Foundation Faux

For as long as I can remember, I’ve used a heavy foundation to try to cover-up my “imperfections”. Being of Irish and Scottish decent, I have been blessed with freckles galore. Of course I have learned to ‘work em’, but sometimes I just feel that one day I wish I’d wake up and they’d be gone and I would then be left with amazingly clear skin like Emma Stone or Jennifer Aniston. So, since I know this will never EVER happen, I’m gonna continue to work with what the good Lord gave me.

Foundation can be so deceiving when applied all over the face. You think covering the entire surface with an even layer of foundation would be the right thing to do, when actually, it’s so outdated. Hey! The 80′s called and want their foundation application back!

I have found, when I apply my favorite foundation (Dior) to only the areas of my face that are in need of it the most, I actually look more fresh and radiant looking. All my natural highlights have appeared and I feel even better knowing I don’t have a ton of makeup on my face.

Here’s how:

1) I apply a drop of foundation to my hand and take my finger and dollop a small amount onto my cheeks, nose, eyelids (the tiniest bit), and chin. I avoid my forehead at this time only because it’s an area I’m not concerned about covering.

2) I then take my foundation brush and blend the dollops into the areas of concern for coverage and blend out to make sure that there are not any lines from the brush.I like to make sure my cheek and nose area are well blended to help with covering of the many-a freckles. I blend a touch of the foundation on my eyelid and chin area to help with the darker pigmentation I tend to have.

3) I try to avoid the forehead and temple area and the lower sides of my face just because, again, these are not areas of great concern when I am using my foundation and want to keep some of that natural highlight.

4) And there you have it! I have covered my areas of concern, but haven’t gone overboard to where I look like a caked up mess. Ain’t good. But these are just my problem areas and yours can be completely different. Heck! You probably don’t need foundation at all! But I wanted to show you how if you like a bit more coverage without it looking like a lot this is how you can go about it.

Have you tried this technique before? If so, how did you like it? What’s your best way of putting on foundation? Heck, what’s your favorite foundation? (Always curious hehe)

Wedding Day Bliss

Yesterday, one of my dearest friends, Meghan Marie, got married in Costa Rica. I couldn’t be happier for her and her soon-to-be new man! I, unfortunately, had to hang back in the states due to a foot surgery I am recovering from. So. Sad. 

A few months back, I lucky enough to do her makeup for her engagement photos and we had the best time talking and catching up and she gave me some insight into her makeup routine for her everyday lifestyle. Let me just start by saying, she has amazing skin lucky and hardly needs any makeup at all. She usually will throw on a little concealer, mascara, cheek highlight, and she is out the door. She’s a very laid back gal and when I heard she chose Costa Rica as her wedding getaway, I knew it was the perfect spot for this perfect couple.

Costa Rica is the perfect place to have a laid back, tropical themed wedding. So for her wedding day look and for any beach wedding makeup inspiration, here is what I would do to get the perfect look:

1) Foundation For the hot summer days, the last thing you want is your face running down your couture.I would start by using a primer to keep the makeup from coming off throughout the day. I would opt for one of the new BB or CC Cream’s or an airbrush foundation, like the Dior Airflash . A light foundation will make you feel like your not wearing a ton of makeup and feel more like your own skin.

2) Concealer I start by putting an eye primer round the eye so in a few hours you don’t have any creasing. Use a light amount of concealer all around the eye to mask the late nights and long days of wedding planning that you’ve endured. If you have super dark circles under your eyes, use an orange based concealer to cover the blue tones under the eyes.

3) Powder Use a loose powder just on the T-Zone area and on the eyes. This way you’re not covering up the natural highlights on the cheeks.

4) Blush I love using a little bronzer/blush/highlight combo on the cheeks. I start with a  few sweeps of bronzer below the cheek bone and in the temple to structure the face. First smile, this way you get an idea of the cheek bone and you dust the blush slightly along the bone towards the apples of the cheeks. I’m so in love with NARS’ Sin blush right now! For the highlight, I love using a sweep of the creamy Benefit Watt’s Up along the upper cheek bone to in a half circle to the brow bone. You’ll look instantly refreshed with these few steps.

5) Eyes For a beach inspired wedding you want to keep it as simple as possible. Use an eye primer to prevent creasing in the hot outdoors. Use the a slight iridescent white and dust a small amount on the middle of your eyelid alone. Then dust a small amount in the inner corner of the eye which makes the eye appear more open. Then take your thin liner brush and dip into a black gel liner and line the upper water line and the upper eye line and   brush the liner to the edge and make a slight cat-eye. Finish off the eye makeup with a few strokes of luxurious mascara on the top lashes to really make your eyes pop.

6) Brows I am obsessed with eyebrows and secretly hope to change the world one brow at a time. Teehee. I take my brow liner and start at the middle of the brow and line the outside with light strokes, then I line the first part of the brow just slightly. I fill in the brow with a little brow powder. I then take a little brow concealer and run a it along the edge and blend to create a sharp, lined brow .

