AMW Reviews: Innisfree Apple Juicy Cleansing Oil

A few days left before we bid goodbye to 2011!  Are you excited?  

Looking back at this photo brought me back to my fun Korea Travel year 2010!  Would you believe, by this time, I'm 99% done using all the products that I hauled in Seoul!  I guess it's time to go back to Korea to replenish my 'stocks'. *wishful thinking*

Long time reader would know how much I love cleansing oils!  Cleansing oils are not so secret in taking care of my skin amidst the various product testings!  I'm lucky my skin isn't that sensitive with cleansing oils as I was able to finish up different brands of cleansing oils from high end to friendly-priced ones!  The last among the Korean-made cleansing oil is the one from Innisfree. I bought this because it came with a free "orange spongie"!  *laughs* I'm a sucker for GWP (gifts with purchase) and you have to admit it if you are one too! :P (come on cheapo :P don't leave me alone here!)

Innisfree Apple Juicy Cleansing Oil says ---

Innisfree is Korean skin care line made up of natural ingredients

Apple Juicy Cleansing Oil

Penetrates deep into pores.  Cleanses skin thoroughly

Size: 150ml

Base on research (source), this has apple extract, grape class oil, sunflower class oil, marshmallow root extract.  Organic and is kind to the skin.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Sealed with protective cap to prevent accident.

• Smells like real apples!  I am not into apple scent but seriously, the scent is great and I was literally smiling while washing my face! *lol*
• One of the most "natural" smelling cleansing oil I've tried to date!  (check with me again after a year..lol)
• Can remove  makeup easily.
• Doesn't blur out my vision when I tried this on the eye area to remove regular mascara.
• Lathers up really well once applied with water.
• Skin feels soft and non-greasy immediately after wash.
• No skin irritations nor allergic reactions occur.

Cons

• May not completely remove super hard to clean waterproof mascara. 
• Those who doesn't like the scent of an apple may find the scent irritating.

Overall
I like this cleansing oil!  One of the best smelling cleansing oil and most natural I've tried to date!  It does remove makeup and leaves my skin grease-free, soft and smooth!

I am not surprised this is included in Innisfree's Top 5 Global Bestsellers!

Tips

• International readers who are into online shopping can purchase this at various online shops like Facial Shop (Please purchase at your own discretion, I have personally purchased from this online store and so far, I do not have problems with them.)
• 2-3 pumps for the whole face, gently massage it all over your dry skin concentrating on areas that has the most makeup.  
• With lukewarm water, lather up and continue massaging dissolving the makeup on your face.
• Wash your whole face with warm water and continue with your preferred facial wash.
• Once itchiness or skin irritations occur, stop usage!
• I use this to remove regular, light makeup and use the heavy duty ones from Shu Uemura or Bobbi Brown to remove heavily applied makeup!  I was able to save a lot of money at the same time, saves my skin!

Will I repurchase?
If I visit Korea, I wouldn't mind purchasing this again.  Since this is not available locally, I can settle for Etude House Cleansing Dream Light Cleansing Oil or Nature Republic Forest Garden Balancing Cleansing Oil.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Cleansing oil users who love the scent of apples!  This can be used by normal, combination, dry or oily skin.

Where to purchase and how much?

At Innisfree Store in Korea for 20,000KRW (approx Php800.00/$18.00). I won't be surprise if Innisfree will arrive our shores as within 2 years, Etude House, Tony Moly and Nature Republic came!  For now, this can be purchased in Korea or your trusted online shops.

Have you heard of Innisfree brand?
Any products you've tried in this brand? 

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: Wipes For Travel

When I was invited to attend the NAPBAS 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, to be honest, I wasn't that ready to travel on a month of December!  The month of December was a roller coaster ride with Christmas get-togethers here and there!  The night before I leave, I wasout enjoying dinner with College friends and got home around 1:00am!  I had to get up at 3:00am for the 5:30am meet up at the Fort.  

Insane right?  So insane I forgot a couple of things!

I just threw in some makeup stuff for me to prettify myself during the Awards night, the thing I wasn't ready though, is co-Nuffies who would want yours truly to apply makeup on them!  Don't get me wrong, I ain't complaining, I'm actually honored to do their faces and I was just a bit worried as I forgot my trustee makeup cleaner! 

