AMW Reviews: Avon Healthy Makeup Hydrating BB Cream

More than a year ago, I reviewed Avon's first BB cream called Avon Healthy BB Cream (review HERE), to keep the product usage experience short and sweet, I hail the original Avon Healthy BB Cream as an inexpensive BB cream that works for normal, oily and combination skin.  The said BB cream has more of a pinkish tone, it contains SPF20 PA++ which is good for daily use.

Now, dry skinned individuals who would love to try out BB creams but dislikes the matte and dry finish can definitely give this new Avon BB cream a try called Avon Healthy Makeup Hydrating BB Cream!  This time, the product comes with SPF30 PA+++ (note on 3 pluses) so definitely, this has better sunblock properties!  Aside from the obvious difference, feel free to read more about my experience using this!

It's great that I get to try Nude shade again for this hydrating variant.

Avon says ---
Healthy looking skin in one step. Your favorite Healthy Makeup BB Cream now has a Hydrating version. Infused with skin loving Vitamin Complex and Hydration Essence. Skin is nourished and hydrated.
It has 8 benefits:
1. Hydrates
2. Conceals
3. Reduces Redness
4. Brightens
5. Nurtures with Vitamin A, C, E
6. Sun Protection with SPF/PA
7. Revitalizes
8. Leaves a Healthy Glow

Ingredients: 


AMW says ---
Pros

• Squeeze type tube.
• Higher SPF and added PA.
• Easy to blend.
• Moisturizing.  Doesn't dry out my dry skin.
• Has more of a yellow undertone which works better on most Asian skin tones.
• No weird fragrance/scent.
• Gives minimal coverage.  Can lessen the look of redness.

Cons

• Normal/combination skin may find the need to retouch midday.
• Extra concealing is needed for obvious marks, spots and darkness.

Overall

A great sized BB cream to start with.  This product works for normal and dry skinned individuals.  Can be used on its own due to its light coverage.

Tips

• Normal/Dry skin can skip moisturizer as this product is moisturizing enough.  
• If you have VERY dry skin, an extra boost of moisture from your favorite skincare brand may still be needed.
• Normal/combination/oily skinned individuals must skip moisturizer application, apply more on areas that doesn't oil up and apply the least amount on the t-zone area.
• On regular days, apply BB cream all over face after skincare routine, conceal areas that needed to be concealed and set with your choice of powder.
• Once signs of irritations occur, stop usage IMMEDIATELY!
• Do not forget to apply BB cream on the neck and ears.
• Wash face with a makeup remover or gentle cleansing oil before going to bed.

Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Best used for people with dry skin.  Oily skinned individuals may check out Avon Healthy BB cream.


Where to purchase and how much?

For Php399.00 (approx $9.00) 18g Call your Avon ladies by visiting www.avon.com.ph.  Like Avon Philippines on Facebook.

Photos

Squeeze type tube with a pointed tip, easy to control amount of product needed.

Shade in Nude has more yellow undertone as compared to the shade Nude in the original Avon Healthy BB cream. 

Upon blending, the product looks a bit lighter than my NC20-25 skin, doesn't enhance dryness or lines.

Giving a couple of minutes, the product settles in and matches my skin perfectly.

Before and After 

Left: Bare face, see the redness around the apples of my cheeks and sides of my nose.  I also have a dark shadow close to the hairline.

Right: Applied a pea size amount of Avon Healthy Makeup Hydrating BB Cream in Nude.  As seen on photos, some of the red spots disappeared especially on the sides of my nose.  The dark shadow near my hairline also disappears giving my face an even complexion.

Don't judge me, this is a weird mug shot but this works to show how the product looks!
Check mark: with Avon Healthy Makeup Hydrating BB Cream in Nude

X mark: bare skin

Bare skin without ANY makeup on except Hydrating BB Cream.

Extra contouring and highlighting may be needed to keep my skin looking fresh and alive!

Have you tried the newest Avon Healthy Makeup Hydrating BB Cream?
If yes, what's your experience? Do you love it?  Hate it? 


