Makeup Theory Workshops

Orgasm Blush: My Farewell

2010-08-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

Any makeup artist worth her weight in eye shadow will tell you Nars Orgasm blush is the best color ever invented. It's won all sorts of awards for it's unique peach/pink/sparkle that lights up most skin tones from palest ivory to the deepest caramel. But I really want my entire makeup kit to be from brands that are purposeful about non-toxic ingredients. I'm not saying I know that Nars has awful stuff in their blush. I'm saying I want to support brands that make it known that their focus is to make healthy products.

With that in mind, I've slowly removed all of the mainstream cosmetics from my kit - except Nars Orgasm. Each time I've reached for the black matt rectangle sitting atop my kit, I break out into a cold sweat. How could I part with such a perfect color? Last week while on a makeup job in New York, I confessed my hypocrisy on Facebook. And asked for help. Anybody out there make a mineral blush as wonderful as Nars Orgasm?

Kathy Duncan from Fusion of Color answered my call. "I have a color I've formulated that I think matches it pretty closely." My pulsed raced. But wait. What if she only thought she had a similar color? I didn't want to get my hopes up. I answered her email with a tirade of questions - does your color have those finely milled sparkles that sit on the cheek bones just right? What about the slight pink undertones beneath the perfect peach?

Finally, I got on her nerves. I've been known to do that. "I think it matches well," she answered. "But I'll send you a sample and you can decide." Today my Orgasm substitute came. I ripped open the envelope and pulled out the teeny container. I noticed Kathy's more modest name for her blush: Oh Me, Oh, My. But we all get the picture here. *wink*

Anyway, I shook a little out into the palm of my hand. Hmmm. It certainly looked like Orgasm. Then I rubbed a bit between my fingers to check for the slight sheen that has made Orgasm famous. Yep, it was there.

The last test was my boyfriend. His skin is fair with the slightest hint of a summer tan. "Try this blush on your arm for me," I asked with my best "please" face. He initially said no, but I wore him down. As soon as I blended the blush on his arm, I was in awe. It was an incredibly convincing natural version of my beloved blush. Fusion of Color's version is slightly more pigmented, so the color adheres more and will work on darker skin tones, as well. The best application, in my opinion, would be with a fan brush to keep it soft. I let out a sigh of relief. My honey shook his head, smiling. He will no longer hear my whines about how I can't part with Orgasm even though I'm supposed to be all about the healthier side of beauty.

Now I can have my favorite blush and my integrity. What's your favorite blush?

Want healthy beauty news and company profiles? Visit my other site, The Healthy Beauty Project.

Scary Nail Salons

2010-08-03T14:46:00.000-07:00

Watch this serious video produced by 16 Deaths Per Day about the toxins in traditional nail salons and then check out Tierra Mia, a perfectly safe, organic salon here.

The Safe Cosmetics Act 2010

2010-07-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, July 21, The Healthy Beauty Project was on the press teleconference concerning The Safe Cosmetics Act 2010. Reps. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., introduced the bill (H.R.5786), which gives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate the $50 billion cosmetics industry. At present, the industry in America is self regulated, which in the opinion of many, is not working in the best interest of consumer’s health. As discussions concerning toxic ingredients and deceptive labeling are heating up, the bill is gathering strong supporters and outspoken critics.

And small, independent beauty brands are wondering will the bill adversely affect their businesses.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, along with several other prominent non-profits, is behind the effort to see this bill passed.

We decided to catch up with someone close to the front lines concerning the bill and ask questions. Stacy Malkan, co-founder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the author of Not Just a Pretty Face, agreed to speak with us.

HBP: Thank you so much for taking time for this interview. I know you must be crazed right now.

Ms. Malkan: Yes, I’m definitely busy. I’ve just had a radio interview for the past hour. And I’ve not eaten lunch yet.

HBP: Okay, I promise to be brief. I have just a few questions regarding The Safe Cosmetics Act. I know you’re heavily involved with this bill. And you must have seen some of the things being said over the internet about it – both positive and negative. Do you honestly believe this is the time to get this bill passed? There are so many other issues going on right now in Congress.

Ms. Malkan: There’s no question Congress is a tough climate right now, but I believe the system can work. I think this issue has a chance of getting through because so many people care about it. So many women care about it. As women, we don’t understand how much power we have. We are the largest voter. And spender – 75 cents from each dollar is spent by a woman. We have tremendous power. Another reason I think this bill will pass is it’s part of a broader effort to reform chemicals. This has been building momentum for the last decade. Now is the time and this is the bill.

HBP: I saw The Story of Cosmetics. There are studies out there on toxic ingredients in beauty products. This is real. But some critics are worried about having the government regulate these issues. Do you think this is something that possibly could be handled without government intervention? What if other stores did what Whole Foods recently did – create store policies about labeling and refuse to sell products that can’t back their claims with third party verification? To read the rest, go here.

Farm Fresh Organic Skincare - Free Giveaway!

2010-07-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

Imagine placing a call to an organic farm and requesting freshly made skincare, specifically formulated for your needs. Now imagine that skincare is shipped out the day it’s made. If you’re used to packaged and processed beauty products from a drugstore or department store, this sounds like a far-fetched idea. But it’s not. It’s exactly what happens at Lily Organics.

When I heard about a farmer in Colorado who had her own organic farm and her own lab for turning her crop into the freshest skincare available, I had to speak with her. Lily Morgan, Head Farm Hand, as she likes to be known, was completely open to discussing her unique brand.

But then she forgot about our interview. When we did speak, she was incredibly apologetic. She’d gotten caught up in picking chamomile for her latest batch of cleansers and the time had slipped by.

No problem.

I had a list of questions that (read the rest here)

My New Site Launched!

2010-07-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

After many months of planning and lots of sleepless nights, my new beauty site, The Healthy Beauty Project, is finally LIVE. It's about cosmetics, but with a lot more flare than I could do alone on this site. I've got a small team of friends and one amazing Media Director, who is making this new trumped up site possible.

From a friend who lets me use her home as a photo studio to star graphic designers who worked for free - I've been blessed with awesome support for this new venture. I hope you all come over and check out my video posts at spas around the country and my breaking news on what's happening in the "green" cosmetic market.

If you're getting married soon, there's a blog devoted entirely to your beauty needs.

I'll also provide videos on makeup techniques I've used for years on television and photo shoots. I'll have product reviews and great giveaways so you can try natural beauty options instead of the mainstream stuff that isn't always made with the your health in mind.

And in the next few months I'll be adding an array of informational and training products (along with a kick butt phone app) that teach you how to do your makeup like a pro and take care of your health.

So, please come visit and if you like it, follow on Friend Connect.

Help Pure Natural Diva Get Her Own Show

2010-06-25T05:39:00.001-07:00

Oprah’s new network OWN has created a contest and the winner will get their own talk show. My friend, Tania Reuben, wants to take her kick-butt blog, Pure Natural Diva – to the next level with her own talk show. Pure Natural Diva is an informational site dedicated to Whole Living with Style and Ease.

The show - Pure Natural Diva Live – will cover the same topic. Simple Solutions to help people live greener, healthier lives.

This contest, as you can imagine, is getting a lot play with everyone who's ever thought they deserved their own show. I, for one, would love to see Tania get this opportunity to share her sage-like wisdom on green living with the rest of the world. I think this is the perfect time for such a show.

Sustainable living is finally making it to mainstream. Albeit, in tiny steps at the moment. I think most people think it's too hard to "green" their lives. But Tania proves daily through her blog that we can all do something meaningful for the planet and the generations to come, without uprooting our lives.

View Tania’s audition here and please pop over and vote for her. You can vote multiple times.

http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=5711&promo_id=1

Good luck, Tania

IMTA Preparations

2010-06-18T04:36:00.000-07:00

This week I am working with a local modeling agency to get their aspiring young models prepared for the International Model and Talent Association competitions in New York City.

Each year thousands of young models and actors descend on New York City to meet with agents from around the world in hopes of becoming the "next big star." Last year's team from Central PA went home with top prizes and numerous modeling and acting contracts.

Two of last year's stars have moved to Los Angeles and New York where they are working in television and magazines.

I've gone to the competitions for several years now as a fashion and makeup consultant. And I love it.

But this year, I'm facing a particular time crunch with getting my new beauty site live by July 1st and preparing all of the girls and guys for their competitions. I'm also still working a part time tech rep job because I promised my manager I'd not resign until November. My head is spinning, but I'm having a blast.

The young lady in the picture above will be competing at IMTA this year. Good luck to all of the contestants!

If you'd like to inquire about services for IMTA, send me an email and I'll send you the private link to my IMTA page. Thanks!

New Beauty Site Soon to Launch

2010-06-15T19:20:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, I organized another photo shoot for my new beauty site. Our original studio plans fell through, so last minute we turned a friend's dining room into a photo studio. I quickly texted models to reroute them to the new location. Hectic, but it all worked out fine. The photos above are our behind-the-scenes footage.

We've got just one more photo shoot to do, but lots of video that still needs to be shot and edited. We are just two weeks from launch and I've got butterflies like crazy.

Today, I drove to Philly with my video director to shoot at a posh organic nail spa in Rittenhouse Square. We had a blast and I was spoiled with all sorts of homemade, natural treatments (I never realized sea salt, shea butter and cucumbers could be so amazing) topped off with a manicure done with organic, fume free nail polish. Ahhhh.

This is just the beginning. I'm going to be shooting both video and photos at all sorts of fun, healthy beauty spots - from natural hair salons to mineral makeup studios.

Check here at this blog on July 1 for the address to the new beauty site. You'll learn about organic and natural products and services available around the country. And my tutorials will teach you how to apply your products like a pro.

One Day Sale - Sweet Libertine Eye Shadows!!!

2010-06-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

For all of you who entered the Sweet Libertine eye shadow giveaway two weeks ago and didn't win, here's a chance for you to get your hands on these beautiful shadows (and anything else from the line!) at 27% off.

The 27% off sales is in honor of the owner's 27th birthday, which is today (June 7). Happy Birthday, Sarah!!!

So those great eye shadows that are already only $5 each are discounted even further.

What are you waiting for? Hurry over to Sweet Libertine and snatch up several glamorous mineral eye shadow colors (and some blushes, if you feel so inclined) before 3 AM tomorrow (June 8, 2010) and save 27%.

I have Nice Reminders, Your Upper Half, Oasis and Alien Lovechild in my personal stash. The colors are vibrant and last all day.

Please stop back here and let me know which ones you bought.

A Star is Born. Not Really.

2010-05-29T14:21:00.001-07:00

What a busy week! Planning for the new beauty site has taken over my life - in a good way. Besides learning to stick to a schedule in order to honor the time of all the people involved in this project, there have been other nuggets of wisdom. See my top four revelations below.

1) I have the innate ability to drive web designers and art directors crazy without much effort.

2)Writing script for a web program 20 minutes before it airs is not a good idea.

3)This project seems to require talent beyond what I currently possess.

And my favorite, 4) I suck in front of a video camera.

That last one really bites as most of the platform for the new site is video. Yeah. Do you feel my pain here? Now, in all fairness to myself, I should state that revelation #4 was a direct result of not knowing revelation #2 until it was too late.

Non-professionals stepping in front of any camera really should take the proper time to prepare. And trust me, I've learned my lesson after being scolded by my director. On location. With other people walking past.

Doing 63 takes to get a five minute piece seemed logical to me. I mean, I'M A NEWBIE HERE.

Of course, my guest host who will cover travel assignments (like her first interview in a few weeks with a very poshy organic salon), is a professional news reporter.

It seemed like such a good idea to have her as a part of this project. We could reach a larger audience with our very different looks and perspectives. However, it totally didn't register that I'd look like a complete idiot in front of the camera and she'd be as smooth as butter.

I sat in my office and pouted after seeing my fear induced face on video, again questioning why I thought this was a good idea all those months ago. But then I took a deep breath. And gave myself a pep talk:

Todra, it's true. You aren't particularly engaging in front of the camera. And God knows, you should not have worn those jeans for that taping at the health food store. But this isn't as bad as it seems.

And the beautiful blond co-host is not your enemy. Stop making voodoo dolls of her. She's your close friend. Remember? And what do close friends do? They help each other. Do you see a clear path here? Maybe?

That was it! Instead of crawling under my desk and crying in a bucket of ice cream over my lack of video charisma, I'd call my friend and ask her to help me get better at it!

I did just that. And she gleefully answered, "Of course, silly! I'll come over and teach you some pointers."

The 5th thing I learned this week: I have awesome friends.

Exciting New Project

2010-05-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

This morning I'm struggling with some cold/flu symptoms as I run around putting the final touches on my new beauty venture. As those of you who've followed this blog know, last year I was faithful with writing 3-4 times a week.

And then I went through a life shift and just couldn't devote the time and love to this blog that I had the previous year.

I'm happy to announce I am working on a new site that is launching July 1 (if I stop driving the web designer crazy with changes!). It's all hush-hush at the moment, but I'll say it's fun and informative with a twist I hope will excite you as much as it does me.

As this new project is a joint venture with a local television talent and several other business people and artists, it'll take well appointed time and lots of masterful juggling to get all of the pieces in place.

Our entire crew works "regular" jobs, after all. But hopefully, we'll be able to bring our talents together on a consistent basis (at least twice a week) to offer you great cosmetic related news and fun how-tos. Please stay tuned for the new web address.

Model in above shot is Kat Prickett, on-air host and producer at PCNTV. Photo by Paul Emberger at Emberger Media

Sweet Libertine Winner!!!

2010-05-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

Well, the moment has arrived. We've chosen the winner of the Sweet Libertine eye shadow giveaway. I had lots of names to enter into my magic hat this time - 40 people signed up for this giveaway. That's fantastic. And I truly wish you all could have won because Sweet Libertine is such a fun brand to wear.

But, alas, there could only be one winner. And that is, drum roll please, Mary from the blog, Little Weloos Mom. Congratulations, Mary. I know you'll have a blast with your beautiful colors. One of the colors you chose, Blue Emperor Dragonfly, is pictured above.

We'd love if you'd send us a picture with you showing off your winnings. I'll post it here for everyone to see.

Thanks again to everyone who entered.

Todra

Sweet Libertine Eye Shadow Giveaway!

2010-05-06T14:32:00.000-07:00

It's always nice to find a great product at a reasonable price, but during this economic downturn, it's even more exciting. I told you about my recent department store impulse buy, but don't get the wrong impression. I rarely run to the mall to pick up $95 eye creams.

Usually, I'm seeking out products that perform well, while keeping me well inside my budget. To my surprise, a tiny company called Sweet Libertine, delivers an amazing product that falls below my budget.

With their smorgasbord of vibrant mineral eye shadows at just $5 a pop, I can afford to wear a different shade every day.

Starting in an Etsy shop with a handful of colors, Sarah Waller, the mastermind behind this beauty brand, launched an unexpected career.

"I had a yarn business that went under when the economy changed," says Sarah. "I was going to school and trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life."

During this life assessment, Sarah, a self proclaimed "country girl" went to Walgreens to buy a few eye shadows.

When she got them home, she was disappointed with the texture and color saturation. Looking at her batch of useless shadows, she said to herself, I could do better. I've worked with yarns and colors. Maybe that could translate to makeup.

Sarah ordered a small amount of minerals and experimented. But as Sarah tells it, no one believed she was serious at first. "I worked as a farmhand as a teenager," Sarah says, laughing. "I had no experience with makeup. I wore one color of eye shadow my entire teen years."

Once Sarah was confident she'd mastered a handful of beautiful shades, she opened an Etsy shop premiering her creations. Every single jar sold out in the first hour. Sarah was shocked and pleased. Within six months, Sweet Libertine was her full time job.

Then her fiance (now her husband) lost his job due to the economy. Sarah needed help with her business and her honey needed a job. They decided to combine forces. Today, barely two years later, they both work full time making, naming and selling an array of beautiful eye shadows, along with the line's small collection of blushes and bronzers.

One of the reasons Sweet Libertine has been such a success is their reasonable prices. Most eye shadows in the line retail at just $5. As if that's not incredible enough, they also offer free samples.

Sarah says she wanted women like her, who didn't have much makeup experience, to try her products for free. Since most internet cosmetic brands sell their samples, this is a big plus. Within a couple of months of unveiling her free samples program, she received 16,000 requests!

But Sarah is happy she has garnered such an enthusiastic response. She says the program has brought her a lot of new customers who may not have taken a risk in buying makeup online or trying a new brand.

When asked how she's able to sell shadows at just $5 each and offer free samples, Sarah says the main ingredient is keeping overhead low. She has no intentions of moving her line to a brick and mortar post. She doesn't want to raise her prices. And with her flat rate shipping at just $3 stateside and $5 for international, there isn't much to fuss about.

And for those of you out there who have problems with bismuth, rest assured. Sweet Libertine doesn't include it. Now that truly is sweet.

Want to get your hands on some Sweet Libertine eye shadows? Pop over to Sweet Libertine's website and pick the four mineral eye shadows you'd like to win (Alien Lovechild and Dragon City are my faves); then come here and follow Makeup Theory (hit the Follow button to the right), then leave a comment on this post. On May 12th, 2010, we'll be picking a winner. If your name is chosen, you'll get the four shadows you picked.

This contest is for followers of this blog only. If you're not a follower, just hit the "Follow" button to the right before leaving a comment. Good luck, ladies.

My Big Splurge

2010-04-14T16:48:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I made a trip to the mall because I'm just about going insane being frugal. The funky new economy means my freelance work has come nearly to a halt. I've had to make some "adjustments" to my living style, as I know many people have.

But months on end without a trip to a proper mall (that would mean one with Neiman Marcus as an anchor store) is a lot to ask of anyone. I woke up in a terrible funk one day and decided I'd had enough. I'd been good. I hadn't charged anything in forever. I deserved a trip to Neiman Marcus.

So, with plastic in hand, I headed out to my favorite store. I knew I wouldn't do anything stupid (like that time I bought a pair of Tod sandals that was about a third of my New York City rent). I just don't have it like that anymore. But something small would make my day a little brighter.

Because I buy most of my makeup from truly natural and earth responsible vendors (over the internet) I don't normally walk through the makeup sections of department stores. But I considered treating myself to a fragrance this day at NM, so there I was in the cosmetics section.

One of my favorite brands of fragrance is Fresh. They make wonderfully light and airy fragrances that work well with my body chemistry. I enjoy a new one each summer. Positive I was just going to buy a bottle of Sugar Lychee Eau de Parfum, I walked right past everything else.

When the sales associate at the Fresh counter asked if I'd consider trying their newest skincare products, I explained that 95% of my skincare purchases are all natural. Department store brands are full of parabens and other chemicals I choose to keep out of my body. She said I should try their new line, CRÈME ANCIENNE.

Before I could protest, she'd placed a dab of a thick white eye cream on my hand. "Rub that in," she said. I did. It was smooth and rich feeling. But most department store creams are. Before I got absorbed into the silky texture and the high priced scent (you know how expensive creams smell different from cheap ones?), I asked for the box so I could read the ingredients.

As I tried to read, the sales associate went on about how this formula is made by monks in some far away land. It's supposedly stirred by hand. It's from an ancient recipe used on gladiators to help heal their wounds (yeah, I know. But this is what she said. I swear.)

I'm probably making the sales associate sound annoying, but actually she was quite pleasant. She just really wanted to make a larger sale than my original $32 fragrance purchase. As I read (and she went on about the miracle product), I was surprised to find the cream to be relatively healthy.

There are no parabens (instead it contains Ethylhexylglycerin,a natural preservative derived from grains and plants. Tocopherol is used as well) and no suspect chemicals. There were lots of good-for-me oils like meadowfoam seed and jojoba seed. I checked every single ingredient against my Consumer's Dictonary of Cosmetic Ingredients. They all checked out as safe.

Convinced this was in deed a product I didn't have a problem using, I told the sales associate to add it to my bill. She was delighted. She decided I was also a good candidate for their moisturizing elixir. From experience I know anything with "elixir" in the title is going to be expensive. I was right. $250 for 1.7 oz. Yeah. I don't think so.

Then it hit me that I hadn't even asked the price of the miraculous hand-stirred-by-monks eye cream. $95. For half an ounce. Ouch. I took a deep breath and said, "Okay. I'll take it." I don't normally do impulse buys. But it was refreshing to find something in a department store that passed my purity test.

I've been using it for two weeks now and I have to say I love how it feels around my dry eye area when I apply it at night. I can also wear it underneath my concealer during the day. It gives the perfect amount of moisture without looking greasy. I can't yet speak to its long term wrinkle protection. We'll see.

I do like that I only need the tiniest bit, so I suspect the jar will last a while. And thankfully, the inclusion of meadowfoam seed oil ensures a long self life.

Do you know of an all natural eye cream that works well? Preferably for less than $95. Please share the info!

Fun Tampon Commercial

2010-03-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's not about makeup, but it's really funny.

Loving Olive Eye Shadow

2010-03-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

With Spring just around the corner (and not a moment too soon for my taste), I'm digging in my pro makeup kit for some fun colors for my eyes. Usually, I make a serious line in the sand concerning my makeup stash.

What I have for work is neatly arranged in an over-sized tool box (I no longer spend hundreds of dollars on fancy cases. No one in my market cares), while my personal makeup is kept in a cute little black case sitting atop my dresser.

But every once in a while I need to cross the line. Especially since so many mineral makeup brands have been sending me irresistible hues from their collections. I can't put them all in my kit. So, my newest obsession is olive green eye shadow. It's perfect on so many skin tones - from the lightest to the darkest.

Those with brown or hazel eyes will get the most glam from this beautiful color. Unlike a flat, grassy green, olive eye shadow made from minerals has a natural sheen and a touch of gold that reflects beautifully off light.

I'm sad to say I have no idea what brand I'm wearing in the above shot. Because of my focus on natural, many of the products I receive (and buy) are from small, indie brands. Sometimes their samples arrive in unmarked tins and, even ZipLoc bags. I understand. Labels are costly, especially for a new cosmetic company.

If you'd like to try an olive shadow, stop by Sweet Libertine Mineral Cosmetics. They have three gorgeous olive green shadows - Envy, Manhattan Project and Eden Park. Each has its own unique undertones, and at just $5 a piece, you can try all three.

That's it for now. But stop by frequently. I may do a giveaway with some fun eye shadows within the next few weeks.

Winner!!!

2010-03-16T16:17:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited to announce the winner tonight for the Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil Giveaway. As I said in the earlier post, I am totally spoiled now that I've used this oil. Nothing I used to get in the stores compair.

Without making you wait any longer, I'll announce our lucky winner: It's Kai!!!

I placed all of your entries (some of you had 4 chances!) in a random list at Random.org and Kai's name was the first on the list.

