Something New: Obagi Medical Nu-Derm

Way back before I was even a blogger, I heard about the power of Obagi via my Mother-in-law!  I even thought it's a Japanese skincare (sorry, my bad, can't blame me though, it does sound like one!) and I gave a huge *gasp* when I heard how much they retail!  My mom-in-law purchase her Obagi set from her sister in the US.  She swore by it and she loves it dearly!

No wonder she always gets compliment on how good and healthy her skin looks amidst her age!  And the Obagi Skincare line was her secret!  

That was a couple of years ago.  She didn't have much of the Obagi sent over that's why she settled for the more inexpensive skincare line! 

Not until recently, when Obagi celebrated its 11th year anniversary here in the Philippines, I came to read more about the brand and its effectiveness to men and women via blogs and online websites!  The fact that I have been seeing more and more House of Obagi stores around the Metro, that just proves that they are being patronized!  High patronization = High effectiveness = High Trust Ratings!  (Yes, just like how they rate our President!)  *laughs*

I may be a devil when it comes to product reviews and tend to try everything "promising", not this time!  I actually believe in the effectiveness of Obagi, after hearing stories from close friends and of course, my mom-in-law herself, that's why I will be putting this under the Christmas Tree with "Mom-In-Law's Name" on it!  I know that whatever I am using right now is effective enough and I don't need this..YET!  I'll be putting myself aside and prefer to make her happy this coming Christmas!  

To the li'l birdies out there who may have slippery tongue!  *laughs*  I am not worried, this isn't my only gift to her! *bleh* :P But hey, it'll still be better if she doesn't know ok? *chickening out mode*

The set includes:
Gentle Cleanser/ Foaming Gel (60ml) 
Php1,250.00 (approx $29.00)
This gentle formula combines a blend of herbs, natural cleansers and Aloe Vera.  It frees your skin of pollutants without damaging the skin's own natural moisture content.  It leaves all skin types clean and touchably soft. This is meant to be applied to damp face and neck with moistened fingertips.  Rinsing completely.

Toner (60ml)

Php1,250.00 (approx $29.00)

A refreshing blend of natural ingredients and herbs that hydrates and tones the skin while restoring its normal pH balance. This can be applied after cleansing with a cotton ball on your face and neck avoiding the eyelid area.  Do not rinse off!

Exfoderm (28.5g) 

Php2,250.00 (approx $52.00)

An exfoliating lotion containing phytic acid in a soothing base, to smooth and tone rough or damaged skin.  To be applied evenly over entire face and neck avoiding eyelid area.

Healthy Skin Protection SPF35 (30ml)

Php1,200.00 (approx $28.00)

A daily sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum sun protection.  This ultra-smooth Z-cote formula helps prevent sunburn from UVB radiation and protects against long - UVA rays linked to deep premature skin-aging.  Apply every Skin Health Restoration System. 

Thanks to Obagi for creating smaller sizes of these to fit our budget!  For more details on Obagi, you can check on their WEBSITE.

P.S. If you're interested, I may even interview her once she starts to use this product again so I can report on her experiences!

This isn't new in the market but I include this in my "Something New" post because it is indeed new to me as I've never tried this product ever!
How about you? Are you younger than I am and uses Obagi?  

How does it work for you?  I am seriously intrigued!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Bulletin: Jean & Rosz, Estee Lauder and Chris Sports

Dear Philippine Readers:
I am back to talk about what's happening around!  I can definitely sniff the spirit of Christmas with all these wonderful deals, launches and charity! 

Jean & Ross

The company, who just started this year, are thankful of the blessings that came their way so this Christmas, they launched Charity Bracelets.  The 4 pieces thin leather set is considered to be one of their best sellers and the wonderful girls have decided to turn its profits to help the less fortunate.  Come first quarter of next year, the company will announce the chosen foundation which adheres to the same values as J&R!

4 pieces leather bracelets cost Php150.00 (approx $3.48)

Each piece represents Peace, Love, Happiness and Hope!

For more information on where to buy, click HERE.

