Leaders Insolution Masks To Try For Starters

For someone who has tried mask sheets for years!  I can't believe there will come a time I'll turn into a "walking advertisement" for a specific mask brand!  Seriously, follow me on Snapchat (@AskMeWhats) and you'll see how much of a mask fan I am!  It is my "me-time" when the little one goes to bed and I get a kick of choosing the specific variant to use for the night.

That is an easy task for me because I did my researched and knew what my skin type is and what my skin needs!  But for a particular reader named Karen, who emailed me telling me how confusing it is to visit the Leaders Insolution store!  How overwhelmed she felt with all the different variants and lines --- point taken!  Not everyone is a facial mask nerd as I am so I'm sharing a quick tip on how to spot the Leaders Insolution Mask for YOU if you are a first-timer!

Number 1 rule: Know your skin type.  Talk to the SA who is in store because she knows all the Leaders Insolution masks by heart!  

But if you are the type who would like to go "low key" and just give this brand a try before investing your time and attention on it....you may start with these Leaders Insolution regular masks (priced at Php148.00 each)

These are my top 4 picks for starters!

Readers' Corner: A Brightening Retouch Powder

So one reader sent me an email asking me how she loves to retouch multiple times a day but she disliked the "powdered" effect most setting powders give!  So instead of saying: "Don't retouch and just use oil-control film", I'm sure a lot of you out there can't help but reach out for a powder every now and then!  I understand, it felt like a security blanket right?

You girls know how much of a "bright skin" fan I am!  Since I have fair and dry skin, I tend to look washed out whenever I set with a face powder or powder foundation!  As much as I want to whip out my contour and highlighting powders and re-apply everything midday, sometimes, I only have a minute or in-between stoplight to do so!  So my best bet is to look for a solution in the name of "Face Powder".

Readers' Corner: How Effective Is Scholl Velvet Smooth Electronic Foot File and How-tos?

After sharing my in-depth initial review on the Scholl Velvet Smooth Electronic Foot File,  I was a bit nervous about the comments I'll receive: "Will people get turned off with my feet and not read my blog anymore?"  "Will I receive negative comments on why I even dared to post my before foot photo?"

Thankfully, you guys were amazing!  So forgiving and understanding if I may have to say!  I haven't received a single negative comment and even got overwhelming responses through email, text messages and comments both on blog and Instagram!  My sister and friends even messaged me to tell me they bought one after reading my post!  So thank you so much for the trust guys!

Now, to show my utmost appreciation, I will answer all Scholl Electronic Foot File related questions in this post!  Since obviously, a lot of you wanted to know more about the product and maybe have the same issues as I do so I would love to share more information as needed!  I understand how we all love to skip reading instructions so I'm doing this Q&A portion to help you guys understand more about the product I truly love, believe and use!

After personally using this product, I immediately shared this product to my sister-in-law and mother-in-law to try and both of them were amazed!  They told me they will definitely purchase their own Micralumina roller heads (for hygiene purpose) and borrow the handle (we live close by).  I don't mind because they used to go to a Foot Spa which is quite impossible nowadays with the crazy traffic!  

Here are some of the questions I would like to answer regarding the product:

How much is it and where to purchase?

I stated it over my previous post but I will state it again, the Scholl Electronic Foot File sells for Php1,685.00 (batteries included) and the Refill with 2 replacement roller heads costs Php550.00.  You can purchase them at selected Watsons stores.

Will I get the same result if I use a manual foot file?

I have used manual foot file most of my life, you may get the same result as I did on my previous review BUT not as immediate as using the Scholl Electronic foot file for the first time.

Can the roller head be cleaned or just the handle?

Both can be cleaned.  You have to be reminded though that the Scholl Velvet Smooth Electronic Foot File is not waterproof so to clean the roller head, you have to detach the head by pressing the eject button on the side and gently pull the roller away from the unit and finally, you may wash it with running water.

Press eject button on the side

Readers' Corner: Q&A Portion to Jumpstart 2015

Hi AMW friends!
Today, I will be answering some queries I get from my email!  I think I have to do this or else, I will be loaded forever!  :P  Don't get me wrong, I am very happy with all your emails because that keeps me going!  If you wonder how I get the time to blog?  That's for you to find out *winks*  Just joking, I do so in between breaks!  When I have coffee break or right now, a Calamansi juice break! 

