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
I loved doing this shoot. For starters, working with a young entrepreneur, Cara De Jesus, owner and CEO of Crow_PH, things happen really fast. Our shoot began on schedule, with a fresh young model, Renata Deodorio, who hails from Brazil and our photographer, Heidi Sarol shortly followed after.
If you visit Crow_PH in Instagram, you will see that it has a very edgy vibe. It is for the young modern woman in her 20’s and 30’s who are daring, who is not shy in expressing her confidence and attitude. It’s like a SUV with a big attitude. It’s fun, flirty, bohemian at times and very hip. It’s definitely not “mommy clothes”!
Cara gave me free rein in creating the look, and I decided to go fresh but with a twist. In a sea of smoky looks in magazines, I decided to go the opposite. In fact, when I was doing Renata’s makeup, I instinctively thought a Dita Von Teese look like a 1940’s pin up would be suitable or her. In some photos, I also saw a Jackie Kennedy look a like. Renata was a dream to work with, very pleasant, easy and definitely a pro.
RCMA Shinto 4 used to contour, and followed by a The Balm’s bronzer using a contour brush;
Ben Nye Translucent powder to seal her makeup and sprayed with Skindinavia Finishing Spray
Eyes:
Kryolan Concealer wheel in no 2 mixed with a salmon concealer to brighten her undereye area, followed by RCMA Shinto 2 concealer,
MAC’s Painterly paint pot used as a eye primer, I followed it using a light Vanilla matte eyeshadow on her eyelid using MAC’s 239 brush; on her crease , a mix of Wedge and Espresso using MAC’s 217 blending brush to create dimension. MAC Blacktrack gel eyeliner to line her lids using MAC’s 266 liner brush and winged on the sides and topped with false lashes from Bohkto.
Lips:
For her first look, the lace dress, lipstick applied was from Inglot’s Berry color line. For her second look, I let her blot off the lipstick and applied a light concealer and applied a light pink gloss for the bubblegum color. For the last and third look with the bathing suit, I mixed a black eyeliner with MAC’s Viva Glam 1 red lipstick to create a rebel look.
Hair was styled by Rikki Suarez.
I was enjoying myself so much that before I knew it, 2 hours had passed and the shoot was done and Renata was off to another casting. I hope she got it.
Opening your home to host a fashion show for a lauded designer is a very chic thing to do. It has to be a very special event to make you want to open your private sanctuary to host such a milestone. The designer — Ditta Sandico — was also launching her new atelier (which is in her home), so a rebirth or coming full-circle of sorts was a good excuse to celebrate. After all, 30 years in the fashion industry is no small feat (pardon the pun) for this petite designer,who has beenpromoting natural, organic, indigenous fabrics that are woven into stylish pieces that can be added to one’s wardrobe.
The fabric that is synonymous with Ditta’s name is banaca, a mix of banana and abaca fibers similar to piña or pineapple, unlike its earlier abaca counterpart that was very rough which was a good material for making ropes and footwear. Banaca is a fabric that is versatile as a mold or wrap, due to its pliability and soft sheen cast. Ditta’s pieces are well known for these mold and wrap structures, because of her very haute couture architectural style. Each piece is therefore a true statement piece in one’s wardrobe.
Two wraps are better than one! Modeled by Ava.
Stunning silver white and gray wrap against a simple black column.
The Lady in Red.
Looking regal.
Its easy being in green.
Model Betchay Montserrat, formerly of Karilagan Modeling fame, in a black and yellow cropped bolero. She still has the X factor!
UMAP or Unified Makeup Artists of the Philippines was tapped to lend hair and makeup support to a team of 22 models, five of whom were professional models, and the rest were Ditta’s friends and clients who were as good as the pros when it came to the catwalk. The show was directed by Raymund Villanueva, a good friend of Ditta who is a crack and a half. Full of wit and biting humor, he gave us an idea of how the concept was to be laid out. The ramp was the walkway to Ditta’s atelier against a clear backdrop of her shop, while the models inside posed and channeled their inner goddesses while waiting for their turn to come out.
