Monday, June 27, 2011

Check Yourself (Before You Wreck Yourself)

It happens all the time! You notice that when applying your makeup using the bathroom mirror at home, your makeup looks fine. Then will either look too dark or too light once you get in the car, arrive to work or catch a glimpse in the restaurant mirror at night. The best solution to ensure you get the right face for the right time of day is to invest in a lighted makeup mirror. Really.

We all saw these growing up (mom probably had one) and although it may seem like a novelty, it is a great tool to have. Some still come with adjustable lights for daylight, office or candlelight (evening), and others come with soft bulb wattage that's complimentary for day or night that won't steer you wrong. Harsh fluorescent lighting is not ideal lighting to apply makeup. Natural daylight is, but who really does their makeup facing a window?

Why is it important to apply your makeup under the right lighting conditions? Because how much or little you end up applying can make or break your look. Too much blush? Too light or dark foundation? Not enough concealer to hide dark circles? Overdose on powder? You need the right lighting conditions in order to achieve the perfect face. Trust me on this....vanity lighted mirrors weren't made for nothing!

Celebrities are in the hands of their entourage and makeup artist(s) to ensure they look spectacular every time they step out, but we all have seen mistakes slip by. The ONLY explanation to these mishaps is bad lighting.

Eva, Nicole and Uma are all victims of bad makeup lighting.

You can spend anywhere from $25 - $450 on a lighted makeup vanity mirror and they are available every where (online). Unless you have poor eye sight, I do not suggest getting a magnified lighted mirror because you don't need it.  Lighted mirrors with magnification are perfect for those who can't do their makeup without their glasses, but can't do their eye makeup because they are wearing their glasses, so this gives an advantage.

Ever notice sometimes at the makeup counter the makeup you try on looks better at the store than it does at home? Even the color can look different? It's the lighting! You will be amazed how much better your makeup looks under fabulous conditions, day or night.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

10 Wedding Make-up Dont's

Looking back at your wedding photos one day shouldn't make you cringe (fashion choices aside) because trends will change, however, a classic and beautiful bridal look will never go out of style. Here are 10 wedding makeup trends brides should avoid for the one day in her life where her picture will be taken the most.

1. Too much glitter: It can catch the light or camera flash and create 'stars' in photos on your face. Shimmer (keyword) is your better option to not look like a disco-ball.

2. Over-doing a smokey eye: It can make your eyes look small and/or look messy in pictures. You can have that look but the range of how smokey is too smokey should be tried (and tested) to find the perfect look.

3. Matching your eyeshadow or lipstick to your wedding colors: Very 80's and not necessary.

4. Not wearing a lipstain when wearing red lipstick: It's a beautiful color choice that is not maintenance free unless you wear a long-wear lipstick that stains your lips. This will allow you to kiss, eat and drink without smearing or needing a touch up.

5. Not wearing foundation: Whether (you think) you need it or not, use it, because it creates an even skin tone.

6. Wearing unmatched foundation: The makeup on your face and neck should blend, so use a foundation that is your exact skin tone to eliminate the obvious look of foundation.

7. Wearing a bronzer like foundation: See #6. Bronzer is not meant to color your face to look tan, its meant to add warmth.

8. Letting your au-natural bridesmaid(s) go without makeup: Every woman whose picture will be taken that day needs to have makeup on. Period. It brings color to your face, covers imperfections and makes everyone look better in pictures. Pictures you will have forever to look back on.

9. Not feeling comfortable in your wedding makeup: In order to look beautiful, you need to feel beautiful, which is why doing a trial run of your wedding day look prior to the big day is important. This gives you the opportunity to see how you will look and be confident and happy with the end result.

10. Disco eyes: Eye makeup that resembles bright colors of the rainbow. Its not only distracting but unattractive in photos.


Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Faking It with False Lashes

Ever see a celebrity whose eyes (lashes) weren't envy worthy? In case you thought all models and movie stars were blessed with freakishly long lashes, you'll be happy to know you can get the same look with false lashes.

Since eyes are the most expressive part of the face, all women should consider this one accessory needed in order to really make their eyes stand out. Whether you do it for an event, a night out, or daily; once you try wearing false lashes you won’t want to go back.

