So a few posts back we showed you a haul of some new make up purchases that Teneasha had made, and of course we were just itching to try out some new looks. Here’s a youtube tutorial featuring the make up look that was shown in the photo from the haul post. It’s a soft coral and golden eye look, primarily focusing on Going Bananas by MAC and #5 by Make Up Forever, which is a great peachy hue. It goes great for this spring/summer limbo season that we are in, and what’s even better is that it’s versatile enough to be worn for different occassions. Hope you enjoy, and feel free to leave any questions and/or comments.

Products Used:

Bobbi Brown Oil Free Liquid Foundation in Golden 6
Bobbi Brown Loose Powder in Brown 4
Urban Decay Primer Potion
MAC Select Cover Up in NC35
MAC e/s Going Bananas
MAC e/s Fab ‘n’ Flashy
Make Up Forever in #5
MAC e/s Swiss Chocolate
MAC e/s Soft Brown
MAC Fluidline in Black Track
MAC Pro Lash Mascara
Stila Gloss in Brown Sugar

Thanks for watching…and don’t forget to keep it blue!

When I’m bored or can’t sleep in the middle of the night I tend to surf the net, not a glamorous method to fill time, but it works for me. While searching for new and exciting things to share with you I ran into iVilliage. iVilliage is not a beauty focused site but they have an extensive “Beauty & Style” section.

Then I saw it (dramatic music)…Makeover-o-Matic…I clicked the button…and to my surprise there was an interface equipped for virtual makeovers. After a few clicks of the mouse “night time Teneasha” turned into “semi-glamorous. borderline ‘too urban…hehe’ Teneasha” Check it out:

As you can see this is not a makeover to be taken seriously. Kenya and I were crackin up as I virtually changed my hair, makeup, and accessories.

What you need:

1. A computer (with Internet…lol)
2. A basic head shot (they also provide options of model head shots if you don’t want to upload your own)
3. Free time
4. A sense of humor

Makeover options:

* Hair style/Hair color
* Makeup (eyeshadow, blush, lipliner/lipcolor)
* Eye color
* Teeth whitening
* Eyewear
* Headwear

Keep it BLUE!!!

Another day of browsing Etsy, and look what I find. Pretty Raccoon is a one-of-a-kind clothing brand that specializes in duplicating natures beauty and other unique prints on clothing. They’ve managed to apply patterns of animals and leaves without looking cheesy, in fact quite the opposite…its chic. In addition to their own designs, they feature a few one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. Check out these hot items…

You can see more of what Pretty Raccoon has to offer at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=9598

P.S. Check back tomorrow for Pt. 2 from the 4th Annual Makeup Symposium

As promised here’s part 2 of the 4th Annual Makeup Symposium that took place in DC a few weeks ago. So without further ado…

Class 1: Makeup for Photoshoots
Instructor: Danessa Myricks, Celebrity Artist and Master Educator
Class Notes:

* Know Your Model: learn the features, skin, and dimensions of your model. These characteristics affect your looks and application.

* Have a Plan: (1) How many looks you’re executing that day (2) Location of the shoot, inside/outside affects the lighting (its best to apply makeup in the light you’re using for the shoot) (3) Determine the order of the looks (best to start off more natural and work your way to the more dramatic looks).

* Know your Camera: (1) Balance (know the focus of your makeup look; eye, lip, cheek) (2) Application (make it fluid and without streaks and gaps, continue the foundation down the neck) (3) Details (the small things can make or break your photoshoot, i.e. disheveled brows)

Class 2: Editorial Makeup
Instructor: James Vincent, celebrity artist, artist for The Powder Group
Class Notes:

* Editorials tell a story; when designing the look you must consider the story.

* Top 4 Prestigious Magazines in the US (Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, W, Elle). Do your research, know the market, and stay on top of trends.

* A great way to get started in editorial makeup or other aspects of makeup artistry is to become a makeup assistant or work at a counter. This experience allows you to work on your makeup application while building networks.

* How to become a makeup assistant: Contact an agency and let them know you are interested in assisting. be honest with the agency regarding experience and your portfolio or lack their of, and make yourself available.

* Business Cards: Keep it simple and to the point. No photos, no quotes, and no Vista Print on the back. (that made me laugh…I guess that cuts out the 250 free cards idea)

* Portfolio: Have a variety of clean beauty shots (everything doesn’t need feather and rhinestones). Never have blank pages; your portfolio should allow you to add and subtract pages.

* Resume: Keep it clean. At most, a few small images on the header (in a row)

* Comp Cards: Good if you have a portfolio and GREAT if you don’t (a comp card is a larger version of a business card, with an image of your work and your contact information).

