Beauty School Series: Life Lessons

Sometimes you go through things in life not because you want to but because you have to.  They mold you into the person you need to become.  My almost 6 months in school for Esthetics taught me so much.  It also helped  me open up more, broaden my dreams and open up about my real feelings.

I graduated years ago with a bachelors degree in Computer Information Systems, but wasn't really excited as I took the classes or even when I graduated.  One of the most exciting things about my college years was pledging my sorority and the friends I met along the way.  There never was a true passion for computers, it was more about making money and taking a traditional job.



Looking at my Linkedin page I noticed that one of the jobs I have held the longest has been makeup/skincare related.  It is one of the lowest paying jobs I have held but it is connected to what I am passionate about.  It made since to broaden my horizons with an Esthetics License.

When I started Esthetics school I was so excited for my first day.  It was even exciting to go over information I already knew, such as makeup, just to get a different perspective.  Working at a counter allows me to work on all ages compared to doing fashion and editorial shoots.  School also allowed me to work on different ages regarding makeup and skincare.  Learning how to do facials and waxing opened up other opportunities to me and increased my love of skincare.  

Spa room/My Happy Place

My first two months were mainly comprised of learning in the classroom.  No hands on with clients was allowed at that point.  My teacher taught up the basic facial, waxing, makeup, and individual lashes and then we practiced on our mannequins and each other.  As we moved closer to our minimum hours to get in the actual spa room with clients we also learned body wraps and more advance facial techniques, etc.  

That first 2 months showed me I am more than just a makeup artist!  It also showed me I was still a great student.  

Nail Obsession: Gel Nails

Hello Divas,

It has been a while but I am back!  School has taught me so much about skincare and also hair and nails.  I shadowed some of my nail tech friends and learned so much from them. I wanted to grow my nails out and asked them to do them and they advised me a great way to grow them out.... Gel!  I also wanted to protect my nails while doing facials in school and after graduation.   I have been using gel on one hand since they advised me midway through school and have noticed the difference.  I use to pay $25-40 for a gel set when my son was younger and have now learned I was not getting a true gel set.  The things you learn in school.  First time I tried I had the gel cured too far on the skin but I have learned and improved.

Below shows my current nails with gel overlay.

This 2nd photo shows the nails that I have been using regular polish on mainly.  I will be adding gel overlay on these also so they can catch up with the left hand.

I love the fact that the gel has helped maintained  my length and also my polish jobs look better much longer.  I do my nails every 2-3 weeks now.

I will do an update in a few weeks of my nail growth and maybe some new designs I have been practicing. Once I get my esthetics license and start my second career, I definitely plan to go back for nails!

New Kit Products to start off 2015

Happy New Year Divas!

Revamping my kit and set up for 2015.  I ordered new products from TPG(The Powder Group) Store and renewed my membership. First time ordering from the TPG Store and I couldn't be happier.  Below are some products I picked up to up my kit game.

I love my MUFE brush holder so I decided to get the Monda Studio one also.  They look almost the same and are great for small spaces and repacking my brushes and kit.

Next I purchased the Three Custom Color Light and Medium Clarifier Pencils.  They are great multi-taskers for lining the lower inner rim of the eye for a natural look, reshaping lips and defining the brows among other uses. I have great things about these pencils from many makeup artist I admire.

Also picked up Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner.  I first tried it at IMATS Toronto a few years back and it worked great.  I have been using Parian Spirit but thought I would give it a try.

The last two items are items I have wanted for a while but never purchase.  I have heard great things about Alcone Make-Off wipes.  I was sent the wrong ones but after realizing this TPG rectified the error quickly. Great customer service and wonderful people!  I also wanted the Twissor for my kit and picked up one.  That was a big mistake.  I should have ordered 2-3.  This is a great little product.

I also received some products due to a special they were running.  They include Eve Pearl Dual Salmon Concealer which I have loved since I was a part of her team for IMATS Toronto a few years back.  I also received Shadow Shields, Jao Refresher/Sanitizer, and 3 Pencil Me In pencils in Amethyst, Black Velvet and Char-khol.  I can't wait to try these products!

Stay tuned for reviews....   

Product Review: The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter

The Body Shop has always had great products.  One of the products that I have continued using is the Camomile Eye Makeup Remover.  Recently they have come out with new products to the Camomile line.  I decided to try the Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter.  It is great for removing makeup from the full face, but I mainly purchased it for the eye area.

I was low on my personal kit eye makeup remover and decided I would branch out from my normal ones.  I love the Camomile Eye Makeup Remover but wanted to try something in a solid form.  The Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter is made with Community Trade Camomile and can be used on all skin types.

The Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter is an indulgent make-up remover for the whole face.  Developed to gently and efficiently melt away make-up and impurities, and removes all types of makeup.  It leaves the skin feeling clean, refreshed and pampered.  It also works great for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers.  

