I feel like Mr. Rodgers inviting you into my neighborhood. But instead of my comfy home, I am inviting you into my big makeup bag, on-set experiences, and my ramblings about everything in between. Enjoy my musings and my valiant efforts to find the best stuff out there. Talk back, comment your head off, and please bring your sense of humor...it makes you look lovely!
Have you ever marvelled how your beloved celebrities prance down the red carpet with their skin glistening like a golden goddess? Seriously, it takes me a vat of body lotion to get my skin to look healthy, let alone shimmering.
Well, I have found their secret, and now I will share it with you. Prtty Peaushun. This fascinating elixir is a vegan friendly, skin firming goodness that makes your body, and face look like it was lit from within.
This is one of those goodies that make me seem like a magician on set when I am working on models. I get an instantaneous “what IS this!?” when I slather it on their arms and legs, and highlight their cheekbones with this light sunny color.
Famous Fans include Gwyneth Paltrow, Tracy Anderson, Cate Blanchet, Pink, Fergie and more. It is the bag behind every glow.
Here are the details:
Subtle light reflecting particles in a natural emollient base give the skin a gorgeous, flattering glow.
Radiance conceals minor imperfections and enhances definition to create a sexy, slimmer silhouette.
Infused with an innovative blend of natural plant extracts to lift, firm, tighten and diminish the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks and varicose veins, as well as minimizing bruising and sore muscles.
It not only looks beautiful on, but with the help of some innovative active ingredients, will also improve the condition of your skin.
The subtle light reflecting pigments in the shades Light, Medium, Dark, and Deep Dark will help even out skin tone and enhance muscle tone.
Use Plain on its own for a colorless shine sans the glow or layer on top of your skin tone shade for an even more luminous look.
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.
My newest skincare obsession has been oils. Anything oils. Contrary to popular belief, they do not clog up your pores, or enhance your oily skin. Instead, they sink into the skin, add suppleness, and smooth out the skin in ways that no moisturizer can.
Recently, I was introduced to Lina Hanson Global Face Serum and promptly fell in love. I smother it all over my skin whenever I get the chance! The thing that I adore about the serum is the stunning combination of oils from around the world. The scents are intoxicating, and the oils instantly absorb into the skin and create an epic glow.
Lina Hanson, the celebrity artist behind the serum, shares her inspiration by sayin:
“In my travels as a makeup artist, I’ve worked with people of all skin types and skin issues. The one thing that we can all agree on is the importance of flawless skin. Achieving that perfect complexion is what we all strive for. We spend so much money on luxurious creams and procedures to achieve it, not realizing the products we use are filled with dangerous toxins that harm our skin. I believe using pure and natural ingredients derived from the earth will help your skin get the nutrients it needs to look its best."
* Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
* Reduces inflammation and skin irritation
* Improves complexion and restores elasticity
* Absorbs quickly into the skin
* No animal ingredients/no animal testing
* Completely free of parabens, artificial fragrance, silicone, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances or any other chemical ingredient.
* The unique aroma blend of essential oils used in our serum is known to uplift your mood, relieve anxiety and promote a sense of positive wellbeing
The goodness inside the serum:
Marula— Highly sustainable oil harvested by the women in South Africa to support their economic growth. It is rich in antioxidants, anti-aging properties and is said to be a more potent source of vitamin c than oranges.
Baobab—In Africa this oil is known as the ‘Tree Of Life.” Baobab has been used by African women for centuries to protect their skin against the harsh savannah desert. It also helps prevent and treat dry skin conditions.
Camellia Seed—The secret for Japanese women’s flawless and porcelain complexion. It moisturizes, brightens the skin, lightens age spots and prevents wrinkles.
Argan—Referred to as “Liquid Gold” in Morocco. This rare oil is known to protect against premature aging, hydrate the skin and neutralize free radicals. Argan oil is produced by a women’s cooperative, and the earnings provide support to their entire community.
Brazil Nut— From the Amazon Rainforest of Brazil, this oil is rich in alpha, and oleic acids to maintain smooth, younger looking skin. This oil supports the local farmers to preserve the rainforest, by providing them with means of earnings that doesn’t involve cutting down timber.
