Tip for the Day: Base Makeup/Primers

Hello Askmewhats Readers!

I have a very good question asked by my reader a couple of weeks ago and I do apologize for taking such a long time to answer it. I tried putting it up on my "Reader's Corner" episode but the answer gets longer and longer so I've decided to make this a series.

I will answer the question in mini series so we tackle as much as we can! :) Yay?

Here's the question:

"What do I need to purchase to start up my make-up collection?"

Now you know why it took me weeks or months to answer this!!! This is one question that has so many answers!

Before I get to answer, here's a question that I need to ask YOU!

"Are you collecting makeup for yourself?
Or are you planning to be a professional make-up artist someday?" When I told myself I will start to spend my hard earn money on make-up, I knew I wanted to be a make-up artist so I made sure to buy the best of the best on what's out there, at the same time, making sure not to over spend. Here are just some of the tips at the back of my head, there's always a different version out there, but this is my version, I'm sure there's gazillions out there so feel free to share yours ok?

Today, I will start with

Base Makeup/Primers

Foundation can be included under base makeup, but in this post, I will be mainly focusing on pre-foundation products. What must you purchase for yourself or others?
Before you purchase any makeup base/primer, you have to evaluate your skin or your clients' skin!

Dry Skin

• Sunblock
• a moisturizer meant for dry skin
• Primer: this may be skipped, if you have combination skin, you can applly primer only on areas that are oilier

Oily Skin

• Sunblock
• Moisturizer - yes you still need them, apply a thin layer of moisturizer on oily areas and more on the less oily areas
• Oil control primer - to prevent the oilies

Wrinkly Skin

• Sunblock - blocking the sun to prevent further wrinkles
• Moisturizer - meant for aged skin
• Primer - to fill in the lines to have a good canvass to start up with your foundation

Blemished Skin

• Sunblock
• Moisturizer - you can check with your dermathologist for a good moisturizer meant for your sensitive skin. Better to use light and oil free moisturizer
• Treatment cream - from your dermatologist
• Corrective Primer (only if needed) - try not to use primers as much as possible, try to stay away from putting more products on to your skin especially if it's on treatment

Uneven Skin Tone

• Sunblock
• Moisturizer
• Primer that has shade

The tips above are just basic! Rule of the thumb, try to use the least product as possible. Be sensitive on your skin's reaction to each product you've applied.

If you are doing base makeup/primers to a client, do communicate with them and ask them if they have any allergic reactions to certain ingreidents or brands.

Here's a photo on the primers I currently own. I don't use them all on myself, but I use them on clients who are comfortable with primers.

Left to Right

Elizabeth Arden Good Morning Skin Serum (from Gracie)
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Light
Lancome Pure Focus T-zone (from Gracie)
P&J Protective Foundation Primer UV
Bare Naturals Make It Last Makeup Primer (from Shen)
P&J Moisturizing Foundation Primer 03

Below are the photo of BB Creams I currently own. Because of the craze, BB creams are considered as base makeup worldwide. Here's what I own, not a lot! But I'm happy with all of them!

Left to Right

Lioele Beyond the Solution BB Cream (from Zyra)
Skin79 VIP Gold Collection Super BB Cream
L'egere White Multi BB cream
BRTC Cover BB Cream

Do you use primers/makeup base everyday?
I don't! I let my skin breathe on most days! :)
I use primers on special occasions!
Share your thoughts my friends!

Keep smilin!
Stay Happy!

Askmewhats Reviews: MAC Grand Duo Light Over Dark

When MAC came up with a mineralized blush duo collection, I told myself I have to check it out because it looks really pretty!!! I want to have at least one in my collection!

Choosing only 1 is difficult, am I going for peach? pinks? The answer can be made if it's tested on my cheeks! And I chose none of the above!

I went for MAC Grand Duo Light Over Dark, it's a nice "bronzey" duo that gives me a healthy and natural flush.

Dome shaped
Mineralized Blush

MAC Grand Duo Blush says ---

A Mineralize Blush featuring soft-shimmer super-shine pearl in pretty tricolor veining to enhance and glorify cheekbones, followed with the pop and dimension of solid color shimmer without an overly frosted look.

