I'm A Proud Unconventional Beauty

Since I was a little girl I have been teased about my large forehead. However, over the years I have learned to embrace and accept it as something that makes me unique and Beautiful. Unconventional Beauty is interesting and much more fun to paint on! In the four years I've been a licensed practicing MUA (makeup artist), I've come across many Beauties who have requested that I figure out ways to camouflage their quirky features - from large lips to wide-set eyes. While us MUA's have a plethora of techniques utilizing certain products and colors that can satisfy requests such as these, I spend a great deal of time Preaching ACCEPTANCE & EMBRACING!! When I am asked to minimize the forehead, I empathize because of the personal connection I feel to the makeover, and use one of (or a combination of) the following techniques:

1. Apply a light bronzer to each temple and blend. This will create a shadow effect causing the head to look more rounded.

2. (Heart Shape Face) Contour at the temples and cheeks to diminish the width of your upper face.

3. Contour on the corners of either side of your forehead and across the hairline.

**Your contour color that should be 2 shades darker than your foundation with the same undertone. Be sure to BLEND BABY BLEND!


Beautiful Large Foreheaded Goddesses

Kabuki Krazy

Happy Wednesday Dolls! I hope that you are all having a Fabulous week thus far. So.....if you follow me on Twitter, you may have seen my tweets singing praises to blush, one of my favorite, and one of the most necessary, cosmetic items for this time of the year specifically. We focus so much energy on perfecting that smokey eye or nude lip, and totally forget about the space between the two. Makeup application is about a balanced and complete look Dolls. Don't ignore the cheeks!

Blush is the product that will accentuate those lovely cheekbones when you smile, while adding much needed color to the face. While blush brings radiance to you face, it is important to know the proper ways to apply it. There are 3 techniques that I utilize when applying blush:

1. Applelonia - When utilizing this technique focus solely on the apples of the cheek and apply the color in round strokes to this area. I suggest smiling in order to find them. Finish off with some matte bronzer as a contour to further accentuate the apples.
(CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE)

2. Windburn - Windburn is my absolute FAVE technique for the Winter months. This look is natural giving the skin a healthy & flushed appearance. Apply the color to the apples of the cheeks and blend outward into hairline. Be sure that the color is evenly swept over the cheeks.
(CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE)

3. Blushbaby - This technique is for that girl who absolutely LOVES blush and color! First apply the color to the apples of the cheeks, next blend both outward to the ears and upward to the temples. Next lightly apply the color to the hairline surrounding the forehead making sure to blend well. Lightly dust some color from the chin outward along the jawline. Again BLEND BLEND BLEND!
(CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE)

I suggest utilizing a creme blush as a base when utilizing any of these techniques. Also, gradually apply the color to you face. Blush is totally buildable. Don't be afraid of color - EXPERIMENT! That's the beauty of makeup, you can take it off ;) Have a Fab rest of the week Beauties.

Tricks of the Trade

Hey Beauties!! I apologize for not blogging in a few weeks, I was completely overwhelmed with my mother's wedding (which I will post photos from next week) and super important exams at school. Needless to say, I'm BACK and ready to continue inspiring you to be Fabulous & Stunning! We are all Beautiful, however it is very necessary to update your Beauty from time to time, with that being said, this post is dedicated to my ladies who are in a "Beauty Slump". Now is the time to "Update your Beauty" and the following tips will catapult this process.

1. Always rock clean and perfect skin.
Experiment with different foundation formulas of various levels of coverage until you find the one that works wonders and literally "looks like skin". The object is to appear as natural as possible while looking as perfect as possible.



2. Opt for thick, well-defined brows. Long gone are the days of thin and sparse brows. Volume, with a side of definition, is the key. Growing the brows out completely can take from 6 mos up to a year, and while I understand this process is excruciating, there are products in existence to help you along(brow gels, brow pencils, muted shadows & concealers).



