Kelly & Steve + Red Shutter Studio = E-sesh Romance

I was awestruck when these proofs floated into my inbox.  They are some of the most romantic Charleston engagement session photos I've seen.

Kelly and Steve are planning their October wedding in Charleston via Washington, DC.  If these photos are any inclination of what they are in for. . . well, they're in for something spectacular!

This is my first time working with the amazing talent that is Red Shutter Studio: Rod and Tara Pasibe.  I'm looking forward to being a small part of making beautiful "eye candy" for these photographers.

Kelly's makeup details:
MAC Pro Airbrush Formula: NW15 + 2 drops NC10
Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer #4
Eyes:  MAC's Dangerous Cuvee Paint Pot, Copper Plate, Kid, and Black Tied e/s on lids; Buried Treasure liner + Black Tied e/s along lash lines; Andrea #108's + individual lash bundles on outer eye corners.
Cheeks:  MAC's Springsheen + Dollymix
Lips: MAC Boldly Bare liner + Trish McEvoy's "Sexy" gloss

The Quintessential Nude Lip

This is it; look no further.  If you are a fan of the "nude lip", get thee to a MAC counter!  Viva Glam Gaga 2 will keep your lips in the most understated, perfectly au naturel lip shade.  And 100% of the $14.50 cost goes to the MAC AIDS Foundation.  Just for kicks (and total perfection), I like this lipstick and lip gloss with either MAC's Subculture or Dervish lip liner.

An Eye Liner to Brag About. . .MAC's Fluidline

Blacktrack: Solid, flat black. . . the color I use most

Dipdown: Deep, dark flat brown. . . my favorite everyday color

Macroviolet: Deep smoked violet with red pearl. . . fun color, especially beautiful on green & blue eyes

#208 Angled Brow Brush (the small one)

Q:  What's a makeup artist/blogger to do when writer's block sets in?
A:  Open up her kit, take inventory, and figure out the products she's using most.

In my consistently-evolving world of PRODUCT, I use just about everything.  Whether it's on myself, or those fabulous ones that I've used and have promoted to my kit.  These are the tried-and-true products that I deem worthy of putting onto the faces of my clients.  My product today is not a new one.  It's just one I've not written about: it's been around for a long while, and that longevity qualifies it for one of the Gold Standards of my makeup kit:

MAC's Fluidline eyeliner.  It's a cream/gel-based eyeliner that has to be applied with a brush (more on that in a minute:)  Here is the short-list of why it's "gold standard":

1.  It's waterproof.
2.  It's extremely long-wearing.
3.  MAC offers this formula in wonderfully bold colors.

Fluidline is perfect for brides, and all-day photo shoots, as well as for moms-on-the-go, and that working woman who doesn't have time to touch up her eyeliner.   There are certain eye "looks" that require a liner that doesn't budge. . . such as the classic "Hollywood Glamour" look. . . you know, the single, winged-out line along the upper lashes (think Christina Aguilera or Audrey Hepburn).

One of my favorite uses of this liner is to help camouflage the nylon band of false lashes.  Now, that brings me to tell you how important it is to use the proper tool to apply this product.  My fave is MAC's teeny-tiny #208 brush.  MAC calls it an "Angled Brow Brush" but this tool is one of my multi-taskers.  The bundle of bristles on this brush are densely packed, very short, and therefore can be used to draw a fine, fine line.  And that's how I begin.  The fine line can always be built up to a thicker line if you want a more dramatic look.  Like the name suggests, it's wonderful for filling in sparse brows with very small amounts of product (makes for a more natural look), but it's my favorite for applying Fluidline or blending out any pencil liner. . . or for lining lips with lipstick, or helping "mush" in false lashes along a lash.  I use this brush in many ways.

At $16, this product is a steal: one container will last a very long time.  Just be sure to keep the top securely fastened for even more product shelf-life.  Yes, it may take some practice getting your line just right, but here are my tips for perfect application.  First, use small amounts of product on the brush.  Second, pull out the corner of your eye to make your lashline taut and therefore, easier to apply the liner to.  Lastly, stay very close to your lash line (it's ok for the liner to actually get into your lashes. . . stay that close).

Give it a try. . . it's a wonderful, product. . . Happy Lining!

www.maccosmetics.com

The Big Time. In the Big Apple. A Dream Realized.

David working backstage at CMV's Fall Fashion Week Show

Backstage Makeup Area

Romero Jennings' Face Chart & Makeup Design for the CMV show

I love this. . . Romero's detailed plan on back of face chart

I really try to keep my braggart moments to a minimum.  But this only counts as a brag in the sense that it's trumpeting the company I keep.  And I must say that one of my biggest sources of personal pride is that I have a knack for keeping company with top shelf folk ;)

My best man friend, David, is the source of my inspiration today.  David is MAC's Southeastern trainer.  That means he trains all new makeup artists for MAC, as well as certifies and keeps all existing artists current in new MAC product and trends.  He attends "Train the Trainer" which is an international meeting of all the greatest minds of MAC (artistic and business).  And he does soooo much more.  Without going on and on, which I could easily do, suffice it to say, David possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of all things MAC and all things MAKEUP.

