denvermakeupguru

MAC Pro Class II

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:34:00 +0000

Of course I get hired as a makeup artist because I'm great at what I do. But the most common reason I hear from my clients is that I'm down to earth (i.e. not your typical makeup snot that has 8lbs of makeup on and calls it her "5 minute face"). That's probably why I loved this particular MAC Pro's Master Class. It was named "Close-Up" and touted to teach the "no-makeup makeup" look. And of course, MAC Senior Artist Victor Cembellin didn't disappoint, focusing on what is currently going on in the industry. With High-Def ruling the television, and High-Res ruling the camera it has completely changed the way makeup artistry is done. Subtlety cannot be taught. I believe High-Def is changing the way us simple folk wear makeup too. How? Makeup trends tend to evolve from celebrities and most of the cameras pointed at them are.....ding ding ding! High Def/Res! That glow from within without that fake metallic sheen. Definition and structure around your eyes without a harsh line in sight. Lips that are healthy looking without that ring around your lip line. Soft diffusions of matte colors are what's in. That's why it's so up my alley and why I studied Victor so intently during this class. It's all about blending/pressing until the color looks as if it is IN the skin, like it's hardly there. He used a fantastic powder: MAC MineralizeSkinfinish/Natural as a bronzer. It doesn't have a sheen/glitter/shimmer to it which I despise in a bronzer (don't get me started!). Bronzer has a bad reputation because it's used wrong. I use it on almost everyone - and I'm not trying to give them a "tan." When you put on your foundation, you are making yourself all one tone. That's your goal. But it also makes your face appear flat. Bronzer gives dimension back to the face and (for some of us) adds much needed warmth. Victor also took that same product and used it in the eye contour area and smudged in the lower lash line to unify the look. So subtle! So darn pretty! If you need color suggestions, you know where to find me!
Victor's Catchphrase of the Evening: "Shrimp Cocktail"; referring to what happens when you over-apply mascara to the your lower lashes and they clump together in 5 sections. Hanging over your lower eyelid like "Shrimp Cocktail." Nasty and hilarious. Gotta love Victor! He literally changed the way I put eyeliner on everyday - that deserves it's own blog, so I'll save it for another day. Thanks Victor!

The Skincare I'm Lovin'

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:38:00 +0000

When it comes to skincare - I look for the most basic and gentle. Something that will get the job done while leaving no yuckies behind (can you tell I'm a mom?). Why? Because if my college biology classes taught me anything, it's that not a lot of what you slap on your epidermis is really going to matter (with the exception of SPF). Very few things penetrate your dermis, which is where wrinkles occur. But I'll save that lesson and some recommendations on stuff that does get to your dermis for another day. The Body Shop Aloe Skincare line is my all time favorite. This line just works. It says "for sensitive skin" all over it - but I would recommend it for almost anyone. The entire line is free of preservatives, dyes, soap and fragrance. Aloe is nature's healing agent and the oat extract in these products provide antioxidant protection while soothing stressed out skin. I recommend this to a lot of brides who's skin is going crazy due to stress. The line has cleansers, toner, moisturizers, body butter, serums, eye creams, masks.....and the list goes all the way to deodorant. The Aloe Cooling Body Gel is great to keep in the fridge for burns (boo-boo juice as my kids would call it) or for when you feel like your skin is stressed. I love it all - don't make me pick - but if you need recommendations let me know. Click here to see the skincare line for the face. Click here to see the body line. Need a sample? I can hook you up!

Target hits the....uh...target

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:59:00 +0000

I seriously have never gotten so many "Hey - Have you tried this yet?" emails! Bravo to Target marketing! If you live under a rock, let me fill you in. There are 3 new "masstige" (industry lingo for prestige en mass) lines at Target: Pixi, NP Set and JK Jemma Kidd. Little bit of background on each: Pixi is by Swedish makeup artist Petra Strand. This line is taken directly from the UK - same line, same prices, same stuff. (Side note: Her sister, Sara ventured out on her own and formed Pop Beauty, which is available at Sephora; it's not my favorite). NP Set is from Aussie makeup artist Napoleon Perdis. He has a separate prestige line, previously sold at Sephora, currently available at Ulta. Sephora gave him the boot not too long ago, because of his dealings with other stores (Sephora likes to have "exclusivity" - don't get me started). Makeup artist Jemma Kidd created JK Jemma Kidd. Her separate prestige line "Jemma Kidd Makeup School" is available at very select Neiman Marcus'. Each of these new lines has their own niche. Right off the bat, you'll see that JK is for the fashion forward (read: younger). A lot of glitter - not my cup of English tea, but I've heard from other makeup snobs that it's good quality. NP Set looks almost exactly like Perdis's prestige - but after testing a few, the pigment is lacking in comparison. The beef I have with JK and NP Set is the price point. The price is really not that far off from their prestige lines (in some instances as little as $4 diff), yet it is not the same product. I'm a "get what you pay for" kind of girl, but I feel a bit jipped here. JK's eyeshadows are $18 a pop. Really? I can get my tried and true, pigment-rich MAC for $14 in a trillion colors.

