It really is very imformative. I remember featuring it here in my blog when the book came out. Since then, I’ve been seeing it in bookstores and I’ve been reading it there whenever I needed to kill time. Hehehe! And now that I’m loving makeups too much and I’ve been buying and experimenting on them, I thought I needed to get Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual for myself.

I love how she explained in detail the use of each makeup and brush type. She also gave tips on how to apply each makeup product for every skin type. It is that detailed that she’s like a personal instructor explaining to you the proper way to use concealer, foundation, blush, etc. Some books or videos teaches us the basics, but we have to keep in mind that different skin types and skin colors also vary in techniques when applying each product. Bobbi Brown touched this in her book. She would help you identify your skin type and color. Then, for every makeup product, like concealer, foundation, etc, she would suggest the kind of product (liquid, cream, powder, etc.) to be used for every skin type (oily, dry, combination) in order for the makeup to last. She also recommended shades that would blend and work well for every skin color. The book is picture heavy as well to make it easier for the readers to understand her step-by-step instructions. It literally is a makeup manual, something that makeup enthusiasts have always wanted. Hehehe! So for those starting to appreciate and love the art of makeup, grab a copy now in the nearest bookstore. It’s just quite hard to get one as it’s always out of stock here in Manila (I’m just not sure in the other parts of the world)! Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual is now being sold at Amazon for $21.12, but I tell you, every penny is woth it for those who want to learn the basics. In fact, as the book says, Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual is for everyone from beginner to pro.

Since it’s my birthday, I decided to paint my nails red. Again, I need to follow the Chinese tradition of wearing red on birthday celebrations. And since I haven’t really thought of what to wear today, at least I have something red if I decide to go against the tradition- my lovely nails! LOL! The thing is I’m tired of the plain red nail polish so I decided to do this…

I added those shining shimmering tips! Hehehe!

Instead of the conventional white tips of the French Manicure, I thought of using a silver shiny nail polish. Well, I just wanna break away from tradition. Uh… so I guess I’m not wearing red today, eh?! LOL! My mom won’t get mad (I think) since it’s my birthday! Haha! And knowing her, I just have to be fashionable and she would say nothing about wearing red on birthdays. She would even compliment me! I tried that last year, if you have read that post. LOL! Anyway, gotta go! I just had to share my nails! Hahaha!

We all love the legendary taupe nail polish, Particuliere, in Chanel’s Spring 2010 collection. In fact in my recent trip in Bangkok, I was so tempted to get one when I visited Chanel’s boutique in Paragon mall. There was one bottle left, but I thought I’ll buy it if it’s available in the airport. If it’s meant to be, it is meant to be! Apparently, it is not! LOL! Then came Chanel’s turquoise polish, Nouvelle Vague. We saw Hollywood celebrities wear it in the red carpet. And now, it is Chanel Paradoxal’s turn…

Looking at the bottle alone, I’m not really salivating over it. LOL! Don’t get me wrong, I L-O-V-E purple! I just thought it’s the usual shimmery dark violet polish that one could buy just about anywhere. BUT when I saw this photo…

… I now think, I want to have one!!! Hahaha! Reviews of this polish say, it’s more like gray. It also looks purple. Sometimes, it’s taupe. Chanel Paradoxal looks different under different lighting. It has the colors that I like in a nail polish!!! And under the sunlight, it sparkles! Just like Particuliere and Nouvelle Vague, Chanel Paradoxal doesn’t have a twin. Nothing comes close! Haaaay… Now, I want to get Chanel Paradoxal! I want! I want! I’m serious!!! Argh! Rustan’s here in Manila do not have them anymore. An article in a local newspaper said it would be out last August 1, but apparently they released it a day earlier. Huhuhu! Anybody knows where I can get one??? Hehehe!

