I Wonder: "Too Pretty To Use?"

Happy Saturday AMW Friends!
Today, I will out for almost a whole day and I wish I can make it without feeling nauseous or tired!  Wish me luck! 

Before I leave home, here's a thought that has been bugging me for months!  *laughs*  I am the type of consumer who wouldn't mind using pretty looking cosmetics, I don't get attached to them and I'm one practical person who would always say: "What's the point of buying and not using?"  

Today, I am eating my words!  When dear blogger friend Hedley sent me a gift "just because" she's sweet and she wants to brighten up my day, she gifted me Guerlain Ombre Eclat 4 Shades eyeshadow palette because it reminded her of me! 

Housed in a gorgeous, shiny, black packaging.

Judging by my nail art, the photo was taken November last year!  *hides in embarrassment*  And you guessed it right, it's still sitting pretty on my makeup storage and mind you, I do look at it once in awhile and just admire the gorgeous shades and patterns.  (I just realized I'm a freak!  lol) 

Sorry Hedley, I tried, so many times on picking the sponge applicator and mumble a silent apology for ruining such beautiful creature, but I always ended up a loser!  

Can you blame me?

So today, I WONDER:
"Have you been keeping a particular makeup just because it's too pretty to use?"  

As for me, this happened to me ONCE and it was this particular Guerlain 4 Shades Eyeshadow Palette.  The reason must be because it was a gift to me plus the super pretty and unique patterns!  Please, don't give me a sermon!!!  Promise, I will use it before the year ends!

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AMW Reviews: MAC Mineralized Charged Water Cleanser

When cleansing water came out, people were dying to give them a try as everyone dislikes the sticky, greasy feel of a regular makeup remover! 

My first cleansing water isn't available locally and because I've been very persistent to try unique products (that's the reason why this blog was born), I ordered my Mandom Cleansing Express AgeCare online.

How was the experience?  It feels like water and cleanses well, but the product doesn't smell as nice as I want it to.  Plus, there were times it stung my eyes!  Well, those tiny boo-boos are okay but again, the product isn't available here and I don't want to risk ordering online again and wait for eternity for my products to arrive!

What does a girl do?  Look for alternatives!  And different western brands are coming up with cleansing water and I'm glad to give the MAC version a try!

MAC says ---

A lightweight cleanser formulated with our ionized Super-Duo Charged Water technology. Removes all makeup (except waterproof and longwearing) with a wipe - no rinse-off required. Leaves skin nourished, soft, absolutely clean.

Size: 100ml

AMW says ---

Pros

• Super cute packaging.
• Has a fresh, light scent.
• Very gentle.  Doesn't sting my eyes or face.
• Have nice glitters that make you feel good yet don't stay on your skin.
• Does remove a good amount of non-waterproof makeup.
• Have the "charged water" benefits we get while cleansing.
• Leaves skin refreshed and hydrated.
  

Cons

• Since our country is humid, most of us would use long-wearing and waterproof makeup and this product isn't meant to remove these types of makeup.
• Price.

Overall

Gives a nice refreshing feel on skin upon application.  Removes a good amount of regular face makeup, blush, eyeshadow and lipstick.  This product is not meant to remove waterproof and longwearing makeup.

Tips

• For light makeup wearers, on a non-lazy dog, it helps to still wash your face with water to make sure all the makeup is gone.
• When it comes to makeup cleansing, using a cotton pad is always better than cotton balls.
• After facial cleansing, it helps to use the MAC Mineralized Charged Water Cleanser to remove facial cleanser residue plus oil prior to skincare/makeup application.
• This product can also work prior to makeup cleansing, lesser cleansing oil will be used if the rest of your face makeup has been removed by the MAC Mineralized Charged Water Cleanser.

Will I repurchase?

Professionally speaking, YES.  For personal use --- NO, because I'm a waterproof and longwearing makeup wearer, I would rather repurchase the MAC Cleanse Off Oil which I tried when I bought a mini set in Hong Kong.

