How I Use Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage Concealer Duo

 

How simple can a concealer/corrector/highlighter/contour product can get?

When you put them in a form of retractable pen packaging!  Laura Mercier did it this time in simplifying a busy woman’s life!  MY LIFE to be exact.

I dislike it when I am in the middle of bathing my son, cooking, washing dishes and I have to face someone in front of the video for a very short and quick meeting.  Imagine having to rummage through my makeup station for different makeup products?

Concealing is key!  I have been using foundations and concealers more often than when I was going out!  I can honestly skip a face powder/powder foundation, all I need to do is to conceal here and there and I can honestly look human in less than 5 minutes!  All thanks to products like the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer Duo!

A two-in-one, full-coverage concealer with a weightless formula to quickly erase imperfections and brighten up the under-eye area. 

I got 2 pens in shades 3C and N5 for my whole face and did not use anything else just to prove to you how a mom who usually sleeps around 3am can look decent.

Swatch

Top: 3C 
Bottom: N5

4 Brow Shapes and Shades = 4 New Looks

 

As a make up artist, I have worked with so many types of brows!  I even worked for a client who does not have ANY brows at all leaving my imagination to create new set of brows for her!  A lot of times, my client would always say something about their brows.  They would leave my imagination on Eyeshadow, blush and lip color but they really have a thing for sticking to what they were used to! 

So this post, is a post of recommendation - I HIGHLY recommend you to work with different types of brows because it really can change up your overall look, vibe and feelings!  There are times people say I look young, I look cuter, I look fresh or mature?  Well, I have to thank (and no thank LOL) my brows for it.

Here’s an overview on how different brow shapes and shades can change your overall vibe.  CAN YOU SEE WHAT I AM TRYING TO DO HERE?

Brow pencils used - CATHY DOLL Skinny Brow Pencils (Php199.00 each)

Check out my full review HERE

Straight, thin Brows 

Shade: 02 Dark Brown

My peg for this particular look are Kpop idols and K-stars!  My brows are naturally bushy, dark and long so I had a hard time trying to conceal the rest of my brows but this was the closest so far.  The effect is very kind, timid and shy.  I would say this type of brows would work well if you have thin and sparse brows to start with so filling in with a brow pencil won’t make such drastic change to your look.

Bushy Brows ala Brooke Shields

Shade: 01 Soft Gray

This is a bit too much for me since I used a darker brow shade.  The shade Soft Gray would work well on users with medium to dark complexion with dark colored hair!  I find this to be youthful and perfect for teenagers who have brows all over the place and don’t know what to do with it.  

Here’s a tip:  Just fill in blank spots with a brow pencil similarly colored as your natural brow hair with a short hair-like strokes.  The effect will be natural - I promise you.

Arched Brows

Shade: 03 Light Chocolate

This is my least favorite brows since my features are quite uhm...how do I say it, FLAT? Hahahah. Okay, I was trying to say is, my facial features are not distinct like that of a Western look.  And my natural brow shape isn’t arched at all so forcing it to be arched looks a bit unnatural but for the sake of demonstration, I want you to see how having arched and very defined brows can change my look to be more mature, more professional and powerful?  

Sometimes I would wear this type of brows when I attend meetings and also, I do this type of brows when I was doing makeup professionally because back then, I look so young that mothers and lolas of the bride and groom does not give me the time of the day!  They won’t even listen to my suggestions and would complain every step of my application.  Yeah...Professional MUA job isn’t easy ok?

So yes, authority?  CHECK! 

Power? CHECK!

Confidence? CHECK!  On the outside but burning on the inside LOL!

Naturally YOU Brows

Shade: 07 Chestnut Brown

This brow shape I also call the “You Do You Brows”.  For clients who ever have their brows drawn, I would use a light colored eyebrow pencil and just define what they have.  I may fill in sparse areas but only with lighthand strokes.  I would never go above or beyond whatever brow shape they have because I don’t want to shock them and make them hate brow products forever!

So this, is my natural brow shape and I actually LOVE it the most!

A quick video on how I draw 4 shapes of brows! 

Which brow shape and shade is your favorite?

Cathy Doll Skinny Brows are available at Lazada and Shopee.  You may also order from Watsons.

