Thursday, December 23, 2010

Holiday Makeup That Won't Make You Look Like A Ho-Ho-HO!

Move over candy canes, holiday music, and presents; the time to party is finally upon us! New Year's eve is right around the corner, and with that comes one of the toughest decisions we will have to make to start the new year; what to wear ... on our faces?
Because there are so many looks out there, your cosmetic sensibility might be on overload. Fear not makeup mavens, I am here to help! Below you will find some glamorous holiday makeup looks that will work for the most courageous AND the most unadorned makeup wearers around. Get ready to make(up) an entrance ladies!

Luscious Lips That Won't Kiss Off- Want to make a bold statement? Do it with your lips. Use vibrant colors, like hot pinks or reds. Once you've decided on what shade works best for you, use lip liner first, to lock in your color. Want this look to last even longer (maybe even through a hot holiday kiss)? Blot lips on a tissue and then apply a translucent powder over it. Your lip color will last longer than you do!
But what about the rest of your face? When using a bold lip color to make a statement, you want the rest of your makeup to look subdued. I recommend just adding eye liner (maybe a winged look for those of you with liner experience), a soft, peachy blush, and black mascara. Voila! Look completed!


http://www.maccosmetics.com/images/products/spp/M3LN1E.jpg Fluidline Set Powder Mascara X Powder Blush
Sample colors, all from M.A.C. - Tartan Tale Lipstick in Full Fuchsia, $14.50, Fluidline eyeliner in Blitz & Glitz, $15.00, Powder Blush in Melba, $18.50, Mascara X, in Black X, $14.00, and Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder, $22.00

It's Goooooold, Baby- Nothing better than some shimmer and shine on the holidays, and this simple look is easy to achieve. Start with a gold or bronze cream shadow and sweep it all over the lids, up to the eyebrow bone. You can add shadow to the lower lash line, as well. For cheeks, I suggest using a bronzing powder to give this look some added warmth. By using a highlighter, you can add some contouring (on and under the cheek bones, on the bridge of the nose, and on the eyebrow bones). Add a lip gloss with flecks of gold in it, and you are ready to shine!

AQUA CREAMmineral powder bronzer


 Cream Colour BaseLip Gloss
Sample Colors: Make Up Forever Aqua Cream 11-Gold (not shown), $22.00, available at Sephora; Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess, $29.00, available at Tarte and Sephora; M.A.C Cream Color Base in Pearl, $16.50, available at M.A.C; and Nars Lip Gloss in Belize, $24.00, available at Sephora.

Dramatic Eyes for a Dramatic Night- While a smokey eye is a bit more challenging to accomplish, it is definitely worth the extra time. When trying this look at home, remember, less is more. Start out with a little color on your brush and then layer colors accordingly. The more colors you add, the more dimensions your look will have. I also recommend adding black eyeliner and mascara.(see above)
Hint: you are going for dramatic, NOT shocking.
For a fun contrast, pair your smokey eyes with a pale pink lip.


Viva Glam GagaViva Glam Gaga Lipglass

Sample Colors: YSL Ombres 5-08 Midnight, $56.00, available at Sephora; M.A.C Viva Glam Gaga Lip Glass, $14.50, available at M.A.C; M.A.C Viva Glam Gaga, $14.50, available at M.A.C

Well, makeup enthusiasts, I hope these EYEdeas have helped add some color to your holiday look! Please feel free to comment or email if you have any questions. Happy Holidays!
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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

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Thursday, June 17, 2010

The Bronzer Bonanza

I have always been envious of those people that can get a tan within the first five minutes of summer. Growing up, I was determined to be one of these people...even though I lost several layers of my epidermis in this process. After years of burning, peeling, and freckling, I (partially) surrendered myself to the sun gods, and decided to go another route...BRONZER (hallelujah)!
Over the years, I have collected my fair(..get it, because I am pale) share of bronzers. I have learned one major lesson in this process...not all bronzers are created equally. Here is a list of some of the bronzers I have tried over the years (both good and bad).
1. Park Avenue Princess by Tarte- This bronzer is fantastic--it goes on smooth and even, and has an almost-matte finish.
2. Multiple Bronzer by Nars- This bronzer is one of my favorites! It has a smooth, creamy texture and isn't greasy AT ALL! You can dot this on your cheekbones, and then blend with your fingers, sponge or makeup brush. My one caution with this product is that you have to blend it immediately because it sets quickly. Because you only need a little dab of this, you will have this product for quite a while...definitely worth the money!
3. Laguna/Casino Bronzing Powder by Nars- While I like this bronzer, it has a lot of sparkle. Sparkles tend to make your pores look bigger, which is NOT okay in my book! Though this is true, this bronzer adheres well to skin and is long lasting.
4. MAC Bronzer- While I have always been a fan of MAC, I must admit that I don't particularly love their bronzers. This is just a personal opinion and everyone is different. Though this is true, they have great shade options. There are five different bronzer shades to choose from--three of the shades have high shine/shimmer, and two shades are matte.
5. Bronzed Godess by Estee Lauder- This is a good bronzer and provides a soft, tanned glow. It is best for light to medium skin tones.
6. Dior Bronze Matte Sunshine SPF 20- BRONZER = PHENOMENAL.... PRICE= NOT so PHENOMENAL. This bronzer provides a beautiful glow and has an added kick...sunscreen! Although I wouldn't suggest wearing this in replace of sunscreen at the beach, it is nice to have the extra sun protection, while looking tanned at the same time. I have Honey Matte, but there are also other shades.
7. Baked Bronzing Powder by Urban Decay- If shine is what you want, this bronzer is for you! Enough said!

Bronzers can be a tricky thing. What works on one complexion, may not work so well on another. It is a process of trial and error. These are just my opinions based on the products that I have tried. As always, please feel free to share your favorites too!
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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