The Makeup Blogger

Cargo Giveaway!

We all love gifts, and I love being the one to give them.  It makes me feel like Santa Claus (but without the tummy....at least I hope). 

This weekend I am able to provide a giveaway generously provided by Cargo Cosmetics!  For the next week, please place your comments below and I will randomly draw five winners (yes 5!)  who will receive a brand new Blu Ray lipgloss in Belize. 

I have been a fan of Cargo and their Blu Ray line for quite some time, and I am pretty sure you'll love them too. Here are the details of this great product:

• Provides a high-shine and plumping effect that makes lips look full and smooth — for picture-perfect results.
• The technology-driven plumping formula delivers instantly fuller and smoother lips with long-term results.
• It provides high shine without the shimmer—making it perfect for photography.
• The formula improves elasticity of the lips and provides the ultimate in hydration and comfort
•  The cap features Timestrip® technology to show you when your gloss needs to be replaced.
• • Timestrip™ is a technology that remembers when a product was first opened and alerts you when it is no longer wise to use it.
  • Simply insert the Timestrip™ into the cap and it is immediately activated.
  • As the months go by the Timestrip™ window gradually turns red and, when the entire window is red (9 months later), it is time to replace your gloss.

Good luck to everyone! 

POP Beauty Conceal and Correct Pressed Powder

Everyone needs a setting powder to give our foundation that soft finishing touch.  A good finishing powder can provide you with a long lasting finish for your liquid foundation, help to even out skin tone, and add warmth.  I tend to steer clear of translucent powders (both in my personal and professional life) due to the fact that they can leave a pasty, matte cast over the skin. 

I find pressed powders the easiest to worth with, and the most flattering.  Recently, I was able to try POP Beauty Corrector Powder and I was pleased with the result.   The powder has 5 strips of corrective colors that help to even out your skintone, and create a soft glowy finish. 

The colors strips are:

• Peach (minimizes darkness)  
• Yellow Powder (minimizes redness)
• Translucent (works well as an eye cake primer)
• Nude (neutral congealer)
•  Tan (neutral contour)

Makeup Artist Tips:   Use a stiff kabuki brush to buff the powder into the skin using circular motions. Use the peach powder under the eye as a setting powder over concealer; the peach color will help to brighten the under eye area and conceal dark shadows. To conceal redness apply the yellow powder on top of any red demarcations and pimples.  The nude stip is a great all around neutralizer, and can also be used as a base color for your eyeshadows. 

*Use the code POP15  to receive 15% off on Beautyticket.com

Orlane Lightbox Absolute Radiance

 I am constantly traveling, therefore my skin is in need of constant supervision.  Whenever I travel, I pack anything that claims to refresh, revitalize, and create a renewed radiance to my skin.  Because, when I am on the road my skin reflects my exhaustion, and becomes ridiculously dry.  I often need a miracle.

That is why I couldn't be more excited about Orlane Lightbox Absolute Radiance.  I cannot speak highly enough of this revolutionary product.  Really, it is a lifesaver.   I now rely on this kit to bring my skin back to life after a long work week, or a cross country flight.  Also, this kit is amazing to have on hand in your kit for skin emergencies or when you need to client to be red carpet ready. Perfection.

The kit claims to create "The Cinderella Effect"  in 7 min.  I highly doubt this kit will help me find my prince charming, but I can confidently say it helps me look less like an evil stepsister!

The Lightbox includes 6 applications that are pre-measured for maximum effect and ultimate freshness.  Each application equals about $30, which is much less than a facial and the results are quick and luxurious.  The three powerhouse products are:

• Dazzling Eyes Ritual: Refreshes and brightens the eyes, erasing dark circles like magic.
• Glowing Skin Masque: Rehydrates and illuminates the complexion leaving your skin soft and bursting with radiance.
• Evanescent Cream Glow: Erases fine lines and plumps up wrinkles, instantly embellishing your skin to perfection.

