Is the Beauty Blender worth all its Hype???

  I know you all have seen it, this egg shaped bright pink sponge that is re usable. It hit the market a few years back and has been a "must have" to professional artists and makeup lovers since. See, but I wasn't sold on it at first. I'm not a huge fan of sponges. I have thousands of dollars in top quality brushes, why would I use a sponge?!?

  The hype over this little pink egg shaped sponge intrigued my curiosity and I had to find out for myself if it was really what everyone was making it out be! So I logged onto Naimie's, one my local makeup emporiums, and bought the two pack. When I received it in the mail I thought to myself "A reusable sponge, hmmm ewwww, but let's try this out!"

Cute package and The color PINK can grab any gal's attention!

  So, I took those little bad boys out of the package and pulled out some of my foundation and gave it a go! I decided to use my MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid with it. I damped the sponge as suggested then misted it with my MAC Cosmetics Fix+ Spray. I then put a few drops of the foundation on the back of my hand and sprayed it down with my Fix+ spray. I do this with studio fix fluid b/c it is on the thicker side and by spraying it down with Fix+ spray it gives it a lighter feeling on the skin and it gives off a more natural dew but still with great coverage! ANYWAYS back to the sponge. I dipped the BB (Beauty Blender) into my foundation mixture and started to stipple it on my face.

MAC Cosmetics Fix+ Spray, MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid and the BB

  UMMM it was like LOVE at first sight! It gave off a beautiful, flawless, airbrush like effect with out me having to use my airbrush. I was amazed and sold all at once!! The HYPE was TRUE!

These are untouched unfiltered pictures the one on the left is with a flash the one on the right is with out a flash

  After I came off cloud 9 about this amazing little egg shaped fabulousness in a sponge I then thought about cleaning, sanitizing and cost.True, I do get a Pro Discount at a lot of places but for those that don't this little magic sponge could be a bit on the pricey side for some. So here's a few details about it

1. It's said to last 3 months
2. You HAVE to clean it after every use and you can buy a combo of one BB and the cleanser at Sephora or for professionals apply for the Naimie's Pro card and get a deal on them
3. The cleaning seems a bit time consuming but it's really not after doing it a few times it becomes part of your daily makeup routine.

  What about the knockoff brands you ask?? Well I wanted to try the REAL DEAL first and to be honest any knock off brand has a lot to live up to after using the real thing!! But if I find one that can compare to the BB and I'm not just talking color or shape I'm talking quality I will be sure to let you all know ;) but till then my recommendation to all of you weather you're a professional or just a lover of makeup the BB is a must have for yourself, your kit, your mama and grandma!! BLEND ON MY FRIENDS!!

My makeup still looked flawless at the Giants game in the San Diego heat (untouched unfiltered photo)

IMATS 2012

Once again the International Make up Artistry Trade Show rolled into town in Pasadena California, and once again I was in attendance for this fantastic show full of amazing Artists, classes and of course shopping!! Except this year I had the pleasure of attending as a Pro Card holder and got to enjoy all the perks that came along with the card. Such as Pro Night on Friday night. I gotta say it was nice to see the calm before the storm. I was able to shop in peace and take my time and even enjoy some pro night only specials that select vendors were offering! As an added bonus I was allowed to bring one guest to enjoy this experience with me. Awww pro night :)

My first purchase of IMATS 2012 at Pro Night was my Zuca Pro Kit

Pro Night Bevies with the Girls

Then came Saturday morning the first day of IMATS 2012 and yes just like last year the line curled around the convention center all the way to the Sherton hotel but thanks to my trusty lil Pro Card I was able to walk right in and was so grateful I didn't have to stand in line in the Pasadena heat. Talk about a change from the clam Pro Night experience! The convention center was booming with music and packed with patrons and their IMATS 2012 bags ready to get their shop on!!

This year at IMATS the cast from SyFy FACE OFF (my ULTIMATE FAV show) were in attendance this year as well as two of the shows Judges Glenn Hetchrick and Ve Neill! So needless to say this was shaping up to be a GREAT IMATS! Oh, did I mention they had a panel discussion and some of the contestants even were instructing a few classes! Yup! GREAT IMATS! Plus you could catch your favorite contestants and judges at various booths around the convention center. I gotta say it was such an honor to meet and chat with some the contestants from the show as well as meet Glenn Hetchrick and Ve Neill.