Pumpkin Seed— This highly moisturizing oil is originated in Austria. It possesses very high levels of anti-oxidants, and decreases redness on the skin caused by rosacea.
Mandarin—This ingredient has been used in ancient China for centuries. Nowadays it is produced in Italy. Mandarin promotes a finer textured skin and helps remove any congestion as well as acne scars.
Neroli— Produced by small growing co-ops in Tunisia. This anti-aging oil improves elasticity, stimulates new cell growth and softens wrinkles and scars.
Frankincense—For centuries, people in the Egypt have used this sought after oil for a number of reasons. It has incredible properties that rejuvenates the skin and prevent the formation of wrinkles.
Palmarosa—This sweet-rose smelling oil from India, moisturizes your skin yet balances the hydration levels. It also helps fight minor skin infections.
Ylang Ylang—This essential oil is derived from the flowers of the Ylang Ylang tree in Indonesia. It’s perfect for combination skin, due to its ability to cure both dry and oily skin.
Lets face it. Hair removal is one of the most unfortunate parts of a woman’s beauty routine. I hate waxing, and plucking about as much as I hate being a hairy monster. I have tried it all, and it is never fun (no matter how many Tylenol you take!). But, unless you want to look like a wookie, it is a fact of life.
Good to know there are some options out there that are easier and a little less painful than others. I was given the chance to try out Nads Facial Hair Removal Wand. It was easy enough to use, and the tip gave me the control I needed to get those nasty little hairs out. Now, I am not saying that I still don’t squeal when I wax my blonde mustache, but at least it doesn’t make me sob like a baby.
Here are the details:
TIPS:
Thoroughly clean your eyebrow using Nad's Cleansing Wipes. Remove wand cap and twist the end until gel appears at wand tip. When first used, this may take up to 20 twists.
To ensure the Gel melts with your body heat slowly and firmly apply a thin layer of Gel in the direction of hair growth. Only apply the gel over the hair you wish to remove. Any excess will wash away with water.
Immediately place backing strip over the gel and firmly smooth over with your fingertips in the direction of hair growth. Holding skin taut, quickly pull strip off in opposite direction of hair growth.
Remember to hold skin taut with one hand and to pull close to the skin rather than up into the air.
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 17th, 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 24th, 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 16th 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!
If you are anything like me, you dread having to take the time to blowdry, flat iron, and style your hair. Most of the time it takes me 45 minutes to tame my wild hair, leaving me a frustrated, frazzled mess. Forty-five minutes is far too long to be spending every day in front of the mirror.
To avoid this arduous task, I am the queen of ponytails. But, lets be honest, there are only so many times I can get away with pulling my hair back. I grew it out for a reason, because I always feel more confident and pretty when I take the time to straighten my hair and leave it down and flowing. Yet, the time! Who has the time!!
The beauty gods must have heard my cries, because I received a sample of breakthrough new hair product that leaves your blowout/flat ironed hair sleek for up to 3 days. You heard me right, THREE DAYS! The new product KeraPure Keratin Blowout Extender uses new Amino technology to smooth out your hair without formaldehyde. I tried it, and I even pushed it to four days. Even I can handle taking 45 min out of my day for a smooth, luscious hair that lasts for three days. So, instead of having to battle with my hair everyday, I only have to tackle my monstrous mane twice a week. Brilliant!
Here are the details:
This semi-permanent, style sealing spray infuses keratin into the hair shaft and seals the hair cuticle to keep hair smoother, shinier, straighter and frizz-free for days.
The patent-pending, heat activated technology incorporates KERAPURE’s renowned Cross Linked Amino Technology to transform hair with just a blow dryer.
Designed to simplify the blowout process, lock in style and leave hair flawless for days on end (even in stifling humidity).
How to use:
Cleanse and condition the hair followed by a cool rinse.
Towel dry the hair until damp.
Shake Keratin Blowout Extender well and spray 7 to 10 pumps all over hair.
Comb through hair distributing the product evenly and for best results allow the product to sit for 15 minutes before blow drying.
Blow dry hair straight and flat iron to seal in long-lasting shiny, smooth, sleek styles.
As a farewell to this year, I have compiled a list of some of my favorite products from all catagories. Miserablly hard to do! I realised that I have loads of favorites, and tend to use everything depending on my mood (or time limits!). Yet, here are my staples.
