Tuesday Tip: Use an Eye Cream

If you are reading this blog then you need to be using an eye cream. I started using an eye cream at age 21 and as far as I'm concerned I should have started at 20...the skin around your eyes is thinner and dryer than the rest of the skin on your face. There is more wear and tear around the eyes, just think about when you tug on your eyes to apply eye makeup or remove it, or when you just rub your eyes because you are sleepy.

Using an eye cream keeps this delicate area hydrated. By using an eye cream at a young age you will be preventing wrinkles. As you get older and see fine lines and wrinkles you can switch to a more intense cream that will reduce the appearance of those lines. No matter what your age you need an eye cream. I promise once you get in the habit of using one you'll be hooked. Here are a few great options that will moisturize (I use eye cream at night year round, but in these extra cold months I apply it in the morning as well.)

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Cream (this was my first eye cream to use)

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado (my current favorite)

Dermalogica Total Eye Care (great skin care line, can be bought at Sephora and some department stores)

When applying you only need a pea size amount, use your ring fingers to lightly apply the eye cream around your eyes. Start under the eyes and go around to the inner part of your eyebrows.

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!

Tuesday Tip: Get Organized!

With the New Year coming in a few days I feel like now is the perfect time to clean out old makeup and organize my products. If you can find your makeup easily you are more likely to use it and enjoy using it. So, take time to go through your makeup and toss stuff that is old, or looks gross...remember mascara only lasts about 2 months tops, foundations and lip products have a 2-3 year shelf life. Powder based products last the longest, so use your judgment when looking at them.

Once you've gotten rid of any makeup that shouldn't belong, get organized...use small baskets or boxes in your makeup drawer to organize your makeup. I like to have my blush and powder in a basket, foundation and concealer in one, and eye products in another. I have multiple foundations, blush, and eye shadows, so that works for me. Use cute cups for your brushes, lip gloss and eye and lip pencils...I have 3 cups, one for lip products, one for eye products and one for brushes. So, find a way to make it work with what you have.

If you keep your makeup in a makeup bag think about using a smaller bag within your big bag. And be sure to empty out that big makeup bag so you can empty it of any pencil shavings and eye shadow powder.

Ulta has great makeup containers, so does The Container Store. You can always go to Wal-Mart to find small drawer sets for your countertop, or plastic baskets and tubs. Happy organizing!