Ok I just have to start with a confession… Putting a close up of my face(unfiltered!) up for everyone to critique is not quite my ideal (whose would it be really??). Plus, I am still warming up to this whole “selfie” thing… maybe I will even write a song about it?? Oh wait, too late!
So, here is the deal, since this is our “Beauty Week”, and I am actually proud of my make-up application I decided to brave the criticism, and focus on what I thought was pretty good job for an amateur. Usually, when it comes to a special event I leave it up my amazing make-up artist Lynn Simpson of Delilah Beauty, but in this case I had to go it alone.
That being said, I would love to share some of my favorite make-up products and tips. Most of these I have learned from the professionals and some I have learned simply by looking at magazine images. Finally, I have learned some by trial and error. These errors being some looks in my late teens and early 20’s where I hilariously thought I was looking like hot stuff. Yet, I did learn from these mistakes, thank goodness!
Here are some of my go to products and how I applied them in this picture:
1. Foundation. I love Vitalumiere by Chanel. Prior to discovering this liquid foundation about 7 years ago I never wore foundation. To me it seemed too cakey, but this is anything but that. It leaves the skin looking young and dewy. It may make you a little shiny, so make sure to brush a tiny bit of powder on the shiny spots like the nose and forehead.
2. Brushes. I have recently really started to get into my brushes. I used to get the bare minimum and didn’t believe in spending more than absolutely necessary. The professionals were always telling me using the right brush makes such a big difference, but I wasn’t buying it… until now. I have invested in a few nice brushes by Tom Ford and as far I know they seem to be the best. I am positive there are others and likely for less, but I do love these. Also, I really like the white hair because if they do come off on your face, which does happen sometimes, it is a little less embarrassing as plucking a big long black hair off you face. Wouldn’t you agree?
3. Cheeks. Always put a little color on your cheeks. It makes you look young, fresh and highlights your cheekbones. There are so many great ones out there, just make sure to get a color that suits you and practice applying the perfect amount. Start on the apple of your cheek and sweep back towards your hairline. Then check for proper blending.
4. Eyeshadow. Here is basically how I do it for an evening affair. First, I put a medium color all over my lid. Then I put the darker color in the palate in the outside crease. I then put the lightest color on my brow bone, sweeping down towards the inside of my eye. Then I make sure everything is blended properly. Use a separate brush for each action. Also, for this look I used my palette darling of the moment Silvered Topaz by Tom Ford. One color has a little sparkle so I put that on last near the inner corner and upper lash line for a some added evening glam.
5. Eyeliner and Mascara. I used a black liquid liner very close to my upper lash line and finished with a slight cat eye effect at the out corner. As for eyelashes I put on natural looking false eyelashes. I was particularly proud that these looked good since I had not done it in ages! After putting them on use mascara on the upper and bottom lashes.
6. Eyebrows. I am absolutely obsessed with having the proper eyebrow shape and color (if necessary). Your eyebrows frame your eyes and add so much to your overall look. See a GOOD professional to shape your eyebrows by waxing, tweezing or threading. I have mine waxed by Julie Prouty at Brows by Julie. She was trained by Anastasia (famous for her brows shaping), the salon I visited when I lived in LA and I love the attention placed on the shape. I also enhance my eyebrows by darkening and filling them in when I go out. This is key if your brows are light(ish). The product I used here is by Mally.
7. Lips. AH, I love lip color! For me lips are fun to color, just like nails. Here I am wearing a bright red. I love the way it adds color to my black dress. Not to mention, my look for this evening is very classic and nothing is more iconic than red Chanel lips. This color I love so much I even bought back ups in case I lose it or it is discontinued. I recommend doing this same when you find one you love! At this moment I am on the hunt for the perfect warm weather color. I will let you know when I find it… or you can always send me your recs.
8. For the evening bag. I always bring the lipstick I am wearing with coordinating lip liner, powder and a perfume sample size for touch ups throughout the night. 
Hopefully this was helpful and while it may sound like it took an extremely long time, but it actually only took about 40 minutes… and for about 37.5 minutes of that 40 I had at least one of the kids “bugging” me. Sometimes it is nearly impossible to get ready at home, but for this event I feel like I pulled it off!
This week stay tuned for more tips, tricks (from an actual expert) and a fabulous beauty give away. We want you, the deserving mommy, to look stunning this Spring! xx
with love,
MCbJ
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