CLASSIC BRIDAL MAKEUP:

• Bridal makeup should look natural, creating a more enhanced, radiant version of the bride (on her best day).
• Bridal makeup must be long-lasting (durable).

            a.  Use thin layers; and

            b.  Use waterproof or water resistant cosmetics. 

• Bridal makeup should harmonious with the rest of the wedding party.

 Airbrush Makeup Is:

• Great for high definition video and high-resolution photography;
• Durable and Long-Lasting;
• Applies in sheer layers.

The Makeup Application:

SUGGESTED PRODUCTS: (all available at the Make Up First ® School Pro Shop: shop.makeupfirst.com) Note: Brushes for personal use can be found here. We love the I AM FIRST 10 Piece Brush Set by Bdellium, also available at MUF

1.    Skin prep: Mattifier for oil control-by Mehron; Embryolisse Hydra-Mat for Moisturizer/Primer

2.    Eyelid prep:  Cinema Secrets Eye Base

3.    Under Eye prep:  Embryolisse Soothing Eye Contour Treatment

4.    Lip Prep:  Rosebud Salve

5.   Inglot Eye Shadow Singles and Inglot Freedom System Palette

6.    Inglot Eyeliner (Black) Gel #77

7.    Kevyn Aucoin: The Essential Mascara

8.    Kevyn Aucoin False Lashes

9.    Callas (Latex Free) Eyelash Glue

10. Eve Pearl Liquid Eye liner

11. Powder Brow pencil by Senna Cosmetics

12. Clear Brow gel by Palladio

13. Becca Shimmer (the cream): BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector® Poured Crème

14. Hydra Lock airbrush foundation by Temptu; with the Temptu Air compressor; 

TEMPTU Air is the first cordless airbrush makeup device for instant, effortless skin perfection. Temptu's patented technology delivers less makeup and more complete coverage than makeup brush application!

15. Translucent Set Powder by AJ Crimson in Bamboo

16.  Becca Shimmer Skin Perfector® Pressed Powder

17.  Lip pencil Kevyn Aucoin in Medium

18. Lipstick by Inglot, create your own bridal palette with the Inglot Freedom System Palettes. 

19. Cameo Gloss by FACE atelier

20.  Skindinavia Bridal Setting Spray

21. Inglot Sparking Dust in #2  (collar bones)

22. GLEAM Body Radiance by Melanie Mills

Want to learn more about Airbrushing? We have our next Airbrush Workshop this Monday, April 3rd, from 10am - 1pm. Learn more by clicking the button below!

Want to book a makeup artist? Email info@makeupfirst.com for more information!

 For more information about Make Up First ® School and/or Make Up First® Pro Shop, email info@makeupfirst.com or call 312.621.0801.

Products Featured (Left to Right): Mehron Paradise AQ Glitter (Available in Green and Light Green), INGLOT Single Eyeshadows (Available in Multiple Shades), Mehron CreamBlend Stick (Available in Multiple Colors), Mehron Paradise Paint, BeautyBlender Micro Mini Pro, Mehron Metallic Powder (Gold), TEMPTU Air, TEMPTU Dura Singles (Available in Multiple Shades), 

According to social media platforms, most notably Instagram and YouTube, contouring, highlighting, and other names given to describe makeup looks, are new and exciting beauty trends.  On the contrary! The techniques of playing with light and shadow (chiaroscuro) are not new in the art of drawing and painting; nor are these techniques new to makeup; professional makeup artists have been incorporating some or all of these makeup techniques for decades!  What is new about the“Instagram face”, however, is the heavy-handed, “one-look-suits-all” makeup application.  In this workshop, we will examine the current social media look, and then work to best incorporate the look into a realistic application, thereby creating a flattering and “wearable” look.

Traditional Makeup Artist Training

The traditional training for makeup artists involves study with skilled makeup artists, both in formal (school) and informal (on-the job) settings.  In order to become marketable, after years of work, and continuing education, makeup artists must build an impressive portfolio, to reflect both their area of expertise, as well as the range of their work.  The professional makeup artist may be more skilled in creating a character for theater or film, or may excel at enhancing a client’s face and features, for high definition television, print, and film.  Some professional makeup artists may become proficient in both theatrical as well as beauty makeup.  The goal of the professional beauty makeup artist is to use the art of makeup, which has always utilized light (and corresponding shadow), to enhance existing features.  The goal of the theatrical makeup artist is to first create a character, and then, through the appropriate use of dramatic contrast between light and shadow, ensure that the character is visible to the audience.

