Hot New Trend: The V-Look

We're all obsessed with getting the perfect, slim, chiseled face shape. That's why we have the magical powers of contouring in the first place, where we take that extra step of shading and highlighting so we could achieve the supermodel  cheekbones and slimmer face. Others have gone to the extreme of going under the knife to taper off a few angles and achieve the perfect V-shape face, a trend among Asians. As us Asians have naturally round face shapes, this makes us look more youthful yet it can add the illusion of extra pounds in photos or can appear flat.

Without the extra step of makeup contouring and the layers of makeup sitting on your face or spending extra on a good cosmetic surgeon, the illusion of a slimmer face can be achieved through the new hairstyle trend called the V-Look, developed by L'Oreal Professionel.

This look takes inspiration from K-Pop stars, and is described as flattering in all angles and makes use of face-framing bangs, a bit of volume on the top and a few layers to get the ideal shape to flatter your own features. Aside from the perfect cut for your face shape and hair texture, hair color would be taken into consideration to give you the color that would flatter your skin tone and enhance it, no makeup necessary, sort of like, I woke-up-naturally-looking-like-this look. A pretty, fluffy-messy look that's low-maintenance. This look may also create a lot of volume, especially if your hair is fine, saving blow-drying time wrestling with your hair dryer and round brush.

Personally, I like layers to take away the weight from my hair and somehow, for wavy-haired girls like me, layers also enhances my hair's natural texture. I'm not so sure I would try bangs though on me since I don't like hair getting near my eyes when I work out, so my cut always opts for low-maintenance layers to add volume and shape. I'm always open to new color, since I color my hair.

Would you love to try this look for the season? What color would you choose? I would love to hear your thoughts.

What's in my Gig Makeup Bag? L'Oreal Revitalift Laser x3 Total Care

If the fountain of youth existed, I would be climbing hills and mountains lugging pails and bottles and filling them up with the clear liquid that would make me look young forever, or as my friend said, make me seem that I have vampire genes. In real life, however, we deal with ageing.

I didn't mind this when I was much younger, and I actually avoided anti-ageing products. It was also the fact that they somehow didn't agree with my skin back then. My classmate from makeup school said that my body probably didn't need it yet and the formulation of an anti-ageing product would be too much for my early 20's skin. I started using anti-ageing products when I reached my late 20s, from my cleanser to my facial wash and my classmate was right because then, skin was now more tolerant to the products. Coupled with a healthy lifestyle and a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, I am glad that for years, I still had the same skin quality with hardly any visible signs of ageing. In fact, when I had my skin analyzed, I had no wrinkles, no excess oil, and normal pores. Healthy skin!

Ageing is a natural occurence that happens to anyone. Exposure to free radicals, stress, pollution, makeup, and even poor health habits can actually hasten our ageing process. Eventually, I know that I won't have this same skin quality when I'm much older. But it doesn't mean since it's inevitable I'll just be lax. I can delay the process too! Also, even if I have a healthy diet and teach and practice yoga, there are factors also that can contribute to signs of ageing. I live in the city, so I get exposed to pollution. I can't wear sunscreen all the time since I might be training that day and also I may slip. Since my other job tells me to wear makeup, my skin gets exposed to minimal tugs and forces, so I should really be very careful.

In my pro bag, I carry basic skincare that's safe for all skin types. I  carry organic or hypoallergenic products, since I can use this for various clients with different skin types. Aside from that, I also carry an anti-ageing product. Last month's Stellar summer, where I did makeup, I used the newest skin care from L'Oreal - The Revitalift Laser x3 Total Care

It actually sounds like a mouthful, but it really isn't super complicated. This sleek bottle contains an oil-in-water emulsion that feels light on the skin and is easily absorbed. The smell is pretty much quite tolerable and when I used this alone, I'm glad that my face stayed shine-free and less slick and slippery even at the middle of the day. This also acts as a sunblock, as this contains SPF 27 PA+++. Also, will the high SPF cause a flashback on flash photography? The answer is no. None of the people I used this to had a white flashback and I didn't have also a white flashback myself when I took a photo, so it's perfect for a photo-heavy event during the day when you know that you'll be exposed to sun. For beach weddings or outdoor receptions, this can be your best bet for the moms of the brides and the brides. When to use? ideally in the morning, before you go to work. And you also need probably just a pea-sized amount before using, so one Php 1499 bottle has a long way to go. I like massaging the product onto the skin. It boosts circulation and gives the skin a glow from within. Plus it feels really good! The sleek red packaging looks great too on my display for BTS shots.

This product is already available in Department stores.

Night TLC For Your Skin

With the Holidays comes parties and engagements left and right. And with those events, it's time to get dolled up so we bring out the heels, pretty dresses, bling, and lipstick. Wait, I stand corrected, not just lipstick but the whole shebang of makeup. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional makeup artist to glam you up for events, it's not just lipstick on your face but foundation, blush, powder, false lashes, etc.

