Tip for the Day: Cream Blush Application AMW Style

As a makeup artist and beauty blogger, searching for a "long lasting" makeup is definitely a priority!  I've done my search on eyeliners, foundation, and of course, blush will definitely be the next!  I've always had problems with my blush as it fades in less than half a day!  When I finally purchased my own cream blush and tried the "sandwich" method, I never put blush without a cream blush underneath!

Now on to the requests.  A lot of you have requested on how I apply my cream blushes.  Each person has their own methods and I'm not saying mine is the best but I am comfortable with this method that I will share.  I do this method both on myself and clients! 

Tools of trade: (choose any) + any brand of cream blush

• your fingers
• stippling brush
• medium sized foundation brush

I am comfortable using my Smashbox  no. 13 foundation brush from the Smashbox Beyond Beauty Encounter Brush Kit.  You can use any foundation brush that's made of synthetic bristles.  The less dense, the better.

I use "dab" method to grab the product instead of swiping it back and forth. The latter grabs more product which may lead to clown face.  Less is more.  Add as you go on, it is better to add than to subtract....well, I'm talking about MakeupTICS! hahaha

 

With light, gentle strokes, brush the cream blush onto the apples of your cheeks.  Of course, the blush placement depends on your face shape.  You can smile and click HERE for tips.

 

Stand back and check if you're happy with the shade.  Try to make this look as natural as possible because you will add a powder blush.  Using too much will definitely make you look like you've been jogging for 2 hours under the hot sun!

 

I try to match the cream blush with the powder blush color, it doesn't have to be exact but same family.  A pink cream blush would go perfect with a pink powder blush.  I am using a matte pink blush from the NYX Professional Makeup Artist Kit (reviews and swatches will be up soon).

 

Gently apply the powder blush on top of the cream blush.  Blend as much as possible.  If you think you applied too much, do not panic!  With a fluffy brush, pat on press powder on your cheeks to lessen the blush pigments!

 

I've actually applied a bit more for photo purpose!  I hope my step-by-step photos help for those who are wary to use cream blushes out there.  What if you have pimples or spots on cheeks?  Always make sure you prime, conceal and apply the right type of foundation to create a smooth and clear base.  When in doubt? Practice! Practice! and Practice!  You'll get the hang of it!

 

So, are you game to try cream blushes?  I hope so!  I am definitely hooked!
Have a wonderful day!  Thanks for the requests and trust.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: Romantic V-Day Nails

One nail art request that I got quite often is gradient nail art.  Gradient nail is a favorite nail art of mine but it's not a favorite "to-do" nail art as it's messy...messy and sometimes...just plain MESSY! :)  Since I'm still in the mood for the upcoming Valentine's Day.  I will continue my V-Day inspired nails.  If you're sick of Pinks and Reds, I am so sorry!  That's life, that's a good romantic combination for me! :)

Here's my final Romantic V-Day Nails

 

Step 1:

Apply your favorite base coat to protect your nails, let dry.  Apply 2 coats of your favorite base.  I am using Vision's Nail Polish (made by Oriflame) in Skydive.

Step 2:

Using Elianto's Shimmer Burgundy polish, apply a thick yet thin "French Tip" (at a random, don't make it perfect at all!)

 

Step 3:

Use any brand of Nail Hardener or Nail Base, anything that is clear and liquid-y in texture, brush the Burgundy Shimmer polish downwards to spread the color making a "gradient" effect.  Again, I have to remind everyone, does NOT have to be perfect. 

 

Step 4:

Using any way you want to create dots, in my case, I've used a Prettynails' 2 way nail art pen in white, create flowers at a random per nail.

 

Step 5:

Since I've been doing a lot of flower nail art, I want to vamp it up a bit by adding a second color on the flower, I've brushed gently yellow shade on top of the white petals.

 

Step 6:

Add rhinestones if you have one or just skip this step altogether if you don't own any rhinestones or swarovski flat bed crystals.

 

Step 7:

Making sure the nail art design is dry.  Brush glittery polish thinly on top of the nail art.  Again, this is an optional step.  As you all know, I am a fan of glittery polishes.

 

Step 8:

Protect your hard work by brushing OPI's RapiDry Top Coat

 

Now these nails are ready to go out on a date!
*winks*

 

 I actually enjoyed the outcome of this week's nail art design.  I hope you enjoyed the steps that I've done for you nail art addicts out there!  Again, thanks for always embracing my nail art designs!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy! :)

Dollface Cosmetics: Valentine's Photo Contest

Dear Philippine Readers:

Love creating looks? Love taking shots of your looks?
Then YOU can have the chance to win Php1,500 worth of Dollface Cosmetics!

How?  Click the photo to read the contest mechanics!

