Friday, September 10, 2010

Tip for the Day: Achieving Perfect Base with The Body Shop

Most of you have read my Report on The Body Shop's Autumn Trend 2010 event, and as I promised, I will be sharing what I learned in this event! 

The event started when the pretty and no-makeup, Ms. Billie Liboro-Palabyab, PR Manager' Trainee of the Body Shop Philippines, introduced us to the lovely Smoke and Fire makeup collection.


I got really excited when we were introduced to The Body Shop's Finalist for the Asia-Pacific Regional Make-up Competition, Ms. Roma Reposo, to teach us how to achieve perfect base, The Body Shop style!

I have tried my best to remember everything but spare the old and forgetful brain that I have!  I'll share to you the simplest method I've learned so you can achieve your own perfect base!  

1. Pre-foundation application - use a primer if necessary especially on areas that oil up easily.  
In this photo: Roma applied  The Body Shop's Skin Primer Matte It on Billie using a foundation brush for more precise and even application.


2. Foundation and concealer application - always test foundation color on your jawline to determine which foundation is best for you.  You can always mix 2 shades to achieve a better shade close to your skin tone.  
In this photo: Roma mixed 2 shades of The Body Shop's Oil-Free Balancing Foundation adding extra foundation on areas that needed the most coverage (undereye circles, sides of the nose, etc...)


In this photo: A concealer brush was used to cover redness and blemishes


In this photo: You can always stand back and check if there are areas that you missed that needed more attention



3. Setting the foundation  - after concealer and foundation application, lightly dust with Loose or Pressed Face Powder to set.
In this photo: Loose Face Powder was used with Smudger Brush for smaller areas


In this photo: A powder puff was used to set the whole face with a patting motion.  Try not to apply too much to keep skin fresh and natural looking.


4. Contouring  - Use a matte contour powder and brush onto forehead, cheeks, chin, nose and decolletage for that natural contoured look!
In this photo: The Body Shop's Bronzing Powder was swept lightly on Billie's nose.


In this photo:  To pop Billie's cheeks and create a nice contour, Roma used a blush brush (but she strongly suggests to use a slanted blush brush) on the hollow of the cheeks.  You can achieve this by sucking in your cheeks.



5. Post-Application Technique - Spritz The Body Shop's Vitamin E Face Mist to set foundation/ powder and keep complexion looking fresh throughout the day!

And here are photos to share for you to see the rest of the lovely people who attended the event!


 
Stay tune for another tip on how to create a simple smokey eyes using Kajal Liners as base from Ms. Dens Congco, the Chief Make Up Artist of The Makeup Den.  I'm sure you'll get a tip or two and you can achieve these looks even with your current makeup!

A shoutout to Ms. Rozanne Salcedo and Ms. Argie Lingat, for making my makeover such a pleasure! 

Have a wonderful Friday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Thursday, September 9, 2010

Something New: Kerastase Nutri Thermique

Kerastase, one of my favorite hair care brand, is proud to introduce another line under its Nutritive range --- Nutri Thermique.  This is the first line of nourishing treatments from Kerastase with heat-reactive ingredients for intense, long-lasting effects.  This line provides a solution for recurring dryness.


Nutri-Thermique refers to two existing benchmarks of the range: "Nutri" which refers to Nutritive range dedicated to the nutrition of dry hair, and "Thermique", which refers to the use of heat to boost the product's performance. 

There are 2 new range that I will be testing and will be writing about my experience for the coming weeks.  

Bain Nutri-Thermique 
(High Nutrition Shampoo for Very Dry Hair)
Application:
  • Wet hair with hot water and apply shampoo.
  • Massage into hair and scalp with circular motions.
  • Always rinse with hot water for optimum results
SRP: Php1,425.00 (approx $32.00) for 250ml

Bain Nutri-Thermique 
(High-Nutrition Thermo-Reactive Hair Mask for Very Dry Hair)
Application:
  • Apply to damp hair.
  • Massage into hair and scalp with circular motions and work into a lather
  • Always rinse with hot water for optimum results.
SRP: Php2,635.00 (approx $59.00) for 200ml

Expected Results:
  • Hair is deeplly nourished for a longer period of time
  • Silky-smooth feel
  • Easy to untangle
If you are too lazy to do these at-home treatment, this coming October 2010, Kerastase will be offering the salon industry something new, something exciting --- a new range that maximizes the use of heat for hair!