Reader Question #1

"What should I invest on aside from makeup kit and brushes if I plan to pursue a career in makeup artistry?"

AMW Answers:

Okay, my answer may probably surprise you but I can actually  put this in an "Unsung Hero" post.  After years of doing makeup, I realized how important Z-Palette is (or any customizable palettes available in the market) for a PRO MUA like me!  Especially when I started to go on gigs on my own, lugging a huge Zuca bag, it is very difficult to transfer from one place to another (ALONE) with a luggage full of makeup, a huge mirror and a bag!  

I first "depotted" all my face powders and transferred it to my first Pink Z-Palette and I realized not only does it help lessen the load of my kit, it is very easy for me to do retouch as I only need to carry 1 palette instead of 6 compacts!  

I got more Z-palettes and I plan to depot some of my blushes and contour/highlight powders!  

I got my 2nd Z-palette online via Shopping District. 

Reader Question #2
"Nikki, can you recommend a lipgloss brand that has wide range of colors just like MAC but lesser the price tag?"

Readers' Corner: Happy Skin Summer Collection 2014 Cheeks and Lips

 Good morning AMW friends!  Well, it's technically a good evening on my side as I'm on my way home from a meeting with my "personal driver" (aka Love of My Life Mr. AMW).  For the first time, I'm blogging inside the car so I have to thank my Smart Connection for the LTE connection  *laughs*  Seriously, I haven't tried blogging inside the car (don't worry, it's not blogging while driving) and so far, I'm loving it!  Well..I guess once I'm home, it'll be me time with Baby AMW!

After I posted about the Happy Skin Summer Collection 2014 grand launch, I received email requests to show some swatches on the products I got.  Since I already reviewed Happy Skin's Shut Up and Kiss Me and Get Cheeky With Me (Feel free to read my past review by clicking product name), I will be sharing the swatches on the new lippies and blush and will also share how they look on me "tired" face. 

Happy Skin definitely did it again this time creating colors that Filipinas are looking for!  I love all the shades they came up with and I'm finding myself using them a lot for the past few days since I got these.

Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me Lippies

Readers' Corner: Why Are You So Cheerful?

The answer is: "Why can't I?" 

Friends or even blog readers probably think I have the BEST life in this world!  Seriously?  I want to believe that but it's not.

Readers' Corner: Instant "Glow" For the Holiday

Happy Friday AMW Friends!
I recently got emails from readers asking me tips on how to look "different but not too different" this season!  Wow, that's a difficult question to ponder!  After thinking hard over the holidays *Laughs* (You guys give good exams and all of you got me thinking!) 

I know what you  mean about looking "Different but not too different", I mean there are changes in our lives that we want to be discreet....like fixing your brows, enhancing the color of your hair, changing your lipstick color or wearing falsies.  When people ask you: "You look different!  Good kind of different!"  Then you can answer: "Really?  It must be my inner glow!"  *lol*  Okay, not everyone is as thick-faced as I am but a little bit of confidence for the coming year won't hurt!  Right?

Though busy, I still thought of some super simple and easy steps to enhance your beauty and give yourself an instant glow yet subtle enough for others (especially guys) to even notice!  Okay, some are quite obvious (like the polish tip) but still....it is not like you cut your hair drastically or you changed your hair color from black to neon green! :P

Readers' Corner: I Can Still See My Undereye Circles...Why???

As a makeup artist, one of the trickiest area to conceal is the undereye area, why?  Well, the area tends to crease or worst, applying the wrong shade of concealer may enhance the undereye problems!  Aside from that, most readers tell me how they can still see the "flaw" even after concealing.

Sounds familiar right? 

How do you really apply concealer under the eyes?  Are there steps or tricks to watch out for?  Well, after years of doing makeup on various people, I came into a conclusion that there really is a "technical' side in concealer application.  Today, I will be sharing some simple (yet effective) tips to YOU!

How to know your Undertone?

Ever wonder why you look great on Beige on Brand A and look a bit different on Brand B?

Well, shade names like Beige, Fair, Medium Fair, etc... refers to your skin tone (the surface).  Have you ever thought of checking undertone?  But wait, under...what?   

