Product of The Week: MUFE HD Foundation

Sorry for the late Product of the Week installment! I’m still recuperating from my flu. Anyhow, here’s one of my fav. foundation on my kit! Make Up For Ever HD Foundation! I’m sure you’ve been hearing a lot of people raving about it. I’m going to share with you why I choose this as My Product of the Week!

It wasn’t until last year that I completely fell in love with this foundation. I think it was just a big rave and overrated. I’ve used it on models and brides, they absolutely love the finish. It’s great for sensitive skin, no reaction whatsoever (so far). It looks great photographed too, no flash back. However, I didn’t seem to like it on myself until just recently, for some reason. I’m not even sure why. Might be because currently my shade is quite hard to match to most of the foundation in the market.

Anyways, I bought mine for CAD$49 (not incl. tax) in Sephora Canada. It’s a big price tag, just CAD$1 difference than luxury brand foundation like Chanel or Dior. I decided that no. 118 would be a good match for my skin. Back in 2009, I had to mix 117 and 123 for my shade since I already owned those shades for my kit.

What is MUFE HD Invisible Foundation?

The MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Complexion products use innovative formulas to create a new generation of make up which is both invisible on HD cameras and to the naked eye. The HD Foundation is an oil-free medium-to-full coverage liquid foundation which covers skin imperfections, while remaining invisible on-screen and in real life. Its extremely fine texture is supple and easy to apply. Enriched with moisturizing agents, it leaves the skin soft and radiant. It is available in a wide range of shades to suit all skin tones.

MUFE HD foundation 118 review

I’m not wearing any makeup on the photo above and as you can see, I have a lot of redness and acne scars, and a gigantic pimple! My skin condition at the moment is combination oily.

No. 118 is described as Flesh – for light skin with beige undertone (Sephora Canada)I tend to use this shade 118 or 117 on Chinese-descendant Indonesians as well. 118 is a good match for those with skintone like mine  *UPDATE: I bought shade 120 and it was perfect for my skintone! It’s yellow based, while 118 is more on a neutral shade (beige). So, I went from a good match to a perfect match! Those who are quite fair might like 117. As a comparison, I’m slightly lighter than an NC 30, but darker than NC 25 in MAC Studio Fix Fluid. I’m an NC 27 for MAC Studio Tech foundation. I’m 4.0 in Urban Decay Naked foundation.

MUFE HD foundation 118 review

Coverage

This product is supposed to have a medium-to-full coverage. I agree. With this foundation (as well as other medium/full coverage foundation) you can actually play around with the coverage. If you want a thin, sheer coverage, apply this to your face with a damped sponge or you can mix it with your moisturizer.

If you prefer a fuller coverage, you can apply this foundation using a buffing brush (like the Sigma Round or Flat Kabuki brushes). Try to avoid this method if you have dry, flaky skin. If you prefer a medium coverage, like me, I prefer to apply this foundation using a normal flat foundation brush (that’s what I used for pictures above and below).

Word of caution: do apply a LITTLE and add more if needed. I’ve seen a lot of youtube “gurus” that definitely used too much foundation. For this review, I only used 1 pump of foundation to cover my entire face. 1 PUMP for the ENTIRE FACE. I actually have extra for neck and chest.

Finish

As you can see in the picture, even though the foundation covers most of my imperfection, it doesn’t leave the skin flat. The skin is still showing through. It doesn’t feel cakey or heavy at all when it dries. I have to say it has a semi-matte finish. It’s not dewy or glowy, but it’s also not entirely matte. *UPDATE: It has a more matte finish compared to other “natural” finish foundation like the Diorskin Star*

Longevity

I’ve used this in photoshoots, bridal makeup, my own makeup etc. It lasted a good 5-6 hours without powdering. If you do powder your face after applying this foundation, it’ll last the whole day in cooler climate. In hotter climate, with powdering, might last a good 6-8 hours depending on your activity. For a bridal makeup that I did in Bali, the bride only needed 1 powder touch-up and that’s it.

If you are very oily, I suggest to powder it. If you have dry skin, you can skip the powder to avoid your skin looking too dry.

Packaging

The foundation comes in a clear plastic bottle with a pump included. Keep in mind if you are going to bring this for traveling, store it properly. I have yet to have any breakage or spillage incident in my luggage or zuca bag yet (hopefully never).

