‘Tis the Season to be SEPHORA Glammin’

The holidays are finally upon us, and I'm sure by this time you're set to attend Christmas party or two, may it be with a group of friends you haven't seen for a long time, or with people at the office. Imo, these parties are a great way to experiment and try out bolder, more done-up make-up looks versus the easy, everyday base-mascara-lip balm combo. 

I've finally started wearing my red lipsticks outside the house so I'm more than happy to share a look that I would actually wear out without feeling too self-conscious. It features a warm, golden eye and your signature festive red lip. You can never go wrong with this combination as its classy, elegant, but definitely do-able! 

This is actually very similar to the look I wore last Saturday when I saw my friends. We ate Korean BBQ to our hearts content - this is our only requirement to have fun, really (maybe Soju). 

Here's a complete collage of all the products I want for this look. More than a year ago this would have been impossible, but with Sephora PH its finally a possibility to get great quality makeup easily!

Base 

I wanted the base to be very skin-like but in a more perfected way. Its how I normally wear my base and I honestly like that it isn't overly perfect that it screams 'caked makeup!'. There is never a season for that!

This calls for primer with a certain amount of silicone to allow foundation to glide on better and to make the skin look smoother. I opted for the Benefit Porefessional mixed with a bit of my moisturizer, but for drier skins I'd recommend the Becca Backlight Primer.

I used one of my older favourites, the Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation (Shade 123) to get a skin-like finish. It lasts well on my oily skin but its definitely luminous enough for anyone with slightly drier skin to mine. I find that it also doesn't give any flashback, making it great for photos which you'll surely have a lot of for your parties!

Pair with a high coverage concealer to cover any spots, an illuminating, light-reflective concealer for any darkness around the eyes and face, and finish with powder if needed to make the base last through the day or night! Feel free to also use a setting spray to make the base almost indelible.

Eyes

Eye primer is essential for this look to have your eye make-up last all day. Its also very humid here in the Philippines even during December, so primer cannot be skipped. I used my ever-reliable Too Faced Shadow Insurance (don't mind the older packaging of mine in the picture above!).

To the star of the show - the Zoeva Cocoa Blends Palette. Ever since I ordered this in June from Sephora PH, I've used this for 98% of my eye looks (2% trying to wean myself off the palette didn't work in the slightest). I did a gold eye with a hint of cranberry at the outer corners (featuring Pure Ganache, Substitute for Love, Freshly Toasted, Beans are White, and Warm Notes), which is still festive without looking too predictable. Don't forget to add an inner corner highlight!

Its insane how long my lashes look in this shot. Also, I really went skinny with this liner!

Go as minimal or as bold with the eyeliner as you please! I opted for a thin line as I find this more flattering on my eye shape. It also allows the eyeshadow to stand out more without forgetting to define the eyes. Good example for this would be the Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner, which will let you modify the thinness or thickness of the line depending on your preference. Don't forget a waterproof mascara to keep your eyes fallout and smudge-free!

Cheeks and Lips

The eyes are on the warmer side so any warm neutral blush would do. A little peachy-ness wouldn't hurt, so a shade like the Too Faced Love Flush in Baby Love would do nicely, as the shade brings a lot of life to the face without competing with the eyes and lips, which are the main focal points of this look. 

Go overboard with the highlighter, I'm serious! Now and New Year's Eve might be the only time during the year that you can do so. I personally skip highlighter due to my oily skin producing its own sheen for me, but something the like famous Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector would be ideal.

If you're seeking a bit of definition, don't forget to contour! I personally just used a taupe matte eyeshadow, but I have been very curious about the Cover FX Contour Kit for a while now. Maybe you'll see it here in the future as a gift to myself? Teehee!

And finally for the lips, any red lipstick will do! You can go as orangey red, classic red, or dark red, whatever your heart desires. There are no set rules for the holidays! A great holiday red in my humble opinion would be the cult classic Sephora Cream Lip Stain in 01 Always Red. You can never go wrong with a shade like this!

Tools

Never forget that great make-up can also be achieved with good tools! I love using the BeautyBlender but you can use a buffing brush like the one from Real Techniques in their Core Collection as well. I also love my Zoeva Brushes (namely the Luxe Sheer Cheek and the Luxe Petit Crease brush) that I got in my Sephora PH haul as they are not only amazing quality, but apply product and blend quickly.

And that's it for me! I hope you enjoyed this post and the rare pictures of my face. Portrait shots are a lot of work for me, especially with the sudden onslaught of gloomy weather. Hope it (the weather, not my self-portraits, haha!) doesn't ruin your holiday parties!