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(Product received for PR purpose.  Reviews 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Weekend Food Trip at: Dakasi, Makati

There are a lot of milk tea brands out there and I'm sure everyone has his/her own favorite!  As for me, I've been quite vocal recently on my love for Dakasi Milk Tea!  If you follow me on Instagram (AskMeWhats) and Foursquare, you'll know that I go there almost on a weekly basis because....I'm pregnant and I can get anything I want!  *laughs*

**dress: Latch a Babe

But seriously, I love Dakasi Milk tea because....

According to the Dakasi Head of Operations, Mr. Aldrich, the tea made are always on the right temperature, if not, it must NOT be served!

The sugar used are made by Dakasi themselves, they don't use regular sugar you can purchase at groceries or supermarket.  Aside from that, the milk used are measured well and all the staffs are trained tediously for consistency.

Even the ice used are weighed pretty well, you can't go more or less! 

Last but not the least, the "shake" machine is used for consistency in milk tea texture, each cup goes through around 25 seconds of shaking motion.  And the coolest trick?

While the person waits for the "shaking motion" to be over, he/she MUST clean the bar.  No wonder Dakasi counters are always neat and tidy!  No room for spillage! 

How do I get to learn all this?  Well, lucky me I get an invite for the first ever Dakasi Grand Launch which happened yesterday at their Dela Rosa, Makati branch!  Thanks to Liz Lanuzo for inviting me and the hubby!  We're both ecstatic as we both enjoy our Dakasi Milk Teas, shall I say, baby AMW also enjoys it too?

Each time I stand at the counter, I get overwhelmed by the huge variety of milk tea and juice drinks and I always go for the original Dakasi Pearl Milk Tea.  I promised myself to be more adventurous that day so I went for a different variant!

Okay, I wasn't THAT adventurous as I cave in to Dakasi Oreo Pearl Milk Tea as recommended by a lot of Dakasi drinkers!  Mr. AMW, on the other hand, got the Dakasi Pearl Milk Tea with Egg Pudding as add-on.  Need I say more?  I finished my large drink in less than 10 minutes!  Thank goodness I'm pregnant, no one will judge me!  (I hope!)

Aside from drinks, the owners from Dakasi were asking us to try on their food as they will definitely include these on their menu for the coming months!
Nachos, chocolate chip cookies and Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches were all a hit that afternoon! 


After a good chat and catch up with fellow bloggers with milk teas and finger foods, the event started with the cheerful and perky host for the day, Melai!   Melai has done a great job on her previous hosting job and I am not surprised to see her doing another one....and more to come for sure!

Fellow blogger/friend Liz, the brand consultant for Dakasi Philippines was also introduced.  I love how she made sure everyone feels welcomed!

Mr. Dexter, one of the owners of Dakasi Philippines also went up on "stage" to talk about the history of Dakasi Philippines.  It was so refreshing to learn that Dakasi started only a year ago (February 14, 2012 to be exact) and they already have 17 branches (and still counting)!  Their first branch is located at Marquee Mall Pampanga and obviously, it was a great success for them to be able to expand to almost 20 branches!

Dakasi was brought to the Philippines when one of the owners, who traveled to Guangzhou, China gave Dakasi a try and fell in love with the taste (I can totally relate!).  Good thing the owners were easy to talk to so it was an easy deal to bring Dakasi here in the Philippines!

Did you know that?

There are 400 branches of Dakasi in China alone!

When asked how Dakasi is different from other milk tea brands, Dexter proudly stated: "It's all about the taste!"  It's true, I've had my fair share of Dakasi experience and one thing I can commend about the brand is that, their drinks area always consistent!  Not too sweet, not too bland, not too warm nor too cold!  The tapioca pearls are always on the right texture and I always smile each time I take a sip! (Consistent product= Consistent reaction!)

After a quick introduction and information about the brand, there was also a quick fun contest held for bloggers who attended the event! 

Whoever finishes their large Dakasi Pearl Milk Tea  gets to win a special prize!  

Congratulations to Ana for bagging first place! She was really fast!!!