Price

30ml for CAD$49. I’m not sure how much it is in Indonesia.

MUFE HD foundation 118 review

 

Pros:

  • You can play around with coverage
  • Amazing range of color – 26 shades in N. America.
  • Great for those living in hot climate, like in the Tropics since this foundation will last the whole day.
  • Foundation comes with a pump which make it easier to take the product out.
  • Skin looks great in photograph and real life.
  • Great for any type of skin, but especially good for those with combination to oily skin, as well as those with sensitive skin.
  • Very little product is needed to cover the entire face.

Cons:

  • Pricy.
  • Bottle is prone to breakage.
  • The pump takes practice. If you pump too much, you end up wasting the product.

Verdict:

If you cannot stand MAC foundation, or have sensitive skin, this foundation is definitely worth a try. It gives an amazing finish to the skin without being overly matte or dewy. It makes the skin look very natural, and not cakey at all. I’ve used this on those with sensitive skin, and there were no reaction whatsoever so far.

Please note that I bought this product with my own money. This is not an ad or sponsored post.

Lily Cole Bodyshop Shimmer Cube Look #2

I wanted to do another tutorial using the Lily Cole BodyShop Shimmer Cube that I bought in April. I’ve done a review in this post Body Shop Lily Cole Shimmer Cube, and a tutorial in this Spring Lilac post. I really love the eyeshadow combination, and wanted to create another look that’s wearable and not too over the top, yet at the same time there’s still a play of colors on the eyes.

I decided to use the eyeshadows dry for a sheer wash of color. If you like a more intense color, feel free to apply the eyeshadows wet. I like how this look ends up to be very light and just enough. I think it’s perfect for the Summer, esp. since the weather is getting really hot in Jakarta.

How-to:

1. I applied the Live Lilac eyeshadow from BodyShop Lily Cole Shimmer cube using a flat eyeshadow brush all over my lid.

2. Next, I applied Think Pink eyeshadow from Bodyshop Lily Cole Shimmer cube on the outer half of the lid using a flat eyeshadow brush.

3. On the outer corner only, I applied Go Violet using a flat eyeshadow brush.

4. Using a clean blending brush, I blended Go Violet on the crease.

5. I applied Think Pink on the lower lid, as well as Go Violet on the outer corner of the lower lid using a small shader brush.

6. I dabbed Live Lilac on the inner corner of the lower lid using a pencil brush.

7. Using L’oreal Voluminous Smoldering eyeliner, I lined my waterline, tightline and along the upper lash line creating a small flick at the outer corner.

8. I filled my brows using Shu Uemura Hard Formula 9 eyebrow pencil.

9. I curled my lashes and applied Maybelline Volume Express Turbo Boost mascara.

Lily Cole Bodyshop Shimmer Cube

10. For the face, I applied Urban Decay Naked foundation using foundation brush.

11. On the cheeks, I applied Benefit Hervana.

12. I completed the look by applying Clinique Chubbystick Lip pencil in Bountiful Blush.

Lily Cole Bodyshop Shimmer Cube

Color Crush

I have a crush on the MUFE Aqua Cream no. 52. The color is just so pretty! I just want to use it on every tutorial…Anyways, I did this look just to play around with colors. I think I might do another look with the green cream shadow. We’ll see. I had a lot of fun playing around with this color.

How-to:

1. Using a synthetic brush, I applied MUFE Aqua cream no. 52 Pearly Green Dragon on the outer half of my lid.

2. Using MUFE Aqua Shadow stick in Pearly Peach on the inner half of the lid. I used my finger to blend the colors.

3. I used a flat eyeshadow brush and applied Smashbox Admire Me Soft Shimmering Coral on the inner half of the lid and UD Kush on the outer half.

4. Using a small shader eyeshadow brush, I applied UD Perversion on the outer V and the crease.

5. I cleaned the small shader brush on a tissue and use the brush to blend the harsh line.

6. I applied MUFE no. 92 eyeshadow on the crease lightly using a blending brush.

7. Using wet wipe, I cleaned the outer edge of my eye to clean up and sharpen the edge.

8. I also applied UD Foxy eyeshadow under the brow.

9. Using an angled eyebrow brush, I applied MUFE no. 92 eyeshadow on the lower lid. I applied UD Bordello on the inner corner of the lower lid.

