The Right Foundation for You

 

photo from: mzmahoganychic.com

Make-up application is like painting. In painting, you start with a clean white canvass.  It’s the same with make-up, every make-up must start with a clean, flawless canvass a.k.a. your face but it is not unknown that most of us, if not all of us, are not gifted with a flawless face. Don’t fret as we can still achieve that flawless, perfect-looking skin. All we need to do is to use the right kind of foundation. For me, using the right kind of foundation is the most important/crucial part in make-up application.  I believe that it can make or break one’s make-up so it is imperative that we use the right one.  There are different kinds of foundation suitable for each skin type and condition available in the market today. I am no expert in make-up but these are tips and tricks I have learned over the past eight (8) years of reading beauty magazines and books. Let me share them with you.

When buying foundation, these are the three (3) things you should consider:   

 

photo from: becomegorgeous.com

      1. It matches your skin tone

Before buying foundation/powder, test it by applying some on your jaw line, try the three closest shades to your skin color and compare. The color that disappears or camouflages to your skin tone is the correct shade for you. 

Some may think that using a foundation that is one or two shades lighter than their actual skin tone will make them look fairer. I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but it does NOT, and it does not look pretty at all. So unless you’re a geisha, use the shade that matches your skin tone.

♥ QUICKTIP: If you have acidic skin (this can make foundation oxidize or turn darker), like I do, DO BUY a foundation that is ONE SHADE LIGHTER than your skin, so even if the foundation fades later on, it will still match your skin tone.

2. It gives the enough coverage you need

We use foundation to cover our blemishes and to even out our skin tone. On what I have observed, it is not a pretty sight when one is already wearing foundation and yet blemishes or unevenness in the skin tone is still visible. So if you have a lot of blemishes to cover, it is best to use the medium to heavy kind of foundation, but if you feel that you are already blessed with an almost perfect-looking skin or you only have minimal blemish to conceal then do use a light foundation just to even out your skin tone.

3. It’s compatible with your skin type

It’s not only the foundation shade and coverage that one should consider. We should also consider the type of skin we have. One may have Normal, Dry, Oily or Combination type of skin. 

Normal: Normal skin means it is neither dry nor oily.

                Best kind of foundation to use:  Any

Dry: If you have dry skin, it means that your skin does not have enough moisture so using a cream or liquid foundation is your best bet as these kinds of foundation bring moisture to your skin; use cream or liquid foundation especially if you’re skin tend to flake.

                Best kind of foundation to use:  Cream, Liquid, Mousse

Oily:  If you have oily skin, what you want to do is to cancel out the greasiness of your face and you can achieve that by using powder-foundation.

                Best kind of foundation to use:  Powder-Foundation, Cake

Combination:  Combination skin means some parts of the face are oily, usually the T-zone area (forehead, nose, and chin), while others are not.

                Best kind of foundation to use:  Powder-foundation, Cake

Types of Foundation:

1.       Liquid- Revlon Photoready

 photo from: makeupgeek.com

2.       Cream- Cinema secrets

photo from:makeupandglow.com.au

3.       Mousse- Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse

photo from: drugstore.com

4.       Cake- Kanebo

  photo from: bejubel.com

5.       Powder-foundation- MAC

photo from: accessorieswelove.blogspot.com

I hope this entry has been helpful especially to those who are still starting to explore make-up. If you know more tips in finding the right and perfect foundation, feel free to share it with us by commenting below! 

xoxo, Iara

Up Do

What I'm really liking right now are Updo Hairstyles! There's just something about it that makes me feel elegant and polished! I believe this kind of hairstyle suits me best because it makes my face look less round. LOL! I have actually observed that I feel more confident and in control when I put my hair up! Maybe it is because I'm a nurse and I'm used to putting my hair in a bun before working.

Hair and Make-up for both events are by Benchfix Salon Glorietta 4.

Up Do # 1: My hairstyle during my Graduation Day (March 31, 2012):

♥ Black Asymmetrical Dress and Earrings both from Forever21

This is actually a bridal hairstyle but I still went with this 'cos it looks so pretty and sweet! We were actually required to put our hair in a bun because we had Pinning ceremony before the actual graduation rites. I did  not want to put my hair in a bun so I decided to go with this. I actually got lots of compliments for this hairstyle!

