How To: Make Eyes Appear Closer

 

How to make eyes appear closer you say? Most often, people would use glasses to emphasize the width of their eyes.  Some doesn’t so they would go for lasik eye surgery,  if you wonder about lasik eye surgery cost , the best prices are often found in Dubai (as told by my friend).  The prices starts at $1000 and surgeries like SMiLE Lasik are around $2,800 for both eyes.

As for me, I am here to teach you how to achieve such with makeup.  And you would probably expect me to create a full face makeup or someone like that from theater using various products to achieve this look.

Well, you are wrong!  I have no time to bring out all the products like before - I am a super busy and always in a rush MOM!  So if like me, you can only spare a few minutes to look good, you are at the right place!

TADA!  Can you see the difference?

A lot of people would think I'd achieve this closer eyes look with eyeshadow, I am proving to you that you can do so with one product - CONTOUR POWDER.  You can even use a contour cream or liquid but that would be harder to blend though it will last longer!  

These are some of the products used to achieve a cleaner look!

Products used:
Eyebrow pencil : @bobbibrownph
Concealer: @makeupforever
Setting Powder: @lauramercier
Contour powder: @tartecosmetics
Big Brush : @avonph (good quality brushes nila guys! 👍)
Small brush to blend concealer : @realtechniquesphilippines (another winner brush brand)

If you want to proceed to your usual eyeshadow, eyeliner and the whole she bang, you may continue to do so after the contouring step!  

Barry M Fresh Face Look

 

When Barry M Launched their Fresh Face products a few months back, I did a look which I posed on Instagram Reels.  Until this day, I still use a lot of their products for quick and easy makeup looks.  Their products are lightweight and easy to work with even for first time makeup wearers.

Included in the collection are the following ---

• Barry M Fresh Face Foundation (Php499.00)
• Barry M Fresh Face Cheek and Lip Tint (Php249.00)
• Barry M Feather Brow (Php349.00)
• Barry M Fresh Face Glow Beam Illuminating Palette (Php399.00)

Price points aren't bad for the quality.  I have known Barry M since I have been a fan of their Nail Lacquers.  I also like the fact that the local distributor brought in their makeup line because I have read reviews on international blogging sites that these makeup were good!

Contour and Highlight Technique

 

Brows, eyeliner application.

Those were just some of the complaints I get from make up students.  Why is it so hard?  

One makeup application technique that is actually more difficult as you can imagine--- Contouring and Highlighting.

I remembered having a hard time when I was starting out as a Bridal Make Up Artist!  With HD Camera and videos, I was stressed to make sure the contour and highlight I am doing for the brides are perfect.  Imagine having crooked nose or fatty face from misuse of highlight and contour products?  

I . Was. SCARED!  Scared enough to always ask my husband to always check for the final look (2nd set of eyes always work!)  Ayan, I openly shared what I was scared off, but that's normal.  And being scared meant you will strive to learn and master your own craft!

So fast forward to today, I still do contouring and highlighting a lot!  These days, people are into no-makeup makeup look!  But this step is actually very important since we are on a selfie-era!  Everything had to be on videos or photos!  Kaya better be Camera-ready!

LIKE ME!

A simple before and after photo to show how subtle contour and highlight can make a huge difference!

Some of you have your own weapon, if you plan to do this on a daily basis, I suggest to most subtle, natural and easiest method are powders!  They may not last as long but the disappearance of the product can actually work better ---- a more natural effect.

I like to use the Make Up For Ever's Contour/Highlight KIT.  You can head on to their store and pick the right shade for you - I believe they have different versions for different skin tone.

Here are some subtle contour/highlight tips I learn through the years ---

San San Cosmetics NEW Products Release

 

San San Cosmetics, the brainchild of HBC has been around for years!  I have tried several of their products in the past and there were a few hit and miss.  I mean I can't complain, if you are starting out on makeup and want some good, quality makeup without breaking the bank, you may look into this but their newest collection deserves a whole lot of attention!

I  mean I have all the shades sent to me via PR box but I only get to try one of each so keep in mind that this is just my initial thoughts!  If you want a specific product in-depth review, feel free to comment here and I'll happily do so!

The 2020 makeup collection consists of the following: 

San San HD Stellar Eyes Color Cream Pens (Php195.00 each)

San San HD Lip Crayons (Php225.00)

HD Ethereal Glow Highlighters (Php192.00 each)

I have tried one from each of the collection and actually tried both Ethereal Glow Highlighters because they are too beautiful to pass!

How to use Make Up For Ever's GLITZY Palette

How many times do I have to stress to you the importance of subtle contouring, highlighting and blushing?

If not a lot of times, well I'm doing my part today!  

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT since this is the social media times - everyone's taking photos of their food, their clothes and most of all, their faces!  

