Review! Nyx Eyeshadow Base in Skin Tone!

NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Tone - is my little secret on how I make the eyeshadows pop (and last) on my client's eyelids.

What the website says about it:

Maximize the intensity, longevity and unashamed brilliance of your eye shadow statements with our eye shadow primer pots. Each of the three NYX Eye Shadow Bases—for vibrant, pearl or neutral tones—creates a smooth canvas for color, increases its durability and prevents fallout.

I actually came across NYX's eyeshadow base by accident. I was looking for orange and green correctors then when I found this gem. I found it on a makeup shop (I forgot the shop's name) in Glorietta (it's on the 2nd level near the area where SM Makati and Glorietta are joined). That time the correctors that I were looking for were not available so I end up trying several other products instead and one of these is NYX Eyeshadow base which I like instantly.

My NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Tone.

I put a small amount of the product on the back of my hand to test its consistency. The texture is creamy just like your cream concealer. It has a flesh tone just perfect for most skin types.  I gently pat it on the back of my hand to blend. It did blend well on my skin.

Then I took some of the available eyeshadow testers on the store and tried to swatch them without the base and on top of the base. The eyeshadows on top of the base pops! And right then and there I bought a jar for myself. And ever since NYX Eyeshadow base is my go to eyeshadow base for my clients.

What I like about NYX Eyeshadow base:

• The texture is creamy just like concealers which is easy to blend on the eyelids;
• The color is flesh tone so it will look like skin on most skin types;
• It is opaque so it will even out the eye area for eyeshadow applications;
• It helps eyeshadows to look its true color;
• It helps eyeshadows to have something to grab on to so eyeshadows will stay and not stray;
• It helps eyeshadows last all day long without fading and creasing (with proper technique);
• The pot has 7g worth of product so it will definitely goes a long way;
• It is affordable (under Php 500.00).

What I don't like about NYX Eyeshadow base:

None that I can think of really. Even the oiliest eyelid will benefit from it (you just have to know how to prep your eyelids).

Here's the comparison of NYX Eyeshadow base VS a 5 peso coin.

How I apply it?

I first prep the eye area to remove excess oil to make sure that the base will not crease and fade.

I just use my Jazzy concealer brush from James Cooper Cosmetics to get the needed amount of eyeshadow base from the pot. I use this brush for this purpose only. One dip and swipe is all I need for one eye. Then I use my ring finger to blend it.

NYX Eyeshadow Base when open.

Dip and swipe Jazzy concealer brush to get enough product for one eye.

That product on the brush is enough for one eye.

Then I swatch it on the back of my hand. See photos below on different lighting condition within my room. The left part is unblended while the right part is where I blended it on skin. Looks like skin, right? Well only better.

I took some of my eyeshadows so that you can see the difference with and without the makeup base. The top part are eyeshadows without the base and the lower part are the eyeshadows with the base underneath. See how the color pops, especially on the rightmost eyeshadow where it is almost not visible without the base.

The black looks true black and became opaque, same with the brown. Check photo below under different lighting condition.

I even tried placing my hand under running water just to check what happens. Well, since I'm using waterproof eyeshadows the eyeshadow stays but the ones with base beneath still looks the same if not became more opaque.

I really like NYX Eyeshadow base because it is creamy and flesh tone, it makes eyeshadow color pops, it extend the staying power of eyeshadow, it prevents crease and it's affordable and one pot will last very long.

And when I ran out of it, I will definitely purchase again.

Have you tried NYX Eyeshadow base? What do you think of it?

Rating: 5 out of 5

NYX Eyeshadow Base and NYX eyeshadows are used in the photo above.

Photo credit:

Model: Cheska

Makeup: Makeup Artistry by Hxero

Photography: Henry G. Anima II Photography

For Anton Belardo Collection

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Makeover! Rhel Got Better!

Meet Rhel...

Rhel is a natural beauty. She has that girl next door look which makes your head turn towards her whenever she passes by.

For the longest time I wanted to give her a makeover because she's just so beautiful. And I'll surely regret not giving her one.

She just celebrated her 5th year with her current company so I decided to give her a makeover as a reward.

