NEW BB Creams & Concealors for Summer

Glow-Lite! Top NEW cosmetics for summer.

Well the seasons have definitely changed so if you haven't already, now's the time to think about lightening up on your makeup. Summer heat and humidity also often means: a slick, greasy face, makeup that does a disappearing act by 2pm and coverage that just doesn't stay put. Here are a few new skin enhancing cosmetic products that I've tried and use for appointments, photo shoots and much more:

Sarah McNamara Miracle Skin Transformer

Sarah McNamara NYC
Miracle Skin Transformer I really like this NEW multifunctional concealer. It is somewhere between Glamoflage and Kat Von D's concealers but much lighter while giving about the same amount of coverage. I had just gone through a pretty bad acne breakout when the Miracle Skin Transformer arrived. I used it to cover my bumps as I had a public appearance but by the end of the day they were nearly gone. So it did both Treat & Conceal! It contains marine collagen, white rose and chamomile.  I applied this concealer (Medium) with a goat hair Esum G47 Brush because it is very fluffy and prevents caking. Comes in 4 shades and blends like butter. Visit MiracleSkinTransformer.com online.

Gerard Cosmetics BB + Illumination

Gerard Cosmetics, CA
BB+Plus Illumination is a NEW creme for use either over or under foundation. The finish is absolutely gorgeous and if you like NARS Orgasm Illuminator, I think you LOVE BB+. NARS Orgasm is more on the peachy side where the BB+Plus is more rose-gold in tone. A little goes a long way and the product stays put without transferring all over the place.  I would use it like the NARS however as a highlighter as using it all over your face in the daytime might be too much. Night time is another matter! Visit GerardCosmetics.com online.

Embryolisse Artist Secret BB Cream

Embryolisse, Paris France
Artist Secret BB Cream You may know that I'm already a fan of all things Embryolisse, especially their moisturizers but a lot of people may not be aware that they also make a wonderful BB Cream. Artist Secret Complexion Illuminating Veil goes on very light and works for all skin types. It is very creamy without being oily as it contains hyaluronic acid, (great for moisture), vitamin E and mineral powders. I'm wearing it and their foundation in the photo above and it's amazing. Has a SPF of 20 which is always good. Comes in 2 shades. Visit EmbryolisseUSA.com online.


BB Cream & Concealer c/o Gerard Cosmetics & Sarah McNamara respectively.

Get Your Glow On: Faux Riviera Tan

Voda Swim String Bikini & Freewaters Sandals

Somewhere Warm & Sunny: Warm weather is on the way! I know I keep telling myself that because really one day it will be true. When that hot weather shows up, I don't want to show my pasty winter-white legs and arms! Here are some runway tips and tricks to go from blah to bronzed instantly. My simple steps to a Faux Riviera Tan:

First Get A Close Shave
If you like the Venus razor you will LOVE these Women's Five Blades by 800 Razors. These are amazing with no nicks or burns under the arms or the bikini area. The multi bladed head tilts to caress every crevice and the 360 lubricating soapy bars keep it smooth. These even come with a burn free guarantee.

800 Razor trumps Venus!

Next Exfoliate
I like to use my Clarisonic Plus daily in the shower for extra clean & gently exfoliated skin. Before I hop in the shower I do a quick dry brushing with a soft Boar Bristle body brush. To do a deep exfoliation try using Tree Nut's Olive & Shea Butter Sugar Body Scrub. Another good scrub is by Mio - Double Buff Dual Action Enzyme Exfoliator. Pay special attention to elbows and knees as they tend to be rougher and will absorb color more quickly than other body parts.  

Mio Double Buff and Tree Nut Sugar Body Scrubs

Moisturize & Firm
Right out of the shower, first apply a good cellulite cream like this Cellulite Firming Complex by TriLASTIN or Embryolisse 365 Cream Body Firming Treatment. The warm water and exfoliation will ensure maximum absorption of these products.

