Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Hydra Booster Review

Firstly, let me share the good news at the start of this post before I start blabbing!

If you want to try Make Up For Ever’s Step 1 Primer to know which particular type would work for you, local PH residents, click THIS LINK to know the right primer for you and score a free sample!

Back to MY story.  I have a long history with Make Up For Ever as a brand.  I was probably a “resident” in their first MUFE Branch at Shangri-la Mall many years back!  I studied Make Up at the Basement Academy also located at Shang Mall so it is natural for me to stay there to look for products needed in my school!

So primers back then weren’t a thing, I knew there are a couple of famous ones but we don’t have a lot of choices - you either pick a silicone one and non-silicone ones!  

As for clients, I would pick whether to use an oil-control primer or apply moisturizer on them, which is quite tricky because different clients have different “hydrating” Needs.  Some may find the moisturizer I brought to be too heavy or too creamy to be applied pre-makeup face!  

Thankfully, one of my favorite professional brand has a WIDE range of primers which I ended up stocking up on.  In my bag you’ll see - Oil-Control, Hydrating, Brightening primers to name a few!  And they were all STEP 1 !

 What’s different with Make Up For Ever Hydra Booster Step 1 Primer with the old one?  NEWER Formulation!  I can immediately spot the difference on first usage!  It is creamier, has a tint and smells great!  It has ginseng to help refresh dry areas, smoothen out your skin and create a radiant glow!  You don’t believe me?  Watch my short video!

Hairstyle Tutorial: Scarf Bun

 

Hi Hair lovers!

I have mentioned this so many times, I enjoy styling my hair even at this day and age.  I mean how does a 40 plus years old women hair look like in the past? 

Thinking about my mom, it has always been short, or in ponytail?  Or just plain straight with a bit of resistance (from hairspray! Hahaha)

Times have changed.  Things are different.  Women in the 30s, 40s and 50s can look like a teenager!  All thanks to Social Media because we are more aware of trends no matter how busy we are.

I, on the other hand, has been living in ponytail and bun!  I have been busy the whole day doing houehold chores and mom and wife tasks I don’t have time to look good or appear human in most days!  

Since I have a couple of Zoom meetings in between looking like a slob, I am finding easy ways to “up” my hairstyling game without a lot of effort.

Do you like this?

A very simple bun without using hairpins but just a single non-slip rubber band!  Keyword: A non-slip rubber band is a must to keep the bun and scarf in place!

Pick a medium to large sized scarf like the one I used from Mango.  Bit scarves have more weight and control so it’ll fall off nicely.

One Lipstick Look

Busy girls in general, what’s your ultimate tip when it comes to makeup application when you only have a couple of minutes to spare?

Do you lug around a HUGE makeup bag for retouch?

Do you have to use different makeup products for each application?

If you answer YES to any of the 2 questions above, I will be your angel today!  

Here I am using only 2 products - a face powder and a lipstick to create this overall look!  Keep in mind I have full brows to begin with so I’m okay with only 2 products, if you don’t have brows, well, let’s add that extra step to fill in your brows and we’re ready to go!  Okay?

Before I share to you my 1 minute IGTV, I want to share the product I used - Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color in Cherry.

If you are on a look out for this brand, they have Gift of Love Pre-Sale Exclusive happening from January 22 to February 3, 2021 at Beauty by Lazmall!

Choose a pre-sale offer on Bobbi Brown Official Flagship Store in Lazada and pay for deposit from today until February 4.

Pay balance on February 5 to complete the purchase!  

True Beauty K-Drama Lim Joo-Kyung Makeup Look

 

I don’t know about you but True Beauty has a certain charm to me!  I usually do not watch Kdramas that are ongoing!  I dislike the fact that I have to wait weekly to know what’s going to happen next!  Call me impatient - I am!  (When it comes to K-Drama!)

This one was an exception.  When I first watched some short clips on Facebook videos, I searched on the drama right away and watched Episodes 1-6 (the last was episode 6 for year 2020).  I knew the drama could be superficial to some but it has deeper roots.  

At the age of 15 or 16, I suffered from hormonal imbalance and had really bad acne.  So bad I don’t have photos to prove because I disliked taking photos!  For an extrovert to turn introvert and hide from parties and gatherings, I relate to the charater Lim Joo-Kyung so much that I cry whenever she cries.  

I was never bullied like her but I knew the sudden lack of confidence when you are at that young age of highschool student - ahhhh I even remembered talking to my crush and he was literally starting at my cheeks !  I just want the earth to swallow me!  

