How To Cover Dark Spots and Acne Marks

Yay for another "How To" series, this time for my dear readers who have been emailing me to learn tips on how to cover their pimple spots or acne marks.  

Thankfully, my dear client was so gracious to let me take a photo of her pre-makeover.  She actually has gorgeous glowing skin but because she is going through skin treatment through her dermatologist, she was left with marks (not scars) that is just on the verge of healing.  So, as her make up artist that day, I am tasked to make her look like herself, at the same time, cover the spots that hides her lovely face!

I personally have gone through a stage almost like my client, but most of the spots are on my cheeks so I looked like I had natural "blush" from afar.  It may sound silly to some but I almost never wanted to go to school!  I wished I knew about concealers back then! #hehehe

How To: Give Yourself a Subtle Makeover!

You know how it is when you do your makeup on a daily basis and you wished you will look at least a bit different on special days?

Well, you can!  And that doesn't entail you to pile on MORE makeup, instead, try to be adventurous and do something different, change a bit of your "usual" makeup routine.

Okay...let me think...I usually like to wear bright lipstick sans eye makeup!  So, if I plan to go on a special event or I need to have my photo taken and I wanted to look nice....this is my game plan to change the way I look..in a very subtle manner.

1.  I normally wear concealer then set with powder.  For a change, I'll go for full yet still a natural-looking coverage.
2. Instead of the usual thick brows, I'll leave my brows looking natural and soft.  No harsh lines there!  
3. I will wear a bit more eye makeup.
4. Instead of the usual dark lips, I'll go for very light colored lipstick! 
5. I tend to shy away frome xtremely pink colored blush, so I'll use it this time!

But please..don't ask me to remove the highlighting part..it is my favorite! Just give it to me okay? :P

AMW Reports: Shu Uemura Rockwell's New Look + Contest

If you pass by Shu Uemura rockwell branch, you'll definitely take a second (or even third) look!  Who wouldn't?  Look at the colorful lights that screams TOKYO!

And before I get all "intriga", thankfully, I was invited for an exclusive walk-through last week to take a peek on what's new and what's happening at the Shu Uemura Flagship store.

Did I mention Shu's new retail concept is inspired by Tokyo?  I did!  And truthfully, the store does remind me of Tokyo for its' vibrant, lively look accompanied by quirky chairs and live-moving screens!  Ahhhh..how I missed Tokyo, I will definitely go back!  If you want some Tokyo Travel tips visit my blog posts HERE.

Now back to the store.
Upon entering the store, I immediately saw different sections to "Play With".

The ShuATELIER

This is the heart of the retail store.  The display area that showcases all of Shu Uemura's make-up products and what I love about this area is that you can easily find and see ALL the products at a glance! 

Above the counter, you will also see shuLIVE...

The area were you can watch behind-the-scenes videos and make-up demos of International Artistic Director Kakuyasu Uchiide and the rest of the Shu Elite team.

AMW Reviews: Shu Uemura Drawing Pencils

Happy Friday!
Wow, I just realized, I haven't used pencils for my upper lashline for the LONGEST time!  All thanks to the invention of gel liners and liquid liners, they are so wonderful I just don't want to take chances by using pencils!

But Shu Uemura, why would you come up with something so exciting called Drawing Pencils?  Just check out their ad....

Of course, no one would like to walk out the house looking like that but this ad is every makeup artists' dream!  I mean seriously, to create that look with just pencils???  I know I want all shades!

And to start off my obsession, there's 2 for me to try!  1 in brown and 1 in green!  Both shades are my favorite when it comes to pencils!

Top: Matte Earthy Brown

Bottom: Metallic Green

How To: My Simple Look for Pregnancy Shoot

Good day AMW friends! If you follow me on Instagram (@AskMeWhats), Twitter (@AskMeWhats) and Facebook (AskMeWhats), you probably  know by now that I gave birth to a lovely baby boy! Baby Kyle!  Kyle was born a week earlier as expected but I'm very happy as I get to see him a week earlier!  I'll tell you guys more about my experience as soon as I'm back at my feet!  As of the moment, I'm on adjustment stage and I haven't been sleeping much!  (Hi Concealers!)  Not complaining though, I am very happy each day as I stare at my lovely Baby's face!

