Eye Brights! Spring Look

This is an article about another makeup artist that has accomplished a lot with her own makeup line the last several years in the industry. BOBBI BROWN, the artist and the makeup line.

I have been using the Bobbi Brown gel eyeliners for years as they really go on smooth and easy, they allow you to make mistakes and still get a fabulous result. As a makeup artist I love the way it stays on for a long time and it makes it easier to use on long shoots. I recently added to my collection the "Black Mauve" liner which I became a big fan off since it enhances any eye color and it does not look as heavy as black. I also bought the brand new "Brights eye palette" which contains a collection of 35 small size bright colors. At first I was a little disappointed about the size, especially with a prise tag of $70 but then I realized that with color that bright you would not have to use that much and as she said in an interview "If the palette finishes too quick then you are using it the wrong way". That's true, the colors are so vibrant that if you go too heavy you would look too dated. Think 80's. The idea is to take those colors and bring them up to date by applying a soft hue allover the eye, paired with a light liner for an ethereal look instead of a heavy smoky eye. Very spring.

Her new spring look also consists of sparkle eye shadows and textured skin with shimmers.

It is a very romantic look which looks very fresh and young, for all ages.

What can I say I have been a big fan for years and she never disappoints me.

So go ahead and splurge this time. You can find her products anywhere from Nordstrom's to Bloomingdale's or on line at the official website http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/ .

Go on and get pretty.

High Definition Makeup for all

I have to share the secret that Makeup Forever has given us, with the world. Here it goes.

The amazing Makeup Forever HD line they established is definitely made for HD broadcasting. When the High Definition cameras hit the media, we makeup artists where a little hesitant. We realized that we have to go the extra step of covering and blending even more precise than what we had been all these years. High Definition is not forgiving. It shows every speck of skin problems and every speck of makeup that is too heavy and not blended well enough. We started with airbrushing which has been around for a long time but made another debut with the newcomer HD cameras. Airbrushing, I came to find out is great, I personally enjoy applying makeup this way only because it is fast, smooth and by far more sanitary for people with sensitive skin. No touching or pulling on the skin at all, just a lite air stream of makeup hitting your face like a breeze. Airbrushing can be heavy too though. It is an art form that has to be mastered first before applied.

I bought my first airbrush eight years ago and at first I was staring at it like a foreign object from space. I was afraid of it. All the little parts that needed special care and cleaning after every use. All the adjustments you had to do whether you wanted a fine face flow or a heavier flow for the body. That was scary even for me, that I am considered a pro.

I took a few classes from different artists that claimed to have mastered the art and I was still not convinced that was working. Everyone was still kind of new to it and still afraid so they where passing that fear along.

I gave up and stored it away. One day I thought I will revisit that task but for now I am incapable of dealing with it.

Unfortunately since the airbrushing had become the new fad in our industry I had to revisit my monster friend sooner than I thought. I was hoping this one shall pass and I would never have to deal with the beast disregarding the heavy price tag of $500.00 for the compressor and about $130 for each airgun (I got two), not to mention the makeup which runs at $25.00 for each small bottle.

Meanwhile at that time the compressor was a big bulky and heavy one, so this was another problem for us, having to carry all that we do.

The demand was high and I happen to be called several times by clients requesting it.

I had to get with the program and go for it. I did and when I started to read up and pulling it apart, I realized that it is not as hard as I thought.

I started with spraying water through it and figuring out the intensity of the flow and how to adjust it. I got into the foundation part and after several failed attempts I figured out how to smoothly pass the color through and it was heaven. I felt so smart and accomplished...till it clogged up. I am like "Oh, my God, I broke it! What now?"

Needless to say, I did not brake it. There is a lot to learn about this little beast and it takes lots of patience and failing before you concur it but it worked out at the end. My clients where happy and I was thrilled. It was an accomplishment.

I have been using it happily ever after that day, with no drama.

Makeup lines realized that it was time to compete in that area and started developing products to fit in the airbrush circle of friends. Thank God (or whoever else you like) for that.

Going back to high definition world though it meant nothing to just airbrush the foundation onto a face, one had to control the amount very swiftly to pass that test.

Practice, practice, practice, is all I can say and if I did it so can pretty much everyone.