With all my love, and encouragement I hope 2012 brings you laughter, confidence, love, and the ability to let your inner beauty shine. Beauty products are fun, and help to enhance how we feel, but never let anything mask the glow that radiates from within you. Everyone around you is beautiful in their own way. Happy New Year!!
MAKEUP:
Lipstick: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. All of Bobbi Brown lipstick formulations are incredible. Their colors are neutral, and classic. Pale Pink, Rasin, and Raspberry Shimmer are three of my favorites.
Lipgloss:CoverFX MintTint FX: Oh my. Luscious, yummy, and oodles of soft colors.
Lip Balm:Elizabeth Arden 8 hour Cream. This is also amazing on cuticles, dry patches, and even as a lash moisturizer. This is a staple in every makeup artist’s kit. I can’t do without this!
Powder Blush:Cargo Powder Blush:Highly pigmented, large pans, and bright sexy colors. Laguna, The Big Easy, and Tonga are three favs….but honestly, they are all perfect.
Luminizer:Makeup Forever Uplight Lotions: light, soft focus and comes in three different formulations from subtle to “look at me” shimmer. I use this on the top of cheekbones, browbones, and the cupids bow right above the lip. Also amazing for highlighting the décolletage.
Eyeshadow: INGLOT Freedom Palettes: You make your own personalized eyeshadow palettes, and mix matte, shimmer, and satin eye shadows in every color your heart desires. The pigment and staying power is fantastic. The colors are stunning and rich. I have made a “Natural”, “Smokey Eye” and “Bronzed” personalized eyeshadow kits for my personal arsenal.
Mascara:CoverGirl Lash Blast: My favorite mascara. The color is rich, and thickens up your lashes to fake proportions. And it’s a drugstore bargain!
Eye Liner:Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner:I have the entire line of these liners for my professional kit. The longevity is superb, and the pencils glide onto the skin (no tugging!). The colors are bright, and make an impact. BRONZE is the eyeliner I use on everyone. It enhances every type of eyecolor, and is an easy, sexy color to smoke out a simple neutral eye palette.
Shadow Primer: Smashbox HD: Has a fabulous peach tint to it, with a subtle illumination. Brightens up the eyes and can be used as nude eyeshadow as well.
Brows:Damone Roberts Pink-A-Boo Kit in Ginger: This kit is all-in-one perfection. My favorite part is the Pink a Boo highlighter, and Ginger Pencil. From Hollywood’s Brow King, this kit has everything.
Foundation: Face Atelier Ultra Foundation:I have been using this for years both professionally (where I use the Pro formulation) and personally. This silicone based foundation gives the look of silky, glowy skin. The lasting power also makes it stand out above the rest. This is skin flawlessness in a bottle. And, their color adjusters are a god send for anyone who is perpetually in between foundation colors!
Bronzers/Luminizer: Gleam by Melanie Mills:This was my favorite find of 2011! A stunning collection of bronzers/luminizers for the face and body. These products were originally created to make the Dancing With The Stars celebrities look their golden goddess best. Rose Gold is stunning on the cheekbones and lids as a highlighter, and Light Gold is the perfect cellulite masker. Make legs look a mile long. Also fantastic is her range of colors meets the needs of darker skintones, adding a deep, radiant gold to it’s darkest color.
Primers:Laura Geller Illuminating Spackle: Don’t be fooled by the name. This is a soft focus filter, moisturizing, and glow enhancing potion. So soft on the skin, and doubles as a light tinted moisturizer, perfectly evening out the skintone. Concealers: Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer: An oldie but a goodie! This has been one of my tried and true concealers for years. And the best part is that they just reformulated their formula, and it is better than ever. The colors have a soft peachy undertone, which is perfect for banishing dark circles, and it STAYS PUT. What more could you ask for?
Brushes: Royal and Langnickel:My mentor Kevin James Bennett turned me onto this awesome brand. Soft, luxurious, and will last you forever. The professionals go to brand for the best brushes in the buiz.
Best Applicator: The Beauty Blender:The new makeup artist obsession. Gives a flawless, airbrushed look to the skin, no matter what brand of makeup you are using. Once you use it, you will be hooked. Remember; roll it onto the skin for the best application.
