Beauty Trends for 2015

Check out our very own Denise Tunnell in the March/April 2015 issue of Sophisticates Black Hair Magazine.  Denise, along with six other makeup artist gives readers a Makeup Forecast for 2015.  See pages 104-105 of the magazine.

31 Days Of Beauty

31 Days Of Beauty

October is such a wonderful month here at Illusions Beauty (www.illusionsbeauty.com).  It's Denise & Janice's birthday month as well as the month that the nation brings awareness to the fight against Breast Cancer.  During the month of October, we would love to offer our customers special discounts and deals to show our appreciation for your support.  We would also like to use this time to give back and help support the fight against breast cancer.  Look out for special deals where YOU can support the cause.

Oct 1 - Make ANY purchase at www.illusionsbeauty.com and receive FREE shipping.

Oct 2 - Purchase Soft Rose Eye dust and receive 15% off of entire purchase at www.illusionsbeauty.com

Oct 3 -Buy 2 or more of the following glosses & receive 10% off : Carmen, Malika, Meagan & Khloe

Oct 4 - You asked for it again...here it goes...Buy 2 or more of the following glosses & receive 10% off: Carmen, malika, Meagan, and Khloe

Oct 5 - Take 30% off of all orders over $50 at www.illusionsbeauty.com

Oct 6  - Buy 2 lip pencils and receive 1 for FREE.

Oct 7 - FREE Shipping Friday at www.illusionsbeauty.com

Oct 8 - Take 15% off of any lipstick.  Our suggestion: Pink champagne

Oct 9 - Choose your own sale.  During today's deal, take advantage of any deal from Oct 3rd - Oct 8th.  Email us with which deal you would like to use when ordering. (illusionsbeauty@gmail.com)

Beating the Summer Heat

Having fun yet?  We are well into the middle of Summer and the hot temperatures are holding steady.  Here are a few tips to keep your makeup/makeup look in place:

1) Use less foundation or don't wear any at all
2) Try bronzer instead of eyeshadow and blush
3) Treat yourself to lash extensions (Extreme, Nova, etc) instead of wearing mascara
4) If you wear a foundation, try using a primer.  It will help to keep the foundation on longer
5) Wear a lip balm (Rosebud, Kiehl's, etc.) instead of lip gloss or lipstick

If you want to add more to this list, please leave your comments.  For more beauty tips, follow Illusions Beauty on Twitter. (@illusionsbeauty)

Beauty Tip Of The Week

Beauty Tip Of The Week

Maintaining a well groomed eyebrow will add definition to the face.

Beauty Tip Of The Week

Beauty Tip of The Week

When applying eyeliner, remember to consider the shape and size of the eye.

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'.

Beauty Tip

Beauty Tip:

For those who love to do 'Eyes 1st' before applying foundation, here is a tip to sway you to the other side...#TeamFoundation1st:

1 - Apply foundation and concealer
2 - Do not set concealer under eyes with powder (you may set the foundation if you like)
3 - Apply eye shadow
4 - Clean up any fallout from eyeshadow
5 - Conceal under eyes again if necessary

For those who apply eye shadow first, you may think that it would be easier to just apply shadow first.  Applying foundation first makes more sense, in my opinion.  If you are dealing with time and need to get the makeup finished in a hurry, its always best to have the foundation already done.  You can always go back and make little tweaks to the eyes if necessary.  Just a thought. 

FACE OFF

I am super excited about Wednesday night.  Do you want to know why?  Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 10pm EST/ 9pm Central is the premiere of the Syfy channels new show called 'Face Off'.  Face Off is a makeup reality show that is is all about how Sci-Fi special effects makeup is done.  It is full of challenges and sfx makeup competition. The show is hosted by McKenzie Westmore (from the infamous 1st family of Makeup - The Westmores).  Its panel of judges include Glen Hetrick (Buffy, X-Files, Babylon 5), Ve Neill (Pirates of the Caribbean, Edward ScissorHands), Patrick Tatopoulos (I Am Legend, Underworld). Be sure to check it out if you are an aspiring sfx makeup artist or if you just love makeup.  Either way, you are sure to be entertained as well as educated.

-DT

Ask Illusions

Ask Illusions

We received a question a while ago and I was slow about posting it because its not beauty related.  But after receiveing the question again from someone else, I decided to go ahead and answer it here.  Those who asked the question will remain anonymous. :-)

Q: How is Janice's name pronounced?  I've heard it a couple of ways.

A: I definitely don't mind sharing with you how my sister's name is pronounced.  Her name is spelled J-A-N-I-C-E.  Most people pronounce it as if it is Janis.  But, it is actually pronounced like Janiece.  Our names rhyme...Denise and Janiece (but spelled Janice).  And while I'm on the subject of names.  Our last name is spelled T-U-N-N-E-L-L.   Most people spell it and pronounce it as Tunnel.  It rhymes with W-E-L-L or D-E-L-L .  ( Tun- nell).  I hope this helps you.  Thanks so much for asking!!

