Because these tutorials are like nothing else on the internet, they require a little explanation. You’ll notice that I am not speaking throughout the makeup application. This is for several reasons. First, because of the HD clarity, they require far less narration as the steps are much easier to follow visually. Also, because I am not demonstrating this application on myself (as so many bloggers do), we felt it would be too distracting for me to cut in with narration throughout the video. If you aren’t a visual learner, the video contains annotations that link back to this blog entry, which contains detailed instructions that can be saved and bookmarked (below).

Format:

After the new opening titles (aren’t the colors fantastic?), you’ll see a quick flash of the look and a difficulty level:

BASIC: Requires very little application skill.

INTERMEDIATE (this video): Requires a comfortable level of application skill.

PROFESSIONAL: Requires advanced application skills.

Because this look is a fashion look, it is not for beginners. However, because this look does not require much precision, it is not as difficult as a professional application.

Products used (listed in the video as well):

Yaby ‘Buff’ Liquid Foundation
Yaby ‘Daisy’ Corrector
Urban Decay “Good Karma” Blush Brush
Smashbox ‘Fair’ HD Concealer
Smashbox #4 Concealer Brush
Smashbox ‘Fair’ Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder
Red Earth Large Powder Brush
Paula Dorf Bronzing Fan Brush
Make Up For Ever Contour Kit #4
Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer
Smashbox ‘Caviar’ Cream Liner
Smashbox #15 Definer Brush
Make Up For Ever ‘Black 4′ Eyeshadow
Smashbox #10 Crease Brush
Smashbox ‘Cinnamon Toast’ Eyeshadow
Smashbox #3 Large Shadow Brush
Smashbox #20 Double-Ended Smudge Brush
Laura Mercier ‘Alloy’ Metallic Creme Color (NOT ‘PLATINUM’ as noted in the video)
Sonia Kashuk Spoolie
Smashbox ‘Midnight Black’ Jet Set Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
Smashbox #21 Arced Liner Brush
Givenchy Black Phenomen’Eyes Mascara
Ardell #120 False Eyelashes and White or Black Lash Adhesive
MAC ‘Dervish’ Lip Pencil
Make Up For Ever #22 Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick
Smashbox #6 Lip Brush

Instructions:

Step 1: Buff Foundation Over Prepped Skin This is a technique I use a lot to give the skin an airbrushed appearance. You’re literally using a fluffy brush to apply a liquid or cream product. Apply a dab of foundation to the back of your hand, dip the tip of your brush into the color, and apply to the face. Use light pressure and work in quick, tight circles. I use pressure in the video, but if you look, my model’s head isn’t jerking all over. Light pressure; don’t kill your model. Make sure you use a synthetic brush made of taklon or nylon as they are less likely to breed bacteria and are easier to clean. Also, wet products tend to destroy brushes. Synthetics hold up way better to moisture.

Step 2: Apply Concealer Joy has very little darkness under her eyes, and for most women, a cream concealer is way too heavy for the sensitive skin in that area. Using a liquid concealer, I’m lightly sweeping the color under her eyes using a flat concealer brush. Often times, I will use a fluffy brush to diffuse the product (usually with more mature skin), similar to how we applied the foundation. For an instant “lifted” look, apply concealer to the outer corners of the features. This de-emphasizes darkness that may make the face look tired. Also, lift the eyes by applying concealer over the brow. And of course, use concealer on any blemishes.

Step 3: Apply Powder Use a large brush to apply powder over the face and neck. Because makeup photographs differently than skin, it’s important to apply powder down the neck if your model will be the subject of a photo. I prefer a powder with color, as they provide additional coverage, but a translucent works fine as well. Also, I usually go for a powder with hydrating properties to prevent a sandy appearance.

Step 4: Define the Cheeks Repeat after me: less is more. Your goal is to create the illusion of depth with a subtle shadow. Contour shades should be on the cool side, which is why bronzers make terrible contour colors. Warm shades, like bronzers, can make the skin look dirty. Use a fan brush to add depth to the hollows of the cheekbones. Work fast and apply very little pressure to the brush. You want a soft wash of darker color, not a racing stripe.

Step 5: Prime the Eyelids Using Fingertips Eye primers enhance pigment colors, prevent creasing, and extend the wear of your shadow. Using concealer or foundation on the lids will not help with wear or creasing. Use fingertips to apply.

