Summer Dream = BB Cream

When summer really hits the last thing anyone feels like doing is putting on gobs of makeup! The current weather in your area may be unbearably hot and sticky, but you still want to look and feel amazing as you walk out the door to your job, a date or for a quick shopping trip.

The Pros had heard of the current trend called the BB Cream and at first we thought it was such a gimmick that we overlooked several samples sent to us to try. We thought the product would be just another tinted moisturizer with a few extra ingredients inside, so we tossed the samples in a bin and made a note that we would get to test out the product eventually.

Well…on a recent and very long layover at London’s Heathrow Airport, Pro MUA Melissa Street wandered into the Boots No7 store to pass a little time. While perusing the aisles she came across the No7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream and remembered about the samples sitting in the “bin” back home. She noticed that several women waiting in line to check out had this cream in their baskets and since she had 5 hours to “kill” she figured it was time to get educated and started to play around with the testers.

Mel immediately discovered the difference between a BB Cream and a Tinted Moisturizer…it was not only the ingredients, it was the amount of coverage the cream provided. One thing that Mel personally disliked about using a tinted moisturizer was that the coverage was too light and she always felt the need to use a concealer on her over 40 skin.

Now, the main thing about a BB Cream is that it is a unique 3-1 formula – moisturizer, primer, SPF – all rolled into one while at the same time enhancing the skin with a tint of foundation. It is a multitasking product that eliminates the need to pile on massive skin prep as well as foundation.

Not all BB Creams are alike though…some provide a light or heavier SPF ranging from 15 to 45. Others have 5-1 ingredients by adding pearl pigments for a natural glow or minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, etc., to boost skin elasticity. Some have a matte effect on the skin and some massively hydrate. The bottom line is…the market is becoming saturated with BB Creams so how do you find the one that is right for you?

The Pros have now tested about 15 different BB Creams and have narrowed it down to 4 of our favorite. All provide different results and all of the following recommendations can be used on all skin types.

Boots No7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream – this was the very first cream the Pros tried and we fell head over heals for the coverage! This product has a heavier coverage than a typical BB Cream. Contains an SPF of 15, it comes it two colors – Fair or Medium. Not a ton of range when it comes to skin tone, but the Medium color will work up to light Olive toned skin. Comes in 3 formulas: Normal/Dry, Normal/Oily or Dry/Very Dry. This product disguises imperfections and in some cases eliminates the need for a concealer. Blends beautifully on the skin by applying with a brush, sponge or fingers. Some formulas set more matte so wait about 5 minutes to let it settle into the skin before lightly powdering – you may find you do not need to powder at all!

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 – this product provides amazing medium coverage and can be applied under typical foundation or worn alone. It does eliminate large pores and controls oil. Contains an “optical pearl pigment” that helps give skin a glow eliminating looking too flat or too matte. The color range has 5 colors to choose from in Fair to Dark. We prefer to apply and blend this product with a stipple brush or Beauty Blender Sponge. This formulation is best for normal to dry skin or slightly oily textures (in the T-Zone) and great for more mature skin.

Embryolisse Complexion Illuminating Veil – BB Cream – SPF 20 – this cream is great for oily skin because it contains mineral powders that will help to mattify the skin and control oil throughout the day. Contains a potent moisturizer, hyaluronic acid and color-changing pigments, which mean one color for all! This product is universal and will change to match your skintone. The Pros have found that this product settles into the skin very matte so there is little need to powder. Provides a lighter coverage but still blurs pores and fine lines while concealing minor imperfections. We prefer to apply this product with our fingers or a stipple brush.

Senna Cosmetics Barley Base – this product by far has the best range when it comes to skin tone colors with 7 to choose from – light to a deep dark. Contains an SPF of 20, this product has very light coverage, is oil-free, fragrance-free and longwearing. This product is mineral infused which provides a youthful, healthy glow. It does boost elasticity and will prevent your skin from looking dull in texture. It has a sheer coverage so you may feel the need to use a concealer to cover more pronounced skin imperfections or a break out. Good for all skin types and we prefer to apply this product a sponge or brush for an even application.

All the BB Creams listed above contain a minimal amount of SPF so it is recommended that if you prefer more sun protection that you apply a thin, even layer of facial sunscreen first, but let the sunscreen sink into the skin for about 10 minutes before applying the BB Cream. We recommend Jan Marini's Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30.

Also, it is important to note that the BB Creams listed above are not waterproof nor is the sunscreen within the product so make sure to reapply after swimming or long term exposure to the sun!

