NYX Born to Glow Illuminating Primer Review

If you want that Korean Glowing skin.

You gotta do what you gotta do!

Step 1: Hydrate your skin!

Step 2: While waiting for your skin to glow from hydration, use an illuminating primer.

The latter is the fastest and easiest!  But it is a reminder from me to you to be consistent with your skincare!  You can't fake GLOW forever you know? *wink*

I recently chanced upon NYX Born to Glow! Illuminating Primer.  I find this to be a nice inexpensive alternative for a a primer that keeps your skin looking hydrated and glowing!

NYX Born To Glow! Illuminating Primer

Approx Php550.00

Prep and brighten your complexion in just one simple step. Start off your routine with our Born to Glow Illuminating Primer, the next generation of our fan favorite Illuminator. This two-in-one primer ensures the smoothest makeup application while also delivering an exquisitely radiant finish.

"Orange" You Glad It's Summer Time?

Not Really. 

But I'm glad it's my birthday soon!

Just a few more days and I'm turning a year older!  I don't feel any day older though, I guess I am surrounded by fun and young people I get all the youthful energy!  And let's not forget, I like cute, pretty stuff that makes me happy every single day!

Today, I am wearing a lip color I absolutely dislike *laughs*  But that's just me, Orange lipstick really isn't my thing but this lipstick that I got from NYX Cosmetics called NYX Full Throttle is a type of lipstick worth checking out!  I don't know how this got into my kit (I mean, THIS COLOR in particular) but who am I to judge?  This color is particularly LOVELY on photo!  A bit shocking neon orange in person but really beautiful on photos! 

According to NYX Cosmetics ---

"It’s the color addict’s ultimate fix and a makeup artist’s dream: Our new waterproof Full Throttle Lipstick covers your lips with super-saturated matte color and features a unique bullet with a beveled edge for lining, filling and perfecting your pout to your heart’s desire."

 

NYX Sculpt and Highlight Brow Contour Review

Who loves a brow pencil and a highlighter in one?
*Raises hand*
My favorite brow highlighter is from Benefit called High Brow.  I still use it, mostly for clients and scrimp for myself!  So I actually found an inexpensive alternative and I'm so happy it came with a brow pencil too!

NYX Sculpt & Highlight Brow Contour

A pencil with double-sided end.  One side is the brow "contour" while the other side is the highlight.  I got the shade Espresso/Light Beige which I believe is perfect for me!

NYX Sculpt and Highlight Brow Contour Says ---

NYX Professional Makeup's sleek Sculpt & Highlight Brow Contour is a 2-in-1 pencil that define, fills, and uses shadow and light to lift the brows to perfection. Formulated with nourishing castor seed oil, this dynamic eyebrow pencil also helps the brow feel soft and smooth.

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.

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.

NYX Intense Butter Lipgloss in Napoleon Review

Today is the start of an EXTREMELY crazy week!  My days has always be BUSY but this week is exceptionally crazy!  If you don't believe me, (shameless plug starting now....) follow me on @AskMeWhats on Instagram and watch my IG stories!  You'll understand why I drink at least 3 cups of coffee a day!

Aside from coffee, I rely heavily on lip products to help myself look presentable on a daily basis!  Aside from making sure my brows are looking good (which I tend to hide under my bangs nowadays), I can't seem to hide my lips so a good lip color will always make or break my look!  Either: "Pagod ka ata" or "Ang blooming mo naman"  I would definitely choose the latter so I'm definitely more adventurous in trying out various lip colors...even the bright ones...like this one from NYX called the NYX Intense Butter Lipgloss (Php790.00).

Intense talaga siya!

The shade I get to wear is the name of my brother!  Definitely not his personality to be THIS LOUD and colorful but I'm actually loving the name!  Just because it's the name of my brother.... :P  Not as an alcoholic beverage :P

I personally do not own a lot of NYX Intense Butter Lipgloss.  But technically, if I read the term lipgloss, I would think of a lip product that is high shine, less pigmented and purely hydrating.  

It isn't the case for NYX, this one is just like that of a Liquid Lipstick BUT with higher shine.

Bare With Me with NYX Matte Lipstick

Happy Labor Day!

It's May 1 and still a holiday in our country!  As much as I would love to be resting like a princess, I have to say, there will never be one if you're a mom!  Nothing I'm complaining about for sure because I'm enjoying every single moment of it (if you follow me on IG stories).