Step 6: Apply a Dark Base We’re not in Kansas, anymore! I’m starting our smoky eye with a black cream base. This is hands down the easiest way to create a deep smoky eye without any shadow falling on the cheeks. Use a blunt brush to pat cream liner on the lid from lash line to crease. This does not have to be perfect, but do your best. Do not extend the color past the end of the eye out onto the cheek.

Step 7: Follow With Eyeshadow Smoky does not always mean black. Smoky is a technique, not a color. For this video, I’m using a deep matte black, but a dark cabernet or navy look sensational! Use a fluffy brush to apply shadow right over the cream. First pat the color on, then blend. Work from lash line to crease, again, not extending higher than the crease or past the end of the brow.

Step 8: Apply Satin Eyeshadow To give our smoky eye an incredible metallic finish, we’re applying our lightest shade LAST. Use a large shadow brush to sweep the shadow from the lash line all the way to the brow. I used a satin taupe shade for this look. Use whatever color you like, just make sure you don’t choose a color too light.

Step 9: Define Lower Lash Line Use a smudge brush to drag the matte black shadow lightly across the lower lash line.

Step 10: Fill Brows One of my special touches on this look is the slightly metallic brow. Use a spoolie to run a generous amount of metallic creme color through the brow.

Step 11: Line the Eyes Use a liner brush to apply black gel liner across the upper lash line. Use a smudge brush or cotton swab to diffuse and soften the line by pulling the liner lightly upward and smudging.

Step 12: Apply Mascara Only apply ONE COAT of mascara (top and bottom lashes). We’ll apply one more coat after we apply false eyelashes. If you aren’t applying false eyelashes, go ahead and layer on the mascara as heavy as you like!

Step 13: False Eyelashes The key to applying false eyelashes is patience. Apply the glue, wait 30-45 seconds, then put the lashes on. Get them as close to your natural lash line as possible. Apply one more coat of mascara to blend the lashes with your own.

Step 14: Line and Fill the Lips Even though this is a nude lip, liner is necessary to keep the lips from disappearing into the face! Use a rose nude color to line and fill the lips.

Step 15: Apply Nude Lipstick Apply a creamy nude shade (from the tube or with a brush) to finish the look!

I hope you all enjoyed – can’t wait to bring you the next tutorial!!!

Videography: Jordan Liberty

Photography: Jonathan Sorber

Hair: Felipe’G

Wardrobe: Belle Morte

So why not rock a red lip? There’s a perfect red out there for every woman, from sheer and mild to rich and wild. In fact, back in the day, almost every woman wore red lipstick (and even straight men, I swear). Thin lips? A sheer wash of any bright color can instantly give your lips more pout – and a deep red can make any large lip look more defined and sexy!

I’m going to be bold and start by saying in all capital letters: DO NOT USE RED LIP LINER!

Instead, dab a little concealer around the lip line and follow with a nude lip liner (this shade should match the deepest color in your lip). Line your lips (with your mouth closed, smiling to pull the lip tight) and lightly fill your entire lip as well. Nude liner is really all a woman needs, it looks great with every color and never looks out-dated and ‘drawn.’

When choosing a finish for your lips, keep in mind the amount of maintenance you’re willing to put in. A lip stain, for example, will stain your lips red for the entire day without the need for touchups (or even lip liner). However, the color often doesn’t have the impact, shine, or depth of a lipstick. Matte red lipsticks are classic and timeless, but I prefer to use matte reds only when my client’s skin is hydrated and dewy. Matte on matte looks great in photos; not at the office. A satin lipstick will give you a natural shine and sheer to rich color, and is probably your best option for daily use. Of course, I’m a huge fan of red gloss over red lips (see photo), there’s nothing sexier than a perfect slick crimson!!!

Try applying your lipstick with your fingers. This melts the color into the lip, giving your pout a ‘bitten’ look that looks oh-so-chic!

Also, give your matte red more dimension with a touch of clear gloss in the center of your bottom lip!

