Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Some Changes on my Skincare Regimen

Remember my post on my Day and Night Skin Care Regimen?  (click HERE)  Some of the products has been used up and I've changed some of it and has been trying out new products.  So I guess it's time to share to you what my skin has been up to!

I do finish up each of the skincare products I use so I hope you understand why it's taking me forever to share to you a review!

Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream
I have mentioned this product a couple of posts ago!  This was gifted to me by my dearest brother who scans my blog to see which product I haven't tried and would buy from Duty Free!  (How sweet of him!).  I have been using this for months every morning and so far, I do not have negative reactions and my skin seems to be enjoying this!  It would be perfect if the "Early Wrinkle Correction" properties does its job!  :)



L'Oreal Youth Code
Prior to the application of moisturizer, I use the L'Oreal Paris Youth Code Pre-Essence to boost more of the anti-aging properties! I personally like to inject serums/concentrate once in awhile for that extra "boost" the skin may needs from the harsh environment.


Aside from using L'Oreal Paris' Youth Code, I also like to alternate it with the Clinique's Turnaround Concentrate as I love the radiance this product gives on my skin!  


 Estee Lauder CyberWhite Brilliant Cells Night
This is the newest product that has been added to my nightly routine! 
It wasn't difficult to include this product into my night time regimen because I have used the Estee Lauder's CyberWhite Brilliant Cells Full Spectrum Brightening Essence and it gives the glow I need each time I wake up in the morning!
These 2 are best used together but....

 
Too bad, I went ahead and finished up the Estee Lauder CyberWhite Brilliant Cells Essence!  It took me approximately 4 months of daily use!  I'm still positive that I'll get the same results by using the cream.  The result may take a tiny bit longer as compared to the essence but so far, I'm enjoying the same scent and the cream consistency is quite smooth and gets absorbed into the skin easily leaving my skin moisturized at night.



Clinique's Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector
I do get blemishes every now and then, yes, at this age, I still breakout!  The problem with my skin is that, the breakout may have been long gone but the marks stay!  I am currently using Clinique's Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector Concentrate on those "grey" areas by gently massaging the product directly onto the "marks"!  I'm on a lookout to see if this product helps speed up the reduction of darkness!  :)


Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Age-Correcting Eye Cream
Thank goodness for good amount product samples!  I've finished up my L'Occitane Eye Cream and I'm now using this sample size which will last me months! 


To those who wonders if eye creams work, it really does!  It takes a whole lot of time and effort to see results but there are definitely results!  Feel free to read my previous post about eye creams by smiling and clicking HERE.


With all the anti-aging products I've tried, all I can say is that, it paid off!  I've had my skin analyzed using a computer and I was told my skin is equivalent to the skin of a 25-year old woman!  *yay*!

What's the newest skincare product you've added in your regimen?
Which products mentioned above intrigued you?

Share to me your current skincare regimen!  I'd be happy to know your secret! :D

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

AMW Reports: Ever New Melbourne

Last weekend, the fashion clothing and accessories brand founded in Melbourne, Australia called EVER NEW opened its doors at Bonifacio High Street.

AMW  was there!


It was a very hot and humid day but I managed to look fresh (just on photos) *laughs* and once I got in the store, I was greeted by the Brand Manager of Ever New Philippines, Ms. Marian Alarcon, whom I met during her The Body Shop days!


I also meet Jeff, from Thinline, who welcomed me like we've been friends forever!  Thanks Jeff for the time and for being so accommodating!

I asked what to expect at Ever New store in the Philippines and I was told that the brand celebrates beauty of women and collections are inspired by global trends in art, film, music and theater haute couture runway shows in Paris, London, Milan and New York.


Store Counter

What's unique with Ever New is the availability of formal wear!  Check out the very cute dress that caught the attention of most girls who were there!



Most of the colors I saw scream spring and summer! 

There's a nautical-themed inspired corner for stripes lovers out there!  *ahem* ME!


Jewellery


Head accessories from hats to headbands!
They were all very feminine and definitely screams "Women in Style".


Footwear and Bags


More bags and summer wear


The gorgeous bag display and would you believe they have iPhone 4/4s casings?


Afraid you get to wear the same outfit at a party with someone?  Don't fret!  Ever New has new styles in store every month!