The look that i'll be giving her can easily turn from sweet to sexy by just changing the lip color.

Rhel's makeover are separated in several sections for easy navigation:

Rhel's Eye Make-up
Rhel's Brows
Rhel's Skin
Rhel's Lips
Rhel's Hair
Rhel's Style Guide

Keep on reading to know the step-by-step makeup application I did for her.

For Rhel's look I wanted to bring out her inner sexiness so I use eyeshadows with shimmer on in. I also put emphasis on her crease by darkening the area for that bombshell-like doe eyed look. Then i line her entire eye with black pencil and wing her gel liner out for that sexy cat-eye effect.

Since her eye is already making a bold statement I wanted to diffuse the look a little by putting soft coral color on the lips to maintain her sweetness.

For Rhel's look I mostly used NYX Professional Makeup Make-Up Artist Kit (shown in photo above).

To help you know which eyeshadow I used, I'll mark each one (check above photo) and call each eyeshadow by the mark for easy reference.

Rhel's Eye Make-up: Holiday Sexy Look!

Follow the steps below to achieve her eye make-up.

Step 01:
Prime the entire eye area (enclosed in white dots as shown in the photo above) with NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Tone using medium size concealer brush. Then gently pat as you spread the primer to even out the application.

Step 02:
Using synthetic blending brush spread Maybelline Color Studio Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze evenly on the entire eyelid (enclosed in white dots as shown in the photo above). Once the cream eyeshadow is dry, pat the lid with NYX Eyeshadow #B5 (choco-bronze shimmer) using Flat Eyeshadow Brush like Artnet 112 or Flat Blending brush like Mac 217.

Step 03:
Then line the upper lash line (enclosed in white dots as shown in the photo above) with Maybelline Expert Eyes Soft Khol Eye Pencil in Black. Smudge Eyeliner using brush like Fanny Serrano brush 14.

Step 04:
Then blend the line softly while adding it with NYX Eyeshadow #D3 (black shimmer) using small brush like MAC 228. Blend it with the eyeshadow on the lid.

Step 05:

Using MAC 219 pencil brush color the crease with NYX Eyeshadow #C5 starting from the outer eye area going to the inner eye area. Blend it out from the outer eye area towards the inner eye area.

Step 06:
Apply Fanny Serrano Honey Glitter individual eyeshadow (enclosed in white dots as shown in the photo above) starting from the brow bone and blend the eyeshadow (shimmer) towards the crease using blending brush like Artnet 154 or MAC 224.

Step 07:
Then line the lower waterline (enclosed in white dots as shown in the photo above) with Maybelline Expert Eyes Soft Khol Eye Pencil in Black.

Step 08:
Smudge the pencil that goes beyond the  waterline and add NYX Eyeshadow #B5 on the lower lash line (enclosed in white dots as shown in the photo above) using MAC 224 brush.

Step 09:
Then add NYX Eyeshadow #D3 on the outer lower lash line (enclosed in white dots as shown in the photo above) using small MAC 228 brush. Blend it gently with the eyeshadow applied on the lower lash line but stop before it reached the middle area.

Step 10:
Using MAC 201 eyeliner brush, apply Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Eyeliner in Black on the upper lash line (enclosed in white dots as shown in the photo above). Wing-out the gel eyeliner for that cat-eye effect.

Then Curl your eyelashes with Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler. Apply 2 coats of Maybelline The Magnum Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara (let the mascara dry for 3 to 5 seconds before applying the second coat) from roots to tips (do not wiggle when applying when you want a more natural finish). Add false eyelashes to your liking.

Below is the finish look:

Finished Eye Make-up with Eyes Close.

Finished Eye Make-up with Eyes Open.

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For Rhel's Brows:

For her eyebrows I use wet n' wild ultimate brow kit powder in Ash Brown. I use the lighter one using MAC 208 brush. I first fill in the highest point of the arch towards the tip of the eyebrow before filling in the part near the nose.

Tip: Try to draw the shape first and check if you like it before putting more eyebrow powder. It's always easier to pack colors than removing the excess. I hope this helps.

