Thursday, December 22, 2011

*Get My Daily Look*

I have gotten many compliments on my hardly made-up face. I'd like to thank all of you that admire my daily look! I would like to let you know what products I use for skin care and makeup.
*Tip - I have very dry skin - the skin care I use is not made for every skin type.

I first make sure my face is all squeaky clean! I have just started using the Neutrogena Wave with the Gentle Exfoliating Pads. LOVE IT! Perfect while in the shower, you throw out the pads when done - super easy!


Once out of the shower, I use my Mary Kay Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover on a tissue to clean around my eyes to make sure I have no mascara left on my lashes or around my eyes.


I have been using Avocado Oil as a facial serum lately due to the colder weather, my skin has been even dryer than usual. I apply the oil with my fingers all over my face (not eye area), and let settle into my skin. The oil is super hydrating, I haven't even needed to use moisturizer on top of it.

Once my skin care routine is all done, I apply my Estee Lauder Double Wear Pressed Powder in Shell Beige over my entire face, and down on my neck, with a face powder brush.


I use MAC Blush in Cubic on the top of my cheek bones and then I apply La Bella Donna's Vision of Lights in Sunset lightly to my whole face - adds a light shimmer - love that!


Once my face makeup is done, I use my cheapie mascara - which is a favorite of mine - Maybelline's Turbo Volum' Express - in very black & waterproof (of course). Throw on a little black eyeliner  - I use black eyeshadow with a angled brush - on my lash line on top and bottom. Any black shadow will do, I use MAC. On some days, I then add Too Faced's Glitter Liquid Eyeliner, sometimes I just leave the shadow liner as is.




Fill in my brows - and I'm all set! Takes all in all about 10 minutes, you look made-up but not overdone - and the makeup can work with any skin tone.

Thanks again for all of your compliments on my makeup - I know you can achieve the same for yourself - you just need the right tools!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Holiday Party this Weekend? Let Me Help You Get Ready!

The weekend before Christmas is probably the most popular weekend for Holiday Parties! I know I have three in only two days! Many of you may even have more! Running around from party to party may make you crazy, but lets make your makeup steps as simple as possible! No need to make yourself more stressed than probably already are!

Depending on your style, and what types of parties you are attending, your makeup may change. Below are some popular looks that can be lightened or darkened to your liking.


Jewel Tone Colors -
A few of my friends, myself included, love the Jewel Tone trend that is sweeping across holiday parties, and even day time events, this season.


You may feel that it's hard to choose shadow and lipstick colors to go with these vibrant dresses, but don't worry! I will help you! Dresses like these (or shirts of these tones with black or navy pants) are bright, fun and playful - yet still appropriate. Choose to keep your makeup more natural, you don't want your makeup to be competing with your outfit - the outfit comes first when it comes to Jewel Tones. Using colors like MAC's All That Glitters, Bronze, & Antiqued are perfect shades to compliment any bright color. Using your lighter tone, apply to the full lid, and use the darker tones together and blend to your crease and outer lid area. If you want to add a little more va-voom - apply the darker tone under your bottom lashes for an additional "pop" of color! So fun!

I always go with a nude sparkly lip. MAC's Hug Me with Bare Necessity Gloss is my go-to! Chanel's Glossimer in Constellation is also an amazing sparkly gloss! Either will finish your look..perfection!






Your Basic Black -

Many people opt to wear their LBD (little black dress) or black pants and top. Always chic (if you wear it right - wink wink!). Always in style.

Black is always the easiest when it comes to choosing colors to wear - everything matches! You can choose to keep your makeup natural, or go with jewel tones for the eyes to make your look more fun and festive!

For fun blue/turquoise makeup to "pop" your eye color (like below),  I'd start with MAC's Blue Absinthe from the inner to mid sections of the lid with an eyeshadow brush. Then use a new brush using MAC's Contrast and a little bit of Nocturnal for the outer lid and crease, blending them nicely into each other to create the wave of color over the eye. Use the Nocturnal under the bottom lashes for a smokey effect. It looks difficult, but as long as you have the right brushes, it is not! Try it out and give yourself a little extra time if you aren't used to doing your makeup that elaborate.


