Now that Covid restrictions have eased up on most parts of the world, Currently I see events and weddings resuming although cautiously,  I couldn’t ‘ve been happier and excited.  We’ve had 2 1/2 years of lockdown to learn how the disease works, we have seen the beneficial effects of being vaccinated and the more we know the more we get better at learning how to cope with the pandemic.

So the past few months, have seen me working at weddings beginning at the start of this year with all the Covid protocols in place and frankly I’m enjoying the intimate celebrations.  Things move faster, it becomes more special and memorable.

So I’ve put together a few things that inspire rebirth, positivity and radiance since my beauty philosophy is to always enhance what’s already there, here they are:

Skin:

Cure Natural Aqua Gel

I always start off with a fresh canvas and I normally ask Brides to exfoliate their skin prior to the makeup.  This ensures that there are no dry flaky skin that can hinder the absorption of products that can give the skin a boost in preparation for the makeup.  Most of them usually get surprised how much dead skin comes off with this application.  Its called gommage exfoliation.

Glossier Super Glow Vitamin C with Magnesium Serum

We all know that Vitamin C when applied to the skin brightens the face.  This is a Vitamin C derivative (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate aka MAP) which helps even out skin tone and improve the appearance of dark spots (and because it’s stable, it won’t oxidize or degrade after you open the bottle), while Magnesium PCA enhances hydration and replenishes moisture, so skin looks recharged, fresh, and glowy.  It has all the good stuff, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, and Sunflower Seed Oil and Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract to condition and nourish the skin.  Its lightweight, and the fragrance-free emulsion soaks in immediately with no filmy residue.  (source:  Glossier.com)

Sonia Roselli Water Elixir, Water Oil

Formulated with Ceramides, the water elixir plumps out the skin and gives it a hydration boost.  It helps restore the skin barrier and calms redness.  Added to this is the water oil applied to the cheeks and neck to hydrate dry skin.  Both products are lightweight not oily, greasy at all.  I know, you’re probably thinking oil on top of a serum may be a little too much for our humid weather.  Trust me this doesn’t make you feel oily.  The Water oil contains Squalane oil, Camellia Seed Oil, Avocado oil, Sea Buckthorn oil, Argan and Rice bran oil to name a few.  Some of these have antibacterial properties to heal and make the skin supple.  Apply 1 pump and massage into the face and neck.  Most skin types I work with are actually dehydrated from either over scrubbing  or not drinking enough water.

Moisturizer

Applying a moisturizer on top of the water oil seals the skin to make it plump, hydrated and primed.  Make sure that the moisturizer you apply is the right one for your skin type.

Face Roller

I use a face roller to massage away any tension, puffiness and to warm up circulation on the face.  Most Brides are holding so much tension and stress from their planning that the jaw and neck are usually hot spots that need relaxation and de stressing.

Ice Roller

To add to the chill factor, this is the last step in my skin prep to further soothe irritation, redness and puffiness.  Stored in the freezer, these rollers constrict the blood vessels on the face.  I recently added this to my personal skincare regimen specially after I had laser done on my melasma last year.  This really soothed my face after that hot and warm sensation from the laser treatment and brought the redness and swelling down immediately.

Makeup

Jung Saem Mool Foundation

I chose this foundation mainly because of the coverage it provides.  Its dewy when applied but doesn’t look oily.  Its light,  the texture is serum based but slightly thicker not as watery.  Typically Korean made, you can be assured that you are going to get dewy, its ingredient list is comparable to the other Western brands and the shades are suited for the Asian skin tone.  You can apply this 2 – 3x for medium to full coverage.  One pump is really enough to cover the face but for longevity and fuller coverage I used 2 pumps and I had a little more to spare.  Wait a few minutes for the first layer to sink in before applying the next layer.  I used a blending brush to apply then tapped a beauty blender sponge to even out the coverage and to make it look more seamless.  The shade I used was Medium.  I also love the packaging.  Nude just like the coverage.  Its your skin but better.

Charlotte Tillbury Flawless Filter

Its Airbrush in a bottle.  I apply this on the high points of the face, top of cheekbones, cupid’s bow, bridge of the nose to highlight the face.  I sometimes add this to the foundation to give the face an added shimmer.  Ingredients include a polymer, porcelain flower extract, glossy oil to give the face a blurring effect.  Its a skin filter so to speak.

Dior Universal Glow Face Palette

Another secret weapon is this palette.  It can be used on the face and the eyes.  I use the Rosy and yellow gold shades for the cheeks and eyelids, the copper shade can also be used in the hollows of the cheeks and the eye crease as well.  Its subtle highlight gives the skin that natural sheen and luminosity without the lit from NASA space effect.  If you have overpowdered your face, apply this with a soft brush to remove the chalky and look.

Charlotte Tillbury Pillow Talk Cheek to Chic

Swish and Pop as the product description says, its a nude pink shade that flatters everyone.  I swirl my blush brush on the two shades and apply on the cheeks for an instant glow.

Most of these products are available at Sephora, Shopee, Lazada and SoniaRoselli.com  Share with me your other favorite products that give you that lit from within glow.    Take care and keep hydrated!