Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Mineral Make Up Tips


When I switch to mineral make up (MMU), I experiment on how to make the application faster. Having been accustomed to the traditional make up application of cream concealer and compact powder foundation, I never knew that au naturel make up is much complicated because of the non stop blending. Below are some of my tips on using and storing MMU.


1. Always make sure that your make up brushes are clean.






Investing in a good quality set of  brushes is of course a must but you should take care of them too. Make time to clean your brushes at least 2 or 3 times a week to protect your face from bacteria that comes from you brushes. Have a mild or anti bacterial shampoo to cleanse your brushes and use warm water to protect the bristles.



2. Use larger containers to swirl your MMU






MMU containers are mostly small so I use larger containers (clean them regularly too) to swirl all the mineral make up with my brush  I tap my mineral foundation on it and close the lid then shake it. I swirl my brush on it around the edges and tap some excess upon application. I use the much smaller container for my mineral blusher.When I go outside, I just use the lid of the container to swirl the mmu.


3. Organize your MMU




Barenaturals, a local online mineral make up brand loves to give freebies, so I put mine on these cute stockable container which I can bring anywhere too (you can buy this on any beauty store like Watsons for Php40). I label each pot for eyeshadows and sample blusher using the sticker they have on their ziplocks :)


4. Spritz water on your mmu concealer or eyeshadow.




I always have a small water atomizer in my dresser. I mix my mmu concealer with water and apply it on my face, I also do the same with eyeshadows to intensify it's effect. I have notice that the mmu last longer and still does not cake.


5. Have fun with colors

Try different eyeshadow or blush color that you would not normally wear and think that they won't match your skin tone but it does. Mineral make up blush don't darken like most traditional blusher . I suddenly became a fan of greens, blues and plums now than ever before.








♥♥♥

Monday, September 14, 2009

Fashion Muse 2




Penélope Cruz

The Academy Award winner Spanish actress is nothing but glamorous in fashion. She is such a fashion chameleon that grace every occasion with such sophistication and confidence. I find her hair, the bouncy and wavy locks very sexy and the easiest to maintain. L' Oreal won't take her as an endorser if she's not worth it. She and her sister, the equally beautiful Monica Cruz is the face behind some of Mango Clothing's campaign.





Only a flattering dress can make a woman alluring, but when Penelope came casually in jeans, that idea change.



She went from beige, yellow and tan all the way to her bag, though I'm not in favor of that, She pull the very classic and sophisticated look very nicely.







These two beautiful gowns were made by Carolina Herrera who love silhouette, texture and femininity in her creations.




When it comes to formal occasions, Penelope never goes wrong in her gowns. She is a favorite in red carpets and always in the best list of fashion critics.
♥♥♥

Thursday, September 10, 2009

My First Barenaturals

I am a novice in mineral make up, I still remember reading a forum about mineral make up and they are using abbreviations such as MMU and ingredients such as mica and silicone which made my eyes craze. I try the most rave barenaturals, an online mineral make up brand which also sells bestseller soaps, much affordable make up brushes and mineral lip tints. On my first order, I got the Purederm BB cream in a 5 ml cream jar Php159 (below is a 50 ml, Php 830)

this BB cream will make your skin satiny smooth and protected. It has an SPF 30, UV protection and Arbutin which can help lighten your skin. I take precautions before trying products because I'm on the sensitive and very oily skin type. I am using it for almost two weeks now and I notice quite a change in my skin tone as it begins to even out, my skins texture is somewhat creamy/milky but not too white. Although when I first apply it, I notice the whitish cast on my face but after a while, it blends with my skin tone together with the concealer and foundation.

Ultimate Concealer in 2.5 gram net Php 215 which suits every skin tone. I like it so much, a perfect cover up for anything you don't want in your face including moles. Just blend, blend, blend like what mineral make up is all about. I just dab a super pea size BB cream on it then followed by this concealer and lastly their foundation (I will purchase their Illumiglow Finishing Powder next). The mole became almost invisible, good layering is probably the secret.


