LESS IS MORE

It’s been dreadful to be so unusually quiet, especially when there are times I’ve been wanting to shout out what I’ve been doing, the challenges I’ve encountered at work, & the stress I face, day in day out.

Still, the passion for the industry is what keeps me going, and moving It would be nice to see this brand grow in the years to come, and I would love to reap the fruits of my labor.

During one of our trainings, we were tasked to count the number of products we put on our body, hair and face every morning before we step out and I shared top honors with one of my colleagues – we both had 24 products as our answer! Incredible, isn’t it? Many people were both amused and amazed that women can consume that many products at the beginning of the day

Well, I’ve come to accept that my background – all the years spent in the beauty industry – can never escape me and that at the end of the day, satisfaction comes from staring at the stash of makeup gems I’ve picked up along the way.

It’s true that they say, “Less is more” and that is why I’ll never stop buying more makeup… because I have lesser than many of you out there, I’m sure!

Love,
SAB
THE MAKEUP PAPARAZZI

Aug 30

WHEN AUTUMN FALLS…

Light up this Autumn with bright orange! Feels romantic yet funky

Bring out the girl in you with a simple lip color… my choice of the day? Aqua Lip 17C from Make Up For Ever!

If you want a more glamorous look, top it off with lip gloss! Kissable lips on the dot

Love,
JERA
THE MAKEUP PAPARAZZI

Aug 10

TESTED ‘N’ PROVEN: BEST 8 CONCEALERS

Recently, I recommended a new colleague of mine a concealer that is in my Top 8 list. It was then I realized that this isn’t the 1st time (in fact, countless) that I’ve been asked by friends to recommend concealers for them.

Dark eye rings, fine lines and puffiness are the major concerns for almost everyone. Finding the right shade and coverage is very important because we want to conceal the flaws, not magnify them.

Tips to remember:

1. Always apply eye cream before you use a concealer.
2. Always try on the shades to find the closest and perfect shade for your skin tone. Never guess!
3. Always find the shade that matches your face overall tone. Lighter shades may emphasize the puffiness or make the blue-black shade of dark eye rings look worse.
4. If you have a very serious case of dark eye rings, always use a corrector in salmon shade first before concealer for better coverage.
5. Apply the concealer using a nylon brush or with your fingers. When you are using your fingers, remember to dap the concealer until it reaches a smooth layer. Rubbing will result in an uneven layer and it will also cause damage to the thin skin under your eyes.
6. Concealers that promises high coverage will most likely have high pigment concentration, which may create fine lines or make the existing lines you already have, more obvious.

And now, it’s time to share with you my Top 8 favorite concealers~!

1. Make Up For Ever HD Concealer

It covers and brightens, and contains an oil-free formula. One to two clicks of the applicator is all you need. This concealer creates a soft-focus effect, brightening the eye area while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a natural, radiant look. The range comes in 14 shades and you can definitely find a shade for your skin tone.

2. Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer

This is my everyday concealer. It aids to lift up fine lines and wrinkles while it conceals. Thanks to tensine, an active ingredient with skin-firming properties for the eye area, and vitamins A and E, which regenerate the skin. This multi-purpose product also conceals specific, darker areas (brown spots, blotches, etc.) and can be used as a highlighter on the more prominent parts of the face (cheekbones, forehead, and chin) for added radiance.

3. Make Up For Ever Full Cover

As the name goes, it provides maximum coverage indeed. It is said to be able to cover up tattoos and scars, let alone dark eye rings. I will only recommend to eye areas that are free from fine lines and wrinkles due to its high pigment concentration. Waterproof and oil proof, it is also a good concealer for your face and body too.

4. Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Touche Eclat (Brightener)

This brightener/corrector/ concealer is so loved by models, makeup artists and celebrities! To me, it is an instant radiance pen that conceals fatigue and discoloration with wonder. Not enough sleep? Use this to fake the fresh look you will ever need. It can also be used as a highlighter too!

5. Amazing Cosmetics Concealer

This is another high coverage concealer and it claims to be the most amazing concealer available today. With its highly-pigmented super-emollient waterproof formula, the product blends well and creates a flawless natural-looking complexion.

6. Christian Dior SkinFlash Radiance Booster Pen (Brightener)

Another well-formulated illuminator booster. Just one click and stroke of this lightweight skin perfector instantly diminishes shadows, fine lines, and imperfections. Say hi to radiance everyday!

7. Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer

Why do models and celebrities always look so good in the midst of their busy schedules? With this full coverage concealer, you’ll be camera ready in no time! The densely pigmented concealer stick is a sizzling hot favourite for runways and the best thing about it? No powder is needed to provide a finish as the concealer has soft focus powders which will matify and set after application!

8. Smashbox High Definition Concealer

A light-weight liquid concealer that masks dark circles and imperfections, it leaves a natural finish and you can build up the even coverage by applying layer after layer. The formula contains cell-energizing Ribose which renews the appearance of skin, and soft focus pearls deflect light to minimize the appearance of blemishes and fine lines.

That’s all for now. Head to the stores and try them out to find the right concealer for yourself! Happy shopping

If you do have any recommendations or a favourite concealer to share, please feel free to comment

Love,
JERA
THE MAKEUP PAPARAZZI

Aug 10

TURNING 27

I turned 27 recently and somehow, it had been a wake-up call for me as I acknowledged the woes of entering the era of late twenties. My eye bags have grown increasingly heavier (and darker, sigh) and I cannot imagine how it would be if I did not have any skincare routine at all. The lines on my face have become deeper, I noticed. And my pores have become bigger! Oh, and let’s not forget the pigmentation!

This becomes a huge issue, because when I shop for skincare… I know I should stick strictly to the 2 major concerns I have but I’m truly conflicted, not confused. I want to treat all my concerns! And I have at least 3 major concerns, which would explain the pretty messy range of skincare steps I have right now. Grrrrrr.

In fact, I have 1 eye cream & 1 eye roller waiting for me to be opened and used, while I’m trying to finish another 1 eye cream and 1 eye roller. And because I know myself well, I’ve refrained myself from using 4 eye cream all at once – it will take ages for me to realize which work and which does not work. It also gives me a good reason not to buy another eye cream, despite the temptation to do so many occasions

As much as I try to run away from the reality, the truth of the matter is that I should be using anti-aging skincare from now onwards, if I really want my skin to be at its tip-top condition in my 30s and 40s. I’m even beginning to plan ahead, and please do not be surprised if I even start heading for Botox in my early 30s.

Like many women out, I’ll definitely want to keep up with my appearance!