Tip for the Day: Primers

Good morning loves! :)  How's your day today?  Mine will definitely be filled with caffeine + loads of love!  :P  I am going into a super busy February and the coming months so please bear with me if your requests won't come in as fast as a lightning!  I will try my best to accommodate all your requests (Yes, even nude painting of myself) *gasps*  

You should know by now that I'm JUST JOKING!  :P

Today, I will continue my Twilight saga, I talked about my takes on Foundations that I've tried and heard about in THIS POST and a lot of you have been asking me to continue the series! 

So let's talk about Primers, primers that I've tried and used and see which ones could work for you too! :) Keep in mind to purchase at your own discretion, I write this post base on my personal usage and some to my clients.

For Dry Skin

Why should dry-skinned individuals use primers?  Well, it's a matter of choice but I suggest we do especially when attending special events. :)  Can you imagine a well-polished face cracks and peels after a couple of hours inside an air-conditioned room?  Charge it to experience, been there, done that! :)

SPEND

Becca Silky Hydrating Primer

I have been using this on mature skinned clients and they love the scent too!  This product feels like moisturizer and gets absorbed into the skin easily.

Benefit's That Gal Brightening Face Primer

Brightening is one way to fake healthy glow of a skin that is dry and you can definitely get that from Benefit's That Gal!

Paul & Joe Moisturizing Foundation Primer

I believe in its name because it felt like a light moisturizer upon application!  It gets absorbed into dry areas easily thus creating a nice, plump base to start with foundation application.

SAVE

Any moisturizer that works for you or your client.  Serums are wonderful option too!  I love serums from GoodSkin Labs.

For Oily Skin

I have used a lot of primers for Oily skinned as most of my clients suffer from this skin type!  Here are my top choices as of the moment.

SPEND 
Smashbox Photo Finish

This is one of the best oil-control primer available in the market and has been sold out when it first came into our market.  The problem with this product is the presence of "silicone" in it's list of  ingredients and may cause breakout to some people!  That's why I do not use this much on gigs as I don't want my client to wake up with pimples even though they tell me they aren't allergic to any ingredients.

Smashbox Photo Finish Light

I have finished 3 bottles of this and I really recommend them to brides!  This is lightweight and water-based.  So far, I do not have any texts or calls from clients telling me I ruined their skin!  *knocks on wood*.  

Make Up For Ever All Mat Face Mattifying Primer

I have tried a sample size of this and the texture and effect is similar to Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Light.

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation Primer

This one does not contain any silicone ingredients and it feels like an oil-free moisturizer when applied.  The good part of using this is that foundation can be applied with ease minus the oily feel.

SAVE

L'Oreal Paris Base Magique

I can't seem to find really good, inexpensive oil-control primers and one that pops inside my head right away for SAVE is L'Oreal Base Magique!  I have used this on clients who were off for an outdoor pre-nup pictorial!  This may not have the best oil-control power like those on the SPEND portion but for its price, it exceeds my expectation.

Ellana Make It Last Makeup Primer 

I'm not sure if this is still available but I got a sample size of this and have used this on oily-skinned friends and it does work wonders.  This product contains silicone.

Revlon Beyond Natural Smoothing Primer

Keep in mind that this could feel a bit heavy on skin and must be applied sparingly!  Not all skin type will agree with the ingredients of this primer!  I find this primer works better on male clients!

For Normal/Combination Skin

I try not to put much primer on a normal skin but only apply on areas that oil up or dries out!  I do use 2 primers at a time for one client as we should really put on products where it is needed! 

SPEND

Paul and Joe Protective Foundation Primer UV

Cover FX SkinPrep Primer

My dearest blogger friend Gracie sent me this and it pains me as I've been using this a lot on clients of any skin type and it worked on all of them!  I am done with this tube and I guess I have to search online to repurchase this! 

SAVE

You can go for any "save" items from above and apply only on areas needed.

Please do keep in mind that less is always more, try not to put a lot of products on your face as possible!  One huge tip:  If your current foundation or setting powder gives you the Oil-control or Hydration your skin needs, then you can always skip primer application and your skin will thank you for it! :)

Can you share more "Primer Finds" for our readers out there?
What's your skin type and what's your favorite primer?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Something New: Orly Holiday Soiree

Though the holidays are over, it doesn't mean we can't celebrate the sparkling fresh year through nails! 