Goodluck!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reports: Enjoying the Day with GlamBox & Friends

Due to very busy schedule, I was a bit out of the loop with blogging events.  When I got an invite for GlamBox Airbrush Bloggers' Launch last January 23rd, I am glad my schedule is free because I've been interested with airbrush make-up right after I graduated the regular makeup course.

The event started with a warm cup of coffee or tea and wonderful snacks!

Makeup + Food = pure bliss!

Prior to the event, I do have an idea about Airbrush Makeup as my brother is an Architect and he uses his airbrush system for work like a breeze, well he's a smarty pants!  I, with the normal brain have seen how complicated it is and how difficult it is to use and not even understand how to control the PSI of the airbrush system.  PSI, in layman's term, is the airflow that needed to be adjusted to get the exact pressure you need for foundation, blush, eyebrows, eyeshadows, etc... Example, a lower PSI for sheerer finished foundation and a higher PSI for a heavier coverage.  Easy to say, but difficult to achieve without the knowledge and training.

That's when Ms. Valerie Tan discussed why GlamBox Airbrush Cosmetics was born.

It doesn't hurt that the GlamBox Airbrush system comes in black and pink (such a wonderful color combination), very lightweight, and a user friendly feature of choosing between Light, Medium and Dark rather than thinking about numbers or PSI's!  That's the best feature ever!!!

GlamBox Airbrush Cosmetics comes in 4 foundation shades (2 yellow tone and 2 pinkish tone), 2 cheek colors, an illuminizer and a thinner or cleanser.  All of the shades are silicon based except the luminizer.  As we all know, most international makeup brands like MAC are silicon-based most makeup artists prefer because of it's light weight properties.

I've asked Ms. Valerie if they plan to increase the shades of their foundation and cheek color, and the answer is YES!  So more choices to come in the future.

A swatch on foundation shade

1. Florence - light beige with yellow undertone

2. Cannes - natural beige with reddish undertone

3. Barcelona  - medium beige with reddish undertone

4. St. Tropez - dark beige with yellow undertone

On to cheek colors and luminizer

1. Venice Gold - light gold used alone or mixed with your foundation

2. Malibu -light pink

3. Cancun - darker rose pink

The ladies trying out GlamBox Airbrush for the first time

 

My dearest friend Sophie, the Beautynomist, 

testing the GlamBox Airbrush on Jane

 

 Here's Jane looking gorgeous after airbrush foundation application

Seriously looks more gorgeous in real life

The attendees

  L-R Cher, Me and Jane

L-R Bambi, Lauren and Nikki

Of course, this wonderful shot c/o Mark *thank you*

  L-R Shen, Me, Sophie and Phoebe

 I have to take a shot of these 2 lovely ladies

The GlamBox Ladies

Andrea and Valerie!

There are 2 kits available to purchase ---

The GlamBox Starter Kit (Php8,500/approx $185)

One - 30ml Foundation (of your choice)

One - 20ml Cheek Color (of your choice)

One - 30ml Cleaner and Thinner

Compressor

Airbrush Gun (with accessories)

Gun holder

Adaptor

Airhose

DVD

The GlamBox Deluxe Kit (Php11,800/approx $257.00

All Colors

Four - 30ml Foundation

Two - 20ml Cheek Color

One - 20ml Luminizer

Three - 30ml Cleanser and Thinner

Compressor

Airbrush Gun (with accessories)

Gun holder

Adaptor

Airhose

DVD

They've added up the GLAM in GlamBox when a pink satin bag packaging was added and the kit will be available starting January 27, 2010.  Also, a lucky facebook fan of GlamBox Airbrush Cosmetics will win a Starter Kit, promo ends February 28, 2010!

Oh yeah, this is a long post but I have to share!  Your dearest AMW herself, won her own Starter Kit at the event!  Cannot believe my ears when they call on my name!  I am seldom lucky with names inside the bowl thingy!  But I guess the year is starting out great for me! :)  Expect an in-depth review on the system in the future.

Thanks to GlamBox Airbrush Cosmetics for the lovely event.
Thanks to my wonderful beauty blogging friends for being such a sweetheart
And great to meet a lot of new faces in the event!

Now, staying positive is good eh?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Do check out our dear  

Beautynomist's Report

Kotex Luxe No Compromise Contest Winners!

Hi Everyone!
Thanks for joining the Kotex Luxe No Compromise Contest!  I've decided to choose the first 15 comments as winners!  Congratulations to:

1. Rosey
2. Ann
3. Joanne MV
4. Bagel
5. All Women Stalker
6. Merlinda
7. Jheng of Iamsutil
8. Torque15
9. Hidburn
10. Mariel
11. Thiamere
12. Karlenma
13. Bachuchay
14. Yani
15. Kahodininthehouse

Congratulations
Please email me at nikki@askmewhats.com for your complete name and mailing info!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!