As I rummaged through my luggage, thank goodness I randomly insert the Purederm Make-up Cleansing Tissues at the side pocket of my luggage!  The size is as small as the palm of my hand so it was really easy to bring them along minus the worry of spillage!  

EUREKA MOMENT!

These saves me from dirty brushes!  I also use these in pre-cleanse my face before the night ends and so far, I did not suffer any allergic reactions!

 If I may have to add, the Deodorizing Wipes also helped me freshen up in between tourist spots!  I used these also to wipe public toilet seats *lol*  (if only I could wipe my underarm in public!) *shhhh* I didn't okay??? :P

Overall, it was a greatly packaged tissues as I was able to take these as well and put them in my small purse when we went out at  ZOUK and cocktails at The View Rooftop Bar at G Tower Hotel.

Mini tissues priced at Php29.00 (approx $0.50) for 15 sheets, sold at Watsons, it's worth it! 

Oh before I end this post, I also saw a nicely packaged Skinlight Make-up Cleansing Tissues at Watsons which I put inside my train case for clients!  This packet costs around Php99.00 (approx $2.00).  Not bad!

Random Eureka Moments that saved my day!
Any stuff you think aren't important but saved your life?
I'd love to hear from you!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Lucido-L Designing Aqua Hair Curl Lotion

I have been searching high and low for a curl lotion that's none-sticky at the same time, helps my "waves" or "curls" stay as long as I can!

I have used a couple of products for the past years that I got interested on hair products (which was more than a decade by the way!).  During my last trip in Singapore, I visited Watsons and find Lucido-L products!  My dearest friend Connie sent me my first Lucido-L product as gift and I was able to use it up but I'm searching for one that doesn't require me to "touch" the product!  I know, I'm a bit too lazy for comfort!  Sue me! :P

As I was kneeling down at the racks of Lucido-L products, I chanced a "spray type" curl lotion (and angels started to sing), I grabbed one right away and was able to road test it back home!  (home=Manila)

Lucido-L Designing Aqua Hair Curl Lotions says ---

•  Smooth and non-sticky finish, keeps created style for many hours even on humid day.
• Contains Panthenol (hair care ingredient)
• Light fragrance (green floral scent)

Size: 180ml
Made in: Japan
Ingredients:

AMW says ---

Pros

• easy to use spritz packaging

• smells really good
• hair feels soft and easy to comb
• my light, airy curls do last the whole day even on a humid weather.  (Note: my hair is rebonded, easy to style.)
• Inexpensive even when converted with local currency as product lasts me more than 2 months.

Cons

• Not available locally!

Overall

The Lucido-L Designing Aqua Hair Curl Lotion is definitely a great heat protectant spray, it prolongs the curls even on a very  humid day and it never weighs my hair down!  This product is designed for "soft" feel curls, not the stiff, over-sprayed curls.  The wonderful scent is a bonus!

Tips

• Once product get into the eye, immediately wash your eyes with warm water.
• Divide your hair and spritz product at least 5-10cm away one layer at a time before heating or styling your hair.
• Gently massage product onto your hair before you start curling.
• For bouncier and tighter curls, use a smaller curling iron.
• For relaxed waves, use a bigger curling iron.
• If you prefer to use this for really tight curls, use a styling mousse prior to curling and spritz this for finishing.
• Do a weekly at-home hair treatment if you frequently style your hair with heating tools.

Will I repurchase?
I did! I purchased another 2 during my KL trip!

To whom do I recommend this to?
The Lucido-L Designing Aqua Hair Curl Lotion is best used if you have short to medium length hair!  If your hair goes longer, the curls may not last as long as we want as the weight of the hair may pull the curls down making it hard for the product to work!

This product is best used on a daily basis especially if you are into heating tools. 

Where to purchase and how much?
I purchased mind from Singapore and Malaysia for less than Php400.00 each.

I have to remind everyone that this particular product from Lucido-L is meant for "airy curls" - in our dictionary, it means loose curls.

(photos without watermark taken from Lucido-L site)

Just like this...

this...

and this...

Super love this hairstyle, can't wait for my hair to grow longer !

AMW Version

I've used this for more than 2 months and I'm still loving this!  It helps that it comes with a spray bottle which makes it easier to spray the product on all areas needed.  I do apologize for showing a half face shot!  You know that I don't want you guys to be so distracted by my gorgeous face and not look at my hair!  *laughs*  Hohoho!  Leave that comment as a Christmas present from you to me okay?  *laughs*

Seriously speaking, it's a half face shot as the full face shot will be shown once I do a review on this certain cheek product!  *secret for now*

P.S. this curl lasted me the whole day!
Promise!

