My Balancing Act

So many of you may have wonder "WTHECK?? Where did the Makeup Artist Mama go??" O_O Well my oldest started Preschool, And the weeks and days leading up to it were CHAOTIC and EMOTIONAL!! I know I normally give you product review and tips but this time around I wanted to share with you our 1st week of preschool. Now what many of you don't know is that I have been a stay at home for 4 years and haven't ever lived close enough to family, so my boys have never even stayed with a sitter or at their grandparents house. So need less to say I was having a bit of anxiety leading up to the 1st day of preschool. Not because I don't think my oldest is socially or educationally ready but because he was now out of my protection!

So that morning when we woke up for his 1st day of school I was an emotional wreak trying to not cry in front of my son and just be positive and encouraging.   But I was terrified that he would be on his own and eating the school prepared food. He woke up excited and put on his new school clothes and Super Mario backpack that his GG (my mom) sent to him.

On our walk to school

That walk to school in the morning felt exceptional long and nerve racking to me. When we got there he was so excited and so proud of his cubby and little box inside of it and just as excited to empty the contents of his back pack into his cubby. I almost started crying because it was real he was now a BIG BOY. His little picture was in his cubby and his name, it was the start of his educational path. We got him situated and then headed out. That day felt like an eternity until I could go pick him up. I felt like the day was moving so slow!! When we finally went to go pick him up (a little early since it was his 1st day) he was mad! He was mad that we were there early he wanted to stay. He was so proud to tell me about the spider he painted, proud about his new friends, and about his seat at the lunch table. I felt so relived and so proud of him that he was taking ownership and proud of what was his. He was gaining his independence.

As the days have gone on he becomes more and more proud of all the new and exciting things he does on a daily basis at preschool. His TT Dyno was down for a visit and he was so excited to show her off and show her his cubby and his school playground.

Showing his TT Dyno his school

And on Thursday we went as a family and watched him participate in the PRESCHOOL SUMMER OLYMPICS.

Showing off his Sticker from the egg race

Getting ready for the Sack Race

So what I have learned through this 1st week of Preschool school and the HUGH transition our family has made is that I am proud that my son is taking ownership and proud of his new experiences. He's gaining his independence and enjoying himself. When we named our kids it wasn't to be cool or make a statement, all the boys names are really meaningful and have a story. We got so much sh*t from both our parents about their names, but we just shot back with "you had your turn your done now sit down thank you!" We explained to them, our children will grow up and be proud of their name, their identity and them selves, and to see it all happening is amazing and emotional all at the same time. I am they type of artist that I will not put my name on something if I am not proud of it, and I will not recommend something if it's not of quality or more important beneficial to you. To see my child taking pride in even something as small as his cubby makes me a proud mama bear and feel that I am doing right by my sons, showing them to take pride in your self, your experiences and what you do. I know this will be beneficial for them as they grow up in this world and start their path down this thing we call life.

‎"Instant availability without continuous presence is probably the best role a mother can play." ~Lotte Bailyn

COOL Summer Products to Help you BEAT the HEAT

Feeling HOT HOT HOT!?! Summer is here and she has made herself known.  I bet you all are out hitting the pool parties, bbq's, and beach's in full effect, right?? Well I know I am, and last thing I want is runny mascara, creasing eye liner, sweaty skin, and parched lips..that's soooo not the BIZ! Well, I figure I'd share some great summer products with you that will help you BEAT THE HEAT and keep you looking fabulous while doing it!

