~ ORGANIZE your MAKEUP TABLE ~

There are as many ways to personalize your vanity as there are makeup items. Here are some ideas for all price ranges on how to make your makeup table organized, functional or just plain “pretty.”

Budget Junkies:

I highly recommend small storage systems like  STERILITE. They are affordable, stackable and you can separate your items for easy access and organization. These can be found online as well as many stores such as Target, Wal-mart, and Dollar General/Family Dollar stores.

* TIP – shelf liner can also be cut to size and placed in the drawers to keep items from sliding around so much;)

WIRE or MESH PENCIL HOLDERS are the perfect solution for the practical makeup lover who likes to display her brushes, eyeliner pencils, mascaras,  lipliners or even nail files for quick assessment and easy access. These handy items can be found in most dollar stores or office supply stores.

* TIP – The matching letter holders can be used to hold the large eyeshadow/blush/concealer palettes similar to what you may find at Coastal Scents.

BIG SPENDING DIVAS:

For you ladies who really want to create a pampered look on your makeup table, consider bathroom accessories to help you achieve the look. Yes!  BATHROOM ACCESSORIES 😉 Tumblers are great for holding q-tips and makeup brushes, eye/lip pencils and so much more. Toothbrush holders are great for brushes and liner pencils as well;) Mix or match for the perfect fit on your table.

Don’t forget the tissue holder, lotion dispenser ( nice for lotion, makeup remover, or antibacterial gel) and even the soapdish is a nice place to mix foundations, place false lashes you don’t want to lose or put your rings & earrings on after a long day. After all that, the wastebasket is a perfect addition to keep close by for used makeup wipes and disposable items.

You can find great deals on individual items at stores like TJ MAXX, AJ WRIGHT, MARSHALLS or sets at BED and BATH stores. So many styles and colors to choose from!

* TIP – if you use several lotion dispensers for different items, but sure to put a small sticker/label on the bottom so you don’t get antibacterial gel mixed up with eye makeup remover…OUCH! 😉

FOR EVERYONE:

Black ( or any color HAND TOWELS) are great for keeping on your table. First, they keep the table clean and second they are excellent for using to spot clean brushes between uses. Black or dark toned towels show less gunk but just keep in mind, makeup WILL stain these towels so buy some JUST FOR THE MAKEUP TABLE;) No using the guest towels!  You can find these anywhere depending on style and budget, and sometimes several in a pack. A couple should do just fine as one can be on the table when one is being washed.

* TIP – Be sure to wash towels every couple of days to keep dust, dirt, and bacteria from building up and causing your skin grief.

FLATWARE TRAYS are easy kept in the open or placed in drawers and offer a quick view and easy access to most any type of item from single shadows to liner pencils. So much variety  ( basket, mesh, plastic, etc) and found nearly anywhere.

. 

* TIP – this style (below) is excellent for holding skin care items like moisturizer bottles, toners, makeup remover, makeup sanitizing spray etc & make sure to wash these out every so often to keep dirt from building up in corners.

Finally, VOTIVE HOLDERS  are wonderful for keeping tweezers, nail clippers, eyelash glue, eye primer tubes, lip balm tube, mini-scissors or any other little small items you may have that often seem to have no place and get lost on a makeup table. Finally, an easy way to keep them visible! Votive holders can be as simple/cheap or lavish and stylish as you like. You can find them anywhere from super stylish ones at PIER ONE IMPORTS to more practical ones at Target stores. Prices vary. You can even create a personalized one with appliques ( found at craft stores)  and clear votive holders.

Hope you found these tips useful and please feel free to share some of your best organizing ideas!

Check back for updates, product reviews, ideas, giveaway information and so much more and don’t forget:

Become a fan of  KristineMarie Makeup Artistry on Facebook for chances to win FREE makeup goodies;)

~ Coastal Scents Brushes, A Mini Review ~

I recently put in an order with COASTALSCENTS.COM and while I am always skeptical about super inexpensive brushes, I decided I could afford to take a leap of faith on a few items I was curious about…

As always, the brushes came packaged adorably in a drawstring organza bag (colors vary in my experience but this time it was black)  and delicately wrapped in pink tissue paper with a seal to keep everything nice and neat….)

