Wearable Strawberry Makeup Look

 Hi AMW Friends.

It has been going round the beauty community a cute look that focuses on the cheeks.  A beautiful flushed cheeks and bright lips I name it Strawberry Makeup since I am a fan of Strawberry Shortcake and I remember putting her blush and lip color when I was younger.

Here's my wearable version any age can rock!

For this look, I focus on a super clean base so the blush and lip color will pop.  I used a neutral shade for eye makeup and made sure to highlight my cheeks.

Makeup Used:

• @itcosmetics CC in Light
• @tartecosmetics Sculpt Tape , Radiant & Corrector Shape Tape
• @pixibeautyph On The Glow Bronze Warm Glow
• @bobbibrownph Espresso Brow Pencil , Gel Liner Black Ink
• @narsissist Uninhibited Eyeshadow Palette
• @maccosmeticsph Stack Mascara , Locked Kiss Ink Vicious, Fix Plus Lavender
• @lauramercier Transulcent Pressed Setting Powder
• @cliniqueph Berry Pop Blush
• @makeupforever Ultra HD Lip Booster, Aqua Liner Pencil
• @cathydollphils Lip & Cheek Beauty To Go Gangnam

MAC’s MACximal Lipsticks Review

 

I love MAC Lipsticks, I have collected them ever since I started Blogging.  I even got my first lipstick (MAC!) in highschool when I reunited with my classmate who immigrated to Canada.  

Unfortunately, as much as I love the brand, my favorite shades come in MATTE formulation which looks gorgeous on my clients but doesn't work for my dry lips! 

Fastforward to year 2024, when I got an invite for MAC Cosmetics' MACximal Silky Matte lipstick launch, I had to go as it was said that these iconic lipsticks have been maxed out to give lips more with silky matte finish that is richer, feels better on lips and lasts longer.

With creamy blend of coconut oil, organic shea butter and organic cocoa butter, I am looking forward to try these because I need a lip product that showcase my favorite shades at the same time can nourish my dehydrated lips. 

 If you hold on a new MACximal lipstsick, you will immediately SEE and FEEL the difference.  The lipstick bullet is taller by approximately 2cm, the lipstick itself contains .5g more than the old one!  As we joked during the event, everyone's on recession except MAC!

I got 3 new shades to try, thankfully I do not own such shades in my previous collection.  As a MAC fan, I have always been a Velvet Teddy and Mehr repurchaser.  Thankful I get to try and discover other shades because I tend to be a loyalist!

Top to bottom: Cafe Mocha, Marrakesh and Ring the Alarm

AMW wears MACximal Lipstick 

Shade: Cafe Mochamac

Price: Php1,350.00

Available at LAZADA and MAC Stores nationwide

Look: From Tired to Energetic

 YOU and ME!  Should be an expert with our own faces.  I have read comments on: “I can’t put makeup on!”  “I just don’t know how to apply makeup!”

I can’t seem to accept that fact because I started saying those statements as early as highschool and changed my own thinking when I grabbed makeup samples from my Aunts in Canada and started practicing on my own face looking like a bruised student but still washed it off (with NOT makeup remover) but soap!  

You may bash me for saying this but makeup is a skill that can be learnt!  I am NOT good with Art class and always have the lowest scores in all my subjects but I ended up being a makeup artist because I WANTED TO!  

I am still not as good (well no one will ever be) compared to the greatest famous MUAs out there but I strive to learn and improve my craft every chances I get!

So to YOU reading this who thinks makeup is rocket Science….well, you don’t have to start with Smoky Eye Makeup Looks right away or try to perfect a winged liner.  You cn start as easy as blush placement application or applyig lipstick that would make your face appear brighter!

Makeup application is not only a skill you need to learn, you also need to have a skill of being comfortable enough to practice on your own skin and pick the right shades that make you feel GOOD whenever you see your own reflection.  I mean, do not pick colors that look good on Kpop idols are stars but instead, wear colors that make you feel beautiful!

Wow with my speech right?

Well, I have been trying to push some of my readers and followers who were messaging me telling me how clumsy they are when it comes to makeup.  I just can’t seem to accept that fact because I can call that myself.  I can’t even seen to cut a straight cut as of this very moment!

If you felt attacked by my message, feel free to click.X and leave this post because I do not welcome negativity….but if you understand my point of view, feel free to continue reading because I love you guys and wanted to push you guys to strive harder —- not only about Makeup but life in general!

GRWM: Event Makeup Look in 30 Minutes Less

 

Hi everyone! 
Gosh, it is almost a month that I last updated here!  Where did the SUMMER VACATION went?

If you follow me on Instagram #ShamelessPlug , you know that my son had his first Holy Communion (for Roman Catholics) and did you know that kids had to attend 3 days Catechism classes while parents need a 2-3 hours session separately? 

