AMW Version: "Smokey Eyes for Monolids"

Good morning everyone!  Another AMW Version dedicated to readers out there!  There are so many makeup tutorial and I'm still grateful that a lot of you would like to see mine!  Thanks to readers who appreciate the tutorials I've done and for asking me to help them with their eye makeup (even online!).  I have one request I haven't done and I'm glad I finally made one!  

I was asked to do a "smokey eye makeup" for monolids.  What the heck is monolids by the way (heads to google)

Technically, there's no exact definition of monolid but I guess the people who invented this term are makeup addicts so I'll just grab it from random website:

Monolid: Eyes without the crease on their lid area.  Some like to call this "Asian Eyes" but because I don't want to discriminate and not all Asians have monolids (ex. ME!), I'd rather use the term "monolids"

Photo example:

This is my version though and I"m sure there's hundreds and thousands of versions out there.  If I have the mood, I may do more!  :)

I have a tiny crease on my eyelid 

but let's disregard the tiny crease for this tutorial!

AMW Diagram

Prior to eyeshadow application, use an eye primer of your choice as smokey eye makeup can get messy and could get a lot of fall outs!  Using an eye primer will prevent it from happening!

In this tutorial, I am using the ELF Eyelid Primer because..its readily available and I'm too lazy to grab other primers on my makeup train case!  *laughs*

Step 1:

Using any soft blending brush, I am using the free one from the Urban Decay Book of Shadows, I applied a Shimmery Silver eyeshadow from the Sleek Graphite Palette. (which I won from Cosmetic Candy! Yay!)

Step 2:

Using the same brush (it's ok as we start from lightest eyeshadow to darkest).  I applied a shimmery black eyeshadow from the center of the lids going outward.  Imagine 45 degrees angle applying more on the outer crease area.  

Step 3:

Using a pencil brush or any brush that's more dense and short bristled, apply the darkest black eyeshadow you own making an exaggerated "cat eye" with an eyeshadow.  In my case, I covered the whole "fold" of my lids extending it outwards with a bold cat eye.

Do not forget to apply on the lower lashline with the same brush.

Step 4:

Once you're happy with it, re apply Step 3 with your preferred gel liner or liquid liner for that really obvious eyeliner look!

Imagine Sandara Park's eye lining skills!

 So this is definitely for nighttime!

I have to do the lower lash line using a different eyeliner brush, a more precise one for that precise "winged" look.

Step 5:

Draw your waterline with any eyeliner pencil you prefer.  I am using the one from Elianto and I highlight the corner of my eyes with Urban Decay's Yeyo (or any white eyeliner).

Look back, making sure both eye liner are at least matched! 

Do not forget to draw your brows.  I am using Tears Eyebrow Pencil in Light Brown.  Brushing my eyebrows in shape!

Curl my lashes with an eyelash curler, attached falsies!  I am actually using only one falsie in this tutorial but I cut them in half for that "pixie" lashes!  I applied coats of Etude House Henna Fix mascara.

Here's my version of "Smokey Eyes for Monolids"

The reason for the very thick liner is to create a "depth" of a crease, making your eyes pop even more.  The extended winged liner look make your eyes appear larger, (the winged liner should go upwards ok?).  The additional line below the winged liner is just a drama you can skip!  The thicker outer liner on the lower lash line also creates larger eye shape!

Why do we need to use a white liner on the inner corner of the eyes?  To brighten up the eyes and this trick helps in creating a wider and brighter eyes!

What did I use for the rest of my face?

For the Face

L'Egere BB Cream

Dusted Neutrogena Powder Foundation in Natural Beige 
To set the BB cream

For the Cheeks:
Paul & Joe Limited Edition Disney
Face Color 002 Flower

 For the Lips:

Ivoluxe Lipstick in Flirt

You can do your own version by using dark lipstick for that ready-to-dance-the-night-away look!  I hope my simple tutorial helps! 

(Note: Eye makeup darker in person)

What's your "eye makeup for monolids"?
I'd love to see it too!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Tip for the Day: Base Makeup/Primers

Hello Askmewhats Readers!

I have a very good question asked by my reader a couple of weeks ago and I do apologize for taking such a long time to answer it. I tried putting it up on my "Reader's Corner" episode but the answer gets longer and longer so I've decided to make this a series.

I will answer the question in mini series so we tackle as much as we can! :) Yay?

Here's the question:

"What do I need to purchase to start up my make-up collection?"

Now you know why it took me weeks or months to answer this!!! This is one question that has so many answers!

Before I get to answer, here's a question that I need to ask YOU!

"Are you collecting makeup for yourself?
Or are you planning to be a professional make-up artist someday?" When I told myself I will start to spend my hard earn money on make-up, I knew I wanted to be a make-up artist so I made sure to buy the best of the best on what's out there, at the same time, making sure not to over spend. Here are just some of the tips at the back of my head, there's always a different version out there, but this is my version, I'm sure there's gazillions out there so feel free to share yours ok?

Today, I will start with

Base Makeup/Primers

Foundation can be included under base makeup, but in this post, I will be mainly focusing on pre-foundation products. What must you purchase for yourself or others?
Before you purchase any makeup base/primer, you have to evaluate your skin or your clients' skin!

