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Essie Nailpolish Backstage at 2012 Spring NYFW

New York Fashion Week isn't all about the glitz and glamour of clothes, hair and makeup....it is also all about the little details that make a look complete. That is my favorite part of Fashion Week.  The fact that even the smallest details, such as nails, can be so intricate and complete a look.  Here are two inspired looks by Essie for the Tory Burch and Phillip Lam shows.  Love!

The Alternative Smokey Eye

A few weeks ago I was approached by the site LuLu to write a guest article for their blog, and I happily said yes.  Here is the how to video I created, starring my stunning sister Charlotte.  Enjoy!

 The Alternitive Smokey Eye

The typical smoky eye is usually associated with dark black and grey shadows.  Although this rock star look is iconic, it is often impossibly hard to replicate.  Trust me, I have tried and failed! The truth is that black and grey shadows are very hard to pull off (unless you're Lady Gaga).  So, I created an easy method to create the illusion of a smokey eye by utilizing neutral eye shadows with a pop of color. The great thing about this smokey eye, is that you can play with many different variations of colors.  My favorite smokey combos are bronze and navy, plum and mahogany, or deep bronze and gold.

Step 1:  Start with a peach based eye primer. This will ensure that your eye shadow stays on all day, and that you get the most intense color payoff from your shadows.

Step 2:  In the shape of a small crescent, blend a matte brown shadow along the lower crease of the eye. This application works best using a pencil shadow brush.

Step 3:  Using a dark plum eyeliner (either liquid or kohl) line the upper lash line, especially concentrating near the lashes.  A great makeup artist trick to follow is to blend the liner into the lashes to create a full lash effect.

Step 4:  With a dark bronze shadow blend the contour and liner using back and forth motions.  This helps to soften the initial color, and blend the two parts together. The dark bronze also adds dimension to look, and starts to give that “smokey” illusion.

Step 5:  With a soft tan eye shadow and a medium sized blending brush, softly blend over the entire lid.  This will help to blend out any harsh lines, and create a soft graduation of colors.

Step 6:  Next, apply a dark mahogany eye shadow over the liner, and on the outer corners of the eye (in a horizontal “V”), and under the lower lash line.  Add black mascara to intensify the effect.

Step 7:  For a final touch, apply a purple shimmer powder to the inner corners of the eyes, and all under the lower lash line.  This brightens up the eye, and prevents the darker shadows from becoming too overbearing.

Happy Valentines Day!

For this Valentines Day, I wanted to share some of my favorite quotes.  My hope is that you will always know that true beauty is what shines from within you.  Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and forms.  Never underestimate your glory. 

Happy Valentines Day, with all my love. xoxo Christina

"Happy girls are the prettiest"
~ Audrey Hepburn

"Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical."
~ Sophia Loren

"What could be more beautiful than a dear old lady growing wise with age? Every age can be enchanting, provided you live within it."
~ Brigitte Bardot

"Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty."
~ Coco Chanel

"Beauty is as beauty does. We're remembered not by what we looked like but how we behaved and changed the lives of others.
~ Cristina Carlino

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.”
~ Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

"Some people, no matter how old they get, never lose their beauty - they merely move it from their faces into their hearts."
~ Martin Buxbaum

"Beauty... when you look into a woman's eyes and see what is in her heart."
~ Nate Dircks

"The kind of beauty I want most is the hard-to-get kind that comes from within-strength, courage, dignity."
~ Ruby Dee

"Beauty is a true expression of who you are. The coolest girls are never the ones that have the prettiest face or the best bodies; they're the ones with their own unique style and look. They are the ones who are true to who they are."
~ Wendy Zomnir

"Beauty can be bold or natural, but it always has to be in harmony with the individual."
~ Danny Sanz

"Beauty equals confidence. You can be the prettiest woman on the planet but if you are not confident its not going to matter what reflection you see in the mirror."
~ Ross Burton

Kim Greene Corrective Beauty Techniques

This week, I had the opportunity to interview the sensational makeup artist and makeup bag guru Kim Greene.  Kim Greene is the makeup department head behind such movies as Charlies Angels, Superbad, and the upcoming Three Stooges.  Not only is she a sought-after  makeup artist to the stars, but she has also designed one of the hottest new products to hit the makeup scene.  Her Kim Greene line of makeup bags can be found on every movie set, TV show, and makeup trailer in hollywood.  I have been devoted to these bags since I discovered them last year.  They are stylish, versatile, and made especially with makeup artists needs in mind!

