Makeup Monday!: My 3 Favorite Products used this weekend....

Hi Peeps!  It’s Makeup Monday!! J

Today I will share my most favorite products I used over the weekend – that I for sure will be using heavenly within the next coming summer weeks. 

Nars Blush in Gilda

It’s the perfect blush for summer.  The shade is coral (orange/red based no pink) and it’s a matte finish.  I love it because it gives off this natural summery flush color on your cheeks without looking too powerful – it’s the perfect pop of color.  I also love that it’s matte with no shimmers or anything because in the summer time our skin will tend to get dewier faster just off the weather. So if adding shimmer to that, it’ll make you look more oily than you actually are.

Lorac Pro Mascara

The mascara wand on this works pretty well.  It’s shaped like a cone almost, which is something I wasn’t used too.  But after using it a few times, I get why the wand is shaped the way it is – and it’s fantastic.  It makes sure you get all corners of your lashes and easily lengthens and adds volume to the lashes without applying too many coats.

Make Up For Ever – Mat Velvet +

I’ve talked about this before in my favorite foundations (which I’ll need to update soon) – and it’s amazing.  I don’t normally use this foundation during the fall/winter season because it makes my skin too matte or my skin is dry.  So I usually change to using the HD version.  But during the summer Mat Velvet + works wonders.  Your skin will look flawless in the hottest of the hot hot sun! J

Makeup Monday!! (A review, product rave, makeup related product mention all in one) :)

Hi Peeps…..it’s Makeup Monday! J

This one is a little different, I’m raving about one of my ultimate favorite products (it will be in this months fav posts for sure), it’s sort of a review, anddd of course it’s related to makeup. Let me just warn you and say….it’s no secret to the beauty community.  It’s theeeeee BEAUTY BLENDER!!!

Okay okay I know, why am I just now talking about this! LOL.  I ask myself the same question too.  Lets just say…better late than never, right?! J

Anyway on to the beauty blender for those who don’t know about it.

The beauty blender is this small pink egged shaped sponge.  It is odor free, latex free, and non allergenic. YES!  It has a very soft silky suede-like texture, so it feels like a soft little pillow on your face. 

To use it, first wet the sponge entirely and squeeze out all the excess water.  Let it sit while you prep your skin.  The sponge will expand yet will still remain damp and ready to use.  Dab a few drops of foundation on your face, or you can use the sponge dip into your foundation and then apply to face.  Using a patting rocking back and forth motion by pushing the foundation into the skin with the beauty blender.  You will see right away how the finish looks so professional and flawless leaving your complexion looking airbrushed and amazing.  It’s effortless!!  The pointy side of the blender is good to get into the smaller areas; such as under your eyes and around your nose.  The rounder part of the blender is perfect to help blend out those harsh lines and edges.

How to care for it – I would say after every use wash it right away.  Just me personally I like to have it cleaned after every use – just because it’s more delicate than a traditional makeup brush.  The beauty blender offers their cleanser, but I just use what I do for my brushes – a soft cleanser such as baby shampoo or a delicate face wash.

Now I know there’s a lot of people who are opposed to sponges – I was one of those people, I still am, but not when it comes to the beauty blender.  It doesn’t do what typical sponges do, the beauty blender is built very uniquely, in fact it’s catered to makeup artists (hence the owner is a makeup artist) to have in their kit for professional use.  And speaking of kit’s and professional use – if you’re a makeup artist looking to introduce these in your kit, I would get about 2-3 beauty blenders.  Just because it would be hard to clean a sponge in between clients without it truly being sanitary and it makes it easier to switch out sponges as well. 

And last but not least, do not purchase any of the dupes that tried to be like the Beauty Blender.  It’s just not the same!  I’ve tried them, been there done that – just get the pink egg! J

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed my version of my experience with the beauty blender.  Definitely pick one up for yourself (and for your kit if you’re a makeup artist).

Til next time…. J xo

May Favorites

Hi Peeps!!

Here’s a few of my May favorites, although I feel I don’t have much to share.  But don’t worry…..this summer should be packed with new things I’ll be trying that I have been eyeing for some time. J  Anyway enjoy the read… J xo

Cozzette Vessels by Roque Cozzette

First off let me just say anything executed or thought of by a professional makeup artist is genius and worth investing.  Roque Cozzette world renowned professional artist /  celebrity artist / beauty expert – just everything under the sun and moon when it comes to beauty and has been painting faces since the 80’s.  Like other mua’s out there with their beauty product lines, Roque created these vessels that are perfect for any makeup artists professional kit.  These vessels have been a life saver; not only do they cut down on packing space in the kit, but they keep your items sanitary and you look super professional and organized.  I use these vessels to hold all of my disposables.  They sit nicely at your makeup station, very convenient to get to you while not in the way of other things.  These vessels can be purchased at Nigel’s Beauty Emporium or www.roquecozzette.com

Makeup Forever Dany Pouch

Another world renowned professional artist who created her line – and this beauty product line is AMAZING!!!!  Anything MUFE is AMAZING!!!  With that said, the Dany Pouch is another life saver.  Similar concept like the Cozzette Vessels, but this holds my makeup brushes.  The pouch itself is very durable, spacious, easy to clean, and packs nicely in the kit saving space.  Also, when opening the pouch, one side can be used to hold clean brushes and the other for the dirty.  It keeps from having so many containers on your makeup station.

MAC Lipstick – Girl About Town

The perfect color to add that pop to your face, especially when you’re not in the mood for anything coral or red.  This color is suitable for any skin tone when applied right.  Start off minimal by staining your lips with the color, then build up to the boldness of your discretion.

Tresemme Keratin Smooth Heat Protectant

I love Tresemme products especially when you can’t go out and get your salon favorites.  In my opinion Tresemme is perfect for a lot of dupe products, easily affordable and easy to find.  Also Tresemme is often used at major fashion shows such as Mercedes Benz Fashion week – so you know Tresemme is that GOOD!  Anyway I’ve always been a fan of their original heat protectant spray – but recently I notice they came out with their Keratin Smooth line so I had to try this versions protectant.  And I do have to say – I find it to be a tad better! J  It still does the main job which is protecting your hair while using hot tools; however, I notice that my hair is a little shinier it feels more conditioned and very soft.

Sunbum Lotion

This is like vacation in a bottle.  I only love this just off the smell….hahaha!!  It does contain SPF which is good of course - and the main reason why you should get this, but I seriously only cared about the smell LOL!!  It’s the typical beachy coconut tropical smell….but not cheap or faking smelling. LMAO!  It seriously smells like you’re sniffing real coconut and the beach.

Tory Burch Flip Flops

These are my holy grail flip flops…and why – because they are durable!  I walk the rough streets of…. – haha jk! Seriously I do a lot of walking and strutting that you need durable flip flops – and these are the life saver.  J They are so comfortable you can wear for hours, and the cushion is just perfect.  It’s not too thin and not to thick (I hate paper thin or extra chunky flip flops)….and the soles do not wear down – I Promise!!!  Another reason why they are the best to slip on for anything.

Makeup Monday: NYC....I'm coming back!!!

This is not really an official Makeup Monday.....but.....NYC...we're coming back!!! And I'm ready to paint faces in the fashion capital. J

Agency Approved and Fashion Photographer Michelle Alexandra and I are coming to New York shooting in Manhattan September 4-9.  Contact us as soon as possible to get your session booked - we have new customized packages to offer. Also...we'll be there during Fashion Week so it'll definitely be worth the visit. J

Email for further details: michellealexphoto.nyc@gmail.com