One of the things you really need to know about this whole beauty thing is that a whole part of it is skincare. Makeup is simply to enhance and/or create a look, different or otherwise. And brushes you use to apply the makeup needs to be clean since these touch the area that is most sensitive (and not to mention most taken care of), the skin on your face.

Phoebe Ramos of Swipe Some Gloss has shared ways on how she keeps her brushes mold-free. She shared three methods, you get to choose which one is most appropriate to your needs.

Method #1: Use Cinema Secrets brush cleaner.

Method #2: Use undiluted 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Method #3: Shampoo, rinse, disinfect, and drain very well.

Method #3 has photos to illustrate how the process goes. I recommend a look, so, you’d learn how to take better care of your brushes.

Photo Credit: Phoebe Ramos

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Yuroll™
www.yuroll.com

A jade facial massager. Use daily for maximum benefit, treating face, throat and décolletage. Regular rolling, stimulates lymphatic drainage and by improving the circulation increasing the oxygen supply to the face, thus enhancing the general bloom and radiance.

Incorporating acupressure and massage principles, facial rolling will ensure a lean, re-contoured, wonderfully unlined face; thoroughly toned and with improved elasticity.

By generally speeding up the drainage system of the face, Yuroll™ reduces residual puffiness and any congestion caused by stagnation in the jawline, where toxins are liable to accumulate.

The cooling stone – which has a soothing effect on the nervous system and absorbs negative energy – will even skin tone and tighten pores. Yuroll™ really does help your face to help itself!

I wouldn’t mind a bit of this sort of luxury. A facial massager handmade out of jade, available in three sizes, which targets speciafic areas of the face. It’s actually popular in the fashion industry and among beauty pros, even top facialist Nichola Joss.

Not only is it promising a fresher and more radiant looking skin on the face, by absorbing negative energy that will even out skin tone and tighten pores, but it can be used to relieve congested sinuses, too.

Visit www.yuroll.com.

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Relax and enjoy this luxurious aromatic eye catching pillow designed to provide stress relief and relaxation.

Cool in the freezer overnight, place on the eyes and ease the tension.

Filled with organic flax seed, natural lavander, and chamomile flowers.

The soft side is designed with a silky satin fabric for the ultimate cooling touch on the skin.

Size: 10″ x 5″

With all the party preparations and late nights, I’m sure you’re all raring for some “me” time. Schedule a day of pampering and one suggestion I’d offer is grab one of these adorable eye pillows for yourself.

This actually reminds me of my aqua mask. Owning one surely helps in relieving headaches and stress. I’ve always wanted to get rid of puffy eyes. One of the downsides of aging, I guess. My eyes look tired most of the time and having something soothe away the tiredness is welcomed with open arms!

And by just looking at the pillow, it sure creates relaxing images in my head.

Available at Mette Vangso.

Photo: Style.com

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It’s new. It’s pink. It’s handy. It’s mine! Free, nonetheless!

All thanks to power beauty blogger Sophie Uy, who can be found at Beauty Gizmo, Beautynomics, Kikay Kits, and Vanity Vibe! Moreover, she has her own mineral makeup business, Beauty & Minerals!

I’m loving my travel-friendly pink brush set. It comes with a handy pouch that houses all the brushes and then some. A zip-up compartment can store small pots of MMUs, eyeshadows or any handy makeup packs or even a small mirror.

Thanks, Sophie! I love this beauty loot! Thanks for the MMU samplers, too!

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There are two simple steps to smoother skin, and Schick® Intuition® helps you accomplish both. Quite simply, the combination of exfoliating skin – removing dry, dead skin layers, then moisturizing and adding important nutrients is the best way to achieve smooth, healthy-looking skin.

The triple blades of the Schick® Intuition® and Schick® Intuition® Plus® razors exfoliate as they shave, preparing legs to maximize the impact of moisturizers.

The moisturizing ingredients found in Schick® Intuition® Plus® formulas are a simple way to help you apply moisturizers immediately after the exfoliation process.

Every woman’s bestfriend. Well, in terms of tools she need for personal hygiene, I mean. Some may be content with disposable ones but, personally, I like the ones that lasts, multi-bladed and has ergonomic functionality. I came across the brand Schick® when I was in Australia. I tried their Quattro® for women then. And a few months ago, I stumbled on their Intuition® line.

One thing that greatly surprised me about Intuition® was the fact that there’s a “soap” that’s “built-in” on the razor. This line promises moisturising and exfoliating elements that accompanies your shaving task. The experience has proven to be quite novel, actually. I have to admit that at first I thought it a nuisance esp when the razor kept sinking in between the soap, hence, I wasn’t able to shave properly but I realised that it just takes some getting used to before you can actually work it effectively. I found that it’s pretty convenient in a way since it saved me the trouble of soaping up just to make sure I won’t cut myself and it doesn’t scrape of my skin, leaving it a bit scaly. This product is quite functional.

This razor is best for shaving legs not armpits, though.