While we look pretty for the night, we must always never forget one golden rule - to remove our makeup right before we go to bed and give our skin the proper care it needs. Just like our feet that can't just wait to step into the comfiest flip-flops from a night wearing killer heels, our face needs a breather too. With the heat from dancing and being exposed to elements like smoke and dust, your face is being cooked under that pile of makeup, and much more so if you're a fashion model or performer, as stage lights and professional photographer lights plus sweat and oil can add up to the heat. Removing all that makeup can be such a chore especially if you would just want to plop down the bed and sleep but trust me, your skin will thank you for it.

So, here's how I remove my makeup step-by-step and the products I am currently using. Here's one thing,,, I don't shortcut this routine. A smidgen of makeup left on the face could mean a zit the next day, and we don't want that. When I danced at my Stellar recital two years ago, I had probably applied on my face the thickest amount of makeup I ever did in my life, because I was performing onstage. I know I'll be tired from all that dancing and cheering so while I still had some energy and adrenalin left, I did my initial removal of makeup using a round of cleansing oil and wipes before I went home and continued the rest of the stuff at home, since I know it would take me more than just one round of cleansing oil to completely remove everything. (It also gives my skin time to breathe at an earlier time).

Removing makeup:

We all have different preferred products in removing makeup - cold creams, wipes, etc. I really swear by Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil. I have been using them for 8 years and it's really effective in removing makeup and dirt in just one step and leaves my skin really clean.

Currently, this is what I use, but I think for this season, when it's colder I might switch to a more moisturizing formula such as Ultimate. I recommend the pink oil for those with oily skin, since it leaves my skin oil-free awesomely.

Wipes are good if my makeup is pretty light that day but for a full face of makeup, I really whip out my Shu Cleansing Oil. One round usually gets everything, but like I said, depending on how thick your makeup is that day, it may take another round.  Don't forget to extend this to your hairline, near the ears, or jawline and neck, should you have had makeup applied there.

To remove eye makeup, I use a q-tip soaked in eye makeup remover to gently remove wateproof eyeliner that would not budge. I use a cotton pad soaked in eye and lip makeup remover to remove lipstick residue, most especially if I have been wearing long-lasting or dark-colored lipstick.

I discovered this makeup remover from Island Basics a few months back and I use it to remove mascara and eyeliner and dark-colored lipstick. It has also been awesome at removing my everyday makeup, when I save my Shu cleansing oil for special occasion makeup.

It smells really good, is quite affordable (I think less than Php 200 at Echostore. I got this in the Podium branch), local, and organic! So yay! The downside with this though, is that since this is not the type of oil that I can wash off without oil residue, I would really need the extra step of washing my face, hence the next step.

Wash Your Face

Even though I have already removed makeup using cleansing oil and washed it down with water, I still wash my face with facial wash and water. There might have been makeup still stuck there and also, I really want the feeling of residue-free skin, As of the moment, I'm using Ilog Maria's face soap, since it leaves my skin really clean without that tight, dry feeling. It's also got natural ingredients sourced locally. This step, sometimes I include when I step in the shower at night, because I also don't like the feel of hairspray on my hair when I go to bed.

Toner

Toner closes the pores and also is the indicator if  I did a good job in cleaning my face. It also removes whatever residue I have left. There are alcohol-free toners like Human Nature, for those who don't like the sting. At night, I use L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser x3 Power Water.

This rehydrates skin as it refines pores and improves skin texture. Notice how our skin is drier as the months are colder? We might have to switch to this for the season.

Eye Cream

Our eyes have the thinnest skin, but it's also where we concentrate most of our makeup on - eye primer, 3 colors of eyeshadow, brow makeup, brow gel, eye pencil, liquid liner, mascara, false lashes, Oh, there is also undereye concealer. I use Olay Regenerist Micro-sculpting eye cream and lash serum duo to give my eyes the TLC it needs. The lash serum also cares for my lashes. In the absence of this, I can use virgin coconut oil. It's like conditioner or treatment for processed hair, (or in this case, lashes). Also, try using water-resistant or non-waterproof mascara on regular days, and save waterproof mascara on events when you actually need waterproof mascara, just to give your lashes a break.

Serum and Moisturizer.

Here, I alternate with Olay Regenerist Night Cream or L'Oreal Paris Night-Cream Mask. Both leave my skin feeling supple and smooth the next day as if they were repairing my skin overnight. I do not forget my neck in this step too. I boost circulation by applying this in a massaging motion, and make sure to spread the product evenly. L'Oreal Paris Night-Cream Mask has a richer formula than Olay's. I treat this like a bi-weekly powerdose for my skin, especially on days when I've been quite brutal with cleansing because I wore a lot of makeup that day that sat on my face for a long period.

