SPRING Perk Me UP!

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 Spring is a time of renewal and refreshment and that is exactly what the Spring Runways offered with mid length skirts flirting with pointy tailored flats and beauty’s heavenly ethereal glow featuring cheeks flushed with the perfect pinky blush and countered definition all perfectly balanced with a sun kissed touch of bronze. After our long winter’s chilling temperatures, it is time to lift your spirit, draw light back into your face and refresh your look for a fresh take on new beginnings!

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As the Beauty Editor and Columnist for CAKE&WHISKEY, we’ve joined talents to encourage us all to reach for our dreams and balance the juggle with a touch of cake and a goblet filled with whiskey.

Slide6 * Highlights: Can often be expensive, aggressive, repetitive, and time consuming. Welcome “Bio Lights”(www.biolightscolor.com), created by Rick Wellman, Co-Owner and Color Director of Patrick Melville Salon & Spa Slide4  This fresh launch biodegradable highlighting technique, is fast, easy and natural (no aluminum & it’s Green!), helping to create a soft blended effect to your highlights and low lights so there’s less upkeep, maybe 2x/year. They simply last longer. TRANSLATION-thats time and money back in your pocket!

SO much love for Rick Wellman, Biolights and the Patrick Melville Salon team! The light and dimension truly woke my 8 months pregnant face right up. GORGEOUS!

SO much love for Rick Wellman, Biolights and the Patrick Melville Salon team! The light and dimension truly woke my 8 months pregnant face right up. GORGEOUS!

* Schwarzkopf “Essensity Lightening Powder: Gone are the days of ammonia based highlights, with zero odor and zeroammonia, this developer nurtures your hair as it brings life to your locks! Truly! My hair has it’s curls restored and my scalp is thanking me. After aggressive color treatments, you will FEEL the difference.

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Kevyn Aucoin-Celestial Bronzing Veil, Chanel-Eyeshadow Quad #537 (Lumieres Facets), Arcona-Eye Dew, Philip B.-Lavender Hair and Body Shampoo, Dr. Dennis Gross-Alpha Beta Glow Pad, Jamie Wolf-earrings

* Eye Dew: In the spirit of Spring/Summer Weddings.  Arcona’s “Eye Dew” is an absolute “I DO!” Refresh the delicate skin around your eyes and brighten with this super hydrating formula. Rebalance your eye area from winter’s gusts with liquid crystals creating holographic light diffusors, plumpers, all while repairing the skin from fine lines, puffiness and circles. This antioxidant rich formula is a staple of mine and a celebrity client favorite!

* Jamie Wolf: “Symphony in C Earings #4 ($220)  Pop art and metal trends seen on the runway translate from night to day for a really fresh take on the trend. I love these earings for a quick pop of drama and light around the face. A subtly fabulous statement of awesome. Jamie’s designs are inspired by her 10 years as a dancer with the NYC Ballet and are influenced by the timeless femininity found in the finest of details.

* Kevyn Aucoin: Nothing says Spring more than the look of soft contours! Draw focus to your cheek bones while defining your nose and jawline for a slimming effect all while giving your skin a fresh glow. Try: Kevyn Aucoin’s Celestial Bronzing Veil in “Tropical Days-Warm Bronze”.

* Phlip B.: “Lavendar Hair and Body Shampoo” reinvigorates your spirit with the soothing essential oil and botanical cleansers from top to bottom.

* Lavendar: Shadows & Pastel Makeup is all the rage this season. The heaven sent ethereal look straight from the runways is easy to accomplish with a sheer yet sophisticated pastel shadow, pinky cheek and cherub kissed lip! (www.stylebistro.com) Try: Chanel Eye shadow quad: Limited Edition “Lumieres Facettes #537 transports this season with the luminous lavender greys, golden ivory, rosy apricot and chocolatey brown. (www.chanel.com)

* Nude is in!: This season’s trend elongating your fingers after being stuffed in winter’s gloves revealing a fresh take on the sophisticated nude mani with glossy finishes for an elegant effect. Deborah Lippmann (www.deborahlippmann.com) Fashion Nail Polish-“Naked”- free of parabens and sulfates, her formula strengthens our nails as you wear the semi-sheer taupe shade. (nail photo www.glamour.com)

* Dr. Dennis Gross “Alpha Beta Glow Pads”:  For face and body-add some sun safely and give your skin a refreshing boost. This is the perfect on the go-gym bag essential revealing smoother, firmer, revitalized and glowing skin with Vitamins A & D! 

