Everytime there is a new store catering to beauty enthusiasts like me, my radar is up. In the north, new friends Jay Lacaya of London Cosmetics Manila decided to open a place that would serve the needs of makeup artists like myself. PSI Lifestyle Hub was born out of the need to combine fashion, food and lifestyle catering to the millenial. He joined forces with Jeff Lim his business partner to provide a new destination with this clientele in mind.
(Photos from Chubby Bunny, Jay Lacaya, PSI Lifestyle Hub, Perfect 10)
A girly girl’s dream to have her beauty babies housed in pink and neatly organised. Other brands like Loreal, Maybelline, Sleek, Rimmel are also available here.
W7 London Cosmetics has now found its permanent home here at PSI Lifestyle Hub.
How fabulous is this? A mirror with built in Bluetooth speakers is sure to perk up your makeup application any time of day.
Let there be light. These LED mirrors may find themselves in my dresser soon.
These food items are exported abroad and receive international food accreditation which gives you the peace of mind the item is of good quality.
Healthy and good for you, Coco products from Benevita are Available, something for your mom or Lola or Tita. They got you covered.
All the way from Dipolog, these sardines are difficult to find and now they are available here at PSI Lifestyle Hub.
Some of the goodies you’ll get to take home with you. Novelty goods from Chubby Bunny
While you are going crazy with the cosmetics, there is also something for the man in your life with these tops that are comfortable and stylish
For their opening this Sunday January 28 Sunday, they are offering a 20% discount on London Cosmetics Manila and other gifts to those that come early. Complimentary snacks will be provided too. Bring your friends and share the blessings!
PSI Lifestyle Hub is located at the Ground Floor, The Garden Heights Condominium, E.Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, QC across Trinity University of Asia from 11am to 8pm. (02) 727 5017
While working on a client recently, her choice of lipstick was a matte long wearing liquid lipstick, the current craze nowadays, the one that stays on your lips for days on end. I ended up giving her the lipstick tube and as soon as I left, I went to the local Beauty Bar here in my neighbourhood to replenish the lipstick. And then I came across
Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long lasting Liquid lipstick. These are all from the brand The Balm Cosmetics. I wanted to update my lipstick collection and these are the colors I ended up home with.
These are nude pinkish brown shades with the exception of a plum looking shade. From top to bottom, Affectionate, Charming, Sincere and Charismatic.
Texture is smooth, is not runny and lasts a good 4-5 hours. Photos below show a 6 hr time lapse of how long this liquid lipstick lasted. Excuse the lighting, but I noticed there is a little feathering on the upper lip and is less darker as it was first applied. I was also careful in dabbing my lips during the meal but there is still color left in fact it is still noticeable and still quite pigmented despite some feathering on the upper corners and a little bleeding on the bottom lip.
Taken at 4:00 pm Shade AffectionateTaken at 9:52 pm. After eating a dinner and had green tea.
I like the texture of it, doesn’t have that silicon feel although it is an ingredient in the formulation, it doesn’t feel drying or doesn’t feel dry or cracked on my lips. It has a slight peppermint flavour like a mild tingling feeling but its not so distracting.
Tips on applying a matte lipstick:
Exfoliate lips with a lip scrub or a DIY recipe, mix brown sugar and olive oil and mix into a paste. Apply and scrub into lips until you feel the dead skin flakes come off. Rinse.
Apply a lip primer, a good one to try is MAC Prep and Prime Lip primer
Apply matte lip color beginning from the bottom lip and then the upper lip. Let stand for 15 seconds.
When its time to remove, use an oil based cleansing oil like Biore Cleansing oil, let it soak into the lips with a cotton pad and remove gently.
Its reasonably priced at Php775.00 and I will definitely make these lippies a staple in my personal and pro kit. Perfect for Bridal and everyday looks. There are 18 shades in total, the shades are named after qualities you look for in a friend or soul mate, a matt ch made in heaven. Like a loyal friend colors stay true and doesnt feel clingy.
Go and get these liquid lipsticks at Beauty Bar and see how these lipsticks stay committed to your beauty kit.
MAC Prep and Prime Lip is available at all MAC beauty stores. Priced between Php 900.00- 1200.00
Glowing and Bronzing are 2 Makeup terms that people always say when they want their makeup done a la JLo. For my personal use, I use the Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base as a blush or to warm the perimeter of my face. Ok, bring down your raised eyebrow, I received this as a birthday gift a few years ago from my sister and unfortunately it’s not available here in Rustans, but you may get this in the Duty Free shops. for around US$50.00 or its peso equivalent of P2,500.00 thereabouts.
I feel sophisticated everytime I use this product, this is one of the few items I can afford in Chanel.
Excuse the current state of the bronzer, it is well used. I apply this with a round Kabuki brush and apply it on the perimeter of my face.
This is a very creamy product, but has a gel like consistency, use it to warm the face and can be applied on the eyelid as a shadow base or alone. It dries to a powder finish with a very slight shimmer but hardly noticeable when applied on the skin. I wear a MAC NC 25, RCMA Shinto 1 Makeup Forever HD Y365 foundation so this shows as a really warm tan color on me. If used as a bronzer, it does double as a contour color. I love its unique smell, it transports me to another place, (hopefully Paris) and is comfortable on the skin.