That said, I think Pixi really stands out. It is on the pricey side for Target, but not for what you are getting - which is the original formulas. It's innovative, the colors are classy, and the compacts are slim and adorable. This line reminds me of Stila - high quality whimsy stuff.

SO - what have I tried? Pixi's Lip Blush ($18) is like a marker/stain. I've had bad experiences with this type of marker apparatus in the past - but this one is fab. Don't be scared Shell. This would make a great base for your gloss/balm - as it does not fade easily. I love the color Happiness (3rd in the pic). Youth (1st in the pic) looks like it would be a good choice too. Pixi's Eye Beauty Kit ($28) - Where do I begin? Not since Dior have I seen a line put together so many (13!!) pretty color palettes. There are 8 shadows in each kit and they are completely and utterly beautifully coordinated. Mod (pictured) is what I picked up. The texture, pigment and variety are heaven. I cannot wait to grab Miracle Velveteen, as it is all matte colors and they are oh-so-pretty. You could seriously close your eyes, spin around a few times and just pick one (my daughter's gonna love trying that) and you'd hit a winner. Also, check out their Natural Mineral Kits. Everything you need (eye, cheek and lip) in a cute compact - with great colors. Note to Target: PLEASE keep your shelves stocked and clean!

Here's a link to the stuff. Target actually got smart and put everything online: www.target.com Pixi has a cute & simple site that has great pictures: www.pixibeauty.com

Sad, Sad News

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:55:00 +0000

The image to the left represents exactly how I felt when I tried Carmindy's line "Sally Hansen Natural Beauty inspired by Carmindy." I went into this with a bias - I really wanted to like it. Truly I did. Here's my reviews on the 3 products I tried. First up: Truly Translucent Loose Powder in Neutralizer. I love yellow-ish loose powder because it dulls the redness in everyone's face. The packaging was adorable with a built-in powder puff in the top, but not very realistic when you actually put it to use. I took a peek at the powder - large particles of SHIMMER?????? Why in the h-e-*-# would you put shimmer in a loose powder? Am I 12 years old? No, uh-uh. You lost me. The powder itself was grainy and chalky. NEXT! Second product: Color Comfort Lip Color in Perfect Pink. The colors in this line are stunning - I had a hard time choosing. The texture however is in one word: yucky. It settled into the folds of my lip, which I've never had happen before. The taste was great - if you like cardboard. And it wore for about 15 minutes. Horrible. 3rd product: Sheerest Cream Blush in Beaming. This was the "best" out of the 3 things I tried. It was okay. If you like cream blushes - check Carmindy's out and keep your receipt just in case. I have a love-hate relationship with cream blush. Some of them make me break out and I don't think they are worth it unless you are looking for an ultra-sheer & glowy look. You also have to remember to put them on BEFORE any powder product or they will gunk up on your cheek. My apologies to those of you wanting a good review on Carmindy's stuff. I wanted to like it too! We can always hope that she will just come out with her own (department store!) line and dump Sally Hansen. Need alternatives to this stuff? Contact me!

Cosmetic Counter Etiquette

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:00:00 +0000

We've all been there - walking away from a counter looking like a clown or feeling like we are bringing home a bunch of products we got talked into. I get a lot of questions from my clients regarding what to do at the Cosmetic Counters. You should always bring a list, either literally or in your mind. HONESTY is the most important thing. Those girls/boys have heard it all and can see through you. If you sit down for a full consult make it known ahead of time what products/technique you are looking for. Ex: "Can we do a full face of makeup? But I'm really looking to update my eyes." This sets the expectation and also helps the makeup artist focus on what you need. When in doubt, do not feel bad about saying you need to "live with it" for a while before you make a choice. In fact, when I worked at the counter I encouraged this. No one looks good under those lights and when you get in the mall or in your car - it should get better looking. If not, you've had a bad makeup job. If you are feeling pressured at any point, you have chosen the wrong person. And did you know most of them take tips? This can be nice if they spent a lot of time with you and you're unsure about the product. I recently sat down with my favorite counter gal - Leighla Tayefeh, Laura Mercier Counter Manager at Nordstroms/Flatirons Mall. She is knowledgeable (unlike elsewhere in the mall that sells Mercier!!!), down to earth and not trying to sell you the moon. When in need - go see her and tell her Cynthia sent you. She can even pull items from other lines (with a smile, not a sigh!) if you know what you need. What did she show me that I was most impressed with? This will save my gal pal Michelle a phone call today! On her never ending quest for perfection, Laura has reformulated her already fab Lip Glace (gloss). It now has a yummy vanilla flavor and has zero tackiness. I LOVE these hues: Bon Bon, Rose and Bellini (this is your color Shell and the name is totally fitting). If you know me, you know I'm not big on mineral makeup. However, the Saphire color of her Mineral Eye Powder is the most beautiful blue. Wear it over/next to your black or brown liner to make your eyes pop and smudge a bit on the bottom lashes - colored liner is a big trend this summer! As always, this link will take you right to them: www.lauramercier.com
Just look and then go see Leighla!!! UPDATE: Leighla is now at Laura Mercier - Cherry Creek Nordstrom's!!!

