Something New: Bobbi Brown's Brighten Sparkle and Glow Collection and Retouching Powders

Who says you can't sparkle since New Year is over?  There's always Chinese New Year and the rest of the year and sparkles has always been a wonderful way to create a positive and lucky vibe!  Take it from me, I'm Chinese!  :P

One brand, took Sparkle and Glow to the next level --- Bobbi Brown!  With the newest collection called "Brighten Sparkle and Glow Collection"

**Collection details taken from Bobbi Brown Philippines

1. Extra Soothing Balm Php3,550.00 (approx $88.75)

Moisturize and plump up skin with Bobbi's multi-purpose product.  This dense, concentrated balm with exotic plant extracts such as Avocado, Geranium and Rosemary Oils, can be used anywhere extra hydration is needed - on lips, cuticles and even heels.  It can also be patted lightly over makeup to give cheeks a dewy, healthy glow.

2. Tinted Eye Brightener Php1,600.00 (approx $40.00)

This soothing lightweight brightener instantly reduces the appearance of under eye circles and evens out skin for a refreshed and flawless look.

Available shades: Light Bisque, Bisque, Dark Bisque, Peach and Dark Peach.

3.  Brightening Finishing Powder  Php3,200.00 (approx $80.00)

Sheer and silky, Brightening Finishing Powder features six luminous pastel shades that blend together and illuminate the skin for a beautiful natural, healthy finish.  Formulated with Mulberry, Grape, Scutelleria and Gentian Root Extracts, this innovative formula instantly brightens the skin with a wash of skin tone correct color, while the soft texture perfectly sets makeup without feeling heavy or weighed down.  To instantly brighten the complexion, blend all the shades together with a Face Blender Brush or Powder Brush and apply to cheeks, forehead, nose and chin.

Available shades: Porcelain Pearl, Brightening Nudes

4. LIMITED EDITION Sparkle Eye Shadow Php1,600.00 (approx $40.00)

Nothing illuminates the face like a little shimmer.  Bobbi brings back five of her most flattering Sparkle Eye Shadow shades, plus one new shade tht will make eyes pop with subtle shimmer and shine.  The featherweight formula offers long-lasting wear.

Available shades: Gold Star, Silver Moon, Ballet Pink, Mica, Cement and Black Chocolate.
 
5. LIMITED EDITION High Shimmer Lip Gloss Php1,300.00 (approx $32.50)

This gorgeous, light-reflecting gloss is formulated with a special mix of fine pearls in a clear base for the ultimate in shimmer and shine. Plus it's enriched with emollients and Vitamin C and E to moisturize, condition and protect lips, so they feel as good as they look.  Wear it on its own or layer it on top of lipstick or lip liner for extra color and dimension.

Available shade: Bare Sparkle

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And there's more to look forward to from the brand!  Remember the color correcting rules for concealers?  Well, our dearest idol Bobbi Brown came up with retouching powders that makes your skin looks better yet completely undetectable!  Isn't that wonderful?  

Shades: Each retails for Php2,100.00 (approx $52.50).

1. White - Brightens and illuminates alabaster to light skin.
2. Pink - Counteracts sallow undertones in alabaster to medium skin tones.
3. Yellow - Counteracts sallow undertones in alabaster to medium skin tones.
4. Peach - Warms up light skin tones.  Evens out tanned and medium to dark skin tones.
5. Rose - Gives light to deep skin tone a healthy flush of color

Available at Bobbi Brown counters in Rustan's Makati (812-2507), Rustan's Shangri-La (633-4636 loc 114) and Rockwell Essenses (822-9400).  Bobbi Brown's Brighten Sparkle and Glow Collection is available this February 2013.

Do you fancy any of the products listed above?I am really intrigued with Retouching Powders and the Brightening Finishing Powder from the collection!

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AMW Reviews: Davines Authentic Moisturising Balm Face/Hair/Body

Just like a lot of you who were excited with the launch of Sample Room, I was one of the many few customers who were logged on the site for hours refreshing and waiting for products to be available!  I was a bit sad for missing out the first batch of samples that went lives, I planned to get a Kerastase hair product but it was sold out in a flash! 

