A Blotting Miracle

Blotting paper is one of the beauty products I tend to overlook when I'm in a drugstore. I find it unfortunate that I only paid attention to it a couple of months ago when I noticed how much my sister loved using it.

I used to think that blotting paper only catered to people with oily skin as opposed to someone with dry skin like myself, but, I couldn't have been more wrong. I only realised otherwise when I decided to try some just for the heck of it and I was quite surprised to find so much oil had transferred to the blotting paper causing it to become transparent. Apparently, it doesn't really matter what skin type you are, you will get oily during the day. After that incident, I decided to buy a pack for myself.

I started using Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets because they're practically available everywhere. I'd use it during late afternoons in the office when my face seemed more dewy than usual and I noticed that the oil being sucked out by the blotting paper left a matte finish on my skin. I didn't need to reapply any powder after that.

Using blotting paper can be an inexpensive solution to keep your skin looking fresh and matte without the added layer of chemicals on your face. It's better for your skin and it's more hygienic because the sheets are disposable, as compared to face powders. I find that most people who use face powders are guilty of not washing their makeup sponges regularly causing bacteria to grow on the product. This can lead to all sorts of skin problems. So unless you actually do clean your sponges then I have nothing against it.

So for the practical beauty, you can leave your big bulky face powders at home and try using these light weight and handy sheets instead! For those who absolutely cannot live without face powders, there are also blotting papers with a little layer of powder on them. One is called the Palladio Rice Paper Powdered Blotting Tissues and they sell it at Beauty Bars all over the country. Still a better alternative than bringing a bulky face powder everyday.

Image taken from Google.

Moisturiser: How To Use It In Four Ways Other Than The Obvious

1. ADJUSTABLE COVERAGE: MIX FOUNDATION WITH MOISTURISER

This technique makes it easier for you to adjust your foundation to the weather conditions and to your skins needs. On days that you need less coverage you can mix more moisturiser with the foundation. It blends easily with cream or liquid foundation and results in something like a tinted moisturizer depending on how much you place.

If you're looking for something heavier then simply apply a pea sized amount of your moisturiser for smoother application and more coverage.

*This technique results in healthy dewy looking skin.  

I got this foundation palette at Makeup Design Academy (Robinsons Galleria/ Mother Ignacia, Q.C.). It usually needs to be mixed with 244 fluid for a more liquid consistency but since they didn't have stock at the time I was studying there, I experimented with moisturisers mixing them with the cream foundation and I found that it worked just as well. The foundation resulted in a smoother liquid state making it easier to apply.

Cream Foundation (alone)

Cream Foundation (with moisturizer)

(Not completely blended out for comparison purposes. On the left side is the cream foundation without moisturiser)

Both blended with a Beauty Blender. The Cream Foundation with moisturiser was able to cover a larger area as compared to the one without. Plus, it took half the time to blend. When blended out fully, both still result in the same form of coverage. 

2. INTENSITY AND PRECISION: MIX EYEBROW POWDER WITH MOISTURISER

Dab your eyebrow brush on some moisturiser before placing brow powder for a clean line. Personally, I find that it works better than brow wax and it's perfect for simulating real brow hair.

Brow powder (alone) applied using MAC 208, a very excellent brush.

Dab some moisturizer.

As you can see, you get a cleaner, more saturated hue as compared to using brow powder alone. 

3. MIX WITH EYESHADOW TO CREATE EYELINER

This also works well if you want to use your eyeshadow as eyeliner. What I do is I take my MAC 208 brush and dab on some moisturiser before placing it on an eyeshadow of choice. The result is just like the one seen above. A very clean polished line perfect for creating strong and accurate liner looks. 

4. MIX WITH EYESHADOW FOR COLOUR INTENSITY

Moisturiser works like water as well so if you want your eyeshadow color to pop an extra mile than mix the two for more intensity. It helps when you don't have an eyeshadow primer on hand. I use moisturiser instead of water because you're practically combining the benefits of the moisturiser with the product you're using. Benefits that water lacks. 

I used Aubergine from Smashbox and applied it on with a MAC 219 brush. The one on the right is mixed with moisturizer and is evidently more saturated. 

NOTE: Do not drown your brushes with moisturizer otherwise it will just remove the makeup you're trying to apply. 

