Category Archives: Makeup

MAC Cosmetics Marge Simpson Limited Edition Collection

(Photo Credit: MAC Cosmetics)
(Photo Credit: MAC Cosmetics)

If you ever wondered what Marge Simpson‘s beauty bag looked like then this new MAC Cosmetics collection is perfect for you. MAC Cosmetics is celebrating The Simpsons 25th anniversary by creating a 10 item collection in honor of the famous cartoon mom. The collection is a playful line that gives some fun colorful ideas to add into your kit. The 10 items include: two 4 piece eyeshadow palettes, blush, lipglass and false lashes. The colors are in shades of pink, purple, black and of course blue like her famous beehive hair with names like: Itchy & Scratchy & Sexy, Nacho Cheese Explosion and That Trillion Dollar Look. The packaging alone is worth showcasing the items in your beauty bag.

While you may not want to have a complete Marge makeover, one suggestion would be to add one of the fun colors to your look for a pop of fun color. As well as using a Marge Simpson lipglass shade on top of your neutral lip pencil to create a new color.

Those that attended Comic-Con in San Diego this past were the first to preview the makeup line before it hits the stores. The lines outside the MAC store were wrapped around the block, proving that this iconic character may not be Marilyn Monroe, or Barbie, but she has a huge following all her own. The attendees also were able to get Marge makeovers and see the Marge models, come to life as their favorite animated character.

The Marge Simpson makeup collection is available online on and in stores on September 4. It is a limited edition collection and will sell out fast both online and in stores.

Kim Kardashian’s Makeup Artist Shares her Wedding Day Look

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(Photo Credit: Instagram)

Kim Kardashian‘s wedding to Kanye West has been a huge story and following this past weekend.  Finally the wedding photos have been released and all have seen the bride in her gown and her gorgeous bridal look.  Her longtime makeup artist and friend Mario Dedivanovic is spilling his tips on creating her look for the wedding in Florence.

Mario saw the dress and took inspiration about her look from it. “I didn’t want to make too much of a statement with her makeup. We decided to go with something natural and timeless. I wanted to go with something clean and classic and I wanted her to look almost angelic.”

Talking to Australia’s Channel Nine breakfast show Mornings, Mario confirmed that Kim wanted her signature contoured makeup for the wedding, before explaining how he defined her cheekbones. “Contouring frames the face and chisels the cheeks. So basically it’s putting a little bit of bronzer on the hairline and jawline and on the hollows of the cheeks and the bridge of the nose. It thins out the face and gives warmth to the face. Sometimes it takes 20 minutes, sometimes an hour. The most important [tip] is to blend, blend, blend.”

On her skin he went with a radiant, dewy look. For her eyes he went with warm tones and a liquid eyeliner on the lids. Of course he enhanced her lashes with individual false lashes by Kardashian Beauty and Urban Decay Perversion mascara and made them pop as they always seem to do in photos of the star. For the ceremony her lips was a peachy pink and then at the reception they switched it for a classic nude lip using L’Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire in Nude Ballet.

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(Photo Credit: Instagram)
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(Photo Credit: Instagram)

Should You Use Beauty Oils?

beauty oilThere is always a new trending product or serum that becomes the rage and you see all the companies make their version of it.  But, that doesn’t always mean it is for your skin.

Beauty Oil seems to be the trending new skincare product that is all over.  I have tried a couple of oils especially in the dry months to aid against drier skin.  A few tips if you are thinking about using Beauty Oils and which ones you should use based on your skin.

A great way to add a little beauty oil into you regime without going crazy is to mix it with your moisturizer.  Especially in the daytime if you are using a moisturizer with SPF.

Press oils onto your skin, don’t rub them in.

Bought an oil but not loving it for your skin?  Don’t toss it, use oil on dry hair to tame fly-aways.  Keep in mind to use it lightly and not go heavy.  Or mix the oil with your body moisturizer.

Beauty Oils can curb the signs of aging as they deliver antioxidants.  They also can make your skin glow by delivering moisture and radiance to the skin.  If you have oily skin than go with light oils or one that says featherweight on it.  This way you get the benefits of oil without the heaviness.  Another way to utilize oil is trying the cleansing oils.  They deep cleanse and remove makeup while leaving skin soft and not stripping it.