Time to Glow:  I've looked at quite a few self tanners and by far the best color you can get is with an airbrush. Once only available in a salon, now if you have even a basic airbrush compressor, you can do it at home. Otherwise get a pair of rubber gloves and a can of Quick Tan by Body Drench. This gives you a rich, instant tan that darkens over 3 days and lasts for almost a week. Spray it on and rub it in. Let it dry thoroughly before getting dressed. If you want a bit of EXTRA glow, add a layer of Hard Candy's Glow All the Way self tanner. It's infused with 24K gold and looks incredible in sunlight.

Firm and Glow essentials!

Full Body Glow
Just remember to really glow all the way! Do your arms and legs and all other areas of exposed skin. Don't forget to use a bit of bronzer on your face and neck to match up your look.

Glow from head to toe this spring!

Products featured in this article c/o these respective companies:

VodaSwim.com
Freewaters.com
800razors.com
EmbryolisseUSA.com
HardCandy.com
TreeNut.com
BodyDrench.com
Mioskincare.com
TriLASTIN.com
 

How to Apply The Perfect Makeup Foundation: Runway Model Secrets

The perfect foundation begins with professional tools and the right color match for YOU!

It's no secret that in order to get model perfect makeup, you need the right tools to go along with technique. I've had the pleasure of being worked on by some of the best makeup artists in the industry for magazine layouts, video and television appearances. While I may not have their skills, I can get the best foundation match and use the same quality brushes that the pros do.

That's why I was so excited about the Kett Fixx Creme Foundations. I have the neutral palette and these very rich, creamy colors work very well with their Hydro Foundation which I apply via airbrush. I was using a Sonia Kashuk foundation brush with these which was not bad but often left streaks which needed to be buffed out. Then I was introduced to the Esum Line of makeup brushes by Muse Makeup Pro. The G47 is a very soft goat hair brush and is recommended for use with both creme and liquid foundations. Seriously, this brush made a BIG difference. No lines, no streaks, it basically buffs the foundation in as it's being applied.

Esum G47 is a very soft, natural creme foundation brush

esum G47 - Cream Foundation Brush: Created for perfecting the complexion. Goat hair provides sheer to medium coverage of your favorite cream foundation. Ideal for cream to liquid mediums.

Price:  $42.00

Kett Fixx Creme Foundations and Blush

esum G47:
One of the things that sets esum brushes apart is that natural bristle brushes, such as the G47 are super soft yet durable. That's because they are made from the "first cut" or the goat's birth coat which is always the softest. This entire line is crafted from cured birch wood handles and hand rolled brass ferrules. Natural hair fibers have a cuticle which allows the holding and distribution of makeup pigments onto the skin. I used the esum G47 slightly wet and then totally dry in my Kett Fixx Creme Foundation and Embryolisse Compact Foundation Creme. Either way the finish was gorgeous! The textured goat hair picks up the creme makeup and you see it on the bristles but as you buff it into your skin, the hair fibers turn white again. That's the cuticle transfer you want to see...from the pallet to the brush to your skin.

Embryolisse Compact Creme Foundation goes on like a dream with the G47

How to Apply the Perfect Makeup Foundation

Prime
Some of my tips and tricks from the runway and print work start with very clean but moist skin. I like Embryolisse Purifying Milk Wash followed up with their Hydra-Mat Emulsion for spring & summertime because it controls shiny breakthrough so well. Hydra-Mat Emulsion makes for the perfect primer-moisturizer and is pretty much all you need. If you need more "filler", I like MAC Prep + Prime Line Filler. It is somewhat thick and hard to apply but I tap it in over my completed makeup.

Makeup Foundation  Basics
Kett Cosmetics knows the basic rule that most of us are either golden (olive) or ruby-toned. Once you get this down, you'll be able to apply makeup that looks just like your own skin (only WAY better). If I am doing a photo-shoot, I apply the Kett Creme Foundation first with the esum G47 and then airbrush my Hydro Foundation over it. I generally don't need concealer as the creme foundation's coverage is so complete.

