AMW Reviews: Ahava Essential Day Time Moisturizer (Normal to Dry Skin)

One of the important regimen that I seem to have lost interest with the moment I got pregnant was moisturizer!  It took me 5 long months to finally get back on track as I have strong aversion to fragrance!  When I got my mojo (on taking care of my skin) back, I immediately went back to basic skincare and brought them to my Doctor to have them checked!  One daytime moisturizer that I enjoyed trying is the newest Ahava Essential Day Moisturizer which is meant for Normal to Dry Skin!  Perfect!

This review is basically my initial thoughts as I've only been using this for almost a full month!

Ahava says ---
Essential quickly absorbed hydrating day cream. Boosts the skin’s natural moisture for long lasting comfort. Powered by Osmoter™ for natural moisture leaving the skin feeling fresh, supple and soft, gaining back its natural glow.

Size: 50ml
Ingredients:






 

AMW says ---
Pros

• Floral scent which is okay for me.
• Amazingly moisturizes my skin without the heavy feel.
• No breakouts nor skin irritations. 
• My skin felt soft to touch for the whole day.
• A little goes a long way! 

Cons

• The scent could be overwhelming to some.
• Since this is a day time moisturizer, I would expect a bit of SPF but found none.

Overall
Moisturizing without the greasy feel.  Skin maintains the soft, supple feel for the whole day!

Tips

• Apply immediately after cleansing and toning.
• Read ingredients and check if you are allergic to any of the ingredients mentioned.
• If you suffer from sensitive skin, as always, do a patch test.
• Wait for a couple of minutes for product to get absorbed into the skin before you proceed with makeup.
• Apply sunblock after Ahava Essential Day Time Moisturizer.
• If you suffer from combination, acne-prone or oily skin, I believe Ahava has a different variant for that.  Check with Ahava SAs.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Normal and dry skinned individuals.

Where to purchase and how much?

Ahava Essential Day Time Moisturizer retails at  Php1,495.00 (approx $37.38).  Available at Ahava Kiosk 2/F SM Megamall Bldg A, G/F Glorietta 4 Makati, 2/F Shangri-La Plaza and Upper Ground Robinsons Magnolia!  Follow them on Facebook or visit their website for more products and information.

Photos

Ahava Essential Day Moisturizer's Packaging

Very simple yet I like it!

 

Sealed upon purchase to ensure product freshness.

The texture is like that of a whipped cream but a bit thicker.

The product is good for 12 months after opening.

Paraben free and allergy tested which is good!

Start by applying a thin layer and massage gently on your skin!  

Apply a bit more on areas that tends to dry up more.

Have you tried any AHAVA products?

So far, this is my first and it was a pleasant experience.  Because of Sample Room, I was able to score an Ahava All in One Toning Cleanser and Mineral Hand Cream!  Both seems promising but I can't talk more for now, I need to test them and review them for you! 

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Weekend Food Trip at: Stella Wood Fire Bistro

It's Sunday today and I am looking forward for some R&R as yesterday was crazy!  Crazy in a good way as I was up as early as 6:30am to prepare for a 4 hour Beauty Workshop which for me doesn't feel like work as it was nothing but fun!  (Follow me on Instagram - AskMeWhats to get updates). 

The rest of the day was quite busy but fulfilling on both our parts but of course, we're only humans and humans need rest and FOOD! :D

Speaking about food, not too long ago, we were invited by our high school friends for another get together as we haven't seen each other for quite some time!  New Year is the perfect timing to catch up and get updated on what's happening with each others' lives!  Don't you love how reuniting with friends make you feel young all over again? 

We got a text to meet up at Stella, upon hearing the name of the restaurant, both the hubby and I were guessing what type of dish the restaurant serves.  Based on the name, I was voting for Filipino dishes while hubby voted for...well, he didn't say anything as he was totally clueless! 

