Showing posts with label makeup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label makeup. Show all posts

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Tokyo Travel Beauty Must-Haves

During my recent Tokyo trip, I originally decided to bring more makeup than I would usually bring. I wanted to go a bit extra in Tokyo since it would be my first temperate destination in a long while since US in 2005 (I am so undertravelled, so I'm claiming travelling energies right now!) so I thought I could wear more and not worry about my MOTD sliding off my face. Besides, I also wanted to YOLO and go like a Harajuku girl and have a crazy OOTD photo in the famous Harajuku lane.

However, that first morning in Tokyo when I was about to get my makeup, I discovered a boo-boo. The makeup pouch which contained my eyeshadow primer, concealer, lip and cheek tint, cream blush, contour, and highlight powder  and my hair serum was all the way in my bedside table way back Manila. LOL. I was left with just the basics. Well, at least better thaan nothing, eh?

Surviving my travel face with the makeup I have
Anyway, so that's my packing boo-boo. Thankfully, being in one of Asia's beauty hubs, I was also able to make emergency purchases while maximizing what I have. When I got home in Manila, I also discovered a few amazing beauty must-haves I can take in my next travel so I still look like a person in my travel photos. I was also thankful temperate weather allows my hair to cooperate making it look like I have a hairstylist with me all the time.

travel must-haves that I would pack on my next trip

I was surprised and amused as our hotel in Japan was aware that there are female guests who are very particular with their skincare.  Beauty travel kits containing eye cream, serum, cleansing oil, day cream, night cream, and other beauty paraphernaila are being sold at the front desk for 500 yen. However, if you're like me who already has her own personal stock of beauty products with her, read on for my essential beauty travel must-haves.


Brow pens - I was so relieved I didn't forget my brow products. In fact, I had two with me!  There was one in my handbag and another in my check-in luggage. Brows have gotten so much attention now whereas during the 90s, us titas would pluck them to death. My two brow products in hand are Happy Skin Perfect Brows Long Lasting Liquid Pen (Php 399) and Maybelline Tattoo Brow Ink Pen. They are both pen-type brow liners which give natural-looking brows for #kilayislife realness that looks like I had my brows professionally microbladed. I super love that both brow products are long lasting and waterproof. I actually bought that Maybelline Tattoo Brow Ink Pen after reading the post of the lady who gave birth in EDSA. If her brows can withstand a baby shower, labor, traffic, and childbirth, they can last you the entire day.

Still have my brows intact and shine-free freshness thanks to my trusted products

2-in-1 powder foundations - I didn't have concealer with me but I was relieved that my Maybelline White Superfresh Two-Way Cake gave my skin an even finish while covering imperfections. It's also got UV protection because I forgot my face sunblock too at home. I normally use the small refill packs which cost less than Php 200 to bring with me to travel because they save so much space and could even fit your jeans pocket.


 Eyeliner- This was my emergency purchase. I needed my eyeliner to make the eyes pop because without my primer, my eyeshadow palettes were practically nonsense. LOL. Thankfully, Japan was the land of K-Palette and this 1-day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyeliner gave my eyes its much needed definition as well as give me effortless double-winged cat eye when I felt like going a bit extra with my makeup.


Alcohol-free toner - My skin would be drier so I needed toner that's gentle to the face. Even if it's a temperate country, toner helps prep the skin for makeup and care for it after a long day by cleansing and soothing the skin as well as balancing the pH level. Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner (I got this cute little travel-sized containers from the Beauty Bar K-Beauty event) cared for my skin without the sting.


Atomizer bottle from Beabi holding a bit of my MAC Fix+ Lavender 
Travel-sized containers - Travel-sized containers saved me so much luggage space when I have products I super cannot live without and bringing big jars and bottles isn't very  practical. I bought travel-sized containers in Beabi for storing small amounts of body cream cream, day cream, and night cream). I also saved those sample-sized containers of cleansing oil I used to get from Shu Uemura events to hold my cleansing oil. I even brought a small atomizer bottle for my Fix+, so my makeup sets well and lasts all day.