Orly's Collection, Holiday Soiree consists of 6 new shades

Androgynie (Smokey Black with Glitters)

Ma Cherie (Deep Red Crème)

Oui (Wisteria with Gold Shimmer)

Au Champagne (White Crème)

Le Chateau (Phthalo Green Creme)

 

 and Ingenue (Persian Rose with Gold Glitters)

This limited collection is sold at Php349.75 (approx $8.00) Each.  ORLY Nail Lacquers are Free of DBP, Formaldehyde and Toluene.

You can purchase each or the set at

Purbeauty Store I Marionnaud | First Aid Greenbelt | PCX (Rockwell, Ermita, Alabang Town Center) | Watsons (Greenbelt 5, Ayala Cebu) | Beauty by SM (Makati, Megamall, Fairview) | Landmark-Trinoma | Beauty Cocktails | Robinsons Department Store Ermita

What's your favorite shade from the collection?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Author is not affiliated with the company or brand.  This post serves as information purposes only.)

AMW Reviews: Bobbi Brown Lip Color and Rich Lip Color

I realized I own a couple of Bobbi Brown lipsticks but never really talked about it!  After I search through my "lipstick case" for yearly "checking" of expiration and threw a couple of lipsticks out that has been around for 3 years, I went on and enjoyed the "sight" of my lipsticks!  Then I saw 3 tubes of Bobbi Brown Lipsticks and wondered why they where packaged differently.

One has Gold, is actually called Lip Color ...

 

And the plain black casing called Rich Lip Color SPF12...

By the name itself, you can probably guess which lipstick has "MORE" on moisturizing department!

Bobbi Brown Lip Color says ---

Bobbi's original formula treats lips to rich color with a soft-matte finish. Infused with Vitamins E and C as well as Beeswax, it also moisturizes and comforts lips. 

AMW says ---

Pros

• The gold in between gives a nice, classy look.
• No weird scent nor taste.  (unless expired, I've thrown one out!)
• Has a nice pigmentation.
• Though this is just a regular lip color, it does not dry out my lips or make it flakes like other lipsticks.
• Gives a nice hint of sheen which looks good on lips.
• Li p color stays longer than regular lipsticks.
• Creamy but no heavy feel.
• Build-able.

Cons

• Could get a bit drying for VERY dry lips! 
• No SPF.

Lip Swatch

Pale Pink no. 21

Bobbi Brown Lip Rich Lip Color SPF12 says ---

Bright, get-noticed color. Introducing Rich Lip Color SPF 12. Lightweight, yet intense, Bobbi's latest formula combines pigments with a clear base to deliver pure, crisp color with just one swipe. Plus, it's creamy and moisturizing, so lips feel as good as they look. 

AMW says ---

Pros

• Simple matte packaging.
• Pigmented and build-able shades.
• Has a slight sheen and creamy minus heavy feel.
• No weird scent or taste.
• Has SPF 12.

Cons

• Can make very DRY lips look even drier.

Lip Swatch

Bikini Pink no. 8

Overall

Both the Lip Color and Rich Lip Color in my opinion has a slight sheen to it!  I guess the choice is between Rich Lip Color having SPF12 while the other doesn't.  Both felt the same on lips, creamy yet very light, the effect of both are the same!  It is also a choice between the shades you may want from both collections.

Tips

• Very dry lips should apply lip balm or lip treatment prior to ANY lipstick application.
• All of them have a slight sheen to it and if you want to mattify the color, you can either press with a tissue or apply a bit of loose powder on top of a tissue paper pressed on lips to remove shine! 
• Use a lip brush for a more defined lips.
• NEVER share lipstick to other people, if needed to, wipe the tip with a napkin.
• Always store your lipsticks in cool, dry place.
• Take note on expiration dates!  If the lipstick has a weird scent or taste, throw them immediately!

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Lipstick lovers!  Who can have enough lipsticks?  Not me!

Where to purchase and how much?

At local Bobbi Brown counters around Php1,100 (approx $26.00).

