NYX Born to Glow Illuminating Primer Review

If you want that Korean Glowing skin.

You gotta do what you gotta do!

Step 1: Hydrate your skin!

Step 2: While waiting for your skin to glow from hydration, use an illuminating primer.

The latter is the fastest and easiest!  But it is a reminder from me to you to be consistent with your skincare!  You can't fake GLOW forever you know? *wink*

I recently chanced upon NYX Born to Glow! Illuminating Primer.  I find this to be a nice inexpensive alternative for a a primer that keeps your skin looking hydrated and glowing!

NYX Born To Glow! Illuminating Primer

Approx Php550.00

Prep and brighten your complexion in just one simple step. Start off your routine with our Born to Glow Illuminating Primer, the next generation of our fan favorite Illuminator. This two-in-one primer ensures the smoothest makeup application while also delivering an exquisitely radiant finish.

Bell HYPOAllergenic Anti-Redness Primer Review

One of the easiest "correcting" face primer to use as of writing.

Yes, it was a pleasant surprise when I did unboxing on a couple of Bell HYPOAllergenic makeup products and I chanced upon this primer.  I saw a green primer for the face and at the back of my head I was thinking: "There goes patchy primer that would stick on my dry areas leaving me spotted white cast!"  

Then with a couple of pump, I applied it straight on my face during one of my #AMWIGStories unboxing session and it was in the middle of the day when my face was parch and dry.  Then I gave a loud "Oooohhh, this is nice!"

Then months after trying this, I still feel the same!

Bell HYPOAllergenic Anti-Redness Primer Review

Php999.00

Available at Watsons and SM Beauty

Product descxription ---

Neutralizes redness and conceals skin imperfections; making the blood vessels and discolouration is almost invisible. Moisturizes and smoothes the skin and visually extends the life of makeup. Light formula offers an easy and even application.

Housed in a glass with pump packaging, I wouldn't ask for anything else in terms of packaging.  You see how much product is left (which is always a thumbs up for me) and a pump is nice to control the right amount of product to be dispensed.

Cloud Cosmetics Baby Pores Powder Emulsion Review

So a cute box arrived our doorstep one time and it says "Cloud Cosmetics"

After checking out the packaging, I originally thought it was a Korean made beauty products but after doing my own research, learned this is a Proudly Filipino Brand!

Formerly known as Eden's Paradise (I knew about it as the packaging of their lip product is exactly the same!)  

I personally applaud their new look!

Today, I am focusing my first Cloud Cosmetics review on their Baby Pores Powder Emulsion (Php499.00).

Cloud Cosmetics Baby Pores Powder Emulsion Says ---

This primer is specifically designed to cover, blur, and minimize pores and skin imperfections. It glides on as a cream and quickly transforms into a fine powder leaving a matte, silky smooth finish. It instantly hides your imperfections like magic! With SPF 30.

Benefit Turns 6 with NEW POREfessional Pearl Primer

Benefit Turned 6 and I was thankful enough to always get the chance to celebrate with them!  I remembered celebrating their first birthday at the same branch - Greenbelt with baby Kyle inside my tummy!  So fast forward to today, Kyle is almost 5 years old and Benefit is 6 in the Philippines!  I don't know about you but I felt the connection because I was actively going around different branches to do workshops while pregnant!  So Benefit is like my Big Daughter while Kyle is the little brother!

Talk about the Big Daughter, there's more reason to celebrate than just being 6!  The Greenbelt branch went through an overhaul and the store is bigger and better than ever!  You have to visit them to see and believe!

During the re-opening of the newly renovated store, I also spotted a new baby --- Benefit POREfessional Pearl Primer!

Can You Go Barefaced?

I honestly can!  Even with dark undereye circles, laugh lines and a whole lot of skin redness, I guess, I'm at this very comfortable stage of "I don't care what other people think because this is really the way I look!"  

But of course, even with barefaced look, I still believe in using SPF!  So why not include an added bonus aside from just protecting yourself from the harmful rays of the sun?

I recently tried Tony Moly Flash Primer that comes with SPF30 PA++!  It is also a BB & CC starter which I think works in making my skin "glow" even in reality, my skin is as flat and boring as Sahara Desert. (Sorry Sahara Desert, I'm sure you look prettier but I'm just making a point on how dry my skin is!) :P

I honestly feel I have a good lighting right in front of my face wearing this product!

