AMW Bulletin: Ask House of Obagi and Win!

Dear Philippine Readers:

How was the rest of your Tuesday?  Mine went a bit slow but I'm glad I survived!  Let's not forget the super hot and humid weather early afternoon then sudden rain late afternoon, the weather is just as crazy as a woman!  *laughs*

Ok, I nearly forget what's the point of this post! (as always) I've seen a contest going around which I think AMW readers would be very interested in!

ASK HOUSE OF OBAGI

and get a chance to win Obagi Professional C Serum 15%

**photo taken from HOO Facebook page

I've seen the wonders of Obagi from beauty blogging friends and I know a lot of you would want to be given the chance to try their product!  The price is steep but I've heard it's worth it!  I hope an AMW reader wins!!! *biased mode* hahaha

LIKE House of Obagi Facebook Fanpage and follow instructions!

Goodluck!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Note from author: I am in no way affiliated with the company, this post is for information purpose.)

AMW Reviews: Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer

With my skin condition, I actually can live without a foundation primer, but because I apply make-up on clients and most of my clients need the help of a primer, I've been purchasing and looking for the best foundation primers in the market!  

I've tested quite a number and Laura Mercier is actually one of those brand names I wanted to try.  As I was going to re-purchase my Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Light which has been out of stock for a couple of months, I've decided to give Laura Mercier a go! 

Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer says ---

• Specifically created for oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin types; oil free
• Contains high water content and addresses surface dehydration around active blemishes
• Oil controlling ingredients ensure long-wear and flawless application
• Vitamins A, C, and E act as antioxidants & protect the skin from harmful, aging effects of the environment
• Cooling Foundation Primer in the refrigerator is refreshing for the skin and reduces puffiness
• Non-comedogenic
• 1.7 fl. oz./50ml

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Stearic Acid, Isodecyl Isononanoate, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, C22-20 Alcohols, Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Esters, Phenoxyethanol, Boron Nitride, Silica, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Allantoin Tocopherol Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Hamaelis Viginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Retinyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Polyamino Sugar Condesate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Chlorphensin, Benzoic Acid, Polysorbate 60, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Saccharomyces/Xylium Black Tea Ferment, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Potassium Sorbate, Green 5 (CI 61570), Yellow 5 (CI 19140). 

AMW says ---

Pros

• Squeeze type packaging, makes it easy to control how much product to dispense.
• Specifically created for oily and acne-prone skin which means the product is gentle.
• Aside from the oil control property, it contains Vitamins A, C and E which acts as antioxidants that protects our skin from make-up and pollution.
• Make-up stays for the whole day, skin looks refreshed. 
• Lightweight.
• No white cast on flash photography.
• No weird scent.
• Doesn't dry out my skin as compared to other oil-free foundation primers.
• Lines aren't emphasized.
  

Cons

• A bit pricey as compared to other foundation primers that are coming out in the market.
• Product only lasts for 6 months upon open. :(  Too fast!

• People who like the "mattifying" feeling won't find this in this primer!  This feels like regular moisturizer.

Overall

The Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer is worth the money in terms of making your make-up stay longer.  It helps skin looks healthy and smooth when you apply make-up on.

What's better between LM and Smashbox?  I would still prefer Smashbox Photo Finish Light for Bridal Clients but on a daily basis, LM works and is gentle on skin! :)

Tips

• Apply skincare before you apply this foundation primer.
• If you use face sunblock, apply sunblock first, leave it and let it absorb for a couple of minutes before you use the foundation primer.
•  Massage a liberal amount all over the face.
• Try to avoid eye area as much as possible.
• For dry or mature skin individuals, you can opt for the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Hydrating.
  

Will I repurchase?
Yes, this is my next alternative for Smashbox Photofinish Primer Light.

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who wants to oil-free foundation primer PLUS the added benefits to heal the skin.  Best for normal to combination skin.  Those with super oily skin may find the oil-control power is not enough.

Where to purchase and how much?
I got mine at Strawberrynet.com for $39.00 (approx Php1,600) free shipping worldwide.

White Liquid that isn't too watery nor creamy, 

just the right texture and gets absorbed into the skin after massage.

Applied tiny amount on hand

A bit of massage and patting,

gets absorbed without any "shine" nor "film-like" texture

Have you tried LM Foundation primers?
What's you're favorite oil-free primer to date?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reports: Nuffamily Day!

Remember my Yakult Factory Tour?  It was one of those exciting days I will cherish because when you get out of school and you start to work and have a lot of responsibilities, short weekend trips are considered luxury!  I thought the field trip is over and I need to wait for gazillion years for my next trip! 

Thanks to Nuffnang Philippines for inviting us to join their first Nuffamily Day!  It was moved to June 4th instead of May 28th due to Typhoon Chedeng, I am glad the weather was good to us as it was so bright and sunny! 

**photo taken from Nuffnang PH

If you like sleeping during travel, then I strongly suggest not to sit beside me! :P  The fun trip starts right inside the bus!  A concert is definitely happening because the JAC Liner bus we rode was into songs from the 80's and early 90's!  Air drums?  Hairbrush used as mic?  We have it all!

Oh the bus is so cool because it also has free WIFI access so I was able to update everyone via Twitter!

Once we arrived Crosswinds Tagaytay, gorgeous place by the way!  We were given mats for us to comfortably sit and enjoy the view!

 I'm with the gorgeous girls (L-R) Dang, Tara, Jheng, Sophie and Mr. AMW!

The event was hosted by Nuffnang's Marcelle!  The event started with fun games like newspaper/manila paper dance! 

"Hep Hep, Horray!" game lead by Trixie!

