#howto #fashion

I love buying accessories. But I am one of those people who excrete acidity like an orange so my skin reacts to the accessories turning my skin greenish that looks horrible. I remember back in college, I went out on a date with this hot guy. I was wearing one of those gold chokers. We went dancing and of course, with too much dancing comes great responsibility: sweat, runny eyeliners, and melted foundation. When I went to the bathroom to retouch, I saw that my necklace had fallen off, and I was left with a nasty green choker stain on my neck that I couldn't wash away! It was so embarrassing.

That is one of the reasons why I hardly buy fashion accessories now, but I have finally found a solution: CLEAR NAIL POLISH! I found that it dries shiny and it doesn't affect the surface/texture of the accessory. It just takes some patience to coat the entire bracelet but it's worth it!


(Click READ MORE to know more...)

#eyespymondays #giveaways #productreview

Are you ready to blast off with Maybelline's The Rocket Mascara? I have been waiting for this mascara to become available ever since I heard it was coming to Manila. And luckily, I got invited to the launch so I had first dibs on the newest mascara from the Maybelline mascara line.

Maybelline The Rocket Mascara, PhP 449.00/tube

#makeuptrends #productreviews #howto

Glitters, Metallic Bronze Shadows and Plum lipsticks are all over for fall this 2013. You might be thinking that the plum lippie is "soooo last year", but it looks like it's here to stay for another season!

#trends #howto #productreview

One of the best things about gel eyeliners is that you can use any brush you want with them. Either use the obvious brush -the liner brush, or the angled liner brush (which I personally use), lip brush for thicker application (avant garde), etc. These gel liners truly are versatile.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink, PhP 1,450

#productreview

Let me tell you something -BB creams do not get old. I love how different cosmetic brands continue to improve their formulas! BB creams are on of my favorite products, aside from the great coverage, BB creams have a whole lot of skin care benefits!


Let me introduce you to Colour Collection's latest BB cream formula, The BB Cream Whitening!

#fragrance #perfumes

OMG is probably one of the best local scents I have put my hands on, or rather, put my nose on! When it comes to spraying something on me, I am very picky.

I was in SM MOA last Sunday and of course, one cannot go to SM and not visit the cosmetics department! It was jam-packed because SM was having a sale, but I braved the pushing and shoving, just so I can go around and check out the stuff that is not in SM Makati.

Lookie what I found!

Italia Deluxe 3D Stay On Eyeshadow Palettes, PhP 149.00 each

#productreview

I have been obsessed with having my hair dyed red for a while now, and I was thrilled to have come across L'Oreal's NEW Excellence Fashion Hair Dye Series in different levels of red: Intense Ruby Red, Intense Violet Red, Intense Spicy Red, and Intense Copper Red. This is a first in the Philippine Market. A bright red do-it-yourself, home kit dye. I decided to go with the most subtle red they had just in case this one works really well on my perfectly damaged hair.

L'Oreal Paris Excellence Fashion in Intense Ruby Red, PhP 555.00 (less 10% now at Landmark, PhP 499.50)

#productreview

I have always admired international celebrities who have long, lush, and LUSTful lashes, both upper and lower lashes. It's amazing how much their eyes stand out even with just a little wash of color and what seems like a whole tube of mascara. If you have chinky eyes, there are 2 products that you must have in your stash: A white eyeliner, and a whole lotta mascara.

Another solution if there is a shortage of lower lashes in your face: False lower lashes!

Nichido Cosmetics Tru Lashes for lower lashlines, PhP 130.00

Most women think that brown eyeshadow is only for contouring, only for the creases, and nothing else. The glossies now are filled with colored eyeliners and shadows that poor Mr. Brown is feeling left out. The classic shades of brown's earthy characteristics make it very wearable either for the day or for the evening. Also, for women who prefer to stay away from the spotlight, brown eyeshadow doesn't scream "HEY!". Brown doesn't have to be worn matte and boring.

Allow me to show you this how-to video on how you can wear the classic brown shadow for a night out and sport the Hollywood Glam look!

One of the best things about eyeliners is that you can do so much with your makeup with just a few strokes. You can easily transform any day time look with this single products so it's the one item I am constantly on the look out for in the market. I can't live without eyeliners.

I was only supposed to buy hair ties in SM but of course, I had to spend an extra hour in the cosmetics department looking around, and that's when I saw Peripera's Very Nice Pen Eyeliner.