As confusing as this product sounds, the basic functions are ---

• As a primer: used before applying your base makeup to help moisturize skin and keep makeup longer.
• Natural luminizer: This product comes with delicate pink pearls to make skin appears luminous and bright.
• Brightens your skin and keeps it flawless-looking.
• BB & CC: Naturally covers certain pores and redness to make skin appears even.

Max Factor Facefinity All Day Primer SPF20 Review

Hi AMW Friends!
After a long while, I'm finally posting a review for a face primer!  As much as I dislike to use face primers on a daily basis, I highly depend on them professionally as a Make Up Artist.

I lug so many primers because I use primers depending on skin condition of my clients.  And I personally test each of them before putting them in my professional KIT just because I want the best for my customers.

I got the Max Factor Facefinity All Day Primer with SPF20 last year, it took me a while to test this out since the weather is quite cool for the first 2 months of 2017, I had to wait for the weather to really get hot and humid before I can finally share my final thoughts.

Max FactorX Facefinity All Day Primer Says ---

The Facefinity All Day Primer from Max Factor is the secret to makeup that stays put the whole day. It contains micro-correctors to banish excess oil.

• Keeps makeup in place the whole day
• Mattifies skin
• SPF 20

Dearberry Magic Oil Control Primer Review

So you first heard about Dearberry on my blog when I posted about their Toc Toc Blusher.  Obviously, that doesn't end my relationship with the brand!  I read good reviews on their Magic Oil Control Primer so I had to try it out!  I actually took a lot of time testing this product since my skin is on to the combination side now (Normal/Oily on T-zone) especially on humid days I had to wait outside my son's school for 3 full hours!  

The primer is housed in a pot packaging and it comes with mousse-like textured primer.  Will show more photos below!

Dearberry Magic Oil Control Primer Says ---

• Getting rid of oils and dirt while rejuvenating your skin.

Kate Tokyo Makeup Lock Primer by Cover Review

I remembered several years ago when I started blogging.  Makeup primers are a hit on my favorite International Bloggers' sites.  In the Philippines, it was literally a huge "What's That?" makeup!  I remembered going through makeup counters asking SAs for "primers", and I always get that blank look!  Either that, or they give me a sunblock!  *hahaha*  Those were the good old times!  

Fast forward to today, just how many primers are available in the market?  TOO MANY TO MENTION!  Even I get confused at times!  But what's not confusing for me is the fact that I finally found an oil-control primer that isn't too drying even for users with normal, combination or dry skin!  Housed in a simple black tube, it is called Kate Tokyo Long-Lasting Primer.

Kate Tokyo Makeup Lock Primer by Cover Says ---

A no-shine, no-fading makeup base.

It minimizes pore visibility and keeps makeup in place for a long time as if putting a lock on it.

• Fragrance-free
• Contains long-lasting coating formation ingredients 
• Contains oil-absorbing powder 

Benefit BROWVO! Conditioning Primer Review

Thank God for my "brow genes" because they always look full even without applying much brow products!  BUT, as a make up artist, one challenging "Brow Issues" I always get from clients is: "How to make my brows appear fuller?"  

It was a blessing to make up artists like myself when Benefit came out with Gimme Brow, I have mentioned in this blog, on workshops and in person (to clients) so many times that it is my ultimate faking "full" brows secret!  

BUT, the thing about Gimme Brow is that I can't seem to use it or depend on it for clients who already have full brows BUT sparse on some areas, or maybe, full brows but each brow hair has a mind of their own!  

Benefit's Biggest Brow Collection this year 2016 covers ALL brow issues, and one of my issue was solved!  With the newest Benefit BROWVO! Conditioning Primer!

And adding to my requirements, this is also a Brow Primer, meaning, whatever brow products I put on client will last LONGER!  Double YAY!

Benefit BROWVO! Conditioning Primer Says ---

Benefit POREfessional Matte Rescue Review

It took me a bit of time to review The Benefit POREfessional Matte Rescue because everyone who reads my blog knew how much of a normal/dry skin I have!  So I had to really wait for the chance to apply this on clients, and myself!  As my T-zone does get oily especially with this crazy weather on random days!  After months of testing, I'm finally ready to review how effective or not-effective this product is.  

The newest from POREfessional line, the Matte Rescue Super mattifying Gel.

Thankfully, this product is an "invisible-finish mattifying gel".  With this crazy weather, who needs to add anything on the face that gives color?  Not me!  There are days I just want to zoom out of the door without wearing any makeup at all!  Just to prevent any possibility of makeup meltdown!

Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Effect Makeup, Prime + Anti Shine Review + New Insta-Fix!