It's the Lipstick Economy, Stupid!

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:25:00 +0000

Out of everything in my kit, lipstick has the absolute power of transformation. You can have a full face of makeup on and still look "blah" until that little tube of WOW is pulled out. It balances the face. Even if it's just a sheer shade of peach. And you can go from nice to naughty in 10 seconds with the right shade of red, berry or plum. I've never been out of the house with less than mascara and a swipe of my trusty, subtle red-tinted lip balm (Alba). It just makes me look - and more importantly, FEEL better. Economists even say there is a "lipstick factor" referring to the historical rise in lipstick sales during tough economic times as women look for an affordable way to cheer up. Surprisingly reliable, the term was coined by Leonard Lauder, chairman of Estee Lauder Cosmetics after he noticed lipstick sales doubling for 6 months after 9-11-01. So go shopping and help the economy! Didn't you need an excuse? Who needs gas?

There is nothing better than a great shade of pink for summer. Here are a few suggestions:

Alba Terra Tint SPF 18 in Blaze

Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Rhubarb or Watermelon

Laura Mercier SPF 15 Lip Kisses in Heat Wave

L'oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Pink Lady

MAC Lipstick in Viva Glam V (every cent goes to MAC AIDS Funds)

Neutrogena MoistureShine Gloss in First Blush or Swizzle

Water Bottle/Lip Wrinkle Warning

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:21:00 +0000

I saw this on the news and said "Ah-ha!" I've had several clients that never smoked but have those "smoker" lines around their mouths and they always ask how they got there. Now I have an answer! And I've never been so happy to have an excuse not to drink water. Hee! But if you must hydrate - use a glass or a wide mouth water bottle so your lips are not puckering. Check the article out by using this link: www.9news.com

Dry Shampoo

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:35:00 +0000

Actually getting ready in the morning seems to be a winter thing for me. This time of year, the kids get up, eat breakfast and run outside before it gets too hot and I must follow. I'm glad I found this product a few months ago so I can hit the ground running! In this dry Denver air, I don't like shampooing every day anyway because my hair dries out. But I also don't like the blahness at my scalp. My answer: Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo. Rub a little bit of this powder into your hands and pat into your roots and/or part. Wha-la! The oil is gone and you look fresh as a friggin' daisy. I have black hair and this stuff leaves NO white residue. You may have to reapply around dinner if you need to be seen, but it will get you through the day nicely. It's worth the $11 investment - I've been using the 1oz "trial" since January and it doesn't look like it's running out. It also comes in a spray version that I'll be getting the next time around. It has a lemony scent that fades (which is a good thing). I've used others - cheap and more expensive - and I didn't like them. They either put more oil in my hair (one brand actually brags that is has oil in it - HELLO! I'm trying to get RID of the oil) or they leave a gross residue. This is a winner! Enjoy.
PS - When you click on the link it will take you to Oscar's page on Sephora. Doesn't he look like a mean Clinton Kelly from TLC's What Not To Wear? hee!

SPF 101

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Tue, 20 May 2008 20:32:00 +0000

