Workshop Alert: “Make Me Up” at the City Club

Make Me Up Workshop poster 1 (1)

MAKE ME UP is a Self-Improvement & Makeup Workshop with a focus on Positive Self-Esteem & Confident Personal Style. It seeks to empower women in achieving their best job- and career-focused goals so that they can get better work, better projects, better income, starting with their level of personal belief.

MAKE ME UP envisions a community of women who wish to succeed and thrive in all areas of their life, starting with their personal appearance as an expression of the confidence within. We see participants of this workshop feeling CONFIDENT in their God-given qualities and EMPOWERED to make practical decisions on personal presentation, so that they can make a positive impact in their spheres of influence.

What to expect

The program on MAKE ME UP will inspire and uplift you as a working woman, and empower you with personal branding strategies that you can apply in your work, passions and personal life. The day is made up of two components: an inspirational talk (so that you can have the proper mindset towards self-development and improving yourself as a person), and a practical makeup workshop, where you will learn how to apply makeup that brings out the best in your God-given assets.

The Speakers for the Day

 

[one-half-first]INSPIRATIONAL TALK : Mafae Belasco
mafae soloMafae’s experience as a professional model, international beauty pageant winner, host, consultant and inspirational speaker has given her a unique platform for self-empowerment. Her inspirational talk is designed to motivate women to look at their personal abilities and stories, so that each participant can define their Personal Brand, and leverage that towards their field, job or business. [/one-half-first]
[one-half]MAKEUP WORKSHOP: Acie Fores
img_9772Acie’s experience as a professional Makeup Artist and as an officer of the United Makeup Artists of the Philippines has allowed her to craft her makeup sessions in practical, applicable lessons for all women. her Personal Makeup Workshop will show women how to apply their inner confidence outwardly, through a simple makeup routine for daily use. She will give a demo-style workshop that participants can follow.[/one-half]

The Brand Partners

We are pleased to be partnering with amazing brands who are making this workshop possible! These brands all understand that beauty and confidence is truly from the inside going out. And this is why all participants will receive a Makeup & Skincare kit, with products valued at P3,500.00 from Glamourbox, Eye of Horus, and Biore.

To Register, please fill up the form on the link below:

REGISTER for Make Me Up Workshop, July 29, at the City Club

 

Our Partner Brands:

NEW-LOGO-SIDE-EMBLEM2 Bioré_logo_wordmark EOH LOGO PRINT

 

 

 

Beauty Editorial for Marche Magazine

After being in the industry for almost 8 years, I’ve found my rhythm, as captured here by Marche Magazine. My style of makeup is on the soft, romantic side. I want to differentiate my artwork, going softer, a more subtle way. I think for us makeup artists it’s “practice, practice, practice.” Always better yourself.

J.Cat Beauty: The newest kid on the makeup block

J.Cat Beauty, a  California based makeup company  found its way to the Asian Pacific shore through its distributor Bwelle Store Enterprise.    It opened its first Philippine store at the Uptown Mall BGC last March 26 with a fun invitation that indicated fun, magical things  will be unfolded that day.

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This Holographic box was part of the invitation that was sent to me.

 

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Love Struck as they say, Sigh….. Goodies that spell fun!

Who is J.Cat Beauty?

Established since 2012, J.Cat beauty has been producing affordable and colorful products to cater to free spirited and creative women who are not afraid to express themselves through makeup.  Target market? Millenials and women who are not afraid to experiment.  YouTubers and Instagram beauty influencers like Desi Perkins, Michelle Phan and Chrispy have been fans of this beauty powerhouse, it has catapulted J.Cat into a maverick sensation.  It’s meant to make you play with color and experiment with different looks that are out of the ordinary.  It gives new meaning to the word Makeup Junkie.  Your imagination is your only limitation.

