Wearable Strawberry Makeup Look

 Hi AMW Friends.

It has been going round the beauty community a cute look that focuses on the cheeks.  A beautiful flushed cheeks and bright lips I name it Strawberry Makeup since I am a fan of Strawberry Shortcake and I remember putting her blush and lip color when I was younger.

Here's my wearable version any age can rock!

For this look, I focus on a super clean base so the blush and lip color will pop.  I used a neutral shade for eye makeup and made sure to highlight my cheeks.

Makeup Used:

• @itcosmetics CC in Light
• @tartecosmetics Sculpt Tape , Radiant & Corrector Shape Tape
• @pixibeautyph On The Glow Bronze Warm Glow
• @bobbibrownph Espresso Brow Pencil , Gel Liner Black Ink
• @narsissist Uninhibited Eyeshadow Palette
• @maccosmeticsph Stack Mascara , Locked Kiss Ink Vicious, Fix Plus Lavender
• @lauramercier Transulcent Pressed Setting Powder
• @cliniqueph Berry Pop Blush
• @makeupforever Ultra HD Lip Booster, Aqua Liner Pencil
• @cathydollphils Lip & Cheek Beauty To Go Gangnam

Look: From Tired to Energetic

 YOU and ME!  Should be an expert with our own faces.  I have read comments on: “I can’t put makeup on!”  “I just don’t know how to apply makeup!”

I can’t seem to accept that fact because I started saying those statements as early as highschool and changed my own thinking when I grabbed makeup samples from my Aunts in Canada and started practicing on my own face looking like a bruised student but still washed it off (with NOT makeup remover) but soap!  

You may bash me for saying this but makeup is a skill that can be learnt!  I am NOT good with Art class and always have the lowest scores in all my subjects but I ended up being a makeup artist because I WANTED TO!  

I am still not as good (well no one will ever be) compared to the greatest famous MUAs out there but I strive to learn and improve my craft every chances I get!

So to YOU reading this who thinks makeup is rocket Science….well, you don’t have to start with Smoky Eye Makeup Looks right away or try to perfect a winged liner.  You cn start as easy as blush placement application or applyig lipstick that would make your face appear brighter!

Makeup application is not only a skill you need to learn, you also need to have a skill of being comfortable enough to practice on your own skin and pick the right shades that make you feel GOOD whenever you see your own reflection.  I mean, do not pick colors that look good on Kpop idols are stars but instead, wear colors that make you feel beautiful!

Wow with my speech right?

Well, I have been trying to push some of my readers and followers who were messaging me telling me how clumsy they are when it comes to makeup.  I just can’t seem to accept that fact because I can call that myself.  I can’t even seen to cut a straight cut as of this very moment!

If you felt attacked by my message, feel free to click.X and leave this post because I do not welcome negativity….but if you understand my point of view, feel free to continue reading because I love you guys and wanted to push you guys to strive harder —- not only about Makeup but life in general!

GRWM: Event Makeup Look in 30 Minutes Less

 

Hi everyone! 
Gosh, it is almost a month that I last updated here!  Where did the SUMMER VACATION went?

If you follow me on Instagram #ShamelessPlug , you know that my son had his first Holy Communion (for Roman Catholics) and did you know that kids had to attend 3 days Catechism classes while parents need a 2-3 hours session separately? 

We also had a reconciliation day so that covers the whole week of August!  Aside from that, I managed to grab a couple of PR Consultancy opportunities so that kept me super busy as well.  

Anyway, before I go any further about my personal stories, you are probably here for the Get Ready with Me look in 30 minutes less!  Now that you know my schedule, you know that 30minutes is the only available period of time for full face makeup look.

When in rush, it helps to use a pop of color on lips like RED or Deep Burgundy.  A loud lip statement would make your overall look unique.  It looked like you spent a lot of time doing your makeup but in reality, you just did a bit of lipstick swiping!

