the make-up blogette

Rave: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua for Skin Perfecting Base

the makeup blogette — Thu, 05 May 2011 08:51:28 PDT

Hi hi,

I need to devote an entry to the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation. I have been using it for the past 2 days. Yup, only 2 days, I know, but I am completely enjoying the foundation, and I think that by the time I am done raving about it, I will be on my way to purchasing it over the weekend.

What this foundation claims to do:

A new-generation texture. An unprecedented sensory experience. A unique makeup result. Rapid and easy application. VITALUMIÈRE AQUA. Apply your makeup without thinking about it.

Its soft and evanescent ultra-fine fluid texture is a real surprise. Although it is exceptionally delicate and light, an incomparable “second-skin” perfecting result is achieved. The complexion appears amazingly even, fresh and energized. The skin glows with seemingly nude beauty. As if glowing from within. Bathed in light…

Its formula, endowed with a UVB sun filter and mineral sunscreen, protects the skin from damaging sun rays (SPF 15). Its crystalline fragrance accentuates the sensation of freshness and pleasure on application.

Retail: S$75, 30ml

This is what I do on a normal work day. Foundation, blush, brows and some lip color, if I remember. I will list everything I use at the end of this entry. Let's list the great things I love about this foundation:

Amazing smooth consistency, which makes it super easy to blend, and sets into your skin like nothing - this is the most striking thing I have noticed about the foundation.
Gives flawless, natural finish. I did layer the foundation on areas where I have spots, like on my forehead and chin.
It sets quickly. I dusted powder after the liquid foundation, and then my face is set.
Adjustable coverage, I think it gives light to medium coverage, depending on how much you need.
Despite the lightness, it is very long-lasting! All pictures in this entry were taken around 12 noon, and I had applied my makeup at 6.30am in the morning. This is the look after a good 5 hours in a humid environment.
Oil control - I needed to blot my face after about 4 hours. But my face didn't look yucky greasy before blotting. And after blotting, my face is all flawless and semi-matte again.
Despite the light coverage, I didn't find that I have to work harder to conceal problem areas. In fact, after applying the foundation, my skin seems all even-ed out and cleared, and I feel like I didn't need to use much concealer at all to spoil the effects.
Use a primer like the Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base for extra long lasting effect, and set with a loose powder.
This is seriously my fave foundation of the moment. I try out so many foundations, but seldom I feel so impressed this way.
I am in the shade B10, in case you are wondering.

Click HERE to see how Lisa Eldridge uses this foundation to create a flawless base at Chanel Confidential.

Rave about my new headphones: These are Sony headphones, they are a cool matte olive green, fits perfectly, and gives great sound quality. I wear this to shut out noisy pple, and also to blast my thumping music! Plus they also act as a headband for me. And it matches my shirt today. So frivolous, but I am loving it!!

[All products used]

Chanel Sheer llluminating Base, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, Chanel Translucent Setting Powder

Chanel Bronze Corail on cheeks & highlight

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy

Concealers: MAC Prep+Prime Eye Vibrancy, Highlighter

Today, we went out for a dinner gathering and also celebrated Joey's birthday, here's a little glimpse of the little heart shaped cake we got for her:

Pciture taken at 9pm, more than 12 hours after I first applied the foundation.

Other than blotting, I didn't touch up my face at all today.

Yes, I have just psyched myself into buying this foundation tomorrow. I really love trying out foundations, and I don't mind having a load to rotate, because I know I will definitely use them up quite fast.

That's all, and thanks for looking!

Sephora Haul & Rave: Soap & Glory's Clean on Me, Amazing Cosmetics Concealer!

the makeup blogette — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 20:10:30 PST

Hi hi,

so yesterday I went to Sephora Ion and bought a huge bag of goodies, and since they are mostly gifts for pals, I am not going to show them in the following pictures. What you see here are stuff I got for myself. And since I have been using them for some time, I shall also do mini raves about each of these items:

Soap & Glory Clean on Me $12 for 200ml (Shower Shampoo)

I bought my first bottle one month ago, and I used it almost everyday. Perhaps 20% is still remaining? Click HERE to see that haul entry.