Best Finishing Spray: Skindinavia: Long loved by models and celebrities alike, this spray helps to keep your makeup in place under the harshest of conditions. I prefer the Moisturizing formula for its hydration.
Makeup Organization:Z Palette: Sturdy, compact, and can instantly organize your makeup drawer (or kit) in an instant. I love them for my purse and travel.
SKIN CARE:
Body Wash: Patyka Absolis - Precious Woods Body Wash: This is Parisian elegance in a bottle. The smell is musky, sexy, and leaves your body soft and highly moisturized.
Lotions: Palmers Cocoa Butter:Not only is this a fantastic bargain, but it moisturizes the body like the richest of body butters. The best part is that it sinks into the skin quickly, without leaving a greasy residue. And the smell is a rich cocoa butter, which leaves a lasting and subtle scent on the skin.
Body Oil;Budda Nose: Moisturizing Body Oil:Organic, luscious, and sink immediately into the skin. Perfect for dry skin, and hydration after shaving.
Exfoliants: Your Best Face (YBF) Creamy Microdermabrasion: This cream packs a wallop when it cleansing the skin, and brightening the face. Most exfoliants are too rough on my skin, but this is gentle yet effective.
Facial Cleansers: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil:This takes off even the toughest of makeup, and waterproof mascara. It is super hydrating, and leaves the skin clean without stripping the skins natural oils.
Toners:Mario Badesco: They have an amazing selection of toners. I am especially fond of the Glycolic and Cucumber Toners.
Moisturizers: Embryolisse:This is gold in a bottle. Perfect for all skin types (even acne prone), this cream helps with scars, uneven skin tone, and dry patches. It instantly sinks into the skin, and is perfect for under makeup.
Eye Cream: Crème de La Mer The Eye Balm: Nothing is better for making the eyes firmer, and more radiant. This eye cream version of the cult moisturizer contains the magic broth, and makes even the most tired of eyes look awake.
Masks:GlamGlo Mud Mask: I discovered this magic mask a few months ago from a fellow makeup artist who swore this changed her skin. Little did I know it would also change mine. This is addicting. I wear it once a week while I am blogging on the computer, and am always confident that it will give me a stunning glow.
Natural & Organic Skincare – Do you use any natural or organic skincare products:
I am obsessed with Lash Food. It is the perfect everyday mascara and liner, and I have noticed a significant difference in my lashes. I also adore that it is safe for cancer patients.
Another line that is close to my heart is Lindi Skincare for cancer patients. This line is phenomenal for those suffering through cancer treatments, or just for those of us who suffer from severely sensitive skin.
My personal love is the cult Rodin Olio Lusso Face Oil. It is a prized possession (due to its super expensive price tag!). But nothing heals, calms, or hydrates my skin better when it is acting up.
Sunscreen: Anything byLe Roche de Possey. Their sunscreens are the best on the market. The La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid is my favorite for the summer.
Self-Tanners:St. Tropez Bronzing Moose:Nothing compares. This is the ONLY self tanner that doesn’t turn my fair skin into a sad version of an Oompa Loompa. It gives a natural, brown, golden glow. I always get compliments when I use this. The application mitt also makes it goof proof for bronzing newbies.
Bronzers: Gleam by Melanie Mills: Newly obsessed with this line of liquid bronzers for the face and body. Covers flaws, evens out the skintone and lights up the skin with a natural, luminous glow. No wonder the stars love it!
Liquid Luminizers for your skin: Prtty Peaushion:Created by a fellow makeup artist for the needs of celebrities. This cream is packed with skin loving and firming ingredients. This makes the skin look airbrushed, and gives the illusion of mile long legs. Anytime my legs or arms are on display, you can guarantee I have this on.
HAIR CARE:
I have very thick, unruly, Scottish/Italian hair. It’s huge. Massive…..and red.
Shampoos: Kerastase Olio Relax: Nothing tames my hair better, or imparts the shine that I get with Kerastase. Even on the days when my hair is unruly and dry, this instantly transforms my locks into shiny silk.
Conditioners: For everyday use, I count on Moroccan Oil Hydrating Hair Mask. Tip: To maximize the time you leave in the conditioner, put the conditioner on before you shave your legs. This multitasking trick will give you the full 5 min you need for the conditioner to do it’s magic.
