Valentine’s Day …Go Glam!

You have the perfect dress, shoes, and bag for Valentine’s Day …so why not complete your stylish evening look with a sultry makeup that has hints of shimmering gold, bronze, and a pop of red! Whether you are going out with friends or have a hot date, go glam with this Valentine’s Day makeup! This makeup look I did on Amanda (photo below) would be absolutely perfect for your night out on the town! Here’s how to recreate it: Apply an eyeshadow base to the eye lids all the way up to the brow. Try using Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer …

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A Must Have For Beautiful Skin!

I recently posted on my Facebook page how I just absolutely love exfoliating my face…that perfectly smooth feeling my skin has afterward and the gorgeous glow! Ok so I’m a tad obsessed! 😉 Exfoliating also makes applying my makeup so much better too…think of it as a fresh canvas to create an artwork of beauty!

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Makeup Tip – No Makeup Remover? No Problem!

Have you ever gone on a trip, packed 4 suitcases of items you totally didn’t need, knew you wouldn’t use, but had to bring anyway? Of course you have! Then, of all the things you forgot to pack, that you actually needed, was your favorite makeup remover. I’ve done this …it happens! 😉

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Behind the Scenes – Spring Floral Shoot

It’s always so fun to do makeup for a photoshoot! I thought I’d share a few “behind the scenes” spring floral photos with my readers and give an insight to a day in the life of a Professional Makeup Artist. This was a floral themed shoot for Spring. Think flowers in the hair, romantic and colorful clothing, champagnes and golds for the eyes and a nice pop of color for the lips. The team got together to discuss locations, clothing options, hair ideas, and specific makeup looks that would blend into an end result of absolutely stunning photos! Yes, it …

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Fabulous Five Makeup Trends For Spring 2014

Want to know what makeup looks to wear this spring? Check out these fabulous five makeup trends from the runway Spring 2014! Michael Kors runway makeup look was all about berry kissable lips and bronzed skin for a beautiful glow. Lip Lacquer in Dame and bronzers called Sporty and Sexy were used from the Michael Kors Beauty Collection. Perfect for a day time look! Marc by Marc Jacobs goes bold with blue using Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Ice and Limited Edition Eye Color Bar palette for the eyes. The rest of the look is simple with clean skin and a touch …

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February 2014 Class – Beauty Tips & Makeup Tricks

Want to learn the latest beauty tips and makeup tricks? Join me at my next makeup class! DATE: Saturday, February 8th TIME: 3-4:30pm PLACE: Norman P. Murray Community Center 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA (949.470.3062) During this class, there will be makeup application demonstrations as well as a raffle to enter to win makeup goodies! To sign up online for this class, please visit: www.cityofmissionviejo.org and click on Register. Enter course #3378. Hope to see you there! ♥ Debra Johnson Makeup Artist Orange County, California Don’t forget to share, and comment!

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The Secret to a Fuller Pout

I just love love love… did I say love… Angelina Jolie’s gorgeous lips! Try this tip to get a fuller pout! TIP: Add a hint of gloss to the upper cupids bow and center of your lower lip. This will give the illusion of a fuller pout!  Note – The “cupid’s bow” is the part of your central upper lip which has two peaks toward the nose. The shape resembles Cupid’s bow and arrow. I like to use MAC Clear Lipglass when applying this lip technique. Enjoy! ♥ Debra Johnson Makeup Artist Orange County, California Don’t forget to share, and comment!

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Katy’s Roaring Red Carpet Makeup Look

I’m in love with Katy Perry’s red carpet makeup look for the Grammy’s! Did you see it? It’s a clean beauty makeup look with a gorgeous pink lip. So pretty! Here’s how to get the look! Start by applying a paint pot base to the lid of the eye, up to the crease. Try the shade Soft Ochre by MAC cosmetics. This will help your eyeshadow stay put all day and night! Sweep a light brown eye shadow on the lid. Carve a deeper tone brown into the crease and under the lower lash line. Add a gold dusting right …

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Adelaide Kane …Just Gorgeous!