Have you tried Bobbi Brown Lip Colors or Rich Lip Colors?
Any must have shades?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: Travel Friendly Accessories Organizer

AMW checking in to greet everyone a gorgeous day!  I haven't been traveling outside the country since NAPBAS Blog Awards 2011 but I think this deserves a blog post as I have loads of friends (who are into fashion) who booked several flights within the year because of the inexpensive fare from various airlines!   Yes, I will be talking about "how to organize" your accessories during travel and it is a shocker to see "organizing tips" on my blog because I am NOT ORGANIZED!  *crosses fingers due to lying* :P

I guess I haven't updated how I organize my accessories for years so here you go... my current accessories organizer in which you can find hanging inside my room! :)

Thanks to my best friend for gifting this to me for Christmas and it was a perfect gift!  I was just about to tear my hair apart! :P  I do apologize though because I don't know where she bought this and I can't even ask her!  It was a gift!  I just can't ask! 

The gorgeous pink accessories organizer can store earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and a whole lot more! :)  

Front portion

And guess what?
There's a back portion! :)

Though I want to put my organizer up as "THE EUREKA MOMENT", sorry.... NO CAN DO!  I can't scream Eureka and not know where it can be bought and how much it is so...I will share to you instead the inexpensive, smaller accessories organizer I recently found! 

Promise, it is inexpensive and it is as useful as the one hanging inside my room! :)

TADA!

Front Part

Back Part

Once folded, the size of this is almost the size of an iPad, just a bit bigger!  The organizer is made of cardboard with different plastic sizes and mesh sewn together.  Hooks are also available to hang necklaces and prevent them from tangling! 

The one on photo is from Avon December brochure page 135 named Accessory Organizer for less than Php300.00.  Check out Avon ladies or view the newest brochure HERE if this travel friendly organizer is still available.  If not, I suggest you check out SM Department stores as I've seen them around in different sizes and designs!

How do you store your accessories?
Can you share to me where you bought yours and help our readers too?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Bulletin: The PartyGal Sale, Lavender E Salve and Issho Genki

 Dear Philippine Readers:

The PartyGal Lingerie Shop does not only sell lingerie but they also carry gorgeous line of swim wears!  Best part?  They're on 20% off sale until January 31, 2012! :) Click photo below to start shopping!

I am trying out one of my favorite scent to relax me especially nowadays, I find it very hard to sleep for the past weeks so I'm trying out Lavender E Salve.  I chose Lavender over any other scent as I used to go for a weekly massage when I was working as a teacher in China and I always sleep after this scent was used mixed together with my face mask.

Lavender E Salve

Lavender is one of the most widely used and dearly loved flowers in skincare and aromatherapy.  It is specific for healing burns and relieving headaches, stress and anxiety.  Lavender also helps heal cuts, scrapes, rashes, irritations and blemishes.  Vitamin E aids in tissue repair and helps reduce scarring.
Applying a little MJ's Herbals Lavender E Salve under the nose and on temple and feet helps aid relaxation and sleep.  Certified ORGANIC.

** MJs Herbals is available at The Healthy Shopper Facebook Page
The Salve costs Php650.00 (approx $15.00). 

And before I end this post, my dad-in-law and Keith  started 2012 with some health problems so we've been going in and out for check-ups!  They were given various medications and one of the recommended supplement for both of them was "Fish Oil", thanks to Jenny for giving me a box of this as I strongly remember the brand Issho Genki as I used tohelp my bestfriend's dad purchase this when I was still in college!

Issho Genki Squalene is known as the World's #1 Oxygen Supplement.  Issho Genki Squalene aids in delivering oxygen into the body and according to the product information ---

• a healthy oxygen level in the body may lead to brighter, smoother and more supple skin.
• a healthy oxygen level makes the body stronger and more energetic.
• a healthy oxygen level helps the body fights free-radicals that cause cancer.

**For more details, check out Issho Genki's Site.

Of course some of you may need to heed for doctor's advise and Mr. AMW and Dad-in-law are taking these once a day as of the moment and so far, they're quite okay with it! :)

What's up with you? 
I'd love to hear what you're up to!

Have a wonderful evening!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(Note: Author is not affiliated with the company or brands mentioned in this post.  This serves as information purpose only.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)