Wedding Makeup

I knew right off the bat that I wanted to do my own wedding makeup.  I am not that good at applying makeup, but I am pretty controlling about it.  I wanted to look like myself, just a bit more dramatic for pictures.  I went to the Bobbi Brown counter at Bloomingdale's at South Coast Plaza a week before, and had a tutorial.  I learned some great tricks for photos, and it took her about ten lip shades to finally land on what we did.  So helpful.

• Bobbi Brown EXTRA Face Oil (a fragrant and wonder-working blend of jojoba and other oils.  I was skeptical about using an oil, but it really evens out oiliness and dryness...amazing.  Worth the pre-wedding splurge that I did instead of getting a massage!)

• No SPF- it reflects light and makes your face look white

• Bobbi Brown Oil-Free Compact in Natural Tan 4.25 (applied both with foundation brush and fingers to warm and blend)
• Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzer in Bahama Brown (with a fluffy brush everywhere the sun hits your face naturally)
• Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzer in Antigua for blush (wearing it lower than I usually do so it looked like a natural flush)
• Bobbi Brown long wear eyeshadow in Stone (already had it!) across my eyelid and just doubled up at my crease
• Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner (already had it) on upper eye only
• She showed me how to dip a skinny brush in the Stone and then some darker brown eyeshadow to dab at my lower lashline to give soft definition with staying power
• MAC Shroom heavily on my brow bone (I layered it over Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Recess to help it stay put) and inner corners of my eyes
• My normal Imju Fiberwig mascara, and curled eyelashes
• Lips: MAC Prep&Prime lip primer, Bobbi Brown liner in Brownie Pink, then BB lip crayon in Warm Rose, topped off with BB glitter lip gloss in Naked

Phew, that's alot of steps.  It really didn't take too long, and stayed really well despite the heat and swampy feel!

I hope that's helpful, or at least fun to read (or skip.)

What I'm Loving

My new favorite face wash. It foams, it takes off makeup, it is extremely gentle, it evens out the skin tone and it is perfect with a mild face brush.  LOVE it.

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser

Facial Cleansing Brush

This stuff smells so freaking amazing.  I want to eat my own hands.  It makes them incredibly soft.  I got it on sale about a month ago.  Amazing.

 

This stuff does everything it claims to do.  Long-wear, non creasing...yes, yes, yes!!  I love having a long wear matte shadow.  It has changed my makeup.  I use it with a bit of powder shadow, like below--

YouTube Tutorials

I cannot believe that I spent about four hours online today...mostly watching YouTube makeup tutorials!!  Then, researching prices and reviews for products.  I'm insane.  My eyes are bleary.  I wanted to see the last set of the Men's US Open final, and so was killing time watching the first four sets that I had already seen.  I know, it makes no sense whatsoever. I'm insane.

It was extremely informative.  However, I started to lust after every product some girl raved about (such as retrying Benefit Benetint, and getting Benefit Glamazon.)  Then, I changed my tactics.  I started searching for products I already owned to find better ways to use them.  JACKPOT!!

Most of you know about my love for Bobbi Brown gel liners.  I have been using it for a year and a half (though not everyday because I'm too lazy for the brush most days!)  I watched a few tutorials and really liked this one. It's short and really helpful!

Let me know if you want recommendations of some good tutorials, if you have time on your hands and want to improve your makeup skills without having to actually leave the comfort of your own home.

Back to Beauty

Today all I wanted to do was stay at home and finish Twilight book number four. But, I had a hair appointment, and could not wait to cut 2+ inches off of my hair. That done, I decided to stop by the mall because I was out of my fave mascara, Imju Fiberwig (read about my love for it here.) I hadn't been to Sephora in at least two months. I know, what is wrong with me?? So, went for the mascara and ended up being very curious to try DiorSkin Airflash spray foundation. The girl doing my makeup ended up bonding with me, and we spent an hour together...talking about products and adding more fun things on. She put on DiorShow in Plum...very fun and different. And contoured my eyes in a very subtle, yet stunning way. She had me practice techniques, and told me repeatedly that I should model (haha!! I think they expect us unsuspecting girls to all aspire to be models and, therefore, want to be told that.) The whole thing was very fun. I took some pictures of the makeup and will post them soon.

I got home, and was thinking about matte eye makeup. I started playing on the Bobbi Brown website and fell in love with this palette. I want it!! Perfection. I love the not-too-warm and not-too-cool colors. The mauvey color is shimmery, but the rest look matte. I would, of course, only wear matte eyeshadow with a strong primer underneath to keep my oily lids from creasing (I love Urban Decay Primer Potion.)

