Nail Art Tutorial: My 34th Birthday!

Today is my birthday!  Happy Birthday to me! :)

I've celebrated 5 birthdays in this blog!  I can still remember the day I turned 30 and it felt like months ago!  

To celebrate my special day, I'm sharing a kiddie birthday nail art as mid-30s or 40s or 50s, we can always be child-at-heart!

My 24th Birthday Nails!

*ahem*  mistyped, I meant 34th!  *laughs*

Step 1:

Though my doctor gave me a go signal on using nail polishes, I am still very careful with the nail polish brands I use.  I make sure they are free from the Big 3 (toxic chemicals).  I skipped nail polish base and went ahead and apply 2 coats of Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Narcissist.

I wanted to create a girly, candy-like vibe so I applied this shade only on my pinky, middle and pointer fingernails.

I Wonder: 'Unavailable' Products You Love

You've found your Holy Grail product and have been happily using it for quite some time.  Then... BOOM!!! Upon trying for a repurchase, you can't seem to find them anywhere!  You searched high and low and asked around, nobody seems to know the answer. Cold sweat is starting to appear on your forehead, the product you love and swore by disappeared right in front of you.

Sounds familiar?

Whether these products are discontinued or aren't locally available, I have a few products on top of my head (all powder foundations) and you, my dear friends can help add up the list (skincare, makeup, hair care, etc...) by commenting below after this post!  

Neutrogena Fine Fairness UV Compact

I posted a review on this product 2 years ago and I remembered calling this: "Not the BEST powder foundation out there but this baby has a lot to say for a drugstore brand!"  

True enough, this product indeed has a lot to say as once it was discontinued, emails were pouring in by readers who swore by this product asking me why they can't find this anymore!   True enough, I can't find these too and it made me and my mom sad!  My mom loved this powder foundation so much and we've both hit and pan and are willing to repurchase!

Paul & Joe Protective Dual Powder Foundation

What more can I say?  When Paul & Joe products were readily available at Rustans Makati, I was one of the few "victims" (in a very good way) who loves to stay inside the store for makeovers and what else?   Shopping!  A long time reader would know how much I love the Paul & Joe Protective Dual Powder Foundation and I've purchased and repurchased so many times I have my own VIP card!  *laughs*  

Because I believe in the quality of this product, I purchased all the shades and have backups on each shade for my clients!  Who would've thought the day when Paul & Joe left the Philippines finally arrived?  I call it Dooms Day! 

Revue Still Keep Pact UV by Kanebo

Because Paul & Joe products aren't available locally, I've decided to hunt for a similar powder foundation that I can use for clients!  After several tests, I've finally found the one! 

Since the product is a bit pricey, I've decided to go for refills and put them on my Z-Palette!  So far, I'm happy with these and I'm glad I bought several shades too!  

But of course, there's a reason why this product is included in this post!  These are also discontinued and they're not available anymore!  *sniff*  

I Wonder:
"Have you found a product you want to hold on forever but found it to be unavailable or even discontinued?"

Share your thoughts and who knows?  The products you love could be available at areas you don't frequently go to.

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AMW Makeovers: The Bride and the Groom

Happy Monday AMW friends!  Today is another Philippine holiday in observance of Eid'l Fitr or end of Ramadan.  I want to wish our Muslim friends a wonderful day in celebration of their faith!

Since we are on the topic of celebration, I will share another AMW Makeovers done 2 weeks ago!

For the Groom

Skin type: Oily 

Request: none

Though the groom did not request for any specific look, I know most guys would like to look like themselves on their wedding day minus the oil and sweat. 

Prior to liquid foundation application, I applied an oil-control primer all over his face and let it sit for a couple of minutes before I apply MAC StudioFix Liquid Foundation.  With a tiny amount of a shade darker liquid foundation, I stippled the foundation specifically on areas that needs coverage.  For this groom, I concentrated more on the under eye area and some random red spots.  This method is done so the groom won't feel the typical heavy foundation.

