“Summer Love” Beach inspired makeup looks!

Who doesn’t love a little Summer Love? Check out these stunning beauty looks that are perfect for Summer beach party or a hot date. Photographer Giuliano Bekor dreamt up this fun quirky shoot that I so fondly have renamed “Psycho Beach Party”…

We were inspired by all the bright accessories coming out for Spring Summer 2012 and coordinated each look with an equally bright makeup look. Below each image is a list of the product used!

Photos: Giuliano Bekor

Makeup: Anthony Merante

Hair: Damien Carney

Set Design: Eddie Inda

Face: JOSIE MARAN Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40

Foundation: MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation in shade 118

Cheek: Giorgio Armani Blending Blush Duo in #02

Mascara: Sunday Riley, The Influencer Extra Volume Glossy Mascara

Brows: Brow Wiz by Anastasia Beverly Hills in Medium Ash

Eyes: NARS Eyeshadow in All About Eve

Lips: Urban Decay Super Saturated High Gloss lip color in Crush

 

Face: JOSIE MARAN Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40

Foundation: MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation in shade 118

Cheek: Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight highlighting powder and Kevyn Aucoin Blush in Dolline

Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder in Brunette

Lips: MAC Lipstick in Lady Danger

 

Face: JOSIE MARAN Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40

Foundation: MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation in shade 118

Cheek: Tom Ford Blush in Frantic Pink

Lips: MAC Lipstick in Saint Germain

Face: JOSIE MARAN Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40

Foundation: MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation in shade 118

Cheek: NARS Blush in Torrid

Lips: Anastasia Beverly Hills Hydrafull Gloss in Heiress (Included in the “See and be seen” Set!)

 

Body: Juno Body Lipid Serum by Sunday Riley

Face: JOSIE MARAN Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40

Foundation: MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation in shade 118

Cheek: Anastasia Beverly Hills Illumin8 with Youthful Synergy Complex Bronzer in Sun Bronzed

Lips: Anastasia Beverly Hills Hydrafull Gloss in Sorbet

 

Face: JOSIE MARAN Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40

Foundation: MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation in shade 118

Cheek: Tom Ford Blush in Frantic Pink

Eyes: MAC Eyeshadow in Aquadisiac

Lashes: D-Wispies from Nigel Beauty Emporium

Lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liner in 18c and MAC Tinted Lipglass in Lychee Luxe

My Top 10 Beauty Products of 2010

During this year I was introduced to many amazing beauty products. So I decided to compile a list of my top 10 beauty must haves. As I put them all together, I realized that they are 10 products everyone should have to create a basic face. I found my self using at least 5 of these products every day.

Check out www.sephora.com www.maccosmetics.com and   www.kevynaucoin.com to purchase products.

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1: Josie Maran Argan Oil: This product has pretty much changed the way I do makeup. I use 3-4 drops of this oil and massage into the face. I immediately apply foundation and set with a translucent powder. 100% Pure Argan Oil can also be applied to your hair to tame fly aways and split ends.

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2: Benefit Cosmetics “Hello Flawless” Powder Foundation: This finely milled pressed powder foundation is perfect for those “on the go” moments. I have used these miracle powders on commercials, editorial shoots and the next Benefit ad Campaign coming out in April.

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3: Make Up For Ever Sculpting Kit: Who doesn’t love a little or a lot of contour? I am very into that chiseled look and went a little crazy sculpting, highlighting and accentuating cheek and jaw bones. This product comes in 4 different kits and blends easily creating a soft and natural contour.

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4: NARS Blush in Torrid: I got stuck in a rut using the cult favorite Orgasm Blush from NARS until I was introduced to Torrid at Sephora. Torrid is very similar to Orgasm with a stronger pay off and more intense coral undertones. It works really well on Medium to Medium/Dark complexions.

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5: Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight Powder: This soft beige shimmer powder is prefect for highlighting the face with out looking shiny. Apply lightly to the cheek bones, bridge of nose, chin and forehead for a soft natural glow.

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6: Anastasia Beverly Hills Illumin8 with Youthful Synergy Complex: This is one of the best eye shadow pallets I have used in a very long time. The Illumin8 pallet acts like a skin care and soothes, softens and hydrates the skin while providing a flawless wash of color to the lids. My favorite pallet is the #2, the sleek compacts houses 3 basic neutral shadows and a green and bronze shade.

