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)

Beautiful Gift Ideas

Smashbox Eye Wish Palette:

Lush Jolly Holidays Gift Set:

Tarte Crown Jewels Lipgloss Set:

Because I'm a makeup artist and have a lot (understatement) of products, my family and friends think that I don't need or want any more for Christmas gifts, well....they are wrong! There are so many lovely gifts out there this year that I think you'll find one to please any of the girls/women and maybe even the men in your life....

Here is my selection of the best:

Tarte Crown Jewels http://www.tarte.com/ this little box holds 3 separate packages of gorgeous lipglosses - you can give the whole thing as a set or divide up as gifts and maybe keep one for yourself?!

Lush http://www.lush.com/ have an amazing array of goodies but the ones that really caught my eye and I'd like (if anyone's reading this ahem!) are The Jolly Holidays Gift Set or the Snow Fairy Gift Set. Both have an assortment of bath time treats to make you feel good and smell delicious!

Smashbox http://www.smashbox.com/ have a beautiful collection called Eye Wish - well I wish someone would get me the Eye Wish Palette! It has some very pretty colors in it and a primer to keep them all on during the most hectic of parties!

Billy Jealousy http://www.billyjealousy.com/ has the ultimate set for the traveler in your life, it's called Ultamate and that is exactly what it is. Everything from cleanser, to shaving cream to shampoo and conditioner. For boys and girls!

Luminess Tan http://www.luminesstan.com/ isn't really a gift set but is an awesome at home tanning airbrush! Spray away those Winter blues and contour a few abs in, it'll be our secret....

Defabulous http://www.defabulous.com/ have a cute set of mini hair straightening irons in the UBe range that are small enough to put in your purse or travel with but heat up to an amazing 410 F. They are pink too!

Nu Skin http://www.nuskin.com/ is a galvanic spa treatment that you do at home. It lifts the face and body and is really simple to use. If you want to look younger by the New Year I suggest asking Santa for this!

Aquiesse http://www.aquiesse.com/ have some lovely scented soy candles....I'm in love with the Rioja one from the Portfolio Collection and you should see the glass jar they come in. They'll make any home look like a hotel room on the Italian Riviera and smell like one too.

Rescue Beauty Lounge http://www.rescuebeauty.com/ I love unusual nail polish colors and RBL's set called Tough Chic doesn't disappoint - from a greyish pink (Grunge) to a moody and mysterious dark grey (Stormy) it will delight the nail polish addict in you!

Perfume is always a great present for someone if you know what kind of scent they like. I get so many compliments when I wear Vanille Coco by www.comptoirsudpacifique.us As the name suggests it smells like a mix of cupcakes and sun lotion - possibly two of my favorite things in the world....

There should be something on this list to please any beauty lovers in your life....if not maybe they already have too much!

Party ready - straight from work

I missed out on an opportunity tonight to go the Dancing with the Stars finale with Terri Seymour because I wasn't prepared at a moment's notice. It will NEVER happen again because I will always have a party kit on me! Here is how to get ready at a moment's notice and what to have in your desk/car to make sure you look amazing in 15 minutes:

Makeup sponges: Use these to smooth out and blend any smudges or greasy areas that have occured during the day.

Rosewater Balancing Mist by Jurlique http://www.jurlique.com/ : Spray a light mist over your whole face and neck to freshen your skin and let dry for a few seconds.

Photo Op Under Eye Brightener by Smashbox Cosmetics http://www.smashbox.com/ : Sweep this under your eyes, on your cheek and brow bones for a quick brightening effect that makes you look awake.

Disappear Smoothing Concealer by Estee Lauder http://www.esteelauder.com/ : Cover any blemishes with this highly pigmented, non creasing concealer and if you need any extra help under your eyes, blend a little there too.

Hello Flawless Powder Foundation by Benefit Cosmetics http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/ : This is my saviour! Great skin in an instant. Using the sponge that comes with it, apply this all over your face or just where you need a little help.

Opaline Creme Eye Definer by Three Custom Color in Aurora http://www.threecustom.com/ : This is a gorgeous black eyeliner shot through with blue opalescence that makes all eyes look brighter. You can define with a strong line using a pointy brush or blend out for a smokier look.

Diorshow Mascara in Black by Dior http://www.dior.com/ : One coat of this will thicken and lengthen your lashes.

Eyebrow Manicure by Shu Uemura http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/ : This is my latest find and I won't go anywhere without it now! It's a colored brow get that really does darken and hold your brows in shape all night and it's so fast to apply.

Mineral Bronzer by Tarte in Hotel Heiress http://www.tarte.com/ : Dust this lightly all over your face or just on your cheekbones for some glowing definition.

10 Years Younger Makeup Finish Spray by Skindinavia http://www.skindinavia.com/ : This sets your makeup all night and stops it creasing and looking dull, perfect if you've had a long day!

