Product Review: Self-Tanner

So summer is finally here, and I am proud to announce that I have found a self tanner that I LOVE! Yes, I said it! The Quick Self Tanning Gel from Shiseido gives a gorgeous bronze to any shade of skin, even the lightest of skin tones. There is minimal smell, and if rubbed in evenly it is absolutely splotch free. It doesn't look orange, and it lasts a few days, up to a week. With each layer, your tan deepens and looks even more luminous. It runs at around 30$ in most retail locations. If you are looking for a self-tan that looks completely natural, this is completely worth the money.

It's Wedding Season.. Again!

The most recent wedding I did was on a ranch in central California. The theme was vintage and rustic, so the makeup was more natural. Here are a few preview photos of the bride and a few of the bridesmaids. I used mostly golds and browns, with subtle contour and peachy cheek tones. For lashes I used individuals for a more natural look. Everyone looked lovely! Photos: courtesy of Inktree Photography, check them out! 

                               Simple Smoky Eye

Product Review: Precleanse by Dermalogica

If you are looking for a product that not only removes makeup, but also gets rid of excess oil and nourishes the skin, you NEED this! I recommend using a cleansing oil before you wash your face with your regular cleanser, so you can get to the surface of the skin. The precleanse will wipe away all the debris and buildup that is in the way of your cleanser really doing it's job, and has the ability to cut through even waterproof makeup. It also nourishes with ingredients such as Vitamin E and plant based oils. Surprisingly it is also great for oily skin! All you do it put about a nickel size in your palm and massage it all over your face. Then add some water to your hands. It has a built in emulsifier and will immediately transform into a milky cleaner. You will feel the debris and makeup coming off. After rinsing, continue with your normal cleanser.

Some of my toys...

I recently had the opportunity to meet Troy Jensen at the LA makeup show. This guy is so inspiring and encouraging. He has been a celebrity makeup artist for years and has so much wisdom and real deal experiences to share. I love being inspired!

The classic dark smoky eye is one of my favorite looks. Especially when it is on a clean subtle face and the eyes get a chance to pop. There is something sultry and mysterious about it. I was playing around with some new shadows and it resulted in this! The best way to keep the shadows from getting to messy is to start with the lighter colors and work your way into the deeper ones. When it comes to black shadows it's always best to start with a small amount. Remember you can always add but its a huge mess when you try to take some away!