make up by XY

My First Personal Purchase with DollFace Cosmetics

2010-07-24T23:07:00.009+08:00

I got a new palette from DollFace... the 42 color matte eyeshadow and blush palette. Initially, I wanted to order their blush palette. But when I saw the 42 color palette, I felt the eagerness to order it. So I did.

It was actually my first time to order with dollface. I mean, I have their 88 color palette and their lip palette, but these I got from my friend. So this time, I personally transacted with DollFace. I was so makulit as a customer, I know, but it's because I'm so excited to get my order and also I'm afraid that it might get broken in the courier (since i know that this kind of transactions, do not declaire value). I placed my order last wednesday, thru text. I really dont wanna do the online ordering thing, it's too much hassle for me.:) So after cofirming my order, I made the payment the following day. And, as a policy from dollface, all paid orders will be shipped the follwing day, so my order was actually sent to me last friday. And guess what, today, Saturday, the courier came. The turn around time was so fast, and everything happened as what I have expected it.

After getting hand of the package, I immediately open it and I was so surprised to see how well it was protected... here's how many bubble wrap it has....

see... that's why my make up arrived safely and not even one scratch....

I can't wait to try my new baby and I will definitely make a review about it... I so love doing business with DollFace. I will surely become one of their regular clients... I actually have a list of make up that i'll be ordering soon.

XOXO

Faces

2010-07-23T21:13:00.008+08:00

When I started being a make-up artist, the very first model that I was able to do make-up on is myself. So here's sharing with you the different looks that I did to myself....

Review: QUICK and CLEAN BLEMISH BALM CREAM from FACESHOP

2010-07-22T21:52:00.004+08:00

Lately, I've been hearing a lot of ranting and raving for BB Creams (Blemish Balm Cream). And as a make-up junkie, I became curious on what this BB cream is. I tried searching the net for a recommendation. And also, I try to look for people who actually uses BB Creams. One common brand that I do get recommendation is MISHA ( I hope I spelled it right). A friend of mine s using this and the feedback is ok. But I can't seem to find here in the Philippines this brand. Well, they do sell it online (in multiply), but it havs various types. And as a first timer with BB Creams,I prefer to feel it before i decide to use it over my face. So I went to
different beauty shops in glorietta (Body Shop, Skin food and face Shop). But the one that interest me if from my favorite shop... FACESHOP.

The sales attendant actually offered 2 BB Creams to me. But since its my first time to try such product, I decided to get the cheaper one. It is the Quick and Clean Oil-Free Blemish Balm Cream. So here goes my review...

Packaging wise, not that eye catching. It's a plain green tube with white prints. In terms of content, it's a tinted cream that is usually darker than the foundation that I use but once you blend it with your skin, it looks so natural. But it smells really organic. I men, i love it because it tells me that it's made of natural ingredients. But what I really love about this is that, it really makes my skin looks and feels smoother. I have a pimple mark on my nose, it's very visible even if i try to conceal it. But after using my BB cream, I notice that my blemish lightens and it can now be easily covered by my concealer.

I really love this BB cream because it saves me time. Before, I use to put a lot on my skin (after washing, toner, moisturizer, sunblock, foundation and concealer). But with this BB cream, I only do 4 steps... clean my face, toner, BB cream, concealer then setting everything with a loose or translucent powder.

I really love this BB Cream. This is one of my favorite for this month.

XOXO

Review: REVLON PHOTO READY FOUNDATION

2010-07-22T21:15:00.003+08:00

As promised, here's my review for my newest foudnation =)

Physically, I love the packaging. The pump is so easy to use and it's not
messy. I can easily control the amount of foundation that I need to cover my
entire face. Actually, I so love it because with just one pump, I can get enough amount of foundation that can actually cover my whole face. The thing that made me think twice in buying this foundation is when I noticed that it has shimmer on it.
Since my focus is more into bridal make up, shimmering foundation is a no-no for me.
But what surprise me with this product is that, when you apply it and set it with any powder, no shimmer can be traced. I so love that even a thin layer can actually provide a full coverage. Another thing that made me love this foundation is that, when it sets, it makes the skin looks flawless. It even outs the skintone without putting too many foundation. I dont even feel that I'm actually waearing any foundation when I'm using PhotoReady.

