Tag Archives: makeup

Ask a Pro: What’s the Deal with Makeup Brushes?

They come in all shapes and sizes and cover all price points. You can find them pretty much everywhere and you likely use one or more in your daily makeup routine. But how much do you really know about makeup brushes? We wanted to get the scoop on which brushes are the best and for what uses, so we consulted professional makeup artist Tiana Holiday and here’s what she had to say.

You must have good quality brushes and they must be clean. You can invest in a brush cleaner and use it with a paper towel daily, but along with that, cleaning them weekly with warm to hot water and a gentle liquid hand soap or baby shampoo will do the trick.

I am a huge fan of MAC brushes, although they have a steep price. Just know that I have had some of my favorite brushes for over 15 years. Remember, the better the bristles, the better they apply the products. And in general, when it comes to selecting brushes, the darker the color, the smaller the brush you should use.

girl makeup brushes

I prefer the Fluffy brushes, like MAC #217, which is my eyeshadow holy grail. I use it in a circular motion to blend the colors and I use a different brush for each color.

Other main eyeshadow brushes are the MAC pencil brush #219 to smoke out the bottom eyeliner and apply a crease color.


For foundation and concealers, I love the Beauty Blender. You can get one at Sephora, or even online from Amazon. MAC brush #168 is my go to for highlight and contour powders. Stila has the best powder brush that I use for bronzer. You can find it online . I also love MAC #182 Kabuki Buffer brush for powders.

MAC #208 is my favorite eyebrow brush. Lastly, as an Artist, I have to use MAC mascara brush #205 on my clients.

 

Tiana Holiday is a professional makeup artist with 17+ years experience in the industry working with celebrities, on music videos and commercials, weddings, private clients, photoshoots and fitness models. She is the owner of Tiana Rae Artistry.

Ask a Pro: Is Drugstore Makeup Just as Good as Expensive Brands?  

With a lot of makeup products, there is a huge difference between higher end and a drugstore brand. But in the last four years, drugstore brands have been stepping up their game. They are closing the quality gap and are still charging a lot less. The question of whether designer makeup is worth double or triple the cost of its drugstore makeup counterpart – products sometimes called “dupes” in the industry – comes down to more than just one factor.

Knowing when to splurge on high end products and when to try out a drugstore brand is becoming easier with social media. Youtubers are pretty honest about comparing the top products and their dupes. Also, Instagram is a huge resource for beauty product reviews. If you want to know more about one, research the hashtag of that product. (Just be cautious of people pushing products because they are getting paid to “review it”.)

Here are some of my favorite products, both high end and drugstore dupes.

Blush

I love MAC blushes because they have great colors, great pigments and last long. My favorites are Melba, Warm Soul and Dainty. I also love Nars Orgasm blush, but I don’t like the packaging – it gets sticky for some reason. The drugstore brand Milani has amazing baked blushes; Luminoso is unreal but all of them are great tones.

 

Mascara

I would say go for a drugstore brand of mascara because they’re cost effective and there are so many options. Also, mascaras should be thrown out every one to three months. Period. I love Maybelline Great Lash and Loreal. My favorite high end mascaras are Dior Show and MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash.

 

Lipsticks

Choose higher end lipsticks because the color payoff is better, they smell better and they last longer. MAC matte lipsticks are my favorite but I love the new line Melt lipsticks. Also, Jefferey Stars Liquid Lipsticks beat everyone on the market. I want my lipstick to stay on and with these brands, it does.

 

Lip Gloss

I love certain companies’ lipglosses but as a whole, I would push drugstore brands lately. NYX Butter Glosses are giving me life right now. Revlon Balm stains are used daily in my kit.

 

Concealer, Powder, and Foundation

I would go with a higher end concealer and foundation because of the artist’s ability to match you and get you exactly what you need and want when you purchase. In this case, you are paying for quality products and the companies’ makeup artists’ training and knowledge of the products. I use MAC, Armani, Loreal and Burts Bees.

 

Eyeshadows and Eyeliners

This is a true toss up! I can blend anything if I have a good base product and the right brushes, but I mainly use MAC, Melt stacks and Armani. I like them matte and with a lot of pigment.

 

If you’re a diehard fan of your favorite designer blush, that increases the product’s worth to you. Still, just because you purchased something at a department store counter doesn’t automatically make it superior to something you could purchase at a drugstore. You might just be paying for the pretty packaging when a drugstore dupe would work just as well.

 

Tiana Holiday is a professional makeup artist with 17+ years experience in the industry working with celebrities, on music videos and commercials, weddings, private clients, photoshoots, and fitness models. She is the owner of Tiana Rae Artistry.

tiana holiday
Tiana working with a client.

5 New Eyeliner Styles You Need to Try This Summer

Bored to tears with your everyday cat-eye? Tired of alternating between black and… jet black? We’re helping you switch things up this summer with five ultramodern eyeliner styles (and the exact eyeliners you need to recreate each one).

