Swatches: MAC Studio Finish Concealer + concealer tips

Just a quick post of my FAVE concealer ever! 

Hands down to this product! It is opaque and lightweight at the same time. The formula is super pigmented that it can cover moles, birthmarks and blemishes. It is also enriched with anti-oxidants Vit. E and A and has SPF 35 for skin protection. It is priced at Php 1,000 each for 7 grams, but trust me this tiny pot will last you a long time.

This product is a must have in my kikay kit. As you can see I own three shades NC20, NC30 and NW25. I'll tell you in a bit on how I use the following shades.

MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 concealer

NC20, NC30, NW25

 

 

I use the following brushes to apply concealer:

Ecotools flat synthetic brush from the 5 pc. set to highlight (browbone)

Ecotools Smudge brush from their Eye set (blemishes)

MAC 242 shader brush (undereyes)

NC20 -  I find that this shade is too light for my undereyes, so I use it as highlight instead under the brows. 

NC30 - to cover pimples and pimple marks. 

NW25 - is perfect as an undereye concealer. The peachy/salmon tone neutralizes and counteracts my purplish dark circles. Doesn't crease and stays put all day when set with my fave Ben Nye Luxury Banana Powder.

I found this helpful guide on Instagram on how to conceal dark undereye circles.

 You can also use the following brushes to apply concealer. 

The fluffy ones for an airbrushed effect, while the flat brush for more coverage.

ELF Eyeshadow Stipple brush (dupe for MAC 282SE) from Stipple Set

ELF Tapered Stipple brush (dupe for MAC 286SE) from Stipple Set

MAC 224 Blending brush (Php 2,000)

MAC 242 Shader brush (Php 1,600)

 Swatches

MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 concealer in NC20, NC30, NW25

What's your HG concealer? 

 

Till next time, 

MAC Technique Makeup Workshop in Cebu

MAC held their 2nd MAC Technique workshop last April 26 at Marriott Hotel here in Cebu City. I was so excited I got invited to the said event coz I didn't get the chance to attend the first one (I was still working with MAC at that time).  I attended the event as a beauty blogger this time and I'm really excited to share with you guys what I've learned.

 Image from Preview Magazine May 2012 issue

 The instructor is no other than Celebrity makeup artist Jigs Mayuga. I am a fan of his work ever since I saw some of the fashion editorials he did a few years back. I first met him during the launching of MAC Cosmetics here in Cebu last November 2011 and the second time  during the MAC Archie's Girls event last Feb 2013. He is super gwapo, tall and super duper nice! I got so kilig when he even followed me back on Instagram hehe Love you Jigs! =D

Ok back to the MAC workshop *focus*, he did a demo about the 4 Spring/Summer key makeup trends this season : Day-Glow, Light-FX, CC-Thru Colour and The New Eye-Deal.

DAY-GLOW cheeks are the new way to study skin and a "raw" complexion finds a new narrative in a sporty lexicon... LIGHT FX speaks to the prevailing radiance that is so relevant now... CC-THRU Colour tunes in to the corrective cast that cool and warm tones bring to brightening the face... THE NEW EYE-DEAL reinvents the eye accents that subtly play into the contemporary enhancement. 

"The main thread throughout the season is the idea of the outdoor, day-lit beauty. We used oils, highlighters and even fine glitters to emulate dewdrop skin and flickers of sunlight.. High Tech products to create low-tech beauty," explains Terry Barber.
(From MAC PR)
 

So without further adieu I'll start with the tutorial on the first look.

 The 1st look (on model Daina) is a combination of the CC-Thru colour and Day glow makeup trend. The focal point of this look is that the skin looks bare, but bronzed and glowing. Jigs also used Peachy/orangey colors to compliment the bronzey color of the skin.

 FACE

 * Moisture infusion serum is applied all over the face to keep the skin supple. 
 * Natural radiance base is used on highlight points only (cheekbone, brow bone, bridge of nose etc.) 

 * Mineralized liquid foundation is used because the finish is sheer and glowing, perfect this summer! 

TIP: Do not set it with powder yet. In case of eyeshadow fall-outs it is easier to clean with a makeup wipe or brush.

