AMW Bulletin: Group Deals and False Advertisement --- Beware

Cleverbuy.com.ph
Dermaesthetique

Both companies left a bad taste in my mouth.  Let me tell you why....
A dear reader emailed me and asked me if I am affiliated to this said Clinic because she saw my before and after shot.  I clicked on the site and here's what I saw...

Perfect! From Php2,500 to Php250.00 Great deal right????

WRONG!
I saw my own before and after photo

And obviously, it was a before and after shot of a review I did

Obviously, not from a treatment from Dermaesthetique

For the Record:

I have never tried any Under Eye Circle Treatment

and never stepped in Dermaesthetique Clinic

Fast forward, I gave Cleverbuy.com.ph a call, asking them who's at fault here.  In all fairness to the manager "Wax", he admitted they were the ones who stole my photos and they apologized and told me they'll remove the photos.  

At the same time, I emailed Dermaesthetique via their FB Page.

Shared to everyone via Twitter and FB Wall, I did my part!  I hope they'll at least contact me to apologize.

Well, of course not!  That's why this post was created!  I seldom get angry for long and I actually told myself I'm not going to dwell on this issue as its just a waste of my positive energy.

Then, I got a message from a dear FB friend telling me Cleverbuy did not remove my Before and After shot on their FB page.  

Really....... seriously.........

I had to click to enlarge as I couldn't believe it.  I would know that's me as I own that face for 32 years, well, I started looking like that around 12 years old, so fine!  For 20 years!

*pissed off Nikki* I gave Dermaesthetique a call and I was told by the "receptionist" that the Dra. (who's the owner) already knew about it and asked me to call Cleverbuy instead as she knew "nothing" about the incident.

*more than pissed Nikki*

I told the receptionist I won't put down the phone unless I talk to a marketing person or anyone in-charge of dealing with deal sites.

I got a name... Dra. Emilou Eclipse, she's the owner of Dermaesthetique.

I gave her a call on her clinic, another receptionist answered, telling me she's busy.  Asked me to call back 5 minutes after.  I told her I'll wait, and I did...and it has been more than 10 minutes when the line was cut.

(okay, by this time, I should have ran out with an ax like a headless chicken)  But I didn't, I was surprisingly cool.

I called back and Dra. Eclipse picked up the phone.  I told her my concern and she insisted that she was advised by Cleverbuy that they will use "authorized" photos or stock photos sent by the company to the deal site.

Okay, my first question was:
"If you're the owner of the company, won't you at least CHECK out the deal that was pasted all over the net?  Aren't you even alarmed to see a before and after shot of someone who did not go through your treatment?"

She agreed.

Second question:

"Who's the owner of the site's FB page?"

She said she is.  I told her I sent her a message, and she said she read it but was "too busy" as she's not always in front of the computer.

I told her if I am the owner of the clinic and there's someone complaining about the stolen photo, won't she at least email me and apologize?  Okay, I don't even need apology, I just want to see what actions she will take.

Obviously NONE.

So anyway, I won't waste much of this blog space.  I'm actually not ranting, I am perfectly fine.  What I want is to tell EVERYONE to be careful with companies like these!  Imagine, how difficult it will be to talk to them if you have issues with a certain treatment done at their clinic?

I don't need to talk more, you decide and tell me if these people are worth trusting or if you would trust your hard earned money or face in companies like these.


P.S. I know companies have "stock photos", whether they are real or not, I don't care!  Just don't steal mine.
P.P.S I'm not creating this post to pull down both companies, I just want to make you "aware" and be careful with deals you purchase.  I cannot tolerate stealing of photos and using them for ads on services I did not even avail.


My friends from Malaysia have something to say about Deal Sites, read them as they're super helpful ---
My Women Stuff 
Pretty Beautiful


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: Charm Dream Brow Duo Brush

*trying to raise my brows* 

You know what?  I can't seem to be blessed with the "raising of the eyebrows" talent!  Oh well, all I can do for now is prettify it!

I've been an eyebrow pencil user for a year now but do you still remember the first "Drawing Your Own Brows" Tutorial? No?  Click HERE for the super oldie but goodie post!   I used my favorite MAC e/s in Coquette as brow powder back then and I'm missing it! Are you wondering why I stopped?  

*blushes*

Well, I lost my favorite eyebrow brush from G-Lish!  You also can't remember this brush?  Well, I loved it so much I created a special post just for the tiny baby! (Click HERE).  

Don't get me wrong, I do have at least 3 professional brush sets for my client and I have a brow brush there but I just don't want to take it away from its "family"!  (Weird reason I know!  But that's just me! lol)

During the GlamBox  Airbrush Workshop last month, my dearest teaching partner Sophie gave me the Charm Brow Duo and I've been using this a lot!

Fast forward, I messaged her to request her to sell this separately because I want purchase as "gift" (Christmas is near!) also,  for back-up! (Just in case !)

EUREKA MOMENT!
They are sold separately for Php300.00 (approx $7.14)!!!