5 Summer-Ready Eyeliner Styles That Will Redefine Your Look

1. Graphic Art

eyeliner styles

What’s better than a classic wing? A classic wing with a twist. Graphic eyeliner is a huge beauty trend right now, and there are countless ways to make it your own. Try a rainbow effect with multiple hues, define a cut crease with rich black lines, or create your own original artwork with a fine-tipped micro liner.

Pro Tip: Nervous about attempting such a bold look? Top your go-to black wing with a clean white line for an understated but mod accent.

TryTarte So Fine Micro Liner – Rainforest of the Sea™ Collection, $22

black eyeliner

2. Color Pops

eyeliner styles

Save those muted eyeliner looks for fall. Summer is the perfect time of year to experiment with bright, bold hues and sizzling color palettes. Tightline the upper rims of your eyes in cobalt for an electric nighttime look, or use shades of lavender, pink, turquoise, and yellow to jumpstart your day.

Pro Tip: Feeling especially daring? Apply two different hues along your upper and lower lash lines, and then connect them at the corners with a black wing.

TryDior Diorshow On Stage Liquid Eyeliner, $30.50

colorful eyeliner

3. Naked Eyes

nude eyeliner
Prefer a more natural makeup look? Go nude in the most socially acceptable way possible with a cream-colored eyeliner. Ideal for faking a full night’s sleep, this makeup bag essential makes your eyes look bigger and brighter in a flash. Apply it to the inner corners of your eyes and your waterline to look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed any day of the week. (Yes, even Mondays.)

Pro Tip: Use a cream-colored liner beneath your brow bones to lift and frame your arches, as well.

TryTarte Fake Awake Eyeliner, $20

fake awake eyeliner

4. Peel-Off Glitter

eyeliner styles
Shimmer in the sunlight with glittery eyeliner that stays right where you want it (and peels off with zero fuss). Finally, you can embrace your inner mermaid without worrying about your eyeliner running down your face.

Pro Tip: Build up these glittery shades for a vivid finish, or use a single flick on each eye for subtle sparkle.

TryToo Faced Glitter POP! Peel-Off Eyeliner, $20

glitter eyeliner

5. Monochromatic Tones

simple makeup

Summer is all about keeping things simple (i.e., being super lazy), and there’s nothing simpler than a multi-tasking eyeliner that does it all. A matte liner in a natural shade of brown can double as your eyebrow pencil, lip liner, contour, or even blush.

Pro Tip: Use this all-in-one eyeliner to fill in your brows, add freckles, or create the perfect lip stain with the help of a little gloss.

TryMake Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil: Eye, Lip & Brow Pencil, $18

nude eyeliner

What do you think of these new eyeliner styles? Will you give them a try this summer, or will you continue winging it instead? Let us know in the comments!

Sweat-Proof Makeup That Will Actually Stay Put

Look good, feel good is a saying that I truly believe in. I feel the most motivated when I feel good about myself. For me, that starts with waking up, getting dressed, throwing on a little bit of makeup, and getting in a workout. If you’re working out as hard as you should be, there’s undoubtedly a lot of sweat going on, and for the most part, sweat and makeup aren’t a good pair. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best sweat-proof makeup to rock during your next workout!

 

Face

Inglot AMC Mousse Foundation

inglot

Inglot has been around for over 30 years and can be found Internationally. They originally started in the theatre and have done the makeup for several major productions such as The Lion King, Pippin, and Mamma Mia. Because of their strong theatre background all of Inglot’s products are sweat-proof to allow the cast to look flawless throughout their many performances. Inglot has also been used at several fashion shows during both New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week in the Kenzo, Michael Costello, and Baja East shows. If it’s good enough for The Lion King Production and a Kenzo fashion show, it’s definitely good enough to rock during your next workout. In particular, we love the Inglot AMC Mousse Foundation because it’s long-lasting, natural looking, provides sheer coverage, is easy and quick to apply, and of course, is sweat-proof!

 

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer

it cosmetics

This concealer is the perfect addition to your Inglot AMC Mousse Foundation because it will provide a little more coverage to your under-eye area and your blemishes. This concealer is a thick, opaque product that covers dark circles and blemishes flawlessly. The product includes collagen and Vitamins C and K that delve deeper into your skin to reduce the signs of aging and to improve the overall health of your skin. The best part? It’s waterproof and won’t budge no matter how sweaty your spin class becomes.

 

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush

tarte

A little blush will have you looking fresh faced and glow-y even before you’ve finished an amazing workout. This Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush by Tarte is perfect for the gym because it’s smudge proof, and like it’s name implies, you can wear it for up to 12 hours. The product is filled will nutrients that will improve the overall health of your skin from the inside out. The product contains Amazonian clay, which helps to absorb and minimize oil, balance skin, and keep the product in place. This product is also free of Parabens, Sulfates, and Phthalates so those nasty chemicals won’t seep into your pores while you’re exercising.

