Bijou: Pop Pop Poppy

Bijou: Pop Pop Poppy

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!  

Beauty Calls  

Photography by Antique Honey

http://antiquehoney.com/

 Makeup Workshops for the "Everyday Woman"

A few years ago I created a series of workshops that teach the everyday woman how to apply her makeup with confidence and ease.  Early in my career I was taught by Trish McEvoy who implements a teaching philosophy with her line of skin care and cosmetics. As I was being trained on applications techniques I was simultaneously learning how to teach my clients how to apply their own makeup.  It was a great way to learn and I love sharing the knowledge with all the women I work with.  At the end of the day, we all want to look and feel our best.  If you answer yes to any of the following questions, a Beauty Calls Workshop would be very beneficial to you and your friends.

Have you ever felt...

intimated to go to the makeup counter?

felt forced to purchase every product the sales person put on your face because you liked the end result?

too embarrassed to ask questions on application techniques while you are at the counter?

felt frustrated that the sales person didn't take the time to learn about your lifestyle and what you will realistically apply to your face everyday?

annoyed because although you were excited about your new makeup purchases, you have no idea what to do with them once you get home?  

have you ever wanted to return cosmetics that didn't turn out to be the best color, formula, etc?  did you decide to keep it because you didn't think "used" products could be returned? 

do you ever think that you aren't wearing the right shade of foundation, blush, or lipstick?

do you think that applying makeup will add too much time to your morning routine so you don't even bother?  

would you be willing to take just 3-5 minutes to put on a little makeup in the morning if you knew that your makeup will look really natural but lasted all day?

Other workshop topics include:

Eyebrows, Lashes, and Liner Clean and Simple - This workshop focuses on how to draw attention to the eyes without shadow. Find your most flattering brow shape; learn how to apply liner that lasts all day and how to make the most of your natural lashes.

Special Occasion Makeup Made Easy - Learn how to change your day look to night in just a few simple steps. Guests will also learn how to achieve a smoky eye that looks sexy not messy.

Common Makeup Mistakes and Solutions - Are you too heavy handed with your blush? Did your mascara transfer to your eyelids and ruin your shadow? Become a pro on how to fix these common problems without having to start all over.

Tricks and Tools - This workshop spotlights the essential brushes you need to achieve your everyday and special occasion looks. Guests will also learn makeup secrets of celebrities.

Like Mother/Like Daughter - Does your daughter steal all your makeup? Do you wish you could look as young as her? Learn trends that work for both of you.

I May Not Feel Well but I Look GREAT - Perfect for the woman who has health issues, hair (brow/lash) loss, or would like to learn how to brighten up their complexion and to look less tired.

Makeup Workshops are perfect for:

Fun lunchtime activity for office

In-Store event for retail location

Sorority event

Moms/Girls night outing

Church Group or Sisterhood event

Bachelorette Parties

Bridal Showers