I always enjoy attention to small details that really make getting a package feel more like getting a present;) I was given a small sample of loose shadow which was a nice and generous touch.  Shipping was also super fast and who doesn’t love that? 😉

Ok, so here are my thoughts on the few I received:

BIONIC FLAT TOP BUFFER BRUSH     $13.95     (see link for photo and more information)

The softness of this brush is pretty surprising, but yet it still has a density that makes it perfect for everything from buffing foundations in or applying bronzer or mineral foundations. This is a must-have for any makeup junkie on a budget who desires an excellent quality multi-tasking brush. I am adding a few of these onto my next order as they will now be a staple in my professional kit;) VERY happy with this purchase and even happier with the price! After all, it works as well as my SMASHBOX #19 and I paid over $50 USD for that brush. You do the math! As a side note, I do recommend the   BRUSH GUARDS to keep this brush in the best shape possible. They are a must for those who desire to get the most of their brush investment;)

BIONIC FLAT TOP BUFFER

DESTINY BLENDER BRUSH     $2.49     ( see link for photo and more info)

Another shocker, this little gem is under $3 USD but performs as well ( if not better) than my MAC 222 and MAC 224 brush. I liken the shape to that of the MAC 226 that sometimes appears in limited edition collections as it is very tapered and yet, dense and soft enough to give a beautiful and easy blend. Shorter than the MAC brushes but not so short that they are difficult to control. I think this is a perfect blender to keep on hand ( I will be ordering a few more…) and excellent for a travel brush set. Fast becoming one of my favorites!

DESTINY BLENDER

DIVINE LARGE/MEDIUM EYE SHADOW BRUSH     $2.49     (see link for photo and more info)

I love these brushes. The large is great for applying a base color all over the eye or even the highlight. The medium is perfect for lid color or highlight. Dense enough to pack on color if desired , yet soft enough to deliver a sheer wash when using a gentle hand. Again..smaller than the high end counterparts, but affordable, workable and definite basics for any makeup junkie to have in their stash. The price is nice too! Check out both sizes…at $2.49 each, you can’t afford NOT to;)

DIVINE LARGE DIVINE MEDIUM

BLACK POINTED CREASE BRUSH     $2.95     (see link for photo and more info)

Not my favorite pointed brush ever, but no major complaints. While the tip isn’t the most slender and perfect of pointed crease brushes, this can be worked with in my opinion. I find the tip to be soft enough to not irritate the delicate areas around eyes, but the base of the hair is dense enough to be able to smudge kohl liners into the lashline with ease.

CREASE BRUSH

So there you have it. A few good quality, basic makeup brushes without breaking the piggy bank. I plan to keep these handy on my personal makeup table and order a few for my professional kit as well. Great for traveling as well due to the convenient size and affordable price.  In fact, here is an adorable little bag that would be perfect to hold them all…

GOLD PENCIL AND BRUSH CASE

COASTALSCENTS.COM has so many hidden treasures from cosmetics to moisturizers. I have always been pleased with my purchases and the service at COASTALSCENTS.COM and highly recommend them to beginners and professionals.

As an addition, the already low prices are going even lower on certain items for the Holiday season so check them out!

More reviews coming soon on products from Estee Lauder, MAC, Too Faced, Sephora, Urban Decay, Coastal Scents, Face Atelier and MORE!  Stay updated and be sure to visit:

KRISTINE MARIE MAKEUP ARTISTRY FACEBOOK PAGE

and become a fan for more information and giveaway opportunities!

~ Blue Eye Shadow ~

For many, it is a scary thought. The idea of blue conjures up thoughts of MIMI from the Drew Carey Show or even BARBIE …but blue can be done well. It’s all about balance really. And yes, ANYONE can wear blue eye shadow, but it is especially flattering to those brown eyed girls;)

When wearing something extremely colorful or high drama on the eyes, it is best to temper it with nude or toned down colors on the rest of the face. For example, If I do a deep brown smokey eye I would wear a pale pink blush and gloss. If I do a bold red lip, I wouldn’t put on purple eyeshadow. Make sense?