Hand Model: Corrine Barcelona

Pack Your Lipsticks Like A Professional Makeup Artist

Pack like a professional makeup artist by creating your very own lipstick palette! This method does not only save space but it's also lighter and easier to use for work. Its practicality is worth more than showcasing all the individual lipsticks you have, trust me. 

All you need are:

1. A candle (heat source)

2. A spatula (If you don't have one you can use a butter knife or anything that can slice the lipstick)

3. A spoon 

4. A container for your lipsticks. Here, I’m using an empty palette available at Suesh (Greenhills, SM Megamall, Trinoma, and Market Market!)

If you're feeling creative, you can mix your lipsticks with other colors to create your own unique hue. I combined some of my lipsticks with Kryolan's Supra Color Makeup Palette just to see what I could make.

STEPS

1. Cut your lipstick in half with the spatula then place it on the spoon.

2. Put the spoon above the candlelight and wait for the lipstick to turn liquid in consistency.

When mixing colours, simply add the colour of your choice with the lipstick and stir until both colours marry. 

Combining a blue hue with my lipstick!

3. When your lipstick has fully melted, you can place it into the container. 

Note: It's always good to measure how much lip product can fill an individual spot. Melted lipsticks will expand when cooled off so make sure you don't fill it to the brim. 

4. After melting your lipsticks, place the palette in the refrigerator and wait for the product to cool off and harden. Usually 5 to 10 minutes will do the trick.  

and voila, your very own lip palette!

Have fun!

Bambi xx

Skin Talk

Hello Beauties! 

Today’s topic will be a continuation of my previous blog on skin care. As I mentioned in the Beginner's Guide, the condition of our skin is a reflection of our health. If you want better skin, you have to make sure that you're taking good care of your body. At the same time, you can always get extra help from a quality set of skin care products. 

What I've prepared for you today is a basic list of skin care items that you can use as a guide when purchasing your own set. But, before you go splurging, there are certain factors that you need to take into consideration. Factors such as climate condition of your area (skin care formulated for tropical climates aren't always potent enough for colder countries), your age, and of course, your specific skin problem. With these in mind, you can research products that have been tried and tested by others to see if it could work for your skin. 

Be smart and don't be afraid to ask questions before purchasing a product. This will not only help you save money but make you more aware about what your skin needs.

Now, on with my list. 

I. TONERS

Toners are skin care products that are placed right after washing the face. These help rebalance the pH levels of the skin that have been altered during the cleansing process. It also helps minimise the appearance of pores by making it less elastic, preventing it from increasing in size. 

How to apply: 

Toners are liquid in consistency and are applied using cotton pads. Simply pat on the product to your skin. If you want, you can opt to use your hands as well. Just place the product onto your palms and pat the product all over the face until it is absorbed by the skin. 

II. SERUMS 

Serums are placed right after applying toner. It has a more liquid consistency as compared to moisturisers and is absorbed more efficiently. Depending on what sort of serum you get, this skin care product can tackle a variation of problems and at the same time enhance the condition of your skin. 

My favourite serum of the moment is this Suisse Programme Cellular Boosting Solution which I got at Sasa (Taiwan). It repairs the skin making it brighter, smoother, and bouncier. 

How to apply:

Place a sufficient amount all over the face and pat until absorbed. 

III. MOISTURISER

Moisturisers are placed after applying serum. The main goal of this product is to keep the skin hydrated, but, it can also tackle other skin problems. Just like serums, its function depends on what sort you get. There are several kinds of moisturisers available so you’re better off researching which one is best for your skin. 

How to apply:

Massage the product onto skin and pat until absorbed. 

IV. EYE CREAM

Eye creams are an essential skin care product. It helps alleviate certain concerns such as eye-bags, dark circles, wrinkles, etc. It can also be used as an anti-aging solution for young women who want to prevent premature wrinkles from forming. 

I mentioned in my previous blog that my favourite eye cream is Christian Breton’s Precious Gold Eye Cream. I saw it on an in-flight shopping magazine with the seal of approval so I bought one to try. It diminished the appearance of fine lines under my eyes and plumped the area, making it look more healthy. I use this eye cream at night and Nature Republic's Better Than Nature Eye Essence during the day. 