The New Influencers

Historically, those who have influenced style and makeup trends have included the monarchy, the fashion industry, from designers to “super models”, as well as the celebrities in the motion picture industry.  During the 1980’s, makeup artistry came into its own as a viable profession, with Kevyn Aucoin and Bobbie Brown, as examples of prominent, influential celebrity makeup artists. 

The new influencers, however, are famous for making themselves famous through social media.  Following the unrealistic, filtered example of reality celebrities, (notably the Kardashian/Jenner women), we are bombarded with social media “how-tos,” created by virtually anyone who decides to record their techniques in front of a mobile device.  These untrained artists work on their own faces, and frequently use the same heavy-handed techniques that can be found in drag, or theatrical makeup applications for large venues.   The goal of the Instagram “artists” and YouTube “artists” is to gather a large following, thereby gaining the attention of cosmetic companies, who can then expand sales through these video “artists.”  The most popular, and therefore most successful social media personalities, many of whom are not professional makeup artists, can easily earn an income merely by using, blogging and endorsing beauty brands.  The result is a cult following of impressionable youth who desire that “Instagram” look, whether or not it is flattering for the individual.  With this current trend, many of the professional makeup artists find that the artistry has been removed from the art of makeup.

The “Instagram” Look

It is easy to spot an Instagram face: the eyebrows are dramatically structured, the lips are over-drawn, the eye makeup incorporates a “cut crease” and a “cat eye” and a heavy hand is used to contour and highlight the face, without regard to face shape, lighting, or its appropriateness for the time of day.  Heavy, unnatural-looking shimmer is heavily placed on the cheeks (“strobing”). 

Create a “Wearable “ Instagram Look (IRL)

 It is possible, however, to incorporate the desired social media trends, using a lighter hand, and with attention paid to the needs of the individual’s specific face/features, time of day, and formality of the occasion.

 The Skin

We all want beautiful skin; however, there is a current obsession with highlighting, overdone in an effort to achieve an unnatural glow to the skin.  For a current look, IRL, the skin can be radiant and luminous without the excessive use of hyper-real highlighting. For an instant, everyday “lit from within” effect, start with a well-moisturized and primed face.  Use an age-appropriate, (sheer) foundation, adding concealer only where needed to color-correct, typically under the eyes.  To achieve the natural, luminous effect, blend a cream or liquid highlighter lightly over areas of the face where the light naturally hits: the forehead, the top of the cheekbones, under the arches of the brows, down the nose and, sparingly, on the cupid’s bow of the mouth.  Avoid contouring, unless you are skilled at blending to create a natural look.  In fact, “nontouring”, or simply highlighting without contouring, is thankfully becoming mainstream, following reality star, Kim Kardashian and her currently pared-down makeup.

Suggested Products: Glow: KEVYN AUCOIN – The Celestial Skin Lightening Liquid, Contour: KEVYN AUCOIN - The Creamy Glow Duo #4 Contour Duo #4 OR KEVYN AUCOIN - The Sculpting Powder, Blush: FIRST by Make Up First® (MAQPRO) Lip + Cheek Palette, Highlight: BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector - Poured Creme , Set: Cinema Secrets - Loose Setting Powder, 

The Instagram “Cut Crease” and “Cat Eye”- Soften the look for IRL

The Instagram eye makeup application is so harsh IRL, that instead of enhancing the eyes, it actually takes on a life of it’s own and creates a distraction. For an eye makeup look that is not harsh, as well as appropriate for daytime, we suggest trying the following:  Prime the eyelid: apply an eyelid primer such as Cinema Secrets Eye Primer. Select either a translucent setting powder or an eye shadow powder lighter than your skin tone to set the eyelid. At this point, it may be desirable to simply curl the lashes and add mascara.  For a more finished look and to create the illusion of the desirable almond-shaped eye, you may apply an additional eye shadow to the lid. Select a darker color or tone and apply to the crease and outer corner of the eye.  Apply a light tone, with or without texture, under the arch of the brow and sometimes also in the corner of the eye. To add dimension, you can apply a subtle pigment or shimmer in the center of the lid. Line the upper lash line with a tight line of powder or gel, and smudge the liner with a lighter tone. Line the lower lash line, in the same manner as the upper eye, if desired.  Curling the lashes will “open” the eyes, while mascara will help define the lashes.  While you can add “wispy” and light false lashes during the day, avoiding the social media trend of applying excessive layers of mascara.