It’s IN2IT Waterproof Eyeliner Pen. Say goodbye to those tiny brushes! Hehe! Liquid eyeliner is now easier to apply more than ever! I got the super black eyeliner. Well, IN2IT only has one color available for their Liquid Eyeliner Pen. If you want other shades, Revlon also has a similar product. They are selling it for about PHP 500 – PHP 600. It’s more expensive than IN2IT since obviously, it is Revlon. Also, Revlon’s liquid eyeliner dries up right away the moment you apply! It is actually amazing! I settled for the PHP 330 Waterproof Eyeliner Pen of IN2IT coz I wanted to give this product a try first. Apparently, after several uses, I noticed that it works well on me. I received compliments whenever I use it. I guess I’ll have to try the Revlon Liquid Eyeliner Pen as well when my IN2IT completely dries up. Oh, Maybelline also sells a liquid eyeliner pen for around PHP 400. Face Shop has one too, but I’m not quite sure with the price.

The tip of this liquid eyeliner pen is made up of sponge so the moment its tip touches a surface, it secretes the ink. If you want to create a really fine line, this product is definetely for you. The very fine tip applicator of this pen allows you to easily draw a thin line around your eyes. If you are a drama queen like me though, you’d prefer your eyeliner to be a bit thicker. I find it easier to achieve this using a pencil eyeliner, but using a liquid eyeliner adds more drama to the eyes since it appears darker and shinier. If you want to smudge your eyeliner though for blending purposes, then stick to the pencil. Since I want the dark and shiny drama effect, I’ll have to use a liquid eyeliner pen. I just have to draw a few more lines to make it a bit thicker. And of course to complete the effect, just curl up your lashes using Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, then swipe it off with some mascara. You’ll then look like an ultimate drama queen like me! LOL!

Anyway, enough of my blabber. I have shared here two of my new found bestfriends, Smashbox Foundation Primer and Make Up For Ever Liquid Foundation. Now, wondering how I apply them on my face? I use this…

It’s Japonesque Pro Angled Foundation Brush. I got it in Beauty Bar for PHP 1,500. They also have a travel size angled foundation brush for PHP 1,450. It is a bit pricey, but I tell you, you really get what you pay for! Read on the following to learn more about the brand, Japonesque, and this Pro Angled Foundation Brush. This is taken from the text written at the back of the box. Again, I’m not paid to advertise their brand or their product. How I wish! Haha! I’m just a satisfied customer.

Designed with the professional mind, Japonesque beauty products are precision crafted, using only the highest quality materials. Preferred by celebrated makeup artists and beauty professionals worldwide, Japonesque products are an essential for the beauty enthusiast who desires expert results.

*** Sorry for the pictures. I haven’t cleaned my brush yet. LOL! ***

A make-up artist favorite, the Japonesque Professional Angled Foundation Brush is an essential tool for creating a truly flawless foundation finish. The distinctive tapered edge allows for precision application around the eyes and nose while the flat brush shape smooths out cream or liquid foundation minimizing facial pores and fine lines. Perfect for full coverage in targeted areas or sheering out color for transparent coverage. Synthetic bristles easily wash clean while maintaining their shape.

Tips in using the Pro Angled Foundation Brush

- Tap dots of foundation on the nose, center of forehead and on the apple of cheeks
- Use brush side to create a smooth, even finish blending outward.
- Use angled edge to detail foundation around eyes, nose & mouth.

I have read in some magazines that liquid foundation is not really advisable for oily skin, which is another reason why I stopped using mine. After my friend did my make up though for a casting call, I saw how her liquid foundation blended well with my skin. It gave me a flawless complexion, without the feeling of heaviness. As for my oiliness dilemma, it’s more of the work of the Smashbox Foundation Primer, which you can read in this post, that makes my face matte for long hours. With its help, I can now use liquid foundations. Yay!

Thankfuly I also found the liquid foundation that works best for my skin. It’s Make Up For Ever face and body liquid foundation, as seen below.

It has an ultra lightweight formula, which is probably why I feel I don’t have any make-up on whenever I use this. It has seamless coverage, resulting to a flawless complexion. It gives the skin a uniform tone and leaves a satin finish. Make Up For Ever Face & Body Liquid Foundation has a unique gel formula with more than 75% water, making in suitable for all skin types. It is very easy to apply, plus it is water-resistant! To help in the application, I use a liquid foundation brush, which I will be sharing in this blog as well.

