Makeup in Action

Makeup (Caught) in Action

2008-05-19T18:24:00.000-07:00

MARY-KATE OLSEN

Women of all ages can wear this look for that perfect summer night out.

Eyes:

Slightly smoky-bronzed eyes are hot for summer. Start by lightly applying a deep bronze eye shadow base cream all over the lid. This will help keep the eye shadow color strong. With a flat shadow brush, try patting a bronzy-brown eye shadow. Accentuate the eyes by applying a deep brown to the crease, blending to the outer corner of the eye. Tap a sheer-matte neutral color under the brow arch to make that bronze pop. Don't forget to line the water line with a smoky brown.

Lips:

Nude lips are used to prevent competing with the eyes.

Enjoy your finished look!

Application tip:

A little bit goes a long way. Build color on lids rather than slapping color on. This will make the eyes look more blended and balanced.

Holy Lip Recipes!

2008-05-02T02:27:00.000-07:00

Lip #1

1. Brick lipliner by Mac

2. Russian Red Lipstick by Mac

3. Fanplastico lip laquer by Mac

Lip #2

1. Vino lip liner by Mac

2. Cherry lip liner by Mac

3. New York Apple lipstick by Mac

4. Venetian lustreglass by Mac

Lip #3

1. Magenta lip liner by Mac

2. Vegas Volt lipstick by Mac

3. Plus Luxe plushglass by Mac

* * *

Where are your favorite 'Lip recipes'?

Send them over at makeupinaction@mac.com and we will post them on our next 'Lip recipes' post!

Makeup (Caught) in Action

2008-04-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

BOTTEGA VENETA: New York Fashion Week 2008

Re-creating looks straight from the runway doesn’t have to be so difficult. Start by breaking down shapes and colors.

Eyes:

For this look, white pencil or shadow was used to create a light effect at the inner corners of the eyes. White eye liner was used in the waterlines of the eyes for an opening effect. A lilac shadow was applied to the lids and winged out at the corners. Starting with a lilac-toned cream shadow will help the color stay and add intensity. Use a powder shadow on top to set the cream. This will give it a longer wear. This graphic liner shape is key for this look! Add black mascara to the lashes and corner lashes for the full effect of this runway look.

The rest:

The skin is set with a matte powder, and the lips are very nude pink. The brows look natural and can be groomed with a clear brow gel for controlling their shape.

Enjoy your finished look!

Application tip:

Begin this challenging liner shape using an angled liner brush and a lilac shadow. Create the shape you desire and trace this shape with your cream shadow. Remember you don’t have to be perfect. Use your makeup remover and a q-tip or sponge to clean up edges.

Suggested Products:

Eye pencil: 'Fasinating' eye kohl by Mac
Lilac cream base: 'Macroviolet' fluidline by Mac
Purple shadow: 'Purple Haze' shadow by mac
Corner lashes: #20 lashes by mac

For those of you wondering where there Rihanna tutorial is

2008-04-30T20:47:00.000-07:00

We're sorry for the wait! With our jobs and opposite schedules, it's been hectic trying to get together and shoot a tutorial! Expect a video up by this weekend! We've received messages about re-creating the 1st look from this entry

Which of these Rihanna looks should we re-create for our next tutorial?

One

Two

Three

What's your favorite LIP RECIPE?

2008-04-29T18:49:00.001-07:00

Here at Makeup in Action, we are going to start Lip Recipes. This includes pairing several different lip liners, lipsticks, and lip glosses together. We looooove mixing and matching different combinations! We will post the pictures and the recipes on here! Get your lip brushes ready, we're gonna paint the town red!

Send us your favorite lip combos to post on the blog!

Re-create the Look: Jessica Alba

2008-04-29T18:31:00.000-07:00

This look focused more on achieving Jessica's perfect bronzed, sun-kissed skin and a neutral palette for the eyes, cheeks and lips. This tutorial shows that Jessica Alba's look can be re-created on anyone with a little bit of bronzer!

The makeup has been modified to the model's natural features.

