MUL appropriate for Office/work using all drugstore

Hello Everyone! Sharing my Everyday makeup look that i do for my office job :) Sometimes i switch it up a bit in terms of looks, lip colour or products but this is mostly it.

PRODUCTS USED:
COVER GIRL READY SET GORGEOUS FOUNDATION (305)
CHAPSTICK MINT
MAYBELLINE AGE REWIND BRIGHTENER
RIMMEL'S WAKE ME UP CONCEALER
RIMMEL BRONZER
MAYBELLINE BROW PRECISE SHAPING PENCIL (SOFT BROWN)
MAYBELLINE EYEBROWGEL (CLEAR)
MAYBELLINE EYE SHADOW QUAD (CHAI LATTE)
WET N WILD TRIO (SWEET AS CANDY)
COVERGIRL LASH BLAST MASCARA
LOREAL LINEUR INTENSE EYELINER
MILANI BLUSH (CORALINA)
MAYBELLINE LIPSTICK IN PARK PLAZA
NYX BUTTER GLOSS (TIRAMISU)



CHECK THE VIDEO :

https://youtu.be/yI9eDSCEP7Q

HAC: Highlight and Contour

Check out my video here---->  HAC: HIGHLIGHT and CONTOUR VIDEO

CONTOUR:
We aim for The "Ideal Face shape" which is oval.
Since I have a round face and small forehead, I focused more on the hollows of my cheeks to slenderize, not too much on the forehead.

For long lasting results/ some hard contour, do a cream contour first then buff it out and set it with a matte bronzer. For everyday, I only use powder for a lighter look.

HIGHLIGHT:
 For that lifted and brightened face look, highlight the inner part of your face & conceal by doing a triangle shape under the eyes. To balance, highlight cupid's bow and middle of forehead and nose.
Add a little bit of shimmer at the top of the cheekbones to give dimension and shimmer to the face.


Products used:
- Covergirl stick concealer (darkest shade)
- Too Faced Soleil Matte Chocolate Bronzer in Medium to deep
- NARS radiant creamy concealer in custard
- MAC mineralize skin finish- soft and gentle highlight

Brushes:
- Tarte Slenderizer Bamboo contour brush (cream)
- NARS Ita brush (powder)
- Crown small stippling brush (highlight)

Review: Origins Trio

I've been wanting to try the DrinkUp Intensive Overnight Mask and the Charcoal Mask for the longest time. Since i can't justify spending full price on tubes that i am not sure will work, i've been holding it off. As soon as i saw this mini trio in Sephora, it was the perfect time to try all 3:)

Each mask can be used at least 4 times before the tubes are out. retails to about $15-20 i think.

Charcoal Mask Overall: 4/5
Packaging: I wish it came with a different cap ( id prefer just like the caps on toothpastes). it can messy.
Quality: Surprisingly kind to my eyes. didn't leave that burning/stinging feeling that i got with Glamglow's & other face masks. I can definitely see if its ready to be washed. didn't leave an over drying feeling as well. Although i only see a teeny difference on my skin, it did wash out all the roughness around my nose.
Smell: No overwhelming scent on this.--smells very spa-ish.

10 Minute Mask Overall: 3/5
Quality: Its good but not amazing. Perfect for when your skin needs a pick me up or when you are breaking out. Similar to the charcoal mask but difference in colour obviously. It did leave a film after i washed it. Not that much of a difference except it calmed the redness of my face. typical mask

Overnight Mask: 5/5
Quality: This was my favourite out of all 3. I use this once or twice a week and i must say it made a big difference on my skin. Quite noticeable when i wake up every morning. For some reason, i don't feel oily nor greasy. (it helped control my oily face overnight). its lightweight & easy to apply. i loved the scent on this one--very spa-ish.

Sunset kiss

Dont you just love sunsets? As much as i would want to incorporate all the possible colors, i wanted it to be a wearable look and worked with only 2 colors from Urban decay's electric palette.

