AMW Makeover: Oh So Natural, Oh So In Love!

Happy Friday!  I am excited to share to you another AMW Makeover.  I am happy to share my love for makeovers and my appreciation of bringing out each individual's natural beauty.

I did Karen's make-up way back when she had a photo shoot a couple of mmonths ago, it was such an honor when she requested me to be her make-up artist again for a prenup shoot.  Of course I said yes because I enjoyed prettifying her!  She has wonderful features to start with and that's every make-up artist's dream!

I also did grooming for her soon-to-be husband Mick!  Here's a photo of the lovely couple after the makeover.

Now let's break it down for you!

Karen

Skin condition: Normal, but perspires easily

Request: She showed me a peg of a natural smokey eyes.  

She wanted a smokey eye make-up that pops on photos but not too dark!

Face

I used an oil-free primer from Laura Mercier on the t-zone and applied a very thin layer  on the other parts of her face.  Karen's skin is almost perfect so I just brightened up her under eye area with a corrector.  For foundation, I mixed 2 Graftobian Foundation shades and applied more than the usual as she told me the shoot will be in done in the province and the shoot may pack up late at night, I am sure her make-up will settle once she arrives the destination so it doesn't hurt to apply more layers of foundation than the usual.

Eyes

Karen requested for an eye make-up that's not too dark nor light, I asked the colors of the outfit she will wear and I think the safest eyeshadow shades are browns and golds.  I added a thin layer of black gel liner and penciled the lower lash line and set with a dark brown eyeshadow.  In this makeover, I am focusing on her beautiful eyes.

For pictorials, I always suggest to my clients to let me apply falsies for them as it will show up natural on photos!

Thank goodness Karen is an expert when it comes to falsies, I didn't have a hard time applying falsies on her eyes and she appreciates it as much as I did!

Cheeks

Applied a cream blush from MAC and set with a blush powder.

Lips

Karen requested for a pink lipstick that has a warm undertone.  I get it right away as I have a pink lipstick in mine which I'm sure would look good on her, my matte lipstick from Elianto.

 Mick

Skin condition: Super oily!

(hey, that's according to him and I just agreed :P)

Request: Very natural look, just to make him look fresh

without the heavy feel of make-up

I used an oil-control primer for Mick as he told me he oil up...A lot!  I advised him makeup and primer may lessen but expect to see some oil build-up on certain parts of his face due to humidity.  I recommend him to use oil blotters in between shoots.

I lightened up Mick's dark undereye circles with a foundation similar to his skin color.  With the similar foundation, I spot concealed areas needed like the sides of his nose and some small spots.  I set everything with MAC's StudioFix Powder in NC45 which is a shade darker than his original skin color for a healthy "manly" glow.  

I applied lip balm on his lips and contoured parts of his face (cheekbones, noses bridge) .  I did not forget to groom his brows by brushing it with clear brow gel, I left his brows unshaved as most guys do not want to touch their brows.  To finalize his look, I pat the lips with a tissue to lessen the shine from the lip balm applied earlier and he's set to go!

It was a fun day of makeover!
I want to thank the couple for the trust and the great time!


Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Majolica Majorca Pressed Pore Cover

I was asked a lot of times if setting your make-up is vital to every make-up application. My answer is definitely YES (even with dry skin)!  With the crazy hot and humid weather we have here, it is possible to leave the house with your well-done makeup and look like an actress from "Make-up Application Gone Wrong" Video a few hours later! 

I've used a lot of setting powders which I also carry along as a retouch powder!  Most of the setting powders I own are in loose powder form so carrying them inside my bag is unthinkable!  The best 'pressed' setting powder I've used is the one from MAC!  MAC's MSF Natural in Light.  Are there any alternatives out there?  I've recently tested the Majolica Majorca Pressed Pore Cover which goes straight to my bag as touch up powder!  Read on for my review....

Majolica Majorca Pressed Pore Cover says ---

Conceals pores instantly with a single application.  A single coat glides over visible pores to leave skin looking matte for long lasting softness and smoothness.

Product Size: 10g

Ingredients:

AMW says ---

Pros

• On packaging: Very cute, manufactured date printed on the box.  The box may have Japanese written all over but inside they have an insert of product information in English.

• Size is just right, easy to take along.

