Best Day Ever.. You Tell Me...

To recap how I spent the day... I was at Paula Deen's home w/ Libbie Summers (Paula's Senior Food Stylist who has her own cookbook coming out in Sept), met the incredible icon - Liza Minnelli, & Bobby Dean gave me his new cookbook inscribed to "Jules & The Fritz".  Just when you didn't think it could get any better- I was paid top dollar to do all of this!

I say all of this for a reason, and also because it IS pretty damn awesome!  I want to encourage you along with myself to never let go of your dream.  I remember when many, and I mean lots & *LOTS* of people thought I was absolutely crazy for ever thinking I could leave my tiny hometown to do makeup.  Makeup?!  On location and not out of a hair salon?!  Full time?!   Well a little over 2 years later- a thriving business with a team of 5, portable photobooth division, & a makeup line in the works, I say with a smile- "Yup."

No matter what your dream is, no matter how crazy it seems to everyone else.. follow it anyway since living your dream is the best ride you can ever take but living in regret of what could've been is a miserable option.  Today reminded me of how sweet life is and how it's worth taking the chance on yourself.

Here's a photo from Paula's crew:

Adding Intensity to a Smoky Eye

For a flawless way to do dark eye makeup, we recommend using two eyeliners. Start by dotting on a dark liner to the base of the lashes. Then, simply go back over the line with a gel liner, dark shadow or liquid liner. Just by retracing the line, you'll get more intensity, help keep your makeup in place, and your lashes will look thicker.  Try using this with a brown pencil and then using jet black for best results.  

DIY Salt Glow Recipe & Directions

Yesterday I had a fantastic salt glow, a salt scrub which exfoliates your body to make your skin feel baby smooth and glow!  I wanted to share the tips & recipe I was given to make this happen more often.  Did you know exfoliating with salt is better for your skin that sugar?  Salt helps to pull toxins out of your skin and will not dissolve in the oil.  Sugar is still good, salt is just bit better.

You will need:

• Fine Sea Salt or Epson Salt
• 1/2 cup of massage oil such as almond or grapeseed - no cooking oil
• 10-15 drops of essential oils such as lavendar or lemongrass
• 1/4 cup of honey
• Mixing bowl
• A jar with a lid

Mix the oils & salt together until the oil has completely soaked the salt in your mixing bowl.  Next mix in the honey.  Transfer the goods to your jar & take a bath or shower.  

If you have a bathtub, allow the excess salt to fall into the tub which will now create a soothing soak.  Using the scrub in the shower prior to shaving is a great way to avoid ingrown hairs.  Make sure to use a soothing shave cream such as Ambrosia from Lush.com.    

Use your scrub 1-2 times per week.  This recipe will give you about 3 scrubs.  Feel free to add any oils you fancy.  Creating your own perfect salt glow is half the fun!

Facebook Questions Answered:

Question on Red Lips: How do you pick out and apply the perfect red lipstick? I would Love to wear it, but always feel like a clown. Any suggestions?

Answer: Sticking to berry tones vs orange is key in it being more flattering. I like to use the lip color, then outline softly with a pencil that is 1 shade darker to lock in the lipstick. You can also try a lip stain to get you used to the impact and build from there. My favorite reds: Pure Matte Lipstick from Nars. You can find them at Sephora.com or use those colors to guide you. I also really like the Doubletake Lip Color from Smashbox in Cranberry.

Question on Tinted Moisturizer: Can I make my own tinted moisturizer w/ a liquid bronzer & moisturizer? Is that what's essentially sold @ stores?

Answer: Yes! And I absolutely encourage you too! If bronzer scares you or it isn't giving you the look you want, mix your moisturizer & foundation. This is a great answer for finding a sheer coverage in your shade for the summer. For a glow or dewy finish- mix in a drop of illuminator.

Questions of Foundations:

--What is the best base/foundation product to use for an all day event that is both out and indoors that lasts but doesn't look cakey?

--Yes, I have a similar question, I need a foundation that looks smooth but won't get in creases half way through the day.

