Super Smokey Eye

You survived Christmas with the family and now it's almost time to put on your party dress for New Years Eve with your friends. Regardless of what you'll be wearing you can always dress it up with the right accessories and of course, makeup. Here are steps to a super smokey eye.

You will need shimmery chocolate brown, bronze, black and grey eye shadows, black pencil eyeliner and black mascara.

1. Apply foundation to your eyelids as a base and then put the chocolate brown shadow on your upper lid and below lower lash line.

2. Outline your eyes with black eyeliner.

3. Mix up the grey and black shadows and apply them lightly onto the top lids and below bottom lashes (don't worry about the mess, we will clean that up). I know it's covering the chocolate brown you just applied but it will "peak" through.

4. Apply the bronze shadow under your brows (full length).

5. Apply mascara and remove the excess shadow crumbs with a Q-tip and concealer to clean it up. You can also apply a little more chocolate brown shadow if you like (to lighten it up).

6. Let's party!





As usual, with such a dramatic eye you want to keep the rest of your face fairly simple and neutral. A light gold gloss would be the perfect final touch if you don't have nude lipstick. When you do a smokey eye you want it to look refined and not as though you woke up with this end-result, so be sure to clean up all messes and restrict the shadows to not "drip" down your cheeks.

I will admit a smokey eye is not maintenance free but it does look hot and is worth the effort. Have a fabulous New Years and may 2011 bring continued joy and happiness.

Golden Eyes

What woman doesn't love gold? It's rich, beautiful, sparkly and looks great on everyone. What better way to wear gold then on your eyes! Think about it...it's the perfect way to captivate attention when you have eyes that sparkle, and here are the easy steps to accomplish the look. You will need gold and dark brown shadow, gold eye pencil and black mascara. 

1. Prep your lids with foundation to help keep the shadow in place, and then apply a gold shimmer shadow on to your upper lid.

2. Next use a gold eye pencil to rim your inner lash line (not below your lashes).

3. Now apply a dark brown shade on the crease of your lids, with a little more shadow placed towards the outter edge as in the photo.

4. lastly, drag the same brown shadow below your lower lash line to complete this smokey look. Apply black mascara, brush off any loose shadow "crumbs" from around your eyes and face that may have fallen, apply a nude lipstick (matte, not shiny gloss) and.....

Ta-Da!

Super sexy look that will compliment any eye, skin, hair color. What I love most about smokey eyes is as the night goes on, the look evolves, and gets sexier and smokier.

What Are Eyelash Extensions?

Ever have eyelash envy? It's when you see someone with long, full, curled lashes and wonder why you were jipped in that beauty department. Most of us have experienced "eyelash envy", so mascara is the ritual makeup tool we need to use to create those full and lush lashes we dream of, only to wash them away when we cleanse our faces. Sad but true, we need mascara everyday to give the illusion of long and full lashes....until now that is.

Thanks to a fairly new method created a few years ago, eyelash extensions can give you those captivating eyes, morning, noon and night without the need for mascara. The process consists of a trained and certified technician who applies the lashes one by one to your natural lashes with a special glue that bonds them together, creating a water-proof seal. The results are unbelievable, beautiful lashes that can last up to 2 months with proper care.

So what's the difference with eyelash extensions and false eyelashes? Simple; one is temporary, not lasting more than 24 hours and can look fake. While the other is semi-permanent, lasting 4-8 weeks that look amazing and 100% natural. They fall off through the regular growth cycle of your natural lashes without harming them. It's a safe way to get those eyes that capture attention. After all, they say the eyes are the windows to the soul....so why not have a gorgeous frame around those windows?

For more information, visit my website for greater details.

What to Look for in a Makeup Artist

Training aside, there are many factors to consider when picking a makeup artist to do your makeup for an event:

• Experience
• Portfolio
• Addressing your questions/concerns
• Products they use
• Makeup style
• Professionalism

Notice I didn't mention price? Price alone is not a factor and should never be the deal maker or breaker for you. Consider everything before you decide because you get what you pay for. Most women find their makeup artists through a referral or an online web search. Since most makeup artists nowadays will have a website displaying their work, you can get a sense of their artistic style right from the start, which is your first step in finding the one who will be right for you and your needs.