Makeup Forever's HD line and a lite hand is as close to airbrushing as possible but our actors good skin care regimen is also coming to play a part. Unfortunately for all our lazy friends out there that love to be in front of the cameras they have to do their part on taking good care of their skin first. Volcanoes erupting on your face no matter how good a makeup artist covers it, creates a shadow on a certain angle and it becomes an issue for DP's too that work with the lights since chances are the actor will move their heads around while talking.

The new Makeup Forever HD line of foundations comes in a great range of colors and goes on very smooth, almost undetectable. You can apply it with a large synthetic brush (I love the Mark foundation brush, only $6.00 at http://www.avon.com/) a sponge or a kabuki brush.

To finish the look Makeup Forever has developed a translucent powder that goes with it and it is the best powder I have tried for that job. It is very fine and it consists solely of mineral silica powder. The combo of those two creates a flawless result.

Of course using it on set, I came up to the biggest challenge of it all. "Can it come as a solid compact?" since the fine powder makes it hard and time consuming for "last looks" because we have to work really fast. I had an opportunity to meet the creators of the line on a visit to our set and I asked just that. The answer was "NO", since it is 100% mineral silica, making it into a solid form will change the effect since they have to add other ingredients to solidify it. As disappointed as I was, I am still using the product on set due to it's amazing finish, I just soak up my brush before they call last looks.

You can buy Makeup Forever HD foundation and powder at http://www.makeupforever.com/ or at http://www.sephora.com/ the foundation is $40 and the powder $30.

Fabulous colors by Duwop

Recently I had a chance to get my hands on the makeup line Duwop. We are all aware of their staple product Lip Venom. When it first came out, I rushed to the store to buy it. I put it on my lips immediately and waited outside of the beauty store to see if by miracle I become Angelina Jollie. The taste was strong and the feeling, well, it begun to sting. My lips were on fire but it was a good burn. I looked in the mirror and to my disappointment I did not resemble Jollie at all but my lips were a deep shade of pink and a little fuller. I did not know what to make out of it. I was a lip plumper virgin.

Duwop is making way more makeup products than just Lip Venom.

I fell in love with one of their new eyeshadow trios called "CRUSH". It is this metallic golds and a deep burgundy. I have created an amazing look with them. Very clean, warm and very in the Now. I also have used the burgundy shadow as a lipstick. I put lip balm on the lips or Lip Venom first and then with a lip brush you dip into the burgundy shadow for a vixen like look. It stays longer than lipstick and the pigment is very strong.

I was also very impressed by their other shadow palettes in all the shades. It includes a base shade, a highlighter, a darker color for the outer corner, a metallic color and a cream liner. All in one, great for makeup artists but also great for individuals that take eye makeup seriously and want to touch up on the go. This palette has it all and it is very compact.

The color scheme for this fabulous palette comes in "GREEN EYES", "BLUE EYES", "VIOLET EYES", "THE BROWNS", "BRONZE".

When it comes to cheek colors, Duwop does it again. Between their cream blushes and their new "blushboosters", you can have it all in your fingertips. Did I mention that I love their compact cases? The right amount of product and as light as a feather. I like applying CHEEK VENOM in "sidewinder"on first with a synthetic brush. I follow with the powder BLUSHBOOSTER in "pomegranate" or for some sparkle the "Mango". They also developed Venom Gloss which comes in a big variety of shades, it is not as strong as Lip Venom but it feels great on the lips and the glossiness and color is very subtle. I indulge in their "BERRY CHILL", "BUTTERCUP" and "WISTERIA".

They also make a Prime Venom which goes on before hand to fill in and prime lips. One of my clients uses it around her eyes to plump up wrinkles and she swears by it. I do not suggest or advice to do the same since this product is not meant for the sensitive eye area and has not been tested for it.

Now lets talk about "Payoff". What "Payoff" is make any eyeshadow deeper by several shades. I was at work and I really wanted to see if it is true what DuWop claims for this product. I put a couple of drops on an empty palette and then dipped my eyeshadow brush in "Payoff" and then into the shadow. Voila, a miracle occur ed. The shadow was deeper and vibrant. I could not stop. I fell in love with it. It is great for makeup artists that work with a favorite shadow color but the pigment is not exactly there. Instead of going layer by layer trying to built up the color, all you have to do is wet the brush first with some DuWop "Payoff". It is a staple in my makeup kit from now on.

Great Skin care brush for the brave

One of my fabulous Christmas presents this year happen to be the Clarisonic skin care brush. Given to me by another fabulous makeup artist friend that always stays educated and in the now of products. She is the IT girl of new technology and cosmetics by far.

