Monday, June 10, 2013

Expensive vs. Inexpensive Makeup

In my most recent video posted on my YouTube channel, I talked a little about where one could penny pinch when it comes to makeup and where one should actually spend some good money. When it comes to purchasing makeup products not every woman is into spending a whole lot of money, which is understandable. Having worked with more expensive, "high end" makeup as a former Sephora employee for many years, I was able to try many different products and see what actually works for clients and for myself. And to be honest some of these expensive products may or may not have been worth the money. Whenever I run to my local beauty supply store to buy hair products, I find myself trying out some less expensive makeup products from brands like NYX. I also have fun in the beauty aisles of Target and take trips to Professional Makeup warehouses.
Having tried many cosmetic products over the years, here's some advice!

1. Let's Talk Eye Products.
When it comes to applying eyeshadow, I highly suggest to start by investing in a high performance eye shadow primer. Using a great eyeshadow primer can help you get away with penny pinching when picking out eye shadows. Eye shadow primer will create a strong grip for eyeshadow to hold onto, resulting in a long lasting look. It also makes the colors more potent. Hence why you can use  less expensive eyeshadow and still get a great look, The more neat and smooth your eyeshadow looks, the more polished your whole look will be.

Urban Decay "Primer Potion" is still one of the best selling eyeshadow primers. This $20 primer will also last you months and months on end. It is beyond worth it! The original, clear formula is even great for priming your eyebrows for any long wearing brow filler. "Eden", the matte formula is also a favorite of mine, the hint of color really evens out the eye lids and makes colorful eyeshadow really pop!











 Too Faced "Shadow Insurance"$20.00

For anyone with very oily eye lids that always make your eyeshadows crease, this eyeshadow primer will be your new BFF! You will thank me later.








And now that your eyeshadow will be insured, have fun playing in any eyeshadow. Remember, the more you practice applying your eye shadows, the better you'll become and the faster your makeup application will become as well. Here are some great inexpensive high performance shadows that I would suggest to play with: NYX Cosmetics, Kryolan, e.l.f., Ben Nye, Sedona Lace palettes, BH Cosmetics, and even Wet n' Wild.


2. Foundations and Concealers.
 When it comes to Foundations I strongly suggest to save your money to buy that right foundation. Foundation sits on your skin the longest and it is most ideal to have something comparable to your skin type. If you chose a foundation that does not work for your skin type, you may have a horrible experience. Not only that, if you have the wrong color foundation you might as well not even wear it.
Go into a store in which you can try on different foundations. As overwhelming as it can be, ask someone for help and try not to feel pressured into buying everything they tell you to. I even sometimes suggest going into a Sephora, and walking out with just a sample of your favorite potential foundation. Then come back a couple days later after seeing how your skin does with the foundation. Having the experience of trying on different colors, coverages, finishes or foundation will really help you be satisfied with your foundation. Here are some foundation options that I would highly suggest giving a go.

Make Up For Ever "Face & Body" $40

This foundation may be an overlooked jewel for some, but it's my crowned jewels. Face and Body is a water based, waterproof foundation that can be work on both the face and the body. It was originally made for synchronized swimmers. This foundation is lightweight, hydrating, and has a dewy finish. If you want a long lasting, even toned look. I suggest this over a tinted moisturizer any day!
Coverage: Light-Medium
Skin Type: Normal-Dry




 Dermablend "Smooth Indulgence Foundation" $32

This foundation makes me happy because it gives an amazing amount of coverage without looking cakey! It can last a very long time because a little goes a very long way. Dermablend is a great brand for sensitive skin and anyone fighting acne.
Coverage: Medium-Full
Skin Type: Any, however if oily you should set with a translucent mattifying powder.






