How to Prevent Breakouts while wearing Face Mask and Face Shield

 

The COVID-19 face mask and face shield season seems to be exaggerating to some but I find it comforting to cover the whole face as much as possible.  You tend to have a different view regarding this pandemic if you are a mom and a daughter of a super old parents no?

I may not go out as often but I do bring food everyday to my in-laws who lives a couple of steps away from my home.  Even with the short distance, I cover up LIKE THIS (on photo)....

And there's NO SHAME for that.

Even with short mask and face shield wearing, I find myself breaking out more often especially the upper lip area, chin and even the cheeks!  Because of that, I find myself thinking about our Frontliner heroes who are wearing mask and shield for more than 8 hours a day!  Some even wears double face mask!  Imagine how hard that is?

So here, I created a simple tutorial on how to prevent breakouts.  I mean the work itself is already hard enough, seeing pimples popping right out of nowhere here and down would dampen anyone's mood even more!  

KEY:  Use any product that works for you that can help prevent breakouts.  The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil products help me a lot since I have sensitive skin.  You don't have to use the same products.  Some of you may find Salicylic Acid to be the solution or Benzyl Peroxide, so feel free to use "liquid" skincare product in exchange for what I used on video.

I hope this video helps! 
Feel free to share your tips by commenting below.  I'd love to read it.

Let's stay positive, try to do our best to fight this pandemic together.

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

  

How to Fix Your Own Brows During Lockdown

I haven't looked at myself in the mirror for too long!

So when I finally had my ring light on, busy doing my usual makeup or skincare videos, I had a mirror right in front of me and I was shocked to see A LOT of stray hairs!  

When was the last time I fixed my brows?  

MORE THAN A MONTH FOR SURE!

I mean with the Quarantine period and COVID19 scare, who would have the time to fix their brows?  Not me..that's why I left it bushy for a month plus!  But as much as I'd like to stay up to my feet for this whole lockdown period, I know I'll be anxious and go crazy if I don't do anything else!  

So here you go, finally, I've decided to fix my own brows and since I honestly know how to do it - I'm just too lazy because I always have Benefit Brow Bar to do it for me, I made it!  I was able to film this quick tutorial and I hope you'll learn a thing or 2 from me!

A girl can invest only a TWEEZER or Eyebrow Shaver - whichever your heart desires.  

I personally thing plucking is difficult especially for first-timers, I have HIGH TOLERANCE to pain but I swear, I still tear up until this very moment because my brow hairs are thick and they are just F**^^@*&# painful whenever I PULL a SINGLE hair strand!  But, I love how I can control the amount of hair I would like to remove with a tweezer --- and this tweezer of mine - if you are a LONG LONG LONG TIME READER - you'll know it has been with me for more than a decade and until today, it is still the best Tweezer I bought for only Php120+ pesos!  

Now back to eyebrow shavers, I use shavers even for my clients, it is the easiest, most painless method but the downside is, for someone with full brows like myself - you'll end up shaving your brows every after 3-4 days which I don't have enough time of!  

But still, because I want this tutorial to be super in depth, I've decided to use ALL methods I could think of (except threading and waxing!) 

Are you ready?

How to Rejuvenate Stressed Skin

As happy as I look and sound on Social Media, just like everybody else - I am stressed!  

I can't believe I am announcing this, but I really am!

Just like everyone else, I TRY to keep my stress at bay by playing games, watching Korean Series and cooking!  And because my tasks aren't as physically demanding as they used to, I was left with a whole lot of energy til wee hours of the night so I am a LIVING OWL sleeping at 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning!  

My skin is obviously suffering!  

Zits are popping from nowhere, I am starting to see enlarged pores on my cheeks and dry patches (again) on forehead and chin!  

I have to do something, so here's my no fail method to rejuvenate wonky skin!  You won't see instant results, but this made me feel good!

Please subscribe and watch this short video!

What's your plan to save up your skin?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Different Mists and their Functions

What are mists?

I am referring to facial mists!  The products you see housed in a spray bottle or atomizer!  A product where I mostly set aside because these are "extras".  Little did I know after 10 plus years of Blogging, I would cling on this extra step as an integral part of my skincare regimen!

So there are a whole lot of Face Mists brands out their with fancy names - Face Mists, Toning Water, Atomizer, Makeup Setting Spray, Oil-control spray and a whole lot more!  So do they all work the same or should you read into details before you push them aside?

I highly recommend you to go for the latter!

I have a couple of face mists that I have tried through the years (I apologize for missing out some as I'm sure I did!)  But these are just some of the ones I use and yes, I alternately use them on different occasions for different purposes and you'll find at least 1 face mist in my bag, my table and inside the car!  (Not putting atomizers inside the car though for safety!)

Shall we begin?

