Makeup By Kim Porter
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Holiday Makeup Look: Singer, Brandy’s Smokey Eye at the 2012 American Music Awards

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It’s no secret that my two favorite eye makeup looks are a clean cat eye and a smokey eye.  When I saw R&B singer, Brandy at the 2012 American music Awards, I thought,’What a beautiful look!’  Brandy had a beautiful sultry look thanks to a subtle, neutral smoky eye.  Brandy’s makeup for the 2012 American Music Awards is perfect for the Holidays. You can wear it to your office party, or even for New Years Eve. Honestly, I would even wear it during the day at work on those days when I want to be glam!

Achieving this sultry smokey eye look is simple, especially when using the It Cosmetics Luxe High Performance Eyeshadow Palette.

 

Brandy Smokey eye American Music Awards

 

What do you think of Brandy’s smokey eye look at the AMA’s?

Would you rock it?

 

Sultry Summer Beauty Essentials: Take on Summer with these beauty & skincare products

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Must-have essentials for your face, body, fingers and toes to help you stay sultry all summer long.  Increasing temperatures and sunny days are here, and that means it’s time to get your vacation plans in order and start packing. Escaping to a tropical resort to lounge blissfully on the beach? Or planning a low-key staycation?  Whatever your itinerary is, one thing is for sure: A fresh, summer-ready beauty look is an absolute must. From melt-proof, waterproof makeup, sun protection for your face and body, fresh irresistible , bright summer polishes, to liners and mascaras, Kim Porter shares you her top picks for summer beauty essentials that you need to ensure you have a sultry summer.

 

DermaDoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ skin clarifying & mattifying sunscreen spf 30 PA+++ ($30.00)

Ain’t Misbehavin’ SPF 30 clarifies, mattifies and protects skin from the harmful effects of ultra violet rays in a single, light-weight formulation.  Ideal for anyone who is blemish prone, oily or has combination skin.  For face and “back-ne.”

Contains:

  • 3% Avobenzone – powerful UVA deactivator
  • 6% Oxybenzone, 5% Octisalate, 7.5% Octinoxate  – powerful UVB deactivators
  • Willow Bark – natural source of salicylic acid thought to clarify blemish-prone, oily or combination skin
  • Witch Hazel – natural astringent gently leaves complexion radiant
  • Advanced polymer technology – soaks up excess oils and mattifies without leaving skin parched
  • Botanically derived agents help calm and soothe red, irritated skin
  • Natural botanicals – the ideal antidote to mischief making, hormonally out-of-control skin

 

 

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-aging Concealer ($24.00) – My Review

Anti-aging technology helps address the appearance of lines and wrinkles, while covering to conceal discoloration, dark circles, age spots, and redness. It also helps to diffuse the appearance of wrinkles and conceal facial imperfections without settling into lines and wrinkles. The creamy, crease-proof formula glides on easily and lasts.

A small amount of this highly pigmented formula goes a very long way. Apply with fingertips for full coverage and a radiant, hydrated, dewy glow.

 

AVAILABLE SHADES:  Light, Neutral Medium, Tan, Deep

WHERE TO FIND:   QVC.com or Itcosmetics.com

 

 

NARS Casino Bronzer ($34.00) – My swatches

A diffused deep brown powder with golden shimmer (not recommended for oily skin)

Bronzing Powder creates the ultimate healthy glow. Diffused powders with golden shimmer create an all-over warmth or contour for the face perfect for creating or enhancing the look of tanned skin. Finely milled powders fills in lines and pores for smoother, more even looking complexion.

AVAILABLE SHADES:  Laguna, Irrésistiblement, Casino

WHERE TO FIND:   NARS.com, Sephora

 

 

 

Budget Friendly, NYX Matte Bronzer ($9.00)

Deep-tan is perfect for NC-45/NC50 Shades

Achieve a natural and healthy complexion using any of the powder bronzers available in five russet shades. Perfect for that desired honey glow all year long!

AVAILABLE SHADES:  Light, Deep, Medium, Dark Tan, Deep-tan

WHERE TO FIND:   Ulta.com

 

 

Rimmel London ScandalEyes Mascara ($6.99): Make a bold summer statement with Rimmel London’s Volume Flash ScandalEyes Waterproof Mascara for long-lasting, waterproof color that plumps up every last lash.

AVAILABLE SHADES: Volume Flash ScandalEyes Waterproof Mascara, Black
WHERE TO FIND IT: Available at mass-market retailers and drugstores nationwide including Walgreens, CVS, Target and Wal-Mart. Visit http://www.RimmelLondon.com for store locations.

 

Rimmel London ScandalEyes Gel Eyeliner ($4.99): Create a scandal this summer with your dazzling, daring eye look. The ScandalEyes Gel Eyeliner deposits richly pigmented, intense color that stays put for up to 25 hours. The creamy, soft formula and built-in brush applicator help you effortlessly achieve a subtle, thin line or a fierce, fabulous stroke of color.
AVAILABLE SHADES: Black, Brown, Aubergine and Blue
WHERE TO FIND IT: Available at mass-market retailers and drugstores nationwide including Walgreens, CVS, Target and Wal-Mart. Visit http://www.RimmelLondon.com for store locations.

