Readers' Corner: Makeup for Men

"I am getting married soon and I've already booked a makeup artist to do my trial makeup on the day we will be hiring a photographer to do our prenuptial shots. Do you think my boyfriend needs to put on makeup too? I don't want him to look like a girl. What do you think?"

AMW Rule of the thumb: "If the guy does not want the makeup artist near his face, just let him go!" lol I am a strong believer of not forcing anyone. I'd rather paint smiling faces rather than frowning faces. PERIOD. :P

Seriously, I understand why men are scared to have their faced touched by any forms of makeup. They're scared to look girly and they have the "clown" face. Here's my tips based on my personal experiences...of course there's a lot of rules from different schools or books but experience is the best teacher.

1. Always make the men comfortable. I ask them their skin condition. Oily skin? Dry Skin? Which part oils up faster?
2. Is he ok to put on liquid/cream foundation? If not, I settle for powder foundation. Be careful not to go for a matte finish as it'll look unnatural and cakey.
3. Always check on his skin color and go for a deeper foundation, let's say 2-3 shades lighter. As opposed to regular makeup, apply the thinnest coat as possible to make it looks natural.
4. Do make corrections, conceal blemishes, lessen his undereye circles.
5. Contouring is allowed! Give him the nice chiseled face like Brad Pitt
6. Brows can be brushed but never shave or cut the brows without permission! (Did you know that? Most Chinese men does not like to touch their brows! Don't ask me why, I'll go on and on and on with explanations lol)
7. Eyeliner is allowed if the guy is comfortable, choose a brown eyeliner instead.
8. No need for blush
9. For older men: If they have white eyebrows and wanted it a bit darker? Use a mascara and gently brush it on the eyebrows. Applied too much? Use a spoolie and keep on brushing to lessen the mascara.
10. Apply lip balm or clear lipgloss. I try to steer away from lipsticks that has shades.

Here's one Male Makeup I've done for a prenuptial shoot. Ephraim is a cool guy and he's game to put makeup on! :) He doesn't like the full makeup but he just wanted a "clean" look.

Products used ---
Primed the "oily" areas with Smashbox Photo Finish Light
MAC NC42 mixed a tiny bit of NC25
Shu Uemura Setting Powder Clear on oily areas only
MAC Shadester for contouring
Kiehl's No. 1 Lip balm

I am honored to learn that I was the first to touch his "virgin" face lol
Thanks Ephraim for being such an easy client :)
Please pray for him and his family as I just realized his home is at Provident Village, Marikina. The area that has been hit hard with floods. I hope he is ok.
God bless Ephraim.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy

AMW Reviews: Shu Uemura Face Powder (Sheer/Colorless)

I've had this Shu Uemura Face Powder in Colorless/Sheer lying around, not wanting to use it as the packaging is too cute! I haven't been using this as I thought it won't be of any purpose to me. But when I got a gig on doing makeup to multiple clients with different skin color, I told myself I have to pack smart on makeup! I have to save some space and go for a setting powder that's great for almost all skin color.

The cutie that's on spotlight --
Shu Uemura Face Powder in Sheer

Shu Uemura Face Powder ---

Leaves skin luminous and glowing with vitality. Sheer and transparent finish. Great for highlighting facial structure and shape. Packaged with a velvet-textured puff designed specifically for sheer powder application.

Ingredients

talc , synthetic fluorphlogopite , zinc laurate , methicone , paraffinum liquidum / mineral oil , dipentaerythrityl tetrahydroxystearate/tetraisostearate , octyldodecanol , diisostearyl malate , dimethicone/methicone copolymer , silica , aluminum dimyristate

Shades available
Light
Sheer/Colorless

AMW says ---

Pros

• very sheer and gets to be invisible
• feels so light
• doesn't give out white cast on photos
• never cakes up, no matter how many times you re-apply
• a little goes a long way
• colorless version is perfect especially if you are a makeup artist, this goes for all clients with all types of skin color!
• I used this on a client with oily skin and I got a feedback that it held up. But of course, you have to be reminded that this is NOT perspiration proof.
  
