Tip for the Day: Creating Bright Looking Skin

Happy Saturday everyone!  By the time you are reading this, I am off for a makeup gig and I'm quite excited about it because as you all know, prettifying someone after a stressful weekend at work is another stress reliever for me aside from blogging!  I'll share what happened when given the chance!  *crosses fingers* 

After my "Some Kinda Blue, Some Kinda Purple" Eyes tutorial, I did promised a next tutorial on "Creating Bright Looking Skin".  Why did I ever think about doing such tutorial when most of you wanted the non-shimmery or glowy look?  A lot of you are opting for a matte looking makeup right?

I know, I heard you, I am the same too!  But as I watch Korean Series, "Perfect Match" to be exact!  *laughs*  I can't help but remember my Seoul Trip 2 months ago and I've seen how gorgeous the women in Korea are and they are not even piled on makeup!  That's where the "Bright Looking" skin makeup came up because I can seriously leave for work earlier because this does not take much time! :)  

*Note from AMW: There are a lot of creating "bright looking skin" tutorial out there, this is just a simple version from yours truly and I am in no way the inventor of these tips! :)  Enjoy!

Step 1:

You have to check on your skin condition before you start this tutorial. 
If you have oily skin: you can opt to use a light moisturizer, BB cream or Oil Control Primer

If you have dry skin: you can moisturize your skin really well, let it set, apply a moisturizing primer or moisturizing BB cream.  

In this tutorial, I have applied a thin layer of Skin79 VIP Gold BB cream after moisturizer.

Conceal spots or blemishes, in my case, I lightened up my dark circles with SkinFood Dark Circle Salmon Concealer.

Step 2:

Use a lighter concealer/cream foundation (2-3 tones lighter than your original skin tone), apply a tiny amount on the bridge of your nose and the brow bone area with a concealer brush or our clean fingers.

**Note from AMW: this is the perfect time to pull out concealer or foundation shades that you wrongly purchased!  Those that are a bit too light for you!

Step 3:

If you are more comfortable with heavy coverage foundation, you can choose your favorite mineral powder foundation, regular powder foundation, of if your skin is quite good and you don't need coverage, you can choose to use a translucent setting powder.

In this tutorial, I used Revlon's Age Defying 2 Way Foundation with Botafirm in Buff with my Charm Luxe Mini Kabuki.

Step 4:

Since I wanted a super natural, "no make up" look, I will use a bronzer as a blush!  Thanks to Gracie for the Elizabeth Arden Bronze Beauty Bronzing Powder Duo.

I've specifically applied the bronzing powder on the hallows of my cheekbones to make my cheeks pop out each time I smile! 

Step 5:

This is the most exciting part!  Also the most crucial part!  Highlighting!  I used the Eyeko Pretty Eyes 3-in-1 Eyeshadow Cake shimmery white eyeshadow as a highlighter or you can choose any highlighting powder you currently own.

With a blending eyeshadow brush, I applied the shimmer powder at the bridge of my nose in one swipe.  Using a blush brush, I highlighted the area from the temple down to the prominent cheekbones.  Be very careful not to apply too much!

Step 6:

I can actually stop at Step 5 but since I've blabbed so much, why not just finish the task?  *lol*  I chose a very nice bronze-y lipgloss that has a hint of gold speckles from Bath & Body Works.  It was a gift to me by my dear ELF Nail Polish supplier Toma!  Thanks honeybunch!

I can't stress enough that the best "Bright Looking Skin" comes with a huge, sincere smile!  Smiling is free so keep that smile with your now glowy skin!  

You'd think the application of the highlighting powder you've done is not enough, but once a source of light hit your face, there will be a certain glow that's not too obvious!  So please be careful not to pile too much shimmery powder or you'll end up looking like a bacon!  :P

Any more tips you may add for our readers?
Feel free to share!

Have a gorgeous weekend!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: Inexpensive Stuff akes Me Happy!

A lot of my mascara, eyeliner pencils or eyeshadow base on sticks move around inside my train case when I travel, I don't like it when I open it and some pencils are scattered inside!  That irks me!  I've thought of organizing my pencils by using resealable bags but at times, I need to change them often which isn't good for our environment so I've decided to purchase a pouch or pencil case to house all the pencil goodies! 

