AMW Reviews: Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil

Cleansing Oil --- an integral part of my skin care regimen because I use BB cream on a daily basis.

After I finished the Etude House Cleansing Dream Light Cleansing Oil (which I wouldn't mind repurchasing by the way), I searched for my "cleansing oil" backups and found the next in line!

Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil

Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil says ---

Designed for all skin types, this lightweight, emollient oil effectively removes all traces of makeup and cleanses skin while maintaining natural moisture levels. Skin feels smooth to the touch - and is perfectly prepared for the skincare treatments that follow.

Size: 200ml
Main Ingredients: olive and jojoba oils, ginger root

AMW says ---

Pros

• Cute simple packaging with twist open/close pump.

• Has a nice herbal smell that's relaxing as you massage.
• Can remove hard-headed mascaras even the one from Majolica Majorca!  
• Does not blur out my vision.
• No oily after-feel.
• The consistency feels light, almost water-like!
• Skin feels clean and soft right after cleansing.
• Will work for all types of skin.
• No allergies or skin irritations.

Cons

•  If you are not used to spending much on make-up removal, this may put a big hole inside your pocket!
• Will not remove all traces of hardcore gel liners! When I say hardcore, its HARDCORE plus all the tight line!

Overall

I have used a good chunk of cleansing oils!  I have been a loyal Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil user and have gulped finished 4 huge bottles!  After my Korea trip, I've been testing a lot of Korean Cleansing Oils and I am quite impressed with them which opened up the door to try out other cleansing oils.  

The Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil works just like what cleansing oils are supposed to do!  It removes make-up, it feels light, it makes my skin soft and bright right after cleansing and best of all, it has a lovely scent which other cleansing oils out there do not have.

A perfect indulgence, but if you're on a tight budget, there are cheaper alternatives out there that may take a longer time to work but still, a saving is A SAVING!

Tips
from Bobbi Brown

• Pump a liberal amount into your hands. 
• Gently apply to your dry face, lightly rubbing lashes into the oil to remove eye makeup.
• Massage your face with wet hands. 
• Rinse with warm water. 

from AMW

• Keep in mind to always apply this with DRY skin.
• If I may add, pump 2-3 times if you wear less makeup.
• Pump3-5 times if you're wearing heavy makeup.
• Do not be in a hurry when it comes to cleansing, I've read somewhere that it takes the same amount of time you put makeup on to remove them!
• Close your eyes all throughout and gently massage the oil on your lids, the lashes, and gently feel the mascara slide off, keep on massaging until you feel your "original" lashes, emulsify, continue massaging then gently wash off with water. 

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who wants to indulge on a Cleansing Oil.  All skin types.

Where to purchase and how much?

Available locally at Rustan's Makati and Rustan's Shangri-la Mall for Php1,850.00  (approx $43.00).

You can check out reviews and comparisons from other bloggers
Lipglosseater
Prettybeautiful
My Women Stuff


Are you a cleansing oil user?
What's your favorite brand to date?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Readers' Corner: Q&A from Ask AMW!

Hi AMW Readers!
If you notice, I tweaked my blog a bit, nothing huge but there's a page called Ask AMW located at the upper portion below the banner, a lot of you noticed the additional page and have sent me various queries which made me happy because I'm not called AskMeWhats for nothing right?

Since I find myself answering the same queries over and over again through email, I guess it's time I put back this Q&A portion so everyone can join in!  Think of it as.....a coffee break!  We're talking about the things we love! 

Of course, only valid questions can be posted here, if you ask for my credit card information or ATM pin number, I may send you the answer....only if I go crazy! :P

Are you ready?  I'm excited!  Oh, the questions are copied straight from the reader.  There may be grammatical errors or spelling mistakes but I hope you understand that this space is for us to learn tips, tricks and product information.  Be nice okay?

Ask AMW #1

Hi. I was so glad to hear positive comments about Revlon Colorstay Aqua mineral foundation. I just love the product! I heard about Revlon's PhotoReady and I was wondering which to purchase- compact or make up.

Also what brand of Colorstay lipstick would you recommend?

How can i achieve / how to do a natural look? I have a few blemishes and oily skin. Still I really love to wear make up (looking very natural) everyday at work and in going to malls / church.

Thanks so much!

AMW says 

When you say compact or make-up, are you referring to purchasing the Revlon PhotoReady in Liquid or Revlon PhotoReady Compact Makeup?  (You can click both links for past reviews).

**photo taken from Revlon website

Since you stated that you have oily and blemished skin, I suggest you go for the Revlon PhotReady Compact Makeup (cream version) as it has lesser sparkles.  The liquid version has more shimmer which will make you look oilier!