Make Up Forever "Mat Velvet" $36

Yes, Make up forever again. The finish on this foundation is amazing in that it looks matte and fresh (no cakey, stiff look). It helps keep oily skin matte and is water resistant. It stay on throughout any possible oil production throughout the day. The only tricky thing about this foundation collection is the colors. Many of the colors in the Mat Velvet line tend to run more on the pink side. Also, the color numbers may throw you off. (For example, #40 goes on the skin lighter than #35). Its a must try on in store product. But when you find your right color, it will work well.
Skin Type: Oily
Coverage: Medium-Full

I chose to highlight these three liquid foundations for now because I believe they are worth trying. I could go on for a long time about foundations, but that will be it's own blog itself.
When it comes to concealer, when using concealer as simply a highlighter when contouring your face feel free to get a less expensive product. However, if your concern is concealing dark circles and blemishes, especially irritated blemishes, here is where you want to maybe look into something with high quality ingredients. The eye area is the thinnest area on the skin, therefore you want to be delicate and cautious with this area. And when covering blemishes you don't want something that will irritate it even more. Here are some great concealers that are worth giving a go.



Sephora "Perfecting Cover Concealer" $16

This concealer is great for covering anything and everything. It is waterproof and stays on all day. The liquid cream consistency covers well without the cakey look. A great option for those that don't want to wear foundation all over the face. Put this on just where you want that extra coverage and go!





 


Laura Mercier "Under Eye Perfector" $22

This orange undertone concealer really helps conceal under eye dark circles without the creasing lines. The consistency is just right! Remember warm undertone concealers will help conceal dark circles best, avoiding that gray "I tried to cover them" look








 Dermalogica "Concealing Spot Treatment" $26

This blemish treatment is great because not only does it help the blemish disappear, it also give it some concealment. This Salicylic, Sulfur, and Zinc Oxide infused treatment will heal and the slight color makes redness vanish. This os one of my favorite go to's!








3. Some of my Favorite Inexpensive Products


Wet 'n' Wild "Brow and Liner" in Taupe $0.99 

If you ever have an eyebrow emergency or forgot your brow products in your kit, this can be a great go to. One day, I ran into my local Walgreens and grabbed this when I realized I forgot my taupe eyebrow palette for a Makeup gig. And I was pleased in the color and finish of this product. (Remember taupe is that universal brow color.)




NYX "Soft Matte Lip Cream" $5.99

These liquid lipsticks are amazing! By far one of my absolute favorite new lip products. Not only are they hydrating and matte, (a hard to find combination) the colors are all super cute.
I'm obsessed, you've got to try! 






I have talked about this product a couple of times in my vlog videos. I discovered this product when filming my $20 Makeup Challenge Tutorial. What a great find! E.l.f. has a lot of dupe products of some great originals, resulting in what you want for a few dollars. 








I hope that you all enjoyed my product highlight list. Leave any comments of your favorite expensive or inexpensive products that you feel are worth the money or a great deal! Happy shopping! Make sure to check out this video below of me taking on a challenge of only spending $20 on makeup to create a full look.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

1920' Makeup Tutorial: Challenge 1 NYX Face Awards

Hello All!

Here is a post about my experience with the first challenge of the NYX Face Awards 2013. The 30 contestants were given the theme "Vintage Beauty" for the 1st challenge (20s-60s). Immediately I thought either 1960s or 1920s. I love the dramatic makeup trends of both these Era's! I knew it had to be between those two. After some thought, I decided to go with the look of the Roaring 20's.The 1920s was the first Era that women really broke out into a dramatic makeup look. Smokey Eyes and "Bee Stung" lips really gave a dramatic look of empowerment for women.

When it came to recording the video, I wanted it to look as studio like as possible. I really wanted to show the clear transformation of my look. I had such a difficult time recording the video with two hot, bright studio lights on either side of my face. I kept sweating like crazy!! Haha. But in the end, it all came together.

Anyhow, I hope that you all enjoyed my tutorial video. Please make sure you vote for the video! You can vote up to 3xs/day now- June 5th! Vote Here nyxfaceawards.com/vote-now

Below, you will find my detailed instructions and Face Chart of exact products used. Creating this look does take some skill and I thought it would be more helpful to have this for anyone looking to obtain the authentic 1920's look.


DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS FOR:
NYX Face Awards “Vintage Beauty”
The Roaring 1920’s Make Up Tutorial by bbeautymarkd

--BROWS
Hide your brows to create a true 1920’s brow look.
Use a glue stick to apply glue to your brows. You want your brow hairs to be as flat as possible. The thicker your brows are, the more glue you should use. Make sure you cover all the hairs
Smooth the glue and set using NYX “set it, dont fret it” (translucent setting powder).
Next apply NYX eyeshadow base on your brows as well as eyelids, to prep our eyeshadow we will be applying later.
Now finish hiding your brows by blending your foundation on top and around the area.

Now that your modern brows are gone, Use NYX Dark brown gel liner + NYX B19 brush to apply your 20s brow.
1920’s brows are dark, thin, and very round.

--1920s GLAM EYES
Use NYX jet black gel liner + NYX B31 brush and apply from the lashline blending up. For this look it is important to keep the look round. I will apply the gel liner on top of the lid and under the eyes creating an overall rounded shape. It’s okay if it does not look very neat at this moment because the eyeshadow we will blend on top will take care of that.
Next use NYX nude matte “Craving” eyeshadow w/ blending brush (NYX b15) around the perimeter of the black gel.
To create more round dimension, use NYX voyer shadow and place it just on the center of the lid. The blue will create a pop! THen add NYX “SKinny Dip” to the inner and outer corners.
add NYX white retractable liner in the inner rim and highlight with this gorgeous glamour shadow stick by NYX called Luminous Crystal
Finish off the eyes with Lashes!!
Apply NYX Rebel Lashes to the top lids. Cut another pair of the rebel lashes and apply the inner corners of the cut lashes to the bottom lash line to finish off the look!

--BLUSH
Apply NYX ‘waterlily Stick blush to the apples of your cheeks.

--LIPS
Like the brows and eyes, 1920’s lips also had a very round look.
hide your natural lip line using NYX “wonder pencil”
Apply NYX retractable liner in “plum”. Round the bow of your lips and apply liner downwards to meet the bottom lip to look circular. Fill in the lip. This NYX waterproof lipliner will make sure that your amazing lips are pucker proof.
Apply NYX “absolute red” xtreme lip creme

Finish off with the NYX setting spray and your amazing look is not only amazing, but also extremely long lasting!

Now add your accessories!

Here is my 1920's "Great Gatsby" inspired Makeup Tutorial.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

My Artwork for Sale on Society6


Over the years I've had people ask me if they could buy some of my artwork. And I must admit it can be difficult at times to want to part from an original piece that I have become attached to. One day a friend of mine told me about the website Society6.com and how it can be a great way to sell my art. Through my Society6.com account, Society6.com/HOMartistry I am able to sell prints of my Artwork. Society 6 also turns my artwork into other items such as phone cases, stationary cards, t-shirts, totes, and so much more! So make sure you check out the link!




My top selling piece thus far is my Marylin Monroe paining.
The Marylin iphone cases have been quite the hit!














How unique is this! My lipsticks painting is now an adorable pillow. Great addition to any gal's room.
Starts at $20.00








My Audrey Hepburn Drawing
as Stationary cards.















My latest painting "Sneakerhead"
is now an iphone skin! $15.00













Here is just some of what you will see on Society6.com/HOMartistry!

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Back to Blogging! + info

Hey everyone,

A lot has happened in my world since posting my last blog, a year ago. Let's face it, blogging hasn't been much of a priority for me. However my beauty Vlog, youtube.com/bbeautymarkd most certainly has been. I have decided to pretty much revamp my blog in order to give more depth to my video blogs, as well as talk about more of my artwork. Also, I've been in new business ventures, that I am excited to share. As a young 25 year old creative woman who is excited about life, sometimes you just want to talk about it! And here is yet another platform.

I will be posting blogs that correspond with the content of the BBEAUTYMARKD Vlog videos such as extra tips and tricks, face charts, and more in depth information. Sometimes I find it very hard to say all that I would like in a short video. I love to educate my viewers with my acquired knowledge from being in the field. Let's be honest, I tend to skip over videos of people that talk too much. So here is a source if you are looking for more information.

