The Makeup Show 2010

Going into the Makeup Show I was stunned.

It was like planet makeup. Which I'd have NO problem moving to if such a place really existed! I saw people bouncing around table to table scanning new products and checking out the amazing deals. Bodypainters, models, Bloggers, celebrity hair & makeup artists, and stars alike were all mixed in the crowd brought together for one thing: The love of makeup, and it's art.

I was pulled over to Eve Pearl's booth, got to meet her, and she showed off some of her products, which I must say I fell for. You should check out the magic the HD dual pressed powder creates. You can use it wet, or dry, and it's formulated to not get that cakey appearance that most powders get when damp.

At the Stila booth I was introduced to their One step makeup. Absolutely a kit must have as it's a quadruple threat. A primer, foundation, concealer, and powder all in one! Also 100% natural mineral, and paraben free which is a get out of jail free card for your skin. The best part is it lived up to it's hype.

My skin got a makeover at Luminess Air. I'm a Temptu snob, so I must admit I had all intentions of walking past this booth. But I have this condition where I can't say no to people. Glad I stayed! The makeup itself had the consistency of water as its basically a mineral airbrush makeup. Went on smooth and up close looked like MY skin! Oh yeah, and try the body glow it's amazing for those glowaholics out there, and the prices were extremely reasonable!

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics had Lip Tars! Incredible, as they appear to be a gloss, dry to a satin finish, and have the lasting power of a lipstick. My favorite colors: RX, Tarred, Hush, Vapid, and Hoochie.

These were just a few of my favorite products... after my browsing I was off the the Makeup Beyond Beauty master class with Make Up For Ever's creator and artistic director Dany Sanz!

Sitting in the class waiting for it to begin, and who comes in but Kevin James Bennett. I was so excited!. As a fan of his work I was a little too intimidated to talk to him (Still kicking myself.)

He provided the sweetest introduction for the very beautiful, and talented Dany. She spoke a little about her top secret ;) tips and tricks, and demonstrated how to create an edgy snow white. Two things I noticed about her artistry is she approaches makeup like painting. She literally sketches the face as you would paper or canvas. As a mixed medium artist myself I've always had trouble combining the two. She definitely blurred that line for me, which I think will help me to take my makeup to the next level. It also seemed as her catch phrase was "Why not" which she would say before taking a makeup risk. Most importantly the words that stuck in my head from Miss.Sanz would be "Makeup should be fun! Experiment, it can always wash off." She was so inspiring.

All in all I'd say it was an amazing day. Next year I will go for the two days as there is just so much to see, do and learn. Oh and bring tons of money. Starting to save as of...now. :)

Did you go? What did you think?

P.S I have a trillion pictures and my camera/computer cord is M.I.A so...I will load and update asap. :)

Revamped Retro

For those that know me there is no secret. If I could go back in time and be a pin up girl, Bettie Page, or Marilyn Monroe -- I would.

As today's "Rockabilly" culture is okay, It's not 1940. I've always wondered how to make 2010's pinup a little less phony, more fashion forward and FRESH. Well Katy Perry and her glam team figured it out. Though I was sad this was just a wig, it's a bright blue version of Bettie Page, with a dramatic winged eye, and a revamped retro bathing suit.

Stunning all the way around!

#CaliforniaGurls music video!

Paperself...

So, I'm in love with paperself!!!

I saw these online a while back, and then someone had a pair at the Makeup Show NY and let me see them, SO FUN! Original, creative and the looks you can execute with these are endless. The only downside is that these are based on chinese paper cutting. Meaning these falsies ARE paper. Still, if you're gentle and meticulous you will have a one of a kind eye. My favorite's are the peonies, even cuter in person and they mean happiness and good fortune. :)

(Photo of Peonies courtesy of Paperself)

VS Obsessions...

I remember in Junior High and High School I was OBSESSED with Pear Glace, Strawberries & Champagne and Vanilla Lace lotion and spray from Victoria's Secret. It was the perfume before perfume! I graduated from those smells to the likes of Heavenly, Body by Victoria, and along the way have been seduced by their Heidi Klum's Supermodel collection before it was--as I like to call it--de-shelved (Bring it back!!!!) and of course Very Sexy. It's safe to say Victoria's Secret has not only been the go-to place for sexy apparel but also for our beauty needs. I have a few favorite's I'd love to list, all perfect for the summer goddess you'll soon unleash....

