Laura Mercier High Vibe Lip Color Review

 

Laura Mercier has been a staple brand in every Make Up Artists Kit.  Mostly, I own their foundation, primer and their famous Loose Setting Powder.

Little did I know I am missing a lot when I finally got my hands on their newest lipstick line called High Vibe Lip Color.

Laura Mercier says ---

Imagine your lips coming to life with the most alive and vivid color.
High Vibe Lip glides sensuously onto lips delivering impactful vivid color in just one effortless stroke.

Supercharged pigments and light-reflecting, vivid pearls boost color vibrancy while Guava oil ensures a comfortable smooth wear for 6 hours.

Offered in 16 high energy colors inspired by Laura Mercier’s vision that a touch of color can brighten your life.

Swatch: Top Peek, Bottom Buzz

AMW says ---

• Packaging is very sleek and catchy.
• Wearable shades.
• Very natural on lips.
• Comfortable on lips.
• Both colors are so nice and natural.
• Does not sit on dry lip lines.
• Long-wearing. 

Peek is a warm tone dark coral shade that looks so pretty on my NC20 warm tone skin.

Wearable Strawberry Makeup Look

 Hi AMW Friends.

It has been going round the beauty community a cute look that focuses on the cheeks.  A beautiful flushed cheeks and bright lips I name it Strawberry Makeup since I am a fan of Strawberry Shortcake and I remember putting her blush and lip color when I was younger.

Here's my wearable version any age can rock!

For this look, I focus on a super clean base so the blush and lip color will pop.  I used a neutral shade for eye makeup and made sure to highlight my cheeks.

Makeup Used:

• @itcosmetics CC in Light
• @tartecosmetics Sculpt Tape , Radiant & Corrector Shape Tape
• @pixibeautyph On The Glow Bronze Warm Glow
• @bobbibrownph Espresso Brow Pencil , Gel Liner Black Ink
• @narsissist Uninhibited Eyeshadow Palette
• @maccosmeticsph Stack Mascara , Locked Kiss Ink Vicious, Fix Plus Lavender
• @lauramercier Transulcent Pressed Setting Powder
• @cliniqueph Berry Pop Blush
• @makeupforever Ultra HD Lip Booster, Aqua Liner Pencil
• @cathydollphils Lip & Cheek Beauty To Go Gangnam

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil-Free Review

 

I have written a post on how to choose the right shade foundation, or tinted moisturizer, using 2 Laura Mercier shades as an example in this previous post.

That was a year ago and I got the chance to really use this Tinted Moisturizer from the brand for so many times and I am ready to share my thoughts about it as I am almost done with this tube.

Hailed as a light finish matte moisturizer foundation, this gives a sheer coverage formula with blurred matte finish.

As someone who has normal/dry skin, tinted moisturizer foundations are my thing but living in a tropical country doesn't mean I'll pile this product all over and leave as is.  That is what I feel ON EVERY SINGLE tinted moisturizers in this entire planet but not with Laura Mercier.

Let's talk about the effect, I don't call it Matte finish but it leans towards Demi-matte finish.  I love how it gives my skin an instant healthy glow probably coming from the "moisture" that comes with the product.  Checking out the product ingredients, it comes with Licorice Root Extract, Vitamin E, Jojoba Esters, Squalene and Glycerin --- all skin loving, moisture-packing ingredients.  If you are on the oily skin department, fret not, they also have some oil-absorbing ingredient included as I NEVER felt greasy even if I am under the humid weather.

The product boasts to have SPF20 included aside from Foundation and Moisturizer.  Though SPF20 may be good, do not skip your sunscreen because that would never be enough to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun!

On to the coverage, I am LOVING this as it gives light yet buildable coverage.  I mean look at that photo below!  I can get away not using any concealer (but don't skip it if you need heavy coverage!).  The effect is super natural - a PURE definition of NO MAKEUP LOOK!

I like to apply this using my OVAL brush as I can apply more in small areas at a time.  I also like to set with powder still as I NEVER EVER leave home without setting my face with powder.  

How do I feel about it?
I love it! The texture is so smooth and it blends onto my skin like butter!  I also like the fact that demarcation marks are not a thing with this Tinted Moisturizer.  Since it is oil-free, I love how it felt like I am wearing NOTHING.  SERIOUSLY NOTHING!

Will I repurchase?
YES!  And I highly recommend everyone who dislikes using foundation on a daily basis to try this instead.

And can I just say?   I love you guys!  I have been blogging for MORE than a decade now, 15 years to be exact and if you are still reading this after all these years, CYBER HUGS guys!!!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

GRWM: Event Makeup Look in 30 Minutes Less

 

Hi everyone! 
Gosh, it is almost a month that I last updated here!  Where did the SUMMER VACATION went?

