The Blue Lipstick Phenomenon 

Blue, green, yellow, gold, grey, and the list goes on. Is this really a new trend? Pretty much it is, if we look back to the 1960's we were seeing white frosted shades and light pink or nudes, in the 1970's we saw some dark purple for more of the punk vibe, and in the 1980's it was a plethora of colours worn on the lips, however blue was not common (David Bowe rest his soul was an experimental type) but blue and green where still not really a trend yet.  Although gold was a 70's look it was more disco evening wear, and not something you'd wear out for the day to day maven. 

So why are we seeing these shades now? Self expression is even bigger now, we feel more free to express individuality through our makeup choices, wardrobe choices and even the cars we drive.  There's a feeling I get when I wear blue on my lips vs my eyes, I feel individual different from the rest. 

Here's a question: so why don't we see +Kim Kardashian wearing blue on her lips? Well it's not her signature look.  Does that mean she would suit it? We feel she would, and it would certainly change her look.  The point is when we do something out of the norm, it catches attention, it brings the focus to you in a different light.  This point brings me to say that when I wear blue or green or whatever looks different, people stare at me.  Why? Because it's still different, it's eye catching, it's fun.  So why not shock your friends, family and show them your colourful side.  Oh, you say it makes you uncomfortable?  Why? Is it the city you live in? Are you afraid of judgment? Being individual is sexy and when you're feeling well put together, it does something to your vibe, it alters your vibe, you feel like you're setting an example for others who have trouble trying something they like, but are too afraid of trying.  So if this trend is calling your name, get out there and grab your fun shade.  

Some brands Trends by Louise recommends are: Lime Crime, +TAKIEMOTO +MAC Cosmetics 

+Kat Von D 

How to Grow your Eyelashes

It's funny how we are so fixated on longer luscious lashes, and we will stop at anything to get those dreamy lashes we have always wanted.

You've more than likely have heard of lash serums that promise to grow lashes, and we know that the chemically derived ingredients can not only irritate the eyes, if misused cause damage to the eyes. 

If I told you that you could get a lash-growing system that's cruelty free, chemically preservative free and that it actually works; would you believe me?

 

 Did this image surprise you?  Are you wondering how long it took for me to get lashes this long, and my brows this full? Well results can vary depending on the individual.  3 weeks is all it took for me to see the results you see in this image.  Can you believe the difference?  I want to share that I used the serum morning and night (mostly at night), on both my brows and lash line.  I also want to share that in both images above I did not fill in my eyebrows with anything, so you could see the true effects of the product.  Can you believe it - so full and luscious.  

Plume Enhancing Serum can be used under makeup, and can be used even after you see results.  This formula is meant to unclog lash pores to promote growth.  Lauren Billon the creator's story is so unique to me, as I had the same issue as she had experienced.  To see her story check out the website noted below.   Comment below if you'd like to experience this product, or by booking a one on one appointment at louise@plumescience.com.  

Or to purchase individually @ www.plumescience.com  

How to wear NARS Orgasm Blush

Featured in Keel Magazine

+NARS Cosmetics Orgasm Line comes in lip-gloss, nail polish, cream blush and in powder.  Choose a texture that is best for you.  If your skin is dry then try the Multiples from Nars, if you are oily try the powdered blush.  In the image above I used NARS Orgasm on my eyes, lips, and cheeks.  It is very versatile and makes you glow, like you've been at the beach all day. 

Zodiac Makeup Guide

Teeez Cosmetics Zodiac Guide

Have you heard of Teeez Cosmetics before?  Teeez Cosmetics is from the Netherlands and they are coming to North America soon.  Teeez has been featured in Ipsy and other monthly makeup subscriptions.  The nice thing about Teeez is that there are shades for everyone to try.  I have put together a list of shades by zodiac, for you all to experience.  Below you will see 2 eye shadow combos "Spectrum of Stars", combined with "Sealed with a Kiss" lip duos.  Head over to www.teeezcosmetics.com  to check out their latest collections.  Teeez will be launching exclusively with +Hudson's Bay  coming soon to Canada.