The Pros love a fresh makeup look, especially in the summer and we prefer to use products that are more long lasting, so now is the time to try those cream blushes and eye shadows too in brighter, fun colors!

Stay cool!

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.

Inside Scoop!

When you find yourself working 12 to 14 hours a day, on your feet for most of that time and using your skills to solve problems which pop up without warning, then you can relate to us as professional makeup artists.

MUAs and hairstylists in the television and film industry rarely have the luxury of pampering themselves daily like they do their clients. If we get 30 minutes to eat lunch and use the facilities then we consider ourselves lucky. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like we are abused or anything, it’s just that life and work on set is very unpredictable.

In the trailer, we as a team like to make this tin-can-like office homey. We burn candles, we put up photographs of fun, beautiful moments and we decorate much like our homes because we find that our actors, and some of our fellow crew members, flock to our trailer and use it like a home-away-from-home.

You can’t blame them! It smells good in there and it is a place of comfort where, depending on what is being filmed that day, you will find some peace and quite or a grooving dance party.

MUAs and hairstylists have to bring their A-game everyday. There are no bleeding hearts on a set. We are making movie magic and we cannot be a weak link in the chain. It doesn’t really matter if we didn’t get enough sleep the night before, or if we are having a personal problem at home or if we are not feeling well because the show, as they say, must go on!

Just like a magician, Pros have a few tricks up their sleeves that help them get through long, strenuous work days and I thought that our readers, who are hard working individuals in their own right, might enjoy knowing the “inside scoop!" This post will focus on many items other than makeup, so if you are only interested in powder and paint, then you might want to stop reading now or scroll down to the bottom of this post.

The Pros also want to make it very clear that we do not represent any of the lines that we are reviewing and we recommend that you seek the advice of a doctor prior to purchasing any of the mineral or food products we list.

Okay, now that the disclaimer is out of the way, let’s return to our regularly scheduled programming…

First and foremost it is important to eat healthy and that can be easy or hard to do on set!Crafty is short for Craft Services and we loooove Crafty! Why? Because you can get almost anything your heart desires from these wonderful people! They will make you an incredibly healthy salad for lunch or a juicy, greasy, hamburger. All you have to do is ask.

So, in order for me to not be overcome by cravings, this Pro likes to take a mineral supplement before each meal. I find that this controls overeating and helps me say “no thank you” when Crafty passes through the set with a tray of ice cream. 

I turn to Dr. Garland’s Naturopathic Therapies to help my body regain its health while building my immune system. In my life, this Pro feels that proper diet and exercise are absolutely necessary, but I find that I do not always have the energy or the time, so I take the following minerals:

Dr. Garland’s Life Transfusion Liquid Mineral Complex – this product contains minerals that we should be getting from our food, but in a liquid form. Per the instructions, I pour ½ teaspoon into a small glass of orange juice daily. Drinking these minerals in a juice will cut the taste. I have also used this product in bath water to absorb the mineral through my skin. It has helped relieve my tired, aching muscles after a long day.

Dr. Garland’s Fast Start – this Pro is finding that as I get older I am having trouble loosing weight and it doesn’t help that I have cravings for sweets everyday. This product helps boost my metabolism using green tea, vitamins and minerals. Taking this product with meals, as well as stretching and exercising daily has helped me to drop weight and control my feelings of hunger or cravings under stress.

Dr. Garland also has a great website called Ask Dr. Garland www.askdrgarland.com, where he addresses most health related issues plaguing the world today. You can purchase products directly off his website, read testimonials and Dr. Garland is available for personal consultation.

Guayaki Yerba Mate Organic Energy Shot – these little guys really help when the Pros have night shoots. They contain totally organic super food extracts that give you energy without the jitters and they have no controversial stimulant compounds or ephedrine. I prefer the Lemon or the Lime Tangerine flavor to the Chocolate Raspberry. One shot is usually all I need for a boost that helps recharge me when I run out of steam! This Pro buys them at Whole Foods, but I have also seen them at many grocery store chains in their organic or vitamin section.

Guayaki Yerba Mate Organic Greener Green Tea – the Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of drinking green tea for thousands of years and studies have shown that green tea may be helpful for those who suffer from high cholesterol, diabetes, liver disease and it can promote weight loss and boost your immune system. You can sip this tea hot or cold and feel good knowing that you are helping your body instead of drinking something that is bad for you!

