Night Owl

Sometimes you just need to attend happy hour.  And if I'm not mistaken, the whole point of happy hour is to get happy.  For me, I'm happier when my mascara isn't flaking down my face and it looks like I haven't slept in days - which, if my daily makeup has dried out throughout the day, is exactly what I look like. Enter transformation makeup.  It's not exactly day-to-night, because the look is relatively the same, and it's not quite a touch-up because it's more extensive than that.  However you utilize this tutorial, I hope it makes you happy (and for more than an hour).  Click HERE for the video.

Last week I showed you how I do my every day makeup (left) and the photo on the right is the refreshed look:

KISS

In high school, my freshman science teacher was also the varsity football coach.  When it came to written reports, he had one rule: KISS, or Keep It Simple, Stupid.  He meant it in good fun, and now as an adult I can also see that he didn't want to spend all of his free time grading papers. Makeup should, at least in my opinion, follow the same route.  I always aim to get the most bang for my buck, which is an ever-evolving process as I continually learn not only about makeup in general, but also my personal preferences.  Right now, that means a streamlined routine that brings out my eyes, that I can apply in 10-15 minutes, and that lasts all day with minimal to no touching up.

This is the finished product, and to see how I achieved it click HERE:

Sara

Sara found me on recommendation from her hair stylist, who knows my hair stylist. She was married on a  g o r g e o u s  Autumn day, and we created a subtle smokey eye with what I call sunset colors: gold, peach, plum.  Here’s the final look:

And here is how we did it.

Thank you Sara, and congratulations!!

Blurred Lines

Most eye makeup application is horizontal.  I’ve found a shortcut, and it requires vertical application.  Not only will this look work on every eye shape (since it doesn’t discriminate based on where your natural crease lies), but it can fulfill every look from The Work Appropriate to The Go-To Glam based on the contrast, intensity, and finish of the shadows used. For every day, cream shadow that melts into a soft brown will give polished definition, while a shimmery taupe blended with a deep, rich plum is perfect for a big event – especially when peeking from under wispy false lashes and paired with a sophisticated nude lip.

I made a video to demonstrate this technique using M.A.C. shadows in Folie, Honesty, and Dazzlelight.  Have fun playing around with different shadows and remember as long as you blend well, you can go from very pale to very dark.

Five Looks - Bright Eyes/Bold Lip

Our next look is the Bright Eyes/Bold Lip (here are the first and second looks).  Since most people I’ve worked with seem more confident by enhancing their lips, this look is usually their go-to when they want a little something extra.  It’s also great if you’re running late but still want to look stunning. Make sure your skin is moisturized, and use foundation and concealer for a gorgeous canvas.  Set with powder then highlight and contour, making sure to add a little luminizer to the cheek bones – you can skip the blush unless you want it, but make sure it’s muted.  Draw on black liner (a cat eye is always fun) and use lots of mascara and/or false lashes.  Fill in brows, then line lips with a neutral pencil.  Apply your favorite bold lip color, blot, and reapply.  Set the look with setting spray, and make sure there’s no lipstick on your teeth!