The tear:

The finished look:

And here's the tutorial. Let's get bronzed!

Re-create the Look: Jessica Alba

Stuff We Love #4:

2008-04-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

Dazzleglass Lipgloss by M.a.c.

It's the go-to lip gloss that will have everyone staring at your lips. Loaded with reflects glitter, this baby adds high-shine, intense shimmer and moisturizes the lips all at the same time. You can wear it alone, or over a lipstick for a beautiful effect. Dazzleglasses come in colors that vary from perfectly soft to wildly lush. Some personal favorites are 'Baby Sparks' to add a little punch and 'Bare Necessity' for that perfect nude lip. It was so much fun trying on these shades and mixing them with lip liners and lipsticks for different effects.

Application tip:

Power group this gloss with lip liner to maximize the dimension on the lips. We suggest using a creamier lip liner that resists feathering to keep the color inside the lines.

USD: $16.50 www.maccosmetics.com

And It's A Tie!

2008-04-19T00:22:00.000-07:00

Our beautiful Makeup in Action readers have voted for one of these celebrities' makeup look to see re-created: Keira Knightley, Charlize Theron, Jessica Alba, and Rihanna. And the winner is... Well, it's a tie! Jessica Alba and Rihanna both received 40%, while Keira and Charlize a mere 10%. Your votes do matter to us, as we have just finished making a "Re-create the Look: Jessica Alba", and will be re-creating the Rihanna look later this week!

Is there a Rihanna look you'd like to see re-created? Here are some examples of her always-changing looks. Let us know which one you would like to see us re-create, or send us an image of Rihanna that interests you.

Photo #1

Photo #2

Photo #3

Re-create the Look: Scarlett Johansson

2008-04-08T19:50:00.000-07:00

In this tutorial, we focused more on a heavier, crisp liner instead of blending in shadows.

We had fun by adding our own adjustments such as the dramatic false lashes and glossed up lips.

You can achieve Scarlett's lip color by using Lame lipstick by M.a.c. It is a beautiful frosty pink with little gold hues.

The makeup has been modified to the model's natural features.

The tear:

The finished look:

And here's the vid! Enjoy!

Re-create the Look: Scarlett Johansson

Stuff We Love #3:

2008-04-08T13:14:00.000-07:00

Murad's Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 15 Sheer Tint

Summer is ahead of us which means our skin needs protection. This product is the ultimate summer must-have because it feels ultra light and absorbs into the skin making it look natural. Murad's Oil-Free Sunblock is awesome for all skin types, keeping skin slightly matte to combat summer shine. Perfect to wear for those on-the-go days when you want just a tint of color. This baby's also got SPF15 to protect skin against those strong summer rays.

This product is my absolute summer obsession. My love affair started long ago after finding it in my sister's beach bag. Convenient in size, it's easy to toss this tube in your tote and go.

Application tip:

The label suggests to re-apply if you are in the sun after 80 minutes. Don't forget about your lips! Throw on a SPF lip balm to be ultimately protected!

USD: $25.00 www.murad.com

Updates

2008-04-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

Last night we finished shooting another video tutorial re-creating Scarlett Johansson's red carpet look. There is still some editing left to finish, but I absolutely love this one. It's clean, simple, and fresh. Expect the finished video on the site soon!

Let us know which celebrity whose makeup you'd like to see recreated!

Stuff We Love #2:

2008-04-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat in #2

This product is an absolute staple for me. The Touche Eclat is best known to highlight the T-zone, conceal redness, and brighten tired eyes or under eye circles. Best of all, this product feels incredibly weightless on.

The Touche Eclat comes in a chic pen with a tapered end with four shades to match any skin type or color. I personally use #2 (which is a luminous ivory) to brighten under my eyes and conceal the redness around my nose. It's also great to use around the mouth as a lip base before applying lip products.

Application tip:

This product can be used on bare skin or over makeup. Stroke the pen tip in areas you'd like to brighten or conceal, and blend using fingers or brush to create instant radiance.

