Valentine's Day How-To by Heather Wilson

A very special and romantic holiday is almost upon us! A day where it is tradition that lovers express their fondness by presenting each other with tokens of endearment!

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, you are probably thinking about purchasing a new outfit and shoes, how you will wear your hair and we hope that you are considering trying something new with your makeup.

No matter who you are spending this day with, be it a special partner or a single ladies night out, the Pros at IMPO want to suggest two makeup looks that are actually easy to achieve despite their intimidation!

Now, we all have our comfort level for an evening or special event makeup look, but this is the day to try something a little extra! So, the Pro’s want you to ask yourself…”are you more comfortable with a brighter lip, or a smokey eye?”

  

In this post, Pro makeup artist and IMPO writer, Heather Wilson will guide you through six easy steps on how to wear a red lip or a smokey eye and she will show you the products she uses to attain both of these looks.

Here is how she does it:

For most of us, we don’t feel comfortable in a bolder lip, but if you have found that perfect red and you are willing to try something new, then Valentine's Day is definitely the day to rock it! 

Let's begin...

First: start with super moisturized and exfoliated skin.

Second: mix 1/2 a pump of Make Up For Ever Uplight with your foundation to get that soft glow (if you tend to be more oily in your T-zone, you will not want to put this product on your forehead, nose or chin). This is also the time to conceal any skin flaws, irritations or dark circles with your favorite concealer product and then set the entire face with a neutral powder.

Third: use Laura Mercier Eye Shadow Base in Wheat to get a nice nude eyelid, but any “bone” colored shadow will do. Then take a color like MAC’s Soft Brown and smudge into top and bottom lashes. You can also add a very thin line of black, liquid eyeliner to define the upper lash line, but feel free to skip this step because if you do not feel confident in using this product the look can turn “vintage” quickly. This would also be the time to fill in your eyebrows with a matching color if needed.

Fourth: apply plenty of black mascara in your favorite brand and you can try a full or half set of false lashes. We love Ardell’s #105 or #301 for accent.

Fifth: a light application of bronzer like Bobbi Brown’s Maui Illuminating Bronzing Powder will sculpt cheekbones and add a slight bit of shimmer.

Sixth: to get a flawless red lip that will last through out the night make sure your lips are not chapped or flaky. Apply a matching red lip liner and use Yaby Cosmetics Lipstick in LC184. Finish the look with a little gloss just in the center of the lip. Alternative red lips that I love are: NARS 413 BLKR Larger Than Life Lip Gloss or Pure Matte Lipstick and Lipstick Queen’s Sinner or Saint.

4 more red lippies that are Pro favorites worth mentioning are all from NYX Cosmetics; Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Perfect Red, Xtreme Lip Cream in Spicy and Absolute Red and Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam.

Maybe you are more of the smokey eye type! If so, I am going to suggest mainly using soft plums for a more romantic flare than the traditional concrete tones popular with rock stars!

Let's begin...

First, follow the same steps for your skin prep, foundation, concealer and powder listed above. Then continue on with...

Eyes: Again, using Laura Mercier Eye Shadow Base not so much as an overall color this time, but instead to hold the shadows in place. Then use three of Yaby Cosmetics Pearl Shadows on the lid: PP017, PP038, PP047 and under the lower lash line. Take a black eyeshadow, such as NARS Night Breed and smudge it into the outer corner and elongate. I love to use Smashbox Gel Liner in Midnight Black softly smudged into the upper lash line because it will stay put all night.

Again as listed above, use a soft bronzer to sculpt your cheeks, fill in your brows if necessary, apply plenty of black mascara and false lashes then...

Lips: Use Make Up For Ever’s Rouge Artist Intense in Satin Blackcurrant for an intense pigment that will match the plum colored eyes. Alternatives are; YSL Rouge Pur Couture Gloss in Violet Edition, Sephora Collection Rogue Cream Lipstick in Crush 23 or a little lighter tone with a hint of brown is Bobbi Brown's Lipstick in Raisin.

If you just can't handle the combo of a smokey eye and a matching dark lip then swap for a soft nude with a hint of pink, but that is playing it safe and on Valentine's Day I say step out of your comfort zone and have a little fun!

Remember to take your time, apply your makeup well and don’t rush! It is important to blend…blend…blend and blend some more for a flawless finish!

Wishing everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day!

*all cosmetics listed above can be purchased online or at your nearest Sephora retailer. Yaby Cosmetics can be purchased from their online site or from Camera Ready Cosmetics.

*photos courtesy of Makeup by Heather Wilson.

Cathi's Beach Bag Must Haves for Summer 2011!

Warm weather has arrived, and while you’re online planning your vacation getaway, steal a few moments to take inventory of your beauty essentials to get you through the hot days!

Whether it’s Hawaii, San Tropez, or your own backyard oasis, here are some items this Pros has in her beach bag this summer! 

First off, sun protection! You should never leave the house without sunscreen. If you plan to be in the water for an extended period of time, make sure your sunscreen is waterproof and reapply at least every 2 hours.

I can’t even go to Starbucks around the corner without taking along Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30. It is incredibly lightweight, can easily be worn under makeup, and has broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It is also oil absorbing, which prevents clogged pores and don’t forget the Antioxidant Body Block!