The Details:

1. Dazzling Eye Ritual: Smoothes the epidermis, soothes, refreshes and brightens the eyes.

• EYE CONTOUR SERUM: Energizing Complex:  cell regenerator, tones and hydrates*  Phyto-therapeutic Complex: soothes the skin, depletes and removes toxins.

• EYE CONTOUR PATCHES: Vegetal Extracts (marigold, hollyhock, witch hazel, linden and camomile)

2. Shimmering Skin Masque

• Illuminates the complexion, renews and rehydrates.
• Vegetal Active Ingredient: brings the skin’s vitality to the surface: it has a direct effect on creatine, liberating intense and immediate energy.
• Apricot Kernel Oil: hydrates, softens.

3. Evanecent Cream

• Erases fine lines and wrinkles, instantly embellishes.
• Flash 3D instantly plumps up wrinkles just like magic.
• It draws oxygen deep down into the epidermis, reviving all its sparkle, and relaxes the features.
• Vegetal Active Ingredient: brings the skin’s vitality to the surface.
• Lupine Extract: immediately brightens up the complexion, smoothes out the skin’s surface and improves cellular renewal.
• Photogenic Pigments : embellish to “perfection”.

Paul & Joe Limited Edition Alice in Wonderland Collection

With all the hullabaloo surrounding the new Alice in Wonderland, I can't help but feel sentimental for the days when the Disney cartoon was still the best version around.  Don't get me wrong, I would pay money to watch Johnny Depp paint a house, but I must admit to preferring the feisty Alice and frazzled Rabbit that I grew up with (am I dating myself?). 

This leads me to the darling Paul & Joe Limited Edition Alice in Wonderland Collection available at The Beauty Closet.  It is a simple collection that is truly all about packaging.  This little kit is reminiscent of an antique makeup compact.  It's exquisite and  makes for the perfect gift. 

The Alice in Wonderland Limited Edition Set is available in Pink and Blue. Both sets come packaged in a beautiful refillable mirrored compact and include:

• Lip Treatment Stick which is a sheer emollient lip treatment that gives lips a wash of color and locks in moisture.
• • Pink Set: a soft baby pink tint in  "Sweet Milky Pink"
  • Blue Set: a soft peach tint in "Cute Milky Orange"
• Blotting Paper holder with refillable papers that instantly absorb excess oil and remove shine without smudging.
• • this tin can be used long after the blotting papers are gone.  I plan on using mine for breath mints, or even as a business card holder!

*Receive free shipping with the code:  Alice2010 

Just For Redheads cosmetics

Although I am currently rocking a new blonde do, I will always be faithful to my redheaded roots.  When I was a fiery lass I was always on the lookout for makeup that complimented and enhanced my fair skin and red hair.  This was never an easy task.  On days when I wanted to look natural, I would turn to a small line created just for the redheads of the world. 

Just For Redheads (JFR) is a website and catalogue dedicated to helping redheads find makeup that looks natural, and rich.  They make the most exemplary mascara that is tinted with deep red tones, and the color looks stunning on fair skintones (Kate Winslet wore this mascara in Titanic). 

The color palettes are categorized by hair color, from Strawberry Blonde to Deep Auburn.  The packaging is basic, but the product inside stands on its own.  This website and line is worth a look, even for those of you who are not redheaded lovelies.  The eyebrow pencils and mascaras are rich, and wonderful everyday basics that would be a good boost to anyone’s makeup wardrobe.  For an everyday natural look, these warm, red toned browns will enhance the look of every eye color.

The standout mascara is Mascara UIltresse in GingerHenna:

• deep reddish-brown. suitable for all skin colors
• Contains Panethol and Vitamin E for nourishment
• Waterproof and smudge proof

 

Suki Organic Skincare

My dear friend Andrea owns an amazing organic spa here is San Diego, and every time I go to visit her I end up indulging in all her Suki skincare products.  I have been known to stand in front of her skincare display and play with the testers of lotions and oils, which I happily apply to my face (she thoroughly enjoys making fun of me for this little routine).  I keep going back to the same two products, and love them every time I use them.  I think I have cleaned her out of testers....