USD $40.00 www.yslbeautyus.com

Stuff We Love #1:

2008-04-05T21:58:00.000-07:00

M.A.C. Pro Longwear Lipcolour in "Durashell"

In the age of the "girl on the go", M.A.C. has created a line of tantalizing lip colors that truly stay on. Period. It shines like a gloss, but without the sticky mess and fuss. Best of all, this bad boy is smudge, run, and transfer-proof. The Pro Longwear lipcolours are excellent if you want your lip color to stay for hours without constant application.

They come in an array of colors. My latest obsession has been "Durashell". It is that perfect pale, soft pink with a slightly gold-frosted sheen. Try pairing this lip with banged-out eyes, or against nice bronzed skin for that ideal summer look.

Application tip:

Stroke on the color and wait until you feel it dry. Then, flip it around and apply the clear gloss over.

USD $20.00 www.maccosmetics.com

Re-create the Look: Jennifer Lopez

2008-04-04T02:42:00.000-07:00

After several minutes deciding on which celebrity would have their look recreated, we came across this picture. We immediately agreed not only was the makeup absolutely stunning, it's also an awesome transition into spring.

The makeup has been modified for the model's natural features.

The tear: Jennifer Lopez

The finished look:

Here's the video tutorial on how to recreate Jennifer Lopez's makeup. Enjoy!

Recreate the Look: Jennifer Lopez

Finally Spring!

2008-04-04T02:18:00.000-07:00

After a long hiatus, we are back on track and fully loaded with new installments for Makeup in Action! This month we will be focusing on recreating celebrity makeup looks, kicking it off with Jennifer Lopez's signature glow, sultry eyes, and pale pink lips.

We want to show you local, fresh and unique Chicago faces! Soon we will be featuring made up faces that we admire. Send us pictures of striking, daring, or beautiful makeup looks from your city!

Until then, think about which celebrity's makeup you'd like us to recreate.

Are You Cool or Warm?

2008-02-22T18:05:00.000-08:00

According to makeup artist Robert Jones, the unwritten rule fifty years ago was that women had to choose the opposite foundation color of their natural skin tone. So if you had warm olive undertones, you had to use a pink-based foundation. By the 80's, women were informed to match their exact undertone. Which means that if you had yellow undertones, you had to wear a yellow-based foundation. Now, we have finally discovered that yellow undertones make the skin look the most youthful and natural. Yellow also brings out the flattering warm tones to make your face look healthier.

Jones says that yellow is one color that everyone has in their skin, it's just that some people have other colors in their skin as well. Nine out of ten times, everyone looks better with some yellow in their foundation. It will counteract unwanted tones (like redness) but enhance the tones that you do want to see.

(Nicole Kidman: cool,

Natalie Portman: warm)

To find out what undertones you have on your face, try this trick. In a well-lit area, wear a white shirt and stand against a white wall. Stare at your face in the mirror for about a minute. You should start to see colors: pinks, yellows, blues, oranges, etc. You may see different tones in different areas, such as pinks on the cheeks, blues under the eyes, yellows around the nose. If blues, purples, pinks and reds are what you see, then you have a cool-toned face. If yellows, oranges, and ochres are seen, then you have a warm-toned face.

Another way to determine whether you are warm or cool is the way you tan. If you tan easily, then you are warm. If you burn easily, then you are cool.

Happy findings.

New Trends for Spring

2008-02-21T17:57:00.000-08:00

This year at fashion week 2008, many key artists opted for white eyeliner. These shows included Vivienne Westwood, DKNY, and Bottega Veneta to name a few. Yes, it’s back! White was used in the inner corners, waterline, and on the upper lash line for an opening affect.

Some artists chose neutral colors on the eyes with white accents in the inner corners and waterline to make the eyes appear larger. The brows were groomed with a brow shader and set with brow gel.

When using white, the eyes are the focus of the face. Try pairing this look with flesh toned nudes on the lips and soft color on the cheeks.

