Spring is in the air...but is it in your makeup bag???

Ladies, (and gents) the time is here!!! Spring! So that being said, there are many things that we have to prepare ourselves for. The list of things that we all need to start thinking about is as follows:

• Open Toed Shoes
• Swim Suits
• Bakini Waxes
• Tanning/Spray Tanning
• Pedicures/Nicely Manicured Nails/Artificial Nail Treatments
• Beach Partie
• BBQ's

So, that being said, we need to start preparing. First things first; skin care for your face and body that is geared towards the climate for spring. Make sure that you are using a lighter weight body moisturizer, unless you are super dry, and one that has some sun protection is always recommended. The body skin is the largest organ we have, and yet it is the one organ we seem to do the least amount for. Try using Philosophy brand body lotions. Ranging in an array of "flavors" to choose from, these are an awsome way to get hydrated and protected without heavy or greasy side affects. Be sure to incorporate a good exfoliator for the body as well, especially those of you who are going to be spray tanning. Be sure to exfoliate before spray tanning, and to maintain your color longer by using a tan enhancing body lotion daily. These types of products can be found at tanning salons everywhere.
The face needs a bit different treatment, however. Be sure to use a gentle exfoliator on your face, something that is made specifically for the face. Please try to avoid kernel or shell based exfoliators as they can scratch the skins surface, and cause premature aging. In additon to exfoliating at least twice a week, be sure to pamper yourself with a luxurious hydrating and glow enhancing mask. Mix 2 Tblspn of pure honey with 1 Tblspn of milk and 1 tspn of olive oil together in a small dish. Once mixed, apply this creamy treat to your clean face and neck area. Allow the mask to penetrate the skin, and hydrate. Then, rinse the excess off of the face with a wash cloth and warm water.
Now we have taken care of the skin. Whew!!! Moving on! So, it's time to set up your appointments with your manicurists! Pedicure season is here. The maintain your feet the best this spring and summer season, start off by getting in touch with me to schedule your manicure and pedicure. I can be reached at 443.677.3368. My hours are very flexiable so just let me know when you would like to come. The first pedicure should always be a spa pedicure. This includes filing of the feet, a deep cleansing sea salt scrub, followed by a marine algae based mask for the legs and feet to lock in hydration and detoxify the legs and feet. Then, keep appointments booked ever 2 to 4 weeks throughout the season. For artaficial nails, (which I recommend as they are no maintenance), you want to be sure to keep your appointments booked at least every 2 weeks. For a quick way to revive your feet and hands at home, mix 2 Tblspn of lemon juice into 2 Tblspn of Vaseline. Mix together and massage heavy coating over feet, toes, and heels. Put a pair of socks on and go to sleep. Do this for three nights in a row, and there will be no cracks or flakes for the rest of the summer. You will need to do this treatment once to twice a week in order for you to maintain the result. This mixture can also be used on the hands as well. You will want to use a pair of cotton bathing gloves and apply the mixture in the same way as you would your feet. A tip to prevent fungus growth on toe and finger nails is to soak your fingers and toes in a solution of hydrogen peroxide and warm water and salt; equal portions of each ingredient. This will kill any bacteria that is trapped under the free edges of the nail.

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Cache and SmashBox join forces for a girlfriend party...

So this past weekend I had the pleasure of being asked to work for SmashBox cosmetics at the Nordstrom in Pentagon City Mall. They got together with the team at Cache and the gang at Godiva Chocolates to host a night of fun with the "girlfriends." What could be better than chocolate, sparkling cider, shopping, and makeup? Well, a cocktail would have been a great add on, but none the less it was such an amazing night!
Resident makeup artist and close friend of mine, the very talented Nicole Russel hosted the event with store manager of Cache Irene Wright. Together with the staff at Cache, myself, and another amazingly talented makeup artist and dear friend Spencer Hall, we all joined forces, and made a night to remember at Cache Pentagon City! Showcasing the latest and hottest fashions for spring, I saw a wonderful influx of color this season! Beautiful fuchsias, warm lilacs, deep royal blues! I was in heaven...
A few of my favorite picks of the night were the cocktail rings at Cache. They are amazing, done in a heavy weight ceramic type material and laden with crystals. If you know me, then you know I have a weakness for the bling, I was dying!!! Also, the pink, black, and white print dress that Kristen is wearing below is AMAZING!!! This is an absolute must have dress for the spring/summer season. This little number can be dressed up with an elegant clutch, a few drapy earings, and sexy sling back Chanel pumps, or dressed down with a crop crocheted sweater in white, and a complimentary pair of white flip flops! Such functionality, and great for an afternoon wedding.
My final pick of the night of course, is SmashBox O-Plump lip gloss and the brand new, hydrating Halo Bronzer. Two ABSOLUTE necessities. The O-Plump goes on the lip clear, then reacts with your bodies chemistry to create a gentle natural pink stain on the surface of the lip that doesn't budge for hours! In addition, it pulls moisture to the lips and plumps with a hint of fresh mint. Then, the best thing ever for spring/summer; Halo Bronzer. This self-shaving cream textured brown base bronzer will give you the glow of the islands right in your office! Without turning red or orange on the skin, this hydrating treatment based powder helps smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eye and cheek area, while providing slight coverage and healthy glow to the skin. Ideal for many skin tones and all skin types, you will fall in love with this product, I swear! Contact Nicole to have her save you one, she has sold out several times already. Don't wait, contact her now!
We will be planning on hosting a few other events, so if anyone is interested please send Nicole Russel an email with your name, contact information, and what your interest is. Send all emails to nicoleredwine1@yahoo.com. She is also available for personal consultations at Nordstrom Pentagon City, so if you have a special event, or just want to update your look and try out SmashBox, get in touch with Nicole, she will take amazingly good care of you!

