Warm versus Cool colors in foundation

This is an excellent explanation of warm/cool colors with the aid of a color wheel. This is how artists see and describe color:

Open Letter to MAC Phoenix Store - bad service!

I sent this yesterday after MAC responded to my post on their Facebook page:

Hi MAC,

I am a freelance makeup artist, and have been a MAC pro member for awhile now. Unfortunately, I do not live within 5 hours of a MAC store where I can shop in person, so I was super excited to see that there were a couple MAC stores in Phoenix, which I would be passing through on my honeymoon last week. 

My husband was sweet/tolerant enough to take me to the Biltmore Fashion Park Store in 100+ degree heat so I could actually buy some products for my kit in person rather than always having to order online. This was a big highlight for me and he was excited to spend some money on me to spoil me for our honeymoon.

I had forgotten my MAC pro card at home, but I had my pro number which I looked up online (xxxxxxxxxx), and was ready to present that as proof of my membership. Unfortunately, when I asked a MAC rep at the store, she bluntly told me "sorry, we need the actual card" and that was the end of the discussion. No explanation. She wouldn't even *look* at my membership number to verify it, or let me prove to her I was a member by logging on to the MACpro website on my mobile. No card, no deal.

I was so disappointed and shocked, we left immediately. Hubby was upset that they'd treated me so carelessly and quite honestly I felt like I wanted to cry. I've been a loyal MAC fan and pro user for a long time, and to be treated like I was a nobody and a nuisance, when I had taken time out of my *honeymoon* to go there and had intended to spend hundreds of dollars on products, really hurt.

Thank you for responding to my post on Facebook. I hope the staff at this store can improve their customer service for the good of the brand.

Sincerely,

Alycen Treloar

NinjaGlamour Beauty

UPDATE: MAC never responded to my email, not even an autoresponder. :(

Know your Eye Shape

Seems like a simple thing, but knowing your eye shape can make all the difference in crafting a flattering look versus one that's just meh.

Reblogged from: http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcacj/whats-your-eye-shape

Eye Shapes

Determining your natural eye shape is just as important as finding the most flattering colors for your lids. Knowing how to apply eye shadow and liner will help you better translate trends and techniques to fit your face. We turned to makeup guru Jeffrey Paul (who has worked with Christina Applegate and Zooey Deschanel) to discover tricks for each specific eye shape—so you can make the most of your peepers!


Read more...

Some great tutorials on eye shape:

http://www.youtube.com/user/pixiwoo/videos?query=hooded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks95VNxckAo&feature=plcp

How to Speak Lipstick-ese

Reblogged from: http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcawy/a-lesson-in-lipstick-lingo

A Lesson in Lipstick Lingo

Suede, silk, satin—we’re talking lipstick, Beauties, not fashion. With new technology and product formulations, lip color is available in a wide array of textures and finishes. But with so much selection, how do you choose the right coating of color for you? We break down common lip color lingo so you can paint on the pretty pout you want.

MATTE

Lip pigments with a matte texture appear dull and flat on the skin, with no shine at all. Similar formulas termed “suede” or “velvet” have the same lackluster finish, but appear more powdery on lips than smooth. Typically, these formulas are extremely dense in pigment and have wonderful durability, but they may dry lips out without a balm or primer underneath.

Beautylish recommends: NARS Pure Matte Lipstick

SATIN

Silky satin formulas are similar in color payoff to matte lipsticks, but are formulated with an emollient base of oils and butters. Because of the slip-factor, they have medium staying power—a couple of hours without food or drink. Available in solid swivel-tube and as a dense liquid lip color with wand applicator, they’re the most comfortable pigment-heavy formula for daily wear.

Beautylish recommends: Revlon ColorBurst Lip Color

SHIMMER

Frosty or shimmering lip colors are formulated with special micas designed to impart an iridescent, organza-like finish to the lips. Glimmering pigment adds luster to a flat surface like lip gloss, but relies on solely on actual flecks of shimmer—not sticky gloss—for the sheen. We recommend a translucent layer for the classiest daytime radiance.

Beautylish recommends: Bobbi Brown Metallic Lip Color

BUTTER

Not quite a gloss nor a satin lipstick, tinted lip butters provide ample, high-shine coverage from a tube. These pigmented, travel-friendly shine alternatives won't leak in your purse as lip gloss can, and nourishing ingredients hydrate your lips all day. Unfortunately, their moisturizing formula doesn't bode well for longevity.