Backstage at Bottega Veneta, key makeup artist Pat McGrath chose thick, winged violet graphic liner on the models. Some wore this look smoky, but all had white accents. This “ultra feminine” look was set atop even skin. The lips were a nude pink, and checks just barely flush. The brows were groomed, and the look is fresh and sophisticated.

Coming soon: Recreate the look

Four Products That Raise Eyebrows

2008-02-18T17:11:00.000-08:00

When it comes to eyebrows, women have choices. We can wear them completely au naturale or slick them into a precise high arch. Whatever style is chosen, well-groomed eyebrows are a beauty must. With that said, here are the top four products available to beautify your brows.

Pencil:

Finish: This is the most precise way to define eyebrows.

Consistency: Pencils tend to have a waxy feel on

Staying power: Long lasting

Best used with: After filling in brows with the pencil, try using an eyebrow shader over to subtly set and complete look

Tip: A sharpened point on the pencil is key to a better application

Shader:

Finish: A very natural finish

Consistency: Shaders are a highly pigmented, flat color

Staying power: Medium lasting

Best used with: A pencil or a brow cream to help them last longer

Tip: With dark brows- try a slight shade lighter than your natural color

With light brows- try a slight shade darker than your natural color

Cream:

Finish: Fullest coverage

Consistency: Creams feel richer and are fully pigmented

Staying power: Long lasting

Best used with: Brow shader to set

Tip: Use with an angled brush, building color on brows

Brow Gel:

Finish: Light coverage

Consistency: Equivalent to a hair gel but for the brows

Staying Power: Short to medium lasting

Best used: Alone or as a finishing touch to keep other brow applications (pencil, powder or cream) in place

Tip: Brush brows with eyebrow brush in direction desired, then coat brow gel on top

BROW BASICS I

2008-01-31T17:01:00.000-08:00

Some women are fortunate enough to have eyebrows that grow in abundance. As for others, eyebrows can be whispy or almost non-existent. Whatever the case is, groomed brows can change your look from great to gorgeous. For those of you who would like to add definition or color, this is your guide. We will also explain how to properly measure where the brows should start, arch, and end.

Here are examples of different brow shapes:

Brooke Shields - Natural
Eva Mendes - Shaped/arched

Eyebrows hold a lot of expression! Severely arched brows that are too thin can give a surprised expression, while thicker slightly straighter brows can look natural and prominent. This first entry will focus on brow dimensions.

You will need the following:

1.) Brow shader or shadow that closely matches brows
2.) Angled eye brush
3.) Brow pencil (optional)
4.) Brow gel (optional)

Note: Beginning with a shadow is recommended if you are new to filling in your brows and/or do not have a steady hand. Using a shadow will make the finished eyebrows look more natural, as it is softer than a pencil. If your brows are unruly and need a little guidance, a brow gel is just what you may need to tame them. Brow gels vary from clear to natural brow colors.

With your tools in hand, let's begin!

STEP one:
Start by lining up a straight stick like a pencil or an eye shadow brush from the edge of your nose to the inside corner of your eye. This is where the brow should begin. Mark a soft dot of shadow as reference.

Symmetry is best achieved when completing each step to both eyes before moving on. Eyebrows are not naturally symmetrical. Think of them as sisters, rather than twins- they only need to look similar.

STEP two:
To determine where your arch should be, hold a brush at the center of the tip of your nose. Adjust brush so that it passes over your pupil. Follow the diagonal line and mark your arch like the guide below as a reference.

STEP three:
Place the brush at the tip of your nose again, this time adjusting it to line up with the outer corner of the eye. This gives a guide to where the brow should end. Mark accordingly.

STEP four:
With your guides now in place, we are now ready to connect them. Rest angled eye shadow brush on first mark. In one even stroke, connect the first and second mark. Be mindful of the thickness you would like to achieve. For a very natural approach, trace just inside of the natural hair line.

STEP five:
Continue this same motion from the second mark to the third.

STEP six:
Fill in the brows, continuing to use even strokes. Keeping strokes inside the natural hair line is the best way to begin.

