Makeup Look: Easy As 1-2-3

Starting next week, I will be devoting the week to talented makeup artists. I'll have pics of their work and a little background info about them.  Makeup Artistry is one of my own favorite past times. I enjoy the creativity and the transformations.  Because I'm a makeup artist, most of my first time clients expect to see a face full of makeup when they come in to get their makeup done.  The truth is, my most favorite makeup look is a "less is more" look.   The look in this photo is my general go to.  If  you're new to makeup or just want an idea for an easy and simple look that doesn't take too much time, this one will work for you.

What You'll Need:

Makeup:  Eyebrow pencil, concealer, powder foundation, liquid eyeliner, mascara, blush, liptick. 

Tools: angle brush, small, flat brush, makeup sponge, big fluffy brush.

How to Apply:

1. Start with a clean face. After I've washed my face, I hold a warm towel over it for a few minutes and then apply my moisturizer right after and let it sit for a few minutes.  Moisturizing the face first is a must. and is key to proper makeup application.
2. Eyebrows!  I am an eyebrow perfectionist!  Eyebrows really do frame the face, so grooming them can really make a difference in your look.  I first brush my eyebrows and then fill in any gaps with an eyebrow pencil (you can also use a powder)  I then soften the look with a small angled brush to get a natural look.  I then clean up underneath my brows with a small amount of concealer using a flat brush, just to help define the brow.
3. At this step you can use concealer or liquid foundation to cover any blemishes or dark eye circles.
4. Using a fluffy brush, pick up some of your powder onto the brush and tap away the excess.  push the powder into your face instead of brushing on.
5. Top line the eyes with a slight wing and apply mascara to the top and bottom lashes.  You can line the bottom lash line also.  Mascara is usually enough for me and so I sometimes do not line the lower lash line.
6. Pop a bit of blush onto the apples of your cheeks and finish with your favorite lipstick.

I know it may sound like a lot, but it really isn't.  Once you get the hang of it, these steps will take you about 10 minutes.  You can use your favorite colors to achieve this look. You can also omit or add additional products to suit your needs.   For a list of products I used, check below.  Unless stated, all products used are MAC.

["Spiked" eyebrow pencil, Wet N Wild waterproof eyeliner, "Dollymix" blush, "Moorange" Lipstick.]



What's your favorite makeup look?

How To Apply Foundation When It's Hot Outside!

As the weather get more warm, you may find that foundation tends to slide off of your face or make your complexion look dull.  In warm weather, the "less is more" technique will help you makeup to stay put and not dull your complexion.

Tricks Of The Trade:

1. Always start with a clean face. 
2. Always apply a moisturizer with SPF.  I used Aveeno which has SPF 30 every single day!
3. After allowing your moisturizer to settle for a few minutes, apply your concealer with a slightly damp makeup sponge.
4. At this step, you can go directly to a sheer powder application and you're done or you can now apply your foundation.  If you are applying foundation, apply a sheer foundation sparingly where needed with a makeup sponge or a foundation brush.  It's not necessary to apply foundation over your entire face, if  not needed.  This will give you a more natural look.
5. After applying foundation you can now apply your favorite loose or pressed powder using a big fluffy brush.  This will help to set your foundation and look for the entire day.  Apply the powder by pushing it into the face as apposed to brushing over the face.

That it it!  This will give you a natural looking glow that won't melt when the temperature starts to climb. 

Makeup Look: Purple Eyes And Pink Lips

I was feeling the color purple today and I haven't done a makeup look on myself in a while, so I decided to do a lilac, gray, purplish look.  This is a really fun look that you can take from day to evening with a few minor adjustments.

Day look:                                                                         

Inner corner - lilac shadow

Eyelid - slate grey

Outer corner/crease - deep purple

Cheek - rosy pink

Lip - Nude lipstick

Evening Look: (same as above with following changes) 

Outer corner/crease - apply a touch of black over the purple

Lip - fuschia gloss (as shown)

Makeup Review: Maybeline Superstay 24 Color

WARNING!!! INTENSE, LONG LASTING COLOR!

I'm in luvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv with this lipstain/matte/gloss.  Yeah, you heard me right.  This can be used as a stain, matte lipstick or a gloss.  Rarely does a product that claims to last for several hours or not smudge, ever make good on its promise. So you must know that I was beyond surprised to find that this drugstore brand exceeded my expectations!  Not only did this stuff NOT smudge, and when I say NOT smudge, I'm talking blot my lips on a paper towel and absolutely NO product gets on the towel.  No smudging and it stayed on for the entire day and still looked good at the end of the day!  It was kind of hard to take off, even with Vaseline, but I was okay with that.

