Stepping Stones

From a young age I always wanted to be a make-up artist, I even listed it in my eighth grade yearbook as the occupation that I wanted to pursue.  Make-up artistry it not just something I do, it is a part of me.  I am no where near where I want to be but each day I get one step closer.

I am sharing this with you because I think that it is important to pursue our life long dreams and so often we get caught up in what others want us to do or what is "the right thing."  I have been struggling with this for the past few years but recently opportunities are arising.  I believe that opportunities arise when we are ready to accept them.  Recently I started writing for Beautystat.com, a stepping stone to where I want to finally wind up.  It is a great website that gives tips and tricks on beauty, style and fashion.  It is a blessing in disguise because I get to talk about what I love. 

So don't focus on your final goal, really relish the stepping stones that get you to your final destination.  It will really make appreciate your hard work when you get there.

Check me out on Beautystat.com

INSPIRATION

I find many things that inspire me and one of them is this photo taken by Mario Testino for Vogue of Anne Hathaway.  

I am sure that most people's eyes are drawn to the radiant jewels that she is wearing or the stunning Miu Miu tank.  My eyes fall upon the way Testino captured Hathaway's timeless beauty, the way that the light illuminates Hathaway's left profile and captures her milky white skin. I am unsure of the makeup artist but it confirms my belief that less is more.  The makeup artist did a beautiful neutral eye, lightly lining the top and bottom - just enhancing Hathaway's eyes.  Hathaway's look is finished by intensifying her brows and applying a clear gloss to her slightly smirked lips.  

This photo keeps me thinking what is behind that lens that is keeping her so entranced. 

A GEM

Keeping up with the skin theme, I thought I would share another one of my secret tools.  A few months back my friend Kissairis came to me and was at a loss because her foundation brush was shedding.  There is nothing more aggravating and embarrassing than going out and hearing, "You have a hair on your face."  What is worse is that damn little hair is so stubborn and refuses to leave your face.  The answer to this problem is the beautyblender.

The beautyblender is an elliptical shaped sponge that conforms to the skin providing an effortless and smooth application.  The beautyblender is convenient; having two sides to work with, one that is larger and covers the greater portion of the skin.  The second side is amazing for under the eyes and along the nose.  Prior to application the sponge is wet and the excess water is squeezed out.  The beautyblender is then dipped into your foundation of choice and stippled into the skin.  No streaking!  After use I recommend washing it with the cleanser.

Providing excellent coverage without caking it on; there is a reason it is called beautyblender.  Who can ask for more?  This little gem may as well be shaped as a diamond because it is that precious.

Buy your beautyblender here: http://www.beautyblender.net/index.html

FAKE IT!

With the impending cold weather around the corner I fear the inevitable is about to happen!  My luscious summer glow is gone and I have succumbed to being pale.  (Not that there is anything wrong with being pale, but I have brown hair, brown eyes, black eyebrows - so therefore I look sickly.)  I know what you are thinking - a little hop, skip and jump to the tanning salon is just what the doctor ordered.  I know those little "boxes of sunshine" can be addicting; the escape from reality for a ten minute vacation while becoming a bronzed goddess.

If this was your thought, unfortunately, you are wrong.  The use of indoor tanning increases your lifetime risk of melanoma by 75%; melanoma being the leading cause of death from skin disease.  Not to mention exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, from sunlight accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging.  Now I am not bashing sun worshipers, for I used to be one.  I am merely informing of a safer way...FAKING IT!!


MAC Bronzer, in Matte Bronze, is one of my favorites and will never leave my kit.  The first step in creating the faux bronze look is to get a bronzer no darker than two shades from your natural skin tone.  I have a medium olive skin tone, so I stick to the MAC Bronzer, as I said before.  I first apply my foundation (foundation is meant to even out your skin tone - not change the color of your skin) and lightly dust powder in the areas I know I am oily.  Now time for the big ta da.  I take a medium sized brush and dust the bronzer where the sun naturally would hit.  I made a photo demonstration.