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Summer-Ready Look (Fake Tan) inspired by Cleopatra

 

Yes, I am not sure what Cleopatra is doing in my summer-inspired look but when I think about Cleopatra, I am thinking about her bronzey-glowing skin and I had her in mind when I was creataing this look!  Instead of going Cleopatra-style with the winged liner, I changed it into something more wearable!  Here’s the final look!

Do you like it?

Products Used: (@ is the account on Instagram, feel free to search for them!) 

• @niyoandco_ph Mr. Foundation no. 3
• @benefitph Hello happy Air Stick Foundation shade 2
• @lauramercier Translucent Setting Powder in Translucent Honey
• @benefitph Brow Microfilling Pen in Light Brown
• @imagic.ph Brow Tint
• @bobbibrownph The Essential MultiColor Eye Shadow Palette in Bold Burgundy
• @bobbibrownph High shine Liquid Eye Shadow in Copperhead used on both eyes and cheeks
• @lifefordparisph liquid liner pencil in Black
• @makeupforever Aqua Resist Smokyshadow in Quartz and Cinder
• @imagic.ph Warerproof Eyeliner Pencil in Black 
• @ofracosmeticsph All Glowed Up Beverly Hills
• Mark by @avonph Pro Line Perfector 

The star product in this makeup look is the Bobbi Brown High Shine Liquid Eye Shadow in Copperhead.  It brought a natural glow on both my eyes and cheeks.  It wasn’t supposed to be used on cheeks but we all know we love multi-tasking products.  Anything good for the eyes can work for the rest of the face!  I’m glad the bronzy color is just right even for fair skinned gals!  

The lip color is also another thing, if you made glowing eye makeup and cheeks, stick to matte lips to divert attention towards the upper half of your face!  Can you imagine how confusing everything will look with shiny lips too? 

Eyeliner Trick to Lift Eyes

 

“I have droopy eyes”

“Can you please make sure my eyes are lifted after makeup?”

“I have hooded lids!  Paano mag eyeliner?”

These are just some of the many requests my clients sent my way when I was actively doing makeup.  So yes, this tip is based from years of experience and years of perspiring on top of my head hoping my techniques would work on them!  SO far it did, so I am sharing you this finally with photos and a quick video!  

Best of all, I only used 2 products!  YAY RIGHT?

Here’s a sample eyeliner and eyeshadow 

Closer look, my eyes are lifted yet the liner doesn’t look extremely sharp like it’s going to cut anyone passing by!  *lol*

A full view on how lifted my left face (facing you) look as opposed to the other side.  What do you think?

I have to be honest, it is such a huge hassle to edit 2 videos as I uploaded one on IG Video but I wanted one that is in horizontal format for my blog so I had to put it on AskMeWhatsTV Youtube account (Shameless plus, please follow me!).  That said, I. Had to change the music on Youtube postings because of copyright issues so I am too lazy to add up the wordings I manually did on Instagram Video so I will explain the process here instead.

Instant Face Lift with Makeup

 

Hi Everyone!

I love doing half face looks to test out makeup and show you the difference.  One particular makeup look got a lot of DMs over my Instagram account , it was the recent photo for my Sace Lady Look.

Because my AMW Friends are important to me, I’ve decided to create and share to you my favorite style of makeup - this!  

Simple with just a few makeup needed and you get whole day fresh-looking makeup - and it stays!  

Lifted face needed a bit of glow on the cheeks, so I added a subtle glow using a glowing blush.  You’ll know all the products and the effect on the short video below!

Products Used:

• Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation Palette
• Make Up For Ever Concealer Brush
• Laura Mercier Translucent Powder in Honey
• Beauty Blender
• Sace Lady Blush in B02
• IMAGIC PH Illuminating Powder in Peach Pop

How do you like the final look?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Simple Hairstyles For Growing Out Bangs

I have grown my hair to the longest length.  I am usually a fan of going to the Hair Salon for that much needed Me-Time.  But ever since Covid-19 broke, I am staying home 99% of the time!  That said, going to a hairdresser is out of question.

Staying home gave me more time to juggle work, motherhood and extra activities/hobbies like playing with my hair!  I have been practicing a lot on haircutting and hairstyling since I believe in constant learning rather than: “I already know everything!”