What does a professional researcher do?  Google-A-Friend!  I got excited when I read that Stella Wood Fire Bistro (the full name) is the sister restaurant of Museum Cafe and Chelsea.  I've had great experiences on both restaurants so I have high hopes for Stella.  Best of all?  My cravings for Wood Fired Pizza will be satisfied (thanks and no thanks to the Food Network!) *laughs*

And before I blab further, I will post 2 dishes that we tried and didn't get the chance to take photos on our friends' orders just because we were too busy chatting.

Straight Up Pepperoni

Php295.00 (approx $7.38)

Simple, thin-crusted pizza with pepperoni --- who could say no to that?  What I like about wood-fired pizza is the way the crust was crispy yet never oily!  Straight Up Pepperoni may look deceiving at first glance but eating 2-3 slices is enough for me and baby!

Wood Fired Garlic Mushroom Cream Fettucine

Php425.00 (approx $10.63)

Porcini Dust, Truffle Oil, Malagos Pecarino, Fresh Lemon, Herbs

Okay, I have to admit, I was browsing through the Pasta section and went for any pasta with "truffle oil" as part of the ingredients!  Overall, the Wood Fired Garlic Mushroom Cream Fettucine isn't as creamy as expected and the taste of the truffle oil is very light!  It is something I would order if I'm craving for truffle oil based pasta but I'll probably try their other pasta dishes.

Overall, I enjoyed the wood fired pizza!  What I love about the restaurant is its modern interior plus the attentiveness of staff!  Keep in mind that there will be a separate service charge.  The restaurant accepts cash and credit card payments.

Stella Wood Fire Bistro
Ground Level, Bonifacio High Street Central
7th Ave. corner 29th St., Bonifacio Global City
Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Phone Number: (+632) 621-3222

A photo of us after a fun dinner at Stella Wood Fire Bistro

By the way, before I end this post, I want to share a new Studio SnR workshop called Mane Style Series!  I swear, if I don't have to be at work, I'll definitely enroll myself into this workshop as anything related to hair perks up my interest!  

Just in case you guys are free on February 8, 2013, feel free to register as Studio SnR workshops has always been a very educational one!

LIKE Studio SnR on Facebook to learn more about workshops they offer!  Learning is definitely FUN!

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Enjoy Philippines Gives: Enjoy Kit

I have heard about Enjoy Philippines for quite some time and I have bought my own kit at National Bookstore several years ago!  So far, I haven't finished using them but with my Auditor husband beside me, he told me it was all worth it!  

Why?  The kit contains hundreds and thousands worth of deals at our country's top establishments and getting a good deal will always give me a strange euphoria! 

The 2013 kit is no exemption!  This time, it is Php300,000 worth of deals and bargains from different establishments! 

And the better news?  Enjoy Philippines is giving away 3 kits to my AMW friends!  PLEASE read mechanics below on how to join and trust me, it is something YOU and I would want to own this year!

How to join:

1. Like Enjoy Philippines on Facebook.
2. Like AskMeWhats on Facebook
3. Post a picture of something YOU enjoy doing on my AskMeWhats FB Page. Aside from doing so, tell me a bit of something about the photo!  I'd love to hear what ticks you!  (Ex. A photo of me eating my favorite Ilocos Empanada since I've been craving for it real bad since I got pregnant)
4. 1 entry per person only.
5. 3 Winners will be picked based on photos and photo descriptions posted on my wall.
6. Contest starts TODAY ends February 6, 2012.  3 winners will be announced on this post on February 7, 2012.

Good luck!  I can't wait to see your entries! 

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AMW Reviews: K-Palette 1 Day Lash Perm Long Curl Mascara Waterproof

Good morning Friday!  The week has been great and weather has been wonderful.  Today, I will be sharing another mascara review as I'm always on the quest for great mascaras!  I have a good list of my top mascaras on top of my head but there's always room for changes!  Change will always be good, especially if this change could transform my short, sparse, non-existent lashes into something VAVAVOOM!  *winks*.   

