Smokey Eyes 101

Achieving a smokey eye doesn't have to be complicated. Following a few simple steps and using a few tools is all you'll need to look like a pro did your eyes every single time. So, pull out your soft kohl liner, a fluffy eye shadow brush, and if desired a skin tone shimmer eye shadow and/or a color shimmer shadow and your angled brush and lets get started!

SMOKEY EYE 1:
-Smudge your liner over the entire bottom lid from corner to corner.

-Blend and sheer out liner using a fluffy eye shadow brush from lash line to brow bone in a circular motion.

-Repeat if bolder color payoff is desired.

-OPTIONAL- Add highlight color to inside corner and/or brow bone for a more dramatic effect using your fluffy eye shadow brush.

-Line bottom lash line and sheer with fluffy eye shadow brush.

-OPTIONAL- If a 3rd color is desired, place it in the center of the eye and sheer out from corner to corner.

-Line your top lash line from corner to corner (angled brush is optional for this step)

-OPTIONAL- Line water line.

-Apply mascara and/or false lashes.


SMOKEY EYE 2:
-Smudge your liner only in the outside corner.

-Blend and sheer out liner towards your inside corner using your fluffy eye shadow brush (up towards your brow bone if desired).

-Repeat if bolder color payoff is desired.

-OPTIONAL- Add highlight color to the inside corner and/or brow bone for a more dramatic effect using your fluffy eye shadow brush.

-OPTIONAL- If a 3rd color is desired, sheer it across the entire bottom lid then up towards your brow bone using your fluffy eye shadow brush.

-OPTIONAL- Line bottom lash line and sheer with fluffy eye shadow brush.

- Line your top lash line from corner to corner ( with or with out angled brush).

-OPTIONAL- Line water line.

-Apply mascara and/or false lashes.

For a fun approach line your bottom lashes with a bold shimmer shadow like Teal, Purple or Gold. And remember a smokey eye doesn't have to mean Black.

Fall lacquered up 101

Who says your Fall Mani's and Pedi's have to be drab and boring?

These new Fall hues are fresh and crisp and are thought to be this seasons most wanted accessory.

These super sexy colors come in Jewel tones like rustic Oranges and Reds, Deep Plums, Purples and Blues, striking Olive Greens and Mustards and luscious soft creams. Any line of polishes carry a variation of Bold shimmers, eye catching metallics, ultra mattes and high shine lacquers. The only troubles you'll have is choosing a shade and finish.

Yes we all love the French manicure and the bright summer varnishes but unfortunately it's time to embrace the change of season and start sporting the new upscale fall trend... That is sure not to disappoint.

Sun Protection 101

So, Summer is finally here and we all rush outdoors to enjoy the long awaited warmth. The only problem is most of us don't think about the hidden danders of skin cancer caused by the sun (or tanning beds for those who couldn't wait).

Skin cancer (Melanoma in particular- The most prevalent in Woman in their 20's) is a scary thing to think about but has doubled in the past 20 years due to negligence of proper skin protection and ignorance of prevention information.

Don't be a statistic!

There are simple ways of protecting yourself this season as well as all year round.

TAKE NOTES!

A lot of people, especially woman, use SPF infused moisturizer or make-up. Sounds like a great idea in theory but in reality most of these products don't give you more than an SPF of 7. Even when it says 15. And they don't last you the whole day. And who is really going to reapply every 2hrs with so much going on in our busy schedules?
Your best bet is to mix an SPF with your moisturizer or layer your moisturizer on top of your SPF. (That means your SPF goes on FIRST!)

A few great products to consider adding to your safe sun routine would be: (All with helioplex and UVA/UVB Protection)

Neutrogena Spectrum+ Advanced sunblock lotion SPF 55, 70 or 100 Helioplex 360
Oxidative damage protection.

Neutrogena ultra sheer liquid daily sunblock SPF 70
Lightweight. Works alone or under moisturizer and make-up.

Neutrogena Healthy defense daily moisturizer SPF 50
Lightweight moisturizer that nourishes and softens skin. Provides anti-aging protection.