The area that is shaded in brown is where the bronzer will go.  Begin dusting lightly, less is more and it can always be built upon.  It is harder to start over if you start with too much.  Then, the area shaded in white is where a highlight goes to give a little bit of sheen.  I like products that do not have too much shimmer because I like a more natural look.  To finish off your faux glow throw a pop of color with your favorite blush and VOILA! You're rocking June in November.

Discovering You

I know this blog is about cosmetics and make-up artistry, but there will be sometimes that I will share other stuff.  This is one of those times.  For the past few years I have been on a road of self discovery and happiness.  I am a firm believer that we have the choice to lead the lives we desire.  I have always been a pessimist so if you are doubting what I am saying, I was that person.  I may have been a pessimist, but I was and am a very determined person.  I have put a lot of work into where I am today and slowly inching towards where I want to be.  The reason why I am sharing this with you, is because I know the hardships of life, being at a miserable job and/or dreading waking up in  the morning; and I am going to share something that has helped me.

The book is called, "Add More -ing To Your Life," by Gabrielle Bernstein.  Gabrielle hit "rock bottom" when she was 25 and from then on the only way for her to go was up.  She uses her life lessons to help empower other women and find their core.  The book is 12 chapters, each concentrating on different acts that will help you release your -ing. I love this book because it is easy to follow.  I have read everything from "The Secret," by Rhonda Byrne to "The Power of Now," by Eckhart Tolle.  Although these books were extremely informative and the beginning of my journey, I felt like I was missing something.  That something was direction.  Gabrielle makes reading, learning and working easy and fun.  I needed things put into layman's terms and Gabrielle answered my prayers.  The chapters are broken up with an intro and followed by the -ing equation for that section - even complete with exercises to help release your -ing.

If you are on a path of self discovery, I highly recommend "Add More -ing To Your Life."

She is wearing angel wings, how can you not love her?

New Skin

After a long day of work one thing I long to do is wash my face; especially being on the train, and I can feel the dirt of the city over taking my pores.  I am sure you can relate to me, you know you need a facial but life is unforgiving and you can not find the time. 

I was recently introduced to the skincare and cosmetics line, KohGenDo.  Originally selling skin care products in 1987 in Tokyo, KohGenDo has broadened its products to include hair, body care, and cosmetics.  Included in their plethora of products is Soft Gommage Spa Gel.  It gives you the look and feel of a facial in no time and in your own home. 

Soft Gommage Spa Gel is a clear peeling gel that gently exfoliates the skin and there are no harsh granules- so my sensitive skin dolls I insist you continue to listen.  The cool gel goes onto your skin smoothly; removing dirt and impurities, as well as dead skin cells.  As it is lifting your unwanted skin cells it is depositing nutrient rich-minerals unleashing healthy, new, glowing skin.  Let me tell you, you need shades after I use it my skin is radiating. 

The most fabulous part about this product is you can see for yourself it is doing its job.  As you are rubbing the Soft Gommage in small circular motions around your face you can visually see the dead skin cells being whisked away.  Your dead skin cells roll up into little balls before being washed away into the sink.  In with the new and out with the old…skin that is.       

Soft Gommage Spa Gel can be purchased on-line and if you are in NYC give Barney’s New York or Alcone a visit!  

Do Not Cross: Crime Scene Investigation

In the make-up world it is a crime to not thoroughly blend our make-up, whether it be eyeshadow, foundation and/or powder.  Exhibit 1:

 

Yes Ms. Thurman, your make-up artist committed a major make-up faux pas.  There has been an awful recurrence of celebrities stepping out with unblended powder; need I remind you of the Nicole Kidman ordeal.  I do not believe that Uma Thurman failed to look in the mirror.  To the natural eye she probably looked stunning, but once the bright beams of the cameras hit her she became a close relative to Casper.  I believe that on our hands we have a case of touch-up and go.

Loose powder does melt better into the skin but using the right tools are key.  It is a good idea when using a loose powder, particularly ones that are meant to pick up oil and not deposit color, not to use a large fluffy brush.  For one, powder will go everywhere but your face and  powder residue will be left behind.  I recommend using a firm bristled brush with a smaller head.  (I particularly like MAC's 109 brush - it may not be very dense but the head is the perfect size.) I take my brush, dip it into my powder, shake off the excess and stipple it into my skin.

Please make sure to blend dolls and for a flashback...