How To Achieve A Fresh Faced Makeup Look

Hi Everyone! I had the pleasure of doing makeup for lovely model Lyssa during a photoshoot recently. For this blog post, I thought it would be fun to explain how you can achieve this fresh faced makeup look (photo below). This makeup look focuses on creating flawless skin while incorporating a pop of color which is totally wearable every day. Start by prepping the eye lids with Too Faced Shadow Insurance. These come in several shades. For this look, I chose the basic one that does not have shimmer. Sweep the lightest shade from the NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette from NARS …

Makeup Tip – Soft Smokey Eye

Hi loves! Want your eyes to pop, but don’t want the harsh black eyeliner look? Create a soft smokey eye by using this makeup tip. Tip: Sans that eyeliner for a softer look!  Under the eye, sweep a light brown eyeshadow from outer corner to inner corner. Then carve a darker brown eyeshadow from outer corner to just to the middle. This technique will enhance the eye, provide a simple smokey effect, without the raccoon eyes. See photo below of the makeup I did on model Lexi for reference. Enjoy! ♥ Debra Johnson Makeup Artist Orange County, California Don’t forget …

Get the Look: Model & Actress Aubrey Evans

Hi loves, As always, I love doing makeup for the lovely model and actress Aubrey Evans. Not only is she totally gorgeous, but she’s also really fun to work with too! ♥ Recently, I worked with her on another photoshoot and had to share this beautiful makeup look. This look focuses on highlighting and contouring the cheekbones and really defining the brow. Here’s how to get the look: Prep the eye lid with a primer to make sure eyeshadow stays put. You can use a foundation, paint pot, or an eyeshadow primer like the Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer. Carve a medium …

Ask Me Anything – Moisturizer, Foundation, Mascara

Hi loves, It’s always so fun writing these Q&A blog posts. 🙂 I received some really great questions this week when I posted “Ask Me Anything” (makeup related of course) on my Facebook page and wanted to share them with you! Q: What is the best makeup and moisturizer for oily and acne prone skin in the summer? I do not need heavy coverage. A: I would opt for a lightweight moisturizer that sinks into the skin. Try using the 3-Step Skin Care system by Clinique; Skin Type 4: Oily. The clarifying lotion will help control shine and the moisturizer will …

A Natural Foundation You Can Stick With

Hi Everyone! As a professional Makeup Artist, I’m constantly testing out new makeup products. Recently, I ran across the newly reformulated Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick and let me tell you… it’s gorgeous! This new Skin Foundation Stick, as they call it, is available in 24 practical shades. This foundation blends beautifully, evens out skin tone, and provides a natural look. It is a long wearing formula, and the website states that it is great for all skin types. I love that this new formula has olive extracts and shea butter – perfect for moisturizing the skin. I recommend applying this …

From The Runway: Fresh and Beachy

Hi loves, I recently ran across this beautiful makeup look that was on the runway during New York Fashion Week for the Sophie Theallet S/S 2014 show and thought it was just absoultely gorgeous for the Spring and Summer months! If you didn’t have a chance to see the show, click here. This makeup look from the runway was described by Tom Pecheux, backstage Key Makeup Artist for MAC as being: fresh – as if the girl was coming out of the swimming pool or beach and threw on a dress.” I think he described the look perfectly! It’s exactly …

Why To Hire A Professional Makeup Artist For Your Wedding

Hi loves! Happy Spring! Wedding season is among us once again. Congrats to all of the brides-to-be! ♥ You’ve spent countless hours choosing your dress, florist, wedding site, caterer, photographer, hairstylist… and now you are wondering what to do with your makeup! Here are a few reasons why to hire a professional makeup artist for your wedding. All eyes will be on you, the bride! A professional makeup artist will create the perfect look for  your wedding day. Makeup artists have a trained eye and will be able to select beautiful colors that will suit you. They will know how …

Lashes 101

Hi Everyone! As you may know, I frequently teach makeup lessons, which I absolutely love doing! 🙂 There are a few items regarding eyelashes that come up in each makeup lesson which I’d like to focus on today. Let’s get into it: Lashes 101. One of the techniques that I explain to each student is how to properly curl eyelashes. I know, it may seem simple to you, just curl and go … but are you really getting the most out of your eyelashes? Why curl? Curling your eyelashes will create the illusion of having longer lashes, provide an attractive …