Top swatch is Make Me & Glow, bottom swatch is Chanel Universel bronzing base
Filterless but still a blushing bride, this bronzer was used during this bridal trial.
I found this Chanel Bronzer dupe!!! Make up & Glow is also a gel like bronzer that dries to a powdery consistency. Applied after your primer, this will hold up for a good 6-7 hours.
It has a lighter color than the Chanel Bronzing powder but when applied, it does not show up as too orange, in fact it is buildable and can control the amount you want.
Ingredient list has silicon in it. Dimethicone is silicon so expect a nice consistency in the skin.
Don’t be thrown off by the Tropical packaging, it gives me the impression it looks like the packaging is from The Balm or Benefit.
Recently for the Photo shoot for the candidates of the Model of the year with the hair styling team of Jim Ryan Ros, W7 London Cosmetics was a major sponsor. We were too giddy with excitement to try their products specially their vibrant color eye shadows and lipsticks.
The Makeup and Glow bronzing base was used during the Photo shoot of the Model of the Year candidates last August.
It is well milled and has tiny gold flecks. For the 3 looks above, the bronzer may be used as a base for any makeup application. I also applied it on the lips and used a very metallic eyeshadow as a lipstick to give a nice metal finish.
So if you don’t want to commit to the expensive bronzer of Chanel, this very good dupe from W7 will give you the same JLo finish and look you’re trying to achieve.
Denise Go Ochoa, Juan Sarte, Mickey See, Jigs Mayuga, are makeup artists. Not just makeup artists but Manila’s living legends in the beauty industry. They are literally the dream team to call when its’ your wedding day, or a have a photoshoot in the making, or when you are a Celebrity in need of glam time.
Happy Skin just made that connection 3 degrees smaller by introducing the Glam Squad Collection.
Glam Squad at your fingertips.
Encased in gold, these eyeshadows are pigmented and colors are very neutral, in earthy tones. Two shadows, one light and one darker, it makes applying as simple as child’s play. It has a very light shimmer texture but it glides on very smoothly. The darker shades are enough to give your eyes depth and dimension. From a day look to a smoky eye for the evening, it’s all you need for a simple glamour change.
From top to bottom, Denise Go Ochoa, Mickey See and Juan Sarte
Matte lipsticks to stay all day
The lipsticks are very matte, glides well and lasts a long time. It has that nude retro 90’s look, nude pinky brown perfect for everyday and bridal looks. Jigs Mayuga has a deep plum color while that of Juan Sarte’s is a bit on the dark pink nudey beige color.
Top to bottom, Denise Go Ochoa, Mickey See, Jigs Mayuga and Juan Sarte
I didn’t get the Lipstick shades of Mickey See and Denise Go Ochoa because I was running late and I promised to return and try to purchase at a later time. I’ve tried Juan Sarte’s lipstick and it did stay for a good 6 hours without retouching. However since I ate Chinese food that day, the oil removed a little of the lipstick and I retouched it but before reapplying, there was a bit of a stain left so the staying power is really good. Is this Viagra Glam?
No excuse to have bad eyebrow days. Shade is Medium Brown
I would compare this to the Smashbox eyebrow pencil. It twists on one end with a very sword like shape and its very thin to give you precise hair like strokes on your eyebrows. Grooming them into place is simple with a turn on the other end of the pencil for a tinted brow gel. It’s pretty good, I would compare this to its Japanese and US brand counterparts and it does the job of giving you perfectly arched eyebrows.
Lock in that lip color with this smooth lip liner.
First Date is the name of this lip liner. This can go with any of the matte lipsticks in the Glam Squad collection.
This lip liner is not part of the Glam Squad collection. I just had to buy it because I wanted to get the free gift with purchase kikay kit bag. Also in gold.
Final Thoughts:
The collection is a very precise collection, just like a well curated art gallery. All in earthy tones, it is a very neutral palette that can take you from day to night in a simple tap of a brush. Pigmentation and coloration is good, not chalky, it spreads smoothly and blends well. However, there is some pigment fallout but not that significant. You may start with the eye makeup first, then clean up any fallout and apply your base or foundation, concealer and the rest of your makeup after.
The brow pencil applicator needs improvement though, as it is very fragile. I just twisted it once to reveal the color and 1/4 of its refill broke off. It is not a decision breaker but it needs refinement in the twist type design.
The eye shadow palette inside is housed in a sponge like foam that protects it from fall. The metal pans is anchored by a smidgen of glue that is not enough to hold it in place. I mentioned this to the sales associate and I had mine replaced as one of the metal pans fell off.
Lipstick shades are all on trend with the matte lipstick bandwagon craze but very well suited to the Asian skin tone. You can transform these colors from sophisticated to glam and chic depending on the shade you get. It’s matte enough to last half a day with one touch up only.
Get your glam squad collection fast, stocks are running quickly, get all four of them and have the Glam Squad at your fingertips.
Glam Squad eyeshadow duo is priced at P899.00, Glam Squad Arch Definer and Brow Mascara is P949.00, Glam Squad Matte lipstick is P699.00 and the Shut up and Kiss Me Moisturising Matte Lip Liner is P499.00 Available at www.happyskincosmetics.com, Beauty Bar outlets and select SM Beauty Counters.