Finishing Touches 
I like to finish my look (contouring, highlighting & eye makeup) with Kett Shimmers and Liquid Metals. Kett Creme Blush is also one of my favorites and I apply it with a Beauty Blender Sponge. The only makeup I don't apply via airbrush is eyeliner and lipstick. That's it! Kett Cosmetics are virtually bulletproof and will not come off until you take it off. I've never had to retouch it even for outdoor action photo shoots and videos.

Tools With Intention Using the same tools as the pros do makes all the difference and I am going to enjoy updating you on my exploration of this gorgeous esum line of makeup artist brushes, namely their 14 Piece Pro Essential Brush Set. 

Esum 14 pc Pro Essential Brush Set

 
I'll be showing off my new look and technique for Vanity Fair's International Best Dressed List Challenge. Click HERE and check it out!

Makeup and brushes c/o Kett Cosmetics, Embryolisse Labs and Muse Beauty Pro respectively. 

Fashion Week - Runway Makeup Secrets with KETT Liquid Metals #MBFW #MBFWB

Backstage runway makeup secrets from Fashion Week! Kett Cosmetics Liquid Metals

Lincoln Center, NYC Mercedes Benz Fashion Week
Fashion Week is off and running in NYC this week so I'm going to share some hot trends and makeup tips from some of the top runway shows. After all, the world is YOUR runway. People are going to stare so give them something to look at! Here's the latest word on the catwalk: Metallics  Now don't get scared off thinking this is totally for the theatre (Phantom of the Opera at that). No, you can bring the drama everyday. Here's how to get my look of bold gold:

Kett Cosmetics Liquid Metals
At first, these freaked me out and I said, "Gorgeous, but I don't think I could wear those...WRONG!" Using the Kett Jett Airbrush System, you can build the intensity you want and even mix these Liquid Metals with their Hydro Foundation for a more muted effect. Closely related are the Kett Shimmers which I mix into my Hydro Foundation for my face as well. In the photo below, I am wearing only two Liquid Metal colors, (you get six in a set): Stardust and Gold Rush. I don't like tugging and pulling on my eyelids so airbrushing offers a quick, flawless application. Even so, Liquid Metals can be applied with or without an airbrush.

Prep and Prime (Sort Of)
I spend more time and products prepping my skin than adding layers of primer which for me only bead up, roll off or look cakey (sometimes all three)! What I do is treat myself to G. M. Collin's Instant Radiance Anti-Aging Eye Patch and pop them on for 20 minutes. They soften the under-eye area but I also put them on my eyelids. After that I use Embroylisse Artist Secret Radiant Eye Balm 
I don't know how they do it but it is so cool on contact and instantly diminishes any puffiness or dark circles. That's basically it! I use a tiny touch of Miracle Blur on the lids but the Liquid Metals go on so smoothly with NO creasing or lines that you don't need much.

Embryolisse Radiant Eye and GM Collin Instant Radiance eye prep.

Airbrushing Kett's Liquid Metals
I like to do my foundation first and my eyes last. This is so the eye makeup has a little something to adhere to, that is my Kett Hydro Foundation. I take the longer edge of a moist makeup sponge wedge and angle it out from the corner of my eye. I add about 3 drops of the Liquid Metal of choice, (usually the darkest color of the two) and do my crease. Next I top my lids and inner corners of my eyes with the lighter color for highlight, in this case Stardust. I use a little extra on the tops of my cheeks, forehead and nose. It dries quickly and is not going anywhere until you take it off. The Liquid Metals are a modified version of the Hydro Foundation, so it is incredible from outdoor photo shoots to the hot lights of the runway. It won't easily transfer to your clothes when changing either. To see the full line of Kett Cosmetics and pro makeup artist tools, visit KettCosmetics.com online

The finished Look...Black Elf Shimmer Eyeliner and Mary Kay Mascara

The Finished (Daytime) Look
This is more of a daytime look just to show that the Liquid Metals can also rock a natural, understated vibe.  

Eyes: I use a Black Elf Shimmer Eyeliner along the outer 3/4 of my eyes, including the upper and lower watermark. I curl my eyelashes and add mascara. If I'm walking or doing promotional modeling, I wear false eyelashes.

