Something New: Mary Kay Skinvigorate Cleansing Brush and Foaming Cleanser in PURPLE!

Do you still remember my initial thoughts on the Mary Kay's newest Skinvigorate Cleansing Brush?  I have been constantly using it for the past year at least once a week especially on days that I put on heavy makeup!  It really does the job in removing ALL traces of makeup plus dirt and grime!  And the best part for dry skin out there?  It doesn't dry out my skin as I expected!  

It is the fact that the product comes with 2 settings, I always use the low setting because I also have thin and sensitive skin (as opposed to my thick-faced nature!  LOL)  And I always follow with a heavy cream at night when I go to bed to re-hydrate my skin from all the lost moisture.

And guess why I'm re-blogging this product again?  BECAUSE.......

Malissa Kiss Products

I first heard about the brand Malissa Kiss from my sister-in-law who was gifted by her friend a skincare product from this brand.  We both thought this brand is "Korean" because of the lovely packaging.  After receiving a gift myself from Malissa Kiss Philippines, I learned that this brand is a best-selling beauty brand from Thailand.

Malissa Kiss products are made in Southeast Asia and are especially formulated for Southeast Asian Skin.  That's great news for all of us!  And do you know that this brand has been around since 2012?  Its debut product is the White Me Up Sleeping Pack and is the hottest product sold in Thailand.

So without further ado, I will be sharing what I recently have and their uses!

L-R Malissa Kiss White Me Up Sleeping Pack, Luxury Abalone Cream
Mineral Aqua Mud Foam and No Worry Axilla Care Cream

Happy 10th Year Anniversary Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions + Something New!

A lot of you may not know this but Kiehl's started year 1851 in New York!  With wide array of products coming out to suit the needs of consumers, one reknowned range called Dermatologist Solutions is actually 10 years old!  It was launched during the year 2005 and they just recently celebrated their 10th year anniversary and AMW was there!

The Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions range is indeed Dermatologist Favorite!  They have been recommended worldwide because of the powerful, yet gentle, non-invasive skincare solutions.

Bathe With Perfume Everyday With Lux + Free Sample!

I'm a fragrance girl, scent can really dictate my mood!  That's why I highly rely on scented body soaps and shower gels because the scent can really jump start my day!  

Adding my love for perfumes and I can't seem to wear one everyday since I work from home, there are time I would literally spritz my favorite scent even if I'm just staying home --- all for the love of perfume and for that instant boost of happiness.

And trust me when I say, I've wished my favorite bath soaps, and body washes can last longer because there are particular scents that can almost pass up as a perfume.

Just like the 2 new products I will introduce to you today ---- LUX Fine Fragrance.

Finally, LUX is finally here!  I know, it took longer time than our neighboring countries but the wait is worth it!

NUXE Launches in Manila

So I felt like I was transported to Paris, France one Thursday afternoon.
I attended the launch of NUXE Paris in Manila Peninsula.

 

As always, before attending the event, I did a little bit of research myself and learned NUXE was born year 1991 by young entrepreneur Aliza Jabes.  The story is closed to my heart because Aliza created NUXE's first product at the time she was expecting her first son.  She created Huile Prodigieuse (NUXE's Star Product) --- this is the first multi-purpose product designed to take care of all the beauty needs.  This is an oil that can help nourish, repair and soften the face, body and hair!

Something New: Vedette Clay Masks, Peel Off Masks and Mask Sheets

Several years ago, when I came back from China, I bought with me loads of facial mask sheets and powder masks from Watsons and I always prepare a "facial spa" session for my family!  Everyone was giving me this puzzled look because facial masks back then aren't popular at all!

Given a few more years around year 2008 when I started blogging, everyone's been blogging about my now favorite mask brands --- My Beauty Diary, Etude House and Leaders Insolution.  

Now, with all the brands coming up with "at home facial treatment" products, I'm glad we are given more choices!  And looks like I"m adding up another brand to be part of my favorite list!

VEDETTE

The brand is new to the ears because it is indeed quite new even for me!  Vedette is a Vietnamese brand and it has been around for quite some time.  My beauty blogger friends So Loverly blogged about the brand during their Vietnam visit 7 years ago so that gave me an assurance that the brand is quite stable.

Just for reference, the brand does not only offer Mask Sheets but they also have Clay Masks and Peel Off masks!  You can choose depending on the needs of your skin and of course your lifestyle!  I am always a facial mask sheet girl because it is very easy to use and I only have a couple of minutes left before I sleep!  BUT, after trying out the other variant (CLAY), I am starting to fall in love with it because it seems more effective for my skin!  Will share more when you read further down.