What are you wearing to your holiday parties? I'd love to see pictures down in the comments section!

Shop more make-up products on Sephora PH here!

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

‘Tis the Season to be SEPHORA Glammin’

By Pauline Read More

FOTD: Gold Eyes and Dark Red Lips

Before I go into this week's post, I'd like to apologize for the phone-quality photos for this and the next few posts. My SD card for my camera broke just as I finished shooting several posts, resulting to me using my phone instead. Ah, all that wasted time. :(

But yes you read that right - this is a 'Face of the Day' post! My friends from uni had a sleepover and photoshoot a few weeks ago, and I wanted to share with you the look I wore for that shoot! It was really fun as it was Harry Potter-themed, and being a huge fan of Harry Potter, it was easy to say I enjoyed not only planning, but participating as well. 

I was sorted into Slytherin - yes, we did go into that much detail for a sleepover + photoshoot - so I knew that I wanted to wear a dark red lip. It was meant to be an evening look so I didn't hesitate in having heavier eye makeup and (gasp!) contour. These were the products I used (save for the powder, as I borrowed Alex's Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder, which I need to get for myself) at the time.

Yes, no primer and yes, false lashes! I really want to get into wearing false lashes because they add such drama to eye make-up. Sometimes, I find that the Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation applies better on bare skin as it fades evenly and breaks apart less after a few hours. I applied a bit of face mist prior to foundation and it gave a very skin-like, glowy finish. I applied a bit of Maybelline Master Conceal (review here) and set my base with powder.

After priming my eyes with Too Faced Shadow Insurance, I applied my Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in My Two Cents which is a coppery-bronze cream shadow. I put a bit of Strapless and Chocolate Cookie from the Too Faced Natural Matte Palette (review here) on my crease and blended. I added a bit of Sexpresso from the same palette to the outer portion of my eye to create a bit more depth. I then lined my eyes with Clio Kill Brown Waterproof Brush Liner (post about it here) and applied my favourite Fairydrops Platinum/Scandal Queen Waterproof Mascara (review here). I wasn't after neatness for this eye look, but more for the warm gold & browns. I didn't do it in this recreation, but I added 3 lashes per eye at the corners to give a more fluttery lash look. I then added a bit of the K-Palette Real Lasting Two Way Eyebrow Pencil to fill in any gaps to my brows (review here). 

I just added a bit of the Too Cool for School Createur du Contour as the last of my face make-up, and finished everything off with two layers of the NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Mandore, blotting in between layers to give a darker colour. I absolutely love this lip pencil now and I'll definitely be using it more in the coming months!

Here's the finished look! I tried doing the eyebrow raise, but its hard to look mean in a floral shirt haha! I hope you guys liked this look, and let me know if you want to see more FOTDs in the future!

Friday, August 21, 2015

FOTD: Gold Eyes and Dark Red Lips

By Pauline Read More

Subtle 40's Makeup - Rachel McAdams Inspired

I thought I'd so something a bit different today and show you a make-up look I tried to translate on myself. Its not something I normally do, since I usually just watch a ton of YouTube videos and mix and match whatever I think is pretty. I really like the outcome though and I'm really excited to share it with all of you! This is actually a collaboration with Alex from The Red Eyeliner, so if you'd like to see her look click this!

Now when you think of 40s makeup, its usually characterised by soft bedroom eyes, prominent brow bones, defined cheekbones, velvet skin, and of course a matte red lip. While I have not done that look yet (and I will eventually - feel free to bug me for a post!), I thought I'd share a more wearable 40s look that I could add to my limited arsenal of daily makeup looks. 

The look that I went for is this one from The Notebook. It was set in the forties and had less of the Hollywood look and more of a casual one. I would like to clarify at this point that I'm not trying to look like Rachel McAdams! I could try but we won't really get anywhere. I'm more after her makeup, which looks very lovely in this photo below.

This has three distinct features: velvety skin, pinky peach cheeks, and a wine red stain on the lips. You see none of the bedroom eyes or defined cheekbones in this one. I absolutely love how it still reads fresh without dewiness, which is something I'm not always fond of. Here are the products I used below.