Congratulations, Kai. Please send me an email at makeuptheory@verizon.net with your contact info so you can receive your winnings.

Stay tuned for other natural product giveaways.

Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil Give Away

2010-03-10T13:13:00.001-08:00

A few days ago I wrote a post about Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil because I a coconut fiend and this product is fantastic. The company saw my glowing review and offered to do a giveaway of their full size (a $32 value) Tropical Traditions Gold label coconut oil.

For those of you who currently use coconut oil as part of your beauty routine (or for cooking), you will love the high quality of this oil. Trust me. For those of you who've never used coconut oil, you're in for a treat.

So how do you get your name in the pot to win? First, you must be a follower of this blog to enter. If you're new here, just click the button to the right that says, Keep in Touch.

If you'd like a bonus entry, sign up for Tropical Traditions Newsletter which is a treasure trove of free recipes, free product specials and weekly sales. You can do that here

And finally, for yet one more chance to win, become a fan of Tropical Traditions on Facebook or follow them on Twitter (@troptraditions). Just let me know how many entries you should get (I will check Tropical Traditions Facebook page and Twitter, so let me know your "screen name" for both accounts).

And lastly, just for fun, you can get some delicious free recipes that utilize coconut oil! Just go here

I'll be putting names in a jar on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 and will announce the winner that day. Good luck, readers.

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil

2010-03-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

About 18 months ago, I began an extensive revamping of my beauty routine, taking out most commercial products and replacing them with food products. Extra Virgin Olive Oil was found to work wonders as an under eye night treatment. Bentonite Clay mixed with water is the perfect non-SLS "shampoo". And mashed bananas mixed with Greek yogurt brings out the beauty of my curls like no commercial conditioner ever has.

After perusing a few of my favorite websites, like AGRLCANMAC, I decided to try coconut oil as a body and hair moisturizer. I heard the praises from various curly haired girls how nourishing coconut oil was for adding bounce and luster to their locks. And those suffering from dry skin swore by coconut oil for chasing away the winter ashiness.

So off to the grocery store I went. My first discovery was the vast price difference between coconut oil and other oils, like olive. The least expensive brand was $8 for a small jar (sorry, I don't remember the exact ounces) and I thought, This stuff better be good.

After a week of use, I have to say I wasn't impressed. I didn't see a major difference in my skin's condition, nor my hair's luster. Although the packaging said it was extra virgin and there were all sorts of brag language about how good it was, I kept wondering why it didn't smell or taste like coconuts. Not even in the least. I've learned that products claiming to be natural should smell or taste like the original or something is amiss.

After some online research, I figured out the problem: Not all coconut oil is created equal. Like most other food products, coconut oil can be created the healthy way or the cheap way. Believe it or not, the brand I purchased at $8 was manufactured in such a way that most of the nutritional value was taken out through chemical extraction.

What is known as refined coconut oil (just like refined shea butter, which we'll talk about in a future post), has gone through a high heat and chemical solvent process. The oil is extracted from dried coconut meat known as copra. Without getting too technical, I'll just say this is inferior to making coconut oil from fresh coconut meat dried under natural conditions.

Now as an enlightened consumer, I sought out a higher quality product. Scrolling the internet and chatting on Twitter brought me in contact with Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil. I asked them to send a sample of their product. They were kind enough to send their full size 32 oz jar.

I opened the UPS box the minute it arrived and opened the jar. The contrast between the quality of their oil compared with the oils I'd tried in the supermarket (I went back for a second brand that also failed to impress) was stark.

First of all, Tropical Traditions coconut oil smelled like fresh coconuts! Nice. Then I noticed the pure white color of this oil compared to the yellowish shade of the other brands. When I scooped some of the oil out and rubbed it between my fingers, it was smooth and silky, not gritty.

Their Gold Label oil is extracted using natural methods that have been employed in the Philippines for hundreds of years - no chemicals, no bleaching. And it's certified organic.

Melting some of their oil, I massaged my legs (my driest parts) after showering and then went to bed. The next morning my legs were still moist and supple - a miracle for my dry skin. I've also been using it in my hair and seeing a light sheen. It's too early to comment on the protein benefits and strengthening of the hair shaft that I keep reading about. But I'll keep you posted.

On a different note, it's wonderful for cooking as well. Coconut oil is one of the healthiest oils you can use - no trans fats. I've used it in place of butter in baking. And I've fried plaintains in it. Sheer heaven. That's one of fun benefits of food grade beauty products. What you don't use on your body, you can use in your dinner.

Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil sells for $32.50 for 32 oz. Their website often runs specials, sometimes even 2 for 1 deals. They make other fine coconut products like all natural soaps and exfoliants.

Discussion: Using Your Sexuality

2010-02-22T14:03:00.000-08:00

I was recently reading a book I found on B&N's promotional table for Black History Month. The title, Naked:Black Women Bare All About Their Skin, Hair, Hips, Lips and Other Parts, says it all. The content is heart wrenching sometimes, funny at others.

The book is actually a series of essays by prominent African American women from all walks of life: writers, entertainers, activists, business women. Most are heterosexual, a few are lesbian. Some grew up stateside, while others have first generation African or Caribbean heritage. Many grew up poor, but several grew up solidly middle class.

But there is a thread that runs through each story; the need to explore how black women have seen themselves through the eyes of others, and ultimately how that impacted their lives.

I found parts of this book easily applying to all women and the insecurities we nurse from our early teens when we first start to compare our bodies to those around us. But there are issues covered in the book that are distinctly racial.

After reading ten or more essays, I came across one that stood out to me more than the others. Kelis, a relatively well known pop/hip hop singer (Remember the very sexual song, "Milkshake?"), spoke on how she views her body and the benefits of sensuality. She's pictured above.

Without seeking to lead you into my point of view, I'm going to simply post a large section of her essay and let you comment. And please do comment. I'd like to get a discussion going here on how you view this young woman's opinion on female sexuality.

This is not a new phenomena, from Josephine Baker to Billy Holiday, Marilyn Monroe to Lena Horne. Women throughout history have played on and exposed their sensuality and beauty, using their talents as their second best feature.

The reality is that is what I have, what I look like and if it’s going to get me a little closer to where I need to be, fine. Men don’t have to be sexy and beautiful. They have different avenues to take to success.

I am really smart and really talented. But when I started out in the music industry, I learned right away that it’s not enough to look cute and stylish. I could have done it, but it would have been much harder.

Sex sells. It’s sad but true. It’s not just hip hop. And it’s bigger than black music. America is all about appealing to the eye. And I have a better chance of getting where I want looking the way I do than trying to be a burlap-wearing-weaving incense-wherever-I-go woman. God bless those who go that route, but it’s not for me.

One day I’ll be older and not quite as cute, with tiddies not as perky and an ass not as round, but right now I’ll be damned if I’ll hide what God gave me. I hate when women say that being a female is a curse. That’s only true if you want it to be

Well ladies, what do you think? Agree with her views? Disagree? Disgusted? Let's chat.

Today's Shoot

2010-02-19T11:38:00.001-08:00

For the past two days I've worked on an ad campaign for a national kitchen brand. Very grateful for the work because I am so short on moving money and I leave for Los Angeles next Friday!

Yeah.

I did another job as a hand model today, as well. I'm working my "regular" part time job tonight. So, all in all, today encompassed three jobs and 12 hours of work. Mostly on my feet.

I need vitamins! LOL

My Ugly Childhood

2010-02-17T07:01:00.000-08:00

Last week a family member died. When I got my sister’s call at 1 AM telling me about the death, I was not completely shocked. Age and illness dictated that it was just a matter of time.

I hung up the phone and tried to register what I felt. Initially, I felt nothing. Which some people would consider strange because I lived with this family member during the early years of my life – from new born until ten. But the relationship was troubled, to put it mildly; abusive to be blunt.

As a small child, I constantly endured verbal tirades and uncensored displays of brutality. I wasn’t sure what was harder, the unprovoked beatings or the public embarrassment. This was back in the days when people turned their heads when adults hit children. It wasn’t any of their business.

I remember two nice men in a grocery store trying to intervene on separate occasions. Once I’d been slapped so hard in a grocery store that I flew across the room, hitting a display of cans that fell and rolled in every direction. I was five. This was not an isolated event. And it was far worse in private. Chokings, threats with knives and discussions on how stupid/ugly I was were my constant fears. It’s a lot for a small child to endure.

As an adult, I made genuine efforts to be around this woman, who was still a difficult person to accept. In my 20s I thought that was forgiveness. As I matured and realized I could forgive without putting myself in mental anguish, I stopped dealing with her altogether.

When another family member needed to gather up the belongings of the deceased, no one was there to help. This woman had left a legacy of meanness. I volunteered to help simply for the sake of the other person. I didn’t want her stuck with the chore. We boxed up the usual dish towels, knick knacks and clothes. It’s strange to go through someone’s personal things in their absence. I didn’t know how to shake the feeling that I was invading her space somehow.

During the final few minutes of packing, I stumbled onto a cabinet with family photos. Pulling them out, I smiled at the vast differences in skin tones and facial features that are a part of my family. Some, like me, have more African features with just a wink here and there to the Native American and Dutch, while others are obviously more European looking.

I’m not sure where my mom gets her beautiful, almond shaped eyes. The baby pictures of my sister (who is now in her 20s) took me back to the days when she’d stand by the screen door in her Pamper and cry to go with me and my teen friends.

I figured someone in the family would want these shots so I gathered them neatly into a pile to place in a box marked, “Keep.” That’s when I saw it. Mixed in with the others was a framed photo of me. It was obviously one of those “professional” school photos that children are tortured with on a yearly basis.

I was about seven in the photo. I looked a little bit nervous, but otherwise, there was no trace of the abuse I was enduring at home. I almost looked hopeful. I held the photo for the longest, studying this child who seemed so removed from my adult self. It was a strange moment. I’ve kept no pictures from the early years in my life.

The pain of that time mixed with the notion that I was an ugly child (I heard it often) left me with absolutely no desire for photos of my childhood.
Years later, as a teen, I tackled my perceived ugliness with makeup and the latest fashion. With these additions, I felt pretty. I have lots of pictures from my teens.

I didn’t keep the framed picture of my younger self. My mother has it. But I took a copy of it with my cell phone. I’ve pulled it out and looked at it a few times over the past week. Now I don’t see an ugly little girl who deserves to be beaten. I see a little girl who was strong and hopeful, a survivor.

Note: I love talking makeup, but I'd like to approach a broader subject matter with this blog. How we look outwardly doesn't always coincide with how we view ourselves inwardly. Early life influences, childhood development and lifestyle issues affect us in profound ways. Hardships show on our faces and bodies as we sometimes seek solace in things that aren't healthful.

I'd like to have an open discussion with you about such things. Beauty is more than what we put on top. Please feel free to share your thoughts. Unfortunately, Anonymous comments are disabled for the time being. I've gotten ugly, cowardly comments from people not willing to admit who they are. But if you have a Google account, you are able to comment.

Quirky Beauty

2010-02-16T10:15:00.000-08:00

I used to be a contributing editor for a regional lifestyle magazine. I pitched stories on everything from the newest makeup trends to the most relaxing spa treatments. Because the city where I currently live (versus my new home in two weeks – Los Angeles) is small and doesn’t have a fashion scene or pro models, I’d use local women for photo shoots.

I enjoyed taking kindergarten teachers, lawyers and stay-at-home moms and transforming them into cover models for a day. The women also had a blast learning something new. Modeling is a real job that requires understanding of facial angles, body gestures, etc. It’s like acting without lines.

This art form had to be taught in one afternoon if we were going to get our shot. Some days we were successful. Others, not so much. But it was always fun. As a result of this part of my job, I was always on the lookout for pretty women who I thought would be photogenic.

One afternoon while picking up my dry cleaning I saw a young woman who caught my eye. She was 5’10 or so with black hair. Her face had amazing angles and her blue/gray eyes could stop traffic. I ran out of the dry cleaners and raced down the strip mall to talk to her.

In a city like NY (my former home) it’s completely common for women to be approached on the streets about modeling. I helped out an agent in NYC for one day by working as a scout for an Anne Taylor ad. I stopped about 20 women all over the streets of NYC to talk with them about this upcoming ad. Most of the women were already models (Anne Taylor wanted to use “real women” in this particular campaign).

I was hard pressed to find a beautiful woman in NYC who wasn’t already signed with an agent. But not a single woman found it odd that I was talking to her about this as she tried to eat a veggie hoagie at the local deli.

However in Central Pennsylvania, where I currently live, women are a taken aback when I try to talk to them about modeling. They usually think it’s some sort of prank. And some right out say they aren’t at all interested, which is fine.

The day I raced down the pavement of the strip mall I really hoped this girl would take me seriously. I caught up to her and her two friends. “Hi, I saw you pass the window of the dry cleaners and I had to talk to you for a moment.” She smiled cautiously. She looked about 18 or 19. “Okay…”

I told her about my position at the magazine and an upcoming mother/daughter story I was doing for Mother’s Day. I explained that I really liked her look and would love to put her in the magazine, along with her mom if they were both willing. Of course, I had no idea what her mother looked like, but I was fine with that. The girl, her name was Ivy, asked for my business card and said she’d talk with her mother about it. Cool.

As we exchanged information, Ivy’s two friends, both petite blonds were obviously in shock. They stared from Ivy to me and back again several times. They didn’t get it. I could see it all over their faces. There must be some sort of mistake.

In this particular geographic location they’d been told they were the pretty ones, with their flaxen hair, perky noses and green eyes. They looked like cheerleaders in a teen movie. They bored me. Although they were cute girls, I’m more interested in the beauty that doesn’t always get the attention it should. I like offbeat, quirky faces. Strong jaw lines, interesting hair textures, something international in its appeal.

I’d often go to ethnic neighborhoods and just sit and wait for a pretty girl to walk by so I could ask her to model for the magazine. I got to know families in Korean and Indian neighborhoods who’d never picked up the regional magazine because before I worked there, most of the pages were covered with the cheerleader type.

A black woman in our town who I did a story on told me she’d never purchased the magazine because, “I don’t see me represented.” I wanted to change that.

Ivy’s friends were visually annoyed as I waved goodbye, promising Ivy I’d call her in a few days for her answer.

Two weeks later Ivy showed up at our studio with her mom. I did their makeup and helped choose their clothes. The shoot went really well and their back story was awesome. They were the perfect duo for our Mother’s Day story. I’m so glad I ran out of the dry cleaners that day.

My Unexpected Modeling Gig

2010-02-15T04:47:00.000-08:00

This past Friday was crazy. With my move to Los Angeles coming up in less than two weeks, I have so many things to get organized. And on top of normal moving stuff, I've also got to get my passport renewed because a friend in Hollywood told me about an amazing job opportunity that requires international travel.

So, I was running around like a chicken without a head when I decided to check my email. I logged in and there was a message from one of my favorite clients - an art director at a local production company. He wanted to book me for a job. Nothing strange there. I've done makeup and wardrobe for them on national and local television commercials for years.

But here's the twist: They wanted me to be the model on this shoot! Well, more specifically, they wanted my hands for the shoot. I wasn't quite sure what to make of this. Seriously? I am not a high maintenance type. I tend to keep my nails rather conservative in length. I do my own neutral, quick sweep of nail color (when I think of it). And I can't remember the last time I've seen the inside of a nail salon.

It's just not me. There are several reasons for my disinterest in hyped up nails.
1. I hate sitting in salons, especially nail salons. The toxic scents really bother me. 2. I've never had a freshly painted set of nails last more than two days before I've trashed them. What's the point? 3. My hands aren't my cutest asset. I've rescued small, trapped animals and done makeup in subzero temperatures in Iceland. My hands have been bitten and frozen (several times) making them less likely to be considered "modeling material."

I checked with the art director I know. Are you sure you want my hands? No, actually. He wasn't. He wanted me to send over a picture of my hands, ASAP. Because we all have shots of just our hands in our family albums.

No more than a second after reading the email did my guy spring into action. He's a commercial photographer. He was adamant. "You're going to get this gig. You need the money for your move."

In less than five minutes he had turned his living room into a photography studio. I ran to the store and grabbed my signature neutral color and swiped a coat over my plain nails. Thirty minutes later, we had the shot above. I whisked it over to the art director. He loved it. I'm doing the job in about two hours.

It's funny how good things sometimes drop in your lap when you least expect them.

Burt's Bees Winner

2010-02-08T15:24:00.001-08:00

Today I chose the winner in my Burt's Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser giveaway. Congratulations to Ashley, also known as Demure Princess. Check out her blog, Rejoice! for some inspiring notes on daily life.

Coming soon...more healthy giveaways and voice posts/interviews with women like you (and me) who want to discuss beauty and self esteem issues. Stay tuned.

Is Cosmetic Surgery the " New Beauty?"

2010-02-05T18:19:00.000-08:00

I spend an inordinate number of hours in local bookstores, both independent (we have one left in my small city) and the big names like Border’s or B&N. Some days I curl up in an overstuffed chair with an espresso and a copy of a new book I’m considering for purchase. Other days I go straight for the magazine rack and check out the latest fashion and beauty trends.

This past Wednesday, I visited the local Barnes & Noble with my guy. He grabbed a table in the coffee shop while I browsed the periodicals. A bright, polished magazine as plump as the September Vogue, caught my eye. It’s name? New Beauty.

It’s wasn’t the first time this stunning, high gloss, (heavily retouched) magazine had gotten my attention. About a year ago, I’d noticed it lined up next to Elle and Harper’s Bazaar and I assumed it was another women’s magazine on all things frivolous and fun.

To my surprise, and slight horror, I learned that this publication was far from fun or frivolous. This magazine, with its contributor’s page heavily weighted with photos of top surgeons and dermatologists, was very serious business. Its entire content dealt with achieving “beauty.” I know. Most women’s magazines deal with that topic. It gets trite after a while. You’d think all we think about are clothes, makeup and sex (or just sex, if you read Cosmo).

But New Beauty wasn’t touting new lip colors, it was touting new lips! And foreheads and necks, etc. Most of the articles were about cosmetic surgery. The few articles about other topics, like makeup, had a very, well, intense feel about them. The makeup brands were the kind you find at doctor’s offices (recommended for wear after cosmetic surgery), not the Clinique counter.

I should add a side note here. I’m not against cosmetic surgery, in general; Heck, I’d love to change my nose (see above photo of reject nose). I’ve always hated how it looks in photos. But there is something disturbing to me about an entire magazine devoted to slicing up a human face (or neck, or tummy, etc.). Most of the women featured had opted for multiple surgeries on everything from their eyes to their butts.

And even worst, the name of the magazine: New Beauty. The implication being that faces altered under the knife will be considered “standard” beauty in the very near future.

That can’t be good.

Standing there at the magazine rack, I thought, I’m going to read this magazine and write a scathing review on my blog. When I got back to the little round table where my honey had two herbal teas waiting, I slapped the magazine down. As I meticulously read through each article and personal account (a young woman gave her “success” story of her 3 rhinoplasty surgeries), I grew more disgusted, just as I knew I would. Everything in this magazine seemed to say to women, “You’re not good enough the way you are.” And that upsets me.

I understand that some could argue that makeup, in a way, sends the same message. My rebuttal is this: Makeup temporarily alters a face. It’s sort of like an accessory. A fun way to play dress up. While paying thousands of dollars (and risking one’s life) to change the face or body begs for a lot more forethought.

By page 30 or so I was sure of my stand on this magazine. But then I came across something that made me pause: Before and after photos of women who’d changed their faces in some way to look more youthful.

The idea of that annoyed me, but when I looked at the pictures of the women, I couldn’t deny how lovely they looked. Their faces weren’t stretched back to their ears, giving a frightened look. The cheeks that were plumped with injections just appeared fuller, not fake. And a few of the women looked so beautiful in their after photos that I didn’t realize they were the same people! Seriously. But, I stress, none of them looked like wax dolls.

They looked like themselves, only better. A litany of questions ran through my mind. Self esteem, even life success, has been linked to how we see ourselves. If we feel attractive, many times we approach life with more confidence. Were these women so misguided in going under the knife to feel better about their looks? Was I being self righteous? Will I feel as vehement about all of this when I look in the mirror and see a map of wrinkles across my skin?

I don’t have answers. At least not at this time. What I do have is a more open mind about cosmetic surgery. I’m still not as comfy with New Beauty as I am with More, but I realize that could simply be my own prejudice.

What do you think of cosmetic surgery? Would you ever go under the knife?

Also, check out the New Beauty site. You can upload a picture of yourself and “alter” it in varying ways, if you so choose.

Burt's Bees Giveaway

2010-02-03T12:56:00.000-08:00

Today I realized how long it's been since I gave away something fun on this blog. During my hiatus to work through life stuff, I've not been much on the makeup or skincare scene. I've not even paid much attention to new product launches.

But I did buy a product for personal use that I really liked. It's not fancy or expensive, but it's proven a great facial cleanser for my super dry winter skin - Burt's Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser.

And judging by the glowing reviews for this cleanser on Burt's Bees' website, I'm not the only fan. With a price tag of only $8, it cost about the same as most drug store cleansers, but without the harsh chemicals.

The ingredients in this cleanser are: glycerin, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, avena sativa (oat) kernel flour, lanolin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, quillaja saponaria extract, avena sativa (oat) kernel oil, vegetable oil, beta-carotene, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil, tocopherol.

The only questionable item in there is vegetable oil. It's a cheap oil that doesn't do much good for the skin. But it's not Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which makes me very happy.

The real test of this product's worth came after I washed and dried my face. My skin felt so smooth. It wasn't tight at all. Hours later, even without applying moisturizer, my skin was still soft. And the lingering orange scent was divine.

So, if you'd like a chance to win this wonderful cleanser, just leave a comment on this post saying you'd like to be entered in the drawing. I'll announce the winner on Monday, February 8, 2010 and mail the treat out shortly after. Good luck!

Moving. Brave or Insane?

2010-02-01T06:42:00.000-08:00

Remember how I visited Los Angeles last May and came back madly in love with the city? (See this post) Well now an opportunity has opened for me to move there, just as I had wished last year. I've hated where I currently live since I relocated here from New York City. It was one of those very bad life choices that has been hard to undo.

But now it seems I'm challenged to make a decision. Do I really have the courage to move clear across the country, alone and with little cash cushion? Someone I met while in LA last year (a friend of a friend, not a total stranger) was on her way out of LA for almost a year. She subletted her apartment in her absence. Well, two weeks ago she returned to LA and offered me her sofa (at a nominal fee) until I can find work and get on my feet.