• Packaging can be refilled.
• Sponge that comes with the compact is super smooth on skin, washes and dries up easily.
• Applies on skin with a super smooth, silky feel.  The first pressed powder I've tried that has the silkiness of a powder foundation.
• Skin feels smooth.
• Gives a nice, matte finish all over.
• On Pore Coverage: I have used this on a client with pore problems, I used a separate sponge and applied this with a "blotting" motion on the nose area, up-close it doesn't seem like it does anything but once you step back, pores does decrease in size!
• Non-comedogenic.

Cons

• Only one shade available which is quite light for darker skinned individuals.

• Doesn't have much oil control, so oily-skinned gals may still need the trustee oil blotter.
• Almost white in color so if you applied too much, this will show up!

Overall

The coverage is similar to the MAC's Mineralized Skin Finish powder but this one has a tiny bit more coverage and the Majolica Majorca Pressed Pore Cover glides on super smooth.

Tips

• Apply with a puff to cover pores, apply with a big fluffy powder brush or kabuki brush to lessen oil.
• Use a washcloth or sponge in removing this powder, if you prefer to use your hands, use a make-up remover prior to facial cleansing.
• If you like more coverage, pat the powder onto the skin gently instead of rubbing it.
• Blot your face with an oil blotter or tissue paper before re-touch to prevent oil from getting into the sponge.
• If you have dry skin and usually pores aren't that obvious, use a powder brush and use this as a "setting powder" instead to prevent dryness.
• If you are afraid of product build-up, use this with the sponge early morning with a pressing motion while skin is still fresh and clean, in the afternoon, use a brush to "re-touch" instead. 
• If you already have nice looking skin and wants light coverage, conceal/correct on areas needed and pat on with Majolica Majorca Pressed Pore Cover for that very natural look!

Will I repurchase?

No for myself, yes for clients' touchup.

To whom do I recommend this to?

Girls with oily or combination skin.  For those with good skin to start with, can use this alone on top of concealer or BB cream for the lightest/most natural makeup you can create.  This is also for you if you like to retouch without messing the rest of the make-up.

Where to purchase and how much?
At Majolica Majorca counters for Php850.00 (approx $20.24).

An overall look on the cute

Majolica Majorca Pressed Pore Cover

Closer look on the powder

Has a nice M emboss

(M for Mickey Mouse, just joking!  

M for Majolica Majorca of course!)

Once blended, it looks natural on my skin

Coverage is light to light-medium.

Does not cover redness 

Pores are reduced on the nose area

 Dryness can be enhanced if skin is not moisturized properly

Majolica Majorca Pressed Pore Cover 

Applied All Over Face

Using the Sponge

 I highly recommend this as a re-touch or setting powder.  You can re-touch as many times as you want without altering the make-up you've created!

What's your setting powder?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

What's Up AMW? I got the Sonic!

Happy Humpy Wednesday!  I do hope I'm feeling better today as yesterday was really bad!  Had a tummy ache, headache and throat ache, and worst?  I had a super early make-up gig so I only had 3 hours of sleep as I've done both hair and makeup to a client for prenup and straight back to work!

I used to think I am Supergirl --- guess I'm not!

I would like to share to you the new gadget I got.  I heard about the Clarisonic brush years ago but I never thought of purchasing one due to its price!  To those who doesn't know, Clarisonic is a facial cleansing brush that cleanses the skin of your face in a safe and gentle "sonic" motion.  Through deeper cleansing, it can transform blemished skin into a clear and smooth skin.

True or false, I wouldn't know as I am just one of the many who's salivating over this gadget that many have sworn to work!

AMW Reports: Studio SnR x Bobbi's Mastering the Basics

Given the free time, I wouldn't mind going back to make-up school!  When asked why I would like to attend The Beauty High Tea Series' Bobbi's Mastering the Basics Workshop, my answer was "Why not?  Learning is fun and it should never stop!  There's always going to be something new to learn out there!".

I love being a student again especially on subjects I'm most interested in --- Mathematics (Just joking!)  :P  I am referring to Make-up and it's such a shame we don't have that class back then, I am positive I will bag  the "Most Attentive Student" Award!

I knew I'll be a bit late for this class as my mom's doctor's appointment was scheduled the same day but in the morning.  The doctor came in late, we have to buy medications plus I have to accompany my mom for lunch.  After doing all those, traveling from Downtown Manila to Ortigas on a Saturday is like going for a roller coaster ride!  Lucky me, the make-up Goddesses out there must have heard my prayers as I arrived the place without missing much!

