Burgundy Smokey Eye

October 17, 2017

Hi Loves, I finally got back to blogging and filming makeup tutorials. Yay! I created this gorgeous Burgundy Smokey Eye look and wanted to share it with you. I thought it would be perfect for Fall! Although it’s Fall season, it’s about 90 degrees here in California. Crazy weather! Wishing I was on the East Coast enjoying the crisp cool weather. 🙂 To create this Burgundy Smokey Eye, I used the Burgundy Times Nine Eyeshadow Palette from MAC. I love this palette because you can create so many different day and evening looks with it. Since this look is all …

BTS Fashion

May 24, 2017

Hi Loves, As you all know, I’m a makeup artist in Orange County, CA. I filmed this BTS Fashion video in December and finally got around to editing it today. I know it’s now May… a little late, but better than never. 🙂 Model Kelli Kickham and I have been planning on collaborating for years and I was so excited that we eventually got around to shooting! Lovely photographer Anna Buder was on set with us to take some amazing photos. I was doing the makeup and filming this video. Please note that hair was done by Madison Reeves, clothes …

Summer Chic Makeup Tutorial

July 21, 2016

Summer Chic Makeup Tutorial Hi Loves, As some of you know, I’m a pro makeup artist. Even after 10 years, I still love seeing my work get published. I decided to film a tutorial and recreate a makeup look that I did on a model for a photoshoot. I hope you like this Summer Chic makeup tutorial! Products used for this look: Laura Mercier Translucent Powder Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Palette Limited Edition – Stark, Steady, Zone MAC 217 Blending Brush MAC 239 Shader Brush MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush The Balm Mary Lou Manizer Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler MAC …

Fresh Daytime Makeup Tutorial

June 27, 2016

Fresh Daytime Makeup Tutorial Hi Loves, I created this Fresh Daytime Makeup Tutorial; this makeup look is fun and simple! I received these makeup brushes compliments of Tweezerman as part of the PreenMe VIP Program and thought I’d test them out. For the eyes I used the Smashbox Full Exposure Mini Palette that I bought at Sephora, it’s so cute! I lightly contoured my cheekbones, added blush, and a highlighter. Then for lips I used a bright Jouer lipstick. This makeup look is totally wearable for daytime. I hope you like Fresh Daytime Makeup Tutorial! Here are the products I …

Modern Renaissance Makeup Tutorial

June 12, 2016

Modern Renaissance Makeup Tutorial Hi Loves, I went to Sephora and bought the new Anastasia Beverly hills Modern Renaissance Palette. It’s beyond gorgeous with pretty vibrant eyeshadow colors. This palette is light lavender on the outside and feels like velvet. I used the shades Burnt Orange, Antique Bronze, Love Letter, Venetian Red, and Vermeer. I included contouring and highlighting in this makeup tutorial. For the lips I used a bright magenta lipstick by MAC. I hope you like my Modern Renaissance Makeup Tutorial! ♥ Products used for this look: Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette MAC 217 Blending Brush MAC 239 …

One Brand Makeup Tutorial MAC

June 5, 2016

One Brand Makeup Tutorial MAC Hi Loves, As a makeup artist, I love doing makeup on others. I’ve had a lot of requests to do a makeup on myself and film a makeup tutorial. Since I used to work for MAC, I thought it would be fitting for my first One Brand Makeup Tutorial to be with MAC products. I hope you like this look I’ve created! Product List Bamboo Eyeshadow Blackberry and After Dusk Eyeshadows – From the Cool Neutral Times 15 Palette Nylon Eyeshadow as a highlight Haute & Naughty Lash Studio Moisture Fix Studio Sculpt Foundation NC15 Emphasize Pro …

Sunburst Makeup Look

May 16, 2016

Sunburst Makeup Look Hi Loves, I created this pretty Sunburst Makeup Look on my friend Courtney to make her hazel green eyes pop! To create this look, I used the shade Gash from the Urban Decay Vice LTD Reloaded palette and placed this color right on her lid. To warm up the crease, I used the eyeshadows Texture and Rule by MAC. I highlighted her brow bone, inner corner of the eyes, and cheek bones with Mary Lou Manizer by The Balm. This is such a gorgeous highlighter! To get glowing skin, I mixed a few drops of The Glow …