Take your time to go through their portfolio work and see the artistic range they're capable of. If there are hardly any photos, or poor quality images, that should be a red flag for you to move on because professional makeup artists will only show their work in the best way possible, so anything that looks cheap is a bad sign. Also if you see "fake" looking stock photos of editorial pictures, you may have found someone who is claiming someone elses work as their own to dupe you into thinking they are talented, and obviously not someone you want.

If you happen to meet your makeup artist in person (no website), how did they look? Was their makeup done nicely/creatively or in a manner you like? Did they look professional or sloppy? Did they show you their portfolio? Seeing photos is important to know that your makeup will look great in person and in pictures, so don't be shy and ask to see their work. In the event their own makeup is done with too much flare for your taste, don't rule them out yet until you've see their portfolio because their artistic range may surprise you.

Do you have any skin concerns you need to address? Cosmetic allergies? Do you know what you want and don't want? Do you have any picture examples of the look you like? Is there a question about the products they use? When you contact a makeup artist, ask them anything you need to know to help make your decision. A professionally trained makeup artist will know the art and science of makeup because it is a skill learned and perfected over time. They will know the proper application for the lighting, time of day, purpose and event the makeup is for to create the right look for you.

Familiarize yourself with the artists work and take into consideration the look you want for your special event to see if they have the ability to create that for you. Your rapport with them is important too because you want to be able to communicate clearly and get what you want. In summary, their work should speak for itself if you have no questions for them. If you like what you see, book 'em!

Make it "Pop" with Turquoise Eyes

If you haven't already noticed, the holidays are here, which means lots of parties to attend. One sure-fire way to dress up your holiday ensemble is with the right makeup look. Even a simple LBD (little black dress) can have the "wow" factor when your makeup is smokin' hot, so here is an easy lesson on how to achieve it.

1. Apply a light turquoise shadow to your upper lid.


2. Outline the lower eye with the same shade.


3. Put a darker blue shade accent on the eyelid crease and around the outter corners of eyes (follow photo for precise application place).


4. Apply black eyeliner to the inner top and inner bottom lid and finish off with black mascara.


Brush off any residue flakes that have fallen on your face to clean up the area, apply a pale/nude colored lipstick, very light blush and you're done. Enjoy the party!

Honeysuckle: THE Color for 2011...what do you think?

I love fashion forecasts! The whole point of Fashion Week worldwide is to set the tone for the following season and it starts the trends. Last years "IT" color was turquoise, and this year it's honeysuckle (almost like a peach/salmon/berry color). Click here to read full article on Pantone's color choice.

I personally love this color and how it can warm skin tones. Makeup will be easy to compliment this color because it will be a flattering shade for all. Warm bronzers, coral or berry lipsticks and vibrant eyes will all work. What do you think of the color for 2011?

Ready for a Make-over?

Ever wonder what a new lipstick color or complete makeup make-over would do for you? Ever wanted to try a new look but didn't want to invest in the product or color first in case you didn't like it? Well now you can see a realistic virtual make-over of yourself thanks to www.taaz.com. 

Just upload a close up photo of your face, follow the easy to use tools and create a new makeup look in seconds! The precision application is awesome with a realistic side-by-side view of your new look. See my fun before & after photo with a darker look.

The best part about taaz is that the colors you pick to apply are actual products that you can buy (online or retail), so if you wondered what fuchsia lipstick, peach blush, blue eyeshadow and a black cat-eye liner would look like on you, now's your chance to try it on. Did I mention it's free? Did I also mention you can even try on different hair styles, sunglasses, colored contacts, brow shapes and other fun things?

This is a super fun and affordable way to try all those makeup products and looks without any investment, so go wild. Who knows, you might find a new look for yourself you may not have ever considered had you not seen it for your own eyes, so have fun.

Good Gracious!

Nothing makes me cringe more than bad makeup. What's considered bad? It's when you see a woman made up and you do a double-take because you can't believe she walked out of her house that way thinking it looked good. Granted I do accept that artistic creativity can sometimes play a role in wanting to "stand out" from the crowd, but if your makeup is so distracting that people are giggling or whipping out their camera phones to take a picture, see that as a sign to tone it down!

