Vote for Hourglass Cosmetics Fluid Veil Foundation!

Please vote for Hourglass Cosmetics Fluid Veil Foundation in the Juli B Style Awards - it's my foundation of choice for my clients and myself!

http://awards.julib.com/index.php

Makeup Bag Essentials

There are a few items everyone should have in their makeup bag. With these you can create almost any look from natural daytime to a full on evening makeup.

Here is a list of my recommendations:

Powder foundation: I use one every day, it evens out your skin in a flash and sometimes you don't even need a concealer. My pick is Hello Flawless by http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/ which also has an SPF in it so you can top up your sun protection all day!

Black eyeliner pencil: This you can use to give subtle definition or go for an all out smoky eye. Useful to keep in your bag for touch ups too. My favorite is 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Zero by http://www.urbandecay.com/ it stays on all day and is waterproof, I also like Oil Slick which is black with a tiny silver glitter in it - perfect for night.

Black powder eyeshadow: I always use black powder shadow over eyeliner to set it and you can use this to add drama too by smoking it outwards and lining under the eyes too. My choice is Black 4 by Makeup Forever available at http://www.sephora.com/

A palette of neutral shadows that you can create different looks with, going from extremely natural with light sheeny shades to dramatic evening with the more shimmery shades combined with the previous black pencils and shadows. I love 5 Coleurs in Earth Reflection by http://www.dior.com/

Eyebrow pencil: Your face isn't finished until you have defined your brows. It's amazing what a difference it makes. Choose a pencil in your shade from http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/ their Instant Brow Pencil comes with a spooly brush on the other end making it wasy to achieve perfect brows, even on the go.

Black mascara: I know everyone says you should wear brown mascara if you're blonde but I like the added definition and depth that black mascara gives to every coloring. My favorite is Deep Color Mascara in Black 01 by http://www.korres.com/   for US readers go to http://www.korresusa.com/ also available at http://www.sephora.com/ and http://www.studiobeautymix.com/

Powder blusher: This is the easiest to apply, especially for touch ups. I prefer a pinky peachy shade which suits most coloring, if you have very dark skin opt for a plummy shade. The one I use all the time is http://www.cargoscosmetics.com/ powder blush in Catalina.

Powder Bronzer: Great for any skin to add warmth and cheekbones if shaded underneath the apple! It's best to choose a matte formula that isn't too orange so it looks natural during the day and add shimmer with a highlighter at night. The best I've come across is http://www.jouercosmetics.com/ matte bronzer in Suntan.

Lipliner: A neutral shade can be used to define lips and add a base for gloss. I don't like just lining the outside of the lips, I always fill in too so that you don't end up with a ring around the edges when your gloss wears off! A great choice is Lipliner in Natural or Blush (for pinkier lips) by http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com/

Lipgloss: This is entirely your choice of texture and color. You can go for ultra glossy, plumping or a sheeny balm depending on your preference. Good picks are: Ultra glossy - Extreme Sheen by http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/ , Plumping - Instant Plump Volumizing Lip Shine by http://www.get247beauty.com/ (also available at CVS), Balm: Sugar Lip Treatment in original (no color) or Rose by http://www.fresh.com/ which has an SPF 15, great for the summer months to stop lips drying out in the sun.

Eyedrops: After a long day my eyes get red and no matter how great your makeup is, this can definitely spoil a look! I keep a bottle of Naphcon A eyedrops http://www.alcon.com/ (available at all good drugstores)  with me all the time, they not only relieve redness totally but also stop itching and irritation from allergies.

Last but not least I like to keep a makeup finishing spray in my bag to set my makeup but also refresh during the day. I cannot do with 10 Years Younger by http://www.skindinavia.com/ - it has come to my rescue many a time!

How to recreate the makeup from the latest Hourglass Cosmetics campaign

The step by step way to achieve the look I created for the latest Hourglass Cosmetics campaign:

Base: Hourglass Fluid Veil - I mixed shades 0 and 1 for the alabaster of the models complexion. I concealed where necessary with Hidden Concealer in Pearl.