Talk about resting, I have featured a couple of "nude" or "MLBB" lippies but this one definitely goes to: "I definitely look sick wearing this but the shade is so pretty I have to feature it!"

You get it, right?  The shade Bare With Me from NYX Matte Lipstick is such a gorgeous color you want to make it work especially if you have my skin tone, I will be honest with you, it looks more forgiving on photos but I look so washed out in person I need to pile another color on top for me to look like a healthy woman in her 30s.

But I have to stress again and again, even if this shade doesn't work for me, it still deserves a FULL page feature because .....

It is a Matte Lipstick that actually glides easily even on dry, parched lips.

The NYX Matte Lipstick is housed in a simple black bullet packaging with a "Peek-a-poo" clear plastic at the center for you to see the exact shade of the lipstick without opening the cap.  Great job in packaging department guys!

The color Bare With Me is a cool tone peach pink nude color that finishes off satin matte.  You get 0,16 oz of product per tube.

I Perfected My Strobing Skills with NYX

I highlight and contour subtly on a daily basis, that's how I make my skin looks more healthy and radiant because I have naturally sallow (a.k.a. boring) skin.  I have roadtested so many contour and highlight products I knew which particular ones would give me the very natural and subtle effect while other products/brands can give me more drama.

But I wasn't ready for this particular "strobing" technique that I got after using the palette from NYX called NYX Strobe of Genius Illuminating Palette.  All I can say is that --- it is indeed a "genius" in the strobing department.

To those who are "used to" my usual "Product review photos", you can definitely see a major change in this!  

For goodness' sake, I don't even have any eye makeup on in this particular photo (only brows), but I love the way my skin looks, so healthy, so glowing, so 3D!

NYX Strobe of Genius Illuminating Palette

Php1,230.00

"Introducing the Strobe of Genius Palette, our incredible new collection of must have illuminators designed to give you everything needed to achieve today’s most buzzed about highlighting trend: Strobing. This breakthrough palette features seven velvety-smooth shades that will enhance your features with serious levels of illumination. The best part? Mastering the look is easy—all you need is a little extra natural light."

Of course, to complete the look, I added 2 NYX products, the NYX #No Filter Finishing Powder and NYX Two Timer Kohl Pencil Liner and Felt Tip Liner.

How to Use NYX Cream Highlight & Contour Palette Medium + Review

Note from your friendly AMW, cream contour and highlighting is definitely NOT for the first-timers!  Even for someone who studied makeup artistry, it is still a challenge to "perfect" cream contour and highlight application and it takes a whole lot of practice!  But once you get the hang of it, the effect is longer-lasting, more dramatic and photographs prettier the "powder counterparts".

I recently got my hands on NYX's newest product that arrived our shores --- the Cream Highlight and Contour Palettte in Medium.  What the hell am I doing with a medium shade when I'm this fair?  Well, trust me, I don't mind!  Though Light will be the more perfect shade for me, I seldom do cream contouring and highlighting on myself and most Filipinas (clients) fall under the Medium division!  

This, my friend is your AMW wearing NOTHING but NYX Cream Highlight and Contour Palette.  As much as I am tempted (very tempted) to fix my brows and wear lip color for this particular photo, I want to prove to you that a 3 dimensional face makes a huge difference on your overall look!  Well, well-drawn brows would look much better but you get the point!

Note: with barefaced photo like this, I usually look like a "bun-face", thankfully, with the right placement of contour and highlight products, I look a bit healthier and slimmer!

Side View on how my contour and highlighter looks.

And here's the nifty product I got to test for the past 2 weeks!

NYX Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator Review (Sunbeam)

How does it sound if you are "Born To Glow"? I believe each of us has an inner glow we just need to let out!  It could be that inner happiness that translates to an external glow!  From being in love, being contented, and just being plain grateful everyday!  

But there are days it is too difficult to find that inner glow we may need help from makeup!  Ang superficial lang #hahaha  but seriously, seeing yourself glow on the outside sometimes could help you feel the glow from within too!  (Vice versa lang yan!)

I own this tube of NYX Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator for months now and it took me time to really appreciate the glow it gives!  