No matter which look you choose, have fun with you outfit and style and don't hesitate to try something new!
*Remember - you can purchase similar colors at your local drugstore and get the same effect - I always recommend getting good makeup brushes - they make the difference in your application no matter which brand cosmetics you purchase.

Enjoy the Party! Drink Responsibly!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

There's more to Kim K than her butt! She has the illusion of perfect skin..and so can you!


Kim K is known for many things, her perfect hair, her perfect butt..but she's also known for her perfect skin! How does Kim get her makeup to look so flawless all the time, you may ask. There are tricks and techniques that you can apply on yourself to help achieve this look for your next party, or even for everyday!

First, make sure skin is properly cleansed, and the correct moisturizer for your skin type has been applied. If you don't know if your moisturizer is correct, then have someone that knows about skin, help you. If you aren't using the correct moisturizer, your skin can't look flawless!

Apply your eye makeup as you'd like. If you put a lot, or a little makeup, is your choice - have fun with it! Once done, clean - with a makeup wipe - any makeup that may have fell onto the skin below the eye. You don't want that getting into your pores, and you definitely don't want to apply product over that makeup.

OK, so now for the flawless skin part - I always start with applying a face primer over the moisturizer. I love Laura Mercier Foundation Primers. They have created a perfect primer for each skin type, so you know you will achieve the right amount of protection. Apply over entire face.



 
Once that has set in, I opt for Cle de Peau Concealer ($70) - even though it is a bit pricey, I believe it is the best! I have not been able to find another concealer that covers dark circles and fills fine lines as well as this one! I find that this concealer does its job no matter what skin type you may have. Also, since you are using it just under the eye, this stick will last a while (making the price worth it!).
Using your brush, bring the concealer down and over the top of your cheek bone, and up the side of your nose towards your bridge. This way, if your going to be photographed or not, your skin under your eyes is as bright as can be!



Now that you look like a raccoon with opposite colors (your very light under your eyes instead of dark) it is time for foundation! Again, just like moisturizer, you need to be using the correct foundation for your skin type. Not all foundations are made for everyone. Also, to get this flawless look, you need to use a medium to full coverage foundation. It needs to have enough coverage to fill fine lines and any discolorations you may have.
*Tip - If you have very dark spots, or spots that may need extra coverage - apply concealer over those spots first, then apply foundation.

Once the foundation is applied, which can look somewhat streaky if you used a brush, you want to use a medium coverage foundation powder to set your foundation, as well as add another layer of flawlessness (yes, that is a word I made up - hehe!)
Once you have applied a good amount of powder, with a brush, in circular motions around your face, you will notice that the powder gave your face an airbrushed effect.


Apply a little bronzer if you feel you need to, and always, always, always add blush. Apply to the top of your cheek bone, or under it, depending on if you want to highlight the top and/or create contouring.

Add lipstick and you're all set! Perfection!




Thursday, December 1, 2011

How to Achieve Jene's Mad Fashion Makeup!



Jene Luciani is a Celebrity Stylist and the Author of The Bra Book - which is a must have for all women!

I decided to write a guest blog for Jene's Jems (her blog) on how I created her look for her Mad Fashion Screening Party! That way you can re-create it using the same (or different) colors, for your own holiday party!

Click Here to check out Jene's Blog and What I have to say!

Enjoy!!!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Dry Shampoo...Do or Don't?

DO!!!!

I'm sure that most of you have heard that washing your hair everyday isn't the best. Depending on your type of hair, there is a certain amount of times you should wait between shampoos.
Thick, curly hair can wait 3-4 days.
Fine, straight, or even fine curly hair, might have to be done every day or every other day.

For those of you that feel that your hair looks oily enough that you need to wash it for work, but not oily enough to wash it if you were staying home - dry shampoo to the rescue!

Dry Shampoo - a product that absorbs oil and leaves hair smelling fresh (even though its not..hehe!)