If I plan to keep my skin hydrated all throughout the day, I use Avene Thermal Spring Water (Php750.00 for 150ml available at Watsons), this bottle mainly contains water and just like our body, whenever I feel like my skin is hydrated, I would immediately pull this bottle out and give my skin a breathe of fresh water!

This bottle is great for hiking as well!  Tested to refresh my senses!

Now if water ONLY doesn't make the cut because you have dry skin or your skin tends to try midday with makeup on --- go for Face Mists.

Face Mists like Esfolio Nutri-Snail Daily Soothing Mist (Php399.00 available at select stores and online stores), these types of products does not only contain water but also ingredients that keep our skin hydrated all throughout the day.  I call this moisturizer in a bottle because with makeup on, it is impossible to apply my favorite moisturizer on top of makeup so I use this instead!  With several spritz and patting motion, my skin does not feel as dry or my makeup does not look cracked like before.

I also like to use Face Mist in between makeup routine REGULARLY.  Meaning, I inject this extra step between Face Cleansing + Toning, Toning + moisturizer --- yes, I do a couple of spritz in between to keep my skin hydrated making sure the "environment" won't evaporate the newly applied moisturizer, instead, it evaporates Face Mists instead!

Updated AM Skincare Routine

Hi AMW Friends!

Sharing to you my current morning routine because I am testing out new products!  But basically, this is what I do --- Cleanse, Tone, Hydrate (Mists) and Moisturize adding Sunscreen because Sunscreen is LIFE!

I will also continue this series with a Christmas-Ready makeup tutorial then HAIR!

I had fun doing this mini #AMWIGtv tutorials.  Let me know if you want more!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐮 (@askmewhats) on Dec 7, 2019 at 1:23am PST

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

I Get a Subtle Glowing Skin With This Product!

Still on a hunt for glowing base?  A skin that looks like you came out straight from a Koreanovela?

Same as you, that is my ultimate "skin peg" so a product that can give me such glow will always be welcomed in my home and in this Blog!

Esfolio Snow Whitening Cream

Php369.00

Availability: See List of Stores HERE

A whitening cream that protects from environmental aggressors, such as air pollution and sun damage.

Strengthens and fortifies with an effective anti-pollution ingredient that consists of 5 kinds of seaweed extracts; hydrates, plumps, and brightens with hyaluronic acid similar to the natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in skin; boosts elasticity for a firmer look with portulaca oleracea, pearl, and collagen extracts; lightens and brightens with niacinamide to prevent skin darkening and discoloration.

INGREDIENTS: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Triethylhexanoid, Cyclomethicone, gylcerin, titanium Dioxide, cetearyl alcohol, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate,Peg-100 Stearate,Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2- Hexanediol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearic Acid, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Pearl Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Spirulina Plaatensis Extract, Undaria Pinnatifidia Extract, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/ Sodium Acryloyldimethyl, Sorbitan Stearate, Methylparaben, Triethoxycaprylysilane, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Propylparaben, Fragrance, Aluminum Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA

Esfolio Nutri-Snail Eye Cream Review

"What's an inexpensive yet effective eye cream you can recommend?"

That question was posted on my IG DM so many times making me happy as a lot of you are starting to know and understand the importance of skincare products --- YAY!  

Most of the Anti-Wrinkle and Anti-Aging eye creams I've tried that are effective are those from high end brands and I am always honest about sharing to my readers how inexpensive ones are still but of course, they take a bit longer time to see results as compared to the more potent ones --- but again, not all Expensive Ones are effective okay?

Just like you, I am always on a hunt for inexpensive yet effective beauty products and I am really happy with the arrival of Korean brand Esfolio because I am starting to see how good quality their products are and the best part --- they are easy to the pocket!

Esfolio Anti-Wrinkle Nutri Snail Daily Eye Cream 

Php315.00

Available at BeautyMNL

Helps boost elasticity as it promotes skin regeneration and repair with snail secretion filtrate; hydrates, calms, and comforts with aloe leaf extracts; provides a natural protective layer with allantoin, glycolic acid, and collagen; helps minimize the look of blemishes and dullness for a bright-eyed, healthier appearance

I Cheated on my Existing Face Mist with a Newbie!

Remember how much I shared to you about my love for the Esfolio Aloe Vera Moisture Soothing Gel Mist?

Can I just say - I "kind of" cheated?

KIND OF because it is from the same brand but smells super addicting!  Aside from that, it works like a charm!  The Esfolio Nutri Snail Daily Soothing Mist is my new found love and I am holding to it like my dear life every single day!

Esfolio Nutri Snail Daily Soothing Mist

Php399.00

Size: 150ml

 

How to: Quick and Easy "Glass Skin"

Glass Skin is now a craze!  I have never thought of getting into the bandwagon of creating one because who really appreciates Glass Skin?  Those living in North Pole and South Pole maybe?  Those who don't mind piling on serums, moisturizers, oil on top of that, adding more "glowing" makeup products to create that clear, luminous and glowing skin!