Lipsticks - I was so glad I had my lipsticks with me. I don't bring my super duper limited edition lipsticks with me when I travel and if I did, I guard them with my life. Lipsticks brought color to my face since I practically had zero coloring products. Thankfully, those bright lippies made my face pop in photos but I also thought, hey, I can use my more neutral lipsticks as cheek cream blush too! I just blended them with my fingertips, makeup tools I automatically never forget.



 Lip and cheek tint - I super love Happy Skin's Kiss and Bloom Water Lip and Cheek Tints from the KathXHappySkin collection (Php 299) for their universal shades flattering for every complexion. Sadly, I forgot my little tube in this trip but this definitely will make my travel kit in my next destination, whether it's a personal vacation or a work trip. It's super perfect and easy to apply.
Simple Micellar Cleansing Facial Wipes

Micellar wipes - Sometimes after a long day, it can get too tiring to remove makeup from your face. Even if this is a temperate country where you don't sweat, you should! I discovered Simple Micellar Cleansing Facial Wipes (Php 249 for a pack)  a few weeks ago and they are so making my travel kikay kit next time. These micellar wipes lift off dirt, grime, and makeup off your face without leaving any harsh ingredients, making this safe for those with sensitive skin. Even if this is gentle on the skin, I have proven that this can remove waterproof mascara and the hardiest brow makeup known to man. Best of all, it does not leave and slick oily residue. I can take this with me on the plane if I want to remove makeup that's been sitting on my face in long-haul flights.


Simple's newest product, the mask sheets (Php 89 per piece) give the skin its needed TLC in just 15 minutes
Mask sheets - How did my skin not get scaly, patchy, and dry the whole time? I have my mask sheets to thank for making my skin glow in 11-degrees weather. Simple recently launched their mask sheets that are super affordable at Php89. You can even get a set of 3 for Php 199 and that's enough for a week's stay. Just slap one on on your face after cleansing and wake up to nice skin. Don't forget also to maximize the mask liquid on your rough spots like elbows, knees, and heels. Mask sheets are also perfect for long-haul flights where skin can get really dry and thirsty from exposure to recycled airplane air. This is so much more convenient than bringing a big tub of face mask.

Cuticle balm - It's not just your face that gets dry. You also can get dry nails and cuticles. I super love Posh Nails Cuticle balm (available at Posh Nails branches) because it made my nails look pretty decent for those IG photos even if I didn't have polish on. Best of all, it smells like chocolate!

Going on vacation does not mean your beauty routine needs to go on vacation too. You can still have your supple skin while on vacation and look good and glowing without bringing your entire bathroom using space-saving and multi-purpose products that really work. Although I did forget a chunk of my intended makeup to bring, I was able to pull off a good beauty and makeup routine that includes not just skin care but makeup and nail care. When I travel again, these (and a more complete beauty kit) are going in my bags.


Store Directory:

 Beabi
See www.beabi.com.ph for store details

 Happy Skin
happyskincosmetics.com; facebook.com/happyskincosmetics; instagram.com/happyskin_ph

 K-Palette
available at beauty bar, SM Department Stores, Rustan's Department Stores; instagram.com/kpalette_ph

 Maybelline
Available at all leading department stores and drugstores nationwide; maybelline.com.ph

 Posh Nails
See poshnails.com.ph/location for store details;




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Friday, April 7, 2017

Tips For Makeup For Mature Women

As we age, our makeup styles and techniques also change. When we were teenagers, we were all with brights and pastes and maybe matured to glam or neutrals when we got older. Our skincare needs also changes as we get older. Whether you're helping out your mom, auntie, or grandma with her look, have a mom of the bride or groom sitting or your makeup chair, or may already be approaching a particular age, here are a few tips to make cosmetics work for you so you enhance your beauty while having that fresh, glowing look at any age.


