The Makeup Show Chicago 2012: Building on my Career!

Hey Divas,


This year TMS Chicago was short for me but still sweet.  I was tired from working both jobs the days before but knew this was an opportunity I was not going to miss.  I drove down with some other wonderful artist from the Detroit area and we arrived in time so that our wait in line was short.  My first stop was Makeup Forever.  Last year I missed out on purchasing some empty flash palettes, and other items even though I was there when the show opened.  This year that was not going to happen again(lol). 

I stood in line for about 15 minutes and was able to get everything above that I needed for my kit.  This year I picked up the "The Flash Palette"(HG product), 3 empty Flash Palettes, 2 Magnetized Metal Pans and 2 Empty Stackable Cases.  I wanted the Lip Line Perfector but that was already sold out. :~(  My goal was to get what I needed only and I think I did pretty good. :) 

Next stop, Bdellium Tools for some of their amazing brushes that I love.  Daniel was there with his winning smile and I purchased 5 brushes.  I picked up 3(714) Flat Liner brushes and 2(708) Bent Eyeliner brushes. 
  

Tools and Trends with James Vincent for Crown Brush was the first seminar I went to.  James Vincent spoke on having multiple purposes for your brushes, such as using a bent eyeliner brush to create a clean line for the lip.  He also stated that if you have your brushes you can do anything(don't lose them!).  When you are traveling it is best to keep them close just in case luggage is lost or delayed. Having the proper tools is important especially when you have an average of 28 minutes to get hair and makeup done. 

My next stop was the Inglot booth.  I decided to hold off on the matte neutral palettes I wanted and continued on to the Kevyn Aucoin Booth where I picked up two Sensual Skin Enhancers(#3 and #5).  Frends Beauty Supply was next door so I had I to check out the Stilazzi cases. They are definitely on my wish list.  I will be purchasing them later.  While there I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and reacquaint myself with artists I meet last year and online.

It was time to head back to the seminars, the main reason I was there.  AJ Crimson was speaking on a career in makeup and I was not missing what he had to say.  AJ has been in the business for over twelve years and just "up and did it".  He advised us we need to find a way to quit our current non makeup artist jobs, believe in yourself and never let the lack of money stop the dream!  He advised us to carve our niche, invest in ourselves and have a Vision Board.  If anyone was making excusing and not motivated to do more to advance their career as a makeup artist before his seminar, they definitely were motivated and left the excuses behind after listening to AJ Crimson!

 Stay tune for part 2....


XOXOX
BCB
    





  

IMATS Toronto 2011 Series: Donut Friday with Elessa and Koren

IMATS Toronto started early for me.  I arrived Friday at 11:00 am with fellow MUA Alia to assist the fabulous Eve Pearl with setting up her booth.  After getting things set up and checking into the hotel we headed over to Donut Friday at Jordane Store.  The store is small and quaint but has items to start off or stock a makeup kit.  Koren and Elessa did demos using some of Jordane products while we looked around the store at things to purchase and snacked on bite size sandwiches, cupcakes and timbits.

I only purchased 2 items, an artist style palette and a tube of black mascara for my kit.  I love the design of the palette.  It is easier to hold and has more space than my rectangular one.  Koren of Enkore Makeup used the mascara during his demo and I loved how it applied with the mascara fan brush and the spoolie.   

      Donut Friday with Enkore and PurseBuzz 

Koren also talked about color theory, and brow anatomy.  The above link shows a video from the event.  

Skincare: Know Your Type...Are You Using The Right Products!

Hey Divas,

Skincare is very important and high on my list of things to do for my clients.  I currently am not a licensed esthetician but plan to be one day.  I have the books the schools use, have read them and currently plan to save funds for my esthetics's education. That is how important skincare is to me.

Many times people think the makeup they are using is causing their skin to break out, make them too oily or too dry.  The truth is that many times it is the skin care products we use that cause these issues and what we put in our bodies.  Drinking plenty of water helps, but also using the right products for your skin type helps also.


There are various skin types, Dry, Combination, Oily, Acne Prone, etc. and you have to know how to treat the different types. Clinique is one of those brands that does their best to educate clients on skincare.  They were started in 1968 by dermatologists.  Their main focus still is skincare.  