Here is an example one one brand to show you between strip and individual false lashes:

I rarely ever use the strip lashes on clients because I feel I get a more natural looking effect with individual lashes. All false lashes come in a variety of lengths, fullness and designs (yes, designs) and you can find all types at your local drug or beauty supply store. Luckily they are affordable enough ($4-$6) try a few different styles and find the perfect one for you. M.A.C. and various other companies make false lashes in an array of designs, but cost a little more ($12-$30) so once you've mastered the application, you can play with the more expensive ones without wasting your money.
Sample of some lash styles available

When applying the lashes you need to remember to take your time and use DUO brand adhesive (for lashes) for best results.

STEPS:
1. Use an eyelash curler on your natural lashes and apply a light coat of mascara.

2. Use tweezers to handle and apply lashes. Dip the lash base lightly into the adhesive then apply it to your eyelashes, starting with the outside edge and moving your way in.

3. Position the false lashes at the root of your natural lashes, not in a row above your lashes, to achieve a natural look.

4. If necessary, use a dark liquid liner to conceal the glue base (if noticeable) where you applied them in order to blend the lashes in better. Even gently doing a smudge smokey eye is good if you are not comfortable using liquid liner. Once you are done, you won't need more mascara (which could pull out false lashes when brushing wand through). So if you do want more mascara, just be gentle.

This is an eyelash applicator you can buy for full strip lashes that will help you get them on.  This is from Japonesque.

My Eyes
These are my eyes shown with just individual false lashes applied in two different techniques: The "gradual flare" is where I used different lengths and just did the outer edge. Then the "entire lash line" look had false lashes from outer edge to inner eye applied all in the same length of lashes. You can see how one looks fuller (and more dramatic) than the other this way.

Practice makes perfect, so don't get frustrated when trying to glue them on. One great way is to use a hand-held mirror laying on a table and you look down into the mirro while applying (rather than looking straight ahead into a mirror). This trick will keep your eyes in the position needed in order to get them on right. Have fun!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Finding the Right Makeup Artist for Your Wedding

You're engaged, congratulations! With all the planning you have on your plate, finding a makeup artist will be one of them, so to make it easier, consider these questions when you narrow down the contenders:

Q: What should a bride look for when researching a makeup artist?
A: You should look for 3 things - Technique, experience and a good portfolio. Although cost is a factor, never solely base your decision on price alone.

TECHNIQUE - *Do they use airbrush or traditional cosmetics? Which method suits your needs best?

EXPERIENCE - How long have they been doing makeup? **Are they familiar with bridal and/or editorial makeup?

GOOD PORTFOLIO - Does their website have lots of examples for you to see their work? Do they have a lot of bridal photos? If they don't have a website, do they have pictures they can show you?

*Airbrush is formulated to look perfect on film, in photos and in person and there are trained techniques that allow the artist to ensure this perfection is accomplished. 
**There is a difference with bridal, editorial and media (t.v.) makeup, so picking an artist that is familiar with bridal makeup will be able to create a long lasting, photo-ready look for you.

Q: What are the advantages of airbrush makeup compared to traditional makeup?
A: If you are not sure what the difference is, consider this: With airbrush, each persons foundation color is custom blended to match their individual skin tone, unlike regular foundation, where the closest color that matches you is used in most cases. Airbrush is also sprayed on to the skin, not rubbed into the pores, in a light seamless veil of color that creates a flawless complexion and does not need to be touched up. Airbrush makeup was made to be worn for long hours and sustain its beauty, while traditional makeup typically requires some maintenance to look good.

Q: How long will the makeup last?
A: It all depends on you/your skin type, and which method/products (airbrush or traditional) are used. Wedding makeup should be virtually maintenance free with very little touch-up (lipstick, gloss, blotting, etc..), so how well you maintain your made-up face will determine the longevity. Keep your hands off and blot with care. Any professional makeup artist, whether using airbrush or traditional cosmetics, will know how to give you the perfect face for your special day. Skin prep prior to a makeup application is also important, and your makeup artist should advise you of what to use and/or stay clear of.