Just a few tricks and tools to help enhance mature skin

Moisturizer is your best friend

The Pond's Age Miracle line helps combat signs of ageing such as dark spots, lines, wrinkles, and saggy skin

The gel or waterbased light formulas we used in our teens may not be enough for someone with mature skin. As we age, we lose natural moisture in our skin, so older skin tends to be drier and thirstier. Use formulas for dry skin, alcohol-free toners (alcohol dries the skin), and make eye cream your best friend. Pond's Age Miracle line can be used to bring back the moisture on the skin. Massage this well and let it sink in before applying primer and doing your makeup. Also, encourage your mom or grandma to keep their healthy habits- have them drink lots of water and eat healthy food so their skin is cared for from within.

Have primer handy

 Instead of using layers of thick foundation to hide imperfections and mask discolorations, use a face primer to help improve skin texture and make lightweight foundation hold longer. The finish will be more natural and glowing instead of cakey.

Use foundation suitable for mature skin

Sometimes, heavy foundation can really creep into those lines further enhancing them. Get a light to medium coverage foundation blended well and set with loose powder or stick to tinted moisturiser dor everyday. If the skin is still oily, stick to BB creams for everyday or light foundation with oil-control properties. Apply  a light layer of foundation using a sponge, foundation brush, or your fingers and set with loose powder

Enhance your brows

Young or old, brows really make a difference. Have your brows shaped professionally to get a nice arc that suitable for your face shape. Create feathery strokes with eyebrow pencil and brush with a spoolie brush for a more natural look. Also, avoid black or dark brown as this can age you and stick to light taupe, ash, or light brown.

Choose shadows to bring color and life to the eyes

Yes, you can wear eyeshadow. In fact, this really helps bring out the eyes. I find shades of plum, mauve, and browns or grays flattering for most older women. just a wash of color on the lids, a contour on the crease and highlight on the browbone blended well can do. Choose matte or formulas with just a hint of shimmer rather than glitters, metallics, and frosts, which can enhance lines.

Use charcoal-colored pencil instead of black
Black can be too harsh so use a dark gray or charcoal pencil with less shimmer or glitter instead. Just apply them close to the lashlines and blend it in for the illusion of thicker lashes and more wide-awake eyes. Instead of lining the lower lashline all the way through, just make two to three dots on the outer lower lashline and blend it well with a cotton bud or a small brush to tie this with the upper lashline. Some recommendations are J. Cat Beauty Roll It Up Auto Eye Liner in Dark Gray and Make Up Store eyeliner in Not So Dark.

Do not be afraid of color


Color can brighten an otherwise sallow complexion. A bright color on the lips and cheeks can instantly add life and glow. Choose a natural-looking blush that can add color to the cheeks such as MAC Blush in Mocha, Make Up Store Must Have, or Benefit Blush in Coralista.

Moisturizing formulas over matte

Super matte lipsticks can dry the lips, and these can enhance the lines as well. Choose semi-matte or cream formulas which stay put while giving a lush look to the lips. Alternatively, you can use a lipliner (try Nichido in Rosette) and brush a matching tinted lip balm over it.

Never underestimate the power of false lashes

On special occasions, falsies help add that extra oomph to the eyes. Choose falsies that are light if you're not used to wearing them such as Red Cherry lashes in 747XS or individual lashes on the outer corners. The first 30 minutes might feel a little awkward especially if you're not used to wearing false eyelashes but if you choose a really good brand, you might forget you're wearing them.

Hopefully, this can help you when you're working with the mom of the bride or helping out a relative with their makeup or maybe you're in that age already and want a makeup technique upgrade. If you have brands that you can recommend or have techniques of your own, you can post them in the comments below.