Up Do #2: During my cousin Princess's debut I used Jessica Alba's side-braided updo as an inspiration for my hairstyle:

Photo from bride.net

I am actually into braids nowadays! I have a little secret to tell you, guys. I learned how to braid my hair just last summer!!! hahaha! My next goal is to master the waterfall braid and I'll probably make a tutorial so watch out for it!

 

♥ Blue Bondage Dress with Mesh Sleeves and Earrings both from Forever 21; Ring borrowed from my Mom

My bondage dress is already very sexy so I thought putting my hair up is the best way to make my look more sophisticated than sexy. I also like the fact that I did not have to worry about my hair getting unruly by the end of the night.

... And since I have a lot of time now, I'll probably practice and try to do these hairstyles on my own! ♥

How about you? Do you also like Up Do hairstyles? :)

xoxo, iara

Life Update

Hey guys! It's been 2 months since I last posted an entry here! Heehee sorry about that! But here's what's happened during those 2 short months...

Spa date with my GG's!. We are called the GG's, short for Glorietta Girls, because during our last semester in college, we would spend our Monday nights hanging out at Glorietta to eat and watch movies. We only got to see each other during Mondays because we had duties the rest of the week.

 With my friend Pauu, the brainchild of misspauuparazzi.tumblr.com at Cenral Mayapis!

 The day the NLE results came out!!! I'm so proud of my classmates! Go 4D! TAKE 1! :)

 My Bestest cousin Ralph and I at The Fort celebrating together! :)

My Sibs and I areof legal age already but we still get invited to kiddie parties! LOL! Taken at Amici during our cousin's 7th birthday party!

My friend Grace and I at Greenbelt chapel. A mass was offered for the safe journey of our friend Pauu. She left for the States the next day :(

During our school's Oath Taking Ceremony with our College Dean and President. I was only praying for a board rating high enough to qualify as a staff nurse at MMC, but God gifted me with something better! I'm in the top 20 of the June 2012 Nursing Licensure Examination. I'm rank 17 to be exact! Super grateful to God for guiding me and to all the saints who prayed for me!

With my cousins Nadia and Princess during DLSU's Annual Academic Recognition Day! Princess is a consistent Dean's List-er for 3 straight semesters. :)

High School Theme at Uverse! You get a free Starbucks frap if you come to work wearing your High School uniform!

I could not find my HS uniform hence the outfit. I think my mom threw them away already! The only thing left is my tie! :s

With my Sibs again. Now wearing formal attire!

The Princess turns 18!

My last day at work! Nursing profession, here I come! :)

Photocredits: Some photos are from Misspauuparazzi.tumblr.com

Weekend Haul

I wrote this entry last weekend using MS word but I kind of forgot to post it. It is kind of late and weird, but I'm posting it anyway. Here it is!

I was in need of a new pair of comfortable flat shoes and a pair of black slacks for work so my mom and I decided to hit the mall despite the heavy rains. Market! Market was still having their mid-year sale so aside from the Black slacks these are what I was able to buy:

 Celine Wedge Sandals. They were the last pair and they were 50% off! :)

 SO! F.A.B. shoes.

 Genevieve Gozum White-Gold Belt

Alcohol, Nail Polish Solvent, Sassy Nail Art Polishes, Caronia ‘Touch of Tan’ Nail Polish, Clear Nail Polish, Marionnaud Concealer Brush, Watson Square puffs (Buy1, Take 1)

That's it! Till my next post! :)

xoxo, iara

What's in my Make-up Kit?

I have always been interested and enthusiastic about make-up, though I can't remember exactly when this addiction started. I remember my mom telling me about how pretty and organized her dresser was before she had me. She said she had to keep all her make-up and other beauty stuff away and securely stored because I would always play with them and mess her dresser up. I actually remember climbing into my parent’s cabinet to get my mom’s red lipstick when I was around 4 years old. I guess watching my mom put make-up on and dress so elegantly while growing up is the reason why I love make-up and clothes.