Makeup pouches, pencil cases, so easy to find right?  WRONG!

When I search for something, at times, I have an idea on top of my head and I would like to get the exact thing I am looking for to prevent me from purchasing and repurchasing just because I am not contented with what I have.  That's just me...so don't mind me!  *laughs*

Anyways, to cut the long "hunting" story, I was out looking around the department store office supplies area and I finally found a nice pencil case to house my (as I said) pencil oldies but goodies!

TADA!!!

Why this you ask?
Well, I have a couple of requirements ---

• Mesh type but does not hole up easily
• As much as possible, clear, transparent or translucent so I can easily see the stuff inside.
• Expands as I tend to add up my stuff!
• Inexpensive or much better?  VERY CHEAP!

FOUND IT!

Soft Mesh Case

250x110mm

approx. 9x4 inch

I've seen a couple of mesh pouches but I have a feeling it'll be ruined in no time as I could get careless at times!  This one is perfect because it's mesh-type protected with a frosty plastic which protects my stuff from dirt plus I can see the products I want to reach out for easily!

And the cute part, there's a name tag space?  I can label it with my name!  Now, help me....shall I put : "Gorgeous Nikki?  Nikki the Great? or Nikki the Super Talented Freak?"  *lol*  You get the drift, you can label it anything you want!  Just because it feels like first day of school all over again!

The pencil case expands at a certain level which I find "just right" for my pencils, primers and even mascaras!

Once you open up the zipper pouch, you can easily rummage through your stuff as there's enough room!

And last...seriously, last!
This is the best of all that's why it's on my Eureka Moment list....

The product costs Php29.75 (approx $0.70)

purchased at SM Department stores

I can purchase backups but I prefer to save the earth and just purchase one because I don't need a lot of these!  But this tiny thing made my day!  Seriously! YES!  I am serious!!! :D

What's your Eureka Moment for the week? 
Anything as simple as this made you happy?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Version: "Some Kinda Blue, Some Kinda Purple" Eyes

Ahhh, I can't keep track on the days!  Time is definitely flying super fast, the week went ok, it's finally Thursday!  Friday is just around the corner and I'm looking into a busy weekend!  I am actually looking forward for my brother's arrival!  He'll be coming back for vacation and I'm excited about it!

Today, I will be sharing an AMW Version, I call this "Some kinda blue, some kinda purple" look because the purple eyeshadow I used has a tiny specks of blue that would show up as blue on some angles on camera!  This is as usual, perfect for day time but also for night time if you want by packing up more colors! 

I just realized, that I have a very distinct line on my lids that looked like I've gone through surgery! *laughs*  Beauty Blogger Jess actually asked me about it!  No surgeries though, if ever I did, I'll make it more "deep set" *lol* But I don't plan to because nothing would make me go through that!  I'm just a coward that way!  hehehe

AMW Diagram

Prior to eyeshadow application, you can choose to apply your favorite eye primer.  In this tutorial, I am using the Too Faced Shadow Insurance.

Step 1:

Using a flat shader brush of your choice, I applied a light peachy eyeshadow from the Sleek Graphite Palette all over the lids including the brow bone area.

Step 2:

Using the free sponge applicator that goes with the palette, I packed on the "dark purple" eyeshadow from the Sleek Graphite Palette all over lid area going a bit beyond.  I also include the 3/4 portion of the lower lash line as shown on diagram above.

Step 3:

With my MAC's 226 brush or any "crease/blending" brush that has a pointed tip, I applied Shimmery Black Eyeshadow from the same palette on top of the "purple shadow" done on Step 2 packing on colors until it creates gradient effect (upwards).  At this stage, I am taking time blending and adding up shades as I move back and check my reflection!

Step 4:

Using a Bent Liner Brush from Coastal Scents, I applied MakeupMasala Gel Liner in Inky Black on the upper lash line with a slight winged effect.

** The thing with using Gel Liners, or Liquid liners above the lash line, there's a white space that needs to be covered so I tightlined with Make Up For Ever's Aqua Eyes in Black.

Step 5:

Using Maybelline Eyestudio Vivid & Smooth Liner in Purple, apply it directly on waterline.  Make sure the pencil is not too sharp!

Step 6:

Highlight the inner corner of your eyes with a shimmery white eyeshadow or in this tutorial, I am using Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Yeyo.

