The Perfect Makeup Tools

This article is based soley on my opinion, and my professional 
experience as a makeup artist/skincare specialist.



 These are some of the best quality brushes. I have 2 sets that have 
lasted me over 14 years.

I use this style brush to apply medium/light shadows to entire lid, 

and under brow. This brush can also be used for applying contour cream

This is the brush I use for applying darker shadows, and for filling 
in color on eyebrows.

This is the brush I use to blend my shadows

I use this brush for liquid, and cake liners.

I use a similar brush for both brows, and lashes.

I use this type for applying powders, loose, or pressed.

I use this brush for light contouring before applying bronzer/blush.

I use very similar brush for bronzer/blush

I use a similar fan brush for applying shimmer to eyes, and body. It 

can also be used to apply blush to cheeks.

There are a few other Makeup Forever brushes that I use, but do not 
see listed.

For more info about these brushes and where to buy:

http://www.makeupforever.com/products/tools.html
Next to tools, click choose a catagory. You will be able to see each style brush they have for eyes, lips, etc, or you can see the many different products that are used for creating different looks.

Selecting a Great Foundation

Selecting a great foundation isn't as difficult as you might think. There are many to choose from, and new ones constantly surfacing, but don't let it overwhelm you. I custom blend foundation for my clients, and the first thing you need to do is look at your skin in good lighting. Sunlight works best. 
Take note of the colors of your skin. (Redness, sun spots, etc). Women with fair  skin (those with red/pink undertones who tend to burn in the sun) can use the lighter shades of foundation with a hint of pink in them. Women with medium skin tones (olive tone) should look for foundations with a peach or bronze tone. Women with darker skin tones with red/gray undertones should look for foundation with a hint of red, or mauve. For darker skin women with medium undertones, you should look for foundations with a hint of red, or blue undertones. Darker skin women with yellow undertones can look for foundations with a hint of yellow, or gold undertones. 
If there are testers available, apply about 3 shades of foundations to the jawline, and blend slightly, not all the way.  If there is a whitish patch the makeup is too light. If there is a blotchy, or dark patch, then the makeup is too dark.  The foundation should blend in completely, or have slight color showing for those that want a healthy color. 
Some great foundations I use are Your Name oil free foundation (private label manufacturer available in some beauty supply stores, or salons, I'm currently wearing this foundation, and use this brand when I custom blend for my clients). Suzanne Somers spray foundation, and Christian Dior.  Dior's newest foundation (haven't tried this yet, but I've used, and sold Capture for the eyes, and it is excellent!) available this Spring is called Capture Totale Foundation with SPF 15.  (Description is from Neiman Marcus website)
A unique blend of Capture Totale anti-aging ingredients, Alpha Longoza™ and Centuline™, optical correctors and HD Liquid crystal Pigments ™, this revolutionary serum foundation gives skin a radiant "high definition" perfection in every dimension. Includes a broader band of multi-toned pigments more subtle, real and natural than the 4 (red/yellow/white/black) usually used in foundation. Treats all the signs of aging. Boosts collagen, nourishes, replenishes, re-plumps. Ideal for mature skin, dry skin or dull, "flat" skin lacking radiance. Available in a wide spectrum of shades.

All of these foundations are long lasting, and help the skin to look radiant.  The liquid foundations can be applied with a brush, or sponge. Be sure to shake the bottle before using. Start by applying a small amount across forehead, on cheeks, on, and around nose, and chin.  Be sure to blend from center of your face, outward, and down. Set with powder, and you can add bronzer/blush, depending on your preference.  Use opposite side of sponge to gently blend over your face, into the hairline, and down the neckline to remove excess makeup, so it doesn't look like a mask.
Suzanne Somers Spray Foundation can be sprayed directly onto your face, or on a sponge.  You should skake the can first. Be certain to spray from a distance from top to bottom, (or spray in a Z motion) and close your eyes when spraying the lids. You can blend with a sponge, and/or pat with a puff. Some people may need a little practice spraying, buy once you have the hang of it, it really is a great product, and doesn't feel heavy. There are suggestions on the website for selecting the shades, as well as a link to match your current shade of Foundation. http://www.suzannesomers.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=1897

For those that want extra moisture in their foundation, or just want either sheer coverage, or a hint of color, you can use a  tinted moisturizer. Your Name, and Lancome have excellent tinted moisturizers. You can also apply them with a brush, or sponge. Set with a touch of powder, (I use Jane Mineral Makeup, still in some drugstores, or available online) and apply bronzer/blush.

