AMW Reviews: Garnier Pure Active Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-on

If you think the reason why I don't test or write much about "pimple zapping" products because I have perfect skin, you're wrong!  

The reason why I don't test or use these types of products much is because my skin is very sensitive to Salicylic Acid and I'm allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide.  Both are pimple zapping ingredients that are super effective in drying out pimples!

That's why I settle for the natural Tea Tree Oils, I've been a loyal user of The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil and have been constantly repurchasing especially if they're on sale. 

So what's Garnier Pure Active Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-on doing here on my page?  Well, my dearest bestfriend Mr. AMW suffers from acne the moment he was in his mid-twenties, a late-bloomer I should say!  We're both been constantly finding for products that would help lessen his spots and pimples that has been constantly there for years!  He's been a number 1 user of Benzoyl Peroxide made by the company Galderma but once in a while, he uses other pimple fighting products to "confuse" his acne!  *laughs*  We like to put it that way! :)

So a huge thanks to Mr. AMW for trying out the newest Garnier product and I'm happy to write about this because this product is inexpensive so anyone who suffers from acne may give this a try.  I can't promise you it will work for all of you but it's worth the try because you don't have to shell out that much.

Garnier says ---

Dries out imperfections.  Visibly fades marks.

Concentrated in Purifying Salicylic acid, its fresh  non greasy formula quickly dries out imperfections instantly.  Anti-marks fading action as it is enriched with HerbaRepair known for its regenerating and repairing properties, it helps to improve skin, minimize redness and fade out marks.

Dermatologically tested on Asian acne-prone skin.

Ingredients:

Aqua, Alcohol Denat, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamde, Salicylic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30, Alkylacrylate Crosspolymer, Camphor, Capryloyl, Menthol, Sodium Hydroxide, Vaccinium Myrtillus Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Zinc Gluconate, Parfum.

Size: 15ml

AMW Bulletin: Who's Excited for Shu Uemura x Karl Lagerfeld Collection?

Some of you may not know who Karl Lagerfeld is but I actually got to know him (of course not personally, lol) via online fashion articles.  I believe he is a head fashion designer for Chanel fashion.

For two decades Karl Lagerfeld has been using Shu Uemura eye shadows to illustrate his fashion sketches. So it was an easy design for him to collaborate with the brand to create an entire collection!  He's very hands on in terms of picking the shades, the design of the packaging and he also photographed the visual campaign.

 Talk about One Man Show!

The collection will be launched November 2012 in Asia!  I'm looking forward for this!

How do you think the packaging will look like?
What are the shades that will be included in this collection?
Any guesses?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Bulgogi Brothers

One thing you can't take away from me, is the comfort of eating my favorite food after a very long and tiring day!  I had a full day yesterday! We went in and out of the house around 3 times in the morning to do some errands then leave again in the afternoon and  head on to Makati for MAC Hey Sailor Collection Launch and of course, Benefit Porefessionally Pretty workshop!  

What's a great way to end a tiring day?  Good food, and what's my favorite dish?  (All together now....)  Korean!

Mr. AMW knew how much I love to down on some Korean food after any tiring day and he told me he'll take me to the Bulgogi Brothers which was conveniently located at Greenbelt 5! Aubrey (from Benefit) also joined us for dinner as we're both famished!

Free appetizers were served

The corn is very sweet, quail eggs and sweet potatoes.  It is quite unusual to see these served in local Korean restaurants but it's a nice change!

More appetizers with salad!  I am seriously hungry by this time so just to tell you the truth, this was all gone just around 5 minutes after the camera flash!  *laughs*  Poor me! :P

We've decided to go for house tea as they serve Oksusu Cha (Corn Tea) housed in a nice tumbler that retains warmth!

The well-prepared Mr. AMW was able to get a coupon from his colleague and we get to enjoy an appetizer for free!  For the night, it was a noodle soup!  I asked the lady the name of the dish but I just can't seem to remember!  Forgive me, brain isn't working when hungry!  So ask me the next dishes instead!  *laughs*

Bulgogi Brothers Special

Php1,495.00 (approx $35.00)

Special assorted bulgogi  is seasoned to perfection

 for the ultimate experience.

(Un-yang & Gwang-yang Style Bulgogi)

This was how it looked like raw and they helped us cooked this as we were seated outside so we're not aloud to cook anything on our table!  

Once cooked, the heart shaped "burger" is my favorite!  It may look dry but once you take a bite, it's very sweet and tasty and no extra sauce is needed!  Both are must try and it was stated this dish is good for 2-3 people.  I'm just a bit confused on why they only served 1 rice bowl together with this dish!  I don't mind though as we ordered Bibimbap! :)

Sogogi Japchae

Php350.00 (approx $8.14)

A colorful dish made with glass noodle beef, bell pepper

and onions seasoned with soy sauce

Uniquely plated!  I like the presentation and the taste was really good!  A hint of sesame oil can definitely be tasted and the added Dukbokki on the side gives a unique texture!

Bulgogi Bibimbap

Php395.00 (approx $9.20)

A traditional Korean favorite.  

Great combination of bulgogi, 

various vegetables and rice.

Definitely a very nutritious and delicious meal!  If you're a "weekend food tripping" reader of mine, you'll know that I would never miss a Bibimbap on any Korean restaurant I try!  This is not the best BUT it is good enough to make my senses go wild!  I love how fresh their vegetables are, and the red paste on the side is such a great idea so people can control the spicy level to their liking!

