Review: Ben Nye Total Cover-All Wheel (SK-100)

 

 

The first step in doing makeup (at least for me) is having a flawless face to work with. Perfecting the base is something I take time doing, especially with clients I do makeup for. I always have this notion, where in the face, works like a canvass when it comes to makeup. I know it is cliché to say that, as a lot of people who do makeup think of it that way. But that statement is as clear as saying that one needs a flawless face to work with in order to achieve perfection in applying makeup.

 

Great bases help attain that, which is why I started investing with good ones to help build a decent kit for clients.

 

GEEK FACTS:

Ben Nye is a theatrical makeup company - by means of that, it is a heavy duty makeup made to withstand the harsh lights of the industry. It started in 1967 by a famous Hollywood makeup artist; Benjamin Emmet Nye Sr., who was renowned for decades (yes decades) in the said field. A few movies I am familiar with, regarding his work would be Gone With the Wind and Planet of the Apes.

 

Enough with the trivia, I know you want the review so here it goes.

 

 

WHAT THE GEEK THINKS:
The Ben Nye Total Cover-all Wheel in SK-100 is a concealer wheel divided into 6 portions. Although, you may purchase the shades individually, I find it more economical to buy the cover wheel as you get 6 shades for the price of 3. It is a cream based concealer with superb pigmentation. It offers great coverage without making it look thick - it is blendable (I know it is not even a word but you girls get me with that right?) enough to make your makeup look natural and at the same time it has the ability to hide those unwanted marks that you wish to conceal. I tried using this on a birthmark and it covered well. And since it is blends well, you can mix different shades to match the shade of the skin tone that you are aiming for.

I haven't seen how deep each pan is, but it weighs 1 oz, which means it is packed with a lot of product. Hopefully I won't hit pan yet, but from the looks of it, it will take long before I get there, even with constant usage of this product.

 

 

The shades of the concealer wheel is perfect for a lot of uses. Aside from concealing, it is also perfect for highlighting. Ooops! I photographed the wheel the wrong way! Here's the name of each shade (from the top 'middle one' in clockwise direction) CC-1, MY-2, MO-11, MY-1, MO-2 and the middle one which is MO-1.

Here are a few swatches of the product:

 

How it looks like in natural lighting.

 

How it looks like with indoor lighting (white lights)

 

How it looks like in direct sunlight

 

How it looks like when blended

 

 

Price: P1200 (around $27.00)

Where to Purchase: Make Up Pro

 

RANTS:

• It can get cakey on fine lines and for those who have dry skin. But a good moisturizer can cheat you with this one.
•  You have to heat the concealer first if it gets stored in a cold temperature before using because it tends to solidify a little. It goes back to it's normal creamy consistency when you leave it in room temperature after.
• Buying Ben Nye cosmetics here in the Philippines isn't quite as accessible as other brands. Good thing for Make Up Pro, items like these are easier to purchase. And the good thing here is that all your make up needs is housed in one roof. No need to look around that much.
• It can get a bit oily, so make sure to set it with powder after

RAVES:

• Comes in 6 shades that you can mix together.
• Creamy consistency hence; great in blending.
• Very cheap, considering a pot of concealer would cost you half of this wheel, but with this one, you get 6 more shades amounting to an ounce of great coverage.
• Hides scars and marks well without looking patchy on the skin. IT COVERS WELL!

THE VERDICT: 4/5 I would recommend this product especially for those who are just starting to build their makeup kit like me. I did try several great concealers like MAC, Smashbox and MUFE and this product is at par with them. This is just based on my opinion. Hope it works well for you girls as much as it worked well with me.

MAC X Hayley Williams (Paramore)

MAC does it again! If you are a follower of my Facebook page, I posted an update a few months ago about MAC's collaboration with Hayley Williams of Paramore. And now, here it is! It is no longer a rumor! MAC releases it's April 2013 collection with Hayley Williams.

 

Hayley is the lead singer of the famous band Paramore. I won't say I'm a huge fan, but I like their music (especially the first album) and I crush on Hayley's personality as well. Haha yeah! She is my girl crush!

The collection consists of four products in orange and coral tones - very Hayley indeed! It is exclusively available at MAC 'online' only. Here in the Philippines you may pre-order from Carefree Shopper. Now let us take a peek into the collection.