Blush: Use the bronze cream from the Illume Cream to Powder Bronze/Highlighter duo under the cheekbones to sculpt and add definition and then highlight with the champagne shimmer in a C shape from the top of the cheekbones to the browbones.

Powder: Using a light touch powder just down the T zone with Veil Invisble Powder in Transparent, to allow the glow from the cheeks to come through.

Eyes: Start by applying the light shade from the Visionaire duo in Suede all over the lid up to the crease. Using the darker shade from the same compact, shade from the inner corners of the crease all the way out to the edge of the browbone and blend thoroughly. Add more depth in the creaseline with the taupe shimmer shade from the Cashmere compact and use the matte bone shade on the browbones to feather all the colors together. Define the eyes with Calligraphy Liner in Ebony by tracing it along the upper and lower lashlines. Darken and soften the edges with the matte black from the Cashmere compact. Add two coats of Superficial Mascara in Carbon for long feathery lashes. Define the brows with the matte bone shade from the Cashmere compact and then brush through with a brow brush (if you have dark hair use the black shadow sparingly).

Lips: Define and fill in the lips with Trace Lipliner in Bare to give a lasting base and depth of color and then add a gorgeous sheen with new Prodigy Lipgloss in Eden.

All products available at http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/ or at Sephora or Barneys.

(All products were provided to me on the shoot)

Terri Seymour's makeup for Elton John's Oscar party

This is how I did Terri Seymour's makeup this afternoon for Elton John's annual Oscar party for his his Aids Foundation - if you aren't going to the actual Academy Awards ceremony this is the place to be!

Here is the how to:

Base: Smooth Hourglass Cosmetics Fluid Veil  http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/ evenly over the whole face blending out from the middle and downwards.
Under eyes: Dot a little Smashbox Cosm.etics Photo-Op Eye Brightener http://www.smashbox.com/  under the eyes to brighten.
Powder: Dust Youngblood Hi Definition Hydrating Mineral Perfecting Powder http://www.ybskin.com/  lightly all over for an airbrushed look.
Blush: Swirl Cargo Blusher in Catalina  http://www.cargocosmetics.com/ on the apples of the cheeks and highlight at the top of the cheekbones with One Hot Minute by Benefit http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/  to give a fresh faced glow.
Eyes: Start with Mineral Essence Northern Lights eyeshadow in Starlite Express http://www.mineralessence.com/ all over the lid up to the crease, define the crease with Mineral Essence in Mocha. Line the eyes with the black cream liner from the L'Heure de Nuit compact by Guerlain http://www.guerlain/ and then add sparkle by using the shimmery black from the same compact on top of the liner and at the outer edges. Line under the lower lashes with Laura Mercier's eyeliner pencil in Black Gold  http://www.lauramercier.com/ and add a highlight in the inner corner of the eyes with the light gold shadow from the Dior 5 Couleurs Designer palette in Amber Design http://www.dior.com/ . A couple of coats of The Ultimate Mascara by Becca in black http://www.beccacosmetics.com/ completes the eyes.
Lips: Highlight the cupids bow with Guerlain Cupidon lipliner http://www.guerlain.com/ and then line with the nude liner by Hourglass in Bare http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/  and fill in with Youngblood Lipgloss in Devotion http://www.ybskin.com/

Terri's dress is by Marchesa.

