What's in my Makeup bag

As a Makeup artist it is very hard to try and narrow down what I keep in my makeup bag so I will just share with you what are my must have's or go to products.....

#1. Concealer. I Use Maybelline Age Rewind under eye concealer in Medium. It has been a very long time since I've raved about a concealer but, this one is fab! Not only does in conceal very nicely but it doesn't emphasize my lines....Hello Bonus!

#2. Foundation. Every woman needs a great everyday foundation and I keep going back to my old stand by True Match Blendable foundation in W4 from L'Oreal. I have tried a numerous amount of foundations but, this one is just beautiful and buildable yet, feels ultra lightweight.

#3. Powder. Laura Geller balance N brighten in Medium. I tried this in a small kit and ended up buying the larger size. It is a great powder foundation. Used alone it gives a nice sheer to medium coverage. used with foundation it gives a beautiful flawless finish. I keep it in my purse to touch up once a day. (Warning) the colors run a bit light. I wish there were more colors and I do wish they were a tad bit warmer. So, if you tend to have a bit more yellow in your skin or are a medium to dark or darker skintone this may not be right for you instead try Mac Mineralize skinfinsh natural.

#4. Bronzer. Mac Matte bronze. This has been my old stand by for a while now. I found a better bronzer from Too faced but, alas I was allergic to it. I was so sad because it was matte and the color was amazing. So instead I'm back using the Matt Bronze from Mac.

#5. Blush. This truely varies from day to day much like lipstick and eyeshadow however, My favorite blushes are Rose D'Oro from Milani it's a gorgeous warm and cool shimmery rose/ bronze color. Desire from Lorac..Oh this color is just an amazing cool shimmery pink. I can pop this on top of ANY other color and it just creates a beautiful glow from within look. Love this!

#6. Eyebrows. I have used LaFemme Medium brown eyebrow powder for over 15 years now and I still love it.

#7 Eyeshadow. a friend of mine introduced me to Lorac Serenity eyeshadow years ago and today it is still my favorite. It is a  nude shimmer. It can be used wet or dry for a beautiful dewy look on the eyes. Just gorgeous especially when there is no time for a full on smokey look.

#8. Eyeliner. I have tried many eyeliners over the years but  lately I have been picking up Physicians formula shimmer liquid eyeliners daily. I use the black one almost daily. It really does stay all day.

#9. Eyelashes. I would not be who I am without my trusty Shu Uemura eyelash curler. I have cow lashes (thye go straight down not straight out but, down) so, without this tool my looks would never be complete. I have also been enjoying the Rocket Mascara from Maybelline although my all time favorite is my Yves St. Laurent Volume effect Faux Cils.

#10 Lips. I love the pro longwear lip pencils from Mac paired with my favorite Color design lipsticks from Lancome. I am still looking for a replacement for my Shu Uemura 132 lipstick. I loved that thing to death. It was shear goodness in a Coraly shimmery way.

Choosing the right Red Lipstick for you

Red lipstick is a classic. It's a color that EVERY woman can wear and feel confidant, sophisticated and beautiful in. Finding the right red is the challenge.
 No matter what color skin tone, hair color or eye color you have there is a red lipstick out there for you.
 You just need to know what the undertone in your skin is to pick the right shade of red. For example if you have a warmer or yellow undertone then picking a red lipstick with the same tone or a red orange will look the most natural on you and if you have a cool or pink undertone then you should look for a blue red.

This picture of Jessica Alba is a good example of a blue red on a warmer skin tone.

 This picture of Scarlett Johansson is a good example of a red orange  lipstick on a warm or neutral skin tone.

 A blue red lipstick will look good on ANY skin tone but a red orange will usually look like a BIG contrast on a woman with a pink or cool undertone.

Here are a few tips for looking great in red:

1. ALWAYS wear a neutral eye with a strong lip. Lot's of mascara and neutral shadow are a good mix.
2. Choose a long wearing formula ( no one likes ring around the lip)
3. Wearing a neutral or nude lip liner with red will ensure a more natural looking lip.
4. Wearing a matching red lip liner creates a perfect looking lip.
5. Make sure your teeth are white. Some reds can make your grin look more yellow.
6. When in doubt ask a professional to help you out. Stop by your favorite make-up counter and ask to see a make-up artist. (remember not every gal behind the counter is an artist)

My top picks for BEST NUDE lip liners

A nude lip liner is and should be a staple in every woman's make-up wardrobe from the make-up impaired to the make-up Divas every woman needs a great nude lip liner.
 So why a nude liner? A nude liner is not only for nude lipsticks you can use them with just about every color including red! The purpose of a nude liner is to define your natural lip line and to prevent fraying lipstick (no one wants to see lipstick fading into the lines above your lips!)
You may be asking... How do I pick a nude lip liner? and the answer is simple..Pick a liner that matches your own natural lip color or a shade darker but NOT lighter unless your going for a Haute couture almost white lip!
 Below are a few swatches. They may vary from monitor to monitor so if you're not sure stop by your local make-up counter to try it on.

Here are a few of my top picks varying from lightest to darkest.

1.Natural Mauve from Lancome- This works great on lips with no color or very pale lips. Perfect for a pinky nude.
 2. Oak from Mac- This is the same level of deepness as Natural Mauve but has a warmer undertone.Perfect for a beige nude.

 3. Beige Neutre #42 from Guerlain- This is what a nude should be. It's perfectly balanced with warm and cool undertones. This is a medium nude.

 4. 710 from Shu Uemura- This is a med deep nude with a slight plum or cool tone.
 5. Chestnut from Laura Mercier- This is a deep nude great for med to dark lips. It has a bit of a chocolaty plum tone.