Suki Organic Intensive Brightening Lotion gives a fresh, youthful glow to the face and feels absolutely light and silky on the skin.  The lotion skins into the skin immediately and doesn’t leave a trace of residue or oiliness.  The lotion helps with improving clarity and helping to fade discoloration, age spots, or acne scars. 

The Brightening Lotion includes:

• time-release vitamin c glucoside, natural active collagen, standardized green tea
• organic roses in their high potency organic botanic concentrate™
• solves dullness, discolorations, dehydration, puffiness, sun damage & redness
• evens tone without bleaching,
• fights free radical damage, improves overall radiance
• helps prevent visible signs of premature aging & helps reduce inflammation, redness & spots

The next product that I have been impressed with is the Suki Bio-Active Purifying Serum.  I first made the mistake of slathering this oil all over my face, and promptly broke out the next day.  Normally, I would have tossed this pimple inducing product into the nearest garbage can, but I couldn’t help but be amazed at how much it pulled out and purified all the clogged areas in my skin.  I decided to try the oil again, but this time only place it on top of the areas on my face that needed some extracting (cysts be gone!).  Anyone who has cystic acne knows that those little monsters are miserable, and impossible to clear up.  Well, this powerful oil does the trick.  I am now in love with this bottle of cyst zapping wonderment.   Just make sure to only put it where the problem areas are!

The Oil contains:

			provides potent anti-inflammatory benefits helps to reduce impurities & breakouts rapidly rejuvenates skin cells boosts collagen production helps to inhibit bacteria production promotes wound healing decongests pores

 

 

 

Carey Mulligan Oscar 2010 Makeup Look

“This was Carey’s first Oscars so I wanted to make sure she looked age appropriate but still embrace the glamour of the night. Carey’s dress was edgy and elegant so I wanted to keep her makeup looking fresh and youthful" -Georgie Eisdell

SKIN:

• I wanted to enhance the natural beauty of her skin so I used La Mer foundation
• Lightly powdered with La Mer’s translucent powder over that. 
• For her cheeks, I wanted to give them a pinched cheek look with Dior’s glowing color powder blush in fruit de la passion.
• For the finishing touch on her skin, I used Bobbi Brown bronzing powder in medium
• I used La Mer body creme on the way out the door to give her body the same glow

EYES:

• For her eyes, I used Chanel soft beige and pink shadows from their spice palette.
• I used MAC’s black track eye liner followed by YSL’s Faux Cils mascara in black.
• To finish off her eyes I sharpened up her eyebrows with Laura Mercier’s soft blonde brow powder duo.

LIPS:

• And finally on her lips I used Dior addict lip polish 004.

Zoe Saldana Oscar 2010 Makeup Look

“We wanted to achieve a sexy and sophisticated look while keeping it balanced with her dress. With luminous skin and neutral-glossed lips, I was able to really focus on her beautiful almond-shaped eyes.” -Vera Steimberg for NARS Cosmetics

FACE:

• Orgasm Illuminator
• Enchanted Cream Blush (NEW for Summer 2010)
• Lamu Multiple (NEW for Summer 2010)

EYES:

• Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (NEW for Summer 2010, Available May 1st)
• Brousse Duo Eyeshadow
• Nuits Blanches Eyeliner Stylo
• Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara

LIPS:

• Love Devotion Lipstick (NEW for Summer 2010; try Casablanca Lipstick for a similar effect)
• Ophelia Lip Gloss

HAIR:

 “We wanted to to have an editorial look because she was wearing Givenchy. We also didn’t want the hair and make up to compete with the dress so we created an elegant but effortless look.”

