My Favorite Beauty Products of 2011

I always get asked by clients and other artists what my favorite beauty products are. Well, this is a hard question to answer in a just a few sentences because there are way too many to answer in a few sentences. So, here it is... my favorite stuff that I have tried and tested and obviously love!



                                                     Moisturizer: Jan Marini

Primer: Laura Mercier and Smashbox

Foundation: Lorac Oil-Free; Giorgio Armani, Makeup Forever HD and of course airbrush makeup!

Under eye Concealer: Makeup Forever Full cover; MAC pro-longwear

Blemish coverup: Laura Mercier

Powder: T. LeClerk and MAC mineralize powder

Eyeshadows: MAC and Makeup Forever

Eyeshadow primer: MAC paints

Eyeliners: Gel: Bobbi Brown; Pencil: Makeup Forever Aqua;

Mascara: Lorac; L'Oreal Voluminous; Lancome

Blush: Creme- Stila; Powder- Nars (especially Orgasm)

Lipstick: Stila, MAC

Lipgloss: MAC Lipglass, Lorac, Lancome Juicy tubes

Lipliner: Lise Watier Waterproof liners, Makeup Forever

The Highlight of Your Wedding Day

Have you ever noticed how some celebrities positively glow in photographs? That's because their makeup artists know a little trick many folks are not privy to. Highlighter! No, not the fluorescent felt-tip pen you used to mark up your college textbooks. The highlighter in question is a light-reflecting powder, cream, or liquid utilized towards the end of your makeup routine to enhance certain areas of your face. Mind you I did not say glitter! Unless you're a fairy, you have no business putting glitter on your face. Illumination is the look you want to achieve.

Highlighters come in a variety of colors, but it's best to choose one that's neutral and close to your skin tone. You don't want to look like a clown for your nuptials, unless of course you're having a circus-themed wedding! To brighten up your peepers, sweep the highlighter over your brow bone and inner corners of your eyes. Next, apply it from the bridge to the tip of your nose, and at the top of your cheekbones above your blush. Blend with a brush. For luscious lips, apply the highlighter to the Cupid's bow before you sweep on your lipstick. You'll be amazed at how gorgeous and ravishing this will make your mouth look!

As with any hair or makeup routine pertaining to your wedding day, do a trial run with the highlighter several weeks before the big event to ensure you like the color and application, and don't have a reaction to the newest cosmetic in your beauty arsenal. Get illuminated!

Shimmer and Glow

Maybe you're not a shiny, sparkly person by nature. That's fine. But this is your wedding we're talking about! The one day of your life when you can, and should, use every trick in the book to look like the pretty princess you get to be for your nuptials. So why not treat your skin to a little shimmer and glow? We're not talking about encrusting yourself with glitter, but a little incandescence never hurt anyone. Not only that, you'll look radiant in the hundreds of photographs that will be taken of you as a bride.

What's the best way to achieve the look of luminosity? First, you need to make sure to keep your skin exfoliated and moisturized. This alone can make it appear more radiant. Next, you need to decide whether you want to have a fake tan or not. Not the kind that makes you look like you should be dangling from a citrus tree, but rather one that gives you that sun-kissed appearance. You can have this sprayed on at a salon or use a tanner purchased from the store. The most natural look can be achieved by using a product that builds color gradually over time. Also, bronzing powder can be lightly and strategically swept over your skin. Consult your make-up artist for his or her expertise on how and what to use to get your glow.

Now that your glow has been established, it's time for the shimmer! You can purchase luminescent lotions or powders to give you a subtle sheen. These come in a variety of colors, but it's best to choose one that closely matches your skin tone. Some are even scented for extra appeal. Apply this to any skin your wedding dress doesn't obscure, but don't overdo it! You don't want to end up transferring your shimmer to everyone and everything around you.

A little extra effort and you can be radiant on this most special occasion!

All About Airbrush

What do celebrities use to have a flawless complexion? The magic of airbrush makeup. This makeup is long lasting, smudge and cry proof, and looks amazing on pictures. Celebrities and brides seek out professionals that are masters in airbrushing and if you are wondering what the big hype about airbrush is....read on!

What is airbrush anyway?

Airbrush Makeup is a liquified form of makeup that is applied with an airbrush very similar to those used by car makers. Although it sounds daunting, Airbrush Makeup looks fantastic and lasts for hours with absolutely no risk of caking or streaking.

Why Airbrush?

• Flawless Coverage, Yet Natural Looking
• Water Resistant & Smudge Proof
  
• Long Lasting (up to 15 hours!)
• Custom Blended Foundation Colors
• Hypoallergenic
• Looks AMAZING on Photos and in Videos

• So, if you are saying to yourself "WOW! This sounds great, I want to try it!" (I don't blame you!)
  

If you are having a makeup trial for your event, I always try the airbrush at no extra charge so you can see how you like it. And of course, if you want your makeup done for any special occasion or for your wedding...airbrush makeup is just an additional $25.

If you have any questions, please post them here!