Get the Look: Sun-kissed

Hi loves, It was so fabulous doing makeup for this gorgeous Russian model Dana for a recent photoshoot. I just loved the photos from photographer Dondee Quincena and had to share with you step-by-step on how to achieve this beautiful fresh look. (Photos below) This makeup look is so stunning for Spring and also Summer too! Want to test it out? Here’s how to get the look: Sun-kissed! As always, apply a base to the eyelid. This will ensure the eyeshadow will stay put. Try using Tarte’s Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-hr Smoothing Eye Primer. Sweep a nude color shadow …

Lifestyle Photoshoot: I woke up this gorgeous!

Hi Everyone! I had such a fabulous time on a recent lifestyle photoshoot doing makeup on lovely model Riley, who is with Vision modeling agency in Los Angeles. I wanted to share some behind the scenes pics I took with my iPhone, and the photos taken from San Diego based lifestyle and commercial photographer John Schell. Makeup prep was at Studio BLKGLD in downtown Long Beach. The first makeup look was fresh, clean, natural …. almost like I woke up this gorgeous! I used a lightweight foundation for the skin, placed vanilla eyeshadow on the lid and a light brown eyeshadow in the crease. I applied white eyeliner …

Give Your Makeup A Sexy Boost

Hi Everyone! I was running some errands at the local drug store the other day and had to stop when I saw the cutest makeup packaging by Physicians Formula! They currently have 10 different lines: Mineral Wear, Eye Booster, Sexy Booster, Nude Wear, Bronzers, Organic Wear, Super BB, Shimmer Strips, Youthful Wear, and Super CC. My faves in particular are the Sexy Booster, Nude Wear, and the Shimmer Strips. The ultimate must have is Sexy Booster, which comes in gorgeous red and black packaging with a silver high heel shoe charm! Love it! ♥ They market this as “the 1st ever line of …

Color Theory 101

Hi Everyone! As a Makeup Artist, I often get questioned about what colors to use for eyeshadow, lipstick, concealer, etc. In order to get the answer to these, you first need to know a little bit about color. Let’s talk about color theory! PRIMARY AND SECONDARY COLORS Going back to the basics, take a look at the color wheel. Primary colors are blue, yellow, and red. Secondary colors are orange, violet and green. These secondary colors are made by mixing two of the primary colors. Still with me? For instance, mixing red and yellow (both primary colors) make orange (which …

Makeup That Glistens

Hi Everyone! I recently did a photoshoot with gorgeous model Mikara (image below). She’s from New Jersey, just like me, so of course, we were instant “besties”. 🙂 Moving on to the point: The photoshoot took place on location, outside in direct sunlight. As the Makeup Artist, I really wanted her makeup to catch the light just right to make it glisten. Knowing that these images may be produced in both color and black and white, I chose a gold eyeshadow with a hint of shimmer to achieve this effect. Next, I applied a tinted moisturizer and skipped the powder …

Lucky In Love With Green

Hi loves! Going out for St. Patty’s Day … or just looking for a pop of color to add to your makeup routine? Try recreating this beauty look I did on model Devon (below) that has a hint of green on the lids and peachy pinks to the cheeks and lips. I’ve written a quick green eyeshadow tutorial below. This look is sooo gorgeous! Here’s how to recreate the this look: Use a primer on the lids to help eyeshadow stay on. Try using Put A Lid On It Eyelid Primer from The Balm. This primer contains light reflecting properties that …

Ask Me Anything – Flawless Skin, Lipstick, Eyeliner

Hi! As many of you know, every once in a while I post on Facebook or Instagram that infamous phrase: “Ask Me Anything!”… makeup-related of course! 🙂 I truly love doing this…. it’s so fun and gives me a great idea of what people are really interested in learning. This last posting brought in some interesting questions, so I thought I’d answer all of them in this blog post! Q: What’s a good waterproof eyeliner that self-sharpens? A: These are some of my favorites! 1) Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner is smudge-proof, waterproof, and self-sharpening. This eyeliner comes in 6 colors: Onyx, Espresso, Cinnabar, …

Look Radiant With Orchid

Hi loves! I attended The Makeup Show in LA this past weekend. For those that don’t know, The Makeup Show is one of the largest beauty events for professionals in the industry. While shopping and networking, I ran across a glass case of assorted makeup in gorgeous vibrant hues of fuchsia, pink, and purple. These colors were displayed along with a sign that read: “Pantone Color of the Year 2014 Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination.” Radiant Orchid is a must have color for your makeup bag! This color is …

Make Eyeshadows Pop With This Quick Tip

Hi Everyone!

