A Beautiful Year in Review

2011 is officially over and 2012 has ushered in. Allow me to reminisce the beautiful year that has passed.

In March, I quit my job and went to Singapore to try my luck. I almost got accepted in Estee Lauder had my S-Pass application been approved. I would have worked for my favorite make-up brand :(

Yes, I went back to the Philippines with a heavy heart, let alone an almost empty bank account. I channeled my frustration positively and decided to upgrade my make-up arsenal and improve my artistry further.

The shopping spree began. Below is a list of the make-up and tools I've acquired the previous year

1. Make - up trolley

2. Brushes

• MAC 109
• MAC 217
• MAC 1i6
• Sigma F80
• Sigma F50
• Sigma E45
• Artnet Brush 154
• Artnet Brush 153
• Artnet Brush 124
• Elf Studio Line Powder Brush
• Elf Studio Line Blush Brush
• Marrionaud Pencil Brush
• Marrionaud Eyeliner brush with spoolie
• Landmark Flat top brush
• Landmark Angled blush brush
• Landmark Eyeliner brush

3. MAC foundation pumps

4. Shu Uemura eyelash curler

5. Make-up

• MAC Studio fix Powder Foundation in NC 20
• MAC Studio fix Powder Foundation in NC 35
• MAC Studio fix Powder Foundation in NC 40
• MAC Studio fix Powder Foundation in NC 42
• MAC Blot Powder in Medium
• MAC Studio Select Moisture Cover in NW 25
• MAC Blushbaby blush
• MAC Snob l/s
• MAC Ravishing l/s
• MAC Russian Red l/s
• MAC Spirit and Soul l/g
• MAC Subculture lip pencil
• MAC Girlboy browset
• MAC Woodwinked e/s
• MAC Swish e/s
• MAC Electra e/s
• MAC Tissueweight e/s
• Urban Decay Naked Palette
• NARS Firming Foundation in Gobi
• NARS Firming Foundation in Barcelona
• NARS Firming Foundation in Syracuse
• MUFE brow corrector in 0
• MUFE 92 e/s
• MUFE 47 e/s
• MUFE 138 e/s
• Benefit Bad Gal Lash
• Benefit Dallas Blush
• Benefit Thrrob Blush
• Benefit Eye Bright
• Benefit Glitz and Glam Gloss Set
• Smashbox Cast/Crew Blush
• Maybelline Gel Eyeliner
• TFS Span Oil Control Primer

6. Falsies

• 2 boxes of China Made falsies
• Natural
• Spiky 1
• Spiky 2
• Spiky 3

7. Airbrush

• Airtech Pro II Airbrush Set
• OCC Airbrush Foundation Mini Set

I am looking forward to have the money and the means to buy more things that I really need this New Year :)

Onyx Reloaded

Christmas Party 2011

I did make-up for my two officemates :)

Christmas Party Attires

These were my attires for the past two years. Tell me which do you like more :)

My Best Friend's Wedding 11.26.2011

Make-up: Carl Capellan

The Lighthouse, Subic

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

I was in Nagoya for a stopover en route to Manila and got the world's best eyelash curler. The best part: I got it for JPY 1000! :)

My MAC Loot

MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation in NC 20
MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation in NC 35
MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation in NC 40
MAC Studio Blotting Powder in Medium
MAC Russian Red l/s
MAC Ravishing l/s
MAC Studio Moisture Cover in NW 20

LA Colors Haul

liquid foundation in Buff and Deep Beige and loose powder in Light

I went to Cubao earlier today to pick-up my medical exam results needed for my insurance policy. The results were fantastic and thank God I'm in the pink of health.

I chanced upon these LA Colors babies from a thrift shop. Given the popularity of this brand amongst girltalk netizens, I've decided to give these a try.

Buff is the lightest shade (CLM281) which is roughly an NC 35-37 equivalent, Deep Beige is the fourth shade (CLM284) which is approximately NC 40-42 equivalent. Light is the lightest loose powder shade comparable to Fanny Serrano Silk powder foundation.

Full Figured Makeovers

Margie's Wedding 09.08.2011

Did make-up for some of entourage who happened to be my high school friends. Fun times :)

MAC 116 Brush

picture credits

MAC Website describes it as:

Tapered for shading and highlighting cheeks and face with blush. The bristles on this brush are soft and form a full, rounded shape. M·A·C professional brushes are hand-sculpted and assembled using the finest quality materials. They feature wood handles and nickel-plated brass ferrules.

What I like:

• the tapered shape is perfect for precise blush application
  

What I don't like:

• expensive. I got it for Php 1700 from an online seller
• it sheds :(
  

Is it needed or nice to have?

It's nice to have but it's a must for make-up artists who would like to cater to high end clients

Will I repurchase?

No. I actually find myself reaching out for the Elf Studio Line Blush Brush more for the reason that is has yet to shed. To tell you honestly I was surprised to see the Elf brush outperformed this MAC brush.

Rating
3 out of 5

Sigma F80 Brush

picture credits

What I like:

• feels like velvet on my skin
• ensures a flawless finish when used to set foundation with loose/pressed powder
• versatile. It can be used to apply and set foundation
  
• dense and soft bristles. No scratchy sensation whatsoever during my first use

What I don't like:

• it's too dense to a fault. it may buff off your concealers if you overblend
  
• availability. I had to purchase it from an online seller

Is it needed or nice to have?
It's needed for make-up artists who would like to achieve airbrush like finish

Will I repurchase?
No. I actually find myself reaching out for the Elf Studio Line Powder Brush more

Rating 4 out of 5

Sigma F50 Brush

picture credits

The Sigma F50 brush, otherwise known as SS187, is a good stippling brush. I don't have the MAC 187 brush so I can't tell yet if it's a good dupe.

What I like:

• long, sturdy handle
• soft bristles. No scratchy sensation whatsoever during my first use
  
• cheaper compared to the MAC187

What I don't like:

• it sheds. It has shed around 6 fibers during the first time I've used it to put foundation on
  
• it bleeds. I washed it and unfortunately it bleeds :(
• availability. I had to purchase it from an online seller

Is it needed or nice to have?
It's needed for make-up artists who would like to achieve airbrush like finish

Will I repurchase?
No. I have my eyes on ELF Studio Line Stippling Brush

Rating
4 out of 5

OCC Airbrush Foundation Mini Set

I've been researching on the internet about airbrush foundations and its various formulations. I've heard of Temptu, Kryolan, Dinair, MAC and OCC. Locally, we have Glambox.

Each foundations have their pros and cons. I have chosen OCC because of its finish, formulation, shade range and price.

Finish. OCC gives a matte finish which is my preference.

Formulation. It's water based. You only need around 8-10 drops for a flawless coverage; some silicone based ones need more than 20!

Shade range. Offers a wide range of shades that cater to people with cool and warm skin tones. Y is for Yellow Tone (Y0-Y5) and R is for Reddish Tone (R0-R5)

Price. Definitely more cost effective than MAC

OCC has came up with this brilliant idea of coming up with mini sets. These are like trial sets that you can test to know your exact shade. Cool thing about airbrush foundation is that you can always mix until you get your customized shade.

I can't wait to buy the blush mini sets soon.

NARS Barcelona and Syracuse

swatches

Me after 6 hours of wearing the foundation. It offers a dewy finish. Sorry for the poor lighting.

As you may have observed, NARS Barcelona is slightly lighter than MAC NC35. It may match people with NC 30 shades. Also, NARS Syracuse is a tad lighter than MAC NC45. It may match people with NC40-42 shades.

Personally, I combine both to achieve my exact shade.

Airtech Pro II Airbrush System

Description from the seller:

AirTechPro II Airbrush System is an air-operated tool that sprays fine mists so makeup will settle evenly on your skin. Makeup can be done in 2-3 minutes!

AirTechPro II Airbrush System will help you achieve flawless, natural-looking, high-definition but lightweight feel of makeup on your face... for hours without retouching! It's like applying makeup like a PRO!

