“12 Days of Christmas” Gift #4 TOM FORD Lip Color Gift Set

This gift is sure to WOW any makeup junkie! The set has 4 of the BEST SELLING Tom Ford Beauty Lipstick’s for $200.00

The set of lipsticks are contained in a elegant black box and the colors are Pink Dusk. Spanish Pink. True Coral and Nude Vanille.

Pick this gem up at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom’s.

“12 Days of Christmas” Gift #3 Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette

On this 3rd day of Christmas, I suggest this AWESOME Blush palette from Hour Glass Cosmetics! I picked this little guy up when I was in NY last month and am obsessed with it. Ive been using this on all my shoots lately. The palette has 3 shades of mineral blush, Rose, Peach and Plum. This makes an awesome gift for that girl who loves BLUSH!

“12 Days of Christmas” Beauty Gift Ideas! CONTOUR KIT

For my second beauty gift, id like to suggest this amazing Contour Kit from Anastasia Beverly Hills. I am obsessed with this palette and use it softly sculpt all my beautiful clients. This kit is a must for any makeup artist or for someone who likes to sculpt their features for a glam look. You can pick this up at www.anastasiabeverlyhills.com or at any Sephora. The contour kit retails for $40.00

Happy Contouring!

New Years Eve Makeup Look

 

The Holiday parties are all over and now its time to get ready for the biggest night of the year, NEW YEARS EVE! For this look I was inspired by Audrey Hepburn in the movie Breakfast At Tiffany’s. To get this gorgeous timeless look, follow the steps below.

MAKEUP: I prepped and primed the skin using Dermalogica Active Moist Moisturizer. I like to use this particular moisturizer cause it is oil free and light weight and doesn’t compromise my makeup and helps it last all day and into the night. With a large flat foundation brush from MAKE UP FOR EVER (35N) I applied MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation in shade 117 starting from the center of the face and blending outward. I then buffed the foundation further with a wet makeup sponge. If you have a Beauty Blender or something like it, that would work great as well. I let the foundation sit on the skin and set on its own before applying any face powder and started on the eye makeup.

EYES: I applied MAC Cosmetics Paint Pot in Soft Ochre all over lid with a large fluffy eye shadow brush and let it set. For the winged eyeliner, I used Clinique Brush On Cream Liner using a fine eyeliner brush. I started with the outside corners of the eye and got my flicks even. I then lined close to the lash line starting from the inner corner of the eye and then connecting to my flicks. I applied two full coats of of L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black to the top lashes and then applied Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara in black to the bottom lashes. I filled in any sparse areas and elongated Rebecca’s brow using Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Brunette and then brushed into place with Anastasia Brow Gel in Granite. 

LIPS: For the lips, I wanted to have a bright statement lip. I used Urban Decay Supersaturated Lip Pencil in Crush. I lined the lips and filled them in with this highly pigmented glossy lipstick. For added staying power, blot the lips with a tissue and then reapply the lipstick.

CHEEKS: To finish off the look I set the foundation with a translucent face powder from MAKE UP FOR EVER. The powder I used is no longer made, but any translucent powder will do. I then dusted the apple of the cheeks and into the contours with TOM FORD Cheek Color in Frantic Pink. 

Photography: Ron Derhacopian

Makeup: Anthony Merante

Holiday Makeup Ideas by Anthony Merante Part 3

“ALL THAT GLITTERS” was the theme for this holiday party makeup & hair look! I was inspired by the glittery backdrop I created using two huge containers of silver glitter and some foam core board. I wanted the skin to be gorgeous and sparkle, I achieved this look by using MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation and some reflects glitter from MAC Cosmetics. I wanted to use one of my flea market finds and adorned the sculpted bun with a pink vintage brooch. To get this sculpted, sparkling look, follow the easy steps below.

MAKEUP: I prepped and primed the skin using Dermalogica Active Moist Moisturizer. I like to use this particular moisturizer cause it is oil free and light weight and doesn’t compromise my makeup and helps it last all day and into the night. With a large flat foundation brush from MAKE UP FOR EVER (35N) I applied MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation in shade 117 starting from the center of the face and blending outward. I then buffed the foundation further with a wet makeup sponge. If you have a Beauty Blender or something like it, that would work great as well. I let the foundation sit on the skin and set on its own before applying any face powder and started on the eye makeup.

