Using the Right Tools: The Secret to Flawless Makeup

When it comes to the final results of makeup application, I can't stress the importance of using the right tools. From foundations to eyeshadows, the type of brushes you use are going to make the difference in how makeup lays down on your skin, and the finish you achieve. If you are doing makeup for a photo shoot or other event where your face is going to be on display, it is imperative that your makeup looks flawless in all types of lighting. Your applicators and the tools you use, along with high quality products are the key.

I've definitely learned through trial and error what tools are best for what. Doing makeup is an ever-evolving process and you learn as you go. Here is a list of my top makeup application tools:

• Sephora airbrush foundation brush
• Sephora airbrush concealer brush
• Sponge makeup wedges and sponge applicators
• Beauty blender
• Powder Puff
• Rounded crease brush and angled crease brush
• Large flat eyeshadow brush
• Eyeliner brush
• Blush brush
• Kabuki brush
• Angled contouring brush
• Fan brush
• Fluffy eyeshadow brush for blending
• Smudge brush
• Stippling brush like the MAC 187 brush
• Eyebrow brush

My brush collection includes many more brushes than these but the brushes and applicators listed here are my top go-tos. Here some makeup tips that will help you get the most out of your products:

• For foundation application use a foundation brush with densely packed bristles that allows you to buff the product into your skin in a circular motion, which gives a smooth, even finish. Another option is the Beauty Blender which is a small, hand held specially designed sponge that you moisten and then use to sponge foundation into the skin. 
• A concealer brush such as Sephora's platinum collection airbrush concealer brush is ideal for flawlessly buffing concealer into the under eye area (cream or liquid).
• Instead of using a big fluffy brush to swirl loose powder on your face after applying foundation, opt for a powder puff and gently press the powder into the skin with the puff. This seals the foundation rather than disrupting it through swirling a brush over the face after foundation application. You will also find that applying powder with a puff will cause your makeup to look fresh longer. This is really important for the flawless look necessary for photo shoots. 
• A rounded crease brush is essential for achieving a seamless, blended look in the crease of the eye. This is my favorite eyeshadow brush!
• Use a quality blush brush to apply powder blush to the apples of the cheeks.
• Makeup wedges are great for applying a lighter shade of powder to the the undereye area to set concealer that you've applied there. Then sweep off the excess powder with a fan brush. 
• Use a fine eyeliner brush to apply gel eyeliner precisely and create a winged cat eye effect
• A densely bristled angled eyebrow brush is ideal for apply brow powder to your brows to fill in sparse hairs. Don't draw your eyebrows on! Use a light hand to create a bit of shape with an eyebrow pencil and then do the majority of the filling in with a good brow powder. I like MAC eyebrow pencil in Spiked and NYX eyebrow cake powder kit.

I encourage everyone to visit Ulta or Sephora and pick up some of these brushes and applicators and try them out at home. The brushes can be a bit pricey but it is worth the investment. The sponges and puffs can be purchased at Ulta for under $10. You will be amazed at the difference in how your makeup looks! 

Blush It Up!

There is nothing like a fresh flush of pink or peach on your cheeks to give your skin a healthy glow! Blush is probably one of the most important components of completing your look because it adds a slight pop of color that looks beautiful. There are a variety of different types of blush that allow you to get that pop of color in different ways so you will want to familiarize yourself with them as well as how to most effectively apply them so they look natural and flawless. The formula, texture, and finish of a blush makes the difference in whether your face ends up being a masterpiece or a mess!

Blush can be sheer in coverage or more heavy depending on the formula you use and how you apply it. Unless you are going to be on stage performing, you will want your blush to add a slight flush of color that is definitely noticeable, but not overbearing. If you want more color intensity remember that you can build the color up. It is always better to start off light and build as you go, rather than apply too much product to your face and then have to try and tone it down. Let's look at the different types of blush and how to apply each:

·         Powder blush is pigment with a color base and is the most popular choice for most women because it is the easiest to control and use. It also has a HUGE range of shades. Powder blush is applied with a blush brush which is a soft brush that allows you to dust the product on your cheeks. Blush should always be applied to the "apples" of your cheeks, which you can locate by smiling. Use a light hand when applying powder blush and dust the blush onto your cheeks, sweeping the color upward toward your temples. Benefits of pressed powder blush are that it is great for oily and combination skin because it provides a matte finish and the end result is very natural when it is blended properly into the skin. Always apply powder products on top of other powder products and not on top of creams. I always set my foundation with powder before applying powder blush.

