Showing posts with label lipstick. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lipstick. Show all posts

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Spring Favorites

It's finally here...

The first day of Spring! 
I'm so ready for warmer weather, fresh bloomed trees and bright spring colors!!

I figured what better way to greet this new season than to share my favorite Spring collection of products?! Especially since I know you all did your spring cleaning of your makeup bags ;) 

So here they are, my favorite products for Spring.

Just peachy... 

If you haven't been paying attention, let me tell you that Peach is making a big comeback. Peachy eye shadow and blush tones are HUGE this season! For good reason too-- they are soft, pretty and come in a great range to suit every skin tone. 
Check out this great palette from Anastasia...
This kit is beautiful. You can use it for your eyes, cheeks, face, whatever! It's warm bronze tones as well as soft peachy tones that work so beautifully together. Get this and you'll need nothing else for your Spring/Summer makeup routine! 

Bright and Bold...

If color doesn't scream Spring, I don't know what does! I love to bust out bright lips this time of year. It helps to pull me from my winter slump and brighten my whole face. Some favorite hues for this Spring include.. 

This color is bright, fun, and ties in wonderfully with those peachy tones :) The lipstick is lightweight and hydrating, keeping application easy and addictive. 


This fun pink is softer in color, but makes just as much of a statement! It's creamy texture is exactly what your lips need after this winter! A great color for daytime shopping to evening cocktails, it's fun, flirty and playful. 


Glowing Skin...

Let's be honest, this never goes out of season for me! But it is a big trend this season (and probably my favorite!) Everyone wants that dewy, glowing skin, and there are some tricks to achieving that look. One new product on the market just made your life way easier.... 



This is a great way to scale back on your makeup routine and focus on clean skin. It's a hydrating moisturizing cream that you apply all over your skin, and then you follow it with their highlighting cream that you can apply with your fingers to high points on the face (ie; brow bones, cheekbones, nose, etc). It gives you an instant boost of hydration (which your skin needs right now!) and adds a subtle highlight and shine. It's as if your skin has been refreshed! 

Give these products a try and let me know what you think! I love to see your Spring looks :) 


*Photos c/o Sephora.com, bobbibrown.com and Dolcegabbana.com

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Kiss Proof Lipsticks

With Valentine's Day around the corner, I figured it's a great time to share some kiss proof lipsticks for the occasion :) 

I know my husband hates to get lipstick all over his face (as most people would), so I've spent a lot of time investing in smudge-proof, long wear lip colors. I've rounded up some of the best to help you get that perfect pout without the mess. 

Hourglass
Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick
$28

photo c/o Sephora.com

I love this lipstick. 
I was turned onto this product line when I saw Celebrity Makeup Artist Tyron Machhausen used this lipstick in RAVEN on Margot Robbie for the Oscars last year. It was such a gorgeous color, I had to get it. I actually purchased it for a tv segment I was working on about Oscars Makeup with WCIU's You and Me in the Morning.
After purchasing and using on my model, I knew I was in love with this color! I wear it often and it LASTS! They have 9 shades ranging from pinks, to fuschia to a beautiful orange red (Raven) to a classic red. Something else I love about this product, is that they have it in a travel size for $10! You can't beat that, and honestly a travel size will last you a while! Liquid lipsticks pack a lot of punch, so a little goes a long way ;) 

Too Faced
$21
photo c/o toofaced.com

This stuff is great because it comes in a wide range of colors (18!) and what's different about this liquid lipstick is that it has more of a glossy/satin like finish rather than a matte finish. Most liquid lipsticks are very matte and very drying, while this one is not. The pigment is strong, and it's in a cute tube with a simple applicator tip, so you can apply on the go! 

L'Oreal 
$12.99

photo c/o Lorealparisusa.com

This is a more affordable option that works quite well! I've used L'Oreal's infallible lipsticks for years (they recently changed their packaging), and they last for hours! It's an awesome option if you're unsure about colors that work on you because they are easier on the wallet. They do have 24 colors to choose from, ranging from nudes to pinks to browns, to reds! I usually apply the color first, allow it to dry, apply a second coat and then top it with the balm on the other end. 

More of a gloss girl?
Try this...

L'Oreal 
$9.99

photo c/o lorealparisusa.com

This stuff is great if you prefer a glossy lip! The large color palette of 20 colors works from nudes to deep burgundy. So there is something for everyone. Lasts 8 hours with a glossy, sheer tint color-- it is beautiful. You can even use this to top your matte lipsticks if you want a little extra shine that'll last as long as your lipstick! 


There they are! 
Now get out there and find that perfect lip color your night out (or in :))! 









Monday, November 10, 2014

Bridal Makeup featuring Loverly...

Hello loves!
So many exciting things have been happening since I last wrote. One of which, is the inspiration for today's blog. 