I have few obligations (no pets, no kids, I no longer own a house) to keep me in PA; but I don't have anything definite that I'm going to in LA. I have several job possibilities, but nothing concrete. In major cities employers don't want to hear about how you're going to move to their area. The line is often, "Great. Call us when you arrive." I've heard this several times now.

I understand. When I lived in NYC, I'd often get inquiries from women asking if I could help them settle into life in the Big Apple. I'd offer to help, but I didn't put a lot of stake in them actually getting up the nerve to come. Most people get cold feet and stay where it's safe and familiar.

I don't want to be one of those people.

But of course, the possibility of failure here is relatively high. I need to look at that realistically. But I know I'd regret not taking this chance. Even if it means tucking my tail and coming back to PA to regroup for another try in the future.

A friend in NY suggested I join Chip In, a site that allows friends, family and strangers if so inclined, to donate towards a goal. I signed up with the idea, hey, you never know. If any of you would like to donate a buck or two to my new life, it would be greatly appreciated. It's all done through Paypal. I'm planning to stuff my Hyundai to the gills and head west on February 26th.

Wish me luck. And please drop by to say an encouraging word. I could use it.

New York Dreams

2010-01-16T20:36:00.001-08:00

I'm not a big fan of pop music or rap. Actually, I find most of it to be mindless rantings about sexing a stranger. But the other day when I was on a three hour drive to and from training for my new job, I found myself perusing the local radio stations.

As you know, dj's aren't much about playing meaningful artists like India Arie and Jill Scott. So, I'm flipping through the likes of Beyonce and Shakira, cringing as I drive. For some reason, Jay Z's song, Empire State of Mind, caught my attention.

I'm sure it's the whole New York theme. I love my adopted home. The best years of my life happened in that city. So, I'm listening, trying to catch the words. I heard some key things in there about Brooklyn and "long live the World Trade," but a lot of the lyrics whisked past me.

When I got home I researched the song to see what Jay Z was saying. I am NOT endorsing the song here, but I have to say one of the stanzas really brought a flood of memories to mind.

good girls gone bad, the city's filled with them,
Mommy took a bus trip and now she got her bust out,
everybody ride her, just like a bus route,

Wow. That says so much about lost dreams and wrong decisions. I've met girls (and guys) who wanted something from the city - a modeling career, their name in lights on Broadway, a chance to be the next Seinfeld - but they ended up on a whole different path.

I also met many who came with dreams of becoming a celebrity makeup artist or hair stylist. Most ended up working at counters in department stores, while a few took more sinister roads just to make the rent.

A good friend, a fellow makeup artist who'd been struggling for a while to break into the magazines and television scene, told me she posed for nude photos when times were tough. I don't mean the art school photos, either.

Others danced in topless clubs.

I'm not judging them. When your tummy rumbles and you're facing possible homelessnes, desperation sets in.

When I was trying to get my break, I was blessed to live in a tiny apartment that I rented from a pastor. Some times I didn't have money for much outside of salad or soup. I'd come home after a long day of trying to convince photographers to use me for fashion shoots, unlock my door and find a bag of groceries with a note: Wife and I went shopping. Thought maybe you'd need this.

When I moved out of that apartment into a place smack in the heart of the West Village, my best friend had just gotten a job around the corner at the coolest Burrito joint in the city. She'd always slip me half her lunch when I popped in (which was often!).

Only a year into pounding the pavement, I was signed with one of the top artists' agent in the city. I never went to bed hungry. Or had to compromise my values to eat, pay my rent or cover my bills. It was a miracle, really.

Fast forward three years and I'm standing on a corner near F.I.T. waiting for the light to change. A slimy looking man in an expensive suit slithers up next to me. "Hi," he says. "You're a pretty girl. Want to make some extra money?"

I assumed right away he wasn't talking about selling Mary Kay. I politely said, "I'm really not interested." He persisted, telling me about his "business" with Japanese businessmen who come to New York. They need a little "entertaining".

"We're not talking sex," he said. Just take your clothes off and, well...give them a show. "But no one touches you."

I said in a firmer voice as I crossed the street, "I'm NOT interested."

His fake kindness turned on a dime. His face twisted as he stared down at me with a condescending look. One that seemed to say, "Who do you think you are?"

"Do you make $1,000 a day?" he asked in a mocking tone.

I stopped in my tracks, stared him straight in the eyes and said, "As a matter of fact, I do!"

He frowned. "What do you do?" I could tell he wasn't sure if he should believe me or not.

"I'm a celebrity makeup artist," I answered as I sashayed away. "And I get to keep my clothes on!"

On a side note: I am now on Facebook. Please come and friend me so we can talk further. Search for me under Todra Payne.

New Beginnings

2010-01-14T07:21:00.000-08:00

(Photo by Sir Mervs)

The New Year is challenging me, as I'm sure is the case with many of you, to do some soul searching. It seems our "New Economy" (which is code for "scary times") is shaking up businesses, both large and small.

And in order to survive, many of us have had to rethink, refocus and rebrand ourselves. We've also had to become more frugal in both business and personal lives.

Yesterday I spoke with a skin care and makeup formulator who makes a fabulous, all natural cosmetic line. Her products have repeatedly earned customer accolades and great press since her launch, but she's considering closing her lab doors and embarking on a new life journey. The sales just aren't what they need to be.

I'm facing the same questions she is. Is this dip in the economy something that's going to go on indefinitely? Or is it just a matter of sticking it out for another year or so? Is there something else I'd rather be doing now that I have the slope in business and time to consider the bigger picture?

I'm finding these questions emotionally difficult to answer.

It was sobering when I realized how much my career plays into my identity, especially now that my career may be changing. It's also enlightening to realize how much a previous lifestyle afforded me the time to build a business. As a newly single woman, I don't have the liberty of staying at home, dedicating days and weeks to my business without concerning myself over the bottom line.

I need to seriously watch that line now.

And if I'm totally honest, my heart has been straying away from the beauty industry for a while now. I love it in the way that you love a old friend. But I don't think I want to be married to it any longer.

So what's next? And do I continue to blog? If so, about what? And will I even have the time if I'm trying to hustle out a living?

The most important thing, I think, for any of us facing these life changing questions is to consider this time as an opportunity, not a curse. New beginnings are always a little unsettling. Who likes change that's forced on them? I love adventure and spontaneity, but on my terms. I want to initiate, not scramble to respond.

But life rarely asks us what we want.

One thing I have in the works is a new website (not a blog) that will showcase the various skills I've learned from my beauty business and my marketing/training and communications background. It's mainly a job seeking tool, not a fun exchange about lipstick. It's still in the baby stage.

For now, I'm working part time for a marketing and sales solutions company as a field rep. And hoping to parlay that into something more concrete. They're a great company with a lot of major brands as their accounts.

So, we'll see what happens.

I'd love to hear how you ladies are handling the changes in the economy. Are you currently changing careers or revamping your business?

Shots from my latest job...

2009-12-21T17:53:00.000-08:00

These are from a national campaign I worked on for a leading cabinet maker. Short days and nice people - those are the best jobs.

Royal Jelly Skincare: What's all the Buzz About?

2009-11-30T14:01:00.000-08:00

I was wide awake on Thursday around 3 AM. Not sure why sleep was so hard to come by, but eventually I grew tired of staring at my dark ceiling. I turned on the light and reached for something to read.

Being the makeup and skincare junkie that I am, I grabbed my Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. I know this isn't light reading for most people. But, I'm not much for teen vampire books or horror novels.

As I randomly landed in the R's in my reference bible, I came to the listing for Royal Jelly. I'm sure most of you have at least heard of the "wonder supplement" found in health food stores and used in beauty products by brands like Burt's Bees and DHC.

Royal Jelly, for those of you who aren't completely sure what the heck it is, is the nutritious secretion of the throat glands of the honey bee workers. Doesn't that sound appetizing? It's fed to the most prized bee in the hive, the Queen Bee. Well, to be picky, it's actually fed to the queen larvae to help her develop into the office of her destiny.

It is said that the milky substance is packed with B-complex vitamins and other bio-active compounds that help nourish not just bees, but humans alike. It has been associated with everything from anti-aging to curing cancer. It is sold as a supplement for internal consumption and mixed into beauty products as a topical "treatment."

But I don't like to hop on hype. I wanted to know for sure what sort of research has been done to back the claims of this magic nectar. (I'll tell you what the Consumer's Dictionary had to say in a moment). I went online and visited lots of sites that touted how amazing this stuff is. Unfortunately, most of those sites had something to sell that included royal jelly in the ingredients list.

One really well known company that focuses exclusively on products with royal jelly admitted that no studies have been done that prove any of the claims put forth by companies. But they quickly add that ancient people (implied, wiser folks with a clearer understanding of nature's offerings) have known the benefits of royal jelly for hundreds of years.

Okay, no offense to anybody's ancestors, but wasn't there a time when leaches were attached to the human body to "bleed" out diseases? And wearing large cloves of garlic was believed to protect one from pregnancy. Although this one probably protected women from the opposite sex, it didn't directly offer contraceptive aid.

I'm just saying.

But back to royal jelly...I found a website where a woman claimed she'd put "active" royal jelly on her face, without first blending it into a cosmetic base. She reports feeling a tightness in her skin and when she ran to the mirror, low and behold, her face looked as through she'd had cosmetic surgery. She immediately mixed it up into batches of cream for the masses.

Soooo, I started a search on "active royal jelly". I didn't find much. Actually, I only found more sites selling it and labeling theirs as "active" to make it seem more potent than anyone else's. I did find one site that talked about active or raw royal jelly and referred to the obvious benefits that were discovered through "tests on mice." Um, would you mind sharing the details of these tests with the rest of us?

If nothing else, tell us what university conducted the tests. One site offered this: A (nameless) university found that cancer patience fared much better after chemotherapy and royal jelly supplements. Great. Here's a thought. Maybe, just maybe, it had more to do with the chemo than the royal jelly.

Anyway, after hours of crawling the web, I found zilch that actually supported the wonders of royal jelly for HUMANS. I am totally happy that the queen bee lives a long and prosperous life by eating only royal jelly, but here's the disconnect. I'm not a bee. I was not a science buff in high school, but this I know. Bees and humans are different.

Another thing I know: Just because something works for one species does not mean it will do the same for another. But let's suppose royal jelly does work internally as a supplement for humans, does that mean smearing it on your face will make you look 20 years younger?

My final question concerning royal jelly is this? If it does work, and let's just suppose it cures just about everything and makes you stunningly beautiful, does it keep its potency stored in a jar on a shelf indefinitely?

One site said this: For long term storage, keep the royal jelly in a freezer, taking out small doses for consumption. Another site said never freeze or freeze dry royal jelly because it loses something like 60% of its power to heal if frozen.

And finally, A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients had this to say: If stored, royal jelly loses its capacity to develop queen bees. Interesting.

What do you think? Have you used royal jelly products and seen a miracle?

No Makeup on Set, Please

2009-11-21T16:44:00.000-08:00

I have yet to see "Precious", the raw, gritty film about a poor teen single mother, staring new actress Gabourey Sidibe along with Lenny Kravitz and Mariah Carey. But I'm hearing it's garnering Oscar buzz. One of the things everyone is talking about, besides the amazing performance by the lead actor (who was a receptionist before being cast in Precious), is how "hard and tired" everyone looks in this film.

I've got to give a serious shout out to all of the actors who signed on to this project with the understanding that there would be no beautifying going on. No eyelash curling, no cute pink lipstick, no butt-sweeping fake hair.

If anything, as Mariah Carey was sure to point out, some of the stars were made to look worse. I can't tell you how good it does my heart to see an American film that is about something intense and meaningful (I know the story line). And the women aren't dolled up like sex kittens.

As a big fan of independent and international films, I'm always awed by how much is required of female actors in other countries. And how little they are allowed to skate on their good looks (Bollywood excluded from this discussion).

Could "Precious" signal a turning point in Hollywood? I hope so. I'm going to be taking screen writing courses at a film school in California next summer. I hope to write films that have something real to say about life.

Do you think you'd have the courage to star in a film in the nude (face, that is)?

Have any of you seen the film yet? What did you think?

Checking Out Thevi Cosmetics

2009-11-16T08:14:00.000-08:00

I imagine some of you thought I was kidnapped. My 3Xs a week posts dropped to once a month - if I could muster the mental energy for that. After a major life shift, a new home and a lot of sadness, I am finally in a better space. I appreciate the kind emails I received from many of you during my absence. They meant a lot to me.

Now let's talk fun things...like Thevi Cosmetics. Back in the summer, the publicity department for Thevi Cosmetics sent me a few of their products to try. They are a relatively new brand on the scene with a vibrant color palette and gorgeous tones for women of color - not just African-American women, but Asian, Hispanic, Native American, Mediterranean and any interesting blend of the above.

Deep pigments, beautiful shades and an eye for what looks good on tan, caramel and brown skin tones set this line up for success. It also doesn't hurt that the company is courting the new ethnic faces in Hollywood, like their spokes model, Indian American actress, Kavi Ladnier.

When my two lipsticks and an eye shadow trio arrived, the first thing that caught my eye was the sleek packaging. I love the slim, sexy, gunmetal cases for their High Impact Lipstick. They've got great style. The eye shadow trio came in a similar gunmetal casing with a clear window so you can see the color inside. Smart move.

Swiping the eye shadows (Bistro is the combo I received) across my hand, I really liked how they adhered immediately and gave off just the right amount of shimmer. The lipsticks were equally impressive. The shades were beautiful and the texture was perfectly balanced between a lip stain and a lipstick. Not too glossy. Not too thick on the color.

I have to interject here that the line does not meet my desired standard of healthy/natural AT ALL. There are parabens in this line along with bismuth, which for many women is an irritant.

But if you aren't inclined to seek out natural cosmetics, then you'll be happy with Thevi's shades and the way they wear throughout the day. I must admit, I've gotten addicted to their lip color in Godiva. I fight with the "organic voice" inside my head every time I reach for it. I wore it at my friend's wedding a few weeks ago and got so many compliments (photo above).

You can check out Thevi's New Hollywood video here:

No Miss Natural Nail Polish

2009-10-20T09:27:00.001-07:00

Apologies for the hiatus. I've had family issues to resolve. I've moved. I'm still working on some decisions that have to be made. Haven't had much time for focusing on makeup related stuff.

Life crashes down quickly sometimes.

But today I have the energy to write something. I'm slowly coming out of the slump.

While checking out a new health food store several miles from my home I discovered a brand of nail polish I'd never heard of - No Miss. It's supposedly better for nails than traditional drug store brands.

I immediately snatched up a bottle (at $7.99) and brought it home. The color I chose is a dark bronze/purple color named Braden Blackberry.

Now being as skeptical as I am about brands labeling their products natural when there's nothing natural about them, I immediately pulled out my trusty Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. I checked the ingredients to see if anything was thought of as dangerous or cautionary. Nope, not a single ingredient (when used properly and not inhaled for prolonged periods) was labeled unsafe.

Cool.

Now I have to comment here that the polish does smell just as bad as traditional polish. I expected something, I don't know, fruity smelling. No such luck. But the colors are beautiful and mine lasted just as long as OPI colors. And No Miss polishes contain UV inhibitors that supposedly protect the nails from sun damage. I didn't even know nails could get sun damage. I learned something new.

Next I'd like to try their coconut based lip glosses. The little store I visited didn't carry the full line. Just the nail polishes. I'll keep looking for other products from No Miss.

Rainy Day Wish List

2009-09-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting near a window watching the rain descend in sheets outside. The brisk air (experienced for just a second earlier this morning) feels more like late October than early September.

What's a girl to do on a dreary day like this, but stay in and scour the Internet for beauty products? As most of you already know, I like to make some of my skin care and hair products (like my herbal hair tonics and lavender/rose/aloe vera facial mists), but once in a while I'll find a company that makes the same type of product completely organic (just like mine) and already in a pretty little bottle.

That's super convenient for travel (and lazy spells).

Thus far, I've found several products that I'd L-O-V-E to add to my collection. I'll share them with you. If you know of other natural brands with great products, please share them with me.

Benedetta
I heard about this brand from Martha, who follows this blog and gives me great feedback and product recommendations. She said she's been using Benedetta for years and its done wonders for her skin. I decided to check out the website. They had a lot of products that piqued my interest, but their 100% botanical Sacred Soap made my wish list.

This body wash has Black Soap, an ancient soap known by the indigenous people of Africa, as its main ingredient. Sacred Soap also contains pure virgin Palm Kernel Oil, unrefined Shea Butter (great for my dry skin) and Ash, a natural source of lye. Organic Rosemary and Lemongrass is used for scent. That sounds yummy.

Besides the obvious cleansing and moisturizing benefits of this soap, I also like that it's made by a women's co-operative following organic standards and fair trade guidelines. I'm going to have to drop some hints about this one before Christmas.

Anita Grant
Okay, I have to admit that I wanted almost EVERYTHING on this site. But before I get into their products, let me just give a shout out to a company who's not just boasting "green" but living it: From using only fairly traded botanicals to relying solely on 100% renewal energy to run their business. They only use packaging that is 100% recyclable and/or compostable. I feel a tear coming on. I hope they open a US store soon (they in the UK).

Anyway, back to my wish list. I struggled with choosing just one thing to list here, but if I was forced to choose JUST ONE, it would be their Camellia Kissi Oil.

This wonder product is a clear, light, non greasy anti-oxidant used for centuries by the Japanese to improve the overall texture of nails, scalp and combination skin. Camellia Kissi oil is cold pressed from the seeds of the Camellia Kissi plant, using traditional Japanese methods of extraction. It's easily absorbed, has no detectable odour. (This info is straight from their website).

Camellia Kissi Oil is a rich source of plant collagen that helps lessen scars and works wonders on stretch marks. Camellia Kissi contains Vitamins A, B, C, E and Polyphenol, natural antioxidants that safeguards skin from the damaging effects of UV/environmental exposure and free radicals.

It's said to visibly diminish fine lines, acne scarring & reduce the appearance of pores. And as a bonus, it's wonderful as a natural, non-greasy shine enhancer/moisturizer on curly and tightly coiled hair. Camellia Kissi oil is the most penetrative of all natural oils. So, let's break this down. This miracle oil can be used around the eyes, all over the face, on the body and in the hair. Sweet. I want it. I love products that work head to toe. How much does shipping from the UK cost?

Oyin Handmade
I've been hearing so much about this hand-crafted, natural brand on Twitter and from my fellow naturally curly-haired friends for some time now. I think I need to break down and buy something. I've heard that their organic and natural products are made in small batches to ensure freshness. They use unrefined shea butter, pure cocoa butter, vitamin E, organic aloe vera juice, and herbal infusions, but no petroleum, SLS or silicones. Good job.

I've pegged several products I'd like to try, but the one that really speaks to me is their Juices and Berries Nourising Herbal Leave-in. It's simply spring water, infused with a variety of herbs known to "help stimulate the scalp and encourage hair growth; vegetable ingredients for detangling, moisture and suppleness; vegetable glycerine for humectancy and shine; and an essential oil blend nutritious to the scalp."

I make something very similar at home by infusing distilled water with dried burdock root, coltsfoot, horsetail and nettle. I use it as a final rinse after washing my hair, or as a spritzer for moisture and shine between washes. But, sometimes I don't feel like the effort. This product would be the perfect substitute. And unlike my version, this one is naturally preserved with grapefruit seed extract and citric acid. I don't have to use it within two days or pour it down the sink.

Aveda
Okay, this product I chose from Aveda isn't exotic or new, but I'd still like to try it. Their Pure ComfortTM Eye Makeup Remover sounds like the perfect natural alternative to drug store versions.

And this one includes organic camomile and cucumber - both are great for soothing the skin and reducing puffiness. And it's safe for contact wearers.

Kiehl's
Kiehl’s has a new skin care collection I'm simply dying to try. Their Acai Damage-Repairing Skincare collection. As is obvious from the name, the entire line is based on 100% Organic Açaí Berry, the much talked-about Super-Antioxidant.

Kiele's promises, "This collection helps skin repair the visible effects of both physical and environmental damage, while it also helps to stimulate skin’s natural renewal process and restores skin’s tone, texture, and elasticity.." Sounds good to me.

The collection consists of: Damaging minimizing cleanser, Damage protecting toning mist, Damage correcting moisturizer and Damage repairing serum. I want them all.

Have you tried any of the products I have listed here? Can you give feedback? Would love to hear from you.

My Belated Birthday Present

2009-09-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was finally able to schedule friend time with my buddy, Rin. She has been trying to get my birthday present to me for a month. What did she get me? The awesome book pictured above. What a wonderful resource for someone who loves to know what's the deal with cosmetic ingredients.

Let me tell you, there are a lot of things going into our beauty products that shouldn't be in there. I feel so empowered by this book. No more standing in the drug store aisle with my cell phone calling a cosmetics formulator. I did this often with my friend, Kelley. Mostly, I spelled things and asked, "Is that something really bad???"

Thanks so much, Rin. It will get lots of use.

Women Have Expiration Dates

2009-09-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

On my way to the beach last week, I stopped in a wine shop somewhere along the Jersey shore to pick up a bottle of red. I was eagerly anticipating evenings spent languishing on a deck with Eat, Pray, Love (my favorite book) in one hand and a spicy glass of Syrah in the other. Waves crashing in the background.

Three jovial, big bellied guys in their gray shirts boasting their fave sports teams argued over some upcoming game of which I knew nothing. And cared even less. I browsed the wine racks as the friendly debate grew louder in the background.

"You're crazy! He couldn't bring them to a win if you shot all the players on the other team and handed him the ball!"

"Well, they pay him a trillion dollars a year - that says he's a valuable player."

"No it doesn't. It just means they've got too much money on their hands!"

This went back and forth for several minutes until the conversation abruptly (and unexpectedly) turned to movies. Rather high brow movies for this particular crowd. Exposing all of my stereotypes here, I'm going to say I was shocked when they started bantering around award winners and much talked about international films. Stuff that swept through Cannes.

This was a conversation I could engage in, so never one to be shy, I jumped right in. The conversation took all sorts of strange twists and turns, finally landing us on Holocaust films for some reason.

And then someone mentioned "The Reader" (which I'm ashamed to admit I've yet to see). The three guys who would have looked far more at home in a beer store than a wine store, expounded on the intricate film making details the director brought to the project. They discussed the sensitive subject matter and Kate 's "amazing performance."

And then, out of nowhere, one of the men said, "She did a nude scene in that film, you know." There was an air of disbelief in his voice. Another man chimed in. "I know! That surprised me."

At this point I was confused. Film stars often strip down for roles, even if it doesn't make much sense. Gratuitous nudity in Hollywood annoys me at times.

Then the third man, the most rotund of the group made it very clear what all the disbelief was about: "This is probably her last nude scene. She's too old for that stuff now."

