This is How I do it: Spot Conceal

Happy Tuesday girls and boys!  "This is How I do it" is back with more tricks and tips!  Thank you so much AMW readers for taking the time to email me just to show me some love!  And to those who have special requests for this portion, thank you!  I'll do my best to accommodate them because I love to share what I learn through years of makeup artistry!

Concealing - a very important yet tricky step in makeup application!  I used to apply concealer and not see any differences so I totally gave up on it!  Until I went to makeup school, my thoughts on concealing shifted 360 degrees!  It can definitely make or break any makeup look!  Bottom line though, you need to take a lot of practice to master the art of concealing.  (Personal note: I'm definitely not a concealing master, but I always strive to do my best with loads of practice.)

Just in case you wonder, yes, I have zits once in awhile.  Just in time for this post, tiny red spots appeared on my right cheek and I immediately turned this bad situation into our advantage!  The best time to share some tips and tricks on Spot Concealing.  

(I'm turning the situation into a positive one but I'm not really looking forward for more of these ok? Pimple gods?  hihihi)

Step 1:

Before you start with any makeup application, it is best to do your usual skincare regimen.  Sun block, moisturizer, primers or BB creams --- whatever your hearts desire.

Step 2:

If you are a liquid or cream foundation user, go ahead with your usual application.  If you are a powder foundation user, you can go directly to step 3.

Brush used: Estee Lauder Foundation Brush

Step 3:

Some prefer to use their fingers in concealer application, that's okay especially if you're trying to conceal darkness under the eyes.  But for this tutorial, we are focusing on "spot concealing" and from all the trials and errors I've done, the best way to spot conceal is by the use of a synthetic brush.  

Apply a tiny amount of your choice of concealer on your hand, using a brush, gently  grab some of the product with a swirling motion.

Note: You don't need to use the same brush I used in this tutorial.  Feel free to use whatever brush you own and experiment to find the best one that works for you.

In this photo: Sigma Precision Round P82 was used

Step 4:

Dab a small amount of concealer on the "spot/s" with a stippling motion.  Add more product depending on how large the surface is or how much coverage you need.

Step 5:

A large amount of concealer will be visible.  With a clean fingertip (preferably your middle finger), gently dab the concealer and gently blur out the obvious concealer marks.  (Stay away from dabbing the zit or spots.) 

Very important reminder: Dab never Rub!

Step 6:

Repeat Steps 3-5 until the spot is blurred out or better yet, if they're almost invisible!

Step 7:

Since I'm quite happy with the coverage on Step 6, set your liquid/cream foundation and concealer with your choice of powder foundation.  Since we needed more coverage, a powder foundation was used instead of the usual setting powder.  If you prefer to use the sponge that comes with the compact, apply with a "patting" motion.  In my case, I like to use the Charm Luxe Flat Top Brush and apply powder foundation all over my face with a stippling motion.  Once I reached the area where the spots are located, I add more powder and gently stipple with very light pressure.

Before and After

Some additional tips:

• You can always layer on more concealer until you're happy with the coverage.
• Once you set with a powder foundation, it's a done deal!  Do not try to apply concealer (again) on top of the powder foundation.
• If you're not happy with the coverage and yet, you already set with a powder foundation, pick up your choice of eye brush and grab a bit of powder foundation and gently dab the powder foundation directly on spots.  Powder foundation will give an additional coverage.
• Piled up too much powder and your skin looks cake-y?  Fret not!  Pull out your favorite hydrating mists and spritz all over your face to lessen the powdery look.
• When it comes to concealing, Dabbing is the key to success!  :D

Any other tips you may want to add for our readers out there?
So far, THIS IS HOW I DO IT in terms of spot concealing, it saves time and energy, and best of all?  It works!

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AMW Reviews: Sleek Makeup PPQ Me Myself & Eye

Happy Monday!  Let me guess, you're not that in a good mood as it's a Monday right?  Well, I'm focusing all my energy for a very productive week so I'm looking at the bright side!  Hope you do too! *crosses fingers* :)  Let's all wish for great week!

I've done various looks on the Sleek Graphite Palette (which I won from Cosmetic-Candy years ago) and have been raving about it each time I used it. Looking back, I didn't create a special post regarding the good quality, drugstore UK brand as I guess it's unfair how I can rave about it yet I can't seem to find a way for local readers to purchase one without the cost of shipping plus the hassle of waiting!

Guess what?  Years after, our 'beauty-related prayers" do get answered by our wonderful local resellers who were hardworking enough the bring the good stuff down here!

My second Sleek Makeup Palette to date ---

Limited Edition PPQ Me Myself & Eye 

Sleek says ---

A palette of 12 coloured eye shadows perfectly designed to use with all Sleek MakeUP avid fan. Long-lasting and specially designed to breath a new lease of life into your eyeshadows.

Ingredients

AMW says ---

Pros

• Very sleek palette that's easy to take anywhere!
• The free sponge tip applicator is long and easy to maneuver.  Quality of the sponge tip is good.

• All shadows are very pigmented.
• The palette consists of bold and neutral tone tones with matte and shimmery finish making it a very versatile palette! 
•  Budget-friendly price!
• Locally available!

Cons

• Limited edition. Sleek Makeup has collaborated with British Fashion House PPQ for London Fashion Week so this is the "grab it while you can" palette!

Overall
Definitely one palette to look out for when you're into collecting eye shadows or even if you're starting up! The eye shadows are very pigmented and shades are true-to-the-pan!

Tips

• Choose to use an eyeshadow primer to prevent eyeshadow creasing and fall outs.
• If you want the eye shadows to appear more vibrant, use a colored cream base underneath.
• Be adventurous, mix and match various shadow shades!
• Feel free to use the sponge tip applicator and gently dab on the lid for a quick eyeshadow look.
  

