Iman Cosmetics

Sam Fine is one of my fav makeup artists! This morning I found some notes from his visit to DC in February. Now every time this man mentioned a product, I scribbled it down in my notebook. I purchased many of his recommendations and they are staples in my kit. Sam always mentions Iman Cosmetics but I never had the time or confidence to try them out until of late. 

Makeup Wish List

After busy season (spring, summer), I'm gonna treat myself to a few new goodies. My kit has come a long way and I'm blessed that it can play alongside some of the best makeup artists in terms of products and tools. I've invested heavily into transforming my kit into a high quality, functional, efficient, lean mean fighting machine (lol).

Hair Expressions: A Paul Mitchell School

I was recently given the opportunity to teach the Basics of Makeup to over 75 students at Paul Mitchell's Hair Expressions Academy.

BBD: Bridal Beauty Dont's

We are in the height of wedding of season and lately I find myself running down a list of beauty do's & don'ts to my brides. Perfection takes preparation!  Here's a snippet of bridal don'ts courtesy
 

1. Don't drink wine or eat dark-colored foods like berries.

2. Don't tan.

3. Don't get your first-ever bikini wax just before your wedding.

4. Don't change your birth control, skin-care program, washing detergent, etc., less than six weeks before the wedding.

5. Don't get a facial, get your brows waxed, or cut or color your hair two days or less before your wedding.

6. Don't ingest excess sodium the week before the wedding.

7. Don't flat-iron your hair before a trial or on your big day.

8. Don't sit around in your bra the morning of your wedding.

9. Don't skimp on water!

10. Don't forget your beauty emergency kit.

11. Don't forget to touch up!

12. Don't cry off all your beautiful makeup!

13. Don't forget your makeup artist or hair stylist!

image courtesy of http://www.timelessbride.co.uk/gfx/misc/main.jpg

 of the knot.com

The Makeup Show LA

Over the weekend I attended the The Powder Group's Makeup Show in LA and I had a phenomenal time!!!! Here's a pic post of my weekend! I loved every moment of it.

Hollywood Blvd

I made it! LOL

Queen of Blending

Mehnron Body Painting

Joanna Schlip

Koren "Enkore" &  Lori Taylor of Smashbox

I feel bad bc I don't remember the other panelist's name..uugghh

Fun times! I can't wait for next year's show!

Rudolph's Red Lips

Happy holdays! Who loves a classic red lip? Well I do! Especially when it's done perfectly and complements your skin tone. For one of yor holiday parties, try going with a red lip...you'll wow the entire crowd!

Makeup Techniques

Learning styles are divided into several groups (maybe more but I'm only aware of 3): auditory, tactile and visual learning. In essence, some people learn better by reading, watching and or listening. I learn through a mixture of mediums, especially when it comes to makeup application.  Here are some things that I do to spark my learning and creativity:

• Read classic makeup books like Sam Fine's Fine Beauty & Kevyn Aucoin's Face Forward
• Watch YouTube tutorials and MAC Cosmetics Artist's in Action segments
• Watch makeup dvd's like Sam Fine's Basics of Beauty, Danessa Myricks series (eyeshadow, contouring, fantasy makeup)
• Network with other artists and exchange tips & techniques
• Attend trainings & trade shows

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

There is no right or wrong with makeup. Continue to practice on a variety of faces or yourself. What works for you may mot work for your friend and vice versa. Take time to hone your skills and before you know it, you're makeup will be flawless. Rome wasn't built in a day. So take your time and cultivate your skills.

Random Party Makeup

Here's some flicks of holiday makeup I did on one of my longtime friends for the Flywire Bejewelled Party.

 For a nice glow, I used Smashbox's Artificial light just above her cheekbones, above the eyebrows and a dab on the center of their forehead.

Kim's Wedding

Here's some flicks of my one of my beautiful D.C. brides. Kimmera was awesome to work with! I love calm and collected brides (she hid her nervousness very well).

Sexy Visions 2010 Calendar Shoot

Well this weekend, I had the lovely pleasure of assisting one of my makeup artists/buddy/mentor on a calendar shoot featuring some Ujena Bikini Models.