AMW Makeover: Trial Makeup for Bride-to-Be

One thing that I love about wedding preparation is trial makeup!  I know some of my friends went through a lot of trial makeup before picking "the one", as for me, I was lucky enough to have just gone through 1 trial makeup and booked the makeup artist immediately.

Now that the tables have turned and I am the makeup artist, I understand and highly recommend clients to try as many makeup artists (as long as it fits their budget) because it is the greatest day of any woman's life to get married so looking great is not an option!

As for my first trial makeup this year, I am lucky to have met a wonderful woman whose inner beauty shone so bright she doesn't even need any makeup on!

Trial Makeup Client

Skin type: Normal, perspires easily

Request: None

My client's skin is almost perfect and all I need to do is to prime her skin with Laura Mercier Oil-Free Primer as a base for her foundation to apply smoothly and last longer.  Since the client has normal skin, I went for the shade that matches exactly her face and neck and applied all over her face!  Because I want to make sure the client looks picture-perfect, I used Bobbi Brown Concealer and applied a good amount to lighten up the darkness under her eyes and set with a translucent powder.

To create a nice frame, I tinted her brows and filled in sparse area with brow powders by mixing dark and light shades.  It is very important to take extra time in this step and constantly check at the reflection to make sure both brows at least match. 

As for her eye makeup, I've decided to play with these colors:  Bronze, Cocoa, Shimmer Gold and Matte Black (from various brands MAC, Bobbi Brown, Lancome and Shu Uemura).  I've decided to define her eyes by lining her upper lash line with dark brown gel liner from MAC and use the remaining gel liner to line her lower lash line as gel liners stay longer and have lesser chance to smudge and smear.  

I picked my ES Lashes A134 from KKCenterHK and instead of using a pair, I picked only 1 lash and cut it in half and applied false lashes only on the outer corner of the client's eyes.  

Let's talk about contouring and highlighting, as for any makeup for photography, contouring and highlighting is very important to create dimension.  I contoured the client's nose, cheeks and chin and highlighted the bridge of her nose, the center of her face and her chin.  Product used was my favorite Stila Contouring and Highlighting powder.  This creates better looking skin!

As for her cheeks, I used Shu Uemura blush and finished off with a brown orange shade of lipstick.

How do you like this week's AMW Makeover?
How do you perceive your bridal makeup to be?

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Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
 

AMW Makeover: UFC Girl Arianny Celeste

Good morning and Happy Friday Everyone!

An old client of mine recommended me to a company who needed a makeup artist to do their print ad (thanks Joey!).  Who would've thought the "lucky me" gets to work twice with the country's number 1 Car Accessories Center --- Concorde ?

The first project was an outdoor shoot and I will be sharing my experience once the company have released the photos!  For now, I'm quite excited to see this photo at their Facebook page for the newly opened Concorde Harbor Point in Subic!

The model's name is Arianny Celeste, to those who don't know her (mostly girls hahaha)  Here's a snippet from Wikipedia.

Arianny Celeste (born November 12, 1985) is an American ring girl and model  She is best known for being an Octagon Girl for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Arianny is of Mexican and Filipino decent which spells G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!  She appeared in various international magazines such as Maxim, FHM, Sports Illustrated, Playboy and a whole lot more!

So am I ready to do her makeup?  YOU BET!!! (fan girl mode on)

The shoot was done at The Fashion Academy Manila, prior to the Concorde shoot Arianny was up for FHM Philippines Cover Shoot (you can see her in this month's issue!)

As soon as the FHM shoot was over, I immediately fixed the work station as I'll be doing both her hair and makeup! (Okay, there wasn't any fixing!  Look how messy everything was!!!  *laughs*)

We had a meeting with the Photographer and the client a couple of hours before the shoot and it was decided how the company wanted the "look" of their model.  Everyone (including myself) agreed on a very natural, fresh, young and vibrant look!  

Here's a photo taken several hours after the shoot

  

 Here's another peek on her makeup!  I will do my best to remember the products used!

• OCC Airbrush Foundation
• Shu Uemura Face Powder in Sheer
• Ruby and Millie Complete Eye Kit (I used the brow powder and wax)
• Urban Decay Primer Potion 
• Lancome Color Fan Eye Shadow Palette 
• MAC eyeshadow in  Brown Down
• Kate Gel eyeliner in black
• Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
• Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara
• ES Brand false lashes
• Becca Creme Blush in Amaryllis
• Christian Dior Blush in #839 Vintage Pink
• MAC Shadester - to contour
• Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Pale Pink mixed a bit of MAC's Pink Nouveau

One of the few shots I got from the photographer Mark Lao of  Trio Photography Philippines.   Do book them if you need photographers as they are very professional and good! 

