Its Finally Here.......

It's finally here.  For weeks we've been saying that the last two episodes of Beauty Talk...The Web Series is coming.  And they are.  Catch up on the 1st six episodes as you await the release of seven and eight.  The last two episodes will be released together next Monday.  So, in the meantime, go back and check out the first six as we close out Season 1 with episodes seven and eight.


Take a look now at Episode 6:
http://youtu.be/XvOkU7kADvc


Episode 5:
http://youtu.be/rWjav11-2iM


Episode 4:
http://youtu.be/gZ2D5SUmrR0

Episode 3:
http://youtu.be/TTRTVF5-yXI


Episode 2:
http://youtu.be/95z5RxPSpu4

Episode 1:
http://youtu.be/ipudvCUzL1w

Beauty Talk ....The Web Series can be seen at www.youtube.com/illusionscosmetics or www.vimeo.com/beautytalk

Eye Makeup Fallout Protector

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to tell you all about a great new product that I discovered back in March in LA while visiting Frends Beauty Supply. I wanted to wait until I used it several times before doing a post on it. Its called "The Eye Makeup Fallout Protector".  I met the creator at Frends and suggested, that she allow a few makeup artists to try the product. I thought that would be the best way to get honest feedback.  Its a silicone shield with a stainless steel handle. Very cute, and its washable too! I believe your clients will like the fact that its a non-adhesive protector. At first, I thought my issue was going to be that I have to actually hold it with one hand while doing eye shadow with the other. Not an issue at all. It was very easy to use, and you can also use it without the stainless steel handle. Also, making adjustments with how you position the protector is simple, just move it. No adhesive, no tapes, and no powder to dust away. I love it, and I plan to purchase more. For more information on the Eye Makeup Fallout Protector, visit http://www.eyemakeupfalloutprotector.com/ and let me know what you think.

Janice

OC Eight Mattifying Gel

As makeup artist, we are  always on 'shine patrol', especially when working on film & tv.  I'm always searching for the perfect product to control shine while working with actors/actresses on camera.  Over the 13 years of my makeup career, I've tried many anti-shine/primer type products to matte the skin.  About six years ago I found a product from one of the department store brands that worked wonderfully and was used throughout the tv/film world by makeup artists all over the country.   The product has since been discontinued now for at least three years.
After hearing that the product was discontinued, I was forced to start my search over and continue using products that I was not particularly happy with.  Most times, I would set an actor's makeup with plenty of powder.  This lasted until a fellow Esthetician friend gave me a product called 'OC Eight' to use on a particular actor that was actually one of her facial clients.  The actor's skin was one of the oilest that I've ever worked with.  The product claimed to work for eight hours.  Although the actor only worked on camera for two, the matiffying gel kept his shine away for his entire time on set.
Since then, I've used OC Eight mattifying gel on all of my clients and have seen some amazing results.  I believe in this product 100% and have recommended it to many makeup artists in the film/tv industry.  It simply WORKS (on ALL skin types)!
* For more info on how and where you can purchase OC Eight, please visit www.biopelle.com.

Beauty Talk .... The Web Series : Episode 6 (Season 1)

Beauty Talk .... The Web Series : Episode 6 (Season 1)

Check out the latest episode of Beauty Talk... The Web Series.  If you ever considered agency representation, this is the episode to watch.  Join our panel of professional makeup artist as we discuss 'Agency Representation: Pros & Cons'.

Hair Goodies

 
 
Its not that often that I have the time to review products anymore. But when I do, I always enjoy it.  The latest products that I reviewed were: 1) AMIKA Obliphica Oil (Sea Buckthorn Berry) Pure oil and 2) A SEDU Revolution Professional Nano Tourmaline Ionic Styling Iron.
I gave myself quite a bit of time to try these products, especially the oil.  I wanted to see how my hair would react to the oil in different temperatures and with different hairstyles.  I found the oil to be very light.  Only a drop was necessary to give my hair the moisture and the shine that it needed. And it smells LOVELY!

