Bridal/Prom Makeup

If you know anyone who has a prom or a wedding coming up, let them know about my services! I continue to add to my collection to develop a kit that caters to all skin tones and events. I also use quality makeup (MAC, NYX, etc.) and brushes. The makeup that I apply will last through the big event.

One girl told me she slept with her prom makeup on, (which I don't recommend btw), woke up and went to work with the same makeup on from the night before. She got compliments on her makeup even the next day!

I currently have:
-Over 205 eyeshadow colors
-Over 15 concealer tones
-Over 20 makeup brushes
-Wide variety of lashes
(If you choose to add that service)
-Much, much, more!

I also disinfect all my products/brushes in between uses with rubbing alcohol.

Check out my gallery to see samples of my work!
Click for rates!

Holiday Gift Ideas!

Here are some gift ideas for your friends just in time for the holiday season. If you even shop today, you could snag some great deals! Everything is 55% off at eyeslipsface.com and everything is 33% of at Coastal Scents.

Put your little collections in a cute makeup bag from the dollar store, or a nice small basket your friend could re-use. Decorate with bows, ribbons, and tissue paper!

Everything above is only $1 from ELF Cosmetics!! Basics: False Eyelashes in Dramatic, Waterproof EyeLiner Pen in Black, Eyeshadow Primer, and Eyelash Curler. + Choose an eyeshadow quad to fit your friend's tone: Day 2 Night Quad (Blondes) , Brownstone Quad (Brunettes) , or Drama Quad (Everyone).

All items above are from ELF as well and are only a $1 each!! Tinted Moisturizer, Clarifying Powder, Stick Concealer, Noire Mascara, Hypershine Lipgloss in Fairy (love this color). Extras could be Brownstone Quad, and Eyelash Curler, or Eyeshadow Primer!

These brushes above can be found at CoastalScents.com. I chose the most basic brushes that a girl would need to apply her everyday makeup. The total comes to $17 for 4 brushes, which is not bad considering the quality. These brushes are definitely comparable to MAC! Gift these brushes in a large sachet from AC Moore or tie in a bundle with fancy ribbon!

While you're at coastalscents.com, check out their pre-made palettes! These make great gifts as well! 88 eyeshadows for only $24.95 with excellent quality can't be beat! Grab one for a friend, and one for you too!

You may have never heard of Coastal Scents, but I have purchased from them many times and I trust this company! Shop today before you lose out on the 33% off the whole site!

More ideas to come =)

MAC's Fix+ New Fav. Obsession!

Ever decide you need a makeup touch-up mid-day but you don't want to keep caking on product? That was me yesterday... I also felt like my face needed a little more moisture rather than just adding dryness with powder. My solution: I whipped out my Fix+ spray! I sprayed my brush, then swirled my brush in my powder, then applied it to my face. It felt refreshing and the best part is Fix+ helps your makeup stay put for hours! Also, when you moisten a powder and apply it, the effect is going to be more intense. I repeated this process for my blush and contouring and everything looked airbrushed! On top of all that, I think I used less product this way because I didn't have to keep layering to get the desired look I wanted.

Of course, this morning I did the same thing (even with my eyeshadow and liner) and it came out great! I highly suggest this product especially for the winter months when your skin may be feeling a little dry. You can also spritz your whole face when your done with your look to give it final holding power.

Get it at any MAC counter for $19.oo! Makes a great gift too!

Coming in the next few days: Makeup Gift Ideas for friends (keeping a budget in mind!)

Halloween Ideas!

Still don't know what you're going to be for Halloween? Let these youtubers help you decide! Watch their how-to makeup videos for some Halloween Ideas. You all must promise not to be Betty Boop though, because that's what I am being =)

Marilyn Monroe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DljIivw3KM

Pocahontas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxSwDhkRwl0&feature=channel

Jessica Rabbit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtVVF3Iprp0

Tinkerbell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjqLqJbgars&feature=channel

Cleopatra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfBYSsmk3DA&feature=related

Barbie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxueWQijSOU&feature=channel

Cruella De Vil
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzhXp5JTslU&feature=related

Catwoman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMG7ec1IhIc

Bridal Looks Mama and EZ Mang

For the Bridal Look Book I am working on, I asked my mom and my brother's girlfriend, Erika (a.ka. EZ Mang) to model for me. They came out great! By the way, I think Santa needs to bring me a better camera so I can really capture my work! =)

Here they are: EZ MANG:

Mom:

Teenage Birthday Dreams

Madison wanted her makeup done for her birthday. She chose an inspiration look from Katy Perry which is beautiful! I couldn't wait to put it all together for her skin tone, eye and hair color! After her long day of potentially disastrous events (lol), it all came together just in time (well maybe a little late lol) for birthday dinner...Happy Birthday Madison!