Have you tried this razor yourself? What do you think of it?

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(1) Itabake, Large; (2) Itabake, Small;
(3) Yachiyo, Medium Pointed; (4) For craftsman, Lip brush, Medium

In my research about Geisha makeup, I stumbled upon this great site that offers authentic or traditional Japanese makeup brushes. Hakuhodo has made the availability of Japanese Asian beauty tools possible in the West.

I reckon since these makeup tools are still being used by Kabuki actors, makeup artists in Hollywood and us common folk for the very same reasons why they were made. Of course, they’re commonly used for the purposes of putting on Geisha-Maiko makeup, but it can also be used by stage actors or other performers for “costume”. I’m thinking, people who do mime or rock artists like Kiss will find this tool useful.

Materials used for the brush’s hair are either Goat or Kolinsky.

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Adapting the aesthetic from traditional Japanese culture, NARS Kabuki Artisan Brushes meld tradition with modernity both in concept and function. The brushes are made of super black goat hair, known for its softness and strength, and the handle of each brush incorporates NARS’ signature soft touch matte black design with an engraved logo for an overall feel of modern elegance.

• Small and flat, the angular design of this brush makes it ideal for controlled application of powder and color.
• Excellent for blending, contouring and highlighting the complexion.

Here’s an option for an Ita brush brought to us by NARS. I reckon it’s best to give you guys more options when it comes to tools you can use for the Geisha makeup. I’m finding a lot of you guys are interested in getting the look esp this Halloween. But of course this brush isn’t limited to the Geisha makeup application. It can still be used for different makeup application purposes esp when you’ve already mastered its form and function.

Available in Neiman Marcus

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Christina of eBeautyDaily had requested a more traditional approach, which I interpreted as finding an authentic set of makeup to create the Geisha look esp since there is that bit of a problem when it comes to the white face paint, a vital if not the most important part of the whole look.

Since I already briefly told you about the process that’s involved in the application, not to mention, the useful video included in the previous post, this time I’d like you to take a look at the Japanese makeup and tools you can use. Note that these are similar to or the actual makeup and tools used by Geiko (Geisha) or Kabuki actors.

Base and Prep

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Kabuki Abura

This is the oil undercoat for use with the ‘Kabuki Oshiroi’ Shiro-Nuri (Doran) face paint. It is softened in the hands and then rubbed over the entire face or other areas to prepare the skin for the white face makeup.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Ishineri Hair Wax

This is the stiff wax used to flatten out facial hair such as the eyebrows prior applying the Kabuki Abrua, exactly the same as ‘Taihaku’. It is softened between the fingers and rubbed over facial hair. After applying the complete Shiro-Nuri makeup over this, you may then draw new ones with Stage Liner or Lining Colour #1 Black & #4C Red.

White Makeup – Paint or Foundation for Face, Neck and Nape

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Kabuki Oshiroi

This is the Shiro-Nuri (Doran) white face paint. It is diluted in a dish of water and then painted on over the entire face, neck or other areas with a #60 Itahake, smoothing it out and removing excess water with a Sponge Pad. A 2nd coat is often applied to the upper part of the face after this adding ‘Tonoko’ Rouge.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Kona Oshiroi

It is applied with a soft pad over the ‘Kabuki Oshiroi’ (Doran) white face paint to soften and blend the makeup.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Tonoko Rouge

It is either dusted on with a #24 Naga-Itahake over the ‘Kabuki Oshiroi’ (Doran) white face paint or sometimes blended into a second coat of the Doran. It is used on the upper part of the face to soften the harsh white.

Japanese Kyoto ‘Maiko-han Oshiroi’ Compact & Brush Set

This one’s ideal for small re-touches since it’s suitable for travel.

Eye and Lip Makeup

Japanese Geisha Maiko Black Eyebrow & Red Lip Pencil Set

The black one is for drawing fine lines on the eyebrows and the red one for the outline on the lips.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Black Stage Liner

It is used over the completed Shiro-Nuri white face paint to do all the fine-line eye details.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Black Lining Colour

It is used with a pointed ‘Hake’ cosmetic brush to apply over the completed Shiro-Nuri white face paint to do all the eye and lip details.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Red Lining Colour

It is used with a pointed ‘Hake’ cosmetic brush to apply over the completed Shiro-Nuri white face paint to do all the eye and lip details. It is even used as lipstick.

Makeup Tools

Japanese Geisha Maiko ‘Itahake’ Cosmetic Brush 60

This traditional, hand-made ‘Itahake’ Brush is used for painting the face and other large areas with Kabuki Oshiroi (white face paint). It is made in the traditional way and is the exact one used by the Maiko and Geisha of Gion.

Japanese Geisha Maiko ‘Nagae Itahake’ Cosmetic Brush 25

This traditional, hand-made ‘Nagae-Itahake’ Brush is used for painting hard to reach areas – for example, the nape of the neck with Kabuki Oshiroi (white face paint). It is made in the traditional way and is the exact one used by the Maiko and Geisha of Gion.

