Becca Cosmetics Light Shifter Finishing Veil Review

 

I wear powder as base makeup more than anything else!  That said, I have hit the pan on a LOT of powdered foundation even during pandemic.  I like it that my skin feels fresh and less oily (on T-Zone) especially since I do a lot of household chores and have to go on Zoom meetings in between the day.

I recently discovered Becca Cosmetics Light Shifter Finishing Veil and I super love it!  Just take a look at this photo!  I look glowing even if my skin really isn’t!  

Becca Light Shifter FInishing Veil comes in a gorgeous silver compact with a mirror but unfortunately, without a powder puff so you have to apply this using your own puff or brush.  I prefer to use the latter as the effect is more natural. I am unsure about the shade options but I think it only comes in ONE shade as VEIL usually are very light in coverage and the effect is almost unseen.  On pan, the colr is more of a pale yellow (good for warm undertone).  But I believe cool undertone users can still use this like I said previously, the effect is very light working like a translucent powder.

If you are aiming for higher coverage base, this won’t make the cut, I almost do not see any coverage but what I see is the disappearance of excess OIL and a bit of BLURRING.  My skin looks more flawless and I like the “light shiting” powers —- look the subtle glow without the need for extra highlighting powder.

I am unsure if BECCA Cosmetics are still widely available.  Maybe you can check this out on 3rd party retailers but so far, catch them if you can!

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Do you prefer heavy coverage base makeup?

Or light and natural finish like this one from Becca?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Top Contouring Picks from Sephora

So you've probably seen me posted this on my Social Media Accounts.  I was so inspired to create a special blog post for this because I was asked so many times about the 3 Contour/Highlight Powders I got from Sephora.  

First things first, I shopped these online and they were delivered straight to my doorstep in less than 2 weeks.  All the products were bubble-wrapped properly and I got everything in good condition.  So kudos to Sephora team for that.

My picks from Sephora ranging from below Php1,000, below Php2,000 and below Php3,000.

AMW Makeover: UFC Girl Arianny Celeste

Good morning and Happy Friday Everyone!

An old client of mine recommended me to a company who needed a makeup artist to do their print ad (thanks Joey!).  Who would've thought the "lucky me" gets to work twice with the country's number 1 Car Accessories Center --- Concorde ?

The first project was an outdoor shoot and I will be sharing my experience once the company have released the photos!  For now, I'm quite excited to see this photo at their Facebook page for the newly opened Concorde Harbor Point in Subic!

The model's name is Arianny Celeste, to those who don't know her (mostly girls hahaha)  Here's a snippet from Wikipedia.

Arianny Celeste (born November 12, 1985) is an American ring girl and model  She is best known for being an Octagon Girl for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Arianny is of Mexican and Filipino decent which spells G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!  She appeared in various international magazines such as Maxim, FHM, Sports Illustrated, Playboy and a whole lot more!

So am I ready to do her makeup?  YOU BET!!! (fan girl mode on)

The shoot was done at The Fashion Academy Manila, prior to the Concorde shoot Arianny was up for FHM Philippines Cover Shoot (you can see her in this month's issue!)

As soon as the FHM shoot was over, I immediately fixed the work station as I'll be doing both her hair and makeup! (Okay, there wasn't any fixing!  Look how messy everything was!!!  *laughs*)

We had a meeting with the Photographer and the client a couple of hours before the shoot and it was decided how the company wanted the "look" of their model.  Everyone (including myself) agreed on a very natural, fresh, young and vibrant look!  

Here's a photo taken several hours after the shoot

  

 Here's another peek on her makeup!  I will do my best to remember the products used!

• OCC Airbrush Foundation
• Shu Uemura Face Powder in Sheer
• Ruby and Millie Complete Eye Kit (I used the brow powder and wax)
• Urban Decay Primer Potion 
• Lancome Color Fan Eye Shadow Palette 
• MAC eyeshadow in  Brown Down
• Kate Gel eyeliner in black
• Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
• Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara
• ES Brand false lashes
• Becca Creme Blush in Amaryllis
• Christian Dior Blush in #839 Vintage Pink
• MAC Shadester - to contour
• Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Pale Pink mixed a bit of MAC's Pink Nouveau

One of the few shots I got from the photographer Mark Lao of  Trio Photography Philippines.   Do book them if you need photographers as they are very professional and good! 

I can't wait to see these posters in person and probably take a photo with it  *lol*!  Let me know if you've visited the store!  

I want to thank the wonderful people behind Concorde Philippines for the trust!  This is indeed a project that I enjoyed doing and doesn't feel like work at all!