 

 

 

Maybelline Baby Lips ($3.99)

No more basic lip balm
Lip renew formula and 8-hr hydration for visibly renewed lips in 4 weeks. Clinical care for baby-soft lips.

AVAILABLE SHADES: Quench, Peppermint, Cherry me, Grapevine, Pink Punch, Peach Kiss

WHERE TO FIND IT: Maybelline.com or your local drugstore

 

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream ($23.00)

Dare to wear Make Up For Ever’s waterproof cream color.  Highly concentrated in mother-of-pearl pigments, it provides an immediate color intensity with a luminous finish.  Its long-lasting formula will not crease or smudge under the most extreme conditions.

Available in 22 shades, the multipurpose Aqua Cream can be applied on your lips, cheeks and eyes.

AVAILABLE SHADES: Shades #5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 are formulated for the Lips & Cheeks.
Shades #1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, and 22 are formulated for the Eyes & Cheeks.

WHERE TO FIND IT:  Sephora.com

 

 

Skindinavia Makeup Setting Spray ($29.00) See my REVIEW

Features and benefits

  • Fewer touchups throughout the day.
  • Stops makeup meltdown.
  • Holds eye shadow, foundation, blush, and concealer perfectly.

Skindinavia invented the makeup finish as a simple way for women to keep their makeup looking flawless all day. Each spray uses our patented Temperature Control Technology® which prevents makeup from melting, drying out, becoming shiny, or creasing.

Skindinavia Makeup Finishes hold everything in place while giving you a healthy, natural glow. Never too dry or too oily. No touch ups or blotting. Just you and the perfect look you love. All day

 

 

Carol’s Daughter Gelee De Soleil (Browning Oil) SPF 15 ($15):

SPF 15, Suntan Oil For Beautiful Bronze Skin

  • Palm Kernel Oil, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter and Mango Butter intensely moisturize your skin
  • SPF 15 helps protect from damaging UV rays

WHERE TO FIND IT: Carolsdaughter.com or Sephora.com

 

 

GUD Natural Body Mist ($6.99):

My thoughts HERE

Spray the exotic scent of rice milk and vanilla into the air. Walk into the scent. Turn the lights down low. Enough said.
• Seductive and mysterious.
• Slips into any purse.
• No parabens, phthalates or petrochemicals.
• Never ever tested on animals. No way!

AVAILABLE SCENTS: Vanilla Flame (my personal favorite), FLorl Cherynova, Orange Petalooza

WHERE TO FIND IT: Target, Rite Aid, Ulta, Duane Reade and more check here for other locations.

 

 

 

Sally Hansen Insta Dri Limited Edition Summer 2012 ($4.99):

Get brilliant, high-shine nails in summer’s most coveted colors instantly. Using an advanced Flexiglass Formula, these shades dry to a smooth, sleek finish in just 60 seconds. Achieve a flawless manicure with just one stroke of the exclusive Perfectionist Brush, which contours to any nail shape for precise, quick application.
AVAILABLE SHADES: Just in Lime!, Orange Impulse, Quick Canary, Fast Fuchsia, Orchid Express, Heat Flash, Blue By!, Magenta Moves
WHERE TO FIND IT: Drugstores and mass retailers nationwide

 

For more suggestions check here

Brides: How to prepare for your bridal makeup trial

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If you’ve found this post, I believe congratulations are in order?  Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding!  This is the most exciting and important time in your life.  Looking beautiful on your wedding day and in pictures is important, which is why you should hire a professional makeup artist you trust.  The makeup artist’s first priority is to provide beautiful makeup in the style you want, but she should also offer some moral support, help to boost your confidence and soothe your raw nerves in those last hours before you walk down the aisle.

Should I have a makeup trial, and why?

I highly recommend having a makeup trial before your wedding.   This is the time to choose the exact look(s) you want for your wedding day.  A trial run provides to you the chance to photograph yourself in the makeup look and see how it works for you.

Once you see the look on yourself, you may change your mind.  You may communicate what you “see” and picture in your mind and the makeup artist may hear the description and interpret it differently, which is why it is best to always come to your trials with photos of makeup you like.

The trial allows the makeup artist to not only meet you, but also address and prepare for any beauty or skin issues you may be dealing with prior to the wedding.  It is important for you to let your makeup artist know of any allergies to ingredients or products you may have.

 When should I book my bridal makeup trial?

You definitely do not want to wait to the last minute to book your makeup artist for your wedding day.  Try find a makeup artist 6 month to 1 year ahead.  This gives you time to do research, trials, and find the right artist that fits you.

Also, try booking your trial on a day when you have something special going on, such as a date night with your soon-to-be hubby, engagement party etc.  That way, you are able to get feedback on the look you received during the trial.

