AMW Reviews: Benefit Girl Meets Pearl

I've always been addicted to healthy, glowing, bright-looking skin!  It must be because of my dry skin condition or because I've been watching so many Korean Drama series!  Whatever the reasons are, I'm sure some of you share the same sentiments as I do! 

Don't you just love the wonderful glow these models and actresses have on photo below?  Don't you wish we have the same skin as them?

  **photos taken from Google Images

The thing is, these girls probably ----

• Are born with naturally glowing skin.
• Uses brightening BB creams underneath.
• Have good amount of lighting when these photos were taken.
• Are using luminizers or highlighting products.

 I'm definitely not born with naturally healthy, bright, glowing skin, I would opt for the latter!  I'd go for products that would give me the fake glow and I have been a strong user of Benefit's That Gal Primer!  (Read review here) 

Who would've thought I'll be adding more to achieve the "pearly" finish?  Well, it happened a couple of weeks ago when I was at the Benefit B Spot workshop and I saw the Benebabes' Store managers applying their favorite Girl Meets Pearl and I immediately saw the "achievable" glow!  I immediately went and got myself one!

Benefit says ---

This soft, golden-pink liquid pearl luminizer features light-reflecting pigments to give your complexion an exquisite, dewy glow. It includes raspberry & chamomile, known for their soothing properties…and sweet almond seed extract  known to help improve skin firmness & smoothness. Pat it on over blush to highlight cheekbones with a pop of pearly pleasure!

Ingredients:

WATER (AQUA), OCTYLDODECANOL, MICA, CETYL DIMETHICONE, GLYCERIN, GLYCERYL STEARATE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, TAPIOCA STARCH, POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, PHENOXYETHANOL, SESAMUM INDICUM (SESAME) SEED OIL, TRIBEHENIN, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, CETYL ALCOHOL, POLYACRYLATE-13, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) SEED EXTRACT, CARBOMER, PEG-100 STEARATE, POLYISOBUTENE, AMINOMETHYL PROPANOL, IRON OXIDES (CI 77491), BENZOPHENONE-4, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, SORBIC ACID, LENTINUS EDODES EXTRACT, BHT, DISODIUM EDTA, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), ANTHEMIS NOBILIS FLOWER EXTRACT, RUBUS IDAEUS (RASPBERRY) FRUIT EXTRACT, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, CARMINE (CI 75470), POLYSORBATE 20, SODIUM METHYLPARABEN, CHONDRUS CRISPUS (CARRAGEENAN), SODIUM PROPYLPARABEN, SODIUM ETHYLPARABEN, METHYLPARABEN, LINALOOL, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, BUTYLPARABEN, CHLORPHENESIN, ETHYLPARABEN, ISOBUTYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE. N° 05131/N

AMW says ---
Pros

• I love the packaging!  Dispenses the right amount of product as needed.
• Great packaging for travel.
• A little goes a long way!  So this full sized Girl Meets Pearl will last me a long time.
• Has a hint of sweet smelling scent that can put me to a better mood!
• Have extra skin benefits.
• Doesn't have any noticeable sparkle but have a nice pearly sheen that makes your skin looks healthy.
• Doesn't make my skin greasy or oily.  It dries up with powder finish.

Cons

• Doesn't last the whole day especially on a humid weather.  Re-application within the day is needed.
• May create oily-looking skin if not applied correctly.  (kindly read tips below)

Overall

Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl gives a very subtle pearl-like glow on specific areas applied.  It has a golden pink tone so it gives the face a bit of 'warmth' like that of a bronzer (but more subtle).  The scent is amazing!

Tips
from Benefit

• Pat & blend over makeup for eye-catching luminescence.
• One twist for subtle sheen…two or more for dewy radiance.

from AMW

• For an overall face glow, mix Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl with your favorite liquid foundation.
• For a specific glow, apply Benefit Girl Meets Pearl on areas that you want to highlight.  The bridge of your nose, the highest point of your cheeks and the brow bone!
• Less is more, when applied during daytime, there is a tendency that the product doesn't appear, but it is definitely visible to the naked eye under the bright sunlight or flash photography.
• In my own humble opinion, Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl is best used by girls who has medium to dark skin tone while That Gal is best used by girls who are fair.
• To keep yourself from looking like an oil-factory, steer clear from applying the product on areas that tends to oil up.  (ex. T-zone)
• If you know you will be photographed, do a test before going out!  Use your favorite camera with flash to check how your skin looks. 
• Applied too much?  Don't fret, tap the area with a matte face powder to lessen the shine!
• On a very special occasion, this product can be used on your arms and legs!  (If you do not have Benefit Bathina)

Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Dull, dry skinned or normal skinned girls who likes the instant glow anytime of the day!

