I’ve been enjoying the private makeup workshops I’ve been holding for clients and friends. It’s always satisfying to teach what you know, because you become a student of your students! Yes, especially when it comes to makeup, because no two faces are alike. I always have a sense of fulfilment when I see a client learn how to confidently put on her makeup.
The good news is, this May 3rd, I’m holding my second public makeup workshop, yay! (My first one was with Tommy’s Coffee last year, if you recall.) This time, I am being hosted by Nailandia Nail Studio and Body Spa, in Alabang, which is a wonderful venue for this intimate Personal Makeup Workshop! It will be for only 8 ladies, and I will be teaching everyone how to apply makeup that’s suited for your face shape and personality. I will also include tips on choosing the right makeup for you! Plus, my good friend, Martine De Luna (a noted freelance content coach for bloggers and small businesses) will be guest speaker for the day, and will conduct a short Mobile Photography for Instagram talk, so that you can know how to capture your best looks using your mobile phone!
Registration is through Nailandia, and slots are limited! To register for your slot, please call or text at 63 9176231491 and make payment arrangements. Once you’re paid, you’re in! And, in addition to the workshop, you’ll also be receiving a goodie bag from our sponsors (to be revealed soon on my Instagram, @aciefores.) Hope to see you at Nailandia! Sign up now at nailandia.alabanghills@gmail.com
Nailandia Nail Salon is located at 2/floor Don Gesu Building on Don Jesus Boulevard, Alabang Hills. Muntinlupa City.
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/)
This time, a fellow member of the Unified Makeup Artists of the Philippines, Maryann Obias, did my makeover. It was actually a makeup peg for a fashion showthat we provided services for and the makeup peg was an elongated, exaggerated black cat eye to evoke drama. Bold red lips and heavy contoured cheeks completed the look. This is what went on during our Polishing workshop that day.
Face chart below is the preferred look of choice.
Swatching and matching the foundation
Maryann used a buffing brush to apply the Inglot HD Foundation on my face.
This is definitely an Editorial or Fashion look. Brows do not follow the natural arch but rather reshaped to match the height of the cat eye.
Up Close and personal.
Products Used:
One of Inglot’s bestsellers is their HD line of Foundations. It’s formulated for High Definition TV. It looks natural, and is lightweight. It’s buildable depending on the coverage you want. Your skin look like perfect skin.
Makeup Forever Aqua Brow in shade 0
Makeup Forever Aqua Gel Eyeliner in Black. Consistency is very dense and creamy. You have to work fast when using this because it sets very quickly.
Inglot blush and eyeshadow palette. Blush and contour used are the top items left to right.
Lipsticks used were a combination of MAC Ruby Woo and Russian Red to give that brick red color.
Obviously, this is a look that will merit stares, and thoughts of What-was-she-thinking? I liked the way it made me look very edgy and hip and worthy of a editorial photo shoot (although that didn’t happen). Despite the few products used to create this look, a good dose of patience and a pair of steady hands is required to pull this off.
Here is my own take on the avant garde look. This is an old photo of me taken during December 2014 when I had a client that needed a Chinese Empress Look for their Christmas Party. I was doing a sample look for the client.
How bold do you want to be?
MaryAnn Obias Makeup Artist can be reached at https://www.facebook.com/makeupbymavo
Unified Makeup Artists of the Philippines can be reached in FB www.facebook.com/umaphils
I went to the Jing Monis Salon for my 3rd Makeup look and I was assigned to AlexJ De Lara. I requested for the same “natural” look and this time I had a photoshoot to attend to so it was just perfect to get my hair and face done where I will be photographed professionally.
Barefaced and Recently buzzed.
Using the same before photo since I always forget to take a before photo.
Smoky look with a darker lip.
Subtly blended neutral colors accented with flirty lashes. Brows look darker in this photo, since I tweaked it late in the day.
I used a combination of my makeup loves with the stylists. For the face, he prepped the skin with Hourglass Mineral Veil primer and applied the combined shades 123, 301, 112 of the Koh Gen Do HD Moisture Foundation. For concealer, he used Okuma Concealer in shade 01. He bronzed it with Smashbox Suntan Matte and used NARS Manly blush. He set my face with Koh Gen Do translucent powder and Smashbox’s finishing powder. Brows were nicely peaked with Maybelline brow pencil in a light ash brown shade. My eyes were accented by the Tartlette Palette in the 3 shades second row top to bottom from the left. The outer V and Crease were accented by a darker brown color on the 3rd top from the left. Lashes were elongated using Red Cherry 747S and lined with Loreal’s black gel liner above and below the lashline to give the defined and smoky look. For the lips, MAC’s Whirl lined my lips and gave me a Chestnut looking color that gave me a pouty smile.
