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!

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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?

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Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
 

Tip for the Day: Faking soft, dewy skin!

I have been requested so many times to do a tutorial on creating a fake "glowy", "bright" or "dewy" skin.  I know its easy for me to do such as I have dry skin to start with.  What about our oily gal friends out there?  I've thought of ways and finally done a very simple one that anybody of any age can do!

Keep in mind that practice makes perfect, it helps to try out different products and see which works best for you!  In this tutorial, I am using the simplest and most effective way to date!  Believe it or not, I'm still on trial and error and will definitely share again if I've found a better way.  For now, lets settle for this...shall we begin?

Sorry but there's no other better model than myself!  I can't seem put myself out there and randomly ask for people willing to be my model! *hahaha*  So please do not get tired of my face okay?  If you do...hmm...come here..want cookies? :P

Step 1:

• I moisturized my skin with a light moisturizer.  Oily-skinned individuals can go for oil-free moisturizer.
• Once the moisturizer sets in.  I used a brightening face primer from Benefit's That Gal.  (Other alternatives to try: your choice of sparkly BB cream, tinted moisturizer like Myra Vitaglow Tinted Moisturizer)
• With my Charm stippling brush, I applied a light liquid foundation (like that from Revlon's Photoready Foundation or Paul & Joe Cream Foundation) applying only on areas that needed coverage).

Step 2:

Oily-skinned individuals complain about their face oiling up in no time.  Pick up your favorite oil-control setting powder.  In my case, I am using the Majolica Majorca Pressed Pore Cover  picking up a bit of the product with a K-brush or any powder brush, pat ONLY on areas that oil up (ex. t-zone, sides of the nose) and leave the rest as it is!  Oh, it helps to keep on "pressing" the brush with a bit of the powder on those oily areas and it'll help absorb excess moisture and oil.

Do not forget to bring your favorite oil control films.

Step 3:

Look inside your makeup kit for highlighting powders.  They usually come together with a contouring powder.  If you don't have any, no need to purchase.  Look into your eyeshadow collection and search for a semi-sparkly eyeshadow (can be pressed or loose) that works on your inner corner of the eyes or on the browbone.  If the shade works on those areas, you can use this to highlight your face!

In this tutorial, I am using Bourjois Pastel Lumiere Pearl Eyeshadow in Beige Rose.  The name has rose to it but it is not pinkish at all!

I do own a couple of highlighting powders like the one from Paul & Joe or another white eyeshadow shade from my Eyeko Pretty Eyes Palette.  Be creative and experimental!  What's the worse that could happen?  If all else fails, you can wash your face!

Step 4:

To make your "highlighted" and "dewy"-looking face more obvious, its best to use a bronzer as a blush!  This gives out a super natural, healthy glow!  At the same time, the "glow" from the bronzer can help make your face looks "fresh" and "dewy" at the same time!

Added tips:

• Other people would use Petroleum jelly and apply it on parts of the face to create that "dewy-ness".  In my opinion,  I'd rather have you skip it the tip stated is applicable for countries with winter season!
• If you over applied your powder, fret not, have your moisturizing facial mist ready and spritz all over your face and leave it to dry on its own!  It does not only help set your makeup but it makes your skin look and feel fresh!
• I forgot to take a shot of it, but to add up the "dewy" look, skip heavy lipstick and moisturize your lips with your preferred lip balm and top with a super wet-looking gloss!  (local readers would know this brand but Fashion 21 makes super nice fruity scented clear gloss for less than Php100 and it tastes so good!)

Any other tips you would like to share to our readers?
Feel free to share by clicking the COMMENT section!

Sharing is beautiful!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Version: Purples without the Black Eyed Peas

Happy Thursday! Sorry for the weird title!  Black Eyed Peas lover out there, don't hate me ok?  I just find the title unique and hoping it would catch your attention! (KSP kasi ako) :P  

When it comes to purples, clients would always shy away and say: "I'm not that fair, it won't look good on me, I'll probably look like someone with black eye!"

I actually went through the similar stage when I was still studying make-up!  There are definitely a lot of practice and a lot of color combining done before I found a way to use purples on a daily basis without looking tired or messy!