I got the nude shade (004), but I'm still planning to get a darker shade
soon. This foundation is ok, especially if you want something that's affordable
and can provide a good coverage. Also, if you're looking for a foundation that you can use daily, I recommend this one since, as I mentioned earlier, this is affordable compared to other brands.

To wrap it up, I do love this foundation and recommend it. I will surely
be using this for my clients and for personal use as well.

XOXO

I Got It!!!!!

2010-07-15T21:56:00.004+08:00

I've been thinking and wanting to buy this new foundation from Revlon. Well actually, it's no longer new. But I was so torned if I'm really going to buy it or not. But, after months of watching different reviews and seeing a lot of people ranting about it, I finally bought my very own PHOTO READY FOUNDATION. I will be using it for a week or two before I give a review. So I hope you guys will be patient enough to wait for it. I'm so excited to start using it and share with all of you my experience and opinion about it...

Also, I know I should have been done this before. In this blog of mine, I will be mentioning products that I have used and will be using. But I just wanna inform you guys that I was not paid by those product's manufacturer to do reviews. I personally bought all of them and what I state here are based on my own opinion. If ever that a company will be providing me the products and ask me to review it for them, I guarantee you that what ever I will be saying will be based on facts and my actual experience with them... Just a little info here, or should I say a disclaimer...

XOXO

I Miss Doing This

2010-07-14T21:32:00.002+08:00

It's been quiet some time since i last posted something on my blog. Things went busy at work and also due to some health issues that I had. But hopefully, I will now have time to do more blogs for you.

Aside from visiting my doctors and going thru the stress at work, I was given a lot of chances to use my craft, make-up artistry. I was invited by Shutter Clique of CHevron to be their make-up artist for their first on location shot at Fort Santiago. I can still remember how excited I was when I got the invitation.

After that, I was able to assist professional make up artist in fashion shows, weddings and even stage show. And not only that, I was able to have my first clients. I did 2 weddings and they all booked make-up by xy!!!! I will try to come up with a differen blog on all the events that I have.

Also, for the month of July 2010. I will be the guest make up artist for MAC. You will see me every saturdays and sundays of July at their store. So, if you guys have time, drop by MAC.

Hopefully, this will now be the start (AGAIN) of my blog... till next time

XOXO

Dollface 88-color Eyeshadow Palette - A Review

2010-05-06T23:57:00.005+08:00

I always wanted to have a Coastal Scent 88 color palette. Unfortunately, that brand is not yet available in the Philippines. I tried looking at the net, but I always end up with nothing. Until I discover something that's very similar to Coastal Scents.... and its name.... DollFace COsmetics.

DollFace has an online shop (http://swtangel.multiply.com) and they offer various kinds of make-up products. But what interest me is their 88-color palette. I immediately texted the number indicated at the website, inquiring re the product, how to order and when will it be delivered. But since, it's going to be the first time that I will be purchasing online, I got scared.

Until a friend, who happens to be a make-up artist as well, ask me to buy her DollFace 88 color palette at a cheaper price. It was such a bargain that I really cannot resist. So after getting hold of my new palette, I immediately tried it and I was so happy with it...

The colors are so beautiful and vibrant... It's also very pigmented and I can easily blend it. It's a bit powdery but that's what I like in an eye shadow. Just a little dip of my brush and the pigments are already in it. The palette is also a combination of matte and shimmer eye shadows. I feel more comfortable now that I have that palette, I feel that all the colors that I need is there, from highlighter, base color, light to dark, it's there. It really is a must have for a make-up artist like me!

Now that I have tried it, I will definitely order another one soon... I wanted to try their blush and contour palette. At the end of this blog, I will be posting the picture of the palette and the swatches that they have on their site.

You really have to try DollFace....

Certified SoFAshionista!

