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 …

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 …

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 …

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! ♥ …

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 …

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!

Working With Bronzers For A Summer Glow

I’m the Makeup Class Instructor at MUD Studios in LA for the June 1st Session-Working With Bronzers For A Summer Glow! Make-Up Designory (MUD), the country’s premier make-up school and cosmetics line, provides free classes every month. This month’s Tips & Tricks will focus on working with bronzers for a summer glow. Sheer pressed powder bronzers add a warm glow to any skin tone. Dust lightly over the entire face for just a hint of color or intensify application to create more dramatic effects. The perfect finishing touch for a bronzed summer look. On Saturday, June 1st, the free session …

Get Frida Gustavsson Gorgeous!

While browsing the Nini Ricci collection, I fell in love with model, Frida Gustavsson’s makeup look. Want to get this beautiful look? Read on… Prep face with moisturizer. Try Hydra Beauty Creme from Chanel. Apply an eye base to enhance eyeshadow. Use a smokey grey eyeshadow on the lid. For the brow bone, highlight with a light creme eyeshadow. To enhance the eye, place a small amount of grey eyeshadow under the eye. Use a soft peach blush and apply right to the apples of the cheeks. Make sure to blend. Apply a high definition foundation such as Make Up …

MAKEUP CLASSES-SATURDAY APRIL 20th

Hi Everyone! I am offering two makeup classes Saturday April 20th through the City of Mission Viejo at the P Murray Community Center. 1) Makeup 101 with Debra Johnson 2:30 – 4pm I will teach you basic skin care, proper placement, technique, and colors that will best suit you for a fresh new makeup look this season. Bring your favorite foundation, brushes, mirror, and makeup bag for assessment. You will leave this class feeling confident and you’ll look your best every day. You will have fun creating a new look and have the opportunity to win fabulous makeup prizes! Sign …

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 …

Reem Acra Fall 2013

Love this makeup look seen on models for the Reem Acra Fall 2013 fashion show! Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at The Stage at Lincoln Center-February 2013. ♥ Debra Johnson Makeup Artist Orange County, California Don’t forget to share, and comment!

*Blush*

As a Makeup Artist in Orange County, California, I’m always up-to-date on the latest fashion makeup trends. This “Feminine Flush” has been seen lately on the runway for Valentino Spring 2013 and numerous fashion magazines such as this Jimmy Choo advertisement in W Magazine. Want to get this fab simple and beautiful *Blush* look? Read on… Apply a light-weight foundation; try Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 Illuminating. For a fresh matte finish, set with loose powder; try Shu Uemura’s Translucent Matte Loose Powder. Add soft pink blush to the apples of cheeks; try NARS Oasis – Sparkling Pink Champagne. …

The Black Smokey Eye

Ever wonder how to get that perfect black smokey eye? Read on for tips on how to achieve this look. Apply a base all over the eye. Try using a Paint Pot by MAC. Add black shadow to the lid and under the eye. The key is to blend. For the crease, apply a soft brown shadow. Add a burgundy shade on top. Use a vanilla or creme color for the brow bone. Try using NARS Biarritz. Line the top, bottom, and water line with a very black eyeliner; pencil or liquid will work. Add waterproof mascara. Try using Lancome …

MAKEUP CLASSES – SATURDAY JANUARY 12th

Hi Everyone! I am offering two makeup classes Saturday January 12th through the City of Mission Viejo at the P Murray Community Center. 1) Makeup 101 with Debra Johnson 2:30 – 4pm I will teach you basic skin care, proper placement, technique, and colors that will best suit you for a fresh new makeup look this season. Bring your favorite foundation, brushes, mirror, and makeup bag for assessment. You will leave this class feeling confident and you’ll look your best every day. You will have fun creating a new look and have the opportunity to win fabulous makeup prizes! Sign …

How To Apply False Lashes

Want those gorgeous long lashes, but don’t know how to apply them? Read on for tips and tricks! (Karl Lagerfeld lashes for shu uemura) Here’s how to apply false lashes! Gently remove lashes from their original container. Be sure not to break or bend. Size lashes to length of eye and cut remainder off from outside of lash. Bend lashes to the shape of your eye. Apply minimal glue to lash base. Wait a few seconds for the glue to become tacky for easier application. Apply lashes starting from the outside corner and gently press into the inside corner of …

Behind the Scenes – PhaSHEN Inc. Photoshoot

I had a great opportunity to do makeup for PhaSHEN Inc. This was a behind the scenes photo I took during our shoot. The color theme for the shoot was gold & red. Products used: Eye shadows MAC Dark Edge, All That Glitters, Soft Brown, Vanilla Cheeks  NARS blush in Amour Lips MAC lipstick in Faux and lipgloss in Underage ♥ Debra Johnson Makeup Artist Orange County, California Don’t forget to share, and comment!

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 …

Rachel Zoe for Exude

Style Icon Rachel Zoe is the Brand Ambassador for Exude Lipstick! Exude is a brand new line of lipsticks and glosses with an easy no mess application. The brand markets it as “a lipstick for the 21st century woman”. In addition to the brilliant applicator, Exude offers gorgeous shades for everyone. For fall, I recommend “Cranberry” Lip Creme paired with “Crimson” Lip Gloss. As Rachel Zoe would say, “it’s bananas”! ♥ Debra Johnson Makeup Artist Orange County, California Don’t forget to share, and comment!

Flawless January Jones

Flipping through the latest W Magazine, I ran across a stunning photo of January Jones, actress staring in the much anticipated X-Men: First Class movie out June 3rd. Keep reading to learn how to get her flawless makeup look! Working as a Fashion Makeup Artist in Orange County, I always have clients wanting to recreate a certain look they see on tv or in a magazine. Get January Jones Flawless look! : Prep face with moisturizer and add an eyeshadow base to the lids. Apply a vanilla eyeshadow all over the eye. Add a peach shadow to the lid and …