7) Lips You don’t want to go to over the top here. A little pinky nude gloss or lipstick or both would be fabulous. You want to keep the look very simple and elegant. A lip liner can be used, but isn’t required. It’s totally your preference.

What’s your perfect wedding look? What’s your favorite beach look?

Werk.It.Out

As I got up this morning ready to do a little “posting”, I really just wanted to throw myhair up in a nappy bun, throw on some concealer and mascara, and just hit the road (starbucks included). Yes, I know that as a makeup artist I’m not supposed to reveal certain daily routines that don’t involve lights, cameras, and….action?? But let’s get real for a second…I’m way too human for being glitz and glam 24/7. Shocker, I know.

After waking up this morning (after an amazing night of sleep), I really wanted to get funky with my makeup bag. A lot of the time, I find myself wearing a cat eye and nothing else. It’s simple, but yet glam all in one. This NARS liquid liner is my new fave when making a low-key Amy Winehouse look yep I said it. I used a nude colored eyeshadow all over my lid and then followed my natural eye shape until the outer corner where I started to wing it out ever so slightly. You can make it as thick or as winged out as you like. That’s the beauty of making it your own, ladies! Lastly, I layered on my fave mascara and then took a step back from the mirror to then see that something was definitely missing.

I haven’t used this liner in a long time and I would have to say it is the most fabulous shade of blue I’ve been able to find in an eye liner. So I decided to rock.it.out. and line the bottom part of my eye to make the look really pop without going over board for my corporate job during the week that’s a whole other story. It was exactly what I needed to put an extra pep in my step today and who woulda thought, I got a few compliments on it too. Not too shabby. 

So just a reminder gals, definitely don’t shy away of any type of colors out there! You’ll never know when it might actually turn your whole day around. Oh yea, and it’s Thursday so don’t be afraid to hit the town after work with your bright-eyed, bushy-tailed self. You.look.fabulous!

My Three Loves

As the seasons change, along with my skin and makeup routine, I wanted to do a post about some of my fave products that I’m uber loving right meow (yes, I said meow c/o my dear friend Lisa). Much like you all, overtime my skin gets worn down by certain products and the changing of weather definitely calls for a change in routine, or just a need to spend money on new things hehe. Spring/Summer is upon us, especially down here in sunny sweaty Florida, so I wanted to focus a little on some great products and techniques for having great skin, makeup, and overall great health for the changing scorching season. Here are a few things I’m currently in love with:

I got a sample of this little number and can I just say “WOW”?!?! I think I immediately fell in love. I love contouring the cheeks with dark and light techniques, and this Watt’s Up by Benefit sent the highlighting to a whole new level. I sweep it on my cheekbones and under my brow, along the top of my nose and on my cupids bow and I feel like a million bucks!

This is my new secret weapon for Summer! My friend Lisa is my partner in crime when it comes to makeup. We could literally talk all day about it and never get bored (maybe annoy the people around us, but never bored). She turned me on to this product just recently and I have never been happier! The PTR Complexion Corrector Cream is perfect in the fact that it helps with anti-aging, has 30 SPF, and helps fight free radicals to help keep your complexion looking radiant all through the day.

I have found the magic to a fabulous looking manicure, no. lie. This top coat by essie is the king of kings! I have tried, what feels like, a million different top coats to get my nails to not chip, not break, and try and stay shiny. All fails. My gal-pal Keira bought me this for my recent birthday (along with some other amazing goodies I’m going to need to post about) and I haven’t looked back. I’m on day three of no chips, breaks, or dullness and in my mani book, that is a score! I have to say that my nails never looked better at good, ole 27! 

Oh, Hello There!

Hey y’all! It has been a hot minute since I’ve posted anything, but life got in the way, makeup jobs, etc etc. I also felt I had to do some reevaluating of myself and this blog and really find what I want out of my career and also this blog. I’ve had my up and downs with trying to figure out “what I wanna be when I grow up” and it’s been a road, but I think I’ve found my calling. I’ve loved makeup since I was a little girl and I just can’t imagine truning back now. I’ve got great friends and family with all the support in the world, so I know deep down I still have these “anxiety driven reservations”, honestly, I think I’m gonna be ok.

So the moral of this post is, STAY TUNED for what’s to come! I’ve got some great reviews in store, along with tips, tricks, and pretty much everything makeup in-between! Love you all and thank you for sticking with me on this amazing journey!

Grammy’s 2013

As the awards season is in full swing, I waited impatiently for The Grammy’s to commence this past Sunday night. Like many award shows, you watch as the stars walk the red carpet and have a nail-biting moment to see if their name will be called for them to accept their award, but The Grammy’s gives a little more umph to the evening. I know that the Grammy’s are going to include the top hits from pop to country and have mind blowing performances that will leave you wanting more.

This year, they announced a lock-down on the fashion for the red carpet, which included no see-through dresses and less skin exposure. Well…I don’t know about you, but I look forward to seeing “Lady Gaga inspired” crazy outfits from the music world. I was pleasantly surprised in the gorgeous outfits that turned out to be just as fabulous with or without the exposure.

Here are some of my top picks for makeup, hair, and the gorgeous gowns…..oh my!! 

