Natural Makeup For Work (Video Tutorial)

Is that how my face look like 0_0

Can't believe I actually filmed my first makeup tutorial in 2.5 years.

I've been away THAT long, always wanted to come back and make more makeup/beauty videos, but just never know when I can do it. I thought it would be a lot more smashing and exciting, but it was just like any other day in reality.

I have not reached that state where I dreamed of reaching - silky smooth, hydrated and problem free skin - I now question if perfection is actually achievable. Nonetheless, I am at a state where I'm happy with what I currently have, and have accepted it to be part of me (still working on it, but I'm doing so well now!). It's so strange to see myself in makeup again after so long. I've grown to really like my own face without makeup, and with some makeup on, it adorns my face so beautifully. It makes me feel great to be able to put makeup on once again!

So with the blemish and flaws that are still present on my skin, I present to you this makeup look which is one of the looks I've been wearing to work the past 2 months.
It's understated, natural, no perceivable eyeliner that set off alarms in most people's eyes.
I love how easy it is, I can put this look together within 15 minutes in the morning rush hour :'D If I don't mess up my brows that is. And I normally don't, so I don't know why I messed it up during recording!



This is the complete eye look, just really minimal. It looks even less obvious in video because the camera washes out some of the colour. In real life, it gives myself beautiful and natural looking depth. Indiscernible to the untrained eyes.

THE PRODUCTS

1. E.L.F. Perfect Finish HD Powder
2. KATE Mineral Powder Foundation (OC-C) 
3. AVENE Very High Protection Cream SPF50+
4. CANMAKE Mat Fleur Cheeks (04)
5. KATE Brown Shade Eyes (BR-6)
6. REVLON Matte Balm (225 Sultry) (Review and swatches here)
7. MAYBELLINE Volum' Express The Magnum Waterproof
8. KATE Lash Maximizer White
9. INNISFREE Auto Eyebrow Pencil (03 Grey)

Compared to my old looks, this look has a lot less products, right? That's mostly because I just started getting back into wearing makeup recently, and I am really cautious this time. I don't want to put on too much just in case it might irritate my skin. So I start with very little products, and slowly add more to it if I want to. Who knows, maybe a few months down the road, the number of products I use will increase exponentially, trying to squeeze every single product from the new releases onto my face all at the same time? Hahaha!




The brushes I used are all from REAL TECHNIQUES (not TRUE TECHNIQUES hahaha). The purple brushes are from their Eye Makeup Starter Kit. Looks like the recently revamped it, kept the brushes the same and changed the case that comes with it (now grey instead of black!).



I've actually been looking at getting a new lash curler, but my old KOJI No.73 is still working fine.. Just need to change the rubber lining every so often because it does break apart, which affects the curl that I can get. Speaking of which, it's time I change to a new rubber lining.

As for the makeup brush cleaning sponge, I bought the sponge from a store that sells household products, cut it to fit the cute tin case my aunt gave me and it's done. Really handy for cleaning the brushes in between different colours, especially when going from dark to light shades. The excess powder collects at the bottom which I then clean out once in a while. Time to wash the sponge soon, it's getting brown!

All in all, I am really glad I can do this again. Even though this gratitude is an afterthought, I still want to note it down. It really helps to reflect upon all that have happened in my life and to count my blessings. Even though things aren't exactly at where I want them to be, I'm still rejoicing at how far I've come, and how much improvements I've experienced. I will continue to keep my body, mind, and skin healthy, and hope to bring more videos with you all.

And now, the video tutorial.

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Foundation Routine for Natural Looking Skin

Just 3 simple steps, a lot less products than you think.

summer is almost around the corner, you probably wouldn't want to risk your makeup melting off your face in this heat. the best way to overcome that issue?

WEAR LESSER MAKEUP!

follow this 3 simple steps and you can get away with not just lesser makeup, but also a natural looking face. because who doesn't like the no-makeup makeup look?

1// BRIGHTEN DULL AREAS

the eyelids, under eye area, side of the nose, nose bridge, and chin area can use some pick me up with a highlighter.

these area tend to be a little darker and could benefit from the brightening effect of highlighter. you can either use a highlighter or a colour correcting formula to achieve the desire result. the glowy look makes you look healthier without looking washed out.