Year 2010, Revlon first came out with their PhotoReady make up line and I tried 3 of their products --- Revlon PhotoReady Liquid Foundation, Powder and Translucent Finisher and I was impressed!  For a drugstore brand, I highly recommend them especially for start-up make up artists!  

Fast forward to 2015, they came up with an even better PhotoReady line, this time, their liquid foundation has an "Airbrush Effect" and they added up an Insta-Fix (perfect for those selfies) and a face primer that has a balm-y texture! 

Banila Co. Prime Primer Classic Review

Last month, I went to the grand launch of Banila Co. in the Philippines and mentioned to you how I'm most excited to try is their Prime Primer Classic.  This is a matte type of primer that I believe is meant for all skin types.

If you are a fan of the Beauty Program Get It Beauty, this primer from Banila Co. is ranked first in terms of pore, cover, texture, natural and long-lasting!  Now, who wouldn't want to give this a try?

And I did and will definitely share my thoughts after the jump!

AMW Reviews: Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

You haven't seen me talk about primers for quite some time because I have always been using my trustee Urban Decay Primer Potion for Clients and if I'm aiming for daily, inexpensive one, I go for the Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer.

And just because I'm a Beauty Blogger who likes to keep my eyes, ears open for new products to try, I've heard nothing but raves from fellow beauty junkies on the Nars Pro-Prime Smuge Proof Eyeshadow base!

So thankfully, I was able to grab a tiny sample after some shopping!

Photo taken from Nars website

This is the size of the sample I got and it wasn't bad because I was able to use this for almost a month!  As a little goes a long way!

AMW Reviews: Shiseido Glow Enhancing Primer SPF15

Good morning friends!
Today, I will be reviewing my first Shiseido Glow Enhancing Primer SPF15.  This is a primer and as you all know, I tend to use primers that gives hydration and radiance as opposed to most of you who uses primers for oil-control.

I am the queen of highlighting --- I am claiming that title!

Way back before Strobing, I think I've already mastered the art of strobing due to my liking to keep my skin hydrated and appear more bright and radiant!  

I am on the stage where my skin does not breakout as much as back when I was a teenager but I am definitely on the stage wherein I try to fake that "glowing" skin because it can make any person look younger when you have healthy, clear and glowing skin.

DO YOU AGREE ON THAT?

So after using this for a month or more!  I am ready to share my thoughts on my first primer from Shiseido!

Shiseido says ---

AMW Reviews: NARS Skin Luminous Moisture Cream

You know how they say when you have dry or normal skin, using face primer is not necessary?  Feel free to look at your current skincare regimen, some of your skin care product can actually work as a makeup base!

SO TRUE!

And I've been loving my moisturizer that has "luminous" property!  With no exception, the sample size I got from NARS when I purchased some of their products!  The NARS Skin Luminous Moisture Cream.  

Thank God for samples and I love how I can test at least a week's worth of product in this tiny handy tube!

NARS Skin Luminous Moisture Cream says ---

Replenishes skin with 24-hour intense hydration and restores luminosity that naturally diminishes over time. Enriched with Beech Bud Extract to boost collagen production* and potent anti-oxidants to combat free radical damage. Contains the NARS exclusive Light Reflecting Complex™ designed to restore skin's youthful radiance and reflect light like a prism.

• Ideal for normal to dry and seasonally dry skin.
• Dermatologist Tested & Non-Comedogenic
• Synthetic Fragrance Free, Paraben Free, Alcohol Free
• 1.7 oz/50ml

Why I'm Starting To Religiously Wear Primers

.....and they are from Make Up For Ever STEP 1 line.

You guys know how I can get away without any face primers because of my skin condition (Combination - Normal/Dry).  I only test face primers for the blog and of course, to make sure it is good and safe enough to use for my clients. 

But recently, I am enjoying the extra step because I've found a face primer that is meant for my skin type.  The primers are called Skin Equalizer Step 1 and they are from Make Up For Ever.

I've written about the MUFE Skin Equalizer Event last year, if you got as confused as I was with the wide range of "Skin Equalizers" available, well, it will help to know your current skin condition ---

• Is it oily, dry or normal?
• What are your skin issues? (Oily skin?  Zit? Large Pores? Sallow skin, etc..)
• As much as we would like to say ALL, I'm sure there's always the BIGGEST skin issues you have, as for me, it is dryness and sallowness.

Then that's the time you can pick the best Skin Equalizer for you.  I went for Hydrating Primer and Radiant Primer.  I need both!  If I can only go for one, it will be Hydrating! 