To whom do I recommend this to?

Makeup artists to cleanse the clients' face prior to makeup application.  Light to almost no makeup wearers too as this is a lovely way to refresh and remove some makeup midday or at the end of the day.

Where to purchase and how much?

At local MAC counters for Php1,470.00 (approx $34.20).

Photos

The product comes with a "pour me" bottle and it's well sealed upon purchased.  Looking closely, there are lovely tiny sparkles of gold that doesn't stick to your face upon usage.

Would you give MAC Mineralized Charged Water Cleanser a try considering it doesn't remove waterproof and longwearing makeup?
As a professional makeup artist, I actually like to use this in cleansing a client's face!  It gives them a nice refreshing feel and I always get compliments for using such product.

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Happy Weekend!

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

Eureka Moment: One Super Fine and Super Sharp Liner

Eyeliners are my best friend for as long as I remember!  My first ever eye liner was bought when we were required in our Tourism class to wear makeup for some school activities and the first purchase was a local brand from Ever Bilena and it was an eye pencil in dark brown!

It was (literally) an eye-opening experience for me and I learned to appreciate it more after my trustee lip balm! 

BUT!  Don't we wish some days our eyeliner isn't as obvious as the sun above the sky?  Especially now that I'm wearing the least makeup possible, lining my eyes the "normal" way could wash out the rest of my face as I tend to skip on eyeshadow application making the line appears more obvious than usual!  

EUREKA MOMENT!

At the back of the packaging, I am very happy to announce that the local distributor did an English translation on product details! 

"With an impressive super micro thin brush of just 0.05mm, 24H Real Lasting Eyeliner, WP Micro is an improved version of K-Palette’s award-winning eyeliner! This eyeliner makes it possible to draw thin, natural eyelines and dot the gaps between lashes! This waterproof and smudge-resistant film type eyeliner with super micro thin brush fibre, high water-resistant polymer molecule and unique conditioning formula keeps the eyeline intact all day. It gives guaranteed results in its ability to withstand melting humidity and punishing dryness of our air-conditioned interiors!"

K-Palette, one of my favorite brand came up with a wonderful solution!  The same 1 Day Tattoo formula that I love but this time, the liner is housed in a super sharp and fine brush measuring 0.05mm!  

I am not joking, it is super fine and easy to use!  This pen is perfect for first-time liner users and those who have been using liquid liners all their life!  Imagine those makeup looks that you want to create that would require you to draw "fake lashes" on the lower lash line?  This pen is the answer!

3 consistently fine lines I've created without much effort!

K-Palette retained its wonderful waterproof formulation that dries up immediately upon application!  I tried smudging the lines but I swear, it didn't budge at all!  Best of all?  I took a shower and rubbed it gently with regular soap and water and it was removed without pain!  

Waterproof + Easy to remove = EYELINING HEAVEN!

** K-Palette Micro Eyeliner Waterproof in Jet Black is exclusively available in Beauty Bar stores and retails for Php895.00 (approx $20.80).  LIKE them on Facebook to get updated on new products!

Do you think you need a super fine and sharp micro liner in your life?
How would you use it?

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(Product sent for PR purposes.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Reviews: Face of Australia Divine Shine Lip Plumper

If you put a lip plumper in front of me, I'd probably run to the opposite direction!  That's how allergic I am in anything that would make my lips appear thicker than it already is!

Back in the day, before the famous "Angelina Jolie" sexy lips, I am quite shy about my full lips and would press my lips together or worst, bite my lips when I'm meeting new people.  That's probably the huge reason why my lips are always dry as I tend to eat my lip balm even before the product takes action!

Today, I'm not saying I'm proud of my full, dry lips but I'm embracing what was given to me because I got them from my parents!  *laughs*  The point is, I'm quite happy with what I have because these lips make me the talkative person I am! :P  

When I got the Face of Australia Divine Shine Lip Plumper, I nearly gave this away....

