Sunday, May 30, 2010

What to Expect, When Expecting....Wedding Makeup

Many brides begin their trial run with the assumption that clear, flawless skin, can be achieved WITHOUT the use of makeup. Well brides, I've got some news for you,... this is NOT the case (said with a gentle pat on your shoulder)!
On your wedding day, these are the things that you have to contend with: nerves, the bright lights of a professional flash, (nerves), tears, heat, humidity, rain, (nerves), and usually your makeup is applied a few hours before the event even starts (did I mention nerves?). In order for your makeup to withstand all of the above, your makeup artist will generally follow the steps below.
Step 1 - Moisturizer is a MUST. Enough said.
Step 2 - Primer, Primer, Primer.
Your lovely makeup artist will usually begin your makeup application with a facial primer, eyeshadow primer, and sometimes, even a lip primer. These products will help guarantee that your makeup stays put.
Step 3 - Eyes on You!
Eyeshadow: When I do makeup on my clients, I like to start with the eyes. I find this eliminates the chances of shadow falling/smudging on my foundation application. If you are an eyeshadow lover (like myself), you can expect your "wedding eyes" to be a little heavier than usual. You may see many scary eyeshadow colors being put on your eyes. Fear not...these colors are usually layered on top of each other to create beautiful dimensions of color.
Waterproof Eyeliner/ Mascara: Shedding a few tears on your wedding day...not embarrassing. Having your eye makeup run down your face, ruining your perfect makeup....SUPER embarrassing. Need I say more?
False Lashes: While I feel like a smarter, cooler, thinner person when I am wearing false lashes, they are not for everyone. I highly recommend going to MAC (or any makeup counter that does lashes) and try wearing them for a night out (before your wedding). That way, you will know what to expect on your big day.
Step 4 - Put Your Best Face Forward.
Foundation: When foundation is applied properly, it will give your skin the perfect pick-me-up, balance uneven skin tones, and also cover those lil' imperfections that we all have. Once you fully embrace the magnificent glory of foundation, you will realize just how much you can do with it (more to come on this in my next blog).
Concealer: Most concealers are designed to erase all skin imperfections:dark circles, broken capillaries, sun damage, blemishes, large pores, redness, and more. If it could just make me look like I dropped 50 pounds, it would be my most favorite product out there. I like to put the concealer on after my foundation because I feel like it provides double coverage. Every person does their makeup routine differently though, and that's okay.
Contouring/Highlighting: (optional) Contouring is a simple way to enhance the natural bone structure in your face. This is usually done by using a darker color (usually a cream base) and applying it to the areas of your face that have a natural shadow. The highlighter is used to boost the sculpting effects. With the use of contouring and highlighting, you can make your nose appear more narrow, raise or create cheekbones, strengthen your jawline, minimize a full chin, and SLIM YOUR FACE. Loooooove it!
Loose Setting Powder: This product will help set your foundation and slightly matify the skin (good-bye oily T-zone) without changing your coloring. It also softens the appearance of imperfections. Because it is translucent, it works on all skin tones.
Bronzer: Hello lovaahhh! Bronzer can be used to give your skin that tanned glow. Buyer beware! You do not want your bronzer to be too glimmery or shiny-- although shimmer looks good on some body parts, it can also magnify the look of large pores and skin imperfections.
Blush-Cream or Powder: Depending on your skin type, your makeup artist may choose to use a cream or powder blush. Usually, artists use cream blushes on dry skin and powder blushes on oily skin. Either way, you can expect your blush color to be a bit heavier than your everyday color.
Step 5 - Lips That are Ready to Be Kissed.
A clear gloss is perfect for everyday, but not for your wedding day. While you may not be used to wearing a color on your lips, you need a highly pigmented color for the big day. This does not mean you have to wear Bozo red, but you want enough color so that when the camera flash goes off, you don't look like you have muted out lips. It is possible to have a "natural" lip, using other colors besides clear. Ask your makeup artist to play around until you find a color that is a compromise-- enough color to be seen, but not enough to make you feel like our good friend, Bozo.
Remember: This is the day that you will remember for the rest of your life. You want to be happy with the way you look. While your makeup artist has some expertise in knowing what looks good, you also have a say too. I would never want to leave a client knowing that she wasn't 100% happy with her look. Don't be afraid to speak up...we will not be offended!

