Wednesday, June 8, 2011

AMW Reviews: Lunasol Micro Finish Powder N

Lunasol, the brand I've been stalking for years!  I remember reading reviews and raves from international beauty bloggers and I've been putting this product in and out of the "online shopping cart".  What's stopping me is the price, and the fact that the product may get lost along international transit which will probably put me in *insert dramatic music*  tears!

Can you imagine my glee when Kanebo Sale took place at the same building I work at?  I visited the office on the first day of sale and it was Lunasol heaven!


What caught my attention is the Lunasol Micro Finish Powder N.  I am on the look out for a good setting powder for clients. The thing is, I cannot bear purchase a full size not knowing if I'll be able to use it or not.  Thank goodness for sample sizes!  The Kanebo sale actually includes 3.5g sample of the Lunasol Micro Finish Powder N, I got it in 02 Natural Beige as shown on photo below.



Lunasol Micro Finish Powder N says ---
This finely granulated face powder produces skin that looks so clear, it nearly becomes transparent. Just apply it gently with the puff and the soft granules are absorbed by the skin, giving your complexion moisture and fine texture. It enhances the holding effect of your foundation, staying fresh for hours and maintaining a soft, light clarity. Its blend of treatment ingredients cares for your skin.

Available in 2 shades: 01 Translucent and 02 Natural Beige
Size: 20g

AMW says ---
Pros
  • Super gorgeous packaging, both full size and sample size.
  • Has a sticker upon purchase for freshness.
  • The puff that comes with the product is very soft.  The sample sized puff is too small though, but perfect to use under the eye area.
  • Finely milled powder, feels so soft once applied on skin.
  • Make-up sets pretty well for the whole day (for dry skinned me).
  • Gives a nice "inner glow" that you can't pinpoint.
  • No obvious sparkles and does not create white cast on photos.
  • A little amount goes a long way!  I still have enough product from the 3.5g sample size.
  • Skin feels smooth after application, does not settle in fine lines.
Cons
  • Can aggravate dryness if not moisturized well.  Photo below shoes the dry nose area.  I did not apply any moisturizer prior to application.
  • Is not visibly available everywhere!
  • Loose powder = messy! :) 
Overall
The product applies like a dream and the shade 02 Natural Beige gives out a matte yet soft finish!

Tips
  • Choose to use a powder brush for a more translucent finish.
  • Use a sponge to gently pat on areas that oil up easily to "set" the make-up.
  • Do you have darker skin color?  You can still choose 02 Natural Beige and use a big powder brush to set instead of sponge.
  • Do not forget to apply all over your face and neck area!
  • Blot off excess oil prior to re-application!  
  • Wash the sponge that comes with the product upon opening.
  • Applied too much?  Spritz your face with facial mists and the "powder" look will lessen.
Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone into loose setting powder.  Perfect for oily, combination or normal skin!  Dry skin individuals can use this as long as you moisturize well prior to make-up application.

Where to purchase and how much?
I bought my sample size for Php300.00 (approx $7.00) while full size costs more than Php1,000.  Sorry I did ask but I forgot the exact amount.  You can find them at Kanebo/Lunasol counters at Rustan's.

  A closer look on the finely milled powder


 Applied all over face 
using a mini K-brush (Kabuki Brush)


Have you tried Lunasol Micro Finish Powder N?
What's your skin condition and how did it work for you?
What's a must-try Lunasol Product?


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Tuesday, June 7, 2011

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!

Monday, June 6, 2011

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!



Sunday, June 5, 2011

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!