Beach Babes!

As a professional makeup artist I have seen my share of “makeup don’ts”!  The kind of silly or careless mistakes that make me want to go all cave man and drag a woman by the hair to the nearest restroom and scrub off the crazy cosmetics she has applied to her face! 

This Pro has many cosmetic pet peeves too: applying makeup while driving, too much glitter (at any age), streaked makeup from no blending, dark lip liner combined with very light lipstick, massively overdrawn lips, young girls with too much makeup on, unkempt eyebrows, clumped mascara, foundation build-up around the nose and chin, touching up makeup at the dinner table and most of all…beach babes that have on pounds of cosmetics!

It makes me laugh and want to ask them, “did Tyra crown you the next top Victoria’s Secret model when I wasn’t looking?” or “Are we doing a secret photo shoot and the professional photographer is pretending to be the Life Guard?”  I don’t see lights, reflectors, Miss J or even a little plastic snappy camera, so that leads me to believe that the girl or women is just so vain that they can’t wear less or heaven forbid, no makeup to the beach!

It really does look ridiculous when your face is made up for a night on the town, but your body is sporting athletic apparel!  Plus, you are at the beach, in the heat, in the sand, in the wind, in the water…that is not a good combo! 

Heavy makeup + heat is like sticking a clay pot into a kiln ready to fire!  Eventually your perfectly applied foundation, concealer, powder, bronzer, contour, highlighter, blusher, 3 shades eye shadow, eyeliner, (pause for a deep breath) mascara, lip liner, lipstick and lip gloss are going to crack, run and clog your pores!  Awesome dude!

If you choose to wear cosmetics that are not a waterproof formula and you venture out into the ocean, your makeup will resemble that of a sea hag instead of the gorgeous mermaid!  But, isn’t this elementary my Dear Watson?   This Pro wants to believe that women already understand basic Makeup 101, but I keep seeing it happening this time of year, so I must wrong!

Here is another thought: you’re all made up and you’re looking hot, but according to your internal sundial, it is time to reapply sunscreen.  Uh oh!  Do you apply it to your face over your cosmetic?  Hmmm…how well do you think that sunscreen is going to work to protect your skin from sun damage if you have a thick layer of makeup on? 

Also, if you didn’t apply sunscreen prior to putting all that "stuff" on your face because you thought that your cosmetic had plenty of SPF in it, guess what?  Cosmetic formulas do not have enough sun protection in them and the sun is strong enough to penetrate through your cosmetic.  Now, it is 2 hours later, your face feels warm and your skin tone is pink (but really it is red under the makeup) and you need to add more sunscreen! 

Your lovely face that you worked so hard on is going to be nothing more than a hot mess when you slather on the sunscreen and begin to rub it in and as a bonus, your skin is damaged because it is sunburned!  How pretty are you now?

Ladies…it is much easier on your skin if you cleanse, moisturize, treat and protect your face instead of spending senseless time in the mirror primping prior to sunbathing!  It is much better to throw an oversized helping of self-esteem into your beach bag along with other sea and sand accoutrement and rock that no makeup look with confidence.

Understandably, there are times when a little cosmetic can be appropriate for the beach.  Especially, if you are attending some type of event, party or maybe just attempting to capture the eye of that surfer guy.  I get it!  So, here is this Pro’s approved list of beach babe makeup…

Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant Sunscreen – oil-free matte finish, does not feel heavy or greasy on the skin, beige in color (not white) so you don't need to "rub" into the skin to absorb.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer – oil-free, hydrating formula.  Provides extra protection from UVB rays and harmful effects of the environment with an SPF 20.  Apply after skin care and sunscreen, use for spot concealing only (dark circles, broken capillaries around nasal labial folds, break outs).  Do not cover entire face!

Becca Beach Tint – waterproof tint adds a hint of color to cheeks and lips.  Oil free, streak free, contains antioxidant vitamin E and is paraben-free.  Use after skin care, sunscreen and tinted moisturizer.  Available in two shades Watermelon and Peach.

fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 - lips are sensitive and with increased sun exposure they can burn just as easily as the rest of your body.  Apply Sugar Lip Treatment before Becca Beach Tint for extra sun protection.

