Do you use a LipLiner??
Posted by sarah | Filed under Daily Bread, Tips & Tricks
I bought three new MAC Lip pencils few days back. Im a sucker for lip pencils. I feel lipstick application is incomplete without a Lipliner!
Most people dont use a lipliner.
Well for those who dont use a lip pencil, Id suggest start using one! You’ll see a difference! 
HOW DO I USE A LIP LINER?
I line the perimeter of my lips, and then FILL in my lips wit the lip pencil as well. This is because the lip pencil acts as a BASE for the lipstick you will apply later.
If you’re anything like me, your lipstick would be half eaten by noon! So with a lip pencil, even when your lipstick fades away, you still have that bit of colour on your lips left by the lip pencil.
*You can easily watch any of my videos and you’ll see me lining my lips and then filling in my lips with the lip liners.
WHAT COLOURS SHOULD I USE?
Your safest bet would be:
- Natural tones,
- tones similar to YOUR Lip colour
- tones similar to the lipstick you are about to apply over your Lipliner
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HIGHLY RECOMMENDED LIP LINERS?
- STAGE Cosmetics Lipliner (Chocolate charm is my FAV! Natural brownish shade. Their lipliners are moisturizing!)
- MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencils (They are SOOOOO soft, a lil too brittle for some, but very easily glides onto the lips)
- Sephora Nano Lipliner (These Mini little lipliners are so CUTE They are very creamy and dont feel drying on the lips)
It may seem a little troublesome to some to have to line your lips when you can just slap on some gloss instead but like I said, if you talk alot, lick your lips alot etc.. you would notice your lipstick fading away fast. So trust me, a lipliner will be your new best friend.
♥
Goodbye 2009, Goodbye Youtube??
Posted by sarah | Filed under Daily Bread, Tips & Tricks
This is dedicated to all you lovelies who have been enquiring about my recommended products.
HERE ARE MY FAVOURITE PRODUCTS OF 2009!
♥
LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kD8quHP3UX0
Where to find/How much?? (I’m not too sure about the pricing)
-Givenchy Mister Mat $40-$45
Most departmental stores( Robinsons, Metro, BHG etc )
-MakeupForever HD Primer $65
Sephora NgeeAnnCity, Sephora Orchard ION, StamfordHouse Cityhall
-Bourjois Brush Foundation $35-$39
JohnLittle, Selected Watsons
-STAGE Creme Concealer $20
STAGE BugisJunction, STAGE Orchard ION, STAGE Suntec
-MAC Paintpot $30-$36
All Mac Counters
-MAC Penultimate
All Mac Counters
-STAGE Black eyeliner $20
STAGE BugisJunction, STAGE Orchard ION, STAGE Suntec-YSL Mascara $35-$45
DFS Scotts (directly opposite FarEastPlaza)
-Essence of Beauty BrushSet $20
www.magicaltannsu-instocks.blogspot.com
-Nivea LipBalm
Watsons, Guardian
My most FREQUENTLY USED and LOVED MAC eyeshadows
Posted by sarah | Filed under Daily Bread, Tips & Tricks
I’ve had ALOT of people asking me lately about colours and recomendations, or what I use so out of all my palettes, Ive taken my most frequently used ones, and decided to share some of my fav colours:
(ALL FROM M.A.C ONLY)
I initially had like 5 OR 6 MAC 15-pan palettes but then bought two 28-pan palettes from starsmakeuphaven.com and its so much more lighter than the MAC palettes. And easier for me cuz instead of 4 , I now carry around TWO palettes! There’s no particular order in which I arranged them, just kinda trying to colour co-ordinate but then just went ahead anyhow since I had 58 colours to deal with!
This is one of my favourite part of the 2nd palette, the greens and blues! I love these colours and you can see they are pretty much similar(yet somehow
different!) Oh and the sratch marks on the eyeshadows are cuz sometimes when I use a colour too often, I scrape off the first layer incase its harbourin any germs etc.
and from the first palette, I love the “smokey eye” colours:
Colours like Sketch, BeautyMarked, Carbon , Trax and TopHat are my absolute FAVs for Smokey eyes
!
Also from MAC, my highlight palette. Its basically all the neutrals,whites, offwhites, highlight shades, and GOLDS!
