Book: 彩妝天王Kevin - 完美彩妝全攻略 & 彩妝魔法書

Title: 彩妝天王Kevin - 完美彩妝全攻略 & 彩妝魔法書
ISBN:  4710859151001
Author: Kevin老師
Available At: Books Kinokuniya Orchard
Price: SGD24.43 (before 10% discount)
Also Available at books.com.tw
Image Source: books.com.tw

Update Nov 2010: Kevin now has this book in English version. Click here for details.









About the Author:

Kevin 老師 is a very well-known stylist in the Taiwanese beauty and fashion industry. With over a decade of experience under his belt, he appears on talkshows, magazines and high profile events, dishing out a myriad of advices. From drawing your eyeliner to chosing your jeans. It is no wonder that he is one of the most sought-after in the industry.

He also have his own line of makeup under the brandname BeautyMaker and a skincare line VinVin. On top of that, he has published 2 books prior to this one and written many countless columns and articles.


Kevin's Blog




The Contents:

There are 2 parts to the book and they are sold as a set. Part 1 focuses on makeup application techniques such as how to draw your eyeliner, and falsies application. Part 2 is a collection of makeovers done by Kevin.

There is also a free BeautyMaker BB Cream sample that came together with the books.

Part 1:

Layout and content of the book is very clean, with step by step photos and tips, similar to what we usually see on Japanese and Taiwanese beauty magazines.

Very useful for makeup beginners like me who is a major klutz when it comes to makeup. The information is very basic and the makeup demos are not over the top type. What I really like about the book is that it is very Pan-Asia centric, focusing on makeup trends in Japanese, Korea and Taiwan.


Part 2:

This book is a collection of makeovers done by Kevin老師. The models are everyday people chosen from a selection exercise. Kevin老師 would first analyze their individual skin conditions and the areas for improvement. Then he would perform his magic, documenting step by step photos on how to solve their individual problems.

This is very similar to one of the Bobbi Brown books that I've saw but this book focus alot on Asian beauty and the steps are much more detailed than Bobbi Brown.

There was one particular makeover that made me gasp and behold the miracle of makeup. It is really amazing and inspiring to see the transformation.


This is the before photo. Major Panda and eyebag problem..

And this is the after... Although I suspect there was photoshop involved, but it's still a feat.

The road to beautiful eyes.....

Verdict:

I always believe that technique is everything. You may have the best makeup and tools in the world, but if your application is not good, nothing else matters. Likewise, if applied properly, even the cheapest makeup will make you look like millions. Having good techniques is not half the battle, it is the battle.
 
And that is the reason as to why I seldom use makeup. Because I'm not proficient with the application and instead of making myself look like some geisha-clown, I decided that I would just go without makeup. But age and the need to project a more professional image has left me with no choice but to start using makeup more often.

I'm not exactly a Kevin老師 fanatic but I have to admit that he is good and he knows his work. So would I recommend this book? Yes to beginners of makeup. It's always makes you feel good to see amazing transformations. For the pros, this book might prove to be a little too basic for your liking.

Bury Your Bike III

pics from last year
Tom's Set 1
Tom's Set 2
Jack's Set

More info soon

Review / Skincare: Clarins - White Plus Renewing Gentle Exfoliator

Item Name: Clarins - White Plus Renewing Gentle Exfoliator
Size: 50ml
Price: SGD60.00
Available At: Isetan and all good departmental store
Picture Source: klutzbeauty.blogspot.com 













Product Description from Manufacturer:
Contains exfoliating microbeads to gently lift off dead cells and deep-cleanse pores. The complexion is purified and the skin texture refined. Thanks to the action of Clarins whitening plant complex, it helps reduce dark spots. The complexion is more even and visibly lighter. The skin is clean and smooth.




Ingredients List:

Texture and smell:
White Creamish texture but not very dense. Very easy to spread and the micro-beads are very fine and gentle on the skin. Similar to the products in this range, there a nice flowery smell which I like.

For those who likes fragrance-free, the smell can come as overpowering..

Packaging:
In a 60ml tube. Very hygienic and fuss-free.

Price:

Priced at SGD60.00 for 50ml, this works out to approximately SGD1.20 per ml. Not exactly cheap I would say but since I bought it during the Isetan sale with almost 35% off. It's a buy that's comparable to higher drugstore brands. Moral of the story, accumulate your purchase and buy during Isetan Anniversary sale.


Road Test:
I've been using the Origins Modern Friction and was pretty happy about it. But after it ran out, I decided to try something new instead. And this was the alternative that I got.

The texture is more fluid compared to the Origins Modern Friction. And the micro-beads were so fine that it almost didn't feel like my face is being exfoliated.


My pores felt clean and my skin was smooth at the end of the exfoliation and it was so gentle that it did not irritate my skin at all.

Verdict:
This product would probably be more suitable for people who wants to do exfoliation on a daily basis. And for those who have sensitive skin.

For oily skin, this exfoliator might prove to be too mild to be effective though.