I can't wait to see these posters in person and probably take a photo with it  *lol*!  Let me know if you've visited the store!  

I want to thank the wonderful people behind Concorde Philippines for the trust!  This is indeed a project that I enjoyed doing and doesn't feel like work at all!

Do you know Arianny Celeste prior to my Wikipedia knowledge power?  *laughs*

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Tip for the Day: Why False Lashes are Needed on Any "Photograph" Day!

Happy month of May!!!

It is cute how  most of my clients would dismiss the idea of wearing falsies for the reason of: "It's not my wedding day!" 

Well, excuse you lovelies!  Wedding day or not, if you know you will have your photos taken, I strongly recommend you to at least, give false lashes a chance!  It makes a HUGE difference to your overall look!

I can prove it to you :)

Photo Below: Anonymous client who wants very light eye makeup (as she needs to carry her baby around).  Check how her "after false lashes" shot made her eyes look more alive and awake!

Of course, the quality of false lashes have to be really good!  Really good doesn't have to equate to really expensive!

Here are some of the brands I highly recommend ---

ES Brands by KKCenterHK

I love it that ES Brand recently came up with box of 5 pairs of different styles eyelashes for USD15.44 (approx Php664.00 + shipping not included).  I like taking these with me especially if I'm meeting the client for the first time and I wouldn't know her eye shape and makeup preference! 

I am also finding myself stocking on another favorite from ES Brand, the ES A599 lashes!  These also comes in 5 pairs!  I am liking this brand from KKCenterHK because its handmade, the stems are very thin and easy to maneuver at the same time, the lash hairs are super soft and lightweight!

ES A599 costs USD15.12 (approx Php650.00 + shipping not included) and I used this on the model's eyes above!  Feedback from clients are always positive and they would even keep the lashes for future use!

To those who are uncomfortable in terms of online shopping, you can easily order Flutter Eyelashes at Beauty & Minerals.  Quality are the same but the lashes they have are more dramatic ones!  

Available in - Drama Queen, Purr, Feisty and Majestic

A box of 10 pairs costs Php350.00 - 400.00 (approx $8.00-$9.30)

So, are you the type who would wear false lashes on special events or occasions?
If not, why?
Scared to apply false lashes on your own?
Feel free to check out my tutorial here.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Readers' Corner: On Eyelash Adhesives and False Lashes

Reader's corner day!  I have loads of questions that I need to unload and one of the most number of queries I recently got was about false lashes and adhesives!  Ah hah!  A lot of you are probably braving up wanting to get the thick, luscious-looking lashes that mascaras can't do much anymore?

*high five*

I'm sure some of you were born with thick, long eyelashes so I won't get hurt if you close this site!  To the rest who kept on reading?  Now, let's start fluttering those false lashes!  We have hope! :)

One of the most used Eyelash Adhesive brand is called DUO.  I have finished a tube of DUO which I got from dear friend Gracie a couple of years ago!  I used this brand especially for Brides.  This brand can be purchased at MAC store for approximately Php700.00 (approx $16.00) but the downside is, these are out of stock most of the time!

Thank God for bazaars!  When I visited Rockwell's Moonlit Bazaar last December to visit my dearest friends Sophie, Jheng, Shen and to meet Sol of Digital Traincase in person, lo' and behold...--- DUO Eyelash Adhesive right in front of me!  I grabbed one right away!  I do apologize I forgot the exact price but it's definitely less than Php700.00! 

To those who are on a budget and still want to try some eyelash adhesive that works!  I have 2 which costs less than Php400.00 (approx $9.30).  One is the Ardell Lash Grip Adhesive and the other one is Andrea ModLash.  Both brands came from the same manufacturer  (Past review HERE).  I have finished both tube (in clear and black) and I repurchased Andrea not because I like one better than the other but I can't seem to find Ardell at the Beauty Bar!  Must look for them at Watsons maybe?