Try practicing different shapes and thicknesses to customize the brows to your eyes and face. Remember, practice makes perfect. Use a brow gel to help set eyebrows in a smooth path.

To soften any harsh lines or color, try combing through your brows with a clean mascara wand or brow comb.

Enjoy your finished look.

*MIA tip:

Flaunt your skills by adding a highlight shadow just under the brow arch to the end of the brow. This will give a lifted affect.

Creating the Classic Red Lip

2008-01-22T22:23:00.000-08:00

The quintessential red lip has been around since the 1920's, and looks as timeless as ever. We have seen it on the classic faces of Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, as well as modern-day icons like Gwen Stefani and Madonna.

Seen on countless runways, this red carpet look seems more popular than ever. Always neat and polished, the classic red lip looks best when paired with clean black eyeliner and a generous amount of mascara.

A red lip may seem too dramatic a color for some, but fortunately there is a shade of red for everyone. Most reds are either brown, orange, or blue-based. A brown-based red is more natural, and for some, easier to wear. Orange and blue-based shades of red tend to be more vivid. No matter what shade is used, the color red makes a statement and should be the primary focus of the face.

To create this classic look yourself, you will need to start with healthy, well-hydrated lips. We suggest using a lip conditioner before applying the color. A lip primer is also recommended to prevent the lipstick from bleeding. This will create a semi-matte surface on the lips, ensuring a smooth application.

What You Will Need:

1. Lip conditioner

2. Red Lip Liner

3. Red Lipstick

4. Gloss (optional)

5. Lip Primer (optional)

STEP one:

Start by drawing a "V" with lip liner on cupid's bow making sure to trace the natural lip line.

STEP two:

Connect the "V" to the outer edge of the lip, starting from the inside out. Repeat this motion on the other side to help keep the lines symmetrical.

STEP three:

Mark lip liner at the center of the bottom lip line. After line is drawn, follow natural lip line up to corner of mouth.

STEP four:

Fill in lips with lip liner by sitting side of drawn line and dragging the color in. This will prevent separation of the liner and lipstick giving lipstick more staying power.

STEP five:

A lip brush is recommended for a precise and even application. After coating lip brush with lipstick, fill in your lips. Do not forget to cover the corners of the mouth.

Tip: If glossy lips are your choice of weapon, choose a red or clear gloss to apply over.

Say Goodbye To Winter Skin

2008-01-20T18:25:00.000-08:00

Dull, scaly, itchy, dry, flaky... These are the words to describe how my skin has been feeling lately. When I smile, laugh, yawn, or attempt any facial movements, I can almost hear the cracking of my skin. Dry, cold winters have no mercy when it comes to the epidermis, especially living in the midwest. The persistent winds strip moisture from the skin, thus leaving our supple faces and bodies parched. I decided it was time to put an end to my thirsty skin without the help of medications or a dermatologist. After research, conversations with my esthetician friends, and personal experimentation, I have found that following the suggestions below significantly heal my chapped body.

1. Skim milk powder bath:

The thought of bathing in milk would not usually be at the top of my to-do list, but in my case I would have to comply. I have found this bath to be equally relaxing, soothing, and extremely moisturizing. Mix one cup of powdered skim milk with 2-3 drops of lavender oil, and add to bath. *Note: Adding cereal is optional.

2. B-Complex Vitamins:

These help in synthesizing fats and oils for healthier skin. The B-Complex vitamins contain 8 vitamins that are essential for healthy skin and hair. They are wonderful if you suffer from chapped, cracked lips.

3. Fatty acids:

Avocados and almonds are both rich in essential fatty acids which are key to reviving your skin. Try mashing up an avocado and using it as a mask. Leave it on about 20 minutes and you will instantly see pliant results. Nothing says moisture like a guacamole mask.

4. Water:

Imagine that, water... In order to minimize dehydrated skin, we should be drinking about 1-2 liters a day. That's right, put away that coffee and aperitif because they will do more damage than what is already done.

