It's been a while since I did a post for my aspiring make-up artist readers - when I came across this Be Your Brand tip in my inbox, I immediately thought it would be useful for anyone working towards their entrepreneurial dreams!

The tip comes courtesy of Victoria Colligan, Founder of Ladies Who Launch - an interactive site where aspiring female entrepreneurs can find tips and inspiration on how to launch their own business. Read the full scoop by clicking on the picture below:

Key points to think about from this tip for all us aspiring freelancers:

• You are a walking business card. You represent a brand.
  Think about it - when you go for a job interview, you might practice a few mock questions, but you will always polish up your look if you want to make a good first impression. Same rule goes for when meeting with your potential make-up clients, present yourself well, as that first impression becomes associated with you, your skill level and your brand. I'm not saying to do avant-garde runway make-up to show off your make-up talent - consider your audience and what the job is for (i.e. corporate gig or bridal) - and dress (and do your make-up!) accordingly.
  
  I know it's not always practical to have the time to be the glamorous one, especially for early wake-up calls and for when you're juggling all the things you have to do in a day. But it only takes a few items (i.e. concealer, mascara, coloured gloss, blush - you get the idea!) to take you from 'just-woke-up' to 'I-made-the effort'. As Colligan states, "it’s worth it to spend a little extra time to look clean, crisp and put-together". You are your brand!
  
  
• It lends credibility to what we are doing and conveys passion around our venture
  Dressing the part helps to convey the message that you are a professional and that you take what you do seriously. Talk the walk, but walk the talk, etc.
  
  
• Customers are only human and they will subconsciously judge your inside by what they see on the outside.
  For an industry based on appearance like make-up, you can't deny that people may judge from the outside in, albeit subconscious. Your overall presentation (and yes, how you do your make-up) will be key to getting your foot in the door and eventually knocking those doors down!
  

Side note: I'm excited to finally be participating in the LWL Toronto workshop this month - anyone else signed up???! :)

Q: I have really oily eyelids so anything I use seems to disappear or smudge in only a few hours. Based on your recommendation, I tried using one of L'oreal's liquid liners, but find that it's not working for me either. By the end of the day, my eyelids are still oily and the oils (I think) break down the liquid liner, making it smudge. I've almost given up on it, but are there any make-up artist tricks you can advise of? Thanks for the help!!

A: Great question! I used to have this issue when first starting to use liquid liner. In the early days, I experimented with using some concealer and powder on the eyelids to help act as a barrier between the natural oils on the lids and the liquid liner.

But once I discovered MAC Paints and MAC Paint Pots, I never turned back. Just choose a neutral colour that matches (or is slightly lighter) than the skin on your own eyelid for a natural effect. From the Paints, try Sublime Nature, Bare Canvas and Paint Pots in Soft Ochre and Bare Study to see which one best suits your own skin tone. Either apply the product all over the lid from lashline up to the eyebrow or focus the application simply atop the eyelid. You may see some slight creasing later the day (especially if your eyelids are oily like mine!), but the liquid liner will definitely remain intact!

ARTIST TIP: MAC Paints and Paint Pots also double as a great base for eyeshadow application.

Related posts:
ARTIST TIP | How to Make Eyeshadow Last
Q & A | Smudging Eyeliner on Asian Lids
PRODUCT REVIEW | L'oreal Lineur Intense

June was an amazingly busy month, filled with wonderful brides-to-be! I have lots of pics to work on and upload in the next few weeks so keep checking back or sign up for updates! In the meantime, check out some of the behind the scenes pics of Emily's Big Day. For the full set including before and after photos, see the gorgeous bride on artistrhi.com.ARTIST TIP: Use lipliner to trace the lips, alter the shape slightly (if desired) and act a as a base for lipstick application. A couple of my fave lipliners are MAC's Cremesticks ($16 CAD) and Revlon's Colorstay (approx. $6 CAD and pictured above). The colour of these lipliners glide on creamy, which make them perfect for filling in the entire lip without dragging the skin.

Photos of the gorgeous bride, Agata, have now been added to artistrhi.com! Other than being blessed with obviously amazing genes, a couple of products that were key in achieving Agata's natural beauty bridal look were:

1. L'oreal Liquid Eyeliner
Longlasting and waterproof - this liquid liner is a bride's best friend! Keep the line tight (rather than thick) to the lashes for more of a naturally enhanced look that will still make your eyes pop.