Some of my favorite red lipsticks include:
‘Jungle Red’ by NARS
‘Legendary’ by Smashbox
‘Revolution’ by Urban Decay (pictured)
‘Ignition’ by Vincent Longo
‘Box’ by Illamasqua
‘No. 9′ by Armani Cosmetics
‘Russian Red’ by MAC
‘Red No. 5′ by Chanel
‘#17 Rouge’ by Bourjois

Followed by glosses:
‘Starlit’ and ‘Siren’ by Smashbox (’Siren’ pictured)
‘Guys Love Betsy’ by Urban Decay
‘NSFW’ by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics
‘Turbulent’ by H.I.P.
‘Glossy Full #1′ by Make Up For Ever
‘Strawberry Smoothie’ by Dior

Feel free to comment or write in with photos of your best reds!

Modeled by Karla Jae
Makeup by Jordan Liberty
Photo by Jonathan Sorber

Additional Sources: Wikipedia

‘Basic Products For Your Kit’
Sandra Gata

Do you ever wonder if you really need another mascara or beautiful lipgloss? Maybe you just started with make up and you’re still not sure about what basic products you need or which items you should really invest in. Well that’s okay! I’ve made a simple review of my essential products (at a reasonable price) to help start your own basic makeup kit.

The first thing you need is a quality foundation: A good foundation is absolutely essential, so choose one with a creamy texture if your skin is dry, or a fluid oil-free foundation if your skin is oily. ALWAYS match the colour of your skin (not darker or lighter), you don’t want to look like you’re wearing a mask!

A concealer is also very important! Concealers work to correct the dark circles below your eyes and any other blemishes you may have. Choose a colour that is slightly lighter than your skin with a heavier texture that will cover very well.

Blush gives the skin a healthy appearance. I recommend you invest in two different shades so you can mix, match, and create different looks. For example: one pink and one peach – both of those colours look great with all skin tones. If you can only buy one, choose your favourite or whichever one will compliment your skin the best.

A good eye pencil works well to make your eyes stronger and to give the appearance of fuller eyelashes. You may choose brown if you are blond and your eyes are light, but in my opinion your best bet is always black, no matter the colour your hair is!

Mascara is a basic product that you can purchase in 3 basic basic tones: black, brown and transparent. As I mentioned with the eye pencil, your best bet is always black for definition. Choose a transparent mascara if your eyelashes are already thick and dark (and you’re not looking for any more intensity). Brown mascara is, again, for girls with very fair eyes and eyelashes.

Eyeshadow duos in pinks, peaches, or browns are another very basic product that you can use on a daily basis. Invest in this product! Duos provide you with two versions of a basic colour that blends with your skin, and at the same time makes the colour of your eyes pop! Apply the lighter colour to the eyelid and the darker to the crease (just under the brow bone), and blend them together very well!

A girl needs a good lipstick. Any self-respecting girl would not be found dead without a good lipstick in her purse! Choose your favourite colour – if you can’t decide, ask the shop assistant for help. There is a never-ending range of shades and colours to match all skin and hair colours that will make you look great! Take your time and choose the perfect lipstick, once you have the right one, it will never let you down.

Lastly, you need (at least) two basic brushes. Brushes are worth the investment, so try to look for the best because they will be with you for years. A medium size fluffy brush will work for applying blush – and another, smaller, fluffy brush for applying eyeshadows.

‘Tu Kit de Maquillaje Basico’
Sandra Gata

Seguro que muchas veces te preguntas si realmente necesitáis otra máscara u otro lipgloss, o a lo mejor, estás empezando a maquillarte y no sabes qué productos son necesarios y deberías adquirir. Pues bien, vamos a hacer un repaso de lo que considero productos básicos y a buen precio para crear tu kit de maquillaje básico.

Lo primero que vas a necesitar es una buena base: elige la base hidratante si tu piel es seca y la fluida si tu piel es más grasa. Siempre elige el tono de tu piel y ningún otro más, cuídate de elegir un tono más claro u otro más oscuro, no se trata de crear una máscara.

Un corrector también es importante, cubre las ojeras y otras imperfecciones de la piel. Elige un color, ahora sí, más claro, y cubriente.

Colorete, importantísimo para dar un efecto de buen aspecto. Te recomiendo que tengas al menos dos tonos para poder combinar: rosado y melocotón. Ambos colores quedan bien a todos los tonos de piel y son una inversión duradera. Si sólo puedes elegir uno, elige tu preferido.