What styling tools could you not live without? The hottest flat iron I can find. I have yet to find one that I am truly in love with. At the moment I am using CHI.
Styling Products and Treatments: Number4 Thermal Styling Spray and Fluoro5 Elixer: When heat styling my hair, these are MUSTS. These get my hair super straight and shiny, and cut the styling time in half. I keep two sets…one for my kit, and one for myself.
John Frieda Touchup Hair Flyaway Tamer: This is my life saver on photo shoots, or for red carpet events. It knocks out flyaways without weighing down the hair. Perfect for updos, or basic ponytails.
Lenor Greyl Huile de Palme:Once a month this pre shampoo oil is a necessity. During the summer I also use this before I hit the pool to protect my hair from chlorine damage. During the winter months, this is ideal to use before hitting the slopes to keep the snow from ravaging your hair. Tip: For an overnight treatment, apply the oil than tie your hair back in a braid. Your hair will look glorious the next morning when your shower.
My favorite part of the holidays? The sales. The special beauty collections.....and oh yes, good cheer all around. But seriously, if you are a beauty a-holic like myself, than the after holiday sales make you drool. I go into a rabid beauty spree, and stock up for spring!
The reason I loved this purchase was that it is fantastic for travel, compact, and the colors are the most perfect neutrals! Every color works for oodles of different occasions. And ladies, we all know that I am obsessed with a pink lipgloss and this one is soft and clear.
With this set you can achieve three distinct looks:
For a pretty, earthy look:
a walk in the park features a mix of cool and warm easy-to-wear natural shades including Amazonian clay 12-hour blush in darling (a soft shimmering coral pink).
For a smoky, sultry look:
girls' night out is a mix of vivid mattes and silverspun shimmers complete with Amazonian clay shimmering powder in champagne.
For a soft, sophisticated look:
nine-to-five features not-so-quiet rich colors paired with traditional neutrals and tarte's best-selling park ave princess Amazonian clay bronzer inside for a fresh faced healthy glow.
The price also makes this set a phenominal deal! For $48 this is what you get:
3 interchangeable palettes for a total of 18 eyeshadows
1 Amazonian clay 12-hour blush
1 Amazonian clay shimmering powder
1 park ave princess Amazonian clay bronzer
1 maracuja-infused lipgloss
A reusable purse that features 4 credit card slots and a removable mirror
During the holidays, alot of brands and companies try to encourage the dramatic, dark and smokey looks. Not that I don't appreciate and love a good ole' black and grey eyeshadow combo, but I do believe that it can be an unrealistic look for most of us. I know that it makes me look like something out of a bad vampire movie. Not Bella, but more Elvira.
This is exactly why I love the new holiday looks from Hourglass cosmetics. Hourglass Artistic Director Gina Brooke devised a pair of distinct—yet equally captivating —looks for the festive season. Both are soft, romantic, and very attainable.
The first blends glittering green eyes, shimmering cheeks and pearlescent lips for an ethereal quality.
The second amps up the drama by combining inky black eyes and stunning purple lips.
“The holidays are the perfect time to explore a more refined and layered look,” says Brooke, who has worked with celebrities like Madonna and Anne Hathaway. “Think rich jewel tones, luminous skin and decadent glamour"
"I always prime first with Veil Mineral Primer and follow with Illusion Tinted Moisturizer for a glowing complexion. They're the fundamental steps for looking elegant."
ETHEREAL BEAUTY:
“A vibrant olive shadow really pops—especially if you foil the color,” says Brooke
Brooke suggests using Visionaire Eye Shadow Duo in Dune.
Using a shadow brush, apply the champagne shade first.
Use your finger to blend for a graduation of color. Then apply the green shimmer shade.
To heighten the impact of the shade, wet your brush before application but make sure to let the shadow dry before moving on to another shade.
Pair your statement eyes with Illume Crème-to-Powder Bronzer Duo in Bronze Light applied to the cheeks.
Focus on the highlighter shade in the duo.
Finish up with Extreme Sheen Lip Gloss in Fortune (metallic pink shimmer).