2. Quo lashes (available at Shoppers Drug Mart)
Agata's look was all about lashes - we used Quo lashes in #801 for a full-on fringe to frame her beautiful eyes. I'm a huge fan of Quo lashes (good quality, amazing pricepoint of $6 CDN!). I opt for the ones that are more of a natural length when it comes to my bridal clients.

3. Duo Lash Glue
Your lashes will stay put day into night with this super eyelash adhesive. I've tried other brands, but the consistent performance of Duo's Lash Glue puts it at the top of my list!

ARTIST TIP: Liquid liner works well to conceal the false eyelash band. Apply the liquid liner before the false lashes are on so you can access all the tiny gaps in the lashline. (Once the lashes are on, it becomes more difficult to fill in the tiny gaps along the eyelash line). After the false eyelashes have been applied, add more liquid liner to conceal the band and perfect the line (see photo above).

See more of the lovely Bride here!

Related posts:
BEAUTY SHOT | Agata
All About Eyeliner

Sometimes we have to go back to the drawing board and re-evaluate our make-up routine, as changes in our skin or in our trusted go-to products result in the product not working in the same way we remember. I haven’t noticed a changed in my skin recently, but for whatever reason unbeknownst to me (maybe it’s a seasonal change), lately it doesn’t seem to react well to my kit essential Smashbox Primer. I tried converting to the lighter Oil-Free version, but still no such luck – my T-zone looks a lot shinier by the lunchtime mark (usually I was touch-up free until that afternoon break)!

I decided to give Cargo’s HD Primer a shot after reading great reviews about it by other bloggers. The result? Cargo’s Primer has become my go-to primer. The primer seems to be tinted when it initially comes out of the tube, but blends into the skin seamlessly, regardless of skin tone. It leaves the skin with a smooth, silky feel - all without being greasy. The formula itself is light (think of an almost whipped consistency) and non-scented. My foundation has reverted to the normal staying power, and my touch-up comes later in the day!

For my client applications, I’ve found that Cargo’s Primer works better on normal to oily skin types. For dry skin types, I still find Smashbox’s Primer to be the better choice.

ARTIST TIP: I’ve noticed in recent months that there’s alot of these primer samples being offered at either Shoppers Drug Mart or Sephora. Never hesitate to ask the sales associate if they have a sample of any product you’re interested in - it never hurts to try before you buy!

I spoke of the refreshing properties of rosewater the other day with MAC’s Fix+Rose, but you don’t necessarily have to go to a major cosmetics counter to get the effect. This Artist Tip came courtesy of my awesome airbrushing teacher, Paulina, who herself is an experienced Professional Make-up Artist and savvy make-up consumer. Rosewater and Glycerin is one of those underestimated homemade concoctions you would probably look past in your grandmother’s make-up cabinet, but the all-natural formula is a treat for your skin! Spritz the product a couple of times on the face before applying lotion for a soothing mist that helps to revitalize and moisturize the skin. You can also spray it on the face after you apply make-up to help the make-up settle into the skin (works best when used after applying glycerin-based make-up products). You can find rosewater and glycerin at your local health food store, at a steal at under $10 per bottle! Grab a bottle – your skin will thank you.

Related posts:
PRODUCT REVIEW | MAC Dazzleglass and Rose Romance Collections
ARTIST TIP | All

Q: Hi Rhia, I know this may sound silly that I don’t know this, but how often should I be washing my brushes?

A: Hardly a silly question (and the topic is totally in tune with yesterday’s post about spring cleaning!)! I actually get asked this question pretty frequently by clients. Quality brushes are quite the investment, and the problem is that many women aren’t taught how to maintain them properly…and not taking care of them properly can translate into the brushes not lasting as long as they should!

To clean your brushes, use a gentle brush shampoo* and massage it into the bristles to cleanse it throughly. Rinse well to clear the bristles of all shampoo suds. Blot the brush a couple of times on a papertowel to get rid of excess water and sculpt the brush back into shape. Hang over a counter and let air dry overnight.

*Instead of a brush shampoo, you can swap hair shampoo and even dish detergent (international celebrity make-up artist Laura Mercier does this!) to cleanse your brushes.