The folks at Loverly asked me to create 3 bridal makeup looks for some of their featured dresses! If you aren't familiar with this bridal site, you should definitely take a minute to check it out! You can see all the beautiful inspiration here

I have to tell you, I was so excited to do this post, not only because I love creating such special makeup looks, but also because I'm newly engaged myself! 

Yes! 

Jesse popped the question on our 5 year anniversary, and we couldn't be more excited! 
So the idea of perusing hundreds of wedding dresses on Loverly's site to find inspiration was quite dreamy...

Whether you're a bride to be, a friend of a bride, a bridesmaid, or artist, I hope you find inspiration for your next bridal look!

Soft and Romantic

This dress has a grecian inspired draping. Very clean, simple and effortless. For a dress like this, I imagine a very polished yet soft and romantic makeup. 


Soft and Romantic Bridal look




This dress inspired a clean look due to it's sophisticated style. The clean lines and the soft flowing fabric are what inspired this polished, barely there makeup look. 
Imagine soft taupes on the eyes, a barely there liner (either brown powder or a tight line with a pencil), fresh pink cheeks, and subtle highlights. And don't forget the lashes! Just because this look is supposed to be effortless, these individual lashes add just the right amount of flair for those romantic doe eyes. Not to mention, it looks fabulous in the photos! 

Hint of Vintage

This classic bridal dress is definitely vintage inspired. From the lace to the sleeves, all you can think of is 1940's glamour. So that's what I want to carry on through the makeup to create a clean, cohesive look. 


Hint of Vintage




Starting with a lightweight, full cover foundation for that matte look. The eyes are lined with a little cat flick of liquid liner (black of course!), adorned with some corner lashes to emphasize that cat eye flair. I also love the antique gold eye shadow popped right on the lid! Just to add a little extra sparkle and sophistication. 
Instead of opting for a bold lined red lip, I'm going with a softer, berry stain. Still has that drama, but carried out in a softer, romantic way. 


Chic and Glamorous

A ball gown is glamourous on it's own.. make it blush and Oh my! It's a show stopper! I wanted a makeup look with drama that could hold up to the dress, but still had a pretty and feminine vibe.


Chic and Glamorous





The flowing taffeta of the gown inspired those long, feathery lashes, and the color of the dress was replicated in the cheeks and lips.
With a gown like this, you can get away with so much more!
I wanted to make the eyes pop with something a little more dramatic and smokey without being too harsh or distracting. Remember, you want to complement the dress, not compete with it :)
So I'm opting for chocolate brown shadows. Still making an impact with black pencil in the waterline and lashes of course. Sometimes with darker eye makeup, you lose the lashes, so adding some falsies help prevent that.
Because this look is a little more couture, I'm adding some shadows and contouring throughout the face with a soft bronzer. Finish off the look with a glowing blush (this one has gold flecks that catch the light), and a soft lipstick that is a hint above your natural lip color. I used Nika Vaughan's forever matte lipstick in Prosecco. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I hope this was inspiring to you! It was so much fun looking through all those beautiful dresses and coming up with a customized look for each pick.
For my beautiful brides to be, if you're intersted in booking me as your artist for your big day (I travel all over!), you may view my bridal portfolio below.
www.nikavaughanbridalartists.com

Have a beautiful day!!


Tuesday, July 29, 2014

National Lipstick Day!

Hello beauties,

Today is my favorite holiday. 
NATIONAL LIPSTICK DAY!!!!
If any of you know me personally, you know that I LOVE lipstick. It is my absolute go to for day to day makeup. I generally have about 5 or 6 types of lipstick in my purse on any given day, and I had a red lipped phase that lasted for 2 years straight. 
Really! 
Red lipstick. every day. two years. 

So, in honor of National Lipstick Day, I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite lip products.

 But first, 
I'd like to share with you some history on this beloved cosmetic trend. 
Lipstick has been used worldwide for centuries! Dating back to Cleopatra in Egypt, from 51-30 BC, this queen starting with crushed ants, clay, fish scales and fruits to get that red hue on the lips. 
(A substance from fish scales were used to create an iridescent sheen)

Ancient Romans wore lip color as a sign of social status, not gender. Many men wore lip color to show their rank. Wealthy women of Ancient Rome had designated slaves, "cosmatae," for applying their makeup or styling their hair! (Hence the term, cosmetologists :)) 

By the time of the 1700's, lipstick was almost banned! Women were looked down upon for wearing this cosmetic, and considered prostitutes or witches to lure men into marriage if they did! It was seen as a tool of manipulation. 

But alas! 
By the time the 1800's rolled around, lipstick was back in the picture-- the big picture to be exact! Movies! Actresses started wearing the red lipstick colors and it picked up in popularity-- carrying out to the present day. 

To this day, more than 60% of makeup users wear lipstick! I love to hear that! 

