Showing posts with label Makeup Forever. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Makeup Forever. Show all posts

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Hola!

I'm currently on vacation on the beautiful beaches of Playa Del Carmen... 
yeeeeeeeessssssss!!!!

So since I'm busy relaxing on a beach and giving my brain a break from all things makeup, I figured this post would be dedicated to a really fun beach shoot I did last year.

I haven't had the chance to show this off, but I'm quite proud of it. Our team spent a very hot July day perusing the beaches on the north side of the city. It was a LOT of fun! And we all left that day with a tan and an editorial :) 

TEAM: 
Photographer: Kyle LaMere
Art Director: Nicholas Santore
Wardrobe/Styling: Karyn Dethrow of Dethrose Vintage
Makeup/Hair: Jen Brown









Madeline was a dream to work with, very easy going and willing to sit through the heat outside while we did quick makeup/hair changes! She has PERFECT porcelain skin, so it didn't take much to create her look... No foundation was used

Products Used: 
Skin: Vichy Ideal Soleil SPF 50
Embryolisse lait Creme
Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer
3 Custom Color Concealer
Senna Vivid Cheek Palette
NARS Laguna Bronzer

Eyes: It Cosmetics Gel Pencil Liner
MAC eyeshadows in various matte, earthy hues. 
NARS liquid pen

Nika Vaughan Forever Matte Lipstick






Sunday, December 27, 2015

Sequins and Glitter and Sparkles, Oh My!

That's right, it's that time of year again when we can get away with all the glitter and lashes we want! It's New Years Eve!!!

I love love love getting ready for NYE. It's the perfect opportunity to really go outside the box with your makeup routine and try something truly eye catching. I try to change it up year to year.. Just to recap...
*pardon the poor lighting/photos*
2011



I went with a gold glitter eye with cat liner and big wispie lashes! I polished it off with a classic, matte red lip :) 


2012





I worked in a different color palette for 2012-- Using silvers and opalescent glitter on the eyes, a smokey black liner and glossy red lips. 

2013


The year our heat went out during a big snow storm... ie; no time for makeup! Simply added a red lip out the door! 

2014



This one may be my favorite! I went for an electric blue cream shadow that I topped with blue/green glitter, all around my eyes. I tight-lined with a black liner for added definition and of course big lashes! I kept the lips soft and natural. 

So what does ringing in 2016 bring to the table? So many options! Here are some fun product suggestions if you're still undecided...

Start small... 

Not ready to jump into the disco lids?! Try starting with small details like this Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner from Urban Decay


*image c/o Ulta.com

They come in a variety of colors so you can coordinate and personalize :) One swipe of this will escalate your regular makeup routine to top notch New Year fun. 
The best part about this? No additional adhesives required! It's a great way to get that holiday flair without the extra fuss. 

Glitter Shadows... 
Before diving into the loose glitters, you can always start with a metallic or shimmer shadow. Bobbi Brown's Sparkle Eyeshadows have some beautiful metallic/neutral shades... 



*photos c/o Sephora.com
Colors (L toR): Sunlight, Allspice, Mica

If you're looking for some more color options, try Urban Decay Moondust Shadows


*photos c/o Urbandecay.com
Colors (L to R): Intergalactic, Scorpio, Shockwave


These shadows are a great way to add an understated sparkle. Pop on your lids and add a dark liner and lashes to get that extra drama! 

Die Hard Glitter Fans... 
Like myself :) 

Most of you know Makeup Forever is one of my FAVORITE makeup brands! They have an amazing artist line and have a killer glitter selection! From Subtle to outrageous, you can find one that works for you! 