Face:

Rimmel's wake me up foundation

Mac's pro longwear concealer

Smashbox bronze lights in suntan matte

Tarte 's amazonian clay (from holiday palette)

Dior AMber lights

Anastasia dip brow pomade

Eyes:

Loreal voluminous mascara

Mac's fluid line

Urban decay's slow burn and freak

Elf eyelashes

Nars larger than life nude eyeliner

Duo lash glue

Lips: mac's peachstock, strange potion and vegas volt to add dimension

=)

Electric Blue

I really really LOVE this particular shade of blue and wanted to incorporate it in my daily routine without being too much. Subtle yet a pop of colour.. Spiced  up todays look 's by using SEPHORA's waterproof eyeliner in pool party and blue Mascara. =)

FACE:

Anastasia's dip brow pomade in dark brown

MAC's prolong wear concealer

MAC's studio fix foundation

Too Faced chocolaté soleil bronzer in deep

MAC's plum foolery blush

MAC's cream colour base in diamonds (riri-limited ed)

EYES:

NAKED basics : wos, foxy and faint

SEPHORA's eyeliner poolparty and blue mascara

MAC's fluid line black

LIPS:

Maybelline's colorsensational nude lust

How to: Eyebrows

Eyebrows shape your face, so its important not to miss this out on your makeup routine!
1) Outline
2) Fill in starting from the middle of your brows then work your way towards your nose.
3) brush with a spooley to make them look natural
4) set it with clear gel.

=)

Click on the video down below!

How to Eyebrows Video

Maleficent (Angelina Jolie inspired) Makeup look

Perfume + Macarons

Can i just live in Paris? The food, culture, places, makeup and the fashion… *sigh* I rarely buy/like perfumes… besides my viva la juicy & Pink Sugar, i go with my regular body sprays. When the lady at the Sephora counter sprayed this, i fell in love! My perfect scent and instantly reminded me of Paris as well. One of their newest in the line, i went ahead and got it :S Also, i hauled some makeup stuff to update my beauty box especially for the upcoming months (wedding season!)

Been loving these lip pies so far!Rich, pigmented but not heavy nor sticky. =)

 

*sigh*

Urban Decay's Electric Palette

SOME CALL IT TOO MUCH MAKEUP, I CALL IT ART =)

I had so much fun playing around with the latest palette from Urban Decay! Ahh the bright colours perfect for spring and summer.
I'm really surprised that even though its Matte, doesn't appear chalky at all…Good job Urban Decay! Although i kind of wish they added a matte black eyeshadow  or at least a 24/7 eyeliner instead of the brush. I can think of doing soooo many looks out of this palette!

 I did 2 looks for now :P pretty wearable…or at least for me it is
1) Fun, bright one for day time
2) Sultry for night time

DAY look
Colours used:
Lid: Thrash
Crease: Urban, Savage and Slowburn
Outer V/half: Chaos (my fave!)

Night look

Colours used:

Upper and lower lids: Chaos

crease: a little bit of my bronzer to warm up the look and slowburn (upper crease)

Makeup Brushes: Cheap vs. Expensive. Worth Spending?

DOES IT EVEN MATTER?

 Brushes are key to a perfect makeup look. You use the same brushes All the time, again and again regardless of what kind of makeup you use. To me, it's worth investing on good quality of brushes. Is it worth spending so much though? Yes and No. You have to shop smart for amazing brushes, (of course patience too) and a lot of research in finding ones with great value. Feel free to have an array of different brands in your collection, not just stick to one brand.

1) Expensive brushes does not necessarily mean high quality.

- Some brands jack up their price WAY to high. For instance, MAC, CHANEL and other high-end brands. Not saying they're not good, its just for the price, its TOO much. I never pay more than $15 surplus. 

Although- I will mention that MAC brushes do last a very long time. I purchased my first MAC makeup brush about 6 years ago and have been doing makeup professionally for over 4 years. It is still in near perfect condition, and it rarely sheds given the fact i wash my brushes like crazy. But is this justification for spending over $40 on? No. 

2) Cheap/drugstore brushes does not necessarily mean poor quality.

- I remember in Makeup school, we had to purchase brushes. We had the same ones… 20 brushes for like 20$. They were the crappiest! Even though i had the greatest shadows or creams, makeup application did not turn so great. (i still passed though ;P) I have tried a ton of brushes over the years. I got lucky on some. Shedding and colour coming off when you wash 'em bother me the most!