Makeup used:

MAC Prep and Prime
@itcosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream (available @sephoraph )
@kikomilanoph Active Foundation Stick
@lauramercier Loose Setting Powder in Banana
@bobbibrownph Perfectly Defined Long Wear Brow Pencil
@hourglasscosmetics Bronzer and Blush
@kaneboglobalph Eyeshadow Palette
@kpalette_ph 24H Real Lasting Eyeliner started using Brown then Black
@makeupforever Aqua Liner Pencil
@prettysecretph Mermaid Mascara (fave!)
@maccosmeticsph Velvet Teddy and Locked Kiss Ink in Vicious
@maccosmeticsph Fix+ Lavender

From Trash To Fab

 

Remember my favorite EUREKA MOMENTS posts here on my blog?
I kind of did that but in video format!  I have been doing make-up for so long - since Highschool to be esact.  Not on myself but as a make up artist on school plays and summer theatre programs.  

I have experienced many challenges during those gigs and here I am sharing my years of knowledge --- call me SENSEI :P  

Yes holding these supposedly "Trash" because they either do not work for me because of a wrong shade, or maybe, I hit the pan on them.  

Please watch this video for quick tip! 
Feel free to comment and support my Instagram Reels!

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Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

  

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 ---

Clean Concealing Tips

 

“Your skin looks good!”

“You look blooming!”

Are just some of the kind words I get or compliments when I post a photo of me or video of me on Instagram.  I am extremely grateful fo those kind words but I will always stay true to who I am ever since I started this Blog year 2008.

IT IS MAKEUP!  I don’t use filters (I only use Photo editors for Cropping and brightening) but I use Makeup as my “filter”.  

You probably know that if you watch my random IG stories where I would randomly show up sans makeup so my eyebags and redness show up in Hi-Def cameras!  

And the best way to apply makeup as most books and beauty experts would say: “Less is More!”.

I agree and disagree on that statement.  Less is more on some areas of your face but concealing may need a bit more than usual if you need heavier coverage.  

This, maybe just a first layer of concealing, you can go 2nd or 3rd layer AS NEEDED and NO, it won’t look unnatural as long as you picked th right shade. 

Did you know that Obvious makeup can be seen if you picked a wrong tone or shade of makeup?  Now you know!

So if you are a long time reader and maybe attended a few of my makeup workshops, I’ve mentioned this so many times, you won’t overdo makeup application if you pick the right tone and shade.  That is the secret of most Korean and Japanese makeup artist that is why they look like their skin is perfect but in reality, they also have pores and lines because they are HUMAN!

So I will stop blabbing and share a quick video on how to conceal.  

Keep this in mind:

More is good on areas that needed the most coverage and Less Is More on areas that needed light coverage.  

Confused?

Don’t worry, you’ll see what I’m trying to say in this video!

Concealer Used: Make UP For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Concealer in 2.5

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Keep smilin' 

Stay happy! 

Sparkly Eyes Makeup Look

 

A quick make up look and I added a tip on how to clean up those fallouts.  After years of being a Bridal Makeup Artist, I mastered the art of “cleaning” because in the eyes of Professional Photographers and Videographers, the skin of their subject must be 99.9% perfect.  

You know why I said so?  I have been called so many times by photograhers and videographers to “clean up” the face of their subject - it could be a smudged eyeliner, lipstick or falling eyeshadow!

So here, I am sharing a quick tip on how to prevent dirty-looking eyes.

Yes, you are free to zoom in my photo because I cleaned up well! :D *proud*

I used my newest eyeshadow palette Natasha Denona Palette which I got from Sephora.

Make Up For Ever Water Blend vs. Water Tone

 

Make Up For Ever’s Water Blend foundation is the ONLY foundation I use whenever I do underwater shoots.  I depend on it so much I am so scared to finish a bottle so I always have backups in 3 shades (for mixing). 

After years, Make Up For Ever released a new tint called WaterTone Skin Perfecting Fresh Foundation.

NOTE: Water Tone does not replace Water Blend but I find the texture and consistency to be similary thus doing a side by side review for those who own the Water Blend.