Still not sure?  One place that is great for being able to try it out and they will send samples home with you is Sephora.

Bridal Makeup Trends for 2014 Spring

Carolina Herrera Bridal Spring Fashion Show 2014 (Photo Credit: Brides.com)
Carolina Herrera Bridal Spring Fashion Show 2014 (Photo Credit: Brides.com)

Bridal Makeup Trends always come from a number of factors,  Fashion Week, Celebrities, Red Carpet and the “it” colors.  Based off of these categories there are some certain trends that you will see on the bridal magazine covers and in photos trending.

Bridal Fashion Week had three of the most notable trends.

Cat Eye:  While this is not a new trend it is one that is here to stay.   A vintage retro look that works with many styles of brides looks and the cat eye can be subtle or dramatic based on the preference.

Pink Lips:  Carolina Herrera Bridal Show showcased the pink lip and rosy cheeks.  A romantic and fresh look that are flattering, easy to wear, and reapplying is super easy when it comes to touch ups.

Luminous Skin:  Diane Von Furstenburg‘s runway show had the best example of flawless luminous skin.  Gorgeous skin is always on trend and it looks like perfection in photos.  While everyone is not blessed with amazing skin, there are ways to achieve luminous skin using products.

Jessica Alba People Choice Awards 2014 (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Jessica Alba People Choice Awards 2014 (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Celebrities can create a trend with just one photo.  Think Jennifer Lopez and her amazing sun kissed Glow.

Jessica Alba set a trend when she walked the red carpet of the People Choice Awards this year.  A silver and grey smokey eye with a pink lip.

Taylor Swift is one gal that really does show a great face.  Her typical style is a red lip, matte foundation and a lighter eye so as not to compete with that lip.  A classic Hollywood glamour look that is gorgeous.

The ‘it” color of the year is chosen and for 2014 it is Radiant Orchid.  The color of the year will be used in bridesmaids gowns, color and decor themes and covers of the magazines.  The way you can translate it into bridal makeup is by purple hues of eye shadows.  It is a great color shadow for many, which makes this years “it” color a great makeup option.

While it is all about your style and what you feel comfortable wearing.  We all want gorgeous photos and you may need to wear a little more makeup than you are used to it is a balance.  A great makeup artist can help you find that balance and achieve a stunning look for your big day.

MAC Cosmetics Latest Collection: A Fantasy of Flowers

(Photo Credit: MAC Cosmetics)
(Photo Credit: MAC Cosmetics)

“A dream world bursting with brilliant blooms of colour.  A stunning bouquet of shades draw you in with hypnotic  movement as magical fantasy emerges glowing with a floral essence.  Rose coloured hues burst from lustrous Lipstick, while a heavenly hybrid of Mineralize Eye Shadows blossoms with natural splendour.  Cheeks are kissed with graceful glow of Mineralize Blush, and vivid pops of coulour flourish as Fluidline and Nail Lacquer bring this flowery fantasia to life”.  This collection will for sure make you think spring no matter what climate you are in.  Bright, Bold and of course MAC quality.

Mineralize Eyeshadow (Four Shades): $21.00 USD

  • Golden Hours: Copper bronze, golden brown, soft golden peach, pale yellow gold (Frost)
  • Great Beyond: Deep blue violet, dusky plum, icy white lilac, soft mauve violet (Frost)
  • In the Meadow: Ice shimmering white, dirty olive green, golden mint, pale yellow (Frost)
  • Pink Sensibilities: Pinky brown, chocolate brown, yellow pink, icy blue pink (Frost)

Fluidline: $16.00 USD

  • Phlox Garden: Vivid violet
  • Sassy Moss: Vivid green
  • Pigment: $21.00 USD
  • Chatreuse Bouquet: Shimmering acid green
  • Lily-White: Pale butter-yellow shimmer
  • Pink Pearl: Shimmery lavender-pink
  • Violet: Vivid bright violet purple

Mineralize Skinfinish: $30.00 USD

  • Perfect Topping: Pale pearlized pink
  • Stereo Rose: Copper bronze

Mineralize Blush: $25.00 USD

  • Azalea in the Afternoon: Mid-tone cool pink
  • Petal Power: Coral pink with gold shimmer

