Haul: Too Cool For School

Another Korean beauty brand to try! 

Too Cool for School is the latest Korean beauty craze to land in Manila. Their products target teenagers to young adults with their fun packaging and high quality ingredients. What sets them apart from other Korean labels is their modest selection of beauty care as compared to the over abundance seen in most beauty stores. With this simpler selection, beauty beginners will surely have an easier time picking out products. Who could possibly resist? 

Out of the lot, I specifically chose three I considered to be staples for beauty beginners. These consist of two skin care products: the Egg Mousse Pack and the McGirly Perfecter - both use age-old natural beauty ingredients like egg and rice wine - and lastly, the After School BB Lunch Box which I used on the above photo. 

GENERAL PACKAGING

Out of the Korean brands I’ve encountered, Too Cool For School really makes it to the top of my list for beautiful packaging. The brand collaborates with different artists to create eye-catching designs that are tumblr and blogger worthy. Even the illustration on their loyalty card was collaborated by artist, Anke Weckmann. 

I won’t lie, the packaging was actually what drew me to the kiosk (located at 2nd floor SM Megamall Fashion Forum) in the first place. 

There’s one thing I would hope to suggest though…if anyone from Too Cool For School is reading this, please include English translations of the product description. As a person who looks into details, it was difficult for me to fully rely on what the in-house sales ladies were telling me about each product. I found their answers to my questions a little vague and generalised, so I had to do further research on my own. But, other than that, I think the packaging was really well thought out. Everything is made out of high quality materials and others exhibited dual functions for convenience.

PRODUCT REVIEW

I. Egg Mousse Pack  

The Egg Mousse Pack is a facial cleanser mask that uses egg yolk and albumin extract as active ingredients. Egg yolk is filled with Vitamins A, B2, and B3, Zinc and Protein. All of which aid in beautifying the skin, at the same time treats conditions such as inflammation, acne, dryness and itchiness. It also helps with slowing down skin ageing by repairing the skin’s tissues and promoting its elasticity. 

The egg albumin or egg white, on the other hand, contains Protein, Magnesium, Potassium, and Riboflavin. These mostly help with tightening, hydrating, and repairing the skin. It is also known to control oil excretion. 

What it does:

• Whitens
• Moisturises
• Smoothens
• Cleanses

This product is absolutely fun to use, with it’s thick, rich foam and delightful packaging. It’s easily becoming a favourite. Unlike a normal facial cleanser, this one needs to be left on to be absorbed by the skin before washing it off. I’ve been using it for a week now and so far it effectively cleanses and whitens, tightens my pores, and my skin feels so much smoother than normal. I also find that even without placing moisturiser after cleansing my face, my skin still feels soft and hydrated. It’s not extremely moisturising but it’s not drying as well.  

How to use:

Apply a sufficient amount all over the face and neck in a massaging motion then leave on until it is absorbed by the skin. Rinse off afterwards with lukewarm water.

Packaging:

The packaging comes in a high quality pump bottle so it’s not only hygienic but you won’t have to worry about the container leaking or breaking if you place it in your bag.

Price: P665.00

*This product contains fragrance. Those with sensitive skin are advised to consult with a dermatologist before using the product.

II. McGirly Perfecter 

The McGirly Perfecter Rice Wine Secret is part of the McGirly skin care collection. It’s actually a serum that contains the extract of yeast fermentation made from pottery brewed Makgeolli. 

*Makgeolli is an alcoholic drink from Korea made from wheat and rice. 

Rice Wines like Makgeolli are known to have several beautifying benefits with the abundant presence of nutrients, amino acids, yeast, Adenosine, Niacinamide, etc. 

What it does:

• Brightens the skin
• Fights wrinkles
• Makes skin more firm  

The McGirly Perfecter feels very light on the skin. It’s not sticky and is absorbed very quickly. I use this for day and night along with other skin care products that I’m loving at the moment. So far, my skin feels very soft and supple. 

How to use:

Just like any serum, use after cleansing the face and placing toner. Two pumps of the product are usually enough for the entire face and neck. Use patting motion to apply.

Packaging: 

I was actually more interested in the packaging when I came across this product. It comes in a ceramic like bottle with a pump for the serum and a wooden cap. Might not be too convenient to lug around but it’s pleasing to the eye. 

Price: P1,129.00

III. After School BB Lunch Box (Mini Size)  

The After School BB Cream comes in two forms, one is matte and the other, dewy. My skin type is quite dry so I chose the dewy version. They also have a regular sized bottle but I got the smaller version for trial purposes. 

What I like about the mini sized packaging is how travel friendly it is. You can use it almost anywhere and the spot precision is amazing. I first tried it on the way to the airport and I had the easiest time putting it on in the car. It’s very light weight and gives you just enough dew without making you look oily. The product is also easy to blend while giving a medium to light coverage. 

My only problem with this product is that it’s a little lighter than my skin tone. It has a more greyish undertone than a yellow one (and I’m pretty yellow). Although, I did notice that after a few minutes the colour seemed to adjust. I’m not sure if that’s how it really works or not. One thing’s for certain, I don’t recommend this product for ladies with darker skin tones. 

Note: This product will not last very long…probably a week or so depending on how much you use. You can opt to buy the regular sized bottle for P989.00.

How to use:

A little goes a long way. Simply place a tiny amount on forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin then spread evenly with a foundation brush, beauty blender, or fingers.

Pros

• Really nice dewy/ lightweight finish
• Spot precision application
• Travel friendly 
• Easy to blend
• Convenient size and weight
• Adorable packaging

Cons

• No other colour range to choose from, they only have 2 shades and both don’t even have the same formulation (matte/dewy). 