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“READY, Set, JET”: Ski Chalet Mademoiselle

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This might be our last storm! Spring has officially arrived, yet the chill and flurries in the air indicate nothing of the sort. Jump into winter’s chill, ski those slopes with abandonment and travel like a pro-chic and stylish with ALL your necessities and then some.  New innovations in skincare travel packs and amazing multi-tasking hair care and cosmetics aide you to simplify and customize your vacation beauty with ease.

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CAKE&WHISKEY: Winter 2014 Beauty Edition

You’ve booked your last minute ski vac a and are bound to race the slopes as a Ski Chalet Mademoiselle! Here’s your quick pack guide of winterized travel beauty essentials.

As the Beauty Editor and Columnist for CAKE&WHISKEY, a new launch women’s entrepreneurial newsstand magazine, we’ve joined to encourage us all to reach for our dreams and balance the juggle with a touch of cake and a goblet filled with whiskey.

 

 

DESTINATION SKI CHALET

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With winter’s last push it would be a shame not to indulge in a warm fire and wintery escape into the mountains. So, with yet another storm on the horizon, we quickly traveled to one of my favorite destinations where we could sip some champagne by a cozy fire, jump on some slopes or simply wind the day away in a spa like setting.

If you are taking advantage of our amazing winter snow let’s make sure you have all the essentials to transcend dry, chapping temps, while maintaining effortless beauty.

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My Winter’s “My Must Have Travel Items” just in time for one last winter celebration!

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Laura Mercier “Colour To Go” (limited edition), Sensai 38 celcius Mascara, Nardo’s Natural “Face Stick”, Nest “Passioflora”-Body Cream, Philip B. “Russian Amber Travel

SKI CHALET MADEMOISELLE:

Laura Mercier’s “Color to go’- Cool Eye, Lip, Cheek Palette: A one stop shop for everything face. This travel friendly compact comes equipped with three eye shades of suits-us-all colors that can go from natural, to defined and smokey in a second. Bronzer, Blush and Lip can take this face from dawn till dusk with ultimate style and perfection. (if you are lucky you can still grab this one online- Limited Edition!)

* SPF: Nardo’s Natural SPF 30 Face Stick UVA/UVB-protection-tuck this handy stick in any pocket for an SPF refresher on-the-slopes.

* Mascara: Kanebo Sensai 38` Volumising Mascara-long lasting, length enhancing delicate formula that removes only with a warm water. Fool proof on the ski slopes, great for looking polished even through a facial, and fabulous for no fuss excursions!

* Hair Care: Philip B –“Russian Amber Traveler” –  luxuriously indulgent moisturizing duo with the “Imperial Shampoo”,“Conditioning Cre’me”, and a “Dry Shampoo”. The scents are warmly intoxicating and will whisk you away with its paraben/phthalate free formula!

* Fragrance: Nest “Passiflora Body Cream” – wonderfully intoxicating luxurious body cream with passionflower, lily, hyacinth and lush green notes providing the ultimate mood elevator.

Fabulous warm Aviator hat -Sensibly warm and equally glamorous!

Alexander McQueen -Skull Print Chiffon Scarf – The ultimate travel statement.

Ray Ban -“Large Metal” Aviator sunglasses

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Defrosting by the fire

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“READY, Set, JET”: Sunny Beach Damsel-HAIR CARE & FINAL TOUCHES

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Your all-inclusive guide to beating winter’s bluster while traveling in style with the EXACT must-have trending HAIR CARE AND FINAL TOUCH items designed to help you travel light, compact, and complete! Jump winter’s chill like a pro-Travel chic and stylish with ALL your necessities and then some…do it this way and you’ll never turn back to the bulk of over packing again!