5. Bye-bye baths:

I know that hot baths are a favorite in the winter time. There's nothing like a hot bubble bath to soak and relax in. Although it may calm you, it won't calm your skin. Prolonged baths can strip off lipids, making you perspire and stimulate water evaporation from the surface of your skin.

6. Humidifiers:

Putting one in your bedroom is a must for tired, winter skin. A humidifier will control your environment keeping a skin-friendly humidity level.

7. Moisturize:

Moisturize and do some more moisturizing. Personally, I am a huge fan of Shiseido's Moisture Night Recharge in enriched. Rich to the touch, it leaves my stressed skin supple, healthy and glowing. I apply my sunscreen protection afterwards to lock in the moisture and protect.

If you are looking for other types of skin care especially designed for dry, dull skin:

-SK-II Facial Treatment Mask

This is a reviving, relaxing full facial treatment that drenches your skin in moisture, and gives an immediate youthful glow.

-Shiseido Benefiance Pure Retinol Intensive Revitalizing Face Mask

Saturating the skin with moisture, this treatment restores youthful suppleness and radiance.

-Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Cream

Formulated for extremely dry skin, it contains oatmeal, cocoa, and shea butter. This formula has been clinically proven to moisturize skin for 24 hours.

- Nina

Setting the Record Straight on Smoky Eyes.

2008-01-16T02:23:00.000-08:00

When someone tells me they want a smoky eye, I have a very clear picture in mind. I think smoldering, blacked-out eyes degrading into beautiful shades of gray. Six times out of ten, that's definitely not what they had in mind. No, smoky in their eyes means just neutral browns, just eyeliner rimmed around the eyes, etc. etc. We all have different ideas of this vaguely termed style of makeup, but one thing is for sure: Smoky eyes look smokin' hot on everyone, but as always, it's essential to find what is fitting for your face.

Keep in mind the idea of "smoke" entails the deepest color fading up in tints to the lightest color. Also, smoky eyes does not necessarily mean black or grays, for example, you can start with a deep eggplant purple smoking up to a light soft lilac tint. See example below.

There are many different ways to achieve this look. I will demonstrate what I find is the basic, easiest, and most consistent way to create a smoky eye. In this tutorial, I will show you a level 6 smoky eye on an imaginary scale of 1 to 10- 10 being blacked-out, the most dramatic smoky. We will focus first on a conventional look; a matte black-gray smoky eye using black degrading up to a light gray. After you've practiced the standard smoky eye, the other types (colored smoky, liner smoky, etc) will come much easier.

What you will need:

1. A smudgy black eyeliner

2. A safe-for-waterline black eyeliner

3. A creamy flat black eyeshadow

4. A creamy flat dark gray eye shadow (you can use more than 1 shades of gray)

5. A stiff synthetic hair eye shadow brush

6. A tapered blending brush (synthetic or natural)

Tip: Create your smoky eye first, before applying the rest of your makeup regime. This way you can clean the face of any fall-out, thus insuring a clean final look.

Ready? Let's begin

STEP one:

First, start to feel around your eye socket bone. With your soft smudgy black eyeliner, draw up from the base, making sure the liner is deepest by the lash line and softer as it goes up to the socket line. Do not go higher than the socket line. Don't worry about how it looks now because we will smooth it out later. Repeat with other eye.

STEP two:

Next, with your stiff synthetic eye shadow brush, move the smudged liner marks up, paying attention that the deepest hue will sit on the lash line and fade into a lighter tint by the socket line. In other words, darkest on bottom and lightest on top. Repeat on the other eye.

STEP three:

Now, with your tapered blending brush apply the dark-gray eye shadow. This is a building process, so be mindful of how much product you have on your brush. Start from the base of the lash line and blend up with the excess. I personally like to go in little circles for flawless blending. Be careful not to blend too far past your socket line. Repeat with the other eye, making sure both eyes are symmetrical.

*Tip: Putting on the eye shadow over the smudged liner sets the eye, so the smoked liner underneath will not move around.