Why I am raving about this shower shampoo:

Smells great! It has a matching scent in most of the body lotions and the perfume too, so you can layer the fragrance, if you wish to. But it isn't anything overpowering or long lasting, so you can still use your own perfume without 'clashing'. (I say this in comparison to LUSH shower shampoos which smells a lot more in your face--in a nice way!).
Lives up to its claim... clean skin that is moisturised. After I towel dry my body, I always always notice and ahem, am amazed by how soft my skin feels, even my calves which is usually rougher. It does leave a slightly slippery feeling after rinsing off, but not too bad, unlike some shower shampoos which make me feel like I didn't rinse off thoroughly. I think this is the most impressive part of using Clean on Me, how soft and smooth it makes my skin feels.
Lathers up to a rich foam -- I always use a shower lily, that helps the shower shampoo to lather up, and also gives my skin a good gentle scrub everytime I shower.

Why I don't like about it ---- if you look at the pump it comes with, it dispenses a tiny amount with each pump, and I find that I have to use 5 - 6 pumps to get enough product out. I much prefer those pumps where you just pump once for sufficient product to lather up. That said, it has nothing to do with the product itself, so I don't really care... but just saying, you know?

And next item is the Amazing Cosmetics Concealer. I got mine in the larger tube, 15ml for $63, and the shade I got is 02 Light Golden.

Do check out my basic makeup on how to fake flawless skin, where I ramble on in greater detail on my concealer theory. Click HERE.

Ok, so I haven't used this for a long time, but I want to rave about it. Because, and I confess, whenever I go to Sephora, I always swatch this concealer on my spots, and the coverage never ever fails to amaze me. It renders the spots I was trying to hide invisible! So I had to get it for myself.

One thing though, if you aren't careful with the tube, like squeeze it accidentally, the concealer oozes out like nobody's biz (I know from the sample tubes in the store)... so do keep the box it comes with, especially if you are going to throw it in your makeup bag ( I know I will ), so it doesn't get squashed and you don't end up with messy concealer stains and spills in your makeup bag.

Also, check that you got your correct shade in the box, and that the seal is still intact on the opening.

I shall do a quick impromptu demonstration of how it covers up my spots. (impromptu, because I don't have any foundation on -- which is usually how I would use the concealer in my routine).

* I know in the final result picture the coloring seems more yellowish but that's not due to the colour of the concealer, just that I changed the white balance settings on my camera halfway while taking pictures.*

Love love love it, and I think the formula is light enough for you to use under your eyes (use a fluffy brush to blend out to the thinnest layer)....but I will only be using this primarily for spots coverage....as I only use all my brightening pen/brush types for under the eyes work.

I also bought a pair of my fave Ardel Lashes --- it costs $9 at Sephora but $8.90 at Watsons, Guardian, John Little, Robinsons..... hmmmm...oh well.. this #120 is always always OOS wherever I go, so I had to buy it when I saw it.

That's all, and hope you find this helpful!

Thanks for reading!

ps shall go nap now, and then get ready for Sarah's Arabian themed party! yay!

Haul and Quick Rave: Clarisonic Plus

the makeup blogette — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 05:09:28 PDT

Hi hi,

this will be a quick haul entry, and my initial absolute rave of the Clarisonic face and body cleaning brush. I am pretty sure this product needs no introduction. It is rather highly raved in the beauty community, and recently we are able to get it at our own Sephora stores. Previously, you have to purchase it online at US sites, such as Beautychoice.com. This kit retails for S$375, it comes with 3 of the clarisonic cleansers (in sample 30ml sizes) and a body scrub. It also comes with another bigger brush head which you can use for your body as well. The Clarisonic sits in a dock which you use to charge the battery. I think this whole kit is also very travel friendly.

There are countless reviews and tutorials showing the Clarisonic brush in action, and some of my fave links are as follow:

Wayne Goss' review

Sarah Victor's tutorial showing the brush in action

Michelle Phan's review

It is a hefty price to pay, yes, but here is my rationale:

Good skin starts with clean skin. If your skin is all clogged, then your makeup won't go on nicely. Clogged pores and skin cause break outs. It is also important to remove all makeup and dirt properly because you apply skincare, so that your skin can absorb that $100 or $200 or whatever skincare you apply. Because if your skin is all blocked, what's the point of splurging on the best face cream, because your skin cannot absorb it properly?