10. I lined my waterline using L’oreal Voluminous Smoldering eyeliner and lined the upper lashline using Kanebo Kate Super Sharp liner.

11. I curled my lashes and applied Dior Overcurl mascara.

12. I filled my brows using MUFE Aqua Brow gel no. 40 and an angled eyeliner brush.

13. I brushed my brows using a clean spooly.

mufe aqua cream 22

14. For the face, I applied MUFE HD Foundation using a foundation brush.

15. I applied MAC Cubic blush and MAC Bronzer on the cheeks.

16. I contoured the sides of my nose using MAC Shadowy.

17. On the lips, I applied Clinique Bountiful Blush chubby stick.

bright colorful makeup

orange and green makeup

Product of the Week: Shu Uemura Hard Formula Brow Pencil

Brows, brows, brows! I’ve been asked to do a brow tutorial, but been putting it on hold for the longest time. Let me first of all, introduce this brow pencil to you guys. Whether you are a beginner or a makeup artist, I think everyone should own the Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow pencil! This pencil is currently my favorite brow product, ever since I ran out of my Anastasia Brow Wiz.

Anyhow, so what is Shu Uemura Hard Formula Brow pencil?

Natural finish and shape. This unique eyebrow pencil only releases color pigment when it interacts with the oils in the brow hairs. The result is natural, defined brows. Smudge-proof and long-lasting. (Shu Uemura, 2013)

Shu Uemura Brow Pencil

If you happen to go to a Shu Uemura counter or their website, you might realized that the shape of their eyebrow pencil is not exactly like my photo. That’s because their pencil is shaped using a cutter in a Naginata shaped. I knew about the shape because I went to a Shu Uemura counter in Canada and they explained it to me back then. However, I purchased this pencil from Shu Uemura counter in Grand Indonesia mall, and they did not cut it for me in Naginata style, instead they handed me in this form. I don’t really care, Naginata or not, this brow pencil still rocks!

Anyways, I might drop by the Shu Uemura counter again just to ask them to re-shape my brow pencil.

Pros

  • The color is perfect. Mine is Hard 9 (Acorn), and I think it has just enough warm undertone for my warm undertone hair. It’s not too red, and at the same time not too ashy.
  • It brings a certain warmness to the face and it works for a lot of people. I’ve used this pencil on several people and for bridal makeup as well.
  • Since its hard formula is very waxy, when you draw this pencil in, it mimicked your brow hair. You can get the most natural finish with this product.

Longevity

I’ve worn this pencil for a good 8-10 hours without any smudging whatsoever in a very warm and humid climate (a.k.a Bali).

Price

I don’t quite recall how much it cost in Jakarta since I’ve bought it quite a while back.  I will let you guys know once Shu Uemura Indonesia answers my tweet 😉

Anyways, I know this pencil costs CAD$29 in Canada and USD$23 in USA.

Cons

  • Since it’s a hard formula and very waxy, you might not be able to swatch this on your hand. I managed to do it after going at it several times the back of my hand.
  • They carry 2 more colors in Asia than in North America, namely Acorn and Walnut Brown.

Shu Uemura Brow Pencil no. 9

Keep in mind, even if your hair is black, you might want to use brown instead so your brows don’t look harsh.

Also, if you want to know how I shaped my brows, please visit my tutorial in Brows 101.

How-to:

1. Starting with a clean brow, use a clean spooly (or mascara brush) to brush the brow hair upwards. Trim any excess with a cuticle scissors if needed.

2. I like to start with the tail of brow. Just filling it in and extend it slightly.

3. I created a diagonal line on the lower part of my brow from the head to just below the arch (hard to explain, please look at photo below…bahahaha).

4. Next I drew a diagonal line along the top of the brow to the highest point of the brow (i.e. arch).

5. I filled it the rest of the brow using the pencil. (I purposely drew a lot in so you can see the difference between my non-filled brow with the filled-in brow).

6. This step is optional, but works wonder if you want an extra shape or an extra lift. So, using a flat sturdy brush, I applied M.A.C pro conceal/correct palette in yellow corrector along the bottom and top part of the brow. I blended it out using a clean flat brush.

7. At this stage, I brushed my brow hair upwards again using a clean spooly (or mascara brush) for a natural finish look.

