Readers' Corner: What are the Pros of Airbrush Makeup?

Aside from the rates of my Bridal Makeup packages, the next "most asked" question is about the pros of Airbrush Makeup.  After emailing back my readers a couple of times, I feel that its high time I write a special post about it for everyone to read!  Aside from that, a lot of my readers are professional makeup artists as well and they can easily click comment and expand our knowledge!  Learning is fun fun fun!

 **photo taken from source

What is airbrush makeup?

Airbrush makeup is a process of makeup application wherein an airbrush system is used.  Part of an airbrush system is a compressor, an airbrush gun, airbrush friendly cosmetics and of course... a lot of practice and even training!

Why do people choose airbrush makeup over traditional makeup?

Airbrush makeup has been known to actors/actresses as early as the 80's.  Here are some of the benefits of airbrush makeup that makes people want this over traditional ones.

• Can easily custom blend foundation shades by mixing drops of dark and light airbrush foundation.
• Creates a very natural, flawless complexion.
• As the airbrush foundation is sprayed on face, it comes out as mists so it allows the skin to breathe without the cake-y look and feel.
• Airbrush makeup are known to last all day with lesser retouch as compared to traditional makeup.
• Can be applied on both men and women and men would probably feel "cool" about it as compared to makeup sponges!
• Can be easily used on face and body.
• Application cuts in half or even more.
• Water-based airbrush foundation is hypo-allergenic.
• Very hygienic even if you share this with a friend as the gun does not touch anyone's faces!
• Does not transfer on clothing as much as traditional makeup.

If airbrush makeup is that great, why can't everyone just use the airbrush system?

One huge reason is time consuming!  I myself would want to apply airbrush foundation on a daily basis but installing the system, dropping in airbrush foundation, spraying it all over my face, then clean the tool is time consuming!  I choose to use airbrush makeup ONLY on special occasions or if I know there will be a lot of photography as it looks very natural on photos and videos!  

Another reason is, not everyone can afford the airbrush system.  Although a lot of inexpensive brands like Glambox has open its doors to regular consumers, it is still pricier as compared to buying a foundation sponge or brush and a regular foundation!

Should I choose airbrush makeup or traditional makeup on my Wedding Day?

Whoever asks me this question over email, I will always ask them to check on their budget.  Airbrush makeup is more expensive because the products used for airbrush makeup are pricier than regular makeup!  Here are the rest of the list you should keep in mind..

• How comfortable are you with traditional makeup?  Do you have this heavy, uncomfortable feel with it?
• Is your wedding outdoor?  Are you exposed under the sun and wind?
• Do you have any skin allergies or irritations on regular makeup?
• Are you a crybaby?  Will you cry a lot on your wedding day? :P
• Do you have spots on your body that you would want to conceal?  (back, legs, etc...?)

If you said yes to any one of the questions above, then you can opt for airbrush makeup.  A lot of people reacts positively to airbrush makeup because it feels light on skin!  That does not mean traditional makeup will always be cake-y though!  Generations ago - Yes!  High Teach Generation today? - No!  Traditional cosmetics companies are coming up with better makeup lines from heavy coverage-light feel to High Definition line! 

My best advise?  When in doubt... go for a trial makeup!

Sample photo of an airbrush client:

My client is celebrating her baby boy's Baptismal and Birthday Party all on the same day!  The reason why I chose to give her an Airbrush Makeup because she will be under stress from the moment she wakes up until the end of the party!  She advised me that she needs to leave at 7:00am to check out the party location.  Head to the Church for Baptismal Ceremony, then straight to lunch party for her baby's kiddie party!  Aside from all those stress, she needs to carry her baby and definitely will give her baby his well deserved hugs and kisses!

Hypo-allergenic makeup is very important especially the baby's skin is quite sensitive.  And after considering all those, I have to remind myself that I want her to be beautiful on both photos and videos! 

Mir requested for a very light, natural makeup

Makeup and hair by: Nikki Tiu

Her skin condition: dryness, a bit of redness and a bit of under eye circles.  

But overall?  She's gorgeous!

Have you tried airbrush makeup?
Can you see the difference on traditional and airbrush makeup?
Any other tips worth sharing to our dearest AMW readers?