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CAKE&WHISKEY: Winter 2014 Beauty Edition

 New innovations in multi-functioning items brings “TRAVEL SIZE” to a whole new level. Simplify your routine and customize your vacation beauty with flawless ease.

You are ready to sink your feet into the sand and your bag is almost complete to whisk off as the Sunny Beach Damsel you are. Add these finishing touches to ensure you are traveling light, yet complete, which is essential to maintaining your flawless beauty.

As the Beauty Columnist for  CAKE & WHISKEY, a new launch women’s entrepreneurial magazine, encouraging us all to reach for our dreams and balance it all with a touch of cake and a toast of whiskey… Here’s the specifics from “My Must Have Travel Items” beauty spread from our Winter Beauty Edition (Jan-March 2014). I took the challenge to break away from a hectic schedule to escape the wail of winter. My destination: St. Thomas to set sail to the British Virgin Islands. Today’s focus, HAIR CARE for the BEACH escape!

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Off the Coast of the BVI’s! Desperate to sink our feet into the blonde sandy beach.

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You are almost ready to go, your bag is set with all of your beauty and skincare essentials, now for some simple HAIR CARE solutions and finishing touches you’ll be off! If sun, warmth, sand and fun are built into your destination let’s make sure you have all the essentials to transcend in-flight drought to jumping into the sun and fun on the beaches, while making an effortless transition to night time elegance.

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TODAY’S FOCUS – HAIR & FINISHING TOUCHES

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* Eugenia Kim –straw beach hat (glamorous sun cover) * Robert Marc- Cat eye sunglasses * Stylish Scarf (for in flight comfort and stylish sun cover) * Kiki De Montparnasse-sleep mask (oh so diva!)

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Cricket, Philip B, Elnett, Nest

HAIR CARE:

* Philip B. “Escape Travel Kit”-this all-in-one set completes the luxury of fine bathing with an essential oil based “Lavender Hair and Body Shampoo”, “Lightweight Deep Conditioning Cre’me Rinse”, “Lovin’ Handy and Body Cream”, and “pH Restorative Detangling Toning Mist” all infused with fruit and plant extracts to truly treat, replenish, strengthen and moisturize-a captivating spa-like experience!

* Cricket “Ultra Smooth Conditioning Comb”-Fight frizz with argan, olive and keratin oils. Repair and smooth hair with each brush through!

* Elnett “Satin Design Hairspray (Travel Size)-Loreal’s most amazing hair spray that never looks plastered and always has movement with a natural touch for those pesky, humidity prone, fly aways. This travel size will last you more than one trip.

* Bobby pins & Invisible hair elastics

FINISHING TOUCHES:

* Nest “Amazon Lily” eau de parfum-Sample your favorite fragrance or take this as the unique opportunity to try something new and exciting! Nest’s handy travel roll on’s will whisk you away to the beautiful memories of your beach escape or as a great reminder as you sink back into the daily grind. Amazon Lillies, tangerine, lime and white musk dare you to dream of the exotic.

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Super Chic Shades and a Hat keep you cool, sun proof, and celeb styled! Nest “Amazon Lily Roll-on Fragrance”, My CAKE&WHISKEY!

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“READY, Set, JET”: Sunny Beach Damsel-SKIN CARE

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Never turn back to the bulk of over packing again! New innovations in skincare and handy travel packs, plus amazing multi-tasking cosmetics aide you to simplify your routine and customize your vacation beauty with flawless ease.

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CAKE&WHISKEY -Winter 2014 Edition
www.cakenwhiskey.com

Traveling light, yet complete is essential to maintaining your flawless beauty. Embrace all-in-one ravishing products to help lighten your load!

As the Beauty Columnist for CAKE&WHISKEY, a freshly launched women’s entrepreneurial magazine, encouraging us all to reach for our dreams yet balance it all with a touch of cake and whiskey, (some days, it may be a  SHOT of whiskey...) Here’s the expanded version of “My Must Have Travel Items” from the Winter Beauty Edition (Jan-March 2014) as I took a break from winter’s storms.