As for now, I will be posting some of the reviews and articles I've written before I gave birth!

Oh by the way, to those who have been emailing me and asking me queries, I hope you understand that it would take me forever and a day to answer them!  I promise you guys I will.... :) 

Thank you all for the wonderful well wishes!  I feel blessed having YOU guys (even whom I haven't met) through good and bad times!  Love you all! Mwa :x

Love,
Nikki

------------------------------------

As promised, I will be sharing my very simple "Pregnancy Shoot" makeup that I've done early Saturday morning!  No matter how lazy I was, I made sure to at least put something on my face so I'll look presentable on my informal shoot!  

Thanks to my dearest readers who complimented my look and for taking the time to email me to ask for the products I used!  Again, this is a very simple, almost "no makeup" look as I believe the star of the day was....well...my Belly!  Or shall I say Baby AMW!

Various products used for Pregnancy Shoot

Any familiar and favorite products in the bunch?

AMW Makeover: Trial Makeup for Asian Eyes

Happy Thursday AMW friends!

Today is Thursday and I'm looking forward for the weekend!  Why?  Well, there are so many things to look forward to!  For me to pack my "hospital bag" as I'm officially on my 32nd week of pregnancy and I've been very busy for the whole month of January and February I told myself I needed the rest before the sleepless nights c/o Baby AMW!  

And what's the other thing that I'm looking forward for this weekend?  My 3rd and final Benefit Fine One One Workshop!  The first and second was super fun and I met a lot of cool Benebabes so I can't wait for the third and final installment to be held at Benefit Boutique, Rustan's Makati.

Benefit Fine One One Workshop at Greenbelt 5

February 2, 2013

Benefit Fine One One Workshop at Shangri-La

February 9, 2013

I can't wait to share more tips to the workshop attendees and speaking of tips, have you read the article I've written for Sample Room?  If not, feel free to click photo below as I've written some simple Makeup Tips for Asian Eyes.

Speaking about Asian Eyes, I recently had a trial makeup client fresh from Singapore who requested for a very simple makeup for her wedding reception.  Let me share to you some of the makeup tricks that I've did for her particular feature.

Skin: Combination (Normal/Dry)

Request: The client doesn't have any particular request 

but I'm imaging her going for a very soft and natural look.

Trial makeup client exudes a very positive personality even for someone you just met for the first time.  She's jolly, friendly and very cheerful so I'm imagining a makeup for her that gives a bright and positive outlook just like her personality!  I was aiming for creating fresh, glowing skin!  

To start off, I prepared her skin by applying ample oil-free moisturizer from Paul & Joe on dry areas;  lessen the look of pores on her nose area by applying Benefit's Porefessional and a moisturizing face primer for Laura Mercier for the rest of her skin!  As I let all the products to sit and do their "action", I picked up a small scissors to trim her brows and filled sparse areas with brow pencil.

As for foundation, the client doesn't have much skin problems to cover so I've decided to use a light to medium coverage liquid foundation from RMK.  I also did a bit of concealing to even out the color around the eye area and the sides of her nose using my Bobbi Brown Concealer.

I want to create bigger-looking eyes;  I picked several matte shades for a simple day time smoky eye makeup adding a bit of light, shimmer eye shadow at the inner corner to create an illusion of big, bright eyes!  (Eye shadows used: Lancome, MAC, Bobbi Brown)

For a more natural finish, I picked Dark Brown  Gel Liner instead of regular black gel liner which I usually use for a more natural look.  Black gel liner could make small eyes look even smaller if not applied correctly.  I also added dark matte brown eye shadow on top of the gel liner for a more natural finish. 

Coats and coats of mascara were applied after curling her lashes with Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler;  I also applied falsies on her by cutting 1 into 2 as applying full lashes may make her eyes droopy.

Let's not forget to contour the face and nose area for that instant "painless" nose lift and face lift! 

As for the cheeks, I applied a tiny bit of cream based blush from Stila, and Shu Uemura Glow On Blush in Apricot.

As for the lips, I used a lip pencil from MAC closed to her lip color and gently apply it all over her lips and top it with Lancome Juicy Tubes.