My mouth fell open. I could not believe what I was hearing. Was this fat, nasty man (sorry, I'm pissed now) saying women over a certain age should never be caught naked? May I point out that he was middle aged and as I previously mentioned, lacked any form of sex appeal. His chances of seeing ANYONE naked seemed slim in my opinion.

The nerve!

The lovely Ms. Winslet is 34. I repeat, THIRTY-FOUR. I've got her by several years and just for the record, I look HOT naked. Yeah, I said it. Everything is exactly where it should be and standing at attention. On a size 6 frame. Hotness is not an age. Or a size, for that matter.

But for a moment, let's forgot how hot I am. And you are. Let's just look at the idea that men STILL, to this very day, judge us like apples in the market. Our value intrinsically tied to how "fresh" we are. Just picked is best. Anything past early puberty should retire to a field and die.

Is that why Hollywood usually pairs 50-year-old male actors with 23 year-old female actors? Please tell me you ladies are as appalled by the wine store conversation as I was...

Make it Beautiful

2009-09-05T11:40:00.000-07:00

A very wise makeup artist once told me (when I was an assistant), "Always make the model look pretty - colors need to coordinate, everything needs to be blended perfectly - even if you're shooting in black and white; or you're only seeing the side of the model's face. The client needs to see a pretty picture before them or they won't hire you back."

I get emails from aspiring (or new makeup artists) asking me all sorts of questions about color selection, lighting's effect on makeup, etc. If I could pass along one great piece of advice, it would be what that wise makeup artist told me. No matter what you do, always make the model look pretty for the client.

That would seem like an obvious and some of you out there may be saying, "Um, yeah. Isn't that what you're hired to do?" But makeup artist can create makeup looks that aren't anything special to the human eye, but are amazing in a photo.

Take a black and white shot, for instance. It's all about tones. I could honestly create a look on a model that resembles a page from Bozo's Beauty Manual, but when the shot is viewed, it's absolutely gorgeous. Why? Black and white photos aren't about colors, but tones and textures.

As long as I have a good command of those two elements I can mix warm and cool tones until it's scary; it doesn't matter. The shot will still be pretty. But my client (the one paying me!) is freaking out because she/he can't see what I can see. It disturbs them that the model doesn't look pretty.

Take the picture above. This is how the model looked right after I finished with her makeup. As you can see, I took time to seriously blend her eye shadows and line her eyes for drama. All of the colors compliment each other.

But, honestly, since she was shot in a different light (see picture below), I didn't really need to work that hard. Slapping on any dark color and blending a bit would have worked okay (not wonderful, put passable).

However, armed with the knowledge that it stresses clients/photographers to see something less than appealing in the makeup department, I worked like we were shooting in day light. Her skin needed to be flawless. Her lips just so. Her blush exactly on her cheekbone to give the definition that would be needed for the dramatic lighting that was used.

In the end, I was very happy with the shot. As was the rest of the crew. As a makeup artist (or a mom on date night!), remember the effort you put into your craft (or your own makeup) will be apparent.

If your livelihood depends on your makeup strokes, it's imperative that those signing your paycheck are very happy with what's before their eyes.

Glowing Summer Skin

2009-09-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

This summer my skin is the healthiest it's ever been, which is surprising considering the number of skin care products I'm constantly testing for this blog.

In my "pre-natural products" stage when I was busy following the latest trends instead educating myself on the hazards found in many mainstream cosmetics, I bought department store brands in large quantities.

And as an editorial makeup artist, I used to receive bags stuffed with high end products sent to my agency - gratis. Out of all of the mainstream brands I tried, Clarins was the best for my skin. But the cost was a bit much, even with the salary I was making then. It would be out of the question now.

My exodus from the offerings found at the Bloomingdale's counters led me to my current destination - indie beauty brands. I love brands that begin with nourishing botanicals as their base. Aveda and DHC come to mind immediately as the biggest players in the market.

The smaller, newer businesses with a commitment to natural ingredients are entering the market with force, educating consumers to old school wisdom. We are being reminded that simple ingredients like Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Aloe Vera are wonderful for the skin.

I prefer products made from things I recognize on the label. I don't care if the shelf life is slightly less than the pumped up, chemical versions available.

Every week the mailman brings me a box of something new - a moisturizer a company wants feedback on; a primer that claims to smooth out wrinkles and brighten the area around the eyes; a sparkly new mineral based lipgloss.

It's great fun. Most of the products I get are really good. The formulators are working hard to bring quality merchandise to market, even if they don't have the budget of Estee Lauder.

This summer I'm crooning over Skin eScentuals Aloe Jelly Face Moisturizer and GeoGrafx Revitalizing Night Serum. I've put other sampling on hold (for the past six weeks) just to be sure this combination is what's making my skin look like gold. It is. I normally advocate using all one brand of skin care, but I've found that advice not quite as vital when working with all natural ingredients.

For instance, GeoGrafx Night Serum is made of nothing but nourishing oils - apricot kernel oil, rose hip seed oil, evening primrose, wheat germ oil and others.

While the Aloe Jelly Face Moisturizer starts with Aloe Vera and adds many of the same essential oils that are found in the Night Serum. But the texture is different, more like a light weight gel. I use the face moiturizer under my makeup in the daytime.

And apply the night serum just before bed to fight those fast approaching lines and wrinkles. You can see from the picture above - my skin is thriving.

But I have a pile of skin care in a box waiting for review. The last two I tried caused break outs. I didn't write about them. I simply told the manufacturers that my experience with their product wasn't good.

In the fall, I'll put aside my beloved combo to again do reviews. But for now, I'm enjoying the healthy glow.

What's your favorite skin care product?

Killer Color

2009-09-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

The beach was wonderful. I spent several days with a friend enjoying the sun and the sea. It was just what I needed.

But back to work now.

The picture above is from a recent shoot with a local model, Ashley. I wanted to create something that was both pretty and eerie. Choosing to shoot through the glass with the light on in the back gave it that "Hitchcock" feel.

Aren't you just a little afraid for her? The look is supposed to imply she's either going to lose her mind shortly; or get attacked by the strange neighbor who always carries a weed wacker.

I know. I probably should work this out in counseling, not photos. But some day I'd like to write scripts. This is good practice. LOL

Anyway, the idea was to keep the makeup pretty, with an emphasis on her blue eyes. Normally, to accentuate blue eyes, I don't slather them in more blue tones. Contrasting colors work best - bronzes, golds, etc. But the idea here was to create a mood.

So, I went with a heavy dose of light blue eye shadow and navy eye liner. Going this strong on eyes demands a lighter hand on the rest of her makeup. Hence the peachy pink lips and light dusting of blush. I darkened her brows just a little and gave them more definition, like the actresses in 50's thrillers.

Our inspiration, Susan Hayward:

So, the above is our (thanks, Paul!) updated, colorful version of a psychological thriller.

If you'd like to try something this intense on your eyes for a glam night out (it works best in a dimly lit room; And be sure to wear a killer gown that hugs curves), remember to practice before the actual night.

Blending is key. And go very light on lips and blush. A softly hued lip gloss would be perfect. And stay away from the guy with the weed wacker.

How many of you out there have braved a look with intense eye color?

Heading to the Shore

2009-08-23T06:35:00.001-07:00

I'm heading to a friend's summer house for a week at the beach. I'm going to swim away my stress. See you all when I return.

Make-up Transforms

2009-08-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

I often get emails from aspiring makeup artists asking how to achieve a certain look; or what products hold up best under lights. Sometimes the questions are about ethnicity: How do I match brown skin tones without making the model look ashy? These are the same questions I had when I was starting out.

I was blessed to have worked under makeup artists like Laura Mercier, Brigitte Reiss-Andersen and Bobbi Brown. These women had been working in the field for a decade when I came along as an assistant. Whatever I know now, it's because I mixed what I learned from them with my own talents to create something that was distinctly mine.

One thing I learned from Brigitte Reiss-Andersen was to have "new eyes" each time I looked at a model. What do I mean? When you work in the fashion/beauty industry, it's natural that you will work with a few star models over and over again.

It's tempting to fall into a rut and say, "Oh, I know her eyes look great lined like this. I did it for the cover of Elle." The challenge is to look at the same beautiful face twenty or thirty times and come up with a new way to interpret their features.

Desiree, in the picture above and the previous post (just scroll down the page) has already made rounds to many of the agents in New York and she has a portfolio and a composite card. In every single one of her portfolio shots her hair is straight and her lips are some hue of red.

Okay, I'll admit the first thing I saw when I looked at her was a Modern Spanish inspired look with straight hair and red lips. It's a given with her complexion and features. But I'm sorry. That's the lazy choice.

As a makeup artist, never go with the lazy choice. You'll never set yourself apart from the crowd that way. Even as a "regular" woman doing your own face, it's important to have new eyes when you look at yourself in the mirror.

My workshop clients tell me all the time, "I have used this pink lipstick from (fill in the brand) for the last 10 years."

What? Are you kidding me? With all the great colors and textures out there...With the changing color schemes based on the seasons and fashion's direction...the same pink lipstick has worked for 10 years. I don't believe you.

It's just simply the lazy choice. Push past the lazy choice to explore. It's not hard. It's actually fun. As an artist working on someone else's face or as an individual trying a new look for a big night out, challenge yourself.

With Desiree (who is only 16, by the way), I decided to skip the Modern Spanish girl look altogether. In this shot, I kept the modern but ditched the Spanish theme. I wanted something more "South Beach Socialite." The inspiration for that came from her bronzed skin and great accessories (the girl brought amazing clothes to the shoot!).

But when it came time for her second shot I wanted to go as far left from the South Beach theme as possible. As a model, it's important for her to be seen as having a very versatile look that could easily represent a myriad of ideas and products.

As a makeup artist, it's important for me to show that I can take a model and transform her into many different looks. I can see her with "new eyes" even 30 minutes after making her a South Beach hottie.

When I studied Desiree's face the second time, I imagined a romantic theme. I didn't want something too sweet or predictable. It may have come off as a caricature. So to give our romantic theme a twist, I gave her dark eyes and matte, skin toned lips (created by blending foundation over her lips).

But as you can see, everything else plays up the romantic theme - the hair, the clothes, even the wallpaper behind her. And Paul (our wonderful photographer) gave us completely different lighting for this shot than what we had in the South Beach shot.

Now this young model has two looks in her book that are completely different from anything else she has. I'd venture to say if we shot with her again and again, I could find other ways to show her versatility. One reason is because I really like her face. It's harder to do when you're not inspired by the model.

Or the model doesn't do her job well. Nothing's worst than working as a team to make a model a work of art and then she stares at the camera like a deer in head lights. But I'm going off the subject here.

So, my question for you is this: Will you look at your own face with "new eyes" now? Will you venture away from your favorite lipstick or eye shadow to create a new theme for yourself? If you're not sure where to start, buy a fashion magazine (Allure is great for this sort of stuff) and find a model who has the same hair and eye color as you do. Notice what colors were used on her and go to a department store and sample those colors on yourself.

One word of caution: I don't mean the weird, runway inspired looks with streaks of paint scrawled across a model's face. I mean the "pretty" makeup looks. Just wanted to clarify. LOL

If you take the challenge, please let me know. I'd love to see pictures!

Latest Model Shoot

2009-08-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday I did another model shoot with Paul. We decided to push the envelope with how fashion inspired we could go with local models. The girl pictured above, Desiree, did a wonderful job giving us the looks and moves we needed to pull off the shoot.

And with her flawless skin and lovely complexion, she was the perfect canvas for my art work. Want to know what I did to achieve her look?

She's wearing Cover FX cream foundation in M50. It works double time as a foundation and under eye concealer. The shade matched her neck and chest, but looked flat when I took into consideration her tanned forehead and shoulders. Soooo, to give her face dimension, I brushed a sparkly bronzer all over the outer parameters of her face. Monave's Brandy #303 worked perfectly.

To get a glow that the light would catch at the top of her cheekbones, I used a dusting of Priia's Satin Complexion Enhancer in Celestial. It's applied with a fan brush.

Next I grabbed a generous amount of Willow (a silver/light blue) mineral eye shadow by Orglamix and applied it to her eyes from the lower lid to the crease.
I blended well with a fluffy blender brush.

I added black mascara and a black pencil liner just along her top lash line. She's wearing FACE Stockholm's #11 Pearl eye shadow as liner under the bottom lashes.

The final touch is a personal blend of several lip glosses to get the rosy pink color I was after.

Here's another take on the same shot.

Purple is the New Black

2009-08-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

Walking through the (now) swanky Meat Packing District in Manhattan (it was far, far from swanky when I lived there and blood from the dead carcasses ran down the brick streets ), I wandered into several of the high end designer shops - from Stella McCartney to La Perla Black.

In several stores I noticed a large offering of purple pieces for fall, which suited me just fine. I am a purple fiend. I was actually swathed in my fave purple sundress as I shopped (see above picture). I felt so in-the-know.

And to accentuate my purple fetish, I decided to add a little of the color to my makeup for the day. I used a swipe of purple glitter shadow just on my lower lids to give my eyes a little bit of pop. I hope you can see it from this photo.

If you'd like to play in purple, check out Orglamix's Brown Eyes Play Collection. Your eyes will sparkle.

Organic Mascara Winner

2009-08-14T05:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the ladies who entered the MiEssenence Mascara Giveaway. Our lucky winner is: Kado! over at Our Life in Perfect Cadence.

Congratulations!!! As soon as you send me your address, I'll mail that out to you.

I'm off to NYC for a the weekend to hang out with friends. See you all on Monday.

My NYC Trip

2009-08-10T14:32:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had a week long job in Manhattan, which is home for me. I always love when I book jobs that take me back there. After working with 12 models (yes, 12!) for this particular job, I needed to do something fun and off beat after the gig was done.

So I stayed in the city a few extra days and popped by a new youth hostel in Brooklyn with a friend. It was such a fun experience. The hostel is located in an industrial (warehouses like crazy) area at the end of nowhere.

But it was totally wonderful. The neighborhood had earthy, organic grocery stores and Internet cafes with funky attitude. The crowd mostly consisted of under 25 artist types with locs and enough tattoos to go around.

We made friends with a sleepy stray cat while we munched on healthy grub and drank fresh squeezed oj.

Check out the cool wall art in the background. I'm glad I did something spontanous.

Organic Mascara Giveaway

2009-08-09T10:08:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

I'm dashing out the door for a little kayaking on the river today, but before I leave I want to give you all a chance to win a free tube of MiEssence Organics black mascara.

In the near future I will be doing a detailed post on the brand and my personal opinion on the products I've tried (skin care and makeup), but for now check out the video below on this remarkable company.

And enter my giveaway to win one of their free mascaras. It's completely natural and very light-weight. Perfect for the girl who prefers a soft flutter of lashes with a hint of color. This is not a drama mascara. Just saying.

To get it, just publicly follow this blog (see follow box to the right) and leave a comment after this post. That's it. I'll announce a winner by Friday, August 14, 2009.

See you soon.

Model Shoots

2009-08-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

Remember I told y'all I'd be working in collaboration with my friend Paul to create test photos for model portfolios? We did our first shoot last weekend.

It was crazy how much fun we had with the girls. Sarah, pictured above, is negotiating with modeling agencies in New York City and will probably sign a contract by the end of summer. She does mostly fashion work, but she needed to get some commercial stuff in her book as well.

After all, advertising pays the big bucks. Here are some of the shots we did for her.

We'll be shooting pretty regularly throughout the summer. I'm handling makeup and wardrobe, while our friend, Rachel is doing her thing on the hair. And of course, Paul Emberger is making magic with the camera.

I think we're a good team.

Interested in getting shots for your portfolio or head shots for acting? Send me an email and I'll give you all the details.

I was trying to get out of the way before the picture was snapped.

Anna - Before & After

2009-07-31T13:14:00.001-07:00

Anna, pictured here, came to one of my group workshops a few months back. We reconnected to discuss beauty/spa products and her personal beauty routine. As a certified image and etiquette consultant and CEO of Dale Resources, Anna does a lot of public speaking (sometimes on television).

Her personal style is, as expected, impeccable. And she faithfully uses an at home galvanic treatment device for her skin's health. But she's admitted she'd like advice on makeup selection and application, especially for those big event days.

When we met the first time Anna was simply wearing a light pink lip gloss and a swipe of soft black mascara (pictured above left). She has nearly perfect skin, soft and even toned, so foundation isn't a daily must-do. But I felt we could apply a sheer foundation like miessence organics translucent foundation to add a little glow to her skin for special occasions.

And I really wanted to bring out her eyes while also offering her a pop of cheek color to brighten her face.

Although we would be applying a full face of makeup, the goal was not a total redux. Think polished, not glam. We want her clients to still recognize her.

With mature skin it's important to pay attention to texture. Too much face powder or glittery colors accentuate lines and take away from natural beauty. Less, applied properly, is more.

After Anna washed and moisturized her face, I applied Brite Prep, a brightening foundation primer from FX, underneath Anna's eyes and just a dab all over her face. Concealer and foundation goes on and stays on better with a good primer underneath. It's a bonus that Brite Prep also has an SPF 50.

Next I reached for Laura Mercier's Undercover Pot-2, a great concealer with two color options for blending in a convenient travel sized pot.

I used a nylon brush to blend the concealer underneath her eyes and around her nose where she had the slightest bit of redness. Next came a thin layer of foundation applied with a damp sponge.

I applied a very light dusting of loose powder (using a huge, fluffy powder brush, not a puff) to set the concealer and foundation, careful not to cake it on.

Next, I gave her a swipe of Nars Orgasm blush on her cheekbones to accentuate the shape of her face.

Since we'd decided that the eyes were our focal point, I hand blended loose green and bronze mineral eye shadows to get a color that would work with Anna's changing eye colors and small shape. I added a stroke of the same color underneath her eyes as liner (I hate pencil eye liners for under eye definition unless I'm doing a smokey eye - they look harsh). I lined the top of her eyes with a dark brown pencil liner right in the lash line.

A coat of black mascara on the top lashes only finished her eyes.

The final touch was Bronzed Beauty lip gloss by Sephora (Thanks, Elizabeth for insisting I try it. I love the color).

Now Anna's makeup is as pulled together as the rest of her.

If you'd like to schedule a similar personal consultation, contact me at makeuptheory AT Verizon.net.

On a side note today (August 1) is my birthday! I'll be doing a weekend long celebration. Will post again on Monday. Enjoy your weekend.

New Business Collaboration

2009-07-30T09:55:00.000-07:00

My friend Paul, a successful commercial photographer, wants to challenge his talents to grow in a different direction. We've been brainstorming on some business ideas that we'd enjoy doing together.

Our new venture? Model and actor portfolios/head shots. It doesn't pay nowhere near what we're both used to making for commercial and editorial work, but we'd have more creative freedom to make pretty pictures. And honestly, it would simply be fun.

So starting this weekend, we'll be shooting our first model shots. We've got three gorgeous young women from a local agency who'll be building their books. One of the girls is in negotiations with Wilhelmina Models in New York City.

We're providing three looks for each model including makeup/hair and wardrobe styling.

We also have some upcoming shoots for actor head shots.

A shout out to the local Barbizon and to my agent, Mary, for sending us our first victims, um, clients. And we'll have the ever wonderful Rachel to do her amazing hair styles. Rachel, if you're reading this, please don't leave us to move to San Francisco. We need you. LOL.

If you're a model/actor (or singer, comedian, etc.) in the Pennsylvania, NJ, Maryland or DC area, give us a shout out. We'll give you amazing portfolio photos and head shots. We're also considering doing magazine style family portraits. Stay tuned.

The photos here are Paul's work for advertising clients.

Professional Spa Treatments in Your Home

2009-07-28T06:37:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Anna, a woman who'd been a guest in one of my makeup workshops contacted me. She wanted to introduce me to a skin treatment device that is getting a lot of media attention, the Galvanic Spa System II by Nu Skin.

As you may have read in fashion and travel magazines and seen on numerous news channels, the whole idea behind this sleek little device is regaining youthful skin. That makes perfect sense for a product developed by Nu Skin. Their focus since the company's inception has been state-of-the art anti-aging products.

Anna emailed me a litany of brochures and web links that gushed over this new beauty treatment. After reading the rave reviews, I decided it would be fun to check it out. We set up an appointment. I also asked a friend to come along and give her feedback.

The first thing Anna showed me were the company's before and after shots. I saw pictures of women and men who had used the Galvanic Spa System II on just one side of their face (or tummy, thighs, etc). The idea was to show the visible difference between treated and untreated skin after continued use of the product.

I have to admit, I was impressed. Some shots showed small changes with just two weeks of use. Others showed drastic skin improvements as the treatments had been continued over the course of several months.

The trick to seeing the major results is using the skin device along with the facial gels containing Nu Skin's AgeLOC technology. Okay, I'm warning you, I'm not a science type, but here's my best interpretation of what happens with the gel/machine combo:

Nu Skin's research has discovered clusters of genes that play a critical role in the process of aging. Nu Skin calls these "Youth Gene Clusters." The ingredients in the AgeLOC gel is said to work with these Youth Gene Clusters while simultaneously fighting against arNOX (a source of aging identified by Nu Skin).

The galvanic machine then helps the gel to penetrate to deeper levels and do its job correctly. Phew. I have a headache now. And if a Nu Skin rep reads this and has a fit because I totally botched it, please comment and I will change it.

But this is my dummied down version of what I think happens. At any rate, the gel and the galvanic machine seem to be working for a lot of people. In my five-minute treatment session, all I was able to determine is that it doesn't hurt in any way.

I obviously can't comment personally on the long term effects as I did not do the treatments for several weeks. I came pretty close to buying the galvanic machine.

I considered writing the $300 check on the spot. I mean it would only be a one time cost. But then I looked into the cost of the gel packets. The recommended treatment schedule is three times a week. Four packs of gels costs $46. A one-month supply of gel would be $138. That is in addition to my other skin care products - cleanser, toner, moisturizer, masks.

For my current budget, it's not a responsible investment. Perhaps when the economy changes and I'm back to the level of work I'm accustomed to getting. But I'm glad I got the chance to try it. And tell you all about it.

Has anyone out there used the Galvanic Spa System II for an extended amount of time? What were your results? Do you have pictures you could show us?

Who Are We?

2009-07-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

I just got back from my gig in NYC. It was for a modeling and acting convention that is held in NYC and Los Angeles yearly. I did makeup and wardrobe styling for one of the modeling agencies that participated.

There were thousands of teens with dreams of fame and fortune. Some of the parents were more driven about it all than the kids. A few kids, as happens every year, will be picked up by major modeling and acting agents. They are the faces that will be on the magazine covers and movie screens in the next few years.

