With the winter season settling in my skin has been very dry and I must always rely on a great moisturizer to hydrate my skin, especially since I am not a huge fan of H20.... holding my head shame
Well SkinceuticalsHydrating B5 Masque is the perfect antidote for your fall/winter moisturizer. My acne prone skin only likes a couple of moisturizers but this masque works wonders. I normally apply at night on a clean face and do not remove it until the morning which leaves my face feeling and looking radiant, soft and plush. I can't get enough of it.
This masque has a great creamy gel texture with hyaluronic acid that ensures superior hydration for the skin. The other key active ingredient is Vitamin B5, which promotes healing
and secures cellular defense, essential for the health and well being
of skin cells.
The light texture of this mask gives resiliency
to the skin, but is not oily. The softening hydrating action is
intensified with the recommended application. For a much needed moisture boost, apply
the mask, leave on for ten to fifteen minutes, and massage it in. This
mask will show you a visible change in your skin. Guaranteed! It retails for$50.00
Great news! Smashbox is offering a 20%off all products for the next few days. I know I have not been able to tell you about my love of Smashbox products but I definitely do heart them, so if you need my help with products, colors etc. Just leave a comment and I will be sure to give you my feedback on some of my favorite must haves...
The holidays are quickly approaching and what better gift to
give that aBeautyblenderall packed
and tagged for gift giving!
I must say I was introduced to the Beautyblender in 2008 and since then we have formed a bonded that
cannot be undone. When I tell you that theBeautyblender
is by far one of the best foundation applicators ever, I am telling the truth.
You see the point of foundation is for you to look like you
have flawless skin in the eyes of others. But if not applied correctly you can
look like you have on a mask. Who wants that? Nobody, that’s who. The difference
between foundation looking like a mask and flawless skin is great brushes and of
course a Beautyblender.
Invented by Hollywood
makeup artists, this sponge leaves you with a professional finish. Applying
makeup with fingers or sharp-edged triangular sponges can waste makeup and can
leave visible streaks. Beautyblender’s elliptical shape makes allows you to
access hard-to-reach areas with ease. Its suede-like texture repels product, so
your foundation actually ends up on your face - rather than absorbed by the
sponge. And its unique curves fit the contours of your face, leaving your
makeup dazzling and undetectable.
I have very bad hyper-pigmentation and it is great for
covering it up. I even use it with my concealer and creams blushes. I love that
it easy to clean since it is re-usable, latex free, non-allergenic and odor
free.
Give your beauty loving sister or bff the gift of
flawless skin this season with the Hot Pink Holiday Kit, $23.95which includesBeautyblender, 3oz cleanser and its own
organza carry pouch.
Glamour meets Goth... This 4.5 inchGiuseppe Zanottisandal has a stiletto heel, black Swarovski crystal embellishment, an open toe, cutout detailing at sides, a jagged edge and a zip fastening at back. It is definitely an attention-grabbing fierce shoe to add to your stiletto collection. This shoes retails for $1,150 and can be found at www.net-a-porter.com
One of the first questions I normally get from new or prospective clients is what products I use or what brands would I suggest. So I decided to give you a quick look at products that are essential in my kit.
I always start with a clean face and a great moisturizer likeEmbryolisse. It is, as they say the 'cult' beauty cream. For my clients that have oily skin I will use a little bit of Make Up Forever“All Matte”for a long-lasting stay. After that would be my foundations, I must say I loveMake Up Forever HD Foundation it’s an amazing product and it has a great finish. But I can’t seem to stray away fromBlack Opal Stick Foundations they are super affordable and give great coverage for a flawless look. I pair either one withDior 'Diorskin' Sculpt Concealerand it works wonders for Brides and or TV. For powders I love M.A.C. Mineralize Skinfinish, it gives a great finish and an awesome glow after any foundation application. I also likeBlack Opal Invisible Oil Blockingpowder for those areas that tend to shine. For the most glamorous cheeksNARS Orgasm is a must have in any Makeup Artists kit and Dior’s Sugar and Spice blush, both brands are highly pigmented and all you need is a little dab for lots of color.
For eyes, I can’t get enough of myDior DiorShow Blackout mascara,it makes real lashes appear false, it’s the one thing I can’t do without… Last touch on the eyes I must say is Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner this offers the best precision and it is long wearing and water proof which is great for my teary eyed brides… Oh how could I forget...? Eyeshadow, so many to choose from but to name a few that I can’t do without because they are so high in pigment areM.A.C., FACE Atelier and NARS….
Lastly those lips…. I always start with either Dior or M.A.C.Cream Liners and fill in all the way to the center for staying power and normally add a Chanel lip color with a M.A.C. orKissable Couture by AJ Crimson gloss on top for that impeccable color and enduring all day stay!
So there you have it... my kit or just a little sneak at some of my much loved possessions and why I love them! Smooches!
Attention DC Area Fashionistas!! Get your holiday shopping done early this year! Check out the Shop-O-Nomics Holiday Shopping Event Friday, November 20th at the posh Helix Hotel in Dupont Circle in DC! This event promises to be a fun filled evening of deals and steals! The price of admission is $5 and all proceeds go to help bring awareness to Habitat for Humanity.
Hello Everyone! It has been a hectic but great weekend. I had the pleasure of working with one of my previous brides on a photoshoot and decided to take the opportunity to share with you some before and after shots.
I can't say how much I really enjoy working with this particular client she has such great features and as a makeup artist we love clients that have a great proportions to the face especially for contouring.
For her face: Foundation/Powder I used myBadger Airbrush System withTemptu products as well as one of my favoritesMAC Mineralize Skinfinish Powders. On her eyes I usedNarsEdie & Night Fever shadows and on her cheeks another fav NarsOrgasm. On her lips I used Rouge Dior by Dior & to seal the deal I added some Ardell110 Lashes and lots of DiorBlackout Mascara.
Even though the application took me well over my normal application time it was so worth the outcome!
So after many requests from friends, family and clients I have taken the first step in starting a blog… I am new to this but I figured since I am on the internet daily looking at fashion, makeup and all things fabulous (snapping my fingers) hey why not share me, my finds and ideas with everyone else?….
So please look forward to updates from me as a Makeup Artist and Stylist and my finds on Fashion, Makeup tips, Promotions or just anything going on in my world.
In a perfect world, we each would have our own unique style and a chic wardrobe that allowed us to look terrific at the snap of our fingers. Unfortunately, only a few lucky ones are born with 'It'-- that annoying knack for choosing the perfect outfit, make-up, accessories and hairstyle to fit the occasion. The rest of us, well, could use a little help. ÉLAN BRIDES is a one stop lifestyle blog to help brides and the everyday women and man with their fashion and makeup needs.
I'm Thankful . . . .
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I journaled this morning while listening to "Groove Theory" and in random
order; I've listed 40 things that I am thankful for. I hope that you will
have ...
Streamlining for 2011
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As we move into 2011 I find the need to spend less time on the computer and
more time out in nature (weather permitting) and experiencing life! Because
of...