AMW Reviews: EOS Sweet Mint LIp Balm

EOS - Evolution of Smooth

The name itself says it all!  I've seen various beauty bloggers raving about the said spherical-cased lip balm!  I've been wanting one myself but I swore myself not to do much international online shopping because it takes forever an a day before it reaches me!

Thanks to my dearest Shobe Sophie for giving me one to try!  And she knows me too well because she gave me the flavor I would choose in a blink of the eye ---  MINT!

After a week of using this on a daily basis, I will give my initial review as I have been applying and re-applying this on my lips for "God can't even remember!" :P 

Here's how the inside looks!

EOS Lip Balm says ---

Can a lip balm make you smile? We think so. That's why we invented this one.

• Long-lasting moisture
• Shea butter & vitamin E
• Smooths on clear
• New smooth sphere precisely glides on to lips
• Twist-off top
• Gluten-free
• Paraben-free
• Petrolatum-free
• Phthalate-free

EOS lip balm is 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free. Packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil, EOS keeps your lips moist, soft and sensationally smooth.

Available in: Summer Fruit, Lemon Drop, Honeysuckle Honeydew, Medicated Tangerine and Sweet Mint.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Packaging is the cutest I've seen!  Enough said!

 

• Sealed quite well once new. Expiration date printed on the packaging.

• The packaging can stand on its own which makes it easy to put on top of your work desk or vanity table.
• 95% Organic, makes me confident to apply this on my lips and I wouldn't mind eating this!
• No petroleum or paraben that other lip balms have!
• Not tested on animals!
• Inexpensive, I've checked multiply sellers selling these for less than Php400.00.
• Because of its unique shape, packaging, easy glide-on-lips balm, I find myself addicted to re-applying my lip balm which makes my lips more moisturized!
• I do not need to blot my lip balm before lipstick application as this one isn't waxy so lipsticks do not glide off.
• The minty feel of Sweet Mint lasts for more than 10 minutes! 
• With its wider shape, its easy to apply also on the corners of my mouth and outside the lip area which usually dries up easily on me.

Cons

• Not super moisturizing as expected.
• Not widely available in local market.
• The lines on my lips did not disappear or at least lessen its appearance.
• I was told that not all the scent are a hit!  It really depends on your personal preference.
• Once you lick your lips, you can literally taste a very sweet, sugar-like substance.  

Overall

The texture of EOS Sweet Mint Lip Balm is almost the same as my favorite Mentholatum Lip Ice in Lemon minus the waxy feel!  This is going up the notch as my favorite lip balm because of the fact that its Organic and Paraben-free! 

Tips

• Read ingredients list and expiration date before you peel off the wrap!  All the writings will be gone! 
• Slowly twist the cap to prevent ruining the cute lip balm!
• Apply this on clean and dry lips!
• As much as possible, wipe the top part of the balm with a clean tissue at least once a day.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes lip balm application.

Where to purchase and how much?
Search local resellers via Multiply.  Price between Php300.00-450.00 (approx $7.00-$10.00).

Here's the size of EOS Lip Balm
A bit bulky for a lip balm but 
I like how I can easily grab this inside my bag!

Have you tried this famous lip balm?
How do you like it?
I personally think there are better lip balms out there BUT
because of its smart packaging, gorgeous Sweet Mint scent, I can't stop re-applying!
*re-applies* Seriously, I just did!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: AMW Nails on StyleSpeak July 2011 Edition

Happy Tuesday!  Because of my super busy schedule over the weekend, I wasn't able to do my nails but it does not mean that I won't be showing off my nail art for the week!

Last month, I was contacted again by the wonderful staffs of StyleSpeak Salon & Spa Journal (India).  I've contributed to them my Christmas Nails which was featured January 2011!

One feature was enough to put me on Cloud 9!  But thanks to the people working for StyleSpeak for entrusting me with another nail project!  I was requested to do a Water Marble Art specifically for The Nail Issue StyleSpeak!   How can I say no to such sweet request?  

If you have seen my nail art tutorials, you've probably noticed how I don't do Water Marbling because I find drawing my nails therapeutic, and I didn't know I was going to enjoy this nail art design as much as regular drawing! 

After a couple of tests, I've finally came up with my favorite shades which is evident that I like them so much because it was the similar color I used as my wedding theme.

Blues and Pinks!

A closer look on how random the lines are but still look presentable!

I finally got my own hardcopy of 

StyleSpeak Salon & Spa Journal 

The Nail Issue July 2011!  

My own 2 full page article on Marble Art

You can checkout instructions by clicking the photo to enlarge!

