I truly believe in the saying "Less is More" when it comes to makeup. However, not all of us are born with naturally great looking skin. As we age, our skin just changes and start having problems. I am no exception to this fact. So, I started trying out a combination of skincare and makeup products that helped me look like I slept 8 hours every single day (which is actually very rarely. hahaha).

This is it! You just got an interview call from the company that you always dreamed of getting into ever since you entered the final year of college. You have your documents ready, you rehearsed all the questions that could be asked. You even took out the perfect outfit that is needed to look sharp and immaculate. Now you are stuck on how to do your makeup. Should you go with bright and bold colors or to keep it in pastels?

The February is about to end which means Graduation Day is just around the corner.  I know that a lot of you ladies will be graduating this coming March and I'd like to share a few tips to look fabulous on your big day.


If you are new to makeup, make sure to prepare at least one week before your graduation. That way, you can still practice.  Most makeup sold in malls are a bit pricey, so be a smart shopper and check out legit online stores like Lazada PH and get the best prices.

Makeup Essentials you will need

Face Primer. You need to prime your face in order to keep your makeup in place. It would be better if you have a face primer that already contains SPF so it can protect your skin at the same time.

Liquid Foundation. Choose a foundation that is an exact match to your skin and one that has light to medium coverage. This way, you can even out your skin tone easily and still look natural.

Concealer. Remember to apply concealer on your under eye area to cover up dark circles. This will help you look fresh and awake. If you don't have puffy eyes or dark circles, you can skip it.

Translucent Powder. This will set your foundation and help it to last longer.

Eyebrow Pencil or Powder. Fill in sparse areas on your brows with feather strokes and shape it to your preference. Well defined brows can frame our face. Make sure to blend it out with a spoolie for a natural finish.

Eyeshadow. If you don't know how to apply eyeshadow, skip it. That will save you time. But if you do want to wear eyeshadow, make sure to keep it light and neutral. I chose the Wet n Wild Trio in Silent Treatment because, it is one of those palettes that you can simply transition from day to night. Especially if you are going to a Graduation Party at night.

Eyeliner. Line your upper lash line to define your eyes. Keep it thin as much as possible. Do not use eyeliner on your lower lash line, I suggest you use a brown eyeshadow on that area for a natural look.

Mascara. Curl your lashes and apply mascara. Choose a volumizing and lengthening waterproof mascara. This will help define your lashes and makeup your eyes pop.

Blush. A flush of color is all you need on your cheeks. I would suggest using peachy pink blushes as it looks great on most skin tones.

Lipstick. Choose a natural shades for your lips and avoid bold colors for this occasion. You can opt for a tinted balm but I suggest you skip lip glosses to avoid having your hair get stuck on your lips.   You can always wear your bright and bold lipsticks on your Graduation Party but not during the ceremony.

Finishing Spray. This is optional. But if you already have a finishing spray, use it. I'm sure you will be busy on this day and you won't have time for touch up. This will help seal all your makeup.

Your goal is to look fresh and natural on your graduation day. Just enough makeup so you won't look pale in photos. You can use my "First Date Makeup" look as a reference.

If you have oily skin, don't forget to bring blotting sheets. You will surely need them.

Lastly, remember to groom your hair and apply an anti-frizz product or hair serum. So, that when you go on stage to receive your diploma, your hair won't be in the way.

I hope this helps you ladies.

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

On average, women try 7 foundations before finding the right one. This comes as no surprise to Bobbi Brown, who says the most common beauty mistake women make is wearing the wrong foundation shade. Bobbi believes that foundation should not change the color of your face but should match the color of your skin exactly.

In line with Bobbi’s philosophy that makeup is a way for women to look and feel like themselves, only prettier and more confident, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics offers 8 skin-tone correct shades and 10 high quality formulas as well as personalized makeup lessons, to take the mystery out of finding the perfect foundation.

Bobbi’s best tips on finding the perfect foundation 

How to choose the right formula
It’s important to choose a formula that is right for your skin type, personal style and has a texture that you like. When trying different formulas, check to see if your skin looks fresher, brighter and more even. If it doesn’t, remove the foundation and try another option. You know you’ve found the right foundation when it looks like your skin but better.