So, here's the condensed version of the long story I'd love to tell: David got a phone call from the one and only "Romero."  (Romero Jennings is the MAC Senior Artist who had been contracted by fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo to do makeup for the models for his Spring 2011 show.  In New York.  At Lincoln Center.  For NEW YORK FASHION WEEK.)  Romero hand-picked his team of MAC artists, and called David to recruit him for this effort.  In the world of makeup artistry, particularly beauty and fashion makeup, this is a holy grail. . . to work backstage makeup for the uber-designers and models. . . a dream realized!  Kudos to Romero for a successful Fashion Week and having made the sage decision to include David Huebner!

David, I cherish you: the artist and the person.  You so deserved this.  MAC, and particularly your Southeast artists, are so fortunate to have you and your beautiful mind.  You inspire me daily, and I'm proud to call you friend and rejoice in your accomplishments.

That Last Little Somethin'-Somethin'

Brides, brides, brides!  I love them, and I adore doing their makeup on Wedding Day!

Because it's high bridal season here in Charleston, I'm in a groove, and I've been thinking about my process when I apply a bride's makeup.  It comes down to those final touches that put a makeup application over the top.  Once their "face" is on, right down to the lashes, I find that I go back and add 2 to 3 more products that ALWAYS put on the finishing touch.  Here are my tricks of choice:

1.  Clean up any stray "fall" from powder shadows, and reapply a little more concealer over the darkest areas of the under-eye (usually the areas closest to the nose).  My clean-up product of choice (and previous blog-worthy item): Make Up For Ever's Full Cover waterproof concealer.  The tiniest bit goes a long way.

2.  Highlight the tippy-tops of cheekbones with MAC's Mineralize SkinFinish in either Light Flush or Petticoat, making sure to stay away from the apples of the cheeks.

3.  If I still need a little something-something, MAC's Eye Kohl in Powersurge (a metallic gold color) on the waterline (or rim) of the lower eyelid.  This makes eyes POP without making them appear smaller.

A Necessary Attachment

This is not a brag; it's a truth:  I love my stuff.  I love all the palettes of color, the creamy concoctions, the silky powders, the wonderful-smelling spritzers and toners, the fluffy brushes.  I love my kit which is the unit that carries all my products.  Between my kit and what my eye and mind conjure up, there lies my business.

I marvel that I get to look into a clean face and see a myriad of opportunities.  The first question I ask myself is, "What can I do to make this person more beautiful?"  Each time I start off on that note, the results are almost always spectacular.  It's leading with the heart, and I've found I cannot fail when I approach work that way.  Hmm. . . there's a little yoga in there.  When approaching most any situation or event or task in life, and if approached with, "how can I leave this better than I found it?" well. . . how can anyone go wrong?

Probably what's most un-yogic about this is my attachment to my stuff.  But it's a necessary attachment that brings about a heart-felt result.

Thanks to beautiful Britney with your "go big or go home" attitude :)  You are a joy!  

A heart full of gratitude and appreciation to the wonderful Mike and Rachel at Tillman Branch Photography for their kind attention to my "stuff" and for capturing this process.

www.TillmanBranch.com

In The Groove!

I haven't been this excited for a new MAC launch in a very long time.

IN THE GROOVE is a collection of products that appeal to my Bohemia hippie side. Think tie-die kinds of colors, yet in matte/satin finishes. This is especially appealing to me because all the shiny things MAC comes out with don't bode well with any fine lines or crepiness that may be creeping in ;)

As with several MAC launches, there are some old favorites making a reappearance. "Stereo Rose" Mineralized Skin Finish is a stunning way to add a little shimmer to emulate that just-out-in-the-sun radiance. It's limited in quantity, so my guess is it'll be one of the first to sell out.

I love the Mineralized Eye Shadow trios in "Style Influencer" (satin silver, pearly deep blue, and satin mauve brown) and "In the Groove" (satin gold, pearly burgundy, and satin coral). These trios last forever and are a steal since you're getting 3 mineral shadows baked into one great compact.

The featured eyeliners with this collection are MAC's Power Point liners. They are waterproof and last all day. I use these quite often on brides, and the one I go to most often is a black/brown/flecks-of-gold shade called "Buried Treasure." A must for any makeup bag.