Quikee toothpaste and gum by Supersmile http://www.supersmile.com/ : These freshen your breath and whiten your smile without a drop of water in sight! The gum is in separate little packages of two pieces, perfect to keep in your purse or pocket.

Glossy Pencil by Lipstick Queen http://www.lipstickqueen.com/ : This makes defining and glossing your lips a cinch. My favorite color is Chinatown Crime - a bright pink that is a great party shade but not too shocking for those that usually steer away from color.

Straight and Curl hair irons by UBe http://www.defabulous.com/ : These are amazing! Tiny little irons that can straighten or curl and they heat up to 410 F in 10 seconds! Makes refreshing your style extremely quick and easy.

Keep it all in a little makeup case in your car or desk. I have the Mitte Case by Face Stockholm http://www.facestockhom.com/ which has several different compartments and a space for brushes but is big enough to carry all your essentials. I keep all Terri Seymour's personal makeup in one!

For the final finish I like to carry a solid perfume in my purse. Saves carrying a big bottle and any spills you might have. I love Lotus Garden Solid Perfume by Pacifica http://www.pacificaperfume.com/ it smells like you're on vacation - something you need during the cold Winter nights!

I will keep a little black dress and heels in my car too and will be ready for the next time!

Steps to an easy smoky eye makeup

Most girls like to do a smoky eye for nights out but there is a fine line between a sexy look and a heavy drag queen makeup! Here are the steps to a brownish taupe smoky eye makeup instead of the regulatory black, that never looks too heavy and suits all skin tones....I start by blending a cream eyeshadow/liner all over as a base to keep the rest of the makeup in place and add depth, Smashbox (http://www.smashbox.com/) do a great range for this and I particularly like the shade Putty for this look, they have good metallic ones that would work too.Next Line the top of the lashes with a darker cream liner and blend out, I use Caviar or Midnight Brown for this by Smashbox too. The key to this look is no hard lines. Everything should blend and look feathery. I then go over the shadow base with a shimmery taupe shadow Jouer's (http://www.jouercosmetics.com/ )Amaretto eye shadow is a favorite of mine. Go over the lash line with a fine brush dipped in a dark brown or black eyeshadow and feather it out. Line the lower lashes inside and out with Sephora's (http://www.sephora.com/) chunky eyepencil in 502. You can use this pencil heavily and it looks smoky or lightly during the day for a baby like glisten. Finish with a few coats of black mascara - Fresh (http://www.fresh.com/) Firebird Mascara works perfectly for this look and groom your eyebrows for a polished look.A perfect smoky eye in 5 minutes or less!!

All about lips

Most girls I know like to have pouty lips and at least wear gloss most evenings. Here a few tricks that can help you have the prettiest pout about!

First of all, taking care of your lips is the best way to make them look fuller. Flaky dry lips don't look good on anyone! I start by exfoliating them daily with Befine Lip Exfoliator (available at CVS) http://www.befine.com/ which smooths them instantly. I then use Beautifull Lips by http://www.janson-beckett.com/ to moisturize and plump them. If you'd like a more glossy finish Befine Lip Serum is great, it gives a moist shine without being sticky and treats the skin with it's firmimg properties too. For special occasions I sometimes use Lip Injection Intensive Plumping Lip Mask by http://www.toofaced.com/ to give an extra plump rosy look! If you are just preparing your lips as part of your nightly routine I like to give them a nourishing treat by leaving a decent layer of Superbalm by http://www.lizearle.com/ (which is a multi use balm) and leaving it on overnight.

Now that your lips are smooth and plump begin by outlining the cupids bow with a highlighting pencil, I particularly like Benefit's Cupid's Bow Lip Shaper http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/ which has a highlighting pencil on one end and a definer on the other. I use the defining one just under my bottom lip and blend it well. It makes your lips stand out more but I don't recommend lining your whole lips as this tends to make them look smaller. Next I like tp apply a lip stain all over to give a lasting base of color, again Benefit do some great ones, the original Benetint and now Posietint which is a really pretty pink shade. I concentrate color in the center of the lips which gives a natural just bitten look. Now you have a choice of whether to put lipstick or gloss on or just a little balm to keep the look soft and natural. My favorite choice at the moment is to top off with Medieval Lip Treatment by http://www.lipstickqueen.com/ I find this really looks like I have flushed full lips and is natural in a Snow White rosebud lips kind of way! You could also use a lipstick, again Lipstick Queen have an amazing array of colors and textures or a gloss like the ones from Smashbox http://www.smashbox.com/ which are a favorite of my client Terri Seymour. If you want further plumping I highly recommend Freeze 24/7 Lip Plumper http://www.freeze247.com/ , in the clear version - it really works!

Now get out there and start pouting xx

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/