Today’s focus: SKINCARE and the BEACH !

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Flip flops, anyone? Count me in. I’m tired of drudging through the winter gusts and the nostalgia of my trendy winter coat has all but worn off! With perfect timing I was fortunate to escape the receptive snow storms to soak in the St. Thomas sun and sail the British Virgin Islands.

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British Virgin Island Breeze

If sun, warmth, sand and fun are built into your destination let’s make sure you have all the essentials to transcend in-flight drought to jumping into the sun and sand. Protect, Perfect and Rejuvenate your skin all while traveling like a star!

TODAY’S FOCUS-SKINCARE

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 These innovative, must-have, multi-tasking, do-it-all travel savvy items can be easily packed to simplify yet enhance your beauty into one seamless bag of Brilliance.

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Courtesy: SkinCeuticals, Dr. Dennis Gross, Natura Bisse

SKIN CARE:

SkinCeuticals-“Physical UV Defense Sunscreen” SPF 50-paraben and chemical free providing broad spectrum protection!

Skin Ceuticals-“Hydrating B5 Gel-all in one moisture that is sure to keep your skin perfectly hydrated in any humid climate.

* Natura Bisse’-“Essential Shock Eye & Lip Treatment”-My in flight rehydrating cocktail built to nourish your lips, mouth area and delicate eye. To die for!,

* Nardo’s Natural-“Lip Volume Moisurizer”-infused with collagen & Vitamin B12.

Dr. Gross Skincare: “Alpha Beta Glow Pads” for Face & Body– Continue the repairative benefits while enjoying sun and fun. The anti-aging, exfoliating and self-tanning towlettes make it so easy. Body pads minimize shaving (score!) and any bumps we sensitive gals may tend to get while delivering the perfect tan extending sheer color.

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Courtesy: Nardo’s Naturals

 

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eHOW Style: Facial Brush Cleansing Systems to Remove Blackheads


Vanessa Elese and eHow Style: Facial Brush Cleansing Systems to Remove Blackheads

What is it with Blackheads! They creep up right after you swore you just looked! It’s not fair….Let’ make it right. With these handy gadgets of your choice you can optimize your cleansing routine resulting in a flawless, glowing, poreless and a Blackhead-Free complexion. Try it out. Don’t just take my word for it. You will love the results you feel after your very first trial.  

Here’s a little insider advice– when starting an exfoliating program it is best to follow your Unique face- jumping into a daily routine might be a bit much for some skin types, so start with a 2x/week schedule then gradually build from there. The results will speak for themselves! Your moisturizers and serums will become more effective not to mention your makeup which will glide over your skin! Just wait and see! 

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EHOW STYLE: Use Aloe Safely?

“eHow Style” Video

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Using Aloe Vera leaf in lotions is a great way to soothe pain from burns and calm irritation from some of the most common dermatological stressors AND help ease angry stressed skin. Whether you are using aloe naturally or buying it in your favorite products, here’s a few things to keep in mind and they just might surprise you!


These tips will help you get the best for your buck!

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Photos Courtesy Rain Africa

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Di$mond’s Are a Girl’$ Best Friend

DEDICATED BEAUTY QUESTION OF THE MONTH

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bfd blog 18a For the truly adventurous, amazing drugstore beauty finds can be such a treasure! Find your diamond in the rough right where you’d least expect it!

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I love to shop the latest in beauty products, but is it possible to find all of my essentials at my local drug store? With a new job and move, my wallet is feeling the pinch-Help! –Jennifer

I’m always up for the challenge of finding those seemingly irreplaceable items I love at my favorite store with equally mentionable if not more desireable items from right at my corner store. 

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 * Do-it-All-Balm: Aquaphor’s Healing Ointment Skin Protectant, duo box comes with two mini tubes perfect to pack into your purse and keep one at home. Use for : cuticle treatment, lips moisturizer, gloss, on the fly (literally airborne, dry spot treatment: try this at the corners of your mouth, and along the orbital bone for added eye moisture during flight!)