Shu Uemura Waterproof Cream Eye Shadow – if you must wear an eye shadow, then choose one color in a waterproof, cream formula that is a neutral, matte shade.  Shu Uemura eye shadow will not crease or fade under extreme conditions.  Recommended colors: beige, pink or brown (lightest hue). Apply all over eye area with fingertip or brush and blend.

tarte cosmetic's lights, camera, splashes, 4-in-1 natural water proof mascara – apply one coat to the top lashes only for natural, longer looking lashes.  It's great for the beach and will not give you that "overdone" look!

Pass on the face powder (everyone will have the “dewy” look so you will fit right in) and skip everything else you usually put on your face!  Think of it this way, you get a chance to go on vacation from work so, give your face a little cosmetic break too!

Now that you have protected, hidden the sins of the skin and added a little tint to the face using waterproof cosmetics, you can feel free to frolic with Puff the Magic Dragon down by the sea and you can reapply your sunscreen when needed without feeling like you will mess up your makeup!  How liberating!!!!

PRO TIPS AND TRICKS:

Throw the tinted moisturizer into your beach bag and touch up a break out inconspicuously – Laura Mercier’s tube looks like a sunscreen component so you won’t draw attention if you happen to whip it out!  This Pro highly recommends investing in a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher because you want to keep your skin looking gorgeous (and young) for years to come.  Since the LM Tinted Moisturizer is only an SPF 20, you will need to apply sunscreen prior to applying and/or reapplying this product in order to ensure maximum sun protection!

STAY TUNED:

Up next on IMPO:  In keeping with our summer theme, IMPO's next blog post will be all about sunscreen.  The best brands for your face and body!

Chill Out!

"Lights...Camera...Action!"  When the director shouts those three words an actor or actress has to instantly turn that “it” factor volume way up, which can make even the most seasoned professional nervous.  Production lighting + nerves can = melted makeup, unless the MUA is a consummate Pro and knows how to prevent the sweat!

Red Carpet events, rock stars on tour, models in the dessert, 20 retakes, award speeches and steamy love scenes are enough to cause anyone to perspire and it is this Pro’s job to make my clients look as if they are as calm as cucumbers by ensuring that their makeup won't budge, smudge or smear!  It’s not easy and it makes me sweat like a wh@#e in church (but who cares what I look like)!

Now, let’s think about some “real life” scenarios that can make the everyday woman (or man) freak out instead of chill out!  Getting married, graduation, job interview, first date, being a bridesmaid, pitching a new client, first kiss, asking for a raise, making a speech or any type of event where you may be the main attraction!  Right?  Can you feel it:  The perspiration forming in your armpits, the beading on your upper lip, the sweat dripping down the sides of your face?  More than embarrassing I know!

Since you don’t have the luxury of having a professional makeup artist in your face every 5 minutes collecting your DNA on a orange puff loaded with powder or mopping up your body fluids with tissue and retouching your cosmetic like those fortunate celebrities do, how can you make certain that your “big” day won’t be a major makeup meltdown recorded forever in photographs?

Relax!  IMPO is here to save the day!  Lucky for you this Pro is more than willing to let you take a peek inside my kit of magic tricks and share my secret arsenal of stay put product!  Not only do I use these cosmetics on some very famous faces, they are my go-to products when I know the pressure is “on” and that I would more likely be hit by a bus then be able to touch-up my own face!

FOUNDATION:

Make Up Forever Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation – this is a shine controlling, oil-free, water-resistant, complete coverage liquid foundation.  This product will hide imperfections and even out skin tone.  It mattifies the skin’s appearance and leaves a non-oily, powdered finish.  Apply with foundation brush or sponge. I do layer this product with a concealer if necessary.

Laura Mercier Stick Foundation SPF 15 – this is an oil-free, water-resistant stick foundation that is moisturizing and hydrating, which means that it won’t settle into the fine lines and wrinkles.  It is creamy in texture and will glide onto the skin providing excellent coverage.  Apply with fingertips or sponge.