--I have a problem with under eye bags. I do everything right to help make them go away but they won't leave. My main problem is makeup gets in between the creases and makes them look worse. I use a primer on them, concealer, and then loose powder to set it but makeup still clumps between the creases! Any suggestions?

Answers: The best way to keep your makeup in place & out of creases is by using primer. Think of when you paint, you use a primer first- same applies to makeup. Some may need an extra boost by using a primer that also "plumps" fine lines such as MUFE's HD Exliir or Vitamin E. Depending on your skin, you may need a primer which also helps absorb oil (Smashbox's Photo Finish Light) or MUFE's All Mat. A misting spray will also help to refresh your makeup with having to add more. Blotting sheets are a great tool to have on hand as well.

--For under eye bags, try fresh aloe under your eyes. This will help bring down the swelling. Murad has a great product called Lighten & Brighten. Keeping spoons in your fridge for cold compression is also helpful. Pollen levels are at a world record high, so consider allergies as a culprit. Remember, the more makeup you use to cover- the more chance for a cakey build up.

Top non-airbrush foundations I use in my kit in order of coverage:

Sheer- Nar's Sheer Glow or tinted moisturizer

Medium- Laura Mercier's Foundation Powder (can be used over tinted moisturizer or wet for heavier coverage & MUFE's HD invisible foundation

Heavier- MUFE's Mat Velvet or Smashbox's Camera Ready Full Coverage

Hope this helps!

Kate Middleton's Wedding Day Face Chart

Now we have all heard that yes, the gorgeous Catherine, did her own makeup.  And yes, I'm completely disappointed that she didn't call me!  But after seeing her, I was beyond impressed with her color choices and skill.  What you may not know is that she did have training.  A Bobbi Brown artist did show Kate how to glam up her everyday look into the bridal beauty we all loved.  She was also on hand providing not only guidance but also makeup services for the members of her party.

Why didn't she just have her makeup done?  Well after several makeup trials for her engagement session, she wasn't happy with the results.  The future Dollface artist aka The Duchess of Cambridge, decided to do her own makeup for the photo shoot and eventually on her big day.

I do like her approach on knowing what would work best for her.  Doing your own makeup on your wedding day may not bode well for many brides-to-be.  When you factor in nerves along with many other causes for stress, most brides  look forward to their time in the makeup chair when they relax.

If you are looking to re-create Kate's wedding day look or would like your makeup artist to re-create the look for you, we have great news for you!  Bobbi Brown has released the face chart with product names:

Enjoy dolls!

Dewy Makeup - Just in time for Summer!

Most of us, especially those of us in high humidity areas, have no problem achieving a natural "glow".  By glow I mean oily.  How can you get the "glow" to work in your favor?  A dewy look is great option for summer since you are working with your skin and not against it.

1. Start by using a primer/moisturizer before you do your makeup.  Don't forget to moisturize under your eyes as well.  Prepping your skin is very important.  You can also use a primer with illuminators or a pink tint.  This will help in giving your skin a healthy look.  You can also mix in an illuminator in with your moisturizer or use it alone.  If you have very oily skin, use an oil absorbing primer such as Photofinish Light from Smashbox.  Top picks are: Orgasm Illuminator from Nars, That Gal from Benefit, & L'Oreal Studio Secrets' Face Primer.
2. Use a lighter foundation only where you need it. Try using a tinted moisturizer and concealer for spot coverage, or lightly using liquid instead of tinted moisturizer.
3. Try using a cream blush or even a lipstick on your cheeks for a lighter finish.
4. Opt for using an illuminating or mineralized powder.  Healthy, natural skin isn't matte- so go easy on the powder.  Note- this will reflect lighter in photos.  Top picks are: Stila, Laura Mercier, Mark from Avon, & Physician's Formula.
5. Use a setting mist for a natural finish. This step also sets your makeup and keeps in place longer. Hydrating your skin with a mist will also give a nice dewy glow! Top picks are: MAC's Fix + Spray, Make Up For Ever's Mist & Fix, & Evian's Brumisateur Mineral Water.  

There you go, dolls!  Don't forget to let me know how this worked for you!