Even when I turn back time, I probably won’t be able to do what Joo-Kyung did, I can’t wear makeup for the life of me!  Studying in a strict Catholic School, I’ll get kicked out faster than having a lovelife!  *laughs*

But now that I’m way older, I’ve decided to play with the makeup looks created by the character because I love how fresh and natural she looked even if the character was known to have put so much foundation!  

P.S.  I never claim to look like Moon Ga Young the actress but I tried my best to recreate the makeup look of that particular photo! (Above)

How do you like it?

I would probably throw in a nice pair of lashes but since the character is a highscool student, I’ve decided to forego this step!

For this look, I’ve tried lightening up my brows and make it more subtle and natural looking since my original brows are WILD and thick!  I also use a bright eyeshadow color to mimic bright looking eyes and used pencil liner instead of liquid for subtle definition.  I also drew in some false lashes at the lower lashline because the actress has huge-looking eyes in this drama!

The most distinct feature of Joo-Kyung is her just-bitten lips!  She always use a nice shade of red at the center of her lips making her lips look youthful!  And lastly, I did not forget to highlight my skin and skipped concealer on my undereye area and created Aegyo-Sal (puffy undereye).  Koreans believe having fat deposits under the eyes represents youthfulness!  

Son Ye Jin Inspired Makeup Look with Bioscience

 

I am inspired to create a Healthy Makeup Look for Christmas as everyone seems not to be in the mood to apply makeup!  

I totally understand you. Who would?  I’ve had maskne a couple of times whenever I came home from wearing masks more than an hour or so!  

But truthfully, 2020 is sad enough so I don’t want to end it in a sad note as well.  Festive season is still around the corner (because we say so and we can trick our mind in believing!)  As much as we are both not confident enough to create glam look, well, my look for Christmas this year is inspired by one of my favorite Korean Actress - Son Ye Jin.

I’ve loved her way before Crash Landing on You. I love her makeup when she wore a somewhat beach wedding dresses on last scene.  I liked her simplicity and beauty when I first saw her on Personal Preference.  Whenever I see her photos online, it’s always on a fresh, natural-looking side.  Close to my kind of makeup look.  

Unboxing: BeautyMNL Haul

Who has shopped at BeautyMNL even once in their lifetime?

*raises hand a couple of times*

I haven't been shopping on skincare and makeup recently especially during the lockdown.  I have been buying a lot of food items. vitamins and basic needs online.  So I haven't visited the site in a while but once I was invited to take a look, I was surprised because they are definitely an all around E-commerce site now.  Not just focused on beauty and skincare, more of HOLISTIC beauty.

So I recently shopped a couple of essentials (My essentials) which includes supplements, for fitness, hair and a whole lot more!

Please watch my IG TV  Unboxing!  I swear, it is fun because I tried my first Vidal Sassoon hair tool!  Let me know what your favorite item found in my haul video!

View this post on Instagram

Did a couple of clicks @beautymnl online and received my order the next day! It was THAT fast! Everything was wrapped well for protection and You get freebies for every purchase! I am so happy they added a whole lot more categories so I get to cal this a one-stop shop to achieve Beauty In and Out! Tip alert! They are on sale from Nov. 3-11, 2020! Indeed, @beautymnl is “For every Filipina, every step of the way!” #askmewhats #ForEveryFilipina #BeautyMnl #onlineshopping #skincare #hair #Beauty

A post shared by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐮 (@askmewhats) on Nov 6, 2020 at 10:26pm PST

How to Trim, Cut and Layer Your Hair At Home

 

It is VERY difficult to cut your own hair even for someone who has haircutting background.  I am in no way a Professional Haircutter but I student haircutting basic a few years back (more than 10 years ago before I studied makeup artistry).  

I originally thought I wasted my time and money but who would have thought a decade after I would put this learnings in good use?

Since COVID-19 happened, I have been cutting my husband's and son's hair since March 2020.  After months of feeling irritated with my dry ends, I have decided to cut my own hair and take a video doing it so you guys can check it out if I can manage to do so.  

I've done a poll and a lot of my #AMWFriends suggested to have my hair cut short but I am honestly enjoying my long hairstyle because I can do a lot of hairstyling practice from updo styles to curling!  I have no one to practice with so I may as well use my own hair! 

Fast forward to my decision to trim and fix the layers of my hair, I have also shared some basic layering tips at the start of the video!  Feel free to watch the basic rules and skip the rest if you are too lazy to watch! But at least, watch the first few minutes because that is where I gave the basic knowledge on layering!  

I know a lot of you are shaking your head saying : "I am NO professional!  I cannot do it!" 

There's no forcing there, you may still go out to a salon and have your hair cut by a professional, it is less stressful that way but I wanted to stay at home, lessen the chances of exposure to the virus plus, I am actually intrigued to know if I can actually do this!  I mean, I was born with a sponge - I just want to keep on learning! 

