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?"

AMW Version: Happy Heart's Month Look

Happy Wednesday AMW Friends!
Today, as promised, I will be sharing an "AMW Version" post a.k.a. step-by-step makeup tutorial as inspired by the "Heart's Month".  I've created day time and night time Valentine's day look on my last post using L'Oreal Color Riche lipsticks and the night time looks won with a landslide!  I guess you guys are tired seeing me in neutral looks huh? Well, all your wishes are my command!  Thanks for emailing me your requests and I'll try my best to do more looks and more tutorials! 

Here's how it looks like when I'm doing the "dramatic" look *lol*

Are you ready for picture-laden tutorial?

Ben Nye Media Pro HD NK-1 Conceal-All-Wheel Review

I realized I haven't posted about concealers for quite sometime!  Not that my skin is perfect, but I have notion of "less is more" as always!  Since most liquid/cream foundations have good amount of coverage, I usually double up my foundation as a concealer!  That's the reason why I don't speak much about these.

But that doesn't mean I don't use them or need them!  As a professional makeup artist, a good concealer should always be available in your kit!  You may never know what your clients may request.  I have one client with a huge birth mark on his face who requested me to cover them for his hosting job.  Another client with freckles requested me to cover them (though I personally prefer them peeking out a bit)...customers are always right and we have to satisfy their requests and needs!  

I have been a long time user of the Make Up For Ever Camouflage Cream palette and like some of you, I panicked when the store closed for a while so I immediately searched for something as good or even better!  Aside from my favorite HD brand Graftobian, Ben Nye comes to mind as these are high quality products meant for professionals that doesn't break the bank!   

My first Ben Nye Media Pro HD NK-1 Conceal-All Wheel

The Conceal-All-Wheel comes with 4 concealing shades!  I personally think this wheel is a nifty product that can correct, conceal and highlight!

AMW Reviews: Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Core Collection

If you are into makeup and makeup tools alike, you probably know the brand of these brushes at a glance!

I for one is not a stamp collector or whatever collector as a hobby but I'm starting to call myself a makeup and nail art brushes collector!  I know I have enough brushes at the moment for both personal and professional use but to be honest, I am not stopping there!  Owning good, quality makeup brushes is an investment and I can still remember the past years when I would save up for a single pricey brush just because I knew good brushes will take me a long way in my career as a makeup artist!  Thankfully, nowadays, more and more quality brushes are made available at an affordable price!  So lucky YOU who are starting to collect brushes or who are starting your career as a makeup artist, there will always be inexpensive alternative out there!