My Favorite Face Brushes

 

I have been reviewing a lot of brushes for the past years.  From high end brands to the most inexpensive ones, it is funny how I never shared my top picks!  I mean not everyone can invest on a set of brushes so today, I am sharing my top 4+1 brushes that I can't live without.

1. Foundation Brush

I never use this type of brush to "blend" my base, instead, I use this to apply the right amount of product seamlessly to my skin.  This is a nice brush to also apply concealer.  The flat side of the brush gives ample "coverage" so I don't need to use a lot of product because the brush does not absorb as much product as sponges.

Foundation brush brand: Estee Lauder

2. Oval Brush

The Oval Brush came out in the latter part of the Beauty Game.  Though I do not talk much about these type of brushes, I pick them up a lot. (if you zoom closer, you can see how worn out the this brush is!) 

How do I use this brush?  I apply a good amount of concealer (usually in Doe Foot applicator) and use this brush to blend the concealer on the undereye area and it gives off a perfect coverage.  With the extra product on brush, I sweep it on the sides of my nose, chin and other areas of my face and it immediately covers spots and redness!  I can do my makeup half the time because of this brush, 

Oval Brush Brand: Etude House

How to Look Flawless and Fresh? #AMWIGtv

"Though shall not pile on make up!"

That has been my make up goal ever since I started my make up journey!  I remembered Keith telling me how much blush I had on!  "Parang binugbog ka!" .  Or when I have foundation too thick that doesn't match the color of my neck, I get real feedbacks (On time pa!)  I appreciate that a lot because I learn so much through this journey!

Today, after more than a decade of testing, reviewing and using makeup!  I am surprised how I can't get enough of this profession.  There's always something new to share and learn and I'm sharing yet another makeup tricks and tips for those who wants to create Flawless Looking Skin!  Key phrase ---
"Less is indeed more!"  

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I hope you enjoyed this and let me know if you learn something from me!

I'll share more tips and tricks soon!  Please do follow me on Instagram for real updates!
Shameless plug - I'm really funny on IG Stories :P

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Wedding Guest Makeup Look and Outfit

So it has been a while since I attended a wedding!  Several wedding invitations passed by my hands but I wasn't able to attend any of them for so many reasons and I told myself I had to break the "bad luck".

My Best Man got married but Kyle was extremely sick.  

My college barkada got married this year and I was looking forward to attend her wedding but my dad had a stroke.

My highschool classmate invited us for his Wedding last week and I told myself I had to go, praying so hard nothing bad will happen again.

THANKFULLY, I was fully made up and was able to dress up...so you know I was able to attend - FINALLY!

This is my hair and makeup by YOURS TRULY.

Makeup products used:

Base makeup: Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation,

 Hello Flawless Powder and Lancome as contour.

Eyes: Etude House Play 101 Blending Pencil Shade 6 as base and L'oreal Nude Palette, K-Palette Liquid Liner and L'Oreal Super Liner in dark brown.

Brows: Benefit Goof Proof Brow pencil shade 3 and Karadium x Pucca Brow Cara

Cheeks: Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palette in Defining Nectars

Lips: Silky Girl Matte Junkie Lip Crayon in shade 04

Etude House Silk Scarf Protein Ampoule Treatment Review

So I have always been a hair products girl, even inside a makeup and skincare land --- Etude House, I actually look forward to their "hair care products" area and look for unique products.

One product line that caught my attention is the SILK SCARF line.  With this line comes a slim box that says "Damage Protein Ampoule Treatment".

The product caught me at "Damage", so I grabbed it right away thinking this comes in a glass bottle or something like "facial ampoules".  

It was a nice surprise to see an "Injection" instead.  Thumbs up for packaging.  

Etude House Silk Scarf Protein Ampoule Treatment

Php228.00

This treatment contains 9 kinds of protein other than keratin protein and 17 kinds of amino acids that fill up dry and damaged hair with both moisture and nutrition and coats hair for firm and volumized hair.