Apply powder, and bronzer/blush on the declotee area so the skin is all one even shade. Depending on the neckline of what you are wearing, that is how far down you should go with the powder, and bronzer/blush.  

Choosing the Right Concealer:

For blemishes, and moderate dark circles, you can use concealer in a wand, which gives medium coverage.  Maybelline makes a great one called Age Rewind.  One side has a wand for correcting imperfections, and the other side has a highlighter brush for dark circles around the eyes.  For those that have deep set lines, and wrinkles, you can use the highlighter on those areas as well.  Use two fingers to space the skin, and then apply the highlighter into crease/wrinkle.  Blend lightly with your finger, or sponge, and follow with foundation, and a touch of powder to set.
For those that have deep pigmentation on skin, or want to cover a bruise, tatoo, etc. you can use a stick foundation.  You can use either a concealer, or foundation brush to apply. (These types of brushes contain longer, firmer, smoother brissles/hairs than other types of makeup brushes). Be sure to blend gently with a sponge using a stippling motion (tapping makeup into skin, not rubbing it). You can use a little foundation over it, and be sure to blend the makeup, and set it with a touch of powder.

Whatever type of concealor/foundation you need, be sure it is creamy, but not greasy.  Look for oil free products. Makeup containing mineral oil/petroleum can settlle into pores, lines, and wrinkles.  They tend to smudge/crease after a while, and can make you look aged, not to mention cause allergies, or other health risks.

Makeup Looks For Spring/Summer 2011

The fashion runways in Italia are showing a variation of looks for Spring/Summer of 2011.  Collections range from the 50's, 60's, and 70's.
As for makeup, the currents trends are nude (neautral) face, bold stained lips with gloss, and metalic shadows.
In NYC the makeup is ranging from pale violets to bold violets/purple shadows, and metallics. You can do bold shadows, and nude colors on the lips.
There are many ways to achieve these looks, and variations for those who want their own current style.
For those of you that like metallic shadow, you may know that Maybelline has a variety of metallic shadows.  For those of you that don't want the metallic look, you can try a shadow with a touch of shimmer. Bronze, soft gold, light gray (instead of silver) pink/peach, violet, and plum look great.  The difference between metallics, and shimmers: Metallic has more of a bold shiney look, and not many women can wear this look, or may not want to wear it. Shimmer is softer, and may not enhance lines, and creases on the eyes the way metallics can. The brand Jane has great violet, and plum shadows. You may still find the products in some drugstores (RiteAid) or you can search online.  I use Rose Quartz shadow. (It contains about 5 colors) Feel free to use what you like. I mix the pale violet with a touch of white shadow from Rose Quartz, and a touch of Vanilla (shimmer) from Maybelline. I mix the same colors with a little more of the Vanilla for under the brow. I then mix the plum shadows (Rose Quartz) with a touch of brown from Jane (Browny Points) for the outer corners. You can also try Sugar Daddy (pale violet) mixed with Vanilla, for center of lid, and Dazzle mixed with Browny Points (optional) for outer corners.  Be sure to blend colors after applying.
Liners are being worn in a natural look, and also extended a bit.
Lashes: you can follow this:
http://makeupbyteresa.blogspot.com/2010/12/great-lashes.html
Some are using lots of mascara, or even lash tips, extentions, and strips. (Depending on the look you are going for).
You can use a softer amount of bronzer, and blush on your cheeks.
For lips: Try exfoliating them gently with either a light scrub, a mixture of
sugar, and water, or even use a toothbrush gently in a circular motion.  Apply vitamin E, or a balm that you prefer.
To get a lip stain look, Cover Girl has Outlast Lipstain (haven't tried it), or you can use a lip brush, and lightly apply lipstick, or a softer gloss, and blot.  You can also try a soft amount of pencil, then blend with a lip brush, blot lips, and apply balm.
For those that don't want a stained lip look, you can just use a bolder lip color.