 

I did join one game, "The Boat is Sinking"!  I can get quite competitive when it comes to games but hey, I have a heart, I can't be wild and crazy against kids!  So I just did a couple of rounds and have to give my slot to a boy who nearly cried when he thought he lost!  *laughs*  I'm a good "ate" (sister)! 

Abundant chips from Jack n' Jill, Jollibee Chicken Burger, Pizza Hut pizzas and mozarella sticks were served as we were playing games!  The final game was to challenge everyone to be unique in showing how much they love Nuffnang!  Some did it with body spelling, others created adjectives from the word "NUFFNANG", some used the trash from food to form the word "NUFFNANG".  Everyone was creative and everyone who joined won an overnight stay at Crosswinds Tagaytay!

I have to insert a gorgeous photo of sunset!

As the skies turned pitch black, its time for our final and one of the most exciting activities for the day!  We were told by Nuffnang's Country Manager, Carlos Palma on why they thought of lantern lifting!  It was inspired by....you guess it right, the cartoon Tangled!

Here are the girls helping each other lit the lantern!  Hi to Earth who's also there!  

Dang and Tara's Lantern finally ready, Dang is setting it free! :)

It was a super memorable event and I want to thank all the hardworking people from Nuffnang Philippines.  We weren't able to take a good shot of everyone as a lot of them were busy at the backstage!   From the bottom of my heart, thank you Nuffnang Philippines for making us feel special!

A shout out to a newly adopted friend, Ms. Katrina Ong from Skechers

 

Last but not the least, I want to thank the ever dependable and super supportive Mr. AMW for taking all the photos and for being our "dad" during the trip!

To the sponsors, thanks for making this event happen!  

**photo taken from Nuffnang PH

I want to go on short weekend trips every now and then to unwind!
What's your most recent trip? Where did you go and what did you do?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Stackers Burger Cafe

In the middle of the week, Mr. AMW and myself was at the Resort's World not because we're playing Casino but because we were there for an event!  After the event, we were still full but we wanted to try the new Burger place in town --- Stackers Burger Cafe!

STACKERS is all about 3 things : a tasty BUN; juicy 100% Australian Beef; and a complementing signature SAUCE of your choice. That's our frame, our canvass for a simply Auss'm burger.

I opted for something light just to give their food a try!

Chicken Fingers

Php148.00 (approx $3.45)

5 pcs breaded chicken tenders with gravy and fries!

Tender is right!  I love how tender their chicken tastes though their gravy could use a bit more taste!  I actually asked for their "Burger sauce" and actually liked it better!

Stack Burger

Php98.00 (approx $2.00)

Lettuce, Mayonnaise, Beef Patty, Tomato Slice and Onion Bits

Because we were quite full, we opted to try the simplest version of their burger!  The beef is quite thin so it was a wrong  move! :P  We were told by our friends to order the thicker beef patty, choose from Stackers Original!

Coca-Cola, Stackers Iced Tea and Fries 

with Sour Cream and Cheddar Powder

Who knows how Wendy's Iced Tea taste like?  The iced tea served here is similar to the one at Wendy's!  Same with fries!  I like the fries without the extra flavoring.

Stackers Burger Cafe

4th Floor, Newport Mall

Resorts world Manila Pasay

Tel. no: (632) 659-8271 or (632) 659-8287

I believe they also have branches at Eastwood and McKinley Hill!  The restaurant accepts cash and credit card payment, no service charge!

Oh,  if you are on my Twitter, you probably have an idea what I did yesterday!  I had a short trip to Tagaytay with fellow Nuffies for the Nuffamily Day!  It was super fun and here's a preview of what we did!  Will talk more about it once I get the chance to settle my mind from all the excitement, the singing, the dancing and the eating!  

That's me with my Lantern, 

so difficult to lit but worth it!

Enjoy your weekend food tripping!
What's your favorite burger joint of all time?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Something New: Vitacreme B12 Regenerative Cream

 I got an email from Diane last month asking me if I'm willing to review Vitacreme B12, I actually went online and read about the said brand first before I agreed!  I have to let you know though that you will probably see a review on this after several months!  So if you're interested to read about reviews on this product, you can Google search the brand for reviews and see how the product works for different individuals!

For now, here's what I can share...

Vitacreme B12 are formulated and manufactured in Switzerland.  The basic ingredient, guiding of all Vitacreme B12 products is the vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin).

The pharmacological studies have shown that vitamin B12, when applied in percutaneous application, increases the elasticity of tissue by promoting the reorganization of the network of elastin fibres and the production of collagen fibres.  In short, it gives the effect of "skin rejuvenation".  

Benefits of Vitacreme B12

• Stimulates renewal of skin cells
• Hydrates and softens skin tissues
• Rejuvenates and improves skin elasticity and firmness
• Revitalizes and diminishes age lines and existing wrinkles
• Helps to prevent premature wrinkles
• Repairs and rebalances the skin's natural defense system
• Relieves and soothes chapped skin
• Smoothes or attenuates new or old scars
• Helps prevent peeling after a sunburn
• Can be used as a day cream and/or cosmetic base

I also research and read reviews before I start using a product to know what to expect, I actually read that the said product does help the skin feels smoother especially for users who are under skin treatment!  Others find this to make the skin more moisturized which equates to oiliness!  

I actually tested a bit of the product on my arm and below the ears for 3 days before I will go ahead to test the said product.  I plan to use this once every 3 days increasing the frequency as I go on. 

Exclusively available for Php1,895 (approx $44.00) in Watson's and SM Department Stores (SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Cubao, SM Makati and SM Mall of Asia). I will update this post once I get the exact price.  For more information, visit www.vitacreme.com.ph

Expect me to report back once I'm ready!
For now, has anyone tried this? 
Care to share your thoughts?  I'd love to hear from you!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!