Do you know Arianny Celeste prior to my Wikipedia knowledge power?  *laughs*

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Becca Eye liner Compact in Barbarella

If you ask me what eye makeup application is very important for me, definitely not mascara application!  I can live without mascara but I've found myself grabbing for an eyeliner each and every time before leaving the house!  No wonder I've had so many gel liners, pencil liners and liquid liners around!

I couldn't believe I missed something out!!!  Becca Cosmetics came out with an intriguing product!  The Becca Eye liner Compact that comes with an Eye Seal!  Yes darling, there is such product around!

Becca eye liner compact says ---

This amazingly versatile eyeliner can be applied wet or dry to create a range of looks, from elegant defined to intensely smoldering.  Packaged with a liquid sealer to maximize the formulation's long-lasting, smudge-proof and water resistant benefits, the dynamic duo is all you need for a flawless liner application.  Fragrance-free.

Perfect for creating a sharp sexy line along the top or bottom of lashes.

Can be used dry for soft, smoky definition or wet for a stronger line.

Waterproof sealant makes the line smudge-proof, budge-proof and water-proof.

Size

1g/0.03oz compact & 4ml/0.14 fl oz vial

Ingredients

Eye Liner Compact: Talc, Kaolin, PVP, Aqua (Water), Propylene Glycol, Octyldodecanol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Laneth-40, Glyceryl Stearate, Ricinus Communis (Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil), Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Ricinoleate, Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax), Candelilla Cera (Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax), Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Microcristallina Cera (Microcrystalline Wax), Cetyl Alcohol, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben and may contain: [+/- Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Iron Oxides CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Ultramarines CI 77007, Ferric Ferrocyanide CI 77510]. Water Proof Sealer: Aqua (Water), Acrylates/ Octylacrylamide Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Diglycol/ CHDM/ Isophthalates/ SIP Copolymer, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben.

 

AMW says ---

Pros

• seriously stayed put for the whole day, even when I cried, it stayed on!
• no irritations occur
• seriously lasts for whole day or until I remove the liner
• you can control the "lightness" or "darkness" of your eyeliner which is quite hard to achieve on gel liners,liquid liners or even pencil liners!
  
• very versatile, I can create a very simple naturally defined eyes or I can apply thickly to create a wilder look!
• I find the packaging to be really good!  Made with good quality materials and it comes with a mirror and a "protector shield"
  

Cons

• very tricky to apply
• if you're a lazy bum, this will take a lot of effort just to line your eyes!
• if you love the sealant that goes along with this, I have a feeling the sealant will be gone faster than the eyeliner powder! 
• the sealant bottle has a huge opening, I prefer this to be housed in a dropper so I don't need to dip the whole brush inside the sealant which is quite unhygienic

Overall

I thought I've already tried all forms of eyeliners!  But I guess I'm wrong!  This is the most intriguing eyeliner I've tried!  I like how versatile this product is, there are some days gel liners are just too strong for my taste, so I would just grab onto this and apply this dry near my lashes, which made my lashes fuller!

I am very confident in the smudge-proof, budge-proof and water-proof quality of this product because I've tested this so many times!  It really lives up to its claim!

Tips

From Becca

• Keep eyes open and apply a flick of eye liner to the outer corners (to ensure the line flicks up with the shape of the eye rather than tilting downwards).
• Draw a line as close to the lashes as possible, starting thin and increasing as desired.
• Use Fine Eyeliner Brush #6 for fine, precise line or Eye Definer Brush #30 for a soft, smudgy effect.
• Do not wet entire cake - allocate one half for wet use only, leaving the other half for dry use only 

From AMW

• need to test on different eyeliner brushes for different effects!
• you can apply the eyeliner dry prior to the application of the sealant, I personally prefer to wet my brush with the sealant to grab more pigments.
• if you have an empty "visine" bottle, transfer the sealant to this bottle so you'll have a dropper!
• if you don't want to transfer the sealant, I suggest you turn over the sealant a bit and use the sealant left on the cap area and always wipe it with cotton or paper napkin to make it clean (OC-ness!)

• if I finish up the sealant from Becca, I'll probably use my Make up Forever's Eye Seal! 

Will I repurchase?

I don't know how long this will last me, I've used this for more than a month and it looks like I wasn't even touched!

Where to purchase and how much?

At Becca Counter located at Adora, Greenbelt 5 for Php1,750 (approx $38.00) <-- at first glance I felt this is pricey, but after using this for a month, it is worth it as this lasts longer than pencil liners and liquid liners!

