Posts Tagged ‘beauty’
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
An Interview With Troy Surratt
New York City makeup artist Surratt has worked with Jennifer Lopez, Freida Pinto, and Ashlee Simpson.
The right brush doesn’t just make it easier to apply makeup; it can also allow you to be more precise. Here’s how to end up with a set that’s perfect for your needs.
· Cover your bases. Like most makeup artists, I prefer natural bristles for any brush used to apply powder. Not only are they the fluffiest and the softest, but they also have a cuticle—just like human hair—that really grabs pigment and holds on until you place it exactly where you want on the face. Blue squirrel is the best quality (hence, the most expensive), but pony hair, goat, and kolinsky sable are also good.
· Pick and choose. I think it’s more important to find the right brush for each task than to have a pretty matched set on your vanity. At minimum, you need four: a large powder brush, a slightly smaller fluffy brush (for blush, bronzer, and/or highlighter), an eye-shadow brush the size of a fingertip, and a smaller shadow brush (for smudging and blending). For each, look for a slightly domed shape—it rolls best across the skin with the least drag—and a nice fluffy texture, which deposits less pigment so you can be precise. (Synthetics are really only good for applying creams and liquids.)
· Go beyond the basics. If you prefer applying concealer with a brush, it’s best to have two: a slick Taklon one a half inch wide for under the eyes and a tiny, pointy one for blemishes. Foundation brushes tend to blob too much coverage right where they first touch your face; I prefer using a damp BeautyBlender sponge to stipple on makeup, because it allows for very sheer coverage.
· Buy the best brushes you can afford. I really believe that high-quality brushes are worth the price. They don’t just perform the best; they also make applying makeup a pleasure. If a $60 blush brush still gives you sticker shock, consider that it can easily last 20 years with proper maintenance. Once a month, mix warm water with a little shampoo (I like Aveda Shampure for this) for natural hair bristles or dish soap for synthetics. Swish the brushes around, rinse well, blot with paper towels, and lay them flat until they’re completely dry.
Tags: Ashlee Simpson, beauty, Brush, Cosmetics, Eye shadow, Jennifer Lopez, Make-up artist, New York City
Posted in Makeup | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
Image via Wikipedia
The Origins of Airbrush Makeup
Airbrush makeup application came about after Dina Ousley, a Hollywood actress and makeup artist that was tired of mediocre results, invented it over a decade ago to help people on screen look more flattering. Dinair© has hit a new wave of popularity recently in the entertainment world, as it is the only makeup that looks natural on the ever-revealing and detailed High Definition televisions. As pictures on the screens have gotten more detailed, the makeup and flawless look of the actors needs to step up as well.
Tags: airbrushed makeup, beauty, Make-up artist, Makeup, makeup tips, St Louis Makeup Artist
Posted in Airbrushed Makeup, Makeup, St. Louis Makeup Artist | Comments Off
Friday, October 30th, 2009
Betty Draper
One of my favorite TV shows is Mad Men. There are many reasons for this, but one of the fascinating things about this show is the attention to detail. Take, for instance, Betty Draper’s makeup. You can literally zoom in on the month and year of this show by taking a closer look at the hair, makeup and fashion. What do most people think of when they think of ’60′s makeup? “Mod” is the first thing that comes to my mind; Twiggy, nude lips (I read somewhere that girls would actually crush up white eye shadows and mix the powder with pink lip gloss to achieve a really nude lip), bold eyes with heavily mascaraed lashes, pastel greens and blue eye shadow, thick black “cat-eye” eye liner, mini skirts, gogo boots, really teased hair, I could go on. But Mad Men makes you realize that in the first part of the decade women were transitioning from the more conservative, formal, lady-like 1950′s era. Women still wore their complicated corsets and girdles, and gloves were worn to the grocery store as well as to formal events. Think Jackie Kennedy, Chanel suits, pillbox hats and French manicured fingertips. Pastel lip colors were favored for day, especially for a younger woman. Women could wear red lipstick by day and it was the most popular choice for evening. Pan-cake foundation achieved a flawless complexion. Lips colors promised a lush, full and usually matte pucker (frosts were introduced very late in the 1950′s and didn’t catch on until the late ’60′s). Rouge (not called “Blush” yet) was plopped on the apples of the cheeks in 2 circles. Eye shadow was minimal in neutral tones; natural looking. Betty’s skirts are slowly getting shorter, but s-l-o-w-l-y… UNTIL WE GET TO THE ROME EPISODE! I love this transformation! It’s like getting a sneak peek/ fast forward to what fashion and beauty in the U.S. will look like in just a few short years.
For a fascinating interview with the hair and makeup team responsible for Betty’s stunning Roman makeover, go to http://blogs.amctv.com/mad-men/2009/10/mad-men-hair-and-makeup.php.
