You have your face for life

51. Write 30 essays or articles about something I’m interested in and post it online (3/30)

I don’t really know how I’m getting all these hits after the skin post (besides visits from my loved ones ~ Eevonn, Nicole ^^) but I just want to thank everyone who’s taken their precious exam-study time to read my goo goo blah blah of a blog. I suppose it’s because skin concerns us all since I haven’t met anyone yet that doesn’t have any skin on em’. I mean, I’m no homicide detective or nuthin’ and seeing what they see would probably scar me for life despite all the horror movies I can stomach.

Anyway, onto make up talk since that’s what I promise y’all (it still amuses me that English classes in France teach this phrase). So yah. I never used to wear make up until before and around France when Nicole lured me to the dark side. Slowly I learnt about foundation, application, and beauty tools and now, apprentice has become master ! X-D JK. I still only wear the basics so here’s explaining what these ‘basics’ are. By the way, I apply in this order:

1. Primer base WITH SPF.

Using a primer before putting on foundation is important because it helps keep the foundation on. I always use a primer with a high SPF (over 30) because it will protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays and prevent things like sun spots. So primers like this will act as sunscreens too. And no Nicole, it does not whiten your skin — it just prevents it from getting burnt ! I found a really interesting article on sunscreens here if you’d like to read it ! The one I use is from the Dior Snow range which has an SPF of 50+ :-D

2. Foundation

When choosing a foundation, I take into consideration a few things. First be sure to choose one that matches your skin type (dry, oily, combination). People with oily skin tend to go with the powder forms while if you have dry skin, liquid foundation is best ! The coverage is differs from product to product but what I’ve found overall is that liquid seems to cover up pores better. In that way, I think I’m starting to prefer liquid forms ! Secondly, make sure you choose a colour that matches skin undertone. Generally there’s pink, golden and brown. If you’re Asian like me, golden or ‘yellow’ is best. That is why I prefer to buy brands marketed to this demographic. Brands such as Paul & Joe (amazing !), Shiseido, and Kanebo.

In terms of application, it depends what form of foundation you’ve chosen. With powders I use a Kabuki brush while with liquid foundations I use a damp sponge to give more of a natural effect cause’ liquid foundations tend to look more ‘matte’ when applied straight to face.

3. Concealer / BB cream

After applying foundation, I a BB cream for the job of ‘concealing’ any blemishes such as acne scars or dark areas under my eyes, sides of face etc. You can use a product marketed as a ‘concealer’ but BB creams actually have properties that help lighten and get rid of blemishes so I use that instead of just using a cream whose sole purpose is to cover them up ! Now BB creams aka ‘blemish balms’ are extremely popular at the moment so there are many brands on the market. If you’re wondering which ones to go for, I’d recommend these (based on use, research & hear-say — aren’t I dedicated ?! X-D): Dr. Jart Detox Healing Black Label Bb Cream SPF 25/ PA++ (this tends to give you skin a ‘greyish’ tone IF used WITHOUT foundation !) or Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF42 PA++. There are a few more I want to try though !

4. Eye liner

For years I never wore eye liner because I kept seeing people wearing harsh black eye liner underneath their eyes and I always thought that looked quite un-natural and not flattering at all though I mean I can’t say that absolutely. It does suit some people. But that is still why I never wear black eyeliner underneath my own eyes. Over the top is fine — however I don’t do that daily. What I do do daily is use a brown more natural colour underneath my eyes but not in the watery part. In the watery part (i’m sure there’s a name.. but I have no eye deer ! ;-P), I use a white eye liner as it makes your eyes look bigger. And starting for the corner of my eye I’ll use brown until about half way across my eye and then I’ll stop. It’s awkward to explain — perhaps I should do a viddy. In any case, this is really *my* personal preference on how to apply eye liner. I’m sure we all have our ways so whatever suits you ! My favourite eye liners are from Urban Decay cause’ they’re just SO SO SO creamy, smooth, waterproof, and easy to apply ! They have lots of awesome colours too and they’re WAY cheaper than MAC ones. By the way, waterproof is always better (especially as I yawn and tear a lot in the morning) !

5. Mascara

I don’t really like wearing mascara all the time because it’s really annoying to get off and because I just feel too.. ‘dressed up’ when wearing it. I’m so used to my eyelashes going unnoticed haha. Also, I’ve always thought that it’s more practical for those who don’t have dark lashes. But when I do use it I use the Helena Rubinstein one but only after I’ve curled my eyelashes using the Shu Uemura eyelash curler (Tip: I use the blow dryer on it first so it really keeps the lashes curled !) otherwise you won’t really be able to see that I’ve got mascara on in the first place since my eyelashes don’t really curl. They’re just straight, and asian-y.

And yeah. That’s about it. Not too complicated ain’t it ?