Beautylish recommends: Clinique Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick

SPECIAL EFFECTS

Zany, textured lips aren’t exactly the office beauty standard, but companies are beginning to develop innovative new finishes that break out of the mold and appeal to a more youthful, experimental generation. Appliques, temporary tattoos, and tar-like rainbow finishes—what’ll they think of next?

Matte Blushes to Try

I don't know about you, but I'm usually shiny enough in the summer that I don't want to add anything else shimmery on my face - bring on the matte blush (and bronzer). Matte blush is great for warm weather when you may be already looking a bit *dewy*, or for anyone with any skin issues like acne or large pores, because shimmer accentuates these problems.

Reblogged from Temptalia, here are some Matte Blushes to Try this season:

5 Fantastic Matte Blushes to Try

I’ve had several requests to share some more matte finishes in the 5 Ways posts, so I thought blushes might be a nice way to go!

1. Tarte Blissful — vibrant coral
2. NARS Exhibit A — rich orange
3. MAC Mocha — dirty plum pink
4. Tarte Exposed — neutral beige with pink undertones
5. Burberry Tangerine — neutral brown-tangerine

16 Ways to Look Younger With Makeup

With the right tricks, turning back the clock can be as simple as opening your makeup bag.

http://www.allure.com/makeup-looks/anti-aging-makeup/2012/16-anti-aging-makeup-tricks#slide=1

The Truth About Cleaning Your Makeup

As I learn to be a professional makeup artist, I'm learning a lot about sanitation and cross-contamination that never really occurred to me when I was the only one using my makeup. I use 90%+ rubbing alcohol, which is hospital grade, to sanitize my makeup, my brushes (don't forget the handles!), my work area. Dries superfast, and even brushes that have been swirled in it are ready to go again in mere minutes. There are other products out there, but this one is really super affordable and gets the job done. Just don't ever spray where you can get it in your, or your client's, eyes or face. It burns!!!

Tips to make this DIY technique work well:

1. Get a misting bottle that produces a very fine mist
2. Use just one spritz on your makeup and don't saturate it
3. Wait 10 seconds for the alcohol to do its job before closing compacts or you could have condensation (which is bad for makeup).
4. If you are sanitizing a surface, wait 10 seconds and then wipe down with a soft paper towel.
5. Make your own sanitizing wipes by spritzing a tissue or paper towel or cotton pad with the alcohol and using it to wipe off compacts, lipsticks, pencil tips, etc. You don't need to buy a special product for this.

Below reblogged from: http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcgrv/the-truth-about-cleaning-your-makeup

Ever wondered why your skin is breaking out or why you have a cold sore? It could be your makeup! Dirty products (not just brushes) can cause a whole heap of skin problems and disease such as blemishes, conjunctivitis, and even cold sores! "When you think about it, you wouldn't use the same fork all week without washing it, would you? The same thing goes with your makeup," says founder of Beauty So Clean, Nancy Crossley. Nancy began Beauty So Clean after years of working as a makeup artist and noticing that there were no quick, easy ways to sanitize beauty products and brushes while on the job.

"Cleaning all of your products after every use is essential, especially those that are near your mouth and eyes, and those that you use regularly,” says Nancy. "Mascara, eye liner, and eye shadow can all transfer disease such as conjunctivitis, and lipstick and gloss can carry around old food remnants—and who wants a bout of E. coli on their lips?" It's also important to keep everyday beauty must-haves such as foundation clean, too. "If you're applying foundation—or any product—with your fingers, wash your hands before and after use" explains Nancy. "These products spread bacteria like crazy, and are often the biggest cause of acne!" Regularly cleaning your products also increases their lifespan. "By ensuring that no nasty bacteria is eating away at your favorite lipstick, it will definitely last longer," explains Nancy.

Ultimate Tweezer Guide

I know some of us can get a little happy with the tweezers and then end up regretting and regrowing - here's a guide to help get the perfect tweeze. Reblogged from http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcaia/the-ultimate-tweezer-guide

Brows are a big deal. Structure, dimension, expression—they're the framework for your face! To keep up daily arch appearances, most Beauties resort to plucking in lieu of waxing or threading. So, we've decided to focus on the most popular brow hair remover: tweezers. Can you honestly say you've ever met any Beauty (man or woman!) without a pair in their stash? "Tweezers are one of the best beauty investments you'll ever make," says Benefit Cosmetics Global Brow expert Hilary Foote. The self-professed Arch Empress swears by her Tweezerman's, and earned her royal title tweezing over 15,000 pairs of brows in 2011 alone! We sat down with Hilary for a little tweezer talk.

