Makeup, skincare and hair products oh my!

I know it's been forever since I posted last, but what's 8 months between friends? I promise I'll make it up to you ;)

Anyhoo, on to the fun stuff!

AG Hair Cosmetics Curl Trigger Curl Defining Spray $19.99



Spring is around the corner and soft, carefree, slightly messy beach-y curls are one of the hair trends of the season. AG's Curl Trigger is just the product to help control, define and enhance curly and wavy hair types.

Bonus: Can be used as a refresher spray if your hair gets a little limp throughout the day.

I personally really love the product as my hair can't decide if it's straight, wavy or curly. With Curl Trigger I get really pretty waves all over my hair and if I spray it on damp hair and then blow dry with a diffuser after, I get much more defined curls.

I compare this product to Bumble and Bumble's Surf Spray, but I have to say that I like the way Curl Trigger smells much better.


Too Faced Romantic Eye Palette $35



I received this palette awhile ago but I've been using it on a weekly basis since. The minute I saw the colors I thought how perfect this palette is for wedding looks. Then I saw the shadow names and realized "oh...Too Faced meant this to be a bridal palette too..." :) With names like "I Do", "First Dance" and "Ever After" how could it not be? These colors are soft and feminine, perfect for Spring. My favorite look by far is the Classic look that combines a pale pink, a shimmery lilac and a deep eggplant with sheen to it.

For professional use, these seem fairly easy to depot and would be a great addition to a bridal palette. For personal use, these shadows are super pretty and easy to wear and blend. I also think these would be a cute bridesmaid gift too!

Mario Badescu Herbal Hydrating Serum $30



We all know and love Mario Badescu for his Drying Lotion. It's amazing! I really don't know why I overlooked the other gems in his line, but I got to try some out and my new favorite skin care treatment of the moment is Mario Badescu's Herbal Hydrating Serum.

Most of the serums I tried in the past were nice, but they usually left my skin feeling slightly tacky after initial application (the exception being Merle Norman's Energizing Concentrate, love that stuff!) which I personally can't stand. My rule of thumb is if I don't like the way it looks/feels/smells on myself, there is no way I am putting it in my kit and subjecting my clients to them. What's so cool about the Hydrating Serum is that it's a gel that is instantly absorbed by the skin and gives a cool, fresh and perfectly moist feeling. Love it!

Bonus: If you have oily skin, this can be used as your moisturizer

Stay tuned the rest of this week as every day I'll have three new product reviews for you!

Beach Bodies, Beach Sexy

I can definitely say Summer has officially arrived in Southern California! ( I know many other places across the nation have experienced this lovely weather for awhile, but it seems we have just ended the "June Gloom" cycle so it's sunny and HOT!)

Inevitably, the sultry warm weather brings with it shorter hemlines and cute strappy sandals. During the rest of the year, I tend to wear jeans religiously so it's no wonder that my legs are generally 5-6 shades lighter than the rest of me when I decide to break out the shorts. Not to fear, Victoria's Secret has created a line of bronzing lotions and powders that will make everyone think that I (and anyone else in the same boat) tan equally all over, year round.

My two favorites from the collection? Flawless Airbrush Instant Bronze Body Spray ($12) and Sun Dust Bronze Shimmer Body Powder ($12). The Airbrush Instant Bronze Body Spray has a heavenly smell that takes me to the white sandy beaches of Hawaii and it goes on light as a veil that doesn't leave a sticky residue. The color is also nice as it isn't your typical "oompa loompa" orange that many bronzing products sport. The Sun Dust Bronze Shimmer Body Powder is a cute touch to add on top of the Airbrush spray for a sexy shimmer that's perfect for a night out.

If you are looking for something to give your tan a little nudge without having to expose yourself to damaging UV rays, then you should definitely check these out! Guess what? VictoriasSecret.com has the entire Beach Sexy on sale for 2/$20, so go stock up!

Urban Decay $5 Sale!

Get your favorites before they are gone!! Urban Decay is having a $5 sale on their Ultraglide Lipglosses, Loose Pigments and Smoke Out Pencils.

When I last checked at about 12 pm this afternoon, all colors were still available (but who knows how long that will last).

I personally love the Ultraglide glosses, but since all of Urban Decay's products are fantastic, you should check them all out!