For bazaar schedules, click HERE.

Estee Lauder

If part of your Christmas shopping is to shop for Estee Lauder products for yourself or your loved ones, it's perfect timing because Estee Lauder is giving away a Navy Blue Tote Bag for minimum purchase of Php7,000 (approx $162.00) from December 1-31, 2010.

Chris Sports on Women and Wellness

Coming from a fitness expert’s point of view, particularly Jillian Michaels, the fitness trainer from the Biggest Loser franchise. Chris Sports will soon carry Jillian Michaels’ top fitness equipments in efforts to continuously support women and wellness all over the country. 

Chris Sports has been offering these items from NordicTrack at great prices.  With more than 29 outlets nationwide including Glorietta 3, Festival Mall, SM North EDSA and The Annex, Ayala Cebu, the newly opened SM Tarlac branch plus the new location at SM Megamall B.

Easier way to tone and shape up at the comfort of your own home!

I'll keep you posted whatever comes up that's going to be interesting for all of us!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Stay informed!

AMW Reviews: Revlon Matte Powder Blush

I can still remember the time I was building up my make up collection in preparation to become a professional makeup artist!  I put up a note on purchasing "Matte Blushers" because I wanted it for photography makeup! 

To be honest, it was one of the hardest product to purchase because I can't seem to find one that's not too pricey and yet, works like a charm!  I wanted something handy and not too messy like those from Mineral Makeup Brands!

Fast forward to today, right in front of me, finally, a matte powder blush by the name of Revlon Matte.  Is it worthy to be part of my train case?  Smile, show me some cheekbones, and read on! :D

Revlon Matte Powder Blush says ---

Brushes onto cheeks smoothly and effortlessly for a soft blush matte look and a smooth, even finish.
Perfectly defines and contours the cheekbones.
Face-flattering range of shades from nude to berry with a soft-matte finish.

AMW says ---
Pros

• The shades are very natural.
• Pigmented and easy to apply
• Build-able shades
• The brush that comes with the compact is very soft and easy to use
• Gives a nice natural looking 'pop' on the apples of your cheeks which creates a natural cheekbones

• Has a tiny mirror but still useful for retouch

• Great for photography as this does not create shimmer or glitter which makes your skin look oily!
• You can get away with only this blush and a lip balm and you won't look like you've seen a ghost! :)
• It doesn't finish up as fast as other blushers, I actually own a non-matte version and I'm not even halfway done with it!
• Lasts an hour or 2 longer than the more inexpensive blusher.  But you have to note that I have dry/normal skin though!

Cons

• A minimal con, but the tiny brush that comes with this sheds (please look closely on photo below).

• May not show up to some skin tone as the matte powder blush shades are more of the "natural" side. 
• Not a lot of shades to choose from, I'd love them to come up with more! 
• Not for people who are into very pigmented blushers!  Shade is build-able.
• Price could be a bit steep for others who aren't used to spending much on a blush.

Overall

My favorite matte brush to date!  I've been looking for a nice looking matte blush but I find it quite difficult!  I've purchased a couple of matte mineral blushes but it's too tedious to tote the loose blush powder around especially on weddings!  The Revlon Matte Powder Blush is a winner in giving a nice "flush" on your face plus the "contour" we want to create cheekbones!  

Tips
from Revlon website

• Using the enclosed blush brush, gently stroke brush across cheekbones starting at the "apple" of cheeks moving towards hairline.
• To add contour, choose a slightly darker shade and stroke blush from center of cheek hollow just below "apple" and move outward toward hairline and blend.

from AMW

• You can always choose to use your preferred blush brush instead of the free brush that comes with this compact.
• Never drop your compact!
• Request to have a check on testers against your skin to see if the product shade will work for you or not.
• Apply a cream blush underneath to make this powder blush last longer!  
• If you like to use pink lipsticks on a daily basis, purchase the Blushing Berry shade, if you're more comfortable with coral/orange toned lipsticks, go for Perfectly Peach.  If you have the budget, purchase these two! :)

Will I repurchase?
I wish they come up with more shades as it's a YES!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who's into blush especially matte blushers!