So, my 1st product and personal FAV, as well as my mom's ALL TIME FAV is Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily face protectant SPF 30. Jan Marini is a San Jose CA based company, that has some amazing skin care products. But this one is my MUST HAVE item. It's refreshing sent smells like kiwi, and makes you feel like your on your own private tropical island. I use this stuff EVERYDAY!! I noticed when I turned 30 my skin started to act FUNKY. I started to develop dry spots, and dark spots on my face :( OH NO!! In 30 years of my life I have NEVER, I mean NEVER had any problems with my skin. Not even teenage acne, and at the age of 30 I was getting small blemishes here and there. My mom has always been a faithful Jan Marini user and sent a tube of the tinted moisturizer (yes they make regular formula as well as tinted) and regular to try out. Within a week my skin was back to its great self! Now, like I said, they sell tinted and regular, and they can both be used together. The tinted is light, doesn't feel heavy, and will even out your skin tone perfectly and still has that refreshing smell. The regular formula is just as light, and both smooth evenly over the skin. This stuff is water proof, and sweat proof! Believe me, I have sweated in it and it stays on just fine. Plus your getting the UV protection your skin NEEDS during these hot summer months! Now, I know about being on a budget, but when it comes to the protection of my skin and after the horrible experience I had with my skin not to long ago, I am willing to pay the $48.00 for a 2 oz bottle, or $51.00 for the tinted. You may think only 2 oz!? WTHECK Erica?! But a 2 oz bottle will last you a LONG time, trust me!

So now that we have a great moisturizer for our fun in the sun days, let's add a water proof foundation to the mix.  MAKE UP FOR EVER Face and Body Formula is just the ticket for those pool parties, beach days, or summer BBQ's. This foundation is water proof! It's a water based gel formula that feels light weight, and not heavy. It sets on skin very natural looking and lets face it ladies, DEWY IS IN!! Also, notice the word "Body" in the title?? Yup that's right this can be used on the body as well! You can use a brush to buff it onto the skin and allow it to dry, and then BAM! Get dressed and your on your way!  So if your lucky enough to live in an area that has a  MAKE UP FOR EVER Store, then head on in and grab a bottle.. for the rest of us, this can be purchased at your local Sephora. They go for $38.00 for a  1.69 oz bottle. And the great people at Sephora will be more then happy to match you up.

"I still need powder." You say. Well I am a fan of the MAC Cosmetics mineral pressed powder.  It's light weight silky formula provides that "just enough" coverage, and is perfect for a quick dust over your water proof foundation, or over your tinted Jan Marini moisturizer. A mineralize compact retails for $27.00, and if you haven't heard of the MAC Cosmetics Pro Program I suggest looking into! MAC Cosmetics offers a great discount to professional makeup artists, cosmetologists, hair stylists, cosmo students(provided your school is on this list) and performers. Ask your friendly MAC Artist for more info and an application. Also, get matched up for your powder as well ;)

So I got A LOT  of requests to talk about some water proof eye products such as mascara, eyeliner, and shadow bases. Let's start with mascara, and I'll be 100% honest. I seriously LOVE cheap drug store mascara!! There, I said it! I really like the classic pink and green Maybelline tube. Now, don't get me wrong. I WOULD love to be able to afford Dior's DiorShow Mascara. But at $24.50 a tube, that's just not in my budget. However, MAC has come out with their own version called Opulash, and it's great, and only retails at $14.00. I like it, BUT it's NOT waterproof.  So, I have super straight, fall after they have been curled lashes and heres a couple of my fav's. Great Lash Water Proof by Maybelline, or Lash Blast water resistant by Cover Girl. When cheap, new ones come out, and I want to give em' a try, I think to myself, "why not??" I may just find another cheap fav to add to my list.

I get this question ALL the time "How do I get my shadow to last??" Well in these hot summer months you may find it more difficult then normal to get your shadow to last. First off, on a quick side note, you HAVE to use good pigmented shadows or of course your shadow won't last..Just a little tip. But I got a little something extra to pair with those great pigmented shadows, Urban Decay eye shadow primer potion. This awesome little potion primer comes in a sheer formula, as well as 3 colored formulas. They can be worn by themselves, or as base under your shadows. Plus, they are perfect if you have oily eyelids. This base will keep your shadows in place and looking like you just applied it with no CREASING!! Yup, I said NO creasing. "Where do I get this magical little potion?" you ask. Once again our good friends at Sephora can help you out there, or if your local department store has an Urban Decay counter check them out as well. It retails for a cool $19.00 dollars a piece and will keep you looking fab while getting your tan on by the pool, or splashing around with your little kiddos.