You apply a thin layer of the color side and allow it to dry, once dried you can leave it and it will look very much like a matte/stain, or you can then apply the gloss stick and give it some shine!  There's a wide range of colors and they are fairly inexpensive.  They regular price is about $8, however I purchased 3 of them on sale for roughly $5 each at Walgreens.  They are definitely worth it!  My new favorite!

This was after 7hours, after drinking and eating and no touch ups! [Eternal Sunset]

Left to Right - [Keep Up The Flame], [Eternal Sunset], [Lasting Lilac]

Makeup Looks: Cute Makeup Ideas For Prom

So Girlie!

Classic Gold and Red

Deep...

Hot Like Fire!

Silver and Gold

Teal  and Purple

With prom coming up, I thought I'd share some makeup I did that are fun and promo appropriate.  Heck!! You can wear these for any occassion!

Makeup Review: MAC Viva Glam Gaga II

Viva Glam Bam!                            

I always find myself at the MAC counter some way or another.  I've been really wanting to try more nude colors.  I was a little hesitant to pick up this one, but the girl at the counter promised me that it would look "GREAT" on me.  I'm glad I got it! I toned it down a little with a chestnut lip liner.  I like that I can wear it with a little liner, add a little gloss, or even use it to mix with some of my other colors. Whatdaya think?

Love it!!!

More Orange Baby!!: Hot Lip Color For The Summer

Although I've had this color for some time now, it's finally getting its much deserved 15 minutes of fame!   Mac's Moorange is, and will be one of my fave lipstick colors.  This is such a versatile color that will look good on any skintone!  If it's a little to bright for you, don't worry!  There are several ways to modify the color to fit your needs, and here are a few:

1. Apply the lipstick and blot it heavily for a "lip stain" look.
2. Mix it with a pale pink or a red lipstick to get a light or deep coral color
3. Use a flesh toned lip liner to tone the color down a bit.
4. Add a gold colored gloss to tone the orange down a bit and add some shine.

Makeup Look: MAC Fabulous Felines-Burmese Beauty Palette

   MAC for Brown Eyes

Green has a way of making brown, gray and blue eyes pop!  This look is pretty versatile and can be worn either day or evening.  You can make this look more intense by building the color or choosing a darker shade of a similar color.  If you want a less intense look, just do the opposite.

For the eyes: I used the MAC-Burmese Beauty palette.  I applied Skintone 1/3 of the way or my lid up to my crease. I also applied a little near the tear duct area and just at the corner of the inner lower lashline.  To the middle of the lid, I applied Burmese Beauty up to the crease and out to the corner of the eyes.  Next,  I added Showstopper to the outer corner.  I lined my water line with a black eyeliner and then lined by lower lashline with L'oreal color rich crayon Authentic(dark green). I used another cream crayon type crayon in a lighter green over Authentic for intensity.  I lined my upper lashline in black,only at the corners with slight wing and added black mascara to my upper and lower lashes.

For the Cheeks: I used Milani Sunset Beach mineral powder blush(orange-peach).  For the lips: I used MAC lipstick Shy Girl(nude pink) and MAC Viva Glam V Lipglass gloss(pinkish-tan).

You can re-create this look with varying shades of the colors I used, or you can use the same technique and try different colors! Remember, I only mention the name of the brand in case you want this exact color, otherwise, you can use whatever you have to get this look.

Makeup Look: BFTE Cosmetics One Shadow Makeup Look

Beauty From The Earth                                                                       

Beauty From The Earth Cosmetics is one of my favorites! Although BFTE carries a full line of varying cosmetic products I have been stuck on their mineralized eyeshadows! I can't get over how vibrant the colors are. They are all so true to what they look like online.  They offer both, a sample size(which comes in jars, not baggies) and a full size.  If you're new to BFTE you can try a sample size, which is a generous amount of product(for only $2).  They also have a weekly COTW (color of the week), where you get a full sized product which is regulary $6 for $2.  You just can't go wrong with this!  I have a substantial little collection that I'm building, so soon it will be time for me to venture out and try some of the other products that they offer.  On a side note, I like that the owner's are very active with their Facebook page and with their customers.  The service is very personable which is something that you don't see so often anymore.  So if you want affordable, high quality cosmetics, they are definitely worth the purchase!