And to have your photos taken on a smart phone, you'll want your skin to look healthy and fresh!  And I've got news for you --- it takes a bit of work sometimes and this palette I recently tried got its' own space at my dresser table!  I have been reaching out for this almost everyday!

Subtle look by Yours truly!

Make Up For Ever Glitzy Face Palette

Php3,950.00 (approximate)

Discover the all-in-one pro palette with 9 universal shades to create appealing makeup looks for all skin tones. Highlight, Sculpt, Blush, Glitz: 4 steps is all it takes to #glitzitup 

PeriPera Pearly Nights Ink Highlighter Review

I take my glow seriously, highlighting is integral especially for someone who has fair to medium complexion with sallow skin.  Highlighting just "fakes" perfect-looking skin!

One brand I've been using is called PeriPera.  They came up with their own highlighter from their Pearly Nights collection.  

I got 2 shades to test, I believe there are a total of 3 shades, I'm unsure if they sell all three in the Philippines but I got 2 good colors.

01 Lavender Space Beam and 

02 Pink Champagne Beam

Shade 1: Lavender Space Beam

This shade is meant for users who have cool skintone.

The Body Shop Shimmer Waves is the Glow!

Who loves to glow so subtle people may think it comes off naturally?  

US ALL right?

Well, known as a bronzer and blush compact, I actually used this more as a blush and it gives my skin the glow I've always wanted!

Do you see it?

The Body Shop Shimmer Waves

Php1,295.00

lluminate your face and create a sun-kissed glow with our Shimmer Waves. These clever compacts can be used in a number of ways for gorgeous make-up results. Swirl all the colours together for a shimmering blush or use the shades separately to highlight and contour your cheekbones. Need a little shimmer on your eyes? Pick a shade and sweep it all over your eyelid or dust the colour in the inner corners of the eyes for a lovely glistening glow.

• 100% Vegan

• Bronzing/Blushing compacts

• Shimmering For face, cheeks and eyes

• Dermatologically tested

Ofra All Glowed Up Review

How much of a glow do you like to glow?
Well, if you're ALL OUT when it comes to "Glowing" give OFRA All Glowed Up palette a try!

OFRA Glow Up Highlighter Palette

Php1,659.00 (Original Price Php2,370.00)

Available HERE

Get everyone #shooked with OFRA's Glow Up Highlighter Palette! Glaze those cheeks with these show-stopping beaming highlighters that smoothly blends onto the skin.

The palette is magnetic so feel free to refill and remix the shades!  Aside from that you get a huge mirror (which I love) and 4 different shades of highlighting powder that glows like liquid gold/pearl.

What's included are: Full-size Beverly Hills, Minis of Rodeo Drive, Blissful and Star Island. 

Max Factor Miracle Glow Duo Pro Illuminator Review

How much glow do you want your skin to have?
Just right...am I right?

That is the most requested look that I've been getting for the year 2018 - Fresh, Healthy and GLOWING skin! 

How to achieve such look for someone living in such a humid weather like the Philippines? 

Let's talk about the difference between a "highlighter" and an "Illuminator".

Highlight is for "concentrated area", while illuminator are create to enhance or create a feeling of light from "within".

Let's say, you can "highlight" your nose bridge, cheekbones and chin and you can actually "illuminate" the rest of you face for that "fresh" look.

You see the difference now?  I guess this is the time you can actually say: "Ahh, I need an illuminator in my life!"

And here's a perfect product to share because this is a legit ILLUMINATOR from Max Factor.

Max Factor Miracle Glow Duo Pro Illuninator

Php895.00

Available in shades: Light, Medium and Deep

Miracle Glow Duo is a duo of creamy highlighters: one matte highlighter to perfect skin and one shimmery highlighter to boost radiance and glow. Use them alone or in combination. Shades have been designed by Max Factor make-up artists to virtually suit every skin tone. Creamy soft texture allows for a quick and easy highlighting look as formula is easily blendable and buildable. Highlighting adds more light and is used to emphasise the angular areas on your face that naturally catch light.

How to Contour and Highlight Using Contour and Highlight Stick from IMAGIC

Such a long title! 

But seriously, to those who tell me they can't contour and highlight for the love of beauty... come on, YOU CAN!  You only need a lot of practice and maybe.... (shameless plug coming up) you can backread my past post...

How to Contour for Photography (I'm so proud of this post because my face looked so chiseled here!)

And of course, I also reviewed a similar contour and highlight product from the same brand...