Dry Shampoo's have been out for years, however many people have only become familiar with them recently since they have become popular. They are usually packaged in an aerosol spray can, but they can be in a powder form. The powders may come in "shades" to match your hair, or are translucent to work with all hair colors - powders can be messy, I recommend the cans! Less messy too!

When it comes to dry shampoo, you want to spray, or dab powder, near your part first (since that is usually where it is most oily) then run through your strands, if needed. Hair gets oily when your scalp is oily. There are many factors that can change how oily your scalp and hair may get. You may be using the wrong shampoo. Just because the shampoo is for brunettes, and your a brunette, doesn't mean it is the best shampoo for you. You have to take into consideration your scalp. Is it itchy and feel dry? Does it feel oily to the touch even when you just showered? These are all questions you should be asking yourself when purchasing your next shampoo.
*Ex - If you feel your scalp and hair get oily rather quicky, purchasing a hydrating shampoo and deep conditioner is going to make it worse.

Below are three budget-friendly dry shampoos that work as good as the rest of 'em!

Batiste Dry Shampoo
Don’t let the low-budget packaging fool you, this is one of the most popular dry shampoos on the market. Batiste Dry Shampoo comes in a variety of scents, and at only $5.99 per can, it does it's job!


Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Dry Shampoo

This is a mineral and clay based dry shampoo that creates volume as it absorbs oils & eliminates product build-up. It's tacl-free formula is invisible, letting it be used on any hair color. At around $13 per can, it's a steal!



TRESemme Fresh Start

The true greatness about this product is that there are options! They have created dry shampoos for any hair-issue you may have. With strengthening, volumizing, smoothing & moisturizing, TRESemme lets you decide which is best for your hair needs! For around $5 per can you can't get any more customized than this!





**All of these products can be purchased at your local drugstore or Sally's Beauty Supply (which is open to the public!) ENJOY!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Tweezers & Brushes & Liners, Oh My!

Every person's makeup bag is filled with goodies needed to get through their day! However, there are a handful of products that every person should have handy. Make sure these products are in your survival kit (a.k.a. your makeup bag - that is my survival kit..isn't it yours??)


Foundation/Powder Brush (depending on what you use)
MAC's #187 brush is one of my favorites! I call it my skunk brush because of its colors. This brush evenly distributes powder or liquid all over the face leaving a flawless finish. No matter which liquid or powder you use, this brush will make sure it is applied evenly.



Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Hands down - the best eyelash curler around! If you curl your lashes, you want this curler, if you don't - then you need to start! Once you purchase it, you will carry it everywhere! Check it out for yourself!


Tweezerman Slant Tweezers
You never know when one little hair might pop up! Tweezers weigh nothing, and can come into use for other things, such as unclumping your mascara! I always carry tweezers in my bag, even though I wax my eyebrows. In between waxes you may need to clean those puppies up, and tweezing as they pop up makes it easier for you to keep your eyebrow shape - also saves you in time in the long run.



MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencils
I love to carry a few eyeliners, in different colors. You never know when you may end up going somewhere directly from work and won't have time to go home and get ready. Other than using the liners for the obvious - lining your eyes - if they are soft enough, smudge them on the lid to create a shadow, or smokey effect. Instead of carrying tons of shadows and brushes for each color, the liners can be a substitute. MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencils are great for this, and at $15 each, they won't make you go over budget!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Fun Beauty Stocking Stuffers!!

Want to get your daughter, mother, cousin, friend, co-worker a fun beauty stocking stuffer, but don't know what's out there? There is a great deal of fun, limited edition options available during the holiday season. Take advantage of these great sets and prices for others - but don't forget to get a little something for yourself!

Below I listed a few ideas with prices, all available at Sephora - so you don't have to go nuts running around this holiday season!


For: The Makeup Lover!
Lorac Bejeweled Day & Night Jewelry Box ($415 value for only $56!)
This embellished jewelry box features two high-shine lip glosses, a bronzing powder, two eyeliners in brown and black, and two versatile eye shadow palettes for both day and night!