2nd page to finish the Marble Art technique

Some tips to keep in mind if you plan to do Water Marble Nail Art ---

• Always test your nail polish by dropping it on distilled water and see if the polish will spread out.
• Do this on room temperature and never do this in front of a fan.  It may dry out the polish easier thus preventing it to spread out.
• Be creative, do not worry about color combination but drop as many shades as you want!
• Tape your fingers as this can get really messy!
• Use a sharp tip to spread or create random designs!  Each nail doesn't have to look exactly the same so...chill! :P
• When it comes to dropping polish shades, work fast!  Super fast!
• For the water marble to show up better, use a Matte White polish underneath.  Then once you're comfortable with this technique, you can experiment with different shades as base.

Any other tips you may share? 
Thanks StyleSpeak India for yet another chance!
I will hold onto the copies for life!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Celeteque Advanced Anti-Wrinkle Ultra-Hydrating Cleanser Light Cleansing Oil

Remember the event I attended regarding the 3 Celeteque Star Products?  If you don't remember, I reported it HERE.  Since I still have tons of moisturizers to test, and if you remember me saying how I "drink" my cleansing oils!  I am halfway done with my Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil which leaves me to try different brands and save up the pricier one if I have more make-up on! 

That made me a smart girl right?  If you disagree, consider yourself *whipped* :P  Out of the 3, I've given Celeteque Advanced Cleansing Oil a test and used it for more than a month before I've decided I'm ready to spill the beans!

Celeteque Advanced Anti-Wrinkle 

Ultra-Hydrating Cleanser Light Cleansing Oil says ---

It's a make-up remover, ultra-hydrating cleanser and an anti-wrinkle product in one bottle.  It gently and effectively removes deep-seated dirt and impurities while maintaining the skin's natural level of moisture, instantly leaving the skin velvety soft and dewy without the grease after-feel.  It has Dual Vitamin Regenerating Complex that promotes healthy tissue regeneration, increasing elasticity and moisture content that helps firm and strengthen skin. With continued use, it improves skin smoothness and dramatically reduce fine lines in 6 weeks.

Available in 50 ml and 100ml.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Simple clear bottle makes it easy to see how much product left.
• Can remove eye makeup and a bit of mascara.  For a product this inexpensive, I am impressed with its make-up removing skill!
• Leaves skin soft and supple even after using your favorite facial cleanser.
• Helps relieve dry and itchy skin.
• Though product instructions did not advise us to use this on the eye area, I tried using it and doesn't feel a sting!  
• No weird scent.
• No skin allergies or irritations after use.

Cons

• Not available worldwide.
• Oily-skinned individuals may find this cleansing oil too rich for their taste.
• May still cause allergic reactions to some super sensitive skin as this product is so rich.

Overall

Proud to be Pinay! 

This local product is inexpensive and works!  I can't tell about the Anti-Wrinkle claim yet but this product is effective as not much tugging is needed.

Tips

•  Put a few drops of the product on a cotton pad instead of cotton ball.  I find that the product gets distributed easily and you don't need a lot to cover up the pad.

• Gently apply on face and neck and gently massage if needed.
• Rinse off excess oil with lukewarm water and follow up with your preferred cleanser.
• If you have very dry patches or areas on skin, apply a good amount concentrating on the dry area and leave it overnight, you'll wake up with softer skin!  I tried it on one rough spot on my elbow which works!
• If you plan to remove eye make-up or brow powders/pencils/gels, close your eyes and do not open it until you are sure the oils have been washed off completely.
• Different individuals may react to certain ingredients, always do a patch test first before you apply all over your face to prevent mishaps.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!  I like using this to remove my face makeup and lipstick!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who's comfortable to put oil on their faces! :)

Where to purchase and how much?
Available in Watson's for Php199.00 (approx $4.75) for 50ml Php369.00 (approx $8.80) for 100ml

I use this to remove my 

powder foundation and blush

 

I used one side of the cotton pad with 3 tiny drops

and gently leave it on the eye make-up.  Gently massage and wipe off.

I forgot to take a photo but I did use this to remove my lipstick too!  

One side of my eye,

Eyeshadow, Mascara and Gel liner removed!

Local readers, have you tried this inexpensive Cleansing Oil from Celeteque?
What's your take on this?
International readers, what's the most inexpensive Cleansing Oil you tried that works?
Brand names and price details will be well appreciated by me and readers!