Sweet Look with Etude House Galaxy

Whenever I think about Etude House, I always think about Sweet 16 girls, meaning, teenage girls who are using this just to look sweet and, well, young!

I find that I'm too old for these types of glittery and shiny makeup!  It was a decade ago when I started out doing makeup looks online from bright purples to blues and greens!  You name all the shadow shades, I've probably done them all!  

But fast forward to present, I toned down, even my daily look is so subtle I almost always look like I don't have makeup on!  But if you follow me on #AMWIgStories , you 'll know that's not the case!  I am doing the No Makeup Makeup loo on a daily basis I can apply full face makeup with my eyes closed!  (Not really) hahahah

With the arrival of Etude House's Be My Universe launched last Holiday, I actually purchased this in store even before launching for the mere fact that it has a Planet Saturn printed on the palette which reminds me so much of my son!  

Not knowing that this palette actually works for daily use (for all ages too), I actually end up not showing this palette to my son as I wanted to at least finish half of the content before I let him ruin the rest!  #RealTalk #RealMoms

The Etude House Multi Palette comes in 2 shades - Pinky Galaxy (contains cool tone shades) and Golden Galaxy (contains warm tone shades).  I personally wanted the Golden Galaxy but I opted for shades that I don't have much!

Etude House Multi Palette in Pinky Galaxy

Php1,148.00 

Sleigh The Holidays with Etude House, Tony Moly and Boulangerie22

I have always been in love with Korean makeup brands ever since I started Blogging.  I even remember those days I went crazy shopping over Ebay!  (Yes AMW Friends, Ebay as there weren't much online makeup stores selling legit makeup and skincare items!)

And my love started with BB Creams, then gel liners and a whole lot more!  Imagine the excitement when I was in Korea 7 years ago and I got an invite for a Grand Launch of Etude House locally.  I wasn't physically there but my spirit was celebrating with them!

Then Tony Moly followed.  And look!  After 7 years, I still get invited to celebrate not only Holiday but launches with both brands + more!!!  I am very grateful to YOU my dear friends!

So a couple of weeks ago, AGC, the company who brought in Tony Moly, Etude House, Boulangerie22 and Yoree had a huge Holiday Celebration and launch at Todd English Food Hall called Sleigh the Holidays.  

The celebration calls for more makeup, skincare and sweets!  Shall we start with Tony Moly?

Popsicle-feel On My Lips

Even before I attended the Holiday Collection and Christmas party or AGC (the company who distributes Etude House locally), I already visited my favorite Etude House store at Lucky Chinatown Mall and grabbed a couple of these Etude House Dear Darling Water Tints just because they look so cute!

I actually ended up buying 2 sets each shade (1 for review and 1 for gifting) because they are extremely affordable (Php200+ a pop) and packaged really prettily so I an easily get away making my teenager recipients happy and my wallet happy too!  (Gosh!  I hope they are not reading this post!  But it's the thought that counts guys!)

I easily picked randomly 4 shades because they look cute on packaging!  Housed in a popsicle-like packaging, the similarities between these Dear Darling Water Tints and a real-life popsicle does not end there!

Dear Darling Tint Cute Packging

Php298.00

They look like gifts even without wrapper!

I am actually planning to hunt on the rest of the shades and complete them just because they look soooooo adorable!

Etude House Sunprise Mild Watery Light SPF Review

Ever since Kyle started Preschool, I have been using sunscreens so quickly it's almost like changing shampoo every now and then!  Now I understand why sunscreens have short lifespan because you are supposed to use it daily and you are supposed to apply a good amount and you will definitely use it up in no time!

There are various brands that I've been trying right now, one is from Etude House because I like it that they have cute packaging, they have several options to suit the needs of your skin and I like it that I can choose "Mild" because I always have a clingy son right beside me, so I wanted something light and mild.

Etude House Sunprise Mild Watery Light Says ---

A moisturizing UV gel with a lecithin and skin-freindly liquid formula that lightly glides a thin layer onto skin with a clean finish.

