Thursday, January 5, 2012

AMW Reviews: Mary Kay NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss

I haven't been reviewing much glosses lately, haven't I?

The lip gloss stage has been skipped for quite a while because of the existence of moisturizing lipsticks!  Don't we just love how companies are reinventing their products making them worth while for most of us with different needs?

I hate my lips, I won't lie!  They can get as dry as "hell" (as if I've been there *evil laugh* maybe! :P) and it pains me to see how gorgeous a lip product can be on tube and how I can murder them in an instant by applying them on my "oh-so-dry" lips!  

This year, I am not giving up!  Let me share to you my thoughts on the new Mary Kay NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss that I recently got.  NouriShine --- not a bad name!


Mango Tango
Sounds delicious and do I hear the word TANGO?
After CHA CHA?  Really? *raises eyebrow*


and Red Passion
Ooohh lala!

Mary Kay NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss says ---
Kiss your lips with instant moisture, feel-good benefits and serious shine. This Mary Kay® NouriShine Plus™ Lip Gloss you can’t live without. Try them all! You’ll love the superlight, long-lasting, creamy formula and the good-for-your-lips ingredients, like antioxidants and botanical extracts, that leave lips smoothed, protected and conditioned.

Available in: Fancy Nancy, Icicle, Mango Tango, Pink Luster, Red Passion, Rich Spice and Sparkle Berry.
Key ingredients:
  • Pomegranate Sterol - helps strengthen skin barrier
  • Antioxidant-Rich Complex - helps protect, condition, sooth and smooth lips
  • Aloe Leaf Extract - helps soften and calm skin 
Ingredients:


AMW says ---
Pros
  • Tinier gloss packaging which makes it easy to do retouch without people noticing! 
  • The sponge applicator feels good during application. 
  • Lightly scented. 
  • Texture feels like creamy lipstick but not heavy at all.
  • Both shades I got came out with 2 different finish, one is plain glossy while the other one has shimmers.
  • Product stays just like regular creamy lipstick.  
  • I can apply this even without lip balm underneath.  (I have tried applying this on super dry lips and it helped ease dryness.)
  • Lips felt "immediately" moisturized after application.
  • Gloss/shine is just right, doesn't look like I just finish eating an "oil-infested" food. (ex. Lechon!)
  • This may be pricey at first glance but considering I do not use a separate balm or lip gloss when I apply this product, I actually save more! (approx .02-.04 fl.oz. difference with other gloss)
Cons
  • Not easily accessible on counters or malls.
  • Pricey to others - but I do not mind since I have very dry lips!
Overall
This goes to my favorite lip gloss at the moment!  Some gloss have enough shine but not enough pigment, while others have enough pigment but dries out my lips!  The Mary Kay NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss has the perfect balance of shine and moisture with the added gorgeous colors that can be seen even with dark pigmented lips like mine!

Tips
  • Red passion is best used for girls who want to try the red lips but is afraid of the super bright effect.  Mary Kay's NouriShine Lip Gloss in Red passion comes out in deep red with a bit of shimmer.
  • If you like the effect to be "matte", blot your lips with a napkin after application, re-apply and blot again!
  • Wipe the sponge applicator with a clean cloth or napkin after application before putting it back on tube.
  • Never share lip gloss with others.  For makeup artists who plan to use this on clients, use a separate disposable lip gloss applicator.
  • To create different lip color, you can apply your favorite lipstick shade and top it with any shade of Mary Kay NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss.  It pays to experiment!
  • Though this can be easily removed by just wiping your mouth with a napkin, it's better to wipe it with a makeup remover for lips! (to remove the extra glitters on some shades.)

Will I repurchase
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who has a budget for the wonderful creamy lip gloss.  I would say this is best for people who suffer dry lips and wants the gorgeous lipstick colors!

Where to purchase and how much?
Retails at Php700.00 (approx $16.80) via Mary Kay Beauty Consultant.

Swatches

Mango Tango on tube

Mango Tango on Lips


Red Passion on Tube

Red Passion on Lips
 

*conceitedly proud* Now, where's the dry lips I was talking about?  *laughs*


Which one do you like on AMW?
Mango Tango or Red Passion?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!





(Product received as Christmas gift from the company.  Reviews 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

AMW Report: AMW Interviews Chanel Iman

Remember this gorgeous Million Dollar Fragrance Bottle of DKNY Golden Delicious EDP?  I did hope to take a glimpse of this in person but I guess it did not arrive our shores!  BUT!  Something better happened!