If you follow me on Instagram #ShamelessPlug , you know that my son had his first Holy Communion (for Roman Catholics) and did you know that kids had to attend 3 days Catechism classes while parents need a 2-3 hours session separately? 

We also had a reconciliation day so that covers the whole week of August!  Aside from that, I managed to grab a couple of PR Consultancy opportunities so that kept me super busy as well.  

Anyway, before I go any further about my personal stories, you are probably here for the Get Ready with Me look in 30 minutes less!  Now that you know my schedule, you know that 30minutes is the only available period of time for full face makeup look.

When in rush, it helps to use a pop of color on lips like RED or Deep Burgundy.  A loud lip statement would make your overall look unique.  It looked like you spent a lot of time doing your makeup but in reality, you just did a bit of lipstick swiping!

Makeup used:

MAC Prep and Prime
@itcosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream (available @sephoraph )
@kikomilanoph Active Foundation Stick
@lauramercier Loose Setting Powder in Banana
@bobbibrownph Perfectly Defined Long Wear Brow Pencil
@hourglasscosmetics Bronzer and Blush
@kaneboglobalph Eyeshadow Palette
@kpalette_ph 24H Real Lasting Eyeliner started using Brown then Black
@makeupforever Aqua Liner Pencil
@prettysecretph Mermaid Mascara (fave!)
@maccosmeticsph Velvet Teddy and Locked Kiss Ink in Vicious
@maccosmeticsph Fix+ Lavender

Powder versus Powder Foundation

 

What is the difference of Powder and Powder Foundation?
Have you noticed both before buying them or you just take whatever you see based from packaging?

Today, I have the lowdown for you on the differences between a POWDER and POWDER FOUNDATION.  And yes, if you are new to this blog, there are huge differences and usage for both products!

To sum it up, powder (also known as pressed powder) contains only powder as an ingredient.  Powder foundation on the other hand can be applied in 2 ways - dry or damp.  

If you are aiming for coverage, then definitely go for Powder Foundation as this is the best product to use for light to medium coverage.  If you want heavier coverage, you may apply the product damp and it works almost close to liquid foundation.  Nothing beats liquid or cream foundation when it comes to coverage but powder foundations work just as well. (Depending on brand)

If you are someone who likes to reduce oil or freshen up, then pressed powder (or loose powder) is the way to go.  

With that, here's the magical question:

"Which among the two do I need?"

A Purple Blush To Keep Your Cheeks Glowing!

 

"How to be fresh?"
"What is the best cheek color?"

I find these questions to be too broad to answer in just a single statement.  It's always: "It depends."

It depends on your skin color, your skin texture and what type of "look" you are aiming for.  If like me, you prefer fresh-looking skin with cheeks that looks naturally blushing?  Steer clear from the usual pinks and peach blush colors, why not shift your attention to lilac or purple blushes?

If you follow me on Instagram and watch my stories --- shameless plug!  Please follow me HERE! 
I've talked about doing gradient blush by using a lilac colored blush powder underneath before applying the usual shades we own!  Or most of the time, I use Lilac blush shade ALONE, that is why I hit the pan on my first lilac blush from Etude House.  Please click the link and check out the review because you can see before and after photos on how my cheeks glowed!

But if you want something more "neutral", less obvious, and natural, go for a deeper lilac blush from Laura Mercier which I recently discovered called Kir Royale.

Kir Royale is a matte deep almost plum shade rather than lilac.  This shade is perfect for cheek-lighter if you have deep complexion while it works as a nice blush for those with fair to medium complexion.

This blush from the brand are sheer yet buildable in formula.  The powder is very silky, smooth and easy to blend!  You can apply more depending on your liking with the use of brush, sponge or even your fingers!  

I also like the fact that it adheres to my skin almost immediately and it stayed until makeup removal.  There are a bit of disappearance especially on a humid weather but can be easily managed with a quick retouch!

Sparkly Eyes Makeup Look

 

A quick make up look and I added a tip on how to clean up those fallouts.  After years of being a Bridal Makeup Artist, I mastered the art of “cleaning” because in the eyes of Professional Photographers and Videographers, the skin of their subject must be 99.9% perfect.  

You know why I said so?  I have been called so many times by photograhers and videographers to “clean up” the face of their subject - it could be a smudged eyeliner, lipstick or falling eyeshadow!

So here, I am sharing a quick tip on how to prevent dirty-looking eyes.

Yes, you are free to zoom in my photo because I cleaned up well! :D *proud*

I used my newest eyeshadow palette Natasha Denona Palette which I got from Sephora.

Purple Stare Look

 

I haven’t been playing eye makeup for YEARS!

Ever since I grew …ahem..older, as you can see, I have stopped myself from using colors just because….I got lazier, and I felt that the pandemic made it harder for me to enjoy colorful make up.