In terms of frequency for washing brushes, you’ll notice how brushes work and apply better the more you clean them. But let’s be realistic - in the life of the everyday woman, amongst your tall list of things to do daily, brush washing likely isn’t one of your top 10. As a general rule of thumb, you can wash the brushes you use for powders and eyeshadows after multiple uses (I would say at most after every 3 uses, but even that's pushing it!). For cream and liquid make-up products (such as concealers and foudations), you should ideally clean these everyday (or after each use). Again, the more often you clean your brushes, the better the results will be for your make-up application.

Keep these tips in mind to help ensure your quality brushes make you and your make-up look good – for a long time!

Each time a new season rolls around, it’s a great time to filter through your make-up kit to see which items need tossing and replacement. Many of us are guilty for holding onto make-up products past their prime. But for the sake of being sanitary and good to your skin, a little due diligence when it comes to cleaning out your kit is essential. Besides, any excuse to go make-up shopping always works for me!

Here are some telltale signs that your make-up kit is in need of a spring make-over:

1. products start smelling funky
i.e. mascara – Once opened, mascara has a life span of approximately 3 to 4 months. You’ll notice a funky smell once it starts going bad and the formula will be more prone to clumping. Toss.

2. products don’t glide on in the same manner they use to
i.e. powder eyeshadows – If you’re digging away at that eyeshadow and find the pigment just isn’t as potent as it used to be, it’s likely time to replace! Your eyelids will thank you once you start applying that new, creamy eyeshadow that just glides without having to pull at the delicate eye area !

3. liquid products have separated
i.e. foundations – No amount of shaking can get rid of that orange tinge that happens when your foundation has been kicking around for too long. Be good to your skin, and replace your foundation every 18-24 months (or sooner if it looks like it’s separating!).

4. you haven’t bought anything new in a couple of years
No-brainer. Go treat yourself to a fresh new look and properly ring in spring!

For more info on when it’s time to toss, see this post here. Happy Spring Cleaning!

ARTIST TIP: Waaait - don’t throw out everything just yet! Hold on to any MAC containers for the Back to MAC recycling program, where you can get a free lipstick (or equivalent) for recycling your old purchases!

Q: Hi Rhia, Thanks for all your travel tips on your blog! They are very helpful as I pack for my Spring Break trip! One question I do have though is how do I keep my eyeshadow from melting away in the heat?

A: Great question! Believe me, you’re not the only one with these gripes – this question is right up there in the top ten list of what I get asked the most! So it’s worth driving the message home that eyeshadow can be low-fuss when the right products are used! I have oily lids myself, so wearing darker eyeshadows used to be tricky as it never failed – the product would gravitate towards the crease. Enter cream eyeshadows. From personal experience and from working with brides (who need their make-up to last all day), I find the combination of layering cream and eyeshadow lasts longer together, rather than wearing either product on its own.

How to Apply
Choose a neutral shade and use it as a base for your powder eyeshadow application. With your ring finger, layer on the cream eyeshadow all over the eyelid. Proceed with application of your powder eyeshadow.

Recommended Products
Some cream eyeshadows just don't make the cut. Here are some of my favourite tried and tested cream eyeshadows:
1. MAC Paints and MAC Paint Pots
2. Laura Mercier Creme Eye Colour

Related Posts
PRODUCT REVIEW | MAC Paint Pot

Winter's nearly over, but summer can't come soon enough! For those planning a Reading Week/Spring Break retreat (or for those wanting to fast forward to warmer days but are stuck here at home), here are some tips for a low-maintenance beach-ready look to help heat it up!

1. peachy pink blush/highlighter
I love MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish in RedHead for achieving this part of the look. This highlighting powder comes in a spectrum of peachy pink. Its sheer but shimmery finish works beautifully to show off your tan in progress. Use a large powder brush to concentrate the application on the sides of the forehead, down the temples and atop the cheekbones. Now, just sit back and enjoy the sun...and you'll be glistening in all the right places!

2. a coral lipgloss
Add some punch to your lips with a coral coloured lipgloss. Coral is a universally flattering shade that will add a gorgeous complement to your tanned tone. To get the look, I like to keep MAC's Lipglass in Lychee Luxe (pictured above) handy.