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• can create 3 different shades as compared to a regular mono blush
• gives out a healthy glow due to it's pretty sheen
  
• very pigmented
• lasts long
• a great everyday color
  

Cons

• pricey
• if not careful, this can be shattered easily if dropped
  

Overall

I admit, I had big regrets after I purchase this because I felt that I got sidetracked by the SA of MAC. I went there originally thinking about a Pinkish shade and felt bad that I left in a different blush color.

When I got home, I tested it on my cheeks and feel that it is indeed pretty but a bronzer from different brands can do the same job! I even plan to return it the next day but the lazyness in me stopped me from doing so.

Now that it's been with me for quite some time, I found that even though there's a lot of dupes out there, this blush does give me a healthy glow when needed.

Yes, this is a good buy but I won't say this is the best buy, again there's always different brands out there that gives out the same shade and glow I want.

But I am not complaining....this looks ok on my skin!

Tips

• use this as an eyeshadow as well
• try on different sides and see which one would work best for you
• tap the brush to remove excess
  
• start applying less, adding as you go on
• Stila bronzer is a good dupe!
• for the blush not to come out too strong, use a big fluffy brush or stippling brush to applyl
  

Will I repurchase?

Not this shade, this will last me a lifetime!

Where can you purchase and how much?

Not available anymore, can purchase online (be careful though)
Bought this at MAC Shangri-la for Php1,500 (approx $32.00)

Swatch

1. Melange side - more shimmery
2. Mono side - has shimmer but less
3. combination

Here's how it looks on my cheeks
Using a slanted blush brush

Own any MAC mineralized Grand Duo Blush?
What color did you get?
Did you like it?
Happy Friday everyone!
Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!

Askmewhats Reviews: TBS Cheek Blush Cream

I am so late with this review!!! The Body Shop's Cheek Blush Cream has been around for quite some time. I was in makeup school at that time when we were told to purchase a cream blush for our "wedding makeup" look. Great excuse to shop and what's even better? I bought this on sale!

Told ya I'm a smart shopper! :D

This cream blush from The Body Shop won a spot at the Glamour Magazine UK site's "Top Ten Cream Blush"

Cheek Blush 02 Raspberry Pink

The Body Shop Cheek Blush Cream says ---

This gel-based cream blush is enriched with Community Trade moisturizing marula oil to ensure it glides onto and conditions skin.

Ingredients

Marula Oil - Is a very effective moisturizer that also helps to condition the skin over time. Also provides essential fatty acids that help to repair the skin's moisture barrier, thus helping to restore moisture, smoothness and suppleness. Provides women in areas ofte

Light-reflective particles - Instantly brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Spherical powders - Allows the product to smooth onto the skin and blends easily to build colour coverage.

Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate (Emollient), Isododecane (Solvent), Polymethyl Methacrylate (Emollient), Mica (Opacifier), Dextrin Palmitate (Emulsifying Agent), Silica (Absorbent), Myristyl Lactate (Emollient), Cyclomethicone (Emollient), Disteardimonium Hectorite (Suspending Agent), Trimethylsiloxysilicate (Skin Conditioning Agent), Propylene Carbonate (Solvent), Sclerocarya birrea (Marula Oil) (Skin Conditioning Agent), Talc (Absorbent/Bulking Agent), Propylparaben (Preservative), Barium Sulfate (Opacifier), CI 77492 (Colour), CI 77891 (Colour), CI 15850 (Colour), CI 42090 (Colour).

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• blends easily on cheeks
• gives a very natural looking flush
  
• lasts a long time
• a little goes a long way
• consistency is just right, not too thick or runny
• the color of the tube is the exact color of the cream blush, which I find cute!
  
• size is perfect to tote along

Cons

• a bit messy as compared to using a powdered blush
• pricey for it's original price, wait for sales!
  

Overall

You will be surprised to know that this is my first cream blush ever! I bought this because it's required in school. I am too lazy to put on cream blush! I also have this fear that cream blushes can look uneven on areas if not blended well! Too much work! So little time!

We were taught in school that to make your blush lasts longer, you need to put on cream blush as a base to your powder blush! It makes sense! Now I am glad I bought this because I find myself taking this along with me at work and use this for quick flush in between working ours for a quick "rosy cheeks" look.