• very smooth in texture and the powder is obviously finely milled
  

Cons

• since this is in loose powder form, this tends to fly up everywhere, product wastage as compare to pressed powders
• for dry or mature skin - be careful, as this can crease up the foundation or make your skin flake
  
• of course, this is a bit pricey for a setting powder.
• again..MESSY MESSY MESSY on my makeup train case lol
  

Overall

This isn't the face powder for me but this is definitely a setting powder every makeup artist should have! This looks great on photos and it gives out a radiant glow without the "added makeup" look. No matter how many times I retouch, the makeup won't look overly done and the makeup sets like a dream! A worthy investment!

Did you know that?

I haven't tried the Make Up For Ever HD Powder, I do have the Coastal Scents Silica Powder --- which one won my heart? Shu Uemura Face Powder is my "dependable" setting powder! *smacks*


Tips

• if you or a client has dry skin, use a large powder brush to gently brush this all over the face to set the makeup.
• if you or your client has oily skin, you can use a large velour puff to press the powder gently on areas that tend to oil up
• do not use the same puff on different individuals
• for personal use: make sure to wash the puff regularly to prevent bacteria
• you can use this powder to "highlight" areas you want to highlight, I prefer using a smaller fluffy brush to brush through the powder on the underage area.
• plan to create a dark eye makeup? Apply this sheer powder on the undereye area and brush it after eye makeup application to prevent fall outs.
• if you plan to use the puff that comes along with the powder, do tap the puff or scrape the extra product on the cap, as using it directly will make you look like "Sadako" :P
  

Will I repurchase?

For myself, I don't use this as much as I don't oil up. But I enjoy using this for clients especially during "retouching" moments!

Where to purchase and how much?

At Shu Uemura counter for approx Php2,300 (approx $47.00) for full size

Here's a trial size in 3.2 g
full size is 20g



Swatch on hand
scary and looks like a candidate for white cast

If blended well
Goes invisible

Shu Uemura is known for its quality products, I don't have a lot of Shu Uemura makeup on my traincase at the moment but this is definitely a start of a wonderful relationship with the brand.
Have you tried this?
Or are there any cheaper alternatives for setting powder?
Spill the potatoes baby! :P

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

A Moment of Silence

Dear AMW Readers:

I am using this space to ask for prayers, not only for the victims of the Typhoon Ondoy that hit our country but for all of us... as a nation, for our safety, for our families, friends and loved ones.

The tragedy that hit our country is a "wake up" call for me. We are only temporary "boarders" of the land we live in. I've came to realize that our world is suffering, we haven't had typhoon as bad as this in the past and we haven't had weather that gets too cold or too hot. Things have been changing because we have been neglecting the world that God has given us.

May we treasure the world we live in...
May we treasure our family, friends and loved ones.
May we thank the Lord each day that we are alive
and have the chance to appreciate his creation.
Let us continue to Thank the Lord for giving us air to breathe...
I am praying for everyone's safety.
God bless everyone!

AMW Reviews: iNUOVI High Coverage Studio Cake Foundation

When I reviewed a couple of iNUOVI Professional products and got impressed by it, I can't help but browse through their shopping site and got my eyes set on the iNUOVI High Coverage Studio Cake Foundation. When I mentioned about the July Special from the iNUOVI website, I took the plunge and took advantage of the 30% off plus free shipping.

So I got it and I've used it! Time for a review!

INUOVI High Coverage Studio Cake Foundation says ---

STUDIOCAKE is what professional artists rely on for that perfectly matte finish. This best selling, high coverage foundation has a cake-resistant, cream-to-powder formula that stays put and removes shine. Enriched with Vitamin E, Squalane and DPHP amino acids to moisturize and protect the skin.

Available in 6 shades

Ingredients (you can click to enlarge)

AMW says ---

Pros

• has medium to heavy coverage
• very smooth
• doesn't feel heavy on skin
• stays for the whole day, does not need much retouching
• fragrance free and NO to animal testing yay!