Hair pegs a la Lady Gaga in the American Horror Story show. Edgy meets Imelda Marcos classiness. Photo taken from Entertainment Weekly
A modern Maria Callas. Photo taken from Entertainment Weekly
Makeup pegs for the show. Top face chart was to be recreated on the friends and clients while the face chart below was reserved for the 5 pros. Severe, mesmerising and mysterious cat eyes to go with the sculptural pieces of Ditta. Face Charts courtesy of Lesley Lim of UMAP.
#SquadGoals! UMAP Glam Squad from L-R: Guilly Valenzuela for hair, Lesley Lim, Sydney Dee, Maryann Obias, Myself and Pilita Guadines for Makeup.
The calm before the storm. Another shot with Aiky Nar in front for hair
Taken before they walked out on the ramp.
Quick, one more shot please. Photo from Yi Domingo.
As you can see, banaca can also be made into jewelry or accessories as modeled by Cherie Mercado, newscaster of ABC 5. Accessories were created by Thalia Javier. Photo from Yi Domingo.
Best rack in town.
UMAP teamed up with Inglot Cosmetics to provide the cosmetics for the show. Photo from Sydney Dee, UMAP Member.
I’m blushing. Deep bright colors mixed with neutral eyeshadows to complement the clothes. Let freedom ring. Photo from Sydney Dee.
Biore Skincare Products all packed and ready to go. Biore was also a sponsor with regards to makeup removal and maintenance. Inside the bag were cleansing pads, A bottle of Micellar water and a tube of sunscreen.
Annie Rosario Maceda, a cousin of Ditta Sandico, was wearing a Maria Clara inspired outfit.
With Riza Lim a yoga instructor. She can pass for an actress.
With another yoga and wellness advocate, Yi Domingo.
Sandwiched between friends, Ito Lopa on the left and Betchay Montserrat on the right.
Dwarfed by these beautiful ladies!
Congratulations Ditta!
Ditta’s posse! With gratitude.
Happy faces and smiles. We did it!!! Yahoo!!!
As I wrote this, APEC 2015 was happening in Manila, and it is very fitting to say, we have shown the world that Filipinos are excellent hosts! We have shared our best business acumen, excellent world class talent in the fields of entertainment, culture, food and design. In fashion, Ditta, you have done us proud, we are Pinoy Proud! Wishing you more years of clothing wonder.
Inglot Cosmetics is available at Glorietta 5, SM Megamall B.
Biore products are available at all leading Department Stores, and PCXchange.
Ditta Sandico is available at 5 Mabolo corner Balete Drive Quezon City.
UMAP or Unified MAkeup Artists of the Philippines can be reached at Facebook and Instagram, Umaphils.
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.
1. Please tell us a little bit about your blog and what you enjoy most about being a blogger?
My blog, www.marilen.ph is a lifestyle blog that focuses on design inspiration for the home. You’ll find lots of pretty photos and easy reading entries to inspire you.
2. Can you tell us about you makeup essentials? What do you love to use and why?
I love using light foundation or coverage cream that contains sunblock to keep my freckles at bay and even my skin tone. My favorite is zz cream from Happy Skin. It illuminates my complexion and is totally light weight. I always do my eyebrows and am quite addicted to perfecting them. I use blush, light eyeshadow, mascara and lipcolor. Most of my makeup are all Happy Skin!
3. What’s your advice to other bloggers out there?
Be real, find your passion so you are not just like others who blog for money, freebies and fame.
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.
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.
I’ve always admired beauty bloggers like Nikki Tiu of AskMeWhats.com, for their professionalism in the blogging craft, and in their know-how for beauty products. Really, it baffles me to see how a woman like her juggles a career, motherhood, marriage, and a popular blog! Today, she is my interview guest for this new portion I am bringing to the blog, called Bloggers’ Beauty Kit. Each edition, we’ll be interviewing a blogger about their makeup kits and their blogging tips! Read on for Nikki’s informative interview.