Suggested Products: Prime: Cinema Secrets Pro Eyeshadow Base, Eyes: FIRST by Make Up First® (MAQPRO) Pro Matte Eyeshadow Palette, FIRST by Make Up First® (MAQPRO) Star Powder Loose Pigments or Glitters, INGLOT Duraline, Lashes: Tweezerman Promaster Las Curler, Kevyn Aucoin - The Essential Mascara

Everyday Brows

For brows that are groomed but not overdone, as well as appropriate for real life, avoid the dark, highly structured, angular Instagram brow.  The eyebrows provide a frame for our eyes; if the frame is too dark or too harsh, we detract from the beauty of the eyes and face.  Stay away from the use of dark, heavy pencil, and instead try using the more forgiving brow gel or brow mascara.  Follow the natural shape of the brows and with subtle technique, alter the shape to suit the particular individual.  The new powder pencil by Senna creates a soft brow; the Senna gel, Brow Fix X, has a fiber formula that creates the illusion of a fuller brow. For those blessed with full brows, we recommend the use of a brow gel to subtly enhance the brows, while keeping stray brow hairs groomed.

Suggested Products: Brows: SENNA Brow Book, SENNA Powder Brow Pencil,  SENNA Brow Fix X Mascara

This writing is the created and owned by Make Up First, LLC, and may not be copied or otherwise reproduced without the express written consent of the owner.  (2017)

20% OFF KEVYN AUCOIN! Use promo code: FEBRUARY20 at checkout! *Offer Ends 2/25

We LOVE Kevyn Aucoin Foundations, but know there are so many products to choose from! Here is our foundation guide with our KA favorites!

KEVYN AUCOIN - THE SENSUAL SKIN ENHANCER

Perhaps the most unique and versatile skin-perfecting product you will ever use! Flawless-looking skin just got a whole lot easier to achieve with The Sensual Skin Enhancer. It offers sheer, medium or full coverage so you can find the look you're going for. Available in 15 shades, this product can be used as a concealer, or sheer it out with the FIRST by Make Up First® (MAQPRO) Makeup Mixer to create your perfect foundation. You can also use the Kevyn Aucoin - Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting for an added radiance (for more how to's with this product, read our last post HERE).

KEVYN AUCOIN - THE SENSUAL SKIN FLUID FOUNDATION

An oil-free, luxurious, ultra-lightweight serum foundation that provides luminous coverage. The Sensual Skin Fluid Foundation with its weightless, serum-like formula goes on the complexion for a no makeup feel. It is infused with pigmentto perfetto, a powerful marine based algae extract known to fight the production of progerin, a protein known to accelerate aging, encouraging loss of firmness, elasticity, and wrinkles. The foundation glides on seamlessly, providing smooth, luminous-looking skin with build-able coverage. *This is our go to for mature skin! 

KEVYN AUCOIN - THE SENSUAL SKIN POWDER FOUNDATION

Silky, ultra-fine powder transforms the look of your skin. A versatile coverage formula infused with quartz minerals to maintain skin tone and texture. This product can be used wet or dry for your desired coverage. Also, great for touch ups through out the day!

To see the entire KEVYN AUCOIN product line, click HERE!

TURNING INSTAGRAM MAKEUP TRENDS INTO WEARABLE LOOKS (or In Real Life – IRL)

The “Instagram” Look-

It's easy to spot an Instagram face: the eyebrows are dramatically structured, the lips are over-drawn, the eye makeup incorporates a “cut crease” and a “cat eye” and a heavy hand is used to contour and highlight the face, without regard to face shape, lighting, or its appropriateness for the time of day.  Heavy, unnatural-looking shimmer is heavily placed on the cheeks (“strobing”). 

It is possible, however, to incorporate the desired social media trends, using a lighter hand, and with attention paid to the needs of the individual’s specific face/features, time of day, and formality of the occasion.