Will I repurchase?
Yes, other palettes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who loves to put eyeshadow on a daily basis!

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally, priced at Php650.00 (approx $15.10)  available at Updated Trends Multiply Site.  You can also check Sleek Makeup at Crossings The RAMP Shangrila Mall and Crossing THE RAMP Q. Ave.

Photos

 Shade Names

Upper L-R Barry White, Black Box, Salt N' Peppermint, Simply Red, Pink Beret, Primal Green

Lower L-R Fade to Grey, Blue Monday, Supernova, Chris de Burgundy, Lilac Allen, Golden Silvers

 

 

Swatch on hand applied with a q-tip.

No primer nor base underneath

Here's a simple eye makeup I've done 

using the PPQ Me Myself & Eye Palette

 AMW Diagram

1. Apply Supernova, a matte flesh colored shadow all over lids going a bit beyond the crease line.
2. Using Blue Monday, which looks like moss green in person, I applied it on top of my Supernova eyeshadow base and concentrate at the balls of my eyes.  I also include application on the outer 3/4 of my lower lash line using the sponge tip applicator.  I pick up a blending brush and blend in harsh edges.
3. Using Primal Green shade, pat the color at the inner third of the eye also including the inner third of the lower lash line.  
4. Dab a bit of Golden Silvers and apply at the brow bone.  Blend using a clean brush to create a sparkly effect.

Final Look using only the Sleek Makeup PPQ Palette 
without eyeshadow base and no eyeliner yet (on photo)

Would you grab a palette from Sleek?
How many eye looks do you think can you create in just 1 palette?
I can go on forever!

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Stay happy!

(Product sent for review. Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Reports: G-Star RAW Grand Opening

What was I doing smiling at the camera wearing a denim short dressed, holding my "Hello Kitty-dressed" mobile phone with drinks and snacks from Bizu?

Well, it was the night, the much awaited night for the G-Star RAW Store opening in Manila!

That night, I saw a lot of my blogger friends which made the grand launch even more exciting!

with Tara

L-R Primer Group PR Associate Laira Legaspi, Me, Martha, 

Tara, Kira, Alex, Lauren and Marco

The event was hosted by Borgy Manotoc

G-Star, to those who aren't familiar with the brand, is a luxury streetwear made by denim specialist and it's a Dutch Brand.  

From its conception in 1989, G-Star has been known for its innovative and cutting edge style in the world of denim.

Ribbon cutting ceremony

Everyone's excited, G-Star Raw is officially open!

"Raw, pure and functional, both the collection and the G-Star Stores perfectly reflect these values" --- I totally agree as I looked around the store.

Who says men can't be fashionable and RAW?

 

Denim jackets and tops for the men in our lives!

Visual display of the store

Aside from the exciting store opening, G-Star Raw also presents five Filipino ambassadors that night who embodies what the brand is all about.  The 5 Brand Ambassadors are some of the most successful in the field of modeling, fashion, film and music scene.

L-R Mike Conception, Gian Romano, Pauline Prieto, 

Sid Maderazo and Sanya Smith

 FW12 Collection for Women

More For Women collection

  FW12 Collection for Men

More for men

 Models looking RAW

 

I am loving how edgy these models look!

Still feminine with a unique twist!

Bloggers at the G-Star Raw Wall

L-R Martha, me, Tara, Angela and Sarah

 Me with shopping-mate Angela

 AMW wearing Denim short dress (vintage) and Ferretti shoes

The Primer Group of Companies, Asia's next retail giant, is the exclusive distributor of G-Star Raw in the Philippines.

G-Star Raw Store Manila

Unit 201 Upper Ground Floor C1

Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig

 Thanks and Congratulations to Primer Group of Companies, ARC Public Relations, Inc and G-Star RAW Manila!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reports: Forever 21 Finally Opens at SM MOA

Last Friday, July 27, 2012.  SM MOA was creating a huge buzz as the much awaited opening of the Forever 21 Store. 

I'm one of those excited ones as SM MOA may not be close to where I live but it's the closest Forever 21 branch for me!  That means, more chances of shopping!  

A fashion show was set up for us to appreciate the up and coming collection from the brand.

Kudos to Forever 21 team for maximizing a tiny space creating a unique fashion show!
 

After the fashion show, the audience were asked to strut the unique runway on their own going to the Forever 21 store.  Everyone was in high spirits and I can't help but get excited as well!  

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

 Finally, the store is opened for us to take a first peek!

The 2,000 square meter Forever 21 store has done it again!  The beautifully styled mannequins and attractive displays inspires anyone  to be creative in terms of fashion!  

You can definitely find the latest trends you see on runways or magazines come to life and within reach!

Kids' section

I see a lot of kids outfit I want, but of course, they can never fit on me! *laughs*

Shoes

  Some denim pieces

 Aztec Printed tops and shorts

 

 Pastels

Bags

Accessories

And a whole lot more!  

(2 photos below taken from Forever 21)

Forever 21, Love 21, Heritage 1981, Forever 21 Girls, Forever 21+ and 21Men.  The store definitely has wide collection of shoes, accessories and intimates that anybody can relate to!

 

Forever 21 New!
Click on www.forever21ph.com, share your photos, your thoughts, and what-have-you's with other Forever 21 fans, and check out what's trending in the world of Forever 21.  You can also follow Forever 21 on Facebook and Twitter and do not forget to visit its new website www.forever21ph.com.

Have you visited the Forever 21 SM MOA branch?
Which branch do you usually visit?
I guess my answer would be SM MOA branch!

P.S. Thanks Jane Kingsu-Cheng of Forever 21 for the invite! :)

Enjoy shopping!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!