Lips: Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss Shimmering Lip Gloss is like a nude shimmer and adds a bit of polish to the look. Made in France and infused with 24K gold, it makes the perfect topper to darker shades of lip color as well. 
Skin: Something new which also has 24K gold is Orogold Exclusive Nano Silk Serum. It is a waterless formula rich in fruit and plant extracts along with the benefits of gold which has been used by Egyptian, Roman and Chinese cultures throughout history. I love how it feels and completely disappears into the skin. I'm golden!

Metallic Accents: China Glaze, butterLondon and Orogold Serum

Metallic Accents for Spring 2014
butterLONDON and China Glaze offer some beautiful metallic accents to the overall look. I just read in my February 2014 Issue of Harper's Bazaar, that Metallic Lids are the NEW Smokey Eye for Spring according to Jason Wu makeup artist, Diane Kendal. She applied brown shadow topped with gold glitter in the center of the lids just for a hint of light when the eyes open. You'll find Kett Liquid Metals and Shimmers definitely on trend this spring!  

 Makeup c/o Kett Cosmetics, NYC

Cult Following Makeup Artist Secrets - Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream

A staple in the world's top makeup artists' kits: Elizabeth Arden. NY The ORIGINAL Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant.

New York, NY  You may have seen this product featured on The Today Show and other morning programs aimed at women who want to be on the cutting edge of fashion and cosmetics. The thing is, Elizabeth Arden's 1930 creation (yes, she invented this herself), is NOT new. Still it remains the staple in many top makeup artist kits around the world.

Why the Cult Following?
Usually a beauty product like this gains a cult following because it works. With about an 80 year track record behind it, there has been plenty of time to disprove or dismiss its effectiveness. Still many makeup artists from London to Paris continue to pack a tube of this "cream" in their kits. Keep in mind makeup artists are on the frontline of what can go wrong with skin and how to quickly fix it. It's their career!

Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream Isn't Really a "Cream"
The first thing you'll notice is that the 1.7 oz (50g) tube will tell you that the Active Ingredient is Petrolatum! 56.8% of the product is just good old Vaseline.
I did a whole feature on Beverly Johnson and her love of Petrolatum Jelly. Petrolatum holds in moisture on its own but EA's formula also contains: Lanolin, Mineral Oil, Vitamin E, Salicylic Acid, Castor Seed Oil, Corn Oil and fragrance oils and Iron Oxide which gives it that orange color.

EA's 8 Hour Cream is 56.8% Petrolatum

Uses for EA's 8 Hour Cream
Makeup artists don't have time to play games. If an item isn't multi-tasking, it's not earning its keep and will soon be eighty-sixed from the kit. Professional Makeup artists also have to be prepared for all sorts of Skin-emergencies such as: chapping, peeling or flaking due to minor burns including those you get from the sun or windburn.

EA's 8 Hour Cream also quickly heals: minor scratches, scrapes and abrasions.

However, the most popular makeup artist use for this cream is: to shape eyebrows and add shine like a highlighter on the eyelids to give a nude-glossiness and on cracked lips to quickly heal, moisturize and add shine. 
Here's How They Do It: Apply EA's 8 Hour Creme to lips BEFORE you start your makeup routine. By the time you are done with face and eyes, lips will be perfectly plumped and moisturized to receive a smooth application of lip color.

Elizabeth Arden's 8 Hour Creme quickly melts into the skin

Best Hand Cream
This is perhaps one of the best over-all hand creams because it really holds in moisture. Use it to soothe dry, cracked hands and smooth cuticles and nails. It even adds a fresh gloss to an older manicure.

My Own Experience with 8 Hour Creme
In the past, I have gone to my dermatologist's office for light glycolic acid peels that would sometimes leave patches of pink or even raw skin. Yeow! These are surface abrasions but can look pretty bad until they completely heal and flake off. I've used EA's 8 Hour Creme and within about an hour, the redness and swelling was completely GONE. It protects the skin until it heals but greatly decreases the down time from out patient, plastic surgeon office procedures like: microdermabrasion, acid peels, laser treatments.

