Makeup Forever Pro Social

June 10, 2013- New York

I attended a Makeup Forever Pro Social makeup workshop. The two looks being taught were the top two most requested-Bridal look and Editorial look. Emily, the Makeup Forever Academy Makeup Resident, started the class by solidifying the idea that all brides she be waterproofed on their big day. As a makeup artist, your work has to look good there and ten hours from now, makeup longevity is key. Before applying the makeup, one must decide what type of bride she is-does your bride want a classic look? Bright coral lips? Cultural makeup look? Emily decided to add color on her model’s eyes and keep the lips muted.

Emily started the bridal look by using the All Mat Matifying Primer ($47) on the entire face including eye lids. Next, she applied Face & Body Liquid Makeup ($40) for a Fresh (water resistant) Look. She concealed and highlighted with the HD Invisible Cover Concealer ($29). Then, she added powder in the center of the face, which is the area that tends to emit most shine. Afterwards, she added HD Microfinish Blush ($26). “People’s skin eats powder,” said Emily which is why she used the cream blush. In the spirit of keeping it all waterproofed, two different shades of Aqua Brow color ($20) was added to shape the brows. Lastly, on her eyes a pinky coral was applied in Aqua cream ($23) along with individual lashes ($16). A spritz of Mist & Fix Setting Spray ($29) and the end result was a fresh faced beautiful radiant bride.

The next look was Editorial based. Emily stated that with editorial makeup it is like telling a story with your artistry.“You have to have a plan." Her plan for the Editorial look was based on taking inspiration from nature/desert/dunes. With this in mind, she used oranges, golds, and coppery browns to bring it to life. “Bright lights make the makeup look flat so bring out all the shapes for editorial makeup,” stated Emily. Contouring and blending was essential for this look. Another rule of thumb is not to use glitter for flash or movie makeup. After creating a sharped edge eye with a deepen plum Microfinish Blush ($26) as a contour and lots of high light, the last step now was to add the lips. “I want the lips to look like she ran into a man and ate his heart,” joked Emily with the laughing audience. To achieve this she darkened the center of the lips and lightened in the outer corners. Finally, Emily’s model was close to being done, but Emily had a few more tricks up her sleeve. She added large lashes that she cut herself as individuals and the look was a super sexy wild woman of the dune effect-absolutely gorgeous!

To purchase any of these products you can visit Sephora (Sephora.com) or go to The Makeup Forever Boutique- 8 E 12th St (between 5th Ave & University Pl) New York, NY 10003 (http://makeupforeverusa.com/mufe/)

"We are Beautrichful"

An often overlooked and perplexing hair disorder known as Trichotillomania (also known as Trich) is a compulsive hair pulling disorder. I was first made aware of this disorder when MTV True Life did an episode about it. In the episode a young girl felt ashamed and alone because she had several bald spots, but she couldn’t help but to keep pulling. I recently learned from Abby Walker that Trichotillomania affects 1 out of 50 people. Abby Walker is the CMO at Natural Wellbeing Distribution Inc. who helps educate the millions of women suffering from hair loss, thinning hair, and damaged hair. “Millions of people are affected by Trich, nearly 90 percent of reported cases are women,” said Walker. Walker promotes using Hair Essentials; a leading dietary supplement designed to naturally combat hair loss, repair, and revitalize damaged or dormant hair follicles, and stimulate healthy hair growth. “For those who are still struggling with Trich, or have controlled or conquered their urge to pull, we encourage them to try Hair Essentials to help naturally stimulate the hair regrowth process - whereas wigs and extensions are a temporary fix,” said Walker. “With Hair Essentials proprietary blend of more than 20 herbs, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids and other nutrients, it is designed to naturally repair and revitalize damaged or dormant hair follicles and stimulate healthy, faster-growing hair. Oftentimes, Trichotillomania can be overcome by building self-confidence and seeing even the slightest improvement in one’s appearance.” Walker also decided to partner up with HelpMe2Stop.org to bring awareness. HelpMe2Stop.org was created by Charlene Blacer, a Hair, Health, Growth Expert, who has been changing the lives of hundreds of Trich Sufferers since 2004. This non-profit organization became 501c3 on Oct. 30, 2009 after helping hundreds of clients stop/cease hair pulling since 2004. There have been many success stories along the way. The “Stop Pulling Hair Out Waiting For A Cure” campaign helped a client who is now 7 years pull free! With this partnership they are looking for salons to help. They call it pull-free salon hubs. The requirements to participate are simple. They would like a salon that is warm, caring, and willing to help. “For specialty salons, HelpMe2Stop requires that the hair technician not practice in shaving the head prior to installation of cosmetic hair enhancements as shaving services defeats the purpose of hair regrowth,” said Blacer. Anyone interested to help can make a donation for the cause, recommend the Hair Essential supplement, refer a salon to participate, buy a t-shirt from HelpMe2Stop.org which will bring awareness and proceeds go towards the cause, and/or be a board member and help raise money and awareness. For more information, please visit www.helpme2stop.org and http://www.hairessentials.com.