I was able to do a "Cyber Interview" with Chanel Iman, the girl who unveiled the DKNY Million Dollar Bottle during the Press Event with body guards beside her to protect the bottle!

How chic can protection get?


To those who think Chanel Iman looks familiar!  Well, I'm sure you've seen her either on Vanity Fair, Vogue or during the Victoria Secret 2011 Fashion Show!  She's one of the VS Angels!  I am not surprised DKNY chose her to be the face of the Million Dollar Fragrance!


Chanel Iman kissing the bottle

Here's my "not-so-formal" Q&A Portion!

AMW: If you have your own DKNY Million Dollar Bottle, where will you keep it?
Iman: That's a good question.  I don't know what I'd do with my own million dollar fragrance bottle.  I'd probably have it right next to my bed.  That is a precious piece and Id want to keep it close to me.

AMW: What's your "must spritz" DKNY fragrance when you go out on a date?
Iman: I love DKNY Golden Delicious for the weekend.

(AMW: I agree with her, the DKNY Golden Delicious has a smell of floral which equates to romance!)

AMW: How does the Golden Delicious Fragrance fit in your lifestyle?
Iman: All of the DKNY Delicious fragrances are definitely in my rotation.  I like the DKNY Golden Delicious, but then I also like DKNY Be Delicious, it is good for the week and DKNY Golden Delicious for the weekend.

AMW: How does it feel to be the face of the Be Delicious franchise?
Iman: I've always wanted to represent DKNY.  When I believe in a fragrance that I wear, I definitely want to be part of it.  To be given the opportunity today, it's awesome.

Chanel Iman, thank you for answering my short queries!
I want to thank Theya So, of DKNY Philippines for helping me out on this!

What would you ask Chanel Iman if you get the chance to talk to her?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



AMW Reviews: Pure Beauty UV White Sun Protection Compact

Good day everyone!  The first week of the year is almost over and I am very excited for my first makeup gig for the year this coming Saturday! :)   Will share to you my experience of course!

Today, I will be sharing a review done by another family member!  Oooohh I love how I'm turning my whole family into "mini" AMW reviewers! 

Side story (as usual) before I start with the review, I got the Pure Beauty UV Whit Sun Protection Compact during an event when we were introduced with What's New at Watsons for the latter part of 2011.  The sad part though, as I was fixing my stuff, the Pure Beauty UV White Sun Protection compact slipped through my hands and the rest was "crash..boom..bang!" history!

The next day, I visited a Watsons store and called my sister and asked what "beauty related" item she needs, she told me she's going for face powders and I immediately grabbed a new one as this isn't pricey at all for a Korean branded product.

Of course, the li'l sister have to ask..."So, big sis, how did the product work for you?"..then I share to you her thoughts!


Pure Beauty UV White Sun Protection Compact says ---
Pure Beauty UV White Sun Protection Compact is SPF40 PA++
12g
Made in Korea
AMW says (via AMW Sister) ---

Reviewer background 
Age: Between 35-40years old
Skin condition: Combination (dry on cheeks, oily on t-zone)
Pros
  • Simple compact with cover that serves as a barrier between sponge and powder.
  • Sponge is made of good quality.
  • Powder applies smoothly.
  • Has SPF and its SPF40!
  • Gives a natural, matte finish.
  • Does not dry out the skin.
  • Packaging can be refilled by either the same Pure Beauty refills (I am not sure if the refills are available locally) or any other brands as this pan is similarly shaped as other brands'.
  • Inexpensive for a good product.
Cons
  • Limited shades available.  I don't remember if they have other shades available but they don't have shades for our darker skinned friends.
  • Multiple retouching may be needed for super oily skin.
Overall
My sister loves to use the Maybelline Clear Smooth Shine Free Powder and she told me this is even better!  I guess the texture won her heart.  Most powders come in a bit grainy but for this particular brand, it feels like creamy and soft yet it doesn't easily crack on pan!

Tips
  • Wash the sponge even when newly purchased.
  • Wash or change the sponge every now and then to prevent bacteria buildup.
  • To use as setting powder, use a big fluffy brush and gently press the powder on areas that needed the oil control or shine removal.
  • Never drop the compact and store them in cool, dry place.
  • If you are like my sister and loves to do touch-ups midday, use a powder instead of powder foundation to prevent "cake-y" look.
Will she repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone into retouching!  My sister told me she retouches at least 4-5 times a day and this does not cake up on her!