A closer look to the shade Barbarella on pan

 

Check out the swatch with and without sealant

Without - when applied, looks very natural, doesn't look like you've used eyeliner, lashes appear fuller

With - a more dramatic lined look, effect came out the same as using a liquid liner.  Can thicken your eyeliner easily, no flaking

Rubbing test:

Without - can rub off easily but doesn't leave a dirty smudge

With - have to rub many times to remove.   Doesn't leave any dirty smudge or marks too

 

Quite small yet powerful!
Perfect to tote around, what a great combination!

Have you tried similar eyeliner compact?
How do you find using them?
Easy? Messy?

Keep smilin' 

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: BECCA Silky Hydrating Primer

Good day everyone!  Thanks for enjoying my Becca Cosmetics Counter Report.  Let me clarify that the guy who stopped us from taking photos is actually nice and friendly, he told us that it's prohibited in a nice manner, so I don't have any grudge against him :)  To those who asked if Becca counter is customer friendly?  Base on my experience, yes.  Why? Because they have testers for almost all of their products and I don't have any saleslady hovering around me pressuring me to try on products I don't even plan to purchase!  I had my freedom and I enjoyed it!

My piece of advise, no matter how cheap  or expensive a product is, always understand the product you are purchasing and make sure the "need" is there. Always check for the availability of testers (especially for pricey ones) and please do not feel obligated to purchase just because you "tested" their testers or you took the time of the sales lady.  In times like these, spend your hard earned money wisely!   

BECCA Silky Hydrating Primer says ---

Silky Hydrating Prime with anti-oxidant vitamin E, works to moisturize and prepare the skin for foundation by creating a soft, even surface.  Helping the skin retain moisture and creating a silky smooth texture, it allows liquid and cream based products to glide on easily, and stay fresh looking, longer.  

• Visibly improves the look and texture of the skin by smoothing fine lines and pores. 
• Provides a protective barrier, sealing in moisture 
• Allows liquid and cream based products to glide easily over the skin and stay on longer
• Keeps makeup looking fresher longer
• Prevents moisture loss during air travel and in air conditioning
• Doubles as a moisturizer 
• Provides the perfect base for eye shadow to glide over

Size: 50ml/1.7 fl oz tube

Made in Germany

Ingredients:

(you can click to enlarge)

AMW says ---

Pros

• dermatologically tested
• absorbs to the skin easily
  
• no skin flaking for the whole day, skin is moisturized and hydrated the whole day
  
• wonderful for my "mature-skinned" clients as this is super moisturizing so makeup won't budge and skin remains moisturized!
  
• makeup stayed the whole day with a bit of touch-up on areas that aren't too dry
• I can use this without moisturizer on some days - sunscreen, this and foundation!
• cream and liquid foundations that are usually dry on me glides on smoothly!
• I also use this to gently pat on my eyelid area so my eye primer doesn't came out too dry when applied
  
• product is sealed to ensure "freshness"

Cons

• the strong floral scent, I am not a fan of the strong scent, it stays with me more than 30minutes!
• has a bit of "tacky" feel right after application (read tip below on how to deal with this)
  
• have to store this primer laying down or the other way around to make sure the product won't "burst out" when I twist the cap 
• even when stored properly, the opening looks like this when twisted to cap to open

• doesn't fill in fine lines, it decreases a bit but do not expect too much!  Botox will always be Botox, do not expect this product to totally erase your lines
  
• the box and the tube's product shelf life is confusing

Overall




BECCA Silky Hydrating Primer lives up to its name!  Silky and super hydrating!  It took me quite some time to review this product as I've tested this primer with cream foundation and liquid foundation and even powder foundation!  I've found that it doesn't create flakiness or dryness and it made my foundation application easier because it goes on smoothly. 

Another primer I own that works for dry skin like mine is the Paul & Joe Protective Foundation Primer but this is multiplied by 3x for its super moisturizing properties!  No other primers I've tried could moisturize my skin this much so please...for people who's reading this review having Normal or Normal to Oily skin, they have other primers from Becca that will suit your skin's need. This product will work best for people with dry or even super dry skin! 


Tips

• tacky feel: leave for a couple of minutes before you follow up with foundation application, make sure the primer has been absorbed to the skin
• set the foundation with a setting powder to prevent from oiling up
  
• normal to oily skin, do purchase different version of their primers suited for your skin type.
• use a small pea size amount for the whole face, I once applied too much because the product squirted out too much accidentally and my face felt weird and heavy the whole day!  A little goes a long way
• can use your clean fingers to apply this or a foundation brush
• let the product sink in to the skin approximately 5-10 minutes before you start applying your foundation
• if itchiness occur, STOP using the product
  

Will I repurchase?