So, here is a BLUE look I did today. It is a bit more dramatic than most would wear for daytime, but I find my occupation affords me the ability to feel a bit more liberated in what I walk around with on my face;) For those who are a bit intimidated at the look, try it yourself with lighter versions of the blues I used, or blend them down with a cream colored shadow to take the edge off.

Here is the look:

Products Used :

FACE:

MAC Mineralize Skin finish Natural in MEDIUM  (applied w/ kabuki style brush)

MAC Blush in TENDERLING  (applied w/MAC 168 blush/contour brush)

LIPS:

MAC lip liner pencil in SUBCULTURE

SOFTLIPS Lip Protectant with SPF 20 in VANILLA

SALLY HANSEN Natural Butter Lip Shine in BLOOM

EYES:

MAC paint pot in BARE STUDY as a base ( applied with fingers)

MAC  eyeshadow in VANILLA all over the entire lid up to brow (applied with a MAC 239 brush)

Pale blue shadow from the COASTAL SCENTS 28 pallete on the inner 1/2 of eyelid ( using a MAC 239 brush)

Shimmery Dark blue shadow from CS PALLET on the outer 1/2 of eye (using MAC 239)

( Blend the shimmery blue up and into crease slightly)

Darkest blue from CS PALLET (navy colored) into the outer “v” of eye ( using a MAC 219 pencil brush)

(Blend carefully inward and upward  enhancing the outer “V” shape)

* I also applied the eyeshadow colors  to my lower lid starting at the inner corner with the lightest color and working outward to the darkest.

TOO FACED lash injection Mascara in BLACK ( curl lashes and apply two coats)

Questions or requests? Simply comment below and be sure to check out KRISTINE MARIE MAKEUP ARTISTRY  on  YOUTUBE and  FACEBOOK

~ My Skin Care Routine ~

FACT: I do NOT have perfect skin.

FACT: I have dark circles, excessive oil and some slight redness.

FACT: I DO have CLEAR, BLEMISH FREE skin which gives me a smooth surface to apply my makeup to and thus gives me the optimal result for my cosmetics investment.

FACT: No matter how much makeup you use, or what type – having GOOD SKIN is what determines the end result. Beauty begins with healthy skin…not your makeup bag.

FACT: I get MORE compliments on my actual SKIN and questions about my skincare than I do on the makeup I wear or put on others…

About 4-6 weeks ago, I began a new skincare routine. Almost immediately, it seemed everyone noticed something was different and daily I was being asked  “How do you get your skin so healthy/smooth/clear?” , so this post will be dedicated to thoroughly answering that question.

While I cannot suggest the perfect products for YOUR skin, I CAN tell you that once you find the RIGHT products for you, being consistent is the KEY to getting the results you want.

And please – Don’t give me the excuse that it takes too much time – you only have ONE face and it takes less than 5 minutes out of your day to make sure it is the best it can be. Make it a habit. Morning and night.  Just a few minutes will start and end your day right and change the way you look and feel. Quality products are available in EVERY price range, so shop around, ask an expert, try before you buy- whatever you need to do to find what works for you.

For myself, my updated routine uses  CLINIQUE products. I am not here to sell you anything but I can say that since I have begun using this product line, most of my skin concerns have been alleviated including excessive oil breakthroughs in my T-Zone and occasional dryness/tightness in my cheek area.

My makeup-free skin is noticeably smoother, the pores are no longer noticed, my dark circles arent near what they once were and frankly, as a woman over 30, I feel good knowing I am taking optimal care of my skin. It may never be perfect, but it is healthy and happy and people DO notice.

Here is my morning routine:

I begin using the CLINIQUE 7 DAY SCRUB CREAM.  It is conveniently packaged in a squeeze tube, so dispensing the perfect amount is easy and keeps the rest of the product sanitary. Using an amount that is about the size of my pinky fingertip, I gently work the mild exfoliating scrub upward and outward all over my face and top of neck before rinsing well with warm water.