Secret Moments - Island Escape Sheer Fragrance Mist - $12

This smell is amazing! Tropical and sexy without being too overpowering. That being said it has lasting power so you won't have to re-apply a million times which is perfect when on the go.

Beauty Rush - Appletini Hypergloss Shampoo & Conditioner - 2 for $20

If you're looking for a little hair pick me up give this a shot.... makes your hair incredibly shiny, clean and has a really fresh scent.

VS Makeup - Limited-edition Spring 2010 Mineral Bronzing Powder - $14

This is the perfect bronzer. Not too orange, not too dark and just the right amount of shimmer. Get creative with your applications to get a full body glow.

Naturally Victoria's Secret - Grapefruit, Lime & Mint Energizing Body Polish - $18

My favorite body scrub hands down, smells fresh, and just as it says it completely polishes your skin to it's true form. Also, use this before getting a spray tan or using an at home tanner...you'll have less smudges and gathering of color that would normally adhere to dry skin.

VS Makeup - PRO Matte FX Blotting Gel - $16

Use this neat little compact to freshen up your natural skin in the heat, or use to keep your makeup flawless when you start getting a little shiny and oily without adding any extra product.

Beauty Rush - Luminous Shadow in Glow Nude - $7

Small enough to throw in a tote for a beach day, and just enough color to glam up your eyes without looking overdone. Try using over an eye primer if you'd like it to last all night.

Naturally Victoria's Secret - Vanilla & Sandalwood Hydrating Body Lotion - $12

Intoxicating smell, and leaves your skin soft and smooth. I love to pair this with the Grapefruit, Lime & Mint Energizing Body Polish.

All perfect for the simple and undone look of summer, give some of these a whirl, and i'm pretty sure you'll be pleased. Have a favorite I didn't mention? Share below! :)

Ye ole Book of Face....

Hey Facebook addicts... "Like" me and we can chat makeup, fashion, tips and questions!

Photography - Melissa Kosswig

Makeup - Me

Hair Stylist - Bill Schrlau

Model- Valerie D.

Floral Jewelry - Stylish Blooms

(Search on Facebook for more information)

Hag-to-Fab

The shocking truth is....I'm a closet frump-a-lump.

I could peruse fashion magazines all day, I know the hottest looks for hair and makeup and chances are I could name every designer you're wearing. However if you stopped by my house on any given day unannounced--err okay, I'll be honest, even announced-- I will be rocking bed head, and sweats.

Somehow after noticing my first fine line, and having 2 children I lost the desire to make MYSELF look beautiful. My attention has been fully directed to other women at shoots, runway shows, wedding days, or consultations. After I work with a woman I love watching her stand just a little bit taller, walk with just a little more swag, and smile because she feels on the outside, the way she knows she is on the inside. That is really what drives me to be a makeup artist. So, why don't I do that for myself when it's so easy? I'm starting a new section of this blog to bring myself from hag to fab and I'm going to document it the entire way. Weight, hair, skin, clothes--it's all getting revamped. Lord help me. ;)

In the same rut? Feel free to join me, and share with me your tips/struggles/hopes..... I'm excited!

Check back this Monday!

Boo!

I haven't written a THING since October?

Time to change that.

I have a whole bunch of things coming! New fave products, easy-to-do looks, trends for this season and more.

Let me know if you have any requests. xOx

M.A.C Halloween looks!

Okay, I have to give credit where credit is due. Typically i don't post other peoples work, but i couldn't resist! This is hands down one of the most creative uses of makeup i've EVER seen for a costume. *picking up jaw off floor* I'm so inspired now for Halloween. It's one of my favorite days of the year! Maybe i'll go as Brenda Star using a similar idea to this comic strip girl. Kuddos to the amazing minds and talent of M.A.C senior artists: Bianca Alexander, Luc Bouchard, Keri Blair, Sandy Joseph and Chantel Miller. Honestly, amazing!