3. A pop of color on the lip is so necessary. During the Winter months, your skin loses the color you procured during the Spring & Summer months. This is the main reason why a vibrantly beautiful color is needed on the lips. Find a hue that works best for your complexion and can be rocked everyday. Plums and Reds are extremely popular this season. **With colors such as these a lip pencil is essential.



4. You can't lose with a golden eye. Soft gold and luminous beige eye shadows will always perfect any look. These hues are soft enough to compliment any brow, lip or blush, yet bold enough to draw attention to the eyes. Pair with a fabulous lash elongating black mascara for timeless look. Dress up your eyes Dolls!



5. Turn bad hair days into bun days. Ladies there is NO SUCH THING as a bad hair day in 2010. With the plethora of non structured hairstyles in existence, there is always a way to save the hair. When it's time for the weave to be washed and tightened simply pull the hair up or back (depending on your preference) into a messy bun or loose braid for an effortless look. If you are rockin a short cut, use pins or a headband to achieve a look of effortlessness.

“If the Eyes are the Windows to the Soul, the Eyebrows are the Drapes.......”

"If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then the eyebrows must be the drapes, and there’s nothing sexier than a pair of swanky curtains." How appropriate and hilarious is that quote? Ladies, Ladies, Ladies I cannot stress enough the importance of properly groomed brows. They frame not only your eyes, but literally your entire face, and unkempt or improperly shaped brows are extremely unacceptable. How many of us can admit to having an unfortunate experience when having our eyebrows done? I know that I have cried after having mine waxed by a non-reputable and/or not formally trained technician. This is a common mistake that we all have made. Don’t allow any facility or person who “does eyebrows” to do your eyebrows, BE PICKY!! I recommend visiting a boutique that specializes in eyebrows or allowing ONLY a professionally trained Esthetician groom your brows.

The following options are available for grooming brows:

1. Waxing - Eyebrow waxing is hands down the most popular option used and has been in practice for decades and decades. This option is fairly inexpensive and last anywhere from three to ten weeks depending upon the individual. Possible consequences of waxing include red, irritated skin, a slight burning or itchy feeling, or even a minor rash in the area where the wax was applied. This is more common when using physician prescribed topical treatments for acne or other skin conditions. Keep in mind that waxing is quicker, but removes massive amounts of hair in one strip allowing a higher margin for mistake. This is not an issue if the technician is experienced and properly trained.

2. Threading (My personal FAVORITE) - Threading is an ancient method of hair removal which originated in parts of India, the Middle and Far East, and is now gaining popularity in Western countries. 100% cotton thread is twisted and rolled along the surface of the skin entwining the hairs in the thread, which are then lifted quickly from the follicle. It is more precise than waxing and allows for better lines. Threading is highly recommended and an excellent option for those who use Retin-A, Accutane, or similar products.

3. Electrolysis - Electrolysis involves the use of a special electrode that delivers a minor electrical shock current to the hair follicle. The current kills the follicle at the same time as it removes unwanted hair. Because the hair is often in different stages of growth, electrolysis treatment may need to be repeated two or three times to make certain that all of the unwanted hair is successfully removed. This option must be performed by a licensed & trained professional because any mistake is irreversible. This is also obviously the most expensive of the four options, but only a few treatments are necessary.

4. Tweezing - Many women who choose to groom their eyebrows personally use the tweezing technique. Plucking with tweezers can be extremely painful initially but once the skin gets accustomed to the process the pain subsides. This option is the least popular because it requires the longest amount of time to complete. Tweezing will almost ALWAYS be used at the end of both the waxing and threading techniques to clean up the excess hairs.

No matter what option you select to groom your eyebrows, the shape is the most important part of the process. The eyebrow shape can enhance & frame your eyes, and balance your features. I have listed below some tips regarding how to properly shape your eyebrows.

Eyebrow Tips:

1. The highest arch of the eyebrow should be straight up from the outside edge of the iris. A straight edge, such as a ruler can be used to determine exactly where this line falls.

