Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation Review

A skin that glows and looks like skin.
A skin that looks like you don't have makeup on.  You want that?
We all do! 

I found it at Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation!

Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation 

Approximately Php3,500.00

Available at Rustan's The Beauty Source 

Dior Forever extends its high perfection, long-wearing foundation formula to offer a 24h* radiant finish, Dior Forever Skin Glow. The complexion appears flawless and even and the pores tightened. This enveloping fluid foundation does not just instantly embellish the skin: it improves its beauty day after day with a formula enriched in meticulously selected skincare ingredients to reveal the skin's full sensuality.
Dior Forever Skin Glow offers a radiant finish. For a velvety matte finish, discover the iconic foundation Dior Forever.

I Wore THE ICONIC DIOR RED!

How many red lipsticks do I own?

I lost count!  But this one definitely needed my full attention (and a full blog post!)  Because this is THE ICONIC Dior Red that dates back 1953!  The red lipstick that said to be the perfect toned red shade that works for all skin tones no matter what age you are!

I haven't gotten the chance to test this out on different individuals because I actually kept this particular lip color in my own dresser!  It does work for me --- that's what matters :P  Just joking, well Matte 999 is neutral-toned, medium red lip color with a semi-matte finish.  I may not have tried this to different individuals but I can tell this would work for a lot of people!

The lipstick bullet is quite simple, a shiny, no-smudge packaging with silver detailing at the center with huge "CD" on top of the cap.  I find it a little bit hard to check out the shade number as it is located at the bottom and is quite small!  

Dior Prestige Light In White Review

I have been a loyal Estee Lauder Group skincare user when it comes to "higher ended" ones.  Not because I'm a brand snob but because I've used quite a number of brands in the past and realized brands like Clinique, Estee Lauder, La Mer really worked for me and they came from the same group of companies.

That said, having this on hand made me want to share this to my dearest mom-in-law who loves skincare products as much as I do!  But because I wanted to do a decent review on this, I actually used this for a good 1 month and can I just be honest?

I don't want to give it back to her (sorry mommy!  I'll just buy you one!  LOL)

I personally loved Christian Dior for their makeup line but never thought of venturing into their skincare products.  After constant research and reading various Blogs, I should've tried their products earlier.

Dior Prestige Light In White 

Available in Rustans Beauty Source

This dermo-serum offers a powerful brightening action while helping boost the skin's strength. Day after day, La Solution Lumière promotes the skin's natural revitalization mechanisms.Tested under dermatological control on Asian skin.

So according to Dior Science, the skin's light capital is closely linked to its level of sensitivity (why, thank you Dior for mentioning that!)  True to what I believe in, the daily environmental aggressors can trigger skin sensitivity making our skin dull, maybe red, dry or oily?  In short, the environment confuses our skin's natural state!

Dior Addict Stellar Shine Launch

Dior Addict Stellar Shine was launched locally at One Canvass Place Makati. 
I was there to witness the "Be Dior. Be Pink" launch.  An invitation to shine your very own way. 

Dior Addict Stellar Shine has extraordinary shine and colour with 8hour wear.  This has formulation like that of a balm comfort because their formula includes beeswax of natural origin and five ultra-sensorial lightweight oils.  Aside from that, Dior Addict Stellar Shine also promises hydration upto 24 hours.  The formula infused with aloe vera combined with oils and waxes provides a fresh sensation in every application.  

AMW Met CBeauty

Who is the girl behind CBeauty?

Cristina Madara!

Cristina Madara, is an image consultant and beauty expert and I am so happy to have finally met her a couple of weeks ago! The first meeting was a smooth one because we immediately bonded over coffee, sweets and what else?  Makeup!

Cristina is an avid educator and creates informative video-blogs through her Youtube Channel.  She also works closely with various brands that's why I can immediately spot the makeup products and brands she love.

AMW Makeover: UFC Girl Arianny Celeste

Good morning and Happy Friday Everyone!

An old client of mine recommended me to a company who needed a makeup artist to do their print ad (thanks Joey!).  Who would've thought the "lucky me" gets to work twice with the country's number 1 Car Accessories Center --- Concorde ?

