Thursday, April 21, 2011

Spring/Summer Switcharoo

Hiiiiii dolls!

This week has been crazy and this weekend is going to be crazier.  Yesterday, I was a part of an AMAZING photo shoot for an up and coming jewelry designer: Caloju.  The jewelry is fun and colorful so I got to have fun with the makeup.  I also did the hair for this shoot.  Here's a preview:










This week I get to work with several brides for wedding day trials and this weekend I have two BIG weddings and I am working on a fun photo shoot on Easter Sunday.  It's with an amazing photographer, Jolie Connor and the theme is "heartbreak".  I can certainly relate so should be a creatively challenging and fun day. 


Alright guys, now that you know what I've been up to, I want to give you some quick information about changing up your summer makeup.  Think: Less is more.  Take your beauty cues from the ultimate authority: Mother Nature.  She changes things up; so should you!

Play with floral shades like roses and pinks; put away dark shades like wines and burgundies.  Sweep a little shimmery golden bronzer over tanned skin to accentuate your glow :)

Pink lips look great on tanned faces.  This combo also makes your teeth appear whiter.  A bright coral lipstick topped with a sheer, shimmery bronze gloss perks up your entire face, no matter what your skin tone. 

For a relaxed and pretty day time look, add a subtle wash of eye color (I like pearly whites and pinks) and a dab of lip balm.

Keep it simple.  I hope everyone has an amazing Easter weekend and enjoys their time with loved ones. 

Until next time...Xo

Friday, April 15, 2011

MAC purchases

Hey loves!

YAY it's Friday!  I'm ready for a fun-filled weekend. I have my first Saturday off in months so I am going to redecorate my spare bedroom--exciting stuff ;)

Ok, let's get down to business.  If you had $100 to spend at MAC, what would you get?  Let's face it, I put A LOT of makeup suggestions on here and you would go broke purchasing every item I love.  I decided to put together a list of items I would purchase with a $100 spending limit.  This is affordable for everyone, you will LOVE the products, and thank me later :)  I hope this helps!


Fix + Spray


Love, Love, Love!  I use it everyday after I finish my makeup to give my skin that youthful glow.   You can also mix it with pigments to get a wet eyeshadow look, or spray on your sponge before applying foundation.

Price: $19


217 Brush






My all-time favorite brush.  I love it because it’s stiff and dome shaped which is great for smoking out eyeshadows, blending colors in the crease, or feathering colors together.  You can even use it to apply cream products to the lid as it gives a soft application.  This brush is a staple in my everyday kit!


Price: $22.50


219 Brush








This is another favorite brush of mine that I use every day!  It’s the perfect brush for smudging eyeshadow along the lashline, defining the crease, or creating the perfect “outer V”.  

Price: $24.50

Expensive Pink Eyeshadow




MAC has well over 100 eyeshadows, and most all of them are pretty.  But… this one is very unique to me and looks great on just about anyone!  It’s a medium pink color that works well for an everyday look, and since it is a warm pink, it is flattering.  I can’t think of any other brands that have this exact color.


Price: $11.00  (for the refill pan)

Amber Lights Eyeshadow







This is another gorgeous color that looks good on everyone, and I mean EVERYONE.  I haven’t found a client yet that this doesn’t look great on.  It’s a warm golden bronze color that can be toned down for an everyday look, or paired with a black shadow for a fantastic date night look.   There are some brands that have colors close to this, but it’s not quite the same texture or richly pigmented like this one!

Price: $11.00

Blacktrack Fluidline




I am a 100% addict to gel or cream eyeliners.  They glide easily, last a long time, are rich in color, and are easy to apply.  I like this MAC one since the gel formula doesn’t dry out and look cakey on my eyes.  I love to dip an eyeliner pencil in it to line my waterline, or use a bent liner brush for that perfect winged liner.  You can choose from 6 colors of fluidlines, but the black one can be used everyday.


Price: $15.00


Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Q & A

Hey loves!

So another week has gone by in my little world of beauty & makeup and what an action packed time it’s been!  Weddings, photo shoots, and the salon, it's hard to consider it work when I love it so much.  I've had a lot of questions so I'm going to take a few and answer them now.

Q:  How can I be more adventurous with my makeup? 

A:  First, accept that most of us can only wear colors within a fairly narrow spectrum.  The trick is to find which shades flatter you, be they browns, pinks, or apricots, and then experiment with new products within this range when you feel like a change.

Q:  How do I find the right concealer for me?

A:  Using the wrong shade will highlight rather than hide your flaws, so follow the basic rules: Concealer with a greenish tinge will hide redness; a blue tone will complement fair skin; a yellow concealer is good for dark or uneven skin; while a pinky color will illuminate a dull complexion.

Q:  When it comes to skin, is matte always better?

A:  Not necessarily.  It depends on your skin type.  If you have oily skin, matte foundation will help control oil. Dry skin does not need this formula.  To get the fresh-faced, dewy look that is popular at the moment, try a foundation or concealer with light-reflecting pigments.  It's particularly flattering on older sins and will stop you from looking caked.


Q: Where should I apply highlighter?

A:  Under your eyebrows, down the middle of your nose, just about your cupid's bow and in the semicircle from your outer eye along the line of your cheekbone.  Avoid blemishes at all costs as you don't want to highlight them too.  

_______________________________________________________________

I appreciate the questions.  Keep them coming.  Hope everyone has a great day!

Xo

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

What I've Been Up To

Hello Lovelies :)

Well, like I said in my previous blog, I've been super busy with work.  I want to share some of the make-up I've done on recent shoots with photographer Jason Benjamin.  This is for the e-sy-lum 6 month calendar. Here they are...Hope you enjoy!






















I am lucky to have worked with such talent.  They challenge me and keep me growing :)  Hope everyone has a great week!

Xo