This is from the collection of Heart Evangelista and it is plum pinky brown beige shade which I think is perfect for everyday. Line your entire lip with this and apply a clear gloss on top in place of your lipstick.
Swatch of First Date lip liner
My thoughts:
I love this collection and like a beautiful art gallery, it is a well curated set, very precise, collection is small enough to give you what you essentially need to make you look like a celebrity. You can never go wrong with earthy neutral colors since it is universally flattering.
Packaging however can be improved, the eye palette discs have a tendency to fall off the compact. It is only held with a tiny smidgen of glue. The eye pencil mechanism is very sensitive, I had to exchange mine because the eyebrow refill broke in half and I only twisted it once.
Will this be a kit staple? Yes, I can’t wait for the other collaborations with other makeup
Social media has given makeup applications new terms, to make content in their feeds relevant. One of these terms we refer to is Highlighting which is now termed Strobing or Reverse Contouring, thanks to Instagram and Youtube. Both terms mean the same thing which is a makeup application that accentuates the high points of the face, the top of the cheekbones, underneath the brow bone, inner corner of the eye, middle of the nose and the Cupid s bow the area on top of the lips using products with high amounts of shimmer or shine .
A simple diagram on where to put highlight products on the face whether its cream or powder based.
I discovered this product from a colleague and she considers this her Holy Grail of highlighters. Mary Lou Luminizer is an American product under the label The Balm Cosmetics. Packaging has that retro feel similar to Benefit Cosmetics which makes it appealing to makeup junkies.
Aptly named, Watts Up by Benefit Cosmetics and MaryLou Luminizer are highlighters that can lift your face all the way to the Diwata Satellite.
This can also be used as an eyeshadow for a natural day look and emphasized with a black cat eye. Simply divine.
Its described as a “Honey Hue” warm champagne highlighter best suited for medium tones.
Has a pearly sheen and well pigmented.
Be careful when you apply too much. This is how it looks unblended
Blended with fingers, it gives a nice subtle glow.This is how I apply the luminizer on the face, Real Techniques Setting Brush
Used the MaryLou Luminizer on Shanen my model for a bridal shoot recently. Ate Glow
Famously used by Mario Dedivanovic on Kim Kardashian on her YouTube video on Strobing.
A Shining example. Not blended.
I think I blended it too much. But good news is, its buildable and you can use a Beauty Blender sponge to apply it.
There is a rubber sponge at the opposite end of this stick which helps in applying and blending the product but i prefer to use the fingers or a Beauty Blender sponge for flawless coverage.
Watts up with her? Tried and Tested on my model on a bridal shoot.
Final thoughts on these two highlighters:
Use them sparingly and the key to not making you gleam like a greasepan is to blend it with your fingers, brush or sponge.
When applied too much, highlighters can sometimes look oily and sweaty in photos. Do not use this on oily skin, it will look like a disco ball.
Apply them with ample lighting or across a window with natural light streaming so you’ll know how much to use.
Apply on the inner corner of the eye or tear duct to make close set eyes bigger or when you want to highlight that corner a la Korean pop star.
Layer this on top of your lipstick and tap a little amount on your ring finger and apply on the centre of your bottom lips to give the illusion of a fuller mouth.
Apply to the collarbones for a glowing sheen that makes everyone look good in photos.
Benefit Cosmetics is available at Greenbelt 5, Trinova, Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Alabang Town Centre, BGC Central Square, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-la and SM Seaside Cebu. Watts Up Highlighter is priced between P2500.00-2700.00 (Online or at the store)
MaryLou Lumber is available at all Beauty Bar outlets. Priced between P1200.00-1700.00 depending whether its bought online or at the store.
The last time I glammed up Martine de Luna of makeitblissful.com was about a year ago when we did a shoot together with Michi Calica Sotto at her atelier and she had a bun in the oven. Today I was able to glam her up again for an interview with Stephanie Zubiri for her show, Modern Living TV on ANC. These days, she now has her 1 year-old daughter Krista Valentina in tow, who joined in the beauty action. She requested for a natural look and I was just more than happy to oblige. Hair styling was courtesy of Rikki Suarez.
Related Post: You can also check this guest post Martine did for my blog a few years back, “Makeup Virgin”
Martine de Luna: Camera-ready and so is Baby Krista.
Products Used:
Martine’s skin was on the dry side although I know she leans on the normal to combination skin. However, due to hormonal changes, her skin needed extra hydration.
Mehron Skin Prep used as toner, La Roche Posay Hydraphase for Moisturizer, MAC Fast Response Eye Cream and MAC prep and prime for lips. I misted her face with the Skindinavia Finishing spray to lock out the oiliness.I chose to use this because I wanted to give her skin a satin finish to combat the dry patches on some parts of her face. Shade is 754 Medium Beige
Moisturizer was applied using the squarish foundation brush, while I buffed her foundation with the pink angled brush. The skunk looking brush with white and black hairs was used to apply her blush. Makeup Forever Brush with a yellow handle was used to contour her face while the fan brush with natural hairs was used to powder and set her makeup.