Rainy Season Look with Etude House

Rainy season started months ago but I think I can always do this look adding up with a twist because I won't let rain dampen my mood.  And to make this even more fun, I've used only ONE brand for the entire face just because, I find it fun and challenging to do so!  I've seen YouTubers done it and I find it quite interesting to try!

Why not right?

So after picking up my favorite items from Etude House, this is finally...my Back-to-School perfect for rainy season look!  I added a lot of tips too especially on how to warm up a super light-colored base product (a request asked by many of you!)

Hair color by: Hairshaft Fred, Haircut done at Tony and Jackey Salon

Always start with a cleansed face and moisturized skin.  I used Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream Matte because most of you (younger AMW readers) have oily skin so I highly recommend this matte version.

Swatch: Petal

Etude House Big Cover Concealer BB Review

Dual-purpose products are really the thing for the season!  I have recently been using the Kill CLIO Conceal-dation for several days now (check out my #AMWIGStories), Conceal-Dation means Concealer and Foundation  which brought me back to the first "hybrid" base makeup product I've tried for the past months!

The Etude House Big Cover Concealer BB 

(Concealer + BB Cream in one!)

 This BIG COVER is actually a line of makeup product that focuses on COVERAGE!  When you visit any Etude House stores near you, you'll find the Big Cover display which includes Big Cover Concealer BB, Big Cover Tip Concealer, Big Cover Cushion Concealer, Big Cover Concealer Kit and Big Cover Concealer Stick!  

Looking back, I wish I completed all the Big Cover line for review!

Shade: SAND

 

Etude House Big Cover Concealer BB Says ---

Strong and long-lasting covering and moisturizing. Advanced Applicator tip: Easy to apply.

Available in 3 shades – Beige, Vanilla and Sand 

Essence Camouflage Cream Concealer Review

So I am finishing up concealer after concealers!  I realize, I am turning to be like my big sister (Hi Sister!)  She can't live without concealer and I am starting to understand how she feels!  (All thanks to late night jobs and waking up early morning for Kyle's school!)

That's why when I saw the Essence Camouflage Cream Concealer, I knew I had to pick this up especially since the shade seems exactly what I need!

It comes with a small compact that contains 2 shades of concealer.  The shade I got is called 10 Natural Beige and it comes with a concealer that has more orange base and a lighter version of that on the other side.

Essence Camouflage Cream Concealer says ---

• Very high coverage of skin imperfections and dark circles
• shades to perfectly match every skin tone

What I Found at #SMWorldOfBeauty

I remembered preparing for my Engagement Day (which is almost like preparing for a Wedding day).  I've decided to cut down cost by doing my own makeup and with that in mind, I've decided to go to a Beauty Store to purchase my own set of makeup.  That was year 2007 (same year I started my Blog).  

There wasn't much brand choices back then.

Fast forward to a decade, I am so happy how SM Beauty changed the way we beauty enthusiasts shop!  I can finally say, I have STOPPED online shopping for more than a year now because there are so many holy grail products I can literally see, touch and try at SM Beauty!

Do you like Asian makeup?
Brands like K-Palette, 4U2, Shiseido, Tony Moly, Etude House, Kate Tokyo, Holika Holika, Canmake Tokyo made its' way to our shores!  Here are just some of my picks.

Etude House Big Cover Concealer Tip Review

Concealer, my ultimate favorite make up product for daily use because I tend to skip foundation especially since the weather is getting more humid by the minute!

One concealer that caught my attention last year was the Etude House Big Cover Concealer Tip, this BIG COVER range comes with its' own Cover Concealer BB with SPF50, a Cover Cushion Concealer and a stick concealer as well!  

I went for the Concealer Tip with a doe foot applicator because I find this to be the easiest and best concealer applicator for me especially when I'm in rush.

This comes in 2 shades: Beige and Sand.

I got sand hoping it will be "darker" than most Korean Concealers but it still looks a bit light on me!