I used a small dab on my eyes and it removed my mascara with ease and with no eye irritation.  You still want to use a facial cleanser to fully clean your face after using this makeup remover.  The Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash is a great cleanser to use after this product for combination oily skin people like me.    

You get 2.7 ounces in the twist top tin.  It does have a slight fragrance and is more transparent in color.   

Check out The Body Shop website for further information on the product and others from the line.  

Product Review: Bdellium Tools Bold Lip Brush #542

I have been in search of really good lip brushes for a while.  I started with disposable lip brushes but moved up to e.l.f. concealer brushes.  Those were not the standard I wanted for my kit so the search continued.  I wanted lip brushes that I could line with, angle for unique lip looks and to blend multiple colors.  I have found this with the Bdellium Tools Bold Lip Brush #542.  

Bdellium Tools Bold Lip Brush #542 is a wide, firm-bristled tip brush that helps to define all the contours of the lip with ease and precision.  It works well with all lip formulas and is made with all synthetic fibers.

As a makeup artist and makeup lover, I look for tools that work great for my clients and myself.  This a great product for a personal or professional kit.  I used the 542 brush recently to create and add more dimension to my lips with two colors and a liner.  Applying the two lipsticks directly would not allow me to create the ombre affect I wanted.  Using this brush allowed me to blend out the liner slightly with a darker color after applying a lighter color in the middle of my lips.  

The shape of the brush allows for precision application with ease.  The design and size of the brush is just right and a comfortable fit.... the way it feels in your hand as you apply the products is wonderful.  I love the smooth wooden handle and the firmness of the bristles.  In other words I love this brush and it does what I need it to do!       

Check out Bdelliumtools.com for this and other great products.

BCB LLC

Getting Ready and Staying Ready

As I dive further into my career as a Full-time Freelance Makeup Artist, I am learning how to be a better business person.  We plan for what we want in life.  We schedule months... sometimes a year in advance for events we deem important. That vacation in Hawaii you are going to next month was planned 6 months ago.  The bride you are doing makeup on next weekend scheduled her wedding date and put a deposit on the hall a year to two years in advance.  We as Makeup Artist, Hair and Fashion Stylist, etc. should be doing the same thing.

I am going to the Artist Summit in October this year and some things are being paid off now that if I had planned better earlier would have been paid off sooner.  I could be sitting back and not worrying what I need to do next.  I have learned from this and other experiences(TMS Chicago), that I still have a ways to go in running my business.  I have taken business and accounting classes in college, but have learned to run my MUA business better in the past 2 years. When we took vacations as kids, the hotel, Disney World tickets were paid for 3-6 months.  My parents most likely just put food and emergency money aside the last few months before the trips.

Tripit App I am using to track my MUA events

Now with the changes in technology we have new options.  There are various apps on the mobile phones to track your trips. You can sent up special savings accounts for your trips so that the money is available.  We have to stop making excuses for why we can not achieve our dreams.  If you can plan a family trip 6 months in advance then you can plan to attend The Makeup Shows, IMATS, The Artist Summit, classes, etc.  My 2014 events, I plan to have payments made 3-6 months in advance.  Things happen in life that prevent us from from doing what we want, but we can plan ahead for those events.  When we make planning ahead a habit then we are ahead of the game.

App also allows you to add your confirmations in.

So if we go to our favorite coffee places, restaurants, etc. less and put those funds in a special account for classes, and shows then we can "live the dream"!  With the advances in Technology and all the options out there, we can make our dreams come true if we just  "get ready and stay ready".

BCB LLC

Monday Makeup Must Have: Inglot Cosmetics Eye Shadows

MAC Cosmetics use to be my go to brand for most of my personal kit especially eye shadows but the quality change made me look for new products when I started to upgrade my professional kit.  As I grew and learned more as a professional artist, I also learned more about the products other Makeup Artists were using.  MAC eyeshadows were not as pigmented as they were during the Frank & Frank years.

Inglot Cosmetics started over 25 years ago by Wojtek Inglot,  a chemist and businessman with the goal to create higher quality products at reasonable prices and with the best possible ingredients.  He achieved that and more with this brand.

Inglot shadows are one of the best pigmented brands on the market.  They last over 8 hours with very little to no creasing.  Summer time my lids are greasier than normal so I tend to crease a little.  They are great for photo shoots and fashion shows.  The colors blend nicely and stay in place.  The price is great if you are a professional makeup artist or just looking for a few shades for your personal kit.  

The Freedom system and Z-Palettes are great ways of storing the shadows. The Freedom System has slots specific to the size of the shadows and is magnetized.  They also connect to each other which is great for stacking them in your kit. Also you can stack the shadow palette with the blush palette, etc.  

The Z-Palette give you the option for different products of different shapes in one palette. They also come in various designs and sizes.  Both palettes provide a see through top so you know what colors you have in the palettes.  

