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: Back to Earth

Happy Tuesday everyone!  It was a rainy and gloomy weekend on our side but nothing stops me from going out to celebrate Father's Day and at the same time, it was perfect timing for me to watch re-runs of Boys Over Flowers until 2:00am!  I love weekends!  

Yes, I know!  It's Tuesday and I'm still talking about the weekend!  Can't help it!

I will be sharing another AMW Version, a smokey eye makeup with a nude lipstick!  For me, smokey eye makeup is one of the best way to enhance one's eyes!  It also looks good on most eye shapes and sizes!  People who has monolids will also enjoy this style of eye make-up application.

You can experiment with color combinations, here's what I came up with....

 AMW Diagram

Keep in mind to use an eyelid primer to make your eyeshadow stay in place and prevent further fall outs.

Step 1:

Using a flat shader brush, apply Revlon Luxurious Color in 015 Shimmering Sienna all over the lids going a bit beyond.  Do not worry about the distinct lines created as we will blur it out later on.

Step 2:

Flip over the flat shader brush and apply The Body Shop's Eye Colour in no 43 which looks like moss green with loads of shimmer.  This is a nice "balance" for the smokey eye makeup not to look too dark!  

Step 3:

Use any matte/shimmery black eyeshadow to apply only inside the crease.  I am using Sleek palette Graphite.

 

Step 4:

I lined my upper lashline with KATE Gel Liner in Black.

Step 5:

Instead of lining my waterline with regular pencil liner, I opted to use a pencil brush and apply a dark, shimmery silver eyeshadow on the outer area of the lower lash line.

Step 6:

Brighten the eye area with a shimmery peach shadow using the same Sleek Graphite Palette and apply on the inner thirds of the lower lash line using the same pencil brush.

 

 Fill in your brows and curl your lashes and apply coats of mascara.

I used Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, Bobbi Brown  mascara 

and Etude House Drawing Eye Brow Pencil

 Here's my version of Back to Earth colors!

I used Brown which represents soil

Green to represent plants

Black, just to enhance the "smokey effect"

 Check out what I used for the rest of my face

For the Face:

Skin Food White Grape Fresh Foundation No. 23

Pat with Majolica Majorca Skin Remaker Pore Cover in BO10

For the Cheeks:

Colour Collection Blush-on Duo in Desert Rose

For the Lips:
Awake Lipstick in Apricot Cream

The gorgeous AWAKE lipstick was a gift to me by the wonderful girl behind the beauty blog The Shades of U  Aileen, Aileen came to the Philippines for a vacation and it was great to finally meet her!  Here's a mandatory group photo which I grabbed from Sophie of Beautynomics.

Here's a lip swatch to show you how gorgeous the shade Apricot Cream is

 

 

And here's my final look of Back to Earth

Have a wonderful day!
What's your favorite eyeshadow combination at the moment?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: SkinFood Dark Circle Salmon Concealer

Have you perfected your own makeup routine?  Is there a "safe" look because youl know it'll never fail to make you gorgeous?

I know I do, but there's something lacking with my overall look!  I tried to deny it but I have to face the truth that the dark undereye circles hindered me from looking "awake" and...well... a bit...prettier! *blushes*

Experiment after experiment, research after research, I've learned that mild darkness can be covered with regular foundation, and during those days that you're not into wearing foundation, a concealer one to two shades lighter than your skin is enough to cover the unsightly!

But what if your dark undereye circles are just too evident?  That's where salmon hued concealers come to the rescue.  Why salmon hue you ask?  The salmon hue of a concealer can blend right away into the purplish tone of the undereye circles which can cover the darkenss and brighten up the entire eye area and even the face!

The first salmon hue concealer I've heard is the one from Eve Pearl, I tried purchasing online but shipping is just too expensive.  That's why when The Skin Food, came out with a salmon concealer, the rest of the nation, including me went ga-ga and I told myself I have to give this a try!  Is it worth the purchase?  Read on....

SkinFood Dark Circle Salmon Concealer says ---

Contains triglyceride which is similar to skin constituent, so it can be applied on the weak skin around the eyes.
Concentrated and creamy, it effectively covers dark eye circles and wrinkles.  Can be easily applied without irritation.

Available in 2 shades: 

01 (light beige)
02 (natural beige) - this is what I purchased

AMW says ---

Pros

• perfect to conceal undereye circles because of it's "orangey" shade which counteracts the dark undereye
• very creamy and easy to blend with both fingers and concealer brush
• do not set in fine lines or wrinkles
• moisturizing but not oily
• lasts whole day if set with powder
• one pot lasts a long time
• very pigmented, a little goes a long way
• no weird scent
• no allergies
• cute pot!