Where to purchase and how much?

At local Benefit counters for Php1,600.00 (approx $40.00). LIKE Benefit Cosmetics Philippines on Facebook to get updated on Sales and events. Follow Benefit Philippines on Twitter (@BenefitBeautyPH)   At Benefit international website for $30.00 (without tax).

Photos

 The cute box packaging that included manufacturing date which is very important to me!

Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl is housed in the same packaging as that of That Gal Primer

After removing first cap, there is another transparent plastic cap for extra protection.  Some likes to throw this away, as for me I'm keeping it to prevent product spills or accidents.

The unique dispenser in which I used to dislike but now, I love this a lot!

Tiny amount needed for a very subtle sheen on my cheekbones!

Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl has a very subtle golden pink shade that works as a very natural all-over face highlighter if the user has medium to dark skin!  Fair skinned individuals may find this works as a very subtle bronzer.

Once product is well spread, it gives off a light champagne glow.  It has a light liquid to powder finish.

On most days, I prefer to apply Benefit's That Gal all over my face (as a primer), conceal problem areas with my trustee concealer and set with a powder foundation.  To keep myself from looking too plain and "blah", I like to use Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl on the highest point of my cheeks, my nose bridge, the brow bone and sometimes, at the inner corner of my eyes for a nice subtle glow!

AMW wearing Girl Meets Pearl

Have you currently achieved the pearly, healthy sheen you want without looking oily?
If yes, can you share some of your products and tips?

As for me, I'm happy to announce that I've tried quite a number of brightening/highlighting products and so far, I have achieved the glow that I want on days that I badly need it!  But of course, nothing beats taking care of your skin by removing makeup thoroughly at night and using the right skincare regimen suited for your skin!

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AMW Reviews: Prostyle Fuwarie Hairstyling Mist (For Airy Bob Hairstyle)

Hair product review!  Who's excited?  Well, I know I'm OBVIOUSLY one excited little girl when it comes to hair products!  Recently, I received 2 wonderful products from our friends from Prostyle Fuwarie Philippines --- The Fuwarie Curly and Bouncy Hairstyle (left white packaging) and the Fuwarie for Airy Bob Hairstyle (right purple packaging).

As you all know, I've been a heat-protectant spray user for years and I've been stocking up on Lucido-L Designing Aqua Hair Curl Lotion on my trips abroad.  With me being pregnant and having Baby AMW  pretty soon, traveling won't be part of the plan so I'm not sure what to do when I'm done with my Lucido-L backups, I can never iron or curl my hair without any heat protectant spray and searching for a good alternative may take some time!  So isn't it a perfect timing to find this famous Japanese brand Prostyle Fuwarie locally?

 

I've decided to use one product at a time to see the effect and I actually stopped using other hair serums or oils and I'm ready to report the for Airy Bob Hairstyle product which is also called the End Curling Mist!  

Prostyle Fuwarie says ---
Prevents hair burn/blisters.

• Protects hair cuticles from the heat of hair styling tools. 
• Prevents hair breakage.
• Prevents hair discoloration caused by heat. 

Protects against UV Rays.
Sets the hair as styled and keeps it straight/curled longer.
Enhanced with Amino Acid to repair damaged cuticles for beautiful and shiny hair.
Has a light fruity scent.

Made in Japan.   

AMW says ---
Pros

• Housed in a cute packaging with a twist "open and close" spray bottle which is great if you tote this along during travel!
• Very easy to use.
• Smells great!
• Hair feels light and non-greasy all day.
• Flat iron goes on smoothly on each hair section.
• Hair doesn't feel or look dry after ironing.
• The hair remains good as styled for the whole day.

Cons

• None

Overall

I may not see the effect of using Prostyle Fuwarie Hairstylist Mist with a microscope but I can definitely feel the positive effects of using one.  For one, ironing feels a bit easier as the flat iron glides on smoother as compared to not using Prostyle Fuwarie.  Second, the ends of my hair remains curled and "airy" for the whole day without the greasy/oily feel. 