For a natural-looking makeup, apply a thin layer all over your face adding more on areas you need coverage.  With a foundation brush, use the same cream foundation to spot conceal areas like your blemishes!  Always set with an oil-control setting powder or powder foundation. 

Ask AMW #2

I've been wanting to buy a BB cream, but I don't know what brand will look good on me. I would like to purchase one of the Face Shop's BB cream (since it's inexpensive,around 400 ) but I don't know which of which of their BB creams because they have 4 different kinds. Can you help me choose one? Thanks a lot in advance:)

AMW says 

**photo taken from Google Images

When it comes to BB cream, sad to say, no one can dictate which one works for you but you have to try them yourself .

What you can do is to look for the specific requirements your skin needs: Is it brightening? Moisturizing? Oil control?  From there, you can trim down types of BB creams you can try!  If you are living in the Philippines, there are some re-sellers selling BB cream samples at an affordable price!

Ask AMW#3

Hi Nikki!  Can you share to me your Michael Antonio shoes?  I plan to buy and I hope the sale is still there!  Oh, and is it only at Resort's World?  Thanks and more power to your blog!

AMW says 

Oh, you must have read my tweet about the 2 pairs of Michael Antonio shoes I bought 2 weeks ago at the 3rd floor Newport Mall, Resort's World.  They also have brances at 2nd Floor SM Annex North EDSA, 2nd Floor Archeology Section, Powerplant Mall and 3rd Floor Trinoma.  I have to admit, I'm not sure if SALE is still ongoing, you can always call in the branch to check!

 

The branch at Newport Mall is not that big but I was lucky enough to see the red tag SALE! (Thanks to Mr. AMW for taking this shot while he waits)

I bought 2 pairs of shoes on sale.  Each pair originally costs Php1,120 (approx $26.00) and I bought them for Php699.00 (approx $16.25).  Great deal!

Danielle (Blue Shoes)

Naomi (nude pink shoes)

Ask AMW#4

Dear Nikki,
Super love your blog!  By the way, I have read that you purchase from Strawberrynet.com.  Can I know how long did you receive your package?  Are they safe?

Thanks!

AMW says 

**photo taken from Strawberrynet.com

I have been a Strawberrynet.com customer for years!  I do not order from them frequently but when I see good deals or if I need to replenish my make-up kit, I am very confident in ordering from them.

How long will you receive your item?  We can never tell.  Most of the time, Strawberrynet ships order approximately 3-4 days upon receipt of payment.  I tracked the packages before and so far, the package leaves Hong Kong promptly.  I think it's our local customs and postal office that's taking time. 

A quick tip, I have purchased a couple of mascaras from the site and found them to be old or drying, so I steer clear from buying mascaras there!

Ask AMW#5

Hi! My name is *****. I’m 19 years old, currently studying Culinary Arts in Benilde.

I just want to ask you a few questions about HD Makeup Studio and Academy. I’m really, really interested to enroll in a Makeup School. And from all the different schools offering different makeup courses, HD Makeup Studio is by far my first choice. What do I need to have in my Makeup kit when I enroll? Can you please guide me in buying stuff that I need to be able to start my dreams of becoming a make-up artist? J I don’t know what stuff to buy. I want to buy stuff that are appropriate for makeup school but affordable at the same time. And what do I need to know prior to our first class?

Thank you!! Hope to hear from you soon!

PS: I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!

AMW says 

I am such a late bloomer, I've been applying make-up on my friends forever but I never thought of doing it professionally!  So kudos to you for realizing your dream as early as 19!


Here's the thing about makeup school, before you start buying products, I suggest you visit the school .  Visiting the school gives you a chance to check out their facilities, see if you have a good "rapport" with the teacher, and you can even get to have trial class!

Things to ask or keep in mind ---

• What are the classes available?  Do you prefer whole daytime classes or nighttime classes? Maybe, you want them over the weekend?
• Does the school provide models or do you have to bring your own?  You have to take this into consideration.  It's better to work on different faces than just 1 or 2 faces for the whole curriculum.
• If the school does not provide models, call your friends and set up a schedule with them.  As much as possible, use different models on EACH lesson.  Working on different faces makes you feel more confident with your skills after you graduate.
• Does the school invite you for make-up gigs after graduation?  You can ask for the list of events the school have sponsored.
• Get the list of products needed for you to jump-start make-up learning.  Ask suggestions on which brands to use or what shades to purchase.
• If you are on a budget, you can share with your classmates products that you know you won't use much!  I remember sharing the DARK COCOA foundation with my classmate because I don't want to spend full price and not use it much!  Purchase good quality containers.
• Do not pressure yourself into buying just because "your classmates have it", buy because you needed it and you will be using it at least 5 times!  That's my benchmark by the way!
• Be friendly!  Learning make-up with people who have same interest as you is FUN!

