Makeup Must Haves - Celebrity Makeup Aritsts

Must Haves from an Academy Awards Make-up Artist –

These are some of the products used by the most 'in demand' makeup artists in Hollywood.  I have added my humble opinions to it and why you should have it when it is time to be "Red Carpet Ready".  

1. Straws – brilliant!!!  I am immediately adding this to my Bridal Makeup Kit, although maybe not as glamorous as The Oscars, it is just as important to at least one girl!!!!...Therefore it is important for me to have it for herJ
2. Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Fluid – that name is too long so I would never have that in my case.   However I did find a favorite product that does the exact same thing, Body Bling.  (sold at Flawless Beauty Bars $42 or mini for $20) This gives any exposed skin a golden, healthy glow, and camouflages any imperfections or unintended tan lines.  
3. Lashes – It sounds simple and obvious, but having several different kinds of lashes when going on-site for any make-up job is a must.  You never know who else might want them added to their look or what kind of look they will finally decided on.  Or if you drop one with the glue on it face down on the floor…grossL  good to have a back up.  (or maybe when you are trimming them, you cut the wrong end of the lash and it is really really long on the inner corner of the eye…smh)

1. Some favorites are Ardell #116, Demi #120, #111, and #53 for a more subtle look
4. Extra brushes – makeup brushes can be cleaned in-between clients, but sometimes you are in a major rush to get people ready and if you can just grab a second set of already clean brushes….you might just end up being the hero that day.  

1.  Tide Pen – this has come in handy on several occasions.  Someone is always spilling something on a garment, and it works wonders.  It is so small and lasts forever, I just pop it in my kit and forget about it until there is a disaster and then I look really super prepared!

All of these essential items go along with one of my favorite quotes, and I don’t even know who it is from so I can’t give a reference.  “Luck follows the Prepared”.  I use this in every aspect of my life, which is exactly why I have to check my luggage rather then carry it on!

Lash Extensions - My Experience

Are Lash Extensions Worth It?

I get so many questions about lash extensions and so I have decided to blog about what my experience has been and what might work for you...

 

I have tried a few places to get mine done (all referral based....NEVER Groupon or somewhere random). 

• The first place I was going was Eye Candy in Kirkland.  I thought they all did a good job, but I was not always thrilled with their customer service or the atmosphere there.  I never felt very comfortable or welcome in the salon.  They did do a good job on my lashes and they were fast and average pricing and super convenient.

• The next and current place I have been going is Wink Lash Extensions in Bellevue right off of Main.  I have had outstanding experiences every-time I have gone in there or whenever I have called.  I get excellent lashes, excellent customer service.  The atmosphere is inviting and clean and comfortable!!!  The owner Tova has done a fabulous job and I would highly recommend it.  The prices are the same as what I was accustomed to paying so I feel they are in line with everywhere else.  I am hooked. 

I have been getting my lashes done for over 3 years now, and the thing is they can only apply false lashes to my natural lashes so my natural lashes obviously have not fallen out.  I apply Eye Envy or Revitalash for about 2-3 weeks at a time every once in a while to strengthen my natural lashes and ensure that they keep their growth cycle.  I have had great experiences with mine.  It is a luxury and probably not one that I would be able to justify keeping up if I was not in the industry (not that I get any discounts, but I feel it is important for me to try every new trend and service so I can report to my clients).

 

I have blond hair and blond brows and blond lashes:(  So I feel like they give me just enough definition to my face that I feel great without eye makeup for the day and I look refreshed and polished right when I get up in the morning or when I'm working out!  That is what I love about them!!!



I did try a place while on vacation...my mission on every vacation is to try a local beauty service.  I thought the lashes looked good, however they itched a little.  I didn't really think much of it until I came home and went into Wink and the associate there told me they had glued one false lash to like 3-5 of my own natural lashes so they were pulling and straining the natural lash.  THIS is how you loose your natural lashes!!!!!  Be careful out there, they can go terribly wrong.  This is not an area you want to cut costs.

Another note about a very inexpensive place, Noir Lash Bar in Bellevue.  I hear they do great work, I have not been there...however they do have a policy to not fill from other lash applications.  They also make you get a new set every third visit.  I don't have time for any of that so I have never been in, but they do have low low prices and the staff is good from what I hear.

That is my experience and what I love about them.  I hope this gives you an idea of what to expect and maybe where to go.  Cheers!!!!

The Makeup Show - Overview

The Make-up Show - Los Angeles

I was in Los Angeles for the weekend attending The Makeup Show, a large trade show and conference that brings hundreds of makeup vendors and professionals in the industry together.  This is the first event like this I have ever been to and so I was kinda nervous about what to expect.

It was so overwhelming and intimidating the first day...I felt like I didn't even know where to begin.   I sort of stood there for a minute, head spinning starting at what was going on and trying to remember exactly what I was there to find.



My intentions were...

1. Get continuing advanced education from elite celebrity makeup artists (I never have access to in the Northwest)
2. Find professional grade products for my teams makeup kit that I would not have much access to in the Northwest (hard to buy this stuff online)
3. Find wholesalers who can supply Flawless with  unique and fabulous products to sell to our consumer that you cant find at Sephora.                                                                                                  

I accomplished 2 out of 3.  Education....both advanced and basic was fabulous and fascinating.  The instructors had so many great new techniques and products and tools for us, and they were so open to questions!  The workshops only had about a dozen people in them so it was very 'hands on' and interactive.  I took two classes 'Complexion and Contouring'  and 'Red Carpet Beauty'.


Complexion and Contouring - 

Based all about how to color match people absolutely perfectly!!!!  How to correct any problem areas on any one's skin, and all the tools and techniques that are used to create that absolute flawless perfect look you see on a Lancome Billboard add.  It was amazing how simple the theories are and how little actual makeup was used and it was all about technique and placement.  At the end of the day it is all about perfect skin and absolute beauty.



Red Carpet Beauty -

This class also focused on the theory of 'less is more' placement and fixing problems.  Contouring the eyes to make they into the desired shape.  Brows and lashes...another amazing technique used was the application of lash glue to the lash line and then the lash is applied over the glue.  Did I just blow your mind?!?!?!?!  :)





Unfortunately it was not the right place to find products that I can sell in my studio...good news, I get to keep coming to LA to find exactly what I want to have at Flawless!!!  I am still on a mission to find the best products we love to try and experience and then buy at Flawless Beauty Bars!