FanSided-sabshernandez

#productreview

Just when you thought the BB cream was out, and CC cream is in -I come across this Magic Science BB Cream, allegedly claimed "revolutionary" by The Skin Shop's counter beauty associate. I'm a little bit sad that I was talked into buying something I don't really need, from a brand I have never really hear of before.

I have to admit that I am still stuck in the BB Cream era. I think it's one of the best cosmetic products ever invented specially for lazy gals like me. This blemish balm that has sunblock, moisturizer, foundation, and blemish corrector all in one product? AMAZING.

The Skin Shop Magic Science BB Cream (PhP 990.00)

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#productreview

Every girl has their "lazy days", when even women who can't live without makeup get lazy to even put on lipstick. What more spending extra minutes on applying a good makeup base? I am one of those women. I experience "tamaditis" on some days specially when PMS-ing (eeek! Sorry boys if you are reading this).

So when those days hit me, I turn to trusty old foundation powders that give me good coverage and I am out the door!

Avon Ideal Luminous Powder Foundation (PhP 499.00)

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#spotlight

My skin tone is yellow, but my cheeks are naturally red and gets even "redder" when I am feeling too hot or too cold. I am an avid BB cream user, and even with BB on my face, the red areas turn gray because the redness shines through the BB cream so it is not corrected, just covered.

I am doing an unbiased review on 2 color correcting bases here today (you know -those primers that come in green and purple?) that I have been using for a while now, and so that I can show you also what the purpose of these colored bases are and why they make a good base. Although it is not in their label, this is basically what a CC cream is.

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Let’s face it, there are benefits of buying luxury brands when it comes to lipsticks. Not all, but some local brands lack that extra ingredient that we pay premium for with big international brands therefore giving that “cracked” look when applied. There is no amount of scrubbing that you can do to your lips that will mask those cracks. Yes, it’s in the formula of your lipstick.

There are only 3 products I have tried that was able to fill in our lines to mask these cracks on my lips. But before I get in to those products, let me tell you about ELF’s Lip Primer & Plumper (P249.75). The primer is a concealer type formula that you apply on your lips that I wasn’t really fond of. It was too thick and was way too light, it was exactly like a concealer stick that you apply on your lips. When I applied the lip color on top of my lips, I had to reapply the lipstick several layers to try and erase the “lip concealer” off and made my lips peel making the cracks more visible. I then smoothed on the plumper on top of my lipstick and it didn’t do much either. It smelled like cinnamon which is the only thing I liked about this product. I left the concoction on for about 10minutes but it didn’t have that tingly feeling on my lips for that “plumping” effect. But if you use it alone, it does that tingly thing for about a 30 seconds and then disappears. So, to no success, this product is a total MISS.

Now let me tell you about the 3 products that worked for me best! 

When I have less than 15 minutes to put my makeup on, I make sure that I apply an eyelid primer so that I can just apply a wash of color on my lids and not worry about it creasing if I don’t set it properly.

I am a fan of Urban Decay’s eyeshadow primer potion but it’s such a hassle getting them on EBay and waiting several days for it to arrive from NY. Not to mention, it costs $22.00 including shipping (P968) just to get the smallest tube.

I figured there must be another fantastic primer out there that is easily accessible just in case I can’t get my hands on Urban Decay. First stop, ELF Cosmetics.

Just my luck would have it, I came across ELF’s Eyelid Primer. As you may now have noticed, ELF is always my first choice when looking for affordable, quality products. The reason why I like using these products is because most women who ask me about products are more interested in products that their money would go a long way without having to spend thousands to look good! And most of the products I use in my professional kit are tools that are too heavy, pricey, and difficult to use for everyday.

The first ELF eyelid primer I bought, tried and tested was the shade SHEER (the only shade they carried before). It’s very velvety to the touch, I love the feel of it when you spread the formula on your lids with your ring finger because it doesn’t feel heavy. It dries quickly so you have to spread it evenly fast. You only need a thin layer and you will still get the maximum effect!

I found that applying a base color on top of the primer like beige or nude will really make your eye makeup stick and pop! The eye makeup amazingly stays on and doesn’t grease or crease the entire day! The color does fade a little bit after long wear so I suggest spraying your lids with water with an atomizer (keeping it about 6 inches away from your face) after you are finished applying your eye makeup to set the eye shadow properly.

A few .08oz tubes of primers later, they came out with a 3-in-1 package deal called The Eyelid Primer Collection (P249.75) that includes the classic Nude, Pearl, and Champagne.

The nude primer is my most favorite. The Champagne Primer has iridescent particles that applies a bit darker on the lids that can be worn as eyeshadow alone. It’s not really dark, but it gives a pale grey-ish hue that looks nice during the day or at night. The Pearl Primer has bigger glitter particles that I’m not really fond of. You can use it on your brow bones to make them stand out. Applying it on your entire lid can make your lids look puffier and your eyes smaller so avoid doing so. You can make your eyes appear brighter though by applying a small amount on the inner corners of your eyes.

