Macklemore and Ryan Lewis - The Heist World Tour

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Tour – The Heist

Maile and me on the flight...
On our way!!!

I was recently invited to tag along on a 4 city tour doing makeup for the back up dancers, The Macklemorette’s, the Rebecca, Cellist and as it turns out a couple of the male performers for Macklemore & Ryan Lewis The Heist World Tour…was such an honor and amazing experience.

I feel very lucky that I had the chance to evn be backstage at all...I just kept pinching myself thinking 'I am not cool enough to be here'.  There ae such amazing performers and artists and just listening to them talk about writing their songs or practicing their instraments was sureal!  It was the opportunity of a lifetime and I can now check that off my bucket list.  
"Makeup artists for a 6-time Grammy Nominated Performers Tour"

I had no idea what to expect when I arrived and was totally intimidated by the thought of being backstage with all these amazingly talented people.  As it turns out, it felt exactly like being in the locker rooms as a SeaGal at the Hawks Games.  Doing the makeup felt exactly like doing a brides makeup for the first time…everyone just wants to look fabulous and feel great. 

Everyone was chill and easy going and with all of us from Seattle there was already a connection and many common threads that made the conversations easy and natural. 

Rebecca Chung Filice, Cellist for
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
World Tour

Each performer had a little different need or request, some wanted off the wall fun crazy makeup, others wanted a more traditional stage makeup look, and others just didn't want to have to do it themselves (I love that reason, my favorite)!

We did heavy winged cat eyes, we tried bright blues, and bright golds...as well as a seafoam green all over the lid winged all the way out to the temple.  It looked absolutely stricking on stage.

A great makeup artists’ goal should always be to make the client feel calm and comfortable and give them an hour to relax and chill before they have to be ‘on’ the rest of the night (hosting an event, attending a wedding, or performing in front of 40,000 screaming fans)…this was how I went into each concert.  I wanted whoever sat in my chair to relax and feel just a little more confidant and excited when they performed.

Ray Dalton singer on Grammy Nominated
song 'The Ceiling Cant Hold Us' one of
my favorites!

Anna, lead dancer and
choreographer for Macklemorette's
(as they are known)

The first concert was a trial run for everyone…a little nervous (bad experiences in the past) and a little concerned that I wouldn’t listen to what they were comfortable with for makeup looks.

Andrew Jocyln lead of strings section and
violinist, sporting his new 'Guy-Liner'.

By the last concert in San Francisco we were all ready to try some fun crazy looks with different color combinations and intense eye makeup.  We had a trust level at that point where everyone was able to sit back and relax.  That is when it clicks and it's fun for everyone!!!

Number one thing I took away from this adventure was to trust my talent (10%) and to be myself (90%).  Reading what the person in my chair wants and listening to everything they say, and then interpreting that into what I will do to make them feel and look fabulous….male, female, , homecoming girls, grandmothers of the bride, Grammy nominated performer, and everyone else!  I love what I do and I am lucky that people feel it is worth it to pay me for it!  

Cheers to living the dream and not working a day in our lives!

The Perfect Glitter Holiday Eye - Smokey Bronzed Eye Makeup

Holiday Trend 

The Glitter Bronzed Smokey Eye

I recently did one of my favorite holiday looks and wanted to share some of the basic techniques for appling it so the makeup will stay and look polished all night.  Everyone loves a smokey eye with a twist....add glitter!

1.) First rule of putting on glitter eye makeup -
Apply to the eye lid first...because you will end up needing to clean up all the glitter fall down below the eye.  Glitter is sometimes really hard to get off the skin completely and it stays in my makeup brushes forever so I avoid using them too.


I have started to use a mini lint roller on my cheeks when I have glitter fall down, lol.  A slightly damp mascara wand works too.  

2.) Use eye primer (my favorite is MAC Paint Pot in Painterly) and while it is still tacky place the glitter on the lid with a flat synthetic brush and press it onto the eye, never use a fluffy brush to swipe it on.  It will get everywhere and you wont get the look you are going for anyway.

