In honor of saint patty's day i felt like creating some Irish green eye makeup.
Here is how i did this look:

1. I performed my usual 3 C's ritual (Correct, Conceal and Coverage) and lightly dusted and set the foundation with face powder.

2. for the blush i used a mix of warm golden shimmer bronzer with my brick red cake blush and blended it softly from the hollows of my cheek upwards to the cheek bones to give them more definition and a rosy glow.

3. For the eye shadow base i applied a thin smearing of Elf light peach pink cream eyeshadow. it doesn't necessarily need to be in this color because this is just so the eyeshadow lasts longer and doesnt crease or fade quickly. just use any colour in the same tone or color as the powdered base shadow you want to use.

4. After applying my cream base i blended a little gold, orange and pearl powdered eye shadow and applied it to my entire lid in short back and forth and circular motions. i let it fade up to my brow bone.

5. Then for the crease i blended light leaf green with aqua blue and swept it into the middle of my eyelid and along my upper lash line.

6. For the eyeliner i used Mac's metallic aqua blue waterproof liquid liner from the inner eye and sweeping up past the corner of the eye in a thin cats eye. i used NARS white jumbo eyeliner with a small liner brush and traced the white on top of the blue liquid liner.

7. With my fingertip i dabbed a small amount of fine shimmer on top of the whole lid. i finished the eyes off with two coats of waterproof mascara and lined my lower lash line with a blue liner and set it with green eyeshadow. i also put a bit of metalic orange on the lower corner of my lash line.

8. i finished this saint patty's day look with a touch of brick red lipstick and added a green scarf to go!

When your down, dont wear a frown. Just put a little lipstick on.

The thing i love most about makeup is that it brightens up your day, not just your face.
A little liquid liner, purple and earth tone eye shadow, and white eyeliner in the tear line can open up the eyes.
Conceal, color correct, contour and a hint of peach blush will make your face glow.
Frame your eye makeup with a soft brown brow.
And last but not least lets not forget your favorite and classic red lip.

I don't know about you guys, but makeup cheers me up when I'm a little down.
Stay gorgeous bloggers! ;)

Back to basics

One of the first things we learn about when we do makeup is how to make your skin look flawless and glowing. After your basic skin care regimen you are ready to start applying makeup.

To create a good base you only need to remember the "4 C's " and their functions.
The reason i teach this way (in steps and word memory) is so it will be easier to remember.

1. COLOR CORRECT -
usually comes in a pallet of 4 to 5 colors like orange, yellow-orange, green,lavender  or pink. although this is an extra step used by professionals, it will help even out your skin tone and remove any unwanted blemishes and discolorations.

If you are a beginner and don't know the function of each color, just Imagine a color chart.
Ive painted one out for my students as an example;

Before you begin, Define the colors and blemishes on your face.
For example; Acne and pimples are red, and eye-bags have more of a blue violet undertone. Now that you have defined them its time to color correct them. Color correction is just canceling out unwanted colors by using their complimentary colors.
In basic color theory, Complimentary colors are colors directly opposite from each other.
Like Green - red, Orange - Blue and Yellow-orange to Blue-violet.

2. CONCEAL -
Once you have color corrected and camouflaged your blemishes and discoloration now you can conceal those areas with your tone of concealer. This helps the foundation look seamless.

3. COVERAGE -
This just means applying your foundation. I usually do it by applying one or two pearl sized drops on a flat surface or the back of my (clean) hand. I like to add a drop or two of moisturizer to keep my skin looking a bit dewy.
Using a flat top foundation brush i gently buff it in all over the face including the jawline and neck. When your satisfied with the overall coverage you can now apply a light dusting of loose or translucent powder. This step is called "Setting"  or "Sealing"  the makeup. You can also use your compact powder and sponge for this.

Remember to set the concealer and foundation around the eyes, mouth and nose because these areas are prone to creasing or crinkling.