What should I expect from the makeup artist during the trial?

A trial makeup run for your wedding day is intense, and can run from 1-2 hours, as it may include going over several (2 -3) different looks until you are satisfied.

A consultation will occur where you will discuss your style and details about your wedding and the look you envision. Then the artist will proceed to do a full makeup application (lash application is optional).  Once you are satisfied with the look, photos and notes of the product, colors, and style you chose will be taken. When doing a bridal trial it is best for the bride to look at herself in both natural and artificial lighting and take photos, both with and without flash.

Finally, we will discuss and answer questions about the booking process, timing on the day of, and setting up a contract.

Is there anything I should prepare for my trial/consultation?

Before your trial, take the time to research photos of the look you are considering. Search for photos that have same skin color, hair color, etc. Communicate not only things you like, but also the things that you definitely don’t like when it comes to makeup. Be as specific as possible with your descriptions. Don’t be afraid the let the artist know that there is something you do not like. Make sure to let them know about any beauty issues you have. For example, excessively oily skin, allergies, etc.  Do not have too many people present at your trial, as that tends to cause more confusion than assistance.  Have one person that knows you well, and can give honest feedback.

-Have photos ready to show your makeup artist. Please select pictures of women with similar bone structure as yourself, so that the look “translates” well to your face without too much adjustment.  If your wedding ceremony is during the day, and the reception is at night, you may want to opt for a different look for day and night.
-Wear a white top, as it makes a difference on how the makeup looks.
-Have photos of the details, such as dress, flowers, veil, etc.
-Have skin cleansed and moisturized
-Bring makeup you would prefer to use with you if you have a specific brand you prefer over what the makeup artist has

How do I prepare my skin for the makeup trial run?

Never underestimate the importance of skin care preparation to ensure a clean, fresh, natural looking makeup canvas. Thorough skin prepping will ensure your foundation (the makeup base) glides on smoothly for what should result in a flawless coverage.

Your wedding makeup only looks as good as your underlying skin. Even if you have a perfect complexion, the few days before your wedding are not a good time for a facial. Even good complexions may flare up under the pressures of wedding planning. Deep facial massage and manipulation can cause redness and bumps that may not go away in time for your wedding day. If it’s in your budget, ideally it would be wonderful to plan several facials beginning at least 6 weeks before your wedding and up to 5 days before the special day. This kind of scheduling will allow your skin a chance to recover and minimize stress-related eruptions.

What about my eyebrows?

Never have your brows waxed or threaded the day prior to your wedding.  It is best to have that done at least 1 week prior to your wedding to avoid redness and inflammation in brow area that is associated with the hair removal.

The shape of your eyebrows can actually change your entire face. The most important thing to remember is that well-groomed natural looking eyebrows tend to be the best option for weddings, especially if you want to try to maintain your natural appearance.

Avoid over plucking or waxing your eyebrows. Avoid very thin, too sharply arched, or a rounded shaped brows. This can look very dated, and unnatural in the wedding photos.  Keep the brow shape classic, and as close to your natural growth pattern as possible to create a classic, yet elegant look on your wedding day. A thicker brow is fashion forward.

See Post: Bridal Makeup Tips to Prevent a Makeup Meltdown

If you have any additional questions you may email me or check my FAQ.

 

Make Up For Ever Pro : Editorial Skin Focus with Orlando Santiago

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Saturday, I attended one of Make Up For Ever’s (MUFE) free classes for Pro Artistry month.  The class I attended was Editorial Skin Focus with celebrity makeup artist Orlando Santiago.

As the class began Orlando made it clear  that before you get into editorial makeup, which is a very vague term to describe this type of makeup, we as makeup artists have to understand what is behind editorial makeup, and what goes into it; it’s all about angles.  To start, editorials focus on perfect/flawless skin, and as an artist, it’s our job to provide just that to our clients, and of course with your own little flare.  Below, you can see the “flare” Orlando added to the model after he made her skin flawless.

Orlando taught us to know the products we’re working with.  For example, if we’re creating a dewy look, we’d use more silicone based products, and only apply powder to the creases (corner of nose).   If you’re going for a matted look, use more powder and oil-free products.

 

 

More tips for creating the perfect canvas include:

Adding eye cream (or perparation H) to facial moisturizer to bring down puffiness of the entire face

Neutralize FIRST then conceal to ensure you’re using as less a product as possible

-Mix green, yellow, red and white to neutralize purple & blue

 

 

Orlando’s Three V’s of Contouring & Highlighting

1.  Tip of nose

2.  Bottom of lip

3.  Base of chin

-Contour with cooler colors.  To cancel out warmth add cool colors.

 

Taking this class refreshed some things in my memory that I’ve known before.  It also reminded me of the class I took during The Makeup Show New York, ‘Perfect Skin‘ with Jon Hennessey, where he taught us how to create the illusion of perfect skin; same concept, different techniques.