Current Faves

Hi Everyone,

I hope you're dealing with the yo-yoing weather well! It's been tough on me- not only physically (dry skin!), but mentally as well! Where's Spring?!

I wanted to share some of my current favorite products I've been using during this time to keep my skin and hair in good condition, and to make myself feel good! 

First Up... 

Moroccan Oil Body Souffle and Body Buff

I received these beauties as a gift from a dear friend, and let me tell you... I am in love! 

They are so gentle, and silky, they make you feel like you're getting salon treatments at home. Incredibly luxurious, these two combined are magic! 

image c/o beautycrazed.ca

You use the body buff as a gentle scrub to use while you're in the shower. It exfoliates and hydrates you as well! No more sugar and olive oil scrubs for this girl! I'm spoiled!

The body Souffle is step two of the hydration process. Very light, creamy consistency that hydrates the skin beautifully. 

Best part about these puppies? They are paraben free, and full of all kinds of antioxidants and derived oils to give your skin the best of the best! 

Body Souffle $52

Body Buff $42

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tints

This product is genius. 

I love it. 

photo c/o makeuptemple.co.uk

I've been wearing these little beauties just about every day since I bought them on a Cyber Monday sale! 

They are a cross between a balm, stain and a gloss. They give a wash of color, hydrate, and are super lightweight. Some are matte, some are glossy. The color range is beautiful, and they are so easy to wear--Now you can throw on a little pop of color without the fuss of lipstick or stickiness of a gloss. 

Plus, Tarte is made in the USA and always formulates their products with some of the best ingredients, without Parabens, mineral oil, and gluten (to name a few!)

LipSurgence Lip Tint $24

Neuma Shampoo and Conditioner

My good friend Nevena of Custom Hair Lounge in Chicago suggested I try these, and boy do I see a change! My hair is lighter, more manageable, and looks great! 

photo c/o neumabeauty.com

My hair is fine, but I have a lot of it. It doesn't hold curl very well, and volume is never an option! 

I was using some sketchy shampoos in the past (I refuse to name names, partially because I'm ashamed!:)), and after learning more about my hair's current condition, I knew I needed a new regimen. 

Nevena suggested I try these shampoos and they have changed my hair's life! It is lighter, feels smoother, and is easier to style! 

Neuma Products prices may vary depending on where you purchase them. You can find the closest location HERE. 

Hope this opened your eyes to some great products out there! Let me know if you've tried them, or have some other favorite products you love. 

And the Oscar goes to...

I don't know about you, but I LOVE award shows! 

I was especially excited to catch the Academy Awards this year. There were so many talented actors stepping out and making a mark- some for the first time!

So here are my picks for the BEST hair and makeup of the night... 

Angelina Jolie

I don't know about you, but when I heard Angelina was going to be at the Oscars-- that was all I could think about! 

I couldn't wait to see how she'd show up and I was left breathless once I did.

She opted for a fun, glitzy, ethereal gown and followed suit with light, pretty makeup. Lots of lashes with a little bit of smokey liner on the outer corners for some definition was just perfect. Clean skin and beautiful soft pink lips. To finish it off, she left her hair down-blown out to perfection. 

Loved it! 

 Sandra Bullock

 Sandra Bullock looked so glam and gorgeous. With the vintage side swept waves and blue smokey eyes, she really stood out! Just a slight color on the lips and cheeks sends the look on a home run. Well done. 

Charlize Theron

She can't look bad. 

ever. 

While she can look good, she looked GREAT! Loved the short hair tucked behind her ear. Effortless and clean. I love that it showcases her beautiful face which was a perfect match of luminous skin, peachy lips, and eyes stood out with a clean swipe of liquid liner. 

Naomi Watts

 I thought Naomi did it right. Love the bold lip paired with lots of lashes, and iridescent eyes, and pink cheeks. It was clean, classic, and effortless. Loved the makeup paired with the casual side swept hair. SO good!

Olivia Wilde

I thought this mom to be was so chic. She went back in time with 60's inspired cat eye and soft pale pink lips. Updated by her romantic wavy updo-- I think it's a perfect match. 

Some stars fell a little short... and here's why!

Calista Flockhart

 Calista almost had it! 

I would have added some shadow on those brows so we don't lose them as much. I also would have incorporated more color- either on the lips or the cheeks. I would have absolutely tight lined her upper lash line. The gaps between the lashes drives me bonkers! 

I think she's beautiful, but just barely missed the mark. 

Cristin Milotti

I've critiqued the lovely Kaley Cuoco HERE for her deep dark lips... and sadly, this look doesn't quite work on Cristin either! It's such a stark contrast against her pale skin and pale dress, that it's a little daunting. If she would have settled for a sheer lip product in that color family or a stain, I think it would have lightened it up a little but still had that drama. 