I hope you're not bored with my Q&A portion!  My apologies for cutting this short!  I have more questions left unanswered on my email box!  Give me time and I'll try to answer them as much as I can!  Thanks for the trust!

Have a wonderful Friday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(All answers are 100% my personal opinion.)

AMW Reviews: San San Everyday Cheek Tint

Benefit's Benetint is famous for their gorgeous cheek tints! Unfortunately, the brand is not available locally so we have to settle for other brands and I may have to say (with conviction), most of them don't come cheap!  

I have tried The Body Shop's Lip and Cheek Tint and it works fabulously!  Like most cheek tints, working fast, I mean, really fast is one requirement that you should master!  Cheek tints are known to dry quickly even during application, a lot of us find it quite hard to blend!

There's actually one cheek tint brand that does not require you to work like a superhero!  San San Everyday Cheek Tint!  Read on for the rest of my review!

San San Everyday Cheek Tint says ---

For a natural-looking flush after moisturizing.
Size: 10ml

Ingredients: Aqua, Propylene Glycol, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Ascorbyl Palmmitate (Vitamin C), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Proply Paraben, Methyl Paraben, Phenoxyethanol. 

Available in ONE shade only.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Cute and simple packaging.
• Well sealed upon purchase.

• Inexpensive.
• Doesn't dry up easily as compared to other cheek tints.
• Gives a super natural flush.
• Used as blush powder base, the blush powder stays a bit longer.
• Does not trigger dryness.
• No weird scent.
• No skin irritations or itchiness.

Cons

• If you want the cheek tint to show up, you have to apply a lot!  
• The brush that comes with the product is not that good.  Can't complain for the price though.

• I find this product takes a bit longer time to dry up as compared to other brands.
• May slide off if you have super oily skin.

Overall
Promises the natural flush the product promises!

Tips

• Since the product shows up a bit light, I suggest applying this after your "powder foundation" or "setting powder".
• Add the product as desired.
• Grab a bit of product, apply it on the apples of your cheeks and gently "dab".  Dabbing will make the product show up more.

• If you want a more obvious cheek tint, drop 4-5 drops of San San Everyday Cheek Tint on a cap, use a stippling brush to "stipple" the product on the apples of your cheeks.
• You can top the product with your favorite powder blush.  Once the powder blush disappears, you still have a naturally colored cheek tint underneath.
• Always stand back and check your application.

Will I repurchase?
I seldom repurchase cheek tints as it takes me forever to use up.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who is into very natural-looking blush.  People who are into "obvious" blush won't appreciate this product.  Best for normal and dry skin.

Where to purchase and how much?
Can be found on HBC site for $3.93 (approx Php168.00), or local HBC stores for less than Php200.00

One swipe, you can see how "watery" the product is

With a "patting" motion, product well distributed 

and dried up into a super natural, sheer red color

Applied on cheeks without powder blush

Super light and natural 

What's another inexpensive cheek tints you have tried for daily use?
Give us a shout out and I'm glad to check it out too!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(Product sent for PR consideration.  Review 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Bulletin: Airbrush Workshop with AMW and Beautynomics!

Hi everyone!  Airbrush makeup has been getting its good reputation and I'm glad local companies like GlamBox Airbrush Cosmetics are coming up with a simpler system for simpler ways to beautify oneself!

Gosh, an afternoon filled with beauty talk?  I'm excited!  I hope you are too!

30 spots will be up for grabs.  Comment on GlamBox Airbrush Cosmetics Fan Page or email them at glamboxcosmetics@yahoo.com and tell them why you want to join!  (More details below as taken from GlamBox FB Page)

What: GlamBox’s First Ever Airbrush Makeup Workshop!
Who will conduct the workshop: This event is organized in cooperation with Nikki of Askmewhats.com and Sophie of Beautynomics.com. Both top beauty bloggers will teach the participants how to use airbrush make up and share other beauty tips.

Where and When: The event will be held at the Bulb Studio on July 30, 2011.
Who can join: This contest/workshop is open to all GlamBox fans and readers of Askmewhats.com and Beautynomics.com

Can't wait to spend a fun-filled afternoon with my dearest friend and sister Sophie and, hopefully, YOU!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

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!