STEP four:

You should now have soft-gray smoky eyes. With the blending brush, apply the black eye shadow softly from the lash line up. The more dramatic you want your smoky eyes to be will depend on how much of the black eye shadow you use. For this demo, we have chosen to do a level 6 smoky eye.

STEP five:

Now the key step in achieving the perfect smoky eye look; apply your safe-for-waterline liner on your waterline.

STEP six:

With the stiff, synthetic hair eye shadow brush, smoke out the lower lash line. Again, being mindful that it will go from dark fading out.

STEP seven:

Now that you have rocked-out your smoky eyes, go and clean any fall out and start your regular makeup regime.

A Beginner's Guide to False Strip Lashes

2008-01-11T20:13:00.000-08:00

They are around more than you think.

Today long eyelashes seem to be considered a sign of femininity in most cultures. Not all of us are blessed with this trait. Women go to far lengths to achieve this coveted look. Yes, we get our lashes extended, and buy every mascara on the market because we saw tarantula lashes on the model in the ad; not knowing that most, if not all, mascara models are wearing faux cils, duh. Fake lashes can cost between $2-$20 (USD) and it's an easy, affordable and fun way to summon your inner celebrity/femininity/vamp/(you fill in the blank.)

Examples of false lashes:

Lashes won't do any good without quality glue. Yes, quality. Not those mini vials of ill-smelling runny glue at the local stop 'n shop. I am confident to say that Duo glue is simply the best. It is a surgical adhesive so it will stay on strongly, unlike lash glues that may burn or irritate. However, Duo does contain latex so if you are allergic to latex, skip out on this glue. Instead, try Vincent Longo's non-latex adhesive glue.

There are two different types of false lashes. They will either come in strip or individual which will provide you with different effects.

a. The strip is the easier of the two to put on, instantly dramatizing your eye. Strips can vary in full length for the entire top lash line, corners for just the ends, and bottoms for your lower lash line.

b. The individuals are more difficult to apply but they are more natural. Great for wedding makeup or day, but these little devils take practice and patience. Individuals are wonderful for creating a natural, full look on any part of your lashes.

*Tip: Applying false lashes should be the very last step. Your eye makeup should be already be done. Be sure to curl and apply mascara BEFORE taking these next steps.

What you will need:

1. Lash strips

2. Lash glue (Duo)

3. Tweezers

4. Sharp scissors

5. Flat toothpick

6. A liquid or cream eyeliner

7. A black eye shadow

STEP one:

With the prep step already done, take out a lash strip and set it on top of your lashes. Most false lashes will need to be trimmed. While looking in the mirror, adjust accordingly keeping note how much of the strip you may have to cut for a perfect fit.

Take your sharp scissors and cut the excess. Repeat step for the other eye.

STEP two:

Now that you have your perfectly fit lashes, apply glue on a clean, disposable surface. The key to flawless lash application is the glue's consistency when it goes on the strip. You want it to be tacky, so let it sit on your surface for a minute.

STEP three:

With a stiff eye brush, apply black eye shadow on the clear, shiny part of your lash strip. This will matte down the clear strip to make it look more natural and realistic when applied.

STEP four:

Picking up one strip, holding the lash end, apply the glue with the flat end of the toothpick on the strip. Be careful to apply a thin layer of glue only on the strip. Hold both ends of your lash strip and bend in a "U" shape about 5-6 times.

STEP five:

Next, with your tweezers hold the center of the strip and match it up to the center of your eye. Remember, you want to rest them directly on top of where your lashes meet the skin. With your two hands, place the ends down to the corners of your eye. Hold down for about 30 seconds, limiting the times you blink. Repeat with the other eye.

*Tip: If you have trouble with this step don't feel discouraged. Applying false lashes definitely takes practice and patience.

STEP six:

With your false lashes now in place, apply liquid or cream eyeliner on top of the lash line to hide the strip. Repeat with the other eye.

You now have beautiful, full lashes. Optional: Bat, hither and stare.

