HELLO!
Live Events are coming up and I’m searching for special products to use to help my clients look their best! So, I had a little fun with Smashbox today! It’s all about HD makeup now. I’m in the testing mood these days looking for the next best thing to use. I’m super excited! Lots of new products to try on my clients and..well…myself! I’ll be trying these products and writing reviews. Any one have any recommendations or comments on these products, please let me know! I love feedback.
EXFOLIATE your lips! Be sure to get rid of any dead skin cells that can dull a gorgeous mouth. Use your toothbrush as an exfoliator! After brushing your teeth, rinse your brush and gently scrub your lips in circular motion. Always apply lip balm when you’re done and enjoy amazingly soft lips! A great lip balm is Epicuren, it has UV protection and Tea tree oil.
IMATS: The International Make Up Artist Trade show, is THE Trade show to go to if you’re a make up artist. I look forward to this all year. Open to the public, this trade show is June 26th and June 27th at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, Ca. You can buy amazing brushes, products, learn techniques from the industry pros and see what’s new in the make up world. Cosmetics galore! I love it! Go check it out. The Artists behind Alice in Wonderland will have a panel at this event, which I’m super excited about. I found the makeup to be phenomenal! Over 50 exhibitors, such as Alcone, Eye Kandy Cosmetics, Naimies, Kryolan, MAC cosmetics, and many more. If you have any interest in make up, this is the right event!
The Multiple Stick in Copacabana by Nars Cosmetics is such a great product! It’s a multi-purpose product can be used on eyes, cheeks, lips and body. Goes on so smoothly. I’ve had way too much fun with it.
Recently, I went to NYC and had some parties to attend. I wore The Multiple in Copacabana on the top of my cheeks over NARS blush in Orgasm and so many people commented on how great it looked. The Multiple looks amazing in pictures. Gives a shimmer glow look that’s so sexy! The multiples sell for $38.00 at Sephora or your nearest Nars counter.
Okay, so, primer. I don’t get it. Is it moisturizer? What do I use it for? Do I need it?
—Ella, New York
Unlike, say, mascara, which is not optional for most mortal women on date night, primer, I am told, is. At least one makeup artist confides to your StyleSpy that she rarely uses primer on clients; its more humble cousin, moisturizer, seems to work just fine. After all, both products are meant to even out dry spots. Still, there are benefits to the occasional dab.
When your StyleSpy tested Benefit’s new That Gal primer, makeup artist Sabrina Mae confirmed it gave my skin a distinct glow. It has a pink cast, however, and Mae doesn’t recommend it for people who already consider themselves the color of cotton candy.
One other factor to consider: For camera work or a long day, primer can be your best friend, makeup artists report. Aestheticians often turn to primers by MAC or Napoleon Perdis to help their touch-ups last longer, and they assert that makeup sits more evenly during photo shoots. My own personal makeup artist often applies primer under my eyes to make concealer last longer. Lips are another area that can benefit.
“Now that lipstick tubes are making a comeback, I rely on Prep + Prime Lip to extend the wear of my lip color,” MAC senior makeup artist Fatima Thomas tells me. “I apply it to clean, moisturized lips that have been blotted with a tissue and let it set for a minute or two.”
Here’s one other smart use, in case you ever find yourself with a tube of primer and aren’t sure how to use it. This one comes from Napoleon Perdis, maker of the Auto Pilot primer: “Mix with a little bronzer for an undetectable no-makeup look!”
What is it about Bronzer’s that are just so addicting?! I know that the vampire trend is hot now, so looking pale is in, I get it, but even then you can add some bronzer to do a sexier version of the vamp look. Bronzers are a must have product! You’re missing out if you don’t use them.
Summer is just around the corner, who doesn’t want the look of healthy, glowing, sun-kissed skin? There are all different types of bronzer’s for the face, face and body, or just for the body. They come in cream or powder form.
Below are a few products I’ve tried and recommend.
❖Loracs’ TANtalizer Visit Loraccosmetics.com
A quick drying, body bronzer that leaves no streaks. Smells like vanilla, which is amazing compared to the smell of some other bronzing products. Gives you that instant sexy glow. Make sure it dries completely before putting your clothes on so it doesn’t stain. Easily washes off.
The downside to this product? Last summer I went to some bbq and I decided to wear shorts. I used this product so that my legs wouldn’t look as pale as they do. After sitting in the car for a good 20 min drive to our destination, I noticed I started to stick to the leather seats in my friends car….When I got out of the car, The bronzer had stained my friends leather seats. Not only did I feel bad, BUT It was a little embarrassing. Regardless, That was probably my mistake in using this product on a hot summer day. I STILL use this and will continue to! I love the glow it gives me. This also comes in a powder form.
5.0 FL. OZ for $32.00.
❖MAC Cosmetics Bronzing Powder visit Maccosmetics.com
Comes in a few different shades
I use the refined golden on myself. It enhances the skin and is great for contouring the face.
10g/0.30 oz for $22.00
❖Geurlain Terracotta Bronzer Visit Sephora.com
This product is used to enhance a tan or for a warm glow. Gives a nice natural look . It’s light, sheer and moisturizing. May be used as a bronzer, for contouring, or as a blush. Comes in a few different shades. From light to medium
No 1
No 2
No 3
No 4
N0 20
Beautiful on all types of skins, I haven’t met a person who isn’t extremely happy with this bronzer. It’s a make-up bag must have.