 

Eyes

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream Eyeshadow

makeup for ever

This cream eye shadow is highly pigmented, long-lasting, AND it’s sweat-proof!  Even though it’s cream-based, it won’t move, smudge, or crease under any condition. This Make Up For Ever product is easy to apply and blend for a natural look that’s perfect for the gym! Some of the colours are even formulated to apply to your cheeks and lips as well, so you can keep your gym makeup bag small.

 

Too Faced Waterproof Better Than Sex Mascara

too faced

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara has received rave reviews and is the favorite of several major beauty bloggers. What’s even better is that it comes in a waterproof formula, which is perfect for when sweat is dripping down your face during a hot yoga session. Reviewers of the product have used it while snowboarding, swimming, in the gym, and even while crying during a brother’s wedding ceremony. Through all of that, it has an overall rating of 3.5/5 on Ulta.com and Sephora.com. On top of that, in a clinical study, 94% of people said this mascara stays put all day long. (source: http://www.sephora.com/better-than-sex-waterproof-mascara-P407908)

 

MAC  Cosmetics Fluidline Brow Gelcreme

mac brow

I never leave the house without my brows on, not even for a workout! If you’re like me, you’ll love the Fluidline Brow Gelcreme by MAC. This potted waterproof gel product helps to give definition to your brows without smudging or running. This product is 100 percent waterproof, lasts for 8 hours, and is sweat- and humidity-proof.  The MAC Brow Gelcreme has been Ophthalmologist tested, Dermatologist tested, is non-acnegenic, and works well for all skin types. It’s rated 5/5 stars on maccosmetics.com and users report that they love the ease of application and its long lasting capabilities, even while exercising.

 

Lips

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick

kat von d

This is by far one of my favourite lip products on the market. Kat Von D is known for her tattoo-like makeup, which basically means that it won’t smudge, crease, move, or flake. This liquid lipstick is long-wearing and has a smooth matte finish, which makes it the perfect lip product for the gym for many reasons. Firstly, it will last through blood, sweat, and tears (just kidding, but not really). Secondly, it’s matte and is a non-sticky formula so your hair won’t stick to your face. And lastly, the product is infused with vitamin E and sunflower seed oil so it’s as comfortable to wear as your favourite pair of yoga pants!

What’s in Julie Steines’ Makeup Bag?

An award-winning children’s book author, philanthropist, and new mom, Julie Steines and Norbert—her seven-inch-tall, three-pound sidekick with fluffy gray ears and a tiny tongue that’s always sticking out—are best known for bringing love and comfort to people in need at places like hospitals, nursing homes, homeless shelters, and disaster areas. A modern Cinderella, she believes that beauty is being the best possible version of yourself inside and out.  “I would tell my daughter [Parker] that less is more and that the most beautiful thing she can wear is her smile,” Steines told Beyond Words. “When wearing makeup, I would advise her to choose natural products that enhance her features.”

From earth-toned eyeshadow to organic coconut oil,  we’re digging through Julie Steines’ makeup bag to discover her favorite beauty brands and products.

 

Julie Steines’ Makeup Bag Must-Haves

“I store my makeup products in a simple bag made by Sephora called The Weekender,” Steines said. Vegan and cruelty-free, it features a built-in hanger, a seven-piece brush holder, and zippered compartments. Available in Frosted Light, License to Leopard, Sweet Perspective, and Sparkle & Shine, this nylon, quilted bag also has dividers that keep compartments organized. “That’s important because as a new mom, for me, simplicity is a priority.”

weekender pephora license to leopard

“I don’t wear lipstick, just gloss or shimmer,” Steines said. “I like neutral shades or light pink, mainly so I don’t have to worry about it smearing on my teeth!”  If she could only wear one brand of lip gloss for the rest of her life, she’d choose Burt’s Bees lip products. One-hundred percent natural, they’re made with soothing shea butter and nourishing beeswax that’ll leave your lips looking shiny, soft, smooth, and irresistibly smoochable.

“I don’t use concealer unless I have a red carpet or television appearance,” she said. “On a daily basis, I love Juice Beauty CC cream because it has subtle mineral-tinted coverage, mineral SPF, and moisturizer.” Not tested on animals, it comes in Natural Glow, Desert Glow, Warm Glow, Sun-kissed Glow, and Deep Glow. A blend of fruit stem cells, it erases fine lines and wrinkles while making your skin glow like a goddess.

stem-cellular-cc-cream-desert-prd
Image courtesy of Juice Beauty

If ever there were a beauty cure-all, it’s coconut oil. “Instead of lotion, I generally use organic coconut oil in the shower,” she said. A hot topic from the tropics, it has an unusually long shelf life—two to three years.  A jack-of-all-trades beauty staple, it also has a natural SPF 4. It even reduces under eye bags, irons out fine lines, heals chapped lips, and gives your skin a glowy, dewy look. “It works great as a makeup remover and in lieu of shaving cream,” Steines said.

