What’s in for Spring 2016

I love when Spring is in the air. Bring on bright and flirty shades of pinks and corals. I like to update a few things in my makeup wardrobe without adding too much color which can throw off the symmetry of the face. You want to add fresh pops of color and still achieve a natural look.

Here are some of my favorites:

My favorite way to add a pop of color is to change-up the cheek color.  By adding a bright BUT sheer formula brightens the skin creating a more youthful glow. Milani Coral Cove Powder Blush, is very sheer so  don’t be afraid of picking up too much pigment on your brush. Start at the top of your ear then swoop down to the apple of your cheek.  I don’t usually do much contouring when I use a brighter blush. Keep it simple and the brightness of the blush will bring out your cheekbones on its own.

In Los Angeles the spring and summer weather can easily dry out your skin. We battle between the dry air and the heat. The solution is to find hydrating products that add moisture but they are light enough to not melt off in the sun and give a decent amount of coverage.

Benefit highlighting crease-control concealer is my pick for the season. The coverage is great and the concealer is surrounded by a moisturizing balm. The formula doesn’t run and is crease free.

This season is all about that Glow. Two products I can’t live without are Benefit Cosmetics Watt’s Up soft focus highlighter for the face and Physicians formula Argan Wear Argan Oil primer.

Watt’s Up is easily applied with a brush where the sun would naturally hit the face. The gorgeous pinky tone looks amazing on all skin tones and lasts all day.

Physicians Formula Argan Wear Argan Oil is packed with shimmer. Your face will glow like gold. I apply a few drops under my makeup. This is a dry oil. It will provide moisture but won’t make the skin greasy. This is a great option for oily skin types. I love to apply a few drops to my arms and legs.

 

Something new that I just picked up is the Clinique Chubby in the Nude Foundation Stick. I love this product. I went to my Macy’s store because it is gift time. The foundations are smooth and silky. The coverage is medium but buildable where you need it. It’s a long wear formula so it lasts all day. I have Clinique foundation stick at home, I keep one in  my gym bag, and my purse. This is my favorite new product this season. It’s great for all skin types and they have a wide range of colors to choose from.

Visit http://www.ChristineRossMakeupArtist.com for special offers, events, and makeup services.

Oscar Secrets From The Red Carpet

Since the Academy Awards just passed we wanted to share some secret tips from the celebrities we love. Rachel McAdams, Anne Hathaway, Reese Witherspoon and Brie Larson to name a few.

Celebrity Makeup Artists Beauty Trends For 2016
Check out these 2016 makeup trends for your eyes, cheeks, and lips.
Eyes

Believe it or not, dark-rimmed eyes will be big for spring. Get the look by smudging a soft black or graphite grey powder shadow or kohl liner all the way around your lash line. It’s quite interesting actually. Contrast to dark, neutral eyes will be on-trend, with mascara being the main focus.

Cheeks

  
A little bit of contouring on your cheeks will go a long way in 2016. Don’t go out of hand and apply too much…but a little bit of blush will sculpt your cheeks like a Greek goddess statue.

Lips

  

Stylists predict natural-looking, glossy lips will be on-trend. And for those looking for a little color to pair with a natural face, bright red lips are back and bigger than ever for spring 2016.
Have any tips and advice for eyes, cheeks and lips? I would love to hear your thoughts on trends for 2016. Please leave a reply.

Follow me on Twitter @ChristineRosMUA

Wedding Experts Questions and Answers

As Los Angeles wedding experts, we are asked a lot of valuable questions.

How much time do you need to complete the wedding party hair and makeup?

After 10 years of experience, we have timing down to a science. Most of the time the wedding planner will ask for a list of time slots for bridesmaids to get services done. This isn’t really needed because we just need someone to be ready at a moment’s notice.

Time per person

This is where experience definitely matters. Someone just starting out will be slower. A more experienced artist moves faster. If you need time on your side go with more experience.

Bridesmaids x 40 = Time

Time / 60 = Hours Needed

Plus 1 hour for Bride

= Time Needed to get ready

 

Adding an Assistant

When you have a party of 8 or more it is a good idea to add an assistant to keep things moving along.

If you have 10 bridesmaids but don’t want to get up at 6 am. Pay the assistant fee and we can do two bridesmaids at a time. We can get you ready in half the time. I know it costs more but it helps your day run smoother.

If you have more time but a lot of people? PAY THE ASSISTANT FEE. This keeps your artist from getting fatigued and always doing their best work not an assembly line of makeup.

Adding an assistant is a courtesy to your maids that they won’t have to be getting up at 5am to face the long day that lay ahead of them. They will greatly appreciate the gesture.

 

Getting Ready Locations

Nothing will eat into your time more than having your artist switch locations.

Remember it takes us 15-20 minutes to set up and break down, not to mention going and traveling to another location.  Set up alone could run up to 40 minutes total and travel time could be longer. If time is a concern, have your party get ready all in one location. 