Why can't I just depend on my usual moisturizers or day creams to use as base prior to make up application?  Well, I tried, and they seem to be absorbed so quickly by my skin that none of the "hydration" was left on the exterior thus make up application could still be a bit difficult especially on those dry areas/patches.  

As for the Radiant Primer, one of my favorite is still the Benefit That Gal Primer, but, it doesn't hurt to give other brands a try and I will share to you my thoughts if they deliver!

Radiant Primer Pink adds radiance to light to medium skin.

Hydrating Primer is used for normal skin as it restores balance. 

AMW Reviews: Etude House Beauty Shot Face Blur

I always check Etude House website because I am in love with their products and their packaging!  As much as I would love to get into their stores, I rarely do so because my son screams out of excitement upon seeing those bunny-like packaging!  And once, he was holding this mascara he doesn't want to return it so I nearly had to purchase the mascara (but didn't because he isn't supposed to like mascaras lol)

The point of the story *laughs* is that I enjoy checking out new products from the brand and this newest primer caught my attention!  Tell me, isn't the ad too cute and adorable?  It had me at "For the Perfect #NoFilter Selfie".

So off I got my own bottle even before I was sent a bottle by the brand (Thank you Etude House Philippines!) Here I am, mid-30s, combination skin (dry/sensitive/normal), ready to reveal if this product is worth it or not!

AMW Reviews + Giveaway: Happy Skin Insta Beauty Blur Cream Primer Foundation

Hi AMW Friends!
Wow, I am excited to share this new product from Happy Skin which isn't available in store but you may purchase it online!  As much as I wanted to post this right away to share another tube for giveaway, I had to stop my excitement and actually use this for weeks so you may read about my thoughts on this silicone-based primer!  

Yes, you heard it right!  Happy Skin Insta Beauty Blur Cream Primer Foundation has silicone so you may click X and say goodbye if you are allergic to the said ingredient!  If you have no issues using silicone-based product --- well hello!  Thank you for staying and reading this post!

Happy Skin Insta Beauty Blur Cream Primer Foundation says ---
Beauty in an instant! No filter needed. The Happy Skin InstaBeauty Blur Cream is a soft focus primer foundation that refines large pores and fills in lines & wrinkles giving you an amazingly smooth base for make-up to glide over. With this all-in formula, you get a light tinted veil that corrects, brightens, and blurs away skin imperfections. Used alone or under makeup, this multi-tasker not only preps the skin but also boasts anti-aging properties. It vanishes imperfections instantly before your eyes and helps turn back time, too!

AMW Reviews: Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser

Good Morning AMW friends :)

I just want to say, my 2015 started off a bit "off", my house help/semi-yaya decided to leave without prior notice so yes, I'm a full-time momma trying to squeeze in work when toddler AMW naps!  It is VERY difficult I tell you, but hey!  I'm still here, de-stressing and relaxing my muscles with a good cup of tea before I hit the sack!  

I just realized, a lot of you have been waiting for my Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser review which I originally thought I'm done with the review!  Sorry :)

"Is it the same as Benefit Porefessional?"
"How does it compare with Smashbox Photo Finish Primer?"
"Does this product work?  I want to know as this is inexpensive as compared to other primers!"

I will definitely give you a straight answer in this post! :)  Ready?  READY!

Maybelline says ---

Bye-Bye Pores!
One second away from smooth, poreless skin.

• Insta-blur technology visibly smoothes pores away.
•  Can be worn alone or under makeup.
•  Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.

AMW Reviews: Etude House Sweet Recipe Baby Choux Base (Mint)

Over the holidays, I actually made a special stopover at Etude House SM Sta. Mesa just because I want to purchase some more Etude House items for review (based from requests) and also, I want to stock up on my favorite Proof 10 Mascaras, Proof 10 Eye Primer, Cotton Pads and Nail polish remover.  Nothing is more perfect than a 20% on everything sale! 

So yay!  I got some more Etude House items for review because ...malakas kayo sa akin :)

Today, first review of the year is dedicated to YOUR most requested product for review!  The Etude House Sweet Recipe Baby Choux Base in Mint shade! 

I actually checked the branch and saw these in a new tube packaging? (not sure if it is the exact same product)  But this glass packaging from the Sweet Recipe collection is still available in selected stores!  If you ask me, I'll pick the tube if I plan to use these on clients BUT, I am actually into bases nowadays so I'll go for the glass because it looks so cute on my vanity table!