Lápiz negro o marrón de ojos. Te servirá para delinear tus ojos y hacer más espesas tus pestañas. Elige marrón si eres muy rubia y de ojos muy claros y negro si tienes otro cualquier tono de pelo. En mi opinión, una apuesta segura es siempre el negro seas como seas.

La máscara de pestañas. Tres colores son básicos: transparente, negro y marrón. Tal y como pienso con el lápiz de ojos, una apuesta segura es el negro. Sólo elige el transparente en el caso de que tus pestañas sean muy oscuras y gruesas y no quieras añadirle más intensidad a tu mirada. El marrón, de nuevo para chicas con los ojos muy claros y pestañas claras

La sombra de ojos básica que podemos adquirir en mejor relación calidad/precio y que es una apuesta segura es una sombra de ojos en tonos rosados, melocotón o tostados en dúo. Ya sabes, uno más claro y otro más oscuro. El más claro lo aplicas en el párpado móvil y el más oscuro en la arruga del párpado, justo encima del hueso, creando un arco.

Por último, un lápiz de labios. Elige el color que más te guste, déjate asesorar en la tienda. Para cada color de piel y pelo, hay una gran gama de colores que te pueden quedar bien. Tómate tu tiempo y elige un color que te guste.

¡Ah! Y un par de brochas. Invierte en ellas, que sean buenas, te durarán muchos años. Una brocha de tamaño medio para aplicar el colorete y otra tamaño pequeño para aplicar la sombra de ojos.

This sultry look was inspired by the red-headed muse miss Venus de Milo. Unfortunately, this vignette won’t be in the published version of ‘Give Good Face,’ but you can still get this look by following the instructions below. Above, you’ll see a list of all the products I used for the look. ‘Give Good Face’ will be out next year, and will feature dozens of looks deconstructed in this ‘recipe style.’ Enjoy!

To see photos of the brushes used in this demo, click here.

1. Begin by buffing cream foundation over primed skin using a SYNTHETIC POWDER brush. Begin at the center of the face, swirling a thin layer of product outwards to avoid uneven application. Because your foundation is full coverage, concealer is optional (but undereye brightener is always a good idea).

2. To keep the skin fresh and luminescent, apply pressed powder lightly with the FAN brush. Finish by dusting a light bronzer over the T-zone and cheeks with the ROUNDED POWDER brush for a sun-kissed warmth.

3. Using the BLUSH brush, sweep a warm rose blush gently over the apples of the cheeks. To highlight, tap luminizing lotion directly above the cheekbones, brow, and lightly down the nose with fingertips or a sponge. This will make the skin appear moist.

4. Prime the eyes with a nude or clear base. Sweep a satin ballet pink shadow from lash line to brow with the LARGE SHADOW brush to open and highlight the eyes.

5. Use the SHADOW brush to apply a cool satin brown shadow all over the eyelid. Using the BULLET brush, swirl a navy shadow lightly in the corner/crease to add drama. Blend colors with the LARGE SHADOW brush.

6. Using the SMUDGE brush, trace the navy eyeshadow along the bottom lashline for definition.

7. Finish with a smoky gray eyeliner around the eye and a generous coat of black mascara on both sets of lashes.

8. Define the eyebrows with the ANGLED brush and brow powder.

9. Follow the natural lip line with a nude liner. Apply a sheer watermelon gloss.

Venus de Milo by Jordan Liberty, Modeled by Jenn.

Copyright 2008-2009 Jordan Liberty for ‘Give Good Face.’

1. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! Dead and dry skin cells overstay their welcome on your face and need to be regularly removed to reveal the fresher skin cells underneath. If you aren’t ready for microdermabrasion or a facial, try washing your face with an exfoliating scrub or using your regular cleanser with a face brush or loofah. Younger skin cells mean younger looking skin (without expensive creams and procedures).

2. Hydrate. If your skin feels tight in the morning or post cleansing, you need hydration. If your skin has excess oil, you still need a moisturizer. Combination skin – bingo. If you aren’t already moisturizing, you’re missing out on the best anti-aging, skin refreshing, healthy thing you can do for your skin. A good day cream will work wonders for dull skin, and your makeup will glide on better than ever! If you have oily skin, there are moisturizers that deliver hydration and actually control your out-of-control oil. Your body is made up of over 2/3 water, so naturally, a dewy look can’t be achieved if you aren’t hydrated! Try my day cream if you’re normal to dry, you’ll be looking for the ‘Essential Multi-Defense Day Cream SPF15′ at exuviance.com.