Keeping Skin On Body Smooth All Year Long

Regardless of where you live, you shouldn't have to have dry skin.
There are lots of great products out there to keep skin smooth all year long. I like to use this simple mixture of a tablespoon of olive oil, and a tablespoon of brown sugar. (you can use more than a tablespoon of either if you want). Rub the mixture together into your hands, and rub into the dry skin. This can be used anywhere on the body.  It also works well on your face. The longer it's left on, the better the results. In addition to the face, this works well for dry hands, knees, elbows, ankles, arms, legs, and feet. For additional smoothing of dry skin on the body, use a pumis stone. Rinse skin in tepid water, and you will immeadiately feel the difference. (when water is very hot, it can take moisture away from the skin). Follow up with your favorite moisturizer, or even a touch of olive oil. You can do this once a week.

Skin Care Maintenance

Whatever the age, we all want flawless skin.  Due to everyday life, the enviorment, the weather, stress, and allergies, we may have skin that we are not too happy with.  Proper maintenance of the skin can help you to look your best.

Normal To Dry Skin:
Cleanse your skin twice a day. You can use a toner to remove excess traces of makeup, or oils that get into skin. Use a scrub once a week, applying it to face, and neck in a circular motion. Avoid putting the scrub around the eye area, because the skin around the eye is thinner, and more delicate than the rest of the face, and body. You should also use a mask on your skin, to remove any impurities from the pores and maintain firmness to the skin.
Apply moisturizer to the skin during the day, and evening in a circular motion. This helps to increase blood flow, and circulation of the skin. Use a seperate cream for the eyes. Whether cleansing the eye area, or applying an eye cream, be sure to be gentle. Pat creams around the eye from the outside in, in a circular motion.

Oily/Combination Skin:
Weather you have oily skin, or combination skin, you should wash your face three times a day. (If you can't always manage three times, then you can try oil blotting paper to absorb excess shine. ) You can use a scrub 2-3 times a week, deping on how oily your skin gets.
Follow up with a toner, and a moisturizer for your skin type. Use an eye cream as well.

Acne Prone Skin:
You should use a cleanser, and toner specifically for your skin type twice a day. These products can help to reduce the amount of acne if used properly. Keep in mind that they dry up oil, and can cause your skin to dry out, and peel. If this does occur, you would want to look into something less harsh. 
You can use a scrub, and mask 2-3 times a week.  Clay masks work well on all skin types  They can extract impurities from your skin.  You can use a moisturizer that is for your skin type to help balance out the skin. Try not to squueze (pop) your blemishes because you can cause scaring, bleeding, or an infection. 

Dehydrated Skin:
Your skin can become dehydrated (lacking water) from long flights, or being in areas with recycled air for long periods of time.
You can cleanse your skin twice a day, and you need to replenish moisture to the skin. Drinking water can help to hydrate the skin. 
Use a gentle scrub, and a hydrating mask to replenish moisture to the skin.
You should use a moisturizer specifically for dehydrated skin, and use an eye cream.

Dry Skin:
Skin can become dry, losing natural oils during certain harsh temperatures, or by using a product that is too harsh for the skin.
Cleanse the skin twice a day.  You can use a toner for dry skin. Use a scrub, and mask once a week. Be sure to moisturize at least twice a day, and use a seperate cream for the eye area.

Mature skin:
You should cleanse your skin twice a day. You can try creamy, or milky cleansers. You can use a toner as well. You can use a scrub, and mask 2-3 times a week depending on how dry your face gets. Using a scrub, and mask will help remove dead skin, help increase circulation, and bloodflow to the skin, which will reveal a healthier look to it.
Moisturize twice a day. Anti-Aging skin care creams work to prevent aging, and there are creams that can relax lines. Use a seperate eye cream.