If you ask me why I own various brands?  I really can't tell!  It's nice for a makeup artist to have lots of choices!  I usually go for the DUO on brides though as it's tested to stay until removal time!  And so far, none of my clients complained about lashes falling off or allergic reactions! *knocks on wood*

Now let's proceed to false lashes!  When I was just starting up on makeup, I would go to Landmark and purchase various false lashes! (Read the various lashes I've bought from Landmark HERE)  My favorite is the one called Natural and it looks absolutely natural you can even wear them daily (if you're comfortable enough with application.)  I realized after, that these natural falsies may look great in person but I find them not enough on photos.  I tried going for the thicker ones but they felt a bit too plastic-y. 

Off to search for inexpensive yet good quality ones!  I shifted to ES Lashes from KKCENTERHK.

I was initially sent some for review but I love them so much I repurchased and hoarded a lot that the customs officer lifted an eyebrow on me thinking I'm importing some drugs. *laughs*  (ES review HERE)

What about those who are uncomfortable with online shopping?

Thanks to my one tiny trip to Moonlit Bazaar, I learned that Beauty & Minerals are now selling Flutter Eyelashes and I swear, these are somewhat similar to the ES Lashes --- quality wise. Since I got a number of natural lashes ES for Bridal clients, I am glad to own more dramatic ones for future shoots!  Check out the names!

A box of 10 pairs costs Php350.00 - 400.00 (approx $8.00-$9.30), if calculated, each pair costs much cheaper.  You can purchase these at Beauty & Minerals.

Majestic

Crazy thick for that super dark eye makeup!

Drama Queen

Need i say more? for the Drama girl in you!

Purr

These lashes reminded me so much of the Ardell lashes 

which can be bought in singles and these can be purchased by bulk 

and it's more inexpensive that way!

Feisty

Similar to The Face Shop False Lashes

Use this to create a better "winged eye" look!

I can't wait for them to stock up on "natural" lashes so I don't have to order online and wait for shipping and probably have a police waiting for me outside the post office as they have a police dog sniff on my false lashes!  (too imaginative, I know!)

For personal use, it doesn't hurt to purchase them in bulk as you get to throw some pairs after a couple of use!  False lashes do wear and tear so purchasing a box won't harm  your health :P  To some who really can't go for bulks!  Here are some singles that I've tried that works!

First time users can go for 3s pre-glued lashes

International readers may probably go for Revlon Fantasy Lengths Self Adhesive lashes.  I have personally tried these too as I was gifted by Beauty Blogging friend Toma but I would say, the 3s Brand have stronger adhesives meant for our weather!

Various Asian cosmetics brand like The Face Shop also makes good-looking lashes for around Php100.00 (approx $2.30) a pair.  My favorite is The Face Shop's XLH lashes which I used HERE on my How to Apply Falsies tutorial.

Other good brands I've used for Brides are Ardell lashes that I ordered from International sites.

A favorite of mine to use for Brides or Pre-nup shoots are the 110 Demi Black

Or if brides are more adventurous and wanted a bit of drama and still looks great and natural on photos, the 101 Demi Black is also a wonderful choice!

Ardell lashes cost approximately Php400.00-500.00 (approx $9.30-11.60) a pair.

If you have the budget and you can apply false lashes on yourself!  There's the GlamBox Mink Lash which costs a lot but worth it as I'm still using these on special occasions and they still work like a charm!

Each pair costs Php1,500 (approx $35.00), looks crazy on packaging but oh-so-worth it when worn!  Photo can be seen HERE.

If false lashes are considered life and death, then...feel free to indulge on MAC and Shu Uemura lashes!  I own a pair of MAC lashes which I'm still saving up for that special moment....definitely not a wedding but could be for my Second Wedding Ceremony at the age of 80?  :P

Important tips to remember ---

• Wear false lashes that sits comfortably, cut them if necessary to prevent sharp edges.
• Once the lash glue creates stinging sensation or redness, do not use the lash glue anymore.
• If you plan to re-use falsies, always remove excess glue and clean with eye makeup remover.
• Store false lashes in a tiny container free from dust and pollution.
• For the lash glue, once the scent changed, toss them right away!

Hope this post helps to current and future false lash wearers out there!

Any other tips you may want to add?
Any other lash glue and false lashes brands?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Version: Here Comes the Rain

Rainy days can put me in a gloomy mood!  It's not because I hate the rain but I dislike the flood, traffic and danger it gives to everyone!  