I don’t have a lot of make-up. I only buy the essentials and only those that suit me. I am not the type of person who buys every make-up item in sight. Before buying a specific make-up item, I try to read about it online first. I read reviews and try to do a little research if it’s really worth my money especially if it’s pricey. As for brands, I usually go for drugstore brands like Maybelline and Revlon though I also buy from the high end ones like MAC once in a while.

Okay, enough of that and let us now go to my humble make-up collection :)

This is my main make-up kit from Diplomat though I am not sure if it is really intended for make-up or jewelry. My late grandmother gave this to me. I believe she got it while vacationing in Abu Dhabi. I have had it for 6-7 years now.

 

My make-up could not all fit in my Diplomat make-up kit so I bought this one. I got it from Japan Home Center.

 

Foundation/Powder

Clockwise: Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals BB Cream, Maybelline Clear Smooth Face Powder in Light, MAC Studiofix Powder foundation in NC35; Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse in Light, Kanebo Stage Color in 12-B.

 

Concealer

MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW30, Maybelline Coverstick Concealer in Beige, Maybelline EverFresh in Fair

Blush/Bronzer/Highlighter

Clockwise: The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer, Maybelline Dream Matte Mouse in Whipped Strawberries, Wet ‘n Wild Bronzzer, MAC Matte blush in Pink Swoon, Elf blush in Glow, Maybelline blush in Velvet Apricot

Eyeshadow

Clockwise from left, Revlon  Cream Shadow in Pink Petals and Va Va Va Bloom; Maybelline Expertwear Eyeshadow in Emerald, Covergirl Eyeshadow trio, ELF Smokey Eyeshadow, Maybelline Expertwear Eyeshadow Quad in Seashore Frost, Elizabeth Arden Duo Eyeshadow, and Nyx 10 Color Eyeshadow Palette in Catwalk.

Eyeliners/Brow

In2It Brow Powder, Fashion 21 Dipliner, In2It liquid liners in Teal and Black, Maybelline Expertwear Liner in Brownish Black, Nyx Eyeliner in White, The Face Shop  Shimmer Liner in White, Etude House Brow Pencil in Gray and Brow Pencil from some Japanese store.

Lip Products

From left to Right: Covergirl Silver Plum,NARS Schiap, Revlon Pearl Softshell Pink, Revlon Cream Pink in the Afternoon, MAC Russian Red, MAC Rebel, MAC Pink Noveau, MAC Lustering, Victoria’s Secret Perfect Lipstick in Showstopper, Victoria’s Secret Perfect Lipstick in Cabana, Maxfactor in Pansey, Nyx Pink Lyric; Nyx Minimalism, Nyx Haute Melon, Nyx Snowwhite

Top to Bottom: Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in Addis ababa, Maybelline Lipsmooth in Strawberry, Carmex Strawberry lipbalm, Nivea Med Protection lipbalm, The Body Shop Born Lippy in Strawberry , Covergirl lipliner in Rosegold Glow, and Nyx Lipliner in Hot Red

 Make-up Palettes

Elizabeth Arden and Christian Dior. These were gifts from the US.

Brushes

From left to right: Jenny Powder Brush, The Body Shop Blush Brush, The Body Shop Eyeshadow Brush, Prestige Blending Brush, Mariounnaud Flat Shadow Brush, Mariounnaud Concealer Brush, and lip, row and travel-size blush brush

Miscellaneous

Clockwise: Pillbox (used as a lipstick palette), Alcohol, Headband, Sponges, Bench and Clean & Clear Oil blotting papers, Aido Crease/Eyelash Glue, TheFace Shop Falsies, Belo Sunscreen, Beabi Mirror, Nichido Eyelash Curler, Tweezer, Electric eyebrow shaver, and Maxfactor Mascara 

That is all! If you have questions feel free to leave a message! Thank you for reading!

xoxo, iara

Welcome to my blog!

Hello and thank you for dropping by! Come and join me in my journey as I realize my dream of becoming a professional make-up artist and please visit again for my reviews and whatnot's about beauty and make-up! ♥

iara