Note that this is a toned down version because this look is meant for daytime!  Yes, you can wear it at work without getting strange looks from colleagues!

Tips

• Try not to pile up a lot with a single shade of dark purple eyeshadow.
• Use different shades of purples to have "3-dimensional effect."
• Use at least 2 shades to create a purple look, one is any shade of purple while the other is a highlighter!  Could be golds, beige, etc...
• Use an eye primer or eyeshadow base and pat on the dark eyeshadow to prevent fall outs.
• For fall outs, do not use your fingers in wiping them off, gently brush the excess off with a big powder brush or fan brush!  *works ALL the time!*

AMW Diagram

Step 1:
It wasn't shown on photo but I actually applied Urban Decay Primer Potion all over lids.  Applied purple shade from Lancome Color Fan 6 Color Eyeshadow Palette.

Step 2:
With the same Lancome Color Fan 6 Color Eyeshadow Palette, use the shimmery gold eyeshadow on the inner corner of the eyes to create a "brigher" look!  This helps cast away the dark shadow that can make your eyes look tired!

Step 3:

For a fake "deeper set of eyes" look, I used a darker purple shade from my Sleek Divine Graphite Palette.

Step 4:
Apply eyeliner of your choice!  I always go for gel liners or liquid liners!  Pencil liners I use to tight line!

Drew my brows with Paul & Joe Eyebrow Pencil no. 2.  Curled my lashes and used Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Glamour Volume on Mascara in Black.

Here's a daytime, non-tiring eyes

Workable for office girls!

 

Scroll down to check what's on the rest of my face

 

For the Face:
Kanebo Revue Powder Foundation BE-C

For the Cheeks:
The Body Shop's Autumn Leaves Compact

in Shade 02 Berry

For the Lips:
Stila Lip Pots in Amande

Top with Stage Wondergloss in Sophia

Get that lazy bum out of your room!
Face your day with a huge smile!  It's Thursday!
Friday is super reachable!

Have you perfected your purple eyeshadow?
What shade do you pair it with?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Readers' Corner: Online Shopping

I've been an online buyer for years and I'm proud to say, I don't take advantage of my virtual purchasing power!  There are things that are "worth purchasing" and there are some worth letting go even if the deal is too hard to resist!

I've shopped at Ebay, Strawberrynet, KKCenterHK, various mineral websites and a lot more! (Please note that I am not affiliated to any of the online companies mentioned so please purchase at your own discretion.)

Here are some of the factors that help me decide if online shopping is worth it or not!

1. Forms of payment

I only shop online if the site accepts Paypal payments!  I am wary to give out my credit card information so signing up on Paypal is a huge plus and you don't have to pay anything unless you want your credit card verified!  You only get to pay a minimal fee which will be reimbursed once your card is verified! 

2. Shipping Cost

Free shipping is a huge factor for me.  Always check shipping rates before you start shopping!  It's such a heartbreak to put things you want on a cart then once you checkout, you see the HUGE shipping rate included which makes you leave the site and swear on online shopping forever!  

It pays to click "Shipping Information" and read thoroughly.  I don't mind paying shipping rates if they are fixed or affordable!  It's a personal choice of mine not to purchase at any site with shipping rates that goes as high as the price of the product itself! I'm not exaggerating!  I've seen quite a number especially on Ebay!

3. Product Price

Most prices are in US dollars, you definitely have to convert and bank rates are not on our side!  As enticing as it seems, a product that's approximately a dollar to $5 dollars cheaper doesn't mean its worth it!  Remember, you have to pay for shipping plus keep in mind the fact that you may end up getting the wrong shade or product because you only get to see them on photos!  

I, on the other hand, would go ahead and shop for products that are not available locally or out of reach!  For products that can be found locally, I will only shop for it online IF the price difference is high!  I don't mind waiting even for a month if I get to save at least 30% of the local retail price!  I get to have this thought because most products down here have sales ranging from 10%-20%.

4. Reviews

It pays to search for reviews on customers who shopped in the particular site!  I like reading their overall experience shopping in this particular site!  It helps to know how "fresh" the product they get, how they were packed and how soon they got the product!  These are the factors I check from buyers!