2. Pencil thin eyebrows are a definite NO! They cause the eyes to appear larger and is reminiscent of the 20's. Opt for a fuller eyebrow with a definite shape. However, be conscious of your personal features. Stronger features are complimented by stronger, fuller eyebrows, while delicate features are balanced by softer eyebrows.

3. Symmetry is the key component when properly grooming the eyebrows. Remember that the space between your eyebrows should be equal to the width of your eye.

4. Your eyebrows aren't twins, or sisters. They are more like cousins. It is virtually impossible for them to be perfectly identical!

5. Brow gel helps keep your brows in place all day. If you don't have gel, apply a dab of hairspray to your finger and apply to brows to keep unruly hairs in place. This tip is dedicated to my bushy eyebrow sistahs :)! Embrace the gel.

6. When filling in your brows, two colors are better then one! Use a lighter color on the thicker fuller part of your brows and a darker color at the tail ends. This is a trick that many celebrity pros use on their clients. Could also wet the brush when applying the color to the tail ends to darken the shadow as a opposed to using two colors.

7. When selecting an eyebrow powder opt for a soft-textured matte shadow that matches your hair color. Apply with an angle brush (that is used for eyeliner as well) and use short soft strokes that extend upward and out.

8. Using an eyebrow pencil to fill-in the brows is my personal favorite, however it can be difficult to master initially. Many women apply it incorrectly creating harsh strong lines that are visible to others. For a more natural look, use short soft thin strokes that "look like hair" and remember to blend with a firm eyebrow brush after applying. Also be sure that the pencil provides a dry finish as opposed to a wet finish.

9. Experts say that the ideal time for brow-shaping is the week after your period begins. Apparently it's the time during your cycle when your body is least sensitive to hair removal.

Every woman must ultimately find the most complimentary eyebrow shape for their individual face shape and features whether it be high arch, rounded arch or no arch. Look to your friends, co-workers and other people for inspiration when selecting an Eyebrow Guru. If you admire their brows, then schedule a consultation and express your wants as a client. Once again, BE PICKY!! Your eyebrows are extremely important and need to be treated with TLC.

Perfect Nude Lip

So as usual I am deeming something "My Favorite Thing" but I just can't help that there are so many fabulous products/looks in existence! As I mentioned in a previous post, I absolutely love love love a nude lip. It is sexy and chic, and perfectly compliments virtually any eye and/or blush makeup combination. The following three products used properly create the Perfect Nude Lip:






1. Creme De' Nude Cremesheen Lipstick by MAC
2. Cork Lip Pencil by MAC
3. C-Thru Lipglass by MAC

This fusion compliments light to medium dark skin complexions. I recommend wearing a lip primer with this combination to neutralize the lips. These three products are extremely versatile making the purchase worth your while! Cork lip pencil also works fabulously with other nude, and pink, peach and coral colored lipsticks and glosses. Not to mention, I am an advocate of wearing C-thru Lipglass alone for an everyday look.

Naturally Oily

There are 5 basic skin types:

1. Normal Skin
2. Dry Skin
3. Oily Skin
4. Combination Skin
5. Sensitive Skin

The varying characteristics of these skin types require very specific skin care and makeup products. Per request from one of my very enthusiastic readers I am going to dedicate this post to oily skin. She complained that after successfully applying makeup before going to work, her face literally transforms into an oil slick within a few short hours. This is a common problem that can be relieved by changing your skin care regimen and using the proper products.

Tip #1 - Be sure to select a gel cleanser that is oil-free. Gel cleansers work best on oily skin because they are fabulous at absorbing excess oils.

Tip #2 - If your skin feels sticky or oily after successfully rinsing your face, use a toner to enhance the cleanser.