Ahhh...I have been asked by this question so many times I've decided to put this up on a blog post so I don't have to retype my answers over and over again over email.  (Why in the world didn't I think of that in the first place?)  *laughs*  #SignsOfOldAge

Here are some simple tips on how to know your undertone, keep in mind that this is my very amateur-ish way of determining your undertone!  Nevertheless, it worked for me so I hope it helps YOU as well because picking the right shade of foundation will bring peace and harmony to the world!  *laughs*  Seriously, don't you love foundation shade that matched so well you don't get scared even when someone points a point-and-shoot camera WITH flash right in front of your cute face?  

Readers' Corner: What to Pack (Hospital Bag)

Hi AMW friends!  I recently received an email from a reader asking me to share what I packed inside my hospital bag!

First things first, I want to thank my online friend Didi for sending me lists of things needed to take with me to the hospital!  Truthfully, to all first time preggy moms out there?  I understand how overwhelming it is to pack for a hospital bag!  I mean, the overall shopping for baby related stuff is stressful enough! So to be honest, as OC as I may seem, I am actually one lazy bone several weeks when I was about to pop!  I dread carrying my tummy and butt every second of the day, so can you imagine how difficult it was to pack for a hospital bag?

Photo taken by: Blow Up Babies Photo Studio

This will probably shock most of you but just so some of you may feel better, I actually completed my hospital bag several hours before I gave birth!  Yes, the bag was always there, there was a few items inside but it was never complete until April 15th 9:00pm (P.S. I gave birth April 16th 1:29am).

Readers' Corner: What to Invest for Post Pregnancy Body

Dear Mommy AMW Friends!  

Today's topic is about Post Pregnancy Fashion!  You won't see me posting photos on the clothes I wear (as we all have different tastes and styles) but I'm talking more on the"getting back your body in shape" type of fashion!

My mom-in-law, 3 months after giving birth went back to her pre-pregnancy body!  Her clothes are proof on how sexy she was even after giving birth to a son and daughter!  I tried wearing her old clothes and I can't even fit some of them!  

Fast forward to my turn as a mom, who gave birth 3 months ago, I make sure to at least "try" to get back to my pre-pregnancy body (not that I have voluptuous and sexy body to begin with) but at least push back the extra hips that appeared after labor!  (promise, lumaki talaga ang balakang! lol)

photo from http://j-porterfamily.blogspot.com

Here are some of the things I think every new mommy should invest on to get back in shape or to at least look good while trying to get back in shape.

Readers' Corner: Which Benefit Product to Start With?

Happy start of the week AMW Friends!  

Today I will be answering yet another most asked question for AMW!  I have received emails after emails asking me which Benefit product they should start saving up for.  

First of all, I want to clarify that I work for several Benefit project as a freelance makeup artist and trainer, I am so happy the brand trusted my talent so much to let me handle such projects!  But before I was able to do so, I have to admit that I am not that familiar with all Benefit products so I had to study each product's usage and benefits online and requested to try out their testers just to familiarize myself with the brand and products.  

So yes, after several workshops and a photoshoot, I am proud to say I am quite knowledgeable with "almost" all Benefit products that's why it took me until today to finally answer the most asked "Benefit-related" query.

Readers' Corner: What to Pack (Make Up Artist Edition)

Happy Thursday AMW friends! Are you in a good mood today?  I hope so as I don't like people frowning as they read my blog!  People beside you might have this crazy idea that reading AskMeWhats gives you stress!  Well, I can, if you like me too!  *evil laugh* :P

To future makeup artists and to my lovely readers interested for makeup artistry who requested me to share what I pack for makeup gigs, Halleluiah!!! I finally got the time to finally answer this most requested "Readers' Corner" topic.

As much as I wanted this post to be as organize as I'd like it to be, I apologize if it isn't as my life has been upside down (in a very good way) since Baby AMW came along!  So bear with me :)

The Basic Needs

MAC Fix+ - I love setting my clients' make up with MAC Fix+, it does not only "set" the makeup but it refreshed the client after 30minutes to an hour of prettifying session.

Bench Pure Mist Facial Water - the inexpensive version of Evian, I like using this to spritz and refresh the client prior to makeup application.

Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner - I use this to clean brushes in between clients.  Quick drying and smells wonderful!

Kleenex - I carry loads of these!  This also helps when the bride gets sentimental and starts to cry.

There's more!

Readers' Corner: Fix Your Brows with Eyebrow Pencil

Dear AMW Friends!
Today is the day!  We talk about brows AGAIN!  The reason why I'm sharing another tip on how to fill in brows is because I was asked about brow questions so many times during my Benefit Fine One One Emergency Workshops 1, 2 and 3!  Yes girls!  3 workshops and most girls ask about brows!  