 

The servers were very helpful and prompt with our orders!  Though we dined outside the restaurant, I was able to check out what's inside and I see they have good exhaust system! Overall, I had a wonderful time and food tastes really good!  

The restaurant accepts cash and credit card.

 

Bulgogi Brothers

3/F Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St, Ayala Center

Makati City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(632) 621-6216

Have you tried Bulgogi Brothers?
This is our first and definitely not our last!  We'll definitely go back for more!
What do you think shall we order next?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Charm Essentials Travel Pointed Foundation Brush

For someone who owns 3 professional brush sets and a couple of travel sets, you'd think I've seen and owned them all!

WRONG!

Recently, my dearest friend Sophie (who just celebrated her birthday) gifted me a gorgeous brush that's meant to be kept inside my makeup pouch!  (Sorry dear clients, I'm claiming this for personal use!) 

I've been meaning to blog about this last week but I have to wait for Charm to launch this brush first before I blab away!  Thankfully, this was launched 2 days ago and I'm so happy as the price is affordable so this gorgeous brush is within reach!  

Charm says ---

This ultra-versatile foundation brush applies and blends cream/liquid products to a flawless finish, and features a gently tapered tip that allows precision on targeted areas. Perfect for concealing and foundation application.

Our On-the Go Pointed Foundation Brush will blend in perfectly with your existing travel makeup kit, that you may never have to scrimp on flawless coverage wherever you go!

AMW says ---

Pros

• Has the usual Charm Pink handle.  
• Versatile - can be used to apply liquid/cream foundations, cream blush, concealer etc...
• Super soft, synthetic hair.  No scratchy feel.
• The pointed tip makes it easy to reach to areas like under the eyes, sides of the nose, etc...
• No shedding nor bleeding even on first wash.
• The brush hairs are dense and not flimsy at all!
• Though this is a travel size, the brush head is as good as PRO-sized brush.

• Inexpensive for the quality.

Cons

• Like any foundation brush, it takes double the effort to wash the brush properly as cream/liquid products are more difficult to remove.

Overall
Versatile brush that has the right density and control to create light, medium to heavy coverage!

Tips

• Wash upon purchase.
• If the brush is used with cream or liquid products, mix your baby shampoo with Extra Virgin Olive Oil or you may purchase inexpensive cleansing oils before washing it off with baby shampoo.
• After every use, it helps to wipe off some of the products on a clean towel or makeup remover wipes to prevent makeup from sticking into the brush hairs making it extra difficult to wash.
• If used to apply foundation: Dot foundation on areas of your skin that needed the most coverage, with Charm Essentials Travel Pointed Foundation Brush, brush the foundation downwards blending the foundation to the skin making sure to cover all areas.  
• If used to apply concealer/correction:  Dot the concealer on your problem areas by using your fingers, using the pointed tip of Charm Essentials Travel Pointed Foundation Brush, gently brush off hard edges to make it look more natural.
• If you plan to take this along for travel, it pays to put this brush inside a zip lock or use a brush protector to prevent stains on your makeup pouch.

Will I repurchase? 
I won't need to repurchase another one but I highly recommend this to others!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes to apply liquid/cream products with the use of brush!

Where to purchase and how much?
Available at Beauty and Minerals for Php399.00 (approx $9.30).  Also available at PurBeauty  Serendra, Crossings Shangri-la, Crossings Trinoma.  For readers based in Singapore, Charm makeup brushes are available via LushShop

Product photo and usage

A closer look on Charm Essentials Travel Pointed Foundation Brush

Brush hairs are synthetic (animal-friendly) and has a nice density.  The slanted portion of the brush (shown on photo below) makes blending a breeze with just a few downward strokes.  By using a brush in foundation application, you use lesser product and creates a more even, flawless finish.

For concealer application

I prefer dotting the concealer with my fingers on areas needed then gently brush off with soft, feather-like motion to make concealing more natural.

For Foundation Application

As I dot foundation on the center of my face, I use the brush to lightly spread the foundation using downwards stroke.  I like concentrating on foundation application at the center of my face as that's were most of my redness shows!  

It's best to always step back and check your foundation application, make sure everything is seamless then set with your preferred setting powder.

I actually requested Sophie to create a bigger version of this as I originally thought it would take me forever to apply foundation with a travel sized brush!  After road testing this new brush from Charm, I can happily shut my mouth!  I don't need to request for a bigger version as the brush size is equivalent to a full sized brush!  That's a huge value for money!  

How do you feel about Charm's newest brush?
Do you need the Pointed Foundation brush in your life?
Why or why not?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Product gifted to me.  Reviews 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Nail Art Tutorial: Pow! Bam! Boom!

Happy Friday and it's Nail Art Tutorial Day!  

How's everyone?  I'm sure we're all in high spirits because weekend is within our reach!  As for me, it'll be a very busy day of errands plus, I get to meet my past colleagues for catch up tonight!  

As for my nails, I've done The Avengers and DC characters and while I was looking at my nail polish collection, I've thought of creating another colorful nail art to brighten up the rainy season but I want to veer away from the usual Superheroes' Chibi faces!  

Yeah, I think a lot!  *laughs*

Anyways, back to the story, I've decided to re-create how Superheroes would react on a fight scene!  Yes, I know some of you weren't even born yet! :P

Here's the famous Crash! Kapow! Zlonk! from Batman and Robin circa 19-forgotten! :P