Makeup Notes to Self

I wanted to share some makeup 'tips and tricks' that I use when applying my makeup. Before I get on my soapbox, I just want to write a quick disclaimer. I am far from an expert at things beauty-related. In fact, I'm quiet useless at things like blending multiple eyeshadow colors together, applying false lashes, curling my hair, etc.

But with that in mind, I've come across a few tricks that make my life easier in the mornings. Either through trial and error or reading print media, these have become my tried and true methods:

1) Curl lashes from root to tip in 2-3 steps to create a natural curl instead of a crimp, then go back to the root to curl one last time. By the time I'm down to the tip of my lashes, they've drooped down a bit. My lashes fight against that curl, so the last step brings them back up before I set with mascara.

2) After applying mascara, use a felt-tip liquid eyeliner to dot between the lashes. I have very fine and sparse lashes. Dotting between the lashes makes them seem fuller without looking like I have eyeliner or false lashes on.

3) Use matte eyeshadow to fill in brows instead of or over eyebrow pencil. When you have sparse and light brows, it's very difficult to create a naturally full look unless you're a makeup guru (which I'm not). The shadow helps soften the edges and let's me get away with a less than steady/light hand.

4) Slant tip eyeliner brushes are your friend! I use this to fill my brows in the method above. I have a newer one with tighter bristles that I use to create a clean line and an older one with more splayed out bristles I use to blend the lines a little when they are too sharp. I also use this to line just above my upper lashes with some brown eyeshadow to hide mascara that may have dabbled onto my lids while applying it close to the roots. Much easier than trying to get a Q-tip in there with my lashes already curled up.

5) Use a lipstain under lipstick or gloss I love the type that looks like a marker. A lot of brands in various price points make these now including Josie Maran, Smashbox, Covergirl, and NYC. I particularly like the cheap NYC ones since I'm using these just as a base. I'm constantly eating so lipstick fades really fast. This keeps the color going before I have a chance to reapply. I always use a shade similar to the "topcoat".

REVIEW: Shiseido Eyelash Curler, Better Than Shu?

I've been using the Shu Uemura eyelash curler for the last couple years after the completely blew all my previous purchases out of the water. The Shu is perfectly shaped for the typical East Asian eye in both length and curvature. It really hugs the eyelid and allows for a very natural curl. My previously eyelash curlers would pinch the ends of my eyes (too curvy) and/or not reach in enough and create a crimp rather than a natural curl.

The one disadvantage of the Shu is economical. It's approx. $24USD and comes with one extra pad. However, Shu does not sell replacement pads so in very short time (if you use it daily) you're looking at replacing a perfectly good curler.

Shiseido is yet another Asian makeup giant that has a cult follownig for its eyelash curler and often compared to the Shu. I couldn't find my Shu one day and decided to pick up the Shiseido one, especially as it does offer replacement pads for sale and was purported to fit the Shu as well.

The Shiseido eyelash curler comes with one refill pad like the Shu. The rubber is stiffer than the Shu and rounder at the top where it touches your lashes, in comparison. The metal curler itself is also flatter and mimics the flatter planes of your typical east Asian eye better.

I misplaced my Shu Uemura curler recently and decided to give the Shiseido. I ended up finding the Shu shortly after and used one on each eye for comparison. The conclusion? I actually preferred the Shu Uemura! Surprising as the Shiseido actually came out on top for most other bloggers. I'm east Asian but it seems my eyes curve a little more with a slight crease and my lashes, while extremely fine and sparse, are longer than some (thanks L'Oreal Lash Serum!).

Therefore, the curvier Shu fit my eyeshape better and the flatter rubber pad helped create a more "flared" curl to my lashes. The Shiseido is so flat and the pad rounded that it bent my lashes up. Whereas the Shu sweeped my lashes out, the Shiseido stood my lashes at attention upwards.

When taking photos, my lashes are more visible with the Shiseido but from an angle and in person, it slightly unnatural with more of an angle than a curve.

The Shu Uemura eyelash curler is better suited to most eyeshapes where as the Shiseido is more specific to the typical Asian eye that is smaller, flatter, and with no crease as the flatter shade of the Shiseido is able to reach the roots of the lashes better.

On another note, the Shiseido refills (2 for $5-6) do fit the Shu Uemura curler! So that $24 investment will last you a LONG time to come.