Every year the local agency I go with has several girls and guys who snatch a lot of the agency spots. One boy in particular garnered so much attention that his local agent was bombarded most of the night with calls from New York City modeling agents requesting they get first shot at signing the 16 year old.

I'll admit, he's incredibly beautiful with his chiseled jaw line, his black, waist length hair and perfect smile. One agent wasn't sure if he was a girl or a boy he's so gorgeous!

But just as he was this year's hit at the convention, thousands of kids will go home with nothing to show for their efforts. And all of the money and hopes their parents placed on them. The convention is not a cheap endeavor. It's not a scam by any means. Every year a few golden teens become the next Halle Berry or Elisha Wood (both discovered at modeling/talent conventions).

But for those who didn't garner the attention for whatever reasons, it's a painful ride back home.

To guarantee a coveted spot with a top agent, the girls I work with start preparing a full year in advance. Teachers are brought on board to transform them from Central PA high schoolers to model material. Everything from eating habits to understanding current clothing trends is taught. I come in for the makeup and wardrobe tutoring.

By the time they get to the convention, they really are prepared despite how nervous many of them are.

Several of the girls I worked with this year obsessed constantly over everything from the cut of their jeans (Do you think the skinny jeans make me look hip heavy???) to their natural genes (Should I straighten my hair and lighten it so the agents will notice me more?).

For some reason, hair was a big ordeal this year. The hair stylist was a friend of mine. She's amazing at what she does. But repeatedly I heard one young woman stressing out my friend about the styles chosen for her.

As much as the young woman was annoying, I couldn't help but think about how hair plays such an important role in our society. It's part of the bigger issues about image and how we're perceived based on something as fleeting as our looks.

To switch gears here for a moment, I'd like to relate a few stories.

A male friend who is part Native American (the other part is German)has the most beautiful hair I've ever seen on a male. Thick, wavy curls that grow down his back and drive the girls crazy. But he had to cut it down to a conservative style a few years ago. The reason? Clients wouldn't hire him for his photography services because he looked too "ethnic".

I can't tell you how much that pissed me off.

An African-American media personality told me not long ago that she was forced to straighten her hair for her job. She would not be considered for an on-camera role if she didn't take out her natural curl. Grrrrrr.

When are we going to stop this craziness?

No wonder that 18 year old was driving my friend crazy about her hair styles. We're conditioned to think we have to be or look a particular way (dare I say a homogenized way) in order to be rewarded in our society.

I'm not sure if that girl got any agent call backs. I left the convention early to have some down time in the city with friends. But the entire ordeal left a weird taste in my mouth.

I wish we could finally realize that physical beauty isn't a particular hair color, eye shape or body shape, even.

Okay. I'm done. Just needed to get that off my chest. Enjoy the India Arie video. She's so right on.

Big Apple Here I Come!

2009-07-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

I'm going back home to New York City for a few days to do a job. See you all when I get back.

From Video Shoot to Straw Bale Building

2009-07-16T12:13:00.000-07:00

Most of last week I was working on a video shoot for Subzero. Then shift everything radically to the left as I race to West Virginia at the end of the week to volunteer on a straw bale building project.

Several friends have asked me if I'm going through some sort of midlife crisis early. It seems lately I've been anxious to do things outside of the realm of glamorous. Stretch myself a little.

Working on a house building project was a definite stretch for me. But here's how it all started: I pitched a story to a magazine (I sometimes work as a writer, too)on straw bale houses. I'd seen pictures of one in a book at Barnes & Noble.

When I got the green light to do the story, I sent out a mass email asking if anyone knew of someone who lived in a straw bale house. Three families contacted me. I visited their homes, heard their stories about building their own abodes and learned more about Green architect than I'd ever imagined.

In all of the discussions the same name came up several time: Sigi Koko. She's a seriously good architect who focuses just on natural building projects. I loved her already.

I connected with Sigi through email and picked her brain for my story. She was absolutely wonderful. She answered all of my questions, but in a way that didn't make me feel silly for asking. I'd never built even a book shelf so I'm sure some of my questions were very basic.

My story was published. The magazine got accolades for covering such an interesting topic. And I got paid. All's well that ends well.

But for me, it hadn't ended. I really wanted, no needed to get my hands on some straw bale and build something! It became an obsession. I am so serious here.

So, when I found out about a hands on workshop that Sigi would be giving on a retreat area in West Virginia, I jumped at the opportunity. Three days in the woods lugging hay around and connecting with total strangers? I loved it.

The house we worked on will be home to a kind couple who is a part of the Rolling Ridge Study Retreat Community.

I have to say it was hard work, but a lot of fun, too. And how excited was I to finally meet Sigi in person and learn from her! Here are shots of the crew and a link to more photos, if you're interested.

If you'd like to volunteer to help on this project, check out this link.

Eve Organics Winner

2009-07-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hey there.

I am rushing like mad out the door for a weekend workshop on straw bale building! A few years ago I was an editor for a regional magazine and I pitched a story on eco homes. I wanted to learn about straw bale houses so badly.

Well, after finishing the story, I wanted very much to participate in building one. I'll be doing just that for the next three days at a residential community/yoga retreat center.

I can hardly wait.

But before I leave, I need to announce our Eve Organics Giveaway winner. It's Jenn from the blog, Starting my life in the Navy.

Jenn, you are going to be the cutest officer in boot camp with these gorgeous cosmetics. LOL

Just send me an email with which of the two lip gloss colors you'd like and which blush color makes you happy, along with your mailing address to: makeuptheory@verizon.net

Your products will be sent directly from the company.

I'll connect with you all when I get back from my building adventure.

XOXO

Todra

Latisse Eyelash Medication

2009-07-09T16:35:00.000-07:00

Have any of you seen the commercials with Brooke Shields endorsing a new FDA approved eyelash medication? The formal name of the product is Latisse. Here is a video about it. There are fancier commercials/videos out there, but they all warn of impending death if anyone uses their video in a blog. Copyright laws are serious business.

But this doctor, Charles Runnel, answers the basic questions about Latisse. And he doesn't seem hostile about others using his video. After watching it, tell me if you'd try the product. Or if you have already.

I have a natural suspicion concerning drugs that address cosmetic concerns only. But the idea of having long, sexy Bambi lashes the moment I wake up is sort of appealing, although incredibly vain.

People using Latisse have reported the need to trim their eyelashes because they grew so long and thick. However, I did hear that the product turns blue eyes brown with extended use. Hmmm. That sort of freaks me out. I already have brown eyes, so I wouldn't see a change, but it's weird that the medication has the ability to change eye color. I just wonder how safe this is long term. What do you think?

Eve Organics Giveaway

2009-07-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that I'm a cosmetics junkie. When I get product samples in the mail, it totally makes my day. And when its an indie brand I'm receiving, I usually get to know the woman behind the brand. Sometimes we find a fun bond that goes beyond makeup.

Jenn and I first met through this blog and the samples of an organic lip balm she sent for me to try. Now she's my Cali escape girl.

Kelley Maddison and I met several years ago when she was just starting out as a medical esthetician. Now that she's a natural cosmetics formulator, she's someone I trust to explain ingredients and their performance/hazards. It's also fun to gross her out with emailed photos of my dinner (frog legs, squid, etc).

Now I can add another friend to my list - Sharron Pinheiro of Eve Organics. Sharron first sent samples from her line several months ago. She was generous, sending skin care and color cosmetics.

She also sent a LOT of literature about the hazards of synthetic ingredients and parabens. I sat and read everything from cover to cover. It confirmed what I already believed. Many ingredients in mainstream products aren't good for consumers.

But, as a makeup artist, what I endorse and use on my shoots have to be quality, not just healthy. I've found Eve Organics to be both. I use her color and skin care products on shoots and on my self.

Equally important, she's always upbeat and kind when we talk. She doesn't make me feel pressured to "hurry up and review my stuff," when she sends something. And lately, in light of some heavy family things I'm going through she's been a source of encouragement.

As her small indie brand is picking up momentum (Whole Foods has taken notice!), I asked her to grant me an interview here (before she blows up and snubs me. LOL)

Makeup Theory: Sharron, there are a lot of mineral makeup lines on the market. It seems new ones are popping up daily. But I've noticed besides creating a mineral makeup line, you're spending a lot of money on educational material concerning harmful ingredients found in beauty products. Why?

Sharron: When I decided to create my makeup brand, I was personally using a big name mineral makeup line and it was itching my skin and irritating my rosacea. That didn't make sense to me. I started to research and realized all mineral cosmetics are not as pure as they are marketed to be. I discovered the other brand had parabens in it. Why? Mineral makeup is simply dirt. You don't need preservatives.

I've always advocated using the purest, simplest ingredients in my organic skin care line (which I had before the makeup line). Mineral makeup was simply an extension of what I was already doing. Helping women understand what "natural" really means and how to read beauty labels is part of our mission as a company.

Makeup Theory: I love the idea of a folding business card with names of harmful ingredients printed right on it. I keep one in my wallet for the rare times when I buy mainstream products. I can pull my card out and compare the label's ingredients to your list.

Sharron: We hand those out in our educational workshops and give them to customers. We find women simply don't know what some of these ingredients have been linked to. The idea isn't to bash other companies or to say buy our products exclusively. We want women to know they have a choice in what they put on and in their bodies. We just don't want women misled by advertising.

Makeup Theory: Oh, please. Don't get me started on all the junk out there in the supermarket that's being touted as "natural." That word means absolutely nothing. I've learned to read everything. There is no FDA standard on what can be called natural, right?

Sharron: Actually, only 1% of the ingredients in a product has to be naturally derived for the label to say "natural." We run into these questions a lot with our skin care line. I make the skincare myself using organic ingredients and pure Essential Oils. I don't use fragrance at all. Fragrance can have up to 300 different ingredients in it. There are so many hidden things in there that have been found to be linked to health conditions. It’s stuff we don’t really need in there.

Makeup Theory: I noticed how different your skincare and bath products smell from something I'd get, say, at Bath & Body works. Your scents are earthier and more complex.

Sharron: Yes. I try to explain that there are synthetic fragrances and then there are scents from plants. Essential oils are mostly from leaves, not the fruit – kiwi strawberry scent is not from Essential Oils. Leaves don’t give off the scent of the fruit. Only citrus oils can reproduce the scent - say lemon or grapefruit.

Makeup Theory: I love sweet orange EO.

Sharron: Yes, that's a good one.

Makeup Theory: I tend to be someone who really loves scents, but what if you have a customer who really doesn't want any scent to their skincare?

Sharron: The Essential Oils I use in my products aren't just for the scents. They are also for healing properties such as hormonal balance. But, if someone doesn't want the scent I can easily custom make their products without it. We're actually working on a line now that doesn't have scent.

Makeup Theory: In the future, do you think more consumers will demand that skin care and makeup become healthier and more environmentally conscious?

Sharron: I think we are headed that way – back to the basics. I don’t think enough research was done back in the 50s and 60s when things were being put into products without testing them thoroughly. People are becoming chemical sensitive, allergies are going through the roof and our bodies aren’t used to that. I think it’s going to take us going back to the basics so people can detox their lives. As everyone becomes more educated, we’ll put pressure on the big companies to make things more natural.

Makeup Theory: On a slightly different topic here - I wanted to mention your cruelty free brushes. I've always advocated natural fur cosmetic brushes because they blend impeccably. But lately I've been disturbed about the cruel conditions the animals are kept in. I gave the brushes you sent me a try.

Sharron: What did you think?

Makeup Theory: I'll admit it took me a minute to be comfortable with them. The hair is really soft to the skin and the brushes did the job, but they felt different in my hand. My strokes felt different. But that's something I can get used to. The only brush that I noticed a major difference in application from natural hair was the foundation brush. The mineral foundation didn't cling to it as well as it does to the natural brush. But otherwise, they were really good. Even the blender brush. I was surprised. You've got a good set of brushes there.

Sharron: Thank you. We're still tweaking the brush line, but I'd have to say I'm happy with most of it. We've gotten good feedback on them.

Makeup Theory: Speaking of good feedback. I've been hearing the buzz about your company's giving. Your brand gives 10% of everything earned to charity. What are you doing? You're a small, new brand. I'd think you'd want to reinvest everything back into your business, especially in this economic climate.

Sharron: We are a new business and we do have our struggles but, I really believe in giving back. Giving, along with taking care of the environment, is what we all need to do. People have helped me in so many ways in the past. I'm paying it forward.

Makeup Theory: How do you decide what charities to give to?

Sharron: Sometimes we choose local charities, sometimes national ones. Sometimes customers suggest charities. We try to choose a different one every quarter. We have donated to Breast Cancer organizations in October and MS charities in March.

Makeup Theory: As a result of your giving and your environmental work, Eve Organics has been nominated for a few awards; Your name came up for Beauty with a Conscience and Natural Beauty Award. That's pretty impressive for a 2.5 year old company. Congratulations.

Sharron: Thanks. We were very excited about it. And now mainstream magazines like Teen Vogue is taking notice. They mentioned our glitter shadows in one of their recent issues.

Makeup Theory: Oh, once the teens decide your brand is IT, there will be no stopping your success. (Laughs) Oh, before I wind this up, I want to share that cool tip you sent me. Remember? The one about foundation?

Sharron: Oh, yes! You mix a little bit of a good quality moisturizer with any of my loose powder foundations to create a concealer. Add a little more moisturizer to get a shear cream foundation.

Makeup Theory: That's a great tip because sometimes my customers don't like how powder foundations apply to the skin. A cream may be more comfortable for some women.

Sharron: Absolutely.

Makeup Theory: Where can we buy your products besides your website?

Sharron: In August I'll be opening my first retail space in Chesterfield, Michigan. We plan to expand further into the Michigan market and then into Chicago. We are in negotiations with Whole Foods, also. If all goes as planned, we'll be in our local Whole Foods first; then hopefully we'll be able to expand nationally.

Makeup Theory: That's fantastic. Good luck to you. Also, can we give something away here today so readers can try Eve Organics?

Sharron: Sure. What do you want to give?

Makeup Theory: I was thinking of doing a fun summer look, let's call it Sunkissed. How about letting one winner choose either the Bronze Babe or Shimmery Bronze lip gloss and any blush they'd like?

Sharron: That sounds great.

Makeup Theory: As usual, this giveaway is only for those who follow this blog (simply hit the Follow button to the right above if you're not already a follower). Leave a comment telling us if you've ever tried natural cosmetics and what you thought of them at the end of this post and you'll automatically be entered to win. We'll pick a winner on Friday, July 10, 2009.

Thank you to Sharron for taking the time to tell us about her great products!

Candy Glam Winner

2009-07-01T08:15:00.000-07:00

Oops. I had a packed work schedule yesterday that kept me away from the lap top. But I did get a chance to actually pick a winner for the Candy Glam Giveaway. I just didn't get the chance to announce it as scheduled.

But here goes:

Amy from Changing Focus is the winner!

Congrats to Amy.

Thanks to all of you who entered.

Candy Glam Girl

2009-06-25T12:53:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been busting out of my neutral zone and incorporating color into my life - from my wardrobe to my makeup. Last week I was at Macy's and I can't explain it, but before I knew it, I was clutching a richly patterned plum and gold dress as I made my way to the cash register.

A nearly purple dress may not be a shocking purchase for some of you, but for this girl who most times grabs charcoal gray or black, it was a little off beat. But I like it. It's a new me. Cue up Diana Ross's, I'm Coming Out.

And just in time for my brighter, bolder image, Candy Glam, a line getting buzz for their bold, in-your-face all over glitters and brightly hued shimmer shadows, sent me a goody bag. How do these things coincide?

Who cares? I'm loving the colors. And to add to the beauty of it all, they're mineral! I snatched the High Definition Eye Color in Plum and left the rest for you ladies. Wasn't that sweet of me?

So, this giveaway consist of Candy Glam's High Definition Eye Color in Aqua - a wonderfully bright sea foam inspired color that can be applied wet or dry.

AND you'll also get three of Candy Glam's Sparkles - loose, finely milled body, hair and face glitter. I have Lilac, Green Briar and Miss Muffet (a red/pink tone) to pass your way.

If serious glitter is not your thing, then you must know a teen girl who would do anything to get her hands on these goodies. Tell her to come over and enter to win.

All she (or you) have to do is 1) publicly follow this blog 2)comment at the end of this post so I can enter you in the drawing. Easy. I'll be picking a winner on Tuesday, June 30.

Good luck!

Rest In Peace, Dr. Nielsen

2009-06-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

A decade ago, I received a call from my agent asking if I could fly out immediately to do makeup for a story for Newsweek Magazine. At the time, my career mercury was rising. I'd worked at Fashion Week, done Mariah Carey's makeup and booked a six day shoot in Iceland with Elle Magazine.

My dreams of working with celebrities and reading my name in the fold of a fashion magazine as "makeup artist" were finally coming true.

So what was this Newsweek gig?

"You'll be working with a doctor who was rescued from the Antarctica - the story has something to do with her cancer," my agent said.

Hmmm. Definitely not my usual fashion job, but I'm a closet reporter (I still think I should have studied Journalism in college), who gets high from listening to the adventures of others. I figured if nothing else, this doctor would be an interesting person to meet.

A few hours later I was in a cab jetting to a tiny airport in Jersey where I was whisked onto a plane that seemed barely bigger than a Hyundai Sonata. Are you kidding me? While fastening my seat belt, I counted six other passengers and about 14 empty seats.

Our plane bobbed and dipped from Jersey to Pittsburgh where we switched to a smaller plane that whisked us to Ohio. The Newsweek staff met us at the airport and drove us to a private home with a photo studio attached.

The setup was very "high school portrait studio" - nothing like the giant white boxes flooded with daylight where I normally worked in the West Village. The photographer who flew in with me from New York was "borrowing" a local photographer's studio for the shoot.

I was given a simple stool and a light on a stand to work my magic. Dr. Nielsen was a little nervous when she realized I was there to do her makeup. She'd not been told this would be "so fancy." She informed me she didn't normally wear much makeup.

As I prepared her for the shot, I worked at calming her nerves. I asked to hear her story. She gave me sound bites as the crew was hovering, waiting for me to be done so we could all hop back on planes bound for New York.

After a quick shoot, Dr. Nielsen turned to me and asked, "Are you hungry? Would you all like to go out for something to eat?"

Thankfully the photographer had the same curious gene I did. I saw the sparkle in his eye. He wanted to hear her story, too. We packed up our stuff in a flash then drove for fifteen minutes in the rain until we came to a rundown, Italian restaurant with checkered plastic tablecloths.

We ordered spaghetti, ziti, garlic bread, etc. When I said I'd never had Italian Wedding Soup, Dr. Nielsen insisted I try hers. Loved it.

Then the discussion began. Dr. Jerri Nielsen had been the only doctor assigned to a scientific expedition in the Antarctica when she found a lump in her breast. She performed a biopsy with the help of those at the research base with her - not a single other person had any medical experience.

She taught them what they needed to know by practicing on a raw chicken! After the news got out, it was determined that Dr. Nielsen needed to get out of her current position so she could get home for treatment. In the meantime, Dr. Nielsen administered her own chemotherapy.

Dr. Nielsen recounted to us how a brave crew flew into the Antarctica ("almost blind because of the weather!") to get her. Her gratitude was apparent.

I leaned across the table and asked, "What's it like to do what you do?" OMG. How glad am I that I asked that question? For the next two hours, Dr. Nielsen shared with us the crazy, wonderful life she led. She recounted stories about her world travels, the people she'd met and helped and all of the amazing things she still wanted to do.

Every now and again, she'd stop a great story to say, "Are you sure I'm not boring you guys with this stuff? You work with such glamorous people normally."

NO! We were anything but bored. As I listened to this woman, I couldn't help but think, I hope I live my life as fully as she does. And I pray that at her age I embrace my challenges and my joys with the same attitude that she has.

Our talk with Dr. Nielsen was so fascinating we lost track of the time. We missed our plane back to New York. But as the photographer and I sat in the airport on stand-by with a big commercial airline (thank God), he turned to me and said, "It was worth it."

I totally agree.

Yesterday Dr. Nielsen died. Her breast cancer, after many years in remission, spread to her liver, her bones and her brain. She was only 57. She will be missed. You can read more about Dr. Nielsen here. To check out the movie based on Dr. Nielsen's experience (with Susan Surandon in the lead role) click here.

Cover FX Winner!

2009-06-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! I know. Most people say, "Happy Friday," but I figure if I try hard to make all days happy, I'll have a better attitude all around.

And for me, this was a happy Monday. My agent called earlier today and put me on hold for six days for a national ad campaign. Thank God. Advertising (the real bread & butter of my business) has been so slow in this economy. The pay will enable me to take care of some pressing family matters and return my life to normal.

I'm very thankful.

I also signed up at a local gym today. I'm a size six, so I'm not trying to lose weight, but it would be nice to build some muscle before I don a bikini on my birthday and head for the beach.

As a friend said earlier, who wants to go to the beach and hear, "Would you like some fries with that shake?"

But enough about my fat thighs. Now on to business. Today's the day I put your names in a drawing for the Brite Prep FX primer and guess what???

Sonora Sage won!

Congrats, Sonora. You need to email me at makeuptheory AT verizon.net with your mailing info so I can pop that in the mail to you.

Thanks to all of you who entered. I have a stash of color products to give away later this week.

Until tomorrow...

Deals, Giveaways and a New Summer Collection

2009-06-20T06:43:00.000-07:00

It's the weekend (yeah!!!) and I'm going to catch a student concert at the local music academy. But before dashing off, I want to fill you in on two fun happenings in Indie Makeup Land.

Eve Organics, a natural line I used for my Mommy Makeover, is offering their gorgeous Amethyst mineral eyeshadow for FREE when you order $25 or more from their line. Get free shipping with an order of $75+.

Try their Balance skincare collection for combination skin. It's packed with organic ingredients like South African Rooibos Tea (an anti-inflamatory) and naturally derived DMAE. They make beautiful eyeshadows and blushes, as well. I use their Sangria eyeshadow as a blush (applied with a whispery fan brush) and I LOVE it.

At just $7.95 for eyeshadows and $13.50 for blushes, you can experiment with a whole new look for under $50. But you'd better hurry. The free Amethyst eyeshadow is only available through June 30. Be sure to use the code June09 at checkout.

Priia Cosmetics, my makeup crush, has launched their Endless Summer Collection. It consists of two new cheek colors (Melon Sorbet for light skin and Mocha Spice for dark tones), three luscious new About2Pout lip glosses and a beautiful Satin Complexion Enhancer that adds a subtle glow to any skin tone.