Aquarius Jan 20-Feb 18

Indigo Dare/Blueberry Dream with Sorbet Vibe

Pisces Feb 19-Mar 20

Bleached Jeans/Smokey Rose & Lavish Nude

Aries Mar 21-Apr19

Apricot Sheen/Magical Fuchsia & Candy Rush

Taurus Apr 20-May 20

Vanilla Sunbeam/Golden Fudge & Dash of Plum

Gemini May 21-Jun 20

Party Mist/Splendor Sunset & Lavish Nude

Cancer June 21-July 22

Sea Glare/Vanilla Sunbeam & Apricot Bite

Leo July 23-August 22

Apricot Sheen/Sepia Haze & Electric Coral

Virgo August 23-Sept 22

Minty Haze/Gunmetal Glow & Naked Almond

Libra Spet 23-Oct 22

Forest Lustre/Sea Glare & Violet Rush

Scorpio Oct 23-Nov 21

Blueberry Dream/Lilac Haze & Retro Mocha

Sagittarius Nov 22-Dec 21

Wisteria Shadow/Indigo Dare & Naked Almond

Capricorn Dec 22-Jan 19

Golden Fudge/Pearly Mist & Blushing Lemonade

How to prep your Skin for Spring & Summer

If you haven't thought of it yet, your skin care and makeup routine is going to change coming out of Winter.  Most women complain that their skincare and makeup doesn't feel or look the same.  I hear this a lot and like to explain to my clients that it is just like changing your fashion wardrobe, wearing a winter parka during a warm or hot day makes no sense.

Trends by Louise has a ready made checklist to get your skin Spring and Summer ready:

• It's all about dewy skin which makes sense for Spring and Summer.  Use powder only where you need it; for example the t-zone or to set your under-eye concealer.
• Try a glycolic acid exfoliate instead of a manual exfoliator, this will ensure all of the dead skin that remains from the winter months will be gone, and you will have fresh skin, which means you will glow more, hence wearing less foundation base when humid and/or hot outside.
• Get your brows re-shaped and tinted, it's all about the thick natural brow this season.
•  Try a facial to re-new your skin, for a fraction of the price try heading to your nearest department store to book a facial.  Cosmetic lines like +Shiseido Skincare and Facial and +Estee Lauder do facials all the time, and don't forget to show them your appreciation for the service with a purchase.  
• Head over to your favorite makeup store or Freelance Makeup Artist to get re-matched for foundation closer to the summer months.  Our skin is not the same color all year round.  Please remember that a darker foundation whilst still pale is not the right way to match a foundation.  Please use bronzer to enhance ones colour.
• Instead of working out at the gym, try a few of your workouts outside, the oxygen is like non-other and you will feel renewed.  Plus you will have a different glow to your skin than you would at the gym because the oxygen is different.  We can't argue that!
• Switch your skincare in the summer to lighter textures, for example, BB or CC creams, tinted moisturizer, gel or mousse foundation.
• Instead of heavy concealer try a concealer pen like Estee Lauder's BB Highlighter Pen.  It highlights and conceals at the same time.
• If you change your hair color, then you must change the colors of makeup you wear.  For example if you are blonde and you go darker, the makeup you usually wear could have the wrong undertones for your new hair-do.  Contact a makeup artist to go over some new looks to enhance your new look.
• Back away from the contour, use bronzer instead to add a natural glow and use a soft hightlight on the cheekbones.  Gone are the days of the Kim K hard contour lines.  Fashion always repeats itself, and we would like to see you looking fresh, save it for a night out as it is way to harsh for day time.
• Buy yourself the perfect red/berry lipstick as it is a hot look for Spring and Summer.

10 ways to wear Red Lipstick

1. Leopard print top and Boyfriend Jeans

   

   Makeup by Louise Croce

   
   
2. Black Dress
3. Neutral Color Blocking
4. Pink blush and Bronze Eye shadow
5. Bronze Cat-Eye Wing Liner
6. Jeans and a White T-Shirt
7. Gingham 
8. Plaid Shirt 
9. Blues and Purples both in Makeup and Wardrobe
10. Camouflage Print

How to hire a MUA for your Wedding

Having someone you can trust to do your makeup is one thing, and having someone to do a great job is another.  In the grand scheme of things, you will only know this if a consultation is booked.
Part of making your special day come to life, is to look at how hiring a reputable makeup artist with ample experience, can ensure you that you're getting the best result for your special day. 

