Post-Sandy ~ Be Safe & Happy Halloween

Hoping everyone is safe during this time. Even though the storm is over, doesn't mean trees can't still fall, etc. Be careful of what can still possibly occur.

I also want to say "Thank You" to all the rescue workers all over East Coast, and the ones from other parts of the country that have come to help. We really do appreciate everything you have done, and will continue to do, until people can get back to somewhat of a normal state.

And lastly, to the distressed people: Remember that the workers are doing all they can do to help. Be mindful that they have families and homes to take care of as well as helping the people of the communities they work in. Whatever damage has occurred, remember it could have always been worse.

Have a Happy Halloween, regardless if you are celebrating today, or one day next week.

Tuesday's Tip of the Day: The Brush is Key!

When applying your makeup, it doesn't matter if it's your every day makeup, or if you are going to a wedding or other special event, you want it to look it's best!

Ever notice in magazine advertisements, and also in some people that pass you by, that their eye shadows blend perfectly together? Or that their blush is applied right where it should be and looks amazing?!  That is because they used the correct tools to create that look.
Just like it's very difficult to remove a screw without a screwdriver (which I am sure you have all tried with either a key or knife, etc) you can't apply makeup correctly - and efficiently - without the correct brushes.

Note* I don't care what anyone else says - throw out the sponge tip applicators from the makeup compacts you purchase - they are icky (and don't work)!!! If you are using sponges for applying ANY type of product, they need to be trashed EACH time you use them!
However, I personally don't recommend using sponges at all because they soak up your product and waste most of it - so in my book they are a no-no!

Boo! =(

If you are going to purchase brushes, I recommend getting good ones (MAC, Laura Mercier, Chanel, etc), because if you maintain them properly, they will last a significant amount of time.
The brushes I use, which are predominantly MAC, I have owned and used them for over 6 years, and I have never once had to replace one. I have purchased new brushes, but I have never needed to physically throw out a brush due to it not working correctly or from damage from cleaning them. That alone makes the investment - which is exactly what it is, an investment - well worth it.

Love my brush set!!! =)

 

 

*If you would like to email me with specific brush questions, please do so at makeupbyheathera@gmail.com
*If you would like me to write an article or be quoted in your blog, TV show, magazine, newspaper, etc please contact Maria at maria@3pr.co  (not .com - that is not a typo)

Making your Halloween Makeup Last!

Most Halloween parties are THIS weekend! How crazy?! It's already here!

Whatever costume you have chosen, many of you will be applying some sort of makeup. Whether it be face-paint or every day makeup, you want it to last through your party!

For face-paint type products, you want to start off with your skin being freshly clean, then apply your moisturizer, and lastly apply your face/foundation primer. I recommend one that is oil free since most of those face paint crayons have oils in them, You don't want them to run down your face half-way through the party. Make sure your face is dry, hydrated and ready to go with a matte-finish prior to the face makeup.

For regular makeup, you want to do the same, cleanse, moisturize, primer for the face, but you also want a to make sure your eye makeup lasts (and you can use this if you are applying face paints to your eye lids). Some costumes require you to enhance your eyes with a lot of makeup and possibly lashes. I recommend MAC Paints or Paint Pots as primers. These products are not considered primers, but they are all I use. They come in skin tone shades, and I always apply the appropriate one on the lid to the brow bone prior to eye makeup. This creates a clean canvas for you to work with, and it will not budge!

You want to enjoy the party, not worry about your face and makeup!

My Current Obsession: Chic Snacks*

While watching the Today Show on NBC a few weeks ago, I saw this idea and it just made me happy!  A really cute snack case for your purse! Bobbi Thomas called it the "Snackcessory"

Ever notice that you have bars and snacks floating all around your bag? Do you find yourself pushing them aside so that you can find your keys?
Then you need this "Snackcessory" - which you can make yourself. 

It's a sunglasses case. That's it.
Maybe you have one laying around that you don't use, or you can purchase a fun, cute one, OR you can purchase a black cheap one and jazz it up yourself! Something to do on a rainy/snowy/loungy day!

 

 

 

I thought this is such a cute idea, especially since most people I know carry the biggest bags ever - and yes, I am guilty of that as well!

