Wednesday, March 10, 2010

AMW Reports: The First Dollface Personal Makeup Workshop

Last February 20, 2010 marked a very memorable day for me!  I was invited to be the instructor for The First Dollface Personal Makeup Workshop by none other than Ms. Pearl of  Dollface herself!  It was weeks of planning, YM meetings, back and forth emails and the day finally arrived. I arrived half an hour early and it was great to meet Pearl in person for the first time!  I also met her lovely sister May.  While waiting for the rest of the students to arrive, we've chatted a bit and decided to take a photo.

L-R May, Pearl and Nikki

The workshop is from 10:00am til 5:00pm, I thought this will be a gruesomely tiring day, but boy was I wrong!  It was heart pumping, over-the-top "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" day for me!

The workshop started with talks about Basic skincare, different skintypes and skin problems was raised and it was a room of oilies, normal, combination and dry skin!  Yes, we have them all in one room!

The next topic includes Makeup Tools and their uses.  Then Cleansing Makeup Tools with a live demonstration was done too!


Choosing the right foundation shade is the next big thing!  The students did admit that it is very difficult to purchase their own foundation shade.  So there's live demonstration on how to test foundation testers and a lot of tips to save your hard earned money.


Watching the students use their own foundation with the right tools 
and application techniques put a huge smile on my face


Color correcting using colored concealers from green, orange, purple etc...  I love how they are very conscious with areas they would like to conceal.  Common questions like how to hide zits, acne scars, undereye circles were raised in this workshop.


Students trying out color correcting, foundation application and concealing



Let's not forget one of the most important basic makeup application, brow shaping!  For me, there's no perfect eyebrow for everyone!  Eyebrow shaping has to be done with sensitivity on the facial features, the characteristics and preference of each individual.  Removing unwanted hairs, using the right tools and trimming long eyebrows are all included in this lesson. See how intense the class is?  *hahaha*


Then it was the students' turn to reshape and fill in their brows to frame their faces before they start eye makeup application.  Of course, there's also me as the "third person's point of view" to guide them too!


Contouring won't be missed on any makeup workshop!  Thanks to Pearl for bringing her projector as it was easier to discuss facial shapes with the dear hubby manually clicking on the next photos!


Live demonstration on how to contour facial shapes and even the nose!


No Makeup Look


Simple Smokey Eyes
Each student was given the chance to create their own smokey eyes with any shade they want


Last but not the least, false lashes application!  Everyone "almost" moaned when they heard about applying false lashes on their own!  It was a challenging task but one student did it successfully!


A group picture with the students and Pearl


I want to thank Dollface for the trust on my teaching capacity and makeup knowledge.  To May, her sister, for helping out and for being such a sweetheart!  Kallfood for the wonderful lunch and snacks (I swore I added pounds on that day).  To Ms. Cats Del Rosario for the wonderful venue and for dropping by for a chat.  To Keith, my dearest hubby and photographer for being patient and very supportive!  Would you believe the students want me to apply foundation on him too?  Of course I didn't!  hahaha

And to all the wonderful students who continuously ask questions and shared information and laughed on my jokes which made the class a wonderful and successful event.  Without each and every one of you, this workshop won't happen!

That's no Oscar speech by the way, it came from my heart :D

It was a full day's hard work but worth all the time and effort!  An added bonus, I've met a couple more new friends too! Aaaahh for the love of beauty...both in and out!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!




Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Eureka Moment: Disposable Mascara Wands


EUREKA!  EUREKA!

When I started doing makeup for other people, I told myself I will be a neat freak!  Hygiene will always be top priority for me!

Disposable sponges - Check! 
Disposable spatulas - Check!
Brush cleansers - Check!
Cotton Buds to apply lip gloss - Check!
Alcohol to sanitize my tools - Check!

But when it comes to mascaras, I find it a bit difficult to maintain hygiene because I cannot purchase a new mascara tube for each client! I wish I could!  But I'll be the poorest makeup artist ever!