·         Cream blush is actually one of my favorite types of blush because it really creates that glow from within look that we all love. I love it because it can give a nice dewy finish to the skin if applied without foundation underneath, OR when it is applied prior to powdering your face I find that it is just the right color payoff. Cream blush is a pigment in a cream base and is a great choice for normal or dry skin but not for oily skin or skin that has large pores. It is very blendable as well and because you can apply it with your fingers directly to your cheeks and blend it in, you can create a really natural look. If you wear foundation, remember that cream products should always be used on top of or under other cream products, never on top of powders. If I am wearing cream blush, I typically apply it to the apples of my cheeks after I have applied foundation. Then I set my face with a light dusting of powder that allows the color of the blush to show through.

·         Gel blush is composed of pigments wrapped in silicone particles and is best for people with normal to dry skin. It easily smooths over bare skin to create a sheer, translucent wash of color that is very natural. Not a good choice at all for people with oily skin. You can apply it with your fingers or a sponge.

·         Liquid blush is actually more like a tint that lasts for several hours because it temporarily stains the skin. Some tints also come in stick form and have a similar effect. You have to work quickly when using tints/stains because they take effect on the skin fairly quickly. This is typically a waterproof product.

As far as my fave blush brands go, my top picks for powder blush are MAC, Bobbi Brown, and Nars. MAC and Bobbi Brown also have great cream blushes that are regulars in my makeup collection. Two great brands for tints/stains/gels are Tarte and Stila. These are just a few of the MANY fabulous brands that carry these great products. Experiment and try different ones so you can see what you like best!   

Makeup Artist Spotlight: Mally Roncal

When it comes to well-known makeup artists, there are several whose work I particularly like. The makeup artist spotlight is something I wanted to do to highlight different artists that stand out to me in the industry. Mally Roncal is one of my favorite artists for a few reasons. First, she's fabulous! Spunky with a live personality, she really gets me excited about makeup every time I see her on television, whether it's doing a live demo on The Today Show, or on QVC where she promotes and sells her products.  Not to mention her skills are amazing. I love a clean, fresh, exquisitely done face and that's what marks her style. Smoky eyes, strong brows, and neutral lips is one of her signature looks that I love. I remember seeing her do a demo on eyebrows and it really challenged me to step my eyebrow game up!

Mally is a prominent celebrity artist whose client list includes Beyonce, J-Lo, Mary J. Blige, and many more. Like any enterprising artist seeking to expand her sphere of influence, she has her own makeup line and her products are a-mazing (I particularly like her City Chick Smoky Eye Kit). She's a true artist who epitomizes femininity and beauty to me, which is why I chose her for my first artist spotlight. Check out her web sites http://www.mallybeauty.com/ and http://www.mallyroncal.com/ to see her work, products, demos, and more. Ciao for now Beautifuls!

Welcome to the World of Beauty!

Hello Beautifuls! I was at the MAC counter today browsing the newest collection that was just released today and the artist who was assisting me suggested I start a beauty/makeup blog after I told her that I was an avid collector of makeup. I don't buy makeup on a "need to" basis; I buy it on a "want it all" basis! Yes, I am a self-proclaimed makeup addict who actually collects makeup just because. Each collection that comes out from my favorite brands just gives me more ideas and opportunities to create, and re-create, which is another reason why I scoop up the latest collections without hesitation. As a portrait artist, I find that doing makeup is not too different from drawing, shading, and accentuating features in an illustration, except it's on a 3-D canvas. I guess that's why it comes so easily for me, and also why I love it so much!

 Not only does makeup allow me to express my creativity as an artist, but I just enjoy adding new colors, textures, formulas, and brands to my collection on a regular basis. I try everything! As I left the counter (with several items of course), I started thinking about doing a beauty blog and how fun it would be to share information on products, techniques, makeup artist profiles, and just anything generally related to makeup and beauty with my audience! This blog is for you, my lovely readers and my objective is to just provide you with a fun, informative blog that will inspire you to play with color, try some of the fabulous products out there, and hopefully pique your interest in the world of beautification (if that's even a word :)). I am a firm believer that beauty starts from the inside and works its way to the outside. Makeup is simply a way to enhance what's already there. I invite you to join me on this journey as I explore the world of makeup even further. Let's make beautiful happen!