Saturday, July 30, 2011

AMW Reviews: TEARS Glam HD Powder Foundation

TEARS, is a cosmetics brand owned by famous Korean actor Kwon Sang Woo.
I have tried their eyebrow pencil and I was impressed with its quality and they are cheaper as compared to other Korean brands like Etude House, SkinFood, The Face Shop, Missha etc...  I believe the store was on store wide sale when I visited the shop thus the inexpensive price range!  

I went back to the store to hoard on the TEARS Line & Mode Autobrow, I took a bit more time to look around and saw a powder foundation called Glam HD!  

I asked the SA to help me apply the darkest shade (yes, darkest!) which was number 23 Natural Beige on half of my face as I walked around and test the foundation.  The weather was cool then so I really can't tell.  Since I'm there and I won't be returning, I bought it right away because it's expensive for a HD (High Definition)! 
Now that I'm back in our dear hot and humid and crazy weathered country, I've tested and used this a couple of times.  I'm ready to reveal my thoughts.....


Tears Glam HD Two-Way Cake says ---
Sorry, can't find their website and the details on box is in Korean.
SPF25 PA++
Available in 3 shades: 13(Light Beige), 21 (Beige), 23 (Natural Beige)

AMW says ---
Pros
  • Very nice "chic" dark blue packaging.  Shape is unique.
  • The "sponge" compartment has holes for the sponge to breathe.
  • Huge mirror!!!  
  • I think they sell refills!  Even if not, the size of the refill is similar to Revue (Japanese Brand).
  • The texture of the powder is smooth and easy to apply on skin.
  • Evens out the skin.
  • Gives light to medium coverage.  
  • Absorbs the oil after application.  Skin looks fresh and matte.
  • After application, settles into the skin and blends in with the skin color.
  • I've used this for photos with direct flash, my face still looks a bit lighter than the neck but not too much as compared to regular powder foundation.  
Cons
  • Packaging could get a bit too bulky if you have small purse.
  • Since the packaging is a bit glossy, I can see fingerprints after every use!  It irks me :(
  • Only 3 shades to choose from.
  • Dry skinned individuals may "flake" a bit especially on the sides of the nose.
  • Not available locally or even in other countries!  Have to purchase this in Korea or through resellers.
Overall
I haven't tried enough High definition (HD) powder foundation so I really can't compare this to other brands!  This isn't a "To die" for product, MAC Studiofix Powder Foundation has better coverage. Keep in mind for the price of Tears Glam HD Powder Foundation, it's 3x cheaper than MAC and the product performs as it should.  It has oil-control function, evens the skin tone and sets the liquid foundation quite well.

Tips
  • If you want a bit more coverage, use a sponge for application.
  • To be used as setting powder, use a big fluffy brush to apply all over face adding more on areas that you know will oil up.
  • Do not drop the compact!  
  • Wash the sponge before use.  Wash the sponge as often as 2-3x per week if you're using this on a daily basis.
  • Dry skinned individuals: Moisturize really well prior to using this foundation.  This product "sucks" oil.
  • Oily skinned individuals: You can still use your favorite oil-control face primer prior to usage.  If you plan to re-apply, blot your face with a tissue paper or oil-blotting paper so the oil from your skin won't transfer to the sponge.  May cause bacteria build-up.
  • If you have friends traveling to Korea, you can ask them to help you purchase, available at MyeongDong area.  They won't miss it as the store is huge!
  • Re-use the packaging by purchasing refills even from different brands as long as the pan size is similar!
Will I repurchase?
For personal use, I won't.
For clients with oily skin, ok as setting powder!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Normal, Oily-skinned individuals who likes the oil-control plus the smooth and light feel of the powder foundation.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Tears store around 13,250KRW (Php530.00/$12.30).

23 Natural Beige
Freshly applied looks lighter than my skin color 
but it settles after a couple of minutes. 
(I am not acidic)



Applied all over face with sponge, I look fresh! 
If you get the chance to click to photo to enlarge, 
you'll see that the sides of my nose dried up a bit!

Gorgeous case which I wouldn't mind to re-use!
I have a couple of Revue refills that doesn't have a house! :)

Liked any HD Foundation product that's inexpensive?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Friday, July 29, 2011

AMW Reports: Paul & Joe's Summer Collection and I got the Pouches!

Every since I discovered the beauty of SALE (which started long, long time ago!), I also discovered my capability to hoard and stock up (which started when I got a job)  The first ever cosmetic brand that I was willing to spend my hard-earned money on?

You guess it right! Paul & Joe!

Nobody paid me to love this brand.  It must be the gorgeous packaging, the "classy" feel, or it could be the product itself ---- the natural beauty that comes from within.

I used to be updated with the collections from Paul & Joe, but since I haven't been going out much and if I do, it's usually work related, I wasn't able to take a sneak peek on what's out there!  Thanks to the Paul & Joe Newsletter that I got Issue no. 21 which features Blue Heaven for Summer! 


Paul & Joe's 2011 Summer Collection
You can check out more details of the products and prices HERE

And guess what I got from this collection?  No, it's not make-up, but 2 cute cosmetic pouches printed with the Whale Design as part of the Paul & Joe collection!


The smaller pouch, I like to put my mascaras, eyeliners, primers etc... I love that it opens up wide so its easy for me to get whatever product I need!