Lipstick: $15.00 USD

  • Dreaming Dahlia: Sheer red-coral (Lustre)
  • Fleur d’Coral: Pale creamy peach (Lustre)
  • Heavenly Hybrid: Mid-tone berry (Lustre)
  • Naked Bud: Neutral sheer nude (Lustre)
  • Rose Lily: Sheer pastel pink (Lustre)
  • Snapdragon: Mid-tone blue pink (Lustre)

Cremesheen Glass: $20.00 USD

  • Flare of Fantasy: Mid-tone pink beige
  • Galaxy Rose: Mid-tone violet pink
  • Nectarsweet: Soft pink
  • Pagoda: Frosted cool pink
  • Playful Petal: Electric magenta
  • Star Quality: Bright orange-coral

Nail Lacquer: $16.00 USD

  • Girl Trouble: Super glitter pink (Frost)
  • Pep Pep Pep: Light peach nude (Cream)
  • Saint Germain: Light cool pink (Cream)
  • Soiree: Sparkly light bronze gold (Frost)

Brushes:

  • 159 Duo Fibre Blush $35.00 USD
  • 187 Duo Fibre Face $42.00 USD
  • 286 Duo Fibre Tapered Blending $32.00 USD

A Fantasy of Flowers is a limited edition collection, so as always if you want any of these colors get it soon before it is too late.

Best Grammy 2014 Beauty Looks

There were so many memorable moments from the 2014 Grammy’s last night from the performances, to the winners and of course the red carpet.

(Photo Credit: Sam Fine Beauty)
(Photo Credit: Sam Fine Beauty)

Queen Latifah made a splash with the officiating of the I-Do’s of 33 lucky couples.  She looked stunning and showed a dark lipstick with a gorgeous canvas of glowing skin.  The Queen’s makeup artist Sam Fine picked a great look.

(Photo Credit: Jason Merritt / Getty Images)
(Photo Credit: Jason Merritt / Getty Images)

Taylor Swift is one young lady that really does rock great beauty looks on red carpets.  What I loved about her look tonight was that she went a different route than her normal gorgeous red lip.  Her light pink lip is perfect so that her silver smokey eye.  Also loving her hair pulled back in a chic ponytail.

(Photo Credit: Jason Merritt / Getty Images)
(Photo Credit: Jason Merritt / Getty Images)

Whether you were a fan of the dress or not Katy Perry‘s makeup and hair looked amazing.  The bubblegum pink lipstick was a great color that gave a fun statement.  Perry’s hairstyle was a nod to Elizabeth Taylor.  Her hair was twisted into a large bun and a shine mist was applied to get that polish.

 

(Photo Credit: Jason Merritt / Getty Images)
(Photo Credit: Jason Merritt / Getty Images)

Tamar Braxton glowed on the red carpet.  Her makeup was subtle and really showcased her beauty.  It was a look that was perfection, from the perfectly lined eyes for a pop, fresh skin and a light pink / nude lip.

(Photo Credit; Jason Merritt / Getty Images)
(Photo Credit; Jason Merritt / Getty Images)

Anna Kendrick’s sideswept hair was inspired by icon: Veronica Lake.  It was a fabulous style to showcase her beauty and the dress.  To create this look use thermal rollers and brush out.  And don’t forget to add the frizz control to keep your mane looking smooth.

Whose look did you love?

Review: Too Faced Jingle All the Way Makeup Set

(Photo Credit: Too Faced)
(Photo Credit: Too Faced)

Whether you are thinking of a holiday gift or a little something special for yourself this Too Faced Makeup Set could be a great option for you.  I personally was immediately drawn in by the packaging and cleverness.  A compact that holds products perfect for a purse and enough that you have a touch-up kit to take on the go.    The compact contains: 11 eyeshadows, a blush, a bronze and a Limited Edition iPhone 5 case designed by interior Mary McDonald (and Bravo TV Star).

First the compact and iPhone case, completely sturdy and good looking in person.  The other thing that I liked was you can flip the makeup around and clip it in backwards so that it stays protected in a purse or makeup bag.

The makeup of course is great quality and the palette contains eye shadows that will work for any skin tone as well as take a day look to an evening look.  For me the shade of the bronzer is a shade that if I use lightly could double as a powder for a quick on the go touch up.

Overall for $25 it is a great gift for a glamour girl and fun to have!  Keep in mind this is a Holliday Limited Edition gift, so it is out now until it sells out.