Victoria's Secret Secret Moment's Fragrance and Bodycare Collection

Hello lovely readers!
So Spring is definitely in the air and I am ALL for that! I'm tired of the chilliness and can't wait for the sunshine to make a permanent appearance. That said, I also love the new makeup and body care collections that come out this time of year.

Starting now you can experience the romance that is the Victoria's Secret Secret Moment's collection. Consisting of five scents, you will be sure to find one to match your mood and your senses tingling. Here's the breakdown:




Girls' Night
-Pink Peony and Waterlily Notes
-A light and flirty scent, 100% girly

Island Escape
-Reminiscent of beaches and paradise, this scent has notes of fresh ocean air mixed with coconut and sugarcane
-Exotic and sheer, perfect to channel summertime

At First Sight
-A romantic, flowery scent of Violet and Bergamot
-Soft and feminine, just right for a date or evening event

Room 504
-Naughty and sensual with a sultry blend of Amber and Passionfruit notes.
-A sexy scent that's a go for a night in or an evening at the club.

Good Day Sunshine
-A fresh burst of Peach and Blue Freesia that awakens the senses
-Happiness in a bottle

I'm loving these scents and I know you will too!

Oscar Round Up-My Favorite Makeup Looks Of The Evening

So the Oscars are over and in case you didn't get to watch them here is the rundown of the top awards:

Sandra Bullock -Best Actress
Jeff Bridges-Best Actor
"The Hurt Locker"-Best Picture

Ok, now on to the makeup looks! My personal favorite of the evening? Kate Winslet:



From the her classic, sleek, not-a-hair-out-of-place vintage-esque hair style to her flawless makeup and that LIP color! Kate was my favorite all around. Her lip color perfectly complimented her strong brows and defined eyes. Oh, let's not forget about her dress. Fabulous!

Runner up for best makeup for me was Anna Kendrick, hands down:



Doesn't she look like she is positively glowing? I love her makeup and how it sets off her creamy complexion. The lipcolor looks great with her hair and her eye makeup it perfect. Not too dramatic and not underdone either. I am not crazy about her hair, but her dress more than makes up for it. I adore the rose color and how utterly girly it is!

I also really really liked Mo'Nique's makeup. Her face is contoured and highlighted perfectly and it allows her vibrant blue dress to take center stage.



Those are my faves of the evening and I'm looking forward to reading the other blogs I follow to see what they thought of the actresses all in all.

All pictures Courtesy of CocoPerez.com

Urban Decay Stardust Shadows

So, like any makeup artist, I love makeup and I love sparkle. However, as we all know, those two certainly do not go together on set. Why? Well because sparkle (in the form of glitter) has a nasty habit of getting EVERYWHERE in my kit. I HATE bringing glitter with me SO much that I specifically make sure everytime I do a creative that we either are or are not going to be using glitter because I have a special separate case for it that I never carry unless I have to.

I think I may change that. Why? What has caused this oh-so-sudden sudden change of heart? Well, it's because I just met a product that is not only incredibly pigmented, it's also packed with major glitter that does not cause a giant mess and doesn't even fall out when applying it to my talent!

This miracle product is: Urban Decay Stardust Shadows



These cute little shadows are Urban Decay's newest addition to their already amazing shadow line. Boasting 40% more glitter than even their most sparkly shadows, Stardust delivers a stunning wash of color that is topped with teeny bits of iridescent glitter. The reason why the glitter doesn't have the fallout problems of 99% of other glitter shadows is because of a pricey ingredient called reflex. I'm not sure what it is, but I LIKE it. ALOT.They apply like a dream and I mean it when I say there was zero glitter fallout. Z.E.R.O

I'll end my post by telling you the two best ways I personally feel you should apply this shadow.

Technique #1:

*Sanitize hands and fingers thoroughly.

*With your ring finger, pick up a generous amount of shadow by using a circular motion of "grabbing" the product with the pad of your finger.

*Lightly sweep and press shadow into place on you or your talent's lid.

*Repeat until desired look is achieved.

Technique #2:

*With a shadow brush that has a stiff-ness to it (I would either suggest a small concealer brush or a shadow brush that has a denseness to it rather than an extrememly soft one) and pick up a generous amount of shadow

*Press onto lid or crease until all color is deposited.

*With a softer brush, blend colors on lid until desired look is achieved.

If you all end up getting any (or all) of the colors, let me know which ones you love! I am currently digging Atmosphere and Diamond Dog.

