Sunday, October 25, 2009

Chiffon Magazine "Red" Issue

Hello all!
The "Red" Issue for Chiffon Magazine is live! Here is the beauty section, but you can check out the entire magazine at www.chiffonmagazine.com


Tuesday, October 20, 2009

New Issue, Skin care review

Hello All!
It's been busy here these past week! Our "Red" Issue is due to come out in a couple of days, so needless to say with the product shoots and writing the accompanying article has had me working away, and I've haven't been able to update my blog :(

In any case, I'm back and here to give a review about a skincare set I received a week or so ago. The Grapeseed company (www.thegrapeseedcompany.com) sent some choice items from their line over, and I have to say that I am duly impressed.

The Green Tea and Grapes Cleanser ($18.00) is a deliciously scented and silky smooth creme cleanser that dissolves dirt and makeup like a dream. It felt so good on my face, that I just kept rubbing it in! Definitely some great stuff.

The Rose and Grape Serum ($30.00) is probably my favorite product out of the trio. It feels like a super moisturizing essential oil, but definitely not as greasy. I took about 8 drops and worked it into my face and neck and chest. Wow! I was definitely glowing, and I swear after about a week, the little fine lines around my mouth and eyes are less noticeable.

The Chamomile and Grapefruit Moisturizer ($20.00) is the finishing touch in your routine. While some may not find it necessary to top the serum off with moisturizer, those with dryer or more mature skin will find it is the perfect viscosity as it is not at all thick and not too thin and runny either.

The model for the shoot (will be in the "Aqua" issue) loved it too and said it smelled like "wine country". No wonder! It's manufactured in Santa Barbara's wine country.

I will hopefully be bringing you the PDF of the Red Issue within the next couple of days!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Airbrushing made easy

This past Friday I received the new Temptu AIRbrush Makeup System (Thanks Fawn!) and I must say I was quite impressed and happy with the initial results.
























I've been airbrushing models and clients on a professional level for the past 4 years. I must say that for the seasoned artist, it only takes a couple of hours to pick up the basics and the more practice one gets the better. So when I heard about Temptu's new system designed for the savvy cosmetic consumer to use on herself, I was a little skeptical. How would the customer be able to choose the best setting for her so that she doesn't get any product in her eye? Will she be able to tell if she has the gun too close to her face and create a tell-tale sploch of makeup on her otherwise flawless face? So many "what if's " were swirling around my mind that honestly I didn't know if this system would take off.

I should have known better! The good people at Temptu are the masters of airbrush and know what they are doing. This system was created by pro's who were inspired by professional airbrush systems and make tweaks in design to make it virtually fool-proof.

Used in conjunction with AIR pod™ makeup, the AIRbrush system delivers a wide range of shades, from cool and light to deep and warm, making it appropriate for all women, regardless of age, ethnicity, skintone, undertone, style, or preference. And it's true. The compressor is cleverly designed with three setting. The lightest one would be perfect to apply blush or a highlighter. The medium setting is great for a light coating of foundation. The highest setting is great for a heavier coverage, especially for those with alot of redness or uneven skin tone.

The only qualm about the system (and it's actually not the system itself) would be the scent of the products in the AIRpods. It has a slight baby powder smell which some people love, but I could see just as many others who aren't so hot on it.

All in all, I found this to be a fantastic system. I can't wait to try it on myself soon. The model definitely gave it a thumbs up!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Cheers!

I love a good glass of wine. I generally always stop by the wine section of my local Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. My idea of a great time is driving up to Solvang/Los Olivos with the boyfriend, buy tastings at about 3-4 different wineries, and then have a fantastic meal at one of the many great restaurants out there.

Because of this love of wine, it really was no surprise that when I stumbled upon skincare The Grapeseed Company, I was immediately intrigued.













This line came to fruition after creator Kristin Cotte discovered how the natural and essential oils in tropical plants were incredibly beneficial for the skin. Add grape seed extracts and voila! Nourishing skincare that will make your skin glow.

I'm excited to see the results, and I'll let you know first hand what I think of the products and most importantly, how my skin likes them as well.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Heidi Klum For VS Holiday Cosmetic Collection

Do you hear those sleigh bells ringing? Can you smell those marshmallows roasting?

It's ok, I don't either. I mean, it's the first week of October, right? But that doesn't mean that we can't eagerly await the launch of the Holiday collections from some of our favorite cosmetic brands (Chanel, anyone?).

One of those much anticipated collections for myself is the new Heidi Klum for VS Holiday collection entitled Exotic Fantasies. Anna from Victoria's Secret was kind enough to forward me the press kit with all the exciting deets and a drool-enducing picture of all the lovely goodies.















As a cosmetic line, I really like some of the VS beauty products. High on my list is their lip gloss. They are quite pigmented with that characteristic "stick" of a serious lip gloss. They are perfect for photo shoots when I don't want to worry about touching up the lips. These babies will stay put under the hottest studio lights. Just make sure you are wearing your hair back when you wear them as you don't want any stray hairs sticking to your lips.

While Exotic Fantasies won't be available for a couple of weeks yet, I am eagerly awaiting some of the collection to arrive in the mail. When I get my hot little hands on it, I will give you all the low-down and perhaps even post a picture or two so you can judge for yourself.

A Big Hello To All You Gorgeous People Out There!

Hello Hello!
I recently became the beauty editor for Chiffon Magazine a publication one of my best friends, photographer Courtney Dailey, created. Since then my love (ok, let's face it, obsession) with beauty products has only heightened and getting my daily fix requires more of this cosmetics goodness. Because of that, I decided to start a blog where I can rave about terrific products and rant (maybe even grumble?) about the not so hot ones.

As a makeup artist, I tend to look at products in a different light than perhaps the average consumer. While I admit I am a sucker for lovely packaging, it is not what ultimately sells me on a product. I need to know how pigmented an eyeshadow is. Will this eye cream truly diminish the fine lines cropping up around my eyes or does it just smell nice? If a wave irons crimps, then I refuse to call it a wave iron. Sure, that may be just a bit nit-picky but who wants to throw their money at a so-so product when you can spend it on a fantastic one.

I love to hear about new products, especially if it comes recommended by a trusted colleague. I hope to eventually become one of your trusted colleagues and together we can find cosmetic bliss and the perfect mascara. Well, a girl can dream can't she?