EYES

* Bare study Paintpot is applied all over the lid using a synthetic brush. This product can be used alone or as base for powder eyeshadow.
* A metallic shade of eyeshadow (MAC Bronze) is applied on the crease using 217 Blending brush, starting on the bridge of the nose going outwards.
* Blend the eyeshadow with a clean 239 Flat Shader brush to avoid harsh lines. 
* Using a 224 Blending brush, pick up a bit of Bronze eyeshadow and apply it again on the crease and blend again for a soft look. 
* Curl lashes starting from base, the center and the tips for a natural look. 
* Apply MAC False lashes mascara, then comb the lashes with a spoolie to remove clumps. 

BROWS 
* Measure the brows (please refer to pic below)

     Pic from www.howtodoyoureyebrows.com

* Use a spoolie to brush hair outwards. 
*  Jigs used 3 products on the brows for a natural effect:
1. MAC retractable brow pencil in Fling on the hair near the bridge of the nose 
2. MAC retractable brow pencil in Lingering shade on the center of the brows 
3. MAC Brow marker to define the tail of the brows

* Use a MAC 212 Flat brush with a little amount of liquid concealer to clean up the brows. 
* Use Mineralize Skinfinish powder to set foundation.
 TIP: Do not over apply, concentrate on the OILY AREAS ONLY, like the forehead, nose and the chin.  

* Define lips with an orange colored lip liner (forgot the shade he used) 
* Using a lip brush, apply MAC Prolong wear lipstick in Good to go. Don't forget to blend the lipstick with the lipliner.

TADAA... The finished look

 This look is perfect for summer right?! 
I LOVE Daina's bronzed skin and the orangey lipstick complemented her skintone.
Ma-try nga this look! hehe

The 2nd look (on model Bianca) is a combination of the LIGHT-FX and THE NEW EYE-DEAL makeup trend. This look is about creating shadows on the face using highlights. The face looks very clean and glowing with dramatic (but still wearable) eye makeup.

Let's start with the 2nd tutorial:

FACE
* False lashes are already applied prior to the makeup demo.
* Prep skin using MAC Strobe cream on highlight points only (bridge of the nose, cheek bone, chin). 

NOTE: The difference between the MAC Natural radiance moisturiser (which is used on the 1st model) and the Strobe cream is that the former has a lighter consistency and the shimmers are very fine, while the latter is thicker and gives an illuminating effect - an opalescent glow to be exact. Strobe cream is one of my favorite products from MAC. You can use it alone as a highlighter, a moisturiser (used sparingly) or mixed with BB Cream or foundation for a dewy finish. If you find the Strobe Cream to heavy for your skintype, you can opt for the Strobe Lotion which has a lighter consistency, but too bad it is not available locally.

* Use Mineralize liquid foundation then lightly set it with MAC Mineralize MSF powder.

EYES 
* Apply MAC Fluidline gel liner in Blacktrack as an outline first. Jigs used a MAC 209 brush to apply the eyeliner on the lashline close to the lashes as possible, then slowly increase the intensity and thickness as you go. To draw the wing tips, you can use a smaller brush like the MAC 210 for definition. You can use a q-tip with a little bit of makeup remover to erase smudges.

TIP: Jigs said for newbies using gel is better 'coz you can choose the applicator/brush depending on the look you want to achieve. It is easier to use/control instead of liquid liners. 

* Follow with MAC Liquid eyeliner to darken the line. You can also use the 209 brush instead of the applicator if you like.

TIP: I would like to add, you can also use a pencil liner as outline first, then follow with gel or liquid eyeliner for a daytime look =)
 
* To finish the look, apply MAC Mineralized lipstick in Pure pout using a lip brush for a natural effect. 

The finished look

Bianca looks so stunning right?! Her skin is soooo flawless! *envy mode*

Q & A Portion

Someone from the audience asked Jigs on how to do a smokey eye on hooded eyelids, and he did another demo for us!  YEY!

Jigs said to draw the eyeliner first so that you already have an idea on where to apply the darkest shade. Apply the darkest shade on the outer lids then slowly blend inwards. Follow with a medium shade and apply it on the center of the lids and blend again. Blending is  the key when doing a smokey eye makeup.