    

                                     

 

Hands down, Jennifer Lopez had it goin’ on from head to toe. Loved her bronzed makeup and tight bun.

Who were your favorites of the evening?? Who do you think had the best makeup and hair??

Golden Globes 2013

Tags

Best Dressed, Golden Globes 2013, Hair, makeup, Red Carpet

If you’re anything like me, you were probably counting down the hours, waiting patiently for the nights glitz and glam to arrive on the infamous red carpet for this years Golden Globe Awards. Uh, I can’t hardly stand the excitement from seeing all the talented stars get all prettified for one of the biggest nights in Hollywood! As a little girl, you would have thought the world had ended the way I was glued to the television for the evening. My mom and I would always watch and gab about the awards together. It was so fun watching all the stars look so incredibly perfect, and some not so perfect, with their hair and makeup all done up and looking oh-so fabulous in their designer gowns and suits.

After watching the awards, I would always tell myself I’m going to take the leap and move to Hollywood to become a huge start just like them. I was determined! Well, that didn’t happen (I still have hope), but I think I’m getting pretty close with my career path these days. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll be lucky enough to do one or ten of these fabulous stars’ makeup for the evening.  

Until then, here are my top picks for all around best dressed for the night.

  

 

Who were your favorites of the evening? Who were the worst?

Nursing The New Year

First off I want to say I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I noticed that every New Year’s Day I find myself to have the same symptoms close to death and I can’t figure out how I got there. Yes….I’m talking about the infamous yearly hangover. The kind that you can’t pull yourself out of bed, your head won’t stop throbbing and the room won’t stop spinning. I can’t think of anything worse, but I do it to myself every year. Craziness!

So, I thought I would give a few tips on how to nurse yourself back to health the next day after a big night out and make yourself look, well, normal and just as fabulous as the New Year.

1. When you wake up the next morning, immediately start sipping a gatorade, or better yet, Smart Water. The electrolytes in it will start replenish what you’ve lost from all the alcohol.

2. Take two aspirin. This will help stop the headache and pains.

3. Put two green tea bags and soak in water. Then place in the freezer for a few minutes so they get super cold. Take out of the freezer, lye down and place tea bags on the eyelids. The caffeine in the tea bags will help reduce the puffiness and swelling that can be caused from dehydration that comes from drinking alcohol. I don’t know about you, but the morning after my eyes are pretty much swollen shut so not attractive.

4.  Take a hot shower and EXFOLIATE. Yea, I said it. Probably the last thing you want to do when your head feels like it may explode, but you’ll thank me in the end. When you exfoliate your body, you’re stimulating the blood flow in your body, which in turn gets your heart pumping and starts to release the toxins. Not to mention, your skin will be glowing and feel amazing too.

I hope these little tips help with your next big night out, big next day in (hehe). It’s really no laughing matter when it comes down to it. I’ve personally been there, tried many-a remedy to help me in dire need no judgement and come out looking like a shiny new penny, so I can definitely say these were the best tricks of the trade that I found most helpful.

What have some of your at home remedies been to help bring yourself back to life?

Black and White

I was feeling a little creative this week and decided to use my hands for a little inspiration. About this time of year, I find myself wanting to get dressier and fancier with my style. Last night, as I was cleaning house and drinking a little vino of course, I wanted to let me decorating flag fly as the holiday season usually brings it out in me. I went to my local fabric store the other day and stocked up on many-a-items and among them were tiny black rhinestones and pearls. I knew the moment I saw them what I wanted to do. The possibilities are endless with these items and I love how there is no right or wrong to it. I’ve never really gone the extra mile in decorating my nails, but given this festive holiday approaching and with a little GaGa inspiration, I took the plunge.

Have you ever decorated your nails for a specific holiday or event? Or just because? What are some of your favorite nail decorating looks?

Confined Spaces

Living in a small apartment definitely comes with its pros and cons. Pro: I love the quant feeling that small paces have to offer. There are endless possibilities of how to decorate and to know exactly what you have, mainly because you don’t have a lot of storage room. Con: A small bathroom is where it gets tricky for me. I spend  A LOT of time in the bathroom applying makeup, of course, so I need all the space I can get to work with the plethora of products I have. Mind you, plethora is a major understatement. I find myself organizing all the time, but then a few months later I get so caught up with work and ,well, life that my once pristine counter-top has become a hot hot mess.

I have had my fair share of frustrations with trying to organize my bathroom counter. Organizing my “most-used” products (deodorant, perfume, etc) for the counter-top and keeping all those other “non-sharing” (if you’re a woman, you know what I’m talking about) products underneath the sink. I have a ton when I say ton I mean I’m kind of a makeup hoarder of makeup and trying to get all that organized is a job in itself. Taking the time to organize all your makeup and counter-top goods makes all that frustration of small spaces totally worth it, right?? Well, at least it all looks fabulous for the tiny space I’m working with.

My crazy counter-top mess before

The fabulous aftermath

 

Do you have a smaller bathroom? What are some of the tricks you have for confined spaces?