Studio SnR is no stranger to me, I've once taught make-up here for Dollface Cosmetics (click HERE for the report).  The place is very comfortable to hold any kinds of workshop!

 A lot of Bobbi Brown cosmetics greeted me!  I was on a trance seeing all the lovely eyeshadows, blushes, different shades of powders and foundations!  I was in Bobbi Brown Cosmetics heaven!

Just when I thought surrounding myself with make-up is enough to perk me up for an afternoon of beauty talk, there's The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf area for our unlimited supply of coffee!   I think I tried 2 types of coffee during this workshop!  I love both and I'm actually craving right this very moment!

You have to agree with me when I say, food is part of any beauty regimen!  Yummy snacks were also served during the workshop and students won't go hungry.  I can't stop staring at the Potato Croquettes!  Oh, and nachos too!

Ok, on to the workshop! I'll definitely share to AMW readers what I learned! Since I arrived just a couple of minutes late, I wasn't able to remove my existing make-up but I gamely joined in the skincare talk!  Several skincare products of Bobbi Brown was passed around for us to try!

Bobbi Brown believes in the 10-Step Beauty, let me walk you through the 10 steps as taught by Bobbi Brown's Makeup Artist Noel, aided by Bobbi Brown's Ina and Carrot.

Skincare

Bobbi Brown has a wide range of skincare line to target the needs of your skin.  I like the fact that you can choose formulations for dry or oily skin!

The application technique was also taught.  It helps to rub your hands together and gently press your hands on your face to "activate" the moisturizer.  Bear in mind to always do your skincare regimen with clean hands!

Step 1 Corrector/Concealer

Noel taught us the right way to correct dark undereye circles.  First, neutralizing the darkness under the eye area with a corrector then, a yellow-toned Creamy Concealer was used on top of the corrector to brighten up the overall appearance.

When asked why concealer was applied right away, Noel explained that Bobbi Brown believes in Natural beauty.  Some girls do not even need coverage for the whole face, so after this step, you can set it with a powder and you're ready to go!  Cuts make-up time in half!

 Step 2 Foundation

To find your right shade of foundation, you need to swatch at least 3 different foundation shades on the lower cheek down to the neck.  The shade that disappears will be the right one for you.

I'm glad to report that the shade I got from Bobbi Brown years ago is right!  I am a Bobbi Brown's Beige Girl!

Step 3 Powder/Bronzer

Apply loose powder on areas that needed oil-control.  If you are fair and you want to add a warm tint to your skin, feel free to dust a bronzing powder all over cheeks, forehead, nose and chin for a healthy glow!

Step 4 Blush

I like the 1-2-3 step of blush application c/o Bobbi Brown.  Dust a bit of your favorite blush shade on the apples of your cheeks 2x then on the 3rd count, move your blush brush towards the hairline.  To find the apples of your cheeks, SMILING is the best technique!

It's important to always check back your reflection and blend if you see any harsh lines.

Step 5 Lipstick/Gloss

Step 6 Lip Liner

It is very important to test different shades of lipsticks to see which shade would match your skintone the best.  

The most flattering shade will either match or be slightly darker than your original lip color.

 

Step 7 Brows

Define brows with an eyebrow brush using an eyeshadow shade similar to your hair color.  If you are comfortable with pencils, you can do tiny check marks with a brow pencil. 

I personally believe that a well defined brows can lift your overall look!  It takes time to practice filling in your brows but after you mastered it, you can do it with your eyes close (well, not really) *laughs*

Step 8 Eye Shadow

For basic eyeshadow application, its usually the easiest to apply a light eye shadow color all over the lids.

  

Medium Eye Shadow Color on the lower lid then blend!

This technique is "fool-proof" and would enhance the eyes of any eye shapes!  So if you are just starting out on eye shadow application, practice this technique first and go further using different eyeshadow shades!  You'll get unlimited looks in no time.

Step 9 Eye Liner

Upper lashline is best lined with your choice of brown or black liner.  Try to apply as close to the lashline as possible to make your lashes appear fuller.

