Spring Ball "Get Ready With Me" Makeup Artist and Hair Style Secrets

Makeup and Hair care tools for that Met Gala, Red Carpet Glow

Met Gala 2016: Now that we've seen the beautiful dresses and posh outfits from the Gala, here is how you can translate these trends into a star-worthy entrance for your next event. If you notice the overall makeup was quite natural with dark lips showing up everywhere. This look is not for everyone but is a makeup option to either include or skip. The hair ranged from Hollywood glamour to everything in between so I'll cover that too. Oh and keep in mind many of the makeup and beauty products included here make GREAT last minute Mother's Day Gifts!

Makeup Artist Secrets: Kett Cosmetics NEW Fixx Creme Blush and Foundation Palettes

Kett's NEW FIXX Creme Blushes, Cream & Hydro Foundations-Perfect Fall Palettes!

New York, NY NEW FOR FALL! I'm so excited about my favorite foundation line coming out with a NEW product this fall. Kett Cosmetics, NYC is rocking the Makeup Artist world with these amazingly versatile and beautiful FIXX Creme Blushes. These are silky smooth and infused with vitamins and licorice, actually the first cream products I've used on my eyelids that did not crease. They are waterproof and can be used on cheeks, eyes, lips, really everywhere.

Kett FIXX Creme Blushes are waterproof, vitamin enriched and can be used on cheeks, eyes, lips... everywhere!

I generally use Kett's Hydro Foundation and Blush via an airbrush compressor but these new blushes actually do glide over the airbrush application very well. Just wet and squeeze out a Beauty Blender Sponge, (I have Sonia Kashuk's Blender Sponge from Target), and pick up the pigment. According to Makeup Artist Angie Mehlhorn, you can use a little spatula to get a bit out and then dab your Beauty Blender Sponge into the product. I've done this and the finish is really pretty.  Plus you can control the amount of color you want.

Makeup Artist's Secret Weapon: You'll need a Beauty Blender or Blending Sponge like this one from Sonia Kashuk.

I use the flat bottom of the Blending Sponge to apply the FIXX Creme Blush over my cheeks and forehead, anywhere you need a pop of color. If you are using an airbrushed foundation, this will not disturb it and you can build up the color. The result is a beautiful, moist, dewy finish that stays true for hours until you take it off. Airbrush and sponge applications are very light and allow the pigment to sit on top of the skin. You won't see very much oxidation or color change because of it. Be sure to start with a good primer like Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate or for oily skin, their Hydra Mat. This will also keep the makeup on and fresh.

Airbursh or sponge foundation applications: Use Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate or Hydra-Mat as a primer to help keep makeup fresh.

FIXX Creme Foundation Palettes
Another new product for me has been Kett's FIXX Creme Foundations which are waterproof. Even though I have used Kett's Hydro Foundations for outdoor filming, sometimes I need a waterproof product. I was really interested in Creme Foundation to act as a concealer that would not move under my makeup. I used the Neutral Pallet and mixed the two lightest colors and applied them with a foundation blush. 

Kett's FIXX Creme Foundation Palette in Neutral.

My Makeup Routine for Fashion Photo Shoots 
This is what I do to get ready for a fashion photo shoot and is guaranteed bullet proof!

1.) I cleanse my skin with Embryolisse Lait Creme Moussant which is a soap-free, milky cleanser. Prime skin with Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate or Hydra Mat if you are oily.

2.) If I need extra coverage and wear, I add a thin layer of Embryolisse BB Cream. It perfects your complexion before the makeup even goes on. 

Prime Time: My basics for makeup that stays on all day.

3.) Apply Kett FIXX Creme Foundation with a foundation brush around mouth, under eyes and outward towards the temples. Darker shades in the palette can be used for contouring. Blend with a Blender Sponge and set with Elf Translucent powder. If I need anything extra concealed I use Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer and Hard Candy's Glamoflage.

4.) Apply Kett's Hydro Foundation through an air brush. Hold the gun about 8 inches from your face and spray in small circles. I REALLY like the Kett Jett and it is so portable, I can take it with me on location. Powerful enough to even do a spray tan.

5.) Add the Kett FIXX Creme Blush with the flat bottom of a damp Blender Sponge. The color is buildable so start with a little then add more as needed. The Caicos shade of creme blush is amazing on warm complexions.

The Look: Kett Hydro Foundation and Blush. Elf Black-Shiny Eye Pencil. (NYC Photo Shoot for Craghoppers UK)

Doing Your Eye Makeup
Once my foundation and blush are done, I do my eye makeup. Use a eye makeup primer on the lids and favorite eye makeup is waterproof Sephora Colorproof Eyeliner in Navy Blue and Elf's Shimmer eyeliner pencil. Apply to your upper and lower waterlines. I use Kett's FIXX Creme Makeup in Shade Morocco in the crease. Curl your eyelashes and apply waterproof mascara.    