Learning never stops, even a 42-year old mom would say so.  

And if you are a long-time follower of my Blog and Social Media accounts, you’ll see these familiar hairstyles because I have been sporting bangs for TOO LONG! I’ve been wearing bangs 90% of my life!  The 10% would be me being a bald baby and toddler years then there was a point in my life (3-4 years in China) thta I didn’t have bangs at all!  Then the rest...you know how it goes!

So these are simple styles I really swore by!  There are days my bangs look so good I’d like to flex it, but there are days I’d rather tie it up with pins or clips because it just won’t go to the direction I wanted them to go to!  

These are my top 4 favorites and you’ll see more tips on video below.  

Note: These are all mega easy you don’t have to be a professional to be able to do these.

Tie a Hair Scarf!

2 Clips

 

Pearl Headband

Side Braid

More tips and tricks here! Please show me some love by Subscribing and liking my video!  My videos on Yourube aren’t professional at all and I am not putting it there for money.  Most of them did not pass the Youtube Vibe because of the sounds I used.  I don’t mind, I Just want to share my learnings and I hope you get to learn something from me!

CKeyIn Cordless Automatic Hair Curler Review

 

How to get these curls?

Oh my!  I wish I can do this every single day!  Can you see my huge smile?  I was in the mood the whole time I was sporting this look because it brought me back to days I was busy going out - working, attending launches, events or hosting!

This is the type of hair I would usually sport because it looks good and yet - I am comfortable enough to still look like myself.

This is the CKeyIn Cordless Automatic Hair Curler Iron which I found on Shopee.  I wanted to try this but I have done my own research first.  I watched various reviews and saw good results - I knew what the Cons will be but the hair tools enthusiast in me just wanted to give this a try!  JUST BECAUSE, I am like that!  *laughs* 

After getting this at Shopee, I received the package approximately a week or so.  I bought a couple from the same store and they were all packed really well and I am happy with the service.

KEY Features:

1: Wireless charging, compact size, easy to carry.

2: 30 seconds fast heat. Automatic curling,3: The ceramic reel has stable properties when heated, long-lasting styling, and three-dimensional dynamic movement.

4: LCD display,6 kinds of temperature can be selected to meet different hair quality needs.  

5: 6 modeling time settings, you can switch the time at will.

6: Double-layer heat insulation shell, full body ceramic material, reduce high temperature injury, heat insulation and anti-scald. The ceramic reel is heated evenly

Material: ABS

Voltage: 3.7V

Battery capacity: 5200mA

Charging time: 3.5-4 hours, about 100 minutes after fully charged

Power: 5W

Temperature: adjustable (150-200°C, 300-390°F), 10°C is One gear

Perm time: adjustable (8-18s), increasing in 2s increments.

Curling mode: 2 types (R right turn L left turn)

Temperature display: could do select  (℃, ℉)

Power cord length: 89cm

 

The whole set consists of : 1x Curling iron,  1 x USB CABLE, a Manual, 1 x Storage bag, 1 x Rat Tail Comb and 2 Hair clips.  I am glad the company thought of including these because in every hair styling, you need these vital tools - good rat tail comb for sectioning and clips also for sectioning.  Without these, you can still manager to do your hair but not as effective.  

Please watch my Youtube video for a full, in-depth first try and you’ll see how it works (or not!)

Graffiti Nail Art with Orly Dreamscape Collection

 

Happy February Nails!

Looking back, I used to do nail art on a weekly basis - both finger and toe nails!  Gosh, how busy can motherhood be!!!  VERY!

Fellow moms would understand. 

Now, I have grown, I have matured, my nail art designs are more laidback, casual and not as wild as those that I’ve done in the past but I am not closing my doors.

I hope you like this simple art.  I like using “Collection” in terms of choosing the right colors because 99.9% of the time, they work!  

Video here!  Hope you like and subscribe my simple channel which I dump all my videos there so it isn’t professional looking but I’ve done everything with my heart and soul!

Have a great Tuesday!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Hairstyle Tutorial: Scarf Bun

 

Hi Hair lovers!

I have mentioned this so many times, I enjoy styling my hair even at this day and age.  I mean how does a 40 plus years old women hair look like in the past? 

