Favorite Products for My Face and Yours

 

Recently I was asked for a list of my "must-have" products - it didn't take much thought, I didn't have to open my personal makeup drawer or go even into my kit for answers - all I had to do was look in the mirror.  

So here they are - my personal faves for my face and yours...

Foundation:  MAC Face and Body Foundation 

What I love about it: Water based foundation with a build-able light to medium coverage.  Blends beautifully and and looks as natural as a tinted moisturizer. 

Concealer: Benefit Erase Paste

What I love about it:  Benefit Erase Paste is a concentrated, creamy, blendable concealer that instantly brightens and camouflages all-in-one.  It covers so well that you don't need a color corrector (green, purple, etc) underneath. A little goes a long way and it lasts for hours.  

Blush:  Nars Orgasm

What I love about it:  Universally flattering peachy-pink with a hint of gold shimmer.  Blush and Highlighter in ONE. Lightly pigmented so you don't have to worry about applying too much.

Bronzer:  Makeup Forever Mat Bronze "20"

What I love about it:  Not orange but still perfectly warm.  No shimmer, lightly pigmented so it's easy to apply 1-3 layers and it still looks super-natural.

Liquid eyeliner:  MAC Penultimate Eye Liner

 


What I love about it - Felt tip marker in the perfect point - easy to glide onto lash line - can apply a colored eye shadow on top to create custom eye liner that lasts all night  

Powder Eye Liner and Brush:  Trish McEvoy Eye Definer and Brush #11

What I love about it:  Highly pigmented powder that can be applied wet or dry.  Comes in 11 colors! Lasts all day and doesn't fade like most pencil eye liners.  Can be applied at the lash line for a very thin and defined line or can be used dry as a soft/smoky liner or as a smoky shadow.  Eliminates the need to pull at eyelid for perfect application. 


Brush #11 is durable and keeps shape for years and  years.  Nylon brush can be used wet or dry.

Lip Gloss:  MAC Plushglass "Power Supply"

What I love about it:  Vitamin E enriched gloss that feels smooth not sticky.  Sheer cherry color with a hint of peachy gold.  

Mascara: CoverGirl - LashBlast Volume Blasting 

Amazing lengthening mascara that doesn't clump and keeps lashes 

looking fabulous all day!  

Considering Airbrush Makeup for your Wedding Day? 

Airbrush makeup From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Airbrush makeup is makeup sprayed onto the skin using an airbrush instead of being applied with sponges, brushes, fingers, or other methods.^[1] It is popular in film, theater, and sunless tanning; although systems designed for personal cosmetic use in the home are also available. Airbrush systems designed for these purpose are usually smaller and work at a lower pressures than systems used in industrial applications. The technique was first used in 1925 on actors in Ben Hur^[2] and has since grown in popularity in the entertainment business.

Fact:  Airbrushed foundation looks great on High Definition TV.

Does it always look great in person?  Not really.  Depending on a person’s skin type, airbrush foundation applied with an airbrush machine can crack and separate on the skin.  Once applied, airbrushed foundation is set on the skin until removed with makeup remover.  All face makeup (concealer, blush, bronzer, and highlight) is applied under the airbrush foundation and with a heavier hand.  So essentially, you are wearing way more makeup than necessary and you actually look like you have foundation on your skin which isn’t a desirable look for most brides on their wedding day. 

Any experienced Makeup Artist knows how to apply foundation traditionally (with a brush, sponge, or fingers) so it looks flawless and can make it last from your walk down the aisle through your last dance.

If you are concerned with looking like you have a face full of foundation on, don't be. There are so many different formulas of foundations out there from light coverage, to buildable/medium coverage, and full coverage. At your makeup trial, be specific as to the type of coverage you are comfortable with and I'm sure your Makeup Artist can accommodate you.  If you like a dewy and fresh look to the skin (not matte), then you will prefer traditional foundation application.  If you have a more oily complexion and are worried about getting shiny – ask your makeup artist to use a shine control makeup primer under your makeup and to set it with a translucent loose powder.  That being said, traditional makeup applied by a professional will look just as good as airbrush makeup in photos and on your wedding video (even if it’s HD).


Brides tend to be interested in airbrush makeup because many celebrities use it on TV and for photo shoots.  While airbrushing is popular and trendy, it can be more high maintenance than it's worth.  The biggest difference is the price.  Airbrushing requires more time for application per person and more equipment and product for the makeup artist.  Therefore, most Makeup Artists charge more for this service.


My opinion, stick with traditional makeup on your wedding day so you look your best in person on your wedding day.  Try airbrush if you happen to be on “My Fair Wedding” or “Say Yes to the Dress”! 

Your turn! Review those Amazing Vendors!!

Most wedding vendors I know LOVE working with brides and hope that there brides LOVE working with them.  Show your vendors you care and take a little time to give a thoughtful review.   I'm sure reviews from past brides helped you choose your vendors, why not join in and give future brides the benefit of learning your personal wedding experience?  

Don't worry if you aren't giving each vendor 5 stars - 

constructive criticism is always appreciated and drives most wedding professionals to learn from their mistakes and strive to do better next time.  

Happy reviewing Newlywed!