Most Reached for Makeup Brushes

Although I have an addiction for makeup brushes I don't really use all of them.  Here are some of the ones that I favor the most.

1. Foundation - For liquid foundation I usually use Real Techniques Buffer Brush.  It is synthetic but soft and very easy to clean; For powder foundation I normally use a Kabuki brush
2. Eye shadow - For loose powder shadows aka pigment shadows I use the MAC 242; for the regular powder shadow and it is a light color, I prefer using the MAC 239 but if it is a dark shadow I grab my Sigma 239 because it has a dark brown bristle.  For blending I haven't found any that is as good as the Sigma 224
3. Blush - I use my Bloom Blush Brush.  It is not as expensive and soft as the MAC 116 but I feel that it does its job pretty well
4. Bronzer - Lately I have been grabbing my Real Techniques contour brush but  my favorite to use is my Sigma 150
5. Contour - I alternate between my MAC 109 and the Real Techniques Contour Brush
6. Eye Brows - I use Fanny Serrano Small Angled Brush because the handle is long and it is synthetic
7. 
   

Makeup Review: Foundation/Face Powders

I use Face Powders when my skin is cooperating or when it is too hot to wear a liquid foundation or when I am pressed for time and lastly, when I am being too lazy to even bother.

I have a few and here are my thoughts.

1. MAC Studio Fix Powder - a powder foundation that gives a matte finish; I apply this with a large buffer brush or a kabuki brush for an faux airbrush look


2. Laura Mercier Foundation Powder - this particular pressed powder has a sheer coverage compared to the MAC Studio Fix but also gives a matte finish; staying power is not as long as the previous powder mentioned

Crazy for Taupes: Different Taupe Eye Shadows from different brands

What color is Taupe exactly?  Taupe is described as a moderate to dark brownish grey color or a grayish brown color.  These two descriptions are completely different but still are similar.  The first has a more brown tone to it while the other description has a more gray to it.

Taupe is a very easy to use and versatile, it could be a simple neutral look and it could be a sexy vampy look too.

Here are the different shades of taupes that I have....never knew I had so much of  it :)

This Elizabeth Arden Slate shadow looks almost gray but when applied you can see the brown tint to it.  It is very pigmented and blends easily.

The Satin Taupe is one of MAC's popular eye shadow shade.  It is part of it's permanent collection. It is also very similar to Elizabeth Arden's Slate, just a bit lighter when swatched.

Favorites for the month of June

This month I have been reaching for these products the most.

I have been loving Benefit's One Hot Minute to give me a bronze-y glow on my cheeks.  Whenever I use this I can forgo using a blush

Lately I have been obsessed with magenta/purple blush.  Recently I found this when I went to Rockwell to have lunch with my cousins.  It is MAC's Coygirl Blush

Whenever I would fill in my eye brows I would gravitate towards using the gray more than the dark brown.  Most probably because my hair is a very dark brown, almost black and a brown looks fake (in my opinion).  So I decided to buy MAC's Copperplate eye shadow

Favorite Lipstick Lipgloss Combo for the Month of April

MAC Viva Glam Gaga 2 Lipglass

MAC Jubilee Lipstick

I went to MAC a few weeks ago to get a gift for M; she said she wants a foundation brush so there I went.  While I was there I couldn't help but look around.  My first stop was the lipstick counter.  I asked the MAC artist for nude lippies but the ones I wanted were not available.  Then I noticed what the artist was wearing and voila!.....

Jubilee and Viva Glam Gaga 2!

Makeup Review: MAC Paint Pot

I have first written about this last July 2010 but it's always out of stock here in Manila ( did they ever have it in stock I wonder) :) ...  Thanks to my friend M,  I finally got my hands on 1 when she decided to go back to Hong Kong for a spell.  MAC Paint Pot is a cream-based eye color which goes on smoothly. I wanted to try this out because I heard and read that it is used as a shadow primer and to even out the skin tone.  This is my review of it.

The paint pots come in a small glass jar; the same as MAC's Fluidline and the pot contains 5g of product.  MAC has 9 shades to choose from and  I picked Soft Ochre because I felt it is the best that matched my skin tone.  Soft Ochre is a beige color but with yellow undertone unlike the Painterly which has a pink undertone.

Makeup review: MAC Prep + Prime BB Cream

Just got my hands on MAC's version of the famous BB cream. Compared to the Korean made BB creams, which are lighter in shade and thicker, Mac's is very sheer with a light pink shade. I normally use a brush when applying these BB creams but with this one, fingertips will do. But if you want to blend it well, then by all means use a foundation brush. It's almost non-existent on the skin so what I do is top it with my Giorgio Armani Second Skin Makeup  for a bit more color and smoother finish. All in all, I like this one. I'm not so much a MAC fan but this has earned a spot on my growing collection of BB creams.