(Some of the above products I bought and some were provided to me)

Terri Seymour at the 41st NAACP Image Awards

I did Terri's makeup today for the 41st NAACP Image Awards which she co-hosted with Jesse Williams (Greys Anatomy) at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Although you can't see from this picture (I took it with my iphone of her on the red carpet) I thought I'd tell you what makeup I used on her, you'll be able to see it when it's aired on Fox on Friday 26th February at 8/7c. As she was wearing a cute black and white print dress I thought I'd stay within that color range but keep it simple - here's how to achieve her look:

Base - Hourglass Fluid Veil http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/  smoothed lightly all over the face and blended out from the center.
Under eyes - Smashbox Photo Op concealer http://www.smashbox.com/  to brighten the under eye area.
Powder - Estee Lauder Lucidity Loose Powder http://www.esteelauder.com/ dusted lightly all over.
Blusher - Cargo's Catalina Powder Blush http://www.cargocosmetics.com/ on the apples of her cheeks for a warm glow.
Eyes - Dior's 5 Couleur Designer Palette in Smoky Design http://www.dior.com/ with the whitish silver shade all over the lid, the medium silver on the outer corners and after lining with Urban Decay's 24/7 pencil in Oil Slick http://www.urbandecay.com/ on the upper and lower lashes, trace over with the gunmetal shade for extra smoky defintion. Two coats of Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash Mascara http://www.bareescentuals.com/  on the lashes completes the eyes.
Lips - Define the lips Hourlass Cosmetics Lipliner in Bare http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/ and fill in with Smashbox Cosmetics http://www.smashbox.com/  lipgloss in Afterglow.

I took all the makeup to the awards in my Face Stockhom Mitte Case http://www.facestockholm.com/ which is the perfect size for travel or to do a celebrity's makeup on the go!

(Some of the above products were provided to me and some I bought, but these are the actual products used for Terri's look)

Day 16...A formal party makeup

There are a few types of makeup looks that depend on the event you are going to. For a formal event the best look is understated but classy. Here is how to achieve that:

• Start with freshly cleansed and moisturized skin. If you have the time use a face mask to brighten and lift the skin, giving it even more of a glow. I like ARCONA Wine Hydrating Mask, Replenish AM/PM 2 oz (59 g) which leaves skin so soft you may not even need moisturizer.
• Next prep skin with a primer. This fills in fine lines, evens skin texture and enables your base to last longer. A good one is  Alison Raffaele Face Forward Primer, Age Response, 1-Ounce Bottle. This is especially for aging skins, they also do a great one for blemished skin. Blend the primer as you would a moisturizer and leave for a minute to settle before applying base.
• Using a foundation brush or a clean sponge, dot foundation on your forehead, nose, chin and cheeks and blend outwards and downwards. This technique concentrates foundation on the T-zone where most people need help and feathers it out towards the edges of the face so you are not left with a mask like effect or any in your hairline. My favorite foundation and the one I use on my clients is Veil Fluid Makeup, 4
• Apply a creamy concealer where needed under the eyes and blend with your ring finger using a patting motion. To conceal blemishes I prefer to use a small brush and just a little concealer on top of the actual spot. Set the whole face with a light dusting of face powder Mineral Essence "Magic Finish (Net Wt. 9 grams)" is exceptionally fine and natural looking, concentrating on the oilier areas. If you like cream blusher, use this before powder. Put a dime sized amout on the apples of your cheeks and blend both inwards and out over the cheekbone for a natural looking flush. I find pinks, reds and peaches work best. If using red, just use a tiny amount or you'll look sunburnt instead of Snow White ish! The colors in the Kevyn Aucoin range work particularly well  Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Moist Glow Cheek Color, Pravella (Soft Pink) .14 oz (4 g)
• For the eyes, keep it simple but add drama with a liquid liner. I start by using a matte cream or bone colored powder shadow all over the lid and up to the crease. Add depth by brushing a soft brown or taupe matte powder shadow in the crease and blend it until it's just a hint of a shadow. Now line the upper lid with a true black liquid liner Maybelline Lash Stiletto with Line Stiletto - Black is a good one. Holding the edge of the eyelid, pull it taut and then draw a thin line from the inner corner to the outer, slightly winging it out and up at the ends. Let dry then go over it with a thin brush and black powder eyeshadow, this will set it and also blur any slightly wobbly lines.
• Add two coats of volumizing mascara Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Lash Mascara is ideal, to the top eyelashes only to complete the cat eye look. Leaving the bottom lash line without makeup makes the effect more dramatic.
• If using powder blush, dip a medium fluffy brush in to your desired shade and swirl it over the apples of the cheeks. One with a slight sheen gives the illusion of high cheekbones and brightens the whole face. I use Urban Decay Afterglow Blush QUICKIEon myself, which is a gorgeous pink shade with a satin finish.
• Now the focal point of the look is the lips. First line with a nude liner and fill in the whole of the lips. This ensures you don't end up with just a line around your lips at the end of the night. Next fill in with a red gloss or lipstick. Hourglass Cosmetics Siren lipgloss is an amazing metallic red shade and gives your look an immediate wow factor Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss Siren
• Complete your look with simple hair. just straight and shiny or up in an elegant chignon. This whole look is very elegant but will definitely make you stand out from the crowd.