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Great dupe for OCC Lip tars, it’s very pigmented and this really stays for days

 

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“J.Cat is a favorite among international beauty makers and beauty lovers, and globally its massive online following from IGers and Youtubers are the reasons why the brand was brought to the Philippines”. Erin Pacheco General Manager of J.Cat beauty

J.Cat boasts of its formulation that is long lasting and wont need retouching. Color payoff and pigmentation makes it also appealing to its cult following and the array of rainbow colors will never tire any makeup addict.  Whether you’re taking a selfie or going glam for a special event, J.Cat delivers.

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The color on the tube is exactly as the color swatched on my hand.

J.Cat is also never tested on animals, free of pthalates , sulfates, GMO’s, Triclosan (a preservative) and other toxic chemicals that can harm the skin.  It’s nail polishes are formadelhyde and Toulene free, so it is 100% cruelty free.

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Bronzer that can make you gleam from kingdom come. Notice the cute packaging with the Cat in the middle?

 

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Mineralized and baked eye shadows that are very velvetty to touch.

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Did I mention it is super affordable?  Check out the price points on their eye palettes and lipsticks.  “You don’t have to break the bank to be creative” said Erin Pacheco General Manager of J. Cat Beauty

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You can buy every shade of the rainbow without hurting the wallet.

 

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Do you really need to hesitate? Baked eyeshadows that are fool proof to apply.

 

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I can be addicted to this.

 

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Get your kit fully stocked now!

J.Cat Kitten Ambassadors

Due to these women that embody vivaciousness, creativity, spunk and endless possibilities, these makeup kittens were chosen for the J.Cat spirit.  Did you know that these ladies were also chosen because of their love for cats?

 

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Arci Munoz lead Celebrity endorser was chosen as its brand ambassador whose looks can transform from a sweet girl next door to a sexy rock maiden or a fierce Glamazon by a stroke of a brush and change of palette.

 

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KC Del Rosario with her perfect facial features embody the party scene girl that can transform and morphe into a sultry gazelle to a classic beauty next. Purrrfect!

 

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Model Jessica Yang with a quirky vibe and perfect Oriental features makes her a perfect canvas for the multicolored brand that gives way to experimentation.

 

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Jach Manere, with her dusky beautiful morena color is the perfect ambassador since the bright colors bring out its vibrancy and contrast that can make it pop and come to life.

 

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Jessica, Jach and KC during the launch

 

Erin Pacheco, General Manager of J.Cat Beauty
Erin Pacheco, General Manager of J.Cat Beauty

The Looks that you can create with J.Cat Beauty

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Get Arci’s Rock maiden look with these shimmering dudettes.

 

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Girl Next door that doesn’t scream boring.

 

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Amp up your look as a Glamazon goddess with these dark rich colors

 

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One of their best sellers is their BB Cushion compact foundation. Sorry for the bad photo, there were a lot of ladies dying to road test the products. It was hard to get a clear shot.

 

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The boutique set up makes it super user friendly and accessible for you to try and touch

 

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Fab Five Palettes just begging for you to try out.

 

 

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Liptitude

 

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Brushes that are grid locked. I ve tried them on my face, super soft

 

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HD ready. Cushion compacts are their bestsellers.

 

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How glow can you go? Highlighters and bronzers to sculpt your face.

 

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Blushes and bronzers to warm up your skin and as they say, make you Love struck.

 

I still have to try out the goodies I received and bought during the launch, I’ll write about it in my next blog.  With my limited time at the launch, I was able to get a glimpse of how J.Cat will be around for a long time.  Fun, affordable high quality products are universally appealing and will never go out of style.

 

J.Cat Beauty is available for online orders at jcatbeautyph.co and at the 2/Fl of the Uptown Mall BGC.  

Follow them on FB and IG at JcatBeautyPh

#MakeupKittens #JCatBeautyNowinPH

 

Beauty & Momness: Tips for moms on everyday beauty

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Acie Fores, together with the UMAP team members headed by Charisma Vergara President of UMAP had the privilege to be a keynote makeup artist assistant at the Beauty & Momness event in Evia Center this weekend.  Like all harried mothers with no time to spare for themselves, pampering oneself is key in keeping your sanity intact.  Beauty is not an option but an outlet to express your creativity and spark an inner joy that makes you feel you are right in this world.