Coming from a family history of skin cancer, I can tell you the areas most missed when applying sunscreen are: the tops of the feet, the top of the head (hairline part), ears, neck and hands.  Those are the most commonly exposed areas while driving, walking, and sitting outdoors that are extremely sensitive.

Dermalogica Solarshield SPF 15 Stick provides 80 minutes of sun protection in the water and is great for quick applications to the nose, lips and ears.

If you have a sunburn, rash, or insect bite, I have found Kiehl’s Centella Recovery Skin Salve to be an effective cure and provide quick relief. It’s also great to have around after a micro-dermabrasion facial or peel as it heals sensitive or irritated skin.

For those of you that like an SPF combined with your makeup, check out my new summer obsession! Intellishade SPF 45 Matte by Revision Skincare is the best skin science experiment! It comes in one shade, and once applied, changes color to match your individual skin tone! I wouldn’t have believed it unless I tried it on several different clients - all with varying skin tones. It matched them all, while providing light matte coverage. It also contains peptides that reduce the appearance of fine lines. Consider your five-minute makeup routine possible with this product!

Keeping with the theme of quick and efficient, other must haves in my beach bag are from NYX Cosmetics - cream blushes and lippies! Creams are fantastic for summer because they hold up well in high temperatures, are water and sweat proof, and have easy blendability.

These NYX blushes can be layered, and leave a fresh, sun kissed sheen on the cheekbones. I am currently obsessed with Bronze Goddess, which I apply to the high points of my cheeks, forehead and bridge of my nose, and voila! Beach Bunny!

For a flushed, romantic cheek, try the Red Cheeks color, and dab a bit on your lips for a light stain. For those of you in search of a more muted nude color, Tea Rose and Golden are excellent choices.

The Pros know lip gloss (whether it’s one or seven) is a must in every woman’s bag, and sunny days call for lots of gloss. But when you’re out having fun in the sun, who wants to constantly reapply? Introducing NYX Matte Lip Creams - moisturizing like a gloss, and color durability like a lipstick blended together to create a matte cream that lasts and lasts.

I have been using these creams on set for a few months and like to apply them as a stain and then layer gloss or lipstick as needed. They are perfect on the go, and at $6.00 each, you can have fun with all of the colors! Some of my favorites are Antwerp, Addis Ababa, Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Istanbul.

We all know bright colors are in this summer - with coral making a huge appearance. I fell head over heels for NYX Lipstick in Haute Melon. It’s bold, bright and will catch some attention! Throw it on with some tinted moisturizer and mascara and head out the door.

Speaking of mascara, I carry that in my bag too! I recently got to try the newest mascara from Smashbox Cosmetics, Full Exposure. Ever since I’ve started wearing it, I have been asked if I’m wearing false lashes, or if I had lash extensions put on. The answer is no, it’s just an awesome product! Part of it’s magic is that it contains aloe which hydrates and conditions the lashes, making them stronger, longer and more full. If you plan on jumping in the water, this mascara is not the best choice as it is not waterproof, but it is long wearing and smudge proof. For waterproof options, we like Makeup Forever Aqua Smokey Lash as a stay put formula.

Chlorine, sun exposure, and product build up all reek havoc on our hair. It’s important to give our lovely locks a little TLC too. I use several products from Enjoy hair care line, but find the Leave In Conditioner to be a wonderful sulfate-free product that fights frizz, tangles and gives hair the extra moisture it needs during dry weather.

I may be a slightly color enhanced blonde, but nothing beats the sun-kissed streaks in your hair after a day at the beach. John Freida Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Spray lightens hair in 3-5 uses. Just sprtiz and go. Great for a quick touch up in between color appointments!

We all love those effortless, texturized, wind-blown beachy waves in our hair, but if you don’t have an ocean nearby, this product is the next best thing. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray is the cult favorite - key ingredient sea kelp extract gives fine hair volume and the perfect messy coif.

Energize your skin and keep it fresh on the go with one of my favorite hydrating mists from Youngblood Cosmetics. Minerals in the Mist spray comes in three blends, each packed full of vitamins, minerals and essential oils. Recharge energizes with ginger and mint; Refresh cools with tangerine and grapefruit extracts; and Restore calms with a blend of lime and rosemary.

A new addition to my bag this season is makeup artist Melanie Mills’ Gleam Body Radiance. Not only is the scent tropical and delicious, but also it hydrates and delivers a gorgeous sheen to any skin tone. The product garnered a lot of attention on the hit show, “Dancing With the Stars” as Melanie used it on all the performers to get them camera ready.

Gleam camouflages stretch marks, scars, and other unwanted spots and gets you ready for that yellow polka dot bikini. Get bronzed with any of the four shades: Rose Gold, Light Gold, Bronze Gold, and Deep Gold. Visit www.gleambymelaniemills.com to order.

Maintain that perfect pedicure after leaving the salon with Essie Polish No Chips Ahead Top Coat. Just one quick coat and your Pro paint job is extended by 10 days. My summer shade is OPI, Monsooner or Later and the Essie top coat has kept my polish shiny and chip free!

Hope some of my favorites make it into your beach bag this season! Whatever exciting adventures your summer brings, have fun, be safe, and don’t forget the sunscreen!