It’s that time of the week again! Whether you’re applying tinted moisturizer, liquid foundation or moisturizer, there is a tip to really get the most out of your product.
To get the most out of the dollop of product you squeezed out, instead of squeezing it onto the back of your hand, squeeze the product onto your palms. Take two fingers and really ‘mix’ the product in – the heat from your fingers will make the cosmetic more spreadable for a flawless finish, and you use less product. If, like me, you are a beast and like to slap on your makeup, rub the makeup gently between your palms and spread it all over your face. This also uses such a small amount of product it’s unbelievable – your products would last much longer!
How do you apply your products? Do you do anything special or do you just slap it on? ;)
Image: Bellazon
Unless you’ve found a foundation made from heaven, (this one comes pretty close, though) getting a perfectly smooth application straight from the pot is not the easiest. And if you’re not into brushes or using your finger tips to apply your foundation, you might want to take cue from makeup artists all around the world and use a tiny wedge cosmetic sponge. I’ve been told this is one of the easiest – and best – ways to apply foundation. (Anyone want to confirm this? I normally just like to use my fingers!) An even better way to get a truly smooth application, though, is this little secret: dampen the sponge.
Dampen your cosmetic sponge slightly and blend the foundation into your skin. This allows a smooth application and will brush over fine lines like a breeze. Allure Magazine also has a tip concerning a damp sponge, but is a slightly different method. Instead of applying the foundation directly with your damp sponge, apply your foundation before, then take the damp sponge and go over your face to smooth it out. “This removes any foundation that has settled into lines, and creates a soft finish.”
Either method works due to the sponge being slightly damp. Try it out and let me know what you think. But for those who have already tried this trick out, what do you think? Does it really make your foundation look smoother? I tried it out to “confirm” this beauty tip and it seems good to me! Do let me know your thoughts. :)
Image: Michael Thompson for Allure Magazine
Reader J posed a question to me recently asking how to achieve the glowing, luminous look A-listers sport on the red carpet. And although the stars have dermatologists and the whole works on speed dial, this luminous, glowing look is all thanks to makeup!
I like it when faces glow, something like pearl (not sparkles and glitters) and I’ve been trying to find the product which can help me to achieve this look. I found an article which refers to skin illuminators. By illuminating I mean pearl, not glitters or sparkles. Beyonce, JLo and Angelina Jolie have that kind of look. Something like a healthy and moisture look. Of course I always use moisturizers and I do everything my face needs, but I love this glowy look.
The article you read was right, J, they are called skin illuminators. Skin illuminators are quite self-explanatory: They are either liquid or powder based products that are meant to give your face that natural angelic glow. And don’t worry, they give a subtle glow without the tacky shimmer and glitter you were worried about! The lovely ladies above show off what skin illuminators can do perfectly.
How to Apply Skin Illuminators
Skin illuminators mostly come in liquid form, though there are a few powder and cream products. You can use skin illuminators in two ways. First, you can use it to highlight your features, so it ‘catches’ the light and appears more prominent. To use skin illuminators individually on your features, you can choose either a liquid, cream and powders illuminator and apply it to:
- your cheekbones
- down the bridge of your nose
- brow bones
- inner corners of your eye
- cupid’s bow
At each feature, ‘tap’ some of your illuminator and gently blend in so it looks natural.
However, if you want to use a skin illuminator for an all-over glow, you can squirt some liquid illuminator and mix it with your regular foundation and apply it all over your skin. Apply all over your face and remember to blend well around your hairline and jawline. (This only works with liquid illuminators, which is why they are so popular!)
Some Skin Illuminators to Try
Here are some skin illuminators in the market right now to get you started on your hunt. I haven’t personally tried any of these products, so I can’t fully recommend them. However, this list is based on recommendations from friends, research on best sellers and thru word-of-mouth. Hopefully it is a start, and as always, if you have any more recommendations, please do add them in the comments.
[read more…]
If you’re looking for a foundation that not only does it’s job (properly, that is) and is good for your skin, well… (pun intended) I think I may have found an option for you: W3LL People’s Narcissist Concealer and Foundation stick. In fact, I will go so much as to say I think I may have just found a gem of a product, ladies!
