AMW Reviews: Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream in Light Ochre

Mark this day!  Today, I will be sharing a review on my top BB cream to date!  Long time AMW readers would know how much I love my Skin 79 VIP Gold BB Cream and I finished up 3 huge bottles of it and I am currently on my 4th and last bottle!  As I was juggling my brain on what to do next since I don't have stocks left for my favorite BB Cream, look what I've found!  The newest BB Cream that I love and seriously can't believe it jumped up to AMW's No. 1 BB Cream spot!

Based from research, Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream is a Japanese brand produced by Mayumi Yasutomo, a newscaster, who desired to have a product that will make her skin looks flawless on camera!

Fairy Drops says ---

• Makes skin look flawless even while on camera with 5 treatment essences.
• 5 kinds of treatment essence to moisturize and for healthy glowing skin: Hydrolyzed Collagen, Squalane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Jojoba Seed Oil and Panthenol.
• Oil-free, waterproof and lightweight formula.
• Has micro-gold pearls that hide scars and freckles, diffuses light to hide wrinkles and smoothens and softens skin.
• No SPF.  SPF gives off a white cast when one is photographed.
• Doesn't look flat on skin.  

Shades: Light Ochre and Ochre

Ingredients: 

 

AMW says ---
Pros

• Super cute and unique BB Cream packaging.
• The sponge that comes with it makes it easy to apply during travel.
• Sponge gives "even" coverage.
• The formulation is very light.
• Oil-free yet not drying.
• Gives a good coverage without white cast.  It covered the red spots on my face and minimized the darkness of my under eye circles.
• I can get away with using only this product and set with a powder.
• My skin looks flawless and clean for the whole day no matter how busy I was running errands.
• Doesn't transfer on clothing.
• No gray cast.

Cons

• Only 2 shades available.
• Price.  This BB cream is lesser in amount as compared to other BB creams. (But personally speaking, it's super WORTH it!)
• Lacks SPF (as compared to other pricey BB Creams) but I guess it's a huge reason why this BB Cream doesn't create white cast on flash photography.  
  

Overall
The Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream has a good amount of coverage, it can cover a bit of my under eye darkness and redness.  The product is lightweight and can last the whole day with very minimal retouch.

Tips

• Light Ochre is best used if you are MAC NC20-25.  Ochre is a ta bit darker.
• If you really LOVE to try this BB Cream but think both shades available won't match, you can always adjust the shade by using a darker or lighter powder foundation to "set" the BB Cream.
• For fuller coverage, use the sponge application and apply it in a quick, patting motion.
• For quick application, squeeze out the product at the back of your hand and apply using your fingers or foundation brush.
• Wash the sponge regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
• For lesser makeup application finish off by concealing areas that needs to be concealed and set with powder   Lesser amount of makeup applied will let our skin breathe.
• Apply face sunblock prior to BB Cream application.
• Skip sunblock application if you will be photographed on that day.      
• Very dry skin individuals needs to apply more moisturizer on dry areas prior to BB Cream application.
• For very oily skinned individuals, a good oil-control primer may still be needed underneath.
• Once signs of irritations occur, STOP product usage.
  

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Normal, combination, dry or oily skinned individuals.  
 
Where to purchase and how much?

Available in all Beauty Bar stores for Php1,550.00 (approx $37.00).  LIKE FairyDrops Philippines on Facebook for more product updates.

Photos 

The back side of the packaging.

Everything was written in Japanese but good thing ingredients list are in English.

Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream 

comes in a squeeze-type tube with detachable sponge applicator.

Upon unscrewing the sponge applicator

This gives a nice control on the amount of product you need.

Some people prefer to squeeze a good amount of product at the back of the hand and dab on the sponge for an even application.

While others may prefer to squeeze the BB Cream directly while sponge applicator is attached.  It all boils down to your personal preference.

I like applying this BB Cream with a quick dabbing motion then gently blend out "obvious" edges with clean fingers.

Half face application

Left side (facing you): applied moderate amount of Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream
Right side (facing you): no makeup at all.
I picked the day I had the least sleep in my entire life for my eyebags to look like that!  I have insomnia since I got pregnant and this photo was taken with only 3 hours of sleep. (Note: I just applied the product directly from tube and didn't get to blend out the harsh edges with my fingers yet to show you the area where I applied the BB cream.)

Before and after photo taken under natural light

Left photo: Clean face without a trace of makeup.
Right photo: With Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream in Light Ochre applied moderately.
Observations: Check how the darkness under the eye were lightened and my face looks more even as the redness around the cheeks and chin were completely covered.

A closer look on Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream applied all over

I am using Light Ochre shade which works so well on MAC NC20-25 skin.