Then, recently, I've noticed that my makeup application is creating more "glow", I even caught a lot of you sending DMs to me over Instagram asking me to do a tutorial on "How to Create Glass Skin."

Baka "Accidental Glass Skin" is what you mean.  As I never intend to really have that Glass Skin effect, I'm just one busy gal who wants to cut-short my makeup routine and thus, created something really nice as an effect!  

Would you believe that you can create Glass Skin with skincare (long term) but you can fake one with makeup?  I DID!  And best of all, it was a combination of Skincare + Makeup so my skin gets benefited from it!

My Version of a Glass Skin!

And you don't need gazillion products to create one!  All you need is a ---

1. Matte Foundation.

2. A Whitening Cream that gives instant whitening effect.

The products I picked to create this tutorial is The Body Shop Matte Clay Skin Clarifying Foundation  and my newfound perfect-looking skin discovery - Esfolio Snow Whitening Cream!

Tip for the Day: How to Prevent Dry Skin After Base Makeup Application?

Have this happened to you after finishing up all the steps of base makeup?

GASP!

It happened to me so many times (and to my clients) I'm actually NOT freaking out anymore!  The first time it happened to me was in the middle of work with a very important client and I want to cry right there and then ---> that was 10 years ago and I'm thankful there are so many products that can aid situations like this!

I've shared so many ways to making sure your foundation won't dry out your skin!  Example - How to Keep Your Skin from Looking Dry.

Esfolio Green Herb Sun Cream Relaxing Review

Japanese and Korean sunblocks are definitely my to-go-to sun care brand for years!  I don't mind using ANY brand for the body but I am very particular with my face sunscreen!  

Shiseido to Biore.  I can't believe I was able to find another one that works really well!

What's OUR requirements with face sunscreens?  

Non-greasy.  Lightweight-feel.  No White Cast on flash photos.  Works with makeup.  WORKS in sun protection.

I found it at Esfolio Green Herb Sun Cream!  And best of all?  I got more benefits using this product!  This actually relaxes my skin on every application and minimize redness.

Esfolio Green Herb Sun Cream

Php549.00 for 50g

Protect your skin from the harmful rays of our skin's number one enemy which is the sun!  Together with the calming and relaxing ingredients from Peppermint, Rosemary, Chamomile, Freesia, Bergamot and Lavender extracts. This wonderful Sunblock doesn't only protect you from the sun but also simultaneously provides calming and relaxing effects on your skin.Effects: Sun protection with calming and relaxing 

Esfolio Sun SPF 50+ PA+++ Review

Over the course of 4 months, I was able to finish up 4 tubes of face sunblock because for the first 3 months, I literally wait outside Kyle's school under the sun so I apply sunblock more than usual due to prolong exposure to the harmful UV rays.  

One product that really made it to the cut in terms of "feel", texture, comfort is the Esfolio SPF 50+ PA+++ (Php549.00) .

It doesn't hurt that the packaging is so pretty and unique!  Sits prettily at my dresser table.

The reason why the packaging is shaped like a leaf because one of the main ingredient of this product is Aloe Barbadensis Leaf.

Effectively moisturizes, conditions, and soothes skin with aloe barbadensis leaf extract; helps fight free radical damage with camellia sinensis leaf extract; boosts elasticity with hydrolyzed collagen; tones and purifies with witch hazel leaf extract; nourishes with matricaria extract and tocopheryl acetate; provides broad spectrum protection against UV rays with SPF 50+ PA+++

Esfolio Black Caviar Hydrogel Eye Patch Review

Comes in a form of Esfolio Black Caviar Hydrogel Eye Patch.

I was shocked when I first used this!  I didn't believe how such product could literally "tighten" up my undereye area, lessening a bit of the puffiness almost in an instant!  

And this is NOT an infommercial.  #LOL

Esfolio Black Caviar Hydrogel Eye Patch

Php999.00

Available: https://www.esfolio.ph/products/black-caviar-hydrogel-eye-patch

The product comes with a black box with clear English Description and usage instructions.

Esfolio 2 Step Multi Oil Peeling & Cleanser Review

When I first learned about the Korean skincare brand Esfolio from a very good friend (you know who you are! :P)  I was told one of the bestselling, "must-try" product from the brand is the 2Step Multi Oil & Peeling Cleanser.

I was taken aback with the word "PEELING", that's why it took me a while to actually use this (clearing my schedule, making sure I do not have anything important to do that week), I finally took the plunge and used it after Cathy Doll's All Dolled Up Event, since I had heavier makeup on that day, I went home and used this with a bit of a "thumping heart".  