Dry Skin

• Sunblock
• a moisturizer meant for dry skin
• Primer: this may be skipped, if you have combination skin, you can applly primer only on areas that are oilier

Oily Skin

• Sunblock
• Moisturizer - yes you still need them, apply a thin layer of moisturizer on oily areas and more on the less oily areas
• Oil control primer - to prevent the oilies

Wrinkly Skin

• Sunblock - blocking the sun to prevent further wrinkles
• Moisturizer - meant for aged skin
• Primer - to fill in the lines to have a good canvass to start up with your foundation

Blemished Skin

• Sunblock
• Moisturizer - you can check with your dermathologist for a good moisturizer meant for your sensitive skin. Better to use light and oil free moisturizer
• Treatment cream - from your dermatologist
• Corrective Primer (only if needed) - try not to use primers as much as possible, try to stay away from putting more products on to your skin especially if it's on treatment

Uneven Skin Tone

• Sunblock
• Moisturizer
• Primer that has shade

The tips above are just basic! Rule of the thumb, try to use the least product as possible. Be sensitive on your skin's reaction to each product you've applied.

If you are doing base makeup/primers to a client, do communicate with them and ask them if they have any allergic reactions to certain ingreidents or brands.

Here's a photo on the primers I currently own. I don't use them all on myself, but I use them on clients who are comfortable with primers.

Left to Right

Elizabeth Arden Good Morning Skin Serum (from Gracie)
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Light
Lancome Pure Focus T-zone (from Gracie)
P&J Protective Foundation Primer UV
Bare Naturals Make It Last Makeup Primer (from Shen)
P&J Moisturizing Foundation Primer 03

Below are the photo of BB Creams I currently own. Because of the craze, BB creams are considered as base makeup worldwide. Here's what I own, not a lot! But I'm happy with all of them!

Left to Right

Lioele Beyond the Solution BB Cream (from Zyra)
Skin79 VIP Gold Collection Super BB Cream
L'egere White Multi BB cream
BRTC Cover BB Cream

Do you use primers/makeup base everyday?
I don't! I let my skin breathe on most days! :)
I use primers on special occasions!
Share your thoughts my friends!

Keep smilin!
Stay Happy!

Askmewhats Reviews: L'egere BB Cream

The most intriguing BB cream I purchased, I've been wanting to try Le'gere White Multi-BB cream after seeing raves and raves from both beauty bloggers and you tubers! Before I wrap up all the BB creams I've tried (not a lot of them), here's my review.

Le'gere BB Cream says ---

All in One Function

• Sun Protect
• Makeup Base
• Skin Cover
• Foundation for 24 hours

Whitening & Skin Care Formula

• Acts effectively on irritated skin, concealing dermal blemish and helps skin rejuvenation with innovative active ingredients
• Block the penetration of UV rays and other harmful factors
• This silicon-based formula defines a natural, long lasting complexion with gentle calming effects of natural plan derived soothing particles not only on oily and sensitive skin but also for sensitive skin

Good for

Skin that needs protection, irritated skin by peeling and laser procedures, sensitive and troubled skin

Application

• After following the daily skin routine, apply generously on face and senstive areas
• For skin protection and natural looking coverage, lightly pat a small amount of product over entire face in the final stage of basic skin toning.

Ingredients:

Arbutin, Cyclomethicone, Jojoba Oil, Polyglceyl-4 Isoterate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1Deimethicone, Bees Wax, Tocopheryl acetate, Propyl Parabem, Sorbita Sesquioleate, Petrolatum, Titanium oxides, Cyslopentasiloxane, Iron Oxides/Dimethicone, Glycern, Butylene Glycol, Magnesium Sulfate, Mehtyl Paraben, Sodium Hysluronate, Marine Collagen, Rose Water, Centella Asiaticac

Weight: 50g
Origin: Korea

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• my skin glows a bit using this as base
• no allergies
• the redness on my skin lessened after several days of usage
• gives out a medium coverage, top with foundation, the skin looks flawless
• my make up stays longer, I retouch my powder once a day (as compared to 2-3 times in the past)
• non-oily
• scent is wonderful, not overpowering and it disappears afterwards
• squeeze tube makes it easier for me to get the right amount of product

Cons

• not available locally, it would be difficult to order one whole tube and finding out at the end for some of you that it doesn't work
• only ONE shade available
• texture is a bit difficult to spread out for someone who's got super dry skin like mine (I still use a moisturizer before using this product)

Overall
I won't be comparing this to my other BB creams for now, as I will do a separate post about it. But what people and the Taiwan Beauty Channel are raving about this product is TRUE. This product lives up to my expectation.

It works really well as make-up base, it does give a bit of coverage for my skin's redness, on days I don't feel like using a foundation, this acts as my tinted moisturizer and I just set it with a powder. This definitely blends in my skin well and even when photographed, it doesn't give out a white cast.

Here's how the product looks right
after you squeeze it out from the tube



Slowly spreading the product



VOILA!
(click photos to enlarge)

Without Flash



With Flash

Tips

• make sure your hands are clean before applying the product
• warm the product on your hand first by slowly spreading the product before applying it over your face
• tap the product gently on your face, do not rub too hard

Will I repurchase?

Yes

Where did I purchase and how much?

At Bobodave shop for USD29.38 (approx Php1,400++) Email them for shipping details. I was told by the owner shipping overseas would be approximately USD2.00 (approx Php100)

And what's a product review
without putting this on my face?

(sorry photo didn't show the differences)



I have a little bit of discoloration
on the encircled area,
and it was lessened after applying Le'gere BB cream

Lemming button on? off?
Let me know what are your thoughts on the BB Cream craze!
There are so many brands out there it goes crazy!
But I am proud to say, I am happy with my BB cream purchases!
Whew! *wipes forehead*
I'll let you gals know my BB Cream summary! :)
Stay happy and enjoy the day!!!

Other bloggers' view on this bb cream ---

Fuzkittie
Ebeautyblog
Kimberly Tia
MonaIyah