3.) Go easy on the inner corner of the eye.  Not only is glitter super uncomfortable when it gets in your eyes (or worse your contacts), but it also can catch light funny in pics and look harsh and funny.  It is best to end it at the lash line and use a
or sheen to brighten the inner corner of the eye if that is the desired look.

4.) Eye Liner - Use a gel liner and and angle brush.  Press the liner into the lash line without dragging it across the lash line.  This will ensure that it does not mess up the glitter and the brush will likely not get covered in the glitter.

Product List - 

• MAC Holiday Pigment combo collection on the lid
• MAC Brown Down in the crease used very lightly
• MAC Fluid Line applied with an angle brush 
• Naked Palette Original - a mix of the golds and browns smudge out the bottom liner

Fall Make-up Trends 2013 - Copper Smokey Eye

Copper Metallic Smokey Eye

Make-up Looks for Fall 2013 - Trends and Tips

This year I have been seeing a new version of the Smokey Eye...the color is consistent almost the whole way up to the brow and really only one color is used.

This look is dramatic and modern, but very hard to pull off (keep it simple and extra blending will help).  It is usually done in one particular shade such as copper (shown here) or greys.  Metallic versions are often used as well.  The color is applied heavily close around the eye and then gradually fades out as you blend it to the brow.  This is similar to a traditional smokey eye, however usually there are at least three colors used in the smokey eye we are used to seeing.

This particular look using copper is beautiful with a bronzed contoured cheek (very little blush), heavy black eye liner, a nude peach lip, very heavy eye brows.

1.) Use a Short Shader Brush MAC #213 works great for close around the to blend out the black liner into the heavy copper.  If you are using a metallic copper color you will want to pat the product on your eye lid so it doesn't fall on you lashes.  Blend using short back and forth strokes below the eye.

2.) The #217 MAC Blending Brush is a must have in any kit and works really well for blending out the heavier shadow from the lid up thru the crease.  You shouldn't need to switch brushes for the blending from the crease up to the brow at all, I would just continue to blend (don't add any more product or it will end up too heavy in the crease)

Personally I think the heavy dramatic eye like this doesn't need any false lashes and should go with a very sleek hair style.  It speaks for itself and doesn't nee much else.

The Importance of Professional Head Shots

How to Look Your Best in Your Next Professional Head Shot Photo Session -

In this social media crazed world we seem to have a million ways to share photos, post photos, and tag photos....however when it comes to our professional lives it is nice to have a polished and stylized look.  This includes good lighting, polished makeup, styled hair, and appropriate attire.  These key ingredients help represent you in the way that you want people to see you.

Even though we are in the industry, I really do recommend hiring professional help with styling for attire, hair, and makeup looks.  These photos are going to be used for your business and represent you and you work so hard to put your best foot forward at work why not put your very best into your image as well.

Suggestions when considering a professional head shot...

Example of great lighting and location

1.) Location - Pick somewhere with natural light, but sometimes outside is too much natural light, and the environment ends up being hard for a photographer to control.  The wind or rain can be a problem for hair and makeup so I would recommend a second location in a studio as well.

Example of great hair and skin

2.) Photographer - Make sure to pick a photographer who does a lot of professional head shots, who has experience with the lighting and poses.  As silly as it sounds, having someone who can help you with your posing and how you stand is very helpful!

3.) Hair  - Hair should be simple in a style you feel comfortable with and one that is flattering to your attire and your face.  It shouldn't cover your face too much and also shouldn't be completely pulled back.
Not to much hair product, you want it to be soft and fall naturally not look stiff in the photos.

Example of the right amount of makeup

4.) Make-up - Make-up should be natural and enhance all your features.  It might be a bit more makeup then you are used to, but it is necessary in order to show up in photos.  A touch more contouring and highlighting might be advised as well as more definition in the eye liner and blush.  Makeup tends to get lost in photos and in order for your features to stand out and look polished with high def photos more makeup is required.



*** there is a benefit to airbrush makeup and that is, it holds up well in heat and lights and lasts for a very long time if you are having a long shoot.  It also doesn't show brush strokes because it is applied with an airbrush gun.  This is all much more important in a high definition photo shoot.  Or for media prints that will be enlarged such as posters or banners.