I was standing in line at Starbucks this morning to get my hot chocolate with a pump of peppermint syrup and among the the usual crowd there was a "which-one-of-these-things-is-not-like-the-others" standing two people in front of me. She casually turned around and glanced my way and I was a deer in headlights. Her makeup was atrocious and I am being kind when I say that. I looked around to see if there were hidden cameras to capture peoples reactions because it was THAT bad. Her clothes were completely normal, but her makeup looked like she lost a bet, did it in the dark, while color blind and without a mirror.

Without the given opportunity to disperse my makeup advice (by being asked!), I kept my glossed lips zipped and waited patiently for my hot chocolate while positioning myself to get a better look. Good gracious she needed my help! I tried to think of an opening to start a conversation with her while we waited on or orders, so I found something I could compliment her on, her attache case, and jumped in hoping she'd take the bait:

Me: "Morning. What a great bag, is it calf-skin?"

Woman: "Good Morning. It's actually treated leather"

Darn....that didn't work. What was I thinking, I need to talk about makeup!

Me: "This weather is so unpredictable. I'm wearing chapstick under my gloss so my lips don't dry out" (hey don't laugh, I only had a moment to engage her!)

Woman: "Oh I know what you mean. My skin and hair get so dry in the winter".

Double darn, that didn't work! Usually I find an opening to exchange beauty tips or advice with women in any situation. I know it might sound weird but it happens all the time. She got her order, wished me a good day and walked away. I looked at my watch to remember the time and felt it was now my obligation to hopefully run into her again and at the same time tomorrow to try and pick up where we left off. I can't let an otherwise attractive woman with no makeup sense continue to walk around looking like a clown's "before" photo.

I promise you if I could have taken a photo of her to post I would have, so in the matter of photo-shop fun, here is my rendition of what the woman looked like.

See what bad makeup on an otherwise pretty face can do???

Happy Holidays

I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday. Think of all the beautiful things in your life to be grateful for and count your blessings. 

Be happy, healthy and enjoy every moment because we only get one life to live, so live it well.

"The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here. The way to be happy is to make others so." - Source Unknown

Looking for a Job? Only 90 Seconds to Make an Impression

Everyone has heard the saying "you never get a second chance to make a first impression", and this rule is most vital when you are going for a job interview. How you present yourself is as important as your work experience, and since your resume is what got you the interview in the first place, how you look during your interview will be the deciding factor on whether or not the employer will hire you, and it only takes 90 seconds for that impression to be made.

You would think the obvious advice applies: Dress to impress, but it goes beyond that. In today's job world you are competing with a handful of candidates just as qualified as you (or more), so you need to set yourself apart from the others in a good, memorable way. That means you must arrive at an interview in a clean, well-put-together outfit with neat fingernails, smoothed-down hair, light makeup and fresh breath. Keep the Louis Vuitton purse, Christian Louboutin shoes, Prada dress and Versace sunglasses at home. There is a fine line with looking like you need money to live or need money to shop, and you don't want to look like you are just there to supply your luxury brands habit.

Skip the glitter eyes and gloss, tight/revealing clothes and complicated hair. Keep everything simple, fitted, flattering and appropriate for the job you are applying for. Also, think twice about any eccentricities that you think make you look unique, such as pink hair or black nail polish, because it will affect their decision if you don't look "the part" of a professional. This rule does not apply if you are applying for a job at a fashion magazine, art-related industry, or ad/marketing firms, because there you can be a little more colorful with your appearance. 

Makeup should always be subtle and low maintenance. You don't want to look like you are headed to the bar after your interview so keep it simple, cover breakouts, dark circles and any visible tattoos. Personal hygiene counts too, so smelling like cigarette smoke can work against you, as can having body odor or wearing too much perfume. Because these conditions are within an individual’s control, an employee or job candidate who smells bad can be viewed as lacking professionalism. Skipping perfume all together is a better idea cause you never know who might be allergic and causing your interviewer a headache is not a good start.

