Archive for the FACE Category

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NARS Sheer Glow Foundation – Still Very Much Obsessed

Posted in FACE, FOUNDATION, MAKE-UP, MELI'S FAB FINDS, MELI'S MAKEUP BAG, NARS, PRODUCTS I LOVE on September 15, 2012 by stylebymeli

Back in February I wrote about post regarding NARS Sheer Glow foundation and since then I have also tried a few others.  However, at the end of the day, I’m still in love with NARS Sheer Glow Foundation.  I realized that I should have matched myself a few shades darker being that their color system starts off really light (making it a great choice for lighter complexions).  Keep in mind they also carry a full range of colors that are suitable for darker skintones.

Not only do I love the look of sheer glow, but it’s unbelievable how many compliments I get on my skin and overall makeup in general.  (Trust me, my skin is not that perfect to begin with, I have been dealing with breakouts for the past couple years from hormonal imbalances.  I am very thankful for this foundation and I guess take some partial credit for being a really good makeup artist too of course!  ;)). 

Currently, I’m wearing NARS Sheer Glow in the shade Punjab.

[Does anyone have a favorite foundation they would like to share?]

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[My Thoughts on...] – Airbrush Makeup vs. Traditional Makeup Application…Is there a difference?

Posted in AIRBRUSH MAKEUP, BEAUTY TREATMENT, FACE, FOUNDATION, MAKE-UP, MELI'S THOUGHTS ON... with tags , , on August 12, 2012 by stylebymeli

With the concept of airbrush makeup becoming increasingly more popular, I wanted to discuss this topic in further detail along with what airbrush machine I’m currently using.  

In terms of the longevity of the makeup (specifically focusing on the foundation application, although other aspects of the makeup can be airbrushed such as eye shadow, blush, etc), I think the biggest misconception is that airbrush makeup lasts longer throughout the day.  From a professional standpoint, this is not necessarily the case.  The longevity of makeup truly varies from person-to-person and is going to be most heavily determined by the skin preparation and the actual foundation used, NOT the application of the product.  By skin preparation, I am referring to a good face primer, which I use prior to ALL foundation application–both traditional and airbrush.  With airbrush makeup, a lot of companies say that their airbrush foundations do not even require a primer or a powder to set, but I’m a makeup traditionalist at heart, so there is no way I’m going to ever skip a face primer or face powder.  Keep in mind that face primer and setting powder are both forms of makeup insurance to help ensure the makeup will last the entire day.

So, if the longevity isn’t enhanced by the use of an airbrush machine, are there are any significant differences between these methods of makeup application?

In terms of the actual amount of product being used, airbrush makeup is MUCH LIGHTER in my opinion while still providing a flawless, even finish.  Most airbrush foundations are water based which provides light to medium coverage with effortless blendability onto the skin.  This is a major beauty perk, especially for people that want to wear as little face makeup as possible while still looking like they have just the right amount of coverage.  Airbrush makeup enhances the skin rather than masking the skin, given that it is applied properly.  By that I mean less is more.  If you over apply the airbrush makeup, it can visually look very cakey.

Currently, I am using a Dinair airbrush machine which I’m a big fan of as it’s portable, easy to clean (proper sanitation practices are essential!), and the application is very smooth and effortless.  I have been using their brand of airbrush foundation which I am also very happy with, although I’m sure you can probably use other water based foundations with their machine.

[Has anyone tried airbrush makeup?]

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[Makeup Question] – Choosing the Right Foundation Shade (When You’re More Than One Color)

Posted in FACE, FOUNDATION, MAKE-UP, MAKE-UP QUESTIONS, MAKEUP QUESTIONS, POWDERS on July 25, 2012 by stylebymeli

MELI’S ANSWER:  

I often explain to people it’s actually more common to be multiple skin tones than to be completely even all over.  It’s especially even more common for the face to be much lighter than the rest of the body.

Ultimately, you want to choose a foundation color that best blends in with your neck so you avoid seeing a drastic contrast between the jawline as it blends into the neck.

I further want to point out that the neck is typically the fairest part of the body being that it gets the least amount of sun exposure.  I understand for many, this proposes a problem because people rather look more tan/darker especially in the summer, but there is a better way to achieve this end result which requires some creative product layering.  As previously mentioned, I find the foundation color (in the medium form of a liquid or cream) NEEDS to match the neck as closely as possible and will serve as the initial base of the makeup application.  Afterwards, you can go ahead and build the color back with powders, both your all-over finishing powder and with the help of a bronzer.  With finishing powder, I usually go up at least a shade or oftentimes a few shades darker to add warmth and give color back to the skin (to more closely match the body if the body is more tan).  It’s okay to do this with a POWDER because powders are much more forgiving in terms of the consistency and product payoff (less concentrated in pigmentation than a liquid or cream product).