You Can Purchase...
Stop by the Elizabeth Arden counter in any major department store like Nordstrom, or Macy's and ask for a sampling of the Eight Hour Creme Skin Protectant. Or you can go online at ElizabethArden.com
or here to order for only $14.99! A 1.7 oz tube of The Original Eight Hour Cream costs about $19.00 at the Elizabeth Arden website and lasts a really long time.

My model's makeup kit essentials: Embryolisse Serum, Kett Fixx Creams and EA 8 Hour Cream

Buy NOW at only $14.99

Tone It Up! - BioElixia's NEWLY Released BodyShapers

Want tight and toned legs like these? BioElixia's new BodyShaper Line will firm you up in only 4 weeks!

I first reported on BioElixia's BodyShaper Cellulite Control Creme in my Resorts Fashion Week Body & Sol article last month. First of all let me say that I am a fitness advocate and walk, hike and bicycle quite a bit. That having been said, I've seen a marked improvement in my skin's firmness and tone after only 4 weeks of using their BodyShaper creme. I've tried quite a few products over the years, many of them like one from Lancome which was expensive and painful. It consisted of a bar of soap and a bath massager with rubber nubs. I'm not making this up.

BioElixia's BodyShaper Cellulite Control Creme 
This is the first product that I tried from BioElixia and it is a GOOD one. After three weeks I noticed a difference in how firm my thighs and tummy had become. By week four I was sold. It boasts TMP Dermal Delivery Technology developed in Australia.

BioElixia boasts TPM Dermal Delivery Technology for maximum absorption.

How I Use It
I have used this product in conjunction with my Clarisonic Plus Sonic Cleansing System. This unit deeply and thoroughly cleanses the skin and with the handle extension attachment, it's now a back brush. Right after my shower, I apply the BodyShaper Cellulite Control Creme to my warm, moist, skin. I let it completely soak in before applying any extra moisturizing or self tanning products.

My Clarisonic Plus with Body Brush Extension Handle attached. Body Cleansers & Lotions by Embryolisse

NEW BioElixia November 2013 Releases!
Given how pleased I was with the original BodyShaper product, I was happy to learn that the BioElixia line was to be expanded starting this month! Mind you I've just started trying their new additions but I'm already seeing some front runners in the sleek and chic division.

New additions to the BioElixia BodyShaper line!

Radiance Body Cleanser - Made with green tea, trehalose, fruit enzymes and skin conditioning minerals, I like that this cleanser is pure and clear. Leaves no residue and rinses cleanly. 250ml/ 8.45 fl. oz.

Stretch Mark Diminishing Creme - Technically, stretch marks are tears in the skin's collagen. This happens when the skin stretches faster than the collagen can keep up such as when we have quick weight gain during a pregnancy. Yes, I know about that! There's not a whole lot you can do but I'm looking forward to some positive improvement. 125ml/ 4.23 fl. oz.

The Cellulite Contour Creme was the first BioElixia product I tried

Exfoliating Body Polish - Ding Ding Ding, we have a WINNER! Made with Sweet Almond, aloe vera, vitamin E and micro crystals, this product leaves you feeling like you just had a microdermabrasion treatment.
Skin is incredibly smooth, almost slick afterwards and deep cleansing like this allows the other BioElixia products to sink right in. 200ml/ 6.76 fl. oz.

Firming Toning Body Lotion - Another WINNER! You get an almost instant tone-up and tightening with this lotion as it contains aloe vera, shea butter, vitamin E and firming green tea, caffeine and maca herbal extract. 200ml/ 6.76 fl. oz.

Modeling for a photo shoot for Pistil Designs.

Tone it Up!
I model for a number of really great fashion designers and BioElixia BodyShaper products are now part of my over-all beauty regimen. I still have to work out and lift weights but these products really do it and shown results I can see. Like the icing on the cake, (I'm not supposed to eat)! Whatever your lifestyle or if you just need a little extra confidence to rock that bikini, I think you'll be pleased with BioElixia BodyShapers. BioElixia products are currently available at Henri Bendel or online at BioElixia.com

BodyShaper Skincare Products c/o BioElixia

Resorts Fashion Week - Body and Sol

Some beautiful choices for Resort Season! Victoria's Secret Dream Angels Heavenly Clutch Set. Voda Swim Bikini in Caribbean. Classic Wayfarers by Ray-Ban.