Ve Niell one of my idols

Glenn Hetchrick

Season 2 of FaceOff  Jerry and Winner Rayce

Cast members of Season 1 & 2 of SyFy's Original Series FaceOff

Another great thing at IMATS 2012. was how they opened up the exhibit hall full of all the monsters and prosthetics and connected it to the main floor with the rest of the vendors. They added SFX vendors, the Adobe Photoshop studio, a stage to display guest SFX artist in action, the student competition studio area and of course all the MONSTERS!! And speaking of monsters I had the honor of meeting Constance Hall, daughter of Cleve Hall aka The Monster Man.

The Wolf man and I just having a chat

Tea Time with Frankie

Constance Hall

As for my haul of goodies, well this year amongst many other awesome stuff I purchased just to name a few Yaby powders, Embryolisse skin care, NYX, MUFE, and Eve Pearl. My BIG purchase was my Zuca Pro Artist kit aka THE LIFE CHANGER!! All ready "Black Bettie" has made my life soo EASY!!

My Haul

As I say to all my fellow Artist and aspiring Artist IMATS is the place to be when it's in town. It's a great opportunity to learn from the best in the industry, gain knowledge and education on all aspects of makeup weather it be in class or from vendors, build/restock your kit, network and overall GET INSPIRED!! I had such an amazing time this year and met some great artists. The ladies who joined me for this trip this year were such great company and I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls to go with! I can't wait to do it again next year!! But don't forget though IMATS has switched its next year dates with London so next year IMATS LA will be JANUARY!! Hope to see you all there ;)

Curling Wand Craze

So I'm sure we have all seen the unique curling wands in the stores, and I'm sure we have all looked at them and said "Hmmm That looks like too much work and I may burn my finger prints off or leave that annoying burn on the neck which everyone mistakes for an adolescent hickey!" Well I can assure it that it is easier then it looks and comes w/a heat safe glove! Which I am glad it did seeing as how the first time I used my wand I caught my ear with a little singe action, but the curls this thing gives is beyond BEAUTIFUL!! I'm sure the next thing you're asking is "Which one should I get??" Seeing as how there are a million and one different kinds out there. Well, I did some research and went with the Remeington T-Studio Pearl Ceramic Styling wand 1-1 1/2 inch barrel (the big one) It's pink and made with crushed pearls. It's heat goes up to 410 which is the same as any other kind of wand such as Babyliss, but I paid half the price! I got my Remeington T-Studio Wand at Target for $30.00 bucks! I KNOW RIGHT!! DEAL! It has a digital screen, came with a handy little heat glove (which is key so you can wrap your hair all the way to the ends) and the heat can be controlled so you can go up to 410 or as low as 360.

The Remington T-Studio Pearl Ceramic Styling Wand

Now I'm sure your next question is "Ok I bought it. So how do I use it??" First and foremost make sure you got some time and aren't in rush. I say this because at first it is a little awkward but once you find your groove you can speed through your hair fairly quick. Make sure you spray your hair with a heat protector since this thing gets so high in heat you want to protect your locks as best as you can. I then recommend sectioning your hair off and starting from the bottom and working your way up. Now when positioning the wand to wrap the hair around it I recommend two things
1. Position the wand w/the tip downward
2. Wrap the hair AWAY from your face that way it frames the face better

Wrap in sections

Also wrap your hair all the way to the ends if you don't you'll have some straggly ends which do no justice to the beautiful waves this wand produces. Now how long you hold your hair wrapped on the wand is how tight the curl will be so less time will be a light wave, more time a tighter wave/curl. Same goes for the thickness of the hair you decided to wrap. I went with different sizes and thickness to create more volume w/all the layers that are in my hair.  I know you may be inclined to want to break the wave right away with your fingers but DON'T! Wand your section, Spray with hairspray and move on to the next section. You want to allow the curl to cool and set before breaking them all up. So go through by section wrapping your hair down the wand, then spraying your section and moving on to the next. Once you finish your whole head I suggest waiting about 5-10 minutes plus to let your curls cool. This is a great time to do your makeup while you wait. Then go through and break the curls with your fingers and a pointed comb and finger style to your desired shape.