I have been loving the color Purple because of BTS!  So I’ve decided to make this an Ode to me being an ARMY! 

Check out the make up products and brands I’ve used.

Products used:
- @hudabeauty Naughty Palette from @sephoraph 
- @kpalette_ph Procast Eyeliner in Black
- @imagic.ph Pencil liner in black
- @lauramercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder 
- @nipponph lashes 
- @makeupforever Blush and lipstick
- Extreme Lip Plumper from @barrym.ph deal 

Hope this gives you a quick idea on how to recreate this look, if you want to! 

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How To Choose The Right Base Makeup

 

As a makeup artist, I was told so many times by my clients that the most difficult part in trying out makeup is to pick or buy the right base makeup shade.

I can’t blame them, as a Pro MUA, that was one of the most challenging thing for me to pick the right foundation or “mix” the right foundationt to suit the skin tone of my client.  Trust me when I say, the huge horror as a make up artist is when clients take photos with “flash” and they end up looking like floating heads!  

Worst, they would complain and tell you their foundation DO NOT MATCH!

After  more than a decade of practice, I’ve got my tips and trick right up my sleeves and I am sharing it here.

Very important tip: Pick 2-3 shades you think is closest to your skintone based from Sales Associate or your own eyes! 

As for this tutorial, I am using Laura Mercier’s newest base - a Tinted Moisturizer that says to give breathable coverage and a diffused matte finish.  This is an oil-free formulation that feels very light on skin and gives good amount of coverage.  This is one of my favorite type of tinted moisturizer to date as most “TMs” tend to be more of a moisturizer with a hint of “color”.  As for Laura Mercier’s version, it seems like an equal amount of moisturizer and foundation! 

Laura Mercier 

Php2,595.00

Available at Rustans

Available in 7 Shades locally

After using this a couple of times here’s my quick review:

• Nice packaging, squeeze tube with pointed tip making it easy to dispense the correct amount of product.
• Very comfortable and lightweight.
• Coverage is nice for a tinted moisturizer, buildable.
• Does not clog my skin.
• Works even for my dry patches.  Skin stays hydrated all day.
• Color stays true, did not turn dark or create white cast.
• Has SPF20, enough for indoors.  (Please wear separate sunscreen if you stay outdoors).
• Oil-free, talc-free, sulfate-free.
• Works for my sensitive skin.

Update: Nose Contour Technique

 

I wish I could get a nose surgery…seriously…if that’s one thing I can get to do on my face….nose it is!

I mean obviously, there are several parts of my face that I want to change….(just being honest here) BUT, I can do away with false lashes, to make my eyes appear larger, I honestly like my one-liner eye whenever I smile but there’s nothing I can do to change my nose unless I use makeup.

Obviously, even when I get to be offered with free NOSE surgery, I will NEVER take the offer —- for so many reasons.

1. I’m a scaredy cat.

2. I have many allergies so beauty enhancements with surgery will NEVER cross my mind.

3. My husband loves my nose as it is….he’s fallen in love with me since Senior High ok? :P  (Haba  ng hair ko I know! :P)

So through the years, I almost perfected nose contouring especially my own!  So please…don’t judge me when you see me in person —- it’s not the filter…it’s always the makeup for me! :P

Can you spot the difference in both photos? 

If you have to look closely, that is a compliment for me, that means, the change is subtle you have to look closely to see the change! 

A quick video shared on my Instagram account using Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer Duo!  The easiest tool to use not only to conceal but to contour and highlight.

What do you think?

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Butter inspired Makeup Look

 

Butter - Billboard’s No. 1 song as of the moment.

I have been listening to it ever since it was played on BTS Official Channel.  

For fun I recently got a package from Secondate Beauty and decided to create a BUTTER-inspired makeup using the Secondate Beauty Instapeach Eyeshadow Palette.  

So I ended up with this look! What do you think?

I also got some safety merch from KORMNL.  The face mask container is the bomb! I super love it and it comes with yellow-colored masks!  I mean the colors aren’t important more importantly, I am protected...but let’s face it the color does matter in brightening up my day!  

I also have a cute heart-shaped yellow alcohol container!  Been using it ever since I received this!

How I Use Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage Concealer Duo

 

How simple can a concealer/corrector/highlighter/contour product can get?

When you put them in a form of retractable pen packaging!  Laura Mercier did it this time in simplifying a busy woman’s life!  MY LIFE to be exact.

I dislike it when I am in the middle of bathing my son, cooking, washing dishes and I have to face someone in front of the video for a very short and quick meeting.  Imagine having to rummage through my makeup station for different makeup products?

Concealing is key!  I have been using foundations and concealers more often than when I was going out!  I can honestly skip a face powder/powder foundation, all I need to do is to conceal here and there and I can honestly look human in less than 5 minutes!  All thanks to products like the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer Duo!