Price (mini): P219.00

Quick Makeup Routine For Ladies Who Are Always On The Go

CHOOSE YOUR LOOK

Different women have different preferences so I made a choose-your-own-adventure type of list here today on different looks you can use to emphasise the facial feature you like to project most. 

I. EYE EMPHASIS

For the woman on the go who lets her eyes do the talking, you can choose among numerous products that are quick and easy to apply, such as...

Eyelash Curler and Mascara 

The quickest way to accentuate the eyes is to play with your lashes. Simply curl them in 3 easy steps then apply your favourite mascara and you’re ready to walk out the door. 

Eyeshadow Cream 

You can find inexpensive, quality eyeshadow creams at Yves Rocher. They’re fantastically easy to use. Just a little swipe on the lid and smudge with your finger to create the fastest smokey eye ever. They come in different shades too and can work as a base for eyeshadows. 

Eyeliners 

Eyeliners can be a little tricky for some people but for those who are used to these babies, it can be all you need to make your look. 

There are many ways to use eyeliner. For example, you can use it to line the top of your lashes and you’re good to go. 

You can also use it to line your water line and that’s fine too. 

You can also smudge the liner to create an instant smokey eye.

II. LIP AND CHEEK EMPHASIS

Get the healthy flush look with just one product, either choose a lipstick or a lip and cheek tint. Both work the same. Apply the product on your lips then rub the tiniest bit on your cheeks for an instant blush. You’ll immediately look more healthy and blooming. 

III. SKIN EMPHASIS

For those who just need to even out the skin tone you can choose a tinted moisturiser, your favourite foundation, BB cream, or CC cream depending on how much coverage you want. If you live in hotter climates then top off with a teensy bit of powder to set.

IV. BROW EMPHASIS

I know a lot of women who won't leave their houses without fixing their brows and sometimes that’s actually all they need. 

If you already have a fair amount of brow hair then you can live with just using brow gel to complete your look. It tidies up your brows and fills in sparse spots. You can also choose a brow pencil, powder and wax to fill in sparse areas. 

If you just want to tidy up the brow without colour then you can get clear brow gels or clear mascaras to do the trick. 

For those with absolutely no brows you can use brow pencils or even have them tattooed, revived, and what not. Then, you won’t need to worry about fixing your brows anymore.  

You can mix and match any of the looks above to make your own unique look. These techniques are quick and easy to do so you don't have to worry about wasting time to look great!  

Have fun!

Bambi xx

Top 10 Tools Every Makeup Artist Needs In Their Kit

When I studied makeup artistry at Makeup Design Academy, one of the lessons that resonated throughout the entire program was on the importance of cleanliness; keeping your station clean, keeping your tools clean, and most importantly, keeping your makeup clean.

The reason for such an emphasis is to:

a) Protect the client from any skin condition they may acquire from dirty makeup.

b) Protect the makeup artist from a possible lawsuit - When a client gets a skin infection or eye infection due to unclean tools. 

In the US for example, clients can sue a makeup artist if they suddenly get an eye infection due to dirty brushes or expired makeup. This practice, however, doesn't apply in the Philippine setting because there is still no makeup artist licensing institution in the country making it useless to sue. But, that doesn’t mean that local makeup artists shouldn’t practice proper hygiene protocol. 

Note: Sometimes, the infections are caused by allergic reactions to makeup so always ask your client beforehand if he/she is allergic to anything and make sure to avoid products that contain such ingredients.

c) Professionalism - Every great artist keeps his tools clean. It's a practice of discipline in art.  

With that said, here are the top ten tools that every makeup artist needs in their kit to ensure proper hygiene is observed.

1. Spatula - picks up makeup such as cream foundation, powders, skin care gels, lipsticks, etc. and for mixing purposes. It ensures that you don’t dip your makeup brushes directly on the product which can cause bacteria growth. Most especially when your brushes have been used. 

Available at Suesh (Greenhills, SM Megamall, Trinoma, Glorietta 5)

2. Mixing plate - Whatever product you pick up with your spatula goes on the mixing plate. It is also for the purpose of mixing shades of foundation or colours from lipstick, etc. 

Available at Suesh (Greenhills, SM Megamall, Trinoma, Glorietta 5)

3. Disposable mascara wands - Never ever use the wand from your mascara for the client. Mascara can be a breeding ground for bacteria growth. Use disposable wands to make sure your mascara stays clean and your clients don’t get eye infections.

Available at Suesh (Greenhills, SM Megamall, Trinoma, Glorietta 5)

Tip: Don’t pump your mascara when you use it because pumping brings in air causing the product to dry quickly. Instead, use a twist motion, especially when closing your mascara tube. 

4. Brush Cleaner - If you have more than one client, make sure to clean your brushes before using it on the next person. This is if you don’t have more than one set of brushes. 

Available at Suesh (Greenhills, SM Megamall, Trinoma, Glorietta 5)

5. Makeup Cleaner - Before you apply makeup on your client, make sure to clean your makeup using a hygiene spray just like Beauty So Clean before and after using the products. 

Available at Makeup Design Academy (Robinsons Galleria and Mother Ignacia Quezon City)

6. Cotton pads - Cotton pads are needed to remove any makeup the client has on before starting your makeup application. 

7. Cup - To place all used makeup brushes into. 

8. Paper bag/Trash Bin - This comes in handy all the time when I’m doing a client’s makeup. All the used tissues, cotton pads, disposable wands go into the paper bag immediately when done. This keeps your station clean and organised. 

9. Tissue - A must have. To clean in between use of spatula and mixing plate among other uses.

10. Alcohol - To clean spatula and mixing plate. Also, use on hands before and after a session with the client.