New Eye Shadow Trend - Pink Eye Shadow

How to Wear Pink Eye Shadow 

When I think of pink eye shadow I think about the 80's and Toddlers & Tiaras...but there is actually a really beautiful and sophisticated way to wear pink on your eyes.  It is all about the shade of pink and they way it is applied...here a are few tips to try the spring.

Be A Bombshell Eye Shadow
in Miss Priss $8.00

1.) The pink shadow should be in a cool dusty rose color (blue undertones).  If the color is too rich or reddish it will make the eyes look irritated.

Rain Cosmetics in Peepshow
$22.00

2.) Place the shadow on the eye lid, intensified on the center of the lid and diffused to the edges.  if it is a cream based shadow use your fingers to apply it, this will warm up the product making it easier to apply.

Be A Bombshell One Stick
Girl Crush $9.00

3.) Very light eye liner in grey or browns.  Smudge it out very lightly if you want a subtle smoky eye, but don't over dramatize the colors or it will start to look dated.  Soft blending is key to keeping the look sophisticated and youthful.

4.) Keep the lips neutral in nude colors with a little gloss.  Just like when you wear a red dress, you dont want to try to match pinks together.  Pick a nude color that doesnt leave you looking washed out...it should have a touch of natural color and use the gloss to make your lips look fuller and give them a softness.

This is a very fun look for springtime during the day and you can often use your blush as the eye shadow color (two'fer).  Don't forget the eye brows and the lashes for this look, it is important to keep the face framed and these features should be defined and pop.

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.

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.

The Favorite Smokey Eye - most popular request

Why I Love This Smokey Eye 

The most common request when someone comes in for makeup application or a makeup lesson with me is for a more dramatic smokey eye.

I love doing this look, it is probably my favorite.  I think it looks good on just about everyone and it is dramatic and pretty without being too trendy or harsh.

Although there are several 'interpretations' of a smokey eye, this is by far the most popular look that people want to try to achieve.




The elements that make it great...

• a matte color under the brow to highlight the brow bone, it doesn't shine too much or catch the light when photographed
• a matte color in the crease, soft brown in this look is warm and doesn't shimmer so it keeps the look fresh and youthful
• a slight sheen to the lid so there is a little pop of goldish pink that fades into a light inner corner
• a dark matte color in the corner that blends really nicely into the eye liner
• black eye liner that lines both the waterline and the outside of the eye without smudging it too much so it wont fall below and make you look like you have a black eye
• lots and lots of lashes and mascara

Always make sure that you apply your false eye lashes last so that the makeup doesn't fall onto the top of the lashes.  Apply mascara on the bottom first and then then top.  The bottom of the eye is easier to clean then the top if you accidentally transfer your mascara.

Cant wait to see all of your favorite smokey eye looks.  You can do so much with them without making them too harsh or dramatic.