2// USE FOUNDATION/CONCEALER SPARINGLY

DO NOT apply it all over your face. i repeat: DO NOT USE FOUNDATION/CONCEALER ALL OVER YOUR FACE. the areas that need the most coverage are usually the under eye, side of the nose, and around the lips (if you have uneven skin tone).

well, if you have acne, it's a different story! the thing about foundation/concealer is it can easily remove all the shadows on your face, which basically means wiping away all the definition your natural face has. you either layer on some shading powder afterwards to correct that, but that means you end up using more product and that's not the aim for this look!

3// ONLY POWDER THIS 2 AREAS TO REDUCE CAKING

powders are meant to absorb oil, so use it on places that actually produce oils - your T zone, and the side of your nose.

dust a small amount of powder with a puff or a very fluffy brush. doing so greatly reduce the chances of your makeup caking up throughout the day.

that's basically it! spot concealer, brightening and powdering. it's no secret, but we all need that reminder once in a while to not slather everything on our entire face even if it's more convenient. convenience comes at a cost, and in this case, it's the cost of looking heavily made up.

on a side note, i haven't illustrated in a while and i can definitely feel my skills become rusty. URGH. and how do you like the super imposed headband? hahahahaha if i were in a better mood i'd do a better job. but this has to make do for now. images adapted from the www.

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HOLIDAY MAKEUP // 009 SHINY BAUBLE

The holidays are coming!

it's been a while since my last makeup look, isn't it?
skin issues aside, i was on a holiday so i simply can't do that while abroad!
here's a christmas bauble inspired look because i happened to see some shiny christmas tree decorations at the mall the other day,
the glittery and shiny orbs caught my eyes!

i was that close to applying glitter on my eyes, but i don't have cosmetic glitters so..
next year maybe?
the main point of this look is to contrast the shimmer with a matte shadow, high contrast always bring out the best of both finish!

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE



PRODUCTS USED//



1. MAKEUP REVOLUTION redemption iconic 3
2. MAYBELLINE hypersharp liner (black)
3. KOJI white fix eye lash glue
4. DOLLYWINK long mascara
5. KATE mineral powder foundation
6. VISEE color polish lipstick (RD420)
7. KATE designing eyebrow N (EX-4)
8. GENERIC false lash (#216) [NOT IN PHOTO}
9. FRESHEL skin freshener [NOT IN PHOTO]



colours used from the eyeshadow palette.

BRUSHES USED//

1. REAL TECHNIQUES deluxe crease brush
2. REAL TECHNIQUES setting brush
3. REAL TECHNIQUES brow brush
4. SIGMA medium sweeper E54

FINAL LOOK//



this is actually a rather easy and light makeup look (compared to the more dramatic ones i've thought of),
but i really want to keep this look light because i planned for this to be a day time look.
if you want to glam this up, you can always add more dark colours on the outer third to intensify the look,
you can even tight line your lower water line with a black eyeliner for a full on sexy look.

i always find it easier to add things on than to remove things,
that's why i tend to film the lighter makeup looks as it's always easier for you to darken it yourself,
than for me to teach you how to lighten up a heavy makeup look.

i went without blushers for this look as i felt the red lips was sufficient to add that pop of colour onto the face,
if i added a blusher on it might have made me look like a clown.
that's not good!

i am so going to wear this for a christmas date!

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FALL MAKEUP// 008 SPARKLING WINE

A LOOK FOR DIFFERENT EYE SHAPE, FINALLY.

last year i released two makeup looks for fall, both using burgundy colour - smokey burgundy for asian eyes, and an ulzzang style burgundy eye look. after last week's orange themed fall look, here's yet another burgundy themed look, but this time it's featuring a different set of eyes!

let us welcome my cousin HAZEL! :D

she's in town for the week to visit me, i took this chance to film her as a lot of people share a similar eye shape as her.

watch the video below!




PRODUCTS USED//

i totally forgot to take a photograph of all the products she used, and she happily flew off the next day after filming.

the products are listed in chronological order as shown in the video:

1. VIDI VICI skin illumination
2. VIDI VICI perfect face glow foundation (01 light)
3. KATE designing eyebrow N (EX-4)
4. HEAVY ROTATION coloring eyebrow (03 ash brown)
5. INNISFREE mineral powder pact (13 light beige)


6. URBAN DECAY naked smoky

• 1. THIRTEEN
• 2. COMBUST
• 3/6. HIGH
• 5. RADAR

7. ETUDE HOUSE look at my eyes 

• 4. look at my eyes cafe PK004

8. HEROINE MAKE volume and curl mascara super waterproof
9. BENEFIT high beam
10. VISEE blend color cheeks (OR-6)
11. MAC prep + prime lip
12. MAC retro matte (all fired up)

BRUSHES USED//

1. dual sided brush that came with the NAKED SMOKY palette
2. REAL TECHNIQUES accent brush

you can read my review of the real techniques brushes here.