IMAGIC PROfessional Contour Cream Kit

But before you get distracted with anything else, let's talk about the new IMAGIC PROfessional Highlight and Contour Stick.  This product packaging isn't new in the market, Etude House has one, also NYX (in a slimmer pencil packaging)

IMAGIC PROfessional Cosmetics Highlight & Contour Stick

Php400.00 (Php299.00 at BeautyMnl.com)

Available in shades 1, 2 and 3

"Easy-to-use stick instantly adds depth and dimension to facial features; creamy texture glides on without tugging the skin; ideal for sculpting the jawline, cheekbones, nose, temples, and brows; waterproof formula delivers a long-lasting finish."

Achieve Glowing Skin with Pixi

So I have been a fan of Glowing Skin since the start of 2018!  I don't even mind putting facial oils in my foundation to achieve that glowing skin look! 

Why?  Because glowing skin makes anyone look younger, makes your skin looks healthier and best of all?  You look like you had weekly facial visits!

Agree?

The downside about putting facial oils in your makeup routine is how your skin will look greasy, oily and dirty at the end of the day considering our almost 40 degrees weather in the Philippines.  So because I know most readers have normal/combination and oily skin, I've thought of doing a Glowing Skin look using products that won't add up to the natural oil of your skin, instead, it lessens oil but gives additional glow! 

A good deal right?

I got that glow on my first photo using Pixi By Petra Glow-y Gossamer Duo 

in shade Delicate Dew.

Php1,050.00 Available at Glamourbox

Super silky gossamer-soft powder to create a lit-from-within luminosity. Perfectly pigmented with a creamy skin-like texture, it looks natural in any light. Use on cheek & brow bones and anywhere you want to add a touch of glow.

Fake Glowing Skin Without Looking Fake!

 When Benefit announced a new Box O' Powder is arriving, I was holding onto my seat trying hard not to squirm because I have always been a Box O' Powder collector!  Since the arrival of Benefit in the Philippines more than 5 years ago, I swore to myself I'll grab every single Box O' Powder available because I just love their blushes that way!

I've said it so many times on my Blog and #AMWIgStories , my first love is Hervana, then was moved to Galifornia because of the gorgeous glow it gives!  Don't let me start talking about each blush because they hold a very special place on my cheeks especially Dallas - learned how much I love this just last year!

So where is the blush you say?  I'm pointing it for you!

A lot of the Blush Maven may not like Gold Rush.  I was glad Gold Rush came in just this year because if this came out several years ago, I'll dislike it so much this may probably go straight to the deepest part of my blush drawer!   But because fake, glowing skin is IN right now, even beauty enthusiasts are starting to apply highlighters on the apples of the cheeks, well, no need for that BOOM CHEEKS look!  You can create highlighted, gorgeous-looking skin effect with Gold Rush.

Benefit Gold Rush

Php1,600.00

Make Up For Ever Sculpting KIT Review

When I was studying makeup, one of the most sought after "contour and highlight" product was the one from Make Up For Ever Sculpting Kit.  I've been wanting this forever but since I get easily distracted from other brands, I can't believe I just got this item latter part of last year!  

Make Up For Ever Sculpting KIT

02 Neutral Light

Php2,550.00

It comes in a nifty smooth black compact that is slim enough store even in your slim and tiny handbag.  

Guerlain Meteorites CC Glow Colour Correcting Highlighter Review

Do you love Guerlain Meteorites as much as I do?

Well, it's not that type that I can't live without, but it's the type of product that makes you smile and happy whenever you see it on the dresser and gives you the natural high whenever it touches your face.

That must be the "luxe" feel that you're looking for on days you feel like nothing is turning out right!  

This product, the Guerlain Meteorites CC Glow Colour Correcting Highlighter is part of the Spring 2018 collection from the brand.  Remember the recent post I wrote on the Guerlain Meteorites Heart Shape Palette?  Well, it comes as part of a COLLECTION.

This Colour Correcting Highlighter comes with sisters, there are 3 shades in total --- Green, Pink and Apricot.  And I went for the latter because I like to brighten up key areas of my face with just a twist from this cute pen!

Météorites CC Glow products from Guerlain are colour correctors that target and correct skin tone imperfections while offering a radiant and rejuvenating effect.

Based on the principle of colorimetry – two complementary colours cancel each other out when they are layered – Guerlain has developed three complexion correctors capable of effectively neutralising minor skin tone flaws: dark circles, dark spots or redness.

Each colour has a specific correcting property: green helps to neutralise redness, pink refreshes dull complexions, while apricot helps to erase areas of shadow and minor dark spots and offset the colour blue to counter dark circles.

MAC Here Comes Joy...

I don't know about you but Highlighters give me the HIGH!
"But I can't see it when applied!" 
That's the beauty of highlighting products, you aren't supposed to see them but it lifts your face like no other!  And I recently found it in a Limited Edition product called MAC Opalescent Highlighter (From MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection).