After making sure the liquid foundation is well blended, I set everything with MAC Studio Fix Powder foundation in NC45.  Do not forget to apply a contouring powder to create dimension especially on photos.  I finished the look with a tinted lip balm for his lips to stay supple and ready for "You May Now Kiss the Bride" moment!

For the Bride

Skin type: Normal

Request: Not to make her eyes bigger

The bride has huge set of eyes and I'm quite surprised that she requested me to make her eyes look "chinky" instead.  This request was quite unusual as most brides or clients in general would request me to make their eyes appear larger! 

Well, there's always a first time.

To start off the bridal makeup, I've applied Laura Mercier Oil-free Primer all over her face just to create a smooth base.  The bride has normal skin and I can't seem to find any patches of dryness.  Lucky her!

As I waited for the primer to settle in some lines and pores, I trimmed her brows with a spoolie, eyebrow scissors and eyebrow shaver.  Then after I'm satisfied with her brows, I went straight to foundation application.  For this bride,  I used Paul & Joe Creamy Foundation going one layer at a time to make sure coverage is even and the effect will be second-skin!

Bride did not sleep much the night before so I concentrated on covering her dark under eye circles by using Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer. In person, the "puff" is there as makeup can never cover eye puffiness but can only lessen the look of it (especially on photos).

With heavy concealer used under the eye area, it is very important to set the area with an oil-control setting powder to prevent the concealer from sliding off!

Since the request was smaller-looking eyes, I used a Matte Medium Brown Gel Liner instead of the usual black and created a tiny wing effect to extend the look of her eyes making it less round.  I set the gel liner with a matte eyeshadow to smooth out harsh lines as created by the gel liner.

Of course, lashes will always be needed for brides!  I strongly suggest soon-to-be-Brides to start practicing on falsies!  Have someone help you put them and try working on false lashes for at least half a day!

If you are a makeup artist, do not forget to help the hairstylist if the veil is put on as the lashes may get caught up on veil which isn't comfortable at all!

 

Final look

 

**hair done by: Kim Rodriguez.

How do you like the makeover?

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Nail Art Tutorial: The Avengers Nails

Good morning universe!  I am telling the world that today will be a good one!  :)  I hope the world agrees! :P

Over dinner with friends, one of my college friend was requesting for The Avengers nail art.  Both Keith and I have thought about doing this nail art after watching the movie but I was so lazy for the last few months!  We've seen The Avengers posters and I know how they look like either on Mighty Mugg or Hasbrow so I have a couple in mind!  Too many things in mind I can't decide what to do!  So thanks to Rina for the request as I was pushed to finally create one!

Here you go, my version of The Avengers Nails

Black Widow

Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) doesn't have a particular face or mask that would make people recognize her easily so I've decided to draw her Character Icon instead.

Tip for the Day: Primers

Good morning loves! :)  How's your day today?  Mine will definitely be filled with caffeine + loads of love!  :P  I am going into a super busy February and the coming months so please bear with me if your requests won't come in as fast as a lightning!  I will try my best to accommodate all your requests (Yes, even nude painting of myself) *gasps*  

You should know by now that I'm JUST JOKING!  :P

Today, I will continue my Twilight saga, I talked about my takes on Foundations that I've tried and heard about in THIS POST and a lot of you have been asking me to continue the series! 

So let's talk about Primers, primers that I've tried and used and see which ones could work for you too! :) Keep in mind to purchase at your own discretion, I write this post base on my personal usage and some to my clients.

For Dry Skin

Why should dry-skinned individuals use primers?  Well, it's a matter of choice but I suggest we do especially when attending special events. :)  Can you imagine a well-polished face cracks and peels after a couple of hours inside an air-conditioned room?  Charge it to experience, been there, done that! :)

SPEND

Becca Silky Hydrating Primer

I have been using this on mature skinned clients and they love the scent too!  This product feels like moisturizer and gets absorbed into the skin easily.

Benefit's That Gal Brightening Face Primer

Brightening is one way to fake healthy glow of a skin that is dry and you can definitely get that from Benefit's That Gal!

Paul & Joe Moisturizing Foundation Primer

I believe in its name because it felt like a light moisturizer upon application!  It gets absorbed into dry areas easily thus creating a nice, plump base to start with foundation application.