• Apply TRESemmé Naturals Lightweight Mousse all over damp hair and blow dry away from the face with volume, flipping head upside down when the hair is almost dry to finish.
• Separate the crown from the rest of the hair and pull back sides and back into a tight ponytail.
• Pull the hair almost all the way through, leaving the ends tucked into the pony tail holder to create a half bun shape.
• Let a few pieces in the back fall out for a messier look.
• Tease the top of the hair, pull back to meet the back and pin, criss-crossing the bobby pins for a secure hold.
• Spray all over with TRESemmé TRES TWO Extra Hold Hair Spray.
• Spray hairspray on finger tips and gently pull the hair around the face with your fingers to loosen the hair, giving it an organic effortless look.

Kate Winslet Oscar 2010 Makeup Look

"Kate’s long-time makeup artist, Jillian Dempsey, topped off the look with soft, ethereal makeup. Both the eyes and the lips got equal attention on this Oscar winner. Shimmering, champagne-pewter shades highlighted the eyes, while very saturated mascara delivered that extra definition. A pop of pink blush on her cheeks gave Kate just a hint of a natural flush. Jillian topped off the look with nude-pink lips."

EYES:

• Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Kohl Eyeliner in Black,
• Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara in Excessive Black,
• Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad in Blushing Raisins (using the Raisin shade for definition),
• Lancôme Brow Expert in Naturel

FACE:

• Avon MagiX Face Perfector SPF 20,
• Lancôme Photôgenic Lumessence Foundation
•  Lancôme Dual Finish Powder Foundation
• Shu Uemura Blush in Pink 30

LIPS

• Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge in Rich Cashmere
• Lancôme Color Fever Gloss in Hotness

HAIR:

• Start by applying FEKKAI COIFF STRONG HOLD VOLUME MOUSSE mixed with the FEKKAI COIFF PERFECTOR ANTI-FRIZZ SILKENING CRÈME from roots to ends.
• He made a side part before he dried the hair.
• He dried the hair with FEKKAI LARGE ROUND BRUSH and pined it in place as it cooled down.
• Next, he used a one inch curling iron to create soft loose waves.
•  He finished with FEKKAI SHEER HOLD HAIRSPRAY.

Jennifer Lopez Oscars 2010 Makeup Look

"Based on her dress, I wanted to create an ethereal movie-star look. I kept the cheekbones high and highlighted with the NARS Enchanted Cream Blush for a soft and supportive look.” –Matthew Vanleeuween for NARS Cosmetics

MAKEUP:

FACE:

• Orgasm illuminator
• Enchanted Cream Blush (NEW for Summer 2010)
• Desire Blush

EYES:

• Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (NEW for Summer 2010, Available May 1st)
• D. Gorgeous Single Eyeshadow
• Brousse Duo Eyeshadow
• Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara

LIPS:

• Cruising Lipstick
• Sweet Dreams Lip Gloss

HAIR:

Master stylist Robert Vetica created her look for the hair.

• To create the style, Vetica started by applying Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream on wet hair to create smoothness and shine.
• After blowdrying hair straight he sectioned hair off and created two ponytails, an inch apart, one on top of the other to create volume below the crown of the head.
• Next, Vetica used a curling iron on each ponytail to create texture, and then brushed them out for width and volume.
•  After creating the shape of the updo, he strategically pulled out stands throughout the look to create a modern textured effect using flyaways around the forehead to further soften.
• He then finished with new argan oil-infused Moroccanoil Luminous Hair Spray.

Rachel McAdams Oscar 2010 Makeup Look

The Oscars provided us with some of the prettiest makeup looks I have seen in awhile.  All this week I will post my favorites, and luckily I am able to share with you how the pro's gave these starlets their looks! 

