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 Make Up For Ever. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Make Up For Ever. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Engagement Pictures
Click here to see my best friend's engagement pictures done by Benfield Photography a couple of weeks ago. The pictures turned out great despite the crazy Oklahoma weather that day...and the makeup looks fabulous. I used my usual Make Up For Ever Face and Body Liquid Foundation. I mixed 20 and 34 (two of my most popular colors). I love how her blush turned out, especially with the pink dress she wore...I used Nars blush because of how well it shows up. I loved the quarter lashes I used on her, it was my first time to do this rather than a full strip lash or flares...I LOVED the result! I will be stocking up on these! My favorite pics are the ones in the bookstore, such a fun and creative idea!
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, December 14, 2010
Tuesday Tip: Red Lips
The holiday season is the perfect time to do a red lip. Red lipstick goes perfect with a black cocktail dress or a great pair of jeans, pumps and cute top. You can do red lips year round, but there is something about flawless looking skin with a neutral eye and clean eyeliner and red lips during the winter. So here is the thing about red lipstick...you have to try out red lipstick before buying it, which means you can't just go to the drugstore and pick one...it's a disaster waiting to happen, trust me, I've tried!
When buying a red lipstick go to a makeup counter and try a few out, or go somewhere like Ulta or Sephora where you can test them yourself. Know that you'll probably have to try a few before you find the right one. Since lip color, especially red, can change a little as you wear it I suggest when you find one you like you wear it around for awhile. This way you can make sure it doesn't run, turn pink, or orange...and that you like the color on yourself in different light. If you're like me and your lips turn lip color pink go with a brown based red. I can put on brown lipstick and it looks red--really! If your lips turn color more orange or brown go with something more pink based.
Are you a little afraid of bold red lips? Then get a red gloss, it will go on sheer and add a little pop of color. While I love a bold matte red lip, I also like a sheer subtle red.
A few lines to go to for red lipstick: MAC, Nars, Bobbi Brown (for brown or plum reds), Make Up For Ever...let me know any other lines YOU recommend for red lipstick. Remember there is only one more day to comment on a post from this week (12/7-12/15) so you can be entered in the holiday giveaway!
Quick tip: to make sure your red lipstick stays in place line and fill in your lips with a lip pencil. I use neutral lip pencils even with red lipstick, that way it doesn't conflict with the red.
When buying a red lipstick go to a makeup counter and try a few out, or go somewhere like Ulta or Sephora where you can test them yourself. Know that you'll probably have to try a few before you find the right one. Since lip color, especially red, can change a little as you wear it I suggest when you find one you like you wear it around for awhile. This way you can make sure it doesn't run, turn pink, or orange...and that you like the color on yourself in different light. If you're like me and your lips turn lip color pink go with a brown based red. I can put on brown lipstick and it looks red--really! If your lips turn color more orange or brown go with something more pink based.
Are you a little afraid of bold red lips? Then get a red gloss, it will go on sheer and add a little pop of color. While I love a bold matte red lip, I also like a sheer subtle red.
A few lines to go to for red lipstick: MAC, Nars, Bobbi Brown (for brown or plum reds), Make Up For Ever...let me know any other lines YOU recommend for red lipstick. Remember there is only one more day to comment on a post from this week (12/7-12/15) so you can be entered in the holiday giveaway!
Quick tip: to make sure your red lipstick stays in place line and fill in your lips with a lip pencil. I use neutral lip pencils even with red lipstick, that way it doesn't conflict with the red.
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!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Tuesday Tip: Make Your Eyeshadow Pop
The general rule with eyeshadows is that the more money you invest in them the more pigmented they will be, meaning they have more color. Lines like MAC, Stila, Make Up For Ever and Nars are known for their bold colors that have great textures. If you want to make an eyeshadow stand out like those that you bought for less money here are tricks to make the color pop. Try one or all of these to see which one works best for you. You can also use these tricks with your pigmented shadows for extra drama, and who doesn't love a little drama?!
- Use an eyeshadow base like MAC Bare Canvas(it comes in a squeeze tube)
- Use a cream eyeshadow underneath your powder eyeshadow like Revlon Illuminance Cream Shadow (use a neutral color so it doesn't conflict with your eyeshadow)
- Apply concealer on your eyelid before applying eyeshadow
By applying a cream base to your lid it allows the eyeshadow to stick on to something...try one of these tricks and see the difference!
- Use an eyeshadow base like MAC Bare Canvas(it comes in a squeeze tube)
- Use a cream eyeshadow underneath your powder eyeshadow like Revlon Illuminance Cream Shadow (use a neutral color so it doesn't conflict with your eyeshadow)
- Apply concealer on your eyelid before applying eyeshadow
By applying a cream base to your lid it allows the eyeshadow to stick on to something...try one of these tricks and see the difference!
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!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
International Makeup Artist Tradeshow
I had the opportunity to attend the IMATS in Pasadena, California last month with a friend of mine and fellow makeup artist, Courtney. I was thrilled to be in sunny LA to check out the latest products and techniques. We spent two days going to seminars led by top makeup artists and walked the tradeshow floor multiple times to be sure we had bought every item on our lists and more! One memorable moment at the IMATS was attending a seminar led by Dany Sanz the founder and creator of one of my favorite lines, Make Up For Ever. She created a fabulous avante garde look on her model and led us through the steps and products she used. I had the pleasure of meeting her at the end of the day and found myself almost speechless in the midst of someone so creative and accomplished.
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