Top Clockwise, Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder palette used as highlighter on the high points of her face, Lashes no. 219, MAC Paintpot in Groundwork was applied on the crease of her eyes, MAC Dipdown gel liner, MAC Brow powder in Taupe for her brows and MAC brow gel in Beguile. Maybelline Volume Control Mascara, Kryolan Concealer Wheel 2, Viseart Neutral Palette for her eyeshadows. Makeup Forever Contour and Shading powder in shades 1 & 2, MAC Blushbaby, Pink Swoon and Peachy Keen for blush, MAC Lipstick in Freckletone and Persistence. Ben Nye Translucent powder to set her makeup.
I’ve rediscovered this eyeshadow and used this as an eyelid primer that gives her eyes a brightening effect on the inner corners of her eyes. Its MAC’s Pearl frost. Love this also as a highlighter on the cheekbones and middle of the nose. It’s very subtle but gives your skin an extra glow.
Tools of the trade. Mac 263 for gel liner, MAC 203 for her brows, NARS 7 for her concealer, MAC 205 mini Fan brush for her lashes, Artnet 113 and 121 for her eyes, MAC 206 for buffing her concealer, MAC 239 and 217 to apply and blend her eyeshadows.
I apologize if I may have written the numbers of the brush by mistake specially for the fan brush, eyebrow and gel liner brush, the numbers have already faded.
My latest love, Shu Uemura Kolinsky 7H lip brush. its slanted edge is perfect for precise lip color application.
My latest favorite, Shu Uemura Kolinsky 7H for the lips. The slanted edge is perfect for precise application.
Makeup Forever Aqua Lip 7C to line her lips and I topped it off with MAC’s Freckletone and Persistence lipsticks.
You may catch Martine on the upcoming 5th season of Modern Living TV with Stephanie Zubiri, showing every Saturday at 6PM on ANC, only on SkyCable.
We’ve all heard about the benefits of Argan oil, in fact it s included in the ingredient list of many of our beauty products from hair serums to massage oils. Argan Oil is known for its hydrating and anti aging benefits because of its high fatty acids and Vitamin E content, making it an all in one beauty powerhouse.
More recently, I received a beautiful gift from a former colleague, Rhoda Campos Aldanese that contained another Liquid gold, Marula Oil (read it here) The box also contains a big block of chocolate derived from the cocoa beans from the Ivory Coast West Africa. Tavoletta chocolate is best used for hot chocolate in the mornings and even if its not Christmas, I wouldn’t mind a cup of this warm rich chocolate drink to start my day. Chocolates are also rich in antioxidants and flavanoids, compounds produced by plants that are beneficial to cardiovascular health and cell renewal.
Liquid Gold, Marula Oil
What It is
Marula oil is derived from the fruit of the Marula tree in Africa, and only the fallen fruit is collected and gathered by the women of East Africa. It is brought to collection points where the fruit pulp is removed for jams and juices and the shells are used for charcoal. This process protects and adds value to the wild strands of the tree and provide a sustainable livelihood for the community making it a member of the Fair Trade Association and Green America.
The cold process it undergoes without the inducement of heat or chemical treatments make it 100 % pure capturing all its beneficial properties more effective in its application.
The Ingredients are 99% Marula oil, 1% essential oil fragrance (Linalool and Limonene) that help make it an antioxidant that provides intense hydration, soothing properties and gives the skin radiance and glow. It does not contain Parabens, Phthalates, and Sulfates than can irritate skin.
Marula by John Paul Selects is named after John Paul DeJoria, the founder of John Paul Mitchell haircare systems, an entrepreneur that supports sustainability and social causes.
It has a pipette that dispenses precious drops of oil. Pump once and massage between hands and apply on your face.
How to incorporate the oil in your beauty routine
Used alone as an anti aging moisturizer applied on the face and neck area 2x/day.
Add 1-2 drops of the oil to your favorite foundation to give you a dewy glow.
Can be used as a primer prior to makeup application.
Applied to soothe peels, sunburn or after facial treatments.
Can be mixed with other facial products like moisturizers, mask or cleansers for an elasticity boost.
What it feels like
I’ve only used this oil the past week, and tested it during the day and night. Lightweight and easily absorbed, it provides a satin finish after with no greasy after feel. It does feel plumped up and ready for the next step which is the makeup application. At night when I applied it, the next morning, my face felt like it drank 8 glasses of water, it felt supple and so so soft to the touch. The smell is very pleasant, with a hint of citrus but it disappears in a few seconds. The pipette it comes in is sleekly designed and opens up when you twist it open and dispenses the the right amount of drops.
I’ve begun to love this new variable in my skincare routine and I’m getting the sinking feeling, my jars of moisturizers will not get the attention and love it deserves because there’s a new kid on the block showing off. I was close to getting the Clarins Facial Lotus oil that has been the Holy Grail of facial oils by top makeup artists. I hesitated because I have a drawerful of moisturizers to play around with. Marula Oil is my new love and knowing that is created through a sustainable livelihood, it has definitely sealed its place in my own piece of beauty heaven.
Two of my favorite things to have, chocolate and oil, both containing good fat to use without the guilt.