I am trying to put something positive into everything that's happening around us that's why I thought of creating a Rainy Day Look!  I thought of the dark blue sky, that explains the colors I used!

AMW Diagram

Step 1:

Apply a primer if you want for the eyeshadow to look more vibrant and stay longer.  I used Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer.  I penciled my crease area with Lancome Le Crayon Khol in Teal and top it with Laura Mercier's Blue Sky Eye Quad using the color as pointed by the brush.

Step 2:

With a blending brush, blend out harsh lines from the blue shadow with Dollface Green shade eyeshadow.

Step 3:
Apply light shimmery orange eyeshadow (same from Dollface palette) on the brow bone area.

Step 4:

With a pencil brush, apply the same blue shadow used on Step 1 on the lower lash line.

Step 5:

Apply gel liner.  I am using KATE Gel Liner in Black

Optional:

Apply falsies.  I am using KKCenterHK's ES A155 which is one of the longest and fullest lashes I've tried to date. I am liking the lashes from ES as they are long but not heavy at all!  It feels so light!

 

  

Here Comes the Rain

What's on the rest of my face?

Secret!  *just joking* :P

For the Face

INuovi Lite Base  in 3Y

Revlon ColorStay Powder Foundation

For the Cheeks

MAC Superduper Natural Mineralized Blush

 For the Lips:
NYX Black Label Lipstick in Acapulco

Revlon Colorburst 004 Pink Ice

Rain or shine, 

I'm ready to face the world with a huge smile!

After I removed my falsies, here's how bare my real lashes look! :)

Girls can really cheat with makeup!
Guys....BEWARE!  *laughs*

Do you look different with falsies on?
It depends, the really long ones can give a huge impact to my tiny eyes!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Version: Smoke-ready Summer!

Happy mid-week!  After sharing my nail art for the week, I am sharing another version I've done on my *ahem* gorgeous face!  hahaha  Come on!  Give it to me, this is my blog anyway so you have no choice but...to keep on reading!  (please do!) hahaha

I've decided to play a bit with the smokey look as it's actually nice for people with small eyes!  I've also used a very light brow pencil for those readers who asked why their brow powders or pencils make their brows super dark!  The secret is the shade!   This is the lightest brow pencil shade from Paul & Joe. 

Wondering if you'll believe me if I say

these are my original lashes?  

(Are you shaking your head?)

AMW Diagram

I used my Urban Decay Primer Potion as base

Step 1:

Though I plan to create a dark smokey look, I used an aqua shade underneath.  Applied Ulta's Deep Sea eyeshadow all over the lids.

Step 2:

With Ulta's Galaxy Eye Shadow, pat on the color on top of the blue base that I've created on step 1.  Blend well and add as you go on.  Do not worry about fall-outs at this stage, you can use a huge powder brush to brush it off afterwards.

Use a pencil brush to apply on the lower lash line.

Step 3:

With Ulta's Calla Lily, apply on the brow bone area including the inner corners of the eye and inner lower lash line.

Step 4:

Lined my eyes with Stila Smudge Pots in Black with the remaining gel liner on the brush, apply a bit on the lower lash line to define your eyes. 

Filled my brows and color them light with Paul & Joe Eyebrow Pencil no. 4.  Shade is equivalent to Blonde.

 

Applied false lashes.  

I used EO Lashes from KKCenterHK A88 Lashes

with DUO lash glue

The lashes may look too wild and fake on box but once applied on the eyes, it works perfectly on me and it looks amazing on photos! Very lightweight and it doesn't make me teary-eyed as compared to similar style of lashes.

AMW Version: Smoke-ready Summer

Check out what I used for the rest of my face

I opted to go for orange cheeks and lips as it's a nice color perfect for the summer!

For the face:
Revlon's ColorStay Aqua Mineral Makeup Foundation

in

For the Cheeks:
Paul & Joe Face Color 08
or use any peachy orange blush

For the Lips:

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Siren

Fix your hair and smile!

I want to thank Modess Philippines for sending the 2 shirts that says:

"'di lang ako basta babae" (I'm not just a regular girl)

Lalaki din ako (I'm also a boy!)...joke! hahaha

Modess Angels

Got 2 colored shirts from Tomato.  One will be given to my SIL! :)

Aside from being a Modess Angel, I would strongly suggest everyone to be an Angel to at least..somebody today!  It's not that difficult!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!