Though this is a cream blush, this doesn't last as long as I expected. Well, I was expecting for "no more retouching" for the whole day! (I know, I was expecting so much! LOL My bad!) The texture of this cream blush is on the "gel" side, this lasts a tiny bit longer than regular powder blush! Yes, retouching is still needed.

For it's "SALE" price, I would say it's worth it! If it's on regular price? Hmmm...I'd rather Wait!

Tips

• apply a tiny drop to the apples of your cheeks and smudge and blend until you're happy with the outcome
• make sure your fingers are clean
• to make your blush lasts longer, layer a similar shade of powdered blush on top of this cream blush to make the cheek color last longer
• if you're lazy to use your fingers to blend, you can use a sponge to blend or a brush!
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes

Where can you purchase and how much?

At The Body Shop stores for Php695 (approx $14.00)
on sale for Php195 (approx $4.50)
Called in The Body Shop Shangri-La branch, they're still ON SALE!!!!

Up Close and Personal

A tiny squeeze goes a long way
Shade 02 Raspberry Pink
(shimmery pink)



Sheen flush



I love how natural it looks!
It's even more natural on cheeks

I will use this on my next FOTDs!
Sorry no FOTDs for now!
Will be back on track soon! :)

Have a wonderful day!
Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!!!!

Please check out reviews from other beauty bloggers
smile and click

Beetrice's Review
Prettybeautiful

Askmewhats Version: "Safe" Neutral Look

Are you off for an important meeting?
Going for a first date?
Meeting the 'rents?

Those are the moments you would like to sport a very nice neutral eye makeup that does not take a lot of time! You want to look great but not too made up! I've always tried on different colors for eye makeup but if an occasion calls for a natural prim and proper look, there's always one look that comes into my mind! Of course it's neutral. But I call it my "safe" neutral.

A "safe" neutral is a neutral look that you know it's fool proof and mistakes free! You've been doing this look forever and you get compliments each time you create this look.

So, what's my "safe" kind of neutral? You'll know as you read on!

Here's my final eye shot!

Askmewhats' Diagram

Step 1:

Prior to eye makeup application, I applied a layer of MAC Soft Ochre Paintpot.
Using any flat shader brush, pat on Joppa Pearl eyeshadow on the inner center of the lid as shown on diagram.

Step 2:

Apply brown eyeshadow, in my case, I am using STAGE e/s from the So Loverly girls. Lightly swipe it on the outer crease to create a depth.

Step 3:

Highlight with Bonjour Rose Beige e/s

Step 4:

Line the upper lashline with MM Cocoa Gel Liner using my Ecotools Eyeliner brush.

Tightline with Urban Decay 24/7 Bourbon eyeliner, line the waterline as well and use Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in Ye-Yo on the inner corner of the eyes to make the eyes pop.

I added natural falsies, curl my lashes and added 2 coats of mascara!

Voila!
Natural looking eyes
that pops! :)

If you girls have the time, show me your version of a safe neutral! Neutrals are neutrals but I'm sure there's one neutral look that's safe to sport anytime of the day! I think I know the reason why I love this look! My mom always compliment me if I sport this eye makeup! Coming from my mom! Who loves her daughter free of makeup! It's a HUGE compliment! LOL

Have a wonderful day everyone!
Keep smilin!
Stay Happy!

Charm Holiday Set Prebuys

**all photos grabbed from Beauty & Minerals site

Dear Philippine Readers:

Our favorite Charm Holiday Set is available again!
Details below on how to reserve your own set of super pretty brushes!

Prebuy Period : June 2 to July 1, 2009
Prebuy Price : P 850.00
Freebies : free shipping nationwide, and for every two sets ordered, get a free Charm eyeshadow brush! :)
Tentative Arrival Date : within July 2009.

Payment Options :
Full payment of the brushes are required.
Payment via BPI Bank Deposit or G-Cash
Payment cutoff : July 10, 2009

Smile and Click HERE to go to their website

Let me know if you're buying!
It'll be cute to tote around! :)
Keep smilin'
Stay Happy!