And finally-- 
Here are some of my favorite lip products... 

Tarte

photos c/o tarte cosmetics.com
You've seen me post about these little guys before! I love them! They come in a sheer tint, matte color, or lip luster. So if you are a beginner lipstick wearer, or a well seasoned one, you can find the perfect, user friendly tint for you! 

MAC


photo c/o MAC cosmetics.com
Look no further for that perfect red. I have loved this red for years! Whenever I work with a client or on set, and we need a bright red for a glamorous look, or 40's inspired- I use this. It works on pretty much every skin tone! 
It's perfectly balanced, bold color. 

L'Oreal
photo c/o L'oreal.com

Afraid of your lip color fading? Look no further! I have faithfully used L'Oreal's infallible compacts for years! The color goes on smoothly, lasts for hours, and the compact packaging is so smart! You never have to worry about losing your top coat gloss (which is also beautifully hydrating), because they are together! Not to mention, you can use the compact as a mirror if you're in a pinch. 
Genius. 

Well there you have it, three of my go to lip products. Give em' a try today and let me know which you like the best! 





Friday, September 6, 2013

Bears Fans

Hey Everyone!

I had the opportunity to showcase some fun Chicago Bears Fan looks for the WCIU morning show, You & Me This Morning! 

You can view it here:


We wanted to show people that it's easy to show your Bears pride without going overboard (see below).


You can wear your pride in a subtle yet beautiful way.
Our 1st look is a more wearable look-- something that showcases some current trends and doesn't feel as costume-y, while the 2nd look is a little more fun, but still glamorous!

Below is some product information and a step by step process of how to achieve these looks.

Look #1
Subtle Bears Fan

For this look, we pulled a couple hot trends for Summer to wear. The first one being Colorful Cat eye liner. You can find blue eyeliner ANYWHERE nowadays. There are so many shades, it may be hard to choose! 

You also have the option of what type of liner you'd like to use--- so you can opt for a classic liquid, or you can use a gel (a little more control), or you can do what I did, and use a mixing medium with any colored eyeshadow, and create your own liner! 

Here's what I used: 



This is a loose powder that has a bit of shimmer to it. You can use it as a shadow or you can add a mixing medium like Kryolan's Cake Eye Liner Sealer. Simply drop a bit of the sealer onto the eyeshadow you're using, and take a thin brush to draw it on as liner. I chose to do this because I loved the brightness of this shadow against Summer's skin.  

If you're looking for something that takes less work, you can try... 

This liquid liner has a felt tip applicator, making the application seamless and easy! The color is beautiful and its waterproof formula makes it so you don't have to worry about it budging while you're at the hot stadium! 

Taking the eyes one step further... 
If you want to really make that blue liner POP, you can add a thin white liner at the base of your lashes. This adds a degree of separation between the colored liner and your lash line, making the colors really stand out! 

I used..
MAC Cosmetics Eye Kohl in Fascinating. 


For the lips, we worked with Makeup Forever's Aqua Rouge in Orange


I decided on the Aqua Rouge because of it's long wearing ability. It'll last through all the beer drinking, cheering and eating you'll do during your game or tailgating party! 

I chose to use this vibrant shade, but you can use a more subtle tangerine lip gloss or lipstick if you prefer. These tones are easy to find right now, as they are very much on trend!  If you're looking for a less severe lip you can try... 

This packs color in a sheer, moisturizing way. Very light, and an easy transition for those who don't sport bright colors on their lips!

For our Extreme Bears Fan... 

Look #2
Extreme Bears Look
This look was a little more bold-- definitely for that proud Bears Fan! 
Here's a breakdown of the look we did on Melissa... 

For the eyes, we started with a base of orange. I used Kryolan's Aqua Color in #32.
I LOVE the Aqua colors! They are lightweight, water activated, and the colors are amazing! you can use this product on your face, eyes, body, and hair! 
So versatile, fun and very affordable! 
To activate, you just need to spritz with water and dip your brush! It's like working with watercolors. 

I applied the bulk of the color on the lid to the crease, and then used a fluffy brush to soften the edges of the shadow. 

You can always use a standard orange eye shadow in place of this :) 

From there I actually topped the aqua color with Kryolan's Satin Powder in #571.


This is an extra step you can take-- the satin powder has that iridescence to it, so I laid it on top to add some dimension. 

For the fun accents...

Blue Mascara!
Colored mascara is a huge trend right now as well. I actually used Kryolan's Aqua Color in #510.

I mentioned the aqua color earlier for the orange base on the eyes-- this product is SO versatile, that I just decided to use it for everything! Obviously, you can use blue eye liner and blue mascara if you have it or can find those easily--BUT if you do have or decide to purchase the aqua colors, you can use it for just about everything :) 

To use it as a mascara, I spritzed the product with water and coated both sides of a flat eyeliner brush. You can then paint it on those lashes! 
I used...
But you can also use, 


*Tip* 
IF you do decide to use the aqua color as a colored mascara, be sure to put on your regular mascara first! It will bulk up those lashes and give you all the benefits of the mascara-- the aqua color will only alter the color. 

