#RealNotRetouched

In a world where most of us are multi-hyphenated, I realized that there are small things in life we don't want to worry about.  Such thing as our underarms!  

I used to be the weird gal who doesn't sweat even inside a spa, that said, I was able to survive without using deodorant for years!  Then my body changed after giving birth, the weather went crazier by the day.  The last time I felt most insecure was the day I did a full day shoot with full blown lights and malfunctioned airconditioner - it was the worst work day of my life, I wasn't able to concentrate on my lines and whenever there's group pictorial, I would feel so insecure and obviously, the photos came out me looking weird and uncomfortable.

That's when I realized that my short "insecurity" moment could be a long term issue for most girls!  And for the past years, I have been using this brand that helped me do everything I can without having to worry about dark or perspiring underarms!

The classic Dove Original Nourished & Smooth Nourishing Cream.  I love to use this and the stick variant because of the wonderful scent, how my underarms stay smooth for the past months of usage!  Best of all, I feel and look fresh all day even under the crazy heat!

A Perfect Summer Moisturizer...

or all-year round!
Once I tried the Fancy Handy Ocean Glow Body Cream Colloidal Gold, I find myself using body moisturizer more often!  Why?  It is refreshing, has a cooling and nice sensation, does not feel sticky even on hot, humid days - and best of all?  My skin looks glowing!  (proof after the jump!)

Ocean Glow Body Cream Colloidal Gold by Fancy Handy

Php595.00

 (on sale today at Beauty Bar website priced at Php446.25)

Stimulates the cellular renovation and improves the elasticity of the tissues enhancing the production of collagen and elastin.

I did a quick unboxing and initial thoughts on #AMWIGStories previously and I find the "gold" beads to be the unique feature of this body cream.  As much as the name states body cream, I always call this my body gel because that's how it feels - a GEL!  

The "Raise It High" Confidence I Had During My Sister's Wedding

October 28, 2018

One of the busiest day of my year - well, I've been saying that for almost everyday of the year but that is the busiest because it was my sister-in-law's Wedding Day.

I am NOT only a mom with an active toddler, I am also a Matron of Honor, makeup artist and a family of the bride and groom that day.

I woke up at 4:30am to prettify myself before I prettified my sister and mom-in-law!  It was a long day, with the Bridal ceremony happening at San Agustin Church (hello no aircon and intense heat) and thankfully, I had the confidence to do everything I need to do because I actually used the new Dove Ultimate Repair Dark Marks Corrector that week! 

Whenever I wear sleeveless dress or shirts, I always raise my arms and ask Mr. AMW if my underarms are ready to be "raised high".  I feel that looking fresh does not only comes from makeup but also with hygiene.  I have used the past Dove variants and liked them so far because they don't darken up my underarms, but seeing the NEW Ultimate Repair Dark Marks Corrector, which is said to be formulated with 1/4 moisturizing cream and Vitamin B3 (also known as Niacinamide) made me went for them right away especially since the products are said to not only correct dark marks but to also help repair underarm skin damage to visibly restore smooth and even-toned underarms.

So I was able to face the day with confidence looking fresh from day til night.

The Marie France EDM Experience

If you follow me on Instagram Stories, you'll know that I visit Marie France on a weekly basis (as much as possible when my schedule permits).   I always include FMS Elite and added some for spot treatments, my issues has always been my upper body --- arms and tummy!  So I added Endermologie+.

Get rid of stubborn fat with Endermologie+. Its advanced LipoMassage™ slimming technology permanently eliminates resistant fat, smoothens out cellulite, and firms up the skin.Using various roll modalities, it effectively treats problem areas by stimulating deep biological responses in the body that result in non-surgical fat removal, redefined curves, and firmer, smoother, skin. It is ideal for those struggling with sagging skin and cellulite, and those who want to recontour their figure and maintain firm, youthful-looking skin.

Something New: Good Virtues Co.

When I met up with my Sampleroom Family last year for Thanksgiving Party, I always ended up feeling joyours and happy not because it was the season but because for the fact that I am around gorgeous women who share the love for beauty like I do.  

We chat and catch up about our personal lives at the same time, share new beauty finds!  From Japanese Rice Cooker to kitchen scrub that really works *laughs*  we went back to being a Beauty Blogger when we were each given a Good Virtues Co. set to try.

