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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
Check out this latest video I did with the very talented Pia Mia. We shot the video in the Mojave desert at sunrise and sunset to capture that beautiful warm yellow light.
Pia looks stunning in the video and wears her signature red lips throughout.
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.
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.
I recently posted a photo on my Instagram page of all the foundations I keep in my kit and the post was very popular. I wanted to give a little more info about why I chose these products and how I use them.
Dermacolor by Kryolan: I use this foundation to contour and highlight and to conceal and neutralize any redness or blemishes. I also use this product as foundation and apply a very small amount with a goat hair brush and buff. I then set with a loose setting powder from MAKE UP FOR EVER.
MAKE UP FOR EVER Liquid Lift Foundation: I use this foundation the most in my kit. This foundation gives me a luminous glow and has a dewy finish. I like to apply this foundation with a Real Techniques foundation buffing brush. My favorite shades in the line are 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 13 and 15.
Urban Decay Naked Skin: This is a very sheer foundation and comes in a wide variety of shades. I like to apply this with a Real Techniques brush as well and set with Urban Decay Finishing Powder.
MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Foundation: This foundation is best applied with your fingers and provides medium to full coverage. This foundation is also great to mix with the Liquid Lift Foundation to sheer down.
MAC Face & Body: This is a multipurpose foundation. Great for the face and the body like the name says. I apply on the body with my hands or a body sponge and apply with a Real Techniques Foundation Brush. Comes in N and C Shades. N for warmer skin tones and C for cooler skin tones.
MAC Matchmaster Foundation: This is a great foundation that has a demi matte finish and does not need setting. This foundation comes in 10 shades and adjusts to match your skin tone.
Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer: This little pot of foundation is more of a concealer and I only use this for extra heavy jobs. It is best applied with your fingers by warming the product in the palm of the hand and applying to face and then blend out with a damp beauty blender.
Kevyn Aucoin Tinted Balm: This is perfect for those on the go moments when you want even out your complexion and comes in 6 shades. Apply with fingers.
MAC Pro Long Wear Concealer: This is a concealer but I use as a foundation when I need good coverage and long wearability. Best is apply with fingers or damp beauty blender.
Chanel Vitalumier Aqua: Best applied with your fingers and is perfect for days you don’t want or need much coverage but want to even out the skin. Has a semi matte finish.
Late last year I had the pleasure of working with a very talented singer from Romania named INNA. We shot a video for her super fun song called More Than Friends! The video was shot on the beaches of Los Angeles and at a beautiful mansion in the hills of Malibu. INNA is naturally beautiful so I chose a fresh clean makeup for the beach scenes. As the party progresses later into the evening I amped up the look with a bright pink gloss and a bronze/gold eye shadow.
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 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!
Posted by Anthony Merante 
AnthonyMerante's Blog 