My next step is washing with the  CLINIQUE MILD FACIAL SOAP. This gentle cleanser comes with a pump top and I use one to two pumps and work that into my skin adding  bit of warm water to lather and open my pores ( allowing the cleanser to do it’s work.) I wash for about 15 seconds and rinse with warm water and end with a splash of cool water to tighten pores and give a flush of healthy glow.

The CLINIQUE CLARIFYING LOTION( 2 ) is my next step. This toner de-flakes skin, clears excess oils, improves cell turnover and offers a slight tingle to let you know it is working;) I soak a cotton pad or large cotton ball and lightly sweep across my face paying special attention to my T-Zone ( the area my oil tends to be excessive in.)

Once the final stage of squeaky cleanliness is completed, I apply the CLINIQUE DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT MOISTURIZING GEL. Regardless of skin type (mine is oily) ALL skin needs moisture.  Because my skin is SO oily in the summer, I choose the gel moisturizer and use the lotion in the winter when my skin is more normal. I work a small amount (the size of a nickel) all over my face in light upward strokes to make sure it sinks into the skin well.

Next, I apply the CLINIQUE ALL ABOUT EYES cream very sparingly all around my eye area to de-puff and reduce the appearance of dark circles and fine lines. I use my ring finger since it is the weakest finger and best for patting the cream in around the delicate eye area.

Then I apply the CLINIQUE CITY BLOCK SHEER SPF25 to not only protect my skin, but I have found it acts as a great primer for my makeup (making it last longer throughout the day.)  While it is tinted, it blends invisibly and a small amount (the size of a quarter or smaller) will cover the whole face and upper neck area.

Lastly, I apply the CLINIQUE SUPERBALM LIP TREATMENT to replenish my lips and give them a smooth, satiny look.

At night, the only changes I make in my routine are:

1. Skipping the 7 Day Scrub Cream

2. Adding the Super Rescue Antioxidant Moisturizer ( see photo below)

A few minutes. A few products. A desire and dedication to being loyal to your routine.

If in the Virginia Beach area and interested in these products, or anything else CLINIQUE offers – feel free to visit LINDA at the CLINIQUE counter in MACYS at LYNNHAVEN MALL ( You can call  to schedule your appointment 757-306-0666 )  for a personalized consultation and instruction on YOUR skins concerns, best products to address those concerns and how to use them.

Good Luck and Great Skin to you!

Please visit me  and become a Fan on FACEBOOK and YOUTUBE for the latest events, information, updates, videos and more;)

~ Bronze Beauty ~

Bronzer. A simple way to give yourself a sun-kissed glow without the risks of sun and tanning beds. But, how do you choose the right bronzer and how do you apply it properly? Well, it is easier than you think.

First, you have to choose the right formula. Bronzers come in creams, cream-to-powder, liquids, gels, powders ( pressed, loose and baked) and even mousse formulations. If you have dry skin, one of the more emollient types will be best and if your skin is oily or normal, then a powder will do just fine.

Now that you know the formula you need, it is time to choose a color. Yes, bronzers come in many colors with different undertones ( peach, pink, yellow, gold, orange, copper,  etc…) For light skin tones, pink or peach based bronzers work best. Olive skin tones are best flattered in copper undertones and on dark skin – deep shades with gold tones are gorgeous.  Try not to go more than 2 shades darker than your own skin color. Shades that are way too dark will leave you looking like you have dirt on your face instead of that summer glow.

Nexy, you can decide which finish you prefer. Matte or Shimmer. I enjoy both, depending on what I am using it for. If contouring my face, I use a matte shade and if just using it to give myself a glow, I use a shimmer. It really is up to you. 

Now, regardless of what formula you choose, you will want a fluffy brush ( not too large) to apply it with. When using powder , be sure to tap off excess before touching your face. You want to look sun-kissed , not sun-slapped. The biggest mistake with bronzer is using too much. We have all seen it. Not pretty;(  

If using an emollient formula, touch the product lightly ( to avoid picking up too much) and then touch on the back of your hand to see how much product is coming off the brush, and apply when the amount is comfortable for you. 

Bronzer is generally applied to the four main areas of your face that would naturally get the most sun exposure – your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. The first place you lay your brush down is going to get the most product, and for most of us, that would be the cheeks. 