How to apply:

Gently pat the product all around eye area with your ring finger. 

V. BEAUTY OIL 

Don’t be alarmed by the word oil, beauty oils are specially formulated for cosmetic purposes. They are easily absorbed and work to repair dull skin, discolourations, scars, stretch marks, etc. 

Oils are better used in colder climates but can be used in the tropics as well. I use mine when I massage my face before going to bed and its been working really well on my skin. 

My favourites are Tarte’s Pure Marajuca Oil which is available at Sephora and GLORIA GARCIA’s Rosehip Oil which is available online. 

*I also sell GLORIA GARCIA locally but with limited supply. If you're interested than you can VIBER me at 0917 796 2239.   

How to apply:

Massage onto face until it is absorbed by the skin. 

I usually spend 5 to 10 minutes massaging my face with beauty oils before going to bed. It's a relaxing activity and helps with circulation. 

VI. OVERNIGHT MASK

Overnight masks are creams that are more potent than your regular moisturiser. It works overtime while you sleep, repairing your skin and enhancing it, so when you wake up, your skin looks revived and youthful. 

My favourite one is Kiss Collagen Mask and it’s available online. You can also read my review on it here.

How to apply:

Massage and pat until it is absorbed by the skin.

Hope this blog helped!

BESOS,

Bambi xx

The Beginner's Guide to Beauty

For my first blog entry, I felt it necessary to write something that beginners can use as a guide to the beauty world. I will be presenting a list and going into detail about some of the products that I feel are essential to beauty enhancement and other general information about skin care and makeup. 

First thing you need to know about beauty is how to take care of your skin. A lot of factors, both external and internal, can cause the skin to breakdown. Such factors include weather, stress, and an unhealthy lifestyle, among other things. The list of products that I provide today will simply be a general overview of what each product can do for you. 

Note: Study your face and identify some of the areas that you feel need treating and which areas you'd like to enhance.

I. SKIN CARE

Taking care of your skin is especially important and while it might be more advantageous to start young, you can basically begin at any age. 

Skin maintenance will help prevent premature skin aging, treat certain skin issues, and at the same time enhance the way your makeup will look. 

If you don't already have your own set of skin care products then I strongly suggest you invest in a high quality one. Don't worry, high quality doesn't necessarily equate to expensive. There are several brands that carry inexpensive yet highly recommended skin care. Otherwise, you can also research on natural concoctions that you can make in your own kitchen. 

TIP: When applying skin care, always remember that the skin on your face is especially delicate as compared to the body. The secret to maintaining the elasticity is to gently pat on products rather than to vigorously rub it on. The gentler you are with your skin, the better. 

1. SUNBLOCK 

Sunblock is the first essential item on the list. It protects your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun so if you're outdoors a lot, make sure to apply sunblock all over exposed areas. This will prevent the formation of dark spots (freckles) and premature skin aging. 

How to use:

Apply this after washing, toning, and moisturising your face. 

Favourite Sunblock: Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Water Base SPF 50

The holy grail of sunblocks in my opinion! It's not sticky and feels absolutely refreshing on the skin. This product is unfortunately not available in local department and beauty stores but you can get it online. 

Available in Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

2. EYE CREAM

The skin around your eyes is more delicate than your face is to your body. If you aren't careful when applying products around these areas, premature lines will start to appear. Avoid rubbing the area when applying products and also avoid scratching your eyes. 

Depending on your under-eye dilemma, you can research different kinds of eye creams that can help target your specific problem. For example, there are eye creams that target dark circles, eyebags, wrinkles, etc. For older ladies, products may need to be more potent so make sure you know what you're getting.

Also, don't assume that you're too young to place eye cream. I personally feel that the moment you start wearing makeup and the skin is exposed to the chemicals, it starts to age a bit faster than usual. During this time, I would suggest you get your skin care products ready to slow down the process. 

How to use:

Gently pat a little amount all over eye area after cleansing the face and applying toner.

Favourite Eye cream of the moment: Christian Breton Precious Gold Eye Cream

One of the most effective eye creams I've tried so far and I've actually tried quite a number. It gets rid of fine lines and plumps the skin up. 

