Category Archives: YouTube

How Much Makeup is Needed to Create a Natural Look

Posted on by under blush, concealer, eye makeup, eye shadow, face makeup, false eyelashes, makeup, makeup artistry, makeup tips, YouTube

I wanted to write a post regarding natural makeup and what it takes to create a full face natural look.  There seems to be a misconception that creating a look that appears to be natural requires less products.  The truth is, it actually still requires just as many products as a look that appears more dramatic.  When you use more products, the good news is that you do end up using much less of each product so a little goes a long way.

For someone who wants to keep their products to an absolute minimum, it can definitely be done but the face typically will not look as complete, potentially will not last as long throughout the day, and might not look as flawless by the end.  As a professional makeup artist, my visual standard of perfection is much higher than the average person so that is why I will continue to use this many products because I understand how they work and the exact purpose they serve.  I do not like to cut corners when it comes to any makeup application so however many products it takes to get to the end result, I will still use them.

I made a video to show every single product I was wearing today.  I do not wear the same exact products every day as I do enjoy switching up the eye shadow, lip color, and blush.  This is just a general idea of what an every day look for me entails.  I will list the products below that are mentioned in my video:

  • MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot “Soft Ochre” (eye shadow primer)
  • MAC “Vanilla” eye shadow (lid color)
  • Kiko Milano #09 eye shadow (highlight)
  • Addiction “Flash Back” eye shadow (crease color)
  • MAC “Bronze” (outer crease color)
  • Maybelline Line Stiletto “Blackest Black” liquid eye liner (top liner)
  • MAC “Teddy” eye kohl pencil liner (bottom liner)
  • Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara
  • Red Cherry “Wispy” false lashes
  • Benefit Porefessional face primer
  • NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer “Custard – Medium 1”
  • NARS Sheer Glow “Deauville – Light 4” liquid foundation
  • Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free “Translucent” pressed face powder
  • Becca “Moonstone” pressed highlighting powder
  • NARS “Benares – Dark 1” powder foundation (cheek contour)
  • Chanel “280 Golden Sun” powder blush
  • Anastasia “Ebony” brow powder duo
  • Lancome “Sable” eye brow pencil
  • NARS Velvet Matte lip pencil “Bahama”
  • Lipland “Fifty-Fifty” liquid lipstick

As you can see, the final look is very natural looking.  However, I ended up using a total of 20 products to create it, hard to believe (I know)!

Eye Makeup Brushes – What I Use and Why

Posted on by under eye makeup, eye shadow, makeup, makeup artistry, makeup brushes, makeup tips, YouTube

I created a makeup video to briefly go over the makeup brushes I use most of the time when applying eye makeup.  I have used various brushes but these are definitely my go to brushes.  Before going into any detailed videos on eye makeup application, I wanted to first go over the tools because without the right brushes, it is hard to really apply the techniques.

In this video, I talk about these eye makeup brushes:

  • Makeup Designory #300 brush – I use this for applying eye shadow primer/base (cream based product).
  • MAC #239 brush – This brush is specifically used for applying eye shadow (powder) onto the lids.
  • MAC #224 – This brush is great for applying eye shadow highlighter under the brows.  It is also a great multi-purpose brush and can be used for applying under eye concealer.
  • MAC #217 – This is an absolute necessity when it comes to eye shadow blending into the crease.  It is fluffy but also tight to really get into the crease area.  I own at least 10 of these brushes!  I recommend having at least two of these, one used in the entire crease and one to blend at the outer corners of the crease.
  • Sephora #207 – This is a double ended brush serving different purposes.  The angled side I like to use for filling in the brows (powder product) while the smudge side I like to use for applying eye shadow as bottom liner or for smudging the bottom liner for a more smokey effect.
  • MAC #266 – This angled brush is best for applying a gel or liquid liner and is especially great for creating a winged eye liner.

Overall, as long as you can find brushes that are similar to the ones I mentioned in terms of the shape and size, then they should be sufficient.  The only one I strongly recommend you get specifically is the MAC #217 brush, I find this to truly be the best eye shadow crease blending brush.

How to Cover Up Under Eye Circles and How to Use a Color Corrector

Posted on by under concealer, face makeup, makeup, makeup artistry, makeup techniques, makeup tips, YouTube

Here is a quick video going over ways to cover up under eye circles.  I discuss this topic by introducing two different demonstrations.  The first is the easier demo for someone who does not have much darkness but still would like to address this area of the face.  The second demo is specifically for someone who has more prevalent dark circles to cover up and needs to address this makeup issue more seriously.

In order to take your concealer skills to the next level, a color corrector will need to be incorporated into your daily makeup routine.  Color correctors may add some confusion and be a source of intimidation but I explain the proper use in the video along with what shade you should be looking for.

By the end of the video, you will learn how to eliminate the appearance of dark under eye circles along with understanding the purpose of using a color corrector.