These are my MOST used colours:
You can get Vanilla EYESHADOW or VANILLA Pigment(more shimmer) but I prefer Vanilla pan eyeshadow cuz its more neutral looking. It may look like a strong colour but it comes off very subtle on fair skin. If you’re a lil darker or tanned, go for sunseed mixed with Nylon or sunseed mixed with dazzlelight! Sunseed is a lil more matte and toned down colour compared to vanilla. Slight peach undertone to it, so I mix it with dazzlelight for my indian clients and it gives a nice wash of colour, without being too overbearing. sometimes the colours that suit you best are the ones that are mixed/blended yourself!
and lastly from MAC, my blusher palette:
I’ve taken the liberty to type the names of my most used blusher colours from MAC. Mostly used on Indian skintones and tanned skintones.
RAIZIN is a brilliant colour for contouring! I use it on practically all my clients! It is very subtle on darker skintones which is GOOD! Cuz it gives a more realistic illusion of contouring!
for highlight, I love Enoughsaid for fairer skintones and MARGIN for tanned skin tones and darker tones. Its got such a pretty GLOW that doesnt look too Strong!
oh and COPPERTONE is my new found LOVE!! Coppertone is a lovely MATTE peachy shade! I mix it with MARGIN on great for tanned/darker skin tones, to give a lovely peachy sheen!
So those are my highly recommended and MOST used and LOVED MAC eyeshaodws and blushers! Hope it helps some of you
What’s in your makeup pouch??
Posted by sarah | Filed under Daily Bread, Tips & Tricks
LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYkscqlTAAI
Be more Professional
Posted by sarah | Filed under Daily Bread, Tips & Tricks
I would appreciate it, sincerely, if the messages sent to me, were sent with a little more professionalism.
I mentioned before, I reply to every single message I get, irregardless of whether I am available on the date requested. If I can take time out of my busy schedule to reply all your messages then I would really appreciate it if you took time to send me a proper message.
I get few messages with one liners, such as “How much for makeup” or “How much for bridal”
First off, your question is VAGUE. There are atleast 6 different answers to your question!
1) Which date do you require my service?
2) How many people require my service?
3) Do you require makeup services only? or hairstyling too?
4) What type of makeup do you require? Fashion? Basic? Corporate? Bridal?
5) What type of Bridal? Basic ROM makeup? Reception Makeup?
6) How many looks do you require? Any changes? Touch up required?
It shows a total lack of interest when you send me such messages. Every client needs to be able to build a good relationship with their makeup artist. As much as it is a professional relationship, its also one of trust. Because on your special day (be it your 21st birthday, your wedding, your friends function etc), you put your trust in your makeup artist and hairstylist to ensure you look good. So if you show a lack of interest in your message, then it doesnt portray a good impression, and trust me, neither will it make me, as a makeup artist, feel comfortable working with such a person.
I’m a very straightforward person, thus I’m here sharing this with all of you. Don’t take me wrong. I don’t require praises, or a formal message, I would just appreciate the respect from you when sending a message. I just require you to explain your message to me, rather than sending me a one liner.
Lets all try to be a little more professional, shall we?
Thank you
Palettes & Brush sets galore!
Posted by sarah | Filed under Tips & Tricks
I’m sure by now, many of you have heard of the famous “88 eyeshadow palettes” and some of you may have even bought them. These brandless palettes are ALL made in China. So whether you get them from a local supplier, ebay, or even websites such as CoastalScents, they’re all the SAME. Different companies just stamp their logo on the products and raise the price to sell the items.
I originally bought these palettes about FOUR YEARS BACK when I had just gotten into makeup, and got all excited by the million colours! (ok..88 colours)
Up to date, there are a HUGE variety of such palettes:
The eyeshadow palettes, come in a variety of designs and sizes:
They also have other palettes such as Lip palette, Camouflage concealer palette, Blusher palette:
Up to date, I own about 10 brandless palettes (excluding My professional brand palettes) and I can safely say, their quality is worth that minimum amount you pay. When I say minimum, I mean you should NOT be spending more than $30SGD on one palette. Because ebay’s China supplier sells it even cheaper (excluding shipping) and if someone sells it to you for above $35 then Id suggest you look elsewhere. You will definitely get it cheaper elsewhere. I have many girls sending me messages asking me about this palettes and its cost. Well there you have it.
