Makeup Must-Haves For Your ID Photos

A few months ago, I wrote a blog post on ID photo tips. So finally, I was able to get my plastic DL card last week. When I saw the photo, I was just super thrilled because I came up with quite a decent ID photo, probably the best ID photo I ever took with a webcam. My license the last time, I wasn't exactly bad looking but it could use more improvements.

I never really realized how important looking good in government ID photos mattered to most people. It was when I saw how many blog posts were there about it when I saw that indeed, it does matter. Not really a requirement, but it counts in life.

I was quite surprised at the likes and comments I got with my makeup look for that photo (a friend even joked I should have brought my own fan so I can have that Beyonce-ish effect) so I thought about writing a part 2 post on how to look good for your government ID photo, this time enumerating the stuff I usually use whenever I have to do a headshot using a webcam.

get the natural look that radiates on a webcam using these products

Benefit The POREFessional Face Primer (Php 1,800)

This has got to be the favorite of every single makeup artist I know. It smoothens out the face to a nice, velvety texture, makes makeup last longer, and matts out shine. I have this problem on the center of my forehead that tends to look shiny even if I'm not even oily. The POREFessional takes care of that.


Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation (Php 825)

I forgo BB creams and use Liquid Foundation set with loose powder or powder foundation instead. BB creams have high SPF content and may cause a white cast, especially if there's harsh, un-metered flash that makes photos reminiscent of our "Gulat-Me" 80's to early 90's ID photo days. Colorstay lasts long enough, which is perfect in slowing down makeup meltdown most especially for locations where whatever we do, we're still prone to makeup melting. Again, this sets matte.


MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Powder in Dark (Php 2,100)

This adds warmth and contours which create shape and dimension. I just add a tad, instead of photoshoot-level ready, just so my face doesn't look flat. The key to natural-looking contours is all in the blending so blend this well.  Save the heavy contours for fashion shows or theatre performances.


Benefit Blush in Coralista (Php 1,600)

Personally, I stick to warm colors for government ID photos so I don't look super washed out with white fluorescent lights and blue backgrounds. This isn't too flat matte but not too shiny that it looks oily either.


MAC Blush in Mocha (Php 1,200)

A healthy, natural flush of pink also works. This bridal staple doesn't have too much shimmer speckles and delivers a nice, pink color to the cheeks, kind of like a natural glow.


Revlon Brow Fantasy Pencil and Gel in Light Brown (Php 575)

As overhead top lights can sometimes make my brows disappear, I need extra definition. This product gives me a more defined brow that doesn't disappear with the lighting yet it's natural enough for real-life appreciation. It gives me the defined, strong, but still natural type of brows. The mascara tints the brow hairs, (most especially if you have colored hair) and keeps the brows in place.


Happy Skin Eye am Here To Stay 24h Gel Eyeliner in Chic Brown (Php599)

Black liner in the bottom lashlines can look harsh, My alternative is dark brown eyeliner tightlined to make the lash roots fuller. You don't even have to worry about lines being perfect,


Colourpop x Hello Kitty Ultra Satin Lip in Tiny Chum (USD 6.00 at colourpop.com)

Colourpop has been making waves for having major color payoff that's comparable with expensive brands at a fraction of the price. This gorgeous liquid lippie has a pretty, fresh pink shade that's great for fair-skinned ladies. Paired with a blush, you can have a gorgeous, natural rosy glow instead of looking ghostly or pasty,


L'Oreal Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray (Php 500)

The long lines plus humidity can cause makeup meltdown. The setting spray does the job of locking the makeup or making it last longer. It also helps blend the makeup as well on the face so it looks gorgeous on photos, more like healthy skin instead of powder.

ID pictures do matter in a way that it represents you for the years it is still valid. It represents you in legal and official documents and it really is a confidence booster when you have an awesome visa or passport photo (that still follows the rules obviously). These arsenals for the gorgeous lasting look can be your best bet, especially if you have no idea what to use. Let me know which ones are your favorite or which one you use for yourself. okay?


