Sunday, July 18, 2010

Summer Makeup Trends 2010


These are the makeup trends that Ive noticed alot this summer with many of my brides and clients needing makeup services. A fresh face is in demand this year!

You will notice that the looks are simple, natural and very low key this year. In the past bronzers were extremely popular in the beauty industry but not this year. It seems like blush made a come back and the bronzers are still sitting on the shelf.


Tinted moisturizers replaces Full coverage foundation:
For everyday use, tinted moisturizers with SPF are top of the list. Tinted moisturizers are ideal for almost any skin type. They hydrate, give sun protection and add enough coverage for most. If skin is normal to combination, a tinted moisturizer will provide coverage and should be all that you need for the day! If you do have oilier skin types you can still use a tinted moisturizer but may need to finish with a translucent powder to help provent shine.

Blush replaces Bronzers:
Choose a blush that is colorful, but sheer. Try a cream product instead of a powder blush. This will insure extra staying power for a longer wear in the hot weather. Summer is about looking fresh and active, so choose colors like subtle, soft pinks and peaches. Not only will your face appear instantly more youthful, but you will also skip that "overly done" look too! Bronzers this year have really only been used for subtle contouring of the neckline and for adding cheek bones. In the past bronzers were to give the appearance of a all over "bronze goddess" but it seems women are embracing their natural coloring.

Colorful Eyes replace the Neautral shades:
There are plently more eyeshadow shades this year than browns and neutrals. The Eye trend right now is bold and bright. Include colors like bold teals, violets, green into your makeup pallett.

Remember to NOT overuse these bright colors! One color is fine swept on the top lid. If you get too crazy and do your top lid and then smudge another bright color on the bottom lash line, you will look too colorful! Instead use a neutral color as a eyeliner instead and avoid black liner. Sometimes when combined with bright colors, black liner can appear too harsh.
When making a bold eye shadow choices, keep the rest of the face neutral to avoid looking overdone. Keep the same thing in mind when doing your eyebrows. Let them grow to a natural shape and try not to over pluck. Fill brows in slightly, but keep to a minimum, brows can easily over power the rest of your eye.

Hydrated Lips replaces High Shine

Lips for summer should be hydrated and subtle with shine. Lip gloss is still popular, but not the "high" shine glosses that we have seen in the past. Apply gloss lightly, in combination with a heavy lip balm that contains sunscreen. Keep colors should remain subtle, bright and fresh. Textures should be sheer with no glitter. Remember to let your natural lip color show through!

MY Favorite Products Right Now:
Stila $25 Available at Sephora or Ulta
Convertible Color
Stila's lipstick and blush-in-one proves irresistible. Non-greasy, this creamy, sheer tint adds an inherent glow to the cheeks while lips bloom with fresh, radiant color.


Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer w/ SPF 20 $42 Available at Sephora or Macy's
Tinted Moisturizer is a sheer, lightweight formula with a hint of color you can use in place of foundation for a natural finish and a healthy glowing complexion.

Aqua Eyes $19 Available at Sephora
A two-in-one eyeshadow and liner pencil.
These waterproof eyeshadow and eye liner pencils contain a unique formula that adheres to the eyelids and resists water even under the most extreme conditions, without running or fading

Have Fun This Summer Ladies! Remember to keep your look to a minimum for the next couple of months!

Friday, June 18, 2010

HOW TO APPLY LIQUID LINER BEAUTIFULLY!

Applying liquid liner can be difficult at first but can produce great results!
These are some of the immediate benefits of using a liquid liner:
*Defines the eye shape
*Last longer throughout the day compared to a pencil liner
*Fills out the lash line, making lashes appear fuller
*Highlights the eyes


STEP #1.
Prep you lids first. You can use a shadow base (favorite: urban decay primer potion) or just put some foundation on your lids and powder them. This will help shadow and liner STAY ALL DAY!

STEP #2.
Apply your shadow! Do not line then apply, you will lose the definition of your liner. So, apply your shadow as usual.

STEP #3.
Start applying your liquid liner in the center of your eye....follow the natural curve of your eye outward. Then you can go back and retrace the center point to the inner corner of the eye. Start with a thin line and build gradually...if you desire.

**If you can not draw a straight line, use a pencil liner at first to make long dashes, connecting them later with your liquid. CONNECT the dashes...DO NOT make one long line over top! This will look thick and messy!

STEP #4.
Let the liner dry. Follow up with a eyelash curler and two coats of mascara.
Your done!

NEVER:
Apply liquid liner to the BOTTOM lashes! This looks BAD ladies! Instead use a pencil liner for a softer look.

Create too thick of a line at first, build the line gradually.

Apply eyeliner if your eyes are tired or infected

REMEMBER:
Always apply the liquid eyeliner after the eyeshadow, but before the mascara to prevent smudges.

Eyeliner should be applied as close to the lash-line as possible.

Insure that your eyeliner flows with your mascara; will with help frame your eyes and makes your lashes look thicker

Here are some of my favorites:
Lancme Artliner- Precision Point Eyeliner ($27)
This is Extremely user friendly!

Urban Decay Liquid Eye Liner ($14)
Great variety of colors to choose from!

Clinique Eye Defining Liquid Liner ($13.50)
Fast drying formula!