Oily-skinned readers may probably find themselves clicking the "x" button now, I don't blame you, but could you at least finish this article just for the fact that you love me?  *lol* Seriously, Pretty please?  :P

Shade: Sunbeam

NYX Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator  Says ---

Enjoy a luminous, lit-from-within glow all year long with our luxuriously lightweight Liquid Illuminator. Now available in four light-catching shades, this multifunctional formula can be used as a foundation base or over cheekbones, décolletage, and cupids bow for a natural-looking radiance that’ll have everyone talking.

Ingredients:

Water/Aqua/Eau, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Polyacrylamide, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, C9-11 Pareth-6, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Benzophenone-3, BHT, Phenoxyethanol. MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR (+/-): Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).

NYX Butter Gloss Review

These are glosses that has quite good pigmentation so I can definitely include these glosses as must-haves for users with dry lips!

And obviously, I'm the perfect dry-lipped lady who tested these 2 shades!

L-R Creme Brulee and Merengue

NYX Butter Gloss says ---

Buttery soft and silky smooth, our decadent Butter Gloss is now available in 12 more sumptuous shades! Each glossy color delivers sheer to medium coverage that melts onto your lips and is never sticky, leaving your lips soft, supple and kissable.

NYX Butter Lipsticks Review

To lighten up the "Election Day" mood, I am sharing 3 NYX Butter Lipstick shades that I've been trying for the past months!  NYX has always been my to-go-to shadow when I was just starting out on makeup ---> long time readers have read my online shopping journey with various NYX Single Shadow Shades!
 

Surprisingly, I haven't tried their much coveted lip products!  From their Soft Matte Creams to Matte Lipsticks and Butter Lipsticks, I've read so many good things about them and see gazillion swatches but never really own them until recently.

I got 3 shades from the Butter Lipsticks line --- Sweet Tart, Snow Cap and Hubba Bubba.

L-R Hubba Bubba, Snow Cap and Sweet Tart

Php390.00 (approx $8.90)

Readers' Corner: On New Discoveries

One thing a lot of you don't know is that, I have an eyelid tape snucked inside my professional kit!  Why?  Well, you just don't know just don't know what clients will request next!  

I remembered one client who asked me to turn her "large almond eyes" to "Chinky-eyes".  One mature client demanded me to remove her "wrinkles" entirely.  Who says being a Makeup Artist is an easy job?  So this makeup artist has to be ready!  I'm not saying all my clients are demanding, I'm just a good 'ol "always ready Scout"!  

New discovery #1
BohkToh Eyelid Tape

Comes in Medium and Large

Php250.00 

Available at Nippon Esthetics website

These are super easy-to-use pre-cut eyelid tapes to help create "double eyelid" effect.  What I love about these is that it doesn't look too obvious as compared to regular tapes and it doesn't shine!  It has a matte finish thus applying eyeshadow on top will mask the look of tape thus giving a more natural effect!  

NYX Matte Bronzer Powder (Dark Tan) Review

I have always mentioned that a Bronzer is one of my favorite and no-brainer blush shade.  Truth be told, on days I don't feel like looking I have a blush on, I pick a bronzer and apply it on the apples of my cheeks and voila!  Instant healthy-looking skin in less than 30 seconds!  So when I got NYX Matte Bronzer in Dark Tan, I knew this is my to-go-to summer blush shade and mind you, I won't even try to make this my contour powder --- let's not even go there!

NYX Matte Bronzer Powder  

in Shade Dark Tan on pan

Readers' Corner: All About Concealers

Hey girls and boys (if there's any boy reading this blog --- Hello there!!!)  

I get email queries on a daily basis and I'm quite happy answering each email as I read each query!  I find it more personal that way.  But for the past weeks, I came into one realization --- most of you are addicted to concealers!  That's when I realized my answers could be shared in my Readers' Corner area!  Why Nikki, why didn't I even think of this from the start!  *tsk tsk tsk*

As of today, here are some of the concealers I've tried and loved and some of them even went straight to my makeup train case.  I will divide this into 2 parts - The Save and The Splurge.  Feel free to click the product names for links of past reviews and swatches.