"The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good on you!"
- Coco Chanel

Monday, May 24, 2010

Make-up vs. Makeup

Makeup vs. Make-up
Ummmm, apparently while I love to use makeup, I don't actually know how to spell it. :) At 31 years of age, I just learned that makeup is spelled WITHOUT the hyphen. I'd like to thank my lovely friend, who shall now be referred to as " The Black Widow," for pointing out my spelling error. Please continue to be my spell checker! Love you!

Disclaimer: Luckily, makeup is not a first grade vocabulary word. Parents fear not...I promise I am a qalified teachaaaaaa. :)
(I meant to spell those words wrong :)

Sunday, May 23, 2010
The Eyelash Challenge
Five months ago, I got the bright idea to get eyelash extensions. In this process, individual synthetic lashes are GLUED to your own eyelashes. Putting glue on or near your eyes should have been a major red flag, but once again, I let my impulsivity get the best of me.
While I loved having longer, fuller lashes, a lot of my own lashes were killed in this process (R.I.P lashes). I am now left with lash stubs that even mascara can't fix (sigh).
In a state of desperation, I decided to purchase Tarte's MultiplEYE Lash Enhancer. This lash enhancer is clinically proven to give the appearance of longer, thicker lashes AND uses all natural products while doing so. I started using this product on 5/21 and results typically take up to 6 weeks. I will be posting weekly pictures so we can see if it really does do what it says! C'mon Tarte!
Side note: Last night I went out with a couple of my girlfriends. One of them, whose name I shall not mention (Amanda ;) has been using LATISSE for the past 3 months. Her lashes look AAAA--mazing; they were long, thick, and fabulous! I found myself staring at them all night, and wishing they were mine (place dramatic pause here). If the Tarte product doesn't work, I may just have to jump on the LATISSE bandwagon!

Photo from Day 1 (with absolutely, positively no make-up on)


5.21.10

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Pictures of Product Favorites








Some of My New Favorites (in no particular order)!

1. St. Tropez Wash Off Instant Glow Mousse- This is the perfect (healthy way) to get a natural glow! I use the mousse right before I am about to put on my makeup and it gives me that "right off the beach" look.

2. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer- Primer is an essential step in makeup application! This primer comes in two formulas-- hydrating, and oil-free, so it is perfect for all skin types. Your makeup will last for hours and won't budge...even if you get a lil sweaty (not that girls sweat!). :)

3. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage- Need to conceal pimples, scars or dark circles? Secret camouflage is perfect for all of the above and SO much more! I used it for EVERYTHING. It comes in two shades so it's perfect for year round use.

4. Recreate Anti-Aging Foundation by Tarte and Silk Creme by Laura Mercier - I am a MAJOR foundation junkie. I have about 20 different brands (no exaggeration), but these are my absolute FAVS!
When I first tried Recreate, I was honestly skeptical about its staying power. I mean, c'mon..it's a "green" foundation(disclaimer: this is not a jab at going "green". I love the earth!). To my surprise, it stayed on all day AND helped fill in all of my fine lines. Thank YOU Recreate!

Silk Creme is a heavier foundation. I use this when I have a big night out or feel that I need more coverage because of (damn) pimples! This foundation gives a flawless appearance, but is probably not suited for foundation beginners.

5. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer- This primer is a must-have! Put your eye shadow on after you apply this, and it will last morning to night. It won't smudge, crease, or fade. Need I say more!

6. Nars Orgasm Illuminator- Skin will look instantly radiant after using this product. A little goes a long way!

7. MAC Lip Glass- LOVE THEM ALL! Super Glass, Dazzle Glass, Dazzle Glass Creme, Lustre Glass..the list could go on and on. They come in many different colors and smell delicious!

8. Tarte EmphasEYES Waterproof Clay Shadow/Liner- This gives you the best of both worlds..shadow and a liner all in one. They are deeply pigmented and long lasting. There are so many colors to choose from...black, purple, bronze, indigo, and brown.

Okay, that's all for now! Feel free to share some of your favorites too! I always love hearing about great products!
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