AMW Reviews: By Nature Handmade Soaps

Last month, I featured 3 wonderful handmade soaps called The Island Berry!  The name itself brought me back to "Aruba,  Jamaica, Oooohh I want to take to you to Bermuda, Bahamas, Come on Pretty Mama!" --- Kokomo mood!

After more than a month of usage!  I am ready to share to you my thoughts and experiences on these! 

By Nature Handmade Soap says ---

Most of these handmade soaps contain fragrance oils* that give them their yummy and lovely scents. They all keep your skin moisturized after every shower. Your skin will feel softer and look healthier with regular use.

Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Olive Oil
Other Ingredients: Fragrance Oils*, Ground Oatmeal, Herbs, Spices, Honey, Beeswax, Cocoa Butter, Milk, Cocoa Powder, Dried Leaves, Ground Pumice, Ground Coffee

*These are scent imitations of foods, fruits, flowers, leaves, and spices. They make up the small percentage of what is not natural in my handmade soaps. The reason I still use them is because I want all my users to have a choice. Those who have normal skin or who do not mind such ingredients can still enjoy the goodness of my handmade soaps with their favorite scents. But those with sensitive or problem skin are best to stick with my 100% NATURAL variants. BY NATURE Handmade Soaps uses only high-quality and premium fragrance oils.
AMW says ---

Pros

• individually packed with sticker written the functions of each soap variant
• unscented ones don't have scents AT ALL
• scented ones like the Tangy Orange I've tried smells wonderful!
• very moisturizing, skin feels soft and moisturized
• bar's texture is like butter, but does not melt like butter
• the bar does not melt quickly as compared to other hand made soaps
• no allergies or skin irritations
• inexpensive

Cons

• not for people who hates online shopping!
• choosing is difficult as there are so many variants online!

Overall

Testing these handmade soaps does not feel like "testing" at all as I grew to love them! On days, I don't like using scented soaps as I'd rather smell the scent of my lotion rather than the mixture of lotion and soap!  So using an unscented version works really well for me.  On days I needed the "wake up call" or the "perk up", I use the Tangy Orange and it can make me smile!  Not the strong orangey scent but a hint of nice, natural fruit flavor!

I have to say the moisture is great too!  My skin does not flake even without lotion!  Wonderful addition inside my bathroom!

Tips

• use a soap dish to keep them dry after usage
• gently lather thee soap then massage them all over your body
• you can use a loofah for gentle scrubbing
• I don't wash the soap right away, I prefer leaving it a bit longer.  You can choose to massage your hair with conditioner to save time!
• order together with a friend to save up on shipping!
• perfect as gifts!

Will I repurchase?

Yes!

Where to purchase and how much?

At Island Berry Website

Price for Regular bars:

For full bars: Php95.00 ($2.00)

For half sized bar: Php55.00 ($1.20)

Price for Special bars:
For full bars: Php125.00 ($2.70)
For half sized bar: Php75.00 ($1.63)

By the time you're reading this, I am on my 2nd Dollface Personal Makeup Workshop!  I love teaching make-up and I'm sure it'll be a wonderful day!

Before I end this post, please let me know if you are into regular soaps or handmade soaps?
I personally prefer handmade soaps as I have lesser allergies and dryness!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reports: INOA Revelation

Last month, I got an invite from L'Oreal Professional for an event called "Evening of Indulgence with Pureology".  I got myself a Pureology hair serum to protect my color-treated hair.  As I had a quick chat with the L'Oreal professional people and Mr. Alex Carbonell of Studio Fix by Alex Carbonell, I got intrigued with the new hair coloring system they are very excited about.  Two words that lingered in my mind --- NO AMMONIA! 

I've been coloring my hair for quite some time since I graduated from school.  I chose mostly "at-home hair coloring treatment" and no matter how mild the hair coloring is, I hate the scent of chemical and I hate waiting for at least 3 days for the scent to be completely gone!  That's why I am very excited with INOA, as the people from L'Oreal Professional would say --- The Hair Color of the Future!

The name INOA derived from INNOVATION, NO AMMONIA.  INOA is the new professional permanent hair color to darken, lighten, or cover white hair.  Again, No Odor, No Ammonia!

The event was hosted by the lovely Ms. Bianca Valero who wore a lovely dress that hugs her lovely figure!  Trust me, very sexy!  A great host with a sense of humor!  She proudly showed off her new hair color, courtesy of INOA.

Ms. Charisse Hernandez, the General Manager of Professional Products Division, welcomed the guests with an obvious excitement on her face!  Inviting all women to enjoy a new color experience that gives optimal comfort for the hair, respects the hair's natural essential amino acid and lipid balance with infinite color power.  We were told that since the beginning of hair coloration, technology has never come this far.  Is it just me but everybody's hair color seems to look really good?