Japanese Geisha Maiko ‘Yachiyo Hake’ Cosmetic Brush Medium

This traditional, hand-made ‘Yachiyo-Hake’ Brush is for dusting your cheeks and the area around the eyes with ‘Kona Oshiroi’ Face Powder. It is made in the traditional way and is the exact one used by the Maiko and Geisha of Gion.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Sponge Puff & Dish

This absorbent sponge puff and plastic dish are for mixing and applying the ‘Kabuki Oshiroi’ Shiro-Nuri (Doran) white face paint. The #60 Itahake brush is recommended for mixing and actually painting on the Doran but this pad is used to remove excess water and to smooth it over prior to applying the ‘Kona Oshiroi’ Face Powder.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Face Powder Puff

This soft acrylic Powder Puff is for dusting your cheeks and the area around the eyes with ‘Kona Oshiroi’ Face Powder.

Japanese Geisha Maiko Kyoto Lipstick Cosmetic Brush Medium

It is made of natural bristle and has a beautiful dark red & black lacquer stem with the characters ‘Tokusei’ or ‘Specially Made’ in gold. It measures 4½” (11 cm) in length and has a clear protective cover for the point. The is excellent for applying lipstick or for eye makeup details.

I’m somewhat certain that I got you all excited and are now wondering where you can actually get these makeup and tools. Well, bad news is that, as far as I know, there are no stores that offer them. Good news is that they’re available online. I’ve been searching and earlier I finally found them over at Hannari-Ya, an eBay power seller.

If you’re looking into trying out the Geisha look, Hannari-Ya also offers a Geisha or Kabuki Real Pro White Makeup Set for US$225. See the image below for product inclusions.

Disclaimer: Product labels were lifted from Hannari-Ya.

Geisha photo courtesy of TPOTY.

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This exfoliating sponge polishes the skin to help keep it smooth.

If you’ve experienced living (or even just visiting) a humid country like the Philippines, you’ll understand why most if not all individuals here are very particular about this part of their daily hygiene. But not to trivialise the act of cleaning the body, I’m trying to zone in on the part wherein we need to address the need for exfoliation as an important part of thorough cleansing.

As you may have known, using a tool to aid the shedding of dead skin cells will help keep the skin soft and supple. A skin sponge like this one I recently bought from The Body Shop is a good example. There are other alternative tools you can use, you see, like pumice stones.

Actually, with the number of options available, I’ve been experimenting and trying out different bath tools. From wash cloths to loofahs and now this skin sponge. With every use of a particular tool, I’ve discovered good points and bad points, so, let me give you a short overview of how my experience with this one has gone so far.

It’s been a week and I’m actually somewhat satisfied. It feels a little rough on the skin so I had to make sure that I would only gently glide the sponge in a circular motion on every inch of my skin whenever I use it, preventing soreness that heavy scrubbing may inflict. I actually appreciate the cream colour of the sponge since it allows me to see if it needs cleaning itself. And there’s that certain satisfaction that you are actually removing dirt from your skin. I would come out of the shower feeling refreshed and clean. And, yes, my skin does feel smoother and softer.

Anyway, as I said, this is just one example of a sponge you can use to exfoliate while you shower or when you take long baths. Yes, it’s also something you can use with shower gels while taking shower.

Important Reminder: Use gently and works best if done in a circular motion.

Available at The Body Shop

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I sure had faced a dilemma when I was looking at shelves of boxes containing curling irons and crimpers. I didn’t know how to go about settling on one. Oh, I did go home with one, which brings me to this — let me tell you about my choice.

Vidal Sassoon VS2220 Curling Iron
Curl n’ Shine Combi

Conditioning steam creates quick and shiny curls

* Optional steam feature
* 19mm barrel size
* High capacity reservoir provides more restorative steam
* Push button for steam activation
* Contour handle for easy grip
* On / Off switch and indicator light
* Brush sleeve
* Cool tip
* Swivel cord

How did I arrive to a decision? Well, I merely spoke to the sales person who helped identify the key points of the product and I then cross-checked it with my hair styling needs.

I particularly liked the idea of a quick heat up and a conditioning system. It allows me to work on my hair faster and the latter will give it the shine I want on my fresh curls. How does the conditioning system work? Oh, let me burst your bubble cuz it’s not some high-tech thingie that the curling iron has to help condition the hair while you curl it, it’s just a small container where you can fill with water which will be the source of the mist you can create while you curl. The mist will help hydrate the area that you are working on and somehow leaves the hair shiny and looking healthy and “conditioned”. So, there are no added conditioning ingredient, not unless there’s a separate beauty product you can use with the iron that will contain the “conditioning element”, know what I mean?

I already did a test drive and teh boyfriend loved the “sexy” curls on his normally straight-haired girlfriend. I loved the change in look, too. That’s why I’m planning to do a bit of experimenting in the coming days.

Photo credit: Tools of Sassoon

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