Swatch: Sand

Since the shade is not as "warm" as I would like to cover undereye darkness, I use this on top of a corrector or a regular foundation just to "hide" the undereye darkness before I use the Big Cover Concealer Tip.

Etude House My Little Nut Dear My Enamel Lipstick in RD305

Happy Monday AMW Friends!

I am sharing another lip color for you to jumpstart your lovely week!  I am so excited as this weekend is my workshop, first for the year 2017!   So definitely, my lip color should express what's in my heart, something cheerful, something happy!

The Etude House My Little Nut Dear My Enamel Lipstick in RD305 has been sitting on my dresser table for quite some time, I can't seem to put my heart to use it because of the lovely packaging.  But again, because I was looking for something "cheer-y", I finally put this to use!

Check out my Cheeky Big Smile!

"With the hybrid of moisturizing effects and beautiful vivid colors, the Enamel Lips Talk will leave your lips dead-skin-free and smooth for a long time." - Etude House

The Nutcracker theme is actually their Christmas Collection year 2016, I have to be honest, I'm unsure if they still have it in store but I'm sure the shade RD305 is still available!  (Edit: I checked Etude House website and they still have it!)

Out of the 7 lipsticks in the collection, I got this particular color as Christmas Gift and I couldn't be more thankful! 

The packaging is shaped the same as the regular pink tubes but this special edition have the gold details which I really love.

Swatch: RD305

RD305 is also known as Red Chilli Peppers, and true enough, the color is quite close to red chili peppers.  The coverage of this lipstick is surprisingly sheer so I have to apply a couple of times for this color to pop!  This can be a pro and con in my opinion!  A PRO for someone who is just starting out on red or reddish orange lip colors while a CON for those red lipstick lovers!  This color is actually a match for most women!  Whether you have fair, medium or dark complexion, this will look good on you!

The reason why I still feature this particular shade is because for the fact that it works for my dry lips! I don't mind applying 2-3 layers to get the shade I want as long as it does not dry out my lips or make my lips feel tight.

Personally, I wouldn't call this a red lipstick, this is more of a deep coral brown lip color.

The Etude House My Little Nut Dear My Enamel Lipstick is priced at Php598.00 available in all Etude House Stores nationwide.

How do you like this shade?

Will you wear such shade?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

How to Use the Sleek Strobing Souffle?

The fluffy eyes are back!  I've been sleeping late for several nights in a row (blame it on YouTube and series marathon) so obviously, I have puffy eyes!  Instead of working against it, I've decided...what the heck?  Just use it to my advantage! :P  

The power of Positive-Thinking and the power of Sleek Strobing Souffle in Pink Opal. 

Can you spot where I specifically used the product?  Not too much I hope?  Well..that's the point!

Just so you know, Sleek MakeUp launched their New Rockstars Collection last October 2016 and I had this Strobing Souffle left in my "to review basket" for the longest time!  As I was finally being adventurous and "I don't care how my makeup turns out" mood, I "whipped" the Strobing Souffle and decided to apply it here and there and the result was just what I want!

Sleek MakeUP Strobing Souffle in Pink Opal

Php595.00 (approx $13.20)

Etude House All Finish Line Remover Stick Review

So you've done all your eye makeup but suddenly decided to change the way your "liner" looks!  On days, I winged my eyeliner so well it looks so perfect on a subtle makeup look, and you know us (women!)  we change our minds so easily so I would probably end up wanting to remove the "winged liner" I did but don't want to redo the whole she-bang!

What does a makeup artist do?  Pick a Q-tip and dip it in an oil-free makeup remover!  Yes, oil-free because I find that using an oil-based eye makeup remover can create a weird oily patch on the area and worst, I can't seem to apply makeup on that area anymore!

How many of you can relate to that?

That's why after doing my usual rounds inside the Etude House Store (holler to LCM branch for being so nice to me!)  I was able to find this little box of greatness --- All Finish Line Remover Stick!