Don't get me wrong, I am very happy that you guys are so interested about this particular beauty topic because I cannot stress enough on how important it is to fix your brows!  Trust me, it's like chocolates, it's addictive!  *laughs*

The reason why I created a separate post on using eyebrow pencils as I have done a tutorial on how to fix your brows using brow gels and brow powders!  I know some of you are not comfortable with the mentioned products so to those brow pencil users out there?  Raise your eyebrow pencils and let's start the eyebrow party!!!

Just in case you get lost on the way to the party, let me share to you my previous related posts---

This is How I Do It : Lightening my Brows AMW Style

This is How I Do It:  Easiest Way to Trim and Groom Eyebrows

AMW Reviews: Benefit Brows A-Go-Go (Tutorial on how I use the set here)

First and foremost, it is very important to groom your brows!  You can either do that yourself, or in my case, I always advise readers to trust the professionals!  You can groom them on your own later on!

Step 1:
Starting with clean brows, pick the eyebrow pencil that matches your skin, face and hair.  Keep in mind not to pick any eyebrow pencil with strong red undertone as it gives an illusion of super fake brows.  

In this tutorial, I picked a Blonde Colored Brow and Eye Pencil from BYS Cosmetics (reviews will follow soon) as my brows are way too dark and my hair (though haven't colored for MONTHS) still have the medium brown shade that was left from my pre-pregnancy hair coloring.

Readers' Corner: "I Want to Start Wearing Red!"

Happy Monday and finally, it is year of the Water Snake!  How did you celebrate the Chinese New Year?  Me, I just had a simple get-together with both families and I'm happy my brother is back for a week's vacation!

Speaking of Chinese New Years, everyone's been wearing red and for girls, it helps to wear bright red lipsticks too!  The problem is, not everyone is comfortable wearing red lipsticks!  Trust me, I am the perfect person to talk to as I grew up in a very conservative family (especially in makeup).  Wearing anything bright on lips, eyes or cheeks will attract unwanted comments, but come on, what year is it?  Everyone's been very open in expressing themselves and I have definitely gone out of my shell!  I can wear red lipstick anytime I want but of course, I hear you!  There are dear readers out there who are still uncomfortable and have voiced out their concern (through email) on how to start wearing one! 

Lucky you, I've been there, done that!  I'm the right person to ask! *winks*

First, you have to pick the right shade of red that compliments your skin tone!  As for me, I'm in the middle of fair and medium skin so I like to wear deep reds.  My suggestion for a "practice wearing red" lip color is from MAC called Del Rio.

MAC Satin Lipstick in Del Rio has a rich soft satin, semi-matte finish that can be applied with light-hand for a very soft, plumy-reddish brown shade or you can always opt for heavy hand application for a vampy look.

Top: Bare Lips

Bottom: Applied with 1 Layer of MAC Satin Lipstick in Del Rio

Just like most MAC lipsticks, I need to exfoliate and moisturize my lips prior to application as I have extremely dry lips!  To make this look easier to the eyes, I prefer to apply a thin layer of my favorite Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream and blot it with a tissue paper prior to lipstick application.  I prefer the finish of my deep red lipstick to be matte as my lips are full and applying gloss could scream "large lips"!

In this photo: AMW wears MAC Satin Lipstick in Del Rio with powder foundation.  Of course, Del Rio is just one of the many "practice wearing red" lipsticks, there will always be other brands and other shades that you can start with!

What's your "Practice Wearing Red Lipstick" brand and shade?


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Readers' Corner: Nail Art Brushes and Their Uses

Happy Tuesday dear friends!  Today, I will be answering a major question regarding Nail Art Brushes which I haven't gotten the chance to tackle for months due to my pregnancy!  Since I'm back to my usual self and I'm not that sensitive to nail polish scent anymore, I'm all game to share some tips that I learn through years of practice and experimentation!  Keep in mind that this is just my "amateur-ish" advise, feel free to add more tips and tricks on comment below so we'll both learn from this!

Let's start with nail art brushes.  Nail art brushes doesn't have to be expensive or specifically made for nails, I started purchasing single nail art brushes at local bookstores and once I got the hang of it, I've decided to try the nail art brush sets sold online or from professional nail art supplies stores!

