How does 'Makeup by I-ann Monzon' sound?

I've been wanting to develop my own cosmetic line.

It started with my realization that some colors of foundation are so uncalculated for natural skin tones (manufacturers don't always think of acidity/humidity/stress factors that affect skin tone). Especially here in the Philippines, foundation colors are not very tonally varied, and makeup addicts resort to direct sellers of mineral makeup such as Ellana or Milea, both of which I've found to have a fairly wide range of tones to suit every kind of Filipina.

Even celebs can look like ghosts with bad foundation! (Google Images)

Beyond coloring however, I also very recently developed a curiosity with the performance of some cosmetic products, such as primers and serums, whose properties can fall short of what is advertised. One of my older sisters used to teach me how to read labels of products, so I knew when something had special benefits (ie: sometimes un-advertised are Vitamins E, C and B, or Tocopherol Acetate, Ascorbic acid, Niacinamide). Really knowing what chemicals you slather on your face tends to make you insightful about what these products are there for! :D

My Updated Regimen

I've gone through so many different "styles" of cleansing and treating and maintaining my skin (which historically has been REALLY REALLY REALL BAD. Bad enough to have it in All Caps!)

From experience, the simpler regimens have yielded better results for me. I used to try those typical anti-acne products that seem to jump off the shelves when they come out (serums, gels, essence, spot treatments, etc). Even if a certain product worked for a bit, I'd still revert to my not-so-good skin.

So here is a shortlist of the more effective regimens I've tried, in numerical order based on when I use them :)

Review: Celeteque Advanced Light Cleansing Oil

Most beauty aficionados are likely to be familiar with the term ‘cleansing oil’, which until recent years, has almost referred exclusively to the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil. Other brands have followed suit, although with varying degrees of similarity and function. Recently, local hypoallergenic brand Celeteque (which apart from the Garnier line, is my go-to for the best “basic” skincare) has introduced a cleansing oil to their Advanced (anti-aging) line of products.

Let me explain how I came by this in the first place. I have slightly sensitive but extremely oily skin, and it’s been that way for a while. All throughout high school and early college years, I had constant breakouts and I only enjoyed clear skin when I discovered Celeteque (for maintenance skin care) and Garnier (for treatment-based skin care) in 08-09. 

Review: Mineral Makeup (Foundation)

I received a request this week about a specific brand of mineral makeup (MMU). For this entry, I’d like to discuss mineral makeup in general, as well as review certain brands I’ve tried and tested :)

Mineral makeup is so-called because it is made from pure, finely ground minerals, so it provides a higher amount of pigment than most other makeup. “Regular” makeup actually uses the same mineral pigment base to give foundations, concealers, eyeshadows, lipsticks and liners their hue. What makes mineral makeup different (at least the loose powder kind) is that it contains no binding agents or additional chemicals such as fragrance. It also has a natural form of sun protection which comes from the characteristics of the minerals themselves.

Review: Maybelline Clear Smooth Shine-Free Face Powder

I have very very oily skin, and I live in hot and humid Philippines, so I depend on powder to get rid of midday shine. I don't like using heavy 2-in-1 powder foundations, because they tend to look too heavy and caked on, plus it usually gets ashy on my already ashy skintone. I also have acne-prone skin, so thick makeup = eww.

When I was looking to buy a new powder, I noticed my sister kept getting the Maybelline Clear Smooth Shine-Free Face Powder (whew, what a name!). Local stores offer 4 shades, and I got myself the one in Honey (which has slightly yellow undertones), from Watson's, for 199 PHP.