To top this review off, I not only used the Obliphica oil to give my hair moisture and shine, but also to protect it from heat from my straightening and styling irons.  The best styling iron on the market, in my opinion, is the Sedu Revolution Professional Nano Tourmaline Ionic Styling Iron.  It's simply AMAZING!!  This iron's temperature adjusts all the way to 450 degrees (too hot for most hair types,so be careful).  Because this iron gets really hot, its best that you use at a lower temperature.  If more than 400 degrees is needed consult your hairstylist. Styling with this iron can be really fun.  Because I have layers in my hair, I enjoy flipping it.  But its great for straight and curly looks as well.
During my recent visit to the hair salon, I asked my stylist to use the oil and iron on my hair.  She loved it so much, it was easy for me to convince her to try the temperature setting on 450.  She advised me not to use the iron at 450 at home, but she agreed that  my hair could handle it as long as she was styling it herself.  I fell in love with the results and all of the stylist in the salon fell in love with my iron.  They all wanted to know where they could get one.  I simply told them, "www.folica.com".
-DT


*Disclaimer: All products were received for free.  This review is solely for the purpose of expressing my views and personal opinions of the above listed products.  Purchase and use at your own risk.

'Making Up' with Danessa Myricks

For those who know me, you know that I love a good book (especially Thrillers & Murder Mysteries).  I also love a good dvd  (movies, live performances, or instructional dvds).  Because of my love for good books and dvds, I now have book shelves filled with some of my favorites.  I've recently added all of Danessa Myricks' dvds to my collection.

Danessa has become 'the Master of Makeup education'.  She started her collection back in 2004 and now has a collection of 10 + dvds.  Her education materials are made for everyone on every level of makeup.

She breaks down her instructions so that they are simple and easy to follow.  What I like most about Danessa's makeup videos is that you only see Danessa's hands and a close up on the model's face.  When you think about it, that's all we really need to see.  Danessa keeps the focus off of her and her 'celebrity' (status ).  Its not about a celebrity makeup artist instructing you on how to do makeup.  Its one artist to the other.  An artist teaching other artists on all levels what she has learned.  And to top it all off, SHE DOESN'T HOLD BACK.  There are no secrets with Danessa.  She teaches you everything that she knows.  

All of Danessa's videos (especially the last 2) are based on some core concepts that we can use to do any makeup.  Those concepts are as follows:

1) Any area of the face that is shaded lighter than areas surrounding it, will appear larger and more pronounced.

2) Any area of the face that is shaded darker than the others will appear smaller, more recessed, and more camouflaged.

3) Any area of the face where reflective makeup textures are applied, will multiply in size and will become most prominent.

4) Makeup is all about contrast.  The more contrast you create, the more dramatic the outcome will be.

These concepts were used through out "Mastering the Art of Effective & Creative Contouring' and 'Fundamental Beauty'.  I loved these two dvds for the simple fact that they taught basic makeup looks that could be used in weddings, television, and editorial shoots.  Danessa explains that a big portion of a makeup artist's income would come from applying makeup for these basic looks.  I agree with that.  When was the last time you saw an Allure Magazine cover where the actress was wearing glitter on the eyes with feather eyelashes?  You haven't!!  Magazines aren't requiring that type of work.  At least, the popular fashion/beauty magazines aren't requiring those types of  looks. 

Danessa used the four core concepts to teach how to achieve the desired oval face shape by using contouring techniques.  The last two dvds are great for makeup artist, but if you are a 'newbie' or a non makeup artist, this is the best instruction that you will receive to explain contouring methods.  

Take a look at whats going on out in the makeup education world.  Everyone is teaching classes on 'Contouring'.  I'm not sure of their reasons for teaching this concept, but it is definitely needed.  Go to I Make You Beautiful and buy these wonderful dvds.  You will not regret it.  Danessa is a beautiful woman (on the inside and out) who only wants to share her knowledge.  She is truly a 'gem' in the Beauty industry.

-DT

Beauty Deal

Beauty Deal:

For a waterproof, non-smearing liner that will last the entire day, try the Illusions Cosmetics gel liner-2 for $20. (Can be used along with the Angle Liner/Chisel brush)
*Deal is valid until Saturday night at 11:59pm.

Beauty Talk - Hyperpigmentation

Have you ever been bothered and inconvenienced by Hyperpigmentation?  If so, you will want to take a look at this blog entry on Hyperpigmentation by Felecia of 'This That Beauty'.

Be Beautiful & Blessed!!

A New Favorite: Kaia Bamboo Facial Cloths

For those of us with sensitive skin, there is new facial cleansing cloth in town. Introducing the Bamboo Facial Cleansing Cloths from Kaia Naturals. Made out of 100% natural bamboo, these unbleached clothes can be used as an eye makeup remover, a toner, and a facial cleanser. The clothes are packed with some wonderful ingredients to include a blend of pure citrus oils, thats where the lovely fragrance comes from, Canadian honey, and sunflower seed oil. When I first tried them, I was attracted to the fragrance. Thats always the first step for me, if it doesn't smell nice, I am hesitant to try it. It has such a refreshing fragrance, very light, but nice. The cloths are very gentle on the skin which is also important to me, because if it doen't feel right, thats not going to work either. I"ve tried several makeup wipes on my clients, but now I have a new favorite which I will be using on my clients as well as myself. The bamboo facial cleansing cloths retail for $17.99 and there are 30 per pack. Check out http://www.kaianaturals.com/ for more information.