How to pick the right shade 
For the most natural look, choose a skin-tone correct shade of foundation and avoid foundations that have a pink or white base because they can make skin look chalky and washed out.

To find your perfect shade of foundation, follow these steps: in natural light, swatch the foundation from your cheek to your jaw line, and gently blend it into your skin. Now do the same with another foundation that’s one shade lighter and another that’s one shade darker. The shade that’s imperceptible should be your pick, but double-check it against your forehead, since some women tend to be darker there. If it works in both areas, you’ve picked a winner.

I also recommend having two foundations on hand—one for the cooler months, when your skin is naturally paler, and one for the summer months, when your skin is slightly darker. For those in-between months, blend the two to develop your own custom shade. And year-round, mix the two to address any areas where your skin is darker or lighter.

How to apply 
Using a sponge or foundation brush, apply foundation all over the face or just where skin needs to be evened out (usually around the nose, chin and forehead)—it’s a matter of personal preference. After blending the foundation, use your fingers to gently press it into the skin and create a seamless look.

Bobbi’s foundations for natural, flawless skin

for Sheer Coverage

You Want: Radiant coverage with intense moisturization and sun protection
Try: EXTRA SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm
A lightweight foundation-alternative for dry, dehydrated skin, this formula is ultra-rich, and blends easily, giving skin a dewy look with light coverage. Broad Spectrum SPF 25 helps protect skin against damaging UVA/B rays. Dermatologist tested.
Retail Price: Php 3,100.00
Shades: Light Tint, Light to Medium Tint, Medium Tint


You Want: A “no makeup” look that’s also oil-free
Try: SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free
Created for women with oily skin who want light moisture, sheer coverage and sun protection in one, Bobbi's gel-based formula is the perfect alternative to foundation. Light and refreshing, it glides on smoothly, blends easily and provides a hint of coverage for soft, even and natural-looking skin. Vitamins C and E protect skin from free radical damage, while Broad Spectrum SPF 15 helps prevent sun damage.
Retail Price: Php 2,350.00
Shades: Light, Light to Medium, Medium


for Light to Medium Coverage

You Want: A lit-from-within glow that also reduces fine lines, visible redness and pores
Try: BB Cream SPF 35
The ultimate skincare/makeup hybrid, this formula perfects skin tone, hydrates, brightens, repairs and protects.
Retail Price: Php 2,350.00
Shades: Light, Fair, Medium, Natural


You Want: To even out skin’s appearance for a polished yet natural look
Try: Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup SPF 15 
Bobbi's groundbreaking mineral makeup is made of specially-selected mineral powders to instantly even out skin and diminish the look of imperfections. The result is a natural finish that never looks masky or overly made up. The super-fine powders in this formula are triple treated with glycerin, vitamins and skin softeners, and wear extenders. Smooth and silky, it glides on with a weightless feel and helps improve skin's appearance. SPF 15 helps protect skin from damage.
Retail Price: Php 2,450.00
Shades: Extra Light, Light, Light to Medium, Medium, Medium to Dark


for Medium Coverage

You Want: Skin that looks like skin – only better
Try: Skin Foundation SPF 15
A truly modern foundation that offers invisible, weightless coverage that looks like healthy skin, not makeup. This long-wearing formula evens tone, minimizes the appearance of pores, conceals imperfections, and offers broad spectrum UV protection. Its hydrating technology leaves skin feeling cushioned, comfortable, and clean.
Retail Price: Php 2,900.00
Shades: Warm Ivory, Sand, Beige, Natural, Warm Natural, Warm Sand, Warm Beige, Honey


for Medium To Full Coverage

You Want: A natural look with an oil-free foundation
Try: Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation SPF 15
Comfortable and hydrating, this medium to full coverage oil-free formula never looks cakey or masky. Glycerin and shea butter keep skin feeling moisturized while a gel base creates a lightweight finish that stays color-true. Lasts for up to 12 hours even in the most humid conditions. Protects skin from future damage thanks to broad spectrum SPF 15 with antioxidant vitamins C and E.
Retail Price: Php 2,900.00
Shades: Warm Ivory, Sand, Beige, Natural, Warm Natural, Warm Sand, Warm Beige, Honey