They have a wide assortment of colors in their fine grade Glitters

*Photo c/o Makeupforever.com
Colors (Top, L to R): N5 Blue, N14 Orange, N7 Red

These fine grade glitters are beautiful topped over eyeshadows! They add sparkle and dimension to a regular eye shadow (see 2014 New Years Eve Makeup Above!)
They can even be used on the lips and body :) 

If you want some really crazy, fun glitter, be sure to check out Makeup Forever's Graphic Glitters and Star Glitters

How to... 
Wondering how to adhere that glitter so it will last you through your night of dancing and drinking champagne? Try this amazing Glitter Glue from Too Faced

*Image c/o Toofaced.com

It's waterproof, creaseproof and holds glitter and shimmer for 24 hours. I have always used their Shadow Insurance Primer to lock down shadows and it works amazingly well. So if you need a way to apply your glitter that isn't uncomfortable, or too sticky, give this a try! 


I hope this inspires you to try something daring this New Years Eve! Remember, it should be fun, festive and full of sparkle :) 
Share your NYE look in the comments section- I'd love to see what inspired you. 


Have a Great New Year's Eve, and be safe! 







Thursday, June 12, 2014

TMS Chicago 2014

Hi Everyone! 

As many of you know, The Makeup Show came to Chicago this past weekend. 

What does that mean? It means all the artists in the area go a little shop crazy, drink lots of bubbles and network! 

Trade show madness!
This year was only two days (Saturday and Sunday), as opposed to last years 3 day stay (Sat-Mon), so for a lot of freelance artists it was a little tough to get some shopping in as weekends can be busy!

I did have a wedding on Saturday, but finished early enough to swing by the show afterwards. I made sure to make a game plan and shopping list before leaving the house... 
photo c/o JenBrownMakeup Instagram
I ran into some local artists who I love that were working the show that day including, Martina Sykes, Jamie Dahms, Bek Lieto and Crystal Portillo -- All of who were working with Matt and Paul over at the Frends Booth. 
Photo c/o Martina Sykes
I also ran into the lovely and talented Nicole Rogers of Bombshell Artistry over at The Makeup Light Booth


Photo c/o Nicole Rogers
Nicole had the super fun job of creating different hair and makeup looks on her model Noelle. 


Nicole working her magic, creating a beautiful braided updo. 




photo c/o Nicole Rogers
Final look
Nicole created a lot of beautiful looks throughout the show- you can see more of them on her instagram HERE

I have to say, I really love The Makeup Light. I spent a lot of time at their booth chatting with the creator/owner Michael Astalos. His wife is actually a makeup artist, which makes sense considering how well thought out this product is. It prepares you for any situation you may run into as a freelancer. Not to mention, the quality of light is beautiful, and I totally bought one :) I'll be expecting mine to show up sometime next week! 
I'll be sure to write a follow up post after using it a few times ;) 

You can obviously find their products at any upcoming Makeup Show, but you can also find where to purchase through their website HERE.  

After stalking The Makeup Light booth, I had the pleasure of meeting artists, seeing beautiful body paintings, and of course, picking up the last few things on my list. 

Kathleen Price, Kate Johnson, Martina Sykes.
 Cirque Du Soleil artist, Kathleen with Chicago artists Kate and Martina. 

House of Glam Models
Beautiful body painted Models, walking around the show!


Orlando Santiago and Matt Morelli
Mega talented Orlando and Matt repping the Frends Booth!
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One very special moment that I failed to document while at the show, was meeting the ultra talented, Eugenia Weston. Eugenia is an incredible makeup artist and also the owner of Senna Cosmetics
She saw that I was working Sunday's show at the NARS booth (behold the power of social media), and took the time to swing by our booth, ask for me, and introduce herself. I was so floored by this gesture, that I didn't think to take a photo-- But this definitely made my Sunday :) 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 After making my rounds, here is my collection...
A bit modest compared to most :) 



