Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Review: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex (for all skin types)

Another very long name for a product...kinda annoying sometimes...I haven't seen many reviews about this product that's why I want to make a review about this. 



I got this for free from my sister-in-law. She wanted me to try this out before she use this (she's quite skeptical with skincare products) and the curious me, being my own guinea pig, gladly accepted the offer to try this product. It's very expensive to begin with!

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair is a serum which means the ingredients is more concentrated than face creams or lotions that we usually use, giving our skin an extra boost of moisture or anti-aging benefits. Because serums absorbs easier in our skin, they are more effective than using face creams alone.

I'm not getting any younger, so it's better for me to start taking extra care of my skin now than start later. Like my favorite professor said, "Prevention is always better than cure."

It's claim:
"Helps repair the appearance of past damage while protecting your skin from the aging effects of our environment. Works with the body's natural renewal mechanism to help your skin recover from the day's environmental aggressions."

To use: Apply before your moisturizer

Comment:
After using the products for a month...
Pro:
- it is really effective in reducing fine lines. I can't say if it will also have a fast effect on deeper lines and wrinkles 'cause I don't have one...yet! (Pls. refer to the picture that's posted below)
- it's like botox in a bottle..hahaha! (Pls. refer to the picture that's posted below)
- my skin also looks plumper and less sallow after I've applied this.
- has a slight moisturizing effect.
- When I wake up in the morning, I've observed that my skin is softer and smoother.
- Results are quite immediate for me...quite surprising for something this small.
- The applicator is like a dropper which is very helpful in not wasting excess product and is hygienic.
- great for all skin types
- did not break me out.
- the scent is very, very subtle that it's not really noticeable unless you purposely sniff it very close from the bottle.

Cons:
- very, very expensive. I don't know the prize for a very tiny bottle, but my sister-in-law said that it's very expensive. I think her aunt doesn't want to tell her the prize. Just google for the prize. (^_^)
- I don't think this is available in the Philippines.
- I think bigger bottles are available, but of course! it's more expensive.

Results:

I use my left hand to apply products on my face. (Yep! left-handed)

This was my random observation after I applied the serum a few times. I looked at my fingers and I can see the difference. I haven't used any hand cream or moisturizer on my hands.

LEFT HAND: (W/ the serum)
Look at the index, middle and ring finger. they look plumper and the fine lines were almost gone!

RIGHT HAND: (w/ nothing on)
 Look at the index, middle and ring finger. Fine lines are obvious and the fingers looks sick like life was sucked of them. To think this hand gets lesser work than the left one.


Will I buy again?
- Of course! If have the money to afford it..hahaha!



Review: Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream SPF 30/PA++ (Sheer Silky Skin)

Yep! the title is quite a mouthful..hahaha! Just reviewing a free sample that the SA at Etude House gave me when I purchased my 2nd batch of Etude House products a few months ago.


For Reference:

My skin is acidic. I have a combination, sensitive type of skin and depending on the weather my skin is either normal to oily or normal to dry which is weird. It's quite a pain sometimes to have this kind of skin "type" because ALL kinds of makeup that I put on my skin oxidizes like there's no tomorrow! Even bright eyeshadows that I put on in the morning turns darker by the end of the day (there's a big difference between turning darker to fading)...Choosing a shade that's right for my skintone will turn ridiculously darker on me.

BUT! I'm still thankful because having acidic skin has it's advantages. I can use a foundation or a bb cream that is a shade or 2 lighter than my skintone.-- As you all know, bb creams have limited shades available because it usually caters to people of lighter color.

In this case I've proven yet again that I can get away with a bb cream shade that is insanely lighter color than my skintone (as long as the shade has a yellow undertone in it).

Swatches:
UNBLENDED

Natural Light:
the color is almost white don'tcha think?!?! (^_^)
UNBLENDED

W/ Flash:


SPREAD OUT

Natural light:

W/ flash:


BLENDED:

Natural light:
tadaaaaa!!!

W/ flash:
tadaaa!!!!!

Comments:
Pro:
- coverage is sheer, but it evened out my skin well. (People who needed more coverage will not benefit from this.)
- did not break me out
- I've observed that my skin is not that oily by midday, unlike when I used my Missha Perfect Cover BB cream which made my skin very oily on my forehead and nose area by midday.
- It more on the yellow undertone which is great. Missha is slightly on the cooler undertone (which sometimes look weird on me) even though it is a darker shade than the EH Precious Mineral BB cream.
- The scent (which is pleasant) is subtle and will disappear after a few minutes.
- gave a slightly luminous finish (I don't like a matte look on my face.)
- more affordable than Missha or even my favorite Skinfood bb cream.

Cons:
- none so far.

Will I buy?
- Sure! I'll buy the full size one next time! 


Thursday, March 18, 2010

Review: Beauty Formulas Nail Dry

This was some random purchase I did in SM hypermarket North Edsa long time ago. I was curious with this product because it says that:

* it can make your polish touch dry within a minute.
* Dries nail color without dulling lustre.
* Contains a moisturizing agent.