Getting ready for Resort Season means starting NOW to get yourself into swimsuit shape. Picking just the right gear to show off that swimsuit body is key. Here are some of my favorites plus swimwear that does your body GOOD in so many ways.

Hello Riviera! Voda Envy Pushup Criss Cross Top gives you a serious lift! Side Tie Hipster Bottom is so sexy.

Voda Swim
I was looking for shaping swimwear that gives you a lift in all the right places. I've found Voda Swim suits to have just that with impeccable styling. The Envy Pushup Top claims to give you a 1-2 cup size increase, but I'm really impressed by the shaping power of the top. Whether you want a little extra or simply firm up what you have, this top has got it going on.

Resort Season Essentials for Body & Sol

Body & Sol Essentials
Here's my top essentials list for a gorgeously toned body and sun protected skin:

Embryolisse 365 Cream Body Firming Treatment
Total moisturizing, smoothing and firming all in one 7 fl oz tube. Rich in wheat protein, guarana (caffeine) and shea butter, it gives you an instant moisture & firming boost.

BioELIXIA Body Shaper
This Cellulite Contour Creme really works. I've used it for about four weeks and can see a wonderful difference in my contours. Even though I'm a cyclist, I like to be ultra-firm and this product delivers. The label says: "Scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite by an average of 57%."

Mission Sun Defeated Continuous Spray Sunscreen
Formulated for Athletes, this 50 UPF comes in an easy to apply continuous spray. Allows you to reach all areas of your body for unsurpassed solar protection.

Coppertone Sport High Performance Sunscreen
Made with added Antioxidant Defense ingredients, this 30 and 50 SPF sunscreen is water-resistant up to 80 minutes. Stays on even when you sweat so no sunblock running into your eyes.

Get ready for Resort Season! Woven Handbag by NewportStyle.net

Shimmer by Starlight
Don't forget to pack that shimmer-glow! I really like Kett Cosmetics Hydro Shimmers. It is very sheer and comes in four colors to mix or match with their Hydro Foundation. This is a fast and easy way to sneak  a subtle tropical glow. They also have a Sizzle Collection if you want to go darker into the tan-zone.

I also like Glow All the Way by Hard Candy (Tropical Tan) and use it for photo shoots all the time. It looks amazing on bare shoulders and legs maybe because it is infused with 24 kt GOLD. Whatever the case, all eyes will be on you with these two shimmer specialists.

Day: Beach cover or evening wear, you choose. Metamorphose Dress by Horny Toad.

Evening:Dress and clutch at the Ice Theatre of NY's Benefit Gala honoring Kurt Browning (shown) and Sonia Rodriguez.

Bringing the Spa Home with Clarisonic and Embryolisse

The Clarisonic display at Sephora, 42nd Street, NYC.

SEPHORA, 42ND ST. NYC: Earlier this year, we were doing a photo shoot in Midtown and stopped by Sephora on our way to Times Square.  They have a really large selection of all things Clarisonic so we went over to the display and saw this cool attachment for the PLUS. If you're not too familiar with the Clarisonic Line of sonic cleansing systems, the PLUS has interchangeable heads for both your face and body.

Clarisonic's Body Brush Extension Handle turns the PLUS into a back brush! Pair it with Embryolisse Soap Free Cleanser and Lait Creme Body Lotion for a full spa treatment.

Clarisonic PLUS
I've had my Clarisonic PLUS for about three years now and I wouldn't be without it. I even take it with me camping! When you snap on the facial brush head, the unit senses this and automatically selects those settings. Pop on the body brush-head and it goes into a 2 minute cycle for the bath or shower.

The Clarisonic PLUS with both the facial and body brush heads.

