Salon Report: FAB Salon Part 2 at Valero

Browsing through my "cute" organizer, I just realized that my last haircut was around August, for someone who's so into fixing the "layers" or "re-constructing" the hair, 4 months of no-haircut is like 3 days of no water!  (Okay, don't mind me, that's exaggeration!)

My life was a bit of a whirlwind running here and there but this girl ain't complaining!  I love being busy and you wouldn't believe it when I say, the more busy I am, the more energy I get!  --- That's probably an Energizer Bunny's Mantra too!

When I got an invite for a "salon pampering" session at FAB Salon,  I couldn't resist it and it was a perfect timing as it was on a holiday!  I said yes right away and this greeted me once I got in.....

Oh, of course, I saw this too! *discreetly* Shhhhh....

AMW Reviews: Bedhead Urban Anti+Dotes "Resurection"

Remember when I call THIS  my most expensive shampoo and conditioner brand?  Today, I changed my mind!  There's a new "Most expensive shampoo and conditioner" that my lucky hair have used and it's from the Bed Head Urban Antidote line! 

Do not raise your eyebrows on me my dearies!  :P  I'll do a review on this and see if your hair needs this or not!  If yes, well...ahm..not my fault that you're going to spend more for shampoo and conditioner...if No...well...can you..at least...read this still?  Hey, I took the time and effort to write this you know! *begs* PRETTY PLEASE? :D

Resurrection says ---

Perfect for: Weak, Brittle hair that needs an intervention.
Beneficial ingredients: Micro shields boost strength and stamina.  great results may cause your hair's ego to inflate to astronomical proportions!
Attribute/Function for shampoo:

• Cleanses, conditions and thickens hair. 
• Helps prevent color fading and adds thermal protection.
• Adds anti-static and shine properties.
• Detangles
• Smoothes cuticle

Feature/Ingredients for Shampoo: Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Amodimethicone, Centrimonium Chloride, Coumarin, Citronellol

Attributes/Function for Conditioner:

• Detangles and flights fly-aways.
• Moisturizes and conditions.
• Prevents color fading and adds thermal protection.
• Restores and maintains hair integrity
• Smoothes Cuticle
• Strengthens hair and adds shine.

Feature/Ingredients for Conditioner: Behenalkonium Chloride, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Amodimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Limonene & Citronellol, PEG-7 Propylheptyl Ether.

Size: 250ml

Super cute details at the back of the packaging

AMW says ---
Pros

•  Unique "foil" effect tube that looks really nice inside a boring bathroom. (To me, I do have boring bathroom) hehehe
• Moisturizes my hair in first washing.  I can definitely feel my hair softer and smoother.
• The shampoo itself doesn't leave your hair dry and tangled.
• My "old" hair color looks more vibrant and people are complimenting my hair color though regrowth is already visible.
• Hair looks healthier and shinier.
• The scent lasts even after your hair is dry.  It can last til your next wash.
• Thank goodness I do not have dandruff with this!

Cons

• The super strong fragrance may irritate sensitive noses.
• The price! 
• Not readily available in your regular supermarket, you have to visit salons written on the "where to purchase" section.

Overall
Considering this is a shampoo and conditioner tandem, these 2 works like a hair treatment!

Tips

• Have your hair checked before you purchase, I believe salon staffs who sell these products will help you choose the right shampoo and conditioner for you.
• If you don't have enough budget, you can purchase the shampoo OR conditioner!  Then slowly incorporate the partner once you have the budget or once you are sure the product works for you.
• You don't need to use this on a daily basis.  I prefer using this 3x a week or 2x a week when my hair doesn't feel/look that bad.
• Shampoo: Mix with water and gently massage onto the roots and the rest of the hair.  Massage well before you rinse.  
• Conditioner: Apply from mid-shaft down to the tips.  Do not apply on the root area to prevent limp hair.
• Try to steer clear from hair tools, if needed, use a heat protectant spray. 

Will I repurchase?
Yes.  Dear Lord, this is very expensive but yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone with super dry, sensitized and damaged hair.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Basement Salons, Emphasis Salons, Essensuals Salons, Henri Calayag, Studio 546 and TIGI main office.  Shampoo is Php1,850.00 (approx $42.00), Conditioner is Php1,950.00 (approx $44.00)

Do you think your hair need this pair?
How will you save up?
I'll probably lessen my hair treatment purchase and save up for this pair!

By the way, let me blab more!  Happy Friday!  What are you doing over the weekend?  If you have time, do visit Moonlit Bazaar at Rockwell Tent December 3-4,2011.  

My dearest friend Jheng will be there to do makeovers and personal beauty consultations as she happily launch the Sweet and Smokey and Crazy Colour Palette.

You can like their FB page and follow them on twitter (@BeautyProPh)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Product received during an event.  Reviews are 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Benefit They're Real Beyond Mascara Review

December!!!  I can hear Christmas Songs and feel the Christmas traffic (Regular traffic multiplied by 10).   Another thing that I'm excited about the month of December is the Grand Opening of Benefit Boutique at Greenbelt 5 on the 15th of December!  Please save up your salary or bonuses to gift yourself at least ONE item from the brand!

Last week, I got an invite to have a sneak peek for Benefit cosmetics that are going to be available in Manila, sad to say, it was a work day so I wasn't able to go.  But that doesn't stop me from talking about the brand.  Benefit isn't new to me as I've used quite a number! 

• Benefit Lemon Aid
• Benefit Lyin' Eyes
• Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner
• Benefit Posietint
• Benefit High Beam
• Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer

Today, I will be adding up another product from Benefit to continue the list of Benefit products I have reviewed.