Marula Oil is available at the beauty departments of SM Aura, SM Makati, SM North Edsa and SM MOA. Sold at P2980.00 for the 30 oz. bottle and P4980.00 for the 50 ml. bottle. Tavoletta Chocolate bars are available at Villa Del Conte outlets (http://www.villadelcontecioccolato.com/tavoletta/)
Don Quijote or Donki to Tokyo residents (shortened for Don Quijote), a famous discount chain of stores in Tokyo Japan was my first stop when my family recently traveled there on a holiday. I find it the equivalent of Target in the US where you can find cosmetics, electronics, clothing and grocery items in one store, all packed from floor to ceiling in their own distinct manner.
Open 24 hours 7 days a week.
Floor to ceiling is packed with merchandise.
I knew that I could get my cosmetics fix in this one stop shop without the hefty price tags in department stores. They also extend a 8% tax free discount to tourists so it made your guilty purchases a bit sweeter.
Donki Purchases:
Biore Cleansing Oil Refill
Biore Cleansing Oil refill and bottle
I mentioned in my Instagram post that this is one thing I don’t want to run out of — and I found the refill! (That’s a “Hallelujah!” moment!) Best of all, it comes with a spout for no-mess spills. You simply empty the contents in the bottle and you just saved yourself precious bucks until your next purchase.
NewBorn Eyebrow Pencil
Favorite Eyebrow pencil that is 3-1.
This pencil is not too hard or soft, it dispenses the right amount of color and it comes with a matching brow powder and spoolie all in one pencil. The powder is hidden in the twist side portion of the pencil where the spoolie is. The tip is angled so you can really make fine hair strand strokes to create natural looking brows. Love the design! My favorite shades are B5, and B6 which is always out of stock. It is similar in color to MAC’s Fling and Lingering.
Aqua Peel Moisture Peeling Gel
What it is: It is an exfoliating gel that removes dry flaky skin without the harsh ingredients. It’s 90% water, Fragrance free, Color free, Mineral free, Preservatives free, Contains Collagen, Hyaluronic acid, Squalane and Royal Jelly. Pump one time and apply to freshly cleaned DRY face and rub it in for 20-30 seconds and see the flakes come off. Rinse off with water and continue with your skincare regimen. Your skin will love you for it. Use it 2x/week only.
Cure Water Skin Treatment
Used by factory workers in TOYO who were experiencing extremely dry hands from opening cardboard boxes. It is lightweight, creamy and when rubbed between the palms of your hands, it forms water droplets to indicate the moisturizing properties are working, and is absorbed quickly. It contains silicon. The small tube is handy to carry in your purse.
La Roche Posay Hydraphase
Good for normal to combination skin, it infuses the face with water and keeps it hydrated. I like the pump it comes in, when you’re running low, the see through bottle will indicate how much you have left. It moisturizes without the greasy after feel. I would say this is very similar to Embryolisse moisturizer.
La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat
This is a good moisturizer for oily-combination skin, it does what it says, skin is mattified and feels like satin. No primer needed, go straight to the makeup application. It fills up your pores but be careful if yours are really large, it leaves a very thin film that fills up those unwanted lines and gaps. I’m always out of this often.
Shiseido Anessa UV Sunscreen
A friend suggested to me that this is her favorite sunscreen, it’s not thick, very light and gives you protection. She said that this can be worn underneath makeup without the flashback. I may have to switch from my heavier sunscreen and use this instead.
Department Store purchases
MAC oil control lotion
I purchased this simply because it was in front of the MAC cashier at Takashimaya Department store and when I read it was oil control, I bought it and it was in a trial size tube. I tried it but it doesn’t really control the oiliness, it only acts like a primer and makes your face oil free for a few hours. I was told to use it constantly to realize its effects. Hmmm… I have only tried it twice. I’ll use this when I’m travelling and see if there is a difference.
Hakuhodo brushes
These brushes are my favorite of all time simply because it’s made of sable and goat hair, which makes makeup application so effortless and seamlessly blended. You have to at least buy 1 to see the difference. The 3 brushes above are their bestsellers, I use the 2 face brushes for blush and powder and contour. The pencil brush is perfect for putting eyeshadow or eyeliner underneath the eyes or on the upper lash line. Love love love! Upon arriving home, I realized I bought the same J 5521 brush that I also purchased from a previous trip. Talk about fatal attraction.
MAC 196
I was drawn to this brush because it’s curved and very dense. I’ve tried this for my foundation application and it gave my skin an airbrushed finish. It’s just difficult to clean because of the curved design but it works like a dream. Best trick I learned is to use this brush after you’ve laid down your foundation with a square synthetic brush and use this to buff away and make your application seamless. Your skin will be selfie ready.
By the way, please join my contest in Instagram, I am hooking up with Martine De Luna of makeitblissful.com, and we are giving away summer staple beauty items from Biore! How to join? Read below!
Mechanics:
1. Follow @aciefores and @bioreph on Instagram.
2. Repost this photo telling me your summer plans!
3. Tag and mention three more friends when you repost and use the hashtag #acieforesxbioreph,#biorePH #LoveBiore
4. In order for us to SEE your entry, make sure your settings are not in private mode so we can track your posts.
That’s it! Winner will be chosen next Friday, March 4!
