kelsey marie | makeup artist ~ Red Deer, AB

The Secret to Perfect Eyeshadow!

2011-11-21T16:29:00.000-08:00

If you've ever had your eyeshadow fade, crease, or disappear, keep reading!!

Before applying eyeshadow, I always use an eyeshadow base on each & every client that sits in my chair. No exceptions. They can all attest to this, I'm sure! ;)

Benefit's Stay Don't Stray, $30, Sephora/Shoppers Drug Mart

This little ditty came into my life about a year ago, & since then I haven't looked back. It is A-MA-ZING! Not only is it good for keeping eyeshadow in place, but concealer too. And it'll make your eyeshadow look more vibrant & true-to-colour. The product itself is a neutral beige that works with most skintypes & colour-corrects any veins or discolouration on the eyelids. I'm not overly crazy about the packaging - the pump is a little touchy - but I love this product enough to work around it! I find that lightly pumping it several times about 1/4 of the way down works well.

How to Use: Dab a small amount onto the eyelid, browbone, and under the eye (if you wear concealer). Blend it in & let dry before applying your eyeshadow. (SO EASY!)

I swear to you, your eyeshadow will not budge once you have this underneath!

Product Rave: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

2011-10-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

Long time no blog! I have been crazy busy these last few months & it seems like I've fallen a bit behind! With fall already here, & winter being right on its heels, I thought it was time for a skincare post. We all know the havoc that cold weather wreaks on our skin - dryness, flakiness, roughness, patchiness, loss of radiance, etc. (All of which can drastically affect your makeup application) Thankfully these issues can be fixed with one thing.... EXFOLIATION! A good exfoliant will slough away dead skin cells, leaving you with a smooth, radiant complexion.

There are two types of exfoliants - physical & chemical. A physical exfoliant is an abrasive scrub that contains granules or man-made beads. A chemical exfoliant is made with AHA's (Alpha Hydroxy Acids). These can include: glycolic acid (from sugar cane), lactic acid (from milk), tartaric acid (from grape wine), citric acid (from citrus fruits), and malic acid (from apples). So which exfoliant is my favourite?

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, $72, available at Milestones Spa

This October marks the 10th birthday of Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant. This product is incredibly unique, as it is a rice-based enzyme powder exfoliant. It contains no artificial fragrance or colour, is suitable for all skin types, and can be used daily. (Whereas, most other exfoliants are only recommended to be used once or twice a week.) It's really simple to use & the results are impressive & quick! After cleansing, dispense half a teaspoon of powder into wet hands and create a creamy paste. Apply to the face in circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Massage gently for one minute and rinse thoroughly.

Tada! That's all it takes to get smooth, glowing skin.

I can't rave about this product enough! Try it out & your skin will thank you. :)

xoxo,

Primer 101:

2011-07-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

By now, you've all probably heard the buzz surrounding makeup primers. And they are definitely worth the hype! With a primer, your makeup will glide on smoother and wear a lot longer. Always apply your primer after your moisturizer (make sure it's completely absorbed first) and before your foundation. Different primers offer everything from mattifying qualities & anti-aging benefits, to acne treatments & skin tone correcting qualities. I've tried nearly ALL of them (no, seriously) and I keep coming back to the same one....

Sephora, $39

...Smashbox's original, oil-free, Photo Finish Foundation Primer. For years, my only gripe was the airless pump packaging - it didn't like lying down in my makeup kit & constantly had air bubbles in it which would clog the opening. (SO embarrassing having to repeatedly smack the thing on a counter in front of my clients!) Thankfully, the lovely people at Smashbox recently repackaged it into a smaller, kit friendly, squeeze tube. It's worth mentioning that the new tube is a few dollars cheaper than the old packaging - for the same amount of product! Photo Finish is composed of an antioxidant blend of grapeseed extract, green tea, and vitamins A & E. It smoothes the skin & actually reduces the appearance of pores & fine lines. And the oil-free formula keeps your t-zone shine free! Now really, what more could you ask for from one product!? Try it once and I swear you'll be hooked.. I am! :)

xoxo,

Safe Sun: Sunless Tanners

2011-05-06T20:15:00.000-07:00

By now we've all heard about the dangers of excessive sun & UV exposure. Melanoma is a serious threat to everyone's health. Thankfully you can still have your golden tan without baking in the sun! (Or worse, in a tanning bed!)
Most self-tanners contain an ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is a colourless sugar that interacts with the skin cells located on the surface of the skin. As the sugar interacts with these cells, a colour change occurs. This change in colour resembles a natural tan & usually lasts about 5-7 days from the initial application.