Create a “Wearable “ Instagram Look (IRL)

The Skin-

We all want beautiful skin; however, there is a current obsession with highlighting, overdone in an effort to achieve an unnatural glow to the skin.  For a current look, IRL, the skin can be radiant and luminous without the excessive use of hyper-real highlighting. For an instant, everyday “lit from within” effect, start with a well-moisturized and primed face.  Use a (sheer) foundation, adding concealer only where needed to color-correct, typically under the eyes.  To achieve the natural, luminous effect, blend a cream or liquid highlighter lightly over areas of the face where the light naturally hits: the forehead, the top of the cheekbones, under the arches of the brows, down the nose and, sparingly, on the cupid’s bow of the mouth.  Avoid contouring, unless you are skilled at blending to create a natural look.  In fact, “nontouring”, or simply highlighting without contouring, is thankfully becoming mainstream, following reality star, Kim Kardashian and her currently pared-down makeup.

*Pro Tip:  To “bump up the look”:  Add a highlighter to your foundation for an all-over glow. Kevyn Aucoin's "The Celestial Skin Lightening Liquid" is a waterproof and 12-hour wear, cream and gel hybrid formula that can be used to illuminate and as a skin treatment primer and foundation developer.  The formula glides on easily, bringing an illuminating effect to the complexion, and it absorbs into the skin without leaving a pale, powdery finish.

The Instagram “Cut Crease” and “Cat Eye”- Soften the look for IRL-

The Instagram eye makeup application is so harsh IRL, that instead of enhancing the eyes, it actually takes on a life of it’s own and creates a distraction. For an eye makeup look that is not harsh, as well as appropriate for daytime, we suggest trying the following:  Prime the eyelid: apply an eyelid primer such as Cinema Secrets Eye Primer. Select either a translucent setting powder or an eye shadow powder lighter than your skin tone to set the eyelid. At this point, it may be desirable to simply curl the lashes and add mascara. 

For a more finished look and to create the illusion of the desirable almond-shaped eye, you may apply a mid-tone from the lash line to the crease of the eyelid.  Select a darker tone to apply to the crease and outer corner of the eye.  Apply a light tone, with or without texture, under the arch of the brow and sometimes also in the corner of the eye. To add dimension, you can apply a subtle pigment or shimmer in the center of the lid. Line the upper lash line with a tight line of powder or gel, and smudge the liner with a lighter tone. Line the lower lash line, in the same manner as the upper eye, if desired.  Curling the lashes will “open” the eyes, while mascara will help define the lashes.  While you can add false lashes during the day, providing that they are “wispy” and light, avoid the social media trend of applying excessive layers of mascara.

Suggested Products
Eyes: Cinema Secrets Pro Eye Base, FIRST by Make Up First® (Maqpro) Slim Pro Palette, FIRST by Make Up First® (Maqpro) Star Powder, INGLOT Duraline, Tweezerman Pro Eyelash Curler, Kevyn Aucoin Essential Mascara

“Spider”, Full Dramatic Lashes v. Natural False Lashes-

Nothing creates drama better than the addition of beautiful false lashes.  On several designer runways, as well as on the reality influencers, however, we have seen bold, long, spider-like lashes, so dramatic that we have nowhere else to focus but on the false lashes. Albeit, good for fashion, long, “spider-lashes” are not appropriate for everyday wear; nor are the heavy, thick dramatic lashes, frequently worn by drag queens, suitable for the IRL face.  Natural and “wispy” styles will seamlessly work with your everyday makeup routine and add a glamorous, eye-defining look.

MONDA 217

Everyday Brows-

For brows that are groomed but not overdone, as well as appropriate for real life, do not create a dark, highly structured, angular brow as favored on Instagram.  The eyebrows provide a frame for our eyes; if the frame is too dark or too harsh, we detract from the beauty of the eyes and face.  Stay away from the use of dark, heavy pencil, and instead try using the more forgiving brow gel or brow mascara.  Follow the natural shape of the brows and with subtle technique, alter the shape to suit the particular individual.  The new Senna Powder Brow Pencil creates a soft brow; the Senna gel, Brow Fix X, has a fiber formula that creates the illusion of a fuller brow. For those blessed with full brows, we recommend the use of a brow gel to subtly enhance the brows, while keeping stray brow hairs groomed.

Want to learn more? Owner and Founder of Make Up First®, Jill Glaser, will demonstrate this LIVE at the International Beauty Show in New York, Sunday, March 12th, at 12:15pm in Room 1E18. Visit us at Booth 2559!