Local readers may want to read these additional information: 

• Request the seller to ship the package as "gift" and if possible, ask them not to include the price of the package.  If they must, request to write down whatever amount below $50.00.  Keep in mind though that Customs officer won't believe you if you're buying electronics or expensive clothing for less than $50.00! 
• Most Asian online stores would give you an option to choose between Registered and Unregistered mail.  Registered mail is safer as you get to ask the seller to track the package for you BUT, you have to bear in mind that most registered packages are sent straight to the Central Postal Office located in Manila.  If you live far from the area mentioned, it will be a huge hassle for you to pick up the package!  
• Most sellers I've encountered ship their packages quite fast!  Most of the packages I received took at least 3 weeks to arrive.  It's super lucky I should play the lottery moment if I get the package within 2 weeks!  In this case....
• Do not bother the seller every now and then on why you haven't received your package/s yet especially if they've done their part!  Most of the time, or shall I say --- AT ALL TIMES, our packages are stuck in our local post office because we need to wait for them to get to the mood to sort out packages and write notice cards!
• Try to have your packages sent at home instead of your office!  Most offices are located in business districts and most Postal Offices in those areas are huge!  More packages sent to the post office means taking more time for the P.O. workers to sort them out and write notice cards!  I've had one package arrived 2-3 months when I had it sent to my work address (wrong move).
• Not all packages gets to your door!  You won't even know which type of packages will get to your door or which ones you need to pick up!  I've asked that question a million times, it boils down to the "mood" of the people handling packages!  I've got big packages sent straight to my doorstep while small bubbled envelope packages required me to pick it up!  Any rules?  Beats me!  It must be their well-kept secret!
• Expect to have your package opened right in front of you for customs check!  There are lucky days they don't open it.  Again, it's a rule we will never understand!
• Once you are given a notice card to pick up the package, prepare Php40.00 (approx $1.00) PER package.  It's a fee we're doomed to pay!  

My most recent package is from Strawberrynet.com and I had to pick it up at the Central Post Office.  Here's how nicely wrapped the products are with loads of protection!

I got Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer for oily skinned clients and 2 Stila Oval Shaped Sharpener!  A huge reminder to everyone to always do your research before you order anything!  I actually bought the Stila Oval Shaped Sharpener in a whim because I need new pencil sharpeners for my favorite eyebrow pencils and eyeliners!  The funny thing is, I got too excited with the Buy-One-Take-One deal I didn't check online that this sharpener is meant for "oval shaped" pencils!  Which I haven't seen in my entire life!  

Yeah, that's a story to tell on my online shopping escapade!  It pays to RESEARCH! :)

Any other tips from online shoppers out there?
I'm sure I missed out a couple of important points! 
I can't get over the Stila sharpener I can't use!  *hahaha*

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Version: Smoke-ready Summer!

Happy mid-week!  After sharing my nail art for the week, I am sharing another version I've done on my *ahem* gorgeous face!  hahaha  Come on!  Give it to me, this is my blog anyway so you have no choice but...to keep on reading!  (please do!) hahaha

I've decided to play a bit with the smokey look as it's actually nice for people with small eyes!  I've also used a very light brow pencil for those readers who asked why their brow powders or pencils make their brows super dark!  The secret is the shade!   This is the lightest brow pencil shade from Paul & Joe. 

Wondering if you'll believe me if I say

these are my original lashes?  

(Are you shaking your head?)

AMW Diagram

I used my Urban Decay Primer Potion as base

Step 1:

Though I plan to create a dark smokey look, I used an aqua shade underneath.  Applied Ulta's Deep Sea eyeshadow all over the lids.

Step 2:

With Ulta's Galaxy Eye Shadow, pat on the color on top of the blue base that I've created on step 1.  Blend well and add as you go on.  Do not worry about fall-outs at this stage, you can use a huge powder brush to brush it off afterwards.

Use a pencil brush to apply on the lower lash line.

Step 3:

With Ulta's Calla Lily, apply on the brow bone area including the inner corners of the eye and inner lower lash line.

