Wednesday, May 25, 2011

AMW Reviews: Nivea Sun Whitening Face Cream SPF50

Rain may be coming our way but that won't stop me from using sunblock!  I actually use face and body sunblock 365 days in a year!  Well, minus those lazy days, I would say at least 350 days a year! :)

After the review on Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Waterlight Lotion SPF50 PA+++, a lot of you asked me to compare this to the Nivea Sun Whitening Immediate Sun Protection Collagen Protect SPF50 PA++ in which I will review today!

Nivea Sun Whitening Face Cream SPF 50 says --- (as written on box)
  • Immediate UVA/UVB Protection System and Active Whitening Care
    Effective protection against sunburn and premature skin ageing.  Protects immediately upon application, no need to wait for 20 minutes.  The formula with Licorice extract reduces skin's pigmentation at its source to effectively lighten the skin.  Reduces melanin production responsible for dark and uneven skin tone.
  • Advanced Collagen Protect
    Protects the skin's collagen to help prevent wrinkles caused by frequent sun exposure.
Ingredients: Aqua, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Sodium Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonate, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Glycyrrhiza Glara, Tocopheryl Acetate, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, PEG-40 Castor Oil, Trisodium EDTA, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Trimethoxycaprylysilane, Alcohol Denat, DMDM Hydantoin, Phenoxyethanol, BHT, BHA, Parfum.

AMW says ---
Pros
  • Packaging is squeeze-type tube which I like for sunblock!
  • Well-sealed upon purchase to maintain freshness.
  • Moisturizes skin.
  • Water-resistant, perfect for water activities.
  • Immediate sun protection which others do not promise!
  • Does not oil me up before the day ends.
  • Mild fragrance.
  • Gets absorbed into the skin easily.
  • Has SPF50
Cons 
  • Has a tiny amount of shimmer which others wouldn't approve of - oily-skinned individuals or shine-phobics!
  • Again, this is a stated fact that most sunscreens contain alochol, this one is no exception. 
  • Feels a bit heavier on face as compared to other face sunblock.
  • PA++ (2 pluses only as others can offer 3 pluses), PA, by the way is used to measure the protection of UVA rays.  This is no biggie but who wouldn't want to extra plus? :D
Overall
This is a good product for people who like immediate sun protection!  Perfect for swimming as the texture of the product sticks into the skin quite well!

Tips
from Nivea
  • Apply generously before sun exposure and reapply frequently, especially after swimming and towelling to maintain the original protection.
  • Do not stay too long under the sun, even while using sunscreen.
  • Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight.
  • Wear protective clothing and use sufficient sunscreen for unprotected areas.

from AMW
  • If you have strong allergic reactions to certain ingredients, read labels carefully.  If unsure, test the product on your neck or below the ears for at least 12-24 hours prior to usage.
  • Once applied, leave it and let the product gets absorbed into the skin prior to your make-up application.
  • Face sunblock is applied after your skincare regimen.
  • If you have oily skin to start with, use an oil control primer after sunblock application before foundation application.
  • Try not to pile up a lot of product at once!  Apply a thin layer if you're not exposed under the sun for too long.  (Going in and out of the office).
  • If you will be staying under the sun for long, apply a generous amount over face do not forget the tip of your nose, the ears, the back of your neck!  These are areas we tend to miss out!
Will I repurchase?
Yes but will use this on outdoor activities.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Drier skinned individuals would appreciate this more!  Anyone planning an outing that entails long hours under the sun.

Where to purchase and how much?
At leading groceries and supermarket for approximately Php379.00-427.00 (approx $8.50-10.00)



The texture of Nivea Sun Whitening Face Cream SPF50
Consistency is not too runny nor thick


Once you blend out the product, 
it creates a white cast with hint of shimmers


With continuous massage, the product gets absorbed into the skin
and gives a very faint film of "not-so-obvious shimmer" 
Note: You can easily counteract the shimmer
with a matte powder foundation or setting powder.


Have you tried Nivea Sun Whitening Face Cream?
I can't seem to attest the "whitening properties" as I haven't finished the tube!  It does maintain shade no matter how many times I've been exposed under the sun!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Nail Art Tutorial: Bears Who Care!

Happy Tuesday!  Nail art of the week is up!  You know what?  When I started to do game inspired nail art designs, I've got requests here and there and it was so funny how I always tell them I can't do it but I always ended up doing requests because I am too lazy to think!  

One request coming from my dear "Shobe" as I fondly call her, Sophie!  She requested for the cute fuzzy Care Bears!  I can't draw cute Care Bears using a pen and paper so how can I even survive drawing them on my tiny nails?

One secret that I can share, I set a really low standard so I don't get disappointed!  *hahaha*  It actually worked and look the kind of Care Bears I came up with!  I am even too embarrassed to name it Care Bears!

