Masque 101

You want gorgeous, soft skin. You can achieve this chicas, and chicos without spending hundreds of dollars on foundations, and cover ups. The key is establishing a great skin care regime, and letting your skin breath. After cleansing your skin, and before moisturizing, I highly recommend using a masque. All skin types can benefit from this type of treatment. Do you have tight, dry itchy skin? Prone to blackheads? Are your pores the size of the moon? There is a masque out there for you!

The purpose of a facial masque is to improve skin and outlook of the face, depending on the type of skin as following:
To absorb oil
To moisturize dry skin
To replenish dull skin

Face mask is very nourishing. After applying a facial mask, you will feel fresh and people will notice your much younger looking face. Don't believe me? Do a skin test on one hand. Leave the mask on for five minutes. Once it is removed, compare it to your other hand. Do you see the difference? Amazing isn't it?

Here are my tips for finding your appropriate masque, and achieving the skin you want.

1. Always test the mask, particularly if you have a sensitive skin. Apply a small amount behind your ear or inside of the elbow, wait for at least 30 minutes, then wash off. If there is no adverse reaction in the next 24 hours, then only apply the mask on your face.
2. Rinse mask thoroughly with warm water followed with cold water.
3. Don't apply masks more than twice a week.
4. When applying a face mask, you should try to avoid area around your eyes and lips.
5. Vary the ingredients to see their effects on your skin.
6. If you have combination skin, you may apply a mud mask only over the T-zone, i.e. the center of cheeks, nose, center of forehead. and chin.
7. If you like, before applying the mask, hold your head over a warm pot of water. Not too close! You don't want to burn yourself. By steaming your skin, you are opening your pores, and getting your skin ready for maximum absorption.

When I steam my skin, I like to also add a few drops of Lavendar essential oil by Elemis to the pot of water.

1. Take a small amount of the mask on the tips of your fingers and apply it over your face and neck using a circular motion of your fingers. Start with your chin, move upwards and then outwards.
2. Spread a thin and even coating.
3. Leave mask to dry for at least 30 minutes. Do not use a dryer to dry it. Let it for air dry. You will feel as if your skin has tightened when the mask is dry.
4. Splash water on your face and give gentle massage strokes on your face to remove the mask.
   
5. Gel mask: Peel off from the forehead moving down.
6. Mud mask: Dip a cloth in hot water and use it to remove the mask slowly. Pat face dry with a towel.
7. Moisturizing or replenishing mask: Wipe off with a soft tissue paper.
8. Follow up with your moisturizer, and let your skin breath. No foundation, no powder!
9. Your skin may break out after. This is normal. You have pulled all the "gook" from underneath, and now your skin is healing, and renewing itself.

So what masques do I recommend? Below you will find products I love, that are tried, and true!


Origins Clear Improvement Masque! AMAAAAAAAAAZING. Ask for a sample from an associate at the department store. This detoxifies, minimizes pores, moisturizes, and helps to fade dark spots. Great for oily, acne prone skin. If you have normal skin, this is great for a once a month cleaning. Don't forget to steam first!



Is your skin dry, and in need of a big glass of water? Try this Hydra-Care Masque. Key word: HYDRA. Apply this masque after cleansing, and before moisturizing. I personally recommend sleeping with this on overnight, and removing in the morning. Hydrating the skin is so important if you are looking to keep fine lines at bay, dry patches, and the like.


In just about 5-10 minutes, your skin will feel refreshed, more resillient, and moisturized. Great for older skins that need a boost.



Don't forget your body! Applying a masque to your back, feet, and legs promotes excellent circulation, supple healthy skin, and clarity to the skin. I looooooove . Trust me. You will feel like you are at a spa with this mud masque imported from Italy.



Well, that is all my darlings.. Hopefully you will find a masque that is great for you! E-mail me, and tell me about it! Please note: If you are getting ready for a special event, stop using a masque two weeks before so as to keep skin irritations at bay.

Gorgeous Gal Alert!

I had the pleasure of working as the lead hair, and make-up artist for the photographer Eric Wagner recently. He is a local commercial photographer that shoots celebrity clients, model portfolios, and the like. (www.illuminationphoto.com) Our model subject was the lovely Erica. She is thirteen years old, and has dreams of being an actress in addition to a pro volley ball player.

She arrived to the shoot fresh faced with her adoring mother. She wore a cute Ed Hardy designer hoody, fitted leggings, and converse shoes. Our music of choice was, 'Little Jackie', who sings the hilarious song, 'The World Should Evolve Around Me'.

Erica is signed with the modeling agency Heyman Talent, so the look we were going for was fresh, clean, and gorgeous make-up.


Isn't she gorgeous?


I wouldn't be surprised if we see her on television soon.


So beautiful... For this look, I applied thick black false lashes to give a real glamour look.


I kept her make-up fresh, clean, and age appropriate. She really reminds me of a young Paula Patton.


