AMW Makeover: UFC Girl Arianny Celeste

Good morning and Happy Friday Everyone!

An old client of mine recommended me to a company who needed a makeup artist to do their print ad (thanks Joey!).  Who would've thought the "lucky me" gets to work twice with the country's number 1 Car Accessories Center --- Concorde ?

The first project was an outdoor shoot and I will be sharing my experience once the company have released the photos!  For now, I'm quite excited to see this photo at their Facebook page for the newly opened Concorde Harbor Point in Subic!

The model's name is Arianny Celeste, to those who don't know her (mostly girls hahaha)  Here's a snippet from Wikipedia.

Arianny Celeste (born November 12, 1985) is an American ring girl and model  She is best known for being an Octagon Girl for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Arianny is of Mexican and Filipino decent which spells G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!  She appeared in various international magazines such as Maxim, FHM, Sports Illustrated, Playboy and a whole lot more!

So am I ready to do her makeup?  YOU BET!!! (fan girl mode on)

The shoot was done at The Fashion Academy Manila, prior to the Concorde shoot Arianny was up for FHM Philippines Cover Shoot (you can see her in this month's issue!)

As soon as the FHM shoot was over, I immediately fixed the work station as I'll be doing both her hair and makeup! (Okay, there wasn't any fixing!  Look how messy everything was!!!  *laughs*)

We had a meeting with the Photographer and the client a couple of hours before the shoot and it was decided how the company wanted the "look" of their model.  Everyone (including myself) agreed on a very natural, fresh, young and vibrant look!  

Here's a photo taken several hours after the shoot

  

 Here's another peek on her makeup!  I will do my best to remember the products used!

• OCC Airbrush Foundation
• Shu Uemura Face Powder in Sheer
• Ruby and Millie Complete Eye Kit (I used the brow powder and wax)
• Urban Decay Primer Potion 
• Lancome Color Fan Eye Shadow Palette 
• MAC eyeshadow in  Brown Down
• Kate Gel eyeliner in black
• Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
• Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara
• ES Brand false lashes
• Becca Creme Blush in Amaryllis
• Christian Dior Blush in #839 Vintage Pink
• MAC Shadester - to contour
• Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Pale Pink mixed a bit of MAC's Pink Nouveau

One of the few shots I got from the photographer Mark Lao of  Trio Photography Philippines.   Do book them if you need photographers as they are very professional and good! 

I can't wait to see these posters in person and probably take a photo with it  *lol*!  Let me know if you've visited the store!  

I want to thank the wonderful people behind Concorde Philippines for the trust!  This is indeed a project that I enjoyed doing and doesn't feel like work at all!

Do you know Arianny Celeste prior to my Wikipedia knowledge power?  *laughs*

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Mary Kay Foundation Primer

I'm not a primer person, as you all know, I am quite happy with BB cream underneath my makeup!  But I have to admit, primers are VERY important especially when I'm doing makeup for clients!  That's why the test and quest for good primers are endless!

One primer I've tested is from Mary Kay, called Mary Kay Foundation Primer (yes, simple as that!)

Mary Kay says ---

This must-have foundation accessory perfects skin as it enhances foundation benefits and extends wear.  Glides on like a dream so makeup applies smoothly and blends easily. Its patent-pending,  oil-free gel formula is mineral-enriched to absorb oil and diffuse light for skin-perfecting benefits. Dries to a lightweight, matte finish and can be used with any Mary Kay® foundation.

Size: 1 fl.oz.
Ingredients:

AMW says ---

Pros

• Nicely packaged making it easy to control amount of product needed.

•  Box printed with expiration date.

• Skin feels smooth immediately after application making foundation application a breeze.
• Dries up matte and lightweight.
• Does help reduce oiliness.
• 
  

Cons

• Silicon-based, we all know how some of you may be allergic to this!  So be careful.
• The performance of this primer is not consistent as compared to other primers in the market.  To explain this statement further, the product works best if used together with my Mary Kay Time Wise Luminous and Matte Wear foundation.
• Weird smell (but this disappears after a couple of minutes.)

Overall

This is not the worst yet it's not the best primer I've tried.  I am still loving my Smashbox Photofinish Light as the "to-go-to" primer especially for clients! I am a bit wary on putting silicon-based primers on them!

Tips

• A little amount is enough, I prefer applying this only on areas that oil up to prevent the "heavy" feel.
• If you are a bit sensitive to some makeup ingredients, do a patch test before applying the product all over your face.
• Start by applying a little, a little goes a long way!
• Once allergic reactions occur, stop usage immediately!
• If you have oily skin, it helps to bring oil control blotting sheets as you may still oil up.
• This product is BEST used with Mary Kay foundations.  I promise you, the finish and look is amazing!
  

Will I repurchase?
No.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who's into trying out oil-control primers!  Those with SUPER oily skin may try on other brands!

Where to purchase and how much?
The product costs Php1,300 (approx $30.00).  Available at Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant by calling them at (632) 859-6211 or visit www.marykay.com.ph

Mary Kay Foundation Primer Swatch on Hand

Product does not come off runny, gel-like texture that's easy to blend.

Disappears immediately and blends into the skin blurring out lines and making it smooth to feel!

Have you given any Mary Kay makeup a try?
Would you go for this primer?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Product sent for review.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Tip for the Day: Why False Lashes are Needed on Any "Photograph" Day!

Happy month of May!!!

It is cute how  most of my clients would dismiss the idea of wearing falsies for the reason of: "It's not my wedding day!" 

