AMW Reviews: Yves Rocher MetalGlow Cream Eyeshadow in Ombre Cream Metal

One of the many few cream-based eyeshadow that I love in "lip gloss" packaging is from my dearest, favorite brand Paul & Joe called Eye Gloss!  I have used just 1 P&J Eye Gloss in my entire life which I bought on sale called Murmur which I didn't get the chance to review as I'm not even sure how you guys could get to purchase it no matter how much I rave about it!  

It's one of the few eye products that I use even on my bridal clients as it gives a very nice base and creates a nice dimension on whatever neutral eyeshadow you pile on top of it!  It's like a great "foundation" to a wonderful eye makeup!  

(Isn't it obvious that I sound soooo bummed???)  *laughs*  Yes, Paul & Joe Philippines, it is your fault!  You left a poor girl behind longing for more of your products!  

BUT, as the saying goes: "Life goes on!"

I wasn't even looking for a replacement but when I visited the Yves Rocher store at Trinoma, I saw the Yves Rocher MetalGlow Cream Eyeshadow and grabbed it immediately as there wasn't much left!

Yves Rocher says ---

Long-lasting pearly metallic sheen.  A fresh creamy texture, intense luminous colors, guaranteed ultra-long 8 hour hold, for a sparkling metallic finish and radiant eyes.  An adjustable metallic shadow texture, applies evenly to the eyelid and is easily worked with fingertips or foam tipped applicator.  Intense, luminous colors with a sparkling metallic finish.  The eyes look radiant.

Metalglow Cream Eyeshadow contains all the natural benefits of Soya Bean extract.  Tested under ophthalmological supervision.

Size: 0.17 fl.oz Tube / 5 ml

AMW says ---
Pros

• Easy to use packaging.
• Good color pay-off.
• Very pigmented.
• Build-able shade.
• Lasts the whole day.
• Doesn't crease (if applied correctly)
• No eye irritations.
• No scent.

Cons

• Will crease if you didn't let the product dry upon application.
• Limited shades.

Overall
A good eye shadow base to make your powdered eyeshadow appears more vibrant.  The shade in Ombre Cream Metal works well on all skin tones!

Tips

• If the product is meant for personal use, apply a tiny amount directly from the sponge tip applicator on your lids then gently blend with your clean fingers or makeup brush.
• You don't need to worry about "blending" in terms of using this as a base, it is safe to apply this product all over your lids not going beyond the eye socket.
• Apply a thin layer first and add up as needed.
• If you prefer a metallic finish, apply thickly and let the product dry for at least 30seconds to a minute before you open your eyes.  
• If you are oily-lidded, it is best to use an eye primer underneath.
• You can use the product on its own or top with your choice of powdered eyeshadow.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?

Girls who wants some "change" in their usual neutral eyeshadow routine!  This product is also best for individuals who want their eyeshadow to pop!  The shade featured here works for almost all skin tones! 

Where to purchase and how much?

Locally for Php750.00 (approx $17.88) at Yves Rocher  TriNoma Mall, SM North Edsa The Block, SM South Mall, SM Fairview and Ayala Center Cebu.

Photos

Chiselled shape soft foam applicator

You can use this directly or apply a bit of product at the back of your hand and use an eyeshadow brush in application!

Swatch on hand

This is the most pigmented state!  Needs time for product to dry for long-lasting, crease-less shadow!

Directly application on my eyelid

Applied a layer of MetalGlow cream eyeshadow concentrating on my crease area going a bit beyond.

With clean fingers, I gently blend out the product.  The effect could be nothing but it helps create a nice base for any powdered eyeshadow!

Building pigmentation

I applied thickly concentrating only at the crease area as shown on photo below.

Instead of using my fingers to blend out harsh edges, I picked a clean cotton bud and gently smudge off harsh lines to keep the pigmentation on the crease area intact.  You can also use a pencil brush in this step!

Voila!

Very simple yet gives a soft, metallic finish giving my eyes radiance!

Have you used any cream eyeshadows? 
Do you like using it as a base or on its own?
I do use cream shadows on days I'm lazy and I usually ended up liking them on its own thus skipping the step of powdered eyeshadow application!