3. Primers can really smooth out fine lines and large pores (look for a dimethicone base), giving the skin a soft airbrushed look while preserving hydration. Priming means better skin… less makeup… see where I’m going with this?

4. Ditch the powder foundation. Unless you have a ton of excess oil, don’t fall for the mineral hype if you want naturally radiant skin. My tip? Mix a tinted moisturizer or foundation with a luminizing lotion and apply over the entire face or as desired. This will keep your skin looking hydrated and never dull or chalky. Use your powder to control oil or unwanted shine where necessary.

5. Highlight your brow bone, the bridge of the nose (but not the tip), your cupid’s bow, the tip of the chin, and above the apples of the cheeks using a luminizing powder or liquid. This will give you shine in just the right places, giving your face a little lift and a lot of lovely!

6. Go for the gold! When in doubt, choose a luminizer with a hint of gold for a glowing candle-lit effect. This tip isn’t just for luminizers either, a touch of gold shimmer in your lip color, cheek color, or shadow can have the same effect!

Source: Jordanliberty.com

Before I dive headfirst into dispersing business advice, I’d like to say that I’m not a business maven. I’m just an entrepreneur who got lucky and hopped on the wave at the right time. But then I realized how stupid it was not to share when so many people are looking to start their own business (or take an existing one to the next level)! When I talk about commerce, it’s not because I claim to know everything about how the market works or how to build an empire. The purpose is to share how I did it, what worked for me, and how I’ve learned along the way. Hope some of you find this helpful and inspirational.

The most important thing is to follow your heart, always. Do what you love – that’s what you’ll excel at. I would love to get deeper into this but that will require a whole another post. Stay tuned

Source: doedeereblogazine.com

Cream/Stick Foundation: My favorite type of foundation, creamy formulas are highly pigmented and smooth to the touch. Creams get such a bad rap, mostly because they are often referred to as ‘cake foundations.’ Truth is, creams CAN be the heaviest of foundations, but they can also be the most natural. Because of their high level of pigment, they can be worn sheer and still offer a lot of coverage per square inch. Great for most skin types.

Liquid Foundation: The most popular foundation type, liquids are also the most versatile. There are all kinds of formulas from anti-aging to full coverage to completely sheer. Liquids can be incredibly gorgeous — if you get the right shade. Liquids get a bad rap because so many women choose shades that are too heavy or too dark for their skin. Liquids are great for most skin types (just make sure you choose the right formula for yourself).

Tinted Moisturizer: This is more of a nickname than anything. Most tinted moisturizers are just a sheer liquid foundation with light moisturizing properties. Very natural looking, but doesn’t cover blemishes well. Great for dry or sensitive skin.

Mineral Foundation: This has been the big fad over the past decade, but surprisingly, not a universal formula. Powders are great for normal to oily skin types and can easily create a flawless finish in seconds. Very few mineral foundations are good for mature or dry skin types. Great for sensitive skin.

When choosing a foundation, first decide how much coverage you want. A sheer foundation gives you a wash of color, but blemishes might still be visible. Medium coverage hides more blemishes and gives the skin a more polished look. Full coverage foundations make skin look perfectly flawless, but can look cakey if applied incorrectly. Also, keep in mind you can always add a little concealer to those pesky blemishes – so full coverage may not be your best starting point.

When choosing a foundation shade, pick up a few colors that look close to your skin tone and swipe a bit of each along your jaw line. Whichever color blends the best (and ‘disappears’) is a keeper. I encourage you to test different formulas to see how they work with your individual skin type. Some of my clients sit in my chair wearing mineral makeup and leave wearing a liquid they love – and vice versa. Don’t listen to your friends, your family, or even me. You have to wear this on your face, make it a personal decision. Just because Sally Sue wears tinted moisturizer, that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to.

Basically, there are a lot of options. But just remember that foundation is a three-step process: identifying your skin type, identifying the correct foundation formula, and purchasing the right shade.

Source: Jordanliberty.com

You can check out more from these fabulous ladies at fashionface.tv.