The first project was an outdoor shoot and I will be sharing my experience once the company have released the photos!  For now, I'm quite excited to see this photo at their Facebook page for the newly opened Concorde Harbor Point in Subic!

The model's name is Arianny Celeste, to those who don't know her (mostly girls hahaha)  Here's a snippet from Wikipedia.

Arianny Celeste (born November 12, 1985) is an American ring girl and model  She is best known for being an Octagon Girl for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Arianny is of Mexican and Filipino decent which spells G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!  She appeared in various international magazines such as Maxim, FHM, Sports Illustrated, Playboy and a whole lot more!

So am I ready to do her makeup?  YOU BET!!! (fan girl mode on)

The shoot was done at The Fashion Academy Manila, prior to the Concorde shoot Arianny was up for FHM Philippines Cover Shoot (you can see her in this month's issue!)

As soon as the FHM shoot was over, I immediately fixed the work station as I'll be doing both her hair and makeup! (Okay, there wasn't any fixing!  Look how messy everything was!!!  *laughs*)

We had a meeting with the Photographer and the client a couple of hours before the shoot and it was decided how the company wanted the "look" of their model.  Everyone (including myself) agreed on a very natural, fresh, young and vibrant look!  

Here's a photo taken several hours after the shoot

  

 Here's another peek on her makeup!  I will do my best to remember the products used!

• OCC Airbrush Foundation
• Shu Uemura Face Powder in Sheer
• Ruby and Millie Complete Eye Kit (I used the brow powder and wax)
• Urban Decay Primer Potion 
• Lancome Color Fan Eye Shadow Palette 
• MAC eyeshadow in  Brown Down
• Kate Gel eyeliner in black
• Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
• Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara
• ES Brand false lashes
• Becca Creme Blush in Amaryllis
• Christian Dior Blush in #839 Vintage Pink
• MAC Shadester - to contour
• Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Pale Pink mixed a bit of MAC's Pink Nouveau

One of the few shots I got from the photographer Mark Lao of  Trio Photography Philippines.   Do book them if you need photographers as they are very professional and good! 

I can't wait to see these posters in person and probably take a photo with it  *lol*!  Let me know if you've visited the store!  

I want to thank the wonderful people behind Concorde Philippines for the trust!  This is indeed a project that I enjoyed doing and doesn't feel like work at all!

Do you know Arianny Celeste prior to my Wikipedia knowledge power?  *laughs*

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Version: Fresh, Natural Look

Yay!  First AMW Version for the year 2011!  It has been taking me time to create tutorials lately because of the same reasons!  So before I go on blabbing, I've created a look perfect for office meetings or just regular day at work!  A fresh and natural look that spells "Prepared, Organized, Ready-to-face-the-day!".

This type of eye makeup I've done does not alter the shape of your eyes, there's no corrective styles done, instead, just played with neutral colors to give a well polished look!

AMW Diagram

Prior to eyeshadow application, I choose to brighten up the undereye area with The Body Shop's Lightening Touch.  You can choose to use your preferred eyeshadow base, in my case, since I don't have oily lids, I chose NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Yoghurt as an eyeshadow base!

Step 1:

In this tutorial, I am using all the colors of L'Oreal OpenEyesPro Palette in Beige Harmony.  Using a fluffy eye crease brush, I applied the lightest shade over the entire eyelid on top of my NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Yoghurt base.

Step 2:

Using a flat shader brush, apply the e/s (as pointed with the brush on photo below) onto the crease with a patting motion to create depth and dimension.

Step 3:

Using the same crease brush or even a smaller version of the brush, apply the pointy tip on the outer-V corner of the eyes!  Blend out harsh lines.

Step 4: (optional)

Since the L'Oreal OpenEyesPro palette is very shimmery and natural in person, I wanted to create more depth on the outer-v, in doing so, I am using MAC Mineral Eyeshadow Odd Bits (from MAC Colour Craft Collection). Adding more as  go on.  

Do not forget to apply the same eyeshadow shade on the lower lashline.

Step 5: 

Using the sponge applicator, I pat a bit of the gold shimmer on the inner 1/4 of the eye for that "wide awake" and "bright" look!

