Beauty Talk with AJ Crimson

Hey Everybody!!!!!    Looking for something exciting and fun to do tonight......then join us for an education, good laughs, and an exciting time on Beauty Talk with Illusions.  Join us and our guest tonight, AJ Crimson.  AJ will discuss his career as an artist as well as his artist ajency.  Check us out at Beauty Talk on Blog Talk Radio at 9pm EST tonight.

Beauty Talk on BlogTalk Radio - The MAACD Campaign

Join us Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 9pm EST/6pm PST on BeautyTalk for a thought provoking conversation with the ladies of the MAACD Campaign (Makeup Artists Against Color Discrimination).   To learn more about the campaign, check out their site at www.maacdcampaign.org.   Email us your questions at illusionsbeauty@gmail.com or you can call in to the show at 914.803.4399.

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)

IMATS 2011 - The Kickoff Event

Brushes, brushes, and more brushes.   I was so grateful to have been invited to the Pre-IMATS event sponsored and presented by Royal & Langnickel (www.royalbrush.com).  The event started at 3pm on Friday afternoon (IMATS eve).  It was so nice to be greeted by the R&L crew who were so very friendly.   They treated us to mini manicures, makeovers, wine, tasty treats, as well as a limited edition brush set created just for the event attendees.   The limited edition set was created by Kevin James Bennett and made of synthetic brush hairs.  I thought about being REALLY NICE and giving them away to a makeup 'newbie'........NOT!!!  They felt too good to give away.  I will add them to my collection of synthetic brushes instead.  This is the route that I'm taking with my brushes anyway.   My main reason for buying brushes with synthetic hairs is that they are cruelty free.  And why not use cruelty free brush hairs when they feel and are just as nice as animal hair brushes. R&L has some pretty nice choices of synthetic brushes too.  Out of approximately 500 brushes (most people don't believe I have that many), at least 60 are synthetic.  My very last purchase at IMATS was of Royal & Langnickel's Silk Green Line.
Here are a few pics of the event.    Thanks Michael & MaryAnne for a great experience.

Limited Edition brush set for attendees

Collection of Body brushes from Vargas

Vargas Bodypainting

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

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.

30 Days of Beauty

During the month of April, we will host "30 Days of Beauty" from Illusions Cosmetics. Join us April 1st through April 30th for 30 days of beautiful discounts and surprises!!!Share this note with your family and friends. Here is the schedule of discounts listed here....


4/1: Buy 1 Lustre Lip gloss, get the 2nd 50% off
4/2: 25% off ALL orders
4/3: Purchase "Ann" lipgloss & recieve "Ann" Lipstick for FREE... $20 will be donated to Susan G Komen
for The Cure
4/4: Buy 3 or more Gel Eyeliners and receive a free liner brush
4/5: 20% off on all foundation and pressed powders
4/6: 35% off ALL orders
4/7: Buy any 2 Eyeshadows and receive a FREE Eye Dust, while supplies last
4/8: Free Shipping on ALL orders over $75
4/9: 25% off all blush
4/10: 20% off of all orders
4/11: 15% off All orders
4/12: Buy any 2 lip products and receive a lip liner for FREE
4/13: Buy one Pressed Powder, get the 2nd 30% off
4/14: Buy 3 or more Eyeshadows and get a FREE Eyeshadow Base
4/15: Buy any 2 Eye products and receive a free Eyeshadow brush
4/16: Buy the Entire 'Young Hollywood" collection of Lustre Lip Glosses & receive 15% off of the
'Cinematic faves" Collection
4/17: 50% off all orders over $75
4/18: Receive 15% off of the purchase of any brush
4/19: Buy one get one FREE...Any Eye product
4/20: FREE shipping plus receive a 10% discount on all orders over $100
4/21: 50% off Foundation Primer and Anti Shine products
4/22: Buy one get one Free...Any Lip product
4/23: 50% off of all orders
4/24: Free Shipping from 12pm-6pm ( no matter what time zone)
4/25: 40% off of all orders
4/26: Buy any 3 Lustre Lipglosses for $24 for a savings of $16
4/27: Buy any 2 Eyeshadows and receive an Eye Dust for 50% off
4/28: Buy 2 Foundation Stix and recieve a free pressed powder
4/29: 30% off all orders
4/30: Purchase an Illusions Brush Belt and recieve 2 free brushes

Check out http://www.illusionsbeauty.com/ for all products

Women's History Month Feature: Tracy Mourning

Tracy Wilson Mourning is a wife, mother, mentor, and entrepreneur.  We at 'Beauty Talk' celebrate her accomplishements as founder and mentor at the Honey Shine Mentoring Program.  "It is my calling, and now my mission, to teach and learn through mentoring. My commitment to the Honey Shine Mentoring Program is not only spiritually fulfilling but also inspiring future leaders", says Tracy.  Her commitment to teach and give back to young girls is how we define, "Beauty".  Tracy will join us on Beauty Talk on Thursday, March 17th to share more about her work with the Honey Shine Mentoring Program as well as share with us the concept behind her Lifestyle Brand, "Honey Child".  Tracy has created the TWM Bath & Body Ritual Collection, created for the Goddess, Soulmate, Mother, and Friend in us all.  This Women's History Month, we would like to congratulate Tracy Mourning on all of her success, and wish her continued success in all that she does. To learn more about Honey Child, please visit http://www.honeychild.net/. To donate to the Honey Shine Mentoring Program, visit http://www.honeyshine.org/ To hear Tracy's interview on Beauty Talk, tune in at 9pm on March 17th at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/BeautyTalkwithIllusions.

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 Talk, The Web Series enters The LA Web Festival 2011

Beauty Talk, the Web Series has been selected to be one of the 100 web series to screen at the 2nd Annual Los Angeles International Web Festival. The Festival takes place March 25-27, 2011 at the Stage 52 Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.   If you are in the LA area at that time, please join us for a couple of episodes of Beauty Talk and wonderful gift bags from Illusions Cosmetics. To purchase tickets, http://www.lawebfest.com/.  To view all the released episodes of Beauty Talk, the Web Series...www.youtube.com/illusionscosmetics and www.vimeo.com/beautytalk

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. 

Beauty Deal of The Week

Beauty Deal of The Week:

Purchase $30 or more and receive FREE shipping on your order.

For more Beauty Deals, follow us on TWITTER.

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.

Janice Tunnell talks Web Series

Check out Janice Tunnell on The Rich Mbariket Show talking about Web Series.  Check it out and leave us your comments.

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!