Thinking about my mom, it has always been short, or in ponytail?  Or just plain straight with a bit of resistance (from hairspray! Hahaha)

Times have changed.  Things are different.  Women in the 30s, 40s and 50s can look like a teenager!  All thanks to Social Media because we are more aware of trends no matter how busy we are.

I, on the other hand, has been living in ponytail and bun!  I have been busy the whole day doing houehold chores and mom and wife tasks I don’t have time to look good or appear human in most days!  

Since I have a couple of Zoom meetings in between looking like a slob, I am finding easy ways to “up” my hairstyling game without a lot of effort.

Do you like this?

A very simple bun without using hairpins but just a single non-slip rubber band!  Keyword: A non-slip rubber band is a must to keep the bun and scarf in place!

Pick a medium to large sized scarf like the one I used from Mango.  Bit scarves have more weight and control so it’ll fall off nicely.

True Beauty K-Drama Lim Joo-Kyung Makeup Look

 

I don’t know about you but True Beauty has a certain charm to me!  I usually do not watch Kdramas that are ongoing!  I dislike the fact that I have to wait weekly to know what’s going to happen next!  Call me impatient - I am!  (When it comes to K-Drama!)

This one was an exception.  When I first watched some short clips on Facebook videos, I searched on the drama right away and watched Episodes 1-6 (the last was episode 6 for year 2020).  I knew the drama could be superficial to some but it has deeper roots.  

At the age of 15 or 16, I suffered from hormonal imbalance and had really bad acne.  So bad I don’t have photos to prove because I disliked taking photos!  For an extrovert to turn introvert and hide from parties and gatherings, I relate to the charater Lim Joo-Kyung so much that I cry whenever she cries.  

I was never bullied like her but I knew the sudden lack of confidence when you are at that young age of highschool student - ahhhh I even remembered talking to my crush and he was literally starting at my cheeks !  I just want the earth to swallow me!  

Even when I turn back time, I probably won’t be able to do what Joo-Kyung did, I can’t wear makeup for the life of me!  Studying in a strict Catholic School, I’ll get kicked out faster than having a lovelife!  *laughs*

But now that I’m way older, I’ve decided to play with the makeup looks created by the character because I love how fresh and natural she looked even if the character was known to have put so much foundation!  

P.S.  I never claim to look like Moon Ga Young the actress but I tried my best to recreate the makeup look of that particular photo! (Above)

How do you like it?

I would probably throw in a nice pair of lashes but since the character is a highscool student, I’ve decided to forego this step!

For this look, I’ve tried lightening up my brows and make it more subtle and natural looking since my original brows are WILD and thick!  I also use a bright eyeshadow color to mimic bright looking eyes and used pencil liner instead of liquid for subtle definition.  I also drew in some false lashes at the lower lashline because the actress has huge-looking eyes in this drama!

The most distinct feature of Joo-Kyung is her just-bitten lips!  She always use a nice shade of red at the center of her lips making her lips look youthful!  And lastly, I did not forget to highlight my skin and skipped concealer on my undereye area and created Aegyo-Sal (puffy undereye).  Koreans believe having fat deposits under the eyes represents youthfulness!  

Revlon ColorStay Velour and Glaze Sticks Look and Review

Hi AMW Friends!

I was inspired to create this look to wish 2021 a better year!  I mean you see polka-dots and red lipstick right?  

Revlon recently released a new shadow sticks called Revlon Velour Stick and Glaze Stick.  These are eyeshadow sticks in 2 textures - Smooth Matte and Silky Shimmer.

To be honest, I don’t have high hopes on these as our humid weather calls for disaster when it comes to cream shadow formulation.  But I was super wrong!  Please scroll further down to watch my quick video on how it STAYS!  REALLY STAYS.

Swatch Glaze Stick

L-R Wisteria, Sapphire, Sequin, Rose, Gilt and Luster

Son Ye Jin Inspired Makeup Look with Bioscience

 

I am inspired to create a Healthy Makeup Look for Christmas as everyone seems not to be in the mood to apply makeup!  

I totally understand you. Who would?  I’ve had maskne a couple of times whenever I came home from wearing masks more than an hour or so!  