Step 6:

Apply ELF Cream Eyeliner in Black on the upper lash line.  You can choose to wing your eyeliner but I chose to make it  more natural.  

Apply Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in 1L on the waterline.

Curl your lashes and apply coats of your favorite mascara.  I am using my favorite Etude House Proof 10 Henna Fix Mascara in Black.  Fill in your brows with your favorite brow powder or pencil.  I am using Tears Line and Mode Autobrow in 04.

Other products used on the rest of my face

 

For the Face:

Avon Ideal Shade Liquid Foundation in Nude 

with HD Makeup Blender Sponge.

Avon Ideal Shade Loose Powder to set

For the Cheeks:

DiorBlush #839 Vintage Pink - using the brush that comes with the palette

Clinique Up-lighting Liquid Illuminator - applied using fingers on areas I want to highlight (bridge of the nose and cheekbones)

For the Lips:

Daiso PE-3 Lipstick  - though drying, I am seriously in love with this shade! So Unique!

LipIce Color Gloss in Summer Pink

Show your best smile and you're ready to face any day!

Note to self: "I will, try to do more AMW Version!"
Hope this helps!  I am sure there's a whole lot of better versions out there! 
*sigh* Life is fun with so many choices!

Enjoy Thursday!  I can sniff Friday like a dog!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

I Wonder: "What's Your Most Luxurious Blusher To Date?"

I love checking out what's out there, that means, I read beauty blogs across the globe to keep myself updated on what's out there!  Among my blogging friends, I got a handful who loves higher priced blushers!  When I say higher priced, those are the blush brands I don't see myself purchasing because they are beyond my budget!

I can find myself purchasing brands like Nars and MAC!  I have to say, they don't come cheap, but, these are some of the brands you see on most train cases of Makeup Artists.

Christian Dior (CD), I am accustomed to their fragrance line but never see myself going to their makeup counters for some luxury make-up!  It doesn't mean though that I'm not interested!  I tell ya, I am super intrigued on how good they are and why a lot of the beauty bloggers are in love with it!

Thanks to a dear friend of mine who sent this over as a gift last Christmas!  It took me a couple of minutes, just touching it, enjoying its appearance before I even start using it!  I think it took me a day to finally pick up the brush, swipe, and apply it on my cheeks!  

Let me indulge you with photos....

The DiorBlush is housed in a lovely royal blue box and the blush compact itself is housed in a black velvety pouch!  Reminds me of a jewelry box!

Beautiful navy blue packaging, with a Dior hologram imprinted right at the center --- luxurious!

The packaging comes with a plastic protector, a huge mirror and a free Dior mini blush brush!

#839 is Vintage Pink comes in a very soft pink shade and the right side of the blush has the right amount of glow for that perfect glow.

The color will show up on light to medium skin tone, I don't think this will show up much on a darker skin tone, it would be a great "highlighter" for someone from medium-darker skin tone!

At times, I wanted a pop of color on the apples of my cheeks, I would concentrate my brush on the "darker pink" (left on photo) and finish up a bit with the lighter pink (right on photo) for that instant glow minus the oily look!

I am using this free brush because it works fine!

No shedding nor scratchy feel.

Unfortunately, this is a limited edition shade and you can find other shades of DiorBlush available at Strawberrynet.com for a good deal $37.00 (approx Php1,665)!  With the discount, I think it isn't that crazy expensive as I originally expected!

Personally, I don't mind owning one just to give it a test on how luxurious brand like Dior would look and feel when I use it.  It does give me that "uplifting" mood.  But I have to be honest that this is not a requirement, you don't need to own one especially if you're not into expensive stuffs.

Swatch on hand, the shades are really light and very subtle

Here's a photo of myself using the blush....

Just Joking!  *laughs*

This is seriously my photo of a very subtle "blushing"

I Wonder:
"What's Your Most Luxurious Blusher to Date?"

Can I scream..."It's Friday!!!!"
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Dior Kiss-able Lips

I've been a lip gloss person since the lip glosses came out! I've tried tons and tons of glosses but I never finish up one tube. I will definitely post more glosses soon but for now, I am going to show you guys my Dior Kiss gloss in RED CURRANT.

