My New Favorite Foundation for Oily Skin

Review: BECCA Ever-Matte Shine Proof Foundation

I've recently been introduced to an amazing product courtesy of Jacqueline Yates of EBONY Magazine. I have extremely oily skin and it is always a challenge to find a foundation that is truly long lasting and oil free. This past weekend I worked long hours helping beautiful brides look there very best and through it all my skin looked amazing.

Oil free. Alcohol free. Fragrance free. The BECCA Ever-Matte Shine Proof foundation is absolutely the best shine proof foundation I have ever tried. In my experience most matte foundations tend to be full coverage and very cakey. But if you're like me, I like my skin to look like skin, so I prefer a sheer to medium coverage and the BECCA foundation is perfect.

Another reason I love this foundation is that it actually stayed! It's long-wearing and left my complexion looking fresh and shine free throughout the day. The coverage was perfect and I literally looked like I was walking around with a soft focus instagram filter. 

This foundation is going to be added to my kit and is an official member of my personal beauty vanity. 

Available at Sephora $42. 

Color Reference: My shade was Tobacco. A Perfect match! (I'm a C6 in MAC)

Review: Kevyn Aucoin Skin Enhancer

Not Your Over-The-Counter Foundation

I was first introduced to these babies from YouTube guru Wayne Goss. Before becoming a makeup artist I was never familiar with the brand. The late Kevyn Aucoin was considered to be to beauty what Anna Wintour is to fashion. Enhancing the faces of people like Janet Jackson, Cindy Crawford, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cher, Julia Roberts, Tina Turner and Vanessa Williams, Kevyn is legendary. I can always appreciate when a makeup artist creates a makeup line because we have a special invested interest to create the very best...and that is what Mr. Aucoin mastered. Every product is exceptional and I have never been disappointed, but a personal favorite would have to be the Sensual Skin Enhancer!

Candid image of Kevyn and Naomi

Color Range

I love that the color range caters toward all skin tones. The Kevyn Aucoin skin enhancers range from shade SX 01 being the lightest to SX 16 which is the deepest. While offering 16 colors, this foundation was created having all skin tones in mind. Many of the shades are the same hue but may have warm or cool undertones. For example, SX 11 and SX 12 are very similar in hue but SX 11 has a yellow undertone and SX 12 is a bit warm.

2-in-1 Product

A notable feature of this product is that it is a concealer and foundation all in one. The texture is creamy and the coverage is phenomenal. It has the texture of butter and the finish is glowy and dewy giving the Kim K glow! 

A Little Goes a Long Way

Don't let the small size fool you. Even though it comes in an untraditional size a little goes a long way. A VERY small amount can give coverage for the entire face. I use these enhancers almost everyday on clients and I'm convinced that I will never see the bottom of the jar. I recommend this product to anyone looking for a luxury foundation that will last them forever and to all makeup artist as an addition to your pro kit.

How Much?

Retail $48 Amazon, Beautylish, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstroms. Sometimes amazon has them at a  reduced price, depending on the color! 

FYI

Because it's not readily available at most retailers, shopping for your shade may be a bit difficult. In MAC I am a NC42, so shade SX 11 and SX 12 complemented my tone the best. I hope this helps!

What Are Brush Guards?

How to keep your brushes lasting forever

Every girl has experienced the moment when a make up brush is no longer the original shape. After multiple uses for several months they often times lose their natural shape. This is a major problem because what was once a precision brush is now a fluffy blending brush. Unfortunately, it's very common and easy to forget about properly taking care of your brushes. With proper care, extending the life of your makeup brushes is easy and achievable. 

Brush guards are a sure way to maintain the shape of your makeup brushes and more importantly protect your investmest. Let's face it, brushes aren't cheap. Because they are reusable and will last you forever, brush guards are probably the cheapest but most valuable item in my kit.

HOW: I like to place the brush guards on while drying after each wash. They are also a good way to store brushes while traveling to photo shoots or even long distances. 

This mesh-like polyester sleeve fits snug on your makeup brushes and shapes them to their original form as if they were like new again. It's an affordable investment that you will thank yourself for.

WHERE TO BUY: There are many different brands and manufactures but most are the same and universal. When I was shopping online it was a bit overwelming. But one day while at the mall I purchased my brush guards from Icing and found them on buy one get one free.

Even if you have a brush that's not in the best condition and is splayed out, wash and apply a brush guard over night while drying and see the difference...it's like magic!  

I encourage everyone to invest in products that will always be the gift that keeps on giving. It's important to properly clean and protect your brushes. Regardless if you're using higher end or more affordable brushes, brush guards are a sure guarenteed investment. When you take care of your brushes they will take care of you.  

Images courtesy of dealsilove.com.au Beautylish Carmel Ryan

6 Corrective Colors That No One Told You How To Use

Corrective Colors 101

Have you ever seen concealers or makeup primers that are colored orange, purple, or even green? If you've ever thought that these unusually colored items look like they belong in a child's art supply kit and not on your face, then you're not alone. Although corrective concealers can be intimidating they are extremely useful if used correctly!

The purpose of corrective concealers and primers is to neutralize the color of the skin and cancel out any discoloration like redness, dark circles, hyper pigmentation, or tattoos coverings.

Applying layers of foundation can create a cakey look. It's best to neutralize the effected area with a corrective color.  Have you ever applied foundation and still have scars or redness that are still visible it's because a corrective concealer is needed. Find out which colors you should be using.