Monday, May 17, 2010

Why Choose Airbrush Foundation?

What is Airbrush Foundation?

The precision application offered by airbrush makeup has two major benefits:

The formula is lightweight yet high in coverage. This liquid foundation creates the look of a flawless complexion with a minimum of product for a "Real Skin finish". Your left with the feeling that your not wearing makeup at all! 100% Oil-Free for a modern, natural matte finish that's never dry or flat-looking. Incredibly water resistant, sweat and tear proof.

Looks great in print and film. When the foundation comes out of the "airbrush" it lays on the skin in "small spray dots", these are so small that it can not be picked up by the camera or naked eye. When foundation is applied using brushes or sponges, streaking can occur. Maybe it can not be seen by the naked eye can be picked up by Hi-Definition close-ups or in a High Resolution Digital Photo.

Now you decide....do you want something light weight, great for camera and film? A foundation that will let your skin breath and stay Matte all day?

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Important Makeup Questions....Answered!


"HOW DO I DETERMINE MY UNDERTONE?" ...

First you need to figure out if you have a "warm" or "cool" skin tone. All skin has yellow in it, but the degree of yellow present in the skin will push someone into warm or cool. Take a look in the mirror and decide if you see more yellow to green in your coloring. If you do, then you have a warm undertone or also referred to as "olive". If you see more pink, purple or blue, then you have a cool undertone or referred to as "ruddy". If you have trouble figuring this out, you can always check the the veins on your inner wrist. This means, green veins equals warm undertone and blue veins mean cool undertone! Yes, some people can be both and can wear mostly any colors! Once you determine your correct undertone, you will have a much easier time picking out complimentary shades of blush, eyeshadow and base formulas best suited for you.

"WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A "CONCEALER" AND A "NEUTRALIZER"

Concealers are flesh colored. Pick 2-3 shades lighter than your base color. Apply concealers after your base. If you apply before your base color the product will be wiped away and you will be lose most of your concealer. We use concealers because we want to highlight the face. Always set with a powder afterwards for maximum staying power!

Neutralizers come in lots of different colors and most people stray from buying them because they look kind of scary. If used properly, you can get great results.

Think of a neutralizer as "canceling" out any unwanted tones in the skin. You apply your neutralizing color before your base color. Most people buy these products to help correct dark circles under the eyes, blemishes or age spots/sunspots. If you know anything about the color wheel, then you can figure out how to neutralize.

  • Blue (under the eyes) is neutralized by Orange
  • Brown (around the eye area, age spots or sun spots) is neutralized by Pink
  • Yellow is thought as "special yellow" and since all skin possesses yellow it can be used on everyone. Yellow can neutralize purple tones too!
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For more information please call me at (763) 656.8688
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Professional Makeup Artist vs. Department Stores


So, your getting married! Congrats! Get ready to start planning and spend some money! Let's face it weddings are expensive....Hell what is not expensive these days?? Right? Right! It is so true! You booked a great photographer, of course! Can't skimp on that. You bought a awesome dress.....that is a MUST!

Well, now it's time to think about your makeup. Forgot to plan that in the budget? What is the purpose of even getting a photographer and a beautiful dress if you will not look your absolute best? It is the one day in your life to be the "shining star".....not the "shiny, no powder star"!

Why try to save a few dollars on your makeup application? You are the BRIDE, the main event! Everyone will be looking at Y-O-U, whether you like it or not! Guests will not remember how perfect your wedding was if they are too distracted by your makeup streaks or perhaps the famous "floating face" we all love so much!
"OOOOhh, you look so ummm....pretty...i think? Your face looks too white in this light, maybe if you stand over here.....yes, yes, that's better! Now dont move!"
Do your guests and yourself a favor, hire a makeup artist!

Yes, you can go to a salon and they will "touch up" your makeup after your hair service. You could also walk into any cosmetic department store, and have them try to "fit" you in. They will be distracted by "purchasing" clients. I promise you will feel pressured to buy. You can also have your MaryKay or Avon Rep apply your makeup. Almost all cosmetic products on the market today have light reflecting particles in them. They are NOT intended for being in front of the camera, but intended for everyday wear. Ladies these are your options, go ahead and choose. Did you really save a few bucks? Not really!

Here is your BEST OPTION: Hire a Professional Artist who works with camera ready makeup and the best tools in the beauty industry. These products are designed specifically to be wore while being photographed or filmed. They are made to stay on under bright lights, heavy activity and many different skin textures.

A true Makeup Artist has a "trained eye" from working daily with clients and photographers and can create a variety of looks. Professional Makeup Artist custom blend multiple pigments together to match skin tone exactly. They use colors based on what suits YOUR specific skin tone to maximize the best features and hide the imperfections. Make blemishes and dark circles disappear...no problem! Enhance your lash-line and make eyes appear brighter and wider.....we would love to!

We are NOT here to "sell" you a certain product line for commission. We are in the industry because it is our passion to create beauty; making you the best version of YOU!
Look back at your wedding day pictures and remember that your day was perfect and the Bride was stunning.....that is you!

So, PLEASE, PLEASE don't make the department store mistake....hire a true Makeup Artist for your wedding day! Do NOT deprive yourself and your guests of being the most beautiful bride that YOU can be :)

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For more information please call me at (763) 656.8688
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