During the event, I met the gorgeous Vern and Verniece

With Kira and Tin 
and my Jamba Juice! 


  with Liz

Because we saw a cute flower-frame outside the store, we can't help but take a pose! :) Thanks Mr. AMW for bearing the heat!
AMW Wears: 
G.U.Japan Sleeveless Maxi Dress
Lace top from Japan

Thanks to reader Julie Ann for your talent, for making this gorgeous cupcake necklace! :)
Photo grabbed from Kira, thanks Kira!


And before I left the store, was able to catch up with Aisa! :)

It was indeed a promising store with lots of choices for different styles and fashion trends!

Have you seen the new Ever New store at Bonifacio High Street Central?
If not, feel free to browse their collections at www.forevernew.com.au

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Monday, May 14, 2012

Tech Review: Mohzy Loop USB Cable

When it comes to travel, Mr. AMW carries all the chargers and cables in one pouch as I dislike seeing them as I can never organize them well!  I used to complain how some cables could get too long and why can't they just create one that's perfect for travel!

Mohzy heard my woes....


The cable comes in various designs
The one on photo is called: Daisy

Mohzy says ---
The loop micro usb & iPhone/iPod cable combines fashion and utility into 1 simple product for most Apple iPhones/iPods, Android smartphones, and Blackberry devices.
  • provides data transfer and battery charging
  • clips together with magnets to wear as a wristband or attach to your bag
  • attach to any metal surface such as a desk or cubicle wall to hang notes and photos with ease
Dimension: 23 x1.2 x  1.0 cm
Weight: 18g


AMW says ---
Pros
  • Unique, very fashionable designs.
  • Works for most Apple iPhones, iPads and iPods, Android smartphones and Blackberry devices.  
  • Easy to take along for travel, can be clipped on wrist or on your bag.
  • Comes with an add-on for iPhone products.  
 
  • Provides both charging and data transfer.
  • Hidden magnets inside the cable makes it easy to clip on metallic surfaces making it easier for me to put it on a spot where I can always see it.
  • Never gets tangled with other stuff.
  • Comes in many designs!
Cons
  • Wearing this as a wristband is a very cool concept but it may look a bit weird!
Overall
For it's cute design, I think girls would appreciate this more than guys! :)
 
Will I purchase?
Yes, I plan on getting one.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Fashionistas and bloggers like myself who needs this inside their bag but dislikes the messy cables.

Where to purchase and how much?
for Php795.00 (approx $18.50) at the following stores

Would you go for a travel-friendly Mohzy Loop USB Cable?
What's your design preference?


Mine would be Giraffe!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!





(Test unit provided for review. Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Reviews: Benefit Sun Beam

Happy start of the week!  How was your weekend?  To those who get to read my Facebook update, you probably know how much I enjoyed my long weekend!  So today, I'm pumped for the rest of the very busy week!  I have my schedule all plotted out and it is crazy!!!  Crazy yet fun!  So I'm looking forward to it!

The weather down here gets a bit crazy, from the harsh rays of the sun to the sudden pour of rain, who says our makeup look has to suffer?  We can always look healthy and blooming anytime of the day!  I've found a unique product (I'm sure most Benefit addicts already own by now.) called Sun Beam, does it really look like the sun beams right through me minus the harsh UV rays? 

Benefit says ---
This golden bronze highlighter gives you a natural, sun-issed radiance. Dot & blend over makeup on to cheek & brow bones for a bronzed glow that complements all skin tones. It’s liquid sunshine in a bottle!

Size: 130 ml/0.45 US fl. oz.
Ingredients:

AMW says ---
Pros
  • Comes with a nail-polish like packaging making it easy to get product and control the amount of product.
  • Product includes manufacturing date which makes it easier for users like me to track how long I've had the product.
  • Product can be used on its own straight from bottle to the face or mix it on your tinted moisturizer, foundation or BB creams.
  • Golden tint which I think would be perfect for Asian skin like myself!
  • Very subtle and easy to blend.
  • Works for all skin tone!
  • A little goes a long way!
  • Gives a nice hint of sparkle but never the chunky type.
  • This is one highlighter that you don't get to see the effect immediately, so prevent yourself from applying too much, the effect is best seen under natural lighting!  The effect is very subtle yet gorgeous!
Cons
  • Probably the price, but personally speaking, this will last me a long time so at the end of the day, it's worth it!
  • Liquid version:  Not everyone would appreciate this as powdered highlighter is still the easiest to use. 
  • The box says the product is good for 6 months, for the amount I use, I may have a hard time finishing this in 6 months!
Overall
I personally love this as a highlighter as this suits my skin tone better than regular "pearl" or "whitish" colored highlighters which can make it look unnatural if I applied too much!  The Benefit Sun Beam, even if applied a bit more than the usual can still give me the natural effect.