Lucky me, I was able to grab a sample from the second batch and what did I get?  Another hair product!  The Davines Authentic Moisturising Face Balm's packaging, product description and purpose intrigued me so much I grabbed the sample right away!

Thanks to Sample Room's Logistics Team, I was able to receive the sample in no time and I was amazed with the size of sample I got!  It was 75ml worth of product for only 80 points! 

After more than 2 weeks of constant usage, I am ready to share my humble opinion on this product that can be used for the face, hair and body!

Davines says ---

Authentic Moisturizing Balm is part of the DAVINES AUTHENTIC FORMULAS which are range of intelligent products based on 98%-100% natural organic ingredients. It is the first Professional hair care line with multi-purpose use for the beauty and delight of face, hair and body.

It is enriched with organic Jojoba Oil, Sunflower Oil, Sesame Oil and Shea Butter. A rich oil-based conditioner, its formula is exceptionally gentle and moisturizing. It is excellent as a gentle make-up remover, and is an exceptional body moisturizer and hair conditioning treatment. It is formulated with 98% ingredients of natural origin and contains organic Carthame Oil which has anti-oxidant and protecting properties.

Full size: 150 ml
 
AMW says ---
Pros

• Sealed packaging for guaranteed product freshness.
• Easy to control amount of product needed.
• The product helps "lock in" moisture making the driest part of my hair not as dry and moisturized for the whole day!
• No oily or greasy feel.
• Doesn't weigh down my hair.
• I can style hair as usual.
• Can remove regular makeup.
• Is indeed very moisturizing on skin and you can immediately feel the result after washing the product off.
• Multi-purpose.

Cons

• Overwhelming scent.  (Some likes it, some don't)  As for me, the scent is okay for hair but not for the rest of my body!

Overall

Though this is a multi-purpose product, I enjoy using this solely as a hair moisturizer as it works so well! The product can immediately make the driest parts of your hair looks at least a tiny bit more moisturized!  I have very frizzy ends and applying it makes it easier to style and it can locks in hair's natural moisture.

Tips

• Can be applied on hair.  Best applied on damp hair, leave for few minutes and proceed with styling.
• Can be applied on dry or damp skin.  After leaving product for a couple of minutes, rinse the area well!  
• Can be applied on face by using a cotton pad to remove makeup.  (Imagine Pond's Cold Cream).
• If you suffer from sensitive skin, I strongly suggest doing a patch test prior to applying all over your body.
• To get best result, apply a pea size amount on the palm of your hands and rub the product gently on both hands, apply the product starting at the middle part of your hair down to the tips.  Feel free to repeat the step on the driest area of your hair.
• Use clarifying shampoo at least once a week to remove product build-up. (Click HERE and HERE to read some of the clarifying hair products I used.)
• Just like any skincare or hair care products, less is more, applying too much of this could weigh down your hair making it feel greasy.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?

Where to purchase and how much?

Available in all leading salons nationwide full size for Php1,250.00 (approx $31.25).  Like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and website (coming soon) www.davinesph.com.

Photos

Sealed to ensure product freshness.

The texture of the balm is creamy yet light.  The white texture easily disappears after rubbing, the product gets absorbed into skin in no time same goes to the hair!

AMW way of application:

Gently massage the product concentrating on the ends of my hair while it's still damp!  I proceed by using blow-dryer to style or just comb the way I like it to be!

Have you heard about Davines brand?  Have you tried their products?  How was your experience?
As for me, this is my first Davines product and so far, I am having good experience with it!  I can't wait to try other hair care line from the same brand!  Any other recommendations?

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Revlon Age Defying with DNA Advantage Concealer Review

Good Monday morning AMW friends!  My weekend was super tiring as I've been out and around the Metro like a single girl!  *laughs*  I actually don't mind as I badly needed the exercise!  

Today, I will be reviewing another promising concealer from Revlon.  In terms of concealers, Revlon has been doing a good job creating good ones that I don't mind  using and recommending it!  (Feel free to check out my ALL ABOUT CONCEALERS post HERE mentioning Revlon Photoready Concealer review HERE.)

As I'm almost done with Revlon Photoready Concealer, I can't help but want something a bit more moisturizing especially nowadays that my skin is going dry and crazy!  I want something moisturizing enough but have good coverage and serve the purpose of what concealers should be!