Yes, because this will work great for my makeup gigs for mature and very dry skin!


Where to purchase and how much?

BECCA Counter, ADORA Greenbelt 5 for Php2,350 (approx $50.00)

Here's a sample amount I use for my whole face

this is the "perfect" amount, not too much and not too little

Rub gently on my hand, 

gently massaging and patting it

 

 Absorbs to my skin easily

 

And here's a close up shot of my skin using MAC Studio Fix Foundation in NC20, this foundation flakes on me the most so I don't use this much due to my dry skin, so I tested the primer with this, no moisturizer used and the result is...

 

The usual flakes on my cheeks and sides of the nose isn't that visible as before.  So the primer really works, it gives out a subtle glow and skin stays hydrated.  

I just wish the scent isn't that overpowering!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Happy Friday!

AMW Reports: Becca Cosmetics Counter

Happy Monday people!  I won't be having any Monday blues because I won't be at work today, I will be off for a passport renewal so I took the day off!  Passport renewal means more places to go? *I wish!*

Let me bring in sunshine for our Monday Blues to the rest of the crew who has to work!  When I posted about my Becca Cream Blush review, one reader emailed me and asked me Becca stuffs should they expect when they visit the counter.  My mind went blank. Seriously, I can't seem to remember, so when I had to chance to visit the counter again, I didn't think twice to ask my "ninja husband" to help me take shots.  Sorry it's not that clear as he used a cellphone camera!  A ninja shouldn't be obvious right? :P

Note: Yours truly is off to a wedding party right after so please do not think I'm dressing up just to shop! lol

Becca Counter is located inside Adora mall.  Adora is located at the 2nd and 3rd floor of Greenbelt 5.  It reminded me of Rustan's (for people who are familiar with it) but better, its a posh looking area that sells perfumes, cosmetics, clothing and a lot more. 

Becca greeted me with a nice makeup area.  2 of the exact one on photo!  You can freely roam around and check out the testers that are readily available for you.  They also include cotton pads, paper napkin and alcohol for you to disinfect before and after testing!  I love it when cosmetic counters took the effort to do these.

First stop, the Complexion and Makeup section.  Looking at the photo below, the left side are the Stick Foundations while the simple packaging on the right side are their tinted moisturizers called Luminous Skin Color. 

I tested the Luminous Skin Color and I am loving the texture.  I am really happy to announce that they have wide range of shades for every skin color.

Next stop, the Compact Concealers, if you are familiar with Eve Pearl concealers, the concept is similar, 2 concealer shades in one compact, but I think the Becca Concealers are larger in size, correct me if I'm wrong.  Same as the Stick Foundation and Luminous Skin Color, these are available i wide ranges of shades for both warm and cool skin tone.

The Fine Pressed Powders are too cute to miss out!  They are separated in Light and Dark.  I've swiped the powder on hand and they are very silky indeed.  Those cute little jars you see that looks like MAC's loose pigments?  They're Loose Powders.  I believe they are used to set foundation and some people like it in loose form!  So they have it!  I personally like the pressed version though, as always!

Another cute jar called Loose Shimmer Powders are there for the cheeks area.  These are multi-functional and can be used for eyes, cheeks, body or even the lips!  They also have their bestselling Becca Beach Tint on a cute squeeze type tube.

 And several shades of Becca Cream blushes that are lined up like an army!

As I went oooohing and ahhing on all the products.  The diligent photographer strategically took shots on everything while I'm checking out the lips area.  There are Sheer Tint Lip Color packed in a nice silver lipstick tube, Glossy Lip Tints packaged in a glass tube and another set of Beach Tints for the lips!  They also have Lip Liners but I don't see a lot of shades available for it.  The nude lip liner caught my eye!

And I nearly forgot this area!  I was amazed when I saw their display for makeup brushes and beauty tools!  They don't come in cheap, but with my quick touch test, these brushes are definitely promising!

 I like it how their products are all strategically displayed and there's a huge sofa where you can sit or relax, or probably a place where most "significant" others would sit while waiting for their loved ones spend their lifetime savings! lol

A guy from Adora came towards us (not to tell me that I look pretty) but to tell us that we're not allowed to take photos. I smiled my sweetest smile and apologized....

"Sorry, we will be leaving..."

*whispers to husband*

"Sorry, we will be leaving...we got enough shots before you caught us!"

Bleh :P

Do expect a review on 

Becca Silky Hydrating Primer soon!