Nurturing Force Blot Out Offensive and Twinkle eye cream
Nurturing Force Airbrush cleaner
London Brush Company Vegan Brush Cleaner
Makeup Forever Uplight, Lab Shine glosses, Aqua Lips, and Face and Body Foundation
Mario Badescu Rose Spray and Drying Lotion
Embryolisse Hydra Mat and Lait Creme Concentrate
BDellium Concealer and Lip Brushes
Alcone Pro Makeup Wipes and Sponges
NARS Blush, Bronzers, Shadows and Polishes
Disposables
Not pictured: The Makeup Light Pro Kit 
Temptu S/B Foundations

Whew! 
Believe it or not, that is not everything on my list! I was hoping to get some time to shop on Sunday since I was a little overwhelmed on Saturday-- I also wanted to check inventory and set a budget. 
I was working with NARS on Sunday, and the Booth was SO busy, that I didn't have any time to pick up the final Items I wanted to get, which included.. 
Senna Cream Blush Palette and Brow Palette
MAC empty palettes
INGLOT shadows

Luckily, all these items are available online and all offer discounts. I'm bummed I missed the show prices, but you can't win 'em all! Next year I won't hesitate on the products I know I love (such as the Senna blush palette, which sold out!), so I can be sure to get the best products at the best deals! 

Overall, it was a great show weekend! It was so fun and inspiring to be surrounded by all that talent. I had a great time chatting and catching up with fellow local artists who I never get to see, both at the show and at the Chicago Beauty Exchange's Beauty Mash Up Event!  

Jen Brown and Nika Vaughan

Nika Vaughan and I have partnered to create Chicago Beauty Exchange
click the link above for more info!

We wanted to host an event around The Makeup Show, to introduce local artists to some of the national trade show artists and vendors. 
Here are some snapshots from the event.. 


The bar at Quay Lounge


Getting things started
Jen Brown and Traci Fine
Nina Ottolino and Kristen Pulice
Mel Wilson and Matt Morelli
Juan Jose, Jordana, and Jen Brown

Sam and Emily

Oluwaseyi, Natali, Erica and Evelyn

The crowd!

Nika Vaughan and Mel Wilson

We had an incredible event!
Thank you to all the artists who stopped by even after working the show all day! Thank you to The Powder Group for making an appearance as well! We had a great time and hope to host another event like this for next year's show! 








Wednesday, February 12, 2014

3 special Valentine's looks...

Hi Loves 

Valentine's Day is almost upon us, so I figured it'd be fun to give a few quick makeup ideas for your night out. 

Whether you're going to dinner, seeing a show, spending time with a special loved one, or friends, these 3 looks are quick, simple, pretty and very valentine's inspired! 

Photos c/o the talented, Stephanie Bassos Photography

Let's get started!
The base for all looks begin the same with moisturizer, primer, MUFE HD foundation, concealer where needed, and eye shadow primer (and eyebrows!)

Pretty in Pink
I wanted to keep this look really fresh faced and pretty. It's perfect for those who are a little makeup shy, to do something a little more special for the occasion.


   
Key words for this look: 
Sweet, Pretty, and Soft.

Eyes:
I used MAC's Girlie all over my lid, up to the natural crease. I then took MAC's Naked Lunch and placed it on the inner corner of the eyes and just under the brows. 
From there, I used MAC's Cork (really soft brown), and placed it in the crease with my pointy crease brush. I followed that by buffing with a blender brush gently to get rid of any harsh edges. 

I then took Urban Decay's Pencil in Bourbon (a sparkly brown tone), and drew it along the top lash line. For the bottom lash line, I used a purple pencil. I liked the romance of the purple- keeping with the softness around the eyes, it added another dimension and an extra pop of color.



To finish them off, I curled the lashes and put one coat of black mascara. 

Cheeks:
To keep with this ethereal look, I wanted pretty pink cheeks with a bit of a glow, so I used The Balm's blush in Hot Mama. 

Lips: 
Sealing the deal with Makeup Forever (MUFE) Aqua Lip in 1C all over my lips, followed by MAC's Plink. To add an extra oomph, I topped this lip with POP Aqua Lacquer in Flowering Fuchsia. 



