I would have thought of doing something creative, like getting myself a snapshot in my quirkiest pose donning the quirkiest makeup. But, since fresh is the theme, I’ve chosen this look  I pulled off at a Christmas Party.

Boho Makeup-No Makeup Look at the Christmas Party

Makeup: Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Liquid Foundation, Dollface Cosmetics Oil-Absorbing Mineral Finishing Silk, Shu Uemura Sheer Face Powder, Maybelline Volume Express Cat Eyes Mascara,  Shu Uemura Pro Concealer, Bloom Retractable Brow Definer, Bloom Eyeshadow Liner,  Nars Orgasm blush, MAC Bronzing Powder and MAC Lip Gelee.

Back then, I remember using loads of makeup. And by makeup, I mean loads of foundation and concealer–obviously to hide “something”.  My face is oily, and so it’s prone to acne and scarring. It’s not that I hate being oily (well sometimes, I do). It’s just that it totally melts the makeup away, and gives me unwanted breakouts here and there. Wearing heavy makeup did cover my flaws, but it made my look somewhat unnatural as much as it felt.  I can’t deny that there’s this heavy feeling wearing such makeup everyday. And so, I resorted into ditching using heavy makeup (well, only if there’s no special occasion).

And so, I learned about mineral makeup–which is well-known for its almost all natural (organic) properties. At first, I was bothered about the mess it always leaves, as it kinda stains on everything it touches. Mineral makeups are usually of loose powder type. But then, as I reap the great benefits of using MMUs, I try adapting to “change”. Later on, I found the El Dorado–MMUs in compact powder and liquid types.

And for the whole look, I always go for the makeup no-makeup look. I just admire [and envy] how Koreans pull it off with so much ease! Maybe because, they’re already born with clear, radiant skin. But, that didn’t stop me from hoping to achieve it. Mineral makeup looks and feels so natural with my skin. Albeit it doesn’t have as much coverage as compared to traditional types, it gives me the just-right coverage that sets in my concealer in place.

Speaking of concealers, I use as little as possible. I tried not to layer it too much lest it will look streaky as soon as my face gets oilier and oilier. Time after time, my face gets clearer and clearer, so I use less concealer. Sometimes, I don’t use it at all!

Whenever my skin gets oily, I just blot the excess oil using oil-control films and dab  some oil control powder on after. With this look, I opted to skip blotting oil from my cheeks, giving ‘em some sheen.

Anna Sui recently launched its newest makeup collection, featuring Anna Sui Moisture Rich Foundation. It’s packed with SPF 15 and promises to create naturally flawless, pore-perfecting finish. It’s enriched with botanical ingredients such as rose extract, grape seed oil and raspberry extract that have aromatherapheutic, anti-oxidizing and moisturizing properties to make skin healthier and prevent it from drying. Best of all, it’s encased in an iconic rose motif compact that’s just utterly gorgeous!

Honestly, I haven’t tried a product yet from Anna Sui. Yet, this one looks pretty convincing, as it swears by the flawless, pore-less part! Also, one to try out is the Anna Sui Loose Powder that has oil-absorbing ingredients to create a long lasting, soft luminous finish.

Anna Sui Moisture Rich Foundation TVC

If you haven’t seen the TV ad yet, here’s your chance to take a sneak peek:

Furthermore, you can learn more about the whole collection by visiting this link.

Back in college, I made a full switch to using VMV Hypoallergernics products: from powder-foundation down to concealer. As soon as I started working, I upgraded into using MAC Cosmetics, hence the studiofix, concealer and lots of lip glasses.

I just hate to see blemishes standing out on my face, so I stashed in Cinema Secrets Concealer to do its job.

Due to my studiofix rant (couple it with my being adverturesome when it comes to makeup), I decided to make another switch, yet again, to Shu Uemura White Recovery RX Powder-Foundation, along with its Pro Concealer.