Makeup by Trends by Louise using Make Up For Ever (pre-lash application)

We suggest the following tips to help you prepare:

• Check the makeup scene in your area by utalyzing social media in your area.  For example, if you live in Calgary then you could look up the hashtags #YYC #YYCMUA #MUA
• When looking up a makeup artist look for their online presence as a whole, what is the vibe, experience, and overall does their makeup align with your style.  This way it helps you narrow down your options.  
• Makeup Artists these days don't all have websites, they may just use social media, so that is why this approach will get you results faster.
• Once you've found your list of MUAs and you've checked out their work, start sending them an email for a quote on how many people, hair and makeup, extra costs and availability.  
• Allow the artist to get back to you within 3 business days, usually makeup artists do not work hours that others may work.  Especially if they work odd movie set hours, or they are out on location for a makeup job.  Be patient and send out mass emails as one or two are bound to  get back to you, sooner than later.
• If you hire someone then you may need to be prepared to pay a 30-50% deposit for services.  It takes time out of the artists schedule to make this happen, and if no shows or cancellations happen, it's a business and it is not uncommon to sign an agreement with the artist. 
• You will be asked to book a consultation that can help you decide what is needed for the day of to prepare, and a trial to try the makeup on.  Some artists charge separately for that, and others do it all in one sitting.  Be prepared to set aside at least a couple hours preparing and trying on colors. 
• Be prepared to have to try a few different artists especially if you are not satisfied with one of your options.  As it turns out these things do happen.
• Once you have found that artist, the best way to prepare for meeting up with him or her, is to have pictures galore of what inspires you.  We are visual artists, and we really need to see what you are inspired by and where your mind is at in terms of theme. 
• When you arrive for your appointment, please ensure you've had a lot of water for at least 2 days straight before your appointment.  This way your skin is at it's best.  
• Please avoid waterproof makeup when going to your appointment, as we want to be able to easily remove what you put on.  It takes at least 10 minutes or more to remove that.  Also please do come with makeup on, it gives us an understanding of how you usually wear it.
• Be prepared to know that makeup for weddings, is also considered as makeup for photography, which means more definition is required to look amazing in post photography.  
• Stay focused on classic and away from trends for makeup ideas.
• Make sure you purchase whatever your artist recommends for you to touch up with on the day of your wedding, so you can be on point all day and night! 
• Be prepared to be given a specific skin and hair regime to followup on in preparation for the big day. 

How to apply Graphic-Liner

Graphic liner is one trend women tend to find intimidating or complicated.  In fact graphic liner is not an everyday look according to what most my clients say.  I can agree with that statement, and also can tell you that there are other ways to incorporate it for day-time, and not look like you just left the Givenchy Show during fashion week.  Girl you know you want to though!  

Joking aside you can just follow what other artist are doing, but make it your own.  What we mean by that is that if you take an element of what they have done with their liner, and apply it in a way that you would feel comfortable.  It is easy and stress free this way.  If you like trends and always wonder how you can apply it to your life style, then this is the approach for you.  

On the images you see here, you can see that I have taken a different approach to some, however they are more runway inspired.  What would you take away from that?  
So for example; if you like the one with the yellow and black, maybe try a gold shadow in an undertone of your choice, and apply your liner thin across the upper lash-line only and give it a small wing.  That is how trends work from runway to real-way.  

If you try this look please post your comments on my blog and tell me how it went.  Better yet you can head over to Trends by Louise on Facebook and post your look.  I will pick the best look and you could win something from a brand new cosmetic line called Teeez Cosmetics coming to North America from Europe.  Teeez has been featured in +ipsy and +Birchbox. You won't want to miss this treat!.  

How to wear Red Lipstick

I love red, and I barely wear it besides my blog posts that I do.  I suppose it draws attention to the face, and especially the lips.  Aside from my personal preference I really have to say that we are seeing red all over the runways.  We are seeing all different finishes and intensities of red.  So don't be shy, or if you are shy, wear it lightly dabbed on with a finger, as a stain.  Either way, this is a trend that we can get behind. 