Lipsticks may get all the love for being multitaskers, but the title truly belongs to your eyeshadows: your makeup bag’s secret double agents. Makeup artists use neutral and earthy color palettes for everything from touching up hair color to concealing tattoos. So it no wonder she’s obsessed with Urban Decay’s Naked Ultimate Basic Eyeshadow Palette—whether she’s strolling the red carpet with her husband, Home & Family-host Mark Steines, at Children Hospital Los Angeles’ ‘Once Upon a Time Gala, or popping in for a Today Show segment.

“I’m open to trying new things as long as they are safe,” Steines said. “I did try those magnetic lashes, and they were a bit too clumsy for me.” While she usually dresses up her eyes with Mineral Fusion’s waterproof mascara and eyeliner, her makeup bag has at least one daring item: Greensparkly Eyeliner by Urban Decay.  Completely vegan, this dreamy and creamy formula dries in 30 seconds and has a metallic, tropical hue that’ll have everyone batting their eyelashes at you. (Pun totally intended.)

Green Sparkly Eyeliner Urban Decay
Image courtesy of Urban Decay

To make her perfume last all day, she sprays her ankles, knees, elbows,  collarbone, hair, and hands with Philosophy’s “Falling in Love” or “Fresh Cream”. One smells like blackberries. The other smells like vanilla. “They are subtle, clean, and fresh,” Steines said.

When it comes to shopping, Steines is just like the rest of us: she loves affordable makeup finds.  She recently purchased Yves St. Lauren’s Touche Eclat Neutralizers:  one-click highlighters that instantly cancel color imperfections.

She also bought a variety of skin care items by MyChelle. “I love their line and I believe a fresh face starts with good skin care,” she said. The brand is an essential part of her daily beauty regimen. In the morning, she cleanses her face with Creamy Pumpkin Cleanser. Then she follows that with Supreme Polypeptide Cream. “In the evening, I always…wash my face and neck before bed,” she said. “Then I apply either Remarkable Retinal Night Cream or Remarkable Retinal Serum. I also dab Vitamin E oil all around my eyes and put Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly on my lips.”

Image courtesy of Mychelle

Julie Steines keeps  it simple and stylish with vegan and cruelty-free makeup that reduces her beauty carbon footprint. Which natural beauty brands do you use on the regular basis? Tell us in the comments section below!

10 Beauty Myths Debunked

There will always be an unspoken bond and instant level of trust formed between women, so when we played telephone with these commonly held beauty beliefs, we didn’t question what we heard. We took it as fact and kept it moving right down the line.

Beauty truths like sunscreen being one of the best anti-aging products you can use, and picking your face being one of the worst things you can do for your skin, are inarguably true. So they all must be created equally, right? While there are plenty of beauty basics that are fail-proof and proven true time and again, there are some major beauty myths floating around out there that just don’t hold up.

We’re here to set the record straight and save you from wasting any more precious time (that could be spent doing better things like crafting the perfect blended eyeshadow) following a ritual that won’t do you any justice. Next time you hear these 10 beauty myths, you can be sure to throw caution to the wind and never mistake them as a rule again.

10 Beauty Myths Debunked

Myth 1: You have to wash your face in the morning.

The truth is, you’re not going to be picking up much dirt or bacteria after a good night’s rest (unless you’re to bed with your makeup on!). In fact, over washing your face can lead to dryness and irritation by stripping the skin of its natural oils and sebum. For sensitive skin, a good rule of thumb has always been less is more. Wash your face when it’s necessary, and leave it alone when it needs to be left alone. A simple toner in the morning followed up with moisturizer should be plenty enough.

Myth 2: Makeup causes acne.

removing makeup

 Speaking of sleeping with your makeup on, otherwise known as the biggest beauty blunder under the sun, wearing makeup alone doesn’t cause those pesky breakouts. It’s forgetting to thoroughly take it off at the end of the night that does the real damage. This is not to say that all makeup products can’t adversely affect certain skin types, or that it will heal any existing acne, but that the real culprit is the bacteria and sweat buildup from a full day’s wear of makeup that’s an open invitation for clogged pores and acne-breeding bacteria.

Myth 3: You need to switch up products for maximum effectiveness.

It’s often been said that your skin or hair will “get used” to certain products and that you’ll need to switch up products up for maximum effectiveness. However, if you’re noticing that months later skin is no longer changing, it’s actually reached a threshold and is maintaining the positive improvements achieved.