* Building your portfolio on a budget: Do testing. Testing is when you work on a shoot for free with photographers and stylists as an exchange of service for photos and field experience. (Check craigslist and model mayhem for opportunities)

Class 3: Foundations
Instructor: Lorena Simpson, Freelance Artist, Instructor
Class Notes:

* Step 1: Start with a clean and moisturized face. (A) Determine the skin’s undertone (Red/Warms or Yellow/Cools). (B) Select proper shade: select 3 shades close to the complexion and test on the jaw line. (C) Add concealer if needed to cover blemishes.

* Step 2: Apply foundation. Tools to Apply foundation: (A) Brushes- synthetic hairs allow foundation to move better (Ben Nye brushes are great & inexpensive) (B) Disposable Sponges-Natural absorbents that soak up more product but give you more control and greater sanitation. (C) Fingers-allow foundation to warm up to body temperature making it easy to blend, but not a great tool professionally.

* Step 3: Applying Powder: Powder helps to set the foundation for increased staying power. Also great for eliminating shine.

(left to right) 1. Teneasha and Denessa 2. Sam Fine 3. Teneasha and James Vincent

Class 4: Building Your Kit
Instructor: Aisha Ferguson
Class Notes:

* Foundation: Not a good idea to start building your kit with liquid foundation. Start with cream foundation in the lightest and darkest shade because you’ll be able to blend and create shades.

* Powders: Get powders with red and yellow undertones to accommodate the skin complexion.

* Mascara: Mascaras have to be replaced often, its ok to use a cheaper Mascara (Loreal Voluminous is GREAT). Buy Mascara’s in black, brown, clear, and something to accommodate people with red/auburn hair.

* Blush/Bronzers: Darker skin- berries & plums, Lighter/White Skin- corals, rose, pinks

* Eyeshadow: Start with matte heavily pigmented shadows.

* Eyeliner: Get the basics (black, brown, white, taupe)

* Lipliner: Start with colors to match your lipsticks.

* Lipgloss/lipstick: Buy in forms conducive to doing makeup on other people. Pots are better than tubes. Know the undertones of the l/s shades (silvers or golds) and stay in the same undertone while applying.

* Brushes: Eyes: concealer brush, short hair angled brush, 2 dome shaped brushes, and a crease brush. Face: foundation brush, blush brush, powder blush. sable hair fan brush

Class 5: Working with Celebrities
Instructor: Sam Fine, Celebrity artist for EVERYONE
Class Notes: (Let me apologize in advance, I was so star struck and focused on taking in his makeup application technique that I slipped on my note taking, but here’s what I have)

* Your signature look comes in time, don’t force it, its already in you.

* You learn how to do makeup by doing makeup (PRACTICE PRACTICE)

* Concealer: Should be lighter but in the same color family.

* Contour: Should be darker but in the same color family

I hope you gained some valuable information in taking your passion to a career and being successful at it. If you have any tips you’ve learned along the way feel free to share them with us as we all learn and grow together.

Keep it BLUE!!!

P.S. I know you might be on overload on posts from The Makeup Show by other bloggers, but VB had the esteemed opportunity to drop in and we’re just itching to give our take on it. We’ll be sharing some information from that event this week. Stay tuned!!!

It’s Kenya of VB, and as stated a few posts back, I’m taking a break and back in my hometown of Los Angeles for awhile. And just as sure as the sky is blue (no pun), I’ve managed to find a way to get bored. And I know the saying is”an idle mind is the devil’s workshop”, but in my case “an idle mind is make up’s workshop”. In my boredom, I’ve been playing dress up, just like I did when I was a little girl growing up as an only child. All I needed was a mirror and my imagination, and I had all the fun in the world. Well these days, those same things still do the trick, along with a train case full of make up goodies

This is a segment that we at VB like to call “Color Me Bluetiful”. It will consist of various make up looks that we have come up with. Some like to call it “FOTD”, but you know how we always like to put a blue spin on things *wink*.

Speaking of “blue”, that’s the color that inspired my latest look, entitled “Blue Magic”. It’s pretty much a replica of the look that I’m wearing in the blog profile pic, but a bit more dramatic. I’ve already posted a slide show of it on our youtube channel, but I thought it would be more beneficial to go into detail on the blog. Here’s a few pics…

Products Used
Face:
Milani Smooth Finish Oil Free Liquid Foundation in Honey Amber
Joya Blush in Peachy Pink – applied to the apples of the cheeks
Eyes:
NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Milk – acts as a base for entire lid
MAC e/s in Freshwater – entire lid
L’oreal HIP e/s in Showy – light blue in the inner corners of upper & lower lid and dark blue on the outer corners of upper lid
Urban Decay e/s in Zero – in the crease and outer corners of lower lid
Wet & Wild Sand Eyeshadow Palette in Sand Castle – pearl shade used on the brow bone as a highlight
Wet & Wild Liquid Eyeliner in black – line the upper lid
NYX eye liner in black – applied to lower waterline
L’oreal Original Voluminous Mascara in Black