Here's how it looks like. (below) This one is in their limited edition tube 8ml - 7.6g. This was bought at the Duty Free Shop for a pack of 5 different shades for $36.00

Look just how glossy it is and it has tiny sparks of gold specks.

When applied, it doesn't look too reddish as seen in the packaging. It has just the right amount of shimmer and gloss and it's not too sticky. Tastes yummy.

Taken with flash, look how shiny it is. It reflects the light and it doesn't look too made up!

Askmewhats says ---

This is nice, I will definitely finish up this tube (I can feel it). First because it is not too big..hehehe..and second, it tastes wonderful, third, it just felt so right! Felt like lip balm

Tip ---

Just because you're using a gloss, please do not skip your HG lip balm to protect and moisturize your lippies.


Will I purchase this again? ---
Yes, if I manage to finish up the rest and buy a new shade



How about you guys? Any glosses you found that deserves attention?

Your askmewhats,
Nikki

Gee...you smell terrific!

Aaahhh, fragrance, really can make me smile! I am a bit tone deaf, but God blessed me with a strong sense of smell. I can sniff like a dog! I'm a type of person who can relate a certain smell to a certain event. I can still remember my "victoria secret's body spray" as my movie date scent. My Elizabeth Arden's True Love as my Junior Prom moment. The Gianni Versace Red Jeans as my "highschool" life scent. I could go on forever....

For those who are not that familiar with the fragrance world, let me give you a bit of Fragrance 101. (hehee...that's the only level I know haha)

Different types of perfumes are categorized based on the concentration of the perfume oil. (concentration would include the percentage or volume). Types listed below (from strongest down to the lightest) :

• Perfume extract
• Eau de Parfum
• Eau de Toilette
• Eau de Cologne

Always bear in mind when buying fragrance is to note down that the more concentrated a perfume is, the scent will be stronger and will last longer. But the most important thing is, you like the smell (on yourself) and not because it smells good from a fragrance counter, or because a friend smells nice on it. Just listen to yourself, shall I say, listen to your nose when it comes to fragrance shopping. Below are my favorite fragrance , I will list down when I usually use them :) ENJOY the scent searching!


Gucci Envy Me
Eau de Toilette Spray

This is floral fruity fragrance. Smells so good, the first time I came across this fragrance was in Hong Kong. I was at Time Square and I literally STOPPED and was sniffing like a dog on the street. It was super new and expensive at that time, but I didn't care! I bought it on spot.

Good for daily use. Day dates or even going to school or work :)

Lacoste Touch of Pink
Eau de Toilette Spray

Floral and fun!!!! This is very young and vibrant kinda feeling. Very light like summer all the time

Daily use, for work, school, dates, etc..









Paris Hilton Heiress
Eau de Parfum

This is quite new as this was just introduced by Paris year 2006. The bottle is quite attractive as the whole back of the perfume as a mirror on it . (though I don't it you're gonna carry this on your bag and pull it out everytime you need a mirror)

The smell is sweet, bubblegum-like.

Great for Daily use. My hubby commented me EVERY TIME (no joke) and just can't stop hugging me *aaawww*








Carolina Herrera
Eau de Toilette / Eau de Parfum

For me, this has the most unique and cutest bottle EVAH! This is quite old already and a lot of department stores don't sell it anymore as they have the newer scents like Sexy or Chic etc..

This has a subtle "perfumy" smell. A little drop or spray can be enough to last through the day. I did my own research on this, the product acted like a perfume but they consider this an EDT (Eau de toilette).

Love love love to use this on dates, or a whole day affair where you know you can't reapply your perfume.



J'adore by Christian Dior
Eau de Parfum

A total feminine , sparkly fresh floral smell. Can last all day.

What I love about this perfume is that the scent can last really long and the scent changes with your body. The smell is different from the first time you sprayed it on your body, compared to noon and evenings. I don't know if its just me. But I did noticed the evolution of this smell. So worth it, it's like having at least 2 separate perfume in one bottle :)


What about you guys? What's your fragrance?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!