Ingredients: Butane, Isobutane, Propane, Alcohol Denat., Propylene Glycol

All I can say about the ingredients is that IT IS HIGHLY COMBUSTIBLE, it's like alcohol and lighter in a bottle with a tiny bit of moisturizing agent which is the Propylene glycol (still has alcohol).

Now you ask why did I say that? Let's just say I'm quite familiar with medicinal/chemical ingredients with heiroglyphic descriptions. No, I'm not a chemistry geek (I hate chemistry), but studying (veterinary) medicine has it's advantages.


Directions for Use:
*Shake can well before use. Hold 4-6 inches from nails, lightly spray across freshly polished nail surface. Wait 60 seconds before touching.

Comments:
- affordable (P200+ can't remember the exact prize), but it is not an alternative to Seche Vite. I would choose Seche Vite over this anytime.
- It will make your nails touch dry after a minute, but that's just about it. "Soft touch" is more appropriate for the "touch dry".
- has a cooling effect when sprayed on the nails.
- smells like hairspray which makes me wonder if it would be better if I sprayed hairspray on my nails (hairspray has a bigger can than this 100ml, which is almost empty after a few sprays). Haven't tried hairspray on my nails so don't quote me on that.
- doesn't dry out my cuticles, but doesn't moisturize it either.
- Won't protect your nails from marks (if you paint your nails before bedtime and see marks on your nails when you wake up in the morning, that's what I'm pertaining to).

Will I repurchase?
- I don't think so. I don't see this as a necessity for your nails. With me living in a tropical country, the hot weather can take care of the "drying the nail polish" part more effectively for free than this alcohol-lighter-in-a-bottle which is I think (Php200+). I'm not saying this product is crap, it's just so-so...nothing special.

Review/Swatch: NYX Cream Blush in Golden

 I should've posted this a long, long time ago after I did swatches on my second batch of NYX round lipsticks.

Better late than never, right?

NYX Cream Blush in Golden

Natural Light:




W/ Flash:


It has a beautiful peachy pink color with very fine gold shimmers in it.

Comments:

Pros:
- affordable
- lasts a very long time even in a very hot weather. (I sweat a lot during the day, but it still there. great buy!)
- great as a highlighter. Very handy for me because it's already summer time!
- very creamy. A little product goes a long way.

Cons:
- because summer is already here in the Philippines, I tend to tan more than I already am, (but I'm "anemic" pale on colder months). So, the color doesn't really show up on my skin. Most of the time the blush color is the same with my skin tone. I only use this as a highlighter.
- Lighter skintone will benefit from both the pigmentation and shimmer it gives.
- not available locally. just bought it from my online seller, digitaltraincase.


Swatch:

Natural light:

I applied the cream blush thicker so you could see its pigmentation on the skin. If I applied it the normal way, then you won't see anything at all except for a small shimmering part of my skin.

W/ Flash:


Hope this helps!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Review: Missha Nail Polish PK001

Just got this online from my long time online seller (thelittlecoolshop.multiply.com) because Missha had a sale going on in Korea last January 2010.

The sale price is still a bit steep (P150) than the price (P120) in a Missha branch here in the Philippines, considering its their cheapest nail polish line, but I still bought it because the nail polishes that are available in Missha in the Philippines lacks variety. Sucks because I love collecting unique colors.

Missha The Style Nail Polish PK001

Natural light:
W/ Flash:


A very beautiful, milky, peachy flesh color

Comments:
Pros:
- unique heart shaped bottle (Missha trademark)
- doesn't have a very strong nail polish smell.
- true to the color in the bottle
- dries quickly
- has wide variety of colors

Cons:
- a bit expensive for a small nail polish
- did not last very long. Stayed on 3 days max.
- minor cracks and chipping seen at day 2 (I do chores everyday)
- a bit streaky when applied, but it really didn't bother me.
- had to put on 3-4 coats cause it's quite sheer...I think almost all light, milky colored nail polish do that.

All in all a so-so product, but I still love the color.

What it looks like on the nail:

Natural light:
  W/ flash:

Friday, March 12, 2010

Review: Missha The Style Nail Polish in KH02

Howdy! Another nail polish review..it's been quite awhile since I've done this. Here we go!

Missha The Style Nail Polish in KH02

W/ flash:
I bought this particular polish in SM north edsa. Kinda bought it out of pity to the sales ladies..I think no one ever dared to go in the store because sales ladies there tend to follow you everywhere you go which can be kinda annoying if you're not in the mood to be nice..yes! we have our days...

Natural light:

I love early morning sunshine! The best lighting eva!

Here is my very messy newly painted nail swatch.

W/ flash:



Ever wondered why i don't take the excess polish of the sides of my nails right after I finished painting it?
It's because it's easier to take excess nail polish right after you take a bath...the excess polish tends to peel by itself without ruining the nail polish on your nails. Try it!