Read the whole article at:  http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcaia/the-ultimate-tweezer-guide

The Science Behind Longwearing Lip Color

I'm such a science nerd, this article totally appealed to me because I always want to know WHY things work.

reblogged from: http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcgpv/the-science-behind-long-wearing-lip-color

We all want our lip color to stay put from application to removal, but there’s always a compromise: A hydrating payoff that’s gone after a few hours, or in the case of long-wearing lip color—an ultra-dry pout. Products designed for heavy-duty lip wear come in multiple water- and polymer-based delivery systems, but the drying effects are nonetheless felt after a couple of hours. “Water-based formulas use water-soluble dyes to stain the lips, while two-step products—a base color with a clear top coat—use polymer films to fix and seal the color,” explains cosmetic chemist Nick Morante. Unfortunately, these films have the tendency to harden and stiffen on your lips after awhile. The concept of a day-to-evening lip color has been around for almost a century, but why do so many formulas continue to dry out lips?

“Some ingredients in long-wearing lipsticks are hygroscopic, meaning they attract and absorb water or moisture,” explains Nick. “While this attribute is desirable to maintain hydration in the product, an ingredient can over-absorb moisture from the lips if it’s too hygroscopic.” What actually happens on your pucker? The coating of product creates an occlusive film which traps moisture in, much like Vaseline, but doesn’t allow any moisture to enter—called transepidermal water loss. “High levels of the actual staining pigments tend to dry out lips as well,” reveals Nick. “Over time, lips may feel dryer with a high pigment load on the lips, so it’s wise to alternate with sheer or low-pigment products to help retain moisture.”

Realistically, technology hasn’t created a truly long-lasting lip color that everyone will love. But if you’re searching for a comfortable formula for a special occasion, look for lip products (either in solid stick or liquid form) which contain silicas and silicone polymers or Acrylates Copolymers—”usually lengthy names with ‘-sil’ somewhere in them,” adds Nick. From a color standpoint, look for pigments such as Red 22, Red 28, and Orange 5, which actually stain the lips in varying shades of red or pink. “The color stays long after the actual lip product has worn off because of the slightly acidic pH of lip moisture.”

Eyeliner 101

Reblogged from: http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcgri/eye-liner-defined

EYELINER 101

It's no secret that eye liner is one of the best things invented, ever. Originally worn by the Egyptians way back when, the black stuff has gone through countless iterations (and myriad colors!), and is now available in almost every medium imaginable. It's easy to see why beginners and buffs alike still have problems choosing their ideal liner, and every formula has its own merits and downfalls to consider. If you’re stumped and don’t know how to embrace the world of eye definers, scan our guide to the basics first.

CAKE

One of the first commercially viable formulas available, cake eye liners are solid, water-activated pigment blocks housed in shallow tins. The thin, watery texture applies like face paint, producing soft, yet crisp lines for a vintage feel.

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS:

laura mercier caviar eye liner in black

PENCIL

The most portable, travel-friendly option, pencil eye liner produces soft definition appropriate for the office. The formula makes lining your waterline an easy feat, too! The con? For precise application, you must always sharpen the tip.

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS:

urban decay 24/7 glide-on eye pencil in underground

CREAM/GEL

Considered a modern staple, cream and gel liners are emollient jars of pigment made for today's heavy-duty wear. Designed with durability in mind, these wonder pots are available in every shade of the spectrum, and produce a wide array of line weights depending on your brush and technique.

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS:

tarte emphaseyes amazonian clay waterproof liner in indigo

GLITTER

If you're looking for the shock and punch of sparkle without a potential mess, try a shimmering eye liner. Available in pencil, liquid, and gel form, twinkling particles immersed in ample pigment deliver a high dose of glister—without the glitter bomb!

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS:

nyx cosmetics liquid crystal liner in crystal gold

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LIQUID

From fairy wings to curlicues, liquid eye liner is truly the makeup artist’s paint brush. Designed for a confident, steady hand, liquid liner imparts a sharp, rich color payoff in one flick. Lasting power is decent too, depending on the formula you choose. Go vintage glam or wild and crazy with this selection!