Well, excuse you lovelies!  Wedding day or not, if you know you will have your photos taken, I strongly recommend you to at least, give false lashes a chance!  It makes a HUGE difference to your overall look!

I can prove it to you :)

Photo Below: Anonymous client who wants very light eye makeup (as she needs to carry her baby around).  Check how her "after false lashes" shot made her eyes look more alive and awake!

Of course, the quality of false lashes have to be really good!  Really good doesn't have to equate to really expensive!

Here are some of the brands I highly recommend ---

ES Brands by KKCenterHK

I love it that ES Brand recently came up with box of 5 pairs of different styles eyelashes for USD15.44 (approx Php664.00 + shipping not included).  I like taking these with me especially if I'm meeting the client for the first time and I wouldn't know her eye shape and makeup preference! 

I am also finding myself stocking on another favorite from ES Brand, the ES A599 lashes!  These also comes in 5 pairs!  I am liking this brand from KKCenterHK because its handmade, the stems are very thin and easy to maneuver at the same time, the lash hairs are super soft and lightweight!

ES A599 costs USD15.12 (approx Php650.00 + shipping not included) and I used this on the model's eyes above!  Feedback from clients are always positive and they would even keep the lashes for future use!

To those who are uncomfortable in terms of online shopping, you can easily order Flutter Eyelashes at Beauty & Minerals.  Quality are the same but the lashes they have are more dramatic ones!  

Available in - Drama Queen, Purr, Feisty and Majestic

A box of 10 pairs costs Php350.00 - 400.00 (approx $8.00-$9.30)

So, are you the type who would wear false lashes on special events or occasions?
If not, why?
Scared to apply false lashes on your own?
Feel free to check out my tutorial here.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Shu Uemura's Whitefficient UV Under Base

Happy Month of May! Happy Labor Day!!!

Since the sun has been crazy hot for the past few weeks, I made sure to keep my face and body well protected from the harsh rays of the sun, at the same time, I'd like to keep my face looking fresh, glow-y and healthy at the same time!

I pulled out the Shu Uemura Whitefficent UV Under base brightening mousse for Summer 2012! 

Shu Uemura says ---

Shu Uemura Whitefficient UV Under Base Brightening Mousse SPF 30 PA++ is a new instant brightening ultra-light mousse base, as efficient as a whitening essence.

• Prepare the skin for pore-less radiance
• ”trans-glow complex” immediately reverse yellow skin tone and combats dullness.
• reduces dark spots and freckles, improves skin transparency day by day.
• fortified with SPF30 PA++ to prevent premature aging and hyper pigmentation.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Packaging!  Very hygienic and easy to use.
• Has SPF30.
• Contains Vitamin C which works to treat dark spots on the skin.
• Gives an almost instant brightening effect.
• Very light and never feels heavy on skin.
• Works to almost all skin types.
• Skin appears matte and foundation (powder, liquid or cream) can be applied easier due to the smooth surface.
• A tiny amount goes a long way.
• The "brightening effect" lasts until I remove makeup at the end of the day.

Cons

• Applying too much may create "white cast".
• SPF30 is not sufficient for our current temperature.
• Price!

Overall

I can't vouch on the long term effect of the product yet as I have used this only for a month!  Some of my friends who used and loved this product has experienced lightening effect especially on areas of their faces that has dark spots!  

This product is the answer to anyone's wish for healthy, glowing skin in an instant!  The product does not have coverage so further concealing is still needed.

Tips

• Purple can create "brightening" effect to yellow skin tone BUT, you have to apply sparingly!  Applying too much will turn the skin "ashy".
• Apply after your skin care regimen, if you will be out in the sun for long, apply sunblock prior to this product.
• Apply all over face and don't forget the neck area.
• If you are into very cute packaging, purchase NOW as they have this as part of the Mamechiyo For Shu Uemura collection.

Will I repurchase?
Since I'm a fan of brightening products, YES!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes "instant" brightening under base.

Where to purchase and how much?
Available at local Shu Uemura counters for Php2,200.00 (approx $51.00).

Light, mousse-like texture of
Shu Uemura Whitefficient UV Under Base Mousse

This amount is enough for the whole face and neck

Though some people prefer applying this with clean fingers, I prefer blending it all over my face with a synthetic foundation brush.  Spreading downwards just like what I usually do on a liquid/cream foundation.

Don't be scared on how "purple" you turn to be, keep on blending and I finish the application by using my clean hands and gently blend the product making the purplish tint disappear.

 

Giving it a couple of  minutes, the product will settle down and the purple tint will disappear leaving a natural, healthy glow.  Photo shown below without foundation.

Do you need Shu Uemura Whitefficient UV Under Base Mousse for the Summer 2012?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Bulletin: Forever 21 SM Megamall 3-day Sale (May4-6)

Dear Philippine Readers:
Were you there at The Block (SM City North EDSA) opening of Forever 21?  The brand is growing and nothing can stop them!  SM Megamall branch has something wonderful coming up!  The much awaited 3-Day Sale!

On May 4 10:00am to 12:00nn ---

• Present your F21 Mastercard and SMAC/BDO Rewards to get 20% off regular items with a minimum purchase of Php5,000.
• Present your SMAC/BDO Rewards, get 10% off on regular items.

On May 4 12:00nn onwards until May 6

• F21 Mastercard holders can get 10% off on regular items with a minimum purchase of Php5,000.

*BDO Cardholders can avail of 5% rebate with a minimum purchase of Php5,000 for all 3 days!

Happy F21 Shopping!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!