Graftobian Hi-Def Glamour Crème Foundation – if you want to take a stroll down the Pro MUA walk–of-fame give this product a try.  It was developed for Graftobian by Brad Look who is a major “player” in the world of Hollywood.  Made for extensive use on-set under the professional lights of a sound stage or location shoot, you can visit the Graftobian website and discover your equivalent color match to the foundation product you are currently using and with over 50 shades to choose from, finding your exact skin tone counterpart is easy.

CONCEALER:

Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer – this is a full-coverage concealer ideal for any type of skin imperfection.  It is highly pigmented and super-emollient, which means you can kiss those dark circles goodbye and it will blend into the skin easily.  Waterproof formula insures that it will stay put throughout activity.  Apply with concealer brush, sponge or fingertip.

SETTING POWDER:

Cinema Secrets Translucent Powder – perfect for setting all liquid or cream cosmetic in preparation for powder product application.  Apply using large powder brush, sponge, or puff.  Gently buff into skin.

BRONZER:

Dior Bronze Matte Sunshine SPF 20 – this bronzer is what this Pro uses personally and professionally.  Provides a beautiful, even faux-tan look that is matte, shine-free and is a water-resistant formula perfect for contouring the face.

MULTI-USE:

Becca Beach Tint – this is a gorgeous blendable crème stain for cheeks and lips that is appropriate for all skin types.  Kiss-proof and water-resistant, it dries without leaving streaks.  I layer this under powder blush, bronzer and lip glosses for added staying power and to increase color intensity.

BROW PENCILS:

Tricia Sawyer Beauty’s Brow Define Pencil – incredible color with a smudge-proof formula.  Skinny tip allows you to fill in your brows creating the illusion of hair.  Easy to blend and is available with refillable leads.

CRÈME EYE SHADOW:

Shu Uemura – this is the shadow that this Pro uses when I am shooting for 14 hours a day!  Soft, blendable and waterproof with an intense color payoff.  Matte and pearl texture allow for total artistic control.  Easy to layer under powder eye shadow to give it more staying power.  Never creases, smears or fades.

EYE LINER:

Pencil – Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes is a two-in-one eyeshadow and liner pencil  Waterproof formula adheres to the eyelids and resists water even under the most extreme conditions.  Holds color without fading.

Gel – Bobbi Brown Long Wearing Gel Eyeliner – this eyeliner offers the precision of a liquid liner, but it is easier to apply and blend.  Very saturated, smudge proof and comes in a variety of matte or shimmer colors to match any occasion.

Cream – Make Up Forever Aqua Creamliner – totally waterproof cream formula that gives an intense, precise finish.  Extremely long-lasting and comes in a multitude of matte colors.

MASCARA:

Dior DiorShow Iconic Extreme Waterproof Mascara – if you need showgirl style lashes for your important day but don’t want to wear false lashes, then this is the mascara for you!   This Pro loves this mascara in both the original and waterproof formulas.

Imju Fiberwig – the other Pro loves Imju because the brush is thin and allows for complete saturation of the upper and lower lash line with ease in application.  Dries instantly.

LIPS:

Lorac Co-Stars – this is an eight-hour, long wearing lip color and glossy top coat.  Created by Carol Shaw, top Hollywood Makeup Artist, you can create gorgeous, glam lips without worrying about your color lasting throughout the day.  Smudge-proof, non-drying and provides full-coverage.

SETTING SPRAY:

Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray - this is my secret weapon!  Apply over makeup to set, hold and extend cosmetic wear.  Heat and humidity resistant, it cuts my touch-ups in half! Prevents makeup from melting, sliding and fading. Dries instantly.  

So, if you want your makeup to last longer than most Hollywood marriages, pick up a few of the products listed above and you can rest assure that you will look amazing throughout all of life’s big moments!