Esfolio 2 Step Multi Oil Peeling & Cleanser

Php950.00

Availability: https://www.esfolio.ph/

Esfolio 2 Step Multi Oil Peeling & Cleanser Says ---

"Is a multi functional cleanser. The  1st functions a cleanser that effectively removes dirt and impurities from the pores. The 2nd functions as a peeling agent that eliminates old sebum and dead skin cells.Effects: Great make-up remover, cleansing and micro peeling."

AMW Workshop Series VI: Bridal Makeup

Dear AMW Friends,
Life has been a roller coaster for me (in a good way) because I was extremely crazy juggling so many tasks I almost was shocked it was only 2 weeks left when I posted the registration for this particular workshop!  I was nervous, worried and.... SUPER NERVOUS!

But God is good, and I am very thankful for all the AMW Workshoppers who trusted me and went ahead and joined my 6th workshop called Saying I Do: Bridal Makeup.

Shoutout to Spark It HQ, Thanks Franco and super thanks Kara for helping me

Happy Faces!

As always, all my workshoppers get a personalized bag designed and created by Assembly Line (former Archaic Era).  

Aren't they cute?

Bridal Makeup is my most favorite "type" of makeup because that's were I concentrated my makeup artistry and actually did a lot of Bridal Makeup looks in the past before I concentrated on being a Mom and a makeup instructor.

Esfolio Aloe Vera Moisture Soothing Gel Mist Review

You want to see how my "just woke up face looks like?"  No judging, this is my look because I need to show you how Esfolio Aloe Vera Moisture Soothing Gel Mist can make me feel --- a bit confident with my own skin.

Because I have always been a facial mist girl - on both personal and professional level.  I welcome different brands of facial mist because I believe there will always be something new and wonderful to try and test!  And Esfolio is no exception!  Truthfully, it actually surpasses my expectations.

Esfolio Aloe Vera  Moisture Soothing Gel Mist Says ---

"Esfolio Moisture Soothing Gel Mist 100% Aloe Vera is an enriched aloe vera gel which helps your sensitive skin smoothly and calmly.  Aloe vera gel contains two hormones: Auxin and Gibberellins.  These two hormones provide wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce skin inflammation.  Giberellin in aloe vera acts as a growth hormone stimulating the growth of new cells.  It allows the skin to heal quickly and naturally with minimal scarring.
Aloe is soothing and can reduce skin inflammations, blistering and itchiness, while helping the skin to heal more rapidly. Additionally, in Ayurvedic medicine, Aloe is used to effectively heal chronic skin problems, such as psoriasis, acne and eczema."

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

So tomorrow is Mother's Day!  I know "time" is definitely one of the best gifts you can give to your mommy but if there's a little bit of budget to go along with time, here are just some of the items I would LOVE to give to my own mom.

A simple act of love with Sweets.

Toblerone's Limted Edition Mother's Day packaging is available to show your mom how much you appreciate and love her.  This is a perfect gift idea for those who can't seem to say: "I love you mom" in person!  

Toblerone Mother's Day Art Packs and Sleevers are available at The SM Store North EDSA, The SM Store Mall of Asia, The SM Store Megamall, The SM Store Makati, The SM Store Cubao, The SM Store San Lazaro, Robinson's Ermita, Landmark Trinoma and Landmark Makati until tomorrow May 14!  

A simple act of love with Accessory

When mommy friend Jackie and I had a chance to visit Nomination Italy store at 2nd level Glorietta 4 to "gift" each other Composable Bracelets from Nomination Italy, I realized how wonderful it is to gift your mom something this personal and meaningful for the special occasion.  When you pick or compose a bracelet, you look back into wonderful memories you share together with your mom, whether it could be as simple as a shopping trip, travels and a whole lot more, you can materialize your bonding activities and memories by composing your very own bracelet and have your mom wear it to be reminded of the good times you share together.

My Nomination Italy Composable Bracelet (mixed with rose gold locket), the word "LOVE", a cross and a husband and wife imprinted on it.

Esfolio Pure Skin Green Tea Facial Cleansing Tissue Review

I finish cleansing wipes as fast as I finish my "Salted Egg Potato Chips".  *laughs*

Not a good comparison but just so you know, I can finish up a tub in a week so that means, a pack of 20 sheets cleansing wipes, I also get to finish in a week!  That's how much of a cleansing "hoe" I am!  

So when it comes to cleansing wipes, I don't discriminate or judge, I use all brands, all sizes, all price range from drugstore to high end brands!  And obviously, I welcome the newest Korean Skincare brand that recently arrived our shores --- ESFOLIO.

That's me with "freshly" removed makeup using Esfolio Pure Skin Green Tea Facial Cleansing Tissue.  As you can see on photo, there's a whole lot of eyeliner left on the waterline, I'll definitely explain why after the jump.

 Esfolio Pure Skin Green Tea Facial Cleansing Tissue

Php169.95

Esfolio Pure Skin Green Tea Facial Cleansing Tissue says ---