The wonderful and super friendly Mr. Robbie Lizares, Sr. Product Manager for L'Oreal Professional, explains to us the the secret to INOA, and it's no secret anymore as they exposed to us that the secret is in its revolutionary oil-based formula.  This is a new permanent hair color that does not have ammonia which salon clients, owners and stylist will love!  Stinging eyes, noses and even scalp are definitely a thing in the past!  Because there's no ammonia, coloring is very safe for the hair thus leaving your hair soft and smooth like you never colored your hair!

Mixing  of INOA products shown to us right on spot!

For ease of measurement, part of the system comes with a measuring tube in which the whole mixing process will take only 5 minutes, or even less (minus the dancing *lol*)

I was able to get closer to the INOA hair coloring, took one sniff, two, three...I sniffed like a dog..NOTHING!  Definitely no scent at all!!! I am SOLD!  My next color treatment will definitely be INOA!!!

The INOA with ODS (Oil Delivery System)

Models showing off their gorgeous hair color which ranges from shades Red, Brown, Gold and Violet!   I'd love to give Copper or Gold a try!

 

Photo together with the salon people who has done magic to their hair! 

All of them came from different salons and yet all of them agree on using INOA

After all the excitement, Mr. Luc Marquet, L'Oreal Philippines President and Managing Director gave the closing remarks.  This man is very down-to-earth and friendly.  I love how he proudly stated: "INOA is very safe and can be used even if you're pregnant" (gist)  Now pregnant women do not have any reason not to color their hair!  I like! 

 

The attendees.  I felt so bad, after looking at the photos I took, I realized I don't have a shot of Frances from Topaz Horizon and Tara from Chronicles of Vanity!  Sorry girls!!!! My bad! I was a bit in a hurry rushing to the next event (in which I will report soon!  Hint: Showeroke!)

Lovely...lovely event!  I just had my hair colored about a month ago!  So I have to wait a couple more months to be able to give this system a try!  

Thanks the the people from L'Oreal professional for inviting me and put me in-the-know for such hi-tech hair coloring system! It's comforting to learn that prettifying oneself doesn't have to be bad for your health!  We can always choose to go on the safer side!  And thanks to companies who continuously research to make us beautiful at the same time comfortable!

Have a wonderful Friday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

I Wonder: Products You're Scared to Use

Happy Thursday everyone!  The week passed by pretty well!  People may think I've never been sad nor in a bad mood.  Well, I am only human!  I do get tired, sleepy, not in a mood, sad and most of all Psychotic! (hahaha, at least I admit it!) and a lot of you would ask me why I'm always in a cheerful mood!  Well, it's just perspective and choice!  I choose to be happy and cheerful because that's how I want my life to be and I choose to be happy!  I hope that sends out a good vibes to all of you :)

The week went well, I've been pretty diligent with my reviews, nail art tutorials and I've been answering email and Cbox queries quite on time!  So, I guess its time for me to turn the table again and create an "I Wonder" post this week because I seriously love hearing from YOU!  I enjoy reading your comments especially suggestions because hey..my beauty knowledge needed some expansion! *winks*

Being a beauty blogger, people may think I review ALL products that's available in the market.  WRONG!  I am very keen with the products I use and review.  There are so many wonderful products out there, we all agree on that but there are definitely products we know we just can't use.  To make it more specific, I'll talk about what I use daily, Facial Washes!  There are 2 types of facial washes I've always wanted to try and yet, I chicken out....

1. Facial wash that doubles as scrubs

Everyone who reads my blog knows I complain about my skin's dryness!  Though scrubbing once a week is recommended, scrubs and micro-beads give me the chills!  One Scrub I've always wanted to try is the Garnier Skin Naturals Brightening Scrub Wash.

2. Facial wash that has oil control

If I see "Oil Control" in any facial product, you bet I'll run the opposite direction!  Would you believe though that I grew up with Johnson's Clean & Clear Facial Wash?  I guess I am a big proof that an oily-skinned teenager can grow up to have dry-skin...Adolescence...ugh!

So yeah, I've spilled the beans on what I'm scared to try.  But dear oily-skinned friends out there!  Don't worry, the 2 products mentioned above have been used by our resident Mr. Askmewhats!  He's got the oilies!  I may interview him for reviews on the above two products!  Interested?  Give him the nudge!  *laughs*  

I Wonder:

"Are there any specific products you're scared to try?"