AirTechProII Airbrush System is NOT limited to any brand or formula of airbrush makeup. We know that everyone has different skin types and skin has different reactions to different products and formulas. With AirTechPro Airbrush System, you can use ANY silicone-based or water-based airbrush makeup brand of your choice!

Say goodbye to sponges and dirty makeup brushes! Hello AirTechPro!
Are you ready for airbrush? Get your own system now!

AirTechPro II Airbrush Set Inclusions:
-1 compressor
-1 airbrush gun set*
-1 power adapter
-1 hose
-1 instructions manual
-1 warranty card
PRICE: 6,500 for the whole set



Airbrush Gun Specs:
- Nozzle size:0.3mm (perfect nozzle size for makeup)
- Cup capacity:2cc
- Pressure: 15 PSI
- Air output per minute:15L/min
Inclusions:
- 1 Gun, Dropper, disassembling Tool and Case
- NOTE: These high-quality airbrush guns are similar to quality as high-end guns of well-known US, European and Taiwanese brands, since they are from the same manufacturer.




AirTechPro II Compressor Specs:
- Voltage: 220Volts
- Current: less than 800MA
- Power: 9W
- Pressure: 15PSI
- More than 13L/min Continuous Air Output
- Very advanced Non-cylinder and non-oil type design w/ no maintenance
required
- lightweight & portable at only 0.65grams (less than 1kg)
- Ajustable air pressue (Low, Mid, Hi)
- Built-In Airbrush holder
-Sold with set only

I'm enjoying this set. It takes practice to perfect the strokes.

Practice makes perfect and perfect practice makes permanent!

Make Up For Ever Brow Corrector in 0

my sister wearing MUFE brow corrector
(She did her own make-up; I did her brows)

Pros:

Waterproof

Highly Pigmented. A little goes a long way

Time Saving. Merges the effect of a brow powder and a brow set

Cons:

Price. It retails for Php 1280 (However the combination of In2it and MAC Browset would cost you more)

Is it needed or nice to have?

You definitely need this if you have plans of becoming a make-up professional

Will I repurchase?

Yes! I got the last stock in MUFE Shang yesterday :p

Rating: 4/5

MAC Browset in Girlboy

my sister wearing MAC Girl Boy

Pros:

Perfect for people with thick brows who are tired with just a clear mascara

Tames unruly brows with a touch of color

Complements the overall look of people with cool skin tones

This can be used for both sexes (well, I use it - haha)

Cons:

Application could get messy for first time users

Price. It retails for Php 950

Is it needed or nice to have?

I personally use it. This is one of my favorite MAC products

Will I repurchase?

Yes!

Rating: 4/5

Elianto Nose Shaper Brush

picture credits

Website description:

Get appearance of a slimmer nose with this! Apply colour along sides of nose brushing downwards over the nostril area and tip. Skip the nose's bony ridge as this will be highlighted against the contoured areas.

Pros:

• Versatile. It was originally designed to be a nose shader brush; but this works more as a crease brush especially for small eyes. You can also use this brush to deposit color on the hollows of the crease.
• Cheap. Retails for about Php 170

Cons:

It sheds most of the time

Is it needed or nice to have?

I personally think that you need it

Will I repurchase?

Yes

Rating: 4/5. (I could have given it a five if not for the shedding)

MAC 109 Brush

picture credits

MAC Website describes it as:

Use on the face to apply, blend or contour powder products. Softly rounded dome tip delivers just enough colour; smoothly blends colour into the face. Of natural fibres.

Pros:

Versatile. It can be used to apply foundation for an airbrush finish. Also, it can also be used to apply contour on the hollows of the cheeks and jawline as well. Finally, you can use this to apply powder on the under-eye area and highlighter on the highest planes of the cheeks.

Cons:

• It’s expensive. Got this in Singapore for Php 2200
• It sheds during the first few use and when you use it to apply liquid foundation

Is it needed or nice to have?

I personally think it’s nice to have

Will I repurchase?

No. I think with proper use, this will last me a long time if not a lifetime

Rating: 3/5