Monday, February 25, 2013

"YOLO" Tattoo - Music Video Makeup

Hi guys! Hope you are all doing fabulous!  

A few weeks ago I posted pictures from the music video shoot where I got to do makeup for both of the main actors/band members from Bad Chemistry. I realized that I didn't include any close-ups of the tattoo itself that I drew on the "party guy". I wish I would have taken more pictures, but at least I got these three. So, here you go! Let me know what you guys think! 




I also wanted to point out that you can purchase "Mayday!" by Bad Chemistry and 50% of their proceeds will go to the LOVE HOPE STRENGTH Foundation! Aren't they just awesome!?

If you haven't checked out their music video make sure to check it out. It's both hilarious and clever, AND I make a guest appearance for a whole 5 seconds!
Go Maggie!

Click here for more pictures from the shoot on my other post.

Click here for "Mayday!" by Bad Chemistry (music video).

Click here to buy "Mayday!" and donate money to LOVE HOPE STRENGTH.





Thursday, February 21, 2013

Skin Imperfection: Acne

Unfortunately, we have those days when a little "friend" spontaneously decides to come around and stay for a couple of days on our face! Acne... oh how we hate you.

Well, the good news is that it's not the end of the world! The best thing to do is let it breathe, and wear NO makeup whatsoever on it. The thing is..."aint nobody got time fo that!" Sometimes, we may have a date, photo shoot, prom, meeting, and whatever else our busy little lives may bring us, and a pimple is the least thing we need!

So, what do you do???
Cover it up with makeup! :D

First:
You're going to need to use a little method called "color-correction". Chances are you're pimple or blemish is red, and that's the color you first have to counteract. If you look at a color-wheel Green and Red are opposite from each other. So what does that mean? This means that GREEN is the color you will use in order to neutralize the redness. Here's the trick, gently dab the green creamy corrector ONLY where you see red. Here are some green correctors I recommend:

Makeup Forever Concealer Palette              Maybelline Coverstick 
Second:
You will need to cover that green with a creamy concealer. Make sure to blend out the edges. It's easier to do this with your fingers so that the warmth of your fingers makes it easier to blend out the concealer.
Bobbi Brown Concealer Kit (it comes w/a setting powder)
Third:
You will be using a full-coverage foundation to cover up the whole thing up as well as your face if you'd like. Also make sure that you are gentle in that area so that you don't rub the concealer and corrector off. It's best to use your finger.
Neutrogena Skin Clearing Oil-Free Makeup         Luara Mercier Oil-Free Founation
Fourth:
Use a setting powder to set that area so that it lasts longer. Try using gentle pressing motions so that it sets better. Here are some powders you can try:
ELF High Definition Powder          NARS Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder

Thanks for reading guys!
Don't forget to leave me a message below for any questions or comments!
xo

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Skin Imperfection: Oily Skin


Oily skin has to be one of the most annoying problems (besides acne) that some of us have to go through. The good news is that there is a way for us to control it. We might not be able to completely get rid of it, but we can definitively control it.

WHY DOES IT HAPPEN!?
*Hormones
*Over-Active Glands
*Genetics
*Medical Conditions
*Sun Damage

If you're like me and love to wear makeup everyday here are a couple of things you can add to your morning routine:

Cleanse & Tone: 
Cleanse your skin using products meant for oily skin. These products will be water-based or oil-free, and will not contain salicylic acid. DON’T USE SOAPS! These products wont like your face, and they will either dry you out or create even more oil! Not cute! Also, make sure you use toners, which will help absorb some of that oil and get rid of even more dirt left on your face.  You can also try Witch Hazel to get rid of excess oil and further cleanse.

Moisturizer:
This might seem weird since you’d think that oily skin would help keep your skin moisturized, but it doesn’t necessarily work this way. You still need a moisturizer to hydrate your skin. Using a mattyfying lotion is your best bet to help hydrate your face while absorbing oil. You can also use moisturizers that say “Non-Comedogenic” or “Oil-Free”.

Primer: 
If you’re going to wear foundation, and you have an oily T-Zone primer will help! It will definitely help keep back some of that shine. Two of my favorites that I use are MAC’s Skin Refined Zone Treatment and Smashbox Oil-Free Photo Finish Primer.
Oil-Free or Water-Based Foundation:
If you like to wear foundation make sure you use one that says it’s "Water-Based" or "Oil-Free". These foundations can help absorb oil, control shine, and resist sweat. As i've mentioned in other blogs my favorite mattifying foundation is NARS Sheer Matte Foundation.

