Archive for the MAC MAKE-UP QUESTIONS Category

The ONE Makeup Item I Surprisingly NEVER Wear Along with a GREAT Makeup Question from a Reader in the UK

Posted in EYE MAKEUP, FALSE EYE LASHES, MAC MAKE-UP, MAC MAKE-UP QUESTIONS, MAKE-UP, MAKE-UP QUESTIONS, MASCARA, PRODUCTS I LOVE with tags , , on May 11, 2011 by stylebymeli

Being that I am a makeup artist, one can assume that I not only love applying makeup on others, but that I also LOVE wearing makeup.  It actually blows my mind when I meet a makeup artist who tells me they don’t like to wear makeup at all and they often don’t bother to really wear it on a daily basis.  I have met “artists” like that (a little strange, no?)!

[Good analogy, that's like going to a personal trainer that says, "I don't care about my body, I eat whatever I want and only work out when I'm training my clients."  WHERE IS THE CREDIBILITY?!  Why would I go to someone who doesn't practice what they preach?!?!]  

In terms of the makeup I wear, I pretty much like a little of everything.  By that I mean, I love a good foundation, blush, face primer, eyeliner, etc.  However, there is one thing I actually DO NOT enjoy wearing…this may come as a shocker to many OR for the people that follow my blog, I’m sure they already know what my answer is going to be (although I have never actually said it aloud), but I really don’t like to wear MASCARA.  Yes, I said it and I’ll say it again, MASCARA!  (Before you judge me, keep reading as I will explain why!)

I would say for MOST people and even those who are not makeup people like myself, when you ask them what one item would you not leave the house without, people seem to always say mascara (or eyeliner or lipstick are also common answers, but mascara ALWAYS seems to be the first answer).

Styling Confession:  I never really liked mascara ever (believe it or not) because for one, it is extremely annoying to remove at the end of the night.  There is always some sort of residue, even when I use my beloved MAC Cleanse Off Oil.  I also feel like mascara doesn’t do much for my lashes being that I don’t have full/long lashes to begin with.  There is NOT enough impact when I apply mascara.  

I think for people that naturally have nice lashes, mascara will make a visual impact.  Also people that have fair/blond hair will notice a visual impact from a black mascara as it will change the color by darkening the lashes.

This is NOT to say I do not care about the appearance of my lashes.  Quite the opposite my friends!  I love long and full lashes!  This is why I wear false lashes pretty regularly.  (FYI, I do have a few mascaras and I will wear them sometimes, just not everyday).

I always talk about my favorite false eye lashes, which are the MAC #48 lash and then my second choice would be the MAC #6 lash.  I would NOT classify these as “natural” and choosing the right lashes for you would really depend on your natural eye lashes and your style preference.  I like drama and eye lashes are no exception! ;)

MAC #48 - I love the style of these false eye lashes! They are pretty dramatic looking in the case, but actually turn out looking semi-natural depending on the application.

I am pretty sure this is the photo my reader is refering to. I am wearing the MAC #6 lashes here.

Reader Question:  “I’ve seen your picture with the MAC #6 lashes (2010 pic). I would like to know if you were wearing mascara on your lashes and which one. Also did you curl the MAC 6 false lashes. Thanks.”

This is a fantastic question because this is a subject matter I have failed to really go into in greater depth.

Quite simply, the answer is NO to both questions.

I never apply mascara BEFORE or AFTER my false eye lash application.  I find this is the beauty behind wearing false eye lashes, as no mascara is really needed, especially since the ones I wear are so full/long to begin with.

Here is a closer look at the MAC #6 lash - I don't wear these all the time as they are not as natural (not something I'd recommend ever for a bridal makeup application), but they are great for going out.

The only time I would apply a coat of mascara onto the lashes (let’s say with a client) is if the natural eye lashes did not blend with the false eye lashes (meaning the mascara would be used to join the natural lash and false lash together) OR if I was let’s say the lashes were super natural to begin with and they could use a little mascara for further enhancing.  Also, with someone that naturally has light colored eye lashes, then I would definitely apply a mascara with the false lashes, again for blending purposes.