Where to purchase and how much?
At Watsons Your Personal Care Stores for Php339.00/approx $9.00.

To those who can't connect how AMW sister looks like *laughs* she's going to kill me for posting her photo  but I'm proud of her to do so and she's got nothing else to do but blame my mom for making me her sister! Just sharing to the world ---- I"m proud to be her sister :) Love you Tei! :)

What's your "re-touch" powder and how much is it?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Revlon Age Defying with DNA Advantage Cream Makeup Review




When I got several Revlon foundations to test, I have to admit, the brand doesn't fail in making good drugstore foundation!  My first Revlon Foundation was the Custom Creations Foundation which I bought online and purchased 4 bottles as each bottle can give out different shade which I think is one of the best liquid foundation to try when you're starting up on makeup or when you're a student of makeup artistry.

Thanks to Revlon as they are coming up with different kinds of foundation for different skin type!  Revlon ColorStay Foundation in my opinion is meant for oily skinned individuals while Revlon's PhotoReady Makeup is best for Normal or Dry Skin. 

What about our mature, very dry skinned friends?  There is indeed one product that Revlon recently came out with...called Age Defying!



Monday, January 2, 2012

AMW Version: New Year To Face 2012!

Happy Start of the week and start of 2012!  How was your New Year's Eve and New Years' Day?  Mine was spent with the "Ohanas"  *laughs*  Mr. AMW and myself are starting to call both our families "The Ohanas" to those who knows Stitch from Lilo & Stitch..."Ohana means...Family!" 

I just have to share to you what I realized over the year end, "Welcome 2012 Countdown", I used to think my parents are grandparents were a boring bunch when I run up and down the stairs asking for more fireworks and "Wa Tu Si" and couldn't understand how they could just stay at home, watch movies and just ignore the great fireworks outside!  Would you believe...I am THAT mature to do the same?  I stayed at home most of the time enjoying glorious food and enjoyed the good line up of HBO movies!  Come on guys, you have to tell me if you're the same!  I'm not alone on this right? :D

To start off 2012, I did an AMW Version to face the bright year with bright-looking face! :)

I do think the lipstick itself is bright enough :P


 AMW Diagram

Prior to eyeshadow application, you can choose your preferred base, in my case, since my lids aren't oily, I used The Body Shop Special Edition Kajal Eyeliner in Evergreen. Application shouldn't be perfect, use your fingers or brush to blend before you proceed with step 1.

Step 1:
I took out Beauty Pro Cosmetics' Crazy Colour Palette and applied "matte green" shadeon top of the base.  This came out matte green just like on pan.


Step 2:
To add up the holiday sparkle, I took out my The Body Shop Shimmer Cubes from The Colour Spring 2010 collection and applied the metallic aqua green on top of the matte green to give a bit of dimension.  Use a pencil brush and apply the similar color on the lower lash line.


Step 3:
From the same TBS Shimmer Cubes collection, use the sparkly peachy shade an apply on the brow bone area.  This is okay if you're off to create a "sparkly" eye makeup!  For regular days, use matte eyeshadow.  Fill free to add this shade on the inner corner of your eyes for sparkles!


Step 4:
Instead of using a pencil liner, I wanted to create a "smoked out" eyeliner look (meaning, you won't see any harsh line).  I used a matte black eyeshadow from The Beauty Pro's Crazy Colour Palette .  This technique is best for small eyes as it gives an illusion of a bigger, rounder eye shape.


I added a bit of liner near the upper lash line to define the shape of my eyes.  I used my favorire K-Palette 24h Real Lasting Eyeliner WP in black.


Curled my lashes and applied Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara in Black.  Using SANA Styling W Brow, I filled the gaps with the pencil liner portion and lightened my brows with the light brow gel.


Sparkly eyes ready for 2012!


And here's what I used for the rest of my face!

For the Face:
Revlon Age Defying Foundation in Medium Beige (25)

For the Cheeks:
Shu Uemura Blush in Pink 30

For the Lips:
Etude House #2 Hot Pink
Etude House Wannabe Last Touch Gloss

Wearing bright colored lips can really lift your whole face, so once in awhile, step out of the comfort zone, we only live once :)


Have a great start of the year!  Please stay positive as it worked for me and I hope it works for most of you too! :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!