Use the point end of the Comb 

So the first time I used my wand my hair was about 2 days dirty and kinda limp b/c it had been in a bun/pony for those two days as well as air dried after the shower. I wasn't expecting much b/c my hair like I said was pretty limp that day but to my surprise it gave me FULL beautiful waves!! I seriously could have put my face on and went out with that hair! The picture below is my second time using the wand, but with clean hair. BAM! Gorgeous full waves for days!! I am sooo in LOVE w/this wand that I bought the smaller one as well to get those smaller layers. I can't wait to use these wands on my next client. So Ladies with all that being said GET CHA' WAND ON!!!

Sexy Smitten Kitten Hair 

Wedding Day Bliss...A look into my Best's Girl's special day

As you all know I have been doing makeup for about 7 years now. I love what I do and am always confident in my work. Well about a month ago on August 6, 2011 was my Best Friend's wedding and I had the honor of being asked to not only be in her wedding (give in, duh!) But to do the makeup for herself, her mother and her bridal party. Now there have only been a couple times in my career that I have been nervous and you guessed it, this was ones of those times!! I wanted the makeup to be "HER" in every sense of the word. Now many of you may not know my Best but she is the funniest, quirkiest, beautiful soul, hippy (but not really) you'll every meet. She's a classic simple beauty who can make a t-shirt and jeans look dressed up and sexy. She has the best brows and lashes a girl would DIE for! So I wanted and NEEDED this make up to portray her as I see her..My Classic Beautiful Best.

Not the best pic of us but we don't judge

So on the eve before her wedding my best was so cool and collective looking as a classic beauty in her maxi dress at her wedding rehearsal. After the rehearsal and dinner the bridesmaids had a slumber party at Mom and Dad Phillips humble abode. I think it was the perfect way for all of us to pre celebrate the big festivities that were about to take place.

That morning I woke early before all the bridesmaids and Scooby aka Steven to get myself ready. As I walked to bathroom I walked past my best's room and she was there sitting up reading a magazine in bed  in her jammies and hair tied back. She looked so cute and calm and ready to be a bride.  I walked in and laid on the bed and we laughed and talked about all the fun she was gonna have in Europe (her honeymoon) and how today was HER day. All the planning, all the hard work and now it was time to ENJOY!! 

As the morning went on Mom aka Toni's dining room became a salon in a matter of minutes. Hair was being done and we were all inhaling massive amounts of hair spray that no normal human should ever inhale. I was rotating bridesmaids in and out of my chair and lashes were being applied all around. As I kept a close eye on my best she was so calm w/her check list in hand and making sure her dad loaded up the truck with all her carefully picked decorations. In her super cute little white "Mrs.Mikel" jump suit she was just so calm and organized and just taking in every moment with smiles and laughs.

Well the time had finally come, it was time for my best to take a seat in my chair. In all the years of our friendship I had never not once put a brush to her face. I had NEVER done my Best's makeup till now! It was emotional and we both looked at each other ready to cry. I said to her "Cry now because You can't once I start! Oh and put your list down and enjoy this, because this is your time to just be pretty." And I got down to work and did what I do best! I blended, highlighted and lined my heart out. In about 45 minutes we were done and it was exactly how I would have pictured her to look on her special day right down to the Hello Kitty peachy lipstick. I did it I portrayed how I wanted everyone to see my Best on her special day the way I see her as a Classic Beauty. 

This was a makeup that I felt every emotion in. Notice how she's holding my arm..Yup this melts my heart.

Such an honor to forever be apart of her wedding day

Just us enjoying our time

Timeless and Beautiful

My best

Wearing her Grandma's pearls

The Bridesmaids

Not only did her makeup portray her perfectly but everything about her and her future husband's wedding was true to their personalities right down to the shoes and socks.

So there you have it. My Best and her husband's wedding day and the special moment of 45 minutes that my Best and I shared. I can only hope that when she looks back at her wedding pictures she feels that I captured all of her in her makeup. 

Love you to the moon and back Bestest!

COPY RIGHT ALL PHOTOS BY D.LILLIAN PHOTOGRAPHY

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!