I've seen disposable wands available in some cosmetic counters or even Sally Beauty supply website in the U.S.!  I've even tried asking cosmetic counters' SA to sell those disposable wands to me but I guess I'm not cute enough to be able to sweet talk them!  *hmph*  That's why when Pearl of Dollface Cosmetics told me she will be selling disposable wands, I am doing semi-cartwheels (as I can't do them anymore, signs of old age...sniffs) at the back of my head!  I try not to sound too excited!  But I actually am!!!

Finally!  Someone heard my wish!
Now should I start wishing on winning the lottery? *laughs*


I use this not only as disposable mascara wands for clients, but I use them personally to brush my brows after brow powder application.  I also use this wand to separate the clumps from mascara application.  For clients, I throw them out after each usage but for personal use, well, cheapo AMW rear its ugly head, I, wash them and reuse them because the bristles are actually made with good quality and bristles are firm even after several washes!

Up close on the bristles

 

The length is just right, the easy grip plastic handle is firm enough and it doesn't break easily.

  

Length is approximately 10 cm

  

24pcs of disposable mascara wands costs Php250.00 (approx $5.43) available at Dollface Cosmetics.
Not bad!  Php10.00 (approx $2.00) per piece compared to purchasing a new mascara for each client!  Love the savings!!!

Do you think you need  disposable mascara wands?
What other disposable stuffs you think we need to have?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


 


Monday, March 8, 2010

AMW Version: "Summer Ready" Look

Mak
Happy Monday!!! For a change, my  Monday post will be a bit different!  It's the AMW Version once again!!!  I can't remember the last look I've posted, people who knew me personally knows how hard it was for me to do these looks on those months that things aren't that good.  Let's just say, I am one good example that whatever problems you are having right now, no matter how heavy it is, you know you'll survive it!  No problems can kill you as long as you don't let them rule your life! :)  Now that's a positive way to start the week right?

So here we go!  I missed doing this!  I've created a Summer-Ready look!  I wanted a look that's fresh and perfect for both day and night! 

 Here's my super "on-hiatus" eye! *hahaha*

  

AMW Diagram!

 

Step 1:
Choose your preferred eyeshadow base or primer.  Since I am testing this new product I bought, I am using ELF Eyelid Primer.
  

Using an eyeshadow brush, pat on the inner thirds of the eye with Stila's Kitten eyeshadow.

  

Step 2:
Using an eyeshadow blending brush, I used 72 pcs palette's shimmery reddish brown eyeshadow and gently blend it on the outer corner and above the crease area.  Blending to remove harsh lines.

  

Step 3:
Using a smaller crease brush, applied deep chocolate brown e/s from the same palette on the outer-v of the eyes to deepen the crease.

  

Step 4:
Using a bigger fluffy eyeshadow brush, I've used a matte eyeshadow in cream to apply the brow bone area to highlight it.

  

Step 5:
Create a subtle cat eye with MM Inky Black Gel Liner or any gel liner brand of your choice.

  

Step 6:
For the waterline, I've used my favorite pencil eyeliner Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in 1L or choose to use any eyeliner of your choice.


 Final Summer-Ready eye look
 
  

Curl your lashes and add 2 coats of your favorite mascara
I've used Lancome's Oscillating Mascara in Black


Fill in your eyebrows with brow pencil or brow powder

  

What's on the rest of my face?

For the Face:
Revlon's Custom Creations 020 dial on no. 2
Using Beauty Blender

 

Set with Shu Uemura's Setting Powder
Using Ecotools' Kabuki Brush

 


For the Cheeks:
The Body Shop's Kiss of Colour Blush in Vibrant Rose
Using Thevi Dome Brush no. 15

 

For the Lips:
Clinique Soft Shine Lipstick 
in Blushing Nude


I'm ready to face the world!


  

But seriously, I'd rather go for "no make up" look on warm weather like this!  But on days that I need to doll myself up!  This is the look I'll go for!  

Hope you like this simple tutorial!
Have a wonderful start of the week!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!!!

 

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Weekend Food Tripping at: Lam Tin Tea House + Trying Out A New Mascara!