Imagine trying to fill a cup that’s already full. You can’t add anything more, but nothing’s being taken away. And while it isn’t bad to switch up products or try something new, it isn’t a rule to reach your desired results. When it comes to hair, flat, dandruffed, or damaged hair is usually due to product build up from hairspray, serums, oil, or heat tools, which is often overlooked.

Try going without those products to see if you do need to change up your shampoo, or try a clarifying shampoo once a week and continue regular use of your favorite ‘poo.

Myth 4: Drinking water keeps your skin from drying out.

This is a major myth that’s out there since it’s so easy to confuse. While beauty starts from within and diet plays a major role, skin can still look dry even if you’re drinking 8 glasses of water a day. This is because it’s oil that keeps skin moist, not water. If you’re not hydrating properly, that can give the skin a wan appearance, but it won’t make skin look anymore hydrated if you’re not moisturizing consistently, too.

Myth 5: Shaving will cause hair to grow back thicker.

shave legs

Hair is widest at the base and most narrow at the tip. This is why when the hair starts to grow back in between shaves, the hair gives the illusion of being more thick, stubbly, and dark since each piece is short and growing in unison. The longer the hair is, the thinner it appears.

Myth 6: Use of castor oil increases the growth of eyelash and eyebrow hair.

While castor oil has long been regarded as nature’s Rogaine, application of the oil itself does not affect the rate of hair growth. However, when applying the oil, it’s suggested use is massaging it onto the desired area for a few minutes. It’s the stimulation that’s associated with the massage action that likely causes boosted hair growth.

Myth 7: Hair products, serums, and oils can repair split ends.

split ends

While products can temporarily “glue” split ends back together for an extended period of time, they cannot magically make a split end fuse back into one solid hair strand. Some swear by shea butter or Argan oil, which are actually very effective at sealing rough ends, though not permanently. The only true “remedy” for split ends remains a good trim followed by protective styling.

Myth 8: Brushing hair more will make it shinier and grow faster.

Remember being that little girl standing in the mirror with her paddle brush in hand, eagerly counting down each hair stroke knowing that with every stroke made, you were closer to having the shiniest, most glamorous hair of your life? Well, what you didn’t realize back then was that the Marcia Brady method of stroking hair over 100 times a day does more damage than good. Over-brushing actually irritates the scalp and causes more breakage.

Instead, focus on gentle, quality strokes that still remove the same amount of impurities. On top of that, steady stroking will distribute oil evenly from the scalp to the ends, flattening hair to ultimately reflect more light and stimulate the scalp, resulting in shiny, healthier hair.

Myth 9: White spots on nails means a vitamin deficiency.

Contrary to popular belief, white spots on nails don’t actually mean you’re low in iron, calcium, or vitamin d. Some superstitions even say it means you have a secret admirer. But most often than not, these white spots are formed due to a previous injury caused to the nail.

Myth 10: Test foundation color on your wrist to find the best match.

woman foundation

Find yourself running back-and-forth from the beauty store to return a mismatched foundation color, only to pick up another dud? That’s because matching your face color to your wrist will get you nowhere. The wrist is one of the lightest parts of your body, and won’t provide an accurate foundation match. Instead, find your foundation color by testing the product out on your jawline or neck and matching it to the natural complexion of your face.

Ask a Pro: The Five Biggest Makeup Mistakes to Avoid

I think as far as beauty mistakes women make, in general, it boils down to the time they take to buy it and apply it. Specifically, there are a few mistakes I see women make on a daily basis, some with pretty simple fixes. But, everyone is in such a hurry and they miss those couple extra moments to sit down with an artist and learn from them.

With makeup being a beauty standard, women are now starting to take more notice and advice from the professionals, although that advice and the time of an experienced artist costs money. These are some of the biggest makeup mistakes I see almost every day, and I’m giving them to you free of charge 🙂

model makeup
Model: Jessica Quillian | MUA: Tiana Holiday | Photo: LHGFX Photography

 

1. Foundation not matching your skin tone

Regardless of if you want to look tanner, you do not like your skin tone or you are trying to hide dark circles or dark spots, everyone should get a color that is correct for them. Spending some time asking questions and trying products on in a makeup-based store will save you many headaches and over time will save you money. Makeup artists are trained in those products and deal with different skin types and tones day in and day out.

The best way to find a great foundation is to pay attention to what your skin does during the day. Is your skin oily, dry or a combo of both? Then the formula comes into play – do you prefer powder, cream or liquid?

The best way to color match is not on your hand or chin but along your forehead and down into the neck. Pay attention to the neck tone – is it warmer and more pink, or cooler and more yellow? Does it pull a reddish or green tone? All of these questions and concerns need to be addressed, and every person wearing makeup has different needs. You will only know the answers to them all if you go to an artist or consult a makeup line that has trained professionals in their arsenal. If you don’t happen to gel with that artist, nicely ask for another artist to help you. We only get what we want if we are polite and inquisitive and that goes for makeup shopping as well.

