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.

AMW Makeover: Trial Makeup for Asian Eyes

Happy Thursday AMW friends!

Today is Thursday and I'm looking forward for the weekend!  Why?  Well, there are so many things to look forward to!  For me to pack my "hospital bag" as I'm officially on my 32nd week of pregnancy and I've been very busy for the whole month of January and February I told myself I needed the rest before the sleepless nights c/o Baby AMW!  

And what's the other thing that I'm looking forward for this weekend?  My 3rd and final Benefit Fine One One Workshop!  The first and second was super fun and I met a lot of cool Benebabes so I can't wait for the third and final installment to be held at Benefit Boutique, Rustan's Makati.

Benefit Fine One One Workshop at Greenbelt 5

February 2, 2013

Benefit Fine One One Workshop at Shangri-La

February 9, 2013

I can't wait to share more tips to the workshop attendees and speaking of tips, have you read the article I've written for Sample Room?  If not, feel free to click photo below as I've written some simple Makeup Tips for Asian Eyes.

Speaking about Asian Eyes, I recently had a trial makeup client fresh from Singapore who requested for a very simple makeup for her wedding reception.  Let me share to you some of the makeup tricks that I've did for her particular feature.

Skin: Combination (Normal/Dry)

Request: The client doesn't have any particular request 

but I'm imaging her going for a very soft and natural look.

Trial makeup client exudes a very positive personality even for someone you just met for the first time.  She's jolly, friendly and very cheerful so I'm imagining a makeup for her that gives a bright and positive outlook just like her personality!  I was aiming for creating fresh, glowing skin!  

To start off, I prepared her skin by applying ample oil-free moisturizer from Paul & Joe on dry areas;  lessen the look of pores on her nose area by applying Benefit's Porefessional and a moisturizing face primer for Laura Mercier for the rest of her skin!  As I let all the products to sit and do their "action", I picked up a small scissors to trim her brows and filled sparse areas with brow pencil.

As for foundation, the client doesn't have much skin problems to cover so I've decided to use a light to medium coverage liquid foundation from RMK.  I also did a bit of concealing to even out the color around the eye area and the sides of her nose using my Bobbi Brown Concealer.

I want to create bigger-looking eyes;  I picked several matte shades for a simple day time smoky eye makeup adding a bit of light, shimmer eye shadow at the inner corner to create an illusion of big, bright eyes!  (Eye shadows used: Lancome, MAC, Bobbi Brown)

For a more natural finish, I picked Dark Brown  Gel Liner instead of regular black gel liner which I usually use for a more natural look.  Black gel liner could make small eyes look even smaller if not applied correctly.  I also added dark matte brown eye shadow on top of the gel liner for a more natural finish. 

Coats and coats of mascara were applied after curling her lashes with Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler;  I also applied falsies on her by cutting 1 into 2 as applying full lashes may make her eyes droopy.

Let's not forget to contour the face and nose area for that instant "painless" nose lift and face lift! 

As for the cheeks, I applied a tiny bit of cream based blush from Stila, and Shu Uemura Glow On Blush in Apricot.

As for the lips, I used a lip pencil from MAC closed to her lip color and gently apply it all over her lips and top it with Lancome Juicy Tubes.

Last but not the least;  I set the area that could "oil" with a Shu Uemura Colorless Face Powder.

Client's final look on natural lighting

Hair by: Kim Tan Rodriguez

Thanks to my dear client for the lovely time and for entrusting me to do a makeover!
Do you have any other tips for Asian Eyes out there?  I'd love to hear from you!

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Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
 

Tip for the Day: Foundation

I have been asked by many...through Cbox, email, twitter, or even in person on what's the best foundation for them.  I am very honest when I say..."It Depends..."

It depends on your skin type, skin condition and it really depends on YOU.  So what's the point of making my top picks?  To serve as a basis, but of course, this post will always be open for further comments and suggestions!  I am just a beauty blogger and a makeup artist, I am in no way an expert in guessing the best foundation for each individual so please try on testers, ask a favor from a friend who owns ton of makeup then try the products before you start spending your hard earn money on them!  

Keep in mind that I haven't tried all foundation mentioned below, some are highly recommended by my makeup artist friends! :)  It doesn't hurt to share then you pay me back with cash. *winks* :P 

For Dry Skin

The best person to ask if you have dry skin aside from oldies?  ME!  *laughs*  Just joking, I'm sure a lot of youngsters (aside from myself hahaha) suffers from this skin condition either "They were born with it" or they were under skin treatment which led them to have dry, flaky skin!   Here are some of my best bet for dry skin individual after we *high five*! :)

SPEND

Clinique Supermoisture Makeup

I have used this way back when I wasn't even blogging!  This gives out the "moisture" any person would want and I  have a couple of friends who have dry skin and swore by this. 