Introducing...the second rate, trying hard....Copy Cat *ahem* Bear!

 

Step 1:
Apply your preferred base coat, mine is the ZOYA Achor Basecoat in which I've been road testing for a couple of weeks!  Will post a review soon!
Choose any shade for your background.  I chose shade from Essie Polish in Playa Del Platinum.  I opted for one coat as the shade is quite pigmented.  I did not pile up on polish because I want my base color to dry up easily.

Step 2:
Choose your favorite Care Bears character and in my case, I did not choose for my favorite character but I chose for characters that has a nail polish color I own!  I ended up with ---

Pink - Cheer Bear
Green - Goodluck Bear
Yellow - Funshine Bear
Orange - Love-a-lot Bear
Blue - Bedtime Bear

Using the polish brush, gently draw the shape of the bear!  This doesn't have to be perfect as bears are supposed to be furry!
Step 3:
Using 2 Way Nail Art Pen in White, draw the bear's eyes, mouth, tummy, ears, hands and feet!  This gives the bear the "fuzzy" "hug-able" feel!

 
Step 4:
Using 2 Way Nail Art Pen in Black, draw the eyes with a tiny dot and mouth!  You can change the bear's mouth!  My bears have this "o" mouth while the rest have this simple smile!


Step 5: "Cheer Bear"
Cheer Bear has a rainbow on its tummy!  I can't draw all 7 colors so I just chose 3 shades!  Yellow, Red and Blue!  I used the shades from L.A. Art Deco.


Step 6: "Goodluck Bear"
4 Leaf Clover, I have to admit, is really challenging to draw so I just draw whatever "shape" or "form" I can create.  It's the "idea" that counts :P 
 

Step 7: "Bedtime Bear"
Bedtime bear reminded me of Mr. AMW, aside from his love for the color blue, he loves to sleep so this is the perfect Care Bear character to represent him!  I actually used a Nail Art Dotting tool in creating a moon and it worked!  

My nails are too tiny to show detail on the star 
so I put on a yellow dot instead of drawing a star!


Step 8: "Fun shine bear"
This Care Bear character probably represents me!  I like my day to always start with a huge sunshine-y smile!  With a dotting tool, dot on the middle part of the sun and using L.A. Art Deco Polish in Yellow, gently draw the rays of the sun!
Step 9: "Love-a-lot Bear"
Make sure the white portion of the tummy is completely dry before you proceed to drawing anything on top of it!  I used 2 way Nail Art Pen in Red to draw 2 hearts.


Optional:
Apply glittery polish of your choice

Step 10: 
Making sure the nail art designs are completely dry, I topped it with ZOYA Armor Topcoat and UV Block.

In unison....
"Care Bear stare!!!!!"
 

I hope you get the drift!  It's not as cute as I would like them to be but I'm quite proud of the outcome!  It was all freehand drawing and I'm surprised I survived this obstacle :P

 **from Google Images

Enjoy your Tuesday!
What's your favorite Care Bear character?


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Monday, May 23, 2011

AMW Reports: Clinique Party with AMW Readers

I used to want my own party when I was younger, but the practical daughter in me never requested for one as I know how hard my parents work for me to study in a good school and I felt guilty asking them for more when I already have enough.

The first party made for me was a Children's Party at Jollibee and I was already in my 20s!  It was a Surprise "despedida" party organized by my college friends because they knew the child in me would prefer that over any fancy restaurants!

A month ago, Mirabelle Villanueva, the Marketing Manager of Clinique Philippines sent me an email inviting AMW readers to join me in a party!  A chance to meet my readers?  It's too hard to resist but I have to admit that it took a month before I finally set a date because of my super busy schedule plus, I was wary that no one would attend! *blushes*

May 21, 2011 --- the day finally arrived Mira greeted me with a huge smile!


Together with Mira, we both ooh-ed and ahh-ed over Bizu goodies!


I actually tried serving them and seems like I'm doing a good job!  Now I don't worry about being jobless!  I have talent in serving! :)  See how happy my customers look?


This seems like I'm doing my hard selling technique to my customers!  *teehee*

Each participant was given a chance to do the Skin Consultation with Clinique experts!  They answer questions from the "Clinique Computer" which help assess their skin type! 


 It was fun chit-chatting and getting to know my readers!  Most of them I've been communicating over comment sections or emails!  So it's wonderful to finally put a face on the names I'm familiar with!

 

After skin consultation, the girls were also given a free makeover from Clinique experts!  I love how they turn from simply beautiful to "ready-to-go-on-a-date" gorgeous!  The Clinique ladies done a wonderful job!

Most of them raved about the Clinique Superfit Foundation, I was given the feedback that it feels so light on skin, looks very natural on both photos and in person!  Clinique experts have the talent to bring out the beauty of each lady!
 