But truthfully, 2020 is sad enough so I don’t want to end it in a sad note as well.  Festive season is still around the corner (because we say so and we can trick our mind in believing!)  As much as we are both not confident enough to create glam look, well, my look for Christmas this year is inspired by one of my favorite Korean Actress - Son Ye Jin.

I’ve loved her way before Crash Landing on You. I love her makeup when she wore a somewhat beach wedding dresses on last scene.  I liked her simplicity and beauty when I first saw her on Personal Preference.  Whenever I see her photos online, it’s always on a fresh, natural-looking side.  Close to my kind of makeup look.  

East vs. West Makeup Looks

 

Hi AMW Friends!
I have been meaning to do this video ever since I started doing short IG TVs.  The laziness to edit and busy schedule got me so I only had a couple of months after to finally made this half face versus look into reality and I am so happy I did it because I've always wanted to know which particular look would suit best my face shape and features.

What do you think?  Can you spot which side is the Eastern side and which side is West?

As written on my IG post, I am not discriminating a particular look, I just based my makeup styles from books I read, videos I've watched and several photos I have seen online.  The western look has always been my style even when I was doing makeup professionally.  This is the type of makeup that would look great on photos, videos and a bit darker in person but with the right technique, you would still look like yourself in a more polished way.

Eastern side, I am basing on our Korean, Japanese and Thai counterparts.  I've followed a couple of makeup artists from those countries and noticed a common denominator and put it on my other face!  The effect?  Very natural, glowing and dewy skin!

A closer look on Western side.
Defined and arch brows.  Creating bigger eyes with cut-crease method, winged liner, bronzer, contouring and highlighting and defined lips!  

How to Trim, Cut and Layer Your Hair At Home

 

It is VERY difficult to cut your own hair even for someone who has haircutting background.  I am in no way a Professional Haircutter but I student haircutting basic a few years back (more than 10 years ago before I studied makeup artistry).  

I originally thought I wasted my time and money but who would have thought a decade after I would put this learnings in good use?

Since COVID-19 happened, I have been cutting my husband's and son's hair since March 2020.  After months of feeling irritated with my dry ends, I have decided to cut my own hair and take a video doing it so you guys can check it out if I can manage to do so.  

I've done a poll and a lot of my #AMWFriends suggested to have my hair cut short but I am honestly enjoying my long hairstyle because I can do a lot of hairstyling practice from updo styles to curling!  I have no one to practice with so I may as well use my own hair! 

Fast forward to my decision to trim and fix the layers of my hair, I have also shared some basic layering tips at the start of the video!  Feel free to watch the basic rules and skip the rest if you are too lazy to watch! But at least, watch the first few minutes because that is where I gave the basic knowledge on layering!  

I know a lot of you are shaking your head saying : "I am NO professional!  I cannot do it!" 

There's no forcing there, you may still go out to a salon and have your hair cut by a professional, it is less stressful that way but I wanted to stay at home, lessen the chances of exposure to the virus plus, I am actually intrigued to know if I can actually do this!  I mean, I was born with a sponge - I just want to keep on learning! 

Without further ado...here's my first haircut to myself and I think I've done a good job!  What do you think?

Here's the quick video!  Happy Learning!

If you have done your own haircut (or your family's) using this video! I would really appreciate it if you let me know! :D

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

How to Look Younger in an Instant

 

Age is just a number as they say, but when you're stressed, lacking sleep, tired or doing the wrong makeup, you are fast forwarding the aging process and we obviously do not like that!  

I recently tried creating a quick yet informational video on how to look younger than your age (not the trying hard time and no surgery needed!) 

This is just like a regular dos and don'ts video on makeup and I inserted some hairstyling and fashion tips at the end!

As expected, I am always a "girl in a hurry" so these tips are simple, easy and most importantly, they can be done by ANYONE!  You don't have to be a professional makeup artist to be able to follow these tips!

How old do you think I am in this photo? 

(Please be nice and comment below! :P)

Watch this video and don't forger to watch until the end part because I shared my ultimate anti-aging secret there!

Long-Lasting Gradient Lips Tutorial

 

 At some point in our  makeup application, we have tried gradient lips after seeing how gorgeous they look on K-Drama actresses.