Lightly touch down on the cheeks, then the forehead, nose and then the chin. Once you have a bit of bronzer in each area, go back to the cheeks and begin to blend. Blend your bronzer WELL and if more product is needed, add more. If you add too much, apply translucent powder to tone it down. 

While bronzer looks amazing and healthy on it’s own, adding a bit of blush to the apples of your cheeks for a bit of dimension and blending it all together can make the look more complete and polished. 

Many beauty brands make bronzers. Some affordable options are PHYSICIANS FORMULA and NYC found at drugstores and  on the higher end NARS and CHANEL have lovely options as well.  My current favorite is “LAGUNA” by NARS which is a brown undertone with a subtle shimmer perfect for daytime and everyday wear.

Hope these tips help you out and be sure to subscribe for more updates and visit me on

FACEBOOK and YOUTUBE

~ Basic Personal Makeup Kit ~

I get asked all the time ” What makeup do I need?” from everyday women who are confused about all the items available these days. And truthfully, it really depends on you.  For some of us, everyday makeup starts with a foundation and ends with lipstick and for others, a bit of concealer and some tinted lip balm does the trick.

I figured the easiest way to answer this question was to explain what I have in my day-to-day personal kit, and I would suggest just choosing items that you feel you need and will use. Also feel free to submit questions in the comments section below and I will do my best to answer or make suggestions;)

(Please note this does note contain skin/lip care items nor primers.)

So, here is what it is my makeup bag…

Foundation, Concealer, Powder, and Blusher or Bronzer ( or both for some), 

Eyeshadow Quad ( a pallet of 4 colors for everyday – 3 neutrals and one pop of color and one of my shades also doubles as a brow powder) Eyeliner pencil (Black or Brown) and Mascara

Lipliner ( flesh toned matches everything!) and  Lipcolor

And the final result usually looks something like this (minus the flash):

Now, if you find using disposable applicators is not giving you the results you want, quality brushes are a great investment and some brushes can be used for multiple things. For example – I use the same angled brush to fill in my brows as I use for my eyeliner. At a minimum, these are the brushes I use for a full makeup routine – A powder/blush brush, eyeliner/brow brush, eyeshadow shader brush, and eye blender brush. I have found brushes in drugstores that I love just as much as brushes I have from high end retailers, so just know there are affordable options. Feel free to comment for questions about brushes, and note I will be updating with some brush recommendations/reviews very soon;)

Also, some must have tools for me include – Tweezers, a good sharpener for eye and lip pencils and an eyelash curler. And finally, you can never have too much/many disposable wedges, Qtips, brush cleaner spray ( Sephora makes a great one), makeup remover and hand sanitizer. 

You can build your collection from there based on personal tastes and budget, but for me, these are my basics for a full makeup routine. Feel free to comment and share yours!

KristineMarie

FREE MAKEUP GIVEAWAY ENDS THIS WEEK, CLICK FOR DETAILS TO ENTER AND WIN

~ Alternatives to MAX FACTOR Pan Stick ~

I have been bombarded with search engine inquiries looking for alternatives to MAX FACTOR Pan Stick foundations, so let me give you a few suggestions. Please keep in mind that many of these are not in the same price range ( which is always what gave MAX FACTOR the edge in stick foundations to begin with….) but, there are SO MANY other GREAT products out there, so here are some ideas of who else makes stick foundations:

Kevyn Aucoin

Bobbi Brown

Benefit

MAC

Iman (darker skin tones)

Black Opal (darker skin tones)

Shiesedo

Laura Mercier

Bloom

shu uemura 

Napoleon Perdis

Now, if you don’t need to have your foundation on a stick and enjoy the high coverage and versatility of a cream foundation in general, consider:

Ben Nye

Cover FX

Illamasqua

Personally, I love the versatility of stick and cream foundations so I find myself using these a majority of the time both in business and personal use. I do have a full range of the MAX FACTOR pansticks and am hoping that they will be available for online purchase when they relocate out of the United States. I dread running out and never seeing them again;(

Until then, for those looking for more affordable cream foundation or stick foundation options, AVON and MARK  have affordable options in a similar color range to MAX FACTOR Pansticks. Here is a link to an online store I have had successful dealings with:

AVON STICK FOUNDATIONS

*While your in there, check out the GLAZEWEAR glosses. I love those and AVON has come a LONG way in quality over the recent years. 