Here's the finished look. 

I love the effect! As you can see, her eyes look bigger and more awake.

Pictorial time

Jigs with models Daina and Bianca

From left:

Me, Hollie of Random Beauty, Jigs and MJ of Istorya.net

Whew! That was a long post, but I hope you learned a lot though =)

Thank you MAC Cosmetics PH and Bigseed Media for the invite.

Already looking forward to the next MAC Technique... *crossing my fingers* 

Till next time, 

Makeup Tips from MAC Artists (Part 2)

Now its time for the ladies to share their makeup tips and favorite products from MAC.
If you missed Part 1, click HERE.
 

 
Image from www.maccosmetics.com

NICO ENRIQUEZ (MAC ROCKWELL)

1. Your #1 Makeup tip

 Exfoliate regularly and moisturize daily! Beautiful make up starts with a beautiful canvas so please take care of your skin. It's not just prepping your skin before make up, it's also about giving your skin the proper nourishment it needs before your beauty sleep.

 2. Your favorite MAC product and why?

MAC Mineralize Concealer - Php 1,150

Definitely Mineralize concealer. It has this really creamy texture that has a consistency thick enough to give excellent coverage yet still thin enough to blend seamlessly with the skin.
 

3. Your advice to those who just started using makeup. 

Skin is extremely important. Not just skin care itself but how you apply foundation and concealer as well. You don't have to pile on make up to cover! Try neutralizing discolorations instead like using the NW line to counteract bluish discolorations in the under eye area and the NC line to neutralize any redness. Trust me, neutralizing makes a huge difference.

  ERIN CABRERA (MAC ALABANG)

1. Your #1 Makeup tip

As we all know, "Skin is In", keep your skin healthy and glowing even without makeup by keeping it hydrated and well-exfoliated.

 

 2. Your favorite MAC product and why?
 
MAC Mineralize Foundation Loose - Php 2,050

One of the best powders that i have worked with is Mineralize Foundation/Loose. It has 77 bio minerals under its belt and has pearlized pigments (optical diffusers) to make the dullest makeup look alive and radiant.

 

3. Your advice to those who just started using makeup.

The best advice I could give to makeup artists who are just starting out, "Don't let it get to your head" Makeup artistry is your own creativity. It is creating masterpieces of what you think is beautiful and not let other people tell you otherwise. Yes, there will be a few, if not, most judgements in our line of work, but always remember that you just have to find your niche and do the best that you can to make it work.

KIMVERLEY PERALTA (MAC MOA)

1. Your #1 Makeup tip

Less foundation and having a luminous beautiful skin is still the best coz its the largest and noticeable part.  

 2. Your favorite MAC product and why?
 
MAC 217 Blending brush - Php 1,300

 Super love the MAC brushes especially the 217 coz its multi-purpose, handling anything from any textures to powder ones. I think its a brush must have by any person who loves eye makeup. 

3. Your advice to those who just started using makeup.

Top secret- have confidence and dont be afraid trying new shades specially when it comes to lipsticks. Be on the nearest MAC counter and don't hesitate to ask questions and the expert will tell you what's the best for you. See yahh!

****************************

 Stay tuned for Part 3 =)

Till next time, 

Makeup Tips from MAC Artists (Part 1)

In this post, I want to share with you some amazing makeup tips that I've compiled from my former colleagues at MAC Cosmetics. Enjoy reading! 

 

HAM VILORIA (MAC Makati)

What is your #1 Makeup Tip? 

Be inspired by anything other than makeup looks done by other artists. I find that paintings, patterns, texture from fabrics are great examples of how you can challenge yourself in interpreting makeup trends. 

What is your favorite MAC product and why? 

 

 MAC Fluidline Blacktrack - Php 1,100

It's a product that provides limitless looks depending on the brush you use.

 RAF MAÑOSCA (MAC Rockwell)

   

What is your #1 Makeup Tip?

For me prepping the skin before the application of makeup really does make a difference. Do your normal skin care routine. Make sure that the skin is well hydrated. And apply whatever primer that works for your skin type. Like with MAC, our skin care line is made to make the makeup look good.