Mattifying Powder:  
These powders are great for setting your makeup while absorbing and controlling shine. This step is a must! You can still use a powder even if you don’t wear makeup. Just don’t over-powder! My all time favorite is Urban Decay's De-Slick Mattifying Powder!
Blotting Paper:
These little things come in handy! They help absorb shine, and are great if you’re on the go. Just dab it all over your face, and throw it away afterwards. (I personally stare at the paper with amusements before throwing it away, but that’s just me…)



Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Skin Imperfection- Dark Spots

Dark spots are caused by various reasons: aging, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, under-eye circles, etc. These reasons can be out of our control, and getting rid of them may be very tricky and sometimes impossible. However, hiding them with makeup is your best bet. In order to hide these imperfection you will need foundation, pink and/or peachy colored correctors. 

Pink Correctors:
Work best for concealing dark circles. Apply using your ring finger or a flat synthetic brush. Don't forget to set it with a setting powder.

Peach Correctors:
Work best for concealing dark spots (i.e. acne scars, aging spots). Apply only on problem areas with your ring finger before applying foundation. Don't forget to set it with a setting powder.


Color Correcting Primers:
These primers usually already have a pink or peachy tint to them. Not only do they help hide discoloration, but they serve the purpose of a regular face primer as well. Just make sure you use these primers sparingly, and concentrating only on problem areas. Here are two tinted correcting primers from Smashbox:
Foundation:

Using a full-coverage foundation will definitely help conceal dark spots. You can also try a foundation color corrector that already has a peachy/apricot tint. I found one online by Koh Gen Do called Foundation Color Corrector.  You simply mix this with your foundation as needed. 

Serum:

Dark spot correcting serums are formulated with ingredients that will help fade away dark spots. Of course it takes time, and it all depends on your skin and the brand you buy. Just apply a small amount to the spots themselves right before your makeup and at night after cleansing your face. These are some popular dark spot correctors that I found by Clinique, Yes to Grapefruit, and Garnier.


If you guys decide to try any of these correctors or foundations on your dark spots or under eye circles just remember to use these products sparingly. Most of the time these products are very creamy and highly pigmented so a dot-sized amount should be enough. Don't forget to set with powder either. 

Let me know if you guys have any questions or comments on the comment box below! 
Muah!
xo

Monday, February 11, 2013

Skin Imperfection: Large Pores


Thank you all so much for taking your time in voting on my last poll on Skin Imperfections! As promised, I will be sharing my advice on how to conceal four common skin imperfections. First, I will be covering the top vote, which was large pores! The next three skin imperfections that you voted for will be covered on separate posts. Stay tuned…
Causes for Enlarged Pores
                Sun damage
                Genetics
                Hormonal changes (i.e. Puberty or menopause).
                Acne
                Blackheads
                Skin dehydration
                Trapped dirt, oil or dead skin cells
                Incorrect cleansing/skin care
                Excessive oil production
                Too much makeup (cakey)
                Smoking
                Unbalanced/improper diet
Large Pores
Step 1: Cleanse, Tone, & Moisturize
Enlarged pores usually happen when the pores themselves are clogged. This step is extremely important even if you don’t plan on wearing makeup. Make sure to use a cleanser that removes excess oil and other impurities from your face followed by a toner and moisturizer. I use Proactiv and I am completely in love with this product. 

Step 2: Apply an oil-controlling product
Oil controlling products give the skin a long-lasting matte finish and help refine and tighten pores. These products should be applied to the T-Zone and wherever you may have enlarged pores. It will also help reduce shine and absorb oil. I use MAC's Oil Control Lotion.
Step 3: Apply a pore-minimizing product
Applying a pore-minimizing product will help reduce the size of enlarged pores. I strongly suggest this step. Here are three pore-minimizing products you can try: Hydroxatone Pore Minimizer, Estee Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher, and Clinique Pore Minimizer.

 


Step 4: Primer
I can’t tell you how much this step helps. Using face primers (especially oil-free primers) will help reduce the visibility of large pores. If you are going to use a foundation I suggest you use a primer. My favorite primers are by Too Faced, Smashbox, and MAC.




Step 5: Foundation
Use a water-based, oil-free foundation. Make sure you only use a small amount or else it will actually make the pores look more visible. Using a sponge will work best because you are actually pressing on the product onto your skin. My favorite matte foundation is NARS Sheer Matte Foundation
Step 6. Loose Translucent Powder
Using a loose translucent powder will help absorb excess shine and prevent clogging. You should press the powder on to your skin, but use sparingly wherever there are enlarged pores. Make sure that you only use a small amount or else it can appear white. My current favorite translucent powder is Makeup Forever HD Powder. 
Thanks for reading!

Monday, February 4, 2013

Music Video Makeup- "Mayday!" by Bad Chemistry

Hi loves,
I wanted to share a music video with you guys that I had the pleasure of working on. I did the makeup for both of the main characters in which happen to be my Fiancé and friend. Both are very talented and upcoming artists that worked on the music and video production themselves. Please check out their music video and let us know what you think. Also, don't forget to share! ;)
xo

"Maday!"
Bad Chemistry

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