Tip #3 - DO NOT AVOID MOISTURIZER! It is important to understand that all skin types require moisturizer. I recommend a very light oil-free moisturizer or moisturizing gel to be applied immediately after the toner has absorbed. It is important to make sure the moisturizer is applied before your skin begins to create its natural oils.

Tip #4 - Apply a clay mask to your face once per week (bi-weekly during the Summer months). Clay masks work effectively to absorb excess oils, dirt and harmful toxins from the skin.

Tip #5 - SCRUBS = YOUR BFF! Exfoliating scrubs remove dead skin cells, balance oil production, and reduce in size the appearance of engorged pores. I recommend using a scrub no more then twice a week. Over use may lead to irritation of the skin due to the abrasive nature of the product.

Tip #6 - Use a foundation primer. Foundation primer aids in absorbing the excess oils that our skin produces, which reduces the shine that occurs in combination or oily skin types. The use of a primer also lessens the amount of foundation that is used.

Tip #7 - Apply your makeup with clean brushes or unused sponges only. Oil and bacteria from used and or contaminated brushes/sponges will place excess oils & debris onto the face. Also, NEVER use your fingers! Using your fingers transfers more oil to the face.

Tip #8 - Selecting the appropriate foundation is extremely important.
*Select a non-comedogenic liquid foundation with a MATTE finish
*Apply a thin layer of foundation only (Don't cake it on!)
*Avoid foundations that contain alcohol, bismuth oxychloride and dimenthicone
*Look for foundations that contain kaolin clay (for oil control), serecite (for pore reduction), titanium dioxide (for sun protection)
*If you are stuck between two shades that work best for your complexion, select the lighter shade. The natural oils from your skin will eventually mix with the foundation causing the shade to appear darker.

Tip #9 - Apply a light colorless blot powder to your face once the foundation has been applied. This will help to set the liquid and prevent it from transferring throughout the day. Use throughout the day when necessary to absorb oils.

Tip #10 - Stay away from cream-based eye shadows and blushes, and opt for powder only. Use an eye shadow primer that creates a matte finish to prevent the eye makeup from creasing.

Just keep in mind that having oily skin is not necessarily a negative thing. Studies show that oily skin tends to age better than dry skin and it usually has less wrinkles than dry skin of the same age. Oily skin also looks vibrant, healthy & glowy!

BLACK VS. BLUE

Recently my girlfriend Ashlee called me requesting suggestions for what type of makeup she should wear with blue mascara. I immediately told her the obvious answer according to her personal coloring (she is a caramel complected Black girl)- silver, purple & blue eye shadows with a nude or sheer pink colored lip gloss. But after talking to her I begin to think about the magic of colored mascara as a whole. I have always kept a blue mascara around for those days when I decided I wanted to make my dark brown eyes truly POP, but there are other colored mascaras that compliment and add subtle drama to eyes of all shades without making the wearer look as if he or she is attending a rave on Halloween!

For Brown Eyes - Turquoise & Navy Hues
For Blue Eyes - Purple & Brown Hues
For Green Eyes - Purple Hues (go richer)
For All Eyes - Rich Burgundy

Remember to conscious of the eye shadow you are wearing to compliment the colored mascara. Great rule of thumb when you are unsure about what combination(s) to wear - KEEP IT NATURAL & NEUTRAL. Have fun with different colors and don't be afraid to change it up!

Summertime Makeup: Avoid the Meltdown!

It is seriously a MYSTERY to me how women walk around during the sweltering Summer months wearing a full face of makeup. I'm not a master makeup artist, but I have discovered a plethora of tips to mask certain issues, though I have yet to discover a way to successfully wear a full face of makeup for an entire day in July or August! However, I have compiled a list of tips/techniques providing insight as to how to obtain a beautiful Summertime Look that will stay put!

1. ELIMINATE LIQUID FOUNDATION!!!
During these HOTT months opt for a tinted moisturizer such as Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF. Tinted moisturizer provides sheer, natural coverage while moisturizing and protecting your skin. If you need to conceal dark circles and other skin blemishes, I suggest using a waterproof protective concealer on top of the moisturizer. Be sure to blend well.