Without further ado...here's my first haircut to myself and I think I've done a good job!  What do you think?

Here's the quick video!  Happy Learning!

If you have done your own haircut (or your family's) using this video! I would really appreciate it if you let me know! :D

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

How to Look Younger in an Instant

 

Age is just a number as they say, but when you're stressed, lacking sleep, tired or doing the wrong makeup, you are fast forwarding the aging process and we obviously do not like that!  

I recently tried creating a quick yet informational video on how to look younger than your age (not the trying hard time and no surgery needed!) 

This is just like a regular dos and don'ts video on makeup and I inserted some hairstyling and fashion tips at the end!

As expected, I am always a "girl in a hurry" so these tips are simple, easy and most importantly, they can be done by ANYONE!  You don't have to be a professional makeup artist to be able to follow these tips!

How old do you think I am in this photo? 

(Please be nice and comment below! :P)

Watch this video and don't forger to watch until the end part because I shared my ultimate anti-aging secret there!

Simple Makeup Look for Mask Wearers

Hi AMW Friends!
I have done an FB Live for Make Up For Ever to do a makeup for mask wearers.  I used all Make Up For Ever products back then and this was actually done using random products I own at home.  

Meaning, you can do this makeup look using your existing makeups!  You don't need to use the same makeup products I used but please watch the video and follow my simple steps!

As much as eye makeup is the vital part of this type of makeup, I've decided to make it subtle still as a lot of you do not find applying makeup as a priority in these days and times.  As for me, I felt more confident covering my undereye circles and felt even more confident if I have a wash of color on my lids!  I picked a brighter eyeshadow makeup for this particular look because....everything has been gloomy since COVID-19 started.

Please watch my video and don't forget to subscribe my channel.  The video is simple and edited on the phone by yours truly but I hope my message will be heard and tips will serve a good purpose.

Ombre Lips Tutorial #AMWIGtv

We all wanted Korean Gradient lips after watching all the K-Drama at some point in our lives!  I have tried it myself so many times but failed!

YES, you read it right --- FAILED.

I have full lips, dark pigmented lips especially on the outline and my lips are super dry as well.  The effect looks unnatural and most of the time, the lip tint at the center of my lips tends to transfer to my teeth.  

Basta, it was a disaster!

So after constantly trying out various ways and means - I finally found the best and most subtle ombre lips so far!  

As requested by some of you over #AskAMW , here you go!  My version of an Ombre lips!

Subtle, natural-looking and healthy, let me know if you have other tips and secrets!

Watch my IG TV video here uploaded on Youtube.  Please follow me and subscribe as well! 

Work From Home Make Up Tutorial

As a Work From Home VETERAN, yup!  I'd like to call myself that since I worked from home for almost 10 years before I resigned.

Coming from my husband who saw how I winged this profession, he said he has never see anyone that dedicated and hardworking!  He asked me several times this question: "Don't you feel lazy?" "Won't you want to sleep?" "How do you manage to stay focus?"

Well, there's a whole lot of tips and secrets but I'm sharing the first few ones!  I will share more if you want more by commenting below! 

If you want to see my simple skincare tutorial  on how to rejunvenate tired and stressed skin, you can watch HERE.

And I will continue that efforts by creating a simple makeup that would make you look worry-free and stress-free!


Enjoy this tutorial and don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube channel!  Love you guys!  Stay safe!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

How to Rejuvenate Stressed Skin

As happy as I look and sound on Social Media, just like everybody else - I am stressed!  

I can't believe I am announcing this, but I really am!

Just like everyone else, I TRY to keep my stress at bay by playing games, watching Korean Series and cooking!  And because my tasks aren't as physically demanding as they used to, I was left with a whole lot of energy til wee hours of the night so I am a LIVING OWL sleeping at 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning!  

My skin is obviously suffering!  

Zits are popping from nowhere, I am starting to see enlarged pores on my cheeks and dry patches (again) on forehead and chin!  

I have to do something, so here's my no fail method to rejuvenate wonky skin!  You won't see instant results, but this made me feel good!

Please subscribe and watch this short video!

What's your plan to save up your skin?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

How to Draw and Fix Messy Brows

It is easy to do brow makeup tutorial when your brows are already shaped and trimmed.  Whether you have them micro-bladed, threaded, waxed or plucked, there are days that your brows seem to be unruly and messy and here's a quick video on how I would handle such brows!