Kushyfoot Lace Foot Covers – this product line is amazing! Not only is Kushyfoot available at most major retail stores, but this Pro just learned that Reflexology experts helped design the massaging cushions that are in all of their products. When I wear cute ballet flats to work I have to face the fact that my shoes are not exactly comfortable for long periods of time, so I wear the Kushyfoot Lace Foot Covers inside my flats and they provide padding that flat shoes don’t have. This helps to relieve tension and fatigue in my back, legs and ankles and I go home after 12 hours without sore muscles or cramping calves!

Kushyfoot Flats to Go – have you ever been in a situation where you find yourself wearing a pair of really cute shoes that are the most uncomfortable and painful pair you have ever owned? Well, this Pro just had that happen! I purchased an incredible pair of boots and decided to wear them for the first time on a shoot and I could feel the blisters forming on my toes and backs of my heels! I remembered that I had a pair of these black folded flats in my emergency wardrobe bag and pulled them out just in time! My feet cried in relief and I was able to finish my long shoot day without a major blister burst. These flats slip easily into any handbag and are great for travel plus, they come in a variety of colors like black, gold, silver, snake print, zebra print or alligator so you can be totally stylish and comfortable at the same time!

Luminosity Designs – this Pro is in love with candles and I burn them regularly in the trailer or makeup room to help create a soothing atmosphere for my actors and for myself! My very good friend owns her own candle company and makes some cute designs, plus she takes custom orders so if you need candles for a special occasion, then I suggest giving her a call. Her candles are affordable, long burning and the fragrances are not overwhelming. She can also take your company logo and put it on the candle containers for a classy added touch! If you want to be like this Pro and create a calm, relaxing, spa-like feel, then you will want to order the fragrance called Melissa’s Nag Champa. Yes! I have my very own fragrance, which is an exotic bouquet of sandalwood, champa flowers, violet and clove blended with sensual amber, ylang ylang, patchouli and musk! These candles really help me to relax during hectic times!

Now…onto the beauty products:

Talika Instant Beauty Tightening Gel – let’s face it, when you are tired from lack of sleep, you feel like everything is sagging! Talika, one of my favorite French skincare lines, invented a gel that tightens the skin to help minimize the severity of wrinkles. It also helps to restore a healthy radiance and make the skin appear younger looking. I use this product when I know that my skin is under extreme distress from lack of sleep, dehydration and improper diet.

Votre Vu Bebe Duette – another favorite French beauty company makes the best 2-in-1 hand cream and lip balm that this Pro carries in both my personal handbag and my set bag! The moisturizing lip balm is perfect for rehydrating my lips when they feel dry and cracked and the hand cream protects and heals my skin. Both have UV protection too and are the perfect size for travel!

Smashbox Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss – if there is one thing that I find I never have the time to do while I am working, it is touch up my own makeup! I know, I know, it’s hard to believe, but it is true! This lip gloss from the geniuses at Smashbox is incredible because it really does last! I have found that I am able to wear it without reapplying for about 3-4 hours! Yes! You heard me…I said hours! Now, if you are the type of person that likes to lick or bite your lips a lot then you probably won’t get the same results and if you have a issues with thicker glosses, then this might not be the product for you, but for me, this product is amazing! I recommend the following colors: For Keeps, Limitless, 24/7 and Boundless.

Lise Waiter Waterproof Eyeliner – another staple in both my personal and professional arsenal is this eyeliner because it stays put and doesn’t budge! When I have zero time to check out my own face, this eyeliner never fails me and will not fade, even on my water line! It glides on smoothly and gives ample smudge time before setting. Comes in a variety of gorgeous colors too, but this Pro is partial to black, because I embrace my inner rock-n-roll chick who worships black, smudgy liner!

Chic and Shine Stick Foundation by Madina Milano – I fell head over heels in love with this product when I found it at a small boutique in Italy. I only purchased one and I now covet this product until my return to Italy in 2012 where I will promptly purchase several more! Simply put, it is the best highlighting product I have ever used and it is the perfect shade of delicate, shimmering pink. It gives just the right amount of light to every skin tone. Use on your brow bone, cheekbone, down the center of the nose, on the cupid’s bow or on the chin. It blends effortlessly and when your skin is looking tired from long work hours, you can perk up your face and create the illusion of luminosity!

The Pros hope that you have found this post useful and remember; these products are things that we use to help relieve our tired minds, skin and bodies. Not all products mentioned in this post will have the same effect on you so if you have any doubt, do your research and check with your doctor prior to purchasing.

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!