We also had a reconciliation day so that covers the whole week of August!  Aside from that, I managed to grab a couple of PR Consultancy opportunities so that kept me super busy as well.  

Anyway, before I go any further about my personal stories, you are probably here for the Get Ready with Me look in 30 minutes less!  Now that you know my schedule, you know that 30minutes is the only available period of time for full face makeup look.

When in rush, it helps to use a pop of color on lips like RED or Deep Burgundy.  A loud lip statement would make your overall look unique.  It looked like you spent a lot of time doing your makeup but in reality, you just did a bit of lipstick swiping!

Makeup used:

MAC Prep and Prime
@itcosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream (available @sephoraph )
@kikomilanoph Active Foundation Stick
@lauramercier Loose Setting Powder in Banana
@bobbibrownph Perfectly Defined Long Wear Brow Pencil
@hourglasscosmetics Bronzer and Blush
@kaneboglobalph Eyeshadow Palette
@kpalette_ph 24H Real Lasting Eyeliner started using Brown then Black
@makeupforever Aqua Liner Pencil
@prettysecretph Mermaid Mascara (fave!)
@maccosmeticsph Velvet Teddy and Locked Kiss Ink in Vicious
@maccosmeticsph Fix+ Lavender

MAC Locked Kiss Ink 24H Lipcolor Review

 

2 months ago, I attended the launch of MAC's LOCKED KISS INK at SM Megamall and I get to test two of the shades that I seriously felt that aren't my personality but worked so well for some reason!

MAC says---

A kissproof transfer-proof and waterproof liquid lipstick with 24 Hours of weightless wear and rich matte color.

AMW wears: Vicious

Lipstick Fave for the Week: MAC’s Mull It Over

 

I used to post Lipsticks and Lipstick swatches every MONDAY.

Don’t ask me, I am not being OC but I like having  schedules and I seriously missed it.  Not that I am putting back Lipstick Monday but I will try to put out lipsticks recommendation as much as I can including of course - a review!  You all know I have dry lips since year 2008 when I started this blog and it still remains the same!  

MAC Powder Kiss Velvet 

Shade: Mull It Over

Php1,600

Available HERE

Today, I will feature an old shade in new format - new format for me because I never wrote about MAC’s Powder Kiss Velvet Lipsticks.  I’ve seen them around my Instagram pages where people use and talk about it but I never tried this particular lipstick yet.  

Mull It Over is described as dirty peach online but for me, this is a light coral peach shade with a hint of warmth rosy color that works for yellow undertone.  I can selcome find a peach lipsticks that work for me because most of them falls on the cool tone category - not this one.  Mull it Over is unique because it has a hint of warmthness.

My Favorite Face Brushes

 

I have been reviewing a lot of brushes for the past years.  From high end brands to the most inexpensive ones, it is funny how I never shared my top picks!  I mean not everyone can invest on a set of brushes so today, I am sharing my top 4+1 brushes that I can't live without.

1. Foundation Brush

I never use this type of brush to "blend" my base, instead, I use this to apply the right amount of product seamlessly to my skin.  This is a nice brush to also apply concealer.  The flat side of the brush gives ample "coverage" so I don't need to use a lot of product because the brush does not absorb as much product as sponges.

Foundation brush brand: Estee Lauder

2. Oval Brush

The Oval Brush came out in the latter part of the Beauty Game.  Though I do not talk much about these type of brushes, I pick them up a lot. (if you zoom closer, you can see how worn out the this brush is!) 

How do I use this brush?  I apply a good amount of concealer (usually in Doe Foot applicator) and use this brush to blend the concealer on the undereye area and it gives off a perfect coverage.  With the extra product on brush, I sweep it on the sides of my nose, chin and other areas of my face and it immediately covers spots and redness!  I can do my makeup half the time because of this brush, 

Oval Brush Brand: Etude House

MAC Lightful C³ Emulsion and Compact Cushion Review

 

When MAC Lightful  C³  was officially released, a lot are intrigued by it because it focuses on keeping the skin plump, hydrating, glowing and best of all, perfect for everyday use!

I was able to try 2 products from the collection --- MAC Lightful  C³  Emulsion and Cushion!  

After using these 2 products for a month, I am ready to share my thoughts!

MAC Lightful  C³  Emulsion
Php 2,250.00

MAC Lightful  C³  Cushion Compact
approx. Php 2,800

Available HERE Or Rustans

MAC Lightful  C³  Emulsion ---

Instant hydration and softening with a rosy tone-up effect.  Skin appears brighter, more radiant and more even-toned, immediate and over time.

Here's what I noticed after consistently using the emulsion.  Skin feels immediately soft and smooth (like baby's bum!)  Since my skin is hydrated, it gives a glowing effect making my skin looks alive and plump!