This costs S$375, and can last for about 3 years. A $300 face cream can probably last you only 6 months. So, isn't this a great investment?

The brush head will wear out like toothbrushes, so they need replacing every 3 - 4 months. Each costs S$42.

There are different brush heads for different skin types --- normal, delicate and sensitive. The default one that comes with the kit is for sensitive skin which basically suits all skin types.

The handle is all curved nicely to fit your hand. And it feels very solid, and sturdy.

I used it a few times since I bought it yesterday (3 times), and the first time I used it last night, I am blown away by how much cleaner my skin felt. It was as if a blanket of dirt or whatever has been covering my skin all this time. Your skin literally feels lighter, breatheable, and just GOOD and CLEAN. I tried on the bro and sister too, and they are also very impressed. The rotation and vibration of the brush can be adjusted to suit your liking, and you can buy a few brush heads if you intend to share with other members of your family. Good, right?

I will update in more detail about how this performs after few more weeks. :)

And so, I proclaim my little obsession and love for this Clarisonic brush!

Thanks for reading!

Nails Story: CG's Light as Air & Agent Lavender, PLUS Bourjois Brush RAVE!

the makeup blogette — Sat, 08 May 2010 20:46:41 PDT

Hi,

The first part of this entry is 'dedicated' to teaplayground , I saw her comment on Sara (icyabstract)'s entry on China Glaze's Something Sweet.

***BTW, she has an ongoing transdesign spree now, at her livejournal page so, do let her know, if you are interested to take part in the spree. ***

She (teaplayground) wanted to know if CG's Light as Air and Agent Lavender would be similar, and since I have two of those colors, and especially since I like to compare nail colors (esp in the mornings when the lighting is best for taking pictures) ... I decided to try these out.

Agent Lavender is one of my fave colors. It is a cool blue toned pastel purple. It looks almost just blue.

But Light as Air is more pinky/ purple-ish. So I won't say that they are dupes, nor are they similar. What they have in common is that same milky shade of paleness.

I hope this helps!

And on to another totally different topic, I just want to rave about a Bourjois Brush... not sure if any of you have it, but I know Kas has it! I saw her touching up the other day, and noted how small and compact the brush looks. She told me it is a Bourjois Brush.. I don't even know that they make brushes. So we went to Watsons to check it out, and since it was on offer (20% off) I grabbed it. (Usual price S$12.00 or 12.90, so I think I paid around S$10) which is such a good deal.

I was a little skeptical about how the brush feels while we were checking it out, and a totally hilarious and inappropriate exchange broke out---which I shan't even talk about here ---- but I was convinced as how SOFT it felt, and yup. So here we are.

This being a major BRUSH CLEANING morning, I thought it would be good to take some pictures and rave about this cute little brush.

Why I love this brush:

The brush hairs are very short, and super dense.

NO shedding, even in cream products. I used this to apply my NARS Penny Lane (cream blush), zero hairs stuck in the pan. Which is a lot more I can say about the MAC109. And I can just dip into the cream blush, and directly buff onto my cheeks.

Multi Purpose -- I also used it for powder products, like my Cover Girl Oil Control Pressed powder. I also tried it with my liquid foundation. Only thing is that it is so small, so takes a longer time to blend all over the face. But for cheeks and T-zone touch ups, AWESOME.

COMPACT -- you can throw into your pouch, carry it everywhere to touch up.

To have an idea how small it is, let's put it next to my PALZ synthetic Kabuki brush. TINY!!! BTW, the Kabuki brush is one of my fave, it feels EXACTLY like the MUFE brush that they market together with the HD Finishing powder, except that this brush costs around S$25. I got it a long time ago, and it is still in tip top condition. No shedding either.

That's all, and I hope you find this helpful.