For instance, I recently got a 2 sets from Born Pretty Store.

15pc Nail Art Design Brush Set Dotting Dot Pen Drawing $5.96 (approx Php238.00)

and

3pcs Nail Art Brush Angle Liner Drawing Line Pen Paint $2.29 (approx Php91.60)

The Set of 15 Nail Art Brushes comes with 3 drawing tools, 7 painting tools, 2 liners, 1 dotting tool and 2 fan brushes.  The 3 pcs nail art brush liner drawing line pen comes in fine detail, medium liner, and long striper brush.

Adding them all up, I have 18 different nail art brushes that could look overwhelming at first glance.  To make this post easier for all of us, I have grouped these brushes based on their similarities in functions and it is your choice to take a pick on the brushes you need for your nail art designs!

Fine Detail, Medium Liner and Long Striper Brushes

These brushes are similar to the L.A. Art Deco Polish which I love to use for all the lines and stripes that I would like to create on my nails.  

The Fine Detail brush is wonderful to create simple short lines or even French tips!  The Medium Liner on the other hand is great for drawing wisps and some netting designs.  The long striper brush is best used to create thin lines.

Some ways on using the medium and long striper brush, wisps and thick to thin lines.

Vertical and Horizontal lines can easily be created by using the Fine Detail brush.

Dotting Tool

The dotting tools usually come in different sizes too!  As for the set I got from Born Pretty Shop, the tip is very fine perfect to create tiny dots and can also be used to pull dots creating flower petals.

Dots created by using fine dotting tool.

Tiny flowers can also be created by drawing 6 dots!

Various Drawing Brushes

These brushes can be used to create simple to more created designs!

The most tiny detail brush from the set is my favorite brush to draw faces, write alphabets or numbers!  If you have stable hands, this particular brush can also be used to create dots!

I also like to draw some animal prints with the same brush!

Shading Brushes

These shading brushes also comes in various sizes and can be used depending on the size of your nails and the size of the art design you plan to create. 

Aside from using these brushes to create one stroke nail art like creating French Manicure, I also like to use these brushes to create flower petals or leaves.  The biggest shading brush is also great to apply background shade using 2 different shades!

Angular Brushes

These brushes are optional but the angled head of these brushes can create intricate detailed designs and the 45 degree cut of the brushes are also perfect to create slant strokes.

Added tip: The longest tip of these angular brushes can also be used to create dots!

Fan Brushes

If used as a makeup brush, I love to use these brushes to remove excess makeup fallouts, contour the cheeks or apply blush for a very natural finish.  

If these brushes are treated as a nail art brush, these fan brushes can create abstract nail art designs using 1 or multiple shades. Aside from creating abstract designs, these fan brushes are also used to apply glitters on nails!  How?  By applying your choice of glitter powders on top of a wet polish!  The outcome, I promise you, is worth the mess!

Fanning the tip of the fan brush onto the nails for random designs.  You can feel free to swirl the brush tips for more creative outcome!

Have you given your artistic side a shot by trying out nail art designs?
If yes, have you thought of investing nail art brushes?

I have been doing nail art designs for years and haven't really thought of investing nail art brushes until I get into designs I'd like to do but I don't have the right tools for it!  The nail art brush sets I got from Born Pretty Store is actually very affordable and I am very happy with the result of my nail art designs each time I use them!  The quality are even better than those single brushes I bought in random bookstores! 

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(Nail art brushes provided for review.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Readers' Corner: My Pregnancy Skincare

Happy Friday my dear readers!  Today, I will be writing a special post on the most requested "Pregnancy Skincare Routine" that I've been doing since I got pregnant.  The readers who asked are either pregnant while some aren't, they just have strong sensitive to product scent or some have really sensitive skin!  

Please bear in mind that the products listed below are used based on my continuous product testing and I did ask my Doctor regarding some of the products used below!  If you are pregnant and has sensitivity to certain ingredients, it is very important to ask your doctor, they are way more professional than I am!  :)

It is funny how our body works, as soon as I got pregnant, no matter how much I would like to use my regular skincare regimen, my strong sensitivity to product scents puts me off and it was automatic for me to use the least products possible!  I call my Pregnancy Skincare Regimen the "Evolution of Man" stage!  I started from the super basic "water only" cleansing routine then slowly improving as my morning sickness subsides!  