Waterproof Makeup Removal
Since this is my "photo-shoot look", this waterproof makeup is not going anywhere until you take it off. The eye makeup especially requires a delicate but thorough eye makeup remover. I like Lancome's Effacil Gentle Eye Makeup Remover as it doesn't sting your eyes and does a good job on even waterproof eyeliner. Embryolisse Milky Makeup Removal Emulsion does just as good of a job but has added moisturizers. Just massage a little over your eyelids and face, let it work for about 5 minutes and rinse off. Suitable even for use on babies, it's that gentle.

Embryolisse Lait Creme cleanser and Emulsion Lactee.

Airbrush Makeup Artist Secrets: Kett Cosmetics, NYC & Embryolisse Labs-Paris, France

Kett Jett Airbrush and Cosmetics - NYC and Embryolisse Labs skin prep - Paris, France.

One of the things I've learned from doing live television and print work is to be prepared. Some of the smaller television stations often do not have makeup artists on set so you need to show up "with face on". This is also true when shooting on location where you are out in the elements. I met Sheila McKenna, the owner and creator of NYC based Kett Cosmetics about 9 years ago when after being in a fashion show, noticed the male models looked incredible on the runway. They had been airbrushed! So Sheila choose just the perfect shade for me in her Hydro Foundation and blush both of which I airbrush before all photo shoots, television and HD videos.

The tag line for Kett Cosmetics is "Makeup for the Digital Age" but McKenna says: "Makeup has to look good in person and on camera. My makeup has evolved with technology so as technology changes, so will my product line."  Sheila offers classes for professional makeup artists with her NYC series coming up in September.  Check out the Kett Cosmetics Website for Class Dates.

Kett Hydro Foundation is long-wearing can be applied with or without an airbrush.

I've always applied Kett Hydro Foundation through an airbrush, (try the Kett Jett compressor & gun) but you can also get a very lovely finish using a stippling or dual fiber skunk brush. This is a Pro Based makeup line and makeup artist gurus like YouTube's Wayne Goss say it is his "holy grail" foundation. Wayne, where have you been? I've know this for years!

Kett's NEW Fixx Creme Blush Compacts

Another makeup artist who's work I admire is that of Angie Mehlhorn. Angie has used her airbrushing system on her brides in the Pittsburgh area, television shows, (Dance Moms) and editorial work. It is truly her go to product. " I love that Kett is so versatile, I can simply match absolutely anyone's skin tone with ease. Also I can give someone a finished sanitary look with the contouring colors, blush, highlight etc."

Makeup Artist Angie Mehlhorn (right) airbrushing on set.

Angie M makeup artistry

angiemehlhorn@yahoo.com

Makeup Artist Secrets-The Kit
Angie shared some of her makeup artist secrets with me, which I am including here. This can work with an airbrush or a makeup brush application. I've also put together a suggested Artist Makeup Kit which is what I bring on set prior to a television appearance or on location photo shoot. The Kett Jett accommodates batteries so you can run it with or without a power outlet.

1.) Primer: Top makeup artists from all over the world use Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate as a foundation base or primer. Shiela and Angie both use and recommend Embryolisse in their pro classes and the Emulsion Hydra-Mat can be used to help control oiliness. You'll find a little tube of Embryolisse in practically every savvy makeup artist's kit and European models often will not let you work on them without it. I also like L'Oreal Miracle Blur which J-Lo is said to also be in love with for red carpet photography.

*NOTE: You can also use less moisturizer under your makeup if you apply a rinse off moisture masque first. This will prep your skin and leave a dewy texture without being overly greasy. Try Embryolisse Hydra-Masque.

2.) Cream Blush  You can use Kett Fixx Creme Blush over her airbrush foundations. Use a damp Beauty Blender sponge to pick up pigment. I like the Fixx Creme Blush as it can be used for lips, eyes, cheeks, etc. but glides on and stays put as it is water-proof. It also contains vitamins and botanicals that are good for the skin.

3.) Airbrushing Benefits If you really want to experience the ultimate in makeup artistry, invest in an airbrush system like the Kett Jett. It holds two airbrush guns so you can switch between the two and goes up to 30 p.s.i.  You can actually use it to do tattoo coverage and air tanning. Airbrushing uses very little product, (6-7 drops of foundation is all you need for face and neck).

*TIP: Airbrushing is likewise very good for acne prone skin as the makeup sits on top of the skin, not down into the pores. You are also not introducing bacteria and germs from hair or fiber brushes and sponges. 

4.) Body Beautiful One of the top makeup artist secrets is the illusion that can be made with airbrushing arms, legs and abs. Magazine covers to Victoria Secret fashion shows all use the same sculpting techniques. Air tanning and bronzer applications look so real when done through an airbrush. Here's what to do:

Clarisonic Plus with face and body attachments.