 Giuliana Rancic

Ms. G! 

I love her, but sometimes her makeup is too much for my taste! I love the idea of this look, but I would have softened those eyes a bit. If they were blended out a little more, I think it would have complemented the dress and overall look better. 

I am also not a fan of completely nude lips (lips that match the skin!), so a little hint of color --peach, or pink-- would have been a nice contrast to help break up the face a little more. 

That was my Oscar rundown for this year! Who were some of your favorites? Was there anyone else you think missed the mark? Share your thoughts below in the comments! 

Winter Lip Care

Hi All,

So I've been noticing more and more with clients this season their struggle to keep their lips soft and supple. Many are dealing with chapped, dry, cracked lips. 

Here are some tips to prevent this from happening or to repair the damage. 

When the temperatures drop and the wind picks up (especially in the mid west!), it can become increasingly difficult to keep your lips moisturized. 

1. Don't lick your lips! 

Your saliva contains acids that help break down food which can irritate your lips' delicate skin. Licking your lips only adds to dehydration. 

2. Drink TONS of water!

I am very guilty of not drinking enough water this time of year. To help prevent dryness, it's important to stay hydrated from the inside--out! Make yourself drink 2 glasses upon waking up and going to bed. Making this a ritual will help with dehydration.

3. Apply Lip Balm at night.

You lose so much moisture at night! Especailly since most of us sleep with our mouths open (glamorous as it is), it's extremely drying. By applying a balm before bed, it helps to slow that process. When purchasing a lip balm, beware of ingredients such as, eucalyptus, menthol or camphor-- these can cause dryness or irritation. 

My favorite: 

          

Burts Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

With all natural ingredients that work, this balm tops the charts for me!

4. Exfoliation.

I preach about exfoliation often! It makes such a huge difference! There are a couple different ways to handle it, I'm splitting it into 2 parts. 

Part One: 

I am a big fan of home remedies, mostly because of sensitivities, but also because they work! If your lips are dry, but not cracked, you can give this trick a try once every week to two weeks. 

Take a little sugar with some oil (coconut, olive, etc), and create a paste. Take your finger and gently scrub this mixture in tiny circular motions on your lips. This helps to gently scrub off any dead skin, and the oil helps to moisturize. Once you finish, take a dry rag and wipe off the sugar, apply some balm and voila! soft supple lips! 

Part Two: 

Another exfoliation trick, that's a little more gentle and easy to do, is to take your toothbrush after brushing your teeth, and gently brush your lips. This helps stimulate blood flow and gently removes dead skin. This is something you can mindlessly do every day. 

If you are suffering from severe cracked, dry lips with pain or bleeding, you can seek out a medicated treatment to get them under control, and then try some of the above tips for upkeep. 

Hope this helps you as we slowly but surely make our way into spring with lots of bright lipsticks! 

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)

MUFE Aqua Cream #14, MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Prolong, Maybelline's Full 'N' Soft black mascara, NARS Orgasm Illuminator, Shu Uemura eyelash curler, MAC blush in Tenderling, MUFE Aqua Lip in 8C, MUFE Aqua Eyes in 0L, MAC's eyeshadow in Mulch. 
Brushes: Fluffy Blender, Lip brush, Fluffy blush brush. 

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?! 

IMATS LA 2014

Happy Sunday! 

One week ago I was enjoying the 80 Degree weather, palm trees and witnessing amazing makeup artists showcasing their work! 

Yes, I had the pleasure of attending the IMATS (International Makeup Artist Trade Show) in Los Angeles this year! 

Now, I've never gone to the IMATS before. It was my first experience and it was really wonderful. 

I flew in with my partner in crime, good friend and talented artist-- Martina Sykes. 

She'd been the year before and had a lot of good tips for navigating the show. 

Before I booked my flight, she made sure I had applied (and gotten approved!) for the Makeup Artist Magazine Pro Card. This enables me to go to any Pro Only events before/after the show, it also enables me to have front row seating for the seminars. 

I'm so thankful she told me about it! I had no idea, and it really made a big difference in the experience (from what I've heard!)

FRIDAY

The two of us met at the airport, and to my surprise, two other lovely friends and extremely talented SFX artists from Cirque FX, Crystal and Beka were also on our flight! 

After escaping the Negative degree, snowy Chicago, we landed in Sunny LA! We were REALLY excited to be there :) 

We took a shuttle over to the Sheraton in Pasadena-- we were staying there and it was oh so conveniently connected to the convention center with the IMATS!

We checked in and after freshening up the two of us HAD to get some food before attending the PRO Only shopping event. 

So off we headed to El Cholo for some Mexican fare and margaritas. It was well deserved, and helps with the crowds ;) 

We were also given a complimentary post card with our photos on it! 