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Unboxing my October SaladBox

Good morning everyone!

I may be late in this post but it's actually my fault! I assumed the first SaladBox I received was for the month of October and this box I will be featuring today is for November! Please blame the pregnancy hormones!  I read that being forgetful is part of process!  *winks*  

I won't be doing an in depth review on the service just as last time (link HERE) but I will be sharing my thoughts on the second box I received and some added information I get to learn about this service!

SaladBox for the month of October

Touch.Try.Feel

I believe some of you who have registered for the service will get a similar box as this one I'm featuring today.  I actually asked their customer service if everyone gets the same products on each box but I was told that the box may vary depending on the beauty profile of each subscriber!  That for me is a huge PRO as I prefer personalized boxes rather than random products chucked inside the box!

Let me show you the contents of my SaladBox

• 3pcs travel size Virginia Olsen Minerals Eyeshadow  (Php150.00 each)
• 2 x full-size Sakura Hand Foam Sanitizer (Php90.00 each)
• 2pcs trial size Black Beauty Shampoo and Conditioner
• 1pc. travel size BC Fragrance Spiced Fig Tea Room Fragrance
• Full Size 50ml HotShop Pour Femme - Pink Touch scent (Php400.00)

The contents of the box totaled to Php1,030.00 not including the Black beauty and BC Fragrance sample sizes!  At first glance I wasn't as excited as my first box as I'm not a fan of foam-type hand sanitizer (as I prefer regular alcohol during travel).  As for sachet-type shampoos and conditioners, I could never tell how good a hair product is by using sachets!  So what excites me in this month's box is the Virginia Olsen Minerals Eye Shadow as I have never tried the brand and the shades I got was quite interesting!  The best part of this box?  The HotShop Pour Femme Scent in Pink Touch!  I gave it to my mom right away and she told me so many times how much she loved the scent and has been using it on a daily basis! 

Overall, the service is great as the first one!  I have some problems on the October box and emailed them right away and got answers within the day! 

Have you subscribed to www.saladbox.com.ph?

If not, which box subscriptions did you subscribe to and do you like it?

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(Box provided for PR purpose.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Reviews: J&C Super Clean Solutions for Your Make-Up Brushes

You have your gorgeous set of makeup brushes that you spent your hard earned money on, now, what's next?  How to take care of it to extend the life span of your precious tools!

One of my pet peeve as a makeup enthusiast and makeup artist is seeing dirty brushes being used on oneself or others!  I can't help but shriek each time I see a friend taking out a dirty brush from a bag and start using it!  That, for me, is the biggest crime you can do to your face!  It's like attaching germs on your face to breed bacteria!

It is easy for me to clean my brushes on a daily basis as I have a collection of extra brushes to use if ever one doesn't get to dry up quickly.  What about the rest who owns only 1 set of brush? 

Quick drying make-up cleaning solution! One of my favorite makeup cleaner is called Parian Spirit, it's quick drying and I can immediately use my brush in an instant!  I've recommended this to a lot of my friends but I understand how pricey this product could be as it manufactured in the US.

Most readers would ask me for the next best thing and prefer a makeup cleaner made locally so the product would be within reach plus price point will be better!  

Finally, business partners Celine Gabriel-Lim and Jenny Yrasuegui heard all your woes and came up with a no-nonsense make-up brush cleaner that can instantly strips off make-up residue without harming your brushes.  Best of all, they said this product is quick-drying!

J&C says ---

Made especially for extremely busy individuals, Super Clean features a quick-drying solution that is perfect for people who need clean brushes right away. This special feature allows professional make-up artists to do several make-up jobs in succession, as well as enthusiasts to experiment and try several make-up swatches in a row. The solution is also fortified with spearmint oil to keep brushes fresh and in prime condition.

Size: 120ml
Ingredients

AMW says ---
Pros

• Spritz bottle makes cleaning an ease!
• Eye brushes dries up pretty fast.  Face brushes dries approximately after 5 minutes (please read tips on how to quicken drying time!)
• Scent isn't too strong.
• I have used the brushes that I've cleansed with J&C Super Clean Solutions and no allergies or skin irritations on my skin.
• Price.