*Exfoliate- You can use a Clarisonic Plus Ultrasonic Cleansing Brush to gently exfoliate the decolletage, shoulders, arms and legs...really anywhere you want a smooth application of color. On your face, use something gentle like Embryolisse Exfoliating Cream.

*Moisturize - Just like your face, be sure to plump up your body parts after you've exfoliated them. Once again Embryolisse wins out. The Lait-Creme Rich Corps does for your body what their Lait-Creme Concentrate does for your face. This is a new formula with a dual action that nourishes, moisturizes and repairs the skin.

All makeup application requires a bit of imagination and artistry.  If you want pro results, take a look at what the pros actually use, especially product wise. Airbrushing is really easy to do, just check out some of the great videos on YouTube to get started. If you are a professional makeup artist and want to explore airbrushing, there are seminars and workshops you can attend to expand your skills.  It will set you apart from the crowd and allow for quick and seamless results as seen here. 

Airbrush makeup artistry by Angie Mehlhorn using Kett Cosmetics & Embryolisse products.

Cosmetics and Skincare products C/O Kett Cosmetics & Embryolisse Laboratories

Top Concealers: New NARS Radiant Creamy

Scoop the hottest concealers hitting the makeup counters this spring. NARS Radiant Creamy, Eve Pearl Dual Salmon and Kat Von D Lock-It.

DUPE UPDATE! HARD CANDY GLAMOFLAGE
I was sent these sample tubes of Hard Candy's Glamoflage Heavy Duty Concealer. I am trying them out under quite a few conditions and with different make up products. Based on what I've tested so far, it does cover better than the Kat Von D Lock-It and NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. It is even more pigmented but like the Kat Von D, has a limited range of colors. I'm currently testing Medium & Tan and consistency wise it is a dupe for the Kat Van D but covers better. $6 at Walmart (who is often out of stock) vs $24-$28 dollars ladies?

NARS 
This brings me to the newly released NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. I'm already a huge fan of NARS Orgasm Illuminator so I thought I'd give this a try. I had it matched at the counter and ended up with MED/Dark Caramel. After having applied, I strolled around the mall for an hour or so and despite a minor amount of creasing (I didn't set it with powder & it was applied over my old concealer), it was still there and looking good. I like the texture although the coverage could have been a bit better. I will try it fresh over my eye cream and the product information does say that it is buildable.

Now for the surprising dark horse:
SEPHORA's KAT VON D Lock-It Tattoo Concealer

I visited Sephora and asked one of the makeup artists, (Irwin, God Bless him!) to recommend a long wearing, high coverage concealer that doesn't cake or crease. He pointed to their house brand, Kat Von D and painted a bit on with his niffty little concealer brush. When I compared it to the NARS Radiant Creamy side, the Kat covered better and brightened my under-eye area noticeably without looking owlish. Bingo! So I purchased BOTH and will be testing them out under various conditions with my airbrush makeup which is bullet-proof but fantastic for coverage: Kett Cosmetics of NYC  

Summer Lights - Skincare & Makeup

Clean-fresh skin begins and ends with Clarisonic Skin Cleansing Systems

Kett Hydro Foundation 35ml

Kett Angel Blush 15ml

Thinking of summer, we want everything light.  Light salads, light clothing, airy shoes and most of all light makeup.  Nothing is worse in the heat than heavy, greasy makeup that sweats off on you nice white shirt.  Nobody needs that, believe me.  What if you could have full coverage but with a foundation you can add water to for cool, thin layering?  It's completely possible.  I'm talking about airbrushing and it's not just for brides or movie stars anymore.  There are travel compressors that make airbrushing very simple yet portable.

Not all airbrush makeup is alike however.  You'll find some are not water soluble. You can not add any extra water to it to dilute the pigmentation or control coverage.  In my experience, these also tend to clog your airbrush gun unless you use special solvent cleaners afterwards.  A water soluble airbrush makeup such as the ones made by Kett Cosmetics is what I recommend.  Silicon free, this makeup is easy to dilute with water and blend while being easy to clean up.  The coverage is as much or as little as you would like but the real plus is how flawless the application is.  Brushes and sponges can't come close to the seamless beauty of airbrushed makeup.

Start with a clean canvas by using the Clarisonic Mia or similar ultrasonic brush to completely cleanse your skin.  You will find your airbrushed makeup going on more smoothly when your skin is deep cleansed first.  I have used Kett Cosmetics airbrush makeup on my television appearances, (News12 New Jersey & the CBS Morning Show) as well as an on location photo shoot with More Magazine.  No touch ups were needed and the makeup did not rub off or fade. Kett Cosmetics work well with blending so you can get the perfect shade as the summer or an airbrush tan deepens your color.

The Air Star V Compressor by Thayer & Chandler can do both airbrushed makeup and spray tanning.