If you dont mind splurging an extra $10 or $20 then get the palettes!
I love the palettes. I have been using them for a very long time. I dont RELY on them, cuz I prefer the professional brands anyday. Infact the brandless eyeshadow palettes are more for my own personal use (Actually I have probably used it less than 5 times in the past 2-3 years). I never use it on clients. I prefer Mac and Urban Decay for my clients. Dont get me wrong. Their colours indeed are bright, But I prefer professional brands like Mac because they blend better and last longer. As for the blusher palette.. I ADORE it! The colours are very versatile and I use it almost every other time! The lip palette is obviously a total must have! I love it cuz its so convenient for me rather than carrying around 20 lipsticks! So using the palette means I can even mix colours to come up with new colours.
On to another beauty product… BRUSHES
Brush sets are getting pretty famous too, being sold online. I dont know how or why, but I’m able to tell if a brush is of good quality or not, just by looking at it. Maybe it has come with experience of handling brushes for the past 4+ years. I have gotten few of those brush sets online. Actually only two so far. And they’ve bene with me eversince. LOVE IT.
One thing I must point out too…
These so called “MAC” brush set… probably works well, I dont know. It is probably usable and might even be a great brush set to work with but it is NOT an authentic MAC brush set.
My point is, go ahead and buy the brushes cuz they might be good but DONT be fooled into paying $40-$100 for this because people claim its MAC. Its not authentic MAC. Mac doesnt sell such brush sets. If you really want to buy Mac products, I HIGHLY recommend you purchasing them fromthe MAC stores only!
With that being said, go ahead and enjoy the excitement of online shopping. But just be wary of what you’re paying.
PS:
In light of my website hitting 36′000 views, I will be having a makeup giveaway REAL SOON!
So keep reading!
Thank you guys for all your support!
Old-Age Makeup
Posted by sarah | Filed under Tips & Tricks
I’ve been asked a few questions repeatedly over the past 2 months, so I hope I answer them with this post
FAQ
How many days notice do you need for a booking?
It all really depends if I’m free that day, but I would need atleast 4-5 days advance especially if its a weekday as I DO have a 9-5 job and I would need to inform my employer if I need to take leave or half day leave
How do I confirm your booking for an event in the near future?
A NON-REFUNDABLE $50 deposit has to be made. The reason is simple. I cannot prebook a date for someone, only to have them change their mind later on, and making me loose other potential clients.
This $50 deposit will also be deducted from the total amount on the actual day of your event
When is your next makeup class?
Batch 6 just ended a few weeks back. Currently Im not too sure when the next batch will be. Depends on my schedule, as well as the overall response. But rest assured, if you have mailed me with regards to the class, you will be on the mailing list and will be informed when the next batch will begin. Alternatively, I will definitely post it on my website, here.
and the BEST question I received, from someone with a rather CONDESCENDING tone:
Why are your rates so low? You’re spoiling the market! No one else charges so low for bridal makeup!
