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

If you’re wondering what a face chart is…

A face chart is like a blueprint for makeup, it helps artists to plan looks, or to visually demonstrate a look to an employer. It can also be used to show another person how to recreate a look the artist created. You can fill it in with makeup, but I prefer to use colored pencils.

The best way to have these printed is on off-white textured paper. I went to a copy place and used their ‘natural’ premium resume paper, for a hundred sheets it was only twenty bucks!

Pictured below is the horizontal face chart. You can download both charts here:
Horizontal Format
Vertical Format

You can also download a 3/4 view face chart here (added 4/2010):
3/4 View

These charts are copyright 2009 givegoodface.com, you’re welcome to print them for private use only, if posted publicly, email our website for permission.

Horizontal Face Chart

This revolutionary brush uses sonic technology to loosen dirt, makeup, pollutants, and oil from your pores. In just 60 seconds, the Clarisonic Brush reduces pore size and the appearance of fine lines, improves skin tone and clarity, and improves the overall efficacy of your expensive creams and serums. This, of course, is the company’s official definition of the brush, but my personal observations have been much more profound.

Seven months ago I (excitedly) used my Clarisonic for the first time. The treatment was surprisingly not very rough, and my skin immediately felt clean and refreshed. After rinsing my face, I noticed that my skin felt baby-smooth to the touch – just like it does after I have a really good facial. The blackheads in my nose were completely gone (which has never happened before), and my skin was literally glowing. Since that morning I have had fewer breakouts (almost none) and have never had better skin – ever.

With so many gimmicky products out there that claim to improve my skin, it was great to find a product that actually did improve my skin.

Sources: Clarisonic.com

You asked for it!

It is a rare and special occasion that I find a bag that suits my personal style: chic but not overtly feminine or ostentatious. I’ve been a fan of L.A.M.B. since it’s debut only a few years ago, and each season the styles catch my eye as I peruse Nordstrom for the latest and greatest trend. Gwen Stefani (L.A.M.B’s creator) mixes classic styles with modern pops of color, sporty stripes, bold prints, and chunky hardware – a testament to her rockstar-chic roots.

Until now, none of Gwen’s amazing handbags have suited me.

To compensate, over the past two years I’ve talked several girlfriends into purchasing a L.A.M.B. just so I could live vicariously through them.

As many of my colleagues will corroborate, I am defined by my incredibly soft percy Marc by Marc Jacobs tote. This simple messenger-style bag has been attached to my left hip for a year, boasting gold turnlock accents and luxurious black leather. People regularly ask if they can purchase it from me. And I say ‘no.’ Would you give up your child?

Why carry a briefcase when you have THIS BAG? Ladies and gentlemen, you asked for it, and here it is: the L.A.M.B. ‘Martindale’ tote.

My Current Marc by Marc Jacobs and the New Addition, the 'Martindale' tote by L.A.M.B!

No product will define you as an artist, so don’t focus too much on labels. I’ve met many artists that can’t afford pro products but are sensationally talented. And on the flipside, I’ve met artists with $20k in their kit but can’t apply eyeliner to save their life. So yes, the list below contains a lot of labels, but don’t be intimidated! When you’re good, you’re good!

You’ll absolutely want to use mostly (if not all) professional-grade products if you’re looking to expand your clientele and charge higher prices for your services, but there’s nothing wrong with practicing with drugstore makeup in the meantime. I would never recommend using drugstore foundation for a wedding or photo shoot, so when you’re ready to upgrade – upgrade your foundations, concealers, powders, and primers before anything else. A makeup artist is, first and foremost, judged on how well they perfect the skin – not how many bright colors they can pack onto one eyelid.

That said, here is a list of the items I choose to keep in my kit:

Misc:
Cotton Rounds
Cotton Swabs (rounded and pointed-tip)
Triangle Sponges
Mascara Wands
2 Boxes of Tissues
2 Mirrors
Face Charts and Release Forms
Fresh Water (Spray Bottle)
70% Isopropyl Alcohol (Spray Bottle)
Hand Sanitizer
2 Smashbox Brush Cleaners
Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask
Boots Makeup Remover Towelettes
Boots Gentle Cleansing Creme
Urban Decay ‘Clean and Sober’ Oil-Free Makeup Remover
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Make Up For Ever ‘Extreme’ Dry Oil Cleanser
Smashbox Exfoliating Lip Scrub
Boots Expert Sensitive Light Moisturizing Lotion
Lubriderm Body Lotion
Smashbox Body Lights & Sugar Liquid Body Bronzer (Mixed)
Glycerin/Water Mixed and Make Up For Ever ‘Sweat Effect Gel’
Make Up For Ever Spirit Gum and ‘Gum Off’ Remover
Make Up For Ever ‘Plasto-Wax’
Beard Block
Plastic Sealer
Eye Seal
Make Up For Ever ‘Hair Touch’ Liquid Hair Makeup
Ben Nye Tooth Black
DUO White Lash Adhesive
Ardell Clear Lash Adhesive
Ardell Black Lash Adhesive

Tools:
Metal Spatula
Clean palette
2 Eyelash Curlers (Smashbox/NYX)
Tweezerman Ergonomic Tweezers
2 Pairs of Scissors
Pencil Sharpener
Make Up For Ever Dany’s Pouch
Make Up For Ever Dual-Use Pouch
2 Smashbox Stylist Bags
3 Full Sets of Smashbox Brushes
4 Urban Decay Talkon Blushers
Make Up For Ever 3N, 10N, 9N, 6N, 45N, 403, 090, and 100
Assorted CROWN Brushes