Catching Up, The Makeup Show LA, New Make Up For Ever Products

Hello Lovely readers!
First off, I want to let you know that I truly did not realize that it has been over a month since my last post! That's just horrible, and I will try my hardest to update the blog a bit more often than that.

Next, I have a flood of new posts for this evening, so that should make up for it just a little.

Last weekend I was attended the Makeup Show LA put on by the Powder Group. It was great to catch up with old friends that apparently I only see at makeup shows, as well as meet lots of new artists that I "know" from forums and such. As I was working the Yaby booth (www.yabycosmetics.com), I couldn't really "shop" and wonder around as much as I would have liked, but I have IMATS LA in June for that.

Anyhoo, a couple of months ago one of my good friends (some of you may know him as KJ)works as the artist director for Make Up For Ever cosmetics was in town and we got to chatting and he pulled out a bag that contained a plethora of new goodies that would be coming out from the line in the next coming months.

Sworn to secrecy, I played with all the lovely things until my heart was content, but I didn't breathe a word of it to anyone for fear I would open the flood gates and let it all tumble out.

Luckily, a couple of those new products have debuted, one is on Sephora.com and the other was a huge hit at the Makeup Show and I can happily sing it's praises. Firstly, The new Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blush.





As a makeup artist, I work in HD often, and I loathe a blush that has talc in it or that is loaded with shimmer for HD. Matte blushes can also look muddy if the talent is particularly sweaty or oily and has to be touched up often. With the new Make Up For Ever HD blushes, those worries are over. This blush literally looks like you skin produced the color. There is no trace of shimmer or even that gooey sticky feeling that one can sometimes get with gel blushes. Once worked into the skin, the color is that of a slight flush and completely natural looking and feeling. Oh, did I mention it also lasts for hours and hours?

To try a blush that will change the way you actually look at blush, hop over to your local Sephora or Make Up For Ever studio if you are lucky enough to have one near you.

As for the new aqua colors, I don't have a picture of them (and I can't seem to locate on online) but they are in pots similar to the aqua creme liner. These little pots of heaven are what KJ referred to as "Waterproof Flash Colors in separate containers". Um, SQUEE! If you love your Flash Colors / palette just like I do, then a waterproof version should just about rock your world. How waterproof/lasting are they you ask? Well the day KJ let me play with all the new goodies, I put a blue one on my hand and two days later you could still see traces of the blue. It serious is majorly awesome stuff.

L'oreal Studio Secrets Professional

Hello lovely readers!
So, I know I am not the only one who loves a nice drugstore find. While it is true that most of my mascara and lipstick purchases are drugstore ones, (I only have a couple of coveted mascaras and lipsticks that I will schlep $25 for no matter what) other items are kind of a luck of the draw.

Eyeshadows that look silky and pigmented in the package are sometimes sprayed over with a sheen and after the first initial applications are a chalky disappointment. Concealers in attractive packaging that promise under eye coverage ball up after attempting to blend it in. These are a few major let downs I've discovered as a makeup addict...err connoisseur, but now there is a line that gets my heart racing and looks extremely promising.

L'oreal cosmetics is coming out with a new Studio Secrets Professional makeup line that includes a primers, correctors, a foundation that is housed in a smoothing foundation brush, richly pigmented eyeshadows and liners, and a full wardrobe for lips.

I personally cannot wait to try this line out as I am often asked for recommendations of quality products that can be bought on a shoestring budget.

Keep an eye out for an update!

Chiffon Magazine "Awkward Issue" - Beauty Spotlight and Fashion Story

Hello All!
Our anticipated "Awkward Issue" for Chiffon Magazine has FINALLY come out! I am posting the Beauty Spotlight that I wrote and the Fashion Story I did makeup for.

For the fashion story, our inspiration was the "Awkward Prom Picture" only our models are wearing fabulous couture dresses. Enjoy!

Beauty Spotlight





Awkward Fashion Story

New Years Eve Beauty

I hope everyone had a great New Years! I know I sure did :)

I have a few stories coming out soon, so until those show up I thought I'd post an article I wrote for NocheLatina.com. It's all about New Years Eve Beauty that you can wear anytime this season. Enjoy!