Sensitive/Reactive Skin
Sometime skin can become sensitive, or reactive due to harsh ingredients in skincare, or even cosmetics.
Cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser. You can use a mild scrub (once a week), or make your own using sugar, and water. (This scrub can be used for all skin types.) You control how gently you want the scrub by increasing the amount of water.  If your skin is very reactive, you should add more water, and press the scrub into the skin gently, then rinse with tepid water. You can try using a mask for sensitive skin. (Clay masks can calm the skin) Use a gentle moisturizer. Avoid products that contain menthol, or alcohol. 

Rosacea: 
Cleanse skin twice a day with a mild cleanser. You can rinse your face with tepid water during the day, and either blot face, or air dry.  You can use a calming toner. Avoid products that contain grains, alcohol, menthol, or salicylic acid.  They can irritate the skin, and will cause flareups.
You can try a clay mask to soothe the skin. I've used one by Freeman on my clients. 
If using topical medication, wait 15 minutes before applying moisturizer, or makeup. 
Be sure to use sunscreen. 15% or higher is recommended. 

There are many wonderful skin care products available. An excellent skin care line I use, and have sold is Decleor.  The line has been around since 1974. It is aroma therapy skincare created in Europe. They don't use any harsh ingredients.  They have oils, balms, cleansers, moisterizers, scrubs, masks, and a sun care line for face, and body, and are never greasy. They also have excellent eye creams to reduce puffiness, and bags. They have products for every skin type. Based on Eastern holistic philosophies, Decleor approach to beauty is unique in its combination of the purest, most potent and natural ingredients. Decleor has devoted years of intensive research to creating Europe's most comprehensive and effective range of beauty treatments and today is recognized as a leading authority in Aromatherapy skincare.
You will see results from the first use, and continue to see great results over time.  

Great Lashes

They say "the eyes are the windows to the soul". So why not enhance them with great lashes?
Achieving the look of great lashes is easy. You can prime them first with clear gel mascara, lash primer, or carefully apply a touch of root plumper at the tips of your lashes. A small amount is all you'll need. Next, try using an eyelash curler (optional). A great one to try is La Cross from Sally Hansen. It comes with four refills, and one already on the eyelash curler. While looking in the mirror, try focusing your eyes toward your shoulder, then squeeze the curler gently. Once you achieved the desired curl, you can apply the mascara. Black, and Navy mascaras look great, but if you want a more natural look, try brown.
There are many great brands such as Dior, Lancome, Chanel, Este Lauder, Cover Girl, Maybelline, and L'Oreal. For those who have sensitivity to certain mascaras you may want to try Bare Natural, from L'Oreal. Another excellent mascara (launched at the end of 2010) that I just tried is also by L'Oreal. True Match Naturale Mineral Enriched Mascara. It lengthens lashes up to 60%, and is 100% clump free, fiber, and paraben free. It conditions lashes with vitamin E, Jojoba oil, and contains Aloe. It is safe for sensitive eyes & contact lens wearers.

This is the link for a full list of ingredients, and more info:
 http://www.lorealparisusa.com/_us/_en/mobile/iphone/default.aspx?page=top{main:m_pdp//objectid+Cos3h_1//}

Bending your mascara brush will help reach smaller lashes. Apply a light amount to the top of the lashes, and then apply mascara to the other side of the lashes. Use a com/brush to seperate lashes. It also removes excess mascara. Apply a second coat of mascara to just the front of the lashes. Now's when you can work the brush on the lashes.
Applying mascara to the root, helps the lashes look thicker. Wearing liner in the lashline also helps the look of thicker lashes. Applying mascara toward the tip of the lashes will give the illusion of longer lashes. (You can also reach the look of thicker, or longer lashes by using a thickening, or lengthening mascara.) Be sure to use a brush/comb again to seperate lashes. If desired, you can apply mascara to the bottom lashes. I usually apply one coat to the bottom lashes, but it's a matter of preference. You can use the brush/comb on the bottom as well.
If you accidently get mascara on lids, or underneath eyes, you can remove it with a Q-tip, or sponge. If it's a lot of mascara, just use a little makeup remover.