Pretty much, lots of my tutorials prior to this post used the Shu Uemura Hard Formula Brow Pencil.

how to do brows

Seafoam

I’m sure by now you guys are probably tired of me using my Sleek Makeup Snapshot palette…but I can’t help it! It’s too gorgeous! Today’s look is very simple, no crease or outer V whatsoever…I’ve actually worn mascara the whole day, and didn’t take it off for the tutorial, so don’t mind the mascara on the step-by-step picture..

Let’s get on the tutorial! (I prepped my eyes using MAC Soft Ochre paint pot)

How-to:

1. Using a flat eyeshadow brush, I applied Green Iguana from Sleek Makeup Snapshot palette on the eyelid, leaving the inner third of the lid empty.

2. (not in picture) I used a clean fluffy brush to blend the crease so there’s no harsh edge.

3. Using a small shader brush, I applied MAC Butterfly Party Crushed Metal Pigment on the inner third of the lid.

4. Using another clean small shader brush, I blended the edge where the 2 eyeshadows meet.

5. I lined my waterline using L’oreal Voluminous Smoldering eyeliner.

6. Using an angled eyeliner brush, I applied Green Iguana eyeshadow on the lower lid.

7. I lined the upper lash line using Clinique gel liner, creating a winged/cat-eyeliner.

8. Using a big clean fluffy brush, I applied Kiwi Flower just above the crease for an extra wash of color.

9. I applied Maybelline Volume Express Turbo Boost mascara on both upper and lower lashes.

10. I filled my brows in using Shu Uemura brow pencil.

sleek makeup snapshot

11. On the face, I applied MUFE HD Foundation using my fingers.

12. I contoured my cheeks using MAC Shadowy and NARS Ita Kabuki brush.

13. On the cheeks, I applied MAC Peaches blush.

14. On the lips, I applied Chanel Levres Scintillantes in Volupte.

green and purple makeup

Pearlescent

Another smoky tutorial! This time, I wanted to show you guys another way of doing a smoky eye. This look highlights the center of the eyelid, instead of the usual highlight on the inner corner. I like doing this smoky eyes more than the other ones since I find that the eyes catch the light when you blink or look down. It’s something different than the classic sooty, dark grey smoky eyes. Obviously, you can do this with any color. I’ve done this type of look using cranberry and blue eyeshadow in my Peek a Blue post.

How-to:

1. Using a synthetic art brush, I applied Smashbox Stone cream eyeshadow on the inner and outer corner of the eyes, leaving the center part of the lid bare.

2. Using a flat eyeshadow brush, I applied Urban Decay Dark Horse eyeshadow on top of the cream eyeshadow. Again, leave the middle part of the lid empty.

3. Using another clean synthetic art brush, I applied Chanel Illusion D’ombre in Emerveille in the middle of the lid.

4. Using a clean flat eyeshadow brush, I applied Urban Decay Sidecar eyeshadow on top of Chanel Emerveille cream shadow.

5. Using a clean small fluffy brush, I blended the edges where the dark and the light eyeshadow meet.

6. I applied UD Darkhorse on the outer half of the lower lid and UD Sidecar on the inner half.

7. I lined my waterline, tightline and upper lashline using L’oreal Voluminous Smoldering eyeliner.

8. I curled my lashes and applied Maybelline Express Volume Turbo boost mascara on my lashes.

9. I filled my brows in using Shu Uemura brow pencil.

asian smoky eyes

10. On my face, I applied MUFE HD foundation in 118 all over using IPKN Auto Wave makeup.

11. I contoured my cheeks using MAC Shadowy.

12. On the cheeks, I applied MAC Peaches blush.

13. On the lips I applied Chanel Confidentielle lipstick.

asian smoky eyes

Silver Fox

I was mesmerized by Chanel’s Spring 2013 RTW runway makeup, that I’ve decided to do an inspired look based on it. I usually prefer warm-toned colors, like gold and bronze over silver, so it was definitely interesting to do this look.

I used Tinsel eyeshadow from the Sleek Makeup iDivine Sparkle 2 palette in this tutorial. I believed the makeup artist for Chanel used a silver cream eyeshadow (illusion d’ombre) to create the look. Since I don’t own any silver cream eyeshadow, I decided to use a powder eyeshadow. Tinsel eyeshadow is very creamy and can be easily blended.