You Want: Skin that has a soft, natural looking glow
Try: Illuminating Finish Powder Compact Foundation SPF 12
This foundation cuts shine while creating a radiant, diffused look. Creamy and soft to the touch yet light and airy, this buildable powder formula can be applied wet or dry. Reflective pigments play cinematographer, optically diffuse skin imperfections and minimizing the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles for a flawless, even glow.
Retail Price: Php 2,550.00
Shades: Warm Ivory, Sand, Beige, Natural, Warm Natural, Warm Sand, Warm Beige, Honey


for Full Coverage

You Want: To target imperfections
Try: Touch Up Stick
Carry this mini stick in your makeup bag, and use it to conceal any imperfections, redness or blemishes. Its creamy, full-coverage formula is perfect for the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin (not the under eye area).
Retail Price: Php 1,500.00
Shades: Warm Ivory, Sand, Beige, Natural, Warm Natural, Warm Sand, Warm Beige, Honey


You Want: A natural finish and twelve hour wear
Try: Long-Wear Even Finish Compact Foundation
Perfectly matched to skin tone and texture, it never looks fake or makeup-y, just like smooth, even skin. With 12 hours of flawless, oil-free wear, all you see is your skin - at its best. Plus, it's completely portable, too - with a hidden sponge applicator right in the compact - so you look polished wherever you go.
Retail Price: Php 2,400.00
Shades: Warm Ivory, Sand, Beige, Natural, Warm Natural, Warm Sand, Warm Beige, Honey


for All Coverage

You Want: A portable formulas that smoothes and evens out skin
Try: Foundation Stick
Bobbi's innovative Foundation Stick is designed for portability and adjustable coverage. Easy to apply and blend all over the face or just where you need it.
Retail Price: Php 2,350.00
Shades: Warm Ivory, Sand, Beige, Natural, Honey, Golden, Almond, Warm Natural, Warm Sand, Warm Beige

Info and Photos courtesy of Bobbi Brown Philippines

Available at our local Bobbi Brown counters in Rustan’s Makati (812-2507), Rustan’s Shangri-la Mall (633-4636 loc. 114), Essenses Rockwell (822-9400), Rustan's Ayala Center Cebu (+6332 231 5633) SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall.

While I was rummaging through my makeup loot, I realized that I own several makeup that I've had with me for almost a year now. (lost most of  my old makeup when our house turned to ashes last April 30, 2010)  And it came to me, "How long does makeup last?".  I know for a fact that makeup and cosmetics don't last forever. So, I did a little research and here's what I found.

Unfortunately, some makeup companies are not required to post expiration warnings on their labels.  According to The Cosmetics Products Safety Regulations of 1996, only products that won't last longer than 30 months need to show a use-by date, whereas all other products don't need one. So, you have to use your judgement and be informed of the guidelines recommended by experts.

Contaminated Makeup Can Cause Breakouts, Boils and Eye Infections. For health reasons, you should know when to throw them out.

Shelf Life below is based on "Period After Opening".

EYE Products 
Mascara: 3 - 6 months (should be used quickly once opened because they're easily contaminated by the pumping action of the brush)
Eyeliners or Eye pencils: 6 months
Cream Eye Shadow: 12-18 months
Powder Eye Shadow: 18 - 24 months (if never wet)

FACE Products
Liquid Foundation: 12 months
Cream or Compact Foundation: 18 months
Concealer: 12-18 months
Cream Blush: 12-18 months
Powder Blush and Bronzer: 2 years
Pressed or Loose Powder: 2 years

LIP Products
Lip gloss: 18-24 months
Lipstick: 2 years
Lip Liner: 2 years

Nail Polish - It won't go bad from bacteria. Eventually though, lacquer will dry out and become thick and clumpy, with the pigments settling along the bottom of the bottle. Shake it, and if the formula remains separated, get rid of it. 

Tools
Keep your Makeup brushes clean by wiping them on a dry paper towel or washcloth after every use, and giving them a thorough cleaning every two weeks with a gentle hair shampoo. The best way to store them is propped upright in a glass, where they can air out and won't be squashed and deformed.

Cheap makeup sponges should be replaced after two uses—one side, then the other. (The exception: "high-quality ones that come with a cleanser, such as the Beauty Blender, which clean out well.) Not only will old, porous sponges suck up too much makeup, but they are "little bacteria pits" if left sitting around.