Tanning for SeaFair Weekend

SeaFair Weekend in Seattle -

SeaFair has offiacially started with the Tourchlight Parade the other night and now we get ready for the festivities!!!  Along with buying bikinis and beer...most girls get a tan, a pedicure, and a wax before the big weekend on the boats.

A couple tips to make sure your tan is flawless for SeaFair Parties...

1.) Get your pedicure and waxing appointments done before you come in for your airbrush tan (we recommend at least the day before your tanning appointment)

2.) Schedule your Flawless Tan appointment in advance.  It is one of the busiest weekends for us and we fill up fast and often have a very hard time moving around appointment times.  We recommend either Wednesday or Thursday (open 9am - 9pm) as the best days before the weekend.  Book ahead of time and just remember these appointments are pre-paid and non-refundable.  

3.) Exfoliate a couple days before your tan (you want your skin to be prepared nicely for your tan and this will help the tan go on evenly and stay longer

4.) Find an outfit for your tanning appointment that is loose fitting, darker colored, and light weight so you dont sweat.  I love maxi dresses and loose fitting flip flops.  No bra (it can leavea  tan line).  No sunglasses right after the tan either, they can leave a mark on your nose.

5.) Hats.  Hats are cute on a boat, but a really tight fitting baseball cap can leave a mark and maybe rub off the tan on your forhead depending on how much you sweat.  So I would stick with loose fitting hats or sunglasses instead.

6.) Buy a touch up lotion or spray to keep the tan looking flawless all the way to Sunday.  Normally it lasts beautifully without touching up, however that much sweat and water on the skin will naturally exfoliate the tan prematurely and you still want to look glowing on Sunday.  I recommend the spray at night and the lotion during the day.

7.) Sunscreen!!!  Use at least a 30 when you are on the water (50 for your face).  Keep reapplying it so that you dont get burned.  It will ruin your weekend, and your Flawless Tan will peel off funny the rest of the week:(

8.) Extra hydrating lotion at night (if you dont use a touch up spray).  I like Cetaphil.  It will help you hydrate your skin after being in the water and sun all day. Chances are you are drinking alcohol too, and that dehydrates your skin as well.  So lots and lots of water!!!

Those are my tips for a flawless tan for SeaFair.  Have fun, be safe, and we will see you later this week.  Post your SeaFair pics on Flawless Facebook page and we will do a drawing at the end of the weekend for a free Whish Tan Extender Lotion!

Follow up on 'Dairy vs. My Skin'

Dairy vs. My Skin - My skin wins!!!!!

If you have heard me talk about 'No Dairy' as a solution to acne...and if you have ignored me....now is the time to listen.  Check it out.  This is just June 18th start date...after picture taken the morning of June 27th.

This is a blog to follow up on the 5 days I was giving my skin to improve after going off dairy, well I waited 8.  But the results were amazing!!!  As you may recall I was traveling and attending events and eating meals where it would have been rude to NOT eat what was served to me so I had a couple weeks of eating dairy, wheat, and meats that were not in my normal diet.  It caused my skin to flare up and break out and basically rebel against what I was putting in my body.

If you are reading this and you don't know me...I am 35 years old and I should not be having acne on my wrinkles!!!  So after I tried every single harsh product and $1000's of dollars in peels and facials.  I turned to nutrition as a solution.

When I got home I went back to all my normal habits and routines...I must be clear that I didn't do a cleanse or a detox.  I don't like those and I don't believe in doing anything that I cant maintain.  So I just went back to my routine of no dairy or wheat and only fish...trying to get everything fresh and whole into my eating habits again.

This was the result:)

As a side note, I had blood work done and I am NOT'allergic' or 'sensative' or 'intollorant' of any dairy products, wheat products, or any meats.  I was totally low in ALL categories...so it isnt the actual food item, it is totally the way our American Food Industry creates them and what they are putting in them or the animal producing them.  There, jumping down off my soap box now.  Cheers to clear skin and a happy girl!