Judith August was introduced to my beauty world through a Hollywood makeup artist Kim Greene. She partners with a fellow Hollywood makeup artist named Melissa Street and they have a YouTube channel called Greene Street beauty where they dish out tips and tricks when working on a film and TV set. This was her concealer of choice when working, in fact, on her blog post, a book called Gotcha Covered by Judith August was in their must reads. I was intrigued and I ordered mine through Amazon.
Everything you need to know about concealing is in this book.
A model in the 60’s turned makeup artist who wanted to conquer her eyebag problem. She sought to make her own line that would camouflage her imperfections.
Fast forward 3 years later, which was late July of this year, I found her products literally at my fingertips when I visited Naimies, a Los Angeles cosmetic supply store that carries everything and anything your heart desires in the world of beauty. A store dedicated to the film industry, it is makeup grocery heaven.
“Everybody’s got something to hide”. L-R Golden Beige, Pure BeigeComes neatly and tightly packed in a tube with her info leaflet and sharpener. Very well thought of. The hints and tips listed include a brief color theory on how best to maximise the use of this product.
Swatched from Top to Bottom, Pure Beige and Golden Beige.
Very creamy. It’s best to use this after your foundation application, applied directly to the problem areas. PAT it on and do not rub. I only bought 2 shades to try, and now that I’m convinced I’ll order 2 more shades of these. It’s meant to cover birthmarks, port wine stains, broken capillaries, freckles and brown spots and spider veins, too.
Killer Cover Total Blockout Makeup
It comes with 2 non latex sponges, a spatula and an info leaflet.Killer Cover Total Blockout Makeup. From bottom to top, Ivory, Natural 1, Amber, Natural 2, and EarthBefore , BruisedAfter, Prior to application, I used a primer to smooth out and prepare the skin. Killer Cover Total Blockout Makeup in Natural 1, Amber and Natural 2 were mixed and applied. If you notice, part of my veins also got blocked out.A yellow corrector was applied to the bruise followed by a damp green sponge to pat the 3 colors was used. Brushes were utilized to feather and blend out the edges. A yellow toned powder by MUD in Buttermilk was used to seal the concealer.
A little goes a long way in using these products. Consistency is very dense, so application is best suited to a patting, rolling and stippling motion for the product to melt in. I used a sponge or my favorite tool, my fingers to set it in. The Killer Cover contains Castor oil, which helps in its waterproof and water resistant properties. I didn’t use the black sponge that went with it since the sponge nearest me at that time was a Makeup Forever one and I think it also did a good job.
I used the Killer Cover on the lady below to test it out and I found out that when I sheered it down a bit, it can also be used as a foundation. A wheel of its own.
Below is a before and after shot of this sweet lady who I pulled into my home while walking in my neighborhood, and I chose her specifically for this demo. Pardon the light and angle in the photos since the light was shifting while I was doing her face. This was taken around late afternoon.
She has oily skin, acne and some minor skin tone discolorations.Acne and pimples on her left cheek
After, while her acne is still raised, The Killer Cover hid the redness and brown spots. I used a green corrector for her pimples and acne and a peach corrector for the brown spots prior to the application. I combined all 5 colors from the Killer Cover.
What do you think?
Judith August Cosmetics are available for purchase on her website, JudithAugustCosmetics.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest. At Naimies, its www.naimies.com
The world is looking to Asia for inspiration, trade and business and for innovation. With the proliferation of new Korean and Japanese cosmetics and skincare line available to the consumer, it is inevitable that products that have become familiar to us gets an upgrade. Today felt like a shopping spree to Sasa, Mannings or Tokyo Hands.
Biore has been in the Philippines since the early 80’s and is still under the umbrella of the Kao group. Remember their Pore and Blackhead remover? Yup same company. Kao has also improved on this product but we will see it s relaunching in a few months.
Biore just recently launched their makeup removal and SPF line and Unified Makeup Artists of the Philippines (UMAP) was invited for the demo and launching.
Biore launched its Makeup Remover product line in the Philippines as a result of a study conducted in Asia that despite hard economic times, women turn to the beauty industry to lift their spirits up. The instant gratification one feels is a testament to the female buying power of a non negotiable aspect in their consumer buying habits.
From L-R Charisma Vergara President of UMAP, Chistabel Low ASEAN Manager Skincare/Haircare Business of KAO Singapore Private Ltd. and myself
UMAP Members pose with the Biore organizers
Makeup Removers are vital components in the makeup application simply because what we put on needs to be removed. Kinda like the yin and yang of things. With more R&D in the cosmetics industry, makeup nowadays have improved in extending its longevity and increased pigmentation therefore making makeup removers step up its properties to match it. We need makeup removers because soap and water sometimes doesnt cut it.
The Stats
Biore Cleansing Oil
Biore Cleansing Oil removes waterproof face and eye makeup including gel liners and mascara. Pump into a cotton pad and press against the eye for about 10 seconds and swipe down. For the face, pump once and warm it into the hands and rub all over the face until makeup is dissolved. Rinse with water and pat face dry. Does not leave an oily residue, leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. Best Dupe for its expensive Japanese counterpart. Shhh U know what it is.
Instructions are in English. It comes with a plastic lock for the pump to avoid spills.
Biore Micellar Water
Micellar Water removes all makeup, stubborn mascara and liners. Best used for light-medium makeup application. Non comedogenic, does not clog pores. Alcohol, oil and fragrance free and allergy and Opthalmologist tested. Comes from the Japanese Alps and enriched with collagen and white tea extract.