3. clear mascara
Add some lift to your eyelashes by initially using an eyelash curler. Set the curl with a couple of light coats of clear mascara. You can very well use black (or any mascara colour of your choice), but just keep your plan to tan poolside, rather than in the water. Keep in mind that even "waterproof" formulas aren't necessarily made to withstand prolonged time in the water! In other words, stick to clear mascara and you're in the clear!

Lastly, don't forget your sunblock. Enjoy!

While on vacation, we all still want to look fab without necessarily being worried about our usual make-up routine. Returning from vacation recently, I realize that I did it again - I had packed way too much make-up and used only half of what I actually brought! There are some definite make-up travel essentials that I'd likely still take to a deserted island with me! Here's my list of essential make-up items when traveling (and hopefully I'll be more efficient when packing the next time, but knowing me...probably not).

1. Multi-Purpose Cream: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream)This multi-purpose cream is aptly named. Embryolisse can be used as a moisturizer, make-up primer and make-up remover. The cream also quadruples as an impromptu shaving cream (your boyfriend will thank you for thinking of him as well!). Items with multiple uses mean less to pack in that bag...and who doesn't love that?! Embryolisse is also an industry insider favourite - make-up artists and models are known to swear by this cream for its many uses.

2. Tinted Moisturizer: MAC Select Tint SPF 15
Select Tint doubles as a moisturizer and foundation in one handy bottle. The tinted moisturizer formula offers the most minimal amount of coverage in a foundation, while still helping to lightly even out skin tone. Select Tint also has a built-in SPF of 15, which makes it the practical and perfect choice in attaining that polished look. My forehead has a tendency to catch most of the sun, and by the end of the trip, there are two different shades on my face! I apply Select Tint just on the forehead to brighten the skin tone there, and then I dust some bronzer on my cheeks to deepen the skin tone and bring everything in balance.

3. Blotting Tissues: Tea Tree Oil Facial Blotting Tissues
To keep looking fresh in the hot vacation weather, there's no sense in touching up your shine with more and more powder (which could contribute to clogged pores and break-outs). Instead, scoop up a handy pack of blotting tissues to keep your shine in check. Simply dab a tissue wherever you see an excess of oil build-up, and watch the absorbent tissue do all the work.

4. Bronzing/Highlighting Powder Duo: MAC Mineralize (Dark/Natural & Shimmer)
Use a bronzer and highlighter combo to accentuate your glowing bronzed skin. With the MAC Mineralize Duo, I used the dark matte powder as a contour on the cheeks and as an impromptu eyeshadow to define the crease of the eye. With the shimmery half of the powder, I used a large powder brush to dust it atop the browbone and on the cheekbones. Spotlighted tan? Check!

5. Lip Balm: Burt's Bees Radiance Lip Shimmer
The hot weather was a welcome climatic change for my lips. My lips had seen more than their share of dry and cracked days, courtesy of our Canadian winter season. I usually throw my Kiehl's Lip Balm No. 1 into my purse for its reliable moisturizing and SPF properties, but found that the balm tended to liquify in the extreme heat. Fortunately, I had Burt's Bees Radiance Lip Shimmer as a back-up. The waxy stick withstood the heat better while adding a moisturizing shine to my lips.

6. Liquid Eyeliner: L'oreal Lineur Intense
My failsafe way to beat the heat while keeping my eyeliner in check is to use liquid liner. I've worn liquid liner in extreme heat, and found that nothing beats its lasting power. To help prolong its longevity, I apply a neutral-coloured cream eyeshadow base to tone down my oil-pone eyelids.

Check out the original post on Toronto Wedding Professionals, your e-source for all things wedding!

Your Big Day is quickly approaching and you've got the dress of your dreams, but for a complete polished look, you can't forget about what to do for hair and make-up! Here are some helpful tips when it comes to choosing a make-up artist on your Big Day:

Ask friends for referrals.
Ask friends about their own experiences with the artist. Be sure to ask about reliability and punctuality of the artist and how well the make-up lasted or didn't last.

Look for an artist who goes on-site to where you prefer.
It's simply easier if someone comes to you on the big day so why not spare yourself the time and stress?! You can go to a salon if it's better for you - just be sure to factor in travel time into your schedule and choose a salon that has a convenient location to where you need to get ready.