“We chose our colour palette based on the water colour look of Rachel’s dress. There was a wash of cool tones in the dress, blue, green, purple, pink so we wanted the eye, cheek and lips to all have this same water colour sheerness to it.” — Kayleen McAdams

MAKEUP:

EYES:

• Kayleen used a combination of grey and pink shades.
• On the lid, she used CHANEL Fluid Iridescent Eyeshadow in Fountain.
• She kept the grey on the outer corners of the lid and underneath the eye.
• She used the rose gold shade in the CHANEL Quadra Eyeshadow in Spices up to the brown bone and along the lid.
• To finish it off, Kayleen used CHANEL Soft Touch Eye Shadow in Slate in the inner corners of the eye, and followed up with two coats of CHANEL Inimitable Mascara in Noir.

LIPS:

• She kept the lips very simple with CHANEL Rouge Coco Lip Colour in Rose Comete, a beautiful light pink shade
• A bit of CHANEL Glossimer in Futile to accentuate the lips but keep the focus on the eyes.

HAIR:

"For Hollywood’s biggest night of the year, Sebastian Stylist Design Team Member Thomas Dunkin styled actress Rachel McAdams’ tresses to complement her pastel watercolor-print strapless couture gown. The voluminous texture of Rachel’s bun evoked a spring-time look that is effortlessly chic and breathtakingly beautiful."

• Start by applying Sebastian Professional Liquid Gloss to slightly damp hair.
• Blow dry hair straight with a large round bristle brush to give hair a smooth, polished base and voluminous texture from which to start styling.
• Brush hair back and put in a ponytail just above the occipital bone. Secure with bobby pins.
• Backcomb the ponytail and start to smooth the hair under using Sebastian Professional Re-Shaper hairspray, securing with bobby pins. Do this until all of the hair is tucked under and secured.
• Apply Sebastian Professional Craft Clay to the top and sides of the head for a textured effect rather than a perfectly-groomed finish.
• Finish the look with Sebastian Professional Re-Shaper hairspray and gently massage the whole look to give it a disheveled, modern feel.

L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional HIP

Every week I put a few hours aside and flip through the beauty magazines to find inspiration, and research the new looks in makeup.  I always end up getting overly excited, shouting things like “I must try that green eyeshadow!”.  This could be a horrendously expensive habit if I ran out and bought every new eyeshadow trend.  I would become the Imelda Marcos of makeup!  

So, in order to avoid such irrational spending, I count on L’Oreal HIP eyeshadows.  They are richly pigmented, have an amazing color range, and are always right on with the latest trends.  It’s a drugstore purchase that feels like a luxury product.  I know many makeup artists that use this line  in their kit, and claim that the shadows are one of their favorite bargain purchases (editors feel the same way too!). 

Some of my favorites are: 

• Gilded Studio Shadow:   a beautiful bronzed duo
• Sculpted Studio Shadow:  a shimmery deep plum duo
• Precious Crystal Shadow: a soft pink and nude neutral
• Darling Crystal Shadow:  the perfect soft beige and brown duo
• Concentrated Shadows in Shady and Cheeky:  the best smokey eye sets!

Makeup Artist Tip:  Use this line to try out funky colors that you have always secretly wanted to try out.  Try a light green (such as the Riotous duo) as a compliment to your normal browns, or a deep navy blue (such as the Showy duo) instead of your grey shadow. If those are too scary, Brazen, Adventurous, and Flare are great "baby steps" into the world of statement shadows!!

Makeup Artist Tips from The Makeup Show LA

 Last weekend I was lucky enough to be apart of The Makeup Show LA, both as a presenter, and as a beauty editor for On Makeup Magazine.  My work with The Powder Group has introduced me to some of my closest friends, and connected me with makeup artists that are inspirational, generous, and ever so talented.  I am one lucky gal, who is now very exhausted from such a long (but well worth it) week of makeup and education. 

I have oodles of new products to review, but would first like to share with you some of the best makeup tips I heard during the show. The artists below are the top in the industry, and their advice is simple, and straightforward. Enjoy!

