Fun under the sun

As requested by my mentor/writer/fellow MegGurl, Veronica Inoturan, I'm going to show how to survive wearing makeup under the heat of summer. I'm sure we all are very much drained by energy nowadays because of the intense sun rays. Even though it's hot, there is always a way to look good  without sacrificing how you look.

Best thing to avoid is actually any liquid foundation or, yes, even the beloved BB Cream. It really tends to melt off. Trust me, I've been testing out my EH BB Cream and even though it does state that it's good for outdoor activities in the sun, sadly it can only take so much. 

Hence my surprise when I used the Pond's Pinkish White Day Cream. Cream tends to melt off but on the contrary, this one stays. I don't use it because it actually lightens my skin (I don't think it does anyways) but at least it makes me less oilier than usual. I also love the facial wash because it's perfect for my skin type as it totally cleanses my face and gets rid of excess oil (always good to have a good skin routine before adding the makeup ;). Going back to the Pond's Day Cream, it actually mattifies my skin and I'm very satisfied with it and I've been using it religiously since I came here back in 2001.

As you can see above, my items are really simple. I also like to use e.l.f Two Way Cake Foundation  on top of my facial Cream because it eliminates shine and makes my skin even. Powder foundation is the way to go now as the weather is so hot. Still, you have to do retouches and also use blotting paper or plain tissue will do.

For the lips, I don't really recommend using lip gloss for example because it makes your lips really sticky. Best way to go for me is the Nivea Lip care stick as it gives me just enough moisture and color and it doesn't dry my lips.

For the eyeshadow, I do suggest you use a primer so that the eyeshadow stays put. I hid my Urban Decay Primer Potion (it's totally divine) in the background because you can clearly see it has been used so many times. You'll be amazed at how long your eyeshadow stays put so make sure that what you do is right as it is hard to correct it afterwards.

So to summarize it all:

Do's

Use a good facial moisturizer so that it stays put or even choose a tinted moisturizer.

For a finish, do use Pressed Powder as it stays longer and lessens shine.

Remember to blot with a blotting paper. 

Use a lip care balm for the lips. 

One thing I have not mentioned is that you can also get a Face primer to set the makeup and make it last longer.

Wash your face and then redo your makeup instead.

Powder blush is the way to go.
Use less makeup than usual.
Use waterproof mascara and eyeliner

 Dont's

 Avoid any liquid foundation or facial lotion as it will most likely make you look like a drenched cat as the day goes on.

You shouldn't use lip gloss for example as it makes your lips sticky and awkward.
Don't use a mousse blush on as it won't last long in the hot climate.
Use pencil eyeliner as it will smudge off.
Don't wear lipstick as they have a tendency to melt in hot weather.

Just additional advice, go for a bronzed look as it turns you into a sun kissed goddess in the hot weather. 

Last advice is to go for mineral makeup and always think less is more!

If you have any suggestions or would like to add anything yourselves, then be my guest. By all means. Hope this helps though :)

My beloved brushes

I've noticed people have been asking me about what brushes I use and which ones I prefer. Well, since I'm only starting out, I decided to invest in an inexpensive set as I am only experimenting for now. I did my research and finally I decided to get my hands on the e.l.f. 11 pc. Studio brush set. I was so excited because it's inexpensive and their brushes are pretty much decent. 

I got this set from ebay and you can also get them here

as I have yet to see them in their stalls. Let me know if you've seen them because I need to get another for my giveaway. :)

Above is the box and it looked nice to me as this is my first brush set. I've heard it's not good to buy sets, but I need one for practice. Below is a picture of how it looks opened. There is still spaces left for additional brushes. I'm very much pleased about the casing as it is waterproof as well. I'm sure it's not totally waterproof but somehow is fine by me. :)

This is my favorite brush in the line, the Powder Brush. It is soft to the touch and it doesn't make me wanna itch. It gives me a pretty even finish. I usually use it for my pressed powder as I just add liquid foundation with my bare hands. Doesn't feel right if I use a brush. 

This is the complexion brush which comes 2nd in line to my Powder brush. My main use for this one is for my blush on actually as I find the size perfect for my cheeks and it gives a natural blush finish.

 

Below is the Blush Brush. To be honest, I don't really use this one that much as I find the size too small for its purpose. 

 

I'm not a fan of brushes to put on liquid foundation because I feel that it gives a streaky application. This Angled foundation brush is sadly not an exception. I don't use this one that much either.

 

This is also one of my favorites in the line, Fan brush. Actually this fan brush is rather sparse but maybe that's okay so it won't leave any traces when I use it. I use this one predominantly underneath my eyes to take away any fallouts from my eyeshadow. A few brush sweeps and I don't see any fallouts.

 

My favorite for Eyeshadow, Contour Brush. I use this one actually as a blender for my eyeshadows. It really picks up the eyeshadow very well.

 

From L-R

Concealer brush - I use this one to blend my eyeshadow at the upper lid.

Small angled brush - This one I use when I want to be precise with my eyeshadow C-line.

Small Smudge Brush - I use it to blend out my eyeliner pen. 

Small precision brush -  This one I use for more precise strokes like adding eyeshadow to my upper and lower lines on my eyes.

Yes, I guess by now you have noticed that there is actually one brush missing and it is the C Brush. I must have left one at our family house as I can't find it anywhere. I did a makeover on my mom! :) It's a nice brush actually and I use it for blending my eyeshadow.

Overall, I'm very much satisfied and I use all of my brushes. I do wanna make additional purchases but maybe from other brands too so I can compare.

Just a suggestion, if you want to get brushes from e.l.f., I do suggest the Studio Line as you get more for your money than by getting the regular ones.

 

A take on the L'oreal 2013 S/S look

I got the news not from media but from the one whom I used to look up to (still do actually) when it comes to writing, Veronica Inoturan. You might know her as one of the better freelance writers of  Meg. 

I've always loved the Smokey look as it really does put emphasis on your eyes and makes them stand out. Although that look is great, I'm also very much excited about the L'oreal S/S Makeup look as it is quite the opposite of the Smokey eyes. It takes on the lips as it's main focus and has less focus on the eyes. 

Source

As excited as I am, I give you my take on this look.

As I understood it, the look for me is almost pinupish. I managed to use a new product on my eyes called Nichido Gorgeous Eye Pencil.

What to do:

1. Put foundation all over face.

2. Add face powder afterwards.

3. Prepare the eyebrows (I use a brown mascara to make mine look stronger but natural).

4. Add eyeshadow primer on eyelids.

5. Put black eyeliner at the edges of the eyes (except for upper and inner eye corner)

6. Draw white on the upper and lower inner part of the eye (follow the whole lower line to create a smudgy effect, use sponge).

7. Curl lashes and add the mascara.

8. Add the lipstick.

9. Add blush.

10. Do some contouring (add some light blush powder at the jawline, temple and on the nose).

Hope it helped! Tell me what you like to do.