2. Dry skin

No foundation or combo of products will look good if your skin is dry or not taken care of properly! So invest in good cleaning products, a good moisturizer, eye cream and exfoliator, either in the form of a buff pad, Clarisonic or volcanic ash exfoliator. They do not have to be expensive but they should have benefitting ingredients in them.

woman face water

I am a huge fan of simple solutions like drinking more water and putting coconut oil on my face, hair and body every day. I even take my makeup off with coconut oil. Trader Joe’s coconut oil (for only about $5) is the best investment one can make; I keep one in the bathroom and one in the kitchen.

3. Not cleaning your brushes

You cannot have pretty, long-lasting makeup with good skin if you do not take care of your tools, especially any brush or sponge that touches a cream or liquid. I suggest using MAC’S brush cleaner with a paper towel daily; but along with that, I highly recommend cleaning them weekly with warm to hot water and a gentle liquid hand soap or baby shampoo. Lay them flat and let them air dry overnight. Pro sponges and beauty blenders need to be cleaned after every use. That extra time here is not only recommended but mandatory for your overall skin health and makeup looks. Makeup Artists are only as good as their brushes are clean.

woman face makeup brush msutache

 

4. Too much bronzer and too much blush

Now don’t get me wrong, I love love love blush and bronzer but a little goes a long way. Bronzer should go on after your powder and use it to shade the face and add warmth. Also blend it into your neck; the chin shields the sun from your neck so go ahead and blend a little bronzer there.

woman bronzer blush

Bronzer should be a nice golden yellow tone for lighter complexions and a little reddish for darker complexions. Use a big fluffy brush to apply a small amount first.

Blush should be applied in a dabbing or circular motion, not a sweeping back to the temple motion. Try using a small fluffy brush with an angle. Blush color depends on your skin tone, lip or eye colors being used. You can use many different shades, shiny or matte or you can mix a couple of different shades. Start with the blush color in between the apples of the cheek and the hollows of your cheek.

5. Black eyeliner in just the water line

I am a huge fan of black eyeliner – pencil, cream, gel, liquid, etc. If it’s black, I want it! It just looks very harsh if it’s not blended with an eyeshadow or softened with a brown bronzy eyeliner or another color.

woman applying black eyeliner waterline

My favorite way to wear a black pencil eyeliner in the water line is by setting it with a black eyeshadow and blending the eyeliner into the lash line and just below. I blend out the black shadow with another color as well, so the look is more of a faded smokey rather than a harsh line.

 

Tiana Holiday is a professional makeup artist with 17+ years experience in the industry working with celebrities, on music videos and commercials, weddings, private clients, photoshoots and fitness models. She is the owner of Tiana Rae Artistry.

tiana holiday
Tiana Holiday

How to Contour Your Whole Body with Self Tanner

There’s an old saying, ‘if you can’t tone it, tan it’ and if you’re anything like me (a junk food addict) your summer body goals may not have been achieved as quickly as you would have liked. I’m all about using tricks to up my confidence whenever possible, so I started contouring using makeup to define my features. I started out by contouring my face and graduated to contouring my cleavage and collarbones on special occasions to make them pop! For a more ‘I woke up like this’ look, learn now just how to contour your face and body with self-tanner so you can look flawless all summer long, no makeup necessary!

First things first: shower, exfoliate, and moisturize your body. Apply a light- to medium-colored self-tanning mousse all over your face and body. (If you’re already a bronzed-goddess feel free to skip that last part.)

 

FACE CONTOURING

Don’t forget to contour for YOUR face shape ✨ #contour #howtocontour #faceshapematters #howtomakeup

A post shared by ChelZ (@artistrybychelz) on

Use a contouring makeup brush to apply your favorite dark self-tanning mousse in the shape of a ‘3’ on your face. Start by applying a small amount of mousse onto your brush (my all-time favorite self-tan is the Loving Tan Express Mousse) and dabbing the excess product onto a piece of tissue or paper towel so you don’t use too much product. Place the brush along your natural cheekbones and apply the product, making sure to blend well so you aren’t left with any harsh lines. Then, drag the product along your jawline to create the appearance of a stronger jaw. Lastly, apply mousse around the edges of your forehead – be careful not to go too close to your hairline, especially if you have light hair. Don’t forget to do lots of blending with both the brush and your fingers to ensure a flawless finish.

 

CLEAVAGE CONTOURING

Use the same contouring brush to apply mousse to your cleavage. Simply follow the natural lines of your body. You should be applying the product in between and on top of your breasts in the shape of a ‘Y’ to accentuate your natural shape. Next, apply tan just above and just below your collarbones to make them pop. I also like to apply contour to the front of my shoulders in a circle shape. Again, make sure to blend everything so there are no visible lines, only soft shadows.