Here are the results:

This is a great pic!

It's not a makeup day without Becca lol. I needed Becca for a project I am working on, which is a Wedding Makeup Look Book. Just ignore her black shirt lol.

Haley on the Dark Side

Haley was going to take a picture of herself for a death metal group's fan page and asked me to provide her with a look to go with it. Of course I thought of dark eyes and a red lip...and that's what I gave her. I'm happy with the makeup look, but I do have to say I think I prefer Haley with minimal makeup. Her hair is so unique that your eye is automatically drawn to her hair...but now with a dark eye and red (berry) lips, your eye doesn't know where to look with all of the prominent features. It's a cute look, and great for her night she was going to have in New York, but I still appreciate a plain faced Haley! =)


Candid Photo

#1 Beauty Tip

Curl those lashes!!

If I had to give one piece of beauty advice for all women to follow, it would be to curl your lashes every day! I'm surprised every time I do someone's makeup and they don't even own a lash curler!

How do I use a lash curler?
A lash curler can look scary but it doesn't hurt! You place your lashes in the gripper section by having your eyes half closed/half open. Push down on the curler so that it grips only your lashes. It shouldn't grip any skin! Hold for a few seconds and do it again until you're satisifed.

Why are they such a good idea?
It curls those lashes to stick up more and look more flirty. Studies have shown that men like women with attractive flirty eyes as opposed to not having flirty eyes lol. Bat those lashes and get some "D", ladies!

Where can I get a "D" magnet?
I love my ELF lash curler which was only $1 from EyesLipsFace.com. You can also get a real cheap one from N.Y.C. which is carried in almost any drugstore!

Sneak a Peek

Be sure to check out my new up-to-date photo gallery and rates page located in tabs at the top of this page.

Rates currently available for

• Weddings
• Proms
• Girls Night Out
• Headshots

If you are curious about anything else, just ask!

Diva Day

Becca and Madison came over to get their makeup done for a Friday night. I'm real happy with the results! Check out these Divas!

Get it girls!

Madison's Look - A Pop of Coral!

Looking so angelic here!

Becca's Look - KK inspired
I've worked with Becca before and knew she wouldn't mind working some drama!


Becca's such a trooper she allowed me to shoot a before and after.
Beautiful before, and fierce after!


Thank you girls! Steal these pics and show everyone on your facebook how great you look!
(Link my blog too lol)

So Fresh, So Clean

Brushes are a great tool to apply makeup. I have quite the collection considering I do makeup on the side. I also have some brushes that are the same shape just so I always have one clean when I'm out doing makeup. In order to keep them clean in between people when I'm out I spritz alcohol on them and swipe them on a cloth or paper towel to remove excess product and bacteria. But I can only do this so many times before the brush starts to loose its softness, and therefore it's effectiveness.

Clear signs that your brushes need cleaning are:

• you are breaking out suddenly
• your brushes feel prickly
• they look dirty
• they've been used quite a few times

This is how I clean my brushes:
Put equal parts dish soap and olive oil on a plate.



Wet your brush and dip it in both the soap and olive oil.
Twirl the soapy brush in the palm of your hand to get a good lather. Squeeze out excess soap under water.


Repeat process until water runs clear.


Lay the brushes on paper towel to have some of the moisture be absorbed.


Use the brush guards to dry your brushes: (Really inexpensive...comes in different sizes too)


Place the brush guard on the brush making sure you leave some room at the top.


Put brushes upside down in some kind of cup or container. Do not let them dry upwards or else moisture will get into the ferrule and loosen the bristles.


Just to be extra cleanly I spritz alcohol on my brush holders and wipe them down in order to insure I kill all bacteria and get rid of any excess product.

Moisturizer is where it's at!

We all lotion our bodies to keep our skin hydrated and feeling fresh, so why wouldn't we also moisturize our face which is exposed to the most torment through the day?
Reasons to wear moisturizer:
*Prevents Wrinkles
*Creates a smooth canvas for your makeup
(otherwise your foundation will be absorbed into the dry areas and will result in an uneven, splotchy effect)
*Keeps skin young and hydrated
*Could double as a daily sunscreen

Find a product designated for your skin type!
Do you have oily skin? You still should be wearing moisturizer, but one designated for oily skin!
If your face is dry, it produces oils to make up for the lack of moisture. So if you have oily skin, and on top of it you don't use moisturizer you're just contributing to the cycle of oiliness.