Last but not the least;  I set the area that could "oil" with a Shu Uemura Colorless Face Powder.

Client's final look on natural lighting

Hair by: Kim Tan Rodriguez

Thanks to my dear client for the lovely time and for entrusting me to do a makeover!
Do you have any other tips for Asian Eyes out there?  I'd love to hear from you!

Please LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook 
Follow AskMeWhats on Twitter  
Get "photo-updated" on Instagram (search "AskMeWhats")

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
 

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?

Please LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook 
Follow AskMeWhats on Twitter  
Get "photo-updated" on Instagram (search "AskMeWhats")

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
 

AMW Reviews: Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil

Good morning friends!  Thank you so much for the wonderful well wishes, I appreciate the messages and the vote of confidence that I can survive this period!  Love you all!

Today, I will be reviewing yet another cleansing oil.  Shu Uemura came up with their newest, most luxurious cleansing oil to date!  How luxurious?  It has 8 botanical oils which gives nothing but benefits for our skin!  

Jojoba Oil, Olive Oil, Ginger Root Oil, Soy Bean, Shea Butter Oil, Safflower Oil, Camelia and Corn Oil!

Shu Uemura says ---

The precious essence of 8 exquisite botanical origin oils has been merged together.  Those were carefully sought out from Chinese medicines and beauty oils all over the world proven to have the highest skincare efficacy for a petal-soft silky smooth sensation.

8 exquisite oils from botanical origin for ultimate solution to 8 skin benefits powerful yet gentle botanical origin removal system for superb cleansing.

Removes effortless all kinds of make-up and impurities.  Skin feels soften, conditioned, hydrated, nourished from within and glows with a new radiance.

Ingredients

AMW says ---
Pros

• Wonderful packaging with "safety" turn on turn off cap.
• Has a light, very relaxing scent.
• Can remove even the most difficult to remove waterproof mascara and eyeliner.
• Feels light on skin.
• Skin feels refreshed and moisturized immediately after usage.
• Skin brightens after several usage.
• I can get away by using just this and not following with a facial cleanser.

Cons

• Price

Overall
An effective cleansing oil that can easily melt down even waterproof makeup!  Gives a smooth after-feel and skin looks bright and healthy after a month's usage.

Tips

• 3-4 pumps is needed if you have full-faced makeup, spread over dry face and massage gently.
• If you don't have a lot of makeup on, 2-3 pumps is enough.  
• Emulsify by adding a bit of lukewarm water and continue massaging.
• If you have heavy eye makeup, gently go through the emulsified oil over the eye area with eyes closed.  
• Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
• I like having regular temperature to cooler temperature water for final rinse to close down pores.
• If you tightline and apply makeup on the waterline, it is best to add an extra cleansing step with a gentle eye makeup remover.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?

Where to purchase and how much?
 At local Shu Uemura counters for Php6,200 (approx $144.00)  for 450ml Php2,500 (approx $58.00) for 150ml.

Photos

The application technique shown on box

The twist Open/Close cap that makes it safe to bring even on travel

Have you tried any Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils?
I've been a loyal user of the "green" version which is the A/O formula with anti-aging benefits!  After trying the Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil, I'm willing to switch!

Please LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook

Follow AskMeWhats on Twitter 

Get "photo-updated" on Instagram (search "AskMeWhats")

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Product received for PR purposes.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Reports: Shu Uemura Chocolat Donna and Ultime8 Launch

Dear Shu Uemura,

Thank you for bringing in a new collection inspired by women's bestfriend --- chocolates!  

The Chocolat Donna is Shu Uemura's 135th mode make-up and it's part of the autumn/winter collection. To celebrate this milestone, I was one of the lucky blogger who get an invite to celebrate precious moments with a friend whom I know will enjoy makeup and chocolates as much as I do! 

Since I had the chance to know Angela during our Nuffnang Blog Awards in Malaysia and we had loads of fun times tasting on various chocolates at the Chocolate Factory, Kuala Lumpur so I thought of inviting her and I'm glad she had as much fun as I did!

 **photo taken from www.lushangel.com

"Chocolate as a milestone of your life, a piece of chocolate evokes your precious memories bittersweet memories of first love, of joyful celebrations breathe in the chocolate aroma, taste the creamy, soft, crunchy textures, every single piece rich with happiness and comfort.