"How do I get rid of my stretch marks?"

"How do I get rid of my stretch marks?" This question is asked by women time and time again. 'Stretch marks' as they are commonly known are striae gravidarum. They are characterized by their reddish, brownish, silvery color. They are due to stretching of the skin due to weight loss or weight gain, especially during pregnancy. Stretch marks occur when the the elastin and collagen under the skin's surface is torn. These unsightly marks are normally seen on the thighs, hips, and stomach. There are 2 ways of reducing stretch marks:
1) A topical reducer (creams containing peptides and/or retinoids)
Both peptides and retinoids reduce the appearance of stretch marks. They stimulate collagen production in the epidermal layers (outer layers) of the skin which restores the elasticity of the skin causing it to appear smoother.
2) Fraxel laser - A more aggressive treatment for stretch marks. Fraxel laser fades new marks as well as older ones. The laser penetrates the outer most layer to stimulate collagen and elastin production deep within the skin. It works to change the color and texture of the marks. The laser procedures requires two to three treatments to achieve best results. The procedure starts at approximately $ 1,200.00 per treatment. For those of us who may not be willing to pay $1,200 per treatment , I suggest Carol's Daughter 'Scar Butter'. Retails for $10. www.carolsdaughter.com

Product Junkie Diva Review of Illusions Cosmetics

Friday, April 25, 2008Confessions of a Product Junkie Diva Confession-- I never wear eye shadow. I know, I know some of you are clutching your pearls or gasping at this very moment, but this is the truth, my truth. One reason why I have never worn eye shadow is because I thought it would make me look like a clown. It looks lovely on other people but I just never thought it would look good on me. This feeling was validated the day I attended a makeup party. When I was younger I went to a makeup party and I sat there as the consultant raved about my eyes and how good the eye shadow looked on me. I was excited and couldn't wait to look in the mirror. Before even seeing myself I just knew I wanted to go out that evening to show off my face, then I looked into the mirror. Upon looking at my face I was convinced of two things 1) the makeup consultant was either visually impaired or mentally insane and 2) I would never wear eye shadow again.
Janice Tunnell, celebrity makeup artist, and co-owner of Illusions Cosmetics (the other co owner is Janice's twin sister Denise Tunnell) has made me eat my words. Wednesday evening I wore eye shadow and I didn't just like it, I loved it. The shades fit me perfectly and why wouldn't they, Illusions Cosmetics is a product line specifically designed for women of color. The line can complement very light skin tones as well as darker complexions and everyone in between. I put on the shadow and my face was glowing, in that moment I understood why so many women love eye shadow and now I have found one that works for me. I should also mention that my anti makeup sister, a women who refuses to wear tinted lip gloss, saw the eye shadow and said I think I would like to wear that. Yes that is how stunning the shades are, that it was able to single handedly almost convert my sister.Pictured on the left you have Dolce Vita a brownish eye dust and Delight on the right which is a sandy brown. The eye dust was so soft I had to ask Janice if any natural ingredients were included and it turns out that many of their products include vitamin e., chamomille and other natural ingredients.
Illusions cosmetics also produces a line of lip glosses affectionately named after popular movies such as Brown Sugar, Mahogany, Dreamgirls, and Sparkle (a personal favorite) just to name a few. I tried Dreamgirl which is very close in color to the MAC Viva Glam V. The lip gloss is super light yet very shiny and it only cost $10.00. The aforementioned eye shadow which is referred to as eye dust on their website is priced at $12.00. Items can be purchased through their website http://www.illusionsbeauty.com/ or through two stores that currently sell their products.After communicating with Janice recently she informed me that new products will hit the website soon and they are revamping their site so you may want to call for more information if you are interested in the product (all information is available through their site)So now that I have had the best introduction to eye shadow please give me the low down on the eye shadows that you love.

Mischo Beauty Review

Check out the latest review of some of our products from Illusions Cosmetics. Thanks Kitiya!!
http://www.mischobeauty.com/2008/04/mischo-beauty-product-reveiw-illusions.html

Palachinka Beauty Review of Lustre Lipstix

Illusions Cosmetics recieved 4 "Palacinka Points" for their Lustre Lipstix in "Brownie". Check out the review and let us know what you think....

www.palacinka.com/lip-product-reviews.html