So you've got the perfect liquid foundation, but which tool do you use to apply it with? For 8 years I was on a quest on the perfect tool for applying foundation and I am here to share them with you which one is fail proof, and has worked perfectly and flawlessly!

#getthelook

When I first saw Preview magazine's cover this month, April 2013, I immediately fell in love with the makeup look, specially that blue eyeliner. I think this look is very wearable whether to work or just window shopping at the mall. It's fresh and chic, definitely adds spunk to complete your overall look!

I absolutely adore how Koreans have those beautiful supple dewy skin. Finally, I found a product that can achieve this look wonderfully.

One of my pet peeves is having lady staches. You know, that thick patch of hair that grows on the sides of our upper lips? Well, there is no easy way to say this, but I will just put it bluntly like ripping off a waxing strip so to speak.

It's unattractive and it's ugly (sorry). Makeup doesn't stick to them so no matter how lovely you apply your makeup, it would still look flaky and dirty. There are a lot of facial products now that get rid of these 'staches so there is no excuse anymore.

#spotlight

FINALLY I get to do this post! I have been wanting to do this product review on K-Palette ever since I got it a few weeks back but I had to let the other giveaways end first before I could post this.

#trends

Blue eyeshadow is being seen anywhere from Mary Katrantzou Spring 2013 runway, to the Grammy's on Nicole Richie. This year's spring summer trend is blue eyeshadow. A powerful and beautiful cool shade can only go two ways, either glam or tacky. So keep in mind these tips on how to sport the look without looking "soooo 80's!"

Clockwise from top: Covergirl Liquilline Blast Eyeliner in Blackfire, NARS blush in Mata Hari, K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner in Black, Benefit BADgal lash mascara in black, Nichido Color Intense Eye Pencil in Vivid Turquoise, MAC paint pot in Pure Creation, Shu Uemura Blossom Dream Palette in Pink, M&Co. Lipstick in Biscuit

#letsnailitsaturday

I was at Landmark shopping for unnecessary beauty stuff with one of my closest friends Carla a few days ago. And as we were about to pay, she asked me about nail foils/nail stickers that you frequently see in department stores and polish brands. I told her that a couple of months ago, I bought myself a box of Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips to try but didn't like it since I didn't do it right (coz it came out all wrinkly). She did however, still bought some (another brand) for herself to try since they were cheap anyway.

I regretted not buying some for myself as soon as I got home because I couldn't stop thinking about them. So, after my meeting in Greenbelt 5 yesterday with a client, I popped by Landmark to buy several designs from several different brands so I can give them another try. And I am so glad I did! (Carla, this is for you! ♥)

To prove that beige isn't boring, and nude not be a drab... Here's how to work the colors to suit summer's trends whether ethereal or uber tanned!

Sexily

1. Glam up by using a light tinted moisturizer such as Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer. Sheer is in so don't pile on the base! If you need concealing, just spot conceal using a concealer brush. For Lani's under eye area, I used Smashbox's Photo Op Eye Brightener. When applying concealer on your under eye, use your ring finger. This finger applies the least pressure. Don't pull and tug the skin in this area because it has the thinnest skin! So pat your ring finger and blend from the outer corner to the inner corner of your eyes! Don't forget the area between the bridge of your nose and your tear ducts.

2. Dust your face with a powder with an illuminizing finish such as Lancome's Maqui Loose Powder in #01. To keep your makeup sheer and sheen, use a powder brush. Powder brushes come in different shapes and sizes. I myself prefer the big fully flat ones to it's easier to apply under the eyes. For a more matte and fuller coverage, use a cosmetic sponge. PAT don't SWEEP, otherwise, most of your base will come right off.

3. Contour and dust your face with a light bronzer with a big powder brush. Try Body Shop's Bronzer Brush-On Beads. To locate the placement of your bronzer, smile and put your index finger on the apples of your cheeks. Then extend you thumb to your temples in line with the tip of your ear. Where your finger rests, that is your cheekbone. Apply bronzer directly on this line in light strokes. Remember to tap off excess products first before application. You can always add some more product as you go along.

4. For the eyes, I used MAC's frost eyeshadow in Patina. A taupe brown shadow with golden pearl finish. Apply from your lashlines (starting at the outer corners, remember that where you first rest your brush will have the most product) up to just above your crease and blend the edges (brow bones) with a light beige shimmer shadow. Use a blending brush like MAC's Tapered Blending Brush #222. Don't forget to apply the dark shadow on your lower lash lines as well, and blend!