 

LEG CONTOURING

Lift your knee up, (I like to bend my leg and place it on the bathroom counter) and examine the way your muscles naturally look. Follow the lines of your legs along your inner and outer thigh. The line on your inner thigh should be slightly curved into your leg and the line on the outside of your leg should be straight. For best results, use a large mirror so you can see how the finished product will look full-scale.

 

WAIST CONTOURING

Draw a vertical line down the center of your stomach, from your sternum to your bellybutton. Next, draw horizontal lines across your stomache to create the appearance of abs! Blend, blend, blend!

 

BUTT CONTOURING

Apply self-tanner to the bottom of your butt cheeks in a half circle shape, this will add shadow and will create the appearance of a lifted bum!

Beauty Through the Decades: Iconic Makeup Trends From the ‘70s to Now

Just like fashion, makeup trends from decades past have a way of repeating themselves. Some iconic makeup looks are always winners, while other beauty fads have resulted in some less-than-flattering Kodak moments. We’re taking a stroll down memory lane and recalling the best (and worst) makeup trends from the ‘70s to now.

Iconic Makeup Looks from the Past (and How to Wear Them Today)

The ‘70s

makeup trends

The ‘70s favored natural beauty, but the decade was also known for its dazzling disco influence.

The Good: No-makeup makeup became a major marketing ploy for cosmetics companies during this time, with barely-there products helping you look your best with neutral hues. Eyes were emphasized with cut creases that were a little softer and more blended than their ‘60s counterparts. Farrah Fawcett’s wispy ‘do became the “mane” event along with California girl suntans, peachy lips, and ultra-defined lower lashes. Eyebrows were plucked and relatively thin, but they still retained their natural shape.

Of course, disco nights out on the town meant color-bathed eyelids, glitter, and sexy red lips.

The Bad: Everyone was sunbathing for a natural glow. “Burn, baby, burn” is a great cure for your Saturday Night Fever, but it’s a terrible approach to skincare.

The Now: The ‘70s have totally returned, so you can wear anything from this decade right now and get away with it. The same is true for its makeup.

See: Boogie Nights, Love Story, and Grease

The ‘80s

iconic makeup trends

The ‘80s gave us some of the best pop music ever… and some really wild experimentations in eyeshadow.

The Good: Contrary to popular belief, the ‘80s weren’t entirely bad. After all, this was the decade when rock star eye makeup became a thing, and heavy black eyeliner and mascara were encouraged. Also, those electric blue eyes were popular for a reason.

The Bad: Let’s face it… ‘80s makeup was bold. As in a little too bold. Eyes, cheeks, and lips had a painted-on look, and the colors were just as loud. Purple eyeshadow, fuchsia lips, and unblended streaks of pink blush ventured into clown territory. At least we had the music. (INXS for life.)

The Now: Recreate this decade’s signature look with gel eyeliner in a bright shade of cobalt. For a modern twist, pair your blue hues with a black cat-eye and keep your lips nude. (Crimped hair optional.)

See: Heathers, Sixteen Candles, and Working Girl

The ‘90s

makeup trends

This was the era that gave us “the Rachel” cut and butterfly clips with an unexpected dash of grunge thrown in for good measure. In other words, things got a little strange.

The Good: Shimmery eyeshadow stole the spotlight with a sparkle and shine that’s still popular today. Lipsticks unexpectedly went nude with rich shades like chocolate and raisin, while brown smoky eyes followed suit.

The Bad: For whatever reason, everyone became instantly repulsed by eyebrows and started plucking them with abandon. This regrettable phenomenon led to the “pencil brow” look that is still frowned upon to this day. Some of the brown lipsticks got especially moody, and dark lip liner reigned supreme.

The Now: Give the ‘90s a throwback with a dark nude pout, face-framing tendrils, and a slip dress a la Kate Moss.

See: Clueless, Reality Bites. Oh, and the music video for George Michael’s “Freedom.”

The ‘00s

iconic makeup trends

The ‘80s may be the redheaded stepchild of makeup decades, but the ‘00s tried their best to steal the title. This decade’s makeup trends were accompanied with chunky highlights and lowlights, zigzag parts, exposed midriffs, and head-to-toe denim. (Justin and Britney: we will always remember.)

The Good: Smoky eyes and nude lips met and fell in love.

The Bad: The obsession with sun-kissed skin morphed into splotchy experimentations with self-tanners, which resulted in even A-list celebrities showing up to awards shows with muddy complexions at best (and full-on Oompa Loompa skin at worst).

Body glitter was a major thing, but not quite as major as gobs and gobs of pink lip gloss. Ladies wore their lips pale to contrast the decade’s signature smoky eye, which relied on heavy eyeliner smudged from corner to corner. For a more ethereal look, there was still white eyeshadow – but this time, it was extra frosty to look more striking against tanned/muddy/orange skin.