I went home all excited to try this new discovery that night but I did not read the instructions-excited! remember?-and that was not smart.

Well the Clarisonic comes with different brushes for sensitive skin and the settings are for body and face. The more intense vibrations are for the body obviously which also helps reduce the appearance of cellulite. Well, since I never read the instructions I reduced the cellulite in my face and looked beet red by the time I was done torturing myself. I thought "Are you kidding me? this is too strong for the face." so my friend called the next day to ask if I liked the product. I do but I am in pain, I said.

She knew right away what was happening. "Did you use the right setting for the face? there is a body setting too which is too harsh for the face, you didn't use that one, did you?"

I did not have the strainght to admit to my carelessness and laziness so I said. "No, I used the low setting for the face. I did read the instructions...Dahhh" and that said I hang up the phone and went to get the manual out and start reading before I shed all my skin off of my face.

I loved it. Using it the right way, the Clarisonic is a great exfoliator. I liked how it leaves your skin super smooth after one use and makeup residue does not survive the vibration.

The dry patchy skin that cold weather gifts you with, goes away in one try. I noticed much softer skin, no dryness and less blackheads.

The Clarisonic starter kit comes with a couple of sample cleansers, the brush, the charger and an extra brush.

Give it a chance. You can find it at Sephora for $195 but you can also look online for a better deal. I think the lowest I found it for, was $159, if you google it but I don't know if it has

everything included, read before you buy.

This is how the company on the Sephora site describes it:

From the creators of the Sonicare® toothbrush comes Clarisonic® skin care. Sonic technology first changed the way we clean our teeth, it's now changing how we cleanse our skin. The sonic frequency moves Clarisonic's soft, gentle brush back and forth at more than 300 times per second. The sonic micro-massage clears your pores, loosening dirt, makeup and oil. Clarisonic® is proven to remove more dirt (sebum and makeup) than traditional, superficial cleansing, allowing your serums and moisturizers to absorb better. Skin is left soft and pampered without harsh abrasion or chemicals. Clarisonic reduces dry skin patches, oily areas and blemishes and removes 6X more makeup. Pore size, fine lines, and wrinkles appear smaller.

TOP SECRET

I would like to introduce you to one of Hollywood's best kept secrets today.

Several years ago I was at the makeup trade show that happens every year in Pasadena, California. As I was wondering around discovering new lines of cosmetics I happen to notice a number of girls with luscious long hair walking around near one of the booths. I approached and what I discovered changed my life forever. Top Secret Haircessory.

Yes I know, there is a lot of hair extensions out there flooding the market these days but Top Secret is on the top of my list.

Why? You may ask. Well, the hair is 100% best quality real European hair, very well processed and look very natural. I bought my first two pieces and the owner of the line custom cut it and colored it on my head. I went home with it on. My hair was fuller and at least 3 inches longer.

My husband knew something was a little different but could not pinpoint what it was. That is how natural Top Secret looks or my husband is one of those guys that does not pay attention but I knew better, because he is not. The guy notices everything.

Top Secret is a clip on extension which after my adventure with real permanent extensions and all the hair loss I got from them, I now prefer.

You treat the extensions just like your own hair. Wash them, blow dry them, curl them. They lasted me for more than five years which justified the price tag. You get what you pay for, lets face it. As a matter of fact after seven years I still got them and use them in conjunction with my new pair that I recently purchased from them. It is that great of quality.

Denise Rossouw, the owner and founder of the line has an extensive celebrity clientele and I will give up the secret of great fabulousness to you today.
Celebrities can't no longer keep all the goodies for themselves because The Glam Reporter is willing to give up their secret to the rest of humanity and women out there that want to look sexy and young.

I contacted Denise and had her answer some questions for us, so we know from the horses mouth, What is Top Secret and how it works.

And here is what she is sharing with us:

Top secret hair was developed for the rigorous demand of Hollywood’s entertainment industry, Which includes actors, actresses, rock stars and super models who can’t afford to have a bad hair day! After decades of listening to the concerns of clients who suffered from thinning hair or hereditary hair loss, a problem more than 30 million women experience, Ms. Rossouw, the founder realized there was nothing like this product on the market and that Top Secret should be available for everyone because it’s all about options. Lets face it, most people don’t have the time or the know how to create fabulous hair. Adding fullness and thickness to fine and limp hair in a snap is something everyone desires, not just celebrities walking the red carpet. Top secret haircessory can create the desired look for anyone’s appearance, with the revolutionary four clip attachment which can be mastered quickly, saving you hours of your life in front of the mirror. With the ease of top secret everyone can experience the instant transformation and look years younger. It’s what so many celebrities have kept secret for years!