What's your heat protective spray or curl lotion?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Obagi CLENZIderm

Hey there!  How's Christmas?  Mine went out okay, minus the fact that Mr. AMW got a fever on Christmas Eve!!!  I'm glad he got better but boy was that a Grinch?  

Anyways...minus the sudden fever, everything turned out well, we celebrated a quiet Christmas staying at home with the family!  

Today, I will be reviewing a skincare regimen you probably wouldn't think you'll find in my blog...ever!  The Obagi Clenziderm Regimen....

Don't worry, I know my skin, my skin is darn sensitive and I can't use any skincare regimen that involves peeling!  Oh goodness, just the thought of it made me cringe!

I will be reviewing  THE OBAGI Clenziderm that has been used by many who suffers from acne, this time, we have to thank Mr. AMW for sharing his experience to us!  A quick flashback, Mr. AMW has the best looking skin ever during highschool, funny how he went through teenage years with gorgeous looking skin then "BAM!" suffered acne right when he reached adulthood!  It started with food allergies then the acne scars and marks just won't go away!  

When I heard from fellow beauty blogger Sophie on how effective Obagi Clenziderm is, I immediately advised Mr. AMW to try this set and see if it works on him!

The Obagi Clenziderm includes the following ---

CLENZIderm M.D. Daily Care Foaming Cleanser

(2% Salicylic Acid) 

This gentle foaming salicylic acid cleanser removes dirt and acne-­causing excess oil, leaving the skin clean and   refreshed.

CLENZIderm M.D. Pore Therapy
(2% Salicylic Acid)

It contains 2% salicylic acid and benzalkonium chloride that effectively unclogs, clears dead  skin cells and prepares pores to deeply absorb the Serum Gel.

CLENZIderm Serum Gel

Potent gel turns to liquid serum on contact. Delivers liquified benzoyl peroxide deep within your pores where acne starts. Quickly clears acne and prevents new breakouts from occurring.

Obagi Clenziderm says ---

The Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. System is the only prescription-strength acne treatment that contains a patented, solubilized form of 5% benzoyl peroxide (BPO) to penetrate deep into the skin and treat acne where it starts.

The CLENZIderm M.D. System products are specially formulated to work together to provide optimal results. Ask your skin care specialist today which CLENZIderm M.D. products are right for you.

Ingredients: 

of Foaming Cleanser

of Pore Therapy

of Serum Gel

Benzyl Benzoate, BHT, Cyclomethicone, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ehtylhexyl Isononanoate, Ethyoxydiglycol, Silica.

Mr. AMW says ---

Pros

• Each product newly purchased are sealed for freshness.

• Each product has a marked expiration date

• The serum comes with a pump which makes it easier to control the amount dispersed.

• Skin doesn't oil up as much for the whole day.
• Personal opinion of Mr. AMW, the regimen doesn't sting or hurt his skin.
• A little goes a long way, this regimen may last you 2-3  months.
• New pimples does not show up as much as compared to not using Obagi.
• The Obagi Facial Wash has a minty feel which is refreshing to use.
• The Obagi Pore Therapy also has a minty feel and it reduces oil.

Cons

• The serum case probably has problems as it kept on spilling out of the packaging.
• Other people may find this regimen too pricey.  (Personally speaking, if this works for you, then it's worth the investment.)
• The serum may stain your clothing if you're not careful with application.  It can even stain your pillow casing.
• The stinging, the sensitivity of your skin may cause discomfort.
• Some people may go through peeling which may be difficult at the first few weeks.

Overall

Mr. AMW doesn't expect all his pimples or acne marks to be completely gone with this regimen as he understood he need to go through facial treatments (but of course, he's lazy to do so).  The regimen does help some of his pimples disappear at the same time, he does not oil up as much and doesn't grow new pimples as opposed to not using this regimen.

Tips

• Use the daily foaming cleanser with warm water.
• It pays to leave the cleanser at least 20-30 seconds before washing it off.  Be careful not to get the product into the eyes.
• Pore therapy is best used on dry skin with a cotton pad rather than cotton balls.
• People with sensitive skin should do a patch test first before using the products all over the face especially on the serum gel.
• Apply a thin layer of serum gel on your first few usage as this may cause tingling sensation or even sting.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after serum application.
• Be careful as the product may stain your clothing or pillow casing and bed sheets.  Cover them with a used shirt or cloth to prevent stains.
• Use sunblock when you go out under the sun.  Check with your dermatologist to know how high your SPF should be.
• If your acne is sever, do have monthly checks with your dermatologist to have your facial done.

