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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.

Hillary Scott Grammy 2012 Makeup

This next look is one of my favorites from last nights Grammy Awards.  Not only am I obsessed with Lady Antebellem, but I am also a tremendous fan of Hillary Scott. She epitomises a confident woman who embraces their curves.  And nothing is more beautiful to me than that!

Get the Look: Lady Antebellum singer Hillary Scott

Event: Grammy Awards Makeup Artist: celebrity makeup artist Terri Apanasewicz for tarte

Overall Inspiration: "Her dress faded from black to burgundy, so I took the colors from her dress and incorporated them into a colorful cat eye-it completely lit up her gorgeous green eyes."

FACE:

• To begin Terri used tarte's smooth operator™ Amazonian clay waterproof concealer under her eyes, then applied tarte's Amazonian clay 12-hour full coverage foundation with Broad Spectrum SPF 15, with tarte's new airbrush finish bamboo foundation brush.
• Then she dusted Amazonian clay bronzer in park ave princess under her cheekbones to contour the hollows of her cheeks. Makeup-cheeks
• For the perfect pop of color she brushed on tarte's Amazonian clay 12-hour blush in dollface, a light baby pink, on the apples of her cheeks.
• She finished by adding luminosity to her complexion with tarte's Amazonian clay shimmering powder in champagne over her blush.

EYES:

• She sculpted her brows with emphasEYES™ Amazonian clay waterproof brow pencil.
• She lined the inner rims of the eyes with tarte's smolderEYES Amazonian clay waterproof liner in fig and then went over it with emphasEYES™ high-definition inner rim eyeliner black pencil.
• Then she drew smolderEYES Amazonian clay waterproof liner in fig along her lash line toward her temple, creating a glamorous cat eye.
• To make her green eyes pop, she dusted matte plum from neutralEYES eye shadow palette over the liner.
• She followed by lining her lower lashline with smolderEYES Amazonian clay waterproof liner in fig to complete the winged effect.
• For extra volume and dramatic separation on her upper lashes, Terri used two coats of tarte's lights, camera, lashes! clinically-proven mascara.

LIPS:

• To complete her look, Terri filled in her lips with tarte's LipSurgence™ lip luster in buff, then added an extra dose of shine with tarte's new maracuja divine shine lip gloss in glisten.

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.

 

 

Essential Touch Ups by Kevin James Bennett

Once again, master makeup maven Kevin James Bennett has knocked it out of the park with his tips and tricks.  This time he is giving some brilliant advice on how to perk up your makeup when your on the go (or after a long day at work!).  I couldn't wait to share his latest post from his newly updated website and blog.  Now you have no excuse not to look lovely for your post work happy hour!

Essential Touch-Up Tips

Posted by: Kevin James Bennett

Sometimes a good touch-up is essential and you need the right tips and tricks to pull it off flawlessly.

I’m posting this as NY Fashion Week begins, and the marathon schedule of runway shows, exhibits and events looms ominously on the horizon. Even the most carefully applied, longest lasting makeup will inevitably crumble under a torture test like this. Reviving that “freshly applied” look you began the day with calls for some foolproof touch-up tips. So here are the down and dirty quick fixes to keep you looking your best with minimal stress and lots of style!

FADED TO FAB IN UNDER FIVE -

• Completely remove all of your lipstick and lip liner (don’t just blot). You want a fresh application to go with your rejuvinated make up. Apply a light layer of lip conditioner to soften and smooth your lips while you touch up the rest of your face.
• If things look messy or dark under the eyes, use a Q-Tip with a little moisturizer to clean the area.  Yes, I said moisturizer – it works great for quick clean-ups and won’t break down the makeup we’re going to apply over it.
• If your eye-shadow has creased or eyeliner has run, blot the area gently with a tissue, then use a soft eyeshadow brush or sponge to smooth out the remaining color. Apply a little translucent pressed powder over the area to catch any excess oil and then reapply your eyeshadow and liner as needed to make your eye makeup look fresh again.
• If you have oily skin, mop up the excess by wrapping a blotting tissue over a make up sponge and press it lightly over the shiny areas on your face.  Make sure to do this before you go to the next step or you’ll end up with a caked on mess.
• Use a clean makeup sponge (a disposable wedge or one of those pink egg things) to gently buff and smooth out your foundation, concealer and blush, paying close attention to all edges as you go.
• Use your favorite foundation to touch up blemishes, worn off areas and around the mouth.  Blend with your sponge, a synthetic makeup brush or your fingers.
• Apply a little extra foundation or concealer under the eyes to highlight the center of your face.
• Lightly dust translucent powder over the face (a kabuki brush is great for this step) to set make up and give you a soft, smooth finish.
• Reapply your blush or bronzer and finish with a touch of highlight powder on the tops of your cheekbones.
• Finally, blot off any excess lip conditioner and reapply lip liner and lipstick.

Final Fun Tips: To give your touch-up a little extra “After 5″ pizzazz:

• Brush some shimmering or metallic eyes-shadow lightly over the lid to bring the sparkle back to your eyes.
• Add extra eyeliner (black, dark brown or charcoal) smudged all around the eye with a brush or Q-tip creates a sexy,smoky evening effect.
• A dab of high shine lip gloss over your lipstick will give it some luscious evening gleam.

So, go powder that nose and let’s face the fashionistas – Mwah!

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.   

 

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!

Best of Beauty 2011

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 Pencils: Smashbox The Nude Lip Pencils:
• 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!
• Cheek Stain: Vincent Longo Pearlessence Lip and Cheek Stain: This stain gives an amazing (and insanely long lasting) flush to the cheeks. Sexy and Sultry perfection! 
• 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:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 by Le 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.
  1. 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. 
  2. 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.