Regarding the eye lash curler.  On myself, I can skip this step completely because I don’t have lashes that are straight.  When I have a client that does, I will definitely take the few extra minutes to curl them a little.  Again, this allows for the lashes to blend more easily with the false eye lashes.

Hope this clarifies when to use and not use a mascara (or eye lash curler) with false eye lashes!  Every person is different, depending on their natural lashes.  Be sure to also read one of my previous posts regarding heated eye lash curlers.

[Does anyone else have a love for false eye lashes?  If so, what are your favorites?  I am always open to trying new styles and brands!]

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Question Regarding Long-wearing Foundation for Oily Skin

Posted in MAC MAKE-UP QUESTIONS, MAKE-UP, PRODUCTS I LOVE, SKINCARE with tags , , , , on January 5, 2011 by stylebymeli

Mirror, mirror on the wall, I got a question for you all!! :)  I just wanted to share a great question from one of my readers.  This is a topic that often gets brought to my attention during a makeup application and it is something that I have a lot of expertise on.

reader question:



Meli’s answer:

The secret to long-wearing foundation and keeping it shine-free throughout the day is NOT the foundation itself.  It is how you PREP the skin and how you SET it afterwards. These are key elements of makeup application that are often overlooked and sometimes skipped completely.

I know before I did makeup professionally, half-way through the day I’d check my makeup to find that it was practically worn away.  I used to think I had oily skin when the whole time I was pretty normal and just didn’t know how to apply makeup correctly!  Now that I have the right products and know what I am doing, I NEVER TOUCH-UP MY MAKEUP!  REPEAT, I NEVER TOUCH-UP MY MAKEUP! I never have to check up on my makeup because I know it will look as good later in the day as it did in the morning.

Most of the time when I do bridal makeup, it is ESSENTIAL that it lasts the entire day, because trust me, the last thing a bride wants to worry about is if her makeup is still there!

Skin Prepping:

- Moisturize: Even people with oily skin should moisturize and I highly recommend looking for moisturizers with oil controlling properties or something very lightweight.  MAC makes an Oil Control Lotion that is used as a moisturizer to specifically prevent oil collecting in the T-zone.  The product will actually disperse the oils in the face so that it’s not all concentrated there.  This stuff really works!

- PRIMER!!! I will always preach about primer because it a necessity if you wear foundation.  The primer will allow for makeup to last longer throughout the day and create a smooth canvas to work with.  I’m not too picky as to which primer because they all pretty much do the same thing.  I feel choosing the right primer comes down to personal preference in terms of the texture (some are very creamy, while others feel like a smooth gel).

-  MAC Matte Creme: This is an AMAZING product and I have not seen any other makeup line with such a thing.  I will actually use this as a primer for people who tell me they have oily skin because upon application, it will visually mattify the skin.  Meaning no matter what type of foundation that is applied over it (liquid, cream, powder), the skin should already look matte.  I recommend applying this more in the T-zone area and center of the face as you would with face primer.

Skin Setting:

- Powder: A powder is absolutely necessary for setting a foundation and especially for someone with an oily skin type.  A foundation will NEVER last if there is no powder.  I personally like to use a loose mineralize powder to set my makeup.

- Blot Powder: Anyone that has oily skin NEEDS a good blot powder.  The sole purpose of a blot powder is to take away shine rather than adding any coverage to the skin.  This is great to have in your bag for touching up throughout the day if you choose to bring any sort of face product.  Blot powders can come in both pressed or a loose formula.   I personally use a pressed blot powder in the morning ON TOP of my regular powder.  Yes, I use two powders!  Again, it is totally worth it and worth the extra step.