I get told often, "oh I can't wear red, it's too much and I feel I can't pull it off."  There is a red for everyone, trust me. 

Here I will show you my skin tone, which is fair, a medium skin tone, and a darker skin tone. 

wear it matte

Pink/Beige Fair:  Try a true red
Yellow/Beige: Try a pink based (blue red)

wear it as a stain - Makeup by Louise Croce

Pink/Beige medium: orange red/russet
Yellow/Beige medium: fuchsia red

wear it as a burgundy gloss - Makeup by Louise Croce

Red undertone dark: warm - berry red
Yellow undertone dark: violet red

How to use Coconut Oil

When it comes to skin care we really tend to gear towards the latest and greatest technology.  Have we ever thought of maybe thinking more towards what is in your cupboard.  Coconut is one to think about. Coconut Oil not only hydrates, but acts as a antihistamine to inflamed skin.  It is anti aging and repairing of current skin damage.  It has Vitamin E which is healing.  

Unless you have sensitivities or allergies to coconut, then this item is for you.  Always do a patch test on your inner wrist before you try anything new on your skin.  If you are using on the skin regularly, it is best to try to find an organic coconut oil, to reduce the absorption of toxins and pesticides through your skin.  It helps boost your metabolize when you take up to two tablespoons a day orally.  It's been known to reduce bad breath and oral plaque when used to oil pull.  

Being in the Beauty Industry, it is imperative that my skin always looks it's best.  Since I switched about 4 months ago to Coconut Oil, my skin's texture and hydration have changed significantly.  I use it mostly as a night cream, but because we are in the winter months here I am using it sparingly during the day.  To answer your burning question; is it oily?  No when you use it sparingly or mixed with an essential oil for yor skin-type, you're going to be fine.  

Image source coconutoil.com

 Beauty/Health Tips for Coconut Oil 

• cuticle Oil
• hair mask (ends only-we mean it)
• body moisturizer
• face moisturizer
• foot cream with socks before bed 
• mixed with sugar and honey for a body scrub
• eat a teaspoon before your meal to boost your metabolism (healthy eating required)
• spread on toast
• instead of Pam cooking spray
• razor burn treatment
• eye makeup remover ( sparingly and it won't clog pores)

Beauty Hacks

• Wash makeup brushes every 2 weeks.  Using lukewarm water, dampen brush, add a bit of baby shampoo, work through brush in back and forth motions, rinse until bubbles disappear within the brush, and lay flat to dry.  Pro Tip:  Condition brushes every few months (this will ensure the natural hair is treated, to prevent breakage).  

• Sharpen all unused pencils and swipe them with rubbing alcohol.  This will help by removing dead skin cells and possible bacteria.  Keeps it fresh and clean.

• Want to save money on hundreds of dollars per month on makeup?  Then sign up for a subscription like +ipsy  or similar subscriptions, to receive full size products and deluxe samples, for less than $20/month.  Or just buy every season and just give yourself a budget.  This is coming from someone who needs Makeups Anonymous.  *silent awkwardness-crickets in the background* 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Don’t share that eyeliner, lipstick or mascara with anyone.   When you mix bacteria it can be costly to our vision even, so if you feel like getting a eye infection or a lip sore, we’d suggest you keep your makeup to yourself.  Unless you sanitize the way trained professionals know how, or at least should know better.

• Great time to have a look at the Nail Polish you own, and throw out all the thick gooey polishes.  No one needs bubbles on their nails.

• Get your brows groomed and feel free to fill them in.  Perfect brows look great when there’s no time for makeup.

• Throw out old hair elastic bands, and grab some new ones!  Non snag elastics are the best.

• Attend a beauty workshop, it’s always nice to learn new techniques.  No matter how little hands on experience you have.  Soon in the near future, Trends by Louise will have workshops online, and we will keep you posted.

• Wash your face before bed every night...flawless skin starts with you!  Water is also a perfect pair to this.  Down a glass before bed!

• Replace your mascara every 3 months.  Some of my favorite bargains are +Rimel Cosmetics Rimmel and +Maybelline NY Mx .  Splurges would be +YSL Beauty  or +Lancôme Canada .   