2. Powder is your friend.
Loose powder is ideal for Summer simply because it contains less oils then liquid or cream based foundations. Lightly apply a thin layer of loose powder over your tinted moisturizer (and concealer if necessary) to create more coverage. Remember, don't go overboard with the powder! The sun will cause the consistency of the powder to change creating unwanted streaks on your face.


3. Blot Papers are your Best Friend.
I die for CVS brand oil absorbing sheets. They are at least one to two dollars cheaper than the other name brand sheets and work equally as well. Carry a pack of these in your purse and remove oil from you face at your discretion. Blot, don't rub to keep makeup in place.


4. Sweat-proof your eyelashes.
Waterproof mascara is a must-have item for your summertime makeup bag. It is a known fact that we hold sweat in our hair follicles, so when the hot Summer causes us to perspire, our eyelashes retain moisture. Waterproof mascara is the solution to this issue. Select the waterproof version of your favorite mascara brand and shade. I prefer jet black to add drama since less makeup is worn on the rest of the fact.


5. Tone down the lip.
Retire the creamy and thicker lipsticks, and opt for neutral shade sheer glosses. MAC Lustreglasses in Instant Gold and Beaux are great options for this. For protection against harmful rays, use a SPF lip balm beneath your gloss. If you're a girl who lives for color and bold lips, I suggest utilizing a long lasting and water resistant lip product such as Max Factor Lipfinity.

6. Get an Extra Glow.
Bronzer is a personal favorite item of mine for the Summer, however it must be applied correctly! Apply bronzer lightly to your chin, nose & cheeks only. I suggest using the Smashbox FAN BRUSH #22 or something comparable.

DeBunking the Makeup & Skin Myths!

Hello Fabs! I hope that you all have had a fabulous week thus far. I have been really busy with school and in fact, inspiration for this post was derived from one of my lovely classmates. Once she found out I was a makeup artist she begin to pick my brain about the different skin and makeup "tips" she had received throughout the years, and I became complete discouraged with the falseness of the information she had been fed. This post "Debunks" some common makeup and skin myths that we are all exposed to.

Myth: Blush is for adding color, not definition.
Truth: Cheek color does both – add definition and color. It can be used to add warmth to your face and to shape and contour, enhancing cheekbones to make your face appear thinner. More neutral tones of cheek color can also be uses to contour other areas of the face, such as the jawline, temples and the sides of the nose.

Myth: It is essential that you drink at least eight glasses of water a day to achieve beautiful, glowing skin.
Truth: The majority of the water we are supposed to consume is derived from foods. Raw produce, unlike regular H2O, has antioxidants that help strengthen cell walls so you stay hydrated.

Myth: Foundation should be used on the eyelids beneath the eye shadow to ensure the longevity of the makeup.
Truth: Foundation causes eye makeup to cake and crease. Use a neutral color makeup base such as MAC paint, or dust pale yellow powder onto bare lids to make eye shadow adhere.

Myth: Shaving makes hair grow back thicker.
Truth: When you shave, you’re seeing the blunt edges of the hair regrow all at the same time, so there’s an appearance of being thicker, but there’s no difference in the diameter or density of the hair. Also, hair doesn’t seem to grow in as thick in waxing, because the entire follicle is removed, so the hair coming back in is growing in different cycles.

Myth: Squinting or rubbing your eyes and face can cause wrinkles.
Truth: Wrinkles occur where they do because of the places where skin cells are squeezed millions of times by facial expressions. So, squinting, or any other repeated facial expression, like frowning or smiling, will lead to wrinkles when it is done enough times. (Although I don't suggest that you stop smiling, frowning-yes!)

Myth: Spritzing water or liquid based products, such as MAC Fix +, on your face will freshen makeup.
Truth: NO it won’t! Spraying water onto your made-up face will only cause your makeup to run.