Do your research, because one makeup artist's idea of "pretty" makeup is another person's worst nightmare.
Of course I am biased to have all brides use airbrush since I know it's a perfect choice for all skin types, tones, condition, ages and needs, and looks gorgeous on everyone. But I also know that any professional makeup artist well-versed in bridal makeup can get the job done and make you a beautiful bride too. So best wishes and happy researching.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Wedding Makeup Tips for Summer Brides

Wedding Season is in full swing and since brides are striving to create their ultimate look for their special day, these four simple makeup tips are sure to capture true bridal beauty.

1. Emphasize the eyes
Sheer foundation that doesn't mask your skin is always important and can help you get that "glow". Heavy foundation is never a good look; regardless of the season or reason. The bridal trend has always been about the eyes, so false lashes are the perfect way to add a little glamour. Long and lush lashes, shimmery shadows and lots of eyeliner will make your eyes smolder and have everyone holding their gaze just a little bit longer.

2. Blushing bride
A touch of peach blush give cheeks a warm hint of color and looks great on every skin tone.

3. Pucker up
A neutral (nude/light pink) toned lipstick with a little hint of color is always a popular choice and virtually maintenance free (unlike red). Finding the right shade of nude however might take a little practice because you don't want to look washed-out, so try on lots and take pics to find the perfect one for you. Be weary of dark shades on your wedding day because they will require touch-ups to ensure it hasn't smudged (especially after all that kissing).

4. Play it safe
Natural beauty with captivating eyes is the look most brides should strive for. With this flattering look, you are almost guaranteed not to have any makeup regrets when you see your wedding photos. Your wedding day is not the right time to try an entirely new look, so play it safe, because you want to be recognizable.

Easy, right? Even if you consider yourself a minimalist when it comes to your makeup routine, consult with a professional makeup artist to set up a trial to show you how gorgeous this look can be.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Men on Makeup: Increase Your Approachability

Did you know studies have shown that women who wear makeup draw 33% more men then a woman without makeup? I know this isn't a dating blog but if there were (single) women out there who wondered why they aren't meeting anyone, maybe it's not about the lack of men, but the lack of embracing the opportunities to use the tools we have as women to get the man. Never underestimate the power of makeup.

Painting of the face (and body) dates back in history over 10,000 years. The first cosmestics were discovered in ancient Egypt and used for everything from ritualistic to honorific (a mark of distinction, esteem or respect) - but often, especially in modern times, the context has been sexual. While over the ages, women wearing makeup have attracted admiring glances, it may also affect perceptions, both negatively and positively. But does it actually encourage others to make the first move? Psychologists did an experiment to see if makeup really did play a substantial role in attracting the opposite sex and the results weren't surprising.

The test subjects were two women sitting in a bar (seated separately pretending to wait on friends) to see how long it would take men to approach them. First experiment had both women wearing makeup and the second experiment without anything but moisturizer, while they waited for men to chat them up. With makeup, it took the men only 17 minutes to make contact (averaging 3 men per hour), while without makeup, 43 minutes to approach them (averaging .5 men per hour). Not sure if I have ever seen a .5 man but needless to say don't want to.

The results showed that makeup was effective in changing men's behavior, with one third more men approaching the two women when they were made-up. But while this study was done in good fun, there was an obvious issue the researchers acknowledged: wearing makeup could have given the two women more confidence, subtly changing their behaviour and encouraging men to approach. This may well have accounted for the men's behaviour instead of the makeup. Either way, you can't argue that makeup played a significant role.

This study also raised an interesting question on how exactly makeup works? While makeup seems to work by increasing perceived attractivity, it can also signal a willingness to interact or even availability. Further, cosmetics can send signals about status: one study published in the International Journal of Cosmetics Science has found that people judge women wearing cosmetics as higher earners with more prestigious jobs. Hmmm?

Researchers have even looked at which components of makeup are most attractive to men. The results of that study found that eye makeup has the most powerful effect on female perceived attractivity, followed by foundation. Lipstick, surprisingly, was found to have little independent effect, but was rated as the one product women would wear if only allowed one cosmetic item.

Nowadays considering the more radical methods people use for changing their appearance, like cosmetic surgery, applying a little makeup to enhance ones looks (or increases chances in the dating scene) seems innocent enough, especially when you know it will get you 33% more attention from men, and boost your self-esteem. Reason #1,432,786 why I love makeup.