#spotlight

I have always been in love with red lipstick. I think it is the single color in the lipstick world that can dress up any outfit even if you are naked.

I recently received a lipstick from Avon (way before the launch of their new makeup line). I have had the lipstick ready in my "to be reviewed" drawer and I finally got  to it.

#fragrance #perfumes

OMG is probably one of the best local scents I have put my hands on, or rather, put my nose on! When it comes to spraying something on me, I am very picky.

When wearing lipstick, regardless of what color, the question of whether coloring inside or outside the lines have always been an issue. Depending on the effect you would want to achieve, there is no right or wrong way when putting on your lipstick.

I have always loved red lipstick! I think that it's the only color that can completely transform any woman's look dramatically without having to use any other product on your face! A friend of mine from New York gave me a red lipstick for Christmas. She told me that it was the latest that Shiseido came out with. From the tube, the red lipstick looked gorgeous. It didn't look like a "shocking" red, it was soft and looked really creamy.

Last New Year's, I decided to try it on and test its staying power. As soon as I put it on, I fell in love with it. I used a dark red liner as a base, and topped it with Shiseido's Perfect Rouge. I blotted and re-applied twice to make it really stay.

Nothing is more fem and chic than a great set of red lips. No matter what your age, skin tone, or face shape, there is a perfect red lipstick color for everyone. The one great thing about the timeless shade of red lipstick is that there are always options in price for every budget. So get ready for winter by finding a great red lipstick or two.

In no particular order, my 10 best:


Now that you have chosen a possible red shade for you, another important consideration is the application.

STAINED: If full-on color makes you nervous, apply lipstick with your finger, patting it on the center of the lip and working outward to create a stained look, which is discreetly sexy and wearable anywhere.

INTENSE: First choose a lip liner that either matches the desired lipstick or is a shade darker than your natural lip color. After tracing the lip line, smudge the line slightly with a Q-tip or your fingertip to make it less rigid. Apply lip color with a lip brush, sweeping on just enough to lay a foundation of color. Blot lips with a tissue and apply a second coat, painting color on carefully. This gives lips dimension and makes lip color last.



PHOTO CREDITS
Hair and Makeup by Sabs Hernandez
Photographed by FILROBES
Model: Jacqui Manzano-Yllana

Use false eyelashes to define your lashes at the lash line instead of a lot of mascara and eyeliner. Applying false eyelashes can be very easy and make a big difference.

False eyelashes are the key to dramatic eyes. It is amazing how much your eyes will stand out when wearing false eyelashes. Walk on to any studio, or rummage through a makeup artist's kit and you will see false eyelashes everywhere.

Long lashes give a more sophisticated look. Sometimes, when I go out, all i put on is mascara and lip gloss. It really makes me feel like a girl! Haha!

Here are steps on how to put on a pair of falsies, and how to make them look as natural as possible.

* First, choose falsies that are made from natural human hair. These look the most natural. Buy lashes that are not too long and clumped together or are too stiff. You want the ones that are not so thick, and not too long.
* Then you will need to trim the lash strip to fit the width of your eye lid. A mustache scissor is perfect for this job. * Then curl your natural eyelashes.
* Apply the lash glue (I personally use DUO Surgical Glue) along the false lash strip in a very narrow line. Let it dry for a minute until it becomes sticky and gummy.
* Next, sit at a table and place a mirror on the table top and look down. This makes it easier to get the false eyelash on your lash line. This takes some getting used to, so be patient. if you find it hard to control, use a pair of tweezers.
* Place the false eyelash exactly on top of the lash line. Let it dry.
* Use a liquid eyeliner to apply a thin line on the lash band on top of your lash line to cover any glue markings, and to cover any spaces on your lashes.
* Finish by applying one coat of mascara to blend your natural eyelashes with the false eyelashes. It took me a while to get used to this, but after years of applying them on myself, brides and on models, I have gotten used to it already. Instead of having eyelash extensions, using falsies are actually a lot safer than having eyelash extensions done. Most of these false eyelash glues are water based and hypo allergenic, so they do not damage your natural lashes.




Hair and Makeup by Sabs Hernandez
Photographed by Pocholo Ignacio, assisted by Louie Sumcio
Model Carolina

My sister, Margs, has always told me that red lips won't look good on her everytime I would suggest putting it on her when I do her makeup. One time, she had an even to go to and this time, I decided not to ask her anymore if I could do red lips on her.

When she saw how gorgeous it turned out to be, she now believes that EVERYONE can wear red lipstick!
When hunting for the perfect shade of red, trying it on and leaving it on for a few minutes will help you see which one looks great on you. Just be patient. It took me several tries of red shades too to find one that best suited Margs. So keep trying! Don't feel pressured in buying something thatthe counter advisers tell you.

Remember, it does not mean that whatever great red lipstick your friend has on, it would also suit you. There's a chance that it might, but don't go rushing to the counter and paying for it before trying it on.

It might take a while to find the perfect red lipstick with all the brands and shades out there. But don't despair, because once you've found that perfect shade, you'll be 100% happy! My last piece of advice when wearing your red lipstick, keep your whole face simple and put as little makeup as possible. Make a bold statement with just your red lips!