I am confident to say: ECOTOOLS, sigma brushes, real techniques and Sonia Kashuk brushes are good ones for the price…in overall brushes. They are comparable to the high-end ones and keeps your wallet happy :) But also,

3) Every brand share their own good and bad products.

- OF COURSE! Again, for starters who are just learning/experimenting with makeup, try cheap ones first. like ELF. Eye shadow brushes are okay for $1 each. As for me, since i use it often with clients that require a lot more maintenance and cleaning, my elf brushes are dunzo after a couple of washes. Not all in MAC are at its best, same with in expensive ones.

I do have a couple of faves:

MAC's eye shader brush

MAC's 

Sigma's crease brush

Sigma's soft dome brush

Eco tool's blush brush/ powered brush and kabuki brush

Real techniques foundation brush

4) You do not have to have Millions of brushes. Less is More. Quality over quantity.

-  I would rather have a few GOOD ones. Do you really need 10 eyeshadow brushes? No. Stick to your staples. (Yes, you can live and do a full makeup look with only 10 brushes----separate post on these) :) , Brushes have MULTIPLE functions as well. There are no rules on these.



:)

Simple makeup wipes

Like is an understatement for these wippies. I've been using this for a couple of months now... Which is safe for me to do a review already.

I used to use the neutrogena one and i dont like how it stings my eyes and felt so greasy. Although it took off my makeup well, my skin wasnt really liking the after feel.

Funny how i stumbled upon these accidentally, it was the only one available in a drugstore i went to. Since i needed one asap (was going to work out and if i dont take out my makeup, i will breakout in a sec) i had a "no choice but to buy" kind of scenario..

I ended up loving this!

These are the only wipes that does'nt irritate/sting my eyes, cuts or pimples, i feel fresh after, bearable not to even wash my face after, perfect for taking out even the most waterproof-est mascara, perfect for sensitive skin, No strong scent and its super cheap! (Around 6$ depends on where you get them) 

I rarely stick to products like HG, But besides my stila liquid liner, these wipes are up there for sure! 

Makeup/toiletries travel bags

What is in your makeup/toiletries bag?
I normally pack lighter, makeup wise but i was packing for an event ( i had a wedding to go to and was out of city for 3 days). I wanted to make sure that i packed EVERYTHING i could possibly need.
soo here's mine. whats in yours?

(L-R) sephora wide tooth comb, sonia kaschuk brush, simple cleanser, toner & moisturizer, tresemme shampoo, conditioner and dove soap, tresemme dry shampoo and hairspray, my contacts sol, nail polish remover pads, tootpaste and toothbrush, tissue paper, b&bw's country chic lotion, pads, shaving cream,

contacts case, shaver,ties and bobby pins, simple facial wipes, sleeping mask, bioderma and deodorant.

I like how it comes with a hook! i dont wear lashes on an everyday basis but since i was going to attend a wedding, i brought a couple :) just my daily makeup essentials. :)

all packed and ready to go!:D

xo,

Denise

Mascara tip

Mascara drying out? As long its not over 3 months, you can extend the life/use on your mascaras! how? <strong>3 drops of (unexpired of course) EYEDROPS! VIOLA! new mascara! :)

Spotlight: SIGMAX brushes

I've had these brushes for over 2 months now and I just forgot to make a post about it. Better late than never! These brusehes seriously deserve 5 stars:) Wanted to give SIGMAX BRUSHES a try...and I like it a lot. My foundation and concealer goes on so smoothly! Especially for the P86 Precision Tapered, I use it to the hard to reach areas. (under the eye and on the sides on my nose)

here are my uses for these 2

P86: Precision tapered
-  As a concealer brush under the eyes
-  To put cream eye shadows/ painterly paint pots
-  cover redness on crease/side of my nose, my chin and around the mouth

* I really like how its tapered and concealer application at its best !

F80 Flat kabuki
- foundation
- blush
- powder
- bronzer for contouring

* its dense and flat head that makes it super easy to buff foundation or powder on your face.