Become a Priia VIP Beauty Plus Member (it's free) and you'll get your own updates on what's new at Priia. And you'll get a chance to win $50 worth of free products. Go to Priia's homepage and scroll to the bottom to fill in the VIP form.

Last, but not least, my Brite Prep Giveaway is still going on. This is a new primer from Cover FX stuffed with age-fighting ingredients and SPF 50. This product makes foundation look GORGEOUS. It's a $45 value. Only 7 women have entered to win so far. You can still get your name in the drawing, so hop over to the post, follow this blog and leave me a comment (at the bottom of this post). I will pick one of you on Monday evening.

I'm off to the concert!

Just as a side note: No brands mentioned on this site pay for advertising - EVER. Lines simply send samples and if I like the products, I tell you about them. If I don't, I skip doing a review. No need to be negative.

Who Makes the Best Mascara?

2009-06-16T17:22:00.001-07:00

As a makeup artist, I've had heated debates (with other artists, of course) over who makes the world's best mascara. Well, as in most cosmetic debates, there are three categories to consider: high end, affordable and natural - often broken down into department store brands, drug store brands and indie brands.

I unashamedly endorse Lancome for the best high end mascara makers in the world. Every one of their creations are wonderful - from Definicils to L'Extreme. When I want to treat myself (they are a bit pricey), I'll pick up one of their products.

As for drug store mascaras, I don't think anyone comes close to L'Oreal's Voluminous. It pumps up skinny lashes and accentuates length perfectly. And if scandalously dark lashes are your thing, carbon black is the color du jour. I'm wearing it in the above picture. $7.95, ladies. Go, L'Oreal.

Yeah, that's right. I said L'Oreal. I know I'm going to get heat about this from all of the Maybelline groupies out there. What is it about that little pink tube that elicits such ardent devotion? The mascara flakes, people. Get over it.

Moving along...I've yet to find a natural mascara that I like. I've tried quite a few and always walked away disappointed. Their performance has been minimal at best. And they don't stay put. I look like a raccoon three hours after application.

So, I wanted to get an expert opinion from someone who hand crafts natural makeup. I contacted my fave mineral cosmetic formulator, Kelley Maddison from Priia Cosmetics, to ask her what's the deal with natural mascaras.

"They don't have lengthening or thickening abilities. They only coat the lashes with color. Without polymers and acrylics (plastics) the product doesn't adhere to the lashes."

She also advised me to be careful of natural mascaras because their usage life is going to be shorter than mainstream mascara because they don't have preservatives. Sounds like an eye infection waiting to happen if you're not careful.

Thank you, Kelley.

But hold on. My girl, Milan, over at AGrlCanMac swears she's found the perfect organic/natural mascara by Physician's Formula. I hopped over to the the Physician's Formula site to check it out. They claim their Organic Wear mascara is 100% Free of Harsh Chemicals, Synthetic Preservatives, Parabens, Clumping, Smudging, Flaking, Fibers & Dyes. AND that it makes lashes look five times thicker and longer.

All of this for $9.95. I have to admit, I'm a little skeptical, but I haven't tried it - yet. Milan says it's wonderful. And she's a makeup girl all the way, so I should trust her assessment. I looked through the ingredients list for Physician's Formula mascara and saw that they've included beeswax. Could that possibly help with adherence? I don't know. I'm not a chemist. Just asking.

Any of you tried a good natural/organic mascara? What's your fave mainstream mascara (go ahead, Maybelline people, have your say now).

Brite Prep FX Giveaway

2009-06-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

Hey Ladies,

As you've probably noticed, I've struggled to keep up my daily writing because, well, the weather is so darn nice now. I've been out like crazy enjoying the parks, theater and a new lounge in our area that has the best music and the friendliest staff ever.

My life is in transition right now (hugely personal family stuff that I can't get into in detail) as I am rediscovering what I like to do and who I like to spend my time with. But my cyber family is important, too.

So to make up for my sluggish typing habits of late, I have a GREAT giveaway for you ladies. I know. You're probably all sick of giveaways by now, right? No? Phew. I was concerned I was boring you all. LOL

This new giveaway came via a gift from Cover FX just for this site. I use Cover FX products frequently on shoots because of the great coverage their foundations and concealers offer.

This giveaway is a brand new Cover FX product that was launched just last month: Brite Prep FX Brightening Foundation Primer with SPF 50. As always, I wanted to use the product before offering it as a giveaway.

I used it on myself for the past week and I have to say my powdered mineral foundation went on really well. There were no spaces where the powder looked thinner than others and I seemed to need less on my brush thanks to the primer. Everything looked flawless. My skin had a luminous glow, as well.

BUT on my brown skin, the SPF turned purple (this is common with most SPF products) and created a cool hue to my foundation, making it slightly more blue than yellow.

When I tried the brightener on white skin, it looked great without shifting the foundation color. I'm not sure if the shift in tone on brown skin would be particularly noticeable to an untrained eye, but in my line of work, I notice the slightest shifts.

This product would be great simply as sun protection, even if you're not wearing foundation over top. It has some pretty impressive science behind it that offers state-of-the art age fighting and cell regeneration.

A customer on Sephora.com wrote a review saying she found the product to be greasy. I didn't notice this at all. I think overall, it's a great addition to an already fantastic line.

So, you want to try it for yourself? It's a $45 value, by the way. All you have to do is 1)Publicly follow this blog (see the Keep In Touch button to the right)
and 2)leave a comment at the end of this post telling me you'd like to win.

A week from now, on June 22, 2009, I'll do a random drawing and pick one of your names.

Good luck, ladies. And get out and enjoy the good weather!

DHC Skincare

2009-06-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

I have a friend, Rachel, who works in the office for a direct-mail skincare line called DHC. It's a big deal in Japan, but I have to admit, I'd never heard of it until she started working there.

Recently, Rachel began sending me product catalogs with small samples inside. My indie brand radar didn't like this new intrusion. DHC's packaging was too "polished" for my natural/organic sensibilities. I couldn't pronounce all of the ingredients like I could with my hippie brands. And besides, I was already happy with what I was currently using.

Fast forward three more catalogs and one empty jar of my regular face cleanser. As I struggled to squeeze the last of my organic cleanser out of the jar I thought, What the heck. I'll try one of those little packets I saw attached to the catalog Rachel sent.

The Deep Cleansing Oil was recommended as a face cleanser. The main ingredient is extra virgin olive oil. Hmmmm. I tend to have dry skin in the winter, but during these warmer months, my skin can have quite an oily layer to it. I wasn't so sure about sticking olive oil on it as a cleanser.

But without anything else, I really didn't have much of an option. I opened the packet and poured the golden liquid into my palm. The packaging said to apply with dry hands on a dry face and rub.

Okay, I totally expected to be grossed out by oil. Just being honest. But actually, it had a smooth, light consistency and a killer cleaning power that broke down my makeup (even water proof mascara) in a split second.

I rinsed it off and looked at my skin in the mirror. My makeup was really gone (no toner necessary) and my face looked great. It didn't feel greasy or weird in any way.

So now my curiosity was piqued. I flipped through the catalog and found other foil wrapped samples. DHC's Coenzyme Q10 Cream was the next product I tried. It's formulated especially for dry, aging skin. Supposedly the coenzyme Q10 is found naturally in human skin and helps the skin keep its elasticity. Cool.

I liked the cream, although I suspect I'd use it more in the winter months when a heavier face cream is optimal.

There's an eye cream in the line that is made with Q10 as well. I'm an eye cream junkie, so I hopped on that in a minute. I can only speak of the texture (soft and light weight), but not the age fighting results as I only had one small packet to test.

My favorite product I sampled was their portable film cleansing sheets. These paper thin soap sheets produce an amazing amount of lather and include the same age fighting ingredients as their other products. Great for travel or the gym.

Now I'm excited to try some of their more innovative products like their Revitalizing Moisture Strips for the eyes. They are half moons of paper saturated with a gel containing mulberry, olive and soy. You adhere them to your under eye areas while you sleep to reduce puffiness and soften crow's feet. Nice.

Have any of you tried (or even heard of) DHC before this post? I'd love to hear if you've used it and what your results were long term.

My Stint as a Redhead

2009-06-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

While we're on the wedding theme (see the post just before this one), I remember a pivotal point in my natural products journey that all started with a wedding invite.

Last year around March, I found out my friend Cheryl was getting married - in June. As usual, I stuck the invite in a drawer and said, I'll figure out what to wear closer to the event (I'm a horrible procrastinator at times). March passed as did April and May. When June arrived, far too quickly, I hadn't done anything in preparation for my friend's wedding.

I hadn't bought a gift. I didn't know what I was going to wear to the event and I wasn't inspired to shop. Yeah, I can't believe I said that last line either.

I should add here that I was going through a particularly hard time concerning my personal style.

As I no longer worked in the fashion industry, getting the inside scoop on the season's hottest looks, I was suffering fashion withdrawal something awful. And when makeup clients asked, "So what's the beauty look for summer?" I'd stand before them with a blank stare. I had no idea.

And as if that wasn't bad enough, I hated my hair. For no particular reason. I just did. I was tired of it. As a die hard, no-relaxer-is-ever-touching-my-hair chick, I wasn't about to murder, I mean, straighten my hair. But what?

I had an idea. Before the wedding, I'd dye my hair. As already stated, my natural instinct is to distrust chemicals. I would normally be the last person to consider a permanent hair color. But I was in distress.

Here's where it gets really bad.

I went to the grocery store (I can hear you all gasping now) and bought a boxed dye because, "How hard could it be to color my own hair?"

I was going for a warm brown with reddish highlights. It would be sort of like my natural color, but improved. It would be so pretty.

Two hours later as I stood before the bathroom mirror (the same day as the wedding!) watching my hair turn a rather bright copper tone, I vaguely remembered something about a strand test.

And then there was the smell. It sort of reminded me of the lingering scent of chlorine bleach. A little voice inside my head said I should, maybe, wash the color off NOW - a whole ten minutes earlier than the box suggested.

This was the results.

To say I was upset is an understatement. Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked in the mirror at my hooker red hair color. Now don't get me wrong. I think natural red hair is GORGEOUS, but mine didn't look anywhere near natural. It was blazing, screaming BOXED HAIR COLOR. So not me.

I called two friends who were hair stylist and asked them to help. At their instruction, I stuck a wig over top (which I ran out and bought 25 minutes before the wedding!).

The next day I tried to color correct it. Nothing worked. And none of my clothes or makeup looked good with almost orange hair. Finally, I bit the bullet and bought an all natural black hair dye from the health food store. I hate my hair black, but it was better than red/orange. This was the result of the natural hair dye.

The natural black dye washed out gradually over the next month leaving me with a dark brown color. I then took the time to learn about body art quality henna. It's pure henna without color accelerators. I order it online. I also make my own natural hair rinses - teas made with fresh organic rosemary, sage and hibiscus flowers.

I simply make a big pot of the tea and use it as a final rinse each time I wash and condition my hair. It keeps it brown with cherry tones that are only visible in the sunlight. Something like this:

Perfect. I've never bought a boxed hair dye again.

Wedding Style

2009-06-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was with a friend discussing everything and nothing really, while sipping tea in the breeze on her porch. Somehow our meandering topics landed on a woman my friend knows who recently married.

Like all brides, this young woman wanted her face and hair to look great for her special day. As someone who's style is "nature girl", she knew she'd need help. A few weeks before her wedding, I'm told she went to a salon to do a trial for her hair style, but passed on the offer to have a makeup trial (WHAT???)

So, the day of her wedding arrived. Her hair came out precisely as the bride had requested, which makes sense considering the stylist knew exactly what the bride wanted. They'd already met to discuss it.

When it came time for the makeup, the unsuspecting bride was handed over to an artist who who knew exactly what he wanted to create. Because there were a few skin issues to address (blemishes and such) our (inexperienced) makeup artist decided the foundation needed to be extra thick - all over.

Next, he envisioned a black smoky eye and several shades of eye shadow that would compliment the colors of the wedding. A pair of fake lashes and a deeply lined lip (can someone say music video circa 1995) filled in with a much lighter lipstick finished the look.

The young bride, remember, barely wears makeup. Can you imagine her response at seeing her wedding day face? Yeah. She went home, in tears, and asked her bridesmaids to help her wash it off.

From what I understand, it took four girls to scrub the last of it off. As sad as this story is, it's incredibly common. Sometimes I get calls from brides, two hours before their wedding, tears streaming - "I got your number from ______________ and she said you could fix my makeup!"

These scenarios can be fixed long before the tearful phone call.

For some reason, in certain parts of the country, hair styling is the holy grail of grooming and makeup is the oft forgotten ugly stepchild. This, obviously, is not the case in major cities like New York and Miami. In NYC, brides booked me before they did the wedding venue! Looking good is a much sought after art form in NYC. *sigh* I miss that.

Anyway, back to this post.

In case no one has said this before, I will. Makeup application is as important (in some cases more so) as the wedding day hair style. I've known brides who had a certain fashion flare with a very modern twist who didn't go for that up swept, lacquered hair look. They threw in few cool hair clips with some messy tendrils hanging down and called it a day. They looked amazing.

But they still hired someone to do their makeup because they wanted their faces to look knockout gorgeous in their photos. But, and this is a big BUT, they always did a trial first.

I don't care if you're hiring Bobbi Brown, pay for a trial before the big day. Here's why: A makeup artist could do the most amazing pro job on your face and you could still hate it. It may be her/his vision for you and not yours.

I think whoever does Christina Aguilera's makeup is sheer genius, but I wouldn't want to get married with that style of makeup. It's just not me.

If it's important to you to look like yourself, but better, here are some tools to help you find the right makeup artist.

1) If you attended a wedding and loved how the bride looked, ask her who she used. Not just the name of the salon but the name of the makeup artist. Call the salon and make sure that person still works there and then book your trial. Make sure to book at least a month before your wedding to insure nothing gives you an allergic reaction close to your wedding date.

2) For your trial, bring magazine pages of models in makeup that you like. This doesn't mean you are asking the artist to copy that look onto your face, but it gives her/him an idea of what you like.

3) Bring a picture of your gown. This shows the artist the style of the dress and the wedding - traditional, modern, etc. Makeup style should compliment the overall style of the wedding.

4) Let the artist know how you will be doing your hair (and if you'll be adding highlights, lowlights, etc). I always take this into consideration because the shape of the face visually "changes" according to how the hair is worn (and the colors in the hair). An updo may reveal an overly prominent forehead or accentuate amazing cheekbones. This all comes into play when I'm decided what to emphasize and what to downplay on a face.

5) Do your face the way you normally do it for your trial. This gives the artist an idea of your comfort level with makeup. He can simply have you wash your face in the salon for the trial. If you're willing to go much heavier with your makeup than usual, say that. Otherwise make it clear that you don't want your family and friends to think you just came from a stint as a clown.

6) Let your artist know if you plan to tan for your wedding day. If so, you may want to tan for your trial. Not all artists are experienced enough to shift the makeup hues correctly for a darker skin tone (but keep the look you originally wanted). Colors that look great on ivory skin do not work on bronzed skin. Another note: Please do not fake tan until you are orange. This is a hard skin tone to compliment, no matter how good of an artist one is.

7) Do not ask the artist to explain what she's doing and teach you to do it. A trial is not a makeup lesson (that costs more than a trial). Sit back and let her do her craft. If after you've tried to convey what you want and she's not catching your vision, thank her and look for someone else.

8) Book your makeup appointment AFTER your hair appointment. Hair spray leaves a shiny residue on foundation if the hair stylist isn't careful with application. The only exception to this is if your hair style is going to be down around your face. Then go for hair last so each strand is in place just the way you want it.

Some general pointers:

Any artist who tells you makeup has to be much heavier for pictures/video, doesn't know her craft. That's just not true anymore. Unless you're shooting your wedding with throw away cameras, you should be fine with normal, natural looking makeup.

Digital photography tends to make reds more intense. Remember this when using bronzer, red lipsticks and purple/blue colors around the eyes.

If you're trying to cover breakouts and blemishes, get a heavily pigmented pot concealer that matches your skin perfectly and a nylon brush. Brush over the spots until you can't see them. Apply a sheer foundation on the rest of the face.

Are you getting married soon and you'd like makeup tips? I'd be happy to answer any questions.

The picture above is shot with a model and it appeared in Wedding Belle Magazine. I did the makeup and wardrobe styling.

Skin Scentuals Winner!!!

2009-05-31T19:59:00.000-07:00

Hey Ladies,

Posting to let you know the winner of the Skin Scentuals Giveaway. So many of you gave great reasons as to why you'd love to win. It was a hard decision. You were all good. But we really liked how Cheryl Isaacs described each product that she'd like and why.

She read the post and pointed out the ingredient that would work for her skin type. Nice. She also read the Skin Scentuals website and mentioned what benefits the products offer.

On a different note, we were also inspired by Cheryl's business helping small business owners find the resources they need for success.

So, Congratulations, Cheryl. Send me an email at makeuptheory AT verizon.net to let me know for sure what you'd like and your contact info. Your products will be sent out soon.

Thank you all for entering. There will be a giveaway with a BRAND NEW product from Cover FX very shortly. Stick around.

What's in my Stash

2009-05-29T09:24:00.001-07:00

Two more days to enter the Skin Scentuals Giveaway!!!

Whenever I meet someone new and they learn I'm a makeup artist, the first question I get is, "What products do you use?" This question is two-fold. Some women want to know what I use in my work kit (aspiring makeup artists or Multilevel marketing reps ask this one), while other women want to know what products I use personally.

The inquiry is almost always whispered, as though we're discussing top secret subject matter. If I'm in a social setting, it can create a frenzy if other women realize I'm giving out free beauty secrets. Hosts hate having me at parties.

As much as I understand the question and I do the same thing when I meet, say, an interior decorator ("Where do I get the best organic bamboo flooring?"), it can make every day feel like I'm "on duty."

I tried to devise a quick, one liner, something like the log line for a movie, "I have a large assortment of good quality brands in my kit." Women weren't buying that AT ALL. They wanted name dropping.

But the truth is I have so many different brands in my kit (and my bathroom) it would take several cocktail parties to get through the list. But since going (mostly) natural/organic with my products, I've found an easier way to answer the question.

"I find almost all of my products on the Indie Beauty Network!" Aw, sweet, simple and informative.

Most women I encounter haven't heard of the Indie Beauty Network. That's because the brands/women whose products are on the Indie Beauty Network don't usually have Lancome's cashflow, so you won't see full page glossy ads in this month's Vogue.

That doesn't mean the indie products aren't good - some of them from a beauty standpoint and an environmental one.

Brands like Urban Apothecary and Priia provide all the lux and shimmer of M.A.C. with a healthy twist. On shoots, I regularly use Eve Organics and Fusion of Color eye shadows and concealers, respectively.

These brands and hundreds more are found at Indie Beauty Network. When I want natural bath products or raw ingredients for my homemade hair products, I hop over to the site to see who's got the best shea butter or purest essential oils.

The social network is a great plus. Can you get online and discuss the ingredients in your foundation with the formulator over at Clinique? I think not. The option to customize my colors, textures and ingredients (with the person who's actually making the product!) is a nice perk.

Occasionally, women balk at the notion of ordering makeup and skincare online. I originally thought I'd hate it, too. But it's not a big deal at all. Order samples before you get the full sized product. I now find I prefer ordering online because I don't have to fight through the mall scene every time I need to replenish my favorite blush.

To connect with this community of great product manufacturers, go to the Indie Beauty Network social site and sign up for an account. You don't have to be a makeup artist, just a beauty enthusiast.

Here's a fun list of why It's good idea to buy indie.

Disclaimer: Not all products found on the Indie Beauty Network are natural or organic. I do love a few big name brands and products that don't fit the healthy description. Sort of like a vegan who sneaks down an ice cream cone now and again. Nars Orgasm blush will always be my first love (for my work kit) and Loreal Voluminous carbon black mascara will be placed in my coffin with me. I've already requested it in writing.

My Time in Paradise

2009-05-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

For several years I've wanted to go to Southern California. There were always excuses as to why I couldn't go - too much work, not enough work, hotels are expensive, home/life drama, etc. Well, earlier this month, I said, "I'm doing this."

I contacted a friend from my church who recently escaped, I mean "moved", from Pennsylvania to Southern Cali. She immediately offered her home in beautiful Sierra Madre as my crashing pad. No need for a hotel. She also arranged a house in Hollywood where I could stay if I wanted a grungier experience.

That left me with simply airfare and rental car to cover. I found an incredible deal at Priceline - $442 for round trip airfare and a zippy red Hyundai Elantra (with a sunroof) for eight days!

I was set for my adventure.

My friend with the free crashing pad works as a producer in Hollywood from sun up to sun down, so she had little time to show me around or even hang out. That was fine. I had wheels and a map.

And I had Jenn.

Jenn has been a cyber friend for several months (a reader of this blog!) and she happens to live two blocks from the beach in Southern Cali! She loves makeup, uber healthy fusion food and shopping till she needs oxygen injections. We are obviously twins separated at birth.

Pasadena, Long Beach, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Bel Aire - we drove from morning till night. Beach hopping, eating, clothes shopping, eating, getting lost, eating... I admire a girl who can slurp down a $9 hemp milk, fresh ginger and kale smoothie with the best of them.

But we did do a few touristy things. My producer friend arranged for Jenn & me to get an insider's tour of the Warner Brothers lots - my dream employer.

We had a blast!!!

Thank you, Jenn, for spending so much time showing me the cooler spots. And thanks to my other friend (who would rather remain anonymous) for your hospitality. I will be back (hopefully to stay).

I've been desperate for an injection of diversity, fashion and great food. Here are pictures from my trip. Of course, the picture above is Jenn and me hitting up a cosmetics store. It's an addiction.

This was taken on a set at Warner Brothers.

Rodeo Drive was incredible.

Versace, Baby!

Overlooking Bel Aire

Jenn at the beach

Downtown Sierra Madre

NOTE: GOOGLE IS NOT ALLOWING ME TO ADD COMMENTS TO THIS BLOG FOR SOME REASON. I AM UNABLE TO RESPOND TO YOUR COMMENTS AT THE MOMENT. HOPEFULLY, GOOGLE WILL STRAIGHTEN THIS OUT SOON.

Yeah, it's fixed!!! The Comments button is fixed. Phew. That was annoying.

Skin Scentuals Review & Giveaway

2009-05-18T18:27:00.001-07:00

Before I left for Los Angeles (which I LOVED, by the way), I told you all how I received this amazing stash of all natural skin and bath products in the mail, compliments of Skin Scentuals.

It's always fun to get beauty and bath products in the mail, but lately I've been dealing with a bout of depression. Anything good that happens to me helps to lift my spirits.

Boy, did this box help!