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; SM Megamall; Alabang Town Center; Bonifacio Central Square; Wellworth Department Store, UP Town Center; benefitcosmetics.com; facebook.com/benefitcosmeticsphilippines; instagram.com/benefitph; instagram.com/benefitcosmetics;

 J.Cat Beauty
Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City; jcatbeauty.com; facebook.com/jcatbeautyPH; instagram.com/jcatbeautyPH

 MAC Cosmetics
Click here for a list of locations; maccosmetics.com; rustans-thebeautysource.com; maccosmetics.com.ph; facebook.com/MACCosmetics

 Make Up Store
Available at sephora.ph; makeupstorecosmetics.com/us

 Nichido
Available at all leading department stores and drugstores nationwide; facebook.com/Nichido-Cosmetics-112389372186013;

 Red Cherry Lashes
Available at Ddtcmakeup.com. beautyMNL.com, and Suesh makeup stores;  

 Ponds
Available at all leading department stores, drugstores, and supermarkets; facebook.com/PondsPhilippines; instagram.com/pondsph



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Tuesday, January 10, 2017

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

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Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Things to Quick Change Your Day Look to Party Glam

If lugging around a big bag of makeup kit is impractical if you have a get-together or party to go to after work or a daytime affair, here are a few items you can keep in a pouch that you can place in your bag, car, or desk to transform a daytime look to a stunning, glamorous evening look.

Change your look from day to night with these essentials. No need for a gigantic makeup kit!

Hair Donut

Hair donuts from PinkBox Php119,75/small, Php 129,75/medium, and Php 149.75 large
Keep sticky, sweaty hair away from your face and neck with a fuss-free hair donut which sculpts and styles your hair in an elegant bun that looks like you slaved over it. Whether it's an elegant low ballerina bun or a high bun at the top of your head (bonus: it makes you look taller!), you have a fuss-free, sophisticated updo in minutes.


Highlighter

The Manizer Sisters AKA "The Luminizers" Highlighter Palette, Php 1,395
My pole teacher Amaya loves makeup highlighters and I know why: it adds instant glow to the skin and adds texture to a matte-out look. The Manizer Sisters AKA The "Luminizers" , a highlighting palette from The Balm which combines all three highlighter shades (Mary-Lou Manizer, Cindy-Lou Manizer, and Betty-Lou Manizer) into one palette. Use this to add some glow to your cheekbones, collarbones, shoulders, shins, or wherever you want some shimmy to capture light.


Metallic Lip Color
Carmen Claire Cosmetics Matte Lip Frosting  Heavy Metals Collection
Penny Late and Rock 'n' Ruby
Php 395 each
Long-lasting metallic lip colors are making waves lately. They have both shine and pigmentation. Choose a lip color with a pretty, long lasting finish.  Try CarmenClaire Matte Lip Frosting in Penny Lane, an elegant, copper bronzey color. It's long lasting enough to last coffee, snacks, food tasting, and a plate of raclette.


Festive Polish

Morgan Taylor Nail Polish in Ruby Two-Shoes and Tinsel My Fancy
Php  350
Your tips also make an impact. Frost finishes usually dry faster so keep one if you're pressed for time. Red also is a classic that looks great on anyone. Keep a fast-drying topcoat as well with you so save lots of time


False Eyelashes 

Ingredients for sexy, fluttery eyes: sturdy lash glue (I use DUO), Red Cherry Lashes, Php 160 over at Digital Traincase  
Even with just simple neutral browns, false eyelashes and eyeliner already make a big difference. For newbies with falsies, I recommend Red Cherry lashes since they are light enough to be worn for extended periods of time (I use this on my brides). For your eyeliner, choose a pen-type eyeliner for easy maneuvering. No need for a separate brush as well!

Fragrance

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Scent Spray 
Boost the plus points for beso with a signature scent. Choose a scent that you love. To liven up your senses in a party after a tiring day at work or sitting through traffic, citrusy scents or green tea inspired scents lift your mood. Just a few spritzes on your pulse points and you're good to go.