Nails: Sally Hansen’s Salon Insta-Gel Strips-Starter Kit Shelac nails done in the comfort of your home and for a fraction of the price. Make use of the multiple colors and designs they offer with a beautiful, like new finish for up to two weeks.

* Mascara: Love Dior and Givenchy? There’s a brush tip and formula similar for you. Try Maybelline “Full n’ Soft”  and L’oreal’s “Voluminous Volume Building Mascara” for a dramatic feathery lash in its original and oh’ so fabulous formula.

Lips: $1.99! luscious lip luxury from Wet and Wild’s “MegaLast Lipstick” Yes, I said it, hark back to the days, when you were dying to have the latest color on your lips and could only afford pennies, Wet n’ Wild was your answer and still can be! These shades are to die for and for a total steal! Trick: Dot some Aquafor on your lips for added hydration and a light glimmering gloss effect-use it in the center of your lip!

* SPF: SPF is most effective in broad spectrum products. Look for La Roche Posay’s Anthelios SPF for your go to skin shield that is fragrance- free, paba-free, shine-free! With antioxidants packed into it, its good for your skin too!

* Lashes: Ardell & Andrea create the most incredible lashes for a fraction of the price. Whether you’re looking for a full set or simply individuals to thicken up your lash line, these are my favorites and never cease to amaze me with their staying power! Try applying them with Duo’s “Lash Adhesive” in “Clear White”, the white actually disappears for a completely flawless application. Try: Full Set:  #105. Try: Hall Set: #301.

For individual’s “medium” length lashes are usually the perfect amount of drama, ….unless that’s the look you are going for is maximum drama, then by all means go “long” ….mmmhmmmmm my dashing divas!

* Coupons:A truly adventurous gal will not stop at searching for the ultimate savings…try resourcing the pages of your beauty mags or your favorite brands’s website for insider promotions and printable coupons! All the sudden your bag full of goodies just became that much more attractive! Gold Mine!

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It’s Killer Halloween Makeup

Inspired by classic costumes and hit Hollywood movies my make-up tips are easy to replicate at home.  Using botanical make-up and chemical free products alongside a costume you can make from your home wardrobe that truly comes alive with my expert tips, making for a kid and adult friendly Halloween to die for.

Cat Woman
Cat Woman’s fierce look can be achieved on any adult with a few simple steps and great products. Try using a bold eyeliner to create cat eyes, which are popular now.  Accentuate the eyes even more by using ½ a lash strip; remember to start mid eyelid and press towards the outside.  Use a deep black mascara to finish!

Combine a Black and White oil-free and hypo-allergenic face spray, such as Classified’s Spirit Spray, on a disposable paper or plastic plate and use a sponge (craft store or natural) and a q-tip to create stitching effect, like a torn mask, across the face.  Using a dark eyeliner, freehand stitch marks. Remember, precision is not key for the stitches!

Apply a bold Red lipstick, blot the reapply for a sultry look.  Have fun with your nails and don’t worry about them chipping by using a chemical free polish like CND Shellac, which comes in fun and festive colors for Halloween to last you throughout the holiday season.

Here’s a list of some great products I recommend!

FACE: Classified Spirit Spray: Black and White
(www.SpiritSpray.com and select Ulta locations)
*Disposable paper or plastic plate
LIPS: OCC Lip Tar: NSFW (“Not Safe For Work!)
LASHES: Ardell Accent #305 Black, Black Mascara- try Josie Maran
LINER: Josie Maran “Magic Marker Argan Liquid Eye Liner, (www.sephora.com) 
NAILS: CND Shellac (www.cnd.com) is my favorite for a chemical free way to celebrate the holdiays we chose this sexy nail set!

Try these CND Shellac colors on your own!:
*Studio White*,*Black Pool*, for the swirl *Decadence* (Swarovski crystals to accent)

 

Toddlers and teen-aged children have especially sensitive skin so it is important to use products that won’t irritate. Sticking with products that are beneficial to the skin, water based and filled with botanicals, I created this look!

Bat Girl
An adorable Bat Girl can be achieved with a few simple, kid (and adult) friendly products.

