Monday, January 25, 2010

Kotex Luxe No Compromise Contest Winners!



Hi Everyone!
Thanks for joining the Kotex Luxe No Compromise Contest!  I've decided to choose the first 15 comments as winners!  Congratulations to:
  1. Rosey
  2. Ann
  3. Joanne MV
  4. Bagel
  5. All Women Stalker
  6. Merlinda
  7. Jheng of Iamsutil
  8. Torque15
  9. Hidburn
  10. Mariel
  11. Thiamere
  12. Karlenma
  13. Bachuchay
  14. Yani
  15. Kahodininthehouse
Congratulations
Please email me at nikki@askmewhats.com for your complete name and mailing info!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


AMW Reviews: L'Oreal Hydrafresh

Happy start of the week everyone!  Today actually marks my 2nd year blogging anniversary!  I want to thank everyone for reading my blog posts and for commenting their thoughts, their ideas and of course the appreciation of my blog posts!  Thanks to all the followers as well!  I get inspired blogging because of you guys! *Big big hugs!*

I will be doing a 2nd year blog giveaway soon, I just have to take time to really focus on the requirements, but it'll be fun! :)

Let me go back to regular programming...

I got a moisturizer as a gift from my dearest brother, he's really amazing!  He's a guy, probably don't know what my skin needs but he always ended up purchasing me the right thing!  No wonder we're called fraternal twins, and I was born 4 years after! hahaha

L'Oreal Hydrafresh says ---

Apply morning and/or evening on perfectly cleaned skin.  Instantly quenched and perfectly hydrated, your skin becomes softer and more comfortable.

Size: 50ml

AMW says ---

Pros
  • has a nice protective cap
 

  • nice glass jar
  • very light on skin
  • never feels oily or make your skin oil up 
  • great for both dry, normal and oily skin
  • moisturizes dry ares
  • absorbs to the skin easily without clogging
  • no allergies or skin irritation
 Cons
  • not sure if this is available locally
  • no SPF or anti-aging properties, just pure moisture
  • easily used up as it's only 50ml
Overall
The texture reminded me so much of my favorite Clinique's Moisture Surge Extended Skin Relief.  The same gel-like texture and light feel is wonderful and this is definitely cheaper.  I like this because it moisturizes and soothes my dry skin, imagine putting on a "gel" substance that instantly cools and relief the skin.  I don't see a huge difference in a couple of uses but my skin obviously  feels and looks moisturized all day long!

Tips
  • use a spatula instead of dipping your fingers for hygienic purposes
  • gently massage onto your face concentrating on drier areas
  • if your skin is SUPER dry, leave a thin film over your face like a mask and wait for it to absorb
  • if you use this in the morning, make sure it absorbs to the skin completely before you proceed with your sunblock or makeup
  • if you have oily skin, you can use this night time only
Will I repurchase?
I'd love to 

Where to purchase and how much?

Can try check this out at L'Oreal counters.  Not sure if we have this locally.  Let me know :)
Learned from L'Oreal that we don't have this locally, if you have friends who are traveling, they are available at Duty Free shops or other country's L'Oreal counters

 Here's how it looks NEW
It's not full as what I hope for

 

It's light minty green in color
Imagine hair gel
 
 

As you gently rub it in, its a bit thick so you have to continuously massage  
til it absorbs into the skin

 

Absorbed

 

You can click photo to enlarge :)

 

It'll be a great week!  There will be a report on the Glambox Airbrush Demo event!  There will be a nail art tutorial, a readers' request granted on cream blush application, etc..!  It'll be an exciting week for sure

Thanks again to AMW readers for always being HERE, reading, commenting, and sharing the love!  I wouldn't survive this long without you! Love you all!

Have a wonderful week ahead!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Weekend Food Tripping at: Cajun Red Rock


When I visited Cajun Red Rock for a food trip, I wasn't that hungry so it's not going to be filled with food photos!  All you hungry readers out there, you can breathe a sigh of relief *tee hee*

Cajun Red Rock has been around for quite some time but I don't know why we didn't give it the time of our day!  Just when I wasn't hungry, we've decided to try this restaurant!  Boy!  When I saw their menu, I am floored!  Great food choices at affordable prices!  I was hoping I'd turn into a cute PIG right there and then!