Happy Weekend!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: LipIce Sheer Color

Sending all love through air kisses to everyone!  It's Fri-Fri-Friday!  I have this tendency to give out air kisses and real kisses to good friends, clarification though, I don't go kissing everyone okay?  *hahaha*  A long time AMW reader would know how I complain about my dry skin and dry lips!  I once called my lips alligator lips!  Not sexy!  But through the years, I have been testing, investing on lip products and I get excited each time there's something new out there!

You'd probably remember how excited I was when I found Mentholatum LipIce brand to be available in our homeland.  I've tried the LipIce Fruity loads of time that's why I picked the most "unique" product out of my LipIce bunch to test.

The LipIce Sheer Color

For instantly Unique Pink Lips

Unique pink lips?  After looking at the photo below, you'll probably go "how?"

LipIce Sheer Color says ---

• Goes on clear, then changes to a subtle pink that enhances the natural beauty of your lips.
• Enhanced with Beeswax for extra moisturizing.
• Enriched with natural ingredients of Shea Butter, Macadamia Nut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Ternifolia Nut Oil, and Aloe Vera Oil Extract to keep lips moisturized, smooth and healthy.
• Contains effective anti-oxidant Vitamin E to help delay aging and protect from harmful UV rays.
• Available in 2 variants: Strawberry and Fragrance-free.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Nice dark pink packaging that doesn't look too girly nor too plain.
• Easy remove cap and easy twist packaging.
• Non-greasy.
• Available in scented and non-scented which I find really amazing!  Not everyone like flavored lip products.
• Glides on smoothly on lips no matter how dry your lips are.
• Contains Vitamin E which prevent your lips from getting darker.
• Works as lip balm and lip tint in one product.
• Color comes out unique on each individual!  People can't tell what lipstick shade you're wearing or if you are wearing lipstick at all or you just have naturally gorgeous lips!
• Very inexpensive.  As compared to our neighboring countries --- Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, etc..
• The shade does not transfer much on your glass or mug! 
• Perfect for travel, no need to take a long gazillions of lip balms, lipsticks and lip glosses!

Cons

• Not for people who are into matte lips!  
• If you are looking for that menthol feel, this doesn't have the tingling sensation.
• Not recommended for people who are allergic to beeswax.
• No SPF.

Overall

Very unique concept and product.  It doesn't hurt for everyone to own at least one of this because its perfect on relaxed days!  Days where you want to look very natural!

Tips

• Store this in cool, dry place.
• Always twist product back down before closing the cap to prevent smashing the Sheer Color.
• Clean the tip of the lip balm especially the inner side of the tube as often as possible!
• If you choose to use this alone, you can preprare your lips with a treatment balm a couple of minutes prior to the LipIce Sheer Color application.  Dab excess product and re-apply again for that longer lasting color!
• Perfect for students who aren't allowed to wear makeup but wanted a tint especially if your orginal lip color is light!
• Perfect to use on dates as well!  No yucky lipstick stain on glasses, coffee mugs or napkins! 
• Contains Beeswax, if you are allergic to this ingredients, be very careful!

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?

Although I've stressed enough on how good this product is for dry lips, this works well on any types of lips!  Anyone who's into soft, healthy lip color with a subtle shine!

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at Watson's for Php145.00 (approx $3.35)

LipIce Sheer Color Applied on Hand, no base

Since my hand is lighter in color than my lips, the shade came up just a hint of shimmery pink

I got amazed how during lip balm removal, you can see the color coming off!

Applied on my upper lip only

You can see the difference on how it turned my lips a bit darker pink

A photo of my bare lips 

(pardon my dry lips as I was wiping my lips off making sure there's no residue on my lips prior to Sheer Color application)

On times I need the extra color, I just apply my favorite shade of lipstick on top and I'm ready to go!  Lesser dryness!  Sexier pouts!

Have you tried anything as magical as this?  *laughs*
Sorry, I know this is old school but it's a first for me to try on clear balms that change its color!

Happy Friday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Note from Author: Product was sent as gift.  The review has been done base on personal experiences.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

A Surprise Gift from Avon Philippines and A New Train Case!!!

Dear AMW Readers:

How are you today?  Weekend is near and I hope your mood is getting better.  Let me tell you something about my week, last weekend wasn't that good because I have been feeling sick lately!  The days after new year has always been tiring, extensively long and work has been piling up!