For other  stick and cream  foundation options listed above, GOOGLE for retailers and good luck!

KristineMarie

~ Free Lipgloss and Fun Lashes ~

Here it is! The prized for January’s Giveaway – 2 lovely lipglosses from LANCOME (peach and pink) , 1 mini LANCOME mascara in black and some fun Ardell Lashes with faux diamonds.

There are 3 things needed to enter. Please read all requirements and announcement information. 

1. You must be a subscriber to the blog or the NEW KristineMarie Makeup Artistry Fan Page on Facebook.

2. You must post an entry to your BLOG or FACEBOOK  with a link back to me. No limit on how many times you can enter;)

3. You must post the link to your BLOG or FACEBOOK post and “ENTER ME” in the comments section. 

4. Contest closes at 10pm EST on January 18th, 2010. Winner will be announced on this site only and has 24 hours to respond and claim prize. If not, a re-draw will be done to determine another winner, so stay updated or subscribe in the lower right of this page to get updates.

5. This contest is open to all regardless of location, age or any other criteria. If under 18, please have parents permission as I will need the shipping address of the winner and this is not something you want to randomly give out without your parents’ knowledge. I am a parent too, so this is important!

Good Luck to All;)

*For recent work, check the LOOKS section on the right of this page.

As always, subscribe by clicking the link on the lower right of the page for updates, tips, giveaways and photo updates and more.

~ ERIC FADDEN, Wedding Photography ~

Spring is coming sooner that you think, and with that comes the ever exciting WEDDING  season!  Beautiful brides, gorgeous gowns, fragrant flowers and the timeless captures of commitment and love…

Have you found a qualified photographer to capture your precious moments?

Well, I have;)

ERIC FADDEN is now scheduling for 2010. Weddings, Senior Portraits, Mommy-to-Be and so much more. Explore the possibilities for your special moments with images that last a lifetime. Work with a photographer who shares your vision of beauty, of love, of hope and of inspiration…a photographer who values your satisfaction above and beyond all else. In the world of ERIC FADDEN PHOTOGRAPHY, YOUR vision is his philosophy and through his lens, your memories become illustrations of your life’s stories, however great or small….

Schedule ANY photo session with ERIC FADDEN PHOTOGRAPHY by January 31st and receive a FREE makeup application to look your very best. What’s that you say? Wedding not until June? Baby due in September? NO PROBLEM! Your event can be for anytime in the 2010 Calendar year! Just schedule it no later than January 31st to qualify for this cost saving, image enhancing offer!

So whether your special day is IN…

 

Or OUT….

 

Let the images of ERIC FADDEN PHOTOGRAPHY show everyone what it’s all about!

Contact ERIC FADDEN at:

WEBSITE

757.333.0307

BECOME A FAN OF ERIC FADDEN ON FACEBOOK!

FOLLOW ERIC FADDEN ON TWITTER!

 

~ SEXY PHOTO SHOOT ~

Want a unique gift for your special man in uniform? Well, look no further! BOUDOIR photography is the hottest new trend and there is nothing as special to him as a beautiful you captured in a sensual atmosphere.

So go ahead girls – Grab his hat, his shirt, or any other part of his uniform and don’t forget the high heels! While you are at it, bring along a few of your things too. You know –  silky things, satiny things, lacy things and shiny things. Bring your sexiest things! After all, variety is the best part of playing dress up! Professional Makeup application is offered in your photo package and you will also receive a package of your best retouched photos.

Contact today as January spots are filling fast.  Yes, that’s right!  Just in time for your favorite Valentine.

Click Below For More Information:

ANDI GRANT BOUDOIR

~Makeup for this photo session done by KristineMarie Makeup Artistry~

For more information on private or group makeup lessons, makeup application services or makeup artist marketing information and kit building, please inquire via the comments for more information.