Readers' Corner: Makeup for Men

"I am getting married soon and I've already booked a makeup artist to do my trial makeup on the day we will be hiring a photographer to do our prenuptial shots. Do you think my boyfriend needs to put on makeup too? I don't want him to look like a girl. What do you think?"

AMW Rule of the thumb: "If the guy does not want the makeup artist near his face, just let him go!" lol I am a strong believer of not forcing anyone. I'd rather paint smiling faces rather than frowning faces. PERIOD. :P

Seriously, I understand why men are scared to have their faced touched by any forms of makeup. They're scared to look girly and they have the "clown" face. Here's my tips based on my personal experiences...of course there's a lot of rules from different schools or books but experience is the best teacher.

1. Always make the men comfortable. I ask them their skin condition. Oily skin? Dry Skin? Which part oils up faster?
2. Is he ok to put on liquid/cream foundation? If not, I settle for powder foundation. Be careful not to go for a matte finish as it'll look unnatural and cakey.
3. Always check on his skin color and go for a deeper foundation, let's say 2-3 shades lighter. As opposed to regular makeup, apply the thinnest coat as possible to make it looks natural.
4. Do make corrections, conceal blemishes, lessen his undereye circles.
5. Contouring is allowed! Give him the nice chiseled face like Brad Pitt
6. Brows can be brushed but never shave or cut the brows without permission! (Did you know that? Most Chinese men does not like to touch their brows! Don't ask me why, I'll go on and on and on with explanations lol)
7. Eyeliner is allowed if the guy is comfortable, choose a brown eyeliner instead.
8. No need for blush
9. For older men: If they have white eyebrows and wanted it a bit darker? Use a mascara and gently brush it on the eyebrows. Applied too much? Use a spoolie and keep on brushing to lessen the mascara.
10. Apply lip balm or clear lipgloss. I try to steer away from lipsticks that has shades.

Here's one Male Makeup I've done for a prenuptial shoot. Ephraim is a cool guy and he's game to put makeup on! :) He doesn't like the full makeup but he just wanted a "clean" look.

Products used ---
Primed the "oily" areas with Smashbox Photo Finish Light
MAC NC42 mixed a tiny bit of NC25
Shu Uemura Setting Powder Clear on oily areas only
MAC Shadester for contouring
Kiehl's No. 1 Lip balm

I am honored to learn that I was the first to touch his "virgin" face lol
Thanks Ephraim for being such an easy client :)
Please pray for him and his family as I just realized his home is at Provident Village, Marikina. The area that has been hit hard with floods. I hope he is ok.
God bless Ephraim.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy

AMW Reviews: Shu Uemura Face Powder (Sheer/Colorless)

I've had this Shu Uemura Face Powder in Colorless/Sheer lying around, not wanting to use it as the packaging is too cute! I haven't been using this as I thought it won't be of any purpose to me. But when I got a gig on doing makeup to multiple clients with different skin color, I told myself I have to pack smart on makeup! I have to save some space and go for a setting powder that's great for almost all skin color.

The cutie that's on spotlight --
Shu Uemura Face Powder in Sheer

Shu Uemura Face Powder ---

Leaves skin luminous and glowing with vitality. Sheer and transparent finish. Great for highlighting facial structure and shape. Packaged with a velvet-textured puff designed specifically for sheer powder application.

Ingredients

talc , synthetic fluorphlogopite , zinc laurate , methicone , paraffinum liquidum / mineral oil , dipentaerythrityl tetrahydroxystearate/tetraisostearate , octyldodecanol , diisostearyl malate , dimethicone/methicone copolymer , silica , aluminum dimyristate

Shades available
Light
Sheer/Colorless

AMW says ---

Pros

• very sheer and gets to be invisible
• feels so light
• doesn't give out white cast on photos
• never cakes up, no matter how many times you re-apply
• a little goes a long way
• colorless version is perfect especially if you are a makeup artist, this goes for all clients with all types of skin color!
• I used this on a client with oily skin and I got a feedback that it held up. But of course, you have to be reminded that this is NOT perspiration proof.
  