Nine luscious products ranging from giant, floral scented bath bombs to a whipped butter body scrub arrived in full sizes via UPS. I've had three weeks to pamper myself and take notes for all of you. Here goes, face products first.

Face EScentual Gentle Face Cleanser
This product really is the gentlest face cleanser I've ever used. It has a slightly milky consistency thanks to yogurt powder (packed with lactic acid for hydrating dry skin)and Colloidal oatmeal. It's also loaded with natural anti-aging ingredients like aloe, grapeseed oil and rosehip seed oil. I've used this cleanser every day since it arrived.

There are no sulfates, parabens, mineral oil or petroleum. For those of you who lust after lather, this isn't the cleanser for you. And I don't know how effective it would be against oily skin. But for dry, mature skin this is a keeper.

Face EScentual Cleanser
This powder cleanser, containing Green tea powder, Bladderwrack Powder (a seaweed rich in amino acid that prevents the skin from losing moisture), Honey Powder and Yogurt Powder, exfoliates and works as a nourishing face mask. I like products that have multiple uses. Less bottles in the bathroom.

With this cleanser, I simply scoop out a small amount, mix with water and work in circles across my face. The slightly grainy texture exfoliates, leaving my skin really soft and smooth.

Because I'm addicted to the Gentle Facial Cleanser, I've mainly used this cleanser for weekly exfoliation or as a nourishing mask.

Simply Clean Toner
This toner is a mild formula made with aloe, rose water, natural Witch Hazel and willow bark extract. I didn't NOT like this product, but nothing stood out for me. Since I'm a mixer, I usually do my own toner from Aloe Vera juice and Witch Hazel. As far as I can tell, it works just as well.

But for those who'd prefer the convenience of a pre-mixed solution, this is a good product.

Dead Sea Mineral Masque
LOVE THIS STUFF!!! This tingly, minty green masque is pure heaven. The clay used is extracted from the mineral rich Dead Sea (which boasts a higher salt & mineral content than any ocean in the world). Essential oils and aloe are added for extra benefits. I left the mud on my face & neck for 15 minutes. When I washed it off, my skin was glowing. This is a keeper.

Aloe Vera Face Moisturizer
This very light gel moisturizer is a great daytime moisturizer underneath my mineral makeup. It adds just the right amount of glow and moisture without being greasy. But I prefer something heavier for night time. Ingredients include aloe, licorice root (a skin brightener) and lavender EO.

Now for the body products:

Whipped Shea Souffle
My flaky, dry skin loves this stuff. The whipped shea nut and mango butters are taken up a notch with olive oil, black current oil and grapeseed oil. I smoothed this on after getting out of the shower and my skin was radiant. I will warn those with oily or normal skin, this may be a bit much on the oil department.

But for me, it was just what my thirsty skin needed. I'll be ordering a pound of it for the winter. No more ashy knees!

Whipped Butter Body Scrub
I tried to like this product, I really did. But in the end, I don't. It has virtually the same ingredients list as the Whipped Shea Souffle, so I don't get it. Well, actually I do. The exfoliating granules (I think its sea salt) irritated my skin. I normally do brown sugar drenched in oils as a body scrub, so maybe I just have problems with salt scrubs in general.

But the product also left a tacky (almost sticky) film on my skin. So, this one won't be on my list.

Bath Bombs
I've seen bath bombs in chic little bath stores and thought, what a gimmick. Well, I've been reformed. What a fun, colorful bath experience I had with the two bath bombs from Skin Scentuals. First of all, they were huge. I barely got my hand around one of them. And when I released it into the water, the fizz was media-worthy, no lie. A moment later, a floral scent filled my entire bathroom while my bath water turned Caribbean sea green.

I slid into the warm water and immediately felt the shea butter and oils glide across my skin. I'll never bathe without a bath bomb again. LOL I want to try their chocolate version.

Sweet Dreams Bath Oil
I really like the old style apothecary bottle and the herbs floating around inside the oils. But the product - it was all right. I guess after the high-impact bath bomb, sprinkling a few drops of oil in my bath was anti-climatic. But I get it. There are a lot of good ingredients in this oil that help nourish the skin and relax the mind.

Overall, I like this line a lot and I'm excited that it's handmade and all-natural. The only thing I really don't like about this line is the labeling. I stored my bottles in the shower and two days later, I couldn't read a single label. The ink was smeared so badly, I was left guessing which product was which. So, be sure to store them away from water.

Would you like a chance to try these fun, nourishing products? Sherri Antras, creator of Skin Scentuals, has graciously offered to do a giveaway with her products. And it's a good one!

You can CHOOSE a Facial Collection filled with a full-sized cleanser, toner and moisturizer matched to your skin type all shipped in a beautiful gift box. This is a $57 value.

OR

You can choose a Bath Collection which includes an 8 oz body lotion, a body scrub and a spa soap (honey almond sounds yummy). This set is valued at $43.50

Wait, there's more...

OR

You can get 4 of her wonderful bath bombs in a pretty gift box. With scents like Wine & Roses, Orange Creamsicle and Peppermint Candy, it'll be so much fun experimenting. I had the Mediterranean Breeze. It was wonderful. This set is worth $22.

If you'd like to get your hands on these freebies, here's how you get your name in the running.

1. Publicly follow this blog. I say this every contest and get about seven entries from people who don't click the follow button at the right. You won't be entered into the drawing if you don't publicly follow this blog.

2. Hop over to Skin Scentuals and pick out which of the sets mentioned above (they are not sets on the site, but they've been put together especially for this blog's giveaway) you'd like to win.

3. Come back here and let me know through a comment which products you'd like and why. Make it good because this one isn't a random drawing. It's based on real need. If you can convince me that you really need that set, it'll be yours.

This contest will run through May 31th. Good luck, ladies!

Shoot Season

2009-05-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

Things are a little hectic on my end as my photo shoots have picked up. Not as much as normal during this time of the year (the economy is hurting us all), but it's still enough to keep me on my toes.

On Thursday I shot with a young aspiring model for her comp cards. She'll be in New York City in July at the International Model & Talent Association competitions.

Here are more shots of Paige. Good Luck, girl!

Becca Winner!!!!

2009-05-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

Hello ladies,

I am so sorry it's taken me two days longer than I promised to report the winner of the Becca Giveaway. As you know, I was in Los Angeles for a little over a week and then as I was flying back into Chicago, my connecting flight to Pa was canceled. I sat in the Chicago airport for five hours. I didn't get home until nearly midnight instead of 6 PM. Grrrr.

I had a shoot bright & early the next morning.

Never fly United. A friend who flew from Hawaii to Chicago to connect to Pa had her flight canceled just a week ago. Not particularly customer friendly.

Anyway, back to more pleasant things - our Becca Giveaway winner is...drum roll, please - Housewife Savant!

Congratulations pretty woman. You're going to look gorgeous in the colors in this collection.

To everyone who entered, thanks so much. There will be other goodies going out in the near future. Keep reading.

Hugs.

Awesome Becca Giveaway

2009-05-01T11:49:00.001-07:00

This post is about a very cool Becca giveaway, but first I want to gush over the goodies I got in the mail today. The UPS man knocked on the door a few minutes ago bearing a medium-sized box.

I didn't recall ordering anything, but often companies send samples for me to try and blog about, so I signed for my unknown goodies and headed to the kitchen for a knife to pry my way inside the box.

To my delight, I got an amazing stash of full-sized skincare and bath products from Skin Escentual - an Indie line that I've been dying to try. Their commitment to completely natural ingredients is impressive. Their Dead Sea Mineral Masque contains wonderful ingredients like Dead Sea clay, organic Aloe, sea kelp, Kosher vegetable glycerin and Sweet Orange Essential Oil.

Besides the masque, I got a cleanser, toner, moisturizer and a yogurt & green tea exfoliating cleanser.

Body products included a shea/mango whipped body butter, a whipped body scrub, sweet dreams bath oil and a beautifully scented bath bomb. I see a very long, candle light bath coming on.

Stay tuned because I'll write about my faves when I return from Los Angeles on the 14th of May.

Now for you ladies - I received the gorgeous Best of Becca Palette pictured above just so I could pass it along to one of you. It contains two eye shadows - one metallic gold and one metallic bronze (would be gorgeous on most skin tones)- one lip & cheek creme in Blossom, a creme blush in Turkish Rose and one eye/face/lips gloss in a white/mother of pearl hue entitled Bird of Paradise.

There's also a cute double-sided eyeliner/eye powder brush. This palette is a $65 value. You get a chance to win it by 1) publicly following this blog (hit the button to the right that says Follow) and 2) leaving a comment after this post telling me you really want the palette.

That's it. I will post the winner on May 14th when I return from my Los Angeles gig.
I'm not sure how busy I'll be out there, so I may not be able to post your comments right away (unless I have a moment to sneak to a laptop - I won't be bringing mine), but I'll go through them and post them as soon as I return.

Then I'll put your names in random.org for a totally fair drawing. How does that sound?

Good luck, ladies!

P.S. the color in the palatte that looks lavender isn't. It's more of a orange/pink color. Not sure why it looks lavender in the shot. Also, this palette is not mineral makeup. Becca's mineral line does not launch until the summer.

Crazy Lazy Day

2009-04-30T12:41:00.001-07:00

It's cloudy and cold in Pa today. I was hoping we'd keep the sunny, hot weather from last week, but no such luck. Days like this make me incredibly sleepy. All I want to do is lounge around - like my kitty, Hudson.

I leave for Los Angeles in five days - beaches, parties, sun. I can hardly wait. My schedule is work-free until I return mid-May. I think I'll go take a nap now.

Budget Friendly Skincare

2009-04-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was visiting one of my favorite hair blogs and found a new "beauty adviser" on board. For one of the post, the young makeup guru created a spring look that consisted of four streaks of very defined (and bright) colors across the eyes accentuated with a black Cleopatra inspired eye liner that ran almost to the nose.

As I read the comments at the bottom, I found one woman to be particularly upset by the post. She ranted about how women need to stop putting all that junk on our faces and just take good care of our skin.

Hmmmm. I'd certainly agree that the spring recommendation was a bit, well, hardcore. And some blending was definitely in order. But let's not toss out the baby with the bath water here.

Makeup, if done with a subtle hand, can polish a woman's look without mimicking exotic bird plumage. Even special event makeup can be understated with one pop of exciting color applied either on the lips or eyes.

But I totally agree with the notion that taking care of our skin trumps loading it up with makeup. Especially if the makeup is contributing to skin problems, which cheap makeup often does.

I've had clients admit that it comes down to money. If you're on a budget, the choices are amazing, expensive skin care products or good makeup. But that's not always the case.

Makeup is something most women don't have the time or the skill to make from scratch. But skincare products can easily be found in your fridge or your kitchen cabinets.

For instance, I love using plain yogurt as a face exfoliant. The lactic acid lifts dead skin cells without using harsh chemicals or irritating seeds. And my skin feels as soft as a baby's butt afterward.

In the winter months, raw honey and olive oil work wonders for my dry, dull skin. Friends with oily skin issues swear by tomato face masks. When I make my avocado/honey face mask for extra moisturizing, my curious kitty, SoHo, thinks I've added something new to his menu (see above picture).

Speaking of menus - what we eat and drink also play a big part in the health of our skin. I am (mostly) vegetarian at the moment and hoping to go completely raw food by the end of the year. Just weeding out junk, taking in more fresh juices and drinking plenty of water have made a big difference in my skin.

It's really not difficult to take good care of your skin and look gorgeous without going broke. I believe a holistic approach works best.

If you'd like help with making recession proof skincare, visit I'm On The Lookout, a great site with videos on making skincare products.

You can also purchase Natural Beauty Recipe Book from Amazon.

Do you have a homemade beauty or skincare product that you love? I'd like to post the recipe for others to try.

Aloe Vera Face Spritzers

2009-04-28T06:27:00.001-07:00

The weather in Pa is crazy. It has steadily climbed from a chilly 45 degrees a week ago to a blistering 90 today. My backyard feels like a sauna. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE hot weather. It just happened so quickly, I need time to adjust.

One of the things I like most about sunny days is what they do to my skin. I turn an even toned, brick red with a nice "glow" thanks to my (small amount of) Cherokee blood. No need for foundation in the summer. Without foundation, I don't have to worry about melt downs in the heat.

I also get to enjoy my favorite facial spritzer - aloe vera juice.

Aloe Vera face spritzers give a quick relief from the summer heat while also nourishing the skin (I use it in my hair, as well!) The Aloe juice (or gel) hydrates the skin and relieves the pain from sunburns. As a matter of fact, several sunscreens on the market contain Aloe Vera, as does many of the higher-priced skin care lines.

Pick up a bottle of preservative-free, organic Aloe Vera juice (my personal favorite is Lily of the Desert) from a health food store. Make sure it's in a dark brown bottle (it keeps better) and it's not a gel. If purity and potency are important to you, skip the clear bottled, chemical-laden choices offered at big box stores like Wal-Mart.

Place your Aloe Vera bottle in the fridge. When you're ready for a cool, refreshing facial spritzer, pour a small amount into a spray bottle. Close your eyes and spritz away. It feels fantastic.

I tried to do this the totally back-to-nature way. I bought a real Aloe Vera leaf from the farmer's market. I came home and sliced it open and plopped it in the blender. The idea of using a fresh plant really appealed to my "granola" personality, but I couldn't get the tiny Aloe gel balls down to a liquid.

Maybe I have a crappy blender. My entire batch of Aloe Vera juice had little "jelly fish" in it. Being as determined as I am sometimes, I tried to mash the balls out and then poured the liquid into a spray bottle. It simply clogged my bottle.

I ended up pouring the juice over my hair. But then I had little jelly fish in my hair - for 3 days - even after washing it. Sometimes it's best to go the convenient route.

Do you have a simple, natural product you love to use in summer?

Beauty Themed Bridal Shower

2009-04-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I worked a half day on a photo shoot and then rushed home and prepared for one of my beauty workshops. This particular one was a bridal shower/beauty workshop. Pure fun. The two women who organized the party were amazing. Every detail was perfect.

But don't take my word for it, check out the photos.

If you'd like to host a beauty themed bridal shower, shoot me an email for pricing. Any location in the US is fine.

Thank You, Banana Republic!

2009-04-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

Phew. I finally got the virus issue solved. Well, actually four techies solved the issue over the course of nearly six hours. Insane. But I seem to be up and running again without any problems - although they did erase my beautiful San Francisco Bay desktop photo. Oh, well.

Back to business.

I was surfing the Web the other day and came across Banana Republic's ad campaign entitled, City Stories. To my delight, they've used one of my favorite artist in the ads - Ayo.

She's a Nigerian/German songwriter/singer with a culturally eclectic sound. And her music, thankfully, is never about sexing strangers she meets in clubs. I adore her "Well, It's Supposed to Be Love," a song about domestic violence. To say I'm a fan is an understatement.

Right now she's my makeup crush. I dream of creating a look for one of her videos. Look at that face.

Here's her cool Banana Republic ad:

Apologies

2009-04-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

To my dismay, my computer has a virus. I am having trouble getting online without a lot of drama and everything is really slow.

I'll probably have the time next week to take it to a techie to have something done. But until then, my posting will be limited.

Please check back in later.

Burt's Bees Mask Winner!!!

2009-04-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

Hey Ladies,

Popping in to announce the winner of the Burt's Bees Clay Mask. Drum roll, please...

Nina!!!

Earning those two extra entries (she did a Tweet about the giveaway) worked in her favor. Congratulations, Nina.

Send me an email at makeuptheory AT verizon.net with your contact info so I can mail out your prize.

I'm off to enjoy the pretty spring weather.

Mommy Makeover - Date Night

2009-04-15T09:58:00.000-07:00

My friend, Kristen, has ivory skin, deep blue eyes and beautiful fiery red hair. She rarely wears more than mascara and lip balm. But a couple of weeks ago she cornered me in the bathroom at church. "I'm ready," she said with a serious tone. "I want to learn to do my makeup."

I was excited to hear that. I'd been trying to get Kristen to let me play with color on her face for a while, but she'd usually say, "I probably won't do what you teach me. I don't have much time, you know."

Kristen is a stay-at-home mom with two sons who are under 4.

When we got together for her makeup lesson, we talked about my Three-Products-in-Three Minutes strategy. She loved it. Her three products were 1. concealer 2. blush 3. mascara.

Just those three products gave her a pulled together look for her mid-afternoon grocery store runs.

But we decided to go beyond that into a more glamorous look that she could do for date nights with her husband, Mike. Here are shots of what we did. Most of the products are by Eve Organics. I'll be doing an interview and giveaway with the line's creator, Sharron Pinheiro, in a week or so.

Here, we're just getting the mineral foundation applied. If your skin is as fair as Kristen's, be careful not to get a foundation that is too light. Sometimes my clients automatically think they're the lightest color in a line, but discover that they've ordered a shade too pale. When ordering foundations online, order samples of the 3 fairest shades and compare them by swiping them on your jawline. The one that seems to disappear into your skin is your correct color.

Here I blended Eve Organics Deep Abyss, Camo and Platinum to get this eye shadow shade. Loose minerals are great for creating your own signature colors. I applied them with a soft bristle eye shadow brush and then blended with a clean blender brush.

A very light brush of EO Baby Blush on Kristen's cheeks and a soft pink toned lip gloss kept the focus where we wanted it, on her eyes.

Final result! Kristen's all set for her date night. Doesn't she look pretty?

Don't forget, my Burt's Bees Clay Mask Giveaway is going on until tomorrow evening. If you'd like a chance to win, follow this blog and leave a comment on the Burt's Bee's post.

Old Hollywood Glamour

2009-04-14T05:44:00.000-07:00

When I was 9 years old, I was totally into Old Hollywood films. Gone with the Wind, All About Eve, Vertigo. The acting was campy and over the top, but that’s probably what made them fun to watch.

When was the last time you fell into a man’s arms, tears streaming down your face as you shrieked, “No! No! I just can’t stand it anymore. I do love you, Spencer. I do!”?

I especially adored musicals. Old Hollywood gave me plenty of those. I’ve probably seen The Sound of Music 20 times.

I loved Fred Astair’s movies because they had singing and dancing. I almost knocked out my two front teeth trying to do that thing he did with the chair –
e a s i n g it down with his body weight. I hit the kitchen floor with my face. Fred made it look so easy.

But somewhere around my 12th birthday, I forgot about old Fred and focused on the glamour of Hollywood’s First Ladies. The costumes, the perfectly coiffed hair and, of course, the makeup mesmerized me. Dorothy Dandridge, Rita Hayworth, Marilyn Monroe – nothing understated about them.

My hands-down, absolute favorite old Hollywood film (for the makeup & costumes) was The Ten Commandments. Despite the film’s mish mosh telling of the Bible story (Moses was about 85 years old when he returned to Egypt, not a distinguished hunk with a grey beard and a cool shawl), the leading women looked amazing.

Anne Baxter’s Nefretiri was outrageously glamorous – From her shimmering gold gowns (thanks to Edith Head) to her blood red lips. And those fake lashes could sweep a house clean. I thought she was IT.

And then I saw Yvonne De Carlo who played Moses’ wife. This chick managed to take on nasty sheep thieves, herd livestock for forty years and travel through a desert for hundreds of miles on foot, all without breaking a sweat and messing up her “face”.

Man, I was impressed. Even at 12.

The final amazing woman was the beautiful, but troubled Lilia, played by Debra Paget. Even as a lowly, dirty water girl/Hebrew slave, the girl was stunning. When she was snatched as arm/bed candy (twice) by men in power, she was “cleaned up and scented” and came out even prettier than seemingly possible.

She hated these men, of course, because her heart belonged to Joshua (that’s not in the Bible story, either).

The poor girl couldn’t get a break because she was flawless. A mud-covered old slave looked at Lilia as she was plucked away by yet another slobbering man, and said, “Beauty is but a curse among our women.”

I hope someone says that about me some day. LOL

Who's your fave old Hollywood star? And do you think today's celebs are as glamorous as the stars of Hollywood's Golden Age?

Although Anne Baxter looks gorgeous in the above picture, check out Yul Brynner. Nothing like a hawt straight man in a skirt and the nemes.

Bentonite Clay - Burt's Bees Give Away

2009-04-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

Four times a year I retreat from work to focus on renewal – physical and emotional. As I’m deciding on what to do for spring, I’m considering a repeat of my winter detox. Back in December, after weeks of scouring the Internet and my local health food store for information on ways to rid my body, skin and hair of environmental and product build ups, I pieced together an eight day program.

Ideally, I’d love to pack my bags and head to The Lodge at Woodloch to experience their healthy cuisine and world class body treatments for eight days. But, that’s not going to happen any time soon, so I’ve had to create a home version.

I decided on the detox diet by Women to Women, a clinic/health spa located in Yarmouth, Maine. Their approach to helping women reach optimal health through incorporating Western and Alternative medicines really impresses me. I’m also thankful they list their detox diets on their website. I committed to do their Quick-Cleanse for eight days.

But I wanted to do it with a twist. At my local health food store I’d learned about the benefits of Bentonite clay for detoxing. This natural, medicinal clay can be used externally and internally (when mixed with water) as a porous “sponge” that magnetically draws impurities to itself. They are then eliminated, along with the clay, from the body.

For eight days I followed the Quick Cleanse regimen and incorporated Bentonite clay/acai juice smoothies and brown rice cakes for breakfast. There were lots of healthy foods on the Quick Cleanse list, so I never felt deprived. This wasn’t a fast.

The next stage of my winter detox was to take care of my hair and skin. Guess what I used? The Bentonite clay! This stuff can do anything. It works as a treatment for hair, grabbing product buildup, allowing for a deep cleansing without sulfates and other harsh detergents.

And finally, I mixed the clay with a little jojoba oil until I got a nice thick paste and used it as a face mask. It left my skin soft and supple for days.

The diet, the Bentonite treatments (and a few days of yoga) left me feeling softer, calmer and prettier.

After completing my detox, I was at my doctor’s office for a follow up visit from the week before. To my surprise, I’d lost 6 pounds! I also had a different body odor. Whenever I perspired, I smelled like fruit punch. Too much acai juice.

I’m lucky to have a European doctor who is trained in Western and Alternative medicines, so she understood what I was doing. Her nurse, however, was horrified that I was eating clay for eight days.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I’d like to give you a chance to try Bentonite clay as a face mask, so I’m doing a giveaway with Burt’s Bees Pore Refining Mask. It’s 100% natural and contains both Bentonite and Green French Clay, along with other wonderful treats like peppermint, rosemary and sage. It's in powder form and you mix it fresh whenever you need it.