Etude House All Finish Line Remover Stick Says ---
Topical ""ALL FINISH"" cleansing stick-type makeup remover for easy and quick correction. 2ml

Etude House Lips x Tint Twin Shot Review (Mug x Chai Shot)

Christmas may be over but the Christmas-feel and spirit should always be there!  It isn't difficult when I have a simple yet feel-good makeup on!  My recent purchase from Etude House called Twin Shot Lips x Tint in Mug x Chai Shot is no exception!  It gives me that Christmas-y feel and the name reminds me so much of the "Soju Shots" I had with my Beauty Blogging Friends with AGC's Andrea!

Etude House Twin Lipx x Tint Twin Shot

Shade: Mug x Chai Shot

Php748.00 

From Etude House PH website, there are 9 shades to choose from

Etude House Twin Lipx x Tint Twin Shot is one of the most recent release for lip products from the brand aside from their new colors of matte lipsticks!  I am actually interested with this product immediately after laying my eyes on the tester because of the easy ombre lips this may give!  I also grabbed this for the fact that I can own 2-3 shades of lip color aside from creating gradient lips!  

YUP, that's me, trying to maximize the use of each product!

A Long-Lasting MLBB Shade in a Pencil!

You know how you love your "My Lips But Better" shade but you wish it could stay longer?  Well, my solution will always be using a lip liner all over your lips (like a regular lipstick).  BUT, this solution doesn't seem to be the best when you have dry and flaky lips like I do!  So today, I will share a quick review on a lip liner that can actually be used by anyone who has a similar dry-lipped situation like I do!

Are you ready?  Introducing... Etude House Soft Touch Auto Lipliner in shade 5 which is a Natural Berry shade.

That's me wearing ONLY the Auto Lipliner without lip balm underneath...not bad huh?

Now here's the best part, would you believe these are priced so affordably at Php98.00?  Yes, you aren't imagining things, it is indeed 98 pesos only and there are a total of 5 shades to choose from, feel free to head on to Etude House Philippines website for other shade choices.

Etude House Dear My Wish Lips-Talk in BE101 Review

I have always been honest about how "sickly" I look whenever I wear light-colored lipsticks, especially nudes and cool-toned pinks!  But whenever I browse through lipstick area in makeup stores, I am always drawn to those shades!  I guess at the back of my head, I want to look "sick", no!  Just joking, seriously, at the back of my head, I am in love with this shade and I love seeing other girls where such shades so I want to make it work on me!  

Etude House Dear My Wish Lips-Talk in BE101 was love at first look!  I'm not joking, I literally just twisted the lipstick up from the tube and grabbed one right away!  No swatching, no testing, no nothing!  It was spur of the moment and I trusted my heart.

Ang dami kong drama for a lipstick no?  Sorry na, Monday eh!

I have tried Dear My Wish Lips-Talk lipsticks from Etude House and BE101 have the similar creamy, lightweight, very comfortable when applied on lips texture.  Thankfully, the color is highly pigmented and I get the exact shade from tube applied on lips in just a single swipe!

It doesn't hurt that it's housed in a cute pink tube with a nice silver pink ribbon!  So dainty and girly I don't mind bringing this out and do some retouch inside the ladies' room.

Etude House Balm + Color Tint Review

Easy-gradient-looking lips are super in since the start of 2016.  It started with Laneige when they created their Two-Tone Lip Bars and the other brands follow.

One brand that I was expecting to come up with more two-tone lip products is Etude House, and after constantly stalking their store at LCM (Lucky Chinatown), I finally spotted the Etude House Balm + Color Tint.  The only difference is that, it is a combination of Lip Balm and Lip Tint instead of the usual lipstick.

There are a total of 5 shades in store and I picked shade 4 which is RED.  Well, it comes off reddish orange on me!

Etude House Balm + Color Tint

Php478.00 (approx $11.00)

According to Etude House ---
Hydrating lip balm meets vivid color making Gradation Tint Stick easier and faster to apply.