I'm actually thinking of getting the whole kit of SIGMAX brushes. I really think they're worth it. The price for the quality it possess... amaze balls!

try them out!

xo,
Denise

Sunscreen

I must admit, i did not apply sunscreen on an everyday basis until i saw this picture.. This is a 69 year old man who suffers from dermatoheliosis but only one side of his face. Apparently, he has been a truck driver for 28 years and only caught the sun's rays on the left side of his face through the truck window.

SERIOUSLY PEOPLE. sunscreen!!! This is one of the things we don't really consider important because we dont see the effects right away...over time, our skin would thank us...

***Image and info from perezhilton.com

Bridal Makeup.

        She was one of the prettiest, simplest brides I've done yet turned out to be so gorgeous!!

When i was in Cosmetics school, i remember my instructor stressing the point that bridal makeup  should be CLASSIC and TIMELESS. 30 years from now, would you still love the makeup done?! Would you still look normal? Or would you cringe seeing yourself with hot pink lips? I have encountered brides who wanted "more"...because they have this thinking that the more and heavier makeup aka smokey or dark lips would be appropriate for a wedding... Personally, i prefer LESS. I would not want her face to look cake-y nor too done up. I'm all about the enhancing what every bride has...BEAUTY!

Here are my 2 cents on Bridal Makeup:

1)  Good foundations and concealers are KEY! without a good canvas/base to work on, how will your eyeshadow, blush and everything else look good? But before that, an awesome skincare routing is a must!

2) Waterproof everything. Mascara and eyelash glue most especially. Seriously. i can not even stress how important using long lasting makeup/waterproof products on brides.
If your brides have oily skin, use a setting spray and primer!

3) Soft Brown Smokey eyes are preferred. Suits everyone and looks natural. You can build it up towards the end of the night for an evening look....black is too heavy.

4) Natural looking eyelashes. Brides think its "too much" and "they wouldn't look themselves"...it actually just accentuates your look a little more. It looks awesome on pictures!

5) Lipsticks. Not lipgloss. i prefer just lipsticks with a little bit of gloss in the middle of your lips to make it fuller. Its a no no to oily looking and sticky lips!


xo,
Denise

Mani Monday: Nail cream

How do you keep your hands hydrated?

First post for Mani Monday. I forgot to add this to my May favorites but I have been using this since the start of May! Hands down the BEST hand cream I have ever used! overall thoughts:

-Non-sticky/not greasy at all.
-subtle smell of oranges, which I love... not so over powering like bath and body works lotions
- big difference when it came to my cuticles.
-little goes a long way

my hands overall look hydrated and soft, without feeling greasy.
Although it costs a couple more dollars than a regular lotion/hand cream, its all worth it. I can never go back to cheap-y ones. I've applied this everytime I washed my hands for the past month and ive only consumed only a quarter

15$ in Sephora.

"CAUDALIE
Hand and nail cream
Formula highly concentrated in patented anti-oxidant grape seed polyphenols, vinolevure, fair trade of shea butter, grape-seed oil, avocado, plant glycerin, sweet orange. leaves no greasy film
No parabens
No Phenoxyyethanol"

8

May monthly stars

1) Uniq One
- I really dont do a lot of reviews or have favourites when it comes to hair products but this stuff is amazing!!!!!! I have been using it for about 3 months consistently though and i could see fast, visible results! This was recommended by my hair stylist. i was actually skeptical at first because i have tried hundreds of hair products...but i gave it a shot. AMAZING!! this is what it claims :repair for dry and damaged hair, shine and frizz control, heath protection, silkiness and smoothness, hair color protection, easier brushing  and ironing, incredible detangling, long lasting hairstyle, split ends prevention and adds body)----- i give it a 8/10 :) plus it smells good! a lil spritz is all you need after washing your hair. Would definitely repurchase.

2) Olay fresh effects moisturizer
- With very oily skin, i was looking for a moisturizer that didn't seem heavy or sticky or oily. this stuff is okay. its a satin finish, pretty light , which i wanted especially for a day moisturizer. smells good too! once applied, it actually feels like a balm...it moisturizes your skin and itstantly disappears...satin-y, silky finish. i give it a 7/10. i would repurchase but not for now...would want to try different moisturizers once i'm finished with this.