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7: Kevyn Aucoin Lip Pencil in Bare: This nude lip liner is one of the best I have ever used. I use this pencil to softly contour the lips and correct shape and then set with a translucent powder. I then layer what ever gloss or lipstick on my choice.

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8: Benefit Cosmetics “Stay Dont Stray” Primer: Stay Dont Stray is a liquid shadow and concealer primer. I apply just a little bit to the entire eye area, outside corners, and very lightly under the eye. I let the product dry and then I apply my shadow and concealer as normal for true staying power!

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9: MAC Cosmetics Chromagraphic Pencil: This multi use pencil made me fall in love all over again with MAC Cosmetics. This pencil can be used as an eye liner or concealer. It comes in many bright shades but NW25/NC30 is my fave.

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10: Make Up For Ever Aqua Smokey Lash: This mascara is AMAZING! It volumizes, lengthens, curls and is the blackest black I have ever seen. If that isn’t enough for you, it is also waterproof. I tested this out on a few underwater shoots that I did and it never budged until it was removed with eye makeup remover.

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Top 5 Beauty Gifts for the Makeup Lover!

With just 5 shopping days left. I thought it would be great to share my top beauty gifts for the beauty addict in your life. I picked 5 great gifts that fit all price ranges. Check them out below.

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5: My first gift is perfume, try and find out if the person you are shopping for has a favorite scent. Try Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf or my personal favorite Black Orchid from Tom Ford. Black Orchid is a unisex scent and smells amazing on.

 

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4: Josie Maran Beauty in a box is a great gift with mini versions of some of Josie Maran Cosmetics best sellers and some of my personal faves. The kit comes with Lipstick, Liner, Gloss, 100% Argan oil and a few other great items.

 

 

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3: The Clarisonic skin care brush is definitely on my Christmas list this year. The brush cleans makeup 6 times better than tradition cleansing methods. The brush also clears and minimizes pores and helps skin care products absorb quicker while creating noticeably healthier skin.

 

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2: Brush Kits are always a great gift. Who doesn’t love a fresh set of beauty tools? Try the Prestige Brush Collection from Sephora or some of the holiday brush kits from MAC Cosmetics!

 

 

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1: My number one beauty gift item is the Temptu Airbrush System. This state of the art at home Airbrushing kit will give you flawless look after look as if you had your makeup done by the pros.

 

 

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Brittany Snow on AMA’s Red Carpet!

I glammed up actress Brittany Snow last tonight for the AMA’s and she looked stunning on the red carpet for the Rolling Stones party. To get the look!

Face: I prepped and primed the skin with Dermalogica Active Moist with a few drops of the Skin Hydrating Booster. I then applied Urban Decay Surreal Skin Foundation in Trance with a damp sponge. Since this is a cream to powder foundation, there was no need to set it with powder. I then bronzed the skin with Josie Maran Bronzing powder in Beach No.1 and then applied the NEW Josie Maran Argan Color stick in Petal Pink to the apples of the cheeks and blended.

Eyes: For the eyes, I wanted to go with a shimmery brown neutrals so I used Urban Decay Deluxe Eye Shadow in Underground and applied all over the eye up to the crease and brought it to the lower lash line as well. I lightly sculpted the eye crease with Josie Maran Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Smoke and also defined the lower lash line with the same color. I highlighted the brow bone with JMC Eye Shadow in Beach. I filled in the brows with Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Golden Blonde and then brushed them into place with Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel in Blonde. I wanted a full lash look so I applied a strip of Demi Wispies lashes from Ardell and brushed them together with Anastasia Lash Lifting Mascara.

Lips: I lined Brittany’s lips with a Jouer Lip Definer in Rose Doux and then topped them off with JMC Plumping Lip Gloss in Daring.

Body: Brittany was wearing a peachy champagne colored dress so I wanted her skin to glow. I achieved this by using a great new product from Vanity Mark Cosmetics. It is a transfer resistant body makeup and adds the perfect amount of color to the skin.

BE! Magazine Beauty Spread

For the September issue of BE! Magazine I did a beauty story with photographer Joyce O’Neal.

The story came out beautiful and you can check out the web version  here or pick up your copy at news stands.

Photography: www.joyceonealphotography.com

Makeup: www.anthonymerantebeauty.com

Josie Maran Cosmetics “SECRET” SALE!