This was my BTS look in the photographers studio during the shoot. I took advantage of the FalconEyes Ring light which my other colleagues went gaga over. I took a selfie and this was the result. Look no shadows!
I loved the way it turned out, so far, this is one of my favorite looks. My eyebrows could be a tad darker but I appreciate the fact that he still made it look “on fleek” without making it too harsh looking. I received compliments with this one and the makeup felt comfortable, not heavy looking. Due to the ring light, I was able to see the makeup application up close and I noticed, my brows were lighter than I thought it to be. Late in the day, I decided to fill them in so it can blend wit the rest of my face. Professional lighting is the true test on how your makeup is photo worthy.
I didn’t mind the darker lip color too since I wanted to experiment a bit. My lashes were a bit flirty and it gave me a semi Marilyn Monroe look since the ends were a bit heavy but also still felt very comfortable. This look stayed on the whole day and I blotted my face with blotting paper and refreshed my lip color, I wouldn’t mind going out on a night out looking like this.
Have you seen those YouTube videos where they show the evolution of makeup in 3 minutes or less? There is also a similar video in which a woman was photoshopped according to the beauty standards of the country she sent her photo to. Well, it gave me the idea to blog about how various makeup artists see me. I’m calling it “How They See Me (Acie)”.
This is intended be a fun experiment as to how I am perceived by other artists when I say give me a natural look. I gave them the option of going avant garde if they think this is part of my transformation palette so to speak.
First of this series is done by my makeup artist neighbor friend, Mela JimenezI asked her to give me a natural look and this is how she painted me.
Barefaced and Recently buzzed.
Subtle blending of neutral colors
After. Looking Fresh and natural
Tools and colors she used on me. She applied a combination of traditional and airbrush makeup foundations on me, She used Face2Face cream foundation and airbrushed me with Temptu no 6 to finish it off. It was set by Face2Face translucent powder, I was bronzed on my cheeks and the hollows of my cheeks and temples with her favorite bronzer, the name at the back was already rubbed off. For the eyes, she used NARS Manly blush as the shadow base and shades of brown eyeshadows on the crease and outer v. For drama, she lined my eyes with black gel liner and brown gel liner on the bottom and smudged gently. For my brows it was KPalette in no.2 . For cheeks, she also used Nars Manly blush and for lips she combined a pink and coral lipstick to give it a pinkish beige hue.
I loved my look, Mela said this is how she does a smoky look on brides. I wore this for 5 hours and it still looked fine. I love how she effortlessly transformed me without me looking too garish or overly made up. Give me your comments and let me know what you think?
Running late from an earlier appointment, I barely made it to the opening of their store pop up in Glorietta 4, I was pointed to Vanilla Cupcakes when I asked the security guard where Banila Co was located. That made my day. As I arrived, I was pointed to Mr. Jon Lim, the one responsible in bringing in this line. They were about to begin their makeup demo with Senior Korea makeup artist for Banila, Mr. Kim Kangpil who has a show Get Beauty in Korea.
Banila Co’s muse is Song Ji Hyo, Korea’s model, actress and TV Presenter.
Product display at Glorietta 4 branch.
Skincare and makeup lineup
Established in 2005 to cater to the 20-30 year old woman, it ‘s product line focuses on skin care. It boasts of its cleansing balm Clean it Zero in its pink tub. It has papaya extract for the exfoliation part, Mineral oil and Acerola and herbal extract to tone the skin. It is recommended for normal to combination skin. Consistency is sherbet like, looks so good you can eat it. Comes with a spatula. Apply a little dollop into the palm of your hand, apply to your face and smooth in circular motions to remove makeup and dirt from the face.
Oh so soft face brushes ready to touch your face.
The star of the magic lineup, Clean It Zero a sherbet looking cleanser that promises glowing radiant skin. This is the original formula. This is for normal to dry skin since it has moisturizing properties.