Base: Etude House Pore Ever Pore Primer Essence, Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation (123), Innisfree No Sebum Loose Powder*
Cheeks: NYX Powder Blush (Pinched)
Eyes: Urban Decay Primer Potion, Too Faced Natural Matte Palette, Fairydrops Platinum or Scandal Queen Waterproof Mascara, Lioele Auto Eyebrow Pencil (3)
Lips: Covergirl Queen Collection Lipstick (Tawny Port)*
*Alex's Products

I did my routine as usual (primer + foundation) and left my eyebrows alone as they're naturally quite full anyway. I focused more on the eyes by doing a bit of crease definition. I did this by sweeping Heaven all over the lid up until the brow bone, and then lining my socket lightly with Cashmere Bunny. After mascara, I then powdered to get rid of all shine (yes, all shine). Final step was to add 1 light layer of the lipstick, rubbing it in slightly to create a stained effect.

Yes, shame on me for not bringing the appropriate lip colour! The closest I have in my collection is currently the NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Mandore. That one has slightly less brown tones, but one light layer will look identical. Any more than one layer results to a more autumnal look. 

You couldn't see the eye makeup on Rachel, but I did do a tiny bit of defining through the crease. It just adds a bit of definition and shadow without going in the cut-crease direction of the 60s.

This is the finished look! In hindsight, I would have contoured just a tiny bit because my face is too round for my liking, but I do like the output nonetheless. Alex and I had tons of fun hanging out and taking pictures with our respective looks and we hope you like them, too!

P.S. There was a 70s look but due to lighting issues, we didn't push through with it. I don't think any of us are ready to see that yet!

Friday, July 24, 2015

Subtle 40's Makeup - Rachel McAdams Inspired

By Pauline Read More

Products of the Day: February to March 2015

Hi everyone!

I wanted to share with you some of the products I've been using lately for uni or for when I go out with friends. Honestly, a lot of the time its rather the same, and you'll see which make-up items I can't forego no matter what. Sadly, no FOTD yet (I know, I know, I should show my face sometime) but for those of you who like looking at pictures of scattered make-up products (I know I do), this will be the post for you! I talk more about each product so feel free to keep reading below!

These were more or less what I used the most in February. For my base I've stuck with the Benefit Porefessional-Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation-Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer-Benefit Watt's Up combination, but only when I have time on my hands. The result is a smooth, bright, healthy-looking face even if I don't feel that way. I've been switching around eye primers, which is why I've been trying the Too Faced Shadow Insurance. More on this soon! Of course I had to go with a Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow for an easy swipe and go look (this one is in My Two Cents). I've really grown to appreciate the Clio Kill Brown Waterproof Brush Liner which I got in my Singapore 2014 Haul. It's still going strong, though knowing how paranoid I am about things running out, I need to get a back-up soon. My consistent mascara of choice is the Fairydrops Platinum Mascara, which is probably the best all-rounder I've encountered. Finally, I've loved the look of the NYX Butter Gloss in Strawberry Parfait for a moisturizing gloss - definitely getting more from this range!

Later in February and last week, I've appreciated the appeal of a lighter base, which is why I fell back on the Lioele Water Drop BB Cream. I usually do my eye make-up in the car whenever I went for this look (with much difficulty, mind you) but it was enough for me to look like I made a lot of effort, even when I haven't. A fail-safe wash of colour for me will always be the Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit, which I talk about in most of my posts...oops.

These products are for the days when I thought I had a lot of time, but took too long to do my base and had to rush everything else. Fun fact: it takes me a good 15 minutes to do base make-up. Time just seems to fly by whenever I do! And since I'm starting to slowly get into lip products (I have the lip product queens Summer and Alex to thank (or not) for that) I tried out this Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bar that my friend Ena got for me in October. Balmy but leaves a really nice tint - the range is great for those who like bright colours!

Finally, these are the products I've been wearing for the past two weeks. Yes, I do have two BB Creams, but I use more of the Lioele and mix a tiny, tiny bit of the Fairydrops Candybar BB Cream to give a little more coverage. I've also been using the It's Skin Babyface Jelly Tint in #1 which is a sheer but very brightening red. The tint gets stronger after a few applications and it never fails to make me look more awake. Now I see why lip products are such a big deal. Next stop - lip butters!

And there you have it! As you can see, base is very, very important to me. I'll go without every other product but base products. I hope this was interesting for you as it was for me to write. Also look forward to a few new series' in a few months - possibly a top 10 and a few things related to travel? Stick around and wait for my next few posts!

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Saturday, March 14, 2015

Products of the Day: February to March 2015

By Pauline Read More

January Favourites

My first favourites post of the year!

This month has been great in terms of beauty discoveries (definitely not uni-related discoveries ugh) and I'm so happy to be able to talk about them with you! I purchased most of these in my Christmas Haul last year and I have not been disappointed by those that I added to my regular rotation. I've finally come to terms that I no longer have dry skin (cries) so I had to make a few adjustments with the products I use.

Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation

I started using this starting Christmas time and I've slowly fallen in love with it! As I keep mentioning my first foundation experience with the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation was horrible, and this foundation did exactly what I expected the BB one to do and more! I use two pumps and it covers what I need covering (except acne marks, I still use concealer for that), is still on my face after a good 8 hours, and gives this beautiful, luminous glow that I have not seen in any of the bases I've tried. I'm so happy with this foundation! Will definitely do a review soon!

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

This works extremely well with the KGD Foundation in applying and blending it on my face. It easily takes away streak marks and makes everything look seamless, and is great at buffing foundation into the skin as well. I preferred sponges initially, but just for the KGD Foundation, I have to use this.

NARS Translucent Crystal Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder

I've already mentioned this in my favourites from my October Favourites, but I've started using it again as it not only adds luminosity, but also makes my base makeup last a bit longer. I've already hit pan on it so now I'm trying to take the product from the sides to even it out. It feels silky on the skin and sets makeup well. It lacks a bit in the oil control department, so I think the loose version would be better for that.

Kiehls Calendula Deep Cleansing Foam

I got a sample when I bought the Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate and I did not expect to like it as much as I did! The smell isn't my cup of tea but I love how it leaves my skin feeling clean minus the squeaky, tight feeling as most (if not all) of the cleansers I've tried usually do. It also helped reduce the oil on my face a tiny bit, and less sebum means less pimples! I couldn't resist purchasing the full-sized bottle and at 230mL and only using half a pump per wash, I think this will last me a long time.

Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Being Kiehls' bestselling product as well as a favourite in the beauty community, there hasn't been anything that hasn't been said about this already. I love that it doesn't aggravate my acne, absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy mess, how 3 drops is enough for my face, and the lovely brightness it adds to my skin the next day. I look forward to my night routine just for this product!

There you have it! I hope that the start of 2015 has been great so far and if not, lets hope the next 11 months are going to be better! If you have any favourites this month or have used any of these products before, feel free to leave a comment below!

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Friday, January 30, 2015

January Favourites

By Pauline Read More

Christmas Haul

Helloooo everyone!

I'm really excited to share with you this huge haul that I bought for myself for Christmas! I was really stressed out from uni work (thesis year!) as well as some personal problems, so I thought I deserved to get some of the products I've been lusting over for a long time. I also picked up some items I needed in my collection as accompaniments to other products. Some of these items might be familiar as I've included them in my Christmas Wish List!

BYS Synthetic Blending Brush

I remember I was with Alex when she suggested this brush. I saw it on her September Favourites and got interested in it as I wanted to start expanding my eyeshadow brush collection, especially after seeing this post from Anna of Vivianna Does Makeup. This brush is soft yet really inexpensive at P299, so it'd be really great for beginners!

Etude House Play 101 Pencil (#23)

I knew I needed a lip liner for my NARS Audacious Lipstick in Audrey, and this was the closest from all of the lip liners in the Play 101 line to that shade. I tried it out at home and it turns out that it was a perfect shade match! It was really easy to apply and looked pretty good on its own. I can't wait to purchase more pencils from this line!

Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate

I have read hundreds of reviews on this miracle serum, and I wanted to splurge on something that would help with anti-aging as well as brighten my skin. I've been using it since I got it and I love how lightweight it is! It also made my skin smoother than it already was (thanks to the new additions to my routine) and made my pores a little less visible. I can't wait to see the change it'll make after a month of use!

Kiehls Mango Lip Balm

I was running low on lip balms and decided to try this out. It's pretty lightweight and doesn't leave a gloopy film on my lips like other lip balms do. I rotate this with my EOS Lip Balm and Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, depending on my mood. 

I got a pretty good amount of samples, and I was surprised by how much each packet contained! I'm excited to try the Skin Rescuer as it addresses redness, and the Microblur Skin Perfector as I'm looking for a new primer.

Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation

It's embarrassing to say that I've swatched this foundation every time I enter Beauty Bar (which is quite often). I'm paranoid about my Fairydrops Candybar BB Cream running low, and I wanted a foundation that I already tried, so I decided on this. It's definitely a splurge, but so far so good! I heard this was a more lightweight version of the NARS Sheer Glow which I also considered purchasing, and it's true! Even with two layers of this on, I didn't feel like it was on my skin. I also love the glow it gives my skin. I'm sensing a new foundation favourite!