Airbrush:
Temptu AIR compressor and SP-35 Airbrush (to replace my Iwata, worth every penny)
Full Set, Temptu S/B airbrush Makeup
Full Set, Temptu Blushes/Highlighters
Temptu Concealer Wheel

Face:
Smashbox PhotoFinish Primer Original, Blend, Adjust, Luminizing, and Light
2 Full Sets, Smashbox Camera Ready Concealer
1 Full Set, Smashbox HD Concealer
Make Up For Ever #3 and #4 Concealer Palettes
Smashbox Photo-Opt Under-eye Brightener
6 Cinema Secrets Cream Foundation Palettes (30 Shades)
12 Yaby Liquid Foundations/Correctors
Full Set, Smashbox Camera Ready Foundation
Full Set, Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder
Full Set, Smashbox Wet/Dry-Function5 Pressed Powder
Assorted MAC and Urban Decay Powder
Assorted Make Up For Ever (HD, Face&Body, Mat Velvet, and Pan Stick), Laura Mercier, Smashbox (HD and Conversion), and MAC Foundations
Make Up For Ever HD Powder
Smashbox HD Powder
14 Assorted HIP, Sally Hansen, Stila, Smashbox, and Laura Mercier Cream/Gel Blushes
20 Smashbox/Rock&Republic/Illamasqua Powder Blushes
(12 of the Above in YABY Palettes)
Make Up For Ever #2, #3, and #4 Sculpting Duos
Smashbox O-Glow
Full Set, Smashbox Artificial Light (+ Glare, Reflect, and Flash Di Luce)
12 Assorted Smashbox and Make Up For Ever Highlighters and Bronzers

Eyes:
5 Smashbox PhotoFinish Lid Primers
Smashbox PhotoFinish Lid Primer in “Golden Nude”
2 Urban Decay Shadow Primer Potions
33 Smashbox Eyeshadows, 17 MAC Eyeshadows, and 21 Urban Decay Shadows in 5 MAC Palettes
40 YABY Shadows
Smashbox MUSE Palette (10 Shades)
Full Set Urban Decay Deluxe Shadows (17 shades)
13 Smashbox Trios/Duos in YABY Palettes
3 NARS Duo Shadows in YABY Palettes
3 Smashbox Quads (’Electric, Celebrita,’ and ‘Eye Illusion’) in YABY Palettes
3 Laura Mercier Crème Shadows (’Platinum, Rose Gold,’ and ‘Burnished Copper’)
Full Set Smashbox Brow Tech/Wax (In a Palette)
Assorted LORAC, Too Faced, Vincent Longo, and Make Up For Ever Eyeshadows
42 Loose Pigments/Shimmers from MAC, Laura Mercier, Red Earth, Make Up For Ever, Essence, Inglot, and Smashbox
14 OCC Pure Loose Pigments
6 Make Up For Ever Flash Colors
Assorted Beads/Bolts/Swarovski Crystals
5 L’Oreal Liquid Eyeliners in Black
10 Assorted MAC/Urban Decay Liquid Liner/Shimmer Liquid Liners
32 Assorted Urban Decay, Benefit, Smashbox, Make Up For Ever, Lancome, Bourjois, Chanel, Sephora, MAC, Stila, and Revlon Pencil Eyeliners/Brow Colors
16 Assorted Smashbox/Benefit Cream Liners, Shadow Liners, and Jet Set
Assorted MAC and Smashbox Stick Pigments/Brow Highlighters
Maybelline Colossal Lash Mascara
CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara
Smashbox Bionic Mascara in Black, Black Violet, and Indigo Ink
Smashbox Lash DNA
Smashbox ‘Thats a Wrap’ Mascara
Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara
Sephora Teal Mascara
Rimmel Lash Stiletto Mascara
Hard Candy ‘Lash Call’ Pink Mascara
Hard Candy ‘Dime’ Silver Mascara
Cargo TexasLash Mascara
Givenchy Phenomen’eyes Mascara
Assorted Ardell, Paperself, Shu Uemura, eeyelash.com, and Make Up For Ever False Lashes

Lips:
56 YSL, Dior, MAC, Smashbox, Urban Decay, Make Up For Ever, Bourjois, Benefit, Shu Uemura, Chanel, Bobbi Brown, Sephora, Bloom, and Laura Mercier Lipsticks in YABY Palettes
43 Smashbox Lip Glosses (Sheer, Full, Metallic, High Shine, and Long-Wear)
36 Assorted Bourjois, YSL, MAC, Sephora, and Urban Decay Glosses
10 OCC Lip Tars
3 Smashbox Lip Stains
Smashbox O-Gloss
28 Assorted Smashbox, Urban Decay, Lancome, and MAC Lip Liners

I‘ve used every makeup case money can buy! None of them were convenient enough for me, so I use 4 tool cases from the hardware store. They are extremely functional, and with a little foam from the fabric store, none of my products move around when I travel!

NOTE: I purchased these cases at Home Depot and had the foam cut at Jo-Ann Fabrics (it’s green soft foam used for cushions). The cost for 4 cases with foam was just about $100.

NOTE: I am constantly updating this list as I change over products!