Making the world a little more colorful everyday! My goal is to share not only useful tips and tricks to all of my loves out there, but also what to get, where to get it, and how to use it when it comes to all things beauty!
Lets get started....xo
(All photo's credited to original source)
So I had so much fun with my last blog post creating looks for everyone out there to try at home...I thought it would be fun for everyone to see, and try...a few celebrity inspired looks! You do not necessarily have to look like a certain celebrity to draw inspiration for your makeup style and wardrobe...playing off of the key elements in the look can be fun!
The most important thing to remember as always, is to keep it you! YOU are beautiful in your own special way, that no one can touch!
For my first celebrity inspired look, I wanted to try Angelina Jolie! With a lot of lipliner and lipgloss...I give you, my Angelina makeup look!
Makeup Look #1 Angelina Jolie
Angelina's makeup to me, is always classic, and it always seems to go with any outfit, for any event. Her signatures are pretty much black eyeliner, and lips! Lots of lips! I used neutral eyeshadows in taupes and vanilla's...Black smudgeproof waterproof eyeliner from PRESTIGE COSMETICS (http://www.prestigecosmetics.com/) in my waterliner, A nude lippencil from PRESTIGE COSMETICS, and MAC COSMETICS (http://www.maccosmetics.com/) lipstick in MYTH and LIPGLASS in UNDERAGE. With simple hair, a little smolder (I totally tried to re-recreate an "Angelina" moment there in the first pic, hehe) and lots of Lipgloss...you've got yourself an classic, Angelina look!
Makeup Look #2 Jennifer Lopez
So yes, clearly I do not resemble Jennifer Lopez. But her makeup is always killer! I absolutely love the way her face seems to glow, from within at her events. For this look, I drew inspiration from the key points in Jennifer's makeup...Soft smokey warm brown eyeshadows, golds and peaches...Black and Chocolate brown eyeliners slighting in the upper lashes and in the inner water liner, tons of amazing bronzer and those nude juicy lips! One of the things I always notice about her makeup is the contouring on the inner orbital area of the eyes. By doing this, this creates an intense, and sexy smoke without going overboard...I did most of the contouring using my Wet N' Wild...yes, I said it...WET N' WILD (http://www.wetnwildcosmetics.com/) bronzer. I took a class with Celebrity Makeup Artist, Sam Fine years ago (http://www.samfine.com/) , and this bronzer was one of his staples! It has been one of mine too ever since, thank you Sam!
Makeup Look #3 Jessica Alba
Last but not least, I give you my Jessica Alba inspired look! This look was more about the contouring, and how that can create a different look at together. Jessica always seems to have a heavy smoke under her eyes...use MAC COSMETICS #217 Blending brush for this, it'll change your blending life! Also, I love her in a dark lip with her hair up. This look was so much fun to try! I like that she tends to be somewhat daring with her looks!
I hope this post will inspire you to play with different looks! We look at celebrities and think "they're So perfect, and their makeup is ALWAYS perfect, and they MUST have their own makeup artist on call...everyday". Truth is some of them do, but most of them are just like you and I...With a few products and the right tools, YOU can be your very own, Makeup Artist.
So it has been a while since my last post, and I thought the best possible way to catch up...is with 3 different makeup looks!
My goal is for you to have some fun playing with your look...play with new colors...and again, have fun!
So we start off this fun makeup montage, with.....me, bare faced!
BARE FACE
One of my personal favorite era's, in music, fashion, and makeup of course...is the 1960's! Edie Sedgwick, Brigette Bardot, Niko...the dark eyes, nude lips, mysterious overall effect is what I love most about this era.
1960's Bombshell Look #1
1960'S BOMBSHELL LOOK #1
For this look, I drew my inspiration from Edie Sedgwick and Bridget Bardot...2 of my favorite icons! I started out with the perfect Matte base using MAC STUDIO FIX (http://www.maccosmetics.com/) and my all-time favorite, MAC SELECT COVER UP in NW20. I then contoured my cheeks using a matte golden bronzer. I kept the brow pretty natural. Using a shadow primer, and lots of black shadow and eyeliner are key. I used MAC #217 to blend my black Maybelline shadow (http://www.maybelline.com/) all over my lid, in my crease and under my bottom lashline. MAC LIPGLASS in Underage, and a Faux brown beauty mark complete this look! This look is great for a night out...think messy teased slept-In hair...Try it out!
Twiston first look #2
TWIST ON FIRST LOOK #2
For this look, I wanted to show everyone how adding just one more product, can completely change a look. Everything in this look is exactly the same as the first...I only added MAC COSMETICS lipstick in Film Noir as a stain to change it up. By doing this, not only does it dress up the look, it also takes it to a more modernized level. I also added a ponytail, and clip...to make this change, it took under 5 minutes!