Hair makeover Diva
Denise hair designer

Sought after by many stars, pop stars, and rock stars. Too many to mention and too confidential to name. Many Hollywood stylist use Top Secret to create trend setting styles on their celebrity clientele.

Ten Most frequently asked questions about Top Secret:

1. Does it look natural?
a. Yes, it is virtually undetectable, and is perfect for close encounters.
2. Can I apply it easily myself?
a. Yes, the clip system can be mastered in just a snap.
3. Can you match my hair color?
a. Top Secret is available in 22 different colors. The pieces are 100% human hair, and can be colored to any shade and customized.
4. How long will my Top Secret last?
a. Because they are 100% human hair, the same care would apply to your pieces as you would to your own hair. With proper care some clients have used their pieces for a couple of years. When used daily, even as your natural hair fades and losses shine, Top Secret may lose some of it’s perfection after about a year.
5. Can I sleep or swim in my Top Secret?
a. Yes, you can sleep and swim in your Top Secret, although we recommend removing your Top Secret when sleeping. This will insure the integrity and style of your Top Secret. Top secret can get wet just as your natural hair can. But, shampooing your Top Secret after swimming is recommended.
6. How fast can I receive my new Top Secret?
All orders are shipped out the same day as the order is places as long as they are received before 3:30pm. We have many shipping options available for you. We will ship via Fed Ex, and can have your Top Secret to you as early as 10am the day after your order is placed.


Top 10 reasons why YOU need a Top Secret Haircessory:

1. Red carpet event
2. Runway or Television appearance
3. Wedding
4. Prom Night
5. Reunion
6. Anniversary
7. Interview
8. Thinning or limp bodiless hair
9. Hair recovery, over processed damaged hair, bad haircut
10. Or just a night out with your new love interest

Here is how you can find more info about Top Secret, go to the official website

www.topsecrethair.com

PRIVILEGED

It is raining today at the Paramount lot. We were out on location shooting all morning and we are finally back on set. We are shooting the last episode of season 1 for "Privileged" and can I just say that I am so happy I had the chance to work on this show. I have been working in the business for years and I have been so lucky to have worked on some great shows and movies. But "Privileged" touched my heart a little deeper than the others. It is like a family. The whole crew and cast have been close from pretty much the beginning. We all just clicked. Yes, like all relationships in life we had some hard times and some people that did not fit. The main crew and cast has been together from beginning to the end and it feels good, it feels like home. There is genuine care on the set, none of that Hollywood frou frou talk, plain simple honest caring for each other. I have to admit that it does start from the top and starting with the creator of the show Rina Mimoun, who is a great person, sweet and easy going. Easy to talk to and very approachable. Our producer Peter Burrell. Usually producers are scary and always busy with something more important than YOU. Peter always took the time to talk and address any kind of problem there ever was on set. We love him. Our cast starting with Joanna Garcia that beyond her beautiful looks and incredible talent she is a sweet person with the biggest heart ever. No Divas here. And let me tell you, if she is not a Diva, then no one else has the right to be. We got lucky, the cast has been amazing fun people and easy to work with. I am telling you this show has spoiled me. Keep watching it so we can have a second season because honestly it has raised the bar for a lot of us. Anne Archer, the ever so classic beauty, beautiful, talented and fun to be around. A breath of fresh air. We have some beautiful men too, I am sure the girls have been waiting for this one. Brian Halissay, the BOD. Brian is funny, we crack each other up and he hates it when I put the concealer too close to his eyes. He always takes deep breaths and acts like someone is about to pluck all his lashes out. We always start laughing at the dramatic behavior.

We have a newcomer on set. Robert Buckley, he is the new...I will not say. Watch the show to see where he fits in and who is he going to woo.
Last but not least, the twins. Ashley Newbrough and Lucy Hale, also known as Hucy. I love them. Those two have almost become my children the last few months, except I am too young to be their mom. We cried, we laughed, we PMSed together. I covered their pimples, they updated me on the music, young cool people listen to, these days.