Today, the spotlight goes to K-Palette's newest 1 Day lash perm Long Curl Mascara Waterproof in BLACK!

Simple matte red packaging, looks like any ordinary mascara!

 

K-Palette says ---

• Lengthening effects!  No clumpy lashes! - Pullulan, a lengthening ingredient, gives you long and defined lashes that don't clump at all.
• Film-type mascara with easy removal! - It's easily removed with lukewarm water without hurting your delicate skin or lashes.
• Ideal long lasting curls! - Curl-keep-polymer keeps lashes curled perfectly for longer hours!
• Added with 4 beauty essences! - Comes with "beauty essences" to care for lashes while creating impressive curl and length. (Pantenol, Hydrolyze Silk, Red Algae Essence and Swertia Herb)

Ingredients: (please click to enlarge)



AMW says ---
Pros

• Brush length and size is perfect for my eye shape or most eye shapes.
• Film type mascara so lashes look healthy and shiny.
• The curve of the mascara wand, with shorter bristles on the sides, makes it easy to reach the root of the lashes to the tips.
• Curl stayed the whole day or until removal. (if you curled correctly.)
• No scent.
• No allergic reactions.
• Doesn't clump.
• No flaking or smudging for the whole day.
• Waterproof formula but easy to remove with regular makeup remover, tried it with lukewarm water and both works!
• The added with 4 beauty essences! Who doesn't like extra care for our lashes?

Cons

• If you're looking for wet, super dark black mascara, this isn't for you as the effect of K-Palette's 1 Day Lash Perm Long Curl mascara is on the natural side.
• Does give volume, but not too much! (read tip below on how to achieve volume and length)

Overall

Waterproof mascara that doesn't dry up your lashes or create the "crunchy" feel.  Lengthens and maintains the curl of your lashes.  Easy to remove.

Tips

• Though the name says Lash Perm Long Curl Mascara, I highly suggest users to curl lashes well prior to usage of this mascara.
• I find the best way to maintain the curl of your lashes for the whole day is to apply 3 coats of mascara MAX!
• Apply mascara using vertical and horizontal strokes, practice and get the best result!
• If you like applying mascara using the tip of the wand, keep in mind that this area tends to clump so make sure to remove excess formula on tube!
• To achieve both volume and length, I know this is a tedious task but I enjoy using 2 types of mascara!  1 for volume and another for length, it is a bit tricky to apply so practice on both mascaras and see which combination works best!

Will I repurchase?
Yes.
 
To whom do I recommend this to?

Natural-looking mascara users who are looking for lengthening mascara without clumping + mascara that can help maintain the curl for the whole day!

 
Where to purchase and how much?

Retails at Php895.00 (approx $22.38) and is exclusively available in Beauty Bar Stores nationwide.  Follow K-Palette Philippines on Facebook for product updates.  Follow them on Twitter (@Kpalette_PH)

 
Photos

Packaging of K-Palette's 1 Day Lash Perm

Long Curl Mascara Black Waterproof

English description and ingredients list at the back.

A closer look on mascara wand.

The tip includes the shorter side of bristles; at the center is a nice curve to sweep lashes easily.  I find this mascara wand is a perfect length for most eye shapes.

AMW Application Technique

Using the curvier part of the mascara wand, I gently wiggle it starting from roots to tip. I apply coats after coats, maximum of 3-4 coats and I don't see any signs of clumping.

Before and After Shots

Front View - my lashes look more define, definitely a bit longer and the curl is there!  The volume isn't as obvious.

Side View - sorry for the bad angle of before shot, but my lashes definitely looks longer and the curl was maintained until the end of the day before makeup removal.

Top View - See the length and the ZERO clumping? 

Have you found a perfect mascara for you that doesn't clump?  

So far, the K-Palette 1 Day Lash Perm doesn't only make your curl stays the whole day but I love the fact that it doesn't clump my lashes at all!  Seldom can I apply 3-4 coats of mascara without signs of clumping!