If you have dry or combination skin, look for the specifications on the label while shopping for your skin type.

What are some good moisturizers?
Some women swear by all Oil of Olay products. I have not tried their products yet though.
I have tried the following:

Garnier Ultra Lift with SPF 15


Garnier Skin Renew SPF 28


I also highly suggest all KOHL's Beauty Dept. Skin Care!
Pomegranate Super Anti-Oxidant Cream


Eye Cream:
Eye cream is also very important seeing as how this is the most delicate area on your face! Apply your moisturizer and makeup around this area with your ring finger to be gentle!

Garnier Ultra Lift Eye Cream


Night Cream:
If you really want to be on top of things, you can take advantage of your sleep time and apply an even more concentrated beauty replenishing cream at night to re-fuel your face!

American Beauty (Kohl's) Beauty Boost


Bliss - The Youth As We Know It (Sephora)

My "Go-To's"

If you've ever wondered what my "go-to" beauty products are, now is your chance to find out!
I had work at 9:00 and woke up at 8:00. About 10 minutes of my time was designated to makeup.

• First I used my *MAC Mattifying Primer* focused under my eyes but then spread it outwards
  
• Then used my *Coastal Scents Concealer Wheel* for under my eye area
• I used my *Urban Decay Primer Potion* on my eyes (not pictured)
• Then powdered my whole face with *MAC's Mineralize Skin Finish in Medium*
• Bronzer time lol I use *MAC's Bronzing Powder in Matte Bronze*
• For eyes I use *MAC's Cork* eyeshadow and *NYX's Earthy* in my crease.
• Then I use *MAC's Carbon (Black) Eyeshadow* as my liner with an angled brush
• I curl my lashes before applying my fav mascara - *Loreal's Voluminous in Carbon Black*
• Lastly I apply my *MAC blush in Melba* to the apples of my cheek and sweep it back

I use all these products everyday as part of my 10 minute face. As you can see I do use a lot of MAC products because it works best for me and I find their products last longer and the pigmentation is better. What are some of your "go-to" items?

The Most Magnificent Mascara

Mascara is a basic staple in one's makeup collection. It's one of those products that can instantly transform a face...but there can also be some hassle involved such as clumping, grouping of lashes, thickness of product...etc. After using Rimmel, Maybelline, and Dior Products, I came across Loreal's Voluminous Mascara!

Here are the benefits I have found:
-Little clumping
-No grouping of lashes
-Lengthens lashes
-Darkens lashes
-Thickens lashes
-Adds volume
-Keeps a curl
-Layerable (dry or wet)

I still need to try Maybelline's Falsie Mascara though because I have heard good things. Do you have either of these mascaras? Which ones work for you?

What's Primer all About?

Primer
Not every woman incorporates Primer into their daily beauty regime. But why spend all that time putting your makeup on, just for it to slip off during the day? This is what primer is for:
-Creates a smooth even surface for your makeup
-"Catches" and keeps the makeup you put on
-Minimizes pores
-Makes makeup last longer throughout the day
-Allows makeup's truest colors to be seen

Primers come in all price ranges from drugstore to designer.
Here are some I have tried:
Rimmel's Fix and Perfect - Approx. $8
Looks like a skin toned foundation. I will definitely repurchase this item.


Loreal's Studio Fix Primer Approx. $12
Fluffy Feeling - "A dab will do ya" - I will repurchase.


MAC's Mattifying Primer $18
A Pea size amount is good. A slick (but not greasy finish.)
http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/793/343/Matte/index.tmpl


Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer $32 (Sephora)
One small pump is enough. Product must be stored upside down or else it will not pump out. Very similar to MAC's Mattifying Primer.


After using all these products, I feel they have all worked about the same. I wear a primer every day.


EYESHADOW PRIMER!!!
I highly highly highly recommend every woman to wear eyeshadow primer!
It does everything above and:
-prevents creasing!!
-allows the eyeshadow's true color to show

I have used and will not stop using Urban Decay's Primer Potion $18 (Sephora)
Though it may seem pricey, all you need is a swipe and your shadow is in place ALL day and you get the most bang for your buck with no reapplication and no creasing!!
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P74310&categoryId=B70


Have you used any of these products? What do you think? Are you going to purchase any of them now? Comment below!