I added a bit on the brow bone area and blended the shimmery white pencil for that "bigger eyed" look. 

Use an eyebrow pencil of your choice to fill in those brows, 

curl my lashes then applied 3 coats of 

Etude House Proof 10 Henna Fix Mascara in Black

You can choose to apply falsies for a dramatic effect

What's on the rest of my face?

Revlon's Age Defying 2 Way Foundation with Botafirm in Buff

On Cheeks:

MAC's Gel Blush in Just a Pinch

Applied MAC's MSF Blushin SuperDuperNatural!

On Lips:

L'Oreal Colour Riche in Peach Blush

Stage Lipgloss in 12 Sophia

Smile and even without makeup,
you'll look great!

*P.S. My skin is "glowy" in this photo as I have created a tutorial on creating glowy skin and I had to apply a lot for it to register on cam.

Have you sported any colored eye makeup looks lately?
I have to admit, I haven't much, I just did a couple of bright eyed makeup for tutorials
But there's no reason to doll up for now! :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Etude House Proof 10 Henna Fix Mascara in Black

I am loving Etude House because of 2 things!  The cute doll house exterior and interior and of course, the fact that the company got 2NE1 star Sandara Park to be their model!  I like Sandara Park and I am proud of her achievements both in the Philippines and in Korea.

Admittedly, I did not have plans to purchase mascara (at all) during my Korea Trip!  The sales lady, while looking at my puny lashes, advised me to try the new mascara under the Proof 10 line!  With the huge HENNA Fix written on the tube, I gave it a try right away and saw my lashes grew darker and longer which is a huge 'yes' for me and no for my wallet!

"Proof 10" was made according to the Sales Lady who can actually speak Mandarin *LOL* for the humid weather in Korea and I was told humidity is crazy there during summer!  If this mascara is made for the harsh weather up there, that made me hopeful that this will work in our country! 

After several times of usage, does this pass my standard for a good mascara?

Paul & Joe Goodies

I haven't blogged much about my favorite makeup brand Paul & Joe, you want to know why?  I'll share you my tiny little secret.  Paul & Joe have sales every now and then in makeup schools or fairs, and the "cheapskates" in me would hoard during sales and I ended up with 2 of each product that I use.  Well, 3 refills of my favorite Paul & Joe Protective Dual Powder Foundation to be exact, in which I finished up 2 and I'm on my 3rd *taking a mental note to hoard more once they have sale!*

Thankfully, after a year plus of hiatus with this brand, I've finally reunited with the brand again with 2 tiny addition to my Paul & Joe family....

Paul & Joe Lipstick C and Paul & 

Joe Creamy Matte Foundation

I own the Paul & Joe Light Cream Foundation in the past which me and my best friend absolutely love for its very "natural" effect with light to medium coverage! I tend to reach out to this for myself or for clients who has normal skin with not much coverage needed for that "very natural Korean Makeup" glow. 

If you read my previous review regarding the foundation, I love how chic and classy the packaging look but I've complained about the huge opening of this and it is unhygienic to dip your sponge, brush or even fingers directly onto the product.

Lo and behold!  Companies do listen to consumers' needs!  The new Paul & Joe glass packaging includes a cute Paul & Joe spatula!

Aside from the added spatula, this is the Creamy Foundation from Paul & Joe perfect for Normal to Oily skin!  I remember using the Light Cream Foundation to people with drier skin!

Together with the newly acquired Cream Foundation, this will actually be a first Paul & Joe Lipstick for me and its Lipstick C 068 Moon Shadow which I believe is a limited edition!  Most Paul & Joe products are housed in very cute packaging and this one is no exception!

The beautiful black and pink flowers motif are designs straight from the Paul & Joe runway collection.  And the gorgeous packaging is not even enough for me to want to keep this lipstick for good!  Scroll down and you'll understand...

The lipstick itself has a cat carving which according to my research, represents Sophie Albou's (the fashion and cosmetics company's founder) favorite animal cat.

Too bad most of them are out of stock, I want them all!  *meow*!

**photo lifted from Google images

I am currently reviewing the products and will even use the P&J Creamy Matte Foundation on clients to have a better review on different skin types!  Check back for detailed reviews!

As of the moment, presentation, packaging alone receives 2 thumbs up from me!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!