How to Blog

Business Tips 101: Social Media & utilizing Bloggers to your advantage

  

1.  If a company has a new or existing policy structure, respect it, don't involve other artists and brands alike, just because you don't approve.  It makes you and your company look insecure and unprofessional.  

2.  Bloggers are not slaves.  We blog for a reason, to share our knowledge (it’s not free-most times people rip your work off without permission).  Stop doing that, unless ruining partnerships is what your business is about.  Provide your bloggers by giving them product to blog and try, especially if there is no budget to pay them.  It brings you money too, so it’s a win win.  Appreciate what they're doing for your business, especially if it’s generating a lot of buzz, and more importantly - revenue.  If they don't have a contract signed with you, then using their images without consent, is a legal issue.  It goes both ways.  

3.  Blocking and un-friending.  Don't burn your bridges, you never know what someone can do for you.  There's also a point where we are left with no choice, so be mindful of these actions.  When you do that with one, you lose a network circle. Was your pride getting in the way worth it? Don’t mix pride and business.

4.  Always tag the professional who's promoting you.  By promoting their business, especially when they are spending hours per blog to prepare, you are showing respect and appreciation.  We work hard on each blog, if it makes us look good, then you look good.    

5.  Duck face selfies and twerking does not sell cosmetics and or fashion. Unless you're a dancer and a duck, you should be sticking to business. Get a picture app, use appropriate lighting, use your phone timer to take pictures-using a tripod, please use backgrounds or scenery that makes sense.  Grainy photos don't sell product. Also please make sure to check what is in the background of your photos, before posting them on blast.  Also, if you are going to put up someone’s unedited image wearing your product, edit the photo before you do so.   

6.  Note to new bloggers and new businesses utilizing bloggers/writers: never assume, tag everyone involved, make sure you have the right information (bloggers this is a big point), contracts make better business practice, cross promoting is key, use appropriate hashtags (ex. #LipstickWhore is offensive and not professional) instead develop hashtags that everyone can relate to and that promote your business, know your target - demographics are everything, don’t say you cater to all walks of life - but then all your posts look like a teen is the only target, for example.  Also design a hashtag that is unique to what you do or what you are trying to promote.  An example of that would be, your business name is Trends by Louise, so then use #TrendsByLouise hashtags on all yor posts.  Just another way to get noticed by building yor SEO.

7.  Common sense isn’t always common sense.  Social Media, when used correctly can turn a small/new business into something bigger than they could have imagined, and for large businesses a larger network of clients.  Technology is going nowhere.

8.  Know your competition.  

9.  Be consistent, and always check the stats to all your posts.  This way you can keep track of what is grabbing peoples attention, so that you can focus on that for future posts.  

10.  Be unique and don't follow what others are doing.  The whole thing about blogging is that it is individual, like a story from a storybook.  We don't need to be masters of what we write.  As long as when we write it is coming from first hand knowledge or from the heart.  What you are trying to get across will capture your readers.

Graphic Liner Tutorial

Stay tuned for the full look up close of this tutorial, all in the near future.  There will also be a full video in the near future, that explains how to achieve my disconnected graphic liner technique.  Thank you to Maus Haus Produktions and @darrylpollockphoto, and to videographer Jason Stang for a fun day and a great job.  Soon you will see my intro video on the new #TrendsByLouise educational system I've put together for viewers alike.  Once it launches there will be a small selection of videos to start, and it will grow from there.  Stay tuned for more.  Love all of you!  @ashleyautumnxo thank you for modelling, you're beautiful.  

If you are interested in learning more, please add your email to the subscribe tab on my main profile here on Trends by Louise.  I take emails very very seriously, and assure you all that no spamming will take place, and I will not be sharing your info...period.  Just mere updates on what's new for videos and updates on the latest trends.  

For now join me on my Facebook at Trends by Louise to see more of the Makeup looks that, and vote on yor favorite looks.  Join the converstation on +Twitter @TrendsBy_Louise and on +Instagram  @ Trends_by_Louise.  

              

How to wear 2016 Color of the Year

Pantone Colors of the Year 2016     

Have you thought about how to apply your makeup using or wearing these two hues?

