Saturday, February 18, 2012

AMW Report: Char Char is a Super Hero!

My Pomeranian dogs are with my mom and dad because they give my parents the joy I used to give them when I was still staying at their place.  Well, I believe they are even better kids than us!  They never get home with a failing mark and are contented with a nice back rub and treats!  *laughs*

After a super bad incident that happened to our family almost 3 years ago regarding my mom's surgery, I am happy to announce that my mom has survived all the pain and nightmare and one major "key" to her recovery aside from having sons and daughters and a dear husband who support and loved her dearly, there were also our loyal Pomeranians (my siblings!  lol) who were there to give her a good laugh up until now!

So I call them our Super Heroes too!  
Only one male Pomeranian dog was used in this photo as he's the only MODEL out of the bunch!  

SpiderDog



BatDog

And of course...
SuperDog!

I got the Spiderman, Batman and Superman dog costums at PetLovers Closet and they cost Php430.00 (approx $10.00)  each!  Not bad as these are well made and the details are super good!

They also comes in sizes so feel free to let them know or share to them the photo of your dogs and they'll tell you what size to get!

Aside from the cute costumes, the shop also sells Reflective Harness and Leash for only Php270.00 (approx $2.30) which works really well for night walks.



Another cool item is their Glowing Led Collar which costs Php390.00 (approx $9.00) and we enjoyed playing with the 3 lighting modes of the collar! (Permanent Light, Quick Blinking and Slow Blinking).


I actually like using this on top of the leash so my mom (with not so good eyes) can check that the least are still intact to the dogs when she walks them at night!

I am happy with the pricing and quality is really good! :)  I was told by my brother that my mom plays with the dog costumes once in a while and laughs her heart out!  That made me really happy!

 
 
 
 

Note:
On March 4, 2012, Sunday,  Pet Lovers Closet will be attending the Doggie Day Fair at Circulo Verde near Eastwood City organized by the UP- Junior Marketing Association.  You can see the products in person and choose the best for your furry friends! :)

P.S. No Dogs nor Char Char was harmed in creating this post!  He was actually happy running around with the costume!

Do you have dogs?
Do you let them wear costumes or dog apparels?
My dogs prefer to be naked but wears cute costumes once in a while!





AMW Reviews: Benefit Stay Don't Stray

The first time a friend of mine pulled out Benefit Stay Don't Stray from her bag and applied 3 dots above and another 3 dots below the eyes and started blending with her ring finger, I was continuing the story telling at the same time staring at how her eyes magically transformed from "stressed" to "pulled up".  I took a good look at what she's holding and it was the Benefit Stay Don't Stray.

When Benefit cosmetics arrived late last year, the first few products that I had in mind was this and I'm glad to finally test it on my own!  I have used this product to both myself and clients!  It helps that the packaging is hygienic!

Benefit Stay Don't Stray says ---

This dual-action power primer works 360° degrees around the eyes to make concealers AND eyeshadows STAY PUT. Concealers don't crease, eyeshadows stay vibrant and true...you'll wonder how you ever lived without it! Comes in a neutral nude shade that is universally flattering and a custom airless pump that is sooo easy to use - just a dab'll do ya! Sodium Hyaluronate hydrates and fills in fine lines. Vitamins C & E help fight signs of aging.
Size: 10.0mL 0.33 US fl. oz.
Ingredients:

AMW says ---
Pros
  • Pump packaging which is God's gift for make up artists like me.
 
  • Gives a super nice, bright-eyed look even without eyeshadow.
  • Light salmon shade which works best to counteract darkness under the eye making the eyes appear brighter and livelier.
  • Easy to blend.
  • Finishes light, powdery feel.  Not heavy at all.
  • Shade is universally flattering.
  • Can make the shade of your eyeshadow more vibrant.
  • Concealers can blend easily as compared to not having this underneath.
  • A little goes a super long way!
Cons
  • Though the pump is God's gift, it is a bit difficult to control the amount of products that comes out and it's usually more than needed.
  • Creases on the exact area where your eye folds, but the rest of the shadows are still intact and okay.
  • No creasing on the under eye area.
Overall
A wonderful eye brightener!  May work as an eye primer in other countries with colder season but down here, it does crease even on its own.  (only on the folded area)

Tips
from Benefit
  • Gently pump a small amount onto the back of your hand. 
  • Apply 3 tiny dots under your eyes with fingertips & blend. 
  • Next apply 3 dots on eyelids & blend.
  • Let set, then apply concealers and eyeshadows as usual.

from AMW
  • Since this creases a bit, I use this as a concealer, eye brightener and eye makeup base instead of a lid primer!  It helps to use your favorite eyeshadow primer still.
  • Always apply with clean fingers or tools.
  • Other people would like to use their fingers for application, I enjoy using a brush as the product fills into the lines easily with an eye blending brush.
  • After application, "set" the product by gently "dabbing in" the product with the use of your clean finger.
  • At first application, product may end up looking too light around your eye area but give it a couple of seconds for the product to set and it will look more natural afterwards.
  • Always set with your favorite powder or powder foundation.
  • Once allergic reactions occur, STOP usage immediately!
  • Feel free to add them up on Facebook.  They do have contests and promotions once in a while.
Will I repurchase?
Yes.  As a concealer and eye brightener especially for mature clients!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes BENEFIT Lemon Aid but the effect of Lemon Aid is too obvious for them, Benefit Stay Don't Stray is the perfect alternative.  Easier to blend plus the shade counteracts eye darkness.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Benefit Boutique, Greenbelt 5 for Php1,400 (approx $32.55).