(Products provided by all the above brands)

My kit essentials

As a makeup artist I have a vast selection of products but there are always a few constants in my kit. These are the products I can't do without:

Lancome Eau Fraiche Douceur Cleansing Water http://www.lancome.com/ - this takes off makeup thoroughly without irritation or leaving a greasy film. Ideal for putting makeup straight back on or at the end of a shoot to take off makeup before leaving.

Janson Beckett Alpha Derma CE moisturizer http://www.janson-beckett.com/ - perfect for under makeup, this moisturizer also gets rid of fine lines before your eyes.

Jouer Luminizing Moisturizer http://www.jouercosmetics.com/ - I carry all the shades of this so I can mix and match colors. I love this for a lighter base that gives an amazing glow and an SPF 20.

Hourglass Fluid Veil http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/ - I use this on most of my clients to give a flawless almost airbrushed look to their skin.

Alison Raffaele Transparent Finish Loose Powder http://www.alisonraffaele.com/ - I love this powder for it's light and luminous finish. I use this to set foundation and make it last.

Cargo blusher in Catalina http://www.cargo.com/ - this is my favorite blush color, it looks good on everyone and gives that just got back from the beach flush.

Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer in Hotel Heiress http://www.tarte.com/ - to get a bronzey shimmery glow all over for evenings, this is the bronzer to reach for.

Benefit Hoola Bronzer http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/ - for more of a daytime look or for the boys (sssh) I use this matte bronzer that is never too orange, just looks like you've been on vacation.

Christian Dior Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Trinidad Black http://www.dior.com/ - this pencil is a true deep black and it lasts! The basis for most evening eye makeup starts with this.

Christian Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette in Incognito http://www.dior.com/ - the perfect set of neutrals in matte and shimmer shades that can take you from day to night in an instant.

Estee Lauder Sumptous Mascara in Black http://www.esteelauder.com/ - a mascara that gives the sparsest lashes the full and feathery look.

Guerlain Cupidon Lip Pencil http://www.guerlain.com/ - I use this on almost everyone to highlight their cupids bow and make lips look fuller.

Lipstick Queen Medieval Lip Treatment http://www.lipstickqueen.com/ - an amazing red stain with a slight sheen that makes lips look naturally bee stung.

How to achieve the Hourglass Holiday 2009 Look

The Hourglass Holiday 2009 look is up now in Sephoras nationwide and on both the Hourglass and Sephora websites. As I created the look for the campaign I thought I'd let you in on how I created it:

Start by priming your skin with Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer to give a smooth base and give it a few seconds to absorb. Then apply a light base of Hourglass Fluid Veil Foundation and blend thoroughly with a wedge shaped sponge. Apply Hidden Concealer under the eyes and over any blemishes and pat gently to cover without removing the base underneath. Now take a little of the cream highlighter from the Illume compact and highlight your cheekbones, down the center of your nose, your cupid's bow and your browbones. The trick here is to be subtle, so don't use too much and blend well! Next apply a very light dusting of Invisible Veil powder all over to set the base but still leave a bit of glowiness showing through.