Where to purchase and how much?
At Revlon counters nationwide for Php625.00 (approx $14.50)

003 Perfectly Peach on pan

Perfectly Peach is a warm peachy shade with a tiny hint of pink!  It gives a very natural  color on most skin tone.  I have to say that this shade won't show up much on people with darker skin tone, thus building up coverage is needed.  What I love about this shade is you can't look like a clown with this!  No matter how many times you swipe this onto your cheeks, it still manages to look as natural as possible!  Fool-proof color!

002 Blushing Berry on pan

 

Blushing Berry, on the other hand leans to a deep pink color rather than the "berry" shade.  It's not the "dolly" cheeks type of blush but this gives out a nice hint of "obvious color" but quite subtle to be worn even during day time! 

On both "face swatch" above, I had minimal powder foundation on, an eyebrow pencil and lip balm.  With the Revlon Matte Powder Blush, I can get away without eyeliner and eye makeup without looking like I'm part of the cast of "I SEE DEAD PEOPLE" movie!  *laughs*

I believe this has been around for quite some time, I believe a lot of you heard about this already?  I know, I'm quite late with this!  But I'm glad I found these 2!  I am reaching out for them daily!

Do you like matte blushes?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Note from Author: Products were sent by company for review purposes.  The writer did not and will never receive any kind or form of payment for positive reviews.  The review has been done base on personal experiences.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

I Wonder: "Are you a Fan of Bag Organizers?"

If you are a long time reader, you probably know a thing or two about me... I like things to be in order, as much as I can!  I don't like messy stuffs and that also include the stuffs inside my bag!  I love to use big sized bags because I may not carry a lot of makeup (I actually don't) but I do carry a couple of stuffs which adds up a bit!  Can you just imagine how "orgasmic" it is when bag organizers where invented?  *lol*

BRAVO to the smart people behind these!  

I tend to be loyal with whatever stuffs I own.  I can still remember the first bag organizer ever that I've used for almost 2 years!  I had to give it up because it needs to retire!  When I was off to search for a new bag organizer, I thought about it because no matter how big or small the purchases, I want to make sure I will use it and will not waste my money on it!

After an event at SM Mall of Asia, I've decided to look around and went to Beabi store, embarrassingly, it was actually the first for me to really look around because I'm always on the go and just tend to take a glimpse at Beabi Stalls!  Boy was I glad I took time to look around because I've finally found a bag organizer fit for me!

I guess the spacious interior and the number of pockets sold me!  Well, it took me a while to decide to be honest!  *laughs* I actually had to put this in and out of my bag just to give it a road test!  Oh my goodness, I'm such a nerd!  *hahaha*

Here's why I bought this bag organizer:

• Very sturdy (I've seen a couple of flimsy ones!)
• Available in black, clear and brown
• Stores a lot of my essentials!
• Inexpensive for a branded bag organizer, this costs  Php295.00 (approx $6.80)
• Has pockets everywhere!  I like it when I'm starting to have problems filling them up! 

Inner pockets

1. My pink organizer
2. Sunglasses
3. Tissue pouch
4. Wallet
5. Notepad, photocopies of important documents, receipts, charge slips, toilet seat paper! and a whole lot more!
6. Medicines and coin purse
7. Card holder and Business cards holder

Side pockets
     A. Mini Brush
     B. Rosary
     C. Pens (even colored pens for my organizer)
     D. Alcohol on a spritz bottle
     E. Handy cologne or perfume (I change this depending on my mood)


**Check Marks in Blue: are additional pockets where I randomly put stuffs like keys, work ID, etc...

And the best of all? It fits my big sized bags!  I purchased a smaller version of this for my smaller bags!  I have a tiny makeup pouch not included in this photo and usually I carry an umbrella!  That's what I lug daily to work! 

I Wonder:
"Are you a fan of bag organizers?"