Neutrogena Ultimate Sport sunblock spray SPF 100+/ Sport Face SPF 70
Water proof. Sweat proof. Wont rub off or wipe off. (Personal favorite)


M.A.C Cosmetics Prep add Prime Face Protect SPR 50
Feather weight. Fast absorbing. Oil free. Invisable.


YES. Tanning beds cause cancer.

NO. They are NOT a good source of Vitamin D.

Don't believe the hype that tanning beds are safer than the sun. They are actually worse. They leave you with skin damaged for the rest of your life. (No matter how many minutes spent) And increase your cancer risk by 75%.
The Ultraviolet radiation is proven to cause premature aging.

Self tanners and/or Spray on tanners would be the better alternative.

Some suggestions:

Decleor Self Tanning Milk and Gels for face and Body
Hydrating. Non-streaky. Non-Orange. A bit of shimmer.

Adonia Bronzing Serum
Great scent. No streaking. Non-orange. Gentle on skin. Easy application. Doesn't stain clothes.

Neutrogena Instint Bronze sunless tanner and bronzer in one streak free foam
Flawless coverage. Non-Streaky. Develops natural looking golden tan. No orange finish. Absorbs quickly.

Being sexy doesn't mean putting your body or health at risk for skin cancer so use extra precautions when in the sun. Hat and sunglasses are great additions. And be sure to check your skin for new or changes in freckles and moles. These may be signs of melanoma.

This post is for EVERY skin color. Yes. That means you too my darker skinned friends.

UVA= Burning rays that cause skin cancer
UVB= Premature aging and DNA changes

Foundation Breakdown 101

Never mind color right now... Finding the right foundation for your skin type can be a pain in the ass. Some of us want one kind of foundation all year round while others want options for change of seasons.

So, here's the breakdown.


FOUNDATION COVERAGE:

Sheer
Light weight. Minimal coverage. Barely Noticeable.

Medium
Light to medium coverage. Build-able.

Full
Opaque. Covers almost any imperfection.



FINISHES:

Matte
Oil absorbing. Natural to Powdery finish.
Great for normal to oily skin.

Satin (Illuminating)
Natural skin finish. Light reflecting properties.
Great for all skin types but exceptional for dry and maturing skin.



FOUNDATION:

Tinted (Moisturizer)
For someone who doesn't need a lot of coverage but wants something to even out skin tone.
Ideal because you don't have to put on moisturizer and then foundation (but I still recommend moisturizing as to not over dry the skin.)
Lightweight.
Great for all skin types

Liquid
This texture is build-able and usually comes in all coverages and finishes.
Long lasting.
May come in smudge or water proof/resistant.
Great for all skin types.

Mouse
Liquid makeup with air whipped in.
Light weight and smooth like whipped cream.
Great for dry and maturing skin.

Spray on
This is a very build-able foundation and easy to layer because its quick drying.
Usually comes in all finishes.
Great for combination skin.

Cream
Some creams dry to a powder finish. (Usually matte creams also known as cream to powder. Oil absorbing.).
Others are more moisturizing.
All hydrate the skin.
Gives you a natural coverage with a silky finish.
Great for Dry,normal and combination skin.

Mineral
Gives you a natural light to medium coverage with a slight luminous finish.
Enhances the look of a dull dry complexion.
Great for all skin types. exceptional for dry and maturing skin.



Powders (all come in loose form):

Sheer- Light coverage. Allows skin to shine through.

Translucent- Mattes the skin while still keeping its natural glow.

Mineral- Natural to natural matte finish. Can also be worn as your foundation.

Foundation- Usually a medium to full coverage powder. One step all in one.

Bronzing- Enhances skin tone and the look of a tan.

Illuminating- High frosted iridescent finish.


Concealers:

All concealers are medium to full coverage, come in liquid and cream forms and can be sheered out with moisturizer for a lighter coverage.


All foundations and powders can be mixed and matched to your preference to achieve the look that best suites your needs and skin type.

Guy Brows 101

Matus
I love a man that takes care of him self.
Dresses well. Grooms his man parts. (YES I said it!) Moisturizes. Clips his nails. Maintains his hair. Great hygiene and grooms his brows.

Now... when I say Grooms his brows I DON'T mean gets them arched so much they look better than mine. I mean "done" for a man.

