My New Favorite Lashes

Ardell Demi Wispies are my new favorite. They give a very natural but full look. They also do not look like fake lashes. Every girl that I have used them on so far has loved them as well. The best part is that they cost less than $4! I buy mine at Admiral Beauty Supply but have also seen them at Sally Beauty Supply. I have not been able to find these lashes at drugstores. Try them out I am sure you will be happy with them.

Fine Art Boudoir

So what is Boudoir? Well Boudoir Photography are pictures that many women take for their significant other. Many soon to be brides will take these pictures for their future husbands as a wedding gift. The pictures are usually taken in lingerie. I am currently working with Fine Art Boudoir (http://www.fineartboudoir.com/). As a woman I can tell you that if I was going to do a shoot like this, this is the only company I would even consider using. When you book with Fine Art Boudoir you are going to get a luxurious experience and very tasteful and elegant pictures. However, don't take my word for it, check out the website. You will be dying to book one!

We just completed a weekend long session at Price Towers in Bartlesville. We had 9 girls booked. Each girl received hair styling from Christa of Marilyn Ihloff Salon and makeup by me. Then they received an hour long session with Sarah. It is so amazing how many absolutely beautiful pictures she can get in such a short period of time. It was a fun and successful weekend for everyone involved.

If this sounds like something that you would like to do. We will be doing another Rendevous on November 21st at the Ambassador Hotel in Downtown Tulsa. If that date doesn't work for you, you could always book a Soiree. This is when you get a group of four women together and each of you get to do your own boudoir session. Best thing about this is if you are the host you get your session for free.

If this sounds like something you are interested in, check out the website or email me at info@wildmagnoliaartistry.com or Sarah at sarah@fineartboudoir.com.

Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes are something that every woman should own. They make a difference between your makeup just looking OK and looking great. I know many makeup products come with applicators, but I promise you if you try applying with a brush you will get a much better result. So what brushes should you have? I will tell you the ones I cannot live without.

First up a powder brush. I use my powder brush to apply a powder foundation. I personally use MAC Studio Fix foundation and it can tend to look very heavy if you use the sponge applicator. So I take my large powder brush and apply it to my entire face.

Next a blush brush. The difference between a blush and powder brush is that a blush brush has a more fanned appearance. This allows your blush to go on with a more natural look. You don't want to be walking around looking like a clown with big circles of blush. You can also use this brush for bronzer.

A flat eyeshadow brush. This brush can be used to apply your all over color on your eyes.

A rounded blending brush or crease brush. This brush is used for blending your accent color on your eyes. This color is usually applied in the crease of your eye. This brush will give your eyeshadow that professional makeup look that you cannot get from a sponge applicator.

The last brush I recommend is a brow comb. Sometimes eyebrows do not want to do what they are supposed to. Use this comb to get them where they are supposed to be. Most brow combs have two sides. One is more brush like and is used for taming brows. The other is like a small comb, this side can be used for removing clumps from your mascara or also used on your brows as well.

Ok now that you know what brushes you need, where should you buy them. Brushes can vary widely in price. Some high end brushes can run as much as $80-100 a piece. If you have that to spend, then one brand I would recommend is Trish McEvoy. They are great brushes but are definitely an investment. Another brand that I like that are pretty reasonable is Sephora's brand of brushes. I have a few of these that I use my self and I have been very pleased with their quality. If you don't have much to spend you can always go to the drugstore or even Ebay has brush sets for as low as $10. Even if you don't have the very best brushes you will still get a much better result than using the applicators that come with the product.

Quick Tip

I did a Bridal Trial today and the bride had printed me off a picture of the look that she wanted. This made our consultation super easy and she got the exact look that she wanted. As a makeup artist, I hear all the time I want a natural look or a smoky look. But everyone's opinion of each of these is completely different. I do bring a book of different looks to every application for this exact reason. However, I may not have the look you want. This particular girl today had a picture of Kim Kardashian and in my opinion she looked about as close to the picture as she possibly could. So she was happy and so was I. I know that I have done this exact thing when going to get my hair done. As a client you want the person performing your services to know exactly what you want or you could end up very unhappy. I hope this tip will help you guys in getting exactly what you want, whether it be from me or anyone offering beauty services.

How to Apply Lashes

As someone who loves the look of false lashes, I have to admit I struggle applying them on myself. I am however working on perfecting this. I am going to give you a step by step guide on how to apply them, if you struggle at first just keep on trying.

1. First you need to purchase lashes. My personal favorites are Ardell and are available at any drugstore. They come in looks from very full to much more natural. Just choose the ones that appeal the most to you. Lashes can be reused, so if you are planning on reusing yours you could buy lashes from MAC or Sephora.

2. You are also going to need lash glue. I use Duo Adhesive in the Dark tone. I personally like this one the best because it does not show a glue line on your lashes. Once again you can purchase this at Walgreens or at the MAC counter. Walgreens sells a smaller tube but it will last forever.

3. Now that you have lashes and glue you are ready to apply. Take a pair of tweezers and pull off one side of the lashes. You always want the longest lashes on the outside of your eye. Now put the lash up to your eye and check and see how much you need to cut off in order to fit your eye. Very few people can use the full lash. Make sure to cut from the side with the longest lashes.

4. Now I usually squirt some of my adhesive on the lash tray. You will only need a squirt about the size of a pea. If you plan on saving your lashes you could put the glue on a paper plate or something else similar.

5. Put the glue on the lashes. I use a Q-tip that I cut one end off of. Make sure you put a thin even layer of glue on the entire band of lashes. Make sure to be very careful not to get glue on the actual lashes. Give the glue about 30 seconds to set up before applying.

6. Apply the lashes as close to your actual lash line as possible. Firmly press them on your eye to make sure they are secure. Keep your eye closed for about 45 seconds to make sure the glue has time to stick.

7. Repeat the same steps for the opposite side.

* A few tips: I usually apply a light coat of mascara to natural lashes before applying the false ones. This allows your natural lashes to blend better with the false lashes. If you are going to save your lashes gently wash the glue off and store them in the case they came in.

I am going to be working on a video tutorial of this procedure. So keep on the look out!

No More Dry Feet

Ok so feet is not really my area of expertise, but I heard this tip on Oprah and thought I would share it for anyone who didn't see it. During the summer we all wear sandals and flip flops and our heels have a tendency to get dry. Well if you want to get rid of the dryness try this.

First take a Stridex or other acne pad with Salicylic Acid and rub on your heels. This will help to exfoliate the dryness. Next get a thick lotion or Vaselline and rub on your heels. Now put a pair of socks on to keep the moisture in. I would recommend doing this before you go to bed so you don't have to walk around with lotion on your feet. They claimed that within a week of consistently using this regimen your heels would no longer be dry. I am personally going to try it. I will let you know what happens.

Facebook Fan Page Contest

I am currently doing a contest to see who can get the most people to become a fan on my Facebook fan page. Whoever is the winner will receive $35 in MAC products. Best part is you get to choose which products. The contest will end on August 15th. I can't wait to see who will win the products!