New Years Eve Beauty Tips

Elicia

Hello All!
It's been awhile since I've posted anything, and since most of my work wont' be coming out for a little while, I thought I'd post something fun. It's just some beauty shots that would just go into my port, but Elicia is super pretty and I think it's a nice break to see something a little more "natural" (Although I know we all love teal lips every now and then ;D )

Savvy Magazine

Hello All!
I thought I'd pop in and post the story I did with Maiara Walsh from Desperate Housewives for the latest issue of Savvy Magazine. The photographer was the talented Paul Sebring. Enjoy!

Chiffon Magazine "Red" Issue

Hello all!
The "Red" Issue for Chiffon Magazine is live! Here is the beauty section, but you can check out the entire magazine at www.chiffonmagazine.com

AIRbrushing made easy

This past Friday I received the new Temptu AIRbrush Makeup System (Thanks Fawn!) and I must say I was quite impressed and happy with the initial results.



I've been airbrushing models and clients on a professional level for the past 4 years. I must say that for the seasoned artist, it only takes a couple of hours to pick up the basics and the more practice one gets the better. So when I heard about Temptu's new system designed for the savvy cosmetic consumer to use on herself, I was a little skeptical. How would the customer be able to choose the best setting for her so that she doesn't get any product in her eye? Will she be able to tell if she has the gun too close to her face and create a tell-tale sploch of makeup on her otherwise flawless face? So many "what if's " were swirling around my mind that honestly I didn't know if this system would take off.

I should have known better! The good people at Temptu are the masters of airbrush and know what they are doing. This system was created by pro's who were inspired by professional airbrush systems and make tweaks in design to make it virtually fool-proof.

Used in conjunction with AIR pod™ makeup, the AIRbrush system delivers a wide range of shades, from cool and light to deep and warm, making it appropriate for all women, regardless of age, ethnicity, skintone, undertone, style, or preference. And it's true. The compressor is cleverly designed with three setting. The lightest one would be perfect to apply blush or a highlighter. The medium setting is great for a light coating of foundation. The highest setting is great for a heavier coverage, especially for those with alot of redness or uneven skin tone.

The only qualm about the system (and it's actually not the system itself) would be the scent of the products in the AIRpods. It has a slight baby powder smell which some people love, but I could see just as many others who aren't so hot on it.

All in all, I found this to be a fantastic system. I can't wait to try it on myself soon. The model definitely gave it a thumbs up!

Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week

Hello all!

I'm sorry for the lag in posts (again!), it's just been a busy month! Last night I had the pleasure to work with some great people (hair, makeup and models!) on the fashion shows for Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week.

My favorite designer of the night was Louis Verdad and his Spring/Summer 2010 Louver Collection. I loved soo many pieces! All the models in his show were all African-American women that ranged in skin color and the effect was so stunning. Verdad was inspired by the "Black Out" issue of Vogue and his show started with images of strong, influential African-American women. I also have one from the "Emerging Artists" show, designer Krys N' Jack.

While I did makeup for four models, it seems the cameras loved one in particular! So I have posted a couple of pictures of them. Don't you just love the navy blue dress? If you want to check out some images of the gorgeous outfits, you can do a google image search or log onto wire image, Getty Images or Life Images to sneak a peek.

I was also supposed to be working today, but it started raining yesterday and I even though I had an umbrella my feet got wet and I had to drive home that way, and I woke up in the middle of the night with a fever and slight chills. So I had to bow out for tonight.

I hope I will be able to blog a little more frequently as some great projects are in the works :)

Desperately Gorgeous

Hello All!
I am sorry it's been so long since I've updated the blog, but lots of things have been going on!

Firstly, my niece Alexandria was born on September 14th (The Drs. induced my sister-in-law) and she came out weighing a whopping 11 lbs and 1 ounce and just shy of 2 feet long! Big baby :D Unfortunately, she was born with PPHD (hypertension in newborns) and was transported to UCLA medical center and admitted to the NICU. On Friday she was moved to Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach and if all continues to go well, she should be coming home later on this week! We definitely some scares along the way, but she has made a turn for the better and we are all pulling for her!

Secondly, I had the opportunity to meet and work with Maiara Walsh, who plays Gabby's niece on Desperate Housewives. Not only was she gorgeous on the outside, but a really lovely person on the inside as well. We were shooting for Savvy Magazine (www.savvymag.net) and here are a few "behind the scenes" pics. We shot 7 looks total. I will post the spread from the magazine once I get sent a physical copy.