With the Clinique make-up counter right in front of me?  The make-up artist in me grabbed whoever's beside me! Thanks Kessa and Trixie for agreeing :P


Here are the gorgeous ladies after their Skin Consultation, makeover and a lot of laughter! Here are the participants with AMW!  An obligatory shoot! :P

Issa
An AMW reader who lives close to my home!  We actually exchanged emails a couple of times and it was a pleasure to finally meet her!  She actually sacrificed quality time with her kid to be in this event.  Thank you so much Issa, oh! Thanks for the gift!
  

 Rhona
She looks quiet and shy when I first said "hi" to her, but after she warmed up, this lady is funny and super fun to be with! I appreciate that she took the time out to be with us for 3 full hours and she had to go to work after!  Talk about love for beauty! :)


I met Marge for the first time at Pond's Flawless White Unbeaten Challenge event.  Her huge smile can be seen even in a crowd!  She turned into one of my daily Twitter Chatmate and it was a pleasure getting to know her more!  Marge, thanks for coming all the way to Makati!  I hope to see you again!

KatBau is an aspiring make-up artist, she obviously can put make-up well and we exchanged emails as early as April!  I believe this is the second time I've met her as she's one of the attendees of my Dollface Workshop at Eastwood, am I right? :)  Such a pleasure to talk to! 

Alice, when you see her, you wouldn't thought how fun this girl be!  She looks quiet and shy at first (I guess most girls are, not everyone is as thick faced as me! hahaha)  Gosh, after the makeover I can't help but point to her and said... "Go out on a date!  Don't go home with that gorgeous makeover of yours!"  She has good skin to begin with so a tiny amount of makeup would make her glow as easy as 1!  No more 2s and 3s! 

I've met Kessa in some events way back but we never had the chance to talk!  So I appreciate the party because I was able to talk to her more! 


Jessa is a teacher so I guess that gave us both a common grown to start with!  The fact that she's got a very supportive boyfriend who wait for her is also another thing we share!  I like her gorgeous tanned skin which made me look pale beside her!  She actually liked the Clinique foundation applied on her she tweeted me right away when she got back!  I can't blame her!  She looks great!

Trixie is a friend from Nuffnang!  I appreciate it that she came to support me in this event!  She just got back from 2 huge food events so the fact that she's there gives me the fuzzy feel!  Her gorgeous hair makes all the girls in the area envious!  Yes, I have to say that! :P


Issa was a past winner of my Kiehl's contest!  The prize was sent straight to her doorstep so we never had the chance to meet!  But this sweet girl messages me once in awhile to ask me how I am and she updates me with her *ahem* love life!  Such a pleasure to finally meet a real life doll! :)


From the bottom of my heart, I thank everyone for spending 3 hours of their Saturday to talk and share about our love for beauty with me!  Thank you Clinique Philippines especially to Mira and the rest of the Clinique Girls for hosting the party! 


Have you tried Clinique Skin Consultation?
I was told by Mira that they strongly recommend girls to go to the counter and have their own Skin Consultation and try out their samples!  I appreciate the fact that Clinqiue understands the price we have to spend on skincare that's why they want to make it easy for consumers!  They help us know our skin type and would suggest to you what skin care regimen would work for you!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



Sunday, May 22, 2011

Weekend Food tripping at: Mr. Jones + Chatime

After the Clinique Party for AMW Readers (It was such a fun event I will talk about it on a separate post), it was almost dinner time so Mr. AMW and I decided to go ahead to have an early dinner before we head home! 

I bought a 50% off coupon from Beeconomic and it's also a perfect time to visit the place before it gets crowded as the restaurant is quite small and they don't take reservations!  Good news though, I saw that they are under renovation and will be expanding soon!  Good news to Mr. Jones lovers out there!

Let me share to you what we had!

  
Fish and Chips
Php385.00 (approx $8.95)
I was expecting the regular fish strips as most restaurants served.  But I was surprised, and delighted that I was served with a huge fillet of fresh fish with vinegar, salsa/ketchup? and sour cream!  I also like the added coleslaw on the side.

BBQ Nach-O
Php450.00 (approx $10.50)
Huge chunks of beef served together with nachos, tomatoes, bbq sauce and a whole lot more!  It's actually filling.

 Rosemary Grilled Chicken and Turkey Melt
Php375.00 (approx $8.70)
I seldom give thumbs up sign on a sandwich as I find them to taste like...most sandwiches!  Nothing special!  How can you make a bread tastes wonderful?  It's just bread!  With the Rosemary Grilled Chicken and Turkey melt, it was a double head turner!  Well, double, triple, quadruple bite!  I like the melted cheese that's not too salty!  It would be perfect if the chicken is served in full slice instead of chunks as I find them falling off my plate as I take a bite!