The "It" color this summer has been all shades of coral. My favorite lipsticks in this limited collection are "Jazzed" (a bright coral pink) and an all-time fave "Creme d'Nude" (a pale muted peach beige). Top either off with some magnificent shine. . . Cremesheen Glass in either "Fashion Whim" or "Goin Casual."

Hit your MAC counters ASAP or you can always visit www.maccosmetics.com and click on the "Launches" link.

It's been a long while since I've blogged, and I finally feel like I'm IN THE GROOVE again!

Get Your Summer-Face On!

Today is officially the first day of Summer, so I've been thinking about what sustains my makeup needs for this time of year.

Here are my requirements:

* A routine that is relatively quick, that can be done in 10 minutes or less.

* A neutral palette that can be adapted or "brought up" for evening time.

* A look that will last throughout the day. . . whether beach-bound, office-bound, or running errands.

Here are my products, in the order I use them:

1. Make Up For Ever's Full Cover Concealer. A tiny dab will do; apply over clean, moisturized face to cover up dark areas around eyes, blemishes, or wherever you feel you need extra coverage. Use fluffy eye shadow brush (such as a MAC #216) to blend out edges of concealer.

2. Mineralize Skin Finish by MAC (in the compact. . . travels better, less mess than loose mineral powder). This is the ticket! Swirl your fluffiest kubuki brush over the top of this beautiful dome / baked powder, and then apply in circles over your face from forehead down to chin. Want more coverage? Swirl some more and apply. You'll find redness decreases, even skin tone increases.

3. MAC's Bronzing Powder in "Golden." There are several shades of this bronzer in the black compact, but my personal favorite is the matte-finish of Golden. It's a great all-over bronzer. Where to apply? Where does the sun hit you naturally? Forehead, cheeks, top of nose, chin, collarbones / decolletage. You can use the kubuki brush, or your blush brush to apply.

4. MAC's Paint Pot in "Rubenesque." This golden-peachy cream shadow, with a little shimmer is a phenomenal multi-tasking product. A little goes a long way; it's crease-, fade-, and water-resistant. This product hangs on all day. The color is perfect for summer; it enhances that beach-goddess look we all love. Use a fluffy #216 or #224 brush to swirl on, beginning at lash line.

5. MAC's Eye Kohl in "Teddy." My all-time favorite eye liner. I have not come across any one who could not wear it. At its base, it's a brown eyeliner, but with copper overtones. Use it boldly as a true eye-LINEr (draw line along lash line), or soften it by smudging this color into lashes and go for a smoldering look. **This is the product you can "bring up" your makeup for evening time by defining the eyes, perhaps even applying to water line (lower lash line on top of lashes).

6. Blinc Mascara

(formerly "Kiss Me" Mascara) in black. This is my mascara du jour. It's unique in that it's one of the "tube" mascaras that literally create small tubes around your lashes. It lengthens, volumizes, and stays put without being waterproof. . . you can actually go to the beach or pool and not have the raccoon effect. This is an amazing mascara that stays put until you use warm water to gently rub off.

7. And lastly, give your lips some love with MAC's Clear Lip Glass. Especially if you've been blessed with naturally-pigmented lips. You can make them as shiny or subtle as you want. A great stand-by.

So, that's it. It sounds like a lot, but you can have this entire routine down in less than 10 minutes. The versatile Mineralized Skin Finish and Golden Bronzer are the real quickies in this group.

May your summer be as beautiful as You!

www.blincInc.com

www.MACCosmetics.com

www.MakeUpForEver.com

The Makeup Show NYC, May 16 & 17

Monique Boyer, Director of Artist Relations for MAC Cosmetics

Just one of many body painting demos by MAC

Make Up For Ever display

Wow, how time flies when you're having fun . . . such a cliche, but sooo true. It's been nearly two weeks since I've blogged. A lot has been going on, though: trial runs, weddings, photo shoots, and a long weekend in one of my favorite places in this world: New York City.

For those of you waiting with baited breath about my part two of "Brows. . ." well, I hate to disappoint, so I'll pick that subject up again in the next few days ;) And rather than inundate you with a long diatribe about how PHENOMENAL my New York/Makeup Show weekend was, I'll just hit the highlights for now. There will be blogs forthcoming about all the amazing lines that were represented. Suffice it to say, I had to buy two new bags (in addition to the one I checked at the airport) to transport all my goodies back safely.

One of the aspects of my job that I love so very much is continuing education. The Makeup Show is a bi-coastal event, taking place in Los Angeles in the winter, and NYC in the spring. Scores of cosmetics lines are represented, and everyone comes showing their best wares, newest techniques, upcoming trends, and Lots and LOTS of product for sale. For a makeup junkie such as myself, it's the closest thing to nirvana that I'll come to, other than actually doing my job. . . making people look good. I am a better makeup artist for having attended this function.