Colour plus texture for the lips that made M·A·C famous. Limited-edition shade of Sounds Like Noise, a true bright orange inspired by Hayley Williams. 

PRICE: $15.00

A highly-pigmented powder in a mid-tone coral with a frost finish inspired by Hayley Williams. Applies evenly, blends well. 

PRICE: $15.00

A luxurious velvet-soft powder with high-frost metallic finish. Smoothes on, adds buffed-up highlights to cheeks, or an overall ultra-deluxe polish to the face. 

PRICE: $30

 

High gloss, cream formula in Hayley's signature colour, a true bright orange. Provides no-streak/no-chip finish. Contains conditioners and UV protection.

PRICE: $16.00

***Product description was taken from MAC's official site***

Review: Real Techniques Starter Set

Finally! It is high time that I review these brushes! I've had this set for one year already and I think that year gave me enough time to properly see the pros and cons of these brushes. I have written in my previous review about Real Techniques Core Collection that these brushes were designed by Samantha Chapman - a makeup artist and the other half of the famous Youtube channel Pixiwoo. 

Like what I said before, the brushes from Real Techniques come in different colors and they are coded as Gold - for a flawless base, Pink - for a perfect finish and lastly Purple - for enhanced eyes. The starter set has 5 brushes meant to create perfect  eye makeup - hence the purple handles.

The 5 brushes are mainly the Deluxe Crease Brush, Base Shadow Brush, Brow Brush, Pixel Point Eyeliner Brush and an Accent Brush which I will individually write about today. The set also includes a panoramic case.

Material:

• Hand cut synthetic Taklon Bristles
• Aluminum Handles

Price:

• $18.00
• Around P800 only

Where to Purchase:

You can buy directly from Real Techniques. I had my friend buy this set for me at ULTA, it is  also available at Boots in the US. However, here in the Philippines, shipping may be a bit costly. You may be able to buy these brushes at online stores, only, they are a bit pricier than how it originally costs. But, that is a reasonable price since the shipping fee here would cost you more if you buy directly from the site anyway. Most online stores sell this for P1500, the cheapest I found was from a trusted seller at Facebook: Carefree Shopper (just click the link it will direct you to their Facebook Page). Carefree Shopper sells them for P1150 per set - definitely NOT as overpriced as others right? 

Again, like the Core Collection, the Starter Set is encased in a velcro, toggle - then fold over holders. I find this very innovative, as it can be folded back to use as a stand, or you can loosen the toggle to close and use the stand to hold the brushes when you travel. Not like any brush roll huh?

Now let us talk about these brushes individually!

DELUXE CREASE BRUSH:

Soft oversized design for effortless contouring

This is my favorite among the rest of the brushes from this set. Although it is originally intended to be used as a crease brush - I use it for another purpose since my eyes are too small and this brush is to big to be used in the crease area. This is helpful though in setting my concealer. I use it with my Ben Nye Banana Powder or my RCMA colorless powder when I set my concealer. It is also great in using cream based concealer. It gives out a fine and smooth look - not streaky and thick like flat concealer brushes do.

BASE SHADOW BRUSH:

Applies a smooth, flawless foundation of color

This one is a tapered brush which is a 'bit' flat. It works well in pressing eyeshadow pigments in my eyes but I still find it a wee bit flimsy compared to my other eye shadow brushes who are more flat. It works better though when you blend your eye makeup or when you wish to soften up harsh lines.

BROW BRUSH:

Distinctive shape, easily defines eyebrows

I actually hated this brush at first because I was used to stiff eyebrow brushes and this one was softer. It has been one of my favorites up to date though, since it is soft enough to give your eyebrows a light color that would fill in the gaps, thus making it appear more natural instead of the look that is too stenciled and harsh. It can also be used as an eyeliner brush, especially if you want to do a winged liner. Also, this may be used as a lip brush.

PIXEL POINT EYELINER BRUSH:

Tapered cut is ideal for dense or fine eyeliner application

I use this brush the lease. I find it too fat to be an eyeliner brush. Maybe if I am going for a mod look, this may ease up the application for eyeliner. The one sold individually is thinner than this though. I still can't find another good use for this.