Today, I am a living proof of the saying "If you crap on your pants, you can always take it off and have it washed then you'll have a clean bum again!" Ooooh, I actually haven't heard about that particular saying, oh yeah, I invented it!  *laughs*

Brace yourself as this is a superficial post!  Bear with me because I get giddy on sweet gestures no matter how big nor small!  As I got home, ready to throw my "dead body" anywhere that has soft cushion!  I got this greeting me...

If you have been following my Twitter, I've told everyone how I wanted to change my "small" train case to one that is a bit more spacious because I am bringing more and more stuffs as I go on different gigs!  After months of wanting to go to "Quiapo" for an inexpensive train case, I just don't have enough time as most of my weekends are either --- my mom's doctor's appointment or make-up gigs or someone's party or gathering! 

Someone out there must be stopping me from purchasing because I will be owning this beauty...

 (Note from Author: Product provided by agency for PR consideration.  The author is not affiliated with the company)

The train case brand is from Suesh

Totally out of topic: I do want the fringe of the Suesh icon, actually, even the hair!  *lol*

The make up train case is like a nice school bag in which I can put in my name or calling card for that personal touch!

Remember how I don't want to train case to accidentally open during transit?  The reason why I gave a tip on how to protect your train case during travel with a nice velcro belt?  (click HERE for the link on the velcro tip)

This time, I don't need velcro belts no more!  The Suesh Train Case comes in with detachable belt straps on both sides for protection.

 

Thank goodness for detachable shoulder straps as the train case when filled up could get a bit too heavy! 

Has a protective rubber on your shoulder for that shoulder pain-free experience!  It has rubberized dots for anti-slip!

 Adjustable shoulder straps

Well cushioned holder

Seriously, that's a whole lot of cam-whoring experience for just one train case!   Please forgive me, I do tend to be that way when I'm falling in love with something!  *grins*  Okay, its definitely time to show the content of my train case from Avon Philippines!

 New and Improved

Ultra Moisture Lipstick

Special Intro Offer Php199.00 (approx $4.63)

Original Price is Php299.00 (approx $6.70)

 

 Glimmersticks Liners

Sale Price Php199.00  (approx $4.60)

Regular Price Php250.00 (approx $5.65)

Smooth Mineral Eyeshadow

Sale Price Php299.00 (approx $6.95)

Regular Price Php399.00 (approx $9.28)

 Ideal Shade Concealer Stick

Sale Price Php199.00 (approx $4.60)

Regular Price Php280.00 (approx $6.50)

Super Shock Mascara

around Php400.00 (approx $9.00)

Ideal Shade Natural Liquid Foundation SPF10

Php530.00 (approx $12.30)

Ideal Shade Dual Powder Foundation SPF15

Sale Price Php399.00 (approx $9.28)

Regular Price Php499.00 (approx $11.60)

 Ideal Shade Loose Powder

Sale Price Php349.00 (approx $8.12)

Regular Price Php499.00 (approx $11.60)

Smooth Mineral Blush

Php399.00 (approx $9.28)

 ANew Rejuvenate Revitalizing Gel Mask

Sale Price Php399.00 (approx $9.28)

Regular Price Php499.00 (approx $11.60)

ANew Clinical ThermaFirm Face Lifting Cream

Sale Price Php499.00 (approx $11.60)

Regular Price Php635.00 (approx $14.75)

ANew Clinical Derma-Full Facial Filling Cream

Sale Price Php899.00 (approx $20.90)

Regular Price Php1,200.00 (approx $27.90)

My blog 3rd year anniversary is coming up soon!  So you know that I will definitely share my blessings with my lovely readers!  They'll be no AMW existence without gorgeous and wonderful AMW readers like you!  Do check back for another contest!  I will be raffling a lot of the products from Avon as seen above!  Can I be selfish and keep the train case?  :D

You know why?  Well, can I show more photos?  hahaha  You can choose to stop reading here because they'll be more Suesh Train Case sexy shots!  The gorgeous train case can be removed from its clothing!

I can easily put this on top of a table during gig without the bag getting messy or taking up space! 

 Anti-slip rubber underneath as no one ever wants their train case to slide!

If you don't want to rigid compartments, you can leave the detachable compartment cases on top of your dresser and use this as your train case!

You can put your brushes, makeup tools, pencils or sponges

Again, do check back for my giveaway!  Thank you Ogilvy and Avon Philippines for the lovely gift!  Definitely pushed the dark clouds away!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

I Wonder: "What's the function of a Pouch Organizer for You?"