Thanks to my sister-in-law for gifting me this!  The packaging itself is already a gift!  If you look at it closely, it indeed look like you're holding a bunch of snow!  The muted gold packaging is actually smooth but the texture looks like a crumbled foil!  I love it!  No amount of photography can show you how great it looks, you have to touch them ad see them in person.

My sister-in-law gifted me 2 and one is lighter in color, I can't accept it in my heart to get 2 compacts so I actually returned one for her and asked her to use it instead!

Let's talk about the shade I picked for myself -  HERE COMES JOY

BLK Cosmetics Contour, Blush & Highlight Palettes Review (Flushed and Sun-Kissed)

The Contour, Blush and Highlight palettes are in trend nowadays!  Who does not prefer a 3-in-1 product?  Raise your hand and I'll give you a good whipping! 

BLK Cosmetics may have just a few collection for a make up enthusiast like myself BUT, they came up with something COMPLETE in just a palette! 

The BLK Cosmetics Contour, Blush & Highlight Palette

Php499.00 each (approx $8.00)

Comes in 2 shades ---

Flushed (Rose Blush)

Sun-kissed (Peach Blush)

Description

Sculpting, made easy. Achieving perfectly defined cheeks is as easy as 1-2-3 with this three-step face palette with expertly coordinated shades to flatter every complexion: a matte contour, an iridescent blush, and a champagne highlighter. It’s also infused with Vitamin E to keep skin young-looking. Start sheer and blend to perfection. You can’t go wrong. 

Revlon Insta-Fix Look!

Why am I addicted to Blushing + Highlighting? 
Let me show you why with the help of Revlon Photoready Insta-Fix Highlighting Stick and Insta-Fix Blush!  These 2 are a perfect combo for an easy-peasy look!

AMW wears Photoready Insta-Fix Highlighting Stick in Gold Light and 

Insta-Fix blush in Berry Kiss

(Php575.00 each)

Swatches

Revlon Insta-Blush: Available in 4 shades (Nude Kiss, Berry Kiss, Candy Kiss and Rose Gold Kiss). 
Revlon Photoready Insta-Highlighting stick: Available in 2 shades (Gold Light and Pink Light).

When Highlighting Is Life, You Need This Palette

If you are like me who thinks "highlighting" is a very important step for daily makeup look, brace yourself as I've found a palette that gives you all your highlighting needs! 

Subtle Highlight, A bit dramatic highlight and the super spotlight-type of highlight.  Name it!  You got it all in this palette.

I know some of you thinks highlighting is the least important step so feel free just to scroll down and check out photos as I hope to change your mind!  For someone with fair yet very sallow skin, this extra step I do to get the "Ang Fresh mo naman!"  compliment.  I'm a girl, I crave for compliments every now and then! *winks*

But seriously, highlighting gives me the instant high especially when I feel tired and sleepy from my gazillion tasks!  It's just me giving my skin an "uplifting mood" on a blah day!  Just like coffee for my system, highlight for my skin!  (I hope you get my comparison :P)

Smashbox co-created this palette with highlighting guru and YouTube star Casey Holmes to create such palette inspired by Casey's ideal lighting to create that glowing look.  This palette includes 3 shades of highlighting to work for all skin tones!

My Thoughts On IMAGIC PROfessional Contour Cream KIT

There are so many makeup tricks I learned in Make Up School years ago, but one learning that I will never forget is how to contour and highlight the face using cream-based product(s).  Just the mere fact of applying additional "cream" product in a humid weather is quite scary, and let's not forget most Filipinas have oily/combination skin.  

But what's the advantage of using cream based contour product?  

Well, aside from longevity, when applied properly, the effect is more natural (because non-powdery) at the same time, it is easier to create a natural-looking transition of your contour and highlight product.  

That's why as difficult it may sound to use such product, I do use cream type contour and highlight on clients and myself (especially if I am hosting or attending an important event).

Whew, such long introduction, but basically, I got the IMAGIC Contour Cream KIT months back and I'm finally ready to share my thoughts on this after testing this out on both myself and clients.

IMAGIC Contour Cream Kit

Php750.00 (now Php645.00 at BeautyMNL.com)

The Palette I got is Light which I think is perfect for my complexion.  It comes with 6 shades and I like the variation of shades that would match for both cool and warm undertone.

Gorgeous Limited Edition Face Color Trio You Should Grab!

NOW!

And if you love Jessie J, there's more reason for you to get this palette!

I must admit, I love ALL Jessie J songs but that is not the reason why I picked this palette.  I originally picked this palette because of 2 words --- LIMITED EDITION.  And you know how it is when you are a make up enthusiasts, you tend to hoard on limited edition make up products just because you are scared you won't get the chance to own them in the future.

But guess what?  My love for this palette goes BEYOND Limited Edition.  I'll tell you more after the jump!