5. Skip the liner. Use a light mascara formula as to not off-set your "naked" beige/bronze look. Curl you lashes and apply 2 coats of mascara. If you are going for a night out, you can then use an eyeliner. I do however suggest using a khol pencil so that you can soften it by blending it.

6. Finish by applying lots of gloss. I am totally in love with Christian Dior's Diorific Lip Gloss in Pure Beige No. 197 -this is what I used on Lani. If you want something darker, go with the Beige Insouciant No. 317. If you are not used to wearing gloss, try also Laura Mercier's Lip Stain in Mocha. A products that provides a stain with the comfort and sheen of a lipgloss. This is long lasting too, but has a balm-y satin finish.

For a nice stain effect, use your ring finger and pat on your lips. Sometimes when you use the makeup wand the product comes with, you end up using way to much of the makeup and end up wiping the excess anyway. So dab a few drops of gloss on your ring finger and pat on your lips.



PHOTO CREDITS
Model Photographed by Kate Hassaram
Hair and Makeup by Sabs Hernandez
Model: Lani Pillinger
Product shots courtesy of Google Images

We’ve all seen photos of women with gorgeously smoky eyes, or perhaps a model with eyeliner so dark and deep, she looks perfect and unreal. Unfortunately finished photographs usually involve a little airbrushing and PhotoShop enhancements we can’t have for every snapshot of ourselves.

However with a little practice and the right tools, you can successfully achieve the alluring draw of dramatic eyes. Many women desire the look of dramatic eye makeup, but do not have the skills or the expertise to wear it well. With the tips below you can begin to explore this world of cosmetic intrigue, and hopefully obtain a look you will love.

Don't limit yourself with blacks, greys, and silvers. You can pull off the dramatic eye look with practically any color.

THE TOOLS

If you are going to try out a makeup look darker than you normally wear, there are a few products you will want to make sure you have:

• An eye pencil a shade darker than normal
• Black or dark purple/blue mascara
• Black liquid eye liner
• Eye makeup brushes in a variety of size
• Both light and dark colored eye shadow

After you have all of these supplies,you can begin to experiment and play around with different dramatic eye makeup looks.

GETTING THE LOOK

1. Start your look by coloring your eyebrows about a shade lighter than your natural hair color. If your eyebrows are exceptionally light, then you can take the time to practice adding a shade darker of eyebrow pencil, gel or powder to them perfectly and choosing eye shadow colors that compliment them. Eyebrow shape can make or break your beauty, so make sure your eyebrows are symmetrical and shaped with a natural-looking arch. WHAT I USE: Sally Hansen's Facial Hair Bleech. It's very easy to use and doesn't sting! Need to add color to your brows? I use Makeup Forever's Eyebrow Corrector Gel in #0 or #2.

2. Next, apply a light shade of eye shadow starting at your eyelash line and going up to the base of your eyebrow. Your color choice depends upon your complexion and eye color, however, a subtle gold/brown usually works well.

WHAT I USED ON MARGS: DIOR 5 Colour Eye Shadow Palette in Stylish Move.

3. Following application of this light color, use a darker shade in a thin line and place it in the crease of your eye lid. This will help to “open up” your lids and make them look large, expressive, and dramatic. You can also use a medium shade on top of this dark color if you want to blend and add variety. Blend this mid-toned third shadow into your brow bone.

4. BLEND.

5. After you have completed your shadow, it’s time to use eye liner. This is unfortunately where many women go wrong. To prevent this from happening, start out small. It is easier to add product than it is to remove it. If you are a newbie, try using a gel eye liner with an eye liner brush. This is easier to control.

Place black eyeliner to your upper lashes first. Using a very thin line, apply from the inner corner outward. When you move on to the bottom lashes, be sure the two lines do not touch, as this will actually shrink your eyes and cause you to look cat-like rather than gorgeously dramatic. Complete your look with a couple of coats of dark mascara, and curl if desired. WHAT I USED: Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner.

Dramatic eye makeup can be emphasized with fun additions like iridescent shadow or a pencil liner containing shimmer. However, usually dramatic eye makeup is commonly known for being black, mauve, browns. Painted, and precise.

WHERE TO WEAR

Dramatic eye makeup can enhance your look for a variety of occasions. Now that you have achieved your dramatic look, where should you wear it? Save it for fun evenings out, perhaps when you next go dancing at your favorite club or have an after-hours work soiree to attend.


PHOTO CREDITS
Model Photographed by Jojo Tatlonghari
Hair and Makeup by Sabs Hernandez
Model: Margs Lopez
Product shots courtesy of Google Images