Bottomless Iced Tea 
Php75.00 (less than $2.00)

You can choose between Strawberry or Green Tea flavored iced tea
I go for the latter, though I love strawberries as a fruit, 
I'm not a fan of strawberry drinks!



Cajun Chopped Chicken Salad

Php220.00 (approx $4.78)

Colored nachos mashed on a salad is my ultimate favorite.
I remember Baron Taco which was closed down a couple of years ago 
and I missed salad with the added crunchiness, 
I'm glad I found a restaurant that serves the salad I want!

 

Farmer's Macaroni Soup
Php110.00 (approx $2.40)

I am in love with soup recently, weather is nice
a bowl of soup warms the tummy and heart

 

Cajun Red Rock
108 NS Amoranto St. (Retiro St.)
Quezon City

Tel no: 632-415-2605

The restaurant accepts credit card and no service charge!
Remember to leave a tip as their service is great and I love the warm and simple ambience!
Oh, by the way...I will be announcing the Kotex 15 winners soon!
I hope you'll have a great weekend food tripping!
Today is my mom and dad's 45th wedding anniversary! Another food tripping for sure!
Happy Anniversary mom and dad!


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!







Saturday, January 23, 2010

AMW Reviews: Stila Convertible Color in Petunia


I am seriously a cream blush lover and I find it works like crazy! My blush stays longer and retouching isn't as needed anymore. Do not be surprised if I have a couple of cream blushes review, because I do use them and love them like a bestfriend!




Stila Convertible Color in Petunia says ---

Stila's ingenious lipstick and blush-in-one proves to be irresistible. As seen in In Style's Best Beauty Buys 2008! This versatile favorite brightens cheeks and lips with creamy, translucent color. Tap onto cheeks and press onto lips. The sheer tint adds an inherent glow to the cheeks while lips bloom with fresh, radiant color. Our two-in-one compact holds the key to easy, monochromatic makeup. A must-have in every stila girl's kit.

Ingredients
ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, lanolin oil, beeswax\cera alba\cire d’abeille, microcrystalline wax\cera microcristallina\cire microcristalline, octyldodecanol, phenyl trimethicone, ozokerite, caprylic/capric triglyceride, hydrogenated palm kernel glycerides, ethylhexyl palmitate, isononyl isononanoate, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, tocopheryl acetate, hydrogenated palm glycerides, bht, [+/- mica, titanium dioxide (ci 77891), iron oxides (ci 77491, ci 77492, ci 77499), bismuth oxychloride (ci 77163), blue 1 lake (ci 42090), carmine (ci 75470), manganese violet (ci 77742), red 7 lake (ci 15850), red 22 lake (ci 45380), red 28 lake (ci 45410), red 30 lake (ci 73360), red 33 lake (ci 17200), red 34 lake (ci 15880), ultramarines (ci 77007), yellow 5 lake (ci 19140), yellow 6 lake (ci 15985)]

AMW says ---

Pros
  • shade looks very pretty and girly
  • does not oil up my cheeks
  • no allergic reaction
  • easy to spread
  • lasts a long time
  • can be used for cheeks and lips
  • available locally, no need to order online and wait for..FOREVER!
  • super cute packaging with mirror
Cons
  • not everyone are accustomed to using cream blushes, could end up with a clown look
  • if your lips are super dry like mine, using this on lips will further dry it
  • the shade is bright on pan, so applying too much is a huge no-no
  • if you have acne scars or zits on your cheeks, it may enhance the redness
Overall
Stila Convertible Color in Petunia is a peachy pink toned blush.  I can easily top this with a peach or pink colored powder brush and both works wonderful and I always ended up with a different look with the versatility of this blush.  This is my second Stila Convertible Color, and both did not fail me.  I'll definitely purchase more shades to include in my train case.