What is your favorite MAC product and why? 

 MAC Fix+ Spray - Php 1,050

It's really a must have product. Coz it's just makes your skin well hydrated. Can also be used as a mixing medium for eyeshadows and pigments. It also takes away the powdery finish of your makeup look.

NOEL NOCILLADO a.k.a KENJIE (MAC Makati)

What is your #1 Makeup Tip?

Apply skincare before wearing makeup. Don't put to much makeup to avoid fine lines, freckles and signs of aging. Always use primer with or without SPF to maintain healthy and glowing skin. 

What is your favorite MAC product and why?   

 
MAC Lightful Marine Bright Formula SPF 25 Foundation - Php 2,350 (refill); 650 (compact)

Lightful Foundation  because of its anti-aging ingredients + Spf 30 to avoid signs of aging. The powder is lightweight on the face and looks very natural, even guys like me can use it without looking too made up. 

*********************

Couldn't agree with them more regarding the importance of skincare! When you have beautiful skin, there's no need to apply a lot of makeup. Don't forget to apply moisturiser with sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 before you head outdoors to  avoid premature aging.

Let me know what you think of this post. If you have other questions regarding makeup or skincare don't hesitate to ask me. =)

Till next time, 

How I do my brows + simple EOTD

Hello guys! 

This is just a quick tutorial on how I do my brows everyday.

BEFORE

So here's my straight looking brow =P

Here are the 3 brow products I'm using:

Nichido eye pencil in black brown

MAC Girl boy browset

Sleek Brow kit in Dark

Tools:

Spoolie

Angled brow brush 

So here are the steps on how I do my brows:

1. Using the angled brush I FILL in my brows using the brow powder from Sleek.  

Use the spoolie afterwards to evenly distribute the powder.

2.  OUTLINE your desired shape using the brow pencil, then run the angled brush on the "outline" to avoid harsh edges and to blend the powder and the pencil. Use your spoolie to brush the brows again.

3. Then I use MAC Girl boy browset to CORRECT (lighten) the color of my brows. 

So simple eh? Just remember to FILL - OUTLINE - CORRECT (FOC) method.
I know some they draw the outline first before filling in the brows, but it really depends on you =)

AFTER 

I used my new Bobbi Brown To Go Smokey Neutrals Eye shadow palette in this pic which I got during the launching of Bobbi Brown cosmetics in Rustans Ayala Cebu. Thank you Bobbi Brown Philippines and to Ms. Jill Baysa.

Here's the pretty palette, I used the following shades:

#1 -  Navajo metallic Eye shadow (highlight)

#2 - Cement eye shadow (crease) to blend #3 shadow

#3 - Velvet Plum Metallic eye shadow (lid)

I'm loving Bobbi Brown's eyeshadow palette! Review to follow. 

Till next time,

My tiny red lipstick collection + makeup tips

Swatches (on NC20 skintone)

1. Revlon Superlustrous Lipstick in Light that fire
2. Maybelline Moisture Extreme in Summer Sunset (US version)
3. Maybelline Moisture Extreme in Empire Rouge
4. MAC Satin Lipstick in Mac Red
5. Max Factor Lipstick in Raging Ruby
6. Maybelline Watershine Pure in Dragonfly red

I forgot to include my LAKME Enrich Lipstick in Cherry, but you can check my review & swatches HERE.

I think women should have a least 1 red lipstick in her makeup kit. Why?
Coz when you only have 5 minutes to do your makeup all you need to do is :

1. Apply moisturiser.
2. Conceal blemishes & undereye circles.
3. Set with powder or apply powder foundation.
4. Groom your brows.
5. Apply eyeliner (optional) and mascara.
6. Apply lipbalm and RED lipstick.
You can also use your fingertips to dab the lipstick on your lips for a stained effect.

If you're too lazy to apply eye makeup, just even out your skintone with powder foundation and apply red lipstick. Wearing sunglasses also gives the illusion of wearing FULL makeup. =)


Don't know which shade of red suits your complexion?
Click HERE to check out Michelle Phan's new video.

Till next time,