Because I'm using the aqua color for EVERYTHING, I used it as an eyeliner as well. I followed Melissa's natural eye line, while extending the line at the outer corner a little. Do this on the top and bottom lash lines. 

Cheeks: 
For the cheeks, I took the blue aqua color on my flat liner brush (photo above), to draw on the thick lines to emulate eye black on the players! 
I topped it off with a dry brush of the Blue Satin Powder to add some sparkle and dimension. 

Lips: 
I was sure to follow suite with orange tinted lips. I also added a dab of our orange satin powder on the center of Melissa's lips (as opposed to gloss), for a matte, yet iridescent effect. 


I hope this inspires you to get out there and play with color! Just remember that there is always a fun, glamorous way to show that spirit! 

Thank you...
Big Thank you to the Chicago Kryolan Store for all the help in choosing these amazing products! 
Kryolan is a pro makeup line that actually manufactures their own products-- what does that mean? It's more affordable, but high end product :) Check it out! 

And of course, many thanks to the lovely producers of WCIU's You & Me This Morning, Summer Jackson and Melissa Perez for the fun segment! 

Feel free to post your sports fan looks! Would love to see what you come up with!
xoxo Jen








Thursday, June 27, 2013

Fighting Humidity- Pro Tips

A few months back, I took charge and started a Hair artist and Makeup artist group called "Beauty Meet Up." 
We try to meet once a month discussing a different topic each meeting. It's an opportunity to get together with these other artists that I NEVER get to see! It's also a chance for all of us to learn from each other!
Some artists have years upon years of experience, while others are just starting out, or maybe building their careers. 

So last night's meeting was a chance to chat about dealing with hair and makeup for Humidity. 

Here's what our group of gals had to say...

SKIN: 
For less extreme sweating cases, many of the artists agreed upon a good mattifier. One of MY current favorites, is Nurturing Force

It works as a moisturizer, mattifier, and primer! I love it! 

If someone is exceptionally oily, some of the artists talked about skipping moisturizer and going straight for a mattifier (against my cardinal rule! I  prefer to always use a moisturizer-- even if you're oily! I like a lightweight, oil free moisturizer), but if you DO decide to skip moisturizer for a shoot, the Nurturing Force works fantastically! 

For more extreme cases, where someone will sweat non stop due to heavy costume makeup, or stage lighting, or even just plain old overheating...

Here are some heavy duty products to do the trick.
First up:



This product is applied to the skin before makeup and is a fragrance free, liquid antiperspirant! 

Secondly-- an old school theater trick... 


You can literally walk to Walgreens and pick this up for $8 bucks! I have personally never tried this trick, but many pros swear by it. Apply a thin layer over the face, allow it to dry, apply your foundation, and VOILA! Sweat FREE!

Of course, 
if you're dealing with humid locations and situations.. it's a good idea to use some waterproof or water resistant makeup including these products... 

Brows: 



This product does NOT move. Many of the artists at last night's gathering agreed, it was top notch ;) Simply apply with a thin brush. 

Lips:


Paint it on, top with the gloss, and it's ON! Coming in a beautiful array of colors, this is beautiful. 

Not ready to spend $24 on a lipstick? Here's the drugstore version..



I will tell you, I own about 8 of these! I love them and I think the packaging is GENIUS. You can't lose any part of the pieces, and you can use the holder as a mirror for application. 
LOVE. 

For more waterproof and water resistant makeup, be sure to look into Cinema Secrets and Makeup Atelier

Hair Tips
Pre style...


One of our artist's last night mentioned the beauty of this product! Apply before heat styling the hair, and it leaves a smooth finish. 

To protect your style... 

After your blow out is complete, give a light spritz over top, flip your head, spray again and you're good to go! 

Another little humidity trick I learned...
 I was told to try styling with a wet hairspray as opposed to an aerosol spray. It allows for you to mold the hair and sweep down fly aways, and then set it all with the aerosol once it dries! Something I'll be trying! 

Wet Hairspray Suggestion: 


For your kit... 

Here are some things our artists carry along in their set bags and kits for those hot, humid days... 

Battery Operated Fan
Keep your clients cool between takes to avoid over-powdering them!
Deoderant
Always good to have on hand :) 
Maxi Pads
This is another old school trick for camera-- Makeup artists/stylists would make their talent place maxi pads in the armpit of their shirts so they don't sweat through the clothes!

So go ahead, try some of these anti-humidity tricks for your next client, job, or performance! 

Be sure to check out our artist's from last night's get together! 


XOXO JEN