Cons

• only available in 2 shades, they could go for more! :)
• I find its a bit difficult to get the product with your fingers especially if you have long nails like myself (please read tip below)

Overall

If you have dark undereye circles, this is a good product to invest and practice on this to perfect the best concealing technique.  If you get the hang of this, you'll love this!

Tips

• apply this with your fingers or your concealer brush gently after foundation application
• set with your preferred powder 
• to prevent bacteria from the pot, use a concealer brush to grab the product and apply on your undereye circles instead of dipping your fingers
• use patting motion, never rub your eyes
• apply more as you go, do not apply too much at one time
• even though this is moisturizing enough for your eye area, please do not skip your eye cream!

Will I repurchase?

This isn't a bad product, I don't mind repurchasing but I have to finish this first!

Where to purchase and how much?

You can purchase this at SkinFood stores for Php950.00 (approx $20.65) or you can pre-order in various multiply stores for lesser the amount but you have to wait!

SkinFood Dark Circle Salmon Concealer #2 on pot

Left: no Flash, Right: with Flash

Swatch on hand, left applied once, right blended while

Note: not too orange as compare to pot

Here's how I applied my SF Dark Circle Salmon Concealer

1. Using a concealer brush to transfer concealer to my undereye area, I use my clean fingers to gently pat the concealer on areas needed to be concealed, adding as needed.
2. Stand back and check on areas needed to be concealed, the areas near the lower lashline needed more, so I use a smaller concealer brush to reach the said area.  Be very gentle.
3. Blend well using your fingers, again, use patting motion, never rub! 
4. Set with your preferred powder.  In this photo, I am using Neutrogena's Fine Fairness UV Compact #21 Natural Beige.

Before and After shot to show the effect 

(no Photoshop or any form of alteration, 

lighting could be a bit different due to a bit of camera movement, 

but you get the point) :P

Are you purchasing this or have you purchased this?
How do you like it?  Tell AMW by clicking comment button! :)
An extra tip will be very much appreciated too!

Have a wonderful Monday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: The Skin Food White Grape Fresh Foundation

Happy Monday everyone!!!  Start of the week!  An optimistic outlook is definitely needed to survive the Manic Monday! :) 

I haven't been reviewing foundation recently so let me bring back the mojo!  I want to thank my dear friend Zyra from down south for sending this to me!  At first, I was a bit hesitant on how she knew my shade!  Goodness gracious!  She can be my personal shopper as she got it right on! :)

I will be reviewing a brand that I haven't been giving much attention, The Skin Food.  I didn't even know they came out with White Grape Fresh Foundation!  Do I like it?  Is it worth the try?  Read on.....

Skin Food White Grape Fresh Foundation says ---

This fresh make-up foundation for skincare contains white grape extract rich with various vitamins and polyphenol to make your skin more moisturized and healthier.  It is applied smoothly and adheres well to your skin that you feel comfortable and light with make-up as if it were your own skin.  Moreover, your make-up lasts longer owing to its sebum-control powder.

Available shades:

No. 13 Light
No. 21 Light Beige

No. 23 Natural Beige

Size: 30ml

AMW says ---

Pros

• very light, no heavy feel
• gives out a natural "glow", skin looks healthy
• no allergies or skin reactions
• scent: is ok
• you can apply sheer or build up coverage
• it covers minor imperfections
• non-drying
• it dries up into a powdery finish 
  
• packaging: cute and I love it that it comes with a pump

 

• manufactured date visible

Cons

• scent: could be overwhelming to some
• if you have really bad skin, a concealer is still needed
• limited shades, both shades work well for lighter skinned individuals.
• super oily skinned individuals: May need primer prior to foundation application
• I can't tell which shade I got as it wasn't written in the packaging
  

Overall

I heart this foundation.  I have been using this consistently for the past 2 weeks and I like the fact that this foundation is non-drying and it lasts the whole day with super minimal retouching.  The scent seriously was a bit overwhelming for me the first time I've used it, but I can easily get used to it right after.

Lightweight, natural glow is definitely 2 key points that made me sold to this foundation!  Definitely a great foundation for daily use.

Tips

• pump 1x or 1.5x for the whole face
• you can use your "clean" fingers to apply, I prefer using my Dual Foundation Brush (either from Dollface or Essence of Beauty)
• oily skinned: needed primer to ensure not oiling up
• finish up with a setting powder 
• if itchiness or signs of redness occur: STOP using the product immediately.
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes!  For personal use and my colleague tested this on herself and she love this so much to want to purchase her own too!

Where to purchase and how much?

At local Skin Food stores for Php1,150 (approx $25.00)

A closer look on the texture

 

Swabbed on hand with and without flash

The shade looks a bit different than my skin

 

But when blended well, it actually blends into my skin

 

Applied on face

No Base

No setting powder

 

Have you tried this?
Share your experience!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Stay positive!