Image Directory

Cover Photo shot by Ozzy Lavina


Store Directory

Benefit Cosmetics

1/F Greenbelt 5, Makati; (02) 729-9854; 3/F TriNoma Mall; Rustan’s Makati; Shangri-La Plaza; Mall of Asia; benefitcosmetics.com; facebook.com/benefitcosmetics; facebook.com/benefitcosmeticsphilippines

Colourpop
colourpop.com; facebook.com/ColourPopCosmetics; instagram.com/colourpopcosmetics

Happy Skin
Glorietta 3, Ayala Grand Mall; Greenbelt 5, 2/F; Powerplant Mall 2/F; Robinson’s Magnolia 2/F; SM Megamall. 2/F Mega Fashion Hall; Eastwood Mall, 1/F; UP Town Center, 1/F; available at Rustan’s Beauty Source, Beauty Bar, and Plains and Prints; happyskincosmetics.com; facebook.com/happyskincosmetics; instagram.com/happyskin_ph

L'Oreal Paris

Available at all leading groceries, beauty hubs, and department stores nationwide; lorealparis.com; lorealparisexclusif.ph; facebook.com/LOrealParisPhilippines

MACclick here for a complete list of stores; maccosmetics.com; rustans-thebeautysource.com; maccosmetics.com,ph; facebook.com/MACCosmetics

Revlon
Available at all leading department stores nationwide; revlon.com; facebook.com/Revon; facebook.com/RevlonPhilippines

Unboxing the September BDJ Box Elite: Bare to Beautiful

Subscription boxes are fun. They are like a surprise that comes to your doorstep, like a boxload of different things to use.

My subscription box gets a hug from baby Sebastian

The BDJ Box Elite for September 2016 goes back to basics with its theme, Bare To Beautiful, which contains your arsenals for beautiful, clean skin and defined eyes. This mix box contains what you need from skincare, to get a beautiful canvas for makeup to adhere to and makeup, to enhance what you naturally got.

The box contains eight items namely:

• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths (Php225)
• L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Magic Blur Cream (Php899 for 50 mL)
• a 15mL sample of Bioderma Hydrabio Serum (Php808 for 15 mL)
• The Face Shop CC Cushion Ultra Moist SPF50+ PA (Php895 for 15 g)
• Inglot Freedom System Eyeshadow (Php425)
• Pink Sugar Honey I'm Good Brow Gel (Php349)
• FS Features and Shades Mascarade Mascara (Php 500)

Cleansing Cloths are a staple in my makeup kit as a quick cleanse on the model or client's skin before doing makeup, so this one definitely goes to the pro kit. The L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Magic Blur Cream is skin care + primer as it moisturizes and blurs out imperfections instantly with its Opti-Blur Technology. I'm into the anti-ageing skin care since that's highly recommended for my skin now. If the tub is too heavy or bulky to bring to travel or your gym/office makeup kit, you can bring the sample size Buoderma Hydrabio Serum to give your face the hydration it needs.

As the first three items take good care of the skin, we go next to the other items in the box, which are makeup. The focus on the look is a flawless base and eyes, so The Face Shop's CC Cushion Ultra Moist SPF50+ PA is a light base that's easy to apply. Commuters will like this because it's not too heavy on the face while giving SPF protection. Create softer but well-defined brows with the Pink Sugar Honey I'm Good Brow Gel and just a sweep of eyeshadow and mascara and you're all good. For those who do not have the existing Inglot Freedom Palette, you can use this on your DIY empty customizable makeup palettes. You can use the discount coupon from Inglot (10% cash, 5% card) to purchase a complimentary eyeshadow, blush, or lipstick to go with your look. The Inglot eyeshadow I got is  a really nice purple, shade.  I could use that for some sexy, smokey plummy eye makeup for the holidays and I'm quite curious about the brow gel since I'm on the lookout for brow gels that are more affordable. I color my hair a lot and I usually need brow gels which can match my brows to my hair color.

What do you think about this box? What are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below. Please follow BDJ Box in their Facebook Page and find out how you can shop and subscribe.

Tips for DIY Hair Coloring

If you're saving a few bucks and going DIY by purchasing your own box of hair color, you can avoid a DIY mess and get good results by following a few tips.

My new DIY color. Make DIY a breeze with a few simple steps

First of all, never forget to do a an allergy test.

We often take this for granted because we're excited for our new color right away. Different people react to different products so before placing the whole thing in your hair, best to know if that's good for you. A red patch behind your ear is better than your whole scalp flaring up. Better be safe than sorry.