Tips

• To create airy bob hairstyle, you can choose to use a flat iron, hair dryer or curling iron. 
• There are flat irons available in the market that can be used on both wet and dry hair but I highly recommend to flat iron your hair when dry!  
• To create "end curl", spray mist all over hair but concentrate on spraying more on the ends where you apply more heat.
• To create volume, spray mist all over here and section your hair and spray a bit more at the center of your hair shaft.
• After spraying your hair with Prostyle Fuwarie Hairstylist Mist, run your fingers through your hair for product to 'set'.
• If possible, use a clarifying shampoo at least once a week to remove excess hairstyling products that could weigh down your hair.

Will I repurchase?
Yes! 

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who uses heat styling tools!

Where to purchase and how much?

Available at beauty Bar nationwide for Php450.00 (approx $11.25).  Like Prostyle Fuwarie Philippines on Facebook.

Photos

Locally, the Prostyle Fuwarie End Curling Mist for Airy Bob Hairstyle comes with English instructions and product details.

The Open and Close Nozzle

On days I just want to curl the ends of my hair, I concentrate on spraying the hairstyling mist at the mid-section down to the ends of my hair as shown on photo below.  This way, I save the rest of my hair from harsh heat.

To create end curl:

I use my trustee flat iron and curl starting from the mid-section of my hair to the tip with an inward curl motion.

I like to scrunch my hair just to create "volume"

Before and After using Prostyle Fuwarie Hairstyling Mist

for Airy Bob Hairstyle

Without hair styling tools, my hair could go as flat as the photo shown on the left side of photo below.  I prefer using blow dryer, curling iron or flat iron to create curls on a daily basis so using a heat protectant mist is very important to keep my hair healthy and shiny.

Overall, I am glad to have found a product that works and is available locally!
Have you been using any hair styling products to protect your hair from daily styling?

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

Readers' Corner: "I Want to Start Wearing Red!"

Happy Monday and finally, it is year of the Water Snake!  How did you celebrate the Chinese New Year?  Me, I just had a simple get-together with both families and I'm happy my brother is back for a week's vacation!

Speaking of Chinese New Years, everyone's been wearing red and for girls, it helps to wear bright red lipsticks too!  The problem is, not everyone is comfortable wearing red lipsticks!  Trust me, I am the perfect person to talk to as I grew up in a very conservative family (especially in makeup).  Wearing anything bright on lips, eyes or cheeks will attract unwanted comments, but come on, what year is it?  Everyone's been very open in expressing themselves and I have definitely gone out of my shell!  I can wear red lipstick anytime I want but of course, I hear you!  There are dear readers out there who are still uncomfortable and have voiced out their concern (through email) on how to start wearing one! 

Lucky you, I've been there, done that!  I'm the right person to ask! *winks*

First, you have to pick the right shade of red that compliments your skin tone!  As for me, I'm in the middle of fair and medium skin so I like to wear deep reds.  My suggestion for a "practice wearing red" lip color is from MAC called Del Rio.

MAC Satin Lipstick in Del Rio has a rich soft satin, semi-matte finish that can be applied with light-hand for a very soft, plumy-reddish brown shade or you can always opt for heavy hand application for a vampy look.

Top: Bare Lips

Bottom: Applied with 1 Layer of MAC Satin Lipstick in Del Rio

Just like most MAC lipsticks, I need to exfoliate and moisturize my lips prior to application as I have extremely dry lips!  To make this look easier to the eyes, I prefer to apply a thin layer of my favorite Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream and blot it with a tissue paper prior to lipstick application.  I prefer the finish of my deep red lipstick to be matte as my lips are full and applying gloss could scream "large lips"!

In this photo: AMW wears MAC Satin Lipstick in Del Rio with powder foundation.  Of course, Del Rio is just one of the many "practice wearing red" lipsticks, there will always be other brands and other shades that you can start with!

What's your "Practice Wearing Red Lipstick" brand and shade?


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Weekend Food Trip at: Love Desserts

Because Valentine's Day is near, this is the perfect opportunity for me to post about sweets!  Come on, you know you want them!  

Over the week, I had my doctor's appointment scheduled and usually, after the checkup, we would be around the area scouring for new restaurants to try!  As for that night, I had a good news from my Doctor that I don't have Gestational Diabetes (which occurs to most pregnant women) and my li'l AMW is in dire need to food to grow bigger (okay, I invented that!), hubby and I have decided to give this desserts place a try!  And guess what?  We've decided to skip dinner overall as it is a dessert buffet place!  Call us crazy, but we want to taste as much sweets as we can for that night! 