Initial Raves: NARS Sheer Glow & Louise Young Large Foundation Brush

the makeup blogette — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 22:50:38 PDT

Hi!

This shall be an initial rave/ quick review of two items which I got a few days back. I know it may be too soon to even say anything about either items, but I have been using them ever since I got them.

The first one is the NARS Sheer Glow foundation, and the second item is the Louise Young Large Foundation brush (LY34). I am very excited about both items, as I have been lemming for them, thinking about whether to get or not to get for ages... and finally I got them.

I might eventually follow up with updated entries about my thoughts on both products, but I think I will also show more 'evidence' in my next few LOTDs as time goes by.

Thoughts on the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation:

(warning: lots of rambly comparisons to other foundations I am using)

Matching Shade: My shade is Deauville, which is Light 4. It is a light neutral tone color, neither too yellow nor pink. I think you can check out the shades at karla sugar, and also at the NARS website, you can see the shade description. I am a NC 15-20 in MAC, Estee Lauder 1N2 Ivory Cream 39, Dior 020, MUFE 115-120 etc....

Texture: On the bottle, it says to shake well, before applying. I forgot about this on the first day, and noticed different results after I remembered to shake the bottle on subsequent days. When you pour it out, it feels a little runny (as compared to say, the Estee Lauder DW or MUFE Mat Velvet+ which are thicker, it is more like the consistency of a Dior foundation, not as runny as the Clinique Superfit foundation). It blends easily into your skin. I used it with my fingers on the first day, but I think this is one foundation I would rather use with a brush. And you do get better results with a brush, in my opinion.

Finish: I don't think it is a SHEER, nor particularly GLOWING foundation. It has medium coverage (less coverage compared to MUFE Mat Velvet+ and Estee Lauder DW). If you don't have problems with spots or covering blemishes etc, I think this would be a great foundation for you. Even for me, I need to cover some spots, but I don't normally bother with concealers (unless on really full on MU days)... after applying the Sheer Glow, my spots show through slightly which doesn't bother me. I won't say it is matte, and if you are worried about this foundation being glowy or shiny, rest assured it is not like that at all. After setting with powder, the overall finish is pretty flawless.

Lasting Powder: The first day of use was pretty much a disaster, I had a tissue over my face most of the day (to cover my cough) and the foundation wore off after 4 - 5 hours. On subsequent days, I dunno why,maybe cos I shake the bottle, maybe cos I used a brush, but the lasting powder is better, (maybe 6 -7 hours) but it is nothing like the Estee Lauder DW foundation (which supposedly and I think really last for 15 hours). It also didn't oxidise on me throughout the day.

The question is, SHOULD EVERYONE GO RUN AND HOP ON THE SPREE FOR SHEER GLOW?

YES ---- If you know your matching shade, you are always on the lookout for the perfect foundation, you don't mind forking out about $60+ for this foundation.

NO--- If you already have your HG foundation routine, hesistating about the cost, and not sure your NARS foundation shade.

Thoughts on the LY34 brush:

No regrets here! I love how big the brush is, and how it is dense yet soft. The large rounded end means you buff in your foundation very quickly for a flawless finish. I think what makes this brush so amazing is the tips of the hairs. They are soooooooooooooo fine and soft, and sooooooo dense. Feels so good to apply your foundation with this brush. No shedding and the handle is so sturdy and firm to hold. If you don't mind spending $62 for this brush, go ahead! Anyway some of the bigger MAC brushes (ie 187, 190, etc) are in the same price range, if not more expensive.

Sunglasses Collection (and random TBS Olive Shampoo RAVE)

the makeup blogette — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 07:46:53 PDT

Hi hi

So I decided to do a sunglasses collection, after watching one of my subscribed YT video today (lisalisaD1, I think, her user name), and that got me 'inspired' to do a little entry on my sunglasses collection.