For all of you makeup lovers out there, Josie Maran Cosmetics is having a “Secret” Sale! They are offering a 30% discount on all products from now till the 29th. Hurry up and stock up on all your favorite products! Use code “Secret” at checkout on www.josiemarancosmetics.com

Some of my favorite Josie Maran products are the 100% Organic Argan Oil, Argan All Over Face Palette in “Sweet” and the Argan Bronzing Powder in Beach#1

www.josiemarancosmetics.com

Dior “One Color Extreme” Eyeshadow: Golden Spotlight

I was browsing the makeup counters at Macy’s a few weeks ago and saw this beautiful eyeshadow from Dior. In my opinion Dior makes some of the best eyeshadow’s on the market. The silky pigments blend easily and have staying power. I am especially fond of the 5 colour eye shadow palettes but that day I was drawn to this particular single shade called Golden Spotlight. I was shooting a beauty story with photographer Melissa Rodwell and was looking for a shimmery beige eye shadow and this shade was PERFECT! The Dior “One Color Extreme” shadows can be worn alone or blended with other shades. For this shot I chose to use it by its self, I even used it as a highlight on the lip.

To get this look. I prepped and primed the skin with Josie Maran Argan Oil. I then applied the Illamasqua Rich Liquid Foundation in RF 105 which is a white foundation with pink undertones. I applied this ultra pigmented foundation very lightly with a damp beauty blender and set with a translucent powder. I brushed the brows with a clear brow gel and did not fill them in. The lips were covered lightly in the foundation and then I applied Giorgio Armani Lip Wax in 04 Raspberry just to the center of the mouth and to the apple of the cheeks. Eyes were shadowed with the Dior “One Color Extreme” eyeshadow in Golden Spotlight and was also used as a highlight on the lip. No mascara or liner was used in this look.

Summer 2010 Beauty Tips

Summer is finally here and what better time then to lighten up your look. This Summer skip the heavy foundation coverage and opt for a light tinted moisturizer, shimmery blush and a lip stain. I recently thinned out my makeup kit from 3 large bags to 1 large bag. Simplicity is what inspired this Summer 2010 look.

Skin: Start by cleansing the skin with a mild cleanser and then use your favorite moisturizer. Right now I am in love with the Face Finishing Moisturizer from Dr Perricone. For added moisturizing benfits, add a few drops of the Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster to your moisturizer. Next apply a SPF of 30 or more to your entire face, neck and ears. I recommend Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60.

Base: Now that your face is cleansed and moisturized, you are ready to start your base. Apply a dime sized amount of tinted moisturizer like Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer all over face and blend down to the neck. Set the tinted moisturizer with a translucent powder in the T-Zone with a puff. I prefer to use a Puff because it doesn’t disturb the makeup like a large powder brush does. Apply a shimmery pink blush like Torrid from NARS just to the apple of the cheeks.

Eyes: Skip eye makeup all together and just add a coat or two of your favorite mascara. L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black and Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils in High Density Black are my two faves. These mascaras give you that false eye lash look with out the eyeslashes.

Lips: Skip the matte lipstick and heavy gloss this Summer. Opt for a lip stain like the ones from Josie Maran Cosmetics. Choose a bright or neutral shade of your choice and then top with a light sheer gloss. The Luminizing Lip Gloss’s from Shiseido or light and sheer and add the perfect amount of shine. The BEST shade is BR108 and is a Amber colored gloss but looks clear on the lips.

Makeup Kit Staples: Skin Care

I have been working on this blog for a few weeks now and have decided there is no way I can combine my makeup kit staples into one post. So I decided to break this up into 4 sections, Skin Care, Face, Lips and Eyes. Some of the items below are things I have been using for years and some I have only been using for a few months. All of these products I use on a daily basis, I even use many of them on my self. The largest bag in my makeup kit is by far my skin care bag. I have tried so many skin care items from cheap to expensive and have found that these items work best for me and what I do.

Jao Hand Sanitizer: I love this sanitizer cause it has a Lavender scent and doesn’t dry out your hands or leave a sticky film.

Koh Gen Do Cleansing SPA Water: This spa water is gentle and takes of any makeup on the face, including waterproof eye liner and mascara.

Comodynes Makeup Remover Wipes: These wipes are gently on the skin and sooth while removing makeup.