Myth: Looking well-rested requires a full eight hours of sleep per night.
Truth: As our cells lose water, our skin looks ashy and sallow. Good hydration from moisturizers can help.

Myth: Concealer should ALWAYS be lighter than your foundation.
Truth: Concealer has many uses and its tone depends on its use. You may use a lighter toned concealer for under eye circles to counteract the shadow, but to cover a blemish you would use a tone similar to your foundation. There are also color-tinted concealers available for specific uses, such as green tint to cover redness. The number one rule is to BLEND BLEND BLEND your concealer until it disappears.

Lip-ouflage

Happy Sunday Fabs! How many of you personally, or know someone who, have darker colored lips and feel that you are exempt from wearing certain color lipglosses, stains or lipsticks because of this? This post is especially for all of you. There are products and tricks in existence that allow every woman to successfully wear any color they feel! You know that concealer that many of us use to cover blemishes, and hide bags & dark circles beneath the eye??....That very same product works to "conceal lips" and create a bare canvas for the application of lip color. After moisturizing the lip with the moisturizer of your choice, take your lip brush and gently apply a thin layer of concealer over your lips. Once the concealer dries, paint on your lipstick and like magic, the true color of the lipstick appears. In addition to the concealer, another technique is to apply a lip primer to your lips prior to applying the lipstick. The primer neutralizes the lips and increases the effect of the lipstick. This technique is not as powerful as the latter, but effective nonetheless. If your lips have become darker due to smoking or reasons other then genetically based ones, cosmetic companies have created products that permanently lighten the color of the lips, however I cannot personally endorse a particular brand. Drink plenty of water and avoid dark caffeinated beverages such as tea and coffee. Some experts believe these products darken lips.

Today marks the start a new week - try something NEW. Be FABULOUS!

Eye Catching.........

Ladies, I've decided to let you in on a few of the eyeliner techniques/trends that I follow to add that extra umph & perfect whatever look I am creating. Its all about stepping outside of your box and reinventing your current look. Enjoy :)

"Drama Drama"
When creating a DRAMATIC eye with black eye liner, I lift the upper eyelid (exposing the eyeball as if I am about to place an eyedrop in), take the jet black eye liner (only a pencil can be used in this situation) and gently line the inner rim of the upper eyelid. On occasion I will also attach individual lashes to the lashes on the very bottom row. This area is sensitive so I suggest using a Kohl liner for a smooth application. This technique adds flare to a smokey eye or other dramatic looks.

"Wide Eyed Gal"
If you are looking for a technique that gives the allusion of brighter, whiter and larger eyes, line the lower inner rim of the bottom lid with a white eyeliner. For a more subtle touch, simply line the inner corner of your eye. This will still create a “pop”. White eyeliner is actually one of my favorite items because of its versatility. If you are opposed to white liner, light champagne or peach work fabulously as well.

"The Infamous Cat Eye"
The "cat eye" is by far the number 1 most requested look I get when creating a smokey eye or totally dramatic eye for a night look. Complete these following steps to achieve the look:

1. Tilt your head back so you’re looking down into the mirror. Start with the inner corners of your eyes and dot the liner along the root of your eyelashes. Be sure to follow your eye’s natural curve while going from the innermost corner to the outermost corner.

2. Next, create a line following the dots you created in the previous step, this time make the line thicker. Be sure to extend outwards toward the outer corner of your eye; the extremity of the tilt depends on your preference. If you prefer more drama, extend your line out further and more upward.

3. Next, use an angle eyeshadow brush to smudge and soften the line. The key during this whole process is to get as close to the root of your eyelashes as possible and to keep the line straight and even while doing so.

4. In regards to your lower lid, this line should be thinner and connect with the line created on the upper lid at the outermost corner. I also suggest using the angle brush to soften and smudge this line.

Ladies, when creating this look use a gel or liquid liner for the upper line.