A little fun with color look #3
A LITTLE FUN WITH COLOR LOOK #3
Now this is one of my favorite looks! I love an unexpected pop of color when you least expect it! I took a bright turquoise eyeshadow from MAC COSMETICS and stippled it under my bottom lashline with a small flat brush. Next, I added my MAKEUP FOREVER shadow in MATTE RED (http://www.makeupforever.com,www.sephora.com/) onto my temples in a C shape, letting it hit just the top of my cheekbones. I used a red this time, but I have been known to rock a light blue, purple, and even a green shade. This is a different approach to color, but this can be so much fun with the right outfit, and the right night out!
So there you have it! These 3 looks are 3 of my favorites and I am so glad that I can share them with you! Always remember to have fun with your makeup, to not be afraid to try something totally different, and play with color...
As soon as the seasons change, as a Makeup Artist..I tend to do an overhaul with my look! Now, that doesn't mean completely changing everything about your look....just tweaking it!
Currently I've been inspired by the pastel hair trend! Absolutely in love with how fun, yet soft and romantic this look is! For this post, I'm basing my inspiration off of this beautiful look....
When some people think of purple, pink or blue hair...they tend to think old school punk rock. That is so not the case when it comes to this look (http://www.forever21.com/) By keeping the bright colors soft, it creates almost a fantasy effect, very dreamy and romantic...Love!
For night time paired with hair like this, I love a bold, strong, dark lip. Revlon Va Va Violet (http://www.revlon.com/) is the perfect shade of deep purple with a soft shine.
Pairing the tint in your hair with either a deeper shade of that color, or lighter pastel creates an overall monochromatic glow. I sometimes like to think of certain looks as a painting! The colors you use can completely change the look, and feel of you!
With the pastel hair, dark lip look...keeping the rest of the makeup soft and minimal is key. I like to pair bold eyebrows and a soft lash. Adding a pop of a brighter blush such as Nars Angelika Blush (http://www.narscosmetics.com/) pulls together the dark lip and soft hair.
Nars Cosmetics blush in Angelika (http://www.narscosmetics.com/) is the perfect bright clean pink with a blue undertone. You can control how intense the color is...a little swipe of it for a ethereal glow, or a bold application on temples and cheekbones to pop it up!
Lastly, topping off the look with a sheer, iridescent cream on cheekbones, bridge of nose, eyelids, temples and the collar bone look amazing!
Try Nars Cosmetics Multiple in Copacobana for a clean champagne shimmer, or luxor for a crisp iridescent shine!
Apply the product directly onto your skin and blend with a tap of your fingers. Again, you can control how intense you want the look too be, a little goes a long way! At night, I like to apply on my collar bone, shoulders and legs as well, pretty amazing!
Now that is my fall inspiration! The whole idea of beauty to me is about the freedom to play! Embracing who we are is the most important key to being you, but also the freedom to play and create moods and feels with our looks is just so much fun!
Well hello, it has been a while! As the new season fast approaches on us all, I have become inspired by an array of new, amazing beauty finds!
Like many other woman right now, I am dealing with the dry lips of the changing weather...I have been searching for the perfect lip balm/gloss with a hint of color...and I have found it!
Not only does this lip balm deliver amazing moisture, but the hint of color that it leaves behind is gorgeous! Growing up as a teen in the 90's as well, I couldn't pass up the packaging!
Now, I have talked about this product for literally years, and after all of these years....still obsessed! Soap and Glory Cosmetics (http://www.soapandglory.com/) The best cosmetic line to come out of the UK in my book, is finally being sold at Sephora (http://www.sephora.com/) I recommend any person who is a fan of lip plumpers to pick up Soap and Glory's Sexy Motherpucker lip plumper....it will change your lip's life!
No Doubt about it, and I have tried almost every plumper on the market...the best! The texture is rich and creamy, the scent is delicious, shine is out of this world...and the feeling on your lips cannot be described...its just that good! Buy this one!
Now, with the cooler temperatures, come the dry, parched skin. St. Ives Purify Exfoliating Body Wash (http://www.stives.com/) is what your skin is craving. With a light foam and gentle scrub thanks to sea salt...this scrub leaves your skin smooth, moisturized and glowing!
I recommend using this in the shower, and immediately after exiting before drying off...apply your favorite body oil or lotion...silky, silky smooth skin follows!
There you go, a few of my favorite things! I know I have been away for a while...I will be doing my regular posts now...stay tuned!
Well, now that spring is literally right around the corner, it is time to change makeup, and skincare! After what seemed to be the longest winter of my life...revitalizing your makeup look, and skincare is in order!
Here are a few of my newest beauty obsessions to say farewell to winter, and bring on the sunshine!