Let me start with the The Body Shop Olive Glossing (?) shampoo first. I really love this shampoo. It makes my hair feel so clean, I like the smell, there is no sticky build up feeling, and makes my hair real shiny, as you can see for yourself in the set of pictures in this entry. Yup, that's about as close a review as you can get about this product... I love it, go buy it, go try it... they come in various sizes, if you are not sure, just buy a tiny bottle first. :)

Ok... back to the sunglasses... Wearing sun glasses is great for several reasons. When you are sleepy, or look sleepy they are great disguises, to hide your face, when you just woke up and need to rush out of the house, have no time to do your makeup etc etc.. you must have one or two of those days when you just aren't ready to face the world yet. They are also useful for when you want to look glamorous and cool while people watch at some poser cafe... very discreetly of course, so nobody can see your eyes rolling or staring behind the dark shades. And it is always so hot and sunny in Singapore, so a pair of shades is always useful to have, to protect your eyes from the harmful rays.

I have a big round face, but I never really follow any 'rules' when it comes to what type of frames I should wear. Typically I always opt for the larger oversized shades, so my face don't look bigger... or how a smaller frame would make my face look big. That's my logic.. and also, I tend to lean towards plastic frames... I like greyish/ blackish lenses rather than brownish ones. And some type of shades I would never wear, that is those ultra sport Oakley types which kind of wrap around your eyes, and also aviator styles.. I used to wear mine from Ray Ban (get them at Chinatown - is it call People's Park? That place we got Mix & Match accessories----- is the best and cheapest, never buy Ray Bans at those stores in town at rip off prices). And I don't like shades with tacky blinged out side panels.... I like designer shades, but I prefer the logo etc to be discreet, instead of like HEY look I am wearing Gucci shades or whatever.

A little disclaimer before we go into the pictures: I am not wearing any makeup in the pictures, except for Barry M lip paint (146) -- I guess the point is to show that wearing a pair of shades is the ultimate concealer? Also it is obvious I adjusted the colors in all the pictures, since the focus of this entry is to show the shades, not makeup colors or anything...

OK, so here we go:

1. Round Shades (in black and brown, S$10 a pair from Mustafa Shopping Centre. Bought 3 years ago at least.)

I like these ones, because although they are cheap, they don't feel cheap. The plastic doesn't feel flimsy, and I can throw them around, and they have not gone all out of shape on me. I wish I had gotten a couple more pairs in other colors though... now that I think of it.

2. Cotton On retro shades. (about S$5 or 10, can't remember) to be honest, I have not worn these at all. I bought them cos I thought I wouls wear them, and I was drawn to the beige details on the frames. But these feel super plasticky, light, and flimsy.

On my nails, Essie Chinchilly

3. Shades from La Chance ( which I bought in Tokyo, at Harujuku). They cost about $10 each. I love the white pair. It is my everyday shades, and I can throw it around, they don't creak, and does not go all out of shape.

This is another pair bought at the same store, but in black, with gold detailing. They are very large and 'pop out' from your face.

4. Retro Metal frame shades (about S$25 a pair). Bought them at Beach Road market, one of those 2nd hand shops. I like the shape and color of the lenses and they are comfortable for me to wear. But I haven't worn them, because I am scared the metal frame would make my skin break out.

5. Chloe Shades (about S$300+ when I bought it several years back). This is a pretty common classic Chloe design, and every season they release new colors. Mine is transparent with light brown, mirrored lenses. I like how it is subtle enough you don't really need to take them off even indoors. They are also super large.

6. Dior shades (S$350, bought a couple of years back). I broke my first pair, but I love this so much, I had to get a new one to replace it -- cos I broke the first pair. I like how OVERSIZED this pair of shades is. And the plastic and everything all feel very solid. I like how the logo isn't shouting to everybody HEY LOOK AT MY DIOR SHADES. It is just a small logo Dior at the side of the frames.

My Ultimate Lemming Shades:

Chanel Willy Wonka shades (from'07 S/S collection, don't think I can find them anymore, if anyone has seen this, let me know!!)

Dita Shades (which I spotted at On Peddar, they cost S$1200, no way I can ever justify spending that amount on shades, and besides I am too clumsy)

Tom Ford (about $500) Claude sunglasses. So cool hippy chic ala John Lennon style

That's all, thanks for reading...