0.35 oz for $46.00
❖Hoola By Benefit Visit benefitcosmetics.com
I received this product as a gift a couple of years ago and have been a fan ever since. Comes in a cute little box with a mini natural bristle cheek brush which makes it very convenient when you’re on the go.
Gives a natural and non shimmer look, which is great for on camera usage. If you use it with Benetint underneath, it will give that fresh from the island glow. Perfect on the cheeks! Great for fair or medium complexions
0.4 oz.for $28.00
I would love to know what you think of these products too! What do you think of bronzers?!
If you’re looking for an incredible concealer that will make you look flawless, definitely try Amazing Cosmetics “Amazing Concealer”. It’s a celebrity favorite and definitely one of my favorite products to use! A little bit goes a long way with this product. The coverage is unbelievable! What I like about it is that it doesn’t cake up around the eyes after a few minutes like some others have. MAke sure you moisturize and use a primer and you’ll be good to go!
The concealer comes in two sizes, small and large.
The larger tube sells for $42
The smaller tube $28
A bit pricey, but totally worth it. Because of such a small amount needed for use, this product always lasts me a long time!
Comes in a few different shades–
Give it a try! You can buy it on their website or you can go to Sephora.com
Lately, I’m not sure if it’s due to allergies, or stress or the million and one reasons that can be…my eyes have felt puffy everyday! I know the usual cucumbers on the eyes trick and less salt intake but neither of these things are working for me. I decided to do some research on how to get rid of this and what might be causing it. Some of my clients have complained about the same thing. I found some steps or ideas on getridofthings.com that can help.
According to getridofthings.com -
Getting enough sleep and relieving stress can eliminate dark circles under your eyes. If you’re living the typical busy life: staying up late, getting up early, working hard, and playing harder, the dark circles under your eyes can easily be a symptom of exhaustion and stress. Make sure you’re getting the needed 7-9 hours of sleep a night and taking some time at least once a week to do something relaxing, just for yourself, and those dark circles should get better in no time.
Identifying and treating your allergies can also improve the dark circles under your eyes. Dark circles under your eyes can also be a symptom of allergies — food allergies, chemical allergies, environmental allergies, seasonal allergies. If you haven’t already, identify the source of your allergies (this may take the help of a doctor or dermatologist) and begin treating them, either by removing the source, using OTC products such as Claritin, or taking prescription medication such as Zyrtec (the only thing that works for me). For more information, see How to Get Rid of Allergies.
Overnight face and under-eye creams with Vitamin K and retinol can reduce the dark circles under your eyes. Because dark circles under your eyes, and other skin problems, can indicate a vitamin deficiency, skin creams containing vitamin K and retinol (vitamin A) can repair and restore your skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes. Applying such a cream overnight is an effective way of treating your skin for longer periods of time.
Supplementing your diet with vitamins can get rid of dark circles under your eyes. For the same reasons stated above (skin discoloration and puffiness caused by vitamin deficiency), adding more vitamins to your daily diet can go a long way toward getting rid of the dark circles under your eyes. The easiest and most efficient way to do this is to take a multi-vitamin in the morning with your breakfast.
Staying well hydrated and reducing your salt intake can also get rid of dark circles under your eyes. If you’re not getting enough fluids, or your sodium and alcohol intake is out of proportion to the amount of water you drink each day, you could be dehydrated. Dehydration can result in reduced circulation*, too much salt can make your body retain water in strange areas, and both can result in the skin under your eyes looking blue or black and puffy. Drink at least eight glasses (64 oz.) of water a day (more if you have alcohol) to reduce and get rid of dark circles under your eyes.
Some other ideas I grew up with…
taking tea bags and soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes, than squeezing the excess water out of them and placing them on your eyes for 15 minutes. This works really well for red irritated eyes as well.
Don’t eat sushi. I love sushi! I can’t live without it, but it never fails that the next day I have puffy eyes. It’s another one of those salty foods…I’m assuming it’s from the sodium in the soy sauce. I have heard from many of my friends who eat sushi say they have the same problem.
Oh where is that special potion from “Death Becomes Her” when we need it.
When I first saw the trailer for the new “Alice in Wonderland”, I knew that the trend for Spring makeup was going to be exciting! I came across Urban Decays “Alice in Wonderland Palette”, 16 of UD’s best-selling shades with each shade renamed after characters in the movie.
This spring, I’m noticing lots of golds, deep purples, light peaches, all shades of green,nudes, and browns.
One of my favorite makeup lines, NARS has created a fabulous collection for Spring! According to Francois Nars, This collection was inspired by Catherine Deneuve’s role as Lucille in “La Chamade”. These colors and looks remind me very much of the 60’s. Nars Collections always impress!
Can’t wait to try all these spring collections and have some fun!
Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre (aka 24 Hour Miracle Cream, $14 for 30 ml. or $25 for 75 ml). One of my favorite products to use as a make up artist. This product can be used as a moisturizer, primer, and makeup remover. I’ve used this product on all of my clients and they love it! Check it out!