If you are crafty find the Batman image online and create a felt mask template or purchase an inexpensive mask that can be outlined then sprayed.  Place the mask template over your child’s face and have her close eyes shut.

Use a safe face botanical spray, like the Spirit Spray I previously used, mist onto face until desired color is achieved.  Peel away mask and Voila!   You can also free hand a mask by spraying the Spirit Spray onto a disposable plate and using a sponge or craft brushes to apply in the shape of a mask.

Gently, using a lip brush, paint on a bright pink lipstick. Using products that have more natural ingredients, such as OCC-Lip Tar, are good options for kids and adults because they are packed with nutrients good for the skin.

I chose these for Bat Girl:
FACE: Spirit Spray in Red (www.SpiritSpray.com)
*Bat Logo to size: try measuring and cutting within the shape for the perfect stencil
*A cute tip is to create a special sparkle on the edges of the mask for added drama: try your local craft store for some bedazzling jewels like “Sworovski Elements” (www.michaels.com) and apply one by one with a touch of lash glue.
LIPS: try Tarte “Lip Surgence” Natural Lip Stain in “Lust”-this product is easy to use with its pencil tip and click stick. (www.sephora.com)

 

Queen of Hearts
A youthful Queen of Hearts make-up will have you blushing.

To create a youthful face, spray lightly with a White face spray like the White Spirit Spray Use just enough of a mist for subtle color.  Apply Black mascara on top and bottom lashes and top with a full lash set. Swirl in an iridescent lime green eye shadow on lids.  Then, place a small amount of Red face spray into palm of hands and use fingers to create small circles on cheeks for a bright, bold blush.

Apply Red lips in shape of a small heart centered on the lips.  For the final touch, draw a heart shaped beauty mark just below the outside of one eye.

With this costume you can also have fun with nail color.  I recommend CND Shellac as well for a long lasting chemical free polish in fun colors that will make your festive manicure the envy of all!

Try These Products:
FACE: Spirit Spray: White and Red
EYES: Almay “Intense-I-Color” For Greens #414 (try mixing the two greens together for an intense pop) -found at your local drugstore
LIPS: OCC Lip Tar-“Anime”a little goes a long way with this minty pout maker
LASHES: Elite Lashes Full Flutter Set #6 Black + Lash Glue
FOR FUN: Try a cute “beauty mark” right below the outside of either eye in the shape of a heart. I like Josie Maran’s Magic Marker “Argan Liquid Liner” to draw and fill the precise shape. (www.sephora.com)
NAILS: CND Shellac fabulous sparkle nails flash royalty with this look. Try these colors “Hollywood” as the base color (with Martha Stewart Glitter)

 

Zombie

A terrifying zombie is simpler than you think.

Use the Green Classified Spirit Spray all over hands and face.  Make sure children close eyes tight when spraying on face. Combine Black and White face sprays and sponge onto face.  It is OK to mix with the Green and don’t forget to gray out the lipsThen draw in black gashes and black lines on lips.  You can use the same spray on your hand applying the lines with a craft brush or a toothpick dipped into the color, then use a sponge hallow out eyes in Black. For a super creepy look, paint bloody cuts oozing from the mouth with a Red face spray!

 

 

Try these Products for your Zombie:

FACE: Spirit Spray : White, Red, Green, Black

*Sponge-try either a body sponge cut up in to little cubes with rigged edges exposed or a natural sponge always works just as well too. (www.michaels.com or your local drug store)

SEE HOW EASY IT IS TO TAKE OFF OUR MAKEUP!
After a fun day of playing the perfect Zombie, Oden carefully took off his makeup. One moment a terrifying zombie, the next the most perfect gentleman! Thanks Oden and (Mom) Ingrid!

BetterShow” Oden taking his makeup off from Vanessa Elese on Vimeo.

Click Here to watch the segment on “The Better Show”

(More info about CND Shellac can be found at www.CND.com; more info about Spirit Spray can be found at SpiritSpray.com and purchased at select Ulta locations.)

What does your Halloween look like?!