• very smooth in texture and the powder is obviously finely milled
  

Cons

• since this is in loose powder form, this tends to fly up everywhere, product wastage as compare to pressed powders
• for dry or mature skin - be careful, as this can crease up the foundation or make your skin flake
  
• of course, this is a bit pricey for a setting powder.
• again..MESSY MESSY MESSY on my makeup train case lol
  

Overall

This isn't the face powder for me but this is definitely a setting powder every makeup artist should have! This looks great on photos and it gives out a radiant glow without the "added makeup" look. No matter how many times I retouch, the makeup won't look overly done and the makeup sets like a dream! A worthy investment!

Did you know that?

I haven't tried the Make Up For Ever HD Powder, I do have the Coastal Scents Silica Powder --- which one won my heart? Shu Uemura Face Powder is my "dependable" setting powder! *smacks*


Tips

• if you or a client has dry skin, use a large powder brush to gently brush this all over the face to set the makeup.
• if you or your client has oily skin, you can use a large velour puff to press the powder gently on areas that tend to oil up
• do not use the same puff on different individuals
• for personal use: make sure to wash the puff regularly to prevent bacteria
• you can use this powder to "highlight" areas you want to highlight, I prefer using a smaller fluffy brush to brush through the powder on the underage area.
• plan to create a dark eye makeup? Apply this sheer powder on the undereye area and brush it after eye makeup application to prevent fall outs.
• if you plan to use the puff that comes along with the powder, do tap the puff or scrape the extra product on the cap, as using it directly will make you look like "Sadako" :P
  

Will I repurchase?

For myself, I don't use this as much as I don't oil up. But I enjoy using this for clients especially during "retouching" moments!

Where to purchase and how much?

At Shu Uemura counter for approx Php2,300 (approx $47.00) for full size

Here's a trial size in 3.2 g
full size is 20g



Swatch on hand
scary and looks like a candidate for white cast

If blended well
Goes invisible

Shu Uemura is known for its quality products, I don't have a lot of Shu Uemura makeup on my traincase at the moment but this is definitely a start of a wonderful relationship with the brand.
Have you tried this?
Or are there any cheaper alternatives for setting powder?
Spill the potatoes baby! :P

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

A Moment of Silence

Dear AMW Readers:

I am using this space to ask for prayers, not only for the victims of the Typhoon Ondoy that hit our country but for all of us... as a nation, for our safety, for our families, friends and loved ones.

The tragedy that hit our country is a "wake up" call for me. We are only temporary "boarders" of the land we live in. I've came to realize that our world is suffering, we haven't had typhoon as bad as this in the past and we haven't had weather that gets too cold or too hot. Things have been changing because we have been neglecting the world that God has given us.

May we treasure the world we live in...
May we treasure our family, friends and loved ones.
May we thank the Lord each day that we are alive
and have the chance to appreciate his creation.
Let us continue to Thank the Lord for giving us air to breathe...
I am praying for everyone's safety.
God bless everyone!

AMW Reviews: iNUOVI High Coverage Studio Cake Foundation

When I reviewed a couple of iNUOVI Professional products and got impressed by it, I can't help but browse through their shopping site and got my eyes set on the iNUOVI High Coverage Studio Cake Foundation. When I mentioned about the July Special from the iNUOVI website, I took the plunge and took advantage of the 30% off plus free shipping.

So I got it and I've used it! Time for a review!

INUOVI High Coverage Studio Cake Foundation says ---

STUDIOCAKE is what professional artists rely on for that perfectly matte finish. This best selling, high coverage foundation has a cake-resistant, cream-to-powder formula that stays put and removes shine. Enriched with Vitamin E, Squalane and DPHP amino acids to moisturize and protect the skin.

Available in 6 shades

Ingredients (you can click to enlarge)

AMW says ---

Pros

• has medium to heavy coverage
• very smooth
• doesn't feel heavy on skin
• stays for the whole day, does not need much retouching
• fragrance free and NO to animal testing yay!

• the "freshness seal" is great! The product is fresh til you open it

• love that they have their own mirror, the sponge storage and it has vents!
• the sponge that comes along with this compact is of good quality
• has manufactured and expiration date

Cons

• though free shipping, takes time to wait for the product to arrive
• I'm lucky to have found my shade in one purchase, because of its online purchase, people like me who only depends on online shipping could probably end up purchasing the wrong shade
• the huge compact is not as appealing compared to other brands
• need to use my fingernails to open the product

Overall

iNuovi Studio Cake Foundation is a cream foundation that has a powder finish. I always have problems using cake or cream foundation due to my dry skin as it will flake up. At first use, I found this product flaked up my skin, I did not give up though so I made sure to moisturize my skin well, letting it absorbed into my skin well before I apply this product.