BCBLLC

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Every year Nordstrom has some great products at their anniversary sale.  This year since I have a Nordstrom account, I was able to shop before the sale officially started.  It was cool being invited in the draped off areas to see the sales items in advance.  I mainly stopped in for the cosmetics and checked out shoes also.

I picked up Ciate London's Denim Manicure kit.  This is going to be a great fall nail design.  The Nail Polish paints on a great denim look with one coat.  I will have to test the dazzle portion of the kit very soon and show you all the results.

It comes with Paint Pot in Regatta that drys to give a textured matte denim look finish.  It also comes with glue, studs in gold, bronze and copper, and gold and white stitching nail transfers.

Every year I would normally purchase my limited edition MAC items from the anniversary sale.  Since the quality of MAC eye shadows has changed and I usually have similar colors I have purchased less down through the years.  I was intrigued by the collection this year.  I tested the eye products and was not that impressed.  Packaging is cute but shadows were similar to colors I have from MAC in the past.  The quality is still better than some brands but not a "must have" for me.   MAC always has great lip products so I decided to purchase the nude lip bag only.  

The nude lip bag included Naked Proof Cremesheen Lipstick, Drawn to Chic lipglass and Boldly Bare lip pencil.  The Rebecca Moses illustrated bag has a vinyl feel with a cute lips and ribbons design.  

Some other products that would be great to pick up for yourself or as gifts:

 Mario Badescu "Hello to Clear" Skin care set

 Kevyn Aucoin Beauty 'Iconic Eye' Set

 La Mer Limited Edition Large size  (Product Value compared to actual price is worth the purchase if this is one of your must have products)

Anastasia Beverly Hills "Hold On" Brow Gel Anniversary Duo is a great buy I thought about purchasing also.  They did not have it in my local store but I am still debating on purchasing it online.

I could go on and on with all the great buys they have just in cosmetics... Trish McEvoy, NARS has 2-3 sets that are beautiful and Kiehls Jumbo Creme de Corps is a great buy when you compare the value to the actual price.

If you picked up anything from the sale or plan to please comment and share your views on the products, etc.  

BCBLLC

New Product Review: Introducing Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +

Forty-five years ago Clinique introduced Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion which became Clinique's #1 selling product until Even Better Dark Spot Corrector took that spot.  DDML is still the best selling moisturizing lotion in Department Stores.  There has not been a single change to the product since that time until now.  After years of through testing, Clinique has a new improved formula, DDML+.  

DDML and DDML+, the third step in Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care system was designed by Clinique's dermatologists to maintain optimal moisture balance for very dry to dry combination skin types.  New formula DDML+ was created for the changes in the world we live in today.  DDML+ is lightweight and easy to  absorb especially when used with the rest of the system.

DDML+ also makes it easier for your serums to penetrate the skin.  It prepares the skin for better absorption.  It has twice the moisture of the original formula and strengthens the skin by 54% in 8 weeks.  It contains Glycerin to attract moisture and Sodium Hyaluronate to bind moisture to the skin without a greasy feel but still has the same texture as the original.  I have been told that the moisture last longer compared to the original formula.

Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel when developed already contained Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate.  It also contains Silica to help absorb surface oil.  DDMG is for combination oily to oily skin.

I have used both and it is important to use the proper one for your skin type.  I have combination oily skin and DDMG balances the oils and water in my skin perfectly especially during the summer.  The Silica is perfect for keeping my oil at bay.

XOXOX
BCBLLC

Monday Makeup Must Have: Ben Nye Banana Visage Poudre and Makeup Forever High Definition Powder

Two of my favorite finishing powders in my professional kit include Ben Nye Banana Powder and MUFE HD Powder.  I am one of those people that love loose powders.  I also love universal products that work on a variety of complexions.

Ben Nye Banana Visage Poudre is great for all complexions, but it is especially great to have for darker skin tones.  It gives a more natural look on darker skin tones when some other powders tend to cast a gray tone when applied.  It now also comes in a pressed powder compact.  

Makeup Forever High Definition Powder is another great product that works on all complexions.  I prefer to use it on lighter complexions, but when used properly it looks great on all skin tones. It should be applied and then a finishing spray such as MUFE Mist & Fix should be used afterward to avoid that famous look most people get when used wrong.  The product is great when used properly.

  

BCBLLC

Set Your Goals And Achieve Them!

We all have dreams that we would love to live.  The first step to living our dreams is to make a plan and set goals.  I find that when I write out my dreams, and goals and set a plan, I tend to achieve those goals.  When you write down your goals you act on them.  You make them a reality.

• The first step is to know what is your dream.  You have to know what you want to do. 
• The next step is to write down that dream.
• Then you want to set realistic goals to achieve then
• Stay Focused.  Never let the negative people and things get in your way.
• Remember you will have set backs but they should not stop you.
• Once you reach your goals set new ones.  
• Always inspire to do great things!