W3ll People is a supernatural mineral, organic makeup line created by Cosmetic Dermatologist Renee Synder, Makeup-artist and former NARS Corporate Leader Shirley Pinkson and Treehugger James Walker. What a team! With that being said, I like what I hear. (Plus … I have to support my fellow Renee. ;))
The Narcissist Concealer and Foundation Stick has plenty of benefits: first, it’s 100% toxic free and 100% natural. This means natural ingredients that don’t harm the skin, and you won’t find any nasty petrochemical, parabens, preservatives or phthalates. The stick also contains a mix of anti-oxidants such as organic green tea, reishi mushroom and pomegranate. And just to be even more ridiculous (in a good way), it also has oil absorbing silica to control shine, has an SPF 10 and nourishes the skin with organic sunflower oil and organic wild harvested bayberry….
I told you I found a gem.
Before I get to the review – can we please talk about the name ‘Narcissist’? Genius! I always said if I ever had a makeup line (that will never happen) I’d call it Narcissist or something along the lines. Love the name! Also, I love the fact that it’s organic – I mentioned that I’m using an organic loose power and really love it, and hoped to find an organic foundation as well, so I am really loving organic products – I know I’ll never get breakouts from them.
Though I’m not so much a fan of foundation so much right now, let’s be honest – I’d need all the help I can get when I’m older. Narcissist is a great alternative for those days when I may need a heavier coverage. It’s in a cream stick formula, so you know that the product is quite thick – no way will I be applying this straight to my face, unless I want a real ‘mask’ look. The best method I found to apply this as a foundation or concealer was to either use my fingers and ‘pat’ the product on, or a concealer or foundation brush. Also, a damp foundation wedge sponge would work really well. It is easy to apply and goes on smoothly.
Like I said above, a real gem of a product. The only ‘con’ I see is that it is US$38, but I’ll look past that as foundations these days cost the same, yet aren’t as good for your skin as this. Also, it’s a fairly big product and you don’t use a lot at one go, so I could see this lasting for years.
What do you think about organic and natural foundations? Do you use them? Do you find them to be better than ‘regular’ foundations? I sure do! :)
How many foundation ad campaigns have you seen like the one above? A ton, I presume – and all promising beautiful, clear, radiant skin. But then you try it on yourself and it looks a mess, doesn’t it? There are countless foundations on the market today, and the first step to finding a foundation you want is figuring out what type of foundation will suit your skin type and your preferences. (And before we start, if you don’t know your skin type, find out here.)
Sure; there are millions upon millions (OK, might be exaggerating a bit) different foundations formulas from airbrush, spray, wipe on, mineral, solid stick – but they are basically one of these three formulas:
Left to right: Compact/Pressed Foundation, Liquid Foundation, and Loose Powder.
Compact/Pressed Foundation
Said to be one of the heavier finishes, compact foundation (or pressed powder) used to have a bad rep as being too thick and full of talc like in the olden days – the heavier formula absorbs oil instantly and gives a heavier coverage, so some are a little hesitant!
However, today there are many different ingredients used that help skin look fresh, matte, smooth, and not heavy at all.
- Great for those with oily or combination skin.
- Covers large pores.
- Portable and convenient packaging for touch-ups.
- Absorbs oil instantly for quick touch ups during the day for busy women.
Liquid Foundations
The most popular formula, they range from sheer tints to heavier coverages. It’s easy to apply and the most hygienic packaging are pump bottles.
- Suits most skin types, but those with oily skin will have to top it off with powder.
- Oil free formulas will suit oily skin.
- Gives a slightly dewy look.
- Can be applied by sponges, brushes or your fingertips.
Loose Powder
Depending on your application (and layers), loose powder can be used sheer or heavy. Normally applied with a fluffy brush or kabuki brush – mineral makeup foundations are normally in loose powder formulas.
- Suitable for any skin type, but dry skin may need a liquid underneath.
- Instant oil absorption.
- Very matte finish, no shine at all.
What type of foundation do you use? I’m personally not a big fan (probably will be in the future though) so for now I’m still using a translucent loose powder base by Aubrey Organics most of the time, (review here) or Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer when extra coverage is needed. :)
Has anyone ever pointed out a physical feature and assume something about you? I remember being told never to trust a man with thin lips because they are cunning and manipulative – is that ridiculous or does it actually hold some truth?
Physiognomy (I can’t say it either), or face reading is pretty popular here – there are centers where you can get your face read to discover your ‘inner self’ or something along those lines. I’m pretty curious so I did my research and it’s extremely interesting… Let me know what you think!