Note: Ask me again after a year, the list could change!  *hehehe*

THE SAVE

1. SkinFood  Dark Circle Salmon Concealer Php950.00 (approx $20.65)- as the name says it all, this product is meant to cover the darkness under the eye area.  Most of you probably heard or read about the ability of salmon shade to counteract darkness.  The pot lasts forever and a tiny amount is enough to prevent product creasing.
2. NYX Concealer in a Jar Php300.00 (approx $7.00) - I have raved so much about this product even my friends ended up buying their own pot!  This is a full coverage concealer that works on the under eye area (if you pick Medium shade which has a bit of peachy shade).  If you pick other shades, you can either use it as a highlighter or to conceal spots from zits or acne.
3. Revlon PhotoReady Concealer Php725.00 (approx $17.25) - Seldom will you see me use stick concealers as they tend to dry out my skin. Not until I met Revlon's PhotoReady Concealer, this is my "retouch" concealer as I can easily take this along with me and directly apply the product under the eye area, the  redness on the sides of my nose and on those "zit" attack days, it's great to spot conceal without pulling out a brush!  All I need is my clean fingers!  This concealer applies on creamy and never creases on me.
4. The Body Shop Lightening Touch Php950.00 (approx. $22.00) - This product has been compared to YSL Touche Eclat for the longest time!  To set things straight, I do not own YSL's  Touche Eclat so I can't compare the 2 for now.  But for it's price, this product works on "highlighting" your features and I like using this on top of a concealer as it gives an extra coverage PLUS glow leaving the area looking radiant and natural.
5. Graftobian High Definition Corrector Palette around Php1,200 (approx $28.00) - I purchased this online and I just recently opened it and used it on clients, so far, I'm happy with the pigmentation and its creamy texture.  I've always been a fan of the Graftobian Cream Foundation so I'm not surprised this will also be a hit!  If you suffer extreme darkness under the eye area, redness or dark spots on your cheeks or forehead, correcting your spots prior to concealing is the best way to achieve maximum coverage.  Give me some time I'll definitely write a proper review for this palette!

THE SPLURGE

1. Benefit Erase Paste - I own a smaller sized version of this from my Confessions of a Concealaholic Palette.  This product is very tricky to use as a tiny amount is very potent and can crease if not applied correctly.  The trick on using Erase Paste is to always warm the product with your fingers then gently tap on your problem areas.  This product can cover under eye circles, red spots and even freckles!
   
2. Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit Php1,900 (approx $45.20).- Best used on the under eye area. The extra powder that comes in the palette is a nice "plus" as it instantly set the concealer in place making it stay until you remove it.
3. Estee Lauder Disappear Smoothing Creme Concealer - Another concealer that works so well on the under eye area, acne marks, freckles, etc..  All you need to do is pick the right shade for you!
4. Amazing Cosmetics AmazingConcealer Php1,800.00 (approx $24.20) - As recently reviewed, this product does not only give the coverage you need but it gives an overall highlight effect.
5. Make Up For Ever Camouflage Cream Palette Php1,600 (approx $34.00) - A must if you are a makeup artist!  The palette on photo above is already my 2nd.

When we talk about Concealers, it is very easy to say: "Let's SPLURGE on it!"  I agree, I don't mind paying more for makeup products that sits into my skin for a long period of time.  But mind you, Expensive doesn't always equate to the BEST.  At the end of the day, the best way to pick the best concealer is to understand the needs of your skin.

Are under eye circles your major issue?
Is it the eye puffiness that's giving you all the trouble?
Or the red spots from acne scars and pimple marks?
To some, is it the freckles that's making you go insane?

Focusing on your major skin concern is the best way to target the right product for you!  I used to purchase concealers just because I see other Bloggers rave about them but guess what?  Most of them ended up inside my makeup case or I've given away most of them!  

Now that I'm not in denail, I've finally accepted the fact that my major skin concern would be the darkness under the eyes.  So I'm focused on purchasing and trying concealers that are meant for the under eye circles!

Then it's time to shop! 

Big question is: "Where will I start?  There's so many brands out there I'm so confused!"
Relax and take a deep breathe, check your budget.

How much are you willing to shell out for a concealer?  Is it between Php500-1,000?  Then stick to it!  With the wide range of cosmetics nowadays, I'm sure there will always be "the one" meant for you!  Keep in mind that testing them over the counter is the key, trying to purchase "blindly" online may work but only 20% of the time!  Bring a friend (whose opinion matters) and have the SA apply the product on your problem areas and see if it works for you!  Never feel pressured and learn to say "no, thanks!". (Been there, done that!)  

Tell me, have you found the best concealer for your problem area?
What's your concealer budget at present?