Betty's Roman transformation; fast forward to mod
the 1950's requisite weekly trip to the beauty parlor.
glamorous 1950's housewife a.k.a. June Cleaver... note red lipstick, pleated swing skirt, ladylike cardigan, laquered hair, doe eyes
Tags: airbrushed makeup, beauty, Lipstick, Makeup, makeup artist, St Louis Makeup Artist
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Thursday, October 29th, 2009
The end of October is fast approaching which means National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is coming to a close as well. With that in mind, here’s a great deal Nordstrom is offering online only: get a free full-size Sparkle Eyeshadow in “Mica” ($24 retail) when you purchase $75 of Bobbi Brown makeup. Here’s an easy way (as if you needed it) to rack up a quick $40 towards your product total and it’s for a good cause: Snap up Bobbi’s “Pink Ribbon” lip duo. “In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bobbi has created a beautiful lip set featuring an exclusive new shade of Creamy Lip Color and a limited-edition Glitter Lip Balm. To create added awareness of this special cause, the Pink Ribbon logo has been screened on the Glitter Lip Balm package. Set comes in a pink carton. Included shades: Blush Pink Creamy Lip Color and Pink Crystal Glitter Lip Balm”. And the best part is that your purchase contributes to Bobbi’s donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
p.s. The Sparkle Shadows are very pretty and will add a subtle shimmery sparkle to your face. I like them better than her Metallic Shadows which can be more obvious. Remember that overt metallics in your makeup choices tend to reflect the camera’s flash which doesn’t translate well to photos.
Tags: beauty, Bobbie Brown, bridal, bridal party, cancer, make up tips, makeup tips, St Louis Makeup Artist
Posted in Lipstick, Makeup | No Comments »
Thursday, October 29th, 2009
Tags: beautiful, beauty, bridal, darker, duo, Lipstick, Makeup, makeup tips, ombres, pink, products, rouge pur, specific, St Louis Makeup Artist, wedding, YSL
Posted in Eyeshadows, Holiday look 2009, Lipstick, Makeup | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009
Pastels for Spring/Summer 2010
Spring and Summer
2010 brides…
Fashion Week just wrapped up in NYC & I am in love with the pastel beauty trend for spring…it is perfect for bridal.
Pastels can work for any bride, but remember to choose the right shade and intensity. The darker your skin, the deeper the pastels need to be or they will look “gray” and ashy on your skin. In fact, when your skin is warmer (slightly tanned) in the spring and summer it is easier to wear these shades. And sticking to one shade at a time will keep you from looking like a little girl who got into her mother’s makeup. Anyone else have nightmare memories of blue/silvery shades in plastic compacts, sponge tipped applicators and 8th grade school pictures in which they look like Endora from Bewitched….well don’t you worry. The latest beauty looks from the runway showcase spring’s pastels as “saturated” colors that have depth and sophistication.
EYES
For light to medium skin tones, I have found that Bobbi Brown’s Long Wear cream shadow in “Ballet Pink” really illuminates the eye and is perfect for day by itself. Then all you need to do is intensify your eyeliner and head out to a night on the town. For a darker skin tone, try Bobbi Brown’s powder shadow in deeper, richer shades like ”naked” or “black plum”. Bobbi’s metallics offer some beautiful color options ranging from lilacs for lighter skin tones, to “After Hours,” a deep chocolate mauve. Just don’t do too much shimmer for photography-it will look shiny because it reflects the flash.
I will always be a fan of black eyeliner-I have gone through my phases with colors like navy and purples, but I always come back to tried and true black. For those of you who want a lighter liner there are so many options out there, and Bobbi’s Gel Liners do not disappoint. Try “Black Plum Ink” or “Indigo Ink”. Or you could line the top lid with black, and the bottom with a brown smudged softer line.
LIPS
For a pretty pastel lip there are hundreds of options. It is fun, easy and relatively inexpensive to update your look with lip products. We all know how purchasing a pretty new lipstick changes your day without breaking the bank.
Bobbi Brown’s Brightening Gloss in all four pastel colors is amazing when you put it on…it looks like there is a slight glow to the bottom half of your face. The reflection also amplifies your lips because it reflects light.
NAILS
“I Pink I Love You”
Go to opi.com and browse their “Fairytale Bride” collection.
Tags: 2010, beauty, Bobbi Brown, bridal, bridal party, brides, Cosmetics, depth, Eye liner, Fashion, Health, Human skin color, latest, NYC, pastel, runway, Shopping, skin, sophistication, spring, St Louis Makeup Artist, summer, trend, wedding makeup
Posted in Blush, Eyeshadows, Lipstick, Makeup | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009
1. Foundation that is too light exaggerates lines. Try a warmer toned foundation a shade darker than your skin and blend.
2. Avoid powder on non-oily areas and the eye area. Powder can exaggerate lines.
3. Dark lipstick makes thinning lips look saggy. Try a neutral rose color and color in with lip liner first. I like Brownie Bobbi Brown lipliner with Blush lip color over it and then a layer of Lilac brightening gloss.