I always highly recommend seeking a makeup professional to find the best foundation match and ask them to apply it to the entire face (or simply ask to take home a sample of the foundation so you can test it out yourself).  This not only is the best way to see what it looks in terms of whether the shade matches or not, but also give you a feel for the product itself.

Keep in mind that a foundation may match perfectly but may not be your “perfect” foundation if you find the coverage doesn’t suit your needs or you don’t like the overall finish it leaves your skin.  It is for this reason that I always advise testing out a foundation on the entire face, rather than just a swatch.  

[Do you have any tips to share on choosing the right foundation?]

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[My Thoughts on...] – BB Creams…Along with What They Are and What They Do

Posted in FACE, FACE PRIMER, FOUNDATION, MAKE-UP, MELI'S THOUGHTS ON..., SKINCARE, TINTED MOISTURIZERS with tags , , on July 23, 2012 by stylebymeli

I feel as though BB creams are not only popping up everywhere in the beauty world, but there is an incredible amount of hype regarding these miracle creams. 

For starters, many people may not be completely familiar with the term, “BB cream.”  BB cream stands for “beauty balm” or I have also seen them referred to as a “blemish balm.”  They originated in Asia and have been around for quite sometime, but are just making its way into Western markets.  

In terms of its purpose, it is considered to be an all-in-one cosmetic product that serves as a moisturizer, primer, foundation, sunblock, and skin smoother.  Depending on the brand, these skin boosting elements can vary, but essentially each BB cream is designed to achieve many great things with just one step, one product.  Ahh, sounds like a dream come true!

[Beauty Confession]:  Personally, I have yet to invest in a BB cream.    

Is it something I will be likely to do in the future?  Perhaps.  I do like the idea of having an all-in-one product for days that I have about two minutes to apply face makeup and run out the door.

However, at the end of the day, I don’t like to cut corners when it comes to makeup application.  I just don’t like the idea of using one product for the whole face because the face is too intricate and each surface area has different needs.  Keep in mind, I use two brushes just to apply my foundation and layer a few skin products before I even get to the foundation.

Also keep in mind that as an artist, I always strive for visual perfection and my standards for “perfection” are much greater than the everyday person.  While some strive for convenience and a quick one-step process, I’m most concerned with the overall visual end result.  I just don’t feel a BB cream can create this visual perfection on its very own.

I always like to share this analogy: “Do you prefer using a shampoo conditioner OR a separate shampoo with a separate conditioner?”  So far, 100% of the time, people have always responded that they rather use separate products.  Why?  It’s more effective that way.  This is how I feel regarding BB creams.  The concept behind them are great but at the end of the day, I have no problem using as many as ten separate products for the face knowing that it will not only work more effectively but also visually make the most impact.

[Do you use BB creams? If so, which brand would you recommend?]

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[Makeup Trend Focus] – Indigo/Teal Eye Makeup with Pastel Accents

Posted in BLUSH, EYE MAKEUP, EYELINER, FACE, FALSE EYE LASHES, FOUNDATION, LIPS, MAC MAKE-UP, MAKE-UP, MAKEUP TREND FOCUS, PRODUCTS I LOVE, SMOKEY EYE with tags , , , on July 16, 2012 by stylebymeli

 

I just wore this look over the weekend for my parents’ anniversary party.  Being it was for an event, I strayed away from my basic neutrals and wanted something a little more dramatic.

-  With the eyes, I started off with a light shimmery lid and then smoked out the corners with an indigo blue eye shadow.  Specifically, I’m using MAC’s “Plumage” in the corners which is the only dark blue eye shadow I even attempt wearing.  It is a warm indigo blue and compliments my skin very nicely.  As a bottom liner, I layered a thick black pencil in the lash line followed by a liquid teal liner.  I LOVE colored eye liner on the bottom, it visually makes the eyes look lighter than they really are!  

-  I wanted soft, warm cheeks and picked a pastel coral.  The coral also contrasts with the blue tinted eye makeup being that orange and blue are opposite colors on the color wheel.

-  For the lips, I never like anything too light unless there is a hint of brightness which is why I went for a light, bright baby pastel pink color.  It adds a subtle brightness to my face but not too light to the point where it washes me out.

I’m wearing my new Ardell Double Up eyelashes in the #203 style. (WOW, do they make a difference or what?!)

[Your thoughts?]

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