Just remember, if you got the interview you already have a 50/50 chance of getting the job, so don't make your appearance be the reason you don't get it! Be sure to dress the part and make a lasting impression of someone they would want to work with and who would be a great fit for their company/office. Good luck.

Brow Beating

Ladies, ladies, ladies...I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to maintain your eyebrows. Whether you groom them yourself or get it done professionally, your eyebrows shouldn't be neglected, or abused. The right way to create the prefect frame for your face is having them start, arch and end in the right place. This is your fool-proof guide to great brows!

Too many good brows go bad because of over-plucking, so if you need to grow some back, conceal the process with a brow pencil or powder to fill in the blanks in the meantime. When in doubt, err on the side of fuller brows rather than thinner because you can always shape them more later. Brow trends change, but your facial features don't, so stick to what looks good on you.

Eyebrows can change your features tremendously, and not always in a good way either, so I recommend tweezing because you are in control and can do it slowly. After each hair you remove, take a step back to look in the mirror to evaluate your next pluck. I like Tweezerman brand, pointy tip, for good, clean tweezing. Keep the tip protector it comes with to keep them sharp and be sure not to drop them or you can misalign them, rendering them useless.

I could have posted a handful of bad-brow photos for laughs, because trust me there were TONS, but I wanted to focus on why it's important to have great brows and show the guide above for your tool of how to achieve it. This picture of Angelina is a great example of how the wrong brow on any face can look terrible. Whether you tweeze, wax, thread or pencil them in, follow the guide. Your brows need love too, so be kind! Good luck. 

What's in a Name?

Frosted, matte, sheer, stain, shimmer, gloss and long-lasting: what does it all really mean? The names give an insight to part of the ingredients, which ultimately help create the unique color and appearance the lipstick will provide, so knowing which is which will give you the best results when picking a shade.

• Frosted lipsticks include a pearlizing agent that adds luster to the color. Bismuth oxychloride to be exact, which is synthetic pearl, and imparts a frost or shine.
•  Matte lipsticks are heavy in wax and pigment but lighter in emollients. They have more texture than shine.
• Cremes are a balance of shine and texture. (most popular)
• Glosses have a high shine and low color.
• Sheers and stains contain a lot of oil and a medium amount of wax with a tad of color.
•  Shimmers have extra glimmer, which comes from mica or silica particles.
• Long-lasting color contain silicone oil, which seals the color to your lips.
• Lip gloss contains different proportions of the same ingredients as lipstick but usually has less wax and more oil to make the lips shinier.

There’s an old 1959 song called "Lipstick on Your Collar," where lipstick was the giveaway that her boyfriend had been unfaithful, and according to a 1996 survey by Shisedo Cosmetics, 87% of American women admit to having left traces of lipstick in unwanted places on purpose. 

So whether you are guilty of this practice, or just want to get the most from your lip color, read the label to see exactly what type of lipstick you are getting to make sure it fulfills its purpose.

Read My Lips

Lipstick, in some shape or form, has been around for a long time and has always been part of a fashion statement. History tells us that ancient Egyptians used henna to paint their lips with a reddish purple mercuric plant dye called fucus-algin, iodine and bromine mannite. Little did the ancient Egyptians know that it was potentially poisonous, but no self-respecting Egyptian would leave home without it.


Makeup has not always held an accepted place in society as it does today. In fact, it has traveled a bumpy road to acceptance. According to Thomas Hall, an English pastor and author of the "Loathsomeness of Long Haire" (1653), led a movement declaring that face painting was "the devil's work" and that women who put brush to mouth were trying to "ensnare others and to kindle a fire and flame of lust in the hearts of those who cast their eyes upon them." In 1770, the British Parliament passed a law condemning lipstick, stating that "women found guilty of seducing men into matrimony by cosmetic means could be tried for witchcraft." 


In the 1800s Queen Victoria publicly declared makeup impolite because it was viewed as vulgar and something that was worn only by actors and prostitutes. So makeup took a backseat and paleness became vogue for almost a century. However all that changed during World War II, aided by the movie industry, which gave lipstick and face powder respectability. It became the patriotic duty of female citizens to "put their face on."