4. Keep a fresh mascara on hand at all times. Clumpy old mascara not only looks unattractive, it also can negatively call attention to fine lines and crows feet. If this is your concern, skip mascara on the bottom altogether. And don’t forget to curl the upper lashes! This really opens the eye, and together with a black mascara will make your eyes look bright and awake.
5. Since eyes may start to droop at the outer corners as we age, when lining the eyes, make sure not to drag the upper line down at the outer corner of the eye; “wing” it gently upwards.
6. Go easy on the foundation. Opt for a sheer moisturizing formula or even a tinted moisturizer. Keep your skin well hydrated and moist, and avoid allowing foundation to sit on top of wrinkled areas. Really blend. Then see #2 above. Note:this is every day advice, doesn’t apply to photo makeup.
7. Hair that is too dark for your skin tone can look austere & instantly aging. Talk to a good colorist to find out the best shade to compliment your skin tone.
8. SUNSCREEN!! At the very least, on your face and neck.
9. Ease up on the bronzer-a little is a must, but too much can look muddy and mottled, mimicking age spots.
10.Softer fuller brows (that are well groomed) look young and fresh. Pencil thin severe brows can look harsh, dated and sometimes a little arresting.
Tags: aging, awake, beauty, beauty mistakes, bright, brown, brows, color, compliment, eyes, foundation, fresh, gloss, Health, Human skin color, lashes, lip liner, Lipstick, makeup artist, mascara, Moisturizer, neutral, pencil, powder, sheer, Shopping, skin, Skin Care, sunscreen, tone
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Friday, August 28th, 2009
Airbrushed Makeup F.A.Q.
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| How does airbrushed makeup work?Airbrushed makeup is specially formulated to be sprayed on through an air compressor as a fine mist of color that gently covers the skin. This process allows the makeup to conceal better while allowing your skin to breathe. Most say that it feels like they don’t have any makeup on their skin at all. The sensation of the makeup actually being applied can be described as a light, cool mist gently blowing onto the face. |
How is airbrushed makeup different than traditional makeup?Traditional foundations can look obvious, caked-on or thick and almost always feel like you are wearing makeup.
- Because airbrushed makeup is misted on, it seamlessly blends during the process creating the illusion of a flawless, smooth face. It leaves a luminous veil of color on the surface of the skin eliminating the mask-like look you sometimes see.
- Your skin’s natural tones still peek through this special pixilated coverage for the most natural and clean look possible.
- Spraying microdots of makeup that rest on the surface of the face looks more natural than traditional makeup because it isn’t rubbed into the skin and doesn’t exaggerate the pores.
- This unique spraying process creates a coverage that looks flawless and is ready for any digital high resolution close up.
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What are the benefits of airbrushed makeup?I use 2 different formulas, water resistant (water based) and water proof (depending on your preference.)
- Simply blotting, (not wiping,) away perspiration, tears or any moisture will leave the makeup in place without a streak.
- This makeup will not fade or rub off on clothes, lasts well up to 18 hours and yet can be easily washed away with your facial cleanser and water.
- Once the makeup is sprayed on, it dries instantly to a matte finish that does not require powder or re-applying.
- Can be used for any skin type including laser resurfaced skin.
- Concealing small blemishes or other cosmetic challenges can be as easy as spraying small dots of makeup over them. An initial neutralizing coverage can lighten and neutralize undertones, strong colors and even birth marks.
- Does not clog sebaceous glands.
- Silicon free.
- Contamination free. No brushes or sponges needed for application process; dropper dispensed
- Matte finish-great for oily skin types.
- If satin finish is desired, the face can be misted with a specially formulated moisturizer that will not affect the water resistance of the makeup.
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| Which system do you use?I use the Dinair System. Dinair originated the airbrush makeup system in the early 1980′s and anticipated that everyone would eventually be seen, filmed and photographed in HD. Dinair developed the first high definition, daily wear airbrush makeup and continues to be the gold standard for high definition makeup. They offer a wide variety of mixable foundation shades to enhance any skin tone. |
Tags: air, Airbrush, airbrushed makeup, beauty, blends, breathe, clean, close up, color, compressor, concealing, contamination free, Cosmetics, digital, Dinair, Dinair system, does not clog, dropper dispensed, face, flawless, foundations, gold standard, HD, Health, high definition, high definition makeup, High-definition television, Human skin color, illusion, look, matte finish, mist, natural, pores, satin finish, silicon free, skin, small dots makeup, sprayed, St Louis Makeup Artist, unique, water resistance
Posted in Airbrushed Makeup, beauty, Blush, Eyeshadows, lip liners, Lipstick, Makeup, skin, St. Louis Makeup Artist, weddings | No Comments »
is beautiful and you don’t have to apply the darker shade as dark as the model’s. The lips are a gorgeous red, Rouge Pur Lipstick in ![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=d6090205-825a-4305-b1e3-fda744467fbe)
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