This is one of the first skincare creams that I have found, that is gentle, will not break you out, and is insanely rich and buttery, filled with powerful antioxidants to leave your skin fresh, and bright! After a long, dry winter - this cream is turning my dry skin around! Definitely a new favorite, and staple!
With the cute, whimsical packaging, I was not expecting the perfect grown up lip stain! This lip balm stain is not only highly moisturizing, it truly lasts! Having the stain in a lipstick/balm form makes for easy application minus blending! Pair a gloss on top, and with this in 3 colors including a clear..you will have the perfect long lasting, just bright enough pout!
I'm sure a lot of you are wondering "What exactly is the Fireworks Wheel?" This has been a staple in my makeup kit, as well as my personal kit for 10 years! Think of this "wheel" as a multi-purpose (eyes/lips/face/body) cream makeup palette. Literally, everybody looks amazing with these colors on! They are sheer, yet buildable...easy to apply (I use my fingers)...and they leave you looking ridiculously radiant! I like the lightest shade on my cheekbones and bridge of nose, while using the other shades as eyeshadow, blush, and even on the collarbone! One of my all-time favorite products, and perfect for spring!
This is a new favorite, and totally worth the money! This is the perfect, fresh, lightweight, yet extremely moisturizing leave-in conditioner for the hair. I love this because not only has it transformed my damaged hair, but it is also lightweight and does not irritate the skin. The scent is fresh and clean, and the feel of your hair will be soft, silky and healthy. Love this!
Now for the unexpected spring beauty favorite. Mac Cosmetics lipstick in Cyber does not scream "spring" when you look at it, and that is exactly why I love it so much! It is a dark, intense almost blackberry purple shade..so rich, and deep, consider this an accessory. This shade paired with the soft neutral spring colors, is mesmerizing! Taking beauty risks is so much fun, and I am happy I did with this lipstick! Personal favorite!
Now, I hope this inspired you to step into a new spring look!
Beauty to me is not only what is seen by the eye, but how it makes you feel inside. Try taking a risk with a new spring shade, stepping out of the norm of the "spring look" and stepping into your own, with your own "you" spring look...
When an actress goes into character for a film...the dialogue changes, her outfits, her persona...as well as her makeup. In order to truly become that character, makeup is a key element in creating the character!
So lets talk about our character. We are not acting film everyday, no one is writing our dialogue for us...but we all, have a character! Our personality...something that no one can touch. Something that some are afraid to embrace. Something that no matter what we are going through in life, where we end up...we own it.
I am a firm believer in embracing your character! Not being afraid to let yourself shine...whether you are a tinted moisturizer and chapstick wearer, or a false lash, neon lipstick or glitter wearer! It's up to you to truly own it, and make it you!
Now I am going to discuss actual film characters. My goal in this blog, is to tap into what products are used to create that certain character, as far as makeup...and how certain products can create a mood, and a feel!
The Look of Love!
Rachel McAdams in the Notebook was in love. If you look closely at her makeup in the film...it truly represents, being in love! A simple innocent dewy sheen on the skin, a touch of mascara and the most important product of all...that natural flush on her cheeks and lips, that create the look of natural blushing!
In this movie still, her character is happy, in love and comfortable in her own skin! Notice the minimal makeup, with just a natural warm flush on the cheeks and on the lips! Being in love should look, and feel this natural!
To get that same, natural blushing look...try Benefit Benetint lip & Cheek Stain. This product comes in a couple different shades, but the best to me, is the original. This will give you the perfect, glowing rose flush that will stay put for hours!
Sienna Miller, portraying Edie Sedgwick in Factory Girl gave me the chills. She really became Edie. Edie was a lover of makeup, whether or not she was hiding in it or not, it does not matter. It was her look and she owned it. From the full brows, to the beauty mark, extreme eye makeup and lashes...she had her own thing going on. I loved the makeup in Factory Girl...this was true character makeup!
Edie's Character in the movie, lived a privileged upbringing. She came from a very wealthy family, then made her own way in New York as a model and muse of Andy Warhol. The more she came into herself, the more unique her look became. She was, and forever will be an icon. The lashes, that hair, the black tights and huge earrings...that was Edie!
Wet N' Wild Liquid Liner $3 Drugstore
To get that Edie look, the icon look, try Wet and Wild Liquid Eyeliner! The point is pure perfection when applying, making any look simple. Smudge proof and makes a statement! ps. Ive used the brown to create the perfect beauty mark!
Creating the feel of the Character...
One of my new favorite film's, the Black Swan! The character of Nina played by Natalie Portman was exquisite! Such a very dark film, yet so beautiful...from the lighting, to the costumes, the music and of course, the makeup!
While playing the White Swan, Nina's character is beautiful, yet timid, nervous and very fragile. She has the constant look of fear in her eyes. Her makeup is very pale, slightly dewy and actually creates a fragile feel.