Products in packaging

Weekend Food Trip at: Koh Samui Thai Cuisine

First Sunday for the year 2013!  Another day to talk about food and drinks!  On Christmas day itself, we've decided to go out and try a newly opened restaurant at Macapagal Avenue for a change!  We seldom dine in at Thai restaurants as a family so this is a wonderful change!

Koh Samui was opened just for a week or less when we visited the restaurant but I was surprised to see a lot of people dining there! 

Upon arrival, I was awed by the gorgeous interiors and the lovely costumes of the ladies waiting at the door!

The 2-storey restaurant was well furnished and the interior brings me back to Thailand! 

Appetizers

The crunchy shrimp crackers was a hit and we had to ask for second serving!  They also offer it on the menu so feel free to order more if you want!  The other one was mushrooms but i gave it a skip as I'm not sure what other ingredients were in there! 

Signature Pork Bones with Corn Soup

Php480.00 (approx $11.40)

 As the name of the dish goes, it is indeed a soup with pork bones and a tiny bit of corn!  The soup was pretty tasty but I would appreciate it if they could at least add a bit more corn?

Pineapple Fried Rice

Php320.00 (approx $8.00)

A must try!  The Pineapple Fried Rice was a huge hit that we had to order 4 more orders of this just because one order is not enough!  The cashew and pork floss works so well with the rice but with the price, I hope this dish could go a bit bigger!  

Signature Chicken Pandan

Php260.00 (approx $6.50)

For every Thai restaurant we get to visit, ordering the Chicken Pandan is a must!  The size of the chicken isn't big and the skin isn't as crunchy as I've expected.  The chicken meat was tender but lacks a bit more flavor.

Chicken Satay

Php220.00 (approx $5.50)

My favorite dish for the night!  The chicken satay was very tender and I can get away eating this even without the peanut sauce and other sauces that comes with this dish!  I would definitely order this again if I get to return.

Beef Satay

Php220.00 (approx $5.50)

The Beef Satay is also good but I would pick the Chicken Satay anytime of the day! 

Thai Style Grilled Oyster

Php280.00 (approx $7.00)

The grilled oyster was well plated and they were fresh!  I didn't get to taste it but looking at the reactions of my family who took a bite, they were very satisfied!

Signature Charcoal Grilled Honey Chicken

Php380.00 (approx $9.50)

The chicken taste okay, nothing spectacular!  I was expecting the chicken to have more texture (as it is grilled) and probably have a bit of a sweeter taste of honey glaze but none experienced when I took a bite.

Signature Boiled Chicken

half Php450.00 (approx $11.25)

full Php850.00 (approx $22.50)

We ordered the full size and the other half was cooked quite well while the other half on our part of the table isn't completely cooked!  The chicken was quite raw and you can literally see blood dripping as you get into the chicken meat.

Signature BBQ Neck Meat

Php420.00 (approx $10.50)

Another table's favorite!  The meat was tasty, flavorful and tender!  Tastes like Roasted Pork Dish (Asado) that we usually have in Chinese restaurants.

Coca-Cola and Fresh Orange Juice

The sexy glass of Coca-Cola and my Fresh Orange juice!

Pumpkin with Coconut Milk

Php150.00 (approx $3.75)

Coconut Sago Cake

Php150.00 (approx $3.75)

Both desserts, I'm not a fan of it!  Don't get me wrong, they taste good to the rest of my family but I'm really not into these type of sweets!

So far, the overall experience was fine.  The ambiance is wonderful as the interior is well planned and designed!  The servers were all knowledgeable and good considering we ate there a couple of weeks after the restaurant opening!  My only complaint is that some of the prices were a bit too high as to compare to the amount of food we get!  Will I return the restaurant?  Maybe, for its wonderful ambiance but for the quality of food, I'm sure there are far more better Thai restaurants out there.

The company accepts cash and credit card payments.  Additional service charge will be added to your total bill.