SUPER VAMP:
"Turn heads with this directional look expressly designed for evening glamour"
First, apply the cream shimmer shade of Visionaire Eye Shadow Duo in Suede over the entire eyelid.
Then, line the eyes with Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner in Ebony and apply Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara to lashes.
Follow with Film Noir Lash Lacquer on the top and bottom to add shine, volume and drama.
The final stroke? “I like to use Lash Lacquer as an eyeliner to create an extremely glossy line above the eyes,” says Brooke. “Just retrace your existing line with Lash Lacquer’s brush applicator.”
Balance the glossy eye statement with matte plum lips by applying Aura Sheer Lip Stain in Scarlet.
About three weeks ago I was able to interview celebrity makeup artist, and Emmy Award winner Melanie Mills. I also was able to try out her line of body and face creams called GLEAM. Needless to say I flipped over the product, and instantly fell in love with Melanie. Her enthusiasm for makeup was infectious, and based on my experience with GLEAM, she transfers that same enthusiasm and passion into her brand.
Melanie is best known for her work on Dancing with the Stars, where she was the Department Makeup Head for five years, and helped to create the iconic body "glow" that turned the dancers and their celebrity partners into bronze gods and goddesses. She is also the go to expert for creating flawless makeup for face and body and has been quoted in publications such as Allure, Shape, US Weekly, O.K., Redbook, BOLD, and People. After 14 years in the industry, she is a force to be reckoned with!
Her newest creation is "Viva Glitter, Viva Glamour", a stunning celebrity coffee book filled with inspirational looks, celebrity recreations, and inventive takes on some of your favorite characters (see her amazing transformation of Ariana Grand as Dorthey from Oz!). The conception shoots show what an increable artist she truly is.
But, let's get to the main event.....GLEAM. My friends, this product is fantastic. If you are looking for a cream to transform your skin into supple, smooth, glowing perfection than look no further. Last weekend I used Rose Gold and Light Gold on my client for the American Music Awards and was floored by the transformitive result this product provided. I used Rose Gold to highlight the cheekbones and eyelids, and Light Gold to perfect the body. My client thought I was a genius, but I truly give all the credit to this rocking cream!
Amazingly, GLEAM is also perfect for darker skin tones as well (something that alot of companies fail to cater to). Deep Gold turns ashy skin into yummy chocolate perfection.
The product is packed with skin loving ingredients such as:
Olive Oil
Jojoba Seed Oil
Safflower Seed Oil
antioxidants Japanese Green Tea and White Tea extracts
Aloe Leaf Extract and Brown Seaweed
A hydrating marine extract that stimulates synthesis of Hyaluronic acid and increases elasticity.
GLEAM is transfer resistant and also helps to conceal stretch marks, scars and other imperfections and imparts a subtle dewy glow. Who wouldn't want this?! Melanie states that "anyone who tries this will become addicted, and feel fearless from head to toe!". I couldn't agree more. xoxo
The colors break down as follows:
LIGHT GOLD is an ethereal ray, the lightest formulation of GLEAM with a pale yellow base that counteracts ruddy and reddish skin undertones. Pure creamy velvet finish for the light to medium skin-tones. Camouflages stretch marks, scars and other imperfections and imparts a subtle dewy glow.
ROSE GOLD Melanie Mills’ signature color and her personal favorite. This shade is the original color and was created first by Melanie for the “Golden Glow” that all Dancing with the Stars celebrities and pro dancers are finished with for the camera. Melanie wanted this creamy potion to emulate real Rose Gold and be liquid metal for the skin.
BRONZE GOLD This shade is pure bronze, like a statue and has a wonderful yellow-orange undertone that also acts like liquid metal. BRONZE GOLD is the third deepest shade, perfect for medium to deep skin tones.
DEEP GOLD Pure luminous, chocolate soufflé, with red velvet undertones that never look ashy on the skin. Beautiful and rich, this deep liquid metal shade is a game changer and delivers the “Glow” for the most melanin-rich skins who want to hide pigment patches, scars, stretch marks, dark knees and elbows. GLEAM Body Radiance is to be used on dry, clean skin with no other skincare lotions or products for maximum transfer-resistant efficacy.
*For the holidays you can try out a special GLEAM package and combine any two GLEAM colors and recieve her infamous Lip Radiance in Naked!