Do share your sunglasses collection too! Would love to see what's in your wardrobe and which are your faves. :)

Product Rave: Palz No2 Brush

the makeup blogette — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 06:08:25 PDT

This will be a rave about a brush which I bought recently, from Palz (which is at Far East Plaza). This is a synthetic dome shaped brush, with very firm and dense bristles. It reminds me of a smaller Louis Young foundation brush which the pixiwoo sisters often talk about and use in their videos. I paid $25 for the brush.

I washed it thoroughly before using it the next day.. there is no shedding.

UPDATE: I include the following pic which I originally posted in the haul entry.

I wanted to try using this brush for liquid foundations. I have been using either my fingers or the Essence of Beauty paddle shaped brush (like the MAC190) for my foundations, and I am loving that brush. But I figure you can't buff and swirl a lot with a paddle shaped brush as it will soon go out of shape, and I need a spare brush for foundations in between deep cleaning.

Even though the surface area of the brush is small, it didn't take me any longer to finish my foundation application. It doesn't leave any streaky marks, and is really good for buffing. And I also did not have to use more product etc.

Overall, this is a great brush for liquid foundations, and even concealers, or other cream products (like primer, cream blush etc etc).

I highly recommend this brush!

Estee Lauder Foundation: How I apply it & Dupe for MAC Azalea Blush

the makeup blogette — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:39:26 PST

Here is a pictorial demonstration of how I apply my latest FAVE foundation, which is the Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place makeup.

My shade is 1W1 Bone 17. Seriously, I can attest to how it is very long lasting. As I am applying and blending the foundation, I noticed how you actually don't even need to set the foundation, and it finishes quite matte and 'set'.

I have raved about this foundation earlier, and you can read it here.

Ok since I have such a nice cute pink blusher on my face, I shall proceed to do a LOTD Valentine's Day look.

Thanks for reading!!

Product Rave: Estee Lauder Double Wear Liquid Foundation

the makeup blogette — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:02:45 PST

Warning: This post may cause some serious lemming or impulsive behaviour to buy the product featured. I am not responsible for making anyone succumb to temptations in their search to create the flawless, matte and long lasting foundations. :p I am also not affliated with the company, and bought this product with my own moolah.

A couple of days ago, I bought the Estee Lauder Stay In Place Liquid Foundation. This retails for S$53, and contains 30ml of product. Apparently there is also a 'light' version of this foundation. But I didn't know, as I am pretty new to Estee Lauder products.

From the website, here is the product description:

AWARD WINNER
'Best of Beauty - Foundation'
Allure Magazine, October 2008

PRODUCT DETAILS
15-hour staying power. Flawless all day.

This worry-free, long-wearing makeup stays fresh and looks natural through heat, humidity, nonstop activity.

Won't change color, smudge or come off on clothes.

Feels lightweight and comfortable.

Now the flawless look you see in the morning is the look you keep all day.

FORMULA FACTS

Oil-free
Dermatologist-tested
Non-acnegenic
Fragrance-free

I shall comment on the following areas for this product:

15-hour staying power. Flawless all day.

* TRUE. Yesterday I did not remove my makeup til 9pm. Usually my face would be pretty worn off by then but yesterday I can still see the foundation on my face.

This worry-free, long-wearing makeup stays fresh and looks natural through heat, humidity, nonstop activity.

* TRUE. Because I work in a very humid/ hot and sweaty environment. I sweat buckets when I am in class. So for this foundation to last through the work day, I am truly impressed.

Won't change color, smudge or come off on clothes.

* TRUE. I have worries about this foundation oxidising, but surprisingly it didn't and the color remained the same. Except for my nose which will become oily after a couple of hours no matter what, the rest of the face LOOK THE SAME as when I put on my makeup early in the morning. So I just need to blot my T zone.

Feels lightweight and comfortable.

* TRUE. I don't feel any cakey feeling, and yet the coverage is what I need. Let's put it this way, in the following pictures, I didn't even use any concealer at all. That's how much coverage this foundation provides.

Now the flawless look you see in the morning is the look you keep all day.

* TRUE TRUE TRUE!!!