Make Up For Ever Watertone Foundation says —-

Watertone foundation instantly enhances your skin for a natural fresh finish.

Its good for skin formula offers no transfer properties and a 24h hydration.

Watertone offers a buildable light to medium coverage for a natural glow.
The water-fresh formula of our foundation brings hydration* and radiance** during 24h with all day comfort and imperfections appearance minimized.

Your skin stays hydrated and clean, it lets your skin breathe with a fresh radiance effect!
Its respectful formula is elaborated with 94% natural origin ingredients***, 78% water based and contains no animal derived ingredients.

Watertone foundation is for normal to oily skins and suits sensitive skins. It suits to every skin tones : light skin, medium skin, tan skin and deep skin. Its 12 shades blend harmoniously with the skin to create the perfect natural , tone to tone finish.
Its texture is light and fresh for a natural and flawless looking finish. Whether it is applied with fingers or with our dedicated tools, achieve a perfect application for a natural fresh finish is easy!
Watertone is the perfect foundation which lasts all day long, no transfer garanted : mask-proof, humidity-proof, sweat-proof and water-proof.

With the given situation, I haven’t tried this new foundation underwater but I did the water test (face washing).  I’ll tell more about my review as you read further down.  But here’s a swatch on both Water Blend and Water Tone.

As you can see, Water Blend is more “watery” while Water Tone has thicker consistency.  Still water-like in terms of application and blendabilility.  Both are easy to work with.

Water Blend has less coverage as you can see, the foundation almost disappears on the left side while the Water Tone side has thicker coverage.

Purple Stare Look

 

I haven’t been playing eye makeup for YEARS!

Ever since I grew …ahem..older, as you can see, I have stopped myself from using colors just because….I got lazier, and I felt that the pandemic made it harder for me to enjoy colorful make up.

I have been loving the color Purple because of BTS!  So I’ve decided to make this an Ode to me being an ARMY! 

Check out the make up products and brands I’ve used.

Products used:
- @hudabeauty Naughty Palette from @sephoraph 
- @kpalette_ph Procast Eyeliner in Black
- @imagic.ph Pencil liner in black
- @lauramercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder 
- @nipponph lashes 
- @makeupforever Blush and lipstick
- Extreme Lip Plumper from @barrym.ph deal 

Hope this gives you a quick idea on how to recreate this look, if you want to! 

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Make Up For Ever Concealer Matte Velvet Skin Concealer review

 

“How to look fresh?  How to be fresh?”

These are just some of the many DMs I get on my Instagram and I guess I have to address this question.  I have said this so many times that I do my best to use the least amount of base makeup as much as possible to give room for my skin to breath.  

I only use both concealer and foundation when I go to physical events in the past but nowadays, with events all ZOOM away, I pick either Foundation only or concealer only.  I recently found a really good concealer so I am sharing it here immediately.

It is the Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Concealer (Php1,700.00).

Our 1st 24HR wear breathable, full coverage matte concealer. Co-created with our pro makeup artists, this full-coverage, blurring concealer is waterproof, sweat-proof, transfer-proof, and delivers 24-hour wear. Lightweight and airy, this blendable, multitasking formula has an extra-large applicator and a precision tip for use all over the face to conceal under-eye circles, correct spots, or to contour.

MULTI-USE FLEXIBLE FORMULA

A multi-tasking product for all-over application: Conceal – Correct – Contour

FULL COVERAGE, 24HR WEAR

Waterproof formula stays on all day.

BREATHABLE, MATTE FINISH

Airy, lightweight formula provides a breathable matte finish that doesn’t cake, flake or fade.

Available in 22 Shades

Left facing you: With Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Concealer shade 2.5
Right: Bare 

AMW says—-

• The packaging!  I am so happy it is a huge doe-foot applicator!  Based from the look of packaging, I originally thought it will be a pump tube and I am happy to be wrong!
• Wide range of shades.  My shade 2.5 is perfect!
• Gives mediumt o medium heavy coverage!  I can literally just use this and I m set for the whole day.
• Covers imperfections naturally - from dark undereye circles to redness.
• Matte but NON drying.
• Does not dry out my already dry skin.
• Does not oil up midday, non greasy. 
• Does not move.  My skin looks fab even testing this while working out and cooking!
• Lightweight and never heavy-feel.