Close your eyes, savor the flavors of life, evoke the next chaper of an exciting journey that you have never tasted before." --- Shu Uemura press release

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited CR330 Lipstick Review

The last time I visited the Shu Uemura Boutique at Rockwell for the Kiss and Make-up Playdate, I got really confused!  I was facing a huge dilemma as I can't seem to pick the lipstick I want or the lipstick that would look good...On my client!  

Yes, it hit me, I always put my clients first as most of the gorgeous lipstick shades goes straight to my makeup train case!   So I told myself, today is the day I'm picking the shade for ME, Myself and I!  *selfish mode ON*

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick

in CR330

How to: Quick Day Time Look

Good morning AMW friends!  Today is another "This is How I Do it" series!  I was asked by one of my reader how I usually do my makeup on a regular work-day!  Well, since I work from home, I usually go "bare-faced" but on days I need to go somewhere for a quick event or meeting, here's how I create a look that I'm very comfortable with and I'm sure I still look like myself!  (Hopefully, the better version! :P)

Here are some of the products I used ----

How To Create Bigger-Looking Eyes

Happy day!  Let me share you some of the mails I received recently! Okay, just the gist!  A lot of you have been requesting me to do video tutorials or start my own YouTube channel (why, thank you!).  Unfortunately, with my super hectic schedule (Mr. AMW calls me kiti-kiti as I have a lot on my tiny plate!) so creating a video is far from my thoughts for now!  Maybe..when I turned 60?  Come on!  Promise you'll still be here to watch "Wrinkly-AMW"!  *knocks on wood*  *shakes off thought*  It's not gonna happen!  *grabs eye cream*

For now, the best I can do is to create helpful tips and tutorials through photos!  I know videos are way more easier to follow but I'll try to make these photo tutorials as simple and as clear as possible!  This special post, I call... "This is How I Do It" (everybody move it..to the left to the right...)  Whoever can sing along this song...ahm...you're cool!  :P  (The song is actually called This is How WE Do It.) 

Makeup is a very powerful tool!  A lot of you knew that by now and that's probably the reason why you read my blog!  I've seen transformations (big and small) done by using certain makeup and the AMW-style will always be the easier and simpler version!  I know there are hundreds and thousands of tutorials out there on how to change the shape of your eyes!  But on regular days, who would want to spend an hour in front of the mirror?  *looks around*  I don't know about you but definitely NOT ME!  

Today, to jump start this exciting segment, I'm sharing the simplest steps I've learned through the years on how to create rounder-looking eyes!  This is best for Asian eyes or people who would like to create bigger-looking eyes.

AYE?  AYE!

Let's begin...
Your choice between gel liners, liquid liners, cream liners or pencil liners.  In this tutorial, I used Kate Gel Eye Liner in Black.

Some more products you may need ---

AMW Bulletin: Who's Excited for Shu Uemura x Karl Lagerfeld Collection?

Some of you may not know who Karl Lagerfeld is but I actually got to know him (of course not personally, lol) via online fashion articles.  I believe he is a head fashion designer for Chanel fashion.

For two decades Karl Lagerfeld has been using Shu Uemura eye shadows to illustrate his fashion sketches. So it was an easy design for him to collaborate with the brand to create an entire collection!  He's very hands on in terms of picking the shades, the design of the packaging and he also photographed the visual campaign.

 Talk about One Man Show!

The collection will be launched November 2012 in Asia!  I'm looking forward for this!

How do you think the packaging will look like?
What are the shades that will be included in this collection?
Any guesses?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reports: Shu Uemura's Kiss and Make-up Playdate

According to Mr. Shu Uemura: "Colors are like personalities, they are infinite."

I have to agree, as a makeup artist myself, I find the use of various shades of lipstick to each individuals pull out a different "look" and "vibe" from the same person!

To celebrate colors, Shu Uemura came up with Rouge Unlimited --- a blast of true colors, supreme moisture, unlimited beauty.