Using a sponge, in my opinion is the best way to use this product. It hides my redness and flaws without looking cakey.

This product is really great, I just hope the packaging could come off prettier.


Tips

from Inuovi

• Apply foundation to face with sponge provided. Blend well onto skin. Set with powder if desired.

from AMW

• use a sponge and apply the foundation thinly on all parts of the face, spread gently
• you can use a foundation brush for lighter coverage
• use a concealer blush and spot apply this foundation and this can also act as concealer
• wash your sponge regularly
• if you have dry skin: No need to set with powder
• if you have oily skin: you can choose to set with oil control powder
• moisturize your skin well before using this product especially for peoploe with super dry skin
• do wait for special deals and discounts when you plan to purchase any of their products.

Will I repurchase?

Yes

Where to purchase and how much?

At iNUOVI Professional eshop for $36.50 (approx Php1,750)
I bought mine less 30% for $25.55 (approx Php1,250)

A closer look on the product Packaging and the sponge

The shade I bought is 3Y I find this would go for MAC's NC25-35 shades I think I can be ok for 1 shade lighter than this but this works ok for me

Here's my previous look
using this foundation

OOOhhh now I'm eyeing on their airbrush system! Maybe I can get the chance to purchase it when I visit the country :)
Have a wonderful week ahead everyone :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy

Winners of Amu'in Travel Packs

Quick note to my Filipino friends! Such tragedy that came our way and it's heart wrenching to listen to the radio or watch the news, but on the brighter side, it was seen how Filipinos are compassionate to each other, on times like this, helping is number one priority and that made me proud to be a Filipino.

We didn't have electricity for almost 24 hours and my husband was stuck outside and came back home at 3am! Our suffering is just small compared to other families who lost their homes or loved ones, it just proves how important life is, as just an hour of non-stop raining could lead this kinds of disasters! So seize everyday, don't forget to tell your loved ones how much you appreciate them! God bless to everyone!

-------------------------------------

Thank you everyone for joining the Amu'in Contest! I've done Random generator to pick up one winner locally and one winner internationally! I really enjoyed everyone's answers on how they relax! I picked up a couple of tips too!

Anyways, I won't blab further and I will announce the winner.

Philippine Winner
Congratulations to
Ms. IDA

International Reader
Congratulations to
Ms. Lexie Sterling
From Australia

I will email you both for mailing information! Thanks again to everyone and the people of Amu'in for the great giveaway!

For local readers who cannot visit their counters, they have opened up their multiply store for easier shopping. International readers who plan to try their products? They will be opening up a Xoom account soon for international customers! Will update you if everything's set!

To all non winners?
Do not worry,
I'll do more contests and giveaways soon!!!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Weekend Dessert Tripping: Sweets for my Sweet

Good morning everyone! We have crazy typhooon down here! Over the weekend, we didn't get the chance to food trip because it was raining like crazy! Like serious floods and strong wind around the metro! I pray for the safety of everyone! Stay home ok!

Well I will be including my tripping for the week. It was the "time of the month" plus the week of too much stress! So I won't get into details! I am not a dessert or chocolate lover, but hormones are hormones! I've been craving for sweets like crazy! Here are just "some" of the sweets I've chewed! lol meaning, there's a whole lot more that's not on photos! HAHAHA Note to self: "No more sweets next week!"

Let's start with the wonderful cupcakes

Cupcakes by Sonja

I am not a big fan of any cupcakes because most sweets down here are super sweet, I am not a fan of sugar! But if you got it right in front of you, I can't seem to say no this time! :)

Cookie Monster
Php98 (approx $2.00)

Cookie monster is such a cute name!
Full of icing with small chocolate kisses
topped with a mini chocolate cookie,
Cookie Monster would want more!