The plump and hydration lasts for hours so I don't have issues using drying foundation because my skin is well-hydrated throughout the day.  I also noticed how my skin has an instant tone-up!  And I don't have any allergic reactions using such product.

Since I have sensitive nose, there is quite a strong fragrance for me which goes away after 10 minutes to 15 minutes.  Others will not notice this but because of my sensitivity, I really prefer skincare products to be fragrance-free - that's just me!

Makeup for Video Conference #AMWIGtv

As much as I would like to be the first one to say: "Just be who you are!"  "You don't need to put on makeup when you have a video call or conference calls with colleagues or boss, they would understand you!"

Well, they would, but let's not forget to still put our best face forward whenever we make video calls!  Same as to what I always believe in, making sure you look good before you face a person means they get the respect they deserve.  Correct me if I'm wrong, some of you may disagree (feel free to comment below), but I believe looking good is not only done to impress other people, but it also made me feel more powerful and confident whenever I face clients or bosses online!

This makeup look I've created is simple and easy to do, I can easily create this look in 10 minutes less and you may opt to create a different version depending on what you're comfortable in.  As for me, the basic requirements are -- Concealer and a bit of color on eyes, cheeks and lips so I feel more alive and can actually transmit energy to the person I am talking to! 

It doesn't hurt to grab a nice top, okay to wear pajamas below but please remember DO NOT STAND UP! :P

I hope you can watch this short video and let me know if you enjoyed this!

Makeup Tutorial: Blush Pink Look

I seldom wear color on my lids, actually, I seldom wear makeup!  I'm just too lazy (and it's probably me getting old!) .  

I recently went on 2 "staycation" and realized, I even bring the least amount of makeup and most of the time, they are multi-tasking!  

So here's my simplest "blushed" makeup look!  You'll understand why the name after watching my quick #AMWIGtv !  

It is also a first for me to wear pink on lids, cheeks and lips!  Again, you'll know why this is a monochromatic look! (hint: lazy to bring more makeup! :P)

But this is also a chance for me to showcase the newest POP color that I got from Clinique.  I also used several new items like the K-Palette 1Day Tattoo Lasting Eyebrow Tint Pens which I recently reviewed.

Cheers to testing more products and let me know if you like this look!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐮 (@askmewhats) on Nov 3, 2019 at 11:37pm PST

All brushes used: Real Techniques.

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

AMW June Favorites

I have been sharing my monthly favorites ever since late last year on IG Stories and only until today I get to save them up and post them just for "reference".  I mean, sayang ang hardwork to do all those stories and for them to be gone in 24 hours!

Please watch and enjoy my June favorites and do comment and list down your own June 2019 favorites!

Do you have a favorite from the items I mentioned?
What are you looking for July 2019 Favorites?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Beauty Around the World at SM Megamall

I hope I'm not too late but you actually have until TODAY to visit SM Megamall Fashion Hall to see the newest and best-selling beauty and skincare products.  Yes, if you see this huge display of the most-coveted makeup and skincare brands when you past by the area, you know you have to visit because there are a lot of samples and special offers perfect for Women's Month!

I get to feature only a couple of brands here but there are more!

Be in Cherry Blossom Heaven when you visit the MAC Cosmetic booth.  Featured are the limited edition MAC Bloom Boom Bloom collection. 

You can win samples when you play a game of UFO catcher with them and win a MAC sponge!

Inglot on the other hand offers 15% off on their bestselling makeup items. 

Pink Cheeks and Lips without Looking Pale? Here's my How-tos!

If you know me well, you'll know that my least favorite blush color is Pink because I always say it looks unnatural on me especially for girls like me who has weird complexion - fair to look at but really warm on the inside (physically and emotionally *Laughs*)

Seriously, I never pick a pink blush nowadays because I always go for Peach, Orange and my favorite Bronzer-type of blush.  They warms up my face like no other making me look fresh-looking.

But for a Beauty Blogger like myself who welcomes change, I pretty much can play around and work my hands on the products that seems to be an "X" to me.  Yes an X can be a CHECK (except on EX).  Okay seriously, I have to stop this!  I'm high on coffee and you can sense that I'm sure.

So here's my take on Pink Cheeks and Lips without making me look sick (and mind you, I didn't have to adjust on eye makeup, I an actually wear this combo ALONE!)

Blush on focus: Maybelline Fit Me! Blush in ROSE

MAC Here Comes Joy...

I don't know about you but Highlighters give me the HIGH!
"But I can't see it when applied!" 
That's the beauty of highlighting products, you aren't supposed to see them but it lifts your face like no other!  And I recently found it in a Limited Edition product called MAC Opalescent Highlighter (From MAC Snow Ball Holiday 2017 Collection).