Also, the shoot I did with Jessica Kinni and photographer Paul Sebring should be coming out the first week of October so I will definitely post those tears once I get the magazine.

For now, enjoy the pics I snapped with my Iphone of the lovely Maiara Walsh!

Chiffon Magazine Cover and Beauty Story

Hello All!
No new niece yet (while I cannot wait to meet her, the longer she stays in the oven, the better!) but some more new stuff to show!

I know I've spoken volumes about Courtney Dailey, an amazing photographer who is also my dear friend. Well, Courtney has created a new magazine called "Chiffon" (www.chiffonmagazine.com) that is described as "an artist created and run fashion/culture magazine".

I am honored that she has chosen me to be the beauty editor of this fabulous magazine. Courtney of course is the senior editor and our other friend Giorgia Severino, who is a fantastic fashion stylist, is the fashion editor.

Our first issue just launched a few days ago, so I thought I would share the cover and the beauty story that Courtney and I created that features Ford model, Beau Dunn. Enjoy!

SCRATCH Magazine Spread and Jessica Kinni shoot for UNIQ Lifestyle Magazine

Hello All!

Lots of things going on around here lately! Firstly, the August issue of SCRATCH magazine finally came out and I can now show you the lovely cover and spread! Fun times :)

Here is the cover. This was the sneak peek picture I showed you a couple of months back.



Next is page one. Don't you love the green??



And here is page two. There is a collage of the remaining pictures. Bright colors for summer is always fun :)



Secondly, I had an incredible shoot with photographer Paul Sebring last week for an editorial in his magazine UNIQ Lifestyle. We were lucky enough to shoot the lovely and super sweet Jessica Kinni (you may have seen her on "Rock of Love" and "Charm School" as well as a host for VH1's internet shows). We shot at the drool worthy Chic Little Devil studios in Downtown LA with some really incredible views. Here are a few "behind the scenes" pics:

The fabulous view from the roof



The aforementioned drool-worthy racks and racks of clothes, shoes, bags and jewelry at Chic Little Devil



Jessica's first look. What an amazing view of the buildings of Downtown LA



Jessica's second look. Love the couch and accessories!



Paul and Jessica



And last but not least, Jessica's final look. So glamorous!




Hopefully next time I come on to blog, my sister in law will have already delivered my newest niece (and first goddaughter!) Alexandria! My sister in law has been going into false labor for a few days now, but hopefully in a week or so little Alexandria will be ready to say hello to the world :)

Oops!

Just a quick update, some followers said they couldn't see my Hawaii and On-Set pics, so I have fixed those for ya in case you couldn't see them either. Thanks!

Summer Vacations and Getting Back To Work

Aloha Everyone!
I am so sorry I've been sort of neglecting my blog lately :( These past few weeks have been incredibly busy yet wonderful, and I just wanted to give an update and rave about a new product or two!

First of all, I was busily preparing for my birthday/big summer vacation trip to Oahu, Hawaii namely Waikiki Beach! I had never been to Hawaii and was very excited to go. This is the view from our window as we were preparing to land. Isn't it beautiful?


This was the view from one of our balconies.


It was incredible! We were able to see the largest fireworks show on Oahu perfectly from here. I couldn't have asked for a better 4th of July!


I was very sad to leave, but I know I will go back soon :)

Anyways, I've had quite a bit of work lately (which is great!) so that is why I haven't really had the energy to blog, but I'm fully recharged and ready to go with a couple of product reviews and a shot from yesterday's commercial shoot.



I recently fell head over heels in love with Too Faced Cosmetics Metal Eyed Liquid Metallic Liner. What I love about it is that it isn't a glittery liner like Urban Decay's (although we all know a good glitter liner has it's time and place and can be quite wonderful!) but this is rather a highly metallic liner. I love to use it all over the lid as a basis for an incredibly smokey eye.



I am also digging Gerda Spillmann Bio-Fond foundation. This little gem is what American Idol's key makeup artist uses on the contestants, and I can see why. It's a creme foundation that delivers a heavy medium-to-full coverage without looking or feeling heavy. An added bonus? They petite sizes that are perfect to de-pot and stick into your Yaby palettes (Freestyle or the 8-well ones) are only $16 this month. Joy! You can get the most popular colors for under $80 and they will last you forever as you don't need very much of the product at all.

I will be back in a few days with some exciting updates!