Sometimes, especially when I feel like my skin has been stressed, especially if I came from a shoot, I use mask sheets from Face Shop or Etude house. I think of this like intense conditioner for my skin and use the 15-minute time I have to have that mask sheet sitting on my face to meditate or do some breathing exercises to slow the body down. Then, I peel off the mask and go to bed.

Aside from taking care of our skin using all these products, we must also remember that there's also that part of taking care of your skin from within. Keep hydrated by drinking lots of fluids and feed your body with a lot of antioxidants. During the party, choose food that is good for you. Go makeup-free on days that you can, and avoid places which can wreck your skin. And always remember, that with good skin, not only will makeup look so much better, there are days when you don't have to put on makeup at all. :)

Flutter and Frame with L'Oreal False Lash Butterfly Mascara

For lazy daisies with eye makeup, a lash curler and mascara is probably like manna from above.  On days when eye makeup seems so much of an effort, mascara can create that wide-awake difference.  I admit that there are days, even for me, where  setting up primer, eyeshadow palette, brushes, etc etc.  can be just too much, like on weekends. Even on shoots, I try limiting my makeup on myself and focus on getting to the trick. I do know that behind-the-scenes photos would be appearing so to look just at least more awake on my eyes, I just groom my brows and curl my lashes and apply mascara.

The newest mascara from L’Oreal Paris, the False Lash Butterfly Mascara gives vavoom lashes by defining and enhancing our lashes to really make our eyes pop even without any eyeshadow. Even if your eye makeup is heavy that day, (I.e. very heavy smoky eyes), this mascara will make lashes still stand out and not look lost in strong eye makeup even without falsies.  Thanks to the lovely people of L’Oreal Paris who sent this over for me to try.

If you look at the brush, it’s not the usual teardrop-shaped mascara wand we’re used to seeing. The brush has actually an asymmetric  shape (the left side is different from the right).

 This is the key to making the lashes pop out more. The application is more precise, with product getting into the hard-to-reach lashes at the corner of the eyes.  As the product is deposited on the lashes.  The lashes stretch out (like the wings of a butterfly!) for a spread-out, wide-eye look with lashes that frame the eye.

Take note of the before and after photos.

my bare eye, just lashes curled

with False Lash Butterfly Mascara 

The False Lash Butterfly Mascara is also waterproof. I tried it, went to pole class and there are no mascara runs or flakes  on my face from sweat. I really needed very potent eye makeup remover to get this all out. Conditioning power is awesome and bridal makeup artists should have this in their kit, especially if the bride opts not to wear false eyelashes.

There are numerous ways of wearing the False Lash Butterfly Mascara. One of course, I have mentioned is on a bare eye, if you want to give your eyes oomph at minimal effort. You can wear this too with bridal makeup and your classic smokey eye, as shown here in the video. Check out the video on how to get the Le Papillon Eye Look and see how easy it is to do with L'Oreal products:

 

My own take too to this smokey eye is slightly darker and I used a coral lip.

I like how my lashes, even at a distance and not like a Tom Hooper-like close headshot, can still be seen. You can take this on a night out, party, or what the heck, even at a pole performance. Right I told you that these lashes can withstand intense pole class I had? Well yes, I model these looks on the pole.

Top: Brown Belly Yoga

Shorts: Landmark

Makeup Artist Karim Rahman created the Butterfly Looks – bold eye makeup designs where you can wear with your mascara. The looks are really edgy and pretty and I decided to do my interpretation of these looks.

A wearable look, the Flying Fluttery Look channels 60s sirens with exaggerated winged eyeliner. Think Amy Winehouse’s iconic eyeliner with lots of lashes framing it.  It’s a great party and performance look to do.

An edgier, bolder look that reminded me of Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra, is the Bold Nympha, which looks really cool in photos and would be a really cool makeup peg in a pole competition.

With lashes that defy gravity, I decided to  defy gravity as well. Like butterflies that take flight, I also take flight on the pole, because what better way to showcase these looks than to fly as well right? 

The Flying Fluttery on a Hummingbird

Sport Top: Zobha

Swimsuit Shorts: Sabre by Lizanne Cua

When I saw the Bold Nympha, I got my pole competition costume that I wore to Vie and Vault two years ago. As I said earlier, the defined strong eyes would really pop out onstage in fashion shows, performances.

Pole Costume by Dennis Celestial

If you want lashes that defy gravity,  L’Oreal Paris False Lash Butterfly Mascara is available for Php 695 at all L’Oreal Paris makeup counters. Get your lashes some #butterflyeffect and start posting your own #butterflyeffect, in air, land or water, since it’s waterproof. J