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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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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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 …

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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 …

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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! …

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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 …

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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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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?

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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