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For: The Fragrance Obsessed!
Sephora Favorites Deluxe Fragrance Sampler ($96 value only $50!)

This set of 12 fragrance samples includes a voucher for a full-size bottle, making it a perfect present when you're not sure what to choose! Its box opens to reveal a range of Sephora's bestselling women's fragrances that can be sampled right away. It's like having the fragrance department located in your own bedroom! 



For: The Traveler!
Laura Mercier The Book of Nudes ($93 value only $48!)
This collection includes subtle & sophisticated colors. The mirrored palette's colors will enhance eyes, face, and cheeks for a naturally flawless look. Create the perfect nude eye with shadows ranging from soft Buff to deep Granite, while lining and defining the lashline with Ground Espresso Tightline Cake Eye Liner. Finish the look with a trio of sheer shades for face and cheeks to give skin a natural, "no-makeup" glow.





For: A Happy Body!
Soap & Glory You Cube ($32 value only $25!)
This set is packed with the brand's essential bath and body products in tote sizes. The cube includes their shea butter and aloe vera Original Formula Righteous Butter Body Butter, Hand Food™ Hand Cream, and Clean On Me™ Shower Gel. Also has a loofah to complete the body cleansing experience!



*There are so many holiday gift sets available, you will find something for everyone on your list! Sephora Online always has great limited edition sets from all your top brands. Check out their website for great finds and shop online - will save you on gas and time on line in the store!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Crazy Curly Hair? No Problem!!

Do you have crazy curly hair and absolutely hate it? Don't! There is so much you can do with it, you just need the right products to get started!


It all starts with your shampoo and conditioner. I love, Love, LOVE DevaCurl! It is made specifically for people with curly hair. It hydrates the strands and keeps them healthy for soft, in-tact curls. After shampooing and conditioning, towel dry so your hair isn't dripping wet and apply a curl-cream, starting half inch from the roots all the way to the ends. If your hair is on the finer side, using a titch of hair oil will give you the same results without weighing your hair down. I love Paul Mitchell's The Cream or MoroccanOil's Curl Cream. For fine hair use MoroccanOil or another type of hair oil.


Once the product is applied to the head, style as you like. The products will help fight frizz while not making the hair super heavy. If you feel you need to dry it a little, use the diffuser attachment to your blow-dryer to help with that process.

On those days when you want to straighten your hair, after washing, using Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum. Apply an inch from root to ends, focusing on the middle to end of the hair strands. Don't use too much because it can get greasy looking.

After applying Super Skinny, use your round brush and your blow-dryer. Having the concentrator nozzle on your dryer will help focus the heat on where your drying, and help speed up the drying process. You may need to use a flat iron over the hair at the end to smooth, just keep heat on a lower setting and use just for smoothing.




*Bonus:
If you really find your curly hair hard to manage, and are waking up an hour earlier because you know you have to tame your locks, a Keratin Treatments is a great way to help you spend less time fussing with your hair. Most keratin treatments soften up the curl, and will blow-dry in half the time. The most popular benefit of a keratin treatment is: eliminating frizz. Frizz-fighting is most of your battle when it comes to doing your hair, a keratin treatment will fight that battle for you, therefore helping save you time in the morning!

Monday, November 14, 2011

L'Oreal iNOA Hair Color!!!!

I am super excited to say that I am now certified to purchase and work with L'Oreal iNOA Hair Color!


This isn't just any hair color, this is iNOA. It is a permament hair color that is ammonia-free! How amazing is that?? It is super hydrating and conditioning for the hair, leaving the hair in better condition that before it was colored. Hair will be shiny and soft, and is great for hair that has been treated with a Keratin Treatment.
Grey coverage can't be beat by this product. If you have some grey/white hairs, this color is fantastic!

Since the product is ammonia-free, there is no smell when getting your hair colored. None. Completely scentless.
Another benefit of this ammonia-free color brand, it is much better for people that have sensative scalps. It actually helps soothe the scalp with the conditioning agents in the product.