I was reviewing all of the media photos from The 40th Annual People’s Choice Awards and ran across actress Adelaide Kane from MTV’s Teen Wolf. Her makeup is just stunning! Here is how to get her gorgeous makeup look! Prep the skin with moisturizer and primer. Try using the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer-Hydrating …especially if your skin is dry during these winter months. For the eye, add a vanilla shade to the brow bone, use a deep peach for the lid, and carve a nice warm brown into the crease. Apply 2 coats of mascara to add dimension to the lashes. …

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Beauty Tips & Makeup Tricks Class

Happy New Year! Here is some information regarding my next class. Hope to see you there! Learn the latest beauty tips and makeup tricks from professional makeup artist and beauty expert Debra Johnson. During this class, there will be makeup application demonstrations as well as a raffle to enter to win makeup goodies. Sign up today; space is limited! [Age 16 & older] Classes are offered through the City of Mission Viejo Saturday / 3:00pm – 4:30pm Session 1 / January 18 / Course #3377 Session 2 / February 8 / Course #3378 To sign up online for this class, please visit: cityofmissionviejo.org and click …

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Fabulous Makeup Gift Ideas for the Holidays!

The holidays are here… time to shop till you drop! 🙂 Here is a simple 2013 holiday gift guide of my makeup favorites. All of these makeup goodies are perfect for those that love all things beauty and makeup! Read on for fabulous makeup gift ideas! 1) Wondervision Lipgloss Set by Smashbox – Includes five luxe sheer lip glosses in shades of pink, red, raspberry, pearl, and rose. Gorgeous for all skin types! 2) LORAC Pro to Go Eye/Cheek Palette – OMG this palette has everything a girl could wish for! Contains 3 shimmer eyeshadows, 3 matte eyeshadows, 2 blushes, 1 …

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Get Kendall Jenner’s AMAs Look!

Did you see Kendall Jenner’s makeup look on the red carpet for the AMAs? It’s so flawless and classic, love it! Here’s how to get Kendall Jenner’s makeup look: 1) Prime the eyelid with a good primer. Try the Eyeshadow Primer Potion by Urban Decay. This will ensure that your eyeshadow stays in place all day and night! 2) Place a soft vanilla color all over the eyelid all the way to the brow bone. 3) Carve a warm brown tone into the crease. Try using a shade like Soft Brown by MAC. 4) In the outer corner of the lid, apply …

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Jennifer Lawrence Bold and Beautiful Lips

I recently ran across the latest Harper’s Bazaar UK edition and absolutely fell in love with the bold lip that Jennifer Lawrence was wearing on the cover. It’s just gorgeous! Want to recreate this lip? Here’s how… Before you start, line the outer edge of the lips with a colorless pencil like the Lip Line Perfector by Make Up For Ever. This will prevent the lipstick from feathering outward. Apply a lip liner to shape the lips. Look for a shade like Burgundy by MAC. Choose a beautiful deep plum lipstick like MAC’s Lush Life and Chanel’s Rouge Allure Intense Longwear Lip Colour – Envoutante. …

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Q&A – Foundation For Photoshoots

I recently received a really great beauty-related question from an Instagram follower who is a model. I thought it would make an interesting blog post because I’ve been asked this often. Q: When I have to do my own makeup for a photoshoot, what is the best foundation for photoshoots? A: Let’s talk about natural light first, and then move onto flash photography. If the photographer is using natural light, feel free to use a makeup that has an SPF so that you are protecting your skin from the sun. One of my favorite foundations is MAC’s Studio Fix Fluid …

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Q&A – Makeup For Color Photography Vs Black and White Photography

Hi Everyone! I just love doing Q&A blog posts. Here is a fun and technical one requested by a follower on Instagram! Makeup for photography! Q: I’m doing a shoot and want to get some cool shots in black and white, but also some in color. What kind of makeup should I do, so it will not look like too much in color and will pop in black and white? A: Makeup for color versus black and white photography varies in technique. If it were me, I would try starting off by doing makeup for color and then make a few …

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Q&A – Makeup Artistry School

Hi! Every once in a while I do something called “Just Ask”…meaning ask me anything beauty-related and then I post my answers in this Q&A beauty blog. I found this question pretty neat! Q: When I grow up, I want to work as a makeup artist like you. I watch tons of YouTube videos about makeup. What is makeup artistry school like, how long did you attend, and do you have to graduate from college first? A: I attended a 4 year university and graduated with a degree in Marketing prior to attending makeup school. This is not something that is …

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makeup lessons

Makeup Lessons

Most people don’t say that they love what they do. I truly love being a professional Makeup Artist; I live and breathe makeup. One of my most favorite things is to teach private makeup lessons and makeup classes in Orange County, California. I enjoy educating people on the proper way to apply makeup for their specific eye, face shape, and skin tone. Also, playing with makeup is just so fun! A favorite memory I have as a teen is when my mom took me to the Clinique counter in the local mall to buy makeup. The woman at the counter …