OCC Fragmented Alice Lip Tar

ImageObsessive Compulsive Cosmetics is a brand that I found several years ago and since then they have blown up and create some amazing products and shades.  The cruelty-free vegan line has rich pigments, incredible staying power and can create both beauty and editorial looks.

There award winning lip tar has become a huge hit, Lip Tar is a hybrid of a lipstick and a lip gloss, the pigment is so saturated that a little goes a long way.  I promise this is one where you really want to apply with a light hand. 

To my surprise I was very interested when I learned that OCC was releasing a new color Lip Tar and it would make its debut at San Diego Comic Con.  Luckily San Diego is my home town so I sent my brother on the mission to acquire the Tar before it hit the shelves.  Why did I go nuts for this?? 

“Fragmented Alice” Lip Tar is a take On Alice in Wonderland.  Symbolist painter Gail Potocki, helped create the color, Inspired by Potocki’s uniquely macabre take on the Alice in Wonderland mythology.  The color is a metallic green, hints of gold and something that is fresh and new.  OCC describes the color as “acid-green, gold laced metallic”.  Packaged with an applicator for $14 USD.

Keeping true with the formula of Lip Tar it is glossy and has a shimmery effect.  Yes the color is definitely green and does have a gold sheen in it.  If you are not sure that you are ready to rock such a strong color, it looks very cool on top of a neutral pink shade and gives your lips a reason for a second glance.  However, if you are not inspired by the color then look into all of the Lip Tar shades and pick a fun one that you would love.

OCC will be conjuring up a limited edition collection full of curious colors inspired by the world of ‘Fragmented Alice’. 

Z Palette Review

Photo Credit: Z Palette)
Photo Credit: Z Palette)

As a professional makeup artist, we carry a lot of products around with us.  The clients see us coming with our big wheelie’s full of goodies and products that help with all of our beauty tricks.  I am constantly trying to get my kit to be efficient as I fly with it as a carry on, no way is this girl going to check a bag and worry the entire flight, that I will arrive for the job without a bag of goodies.

I came across Z Palette at a trade show and thought this could be something in my quest for less containers.  Of everything my eye shadows are taking over, tons of MAC containers.  Z Palette is a customizable makeup palette that is magnetized on the bottom of the rectangular container and a clear window on top.  You can take apart your makeup containers, de-pot, and then put them into a palette.  There are several sizes and of course styles, I went for the leopard print.

I took home my palette’s and went to work on depotting and mixing the brands of products to make neat palettes.  The powders were very exciting as now I have all of the shades in one easy palette and when I am on a job, no more individual containers.  However, even better is the eye shadow’s.  I was able to place 20 eye shadows both circular and square in one palette.  First goal met, less containers and more efficient.

The second and final test, going thru TSA from Miami to DC roundtrip with my cosmetic wheelie and Z palette’s in tow.  Placed them in the container and thru they went with not one question.  I really am a huge fan and purchased a small one for my personal makeup, easy to put in a purse.

If you have not heard of them, you should definitely give it a look, I think that you will find it can de-clutter your makeup bag.

Garnier BB Cream: Skin Renew Review

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(Photo Credit: Garnier)

I remember a few years ago when the hype was HD Makeup, and now it is BB Cream.  Everyone seems to make it and it is the must have product.  Many clients have been asking me what is it and do they need it.  BB Cream is actually not a new product it was originally formulated in 1960.  BB Cream stands for Beauty Balm and is promoted as an all in one product that can replace your moisturizer, serum, foundation and sun protection.  

I was fortunate to receive a sample of Garnier BB Cream: Skin Renew to test out.  It is the company’s first BB Cream that combines hydration with tinted minerals and Vitamin C.  I found that the product was very creamy and smooth, reminding me of a moisturizer and tinted to match my skin tone.  The product gives a good amount of coverage and evened my skin tone.  I was surprised that the coverage lasted longer than a tinted moisturizer which I personally am not a fan off, and more like a traditional foundation. 

It is a great option for the upcoming Spring and Summer months, easy to use and not a strong scent.  Skip the tinted moisturizer which does not hydrate as well as a BB Cream and gives minimal coverage if any.  I would still recommend to clients to use a moisturizer after washing your face and a serum based on skin type.