Cons

• Scent.  The scent isn't as strong but other buyers who have sensitive nose may find this a con.  (As for me, the scent is okay!)
• May need to use more of this product if you plan to clean your brushes that have liquid or cream products.

Overall

I believe most of you would want me to compare this to my Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner.  Parian Spirit is still the quickest drying makeup solution (based on personal experience) but J&C Super Clean Solutions definitely comes in second (out of all the makeup cleaners I've tried).   The scent of J&C Super Clean Solutions is milder, and the best thing is, it doesn't dry out my brush hairs!  

Tips

• If your nose is sensitive to citrus scent, use a face mask while cleaning your brushes.
• Do not clean your brushes in an enclosed room or space.
• Help save the environment; use an old towel to clean your brushes!  At the same time, the towel absorbs the makeup cleaner faster than regular napkin.
• 2-3 spritz needed for small eye brushes.
• 5-6 spritz needed for face brushes (used with powder products).
• For brushes that have cream/liquid based makeup products used, it is advisable to pour a bit of the J&C Super Clean Solutions in a cup and dip the brush hairs a bit on the solution.  (Tip: The ferrule of your brush should not touch the solution!)
• Deep cleaning should be done at least once a week!  
  

Will I repurchase?
Yes.  Will also recommend.

To whom do I recommend this to?
People on a budget who needs a quick solution to clean their brushes without harming the brushes brush hairs.

Where to purchase and how much?
Php395.00 (approx $9.40) for a 120ml bottle.  Available at  www.Beautyandminerals.com , B&M bazaars, Digital Traincase's booth in the Rockwell Moonlit Bazaar December 7 to 9. LIKE J&C Super Clean Solutions on Facebook and email jenyrasuegui@gmail.com for more information about the product.

Photos

J&C Super Clean Solutions housed in a spritz bottle

Thanks to Mrs. M for doing the cleaning for me!  This was during the J&C launch at Peninsula Hotel.  I have strong aversion to scent that time so Mrs. M was kind enough to do the demo.

Because we were trying to clean a Charm Foundation brush, a cup was given to us and we filled the paper cup with J&C Super Clean Solutions and dip the brush hairs for a couple of seconds as shown on photo below.

Foundation gets slowly stripped off from the brush hairs.  

Because towels aren't available that night, we gently wipe off the solution on a clean tissue paper.  The step above could be repeated until not much makeup product gets transferred onto the tissue paper.

Clean Foundation Brush

At home, I also tried cleaning my MAC 169 angled blush brush.  I've taken care of this brush for the past 4 years and I have always been careful in cleaning this particular brush as using a harsh makeup cleaner may ruin the natural brush hairs of this expensive brush!

 

As stated on my "tip" above, it is best to use an old towel to wipe off brush cleaner and makeup product onto a towel as it also aids in quick drying!

After a couple of swiping back and forth, my MAC 169 is clean and  90% dry after less than 3 minutes.  The brush hairs are still soft and in good shape.

Congratulations Jenny and Celine for creating such product that suits the needs of a makeup enthusiast like me!  

What's your current to-go-to make up cleaner?
Are you happy with it?  Would you give J&C Super Clean Solutions a try?

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

AMW Bulletin: SM Cinema's Free Movie Day!

SM believes in spending time with our loved ones and one of the priceless activity we could think of is "movie watching".

As SM Cinema celebrates this special all-time bonding activity, they will open their doors to a FREE MOVIE in all the 256 Digital Theaters in 45 SM Cinema branches around the country!

Registration for SM Cinema's Free Movie Day is from November 22 to December 6, 2012.  Follow these easy steps:

1. Like and Register the e-PLUS Facebook Fan Page (www.facebook.com/eplus.sm)
2. Click on the Free Movie App.
3. Choose your Cinema, Time and Movie.
4. Print the confirmation email.
5. Surrender the printed confirmation email at your preferred SM Cinema branch for your free two tickets.

Fun and easy! I can't wait to book my parents free tickets for their "afternoon movie date"! 

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Be informed!

(Note: Author is not affiliated with the company.  This post serves as information purpose only.)