Nutri-Thermique Ritual
Nutrition intensified by heat for very dry hair. Pamper yourself with a few minutes of relaxation and well-being while achieving better results thanks to the power of heat. 
TIME: 15-20 MINUTES 
Water temperature at 35º C for optimum results
Every Kerastase Salon is designed to provide customers with a truly enjoyable and unique hair treatment experience that will bring out their hair's natural beauty.

Advise from a Professional:
Diagnosing the condition of the scalp and hair is the first essential step taken in order to offer our clients the best personalized solution for their problems. The new Kérastase Mobile Scanner that we use in our salons allows us to perform accurate diagnoses and propose personalized solutions for any type of problem. The Kérastase Mobile Scanner is especially useful for analyzing dry hair since it allows us to accurately determine the degree of dryness so that we can recommend the most suitable treatment. The Kérastase Nutritive line has long provided us with hair treatment solutions for this type of hair. However, the new Nutri-Thermique line now allows us to go even farther by treating very dry hair in a more profound, long-lasting manner so that it recuperates its natural beauty in just a few minutes. --- Fernando Peluqueria, Kerastase Ambassador, Malaga Spain

I'm not sure if I'll be able to try the in-salon treatment, but for now, let me try the Home Treatment and I'll definitely report back for reviews!  Will tell you if it's worth the investment or not!  

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Something New: Estee Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow

"I think eyeshadow brings to a woman a lot of self-confidence and pwoer.  The new Pure Color EyeShadow shaes and finishes are sensual and powerful and I love them.  These are definitely my babies." --- Tom Pecheux, Creative Makeup Director for Estee Lauder
 
I agree.  I don't wear much eyeshadow at work, but doing eye  makeup for clients gives out a nice "ooomph" on their overall look.  I got one client telling me that she looks "awake and fresh" after eyeshadow application.

I don't own a lot of Estee Lauder makeup because I've always thought Estee Lauder skincare is best bought instead of makeup.  Makeup brands do evolve, and Estee Lauder is venturing into something new, from the Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipgloss now comes something for the "windows of our souls".

Estee Lauder and Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux introduce the new definition of high-impact color with a vibrant collection of eyeshadows that envelop the eyes in raw attitude and style.  Long-lasting pigments, fade resistant formulas and four buildable finishes are fused with bold, rich hues to create infinitely versatile eye looks.  
 
The new Pure Color for Eyes
 
 
**photo from Estee Lauder
Brilliant Shades
  • exclusive True Vision Technology incorporates intense, highly pigmented shades for a saturated color rich application
  • a crystalline laminate polymer intensifies color clarity and vibrancy in one easy stroke.
  • a subtle to high impact color palette ensures a shade for all skin tones and desirable eye looks
  • 48 powerful shades create endless color combination and eye looks
 4 Dynamic Finishes
  • Matte - Jet milled coated pigments provide a contemporary, suede-like finish
  • Satin - A low lustre texture combined with a refined luminosity creates a soft sophisticated sheen
  • Luminous - Prismatic light-reflecting pearls provide a chic, lustrous sparkle
  • Metallic - flattened and round pearls are paired to create intense, vivacious drama
High Performance Formula
  • Technologically advanced reflective pearls provide an exclusive ultra brilliance
  • Buildable coverage from a slight whisper of color to a dramatic flush.  Wear alone or layer shades for a customized look.
  • A perfect blend of spherical and smooth powders deliver a flawless, smooth application.
  • Color-true formula will not fade, flake or crease.
Modern, Chic Design
  • The first to be introduced in the new Pure Color collection packaging.  A sleek, golden mirrored compact with oversized Estee Lauder cartouche for a luxurious presentation
  • The jeweled-like compact, incorporate a mirror for ease in application.
  • The new, specially designed sponge-mitt applicator was created to work with all four finishes
  • Delivers exceptional adhesion and application on the entire eye area.
  • Specially designed micro pores apply each formula evenly and smoothly
Availability: The NEW Pure Color EyeShadow will be available at all Estee Lauder counters from September 2010.
Suggested Retail Price: Php1,250 (approx $28.00)

I hope this post helps you stay updated on what's new and what's around!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!