My First Lesson - Aerial on Silks

Aerial Lessons - (Apparently its Not Just about the Makeup)

I have been working with an amazing company called Animated Objects in Motion for over a year now.  They specialize in 'bringing life to your party' by providing aerialists and stilt walkers, fire breathers, go-go dancers, jugglers, among many other talents.  Flawless Beauty Bars has had the privilege of doing their makeup...we get to collaborate on all kinds of crazy amazing looks that are romantic and mystical!  It is such a cool outlet for us to have some creativity.

Recently I have become so impressed and intrigued with the aerialists who perform on the silks (or fabric)!  I finally felt like I was strong enough to do it and learn.  Today was my first lesson....

This was so difficult, but I am so excited to learn more and get better... I had so much fun and I am totally addicted and sold, however....it did seem really tough for the small outcome of just a couple simple moves.  I guess I have a long way to go with my strength and flexibility, but you better believe that this will give me a great reason to get some new outfits and 'attire' so I look cute while I train!

I will have 'Crossfit' outfits and now I will 'aerial' outfits;)

Bag for Europe

Had to find a handbag for Europe that was cute and functional and inexpensive... Of course I turned to Zappos!   

Mission accomplished.... I found this cute 'Cross Body Bag' big enough for... 

Phone

Map

Sunglasses

Water

Lip Gloss

Sunscreen

Hand Cream

Sanitizer Wipes

....and it was only $30!!!  

I already had a passport case, so I am set!

The Perfect Shoe for Europe

The Perfect Shoes for Touring Europe -

I am trying to find the perfect flat shoe to take to Europe with me on my fabulous, 18 day trip with my mom.   When I went to Italy I went with one pair of shoes that worked ok for the first couple days, but ended up buying cute leather loafers when I was there.  They were actually very comfortable from the very beginning…but I am too worried to do that this time, I want to break them in before I go.

I bought a pair of Drivers recently and have been trying to break them in by wearing them around the house and to work.  I think I need to wear them with socks tho cause they are still bothering me around the top of my big toe.  Does anyone else have this problem?  For a girl who is used to only heels and running shoes this is gonna be tricky. 

I already returned a pair of boat shoes, they just looked too frumpy for me???  Any good suggestions?  I got one suggestion, however it was for a brand that was $400, not my budget anymore! 

I have a pair of ballet flats, but they always hurt at my heel…they are good for a couple of hours like if I am going to the farmers market….but I cant seem to find a pair comfortable enough for 8 hours of walking around cobblestone streets.

I also bought a pair of flat sandals that I can wear with dresses and a little bit more trendy for my days in Paris and LondonJ   These have been much easier to break in and I bought them as just a back up, but they might turn into my main shoe!!!!

My goal for this trip  is to not look like a tourist!  I have heard that the shoes are a good place to start.  I tend to over dress for everything in the US and since it seems that most people in Europe dress up a little more I might be able to fit in a little (aside from the map and annoying carry-all strapped across my body).

Speaking of hand bags, I have a small Coach bag that goes across the body (hands free)….but I am kind of thinking that I want something a little bigger???  Might have to go on Zappos to see what they have.  I picture something that maybe has room for a water bottle, my phone, a map, some lip gloss, my money, ID, and sunglasses.  (That is another blog)

Bridal Suggestions

Wedding Day Suggestions 

This is just a few things that I tell brides who are getting ready for their upcoming weddings.  We get a lot of questions from our brides during their trial run for makeup or tanning...and I thought it might be helpful to share it with everyone.