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For Rhel's Skin: Fresh Flawless Skin!

Note: Step 01 should be skin prep and I will write about this on separate blog entry.

Below are the steps to achieve "Fresh Flawless Skin":

Step 01: I prime the entire face using Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer in 001.
Step 02: I use Dermacolor corrector/concealer on the under eye area to reduce the dark circles.
Step 03: I use L'oreal True Match Foundation in N7 on her skin. Slowly building the foundation up as needed using MAC 189 foundation brush.
Step 04: I put on concealer on under-eye area, corners of the nose, corner of the mouth and spot correcting on areas that need concealing using MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NC35. Make sure to blend it well with the rest of the skin.
Step 05: Then set the foundation and concealer with Ben-Nye Banana Powder.
Step 06: Then I put bronzer under her cheeks to bring out her cheek bones. Then I blend the upper edge where the bonzer ends with Maybelline Peachy Sweetie blush (peach colored blush) and added more blush from the apple of her cheeks towards the temples using Nars Yachio brush.

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For Rhel's Lips: Sweet Pout!

Note: You should put lip balm like Carmex after skin prep.
 
Below are the steps to achieve "Sweet Pout" lips:
Step 01: Line the entire lip area (upper and lower lips) with Etude House Lip Liner in Natural. Purse lips together to distribute lip liner evenly.
Step 02: Apply Kryolan Lipstck in #LF401 (nudel-coral shade). Purse lips together. Repeat this step twice or thrice depending on how long you want your lipstick will stay.
Step 03: Then add a coat of Kryolan Lipstick in #LC132 for that hint of orange. Purse lips together.
Step 04: Set lipstick by pressing tissue in between your upper and lower lips.
Step 05: Apply Etude House clear Lip Gloss in the Middle of your lower lip.

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For Rhel's Hair: "Upper East-side" Volumes!

Tip: Start with Hairstyling so that you will have enough time to set your hair rollers. Then finish hair after you finish applying your makeup.

This is similar to Michelle's hairstyle from previous makeover entry (click here). The hairstyle is versatile enough that can be worn whether you have long or shoulder length hair.

Below are the steps to achieve "Upper East-side Volumes" Hair Style:
Step 01: Spray hair with water to make it damp.
Step 02: Apply hair mousse.
Step 03: Blow dry hair using Babyliss hair blow drier and round large pig hair comb.
Step 04: Then separate hair into different groups. Then curl each group of hairs using Babyliss hair curler or Babyliss flat iron. After curling or ironing each group of hairs use rollers and roll each group and set it for few hours. Use large size rollers on hairs near the face and medium size rollers on the back.
Step 05: After you finished curling and putting hair rollers, spray it with Hair Spray to help the hair hold the curls.
Step 06: If the hair is all set, remove the hair rollers. Then slightly brush the hair with large paddle brush.

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Style Guide: Rhel's Looks!

I once again collaborated with fellow stylist James Reido to mix and match Rhel's wardrobe. We also asked Rhel to bring her favorite clothes, shoes and accessories so we could help her mix and match her wardrobe.

Below are the looks that we created for Rhel:

Look 01:
Party Dress from Greenhills - Php 350.00
Necklace from Divi - Php 200.00
Bangles from Landmark - Php 150.00

Look 02:
From Look 01 just add Black Jacket from Solo (Glorietta) - Php 1,500.00

Look 03:
Casual Dress from Landmark - Php 400.00
Gray Blazer from Maldita (Glorietta) - Php 1,500.00 to Php 2,000.00 price range
Necklace from Divi - Php 200.00
Bracelet from Online Store - Php 100.00

Look 04:
Casual Dress from Landmark - Php 350.00
Bangles from Market Market - Php 150.00
Beaded bracelet from Market Market - Php 100.00
Necktie worn as headband from Armando Caruso

Look 5:
From Look 04 just add Black Blazer from Express - Php 1,000.00

Credits:
Images: Henry Anima II
Hair & Make-up: Henry Anima II
Styling: James Reido

What do you think of Michelle's look? Please leave a comment.Also for alternative products to get this look just leave a comment and I'll give get back to you.