THE LOOK//


close up of the eyes.

doing your eye makeup can be tremendously easy if you have the right product. i finally understand why the naked palette has become a cult favourite by most ladies out there. their blend of matte and shimmer shades make it an extremely versatile palette and you can create almost any look with it.

the matte shades are very useful for blending out and contouring, while the shimmery shades are beautiful to be used as either on the inner corners or even on the lids! it's very different from the japanese eyeshadows i've been using so i'm really amused.


side view of the look.

as the eye look is mostly shimmery and light (even with the inclusion of the darker wine shade), it pairs up nicely with a pair of bold lips. the glowy skin helps to balance things out too!


from the front.

i love how hazel made the eyeshadow work on her. using the wine shade as an accent colour is a great way for people with eye shape like hers.

i've received many questions on how to do makeup for monolids or eyelid folds that aren't very obvious. their concern is usually regarding their eyeliner, and my answer is always to rely on the lashes instead of eyeliner to frame their eyes. instead of using a super thick eyeliner that may make any look instantly over the top, a skinny eyeliner and well curled lashes might do the job better.


hopefully you like hazel's look as much as i do! it's her first time filming, so show her some love!

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FALL MAKEUP TUTORIAL//GOLDEN LEAVES

Time to try something else other than wine/plum/burgundy shades.

sometime around this month last year, i released two fall makeup looks - smokey burgundy for asian eyes, and an ulzzang style burgundy eye look. i needed a break from burgundy shades so i explored my options and was inspired by the orange/golden fallen leaves of fall.

even though there isn't such fall weather in singapore, but the picturesque scene of orange fallen leaves has been etched in my mind for some reason.

watch the video below!




PRODUCTS USED//



1. ETUDE HOUSE look at my eyes 

• A - look at my eyes cafe BE102
• B - look at my eyes OR205
• C - look at my eyes cafe BR401

2. KATE colorcious diamond (BR-1)

• E - metallic peach

3. DOLLYWINK long mascara
4. MAYBELLINE masterliner (brown)
5. HEROINE MAKE smooth liquid eyeliner (BLACK)
6. KATE mineral powder foundation (OC-B)
7. KATE designing eyebrow N (EX-4)

• D - matte dark brown

8. MAYBELLINE colorsensational bold matte (MAT3 CHEEKY CORAL)

BRUSHES USED//



1. REAL TECHNIQUES deluxe crease brush
2. SIGMA medium sweeper E54
3. SIGMA buff and blend E39
4. REAL TECHNIQUES accent brush
5. KATE eyeliner brush turned angled brush

you can read my review of the real techniques brushes here.
the KATE eyeliner brush has been cut into an angled brush by yours truly. works great because it's so dense and stiff!

THE LOOK//


close up of the eyes.

it took me quite a while to figure out how to work with vibrant colours, the key is to blend out ANY HARSH EDGES with a skin tone beige colour, and it has gotta be matte and ONLY MATTE. i experimented with shimmery/metallic brown shades and it just didn't work. i looked like i have a very dirty eye. :(

lucky for me, i do have two matte shades with me - one from etude house look at my eyes cafe (BR401), as well as the matte dark brown shade from my brow powder palette. what's awesome about the brow powder is its diffused colour. perfect for slowly building up the shadow on the outer corner of my eyes. sadly, matte shades don't usually come with japanese eyeshadow palettes, but are very common in western palettes!


frontal look of the look.

i actually didn't remember to take any proper photos so here's a screen shot from my video. the look may look too fresh and colourful for your usual fall looks (as they are dominated by dark and wine shades), that's why this is something different! i love how fresh this look is, but still warm and fuzzy!


closer look at my circle lens.

not sure if you noticed but i actually have circle lenses on. makes the look feel cuter, don't you think? they are the GEO FRESH BROWN (FC724) and looks really natural in day light. i seldom wear circle lenses lately because i haven't been elongating my eyeliner like i did in this look. plus i'm not used to it after not wearing something like that for such a long time. i usually wear my TRI COLOR BROWNS and they do not enlarge my iris by thaaaaat much.

how do you like this new twist on fall makeup looks? actually there isn't a rule that dictate "you must wear burgundy/wine shades for fall". it's just a trend that the beauty and fashion industry leads. it's fun to play up your makeup once in a while, don't you think? but it appears that it's time to change from the annual burgundy trend by doing something different, because burgundy every fall is boring.

i wear burgundy whenever i like! and so should you!