NARS Satin Lip Pencil (Mandore)

It's labelled 'Limited' on the NARS website, so I assumed it meant 'Limited Edition' and would therefore not be at my local NARS counter, so I was surprised to see it among the other lip pencils! Unlike other reds, this does not have that hint of berry and is described as more of a cranberry colour. I got to try it in store and I loved it, and did not hesitate in buying.

NARS Sharpener

I knew that I would be purchasing more lip pencils because they seem so easy in terms of application and maintenance versus lipsticks (and I'm a sucker for NARS products, lets be real), so I knew I needed a sharpener. I gave in when the SA said that this was the last one, and it usually takes a long time for NARS to restock on their products. At least I'm sure that it will fit the NARS Lip Pencils, and it saves me the trouble of trying and testing other cheaper sharpeners.

And that's it! It's going to be a while before I do another haul so I hope you all enjoyed this! If you guys did your own hauls this Christmas, or have some things on your wish list that you're planning to purchase soon, feel free to leave me a comment below! Also, tell me if you've tried any of these!

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Friday, January 02, 2015

Christmas Haul

By Pauline Read More

Christmas Wish List

Surprise post! Hi everyone!

Christmas is just around the corner and I figured I'd put up another wishlist like I did for my birthday. Like the previous one, I'm highly doubtful that people would actually get these for Christmas but I like making lists anyway because it's fun. I'm probably getting some of them myself anyway so it'll be fun. They're all make-up save for two, and some I want more than others.

        

Image from here

MAC Custom Eyeshadow Quad

Declaration - I do not own a MAC anything. I've eyed their lipsticks (mainly Plumful and Viva Glam 1) for a long time but I'd also like to give their eyeshadows a shot because there is so much variety. The shade I want most is Cranberry, but I'm also sure on Amber Lights and Wedge, as I don't have anything similar in my collection. I'm still debating on whether to get All That Glitters, Dazzlelight, or Naked Lunch for the lightest highlight shade. I'll swatch them at a MAC counter soon!

NARS Satin Lip Pencils

I've seen these on so many beauty blogs for so long, but never paid them any attention until I saw and swatched them for myself at a NARS counter. I can never resist NARS to be honest! This has the structure of a lip crayon but with the lasting power and pigmentation of a good lip pencil, which is exactly what I'm looking for. I really want to try Rikugien (a 'rose pink') and Mandore (a 'cranberry' colour, and apparently limited edition).

Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation

I've read and listened to the hype around this but never really felt compelled to like it until I tried it for myself (courtesy of my friend from uni, Pau!). I loved everything about it - the medium coverage, demi-matte finish, and perfect colour match. It's quite a pricey foundation but after the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation which was just...uck, I'd rather invest in something I know I've already tried and tested.

Bourjois Cream Blushes in 02 Healthy Glow and 04 Sweet Cherry

I've seen these around while browsing for Bourjois products online, but when I saw it in Alex of The Red Eyeliner's make-up kit, I knew I had to have it. It's so tiny and all the colours are lovely. I'd be happy to receive just Sweet Cherry alone, but I really like Healthy Glow as well. Out of all I think I would want this and the Koh Gen Do Foundation the most.

Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate

I've heard about this for years and I'd really like to have this in my night time skin care routine. It seems to do it all really and despite the price, it seems like it would last a long time because you only need two drops for your entire face. I've run out of my Innisfree Canola Honey Serum so I'd like to give this a go next if I can!

Shu Uemura Anti-Oxi Skin Refining Cleansing Oil

I loved my first cleansing oil from Shu Uemura which I mentioned here, so now I want to try out this particular variant as it gets rid of dull skin, is smoothening, and has anti-pollution properties to combat aging. This is perfect as I live in the city, and I want to clean my face as much as possible using something like this. That, and I'm running out fast of my first cleansing oil!

Trip to New York

This one is rather random but this is partially a travel blog after all! I chose New York because I've always wanted to see what Christmas was like there for years. All the Christmas movies I've watched were set in New York and the lights and the snow make it such a pretty place to be. This is more of a lifetime wish so I'll be very excited once this happens!

Thank you all for reading through this! I hope you all have an awesome holiday, no matter what you're celebrating. If you have anything on your Christmas wish list that you'd like to share, please feel free to leave a comment below!

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1. MAC Custom Eyeshadow Quad
2. NARS Satin Lip Pencils (Rikugien, Mandore)
3. Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation (123)
4. Bourjois Cream Blushes in 02 Healthy Glow and 04 Sweet Cherry
5. Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate
6. Shu Uemura Anti-Oxi Skin Refining Cleansing Oil

Tuesday, December 09, 2014

Christmas Wish List

By Pauline Read More