SAVE

Any moisturizer that works for you or your client.  Serums are wonderful option too!  I love serums from GoodSkin Labs.

For Oily Skin

I have used a lot of primers for Oily skinned as most of my clients suffer from this skin type!  Here are my top choices as of the moment.

SPEND 
Smashbox Photo Finish

This is one of the best oil-control primer available in the market and has been sold out when it first came into our market.  The problem with this product is the presence of "silicone" in it's list of  ingredients and may cause breakout to some people!  That's why I do not use this much on gigs as I don't want my client to wake up with pimples even though they tell me they aren't allergic to any ingredients.

Smashbox Photo Finish Light

I have finished 3 bottles of this and I really recommend them to brides!  This is lightweight and water-based.  So far, I do not have any texts or calls from clients telling me I ruined their skin!  *knocks on wood*.  

Make Up For Ever All Mat Face Mattifying Primer

I have tried a sample size of this and the texture and effect is similar to Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Light.

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation Primer

This one does not contain any silicone ingredients and it feels like an oil-free moisturizer when applied.  The good part of using this is that foundation can be applied with ease minus the oily feel.

SAVE

L'Oreal Paris Base Magique

I can't seem to find really good, inexpensive oil-control primers and one that pops inside my head right away for SAVE is L'Oreal Base Magique!  I have used this on clients who were off for an outdoor pre-nup pictorial!  This may not have the best oil-control power like those on the SPEND portion but for its price, it exceeds my expectation.

Ellana Make It Last Makeup Primer 

I'm not sure if this is still available but I got a sample size of this and have used this on oily-skinned friends and it does work wonders.  This product contains silicone.

Revlon Beyond Natural Smoothing Primer

Keep in mind that this could feel a bit heavy on skin and must be applied sparingly!  Not all skin type will agree with the ingredients of this primer!  I find this primer works better on male clients!

For Normal/Combination Skin

I try not to put much primer on a normal skin but only apply on areas that oil up or dries out!  I do use 2 primers at a time for one client as we should really put on products where it is needed! 

SPEND

Paul and Joe Protective Foundation Primer UV

Cover FX SkinPrep Primer

My dearest blogger friend Gracie sent me this and it pains me as I've been using this a lot on clients of any skin type and it worked on all of them!  I am done with this tube and I guess I have to search online to repurchase this! 

SAVE

You can go for any "save" items from above and apply only on areas needed.

Please do keep in mind that less is always more, try not to put a lot of products on your face as possible!  One huge tip:  If your current foundation or setting powder gives you the Oil-control or Hydration your skin needs, then you can always skip primer application and your skin will thank you for it! :)

Can you share more "Primer Finds" for our readers out there?
What's your skin type and what's your favorite primer?

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!

Tip for the Day: Faking soft, dewy skin!

I have been requested so many times to do a tutorial on creating a fake "glowy", "bright" or "dewy" skin.  I know its easy for me to do such as I have dry skin to start with.  What about our oily gal friends out there?  I've thought of ways and finally done a very simple one that anybody of any age can do!

Keep in mind that practice makes perfect, it helps to try out different products and see which works best for you!  In this tutorial, I am using the simplest and most effective way to date!  Believe it or not, I'm still on trial and error and will definitely share again if I've found a better way.  For now, lets settle for this...shall we begin?

Sorry but there's no other better model than myself!  I can't seem put myself out there and randomly ask for people willing to be my model! *hahaha*  So please do not get tired of my face okay?  If you do...hmm...come here..want cookies? :P

Step 1:

• I moisturized my skin with a light moisturizer.  Oily-skinned individuals can go for oil-free moisturizer.
• Once the moisturizer sets in.  I used a brightening face primer from Benefit's That Gal.  (Other alternatives to try: your choice of sparkly BB cream, tinted moisturizer like Myra Vitaglow Tinted Moisturizer)
• With my Charm stippling brush, I applied a light liquid foundation (like that from Revlon's Photoready Foundation or Paul & Joe Cream Foundation) applying only on areas that needed coverage).