As for the price, this cost me PHP 2,150. Eeeek! Just imagine me buying the Cinema Secrets concealer, Smashbox Foundation Primer and this Make Up For Ever Face & Body Liquid Foundation all in one day! Haaaay! Too much spending! I haven’t even shared my purchases 2 days after at Forever 21, then another beauty tool a week after, then my unbelievable Bangkok shopping! As much as I don’t wanna spend anymore, I need to buy a phone soon as well because of that a** thief! I’ve been spending a lot these past few weeks and they still had to target me! Grrrr! Annoying people! I wanna be a billionaire! LOL! Sorry for the rant. I’m just so pissed as I’ve been losing a lot of things lately- my BlackBerry, my shopping money in Bangkok, and now my jewelry! Hate it! Anyway, I digress…

If you’re interested in trying out my recommended foundation, Make Up For Ever has branches here in the Philippines. Check out the 3rd Level of Shangri-La Plaza Mall and Bonifacio High Street.

I have read and heard a number of professional make-up artists talk about primers, but I never really paid much attention to it. I know I am not alone. Some ladies out there probably skip the primer as well right after applying your trusted moisturizer. Recently, I had a beauty talk with my friend, who is a freelance make-up artist. She did my make-up once for a final casting call. Geesh, yes I was pushed to go for a casting! Now I’m shy! Hahaha! Anyway, moving on… I really liked what she did for my natural look and my make-up did not wear off even after several hours! In addition to this, my skin did not oil too much, which is a miracle! When I went out with her again, I really had to ask for the products she used on me. At the back of my mind, I definitely have to buy them! Me not having an oily skin after several hours on full make-up is a miracle! LOL!

And what’s the secret to a flawless complexion?

A foundation primer!

What brand of foundation primer?

I have talked to three of my make-up artist friends and they mentioned only one brand. I’m not sure if others would agree, but I started using it and I am satisfied with it. What is it?

It’s Smashbox!

What are the benefits of Smashbox Foundation Primer?

Smashbox Foundation Primer has a silky formula that minimizes the appearance of fine lines and pores, while leaving skin velvety-smooth, creating the perfect canvas for foundation application. When worn under foundation, Smashbox Foundation Primer also helps increase its longevity. You can also wear it alone for a velvety-smooth finish.

What kind of foundation primer should you choose?

Smashbox offers various kinds of primers to cater to every skin type and concern. They have primers with SPF 15 and anti-aging formula, color correcting to counteract discoloration and even out skin tone, and bronzing.

I chose the Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light since this has oil-free formula, which is perfect for oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin. This 60% water-based foundation primer refreshes on contact while oil absorbers provide a smooth matte finish all day. Light diffusers minmize the appearance of imperfections while vitamin C and peptides even skin tone for a flawless feature.

How much is it?

I bought it at Beauty Bar for PHP 2,150. It is a bit pricey, but if you want to have a flawless finish, a foundation and a concealer combination cannot do the job alone. Well it can, but not as smooth as putting on a primer.

How do you apply a foundation primer?

It should be the base before you put on any other make-up. That’s why it is called a primer! Well of course before putting on the primer, we should do our usual regimen first, that is facial wash – toner – moisturizer. You can also opt to wear Smashbox Foundation Primer alone since it already helps in minimizing fine lines and pores, creating a velvety-smooth finish. Apply 1 pump to clean or moisturized skin using fingertips or a liquid foundation brush. I personally use a foundation brush to make the application even.

Learning about Smashbox Foundation Primer’s benefits and seeing its results on my face, I cannot leave the house without wearing it anymore.

Isn’t it annoying when you wake up one morning and face the mirror, then see a big zit starting to grow on your nose? Oh, and guess what?! You are attending a wedding in the afternoon! Oh geesh! Nightmare!!! At the back of your mind though, you’re thinking that it’s going to be alright since you’re going to put on your reliable make-up anyway.  The question is, will your skin look flawless? Will you be able to hide that nasty pimple? Well, you can IF you have the right make-up! To be more specific, if you have the right concealer!