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SIMPLE HALLOWEEN LOOK// EVIL SMILE

Transform any normal look into an evil one with 2 extra items.

HELLO! i wore this look to attend my best friend's wedding lunch. perfect for day time because it's so light and lady like, neither will i upstage the bride by sporting something that draws too much attention to me.

watch the video below!




PRODUCTS USED//



1. ETUDE HOUSE look at my eyes cafe (PK004)
2. MAYBELLINE eyestudio lasting drama gel eyeliner (01 BLACK)
3. KATE jewelry mode eyes (GN-1)
4. HEROINE MAKE long and curl mascara super waterproof
5. MAYBELLINE masterliner (brown)
6. MAYBELLINE hypersharp liner (BLACK)
7. MEDIA cheek color A (PK-1)
8. KATE dual blend eyes (BK-2)
9. KATE designing eyebrow N (EX-4)
10.  KATE mineral powder foundation (OC-B)

BRUSHES USED//



1. ELF powder brush
2. MAYBELLINE eyeliner brush
3. REAL TECHNIQUES base shadow brush
4. KATE eyeliner brush turned angled brush

you can read my review of the real techniques brushes here.
the KATE eyeliner brush has been cut into an angled brush by yours truly. works great because it's so dense and stiff!

THE LOOK//


close up of the eyes.

the eye look is kept light but very reflective to add to the ethereal feel. that's part of being an angel, right? *glowy and shiny* the lashes also added a touch of cuteness and sweetness to the look. i think demi lashes work great for almost any occasion!


frontal look of the angel makeup.

without any additional stuff done to my face, this look can be worn on its own on any normal day really. it's inspired by japanese gyaru look, but not the full blown look with false bottom lashes and forcefully enlarged eyes.

interesting fact, i actually attempted the full on gyaru look as an experiment and i think that look on its own is good enough for halloween. that's how scary it looked to me.


frontal look of the angel makeup with evil smile.

i think there's something beautiful about the huge contrast between angelic and evil. if i were an english literature student, i'd have went on to tell you how the dichotomy between angel and devil adds depth and texture to this look, but i'm not, so i'll just tell you that there's a certain draw to the combination on my face.

is it the droopy eyes that added to that helpless look despite having that evil smile? i'm supposed to look scary but now i just look like a defaced sad little puppy in need of a good pet on my head. i tried my best to look angry but i just can't emulate the look with eyes like that. perhaps my next rendition of this look will be a full blown evil look with down right scary eyes?


close up of the evil lips.

that addition of smudged lip colour outside of the lips hit me suddenly when filming. the joker looked really bad ass with his smudged makeup, i gave it a try and damn, i look pretty bad ass too!

the best thing about this makeup is, once you wear a surgical mask, you covered up any signs of the halloween-ness. making this look street safe - until you reach your party and it's mask off!!!

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TUTORIAL// ELEGANT ROSE

A Simple Look For Any Formal Occasion

HELLO! i wore this look to attend my best friend's wedding lunch. perfect for day time because it's so light and lady like, neither will i upstage the bride by sporting something that draws too much attention to me.

watch the video below!




PRODUCTS USED//




1. SIGMA lip base (indulgent)
2. HEROINE MAKE smooth liquid eyeliner
3. MAYBELLINE masterliner (brown)
4. KATE mineral powder foundation (OC-B)
5. CANMAKE glow fleur cheeks (04)
6. KATE colorcious diamond (BR-1)
7. HEROINE MAKE long and curl mascara super waterproof
8. KATE designing eyebrow N (EX-4)
S - bearbrick (series 29, jelly bean)

BRUSHES USED//



you can read my review of the real techniques brushes here.
the KATE eyeliner brush has been cut into an angled brush by yours truly. works great because it's so dense and stiff!

THE LOOK//


close up of the eyes.

the look emphasizes on light than on shadow to create dimension. light lifts the area up from the plane and make them look more three dimensional. the result is an extremely lightweight look that's still able to define your features.

the eyeliner is kept thin to maintain the light makeup look, yet the deep black contrasts the light eyes.


frontal look of the makeup.

the cheeks are made to look naturally flushed just to return some colour after i wiped out my natural cheek colour with the powder foundation. it's so strange because if my skin was any better i wouldn't have applied foundation there. i rather have my natural colour peep through! but my rashes are appearing on my face the past few weeks so i had no choice but to cover them up for this special occasion.

i chose a nude lip liner because its effects are most natural. the matte texture makes it look like my own lip colour! the soft nude pink does a great job at making me look healthier without a trace of externally applied makeup :P TRICKERY!!!

i thought i'll share some narcissistic self shots since i really adored my look that day.






you can tell i have a thing for hats, don't you?

this look isn't just good for wedding lunches! you can adapt it to any formal occasions where you need to look elegant and lady like! i felt like being a lady that day so i went ahead with this look :D i do feel like one, just that day hehe!