Photo Courtesy of M.A.C Cosmetics Facebook page

check out the other Halloween looks here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=324057&id=16126780553&page=2

What are you going as this year!?

For my penny-pinching diva's!

When new things arrive at the department/makeup specialty stores yours truly flock's there like a Zombie in the night, it's just instinctual. I know I'm not alone here, women are predisposed to be drawn to beauty. What can make us a better version of ourselves? Our eyes wide open searching for the perfect products. $30 nail polish, $40 mascara's, $70 eye shadows, $300 face creams! I mean, when does "this is too much money" come into play? If your like me it doesn't. I'm amongst the beauty obsessed, I venture to say I'd sell my soul for a Le Mer face cream. Okay, maybe not, but I WOULD work a lot of overtime, and probably forgo electricity for the month. However, my love for all things beauty does not speak for the "everyday woman." I know most women out there love to window shop these items, but could never fathom spending obscene amounts of money on products. If you're a penny-pinching Diva this one is for you.... Great beauty buys for a natural look. All $6 or less. Hug me if you need to...

Ponds dry skin cream - $4.89

Think of it as I.V fluid for your face, this will hydrate you and leave you as soft as $300 Le Mer face cream, some would say it's even better, and you won't become sick with buyers remorse.

2. Rimmel London Hide the blemish concealer - $5.19

Be prepared to be amazed at what this will cover, be gone dark circles and pesky pimples.

3. Maybelline pure makeup foundation - $5.49

I've used this, and I must say the coverage is flawless, and will not leave you looking overdone. I'd compare the effects to Stila's Illuminating Liquid Foundation for $38.

4. e.l.f All over color stick in Lilac Petal- $1

Much like NARS The Multiple, this can be used just as their brand name states on your eyes, lips, and face (e.l.f) I would use this as a blush, but on days when you're in a rush plop this all of those areas for a pretty subtle and youthful look.

5. Cover Girl Eye enhancer 3 kit shadows in Shimmering sands - $4.69

This gorgeous palette comes with 3 pans, the colors have a great pigment, and are very natural with a light shimmer. A great look especially when similar colors go for $15 a piece at m.a.c.

6. mark. On the edge hook up liquid eyeliner in Cleo- $5.50

Because mark. is only sold by an avon/mark Representative I consider it a hidden gem, I use this eyeliner religiously it's also a fave of reality show alumni turned fashion designer Lauren Conrad.

7. N.Y.C Classic brow & Liner pencils in sable - $0.99

You can use this on your brow, or for liner! It lasts forever and come on.... nothing is less than a dollar these days!!!

8. Boots Botanics volumizing mascara - $5.94

Another hidden gem adorned by most in the UK, this gives great length to your lashes, and will not clump!

9. Milani Crystal gloss in

Tantalizing 11A-$3.49

For a little bit pinker of a shade than just a nude lip, this is flattering, simplistically sexy also shiny without being sticky.

10. Wet N Wild craze nail polish in Inferno- $1.99

I know what you're thinking, Wet n Wild??? You'd be surprised how this apply's, and looks when all finished. Their products have come a long way since I was in junior high. Definitely comparable to Chanel's polish without the accompanied sounds of your wallet draining.

There you have it, now you can get a whole face and nails using great products for less than $40!! What I typically spend on an eyeshadow palette. Hmm...maybe I should take my own advice? Check back soon for another $6 or less post for a Dramatic evening look.

Beauty-book-buy of the week

“It is said that no star is a heroine to her makeup artist”

- Richard Corliss

It's that time of the week again! Another great book to check out, by a great makeup artist.

Mary Quant has had much to do with fashion world since the 50's. From Stores, and her own iconic clothing and makeup line "Mary Quant LTD". This eccentric woman has done, and seen it all. Not to mention her own claim to have invented duvet covers, the Mini-skirt and Hot pants. You can't argue her knowledge, so learn from it! Using her 'self-analysis' chart you can figure out what makeup will look best for your face shape, color, and complexion. Includes great "How-To's" for day and evening, and useful tips for skin care, and massage. Extremely fun, inspiring, and informative, you'll most certainly enjoy this read.