1. Please tell us a little bit about your beauty blog and what you enjoy most about being a blogger?
My blog (askmewhats.com) started January 2008 due to my wanting to help other people with problems! It turned out, most of my friends would ask me beauty-related questions so it ended up to be a Beauty Blog.
A woman of many talents, Nikki isn’t just a popular beauty blogger and makeup artist. Her most valued role is that of a wife and mom!
My Beauty Blog focuses on my journey as a makeup artist, I tend to acquire a lot of makeup for clients and because of that, I test them first for safety and put up a review. Thus it includes loads of makeup, skincare, nails etc.. review! I also include makeovers, tips and tricks on what I learn as a Make Up Artist and a lot of snippets about my personal life especially when I turned into a mom.
What I enjoy most about being a blogger is the fact that I get to meet a lot of friends (like you guys)! As a Blogger, I do have a voice and I’m glad to know I also get to help other people in my own “kikay” ways.
2. Can you tell us about you makeup essentials? What do you love to use and why? My makeup essentials are Brow products, Eyeliner, Powder and lipstick.
Given the chance to grab only one product when I’m in a hurry, I’d go for powder (it used to be just lipbalm) but due to my lack of sleep, and some redness (from allergies), I now need the power of powder for that extra coverage!
3. What’s your advice to other beauty bloggers out there?
Just keep going! I started blogging without an audience but I didn’t care! I just want to put out there what’s on my mind hoping someone who needs help or has beauty emergencies will get to read it! It also helps to focus on what you like to do, as for me, writing about beauty is my “solace”, my “me time” and it relaxes me! If writing or blogging is starting to feel like work, you’ll definitely feel the “burnout”. So make sure to blog what you love and what interests you and the rest will come along.
Nikki is also tapped by brands to give beauty and makeup workshops.
4. Please tell us your blog link, social media links.
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.
Welcome to another installment of Behind the Veil, my interviews with my bridal clients. Today, I want you to meet the lovely Ida Jose. I met Ida through her aunt, Ericka Peña, a client of mine who wanted to give her a gift which was a hair and makeup service for her niece Ida and her entourage. Who would not resist such a generous offer? Below are highlights and photos of her special day.
1. Tell my readers a bit about yourself.
Well… About me, I am an outgoing person. I love to learn new things. I love working with colors but not with my face. I think I am not very good at it. I am very OC (obsessive-compulsive) in a good way, which helped me make our wedding day the most memorable and the happiest day for us. I am currently employed with Auto Nation Group, a dealer of luxury cars, as an Executive Secretary. I love dancing so much and I dabble a little bit in graphic designing.
2. How did you come to work with me as your makeup artist?
It was December of 2011 when I asked my aunt Tita Ericka if she knows of a Hair and makeup artist for our company’s annual christmas dinner. She told me you were the one who did her hair and make-up for an event she attended. I searched for your work on the net which convinced me to have my hair & make-up done by Ms. Acie Fores.
3. How did you like your makeup on your special day?
The first hair & make-up trial really made me feel extra beautiful according to my friends and family. And for our big day, no words can explain how I felt with how I looked. Our guests, asked me who did my hair and makeup and that I looked so radiant. The photo from the ceremony is one of the many shots I love. Even with the veil, people can still see my face especially with that glowing smile.
4. What’s one fond memory you have of your wedding day?
Aside from my hair & make-up, the gown was also magical and contributed to how I felt so special on that day. My gowns for the church and reception were designed by Ellen Clavio-Viray. I would like to thank you for making our wedding day our guests and family will not forget. — Ida
Photos courtesy of Ida Belonia Jose and Reflexion Studios Eugene Pantoja. Hair: Jmar Martinez
Her Look:
Face:
MAC’s Painterly paint pot used as a eye primer
Hair was styled by Rikki Suarez.