Three weeks ago I was able to meet Kim, and jumped at the chance to ask her to share her knowledge with me.  She not only answered my questions, but went above and beyond with her answers.  I am so excited to share her newest YouTube vidoe, and my Q&A.  Enjoy!

1) Do you have a quick version/everyday version of the triangle?
You can do the Triangle Technique very quickly with your fingers or a
sponge. It’s really about the placement of the lighter and darker tones that
is important not what you apply it with or the product you use. You don’t
have to use products made specifically for highlighting and shading. Just
use a lighter and a darker foundation color.

2. What is a quick tip for beginners learning to utilize sculpting creams/
powders?

• If you want to go to the next level of sculpting you can try products like the one in my video RCMA S1.
• Makeup Forever has a number of powder contour palettes that I recommend. My best tip is to take baby steps.
• Use a light hand when applying. I think it’s easy to overdo it and it won’t look natural.
• You want to enhance the areas of the face that you like with a highlight color and diminish the areas less appealing to you with a shading color.

3) Drugstore alternatives to some of the products you mentioned?

• I like L’oreal HiP Studio Secret Professional Matte eyeshadow duos. Try “Poppy” for a good natural toned eyeshadow duo you can use to highlight and shadow the eyes.
• There are a number of duos from L’oreal that have a dark and a light color. From matte to shimmery.
• I also like CoverGirls NatureLuxe Silk Foundation. Comes in 14 shades so you can easily pick 2 tones to use. It’s also made from natural ingredients like cucumber water and rose hip extracts.

4) Is there a recommended alternative to the full coverage foundations?
Ok, so I used full coverage makeup in the video on purpose but I could have
applied them lightly by adding less product to the brush or applying less pressure
when I put them on. There are also products called foundation thinners that can
take a full coverage makeup and turn it into a “normal” coverage makeup. You
don’t have to have a separate “normal” coverage foundation unless you want to.
That said, there are many foundations available in a variety of formulas.
Going back to the Triangle Technique of sculpting the face you can use
something as sheer as a Tinted Moisturizer. Again, it’s about having two tones.
One lighter and one darker. The same technique works with powder or liquid
Mineral makeups as well.

 

 

The Makeup Show LA

As a makeup artist, the best piece of advice I can give any aspiring or established artist is to constantly continue their education.  Always be open to learning new techniques, advice and tips from your fellow artists, and the newest product innovations in the field.

One of my favorite events in our industry is the annual The Makeup Show LA. Every year, the top artists in our industry join together to share insight, industry news, education, and new product launches. Every year I enjoy listening to the keynote speakers and learning from these world renowned artists.  This year I am looking forward to Troy Jensen and Mario Dedivanovic! 

Also, for artists looking to put their own personal stamp on the show, there is an amazing oppertunity to have your work wow The Makeup Show and Smashbox studios.  Good luck, and I will see you there! (and please say hello when you see me xoxo).

Here are the details:

This Town is our Town – A photo celebration of the iconic fashion and beauty images to come out of LA
Here is your opportunity to collaborate with your fellow artists and be a part of the Launch Event for The Makeup Show LA 2012.

Task: Create an image that represents your team’s interpretation of this year’s theme “This Town is Our Town,” which will spotlight the beauty & fashion industry of LA and showcase the iconic looks that have come to us from Hollywood’s red carpet, silver screen, and fashion.

Rules for Submission: To enter Submit your single image to info@themakeupshow.com by February 17^th, 2012. The JPEG may not be larger than 2 MB. Please include credits and bios for each member of your team including photographer, makeup artist and hair stylist, etc.