Instead of having snacks floating around, have them stored in your snack case!

 



Tuesday's Tip of the Day: Conceal Away!

Are you sleeping 7-8 hours and still waking up with dark circles under your eyes?
Then a little beauty product called "concealer" is going to be your new BFF!

When trying to find the correct concealer type and color, you need to first know what type of skin you have. Ask yourself, does it get oily or dry as the day goes on?
This answer will help you determine what type of concealer you will want to purchase for optimal results.

If your skin tend shine, and/or become oily under the eyes, you want to go with a thicker textured concealer – possibly one in a pot or a stick.
 
If you tend to get flaky, or dry, a tube concealer that has more of a liquid consistency may be better for every day.

 

 

The consistency of the concealer should almost be the opposite of your skin type. You want the concealer to lay flat without flaking or sliding down your face throughout the day.
No matter which skin type you are and which texture you end up going with, you want to set it with a powder once your done. Always. This will almost guarantee your concealer will stay in place all day long (as long as you are using the correct kind).

Once you know figured out the correct product for you - you then need to choose the correct color. You always want to go a shade or 2 lighter than your skin tone. Not SUPER light, but definitely enough to brighten up under the eye. You want to use a thin, stiff brush and make sure to apply starting from under the lower lash-line  going down and outward over the cheekbone. Make sure you apply product in the corner of the eyes on the side of the bridge of the nose. You want to ensure the brightness will be seen from all angles.

If you are going to be photographed, will be or on TV or film, I always recommend Makeup Forever HD powder to set it. For everyday, a translucent powder will do the trick!

My Current Obsession: To be "Clean"

Are you addicted to washing your hands or using hand-sanitizer?

Do you have a job where you have to wash your hands numerous times throughout the day, leaving your skin super dry?

Then you will LOVE Clean Anti-Bacterial Moisturizing Hand Cream.

 

 

 

Clean is a antibacterial hand lotion - yes, hand LOTION! It is absolutely phenomenal. You will hydrate your hands while also sanitizing them for up to 4 hours – it can’t get better than that!

I recommend it to anyone that is on the go or just needs to wash their hands all the time. Being a makeup artist & hairdresser I am washing my hands constantly. But the minute you touch that door knob in the bathroom  you think "whats the point?!" Now once your done, use the lotion to moisturize and sanitize again - two birds with one stone - LOVE IT!

Ramona Rizzo AND Cindy Barshop's Makeup in One Day?? Oh Yes!

I never get to enjoy a moment through blogging as soon as it happens. So many other appts and events going on that I forget that I even wanted to blog in the first place!

So I know I am a bit delayed, but here goes...

On September 10, 2012, my friend and client, Jene Luciani, hosted her first ever Loungerie 2012 event at PS450 in Manhattan. Brands, celebrities and editors all showed up to her Swag Suite Retreat. Guests tweeted to an exclusive hashtag, #Loungerie2012 (if you want to go & take a look!)
The venue was amazing! We had a private room where everyone was able to enjoy the excitement while sipping Prosecco.

I was given the honor of being the Celebrity Makeup Artist for the event. I was offering free makeup touch-ups, while Oasis Day Spa offered free manicures.  There were also luxury gifts from brands including Midnight Velvet Mineral Makeup, Bali Intimates, Skindinavia, Velodyne Audio, IsaBelt, Muse Activewear, Essential Cami, Beyond Clear, Hydrochic, Dukan Diet, HugrZ, Revolution Wear, Lazy Glamour, & Tyrrell’s Chips.

Jene Luciani is the bestselling author of The Bra Book, in case you didn't already know, and we were joined by VH1 Mob Wibes’ Ramona Rizzo, Couples Therapy star Alex McCord, former Bravo TV Real Housewife of NYC Cindy Barshop, MTV Run’s House star Angela Simmons, The Today Show’s Janice Lieberman, The Apprentice’s Ereka Vertrini and more.

And I was given the change to touch-up almost all of them, including their friends that they brought to the event!

I had a blast and can't wait to be part of the next one!!!

Ramona Rizzo from VH1's MOBWives

 

Cindy Barshop Bravo's former RHONY castmember