Ochre would probably go well for MAC NC30-35.

Have you tried Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream or other Japanese made BB Creams?
What are your experience?  Do you like Korean or Japanese BB Creams?
As for me, this is my first Japanese BB Cream and I'm very happy with the experience.  I may have found the best BB Cream for me (for now) but I'm still willing to give other BB creams a try because...just because I'm curious like that! :)

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

How to: Eye Makeup for Hooded Lids

According to online dictionary, the term "hooded eyelids" means having heavy eyelids that appear to be half closed.  

As for me, it doesn't have to be half closed but eyes that has extra "lid" that covers a bit of your crease.  This tutorial is made not only for people with said lids but this also works for anyone who likes to create an instant eye lift with the use of makeup!  (Promise, it's painless!)

Here's the most simple steps that I've done, feel free to use your own eyeshadow shades, in this tutorial, I picked my newest Bobbi Brown Rich Caviar Eye Palette as it has all the shades I need to create this eye makeup!

 

AMW Reviews: Benefit BADgal Liner Waterproof in Charcoal

Do you enjoy eyeliner application but is getting bored on the usual blacks and browns?  Have you tried on colored liners but felt they look too much for you especially at work?

Well, there is one liner shade that I've always been wanting to try but I can't seem to find a brand that would give me a smooth, creamy and very pigmented application.  Then, after I visited the local Benefit store at Greenbelt 5, I met Benefit BADgal liner in Charcoal. 

Benefit says ---

Our slimline BADgal liner waterproof eye pencils, now available in three shades, is long-wearing so it stays put rain or shine. The versatile blending tip on one end helps create soft definition or sultry drama.

Shades: Charcoal, Expresso and Black

Size: 1.20 g Net wt. 0.04 oz.

Ingredients: CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, PARAFFIN, C11-12 ISOPARAFFIN, POLYBUTENE, HYDROGENATED COTTONSEED OIL, MICA, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, CERESIN, OZOKERITE, MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX (CERA MICROCRISTALLINA), TOCOPHEROL, ASCORBYL PALMITATE. [+/-: IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), FERRIC FERROCYANIDE (CI 77510)]. N° 05535/N 

AMW says ---
Pros

• Comes with a blending tip!  2-in-1 product!
• Very rich color.  Pigmentation is really good!
• Creamy consistency.  Applies smoothly without tugging your lids.
• Can be used as an eyeliner or eyeshadow base.
• Can be used for tightlining.  (But be careful if you have sensitive eyes.)
• Perfectly matte.
• Charcoal shade (grey) is less dramatic than black liner but has more impact that brown liners.
• Waterproof.  Stays whole day.

Cons

• If applied on waterline or to tightline, may still smudge a bit for people with oily lids.
• Needs to be sharpened for a more precise line.

Overall

A perfect matte grey shade that's very pigmented and can stay the whole day if applied correctly.  The smudge tip is great to lessen the harshness of a liner and it can also be used to apply powdered shadow to "set" the liner.

Tips

• Same as all eyeliner pencils + tropical country, I prefer to apply pencil liners on the upper and lower lashline.  Eyeliner pencils tend to stay without smudging if applied this way.
• To keep the liner from looking "fake" use the blending tip that comes with the pencil to gently smudge off the pencil for a more natural look.
• If you tend to oil up around the eye area, set the pencil liner with a translucent setting powder or an eyeshadow powder with similar shade as the eyeliner.
• Since the Benefit BADgal Liner is in waterproof version, take time to remove them at night before you go to sleep with a cotton bud and very gentle eye makeup remover.
• 
  

Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who's tired of black and brown eyeliners.  Charcoal shade works for all skin tones.

Where to purchase and how much?

At local Benefit counters for Php1,100.00 (approx $26.20). LIKE Benefit Cosmetics Philippines on Facebook to get updated on Sales and events.  At Benefit international website for $20.00 (without tax)
 
Photos

Box with manufactured date making it easy for me 

to keep track of the expiration dates of all my makeups!

Shade: Charcoal

A matte "true grey" shade. 

 The pencil shade is the exact shade you'll get after application

The smudger tip

Easy to smudge your liner at the same time, use this to "set" your liner with a powder.

I prefer applying Charcoal on my lower lashline.

On random days, I also like to use this on my upper lashline.

To lessen the "harsh look" of any pencil liners,

 I use the smudge tip to gently blend out harsh edges.

Left eye (facing you):  I used a smudge tip in smudging out the liner thus the effect is a nice smooth line.

Right eye (facing you): BADgal Liner in Charcoal applied without smudging.