In this workshop, UMAP member volunteers taught the ladies how to do their own makeup from skincare, choosing the right products that match their skin type, using the proper tools, applying proper methods and techniques to create a polished looking face ready to face any challenge.

Mom Beauty Tips:

  1.  Skincare is essential in creating a good makeup application.  The 4 key steps of a good skincare routine is cleansing, toning, moisturizing and applying sunscreen.
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Biore products were at the forefront of skincare as they were one of the major sponsors of the event.

 

2.  Choosing the right foundation or Base for your skin depends on the skin tone and type of skin.  Usually when shopping for your base, choose 3 shades of foundation closest to your skin tone and swatch each shade from the jaw line extending to your neck.  When blended, the closes  shade that blends with your neck is the right shade for you.

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LA Girl and Benefit Cosmetics were also on hand to provide the ladies with great looking skin.

 

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This LA Girl BB cream is a great all in one multitasker, it protects, hydrates, and blends easily,

3)  Choose earthy tones for your eye color palette.  For newbies in the makeup sphere, warm browns, plums are your best bets for our brown colored eyes.  They are complementary colors that bring out the eyes.

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A sample of an earth color palette

 

4)  #Kilayislife

When you have groomed brows, half of your work is done.  Groomed brows are easier to fill in whether your preference is a pencil or shadow.  They frame the face and if you’re in hurry, killer brows and a good lipstick color is all you need.

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Start your brows at the end of your nose (1), the arch is above the iris of the eye, and your brow should end diagonally from your nostril to the end of your eye (3).

 

5)  A good lipstick color that also suits your skin tone is all you need to complete basic everyday look.  You can also wear bright colors like red or pink depending on your mood for the day.

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Your lipstick palette may look like this, if you’re the type to experiment and mix shades to create that perfect custom blend color just for you.
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Our major sponsors in full display. Thank you Biore Philippines, LA Girl Cosmetics, Benefit Cosmetics, Inglot Cosmetics, Perfetto Salon and Spa, Jergens, Ellana Cosmetics, Dermagold, NuSkin

 

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Our Model Mom receiving the day look demo with UMAP”S Charisma Vergara, Photos from Michelle Viray

 

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The full Day look. Photo from Michelle Viray

Moms were divided into different skin categories.  All photos below are from Michelle Viray.

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Maryann Obias was assisting moms that were under the Normal Skin category.

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I was assigned to the Combination skin table, here I am assisting her with the concealer application.
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Kathrina Bautista UMAP member as well, assisting her participant with the day look.

 

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Cha flanked by the organizers of the event

 

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Breastfeeding Moms working in the event.

 

Finished Makeup looks under my Combination Table.  Beaming and happy should I say.

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A huge shout out to all our sponsors and organizers who made this event a fun activity for everyone!  Looking forward to the next workshop Moms!

Out with the old: Do a makeup kit detox!

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As a makeup artist, I deal with two things specifically: Makeup and hygiene. To be honest, I’ve seen some pretty iffy practices in my world of makeup artistry that have given me the chills! Since makeup is all about enhancing our facial features and skin, hygiene has to come into play, but it is a very personal matter and often a sensitive subject. But it has to be discussed, because the fact is simple: If it’s not something I’d put on my body, I’m not going to put it on my clients. It should also be the same for you: If the products you’re using aren’t hygienic and clean (and will likely compromise the health of your skin), then don’t use it!

I recommend doing a proper “makeup kit detox” routinely so that you do not compromise your personal hygiene or your looks! Let’s go per product in your makeup kit, to make things easier.

1. Check and toss products past their expiry dates.

Makeup, like any other product made from natural ingredients, has a proper shelf life. If you use products close to or after their expiry date, then you will likely have to deal with microscopic elements that are on these products, which may find their way to your skin. We’re talking mold (yikes), yeast (ew), bacteria and germs that can lead to skin infections and other complications.