Now on to the eyes...using a medium size blender brush, pick up a little of the light cream shade from the Suede Visionaire Eyeshadow Duo and blend over the entire lid, in the inner corners and up to the crease. With a smaller crease brush put a little of the darker goldy shade from the duo in an arc in the crease and yes - blend throughly! Line the upper lid with Calligraphy Liner in Ebony and flick up slightly at the outer corners for a sultry effect. Define your eyebrows if necessary with a powder eyeshadow in a shade closest to your natural color. Two coats of Superficial Mascara in Carbon complete the eyes. Leave under the lower lashes bare, the main focus of this look is the lips.

Leave the cheeks bare apart from the glow from the shimmer cream and concentrate on your lips. Line them with Trace Lipliner in Bare to keep the gloss in place. Blend the line with a cotton swab so it isn't harsh and then apply the metallic red Extreme Sheen lipgloss in Siren for a showstopping look!

All cosmetics available at http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/ and http://www.sephora.com/ or instore at Sephora and Barneys.

The perfect fake tan

I'm about to go on a cruise and as I don't really sunbathe, even though I live near the beach in LA, I'm still a little pasty and a bit embarrassed to expose my white flesh on board for all to see. The answer lies in self tan, nowadays they give a really believable golden glow and with a few tricks can be applied easily.

I start with a good exfoliation all over, for this I prefer to use exfoliating gloves rather than a scrub as I think this does the job better for this and doesn't leave any grains behind to mess up application. I combine the gloves with a moisturising body wash like Dove and pay special attention to feet, elbows and knees. After your shower dry yourself thoroughly and lightly moisturise your feet, elbows and knees and give it a few minutes to sink in.

I now apply the tan using latex gloves to protect my palms from going orange, make sure you get tight fitting ones so you don't streak your tan. I start at my feet and blend upwards and outwards. If you don't have anyone to do your back I find the best way is to fold one hand up behind your back with the back of your hand against it and one over your shoulder palm down and do a kind of windshield wiper motion. Check in the mirror to see if you've missed any spots and then go back over them. I finish by doing my arms last and then after removing the gloves use a makeup sponge to do the backs of your hands. After applying to your hands, take a little body lotion and rub it in as hands tend to absorb more, then this way they won't end up too dark.

Use a separate tan for your face, one that has been especially formulated so it won't clog pores or cause breakouts and apply this with a makeup sponge too. I like to self tan last thing at night so that it can develop while I sleep and won't get streaky.

I have recently tried several tans and these are my favorites:

Mystic Tan http://www.mystictan.com/ is a 3 step process and has a daily moisturiser to maintain it. It takes a little while to do but is worth it for the lasting deep natural tan it gives.

Xen-Tan http://www.xen-tan.com/ is another great one, this has a gorgeous smell, not like the usual giveaway burnt cookie smell of most of them and is tinted for easy application.

Bronze Goddess Tinted Self Tan by http://www.esteelauder.com/ is my choice for an evening out. You can apply this transfer resistant gelee before going out for an instant golden glow that develops more within a few hours.

For the face I love Solar Tan by http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/ this is also a makeup primer so again you can apply it before going out under your makeup.

If you'd like to have your tan applied for you and combine it with an amazing body scrub treatment try St. Tropez Self Tanning treatment at http://www.kinaraspa.com/ I had this treatment and not only is it relaxing but the tan was so good people asked me where I'd been!!

To maintain your tan mositurise regularly. I use Body Firming Creme by Estee Lauder, it sinks in immediately and you get the added benefit of the firming action.

I'm off to do my own now in preparation for my weekend at sea!