Finalists & Winners: Finalists will be contacted via email by February 24^th, 2012. All finalists are responsible to mount their own image and deliver to and from the event (California Market Center). Print Dimension should be a minimum of 11” x 14.”  All images from the finalists will be displayed at The Makeup Show launch event on March 16^th and throughout The Makeup Show LA. They will be judged by a panel of our top industry insiders and viewed by over 4000 industry artists and experts. The winner will be announced and featured on our blog following The Makeup Show LA.

Prizes to be awarded include:

• Publication of an original beauty photo story in On Makeup Magazine Spring 2012 Issue with Artist and Photographer included on the contributor page.
• Studio time at Smashbox Studios with on set feedback from Celebrity Makeup Artist Lori Taylor, Smashbox Professional Artist Relations Manager
• Crystal Wright Live Freelance Advantage Power pack (1 Hair Makeup & Fashion Styling Career Guide, 2 30 Days at 100 Percent Book & CD , 1 1-Day Workshop on DVD, 2 Webinars. 1 $500 Gift Certificate off of 3-Day Portfolio Building & Marketing Workshop.
• One on One consultation and portfolio review with Artists by Timothy Priano for each team member, photographer, Makeup Artist, and Hair Stylist.
• For the Makeup Artist: Makeup Kit containing some of James Vincents favorite products valuing 1000.00
• For the Hair Stylist: Hair Kit sponsored by T3
• Announcement and Feature in The Makeup Show Newsletter and featured spot on The Makeup Show Blog.
• Complimentary admission to each member of the winning team to The Makeup Show in each city for 2012.

Judges Include:
Shelly Taggar: Owner of The Makeup Show Brand and Vice President of Metropolitan Events.
James Vincent: Director of Education and Artist Relations for The Makeup Show, Educator and Beauty Editor for On Makeup Magazine and LoveCat Magazine.
Lori Taylor: Makeup Artists, Beauty Expert and Professional Artist Relations Manager for Smashbox Cosmetics.
Michael DeVellis: Founder/Executive Director of The Powder Group, Editor/Creative Director of On Makeup Magazine, and Vice President Professional Division for Make Up For Ever
Timothy Priano: International Agent and Founder of premier agency, Artists by Timothy Priano.
Crystal Wright: Agent, Educator and Empowerment Diva.  Best selling author of The Makeup & Fashion Styling Career Guide, and 30 Days at 100 Percent.
Brandon Showers: LA based photographer and contributor to beauty magazines.

Create a look. Play with products. Experience a real photo shoot with a Smashbox photographer!

Just bring your own model to the Makeup Show LA, book a station and you will get one hour to create a look with insider input from a Smashbox PRO artists. Plus, you get to take home a CD of pro-quality photos from your shoot!

Sound good? Book an appointment today: info@themakeupshow.com

212.242.1213 (ask for Merlo)

 

 

 

 

Sofia Vergara's Makeup for the 2012 SAG Awards

Sofia Vergara’s SAG Awards Red Carpet Look by Kayleen McAdams

"You'll see that Sofia's jewelry had purple tones, in both the bracelet and earrings so I wanted to subtly bring that out in the eye with a plum shadow.  To bring the whole look together, I used a mauve lipstick as it complemented the eye and also accented the jewelry."

FACE:

• I applied COVERGIRL TRUconceal Concealer #4 under the eyes and around the nose first, and then applied COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Silk Foundation in Nutmeg #360 using a sponge starting at the center of the face and then blending outwards.
• To set these creamy products, I used a good, fluffy brush and COVERGIRL Clean Pressed Powder in Soft Honey.
• To brighten the face, I applied COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush in Classic Pink along the cheekbones.

EYES:

• I started with COVERGIRL Liquiline Blast Eyeliner in Brown Blaze at the outer corner of the upper lash line and all the way along the bottom.
• I applied COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadows in Forever Fig over the entire lid starting at the outer corners and blending towards the center. 
• I then used COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadows in Brown Smolder at the outer corners and along the bottom lash line.
• I finished the eyes with two coats of COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume Blasting Mascara in Very Black on both the top and bottom lashes.

LIPS:

• I started with COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lipcolor in Eternal to fill in Sofia's entire lip
• To add dimension to the lip, I used new COVERGIRL Blast Flipstick Lipcolor in Vixen in the center to give it a little shimmer.