ACCENT BRUSH:

Designed for precision detailing, spotlighting, highlighting and smudging

Lastly the accent brush, which is one of my favorites too. I use this often in highlighting the inner corners of my eyes. This is also helpful on your water line.

OVERALL:

In all honesty, I wasn't as psyched as I was on this Set compared with my Core Collection. There were good brushes which were a part of this and then there were those who are just comparable with the eye brushes I have which were purchased locally. It is a good start up brush kit though for beginners, but if you have many brushes with the same function, I wouldn't recommend this one as a 'must have'. It is still a great value for your money, considering you get five brushes for a price that isn't so steep. I don't regret having this set though because it has all the eye brushes that I need when I travel.

Have you tried Real Techniques Brushes already? What are your favorites?

Makeup Heaven at Make Up Pro (Shop Feature & Haul)

Have you ever gone to makeup heaven? I just did when I paid a visit at Make Up Pro! I share the same sentiments with everyone who went to this place, I would bet on that! Indeed, this place is heaven to every beauty enthusiast.

This place is packed with hard to find cosmetics. It may cost a bit compared to those bought overseas but it sure is cheaper than those sold at the malls here in the Philippines and those sold at online stores around. 

MakeUp Pro has two branches, one in Makati and the other in Quezon City. I was lucky to visit both stores, but I failed to take pictures on the later one. Allow me to brief you through all the good stuff this store has to offer.

As soon as you enter to the unit, you will be greeted with this chic sign of the store - very fitting for what the store has to offer. And right then and there you will be awe struck with shelves of great beauty finds!

From make up to skin care to hair care - this place is fully packed! It took me a few hours before I could finally decide which products I'll be taking home! Yes, that long - and they were too nice to let me feast that long! Special thanks to Ms. Mia!! :)

Hard to source items may be found in this shelf like this Eve Pearl Concealer and MAQPro Concealer Palette. Items for airbrush makeup like that from Temptu may also be seen. 

This basket holds a bevy of shades from Inglot so you can customize your palettes to your hearts content.

Another great item that they hold for a price that is as close to those sold overseas are these lip tars from OCC.

You even have a lot of shades to choose from so make sure you dig in this basket.

My favorite part of the store is this mirror which holds makeup brushes from MakeUp Forever, MAC, Bdellium, Tarte, Urban Decay, and on a shelf nearby, you would see Real Techniques, Hakuhodo brushes and my dream set from Rae Morris.

Below the mirror you would see airbrush compressors and makeup cases like this one from Zuca and Shu Uemura.

On the topmost shelf, you would find hair products from Loreal like the famouse Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray, Tresseme products and Kiehls. You would also find more Temptu Airbrush accessories and compressors. Man! I'll be saving up for that!!

There is also a shelf of Illamasqua products. From blushes, to eye shadow quads, lipsticks and glosses.. You would really have a hard time deciding on which ones to pick. If only I had unlimited funds, I would shop like crazy!

Another great shelf to feast in would be this one full of Nars products. Beside this shelf (not in picture) is another hard to find brand from Kevyn Aucoin. Makeup Books are also sold here.

Another part of the shelf that I went crazy about was the part from MAC (not in picture) and Make  Up Forever. I even made a list of products I would purchase the next time I visit the store!

So, I went home with these goodies - and for the record, I have never been this happy shopping for makeup! No kidding! I got Ben Nye's Banana Visgae Luxury Powder, One pot of MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW35, Ben Nye's Total Cover-All Wheel in SK-100, and RCMA's No Color Powder.

To know more about the store, do add them on Facebook on the following accounts:

Make Up Pro for the Makati Branch

MKstudio Make Up Pro for the Quezon City Branch

You may also like their Facebook Page: Make Up Pro QC

Ms. Ana and the rest of the Make Up Pro team would be happy to assist you!

Acrylic-holic! Cheap Acrylic Case Haul!

I have the habit of checking out Saizen whenever I am at the mall. I don't know why, but I always feel the need to check the store cause they might have something great hidden around. Some days I end up with nothing while on other days I come home with a heavy bag. I guess I was lucky a few days back. For the longest time, I have been in search for cheap acrylic holders. I bought a few ones that I fancied but it seems that I can't get enough! Maybe it is the O.C. in me that makes me continue with the search for perfect makeup containers.