Now those of you who know me, know I LOVE me some BLACK EYELINER WITH SOME BIG WINGS!! Oh Yes I do! My all time fav MUST HAVE FOR SUMMER (as well as for ANY season) is MAC Cosmetics Fluid Line in Blacktrack. It's long wearing formula has stood the test many a times over for me! It has the feel of a liquid liner, but with more control and with a softer look. It's smooth silky formula can be winged to the HIGH HEAVENS. Fluid Line is a gel based formula and is smudge proof. It comes in different colors and should be applied with an angled synthetic haired brush. This stuff stands the test of those sweltering hot days. This product of course can be purchased at any MAC Cosmetics Store or counter, and ask those talented artists to show you how to apply it and possibly teach you how to wing it ;) It retails at $15.00 a pop and will last, I promise!

So let's talk brows.  If you fill in your brows as I do, nothings worse than sweating off half an eyebrow on a hot summer day! So I got a solution for ya. Well, two solutions, and when combined I dare Summer to BRING ON THE HEAT! So, here's another MAKE UP FOR EVER product for you. Their amazing  WATER PROOF Eye Brow Corrector. Yes, I said WATER PROOF. This handy little tube of staying power defines brows and stays put through the hot summer days, or a dip in the pool. I recommend application with an angled eye brow brush and this little life saver can once again be purchased at your local Sephora. Retails at $19.00 a tube, and comes in 4 fabulous shades. So have no fear if your taking a dip with the kiddos, or at a Pool Party in Vegas. Your brows will remain intact.

I say take it a step further and throw it in Summer's face with Model in a Bottle Eye Brow Sealer.  This stuff is GREAT! So let's say you just want your natural brows to stay in place, or if you want to seal that powder you filled in your brows with,  THIS IS IT! Comes with two different applicator choices, a brush, or a mascara wand. I prefer the wand. A light swipe and BAM! Brows are set and ready for anything. Visit the Model in a Bottle site and pick up your bottle of Eyebrow Sealer for only $12.00!

I gotta say, if there is one thing I cannot get to stay on. It's my lips! So frustrating I tell ya! That is until a Fellow MUA, Morgan Gates, told me about MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Lipliners. Yet again, MAKE UP FOR EVER  has one more water proof product that won't disappoint!  This little baby is the only thing I can get to stay on my lips, and let me tell ya. It's got some staying power!! Through drinks, eating, and even a day at the beach with my kids. My lips still look great and just re application of my fav gloss is in order. It goes on so smooth. I like to fill in my pout with its wonderfulness, and top it off  with my favorite gloss. They come in a number of colors for your pretty pout. My personal favorite is Coral 18C. A bright pout is a must for the summer time right now! These little puppies go for $17.00 a piece. A little steep maybe, but since I can't seem to find ANYTHING to keep my kisser looking perfect, this item is soo worth it! Once again Sephora is the place to get these little magic sticks.

Well, we have come to the final product on our MUST HAVE  FOR SUMMER items, and let me assure you. This may be the last item, but it certainly isn't the least! If you were to get ANYTHING out of any of these items, THIS SHOULD BE IT! Model in a Bottle Makeup Setting Spray. If you have never heard of this great company, NOW'S THE TIME. Creator of Model in a Bottle, Jill Stephens created this company in honor of her mother, "who always had a perfect face of makeup and was truly a role model for beauty." Model in a Bottle has been featured on Oprah, the Tyra Banks show, and EXTRA. Well ladies,  I had the pleasure of being introduced to this company at IMATS in Pasadena CA last month.  One of my main objectives at IMATS was to get an amazing makeup sealer, something that would last, and would call for less touch ups through out the day. Well low and be hold! I came across the Model in a Bottle booth and was thoroughly intrigued and impressed! The setting spray comes in two different formulas, original and sensitive. The original formula has a beautiful smell to it, sprays on evenly, feels refreshing, and dry's down matte. The sensitive skin formula has aloe and lavender oils in it to help control inflammation and add moisture. This formula is great for rosacea, or redness caused by acne. This won't clog your pores, and still has a soothing smell to it. Both formulas are resistant to water, humidity, tears, and smudging! Basically, you NEED THIS!  Plus, at $18.00 for original formula and $21.00 for sensitive skin formula, this is soo in your budget! You get about 300+ sprays out of one 2 oz bottle!

