How can I stay fresh, pretty and professional all at the same time despite my professional and hectic business schedule? I do not have time too worry about my makeup or personal appearance, but I need to be confident that I look my best at all times!

This is a common concern for many working women.

Worry no more, ladies!

You don’t have to go through trainings at the Mall and “beauty makeup workshops” to perfect the art of every day makeup that looks simply beautiful and professional and that will last all day!

Here are some tips and ideas in achieving simple yet sophisticated makeup look you can wear at work. Take it straight from me, a professional makeup artist in DC.

Before we begin with makeup tips and ideas, make sure you familiarize the basic rules in choosing the right makeup for a day at the office. Your makeup should:

• Last long so you don’t have to do a lot of retouching
• Be low-maintenance and easy so you can complete the look even in a rush.
• Enhance your natural beauty and not alter your features.
• Not be distracting (skip distracting bright colors or too shimmering and glossy products)
• Make you feel comfortable, confident and beautiful.

The Look:

Start with the base and perfect foundation then we will build up from there…

Laying the base and perfect foundation: Light, blended with a flawless finishing!

1. A situation that develops in most women is dull, dry and lifeless skin appearance. For this I would strongly recommend exfoliating your skin in regular bases. This will help you to get rid of the dead cells that lye on the surface of your skin making it look dull and dry. Once you do this, the appearance of your skin will dramatically improve making it look fresh, glowing and completely renew.
2. On everyday bases we need to make sure we have a clean and moisturized face before applying any makeup. After cleansing your face, apply a moisturizer that suits your skin. Hydrating your skin is especially important during cold weather season. If you have oily skin a good makeup primer will need to be applied, this will help you with oil control making your makeup last longer throughout the day.
3. If you are blessed with naturally good skin then skip foundation, use hydrating concealer instead. Dab the concealer then pat into your skin in light taps especially around the nose, underneath the eyes (if necessary) then blend it in. Set the concealer with powder. HD Microfinish Powder by Make Up For Ever is one of my favorites. If your skin is not as flawless and there is some tone and/or undertone discoloration, you can apply a sheer foundation before applying the concealer. The important thing is to not use heavy formulas or too much product. Only applying foundation and concealers if necessary and where these are necessary.

Natural Glow

Choose blushes and bronzers with neutral shades and looks natural on your skin tone. Some of my favorite Blushes for a work environment are the Bobby Brown Blushes, they come in different colors and shades. Apply blush lightly on the top apple of your cheekbones on circular motions – upwards. For contouring and to show the architecture of your face, apply a bit of bronzer underneath the cheekbone and underneath the jawline and a little bit up on the temples and near to your forehead hairline. Laguna by NARS is without a doubt one of my first picks! Then apply a bit of highlighter on the cheekbone and down the nose.

Accentuating the Eyes

1. Curl your eyelashes to open up your eyes.
2. Apply Champagne or Taupe color eye shadow, one of my favorites is Valhalla Eye Shadow by NARS over the lids using a perfect sheer crease blush. Then apply a slightly darker color eye shadow on the outer corner of the eyes and to add a little definition with the same darker eye shadow frame the crease of the eyes. Do not let this appear too strong, use an artist brush to blend them in as much as possible. Then apply lightly a dark charcoal eye shadow along the lash line (Typographic Eye Shadow by MAC) and on the outer corner using a 212 Flat Definer Eye Brush by MAC. If you wish you could skip the eyeliner, in most cases the dark charcoal eye shadow would be enough to define the eyes.
3. Apply mascara for extra definition, one of my very favorite mascaras in the market is LastBlast by CoverGirl.
4. Do not forget to polish your Eyebrows. For this you could use an eyebrow pencil (Veluxe Brow Liner by MAC), it comes with a very handy eyebrow brush. Do not forget to brush your eyebrows before the pencil application, and to blend the color for a more natural appearance you will need to do a second time brush after our eyebrow pencil application. This work like magic!

Professional Pucker

Use a lip liner that matches the color of the lipstick. Pink nudes and subtle coral shades of lipstick always look great for a professional look and works on any skin tone. You can always apply a lip balm right after that, RoseBud Salve (available at Sephora) it is simply the very best! Or if you prefer you could apply a lipstick of your choice. Applying lip liner first before the lipstick makes the lipstick adhere better.

If you need more in depth advice or training for your personal appearance, I give private personal hair styling and makeup artistry training for your personal appearance. Contact me, I will be glad to work with you!

Pro Tip from me, a trusted makeup artist in Washington, DC:

Invest in a good set of makeup brushes. It will make a big difference on your everyday makeup applications.

The post Every Day Makeup for The Professional Corporate Women. appeared first on Audrey Bethards..

Hello Everyone!

As the law of the land finally begins to acknowledge the love of everyone in the land, I am absolutely elated to work with Same Sex Couples on their wedding day.

What a joyous occasion weddings are, and it is certainly everyone’s right to experience the enchantment of a wedding day and the joyous of celebration of love.

 
Photos by, Ethan Yang Photography!
My personal experience of serving as a professional hair stylist and makeup artist on many Same Sex Weddings has been a privilege and honor.

I wanted to share some wisdom with potential hair and makeup artists and anyone else who is curious about the specific needs of Same Sex Couples on their wedding day.

The following advice is some basic expectations couples have of their bridal/wedding hair and makeup artists.

1. No Judgment

Personally, I believe a weddings and bridal events should be a unique and extremely amazing opportunity to celebrate Love and everything that this may represent. Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way. Like most people, Same Sex Couples want to be treated like everyone else who will be celebrating their love in nuptials in this very special day. For a hair stylist and makeup artist, this will mean to provide the absolute best of services. Working for wedding clients is indeed one of the most gratifying jobs to have. Because yes, it will require that the hair and makeup artist will deliver excellent quality service on someone’s most important day of their life. But the opportunity of making these brides look and feel like the most beautiful women in the world will be treasured and gratifying experiences in your career!

2. Understanding

Unfortunately, like in any other weddings. Same Sex Weddings could have uniquely sensitive issues that can put a little bit of damper on the day. Specifically sometimes family members will not show or not be happy to be there, but like I mentioned before, this can happen in any other wedding. Knowing to perhaps expect some familial tension will help you know how to handle any situations that may pop up. As a hair and makeup artist it is not your job to fix these issues, but it is important to be understanding, supportive and sensitive.

3. Expertise in the Area

Most of the Same Sex Couples prefer artists with experience in these types of Same Sex Weddings events. It is just comforting to know someone has specific experience and understanding. Obviously, if you are just starting to serve Same Sex Couples (or even weddings in general) you are not quite the expert yet. What you can do is offer to assist experienced artist on Same Sex Weddings to gain invaluable experience in the area. There is no better teacher than experience, so jump on any chance you get to help out as a hair and makeup artist’s assistant at a Same Sex Weddings .You may also want to consider Hair and Makeup Training to learn about these and other types of events and services.

4. Individuality

This should be essential skills for you to have as someone who is or who wants to be in the professional beauty field, but let’s take this opportunity to just get it out in the open:

Every single bride wants to look their best on their wedding day! And every single bride has their own unique styles. The brides are going to want a look specifically tailored to their own personality, wants and needs. It would be catastrophic to have two brides to look the same and not like themselves. Make sure you have a clear communication and openness with the brides to be, and design a very personal bridal look that will be suited to each of their needs, likes and personalities.

5. Bridal Trials / Groom Trials

Often brides- and sometimes even grooms will want to do their bridal trial at the same time, but of course they will not want to know how each other are going to look on their wedding day. As a hair and makeup artist, it will be your job to accommodate this desire to help save them time and money. It would be recommended to schedule their bridal hair and makeup trial on the same day of a Pre-Bridal photo shoot session. This will diminish the issue of knowing how each other are going to look on their wedding day.

P.S. It is wonderful to do these types of trials, so you get to see the excitement of each individual!

6. To Feel Like They’re in Good Hands

For any bride, picking out a hair stylist and makeup artist for their wedding is often a nerve wracking experience. Just like in any wedding, it will not only be your job to deliver your services above expectations, but also do a little reassuring along the way to let the couple they are indeed in good hands. It will be a big plus for you and for the brides to be, if you make your Same Sex Couples know and feel they are in the best hands, and that you are indeed happy, grateful and honored to be a part of their Amazing Wedding Day!

Conclusion

Just like any wedding, it is our job as a bridal hair and makeup artists to make the client feel beautiful, confident and happy! Working in weddings is not something that every Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist in DC or any other state of our nation is cut out for, and that is why it is a difficult field to succeed in. In my advanced beauty training courses, bridal beauty and Same Sex Weddings is something we go into depth in, so if you think you are interested in going into this field read more about my advanced training classes here.

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Oh my!

The first week of summer is here, and the steaming heat and humidity came with it!

It may feel nice after such a cold winter, but the heat does not play nice with many types of cosmetics.

As a professional Makeup Artist in Washington, DC and working in Miami and New York City, I’ve dealt with the worst of heat and humidity over the years with my clients and my own personal beauty routine!

When it comes to applying cosmetics, it is always important to use the right products for the season to get the best results, so I wanted to pass on some of my sage beauty advice to all you lovely readers out there!

1.       Just say NO to powders!

One of the best tips you’ll ever get for summertime beauty is just to stay away from powders whenever possible. Why? Simply due to the fact high humidity, ever-present during summer days and nights, will melt and dissolve powder-based makeup. If you are lucky, the makeup with just disappear from your face, but most of the time and with the help of natural facial sweat the makeup will smear all over faces creating a “hot scary summer makeup mess”!!!

2.       Use the best waterproof products

This may seem like a no-brainer from some of you beauty experts out there, but just remember, not all waterproof beauty products are created equal. My favorite line of waterproof makeup is the line AQUA for Make Up For Ever. Whether you want to resist sweat, tears or humidity, this line of makeup really lives up to its promise of being waterproof.

For the Eyes, an absolute must-have from this line is the Aqua Eye Liner Pencil for Make Up For Ever. This will stay on even if you cry through an entire summertime flick like The Fault in Our Stars– ask me how I know!

For mascara, I personally prefer the Waterproof Mascaras from CoverGirls LashBlast. It is inexpensive, doesn’t clump and comes with a wonderful separating wand. With cosmetics it is all about exploring products that work for you, but by sticking to the main principles I suggest to you in this blog, you’ll look great even on the most humid summertime days.

3.       Use cream-based products

Cream-based cosmetics are a blessing from the beauty goddesses for summertime looks! Most cream-based cosmetics are naturally water-proof, so they do not smudge and smear.

For blush, I highly recommend HD Cream Blush for Make Up For Ever, because it is just wonderfully weather resistant.

For eye makeup, try the Aqua Cream Eye Color from Make Up For Ever. This eye makeup is simply amazing, it will even stays on if you take a dip in the pool this summer, so be ready to spend a little extra time removing it before going to bed at night.

And for the lips, I totally love Rosebud Salve. This amazing Lip Balm will make your lips look so beautiful day and night. With out being sticky, greasy or too glossy.

4.        Care for your skin throughout the day

An important part of ensuring the long-term health and appearance of our skin over the years is not just worrying about the cosmetics of the skin, but worrying about the overall health of the skin too! With hot summer sun and humidity, summer can really do a number on our skin if we are not careful.

By using the following two products you can really help keep your skin happy. First off, you probably hear this a lot, but sunscreen is an absolute must if you are going to be out during the day.

For wearing under your makeup, I recommend MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 which provides protection from the sun and secures the appearance of your makeup.

Next, to help keep our skin glowing, not oily from the humidity, Oil Absorbing Sheets by Clean & Clear are going to be your best friend. These little bad soak up oil, not makeup, so you can keep the skin fresh and blemish free.

5.       Get the Sun-Kissed Glowing Look!

Some of my favorite products to get that amazing Sun-Kissed Glowing look are:

For beautiful glowing highlighting, Skin Illuminator in Copacabana by NARS and

For Toning and enhancing the skin complexion with shimmery incandescence, Skin Illuminator in Laguna by NARS.

6.       Seal the deal!

To finish-off any application of cosmetics during the summer, a setting spray really can make all the difference for avoid smudginess and messiness. Setting sprays helps cosmetics stay put during the summer, and they are great replacement for powders during the summer months. I personally recommend Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray for 4 oz. for most skin types; however, if you would like to find the perfect setting spray for your skin type, I highly recommend reading this article from Allure that briefly goes over different types of setting sprays.

So Long to Summer Smudges!

By following all of these tips it really will make all the difference for the appearance of your cosmetics and your skin’s health. Stay tuned to our blogs for more insider tips from your truly!

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Hello everyone!

A few weeks ago I made a Special Guest Artist’s appearance at the Paul Mitchell’s Academy in Tyson’s Corner, VA. To close this presentation, I preformed a Runway Mohawk hairstyle, but my favorite part was offering some professional advice to the students at the Paul Mitchell’s Academy.

It was so wonderful to share some of my knowledge with future hair stylist and makeup artists! Being in the beauty industry can be a challenge to newcomers, so I give them a brief story of how my career has developed. Personally I believe in ‘paying it forward’ and nothing makes me happier than extending a helping hand to someone in need. Talking to new students was a great chance to share my knowledge to the right people. Here are some of the points that I shared with the student at Paul Mitchell’s Academy.

1. Always focus on Beauty

My cardinal rule is to always focus on beauty, and not in what is “ugly”. No exceptions! When we get caught up on focusing on trying to fix the negative, we often forget to emphasize what is beautiful. In other words always look towards building beauty up, not covering something up. When you do this you highlight the inner beauty of the person, and that is what being in the beauty industry is all about!

2. Bring Good Energy

“Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space.” – Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor.

At one time or another, we all experience good and bad energy, and quickly learn and value the difference.  Remember, “Energy never leaves its source”. Whether you are working for runway models or at a hair salon, “there is no space for negativity in what it’s meant to be a creative space”. If you are grumpy and negative, you are going to work against creative energy. Only when you are positive will you build happiness, creativity and beauty into your clients, your co-workers and your work.

By helping everyone around you feel better about themselves, your work will be more pleasurable. Make sure that before you go to work, you check any negativity at the door! Remember you aren’t just here to apply makeup and do hair; you are here to help clients build a positive attitude, you are here to build, to create and to share beauty. It turns out then when a client is happy, they are also happier about the results of your work! And your co-workers want to have you around due to your positive energy.

3. Always Build on Your Beauty Education 

The more you know the more you grow in the beauty field. To keep up with the latest styles, trends and techniques it is imperative to continue your education. A beauty license is just that a license to work, but if you want to excel at what you do you will need to build and polish your craft. By the way, I offer private classes for Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Training in Washington, DC for those interested in entering the fashion, bridal or video-film fields or continuing their education!

4. Be Open to Working in Numerous Fields

Beauty doesn’t just stop and end at the beauty or hair salon. Dream big when it comes to pursuing your career in beauty, there are endless possibilities to extend your talent and creativity if you are willing to apply yourself. Look to work in television, video-film, photo-shoots, advertisements, weddings, fashion and entertainment. If you never look and work hard though, work will not just fall into your lap! If you do not know how to break into these industries, take a Hair Stylists Training and/or Makeup Artists Training with me. I could give you the help and training you will need to do just that, break into these difficult and much competitive industries.

5. Work as an Assistant

Working as an hair and/or makeup artist’s assistant unlocks years of experience to you, and sometimes you even get paid to be an assistant! View as working as an assistant not as a step down, but as an internship that will give you the knowledge and experience to help you create a solid professional foundation to perform better in your future career. Make sure that you keep your eyes open to always learn new things. Take notes and pay attention, so you can remember the experience you got from the unique opportunity to work as an assistant to a well experienced and reputable artists!

Conclusion

You’ll notice that there is a binding denominator in all 5 of these pro beauty tips, that is: “Positivity”!!! You’ll be surprised how far a little positivity, good energy and hard work can take you to achieving your dreams. We are so lucky to be in the beauty field, because we get the privilege of making others feel happier about themselves. In my opinion, that is definitely a gift worth giving!

“Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.” -Mahatma Gandhi.

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Anyone who is a hair fanatic knows that the “Ferrari” of hairbrushes is the much desirable BN1 Popular by Mason Pearson, right?

Sadly, most of us also know that this coveted ‘diva hair brush’ comes with a high price tag of $205.00 at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

Personally, I have owned a “Mason Pearson” brush since I can remember. I got my first “Mason Brush” about 16 years ago and lost it in an airplane. My second brush, which I use almost every day, has been with me for about 11 years and counting! Still looks wonderful and I use it almost every day.

Recently, I bumped into a very similar hairbrush under the name of ‘Beautique’ at our very own Sally’s Beauty Supply. Of course, it was not a “Mason Pearson”, though I could have sworn it was the same brush, under a different brand name and a much different price tag. Bough it, bought it home and after doing a close comparison between the two, this is what I found:

Similarities:

Both brushes have almost the same size, shape, proportions, and color palette.

They weigh almost the same, and have very similar type of bristles. For all these reasons the “feel” on your hand it’s very similar.

Differences:

The “Beautique” brush bristles and rubber cushion are a little stiffer, not as soft and flexible as on the “Mason Pearson.”

On the “Beautique” brush there is no drainage escape orifice, contrary to the BN1. This lack of drainage could result in humidity buildup within the brush upon cleaning, creating the risk of bacteria buildup inside it.

The “Beautique” brush does not come with the rectangular cleaning brush that accompanies the “Mason Pearson”.

Finally, the big difference is in the cost, with the “Beautique” brush featuring a smashing price tag of $9.99 USD!

Conclusion:

Needless to say, I love my “Mason Pearson” but, the “Beautique” brush could be a wonderful “second option” as long as we keep close attention with the bacteria buildup and this (if any) it’s handled properly. And of course… If you have a tougher scalp!

Now we just need to see if this our “second option” it will last 11+ years grooming our beautiful manes and looking as great as my Diva “Mason Pearson” hair brush still does!

Oops… I almost forgot!

Don’t forget the little ‘Mini-Me’ Pearson available at Sephora. Yes, once again, it is not a Mason Pearson but it is cute!

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One final view!

It does not matter if you are a Hair Stylist or Makeup Artist, this technique will apply to all stylists and artists working in the beauty industry. Great technique for Runway Shows, Photo Shots, Special events and Galas.

There is nothing better than standing about 7 to 10 feet away from your work and taking a look at it from every angle not only straight on. This will ensure your work will look great to everyone and from every angle.

Take this time for one very important final view and assessment. Analyze your work’s balance, harmony, dimension and over all your creative energy . This will help you see things from a different perspective, from the spectators’ perspective not from the hair stylist’s or makeup artist’s perspective.

This will give you an opportunity to really asses and appreciate your hairstylist and/or makeup artist work, deliver some final touches,  and improve the very final results.

Many hair stylists and makeup artists fail to do this, and it shows on the results of their work, giving a chance to say to themselves,

“OMG! I never noticed that!”, “If I only…”, “Well… next time”.

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“Welcome to our Grand Opening”

So finally we are here and this would be my very first blog post of many to come.
After so much research, work and headache the day to reveal my new website is here and I can not believe it is actually finish!
About 15 years ago I built and designed my first hair stylist and makeup artist website. Back in 1998 it was an accomplishment and back then, it was a “state of the art” in design and efficiency. But over the past few years my site needed not only a “Face Lift”, but a “Tummy Tuck”, “Liposuction” and a very serious “Chemical Peel”! Technologically speaking, I needed a more powerful platform, faster server and a total redesign. Basically, I needed an entire new website.
So I put all my hair brushes and makeup stuff on the side, worked hard on this website jumped on the HTML and CSS files and here it is.

I can not believe I have finally finished it and to only think that I made it myself!
Welcome to the “Grand Opening” of my new mymakeupbook.com !

I hope you enjoy it,

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Doris Elias

• About the artist 

Makeup Artist – Hair stylist’s Assistant. Doris was born in Ohio and now resides in Maryland. Her passion for makeup began in the 80’s when she was a teenage model for a neighborhood boutique. Encouraged to pursue it only as a hobby by her family, she pursued a career in the health sciences which eventually lead to her working at a clinic in Southern, CA that often served members in the entertainment community. Living and working in a “Plastic Surgery Mecca” provided many opportunities to learn about skincare and the latest anti-aging treatments yet, her passion did not explode until she began to study folkloric and performing classic Egyptian Belly Dance in the early and mid- 2000’s . The bright colors of the costumes and the exotic eye makeup had her hooked. Eventually, she knew something was “up” when other dancers started asking her to do their makeup and for advice. She pursued her passion fervently and began formal study in 2014. She is now a freelance makeup artist for special events and hopes to expand commercially in the future.

• First encounter with beauty

Coming from a family of blue collar and domestic workers meant always seeing her family in either a uniform or apron before going to work. Celebrations were especially festive because that is when she would see her mother take out her small bowl of cosmetics and transform from maid into a beautiful siren. Curious about her father, she would peak through the bathroom door and watch him groom his goat tee and then slick his hair down with black pomade to make every fluffy strand on his head become a beautiful defined curl. The preparations seemed to bring a peacefulness and almost therapeutic ambiance over the household that she tries to emulate with her clients.

• What and who do you admire the most and why

I admire people who have overcome mental, social, and physical adversities to accomplish their dreams. It helps me to remember that I have no excuse.

• What inspire you

I am inspired by nature and by art. I relate that to my clients by focusing on helping them be and look like their best selves.

• Philosophy on beauty,  

There is nothing anyone can do to make you feel beautiful, until you love yourself and believe that you are. . .

• Best beauty advice, 

A skin good care routine is just as important as a red lip and a little black dress.

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Erilisa Moore

• About the artist 

Hair Stylist – Makeup Artist. Eril was born and raised in Baltimore, MD and also attended school in Baltimore as well. She currently resides with her family in the Baltimore County area. She is a devoted soon to be wife and a loving mother of one child and a fur baby. She started her career in Cosmetology and continued on in Corporate America for many years while maintaining both careers and parenting. While “behind the desk” one day she decided that “behind the chair” is where she needed and wanted to be, so she made a change.

• First encounter with beauty
Eril has been in the beauty industry for about 17 years. Her gift was founded during her start in the cosmetology program at Carver Vocational-Technical High School in Baltimore, MD and that is where she began her hair journey. Most recently in 2014, she decided to further pursue her aspirations in the beauty industry by attending the Paul Mitchell The School in Jessup, MD. She felt that the re-education was essential in beginning a success. She has been taught all variations of color, cutting and hair maintenance, skin care and makeup. She specializes in caring for the hair from within the hair shaft and she also educated her clients so they will also maintain an at home hair and skin care regimen.

• What and who do you admire the most and why

I really admire anyone who has the drive, confidence and determination to make a difference in themselves while helping others around them in the world. I believe in “Giving Back” to those who may not be as fortunate, for whatever that underling reason may be.

• What inspire you

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away”. Pablo Picasso.
And this is what Eril does. She has been a devoted member of the beauty industry for many years and to see all the lives and confidence levels that she has helped change only continues to motivate her to give more of her craft. Her greatest qualification is her love and passion for the industry. She has gained a great knowledge of color theory, chemistry and geometry and loves to share this knowledge with other people; Clients and future professionals.

• Philosophy on beauty,  

Beauty shines from within. She believes that you should have that interior elegance which will exude through any and everything you do. Eril feels her job as an artist is to compliment what is already there, Debonair and elegance equals beauty.

• Best beauty advice, 

Eril’s beauty advice would include listening to your artist. She feels that is her goal as a Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist to create balance, a balance between creativity and one’s own natural beauty. Style is who you are and knowing what you want to say. The style you choose is your expression of the most radiant you.

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