AMW Revisits: Myra VitaGlow Tinted Moisturizer

I have been using Myra VitaGlow Tinted Moisturizer for the past 3 weeks, I've put this product to test and I want to give this a revisit for readers to know how I am doing with the said product!  (Click HERE to read the review)

My skin condition:
  • normal/dry combination - normal on the T-zone area and dry on the cheeks and chin area
  • sensitive, tends to get rashes easily if a product does not work for me
  • breaks out at least once or twice a month on the chin and forehead area
To those who knew me personally would know that I'm not the type who would take more than 30 minutes to dress up!  Time is so important for me that I move around pretty fast and spending long time in front of the mirror is never an option for me!  That's why I use products that have additional benefits rolled into one!

With Myra VitaGlow
AMW says ---
  • My skincare routine was cut in half.  I can skip on sun block on days I know I won't be under the sun for too long.
  • My skin has a lovely glow that does not look "oily".
  • On a good skin day, I can skip foundation application and set the tinted moisturizer with a translucent powder.
  • I can also skip concealer as this product has some light to medium coverage
  • I use Myra VitaGlow as a highlighter.  Apply extra on areas like the bridge of my nose, under the eye, and chin area for that instant glow. 
Recently, I was really busy with a shoot!  Getting ready for the shoot isn't as easy as you think.  Waking up at 3:30am for a 5:00am call time was challenging!  After taking a quick shower, I did not have enough time to apply on the usual skincare and makeup routine so I just applied on Myra VitaGlow Tinted Moisturizer and my trustee lip balm and I was off for the busy day!  The rest of the day, I was on the move!  Changing makeup for each scene,  plus helping the wardrobe staffs with the costumes left me no time to even think about how I look!  It was going in and out of the air conditioned room and not to forget, the touch-ups I had to do for the models outdoor!  

After the grueling "almost 24 hours" shoot, I had a picture taken with Abby (wardrobe assistant) at around 1:30am.  I've had one touch-up after lunch for the rest of this day and so far, I don't look like trash at all!  


AMW Tips ---
  • You can always apply moisturizer on drier areas of your face!  In my case, I apply extra moisturizer on the cheeks and chin where it usually gets dry.
  • Myra VitaGlow Tinted Moisturizer is applied after your skincare routine.
  • After application, I suggest letting it sit for a minute or two before you apply your favorite powder foundation or mineral foundation.  Having the Tinted Moisturizer settled down looks way better.
  • Always apply with your clean hands.
I'm glad to share discoveries like this that's inexpensive and worth the price we pay!
Let me know if you have further queries!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!





(This is a sponsored post.)




Wednesday, September 8, 2010

It's Clinique Bonus Time!



Dear Philippine Readers:
When I passed by the Clinique Counter last night at Rustan's Makati, a beautiful makeup pouch caught my attention!  You got it right, Clinique did it again this time.


This season, you can receive a 6pcs gift and cool foldable bag with a single minimum purchase of Php3,900 (approx $86.00) or  more.  Gift includes:
  • All About Eyes - my favorite
  • Moisturizing Gloss in Raspberry
  • Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer - I've used a trial size of this and it's nice!  The trial size can last almost a month!
  • Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion - I've finished 2 full size of this bottle!  
  • Liquid Facial Soap - I've finished 3 bottles of these!  Obviously, it works for me!
  • Clarifying Moisturie Lotion 2 - Just finished my 2nd full sized bottle, even my hubby use this once in awhile!
  • Cosmetic Bag
If you're thinking of purchasing a Clinique product or skincare line, NOW is the time!  You can't reach the amount needed?  Call your friend and you can always share with cute freebies!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(note: All photos from Clinique)