Happy Humpy Wednesday!  I hope the week is treating you right.  On my side, I am loving the cool weather, which explains why I'm always on hibernation mode!  *laughs*

I have something to share today which I can also call my "Eureka Moment".  I have a favor to ask though, do not ask me where this pouch can be found, do not ask me the exact price of this, all I can do is refer you to any mall and I'm sure you can see similar product like the one on photo below available everywhere!

This cute pouch organizer was gifted to me by my high school friend!  (thanks Lot!)  During my younger years, I've been gifted similar gifts, though I appreciate it, I don't find it as mind boggling as today!  I am actually more excited to use this!  Maybe, because, I am a makeup artist now?  

I've always been into space saving, I'm always a PRO for organization and I am quite proud of my organization skills!  If you have seen how I pack my train case through the years, you'll get the idea that my main focus is space saving!  Putting as many stuffs inside my train case minus the mess, minus the eyesore!

Especially now that I'm  doing hair as well, stuffs to bring are growing in number and I'm getting crazier by the minute finding more ways and products to help me sane! :P

This cute pouch can be folded in two and consists of two pouches made of clear plastic which can expand at a certain extent.   The clear plastic makes it easier to see what's inside the pouch and there's no need to rummage your stuffs to find what you need.  Each compartment can be zipped at your own convenience.

A closer look on why this pouch organizer made my heart flutter, it literally has a heart!  

There is also an easy snap closure on both sides.

Here's the thing though, would you judge me if I say I am not using this yet?  Well, here's my dilemma, I have so many ideas on how to use this pouch ---

1. Use this to store my makeup sponges, cotton wipes, cotton buds, mascara wands, disposable lip brushes, etc...
2. Store my lipsticks and lip glosses.
3. Store my makeup brushes (yes, it fits!)
4. A pouch for all my hair stuffs --- hair clips, bobby pins, rubber bands, comb, brushes, etc..
5. Use this pouch to store my essentials for client retouching!  I only need to take this pouch along with me when I'm on call.
6. For my mascaras, eyeliners, eyebrow pencils,  primers.
7. Just keep this and use this for travel!

 I Wonder:
"What Will You Put In This Pouch If You Own This?"

I'd LOVE to hear from you!  It'll be cool!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: "The Sound Of Music" Nails

If I sing..."The hills are alive, with the sound of music....."

A lot of you will probably go "Uh???", not your era?  Hey!  Not my era as well!  It's actually my mom's favorite musical and we still have The Sound of Music vinyl record!  The turntable at my  mom's place is still working!  Love that scratchy sound each time we play our favorite track!

The reason why I'm talking about The Julie Andrew's Sound of Music, well, I've created nail art tutorial for all music lovers out there!  I am one!  I may not be the world's best singer but I love joining choirs when I was in school and I can definitely sing a tune or two!  Want proofs?  Invite me for Karaoke nights!  *winks*

Keep in mind that this is not an original design of mine, I actually saw this design somewhere when I was browsing a nail art magazine when I was in Shanghai a couple of years ago!  Thank goodness for good memory as it took me YEARS to remember something like this! *laughs*

Very simple and straightforward nail art with music notes

Step 1:

Apply your preferred base coat to protect your nails prior to polish application.  Using OPI Nail Lacquer in Suzi and the Lifeguard.  One coat is enough as I am trying to mimic the natural shade of a healthy looking nails!

Step 2:

Making sure the one coat of base polish is dry, create a nice sparkle on the top most part of your nails using any glittery polish.  I am using Mini Bourjois polish in gold.  I apply coats and coats until my desired look is achieved!

Step 3:

Using Prettynails' 2-Way Nail Art Pen in black, or if you don't have a nail art pen, you can purchase an art brush to draw music notes.

I prefer to do random notes on each nails adding up dots to create "sass!"  On the middle finger, I drew lines using L.A. Art Deco in black like that on photo below.  

The lines represent the lines on the music notes, I drew random notes o top of the lines.

Step 4:

Making sure the music notes, lines and dots are COMPLETELY dry, apply a coat of your preferred top coat to protect you nails.  

Simple yet effective nail art to show your love for music!  I am sure there are better ways to show your creativity with music!  Any other ideas out there?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!