I've always been a huge fan of Smashbox Photo Finish Primer and will continue using it with my Make Up For Ever foundation when I do makeup for events. On myself I've always used Armani foundation...well, not always, just since I worked there in 2006. If you've read my blog for more than a minute you know one of my favorite brands is Giorgio Armani. The reason I don't use their foundation when I do event makeup is because it can shift and isn't waterproof. Make Up For Ever is hard to beat when it comes to longwear.
Well, on my last trip to Dallas I stopped by Neiman Marcus to purchase Luminous Silk Foundation in #4 (my winter color which is the time of the year I embrace my Snow White complex). They were having a special where I could get my foundation, a new blender brush and the foundation primer (Fluid Master Primer) along with a couple of samples for $125 (it was a $190 value). I know that is a lot of money for makeup, but it was a steal for Armani since their foundation alone runs around $60. I indulged knowing that sets and good deals like that are hard to come by at the Armani counter.
Can I just say I am SO pleased with my purchase! The way to wear Luminous Silk Foundation is with Fluid Master Primer! My makeup is sitting better on my face and lasting longer. So, I realize not all of you wear Armani makeup, but for those of you who do start using their primer if you don't already. If you click on the Neiman Marcus link you can go to the exact set I purchased. And for the rest of you, find a primer that works for you...Smashbox, Laura Mercier, MAC and many other lines offer them. They can do everything from change your skin coloring to balance your skin from oily to normal or simply make your makeup last longer....all of those sound good to me!
Showing posts with label Giorgio Armani. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Giorgio Armani. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Tuesday Tip: Lovely Lips
Lip color is such a fun and easy thing to change up depending on the day and your mood. I find when I do makeup that a lot of people don't wear lipstick and stick to a neutral gloss or chapstick...there is no need to be afraid of lipstick or adding color to your lips! Here are a few things to know about when it comes to making your lips look lovely...
If you have small lips use a neutral or lighter color and gloss, if you do a dark color your lips will appear smaller. Don't feel like you can never wear a dark color, now you just know the effect it will have on your lips.
Lipsticks come in many different textures....a lot of people steer clear of lipstick because they assume it is heavy and something people wore twenty years ago. You can find sheer lipsticks, shine, shimmer, or matte...my point, there is one out there for you!
If you want to stick with gloss at least pick one with some color to change things up.
To make your lip color, whether lipstick or gloss last longer use a lip liner first, line and fill in your lips. Choose a neutral lip liner that will match your lips so you can use it with all lipsticks you use.
My favorite lines to purchase lip products from are MAC (tons of color and texture options), Bobbi Brown (lots of great neutrals and everyday colors), Giorgio Armani (classic colors and I love their sheer and shine lipsticks), Smashbox (awesome glosses). One of my latest cheap finds is 99 cent lip gloss from Sally Beauty Supply. The glosses are mini and found right by the counter.
If you have small lips use a neutral or lighter color and gloss, if you do a dark color your lips will appear smaller. Don't feel like you can never wear a dark color, now you just know the effect it will have on your lips.
Lipsticks come in many different textures....a lot of people steer clear of lipstick because they assume it is heavy and something people wore twenty years ago. You can find sheer lipsticks, shine, shimmer, or matte...my point, there is one out there for you!
If you want to stick with gloss at least pick one with some color to change things up.
To make your lip color, whether lipstick or gloss last longer use a lip liner first, line and fill in your lips. Choose a neutral lip liner that will match your lips so you can use it with all lipsticks you use.
My favorite lines to purchase lip products from are MAC (tons of color and texture options), Bobbi Brown (lots of great neutrals and everyday colors), Giorgio Armani (classic colors and I love their sheer and shine lipsticks), Smashbox (awesome glosses). One of my latest cheap finds is 99 cent lip gloss from Sally Beauty Supply. The glosses are mini and found right by the counter.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tuesday Tip: Spring into Spring!
The temperatures were in the 80's today in Tulsa and for some reason I was still dressed for fall...I needed a quick way to brighten my look, so what did I go with ?! Blush of course, it's my life saver for everything (if you haven't noticed yet) and also a cute coral for my nails. I went with one of my favorite Essie colors, Cute as a Button...because it is as cute as a button, and that is just what I needed today!!