Love Desserts

I've learned about Love Desserts from fellow blogger Joanne Tan .  She said it's going to be a cool place to hang out with the dearest love of my life (whoever he is :P)  Just joking Hubby!  It isn't difficult to find the place as the restaurant was well lit right next to the huge Bruno's Barber Shop at Banawe.

As soon as we got in, I felt an immediate comfort as the ambiance screams CHILDHOOD FANTASY!

The place was well lit with colorful posters of desserts you can think of!  As I was busy looking around for what to eat, thanks to Mr. AMW for dutifully taking all these lovely shots!  Seriously, I cannot be a food blogger, I tend to panic with wonderful food in sight!

A fridge featuring all the cakes they have, I believe you can buy these cakes in whole to take home too!

Shall we start?  They have my favorite Halo-Halo station with all the works all laid out for you.

You can also try their Ice Blended Drinks varying from Chocolate, Vanilla, Taro, Capuccino and Buko Pandan.  I was aiming for Strawberry Milk Shake that night but I was told it's not available!  Oh well, I gave it a skip and save my tummy space for more sweets!

Thank goodness they have my favorite brand of ice cream --- Big Scoop!  Some of the flavors available that night are --- Strawberry, Avocado, Vanilla, Ube, Bubble Gum, Buko Pandan, Mango, etc...  I am so grateful they have Vanilla flavored ice cream as it is so difficult to find one nowadays!

Toppings you can put with your ice cream!  You can make your own banana split!

Crepe Station

You can ask the server to make you strawberry, blueberry, banana crepes but we opted for the simplest crepe of all!

Thanks for granting our request.  A simple crepe topped with Vanilla Ice Cream with chocolate and caramel syrup!

Added with kiddie candies --- that's Mr. AMW's ! 

Mine looks more classy and professional *winks* But take note, I finished it up without class! It was so delicious I was done with this in less than 5 minutes!  Blame Baby AMW!  It wasn't me! :P

Okay...let's head on further to the next station, just so you know Love Desserts serve a la carte dishes so you can order your rice meals if you feel like there's just too much sugar out there.  As for me, I'm glad to find some cheesesticks, taco salad (my favorite for the night!) and Tuna Empanadas.  I'm not sure if you guys are familiar of Baron's Taco (SM Megamall), their Taco Salad is my ultimate favorite BUT they closed down and I missed them dearly.  That night, at Love Desserts, I was able to satisfy my need for  a good taco salad!  Great job Love Desserts!  Great job!

They also have fruit salad, mangoes with bagoong and a coffee machine for you just in case you need a cup of cappuccino (let's talk about that later). I have to comment that I love their fruit salad too, I just wish they were chilled!

On to the "mousse" station, cute tiny shots of various mousse and cookies.

More cakes, cupcakes that you can think of!

Chocolate Eclairs, brownies, and a whole lot more!  Just in case, they also serve "Goto" that night! 

Just when I stuffed my face with as much food and desserts as I can, they put out a blueberry cheesecake!  I was looking at it dearly but seriously, with the baby inside and my full tummy?  I don't have enough space to breathe!  So Mr. Blueberry Cheesecake?  <--- br="" next="" time="">

The hubby was really full that night too so he went for a cup of cappuccino in which the staff helped us made!  I took a sip and it was really good coffee!

Love Desserts isn't huge nor small, the place was just right for a good number of people.  As we were there, the place was quite full with people chatting around endlessly, I believe, with added excitement!  Must be the sugar rush! 

They also have boards for customers to write down their thoughts about Love Desserts!

Love Desserts Buffet costs only Php199.00 (approx $4.97) in which, I believe is reasonably priced!  With just a couple of ice cream scoops, halo-halo and crepes?  It's all worth it!  If my mom is not diabetic, I would definitely take her here in a heartbeat!  By the way, each customer is advised to stay maximum of 2 hours to give other customers a chance to enjoy their desserts buffet!  I think 2 hours is enough as we're stuffed by an hour!

Overall, the experience was great, the servers are very helpful and friendly!  And before I end this post, I want to share their Valentine's Day promo!  On February 14, 2013 the desserts buffet price will be slashed to Php143.00 (approx $3.55)!  Please call for reservations as I'm sure it'll be jam packed that night!

So, who are you taking? *winks*

Love Desserts
915 Banawe St cor G Roxas Ave Manresa,
Quezon City 
Tel No: (632) 348-3551

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By the way, NuffnangX is officially available for download from the Apple app store and teh Android play store.  There is also a web version available on www.nuffnangx.com.

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