Step 4:

Lined my eyes with Stila Smudge Pots in Black with the remaining gel liner on the brush, apply a bit on the lower lash line to define your eyes. 

Filled my brows and color them light with Paul & Joe Eyebrow Pencil no. 4.  Shade is equivalent to Blonde.

 

Applied false lashes.  

I used EO Lashes from KKCenterHK A88 Lashes

with DUO lash glue

The lashes may look too wild and fake on box but once applied on the eyes, it works perfectly on me and it looks amazing on photos! Very lightweight and it doesn't make me teary-eyed as compared to similar style of lashes.

AMW Version: Smoke-ready Summer

Check out what I used for the rest of my face

I opted to go for orange cheeks and lips as it's a nice color perfect for the summer!

For the face:
Revlon's ColorStay Aqua Mineral Makeup Foundation

in

For the Cheeks:
Paul & Joe Face Color 08
or use any peachy orange blush

For the Lips:

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Siren

Fix your hair and smile!

I want to thank Modess Philippines for sending the 2 shirts that says:

"'di lang ako basta babae" (I'm not just a regular girl)

Lalaki din ako (I'm also a boy!)...joke! hahaha

Modess Angels

Got 2 colored shirts from Tomato.  One will be given to my SIL! :)

Aside from being a Modess Angel, I would strongly suggest everyone to be an Angel to at least..somebody today!  It's not that difficult!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Stila Lip Pots Tinted Lip Balm in Amande

Stila, the brand who creates my favorite Gel Liner of all times in the name of Smudgepots!  Their eyeshadows are also quite nice and pigmented so the brand is close to my heart.

Last December, after almost a year of "Online Shopping Ban", I finally gave in to purchase some stuffs from Strawberrynet because they emailed me to give me special discounts for old customers to return!  It was a deal so hard to miss and the best part?  It comes with free gift!  Stila Lip Pots!

Stila Lip Pots Tinted Lip Balm says ---

• Moisturizes lips with a touch of color
• Weightless & smoothly glides on lips
• Offers comfortable sensation
• Leaves lips shine & protected

AMW says ---

Pros

• Cute glass packaging which keeps the product fresh.
• Can be used as a base prior to lipstick application without the "slide and glide" of regular lip balm.  Lipstick actually stays on lips!
• Amande Shade: can be used on both male and female.
• Gives a very natural, soft lips minus the shiny, lipstick look and feel.
• 
  

Cons

• Dipping your fingers to get product, not easy for girls with long nails.
• A bit pricey for tinted lip balm.  Other brands can come up with a more inexpensive version.
• Very dry lips individual may still need the extra help of a lip balm/ lip treatment.

Overall

With so many lip products available out there, this is not on top of the list, I guess due to its price and availability.  It's nice to have, on my part, this is vital for me as a make-up artist as it is quite difficult to look for a lip tint that doesn't look so shiny or obvious on guys!  

Conclusion:  Important for make-up artists, can skip and purchase inexpensive versions for non-make-up artists.

Tips

• If you plan to use it on yourself, apply with clean fingers AT ALL TIMES!
• If you are a make-up artist and plan to use this on clients, use a lip brush!  Wipe the brush before re-dipping the brush.
• Always close the cap tight.
• Apply this first before doing your make-up so lips are softer and moisturized prior to lipstick application.
• Apply more if you want the color to show up.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone not into lipsticks!  Wants a very light tint on lips without the heavy feel!  This shade Amande is even perfect for male clients on photoshoots!

Where to purchase and how much?

Again, I got mine free from spending a certain amount at Strawberrynet, it costs $16.50 (approx Php709.00).  From today until April 26, they are offering extra 10% discount upon checkout.  Local readers can purchase these at Stila Counter, Rustan's Makati.

Amande on Pot

Slight tint of orange-y brown shade

Swatch on hand, in one swipe, 

it creates a tiny hint of shimmery gold-orange tone

Applied on bare lips

Keep in mind that my lips are pigmented to start with 

so it actually lightened up my original lip color.

Make-up artists out there, what lip tint do you use for guys?
To the rest, what's your favorite tinted lip balm brand?
Click comment and share!  I'd love to hear from you!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!