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My First Date Look (Tutorial)

It will look good on any eye shapes and types

one of the good news about my skin recovering well is that i'm finally able to go out to meet new friends again! this is a look i wore for a first date - it's supposed to be minimal and fun, and to enhance my features.

i did away with my usual brown eye shadows because i didn't want any shadows on my eyes at all - i want them as bright and sparkly as possible. the dash of pink under my eyes is my way of making the look more fun and cute.

fair enough, i actually went with a pair of nude lips that night because most guys don't respond well to bright lip colours. but for this video, i put on one of my favourite lip colour because I LOVE IT.

watch the video below!




PRODUCTS USED //



CLICK ON LINKS TO SEE SWATCHES/REVIEWS OF THE RESPECTIVE PRODUCTS.
1. KATE mineral foundation powder (OC-B)
2. CANMAKE glow fleur cheeks (04)
3. PANASONIC heated lash curler EH2300
4. DOLLYWINK long mascara 
5. LOREAL color riche lipstick (P511 touch of amaranth)
6. HEROINE MAKE smooth liquid liner (black)
7. MAYBELLINE masterliner (brown)
8. KATE designing eyebrow N (EX-4)
9. MAYBELLINE hyperdiamond shadow (PK-1)
10. DAISO ELLEFAR nose highlighting powder (pearl pink)

BRUSHES USED //



from left to right:
1. REAL TECHNIQUES deluxe crease brush
2. REAL TECHNIQUES setting brush
3. REAL TECHNIQUES base shadow brush
4. REAL TECHNIQUES accent brush
5. KATE eyeliner brush (cut into an angled brush)

COMPARISON //



i never thought this makeup is very transforming until i saw the comparison with my naked eye. not only did my eye look rounder and bigger, my lashes made sure my pink eye shadow doesn't make me look like i have a pink eye (infection). my lashes are almost invisible on my naked eye!

AFTER //



when i do close my eyes and expose my eyelids, it's totally clean and bright. i like how it looks when contrasted with the sharp black eyeliner.

mandatory awkward selfie :P

from afar you can't really see the pink eyeshadow going on, so it's not going to scare people away. at most you'll super adorable because usually people who just cried have pink eyelids!

do you like this look? i hope you do because i love it! it's an awesome way to wear colour eye shadows! instead of wearing it all over my upper lid, a small accent of the colour on my lower lid proves to be a playful and fun way of experimenting with colours. you might be able to achieve the same look with a colour eyeliner, do give it a try!

i'm telling you, the bottom lid will be of great emphasis in the upcoming japanese makeup trends ;)

do you like this look?

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How To Curl Straight Asian Lashes

The Secret Is Out.

if you have always had straight lashes that points downwards, you're in luck because i've found out a method to overcome this genetic limitation!


watch the video because a live demonstration beats me trying to explain the steps (inclusive of angles and whatsnot) in words.

PRODUCTS USED //



1. DOLLY WINK long mascara (click on the product name for a full review)
2. PANASONIC heated lash curler

BEFORE //



my lashes isn't my most prized possession on my face. it's short and straight.
thankfully, i do have some eyelashes to begin with, so it's not the end of the world for me as i can salvage things with a good mascara.

i've mentioned this in the video, but i want to mention it again: the dollywink mascara WILL straighten my curled lashes, that's why it's essential to use a heated lash curler with the mascara or it simply won't work for you.

AFTER //



i love how my lashes look so natural after the lash routine! notice the curl on my right eye (the one further from the camera). that's quite a dramatic change in the angle it points!

the best thing about this mascara is its ability to lengthen and volumize without it looking unnatural (i.e. spider legs). the tips are still fine and looks like a real eye lash.

dramatic comparision of the before and after from the front. 

i wasn't joking when i said my lashes are not visible normally! with the extra help from the mascara and the lash curler, they finally came alive and aren't shy to be seen by people anymore!

SAY HI TO GORGEOUS LASHES!

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