The Now: Slip into a Juicy Couture track suit, and you’re halfway there! (Just kidding – sort of.) The pastel hues of this decade happen to work pretty well with today’s bohemian aesthetic. Pink and nude lip glosses are eternal, so continue to plump your pout with non-sticky, hydrating formulas. Take the tanning down a notch with the help of a natural-looking bronzer, and apply it strategically to contour your face.

See: Mean Girls, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Legally Blonde

The 2010s

makeup trends

Finally, we make our way to the current makeup climate. Our present decade will most likely be defined by “Instagram Face” and every member of the Kardashian household.

The Good: Natural makeup has definitely returned, and today’s beauty products are better than ever with excellent pigmentation and airbrushed finishes. Strobing has emerged as one of the biggest beauty trends, and thick eyebrows are on everyone’s wish list. Winged eyeliner, matte red or nude lips, and dewy complexions have helped usher in a wave of Parisian-inspired looks.

The Bad: The contour craze hit us hard, with overly chiseled features becoming the norm. False lashes are no longer reserved for special occasions – which is great, except they’re kind of annoying to apply. Meanwhile, drawn-on eyebrows have taken some people’s arches to the dark side.

The Now: We’re in it, and things are looking bright. The natural beauty of the ‘70s is helping us transition out of contour madness, but does this mean that an ‘80s resurgence awaits? Only time will tell.

See: Your Instagram feed.

What do you think of these iconic beauty looks? Share your favorite decade in the comments section below!

10 Beauty Tutorials For Affordable Makeup

There’s nothing quite as great as splurging on a high-end beauty item. Exception: when you save money on a drugstore brand and it looks just about as good as the high-end item. So if you’re looking to work your beauty into a budget-conscious life, here are several beauty tutorials that show you how to make the most of affordable beauty products.

 

Drugstore and Affordable Makeup Tutorial

Amy-Rose Walker

 

In this tutorial, Amy-Rose shows you how to use primer, cream contour, highlighter, fake eyelashes, and lots more. In it, you’ll learn some of the “fancy” makeup tricks like contouring and highlighting using products that won’t break the bank as Walker makes use of common brands like Maybelline.

 

Full Face Drugstore Makeup Tutorial & Affordable Brushes

KathleenLights

KathleenLights makes use of common, affordable brands like NYX, Rimmel, and E.l.f. By the time she’s done, she has a flawless, classic look with gorgeous nude shades and an attractive double cat eye, proving the perfect look is still within reach when you’re working with a budget.

 

Cheap Makeup Tutorial

Zabrena

The theme of this tutorial is “nothing over $5” and the products mentioned all come from a 5 Below store. Beyond money-saving tips, this tutorial also points out which products wore best throughout the day, so you’ll learn how to save time in your makeup routine, too.

 

Last Minute Affordable Party Makeup Tutorial

Kaushal Beauty

If you’re on a tight budget and need a stunning look for that upcoming party, you’ll want to give this tutorial a look. If you can follow these steps, your results will be a sharp, sculpted look that’s easy on your wallet.

 

Easy Affordable Makeup Tutorial on Brown/Dark Skin

Toni Olaoye

Different skin tones come with different color and product considerations, so this tutorial is great is you’re looking for drugstore brands that work well with darker skin. This tutorial will get you a bright, highlighted look with a stunning cat eye.

 

Easy + Affordable Back to School Makeup

NikkieTutorials

This tutorial is for a soft, natural makeup look making it perfect for anyone who wants to make a stunning first impression, not just for going back to school.

 

Affordable Makeup Tutorial

Patricia Bright

If you’re calculating your budget down to the pennies, you’ll love this tutorial that breaks down how affordable makeup can be by the day. You’ll find accessible products like L’Oreal True Match. With affordability and ease in mind, this keeps the product list down to 10 items.

 

Full Face Drugstore vs. High-End Makeup Tutorial

Christen Dominique

Given that all these tutorials thus far feature drugstore brands, you may be wondering just how these match up to the high-end products. This tutorial provides a side-by-side comparison of drugstore makeup and more expensive products. Spoiler alert: there’s far less of a difference than you’d think.

Full Face Using Only Five Affordable Products

Denitslava Makeup

Sick of beauty tutorials that have dozens of products mentioned for a single application? This tutorial keeps the cost down by only using five products, all affordable drugstore brands like L’Oreal and Rimmel. It’s kept simple by using concealer, powder, a sculpt and contour kit, mascara, and lipstick only.

 

Everything $1 Tutorial

Bronte Jones

Keep it dollar store cheap with this tutorial. Everything mentioned was found for a buck at Shop Miss A including product steals from brands like Malibu and L.A. Colors. Even with products at this price point, you can achieve a smooth, highlighted look.