Hah! We thought it made for a good souvenir!

Anyway-- Finally made it into the IMATS- and while it was crowded, it was not nearly as bad as it was about to be (ahem, Saturday). 

So we shopped! I purchased some kit staples, like Eye shadow primer, and moisturizer, etc etc. I got to shop Naimies, Frends, Embryolisse, Nurturing Force, Alcone.. and so many more! 

SATURDAY

This was the day I was most excited about! 

Friday was all about shopping, Saturday was all about learning! I had so many seminars/classes I wanted to sit in on-- all back to back to back. 

This is where Martina and I parted ways. She has a love for Character makeup for Film and TV, where I have a passion for beauty/celebrity makeup.

You can view her experience here. 

After waiting in a veeeeery long line, I made my way into my first sit down seminar-- 

GAINING REPRESENTATION

**Featuring two LA agents**

Madeline Leonard of Cloutier Remix

and 

Dion Peronneau of Peronneau Agency

I was really interested in sitting in on this particular seminar, because I am a self made, self-represented artist. I always have been. 

I've had the opportunity to get represented a couple different times by agencies here in Chicago, but it just didn't seem right for me. Now that I'm looking for work in LA, I wanted to learn more about representation there. 

I wanted to know what they look for in portfolios, personalities, and what type of work they get their artists. 

I think the best part was being able to speak with these ladies after their presentation- Madeline was incredibly generous with her time (I'd actually reached out to her agency over the summer, inquiring about a meeting when I was there last!), and her agency has been so lovely and helpful. 

Following next I saw...

REDEFINED BEAUTY AND THE HI-DEF MYTH

**Taught by**

Sian Richards: Founder and owner of London Brush Company

If you don't know who Sian Richards is, I suggest you look her up immediately! She has worked on many incredible films. Watching Sian work was very inspiring. I loved her aesthetic, and hearing her stories were priceless! 

She did half of her model's face with Kryolan's Dermacolor palette. It was really incredible to watch, because she just used a dry brush and worked it gently all over the skin. It was so lightweight and skin like-- I was really dumfounded! Usually when I think of this product, it's being used for heavier coverage, so it was really great to see it being used in a day to day makeup. 

The other half, she used an HD specified line-- it was heavier, and definitely didn't show much of the model's skin. The model remarked that the side with the kryolan didn't even feel like she was wearing anything! 

SOLD! 

Here's the palette from Kryolan's site... 

After speaking with Sian, I caught up to the next seminar... 

COLOR FUNDAMENTALS

with 

Autumn Scruggs

Part of the reason why I wanted to see Autumn's class was because I read her bio and saw that she was part time in Chicago and part time in LA-- exactly what I want to do! On the way to LA, I learned from Martina, that they are actually friends! So I had to see her!

She was a great instructor, very easy to watch. Most of the information in the class I already knew, but I did pick up a lot from watching her work. She had some interesting tips, especially when it came to skincare. She has a background in Esthetics so I was trying to absorb as much as I could from that! 

RED CARPET MAKEUP

with 

Terri Apanasewicz

I've been following Terri's work for some time now. I even tried reaching out to her last time I was in LA about assisting or taking her to coffee-- she got back to me! 

This was a great chance to see how she works (which was also very reassuring because we have a similar aesthetic and do a lot of the same things), as well as taking the opportunity to introduce myself to her. 

She has a great personality, and had some really great stories! The final product was beautiful (as to be expected), with clean skin, lashes and a bold lip. 

LASTLY!!!

Between Autumn's and Terri's seminars, I ran into Madeline (from Cloutier) and she introduced me to the lovely, Kendra Richards. Kendra and I chatted for a good chunk of time before she informed me that she was hosting a seminar herself that afternoon-- which I'd already highlighted and planned on attending!

CREATING THE APPEARANCE OF FLAWLESS- LOOKING SKIN

with 

Kendra Richards

Kendra has worked on some really stunning beauty ads, commercial work and magazine spreads. Watching her work was a dream...

She had a lot of little tips for covering small imperfections- some I knew, but some I hadn't mastered and it was really helpful to watch.  

Her final result was breathtaking- clean, hydrated, skin. So beautiful. 

She has also recently launched a new skin product, called Heir Atelier. A one step prep product- everyone in the seminar received a free sample and I'm so excited to try it! 

SUNDAY

Our last day at the IMATS arrived and I was already pretty beat from networking, talking, shopping and learning! 

Considering Martina and I din't have much we wanted to see right int he morning, we decided to treat ourselves to a nice breakfast. After walking back to the convention center, I just popped my head into a few different seminars. I watched some very talented artists work-- which is always fascinating to me. I love being able to see other people work, no matter what your art form. 

Here are a few I caught a glimpse of...