Classic Mineral Foundistay in Golden Neutral Medium 2.5 gram net in php 215- true to their claim that this foundation-concealer is very effective on giving you that poreless, airbrushed and matte look. Good thing it has an estimated SPF 20 which is a major plus. It's another staple on my future purchase I am sure.


I can still remember the first time I applied and glowed with my freebie blush dollface cheenee - a deep pink to medium mauve with hint of shimmer color. I never knew my skin tone (warm medium) would love any color besides my safe color blush - peach. The shimmer on their blush is so amazing, it's not the glittery thing that I usually experience on some local make up brands that make me look like a Christmas ball. A lot of my colleagues complemented on my new found cheek beauty, I will never touch a matte blush again.




photos courtesy of Barenaturals

Monday, September 7, 2009

Switch To Mineral Make Up



I have heard about mineral make up (MMU) for quite a long time. Their claim of sun protection, healthy skin and barely-there make up finish have been rave a lot by renowned make up artists and make up aficionados. Even the beauty powerhouse L'Oréal came up with their MMU line followed by a lot of make up company, but I was already familiar with Youngblood, i.d bare minerals and Jane Iredale which are expensive in my vocabulary. Some experts also said that regular make up will speed the aging process,signs of wrinkles, crows feet and age spots. Most ingredients on our make up are hazardous on our skin and as a woman with a very oily skin type, I have a hard time looking for non-oily make up products. Most make up product contains comedogenic ingredients, I now know the culprit behind my breakouts, so choosing mineral make up is a must for me and such a breakthrough in the beauty industry.


When I saw a TV feature of barenaturals, a local company that sells MMU and other beauty products such as soaps, Korean fave BB cream, make up brushes and even lip and nipple solid gel. I thought oh well, it is either expensive or if it is not, then it has a bad quality. So, I searched their multiply account and googled customer reviews on their product. I am so excited when I found their very reasonable price so I allotted half of my day just to read and search about their products. I list some and ordered for a road test and boy, was I glad I took the journey. I am amazed at the result even the first time I use it. I glowed literally, the look I envied of Jennifer Lopez for a long time. I notice a lot people looking at me in a train, I was skeptical at first and shrug it off but when some people ask me what I have been using lately, I understood.
Beyond the sudden change I begin to notice on my skin, I also hope that mineral make up with it's added sun protection and other benefits can take care of my skin as I hit my 30's in five years time.












Thursday, September 3, 2009

I Dream Of Paris

Things I will do in Paris

If there is one city in the world that I want to visit so bad, it is Paris. I find the city very interesting, romantic and exciting. If Disneyland is magical for kids, Paris is my wonderland. So when that time comes that I will be able to set my foot on my dream city, this is where and what I am going to spend my precious time there.


1. Visit the Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysees


My would be trip to Paris will never be complete without a visit to this famous landmarks. Some may not be familiar with Paris but the mention of these places will surely be remembered more. Probably on my first night to Paris, hopefully Christmas where the lights will be everywhere giving more beauty to them.


2. Eat macaroons, pastries and other sweets at Laduree






This shop is so famous that you have to fall in line for at least an hour and not to mention they are expensive. That made me more excited and they said that they have the most delicious macaroons and melt-in-your-mouth cupcakes. I am so looking forward to that.



3. Walk around


Parc Floral de Paris

Parisians love to walk, it is probably why they are fit even without going to a gym according to a book. They said that your time in Paris is not complete without strolling mainly in the park where for fresh air.

4. Shop, Shop, Shop




My trip will never be complete without purchasing any chic clothes that Parisians offers. I love perfumes and coats from Paris. I will go to any mall and shop as long as my feet and money can :)


5. Dine in at a café


Eating or drinking coffee outside the cafe might be a good idea while chatting with your friends or just looking around savoring your day.


6. Souvenirs!

Aside from taking photos, purchasing souvenirs have been a norm for every jetsetter. So, even a key chain version of Eiffel tower, refrigerator magnet or even pins which represents Paris is sold for me.

















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