MAC Mineralize Satinfinish SPF15 Foundation
Thanks to Sis Gracie for sending me this so I was able to try this.  The good thing about MAC Mineralized Satinfinish foundation is the fact that it never feels heavy but it gives a nice, healthy sheen after every application!

SAVE

Revlon Age Defying Makeup with DNA Advantage

I recently road tested this and it worked on my skin and never felt dry and it gives me the moisture I need for the whole day!

Cover Girl Advanced Radiance
One of the first few drugstore foundation I purchased when I told myself I need to stack up on makeup for school!  This one has the added moisturizer and the name says it all "Advanced Radiance".  Anything with Radiance would be great to create a fake, healthy looking skin.

Mary Kay Timewise Luminous Wear Foundation

I have tried this on both mature clients and myself.  Since my skin isn't that dry as compared to mature clients, I like the fact that this product never settled into fine lines.  The effect came out really well.

For Oily Skin

I am used to doing makeup for oily skin as most of my clients surprisingly suffers from oily skin!  Keep in mind that if you have very oily skin, on oil-control primer will still be needed prior to foundation application at the same time, a good oil-control setting powder would help prolong the "matte-looking" finish of your skin!  It doesn't hurt to carry oil-control blotter sheets with you at all times!

SPEND

Make Up Forever Mat Velvet
I have once chatted with a fellow makeup artist and when I asked about her best bet foundation for Oily Skin, she blurted out Make Up For Ever's Mat Velvet.  I was told this foundation does not only give a matte-looking finish foundation but it does help control a bit of the oilies.  I will probably purchase this once I'm done with my current foundations.

MAC StudioFix Foundation (Liquid)
Ah, need I say more?  I've seen these Studio Fix Liquid foundation been used on various makeup artists and you have to agree when I say, most of our makeup-loving friends own at least one of these!  The downside though, not all skin would agree with the ingredients of MAC SF Foundation.  I have friends who love this product dearly but it causes their skin to break out the day after usage!  

OCC / Graftobian Airbrush Foundation
You don't need to go out and purchase an airbrush equipment but the tiny tube of airbrush foundation are great for oily skin!

 

MAC StudioFix Foundation (powder)

Since oily skin individuals are "in dire" need to set their foundation, a powder foundation with oil control is best and MAC SF Powder Foundation gives extra coverage and removes shine!

SAVE

Revlon ColorStay Makeup with SoftFlex
This is the drugstore version of MAC Studio Fix Liquid Foundation (in my very humble opinion).  Even the scent is similar and it gives a good coverage and can hold up to humidity.

Maybelline Mineral Powder Foundation

Most inexpensive oil-control loose mineral foundation that works!

Mary Kay Timewise Matte Wear Foundation
I surprisingly reach out to this eventhough I have dry/combination skin.  I like the super matte finish it gives with an extra glow! 

For Normal Skin or
Combination Skin

Normal skin individuals are lucky as they get the liberty to try different brands and types of foundation as most of them would work for normal skin. I also included the list for combination skin as most the brands listed below can also be used for Combination skin.  It helps to use an oil-control primer applied only on areas that oil up and leave the rest as is.

SPEND

RMK Creamy Foundation
Oh my! Need to say more?  Kindly read how I gush about the product HERE

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation
this also suits combination skin!  Perfect on photos!

Clinique Superbalanced Makeup
This make up is known to give moisture on areas that needed one and control oilies on areas that oils up!  Smart makeup I should say!

SAVE

Avon Ideal Shade Foundation
Inexpensive and it works on all skin type!  I put this on Combination skin's Save portion because I can use this liquid foundation on both my dry-skinned days and the not-so-dry to normal skin days!

Graftobian Hi-Def Creme Foundation

Though this comes in tiny amount of product for the price, I still call this inexpensive as a little goes a long way with this cream foundation.  I have used this on both  normal and combination skin and the effect was consistently good!

Products listed above came out from the moment I've written this post.  The list is not complete and I'm opening the "comment section" for everyone to share their list base on their experience!  In that way, it will be helpful to everyone reading this entry!