Additional beauty prep:

 

• At the last minute, I decided to add a little more brown liner to the upper lash line to give it further depth.  Other than that the look was all set!
• I gave Sofia the lip products I used as well as a pressed powder to combat any potential shine throughout the night
• When I applied COVERGIRL Blast Flipstick Lipcolor, I started with a lighter pink but eventually decided to switch to a mauve shade.
• The COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lipcolor in Eternal is one of our absolute favorites so I knew we wanted to use that one

 

Q&A with Master Artist Dick Smith

Last month I was honored to attend a special night honoring the original makeup master Dick Smith. The event was in recognition of his Honorary Oscar, and incredible body of work.  What impressed me most about Mr. Smith were the stories  that spoke of his generosity and encouragement to aspiring artists.  His reputation of mentorship is in line with his outstanding reputation as the "Godfather" of makeup. Below is a small description of his accomplishments, and  his personal answers to my brief Q&A.  He is truly a master in his field and an inspiration to makeup artists.

"The haunting leer of a demonically possessed girl in "The Exorcist" (1973) is one of the more terrifying examples of the work of makeup artist Dick Smith. Widely considered the 20th century’s maestro of movie makeup and affectionately called the Godfather of Makeup, Smith has influenced and inspired generations of artists. He has gladly shared his secrets with up-and-comers in the field as well as elevated the standards of the craft, both of which helped to establish makeup as a respected discipline of the cinematic arts

Filmmakers have consistently turned to Smith for persuasive renderings of time’s effects on the human body.  For artfully aging F. Murray Abraham from his forties to his eighties in "Amadeus" (1984), Smith shared the Academy Award® for Makeup with Paul LeBlanc. He earned his second Oscar® nomination for making a spry 65-year-old Jack Lemmon a persuasive octogenarian in "Dad" (1989), and created an iconic masterpiece with the jowly look of Marlon Brando in "The Godfather" (1972).

Smith steadfastly believes in making movie magic look natural. His artistry is often unnoticed – and that’s just the way he wants it. "A good makeup doesn’t look like makeup," he has said."

Below is the advice that Mr. Smith passed onto me, and to my readers.  I hope all aspiring artists take his advice, and learn from his generosity and grace.


What is your advice to aspiring new makeup artists:  Dick's advice to makeup artist getting started is to practice and practice. Follow your passion for makeup every opportunity you can. Inspire yourself with makeup magazines, books, and films. When possible contact other makeup artists around you and learn from them. Experiment, practice, experiment, practice.

With all the new products out there on the market, what are the top three staples every artist should have in their kit? The top products that makeup artists should carry in their kit today may often depend on the types of makeup application they are usually involved with.  The products that makeup artists involved specifically in editorial, photography, and red-carpet will be different than stage, which will be different than the application of prosthetics, which will be different than labs.  Makeup artistry, as also in years past, covers so many areas that you have to be ready for what is called for on that project.  It is wonderful to see that MAC Cosmetics carries excellent products that cross into all of the vast ranges of the art of makeup.   

 

Win a trip to New York Fashion Week!

Lets face it, at one time or another we have all dreamed of being a rockstar.  I personally use my car as my own personal stage and belt out my best Tina Turner every chance I get. Yet, when I want to look like I rockstar, I tend to turn to my three favorite classic pieces pumped up with some fierce accesories.  Softer colors still keep the look elegant, while the skulls, and prints add an extra punch.

As for my makeup, I always go for a simple, clean, and elegant look and let the clothes speak for themselves.