Of course one of my closest people on set is my Department Head and very dear friend Kathleen Crawford. Kathleen has years of experience in this business as a department head and we have worked together in the past. Being together over 50 to 60 hours a week can become a difficult task sometimes but with Kathleen and I it has been nothing but fun. The two days on the weekend that we have apart usually we talk on the phone or try to meet up. I will definitely miss our morning chats over coffee as we both get to work early so we can share our weekend experiences apart from each other. I am so used to our time together that I am going to go through withdrawals for the next few weeks. I just might have to call Kathleen up and meet her for coffee every morning just to reminisce and relive our last seven months together. I have learned a lot from her and I admire the way she uses her talent to make everyone that goes through her chair, well absolutely gorgeous and ready for action.

I am sad that the first season is over. I have spent more time with these people the last few months than with my real family. I am also very happy to have had this experience and have met them all. I am sure we will get a second season and if we all manage to come back again together, it would be something to look forward to. Of course the fact that the show is so cute and it is getting so juicy and interesting will help the executives' decision. We have held our own, without any promotion or advertisement we kept our tv viewers happy enough to watch every Tuesday night. Our writing team, Jenny Lynn, David Babcock, Michael Reisz, Christopher Fife and of course Rina herself with the rest of the writing team have been brainstorming some really good stuff. Our season finale is going to be a big deal with twists and turns and shocking surprises.


I can't say any more. Tune in on Tuesday nights, CW 9pm and watch the show.

Privileged

"PRIVILEGED" is a new show on CW airing every Tuesday night at 9pm. It also happens to be the show I've been working on for the past seven months and I love it. More on behind the scenes of the show is coming up soon, till then enjoy the clips.

Lip Service

Lips, ooh la la! like the French like to say. Which woman does not want to have full, luscious, juicy lips? Come on be honest. When the Restylane and Collagen is flying out of all the derms and plastic surgeons offices , I think that means one thing and one thing only. Women, we love full lips, the bigger the better. I am one of those women. I love lips and their shapes and the fuller the better, of course being a makeup artist I kind 'o know how to make them even bigger with products.


I always dreamed of Angelina lips. So a year ago I went to my derm and I said "I know I really don't need it but I want to try that Restylane stuff. Give me bigger lips". He was very hesitant. As a well respected doctor he wanted to warn me that it might not look as good too big. I told him to "shoot away, I want to experiment and see how much is too much."






So he did.

Boy, does it hurt! Those needles piercing through the thin sensitive skin of my lips made me tear. I felt the liquid going through and it felt good in a very weird way, that it shouldn't.


Did I say, I am a masochist? I guess I must love pain. When he was done, my lips felt numb and swollen, a little bruised. I looked in the mirror and...oh my!!

It was like I had gotten stung by 100 bees. I started laughing although it hurt to do so. I thought it was the funniest thing I have seen but i loved it. My doctor was not happy, he thought it was too much but the good thing with Restylane, it is not permanent, it goes away in three months, at least for me.

I have to say, I miss it when it's gone but at an average of $300 a vial, which is not bad, is a bit costly for someone that does not need it but wants to crack herself up. Call me crazy.
I am a makeup artist, is what I do, I experiment, I want to know first hand how things feel and cost and if they work, so I can have a valid answer for my clients. Same way I go and watch pretty much every movie even if people tell me how bad it was. 9 out of 10 times I have a different opinion, MY OWN.



FAVORITE LIP PLUMPERS:
When it comes to products, I am a big fan of Patricia Wexlers "no injection" lip plumper, apply every night before you go to bed, wake up with fuller lips. A little stinging occurs, do not be alarmed.
DuWop is another one I like. I particularly like their colored glosses. They give a little plump but not a huge difference.
Lip Fusion is another oldie but goodie. The XL works wonders for me but I also love the colored glosses. All these are temporary solutions of course and since we were not born with Jolie lips, we have to work with what we got. A natural, close to our lip color pencil will work great, lining a little above the lip line, be careful not to look like a clown. Use a lighter gloss or shimmer in the inside part, playing with light always creates a fuller illusion.
Good luck, girls.

Rockstar Wives

Being in these business as in the beauty and entertainment that is, has its perks. One of them is meeting amazing people, people that made history with their talents and performances. Sometimes it's hard keeping it together when you meet someone you are a fan of.

Well, what can I say, it comes with the territory and I don't mind it at all.