Weekend flew by so quickly!  And here we are for the weekend food tripping!  Readers who live near Retiro or Banawe area may think I live near these areas.  I actually don't!  It's just that, I visit my mom everyday so this is the road we take going home from my mom's place to our place!  Restaurants around these areas are calling our names! Our empty stomachs can't say "no"!

I've dined in this restaurant multiple times, why?  They serve food quickly, their meals are cooked wonderfully and the price is just right!  What more can a hungry hippo ask for?

Fried Spring Rolls
Served with vinegar.  What I love about this dish is that the meat inside isn't dry!
 

  

Fried Dumpling
I am not a fan of dumplings - steamed or fried, 
but my husband enjoyed this so it's worth it! :)

  

Radish Cake

The hubby got his fried dumpling, I'll have my Radish Cake.  He's not a fan of radish cake so this is ALL MINE!! *hungry evil laugh*  So far, you can't go wrong with Radish cake, most restaurants serve the same taste of radish cake, I've got bad tastebuds, so I guess everything tastes similar to me! :)


Noodle Feast
Php220.00 (approx $4.78)

 If you can't decide what type of meat you like, go for this  noodle feast, great for sharing!  Served with Chicken, Pork and Beef plus vegetables.  Served with sweet sauce at the side and warm soup!


Everyhing you see above costs less than Php800.00 (approx $17.00)  
No service charge
They accept cash payment ONLY

La m Tin Tea House
Along Banawe Avenue Quezon City

I've been lemming for this specific mascara because it has topped the best mascara list in bloggers and  magazines!  I've heard that this does not work in our weather!  But hey!  My prying brain will get answers sooner or later!  Thanks to my bestfriend for gifting me the Maybelline's Great Lash Mascara in BIG wand!  I will start to use this as my old mascaras are drying out and it's time to chuck them and say hello to a newbie!

  

Have a wonderful weekend food tripping!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Friday, March 5, 2010

I Wonder: "Do You Use Facial Masks?"



Facial Masks are visible and widely used around the beauty industry.  So many brands and so many functions!  It gets confusing most of the time but it's a bit intriguing to use!  The first facial mask I've purchased years ago was from Watson's, the type where I need to add water, mix it then apply it directly on face and let dry.  It was fun yet time consuming at the same time so I shifted to sheet masks! 

What are facial masks by the way?

I believe the purpose of facial masks is to improve skin texture and appearance and there are so many variants depending on the type of skin you have.  Some examples are ---
  • Moisturizing mask - perfect for dry skin, used to hydrate the skin
  • Radiance mask - adds glow and life to dull skin
  • Peel-off mask/Gel type mask - can smoothen the skin by closing up pores.  Dries up and can easily peel off to remove excess oil
  • Clay and Mud masks - best suited for oily skin.  Dry in a very short period of time and helps detoxify the skin.  Can open up pores and removes blackheads and excess dirt.
  • Homemade masks - made from simple ingredients you can find in the kitchen, great for sensitive skin as its made of natural products.
Does it work?  I can't seem to know the difference, I've always tried the moisturizing type because it suits my dry skin.  What I've found though, is that most of these masks do give an "instant" lift or glow right after usage, but the effect does not last!  So using masks once a week is just enough to give me the extra moisture I need.

There are some tips that I think I could share in using facial masks (any type)
  • test the mask especially if you have sensitive skin.  If it is sheet mask, I test the "liquid" part that's left on the packaging at the back of my ear. 
  • I usually leave masks longer than what's instructed, I learn my lesson, thanks to blogger friends out there, I leave it as what's instructed.
  • always check the ingredients especially if you know what ingredients you're allergic to!
  • if a certain brand works for you, you can try different variants to see which one works best for you
  • if you found your favorite one, stick to it and use it regularly to see its effects
  • if rashes or itchiness occurs, STOP using it just because you spent money for it or just because it works for  a friend!

I Wonder:

"Do You Use Facial Masks? 
     If so, which brand and variant works for you?"
     This is exciting for me to know!  Spill the beans!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!