Pale skin, supple, glowing...very pure and innocent. She has a doll like look. Very ethereal, and untouchable.
To create the look of purity and innocence, with an ethereal glow - such as Nina as the White Swan...try MAC Creme Colour Base in Luna! Tap onto the cheekbones, brow bones, bridge of nose, bow of lip, temples...even the collar bones. This has the perfect amount of sheen that will look amazing in all light. Most importantly, keep the rest of the makeup simple...a little brow pencil, dark brown mascara, and a lip balm. The overall look is simple, and stunning!
Nina as the Black Swan...
As Nina's character is slowly tapping into her darker side, and losing herself...her makeup changes. But not just the makeup that is changing, so is her personality. It changes her!
From the bold pale skin, to the dark exaggerated eye makeupand red lip...this is extreme character makeup all the way. I have done makeup for films, and you can literally feel the actress or actor change as they sit in the makeup chair. This is a vital part of the process.
To create the look of any bold eye makeup style, the key is using a cream or gel eyeliner with a brush. This allows you to freely express your creativity, with no boundaries. I am a big fan of Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner in Black. This also comes with a brush, and is completely smudge proof! Amazing!
When using a gel, or cream liner...be sure to keep the lid on and tight, when not using. These products has a tendency to dry out if the lid is not properly on. You also want to wash the brush after every use. Baby or makeup wipes are a great quick way clean!
So there you go! Whether you're an actress, or not...finding your own style, and creating your character (and i say that meaning by truly expressing who you are, being you) the key is having fun, keeping an open mind and finding inspiration in different areas. Not just fashion magazines, or actresses and celebrities, because that it simple...but music, places, your mood. If you love glitter or bright red lipstick, wear it proudly...being you're character is all that truly matters.
Another fabulous process I have found, is stripping it all away. Washing off the makeup, letting your true skin shine. A lot of us have a hard time doing this...but to truly find one's character, you must first be comfortable in your own skin - because it is beautiful!
Bjork - Venus as a Boy, from the Album Family Tree
A beautiful song from an artist who is not afraid to embrace her character.
Ok, so I am writing this from the comfort of my own bed, just me, my dog Penny.....and yes, an awful cold that I am desperately trying to beat!
While the effects of a cold wear your body down, it also wreaks havoc on your skin! I am currently inspired by my being sick, not being able to get a good nights rest..and the tons of other people I know, and do not know, that are dealing with the same sickness.
Here are a few products that I am currently using, and the only products I will be using until I am healthy....
*For those chapped lips:
As soon as the cold weather hits, your lips can also take a hit. When I came down with this terrible cold, Chapstick didn't work, Rosebud Lip Salve didn't work..then I tried Neosporin Lip Health LipBalm. This will not only deliver moisture like most lip balms do, this will also heal your parched lips. Check out the Neosporin Overnight Treatment as well, for extra support!
NEOSPORIN LIP HEALTH LIP BALM $5.49 (Drugstore)
* For that parched skin:
DHC Skincare Olive Essentials Mini Set $17.50 www.dhccare.com
Now, this a product that I stumbled upon years ago, and it literally transformed my skin! DHCSkincare Olive Essentials MiniSet. There is nothing like this set for the most dry of skin, especially during a cold. The Cleansing Oil leaves your skin supple, and clean - without stripping your skin of what it needs. But what really does it, is the Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Wash with the Cleansing Oil, and follow with the Extra Virgin Olive Oil (take justa drop on clean hands to warm, and gently press into the skin, dayand night). I would hold off on the toner and mild soap that it comes with for now, but they are fantastic as well. I did not experience any break outs with this set, and it leaves my parched skin soft, supple and baby smooth.
(If you are in desperate need of some serious skin intervention, try using the everyday olive oil, just make sure that it is Extra Virgin)
* For those all important bubble baths:
California Baby isactually a line for babies! But with the way your skin reacts to being sick, using something gentle is key. California Baby "Colds & Flu" Aromatherapy Bubble Bath contains Eucalyptus and Douglas Fir, which will aid in helping break up congestion and has an overall calming effect. Try the spritz as well! There is nothing like a relaxing bubble bath when you're not feeling so hot...
Lastly, to nourish your dry skin, again - I recommend Yes toCarrots Delishishly Rich Body Butter! Rich, creamy, nourishing...use this day and night to keep your skin feeling, and looking it's best.
YES TO CARROTS DELISHISHLY RICH BODY BUTTER
$12.99 (Target/CVS)
I hope this helps! Now, I am going do the two most important things that one can do, especially when sick....drink a big glass of water, and get some sleep!
Here is one of my favorite song's that will soothe the soul, and help put you to sleep.....