Smile and click comment!  This is fun, well not really, but it's fun to know what products we steer clear from!!!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Elianto Cream Concealer

When I gave Elianto Store at SM The Block a visit, the Elianto Cream Concealer with a sign of "Cosmo Beauty Awards" caught my attention, I told myself I have to give it a try no matter how many concealers I currently own.  If it won an award, it's worth to give it a try considering the price isn't bad at all!

Elianto Cream Concealer says ---

This soft concealer cream has high and long-wearing invisible coverage for skin's imperfections and discolourations. Water -resistant, fragrance-free and non-acnegenic. Enriched with Mineral Oil, It effectively covers dark circles and blemishes. It can be applied with brusher, a latex sponge, or the fingertips.

Available in: Medium, Dark and Deep

Made in: Korea

AMW says ---

Pros

• very creamy
• though creamy texture, does not oil up the whole day
• a little is enough
• medium to heavy coverage
• coverage is build-able
• inexpensive
• feels light
• nice packaging and easy to take along

Cons

• can sit in fine lines if skin is not moisturized enough
• quite tricky to apply, needs a lot of practice
• limited shades available

Overall

If you're looking for heavy coverage concealer that's inexpensive, this is the one to watch out for. This deserve the award because it does cover spots, redness, under eye circles but I have to repeat that moisturizing is really needed especially if you have lines or dry skin like myself.  It is a bit tricky to apply at first but given the practice, you'll get the hang of it. 

Tips

• apply using patting motion, never rub especially the under eye area
• if your skin is dry, apply moisturizer first, let it absorb, then go with foundation then concealer
• test on testers before purchasing
• if you are using this mainly to cover dark circles, choose the concealer shade that has distinct orange tone.  Medium works really well for under eye circles.
• store in cool dry place
• try to clean your hands prior to dipping your hand on this product for hygiene purposes.  For makeup artists, use a spatula in picking the product.
• I prefer warming the concealer on my hand first prior to application so the texture goes creamier and easier to apply
• stop usage if allergies or skin irritations occur
• purchased this product and found out it doesn't work for you?  Give it to a friend and make them happy!

Will I repurchase?

Not for myself, for my makeup train case, my skin is a bit dry so the concealer sits in lines.  I'll use this for oily skinned clients!

Where to purchase and how much?
At Elianto stores for Php399.00 (approx $8.70) for 6grams

A swatch of Elianto Cream Concealer in 01 Medium

Above photo: No flash

Below photo: With Flash

Here's step by step on how I applied my Elianto Cream Concealer

1. Applied concealer using my ring finger with a dabbing motion

2. dab continuously until concealer sets and covered dark area/redness

3. set with your favorite setting powder

4. stand back and check if there are any uneven colors

Before and after concealing

After concealing set with powder 

(as seen my lashes are full of powder, hahaha)

Hope my review helps to a lot of my readers who were requesting for this review!
Feel free to click "comment" to ask me queries or give me some thoughts if you have tried this!
I have to remind you that different people have different reactions to similar products, so please test this in store prior to purchasing!  

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: "Romantic Florals"

Hey hey hey dear friends! How's the week treating you?  I had quite a relaxing weekend so my week started off okay.  I did this nail art mid-week last week and thought of sharing it to you, just so you know, it's still surviving as I repaint it with another coat of top coat!  So thank goodness all crystals are still intact and I haven't chip it YET! :)

I've done a simple nail art design close to my heart --- FLORAL.  I hope you won't get tired of it ok?

Step 1: 

Prior to nail polish application, apply your favorite base coat to protect your nails, let dry.  A lot of readers ask how I take care of my nails and I guess I take care of it by using a nice base coat each and every nail polish application.  It does help lessen the yellowing of nails.

Apply 2 coats of Caronia Frosted Polish in POSH.

Step 2: 

Using Prettynails' 2 way nail art pen in White or any tool to create dots, create 5 dots for flowers and add as many as you like.

Step 3: 

With the needle method, create a more "realistic" petal by sharpening one edge of the dot. as shown on picture below. 

Step 4: 

Dot any polish color that suits your taste, I've used yellow polish from Elianto with a Nail Art Dotting tool to create flower bud.

Step 5: 

I want to use my Swarovski stones, so I've added crystal in between the biggest flower for a nice sparkle.  Use a clear polish to let the stones stick.

Step 6: 

Top everything with your favorite top coat.  I've applied 2 coats of top coat to protect the crystals.  It does stay for more than a week.

The simplest yet daintiest nail art you can start to do!
I have started my nail art with flowers!  

You can smile and click HERE to see my first nail art ever

Have a wonderful nail art design week!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!