Charm Dream Brow Duo is a dual-ended brush with two powerful brushes that would help you achieve those perfect eyebrows :

* Our special angled eyebrow brush is designed to pick up even the most hard to pick up eyebrow powder pigments, and apply them effectively on your brows! The precise ends also help you draw or shade your brows with precision, but still looking really natural

* Our brow spoolie is your ultimate ally in grooming your brow hair - use this as a brush to keep your eyebrow hairs in one direction , as you can also use this to apply your eyebrow mascara!

A closer look on the natural bristled eyebrow brush

firm with the right kind of stiffness, easy to control.

Brow Spoolie

Not as harsh as other spoolie brush I've tried.

You can purchase this online.
Or visit Purbeauty in Serendra and Shangri-la Crossings.
Have you found your Dream Brow Brush?

P.S. Please do not forget to join the GSL Gives: Smooth Skin In Seconds Giveaway!  This contest is only from September 22-25, 2011! Goodluck!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

GSL Gives: Smooth Skin in Seconds --- Closed!

Frankly speaking, I am very picky when it comes to contests for my readers.  If the mechanics include doing this and that plus opening up this and that pages, I tend to say "no" to the contest as I love AMW readers so much I want everyone to win as easy as 1! (not 1-2-3!)  *lol*

GoodSkin Labs is an exception!  Let me tell you why....

If you read my GSL products review, most of them, or shall I say ALL of them are a HIT in my dictionary.  Next reason?  My clients can vouch that I really use GSL products!  Especially issues of skin concerns like dryness, wrinkles and a whole lot more of skin issues. 

So, when Rizel reached out to me and asked me if I want to hold this contest for my dear readers?  Without a doubt....YES!

For AMW Readers, you are 3 steps away from winning your very own Smooth-365 tube this September!

Step 1:

Tweet this message between September 22-25, 2011 
"Want to achieve #SmoothSkinInSeconds ? Follow @askmewhats and join our discussion (insert URL of this blog post)."

**please take note that all Tweet Elements in the box above should be incorporated in your tweet.  Other, GSL won't consider your post as valid entry.


Step 2:
Finished tweeting? Head on to Smooth Skin in Seconds topic at GoodSkin Labs Philippines and finish this sentece:

I want to achieve smooth skin in seconds because ... (insert your reason)

**no specific requirement/s in your indicated reason but GoodSkin Labs would love to read creative posts.  (Hint: 3 creative reasons posted under the topic will be given their very own Smooth-365 as well!)

Step 3:

Leave a comment in THIS blog post with the following details:

• Your complete name
• Link to your tweet
• Posted reason at Smooth Skin in Seconds Topic

To make things easy, this is the formula!
Tweet + Reason + Comment = 1 Entry *

*You may however join the contest again under 2 partner bloggers.  This will serve as a separate entry.

TWO Winners will be chosen randomly via random.org.  All winners will be announced on September 30 and will have 48 hours to send their contact information via email.   If the winner/s failed to respond within 2 days after announcement, GSL will be selecting another winner/s.

Disclaimer: The contest is open to Metro Manila residents only.  Winners will be requested to have their prize picked up at GSL office Manila.

Please read instructions so your entry will count! :)

Goodluck!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Tip for the Day: Faking soft, dewy skin!

I have been requested so many times to do a tutorial on creating a fake "glowy", "bright" or "dewy" skin.  I know its easy for me to do such as I have dry skin to start with.  What about our oily gal friends out there?  I've thought of ways and finally done a very simple one that anybody of any age can do!

Keep in mind that practice makes perfect, it helps to try out different products and see which works best for you!  In this tutorial, I am using the simplest and most effective way to date!  Believe it or not, I'm still on trial and error and will definitely share again if I've found a better way.  For now, lets settle for this...shall we begin?

Sorry but there's no other better model than myself!  I can't seem put myself out there and randomly ask for people willing to be my model! *hahaha*  So please do not get tired of my face okay?  If you do...hmm...come here..want cookies? :P

Step 1:

• I moisturized my skin with a light moisturizer.  Oily-skinned individuals can go for oil-free moisturizer.
• Once the moisturizer sets in.  I used a brightening face primer from Benefit's That Gal.  (Other alternatives to try: your choice of sparkly BB cream, tinted moisturizer like Myra Vitaglow Tinted Moisturizer)
• With my Charm stippling brush, I applied a light liquid foundation (like that from Revlon's Photoready Foundation or Paul & Joe Cream Foundation) applying only on areas that needed coverage).

Step 2:

Oily-skinned individuals complain about their face oiling up in no time.  Pick up your favorite oil-control setting powder.  In my case, I am using the Majolica Majorca Pressed Pore Cover  picking up a bit of the product with a K-brush or any powder brush, pat ONLY on areas that oil up (ex. t-zone, sides of the nose) and leave the rest as it is!  Oh, it helps to keep on "pressing" the brush with a bit of the powder on those oily areas and it'll help absorb excess moisture and oil.