Step 2:

Oily-skinned individuals complain about their face oiling up in no time.  Pick up your favorite oil-control setting powder.  In my case, I am using the Majolica Majorca Pressed Pore Cover  picking up a bit of the product with a K-brush or any powder brush, pat ONLY on areas that oil up (ex. t-zone, sides of the nose) and leave the rest as it is!  Oh, it helps to keep on "pressing" the brush with a bit of the powder on those oily areas and it'll help absorb excess moisture and oil.

Do not forget to bring your favorite oil control films.

Step 3:

Look inside your makeup kit for highlighting powders.  They usually come together with a contouring powder.  If you don't have any, no need to purchase.  Look into your eyeshadow collection and search for a semi-sparkly eyeshadow (can be pressed or loose) that works on your inner corner of the eyes or on the browbone.  If the shade works on those areas, you can use this to highlight your face!

In this tutorial, I am using Bourjois Pastel Lumiere Pearl Eyeshadow in Beige Rose.  The name has rose to it but it is not pinkish at all!

I do own a couple of highlighting powders like the one from Paul & Joe or another white eyeshadow shade from my Eyeko Pretty Eyes Palette.  Be creative and experimental!  What's the worse that could happen?  If all else fails, you can wash your face!

Step 4:

To make your "highlighted" and "dewy"-looking face more obvious, its best to use a bronzer as a blush!  This gives out a super natural, healthy glow!  At the same time, the "glow" from the bronzer can help make your face looks "fresh" and "dewy" at the same time!

Added tips:

• Other people would use Petroleum jelly and apply it on parts of the face to create that "dewy-ness".  In my opinion,  I'd rather have you skip it the tip stated is applicable for countries with winter season!
• If you over applied your powder, fret not, have your moisturizing facial mist ready and spritz all over your face and leave it to dry on its own!  It does not only help set your makeup but it makes your skin look and feel fresh!
• I forgot to take a shot of it, but to add up the "dewy" look, skip heavy lipstick and moisturize your lips with your preferred lip balm and top with a super wet-looking gloss!  (local readers would know this brand but Fashion 21 makes super nice fruity scented clear gloss for less than Php100 and it tastes so good!)

Any other tips you would like to share to our readers?
Feel free to share by clicking the COMMENT section!

Sharing is beautiful!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reports: Paul & Joe's Summer Collection and I got the Pouches!

Every since I discovered the beauty of SALE (which started long, long time ago!), I also discovered my capability to hoard and stock up (which started when I got a job)  The first ever cosmetic brand that I was willing to spend my hard-earned money on?

You guess it right! Paul & Joe!

Nobody paid me to love this brand.  It must be the gorgeous packaging, the "classy" feel, or it could be the product itself ---- the natural beauty that comes from within.

I used to be updated with the collections from Paul & Joe, but since I haven't been going out much and if I do, it's usually work related, I wasn't able to take a sneak peek on what's out there!  Thanks to the Paul & Joe Newsletter that I got Issue no. 21 which features Blue Heaven for Summer! 

Paul & Joe's 2011 Summer Collection

You can check out more details of the products and prices HERE

And guess what I got from this collection?  No, it's not make-up, but 2 cute cosmetic pouches printed with the Whale Design as part of the Paul & Joe collection!

The smaller pouch, I like to put my mascaras, eyeliners, primers etc... I love that it opens up wide so its easy for me to get whatever product I need!

Closer look at the zipper, there's a cute gold plated whale design!

For the bigger pouch, it has 2 zippers with similar whale design!  This looks small but it can carry a lot of stuff!

 

This is where I put my airbrush products!  On the other side of the zippered pouch, I usually put my powder foundation, setting powders, loose powders etc..

Feel free to add up Paul & Joe Philippines via Facebook so you get updated on their sale schedules or learn about the freebies you can get from make-up purchases!

I actually got myself a Paul & Joe Luggage 3 years ago!  It pays to be a loyal customer!  We get some "cute" perks!

What's your favorite Paul & Joe product?
My vote still goes to the Paul & Joe Dual Protective Powder Foundation.

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!