In September I was asked by a dear friend of mine to do her makeup for a "little" magazine called Italian Vogue. It was a delight to have such a big magazine host my creation so I was beyond excited. The issue was a tribute to music and musical legends and my friend happen to be married to one of them, that being Slash, need to say more? We know him from his days on G&R and the younger generation is a fan of his Guitar hero game.

Perla Hudson is an incredible woman full of life and joy. She knows how to have fun and makes sure the people around her do too.

It was love at first site when a mutual friend referred me to her and I have been her makeup artist ever since.

Well I am exceptionally proud of the way Perla looked for this particular shoot, she was flawless and radiant.

Perla loves airbrushing and I do too.

FOUNDATION: I always mix a little "pearl" by aircraft cosmetics in with three different foundations to get that perfect color for her complexion. I airbrush her face and decolletage with that mixture. I also contour her with a deeper color foundation to bring out those gorgeous high cheekbones girlfriend has. She likes to tan so it is not hard to make her look healthy.

EYE SHADOWS: For this shoot we played with a lot of bronze and gold creating a sultry smoky eye. I gave her eyes a lot of depth with shimmers.

EYELINER: I winked black eyeliner pass the outer corners of the eye and up, that gave her a more sophisticated sexy look and opened up her eyes. My favorite eyeliner is the Bobbi Brown long-wear gel liner in Black and Black Mauve.

EYELASHES: Oh yeah! We love eyelashes, we double them up for this one and a mixture of strips and individuals. For never ending lashes we coated them with two hefty coats of the blackest black mascara.

BLUSH: Cream blush was brushed on with a synthetic brush and a shimmery peachy-pink powder blush was brushed on top.

LIPS: For the lips I kept it simple since there was so much going on everywhere else. I used Mac Plush Glass in Big Baby, after I lined her lips with a neutral lip liner "Rock Star" (how appropriate) by Tarte. Perla has beautiful lips and one of my little tricks that she loves is the way I bring out her "cupids bow" which is over her top lip. I use a shimmer pencil in pink and line over the top of her upper lip all the way to the bottom of her nose. Benefit cosmetics makes a great one and easy to use, it's called, what else, "Cupids Bow" pencil and it comes with directions.

The picture showing is not the one that made it into Octobers issue of Italian Vogue but it is by far one of my favorites. It shows the connection and love Perla and Slash have for each other. Love is the best foundation you can wear. No product out there could top that.

A great eye makeup remover in the baby aisle

Do I have a little surprise for you girls out there?

Here we go: You know those days that you don't want to go through your seven step cleansing regimen at night? I am talking to those bad girls-you know who you are- that sometimes they skip taking their make up off at night. Yeah yeah we all know the drill: you should take your makeup off every night, you would look 10 years younger if you do...blah...blah...blah. THEY ARE RIGHT. But since I have compassion for the late nighters, too tired, didn't have time, wasn't home, kind of girl (which by the way i am one of them), here it is.

Tricks of the trade coming from the mouth of a makeup pro that doesn't follow her own advice half of the time.

One of my absolute favorites in the non oily makeup removers is the Shisheido cleansing water.

I discovered that product while working on the new movie Star Trek (2009). We had a lot of women background artists that were inside the Enterprise with very intricate makeup. This product was suggested to me by another great artist, Bonita. We would do quick clean ups under their eyes and around their eyeliners. Great for little boo boo clean ups while doing your make up and a great quick remover for eyes and the whole face, for the ones that do not want oil residue. For $20.00 a bottle that lasts a long time it is a great buy.

My second best is the Clarins instant remover. This contains oil but it removes every trace of makeup really fast, so if this is all you have in your bag, use it on eyes and all over face. After you remove makeup, find a washcloth, soak it under hot running water (make sure you can handle it) and scrub your face with it.

TIP: Do not break the bank for fancy wash cloths, the cheaper the better because they are not as soft, so you get to exfoliate your skin better.

I recommend this for people with dry skin especially since the oil in the remover has hydrating advantages. Price tag $26.00.

And now for my favorite little surprise, you did not see this one coming.
Johnson's baby shampoo.

Yep that's right, Johnson's baby shampoo. I know some of you might not have kids around but I would invest in a bottle, it is good to have it around in case you run out of hand soap, it can work as a shaving cream(legs), it can work as shower gel and the best one of all as an eye makeup remover.

How did I find out? Living in California and having the Santa Ana's winds blowing us occasionally I got dry irritated eyes and went to my ophthalmologist for help. When her prescription to me was Johnson's Baby shampoo i was like "what?".

