Inside My Make-Up Kit

I always felt that my face was covered with dust every time I powder. Even if my face was so oily, I chose not to put on powder. My eyes felt heavy because of eye shadow. And that would usually bother me because I might lose my 15/20 vision. I was uncomfortable with lipstick on. Yes, it felt I ate a pound of beef on my lips. That was why I was not really into wearing make-up. With that, several compacts and palettes from our relatives abroad ended up in the garbage  without or slightly being used (Sorry!)

When I started working, I was required to wear make-up since I had to interact with clients. So I just put on make-up because I had to. It was only after three years that I really learned to wear make-up. I became used to it. And that was when I was 24. Yes, I am a late bloomer in this aspect (well, actually in almost all aspects of life).

I wear light make-up when in the office or meeting up with friends. Light make-up I mean, tinted moisturizer, lip balm and a dab of lipstick. Sometimes, if I’m in the mood, I add eye make-up and blush my cheeks.

Now, I want to share with you what is inside my make-up kit (or “kikay” kit as we call it here in the Philippines) and how and when I use each of them.

Inside My Kikay Kit by iamaubrey

Eyes

I am not gifted with very long and thick lashes unlike my sister (I just love her eyes). I found out about Nu Skin Nutriol Eyelash Treatment that extends and adds volume to your lashes. I use it in the morning and night after cleansing my face and before I put on mascara. Its effect became visible in a few weeks. My officemate who once did my eye makeup noticed that the strands of my upper and lower lashes multiplied! There was also one time when I chatted with my bestfriend over YM and she complimented my eyes! (Too bad, I already used everything up to the last drop and it isn’t sold here in the Philippines)

I only use mascara when there’s an occasion or when going out at night to define my lashes. I prefer to use Maybelline Define-A-Lash Mascara that does not clump so it just looks natural. Plus, it is not that heavy for the eyelids. I think it is because of its and eyelash treatment’s brushes.

I love watching YouTube videos about blending eye shadow colors (especially Michelle Phan‘s) but I seldom wear it. They tire my eyes easily and I hate that. I only have this Estee Lauder Pure Color Eye Shadow and Signature Blush palette because a friend decided to give away her sets she’s not using. It is actually more than enough for me but I liked the subtle color and its shimmer effect. You can absolutely where it everyday (but I do not). (Pure Color: 13 Pale Moon, 35 Cinnamon, 47 Honey Drop, 02 Baby Pink, 10 Ivory Box, 63 Mocha Cup. I use Ivory Box as base and highlighter, Mocha Cup or Pale Moon, and Cinnamon, others, I still need to try them out).

Talking about Michelle Phan, she inspired me to wear eyeliner. It was painfully hard for me at first but because it brightens and opens up the eyes, I tried to learn how to draw it. (She has a tutorial on how to use different types of eyeliner in her YouTube page, watch it below). I don’t like pencil eyeliner because everytime I look in the mirror after several hours, I usually get raccoon eyes! Same goes with the pen. Cream or gel eyeliner need more effort with the use of a thin brush. I prefer using Elf Liquid Eyeliner because it doesn’t smudge when it dries out and it’s easier to use. It just takes practice and patience to perfect it and Michelle Phan’s tips are a big help. There was a point when I would wear just liquid eyeliner, tinted moisturizer and lipstick.

Face

I do not have a perfect skin so I had to use something to cover up the flaws. However, I do not like wearing concealer or foundation because they feel heavy and I feel that my skin can’t breathe. I use Nu Skin Tinted Moisturizer in Beige (if you have lighter skin, you may want to use Honey) because it’s super light and it has an SPF of 15. It blends with your skin’s natural color and it gives radiance to it. It’s register in photos is great and it makes your skin flawless. In addition, since you only need to use a few dots, it can last up to a year. I cover it up with Nu Skin MoisturShade Wet/Dry Pressed Powder in Natural Honey. I don’t feel like I have dust on my face. The powder also helps absorb the oil leaving it shine-free for a long time.

I seldom use blush. Most of the time, I just use it to contour my cheeks. Good thing Estee Lauder Signature Blush in Fresh Plum is a soft color.

Lips

I put on lip balm first before applying lipstick. This is for protection and to make it easier for me to swipe the lipstick. I love Nu Skin Sunright Lip Balm because it has SPF 15 and SeaLastin –  a trademark ingredient from seaweed by Nu Skin that protects against and undos previous sun damage.

A lot of people might find bloody red lipstick loud and vulgar but it actually spells strength and boldness. It also makes the face brighter and livelier. Whenever I use red lipstick, I don’t work on the eyes and other areas. No eyeliner, eye shadows and blush. Just tinted moisturizer, eyelash treatment and the red lipstick. I love Nu Skin Replenishing Lipstick in Cha Cha Red because the color is so powerful. When I use it during day time, I just dab it on my lips and it already makes a lot of color. I only swipe it at night, which makes it even more powerful. The best thing about this lipstick is it does not contain lead. It also has hydroxytyrosol, a patented ingredient that provides antioxidant, tissue-nurturing benefits for smooth youthful looking lips. I wake up in the morning with smoother and softer lips.

My staples are tinted moisturizer, lip balm and red lipstick. They are hassle-free and very convenient to apply. For other items, it depends on my mood, event or occasion. I also choose make up that does not contain or have a very low-level of harmful ingredients. Better if they are made with natural ingredients.

Always remember that nothing beats natural beauty. Eating the right kind of food, having enough sleep and drinking lots of water are still the best tricks. Cosmetics are just here to embellish and enhance.

If you have other tips or comments and suggestions regarding cosmetics or make-ups, please feel free to leave a comment.

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• Makeup: To Splurge Or Not To Splurge? (lifeofarecessionista.wordpress.com)
• 5 Cool Tricks For Longer-Lasting Makeup (blogs.smarter.com)
• In My Makeup Bag (belneeceema.com)
• Red Lipstick for African-American Women: Don’t Be Afraid! (bellemarie86.wordpress.com)

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