Closer look at the zipper, there's a cute gold plated whale design!


For the bigger pouch, it has 2 zippers with similar whale design!  This looks small but it can carry a lot of stuff!

 

This is where I put my airbrush products!  On the other side of the zippered pouch, I usually put my powder foundation, setting powders, loose powders etc..


Feel free to add up Paul & Joe Philippines via Facebook so you get updated on their sale schedules or learn about the freebies you can get from make-up purchases!

I actually got myself a Paul & Joe Luggage 3 years ago!  It pays to be a loyal customer!  We get some "cute" perks!

What's your favorite Paul & Joe product?
My vote still goes to the Paul & Joe Dual Protective Powder Foundation.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

AMW Reports: Estee Lauder's Pure Color Event

Do you remember my previous contest from Estee Lauder?  If not, feel free to smile and click HERE.
Estee Lauder came up with Pure Color Lipstick.  Estee Lauder and Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux introduces these to unite fashion and technology!  


The actual launch actually happened  last June 23rd. Unfortunately, busy-bee AMW needs to be someplace else so I wasn't able to go!  I actually used a bit of my mental telepathy and telescopic powers to see what happened to the event and report it to you guys.  :P Just joking, I actually got the scoop straight from Estee Lauder's Brand Coordinator Liz.

The launch was hosted by four iconic femmes at the Opus, Resorts World's restaurant lounge.

Beauty Queen Priscilla Meirelles
Pop Songstress Isabella Ledesma-Gonzales

Sportscaster/TV host Cesca Litton

Fil-Korean Radio Jock, TV Host and Journalist Grace Lee

I was told that each of the lady host represents the brand's thematic color palette - Coral Red, Plum, Nude and Pink.  That's a very cute idea!


There are a lot of press people, fashion and beauty bloggers, stylists and makeup aficionados who graced the event!

  

Congratulations to Team Estee Lauder Philippines for the successful event amidst the downpour! I've actually tested the lipsticks in person and they feel great on lips!  Really moisturizing and the colors are gorgeous!


Can I share to you how AMW can also enjoy the product of fashion and technology?  Check this out!

 Cute right?
But wait til you scroll down....

Tada!!!
My very own Estee Lauder USB!

Ah, simple things in life can put a huge smile on my face!
Thanks Liz for the gift!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!




Studio SnR and Majolica Majorca Gives: A Personal Make-Up Affair --- CLOSED!

A 4-hour paint and play workshop from Majolica Majorca?

Who wouldn't want that?  I am so excited for The Beauty High Tea Series as shared to me by Studio SnR's Sydney!  The first series as discussed on my previous post called Studio SnR x Shu Uemura which I heard, the 20 slots are almost filled up!  So hurry and give them a call if you want to be part of this!

And what got me even more excited?  They are willing to give 1 slot to ONE lucky AMW Reader for FREE!  The fee costs Php3,700 and the workshop is on August 11, 2011. 

FREE!!!! Oh my goodness, I even want to join my own contest!!!  Before you...and I get super excited, read on the mechanics and please follow instructions!  It's easy! 

 **photo from Studio SnR and Majolica Majorca
Mechanics:
  1. Comment ONLY if you can make it to the August 11, 2011 workshop.  It'll be a waste if the winner cannot make it.
  2. Again, if you are SURE you can make it to the said workshop date, comment with your Name and Email address.
  3. Answer this: "Why do you want to be part of this make-up affair?" (sell yourself to us!)
  4. Please keep in mind to post only 1 COMMENT per reader.  (Note: Comments do not appear right away as it needs to be approved by me.)
  5. Like Studio SnR Workshops Page and add them as a friend . (They did not ask for this but I am grateful to them for giving us 1 free slot so I'm doing this as a gratitude!) 
  6. Contest starts today ends August  6, 2011 (11:59pm).  Winner will be announced here and will be sent an email to confirm attendance.
  7. One winner will be chosen by people from Studio SnR. 

If you think you can't wait for the announcement of winners and you want to join the workshop, book NOW until August 8, 2011 and get the chance to avail 10% discount.  Groups of 3 by the way can also avail 10% discount!


Here's what to expect ---
  • Take home a Majolica Majorca make-up set, Hygiene Tools and GCs (redeemable at the counter).
  • Coffee, tea and treats will be served.
For more details, you can contact them via email studiosnr@nipponesthetic.com or call them at (632) 584-5988.

Goodluck!!! *sprinkles fairy dusts*
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Something New: Nivea Visage Sparkling White + 2 Body Products

There's something new going on with Nivea!  Nivea Sparkling White Line plus Nivea Extra White Body Milk and UV Protection Body lotion!  I've been seeing them on shelves and the packaging drawn me to talk about it!


Nivea Extra Whitening 
Inner Cell Repair Body Milk

Nivea UV Protection Body Lotion

Nivea Visage Sparkling White
Whitening Scrub

Nivea Visage Sparkling White
Whitening Foam

Nivea Visage Sparkling White
Whitening Day Cream

Now, where's the night cream?  It'll be great to have Nivea Sparkling White Night Cream :P
Anyone tried any of the product line? 
What's the feedback? 
Now it's time for me to "Ask You What's The Best in this Line!"

Keep smilin'
Stay Happy