With these warmer temperatures it's important to integrate bright colors into not only your wardrobe, but also your look. Here are a few ways (other than colorful nails)to brighten your look:
Bright pink or coral lip gloss on top of your fall or winter red lipstick. When I worked at Armani my manager and I had a lip combo we loved...the number 21 shine lipstick with a shimmery pink gloss on top (number 7). For a similar result try Smashbox lip gloss in Boundlesss or Nonstop.
Brighten a smokey eye by using a pale pink as a base color instead of a taupe and/or add plum to your crease color. I love Make Up For Ever shadows, try #88 or #97 for a soft pink, for a plum try #121 or #142.
Last, if you don't wear blush start wearing it and if you already do put more on. My NEW favorite color is Blossom by Linda Mason Elements...this line was created by the fabulous artist Linda Mason and not only am I obsessed with the packaging (how could I not be?!) but I'm also obsessed with the color and the fact that it's pigmented. Look for a blog post about my visit to her studio/gallery in NYC.
With these warmer temperatures it's important to integrate bright colors into not only your wardrobe, but also your look. Here are a few ways (other than colorful nails)to brighten your look:
Bright pink or coral lip gloss on top of your fall or winter red lipstick. When I worked at Armani my manager and I had a lip combo we loved...the number 21 shine lipstick with a shimmery pink gloss on top (number 7). For a similar result try Smashbox lip gloss in Boundlesss or Nonstop.
Brighten a smokey eye by using a pale pink as a base color instead of a taupe and/or add plum to your crease color. I love Make Up For Ever shadows, try #88 or #97 for a soft pink, for a plum try #121 or #142.
Last, if you don't wear blush start wearing it and if you already do put more on. My NEW favorite color is Blossom by Linda Mason Elements...this line was created by the fabulous artist Linda Mason and not only am I obsessed with the packaging (how could I not be?!) but I'm also obsessed with the color and the fact that it's pigmented. Look for a blog post about my visit to her studio/gallery in NYC.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Tuesday Tip: Necessary Night Cream
Winter is here and my skin is CRAVING moisture, so I'm sure your's is too. During these cold months it is even more important to be moisturizing your skin twice a day. In the morning you need to be using your daytime moisturizer with at least SPF 15. Before you go to bed you need to use a night cream, something richer than your daytime moisturizer that will actually give back moisture to your face. I'm a huge fan of Kiehl's, as you know, and I love their Ultra Facial Cream. This can be used in the day, but is a rich enough formula for night time. Each line has different options for night creams, so you can find one for the stage your skin is at. If you are in your 20's 30's you need to use one that will really moisturize, this will help prevent dehydration lines that make you look older than you are and help prevent the aging process. As you get in your 40's and up you need to be using something that will firm your skin and reduce signs of aging (not that any of you fabulous readers have those signs). You can spend anywhere from $20 to $200 and up on a face cream, so here are a few of the top ones and my favorites.
Oil of Olay Regenerist Cream: This has been compared to top face creams on the market and you can buy it at a drug store. It has a bit of a fragrance, but works well!
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (and other products): You won't be disappointed with Kiehl's- great products at a great price point.
Creme de La Mer: You have to warm this between your fingertips before applying so it can give it's "soothing" effect. This is a top selling face cream, so if you are willing to spend $100+ it is a superb choice!
Giorgio Armani Crema Nera: A 1.7 ounce jar is $275, but I absolutely love this face cream! It has a different texture than your basic face cream, and during the time I used this I loved the way my skin looked and felt. It is classified as "anti aging" but anyone can use it, after all aren't we all trying to look younger?!
Other lines worth checking out: Neutrogena, Clinique, Lancome, Philosophy and Bliss
Remember, even if you have oily skin you need to moisturize...you must! Many moisturizers and creams on the market are oil free, so look for those.
Oil of Olay Regenerist Cream: This has been compared to top face creams on the market and you can buy it at a drug store. It has a bit of a fragrance, but works well!
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (and other products): You won't be disappointed with Kiehl's- great products at a great price point.
Creme de La Mer: You have to warm this between your fingertips before applying so it can give it's "soothing" effect. This is a top selling face cream, so if you are willing to spend $100+ it is a superb choice!