Oh well, much has been changed. First, breakouts are finally going, going, gone (I hope this is gonna be the last time I’ll be seeing you, zits!), that’s why I don’t have to put on loads of kabuki-thick makeup. Then, I finally learned how to set my makeup to last longer (thanks to my mattifier, oil-blotting sheets and loose powder), and to practice the cardinal rule of skin care by wearing sun block everyday.

Enough gab, here’s my present kikay kit:

Starting off with my Wicked Sista makeup bag from Beauty Bar. They got pretty makeup bag designs that’s proven to be durable and waterproof. I’ve been avidly using these for almost a year. xx

Here’s what’s inside my makeup kit. I know it’s not a lot, but these are essential stuff meant for everyday use (well, at least when going out!). Products are:

Shu Uemura Sheer Colorless Loose Face Powder – Lurve this. Sets my makeup well for a smooth, flawless finish
Shu Uemura White Recovery RX Powder-Foundation in 754 - My new makeup BFF. Not too sheer, nor too heavy. It gives just-right coverage
Shu Uemura Pro Concealer in 7YR (Blendable. Perfect for Tropical Climate. I used Cinema Secrets though when I was in Belgium, coz this one was as hard as a rock! See review here)
Bloom Shadow Liner in Ebony Brown (My HG eye liner)
BeneFit Eye Shadow Duo in Fate Made me Do It (Lavender/Smoke Gray)  – I don’t really use it that often. But, this is the smallest e/s set I can stash inside my makeup bag
Lancome Virtuose Mascara – Lengthens and Defines my Lashes. See review here
Smashbox Anti Shine – Great for keeping oilies at bay. Sometimes heavy on the skin, so I don’t use it everyday. More review soon!
Chanel Lumiere Lift Concealer in Beige Lumiere – I’m a freak when it comes to anti-aging stuff. Lurve how it blends and moisturizes the skin around my eyes. Lessens its puffiness to boot. Can double as liquid foundation See review here)
MAC Slimshine Lipstick in Gaily – I don’t hafta wear lipgloss over it, coz it’s that moisturizing
MAC Lip Glass in Soft and Slow – Only if I wanted nude lips xx
MAC 3D Lip Glass in Wondershine – Has rich red color for a bolder look.
The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Stain – Good thing Body Shop reformulated this from liquid to gel. Use it everyday for that just-bitten, reddish lips.
Agent Provocateur Lip Balm – Not really that effective to keep lips from chapping. But, heart its cooling effect, making my pout look naturally redder xx
Diesel Fuel for Life Unlimited Sample – I just put it for the sole purpose of making my makeup bag smell good. Ha-ha!

(Not in pics: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Blotting Tissues, Neutrogena Dry Touch Ultra-Sheer SPF 50 Sunblock, Shu Uemura UV Base and Shu Uemura Curlash)

Hoping to see what’s yours soon! xx

Yves Saint Laurent Matt Touch Foundation claims to have an oil-free formulation that controls excess oil and conceals imperfections for a flawless looking skin without losing its natural radiance. Skin never looks dry or overly made-up.

Thanks to its white water lily extract that controls excess oil, and star radiance booster pigments that conceal imperfections and illuminate the complexion. Its smoothing, silky-soft texture cares the skin with a long-lasting radiant matte finish. Not to mention, it’s packed with spf 10 for added UV ray protection.

It’s especially made for normal-to-oily and combination skin, and provides light to medium coverage.

The Verdict?

Lightweight, and Makes Skin Breathe

I attest to its lightweight formulation that feels so comfy to the skin, as if I’m not wearing any makeup at all. It has a mousse-like texture that makes application easy and mess-free. Plus, it’s really easy to blend, and really has a matte finish. It also somewhat brightens my skin complexion when applied.

Lacking Coverage

However, it seems like this one’s your average tinted moisturizer, as it offers little or no coverage at all. It’s not that buildable to boot. Another factor is its short mattifying power. Though it claims to have a lasting oil-free coverage, it didn’t quite control my very oily complexion.

I would recommend this to those who have virtually flawless skin, with normal skin types. The price is a bit of a low-down to me. But I guess, it’s a good try should you want to splurge for a luxury product like YSL.