There will be an array of 50 colors that are formulated for long lasting moisture.   According to Nina Solano, Brand Manager of Shu Uemura Philippines, there are 36 shades available at the Shu Uemura boutique and the rest of the 14s are coming soon!  The last 14 shades are the "matte" versions according to Nina.

Sample color swatch from Shu Uemura

With the help of Shu Uemura's highly accredited make-up artists, we were given the chance to try out various shades that are PERMANENT.  *yay*

Since we're overwhelmed by the wide range of lip color, we were asked to trim down our choices depending our personality.

• For the Urban Chic - brown shades
• For the Carefree Spirit - coral shades
• For the Girl-Next-Door - pink shades
• For the Sexy Nude - beige colors
• For the Hollywood Glam - red colors and bright pinks
• For the Artist shades - Shu White and Shu Black (very unique addition to Shu Uemura's lip products.)  

Shu White gives out a brightening and blurring effect
Shu Black gives a darkening and shadow effect.

At a glance:

• Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited are very moisturizing.
• Wide arrays of shades.
• Most shades are sheer and build-able.
• Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited lip colors are easy to mix and match.  Mix 2 different colors to create a third color!

L-R Earth, Me, Nina, Martha, Rowena and Shen

AMW Dress: Shannaholic

Black (irregular) top from Korea

Necklace: Fimo clay necklace from reader Julie Anne :)

Random photo:
Gorgeous fake flowers and butterflies that creates a lovely colorful vibe at Shu Uemura Boutique, Rockwell.

Have you seen the new Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited lipstick that was recently launched?
What's your lipstick shade base on the personalities above?
I went for coral shade as I like to express my Carefree Spirit!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Shu Uemura Gloss Unlimited in Blooming Pink

Good morning and Happy Friday!!!
I'm excited for a busy weekend ahead so can I save a bit of my energy if you don't mind?
*Jumps and runs around*

Yeah right!  As if I could tone down my energy level!  N-E-V-E-R!!!  Well, not unless I'm sick *knocks on wood* and I hope it won't happen anytime soon! :)

Today, I am sharing to you a review of a lip product I've been using for quite some time!  This is my first Shu Uemura Lip Gloss as I'm surprised I didn't think of the brand when it comes to glosses!  Now it's time!  Is it?

Shu Uemura Gloss Unlimited 

in Blooming Pink

(Part of Shu Uemura's Celestial Garden Collection)

Shu Uemura says ---

• Corona Orange - Lips shimmer sublimely with this lustrous orange-pink gloss. 
• Blooming Pink - An innocent pink hue that blooms with positive energy. 

Size: 5.4g
Ingredients: (taken from Shu Uemura's website)

c18-36 acid triglyceride , bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2 , polybutene , pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate , tridecyl trimellitate , silica dimethyl silylate , diisostearyl malate , synthetic fluorphlogopite , silica , calcium sodium borosilicate , calcium aluminum borosilicate , polyethylene terephthalate , polymethyl methacrylate , methicone , bht , isopropylparaben , isobutylparaben , butylparaben , benzyl benzoate , limonene , citronellol , geraniol , linalool , benzyl alcohol , parfum / fragrance

AMW says ---

Pros

• Simple, classy packaging.

• Firm, flat, sponge-tip applicator makes it easy to apply on lips.
• Non-sticky.
• No weird scent.
• On to the shade Blooming Pink: is a nice, dainty cool-toned pink that's unique in every angle.
• The gloss stays and even withstand a bit of drinking!  Re-application is still needed (like any lip glosses)

Cons

• Color is quite sheer for pigmented lips like mine. (Please read tip below on how to deal with this.)
• Price

Overall
The shade Blooming Pink gives out a hint of cool-toned baby pink shade that's pigmented a bit to be seen on lips but not pigmented enough to even out the uneven pigmentation of lips.  This is a wonderful gloss to top on ANY lip color underneath.

