Tips On How To Use MAC Fix +

Hi Loves, The past few days have been pretty crazy on my end celebrating my birthday, teaching makeup lessons, doing makeup applications for proms and weddings for my private clients. I’ve also been doing makeup for a bunch of photoshoots in both Orange County and Los Angeles, with one to include yet another celebrity! Yes, I know…totally exciting! 😉 The life of a Makeup Artist! ♥ I’ve noticed within this past week, I’ve been really obsessed with my MAC Fix + Finishing Spray. I thought I’d share some tips on how to use Fix + and its variety of uses. …

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Bridal Makeup

Beautiful Bridal Makeup For Your Wedding Day

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 …

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How To Achieve A Fresh Faced Makeup Look

Hi Everyone! I had the pleasure of doing makeup for lovely model Lyssa during a photoshoot recently. For this blog post, I thought it would be fun to explain how you can achieve this fresh faced makeup look (photo below). This makeup look focuses on creating flawless skin while incorporating a pop of color which is totally wearable every day. Start by prepping the eye lids with Too Faced Shadow Insurance. These come in several shades. For this look, I chose the basic one that does not have shimmer. Sweep the lightest shade from the NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette from NARS …

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Get the Look: Model & Actress Aubrey Evans

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 …

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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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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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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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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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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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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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Beachy Makeup For Summer!

This is a beachy makeup for summer look I created on model Marie-Charlotte for a swim suit shoot with photographer Douglas Robert. All you will need to achieve this look are a few simple products: peach eyeshadow, waterproof mascara, bronzer, and nude lip gloss. Enjoy this fab summer makeup look! Try using Loreal’s Voluminous Waterproof Mascara. Enjoy your new beachy makeup for summer look! <3 Debra Johnson Makeup Artist, Orange County ♥ Debra Johnson Makeup Artist Orange County, California Don’t forget to share, and comment!

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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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Fab Holiday Gift!

Dare to shop on Black Friday? Here is a must have gift to add to your holiday shopping list. Get the M∙A∙C Primped Out Eye Look Bag in Decadently Pink for a fab holiday gift! Beautiful eyeshadows Radical Pink and Shadowy Lady work for all skin types. Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Bordeaux is great for accentuating the lash line. Black Opulash mascara will give length to any lash. The 275SE Medium Angled Shading Brush is amazing to perfect that smokey eye. It comes in a cute leopard print M∙A∙C Holiday bag too! Happy shopping! ♥ Debra Johnson Makeup Artist Orange County, …

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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!

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Thumbtack Spotlight Featured Makeup Artist

I am honored to be a Featured Makeup Artist on Thumbtack! Getting that Astonishing Look – Thumbtack Spotlight Featured Makeup Artist My goal as a Makeup Artist is to be creative, achieve the best possible look that I can, and make each person feel great inside and out. It is an extremely rewarding career as a Makeup Artist, assisting someone to feel good about themselves and smile when they look in the mirror. Debra Johnson is a professional makeup artist who has an extensive makeup artistry experience. She has worked for MAC Cosmetics and Shu Uemura, a luxury makeup and …

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Lips & Lashes

I had the fabulous opportunity of working with Shannon Rose, Fashion Stylist for Ladera Ranch Magazine. Want to learn more about how to get these gorgeous lips & lashes? As for a nude lip, I really love MAC’s Sheen Supreme Lipsticks. Try the color “Supremely Confident“, and pair with “Subculture” Lip Liner. Add a little dab of Chanel’s “Sweet Beige” Levres Scintillantes Glossimer to finish the look! Must have those to-die-for lashes? Coat natural lashes with MAC’s “False Lashes” mascara. Use shu uemura “Smokey Layers” full strip lashes. Define the lash line with a jet black gel liner. Enjoy! ♥ Debra …

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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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Winter Skin

Winter Skin! Remember to wash your face in the morning and at night. Use a heavy moisturizer like MAC Studio Moisture Cream to keep your skin silky smooth. Exfoliate only once a week during the cold weather months. Don’t forget to use a foundation that has SPF. Even in the winter we need to protect our skin! ♥ Debra Johnson Makeup Artist Orange County, California Don’t forget to share, and comment!

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Makeup Tip-Oil Control

Oily? To control shine, try using MAC Oil Control Lotion. Pair this with a sheer blot powder and blotting papers. Apply in the T-Zone area of the face. ♥ Debra Johnson Makeup Artist Orange County, California Don’t forget to share, and comment!

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