This is what I bought, the one formulated for Oily, combination skin. It has Resveratrol, a compound found in red grapes that helps in the delay of ageing.
This is for brightening the face. Contains Moringa that gives the face a radiant glow.
Clean It Zero is formulated for sensitive skin. Contains no harmful ingredients like alcohol, mineral oil, parabens and artificial pigments that can harm the skin.
Look s like an ice cream cup with a spatula.
Sherbet ice cream.
Applied a gel like waterproof liner
Applied the cleanser and melted on contact
Cleanser in action
It took a few seconds to melt the product down
Moisturized and cleansed. I wiped off the product with a tissue with no greasy after feel.
Clean it Zero feels like an oil makeup remover in paste form and without the oily residue. It has a moisturizing effect that leaves you squeeky clean. It has a fruity smell that dissipates after but does not linger on you. I think this is purposely done to appeal to a younger crowd. I like the smell and it does not bother me. It’s perfect for travelling since it comes in a tub with a spatula, making it very travel friendly and portable.
Science behind the brand
With the Filipino’s fascination with Korean Telenovelas, its not hard to understand our warm reception to this Korean Skin care brand. It was explained and demonstrated by Mr. Kim Kangpil that Korean women approach beauty from the underlying root of “proper skincare”. Korean women do not want to show that they have makeup on, The Korean glow comes from having perfect skin, of having the perfect makeup base.
A primer on how to achieve glowing skin
When I heard this, I was jumping on my seat. Finally! I wanted to high five Mr. Kangpil on this one. Most of us think that having that perfect glow comes from all the highlighting products we pile on our face but to achieve perfect skin is really all about layering your skincare and applying your base on top of that.
Makeup Station ready for the demo.
Here is how to achieve that glow:
After cleansing your face, apply a brightening toner to cover our yellow undertones. This also locks in moisture needed to prep the face for the base.
The Brightening toner is at the bottom left.Apply the primer to control oiliness and extend the wear of the makeup. It also comes in 3 variants. This is a good primer as demonstrated by Mr. Kangpil.
CC Cream and CC Cushion
An Array of foundation you can mix with your primer. Foundation of choice was the CC cushion foundation above right.
Model before her skincare application.
After. Her left side, which is the right side facing us, is the area where the demo was shown. Notice the difference from the one on the right (left side facing us)? Her skin looks radiant with just a simple application of skincare and base products.
Eyeshadow shades to fall in love with.
My brush with a celebrity. Mr. Kim Kangpil himself.With fellow UMAP members and other Korean makeup artists who flew in for the launch.
Price points are in the medium price range, not too expensive. This will definitely be on my favorite list things and I see myself replenishing my skincare faster than usual since these are products I will be using a lot more often now. I can never stress the importance of having the perfect skin and now you have no excuse to achieve that. Banila Co simplified it for us.
Banila Co is available at the 2nd floor of Glorietta 4 and Landmark Trinoma.
Follow them on www.banilaco.ph, BanilaCo Philippines on Facebook and Banilacoph on Instagram
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
Living next to a neighbor who is another makeup artist can always be a plus for me. You can always call on their services whenever you need an extra pair of hands in an event or when you’re too lazy to put on your own makeup for special events. I believe that competition puts one on her toes but I feel that as women, we should uplift and support each other’s endeavors. We met through a common friend, teacher and hair stylist du jour, Tony Dusich. Mela Jimenez was always fondly mentioned in our conversations with him and one day after a wedding Tony and I just did that day, he decided to ambush her in her home so he can introduce us. We chatted like sisters and wore Tony off after a while with girly talk. Here is her story. (All photos belong to Mela Jimenez and should not be reprinted or copied)
1. What inspired you to get into make-up & did you immediately know that’s what you wanted to do?
I always had a fascination for make-up even as a little girl. I remember playing dress up with my sister & our mom would doll up our faces when my dad wasn’t around. I didn’t think make-up was something I could do professionally at a young age, but the fascination & curiosity was always there. When I got a little older my sisters and cousins would let me paint their faces for special occasions.
Mela’s favorite brushes usually in sable and goat hair.
2. Where did you train or are you self taught?
I took a Basic Make-up Application course with ICI-Traning Center which is now known as Center for Aesthetic Studies back in 2005. Then I began the process of honing my craft by assisting as a make-up artist for T.V. Commercial shoots . My thirst for learning more gave me the opportunity to take up further studies in 2007 at Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Arts in Burbank California where I took an intensive 2 month course. Then a few years after this I took a class with CAS for HD make-up application.