As a rule, you should throw out your makeup products as follows:

  • Mascara: Three months maximum for mascara, because its bottle is the perfect host environment for bacteria. Using three-month old mascara increases your chances for eye infections like stys. They also become chalky after three months, making them caky on your lashes.
  • Eyeshadows, liners: Pencil liners can last up to two years, with regular sharpening. Cream shadows should be thrown out after six months, due to water content, which means bacteria and yeast can more easily thrive.
  • Lip makeup: Lip glosses should be thrown out after two years because (1) they lose their quality over time (i.e. fade in color, less adherent), and (2) gloss containers attract bacteria because their are damp.
  • Face powders, cream foundations: Six months for liquids; two years for powders. Over time, liquid products become breeding ground for bacteria. Powders have more longevity, but they will be more prone to crumbling and caking the older they get.
  • Brushes, accessories, sponges: Wash and thoroughly dry your brushes and sponges every week, to avoid the growth of bacteria.

The number one rule to ensure the hygienic quality of your makeup? Maintain good habits. Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before you use a product. This is the case with palettes that you use with your fingers, or tubes of cream foundation. Also, if you have an infection, like sore eyes or cold sores in your mouth: Throw away or stop using certain products. Don’t use the same tube of mascara again after you’ve had a sty. Don’t re-use lip products if you have a cold sore. If you have a zit, don’t use your makeup brush to apply product. Instead use a cotton-tipped swab or disposable sponge to apply makeup from a foundation cake. Avoid going back and forth from the product to the affected area!

Easy holiday makeup ideas to try out

The holidays are upon us like a tidal wave, with one gathering and reunion and dinner after another. With the parties happening left and right, you should at least be equipped with some variations to your makeup look this season. We’ve curated a few ideas that you might like to try, all of which are party-ready and totally fab. Take a look! (Source articles located at the end of this article.)

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Sultry lips. A lovely deep color with an overlay of shiny gloss is glam revamped.

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Natural high. Perfect for that fresh look, whether for a holiday brunch or a fancy dinner.

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Eye-catching liner, is always a head-turner. It takes practice, but isn’t it worth it?

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Shimmery splendid, where pearly cheeks and satiny lips create that put-together look.

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Blush-hued smoky eyes take the classic look to a new, sultry level.

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Classic vamp red, because, well, Santa, candy canes… Christmas!

These are some of our favorite, easy-to-pull-off ideas for your holiday looks. For the full galleries and more ideas, visit the following hubs:

100 Christmas Party Looks by Glamour Magazine UK

Holiday Makeup Ideas by Cosmopolitan

Holiday Party Makeup Ideas from Good Housekeeping

7 Stunning Spring Makeup Trends for 2017

The holidays bring with it new makeup loot, so for sure, we want to be ready with those looks come the New Year. Judging by our findings in the recent New York Fashion Week 2016 (which well all know is the mecca for makeup trends), we saw a few game-changers that are sure to make you want to experiment like there’s no tomorrow. Here are seven of the top picks across the board from our favorite online magazines. (Click on “Source” under each photo to be taken to the original articles.)

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Glossy Lids. (Source)

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Wine-Stained Lids. (Source)

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The Party Vibe. (Source)

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Glitter Lips. (Source)

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Twiggy Lashes. (Source)

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Blush Bombing. (Source) Called “draping,” it is an explosion of blush creeping up to beyond the cheekbones, well into the temples.

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Bare Face, Bold Lips. (Source)

Personal Beauty Makeup Workshop with Memory Crafters and Manila Workshops

I enjoy being in the company of women specially when the topic is about personal beauty or just about anything girly related.  Last Saturday I spent the half of my afternoon with makeup newbies and they wanted a heads up on basic makeup knowhow and I was more than happy to oblige. This is why I together with Memory Crafters and Manila Workshops headed by Rikka Rederico collaborated on a workshop that teaches women how to empower themselves through the magic of makeup.