Vedette Yoghurt Mask Sheets and Whitening Masks

Something New: Flowers By Kenzo L'eau Originelle

Happy Saturday AMW Friends!
I'm off to a wedding today at Antipolo so I'll definitely dress up and pick my scent!  It will probably be the new Flowers by Kenzo L'eau Originelle.

Why did I pick this scent?  Well, the fact that I call this scent a bottle bursting with freshness!  With the combination of peony, freesia and the musks, the effect is refreshing yet feminine.

What's New This Week?

So much to talk about, so little time! 

I recently  stayed more than 2 hours inside the Etude House store and guess what I realized?  It wasn't a good idea when you think you're working but you're actually shopping at the back of your head!  Anyone can relate to that?

So when you check out their website (www.etudehouse.ph) and their physical stores, you'll definitely spot what's in and hot as of the moment!

THE WONDER PORE LINE!

Why does this line reminds me so much of the Wonder Girls?

There are a total of 5 products (or 5 steps) + Mask and I got Steps 3 to 5 and a mask!  Keep in mind that I don't need this product FOR NOW as I don't have obvious pores and I obviously need more anti-ageing products than Pore minimizing!  But who cares?  They are cute, I'm keeping these because I will test this out to my willing victims (ahem..my sister-in-law and Mr. AMW!)

Wonder Pore Tightening Essence

Php998.00

This is a pore essence that tightens pores for smooth and firm pores.

 After applying emulsion, dispense a certain amount and spread gently onto face. 

I will actually take this with me on gigs just in case my client is into Korean products.  I love how "handy" this bottle is and how simple yet catchy the color is!

This Week's New Discovery: Tony Moly and Bohk Toh

You know how some products stay in the "to review" stash for quite some time before I get the chance to try it?  When I finally did, I'll go: "Why didn't I try it sooner?"

It happened to me this week!

Tony Moly Pure Eco Aloe Gel 92%

Php379.00 (approx $8.60)

Truth be told, I originally thought this product was meant for hair!  Come on, don't give me that look!  ALOE and packaged in a huge TUB?  That screams HAIR TREATMENT!

So the blogger in me went online and researched on how to use, because I can't seem to read the instructions at the back because of the clear packaging and small print.  After realizing this is a body lotion meant to be used to hydrate your skin especially on hot and humid weather, I went for it!

It was night time before I went to sleep, I took a quick shower and applied this product all over my arms, legs and feet!  The first feel was a bit too much and gooey!  Then once I went out of the shower, I felt refreshed, and the sticky feel was completely gone!  I was left with literally soft, smooth skin!  

Overall, I'm done with just 1/4 of the tub so I may have to go on using this and will report back and update this post if there's any changes.  But so far, no allergic reactions and even the driest part of my feet felt amazing the next day!  Oh, will share about my foot gadget discovery SOON!  I promise you, it is AMAZE-balls!

Then a couple of weeks ago, the owner of Nippon Esthetic Solutions who is also a good friend sent me a KIT that made me smile!  I'm so happy she always remembers how important hygiene is for me and how she constantly shower me with gift of "OC-ness"!

Antipodes is Now In The Philippines!

I first learned about New Zealand Organic Brand Antipodes from fellow Beauty Blogger (also a really good friend) Paris B. of My Women Stuff, she's done a lot of reviews on Antipodes products and I can't help but wanting to try them all!  

Thankfully, it didn't take years for me to wait, it's just around a year or so when these landed my desk (literally) via courier one boring day. 

Are they really locally available now?  Thankfully, according to my very reliable source, They are!  Antipodes are definitely HERE TO STAY!

Upon seeing the products, I am most interested with the Divine Face Oil --- under the moisture boost line.  I immediately washed my face and gently massaged the oil mid-day, in between phone calls, research and interviews --- wow!  I was immediately relaxed! 

So as much as I want to use all 3 products at once --- I didn't!   I chose just 1 from the 3 products I got and settled on trying out Divine Face Oil first and added Anada Gentle Toner the week after!  I'll share more about my first impressions after the jump!

Why You Should Meet YADAH!

When I got an invite for YADAH! launch last week, I went to do some research right away and fell in LOVE with their character that reminds me so much of --- ME!

Setting that cute girl with all her funny expressions aside, what is YADAH and why is it a hit not only among Koreans but Korean Cosmetics and Skincare lovers out there?

I'll tell you more about it after you feast your eyes with the lovely YADAH set up at Vanilla Cupcake Bakery.



YADAH translates to the word "wisdom".  YADAH aims to help maintain clean and healthy skin and is actually known worldwide for manufacturing cosmetics from plants!  Yes, Korean skincare and cosmetics line that are organic!  I tell you --- Korean, Cosmetics, Skincare, Organic --- I seldom see those words in one sentence.