I provide QUALITY, not QUANTITY. Makeup is my PASSION, not so much of a career that supports me. I LOVE makeup, I LOVE transforming people, I LOVE putting a smile on someone’s face. I see no need to charge rocket high prices. Just because the normal rates are higher, does not mean I follw suite. I think my prices are affordable and they will stay that way. I’m not here to compete with anyone. I charge a fee thats reasonably cheap, so even the unemployed or students, are able to afford my services. And with regards to charging low for bridal makeup, anyone can see, my forte, my passion, my love, is for COLOURS. I love the intensity, the blending, the gradient of colours. Most brides prefer a natural look for their big day, which I still do. Whatever my customers want, i provide to my best ability. So to that one lady who sent me the email with this question, Im sorry for your late reponse, but I hope you understand me and my services better, now
And I leave you with one of my most recent works
OLD-AGE Transformation, Theatre Makeup:
Makeup Recommendations
Posted by sarah | Filed under Tips & Tricks
I’ve been receiving many emails with regards to makeup recommendations. Like which is a good eyeliner brand, which is a good base.. etc
So as of 2009, here are my FAVOURITE and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED makeup items:
(Please double check prices at counters)
FACE
Base:
- Stage Complexion Enhancer
$30, available at BHG Bugis Junction & Suntec CityMall
- Smashbox Photofinish Primer
About $56, not available locally. (Check it out at sephora.com or smashbox.com)
Foundation:
-Bourjoise Brush Foundation
$36, available at some Watsons/Guardians, major Departmental stores
Concealer:
- Stage Creme Camouflage Concealer
$20, available at BHG Bugis Junction & Suntec CityMall
- MakeupForever Cream Concealer
available only at Stamford House, Opp Raffles City Shopping Centre
EYES
Eyeshadow Base:
- M.A.C Paint Pots
About $30, available at Tangs Scotts,Tangs Vivo, NgeeAnnCity, Isetan Scotts, Robinsons Raffles City
Eyeshadow:
-Stage Cosmetics
$20, available at BHG Bugis Junction & Suntec CityMall
- M.A.C
$25, available at Tangs Scotts,Tangs Vivo, NgeeAnnCity, Isetan Scotts, Robinsons Raffles City
- Pop Beauty
available at Sephora TakaShimaya
EYELINER:
Pencil Eyeliner:
- Stage Cosmetics Smudge proof, waterproof pencil liner
$20, available at BHG Bugis Junction & Suntec CityMall
AVON waterproof pencil liner:
- available at avon.com
Liquid Liner:
-Lakme Liquid Liner
available at Mustafa Centre
-M.A.C Penultimate liner
available at Tangs Scotts,Tangs Vivo, NgeeAnnCity, Isetan Scotts, Robinsons Raffles City
Mascara:
- Y.S.L Waterproof Mascara
$40+ , available at major Departmental stores
-Diorshow Mascara
available at major Departmental stores
-Pop Beauty Lash KAPOW
available at Sephora TakaShimaya
CHEEKS
Blusher:
-M.A.C Cheek colour
available at Tangs Scotts,Tangs Vivo, NgeeAnnCity, Isetan Scotts, Robinsons Raffles City
-Stage Cosmetics cheek Colour
$25, available at BHG Bugis Junction & Suntec CityMall
Bronzer / Highlighter:
-M.A.C Mineralized skin finish
available at Tangs Scotts,Tangs Vivo, NgeeAnnCity, Isetan Scotts, Robinsons Raffles City
-Bobbi Brown ShimmerBricks
$70, available at major Departmental stores
LIPS
Lipliner:
-Stage Cosmetics LipLiner
$20, available at BHG Bugis Junction & Suntec CityMall
Lipstick:
-M.A.C Lipsticks
$28, available at Tangs Scotts,Tangs Vivo, NgeeAnnCity, Isetan Scotts, Robinsons Raffles City
Lipgloss:
-Sephora Lipglosses
available at Sephora TakaShimaya
PS: I gathered the items photos off the net and placed them in order, so you can have a brief look at the item
Khaki & Black smokey
Posted by sarah | Filed under Daily Bread, Tips & Tricks
Khaki & Black smokey Eyes
Link to tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgV_aErg4IM
I also wanted to clarify something I read off a forum, that discusses Singapore Brides. People discuss everything from wedding venues, to photography, to makeup, henna …etc
I was brought to that forum when my website tracked its referral and I was both flattered as well as in a little dismay about what I read. People were discussing makeup and few mentioned my website as well as other makeup artists (whom I know and love). I strongly believe that competition is healthy. What’s the use of training yourself up if you have no competition. I’m not saying I’m the best there is, because of course I am not. I know there are others in Singapore and worldwide who do a great job too. so if someone were to diss my work because they don’t like it, then I accept it graciously. Life’s never fair, people. We always face highs & lows. When you’re in a business, there’s always competition, there’s always people trying to run you down but you’d be a fool to LET THEM.
LEARN from your mistakes. I know I have. Train yourself up to accept criticism as well as compliments.
Back to the topic of the forums. A “new” user in the forum suddenly started posting in a particular thread (I will not name anyone or any thread, but I am pretty sure, they will see this sooner or later) about the different makeup artists and mentioning why they are good (or bad). So this person mentioned how I am good in my work because of my ‘fancy eyeshadow’ but also goes on to say how Im not fit for bridal makeup because I dont do hairstyling.