2010-04-29T12:42:00.006+08:00

Ys, you read it right... I have finished my advance make up workshop at SoFA (School of Fashion and the Arts). When I decided to start my own business as a make up arttist, I always wanted to have a formal schooling in this field. So it scouted for the right school for me. A credible yet affordable school. Until a friend recomended SoFA to me. When I found out that they will be helding an advance make up workshop and the instructor will be Erika Saenz of MAC, I immediately enrolled in their class. Every session was very exciting, for I know that it will be another chance for me to learn new and old techniques in make up. I will no longer go into details of our per session activities. I'll just share with you some pictures from my finals, I will just let the pictures speak for me on the stuf that i have learned from my workshop... By the way, I already got my Certificate/ Diploma from SoFA....

Here's my bridal look... I wanted her to look as natural and as fresh as possible....

Inspiration... Electropop look.
I always wanted my make up to be wearable and clean. But soon, I will be challenging my self to do extremes...

A retro look.. Here I did the signature look of the 1960's supermodel... TWIGGY

Hair Asia 2010

2010-03-09T20:53:00.002+08:00

I was invited by my friend-mentor, Ace Sagun, to attend one of the biggest event in the field of Hair and Make-Up.... Hair Asia 2010. It was my first time to attend such event. Actually, I love attending conventions and fairs because there are a lot of cheap offers from different suppliers. But this one, aside from the make-up and salon items on sale, the highlight is the hair and make-up competition.

When I arrived at the World Trade Center, the competition for commercial make-up already begun. I was so facinated how the competitors do make-up for their models. So professional from the way they hold their brushes up to how they apply and blend the make-up. I didnt watch the announcement of winners so I decided to roam around and look what I can buy from the fair.

I was actually trying to look for a caboodle (make-up box). I found some but it's too big and expensive. So I decided to give up the search and just see other stuff. I end up buying magazines, hair clip and an eyebrow pencil from James Cooper. After hours or looking around, I decided to go back to the arena where the male haircut competition is on going. But since im not into hair-cut, my attention was immediately cought by the models and competitors outside the arena preparing for the bridal make-up competition. No make-up application was done yet, but the hairstyling. The models are so pretty and, to be honest, young for bridal. But who cares, they're models. I have recognized some of the models to be commercial models and artist.

After minutes, the competition for bridal make-up started. The competitors once again show their creativity and talent when it comes to make up. At this part, I bacame very observant since I also do bridal make up. Honestly, there are some MUA (make-up artist) who used dark colors for the eyes. It's very contradicting from the bridal make-up that I know, which uses neutral colors. Of course I have to consider that these competitors need to make their models look good in personal and in camera. When the winners was announce, still the bride with the most natural, simple and elegant make up won. I was so happy coz if im going to do a bridal make-up, I would like my model to look as natural as possible, just emphasizing on her good features.

It was a very long day. But it was all worth it. I learned so much just by observing. I was more inspired to focus and excel on my make up and told my self that I will also join that competition someday. I will definitely attend the next Hair Asia.

Make-up Fun Friday

2010-03-08T22:17:00.006+08:00

As a beginner make-up artist, I have to ask friend’s help so that I can practice my skills. I need to do make up to different people with different types of skin and face shape. I will now share with you some of the pictures that was taken when 3 of my friends agreed to be my models…

My first model, Con-con. She’s one of those who loves to look good and wear make-up. Her skin’s a little dry but she said that she has some areas on her face that’s oily. So I decided to use a mattifier on her to even out her skin and serves as her make up base. Foundation wise, I have chosen a tone that’s close to her skin tone. Used a pink concealer under her eyes just to lighten it a bit, though she doesn’t really have dark circles. That day she’s wearing a purple blouse that’s why I decided to use pink and purple on her eyes. This will make her look younger, sweeter and girlier. I also put a blush that’s has a soft pink tone and a lipstick that’s matte salmon pink and some nude lip gloss

Next is Charm. She immediately told me that her problem when applying make-up. She has an Asian small eye but she has an eyelids (typical Asian eyes don’t have eyelids). But her lids are hidden which makes the make up not visible. So when she told me that, I immediately knew what to put into her eyes. She prefers a natural look but visible eye make-up.