Koh Samui Thai Cuisine
Macapagal Hobbies of Asia
8421 Pasay City, Philippines
Tel. nos: (632) 808 9999 and (632) 556 6666

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AMW Reviews: Bobbi Brown Rich Caviar Eye Palette

I am on my way for a trial makeup gig today so I'm leaving you with a review on my favorite palette to use on my "Bridal Clients".  My recently acquired Bobbi Brown Rich Caviar Eye Palette!  

The Rich Caviar palette is part of the Bobbi Brown Holiday 2012 Collection and the said collection comes with 2 palettes.  The warm based Rich Caviar palette (to be reviewed today) and the cool based Black Pearl Palette.

The palette is housed in a black, rectangular plastic case with a huge mirror and a mini dual-ended shadow/liner brush.

 

Bobbi Brown says ---

With six mix-and-match shades this eye palette truly strikes it rich. Featuring everything you need to take eyes from day to night including Bobbi’s beloved base shadow in Bone and the palette’s namesake shade in Rich Caviar. Complimentary colors include metallic and sparkle textures, perfect for building intensity. A Mini Dual Ended Shadow/Liner brush completes the set-all it needs now is a bow.

Shades:  Bone, Candlelight, Wheat, Olive, Black Topaz, Rich Caviar

AMW says ---
Pros

• Sleek packaging, easy to tote along for personal and professional use.
• The combination of neutral and green-based shade works well on most skin tones especially Asian skin!
• The palette has variation of textures, making it easy to create various looks.
• The shades works well on both daytime and nighttime makeup.
• Pigmentation is mostly good.
• Staying power is good.  Half a day without primer and whole day with primer for people with not so oily lids.
• The double ended brush may not be enough to create looks but the brush is made of good quality!  I enjoy using the synthetic version to apply my cream shadows as base.
• Worth the price as you get to own 6 eyeshadow shades!  Each shade boils down to approximately Php500.00+ each.

Cons

• The palette is limited edition.  So better grab this NOW or purchase each shade individually.
• The thing with palettes, is the probability of owning the same shades you already have!  (Ex. as for me I already have the shade Bone.)

Overall

Since I'm a neutral makeup kind of girl and would go for some ooomph on special days, I love this palette and this is turning out to be my favorite palette to date!  The shades work so well on my skin! 

Tips

• As it goes with all eye shadows, it will fade without primer underneath so make sure to use your preferred primer for your shadow to stay longer and crease free.
• Explore and try on various combinations to create various looks!
• The shade BONE can be used on men to create a "clean", oil-free look.  (This tip is for MUAs.)
• Shadows can always be applied wet or dry, but keep in mind to wet a small area and keep the dry area dry to prevent eye shadows from spoiling.
• Black Topaz and Rich Caviar can double up as an eyeliner, make sure to blend it well and set with a powder or sealant to prevent smudging.

Will I repurchase?
Not this exact palette but other Bobbi Brown palettes!  For me, palettes saves more money and space!

To whom do I recommend this to?

The shades work well on all ages!  Even this palette is consists of warm toned shades, this also works well for people with cool skin tone!  This palette is super versatile so it's good for all!  *whispers* Even men!  I use Bone to create a clean, oil-free lids on my groom!

Where to purchase and how much?

As for the moment, the only Bobbi Brown counter that has this palette is at SM Mall of Asia Branch!  If you plan to purchase this, HURRY!  Priced at Php3,200.00 (approx $80.00).  LIKE them on Facebook to get updates on their collections.

Photos

Good quality, dual ended brush that needs cleaning upon purchase.

The palette contains 3 matte eye shadows, 2 metallic shimmers and one sparkle glitter shadow.  Which, in my opinion is a perfect combination to create various looks from day til night.

 Top (L-R) Bone, Candle Light & Wheat

 Bottom (L-R) Olive Tree, Black Topaz & Rich Caviar

1. Bone - off white
2. Candle Light - mid-tone shimmering beige gold
3. Wheat - medium ash beige
4. Olive Tree - golden green
5. Black Topaz - deep green with gold pearl
6. Rich Topaz - rich black brown

Please visit my "This is How I do it: Eye Makeup for Hooded Lids" post wherein I used the Bobbi Brown Rich Caviar Eye Palette in this tutorial.

Do you own any Bobbi Brown eye shadows?
If yes, which shade and do you use it a lot like I do?

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