Basics Eye Palette

Thirty, Flirty and Fun

JOY

Remember that scene in "13 Going on 30" when the thirteen year old dreams of being thirty? Well, Joy just hit the big 3-0. She picked up some incredible new eyeliner yesterday, and we decided I should write about it on here. I then took it a step further and decided to overhaul her whole look with inspiration from new makeup and celebrities. I would have just emailed these ideas to her, but figured I might as well post it for everyone's entertainment (my ten dedicated readers!)

I have known her for nine years, and lived with her for four of those. Over the years, I did her makeup for a college senior banquet, for a music video shoot (oh, yes) and attempted to for her 30th party. She is one of those people who can pull off no makeup just as well as red lips. She looks great both in cool and warm tones.

Here goes:

I pulled up a few celebrity pics as inspiration. Her face shape most closely resembles Parker Posey's of these...but with coloring similar to the others. All of these are wearing more makeup than she would everyday, so we're not looking to copy, but simply glean ideas.

It looks like she is wearing NARS Orgasm blush here (or some other gold-flecked coral color) which I think would look great on Joy. I also like the lip color, and rich brown eye makeup.I love the 60's pale pink lips. The bright pink cheek color just pops too (in Bobbi Brown speak.) Same brown eye colors.

I wish I had a closer picture of Parker here. It is a contoured eye in blue and gray. Looks great on Joy.

This same lip color looks great on Joy.

Ok, now that we've seen the inspirations, here are my recommendations:

She already uses Bobbi Brown foundation as needed, finished off with Bobbi Brown powder. Then, Too Faced Bronzer. I know this because I picked them out for her. The only thing I would add to the face makeup is Benefit You're Bluffing Concealer. It is a pure yellow concealer stick that evens redness perfectly...especially around the nose or mouth. It would also be perfect for days she just wants to even out her skin without wearing full face makeup. My only complaint is that it has to be used on well moisturized skin or it can be a little drying.

Some products and tips for her eyes:

• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

• Using at least two different colors of brown eyeshadow on her eyes. One as a base color and one smudged in the crease and around the eye. She already has a quad of colors with light blue, navy, brown and a shimmery highlighter. She needs a mix of browns. I love my Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes because it is so convenient--the included undereye concealer, directions, mirror and a decent brush. BareMinerals has a great set (Ready-to-Wear Collection) that isn't sold in Sephora, but looks perfect.
  

• Just like she has in the picture, a little eyeliner in the lower waterline (only part way from outer eye to mid eye) and smudged into the upper lashes. For a dressier look, an all over brown smoky eye.
  

Lips and Cheeks:

• I think she should bring some blush into the routine. Benefit Dallas would look great on her. Or NARS Orgasm, the blush that looks amazing with all coloring. Or, like Rachel Bilson, I think a pop of pink would look great on just the apples of her cheeks with Bobbi Brown Pale Pink. I love that the website even gives instructions on how to do it.
• A great option would be a multi purpose product, like Benefit Rush Hour (yes, I do love Benefit.) The color would be gorgeous on her, on her cheeks and a little smeared with her finger onto her lips.
• For a different look, a pale pink or nude-ish pink lipstick. I have a discontinued Benefit one I love ("Hollywood Roll"), but nude pink in any brand would do...preferably a moisturizing one since I don't see her reapplying often. She could probably find one from her beloved Aveda.
  

That's it for now!

How did I live?

Lately I wonder how I lived without my Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner in Cobalt Ink. I used to have a problem with disappearing liner from my upper lashes, and smudged lower lashes. The only way I could prevent both was to use my trusty Urban Decay primer under a pencil eyeliner on top, and line only on my actual lower lash waterline.

Then, I heard about Stila Smudge Pots, apparently long wearing. I considered it, but never got crazy excited about it. Finally, I discovered the Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner. I was going to stick with black, but loved the cobalt ink. I can tone it down if I just want to smudge a little on my upper lashes, or embrace its feisty cobalt 'tude all over. It seriously stays put. It's a little on the high maintenance side, requiring purchasing the brush to apply it. And I could never slap this stuff on in the car on the way to work. But it is definitely worth it.

And they have a huge assortment of colors.

Bobbi Brown How-To Video

To see Bobbi Brown's expert hands applying mascara, check her mascara how-to video:

http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/templates/looks/thelook_10stepbeautyguide.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY14470