Natural light:

W/ a special guest, my pet "Gulat" (meaning Stunned)...RIP....I was really depressed when he died at the same time after my thesis defense fail...


Comments:

Pro:
- dries easily
- doesn't have a strong nail polish smell.
- has many unique colors to choose from, if you buy online.
- true to the color in the bottle
- comes in a unique heart shaped bottle (great packaging still matters!)

Cons:
- expensive for a small sized bottle (P120)
- cracks easily w/ slight chipping after about 3 days. I do heavy labor with my hands so the quality of any nail polish I try is really tested. 3 days for means a nail polish fail.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Review/Swatches: Etude House Peach Water Glosses in Apricot Water and Watermelon Water

After a long time I've finally managed to give another review of the Etude House Peach Water Glosses that I'm almost finished collecting! (^_^)

I already gave a review on my first Peach Water Gloss in Peach Milk and my review on these 2 glosses are almost the same with my first review and if you don't mind going back through my blog, you can just read my opinion about the Etude House Water Gloss in Peach Milk (^_^). The only difference is that these 2 glosses are very sheer compared to Peach Milk which made my lips a bit lighter (in a good way). all in all, I love them all! They have their own unique look on my lips (if you look at it closely) hahaha!

Apricot Water - More of an orange-y pink colored lip gloss that doesn't really show that much. hahaha!
Natural light:
W/ flash:

Watermelon Water - this pretty weird-named gloss is a pinky peach colored lip gloss, but it's more sheer than the Peach Milk which is a creamy light pink colored lip gloss.
Natural light:
W/ flash:

Lip Swatches:

Apricot Water
Natural Light:
W/ flash:

Watermelon Water
Natural light:
W/ flash:

Have a nice day!

Collective Hauls

I've never noticed that I've purchased quite a lot (for me) than I normally do...It's not really me to buy something in a whim, but I really have a good reason why I bought these things.

First stop. Skincare!

 I bought the Avon Anew Rejuvinate Day Cream and the Flash Facial. I've heard great reviews about this Anew line that I've decided it's about time I purchase some especially this month!


I took the chance to grab some because with every purchase (acc. to the brochure) of an Anew Rejuvinate product that is worth P699.00, I get a free eye cream! (^_^)

 I got 2 eye creams because:
Avon Anew Day Cream = P699
Avon Anew Flash Facial (serum) = P899

Not bad! I'm planning to complete the line, but I'm currently kinda broke. hahahaha!

Second stop. BOOKS = love!!

On my past blogs about my frustration with my thesis, I promised myself that after my thesis defense, I will buy myself books written by RICK RIODAN and yes it's the Percy Jackson series. You may have noticed that I only got the chance to buy the book 1, 3, and 4...Book 2 was already out of stock and Book 5 is still a HARDBOUND. I only buy paperbacks (which cost me P289.00 each) because hardbounds are expensive (costs P600+).

I am very careful with my books so I don't really need the hardbound version. My other books that I've bought in high school still looks new, of course the paper aged with time, so that's normal.


 I've been quite curious about the story since I've watched the movie and it left me quite unsatisfied because usually, the BOOK version has the complete version of the story compared to a remake done in the MOVIES.

 One good example is the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. Good thing, I've read the book because the movie only remade small parts of the story which is not as good as the BOOK version. I've already read them all last, last year so maybe I'll try to give ratings to books that I've read. I'm not good with reviewing books. I'm more of a SPOILER..hahahaha!

Third stop. The Online Haul!

This package took a very, very, very long time to arrive because I purchased these nailpolishes from Missha from one of my favorite online seller, thelittlecoolshop, last January 2010, even before I've purchased my last nailpolish from Missha in SM northedsa and it only arrived March 8, 2010...This was the first time I got my package this long, but it's not the sellers fault so it's ok! (^_^)


Along with my purchase, she also gave me freebies (^_^). By the way, the nailpolishes was P150.00..I know it's a bit expensive by P30.00 compared to what I've purchased in SM north...but it's ok..Colors are limited in  that Missha branch anyway...(^_^)





Sunday, March 7, 2010

Swatches: 2nd Batch NYX Round Lipstick

At long last, I'm going to upload swatches of my 2nd batch of Nyx Round lipsticks! Hope this will give you an idea of what it looks like...Hope this helps...especially to those gals who has super pigmented lips (brown) like mine (^_^)

W/ flash:
L-R: Heredes, Perfect, Power, Indian Pink, Doll, Margarita, Orange Soda

Natural light:

L-R: Orange Soda, Maragarita, Doll, Indian Pink, Power, Perfect, Heredes

Lip Swatches:

Natural light:


Heredes

Perfect

Power

Indian Pink

Doll

Margarita

Orange Soda


W/ Flash:
Heredes

Perfect

Power

Indian Pink

Doll

Margarita

Orange Soda


Have a nice day!