This Look:
Eyes - BFTE (Addicted)
Cheeks - MAC (Ambering Rose)
Lips - MAC Superglass (Giftwrap)

This look was created with only one eyeshadow color.  The trick is to blend the color to give it more definition and depth.  I applied Addicted to the base of my eyelid and blended it upwards. I did a heavy line of black black creme liner to my upper and lower lid and smudged it a bit.  I added the blush and lipgloss and voila!  This literally took less than 10 minutes!

Makeup Stuff: The Perfect Pink Affordable Lipgloss

I'm always looking for a great pink lipgloss that isn't too light and isn't too deep of a color.  I picked this color up at Walgreens. It was on sale when I purchased it for around $4.00.  It's Shine Struck Liquid Lipcolor by L'oreal Hip called Euphoric(say that 3x fast! sheesh!) This product is just as good as my MAC products and more than half the cost of MAC.  So, if you're looking for an affordable pink lipgloss, give these a try.  I picked up a few more colors that I love, but this pink really got me!

Perfect NUDE Lips: A Flattering Nude For Deep Skin Tones

I'm always searching for the "perfect" pink, red, purple!!!  Well, I finally found the perfect Nude lipgloss!  I'm sure I'll find one that's even more perfect, but for now, this is the one!!!  The brand is  Loreal Hip, Shine Struck Liquid Lipcolor (say that 3 x fast).  The color is called Reserved.  This picture is making it look a little more pink that it is. It's more of a true nude.  This color would probably look good on any skin tone, but I think it's more flattering for olive skin tones and deep skin tones.  It was on sale at Walgreens for $3.  I should have bought 2!  What your favorite nude lipstick/gloss?

Makeup Perfection: Nars Laguna Portrait Of Paradise Collection

Need I say more?  The richness and silkiness of the Laguna collection sold me at first glance.  I LOVE IT!!!  If you don't own at least one Nars product, you MUST treat yourself TODAY!  If you already own a ton of Nars products, I'm certain that you already know that you too MUST have your own piece(s) of the Laguna collection!!  Happy Narsing!!  :)  Shop at Narscosmetics.com to get your makeup fix!

Makeup Looks: Fun With Colore Eye Pencils

Hello ladies!!!  It's been so long since I've posted.  I hope everyone is well!  I've missed you all!  I want to apologize for not updating my blog.  You know how life sometimes just happens and you're just not able to do the things that you love to do because you are swimming in things that you  "have" to do!  YUCK!  Anyhow, I'm back and I intend of getting back into my regular postings! 

Now, with that being said, I wanted to address a question I received from co-worker.  She wanted to know what she could do to change up her everyday look of black eyeliner.  She's a simple girl and doesn't like to spend a lot of time in the mornings on makeup.  I told her to get some Wet N Wild colored eye pencils and have fun!  All you have to do is line your eyes (top and bottom) with the colored pencil and then line over that with a black liquid or creme liner to give the color a little more definition.  On the top pic  I went for a darker brow and used the blue pencil and the bottom pic, I used a lighter brow with the green pencil.

Since the eye pencils are only $.99, you can buy every color and experiment with them and have fun!

Holiday Makeup: Nightime Makeup For The Holidays

 

If your going out for dinner or dancing and want to look festive, why not add a little bit of glitter with those red lips and give your holiday look some pop!

What I used:

Eyes :  Flesh toned eyeshadow(no name), LASplash glitter eyeliner (gold), Maybeline creme eyeliner(black)

Cheeks: MAC - Dolly mix(pink)

Lips: MAC - Ruby Woo (matte red), L'oreal Shine Struck Liquid  - Turbulent(red) 

I applied the eyeshadow with my fingers just a bit above my crease and blended it out.  I then applied black creme liner to my upper and lover lashlines. I put some of the glitter liner over the black creme liner and added black mascara.  I added my cheek color and lips and bam! Easy Peasy!

*Tip:  Although I didn't do it here, to get your red lipstick to last a big longer and to prevent it from migrating above or below your lipline, line your lips with a pencil prior to applying your lipstick.  With red lipstick I like to also use the blotting technique.  This is wear you apply the lipstick and then blot your lips with a paper towel so that a stain from the lipstick is left behind and then reapply.

Makeup Look: Friday Night Makeup Look Using Plums And Purples

So, you're going out with the girls or with your significant other?  This look is bold and fun!  Most importantly, it is super easy!

