Sugar Skull Halloween Make-up

Happy Halloween Beauties! As a professional make-up artist, I must admit Halloween is second only to Christmas in my heart. Sometimes it's even better since it's without as much stress;)

I know Sugarskull make-up has been popular to do this year- I decided to join the band wagon, as I've always loved the look. Since my skin is acne prone & rather sensitive, I stuck with make-up products I already had on hand versus theatrical make-up. It's really helpful to outline your plan of action with eyeliners. I did a white circle around my face with Prestige's white eyeliner, then went with Mally's Peacock Feathers liner to outline my eyes. I painted a thicker application of with my normal foundation, just 2 shades lighter in tone within the lines with a brush. I set it with a shimmery white eyeshadow. I then filled in the eye area with Tarte's Aqualillies Amazonian Clay Waterproof liner in Splash (limited edition summer 2013.)

With Make-Up For Ever's AquaEyes pencil liner in Matte Black I drew the spiderweb + cross on my forehead & drew in my nose.

I also drew the scars on my cheeks, then went in with Bobbie Brown's black gel liner for thinner slits across the mouth. I figured it would have more staying power as I would be having cocktails!

The final steps involved drawing my chin in with the Mally liner & then applying crystals. I curled my hair with the amazing Conair Infinity Rotating iron I posted about a while back & jammed some roses in my do. Voila! Happy Halloween Beauties! xxoo

Tarte Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation

Thanks to Maureen Kelly, creator of Tarte Beauty,  I now have some more free time in the morning! There are a group of products that I call Lazy Day Beauty Essentials. This term is reserved for products in my mind that require minimal effort to use, but deliver a lot of results. They are great for when you're running late in the morning (which is every morning for me) or lazy Sundays when you still want to look pulled together.  

The fact that Tarte's Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation is one, also makes it a perfect summer beauty pick with it being so simple. This powder is a win win. Because let's face the fact that every one of us usually has something they want to hide, in terms of imperfections that frustrate us with our complexions. I know I initially doubted the ability for a powder foundation to offer true full coverage- but this one does.

Even as a skincare expert, there are still things that I'd love to improve with my skin- hyperpigmentation being my main issue. More & more female clients of mine struggle with this same frustration- got to love those hormones!

 Because I'm self conscious of it, I like a fuller coverage foundation around my upper cheeks- but want completely natural looking coverage. I don't even need to use a separate concealer with this product. Buff it on, build the coverage to where you want it & off you go. The Amazonian Clay helps regulate oil production as we head into muggy summer weather. The added Tourmaline & Camilla Leaf Extract boost a surge of moisture for the skin. Just a dollop of pearl powder prevents the powder from looking chalky. This is definitely a Must Have Make-Up Monday product for me!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.
*Gifted for review

Aqualillies for Tarte

The first time I saw Tarte's limited edition beauty collection created by the bathing beauties of the synchronized swimming group the Aqualillies- I do believe I might have drooled a bit. I mean the packaging alone is swoon worthy! What's perfect as we head into summer (insert sweating) is that these products are budgeproof- jump in the water & you'll be fine!

Amazonian Clay waterproof liners come with their own liner brush & are available in Splash (left) & Black (right.) They go on creamy & smooth- plus even after giving several facials with steam in my face, these liners stayed put. I always say give cream or cakes liners a try, you'll be surprised at how easy they are over pencils.

 Don't be afraid to live it up a little with the Splash option! As long as you're not wearing an entire teal ensemble, this vibrant color pops the whites of your eyes & makes you look instantly awake.

 Of course you can't go wrong with classic black either.

The Amazonian Clay Eye & Cheek compact in the collection is on my lust list- about the size of a CD, it offers a neutral palette with that pop of teal to spice things up a bit & the powders are all waterproof. I mean not all of us are actually swimming in fully applied make-up, but this palette will be perfect for my summer brides! There are super cute additional treats like a shower cap & beachbag as gifts with purchase on Tarte's website.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.
*Liners gifted for review

Oscars Beauty Breakdown: Jenna Dewan-Tatum

 So I'm sure being married to Channing Tatum would make anyone's eyes sparkle, but Oscar night mama to be Jenna Dewan-Tatum looked absolutely radiant. To play up her pregnancy glow, make-up artist Kayleen McAdams used the following Tarte products:

She started by prepping Jenna's skin with Tarte's BB Tinted Treatment 12 Hour Primer, then followed with their Amazonian clay 12- hour full coverage foundation in Tan. Tarte's Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in Tan was applied underneath her eyes & the Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Peaceful was applied to the apples of her cheeks. To play up her gorgeous peepers, Kayleen mixed Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Eyeshadows in Slate & Plum Smoke both on her lids and along the lower lash line.  For a subtle lift Kayleen applied Skinny SmolderEYES Clay Waterproof Liner in Onyx to the outer upper & lower edges of her eyes. She finished by applying multiple coats of Lights, Cameras, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara. 

 Her lovely Oscar's look was completed with 2 coats of Tarte's LipSurgence Lip Tint (love these!) in Moody.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.