1. Don't try anything too crazy with your skin routine the month before your wedding date.  If you don't already do things like microderm, peels, waxing, or product routines...then don't start that month or your skin might get worse before it gets better.  Just stick with what you normally do and if you do want to try something new do it well before the wedding date.
2. Don't put on too much sunscreen on your face that day.  Sunscreen can contain zinc oxide which is great for protecting your skin from the harmful UV rays, but can show up in photos looking kind of white.  If you are going to be outside for long periods of time in the sun taking pictures then you should think about an umbrella.  There are several stores that make really cute umbrellas that will go with just about any color or theme.  After photos are done and you are still going to be outside, then I would recommend SPF 30 in a spray form.
3. Make-up or Hair first?  In my opinion it doesn't matter if I do your make-up before or after your hair, however if you do plan on having your bangs side swept over your forehead then you should have your make-up done first so your hair doesn't have to be pinned back.
4. Blot paper is better then powder to get rid of shine during the night.  You don't want to have to deal with a brush or possible powder spilling on your dress.
5. Stick with makeup that YOU are comfortable with...not something too different then what you normally wear.  You do need to have a touch more blush and a bit brighter lipstick (brighter lipstick will make your teeth look whiter in photos).  Get the lipstick that you plan to wear that day so that you have something to touch up with...and make sure you take the time to touch up.  Your photos will look better if you touch up your lipstick all night, and you will be happy you took the time to do it.
6. Try your spray tan before the wedding and pay attention to how it looks the next day as well as day 2 & 3.  It might be that you like the look of it on day 3 and you should book your tan three days before your wedding date.  Also look to see if there is anything that turned out less then flawless.  If there are areas that need extra care or attention...then you will know that and we wont be guessing for your actual wedding date.

• It is always better to go too light then too dark for your wedding day.  A light glow photographs so much better then a tan!  Plus you dont want to be to dark next to your fiance or your bridesmaids.  It will look fake in photos.

Whats Hot for the 4th of July

Top Looks for Independence Day...

1.) The Red Lip - this is a popular trend for 4th of July, because it gives a pop of color to you makeup look.

• Keep the eyes simple with lots of lashes and maybe black liner 
• Add a pop of candy apple red blush but apply very conservatively (just as if someone pinched your cheek)
• Use a clear wax lip liner to keep the red from feathering

2.) Bronzed Babe - a medium airbrush tan to give you a glow will compliment any summer dress, with a little body bling on the shoulders and shins and a touch of bronzer on the forehead and across the cheeks and nose

• Dont go too dark with your airbrush tan, because it will fade unnaturally 
• Put shimmer body lotion (my favorite is Body Bling by Scott Barnes) only on the areas that wont touch your clothes or other people
• Use a matte face bronzer only in the areas where the sun would naturally hit your face (forehead, across the nose and cheeks, and a touch on the chin)

3.) Denim - I like just one piece in denim...denim top and bottom is way too much in my opinion, but I do love a strapless denim dress!  (the denim shorts witht he pockets hanging out the bottom...even though it is the trend right now, I think you will end up regreting it if you do)

5.) Stars and Stripes - Pick one.  Wearing both together can start to look like a parade or costume.  I prefer a smaller stripe it is more flattering

6.) Fun Sunglasses - If you can get away with colored rims, I love them.  But for me... I love Gold Rims and a bronzy tinted lense.   Plus it always looks great with my airbrush tan.

7.) Summer Highlights - Everyone wants to lighten their hair a bit during the summer...however, chunky overdone highlights tend to look dated.  Keep them natural and in the right color family for your skin tone.

Picture Perfect Prom Makeup

Perfect Prom Makeup -

Not everyone can afford to get professional makeup done, and as much as we would love to do every one's makeup for every special occasion we don't have the time.  So I have a few recommendation for DIY Prom Makeup to look like it was done by a professional.





1. ) Primer is still necessary for young skin.  It helps control oil and balance out uneven skin.  It will also help the makeup last longer (my favorite is Smashbox Photo Finish Primer available in a small container perfect size for special occasions only)

2.) Color match your foundation carefully.  Everyone needs to have at least 2 colors of foundation, 3 is ideal.  It allows you to change your foundation color to perfectly match your skin no matter how fair or tan you are  on any given day.

• Match your foundation to your décolleté for the full face coverage. 
• Match it to your neck for highlight color. 
• Match it to your shoulders for the perfect bronzy color.

3.) Use an eye primer.  Eye primer helps the shadows stick to the eye and last all night.  It also allows you to blend the colors easily.  (my favorite is MAC Paint  Pot in Painterly or Groundwork for darker skin tones).

