Top Ten Makeup Must Haves

Top Ten Makeup Must Haves

Hi Loves! As you know, once in a while I randomly post “Ask Me Anything” (makeup related) on my social media pages. Sometimes I am able to answer these questions right on the spot; others I like to blog about. I received a great question from a fellow makeup artist and thought it would be really fun to answer it here! Q: What are your absolute top ten makeup must haves for your kit? A: This is a fabulous question! Each makeup artist has their favorites depending on what type of work they do. Here are my top ten makeup must …

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MAC Blot Powder vs Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder

Hi Everyone! It’s that time again! I received a fabulous question from a fellow Instagramie for this “Ask Me Anything” post! Q: MAC Blot Powder vs Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder – Which one is better? I have both and I don’t know how to use them for different situations.  A: Great question! 😉 These are two completely different products. Let’s first talk about the MAC Blot Powder. This comes in two different forms in various shades: 1) Blot Powder Pressed and 2) Blot Powder Loose. This powder is specifically to control shine throughout the day, without adding any noticeable …

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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 …

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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, …

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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. 🙂 …

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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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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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Q&A – Why Prime?

As a Professional Makeup Artist in Orange County, I’ve been asked numerous times, “Why use a makeup primer?” Primer can be used to enhance natural skin by making it look smooth and flawless. You may also use the primer under your makeup to provide a longer lasting wear. When using a primer with makeup, follow these steps: 1) Moisturize, 2) Prime, 3) Apply Foundation, 4) Set with Powder. Try using the Smashbox Try-It Kit, which contains both face and eye primers. I also like the foundation primer by Laura Mercier and Prep + Prime from MAC. ♥ Debra Johnson Makeup …

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Q&A-How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Many ask how to clean makeup brushes properly. Here is a tutorial on how to clean your makeup brushes! Pour MAC Brush Cleaner out onto a paper towel and dab brushes lightly into the solution until all of the makeup appears to be gone. Then use a gentle shampoo to rinse any residue the cleaner may leave behind. In order to preserve your bushes, do not saturate. Gently squeeze out the water and place on a paper towel to thoroughly dry. Use alcohol on the handle of the brushes to sanitize. ♥ Debra Johnson Makeup Artist Orange County, California Don’t forget …

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Q&A-Concealer

The “Just Ask” Makeup Contest was a great success! I truly enjoyed answering everyone’s makeup related questions. A huge thank you to all that participated! Here is one of my favorites: Q. What’s the best concealer I can get without looking packed or that gets in my fine lines? A. I like the the MAC Studio Finish Concealer. Use with the 195 concealer brush. Remember a little bit goes a long way. Make sure to put concealer on after your foundation. This way, you end up using less product and you avoid the cake like effect. More makeup Q&A coming soon! ♥ Debra …

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