One of the photos from the campaign of Nothing but H2O.Almost 50 shades of gray. Catalog shoot for Calessa
3. Where do you find inspiration?
I’ve learned that I am a very visual person. I get inspired with the process of creating something beautiful. I get inspired by working with people who are very passionate in their craft and seeing them in their element whether they are hair stylist, photographers or stylist.
Photo by Pilar TuasonPhoto by Pilar Tuason
4. How do you think your work has evolved since you first began working professionally?
As a professional make-up artist working on my craft & learning new things is something that takes place every day. I can say looking back, fine tuning my skills is a never ending journey. If I were to look at photos from my very first photoshoot to the most current one, I can say I am more keen at looking at the smallest of details. Going to the point of being more on the technical side of the art to create something balanced and beautiful.
Work Mode Photo by Jervy Santiago
5. What’s the best advise a fellow professional has ever given you?
Above everything else make sure that your work is clean.
Photo by Pilar Tuason
Photo by Jiggie Alejandrino
6. Which one product do you wish you could have or create, to make your life easier?
Maybe if someone can create a handy all in one brush set that is something like a swiss knife, I think that would make our lives a lot easier.
7. One product you never leave home without for yourself or your kit?
Peach Corrector is the secret of the Eyebag universe.
Bobbi Brown Light Peach & Dark Peach Corrector.
8. How do you find time to relax?
On days when I don’t have work, you either see me reading a book, spending time with family or friends.
Chillax Mela
9. You conduct personal beauty workshops, how did that come about?
Last I did was for my private clients who wanted to learn about makeup in a smaller group.
10. How would you describe your work?
I love working with what is naturally there & bringing it out.
Photo by Jorem Catilo
11. What part of your work do you prefer? Bridal, editorial or Fashion runway?
Bridal will always be one of my favorites but I do love the creative freedom that editorial gives.
Lately, I’ve been watching the Philippine Madrigal singers on YouTube. Their videos came out in my feed and I clicked on a few of them and 2 videos stood out, the one in Uruguay where they sang Eres Tu and my favorite, the one at the Abbey of Saint Michel, they sang Izar Ederrak.It makes me so proud to see Filipino excellence appreciated in so many parts of the world. Truly we Filipinos are blessed with so much musical talent, we are world class.
I met Em Alcantarathrough Martine De Luna. Em is part of the community of bloggers called Mommy Bloggers Philippinesand also happens to be a former member of the Philippine Madrigal Singers. I love it when the universe is conspiring with you. She needed a refresher course on stage makeup since she is now on her own, performing for various events. It was music to my ears. (Pardon the pun, couldn’t resist). Em was also concerned about her skin condition, which is oily to dry and rough which she said was exacerbated during her pregnancy. Here is what went on.
Fresh Faced
Skin Analysis:
Oily in the T Zone Area but dry on some parts of her face.
Big Pores, redness in some areas like the cheek and chin and skin texture is rough.
Pigmentation around the chin area and sides of her face
Skin Prep:
I just discovered this new Exfoliating toner called Cure Natural Aqua Gel which is made of 90% Hydrogen water and is preservative, coloring, mineral oil and artificial fragrance free. Made in Japan and can be purchased at Beauty Bar. I used this on her since I knew she had sensitive skin and didn’t want to add to her sensitivity. Her skin was smooth after this.
1 pump and massage into the face for 30 seconds. Dead skin flakes will fall off. Rinse with water and follow with your normal skin care routine. Use 2x/week to get maximum results.
Instructions in English. Love this product.
After Exfoliating the skin, Water treatment Skin Cream was applied to the face as a moisturizer.
Canvas is ready.
I used a combination of Kryolan Camouflage Concealer mixed with Coverderm Camouflage makeup in 3A and 5A and Judith August Everything Pencil in Golden Beige to hide her pigmentation.
Ace of base
Judith August Everything Pencil. It’s like the blemish sweeper. I used these 2 pencils to hide her pigmentation on her chin.