Vanilla Sunshine
Php55 (approx $1.00 more)

Vanilla cupcake buttery in flavor topped with cute mint green icing

Cupcakes by Sonja, Serendra
1C03 Serendra Piazza,
Bonifacio Global City Taguig

----------------------------------------------------

Like I said, cupcakes over the week isn't enough, off to Red Ribbon for instant gratification! There are 2 new variety that I haven't tried yet! So one slice of each please!

Cookies & Cream with Oreo
Php520 (approx $11.00) for Large Size
Php315 (approx $6.50) for Junior Size

A slice is enough for me, I am seriously not a cookies & cream lover
but if you want something sweet, with texture? Go for this!

A full size photo of the cake



Dulce de Leche
Php520 (approx $11.00) for Large Size
Php315 (approx $6.50) for Junior Size

This cake, is seriously my favorite cake for the quarter!
I"ve always been eating Mango Cake, Ube Cake, the usual ones!
When Red Ribbon came out with Dulce De Leche, I thought I'll be giving this a pass
because it looks and sound too sweet, but I'm wrong! I love this cake so much
that I purchased a large size for my Hubby's birthday :)



A photo of full size

What's your feel good dessert?
Seriously, feeling good is from within, sweets are temporary, if you have problems, do speak up and talk to your close friends, family or loved ones. That is the best "upper" for me :)

Keep that smile coming!
Stay happy!
Stay tune for the winners for my Amu'in Giveaway!

Askmewhats Reviews: L'oreal UV Perfect Advanced Fluid Face Protector SPF 50

Sunscreens are vital in our everyday life no matter how young or old we are. I haven't been reviewing a lot of sunscreens because I find it so difficult to finish one tube! Why? Because most products have sunscreens on it and I tend to get lazy thinking I get enough out of the "products with sunscreen". WRONG WRONG WRONG!

If you read through beauty tips on any magazines or from any online blogs or forums, one beauty secret everyone should incorporate in their daily life is to use a sunscreen! Yes, I am stressing that not only for you but also a huge reminder for myself!

After my review on my last sunscreen, The Face Shop's Natural Intensive Sun Cream SPF50, eventhough I tagged this as HG material to me, a lot of my readers have emailed me asking me about the L'oreal UV Perfect Advanced Fluid Face Protector SPF50. I've tried looking for them on selected L'oreal counters and guess what? Many times, they were out of stock! So that made me crazy and made me want to try it more!

Now that I got them on my dear hands, and after months of usage..I'm ready to spill the beans!

L'oreal UV Perfect Transparent Skin

Shade: White (looks like regular sunblock)

L'oreal UV Perfect Even Complexion
Shade: Beige (looks like Tinted Moisturizer)

L'oreal UV Perfect Anti-Dullness
Shade: Light Purple

L'oreal UV Perfect Advanced Fluid Face Protector says ---

Perfectly hydrates and protects your skin against UV rays, skin darkening, and skin aging.
UV Perfect contains an optimized UVA/UVB protection filtering system tailor made for asian phototypes.

Ingredients

Aqua/Water, Ethylhexl Methoxycinnamate, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Titanium Dioxide, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Triethanolamine, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol, Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Stearic Acid, Potassium, Ctyl Phosphate, PEG-100 Sterate, Glyceryl Stearate, Pheno

AMW says ---

Pros

• affordable
• wonderful packaging

• I am in love with products that has visible and "human readable" manufacturing dates
  

• SPF50!
• does not give me breakouts
• very light in texture
• moisturizes my dry skin (but not the same as moisturizers ok?), gives a nice "base" for makeup, I sometimes skip on BB cream application.
  

Cons

• an extra step for lazy bums (but this is very important!)
• this may look a bit oily especially for "oily" individuals out there (please read tips below)
• sensitive skin may take time getting used to having additional products on skin.
  

Overall

First things first, do not purchase this and expect this to work as a makeup base or makeup corrector. This is meant to be as Sunscreen that has "added benefits". I am not surprised that a lot of people rave about this product because they do deliver! I have used all 3 variants (not at the same time) and i would say it works like a charm!

I have dry skin so the extra "glow" that could look shiny doesn't bother me at all because I am into "glowy" skin at the moment. I like it that I have SPF50 protection plus the benefit of anti-dullness or giving me the even complexion.

Do you want to know my favorite?