Product details on packaging

Light, creamy feel
A small pump would come up with this much product

Easy to blend, gives a lighter appearance
upon blending

Sets in and blends into the skin
 a couple of seconds after

A bit too much amount was applied on my eye  giving a lighter appearance even some of the product went to my lashes!  Don't worry, it creates a nice base prior to mascara application!  My lashes look thicker!  :)


See the line on my eye that creates the "crease"?  That is the ONLY area that creases once I applied Benefit Stay Don't Stray.  Again the rest of the eyeshadow on other parts of the lid stays with Benefit Stay Don't Stray.

To show the effectiveness of the product in terms of eye brightening, a left and right eye photo was taken.
Check mark - with Benefit Stay Don't Stray
X Mark - without


Have you tried Benefit Stay Don't Stray?
What's your current eye brightening product that works?


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!






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

Friday, February 17, 2012

AMW Reports: Pond's Age Defying and Flawless White Launch and the night I got Lucky!

On my way to the Pond's Event at Midas, Hotel.  I was in good mood as I did not get lost and parking was quite easy!  I thought it was just a regular "lucky" night but I guess God has more surprises in store for me! :)


As I stepped in Midas Hotel, wonderful friends from Ogilvy greeted me right away so getting lost is not an option (that I usually end up with).  We had a chance to rest and take photos because the whole "Hermes" inspired lobby was so unique and we can't help but "pose" and didn't care what other people may think!  *laughs*


Just a couple of minutes after, we were ushered to the function room and surprise!  A wonderful stage set up greeted us and it was a very intimate gathering with only a few tables.  I was looking around to see what the launch was all about but as usual, the Pond's people are good at keeping secrets! :P

I do miss the rest of the "usual suspects" and familiar faces that I see who can't make it to the event.  Girls you know who you are! :D


We were greeted by Cosmopolitan Philippines' Chief Ms. Zo Aguila,  



And gorgeous Pond's Global PR Head Ms Apples Aberin


I've always loved how Pond's would take into detail the table centerpieces which in my dictionary, very important to create a romantic and welcoming atmosphere.


Pond's Sr. Brand Manager, Jacque Yuengtian, welcomed the bloggers with opening remarks
It was very informal and relaxing as it was a pretty small group and all of us have known each other for quite some time!

Assistant Brand Manager Mr. Jules Gollayan  hosted the event making sure our queries were heard on each presentation done by the guests.


The event started with a presentation sharing the journey of a Pond's Woman.  It was also additional knowledge for me to learn that Pond's work with team partners from the University of of Copenhagen, University of St. Andrews, The Institute of Perception and Universite De Montreal to explore Where, What, Why and How Much behind our perception of aging and skin lightening. 


Asst. Brand Manager Dian Yu, continued to share how Pond's pioneered anti-aging in the Philippines since the year 2006.  I can strongly recall the commercials shown on screen and let out a tiny chuckle on how I used to "snob" the said commercial and here I am, a consumer of anti-aging products!


Dr. Helen Meldrum, who traveled all the way to the Philippines from the Pond's Institute shared to us scientific points on how certain ingredients added to the Pond's reformulated Age Miracle are proven to make you look up to 10 years younger.  One major ingredient B3 is known as a skin lightening agent that can help fade dark spots, decreases transfer of dark pigment to the skin's surface and the best part, it prevents the darkening at source.

An added 12HSA is also present to work hand in hand with Vitamin B3 to work deep within and the genetic framework of the skin!


A before and after photo of a test done

*whew* It may sound a bit of a nerdy talk but I actually learned a lot!  I've attended so much about skin talk but I always learn something new each time!

2 of the new Pond's line was unveiled just right beside our table!  It was hidden all along by a nice purple curtain!
 

Pond's Age Miracle
with Intelligent Pro Cell Complex

 Pond's Flawless White
with GenActiv



We were given a chance to ask questions to Dr. Helen, here are some of the questions that got stuck inside my head :)

Price Points: the prices of the reformulated Pond's range will almost be the same as the old one for the next 3 months, increase of price may be done but it will be very minimal as Pond's is going for accessibility to consumers.