How to Choose the Right Blush and the Blushes in My Makeup Kit

Posted on by under blush, makeup, makeup artistry, makeup techniques, makeup tips, YouTube

In this video, I share all the blushes I keep in my professional makeup kit and how I go about choosing the right blush for my clients based on their personal coloring (skin tone, eyes, and hair).  For beginners and most people in general, I do recommend a powder blush as opposed to a cream formula because it is much easier to apply.  I also tend to stick with matte blushes only (I explain why in the video) so this is something to look for the next time you go makeup shopping.  The blushes featured in the palettes are all by MAC:

Light to Medium skin tones:

Sincere (neutral, light apricot beige) – Ideal as a starter blush for anyone who has never worn blush before, anyone who has pink undertones to their skin, or anyone looking for a blush that won’t add too much color to the face as this will appear very natural on the skin
Melba (salmon warm pink) – I use this the majority of the time, it is universally such a beautiful shade that adds color to the face but not overly bright
Peaches (coral) – Great for those who have warm coloring and also a nice pick if you have red hair
Mocha (medium cool pink) – I like this for a person who has cooler coloring, such as a person with blue eyes and dark hair
Fleur Power (bright warm pink) – This works on most skin tones but especially great for someone who has a medium to olive skin tone or a tan.  This will show up nicely, adding a little more color than some of the other shades listed above.
* Fashion Frenzy (hot bright pink) – I always like to keep a hot pink for those who love to wear blush and want their cheeks to really pop.  This works on pretty much all skin tones since it is highly pigmented and shows up very easily.
[*Discontinued shade similiar to the MAC’s Dollymix blush]

Dark skin tones:

Shadester (brown beige) – This shade is actually meant to be used as a contour color but it can be used as a blush, more so on a medium skin tone
Raizin (deep warm auburn) –  One of the best colors to use on a darker complexion, the color is richly pigmented and looks natural once applied
Loverush (deep red wine) – This also has a nice pigmentation but appears brighter on the cheeks, very pretty
** Sweet as Cocoa (natural bronzy color with gold shimmer) – This is a natural looking blush that compliments a darker complexion nicely while also serving as a bronzer on medium skin tones
** Format (deep shimmery bronze) – A popular blush on a darker complexion that provides a shimmer and will appear fairly naturally, not too bright
** Ambering Rose (red and gold shimmer) – I would say this is universally a nice color for any complexion because it warms up on the skin and really brightens the complexion because it has red and gold in it
[*** Blushes that contain a shimmer and are not matte] 

I also mention a shade that is not in a palette, it is a single blush by NARS – Sex Appeal.  I love this color on exceptionally fair skin tones.  Although it looks like a very pale color, it actually pulls up beautifully on the cheeks.  It is a very light, pale peach pink color.  I also always like to use this on someone who is fair with red hair or strawberry blond hair.  

I strongly believe that blush can enhance everyone’s complexion so finding the right shade is the first step.  In a future video, I will demonstrate the application along with the exact placement.

Best Lip Pencil for Full Lips & Nude Lip Application Demo

Posted on by under lip pencil, lipstick, makeup, makeup artistry, makeup techniques, makeup tips, YouTube

I created a video to discuss what lip pencil I think works best if you have full lips along with sharing a quick nude lip application demo showcasing two of my favorite lip products that I use on a daily basis.  The NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in “Bahama” paired with Chanel’s Ultra Wear Lip Colour lip stain in “Merry Rose.”

NARS Climax Mascara Review and Demo – Are You Ready to Climax?

Posted on by under eye makeup, makeup, makeup artistry, makeup techniques, makeup tips, mascara, YouTube

I announced on my Instagram yesterday that I am very excited that I finally received the new NARS Climax mascara in the mail yesterday.  I had been wanting to try this since it came out and just got a chance to wear it for the first time today.  I recorded a short YouTube video which is also posted onto this blog to show a demo of the mascara along with a review.

The NARS Climax mascara is $24 and I purchased it from the NARS website directly.  If you are in need of a new mascara, I would highly recommend it!  The mascara gives a voluminizing effect that provides length, thickness, and a curl to my natural lashes.  I would always recommend using a mascara primer prior to mascara application (in this video, I skipped it so I can test the results without it) but my lashes still looked pretty nice after I applied two coats!

How to Apply False Lashes on Yourself – Everything You Need to Know!

Posted on by under eye makeup, false eyelashes, makeup, makeup artistry, makeup techniques, makeup tips, YouTube

Here is the first actual makeup video I posted on my makeup channel last night.  This is a quick how to video on how to apply false lashes by yourself.  I break down the steps in terms of how to prep the false lashes, how to apply them effortlessly, and just some general makeup tips that are helpful when applying them yourself.

In terms of supplies, you will only need:

  • A pair of false lashes (I am using Ardell Wispies in this video)
  • Duo Striplash Adhesive (this is the eyelash glue, buy the white tube with the blue writing, this has the clear version)
  • Black eyeliner pencil (or if you prefer gel or liquid liner, these will work too.  Colored eyeliners are also okay to use for this step if you choose to)
  • A pair of scissors
  • Mirror

Applying false lashes by yourself definitely takes some practice, so don’t be discouraged if it takes you some time to get the hang of it!  Practice and patience, like most things in life is all it takes.

 

Meli Makeup Artist – I Have a YouTube Channel Now

Posted on by under makeup, makeup artistry, makeup brushes, makeup techniques, makeup tips, makeup trends, YouTube

So it’s official, I created a makeup YouTube channel!  This project has been an ongoing one listed on my summer to do list and summer might be coming to an end but at least I finally can check this off the list!

Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKvPG7wazLrCG1vxhG8APig
Short link:  https://bit.ly/2oynAqh

Last night I uploaded two videos so far.  The one I posted on this blog is just a quick introduction video.  The purpose of my channel is to teach people the basics about makeup application, techniques, products I use, and also address any questions that people ask me about makeup.  Over time, I have met people who are quite intimidated by makeup (hence they hire me the professional) and that is why I want to be able to teach people about makeup, especially the people who never wear makeup.  The best thing is, it is never too late to learn and pick up a trick or two!

This will mainly serve as a hobby as does this blog, both creative outlets in which I can share my passion and profession with my friends, family, clients, and anyone who is interested to learn more!  Thanks for tuning in and thank you for connecting! 🙂  Also, please do not hesitate to send me makeup questions at any time (that’s what I am here for)!