1. Even Complexion - I love it that it works like a tinted moisturizer, it does give a nice even coverage, the redness is not gone but it does minimize the redness so applying powder foundation right after makes it a charm!

2. Transparent Skin - though this works like most regular sunscreens out there, I choose to use this when I'm off for a "no makeup" look, if I'll be going out on a beach, this will definitely be my buddy!

3. Anti-Dullness - I am actually surprised this comes in third! Maybe it's just the "most watery" consistency that I am not fond of and probably the adjustment my skin has to go through using this. It's not very purple in texture, it's just a hint if purple that almost looks like the "transparent skin" version. I find that I don't see much difference with the "anti dullness" factor, maybe I should use this longer!

Now I get it why the UV perfect line has been tagged as "HG" (Holy Grail) for a lot of people, it's affordable and it delivers!

Tips

• make sure to apply this with clean hands and fingers
• you can do your hair first after application so this product will be absorbed well before you proceed to your makeup routine.
• do not apply too much, but don't apply too little as well.
• if you have oily skin and find that this looks like you're oiling up, nothing cannot be fixed by a nice setting powder or blot with an oil film
• L'oreal counters do have sales a couple of times year, wait for sales and purchase this at a cheaper amount!
• always apply with gentle hands, never rub products hard onto your skin!
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes, between the 3, my favorite is the "tinted" version or the Even Complexion.

Where to purchase and how much?

Locally for Php495 (approx $10.00) available nationwide at SM department stores, Watsons Beauty Stores, PCX, The Landmark, Robinson's Department Stores, Shopwise, Rustan's Supermarket, Mercury Drug Stores, and Gaisano Metro Department stores.

Let's take a look on swatches on these 3
With Flash



On Natural Light
without flash



Spreading it gently



After a minute and product gets absorbed
See the natural glow?

Now my friends, do you need me to remind you again? That you need sunscreen? lol
Let me know if you're using this....if you love this or hate this!
I'm all ears!

Oh yeah, do not forget to join my Amu'in Giveaway! Last day of entry will be at 11:59pm Philippine Time tonight! I will randomly pick 1 Local and International Reader and will be announced tomorrow! Goodluck!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy
Happy Weekend!

Do check out other beauty bloggers' take on this product
by smiling and clicking ---
My Women Stuff
Lipglosseater

Nail Art Tutorial: "Two Toned Flower" Nails

Looking back, I have over 40 nail art creations! I am seriously...seriously addicted! lol Browsing at my creations, I have to say, flowers are my favorite! If I can only do flowers on nails each and everytime, I won't have problems with it! But flowers...will always be flowers...are there even other ways to make it more exciting?

If there's a want..there's always a way....if there's a way..there's always a result....good and bad results? They're all worth the try!

So I've decided to create a two-toned or two-colored flowers, so far...I am liking the result :) I seriously hope you like it too! Enjoy!

Step 1:

Apply a base coat prior to nail polish application. Apply 2 coats of Nail Fantasy color no. 66 which is peach shade with specks of gold.

Step 2:

Apply a clear polish or a top coat, any polish that is not thick in consistency, I am using Sally Hansen's Clear Polish.

Step 3:

Making sure to apply the clear polish one finger nail at a time. While the clear polish is still wet, drop 5 dots of Prettynails' white nail art pen, do not worry if the dots spread out a bit. It should be that way so the flowers will turn out as part of your nail polish. Continue dotting below the petals.

Step 4:

Making sure to work fast, while the white dots/petals are still wet, drop another colored nail art pen on top of the white dot. I chose Prettynails' Nail Art Pen in purple. Using the tip of the art pen or a needle to spread the colors together and connect it going inwards.

Step 5:

You can choose to drop a different shade for flower bud. I opted for a clear rhinestones. Press it in and the rhinestones will stay with you for weeks :)

Step 6:

To protect your hard work, apply a coat of your favorite Top Coat.

Enjoy your flower nail art with a twist of 2 tones!
You can create same flowers with different color combinations!

Life could get hectic, but if you choose to have your own "me" time, you'll always have the extra time for yourself if you want it. How do I spend "me" time? Creating nail art while my hair is wrapped with hair treatment! That's total relaxation for me!

Have you planned out a "you" time?
Let me know how you'll spend it!
You deserve it!
Happy Friday!!!

Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!
Be relaxed!