M.A.C. unveils the "N" Collection

2008-01-09T15:03:00.000-08:00

For those of you who think that M.A.C. makeup is too eccentric, loud, and over the top, think again. M.A.C. cosmetics launches the limited edition "N" Collection specifically geared towards women who adore prime looks. This collection is rich in sultry browns, nudes, soft pinks and pastels perfect beauty makeup. For those of you who are freelance makeup artists, definitely stock up on these for your wedding kits while they last.

"Seductive and ripe for scandal. A colour collection daringly stripped-down, voluptuously finished, with everything you could possibly need to play up the nakedness of your look. Think of it as naked- with coverage." -M.A.C.

M.A.C. will be introducing new colors in shadows, lipsticks, lip glasses and nail polishes for a limited time only. If you live in Chicago, M.A.C. stores and partnered locations will be holding a "N" Collection event. You can call to reserve a 30 minute appointment with a M.A.C. artist and be reintroduced to flawless, natural beauty makeup.

To locate a M.A.C. near you, visit www.maccosmetics.com

For more information on the collection visit www.maccosmetics.com

Case Study: Brigitte Bardot

2008-01-08T22:59:00.000-08:00

After watching Brigitte Bardot in the 1958 classic film Une Parisienne, I knew I had seen perfect representation of beauty. Her signature thick black cat-eye liner and soft-orange matted lips has remained timeless. Fifty years later, the cat-eye is back and bigger than ever. The clean black eyeliner look has been seen on all the top runway shows and fashion spreads. Also, matte lips come back this season with a bang and it's not just about the reds. This season we're seeing a lot of oranges, purples, and pinks. So, here at M.I.A. we're going to give our trick to creating this season's hottest look.

Look straight into a mirror to examine your eye shape. Although the cat-eye is universal, it is imperative that you customize it to your face. The most consistent trends we have been seeing are the connected and disconnected graphic liner looks.

a. The connected liner is very sharp and clean. It is the most intense out of the two looks. It is often paired with perfected skin, mild contouring on the cheekbones and minimal blush

b. The disconnected liner is just the dark liner on the top. This look has been the most versatile paired up with a bold or nude lip.

What you will need:

1. A synthetic hair angled brush

2. A long lasting wet to dry eye liner in a cream or gel-like formula

3. Cotton swabs to erase the mistakes

4. A quick change eye makeup remover

5. A volumizing mascara that thicken your lashes

6. False lashes to perfect Brigitte's signature eye (Optional)

Executing the Brigitte Bardot cat-eye calls for the connected liner. Ready? Let's begin.

STEP one:

With your angled brush dip it into your eyeliner pot evenly coating the product both sides of the brush head. Remember, a calm steady hand is the trick.

STEP two:

We are going to stamp the angled brush according to the natural line of our eyes. Looking in a mirror, carefully stamp your brush at the end of your eye as it best suits it. If you want a more dramatic diagonal liner, stamp at a 45 degree angle. Repeat the other eye making sure that it is symmetrical.

STEP three:

Now, with the brush starting at the outer corner of the eye, slowly bring in the line towards middle. The key here is building up not carelessly filling it in. Continue this bringing the line over the line you just drew.

When you close your eye, the liner should be shaped like an obtuse triangle meaning there should be no curve, just a straight line down. Repeat with other eye.

STEP four:

The ends of the liner should be crisp and clean. Be mindful about how much pressure you apply at the tips. This is your disconnected liner look.

*Tip: If you've made a mistake, don't worry. Just dip your cotton swab into the makeup remover and carefully erase any marks you see.

STEP five:

Once the top lids are evenly lined, carefully connect the outer point down to the lower lash line. Just like step 3, we're going to stack lines on top of each other to create a clean crisp shape. Now you have created a connected liner.

STEP six:

After checking that both eyes are symmetrical, apply your mascara. For this look feel free to coat them 3 or 4 times.

STEP seven:

Optional: Ensemble your sultry new eyes with matte neutral-orange lips et voila! Brigitte Bardot on the go.