Noriko Green Tee Mist: Spray this mist before and after you apply your moisturizer or throughout the day to refresh your makeup. I have turned quite a few people onto this product and it also makes a great gift.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream: No makeup artist should be with out this product. Great for sunburns, chaffed skin, dewey makeup looks, etc.

The Ultimate Moisturizer By Lisa Ashley: This moisturizer layers well under all foundations. I prefer to spray the product on my hand and apply with my fingers or sponge.

Embryolisse Lait Cream Concentrate: This is a great moisturizer for extra dry skin or used as a night cream after makeup is removed.

Josie Maran Argan Oil: Spray this ultra light moisturizer on your face before you apply a tinted moisturizer for extra hydrated skin.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection SPF 55: This product needs no introduction, I think I have talked this one into the ground.

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster: Add a few drops of this booster to your moisturizer or rub directly onto flakey skin.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Recovery Complex: This eye cream works wonders along with all the other Advanced Night Repair products.

Make Up For Ever High Definition Primer: This is a great primer for under MUFE HD Makeup.

Temptu S/B Mixing Medium: I use this wonder product in so many ways, I can’t list them all, but the best way to use this product is through a Temptu  Airbrush mixed with a little bit of pigment and you have your own S/B custom color.

Urban Decay Eye Shadow Potion: This is the BEST eye shadow primer I have EVER used. This is a must have beauty item.

Smith’s Rosebud Salve: Great lip balm and inexpensive. I apply this before I do anything else and when I am ready to paint the lips I blot them first and then apply lip liner, lipstick or gloss.

Benefit LipScription: A great product for removing dead skin from the lips.

Shu Uemura Eye Lash Curler: ICONIC Eye lash curler from Shu Uemura!

Rohto Cool Eye Drops: These drops are a bit strong, but after a few minutes, the eye whites are white as snow.

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets: These Oil Blotting sheets are great so you don’t over powder and dull your beautiful makeup application.

Essential Oils: I love adding a few drops of Lavender oil to my moisturizer or foundation. Tea Tree oil is another one of my faves. I sometimes will add some Tea Tree Oil to my shampoo or conditioner for soothing the scalp.

Summer Beauty Tips for Dark Skin

Summer is almost here and I have had a few request for makeup tips for dark skin. I love to see fresh healthy skin, so this summer skip foundation and powder and opt for a light tinted moisturizer to even out your complexion instead. Benefit Cosmetics has an amazing product called Some Kind-A Gorgeous and it is a foundation faker. Check out the deep shade for medium to darker skin tones.

Face: Spread a very thin layer of tinted moisturizer all over face and blend into your neck. Make sure you pick a tinted moisturizer that has at least a  SPF 30. Or you can just apply your favorite SPF before you put on your Tinted Moisturizer. My favorite tinted moisturizer is from Stila Cosmetics. Josie Maran Cosmetics Bronzing Argan Oil is perfect for dark skin. It not only moisturizes, but it adds a bronze sheen to the skin. Use this under your tinted moisturizer for added moisture.

Cheek: I prefer cream cheek colors and Make Up For Ever has come out with 14 shades of High Definition Cream Blush. Innuendo and Mistaken Identity are beautiful shades for dark skin.

Eyes: Keep with the cream trend and skip powdered shadows. I love the Indian Wood Paint Pot from MAC Cosmetics. It is a warm bronze shade and perfect for any skin tone. Camargue and Summer Time from NARS Cosmetics is another great option. Try the waterproof liners from Make Up For Ever, they are a two-in-one pencil that is waterproof and last all day without fading. Apply two coats of very black waterproof mascara and you are good to go.

Lips: Keep your lips nice and hydrated by applying Rose Bud Salve before you go to bed. If you have dry chapped lips, try using Benfit Cosmetics LipScription to buff away dead skin and then use a lip balm. Keep the lips nude and try the Lip Enhancing Gloss in Afterglow from Smashbox Cosmetics or try the NEW Lip Stains from Josie Maran Cosmetics.

Body: Baby Oil gel is something I use a lot of, especially on photo shoots. Using this gel based Baby Oil is excellent after a shower when your body is still damp. Just rub a small amount into your wet body and massage. This seals the moisture into your skin.

Have a safe and happy summer and enjoy the sun!