Have a set price range in mind.
Think about your price range. For bridal make-up, you should expect to pay a similar price to what you would pay for hair on the big day. You can usually negotiate better deals when booking for a large group rather than booking make-up for just one person.

Do your trial early in the day.
This way you can evaluate the make-up later in the day to see how it lasts and feels.

Ask to see examples of work.
A better artist should be able to produce examples of his/her either work, either in hardcopy form or online on a website. This will help you decide if you even want to go for a trial with them in the first place.

Think of what you want your bridal look to be.
Look through fashion and bridal magazines for looks for hair and make-up that you would like on your wedding day. It's always better when you can help to predict outcomes, as sometimes the artist's interpretation of your preferences is not the bridal version of yourself that you had attempted to convey. Don't be afraid to show the make-up artist what you want your ideal look to be with photos. Your trial will go better if you have an idea in mind of what you want, and a good artist will listen to what you want.

See what extras the artist offers.
Does the make-up artist offer eyelashes and sample make-up products for touch-ups? Does the artist offer before and after photos of their work on you? Check with the artist to see if these cost extra or are they already factored into the rates.

Look at the make-up artist's own make-up.
First impressions are everything and if you like how he/she does their own make-up, then you are more likely to prefer their style of application.

Get freebies at a make-up counter.
If you decide to get your bridal make-up done with a make-up counter, be sure to go for a trial with them first. Most major make-up counters offer free products up to a certain amount when you pay for a bridal make-up application, which is perfect when you need to pick up items for touching up. See the individual counter you're interested in to see if it's something they offer.

Get a feel for the artist.
Go with someone you feel comfortable with. A good artist should be trying to build rapport with you to put you at ease. The last thing you need is a clash of personalities on the big day. Don't be afraid to say what you prefer, as a good artist will always be open to criticism and realize that it's your big day!

More make-up tips to come!


Rhia Amio, Toronto Make-up Artist
web: http://www.artistrhi.com
blog: http://artistrhi.blogspot.com
email: rhia@artistrhi.com

Speaking of American Beauty, what an historic time for our neighbours south of the border with a welcome change in Office that will undoubtedly affect the rest of the world! On January 20th, 2009, the world watched as Barack Obama was sworn in as 44th President of the United States. Our attention was also captivated by the new First Lady, Michelle Obama. Broadcasts everywhere focused on what the style icon, Mrs. Obama, would be wearing.

To complete the look, Mrs. Obama brought on trusted Chicago make-up artist and friend Ingrid Myles-Grimes. Myles-Grimes used a palette of neutral colours for a look that would be "read as very natural and polished." The end result was a classy and gorgeous make-up finish fit for the new First Lady. To get your own polished First Lady look, try these tips:

1. If you haven't done so already, shape your brows.
If you're unsure about doing it on your own, have them first shaped by a professional and then tweeze on your own to maintain the shape. Tamed brows frame the face and provide a more polished aesthetic.

2. Fill in brows with brow powder if necessary.

3. A key to Mrs. Obama's polished look is her glowing skin.
Use foundation to even out skin tone and surface and add concealer where necessary (undereye circles, blemishes).

4. Set face make-up with powder.
Use a multi-dimensional powder like MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish line to get rid of shine without looking dull and flat.

5. Skip the blush, but use a powder about 2 shades darker than your own skin tone as a contouring powder.

6. Apply liquid liner to the top lashes only.

7. Curl the eyelashes and apply two coats of mascara

8. Apply a nude coloured gloss.

NOTE: Yes, the natural and polished look is actually a lot more work than it looks! But when done right, people will notice that you’re glowing...and think that it's effortless! Enjoy!

Photo courtesy of Associated Press

Check out my final write-up for Make-up Junkie!!Fabulous Feel Liquid Colour glides on smoothly to give opaque colour with high shine. The formula is non-sticky and just like the name - feels quite fabulous on the lips! I test ran Amaretto, a pretty neutral pink-brown colour that works well on different skin tones. The colour stayed true for the most part, but I found a touch-up was required after about 3 hours. The one thing that took me a bit to get used to was the strong fragrance of the gloss. I like subtle scents to my glosses, but found this one initially overpowering. A minor setback, but the look and feel of this gloss is still a steal for $12 USD (approximately)!