I’ll be handing over the blog today to Martine De Luna of MakeitBlissful, who agreed to be my model for that afternoon.  She claims to be a makeup virgin and for a hands on mother of two, she wanted to know how she can prepare herself ready to face the world with just a few simple steps in her makeup routine.

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L-R Clockwise, Fast Beauty PH, Marula Oil, Helix D Serum, Beauty Cosmetics, VnM Naturals loose pigment makeup and Biore Philippines

Hi everyone! This is Martine here, I’ll be taking over the blog today, to cover the Makeup Workshop of Acie, as a participant. I was the model for her demo portion, and I have to say I happily wanted to because any opportunity to get a makeover by Acie is totally worth it!

I arrived looking like this:

 

We started by having the participants take out their Biore Cleansing Pads — so handy when you need to clean your face and feel refreshed.  (This can be used in place of our water and soap when it is not available.)  According to Acie, it is “the makeup remover pad in my book.”  I agree! Each tissue is thickly saturated, which assures you that it really will remove every trace of dirt, oil and makeup. I’ve got very sensitive, break-out prone skin, so I need a product like Biore Cleansing Pads.

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After cleansing, we were fortunate to have Fast Beauty Philippines there to teach us how to use serums and natural oils as moisturisers. (Did you know that as Asians, our skin type really isn’t prone to heavy cream-like moisturizers?) The Helix D Eye Serum and the Marula Oil are a serum and oil moisturizer that boost our skin defense against the elements and pollutants that wreak havoc on our skin.

Acie used some of the luxurious Marula Oil on my face, to act as a moisturiser and primer all at once. As usual, I was breaking out and had pigmentations scars, so this product soothed my skin. (I’ve been using it ever since!)

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Acie then applied the Helix D Eye serum to my eye area, dabbing it around the eyeball area and directly on to the eye socket.  (FYI, serums usually take time to take effect since you have to apply it frequently on the area. Around 2-6 weeks usage should produce results.)

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Makeup

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During the makeup portion proper, Acie used a simple repertoire for my face. First, it was important to apply concealer and foundation. Because I’ve got badly scarred skin, this step can’t be missed when I have my makeup done. She also used a combination of highlighters, setting powder and eyeshadows from our sponsor,  V&M Naturals, who are currently developing an all-natural makeup line:

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I love the finished result by Acie! I’m more a “less is more” girl, and she knows this, so her take on my eye makeup was a subtle smoky finish, perfect for a glowing daytime look. Thanks to the Helix D Eye Serum, in particular, and Acie’s layering of foundations, the V&M eyeshadow and highlights stuck to my eyelids for the whole afternoon till the evening! (This is me with my very fussy baby girl!)

Finally, it was the girls’ turn to get their makeup on, after Acie concluded the demo portion. Now normally, Acie’s personal makeup workshop is longer, giving her the opportunity to really do some one-on-one time with each participant. But for this round, the ladies were coached as a group, with Acie providing instruction in rotation.

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At the end, everyone came up with natural-looking, dusky finishes! I’m so impressed! I’ve always been fascinated at how makeup can really transform our looks instantly. Everyone looks glowing and pretty in their photos, don’t you think?

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Thank you, Acie, for sharing your expertise! What I really love about Acie’s workshops are how hands-on she is during each component. Looking forward to more makeup workshops next year! Stay tuned to this blog to receive updates.

Once again, thanks to our sponsors: Biore Philippines (@biorePH), Beauty Cosmetics (@beautycosmetics, for the brushes), V&M Cosmetics (@vandmnaturals, for the mineral makeups), and Fast Beauty Philippines (@fastbeautyPH, for the Helix D Eye Serum and Marula Oil) and Costa Coffee PH for providing us an intimate venue and nourishing us with their snacks.

KODAK SMART LENS Camera

Makeup Brushes 101, Part 2: Eye Brushes

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In this last series of brushes, I give you the lowdown on the eye brushes that you really must have.  When it comes to the eyes, smooth brushes should not move the skin the least.  As we get older, our skin surrounding the eyes tend to droop and you need a good brush that will apply powder or cream based shadows evenly.

