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.
This Holographic box was part of the invitation that was sent to me.
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.
Great dupe for OCC Lip tars, it’s very pigmented and this really stays for days
“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.
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.
Bronzer that can make you gleam from kingdom come. Notice the cute packaging with the Cat in the middle?
Mineralized and baked eye shadows that are very velvetty to touch.
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
You can buy every shade of the rainbow without hurting the wallet.
Do you really need to hesitate? Baked eyeshadows that are fool proof to apply.
I can be addicted to this.
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?
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.
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!
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.
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.
Jessica, Jach and KC during the launch
Erin Pacheco, General Manager of J.Cat Beauty
The Looks that you can create with J.Cat Beauty
Get Arci’s Rock maiden look with these shimmering dudettes.
Girl Next door that doesn’t scream boring.
Amp up your look as a Glamazon goddess with these dark rich colors
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.
The boutique set up makes it super user friendly and accessible for you to try and touch
Fab Five Palettes just begging for you to try out.
Liptitude
Brushes that are grid locked. I ve tried them on my face, super soft
HD ready. Cushion compacts are their bestsellers.
How glow can you go? Highlighters and bronzers to sculpt your face.
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.
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:
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.
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.
LA Girl and Benefit Cosmetics were also on hand to provide the ladies with great looking skin.
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.
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.
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.
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.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
Our Model Mom receiving the day look demo with UMAP”S Charisma Vergara, Photos from Michelle Viray
The full Day look. Photo from Michelle Viray
Moms were divided into different skin categories. All photos below are from Michelle Viray.
Maryann Obias was assisting moms that were under the Normal Skin category.
I was assigned to the Combination skin table, here I am assisting her with the concealer application.Kathrina Bautista UMAP member as well, assisting her participant with the day look.
Cha flanked by the organizers of the event
Breastfeeding Moms working in the event.
Finished Makeup looks under my Combination Table. Beaming and happy should I say.
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!
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!
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.)
Sultry lips. A lovely deep color with an overlay of shiny gloss is glam revamped.
Natural high. Perfect for that fresh look, whether for a holiday brunch or a fancy dinner.
Eye-catching liner, is always a head-turner. It takes practice, but isn’t it worth it?
Shimmery splendid, where pearly cheeks and satiny lips create that put-together look.
Blush-hued smoky eyes take the classic look to a new, sultry level.
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.)
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.
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.
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!)
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.)
Makeup
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:
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.
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?
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I hereby bring you, “the Big Brush off,” as the saying goes. I’m talking about makeup brushes, that is. Makeup application depends on the right tools, if you want to look flawless and seamlessly blended. I’ve gotten questions left and right about brushes, what kind to use, what I recommend, etc. I thought it best to answer these questions on the blog, so that I can just direct people here! This is a 3 part series that will break down the must haves for your vanity table and beauty tool kit. Ready?
First: What’s the diff?
Natural makeup brushes
Natural hairs have a follicle that cling to powder pigments, allowing them to be evenly distributed. They are made of goat, pony, squirrel and sable (which is the most expensive). Made from animal hair, it can be a bit pricey but worth the investment as they last a lifetime if cared for properly. They are made to pick up powder pigments freely and can spread the product better giving it a more diffused blended look because they are usually fluffy. Best for powders, bronzers, blush and eye shadow.
Natural Bristle hair brushes. L-R – Hakuhodo Powder brush JJ5521, NARS Yachiyo blush/powder brush, Shu Uemura Goat hair Foundation brush
Synthetic makeup brushes
These are most composed of nylon, taklon or synthetic man made materials designed to pick up creams, gel liners, concealers and liquid formulations better. They are usually flat and best used for a smooth, precise and streak free application also like lipsticks. Synthetic hair like brushes are also good for wet application because the bristles stick together and don’t absorb too much product.
Synthetic brushes From L-R, Black Stippling brush, Real Techniques Highlighting brush, Real Techniques Foundation brush, Prescriptives Foundation Brush
Important! How to wash your brushes
Cleaning your tools at least once a week is good if you apply makeup everyday and once a a month if not as often. This removes buildup of oils, pigments and breakout inducing bacteria that can contribute to breakouts on your face.
1. Wash them regularly.
Swirl the bristles in warm soapy water ( I use a generic baby shampoo). For hard to remove pigments, try a mild dishwashing liquid.
2. Rinse them well.
Run the bristles under a steady stream of warm water until all soap and debris are gone. Blot the brush with a clean towel and shape the bristles with fingers.
3. Dry them out.
Don’t let your brushes stand upright. Water can weaken the glue around the metal band that secures the bristles to the handle which can loosen the bristles over time. Lay tools on a flat towel or hanging over the edge of your sink.
In the next article of this 3 part blog series, I will break down the essential Face brushes you need.
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.