Giorgio Armani Crema Nera: A 1.7 ounce jar is $275, but I absolutely love this face cream! It has a different texture than your basic face cream, and during the time I used this I loved the way my skin looked and felt. It is classified as "anti aging" but anyone can use it, after all aren't we all trying to look younger?!
Other lines worth checking out: Neutrogena, Clinique, Lancome, Philosophy and Bliss
Remember, even if you have oily skin you need to moisturize...you must! Many moisturizers and creams on the market are oil free, so look for those.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Tuesday Tip: Brushes
I have had many readers and clients ask me what brushes are the best ones to buy...so here it is!
Brushes you need for basic everyday makeup:
Foundation Brush (unless you use your fingers or a sponge)
Powder Brush (for powder and bronzer)
Blush Brush
2 Eyeshadow Brushes (one that is densly packed for applying color, one that is fluffier to blend and apply lighter colors with)
Lip Brush (only if you use glosses in pots or want a more sheer look from your lipstick)
Brands:
If you want to invest a good amount of money:
Trish McEvoy (she's known for her brushes)
MAC (lots of choices)
Bobbi Brown (great brushes, two options for handles-long or short)
Giorgio Armani (their blender brush is the BEST foundation brush, the other brushes are comparable to other lines)
If you want a steal:
Ecotools (you can purchase at Walgreens or Ulta, sold individually or in sets and green friendly)
Sephora (you can spend a little or a lot of money here, lots of good options)
The main thing when purchasing brushes is to feel the texture of them...you want a soft brush touching your face everyday, right?! If it feels crunchy put it back on the shelf. While more expensive brushes will last longer, inexpensive ones will do the trick and last if you take care of them. Remember, you don't have to be loyal to one line when it comes to brushes unless you want all of yours to match perfectly, mine are from all different lines!
Brushes you need for basic everyday makeup:
Foundation Brush (unless you use your fingers or a sponge)
Powder Brush (for powder and bronzer)
Blush Brush
2 Eyeshadow Brushes (one that is densly packed for applying color, one that is fluffier to blend and apply lighter colors with)
Lip Brush (only if you use glosses in pots or want a more sheer look from your lipstick)
Brands:
If you want to invest a good amount of money:
Trish McEvoy (she's known for her brushes)
MAC (lots of choices)
Bobbi Brown (great brushes, two options for handles-long or short)
Giorgio Armani (their blender brush is the BEST foundation brush, the other brushes are comparable to other lines)
If you want a steal:
Ecotools (you can purchase at Walgreens or Ulta, sold individually or in sets and green friendly)
Sephora (you can spend a little or a lot of money here, lots of good options)
The main thing when purchasing brushes is to feel the texture of them...you want a soft brush touching your face everyday, right?! If it feels crunchy put it back on the shelf. While more expensive brushes will last longer, inexpensive ones will do the trick and last if you take care of them. Remember, you don't have to be loyal to one line when it comes to brushes unless you want all of yours to match perfectly, mine are from all different lines!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Everything You Need To Know About Concealer
Concealer is a small thing that makes a huge difference! Since I've had a few readers ask me about it I've decided to share my favorite brands and what you should look for when purchasing one here. A little concealer can cover those unwanted blemishes, cancel out redness or darkness under your eyes, and brighten your skin. If you don't use concealer I hope that this will inspire you to find one!
First, when looking for a concealer decide what your main goal is. Are you wanting to hide dark circles under your eyes, or to cover blemishes? There are two different types of concealers, so you need to get the one that will solve your main beauty delima, and then know that the one you buy can work anywhere on your face. For example if you only have an under eye concealer and a blemish shows up one day you can still use that concealer on it, and it works the other way around.
If you are looking to cover dark circles under your eyes and some redness on your face go with a creamy/liquid consistency of concealer like Trish McEvoy Correct and Brighten. I love this product, it was my lifesaver last winter when my eyes were looking dark and tired thanks to being in my mid-twenties and artic temperatures! Once I added this little treasure to my makeup collection my skin looked brighter and more even. It is limited in colors, and mine exploded last week so I'm feeling a little betrayed by Trish, but I'll get over it and will soon buy a new one! The Flawless Concealer in Trish McEvoy's line has more color options if you want to stick to that line. Two other under eye concealers that work great are: MAC Select Cover-Up or Giorgio Armani High Precision Retouch. By having a liquid or creamy consistency you will not dry out your eye area.