Tips
  • use either a stippling brush, in my case, I prefer the foundation brush and gently brush through the colors onto the apples of your cheeks
  • if you prefer using your fingers, apply with super light hand
  • always set with a similar blush shade, lighter shade will be better so you won't look like a clown
  • moisturize and prime your lips properly prior to using this on lips
  • if you like the color itself and do not want to add a powder blush, I strongly suggest to still set this with a translucent powder
  • always start light and add up as you go on
  • if you are on a darker skintone: Petunia works great, if you have super light skintone: either apply this sparingly or try purchasing a lighter Convertible color
  • always prime your face well and use a nice makeup base prior to blush application
Will I repurchase?
Yes

Where to purchase and how much?
I learned from Stila Counter that all shades of Stila Convertible color are now available for Php845.00 (approx $18.37)
 

Here's a photo of the cream blush on pot



And here's Petunia swatched no base

 

I got a request on how to apply cream blush and I'll do it as soon as I can :)

keep smilin'
Stay happy!
happy weekend!



Friday, January 22, 2010

AMW Reviews: OPI RapiDry Top Coat

** I used a photo from a site as I own this in mini version

Happy Friday friends! Anyone who reads my blog knew how much I love nail products!  Though I do my nails almost every week, I am not a fan of expensive polishes because I know I can always invest on good top coat to protect my nail polish or nail art.

OPI is a brand that's known for nail addicts out there!  I'm glad I've got the chance to test the mini version of this prior to purchasing a full size.

**photo from company site

OPI RapiDry Top Coat says ---

This quick drying OPI RapiDry Top Coat protects your nails against yellowing, smearing, smudges and streaks.  It gives a perfect finish and ensures that your nail varnish will last.  OPI RapiDry Top Coat has an Extended Wear Technology that helps dry your wet nails quicker for a long lasting, high gloss shine.

Size: 15ml

AMW says ---

Pros
  • gives out a shiny finish
  • dries the polish quickly, really! 
  • my nail polish lasts more than 5 days without chipping
  • nail polish remain shiny and new even after a couple of days as compared to other brands
  • aside from working as a top coat, its also a rapid dry polish which works great! 2-in-1 product!
  • non-oily
  • brush is great 
  • the polish is not too thick or wet, just the right consistency
Cons
  • pricey
  • its not RAPID as what the name implies, you still have to wait a couple of minutes to make sure its dry
Overall
I have been using The Face Shop's Top Coat for the longest time, I am quite loyal with it as I've finish 3 bottles of it.  When I got this mini from a set that I received as a gift from my bestie, I gave it a try right away thinking it's just a Top Coat with an added gimmick of rapid dry factor.  I was quite amazed with how my nail polish dried faster than regular and the added positive factor?  My pinkie nails usually chip on the 4th day due to my crazy typing capability *hahaha* and some parts of my nails do start to fade because I do house chores too!    My nail art and nail polish remain intact and I am starting to like this!!!

If I don't want to pay expensive amount for a top coat and quick dry polish, I can always go back to my first love.

Tips
  • to apply, begin at the center of your nail then fan it out gently.
  • wait for a minute or two after your final coat before applying this top coat.
  • wait for more than 5 minutes before you start moving like your nail polishes are dry.  Though this is quick dry, I strongly suggest to dry your nails with a fan or blow dryer.
  • if you're unsure if this works for you or not, try to purchase a "set" or "mini sizes" to see if you'll like it or not
Will I repurchase?
YES!

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at Rustan's Essences for Php495.00 (approx $10.76)

I finished this nail art last Saturday over the weekend
On the fifth day, here's how it looks



My pinkie nail
On the 4th or 5th day, the polish usually chips, around half of the nail
take a look, there's just a bit of fading but not much :)

 

Definitely a nice buy if you have the budget.
Have you used this similar Top Coat and Rapid Dry in one?
I'd love to know how you love or hate this.



Keep smilin'
Stay happy!