1. Pick

First, decide which type of self-tanner is best for you. A gradual self-tanner is perfect for those who want to slowly build the intensity of their tan, and who don't mind having to reapply a few days in a row. An "instant" self-tanner is great if you need a deep, bronzed glow - FAST! (Well, in 6-8 hours) Next, you'll need to choose which texture to use. If you have dry skin, stick with a lotion or cream. Skin types with a tendency to break out should use a gel or mousse formula.

2. Prepare

Exfoliate the skin regularly before starting a self-tanning regimen. Use either an exfoliating body scrub on an exfoliating mitt with regular bodywash in the shower. This will remove any dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and will give you a smoother, more even tan. It is best to shave your legs the morning before as self-tanners tend to settle into open hair follicles - resulting in spotted legs. Make sure that your skin is completely dry before applying your tanner. Any moisture left on the skin will result in an uneven and blotchy tan.

3. Apply

I like to apply my self-tanner in the evening so it has time to develop while I sleep. Start by applying the prodcut to your legs and work your way up the rest of your body. Use long, even strokes and keep your fingers pressed firmly together to avoid streaks. Apply sparingly around the ankles, knees, & elbows as these areas tend to be drier & will soak up more product. Be sure to BLEND well. Do not apply to the soles of the feet. Lightly blend whatever product is left on your legs down to the tops of your feet.

Apply to your face, avoiding your eyebrows & hairline. Blend down to your neck & chest. Thoroughly wash hands, concentrating on the palms & in between the fingers. To avoid that telltale line between your wrist & hand, apply a very small (tiny! a lot less than you think you need) amount to one hand & rub the backs of both hands together. Lightly blend into the wrists.

4. Extend

Allow to dry completely before getting dressed. Avoid wearing light coloured clothing for at least 4 hours. Do not shower, swim, etc. for at least 4-6 hours after application. In order to extend the life of your tan, try not to aggressively exfoliate the skin until you're ready for your next application. Keep shaving to a minimum & use an ultra-hydrating lotion daily. Reapply every 3 days to maintain your tan.

Happy Tanning!! :)

xoxo,

Trend: Nails S/S 2011

2011-04-20T22:29:00.000-07:00

I am LOVING the S/S nail trends this year!! So fun & unconventional! (Aside from the "nude", but in my opinion, that's always in style!) Foil, moons, greens, & blues.. really?! I love how all-over-the-place nails are this season.. check out how great these are!

Gold Foil

Moon Manicure

Nude

(As seen at Monique Lhuillier S/S 2011)

Mint Green/Bright Blue

xoxo,

Trend: Makeup S/S 2011

2011-04-20T21:42:00.000-07:00

Makeup this season is all about COLOUR! Brights & pastels were seen all over the runway! I love love love this trend & I think everyone should try it - don't be afraid to incorporate bright colours into your everyday makeup routine this spring/summer!

Skin & Cheeks:

There's an emphasis on healthy, luminous skin this season. You want your foundation to look like a flawless, second skin. Bronzed skin also made an appearance on the runway - just make sure you're using a MATTE bronzer! Keep the shimmer & glitter to a minimum with this look. You want to glow not sparkle!

Eyes & Lips:

Think brights/pastels for eyes, & juicy, saturated colours for lips! Play up one feature at a time in order to make this trend wearable - if you go bright with the eyes, keep the lips neutral & vice versa. (Unless you're a fearless woman who isn't afraid of making a statement! À la Pat Macgrath's creation for Dior S/S 2011) Tangerine is the MUST-HAVE lip colour right now. If you want something a little more subtle, try a coral or strawberry shade. Yummmyyy!

xoxo,

Trend: Hair S/S 2011

2011-04-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Braids

Braids are EVERYWHERE again this year! Celebrities & runway models have been sporting them left & right! Some of my favourites..