EYES: To get these glittery eyes, I applied MAC Cosmetics Paint Pot in Soft Ochre all over lid with a large fluffy eye shadow brush and let it set. I then dabbed Too Faced Glitter Glue all over the lid with my finger to adhere the glitter. I applied MAC Cosmetics Glitter in Reflects Pearl all over the eye and to the brow bone with my finger to prevent minimal fall out. Since I didn’t use any eye liner for this look, I wanted to add some drama to the lash, so I added a full strip of Wispies lashes from Ardell and after the glue set, I applied two full coats of of L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black to the top lashes and then applied Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara in black to the bottom lashes. I filled in any sparse areas and elongated Rebecca’s brow using Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Brunette and then brushed into place with Anastasia Brow Gel in clear. If you have problems finding the glitter from MAC, you can also find very similar items from Urban Decay, MAKE UP FOR EVER or Sephora Brand. Reflects pearl from MAC might be a pro product.

LIPS: For the lips, I wanted to go for a fun and easy playful pink glossy lip and applied Anastasia Beverly Hills Hydraful Lipgloss in Sugar Pink for a sexy pout. The Hydraful Gloss from Anastasia is by far my favorite gloss, the silicone applicator is ideal for smoothing this gloss across the lips effortlessly.

CHEEKS: To finish off the look I set the foundation with a translucent face powder from MAKE UP FOR EVER. The powder I used is no longer made, but any translucent powder will do. I then dusted the apple of the cheeks and into the contours with NARS Cosmetics Blush in Orgasm. I then applied MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle to the cheek bones, chin and nose for a healthy radiant glow. To boost the sparkle factor, I applied the same glitter that I applied to the eye with a blush brush on the cheek bones and temples for added drama.

 

 

Photography: Ron Derhacopian

Makeup: Anthony Merante

Holiday Makeup Ideas by Anthony Merante Part 2

With all the holiday parties this month, I thought I would try something a little different with the blog and post a few Holiday Makeup looks. I had a lot of fun creating the makeup looks and my festive glittery back drops. I did 3 holiday party makeups and one New Years inspired look. Check back soon as I will updating with more looks.

MAKEUP: Rebecca has amazing skin, I prepped and primed the skin using Dermalogica Active Moist Moisturizer. I like to use this particular moisturizer cause it is oil free and light weight and doesn’t compromise my makeup and helps it last all day and into the night. With a large flat foundation brush from MAKE UP FOR EVER (35N) I applied MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation in shade 117 starting from the center of the face and blending outward. I then buffed the foundation further with a wet makeup sponge. If you have a Beauty Blender or something like it, that would work great as well. I let the foundation sit on the skin and set on its own before applying any face powder and started on the eye makeup.

EYES: I wanted the eyes to have a little drama but have a light feel to them. I achieved this by applying MAKE UP FOR EVER Star powder in Iridescent Beige all over lid up to the brow bone. These loose eyes shadows are a bit messy, but if you apply using a damp fluffy eye shadow brush, you can minimize any fall out. I then applied two coats ofL’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black to the top lashes and then applied Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara in black to the bottom lashes. Rebecca has really great brows that are always groomed. I filled in any sparse areas and elongated the brow using Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Brunette and then brushed into place with Anastasia B row Gel in clear.

LIPS: The lips are where I played with a different texture than my normal gloss. I applied a deep reddish burgundy  lipstick from MAC Cosmetics called DIVA with a lip brush. I didn’t use any lip liner for the look since this lipstick has such a strong color pay off. I blotted the lips with a tissue and applied MAKE UP FOR EVER Star Powder in Iridescent Red to  the lips for a velvety finish.

CHEEKS: To finish off the look I set the foundation with a translucent face powder from MAKE UP FOR EVER. The powder I used is no longer made, but any translucent powder will do. I then dusted the apple of the cheeks very lightly with Kevyn Aucoin blush in Myracle and applied Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight Powder to the cheek bones, chin and nose for a healthy radiant glow.

HAIR: To get Andrew’s gorgeous hair look follow these easy steps. Blow dry hair, by first spraying roots with a volumizing spray. When hair is completely dry spray with a texture spray and dry for added texture and body. Backcomb the crown starting about 2 inches from the hairline. Loosely gather hair and secure with a few bobby pins. Finish this look with 2 or 3 of your favorite headbands and a spritzing of strong hold hairspray.

Photography: Ron Derhacopian

Makeup: Anthony Merante

Holiday Party Makeup Ideas by Anthony Merante

For this look, I was inspired by Snow White. I loved the idea of having a flawless complexion with this bright cherry lip. To get this festive look, follow the easy steps below.