Guys, there's definitely a right way and a wrong way to go about grooming your brows. Please leave the waxing to the ladies and the other parts or your body. It just looks way too feminine!

Let tweezers be your friend. Pluck only the few hairs needed to clean up your brow area. You'll have full control of hair removal as not to go overborad.
The pain may take some getting used to so feel free to numb the area before you get started.

5 Spring Must Haves 101

Python/Snake Embossed Heels: Talk about sexy. This pattern works with any outfit. Casual or Dressy. No wonder they're so popular this season.

Denim: We all know Denim never goes out of style but this season, it's EVERYWHERE! Pants, Leggings, Shirts, Vests, Dresses, Bags, Shoes, etc. So mix and match and go crazy.

Feminine Florals: This look is flirty, fun and feminine. Great for your daytime dates, hanging out with the girls or being the center of attention at any party. (Keep your bags, shoes and accessories solid)

Cut Out Dresses: Any style or color, Cut Out Dresses are Fab for spicing up your evening out. It shows off just enough skin to keep them guessing.

Soft Nudes: These barely there hues can make every woman "Feel like a WOMAN"...Romantic, Chic, Feminine. Doesn't get better than that.

Spring Look TWO

So, a bold lip isn't your thing or you like switching things up every now and again or maybe you're just looking for a new subtle smokey eye for the new season. Whatever the case is this spring look will compliment you both day and night.

Turning the ultra dramatic smokey eye to a more sultry "Spring" smokey eye is as easy as BRONZE. Eye shadow.

Put those Black, Gray and Silver shadows away till Fall and pull out the Bronzes, Golds, Browns and Coppers. Don't be afraid to mix Mattes with Shimmers Because they DO compliment each other and look fab on all skin tones. You can take the sheer approach for day and amp things up for your night out.

Pair this sultry look with Neutral tone lips and lots off mascara. For night, dont be afraid to line your eyes with Dark Brown or Black eye liner.

Spring Look ONE

When it comes to our warm weather make-up we all want to look polished and effortless. Not to mention as if we aren't wearing any make-up at all. But how can we get all that in one look? EASY!

By keeping the face "Natural" with a dewy glow achieved by either a liquid bronzer or mineralized foundation, groomed brows, mascara and giving the lips a POP. You can turn on the sexy even more by adding a white, or gold eye liner to your water line or softly smudging a bronze colored liner or shadow to your top and bottom lash line.

This look is simple to come by and you'll love all the attention your lips will get. And you can pull this look off with any color lip stick and/or gloss.

Great for both day and night.

Breakouts 101

Acne is stressful at any age. Mild acne is usually topical, which makes it easier and faster to treat, whereas severe acne is almost always a bacterial infection from the inside. Which in turn can make it harder to treat. If your acne is mostly mild here are a few tips on reducing the appearance and/or eliminating your acne.

Wash your face before going to bed. A tea tree based wash works great for drying up the acne and removing any deep down dirt and oil that clogs pores.(Especially great for oily, acne prone skin) Salicylic Acid washes can be to extreme and over dry the skin.

Tie your hair at bedtime with a scarf. This will keep the dirt and oils from your hair off your pillow that can get on your face and eventually break you out.

Change your pillow case at least once a week. (Consider your sheets as well) Even though you can't see it, there is a considerable amount of build up from your pores on your pillow. Yuk!

Keep your hands away from your face. Think about everything you touch between hand washings. The door handle. Money. Food. Remote control. Now think about all the other people that have touched those things before you. Do you really want all that on your face? I didn't think so.

And lastly try to clean your phone with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball daily to remove dirt and oils that can also touch your face and break you out.

If your acne is severe your dermatologist can recomend an oral treatment to add to this routine.

Close Shave 101

Razor bumps and ingrown hairs are beyond annoying whether on your face or other places I dare mention. Switching out your blades gets expensive and keeping in one direction just isn't cutting it. The irritation continues and the bumps keep coming. So, what do you do when you've run out of options?

First you'll need to start using a shaving cream or gel that contains MENTHOL. The menthol opens your pores and helps calm any inflammation during shaving caused by your razor. If your hair is very course you can pre-treat the area by exfoliating first. (It softens the hairs). After shaving rinse your face with cold water and patting your face dry with a clean towel, you'll want to apply TEND SKIN with a cotton ball or pad or E-Solutions RAZOR RELIEF (roll on).

