stop me from using sunblock!  I actually use face and body sunblock 365 days in a year!  Well, minus those lazy days, I would say at least 350 days a year! :)

After the review on Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Waterlight Lotion SPF50 PA+++, a lot of you asked me to compare this to the Nivea Sun Whitening Immediate Sun Protection Collagen Protect SPF50 PA++ in which I will review today!

Nivea Sun Whitening Face Cream SPF 50 says --- (as written on box)

• Immediate UVA/UVB Protection System and Active Whitening Care
  Effective protection against sunburn and premature skin ageing.  Protects immediately upon application, no need to wait for 20 minutes.  The formula with Licorice extract reduces skin's pigmentation at its source to effectively lighten the skin.  Reduces melanin production responsible for dark and uneven skin tone.
• Advanced Collagen Protect
  Protects the skin's collagen to help prevent wrinkles caused by frequent sun exposure.

Ingredients: Aqua, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Sodium Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonate, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Glycyrrhiza Glara, Tocopheryl Acetate, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, PEG-40 Castor Oil, Trisodium EDTA, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Trimethoxycaprylysilane, Alcohol Denat, DMDM Hydantoin, Phenoxyethanol, BHT, BHA, Parfum.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Packaging is squeeze-type tube which I like for sunblock!
• Well-sealed upon purchase to maintain freshness.

• Moisturizes skin.
• Water-resistant, perfect for water activities.
• Immediate sun protection which others do not promise!
• Does not oil me up before the day ends.
• Mild fragrance.
• Gets absorbed into the skin easily.
• Has SPF50

Cons 

• Has a tiny amount of shimmer which others wouldn't approve of - oily-skinned individuals or shine-phobics!
• Again, this is a stated fact that most sunscreens contain alochol, this one is no exception. 
• Feels a bit heavier on face as compared to other face sunblock.
• PA++ (2 pluses only as others can offer 3 pluses), PA, by the way is used to measure the protection of UVA rays.  This is no biggie but who wouldn't want to extra plus? :D

Overall

This is a good product for people who like immediate sun protection!  Perfect for swimming as the texture of the product sticks into the skin quite well!

Tips
from Nivea

• Apply generously before sun exposure and reapply frequently, especially after swimming and towelling to maintain the original protection.
• Do not stay too long under the sun, even while using sunscreen.
• Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight.
• Wear protective clothing and use sufficient sunscreen for unprotected areas.

from AMW

• If you have strong allergic reactions to certain ingredients, read labels carefully.  If unsure, test the product on your neck or below the ears for at least 12-24 hours prior to usage.
• Once applied, leave it and let the product gets absorbed into the skin prior to your make-up application.
• Face sunblock is applied after your skincare regimen.
• If you have oily skin to start with, use an oil control primer after sunblock application before foundation application.
• Try not to pile up a lot of product at once!  Apply a thin layer if you're not exposed under the sun for too long.  (Going in and out of the office).
• If you will be staying under the sun for long, apply a generous amount over face do not forget the tip of your nose, the ears, the back of your neck!  These are areas we tend to miss out!

Will I repurchase?
Yes but will use this on outdoor activities.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Drier skinned individuals would appreciate this more!  Anyone planning an outing that entails long hours under the sun.

Where to purchase and how much?
At leading groceries and supermarket for approximately Php379.00-427.00 (approx $8.50-10.00)

The texture of Nivea Sun Whitening Face Cream SPF50

Consistency is not too runny nor thick

Once you blend out the product, 

it creates a white cast with hint of shimmers

With continuous massage, the product gets absorbed into the skin

and gives a very faint film of "not-so-obvious shimmer" 

Note: You can easily counteract the shimmer

with a matte powder foundation or setting powder.

Have you tried Nivea Sun Whitening Face Cream?

I can't seem to attest the "whitening properties" as I haven't finished the tube!  It does maintain shade no matter how many times I've been exposed under the sun!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: Bears Who Care!

Happy Tuesday!  Nail art of the week is up!  You know what?  When I started to do game inspired nail art designs, I've got requests here and there and it was so funny how I always tell them I can't do it but I always ended up doing requests because I am too lazy to think!  

One request coming from my dear "Shobe" as I fondly call her, Sophie!  She requested for the cute fuzzy Care Bears!  I can't draw cute Care Bears using a pen and paper so how can I even survive drawing them on my tiny nails?

One secret that I can share, I set a really low standard so I don't get disappointed!  *hahaha*  It actually worked and look the kind of Care Bears I came up with!  I am even too embarrassed to name it Care Bears!

Introducing...the second rate, trying hard....Copy Cat *ahem* Bear!

 

Step 1:

Apply your preferred base coat, mine is the ZOYA Achor Basecoat in which I've been road testing for a couple of weeks!  Will post a review soon!

Choose any shade for your background.  I chose shade from Essie Polish in Playa Del Platinum.  I opted for one coat as the shade is quite pigmented.  I did not pile up on polish because I want my base color to dry up easily.

Step 2:

Choose your favorite Care Bears character and in my case, I did not choose for my favorite character but I chose for characters that has a nail polish color I own!  I ended up with ---

Pink - Cheer Bear

Green - Goodluck Bear

Yellow - Funshine Bear

Orange - Love-a-lot Bear

Blue - Bedtime Bear

Using the polish brush, gently draw the shape of the bear!  This doesn't have to be perfect as bears are supposed to be furry!

Step 3:

Using 2 Way Nail Art Pen in White, draw the bear's eyes, mouth, tummy, ears, hands and feet!  This gives the bear the "fuzzy" "hug-able" feel!

 

Step 4:

Using 2 Way Nail Art Pen in Black, draw the eyes with a tiny dot and mouth!  You can change the bear's mouth!  My bears have this "o" mouth while the rest have this simple smile!

Step 5: "Cheer Bear"

Cheer Bear has a rainbow on its tummy!  I can't draw all 7 colors so I just chose 3 shades!  Yellow, Red and Blue!  I used the shades from L.A. Art Deco.

Step 6: "Goodluck Bear"

4 Leaf Clover, I have to admit, is really challenging to draw so I just draw whatever "shape" or "form" I can create.  It's the "idea" that counts :P 

 

Step 7: "Bedtime Bear"

Bedtime bear reminded me of Mr. AMW, aside from his love for the color blue, he loves to sleep so this is the perfect Care Bear character to represent him!  I actually used a Nail Art Dotting tool in creating a moon and it worked!  

My nails are too tiny to show detail on the star 

so I put on a yellow dot instead of drawing a star!

Step 8: "Fun shine bear"

This Care Bear character probably represents me!  I like my day to always start with a huge sunshine-y smile!  With a dotting tool, dot on the middle part of the sun and using L.A. Art Deco Polish in Yellow, gently draw the rays of the sun!

Step 9: "Love-a-lot Bear"

Make sure the white portion of the tummy is completely dry before you proceed to drawing anything on top of it!  I used 2 way Nail Art Pen in Red to draw 2 hearts.

Optional:

Apply glittery polish of your choice

Step 10: 
Making sure the nail art designs are completely dry, I topped it with ZOYA Armor Topcoat and UV Block.

In unison....
"Care Bear stare!!!!!"

 

I hope you get the drift!  It's not as cute as I would like them to be but I'm quite proud of the outcome!  It was all freehand drawing and I'm surprised I survived this obstacle :P

 **from Google Images

Enjoy your Tuesday!
What's your favorite Care Bear character?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!