Let's go beyond how cute their packaging are, the brand is from Malaysia and all the products are free from mineral oil, SLES, ALES, parabens, synthetic colourants and are NOT tested on animals!  

That is the focus of Good Virtues Co. --- feel and look beautiful without sacrificing our values.

The brand has full product range from hair care to skincare, I got 4 products to try and I took a leap on their shampoo and conditioner first.

Good Virtues Co. Happy & Heavenly Clarifying Hair & Scalp Shampoo for Oily Hair 

Good Virtues Co. Helpful & Delightful Anti-Dandruff Care Conditioner for Nourishing Hair Fall Protection 

Php160.00 each for 180ml

SeeSea Dead Sea Minerals for the Body

I'm not sure if you heard about Dead Sea Minerals as a good ingredient for skincare.  I learned so much about them during another brand's launch called Mineral Flowers 8 years ago.  Unfortunately, the brand didn't make it so it was a nice surprise for me to find another brand with the same ingredients that comes from Mother Nature.

SeeSea Dead Sea Minerals

SeeSea Dead Sea Minerals offer a range of high-quality products formulated with Dead Sea minerals and developed in a state of the art laboratory. Powered by its innovative SEESEA Skincare Energizer (SSE) Complex, SeeSea skincare helps restore, renew, and rejuvenate skin suffering from disorders, thanks to its health-promoting Dead Sea minerals combined with powerful plant extracts indigenous to the region. Experience the healing properties of Dead Sea minerals with SeeSea Skincare.

These are more high-end products and after trying out their body-care products, I can understand why. 

Seesea Dead Sea Minerals Whitening Hand Cream

Php1,660.00

What I like about this product is how it can soothe and smooth the dryness of my hands.  I had issues recently with my hands and I treated it with medication thus my hands turn dry and wrinkly.  I took immediate action and use this every single night before going to bed and I honestly wake up with better looking hands.

Initial Thoughts: Seoul White Korea

You've probably seen the launch of Seoul White Korea online a couple of months ago!  Who wouldn't?  Most of my Beauty Loving friends were there!  I was really sad I couldn't make it as I was stuck in a meeting in the opposite side of the Metro.  

But thanks to my Sampleroom family, they sent me a set to try and I've given these products a quick test and what I'll be sharing to you are my initial thoughts as I haven't used them long enough to really give an in-depth review.

I welcome all my AMW friends to comment below if you've tried these products and share to us your experience so we can help each other!

As overwhelming as the cute photo looks, the brand launched only 2 products --- the Double White Whitening Soap and Instant White Tone-Up Whitening Milky Cream.

The Seoul White Korea Double White Whitening Soap

60g Php39.00/ 90g Php60.00/ Double Pack Php65.00 and Triple Pack Php125.00

Madame Heng Soaps are now in the Philippines!

A lot of people shop whenever they go to Thailand.  I, on the other hand, prefer to immerse myself into their culture and actually like to talk to locals and do what locals do!  That includes trying out their bestselling products and even dine in non-touristy restaurants! 

Thai women are known to a more natural approach when it comes to skincare and I like that!  One brand that pops whenever I do research is called Madame Heng.

Madame Heng, is an all-natural facial wonder that has been around for more than half a century.  The popular Thai brand takes pride in their soaps, which are made from pure and natural ingredients, with different variants specializing in various skin needs. The meticulous attention to detail and passion for creating a natural and effective product has paved the way for the success of Madame Heng’s soaps, which started from humble beginnings.

Made by Heng Shui Hiu for the family's use, she later gave samples to her neighbors and the rest was history!  I'm glad I get to finally try these and feel like I am one of the lucky neighbor of Ms. Heng!

Trick or Treat? Halloween With Vanilla Pumpkin!

I sign up on brand newsletters because I may not be an active shopper but I like to keep myself updated with what's new in the beauty scene because...that's what I'm here for!  To let you guys know what's up and about in the scene and actually help trigger your shopping interest!  Because mine was definitely triggered! :P

The Body Shop came out with one of their cutest (yet) collection just in time for the Halloween Season!  The Special Edition Vanilla Pumpkin range!