Fishtail Braid

I think it's fantastic that this hairstyle is so popular this year - I remember learning how to fishtail braid 8 years ago & thinking to myself "when am I ever going to need to know how to do this?!" Now! Yay!

Braided Headband

I really don't think this look is going anywhere anytime soon! It's laidback chic & perfect for summer - especially when combined with beachy waves and bronzed skin.

Halo Braid/"Scarf" Braid

I absolutely love this one! 2 fantastic trends combined into one look. You can wear this without the scarf for a traditional "halo braid" or you can incorporate the scarf into any other braided style.

"Dominatrix Pony"

The dominatrix inspired ponytail is also HUGE, huge, huge on the runway & more recently, on the red carpet. (As seen at the Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 RTW show - hey, we're getting an early start on this trend!) This is such a powerful look - keep the focus on the hairstyle by wearing barely-there makeup. I love this look paired with vampy, true red nails as seen in the picture below. SO FABULOUS!

xoxo,

Pro Tip: Faux Strip Lashes (Part II)

2011-04-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

To apply:

Place your thumb parallel to the base of the lashes & gently "roll" them out of the packaging. If you try to peel them out from one end, you will risk deforming & potentially damaging the lashes.

Gently roll the lashband around your index finger to enhance the curve of the band - this will allow the false lashes to sit more naturally against the curve of your eye.

Before applying glue, place the lashes against each eye & "measure" the amount that hangs past the outer corner of the eye. Trim this excess with a small pair of brow/nail scissors.

Curl your own lashes!

Place a small amount (pea-sized) of glue on the back of your hand or on a palette - I like to use the outside of the lash packaging for this. Using an orangewood stick (typically used in manicuring), pick up a small amount of glue & lightly coat the entire lash band, edge to edge, concentrating on the ends. These will be the first areas to "lift" during wear.

Lightly fan the lash back & forth for 30 seconds to allow the glue to become tacky. If you apply them right away, the glue will be too wet, causing the lash to slip around as you try to place it.

Once the glue is tacky, hold the lash from the middle using either your fingers or a pair of tweezers. Look down into a mirror & place the middle of the lash as close to your own lashline as possible. Quickly place the inside & outside corners next. Don't be afraid to wiggle the lashes around in order to get the best placement.

Allow to dry - until the glue becomes clear.

Apply mascara to "blend" your own lashes with the falsies. Apply eyeliner to the upper lashline to hide the lashband & cover any glue that may be showing.

To remove:

Gently peel from the outer corner, being careful not to pull your own lashes. If you are feeling too much resistance from the lashes, soak a cotton pad with a waterproof eye makeup remover & press gently over the lashline to loosen the bond between your own lashes & the falsies.

With proper care, lashes can be reused between 3-5 times. After use, peel off any glue residue & soak the lashes in 70% alcohol. Reshape them by placing them back in the original case.

Click here if you missed Part I !

xoxo,

Pro Tip: Faux Strip Lashes (Part I)

2011-04-10T22:09:00.000-07:00

I get sooo many questions about false lashes.. so I thought I'd post my favourite brands, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to apply them! There are a ton of different companies who manufacture false eyelashes - with significant differences in price. Red Cherry lashes start at only $1.99 whereas Shu Uemura lashes can cost upwards from $30.

Quo

$5-$7 CAD (Shoppers Drug Mart)

My makeup kit is always, always, always stocked with Quo eyelashes. They are the absolute best quality for the price. The lashband has the perfect balance of stiffness & flexibility, making them a breeze to apply. 803's are perfect for natural/bridal looks & 805's for dramatic/boudoir looks.

Ardell

$5-$7 CAD (Walmart)

I'd heard the buzz surrounding Ardell lashes even before I joined the industry. If Quo lashes didn't exist, Ardell would definitely be my top pick! Tons of styles to choose from, and super affordable! My only complaint is about the lashband.. it's a little too flexible/thin for my liking which can make them a little more difficult to apply than Quo. 105's are my go-to!