This product is fool-proof, easy to use, even for first time liquid makeup wearers!

Tips
  • I can't stress this enough, try on testers and ask the SAs to teach you how to apply it!
  • Blend with clean finger tips to warm the product spreading the product more evenly.
  • Apply this on ares were the sun naturally hits the face.  Cheek bones, brow bones, nose bridge and even your cupid's bow.
  • If you are a makeup artist, I suggest not to overuse this especially on flash photography.  Keep in mind that not everyone is into "highlighted", "glow-y" look! 
  • I strongly prefer to apply this product on top of ANY cream, liquid-based product and try not to apply on top of a powder product to prevent uneven look.
  • If you plan to mix Benefit Sun Beam to your foundation, do it gradually, do not apply too much or you'll end up like a disco-ball!
  • If you prefer a "more obvious" highlighter, go for High Beam.
  • High Beam is best for cool skin tones while Sun Beam is best for warm skin tones.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!  

To whom do I recommend this to?
This product would suit tanned skin but fair and medium skin tone can enjoy this too!!!  I find this product to works on ALL skin color, you just have to control the amount of product used based on your preference.

Where to purchase and how much?
Benefit international website for $26.00, locally at Benefit Boutique Shangri-la and Greenbelt 5 for Php1,400.

Product photos and swatches

Benefit Sun Beam's Packaging
Nail-polish like bottle with a similar nail polish applicator. 

One swipe on my hand
Almost looks like a tinted moisturizer but more liquid in texture.
Benefit Sun Beam has a nice bronze-y sheen and you can apply more and still gives a subtle effect.

Once blended
 It looks a bit more obvious on my hand because of the camera flash, but I strongly suggest to apply sparingly as when you get out under the sun, you will see a tiny sparkly effect which may translate to "oiliness" especially if you applied a bit too much!  Keep in mind to ONLY apply on areas where the sun would natural hit the face.  (Note: This is a higlighter, NOT a foundation or blush!)


How I apply my Benefit Sun Beam
Since I do not plan to use this on clients, I use the brush directly from packaging and apply 3 tiny dots on my cheekbones as shown on photo below.  (Note: I already applied foundation underneath.)


With clean hands, I gently massage the product concentrating only on the cheekbones!  It is very easy to over spread the product but I highly recommend to stick to the areas where the sun would naturally hit.  

As Dory from Finding Nemo would say: "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...".  AMW would say: "Just keep blending...just keep blending!" :P


See the highlighted area that looks very natural?  
That's the effect of Benefit's Sun Beam if applied correctly.  Finish off with a blush and contouring powder and you have a perfect look that would look great in person and on photos!


Have you tried Benefit's Sun Beam?
Which is your favorite highlighter as of the moment?
Happy Sun-Beam-y Monday!!!


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!






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

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Contest Winners

I picked the winners for contests that ended last Friday!  If you have joined any of my contests, kindly scroll down and check if you're one of the lucky winner!

AMW Gives: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Congratulations to ---
Dulce Dela Cruz


Jergens Gives: Soothing Aloe for the Summer

Congratulations to ---
Gail Te

Congratulations to ---
Girlie Camungay

Avon Gives: Anti-Aging Miracle

Congratulations to ---
Baby Flores-Yap

Oracare Gives: 3 Gift Packs for No Sting!

Congratulations to ---
Jamee Uy

Congratulations to ---
Winnie Pascual

Congratulations to ---
Junellene Sapinoso

Thanks everyone for joining!
Don't lose hope, keep on joining and may the odds be forever in your favor!  *laughs*

Thanks to Kiehl's Philippines, Avon, Oracare and Jergens!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!