Putting a great face on NYE 2016

I loved getting a new practice board for Christmas that could also help me make menus for selections at parties and corporate events.  Check below for how this works for my work on a cruise on NYE:)))

The Makeup Show - Education & Inspiration

Can't wait!! The Makeup Show is the biggest event of the year for me and so many other Makeup Artists. It is two days surrounded by another week of great events that help us to 1) focus on where we, as artists, 2) learn the new trends and innovations in the industry and 3) to be inspired to forge ahead in our respective areas of expertise.

I'll be looking to forward to gaining knowledge in new products that will give a flawless skin tone to one and all. Also there are new camouflage techniques and products that we can use to cover burns, scars and imperfections caused by disease or injury. One big goal I have is to keep my composure :) I can get so carried away with my excitement and love of all things makeup and beauty that I can loose track of my budget.

One thing I already have planned to buy is a new light set up by GLAMCOR that gives beautiful color-balanced lighting and is also lightweight enough to be carried to client’s homes or to any location necessary. I'm looking forward to using it within the 1st week at a wedding!

Stay tuned for other exciting finds I'll be sharing over the next few weeks!

What do you know about Retin-A?

Also known as Tretinoin, Avita, Renova. It’s a derivative of Vitamin A and works to topically promote the turnover of new skin cells. It takes quite a while to see results but it can benefit acne, dark spots, and even wrinkles. (Wrinkles may take up to 6 months to see improvement)

The down side is irritation and flaking as these cells get “killed off” and “kicked out” by the new cells underneath. A lot of people will stop using it thinking it’s not working or because they are using too much their skin hurts and it’s not worth it to them. I understand. Who wants to walk around with the feeling of sunburn all the time? I think the trick is working with a dermatologist to get the right concentration and frequency that gives you the benefit without the sever irritation. But you need to realize, it doesn’t work without some irritation. Here are the suggestions I’ve learned for using this product:

1. Apply a thin layer at night to a clean and dry face (even give yourself 10 minutes after washing your face before applying the cream).

2. SUNSCREEN in the morning – every morning. It’s a must.

3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Even if you see some flaking during the day, wash gently with a washcloth and then reapply moisturizer.

4. Start off slow – every other day or every third day until your skin gets used to the medicine. Just don’t give up if it starts flaking. That means it’s working

You can see why working with your health care provider is important so you can strike just the right balance to keep you skin looking and feeling as young as you do!

starting again!

"There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."

-- Albert Einstein

If I really pursue my dream of becoming an Aesthetic Camouflage Artist it will the a miracle, at least to me:)

Tune in, as I bring to you what I'm learning as my friends and I "Face the world together!"

“Hypoallergenic” - What does it mean?

So after working with clients with Lupus yesterday I’m wondering about “Hypoallergenic” makeup and what that means. I looked it up on WebMD and here is some of what I learned:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) counsels that consumers should realize that no federal standards or regulations exist governing the use of the term "hypoallergenic." In other words, the decision as to whether or not a cosmetic may be labeled as "hypoallergenic" lies solely with the manufacturer.

The FDA Office of Cosmetics and Colors Fact Sheet notes that the ingredients used to make all cosmetic products are basically the same throughout the industry. Decades ago, harsh ingredients were sometimes used that indeed caused adverse reactions in some users, but these ingredients are no longer used in the cosmetic manufacturing process.

It's important to understand that it is impossible to guarantee that a cosmetic or skin care product will never produce an allergic reaction. Since the FDA does require that cosmetic ingredients be listed on product labels, consumers who have had allergic reactions or problems with a specific substance can avoid purchasing products that contain these substances.

Bottom line is we need to test our products and be responsible to know what we might have an adverse reaction to. I’m going to do some research on common ingredients that often cause reactions so you can have a list to investigate.

BTW. Back in 1975 The FDA did try to regulate the term hypoallergenic but there was a court decision overturning that.

Working with complications of Lupus

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to work with some amazing people at the Lupus Foundation. These women and men allowed me to help them with the effects Lupus has on their appearance. The courage they show along with the support and humor humbles me. (pictures to follow)

I'm reminded of a few things in Aesthetic Camouflage:

1. Sanitation - Can't be overstated; So important for a person with a compromised immune system.

2. Hypo allergenic - good but not the "be all end all". We could use more products that have this classification, but some people will still have reactions, so TEST TEST TEST.

3. Be a learner - this one's easy for me because I have so much to learn and many who have gone before who are willing to teach me.

I'll post the pictures as soon as I have them. Thanks so much to Danielle who invited me to the support group and the members who encouraged me that what I'm doing in Aestetic Camouflage is worthwhile.

Are my eyes "close set"?

What does that mean and what do I do about it? If you've ever felt your eyes were close set, here's how to figure it out:

If the space between your eyes is less than the width of one eye you probably have marginally close set eyes.

What to do about it? - Use shading to make the difference. Lighter shades make an area appear larger.

* Use a slightly lighter foundation between your eyes.
* Shadow your eyes starting with the lightest color close to your nose and working the darker color on the outside corner of your eye. Use a clean brush to blend from the inside corner outwards.
* Make your eye liner thickest on the outer corner of your eye and thinning as it gets closer to your nose. Do not take the liner all the way to the inside corner
* Don't curl your lashes but use your mascara wand to brush the lashes to the outer corner - up and out.

These simple steps will create the illusion that your eyes are further apart than they really are and you'll just love batting those lashes!!