3. ACNE TREATMENT CREAM 

For those who are prone to pimples because of genetically imposed oily skin or perhaps stress, acne treating creams can save the day. It will either prevent them or get rid of existing ones. If you have sensitive skin, I suggest consulting a dermatologist first to find out a suitable cream for your skin. Otherwise, it would be best to look for an acne treating cream with salicylic acid. The ingredient targets pimples and blasts them goodbye! 

How to use:

Simply place over area of concern and pat until the product is absorbed.

Favourite Acne Treatment Cream of the moment: Yves Rocher Pure System Blemish Lotion

II. MAKEUP

Now we move on to makeup must-haves for those who are beginning to build their personal makeup kits. In this segment, you can choose any of the items from the list that befits your personal taste. 

Choose the part/s of your face you'd like to enhance.

1. BROWS

I actually have the hardest time fixing my brows every morning. You can't just fill them in and expect it to work. Brows should be identical and shaped properly. Once it is, it can really bring structure to the face whether it's light or bold in colour. 

TIP: You can always have your brows professionally shaped and I would recommend you do so rather than shave it off yourself; most especially if you aren't used to that sort of thing. Brows can break your look if it's not done right. 

Simple brow shapes to avoid: The overly arched brow that looks like this ^ ^. As much as possible, stick to the natural curve of the brow and fill in sparse areas with brow powder, wax or a brow pencil. 

2. CONCEALER

Concealers are perfect for concealing dark circles, discolourations in the face, pimples, broken capillaries, etc. 

When choosing concealer, it's better to have someone there who can help check whether or not the colour is right for you. You can always ask for assistance and get cotton swabs to apply different shades of concealer on your jaw area. The colour that fades away and matches your skin would be your shade. Try swabbing 3 different colours that you think will match your skin tone. 

How to use:

Gently pat the product on the area of concern. You may also use a concealer brush for this.

TIP: To make your concealer last all day, top it off lightly with some powder. 

Favourite Concealer of the moment: Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer 

This concealer gives medium coverage and smells really great. It's creamy so it doesn't crack. Place under finishing powder and you're good to go.

3. BLUSH

Blush is a woman’s secret weapon. Applying blush will make you look instantly healthier and fresh. Just apply over the apples of your cheeks for a flushed appearance. Remember not to over apply otherwise you'll end up looking like you've got windburn. 

If you want to go the extra mile, you can also choose to apply an illuminator or highlighter on top for a dewy finish. 

4. EYE MAKEUP

Eye makeup consists of a variety of products. From eyeshadows, mascaras, eyeliners, to paint-pots, pigments, etc. All of these work to make the eyes stand out. However, for the purpose of this blog, I chose the most basic eye makeup products. You may choose whatever will suit your taste.

a) Eyeshadows: Choose neutral shades for a natural finish. You may even use eyeshadows with a little sparkle but avoid the chunky kind of glitter. 

There are several brands that sell individual eyeshadows and those that are already placed in a set (ex. MAC, Shu Uemura, Bobbi Brown). It’s up to you whether you’d like to create your own palette or simply purchase a ready made one. 

b) Eyeliner: There are different types of eyeliners available: Pencil, liquid, and gels. If you're a beginner then I suggest sticking to pencils first. You can even use eyeshadow as a liner if you’d like. It’s easy to apply and adjust. Just keep practicing with those before upgrading to liquids and gel liners. You'll need to master a stable hand to do so. 

Eyeliners can instantly give the appearance of fuller lashes especially when you tight-line  (lining the inner lash line) your eyes. This method will also make your eyes look more awake. 

c) Mascara: For those who are blessed with full and long lashes, you can choose to emphasise your eyes with this product alone. Mascara elongates and darkens the appearance of your lashes.

Note: Apply after curling your lashes.

And finally, to conclude, 

5. LIPS 

People naturally look at the lips when a person talks so it's important to make sure that yours is moisturised. Keep them from flaking with some lip balm and add colour with lip-stain, gloss, or lipstick. This will not only make you look more healthy but it will also prevent any discomfort from chapped lips. 

TIP: If you prefer wearing lipstick, choose one that has moisturising effects rather than a matte finish. Matte lipsticks make the lips look dry during the course of a day. 

I hope this helped you! 

BESOS,

Bambi xx