Kevin James Bennett

Luis Casco

Cory Bishop

Eugenia Weston

and then I lost motivation. I was SO tired and had spent all my time inside a convention center! So I left to lay by the pool for a bit of sun and alone time... 

Aside from the IMATS, I had the pleasure of seeing Chicago's very talented photographer (and friend) Grant Legan on Friday night for a party in the fashion district. 

As for Monday... 

I had the chance to meet up with friend and photographer Braden Moran for a quick head shot session before heading to lunch with my cousin and then the sad sad drive to the airport! 

It was a jam packed weekend that I really enjoyed. I feel completely re-energized, inspired, and assured that I'm on the right track and in the right field. 

Until next year! 

xoxo Jen

2014 Golden Globes

Hello lovelies! 

It's been a few months since my last post, but I swear I'll post about what I've been up to! 

In the meantime...

IT'S AWARD SEASON!!

Sunday night was the first of many glamorous award shows for 2014. I could not stop live tweeting, looking online, and flipping channels between every interview!

Here are some of my Knock Out Looks, Missed Looks, and even one that I found Boring! 

Let's start with a bang shall we? 

Knock out Looks...

These ladies REALLY kicked it out of the park with some super stunning looks.
Hair. Makeup. Perfection. 

Julianna Margulies

As my boyfriend said, "I swear she's getting younger." Julianna looks great, if not better now than back in her 20s! 

The talented artist, Molly R. Stern had the pleasure of working with Julianna. She managed to keep her skin glowing and fresh with a soft coral cheek, pretty pink pout and sultry cat eyes. Her side swept bangs and low tied do' were perfection. 

Emma Watson

I loved Emma Watson's look! 

It was fresh, young and clean! Her deep side parted hair, pulled back was  effortless and made a bold statement. It's not easy to pull off a bold lip with a bright dress, but she did it! Love the contrasting lip color against the red/orange dress. 

Lupita Nyong'o

I think EVERYONE was obsessing over this show stopper. Lupita is new on the scene, but she certainly looks like a pro on the red carpet. 

With beautiful clean skin, a bright red lip (and dress!), and a clean sweep of liner, this girl ruled! Look closely, the look is updated and brightened with a little blue liner on the bottom of her eyes. The perfect modern touch to add a little excitement. Her short hair was parted to the side for a sophisticated, on trend look. 

Mila Kunis

Mila usually wears a dark rimmed eye, but last night she made me OBSESS over her eye makeup! It was softened with soft grays and kept very neutral. I love that there wasn't any additional shimmer or shine on her eyes since her dress was so blingy! Paired with a slicked back, clean updo, the look is modern and beautiful. 

I can guarantee I will be wearing this makeup look very soon! 

MISSES

Here are some ladies that just missed the mark with me- Most are small mistakes that I think could easily be executed in a better way. 

Zooey Deschanel

Before you say anything... Let me explain! 

Girl looked amazing- super cute and charming (as per usual), but she landed on this list because the look could have been better. Her foundation is far too heavy for her-- she has beautiful skin and should let that shine through! You can see the excess makeup creasing under her eyes. It was just too heavy! 

I would have definitely added some slight definition (contours) as she begins to look like one white blob on camera. The girl is gorgeous! Let that shine! 

Lena Dunham

I thought Lena looked incredible in her yellow gown! But when it came to her makeup, it was a flop. The eyeliner is messy and harsh against her skin. I would have opened up the yes a bit more with some warm shadows, and then accented with a soft cat eye- probably with a gel for a softer effect. 

She's so adorable and pretty, but that wasn't captured for me with this look!

Jacqueline Bisset

What a beautiful woman. 

But if you are going to the Golden Globes, AND your NOMINATED, you should get your hair done. Full of flyaways and frizzies, this messy hair did not do it for me. Smooth it out, add some texture, but do it right! 

Boring

And lastly, here is my pick for my "Pretty, but not surprised," look...

Sofia Vergara

Sofia Vergara is always a knockout, but that's probably because she does the same hair and makeup look, over and over... and over! 

Hair always down, often parted to the side and on one shoulder. 

Makeup is always the same- soft bronzed cat eye, pop of color on the lip. It's all very pretty, she looks great all the time, but it's a little tired. I'd love to see her change that hair! Maybe pin part back, or do a low side swept bun. And makeup, I'd love to see her with a sultry smokey eye, just to change it up! 

Those are some of my picks that really caught my attention. 

Who are some of yours?! Anyone else out there who didn't surprise you? 

Have a favorite of the night?! 

I honestly had too many favorites to post! Everyone really looked amazing. Some could use a little tweaking, but overall, it was a night that was easy to watch! 

xoxo Jen

Photos sourced from, bella sugar, huffington post, getty images and Vogue.