The restaurant accepts cash and credit card.  I heard from a friend that they serve good milkshakes too!  I was too full to order one but I will definitely go back to this restaurant even without the deal!

Mr. Jones, Greenbelt 5
1st Level Greenbelt 5 
Legaspi Street, Legaspi Village, Makati
Tel. no: (632) 501-3111


Oh, thanks to Trixie for the ChaTime!  I had my first Chatime experience!  I actually went for ChaTime Roasted Milk Tea.  I kinda missed the pearl (forgot to ask them to add)

ChaTime Roasted Milk Tea
Regular: Php75.00 (approx $1.70)
Large: Php85.00 (approx $2.00)

Enjoy your weekend food tripping!
I seriously need to STOP eating! hahahha
But, I did purchase 1 dozen of Krispy Kreme Original Glaze and 6 pcs of Chewy Junior.
Ok, how in the hell will I stop eating? :P

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Weekend Field Trip at: Yakult Philippines

One thing that makes me want to go back to school (definitely not the exams) are the yearly field trips!  Manila Zoo, Science Museum, etc...  You know what I missed out?  Those field trips to factories!  I always find myself glued on TV especially on Food Channel were they would showcase candy factories, chocolate factories and a whole lot more!  A factory tour is on my list because I'm always amazed at how products are made!  A week ago, a decade plus after my graduation --- my dream came true!

I am so lucky to be part of the Blogger Group invited by Yakult Philippines to check out their factory at Makiling, Laguna.  Yay!  Finally, I will have a first hand experience on how my favorite childhood/adulthood drink is made!


Some facts I got acquainted with on our way to the plant ---
  • Yakult Philippines Factory was established year 1978!  A year before I was born! Ahm..just sayin' *lol*
  • Yakult has expanded several times since then.
  • Yakult Philippines can produce 1.6 million bottles a day! That's a whole lot even for kids who can down 5 bottles a day!
  • Yakult is served 60ml locally and they don't plan to produce bigger ones (even if I went on strike!) because Yakult wants to reach out to everyone terms of pricing!  They also want to maintain freshness as not everyone can down a huge Yakult drink. 
  • Yakult tastes different in other countries because of the ingredients, we use our local sugars here.
  • A dose of Yakult everyday boosts our immune system which help us fight against colds, even prevent acute diarrhea (as proven with a study in India).
A huge Lactobaccili Mascot greeted us and I lost my cool!  I hugged him?her?it? right away!!!  And it wasn't just me!  (come on girls, admit it!) :P


We were given a tour at the factory.  What I can say about the factory?  Super clean!  Everyone's following steps to maintain cleanliness and hygiene!  This is a place where Yakult drink is made.


Yakult all packed and randomly checked for quality control


I tried zooming in without flash but it went blur (sorry!)

 

3 Ingredients needed to make Yakult drink --- Skim Milk Powder, Sugar, Glucose plus Viable cell to be mixed with "Mother Starter" as they call it.  A culture starter is also added!


To make the famous Yakult bottle that hasn't change since 1968.  The Yakult Bottle is the second bottle to have been approved to have a 3D patent in Japan.  Second the Coca-cola!

We were also shown Yakult products available worldwide!  
  • Bifiel and Mil-Mil - containing over 1 billion live bifidobacteria.
  • Revecy-S.E. - specifically developed skin care products containing Yakult's unique "S.E. liquid" and hyaluronic acid, which together promote a moist and young looking skin!  I was told this comes in pricey!  2nd  most expensive skincare line in Japan.
  • Yakult packet in different sizes.
  • Yakult Seichoyaku - over-the-counter intestinal regulatory medicine.
More Yakult Products
  •  Joie - a liquid type yogurt containing over 12.5 billion live Lactobacillus Casei Shirota Strain.
  • Striker, Milouge and Toughman - Striker is an isotonic drink.  Milouge is milk drink with added fruit juince and Toughman is a refreshing drink containing Ginseng extract along with vitamins and amino acids for energy boost.
  • Vegetable, Orange and Apple Juices 
  • Sofuhl - a solid-type dessert yogurt containing over 10 billion live Lactobacillus Casei Shirota Strain available in plain, strawberry. apple and citrus fruits.
  Here are my classmates 


I am holding 2 Yakult bottles close to me because that's the least number I MUST consume each time I need my Yakult Fix.  Actually I like pouring 3 bottles of Yakult, add some ice and it helps put my summer troubles away! 

Thanks Yakult Philippines for being so hospitable with the factory tour!  Thanks Sophie for arranging this and to my Field Trip classmates, I had fun going back to second childhood with you! :P

Do you drink Yakult? I still do! 
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!