TIP: Don’t like your finance’s sister? Ask your venue to allow you to use a conference room to host your getting ready area. This way you can go back to your room and the people you care less about won’t be with you the entire time. Shady, yes, but it keeps the energy positive and fun. Talk sweetly and we may add a touch extra blue eyeshadow just for you.

 

The Slow Moving Maid

Nothing will slow your wedding down more than the slow moving maids.

You know, the “get in the chair” or fighting over who will go first or last?

Be sure to tell your maids in the interest of time, be ready to go at a moments notice.

Bride should always be in the middle but never last.

 

Removing Old Makeup

One of the things that slows us down as makeup artists is removing old makeup and not having a clean canvas to start with.

It’s best to come fresh faced and clean skin so you don’t run into any time issues.

 

Interruptions in the Makeup Chair

Cell phones, selfies, getting up multiple times while sitting in the makeup chair is one of the #1 reasons wedding parties run late. To keep from being tardy to the church, be ready to relax and enjoy your time in peace.

It may be the only time you get to relax. Savor it. When your done, selfie your way to kingdom come (then tag us in it!) #ChristineDidMyMakeup

 

The “I don’t know what I want”

One of the major cause of being late to the wedding are bridesmaids changing their mind during the getting ready process.

We know that bridesmaids don’t get trials, but it’s crucial to have them bring a photo of makeup or hairstyles they like. This keeps communication open between artist & client.

Having full expectations of what they want allows your artist or stylist to nail it the first time.

 

Be Prepared To Start On Time

The number one reason for time delays is not being where you need to be when your hair or makeup artist arrives. Makeup and hair teams usually arrive 15 minutes before start time to set up.

Be sure you are where you need to be and let the pros handle the rest. Teamwork is the name of the game!

I hope these tips help you decide how much time you need to get ready on your wedding day. And don’t stress. I am always here to help you if you have questions!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red Lips Tips

Here are some excellent tips for that special red lipstick of yours.

Consider your skin tone.  There are hundreds of tips out there to match to your skin tone. Choose a few shades and try them on first before you purchase one.

Don’t play up your eyes. Pair a red lip with a neutral eye. A beige shadow and a little mascara will do.

Be precise. It’s very easy to notice imperfections when applying red lipstick. Apply carefully.

Prevent Bleeding. Apply concealer around the border of your mouth.

When to use red lip liner. Sometimes the shade doesn’t match up perfectly with your lipstick. A great option is to use a lip liner that matches your lips.

The Beauty Blender

How to use a Beauty Blender

I’ve been asked by many of my clients the proper way to use a beauty blender. I thought it was a good idea to make a video and show how to properly apply the makeup.

When you open up your beauty blender package you will read that the instructions say to dampen the sponge. Most women skip this step completely. But they should’t because by dampening the sponge, your makeup will go on in even layers and blend into the skin seamlessly.

When I prepare my beauty blender I run it under the faucet and I simultaneously squeeze until the beauty blender doubles in size and is light and fluffy. Next, I dry it with a towel to remove any excess water. Good to go.

I apply the foundation a little at a time. I start with a few drops of my favorite foundation on the back of my hand and then dip the side of the sponge into the product and use a press and roll motion when applying to the skin.

Follow along with the video. Thanks.

 

 

 

 

The Best Brush Set

 

Over the years I have used a lot of brushes. Clients always ask me which brushes are crucial to have at home. These brushes will help you create a flawless face.

 

1. Bdellium Tools Bent Liner Brush $8.00

This liner brush looks weird but it’s easier to use on yourself than the straight version. It’s really great for creating the perfect winged eyeliner too.

2. Studio 755 Smudge  Brush $8.00

The smudge brush is great if you prefer pencil liners. You can smooth out any uneven eyeliner. Use it to smoke your eyes as much as you want.

3. Maestro 775 Duet Fiber Shader $13.00

This brush is great for applying color to your crease packing on shadow to your lids, and blending. It’s a must have.

4. Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Blending Brush $34.00

Blending is the secret to great eye makeup. The light puffy brush blends all eye shadows evenly.

 

5. Charlotte Tilbury Powder & Sculpt Brush $49.00

This is a must have brush for contouring, highlighting, and powdering under the eyes. The tip allows you to place powder, bronzer, and highlight where you want it and you can blend with the outer edges.

 

6. Sephora Collection Fan brush #65 $27.00

Add the finishing touches to your look with this brush that dusts, wipes, and redistributes powders along your features. I like to use this brush for applying highlighter or blush lightly at the end of the makeup application.

 

7. Bdellium Studio 947 Small Foundation Brush $12.00

If you are using a cream or liquid foundation you need a foundation brush to apply evenly. This brush is small enough to be used as a concealer brush also. The blend out with a beautyblender.

8. Bdellium Studio Finishing 955 Brush $14.00

I use this brush to apply bronzer or powder all over the face. I like a duel fiber brush because the white fibers give an airbrush effect and buff the product seamlessly into the skin without moving your foundation or other powders.

 

 

 

Top Picks For Fall 2015

Jurlique – rosewater balancing mist

This hydrating mist is great to apply after setting your powder makeup. It will eliminate any evidence of powder on your skin, plus give you a flawless glowy effect!