Tend skin and Razor relief reduce the appearance of razor bumps, razor burns, ingrown hairs and even redness significantly. It's safe to use on ANY just shaved area on your body and with beach season right around the corner...ladies TEND SKIN and RAZOR RELIEF will be your best friend. Guys this is especially great for you if you've been waiting for that chance to finally shave that beard or mustache off (or any other part of your body) or grow it without fear.

DO NOT USE IF ALLERGIC TO ASPIRIN!

The Perfect 2 Week Manicure 101

So you go get your nails done...Pay good money for your manicure...Next thing you know: The polish chipped. The color faded. You broke a nail... Do I really need to keep going? Oh... AND... It hasn't even been a week. Classic!

Nail Hardeners don't work. No Chip polish doesn't work. Still spending money. UGH!

Thanks to many combinations and a ton of polish changes I found a solution. Yes, me. An actual manicure that lasts 2 weeks.

You ready?

Base coat: One Minute nail Strengthener. Yes, thats the name of it.
One Minute Nail Strengthener is proven to help fortify your nails. It includes a superior botanical ingredient-Horsetail Grass-to give your nails both strength and flexibility. Horsetail Grass also eliminates cracks and brittleness and contains no harmful toluene.

Color coat: Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure.
I'ts a Base coat, Color and top coat all in one. Comes in great Spring colors.

Top Coat: M.A.C.'s Over lacquer.
A fast drying high gloss top coat that providing a protective coating against everyday wear and tear. Formulated with UV protection, helps reduce sun-related fading and discolouration. Colourless. Instantly guards your nail and manicure!

Try this combo out for yourself and finally experience a real manicure. And faster growing nails.
Great for pedicures and French manicures as well.

False Lash Application 101

Mastering the art of applying false lashes to one self takes time, patience and steady hands. You may not get it right the first time but after a couple tries you'll be a pro.

First things first...Start with a clean palette so it's easier to see what you're doing. That means no shadow, liner or mascara. Why make this task any more difficult than it already is? Find a clean space in front of a well lit mirror and make sure your hand are clean as well.

Leave the tweezers alone. You don't want any sharp object around your eyes. All you'll need are Lash Adhesive (glue), your choice of Lashes (strip or individuals), a q-tip or disposable sponge tip applicator and manicure scissors.

Step One: Gently peel your lashes from the box.

Step Two: FIGURE OUT WHICH LASH IS MEANT FOR THE RIGHT EYE AND WHICH LASH IS MEANT FOR THE LEFT EYE. Hint... The shorter end goes on the INSIDE corner where the long end goes on the OUTSIDE corner.

Step Three: Measure your lashes. After determining which lash goes with what eye, place the shorter end of the lash strip to your inside corner right where your own lashes begin using your thumb and pointer finger. With the same two fingers on your other hand hold the longer end of your false lash on top of your real lashes. Let go. NO, it will not stick on its own. If the lash strip exceeds your natural lash line you have to cut the excess off. STOP!!! do not cut them while they are still on your face! Use your thumb and pointer finger to gauge the amount that needs to be cut by peeling the lashes off with those fingers or if you can get really close to your mirror you may actually be able to count how many lashes need to be cut.

Step Four: Cut if necessary. Repeat step 3 for other eye.

Step Five: Glue Application
Squeeze or pour out a drop of glue on either a clean tissue or the lash box itself.(after sanitizing it with alcohol) Use your Q-tip or sponge applicator to dab into the glue and lightly coat the strip of your false lashes. VERY IMPORTANT... You have to let the glue get a bit tacky before you try applying your lash or it will slip and slide everywhere. So, you can wave your lash in the air for a few seconds or lightly blow on them. (Don't ever blow on someone else's lashes or let them blow on yours. Very unsanitary)

Step Five: Its time to apply those lashes.
take both ends of your lashes using your pointer fingers and thumbs. Get as close to the mirror as you can. Tilt your head back.(still looking at the mirror) And very slowly bring the false lashes to your real lashes. Carefully place the inside corner first then the outer corner. Then anchor the center.