Make Up For Ever Brow Filler and Brow Definer review

 

A week ago, I attended a virtual launch of Make Up For Ever PH’s Aqua Resist brow products!  3 new brow products under this line and I am featuring the 2 pencils because I have been using and testing these ever since I got them.

Make Up For Ever’s Brow Filler and Brow Definer

Price: Php1,400 each

Available online at Lazada

I got both shades in 30 Soft Brown

Top: Brow Filler

Bottom: Brow Definer

Aqua Resist Brow Filler 

Multi-use slanted tip brow pencil with a built-in spoolie that delivers 24HR waterproof, smudge-proof wear. Ideal for patchy or sparse brows.

The pencil is thicker so it is easier to fill larger areas as compared to the Brow Definer.  This is a retractable pencil and you get pigmented brow pencil with a nice touch of wax - yes, I can feel the wax as my stubborn brow hairs are pushed in place (even upwards without issue) upon using the product.  I also like how it can “tint” my brow hairs naturally.  Check out my before and after photo below.

Summer-Ready Look (Fake Tan) inspired by Cleopatra

 

Yes, I am not sure what Cleopatra is doing in my summer-inspired look but when I think about Cleopatra, I am thinking about her bronzey-glowing skin and I had her in mind when I was creataing this look!  Instead of going Cleopatra-style with the winged liner, I changed it into something more wearable!  Here’s the final look!

Do you like it?

Products Used: (@ is the account on Instagram, feel free to search for them!) 

• @niyoandco_ph Mr. Foundation no. 3
• @benefitph Hello happy Air Stick Foundation shade 2
• @lauramercier Translucent Setting Powder in Translucent Honey
• @benefitph Brow Microfilling Pen in Light Brown
• @imagic.ph Brow Tint
• @bobbibrownph The Essential MultiColor Eye Shadow Palette in Bold Burgundy
• @bobbibrownph High shine Liquid Eye Shadow in Copperhead used on both eyes and cheeks
• @lifefordparisph liquid liner pencil in Black
• @makeupforever Aqua Resist Smokyshadow in Quartz and Cinder
• @imagic.ph Warerproof Eyeliner Pencil in Black 
• @ofracosmeticsph All Glowed Up Beverly Hills
• Mark by @avonph Pro Line Perfector 

The star product in this makeup look is the Bobbi Brown High Shine Liquid Eye Shadow in Copperhead.  It brought a natural glow on both my eyes and cheeks.  It wasn’t supposed to be used on cheeks but we all know we love multi-tasking products.  Anything good for the eyes can work for the rest of the face!  I’m glad the bronzy color is just right even for fair skinned gals!  

The lip color is also another thing, if you made glowing eye makeup and cheeks, stick to matte lips to divert attention towards the upper half of your face!  Can you imagine how confusing everything will look with shiny lips too? 

Instant Face Lift with Makeup

 

Hi Everyone!

I love doing half face looks to test out makeup and show you the difference.  One particular makeup look got a lot of DMs over my Instagram account , it was the recent photo for my Sace Lady Look.

Because my AMW Friends are important to me, I’ve decided to create and share to you my favorite style of makeup - this!  

Simple with just a few makeup needed and you get whole day fresh-looking makeup - and it stays!  

Lifted face needed a bit of glow on the cheeks, so I added a subtle glow using a glowing blush.  You’ll know all the products and the effect on the short video below!

Products Used:

• Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation Palette
• Make Up For Ever Concealer Brush
• Laura Mercier Translucent Powder in Honey
• Beauty Blender
• Sace Lady Blush in B02
• IMAGIC PH Illuminating Powder in Peach Pop

How do you like the final look?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!