AMW Makeover: Bridal Makeup

Hi AMW friends!
It's another Makeover day!  I hope you like the before and after photos I show and let me know if you have any questions by commenting below!

I've done a lovely bride last Saturday and I really enjoy being part of such exciting event!  That is one reason why I concentrate more on Bridal makeup because the energy is just amazing! 

Here's my gorgeous bride very pretty even sans makeup!

Before and After Noelle

Skin type: Oily and Acidic

Request: Keep the oil at bay at the same time, make sure foundation doesn't darken on her.

I did Trial Makeup on her several weeks before the wedding.  The makeup I've done on her for trial is lighter as compared to the day of her wedding.  Well, I always darken the makeup of my brides on the day of her wedding because of the harsh lighting from photographers.

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?

How to: First Trimester Pregnancy Face

Happy October 1st AMW Friends!!!  It's a Monday and it's the start of another new month!  I am sending good vibes to everyone!!! 

To jump start the busy week, my "This is How I Do It" post may be dedicated to all expectant moms out there especially on their first trimester but this is also a makeup look that our younger readers can try!  I'm talking about you high school and college students who want to start on makeup yet don't want to look too made up! 

Because of the pregnancy hormones kicking in, my sense of smell has multiplied 100x and I do have the nauseous feeling and I throw up every now and then!  Going out and fixing oneself is one easy task I love to do in the past but things have changed and I'm finding myself tempted not to apply makeup at all and leave the house!

But I can't! I do need to go out for some special gatherings and most especially, those makeup gigs that was booked months ago!  I want to put an effort to look good as I don't want my clients to see my super tired, stressed, nauseous-look!  

This is How I Do It!!!

Brows

I find myself creating lighter looking brows as I tend to skip on eye shadow application so creating strong brows is not the thing as of the moment.  Since my hair is still lighter than my brows, I take time to redefine my brows and fill in spaces by using brow powders.  (Ex. Benefit Brow Zings)

AMW Reviews: Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin

My love for Urban Decay Primer Potion has always been there since I first tested it out 4 years ago.  It was love at first try!  Up until this very moment, I have tubes of UDPP inside my makeup train case as it has been tested by yours truly on her oily-lidded friends and it's the perfect eyeshadow primer for our weather!

I'm so happy Urban Decay came up with different shades of Primer Potion just for variety, and I got my hands on Urban Decay Sin! 

The shade Sin looks almost the same as the packaging

Urban Decay says ---

The most legendary primer in the beauty industry. Eyeshadow Primer Potion is coveted by makeup artists and makeup junkies alike because it guarantees more vibrant eyeshadow that lasts for 24+ hours and Never Creases!

Once you experience its powers (plus how smoothly it glides on – an added bonus) you'll never want to live without it. Original formula dries down invisibly

Now this extraordinary elixir comes in an easy-to-squeeze tube so you can control how much you apply. You also get more primer in every tube - 11 ml instead of the original 10!

Ingredients

AMW says ---
Pros

• Better tube packaging!!!  No more product wastage as the old packaging!
• Has a nice hint of glitter that can be used on its own.
• No creasing.
• No smudging of eyeshadow.
• Eyeshadow is more vibrant.
• Eyeshadow lasts the whole day!  Until removal!
• Lightweight. 
• No eye irritations.

Cons

• If you're not a fan of shimmers, Sin is not for you.  Pick the original!

Overall

Sin has a hint of shimmer if used alone or underneath an eyeshadow.  Crease-free, budge-proof and eyeshadow stays longer!

Tips

• Control the intensity of SIN by using less amount for translucent look or use more for a frosted base.
• Best to use clean fingers in application.
• Apply a bit of Sin at the inner corner of your eyes for a nice effect.
• Apply Urban Decay Primer Potion close to lash line as it'll also help your eyeliner stay longer.
• The original UDPP works well even on the lower lash line.  For Sin, I choose to stay away from the waterline to prevent eye irritations due to its existence of sparkles.

Will I repurchase?
Not Sin but other shades for sure!  Especially the original formulation as I use it on clients.

To whom do I recommend this to?

If you are a fan of eyeshadow application and is adventurous with different shades, go and purchase Sin!

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at Stuff in Style online site for Php1,150.00 (approx $27.38).

Photos

New packaging.  Better than the genie-type bottle!

A tiny amount goes a long way!

Once blended, Sin is a beautiful champagne salmon color that can be "almost invisible" or frosted depending on the amount of product used.

Applied UDPP Sin on my bare lid

Once blended

It gives a hint of shimmer that looks natural.

Do you own the original Urban Decay Primer Potion?
Would you give Sin a try?

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Get "photo-updated" on Instagram (search "AskMeWhats")
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Product sent for review.  Opinions 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 Version: When the Sun Starts to Set

Have you seen the moon?  Lunar Eclipse?  I wasn't able to catch the Lunar eclipse but I was able to stare at the moon for a good 10 minutes last night because I just can't help it but repeat myself, it's gorgeous!  It was full, super bright and looks so close to us! 

AMW Version for the week, I've created something related to nature, I have this liking to take a look at the sky, how it changes from day til night!  Sunsets can take my breathe away!  Not that I am favoring sunset over sunrise, it's just that...I value my sleep!  *teeheee*

I'm not creating sunset looking eyes, I'm inspired to use the colors that I see using sunset in a more toned down version.  This is perfect for office at the same time, wearable even at night time! 

AMW Diagram

If you have oily lids, choose to use an oil-control eyeshadow primer.  In my case, I do not have oily lids but I want a good base for the shades to stay and show up more vibrant!  I applied a thin layer of Benefit Lemon Aid with my clean finger.

 

Step 1:

Using a flat shader brush, I pat on Baked eye shadow from the Urban Decay Book of Shadows Palette.  Baked is a deep gold shade in which you can find a lot of dupes elsewhere!

Step 2:

With a fluffy blending brush, apply Matte Brown shade eyeshadow (in this tutorial, I've used Majolica Majorca BR742), apply gently with a wiper motion a little bit above the crease to create an illusion of bigger lid space.

Step 3:

To deepen the outer v, I used another matte brown eye shadow color but choose 3-4 shades darker.  I used the brown from Bobbi Brown Champagne Quartz Eye Quad.

Step 4:

Instead of my usual "eyelining the waterline", I opted to choose the color of the sky!  Goddess shade from the same Urban Decay Book of Shadows Palette at the outer thirds of the lower lash line. 

Step 5:

Use Smattered or a lighter, sky blue color on the inner thirds of the lower lash line.

I lined my upper lashline with Kate Gel Eye Liner in Black.  Curled my lashes and applied coats of Revlon CustomEyes Mascara also in black.

 

Eye see you! 

(shucks, that was super corny! sorry!)

Here's what's on the rest of my face

 For the Face:

Graftobian Glamour Creme in Temptress applied with Dollface foundation brush
Revlon Age Defying 2-Way Foundation in Buff 04 to set the creme foundation

 For the Cheeks:
NARS blush in Orgasm

For the Lips:

Maybelline ColorSensational Coral Sunset

"When the sun starts to set... 

I see wonderful colors all blended in together in perfect harmony!"

Do you enjoy sky watching the way I do?
Do you get inspired with the colors around you when you apply make-up?

Enjoy your day!
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!