Getting ready for Summer

If you're anything like me, you've spent the Winter months cocooned in layers of warm clothing (yes even in Southern California!) and need a little help before you shed some of them in public. I like to prepare for this with the help of a few beauty rituals....
First of all you need to start getting your skin into shape by smoothing it with a good scrub a few times a week, I like Coconut Sugar Rub by www.purefiji.com as it softens and gets rid of the dead skin all at once and smells like a tropical vacation, something I could do with right now! Next shave your legs with a good quality shaving cream (or foam if your prefer) unless you have them waxed and then you can concentrate on your face. I exfoliate it with my Clarisonic Brush and my favorite face wash Clarifying Cleanser by www.murad.com which is great if you have oily skin like me, you can use a wash specifically for your skin type which there are many of by Murad. I now wash my hair and get out of the shower and put on a hair mask like 3 minute mask by Fekkai and cover it with a shower cap. Run a bath and add a creamy bath milk like the ones from www.purefiji.com and apply a gentle face mask like Rose Petal Mask by www.fresh.com. I like to have a candle burning to help me relax and to read but if you prefer to just relax now is a good time to put on cotton wool pads that have been soaked in Eyebright lotion by www.lizearle.com to brighten and refresh tired eyes. Soak for at least 15 minutes to let all the products take effect and then get back in the shower and rinse off. After drying yourself with a soft fluffy towel, massage in a cellulite lotion that has self tan in it - Cellufight by www.tarte.com is amazing and apply a self tanner to your face, Solartan by Hourglass is my choice as the color is so believable but subtle. It is a primer but I also like to use it at night so that I wake up glowing! Moisturize and plump your lips with Beautifull Lips by www.janson-beckett.com and that completes your skin's beautifying routine. Leave your hair to dry naturally so it gets the full benefit of the treatment and get a good night's rest, Murad sleep reform supplement can help if you have trouble sleeping but consult your Doctor before taking it. You should wake up looking and feeling ready to wear that sundress that has been hiding in the back of your closet!!
Now you've done the prep work and are feeling smooth, fresh and glowing you can get ready for your day with a few simple steps. After your shower smooth Body Firming Cream by www.murad.com all over to keep up the body firming treatment from the night before, if you are going to be out in the sun let it sink in, then apply suntan lotion as usual. Towel dry your hair and then put a little Marine Styling Balm by www.ecrunewyork.com in for hold, softness and body that won't flake or become gummy in the heat. It also protects the hair and soothes the scalp. Finish your style by spraying with Sunlight Finishing Spray by www.ecrunewyork.com which keeps it in shape and protects from the any harmful rays. For a fast simple sunny makeup look I start with Highnoon Face Glow by www.fresh.com which is a golden tinted moisturizer which gives a really great glow. Then I add some more color with the bronze cream shade from the Illume palette by www.hourglasscosmetics.com I put this across the cheeks and the bridge of the nose, on the forehead and chin and a little blended well on the eyelids. Use the highlighter shade in the palette on your cheekbones and the inner corner of the eyes for a little shimmer. If you need powder, dust a little on now, I love Translucent Finishing powder by www.alisonraffaele.com which is so light and sheer you won't feel like you're wearing any at all! Emphasize your eyes by filling in your brows with Brow Pen by www.anastasia.net which is a liquid pen that stays put all day and a couple of coats of 4 Day Lash Stain by www.tarte.com. Finish your look with a easy to use gloss pencil in a sheer but bright shade (I like Chinatown Crime) by www.lipstickqueen.com and your summer glow should last as long as you do!

A preview of the new Hourglass Cosmetics campaign:

This is a sneak preview of the Hourglass Cosmetics campaign I did the makeup for recently. Look out for it in Sephora stores nationwide soon!

Things I buy more than once

As a professional makeup artist and self confessed beauty junkie I get to try pretty much every product on the market. The true test of how good a product is for me is if I buy it again and again. This is a list of those items:

Clarifying Cleanser by Murad http://www.murad.com/ - by far the best wash I have ever used for keeping those dreaded monthly breakouts at bay.

Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser by Liz Earle www.lizearle.com - my friend Joolz first introduced me to this unbelievable cleanser, it gets even the hardest to remove makeup off and leaves your skin looking like you just had a facial.

Alpha Derma CE by Janson Beckett http://www.janson-becket.com/ - an amazing moisturiser that isn't greasy at all and tightens the skin instantly.

