The Problem With YouTube

First, let me note that I love YouTube and that I exclusively watch YouTube makeup tutorials while I ride the elliptical.  However, I also believe that YouTube can be a soul-sucking black hole. While ellipticizing (?) to this Jaclyn Hill video, I began thinking along the lines, "I love those eye shadows but don't own any of them.  I especially love that one in the palette, so maybe I should just get that new palette..."

Nonsense.

But this is what these types videos (mine included, sorry) can unintentionally do - make you think you need products to look and feel a certain way.  I initially tried to be generic, i.e. "use a pale pink blush," to describe what products I use, but that doesn't help in the long run.  Since the mission of Electra Lane is to teach you to be your own makeup artist, I'd like to share how I snap out of my I-need-new-makeup-now funk.

Step 1: Take a deep breath.

We don't NEED makeup.  Our faces are perfectly good naked.  When we WANT new makeup, it's important to ask why because it might have to do more with wanting to emulate the artist's features than how that particular product will look on us.  Also, take into account that these artists receive most of their products for free or in exchange for hawking them; and at the very least, working artists (like me) get their products at a significant discount.

Step 2: Assess your inventory.

So maybe you don't have nectar from the second Lorac Pro Palette.  What do you have that looks like it?  A blush!  Huzzah!  Think outside the box and remember that you can use non-designated makeup products - like an eye shadow as a cheek illuminator - in any capacity (one caveat: some products can't be used around the eyes so just double check).

Step 3: Hire Electra Lane.

Super shameless plug here.  The whole point of this business is to send you your own makeup tutorial, with your coloring, features, and budget in mind, as well as a one-on-one video chat with me so you can have all your questions answered.  If you'd like to get started, email me (jessica@electralane.com).

Remember: makeup is meant to be fun and make us feel good.  Next time you indulge in a YouTube marathon, keep it in perspective.

P.S. Here's how I recreated Jaclyn's eye makeup for an event:

Instead of "nectar" I used NARS blush in Orgasm; instead of "toast" I used the reddish shade from the NARS Surabaya eye shadow duo; and instead of "uninterrupted" I used a bronzer.  Boom.

Eye Shadow 101

Of all "the makeups," I think eye shadow application is the most confusing.  I can still get overwhelmed when trying to put together a look, but what helps me is to always go back to the basics. But that's a problem if you don't know what "the basics" means.  And, according to several of my clients, they don't, because they feel there is so much information.  And there is - this topic is a bear.

Here's why:

Every eye shape is different, therefore it is impossible to give paint-by-number, step-by-step instructions to a large audience.

Also, a disclaimer: I rarely do my eyes the same way.  Although there are a few main guidelines, I'm constantly changing up the application and colors.  So, I've boiled down those "few main guidelines" and named them Eye Shadow 101 because no matter your eye shape, you can do this look.

Click here to see the video showing how to do it, and here are the ingredients:

1. Large, fluffy brush like the MAC 227

2. Small paddle brush

3. Crease brush like the MAC 224

4. Angle brush

5. Eye shadow; I used Foxy, Buck, a color similar to Finish, and Blackout from Urban Decay.  So, what you need is a matte base shadow that is your skin color or a little lighter (pressed powder is a great option), a matte crease shade that is a little darker than your skin (or you can use bronzer).  The other two are optional: a "fun" shade, either a color or something with a little texture, and a darker color - like black, brown, navy, or purple - to use as eyeliner.

6. If turning a shadow into a liner, add some sort of medium like water or setting spray.

Take your time, practice, and experiment with different shadows and brushes so you can find what works best for you.

Let's Talk About Zits, Baby

We all hate pimples, and we all get them, so let's learn to cover them up properly.  Since the actual covering of the spot takes quiet a bit of time, let's look at why we get zits and how to hopefully diminish them in the first place. First, skin has to be taken care of from the inside out.  Drinking water and tea over sodas, juice, alcohol, and sugary coffee beverages will go a long way to keeping skin clear and looking bright (unless you're detoxing, in which case you might actually break out for a bit, and that's totally normal.  More on that HERE.)

Next, skin needs daily cleansing, moisture, sun protection, and at least weekly exfoliation.

Once all the bases have been covered and breakouts are still happening, they're more than likely hormone-related, so figure out what you're triggers are.  For me, it's sugar (especially lactose, aka delicious dairy products), so I try to really exercise moderation in that area.

Now - we have a pimple, for whatever reason, and we want to cover it.  I demonstrate how to do that in THIS video on my Vimeo channel (www.vimeo.com/electralane), and here are products and steps mentioned:

1. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

2. NYX Cosmetics green concealer sick

3. e.l.f. Cosmetics Concealer Brush

4. Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer (cream concealer); NYX Cosmetics FULL Coverage Concealer

5. Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray

Steps:

1. Clean and moisturize face

2. Use a primer to smoothe skin, then top with your base

3. Warm up some green concealer and apply directly to the pimple

4. Cover the pimple with cream concealer

5. Set with a little powder and/or setting spray

Blush: Apples vs. Bones

Where exactly does one put blush? Shown here, I stick to a coral shade applied to where my cheek bones stick out the farthest.  Super makeup artist James Vincent notes that if you’re using red/pink shades, put it more towards the front of the face so it gives you a flushed, ski bunny effect.

For an all-inclusive tutorial that I adhere to religiously, Mr. Wayne Goss gives an incredible and definitive list of blush placement options here.

Not really a blush girl myself, my favorite powders are from NARS in Orgasm and Gaiety, and my favorite creams are from NARS and Make Up For Ever because of their consistency, blendability, and longevity.

HalloWEENY

I realize that as a makeup artist I’m supposed to get jazzed about doing something exciting with makeup for Halloween, and if someone wants me to turn them into a deer (because apparently that’s the big thing this year) I would be more than happy to do so, but I just can’t.  Perhaps I’m a Hallo-wuss.  And if we went to a Halloween ball or major costume party, I feel like the transformation would be worth it.  But, for the times when we’re only catering to little gobblins begging for sugar, I like to keep it simple. Last year, I was cat woman by utilizing a mask, fantastic lashes and a red lip:

This year, my husband and I will be Zach and Kelly from Saved by the Bell, and I’m looking forward to 80’s cheerleader glam.  A simple brown lid (Cork) and cranberry gloss is all I need (except for that sweet original brick phone!).  I'll add a little tease to my bangs, throw in a few "likes" and "totally-s" into my vocabulary, and we're set.

In case you need some legit last-minute inspiration, Cara of Maskcara put together an incredible list of phenomenal Halloween looks.  Enjoy all that candy, and Happy Halloween!