Trends by Louise  recommends that you try thinking more about how to simplify this trend.  It will make it less daunting when trying to figure out what to do.  

If you decide that wearing Moonstone and Serenity for makep one day, why not try applying these shades as eyeliner. +Urban Decay Cosmetics has the perfect eyeshadow called Tonic, and it literally is the perfect combination of the Moonstone and Serenity tones.  That's what makes these two hues popular, is that mixing is exactly what the trend is.  There is no need to wear them separately. If you do, then wear them sparingly and only on one feature.  

Now let's think of the reverse scenario, where you are wearing these two colors of the year, and you're feeling stumped on how to do your makeup.
Think dark and smokey, think minimalism, neutral flat tones look fresh, glossy lips with a black liquid liner, Navy eye tones with red lips.  There are so many options.  For those of us who have pale skin tones, it's important to be a little more generous with the bronzer.  I love +NARS Cosmetics Laguna is perfect and it's not too yellow or orange based.  

Valentine

"Who said nights are for sleep" - Marilyn Monroe

To Celebrate or not to Celebrate?

St. Valentine according to rescources comes from Catholic mythology. Back in the third century the Roman Saint was commemorated on February, 14th.  St Valentine was known in the middle ages to be associated with the tradition of courtly love.

The Saint Valentine was also a feast celebration for those within the Lutheran Church, and the Anglican Communion.  In the Eastern Orthodox Church, St Valentine the Presbyter of Rome is celebrated on July 6th.  

In Japan Valentines day is celebrated, however traditions show that women actually gift men, and their traditions are similar to the American way in that we give chocolates. 

In British Traditions, there were traditions in the middle ages where wooden spoons were carved into popular shapes like keyholes, keys and hearts.  The token of love was to show it meant that you were unlocking someones heart.

Love is Sweet

No matter where we are, love is being celebrated.

So why is it so different around the world?  Because love is universal and it doesn't matter when Valentines Day is.  Folklore or not, humans like to pick a day to make things special.  For that it's understandable that it's a way to nudge us into remembering to tell our loved ones we love them.
Love is real, it's not a holiday or a person.  Love comes in all shapes and forms so to speak.  So why let a Holiday tell us how and when to celebrate something so personal?  Love is unique and individual.  Tell someone you care that you love them everyday, now that is a holiday I can get behind.

Here is the question that gets conversation going; tokens of love on Valentines Day or on the random?  I asked this to my friends on social media and they sure had a lot to say.  Some said that they do like to celebrate, they like to be able to be reminded, to show those they care about, that they love them.  Others said they don't need a holiday to show their love as they prefer a spontaneous approach, in that love can be celebrated anytime.  While others said it's fun for the kids.  So who is this holiday for again?  It's universal no matter the age, sex or race love is all around us.  Is how we celebrate important? No. 

Belief in something like Valentines is not love, believing in something is a frame of mind.  So if love is there, then show it.  Men and women like that, not just women.  It's about how we treat the one(s) we love, not about when we treat them.

Written By Louise Croce

 Makeup by: Trends by Louise

Photographs by: Kisses for Kaitlyn Photography 

Flawless Face

URBAN DECAY Naked 3 Palette

 

The +Urban Decay Cosmetics  Naked 3 palette really grabs a certain audience.  Naked 3 palette consists of a neutral range of soft pink undertones.  This palette really would suit a lot of skin tones. Dark skin tones need to tread lightly on the very frosty pale colors, they should be worn minimally, using a light application, applying in the inner corners of the eyes, or just below the arch of the brow to bring out the brow bone.  This effect works on any skin tone, it's just dark beauties need to watch where and how much.

Urban Decay does glitter eye shadow nicely.  We're delighted to report that they blend well and are light in texture, and the glitter stays on without falling all over your cheeks through out the day or night.

The matte shadow textures gave off a smooth, non-blotchy finish when we applied it.  Which has been one of my perpetual adventures in the search for the perfect matte eyeshadow.  Urban Decay provides you with a vegan brush, and it works really well with their formulas.