My friend, Jasy got this at the HK airport. It's only available there (go figure).

Makeup Review: Pencil Eyeliner

PENCIL EYE LINERS

1.  MAC 

• On the upper eye lid, it was able to hold its own even without an eyeshadow primer; but on the lower lid,  it's another story
• Used on my inner upper waterline, needless to say I had raccoon eyes after a couple of hours  

     2.  Benefit Bad Gal Liner Waterproof 

• this is very creamy so it's very easy to apply and is double ended but I never used the smudger because I find that it always hurts when I do
• actually stayed on my waterline for a few hours (in an air-conditioned room)

     3.  Styli-style Liquid Eyeliner

• I have the short and pointy tip and I find that this is difficult to use when you want to create a very fine line
• They have different tips you can choose from (just like a pentel pen)
• I have the Blackest Black but I find that it's not a solid black until you apply a second layer

     4. Elizabeth Arden Eye Pencil

• This pencil came in a set, and it is the regular eye pencil
• If you want an eyeliner that smudges, this is the liner you're looking for
• Very creamy

Makeup Review: Mac Eye Shadow

On my recent trip to Hong Kong, eyeshadows were never on my list until I saw these shades called Ricepaper and Naked Lunch. I decided to go all out and purchased both. They are lightly pigmented and can be used as highlighters. Ricepaper is more on the light gold and Naked Lunch is on the pinkish hue. Don't you just love their names?? Combined with your favorite eyeliner, they're perfect eye brighteners.

February 2011 Favorites

FACE: I have been using Maybelline Clear Smooth Aqua Foundation; easy to apply and easy to blend. I just use my fingers especially when time is of the essence.

EYES: Makeup Forever Aqua Cream in Shade 15; no blending required and no worries about creasing
Maybelline Gel Liner; very creamy and waterproof
Makeup Forever Smokey Lash; thickens and lengthens my lash plus it's waterproof too

LIPS: Revlon Lustrous Lipstick in Rose Nude and MAC's Lipglass in Lust; so neutral and easy to wear; goes with any eye makeup and outfit

CHEEKS: Loving MAC's Melba

Makeup Review: MAC Lip Glass

I have always stayed away from most of  the lip glosses available because I am not fond of sticky lip products.  But while I was in Hong Kong with Dr. Evil I saw some MAC products that are not available here in Manila.  And one of the items that I got from MAC is the Lust Lip Glass.

At first I thought that it was too sticky ( I swatched on the back of my hand) but I really liked the color (nude-ish pink) so I figured, yeah, worth a shot since I've never owned a MAC lip glass.

To my surprise, it was not sticky once applied on top of a lipstick!! Only bad thing about this is, it will be added to my "to buy list" :)

Top 5 Makeup Brushes

Among the different types of brushes available, these are my favorite...

1. MAC/Sigma 217.  This brush is very versatile, it can be used to apply the eyeshadow crease color or to blend or to apply an all over lid color.

2. MAC/Sigma 224.  Great for applying concealer under the eye area or on blemishes on the face.

3. Sonia Kashuk Flat Top Buffer/Hakuhodo G527.  Great for applying liquid foundation and pressed powder.

4. Bloom Blush Brush. It is very lightweight and has a flat rounded shape which fit my face perfectly for applying blush

5. MAC 168.  I use it for applying loose powder or for contouring.  Because of its tapered shape it reaches the inner eye corners without any problems. Makes applying contour shades below your cheek bones easier because it has a pointy tip

See you next time!

Makeup Review: MAC Melba Blush

This is my very first MAC blush and I made sure I researched before heading out to the MAC counter.  I was in the market for either a light dusty peach or a dusty/nude pink.  I had a  few in mind but unfortunately what you see on their website is not always available here in the Philippines.

It is very pigmented and blends easily.  Would look great when you just want a bit of color on your cheeks to go with your  nude smokey eye makeup.

After a whole day of errands at the end of the day I could still see a hint of the blush! :) nice!

What are your favorite MAC blushes?

Makeup Review: MAC's Ruby Woo Lipstick

I have been searching for a nice red lipstick and this is 1 of my favorites.  It has a blue-ish red tint to it that makes my teeth look whiter...nice!  It has a matte finish and it is very long lasting.  I had dinner and a mug of tea and I still had lipstick after, didn't even need to reapply ( I was just at home by the way) :)

You can always top if off with a red gloss, which I did.  I used the Rimmel Long Lasting and I think it helped the lipstick to stay on longer.