In the 1930s, leaders in the industry such as Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden, opened their first beauty parlors, offerings services that ranged from facial massages to hair dressing and makeup tips. Although it's had a rough start, makeup has paid its dues to have a place in society, so ladies, go "put on your face"!

Fa-la-la Fall....Here We Come

Emerald green. Royal purple. Bright red. Glittering gold. Cobolt blue. These are just some of the colors for fall this year and be ready to see it on everything from clothing, shoes, accessories and makeup. When everything around us turns from green to gold, to brown, then bare, a little bit of vibrant color is the perfect way to look radiant and not dreary this season.

When pairing a bold color in a statement piece of clothing or an accessory there is no rule that says you cannot match your makeup to highlight (or compliment) that color, so if you want to be daring and draw some attention to your eyes, lips or nails with a little flash of fall (and winter) colors, then do it, because all the makeup manufacturer's are following suit and you will see a rainbow of colors available.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2010, was this past weekend in New York, and it set the stage with what's in store this season.

Summertime Blues

I have been off the radar this summer working and traveling, and nothing says "wedding season" like back-to-back weddings that were keeping me extra busy. The trend this year, here in America and in Europe, has been a more dramatic look, with a simple lip color and vibrant eye makeup. Blue was the "It" color and flattering for all. A little bit of sun (whether naturally, from a bottle or tanning bed) gave my brides a little extra glow that allowed them to go with this look of the season.

Trends come and go, but when it comes to your wedding day makeup it should be a look that not only compliments your features but also highlights them as well. A nude/sheer lip is always flattering, with the right tone that is a shade or two darker than your natural lip color. Glossy, not glittery, is the key to create a fuller lip when needed or down-size one too. Don't be afraid to try a new look, but I always suggest a consultation trial with your makeup artist when veering away from your "comfort zone" of colors. A lot of my clients love to show me magazine pictures of what they want, which is a great way to let your makeup artist know what look you are going for, because sometimes interpreting what you mean and accomplishing it can be two different things.

Go to your trial with a few ideas, try a few different looks and pick the one that not only makes you look beautiful but also feel glamorous as well. Makeup artists aim to please and you will be representing our work when you walk down that aisle so making you happy is our ultimate goal. If you don't have any idea what look you are trying to accomplish, don't fret, it's our job to create a look for you.

If you want to find the latest trends, always look to your bridal magazines for inspiration, and regardless of the season, you can be a glowing bride, inside and out.

Why Do You Love Makeup?

To look at someone's bare face and see the potential of what you can do to it is why I love makeup. You can bring out self-esteem, confidence and a whole new attitude with it. Makeup just makes you look good, feel good and highlights your best features so what is there not to love?

You don't need to spend a lot of time or money in order to get the benefits of it, so why wouldn't you want to look fabulous or bring out your inner Vixen? Red lipstick alone can alter your persona, while smokey eyes can speak volumes, so ask yourself, what are you trying to say with your makeup?

Sunkissed

The sun has finally come out of hibernation to caress our shoulders and put a glow in our cheeks, so whether you swear by bronzer year round, tanning beds, self-tanning lotions, the sun itself or spray tans to get that summer sunkissed glow, lighten up, because you don't want to overdue any method. Don't forget to wear sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a hat to protect yourself. Happy Spring.

Bridal Bliss

Wedding “season” has officially started, and every year there are trends in fashion that some brides look to for inspiration, while others already have a dream of what they envision on their wedding day from head to toe. For some, finding the perfect dress is the most important thing, (after finding the perfect guy of course), but for others, it’s about the makeup, and I have always felt that one without the other just doesn’t work. You need both to be a blushing bride, so booking your makeup artist shouldn’t be a last minute thought or done on your own, because on this very special day there are no “do-overs” and looking radiant is a must.

As a makeup artist I find weddings to be the most rewarding work I can do because I know it’s not just about a made up face, but it is about pictures that will capture the day for eternity. Professionals use products that are photo-ready (and friendly) and long lasting, but we also have the ability to make you a more glamorized version of yourself. So on the one day of your life where hundreds of eyes will be on you all day and night, shouldn’t you look nothing less than spectacular? Of course the guy standing up there next to you with the tuxedo on will get some attention too, but we really know it is all about you, so don't leave it to chance.