It’s a very simple and wearable look. Since the focus is on the eyes, everything else is downplayed. In the runway, models were seen with bare face, but I decided to add a blush just so that I don’t look too washed out.

How-to:

1. I applied Tinsel all over the lid using a flat eyeshadow brush.

2. Using a fluffy blending brush, I blended the color from the crease all the way up to the brow bone.

3. Using a small shader brush, I applied Tinsel on the lower lid.

4. I created a winged liner along the upper lashline using Kate Sharp eyeliner.

5. I also lightly lined the lower lashline using the same eyeliner.

6. I lined my waterline using L’oreal Voluminous Smoldering eyeliner.

7. I curled my lashes, and applied Maybelline Express Volume Turbo Boost mascara on both upper and lower lashes.

8. I filled my brows in using Dolly Winked Brow pencil no. 3. (if you notice the difference between the last 2 pictures below on the brow, that’s because I brush the brows after I filled them in using a clean spooly).

chanel inspired makeup

9. For the face, I applied Urban Decay Naked foundation using IPKN Auto Wave makeup.

10. Under the eyes, I applied MAC Pro Conceal/Correct palette in Medium.

11. I powdered my face lightly on the T-zone using loose powder.

12. On the cheeks, I applied MAC Dainty blush.

13. On the lips, I applied Chanel Levres Scintillantes in Volupte.

silver makeup

Sunset Inspired

I’ve been wanting to do a sunset inspired makeup for a while, but couldn’t find the right colors to do it. Well, ever since I got my hands on that MUFE Aqua Cream no. 9, I couldn’t resist playing with that color. I think it’s probably one of my favorite colors so far. I just want to use it all the time!

If you see anything that’s underlined and bold in the sentences below, it means that I’ve link it to another tutorial/review that I’ve done in this blog. The links are not spam nor will it lead you to another site.

How-to:

1. I applied MUFE Aqua Cream Shadow no. 9 all over my lid using my finger. (for other tutorials using this color please refer to Coral and Blue, and Candiliscious)

2. Using a flat eyeshadow brush, I applied Smashbox Soft Shimmering Coral from the Admire Me palette on top of the aqua cream.

3. Using Smashbox bullet brush, I applied purple eyeshadow from Sariayu’s Karimunjawa palette.

4. I blended the edge of the shadow using a clean blending brush.

5. Using an angled eyebrow brush, I applied Lancome All Made Up eyeshadow on the inner corner of the lower lid, and the purple eyeshadow from step 3 on the outer half.

6. Using a Kate Super Sharp liquid eyeliner (bought from a Japanese drugstore during my trip), I created a winged liner along the upper lash line.

7. I lined the outer third of my lower lid using the same eyeliner and used an angled brush to smudge the liner slightly.

8. I filled my brows using a mixture of MAC Omega and MAC Brun using an angled eyeliner brush.

9. I curled my lashes and applied L’oreal Double Extender Curl mascara.

10. I applied my face powder right below my brows.

coral and purple makeup

11. Under the eyes, I applied the yellow corrector from MAC Pro Conceal/Correct palette in Medium.

12. On my face, I applied MUFE HD foundation using a Sigma Round Kabuki brush.

13. I powdered my face using Cinema Secret loose powder.

14. I applied MAC Shadowy to contour my face and MAC Peaches blush on my cheeks (for my contouring tutorial please refer to Subtle Contour/Highlight/Blush).

15. On my lips, I applied Revlon Mauve It Over lipstick.

sunset makeup

Brun

I had the pleasure of having Wiwin to come over to my place and allowed me to give her a makeover. We did it just for fun, ’cause you know, I was bored and had been bugging her to let me do her pretty face 😉

We went out afterwards and ooh boy, this hot babe was the center of attention..hahahaha…Her fiance, Geoffrey, came with an arsenal of lenses and camera. He took all the photos below. Pretty amazing couple, eh?

Since we were going out, she didn’t want the makeup to be too smoky, and she wanted a bronze eyeshadow to be incorporated into the look. So, I did something similar to my “Warm Brown Smoky” tutorial, but added Urban Decay Half-Baked on the eyelid (on top of All That Glitter). On top of that instead of MAC Sketch eyeshadow, I used MAC Brun eyeshadow.

asian natural makeup

Her eyebrows were recently “shaved” by another makeup artist and it was wonky. So, I had to filled it in using Chanel brow pencil in Mistre to re-shape the brows and set it with MAC Omega eyeshadow.