Tell me I'm normal!  *laughs*
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Version: "Smokey Eyes for Monolids"

Good morning everyone!  Another AMW Version dedicated to readers out there!  There are so many makeup tutorial and I'm still grateful that a lot of you would like to see mine!  Thanks to readers who appreciate the tutorials I've done and for asking me to help them with their eye makeup (even online!).  I have one request I haven't done and I'm glad I finally made one!  

I was asked to do a "smokey eye makeup" for monolids.  What the heck is monolids by the way (heads to google)

Technically, there's no exact definition of monolid but I guess the people who invented this term are makeup addicts so I'll just grab it from random website:

Monolid: Eyes without the crease on their lid area.  Some like to call this "Asian Eyes" but because I don't want to discriminate and not all Asians have monolids (ex. ME!), I'd rather use the term "monolids"

Photo example:

This is my version though and I"m sure there's hundreds and thousands of versions out there.  If I have the mood, I may do more!  :)

I have a tiny crease on my eyelid 

but let's disregard the tiny crease for this tutorial!

AMW Diagram

Prior to eyeshadow application, use an eye primer of your choice as smokey eye makeup can get messy and could get a lot of fall outs!  Using an eye primer will prevent it from happening!

In this tutorial, I am using the ELF Eyelid Primer because..its readily available and I'm too lazy to grab other primers on my makeup train case!  *laughs*

Step 1:

Using any soft blending brush, I am using the free one from the Urban Decay Book of Shadows, I applied a Shimmery Silver eyeshadow from the Sleek Graphite Palette. (which I won from Cosmetic Candy! Yay!)

Step 2:

Using the same brush (it's ok as we start from lightest eyeshadow to darkest).  I applied a shimmery black eyeshadow from the center of the lids going outward.  Imagine 45 degrees angle applying more on the outer crease area.  

Step 3:

Using a pencil brush or any brush that's more dense and short bristled, apply the darkest black eyeshadow you own making an exaggerated "cat eye" with an eyeshadow.  In my case, I covered the whole "fold" of my lids extending it outwards with a bold cat eye.

Do not forget to apply on the lower lashline with the same brush.

Step 4:

Once you're happy with it, re apply Step 3 with your preferred gel liner or liquid liner for that really obvious eyeliner look!

Imagine Sandara Park's eye lining skills!

 So this is definitely for nighttime!

I have to do the lower lash line using a different eyeliner brush, a more precise one for that precise "winged" look.

Step 5:

Draw your waterline with any eyeliner pencil you prefer.  I am using the one from Elianto and I highlight the corner of my eyes with Urban Decay's Yeyo (or any white eyeliner).

Look back, making sure both eye liner are at least matched! 

Do not forget to draw your brows.  I am using Tears Eyebrow Pencil in Light Brown.  Brushing my eyebrows in shape!

Curl my lashes with an eyelash curler, attached falsies!  I am actually using only one falsie in this tutorial but I cut them in half for that "pixie" lashes!  I applied coats of Etude House Henna Fix mascara.

Here's my version of "Smokey Eyes for Monolids"

The reason for the very thick liner is to create a "depth" of a crease, making your eyes pop even more.  The extended winged liner look make your eyes appear larger, (the winged liner should go upwards ok?).  The additional line below the winged liner is just a drama you can skip!  The thicker outer liner on the lower lash line also creates larger eye shape!

Why do we need to use a white liner on the inner corner of the eyes?  To brighten up the eyes and this trick helps in creating a wider and brighter eyes!

What did I use for the rest of my face?

For the Face

L'Egere BB Cream

Dusted Neutrogena Powder Foundation in Natural Beige 
To set the BB cream

For the Cheeks:
Paul & Joe Limited Edition Disney
Face Color 002 Flower

 For the Lips:

Ivoluxe Lipstick in Flirt

You can do your own version by using dark lipstick for that ready-to-dance-the-night-away look!  I hope my simple tutorial helps! 

(Note: Eye makeup darker in person)

What's your "eye makeup for monolids"?
I'd love to see it too!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!