 

Have you tried any gray-colored eyeliner pencils?
Which brand and do you like it or not?
So far, this is my first grey-colored eyeliner and I'm loving it!  I like using this shade for clients who aren't comfortable wearing black eyeliner.  I also use this to my 40 year old and above clients as using a black liner may make their features look too strong.  "Soft" eye makeup is the key in making them look younger!

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Weekend Food Tripping at: Annabel Lee Cafe

Happy Sunday everyone!  What are your plans for the day?  I'm planning to rest as my weird sleeping habit has been ruining my "zzz" time and I need tons of beauty rest!

Now, let's talk about food!  I may post a lot about food or Instagram them but my appetite isn't back yet!  I do eat more now than my first trimester but I'm quite picky with the food I put inside my mouth!  So once we get to dine out, Mr. AMW always puts me in charge of picking a restaurant, well it's Li'l AMW's choice I guess!

Annabel Lee, a quaint restaurant/cafe that was owned by my schoolmate (lower batch).  I've dined in this restaurant once during my friend's baby shower party 2 years ago and I've decided to take my parents there for a quiet night!  Well, I was hoping it was a quiet night but I didn't know they have Karaoke nights for customers during weekends!  *laughs*

 

  

Soup of the Day

Php149.00 (approx $3.55)

Soup that is prepared with today's fresh ingredients topped with croutons

I was actually looking forward to try their Clam Chowder soup but I was told it isn't available!  The soup of the day was tomato soup which I'm okay with it as I'm craving for something sour too!  The soup came out in a small soup bowl, it wasn't as small as I expected but the soup was so rich one small bowl is enough for the night!  The ingredients used were obviously fresh!  A regular Jane/Joe who aren't into sour soup may not enjoy it but it was perfect timing for me that I was looking for something super sour and this soup made me happy!  The heartburn came afterwards but at least, I was happy during the process of eating!  *laughs*

Quesadilla with Cajun Chicken

Php299.00 (approx $7.10)

fresh salsa, basil pesto and mozzarella cheese sandwiched 

between flour tortillas served with ranch dip

I wasn't craving for any particular food that night so I was going for an appetizer that's light yet filling!  The description of Quesadilla caught my attention as you can choose from Vegetable Salsa, Cajun Chicken or Ground Beef.  I went for Cajun Chicken and the dish satisfied me so well as the chicken pieces were flavorful and super tender!  Both my parents and Mr. AMW enjoyed this appetizer so much we don't have to use any of the ranch dip!

Side note:  Ate some leftovers the next day and the chicken remained tender and juicy!  Will definitely order again!

Roast Beef Steak (local beef) with drink

Php249.00 (approx $5.90)

Seared slices beef, sweet onions, lettuce and tomatoes

 Once the sandwich arrived, we were torn between excited and disappointed all at the same time!  Excited because they used my favorite bread called Ciabatta, but a bit disappointed as the bread was a bit small.  But once we took a look inside, it was a good amount of beef slices enough to make a grown man full!

The only thing that we would like to change is the fact that they used ranch dressing instead of the usual gravy we love on any Roast Beef Steak Sandwiches!  The ranch dressing didn't go well with the flavorful slices of beef.  We did try to request for a separate gravy as sauce on the side but they weren't able to make one.

Boneless Bangus with drink

Php279.00 (approx $6.65)

Crispy deep fried whole boneless milkfish fillet

served with tomato and cucumber slices

 This was my mom's order and I'm quite happy she steered away from her usual "chicken" dishes each time we dine out!  Once this meal was served, we had our mouths open as the fish is quite huge and it was fried perfectly!  I was able to taste this and it tastes really good!  The milkfish was fried to perfection!  A must try!

Breaded Fish Steak

Php359.00 (approx $8.55)

Golden fried white fish topped with lemon butter sauce

and honey mustard dressing

 You can opt for plain rice or mash potatoes.  Since this is my dad's meal, you will definitely see mashed potatoes as this is his favorite carbs!  The fish was fried perfectly and the lemon butter sauce is just right to remove the "oily" taste most fried fishes can leave to your taste buds!  My dad finished his dish in no time as he enjoyed one bottle of his favorite beer!

Blueberry Cheesecake

Php999.00 (approx  $23.80)

There's something about me with my love for cheesecake!  I'd go for cheesecake any day!  But, I am very particular with the taste of my cheesecake and there's only a few both Mr. AMW and I love!  First, we prefer the no-baked version and it has to be flavorful!  Since I was craving for cheesecake for the past few weeks, we've decided to order the whole cake!

I haven't tried their baked version but so far, it wasn't as flavorful as expected.  The cheesecake was smooth to taste (almost like gelatin texture).  Anyone who likes to have a light dessert after meal would appreciate this!  My dad, who's not into cheese, was able to finish 2 slices of this!