AMW Reviews: Fairydrops Volume Burst Mascara (Waterproof)

Since my last review on the Fairydrops Platinum Mascara Film-Type Water-Resistant early this month, I got emails from readers telling me how much they wanted to try the said mascara but are scared because they prefer waterproof version. 

Today, I finally got the chance to review the Fairydrops Volume Burst Mascara in waterproof version and I hope this post will make it easier for you to decide which Fairydrops mascara to purchase!

This mascara has been raved worldwide because of its lightweight wax and fiber and how it can survive strong humidity!  (hello fellow Asian countries!)

 

Fairydrops says ---

• Contains Volume Up Powder, wax and Fiber to make "volume burst" in one coat to give you lush, doll-like lashes.
• All day curl, smudge proof and yet easily removed with cleansing oil.
• Lashes feel soft to touch.  No to brittle feeling lashes.

Ingredients:

AMW says ---
Pros

• Packaging is LOVE!
• Fancy 3 teardrop mascara wand is cute and easy to reach even short lashes.
• The formulation is just right, not too wet nor dry.
• Lightweight formula, doesn't weight my lashes down.
• Dries quickly upon application.
• Waterproof, tear-proof, morning sickness proof!  *lol*
• No flaking.
• The length it gives to my lashes is amazing!
• Gives a good definition on each lash hair.
• Lashes don't have the "crunchy-feel".

Cons

• If you are lazy in removing eye makeup, this mascara isn't for you!  The waterproof formulation needs extra care in removal.  (Either eye makeup remover or cleansing oil.)
• Price.  (This is more inexpensive than the film type mascara but still, some people wouldn't dare spend more than Php500.00 for mascaras.)
• Could make your lashes clump if NOT applied properly.
• Difficult to purchase especially for our international readers.

Overall
Contains fiber which can increase length and volume of lashes.

Tips

• Take a bit of time in application as the fibers could get into your eyes and it's a huge OUCH!
• I did try this mascara upto 3 coats but 2 is enough.  Applying too much may make your lashes look unnatural and too "separated".
• Though this mascara can be used without curling your lashes, I prefer to have your lashes curled to have a better effect.
• DO NOT share the same mascara wand.
• Always start from the roots of your lashes and gently curl up. 

Will I repurchase?
Yes, for clients!  For personal use, I prefer the Fairydrops Platinum Mascara Film-Type Water Resistant as it is easier to remove plus I don't oil up as much on the eye area.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Girls who are more comfortable using waterproof mascaras.

Where to purchase and how much?
Available at all Beauty Bar stores nationwide for Php950.00 (approx $22.62) or online via shop.beautybar.com.ph.   LIKE FairyDrops Philippines on Facebook for more product updates.

Photos

 Description and product information are in Japanese but ingredients list are in English.

The diagram is easy to understand.

The gorgeous whimsical packaging!

It is very easy to spot this inside my kit.

 Unique 3 Teardrop Mascara Wand

Patented in Japan and USA.

 

Application technique - AMW style

Some people prefer to use the mascara as it is even without curling.  As for me, I prefer to curl my lashes first, use the 3 teardrop wand to catch my short and sparse lashes and gently wiggle it all the way up.  

 Front view

Most of the time, even with coats of mascara, you won't see my lashes in front view!  As for the Fairydrops Volume Burst Mascara, you can immediately see my lashes peeking through.  (It's not a lot but its a huge difference for me!)

On a different angle

The Fairydrops Volume Burst Mascara may be named after the way it can volumize lashes, as for my personal experience, it gives me a good amount of length!  See how long my lashes look in the before and after photo below.

Side View

Because Fairydrops Volume Burst Mascara has fibers in it, it coats each strand of my lash hair giving it a more defined, darker lashes effect.

Have you checked out Fairydrops mascaras in local Beauty Bars?
Which Fairydrops mascara is your favorite?  
Would you include this in your Christmas Wishlist?

As of the moment, the film-type is my favorite but this goes to my list of "will recommend" mascaras!  I love how it maintains the curl of my lashes and the extra length my lashes deserve!

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(Product received for review.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)