So I started with a foundation lighter that what I used with Concon. She has a flawless normal skin that’s why I didn’t use any primer or mattifier anymore. To make the foundation last, I set it with loose powder. For her problem area, her eyes, I used a light gold eye shadow on her crease and bring it upward, but making sure that it will not reach her brow bone. For her hidden lids, I used a dark brown shadow and blending it a little over her crease. To give emphasize to her eyes, I put a black gel eyeliner in her upper lash line and dark brown shadow on her lower lash line. For her cheeks, I contoured it a little and used a light pink blush. For her lips, I put a natural caramel toffee color and top it up with a natural lip gloss.

Lastly, here’s Sophie, my all time model. I always play with her face, asking her to be my model. She always request for a natural look and dark colors is a no-no for her. Her skin is a combination, t-zone oily. But during this make p session, I didn’t use any oil control on her face but instead used a foundation that matches her skin tome and lock it with a darker pressed powder. She’s half Filipino and half Chinese, that’s why she has an Asian eye.
But like Charm, She also have eyelids but her’s is not hidden. So to give her the look that she wanted, I put cream matte eye shadow all over her eyes (from brow bone to upper lash line). Then for her crease, I used a medium brown eye shadow. Now to emphasize her lids, I used a dark brown eye shadow then line her upper lash line with black gel eyeliner. I contoured her cheeks and used a light pink blush. I also used the caramel toffee lipstick on her lips and put a little lip gloss in the middle of her lower and upper lip. This will give her lips a pop.

Last Friday was a very fun day. My models love their make up and I was so happy that I was able to give them the look that they wanted. We even plan to do another make up session. By the way, while applying their make up, I share with them some make-up and skin care tips.

So thank you ladies for being my models.I’m hoping next time that I’ll be able to find a male model, probably I’ll convince my hubby.

XOXO
Xyrene

Business Card

2010-03-04T21:14:00.002+08:00

The other night, I thought of creating my very own business card. But my hubby told me why not go to the mall and have it done there. But I always wanted my stuff to have my personal touch. so this one will just be short. I just wanter to share with you guys my very own business card aka calling card. Actually, this is just one of the many designs that i have printed...

A Suesh Experience

2010-03-04T20:51:00.002+08:00

Last week, I attended a make-up workshop with Suesh. I was so excited that, honestly, I wasn’t able to sleep the night before (good thing I’m using a good eye cream so my eye bugs are not that obvious, lol). And also, because of so much excitement, I wasn’t able to eat too, hehehehe. The workshop started @ 1:30pm. So there, I was sitting next to my trainer. She was a pretty lady named Suzzane (hope I spelled it right!) and she’s very nice and soft spoken. She’s a graduate of a Beauty School here in the Philippines. I had the one-on-one session since I cant wait for the next group session. I was so thrilled to learn from the basic to advance of make-up.

We started by discussing Skin care 101. Discussing the different factors that I need to avoid and that I need to use. Informing me of the different skin type and how I should take care of it. Also, we discussed how I should take care of my brushes and other make up tools since this will be my partners.

But what I like most from the basic make-up workshop is when she thought me how to do a natural look. It was one of the thing that I find really hard to do. A lot of my friends and clients always asked me to do a natural look on them, but I always end up doing a smokey look.

So how to do an everyday simple-natural look….

1. apply a make up base
2. apply a foundation
3. use a concealer to conceal your imperfections
4. set with a loose powder
5. fill-in your eyebrows
6. using a large eye shadow brush, apply a white/champagne colored eyeshadow from your brow bone to tour lash line, this will serve as your highlight and base for your eyeshadow
7. apply a medium color eyeshadow from your crease to the lashline
8. then apply a dark color eyeshadow all over your lids.
9. apply eyeliner on the top lashline
10. curl lashes and apply mascara
11. use a light pink colored blush on, and apply it at the apples of your cheeks
12. use a natural lipstick, or a lip color that’s close to your natural lip color (you may also use colored lip gloss or lip balm)

Very easy and simple look but it will definitely make you beautiful. Not much make up but you will look stunning the whole day. From the time that I learned this procedure, I use this as my everyday make-up, whether going to work, going out with friends or just a simple date with my hubby.