PRO TIPS & TRICKS:

Skindinavia has several types of finishing sprays for every aspect of a girl's life!  Try 10 Years Younger, Dance, No More Shine, Cool Flash, Bridal and Jet Set.  I gave my mom the Cool Flash Finishing Spray when she was suffering from hot flashes and this product helped her immensely!  It is also great for those with very active lifestyles or live in warm climates.  Take it with you on vacation or to the gym when you workout!  The cooling technology "chills" the makeup surface, like turning on your body's personal air conditioner!  Skindinavia is this Pro's secret for summer-proofing makeup!

STAY TUNED:

Up next on IMPO: Beach Babe!  Are you a die-hard makeup girl that can't bare to not wear cosmetics even to the beach?  Then you won't want to miss the next post from IMPO featuring appropriate makeup for your inner mermaid!

Crème de la Crème!

The history of makeup dates back to 3500 BC when usage by the 1st Dynasty of Egypt decided that decorating a person’s eyes, cheeks and lips was consider a statement of royalty. Later, the Roman philosopher Plautus wrote, “A woman without paint is like food without salt.” However, by the 1800s makeup was mainly worn by prostitutes and Queen Victoria declared to the public that makeup was improper, vulgar and unacceptable (unless you were an actor - then it was mandatory). Whew!

Well, today’s cosmetic industry is estimated at $19 billion! That is how much we spend on making ourselves “lovely!” We have come a long way since ladies “pinched” their cheeks to look youthful and we are given a wide variety of makeup choices. Liquids, powders, gels or crèmes that come in compacts, jars and tubes are all at our fingertips! All we have to do is decide on color, texture, ingredients, smell and sometimes, taste!



Rouge (which is French for Red) or as we say in more modern times, Blush is a cosmetic that women have used for centuries and in some cases men too! Ages ago people would crush mulberries, strawberries or use red beet juice to stain their lips and cheeks. It is so much easier to stroll casually into Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman’s or the everyday drug store and purchase something sparkly, glittery, matte or shimmery. It’s so emotional, it’s so personal and it’s so necessary!



This Pro is a lover of crème blushers and eye shadows! With summer just around the corner, I will be switching to my favorite crème de la crème mainly because that when I am not on set, I plan on spending many hours at the pool, beach and river and I want to look my best without worrying about if makeup is running down my face. Plus, how many women do you see checking their faces in the mirror or primping at the beach? I hope you are going to say “none!”

Crème shadows and blusher require very little touch up and some formulas are sweat-proof, crease-proof and water-resistant. Plus, they are great for women (like me) that have more mature and/or dry skin.

We all know that adding blush to your face is the quickest skin pick-me-up and it is essential for a fresh look. Applying a crème blush should be the first makeup you put on your face either on its own or after your foundation and concealer.

Let’s start by choosing a crème blush shade perfect for your skin tone by using this helpful guide:

Fair skin – peach or pink



Medium skin – coral or rose



Dark skin – bold, bright shades



As for crème eye shadows, refer to this guideline:

In your 20’s – anything goes – glitter, shimmer, pearly
In your 30’s – sophisticated with a shimmer (glitter should be used sparingly).
In your 40’s – matte colors with a slight hint of shimmer (no glitter)
In your 50’s or over – matte colors

If you are going for an everyday look or you want to add a little color to your face while sunning at the pool or beach, crème blush and shadow are best when kept neutral and natural. In other words, save the Aqua blue shadow and bright pink blush for those hot disco nights a la Miami Beach!



Here is the quick how-to:

1. Apply skin care accoutrement (serum, moisturizer, eye crème, primer) and let soak into the skin for 10 minutes.

2. Apply full-face or spot apply foundation, tinted moisturizer and/or concealer. DO NOT SET WITH POWDER (crème products on top of powder is a big makeup NO, NO!!!).

3. Using fingertips or a taklon brush with round tip (like a foundation brush) – apply crème blush lightly and gently “stipple” or “pat” color to apples of cheeks. Build on the color if needed. Do not “sweep” crème blush onto cheeks and don’t rub into the skin (unless you are going for the slapped in the face look).

4. Choose two shades of crème eye shadow – medium tone for lid and lighter tone for brow bone. Again, use fingertips to apply by lightly tapping onto eye area and blending or use taklon brushes. Pro tip: lip brushes work well to apply color to lid area (they are the perfect shape and are small enough to get into the corner of your eyes).

