Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

My Fav’s Right Now

December 12, 2010

My skin is much more dry and dull in the winter.  I thought I would share my favs right now for the winter season!

The Tarte ReCreate anti-aging foundation is creamy and moisturizing.  The coverage is great to cover up my dull skin and brighten it up.  The holding power is awesome, it doesn’t come off throughout the day.  Definitely a MUST for winter!!  Even though I am still in my twenties (at least for another  few weeks!), it is never too soon to use anti-aging products.  I have been using eye cream since I was 20!  Tarte is available at Ulta or Sephora and it costs $37 – but it’ll last you a while.

This foundation brush from Eco Tools is a STEAL.  I have spent $70+ dollars for a good foundation brush and I got this one for a whopping $6.99!!  I wasn’t expecting to like it – I was traveling and wanted to take a cheap foundation brush with me so I didn’t lose one of my expensive ones.  Glad I bought it because now I am using this everyday.  It doesn’t soak up product so you won’t waste any and it blends foundation very nicely with no streaking.  I give it an A+!  Available at Ulta.

The limited edition Urban Decay 24/7 Jackpot liners are available at Sephora.  I actually bought this for my kit but it’s found it’s way to my personal stash (guess I have to buy another one – oops!).  They are fantastic for a little punch of color on the lids when in a hurry or to bump up your everyday look into an evening look.  These liners don’t budge at all, are easy to apply and the colors are fabulous.  My fav is Ransom, a bright purple that isn’t too overbearing when on the lids.  They are also great liners for the waterline.  A+++ $39 at Sephora.

I got a sample of this Lip Fusion lipgloss in Bare.  It has plumping technology and I actually noticed it a little bit.  The color is awesome for a little bit of a nude shimmer with a punch of peach.  Looks great with the purple Ransom eyeliner from Urban Decay.  It gives my lips moisture, doesn’t feel sticky, and stays on quite well.  This color reminds me of cold rosy cheeks! Available at Sephora.

Airbrush Myths Debunked!

September 6, 2010

I hear all sorts of things when people hear about airbrush makeup, some are totally ridiculous and some things I hear were true at one point but not anymore.  So, let me clear up the air…

Airbrush Makeup Is Cakey

This one is the complete opposite of the truth.  I can see where people would think this since the makeup is essentially being put on by a power tool.  Truth is that the foundation is sprayed on so lightly that it looks like your real skin and is the ultimate tool in replicating skin texture….let alone the mere advantages of the silicone and waterproof capabilities.

Airbrush Foundation Is Not Good For Mature Skin

Once upon a time, this was true.  The makeup would settle into fine lines and wrinkles.  Now with the advancements that have been made with the foundations, this is no longer an issue.  It also takes a trained artist to know how to apply to mature skin but Maris and I are trained how to do it so no more worries!

Airbrush Foundation Looks Light In Pictures

This is the most absurd myth I have heard yet.  Obviously the person who started this had a bad artist who didn’t match her skin properly and then blamed it on airbrush makeup.  SO not true!

You Can Powder Over Airbrush Foundation As Much As You Want

Absolutely Not!  You have to powder after the application to set it but that should be done by a MUA who has special finely milled powder.  Always use blotting papers instead of powder – if you have to powder, you can, but maybe only 1x.

Let me know if there are any other myths you have heard about airbrush and I will be happy to answer them!  Airbrush makeup is perfect for any event including weddings!

The writers at endlessbeauty.com reached out to me to give some expert advice on makeup hygiene.   I was glad to since it is one of my pet peeves! :)

Check out the article here:

http://endlessbeauty.com/articles/how-dirty-your-makeup

I see a lot of wedding photos…A LOT.  I’m as bad as a bride stalking blogs to see when the pictures are finally posted that I have worked on.

Lately, I have run into brides that are skimping on their photographer or they are going with big companies that randomly assign a photographer without ever seeing their work.  Huge mistake….usually.  When I hear a big company name, I usually know that their pictures won’t be used in my portfolio because I do have a high standard.  Now it’s not always the case but I would say most of the time (like 90% of the time!)

Message is, don’t be cheap with your photographer or not do your homework.  I have worked on weddings that had amazing colors, amazing décor and wardrobe but I see their wedding pictures and I feel so bad for them because I know there is no way they thought their photographer through.

Some people think that if there is a big company name – it means great photos and a fair price.  Just because you go with an independent doesn’t make mean you will pay more than using a big company, trust me – it will probably cost you less.  A lot of the bigger companies have so many hidden costs that you aren’t even aware of and they get you in the end.  And not meeting your photographer first is just flat out crazy.  I have met some photographers that I didn’t even want to spend the 2 hours with while I was doing makeup, let alone the WHOLE day!

If you are currently contracted with a big company, haven’t even met your photographer and you are unsure of it – lose your deposit and book another one.  It will be worth it in the end.  There are 2 very important things that will last the rest of your life…your pictures from your wedding day and how you look in them.  Don’t skimp on either!

If you need some suggestions for GREAT photographers that are in the Chicagoland area, here are a few of my favorites!  You will love them, promise!

www.karaschultz.com

www.redwallphotography.com

www.heatherparker.com

www.jeremylawsonphotography.com (I haven’t had the pleasure of working with Jeremy yet but his pics are fabulous and he is quite hilarious on twitter!)

Cupid’s Bow

July 27, 2010

It’s said that the Cupid’s bow is a facial feature where the double curve of a human upper lip is said to resemble the bow of Cupid. Sounds romantic and perhaps just the thing for your wedding day.  If your goal is to focus on your lips here are tips for your lips!

Red is the hot shade for lips this season, but reds are tricky. Skin tone has to be considered and reds must be tested before the big day.

Fair skin tones are best suited to a red with blue or brown undertones

 Medium to dark skin tones work best with deeper reds with a tinge of brown or tawny tones.

 

Dark skin tones work best with dramatic pinkish reds like fuchsia or reds with an orange base.

 

One more thing to consider – if your teeth are not brilliant white you can still wear red! Look for a red shade with blue undertones. Reds with a yellow or orange base will make teeth appear discolored.

Lips liners are still an essential tool but to keep the look current use a neutral shade prior to applying lipstick. Keep in mind that matte lips tend to overpower your face; high gloss can cheapen your look and light shimmer is the right touch!