Have a great start of the week!
Keep Smilin'
Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Golden Fortune Seafood Restaurant

Over the weekend (Saturday), we celebrated my mom's birthday at King Chef restaurant!  Yup!  A repeat performance!  I was there for the Grand Launch of King Chef Fine Dining Restaurant and the meals served are really good that I wanted my family to give it a try and I'm glad they did and enjoyed it!  Since I blogged about the said restaurant last week, I won't be writing about it but instead, I'll talk about another Chinese Restaurant we visited over the week.  In our family, bonding means EATING! :D

Golden Fortune has 2 branches at Binondo, the newer one serves dimsum and rice toppings while the Golden fortune Seafood Restaurant can serve food that is good for 1 whole table! (12 people).

We arrived a bit late so my sister did the ordering!  I don't have the price details because it wasn't our treat!  It's embarrassing to stare at the prices of each dish! 

Yang Chow Fried Rice

Birthday Noodles

Beef with vegetables

Tofu

Fried Chicken (Whole)

Over the weekend the place is always packed with families for gatherings so better visit the restaurant as early as possible!  The service is just ok, everyone's so busy so it takes 2nd to 3rd call to get what you need!

Golden Fortune Seafood Restaurant

G/F, Peace Hotel, 1283 Soler St., Binondo

Manila, Metro Manila

Philippines

Tel no: 632-244-2777

What's your dish craving for the weekend?
I'm thinking BonChon Chicken after make-up gig! :)
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reports: The Launch of Shu Uemura's Color Atelier

Make-up palettes... best friend of any make-up artists out there and I am sure a lot of you MUAs are nodding!  I love palettes as they save up space and you can bring a lot of shades without using much space inside your train case!

**various photos taken from Google Image

"But I'm not a make-up artist!  I do not need all those shades!"

Those are the lines I heard from readers who reads my blog to learn makeup to prettify themselves!  I'm sure not all of you plan to do this professionally, and because of that... I'll be reporting a palette so wonderful because..

You can be the stylist of your own palette.  Feel free to mix, match and customize your colors for infinite make-up repertoire.  That's the promise of Shu Uemura's Color Atelier!

I was invited to be part of the launch of  Shu Uemura's Color Atelier at Shu Uemura's Boutique at Rockwell a couple of days ago! I got in the boutique, I can breathe and feel....home!

I was greeted by the super friendly Ms. Nina Solano, Business Development Manager of Shu Uemura Philippines.

She explained and showed to use the Custom Case Refillable palette which is available in 3 sizes to enjoy customization.

**Photo taken from Shu Uemura

Yes, you can purchase the custom case palette and purchase eyeshadow shades or glow on shades depending on your mood, occasion, fashion, or style!

Mono Case Php450.00 (approx $10.50) - can fit 1 pressed eye shadow
Duo Case Php500.00 (approx $11.60) - can fit 2 pressed eye shadows or 1 Glow On
Quad Case Php1,095.00 (approx $25.50) - Can fit 4 pressed eye shadows,  2 pressed eye shadows with 1 Glow On or 2 Glow On.

Different Combinations

Mono Case + 1 Pressed Eye Shadow (Php1,145.00/$26.60)
Duo Case + 2 Pressed Eye Shadows (Php1,890.00/$43.95)
Duo Case + 1 Glow On  (Php1,595.00/$37.00)
Quad Case + 4 Pressed Eye Shadows (Php3,875.00/$90.00)
Quad Case + 2 Glow On (Php3,285.00/$76.00)
Quad Case + 1 Glow On + 2 Pressed Eye Shadows (Php3,580/$83.00)

Here are the shades of Pressed Eye Shadows.  

Refill costs Php695.00 (approx $16.15)

Shades for Glow On

Refill retails for Php1,095.00(approx $25.50)

We were assisted by Shu Uemura's professional and talented make-up artists Roy (L) , Patrick (R).

Tara choosing her favorite Glow On shade.  I think she got a very bright pink Glow On which suits her skin!

Patrick giving Shen a makeover!  She ended up with refreshed look and gorgeous looking brows!  Can't stop staring at her wonderful brows after the makeover!

With eyeshadow and blush pigments all over my hands (from all the swatching), I was telling Tara that I love make-up so much I'm eating them together with Dulcinea sweets!  Really yummy!

The Bloggers and Guests who were there for the launch of

Shu Uemura's Color Atelier

 

Some suggested looks worth sharing!  I am so excited to create different looks for different occasions.

Thanks Nina, Roy and Patrick for the gorgeous time and warm welcome and assistance!  Thanks Shu Uemura Philippines for the invite!
Would you purchase this palette?
What shades/combination would you choose?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!