5. Waterproof mascara in black coating upper lashes twice.

6. Set makeup with a light dusting of translucent powder.

7. Lipgloss in a gorgeous shade of your choice.

Voila! You are ready to hit the seashore or other outdoor activity! You can also choose to line your upper lash line with a waterproof liquid liner in a dark chocolate brown (black liner can be a little harsh with this look).



Now here is the how-to bumped up a notch:

Repeat Steps 1 and 2 from above.

3. Apply crème blush using fingertips or brush to apples of cheeks. Apply crème highlight color in a champagne shade to cheek under eye area (where the light would naturally hit). Pro tip: if you are unable to find a champagne tone in a crème blush form then use the crème eye shadow in the same hue!

4. Apply metallic crème shadow in grey and charcoal hues to lid and crease area using fingertips or small taklon brush, creating a smoky eye. Take champagne color shadow and use on brow bone. Apply charcoal color under bottom lash line and smudge.

5. Line eyes with waterproof, liquid liner in black and smudge into upper lash line.

6. Waterproof mascara in black coating upper lashes thrice and lower lashes once for definition.

7. Set with a light dusting of translucent powder.

8. Gloss lips with a gorgeous nude pinky tone.

Voila again! You are ready for a night out on the town (and you can rest assure that your makeup will last longer than your feet will in those Louboutin stilletos)!

Here is a list of this Pro’s personal crème blush and shadow favorites:

Becca – this tint has such rich pigment that it is perfect for any complexion. Super blendable and leaves an effortless, natural-looking finish to cheeks. Packed with anti-oxidant vitamin E and it is both preservative and paraben-free. Favorite colors: Turkish Rose, Hyacinth, Amaryllis, Dahlia and Terracotta.



Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Moist Glow – this blush creates a sheer wash of color on the cheeks for a radiant, youthful vitality to the skin. Adds a healthy glow or slight flush. Pro picks: Bliss (rosy pink), Tansoleil (sheer apricot) and Nuelle (soft peachy nude).



Nars The Multiple – this product is an all-in-one, multi-purpose makeup stick. This product will highlight, sculpt, warm eyes, cheeks, lips and body! Talk about your one-stop shop and big bang for your buck! This Pro’s must have colors: Orgasm (peachy, pink shimmer), Malibu (pinkish brown), Riviera (sheer pink), Portofino (shimmering coral), South Beach (shimmering apricot) and St. Barts (taupe shimmer).



Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner – guaranteed to make you gorgeous as you shade and line your peepers! Total multi-tasking product that will contour and highlight your eyes for a sheer or dramatic look. Smudge-proof, crease-proof formula. The Lana are light neutral shades, The Gabbi are medium neutral shades and The Betty are deep neutral shades. My favorites: The Lana in Birthday Suit (brushed chrome), Bunny Hop (pale pink), R.S.V.P. (champagne) – The Gabbi in Get Figgy (frosted heather) and Skinny Jeans (pewter) – The Betty in Busy Signal (brown) and Strut (smoky denim).



Shu Uemura Cream Eye Shadow – this is a very soft, blendable, waterproof eye shadow that provides an intense color payoff! Non-creasing formula with high-impact results. Use to create a refined, natural look or a dramatic nighttime eye! Pro can’t live withouts: M Black (matte jet black), M Sand Brown (matte taupe beige), P Taupe (pearly silver) and if you really want to have some fun, try P Light Blue (pearly icy pale blue), P Light Green (light yellow green) or P Pink (light neutral pink).



PRO TIPS & TRICKS:
Are you in love with a vibrant shade of crème shadow or blush, but just can’t see wearing it on your eyes or cheeks because of the intensity? Try wearing it on your lips! Apply a lip balm first as a base and to cut color pigmentation, apply color and last, apply a clear, shiny lipgloss!



STAY TUNED:
Up next on IMPO: Are you a mineral makeup girl? Then you won’t want to miss our post on Purely Cosmetics!