Photo taken from source

I am a fan of body butters and I use them so fast I can't keep track how many tubs I've finished up!  The Olive variant is my ultimate favorite, next is the Mango but I think I've found a top favorite scent as of the moment! 

The Body Shop Vanilla Pumpkin Body Butter

Inspired by fresh-baked Halloween goodies, our special edition Vanilla Pumpkin Body Butter features a delightful blend of scents. Give your body all day moisture with our new spooky Vanilla Pumpkin Softening Body Butter. 

Body moisturiser with 24 hour moisture 

With vanilla extract from Madagascar 

Easily absorbed and softens skin 

Scented with quintessential pumpkin fragrance, vanilla from Madagascar and hints of tonka bean, hazelnut and maple syrup. 

Nuxe for the Face and Body

When Nuxe was officially launched in the Philippines last year, I had my skin analyzed and I was told the best product for me to use is the Nuxellence Detox, which is from their anti-aging care line.  It works best as a night serum to be applied before a night cream!

I have used this for more than a month before I started finishing my old serums (not because I don't like this product but because I dislike wasting product so I had to finish my 2nd bottle of Shiseido Ultimune). 

The texture of this serum is amazing!  Super lightweight and it gets absorbed into the skin almost no time so I can immediately follow up with my favorite night cream!  It doesn't hurt that it comes with a nice floral scent making it easier for me to doze off!

Then the next product I tried from them is the NUXE Lotion Tonique Douce or as simple as a Gentle Toning Lotion!  We all know gone in the past when toners are alcohol base and strips off our skin's natural oil!  With this one from NUXE, it hydrates my skin making it soft and smooth ready to accept the next skin care product to be applied on my face!  What I like about this product is that, it smells great, non-greasy and works even for sensitive skin --- because I have sensitive skin and so far, I did not suffer from any allergic reactions.

Dove Deo Cares

That awkward stage when you first had your period then you are starting to grow hair on unwanted places.  I remembered around 12 years old, right after I got my period, I started to see a strand (or 2) of armpit hair (gosh!  TOO MUCH INFORMATION!)  But oh well, that's the truth!  I remembered rushing to my older sister (thank goodness I have older sister to lean on to!) and we even scheduled a bonding time after dinner for her to pluck that 2 strands of hair!  

Of course, puberty kicks in and that 2 strands multiplied into a number I couldn't imagine!  Okay, it wasn't a "lawn" but some aren't visible to the naked eye!  That's when I first purchased my "pink shaver" from a health store. Ahhh I remember how I felt so "mature" and a "full-pledged woman"!

Fast-forward to today, there are so many ways to remove unwanted hair.  With all the options, I still find myself going back to my trustee shaver especially since I don't have time to book an appointment outside!

Now, shaving maybe the quickest, easiest, least painful way to remove unwanted hair, did you know that shaving also takes off 1/3 of your skin?  ALong with your hair, shaving takes away the top-most-layer of your skin leaving it raw, sensitive and prone to further damage.  

That leads to bumpy, dry and dark underarms!

For women like me who can't give up shaving at times, it is good to pick a deodorant that will help soothe and repair damage caused by shaving!  

Thanks to my Sampleroom family for sending these Dove goodies and you girls can try before you buy! 

Dove Deodorant have 1/4 moisturizing cream and been formulated to moisturize underarm skin while protecting it with its gentle, skin-loving ingredients.  I also love how my underarm does not darken as compared to not using Dove at all!

My favorite Dove Deo is their Original Whitening Stick Deodorant

The Body Shop British Rose Collection Initial Review

So I received this gorgeous package from The Body Shop several days before Valentine's Day! 

Let me tell you now, I have received so many gifts and press kits in the past but only few made my heart flutter --- and this one is one of them!

Included in this unique gift are some of the products from The Body Shop British Rose range and a Lip & Cheek Stain in Dark Cherry (can you spot it?)

I usually have strong willpower when it comes to skincare, I always hit the "pan" on my current skincare before opening a new one (not unless it was highly requested for a review, but I usually have strong self-control).  I don't know about this range, it must be the packaging, the color, the floral scent, or simply because... it is the month of February --- Love Month and My Birthday Month!  I actually caved in and gave all 3 products a try!  Almost immediately!