If I were you, I would go for the single eyelid primer in SHEER which you will be using more often the the other shades. Use every time you will be applying eye makeup. Apply after you set your foundation with a loose powder.

I have never been really concerned about the use of makeup primers on my client’s or my own’s makeup routine. I have personally always thought it was an unnecessary extra step that really didn’t make much of a difference in the application.

I have tried Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer on my clients way back but I found that it was unnecessary. When I tried it on myself, it felt heavy on my skin so I stopped using it.

One makeup primer I believe in as well was Lancome’s La Base Pro. It’s lightweight and is easily absorbed even on extremely dry face. But, Lancome is what you call an “investment” and a luxury so I don’t recommend it on students or yuppies on a budget.

For maturing skin, if you are looking for a good fine-line filler, there’s nothing better than Makeup International’s Light Lift formula. It’s a clear liquid that instantly lifts and fills wrinkles, prepping the skin for makeup application. (P1,800 at Media Makeup. G/F Evekal Bldg, Pasay Rd.)

Anyhoo, I decided to give primers another chance. I looked around for affordable alternatives and it really boils down to ELF when it comes to QUALITY and yet affordable makeup.

Be sure to shake the bottle well before you start pumping product on your fingers, sometimes the oils get separated that if you don’t shake it well, all you get out of that first few pumps is oil.

ELF’s Mineral Infused Face Primer (P399.75), feels a bit oily on first application when first contact on skin. I actually felt a bit weird after 1 layer because I felt like I was wearing some kind of oil mask. Although it didn’t look oily (it was matte even!), it’s just that you know there’s that layer of primer there.

The BB cream glided on smoothly using my fingers. It didn’t have any streaks when you apply it, you know, like it’s as if it’s sliding off and you need several applications to cover? This however, made a perfect canvas for my BB cream and liquid foundation.

All throughout the day, I didn’t shine as much on my T-zone which was great! I didn’t have to use so much oil blotters, in fact, my skin looked dewy and healthy looking. Even when I got home, I looked at myself in the mirror before washing it off, my makeup looked natural and not as if it’s just plastered on at the surface of your skin.

The thing is, I don’t know if I was just conscious that I had primer on my face, or if it really feels that way. But overall I would have to say, I would definitely buy this product again and would recommend it to people who are looking for a good everyday primer!

Choosing a foundation can be very tricky. Most women have a hard time picking the correct color for their skin tone, much less the proper brand and coverage their looking for.

But a proper foundation is key to even up tone and texture of your face. Your foundation is the base that the rest of your makeup will rest on, hence the name... "Foundation".

The most common misconception of foundation is that the color should match that of your face, when in fact the best-matched foundation will blend with the color of your neck. This allows the foundation to not only provide adequate coverage on your face but to bring the color down slightly past your jaw line and blend into your neck. Eliminating those unsightly lines of demarcation.

In addition, when choosing the correct color steer clear of those pinky tones. You will most likely look GREY. Most women (specially Asian women) have a more yellow to olive skin tone and the chances that a pink based foundation will match is highly unlikely.

Next is picking the type of foundation that's best for you. This is based very much on personal preference; however, there are a few things to keep in mind before you try the whole store.

First of all, always remember, you get what you pay for! Second, consider how long you wear your makeup a day. Are you a nine to five working girl? Do you cleanse your face and re-apply before you go out or will you makeup be on all day and night? These questions are important because some brands make foundations that will last 12- 14 hours while others begin to disappear 6 hours after application.

And last but not least, consider you skin type, tone and texture before you buy a foundation. A lot of brands now have specific foundation products for skin that is prone to breakouts and blemishes as well as foundations for aging, dry, or oily skin. These special foundations can prove useful to obtain that healthy glow you are looking for. In addition, foundations made for blemish-prone skin typically include a small amount of acne medication; so your skin has a chance to heal while your makeup is on.

After spending so much time picking the proper foundation, it's key to apply that foundation correctly. Use a makeup sponge when applying foundation onto the skin. Some women like to use their index and middle finger for application, I too prefer this method when I apply my own base because the heat of the fingers will warm the foundation and make it easier for your facial skin to absorb the product. Using a makeup sponge whether it be square, triangle, or round (based on your preferences) allows for the foundation to be applied to the skin evenly and not be smeared. The only disadvantage is you tend to use up more product because the product gets absorbed too quickly by the sponge.

Just one last reminder, remember to blend, blend, blend! Your face and neck should not have a line where the foundation ends. Here are some foundation tools that would aide you in applying your foundation evenly:

• Foundation Brush
• Stippling Brush
• Cosmetic Wedges
• Sea Sponges

I can't stress it more that investing in a good makeup foundation is very important. You can scrimp on everything else but not your base. A good base is all you need to have a perfectly applied makeup!


PHOTO CREDITS
Model Photographed by Pocholo Ignacio
Hair and Makeup of Model by Sabs Hernandez
Model: Carolina Machado
Product Shots from Google Images