One secret in testing a good brush is its effectivity in blending your product with the least amount of strokes.

Eyeshadow brushes

Eye Shadow Blending Brushes

I began with one brush and now I have 4 of these.  This is my most used and loved brush.  I use this for cream based  shadows to create an eye shadow socket and to also blend the harsh lines on the eyelid when you use a dark color on the eye. It’s foolproof and this cleans up and softens the hard edges of your application.

I also use this to blend and buff in the concealer to give it an airbrush effect.  You can also use it apply a wash of color to the entire eye perfect for Asian eye shapes.

The pointed blending brushes are for more defined crease work, apply or blend powder along the lower lash line or wherever you want to apply any product in a precise or small detailed area.

 

Oval or semi rounded Eye brush

These are the brushes you pick up when you want to apply your first wash of color on the entire eye area.  They can also be used to blend.  Another tip is using this upside down when applying a dark color on the upper lash line to give it intensity and that smoky look.  Best for powdered products.

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The left brush is good for smaller lids while the one on the right is good or bigger eyes. Made of goat hair and squirrel hair.

 

Lash line Smudger

Best used for blending and smudging Kohl pencils or gel eyeliners on the upper and lower lash lines.  Best for a smokey look

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The squarish looking one on the left is good for applying a dark color on the lower lash line and use the pointed ones for smudging the line you’ve created.  The brush on the right is good for also smoking out a Kohl liner on the upper and lower lash lines

 

Eyeliner Brushes

These are the only ones you need.  Best used for applying a medium to thick eyeliner a la Audrey Hepburn, while the bent eyeliner brush is for perfecting your cat eye and giving you the flick that everyone is crazy about.  I also use the brush on the left for the brows when I need to create hair like strands on the eyebrows and for point concealing in the areas of the face.

 

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My favourite eyeliner brush is the angled one (middle). I use this when I want to go for a thin line across my upper lash line.

 

Angled Brush

The Angled end is also used for gel eyeliners for a feline flick.  I use this for the eyebrows when I use a cream based eyebrow gel.  The fine angle is already your template for the right flick.  Use this also to perfect your red lipstick by dipping it in foundation and tracing along the outer edges to give it a sharp clean edge.

 

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Brow Brush or Spoolie

Used for combing the eyebrows.  This also blends the shadow on your brows when applied too much.  By brushing and moving the color around, it diffuses the color for a more natural looking brow.

 

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Lip Brush

I know you can use the lipstick bullet directly on your lips but when applying a dark or strong color like red or hot pink, its best to use a lip brush for precision control.  Usually made of synthetic fibers, application will perfect the edges for that sharp edge.

 

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I recently discovered this brush in Shu Uemura in Japan. The sword like shape is perfect for corners of the mouth. Both made of sable hair.

 

Eyelash Curler

You need to curl your lashes with this gadget.  Simply because it is a pushup bra for the lashes.  Need I say more?

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Hello Mr. Shu! Best for curling straight lashes.

 

Now that you have the essential brush collection, store them in a clear container or jars then fill them with your brushes categorised under Face, Eyes and Lips or synthetic and natural hair.  You’ll have everything within reach.

 

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Want to get the full tutorial on how to use these brushes properly? Join my Basic Makeup Workshop this November 19 at Costa Coffee! You can still sign up here: Basic Makeup Workshop, Nov 19, with Memory Crafters at Costa Coffee

Makeup Workshop with Memory Crafters

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Are you a beginner in applying simple make-up? Having problems with basic skincare? Or do you want to learn professional techniques on how to achieve a flawless look?

For those who want to learn how to be confident in putting make-up from day to night, from basics to more, this workshop is DEFINITELY for you. This is event is highly recommended for cosmetic virgins!

In collaboration with Acie Fores, Basic Make-up Workshop is on the 19th of November, 2016. We have lined-up awesome brand partners to spruce up our workshop beauty kit and goodie bags!