Do not forget to bring your favorite oil control films.

Step 3:

Look inside your makeup kit for highlighting powders.  They usually come together with a contouring powder.  If you don't have any, no need to purchase.  Look into your eyeshadow collection and search for a semi-sparkly eyeshadow (can be pressed or loose) that works on your inner corner of the eyes or on the browbone.  If the shade works on those areas, you can use this to highlight your face!

In this tutorial, I am using Bourjois Pastel Lumiere Pearl Eyeshadow in Beige Rose.  The name has rose to it but it is not pinkish at all!

I do own a couple of highlighting powders like the one from Paul & Joe or another white eyeshadow shade from my Eyeko Pretty Eyes Palette.  Be creative and experimental!  What's the worse that could happen?  If all else fails, you can wash your face!

Step 4:

To make your "highlighted" and "dewy"-looking face more obvious, its best to use a bronzer as a blush!  This gives out a super natural, healthy glow!  At the same time, the "glow" from the bronzer can help make your face looks "fresh" and "dewy" at the same time!

Added tips:

• Other people would use Petroleum jelly and apply it on parts of the face to create that "dewy-ness".  In my opinion,  I'd rather have you skip it the tip stated is applicable for countries with winter season!
• If you over applied your powder, fret not, have your moisturizing facial mist ready and spritz all over your face and leave it to dry on its own!  It does not only help set your makeup but it makes your skin look and feel fresh!
• I forgot to take a shot of it, but to add up the "dewy" look, skip heavy lipstick and moisturize your lips with your preferred lip balm and top with a super wet-looking gloss!  (local readers would know this brand but Fashion 21 makes super nice fruity scented clear gloss for less than Php100 and it tastes so good!)

Any other tips you would like to share to our readers?
Feel free to share by clicking the COMMENT section!

Sharing is beautiful!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Avon Extra Lasting Eyeliner (Metallic Black)

Will you kill me if I blog another eyeliner?  If yes... can I make a request?  Don't make it too painful ok? *crossing my fingers*

On a little bit more serious note, this is a different eyeliner review mind you, it was a gel liner a week ago and now I'm on liquid liner!

Do you still remember the last liquid eyeliner I reviewed from Revlon?  I actually "hit the pan" and finished it because I love the applicator so much I tend to use it more often than gel liners, its easier to bring when you travel too!

It was a lovely surprise when I saw Avon came up with a similarly "packaged" liquid liner and I'm game to give it a try!  This time, its not going to be the regular matte black but in "shimmering black".  In Avon's version, it looks a bit "grayish" which makes it even more exciting!   

(I hope you forgot to kill me at this stage! :P)

Avon Extra Lasting Eyeliner says ---

Intense liquid color glies over lids without smudging or fading.

Ingredients: (Click to enlarge)

AMW says ---
Pros

• My favorite liquid eyeliner packaging to date!  (same as the Revlon).
• Very sharp tip, easy to manipulate the brush.

• Short and semi-stiff applicator, it can move a bit as compared to other "felt-tip" applicator.

• The shade Metallic black looks quite natural, you won't see big sparkles.
• The liner can withstand heat and humidity.
• Lasts approximately more than 8 hours on me without fading.
• Inexpensive.

Cons

• Very tricky to apply.
• Not readily available everywhere.  
• Can irritate sensitive eyes especially if you applied on the lower lash line.

Overall 

The shade Metallic Black gives a very natural look for a liquid liner.  On a normal work day you want to have long-lasting eyeliner minus the smudging or fading, this is the perfect liquid liner to use!

I tested this product on extreme condition.  I actually wore this when I did some jogging for an hour.  I may note perspire as much as other people, I like the fact that I came back without the panda eyes.  The Avon Extra Lasting Eyeliner is indeed...lasting! And I don't see any transferring to the lower eye area or smudging!

Tips

• Shake well before use.
• Never apply liquid liner on the waterline.  
• Feel free to apply a thin stroke on the upper and lower lashline.
• Using a liquid liner for the first time?  Draw your preferred eyeliner "look" or "thickness" with an eyeliner pencil and draw the liquid eyeliner on top.  Or..you can draw tiny dots and connect them.
• Feel free to tightline with your favorite eyeliner pencil after application.
• Give a couple of seconds before you completely open your eyes to make sure the liner is completely dry.
• Allergic reactions occur? Stop usage IMMEDIATELY.

Will I repurchase?

Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who enjoys the benefits and are comfortable enough to use liquid eyeliners.  

Where to purchase and how much?

Call your Avon ladies for Php250.00 (approx $5.95).

Various lines created with Avon's Extra lasting Eyeliner

in Metallic Black

 

Applied on the upper lash line 

using very light and thin strokes

The effect of Metallic Black shade on upper lashline

Not as dramatic as matte colored liquid eyeliners

Using the same liner, applied thickly on upper and lower lash line 

to define my eyes and make it look a bit bigger!

Have you tried Avon's new extra lasting eyeliner?
What are your thoughts?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!