Elin Bianco Hair Care Products

At the International Beauty Show New York (IBS New York) & The International Esthetics, Cosmetics and Spa Conference New York (IECSC) 2013, Elin Bianco hair care products were featured. The packaging was very feminine, a soft pink, and the smell of their products were like a soft baby powder that I can smell all day. This line is suitable for all hair types and infused with a cocktail of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and keratin. AT Elin Bianco, they believe that hair is like an accessory for women that you wear every day. “If a woman’s hair accessory doesn’t look good, she doesn’t look and feel her best.” I agree the best feeling in the whole world is walking out of that salon with freshly washed styled hair. The blend of ingredients in Elin Bianco has scientific studies to back up their claims. The flax oil helps with scalp issues while olive oil helps with spilt ends. One ingredient used called Sea Buckthorn Oil (Oblipicha) is buzz worthy. My night time regimen from Fresh (Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil) includes Sea Buckthorn and my blemishes that were under the skin for weeks were gone after two uses. Not to mention how soft my skin felt. If this ingredient can do this for the skin, I am really curious as to what it can do for my hair. This rare super fruit is said to have healing properties as well. According to Elin Bianco’s hair catalog, it will rejuvenate dull color treated hair. Elin Bianco’s hero product is the treatment mask (salt free and enriched with organic palm kernel oil). It is scientifically proven to help severely dry or over processed hair feel smooth and silky. In addition to its core ingredients, this product also has coconut extracts. I received a deluxe size sample of this treatment and it smells so good. My hair stylist, Yahayra Dejesus, owner of Clean Cuts Salon, massaged my hair with this treatment for 5 minutes and then rinsed. You can go under a vaporizer for the product to penetrate deeper. Dejesus did a double color process on my hair and then use the Elin Bianco’s treatment mask. My end result was beautiful shiny, soft, healthy looking hair. Another product that everyone should try is the Hair Perfume. The scent is of a soft baby powder (so soothing to me). It is said to last a few days in the hair. It is all natural, alcohol free, and the best part is that it prevents unwanted odors to penetrate the hair. This protective shield is so uber important because for me smells always stick to my hair-whether it is a BBQ smell or when my friend smokes her cigarette next to me. I am hoping that after I use this I can solve this hair woe. These products are sold exclusively in salons. **Bonus-When paired up with the Profashion hair straighteners, the result is soft, shiny, healthy hair. The Profashion hair tool is 100% titanium plates and it heats up to 450 degrees. I really loved what it did for my hair at the 350 degree-it beat my GHD and T3 Iron any day!

Finding a Scent of My Own

I have been on serious hunt for my signature fragrance. What notes do I love? Should I have a day perfume? Night? Should I mix and customize my own? Should I have a summer one? Every day for the past 2 weeks, I have been spraying myself with two different fragrances each day to get a feel of what I like. What I found is that I have liked a variety of different perfumes and I am really to graduate from the mediocre body splashes into a big girl scent. My new discovery: Versace Crystal Noir: A floral-oriental feminine scent and more bold than what I am use to. I decided this can be my night time one. It smells kind of like coconut on me-Yummy! Notes: Gardenia, Amber. Summer/Beach fragrance: I have been wearing Sugar Lychee by Fresh for about two summers and only to the beach and I always get compliments. It has blends of citrus, juicy lychee, and mango. Sounds good enough to drink! Notes: Grapefruit, Italian Lemon and Lime Blossom, Lychee, Mango Flower, Freesia, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Amber. All time go to fragrances: Gucci Guilty Notes: Mandarin, Pink Pepper, Peach, Lilac, Geranium, Amber, Patchouli. Viva La Juicy Notes: Wild Berries, Mandarins, Honeysuckle, Gardenia, Jasmine, Amber, Caramel, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Praline. Ev final note: I like how each fragrance has a story, whether it is the shape of the bottle or the memory it is suppose to evoke. For instance, Gucci Guilty it is said, “Made for the woman who shatters expectations, this fragrance imbues a feeling of power, a sense that she can attain whatever she wants even the thrill of the forbidden.” I would imagine that all women want to feel this way! The note that seem to be most evident in all these perfumes is Amber! I almost named my daughter this too..I am slowly but surely getting closer to learn what scent works with my body chemistry. I will continue my search until I try every perfume every made to mankind (I have a lot of time on my hands apparently).

Makeup Icons part 2

Marilyn Monroe

Why are people still obsessed with her after decades of her passing? Marilyn Monroe is undeniably a sex symbol and a symbol of freedom for women to express it. Her red lips, soft bedroom eye look that were contoured and lined, and that classic mole that women emulate was her signature look.



Audrey Hepburn

The opposite in look to Marlyn Monroe, she represented more of an innocent look. However, she had a very classic look. She was the epitome of class, elegance, and truly breath taking.




Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez acts, sings, produces records, dances, and designs clothes. She is an amazing talent that is more than a triple threat. Her makeup look always looks flawless from her nude lips to that J.lo Glow that everyone desires. She is "Jenny from the Block," that it girl, that everyone wants to be-successful,rich, and beautiful.

Celebrating Makeup Icons

"Greta Garbo is arguably one of Hollywood’s greatest stars. A legendary actress who combined remarkable beauty with a modern spirit and irresistible allure. Garbo remains one of the most fascinating women in history."
She represents the essence of old Hollywood glam, which was in fact the inspiration for my own wedding makeup and hair. The classic red lips, the powdered face and thin eyebrows was reminisced of 1930's.

Catherine Deneuve is a French actress. She gained recognition for her portrayal of aloof and mysterious beauties in many films. Her look is iconic. She often rocked the unforgettable cat eye.


"Vogue model, style icon and David Bailey's muse, Penelope Tree was the ultimate Sixties It girl." When I see pictures of her I see the popular drawn in bottom lashes or false bottom lash which is really hard to pull off.

Kat Von D launches New Products with Sephora Cast- Are you a Saint, Sinner, or Poetica?

Kat Von D, master tattoo artist, reality TV star, author, and owner of her own tattoo shop High Voltage made a huge “fucking” buzz (as Kat would word it) when she came out in 2008 with the launch of her makeup line. Now 2011 the line has expanded to more than just four lipsticks, an eye palette, and brush set. The Brand has fans coming from all over to shop at Sephora.

Sephora was kind enough to let elevated cast members meet Kat Von D on August 23, 2011 in the 34 Street location. The room’s ambiance was so Kat. The set up was black table cloths with sensual red roses and two candles on each side of it. The table where Kat sat stood a beautiful lamp that looked like a mini black chandelier with red light bulbs. The whole room was lightly lit red. Kat explained how she is a very detailed person and this was quite evident.



Before she jumped to product we really dived into Kat’s life and learned facts about her life that has made her who she is today. See, her artistic abilities were always deeply rooted from her parents. She learned at the age of 6 to played classical piano. Her parents instilled in her the value of maintaining an amazing talent by having her practice two hours every day. By age 14, her artistic abilities took a more visual approach when she started doing tattoos on friends and neighbors. By 16, she was working in a tattoo shop. “Getting tattooed is a bonding experience; it is exchanging energies,” said Kat. When Kat tattoos she feels in her element and she likes to do it barefoot. She believes to tap into her creativity, one must mediate. She mediates at least 15 minutes every day.



Kat Von D’s vibe, almost hippie like, was very soothing and relaxing much like the dim red room we sat in. When speaking about her makeup line she often got giddy and placed her hand over her mouth when she laughed. “It is something that I am so proud of,” said Kat with a smile from ear to ear. Her new products had a sense of unity to them. They can almost link sell themselves. Her new fragrance Poetica housed top notes of rose and passion fruit, middle notes of orchid and Jasmine, and the bottom notes of sensual musk and praline. Along with this fragrance came a palette named Poetica (sold separately) with a set of neutrals and a spectrum of deeper colors like red-purple for the edgy glam girl. Other palettes were created for her other fragrances Saint (frosty pinks, gold, and chocolates) and Sinner (dark smoky palette). Each of these palettes comes with a waterproof pencil. Discover your makeup persona, are you a "Saint", "Sinner", or now a "poetica"(maybe this can be a little of both)!




Other great additions to the line included her Rehab Priming Elixir which was so soft on the skin (not like the greasy silicone slip from other primers which shall remain nameless). Kat calls this her "black rose primer detox.” This primer is oil free, pore minimizing, and anti-aging. The papaya extract helps clear any impurities in the skin. This will also extend the wear of your makeup and give you great skincare benefits at the same time.


Kat has new palettes, fragrances, primers-What’s missing? Lips! She has 5 great new metallic shades of long wearing, vitamin infused colors that were described as shiny gift wrap for your lips. The foiled love lipstick is a great alternative from her first lipsticks which were all matte colors.

One of the things I loved from Kat Von D was her humbleness and amazing quality to want to help others. Her holiday palettes which aren’t out yet were inspired by two girls Kimberly and Evelyn. These children are part of a program at the Art of Elysium. This non-profit organization seeks working artists, actors, and musicians to help children who are battling a serious medical condition. Through the power of art these kids get a chance to rebuild their esteem and learn new things in the process. Please visit the site for more information: http://www.theartofelysium.org/.



As if she hasn’t accomplished it all. Kat Von D can add one more thing to her lengthy resume- clothing designer! The line is inspired by underwater, sunken treasures, tarnished buttons, pirates, etc… As she is very detailed with her makeup, her clothing will be no different. “These clothes cannot be replicated,” said Kat Von D. The inside lining of some clothing pieces will have personal love letters sewn in. Her line features maxi dresses, high quality knit sweaters that are so edgy and fun, and military jackets. One jacket in particular I NEED in my life. It is a tailored, structured metallic jacket which can be a staple to any fall ensemble. Visit her site to learn more: http://www.katvond.net.