I am definitely one of those!  But after going through various application techniques, I can't seem to create a similar one like those on K-Dramas!  Mine would look great after application but blotchy after an hour or so!  It is because I have extremely dry lips and I ended up licking my lips or lot or applying lip balm in between multiple times making my gradient lipstick effect slide down the drain!

 After several tries, I finally created one that lasts longer, looks good and non-blotchy and I can finally say, long-lasting!

 

You don't need to use the same products I used but the same layering of products could be the same!

 

Strokes Beauty Lab: The Brow Artist Collection First Try

 

Hi AMW Friends!
You all know I love drawing my brows.  Whenever I have them drawn, I get compliments on the shape and how full it was!  I guess that is my most "flexed" part of my face!  :P

So if you ask me, YES, I still gets excited about new brow products even after more than 10 years of trying various brands!

The Brow Collection includes: Microblade Pen, Brow Painter, Brow Sculptor Duo, 

Brow Colorist and Brow Fixer

Recently, Instagram was flooded with a new brow brand called Strokes BeautyLab.  I mean all the girls posing their photos look great!  But what got me interested with the brand is how even non makeup wearers are starting to look like they have professional-looking brows!  

And you all know me, I have to give these products a try as well!  So I unboxed everything and did a quick swatch for you guys just in case you are interested in investing on good brow products.  And to keep everything simplified, I created another video discussing on the usage of each product and you'll know which particular product (or products) you should get!

Sakura Inspired Makeup look with Kate Tokyo Red Nude Rouge

 

Hi everyone!
I am on fire when it comes to makeup looks!  

I guess it's the pandemic that made me want to keep myself busy, to do the things I love and want to do so I will keep my thoughts away from the stress of the pandemic.  

I know, some may say: "What? Who would wear makeup?"
ME!

I don't go out, I went out totally 2 times ever since March 2020 but hey, I admit, I wear makeup and fix my hair at home!  You can obviously see that on my IG Stories and posts.  It makes me sane...it makes me happy.  I'm not sure if you feel the same.

Sometimes, I get inspired to create a specific look based from a new makeup item.  Kate Tokyo recently launched their newest lipstick line called Red Nude Rouge and I am loving it!  I usually get inspired to wear a specific lip color based from the eye makeup but it seems like I am more inspired to create this eye makeup look after trying out these exciting red lip colors!

Jennie Kim Inspired Hair and Makeup for Blackpink's Ice Cream MV

 

When BlackPink's newest MV with Selena Gomez dropped, I was one of the Millions who waited for it and watched it excitedly.

I was caught by Jennie's particular hair and makeup when she was riding a bike! It looks so fresh, fun and charming I immediately thought of doing her hairstyle for a quick Tiktok tutorial video.

When I searched online for her photo (which are mostly screenshots from MV), I haven't seen a clear professional photo as of typing but it was good enough to zoom in and I was intrigued with her eye makeup!  I knew I had to recreate it even if I knew in my heart there's no way I would look like her!  The effort is there though, right? :D

The hair was quite easy to do as this was my highschool hair!  The only challenging part is trying to fix my side bangs making it the same direction as Jennie's!

Feel free to use hair pins or best, use a hairspray!

I am sure there could be MORE makeup products used to achieve Jennie's look, but based from my zooming skills, the major colors are Pink, Purple and Green and a bit of an eye contour shade which I used light brown for blending.

It was a bit hard to get the exact lip color but this is the best I did so far.  

Causes of Hair Fall and How to Deal with It!

If you have concerns or issues on hair fall or hair loss just like Stephanie Lontoc, you may want to watch the first part of the interview HERE.

It was mentioned during our first part of the interview a product called HairReve which Stephanie used.  We all knew it is a plant-based and natural hair thickening serum that worked for Stephanie.  It may work for YOU so I also get the chance to interview Dr. Rica Mallari, Head of Hair Unit, Dermatology Center at St. Luke's Medical Center to learn more about the causes, symptoms and possible solutions to such issue.

Some of the takeaways that I learned during this educational interview?

• Stress can really cause hairloss.
• It is best to use plant-based product in helping our hair grow thicker.
• Hair loss and hair fall can start at an early age.  The youngest patient Dr. Mallari encountered is around 10-12 years old.
• Both male and females suffer from hairloss.
• Shedding of hair happens more on women due to pregnancy / hormonal changes.