If you have questions, ask them here, on TWITTER, or email them to illusionsbeauty@gmail.com.

Beauty Talk .... The Web Series: Episode 5 (Season 1)

Check out Episode 5 of  Beauty Talk .... The Web Series and find out how you can re-invent yourself when your career is at a stand still.

Beauty Tip

Be true  to who YOU are!  Define what 'Beauty Is to You' and 'wear' that!

Get 'Lashed', BUT BE CAREFUL!!!

Eyelashes are all the craze lately.  Everyone wants fabulous lashes.  Besides growing your own, most of us like to enhance our lashes with mascara, strip lashes, individual lashes, or lash extensions.  When applying lashes or having them applied, you must be very careful around your eye area.  Here are a few tips for having Lash Extensions applied:

1) Make sure your lash extensions are applied by a licensed Esthetician or by a licensed Cosmetologist who is certified in Lash Extension training.

2) Make sure the Lash extensions are applied in a clean environment with sanitized implements.

3) Be certain that your lash extensions are applied with a medical grade adhesive.

4) Be sure that you speak to your Esthetician immediately if you have any problems or experience any irritation.

For more on Lash Extensions, be sure to check out Episode 4 of Beauty Talk ... The Web Series.  Also, catch up on the 1st three episodes.
For more Beauty Tips, follow us on Twitter (@illusionsbeauty)

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.

Beauty Tip

TIP:

When applying false eyelashes, be careful of your placement of the lash.

1) Do NOT apply the lash on the very end of the lash line.  It will pull the eye down and cause drooping of the eye.

Wrong lash placement

2) DO leave 3-4 lash hairs available on the outer ends of the eye and then apply the false lash.  This will instantly pull the eye up making it appear wider and brighter.

Proper Placement

 

For more beauty tips and beauty deals, follow us on TWITTER. and FACEBOOK.

Beauty Tip

Beauty Tip:
Most women when having their makeup applied or when they apply their own, often ask the question, "Do I apply foundation first or concealer first?"  To be honest with you, their really isn't a right or wrong answer to that question.  You honestly need to see what works best for you.
One tip for applying concealer is to apply your foundation first.  At this point, you can see if the foundation is enough cover up.  If not, then apply your concealer.

* Try Illusions Cosmetics stick foundations as foundation and concealer for only $18.  For more info, check out Illusions Beauty.
For more Beauty Tips, follow us on TWITTER.

'Old School' Beauty Tips

If you listen to Beauty Talk, our online radio show, then you will understand the tittle of this blog entry.  On the show last Thursday we had a panel discussion consisting of  Denise Tunnell, Janice Tunnell, Felicia Walker Benson, Frances Willaims, and Jennifer James.  We discussed a little bit of this and a little bit of that.  To hear the show, check out Beauty Talk on Blog Talk Radio.  From the show came the title that some of us proudly wear, 'Old School'.  This term referred to the techniques that we use to apply makeup.  Today, I wanted to share with you a few 'old school beauty tips'.  If you have some of your own, please share.

'Old School Beauty Tips':
1) Applying loose powder under the eyes to catch eye shadow fallout
2) Applying foundation first and then applying shadow to the eyes
3) Using only cream foundation for a flawless full coverage base
4) Setting foundation with loose powder and a powder puff (no brushes)
5) Highlighting and contouring with every look.
6) Highlighting using a bright yellow cream concealer
Someone please stop me because I can go on and on with this topic.  You don't want me to start in on the dark brown lip liner, so I will stop here.  If you have tips of your own, please leave in the comments.  We will read them in the Beauty Lounge of this weeks Beauty Talk.  Until next time, Be Beautiful & Blessed!!

-DT

'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 Tip:

TIP:
For a new take on Smokey Eyes this FALL, lighten up!  Use medium toned eye shadow colors for your smokey eye.  For some options of colors try Illusions Beauty.

Beauty Tip

 

 
After attending The 2010 Bronner Brothers Beauty (Hair) Show in Atlanta, GA this past weekend, I was inspired to GROW.  Inspiration is all around us.  We must take the first step.
I took the first step and attended Danessa Myricks' Contouring class.  Although I think that I know alot when it comes to makeup, I know that I don't know it all.  It's always inspiring when you learn from others.  Because of what I learned this past week end, I encourage you all to....

TIP:
Try something new.  Don't get stuck in your normal routine.  If you are used to applying the same makeup look, buy some new products and change it up.
If you are looking for ways to change up your look, check out a few of Danessa's videos.  If they don't inspire you, I don't know what will.

Until next time,
Be Beautiful & Blessed!

-Denise