Make-up secret lies in the eyes

We all go to the salon, get our make-up done, and get our designer to make fabulous gowns for that glamourous evening.

But what really makes a person look attractive? My editor friends from Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Tattler Philippines and Seventeen all would agree that it would be the individual’s eyes … end of discussion!
Who could ever argue with that? The eyes are the windows to the soul.
As a matter of fact, the eyes would be the first thing you would notice on someone. Maybe that explains why there is so much emphasis on eye make-up as it enhances and changes the look of an individual depending on what you want to achieve and project.

Mascara
Let me share with you an interesting information of how “Maybelline” came about. In 1913, Maybelline Mascara was created by a chemist, T L Williams, for his sister whose boyfriend, Chet, was in love with another woman.
To help Maybel get her man, T L Williams blended Vaseline jelly with coal dust and concocted a lash-darkener ... thus it was the first mascara!
Then in 1914, the lash-darkener worked and Chet was won over by Mabel’s new alluring look and they married in 1914.
T L Williams’s founder of the company, Maybelline, named after his sister ... Maybel and Vaseline! (taken from the history of Maybelline on the website) Great huh?
We should all be thankful for this man … as I cannot live without mascara!
Anyway, going back to this wonderful product, we have a variety in the market to choose from.
There are some in waterproof, lash-thickening, lengthening, curling, conditioning and even non-flaking version for those who wear lenses.
The blacks and the browns are the most popular and highly-used colours for mascara, but they also come in different colours like, russet, blue, green and other colours to choose from.
It was in fact in the eighties when Dior came out with the electric blue colour that was a hit to everyone - thanks to my aunt Sylvia who then gave me one. Although, I will not in any way wear that colour now, as it may seem to be a bit too much for me, besides I was a teenager at that time and I knew I could get away with it!
For me long, lush lashes are considered youthful and sexy, but I think that the real reason why a lot of us like mascara it is the way it makes our eyes stand out without making us look made up.
It can make the wearer appear naturally doe-eyed.
The lifespan of mascara should only be three months, no more than that, as it can cause eye infections. Avoid leaving your mascara open as it can dry up and become prone to bacteria.

Eye shadow
The main purpose of this product is to enhance the eye’s shape. A dark tone makes an area recede, while a light or bright shade will bring an area forward. This is why eye shadows are sold in two shades- dark and light.
Eye shadows draw attention to the eye, which is a reason why it comes in all sorts of colour, depending on what is in and out of fashion.
It comes in powder form, cream, sponge-tip wand, and in crayons. I get to use the lighter shades mostly in Mac’s Mylar. I feel that wearing eye shadow makes me look overly made up but I can tell you with Loida (the executive secretary in sales at the Gulf Hotel) looks great with eye shadow. She definitely knows how to play around with colours. Bravo Loida!

Make-up tools
This is tricky! I am always asked by a lot of woman as to what would be the best tool/s to use when applying make-up. My answer will always be … it’s your choice! Like, for instance, some may find it easy and comfortable using the tip of their fingers when applying eye shadows, concealers, foundations and creamy blushers.
That is a great way to do it as I know that some of the best make-up artists or cosmetic companies would say that the warmth of your fingers gives a good blend to your skin.
Some though would prefer to use a brush to give a more even and precise application of make-up. This is true too! But I use both- fingers and good make-up tools.
A good make-up tool can last a lifetime and I highly recommend brushes / tools from SHU UEMURA and MAC – they cost a fortune but are well worth the buy.
Just make sure you wash your brushes immediately after use with a brush cleaner.
An alternative cleaning agent for your delicate expensive brushes would be your shampoo and conditioner.
Sponges on your compact should be replaced, or at least washed, often as it can be the best breeding area for bacteria causing pimples and irritation on your skin. Always make sure that your hands are clean before touching that sponge.
These are guidelines in case you intend to buy brushes soon;
Powder brushes are fluffy and big with long hairs, best used to dust on a light, even application of facial powder.
Blusher brushes are slightly small and narrow but has that same rounded shape as that of the powder brush.
Contour brushes are like blusher brushes are smaller with stiffer bristles.
Eye shadow brushes – gosh they come in all sorts of sizes and thickness, to describe it on print is hard but I can tell you that it definitely blends that shadow colour and gives it an even and smooth finish. Ask the make-up artist in the cosmetic counter to explain the different types of shadow brush.
Eyeliner brushes have pencil thin heads and can be used wet or dry to paint super thin lines at the base of the lashes.
Lip brushes are small with compact, flat heads. Of course for lipstick use and gives that evenly smooth look on the lips. Plus it saves you from buying lipstick too often … the brush applicator gets only an ample amount that you need that saves you from excess use when applied directly from the stick.
Concealer brush feature stiff bristles and squared heads that allow you to work concealer into small or awkward areas.
Then we have that great tool called the eyelash curler - three brands that have great curlers; SHU UEMURA, MAC, and SHISEIDO.

Cruelty-free cosmetics
It is heart-breaking to hear how animals suffer for something as trivial as a lipstick or blusher ingredient. So be smart in shopping for cosmetics as I am a great lover for animals and would not want to see or hear these poor creatures be subjected to such testing. Anyway, thankfully we have lots of brands that practices animal-friendly beauty and these include:
Avon
Bonne Belle
Chanel
Christian Dior
Ecco Bella
Estee Lauder – Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Jane, Origins, Prescriptives, Stila and other brands under Estee.
Lush
Mary Kay
The Body Shop
Revlon
Tony and Tina
Urban Decay
Please note that there might be more brands that are practicing cruel-free cosmetic making …to update on this just check and research online for more information about animal-friendly beauty.
That will be all for now … stay healthy and lovely!