Elegant Rock Star

Skinny Denim by J Brand
Platforms by Christian Louboutin

My Basics:

• Boyfriend Black Blazer with Satin lapels
• White Loose Tank
• Dark Skinny Jeans

Rockstar Extras:

• Hobo Rose Snake Skin Bag with Chain
• Rose Gold Watch
• Skull Ring
• Black satin Platforms
• Rose sequin scarf
• Pearl and Chain Hoop Earings

Makeup:

• MAC Mineralize Bronzer
• Smashbox Limitless Lip Gloss (in soft pink)
• Stila Jewel Eyeshadow in Golden Topaz
• Stila Black Ink  liquid eyeliner

With New York Fashion Week coming up, Glam Publishing has partnered with Rock and Republic to celebrate the launch of their new demin line at Kohls.  So, if you want to be treated like a rockstar, than enter this amazing contest for a chance to win! Here is the amazing treats that could await you:

• Roundtrip airfare for two to New York City
• 3 nights' hotel accommodations at the W New York-Times Square
• Ground transportation to/from the airport & to/from fashion shows
• Two tickets to the Rock & Republic fashion show
• Rock & Republic makeovers for you and your guest: clothes, hair & makeup
• $300 spending money  

You have until January 28th at 9pm PST to ENTER HERE!!!.  Just think of it, you could be strutting your fabulous stuff in New York with rockstars of the fashion world. 

7 Days of Hair with Daven Mayeda and Michelle Phan

Amazing hairstylist and The Makeup Blogger contributor Daven Mayeda shares his newest video with us today.  Also joining him is YouTube Guru extrodinare Michelle Phan.  They both are now producing amazing content for their new YouTube page FAWN (For All Women Network). 

The video below has Daven showing you how to create 7 different looks in 7 days!  Quick, easy tips that will help you get through even your most frustrating of hair days.  Enjoy!!

The Girls Guide Game Day

If you are anything like me, you have been spending every Sunday at various football get togethers, desperately trying to pretend you understand the game. With playoffs in full swing and the Superbowl coming up, there are plenty of opportunities to shout for your favorite team, or hang out with your girlfriends and their screaming, crazed sports fanatic men.

Whether in the stands or partying in the living room with friends, looking your best is as easy as cheering for  your favorite team. Celebrity makeup artist Kristopher Buckle says, “You don't want to ‘doll’ yourself up in products and colors you wouldn't normally wear. You have to be true to you...just magnified!”

Channeling sports loving celebs like Alyssa Milano and Marissa Miller, the below tips help any glamour girl master the sideline look. But first, to make sure you don’t commit any personal fouls, take a time out with this game time cheat sheet…

 1. Start the game with glowing skin: Celebrity makeup artist Bruce Grayson recommends sticking to a daily anti-aging moisturizer that works to restore skin’s volume and shape. Try Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Fragrance-Free – this ultra-luxurious, unscented formula helps smooth skin’s surface and firm the appearance of areas most prone to sagging—even the jawline. 

2. Cover up flaws with a great foundation: Kristopher Buckle says, “Sporting events have hideous lighting, so it's important to cover any flaws with a foundation that will look natural, like COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Silk Foundation. It's about keeping it sheer and natural-looking by prioritizing the eyes.”

3.Mascara and lip color make the look sideline ready: “All you need is two coats of great thickening mascara like COVERGIRL Lash Perfection. Also remember a sheer, fresh colored lip color,” continues Buckle.

4.Recreate runway-inspired hair for game time wear: Sport a modern ponytail like Pantene Global Ambassador Sam McKnight created during London Fashion Week with these simple steps:

• Work Pantene Pro-V Fine Triple Action Volume Mousse through damp hair and blow dry using a round brush to create smooth texture
• When hair is dry, using a medium barrel heated curling iron, curl hair from halfway down and clip into place to set (you could also use heated rollers to achieve this look)
• Remove the curled section and brush through with a nylon bristle brush
• Using a fine toothed comb, create a low side part; part should be in line with the high point of the eyebrow and should reach right to the crown of the head
• Comb hair over the ear and secure with elastic in a low side pony tail on the opposite side of the part
• Using a soft bristle brush, brush pony tail curl in place to create one gorgeous curl
• Set the style in spray with Pantene Pro-V Fine Hair Style Touchable Volume Hair Spray

5.   Don’t forget about your man!: Head & Shoulders celebrity stylist Sunnie Brook Jones and celebrity dermatologist  Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz know that your man may get stressed about his favorite team losing the big game. They recommend Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care Shampoo with soothing menthol and eucalyptus, which will help calm his senses and bring him back to reality!