4. CONTOURING -
This is the last step in base makeup application used to bring out or recede certain features of the face. Its actually Highlighting and Contouring.
For example if you have a wide forehead or round jawline you can use a matte bronzing or contouring powder to hide or recede them.

I will be doing a post about Highlighting and contouring later on.
Thanks for reading this! I hope you enjoyed and learned.

Next post: Non traditional bridal makeup look featuring my friend Tanya Silverio.

Pamper your skin

When i hear the word "Makeup" the first thing that comes to mind is flawless skin.
Since i am an image consultant, not only do i teach people how to apply gorgeous makeup looks for different occasions, but i also enlighten them on skin care and maintenance.

Makeup is next to useless if you don't take proper care of the skin underneath it. Although makeup can make skin tone look even and natural, it cannot hide bumps and enlarged pores from acne, pimples and improper skin care.

Skin care is a life long commitment, so you should be prepared to be married to your daily skin care regimen. Rethink some habits that may be harmful to your skins wellbeing.
Habits like chain smoking, drinking too much alcohol and sleeping with makeup on can Dehydrate skin, cause it to age faster and cause discoloration, making you feel and look unattractive.

I ALWAYS do basic skin care before every makeup application and i highly recomend you do too. it will protect your skin and allow your makeup to look much better.
Skin care is fairly easy. All you have to do is remember three words:

CLEANSE, TONE & MOISTURIZE.

1. Cleanse - Removes prior makeup, Dirt and oil. You can use either an oil based or astringent based makup remover or wipes. This can be done before or after washing your face, but i prefer to do it before.

2. TONE -Our skin produces oil because its needed to lubricate and plump up the skin and give it a glow. But too much oil can attract dirt and polution and give you a greasy shine that isnt too appealing. Toners are an astringent solution that removes any residual oils or dirt on the face (Especially on the T-Zone)

3. Moisturize -  After removing any exess oil its good to replenish them by moisturizing. Apply this cream especially to dry areas of the face and leave it to be absorbed for a couple minutes before makeup application.

OTHER GOOD DEEDS YOUR SKIN WILL THANK YOU FOR

• ICE YOUR FACE - Passing ice over your skin before makeup application closes the pores so that no dirt or makeup can clog them.
• HOME FACE SPA - if cold closes pores, heat opens them up. Wash your face using a face towel and warm water so that you are sure any trapped dirt and oil are removed. Just remember that you have to close your pores with cool water afterwards.
• FEED YOUR SKIN - Make sure to include skin friendly food in your diet. Food like fruit and vegetable that contains a lot of good nutrients and water, Milk, yogurt, fish and other protein.
• "B" STANDS FOR BLOOMING - A great way to improve your skin, hair and nails for that overall healthy glow is to take B vitamin daily. It helps hair grow more lustrous and keeps skin clear and healthy.
• BEAUTY SLEEP - Need i say more? This one is self explanatory. When we sleep our cells get a chance to rest and regenerate. This is when our body tries to repair any broken capilliaries and such (eyebags are broken capiliaries under the skin.) Try to get enough rest (at least 7 to 8 hours) so you will not only look fresh but feel great too.
• EXFOLIATE - Its good to exfoliate at least once or twice a week because it invigorates your skin by bringing blood back up to the surface as well as removes any old and dead skin cells from the surface so new cells have room to grow. A good natural exfoliant are coffee grounds. You Can get them free at your local Starbucks!

Thanks for checking this out.

To follow: Back to basics

sleepless night.

Well im feeling restless thinking about what my first tutorial post will be. I cant decide if I want to do a glam look, a special effects look or an era look. I guess i can either roll the dice or ask my friends for advice. Hehe.

Anyone still up please leave a comment and help a gal out. ;)

My film 180 Students

My FILM 180 basic and special effects class

I made this quick music vid for my AM and PM film 180 class.

I'm just so proud of them. Most of them have never even picked up a makeup brush before and after 4 months they have done and achieved so much. I hope you keep striving for perfection and are ever resourceful and creative! Watch this vid to see some of their awesome works.