Lips:
Sephora Lip Pencil in 731B – used to line the lips
ColorWorks lipstick in light pink
CoverGirl Wetslicks Crystals in Chocofix

More of this look can be seen here…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiv48U1PtWE

As you can see, I own a plethora of make up brands, and somehow I manage to find a way to use just about all of them lol. As we like to say at VB, “beauty is endless…so why limit yourself?” Feel free to diversify your own make up collection, and don’t be afraid to step out of the box. And if you ever find yourself bored, why not just “Color Yourself Bluetiful”?

Today’s One Stop Shop features items from Old Navy, the cost effective brand under Gap. Inc. We put together a simple, yet chic outfit that we thought would be great for spring, or even this upcoming summer season. So have fun at a Memorial Day Bar-B-Que, the beach, or even the mall and look stylish while doing it. And the best part? The look is affordable for even the most budget conscious fashionista!

Our Blue Cents: If the items in your outfit are mostly mono or bi chromatic (made up of mostly one or two colors), try adding accessories in an unexpected color. It’s a small adjustment that offers a pop of color and makes you appear confident and fashion forward. If your outfit is mostly neutrals, feel free to go as bright as you wish with your accessories. If your outfit is mostly a bright color, try adding neutral toned accessories to balance out the look.

1. Women’s Keyhole Tops $11.50 2. Women’s Mid-Rise Denim Bermudas (12″) $15.00 3. Women’s Embellished Leather Sandals $19.50 4. Women’s Tinted Aviator Sunglasses $7.50 5. Women’s Quilted Clutches $8.50 6. Women’s Two-Stone Drop Earrings $5.00 7. Women’s Wrapped-Stone Rings $5.00

For a Grand Total of: $86.50

So it’s Friday, the weekend is here, and what better way to celebrate it than by shopping? And if you’re going to shop, why not get a great deal while you’re at it? Well ladies and gents, that is exactly what the VB “Blue Bargains” segment is all about. We will use it as an opportunity to highlight great finds that are on discount, sale, or just overall affordable.

This particular segment will feature none other than CoastalScents.com. Coastal Scents is a company that has gained significant viral popularity recently due to their low priced items, assortment of products, and mass youtube exposure.

As many of you may know, I did a review awhile back on some make up brushes that I had purchased from them. One of the perks of making a purchase is receiving a weekly newsletter that informs customers about specials and updates. This weekend they are currently having a Memorial Close Out Sale due to their need to make room for new arrivals. And you know what that means right? BLUE BARGAINS! Here’s a few items to look out for…

Silver Deluxe Kabuki Brush – Every make up wearer needs a Kabuki brush. It’s great for mineral foundation, blush, bronzers, and essential for adding a great buffed appearance to the skin. If you don’t already have a kabuki brush, why not add one to your collection for the low low price of $4.95?

Angle Liner/ Spoolie Brush – Can I just say that I am in love with this duo brush? I featured it in my review, and I had nothing but praises for the precision of the the liner brush. More info can be found here http://youtube.com/watch?v=8XBSiOHpou0. You too can experience it for the price of $2.29

Mini Sable 8 Piece Set – This set of brushes is made with sable bristle hairs, detailed finishing, and an assortment that would be great for any make up collection. The Kit includes: a tapered blush brush, a powder dome brush, shadow brush, round contour brush, angle liner brush, oval lip brush, spoolie lash brush, and a black nylon case for storage. It can be yours for $15.95

Pink 5 Piece Travel Set – This set is surely to make you feel like a pretty pretty princess while applying your make up. Pink brushes! How cool is that? In addition, the powder brush is made with the best quality goat hair and the shadow brush is made with sable. All of that for only $2.49. You just can’t beat that.
California Tan Get Started Kit – Since I’m a little more melanin inclined, I have yet to try out tanning, but I thought this would be a great item for you chicas out there that wanted to try out a lovely summer glow for the upcoming season. This kit comes with a 2.5 oz exfoliator prep, 2 oz neutralizer spray, 2 oz tinted self tanning spray, 2.5 oz tan extending moisturizer with bronzers for a total of $15.95
Cuccio Mani Fizzie Pack Assorted – You drop one of these bad boys in some water and your skin and cuticles come out feeling moisturized and softened. It’s also great for sanitizing and whitening the nails. The pack comes with 8 assortments: seaweed, papaya green-tea and milk&honey. This would be a great item to achieve those ideal manies and pedies for the spring and summer for the price of $5.95.