Would you like to achieve this look? To keep the look soft, and natural, I used a tinted moisturizer in Clarins. The color on model Erica was 'Bisque'. A cream blush moisturizer keeps the skin fresh, and dewy. I used Trish Mcevoy in, 'Models Choice'. I used Cover Girl cream eyeshadow in mauve. These are great as they do not crease, and are very natural looking. Top it off with two coats of black mascara, and a clear lip gloss in Mac Lip Glass. Your all set!

Here comes the bride!

On Sunday February 22nd, I got married. Well, sort of ;) I was the head make-up artist for the Columbus Bridal Expo. In addition to doing the models makeup, I actually modeled in the fashion show. As you can imagine, it wasn't difficult to get dressed up in gorgeous couture gowns, by Alan Ray bridal and strut my stuff on the runway.


Here I am with some of the models backstage.


Here is one of my favorite gowns I wore. Isn't it lovely?



Each model had a touch of Victorias Secret Supermodel shimmer. It is very subtle, and the scent is purely decadent. Smoky eyes, and sultry lips were the makeup of choice. Mac lashes gave them that extra va-va-va voom. What a great time it was!

Let me tell you bout' the "Burts, and The Bees, and the"......

Do you remember that old song by Martin Dean? The 'Birds and the Bees'.. As I got ready to go into todays product rave, I thought of that song! Ha! Now then.. There is a natural line of products called, 'Burts Bees' that I absolutely love. You can find it at your local grocery store, health food store, or Tarjaaaaay (Target). They are very reasonably priced, and they are good for you!!


Burts Bees is a earth friendly company, that provides products that are harvested from nature. They do not test on animals, and their products are infused with beeswax, essential oils, botanicals, herbs, and flowers. See there? You can look good, and feel good about these products! www.burtsbees.com

I personally love their basic lip balm. It feels refreshing, and keeps my lips soft, and supple. It has coconut oil, and lanolin. All natural beeswax seals in the moisture. This is great for the guy in your life too. The packaging is not too girly, so your beau will feel "cool" about using this:



Pucker up chicas! These lip shimmers come in all different colors, and are gorgeous. They condition your lips, while providing a subtle color. Perfect for the minimalist, or even the glamour gal who wants a soft color. Take it with you to the gym, or wear it to the grocery store:



Ooo la-la! I love these super shiny lip glosses. The color selections are endless, they feel great, look great, and are long lasting. They also have almond extract, which is an excellent antioxidant. My favorite shades are: 'Pucker Berry', 'Nectar Nude', and 'Sweet Pink':


Okay, this cuticle cream is to absolutely go ga-ga over! They actually obtain its properties from the citrus lemon tree. It's known for its astrigent, and anti-flammatory properties. Keep the jar in your bag, and massage your cuticles daily. Don't forget your toes! You will love this product. I PROMISE:



Had a long day at work? Girlfriends, these bath salts are heavenly. Go home, and indulge in a warm bath of these salt crystals. The salts have natural lemon oil, rosemary, and eucalyptus. Their ingredients help prevent the build up of lactic acid in your muscles, which help keep you on top of your game!:



I could go on for days about the "Burts and the Bees" (smile) but I will end with the, 'Carrot Seed Oil Compexion Mist'. Whenever I feel like I need a quick pick me up during the day, I just lightly mist my face. Not only does it feel soothing, but it helps to tone, rejuvenate, and replenish moisture. Great for all skin types, and can be spritzed over make-up. In the summer, keep refridgerated, and then take with you while your out. Talk about, "freshening up", you will love this dolls!:


Email me, and tell me which product YOU love!

Gorgeous gal alert!

Occasionally, I will feel so inspired by a model, that you will find her here, on my blog. That goes for the lovely Brittany D. I had the pleasure of working with her, and Red Gallery Photography (www.redgalleryphoto.com) on her modeling photo shoot. She recently was signed to one of the top agencies in Ohio. Yay!!!! Red Gallery shoots primarily weddings, but they have a strong background in fashion as you can see :) Brittany was absolutely a gem to work with, and Red Gallery, simply AMAZING!

Brittany arrived to the shoot relaxed, and comfortable. She wore cute fitted skinny jeans, and an American Apparel type top. She traveled in for the shoot the night before. Brittany is a full time student, business owner, and model. Her spirit, and smile just light up the room. 'Talking Heads' band was our music of choice to start, followed by 'Maxwell'.


Despite the freezing code, Brittany gave us some genuine laughs!



To achieve this look, I used Mac's limited addition Hello Kitty smoky eye palette.


Laura Mercier Stick foundation was applied very lightly, to give that flawless look..



I used Mac blush in, 'Dame' color



Bourjois 3d Lip Effect

Prestige liquid liner in, 'Expresso'

My secret weapon: Shu-uemura eyelash curler. Every gal MUST have one. It doesn't have to be this brand, but get yourself a lash curler :)




And lastly, Loreal Great lash in, 'Blackest Black'




I had so much fun!!!!!