Products/Tools Used
(with links)

The Balm's Hot Mama, POP aqua Lacquer in Fuchsia, Maybelline's Full 'N' Soft, MAC lipstick in Plink, MAC shadows in Naked Lunch, Girlie and Cork, Shu Umera Eyelash Curler, MUFE Aqua Lip in 1C, Covergirl Vivid Liner in Cabernet, Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Bourbon
Brushes: Tight bristle crease brush, a flat shadow brush and a fluffy blender.  


Smokey and sultry
This is a pretty variation on a smokey eye. I wanted to show how to do a quick and easy, foolproof smokey eye look- with only two shadows, I think this is something everyone can do!


Key words for this look: 
Daring, Sexy, and Mysterious. 

Eyes: 
To start this off, I took MAC's Deep Damsen (a beautiful deep maroon tone), and swept it over the lid, into the crease with a flat brush. Then take a fluffy blender and buff the crease to soften. 

From there, I used Urban Decay's Maui Wowie on the inner corner's of the eyes and softly blended them inward. If you want, you can swipe a soft iridescent shade under the brow- I used MAC's Shroom. 
Then, I took MUFE's Aqua Eyes in 0L on the waterline and tight lined the top lash line. 
*Tightlining is when you fill in the gaps between the lashes to create a fuller lash line. HERE is a great article from Beautylish with a detailed description!
Using the same pencil liner, I drew it along the bottom and outer upper corners of the eyes-- take a Q-tip and softly smudge. 


Curl those lashes and put two coats of Cover Girl's Flamed Up Mascara on the top and bottom lashes. 

Cheeks: 
I wanted to keep with the sexyness of the look, so I contoured the cheekbones with a little bronzer on a fan brush. Sweeping the product into the hollows of the cheeks and around the temples. 



Lips: 
I kept the lips simple, using Tarte's Lip Surgence Lip Tint in Grateful. 

 

Products/Tools Used
(and links)

CoverGirl Flamed Up Mega Curl Mascara, Tarte lip tint in Grateful, Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, CoverGirl Queen collection bronzer in Brown/bronze, MUFE Aqua Eyes 0L, MAC shadows in Deep Damsen, Shroom, and Urban Decay's Maui Wowie. 
Brushes: Flat shadow Brush, Fluffy blender, Q-tip, Fan brush.  

Romantic in Red
This is for my bold lip babes. I am a big lipstick person, so I had to include a look where lips were the focus! And what a better color than the classic red. 


Key words for this look: 
Romance, Bold, and Flirty.

Eyes: 
Since lips are the focus, I wanted to keep the eyes super easy and subtle. I started by taking MUFE Aqua Cream #14 (chocolate brown with soft shimmer), and placed it across my lid, blending it across my eye with my fingers.


From there, I took a blending brush with MAC's Mulch eyeshadow and worked it into the crease. 

I then took MUFE's Aqua Eyes in 0L (very black), and lined the inner rims of my eyes (both top and bottom)
For lashes I used Maybelline's Full 'N' Soft mascara on both the top and bottom. 
If you were really feeling saucy, you could throw on a few lashes :) 

Cheeks: 
I wanted to add a soft color on the cheeks, but nothing too bright. I settled on MAC's Tenderling. Dust it right on the apples of the cheeks and blend up and out towards the hair line. I then topped the cheekbones with a highlighter for some extra oomph!

Lips: 
Our statement piece of the night!
Take a waterproof liner that matches the red you choose- Outline your natural lip shape and continue to fill in with the liner. Lip liner helps prevent the lipstick from bleeding, but also helps your lip color to last longer.
Next, apply your red lip color of choice with a brush for a flawless finish.



Voila! 






Products/Tools used
(and links)
Hope you enjoyed these! I had a lot of fun playing with these three different looks. What will you be doing for Valentine's Day?! Which look is most like you?!