I can now scratch this off my wish list :)....thanks Hikaru!

Makeup Review: Makeup Brushes ... MAC

This post is about the different kinds of makeup brushes that I've tried.  For now I have invested in a few MAC brushes, a beginners set from Essence of Beauty and a set from Sigma Brushes.  Sigma is a U.S. brand which patterned its brushes from MAC so they have the same numbers.

From MAC I have the following: please noted that I have discussed some of these brushes in an older post (Basic Makeup Brush)
1. 217 - my favorite eye brush; I use it to apply my crease color and for blending
2. 242 - I use it to apply the lid color and sometimes eyeliner shadow;
3.219 - a pencil brush that I use to apply the crease shadow with (rarely); sometimes I use it to soften my eyeliner
4.224 - I use it for blending and for applying concealer under my eyes

MakeUp Brand Series: Part II

BOBBI BROWN

Skincare wise, hers does not take center stage but one product that stands out is her Face Base. This was reviewed last month I think by L and I agree about its "magical" effects. BB is know for the "No MakeUp" makeup look. Her line best describes that look. From Foundation/Tinted Moisturizers to Brick Blush Palettes down to the lipsticks, it's all about neutrals.

MAC

Mac is known for their vast selection of color. They cater mostly to the younger generation who have that edge to try and experiment on these colors. Makeup artists are also known to patronize the makeup line because they always opt for the studio look. It takes artistry and precision to use them especially the ones with glitter. One thing that has made Mac a success is the versatility of their makeup (includes tools of course) and how one can transform their look from drab to fab.

That's it for now. Gotta go to work ladies. :)

September Favorites 2010

Here is a list of the makeup products I have been reaching for the most for the month of September (although we're only half way thru).

Blush: Nars Gilda.  You only need to dab your brush lightly on the blush to get an ample amount.  Be sure to control it or else you might end up looking like a clown.  Shade is on the dark peachy side

Bronzer: Laura Mercier Illuminating Bronzer.  Goes perfectly well with the Gilda Blush.  Always a staple in my everyday look.  I don't know what I'll do when I hit pan on it :(

Lipstick: I have been using the Jemma Kidd and the Giorgio Armani

Eyeshadow: MAC All that Glitters.  I have been searching for this shade here but unfortunately wasn't lucky enough to find one.  I got it at the Hong Kong Airport on my way back.  So be sure to check in early so you'll have time to go around the duty free shops in airports.

Brush: MAC 138.  Very soft and is pointed at the tip so no problems reaching the inner corners of the eyes.  Great for contouring the cheeks

Lip Balm: EOS Smooth Sphere. Not greasy and very flavorful.  Just a bit on the bulky side but still very cute/unique

Face: MAC Fix+. Used quite a bit while at the beach to freshen up my face when it got too hot.  I also sprayed on my hair when it got too dry

Makeup Review: Eye Shadows

Marina and African Violet

Of all the makeup products available I can say that the eye shadow is my favorite, although foundations and lipsticks are a close second ( yup, they're both number 2 in my book).  So every once in a while I try to buy a shade or 2 to appease my craving.  Here are some of the items I got the last few months:

1. Laura Mercier. Marina and African Violet.  Although I rarely wear the Marina(blue) it still gives me joy whenever I look at it :)..very silky and highly pigmented; blends easily; Laura Mercier have very wearable shades for an everyday look

2. MAC. All that Glitters. I love this color, it is pinkish champagne-y color and great for a neutral look.  So far I have been able to use it only once but I can already say that I will be wearing this quite often.  It's smooth, has a bit of shimmer and you can easily blend the color onto your eyelid.  MAC has so many shades to choose from that you are bound to see something you like.

Makeup Review: Concealers

Part of my makeup routine is covering my blemishes and under eye circles with a concealer.  I have tried a few and here are my thoughts.

1. MAC Studio Finish - has a wide range of shades for different skin tones; very creamy therefore on the heavy side; if not applied properly can look cakey

2. Laura Mercier Undercover Pot - has 3 shades to choose from; 1 pot has 2 shades/kinds of formula- one for discoloration/blemish (yellow tone) and another for undereye circles (peach tone); comes with a loose powder; easy to use; not as heavy as other formulas

3. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat in #2 shade - very brightening; not cakey; comes in 3 shades

4. L'oreal concealer Pen in shade 2 - peachy tone; easy to apply; very affordable

What are your favorite concealers?  Still keeping an eye out for that 'holy grail' concealer.

Thanks for stopping by and see you next time!