The Benefit They're Real

Beyond Mascara

 The nice, bullet-looking tube

that you can easily identify in your makeup stash.

AMW Reviews: GSL Z-Pore

The top selling GoodSkin Lab product selling over 10,000 units since launch in early April, 2011.  Actual sales exceeded the sales plan for the U.S. more than 5 times the original plan.

This must be a wonderful product!  I can't say it is unless I give it a try!  So after some time of usage and testing it to other people, I'm ready to share if the top selling GSL product is worth purchasing or not!

Are you ready?

GSL Z-Pore says ---

A lightweight pore perfector that smoothes on skin to immediately hide pores and impart a natural-looking, velvety smooth, flawless finish. The result? Minimized pores and a perfected complexion with or without makeup – instantly and all day!

How does it work? Special silicone polymers, optical diffusers and mica, a mattifying agent, instantly reduce the appearance of pores, providing a soft matte finish to the skin. At the same time, volatiles and film formers deliver optimal skin adhesion providing for all day wear. Our special cocktail of conditioning silicone, vitamin E and non-drying lauryl lysine powder make this formula non-drying.

Size: .68 fl. oz./ 20ml

AMW says ---

Pros

• I love all packaging made by GSL, this is no exception.  Straightforward easy-squeeze tube with pointed tip.

• A little is enough to blur out lines and fill-in pores.
• Has a tiny hint of "nude" shade that does not give a "white" faced finish at the same time can even out the skin color.
• Has matte finish which means the product can reduce shine.
• Has good control oil.
• No weird scent.
• No allergies nor skin irritations.

Cons

• People allergic to silicone may find this a con.

Overall

This is one product I go to not for long-term effect but mostly on its immediate effects especially when I do makeup!  If I'm not in a hurry and wants improved skin texture, I would use this together with Tri-Aktiline Total Face, Filextra Facial Revolumizing Treatment with Collagen or the Smooth-365 Intensive Clarity+Smoothing Peptide Serum.

Tips

• Use clean fingers in application.  
• Always start by using small amount then increase if needed.
• Best applied on nose, forehead, cheeks and chin. 
• Wash face properly at night.
• Do you have sensitive skin?  Do a patch test prior to applying this all over your face.
• Work fast and blend well before you proceed with your makeup application.
• If you have super oily skin, an oil-control primer may still be needed. 

Will I repurchase?
Definitely yes!  This is very useful for clients who have large looking pores.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Girls or boys who have obvious pores.

Where to purchase and how much?
Z-PORE is available at selected Watsons Personal Care Stores, Beauty by SM Department Stores and Marionnaud Mall of Asia at Php1,600.00 (approx $36.36).

A tiny squeeze of GSL Z-Pore

Cream texture that's not watery

As I quickly blend the product, you can see a patch that goes matte, brighter and lines on my hand blurred out.  (Note: not totally disappeared, but blurred out.)

Since I do not have obvious looking pores (due to my dry skin), and I do not want to waste such wonderful product.  I take this along with me on gigs and use this on clients who suffers from large looking pores at the same time, those who suffers blackheads.  After foundation application, the skin usually looks uneven up close so I gave this an ultimate test!  After prepping the client's skin, I apply a good amount of GSL Z-Pore on areas that needed the "blurring", let it stay for a couple of minutes then continue with foundation.  Here's a before and after shot. :)

Photo of a Client

(Keep in mind that the after photo has foundation on 
but application was easier with GSL Z-Pore.)

GSL's Z-Pore does work and it's actually part of my makeup kit which I don't mind using on clients because I only want the best for them!  I do check with my clients if they are allergic to certain ingredients.

What's your secret pore minimizer?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(Product sent for review.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Makeover: Prenup Shoot Inside the Yacht

Today's makeover is pretty special to me!  Rica, was one of the first few clients I got when I was just starting out on makeup!  After years, she still remembers me and asked me to do her makeup for their pre-nup pictorial!  Thanks Rica!

It was a lovely day and being part of their pre-nup shoot was fun! 

Setup by the Bay...

Her makeup was done inside a Yacht at RealShip Corp.

Fun yet challenging all at the same time!  It was really windy so a super steady hands and fast reflexes were needed! 

Rica's Before and After Photo

To be honest, she has this gorgeous smile that could lit any room!  It wasn't hard to prettify her as this lady is already gorgeous in and out!  Perfect example of what AskMeWhats -- the blog is striving for!

Rica left me in charge of her makeup looks!  She's very comfortable as we chatted while doing her makeup!  She told me I can do anything I want and I've decided to create a natural, fresh-looking makeup because I don't want to hide her beauty but enhance it instead!

Her skin is well moisturized prior to makeup application, all I need to do is to even out her skin color and apply foundation that matches her neck and body. 

A pink lipstick is a wonderful touch for that "playful" look!  Which, by the way, I changed it as the shoot goes on...

Oh!  I got the liberty to apply falsies for her!  It's going to be 2nd time for her in her entire lifetime!  I am quite confident with the lashes I've used!  The ES Lashes with band that's flexible and doesn't poke anyone's eye!  It doesn't feel heavy too so it's perfect even for first-time false lashes wearers!

For the hair:

She's got healthy locks and I want the newly "colored" hair to be enhanced by creating big curls!  This will create a very sexy look in an instant!

In Tagalog, it's definitely "TALIKO-GENIC" type of hairstyle. *lol*

AMW and the lovely couple

I also applied a bit of makeup to the groom-to-be!  

Both of them look gorgeous but I look like trash! 

Who cares, they are more important than anyone else in this makeover :D

I can't wait to do more makeovers and share to you my experiences!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!