3) NYX's beige
- Its not exactly "beige" or nude, but its a perfect baby pink, natural-looking gloss. its inexpensive, tastes/smells so good and non-sticky.. (thats my #1 when it comes to lip glosses). i could basically wear it with anything! i love nyx lip glosses in general and this is one of them. Easy to apply, loving the applicator, handy and many more! i give it a 8/10.

4) UD's de slick
- This is a must have for people who have oily skin. Just bought  this last month and its amazing. I could definitely tell a difference on my skin when i use this. it keeps my make up in place throughout the day and when i blot, it doesn't produce much oil as to when i dont use it. definitely a staple in my makeup routine. 9/10.

5) Maybelline Falsies mascara (waterproof)
- My all time fav. mascara! always a favourite. loved the applicator, the formula, the staying power, how it volumizes and separates my lashes. 8/10 for me!

6) Stila waterproof liquid liner
- Another all time fav. love how its a pen, so easy to use, easier , lazier way actually to  create sharp lines aka cat eyes, i love how its so handy and lasts really long! (mine was at least 6-8 months of use everyday) worth every penny!..and its waterproof, doesnt budge/smudge after long hours at work, gym etc. love love! 9/10.

7) Nars duo (oragasm/laguna)
- I ve had this for such a long time but its been just this month i used it consistently..I actually love the LAGUNA bronzer! used it for countouring this month. Although it fades in a couple of hours, i love how its perfect for my skin tone. i can build it up, tone it down etc. 7/10.

8) Dove's dry shampoo
- Finally a dry shampoo that works! Decided to give this a try and amazing! It gives volume, i love how it sprays, smells good (but too strong though), its cheap (6.99$), doesnt leave a white residue. I have used the  tresemme....and its nothing compared to this! close to batiste but this is better... Still looking for that perfect dry shampoo but this still works..especially compared to other brands 8/10.

9) MUFE cover concealer
- I originally thought of buying this for under my eyes.. i thought that having it drier compared to eye concealers, my search for the perfect one is solved...but this works better on your face to cover up hyper pigmentation, pimples. having oily skin, this does the job of covering my pimples/scars at the same time lasts long. its thick, waterproof and a little goes a long way! For the face though, not for under the eyes. (too dry). 8/10.

10) Naked basics and Naked palette original
- May has been one of the hectic months and most of my work days, id rather sleep in and use that extra 20 mins of getting ready than putting my make up on. hence i wake up late and i have 5 mins of makeup time. This palette saved me so much! one sweep, easy to work with and so natural! love it! having me not look oh so tired and the same time polished and decent. For days that i can prep and spend a little more time with fixing myself, Naked palette is the one that i grab. versatile, mix and match goes with anything. always a fav! i give these babies a 9/10!

11) Dior amber lights
- eyeshadow.highlighter.blush. love the versatility of this! worth every penny! amazing colours. just so different and perfect highlighter day-night. You can build it up, tone it down depends on what kind of look youre going for. It difinitely gives you a candlelit effect.  9/10.

12) Maybelline Rocket Mascara
- when i first got this, i didnt like it at ALL. i thought it was too wet, didnt do what it claimed and it was just an imitation of covergirl's lashblast. actually the more i used it, i grew out of it and kinda sorta liked it. i got the non-waterproof one and its pretty good staying up. although im having a hard time with the brush on my lower lashes. this does volumize. it does the job . 7/10

and those are my favourites for the month of MAY. will they cut it for the month June?? We'll see :P

Lorac

Love this palette! It has both matte and shimmery shadows. Again, versatility, pigmentation and how easy to travel with!

NAKED line

Who does not own any of the NAKED palettes from Urban decay? If you don't, then you're missing out... A lot.

These palettes are one of the best palettes (overall) in my opinion. Whether its versatility of looks and colors, its pigmentation is amazing, longetivity and packaging as well.

in depth Reviews for each: to follow! :)