Aside from good food, wonderful drinks and fun games, one lucky attendee gets to try on making his/her own Dakasi Milk Tea drink!  And you guessed it right, the lucky person was ME! :P

 

With guidance from the head of operations and Gabby, I successfully created my own drink!  Of course, it's not perfect but it tastes great! :)

The event was a success and I want to congratulate everyone, even the event stylist for creating such lovely "tapioca pearls" inspired ambiance!

 Dakasi Philippines Team with Liz and Melai 

Congratulations to team Dakasi Philippines!  I can't wait to try more of their drinks!  Promise, I'll be more adventurous next time!

Like Dakasi Philippines on Facebook.
Follow Dakasi Philippines on Twitter (@DakasiPH).

Visit these Dakasi branches ---

Annapolis Carpark, Greenhills Shopping Center (632)871.5499
Ground Floor, Dela Rosa Carpark 1, Makati (632)401.4929
Level 1, Marquee Mall (6345)304.1343
Level 1, Market! Market! (632)514.0249
Level 1, SM Sta Rosa
Level 2, Harbor Point (6347)306.5061
Level 2, The District (632)710.2561
UN Avenue corner Orosa, Manila (632)917.7077
Level 1, Festival Mall (632)775.6465
Level 1, Robinsons Place Otis (632)710.2562
17 P Tuazon, Cubao (632)945.2646
Level 1, Technohub Iloilo
Level 3, SM Calamba
Level 1 Padre Faura Wing, Robinsons Place Manila (63926)681.9698
Level 3, Trinoma (632)710.2547
207 Banawe St, Quezon City (632)546.8146

Have you tried Dakasi?
If yes, what's your favorite Dakasi drink?

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Stay happy!
 

Gifts for the Happy Baby and Mommy

Happy Saturday!!!  I'm off for another busy Saturday as my social life circulates mostly on a Saturday as I heavily depend on Mr. AMW to drive me around!  *sobs*  I'm not complaining, I promise you!  Even if I'm just staying at home, I feel the love coming my way in my enclosed room!  Thank you so much to the gifts both Baby AMW and I received over the past few weeks!

Green Sproutlets

I want to thank mommy blogger Michelle from My Mom Friday for sending me gorgeous baby stuff from Green Sproutlets.  They are made from 100% cotton and I can literally feel the comfort of my little AMW using these once he is born! 

 Mustela

 Mustela has been a number one brand that was recommended by most moms when we talk about pregnancy and baby stuff.  A lot of moms swore by it!  When my Sample Room family sent me these for Baby AMW, I nearly shrieked as these are the products I need that I didn't get the chance to purchase yet!  Thank you so much Mustela and Sample Room team!

 L-R Mustela Ciudado Especifico Busto Cream, Agua de Colonia sin Alcohol 

and Foam Shampoo for Newborns

Aside from the 3 star products above, I was also sent a travel size set of Mustela No Rinse Cleansing Fluid, Body lotion and Dermo-cleansing gel for hair and boy. 

Speaking about Sample Room, I recently got an email on my mailbox regarding the search for Sample Room Bloggers Circle Members!  If you are a blogger and you want to be part of this family, please, I highly recommend you guys to join this group as this community is really wonderful!  Imagine, a community of girls loving and enjoying the same products!  Read mechanics on poster below on how to join! 

Adore Fragrances and Aqua Fresco

 Of course, baby AMW isn't the only one who received gifts!  I also got some gifts from Adore Fragrances via NJ Torres (thanks girl!)!  I can't believe how gorgeously named and packaged these fragrances are!  Where were you guys when I was in high school saving up for an expensive cologne???

Of course, there's also something for Mr. AMW!  Aqua Fresco fragrances for men!  Create your own story line with the names of the scent!  Mr. AMW was creating one while taking this shot!  :P

Pond's Age Miracle Line

I have to admit, I did try out a lot of skin care brands and Pond's is one of them but out of all the Pond's line, I seriously haven't get to try the Age Miracle Line!  Don't get me wrong, I'm not on a denial stage!  I love using anti-aging products but I always end up giving this to my sister because she loves this line so much!  I may have to insert the Age Miracle Facial Wash in my current skincare system just for the sake of understanding why my sister swore by this!  Have you tried this line?  Tell me if this works for you! 