Something New: ChapStick MixStix

If you ask anyone about lip balm, ChapStick comes to mind!  Some people even call Lip Balms ChapSticks!  I can't blame them, it has been around almost FOREVER!

BUT, the thing about a product that is around for a long time, they tend to be buried under newbies.  Good thing, or shall I say, FINALLY, ChapStick came back with a vengeance!  A wonderful vengeance because I'm smiling ear to ear everytime I use this!

The ChapStick MixStix!

ChapStix is unique because it is a dual-ended lipbalm with two flavors on each end!  Why do I think this is a wonderful invention?

Olay Regenerist Miracle Duo Initial Review

I've said it before and I'll say it again, to have a perfect make up look, you have to have a good canvass.  Having a good canvass means having good skin!  

I really got serious with my skincare routine during my late twenties!  I'm glad I didn't scrimp on skincare because I can honestly see the difference of my skin today than a decade ago!  All thanks to my constant application of the right skincare products meant for my skin type.

I always get email queries like: "What is the best brand of skin care product?  Which particular skin care brand do you swear by?"

For the past 8 plus years of constant testing and trying out products, my answer is still: "I can't tell!"  Skin care products are very personal, to, to make a particular skin care product work for you, those products have to target what your skin lacks or needs.

All I can do for now is to help guide you to grab the best skin care product for you ---

• Know your skin type - Oily, Dry, Normal, Sensitive or combination?
• State your skin concern - Obvious pores?  Fine Lines and wrinkles?  Oily skin?  Dry and Flaking skin?

From there, you can choose products based on your requirements, and trust me, it won't be that overwhelming!

Just as blogger with so many skin care products to try and review.  I only choose those that are meant for my skin type and skin condition and for the rest?  I maybe have my family members to try them for me!  

Recently, Olay launched a Miracle Duo that seems worth to try.  I have to admit, I have tried past Olay products that seems not to work much on my dehydrated and dull skin!  So this line is actually exciting for me!

Olay Total Effects Available at SampleRoom!

When Sample Room have new samples available in their website, I can't help but have this tiny butterflies inside my stomach!  Yes, I receive a lot of press samples every now and then but seriously, knowing consumers can really "try before they buy" is a totally different story!  I am really a proud Sample Room Partner because of that! 

Recently, they launched Olay Total Effects products on their site!  Here is one thing I have to say about trying out products!  I mentioned this to my co-Beauty Blogger friends in the past and I still stand by to my decision --- Olay Total Effects Day Cream does not work for me 10 years ago so I am not giving this a try!  Funny thing though was that same 10 years ago, I purchased Olay Facial Masks from Hong Kong and they worked like magic on me!  It must be the age, the weather, etc!!!  BUT, keep in mind that if a certain product does not work for me doesn't mean it will be the same for you!  Like I said in my past posts, skincare is indeed very personal!  You have to try out samples or take a plunge before you know which brand works for you or not!

Upon receiving my samples, I immediately thought of my sister!  (Yes, I have an older sister who looks like my age! -- love you sis!)  I may be forgetful but I totally recalled our old text message about how she loved Olay Total Effects because it works for her!  She actually purchased and repurchased this a couple of times so I'm definitely going to be a Santa Clause and share these goodies to her!

• Olay Total Effects Pore Minimizing Toner
• Olay Total Effects Day Cream
• Olay Total Effects Anti-ageing Night Cream
• Olay Total Effects Pore Minimizing CC Cream in Light and Medium

What Olay Total Effects promises are the following:

Grab These from Sampleroom: Safeguard Derma Sense

If there is ONE person I know who should be an ambassador of Safeguard soaps, that's my husband Mr. AMW!  He has been a Safeguard soap user for as long as I can remember!  Every time we go to a grocery or supermarket, he grabs packs of Safeguard bar soaps and whenever I smell that particular scent, it literally reminds me of him!  (Yup, not perfume, but Safeguard soap!)

Since I've been trying out and using various body washes and soaps, there are days I just want a regular germ-fighting soap to strip off those piles after piles of ingredients.  With that plan comes ME grabbing Mr. AMW's Safeguard (which has it's own area inside the bathroom by the way!)  As much as I love the "stripped from all those ingredients" feeling, it leaves my skin extremely dry!  Thankfully, Safeguard (finally) came up with an everyday dermatological line called Safeguard Derma Sense with 2 variants!  

Sensitive Skin and Acne Prone Skin.  This line is literally called Mr. and Mrs. AMW Line!