Products mentioned/used:

• IT Cosmetics Universal Brow Pencil
• Benefit Brow Contour Pro
• Full Brow Brow Brush
• Nippon Esthetic Spoolie
• Benefit Precisely My Brow (Shade 3)
• SilkyGirl 3D Brow and Nose Shader Powder
• Kate Tokyo Brow Gel
• Benefit 3D Brow Tones Shade 2

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

In Her Element Butterlips Conditioning Color Review

In Her Element, a brand spearheaded by my Beauty Blogger friend Liz Lanuzo.  I knew Liz for a decade now, we started our Beauty Blogging journey reviewing various beauty products and Liz has always been very serious with her reviews and I look up to her on how she studies each ingredient. 

I am not surprised she came up with In Her Element and her skincare products (reviews HERE).  I obviously didn't blink an eye when she expanded her brand with lipsticks! 

Introducing: In Her Element Butterlips Conditioning Color

Php345.00 each/Php875 a set 

Available at: www.inherelement.ph

This formula is a balm and lipstick hybrid, delivering a juicy wash of moisturizing color on the lips.  It's designed to be comfortable and low-maintenance during the day, so that you don't need to take too much precious time retouching.

I'll leave it to Liz to understand my "dryness" issues.  A lot of lip products have been made available and most of them are so gorgeous but I couldn't wear them for a long time because of the matte finish.  Thankfully, someone came up with lip products that has the same gorgeous colors I want that are made available in matte formulation yet comfortable enough to wear even without the presence of lip balm! 

I don't know about you but I'm looking forward for more shades the brand has to offer.

Left-Right

Hanan, Tala and Mayari

(Natural Light)

In front of ring light

Hairstyle Tutorial: Big Curls (Korean Hairstyle)

I follow a lot of Korean Hairstylists in IG and wished to have them cut my hair because I love their trending hairstyle. 

I studied haircutting and learned a few tricks on hairstyling during my younger years and when I was actively doing Bridal.  Equipped with that knowledge, I've decided to experiement my own hair with different hairstyles because I am a Beauty Blogger like that!

I recently got hooked with Korean hairstyles and my love for natural and soft waves remains --- I've decided to create this romantic hairstyle using my 10-year plus old Remington 1.5 inch Curling Iron.  

This was the result!

Before and After

Did I give you the Koreana vibe?

Watch this simple video that I made on how to create this very subtle romantic waves!  If you are accustomed to your hairstyling tools, you can easily create this style in less than 10 minutes!  (Depending on the thickness of your hair!)

Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Summer Proof Pinks Available today!

January 2018, I swatched all 10 Super Stay Matte Inks from Maybelline, you can read the story HERE.

Then the brand released small collections of shades based from theme.  This year is no different, they came up with #SuperStayMatteInkPinkEdition !

They launched this at Lazada on my Birthday - February 28 and is widely available nationwide.  Out of the 6 that was sent, I picked a favorite and wore it here.

How To Apply Eyeliner

Finally, after constantly getting DM's on my IG page on how to apply eyeliner the easiest way, I created a quick and easy-to-follow video tutorial that would help you apply eyeliner quickly.  This is the fail-proof trick because I've been teaching this to a lot of my clients!  This works, you only need to keep on practicing and NOT give up!

Enjoy!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Subtle Waves Hairstyle #AMWIGtv

This has been my go-to look instead of the usual curls or beach waves, I guess I got lazier by the minute or busier for me to be able to do tedious curls!

This, my friend is the easiest hairstyle to achieve, you only need a flat iron and if you don't have one, a big curler would be okay!

Enjoy watching and I hope you LIKE and SUBSCRIBE on my channel, it's nothing fancy, I am still trying to understand what Video Editing is but hang in there, we'll get there! SOMEDAY :D

Products used: Kerastase Heat Protectant Remington Flat Iron Rat Tail Comb Nekkid Sea Salt Spray

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Nail Art Tutorial: Classy Nails

I wish I've done a video on ALL my nail art tutorials because I missed seeing how I fumbled and had a hard time doing all those crazy strokes!

I just knew I love doing it and I love seeing the results!  And it's never too late to say: "You're caught on video!"  I can't wait to re-watch these when I'm older!

Products used:

• GirlStuff Nail Hardener
• Niyo & Co. Smalto (base color)
• 2-way Nail Art Pen (White)
• Girlstuff Nail Polish in French Tip (White)
• Niyo & Co. Top Coat Glitter
• Niyo & Co. Top Coat

Enjoy!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Party-Ready Look (Burgundy Make up Tutorial)

Hi AMW Friends!
I haven't worn full makeup in A WHILE!
Things have been busy but just the start of 2020, I've attended 1 wedding and 1 more next week!  So I have to brush off my make up game and created this look that I lot of you asked for! 

It also helps if you style your hair differently!  Just simple curls and waves can make you look different that usual - different in a YOU-way!

Enjoy the video!  I apologize for the video format because this was originally made for IG TV!