Since she probably knew better than me and since she explained to me that although Johnson's does not include it on their label, it is recommended by ophthalmologists for eye irritations. Remember "tear free". I love it, I have not woken up with swollen eyes ever since I been using it. For under $5.00, this is a winner.

Go on girls, snatch those baby shampoos, show those babies how to share and give them something to cry about.

Angelinas spa beauty secret and how to bring it home with you.

A few weeks ago, my husband and I splurged on a weekend getaway to Las Vegas, Nevada. Packed the car with needed clothes for outings and for relaxation and hit the road. We love driving to Vegas from Los Angeles since it is not that far and the drive is relaxing. We get to spent some quiet time together and talk on the way instead of dealing with airport parking and security. Getting into Vegas is always a great thing, by then we are ready to get out of the car, walk and enjoy the luxurious fancy restaurants and have exotic drinks that you can only finds in Vegas.
But Vegas for me means so much more than gambling, restaurants, shopping and room service.
It means relaxation, yes in this crazy city full of lights and action there is little solitude heavens hidden all around in the quiet corners of those big casino resorts.
Destination: SPA.
We stayed at Mandalay Bay which has a very beautiful spa but my plans this time included my husband too. Usually the spa is my territory but this time I wanted to include him and share the experience with him. He has never been at a spa and never gotten a massage (he is ticklish).
I wanted something specific for us and I found it at the Mandara Spa, at the new Planet Hollywood (or PH for short) hotel casino. So I booked it. It was a couples bath and massage.
I wanted us to be in the same room and see his face while he is getting pampered. He agreed to go.
We get there and the spa smells wonderful, we got into our robes and met each other at the lobby were two massage therapists guided us to THE ROOM. Gorgeous room with dim lights, aromatherapy oil smells all around, two massage tables ready and a huge Jacuzzi bath tub full of rose petals waiting for us.
The therapists explained the process and the timing. They leave the room and here we are.
We started giggling like children, how awkward. I will not go into to details, I am sure you can imagine after the massage ended we were rubber. So relaxed, so happy, so in love again. It was so worth it!
Of course I did not want to end my experience then, I booked a Mani pedi and went with it.

That is when i met Laura, my manicurist. Also manicurist to the stars may I say and to top that, personal manicurist to Angelina Jollie. Laura was fabulous, she did a great job and we chatted away the whole time, she was a lot of fun, so much fun that I gave her my card to call me if she comes to Los Angeles. I usually don't do that but I tell you, Laura I be happy to hear from.
Anyway, Laura shared a beauty secret of Angelinas with me. She was using this amazing aromatic oil and milky lotion over it on my hands and feet, she told me to put it on my wet hair too and wash it out later. She swore by that stuff. I never seen this brand before and with a sticker price of $65.00 for the milk and $48.00 for the oil, I didn't think I will ever see it again.
Apparently that is what Angelina is using on her hair and cuticles, so I was very tempted to splurge even more than I had so far but I couldn't justify it to myself, nonetheless to my husband. I said "No thanks" and walked away like a good girl on a budget, that already spent more than she should.
Our trip was great, very much needed, we had fun, rested, had one too many drinks and drove back to reality Sunday night.
Unfortunately those products Angelina loves so much and uses religiously according to Laura the manicurist, followed me home. I couldn't sleep knowing that I don't have the best oils ever made. I deserve super soft hydrated hair and smooth cuticles like Angelinas. So I got online...and searched...and searched...and I found them in good prices, that I could justify, did I mention Christmas was coming up?
So here it is, the product is called ELEMIS, apparently Elemis is a spa line, sold mainly in spas and online. I found a website called http://www.timetospa.com/ and I ordered the day and night bundle which cost me $99.00 for a full size of the oil, full size of the milk bath (you can put it in your bath for super hydrated skin) plus a body scrub, a body balm and a trial size collagen face cream and mask.
It arrived promptly in a really fancy box, which gave me the idea that this will make a great gift for all of my glamour driven girlfriends. It is a must have, i just don't know how I went through life without it. Your skin and hair are as soft as can be and you smell like you just stepped out of a high end spa. I am a big fan.
TIP: If you use it as a hair treatment put it on after you wet your hair and leave it on as long as you want but you should shampoo and condition your hair as usual before you leave the house.
TIP2: The way Laura likes to use it, is apply the oil first and then the milk on top to seal in moisture. You can pour it in a plastic bottle and warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds too. For the ultimate spa experience at home. This is science!