Image Directory

 Headshot by Alfred Mendoza

 Carmen Claire Lip Frosting
carmenclaire.com

 Hair Donut
facebook.com/pinkboxaccesories
Store Directory

 Carmen Claire Cosmetics
carmenclaire.com; facebook.com/carmenclaireco; instagram.com/carmenclaireco

 Digital Traincase
Unit G118 Corinthian Executive Regency, Ortigas Ave, San Antonio, Pasig City;  +639173116912 dtcmakeup.com; facebook.com/DTCmakeup; instagram.com/dtcmakeup

 Elizabeth Arden
available at Rustan's

 Morgan Taylor
available at Nailaholics, Beauty and Butter, Sundrops, Nailandia, and other leading nail salons nationwide

 PinkBox Accessories
pinkbox.com.ph; facebook.com/pinkboxaccessories; instagram.com/pinkboxph/

 Red Cherry Lashes
available at Digital Traincase, Suesh, and BeautyMNL

 The Balm
Available at Beauty Bar
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Sunday, December 18, 2016

Bambikitty Moving Makeover: Raissa

What I love about these fit girls is that they have such wonderful stories to share with how they went in their fitness journey. Aside from hearing them, I love witnessing their fitness journey unfold before my own eyes.

I met Raissa at the yoga studio. She was still a Vinyasa yoga teacher in training and I was in my pre-teacher training yogi self. We usually attend the same classes and get to hang out after class.


Once, my friend (and fitness blogger) Nikki had a  training program and she did that program with a couple of other friends. I've witnessed her do her HIIT and circuit training after yoga (joined one session as well and didn't die!). Coupled with a few lifestyle changes and diet (which includes one cheat meal a week), I've seen Raissa trim down, tone up, and strengthen. She lost weight the old fashioned way, making it a lifestyle change rather than just vanity, which is the key to a very successful fitness journey. She has maintained the figure and upped her fitness game as well as living a well-balanced life. As of the moment, Raissa teaches Vinyasa classes, Hot Yoga, and Power Yoga. I attend her classes which have both restorative and relaxation as well as challenge to help you go deeper in your yoga practice. It was through her that I discovered and embraced yoga being everyday a leg day (also helped with my transitions and practices where I tend to arm out everything and sometimes solely rely and blame things on flexi). I recommend them at any time of the day, whether it's the morning when you want to wake up, or when you're just tired from work. The energy is steady enough while feeling the challenge and it winds down slowly towards then end, and you get and feel the relaxing benefits of yoga, like you came from a spa.

A photo posted by Rai Gatus (@raissagatus) on

With regards to her exercise regimen, Raissa does yoga, rowing, and cycling. She loves taking walks as well (walking is also a sneaky way of getting some movement to your system).

Two things we also have in common aside from fitness are beauty and food! We love food with flavor and character, in short, happy, good food. We have our veggies as well as our cheese and ice cream. She also introduced me to stay-put makeup products made by her good friend and we talk about our love for brow makeup. We have the same mantra about brows - never leave the house without awesome, gorgeous brows. See how I love these girls?

I did Raissa's look after she taught a Power Yoga class. She would still have one class at night so I made sure the makeup stays put (I used primer, long-lasting foundation, waterproof mascara, and makeup setting spray) as she would be going out after.


Since she was game for makeup, I did warm smokey eyes on her using coppers, browns, and a tad of red or chestnut, a look I fell in love with. I did a nude lip on her (Revlon Ultra HD Matte lip color in Seduction), which are very Kylie inspired. Cheeks were warm and peachy and I added highlight using my Lou-minizer palettes. I skipped the falsies, though as she would be teaching one more yoga class.

I styled her hair in soft curls, the type that when it loosens up, it will look like the donya blow-dry, with the curls loose and volumized just at the ends.