As much as I love hubby, he has this "manly habit" of using soap in washing both his face and body during his lazy days even with facial washes piled in front of him!  So thankfully, the Safeguard Derma Sense line comes with a Face and Body Wash!   And during his not-so-lazy days?  He may grab the Facial Cleanser for Acne Prone Skin because yes, Mr. AMW has teenager hormones trapped in an old man's body!  (ooopss, I didn't say that! :P)

ArtDeco's Fashion Colors Spring/Summer 2015 Emilio De La Morena

A couple of days ago, I get to meet and chat with ArtDeco's Chief Make Up Artist Macedonio Bezerra.  He flew all the way to the Philippines (for the first time) for the launch of Artdeco's Fashion Colors Spring/Summer 2015 Emilio de la Morena collection.

Mace was born and raised in Brazil, landed in the makeup industry at the age of 20 for a Brazilian Brand O Boticario.  Yes, this guy is from Brazil and that explains his charisma and cheerful vibe!

Initial Thoughts: Belo Essentials For the Underarms

 For the past years, I have survived not spending a single centavo on underarm products! 

Why?  Well, I don't seem to perspire a lot (must be in the genes) and my underarms are actually thanking me for not putting any products thus it looks just as fine!

BUT...after giving birth and my hormones literally went berserk!  I am sweating more like a pig!  And it doesn't help that I have to chase after my son almost every minute of his waking life!  

So yes, I'm finally using Underarm protection once again because I don't want to be the mom who chases after her son inside the mall with a huge circle of "perspiration" right were it's not supposed to!  

All thanks to my SampleRoom family for sending me what Ann Curtis swears by!  The Belo Beauty Duo!  

First pair of the duo would be the Belo Essentials Spray in Shower Fresh ...

And the Belo Essentials Deo Roll-On!

Sample Room sent me Shower Fresh while I own the Original Variant

Make Up For Ever's New Spring Color Collection

When I used to work in a country with four seasons, my favorite season will always be Spring! 

The weather is cool, the sun is always out!  You see all colors join in together to create a wonderful theme called: "The Beauty of Nature".  

And one make up brand nailed it with my favorite season --- Make Up For Ever has created makeup that stars shades of the season!

Initial Thoughts: Nekkid Beauty

Let's get NEKKID shall we?
Excuse me?  YES!  Let's get Nekkid!

Nekkid Beauty is very new in the market but before you say buh-bye to this blog post!  You may want to read what I have to say!

The brainchild of NEKKID is from a fellow Beauty Blogger Sabs Hernandez, who is very much obsessed with skin care products just like yours truly!  It was last year when she whispered to me during an event on how much she would like to push through her skin care business because that is her passion and all I can say was... GO, I'll support you!

And trust me when I say, it isn't difficult to support a product that was made with ingredients lists readable and understandable to regular consumers!  All products under NEKKID are free from harmful chemicals, dyes and away from the "Dirty dozen"!

So the more natural the products are, the more they are beneficial to our skin!

And I was able to test 4 products and so far, the brand is extremely promising and I will definitely try more of their products in the future!

Creamy Body Scrub in Pomegranate and Mango

Php350.00 for 250g

 My absoluate favorite out of the 4 products!  Okay, it is difficult to pick a favorite because they all have different functions!  But what I love about NEKKID Creamy Body Scrub is how CREAMY it is!  One of the creamiest body scrub I tried to date and I am seriously addicted with the scent!  Now that I'm really busy with an active toddler, I used to rush my shower time to spend more time with my little angel, but with this Creamy Body Scrub around, I can't help but scrub away the dirt, tired muscles and worries and just enjoy more "me" time...

STRIVE S/S 2015 Collection Launch

I was one of the few who literally rejoiced when comfortable footwear started to arrive our shores!  Finally, someone understood my woes!  My mom and sister can't seem to understand why I'm always in a bad mood after a long day walking around Divisoria.  As much as I enjoyed spending time with my friends, I would rather sit for hours in coffee shops or restaurants to chat than walk inside the mall for hours!

I'm finally saying it....My knees and legs hurt!!!

As of this moment, I have 3 shoe racks all full with nice-looking pair of shoes but there are only a pair or 2 that I really wear when I'm out!  If you see me wearing high-heeled shoes in an event, PLEASE, come up to me and give me a hug!  It is really an effort for me to look good!  *laughs*  Given the chance, I'd rather go for shoes or sandals that are extremely comfortable, not just normal "flats" but they should be arched in a way that works for my weird feet!  (I'm not flat-footed by the way!)

The good thing about these shoe brands that are meant to give comfort are good for a time-being, I am literally complaining after a year's usage on how they don't feel the way they used to!

AGREE?

Well, finally, ONE BRAND promises support and comfort for as long as the pair "lives".

STRIVE!

Thanks to Macel for introducing me to Str