No falsies applied since she didn’t want it. We didn’t want to go overboard with the look.

No black liner on waterline because I want to keep her eyes looking bigger and wide. Black eyeliner on the inner rim will close her eyes and makes the eyes look smaller. Instead, I used a beige eyeliner to brighten up her eyes and created a bigger eye illusion. I also created a winged liner along her upper lashline to lift her eyes.

asian natural makeup brida;

For her base, I prepped it with CoverFX primer and Make Up For Ever HD Foundation. I concealed any blemishes and under eyes circles using MAC Pro Conceal and Correct palette. I also applied a little bit of Chanel Universal Bronzer on her face (hollow of the cheeks and temples). For blush, I applied Revlon Rosy Glow cream blush on her cheeks.

I set everything using Cinema Secret loose powder. She wanted her nose to look higher, so I applied MAC Shadowy very lightly on the sides of her nose I also applied the same contour powder on the temples, hollows of the cheeks and her jawline. I applied MAC Fleur Power blush on her cheeks.

For the lips, I applied my favorite lipstick of all time: Revlon Mauve It Over matte lipstick, and applied a little bit of L’occitane lip balm on top of it.

asian bridal natural makeup

Her hair was set on rollers and rolled up in a bun during makeup session. Just FYI, that is her natural hair color! Beautiful, yes?

Oh, yes, that’s my family’s dog, Yorkie 😉 He made an appearance this time.

asian natural makeup

Spring Lilac

Aye, if you’ve read my previous post, you know this tutorial is coming, right? Right! As I’ve said previously, the colors from this Bodyshop Lily Cole Shimmer Cube are a lot more pigmented when applied with a flat eyeshadow brush. So, don’t be surprised when you see that the colors here are a lot more pigmented than the ones that I swatched on my hand.

Now, I added an extra full front photo of myself with my eyes looking down. You might notice that the eyeliner on the other eye is way thicker, that’s because one of my eye is smaller than the other one. So, I have to draw a thicker eyeliner on the other eye so when I opened both eyes, the eyeliner looked equal. Also, the bigger eye has a lot more folds/lines. The small eye has an almond shape while the bigger one is more rounded. Ugh, there’s a reason why I have the bangs covering that eye! hahaha..Anyways, doesn’t matter. I can’t really help it, so I just make the best out of it!

Repeat after me, people: my imperfections make me perfect and unique 😉

So this look will suit almost everyone! I’m not sure how this will show up on those with darker skin than mine. I think darker skin might be able to use the 2 dark colors, but might not be able to use the lighter ones. This cube works for any eye colors! The look is very spring. It’s a great look if you dare to wear colors during the day.

Anyhow, let’s get the tutorial started! I prep my eyelids by applying Maybelline Inked in Pink 24hr Color Tattoo.

Lilac makeup

How-to:

1. Using a flat eyeshadow brush, I applied Live Lilac all over the lid.

2. With a pencil brush, I applied Think Pink on the outer V and on the crease.

3. I blended the crease by applying a clean blending brush.

4. Using an angled eyeliner brush, I dipped the brush in water and then to Go Violet eyeshadow. I created a winged liner on the upper lid. I also lined my waterline using black eyeliner from Annabelle.

5. Using whatever is left on the brush, I applied Go Violet on the lower lashline. I also applied Live Lilac on the inner corner of the lower lid.

6. I filled in my brows using Anastasia Brow Powder in Brunette.

7. I curled my lashes and applied L’oreal Curl Impact Collagen mascara on both top and lower lashes.

bodyshop lily cole shimmer cube

8. I applied MAC Matchmaster foundation on my face using MAC Stippling brush. This foundation is quite matte, and I purposely chose it because the eyes are quite frosty.

9. I powdered my T-zone using a loose powder.

10. I contoured the side of my nose and the hollow of the cheeks using MAC Shadowy.

11. For the cheeks, I applied MAC Well Dressed blush.

12. For the lips, I applied Revlon Just Bitten lip balm in Crush on the center of the lid and blended it outwards using my finger. On top of it, I applied a clear lipgloss and blot excess off.

spring makeup 2013