Taste Central

Last but not the least, a new online shopping website was launched, Taste Central, is the official retail partner of Deal Grocer !  I've always been an online shopper!  (Most of my maternity clothes were bought online and I purchased so many deal coupons I have a special folder for them!)  So having another site with good taste added isn't a problem for me, it excites me as I scour on various products which I don't see much on other online websites!

Yes, the landing page looks like this, so deliciously yummy right?

Because Taste Central wanted to make Mommy AMW happy, they sent me and Baby AMW special gifts and I have to apologize that I didn't get the chance to take professional shots on most of them as I ended up going "gaga" over the food!

The Blue Kitchen Splenda Oatmeal Crisps

6-Pack for Php1,334.00 (approx $33.35)

Thin-crisp oatmeal cookies that helped me through "in between" hungry moments! 

Mi Casa Belgian Chocolate-Covered Polvoron

3 packs for Php468.00 (approx $11.70)

 Imagine your favorite polvoron with rice crispies but this time, wrapped with a thin, crunchy-layer of Belgian Chocolate?  I was in heaven!  (Was- Past Tense because it's all gone by now!)  I usually have these after meal when I'm craving for something light yet not too sweet!  I'm proud to announce that the selfless I was able to share some Mr. AMW!  I can't wait to order more of these!!!  

Boppy Bare Naked Pillow

Php2,900 (approx $72.50)

 This is one baby product I missed jotting down on my "must-buy" list!  Thankfully, I was gifted one as I was told by moms here and abroad how useful this is for the little one!  I can't wait to put this on test and to moms out there who have this, where do you buy the cover?  Any ideas?

Huiles & Baumes Face Soft Scrub

Php2,000 (approx $50.00)

I appreciate it that Taste Central didn't forget the fact that I'm into beauty so they made sure to include a beauty-related product!  A facial scrub that's paraben-free?  I'm sure it'll be something worth having a look!

 

There are so many reasons to have a bad day and there will always be more reasons if we let them be part of our lives!  My personal goal?  Is to appreciate blessings in life, no matter how big or small it is! No, I'm not saying that being happy means receiving gifts or products here and there, the point of being happy and staying that way is acknowledgment and appreciation!  Acknowledging the effort and time people give you and appreciate them for being part of your lives.

If I'm going through a bad day (promise, I have loads of that recently), I look into those emails, handwritten notes, text messages and comments from readers, friends and families and the troubles may still be there but at least, I have this feeling that I'm not alone!  Last but not the least, learn to pray and thank God for each day and moment that we get to breathe and enjoy life here on Earth! :)

Okay, that's me talking, not my pregnancy hormones! :P  Have a wonderful weekend ahead and stay positive!

What are you thankful for today?

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Readers' Corner: Fix Your Brows with Eyebrow Pencil

Dear AMW Friends!
Today is the day!  We talk about brows AGAIN!  The reason why I'm sharing another tip on how to fill in brows is because I was asked about brow questions so many times during my Benefit Fine One One Emergency Workshops 1, 2 and 3!  Yes girls!  3 workshops and most girls ask about brows!  

Don't get me wrong, I am very happy that you guys are so interested about this particular beauty topic because I cannot stress enough on how important it is to fix your brows!  Trust me, it's like chocolates, it's addictive!  *laughs*

The reason why I created a separate post on using eyebrow pencils as I have done a tutorial on how to fix your brows using brow gels and brow powders!  I know some of you are not comfortable with the mentioned products so to those brow pencil users out there?  Raise your eyebrow pencils and let's start the eyebrow party!!!

Just in case you get lost on the way to the party, let me share to you my previous related posts---

This is How I Do It : Lightening my Brows AMW Style

This is How I Do It:  Easiest Way to Trim and Groom Eyebrows

AMW Reviews: Benefit Brows A-Go-Go (Tutorial on how I use the set here)

First and foremost, it is very important to groom your brows!  You can either do that yourself, or in my case, I always advise readers to trust the professionals!  You can groom them on your own later on!

Step 1:
Starting with clean brows, pick the eyebrow pencil that matches your skin, face and hair.  Keep in mind not to pick any eyebrow pencil with strong red undertone as it gives an illusion of super fake brows.  