OCC RTW LIP TAR (LEFT TO RIGHT): INTERLACE, HUSH, DIGITALIS,  FEMME,  QUEEN, ANIME, 

MODELROCK MATTE LIQUID LIPSTICK (LEFT TO RIGHT): BORN THIS WAY, PURE POUT, YOU MAUVE ME, PLANET 22, MAJOR BETSY

MUSTAEV 10 SHADE LIP CREAM/PRO PALETTE

XOXO,

The Make Up First® Pro Shop Team

It's time for the Super Bowl! Whether you're a super fan or just going with the flow, we have rounded up some makeup ideas that will be sure to score this Sunday!

*Images courtesy of COVERGIRL® + The NFL

Products Featured from the top: FIRST by Make Up First® (Maqpro) Loose Glitter - #F03, Kevyn Aucoin - The Matte Lip Color "Evermore", FIRST by Make Up First® (Maqpro) Eye Shadow Single , ModelRock - Liquid to Matte Liquid Lipstick - "Major Betsy", INGLOT Eye Shadow Single - #382, ModelRock + ROSHAR Lashes - #007, FIRST by Make Up First® (Maqpro) Eye Shadow Single - #7002, FIRST by Make Up First® (Maqpro) Loose Glitter, INGLOT Eye Shadow Single - #321, FIRST by Make Up First® (Maqpro) Eye Shadow Single - 7109, Kevyn Aucoin - The Precision Eye Definer "Candence", FIRST by Make Up First® (Maqpro) Eye Shadow Single - #7001, FIRST by Make Up First® (Maqpro) Fantasy Slim Palette, Monda Lashes - #217, Monda Brush Tube

Just like  guys -  keep it simple and to the point... "douche" (french for shower).  Safe to assume that all men like to shower, so consider multi-use products:   Embryolisse Men’s Energizing Shower Gel, an all in one, facial-body-hair formula created for gentle cleansing. 

A complete soap-free facial-body-hair formula for gentle cleansing. This generous, fresh and delicately fragranced foam is easily rinsed to leave skin toned, soft and moisturized, and hair supple and shiny.

Men, use an exfoliator on the face and lips to keep in-grown hairs under control. Our favorite lip exfoliator is Cinema Secrets Lip Scrub.

Prep lips with these gentle but effective exfoliators by buffing away rough, flaky skin to reveal plump, pillow-soft lips.

Apply in a gentle circular motion wipe away. Follow with lip conditioner.

After facial shaving, be sure to use  Embryolisse Men’s Aftershave Balm, which will  soothe, moisturize, reduce redness, and calm the skin —all in one single step!

In a single step, skin is soothed and moisturized, pores are tightened and redness is removed thanks to its cocktail of natural active ingredients.  An ultra-penetrating gel emulsion with a woody, minty scent leaves the skin supple, soft and energized.

Looking to Enroll? Click Here. Products featured can be found in store or online. 

Products Featured: FIRST by Make Up First® (MAQPRO) Star Powder, FIRST by Make Up First® (MAQPRO) HD Pressed Powder, Scandinavia - The Makeup Finishing Spray, Palladio Rice Paper Oil Blotting Papers, Kevyn Aucoin - The Loose Shimmer Shadows, Kevyn Aucoin - The Sensual Skin Enhancer, ModelRock - Liquid Last Liquid to Matte Lipstick, Embryolisse Lait Creme, Cinema Secrets - Ultimate Foundation Primer, ModelRock + ROSHAR Lash Art (08)

Stuff yourself! You deserve it!

Shop our favorite products here :  Temptu S/B Blush Starter Set ($60), Smith's Rosebud Salve - Strawberry ($6), BECCA The One Perfecting Brush ($49), FIRST by Make Up First® (maqpro) Lip and Cheek Palette ($25), Z Palette Make Up First® Large Palette ($22), Tweezerman - Slant Tweezer ($23), ModelRock Lashes - Say I Do Lash Pack ($24.95), Practk PalMat ($10), Make Up Eraser - Make Up Mini Eraser ($12), BECCA - Beach Tint® ($25), BeautyBlender® Pro Pac ($125), Tweezerman - Mix 'N Match Runway Print Mini Slant Tweezer ($16), FIRST by Make Up First® (maqpro) Blush Palette ($55), ModelRock Liquid Last Liquid to Matte Lipstick ($23), Tweezerman Pro Lash Curler ($22), BeautyBlender® Original ($19.99)