It’s great for normal to oily skin types. If you’d like a chance to win this full sized jar, publicly follow this blog (see box to the right that says, Stay in Touch. You don't need a Blogger account) and leave a comment on this post. If you're already a follower, simply leave a comment.

If you’d like two extra chances to win, link back to this post on your blog or Twitter about it. Be sure to let me know if you do so I can give you three entries.

The giveaway will go on until Thursday, April 16 at 6 PM EST and it’s only open to US residents. Good luck, ladies. Oh, please DO NOT eat the Burt's Bees clay mask. It is not food grade.

Medical note: If you want to do a detox like I did, check with your doctor first. Clays taken internally can sometimes prevent the absorption of certain medications. The binding properties of clay are very strong. I am not a physician, nor am I giving medical advice with this post.

Five Minute Beauty Tip

2009-04-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

You know how you wake up some mornings with those nasty lines and dents in your face from sleeping in a weird position?

I've found the perfect solution. It's so simple, you may laugh at me, but here goes.

I steam them out over a pot of water. I simply fill a big pot of water and place it on the stove. I let it simmer, then turn it off for a few moments. Toss in a peppermint/lemon tea bag (cheaper aromatherapy than essential oils) and lean over the pot (Be careful not to get too close. You don't want to burn yourself).

Inhale the scent and the steam for three to five minutes. Voila! It's like steaming wrinkles out of your favorite shirt.

Happy Easter!

Why I Heart Alek Wek

2009-04-08T18:03:00.001-07:00

Back when Douglas Hannant was first making his mark on the fashion scene, I was still an assistant makeup artist. Hannant’s show was my introduction to Fashion Week. And it was there that I first saw Alek Wek, the Sudanese model extraordinaire. I remember staring at her dark skin and her exotic features and thinking, She’s so intense.

Later, over an outdoor lunch at a chic little cafe, I mentioned her to a friend who also works in the industry.

Me: Have you seen the new model that’s generating buzz? Her name’s Alek Wek.

Friend: (Horrified) Oh, I can’t believe that girl’s a model.

Me: Why?

Friend: She’s not at all pretty. Her features are just awful. They are too rounded. She needs an angular nose and higher cheek bones.

Me: Why does she need those things?

Friend: Because that’s beauty. They could have found a pretty black girl to represent us. She was chosen to make fun of black people.

Me (holding my fork, mouth open in utter shock): What???

This particular friend and I have disagreed many times on the concept of beauty. She blatantly states her dismay at certain models whose eyes are not perfectly spaced. Or those with hair that is not relaxed an inch of its life so that it “swings.”

My unprocessed, curly hair probably horrifies her. As did my previous dread locs. But we’re good friends. I don’t believe friendship requires identical points of view.

But I have to say, it bothers me to hear others dismiss exotic or interesting looking women. And the myriad features, colors and hair textures that make up our world. I am equally annoyed when someone says, “It doesn’t matter. We’re all the same.”

Um, no. We’re not. And that’s good. God did that on purpose.

Whenever I’ve traveled abroad, it’s usually been to places like Iceland, Korea and the Philippines. I love it when people stop to stare at me. Or come up and talk to me because I don’t look like anyone else in the vicinity.

In Iceland, a country of mostly blond, blue eyed people, I was walking down the main strip during rush hour. I, literally, caused a traffic jam. I was with a crew from Elle Magazine. And at first, we were all confused by the traffic back up and the staring people. Finally, the photographer turned to me and said, “I think they’re staring at you.”

We burst out laughing. I waved at the crowd. It was great. I felt like a movie star.

In the Philippines, women stopped me in grocery stores to ask if I’d hang out with them. They wanted to know all sorts of things about me and my experiences.

“Where are you from?”

“Why did you visit our country?”

“Would you sing for us?”

Funny how often I get that last one, no matter what country I’m visiting. To clear the record, not all black people can sing. Sorry.

But that’s what’s great about international travel. Or Sudanese models. We get to see someone completely different from ourselves.

A few years after first seeing Alek, I was in Miami working on an MTV beach show (local models were hired to wear red pleather bikinis – it was so tasteless). As the supermodels hired for the event (who were NOT dressed like that) filed into the room, Alek was among the elite.

I smiled to myself. No matter how many people didn’t get her beauty, designers did. And the girl was strutting her round face and lean body down runways for the likes of Karl Lagerfeld and posing for the covers of fashion magazines around the world.

But even more incredible, before her rise to fame, Alek's family had to flee their country (with young Alek) on foot to avoid a civil war that left more than two million people dead. The mere fact that this beautiful young woman is alive is a miracle.

For her to rise to the ranks of the world’s most noted models is nothing short of inspiring. Alek, I salute your success!

Yesterday's Models

2009-04-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I did makeup for an ad campaign for a retirement community. It was a low-key job with very nice people. Some of the models were in their 80's. One of the models told me her husband was in the ad and he's 91. When I met her husband I said, "Wow, you're 91 years old. That's amazing."

He said, "I am not 91. I am 90."

Sorry.

The Ideal Woman?

2009-04-06T16:24:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, while speeding along Hudson River Drive en route to Westchester County, New York, I passed a billboard featuring the British supermodel, Kate Moss. My then boyfriend (I’ll call him Scott) was in the car with me. We were having a rare moment of tranquility. We hadn’t argued for a full 24 hours. A record for us.

Just as I was settling into our peaceful exchange about the autumn weather, the city’s newest restaurants and my budding makeup career, something abruptly snatched me back to reality.

Scott made this comment: Kate Moss. She’s the ideal woman.

What did he just say?

Or as my friend, Dana, would say with her head wiggling back and forth, “No, he didn’t!”

Now don’t get me wrong. I like Kate. I think she’s really beautiful. I did Calvin Klein’s makeup once during Fashion Week and I got to be back stage with Kate before the show. She’s really sweet. And at just 5’7, the girl can burn up a catwalk.

But that’s not the point. The point is my boyfriend thought she was the ideal woman. In case he hadn’t noticed, I look(ed) nothing like Kate Moss. I was offended. I was hurt. I wanted to punch him in the nose.

We fought all the way to Westchester.

He tried to make his case. She’s glamorous. She’s got a certain mystique. She's gorgeous. He was simply digging himself in deeper.

By the time I arrived home I was fuming.

I was friends with a kind-hearted, free-spirited couple who allowed me to rent their small, cottage-like apartment for almost nothing during my lean years. The wife told me many times that her husband did not like her wearing makeup or getting too “glammed.” She didn’t even wear lip gloss because, “My husband really likes women more natural.”

I knocked on their door to commiserate with the wife after I told off my boyfriend for the Kate Moss comment. As the wife and I discussed what a pig Scott was, her husband came home. He asked what was going on.

I told him what Scott had said about Kate. The Hubby’s response: “Well, she is pretty amazing.”

O-kay. I gathered my belongings and headed downstairs as the argument ensued. Honestly, I was shocked he even knew who Kate Moss was. He seemed far too "Birkinstock" to pay much attention to fashion icons.

All of this taught me two things:

Men who say they don’t want their women dolled up usually like it quite a lot when other women are dolled up.

I needed a new boyfriend.

Survey: Would you have punched Scott in the nose?

For another funny post on this subject, check out AGrlCanMac's post: Don't Listen to Men.

Celebrating Our Beauty

2009-04-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

At my workshops, I’ll say something like, “Quick, name your best feature!” A few women will stare at me like deer in headlights. A few will frown like the question was completely inappropriate. But no one will volunteer an answer. It’s like there’s something wrong with being the first to say, “I have nice cheekbones.”

After a long, uncomfortable silence, I will rephrase the question. “What facial feature have you received the most compliments on?” Sheepishly a woman in the back will raise her hand. “My husband likes my lips.” She says it almost apologetically. Another woman will offer, “My mother has always said I had pretty eyes.” There’s a dismissive tone to her voice, like mothers are supposed to say those sorts of things.

I’m amazed at how much we obsess over our “flaws,” but completely dismiss what’s wonderful about our beauty. At every workshop I conduct, I make it a point to tell women that I’d like the freedom to choose the “models” I use to demonstrate various application techniques. And then I say, “I’m picking you according to your strong points because if I pick a woman with beautiful lips to demonstrate lip gloss, my work looks better!”

Doing this is not my way of assuring I’ll be invited back for future workshops. I really do like helping women see their beauty. I find that as a makeup artist, I can look at a woman’s face and see things she can’t.

I imagine all sorts of wonderful colors to bring out her eyes, or accentuate her high cheekbones or showcase her shapely lips. I’ve even gotten into some sticky situations a few times when getting TOO excited over a woman’s looks. As her eyes grow large and she inches away from me, I am sure to flash my wedding ring and tell her how much I love my HUSBAND.

But for me, faces are like clay. I immediately see ways I can make art out of the raw material. Most women, I’ve learned, see their own face with a less objective eye. We see the things we don’t like first.

This, unfortunately, starts at a very young age. I saw an adorable little girl at Bed, Bath & Beyond recently. She was about 6 years old. She had fiery red hair that cascaded down her back into big, bouncy curls. Her skin had beautiful peach undertones and her face was covered with a spattering of freckles.

I couldn’t help myself. I walked up to her and said, “You are so pretty. And you have the most beautiful hair I’ve ever seen.”

She looked up at me with her big, green eyes and said, “But I have a lazy eye.” She pointed to her left eye. Honestly, I didn’t see anything wrong, but I’m assuming she knows what’s going on with her own eye. I hadn’t expected her response, but thankfully, in the moment I thought of something to say.

I looked down at her and shrugged. “Don’t even worry about it. With all that beautiful red hair, no one will notice.” She looked at me sideways for a moment, trying to determine if she could trust my assessment. Then she smiled before walking away. Her mother (?) looked confused by my answer. I suspect when she looks in the mirror she only sees her flaws.

Here’s an exercise to try. Look in the mirror. Decide which feature on your face YOU like the most. Not your husband or your best friend. What do you like about your face? Then you must say OUT LOUD, “I have sexy, beautiful ________________.”

Did you feel silly? Then you need to say it again until you don’t. Here’s my statement. I have sexy, beautiful lips!” Ha! I love it. Sometimes I say my eyes because, *gasp* I like two features on my face. Scandalous, I know.

Tell us what your sexy, beautiful feature is – come on, don’t be shy.

Side note: If you're enjoying the reads here, please...pull up a chair and stay a while. Hit the follow button to the right.

Embracing Our Imperfections

2009-04-03T07:46:00.000-07:00

I have a fat forehead. I didn’t realize it until I was 14 and like so many other teen girls, I wanted to be a model. My mother & I sat across a wooden desk from a lanky blond woman at a local Barbizon when I was first informed that I had a rather large cranial area.

I’m proud to say I wasn’t too upset by the discovery. I figured if it impeded me in any real life situations, I could always grow bangs.

But what about girls (and guys, for that matter) who are distraught over a body part or facial feature that they consider less than perfect? I’m not talking the normal, “Does this dress make my butt look big?” After all, you could simply choose to wear a different dress. But when it’s your forehead, or lips or legs that are the “problem,” then what?

So much of our perception of beauty is mass-produced. It’s cookie cutter. And sometimes completely unreal.

Obviously, I'm big into makeup. Fashion is a passion, as well. And I’m not at all against small cosmetic changes. But, I’m grieved when I hear of women doing extreme things to change their looks. The end results are never as unique (or organic) as the original God-given features. And many times the altered look has the appearance of a mannequin or a cyborg.

I love stories of women whose unconventional looks and perceived flaws have become their trademark.

Padma Lakshmi, the beautiful Indian model and cooking show host, has her seven inch scar. Lauren Hutton has her tooth gap. And Cindy Crawford has her mole. Each of these women were told they’d not reach their goals because of their “imperfections.” Cindy Crawford admits seeking medical advice for removing her beauty mark.

And Padma Lakshmi underwent a painful chemical dermabrasion on her arm in hopes of making her scar less noticeable. But as is sometimes the case (I wish it was always the case) someone thought Padma with her scarred arm was beautiful.

The legendary photographer, Helmut Newton was the one who “got it". Newton shot Padma for a fashion calendar with her scar in its full glory! Padma’s career was launched from one man’s unconventional views on beauty.

And then there’s Jennifer Grey’s story. You may remember her from Dirty Dancing. She was the cute girl with the big nose and a sweet face who danced her way to fame opposite Patrick Swayze.

In an attempt to be a Hollywood beauty, Jennifer went under the knife. She came up “pretty” in a girl-next-door sort of way, but no one recognized her. Even her closest friends are said to have been confused when she walked up and knew their names. Who was this new, “improved” Jennifer?

That’s a good question. Since she looked nothing like the girl who won the admiration of American teens in the summer’s hottest flick, she was now essentially an “unknown.” Her career tanked.

As sad as this story is for Jennifer, it should serve as a lesson to young women. It may seem that life rewards only the perfect girls, but sometimes being a Padma or a Cindy or a Lauren, or even a cute girl with a big nose, is exactly who you’re supposed to be.

What do you think?

The above shot is a self portrait of my fat forehead. I now celebrate it as my "signature look".

Adventure Makeup

2009-04-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

My good friend, adventure girl and globe trotter, Tasha, has never been much for makeup. But that’s understandable. From a stint as a broadcast journalist for the Paralympics in Greece to hanging out with missionaries in India, this girl is busy. She also visits places where humidity makes makeup a joke.

But a few months ago while stateside, Tasha decided she wanted to learn to spruce up just a little. She made it clear that she wanted to look polished not pimped. Whatever routine we created needed to be budget friendly (cash for traveling is her top priority), and easy enough that she can apply her “face” while flagging down a Jitney in the Philippines.

No problem.

I introduced Tasha to my favorite budget cosmetic line – Sonia Kashuk. Created for Target by celebrity makeup artist extraordinare, Sonia Kashuk, this line defies reason – especially the liquid foundations. The colors are right on, the texture is like butter and the cost is even sweeter - $10.49 (The line also offers a loose mineral foundation for $14.99)

So what did we do with Tasha? I swiped a very sheer layer of SK liquid foundation all over. We skipped the face powder, but in certain climates, Tasha will definitely need the powder. We also opted for lightly powdered face blotters, for those super oily days.

Concealer was a little harder to keep within budget. I’ve never found a drugstore concealer that I like – sorry. Here, I applied a professional concealer I had in my kit (hey, truth in advertising), but I had to recommend something comparable that Tasha could purchase without becoming a makeup artist. We settled on Origin’s Quick Hide! Wand concealer.
It’s not completely budget, but at $14.50 (versus a typical $35 department store concealer), it’s still a steal.

And for color, we chose an all-in-one product – Bobbi Brown’s Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks. We got blush and lipstick for $35, and one less product to pack.

Doesn't she look fresh faced and pretty?

Mineral Makeup Performance

2009-03-29T16:28:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I was speaking with an aspiring makeup artist who said she’s found most makeup artist reluctant to use mineral makeup for photo shoots. I thought that was interesting because I’ve worked hard to get the hang of working with minerals for shoots. Using natural products, as much as possible, is important to me.

But, it seems many makeup artist feel natural cosmetics do not perform to the standard of traditional makeup. I’ll admit, I find it easier to work with traditional makeup on shoots, but I suspect much of that has to do with my comfort level. I’ve worked as a makeup artist for nearly 15 years. I’ve only used natural brands for the past year.

To get another perspective, I spoke with Kimberly Platko, natural cosmetics formulator and President of Geografx, LLC. Platko formulates beauty products for eight mineral lines currently on the market, in addition to her own “label.”

Here are her answers to my questions about the performance level of natural cosmetics.

Todra: I’m hearing that other makeup artist are hesitant to use mineral brands for photo and television shoots because they don’t feel minerals perform well enough to go beyond consumer makeup. What would you say about that?

Kim: I think it's subjective. What one makeup artist thinks performs well, another may not. Definitely working with natural ingredients is a limiting factor. It limits what you’re able to do.

Todra: What do you mean?

Kim: Foundations, for instance. I think it’s possible to get some very good formulations that work really well, especially in the loose minerals . When you get into liquids it gets harder. There are very few chemical-free carrier bases and you need that for a liquid foundation. I haven’t been able to come up with one.

Todra: And for artists who like to work with liquids, that immediately turns them away from the natural options.

Kim: Exactly. But for some people who have serious skin issues or health conditions, the ingredients in the product is the deal breaker for them; whereas for a makeup artist the deal breaker may be coverage. I find everybody has to draw the line on how much natural is important to them. There are degrees. And there are trade-offs.

People say why don’t’ you have a fire engine red lipstick. Because we don’t use dyes or carmine. It’s impossible to get that color through natural means. But again, for some consumers, the safety of the product and the sustainability of the raw materials are really front seat for them. That may not be the case for a makeup artist.

Todra: See, that’s hard for me because those things you just mentioned are very important to me, but I have to have something that performs well on my jobs.

Kim: I understand that. For most consumers, they’re happy to have something a little less complicated.

Todra: Can we expand a little bit on this? Is it more costly to produce natural makeup?

Kim: I’d say, “Yes.” Chemicals are cheap and can be mass produced. Anything that is plant based is expensive, especially the ones that use the more expensive essential oils. There are EOs that can sell for $50 for a dram. Many thousands of flowers can go into making one ounce of an essential oil. That’s why some of the natural lines are quite expensive.

Todra: But I see $65 foundations that have very little natural ingredients. What’s justifying that cost?

Kim: $65 foundations are priced on prestige as well as overhead and packaging. Some of it is just greed. It’s not the price of the raw materials.

Todra: I figured as much. Well, thank you for taking the time for this interview. I appreciate you sharing your expertise with my readers.

Kim: No problem. I’m happy to do it.

If you are a makeup artist working with minerals, I'd love to hear your take on this discussion.

*I will be hanging out in the Big Apple for a mental health week. Not sure if I'll be able to blog, but I'll post as soon as I'm back.

TV Commercial

2009-03-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

Shots from my television commercial job today. The actor and the crew were great. Very smooth day.

Down Time

Girl Party!!!

2009-03-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

Bring together 20 of your closest friends, a kick-butt bartender, amazing catering and one pro makeup artist - and you've got a party to remember.

Despite the recession (or maybe because of it), I'm getting calls from creative ladies seeking to throw Girlfriend Beauty Bashes - the name I've dubbed this very fun phenomena.

I wish I could take credit for the idea, but I can't. A savvy, chic young woman I know named Miranda shot off an email last year that went something like this:

Hey girl, I'm thinking of something cool I hope you'll be interested in. I want to throw an amazing makeup party that will be the most fun 20 women can have in a room together.

One month later, we were arranging Sephora goody bags on rented chairs, Fashion Week style, as women of all ages piled into Miranda's mom's GORGEOUS home for two hours of beauty tips, hands-on demonstrations and FOOD!

My first Girlfriend Beauty Bash was born.

Of course, that party has become the standard. Every host who calls says, "And I want it to be just like Miranda's party."

These are shots from my last girl party. I don't have pictures of me because no one seems to be able to operate my camera. I get shots that look like outtakes from The Blair Witch Project.

I may have to hire a photographer to get some great shots at next month's Girl Beauty Bash. If you'd like pricing to throw a Girl Beauty Bash (yes, I travel) shoot me an email at makeuptheory@verizon.net

The Natural Cosmetics Debate Continues

2009-03-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

I don't mean to beat a dead horse, but I believe there's still some life in the subject of whether natural/organic cosmetics and skincare are better than, let's say, "traditional" ones.

Last week, I interviewed Kelley Maddison, founder of Priia Cosmetics. During that interview she gave the reasons why she's passionate about only using the most natural ingredients in her products.

I've used traditional makeup for most of the years that I've been a makeup artist, but recently I started to question that decision as newly developed, "healthy" alternatives are popping up on the market.

During my interview with Priia's founder, I mentioned a brand I really like called Becca. Becca, like most of my fave lines, was created by a real, live makeup artist (not old men in lab coats). The range of colors and the silky textures make Becca a makeup artist's dream line. And the packaging is tres chic (Blogger won't let me put the little mark over the "e", sorry).

I used their foundation for years.

Imagine my surprise when the CEO of Becca called me last week (from London) to thank me for mentioning their product in a good light on my blog! I took the opportunity to ask him where Becca stands on including natural ingredients in their products.

Well, we had a nice chat about product performance, allergy tests and carcinogens. Near the end of our conversation, he assured me that Becca's founder, Rebecca Morrice Williams (shown above) would be contacting me herself to give me an answer on the matter.

Here's Rebecca's answer to my question: Where does Becca stand on using natural ingredients versus synthetic ones in their products?

Hello Todra

BECCA is definitely concerned with make-up becoming healthier and we are tying to find better preservatives or possibly use none (depends on the formulation). Many of our products are already paraben and fragrance free. I am launching a Mineral Powder foundation mid year that is free of parabens and phenoxyethanol, oil, fragrance, alcohol, chemical dyes, talc and other fillers.

Most importantly though, it has a really beautiful finish on the skin, not at all like some of the very cakey, drying and unnatural–looking mineral powder foundations on the market. I wear it to the gym everyday and I walk out looking respectable which is another big plus.

I do believe that although make-up should use the healthiest ingredients possible, it needs to be about performance first and foremost and for this reason I still think silicones play an important role in make-up.

Skin care is a different thing altogether and anything that is not 100% nutrition for the skin has no real place in the formulation. Many cosmetic companies have conned us on this and formulate skin care products that really have nothing beneficial in them to improve the skin long term but simply have an immediate effect on the skin - I think of these products more as make-up primer type products not skin care.

I use an incredible skin care line called BAKEL.
This line uses only 100% active ingredients and no useless substances; it really does alter the skin’s texture, clarity, hydration, firmness.

I am not of the belief that natural or organic is always better, in some cases natural can be extremely irritating or allergenic. I believe we should be finding the best ingredients whether natural or synthetic to care and protect the skin whilst at the same time creating the finish and performance we require from our make-up.

As you can imagine changing existing formulations is a long process but it is my aim to improve all BECCA products so that we have even healthy ingredients in the formulations.

Warm Regards
REBECCA MORRICE WILLIAMS
Founder
BECCA

Well, I think that was a balanced answer. Some people are allergic to natural ingredients. But what about the talk of certain cosmetic chemicals being linked to cancer? Are there natural ingredients (other than tobacco) that are linked to cancer? I have no idea. I'm just throwing the questions out there. I'd love to hear from you ladies.

What do you think of natural versus synthetic cosmetic ingredients? And is performance more important in makeup than health concerns?

Later this week a natural cosmetics formulator will answer some of these questions from her point of view. Makes you go, "hmmmmm."

On a side note, I want to say "Thank you" to Rebecca for taking the time from her travels and preparation for Cosmoprof to answer my questions.

And for my readers, stay tuned for a Becca Give Away in the next few weeks.