Makeup:
Eye Makeup
Eye Prep and Makeup. L-R Maybelline Lash Curl Mascara, Urban Decay Zero Eyeliner, Nurturing Force Blot off Primer, MAC Eye Cream, MAC Blacktrack gel eyeliner, Benefit Brow Zing in Medium, The FAce Shop Style my Eyebrow in 03, Ben Nye Glam Shadow Palette. I used the first 2 and bottom 2 for her shadows.
Photo courtesy of Kage Gozun
Photo courtesy of Kage Gozun
Face:
Makeup Forever Scultping Powder in Shade 2, NARS Orgasm Blush, MAC Highlighter
Lipstick:
I used a combination of Inglot Lipstick #30, utmost right topped with MAC lipglass in Cultured on top and New Spirit above
She is ready for her performance. Love her beaming smile. I can’t wait to hear you sing Em!
Ems smoky eye look.
A singer and a writer
What do you think of her look? Book Em Alcantara through her website, FaceBook, Twitter, and Instagram account of @touringkitty.
Lifestyle and travel bloggers are interesting and engaging people to work with. Insightful, full of humor and they are the best resource for anything and everything. Kage Gozun was one of those people that you feel an easy connection with. I had a chance to give Kage a makeover to fit her active, on the go lifestyle one afternoon at the EDSA Beverage Design Studio.
According to her blog, she is a woman of many talents! She struck me as a multi-passionate creative entrepreneur and freelancer. Aside from having contributed to the web content of GMA Network, she is a co-owner of Brown Bellyresort-inspired lifestyle wear and toiletries; she is a Lifestyle brand ambassador of Roxy Philippines; an active member of Sea to Summit Philippines, and an an avid surfer. She is also a lifestyle writer who has contributed to numerous travel publications.
Here is the lowdown on her beauty look.
Skin Analysis
Skin is oily in the T-zone area and normal on the other parts of her face
Dull looking due to stress , dark eyebags
Barefaced and ready for the makeover. Cleansed and Exfoliated!
Skin Prep:
Cleansed skin with Cure Natural Aqua Gel to remove dead skin flakes and impurities.
One Pump and massaged into her skin for 20-30 seconds and see the skin flakes fall off. Rinse with water and follow with your skincare routine.Instructions and Ingredient listAfter Exfoliating the skin, Water treatment Skin Cream was applied to the face as a moisturizer. This is actually used for the hands but I wanted to use this for the face because I wanted a light moisturizer that would not feel heavy on the face.
Eyes and Face
L-R Kryolan Camouflage Concealer wheel and Eve Pearl Invisible Finish Powderless PowderMakeup Forever Sculpting powder in Shade 2, Makeup Forever Mat Velvet Plus Foundation in 40 and 55, MAC blush in Harmony and Pinch Me, Skindinavia No More shine Finishing sprayMAC Fast Response Eye Cream, MAC eyeshadows in Soft Brown, Wedge, Expresso, Nurturing Force Blot off to mattify face, Benefit Brow ZIng in Medium and Inglot Freedom Palette in 421S and 446
Urban Decay 24/7 glide on pencil in Zero and Bourbon.
False eyelashes tied her look together. These are lightweight flirty and natural.
Lips
Inglot #30 last pan on the right
Loreal Barely Greige and MAC Lipglass in CultureSqueezing in a selfieReady for her night out with her friends.I think she approves.A singer and a writer
Follow Kage’s adventures on Instagram @surftolivetosurf and on Twitter @travelkage.
So, guess what? I’m holding a makeup workshop! If you’ve been following my Facebook page, you’ll see that I have been doing small, private workshops at the homes of my friends. Well, for the first time, I’ll actually be conducting this Personal Makeup Workshop in public, thanks to the people at Tommy’s Coffee! Learn how to be your own makeup artist! Want to learn the best shades for your skin tone? Or how about the secrets of perfect concealer application?
If you want to learn these and more, I invite you to sign up for this personal makeup class with me! In a nutshell, we’ll be taking up the following:
Introduction to makeup
All about the face
Basic techniques includes skin care, eyebrow shaping, make up base, contouring, highlighting, blending introduction
Basic eye makeup
Makeup for day and night
Exciting, right? I hope you’ll join me! I promise you’ll learn a lot, and you’ll look great after you attend and apply the techniques! Registration is limited, so please follow the details in the poster above: Choose one of the two dates — August 18 or 25 — then text or call the number provided to book and pay for your slot. Yummy snacks and drinks will be served! Thanks, and I hope to see you there!
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.