Tah-dah! You just applied false lashes.

ENJOY!

Think PINK 101

PINK! HOT PINK that is. It's not just for the 80's anymore.

Hot Pink is popping up all over the Spring runways and on magazine covers. It's the IT color for the season. Why? Why NOT?! This color screams sexy and looks absolutely amazing on any skin tone.

There are wrong ways of wearing this fabulous shade so let me give you some insight:

Don't over do it. There is such a thing as too muck Pink.

If you're going for the sexy short dress look, match it up with other bolds like a bright Green or Yellow skinny belt (or no belt at all) or bold color Bangles while keeping your shoes and bag Neutral. If you choose to keep your look tame, Python prints and Nudes go great.

If you're sporting Hot Pink Pumps, down play the rest of your day time wardrobe with a simple tank and either boyfriend jeans or skinny jeans. Play them up at night with dressy Jumper Shorts or Leggings.

If you're going for the Bold Pink lip, keep the rest of your make-up natural.

If accessories are your thing only pick one. If you choose earrings don't do bracelets, bag and a belt. Can you say overload?

Have a ball with your Polish.

With so many options it's easy to get carried away but there's something for everyone.

Keep it Sexy. Keep it Simple. Think PINK!

Lip gloss 101

Copyright: milkmanstudioA lot of woman seem to have the same lip gloss issues: It's sticky. It runs. I have to keep reapplying. My boyfriend hates it but I love it. Etc.
Well, here are some tips, tricks and techniques to make all your lips happy...

If the tackiness of your lip gloss is your dilemma let me put you at ease. The tackier the gloss the longer it will last on your lips. You don't believe me. Test it out for yourself. Grab one of your silkier glosses and wear it for a day. Then do the same with your sticky gloss. Keep track on how many times you apply each one.(excluding when your eating of course). Its a guarantee you'll be saving money on the sticky one and there wont be a need for constant reapplying.
Try this: Apply a lip balm, lip conditioner or chap stick before your gloss. It wont be as sticky but still long lasting.

If running lip gloss (or lipstick) is your issue then it's time to friend a lip pencil. You can use one that matches your gloss, is 1-3 shades darker to give your lips dimension or a nude color that can be worn with any gloss or lipstick.
The trick is to apply the pencil AFTER you've applied the lipstick or gloss. Yes. After. Why? Because the purpose of a pencil in this case is to act as a barrier. If your applying it first it defeats that purpose. Make sense?

If your a fan of the gloss but your boyfriend isn't then you need to find a happy medium. Try using a tinted lip conditioner or a "sheer" gloss which is usually less tacky, silkier but still has that high shine that we all love. Use a lip tint or pencil first as your base for high color impact color.

KISSES!

Make-up brush sanitation 101

OMG! I almost died when I heard another make-up artist tell someone they only had to clean their make-up brushes once a month with baby shampoo. Are you for real? No wonder your face looks the way it does.
Don't listen to that nonsense.
First of all forget this baby shampoo myth you keep hearing and reading. Babies dont wear make-up. Secondly your brushes gather oil, bacteria and make-up build up, not to mention dust and anything else that comes in contact with them. If your all for breakouts and black heads knock yourself out otherwise save the baby products for the babies...once a month.

Wash your brushes ONCE A WEEK if anything once every other week. Your best bet is to use Brush cleanser (thats why they make them). They remove everything and keep your bristles soft. Your last resort should be anti-bacterial soap. I love to use them both. First anti-bacterial soap. Rinse. Then brush cleanser. Rinse. That way I know my brushes are clean. Extra clean. And I save on spending money on brush cleanser. Lay them down flat on a clean towel or paper towel to dry.
For that every day cleanser lay your brush (one at a time) on paper towel and pour brush cleanser directly on the bristles. Wipe back and fourth and repeat on new spot on paper towel till brush is clean. Feel free to rinse with water after. Any questions?

Beach Glow 101

Copyright: Gone Til Novus-embe
Question: I love seeing that summer glow on skin but I always seem to struggle getting it for myself. Creams and lotions feel sticky and mixing it with my SPF makes it worse. Oils evaporate and I end up having to re-apply. And I would rather stay away from anything with shimmers. What can I do that's easy and works?