Step 10 Mascara

True black mascara makes the most impact to short and sparse lashes like *ahem* mine.  But if you prefer a softer, more natural look, go for the brown one.  It helps to apply mascara from base of lashes to tips while rolling the wand to separate lashes and avoid clumps!  Lash curling is preferred to be done prior to mascara application to prevent lash breakage. *ouch*

After the 4-hour workshop, each participants were given a loot bag from Bobbi Brown included is a complimentary 20 minute makeup lesson and personalized face chart at the Bobbi Brown Counter. 

I had a wonderful time learning and I want to thank Sydney of Studio SnR for inviting me to be part of this wonderful workshop!  I would love to go for more as I learn something new each time!

If you feel bad for missing out the Bobbi Brown Workshop, there's another one coming up under The Beauty High Tea Series called Studio SnR x Majolica Majorca.

One AMW reader gets the chance to win a FREE slot!  How?  Keep smiling and click HERE.

Hope you learned something from my report!
Enjoy your Tuesday!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Dove Beauty Moisture Facial Cleanser

How's your weekend?  Mine was super busy as I've been running around the Metro for so many things!  It was a worthwhile weekend though as I was also able to attend the Studio SnR x Bobbi Brown workshop which I will report to you once photos are ready to go! 

I will start the week with a facial cleanser post.

As I said before, it takes 10x longer for me to review skincare regimen rather than makeup, I like reviewing skincare products that I've used at least a month.  The same goes for the current facial cleanser brand I will be talking about, the Dove Beauty Moisture Facial Cleanser.

Four months ago, I did the Pond's Flawless White Unbeaten Challenge, even after the challenge, I did not shift back to different skincare regimen, I stick to it until the very day I used up my Pond's Flawless White Deep Whitening Facial Foam.  The Flawless White product range did well!  I would strongly suggest anyone to use this product as long as the ingredients won't cause them allergic reactions.

Ready to read my review on the product that promised moisture?  I do believe I'm the best person to review this product as I have dry skin!

Dove Beauty Moisture Facial Cleanser says ---

With 1/4 moisturizing cream and beauty essence, it effectively cleanses while delivering moisture deep within your skin and locking moisture in for deeply nourished and fine-textured skin.

Best for: Normal and Dry Skin.

Size: 110g.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Petrolatum, Lauric Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-39, Polyquaternium-55, Fragrance, Disodium Edta, Dmdm Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate. 

AMW says ---

Pros

• Soft, gentle fragrance.
• The foam cleanser is very gentle on skin.  Feels refreshing too.
• Latters pretty quickly.
• Leaves skin smooth and moisturized even after cleansing.
• No allergic reactions or skin irritations.
• Inexpensive.
• My skin never felt tight or dry the whole day!
• Skin feels soft to touch.
• Even without moisturizer (I actually did not tone nor moisturize my face just to test this product), woke up with subtle and moisturized skin even inside an air-conditioned room.

Cons

• Does not remove all traces of make up. (ex. Waterproof makeup or BB creams)
• Not for all skin type, combination/oily-skinned individuals may find this product too moisturizing for them.
• If you have other skin concerns like breakouts, the product targets only to moisturize the skin, there's no pimple-fighting ingredients.

Overall

The product name itself is quite straightforward, it targets to moisturize your face and it does the job --- a good job!

Tips

• If you prefer the make-up removing properties, you can purchase the new Dove Foaming Make Up Remover.
• Remove all your make-up well with a separate make-up remover before washing off your face with this product.
• If you have normal skin, you can apply a light layer of moisturizer all over face.
• If you have super dry skin, concentrate on massaging this product on the dry spots and leave for a couple of seconds before you rinse it off. 
• If you want a better cleansing technique, instead of using your hands to wash off facial cleanser, use a soft sponge so the dirt will also be wiped off together with the product.
• One itchiness or skin irritations occur, STOP using the product immediately.
  

Will I repurchase?
Yes.

To whom do I recommend this to?
People with normal or dry skin.

Where to purchase and how much?
At leading supermarkets, drugstore or Watsons for Php199.00 (approx $4.70).

This is an inexpensive product that works!  I think most of my readers have combination/oily skin?  Let us look into another cleanser ok?  In my personal opinion, this is best for people who have similar skin condition as I do! 

P.S. Ooohh, I love the Dove Moisturizing Bar for my body, I have finished 2 bars within a span of 2 months! 1 bar each month, not bad!

"Have you Dove-d yourself?"

Keep smilin'

Stay happy