Tips to remember:
Always store your makeup in a dry, cool and clean place and avoid exposing it to heat or sunlight.

Sharpen your eye and lip pencils regularly to remove the bacteria on the outer layers. And clean the sharpener regularly as well.

Wipe down your lipstick, or shave off the top of it with a blade especially if you have shared it with someone else. (as much as possible never ever share your makeup with others). Do not use lipstick and lipgloss if you have been sick or replace them if you have.

Clean and check your makeup bag or makeup storage regularly.

If you use powder foundation, scrape off the top layer occasionally.

Also, never use makeup if you have an eye infection. The bacteria can spread and fester and infect everything it touches.

Lastly, discard of any makeup that seems like it has changed color or smells funny.

RachelRayShow

I hope you all found this helpful. This is it for now.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

I know that everybody is having a hard time with choosing the right foundation. I'm even still searching for the right foundation shade myself.  A makeup foundation is basically one of the most essential tools for achieving a beautiful and radiant looking face.  It evens up skin color and lightly covers unwanted scars, blemishes, and pimples.  The sole purpose of a foundation is to even out your skin color.  Concealers are made to cover or conceal your scars, blemishes, pimples and other unwanted dark spots.

I'm not sure if there really is a perfect shade of foundation, but I've learned from various makeup artists, that they mix two different shades of  foundation to get the perfect shade they want.  As for me, if I use a foundation with a lighter shade, I just apply a slightly darker finishing powder to get the shade that is closest to my skin tone. (or the other way around)

I am not an expert but I did a little research. (sources from google.com)

Step 1: Recognize your skin type.

Normal Skin
- Complexion is even
- Surface is neither too oily nor too dry
- Face is supple with few lines, creases and wrinkles
- Face has few breakouts

Oily Skin
- Face has all over shine
- Shine happens quickly
- Pores are large and/or open
- Face suffers from frequent blemishes (blackheads and/or whiteheads)

Dry Skin
- Pores are undetectable
- Face looks and feels tight and dry
- Cheeks and/or chin are flaky and dry
- Face has lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth

Combination Skin
- has an oily T-Zone and dry elsewhere.

Sensitive Skin
- Face has distinct dry/red patches
- Skin is delicate or thin
- Face has sensitivity to products (burning or flushing)
- Face has Rosacea (Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition which principally affects the face. Rosacea causes facial redness and produces small, red, pus-filled pustules (bumps). It is often mistaken for acne or eczema, or some other skin allergy.

Step 2:  Determine your skin undertone.

You must know whether you look good in Warm or Cool undertones.
Here's a simple trick I've learned from beauty gurus.
Look under your forearms, if your veins are mostly Green, that means you look good in foundations with  Warm undertones.  If your veins are mostly Blue, you will look good in foundations with Cool undertones. If it's combination of green and blue then you will look good in foundations with Olive undertone.

Warm undertone 
- these are for people who are dominantly yellow or has a golden skin tone.

Cool undertone
- these are for people who appears to have a pink or beige skin tone.

Olive undertone
-  these are for people who appears to have a slightly green-brown skin tone.


Step 3: Choose the proper formulation.

- Cream Foundation is ideal for: Normal, combination and dry skin. It is especially well suited for women with uneven pigmentation, or those requiring a heavier coverage.

For those who aren't familiar yet with that parts of the eye,  here's an image that will absolutely help you recognize which one is which... most especially if you are a makeup newbie.

I placed 2 images for a better look.

Crease : This is where I usually apply a darker color to better define my eyes. In addition, this is also where you can see that fold of skin which is termed as "Above Crease" and is refered to as my blend out area.

Eyelid :  It comprises of the inner, middle and the outer lid. Sometimes I just call it the inner half and the outer half of the lid if I'm just using 2 colors on the lid.

Outer "V": This is where I usually apply dark colors in order to emphasize the shape of my eye.  I prefer to use the same eyeshadow color on my outer V and my crease, then I just add a touch of black to darken the outer V area.

Tearduct : I sometimes apply a hint of highlight color on this area to give a bright eye effect.

Upper lash line : This is where I apply my eyeliner. I use either black or dark brown.

Lower lash line : It will really depend on your preference what color you put. Others want to use bright colors on the lower lash line like blue or purple. I sometimes apply an eyeshadow on this area for a dramatic look.