Find a shade that would flatter you well

The shade on the model on the box may be different from your own natural color. To know which shade suits you well, you can download those fun makeover apps in your smartphone or tablet (like Virtual Makeover) so you can virtually "try" several shades and brands. This will help you narrow your choices so you don't stare at the shelf of hair colors looking clueless.

L'Oreal Excellence Creme (Php 399) in 6.35 is a flattering auburn shade that softens the features. It's an office-friendly shade too, making it the bestselling shade, Available at department stores, supermarkets, and drugstores

Do your application in the bathroom, where cleaning is easy, and keep pets away during the coloring process

Since I have pets, I had my furbabies hang out in the room first as I did my DIY coloring in the bathroom. There's less distraction of kitties rubbing against your leg or being curious on how you look. I hugged them later after the coloring has been done and my hair has been dried and styled.

Wear an old black top and use a dark-colored towel to protect your neck and shoulders.
DIY hair color can get messy so drape a black towel on your shoulders (secure it with a clamp, just like what they do in salons). Wear an old black top, especially if you have long hair so that just in case there may be stains, it's okay.

Don't forget the hair at the crown and back section! 

Make sure you get all areas covered! We often get the front side even but by the time we reach the back of the head, we can get a patchy, uneven result. You can get a friend to help with the back and make it a fun bonding session bringing memories of slumber parties of our pre-teen years.

Plan your activities

You can't wash your hair a day after color usually so make sure you're not going to the gym for a major sweat session right after your color. Plan your color when you are not going to go to the beach or swim on the pool since that can cause major fade. If I know I'll be hitting the beach, I would usually color my hair a month before. Also, no HIIT or core training the day after coloring since I know I'll be sweating buckets. Maybe yin yoga, light yoga flow, or pole dance perhaps?

Invest on a sulfate-free shampoo and products for color-treated hair

L'Oreal EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care System Moisture Shampoo cleans your hair while caring and preserving your color.  Once a month, treat your hair to a hair masque treatment. I recommend the L'Oreal Professionel Vitamino Color Color Radiance Protection + Perfection Jelly Mask. Smells good too! Available at salons.

This would make your hair color last longer and stay more vibrant. They also contain ingredients that can hydrate your hair. Care for your hair as well by applying hair masque on your hair once a month.

Hopefully, these may make your DIY color experience a breeze. Have fun with your new color and rock that head of hair.

Color Restored via Serie Expert Vitamino Color

I spent my morning today at the L'Oreal Academie in Ortigas to experience Serie Expert, a high performance hair treatment that targets specific hair needs that go deep into the hair's molecular structure. Despite that I left the house at rush hour, around 8:30, the drive to Ortigas was unexpectedly breezy.

We were asked to choose which treatment we were supposed to have. First, was the Vitamino Color, which was for color lock for those who color their hair and want to restore its vibrancy and shine and give our color-treated hair its much needed nourishment.  For super damaged locks, Absolut Repair Lipidum is suggested to instantly reconstruct, detangle, and soften hair, basically making your hair not much of a pain to handle in life. I had my hair colored a month ago and it somehow faded, so I opted for the Vitamino Color. When I made my choice, my hair was washed and then my treatment started,

The first step was the application of Powerdose, a powerful concentrate (not to be taken in to give you superpowers, mind you) treatment to instantly revitalite color-treated hair. The serum was applied using a spray pump attachment, and depending on the length and thickness of hair, you may need a second vial or one might be enough. In my case, I think they only used one. 

The second step involved the application of a color masque. Unlike traditional conditioners which we use at home, this one is thicker, richer, and more intense which nourishes our dry and colored hair bringing it back to life. Just like the Powerdose. this was massaged well into my hair to really get my treatment to work.

The waiting game starts, the products have to be left in my hair for quite some time before rinsing them out. Oh and hello morning coffee!

My hair was blow-dried after into soft curls that feel super lush and smooth instead of dried and fried.  And yay for shine!!!!

My hair is alive. ALIIIIVVEEEE!!!!!

The whole procedure is really fast and took approximately 35 minutes for the whole treatment. Plus points also on the fruity scent of the treatment. Since it was fast, I had time to attend my pole lunch class where my shoulders died and went to pole heaven. My hair was still super smooth and shiny though, even after an hour of class. The curls were more relaxed though, but it was still a big check for touchable smoothness. This treatment may help preserve my color longer, especially if I'm the type that has a wash-and-wear kind of lifestyle.