Hello summer! I thought I'd give a little lesson today. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is actually a multiplier for your personal burn time. Let's take my g-friend Melissa. She can go in the sun for about 3 minutes (unprotected) until she burns. If she wears an SPF 10 sunscreen - she has 30 minutes (3 X 10) of protection. There are some catches. This only works for sunscreens up to SPF 30. After that, they seem to break down faster. So SPF 70 will protect you longer, but probably not 210 minutes in Melissa's case. Two different rays hit us - UVA and UVB. UVB's give us Vit D and cause us to sunburn. UVA's tan us, age us and cause deadly cancer. Remember, how you used to get a "protector" tan for your vacation? Yeah, those are the same rays that cause cancer! Please read carefully - the QUALITY of sunscreen makes a huge difference. Many sunscreens on the market don't block UVA's. As far as I can tell from my research, the FDA doesn't even monitor UVA claims. So what's a girl to do? Here's a couple of ingredients to look for: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, and ecamsule (aka Mexoryl). My advice is to wear sunscreen YEAR ROUND, every day, no matter what, under your makeup. Even if your makup has an SPF in it, it's going to destabilize faster and wear away with the color. And of course, stay out of the sun as much as you can! My personal fave for great UVA protection that is NOT greasy at all: Neutrogena's Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 45 which has a super fancy Helioplex stabilizer in it. You won't notice it at all. It's a great all around moisturizer for most skin types. Happy summer!
www.neutrogena.com

Keeping Your Makeup Feeling Fresh

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:57:00 +0000

It's that time of year. Combination skin that swings to the dry side for winter is now heading toward oiliness as the temperature rises. 90% of my clients have confused skin - which is why I consider it "normal". Here's a little advice on keeping your makeup looking great all day - no matter what your skin is doing! I love to use Cargo's blu_ray High Def Mattifier under my tinited moisturizer or foundation. This is a great product - because you can also use it over your makeup later on in the day to take shine away without adding color. Skin feeling a little tight after sitting in air conditioning all day? Try The Body Shop's Vitamin C Energizing Face Spritz. Just spritz your face and let it absorb for an instant pick me up that's filled with vitamins. Had a rough day at the office but want to gleam at the evening happy hour? Clarins has ya covered with their Beauty Flash Balm. This stuff is the balm! Sorry, bad joke. But really - the Clarins rep probably has never even heard of this stuff and it's one of their best products. It's loaded with good stuff and leaves you dewy but not at all greasy. Just use a tiny dab, rub your hands together and press into your skin. To avoid rubbing your makeup off - PRESS these products into your skin with your fingertips rather than smearing, grabbing, slapping - you get the picture!

MAC Pro Class

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:46:00 +0000

I have the extreme pleasure of being registered as a MAC Pro. I recently took a MAC Pro Master Class with Senior Artist Victor Cembellin (pictured). To watch him work was amazing - and he is hilarious! He has worked with Missy Elliott, Paris Hilton and Liza Minnelli just to name drop a few! If you don't know who Missy is - she's a rapper who takes makeup to the art extreme. Look for his work on her upcoming CD cover. I learned so much - my notebook is filled with chicken scratches because I was writing so fast. I've been using my new knowledge ever since I stepped out of class - on myself and others! Here's one of those tips: When in doubt of where to "highlight" your face - take a flashlight in a dark room - hold it directly over your head. Take note of where the light is hitting and creating shadows - that is where you highlight & contour! One of the products that he used that I'm now in love with is their Sculpt and Shape Powder. It takes the guesswork out of what colors to use - the compact is split - one side is a highlighter, the other is a bronzer. This technique is great when you are being photographed. Email me if you have any questions or need product recommendations. This link will take you directly to the powders! www.maccosmetics.com

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:01:00 +0000

OK - It's snowing today in Denver - but spring is truly right around the corner! I hate dry cuticles - but I also would never push them back, cut them, etc. I've had many manicures where they do that and I end up with little red marks and cuts all over. You are just asking for an infection! This product is the answer. I have used it forever. Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme is a creamy wax-type substance that comes in a cute little round tin (inside the box pictured) You massage it into your cuticles and it smells like you just dipped your fingers in a lemon cake. YUMMY. Your fingers (and your toes!) will instantly look better. I keep one in my purse, next to my computer and on my nightstand. I've seen it for sale everywhere ($6) - including down Target's cosmetics aisle where they sell a purse size one for $3!

Big Thank You

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 20:26:00 +0000

A big thanks to all the gals that came out to see me at The New Image Salon this past Saturday! I had a blast showing you new techniques and products. I hope you had fun and learned something too! And everyone's hair looked great thanks to Angela! She's awesome, isn't she? I wouldn't go to anyone else! For those of you that don't know, she is located at W 44th Ave & Zuni and can be reached at 303-645-4777. www.thenewimagesalondenver.com