Beautifull Lips by Janson Beckett http://www.janson-beckett.com/ - I use this every day to plump my lips and give them a natural rosy glow.

Veil Fluid Foundation by Hourglass Cosmetics www.hourglasscosmetics.com - a great natural looking foundation that covers and tightens the skin in one step.

Secret Brightening Powder in no.2 by Laura Mercier www.lauramercier.com - I can't even count how many pots of this I've gone through. I use to to brighten under the eyes but also all over the face as a loose powder for a soft glowy effect.

Beauty Elixir by Caudalie www.sephora.com - this facial mist really smooths and freshens the skin leaving it looking dewy and can be used under or over makeup.

Calligraphy Eyeliner by Hourglass Cosmetics http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/ - a felt tip like eyeliner pen that enables you to do a cat like eye effortlessly.

Smoky Eyes Mascara by Makeup Forever www.makeupforeverusa.com - this mascara gives deep black, long, thick and feathery lashes all in two coats.

Jumbo Eye Pencil in 502 by Sephora www.sephora.com - I buy this pencil in bulk just in case they ever decide to discontinue it! It creates a natural looking glistening eye when used lightly inside and around the lash line but can become a shimmery smoky eye when used over black eyeliner. I use this on everyone.

Cream Tint in Orchid by Jouer Cosmetics http://www.jouer.com/ - don't be scared of the deep red of this tint, it gives a gorgeous just back from the beach flush to cheeks and a deeper version of your own lips when applied lightly to them.

and last but not least:

Lip Plumper by Freeze 24/7 www.freeze247.com - the only plumping lipgloss that I've come across that actually works. It gives glossy, plump flushed lips in seconds.

All the above products I love and use on myself and my clients, I hope you love them as much as I do!

Foundation 101

Here is my guide to getting a perfect base:

You must start with clean, smooth skin. I suggest cleansing thoroughly with an oil like Nude Skincare Cleansing Facial Oil http://www.nudeskincare.com/ to remove all traces of makeup and dirt. Then smooth your skin's texture and brighten at the same time with Liz Earle's Brightening Treatment http://www.lizearle.com/ which is a quick face mask that you remove with a hot muslin cloth that acts like a mild exfoliant and revives dull complexions. Next apply a non greasy moisturiser suited to your skin type - for aging and or dry skin I like Alpha Derma CE by Janson Beckett http://www.janson-beckett.com/ as it has tightening properties and leaves skin glowing. If you have oily/combination skin try Oil Control Mattifier by Murad http://www.murad.com/ which is honestly the only oil control lotion I have ever found that actually does the job (this is also good during the Summer months or in humid climates to control shine)!

Now you've prepped your complexion you can massage in a primer if you like to use them - my favorites are Face Forward Primers (both Age Response and Acne Response Formulas) by http://www.alisonraffaele.com/ . Let the primer settle for a minute and then take your preferred base, I use Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/ on all my clients, and put a little on the back of your hand. Using a wedge sponge (I prefer sponges to brushes as I think brushes just leave a mask like layer on top of the skin and it looks heavy and unnatural) dip into the foundation and blend well from the inner areas of your face out towards the edges. You usually need more foundation in the center of your face and less on the outer, as the skin is usually finer here. Blend thoroughly, making sure there are no tide marks under your chin and you have blended around the nose, an area people don't check and believe me I've seen it looking extremely crusty before - not a good look! Taking a good concealer especially formulated for the delicate skin under the eyes (Age Repairing Brightener by http://www.jouer.com/ is ideal) dot it straight from the tube or using a small brush apply it from the inner corners to the outer corners, not forgetting the little crease at the edge of the eye and gently blend with your ring finger. If you are using the right concealer it won't cake or accentuate lines and will make you look brighter and younger. Using a smaller brush conceal any pimples by dotting concealer on top and patting it in, being careful not to rub it off - Acne Treatment Concealer by http://www.murad.com/ is great for this. If you use cream blusher now is the time to add it to the apples of your cheeks and yes you guessed it blend, blend, blend! Dust a very fine layer of powder over your your whole face with a big fluffy brush to set your makeup, help it last and also give it an airbrushed quality - Hourglass Invisible Veil Powder is perfect as is Transparent Finish Powder by Alison Raffaele.