Yes, Primer Lady strikes again! :D 

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Becca Créme Blush in Amaryllis

Most powdered blushes I've tried never last more than half a day. And I always ended up a nice overall made-up face sans the blush. I know the answer to my problem is to use a cream blush and set it with a blush powder to make my blush stays longer. Laziness strikes, so I haven't been doing it.

When I heard about BECCA Cosmetics and the range of products they offer. I can't help but rush to ADORA Greenbelt 5 to check out the products. The cream blushes caught my attention as I needed it both for myself and for wedding gigs or whatever gigs that needed great staying power for blushes!

Here's what I got to try!

The shade I got is called Amaryllis ---

Amaryllis is described to have
an authentic burnt rose hue

No Flash

With Flash

BECCA Créme Blush says ---

The ultimate blush! This highly pigmented formulation and silky-smooth texture melds into the skin for an incredibly natural, "just blushed" look. Layer for added drama.

Provides natural, radiant, long-lasting color to cheek, producing a radiant, healthy appearance

The highly pigmented, creamy formulation can be used to emulate the look of youthful skin and is good for most skin types (except very oily or blemished skin)

Contains anti-oxidant vitamin E
Preservative and paraben-free

Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Cetyl Palmitate, Petrolatum, Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax), Candelilla Cera (Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax), Kaolin, C18-38 Alkyl Hydroxystearoyl Stearate, Tocopherol, Parfum (Fragrance) and may contain: [+/- Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Iron Oxides CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Carmine CI 75470, Red 21 Lake CI 45380, Yellow 5 Lake CI 19140, Red 7 CI 15850, Ultramarines CI 77007, Red 40 CI 16035, Yellow 6 Lake CI 15985, Bismuth Oxychloride CI 77163, Blue 1 Lake CI 42090, Red 36 CI 12085, Ferric Ferrocyanide CI 77510, Mica].

Size: 3g/0.1 oz compact

AMW says---

Pros

• color stays the whole day
• has a tiny floral scent which is ok for me
  
• easy to blend
• creamy yet non oily
• non-drying too
  
• a tiny amount is needed for both cheeks, one pot lasts a long time!
• very pigmented
• packaging: made with good taste, has a mirror and protector

• multi-purpose: Can be used both for the cheeks and lips and lids (only if you have non oily lids or if lid primer is used) Non-drying on lips.

Cons

• packaging: a bit bulky to stack on train case if you're a makeup artist
• at first glance, the price tag is steep! (but this definitely goes a loooooonnnggg way!)
• if you have super oily cheeks, could oil up more, but please read tip below for super oily skin
• if you apply using your fingers, you have to wash your hands afterwards

Overall

Powder blush is still the way to go for daily blush usage but if you are a budding makeup artist or professional makeup artist, this is a wonderful addition to your makeup collection as I've tried using this Creme blush as a base to the powder blush, it lasts way longer and it looks very natural on photos! I will definitely be toting this around on all my gigs!

Personally, I love using this because it gives out a "natural flush" and it looks so natural that people can't tell you're wearing a blush, I've even tried taking photos up close and it doesn't look like I'm wearing any blush at all. If you love natural, barely there makeup look, this is very pretty. For darker skin tone, you may need to apply more to achieve the flush.

Tips

From Becca

• Apply over liquid or creme based products (Luminous Skin Colour, Stick Foundation, Compact Concealer) and before setting with Fine Loose Finishing Powder.
• Can be used on the lips for a beautiful wash of colour.
• Using Creme Blush Brush #34, apply to the "apples" of the cheeks (the fatty part of the cheek where it is possible to pinch the flesh and where you would blush naturally).

From AMW

• as recommended by Ms. Amanda of Becca, Turkish Rose or Amaryllis are 2 of the bestselling creme blush shades
• for dry skin: always moisturize your skin well and use the right kind of foundation for dry skin before applying this.
  
• for oily skin: use a good primer and moisturizer for oily skin. Always set this with a loose powder to prevent from oiling up
• apply in 2 ways: fingers or stippling brush
• if you are using this for clients or other people? Use the film/protector to grab a tiny amount of product so you don't contaminate the whole creme blush.
• if you prefer a natural flush, using this alone is ok, but if you want to give out an impact, top with a same shade of blush powder.
  

Will I repurchase?

No, not this shade. I will definitely check out other shades. Turkish rose (nudish rose shade) looks nice on tester!

Where to purchase and how much?

At BECCA counter ADORA, Greenbelt 5 for Php1,750 (approx $37.00)

A close up shot on Amaryllis
on cheek

Amaryllis Creme Blush
on Lips

What makes you flush naturally?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Stay cheeky! :D