   There are plenty of informational websites, books, etc., if you still don't know where to start.  Check out the book 30 Days at 100% by Crystal Wright.  It was the book that finally put me on the right path.  Dale Carnegie Books also helped me with my confidence, and public speaking when I was in my teens.  I still refer to them now.  Google is also great for looking up information as we know.  

BCBLLC

Clinique Gratis Haul

One of the great things about working for a specific brand instead of being a floater/on-call in the cosmetics department is gratis.  Gratis is provided at various times throughout the year.  I decided to get some products I love and some I want to test for a while and review.

Skincare is always a must have when it comes to Clinique.  I use the 3 Step System for Oily Combination Skin and love it.  I was running low on liquid facial soap so that was first on my list.  I decided to also try the Youth Surge SPF 15 and Youth Surge Night for combination oily skin.  I also picked up the Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel.  The Spot Healing Gel is one of my favorites.  I still get breakouts every so often and this works wonders.  When I use it I do not have scars or spots from the pimple.

Of course I had to get some cosmetics.  I previous purchased the Stay Matte liquid foundation before I joined the team.  It works well but I took home a sample of the Perfectly Real Makeup and I love the look and feel of it.  It has a natural look, feels light on my skin and after wearing for hours I still look great with maybe a little oil in the t-zone.  The Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Power is a great companion to the Perfectly Real makeup.  I use the included sponge pad for best results.

I also ordered and received the Take The Day Off Cleansing Milk which we constantly use at the counter.  Blue Grey is one of my favorite quick liners, so I received one of those also.  Last but not least, I picked up four almost lipsticks(2 Luscious Honey, 1 Flirty Honey and 1 Chic Honey). 

Luscious Honey Almost Lipstick shown above.

What are some of your favorite Clinique products?  Let me know.

BCBLLC

Monday Makeup Must Have: Iman Perfect Brow Pencil

Hey Divas,

Great looking brows accentuate the face.  Many people will shape them or have them shaped, but still need a little brow powder, gel or pencil to create the perfect brows.

Iman Perfect Eyebrow Pencil in Blackest Brown is a great pencil for your personal or professional kits. I can always find it at my nearest Walgreen and many Ulta stores.  The price is reasonable and the color is universal.  I keep mine sharp so that I can draw in hairs for a natural look.  It is just the right firmness and shade. There is a pencil on one end and a brow brush on the other end.  It stays on all day and does not move.

    
Tweeting my brows today so I thought it would be great to include a photo of one tweezed and filled and and the other not worked on.  My brows have always been naturally thick so I try not to thin them out too much. 

Check out her products.  They are reasonable priced, easy to find and great to use.  

BCBLLC

The Makeup Show Chicago 2013 Haul

June 8th to the 10th I attended my 3rd The Makeup Show Chicago.  This year I was honored to assist at my Mentor's Booth, Crystal Wright Live.  While there I picked up some great products for my kit.

Bdellium tools is always one of my favorite stops at The Makeup Show and IMATS.  Daniel and Edward are always so nice.  Azia was also there helping them at their booth.  I picked up (3) 948 Foundation brushes and (3) 542 lip brushes.  I am currently on the hunt for the perfect foundation brushes for my kit.  This may be one that will stay.  The same with the lip brush.  Plus I love the yellow handles.

Makeup Forever is also a must have stop.  I picked up a few items this trip.  I picked up Dany's Pouch, 3 Magnetized Metal Palettes, 2 Lip Line Perfectors and Aqua Cream #54.

Even though I love using a brush belt, Dany's Pouch is going to be great in my studio and on the go.  Aqua Cream #54 is a gorgeous lavender color and limited.  Aqua Creams do not move and I love that!

I also picked up Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre, a kit must have and and also Hydra-Mat Emulsion.

I finally picked up 2 Z-Palettes.  One is also already half filled with Inglot shadows that I also purchased while there.  I mainly picked up matte and neutral shadows.


I also picked up some Esum Pro Detailing Buds from Muse Beauty and Rubber Mascara Wands from Nigel Beauty Emporium based on my fellow Makeup Artists love for these products.

I also signed up for the makeup artist discount card while at Muse Beauty Booth.  Many brands were ready to sign artist up while at the show.

Eve Pearl lip gloss is another must have in my kit.

On Makeup Magazine is one of my favorites of the show also.  I always pick up copies of issues I may have missed when I am at the show.  Michael DeVellis always has great words of wisdom and the work by fellow artists is always amazing.  Plus the articles are great reads.

Last but not least I have to show you the fabulous shirt my mentor Crystal Wright was selling at the show.  If you missed it you can purchase them online at her website www.CrystalWrightLive.com

Be Blessed

BCBLLC