3.) Define your brows.  Even if you don't need to fill them in or darken them, it is a good idea to add a little brow gel or brush them with a touch of hairspray or clear brow wax to make them defined for photos.

4.) Liquids before Powders...put on all your liquids (foundation and concealers) before you apply any powders (blush, contour, blot powder).  The texture will start to look cakey and weird if you apply liquids over the top of a setting powder.  Be very careful applying too much setting powder under the eyes it can give you a white look in photos.

5.) Eyes in the Correct Order.  They eye shadow should be applied light to dark in that order, and eye liner last and mascara and lashes at the very end.  Blend out all eye shadows completely with a very light touch and then at the very end use eye liner, mascara, and false lashes.

Having fun putting on your makeup and getting ready is most important, but some of these tricks should help you achieve the look you are wanting and help it last all night.  Cheers.

Airbrush Tanning Prep and Post Care

Proper Tanning Prep…

12-24 Hours Before Your Airbrush Tan

• Make sure you shower and shave or wax prior to your appointment.
• Exfoliate with a loofa or sugar scrub prior to your tanning service, however do not apply any perfumes, deodorants, lotions or moisturizers on you skin before you appointment. 
• You will be able to remove makeup when you arrive, but lotions can act as a barrier and will affect the processing of you tan.
• Make sure you get your manicure and pedicure done the day before.
• Make sure you have all your waxing and sugaring done at least one day prior to your tan.
• Pack your tanning bag (black or dark undergarments if desired, loose fitting shoes, dark  and loose fitting clothes to wear afterwards, umbrella in-case of rain)
• Uggs or similar shoes are best during the winter and flip flops are best during the summer

15 Minutes Before Your Airbrush Tan

• Remove all makeup and deodorant with baby wipes
• Pull hair back away from face and up off your neck (we do not provide hair ties, however we have them available for purchase)
• Remove all jewelry
• Change into your desired tanning attire (anything or nothing for females, boxers or briefs for men)
• Put on the undergarments you want to wear and adjust them to where you want the tan lines to be (we do not provide disposable undergarments, however we have them available for purchase)

Proper Post-Tanning Care…

 

1 Hour After Your Airbrush Tan

• Dry yourself with the hair dryer for about 5 minutes
• Gather all jewelry and place it in a safe place, rings and earrings are the only thing you should put back on after the airbrush tan
• Keep your hair up off your neck
• Avoid touching your skin with your palms or fingers to prevent the airbrush tan from transferring to your hands.

 

6-8 Hours After Your Airbrush Tan

• Avoid any activity that would cause seating, exercise, showering, or any activity that may result in water coming in contact with the skin.
• If you choose to sleep in your airbrush tan, you may want to put down dark sheets or towel to prevent the airbrush tan from transferring to your sheets (it should wash out, but it is recommended to wash immediately) 

12 Hours After Your Airbrush Tan

• Shower and shave like normal (extra hydrating body wash is recommended or hair conditioner)
• Make sure to wash off ALL the airbrush tanning solution off your skin or it may appear to look streaky if there is left over bronzer on the skin
• Pat your skin dry after showering to avoid unnecessary exfoliation
• Apply a generous amount of moisturizer all over the skin to help the tan last

Day 3-7

• Apply recommended At Home Tanning Spray at night in the areas that start to fade first (hands, face, and feet)
• Apply recommended Tan Extending Lotion every other morning to moisturize the skin and extend the life of the tan
• On Day 7 use the Tan Off Glove to remove all the remaining airbrush tan residue to prepare for your next airbrush tan

 

The Life of Your Tan

The life of your spray tan depends on the care you take of your skin.  Moisturize twice a day and avoid exfoliation. 

Products may reduce the number of days your spray tan will last…

• Band Aids
• Face Masks
• Anti-Aging or Acne Products
• Bar Soaps
• Hair Removal

 

Activities that may reduce the life of your airbrush tan…

• Hot Tubs
• Salt Water
• Prolonged time in the pool
• Hot Yoga
• Extreme Exercise
• Walking in sand for long distances
• Massage
• Mineral Oils