If you are wanting to cover blemishes go with a thick concealer that has a pancake consistency (something that is solid and packed into a container). By using a thick consistency it will stay in place and adhere to the blemishes you are trying to cover so that they stay covered. Try Make Up For Ever Camouflage Cream.
A few extra tips: Remember less is more...the more concealer you cake on the more obvious your imperfections are. Take a minimalist approach and add more as needed.
Make sure your concealer matches your skin, it needs to blend in, not be lighter or darker. If you can't find one to match perfectly, go with the one that is barely lighter.
You can apply concealer with a synthetic brush or your fingers, it's up to you.
When applying concealer under your eyes bring the concealer out to the far corners of your eyes and also apply a little on the inner corners of your eyes to brighten the shadows that can happen where your nose bridge is.
Remember to use concealer after foundation- it will stay in place better and you will use less because your foundation does cover quite a bit.
In addition to concealer you can use a color corrector to cancel out discoloration on your skin. I will share more about this in a later blog.
Have fun finding a concealer, once you get a great one and see the magic that can happen with it you'll be hooked...I promise!
First, when looking for a concealer decide what your main goal is. Are you wanting to hide dark circles under your eyes, or to cover blemishes? There are two different types of concealers, so you need to get the one that will solve your main beauty delima, and then know that the one you buy can work anywhere on your face. For example if you only have an under eye concealer and a blemish shows up one day you can still use that concealer on it, and it works the other way around.
If you are looking to cover dark circles under your eyes and some redness on your face go with a creamy/liquid consistency of concealer like Trish McEvoy Correct and Brighten. I love this product, it was my lifesaver last winter when my eyes were looking dark and tired thanks to being in my mid-twenties and artic temperatures! Once I added this little treasure to my makeup collection my skin looked brighter and more even. It is limited in colors, and mine exploded last week so I'm feeling a little betrayed by Trish, but I'll get over it and will soon buy a new one! The Flawless Concealer in Trish McEvoy's line has more color options if you want to stick to that line. Two other under eye concealers that work great are: MAC Select Cover-Up or Giorgio Armani High Precision Retouch. By having a liquid or creamy consistency you will not dry out your eye area.
If you are wanting to cover blemishes go with a thick concealer that has a pancake consistency (something that is solid and packed into a container). By using a thick consistency it will stay in place and adhere to the blemishes you are trying to cover so that they stay covered. Try Make Up For Ever Camouflage Cream.
A few extra tips: Remember less is more...the more concealer you cake on the more obvious your imperfections are. Take a minimalist approach and add more as needed.
Make sure your concealer matches your skin, it needs to blend in, not be lighter or darker. If you can't find one to match perfectly, go with the one that is barely lighter.
You can apply concealer with a synthetic brush or your fingers, it's up to you.
When applying concealer under your eyes bring the concealer out to the far corners of your eyes and also apply a little on the inner corners of your eyes to brighten the shadows that can happen where your nose bridge is.
Remember to use concealer after foundation- it will stay in place better and you will use less because your foundation does cover quite a bit.
In addition to concealer you can use a color corrector to cancel out discoloration on your skin. I will share more about this in a later blog.
Have fun finding a concealer, once you get a great one and see the magic that can happen with it you'll be hooked...I promise!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Favorite Foundations
I think that one of the most frequent questions I'm asked is, "what kind of foundation do you use?" So, here are the foundations I use on myself and my clients. They make your skin look flawless and stay put...because after all, who has time for constant touch ups?
Make Up For Ever Face and Body Liquid Foundation
Make Up For Ever is sold at Sephora and is a fabulous line out of Paris. This is a professional line with quite the following, and the reason is the products really do what they say they will. This is a light to medium coverage foundation that I apply with a wedge sponge. I use this on all my brides because it is waterproof, so I've seen it last through tears, heat, and lots of humidity. The two colors I use the most are #20 and #34.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Having worked for Giorgio Armani Cosmetics I've seen the results of this foundation on many different skin types. The colors in this specific foundation have a beige undertone which allows them to blend well on skin tones. The foundation creates flawless looking skin because of its "microfil technology." It gives light to medium coverage. The trick to using foundation is to purchase the Giorgio Armani blender brush, it is the only foundation brush that will truly blend in foundation so that it appears airbrushed. My only complaint with this foundation is that it tends to shift on me, mostly in heat, so I only wear this during the winter when my skin needs more of a luminous glow.
Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF 20
I feel like this foundation is a step up from the Luminous Silk Foundation. It has UV and SPF protection. It also stays in place due to the matte finish it creates. I love the coverage and staying power, the colors weren't my favorite at first but have grown on me. This foundation gives medium coverage and still makes skin look flawless when applied with the blender brush. Its a foundation I can wear all day during all seasons.
Remember, before you invest in a foundation, no matter what brand, try it out. Have a makeup artist at the store match your color and wear it all day and in different light to be sure you like it. You will see how well it lasts on your skin and if you like the color even when you are in your car in the sun rather than under lights at a makeup counter. Happy foundation shopping, if you try one of these out let me know what you think!
Make Up For Ever Face and Body Liquid Foundation
Make Up For Ever is sold at Sephora and is a fabulous line out of Paris. This is a professional line with quite the following, and the reason is the products really do what they say they will. This is a light to medium coverage foundation that I apply with a wedge sponge. I use this on all my brides because it is waterproof, so I've seen it last through tears, heat, and lots of humidity. The two colors I use the most are #20 and #34.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Having worked for Giorgio Armani Cosmetics I've seen the results of this foundation on many different skin types. The colors in this specific foundation have a beige undertone which allows them to blend well on skin tones. The foundation creates flawless looking skin because of its "microfil technology." It gives light to medium coverage. The trick to using foundation is to purchase the Giorgio Armani blender brush, it is the only foundation brush that will truly blend in foundation so that it appears airbrushed. My only complaint with this foundation is that it tends to shift on me, mostly in heat, so I only wear this during the winter when my skin needs more of a luminous glow.
Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF 20
I feel like this foundation is a step up from the Luminous Silk Foundation. It has UV and SPF protection. It also stays in place due to the matte finish it creates. I love the coverage and staying power, the colors weren't my favorite at first but have grown on me. This foundation gives medium coverage and still makes skin look flawless when applied with the blender brush. Its a foundation I can wear all day during all seasons.
Remember, before you invest in a foundation, no matter what brand, try it out. Have a makeup artist at the store match your color and wear it all day and in different light to be sure you like it. You will see how well it lasts on your skin and if you like the color even when you are in your car in the sun rather than under lights at a makeup counter. Happy foundation shopping, if you try one of these out let me know what you think!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Glowing Skin Every Day
I visited my good friend Kara last fall in New York City. We went to the original Bliss Spa in Soho one morning for facials, and for the record it was one of the best facials I've ever had. If you ever have a chance to use Bliss products or visit their spa I highly recommend it. The spa was fun and relaxing and their products are quality, reasonably priced, and of course fun! After our spa excursion we were off to brunch in Soho with one of her friends Jeremy. After a few minutes of conversation and placing our orders with the waiter, Jeremy mentioned that our skin was glowing. He kind of stared at us for a minute and turned to me and asked if it was the Oklahoma humidity causing the gorgeous glow. Kara and I burst into laughter and explained how we had facials earlier that morning. While we can't all live in southern humidity or visit Bliss Spa everyday, there are a few products that can create that fabulous glow.
Benefit High Beam- apply to cheekbone on top of foundation and set with a loose powder
Armani Fluid Sheer- you can mix these with your foundation for an all over glow or apply to your cheekbones and forehead for more of a highlight. These come in a wide range of colors which allows you to choose what works best for your skin tone or the time of year. Also set with a lightweight loose powder.
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick- apply at the end of makeup application on top of powder to cheek bones, you can use on your forehead and nose for an extra glow. These are great and come in a variety of colors, I use my gold toned one on all of my brides!
Benefit High Beam- apply to cheekbone on top of foundation and set with a loose powder
Armani Fluid Sheer- you can mix these with your foundation for an all over glow or apply to your cheekbones and forehead for more of a highlight. These come in a wide range of colors which allows you to choose what works best for your skin tone or the time of year. Also set with a lightweight loose powder.
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick- apply at the end of makeup application on top of powder to cheek bones, you can use on your forehead and nose for an extra glow. These are great and come in a variety of colors, I use my gold toned one on all of my brides!
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