A two-in-one, full-coverage concealer with a weightless formula to quickly erase imperfections and brighten up the under-eye area. 

I got 2 pens in shades 3C and N5 for my whole face and did not use anything else just to prove to you how a mom who usually sleeps around 3am can look decent.

Swatch

Top: 3C 
Bottom: N5

Summer-Ready Look (Fake Tan) inspired by Cleopatra

 

Yes, I am not sure what Cleopatra is doing in my summer-inspired look but when I think about Cleopatra, I am thinking about her bronzey-glowing skin and I had her in mind when I was creataing this look!  Instead of going Cleopatra-style with the winged liner, I changed it into something more wearable!  Here’s the final look!

Do you like it?

Products Used: (@ is the account on Instagram, feel free to search for them!) 

• @niyoandco_ph Mr. Foundation no. 3
• @benefitph Hello happy Air Stick Foundation shade 2
• @lauramercier Translucent Setting Powder in Translucent Honey
• @benefitph Brow Microfilling Pen in Light Brown
• @imagic.ph Brow Tint
• @bobbibrownph The Essential MultiColor Eye Shadow Palette in Bold Burgundy
• @bobbibrownph High shine Liquid Eye Shadow in Copperhead used on both eyes and cheeks
• @lifefordparisph liquid liner pencil in Black
• @makeupforever Aqua Resist Smokyshadow in Quartz and Cinder
• @imagic.ph Warerproof Eyeliner Pencil in Black 
• @ofracosmeticsph All Glowed Up Beverly Hills
• Mark by @avonph Pro Line Perfector 

The star product in this makeup look is the Bobbi Brown High Shine Liquid Eye Shadow in Copperhead.  It brought a natural glow on both my eyes and cheeks.  It wasn’t supposed to be used on cheeks but we all know we love multi-tasking products.  Anything good for the eyes can work for the rest of the face!  I’m glad the bronzy color is just right even for fair skinned gals!  

The lip color is also another thing, if you made glowing eye makeup and cheeks, stick to matte lips to divert attention towards the upper half of your face!  Can you imagine how confusing everything will look with shiny lips too? 

Instant Face Lift with Makeup

 

Hi Everyone!

I love doing half face looks to test out makeup and show you the difference.  One particular makeup look got a lot of DMs over my Instagram account , it was the recent photo for my Sace Lady Look.

Because my AMW Friends are important to me, I’ve decided to create and share to you my favorite style of makeup - this!  

Simple with just a few makeup needed and you get whole day fresh-looking makeup - and it stays!  

Lifted face needed a bit of glow on the cheeks, so I added a subtle glow using a glowing blush.  You’ll know all the products and the effect on the short video below!

Products Used:

• Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation Palette
• Make Up For Ever Concealer Brush
• Laura Mercier Translucent Powder in Honey
• Beauty Blender
• Sace Lady Blush in B02
• IMAGIC PH Illuminating Powder in Peach Pop

How do you like the final look?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

NEW! Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder in HONEY

 

Laura Mercier has been around for so many years and it has been a vital brand to "collect" when I started out on Makeup Artistry.   I remembered wanting the Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer for badly and finally felt like a legit Pro MUA when I owned a tube.  

The iconic Translucent Loose Setting Powder will never be missed!  Translucent has been my go-to setting powder for bridges because it just sets everything in place and looks so flawless on both photos and videos.

Fast forward to a dreadful year 2020, something nice - in the Beauty World that is, came up when Laura Mercier launched 3 TRULY translucent shades that work on virtually every single skin tone in the planet!  That's from the fairest to deepest!

I did a half face test on both Translucent and Honey and the effect is seen on photo below.  Left facing you is Translucent while right facing you is Honey.  Both yields same shine-free, matte, blurred perfection skin but there is a slight difference between the two.  Spoke more about the differences on my half-face test video below.

Just so you know, HONEY shade is more natural-looking version.  I know, translucent is natural enough and I don't know what can go more natural!  As seen on the half face video below, you can literally see HONEY side of my face to have a more natural-glow.  My skin is still peeking through is compared to Translucent which blurs out everything. 

AMW Makeover: Bridal Makeup

Hi AMW friends!
It's another Makeover day!  I hope you like the before and after photos I show and let me know if you have any questions by commenting below!

I've done a lovely bride last Saturday and I really enjoy being part of such exciting event!  That is one reason why I concentrate more on Bridal makeup because the energy is just amazing! 

Here's my gorgeous bride very pretty even sans makeup!

Before and After Noelle

Skin type: Oily and Acidic

Request: Keep the oil at bay at the same time, make sure foundation doesn't darken on her.

I did Trial Makeup on her several weeks before the wedding.  The makeup I've done on her for trial is lighter as compared to the day of her wedding.  Well, I always darken the makeup of my brides on the day of her wedding because of the harsh lighting from photographers.