Makeup Tip of the day...

Ladies, today is a beautiful day outside! Spring has finally arrived, and I am so happy about that! Today, for a simple and quick look for a beautiful Friday, apply a sheer application of mineral foundation in your personal shade. After buffing away the appearance of uneven skin tone and the first signs of aging, warm up your skin with a beautiful bronzer. I recommend trying Shiseido color pinwheel bronzing powder; it gives you a multi-faceted color layering effect for the perfect natural looking sun kissed glow. Take your bronzing brush and sweep out the excess color across your entire eye lid area. Don't forget to apply a sheer buff of color through your hair line. Even if you have bangs, the wind will still blow, and you DON'T want to have a pale forehead. Using Trish McEvoy High Volume mascara, apply 1-2 coats of mascara to lashes, starting in the root of the lashes and wiggling the wand up and out with the same type of motion you would use in brushing your teeth. Catching the roots of the lashes coats your baby lashes, and adds more definition to the lash line creating the illusion of eye liner! Finish off with your favorite lip product. My recommendations are SmashBox O-Gloss, a product that goes on clear, then adjusts to form the perfect natural pink on your lips. It looks different on EVERYONE, and the best part is that you will get 3-4 times longer wearablility. In under 3 minutes, you are able to create this look. Check back later for more products of the day! #Luvs!

This Weekend...around the beltway!

I will be working as a guest makeup artist at the Nordstrom in Pentagon City Mall for Sisley Cosmetics. If anyone would like to make an appointment to come and see me, please email me at DCMakeupArtist@gmail.com. I have a few appointments still open, and would love to introduce you to the Sisley brand of cosmetics and skin care. It is a luxury brand of natural and botanical based skin care and makeup. The products are PHENOMENAL and I have never seen products that actually give you results the way that Sisley products do. So if you have the time I would love to meet with you!

My latest press...

Here is a few of my latest press mentions around town.

http://www.examiner.com/x-40737-DC-Fashion-Photography-Examiner~y2010m3d18-The-District-Sample-Sale-is-every-womans-dream

http://www.brightestyoungthings.com/style/getting-made-up-in-motives/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoHGgKoW38A

Sade....Soldier of Style

Sade has been breaking barriers for over 20 years. Since coming on to the scene in 1984 with the hit song "Smooth Operator" Sade has been setting trends and become a style icon. Long before her career as a singer, Sade, a native of Nigeria, went to school for fashion design, and in the early 80's opened a boutique in London where she worked at her own register selling to clients. Falling into a singing gig because a friends band had just lost their lead singer, Sade quickly gained in popularity. Now with the release of her new album "Soldier of Love", Sade is looking better than ever. On this months cover of Ebony Magazine, Sade gives it sista! From the chic blue/black wavy hair to the fierce candy apple red lips, Sade exudes the utmost elegance. She is absolutely striking, and her makeup is flawless. I know that these pictures are re-touched, but none the less, she looks amazing for her age!!! Her look is that exotic combination of sleek, dark almond shaped eyes, perfectly accented by the thinnest and sharpest line of black kajal, and the most stunning shade of Carmel skin I've ever seen. Yet her elegance is not only due to her look; Sade is an amazing woman. Although very shy, and seemingly uncomfortable with her fame, she keeps herself real, and down to earth. She is a true artist, one who examines the world around her in detail, picking up on finite particulate that the rest of us neglect. She is then able to take that particulate and transform it into an incredible musical soup, good healthy soup. Her music can cleanse your soul, and her angelic raspy rich voice can take you to the most sensual place you have ever been.

I think I'm in love....with MINERALS!

OK ladies, (and gents), the time has come to announce the best and purest mineral makeup in the world, BEAUTY TECHNIK! Bare Minerals took the cosmetic industry by storm nearly 10 years ago, and has been leading the industry for mineral makeup since. Well, WATCH OUT Bare Escentuals, BEAUTY TECHNIK is THE purest makeup there is!

The worlds first and only 100% pure makeup is taking the world by storm! BEAUTY TECHNIK is proudly made in the USA from the finest and purest, naturally harvested ingredients that can be found occurring in nature. The years of thick, heavy, waxy based cosmetics is now officially a thing of the past.
Even though Bare Escentuals advertising calls them the number one mineral makeup in the world, their products contain ingredients that act as carriers that are not so good for the skin. The main one being Talc, which is very drying and irritating to many people. Although talc is a mineral and does occur in nature,

it is more commonly used in making lubricants and electrical insulation. Don't believe me? Look it up in Websters Dictionary. Not something I want going on my face!!! As a makeup artist, I love Bare Minerals, but one thing I have always dis-liked is the fact that Bare Minerals tends to look heavy on the skin and also settles into fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eye and mouth. It winds up looking terrible if you don't continuously check it. I know, because I have worn Bare Minerals for 10 years. That's right guys, I WEAR MAKEUP!!!! And I'll tell you what, concealer is a gender-less product, and some of you gents out there would surely benefit from it's use!!! But I digress... I recently stumbled upon the most amazing discovery of my makeup career. For the first time in 15 years of doing makeup, I found what I had been looking for; a true 100% pure line of makeup: Beauty Technik.

Formulated by Natasha Iwegbu Bobo in London in 2005, Beauty Technik is the purest of the pure, yet still gives amazing coverage and amazing pigmentation! I have never seen a mineral foundation that comes in such an array of colors! I mean, from a makeup artist perspective, finding foundations to truly match the skin doesn't happen. We wind up having to mix colors together all the time to create the perfect color. There just aren't enough products formulated for ethnic skin tones. That's most likely because all of the products are developed and created by men in suits in offices who have never even seen a lip stick in person! LOL!
So, I am officially in LOVE with Beauty Technik!