You now should look flawless and have a great canvas for the rest of your makeup!

Parminder Nagra's makeup for the ER Finale party

Thanks to Talking Makeup’s Celebrity makeup artist contributor, Melissa Walsh, we have the scoop to how to get Parminder Nagra’s at the ER Finale Party.
Parminder Nagra is an English actress who came to international prominence in 2003 after starring in Bend It Like Beckham. More recently she starred in the Emmy Award-winning American medical drama series ER.
Melissa Walsh: “I started with a light base of Hourglass Fluid Veil foundation and brightened under her eyes with Jouer Age Repairing Eye Brightener.
I gave her cheeks a glow with Jouer Cream Tint in Petal and then dusted all over with Hourglass Invisible Veil powder to set the base.
I used a combination of Cream Eyeshadows Urban Decay in Moonshine and Asphalt on the lid, blended well and then created more depth with Smashbox powder eyeshadow in Obsidian along the top and bottom lash lines.
I finished the look by lining inside the eye with Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero and added Tarte 4 Day Stay Lash Stain on the lashes for ultimate staying power!

I lined Parminder’s lips with Hourglass lipliner in Bare and filled in with Girlactik lipgloss in Pin Up to complete her glamorous look.”

To see the complete piece including pictures go to: http://talkingmakeup.com/beauty-news/get-the-look-parminder-nagras-makeup-at-the-er-finale-party/

Check out my how to get Reese Witherspoon's look on The Daily Obsession

How To: Get Reese Witherspoon’s Natural Look
Posted by The Daily Obsession
on April 7, 2009
We simply adore Reese Witherspoon and think she’s totally gorgeous. We also think she’s been making more smart, but bold fashion choices lately. We particularly liked her fashion-forward Rodarte dress at a recent premiere and thought her makeup complimented the choice appropriately.
We wondered how to get a similar naturally gorgeous look and asked celebrity makeup artist Melissa Walsh to help us out! “Reese’s look is natural with a modern twist,” says Melissa. “The matte pink lips rather than the usual neutral shade update a classic and give it a new fresh feel.” To get the look, follow Melissa’s instructions behind the cut.
1) Start with a light base of a glowy tinted moisturizer such as Jouer Luminizing Tint and conceal any areas that need extra help. Then brighten under the eyes with a product especially formulated for the job like Smashbox Photo Op. Next, dust a very fine milled translucent powder all over the face to eliminate shine but still keep an ethereal quality to the skin.
3) On the eyes, start with a light camel colored semi matte shadow all over the lid (Urban Decay has a great selection), deepen the crease with a slightly darker brown shade, but be careful not to be heavy handed. Blend well.
4) Define the lash line with a liquid eyeliner pen. (Melissa likes Hourglass Calligraphy in Ebony.) Shade under the lower lash lines with a light brown pencil; Cargo Eye Pencil in Wood is a good shade. Two coats of volumizing mascara finishes the eyes and adds extra depth.
5) Fill in your eyebrows lightly with a color that is as close as possible to your natural shade. Melissa uses Tarte Toolbox, which has a combo of brow gel and wax, to keep them in place!
6) The cheeks are a bronzey shade, which you can do double duty with your usual bronzer by shading under the cheekbones and topping with a slight shimmer on the apples.
7) The lips can be achieved by using some lip balm, followed by a lip pencil in a light pink shade. Josie Maran Lip Liner in Blush is a good choice to keep the look matte and long lasting.

To check out the full piece including pictures go to: http://thedailyobsession.net/2009/04/how-to-get-reese-witherspoons-natural-look/

Coming soon....

behind the scenes of the Hourglass Cosmetics shoot for their gondolas in Sephora. We did several different looks and I'll tell you how you can achieve them at home.