Side note:  The cheesecake tastes better several days after it was refrigerated!  

And another side note:  I've found my favorite no-bake blueberry cheesecake!  It's from Chocolat!!!  I love it so much I had to ask Mr. AMW to buy another slice for me!

Overall, Annabel Lee is a nice place to hang out and spend time with family and friends.  If you're looking for quiet moments with loved ones, go on a weeknight.  If you have the voice to share, go on a weekend and request a song to the piano guy and sing on top of your lungs for all the customers to hear! :)

Service was great, the servers were very attentive and the washroom is clean!  The prices of the dish aren't too cheap nor expensive, do not forget that a separate service charge will be added on your bill.

Annabel Lee Cafe
65 Timog Ave South Triangle, Quezon City
(632) 926-6995

Have you dined in at Annabel Lee Cafe?
Which among the dishes we ordered would you want to try?


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AMW Reviews: Palmer's Organics Cocoa Butter Massage Cream for Stretch Marks

As most doctors would say, stretch marks are genetics so you cannot depend on any products to totally remove them!  As for me, prevention is still the key and the extra moisturizing ingredients a stretch marks cream has may be helpful especially for someone like me who suffers from extremely dry skin!

Over my twitter account (@AskMeWhats), I've asked around "mommies" on the best stretch marks cream they've used and one of the brands that came up is Palmer's!  I've been eyeing on trying both Palmer's and Mustela but because I visited the Palmer's area first and the sales lady was quite good and knowledgeable!  I left the area with 2 Palmer's products!  (One for my tummy and one for the rest of my body!)

Today, I will be sharing a review AMM (AskMeMom) style on the Palmer's Organics Cocoa Butter Massage Cream for Stretch Marks which I have used consistently for more than a month!

The product is meant for the whole body but since this cream is more concentrated, I've decided to use this on my tummy first since that's the first area that expands!

Palmer's says ---
Palmer's Organics Cocoa Butter Massage Cream for Stretch Marks is a special combination of Certified Organic Cocoa Butter, Aloe, Vitamin E, Soybean Oil, Collagen, and Elastin to keep skin deeply moisturised and help retain its natural elasticity.

This non-greasy concentrated cream is free from Parabens, Mineral Oils and Propylene Glycol. Carton contains 100% recycled material including 20% post-consumer material.


Ingredients

AMW says ---
Pros

• Squeeze type tube, easy to bring for travel.
• Light buttery cocoa scent that's manageable.  
• Skin is soft and moisturized.
• Non-greasy.
• Moisturizes dry area the whole day!
• Lesser itch on my tummy area.

Cons

•  May still cause itchiness to people with very sensitive skin.
• Scent may still be overwhelming for pregnant women suffering from morning sickness.

Overall

Potent formulation that's made with organic ingredients that works for my sensitive skin.  Very moisturizing and gets absorbed into the skin in no time!

Tips

• According to Palmer's --- apply Palmer's Organics Cocoa Butter Massage Cream for Stretch Marks 3 times a day on affected areas. The convenient tube can be used on the go. For best results use in conjunction with the Organics Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion For Stretch Marks by applying it daily all over the body. 
• As for me, the most I can apply is 2x a day!  After shower and before I sleep!  
• Apply in a circular motion on areas that needed more moisture.  Since this is more potent, I concentrate application on my tummy and use the "lotion" version for the rest of my body.
• During pregnancy, skin sensitivity heightens so it is advisable to do a patch test on all skin care products on a small area (inner forearm) 48 hours before first use.
• If signs of irritations occur, stop usage immediately and check with your doctor.

Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?

This product is not only meant for pregnant women!  It can also be used for people who prefers organic ingredients plus the extra "collagen" and other moisturizing ingredients for super dry skin!

Where to purchase and how much?
Available at Rustan's for Php595.00 (approx $14.17).

 

Photos

Tube packaging

Easy to control the amount of product needed.

Cream texture

Consistency is just right.  Easy to massage all over body and gets absorbed into my skin in no time!

Do you suffer from stretch marks (yes, even you single ladies!)?
If yes, do you use any special lotion or creams in treating them?

Though I've gained and lost weight through the years, I am one of the few lucky girls who doesn't have problems with stretch marks but I've always been suffering from extreme dryness!  It's uncomfortable, itchy and it makes some areas of my skin dark (from scratching).  Prior to my pregnancy, I use regular lotions/creams but after trying out products that are meant for stretch marks (which turns out to be very moisturizing), I've decided to probably continue this regimen even after I gave birth!

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