Jenai Chin: "when begging an airbrush application, always start with a soft spray of air onto the skin with your compressor"

Myles O'Reilly:  "use a spoon to curl lashes, and a small fan brush for perfect mascara application."

James Vincent:  "as an artist, understanding color theory will help you understand the proper color correction"

Jon Hennessey:  "developing a trust and close relationship with your photographer will help to create a seamless shoot"

David Klasfeld: "A PSI level of 10-12 is perfect for face,  while 12-18 is great for body work. Always use a dual action  airbrush."

Maurice Stein: "having a metal artists palette is essential for an artist to have in their kit."

Orlando Santiago:  "start off your face with a moisturizing mist, such as Youngblood Recharge and  the go to color for blush and lips is Makeup Forever HD blush in #6. leaves the perfect stain "

Mary Erickson: "always work your foundation down the neck, even to the collarbone for a seamless look. Matching the neck/body"

Orlando Santiago: "use slanted tweezers to apply eyelashes, and to press your lashes and the false strip together. Always be patient"

Val Hernandez: "always start with a light application, then slowly build the product for a fuller coverage.  Layering is key. A great primer is the first step to flawless looking foundation, and minerals create the perfect glow" (she uses Youngblood cosmetics)

Koren Zander: "to make a colored mascara, mix liquid seal with any color mineral pigment" (he used Naked Cosmetics!).

Kathy Aragon: "Face Atelier Ultra Sheer #2 is a great subtle highlighter for red carpet beauty"

Jon Hennessey: "use a soft peach highlight to pop the cheekbones and outer corners of the eye." (he used INGLOT)

Eve Pearl: "Learn to work on real women and bring out their individual beauty. be a consistently good artist. To be a good artist , you need to speak to your clients with respect and treat them as your friend."

*The Makeup Show is coming to New York May 16-17th.  Please join me and my fellow artists there!

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

When all of your girlfriends have the same cleanser in their bathroom you know it’s good.  It also helps that every magazine and dermatologist recommends this as the best all around cleanser.  Yep, I am talking about the infamous Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.  It is a classic for good reason.  It thoroughly takes off all your makeup, without stripping your skin.   I keep mine in the shower, and rely on it to take off the grime from the day.  It never leaves my skin dry or irritated.

It is trusted because:

• formulated for dermatologists as a gentle, non-irritating cleanser for even the most sensitive skin.
  
• Unlike soap, Cetaphil  is completely non-alkaline, non-comedogenic, and fragrance free.
  
• Soothes and softens as it cleanses, helping the skin retain needed moisture.
  
• Use for face, hands, and the entire body.
•  Also an excellent cleanser for the delicate skin of babies.
• Available in a formula for oily skin (which is amazing for taking off stubborn makeup!)

Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum

Eyes are the window to your soul; they are also the first dead giveaway of exhaustion, stress, and too many martinis. A good eye cream is your best friend, and one of the best is Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum.

I have used this on and off for years, and always return to it when my eyes are looking less than stellar. The cream is light, brightens your dark shadows, and is superb under makeup. I am bonkers for the way the light diffusers help to brighten up my circles (tired=deep dark), and I love the way the cream sinks right into the skin. The Olay Regenerist line has long been known for its top of the line ingredients, and amazing performance. The added bonus is the velvety texture that is extremely comforting around the eye area.  You can also keep it in the fridge for instant cooling de-puffing action (cool eye cream is an easy to do luxury)

Editors rave about this cream because:

• Contains a concentrated form of an amino-peptide + B3 complex that hydrates to firm and visibly lift skin around the entire eye area.
• Skin's natural glow will be restored
• Fragrance-Free
• Dermatologist and Ophthalmologist Tested
• Non-Greasy
• Suitable for Everyday Use
• VITAMIN B3,  PRO-VITAMIN B5,  AMINO-PEPTIDE, VITAMIN E, GREEN TEA