Don't get me wrong, it's not about me + my full lips issue but the ingredients that came with the lip plumper.  Ginger?  Cinnamon?  On my makeup?  NO WAY!

As I applied the product on my lips ready to gag (with Mr. AMW enjoying the view), I am quite surprised the combination of Ginger, Cinnamon and Menthol blended so well together like a married couple + mistress *laughs*

Face of Australia says ---

Cinnamon & Ginger stimulate circulation below the skin's surface, encouraging lips to flush and plump. Menthol combines to produce a longer lasting plumping effect for bigger lips. Lanolin fills fine lines and makes lips appear smoother & fuller. Intense light reflecting pigments ensure a mirror-like gloss effect.

Shades: Sterling Blossom and Lavish Instict

AMW says ---
Pros

• Comes with sponge applicator that makes it easy to apply on lips.
• Contains cinnamon and ginger (both I'm not a fan of) but I'm quite surprised the scent is okay for me.
• Super non-sticky.
• Never feels heavy on lips.
• Doesn't sting.
• Moisturizes my lips.

Cons

• Though the good moisture makes my lips look a bit plump, it doesn't give the exaggerated "Angelina Jolie" lips as you may want.

Overall
Has a nice tingling sensation that I find relaxing.  Applies smoothly and doesn't feel sticky.  Gives the lips a good amount of shine and moisture.

Tips

• If you are in dire need to make your lips appear fuller, let's not depend on just one lip product (the Lip Plumper), gently apply lip liner outside the natural line of your lips.  You can choose to apply lipstick on top then finish it with a nice Lip Plumper.
• Avoid dark lipsticks or lip glosses if you want fuller looking lips.
• Apply more of the FOA Divine Shine Lip Plumper at the center of your lips for more shine.
• If you are not a fan of cinnamon and ginger, you may think twice on purchasing this product as not everyone is a fan of these ingredients!

Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone into lip plumper without the painful feel.

Where to purchase and how much?

At D Hip Sanctuary for Php538.00 (approx $12.50). Add them up on Facebook or email them dhip.sanctuary@facebook.com.  If you want to learn about their bazaar schedules, contact Karen 0999-888-2682

Photos

As seen on my before and after photo my lips are full to start with so I don't think it could get fuller (I don't intend to!).  The immediate gratification is the lovely natural warmth it gives with added shine and moisture.

The shade Lavish Instinct is sheer with light shimmers that doesn't equate to a disco ball!

Are you into Lip Plumpers?
If yes, what's your favorite brand?

I have to be honest with you that I dislike lip plumpers and I dislike the way they sting my "already fat" lips!  I am quite surprised with the Face of Australia Divine Shine Lip Plumper as it gives my lips a natural moisture and shine without the sticky feel!

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AMW Reports: The Opening of Kiehl's Powerplant Mall + Giveaway! (Contest Closed!!!)

Kiehl's has been around since 1851 but let me tell you how I get to know about the brand.

I was just new in the blogging industry then and my first few product review was about lip balms that I've kissed.  Because blogging is such a wonderful tool to communicate with people around the world who has the same interest as I do, I was advised to try the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 in which I happily obliged and purchased 2 tubes during my Hong Kong trip.

I knew about Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 first before the brand itself.  *embarrassed*

Thanks to my dearest brother who gifted me with a Kiehl's Skincare Travel Set and I'm starting to fall in love with the products.  The Kiehl's Supremely Gentle Eye Makeup Remover is cream based but "supremely" gentle and my eyes doesn't blur out or sting at all!  It's a must for people with sensitive eyes!

Let's not forget the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate Challenge in which I took part to try for 15 days?  *heads high*  I thought I'm one Kiehl's Brand Expert!

When I got a cute "boarding pass" type of invite from our friends from Kiehl's for their Powerplant Mall store opening, I was ready to jump in and enjoy my old time favorites!  (That's what I thought!)

Outside the store, I can immediately see how busy it was!