Here are the most common color correctors and when to use them: 

ORANGE: Great for neutralizing hyper pigmentation from acne scars or dark circles around the eyes and lips in medium to deep tones MAC Corrective Palette in Medium Deep or Dark 

GREEN: Used to correct redness. Sun burn, red blemishes, rosacea, or broken capillaries Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Adjust

PEACH/SALMON: Grey or blue shadows typically seen under the eyes EVE PEARLDual Salmon Concealer

PURPLE: Not common, but neutralizes yellow tones in the skin which can be caused by illness or yellow bruising MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microperfecting Primer

BLUE: Corrects rich deep orange tones like ones from a bad day at the tanning bed. I like to remember by saying "you only go TANNING on a nice sunny BLUE sky day" MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microperfecting Primer

YELLOW: The safest color to correct with. Great for all skin tones. Neutralizes purplish under eye circles. BOBBI BROWN Creamy Concealer Kit

How To:

Corrective concealers are most effective when applied under foundations or a skin toned concealer. The goal is to correct discoloration first so that you can begin application with a neutral canvas. 

Apply only to the effected areas.

Depending on the size of the area you can use your finger of a makeup sponge. 

It's important to adjust your corrective color to the shade of your skin. For example, there are many different shades of orange concealers. Someone with a deeper skin tone should use a deep orange concealer.

Color correcting is not always necessary. Use accordingly when needed. 

For a more in depth explanation, I recommend studying color theory which is great for any makeup artist. 

 

 

Color Correctors Recommended For Makeup Artist!

 As a makeup artist its convenient and efficient to invest in color corrective wheels as opposed to buying multiple products. Here are a few palettes and color wheels that I recommend: 

Make Up Forever Camouflage Palette 

E.L.F Studio Corrective Concealer 

Lise Watier Portfolio Pro Correctors Light

Let me know if this was helpful by commenting below and if you also have any question. Don't forget to subscribe by email to get the latest beauty tips and products I love. Happy concealing!

Products Tiffany Loves

For The Beauty Product Junkie Inside You

1.    LANCÔME Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector Do you want smooth skin like a newborn baby? Look no further. As a former biologist I love it when beauty and brains unite. This skin corrector is like no other. With the help of a little molecule called LR 2412 this serum propels through skin layers reversing UV damage, wrinkles, and acne scars. After using this product my skin felt significantly smoother the very next morning.

2.    OLE HENRIKSEN Truth To Go Vitamin C Wipes Now I don’t know about you but at the end of everyday I look forward to two things that are inevitable. Letting the girls free with the release of my bra straps and removing my makeup. These wipes are unlike many other makeup wipes. Not only do they remove makeup but also deposit essential nutrients like Vitamin C and moisture in the skin simultaneously. It’s a gently cleansing wipe that I throw in my gym bag and also have one right beside my nightstand...that’s how great they are.

3.    PHILOSOPHY Resurface - The Microdelivery Dual-Phase Peel I really don’t know what else to say other than HEAVEN! This gentle at home non-abrasive peel will give you an instant skin makeover. If you love seeing instant results with your beauty products this is for you. It’s a two-step exfoliating system that rejuvenates the skin with our favorite ingredient vitamin C!

4.    Beauty Blender “What’s that pink egg”? I get this question from the majority my clients. Popular among the world’s best makeup artist and now conveniently available to the public, the beauty blender is the new modern way to apply foundations. It’s a reusable makeup sponge applicator that’s non-disposable and eco friendly. When used wet, this sponge applies any liquid or cream foundation with a seamless air brushed finish. After every use I've found that cleaning my sponge with bar soap and warm water is helpful which makes them like new.

5.    OLE HENRIKSEN  Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster As we age each day our cells loose collagen. This collagen booster brightens the skin and is enriched with Vitamin C, which minimizes fine lines, supports natural collagen production, and leaves the skin feeling smooth and healthy. This award winning skincare product is one of my favorite serums. You will see a dramatic improvement with the texture of the skin. And it’s great when worn alone or under your makeup.

6. MAC Face & Body Foundation Waterproof, long wearing, satin finish, light weight, buildable coverage and invisible to the naked eye. Need I say more. Everything you want in a foundation this baby has it. If you're new or partial to foundation I recommend this as a first step. Its so lightweight you'll barely know its there. I also use this product on men for male grooming. Looks just like skin! This will always be a must have in my professional kit but also my personal vanity.

7. JOSIE MARAN  100 Percent Pure Argan Oil If I could bathe in this stuff I would. Argan oil absorbs easily in to the skin and is also great for hair and nails. Josie Maran has provided pure organic oil that is brilliantly formulated without parabens, sulfates, GMOs, or synthetic fragrance. Many have seen improvement in skin hydration and reduction of wrinkles and fine lines after just 4 weeks.

8. Velour 100% Mink Lashes The original creators of mink lashes do it right honey! Velour mink lashes are cruelty free and handmade and worn by celebs like Beyoncé, Jessica Alba, Demi Lovato, Kate Upton, and Brooke Burke. These are perfect for any special occasion including anniversaries, weddings and prom. Lashes add the final glamorous touch to any makeup look, but mink lashes add glamour AND luxury.

9. Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation I use this foundation on my private clients for film and editorial appearances. If it’s great for HD television then you know its perfect for real life. I recommend this product if you’re looking for a medium to full coverage foundation for a special evening out. Another advantage is the wide selection of colors which ranges from porcelain to deep ebony tones.

10.    Moroccan Oil Luminous Hairspray in Medium This is the best hairspray I have ever been introduce to. I love it because it not only does the traditional job of holding hair, but it’s lightweight and workable. The hold is strong enough for a full day style and still flexible enough to be brushed out.

11. C.O. Bigelow Men's Hair & Body Wash Elixir White Now just like any Saturday weekend excursion at the mall we cant leave without something for the fellas. Whether this is a gift for your man or fellas a gift for yourself this is a sexy scent for any guy. The lather is amazing and a little goes a long way. My only critic would be needing to hire a personal bodyguard after you step out the shower.