The defining shades like, Dark Side and Strange, prove to be very satin based and are light in texture, but in a powder form.  They have a medium color pay off that blend well.  There's nothing better than having the perfect tools and flawless makeup to achieve a professional look. So feel free to use other brushes other than the one provided for different effects.

Liar, Burnout, Buzz, Factory and Mugshot are the prettiest frosty-romantic and smoky shades.  You will be able to charm a snake with these sultry shades.  Personally we would rather charm our partners over a snake, but you get the point.  Surprisingly it's safe to say that the frost is subdued in this palette, and it would also suit a mature skin type as well.

Black Heart the glitter matte, it is the more enhanced version of the MAC eye shadow in Beauty Marked.  Makeup is supposed to be fun and experimental. So make these neutrals a complimentary palette of staples, to mix with brighter or more bold shades.

Beauty Tip: Use eye shadow primer prior to applying for a long lasting, non fading and vibrant effect. The great thing about the Urban Decay Palettes, is that it comes with a sample pack of primers to try. Bonus!

NARS Primer

Pro-Prime Pore Refining Primer requires a small amount that refreshes your skin; while you apply.  For extra soothing properties, place your primer in a cool area of your home, so that when you apply it goes on a little cool, which will help de-puff skin.  Side note: Do not place makeup in your fridge.  Doing this can ruin the integrity of the product.  This primer keeps makeup on bright and fresh and is vegan friendly.  Primers act as a barrier between your moisturizer and foundation, so that it locks in moisture, and allows your foundation/tinted moisturizer to stay on the same color and intensity from when you first applied your makeup.  Same idea with eye and lip primers.  By the way the +NARS Cosmetics  eye primer is amazing as well, it's colorless, which means all skin tones may prime with it.

Beauty Tip: This primer pairs really well when mixed with NARS liquid Illuminators. Glam in seconds. Apply on arms, collar bone, cupids bow, legs and anywhere else you want to glow.

MAC False Lashes

Falsies are so glam and we love the individuals and the full lash strips too.  MAC knows how to do natural and glam lashes at a fair designer price. 

Best way to apply them is to use a vanity mirror that sits on your desk, adjust it so that you are looking down into the mirror, add a thin amount of glue to the spine of the lash strip (one at a time), let the glue get sticky by waiting before you apply, then press on from the outer corner to the inner using a guitar pick, metal cosmetic spatula (basically anything not too sharp) this will help it to get right close the the lash line for a seamless application, allow to dry, then apply liner and mascara to blend it all in.  

Bonus Tip: Make sure you measure the lash strip, not to assume that it will fit your eye.  If the lashes are too long for your eyes, then cut the end where the lashes are the longest along the seam.  You don't want to cut the inner corner of the lashes where it is shortest, as you will end up looking very bare in the inner corner of the eye, as there will be section of missing hair.  

Beauty Tip: Make sure to curl your lashes before application, and that you also add mascara, after the lashes are applied for a professional and seamless application.  If +MAC Cosmetics  is out of your budget, then online shops like loveyelashes.com would have lashes at very reasonable prices, especially if you are buying in bulk.

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Foundation

MUFE HD Foundation is by far my go to liquid foundation, both for myself and my clients.  It's lightweight, flawless, and they have an amazing range of colors for all skin tones.  For a flawless finish, apply it with a foundation sponge, using long downward stokes.  Or with a beauty blender sprayed with a bit of water, applied in a tapping motion.  Applying it in that motion gives an airbrushed effect.

For extra perfect skin, apply primer, then a BB Cream under your foundation, and BOOM Perfect Skin!  Always apply loose powder to set.  My client, Musician and Female Hip Hop-Rapper +Shawtee RE  loves how light it feels and that it covers so well.  She mentioned that after all the jumping, running, moving and being doused with water for her music video; the foundation held up amazing and looked outstanding on film.  

Beauty Tip: When setting your look with powder, it's essential that when using an HD powder, you apply lightly, using patting pressing motions with a powder brush or puff. Then afterwards, take a clean brush and sweep it over your face, this will remove excess powder. Excess powder can cause a flash of the camera to produce white patches. +MakeUp For Ever 

 

Photograph by Kisses for Kaitlyn Photography - Makeup by Louise using all products mentioned

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