What I used: 

Eyes:  MAC - Parfait Amour (frost lavender), MAC - My Dark Magic (deep purple), BFTE - Big Ego (bright grape), MAC - Carbon (black)

Cheeks: Milani - Sunset Beach (peach)

Lips: MAC - Cyber ( deep plum)

For the eyes, I applied Parfait Amour on the lid up to my crease.  On the outer half of my lid I applied My Dark Magic.  I used carbon for the outer V to create a little depth.  I lined my upper and lower lid with a black creme liner.  On the lower lid, I went over the creme liner with Big Ego.  I added a heft coat of mascara to both top and bottom lashes and the eyes were done!  I popped on a bit of blush to the apples of my cheeks and complete the look with a dark lipstick.  Voila!  You are ready for a night on the town!

Earrings - Forever 21 - $6.80

Makeup Review: Wet N Wild Lipstick; Affordable Fab & Fun

(910D - On The Collar;bright pinkish red. This one is my favorite)

I am such a big fan of Wet N Wild Mega Last lipsticks!  I picked up these colors at my local Walgreen's. They were on sales for $1.49 each.  Normally they are $2.99, which is also a steal!  The colors are very pigmented and the lipstick is very creamy and thick how I like it. They color really does last for quite a while.  I did a slight touch up after about 4 hours.  This was after eating food and drinking coffee, so it may have lasted even longer!   If you're looking for some great lipstick and at a good price, I'd give these a try for sure.  Wet N Wild only gives the lipsticks a number by which to identify them, so I made up names for them, because lipstick this great deserves a name.

I'm having some difficulty with my camera and am using a different camera, so I apologize for the picture quality.

(916D-Flirt;a deep mauve)

(918D-Harlem;deep brown)

Makeup Look: Holiday Makeup Look-Glitz, Glam and Glitter

 Holiday Glitter                                                                                  

                 

When it gets close to the holidays, I love sparkling things up with glitter!  Although I kept the lips neutral, you can add a brighter color if you want to take the look from vroom to va va voom!

What I used:
88 color palette - slate gray, Lanimei - silver glitter, Maybeline creme liner - black, MAC blush - Ambering Rose, MAC lipstick - Ravishing

I applied the slate gray over my lower lid up to my crease.  I then applied silver glitter directly in my crease.     Using a small smudging brush, I lined my lower lash line with the slate gray.  I lined my upper lash line and water line with black creme liner.  Add blush and lipstick and you are done!  Instant holiday cheer!

*Tip:  If you're new to makeup and some of these terms are unfamiliar to you, here's a diagram that may help a bit.

Pink = inner corner
Blue = upper lash line
Orange = crease
Green = water line
Red = lower lashline
White = outer V
Lavender = Brow Highlight

All About Lips: Fun Lipstick Colors To Give Your Lips Some Owwwwwwww!

Vibrant

Warm 

Sultry

If you're looking for a new lipstick color, here are a few more of my favorites that I've been playing with more often .  I didn't use any lip liner or gloss.  Don't let the first color scare you!  It's looks pretty bright, but is a really nice color.  The middle color is a bit bright so I applied just a little. The last color speaks for itself, oh la la!

From top to bottom: L.A. Colors - Matte Amethyst

                                MAC - Moorange

                                MAC - Lickable

*Tip:  For longer lasting lipstick, I sometimes apply a similar color lipstain or matte color before I apply my lipstick.  You can also use lip liner.  Just lightly shade your lips with a similar colors lip liner and apply your lipstick over it. After applying your lipstick , dabbing it a bit with a paper towel and then reapplying also works very well.

Makeup Looks For Darker Skin Tones

When I do makeup looks, I get feedback from my darker skin toned viewers that say "that looks good on you, but I can't wear those colors."  As a makeup artist, I want you to know that dark skin tones can wear pretty much any color!  You have to experiment and see what shade of each color looks good on your complexion.  Don't be afraid of color.  Play with it, experiment with it, and as I like to say "use color as your weapon!"

A few photos of some darker toned ladies rockin' color like nobody's business!

Makeup Look For Eyeglasses: Add Some Sparkle To Your Eyes

Fabulous Four Eyes

This makeup look works really well if you wear glasses.  Try wearing eyes colors other than black to give your eyes behind the glass some sparkle.

What I used:

Eyes: NYC mascara - Cobalt blue,  Wetnwild eyeliner - Silver 

Cheeks: MAC - Dollymix (bubblegum pink)

Lips: MAC -Ravishing (pinkish peach color)

This was so easy to do.  I coated my lashes(top and bottom) with 3 coats of the cobalt blue mascara.  I then smudged a bit of black eyeliner into the top lashes.  I lined my water line with silver eyeliner and that is it for the eyes. I popped a little blush onto the apples of my cheeks and applied my lipstick.

I hardly smile for any photos so this is a rare moment in which my pearly whites will be making an appearance :)