Rose Gold Makeup Tutorial

May 9, 2016

Rose Gold Makeup Tutorial Hi Loves, My friend April came over the other day and I created this pretty makeup look to include rose and gold eyeshadows from the Buxom Dolly’s Wild Side Eyeshadow Palette. I paired the look with a pink blush from Sigma Beauty called Modesty. For the lips, I decided to use a lavender shade from Urban Decay called Bittersweet. I tested out the Sigma Beauty Clean Cut Brow Pencil and Duo Brow Powder in the shade Light. They were really nice to work with! To complete the look, I added Ardell Wispies Lashes. These lashes are inexpensive and …

Valentines Day Makeup

February 2, 2016

Valentines Day Makeup Hi Loves, I created this pretty Valentine’s Day Makeup look on my friend Cierra. The eyeshadows are matte and then I added a bit of glitter on the inside corner of the eyes to make them pop. This step is optional if you prefer not to wear glitter. I paired the look with a pink blush and pink lipgloss. Here is a step by step makeup tutorial on this makeup look. I really hope you like it! ♥ Product List MAC Wipes NARS Sheer Glow for eyeshadow base MAC 190 Foundation Brush Beauty Blender Pro Laura Mercier Translucent Powder …

Simple Makeup Look

January 20, 2016

Hi Loves, I created a simple makeup look on my friend Sana using mostly neutral shades from my MAC eyeshadow palette. For the cheeks, I lightly contoured and highlighted with a few new brushes I got at IMATS from the Sigma Beauty booth. To complete the look, I used a mixture of Bobbi Brown and Sephora mauve lipsticks. I hope you find this look easy to recreate. If you do, please tag me on Instagram: makeupbydebra Product List: MAC Wipes Laura Mercier Translucent Powder MAC Vanilla MAC Texture MAC Jest MAC Espresso MAC Brun MAC Blacktrack MAC Haute & Naughty …

Smokey Purple Eye

January 9, 2016

Hi Loves, I loved creating this gorgeous Smokey Purple Eye makeup look for my friend Brenda. I started out by using a deep purple eyeshadow and then added a bit of bronze to the look. No eyeliner was needed, but I did use falsies! To complete the look, I paired it with a peach blush, nude lipstick and gloss. I hope you like this Smokey Purple Eye look! Product List: MAC Wipes MAC Studio Moisture Fix MAC Vanilla Lorac Pro Palette MAC Soft Brown MAC Bronze Becca Pearl Becca Champagne Pop Too Faced Mascara Sigma Beauty Limelight Bronzer Sigma Beauty Heavenly …

Winter Classic Makeup

January 2, 2016

Hi Loves, I created this gorgeous Winter Classic Makeup look on my friend Christine and thought I’d share a step by step makeup tutorial on how to recreate it. Starting with a gold shimmery eyeshadow, pairing it with a cutesy pink blush, and completing the look with a stunning red lip. This makeup look is just perfect for Winter! I hope you like it! If you recreate this makeup look, please feel free to tag me on Instagram @makeupbydebra #makeupbydebra All of the products that I used in this video are listed below. Happy New Year! Product List: MAC Wipes MAC …

Holiday Party Makeup Tutorial

December 7, 2015

Hi Loves, I created a gorgeous makeup look for my friend Susie. I hope you love this Holiday Party Makeup Tutorial! All of the products I used for this look are listed below. MAC Wipes MAC Soft Brown and Texture Eyeshadows MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush MAC 217 Blending Brush MAC 266 Small Angle Brush MAC 239 Eye Shading Brush Lorac Pro Palette Urban Decay Naked2 MAC Fix + Sigma Beauty Gilded Loose Shimmer MAC Vanilla Pigment MAC Fluidline Blacktrack MAC Studio Moisture Fix Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Foundation MAC 190 Foundation Brush MAC 129 Short Handled Brush MAC 116 Blush Brush …

Channel Trailer

October 11, 2015

Hi Loves! As some of you may know, I have been working on launching my YouTube Makeup Channel. It’s finally here, my very first video – Channel Trailer! It’s taken me some time to learn the tech side of things – camera, lighting, editing software, etc. I’ve had so much fun throughout the process and look forward to producing more videos for my Youtube Makeup Channel. I hope you like it! Please feel free to leave your comments on YouTube below the video and SUBSCRIBE. ♥ As always, thank you so much for reading! ♥ Debra Johnson Makeup Artist Orange County, …