MAKEUP: I prepped and primed the skin using Dermalogica Active Moist Moisturizer. I like to use this particular moisturizer cause it is oil free and light weight and doesn’t compromise my makeup and helps it last all day and into the night. With a large flat foundation brush from MAKE UP FOR EVER (35N) I applied MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation in shade 117 starting from the center of the face and blending outward. I then buffed the foundation further with a wet makeup sponge. If you have a Beauty Blender or something like it, that would work great as well. I let the foundation sit on the skin and set on its own before applying any face powder and started on the eye makeup.

EYES: To accent the gorgeous red lip I applied  MAC Eye Shadow in Shaleall over lid and into the crease, make sure to blend out your edges with a blending brush. I lined the upper and lower eye lid with MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes Pencil in shade L1 on the upper and lower lash line and softly smudged with a small detail brush. I then took the same eye liner and lined the waterline for a smoldering look. These eye liners are water proof and do not budge so make sure you smudge them quickly. Be sure to curl your lashes and then apply  two coats of L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black to the top lashes and then applied Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara in black to the bottom lashes. Rebecca has really great brows that are always groomed so I filled in any sparse areas and elongated the brow using Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Brunette and then brushed into place with Anastasia Brow Gel in clear.

LIPS: For the lips, I went for a cherry glossy lip using the Velvet Matte Lip Pencil from NARS Cosmetics in Dragon Girl. This is my FAVORITE red of all time! Line and fill in the lips with the color straight from the pencil to the lips and then blot with a  tissue, reapply the color and blot again. Using this technique will deposit the perfect amount of pigment for a long lasting lip. I then applied a small amount of MAC Cosmetics Lip Glass to the center of the lips avoiding the edges and concentrating the gloss in the center of the mouth. I didn’t use any lip liner for the look but if you would like to reshape your lips before applying the lip color, you can useCherry Lip Pencil from MAC Cosmetics.

CHEEKS: To finish off the look I set the foundation with a translucent face powder from MAKE UP FOR EVER. The powder I used is no longer made, but any translucent powder will do. I then dusted the apple of the cheeks and into the contours with Tom Ford Blush in Frantic Pink available at Neiman Marcus. I then applied Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight Powder to the cheek bones, chin and nose for a healthy radiant glow.

Photography: Ron Derhacopian

Makeup: Anthony Merante

The BEST Brush Cleaner EVER by The London Brush Company!

I have used every brush cleaner known to man. Most of which contain harsh chemicals  in them that destroy the natural hair of the brushes so I usually just end up using regular shampoo. That is until I tried The London Brush Company’s Pure Goat Milk Solid Brush Cleaner a few months ago. I picked up a 1oz  container at Nigel Beauty Emporium and was blown away by how clean and soft my brushes were. I am now on my 3rd container. This stuff is that good!

The creator of this wonderful product is accomplished makeup artist Sian Richards of The London Brush Company. These brushes are a staple in my makeup kit and are  hand crafted in Great Britain. Sian has 22 years of experience as a movie makeup artist and you can check out her latest work in the new movie Cloud Atlas starring Halle Berry.

This brush cleaner is a MUST for any professional makeup artist or makeup aficionado. Pick yours up at www.londonbrushcompany.com

Create the PERFECT Cat Eye using Anastasia Beverly Hills She Wears It Well Palette!

Create the PERFECT Cat Eye using this gorgeous palette from Anastasia Beverly Hills! She Wears It Well Palette has a mix of 9 nude and neutral shades in matte and shimmery formulas that effortlessly glide on the eyes and stay ALL DAY!

The She Wears It Well palette  is a perfect blend of Hollywood Glamour and Modern Moxie that imparts a sophisticated smolder to anyone’s eyes. Hurry up before this palette is sold out. Available at Sephora.com and any Sephora Store.

For a step by step guide to creating the perfect cat eye, check out the video I created for Anastasia on YouTube!

 

Ethereal Inspired Makeup Video Tutorial

This Ethereal makeup was inspired by a trend that I saw a lot on the Fall/Winter 2011 Runways. Many of the shows had out of this world makeup, the models looked radiant and FLAWLESS! Flawless was my goal with this video, to give an almost angelic look to the skin. I achieved these results by using many of my favorite products that are super shimmery. Check out the gorgeous results below!

Products Used in this video:

Dermalogica Active Moist

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Foundation in 117 & 118.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Microfinish Powder

Benefit Cosmetics Boing Concealer in shade #2

Benefit Cosmetics Cream Eye Shadow in R.S.V.P.

MAC Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Coquette

Chanel Eye Lash Curler

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Lifting Mascara

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Ash Blonde

NARS Blush in Angelika

MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle

Anastasia Beverly Hills Hydraful Gloss in Sugar Pink

MAC Cosmetics Pigment in Vanilla