"I Got The Blues"
I have been in love with, and wearing blue eyeliner for years and this past Spring 2010, runways sanctioned this look as a popular trend. Blue Eyeliner is the new Black. From neon hues to elegant blues, ladies of all nationalities are rockin the Blue fabulously. I personally like to combine blue eyeliner with a gold shadow (add a red lip when feeling extra BOLD) for a sexy & strong collaboration.

There are no limits when using eye liner. You can change the shape, enhance the color, create illusions and perform countless other tricks when experimenting with color and technique. Take the time to literally "play" in your makeup and I guarantee you will be amazed at the discoveries you make!

Brown Girls Wear RED

Why is it that my Beautiful Brown Girls feel that they cannot wear red lipstick, when in essence, it is the fabulous shades of Caramel & Mocha that work it Best! It is important that we as Fabulous ladies take risks and try new looks that we ordinarily wouldn't go for simply because we believe that we can't "pull them off". The trick to successfully wearing red lipstick is selecting the appropriate shade for your complexion, and properly applying it. For brown skin, any lipstick with a berry to cranberry undertone works best. Also, try colors with shine and/or shimmer to pop on your skin tone. It is important to wear lip liner with a red lip to eliminate the potential bleeding of the color and to perfect the shape of the lip. Select a lip liner color that is identical to the shade of the lipstick or slightly richer. Also, apply the lipstick with a lip brush. This technique allows you to control the amount of color that is applied as you add layers to achieve the perfect amount and look. My personal favorites for brown girls are (in no particular order):

MAC Cosmetics -
Dubonnet
Fresh Moroccan
New York Apple.

Iman Lip Stain in Fire Opal

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Red Lipstick

Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Crimson

Remember, red lipstick instantly makes the teeth appear pearly white. Be BOLD and get your red on!

MakeUp Tips

I decided to make the initial post on my blog a brief list of makeup/skincare tips that I absolutely live by. It's so important as fabulous women that we put our best face forward!! Enjoy :) 

Makeup should only be applied to cleansed, toned, and moisturized skin. When cleansing your face, the cleanser should be applied, and worked into dry skin with the fingertips. Next, rinse the skin thoroughly (up to 15 times) and blot. Once the skin is blotted, an alcohol free toner should be applied, followed by a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type. The majority of cleansers manufactured today contain a Ph level sufficient enough to forgo the toner. Using a skin primer on top of your moisturizer helps the makeup application go on smoother and last longer.

 

When applying eye shadows three shadows should be used: a light color, a medium color, and a darker color. Generally the medium shade is applied first and is used over the entire eyelid, from the lash line to the natural crease. Next, the lightest shade is used as a highlighter and applied to the brow bone area. In some instances, the lighter color can be applied first and used all over the eye area from the lash line area to the area just below the brow bone. Finally the darkest shade should be used in the crease of the eye and blended up or out. This will provide contrast, giving the eye definition.

Every eye color has certain eye shadow colors that accentuate and make them POP!
Blue Eyes: Peaches/Rust/Terra Cotta, Mauves, Browns
Green/Hazel Eyes: Pinks, Lavender, Purples
Brown Eyes: Plums, Charcoal, Muted Greens

Your makeup brushes should be properly cleansed with brush cleanser at lest every one to two weeks to ensure that they have longer lasting life and the highest level of hygiene. Good, professional brushes can last up to 10 years if properly taken care of. Brush cleansers can be purchased at virtually any department or cosmetic store. I personally recommend MAC Brush Cleanser and Bobbi Brown Conditioning Brush Cleanser.

Pencil thin eyebrows are a definite NO. Eyebrows frame the eyes and should always be properly groomed and shaped. Go for a fuller eyebrow with a definite shape. The arch of the eyebrow should be straight up from the outside edge of the iris. I recommend the Eyebrow Threading technique. It gives a cleaner more polished look and lasts longer then waxing.