Tag Archives: Ashburn VA makeup artist

Product Review

Birchbox Subscription: A Surprise Every Month

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(Photo Credit: Birchbox)
(Photo Credit: Birchbox)

Anyone that knows me is aware that I LOVE testing out new products, and playing with color stories and ideas.  Which is why I could not say no when I learned about Birchbox.  Every month it is a little treasure in the mail, I feel like it is my birthday!  Each box contains 4-5 products that are customized based on a questionnaire you answer.  The products are high end names you will recognize, Benefit, Oribe, Elizabeth Arden, Smashbox, SuperGoop!, Beauty Protector and many many more.  There are also samples of up and coming products as well.  I have tested out and fell in love with nail polishes, hair products, beauty products and when I found Supergoop!  I started buying products for my whole family.

The Boxes are $10 a month and if fall in love with a product you can go to Birchbox shop and get a full size sent to you.  As a member you earn points on boxes, reviews and products, which can be redeemed for products.  A win-win!

Did I mention they also have a men’s subscription box, for $20 a month.  Perfect for a gift!

Product Review

Review of Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

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(Photo Credit: Kiehl's)
(Photo Credit: Kiehl’s)

Finding great skincare products can be perplexing and overwhelming. There are tons of brands and products addressing different concerns. A good eye cream can tackle many problems and help moisturize but, finding one is the trick.

Kiehl’s Since 1851 Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado is a creamy, moisturizing eye treatment that is to provide hydration while taking in mind the sensitive area. The hydration comes from the beta carotene and shea butter along with the avocado oil that moisturizes and infuses the skin with amino acids, potassium and vitamins. The cream is a light green shade and a very thick consistency in the jar, however, once applied to the delicate under eye area it is quickly absorbed without a greasy feel. If you have dry skin under the eyes it will clear up in a matter of days. It is a luxurious product at a reasonable price.

It is easy to see why it is a customer favorite, between the effectiveness, the quality and price, it is worth testing it out for yourself. The 0.5 fl oz jar is priced at $28.50 USD and the 0.95 fl oz jar is $47 USD, the jars do last as you only need a small amount.

** I received a free product in order to review the eye treatment. My opinions expressed in this post are my own. **

Makeup

MAC Cosmetics Celebrates Rocky Horror Picture Show Anniversary with New Collection

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

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year and MAC Cosmetics has decided to celebrate the cult classic with a limited edition collection. Now you can transform yourself into one the iconic characters from an alien from Transylvania, a heroic newlywed, a sex-swapping mad scientist or even the time-warped Riff Raff. The collection will be available before Halloween so start planning now on your wild makeup side.

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

Riff-Raff Eyeshadow Palette: $44.00 USD

Blackberry Muted burgundy-plum brown (Matte) (Permanent)
Carbon Black Intense black (Matte)
Crystal Violet duochrome with pearl (Frost) (Permanent)
Graphic Style Deep silver (Veluxe Pearl) (Repromote)
Heavy, Black and Pendulous Grayish blue with pearl (Frost)
Oh, Rocky!!! Soft muted white with pearl (Frost)

Glitter: $23.00 USD

3D Black Black with silver holographic effect (Permanent)
Gold Sparkling chunky gold (Permanent)

Pigment: $23.00 USD

It’s Not Easy Having a Good Time Sparkling burgundy

Chromagraphic Pencil: $17.50 USD

Basic Red Primary red (Permanent at Pro)
Black Black Black (Permanent at Pro)

Greasepaint Stick: $21.00 USD

B Bright yellow blue
Black Intense Black

Superslick Liquid Eye Liner: $20.00 USD

On the Hunt True Black (Permanent)

Lashes: $18.50 USD

7 Lash (Limited Edition Packaging)

Powder Blush: $24.00 USD

Crazed Imagination Muted Plum with a hint of pink pearl

Sculpt and Shape Powder: $27.50 USD

Bone Beige/Emphasize Palest cream/tan

Lipstick: $17.50 USD

Frank-N-Furter Deep Raspberry Wine (Matte)
Oblivion Vivid Bluish red (Amplified)
Sin Deep Dark blue red (Matte) (Permanent)
Strange Journey Yellowish brick red (Matte)

Lip Pencil: $17.50 USD

Vino Intense Violet Purple (Permanent)

Nail Lacquer: $13.50 USD

Bad Fairy Red with red multi-changing pearl (Limited Edition)
Formidable Teal green with pink multi-changing pearl (Permanent)

Online September 29th, in-stores October 2nd at MAC Stores Only.

Makeup

Should You Use Beauty Oils?

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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

Bridal Makeup Trends for 2014 Spring

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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.

Makeup

MAC Cosmetics Latest Collection: A Fantasy of Flowers

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(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.

Bridal

Brides Against Breast Cancer Tour of Gowns in Baltimore

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brides against breast cancerBrides Against Breast Cancer Charity Wedding Gown Sale & Bridal Show will be in Baltimore this weekend Saturday, February 8th and Sunday, February 9th.  The event will be held at The Westin Baltimore Washington Airport.  If you are a bride looking for a designer gown at a discounted price this is one event that is worth checking out.  There will be hundreds of gowns both new and gently worn designer and couture gowns ranging from $99 to $3,900 in sizes 4-18.Brides Against Breast Cancer contributes to programs for

(Photo Credit: Brides Against Breast Cancer)
(Photo Credit: Brides Against Breast Cancer)

cancer patients.  Designers, manufacturers, bridal shops and individuals donate gowns to make the Nationwide Tour of gown sales possible.  More than half of the gowns presented at each event are new.  The proceeds from the sales and ticket sales make it possible for BABC to deliver information and services to cancer patients, caregivers, and family members,  Brides Against Breast Cancer will contribute $2 million dollars to help people this year.

Another option for those that want to get involved but do not need a gown is to volunteer at the event.  BABC are always looking for volunteers at each event, and you will get to help a bride find her “dream gown”.  On a personal note, I have volunteered at the DC events and it was fun and was like being Randy Fenoli from Say Yes to the Dress.

When: Saturday February 8 – Sunday February 9,2014

Where: The Westin Baltimore

Washington Airport

1110 Old Elkridge Landing Rd

Linthicum Heights, MD 21090

Tickets:  VIP: $35 – $60

General Admission: $12

Celebrity Beauty, Hair, Makeup

Best Grammy 2014 Beauty Looks

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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?

Makeup

Review: Too Faced Jingle All the Way Makeup Set

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(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.

Makeup

Z Palette Review

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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.