We all know that products from Saizen range from P66-P88. Given that I have been talking about Saizen from the start of this blog post, it is no surprise that I was able to snag these acrylic holders from the said store. But whats surprising is that, I bought each for only P44.00 You read that right! They were all on 50% OFF! It almost cost me a dollar a pop! Lucky me right? So I hoarded a bit to give my make up nook a well deserved makeover!

These acrylic holders are all stackable. They come in different shapes and sizes. This first photo for instance is deep enough to hold nail polishes, foundations, etc. upright.

This round one is perfect for holding your makeup brushes. You have the choice of taking the dividers away but, I opt to keep mine to help my brushes stand upright instead of using my old beads from my Sephora inspired brush holder.

Another great thing is that they come in different finishes. I chose the perforated ones because they look more sturdy than the smooth ones.

And again, you may stack them as you please! I was able to purchase these acrylic holders from Saizen Robinson's Galleria. I checked other Saizen outlets but they don't have them on sale. Boo! :(

Anyway, I hope this post helped those who are looking for cheap acrylic holders. Happy shopping girls! :)

How to: Deep Cleanse Make Up Brushes

Make up brushes gather dirt, bacteria and facial oils aside from the make up it picks up when used for application. It is essential to clean our brushes regularly, besides, who wants to spread bacteria on their faces anyway?

I have tried several ways on cleaning my make up brushes, some didn't work well to the point that my make up brushes got damaged. So far, this works well for me, and I have been doing it for years already. I am still finding ways on making this task more convenient and easier to do, but for now I am sharing what works for me as of the moment.

WHAT YOU NEED:

Dirty Makeup Brushes

Baby Shampoo

Olive Oil

Paper Towel

Clean Towel

Brush Guards

Glasses and Basins

FIRST STEP:

Separate your brushes depending on their type (Natural or Synthetic). You also have to take into consideration the products used on the brush for application, i.e. if the make up is in powder form, cream, liquid, etc. For those with Natural hair, you can skip the second step. This goes the same with the brushes that are synthetic and yet powder forms of make up were used for application. However, those with Synthetic hairs and those that pick up cream and liquid based makeups are more tedious to cleanse.

SECOND STEP:

(This applies to brushes with Synthetic hair and those applied with cream/liquid based makeups only)

"Blot" olive oil on paper towel. I know, others would tell you to mix olive oil on your cleansing medium, however that didn't work well for me, it weighed down the hair on my brushes and it caused them to shed I had to throw a lot of them because of that.

After blotting the paper towel with olive oil, just swirl and work your brushes until the brush no longer leaves color on the paper towel.

This is essential to brushes that were applied with waxy products like gel liners, lipsticks and creamy foundations. Olive oil helps breakdown the waxiness and thickness of the product before you proceed to the next step.

THIRD STEP:

Mix baby shampoo and water in a small basin. Dip your brushes on the cleansing medium, making sure that it does not touch the ferrule (the metal part that holds the hair). We have to take in consideration, that if water seeps in the ferrules, it will loosen the glue that holds the hair, thus making the brushes shed.

FOURTH STEP:

Using a wash cloth, sponge, the palm of your hand etc. lather your brushes! I'm planning on editing this part sometime soon as I use my palms for lathering my brushes haha!

FIFTH STEP:

Holding your brushes in a downward position (again, try as much to to let water touch the ferrules) rinse the brushes until all signs of product has been washed away.

SIXTH STEP:

Squeeze the excess water on your bushes and proceed to the drying part. In doing so, roll one side of the towel and lay your brushes on a downward position to let more water drip down.

For dense brushes, use brush guards to help squeeze excess water and maintain the shape of your brushes. Place them on clean glasses in a downward position. You may place a clean paper towel on the bottom of the glass to help absorb the water that would possibly drip when drying.

SEVENTH AND LAST STEP:

When the brushes are already damp, lay them flat on a clean towel and wait for them to dry. Wipe and buff the handles of the brushes when dry and voila! Clean brushes - all set for your next makeup move! 

Remember to clean your brushes regularly. I do this once - twice a week, depending on how often I use them. Remember that brushes also harbor bacteria that could lead to possible skin infections. Cleaning them regularly will reduce the risk of breakouts and infections.