I hope you like Rhel's makeover and I'm sure you'll love recreating her look on yourself. I am looking forward for your comments.

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Makeovers! Shakeovers!

One thing I like about grooming and make-up is the makeover. You get to use your artistic skill to bring out the great features of the person you are doing make-up and hide the parts that they do not want to be highlighted. Sometimes people are used to their daily make-up routines that they no longer made an impact because it is the look that they always wear – so makeovers from time to time will help people see them differently and it’s very refreshing.

My friend Marge, the very good/artistic jewelry designer of Estrellas Manila and entrepreneur for Wall to Wall, and I paid a visit to our friend Engie (one of my make-up artist friend and mentor) and Pen (photographer) apartment so that they could check out my make-up skill. I get to do makeovers on Marge and Engie that day but I will be showing you today the look that I created for Marge.

 Marge photo by Me

 
Marge is acidic so foundation tends to turn darker when contact with her skin. She also has a very oily skin. Under eye puffiness that are slightly darker that the rest of her skin are some of her main concerns. These are the things that I need to consider in doing her makeover.

First I have to prep her skin (I will have a separate entry on this including primer…). I first use corrector under her eye to combat dark under eye circles and puffiness and set it with loose powder. Then mix two kinds of foundation to match her skin tone. Making sure that the products I used for her are water based since she naturally has oily skin. Then spot concealing on areas that needed more coverage. Then I set the foundation and concealer with loose powder. Contouring and highlight are then applied.

Skin Prep the first step to a flawless face

 
On to her eye makeup, I first use primer on her entire lid to help eyeshadows to become more pigmented and will last longer since we’re having lunch later that day and probably end up having dinner there also. Then I applied eyeshadow with the same color as her skin from her lash line up to her brow bone as base. Then applied darker brown with orange tone on her entire lid. Then darker brown (darker than the brown with orange tone) is applied to outer part of the eye and blend it up to her crease to create depth and contour. With the same eyeshadow color I also applied it on her lower lash line.  Then apply black eyeshadow close to upper lash liner. To finish it off, I applied a pearly flesh tone on her brow bone, inner corner of the eyes, and center of the lid to highlight that part of her eye. Make sure that every shade is well blended.

Applying eyeshadow using Dollface 88 Earth Color Palette

 
Then I applied gel eyeliner on her upper lash line and extend it slightly to create a wing effect. This will help contour her eyes more. I curl her eyelashes and put on a single coat of mascara. Then I applied two false eyelashes (the second one cut in half and put it in the outer part of the eye) and put another coat or two of mascara.

I just filled in her eyebrows with dark brown color for more definition.

To make a natural looking blush I combined two blush colors. First a peach shade and on top of that a cinnamon blush shade is applied.

Since I am going for a natural look on her I put on a lipstick with a beige peach shade on it on top of a lip liner.

And that finishes the look.

Check the before-and-after look below:

 

 Marge used Anime contact lens

Her make-up stayed the whole day until she removed it. Her skin becomes a bit oily on the evening but blotting it with tissue and it’s good as new.

Check the video below where Pen interviewed me about how I feel about the look I just made for Marge.

 

Having fun after the makeover

Listed below are the products used for this look. You may click on the product name for more info about it.

Face Primer: Skin Food Rice Water Mochi cream base

Corrector: Nyx concealer in a jar in Orange, Elf concealer corrector palette using the Green one, Jazzy photo ready in PR-001

Concealer: Covergirl and Olay Simple Agless eye concealer in 215

Foundation: Revlon PhotoReady in 003 mixed with L’oreal True Match in G3

Powder: Nars Loose Powder in Eden mixed with Fashion 21 in #1.

Contour and Highlight: Dollface

Eyes: Elf Eyelid Primer in Sheer, Dollface 88 Earth Color Palette

Eyeliner: Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

Eyebrows: Wet and Wild Ultimate Brow Kit

Cheeks: Maybelline Blush in Peachy Sweetie and Creamy Cinnamon

Lips: L’oreal in Sandalwood Beige and Etude House Lipliner

Hope you enjoy reading this blog and comments are well appreciated.

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