Oh No She Didn't

Lately I am noticing a trend pop up that is making me cringe when I see it...neon lipstick. I know trends will repeat themselves eventually but some things were meant to stay dead and buried and this hideous fashion DON'T is one of them. Seriously, who can pull off yellow or green neon lipstick unless you are in a bad 80's music video??!!

I go out a lot and always love to people watch, but when I see horrible makeup I just want to run up and hand them my card and whip out a makeup remover cloth. Retro is cool, don't get me wrong, but bad makeup is bad makeup, and so all I can hope for is someone out there will pull those girls aside, be a friend and hand them a compact mirror. You don't need to try every trend you see to update your look or else we would all be cookie-cutter versions of each other. So leave the neon lipsticks at the makeup counter and don't believe the hype!!!

You CAN be unique and fun with your sense of style and makeup. You can even follow some of the latest trends that are seen on the runways of Fashion Week or in the magazines (within reason), but know that not ALL trends are meant to be followed and really are just an artistic concept brought to life. Like this makeup I did for a photo shoot years ago that was simply meant to be creative, not trend-setting. So find a trend you like and tweak it to make it your own. No need to follow everything by-the-book (or magazine!). I rest my case.

Kiss Me You Fool

Valentines Day is tomorrow but any "date night" makeup should always be about creating a desire. A desire to keep him looking into your eyes... a desire for him to want to kiss your lips... a desire to captivate his attention. What better way to mesmerize the one who has your heart (or whose heart you'd like to have) then to create the perfect date face.

Whether you are having date night with your husband, boyfriend or a new potential love interest, your makeup should always say "kiss me", not "stay away for fear of looking like a clown if you kiss me". Don't forget that your hair should also be soft and touchable too. Nothing is more sexy than looking irresistible.

Your makeup doesn't have to be heavy or dark to make you look made-up, so opt for a light glowing complexion for your face, very subtle blush, sparkling smokey eyes and a light colored lipstick (or tinted gloss) with a little bit of shine, that make your lips just beg to be kissed. This entire look on actress Hilary Duff is perfect!

Beauty in the Real World

We live in a digitally enhanced world, so what we see on t.v., in movies or in magazines these days is always going to be an altered version of the truth. So many young girls look to magazines for inspiration, only to find desperation in their own looks that don’t match up to the perfection that they see in magazines before them.

What everyone needs to realize, is that everything we see in a magazine has been photo-shopped. EVERYTHING. No one is that perfect. Even the most beautiful actress, model or celebrity is never printed without Photoshop fine-tuning the details.

This industry standard isn't meant to deceive the viewer, but only to show a better version. While I have nothing against enhancing an image, I do think the perception of trying to sell that perfection as "natural" is misleading. Anything is possible with Photoshop from the simple removal of wrinkles, dark circles, blemishes, hair color, teeth and eye whitening, thinning out limbs, to completely altering features is possible and SO much more.

If we have a healthy attitude on what we believe to be "natural beauty" and understand that what we see is not always real, we can learn to enjoy the images as simply being entertainment exceptions to the rule...and not the standard. Never to compare. Nothing to look up to.

I personally love seeing before and after celebrity photo-shopped pictures because it makes them more real to me and see that they are just like us...imperfect.

New Year. New You.

"Out with the old and in with the new", as they say. Time to clean out your makeup drawer and start fresh for 2010. New outlook, new products, new attitude, new you. This is the year for change and what better way then to shake up your beauty routine...or better yet, start one! No matter how young or old you are, there is never a bad time to start taking care of your face.

So, invest in some products that work for your skin type and condition. Make that appointment with the Dermatologist to address and fix those issues. Wash your makeup off before bed no matter how tired you are. Cut back on alcohol intake which can wreck havoc on your skin. Increase water consumption for a refreshed complexion. Toss out liquid products that have chemically separated. Try that new lipstick color. No matter how subtle or insignificant you think the change will be, just do it, because sometimes even the slightest change makes a big impact.

Continue to be happy, healthy and beautiful for 2010.