In this tutorial, I picked a Blonde Colored Brow and Eye Pencil from BYS Cosmetics (reviews will follow soon) as my brows are way too dark and my hair (though haven't colored for MONTHS) still have the medium brown shade that was left from my pre-pregnancy hair coloring.

AMW Reviews: Shiseido Radiant Lifting Foundation Firming and Anti-Wrinkle SPF15

Shiseido has always been a brand I look up to in terms of skincare, especially when I'm opting for one that gives my skin the radiance and brightening effect, I always get it immediately by using their serums.

One thing I have to admit, I am not really updated in terms of their makeup line.  So this year, I'm glad I'm widening my horizon and I'm finally getting to know more Shiseido and their makeup line.

Let's start with their Liquid Foundation that has the Anti-aging benefits, has full coverage, gives highly lustrous finish that's meant for normal to very dry skin!  (that calls my name!)

Radiant Lifting Foundation

Firming and Anti-Wrinkle

Shade on review: 100 Very Light Ivory

Shiseido says ---

Revive your skin with light. A revolutionary anti-aging foundation with innovative light technology to eliminate shadows and give skin a radiant, youthful glow. Radiance Reflecting Powder provides a soft-focus effect and luminosity to wrinkles for a more youthful, lifted appearance. Offers a smooth, radiant finish for 12 beautiful hours and a rich moisturizing effect for 24 hours.

Smooth Wrap Oil, Hydroxyproline, and Rose Apple Leaf Extract provide abundant moisture to the help counteract wrinkles and firm the skin.

Ingredients:

AMW says ---
Pros

• Pump packaging, easy to control amount of product needed.
• Lasts the whole day.
• Gives a radiant glow, you can definitely see the "glow" immediately after application.
• Doesn't settle into fine lines.
• Gives light to full coverage. 
• Can also double up as a concealer.
• Can lessen the appearance of pores.
• Easy to blend and apply due to water base.
• Covers light imperfections (light acne marks, dark under eye circles)

Cons

• Can't see the amount of product left.
• Going for full coverage may give a "heavy" feel for combination and oily skin.

Overall

Shiseido Radiant Lifting Foundation has a slight floral scent that doesn't bother me at all.  The foundation gives a nice radiant glow immediately after application and coverage can be adjusted from medium to full.  The foundation lasts all day for normal and dry skinned individuals and touch-ups may be needed for people with combination skin. I can't comment on the firming and anti-aging properties as I do not use this foundation on a daily basis.

Tips

• This foundation is best used by people with normal and dry skin.
• For areas with fine lines, wrinkles and pores, an extra help from a makeup primer may be needed.
• For light to medium coverage, use a stippling brush or damp sponge for application.
• For heavy coverage, apply using your clean fingers, foundation brush or dry sponge.
• Never remove dispenser until bottle is empty. 
• Wipe dispenser mouth after every use!  PLEASE!

Will I repurchase?
Yes, I'd go for "beige" shades.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Daily foundation users with  normal/dry skin who likes the radiant glow.

Where to purchase and how much?
At local Shiseido counters for Php2,350.00 (approx $58.75). Like Shiseido Philippines on Facebook for more product updates.  The product costs $45.00 at Sephora website.

Photos

Pump dispenser that needs to be clean after every use.

A small amount of 100 Very Light Ivory

Ivory is a shade best used by fair and pale-skinned individuals.

Blending the product well, you can see an immediate radiance.

Since 100 Very Light Ivory is well, too light for my skin, I've decided to apply this product still all over my face for everyone to see the effect and coverage.  Please note that this foundation definitely do not match my neck but I am impressed by the lovely matte finish with radiant glow.  It doesn't settle into the dry areas of my face and I can apply more for full coverage.

AMW wearing Shiseido Radiant Lifting Foundation

 in 100 Very Light Ivory

I definitely came out looking pale wearing this but with the right bronzer, blush and lipstick, I'm sure I can manage to adjust the wrong foundation shade.  I'm sure you can too!

After reading my review on this foundation, would you give this a try?

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