Double Lush Mascara Plus Primer I'm not a usual fan of 2-step primer and mascara products, but I was pleasantly surprised by American Beauty's version. I found the formula gave my lashes much needed volume, versus other 2-step mascaras I've tried in the past. I tried out the mascara in Black, but Double Lush is also available in Brown and Midnight, which is a first that I've seen for primer plus mascara products (usually they're only available in Black). I love what Double Lush does for my lashes, and I'd definitely be willing to shell out the $12 US that this mascara retails for.

Ultra-Easy Automatic Eyeliner (Auburn) The simple twist-up and no-sharpen action of this eyeliner definitely makes it ultra-easy. I had the chance to try out Auburn, a gorgeous maroon brown with faint shimmer that looks particularly lovely on blue-eyed ladies. The creamy eyeliner glided on smoothly and lasted well throughout the day to keep my eyes defined (minor midday touch-up was required though!). This eyeliner is perfect for the no-fuss make-up junkie – no need for sharpening – just roll up and apply as desired!

Pretty Bronze Bronzing Powder (High Summer) Get that coveted bronze goddess look with American Beauty’s Bronzer months ahead of the summer season! The sheer tan brown powder accentuated with flecks of gold sparkle. With just a couple of swipes, you can instantly revive that glow and say goodbye to blah winter-skin (all my Canadians are saying amen right now!). The sheer consistency of the powder makes it very user-friendly to work with – it builds and blends well for a more of a natural appearing non-streaky glow. Dust some of the powder along the collarbones or atop the décolletage for the piece de resistance!

Be sure to check out Make-up Junkie for all the latest, greatest (and not so great) in beauty products!

Check out the The Body Shop's blog for some helpful tips on how to wear shimmery make-up. Today's blog article features one of my posts on how to rock age-appropriate shimmer make-up!

Thanks to The Body Shop for the blog love!

Related posts:
ARTIST TIP | Glitter for Any Age. Well, Almost.

Q: Do I apply blush on the apples of my cheeks or do I contour?

A: The answer to this one is really a matter of personal preference. I would recommend the apples of the cheeks method, as it’s the area where a natural flush would occur on the face. Blush applied on the apples gives the face a youthful glow and can instantly make a tired face look more awake.

A classic make-up artist trick is to actually use two shades of blush – one deeper and one brighter. Use a blush brush to contour with the deeper blush right under the cheekbone. Then, smile and apply the brighter shade on the apples of the cheeks. Blend the brighter shade upwards along the cheekbone and towards the ear. Be sure to blend well so that the two blushes fuse together to give the illusion of higher cheekbones.

ARTIST TIP: Be sure to apply a dusting of loose powder all over the face before applying blush. The loose powder will smooth the surface of the skin and absorb excess oil so that you can apply your blush smoothly and streak-free!

During the Canadian Make-up Show back in November 2008, I scooped up FACE atelier’s set of foundations and they quickly moved to the top of my fave foundations list. I’ve always wanted to try FACE atelier ever since finding out they were the sponsor for Madonna’s Confessions tours. But ever the aspiring practical consumer and only being able to view their products online, I was ecstatic to finally get the chance to try before I buy! I wasn't disappointed. The silicone-based formula glides on like a dream and most importantly, makes skin look amazing – smooth and youthful! A little goes a long way with this product. You only need a tiny amount to cover the entire face, and heavier coverage is easy to build without being cakey.

I had one of those moments when I looked in the mirror the other day (well, month) and thought I can’t do my make-up the same way I was doing it in my teens (bye bye powdered foundation). Thankfully, with its smooth consistency (oh the joys of silicone!), FACE atelier Ultra Foundation Pro has taken years off of my skin. In terms of staying power, other than the usual lunchtime oil blot and powder touch-up, coverage stayed fresh-looking throughout the day.

I bought the set of foundations that includes the make-up artist friendly foundations, Zero+ (a dark toned foundation) and Zero- (a white foundation). Having the two of these on hand is perfect for any make-up artist, as it makes any colour combination possible. Zero+ and Zero- are also great for the everyday woman, as skin tone tends to vary between seasons (and often skin tones even vary on different areas of the face i.e. darker forehead)! Just add a drop of either Zero+ or Zero- to darken/lighten as desired, and voila – an instant customized shade that’s a perfect match! Katie at right has gorgeous fair skin, and the lightest foundation will still a tad too dark. I mixed in Zero- to lighten it and match her skin tone exactly.