As far as my business, HOM Artistry homartistry.com, I have been continuing to do art orders as well as freelance Makeup Artistry work. I plan to blog more about these business ventures. Sometimes I think that people may have forgotten that first I am an Artist. All my training started as an painter/drawer and that transfers into my Makeup Artistry. I think writing about my art and reflecting on art around me will help take me back to my days of study when my ideas were most vivid and I was constantly inspired.

Also, an exciting side note! You can visit me for services such as, Makeup Application & Lessons, Lash Extensions, Skin Care Treatments, and Facial Waxing in Berkeley, CA!! I would love to have you come into the salon to visit!
Email me for information and appointment booking: homartistry@gmail.com

Before ending this post, I want to give all my official links and contact information. I've made some changes to hopefully eliminate any confusion.


My Business: House of Micaela Artistry (HOM Artistry)
homartistry.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/HOMartistry
Twitter: Twitter.com/HOMartistry
Contact for bookings/inquiries: homartistry@gmail.com


My Beauty Vlog: BBEAUTYMARKD
Youtube.com/bbeautymarkd
Twitter: Twitter.com/bbeautymarkd
Instagram: bbeautymarkd

Preferred email contact is homartistry@gmail.com

Thursday, April 19, 2012

NYX FACE AWARDS + bbeautymarkd



Hello Everyone!
I am so excited to tell you all about a contest in which I am a Contestant in! The Contest is called NYX Face Awards by one of my favorite Cosmetic lines, NYX Cosmetics!
Right now there are 30 Contestants competing in order to win Title: National Beauty Vlogger of the Year, $25,000, and basically get your foot in the door as a Professional Makeup Artist!!
Right now all Contestants have submitted the 1st Challenge video: 80's Retro, which will narrow down the 30 Contestants to 20 Contestants.
For this 80's retro challenge I immediately thought of Pop Art, as an artist I love to look to artwork to apply to how I want to create makeup looks! Keith Haring was an amazing Pop Artist that made many paintings during the 80s. I actually made this poster below for the background set up! =)
I was also so extremely happy to receive all the goodies in the picture from NYX! It was such a lovely surprise!

Also, I LOVE making face charts, if you didn't know. Here is a picture of the Face Chart that I created for the look:
I changed it a little bit in the final look.

Voting is open today up until Monday the 23rd. Each Person can vote 3 times a day for those 5 days.
SO Pleaseee vote for me, "bbeautymarkd"!! I appreciate it so much!
CLICK HERE TO VOTE!
(Voting is through Facebook or Registered email)

Here is the Video from off my YouTube channel, bbeautymarkd
but remember you can only vote on NYXfaceawards.com


Tuesday, November 29, 2011

My Youtube Channel: BBEAUTYMARKD

So I had decided a couple months ago to embark on the world of beauty tutorials on YouTube. Now that I have gone full time freelance (Art & Makeup) I feel that it would be great exposure to do mini teaching sessions on looks to show my skills and promote my services.

So far my most popular video has over 20,000 views! Check it out!


Here is my link below to my actual channel! Please subscribe and spread the word! =)

http://www.youtube.com/user/bbeautymarkd


P.S. I am so excited everyone! Why?..I'm official!! My business license has been officially registered and approved. Also, both my business names have been registered: House of Micaela, Beauty Marked by Micaela

And my journey begins!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

MUA Freelance Updates

Okay now that I had enough celebrating and goofing off after graduation, I have been picking back up freelance work again. I'm glad to be able to build clientele out here in the Bay Area. Just recently I did a wedding party of 5 bridesmaids and the bride which was by referral. It went very well and I hope word spreads more and more as I settle back in the bay area. I wanted to post some freelance photos. Below are wedding photos as well as a fun dramatic look I did for a client going to a fun event. I love doing dramatic looks because I can be more creative, especially with color! (instead of constant everyday neutrals) It allows for my art background to kick in!
Here's the flicks. ENjoy!










and now for the more dramatic woohoo!