I do not wish to argue, all I can say is, if I do not provide hairstyling for my clients, then I will NOT consider myself to be a professional.
I have always told my clients that I do basic hairstyling. But for those who opt for bridal hairstyling, I always engage in a professional freelance hairstylist who follows me and gets the job done, whilst still allowing the client to pay the price included in my package.
Flip through my past YEAR or so. Every single client has their hair and makeup done by me and another hairstylist.
Infact check out my testimonial from a recent satisfied customer:
“Sarah did a fantastic job with my wedding reception makeup. I had requested 2 different looks as for my 2 march-in’s during the wedding dinner and Sarah managed to change my look completely in the limited changing time I had.The photos look brilliant!
And I must commend the hairstylist you brought along. The hairdo’s were simply great. I must thank both of you for making me look glamorous on my wedding” - Radha K
(Hair was done by Andy Razali)
I’m not here to belittle anyone neither am I here to to raise myself up high, I just wish people wouldnt always be so quick to judge. I cannot please everyone , that’s life, and I’ve learnt to live with it.
Eitherways, I appreciate everyone support throughout all these years and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart
Blusher Types
Posted by sarah | Filed under Tips & Tricks
Remember when we were younger, how we’d play with Mummy’s makeup?
Bright blue eyeshadow coming out of the eye area, red lipstick all over the lips and around it even! Hot pink blusher swirled around our cheeks?
No? Ok well maybe it was just me…
But anyways, when you think back of the simpler times, makeup was very basic.
Powdered eyeshadow, Powdered blusher, etc
But in this time and technology, makeup comes in an assortment of colours AND textures!
Today I bring to you… The new era of BLUSHERS
To some, you might already be aware, but Im guessing not everyone knows about the different textures of blushers. Though this isnt new at all, its something that’s growing fast and who knows, it may just be your next favourite item.
Blushers are basically added to the cheeks to add colour to our face. I personally feel, a face looks bare without blusher.
Apply a peachy colour and you look sweet and sunkissed.
A light sweep of brick red and you look sophisticated.
A sweet pink hue and you’re all fresh and vibrant!
Just like eyeshadows, everyone has their own favourite colours and colours they prefer to stay away from. I’m not here to preach about what colours you can or cannot use, because for those who know me (or have been reading my blog), you’d know that to me, there is no right or wrong colour. However, t its always best to choose a blusher colour that more or less matches your natural skin tone when you blush.
That being said, here are the 4 different types of blusher textures/types:
POWDER BLUSH
Probably the most commonly used and known blusher. Also the most fool-proof.
All you need to do is to sweep on the colour with a blusher brush, onto your cheeks.
Swipe on one stroke for a natural look, two more strokes for a more defined look.
Recommended Brands: Mac, The BodyShop, Makeupstore, Cargo
CREAM BLUSH
This requires practise. Because if you just dab on some colour and rub it in unevenly, ur gonna get messy patches on the skin.
Here’s a proper technique: (source: http://make-up-products.suite101.com/)
Lightly dot the apples of your cheeks with the cream blush.
Let the product melt into your skin, and blend outward in small strokes until there is no more outline.
Cream blush is buildable, so if it’s too sheer for you, go ahead and repeat the process until the color payoff is satisfactory.
Recommended Brands: Bobbi Brown
LIQUID BLUSHER
Known as the most ‘trickiest’! Liquid blushers are basically ’stains’. You just need a drop or two and blend it into the cheek area and you get a really pretty and totalyl natural hue on your cheek. Once again, it needs to be blended properly or you may get patches of colour on your skin. And once you have applied and blended well, dust on some translucent powder over to set it.
Recommended Brand: Benefit’s Benetint
GEL BLUSH
I myself havent tried Gel Blush yet but its kind of inbetween Cream and Liquid Blusher.
Just like the above mentioned, Gel blusher, is all about dotting on and blending. Its a thicker consistency but you need to use the similar techinque to apply. Also, do not forget to set it with losoe translucent powder.
Recommended Brand: Nil (since I havent tried any)
“When a girl ceases to blush, she has lost the most powerful charm of her beauty” - Gregory I
