Year: 2013

Hakuhodo Brush Update: An Overview

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It was love at first touch at the sole Hakuhodo counter in all of Osaka. It was crowded when we got there, and all of the brushes I listed down to purchase weren’t available, except for one: the H601, which is a portable retractable powder brush. It wasn’t high up on my list of priorities, but it was so bleeping soft. It’s been six months since then, and I’ve finally decided to jump the gun and just buy the damn brushes, since I know I’m going to buy them eventually anyway. I was initially looking at Sigma brushes, but then I knew that I’d just be purchasing those to fill a gap that I would actually like to be filled ASAP. The gap is Hakuhodo-shape, predictably. While looking at the brushes, I considered getting one of the sets, since they cost less than individual brushes. But, like I said in a previous post, I ended up just choosing some of the brushes that seemed would fit my makeup “style” and routine the best, since you …

Made-Up History: Chuck Close’s “Lucas,” 1986–1987

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Chuck Close is my freaking hero. If you haven’t heard of him, here is an example of his work: Mark (1978 – 1979) (source) His work is often recognized by his hyper-realist style, by the delicate manner in which he handles the supremely focused photographs of faces. To add to the effect of grandiosity, these paintings are often rendered on an extremely large canvas with all the details zoomed in and exposed to be observed by the viewer. Frank (1969) (source) A funny thing I learned today is that Chuck Close is “face blind.” He is afflicted with a condition called Prosopagnosia, which literally means that he has trouble remembering faces. He could have dinner with you tonight and forget your face the next day. Most of the portraits he has done (and he has done many, in many different ways) are of his friends and family, though this was not a deliberate decision brought about by his Prosopagnosia. Big Self-Portrait (1967 – 1968) (source) This is one of Close’s most recognizable and celebrated works. …

Concerning Primers: A review of the BECCA Resurfacing Primer + some thoughts

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Face primers are one of the hardest beauty products to review, in my opinion. After trying a plethora of them, I know what my favorite one is (I’ll get to that later), and yet the lure of trying another one is just so strong. Primers often promise a) longer wear for makeup, b) oil-control and mattification, and c) magical pore disappearance. The BECCA Resurfacing Primer “smooths skin to create the perfect complexion.” It is a “velvety matte lotion that helps control unwanted shine and reduce the appearance of pores.” The lotion itself is opaque white, similar to Hourglass Veil Mineral, but the BECCA Resurfacing Primer has a lot less slip and is a bit thicker/harder to work into the skin. Here it is, under the BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector (Opal) and the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (Ethereal Light), in natural light (left) and indoor light (right): It’s a mattifying primer minimizes the appearance of lines and pores. Because I used a super luminous base, though, I think it defeated the purpose. (Sorry about that!) I …

3 Product Face: An Experiment

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I first saw the 3 Product Face on Shari’s blog, but prior to that, I did a 4 Product Face. I think that we do these challenges to prove to everyone that we CAN SO live with the bare minimum, we just want a bit of fun! Then again, it could just be that so many people right now are in way too much of a hurry. Anyway, this is what I came up with. Initially, I wanted to use eyeshadow or a liner, but I opted for a base instead. As much as I love this Graymelin CC Base Cream*, I think I made a mistake! You’ll see why in a bit. Instead of eyeliner, I opted to use mascara. Everyone yammers on about how that and a bold lip are all you need to look polished so I wanted to test that theory with the Le Métier de Beauté Anamorphic Lash Mascara, which I don’t reach for for volume… but one that I feel most comfortable wearing. Then, for lips, I have MAC’s …

Stash Shopping No. 9 & The Product Directory

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I haven’t done these in a while, but I have been wanting to use some of my “forgotten” products. This week, I will be focusing my attention towards my MAC palette which has 15 eyeshadows and 3 blushes—more than plenty to get me through the week. As for lip colors, I want to use my Tom Ford lipstick in Flamingo, and my Addiction lipsticks, namely Gold Fish, Strong Woman, and Lady of the Lake, all of which need some more love, I think. I’ve also slowly been trying to not be lazy and use up some of my less-loved face primers—The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser and y.e.t. Cosmetics Fill It Up Primer. Just because I have way too many primers right now to not be using them. I hate wasting product also, and The Body Shop is on its last legs, so I figured I’d help it out and just use it up already. Anyway, I also wanted to post two short announcements. First, you can still donate towards relief aid for the …

Autumn Blush Picks

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I don’t usually discriminate makeup as seasonal only, but from time to time, I get swept up by the vibe of various holidays that my makeup just follows suit. Here are some blushes that I’ve been tending to reach for lately. L-R: Addiction Cheek Stick (Tea Rose), Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush (Exposed), MAC Extra Dimension Blush (Fiery Impact), NARS Blush (Sin), Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush (Blushing Bride), BECCA Beach Tint (Raspberry), Addiction Cheek Stick (Suspicious) I tend to go neutral (to pair with a vampy lip) or with plums and berries if I want to wear a nude or neutral lip. I’ve been laying off the corals and pinks right now, but I can’t say for sure if that’s due to the seasonal changes. What blushes have you reaching for lately? Is it seasonally inspired? Do share!

Sample Stash Sunday: Burberry Beauty Sheer Luminous Fluid Foundation in Trench No. 4

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Here’s an exciting thing I have come across, in my sample exploits—the Burberry Beauty Sheer Luminous Fluid Foundation. I have it in Trench No. 4, which is surprisingly a good match for me. It seems like it anyway; I was surprised since I just got this as a Sephora sample. Product Description: “Formula: A sheer and light cream fluid. A gelled structure for optimum light diffusion. Benefits: A subtle finish and natural glow that illuminate the skin. The skin feels beautifully bare, supple and comfortable. Protection: Hydrating formula. Contains UV filters to protect from damaging environmental exposure.” Right off the bat—I love this foundation. I applied it below over a primer (Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer) and topped it off with a finishing powder (Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Ethereal Light), but this foundation is a) weightless, b) easy to apply and blend with fingers, and c) provides decent coverage for a sheer foundation. I was surprised at how hard it was to spread out, though, given that it’s a sheer and “fluid” foundation. The formula, …