MAC

$17 (Freestanding or The Bay)

There's no arguing the popularity & quality of MAC lashes - personally, I just can't get past the price for something that isn't necessarily a "fantasy" lash. If you don't mind splurging though, #7's are my top choice! Also, don't throw away the packaging - it counts towards the Back to MAC recycling program!

Make Up For Ever

$17 CAD (Sephora)

Ahhhh... the fun lashes! These are fantastic for Halloween, stage performers, "avant garde" photo shoots, etc. I love the range that MUFE offers with their lashes - everything from natural everyday lashes, to glittered/feathered/rhinestoned/coloured lashes. Loooove! Hands down the best fantasy lashes you can find! (Next to Shu Uemura of course, but we won't even go there!) Check out the 116's for some serious drama!

PS. Duo Eyelash Adhesive ($8-$10, Sephora or MAC) is your new best friend.

Click here for Part II !

xoxo,

Product Rave: Shiseido Facial Cotton

2011-03-19T21:29:00.000-07:00

"All cotton pads are not made the same. Shiseido's top-selling Facial Cotton leads in quality and performance."

165 pads, $8 CAD (Shoppers Drug Mart)

"100% RAW COTTON - Cotton is hand-picked by specially selected cotton growers, guaranteeing a steady supply of the finest quality cotton from around the world.

DELIVERS PRODUCT ONTO SKIN - Made with only long and medium-long fibres that quickly absorb and then release moisture onto the skin. Just a small amount of your favourite softener or lotion is needed for effective results.

NO FLUFF REMNANTS - The cotton passes through Shiseido's Original Super Water Jet Process, which is a stream of high pressure water that weaves the fibres together, forming a flat and smooth surface. The cotton does not disintegrate with use, even when removing mascara.

PLUSH, CUSHION-LIKE FEEL - Facial Cotton fibres are combed into thin sheets, then multi-layered for just the right thickness and softness.

SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES - Quality certified by TESTEX (Independent Swiss textile testing Institute). Recognized as safe - even safe enough to use on a baby's skin."

-from Shiseido Advertisement in Cosmetics Mag

I have been addicted to these for YEARS. Literally. These are the only cotton pads that I have used in over 3 years! There is absolutely no comparing Shiseido's Facial Cotton to regular cotton pads. They are incredibly gentle and never fall apart during use.. and they don't soak up as much product as the "cheaper" cotton pads - which means more $$$ in your pocket in the long run!

Now, $8 may seem expensive for a pack of cotton pads.. but keep in mind that most of the $3-4 packs only come with 50 cotton pads - Shiseido Facial Cotton comes with over 150 pads. So it works out to about the same price! Also, since the Shiseido cotton pads are so large, you can get away with cutting them in half - doubling the amount in your pack! :)

I've converted most of my family & friends to Shiseido Facial Cotton and I know that they would never switch back. Try them once and you'll be amazed at the difference!

xoxo,

Happy National Lipstick Day!

2010-07-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

I am a huuuuge Lipstick Junkie! So in celebration of National Lipstick Day, I thought I'd compile a list and swatches of my favourite lipsticks!

Top 3 Revlon:

415 Pink In The Afternoon (Super Lustrous) - Perfect "Audrey Hepburn" shade

001 Nude Attitude (Matte) - Matte peachy nude

070 Soft Nude (Colorburst) - My HG nude lipstick

Top 3 MAC (LE):

Lollipop Loving (Glaze - Heatherette 2008) - Soft coral

Rocking Chick (Frost - Barbie Loves MAC 2006) - Blue based hot pink (My HG)

Viva Glam Gaga (Lustre - Viva Glam 2010) - Pale bubble gum pink

Top 3 MAC (Perm):

Angel (Frost) - Soft pink nude

High Tea (Lustre) - Light shimmery bronze

Lovelorn (Lustre) - Cool medium pink

Swatches:

(L-R) Pink In The Afternoon, Nude Attitude, Soft Nude

Lollipop Loving, Rocking Chick, Viva Glam Gaga

Angel, High Tea, Lovelorn

xoxo,

Top 5: Drugstore Products

2010-06-27T22:28:00.000-07:00

1. Covergirl Lashblast Mascara, $8-$11 CAD

This is the mascara that I reach for nearly everyday. It's quick to apply, it doesn't clump, and it leaves me with longer, separated, natural looking lashes. The brush is gigantic, but surprisingly easy to work with. I don't notice a whole lot of volumizing with the original Lashblast formula - which is fine by me. This mascara defines my lashes perfectly for everyday wear. But if it's volume that you're looking for, I'd recommend using L'oreal Voluminous mascara instead.