God knows how long I have been looking for the right concealer! I have tried a lot of brands- from Body Shop, Laura Mercier, until I switched to MAC. I used MAC concealer for about four years, but it doesn’t mean I am completely satisfied with it. It is just the best from what I have tried. Ummmm…. Well, not anymore! I found my new best friend! It is…

CINEMA SECRETS!

Cinema Secrets concealer is available in two sizes. The small one is the same size as MAC’s concealer, as seen below.

And what makes Cinema Secrets different from what I have tried so far? The texture! The moment you glide your finger on the make-up, you can instantly feel how fine it is. Since it’s already very fine, you really don’t need much to cover your flaws. For the other concealers I have tried, I have to put more concealer just to cover one spot. The problem with this is it looks too thick and it feels so heavy. Then after several hours, it starts to crack or cake. I hate that! With Cinema Secrets, you’ll just need a small amount of concealer, then dab, dab, dab on whatever you wanna cover- like eyebags, pimples or scars. You can also use a brush, and dab, dab, dab away! Hehe!

Oh and one more thing, Cinema Secrets concealer is available in different tones. The key here is to choose the closest shade to your skin tone. Take note, do not go for the lighter tone since it will just make the flaws look more obvious. I got their lightest shade in yellow tone since my face is kinda white. I think this is also their most natural shade, which can blend well in other skin tones as well. I used to have the MAC concealer with pink undertone, as seen below. I realized it doesn’t blend well with my skin. Asian skin is more on the yellow undertone so I opted to buy that shade this time around. And yes it worked!

If you are here in the Philippines, you can check out Cinema Secrets in department stores like SM. The small one that I bought costs PHP 1,168. I assure you though that it can really last long since you really do not need much when you apply. Oh, and let me just say that Cinema Secrets did not pay me anything to write this post. I’m just sooo happy and satisfied with their product. Hehehe! Oh, and I guess the results were really good on me because I used two more products that helped me achieve that flawless natural look. I will share them here as well in my upcoming posts so watch out for it!

Obviously, it’s the FIFA World Cup! Since I’m a “nail addict”, the best way to show the team I support is through my nail color!

I can clearly remember four years ago, I was betting on France. I stayed up late just to watch the games, even if I had work the next day. And since it’s the World Cup season once again, time to stay awake until 5:00am! Hehehe! Well, for those who are not aware, there is a 12 hours difference between Manila and South Africa so that explains my sleeping habits the past few weeks. Hehehe!

This was the color of my nails last week when Brazil played against Netherlands. I have always been a fan of Brazil. Well for one, I consider them one of the great teams in football. They aren’t a five-time World Cup champion for nothing! Plus, I love the colors of Brazil! LOL! What an excuse, I know! But the yellow-green-blue combination of Brazil looks calming for me. It exudes happiness! Hehehe! In fact, when I went to Europe last 2006 (World Cup season), I bought a couple of football souvenirs of the Brazil team. I know I said I was for France at that time, but hello, I love the colors of Brazil! LOL! Anyway, going back, who would have thought that Netherlands would win that match against Brazil! Hay! Well as much as I love Brazil, the day after, I had to change my nail color to this…

Yup, plain red for the two matches the following day. Last Saturday, it was Argentina vs. Germany and Paraguay vs. Spain. I love Germany. I love Spain. Well, this should have been red and yellow since both countries have these colors. I was just going to party that night so I thought I would just have to save it to whoever will go to the finals. Hehehe! Well, I already have a feeling that Netherlands and Germany will be playing for the championship. If my prediction is true, my nails would be like my friend’s, MFJ. Hehehe! She’s a nail addict as well. Check this link. Go Deutschland!!! Anyway, MFJ will be posting a video soon on how to do this FIFA World Cup inspired nails.

VMV Hypoallergenics is on sale today! They are giving up to 25% off, except for the Armada and Cottonique.

Weee! Time to stock up again. Rush to their boutique at Bonifacio High Street, Fort NOW!