• the "freshness seal" is great! The product is fresh til you open it

• love that they have their own mirror, the sponge storage and it has vents!
• the sponge that comes along with this compact is of good quality
• has manufactured and expiration date

Cons

• though free shipping, takes time to wait for the product to arrive
• I'm lucky to have found my shade in one purchase, because of its online purchase, people like me who only depends on online shipping could probably end up purchasing the wrong shade
• the huge compact is not as appealing compared to other brands
• need to use my fingernails to open the product

Overall

iNuovi Studio Cake Foundation is a cream foundation that has a powder finish. I always have problems using cake or cream foundation due to my dry skin as it will flake up. At first use, I found this product flaked up my skin, I did not give up though so I made sure to moisturize my skin well, letting it absorbed into my skin well before I apply this product.

Using a sponge, in my opinion is the best way to use this product. It hides my redness and flaws without looking cakey.

This product is really great, I just hope the packaging could come off prettier.


Tips

from Inuovi

• Apply foundation to face with sponge provided. Blend well onto skin. Set with powder if desired.

from AMW

• use a sponge and apply the foundation thinly on all parts of the face, spread gently
• you can use a foundation brush for lighter coverage
• use a concealer blush and spot apply this foundation and this can also act as concealer
• wash your sponge regularly
• if you have dry skin: No need to set with powder
• if you have oily skin: you can choose to set with oil control powder
• moisturize your skin well before using this product especially for peoploe with super dry skin
• do wait for special deals and discounts when you plan to purchase any of their products.

Will I repurchase?

Yes

Where to purchase and how much?

At iNUOVI Professional eshop for $36.50 (approx Php1,750)
I bought mine less 30% for $25.55 (approx Php1,250)

A closer look on the product Packaging and the sponge

The shade I bought is 3Y I find this would go for MAC's NC25-35 shades I think I can be ok for 1 shade lighter than this but this works ok for me

Here's my previous look
using this foundation

OOOhhh now I'm eyeing on their airbrush system! Maybe I can get the chance to purchase it when I visit the country :)
Have a wonderful week ahead everyone :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy

Weekend Dessert Tripping: Sweets for my Sweet

Good morning everyone! We have crazy typhooon down here! Over the weekend, we didn't get the chance to food trip because it was raining like crazy! Like serious floods and strong wind around the metro! I pray for the safety of everyone! Stay home ok!

Well I will be including my tripping for the week. It was the "time of the month" plus the week of too much stress! So I won't get into details! I am not a dessert or chocolate lover, but hormones are hormones! I've been craving for sweets like crazy! Here are just "some" of the sweets I've chewed! lol meaning, there's a whole lot more that's not on photos! HAHAHA Note to self: "No more sweets next week!"

Let's start with the wonderful cupcakes

Cupcakes by Sonja

I am not a big fan of any cupcakes because most sweets down here are super sweet, I am not a fan of sugar! But if you got it right in front of you, I can't seem to say no this time! :)

Cookie Monster
Php98 (approx $2.00)

Cookie monster is such a cute name!
Full of icing with small chocolate kisses
topped with a mini chocolate cookie,
Cookie Monster would want more!

Vanilla Sunshine
Php55 (approx $1.00 more)

Vanilla cupcake buttery in flavor topped with cute mint green icing

Cupcakes by Sonja, Serendra
1C03 Serendra Piazza,
Bonifacio Global City Taguig

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

Like I said, cupcakes over the week isn't enough, off to Red Ribbon for instant gratification! There are 2 new variety that I haven't tried yet! So one slice of each please!

Cookies & Cream with Oreo
Php520 (approx $11.00) for Large Size
Php315 (approx $6.50) for Junior Size

A slice is enough for me, I am seriously not a cookies & cream lover
but if you want something sweet, with texture? Go for this!

A full size photo of the cake



Dulce de Leche
Php520 (approx $11.00) for Large Size
Php315 (approx $6.50) for Junior Size

This cake, is seriously my favorite cake for the quarter!
I"ve always been eating Mango Cake, Ube Cake, the usual ones!
When Red Ribbon came out with Dulce De Leche, I thought I'll be giving this a pass
because it looks and sound too sweet, but I'm wrong! I love this cake so much
that I purchased a large size for my Hubby's birthday :)



A photo of full size

What's your feel good dessert?
Seriously, feeling good is from within, sweets are temporary, if you have problems, do speak up and talk to your close friends, family or loved ones. That is the best "upper" for me :)

Keep that smile coming!
Stay happy!
Stay tune for the winners for my Amu'in Giveaway!