Tips

• If you have uneven, pigmented lips like me, I strongly suggest to fill in your lips with a lipliner closest to your lip color prior to the gloss application.
• Prep your lips with good amount of moisture, though this is a gloss, it may still feel a bit drying for very dry lips consumers!
• Try on different lipstick shades underneath, be experimental!  Check which combination flatters you the most!
• For a dainty look, moisturize your lips with your choice of lip balm then top with the Shu Uemura Gloss Unlimited for a very natural yet sexy lips.
• Blooming Pink shade is perfect for dark eye makeups!  
• Wipe the applicator with clean cloth or tissue after every use.
• Never share the same applicator with other people!  If possible, use a lip brush or lip gloss applicator.
• If you prefer not to use lip liner or lipstick underneath but wants to see the real color of the gloss to pop out, cover your original lip color with a lip erase product or concealer.

Will I repurchase?
Other shades, yes!  For my make up kit!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who loves and can't live without glosses!  This is perfect for not so pigmented lips who would like a nice shine with a hint of "girly" freshness!

Where to purchase and how much?
At local Shu Uemura boutique for Php1,000 (approx $23.25).  About $22.00 in the US.

On Tube:

Blooming Pink looks a bit like an orangy-pink shade

On Lips

Changes the color of my lips into a nice baby pink 

but doesn't even out the pigmentation of my lips.

Lines are less obvious.

Have you tried any Shu Uemura Lip Gloss Lately?
What's the shade and does it flatter you?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(Product sent for PR purposes.  Opinions/reviews 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

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!

AMW Reviews: Shu Uemura's Whitefficient UV Under Base

Happy Month of May! Happy Labor Day!!!

Since the sun has been crazy hot for the past few weeks, I made sure to keep my face and body well protected from the harsh rays of the sun, at the same time, I'd like to keep my face looking fresh, glow-y and healthy at the same time!

I pulled out the Shu Uemura Whitefficent UV Under base brightening mousse for Summer 2012! 

Shu Uemura says ---

Shu Uemura Whitefficient UV Under Base Brightening Mousse SPF 30 PA++ is a new instant brightening ultra-light mousse base, as efficient as a whitening essence.

• Prepare the skin for pore-less radiance
• ”trans-glow complex” immediately reverse yellow skin tone and combats dullness.
• reduces dark spots and freckles, improves skin transparency day by day.
• fortified with SPF30 PA++ to prevent premature aging and hyper pigmentation.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Packaging!  Very hygienic and easy to use.
• Has SPF30.
• Contains Vitamin C which works to treat dark spots on the skin.
• Gives an almost instant brightening effect.
• Very light and never feels heavy on skin.
• Works to almost all skin types.
• Skin appears matte and foundation (powder, liquid or cream) can be applied easier due to the smooth surface.
• A tiny amount goes a long way.
• The "brightening effect" lasts until I remove makeup at the end of the day.

Cons

• Applying too much may create "white cast".
• SPF30 is not sufficient for our current temperature.
• Price!

Overall

I can't vouch on the long term effect of the product yet as I have used this only for a month!  Some of my friends who used and loved this product has experienced lightening effect especially on areas of their faces that has dark spots!  

This product is the answer to anyone's wish for healthy, glowing skin in an instant!  The product does not have coverage so further concealing is still needed.

Tips

• Purple can create "brightening" effect to yellow skin tone BUT, you have to apply sparingly!  Applying too much will turn the skin "ashy".
• Apply after your skin care regimen, if you will be out in the sun for long, apply sunblock prior to this product.
• Apply all over face and don't forget the neck area.
• If you are into very cute packaging, purchase NOW as they have this as part of the Mamechiyo For Shu Uemura collection.

Will I repurchase?
Since I'm a fan of brightening products, YES!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes "instant" brightening under base.

Where to purchase and how much?
Available at local Shu Uemura counters for Php2,200.00 (approx $51.00).

Light, mousse-like texture of
Shu Uemura Whitefficient UV Under Base Mousse

This amount is enough for the whole face and neck

Though some people prefer applying this with clean fingers, I prefer blending it all over my face with a synthetic foundation brush.  Spreading downwards just like what I usually do on a liquid/cream foundation.

Don't be scared on how "purple" you turn to be, keep on blending and I finish the application by using my clean hands and gently blend the product making the purplish tint disappear.

 

Giving it a couple of  minutes, the product will settle down and the purple tint will disappear leaving a natural, healthy glow.  Photo shown below without foundation.

Do you need Shu Uemura Whitefficient UV Under Base Mousse for the Summer 2012?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!