ecoTOOLS Makeup Brushes

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:21:00 +0000

When my 3 yr old asks me a question that I cannot answer immediately (ie - Why doesn't Daddy have to eat all his vegetables?) - I try to find her a good answer. Recently, she asked me why some of my makeup brushes looked like tails? Ummm....Yeah, I had no immediate answer because I didn't like what I was going to have to say - That most likely my makeup brushes were made out of animal hair. And I didn't really know how it got there. In my Happy Place World, the animals went to their local salon and donated their hair to "Fur of Love" and turns it into brushes for their makeup-lovin' human friends. Then I got real. Not every company is very forthcoming about their brushes which sent off signals to me (and I'll blog about that later after some more research). So my quest was to find ethical brushes. My 1st shock came when it landed me at Walgreens! My 2nd shock was that they were the softest brushes I had ever felt! Paris Presents ecoTOOLS for the environmentally inspired. Every brush is under $8! They even have a foundation brush for $6 (shown in picture). Handles are made from sustainable bamboo and the bristles are all animal-free ultrasoft synthetics. The little band of metal is made from recycled aluminum cans. Even the reusable pouches are printed with plant-based ink. Come on! If they can make them this good, this cheap and this responsibly the makeup companies have zero excuses - and you don't either! Go buy them! UPDATE ON 10/08/08: After using a few of these brushes for the past 6 months, I have to say they are falling apart horribly. The eyelash/brow comb lost all of it's teeth. And the foundation brush's head popped off (and I hardly used it). For cruelty free, professional grade makeup brushes, I suggest The Body Shop's. Just click on my Body Shop link under my cartoon - they are located under the make-up category.

Bobbi Brown Pink Raspberry

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:15:00 +0000

I'll confess - I love Bobbi Brown. I know he was married to Whitney, but.....joking! Sorry, couldn't help it. I don't know if I'm sentimental because her line was the first "high end" makeup I tried a long time ago in Toronto or what. Her colors are just so darn wearable and pretty (except for my girlfriend Michelle for some reason - sorry!). She used to make these "Artsticks" - which were jumbo pencils that you could wear on your lips or cheeks - I loved them. Well - she brought them back in the form of "Lip Crayon." I purchased the Pink Raspberry which is currently sold out on her site (which should tell you something) at a local Nordstrom's. It is now more moisturizing, slightly shiny and has a minty flavor. The color is perfection - a pink that is not too red, bright or dull. And EASY to apply. I'm in LOVE all over again. AND I've heard through the grapevine that she is coming out with more colors next month. I'm not worthy! Thank you Bobbi. This color is also available in her new and brilliant "Creamy Lip Color" formula. www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com

Great product you probably never heard of...

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 16:38:00 +0000

I love this company's name and it's products. Kiss My Face! The product that I can't live without is their Moisture Shave. It comes in 7 scents (including unscented - which I guess wouldn't be a scent? I digress...). It works itself into a wonderful, but not to thick lather on your legs and leaves them with a nice sheen. The lather is rich enough to stick but doesn't clog your razor. And my hubby uses it as his everyday face shaving cream! This company is "obsessively natural" and has many other great products including an organic line. I also love their Olive/Aloe Natural Moisturizer. Check them out at www.kissmyface.com or in person at Wild Oats or Whole Foods.

My NEW favorite mascara

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 16:15:00 +0000

I've been on the search for a new favorite mascara since Max Factor's (2000 calorie and Lash Lift) have been drying up in this Colorado air in less than 3 weeks on me. yikes. I can only blame a reformulation??? After many friends pleaded with me "Diorshow! Diorshow!" - the huge clumpy brush and the enormous price tag that goes with it never impressed the dried-out look that I believe it gave everyone I used it on - including myself. And with the beautiful dry air here - you have to replace your mascara every 2 months - if you aren't, I can guarantee that your eyelashes are screaming HELP ME! After an impulse buy at Target because I confess that I saw Drew Barrymore and went "aaah!" - I found it!!! CoverGirl's NEW LashBlast Mascara. Nice size (big) brush with the new plastic spikes. And the formula is creamy, shiny and not flaky at all. If you like a 2nd coat - do it before it dries completely - or you could have some little clumps. So are you going to believe the hype and spend the $144/yr it would cost for Diorshow or the $36/yr for this awesome one?

Powder Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Jim) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 03:39:00 +0000

Who doesn't carry a cutesy little powder compact to touch up? ME! Why? I'm glad you asked!

Powder = wrinkle accentuation/caked on mess/90's matte look

Did I get your attention with the wrinkle thing? Good. Powder does have a place. I do use it to set my foundation/concealer at home. I use a very SHEER powder with a very small BRUSH to control where I place it. Dust your vanity with those big powder puffs! Blotting papers are the answer for touch ups - they absorb the oil on your face without depositing color that will cake up with the oil.

Suggested products: MAC Blot Pressed Powder, Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Loose Powder, Boscia Fresh Blotting Linens, Bobbi Brown Blotting Papers (beautiful faux leather compact - see picture), and any little fluffy brush will work.