First 2 Months ---

I cannot stay inside a washroom without the urge to throw up so I always try to be as quick as possible when I brush my teeth and wash my face.  My skin survived 2 full months of just plain water and scrubbing my face using my Konjac Sponge! (Please read past review HERE.)  It was a big surprise for me that I did not have breakout at all!  My skin looks okay, not at its best but I can face anyone with bare face at this stage!  

Readers' Corner: My Must-Try Liquid Eyeliners

Great Wednesday AMW friends!

One of the most asked question on my "Ask Me" page is the topic of liquid liner!  A lot of you love the effect of liquid liner but felt the need to know which liquid liner is good plus works on our humid weather!

In today's readers' corner, I have picked my top 4 liners that I use (to date).  I alternate these liners depending on my mood and so far, these liners have done a great job and because of that, they deserve a huge applause because I finished them all up! 

Left to right: (please click product name for past reviews)

• Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner - I highly recommend this eyeliner to first time liquid-liner users.  Why?  Because of its stiff brush that makes it easier to control.  The effect will always be thicker than soft bristled eyeliner brush and light hand application will always be highly recommended!
• K-Palette 24H Real Lasting Eyeliner Waterproof - A great liner for someone who can't seem to control the amount of product you want to dispense.  The K-Palette 24H Real Lasting Eyeliner Waterproof dispenses perfect amount of liner every time.  The brush is perfectly shaped making it easy to create the liner shape you want whether thick or thin.
• Maybelline HyperSharp Liner - Another wonderful liquid liner that dispenses product by itself.  The brush is very thin and precise so I prefer to pick this up if I want a very thin liner that goes very close to my lash line.  Also tested its waterproof, smudge-proof ability and it passed!  Great job for a drugstore brand!
• Majolica Majorca Perfect Automatic Liner - This was actually one of the first "click type" liquid liner that I got and it takes some practice to finally get the hang of it!  What I love about this brand is the availability of different shades and it has a black colored base making the colors look not-black yet black (confusing) at the same time!  This product is also tested to stay on your lids the whole day unless you rub your eyes.  It may disappear but never smudge!

So far, that's my simplest list as of the moment as I base it on products that I personally use!  These liners are also recommended even as professional makeup artist but I prefer to use liquid liners for myself for hygiene reasons.

Can you add more of the "Must-Try Liquid Eyeliners" list?
Tell us the brand (and price if possible) and your experience using it!

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Readers' Corner: Makeup For Mature Skin

I have been asked multiple times by older readers or makeup artist readers regarding makeup for mature skin!  Before I talk any further, I am in no way implying I've perfected makeup for mature skin but I have a good number of experiences applying makeup on them so today, I'm sharing some of the tips and tricks I learned through the years.  (And I'm still learning by the way..)

makeup by: Nikki

hair by: Kim

Skin Prep

As a makeup artist, if your client is young, you can get away by skipping moisturizers or primer application.  For mature skin, this is the most crucial stage. Check the condition of your skin or your clients' skin, do they suffer from freckles, wrinkles or extreme dryness?   

From there, you can pinpoint the right product to use!  For extreme dryness, a thin layer of moisturizer can be used to apply all over the skin.  For wrinkles, I prefer to use wrinkle-filling cream and gently dab the wrinkled area for a plump look.  How about freckles and other skin discolorations?  Pull out your corrector palette, this is the time to practice the right way of correcting.

Foundation/Makeup Base

One of the most difficult parts in makeup application for mature skin is choosing the right foundation.  I have used different types of foundations --- liquids, creams, gels, powders.  They all ended up looking dry and cake-y.  Then it hit me, do mature skinned clients want the thick foundation base?  The answer was plain and simple and I hear them all the time: "Please, I prefer light makeup!"

A light bulb moment hit me, you can use any moisturizing foundation on a mature skin as long as you get to apply it only on areas that needed the coverage!

Undereye circles, discoloration around the cheeks, etc... I try to steer away from concealers and use foundation thickly if needed for coverage!  For the rest of the skin that's clear and young-looking?  Let it breathe, set the face with a nice age-defying powder foundation. 

Eye Makeup

Mature client can get away without eye makeup!  All you need to do is to groom their brows and make sure to draw them not too thin or too thick.  The brows must complement the shape of the eyes and face. 

If you must apply eyeshadow, try to limit eyeshadow application to maximum of 2 MATTE shades.  Earth tones are the bests and steer away from glittery shadows as they could enhance droopy looking eyes.