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS:

lorac front of the line pro in black

POWDER/KOHL

The softest of the bunch, powder eye liner is used to achieve a subtle, smoky effect when smudged into the lash line. A great choice for makeup novices, application is virtually goof-proof (any dark eye shadow will do!). For a more sultry finish, try kohl powders! Loose pigment pairs with a special thin plastic applicator, creating an intense shape along the lash line and waterline. Beware; powder formulas tend to slide off of oily lids, so always prime before you line!

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS:

guerlain terracotta loose powder kohl liner in brun 2

Quick makeup test with new MEC pigments

New goodies from Mon Ennui Cosmetics (monennui.com)

Behind the Look: Summer Solutions Katniss Tutorial | Behind The Look

Reblogged via Sam @ RealTechniques.com: [Original Post]

Whether or not you’re racing to save the world or just your look this summer, Sam’s new Hunger Games-inspired makeup will hold up in humidity for a flawless face on any occasion.

Sam shows you the step-by-step in this easy long lasting summer makeup tutorial – and you’ll find all her tips, tricks and makeup picks below!

Flawless Base:

• To create coverage that holds up in humidity, apply a long lasting foundation with your Essential Foundation Brush.  Sam’s current choice is MAC Pro Longwear Foundation ~$30 (1).

Enhanced Eyes:

• Choose an eye primer to keep shadow in place all day. Apply a light layer with your Base Shadow Brush, blending up to the brow.  Sam chose Urban Decay Primer Potion ~$20 (2).
• While the primer sets, fill in brows lightly with a brow pencil to match the natural look of the face. Sam’s pencil is Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ~$20 (3).
• Apply a medium brown cream shadow with your Domed Shadow Brush, blending up toward the crease.  Use a second Domed Shadow Brush to ensure soft edges around your eye crease and under brow. MAC Quite Natural Paint Pot for ~$17.50 (4) is Sam’s choice.
• Apply cream shadow lightly under the eyes with your Shading Brush and blend with your Base Shadow Brush.
• Choose any mascara and apply on upper lashes, then brush through with your Lash-Brow Groomer.  Top your lashes with a waterproofing topcoat to make any mascara waterproof.  Sam uses Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara ~$8 (5) and Anastasia Beverly Hills Waterproofer ~$21 (6).
• Apply a long lasting concealer with your Deluxe Crease Brush. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer ~$17 (7) is Sam’s choice.
• Sweep loose powder over concealer with your Deluxe Crease Brush to set and prevent smudging. Sam’s pick is Laura Mercier Loose Powder $52 (8).
• Apply mascara on lower lashes.

Perfect Finish:

• Choose a cream blush that sets to stay put in humidity.  Apply with the Expert Face Brush. Sam uses Make Up For Ever Waterproof Aqua Cream ~$23 (9).
• Use your Powder Brush to set entire face with loose powder to create a long lasting matte look.
• Finish with a tinted lip balm.  Sam’s choice is Carmex Peach Lip Balm ~$2 (10).

Q&A: Defeating mascara smudges

doh!

Question of the Day: "What can I do to stop my mascara from smudging, especially under my eyes?"


There are several techniques you can use to keep your mascara from straying during the day. Hopefully one or more of these will do the trick!

1. Use an oil-free moisturizer/eye cream under your eyes. Oil breaks down even the most tenacious mascaras, so the less chance it has to come in contact with oil, the better chance of it staying put. 
2. Use your eyeshadow primer all over your lids AND underneath on your lower lashline. It's designed to keep your eye makeup from wandering or creasing and will help control oil if your skin is oily.
3. Lightly dust your lashes with translucent powder before applying mascara. This will not only thicken them and give you more lash volume, but will make the mascara clingier and less likely to run.
4. Be sure to set your foundation and concealer well with that same translucent powder. Many foundations and concealers contain moisturizing elements which are a bane to mascara. Setting both will keep any contact between those elements to a minimum. For a great tutorial on how to set your foundation, click here- surprise: it doesn't involve using a powder brush until the very end!
5. Use waterproof mascara. This sounds like a no-brainer, but using a "stronger" mascara will help it stay longer and will make it less likely to budge.

Do you have any other tricks that work for you? Leave them in the comments below!