My next blog, I will tackle about the advance make up that she tought me, focusing on the smokey eyes that I so love…

e.l.f Two-Way Cake Foundation SPF 15

2010-02-25T19:57:00.000+08:00

Here’s another review for another e.l.f product.

After finding the perfect foundation, actually, im still trying other brands now (more cheaper brands), I need to find the perfect powder to help me set he liquid/cream foundation. I was in Rustan’s looking around when the sales representative told me that they have elf products there. Since I so love elf, I decided to check out their product. And there, I a corner of their stand lay 4 black contatiners (looking like MAC’s pressed powder). I asked the sales rep what is it and she immediately showed it to me. She said that this is the one she’s currently using, actually she have them on. She handed me the shade she thinks best suit me, Rosy Beige. The shade is darker than the one that I’m using (from a local brand).

So the following day, I started using it and there, I started loving it. It gives a matte finish and a coverage that makes my skin looks so fresh. I tried using it with the different liquid and cream foundation as a base. It makes my make up application easier and my male up stays longer. I even tried using it without any liquid nor cream foundation base but it still works good. My officemates always gives me compliment and is asking what powder im using.

This is one product that I really am so happy about. I recommend it to my friends and will definitely use it with my clients. Kudos to e.l.f!!!!!

The search for the perfect foundation

2010-02-17T22:46:00.002+08:00

Being a make-up artist, i need to have the right foundation. This will be the key for a longer lasting and beautiful makeup for my clients. So after a while, I decided to finally end my search for the foundation that I'm going to use.

First stop, MAC. I was so excited when I went there. I just cant imagine how am going to be assisted by the sales reps and wha would they recomend to me. unfortunately, this experience happens to be so frustration (i'll write another blog re this experience). So I decided to check Rustan's (though I have the fear that I might get out there with my credit card and cash all maxed-out, lol). There I was so overwelmed. I saw NARS, Stila, L'oreal, Max Factor, Skin food, etc. But what cougth my eyes, aside from Stila, is ELF. Actually, I was asking the sales rep if they have NYX, urban decay and the likes. But she said that they have ELF. I am actually a BIG fan of ELF. So there, I was able to buy a cream stick blush on and their two way cake foundation (the studio line one). Still not contended, I ask if they have another branch of MAC there but i was informed that it's the same branch i went earlier. So I decided to look around instead and I was so excited when I went up the 2nd floor and saw all the high end brands of make-up. Ofcourse I told my self that I just need a foundation, that' it. So I checked out Bobbi Brown, Shu Uemura, YSL, Clinique, and others. But still haven't found my foundation. So I went and called my mentor and ask him which brand is ok. And he said that the best one are Shu Uemura and Shiseido. So I went to Shu Uemura and i fell inlove with their cream foundation. However, something told me to check out other stores. So I decided to check out Shiseido. The sales representatives are so accomodating and they explained to me their products. Then, their make up artist ask me to try their liquid foundation. It was so nice. Heavy coverage but you can bearly see the foundation he put on my face, it blends well in my skin. It's not so liquid, its actually a cream type. So there, I decided that i'll end my search here. The attendant is so nice that he even ask me to schedule a free trial make up with him. "The mae-up artist will have a make-over from another make-up artist".

Here's some notes from the label of what I bought... "Shiseido The Makeup Lifting FOundation" COverage: FULL: Finish: Lutrous; Skin Type: Normal to Dry. Promotes youthful-looking firmness and luster and maintains a lasting flawless finish.

See, its a good buy, right... I will come up with more updates for you guys. I wil definitely make a review re this foundation and other foundation soon... FOr the mean time, I'll rest my pen here... XOXO

Wedding Make-up

2010-02-16T13:16:00.007+08:00

When I decided to start my own make up services, i ask my self what kind or which field of make up should I focus on? Would it be on fashion, cinema or bridal. There, I decided that I wanted to do bridal make-up.