Where this study came from is unknown (some say Greece, India, and China), and in the 19th Century Victorian times, face reading was practiced by criminologists with the assumption that certain facial features on someone may make them more prone to breaking the law! According to physiognomy, different parts of your face reveal different aspects of your character and personality. Some also believe any ‘complications’ that you are having on the face could show what’s going on internally, like the image above.
- Forehead: Your way of thinking
- Eyes: Shows insight on how open you are to life experiences
- Nose: Work and how you deal with money
- Mouth: How expressive you are
- Lips: How sensual you are
- Chin: Your level of assertiveness
- Ears: How you interact with others
Believe it or not – those with cosmetic surgery can count their ‘new’ feature as their own, as cosmetic surgery is believed to change your luck.
If I’m being very honest, with all due respect, I find this a bit silly, but none the less it is quite interesting and some are eerily correct! Grab a photo of yourself that is a frontal face shot (or look in the mirror as you read this) and see what your features tell you about yourself. They differ for men and women, so I have also added face reading for men so you can go an analyze your boyfriends too. :-P
Hair
- Said to be the measure of physical insulation and strength.
- Delicate, thin, silky hair shows a person who is sensitive in nature.
- Thick, coarse, wild hair shows a person who has physical and mental strength, and great resilience in life.
Head
- If the front part is straight, you are lucky.
- If it’s curved, you are lucky and will lead a very comfortable life.
- A round head shows a very unlucky person.
Forehead
- A wide forehead shows intelligence and practicality.
- A narrow forehead usually belongs to a worrier who needs to think things through many times over before coming to a conclusion.
- A high, rounded and deep forehead shows someone who places emphasis on friendships.
- A flat forehead shows a person who’s pragmatic by nature.
- An exagerrated forehead shows a dreamer.
- A long, broad forehead shows unluckiness.
- A high forehead shows good luck.
Ears
- Long, soft ears shows someone who will have a good, lucky, and comfortable life.
- Crooked, big, unequal and thin in size show unluckiness.
Eyebrows
- Bow-shaped brows with hair that is dark yet neither thin nor bushy shows a person of good luck and strong character.
- Straight eyebrows shows a person who is unlucky.
- Dark eyebrows that are curved over the eyelids shows a person who is lucky in life.
Eyes
- Large, extended eyes that shine show a woman who is lucky, domineering in nature, highly respected, and a leader.
- Small eyes that are dull, glommy, gray colore, round and slightly bent shows a woman who is shrewd and is not likely to rise in life.
- Dark and round shows a sexy woman.
- Drowsy, sleepy eyes shows a woman who loves men and has loose morals.
Mouth
- Lips tell us how we deal with relationships too.
- A mouth with a thinner upper lip than her lower lip shows an inability to reciprocate in relationships.
- A thinner lower lip than the upper lip shows someone who tends to give too much in a relationship.
- Small, tightly pursued lips are telling of a mean, self-centered person.
- Narrow lips shows an unemotional character.
- Large, full lips shows a person who is expressive, generous, and has a taste for all things rich and luxurious.
Nose
- A straight nose indicates a woman who is wise, witty and diligent.
- A small nose shows a cunning, shrewd, mischeivious and lustful.
- Wide, flaring nostrils show a woman who is lazy, strong headed, proud and found of a life of pleasure.
- A hook nose indicates a person of good nature who will enjoy some fame in life.
[read more…]
Sometimes, the occasion calls for a little bit more makeup than usual, which for some can include foundation. For example, I remember my mother and aunts would only bring out the foundation and red lipstick on special occasions, such as weddings or graduations.
This post is just a tutorial on how to get flawless looking skin thanks to makeup, whether it’s for a special occasion, or everyday.
1. Moisturizer
Soft, supple skin will allow your makeup to go on smoother and ‘melt’ into the skin, rather than just sitting on top and looking every fake.
Apply your moisturizer, (I love this one by Clinique) gently on skin and massage your skin in circular motions so your skin becomes warm and let it soak in for about 1 minute.
2. Primer
Personally I haven’t tried primers yet but my friends all rave about it so much (and I’ve also read so much about it!) that I feel like I should include it here! Primers even out your skin texture so your makeup applies smoothly. It also helps keep moisture in your skin and make your foundation last longer.
If you do use primer, apply a dime size portion of it on your face and apply it lightly with your fingertips.
[read more…]
Hello and welcome! 
Loading ...