Take a look at me after a full day of errands with the kids and loading and unloading them out of the car in the heat and humidity, and I helped my husband clean out the garage!

This is with no touch ups ALL day, other than adding a bit of gloss before the picture was taken. So the proof is in the pudding as they say.

So there you have it. Your MUST HAVES for Summer. Stay looking fabulous and BEAT THE HEAT!

My new FAV Makeup Primer from the GREAT People at GLAMCOR

So, while I was at IMATS (The International Makeup Artist Trade Show) in LA, I had the pleasure of meeting Eric Kaiser, of GLAMCOR  Professional. I also had the opportunity of being introduced to some great products that are going to revolutionize the makeup world!! But out of all the products, there was one I really wanted to introduce to you!  I now own this product myself and have not only added it to my kit, but also use it with my personal makeup. GLAMCOR Performance Primer.

Now Most of you may be asking..

1. "Do I really need a primer??"
2. "What Benefits do I get from using a primer?"
3. "How often should I use a primer?" 

Well, allow me to answer those for ya!  YES, I recommend a makeup primer. But don't get it confused, you should still be using a moisturizer.  Now let's talk about the benefits of using a primer. A primer helps your foundation go on smoother, with less touch ups, as well as better looking makeup at the end of the day/event. I like to call it, "glue for makeup!" But let me assure you, GLAMCOR Performance Primer feels NOTHING like glue!! "How often should I use a makeup primer?", you ask. Well as a professional makeup artist, I use it on EVERY client for EVERY event. As an everyday mommy, most of my days are spent going to the park, pool, zoo, or running errands. So I tend use it on more special occasions (dining out, parties, girls night, weddings, consolations, etc.)

GLAMCOR Performance Primer is the IT! Now add a SH to the front of that! It's lightweight, ultra Silky (I mean S-I-L-K-Y) formula which feels amazing and like nothings there! I have used primers in the past and they HAVE felt like glue, but NOT GLAMCOR Performance Primer!

 It's translucent and blends smoothly over the skin. I recommend giving it about 30 seconds or so to dry  before applying your foundation over it. I would also recommend application with a brush. There's a brush sold they recommend using with the Performance Primer, or you can use a brush you already own. Just make sure it's a clean brush, free of foundation.

It's a 30 ml Bottle which retails for $38.00 and can be purchased at www.glamcor.com under the cosmetics section. As an added bonus, Eric Kaiser of GLAMCOR Professional will throw in a FREE professional accessory bag ($15.00 value) when you mention my name "ERICA FRANKSEN" in your order!!

This handy accessory can be used as your "everyday use" makeup bag to store a compact, lip product, a couple pencils and whatever else you need keep close in your purse or as a part of your kit for lip/eye pencils, brushes, smaller products, etc. Basically, it's super functional for anything in your makeup world! PLUS it has a water proof lining, so you can turn the bag inside out and wipe it clean!

What a DEAL, right!?! A 38 ml bottle of GLAMCOR Performance Primer + A Professional Small Accessory bag! A perfect way to spoil yourself mommies!!  Believe me, this is a professional grade product that will keep your makeup looking beautiful! So, to all my sexy single ladies out there. You NEED this for those nights when your out booty shaking to keep that makeup perfect and in place ;) And to my mommies go ahead and spoil yourself so on those rare occasions out you can look and feel like the HOT MAMA you are! Head on over to www.glamcor.com and place that order today.