Dark brown pencil liners are my favorite to use, gel liners or liquid liners may come off too strong!  Load their lashes with loads of mascara for definition.

Keep in mind that we would like to make their eyes the center of attention by enhancing them.

Blush

For teenagers to young adult, we can get away by applying blush on the apples of the cheeks but for mature clients, the rule is a bit different.  The best way to apply blush is to use a large fluffy brush and sweep the color over the highest point of the cheekbones to create an illusion of "lifted face".

Rosy pink or peachy shades minus the glitters are best used!

Lipstick

Just like us, clients who are aged 50 and above have their own lipstick shade preference.  Some are comfortable with natural lip color while others are more comfortable wearing bright red!  (Yes, I have an 80 year old client who loves her MAC Russian Red!)  Choosing a lip color isn't a problem but applying lipstick can be crucial in making a mature client look "feeling hippy" or "oldie but goodie"!

Use a lip brush for more defined lips and create fuller lips if needed especially for clients with very thin-looking lips.

Some more tips

• Contouring is very important, master the right angles where shading is needed.  The right way of contouring will create an uplifted look without the surgery!
• Highlight the center of the face.  When I say highlight, I do not mean using glittery powders, I prefer highlighting using powder foundation 2-3 shades lighter than the skin color applied at the center of the face.  It gives a very natural yet awake look!
• After makeup is done, if skin feels dry or dehydrated, sprits the face with moisturizing water to hydrate the skin and blot off excess with a napkin.  This will also help set the makeup making it stay longer.

To my readers who asked about mature skinned makeup for their moms and grandmothers, I hope this simple article helps!
To the rest of my makeup artist readers, feel free to add more tips for our AMW readers!

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Readers' Corner: Making Nail Polish Last For At Least A Week!

I've had nail polish on toes and fingers for as long as I remember!  I think I started experimenting when I was graduating from high school and since it was okay to wear polish in college, that's when I experimented on different colors!  

And to answer your question, I had trouble applying polish on my right hand as my left hand tends to be wobbly!  I even had to save up on French Tip stickers just because I can't draw a straight line!  If I may repeat myself: "Yes, Practice makes almost perfect." 

When friends see my nails, the first thing they would tell me is how they love to put on polish but it never lasted on them!  The maximum I heard was 3 days and no one believed me when I told them mine can last a week or more!  And mind you, I'm not the li'l princess you think I am, I wash dishes and do household chores! 

So today's feature on Readers' Corner, I'm creating a quick, simple tutorial on how to make your polish last!  Not exactly a week but at least a bit longer!

Here are the 3 basic nail products you need ---

Base Coat, Top Coat and Fast Dry 

If you're on a budget, it's just base coat and top coat!  That's enough!

L-R The Face Shop Top Coat, Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

 and Zoya Anchor Basecoat

Some important things to remember:

• Do not wash your hands 10 minutes before you apply polish.  Why?  The water from your nails will evaporate thus forming bubbles.
• Do not apply hand lotion, facial creams prior to nail polish application, the oils from those products may stick to your nails.
• Do not shake your polish hard, try to roll them between your hands.
• Apply polish in a cool, dry place.  
• Never apply polish in front of a fan.
• Apply with a thin coat first and wait for the first layer to dry before you apply the second coat.
• Once the consistency of your polish is dry and thick, throw them out instead of trying to save them from death!  *laughs*

Step 1:

You can wipe your nails with a clean cloth making sure they're dry and clean.  Apply a coat of your choice of base coat.

Do not forget to "wrap" even the edge of your nails!

This is called the wrapping technique.

Step 2:

Pick a polish of choice.  Once the base coat is dry, apply a thin layer of your preferred polish starting from the center working left and right.

Again, wrapping technique should also be done!

Continue step 2 once the first coat is dry.

Step 3:

Once your preferred polish shade is completely dry, apply a coat of your favorite top coat.  I've been a loyal user of The Face Shop top coat.  So far this works for me! 

Step 4:

Once top coat is dry, this step is optional, I picked my Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat and apply it all over the nails!  After several usage, I agree that it is indeed the best quick drying top coat to date!

 If done all the steps properly and with loads of practice, you may enjoy your lovely polish for a week or even 2!  

 If you managed to try these steps, feel free to comment and let me know how it went! :)

Any other Long lasting nail polish tips?

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