You can catch Raissa's classes at Beyond Yoga branches. Log on to Beyond Yoga's Instagram account for their schedules. Follow Raissa as well on Instagram at @raissagatus to get updates on her fitness journey as well as her adventures off and on the mat. Thank you Raissa for being my December girl!



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Wednesday, December 7, 2016

The Quickest Makeup Tutorial Ever

Peak season for makeup artists means we have earlier call times on certain days. An earlier start at the office means I have to shave off a lot on morning rituals, than say an afternoon or mid-morning call time. I do quick morning workouts to jump-start my system and pre-prepare my breakfast (because you know me, I should never miss a good breakfast) of overnight oats, giving myself more time to spare. Since I have to go to work, I should make the effort of looking a bit more presentable, whether I'm teaching a morning yoga class or working on a wedding or a shoot. Since there's no time to do like the usual shebang of a 2-hour hair and makeup routine, I worked on a quick routine which makes me look made up while faking a good night's sleep. This routine also gives me more time for a better breakfast or time traffic allowance.

This look is easy, clean and versatile and achievable by anyone. It also uses less tools so it's super efficient. To make things more efficient, I placed everything I'm going to need in one makeup bag. 

Shortcut your prep time by placing all the makeup you need in one kit.
Better if the cat is asleep too.
Placing everything in one bag just zeroes in on what we would be using. It also keeps me focused on the routine so there's no more temptation to experiment on eyeshadow combos. Save that for a later call time. 

Create a perfect base

Products used:
Pond's Age Miracle BB Cream in Beige
Revlon Colorstay Concealer in Medium
After skin care and primer, I applied concealer on redness and dark circles and blended this evenly. If you want more coverage, use a BB cream before concealer. BB creams are like one of the best inventions of modern-day makeup because it creates a super smooth, flawless base while caring for your skin. 


Set your base

Product Used:
Make Up For Ever Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation
We can get away with powder in colder climates but since we live in a humid country, powder has been the best friend of every Pinay I know. To know if I set my base right, I give my skin a tap. If it feels powdery and velvety with no "stick", it's good. 


Define your brows

Product Used:
 K-Palette Lasting 2-Way Eyebrow Pencil
Use a brow pen or a brow pencil to define the brows and avoid looking funny. A long-lasting formula is awesome especially for long work days, so I don't end up with a half-brow come midday.


Apply some blush

Product used:
Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in Gorgeous Berries
Blush makes you look not dead. If you have  a super early call time, this also fakes the sallowness from lack of sleep. 


Define eyes.

Product Used:
L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Superstar in Black
We love our eyes and eyeliner is our best friend. I'm thinking aside from lipsticks and powders, eyeliner is one of the most favorite makeup products. I know a friend who doesn't wear makeup anymore except eyeliner in a graphic cat eye. So yes, eyeliner is important in creating wide-awake eyes. What I did here is just to line super close to the lash roots, creating the illusion of thicker lashes and wider eyes. With this technique, I won't have to worry about winged eyeliner being even or super straight lines. I used black in this look but you can go crazy and use colored or metallic eyeliner.


Thicken those lashes

Product used:
Fairydrops Volume Burst Waterproof Mascara
In an effort to bring more attention to eyes sans eyeshadow, curl your eyelashes and be generous with mascara. Hello, eyes! 


Apply lipstick

Product Used:
Happy Skin x Disney Princess Moisturizing Matte Lippie in Aurora

Choose any lipstick you like that matches your blush. You can go with a neutral shade or a pop of color as shown below:
Product Used:
Sephora Collection Color Lip Last Lipstick in Royal Raspberry


Highlight For A Final Touch

Product Used:
MAC Iridescent Powder in Coupe D'Chic
(MAC Cinderella Collection)
We like things all pretty and healthy-shiny, instead of shiny-oily or dull matte. Highlight creates dimension and gorgeous glow. Apply highlight on the tops of the cheeks, browbone, and maybe the bridge of the nose and the chin.