Answer: SALT SCRUBS! Its your best friend all year round (especially in the winter when skin needs that extra moisture because Salt Scrubs are based in oil. They also come in great scents.)
Why is it so great for Summer? In the shower after washing with your everyday body wash. Turn the water off and rub in your salt scrub (EVERYWHERE BUT THE FACE). After rinsing off feel free to shave WITHOUT the need to use your shaving cream or gel. After you've toweled off your skin will feel like new. Silky. Smooth. Moisturized. Naturally GLOWING. Its your choice to apply a moisturizer but definitely apply an SPF.
It's a great exfoliant and safe to use 2-3 times a week. My top pick for the best scrubs is SABON!

Pores 101

I get a lot of clients in my chair that ask me questions about their pores. This one seems to always be number one...
I have these huge pores that look worse during the warm weather. I've tried everything but nothings working. Do you have any suggestions?
That's when I ask an array of questions finding that none of these women are taking the time in their morning or evening cleansing regimen to reverse or simplify this problem.
Wake up ladies and start taking better care of yourselves. You only get one face!

In the AM: Wash your face with WARM water. Rinse with COLD water. (cold water closes your pores which makes it harder for dirt and bacteria to invade. (Also great for acne prone skin) PAT your skin dry with a CLEAN towel. Then moisturize with your daytime moisturizer, eye cream and SPF.

In the PM: REMOVE your make-up with a make-up remover FIRST! (Don't forget to remove the eye liner and mascara as well. Don't get me started.) Wash your face with Warm water. EXFOLIATE with a micro beaded scrub (very fine grains. NOT the large kinds that you find in products like St. Ives scrubs that can cut and damage your skin.) RINSE with COLD water. PAT dry with a Clean towel. Apply a TONIFYING lotion using a COTTON BALL or PAD (not your fingers.) LET DRY then apply your night cream and eye cream.
If you can find and don't mind using a tonifying facial wash you can always use that following or as your facial wash before your scrub to skip the toning process.

You do more at night for your skin because its awake regenerating new skin cells while you sleep. So, treat it well.

Brows 101

Copyright: MaverickPhoto
Where should I start?...

Brows FRAME the face. Full brows are definitely the direction you should go. Unless of course you're a porn star. Don't get me started.

Now, when I say full I don't mean caterpillar brows so relax. The best width for brows in my opinion is the width of your pinky nail before reaching your arch. Your arch should start where your pupil ends when eye is centered. As for Brow color... Blondes should consider going 2-3 shades darker where Brunettes should consider going 1-2 shades lighter. You lucky Red Heads can go in either direction 1-3 shades.

Your options for filling in brows are almost unlimited these days:
Brow pencils... With light strokes following the direction of hair growth you can fill in brows for a very natural look.
Brow gel... This "mascara" for brows is great in so many ways. It attaches to hair and not the skin so no worries there. It comes in clear or in colors which is great for changing brow color without the dye. It keeps brows in place. And the best part... once it dries its smudge proof.
Brow wax... Also comes in clear and colors and sets unruly brows in place.
Brow shader... This shadow for brows requires an angeled brush for application. It comes in all brow shades and is great for filling and creating brows.
Eye shadow... Works the same as Brow shader.

With all these options no ones brows should be hard to come by and all of these products can be mixed and matched to perfection.
Brow stencils are also available to make arching easier as well as concealer for those in between visits to your brow specialists.

Hair 101

When it comes to choosing a new hair style (cut and color) there are a few thing you should take under consideration...
Your lifestyle: Is the style going to work for your everyday activities? should you keep your hair long in order to pull it a away from your face or cut it short to avoid the hassle?...
Your Skin type: If your acne prone should you get bangs? (The oils in your hair may cause more acne)...
Your skin and eye color: Will the hair color you choose compliment you? Bring out your eyes? brighten your skin?...
Cut: Will the style you choose fit your face? Your body type? Make you look older? Younger? Will it be easy to maintain?
And of course... when its time to grow out... What will it look like in the process?
Take the time to consider all your options and weigh in all the factors before making any rash decisions. Ask opinions of those who you are sure will give their honest opinion.