CELEBRITIES AND MAKE-UP

So let's talk about a very important and touchy subject.
Celebrities, beautiful, rich, talented, they have it all.
Don't they?
What a great way to live life, people know you, people recognize you, you get photographed all the time. Key word here "you get photographed all the time" whether you are at a premiere or just running out to the store for milk real quick.
Hhhmm! Let me guess, a little make-up would save the day and applied by a pro make-up artist, boy what a treat that is. Of course there is a few very lucky Hollywood ladies that can afford the luxury of having a make-up artist at their door in the morning before they go out for the day. I happen to be one of those very lucky artists that get to taste Hollywood in all it's glory, the riches, the long luscious full of greenery driveways of Bel Air as i am driving up in what i think is a luxury car till i park next to exotic sports cars that cost more than my house. Hahaha! I tell you what, being around all that it sure makes me want more for my life, but also very happy for what i got now.
Yes these very powerful, beautiful ladies need us super talented make-up artists to bring out those sultry eyes so the world notices. Show how luscious and full those cherry red lips can be over teeth whiter than milk. Create the illusion of cheekbones higher than clouds resting carelessly on their faces and finally show the world of how good it feels to look good and feel good all the time, for everyone. Because lets face it, we all feel better when we look good and people respond to us different.
Haven't you notice? I know i have.
The days i am wearing a little make-up, i don't care how bad of a hair day i have (a cute hat can do wonders for that one) or how tired i am, i know i look good so i feel good.
Can you imagine how it would be to be on the public eye all the time?
You need a make-up bag with all the basics with you at all times.
I always advice my lady clients that may get photographed to keep a little touch up make-up bag in their purses at all times. I provide them with colors and easy to use products that would give them that extra sparkle in minutes. They love it and there is a great gratification that comes from that, it makes me feel like a superhero, i saved the day.
I imagine myself with a lipstick in one hand and a blush brush in the other wearing a pink cape flying over to make things right.
Well this blog is for all of us, everyone gets to find out the secrets of looking good all the time. The celebrities will not have the monopoly on that. I am willing to answer every question all you wonderful females have out there and if i can't answer it myself i know someone that could. XoXo

Great Make-up Brushes for everyones budget.

So i was at Rite-Aid the other day, waiting for traffic to die down before i get on Los Angeles infamous freeways to get home from Paramount Studios, that i stumbled across these fabulous, super soft and environmentally friendly make-up brushes.
I thought to myself "scored, i have to try these". So i did.
I took them to the make-up trailer the next day and i tested them on my actors, no animal testing here. They are called "Ecotools", made from bamboo and recycled aluminum. Isn't that awesome? It doesn't break the bank and they are super soft as you are watching out for the future of humanity.
Now i have to say, when i do want to splurge and i do want to splurge all the time, i go for the Channel ones and my very favorites are the Paula Dorf brushes. Soft as can be, make-up glides on the skin and everyone is happy. I always get compliments from my talented stars when i brush up against their skin those soft bristles.
Like i said on the title this is about make-up brushes for all budgets and now that the government is giving us IOU's in place of a tax return, use your discretion and shop smart. A girl has to have her make-up and make-up tools so don't deprive yourselves, go out and splurge on fabulous brushes for under $10.00.

Who am I

All these hours spent on set, waiting for the lights, camera, action. I am thrilled to be here.
Good old Hollywood California. Were things happen, real or fake. Things happen all the time.
I love it.
What can be more exciting than working in this fabulous business? Well for me it is pretty fabulous. I am a make-up artist and this blog is dedicated to all beauty, make-up tips, advice, great products, the latest of the latest in lipsticks, skin care, foundations, brushes, injections and the list goes on.
Things we tried and try every day straight from the mouths or keyboards of some of the best make-up artists and hairstylists in the world.
Yes, i know a lot of them and yes most of them i am very proud to say are my friends.
Lovely fun and exciting people that i want to gather up and we can all share our knowledge and favorites. Boy do i thrive for tricks of the trade, ways to look better, ways to feel better.
Let me tell you, my friends are a very interesting group of people. Everyday is a new experience, a new find, fun fun fun.
So join the glamorous club of the beauty creators. The talented hands of these lovely artists are willing to share the love. Hurry up, start asking.
We love it, go ahead...make(up) our day. XoXo