Complete Looks:

with natural-colored lipstick

with  a bright berry hue
This is something really quick you can do when you're going to work or going somewhere early and you don't have that much time or if you would want to spend more time with say, getting 10 minutes extra home workout or maybe a nicer breakfast. The quick look also doesn't compromise a lot. It would probably take around 10 minutes to do, and when you've memorized the moves, maybe 5 minutes? Let me know how it goes and what products you used.


Store Directory:

Fairy Drops
fairydrops.com; facebook.com/FAIRYDROPS/

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

K-Palette
Available at Beauty Bar; facebook.com/kpalettephilippines; instagram.com/kpalette_ph

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

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

Make Up For Ever
2/F Mega Fashion Hall Building D, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, (02) 631-5681; G/F Greenbelt 3, Makati City, (02) 621-5248; 1/F TriNoMa Mall, Quezon City, (0915) 990-9571; 2/F Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City (0919) 273-4805; makeupforever.com.ph; facebook.com/makeupforeverPH

Max Factor
available in all leading department stores and beauty hubs nationwide; maxfactor.com; maxfactor.ph; facebook.com/MaxFactorPH

Pond's
available at all leading department stores, drugstores, and supermarkets

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

Sephora
sephora.ph; facebook.com/sephoraphilippines; instagram.com/sephoraph
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Monday, November 7, 2016

Bambikitty Moving Makeover: Marissa

Marissa is also one who got me into doing these features. In fact, she organized this get - together in her awesome place with wonderful natural light. Like Cita, I met Marissa in pole dance class. She's the one who will also direct your pole photo of the day so it's picture-perfect. She will spot you until you get the pose, and once your are stable and can drink tea in your pose, she will run, get your phone (or her phone) and take several photos for Instagram. Gotta love these pole mommies!



Marissa is a mom of 2 who's already in her 40s, but I keep telling her she looks so much younger and better than her throwback photos 10 or so years ago.

doing pole doubles with teacher Duds


One thing I love about her is her love for the awesomest yet most basic necessity in life : Food! She is a real foodie (she's less picky than me) yet despite the #thisiswhyidonthaveabs hashtag, her photos betray that statement because she does have amazing abs which shows how strong she is. Krispy Kreme glazed donut? Yes please! Salad? Sure! Lechon belly? A family favorite!


She's also our go-to person to have custom-made clothes. Our weird pole dancer bodies have actually made us semi-give up on RTW and just run to Marissa to have outfits custom-made. This lady is the one behind Katricewear, which does made-to-measure outfits.  She understands our broader backs and shoulders and cross-ankle legs and how off-shoulder outfits pop out of our shoulders and become weird boat-necks. I still have to muster enough confidence for the belly-low plunging top or jumpsuit she tells me to wear - bawal skintone net (one day, I will. bumubwelo lang) .


We were so engrossed with telling stories to each other we forgot to take a super before photo: So this is her photo with just base makeup, which is a somewhat before since I used foundation with medium-light coverage. The eyes are still subtle smokey brown, because I wanted this to be like a look you would wear going out, and a bit of "smoke" on the eyes looks amazing in photos and makes our eyes pop (yes in makeup whatever it is, there's this obsession on the eyes).



I usually see Marissa in bright pink lipstick. I still kept the pink but made it a lighter shade, not really the  rose pink but the light fresh pink, She always wears her hair straight. I tried to add just some curl at the ends and gave the bangs some volume. When the curls straightened via a bit of finger-combing, it became just relaxed waves, like the not-super-straight hair trend from New York Fashion Week.


Doing her makeup has been fun. She's so funny she's making me eat as I do her makeup as there were sliced Fuji apples and potato chips on the table. She's an amazing host, a talented pole dancer and entrepreneur, and she's got a beautiful and well-balanced life.

It was a super fun makeup session! The looks were so much fun to do on the gorgeous ladies that I have put makeup on.




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