Screen Siren

A couple of weeks ago, we discussed tips for interview makeup, including how your look needs to be a little stronger for interviews via video chat. So what exactly does that mean? Makeup at key points - eyes, cheeks, lips - needs to be brighter and more opaque than what you'd wear on a normal day.  (For reference, instead of taking screen shots, I blasted light on my face to really wash out my skin, similar to what a camera does.)

Eyes

If you don't already use an eye liner, help your eyes really show up on screen by adding a thin line to at least the top lash line.  If you're not a fan of liner, a dark, matte shadow applied at the roots of your lashes works just as well.  As a bonus, make sure to fill in your brows to really frame your eyes and create facial structure.

Cheeks

Not a huge fan of blush myself, I have to admit that a little flush of color really does make you look more alive on a shadowy screen.  Keep it matte and bright - think a poppy or peach shade for lighter skin tones and a berry or hot pink for darker tones.  But don't go out and buy a blush.  Remember that too-bright lipstick you can't seem to toss?  Warm a little between your fingers and gently tap on the product for a natural glow, and just make sure it's not too sheer.

Lips

Even if you're not a lipstick person, a well-defined lip will go a long way.  Grab a lip pencil (my favorite, and under $5) that matches your natural lip color, trace the rim of your lips, then top with lip balm or lipstick, your choice.  Of course, you can always go for the luscious lip look, too.

Nail It

When it comes to job interviews, one of the last things on your mind is makeup (unless you're applying for a job in the industry...).  Still, proper grooming is very important to your overall appearance - and we know what they say about first impressions. To feel confident on the outside, I follow these three steps:

1. Have a plan

Will your interview be in person or via video chat?  Does the office have a grooming policy?  What do you plan to wear?  In what makeup do you feel most comfortable?  All of these things need to be considered because video chat makeup is too heavy for an in-person meeting; it's a bad idea to show up in neon pink lipstick and glitter eye liner if natural makeup is required; you don't want a disconnect in your overall image; and most importantly, you don't want to do anything that will distract you from the task at hand.

2. Practice

If you're not super comfortable with a routine, I suggest practicing your look at least once before the interview.  If you want to really be prepared, take a second to write down the steps.  That way, when the day comes, you don't have to think about anything other than preparing your answer to "What's your greatest strength?"

3. Take a picture

...or a peek at yourself on the video screen to see exactly what your makeup will look like.  Different lighting and environments completely change the coloring of your makeup, so it's best to not be surprised.

As fan of the show Shark Tank, I'll leave you with a quote from shark Daymond John:

Good grooming is integral and impeccable style is a must.  If you don't look the part, no one will want to give you time or money.

No, you shouldn't be offered or refused a job based on how you look; but there's no doubt that looking and feeling polished can take you far in both your career and in life.  If you want a little more help curating a go-to look, you have until Friday to schedule an appointment with Electra Lane at half price.

Go get 'em!

Quickies

Wedding season has descended upon us.  If you need some inspiration, here are three looks that can go from date night to wedding guest (or bride!) to showers and BBQs. #1: Afternoon Wedding (Click the link to take you to the video)

A soft, easy look with defined eyes and a peach lip.

#2 - Bright Lips/Sparkly Eyes

Bright, flirty lips would be perfect for a bachelorette party.

#3 - Smokey Natural

Neutral makeup strategically applied can be your go-to throughout the whole season.

Babes In Arms

Since this Sunday is Mother's Day, I wanted to do a special post just for the baby mamas.  I'm not a mom, but many of my friends are, and I feel like moms, specifically of young children, are highly underrepresented on the YouTube makeup tutorial scene. Moms I've spoken with say they simply do not have time to do makeup that has 87 steps using 53 tools and $350 worth of makeup.  But you do deserve to feel pretty, even if covered in various bodily fluids, so I want to show you a look that can practically be performed one-handed.

It's not a drastic transformation, but it's a little warmed up and brighter than a bare face.  Products used include a tinted moisturizer, concealer, brow pencil, bronzer stick (or blush if you prefer), shadow stick, mascara, lip gloss, and setting spray.  Click HERE for the video, and have a wonderful Mother's Day!

P.S. Since I don't have kids and my street cred might be in question, please check out Cara of Maskcara - she has a five-ish year old and a baby, and this recent post is awesome.

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: