Sunday, October 3, 2010

NEW CHANGES IN BLOG

Hi Folks

It seems that my constant fiddling trying to find the right look for the blog has now upset it somehow and my layout has now gone bonkers...

So, I have to now redirect you guys to my new blog.  I will send the link to you to become followers again.  boohoo....

I'm really upset here but nevertheless, the show must go on.

The new blog link is http://dixieannthemakeupartist.blogspot.com/


D.A.J.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Is there an Eye Shadow Primer out there that lives up to the Hype?

Its interesting that in my adventures as a professional makeup artist, I have met a lot women that enjoy using eyeshadows and yet are suprised at the possibilities of an eyeshadow primer and what it can do for them.

Just as there are tons of eyeshadows out there for our pleasure, there are equally the same amount of eyeshadow primers products that profess to be the 'best thing since slice bread' or in regular english words - ensure that the eyeshadow will be longer lasting, more vibrant and won't crease when used with them.

What I intend to do over the couple of days is create a series of where I will look at products from Trinidad and US that's available and give an honest assessment of them and how they hold up.

Part 1 - Urban Decay
I have encountered a couple primers and have even entertained the notion of using concealer/foundation on the eye as a makeshift primer and I can say it worked, sometimes.  However, thanks to some friends in the industry, they turned me onto a product line called Urban Decay.  I was aware of this product for a couple years now and I am a constant internet researcher, so of course I investigated it.  I understand that it was beloved by many for its 'powers' of 'staying put' but I was put off by the packaging. The original - Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion has a narrow shape with a wand.  As a makeup artist, I have two issues with that:


  • For the simple reason of hygiene, I am not going to put a wand on anyone's eyes or even swipe on hand before application
  • There is a limited amount of product to be desired and I like to have a large amount since I work with a lot of faces that can last for a long time
So I didn't purchase it.  Until now....The good people at Urban Decay have apparently heard the many, many voices of makeup artists and users alike and have decided to not only increase the amount of product available but change the size to be more user-friendly...

So guys, no more cutting in half....yes, its over!


It is the Eyeshadow Primer Potion Professional Size and this is only a recent development and I was lucky enough to actually get it when they debuted it.  I can say that the size is actually quite large and as the website claims "with 150% more Potion" available.

You can see in the inset picture that the nozzle is very tiny and non-drip and it allows for better control.  It dispenses about a pea size of product and the color is nude and dries to a matte finish and is not irritating to the skin. 

I used it on Thursday with a Coastal Scents Eyeshadow palette and after application, there was no problem with layering or blending of the eyeshadows.  It held up really beautifully for the entire day until 5pm when I returned home.
  
It retails for USD$29.00 which is approximately TTD$190.00 and can be found via this Link.  Its a great buy especially for the size as it will last you forever!

For those of you that can't wait to get it, I am going to search for a product that's available in Trinidad that can be a good alternative until it reaches in your hands!

OVERALL RATING: I give it 5 out of 5 stars

I will post up Part 2 tomorrow - Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse....

Thursday, September 16, 2010

BRIDAL TRIAL RUN FOR UPCOMING WEDDING

Hi folks!

Its been awhile since I've put fingers to keyboard but I have been on vacation and to tell you the truth, I've really just been doing a lot of nothing :).  I still have 2 weeks and a couple days left and yet time is flying by so quickly but I will try to utilize as much to get as much done as possible.

I have re-discovered the Face Chart and I intend to use for every look that I plan to do as it makes everything so organized.  However, let me put in a disclaimer immediately, I am not in any way neat but for some reason it provides a sense of order and memory recollection (which I sometimes suffer from) for what I products I want to use and in the proper direction.

This one is for my Bride-to-be Nekeisha and her wedding is scheduled for in a couple months...I had fun doing it so check it out!



For those professional makeup artists out there or budding professionals, you can download it by using this link Blank Face Chart!

Have fun painting!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

DAY 2 OF PRODUCT TEST

Hi Hi!

Saturday 2010 August 28

10:15 am:


I applied my makeup again but this time I used the airbrush gun to apply the Model in a Bottle - Original Formula on my skin.  I was thinking that maybe it would be more evenly spread and dry faster but to tell you the truth there was nothing different in the length of time it takes for the skin to shine.
 
My skin's t-zone area is very, I mean very shiny after a couple hours, so if I find a product that can work on me can keep my makeup matte for more than a couple hours or at least have a nice, dewy look (not the fugly shine) then I will say 'woo-hoo!" and recommend it to everyone I meet. I'm my own best guinea pig before I use anything questionable on my clients.
 
For this product, I think, however, it can work with airbrush makeup as opposed to regular makeup as the airbrush formulas are already designed to be more longlasting and matte-looking.  The other claim that the website carries is that it won't rub off. Let me tell you, it did.....
 
Overall rating - 2.5 out of 5 :(
 
Recommendation how to use it - If you already have it, do the double step of makeup application (foundation & powder twice) and then apply it or use it with MAC's Prep & Prime silicone Primer
 
Stay tuned for more Product Reviews!
 
Laterz....

Friday, August 27, 2010

DAY 1 OF 2 DAY TEST OF MODEL IN A BOTTLE

Hi Folkses!


Friday 2010 August 27
6:15 am:


Started using Model in a Bottle after makeup application.  I did not deviate from my typical makeup routine and I used:
  • Neutrogena Shine Control Moisturizer
  • Temptu Silicone Primer
  • Avon Loose Powder as my foundation and finishing powder (in one) for a light application
I arrived at work at 7:20am and my skin started to shine and it wasn't pretty...I will give a true look of the face at around noon for you to see how it looks after the makeup starts to melt away.

12:00 noon:
As you can see, my nose is very shiny and the pic was taken with an IPhone so there was no flash.  In fact my face was incredibly shiny for the entire day...and it wasn't the pretty kind of shine either.

I will try it again and this time I will use foundation (mousse formula) and then set it over.  Another thing I will do differently is airbrush it on, I mean after all, this is what I do...

After I come home tomorrow afternoon, then I will give a final rating. 

Thursday, August 26, 2010

2 DAY TEST - MODEL IN A BOTTLE PRODUCTS

Hi All!


I'm back with doing some product reviews.  I want to focus on the product, Model in a Bottle and the Lip Conditioner/Lip Sealer.  As an Airbrush Makeup Professional, I'm constantly perusing for the "next big thing", whatever it may be.  Considering that I live in country that has two main seasons, lots of heat and then lots of rain.  So the weather doesn't help with the makeup application and its a challenge to have it last for hours at a time.


So enter "Model in a Bottle".  I went onto their site, read up on the reviews - which I always do before I do my buying.  I hardly do impulse buying when it comes to makeup unlike everything else I own. 


What I found interesting about it was the claims and the advertisement (its on Oprah, Tyra Banks shows etc) - the makeup product doesn't rub off, be it eyeshadow or foundation and it sets everything.  (see website here http://www.modelinabottle.com).  I bought a couple items, namely the Original Formula & the Sensitive Formula.


What I will do is from tomorrow, I will actually take pics to document how the Original Formula looks after priming and full makeup application and it how holds up vs my Ben Nye Final Seal.  We'll see....


So onto to my 1st day of testing: Friday 2010 August 27th....


Stay Tuned!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

LATEST INFO

Hi All

I had promised to post up some pics of my latest work, however unfortunately my pics resolution aren't too great and it wouldn't be beneficial to me or the bride.

I have to apologise to those that wanted to see them...:-(  I really expected that they would come out well but I will focus on new ones in the coming weeks.

Also, I plan to take some vaca for the month of September from my 7:00 to 4:00 job, so that means more rest during the week and more portfolio building for my business.  That means more shoots....yaay!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

NEW CHANGES IN BLOG

Hi Folks

It seems that my constant fiddling trying to find the right look for the blog has now upset it somehow and my layout has now gone bonkers...

So, I have to now redirect you guys to my new blog.  I will send the link to you to become followers again.  boohoo....

I'm really upset here but nevertheless, the show must go on.

The new blog link is http://dixieannthemakeupartist.blogspot.com/


D.A.J.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Is there an Eye Shadow Primer out there that lives up to the Hype?

Its interesting that in my adventures as a professional makeup artist, I have met a lot women that enjoy using eyeshadows and yet are suprised at the possibilities of an eyeshadow primer and what it can do for them.

Just as there are tons of eyeshadows out there for our pleasure, there are equally the same amount of eyeshadow primers products that profess to be the 'best thing since slice bread' or in regular english words - ensure that the eyeshadow will be longer lasting, more vibrant and won't crease when used with them.

What I intend to do over the couple of days is create a series of where I will look at products from Trinidad and US that's available and give an honest assessment of them and how they hold up.

Part 1 - Urban Decay
I have encountered a couple primers and have even entertained the notion of using concealer/foundation on the eye as a makeshift primer and I can say it worked, sometimes.  However, thanks to some friends in the industry, they turned me onto a product line called Urban Decay.  I was aware of this product for a couple years now and I am a constant internet researcher, so of course I investigated it.  I understand that it was beloved by many for its 'powers' of 'staying put' but I was put off by the packaging. The original - Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion has a narrow shape with a wand.  As a makeup artist, I have two issues with that:


  • For the simple reason of hygiene, I am not going to put a wand on anyone's eyes or even swipe on hand before application
  • There is a limited amount of product to be desired and I like to have a large amount since I work with a lot of faces that can last for a long time
So I didn't purchase it.  Until now....The good people at Urban Decay have apparently heard the many, many voices of makeup artists and users alike and have decided to not only increase the amount of product available but change the size to be more user-friendly...

So guys, no more cutting in half....yes, its over!


It is the Eyeshadow Primer Potion Professional Size and this is only a recent development and I was lucky enough to actually get it when they debuted it.  I can say that the size is actually quite large and as the website claims "with 150% more Potion" available.

You can see in the inset picture that the nozzle is very tiny and non-drip and it allows for better control.  It dispenses about a pea size of product and the color is nude and dries to a matte finish and is not irritating to the skin. 

I used it on Thursday with a Coastal Scents Eyeshadow palette and after application, there was no problem with layering or blending of the eyeshadows.  It held up really beautifully for the entire day until 5pm when I returned home.
  
It retails for USD$29.00 which is approximately TTD$190.00 and can be found via this Link.  Its a great buy especially for the size as it will last you forever!

For those of you that can't wait to get it, I am going to search for a product that's available in Trinidad that can be a good alternative until it reaches in your hands!

OVERALL RATING: I give it 5 out of 5 stars

I will post up Part 2 tomorrow - Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse....

Thursday, September 16, 2010

BRIDAL TRIAL RUN FOR UPCOMING WEDDING

Hi folks!

Its been awhile since I've put fingers to keyboard but I have been on vacation and to tell you the truth, I've really just been doing a lot of nothing :).  I still have 2 weeks and a couple days left and yet time is flying by so quickly but I will try to utilize as much to get as much done as possible.

I have re-discovered the Face Chart and I intend to use for every look that I plan to do as it makes everything so organized.  However, let me put in a disclaimer immediately, I am not in any way neat but for some reason it provides a sense of order and memory recollection (which I sometimes suffer from) for what I products I want to use and in the proper direction.

This one is for my Bride-to-be Nekeisha and her wedding is scheduled for in a couple months...I had fun doing it so check it out!



For those professional makeup artists out there or budding professionals, you can download it by using this link Blank Face Chart!