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

Tip for the Day: Makeup for Older Skin (Another Version)

I have been asked so many times by fellow beauty enthusiasts on how to deal with "older skin" when it comes to makeup application. 

"I'd love to do a makeover for my mom!"
"I was tasked to do makeup for my mom, grand mom and aunts on my sister's wedding."

With or without background in makeup artistry, as long as we show some love for the art of color, we tend to find ourselves get into a situation were people we love entrust their faces to us ON A SPECIAL OCCASION! 

It is indeed nerve-racking but armed with tips, tools and knowledge on makeup for older skin + Loads of practice, I don't see any reason why we can't do this task in flying colors!

Feel free to read my Readers' Corner: Makeup for Mature Skin post for the basics before continue reading this post on follow up tips!

Tip #1 Youthful Skin

When it comes to older skin, nothing beats creating a clean, young-looking canvass and you can even get away with not much makeup on! 

Do not automatically assume that older skin equates to dry skin!  I used to assume that and have slathered moisturizing foundation over clients and learned from my mistakes after full face application!  

After years of makeup artistry (and continuously learning), I've met several older clients who have normal or even oily skin!  Take time to touch their skin (with clean fingers of course!) and talk to them to know their skin issues.

Each individual have different needs to I cannot stress enough to talk to them and check what they're looking for!

• Do they have dry patches on different areas of their face? - Apply moisturizer!
• Worries about fine lines and wrinkles?  - Apply a face primer that can help fill in those areas for a smoother application. 
• Do they want to cover their freckles and spots? - Dive into your knowledge on correcting and concealing!  (Read All About Concealers and How to Spot Conceal)

Tip #2 For the Love of Fuller Brows

I think I missed discussing about brows on my previous post so I'm highlighting this topic for today.  Most clients above the age of 50 have sparse and super thin brows!  The challenge?  Some of them would ask you to keep it that way with a "Don't Touch It" look!  

Customers are always right they say!  In the case of brows, I am sorry, but I have to do my job to persuade them!  Fuller brows can make a person look younger!  If they're not comfortable with thick brows, feel free to redefine and fill in their brows just a tiny bit thicker than usual and tell them, "It's makeup, I can always remove it if you don't like it!"  

At the end of the makeover, most of them won't even mind!

Tip #3 Eyelining the Natural Way

I used to pick gel liners on all my clients no matter what age!  The reason for doing so is the fact that I trust gel liners to have better staying power and smudge-proof capabilities like a superhero!  At the lather part of my makeup gigs, I've realized that most older clients look better with softer looking eyes!  A super defined line could break the overall "youthful" look.  For me, I prefer to whip out my trustee waterproof pencil liners and I pick either Black, Dark Brown or Gray!  Smudging the pencil liner after application will keep them looking fresh, young and vibrant!

Tip #4 Cream Blush for the Cheeks

Blushers in powder form can still be used on older skinned clients as long as it has a good amount of shimmers to make their skin looks healthy!  If a client's skin is dry to start with, I prefer tapping a bit of cream blush with my fingers or foundation brush as it settles more beautifully than any powder blush I know!  

Important note:  Cream blush are best applied after liquid/cream foundation application.  It is very important to blend well!

Tip #5 Make Highlighters and Illuminators their Bestfriend

As a good continuation to tip#4, the application of highlighters and illuminators can give a fake "moisturized" and "healthy-looking" skin!  I have always been a fan of highlighters as I always get compliments on my skin perfection so I don't see why I can't use these on our older friends!  

Keep in mind not to overdo application though!  

My last client for the year 2012!  She's a gorgeous mom of my client and let me tell you, she's got very good skin to start with so I don't have any difficulties enhancing her beauty!

Other related posts ---
Foundation application for Mature Skin
What's the Best Foundation for Mature Skin

I hope this simple follow-up article helps our readers who plan to prettify their gorgeous older family and friends!  Fellow makeup artists out there, feel free to share more tips!  I'd love to hear/learn from you!

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