Thanks to my sister-in-law for gifting me this!  The packaging itself is already a gift!  If you look at it closely, it indeed look like you're holding a bunch of snow!  The muted gold packaging is actually smooth but the texture looks like a crumbled foil!  I love it!  No amount of photography can show you how great it looks, you have to touch them ad see them in person.

My sister-in-law gifted me 2 and one is lighter in color, I can't accept it in my heart to get 2 compacts so I actually returned one for her and asked her to use it instead!

Let's talk about the shade I picked for myself -  HERE COMES JOY

How To Cover Dark Spots and Acne Marks

Yay for another "How To" series, this time for my dear readers who have been emailing me to learn tips on how to cover their pimple spots or acne marks.  

Thankfully, my dear client was so gracious to let me take a photo of her pre-makeover.  She actually has gorgeous glowing skin but because she is going through skin treatment through her dermatologist, she was left with marks (not scars) that is just on the verge of healing.  So, as her make up artist that day, I am tasked to make her look like herself, at the same time, cover the spots that hides her lovely face!

I personally have gone through a stage almost like my client, but most of the spots are on my cheeks so I looked like I had natural "blush" from afar.  It may sound silly to some but I almost never wanted to go to school!  I wished I knew about concealers back then! #hehehe

Eye Make Up Tutorial for Droopy Eyes

Happy Tuesday!
I am finally here to share to you my next Photo-torial look!  An eye makeup look that would work really well if you have droopy eyes!  Of course, even if you don't, you can still rock this look! 

Thankfully, I can really relate on this because I do have "slight" droopy eyes!  So on days I want to create some "lift", I do this trick!  Of course, feel free to use different eyeshadow shades depending on your mood!  Well, my mood is on the Romantic side so I whipped out my Sleek Make up I-Divine Vintage Romance Palette. 

And here's the look I created just for YOU :D

 As much as you and I are both tempted to do our foundation routine, skip this step as the eye make up application could be a bit messy!  So let's jump on using a cream shadow to make the eyeshadow shades appear more vibrant and long lasting.

For this tutorial, I used Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 in shade 55 Inked in Pink.

Something New: A Novel Romance By MAC

Will you read this book if you see this as a cover?
Siyempre no!  Hahaha But won't that look funny?  1 man and 3 girls? 

I don't want to think how complicated the story will be but let's focus on this....

Ayan, much more interesting!  I grew up reading love stories like this!  I am the only bookworm in our family and my brothers and sister probably don't get why I need to spend hours reading something fictional.

Well, it is the romantic side of me who wishes my own Knight in Shining Armor!  See?  I finally have my own!  The power of positive thinking talaga!

AMW Makeover: Bridal Makeup

Hi AMW friends!
It's another Makeover day!  I hope you like the before and after photos I show and let me know if you have any questions by commenting below!

I've done a lovely bride last Saturday and I really enjoy being part of such exciting event!  That is one reason why I concentrate more on Bridal makeup because the energy is just amazing! 

Here's my gorgeous bride very pretty even sans makeup!

Before and After Noelle

Skin type: Oily and Acidic

Request: Keep the oil at bay at the same time, make sure foundation doesn't darken on her.

I did Trial Makeup on her several weeks before the wedding.  The makeup I've done on her for trial is lighter as compared to the day of her wedding.  Well, I always darken the makeup of my brides on the day of her wedding because of the harsh lighting from photographers.

AMW Reports: The Grand Launch of CAVA

I started this blog when I wasn't a Professional Makeup Artist and you (my dear long-time readers) saw my makeup school escapades and even were there when I graduated!  *yay*  I receive a lot of emails asking me: "Do I really need to go to a makeup school?  I've been doing makeup almost all my life and I read makeup books and watch YouTube tutorials, I think that's enough."

That's what I thought so too.

But when I enrolled myself in a professional makeup school, I realized was...there are definitely so much more to learn! And up until today, I am still learning!

And recently, I discovered a newly launched school called CAVA (The Center for Aesthetics and Visual Arts).

Top: The Flower Collection 3Leone 

Shorts: From Korea

Shoes: SM Parisian

The Grand Launch was hosted by gorgeious Tracy Abad of 94.7.  

Lipstick of the Day: MAC Lipstick in Please Me

It's Friday!  I'm definitely looking forward for a productive weekend!   I can't believe I'm saying this but since becoming a mom, I don't think I have any day off and it is so true when they say, your parents devote all their time and effort to raise you and that's unconditional love!  *sniff* Mommy, daddy, I LOVE YOU!!!

Now back to a superficial topic before I blab more sentimental stuff!  

Lipstick!  I've had MAC Please Me for quite some time and I can't believe I didn't blog about this!  I didn't even take a product shot and used it right away upon purchase!  Silly me!  I guess there are times I just want to enjoy being a consumer and forget about being a blogger!  So yes, this is how Please Me looks on me! :D

Do you like it?
Well, I quite like it!  See just how much I've used?