Apply and soak a cotton pad and press against the face and eye and wipe off. Also a good dupe for the expensive French Pharmacy counterpart.
Biore Cleansing Facial Oil Sheets
Best used when you’re on the go and have no access to water and soap. It boasts of its unique cloth construction that is thick enough to hold more liquid inside. It’s actually the cleansing oil in a pad form. Press for a few seconds and swipe down.
Best when you have ‘tamad” days and dont want to go through a lot of cleansing rituals.
Its container is perfect for travelling. Hygienic and portable.
Well sealed so it wont dry out. It will last 3-4 months. It comes in refills too.
Biore Cleansing Oil Facial Sheets Handy Pack
Handy Pack. Ideal for the “tingi” user who only wants to carry it in her handbag.
Biore UruUru 2-1 Cleansing Foam
Best used for light makeup with sunblock application. It has a high cleansing ability and no tight after feeling after washing. UruUru means Soft and Moist.
Biore UV Sunscreen
Aqua Rich series UV Sunscreen is water based, Texture is light and not sticky. May be used as a primer prior to makeup application. No white cast, sweatproof and lightweight. High SPF blocks harmful UVA/UVB rays.
My Personal Favorites
I personally like the Facial Cleansing oil, Micellar water and the UV Aqua Rich Sunscreen. Aside from its reasonable and affordable price points, these products attest to its claim and since July when UMAP first met with them, I have been trying their products and my skin has had no adverse reactions except that it has also found its match in an Asian brand. True to form, Japanese products never fail, and they are effective. “In the Pink of Health’ is symbolic in the cutesy pink packaging that appeals to the Japanese market.
Japanese Packaging simplified and beautiful to look at and receive
Gift brief case
Unboxed and filled with goodies. This was the highlight of the morning. I felt like I won a Kabuhayan showcase. WootWoot!
We were left with a great reminder, “The best makeup needs the best makeup remover, invest in having good skin too”. Do you agree?
Thank you to Olive Soria, Brand Manager and Mr. Vincent Genato, President of Vibelle Distribution Inc and their staff for extending their generosity and hospitality to UMAP and its members.
Biore is locally distributed by Vibelle Distribution Inc and all its products are available at Watsons, PCX Exchange, Landmark, Metro Dept Stores and SM Department Stores.
When I’m obsessed with something, I go on a hunt until I have it. I’ve been following Charlotte Tilbury for quite some time ever since she made a video collaboration with Lisa Eldridge, another makeup idol of mine. Charlotte Tilbury has been in the makeup business for the past 20 years and has worked with many famous photographers like Mario Testino, Terry Richardson and has collaborated with many international makeup brands like MAC Cosmetics and has painted the faces of well heeled personalities like Penelope Cruz, Sienna Miller, Cara De Levigne and Kate Moss and she did the makeup of Amal Clooney. Growing up in Ibiza Spain surrounded by a creative family, she was surrounded and shaped by the colors and scenes of that area.
I finally got to visit her flagship store in The Grove in LA. Her concept for her line and freestanding store is a throwback to the 30’s and 40’s era where silver screen sirens encapsulated the essence and glamour of the times. The Art Deco feeling in her packaging is so evident in her belief that it was a golden age for mysterious and glamorous women.
Art Deco Inspired DisplaysHer Signature looks are grouped in sections and contains all you need to recreate them.
One of my favorite looks is the Uptown Girl and The Vintage Vamp.
Wonder Glow covers a multitude of skin tones .Her Magic Skin Trilogy which gives you the candlelight glow.
Her Magic cream is what I was after.
Her Filmstar Bronze and Glow Sculpting Powder and Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder Compact are her two of her Bestsellers. My shade for the airbrush powder is Medium. Her sculpting palette is the perfect warm brown that is best for fair to medium skin tones. No orange loompah loompah color here.
Packaging is consistent with her love for the Art Deco era. Gorgeous. To the extreme bottom left is the photobomber MAC s Oval 6 brush.
Her Filmstar Bronze and Glow looks like a minaudiere. Powdering your nose never looked so elegant in her Airbrush Flawless Finish powder compact.
Swatch of the Filmstar Bronze and Glow powder. Its buildable and suited for light to medium skin tones. It reminds me of the NARS Bronzing powder in Laguna with light flecks of gold.
Charlottes Magic Cream that evokes memories of our grandmothers cream potions. This is the bomb!
This Cream is composed of peptides that stimulate skin collagen, Hyaluronic boosters that plump the skin, Vitamin E and rosehip oil to revive the skin’s appearance. It’s antiaging, and has an SPF of 15, all good stuff to restore your skin to youth levels. She has put skincare in the forefront of her product line as she is a firm believer in having good skin before any makeup application.
I wasnt able to get a hold of her cream since I have so many jars of moisturizers that I need to use and finish and I wanted to put this on hold. However I was able to get a sample and I used it during the summer. It is very creamy, emollient and hydrating. I was a bit hesitant to use this on my normal to combination skin as I didn’t want to have anything heavy on my face. What it does is, when applied before makeup application, one gets the dewy and JLo glow. Not bad but in our weather, it may give you a slightly greasy feeling during the course of the day. I would use this in the cooler months when our skin will not create excess sebum.