2. Revlon Matte Lipstick, $5-$10 CAD

I absolutely LOVE this lipstick collection. The pigmentation is ridiculous! You only need the tiniest amount or else you'll overapply. It's no secret that matte lipsticks are drying... so I always prep my lips with a little bit of Smith's Rosebud Salve before I apply this lipstick. The packaging is a lot nicer than the regular line of Revlon lipsticks - the tube is matte black & the lid is see-through (easier to find the shade you're looking for!). My favourite shade is "001 Nude Attitude" which is the perfect nude lipstick on me.

3. L'oreal Lash Serum $10-$17 CAD

I was super hesitant to try this product at first. Frankly, it sounded like BS in a tube. It's supposed to be applied twice a day.. once in the morning & once in the evening after you've removed your makeup. I'm a little weirded out about sleeping with it on, so I only use it during the day. After about 2 weeks I started noticing that my lashes were fuller & healthier looking.. so I stopped using it. I had the results I wanted, right? But a few weeks later, my lashes were back to being sparse & sad. So while this product isn't a permanent fix, it actually does work! I love using it as a primer before my mascara.

4. Revlon Colorstay Foundation $16-$20 CAD

I can't say enough good things about Revlon's Colorstay Foundation. The coverage is AMAZING & rivals that of the high-end brands. And surprisingly it feels really comfortable on the skin for having such a high coverage. My only gripe is that it's scented - I hate fragrance in my foundation. That being said, it's not enough to stop me from using it! It comes in two different formulas - one for oily skin & one for dry skin. A definite drugstore treasure!

5. Quo Lashes $5-$8 CAD
(Shoppers Drug Mart)

These are hands down the best lashes I've ever used. They're a breeze to work with & there are so many different styles to choose from. (Tip: #804 is an exact dupe for MAC's #7 lashes.. at half the price!) They also recently released "Lash Extensions" which are similar to the Individual Lashes - except you apply them 1 single lash at a time instead of in clusters. They're meant to be worn for up to 2 or 3 weeks with proper care. Quo lashes are the only lashes that I stock my makeup kit with.

xoxo,

Summer Foundations

2010-06-20T17:01:00.000-07:00

We all know how challenging it can be to find a good summer foundation. The hot and humid weather can leave you with a melted, oily face by the middle of the day. I've found 3 different foundations that I personally love to use during the summer months. No melting involved!!!

1. Lise Watier Teint Mousse Matifiant (Oil-free)

7 Shades, 30 ml, $33 CAD (Shoppers Drug Mart)

This is my go-to foundation for the summer. I don't have particularly oily skin, so I love that this foundation provides a matte finish without drying my skin out. It is a mousse texture with a velvety finish and it makes my pores disappear. "Formulated with evanescent powders derived from cotton fibres, this foundation visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and imperfections." This foundation goes a LONG way.. not much is needed to achieve full coverage, so I find that the 30 ml bottle lasts forever! Even though there's only 7 shades to choose from, it's super easy to colour match. I use the shade "Beige Pur".

(Use this product sparingly - it tends to cake-up if you over apply.)

2. MAKE UP FOR EVER Face & Body Liquid Make-Up

19 Shades, 50 ml, $42 CAD (Sephora)

Lovelovelove this foundation! It's water-based (87% ish) with a gel consistency - and it's completely waterproof! It can be used on both the face & body (hence the name) & provides a sheer but buildable coverage. It has a very natural finish to it so it's perfect for those who don't like looking "made-up". My ONLY complaint about this foundation is that it's fragranced with a rosy scent - not so great if you have sensitive skin. MUFE always has an excellent shade selection though. I use #20.

3. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

10 Shades, 50 ml, $55 CAD (Sephora)

Now for those who would rather use a tinted moisturizer, Laura Mercier is hands down the best one out there. It offers a light coverage, so it's better suited for those with minor skin issues. If you have dark circles or blemishes, you'll want to layer a concealer under this product first. It has a slightly dewy finish to it and gives the skin a healthy glow. I find that it blends easily and completely melts into the skin. Those with an oilier skin type might want to set this foundation with a translucent powder. An SPF of 20 is built right in, making this the perfect foundation for summer!

xoxo,

Review: MAKE UP FOR EVER Sens'Eyes

2010-05-23T23:13:00.000-07:00

A mineral oil-free, gel makeup remover for eyes and lips. Instantly removes impurities and even waterproof makeup on the most sensitive eyes, and works well for contact lens wearers. Moisturizes and soothes eyelids. Extremely effective and incredibly gentle, this lightweight cleanser won't leave the eyelids feeling greasy. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested.

(Sephora.com)

I have used many different waterproof eye makeup removers & was always only semi-satisfied with the results. Most of them were too harsh & left me with irritated, stinging eyes. Then along came MAKE UP FOR EVER Sens'eyes. I was given a sample quite a few months ago at the lovely Bay Downtown counter in Vancouver, BC. ......And I can't believe I've gone so long without this eye makeup remover in my life!!

The formula is absolutely amazing - gentle enough for sensitive eyes & contact lens wearers (like myself), but still powerful enough to remove waterproof makeup in just a few swipes! (It can also be used to remove stubborn lip products!) Sens'Eyes is a cream/gel consistency & doesn't leave a greasy residue like some liquid eye makeup removers can. It has a slight scent, but nothing overpowering or offensive. It comes in a plastic bottle with a lockable pump & a little product goes a looong way! At less than $25 CAD, it is well worth the price. You will never use another eye makeup remover once you try this!

xoxo,

Product Rave: Yaby Liquid Foundation

2010-05-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

A month ago, the IMATS (International Makeup Artist Trade Show) came to Vancouver for the first time! I was fortunate enough to attend & couldn't wait to stop by the Yaby Cosmetics booth - a Canadian makeup line developed by Toronto makeup artist, Liz Yu. I purchased six of Yaby's new liquid foundations & one corrector. They carry twelve foundation shades and six correctors all together.

The colours I chose were: Ivory, Buff, Custard, Honey, Pecan, and Caramel. These all have a yellow undertone except for Buff, which has a neutral undertone &; is great for mixing. I also got Daisy - a white corrector that can be used to lighten foundation or as a liquid highlight (no shimmer).

They each come in a 12ml plastic squeeze-tube with 8-8.5ml of product inside - they are designed to be mixed (the tip is removable), so the extra room in the tube allows you to create your own custom shades! And the plastic packaging is ideal for Makeup Artists since you don't have to worry about it breaking & leaking all over your kit. They retail for only $12.50 CAD each and Industry Professionals are eligible to apply for a 20% discount.

I can't even begin to explain how much I LOVE this foundation! The finish is neither matte nor dewy & can be customized with either a luminizer or a mattifying powder. It delivers a very natural looking "my-skin-but-better" look - while still offering full coverage. It is oil-free so it can be used on those with oily/acne-prone skin & at the same time is moisturizing enough for drier skin textures. I've never had a problem with this foundation flaking or going cakey.. it is literally perfect for every skin type! It photographs beautifully & is great for photo shoots, bridal work, or everyday wear. Yaby liquid foundations are a must-have in my kit!

Check out the Yaby Website

xoxo,

Hello!

2010-05-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

I am a Professional Makeup Artist located in Canada. I have been involved in the makeup industry since 2007 and recently received my formal training from Vancouver's world renowned Blanche Macdonald Centre.

I started this blog to share my passion for makeup with the world. :) I will be posting product reviews & recommendations, swatches, professional makeup tips, and more! If you have any questions or requests, please leave me a comment!

xoxo,