- Finishing Spray: I always set people’s makeup with a setting spray afterwards, when the makeup is completely done.  It serves as a protective blanket over the face and often times leaves the skin sweatproof and makes the makeup appear more natural looking.  I think people with oily skin can really benefit from investing in one of these.  I use Skindinavia’s Bridal Makeup Finishing Spray.

Other Key Points:

-  Avoid any foundations that will leave the skin with a dewy finish.  It will only make the skin look more shiny later in the day.

-  I also recommend avoiding blushes with shimmer and if you decide to use a skin highlighter, make sure it is used sparingly on the tops of the cheekbones.

[Are there any other skin tips out there from people that also have oily skin?]

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Thoughts on MAC’s Greasepaint Sticks & Coral Crepe Paint Pot

Posted in MAC MAKE-UP QUESTIONS on May 6, 2010 by stylebymeli

Hi everyone, I received a question regarding the coral paint pot from the Pret-a-papier Collection and also about the new greasepaint sticks from the Art Supplies Collection.

“I didnt get much out of it but i was going back and forth about the coral paintpot.  Not so sure ?  And the greasepaint sticks, what do u think of them ?  Let me know my dear, a lot of places have sold out but MAC Pro still has them so thats not a problem. I trust your opinion :)”  -Valerie V

For starters, I LOVE MAC’s paint pots.  I actually won’t do a make-up application without using a paint pot as an eye shadow lid base.  I typically wear “Soft Ochre” everyday (best for more yellow based skintones, while “Painterly” is a popular choice for more rose/pink based skintones).

What is a paint pot?  It is a cream based eye shadow primer that allows for eye shadow to last all day AND makes blending shadows much easier.  It can also be used by itself as there are many shades than the basic ones for everyday use.

In terms of the Coral Crepe, I did use it one time and although it’s sold out almost everywhere…I’m really not a huge fan of it.  I would never personally recommend it UNLESS someone was going for a coral eye look.  I’d much rather use coral on the cheeks and lips rather than the eyes, but this is not to say it cannot be done.  I absolutely LOVE coral, I find it flatters most people because the color warms the face and gives a nice pop of color for spring/summer.  Again, I mainly use it on people for lips and cheeks.

Speaking of coral, I wear MAC’s blush “Peaches” almost 90% of the time.  This is a permanent shade in the line and it’s a coral color without shimmer.  A MAC trainer used this on me when I was his model for the workshop back in 2007 and I never really started using it consistently until a couple years later.  Now it’s one of my personal favorites.  Although it looks very peach (hence the name, “Peaches”) it gives such a nice color to the cheeks without too much intensity.  It’s very natural and great for everyday use.

Regarding the greasepaint sticks, I think the overall concept is great. 

What is a greasepaint stick?  It’s a cream formula in a crayon applicator that comes with a built in sharpener.  It is water-resistant and long-wearing.  This can be used again by itself or even as a base prior to eye shadow.

It’s convenient for people that want to just throw on a color on their lids and walk out the door.

I actually bought 2 out of the 8 shades from the collection.

I bought Slick Black which is a carbon black color FOR MY KIT (in case I want to do a true smokey eye and start the lid jet black).  I was very tempted to keep this in my personal collection; however I already own “Blackground” which is a black paint pot with a little shimmer.

I also bought Dirty which is a beautiful smokey gun metal grey color that very much looks like the MAC eye shadow “Smoke & Diamonds.”  I’ve already used this on the lids a few times when creating a smokey eye look.  I have yet to try using this for creating a smokey eye liner effect.

Although there is a pretty assortment of colors, I would have liked to have seen lighter or brighter colors in the collection for the upcoming spring season.  I think this is what stopped me from buying a good amount of them.

As I mentioned before, I do also like using paint pots a little more than the greasepaint sticks.  I think this is just because I am used to working with them and find the texture much easier to manipulate.  Greasepaint sticks are definitely worth exploring and an innovative way of applying eye make-up.

Hope this was helpful!

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