Today, I am off for 2 makeup gigs and I have more faces to prettify and it helps to share what I learn as each experience go!  There's no 100% way to know which type or brand of foundation is right for you unless you went out there and give the product a test.  I am not requiring you to spend your money to buy different foundation from here and there, but, let us try on testers, borrow from friends, do some research!  At the end of the day, no one knows your skin better than yourself! :)

So, start sharing your favorite foundation brands and which skin type would it work best for!
Goodluck!
Happy Hunting!

Keep smiln'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: RMK Creamy Foundation

Note: The product I will be reviewing is not available locally but I think it deserves a space on my blog because......*shouts* I can't believe I'm loving this and it's NOT available here!!!!!!!!

Ok calming down....

Yes, I'm a bit calmer now!  First of all, I want to thank my dearest friend Connie for sending me a sample of the RMK Creamy Foundation in shade 102 (perfect for me!) and it was only recent that I gave this a try because, ahmm..because...I am too lazy to use cream/liquid foundation for the past months!  

The sample size is just a tiny 1x1 (squarish)  tiny packet but I use only a few each  time and I was able to maximize its usage to at least 4 applications!

**photo taken from Sasa Website

RMK Creamy Foundation says ---

With its water holding oil formula, RMK Creamy Foundation has a great moisture retaining quality, this luxurious, creamy type foundation replenishes the skin for a radiant and lustrous finish. You will experience an exquisite balance between coverage and lucidity. Further more, the stretch powder fits your skin surface perfectly, and just-applied finish lasts for hours.

Origin: Japan

Suitable for: All Skin Types

AMW says ---

Pros

• Build-able coverage, can create light, medium or heavy coverage without the white cast. (as long as you get the right shade).
• Feels very light on skin.
• No weird scent.
• Lasts the whole day with only one or two retouches.
• Can create dewy finish without setting powder.
• Texture applies smoothly and blends evenly.
• Can double up as concealer especially on the under eye area.
• Does not settle in fine lines or cake up.
• Keeps my face matte (which I prefer in liquid/cream foundation) and at the same time, this creates a nice glow (hard to find).
• Does not oxidize on me.

Cons

• May oil up to oily-skinned individuals.
• Shade choices are quite light.  (problem of most Asian made cosmetics)
• Packaging, I know they include a spatula when you purchase it but still, I like squeeze-y tube packaging :)  Just like toothpaste! :P
• Not readily available locally and even international sites! I've checked various sites and they're mostly sold out :(

Overall

People notice my skin each time I use this foundation, I may not have acne but I do have allergic reactions on days so my skin tends to look dull aside from my usual "dryness" concern!  I actually wore this on the GlamBox Airbrush Workshop and I was even asked if I use airbrush foundation on myself! *giddy*

Aside from what other people see, I personally feel good using this foundation, feels so light on skin at the same time, gives the coverage I want minus the dryness, plus the natural glow! :)

Tips

• To save more of this foundation (as this doesn't come cheap), use a foundation brush or stippling brush to apply and spot conceal areas that needed more coverage!  I used this method that's why my sample lasted long enough for me to create this review.
• Apply from the center of the face brushing the foundation outward!  This way, the coverage is concentrated more at the "center" - the area that needed the most coverage.
• Wash your tools after every use!
• If you have oily skin and still want to try this, use an oil-control primer prior to foundation application.
• Same for dry-skinned individuals, though this cream foundation is non-drying, it helps to moisturize your skin prior to foundation application.
• If you plan to purchase this, I strongly suggest to try their samples first or some websites sell trial packs!  It's heartbreaking to spend such a huge amount of money for products that does not work or worst, not the same shade as your skin!  
• Store in cool, dry place and never dip your fingers or brush directly, use a spatula.
• Prefer lighter coverage?  You can go for the RMK Liquid Foundation.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone into cream foundation as this does not settle into fine lines!  Perfect for Normal/Dry skin.

Where to purchase and how much?

I've checked the amount online for you to have an idea, costs $52.40 (approx Php2,200) at Sasa.

 Sorry I wasn't able to swatch shade 102 on my hand as I originally thought I won't be able to review this product!  Didn't know a little goes a long way so I was able to use this a couple of times!

As applied on face without primer, moisturizer or even setting powder!  I just used eyebrow pencil, eyeliner and lipstick!  Opted for a very simple look for dinner.

Close up on the nose area, drying foundation would definitely show up as close as this, considering that I did not use any moisturizer prior to foundation application, this isn't bad!  No flaking!

Full face without blush.  I felt my skin does look like in the early 20s? *chokes*

Sorry, I meant late teens! *bwahaha*

RMK or  Rumiko cosmetics, show your butt here in our country!
I'd love to have you here! :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!