My regiment: Oily Liquid and Travel Soap, #3 Clarifying Lotion
and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel(DDMG)

I have been using their 3-Step System for over 6 months and have noticed a difference in my skin. I use 3 because I am combination oily.  I love the products because they work great, are 100% fragrance free and allergy tested. 

The system is numbered from 1-4(1 for the driest skin and 4 for the oiliest). The numbers and types are printed on all the products to make it easier to know what to use.  Not knowing your skin type and using the wrong products can make your skin dryer or oilier than it is normally.  You should use what works best for your skin and not others.   

Clinique also has an iPad app in a majority of stores and online to assist with skin typing. Along with Clinique hired and constantly trained Consultants/Beauty Advisers this is a great tool.               


Check out various brands and sites such as Clinique and many others to see what they have to offer and how to learn your skin type.  Knowing your skin type leads to using the right products for your skin.  

XOXOX
BCB

Monday Makeup Must Have: Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancers

Hey Divas!

I am always in search of the best foundations and concealers for my kit and myself.  If the skin is not flawless in the shoot then flawless eyes and lips will not matter.  I truly believe you have to master creating a great looking canvas first. With the right products, tools and artists this can be achieved. Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer is one of the must have gems for your kit and yourself.

I purchased four of the Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancers(KA SSX) a few years back on a whim when Sephora decided to stop carrying the line(I guess because many consumers didn't know this product truly is a gem).  I ordered SX 13 assuming it would be the best match for my skin.  It is close but a little too red when I am not tanned.  I also purchased a SX 14, SX 15 and a second SX13 for my kit.  They ran out of the lighter shades before I could purchase them all.  At 75% off you know I tried to get them all or at least more to mix and match.

left to right( SSX 3,5,13,14 and 15)

There are a total of sixteen shades, SX 1 - SX 16.  I purchased SX 3 and SX 5 directly from Kevyn Aucoin Beauty at The Makeup Show Chicago this past June.  It was one of my first stops.  I may purchase SX 1, SX9 and SX 16, so that I can have the lightest and darkest plus a more mid color.   

I have used these on various shoots and shows and the models love the way their skin looks and feels with this product.  They mix well with other products also and can be used as concealers, foundations or tinted moisturizers.  You need to use very little to have full coverage(less than a pea size).  A little goes a long way. 

Half my face done with SX5 and SX13 mixed

SX5 & SX13 mixed

No foundation on this side

I have combination oily skin and with proper skin care and after 7-8 hours of wearing as a foundation I have not been oily and still maintain a majority of the product on my skin. As long as these remain on the market I will continue to purchase Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancers for my freelance kit and my personal kit!

Check out www.KevynAucoin.com to find out more out this and other Kevyn Aucoin products.

If you have this product or have tried it please let me know what you think. :)

XOXO
BCB    

Hair Raising Thursday!: Dr. Miracle's Temple and Nape Gro Balm Super

Dr. Miracle's Temple and Nape Gro Balm Super

Hey Divas,

Managing my hair has not always been my best skill.  Since going natural I have struggled some days and other days I love what I do with my hair.  When I had a relaxer my hair was always damaged mainly due to me not taking proper care of my hair so when I decided to go natural I wanted to start off right.  I have been trying some new products to strengthen my hair. 

Throughout my life I have noticed especially during high school and college that the hair on my temples were starting to look thinner than when I was younger.  I have tried a variety of products such as Sulfer 8, Carol's Daughter and shea butter.  While browsing the aisles of Walmart, I decided to check out Dr. Miracle's Temple and Nape Gro Balm Super.  My Auntie, the great hair dresser and fabulous cake maker, mentioned the product while I was visting in Georgia one year.  I looked at the product and didn't purchase it but it was always in the back of my head.   



Gel-Like look and texture



I purchased it three days ago and will be doing a full review in 30 days,  It was suggested to massage directly on the scalp into the temples and at the nape of the neck twice a day and you should see results in 30 days.  It has a new scent, minty and almost like mango or papaya.  It also has a gel-like texture and it contains wheat protein, Vitamins A& D and Aloe Vera.  Below are pictures of how my temples currently look.  See you in 30 days to see my results and a detailed review!