Dr. Jart+ BB Mate Contouring 1.2.3. Kit

If you have dry skin, meet your new contouring BFF. The creamy shades are supermoisturizing thanks to hyaluronic acid. Just dab them on over tinted moisturizer or clean skin for a soft, subtle, non-drying contour.

M.A.C. Vamplify Lip Gloss Collection

This lip gloss has the opacity of a liquid lipstick, the sheen of a gloss, and the texture and staying power of a traditional lipstick. To everyone’s surprise, lip gloss is back in a big way. Celebs are wearing it, makeup artists are using it backstage at fashion shows, and every brand known to man is reformulating its gloss formulas to look more modern and feel less sticky.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day dry shampoo

When the spray hits your hair, a proprietary polymer called OFPMA (the hero ingredient found in most of the company’s hair products) creates a weightless, invisible shield around each strand. Once that’s in place, a team of powders gets to work: Rice starch and cellulose absorb oil, a honeycomb-shaped structure called zeolite traps odors, and hydrated silica soaks up perspiration. With a typical dry shampoo, that would be the end of the story—but in this case, things are just starting to get interesting. The OFPMA shield underneath all the other ingredients makes the surface of the hair slick (think fried egg sliding out of a Teflon pan). So when you brush out the powder after 30 seconds, the particles loaded with sebum, sweat, and odor are swept away with it.

Cover FX

Cover FX delivers pure pigment that can transform almost any skin-care product into your own personalized foundation.

HOW IT WORKS: Place a dollop of moisturizer, serum, or face oil in the palm of your hand, add one or two drops of Cover FX (our tip: start with one and build from there—it’s potent stuff), then mix with your finger or a brush.

Fall and Winter Wedding Season

What you need to know…

Take Care of Your Skin

In the winter, it is really easy for your skin to get really dry, really quick, so make sure that you are starting your canvas out right. After all, why would you ever want to put makeup on dry skin, just to make it drier? Moisturizer, cleanse, exfoliate.

Waterproof Eyes

No matter what, you never want your mascara or eyeliner to drip and dribble on your wedding day, so make sure that you are coating your lashes and eyes in everything that is waterproof. It’s your big day, you’re going to be crying and who knows, it could be snowing!

Layer with Color

To keep your eye makeup lasting all night I like to use a cream stick color shadow as a base on eyes before applying shadow colors. This will not only make the color last all night but create a brighter look.

Leave the Primer

First apply a thick cream before applying makeup. This will cause the makeup to stick to your skin more easily. You don’t want a barrier between your makeup and your skin. Everything should be very well blended.

Grooming For Men

 How to apply makeup on men for head shots

When I am getting a man ready for his head shots I typically don’t like to use the term makeup. Most men don’t really prefer to wear makeup because it seems foreign to them, in contrast to my female clients that love all makeup.

The key to men’s grooming is to take care of the obvious steps. Trim the eyebrows, nose, and ear hair. Shave spots missed and trim his beard. Next take care of any shine on the skin. Use an anti-shine primer before applying makeup where it is needed.

Male makeup should be very light. I want them to look like they aren’t wearing any makeup. All men are different and have different needs. Some have more redness, some have dry skin, and some have both. The key is to cater what you use for each individual client.

Bronzer is great for men. Adding a little warmth to the skin can go a long way. Stick to areas of the face the sun would naturally touch. Finish with a lip balm to keep lips from looking dry.

Skincare Recommended By An Expert

I love trying new skincare and asking the experts what is new & the best out there.

I recently paid a visit with Melissa Gority from Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel Madara Spa. Not only did she hook me up with amazing skin services, she also gave me some tips on what products to buy right now that I’m sharing with you!

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil

Sephora.com, $105

With an advance retinol complex, Luna helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while simultaneously correcting damage caused by the sun, time, and pollution.

CE Ferulic Serum

Amazon.com, $115.99

This daytime antioxidant serum delivers advanced environmental protection, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Physical Fusion SPF 50 (universal tint)

Amazon.com, $24.33

This groundbreaking, weightless, 100% physical sunscreen provides water-resistant broad spectrum protection with transparent titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (Z-Cote®*). Enhanced with artemia salina, a plankton extract, this lightweight sunscreen increases skin defenses and resistance to UV and heat stress. Color-infused technology enhances natural skin tone and boosts daily radiance.

Epicuren Hydrating Mineral Mask

epicuren.com, $24.00

This is a creamy mineral complex mask designed to restore the skin’s vitality and moisture levels. This versatile mask provides a necessary protective barrier while encouraging cellular healing and collagen synthesis, leaving the skin soft and supple from head to toe

Natural Bisse Diamond Extreme Eye

barneys.com, $202.00

Able to fight any sign of skin aging. An ingenious formula that triggers your skin’s own defense mechanisms in order to repair your skin and protect it from harmful aggressors. Extremely rich, it gives you energy, regenerates, fights wrinkles, provides elasticity, firmness and maintains an optimal state of hydration.