It is a great moisturizer for those with dry skin as it instantaneously transforms your parched skin into an oasis of moisture. It has a slight odd smell but disappears and does not really bother me at all.
Charlotte Tilbury products are on the pricey side but if you want to spoil yourself, it’s worth it. Locally her products are available at the MUP store. You may follow Charlotte Tilbury in FB, YouTube and Instagram for her videos and products.
Singapore was my brief respite last month mainly for my daughter’s gymnastics s competition held at Bishan Stadium. Trying to squeeze my shopping habit in between her training schedule had proved to be a fun experience. Sephora, Takashimaya, MAC Cosmetics, Guardian Pharmacy and Sasa have been my “candy land” and mecca of sorts when I’m visiting. In Hong Kong, it would be the same, except that Mannings Pharmacy is the counterpart of Guardian.
So described below are my “hauls” to satisfy my cosmetic addiction although if I had a bigger budget, I probably would have a preferred client card from the Cosmetics Department of Takashimaya Dept Store. Sadly, no. Some of these items are not new products, but sometimes I am a late bloomer and I usually take a second look and convince myself to just go out of my box sometimes and try them. Below is a recap.
My Singapore Haul
Top going clockwise
MAC Mineralize Charged Water Moisturizing Gel – Lately, I’ve been looking for light moisturizers that doesn’t feel heavy on my face , particularly now with the change in weather, its been so humid. Applying this lightweight cream gel feels so light and literally cool on your face, it is quickly absorbed. Perfect when you’re in a rush and need to apply concealer or foundation right after, it doesn’t slip and slide off. The effect on the skin is similar to that of a primer, it leaves a thin film on your skin but acts like a barrier and protection from the elements in the air.
Hourglass Veil Primer – I first tried this primer at a Sephora store in the US and was completely hooked over by its claim that it provides extra wear for your makeup’s staying power. It really does. It definitely is a pricey primer but so worth it. I just wish it came in a bigger bottle.
Laura Mercier Secret Finish + Mattifying Cream – I know I know, 2 primers? I’m a sucker for anything that makes my makeup last longer. I recently read that this product is the holy grail of mattifiers. Used under or over makeup, it soaks up the oil on the face like a Bounty paper towel. It’s that good.
Hakuhodo Cream/Liquid Brush – Hakuhodo is the Rolls Royce of brushes and it is pricey. It makes use of goat hair and each brush is handmade which makes it the most sought after line of brushes. Hakuhodo is as old as the Geisha industry and famously used by them. Called the Itabake brush, I saw this being used by a famous US makeup artist to apply cream contour and when he blended it using this brush, it seemed so seamless and there were no visible brush strokes on the face as opposed to using a foundation brush. I had to try it for myself.
Hakuhodo J 5521 Highlighting Brush – Also made out goat hair, the tapered end is good for applying highlighter on the high points on the face. This brush will make you or your client feel so relaxed, its that soft.
Cyber Colour Eyeliner and Liquid Eyeliner duo – While my personal preference is a gel liner, this was given to me by the Sasa ladies as a Gift with purchase. The other end is a liquid eyeliner while the other end is a pencil pen. The only drawback is that it is difficult to snap back on after using it, but otherwise it is waterproof.
Lorea’L Eyebrow pencil in Light Brown 02 – I saw this being used in the Lorea’l workshop that I attended last August. While I admire all those YouTubers who preach perfectly stenciled brows as the bomb, Miss Gex Garcia showed us how to wow the brow without looking too dark or harsh. Again I was hooked on this product. This has been out of stock quite a bit so I made it a point to stock up on this while I was at Sasa.
The Balm Bahama Mama Bronzer – I needed a new bronzer since my other bronzer broke out in pieces after a gig and it signaled me to buy one without the fragile packaging. Housed in a sturdy carton like box, it definitely was a winner for me. Plus I don’t look orange is a big plus. What can I say, I’m a late bloomer in discovering this wonder powder. It also doubles as an eye shadow, how’s that for multitasking?
La Roche Posay Anthelios 30++ Sunscreen protection – Packaging is tops, it has a nozzle like tube that squirts out the right amount for your face. It has UVA And UVB protection and when applied, it has a mattifying effect, not greasy on the face. Shine go away.
Bioderma Sebium H2O – One of my favorite makeup removers next to my cult favorite Ponds. Why? Fastest makeup remover without the tugging and pulling. Your face is back to its natural state in seconds. Its good for those with sensitive skin too. I hoard this stuff!
Top Clockwise, Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder palette used as highlighter on the high points of her face, Lashes no. 219, MAC Paintpot in Groundwork was applied on the crease of her eyes, MAC Dipdown gel liner, MAC Brow powder in Taupe for her brows and MAC brow gel in Beguile. Maybelline Volume Control Mascara, Kryolan Concealer Wheel 2, Viseart Neutral Palette for her eyeshadows. Makeup Forever Contour and Shading powder in shades 1 & 2, MAC Blushbaby, Pink Swoon and Peachy Keen for blush, MAC Lipstick in Freckletone and Persistence. Ben Nye Translucent powder to set her makeup.