I can't wait to use this new product and hope you will enjoy the benefits of it with me!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Want to look older? Didn't think so! Makeup tips to keep you looking young!

While watching the Today Show on NBC this morning, they had a small segment about makeup mistakes that can make you look older than you actually are. Who would want to do that? No one! So let me share some tips with you to make sure you are keeping yourself up-to-date and young (but not too young!)

1. Moisturizing!
How funny! Just last week I wrote a blog about face moisturizing for the winter months! It is a common mistake, but just because your face isn't itchy or feels dry, or even if you think you have too much oil - you MUST MUST MUST hydrate that skin! No matter what you think, without moisturizing your makeup will not go on as smoothly, and your skin will seem to age quicker. Also, many people think of foundation as "makeup". It is actually an additional protective layer for the skin. You don't have to use a heavy foundation to get the skin protection benefits you need. Using a pressed powder over your moisturizer will protect, as well as feel light and natural on the skin. Many powders are made with SPF for added sun protection - which is a must!
I love Estee Lauder's Double Wear Pressed Powder ($32). It glides on smooth and is great for oily and dry skin tones, as long as you are properly cleansed and moisturized first.

 
2. Dark Lip Liner with Light Lipstick is a No-No!
I don't know how many times magazines, and makeup artists and even friends, need to tell people that dark lip liner adds years to your look. Great for Halloween! Not great for everyday! As seen below, Pamela Anderson is one of the Queen's of using dark lip liner and nude lipstick! However the photo on the right as her with just nude lips. Even though they aren't the greatest photos of her, you can see how a subtle change to the lips can change the look.
My favorite combination for nude lips is MAC Whirl lip liner ($14), Hug Me lipstick ($14.50) and Bare Necessity Dazzleglass ($18.50). The photo of Jene Luciani below has her wearing that MAC combination. It's flawless and enhances any look on any skin tone!



3. Using Foundation as Bronzer = Clown Face
Many people think that by purchasing their foundation a shade or two darker, they won't have to apply bronzer, so therefore it will save them a step in the morning. Wrong! If your foundation leaves a visible line where the product ends and your skin begins, it is not the right color, and shouldn't be purchased (see left photo below). Foundation needs to match your skin tone so that you have a canvas for the rest of your makeup. If your base color is off, the rest of your face is going to be off. Say bye to you and hello to clown makeup (see C. Aguilera below). Heavy makeup ages your look, and who wants that? Not me!
Department stores let you sample products before you purchase, so use that to your advantage! It's not a scam to make you spend money (well, maybe alittle), but the company's have samples so you can see how their product feels and works before you purchase it. Some department store lighting is horrible - in that case, put the product on and take a mirror and walk to a window, or door and see how it looks in the natural light. Or, ask the company if you can take a sample home to try, that way you can use the product in your own environment and try it with your own products. Take advantage of what is offered to you so you receive the best results!




*Bonus - Not Cleansing Your Face Properly
I know this is not a makeup tip, however it is a tip, and you should read it carefully! When I was working for MAC, during my orientation, the instructor had said that every time you didn't wash your face before going to sleep, the skin on your face ages 7 days. Seven days??!! That is a crazy fact! If you don't wash your face before bed for a week, your face ages over a month!! Eekk!
Using a cream based cleanser is my favorite kind because it cleanses and hydrates at the same time, leaving your face soft afterwards, not dry and rough. However if the choice is a makeup remover wipe or not cleansing your face, the wipe will do! When it comes to cleansers, I don't feel it's necessary to break the bank. This is the type of product that you can purchase at a drugstore and it will work just as well.
Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser ($10) works extremely well with dry, normal and oily skin tones. Cleansing your face daily helps with breakouts and keeps your skin in tip-top shape! For those days when your about to fall on your face from exhaustion, I love my Oil of Olay Daily Facial Wipes. Just add water to create a creamy facial cloth that will wipe the day away (around $12).
Both available at your local drugstore, Walmart, and Target.