Summer Makeup

June 22, 2015

Hi Loves! I’m sure some of you have already seen a few pics I posted on social media of my latest shoot with Newport Beach Magazine for their June/July “Best of Beaches” Issue. The shoot was held on the gorgeous grounds of the Montage in Laguna Beach overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. The day started out a bit foggy, but the sun did eventually shine! The theme of the shoot was all about resort wear…with bright hues and bold patterns, paired with the perfect Summer makeup! Let’s get right into my favorite part…the makeup! For this shoot it was all about …

Bronzed Beauty

March 9, 2015

Hi Loves! I know it’s been like forever since I wrote a post! The life of a Makeup Artist… on set doing makeup for beauty campaigns, fashion lookbooks, commercials, private makeup lessons, makeup for weddings, etc. You get the idea… ♥ By now I’m sure you have seen some social media buzz from a recent beach shoot I worked on. I thought I’d share with you how I created this beautiful bronzed beauty makeup look for gorgeous model Fallon Baker! I started creating this makeup look by prepping the eyes with a shadow base. You can use your foundation or an …

Fall Softly Collection

November 5, 2014

Hi Loves! I’ve been so busy beautifying the world, I figured I should take a breather and share with you the newest Sigma Beauty Fall Softly Collection. I must say, its absolutely gorgeous! ♥ First, let’s chat about the Fall Softly Collection Eye Shadow Palette. It comes with 12 shades bringing forth a new shift on traditional fall hues. The other day I created a really pretty soft smokey eye using the colors Kissing Cousin (lid), Keen On You (crease), and Go Deep (corner). For green eyes, I love using the purple shade called Elderberry, to really make the eye pop! …

Orange Lipstick

July 18, 2014

Hi Loves! We’ve all seen it on the red carpet, fashion runways, magazines, celebrity outings, etc. The orange lipstick trend is sooo very hot this year, especially now for Summer! 😉 Pair this beautiful makeup look (that I created for model Jenya, below) with a white top, floral dress, or swim suit. A pretty shade of orange lipstick is perfect for a day at the beach or a night on the town! Here’s how to get the look: 1) Apply primer to the eyes to make eyeshadow last longer. Try using the Tom Ford Eye Primer Duo, a unique blend of powder and …

Top Ten Makeup Must Haves

June 23, 2014

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 …

Bahama Mama Bronzer

June 16, 2014

Bahama Mama matte bronzer is a makeup must have for Summer! As a Makeup Artist, I’ve been using this pretty bronzer called Bahama Mama from The Balm, for various makeup applications to include bridal makeup and editorial photoshoots. I used Bahama Mama over the weekend during a makeup application I did for my friend and long time client Anna, who was getting ready to compete in a bikini fitness competition. If you are on my Facebook, I’m sure you’ve seen the photos posted. 😉 Bahama Mama is not only a bronzer, but it can be used for contouring or as an eyeshadow …

Makeup Brushes 101

June 12, 2014

Let’s chat about makeup brushes and their uses! As you know, I’m a Makeup Artist and I teach private makeup lessons and makeup classes in Orange County. The question comes up often during these makeup sessions on what each makeup brush is for and how it should be used. I thought I would share just a few basic makeup brushes that are must haves for every makeup application and perfect to add to your makeup bag. 😉 Makeup brushes can be synthetic, natural, or dual fiber. Synthetic makeup brushes are best used for liquid and cream products such as primer, foundation, …

Beautiful Bridal Makeup For Your Wedding Day

May 29, 2014

Hi Loves, Are you getting married and searching for the most gorgeous makeup look for your wedding day? I had a fabulous opportunity to do makeup in Los Angeles to create a beautiful bridal makeup look and wanted to share it with you! (photos below) Here is a step by step makeup tutorial on how to recreate this wedding day makeup look for brides to be! If you have been following my makeup blog for a while, you know the very first step I like to do for a makeup application is prep the eye. Start by applying an eyeshadow makeup base …

Get the Look: Model & Actress Aubrey Evans

April 30, 2014

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 …

All Dolled Up!

February 24, 2014

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

February 21, 2014

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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