Loyalty of Consumers to the old Pond's Age Miracle Range:  Newly reformulated products doesn't mean that the old formulation will be changed.  Most of the time, the Pond's Institute continuously do their research and would add beneficial ingredients instead of removing "what works" in the past!  In short, there will always be the "base" of ingredients that Pond's believed in and the newer versions will always be for the betterment of consumers base on needs and wants.

Photo with Angela, Dr. Helen, Lace and Kat

Pond's Philippines team 
Jules, Jacque and Dian
 

 Unilever's Media Services and Activation manager 
Ms. Nel Capila
(yes, another reunion after Vaseline, Dove, Sunsilk
and a whole lot of Unilever events)

 Tara with Apples

and I also took a shot with Apples 
Secret: I tiptoed and still look like a dwarf!  *laughs* #fail

Oh, did I missed telling you the surprise?  I won an iPad2 in the raffle!  I was in daze and all I remember was Jacque calling out my name, I stood up, went up on stage, smiled holding an iPad2 went down and forgot a bit about desserts (which is unusual by the way).


Thank you Pond's for making me feel that life really isn't always about being down, there will always be "up" moments and as materialistic as an iPad2 is, tonight, made me feel like, I do get lucky too!  Given that I have a super positive attitude! :)

Tee hee, no need to share iPad with Mr. AMW! *hugs my own iPad tight* :P Hahaha, do not be like this, selfishness won't bring you anywhere! LOL!

Pond's Philippines team with Dr. Helen plus 
Invited Bloggers :)



Have you seen the new Pond's Age Miracle and Flawless White range?
Have you tried any of the products?  Care to share your thoughts?
Am I lucky or what? *shrieks*

Thank you Lord :)

"Pond's have on ongoing Facebook Contest  called Pond's Greatest Acts of Love! You and your loved one can win a wonderful getaway for 2 to Bali!  Smile and click HERE for more details.  Goodluck!"

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Dove Damage Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner

If you are into watching local channels, you've probably seen the super cute and eye-catching commercial of Dove.

Bridesmaid check out her hair and find it frizzy and dry...


Decided to hide behind an "almost bald" man.  *Laughs* 
So cute and funny!


Just like the rest of the blogging world, I did gave this 2 a try and after 2 full weeks of usage, I'm ready to give my initial thoughts because there's so much to say!


Dove Damage Therapy
Intense Repair Shampoo

Back side of the Shampoo variant

Dove Damage Therapy
Intense Repair Conditioner


Back side of the conditioner

Dove Damage Therapy Intense Shampoo and Conditioner says ---
Formulated with Micro-moisture Serum and Fiber Actives, Dove Intense Repair gives your hair superior moisturization and internal repair. Reduces split ends up to 9 times in just 3 washes.

Shampoo
  • Cleanses and boosts nourishment to make hair resilient to damage.
  • Use daily 
Conditioner
  • Gives hair the extra smoothness and softness it needs
  • Use daily
AMW says ---
Pros
  • I love the simplicity of the packaging!  
  • Lathers up pretty well.
  • Smells different as compared to Dove Shampoo and Conditioner from other countries but smells really good!
  • Hair feels light.
  • Hair feels super soft and easy to comb.
  • The conditioner, I can tell is super potent and feels just like it came straight from a hair treatment "tub" but in squeeze-able packaging.
  • Controls frizz.  Let's say it reduces at least 5% of hair frizz.
  • Inexpensive and finally, available locally!
Cons
  • Because it is too"rich" in terms of moisturize, oily hair may find themselves oil-up fast int he middle of the day.
  • May cause dandruff.  It did a bit on me but nothing exaggerating, I do get dandruffs on ALL types of shampoos and conditioners!  I just have to include an anti-dandruff treatment shampoo in between and I'm all set!
Overall
I am not joking when I talk about this pairing on Twitter, Tara and I both love how soft and smooth the hair IMMEDIATELY feels upon usage!  I've been using this for weeks inserting Clarifying shampoo and anti-dandruff shampoo and I'm loving the result!  Hair is definitely less frizzy and less tangle (which equals to less hair fall due to tangles).

Tips

  • If you suffer itchy scalp or dandruff by using a new type of shampoo and conditioner variant, always insert your trustee anti-dandruff shampoo in between.
  • Use clarifying shampoo to remove product build up at least once a week or as long as it works for you!
  • Add water to a small amount of Dove Damage Therapy Shampoo and gently mix between your fingers and massage onto your scalp and the rest of your hair.
  • Conditioners are always applied from mid-hair down to the tips.  Leave it for at least 3-5minutes or much better, wrap it with shower cap as you wash your body!
Will I repurchase?
Yes

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who suffers from dry, frizzy hair.

Where to purchase and how much?

Available in leading department stores and supermarkets nationwide for around Php200.00+ (approx $4.65+)  both Shampoo and Conditioner added together.

Have you tried Dove Shampoo and Conditioners?
Do you like them?


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!






(Product sent for PR consideration.  Reviews are 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)