Sonic Cleansing All Over
The Body Brush Extension Handle just makes the PLUS that much better. Now I can more comfortably reach down to the small of my back, knees, legs and feet. The PLUS easily snaps into the cradle which is angled to more effectively access your back. If you're like me and have acne on your shoulders and back, this brush attachment is a great way to treat it. The handle of the extension is comfortable and easy to grip even with soapy hands.

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Moussant (Sans Savon) & Lait-Creme Riche Corps
My Clarisonic PLUS came with several tubes of gentle cleansers which are perfect for traveling. At home, I prefer to use Embryolisse Lait-Creme Soap Free Cleanser.
Since it is soap free, it does not dry your skin or leave a film. Rich in sweet almond oil and shea butter, I just squeeze a little on my wet skin and begin massaging with my PLUS.  This is a multi-tasking cleanser as I've also used it on my face and as a shampoo. It's even gentle enough for use on babies.

Moisturizing After your Spa Treatment
The icing on the cake is going to be your moisturizer. My favorite by far is Embryolisse Lait-Creme Riche Corps.  I love the delicate fragrance of sandalwood which is a signature note of this French line. It contains shea butter, oils of sandalwood, cork and barley with vitamin E.  It is SO rich, a little goes a long way especially on moist, freshly cleansed skin. I've been to several day spas and enjoy what they do but you can treat yourself at home EVERYDAY to a facial and body scrub with Clarisonic and Embryolisse!

Body Brush/Attachments & Cleansers-Moisturizers c/o Clarisonic & Embryolisse respectively. 

Creme de la Creme Fashion Week Artist Secrets from Embryolisse Paris - France

Creamy!: Embryolisse BB Cream, Creme Hydrante a l'Orange & Artist Secret Compact Foundation Cream

NYC, NY Fashion Week: I have my Fashion Week NYC Pinterest Board up now so please check it out!  One thing you will be seeing next spring is a much lighter hand in makeup. The French always prize skincare over trying to cover a bad complexion with tons of makeup. This is really a good place to start, especially when you see how many lines are now including more significant SPF protection and botanical ingredients.

Makeup Your Mind
One of the best things you can do is to focus on obtaining a healthy complexion by prepping your skin from the inside out. 

1.) Include essential fatty acids in your diet each day such as: walnuts, mackerel, salmon and sardines for a complexion that's moist and glowing. 

2.) Next, invest in skincare over let's say, the latest eye shadow shade from Dior (j' adore Dior)!

3.) Become a moisturizing and primer maven. This creates a perfect base for a flawless makeup application.

4.) Become a shady character. Make sure you wear a SPF of at least 20 EVERYDAY. Even on seemingly cloudy days.

Primer, concealer and BB Cream make the perfect base for your makeup.

Shine Stoppers
One of the problems with wearing makeup in warmer weather is the appearance of oily sheen. I actually like a dewy finish but full out oiliness isn't attractive! I like the Emulsion Hydra-Mat as a primer/moisturizer as it will help blot up later oil breakouts. Another option is the Creme Hydrante a l'Orange which has natural extracts of orange which is rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, sweet almond and sesame oils.

BB Cream-y
I particularly like Embryolisse Artist Secret Complexion Illuminating Veil BB Cream because unlike some others, it has a SPF 20. It also works with just about all skin tones. It's opaque enough to brighten and correct minor flaws but nude enough to allow your natural pigmentation to shine through. It's not cakey and has mineral powders with light reflecting properties.

I'm wearing Artist Secret Compact Foundation Cream in Hale (Tanned)

Artist Secret Compact Foundation Creme
You are really going to love this for spring! This compact foundation is very creamy and comes with it's own little sponge all hidden away. A little goes a long way, especially when applied over concealer and BB Cream. It goes on very smooth, (use a moist blender sponge), but dries to a semi matte finish. Your skin looks so naturally radiant and plumped up. That's because this Artist Secret has a double moisturizing treatment of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. On top of that, it has a SPF protection of 20. BOOM!

Spring 2014: Less is More. Artist Secret Compact Foundation Cream

 
Skincare and Makeup c/o Embryolisse USA 
Eyewear by XX2i Optics France 1 Collection
Hat: Tinsley by Pistil Designs

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.