This is my face at 2pm, after I put on my makeup at 6.30am in the morning. To be honest, the texture looks better in real life. I know this is only the 2nd day of using it, but I am loving loving loving this foundation! It does deliver its claim to be long lasting!

Pictures taken at 2pm. I did my makeup at 6.30am this morning.

Updates: This is another picture taken at 5.45pm. I had gone out for an outing with my kids, where it was really hot and sweaty and I had to walk all over the place... and I had to blot my T zone twice.

Picture taken at 5.45pm. That's almost 12 hours of wear.

I might want to do a picture demo of how I use this foundation soon.. maybe over the festive weekend.... but in short, I just use my Essence of Beauty foundation brush (paddle shape brush).

Hope you find this rave helpful! Thanks for reading!

How to Fake Flawless Skin (Foundation Routine & Ramble)

the makeup blogette — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 06:25:08 PST

Hi!

I might have done such a post before, but anyway, I hope this is helpful to anyone who wants to 'fake' a flawless skin, I certainly don't have perfect skin without any makeup on. My main problems are pores and blemish spots. So even if I have to run out of the house in a hurry, I need to dot concealer all over my blemishes, or else they are quite obvious on my fair skin tone. Which is why I avoid the sun, and eating any 'dark' foods such as soya sauce etc (though the latter sounds very old wives tale - but better be safe than sorry), because I don't want any pigmentation due to the scarring...

Anyway... I have rambled countless times about my search for the perfect foundation, primer, powder etc..... and I think I have recently found the perfect combination, which you are all too familiar with by now... which is this equation here:

RMK primer + cream foundation + La Mer powder = Flawless Looking Skin

I did not specify a foundation as I am quite happy with the few I am rotating now (the MUFE Mat Velvet+, Dior Extreme Fit, Shu Uemura Face Architect).

This is a picture of my bare face (duh). You can see some spots, redness around the nose, and dark eye rings....but I am not too frantic about concealing under the eyes, because I think too much concealer there makes the whole face look kind of cakey and overdone. I focus more on concealing the spots in my case.

I have already applied the RMK creamy base. In this demo, I am using my Dior Extreme Fit liquid foundation with the Essence of Beauty Brush. I can also blend using my fingers, if I want to.

The next few pictures is just me blending my foundation. In the 2nd and 3rd pictures, I also dabbed the brush in MAC Studio Sculpt concealer in NC20 to even out the dark eye rings and around the nose. You can see by now the blemish spots are not so obvious with the foundation.

I don't set my face until after everything is done. After I set my face, I apply blusher. Sometimes I use a brush for the powder, and sometimes I use the powder puff that comes in the tub. I haven't been sleeping much, so the liners under my eyes are quite obvious, but I am not bothered by them... so all the redness, and uneven tone is now balanced out. I also noticed that all the layers of makeup looks nicer and more set about 30min after the whole makeup is done. It looks kind of powdery here, but by the time I go out and reach my destination, everything somehow 'gel' together to form a flawless look.

With flash.. and you can see, the flash does make everything look even more smooth and flawless.

Just use the right products, and depending on your skin type, you really have to just trial and error.. to see what suits you.... I would say this routine suits oily skin type.... my sister who doesn't have oily skin, and she doesn't have pores issue finds this routine too heavy, and she looks cakey with all the liquid foundation and powder going on. So what does she focus on, you may ask? She focuses on her uneven skin tone, and her eye bags/ dark eye rings/ lines problems. So, what works for me here, may not work for you...if you have different skin type. But I swear, absolutely swear by the RMK base, and La Mer powder. Loves.

And if you are blessed with great skin already, I say just use a tinted moisturiser, let your own skin come through, there is something so sexy and real about really having au naturel skin devoid of layers of makeup. Until I am confident to go 'naked', this routine is what I have to go through....

Hope this is helpful to you!

Other foundation related entries:

Foundation raves (Shu Uemura & RMK)

Shu Uemura Nobura Application

Liquid Foundations Overview

MUFE Mat Velvet+ & Loose Powder Rave

La Mer The Powder Rave

Dear FTC, apparently I don't need to disclaim myself because I paid for everything single item mentioned here. However I would be glad to receive free products if they are worth raving about.