The Lipgloss Diaries: Don't Be Tardy Edition

I'm not going to lie, the Bravo channel is on probably 75% of the time the tv is on at my house. I can't help it- I'm addicted to all things Real Housewives. I've watched all of the spinoffs, with Don't Be Tardy being a current favorite. Being a professional make-up artist & esthetician, I'm often focusing as much on the face as the storyline!

The Kim we first met many seasons ago has definitely softened up her look.

 

 I think she's had some well placed fillers, Botox, possible Rhinoplasty(nose job) & toned down her make-up - well toned down for her!  Even she has admitted her wigs are better, too!

(Top image from http://christenexpecting.blogspot.com, but possibly a Getty Image)

When she was on What What Happens Live with my beloved Andy Cohen recently (practically a news source for me) a viewer asked about her gloss.  Her gloss is pretty fabulous, so I jotted down what she said it was & got it. She uses MAC Cream Cup Lipstick (top) & Sephora's #14 Lipgloss (bottom.)

It pulls a little lighter on her overall, but it's still a super soft & pretty look.  I love the texture of the Sephora gloss, as well. I'll be picking up additional colors, for sure.

Here's a close-up. I think Kim's been looking so good lately, because she's never been so happy. Happiness is a look that looks good on everyone!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Make-Up Must Have Monday

You beauties often ask what mascaras I use on my peepers & often it is a 'sandwich' of products. Currently I start with the first 'slice' of bread being L'Oreal's Voluminous Mascara, then comes the 'meat'- which is always my beloved Mally Volumizing Mascara, topped with the last 'slice' of bread which at the moment is Revlon's Grow Luscious Mascara.

I do this for a few reasons, first because my skin is so oily{& I loathe waterproof mascaras} that I find certain mascaras transfer less. Those end being the last step in the sandwich. Certain mascaras & their brushes separate & coat each individual lash better- those end up being the first slice in the sandwich. The meat, well Mally's mascara just multiplies the appearance of lashes like none other I've found.
When clients ask me what I recommend mascara wise, I always hesitate because mascara is such a personal preference. The brush is often just as important as the actual product! A staple for most make-up artists is Maybelline's Great Lash, but you will never find that in my kit. I call that brush the 'frozen yogurt swirl' brush & it just doesn't separate lashes enough for me. There is a new concept entering the market though, that just may be on to something. MAC's new Haute & Naughty Lash basically offers 2 different brush experiences in one. By pulling the pink brush out, you have a very good brush at separating & defining your lashes without delivering a lot of product.

You then can add some extra oomph to the outer lashes by pulling the purple sparkly brush which offers considerably more product. One could also use the pink for daytime looks & the purple for night. Definitely an interesting idea, that works very well. I will be curious as to whether all that brush interchanging will dry out the mascara quicker, but as of now- it gets two thumbs up.

Peace. Love. Lashes. M

The Makeup Show

We all have an idea of what heaven looks like. Mine usually involves endless amounts of beauty products at my disposal, calorie free italian food & unlimited cocktails. Today I'm in heaven at The Make-Up Show in NYC! Loads of professional make-up artists such as myself convene to learn the latest runway way looks, take master classes & get re inspired. Tons of make-up lines will be featured...Make-Up For Ever, Kevyn Aucoin, Smashbox, MAC as well as smaller "indie" lines such as Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. I promise I will take tons of pictures & report back to you the latest & greatest finds!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Prep For Colour

The MAC elves have been working feverishly overtime again! Prep For Colour is their latest launch & it's right off the runway and on par with what's hot for Summer!

The esthetician in me gets giddy for SPF! (I know I'm a dork, but I always say I'm going to be one hot 50 year old...) Their Prep & Prime Face primer packs a whollop of an SPF 50 while being oil free. This I must try since I'm such a Goldilocks- nothing can touch my Jan Marini SPF 30.

Bold lips are in for Summer & it has my clients a little fearful. There's no need to be afraid my beauties! You can add a pop of color with a sheer texture that gives it a fresh approach. Try the sheer fuchsia pink of Just Add Colour Tinted Lipglass or my favorite Paul & Joe Beaute Lipgloss 05, which is a sheer peachy color(I'll post a swatch). That shade is my go to color for brides.

Go get your glam on!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Fabulous Finds Friday

Just in time to get your pucker perfect for Valentines, Mac unveils their new Viva Glam ambassadors Cyndi Lauper & Lady Gaga.

Viva Glam Cyndi is a vibrant light reddish coral that looks like it be a perfect pick me up for the winter blahs (especially when there's no warm weather in sight!)

Viva Glam Gaga is a bubblegum pink with cool undertones that might look a little intimidating in the tube. However, I think this topped with a sheer gloss could actually be a beautiful compliment to strong eye make-up, like a smokey eye(think signature Kim Kardashian.) Whichever you chose, feel even more beautiful knowing all proceeds go toward MAC's AIDS relief fund. Any fun plans with your cutie pies for Valentine's?

Peace. Love. Kisses. M

Make-up Must Have Monday

Is it just me, or does MAC seem to be launching a new limited edition line almost weekly? I'm not complaining, but whew that company is working overtime!

Their latest collection, Lovely Lace, has some great shadows that would be perfect for a cooler toned grey smokey eye.

Every smokey eye needs a nude mouth to complete the look & MAC provided the perfect compliment with subtle lip shades in similar undertones. What do you think beauties? Will you be lovely in lace?

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Make-Up Must Have Monday

I can already hear the squeals of delight from my preppy beauties...Yes Lilly Pulitzer just collaborated with MAC and is launching a limited edition line officially available now!

The line consists of eyeliners, lip gelees, nail lacquers as well as my personal pick- the all over face color. Isn't this gorgeous? Swirl a fluffy brush over all the colors for a luminous glow all over.

Shadows patterned like Lilly's beloved pink & green prints follow up my must have list. Scoop these up while you can as I'm sure they will sell out quickly!

Peace. Love. Preppy. M