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.

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