Will he repurchase?
Yes.  I am quite surprised how he religiously use this for the past months.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who suffers severe acne but they have to go have their skin checked by a dermatologist.

Where to purchase and how much?

At Obagi Clinics for Php6,700 (approx $155.00) for the whole set.

Here's a before and after shot of Mr. AMW's skin.  Let's thank him for sharing his before and after shots as he wants to show everyone if the product is effective or not.  Please bear in mind that each individual reacts differently on the same products.

Left photo taken on September 2011, right photo taken on December 2011.  The treatment was 3 months.  As seen on photo, the scars and acne marks are still there but some have lightened up especially on the bottom part.

Keep in mind that Mr. AMW's skin is used to having salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide slathered all over his face, he does not feel any pain nor stinging sensation during treatment.

I feel for Mr. AMW as these are actually cause of a bad allergy and it became long term effect on him.  Mrs. AMW won't stop searching for the right product for him! :)

Have you tried OBAGI CLENZIderm?
Any acne skin regimen that you think would work for guys?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(Product was provided for review.  The review is 100% Mr. AMW's.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Weekend Food Tripping at: KL with the #EVURL Girls

Merry Christmas!  I'm sure a lot of you slept a bit too late from all the eating and partying!

I had fun yesterday!  Mr. AMW and I are proud to say, we've done our "panicky" last minute Christmas Shopping in half a day!  That includes delivery!  *laughs*  That shows how efficient we were under pressure!

One of the best Christmas present I received before the year ends was the NAPBAS 2011 invite.  Though I've been saying it again and again how tired I was from all the running around plus the lack of sleep, don't get me wrong...it was well worth it..and what made it even better?  Seeing the gorgeous Petronas Twin Towers at a gorgeous night like this....

PLUS...meeting my Malaysian Beauty Blogger friends again!!!  It was funny how we've been online friends for more than 4 years and the 4th year was the charm!  We met twice this year and even thrice between me and Lisa!

L-R PB, Xin, Bee, Connie and Lisa

After a day of shopping at KLCC, Pavilion and Sungei Wang, PB instructed me to go to the JW Marriott and they picked me up and drove me to a nice, cozy restaurant were a lot of people go!  #evurl girls, help me out on this!  I forgot the name of the restaurant *slaps forehead*

It was a first for me to try chicken wrapped and fried on a sheet of paper!  Thanks to my inquisitive mind that I asked about the exterior or else, I'll end up eating fried paper!

The chicken meat inside was juicy and flavorful.

 They also ordered some veggies

Beef Noodles!

I think down here, it's called Beef Hofan noodles with a lot of sauce!  The dish tastes just right, not one ingredients overpowered the other!  The beef, I may have to add is easy to chew. 

Pork Ribs

Another flavorful dish!  I am very tempted to grab these with my bare hands but I had to stop myself, I'll probably do that on our 3rd meeting!  *Laughs*

Fried noodles

This is almost similar to the Beef Noodles above but the ingredients were served differently plus the noodles are fried!  I think I didn't get the chance to eat much of this as I was already full by the time this dish was served!  At this very moment, I want to hit myself because I wasn't able to eat much during this meetup as I was busy catching up with them at the same time, I was really tired and sleepy that my appetite went from THIS (big) to this (small) ....

Oh!  Thanks to PB for insisting that I try their Barley Juice!  Remember the first barley juice I had at Wee Nam Kee?  This one is way better! 

Thanks Lisa for taking this shot!  See how many people were dining just by looking at the background?  No doubt, it's really a good and must try restaurant when you get the chance to visit KL!  Okay, don't ask me where, I hope one of the #evurl girls will tell me the name of the restaurant and the place!  *laughs*

After the wonderful dinner + story-telling..we continued our bonding at PB's place, it was an early Christmas Party as well with the exchanging of gifts!  Here's a family portrait....

I can't wait to see these girls again whether in Malaysia, Philippines or anywhere in this world!  I am so happy and thankful for wonderful friends I've met through blogging!

Merry Christmas everyone!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!