Have you ever gone makeup shopping and purchased an eyeshadow that you were so excited about trying, but once applied, doesn’t appear as vibrant and gorgeous as it was in the container?

A Simple Makeup Look For Spring!

Hi dolls! As a Makeup Artist, I’m always searching for new wearable looks. While viewing Spring makeup trends, I ran across a simple yet gorgeous look from the Steven Alan SS14 runway with Aveda backstage. This look is so fresh, anyone can wear it! A simple makeup look for Spring! Aveda’s Petal Essence Eye Color Single in Burnished Bronze is swept across the lid with a touch of Peony Blush eyeshadow right in the center. Eyelashes are coated lightly with mascara. The brows are kept fairly natural with a dust of color to define them. Cheeks are contoured slightly. Lips are stained with the Aveda Nourish-Mint …

The Mission: Get Gorgeous!

Hi Everyone! I know I’ve said it before, but I seriously love my job! I’d like to share an incredible experience that I had doing makeup for Don Roberto Jewelers. The photoshoot location was at the beautiful grounds of The Mission in San Juan Capistrano lined with great Spanish architecture, fountains, and lush gardens. The view alone was spectacular! The jewelry was just beautiful – from fun colorful designs to traditional bracelets, earrings, and diamond rings. They even had an adorable collection of children’s jewelry! Let’s get to my favorite part…the makeup! Get gorgeous! The first look was classic with …

Set Those Brows!

Hi loves! I have a few go-to products that I use whether I’m doing makeup professionally on set or just applying my own makeup. This one in particular that I wanted to share today is brow gel. It’s like hairspray for the brows…but better! This works great, especially if you have brow hairs that go in different directions. Even if your brows are perfect, you may have a day where an unruly brow needs a quick fix! I even use this product when the look I’m creating on a model is very high fashion…with the brow hairs standing straight up! …

All Dolled Up!

Have a hot date, going out with the girls, or just want to try something new? Get all dolled up with this gorgeous makeup look I created on lovely model Sydney Lee! Here’s how to get the look… Start by priming the eye so that the makeup stays put. The eyeshadows I used for this look were all MAC. Sweep a gold shadow on the lid (Woodwinked), a mid tone brown in the crease (Espresso), darker brown in the corner and under the eye (Brun), and a dust of highlight under the brow (Shroom). You can find similar shades in the Urban Decay …

Ask Me Anything – Highlighting and Contouring

Hi Everyone! It’s that time again…Ask Me Anything! A fellow Instagramie asked… Q: What’s the best brush and shade palette for contouring?  A: Try using the MAC 109 Small Contour Brush (Image 1). It has a soft rounded tip to apply contour color seamlessly. I also like the NARS Kabuki Artisan Ita brush as well. It is made with black goat hair, soft to the touch, but strong enough to create angles (2). Both brushes are the perfect fit for the hallow of the cheekbone. I know you didn’t ask about a highlighting brush, but I figured I’d suggest one anyway. 🙂 …

Tip For Glitter Lovers!

When you see glitter and pigments, do your eyes light up like a little kid in a candy store? Mine do! 😉 Love sparkly makeup, but not exactly sure how to apply these products? Is your face and bathroom counter covered with shimmer afterward?

The Perfect Foundation For A Radiant Glow!

As a Professional Makeup Artist, I’m always looking for the latest and greatest products. The other day I was teaching a 1 on 1 makeup lesson at my home. The client brought over a large box of makeup goodies of hers that she wanted to learn how to use – from skin care, to eyeshadows, pencils, concealers, foundations, primers, you name it, she had it! I was in makeup heaven! ♥ We started chatting about what she wanted to learn and products to test out. I began the lesson by showing the client proper placement of eyeshadows and blending technique. …

Pinks And Golds Hit The Runway!

Let’s talk runway makeup! Jerome LaMaar, Fashion Designer, debuted the 5:31 JÉRÔME Fall 2014 Collection during New York Fashion Week at Inglot Studios in Chelsea Market.