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Go Metallic For Fall

Metallics are the latest trend for eyeshadows this fall. You will see these sharp colors on runways, in magazines, and while shopping for the newest makeup collections. Here is a list of my metallic favorites… Arctic Zinc Instant Intense Eyeshadow Trio by Estee Lauder. Try using this palette for a super intense look. Rockstar, a medium metallic grey, by Bobbi Brown. This grey can be used for a soft day time look or paired with a black shadow for night. 3 Couleurs Smoky Black eyeshadow palette by Dior . Get that perfect catwalk smokey eye with these gorgeous shades. Moondust 3-D eyeshadow collection by …

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michael kors beauty collection

Michael Kors Beauty Collection

As a professional Makeup Artist and Beauty Expert in Orange County, I’m always in search for new products to use. I recently ran across the new Michael Kors Beauty Collection. This line is just gorgeous! There are three beautiful lip lacquers in shades of Diva, Bombshell, and Dame. I just love Bombshell, which comes in a great shade of fuchsia, fabulous for summer and fall. This line includes three lip lusters called  Muse, Siren, Icon. Muse is beautiful for an everyday lip color. I’m in love with the bronze powders in Glow, Flush, and Beam. Try using Flush as a blush …

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Interview In ALTER Magazine

I’m so excited & honored that I was selected as Orange County’s Featured Makeup Artist in ALTER Magazine! They asked me so many great questions. Here is the full interview: Debra Johnson for ALTER Magazine Okay let’s get some basic questions out of the way; how did you get started with makeup artistry and hairstyling?  I was working in the corporate world and needed a change. I’ve always been obsessed with makeup, even as a kid. I decided to follow my passion of makeup and attend the Fashion Makeup Artistry Program at Makeup Designory (MUD) in Burbank. From there I worked …

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Red Done Right!

As a full-time professional Makeup Artist, I’m always interested in what celebrities are wearing. I ran across this photo of gorgeous Miranda Kerr and said to myself, “This is red lipstick done right!” Just perfect… red lipstick with red dress! Love it! To get Miranda’s lip, apply Lip Primer Potion by Urban Decay. This is an invisible primer that lays a silky foundation for your favorite lipstick. For that perfect classic and sexy red,  try Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Lipstick in Red Brick. This is a great shade to use for every season! Enjoy your fab new red lip! ♥ …

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Tinted Moisturizer…Great For Summer!

Protecting your skin is essential, especially in the summer months. By using a tinted moisturizer with SPF you will protect your skin, provide an even texture, and create a luminous look. For a bright and natural glow, try using NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer-Broad Spectrum SPF 30. To add a highlight, use NARS Illuminator in either shade of Copacabana or Laguna. Apply to cheekbones, temples, and bridge of the nose. Enjoy a great summer glow while protecting your skin! ♥ Debra Johnson Makeup Artist Orange County, California Don’t forget to share, and comment!

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Q&A – False Lashes

I tend to receive a lot of inquiries regarding makeup. The latest question is: Q: What are the best brand of false lashes for performances and how to apply them? A: There are so many great false lashes available. I enjoy using Ardell, which can be purchased at your local drug store and E.L.F from Target. Lashes from Shu Uemura, Inglot, and MAC Cosmetics are also favorites of mine. Here is a step by step on how to properly apply false lashes: Gently remove lashes from their original container. Be sure not to break or bend. Size lashes to length of eye …

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The Perfect Pout

How to get a perfect pout! Working as a Professional Makeup Artist in Orange County, I’ve had some incredible opportunities to work with a vast majority of talent. I absolutely loved working with Playboy Model Aubrey Evans and Photographer Joshua Escueta from BLKGLD! To get Aubrey’s “Perfect Pout”, start off by priming the lips with Prep + Prime Lip from MAC Cosmetics. Line lips with a nude liner; try using Tonga Lip Liner Pencil by NARS. Use a lightweight lipstick, such as Hydrating Creme Lip Colour in Rouge Coco by Chanel. Enjoy your Perfect Pout! (Photo was taken at Forever Asbury in Long Beach, …

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Smokey Desire

Smokey eye tutorial! Want to get that gorgeous fab smokey eye like Scarlett Johansson for Desire by Dolce & Gabbana? Apply Prep + Prime Eye by MAC all over the eye. Choose brown and peach shades like NARS Matte Eyeshadow in Bengali and Shimmer Eyeshadow in California. Apply a beautiful black liner such as Telescopic Precision Liquid Eyeliner by Loreal. Coat lashes with Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara. Enjoy your gorgeous new smokey eye – Desire! ♥ Debra Johnson Makeup Artist Orange County, California Don’t forget to share, and comment!

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