Rate: Workshop Rate is P2500 inclusive of certificate, make-up (workshop) kit and freebies from our beloved sponsors: Biore, Fast Beauty, V&M Naturals, and Beauty Cosmetics supply. Check out the goodies to be given!

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Register now: Basic Makeup Workshop NOV 19 at Costa Coffee

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Makeup Brushes 101, Part 1: Face Brushes

Our makeup kits are an assortment of odds and ends of application tools.  More often, our makeup is either out of fashion or to a makeup junkie, full of products as a result of a makeup addiction.    Depending on your skill level, and usage, my general rule is choose quality brushes.  When buying brushes, make sure it doesn’t scratch on your face.  It should be soft, smooth and leaves no excess brush hair on the face.  It shouldn’t push, pull and lift your skin, but rather glide and make it easier to get the look that you want effortlessly.

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The most important thing in getting your makeup on fleek is to have the right tools.  A small collection of the right beauty products suited for you is better to have, because the investment in possessing the right, quality  brushes is the more important aspect in a good makeup application.   They do half the battle for you so to speak.

One last thing, as we get older, we tend to use less fewer products on our face.  Getting the right look and making it last longer is all about simplicity.

Here is what you essentially need:

Face

Foundation Brush

A rounded end of a foundation brush made of synthetic nylon material is best used for a liquid or cream based foundation.  The bristles doesn’t absorb much product eliminating waste.  Look for a tight firm brush head.  Spread foundation from the centre of the face going outwards.  Tap or stipple foundation when you see brush streaks or use a sponge to remove unwanted lines.

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Synthetic Hair, look for a thick dense bristle head. This spreads out the foundation or product evenly.

 

Micro Fiber Foundation Brush

A Micro Fiber foundation brush makes liquid and powder foundation look flawless.  It is used to give you an airbrushed look.  The white hairs absorb the product while the darker portion helps buff, polish it in so no need for loading up with product.

 

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Called a Stippling brush, stipple the product onto the face for medium coverage. Swirl the white portion of the brush into the product and spread in a circling motion until you don’t see lines on the face.

 

Cream Foundation Brush

I added this to the list of essentials because I normally use cream or liquid foundations and I find that these are my favourite foundation brushes because it applies and buffs product on my face at the same time and it also gives me an airbrushed look.

 

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My favourite brush is the one on the left with the white hair. It’s a Shu Uemura one 18 made of goat hair. I am spoiled.

 

Powder/Blush Brush

A dome shape is what you need to look for when buying.  Made of animal hair, it is used for both powder and blush.  There are good ones made with synthetic fibres that mimic animal hair.  Just make sure it is not too big and too loosely held as this disperses the product too much.

 

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The brush 2nd from left is also used to contour your cheeks. These brushes should feel soft and silky and not give you scratches.

 

Fan Brush

It is good for removing messy eyelash fallout, it is used for applying highlighter to the cheekbone, centre of the forehead and the chin.

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The hairs in this brush is made of squirrel. I use this also for applying translucent powder on the face when I want a light dusting on my face.

 

Contour Brush

Look for one that is made of animal hair to get the most use of this brush.  It is meant to blend cream or liquid products for shading or contouring on the areas of the face.

 

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My go to brush is the one marked 25S by Makeup Forever. It sits perfectly underneath my cheekbone and gives me killer cheekbones.

 

Concealer Brush

For the application of liquid or cream based concealers specifically under the eyes.  It is usually made of synthetic fibres which do not absorb product.  It an also double as a lip brush depending on the size.

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On days you don’t want to use your fingers, these brushes blend your concealer like a dream. The smaller one may be used as a lip brush too.

 

 

A Beauty Blender Sponge

It looks egg shaped and best used when damp.  It doubles in size when wet.  I use this when I want to sheer out my foundation and blend out any edges of my makeup.

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I use the black coloured one. Its the next best thing to using your fingers. It blurs, blends and smooths any unwanted lines.  I can’t live without this.

 

What are your favourite face brushes?  Do you prefer synthetic ones or those with natural hair?  Let me know in the comments section below.