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Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Version: Enchanted Eyes

Happy Tuesday friends!  Everyone, all together... "OH EM GEE"!!!
Yes!  It's AMW Version! I actually did this makeup last week but I just remember posting about this today!  The reason why I got inspired to create an eye makeup is because I recently got a new eyeshadow palette from Human Nature called the Mineral Eyeshadow Enchanted Evening palette.

Here's the outcome and of course, I did use a different palette which I will show you as you scroll down! 

 AMW Diagram

Step 1:

Prior to eyeshadow application, you can use an eyelid primer to make the eyeshadow more vibrant and stay longer.  In this tutorial I did not use any base.

With my Charm Blending Brush, I applied the purplish brown eyeshadow shade on the hallow of my eyes.  You can find this by tilting your head backwards and you will see the natural "depth" of your eyes.  Apply it there and blend with wiper motion.

 Step 2:

With a pencil brush, I've used the Charm Pencil Point Brush in applying the Silvery Gray eyeshadow from the same Human Nature Love Minerals palette on the outer-v.  Add as desired and do not forget to blend with a big fluffy blending brush.

With the same brush and same eyeshadow shade, apply this on the outer thirds of the lower lash line.

 Step 3:

I took out my first Lunasol pallette called EX02 Nature Summer Beige and applied a peachy eyeshadow with hint of gold shimmer on the inner third of the lid with a wet/dry eyeshadow brush.  (Tip: if you prefer this color to pop, apply this wet.)

Apply this similar shade with a clean pencil brush on the inner corner of the eyes including the inner lash line.

Step 4:

Lined my upper lash line with a liquid eyeliner.  I used Avon Extra Lasting Liquid Eyeliner in Glittery Black.

Filled my brows with MAC Coquette Eyeshadow, curled with Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

and applied coats of Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara in Black.

Enchanted Eyes --- done!

What's on the rest of my face?

For the face:

Paul & Joe Light Cream Foundation in Clear using foundation brush

Set with Kate Mineral Powder Foundation in OC-C

 For the Cheeks:
NYX Blush in Pinky

applied with Charm blush brush

Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Sandwashed Pink (photo is a sample size)

My bad, since I haven't been doing a lot of AMW versions lately, I forgot to take a full shot of my face!  *eeekk* Okay, blame my memory, its always filled with so many things ...darn! I know I'm too defensive!

*zips mouth* :x

Have a great day everyone! I hope Tuesday is better than Monday to all of you!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Version: Here Comes the Rain

Rainy days can put me in a gloomy mood!  It's not because I hate the rain but I dislike the flood, traffic and danger it gives to everyone!  

I am trying to put something positive into everything that's happening around us that's why I thought of creating a Rainy Day Look!  I thought of the dark blue sky, that explains the colors I used!

AMW Diagram

Step 1:

Apply a primer if you want for the eyeshadow to look more vibrant and stay longer.  I used Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer.  I penciled my crease area with Lancome Le Crayon Khol in Teal and top it with Laura Mercier's Blue Sky Eye Quad using the color as pointed by the brush.

Step 2:

With a blending brush, blend out harsh lines from the blue shadow with Dollface Green shade eyeshadow.

Step 3:
Apply light shimmery orange eyeshadow (same from Dollface palette) on the brow bone area.

Step 4:

With a pencil brush, apply the same blue shadow used on Step 1 on the lower lash line.

Step 5:

Apply gel liner.  I am using KATE Gel Liner in Black

Optional:

Apply falsies.  I am using KKCenterHK's ES A155 which is one of the longest and fullest lashes I've tried to date. I am liking the lashes from ES as they are long but not heavy at all!  It feels so light!

 

  

Here Comes the Rain

What's on the rest of my face?

Secret!  *just joking* :P

For the Face

INuovi Lite Base  in 3Y

Revlon ColorStay Powder Foundation

For the Cheeks

MAC Superduper Natural Mineralized Blush

 For the Lips:
NYX Black Label Lipstick in Acapulco

Revlon Colorburst 004 Pink Ice

Rain or shine, 

I'm ready to face the world with a huge smile!

After I removed my falsies, here's how bare my real lashes look! :)

Girls can really cheat with makeup!
Guys....BEWARE!  *laughs*

Do you look different with falsies on?
It depends, the really long ones can give a huge impact to my tiny eyes!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!