Tuesday Tip: Try a New Fragrance

I'm all about people having their signature scent...mine is Armani Code. When you have a perfume you wear often or all of the time people will think of you when they smell it...on the street, at the mall, when anyone passes them by with it. It is fun however to branch out and find new fragrances to throw in the mix. My new favorite perfume is Kate Spade's Twirl.

I was at Sephora a few weeks ago buying who knows what. I was paying and distracted with my iphone checking emails or texting when the girl behind the counter asked if I would like a sample. Usually I'm the one asking for samples because, hello, I'm a makeup artist! I was so caught off guard that SHE was asking me....so caught off guard that I was speechless and couldn't think of anything in the whole store I wanted to sample (I know, sort of embarrassing right?!). Thankfully she suggested making me a sample of Twirl to end the awkward silence. Smart thinking on her part because I'll probably be back there soon when my little sample is gone to get the full size product. Check out this fragrance and comment to let me know what some of your favorites are!

Remembering July in January

In honor of my sister's 6 month anniversary to her wonderful husband I have posted a few pictures from her wedding. I had so much fun doing her makeup for the big event. She is naturally beautiful with great skin and doesn't wear a lot of makeup on a daily basis. So, we went for a classic bridal look. She didn't want to look too made up, but wanted her skin to look flawless in pictures, and of course have a bridal glow. I think the look was achieved!



Lipstick touch up...I mixed a pink lip color with a brown undertone to add a little color to her lips without being too much. I added a touch of gloss for extra shine and shimmer.



All about the eyes...I used Make Up For Ever eyeshadows, #109 Ardelle lashes (great ones that enhance without looking over the top), Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in Espresso on top lashline and lower inner rim, and Loreal Voluminous Mascara in waterproof.



Beau-ti-ful! It's important for makeup to photograph well inside and outside.

Photographer: Rebecca Eubanks at Artworks Tulsa Photography
Hair: iidentity Salon in Tulsa

Tuesday Tip: Bring on the Blush!

In these winter months it's easy to feel washed out or drab...so, bring on the blush! Here are a few ways to brighten your look:

1. If you feel like your skin is dry or looks dry during cold months switch to a cream or liquid blush. It will give you more of a natural and hydrated look. Try MAC's cream blush, Stila Convertible Color (can be worn on lips or cheeks), or Tarte cheek stain. You will apply this after foundation before powder. You can always add a little powder blush later if you feel like you need more color.






2. Carry your blush with you...most people keep lip products and powder with them to touch up. Start carrying your blush and a blush brush. There's nothing that adds life to your tired face like a little more cheek color. If I'm going to be out all day blush touch ups are a must!

3. Add a little more. Don't skimp on the blush...you don't want to look like a clown, but you also don't want to look washed out. Pick out a great pink tone for these winter months. I LOVE the colors Nars offers.

Tuesday Tip: Read About It

I'm going to assume that all of you are readers since you are reading my blog and probably others. Here are a few of my favorite makeup books with awesome looks and practical tips...if you want to know more about makeup- more than you read in blogs and magazines-get a book by a great artist and you'll be suprised at how much you learn and are inspired.

Kevyn Aucoin's Making Faces
This was my second makeup book (Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty being my first). It was the makeup book that made me want to BE a makeup artist...what is there to say about Kevyn Aucoin's work other than amazing. I would have loved to have met him and worked with him.



Carmindy's Crazy Busy Beautiful
This is a recent purchase that I'm enjoying. It is full of tips which makes it an quick read and the tips are easy to apply to your life whether you wear little or a lot of makeup.



Paul Starr On Beauty
Paul Starr was a fantastic artist who had a way of making each face look flawless. This book includes different makeup looks and interviews with thirty celebrities.



Asian Beauty by Margaret Kimura
I had the privilege to meet Margaret Kimura a few years ago. She is a wonderful person and makeup artist, this book does not just cover outer beauty but also inner. She has a makeup school in Hollywood, MKC Beauty Academy.



I could go on and on about makeup books, but I'll save more for later!

Tuesday Tip: Dry No More!

Need a quick fix for dry lips or a dry patch of skin on your face during these harsh winter months? Look no further than your pantry for a little ingredient I keep in my makeup kit for emergencies and use on myself from time to time...sugar. Simply spray or add a few drops of water to a spoonful or small amount of sugar so you create a scrub consistency. Then use a warm washcloth to dip in the sugar and buff your lips or dry patch. When you finish removing the dry skin apply lip balm or moisturizer. This is a quick fix, so if you are looking to exfoliate multiple times a week look for a GENTLE scrub. Harsh scrubs can enlarge pores, so steer clear of anything super rough that may feel like sandpaper on your face. Makeup looks so much better on smooth skin, so give your skin a scrub!