I'll talk specifics later on, but I did want to comment on some of the photos I've included. One of the highlights of my visit was meeting Monique Boyer who is the Director of Artist Relations for MAC Cosmetics. What an impressive lady she is. MAC was well-represented with a large booth focusing mainly on their Pro line and elaborate demonstrations of body painting.

Make Up For Ever and Smashbox were other hugely popular brands as evidenced by the 2+ hours I waited in these lines just to purchase these products. . . TOTALLY worth the wait because I had the opportunity to speak with makeup artists from all over the country, as well as press/media, beauty editors and bloggers who cover events such as this. Just to hear what other MUAs like, and their tricks, and savvy. . . that was an education in itself.

So, once again, my heart is full and feeling blessed for being able to take part in this phenomenal trade show.

Thanks to my husband for going with; my in-laws Jeb and Sandy for holding down the fort with my kiddos so we could make this trip; and the New York Yankees for providing my husband much joy with a 9th inning win over the Boston Red Sox!

Peace.

MAC's Chromagraphic Pencils, an Insta-Fave!

It's easy to overlook these quiet titans. . . but they are Titans nonetheless. They sit on the display, unassuming yet asking to be picked up. . . if you do, don't put it down. . . get yours immediately, because they are selling out as I type this.

MAC's recent Pret-A-Papier launch included these Chromagraphic Pencils. They are flesh-toned, soft lining pencils, which are quickly proving to be my newest multi-taskers.

My first use of them was to clean up the outside of any lip application. They are especially wonderful on a classic, red lip. I use these after I apply lip liner, lipstick, and gloss. It helps prevent any bleeding edges or feathering of color. Lightly line the outside of the lip with this pencil. If you press hard, it will leave a noticeable skin-colored line. But I go back with either my finger or a cosmetic wedge/sponge, and blend it gently. The effect is clean and precise.

These pencils are also approved for use in the eye area. I like this applied directly to the waterline (the bottom lash line closest to the eye), as a freshener. The flesh-tone helps make the eyes "pop" and makes all makeup there appear cleaner and neater.

In a pinch, these could be used as spot concealers. They come in two formulations: NC15 / NW20 (great if you have fair skin) and NW25/NC30 (appropriate for medium to deeper skin tones).

The last time I checked, these pencils are sold out at MAC's online store. So, rush out to your nearest MAC counter and pick yours up today. This is a must-have for your makeup drawer!

www.MACcosmetics.com

Equal Lip-Time for Blondes!

Last week I had the privilege of working with a very makeup-savvy bridesmaid, who is blonde. This was someone who knew exactly what she wanted (colors, coverage, etc.), and so we struck up a great conversation. I'd say she was an amateur pro. She was makeup friendly, has tried lots of formulations and colors, and had definite opinions on what looked best on the traditional blonde haired, blue-eyed gal.

One of the things I looked into after our conversation was the product pictured above. Loreal's Color Juice in "Pina Colada." It's the perfect nude lip for blondes. . . just a hint of color, and divinely glossy. Not to mention it can be found in most drug stores.

So, thanks, Elizabeth! I appreciate the advice, enjoyed our chat, and LOVE the look. Blondes. . . if you would prefer your baby-blues be the focal point of your makeup, go out and buy this great spring/summer shade for your lips.

(If you'd like a little more staying power, I'd recommend MAC's soft lip liner, limited edition, in a shade called "Naked" applied underneath.)

A Look I Love. . .

Kara DioGuardi, judge on American Idol, has been rocking a great look this year. Just sending props her way. . . or more likely, I should send kudos to her makeup artist and stylist.

I love, Love, LOVE the combo of brunette with great, strong eye brows along with a pop of pink lipstick. (See previous post about MAC's Viva Glam in "Lady Gaga.") I think that's what Kara's sporting these days on AI (though not in the photo above). I hope her MUA has plenty of Lady Gaga on hand because it sure is hard to come by at the MAC counters right now. Thanks to this look, it's been a sell-out everywhere.

In any case. . . great look, great job!

www.maccosmetics.com

And speaking of Pink Ladies. . .

Be sure to check out MAC's newest incarnation of Pink Ladies . . . its newest additions to the VIVA GLAM lipstick lines.

Named for celebrity spokesperson Cyndi Lauper, "VIVA GLAM Cyndi" is a limited edition coral-red lipstick with a high-lustre finish.

"VIVA GLAM Gaga" is the blue-pink, high-lustre lipstick named for Lady Gaga. This one looks to be a best-seller, so be sure to visit your local MAC counter or www.maccosmetics.com to find yours.

As with all VIVA GLAM products, 100% of the selling price goes to the MAC AIDS Fund to support the fight against HIV/AIDS.