Have fun painting!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

DAY 2 OF PRODUCT TEST

Hi Hi!

Saturday 2010 August 28

10:15 am:


I applied my makeup again but this time I used the airbrush gun to apply the Model in a Bottle - Original Formula on my skin.  I was thinking that maybe it would be more evenly spread and dry faster but to tell you the truth there was nothing different in the length of time it takes for the skin to shine.
 
My skin's t-zone area is very, I mean very shiny after a couple hours, so if I find a product that can work on me can keep my makeup matte for more than a couple hours or at least have a nice, dewy look (not the fugly shine) then I will say 'woo-hoo!" and recommend it to everyone I meet. I'm my own best guinea pig before I use anything questionable on my clients.
 
For this product, I think, however, it can work with airbrush makeup as opposed to regular makeup as the airbrush formulas are already designed to be more longlasting and matte-looking.  The other claim that the website carries is that it won't rub off. Let me tell you, it did.....
 
Overall rating - 2.5 out of 5 :(
 
Recommendation how to use it - If you already have it, do the double step of makeup application (foundation & powder twice) and then apply it or use it with MAC's Prep & Prime silicone Primer
 
Stay tuned for more Product Reviews!
 
Laterz....

Friday, August 27, 2010

DAY 1 OF 2 DAY TEST OF MODEL IN A BOTTLE

Hi Folkses!


Friday 2010 August 27
6:15 am:


Started using Model in a Bottle after makeup application.  I did not deviate from my typical makeup routine and I used:
  • Neutrogena Shine Control Moisturizer
  • Temptu Silicone Primer
  • Avon Loose Powder as my foundation and finishing powder (in one) for a light application
I arrived at work at 7:20am and my skin started to shine and it wasn't pretty...I will give a true look of the face at around noon for you to see how it looks after the makeup starts to melt away.

12:00 noon:
As you can see, my nose is very shiny and the pic was taken with an IPhone so there was no flash.  In fact my face was incredibly shiny for the entire day...and it wasn't the pretty kind of shine either.

I will try it again and this time I will use foundation (mousse formula) and then set it over.  Another thing I will do differently is airbrush it on, I mean after all, this is what I do...

After I come home tomorrow afternoon, then I will give a final rating. 

Thursday, August 26, 2010

2 DAY TEST - MODEL IN A BOTTLE PRODUCTS

Hi All!


I'm back with doing some product reviews.  I want to focus on the product, Model in a Bottle and the Lip Conditioner/Lip Sealer.  As an Airbrush Makeup Professional, I'm constantly perusing for the "next big thing", whatever it may be.  Considering that I live in country that has two main seasons, lots of heat and then lots of rain.  So the weather doesn't help with the makeup application and its a challenge to have it last for hours at a time.


So enter "Model in a Bottle".  I went onto their site, read up on the reviews - which I always do before I do my buying.  I hardly do impulse buying when it comes to makeup unlike everything else I own. 


What I found interesting about it was the claims and the advertisement (its on Oprah, Tyra Banks shows etc) - the makeup product doesn't rub off, be it eyeshadow or foundation and it sets everything.  (see website here http://www.modelinabottle.com).  I bought a couple items, namely the Original Formula & the Sensitive Formula.


What I will do is from tomorrow, I will actually take pics to document how the Original Formula looks after priming and full makeup application and it how holds up vs my Ben Nye Final Seal.  We'll see....


So onto to my 1st day of testing: Friday 2010 August 27th....


Stay Tuned!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

LATEST INFO

Hi All

I had promised to post up some pics of my latest work, however unfortunately my pics resolution aren't too great and it wouldn't be beneficial to me or the bride.

I have to apologise to those that wanted to see them...:-(  I really expected that they would come out well but I will focus on new ones in the coming weeks.

Also, I plan to take some vaca for the month of September from my 7:00 to 4:00 job, so that means more rest during the week and more portfolio building for my business.  That means more shoots....yaay!