Collagen Elastin Cream – Here’s what Coastal Scents has to say about this product that I think would be a great addition to the skin regimen, “a high quality emollient and nourishing treatment cream, which can be used as a day (under makeup) and night cream for normal, combination and dry skin. After cleansing and toning, use once or twice daily. Contains a blend of fine oils, natural marine hydrolyzed collagen, hydrolyzed elastin, carrot oil (natural vitamin A), chlorophyll, and botanical extracts. Soothes and softens the skin, helps to improve firmness and elasticity.” All of that goodness in a jar for a price of $12.95

There’s no time to waste, so lets jump right in. If you are a professional, freelance, up-and-coming, or aspiring makeup artist there’s a company you should be extrememly familiar with…The Powder Group. The Powder Group along with Metropolitan Events and Productions organizes the Makeup Show (fyi they’re adding the Makeup Show in LA in 2009). The Powder Group is also responsible for On Makeup Magazine (sign-up NOW). These tools offer amazing networking opportunities and inside tips on the world of beauty.
Now for a recap on the VB experience in NYC…

This was my first year attending The Makeup Show and my initial thoughts afterwards were…”Makeup Overload”. Upon entering the Pavillion, you’re faced with 66 cosmetic companies and over 3200 fellow makeup artists, there are workshops going on, and demonstrations at various booths. Whooo, its a lot to take in…in fact, I’m still digesting all of the information.

While browsing the booths, Latoya and I (my Makeup Show partner…since Kenya’s holding down the West Coast this summer…tear tear) were asked to be models in the Master Workshop. Let me tell you how unbelievable that was. First of all, there’s only 1 Master Workshop per day and it costs $275 per person…and that was definitaly not in the budget…so as models we got the best of both worlds; We were made-up and we sat in on the workshop for FREE. This year’s Master Workshop was lead by Joanna Schlip, who works as a Special Events Makeup Artist, which is the hottest of the hot (she only does makeup for celebrities when they need to look their absolute best). After sharing her tips, she watched as the attendees made up their models. My artist, Angela, flew in from Switzerland and Latoya’s artist flew in from the Phillipines to attend the Show, and they were fabulous. Yes, it is that serious, attendees come from all over the world to attend The Makeup Show!!!

left to right 1. Teneasha and MUA Angela 2. Joanna Schlip 3. Joanna and Teneasha

After the workshop, we immediately started browsing the booths. The Makeup Show is the perfect time to build/add on to your kit or your personal collection because all of the brands offer their products at a discounted rate and they items available that are only specifically catered to their professional clientele (and in some cases items from upcoming collections).
While browsing we ran into SilverRain Studios, a cosmetic brand that specializes in theatre makeup. As we admired the work of the demonstrating artist, Latoya and I decided to get some extravagant makeup done to wear for the remainder of the Show.

(left to right) 1. Latoya 2. Teneasha and SilverRain MUA 3. Teneasha and Latoya

After having had not one, but two makeovers for the day, the only thing left to do was shop and network. I ran into so many attendees from the Celebrity Makeup Symposium and even some fellow bloggers. We had an amazing time, however, I will still have to adjust my strategy for the 2009 Makeup Show to make sure I visit more booths and get more exclusive information for you guys.

If there’s anything that struck your fancy in this post or any piece of the puzzle you feel has been left out in the blog world on the Makeup Show please let me know and I’ll do my best to share the information I have.
Keep it BLUE!!!

When trying to master your personal image, the right products can make the world of difference. Here are some products that we can’t live without. If you’re planning on making some beauty purchases in the near future, you just might want to consider these…
Hair:

Conair’s Yellow Bird Hair Dryer. If you have hair, especially natural hair for my African-American ladies, you need this blow dryer. It does half the work for you in the straightening process.

http://www.amazon.com/Conair-YB075-Yellow-Bird-Dryer/dp/B000O9R8FM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1206329438&sr=1-1

Fragrance:

Marc Jacob’s Daisy. This perfume is femininity in a bottle. I’m not a floral person, but this is the perfect mix of light floral and vanilla. All it takes is one sniff. It”ll change your life.

http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P191858&categoryId=B70

Beauty:

MAC’s Pro Longlash. Everyone wants long luxurious lashes, unfortunately, we all weren’t born with them. If you’re like me and suffer from “short, straight lash” syndrome MAC has created the cure. Pro Longlash does exactly what the name suggests, it give you the longest lashes ever.

http://www.maccosmetics.com/templates/products/mp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY15102

To show our complete list of favorite items would probably create a post that’s longer than a dissertation. This post only listed a few things, but we’ll come back sporadically with great updates. Send us a comment if you have any questions or concerns about any item that we listed. Also feel free to offer suggestions of your own. What’s one of your favorite things?

Keep It BLUE!!!