Why?

Simply because I was once a bride. And I know how hard it was to look for a make up artist who can provide a low rate yet a good service. When I was starting to look for my HMUA (Hair and Make-up Artist), I told my self that I wanted to look simple yet gorgeous on my big day. So I started doing trial make up with different make up artist.

Here is my first TMU with an artist who i will not mention the name. I had this TMU for free from a bridal fair, months before my wedding. Actually, after the TMU, I booked this supplier right away because i saw that the make up was beautiful. But after hours, when i got home, I looked in the mirror and was surprised to find out that my face was so white. The eye make-up is ok, lipstick gone and blush still ok.

So what I did is i asked for another TMU with that make-up artist and here's the second look. I know what your reaction is... My face is no longer white but redish orange and my dark circles are really gone but its so white. My eye shadow is full of sparkling glitters that it bounched the light from my camera. Here, i decided to cancel my booking with this HMUA. And so the search begins again. But this time, i have to make sure that I will have to observe how my skin will react to the make up used by the HMUA on me.

Good thing I have a friend who recommended a HMUA to me. I also have my TMU but this time its no longer free. I went to his salon and had my TMU but even if i liked the make up, i decided not to book right away. I observed how long the make up will last and how my skin will react on the brands that he used on me. So here's the look. After hours of going out with friends, hearing their comments and reactions to my make-up, I decided to booked him. Yes, i booked him the next day. And I actually have him as my make-up artist for my wedding. Here's the actual HMU on my wedding day...

Now I'm doing make-up services. From my experience, I have learned a lot. And from there, I will aslo make sure that my clients will not be experiencing the same thing that happened for the 1st and 2nd TMU. I wanted to help brides or simple lasdies out there to look beautiful, especially on the day of their wedding.

an ELF experience

2009-11-12T12:37:00.015+08:00

When I decided to start my own make up services, I tried different types of make up products. From sponge to brushes, from foundation to finishing powders. I love watching make up gurus in you tube and try to look and test the products that they are using. I knoe revlon, maybelline, max factor and the like. Until one of the you tube gurus made a review re a certain brush that works so well yet the price is so affordable ($1.00).

The brand...

So after watching the video, i immediately ask my hubby to accompany me at the nearest department store. Unfortunately, I didnt find this brand there. SO I went home sad and frustrated.

But I didnt give up. After a few days, I went to another department store and I almost shout and jump because elf is now in the Philippines. SO i went to their booth and check on their stuff.

And the first thing that I boght with them... the professional line make up brushes. First, the eye shadow brush. Large enough to pack-on the color on my lids. the C-shape makes the application easy. Another brush from elf that i really love is the blending brush. Fluffy enough and perfect for blending the eye make up. Next, the countour brush. Perfect for countouring my cheeks and applying bronzers. This brush, my friends envy this, this is one of my "must-have", the synthetic foundation brush. Its makes foundation application and blending easy. Does not hurt or scratches my face. And lastly, well for now, the only studio line brush that I got... the complexion brush. I love how it feels when ever i use this brush to apply my blush. It's so soft and fluffy. I actually use it most of the time because it relaxes me, as if my face is having a massage.

I'm so happy that finally, e.l.f is now available here in the Philippines. Honestly, i always check their branches for other studio line brushes and make up available. On my next blog, I will try to do a review on another elf product that i love, the studio line two-way cake foundation.

XOXO

Finally!!!!

2009-11-12T12:20:00.004+08:00

So after months of thinking, finally, i have come up with this blog! Here, I will feature my own opinions with the make up brands that i have used or will be using in the future. Also i will try to upload pictures for you guys to see the stuff that im talking about. Im not really a good writer, i might have wrong spellings or wrong grammar, but tha stuff that i'll be writing here are based on my honest opinions and personal experience. so i hope you guys will enjoy this.

By the way, i hope i will be given permissions by youtube gurus for me to post some of their videos here. Thanks in advance for those who will let me use their videos!

Mwahugs everybody!!!!