If you haven’t heard of FACE atelier, it was founded by Calgary's own Debbie Bondar, who started the line after her own quest to find a great foundation left her something to be desired. The foundation that eventually developed is an industry favourite amongst make-up artists, including celebrity make-up artist Billy B. I never thought I would be one for silicone, but luckily using this product doesn’t involve surgery! Thanks to Debbie Bondar and FACE atelier, my own quest for the perfect everyday foundation has thankfully come to a stand still (well, for the time being)!

ARTIST TIP: When was the last time you evaluated your make-up routine? Don’t get stuck in a rut. Make-up is the perfect inexpensive way to update your look and try something new! Whether it be a foundation or a lipstick, it’s a new year - maybe it’s time you try something a little something different?

See the original post on Toronto Wedding Professionals, your resource for everything weddings!
There are several different foundation textures out there to help put your best face forward on the Big Day. Whether you're looking for lighter or heavier face coverage, rest assured there is a foundation type out there for you. Yet with so much selection between all the brands and textures, the amount to choose from can be overwhelming! Check out these foundation types to find your perfect match:

Tinted Moisturizer

• gives slight colour and moisturizes in one
• provides minimal coverage of all foundation types
• best-suited for women with clear skin

Mineral Make-up

• light to medium coverage
• use with a kabuki brush to build up product
• best for women with clear skin

Liquid

• very popular foundation texture for bridal make-up
• light to medium buildable coverage
• suitable for all skin types
• a light layer of liquid foundation was used in the pictures here, as we wanted to ensure the bride's gorgeous freckles remained visible!
  

Mousse

• similar to liquid foundation, but with air whipped into it creating a lighter, whipped formula
• light to medium buildable coverage
• great product for mature women, as the light formula is not as prone to setting into fine lines

Powdered Foundation

• leaves a powdery finish, but with more coverage due to the built-in foundation
• light to medium coverage
• great for oily skin, but suitable for all skin types

Stick/Cream Foundation

• offers maximum amount of coverage
• best for normal to dry skin types, but can look too slick on oily skin

To see more:
BEAUTY 101 | Which Foundation Type is Right for Me?

More make-up tips to come!


Rhia Amio, Toronto Make-up Artist
web: http://www.artistrhi.com
blog: http://artistrhi.blogspot.com
email: rhia@artistrhi.com

Q: I have creaseless Asian eyes and I’ve practically given up on eyeliner, because it never seems to stay in place! Any tips for us crease-less gals?

A: Great question! I know part of the frustration is that after accomplishing the feat of applying the eyeliner perfectly, you blink and an imprint of the eyeliner appears on the eyelid! And for whatever reason, now the eyeliner seems tougher to remove without ruining the eyeshadow you just carefully applied as well.

To apply eyeliner on gorgeous Asian lids, it’s best to use a 2-step approach:

1. Minimize oily lids by first applying a cream concealer or a smudgeproof cream eyeshadow.

i) using a CREAM CONCEALER
Apply a layer of skin-tone matching concealer all over your eyelid (from lashline to eyebrow). Blend well so that you don’t see any visible streaks of the product. Set the concealer with a dusting of loose powder to help it last longer and smooth out the eyelid.

OR

ii) using CREAM EYESHADOW
Apply the cream eyeshadow in a neutral base colour all over eyelid in the same manner. Blend well. Try MAC Paints or Paint Pots.

Using one of the above products will help act as an absorbing agent for oily lids, reduce the chance of unwanted eyeliner transfer!

2. Use either a waterproof pencil liner, gel liner or liquid liner. “Waterproof” and “smudgeproof” are keywords when looking for your liner of choice here.

When applying, keep the line very tight to the lashline. If you take the eyeliner too far up, it’s more prone to imprinting where you don’t want it to. Instead of drawing a thick line, use a black cream eyeshadow (make sure it's smudgeproof) to add height to the line. The eyeshadow will blend out smoothly and will be less messy looking when you blink and look down.

ARTIST TIP: If you’re using pencil to line the eyes, set the look by tracing over it with black eyeshadow. I love liquid liner for its incontestable staying power. If you want something that doesn’t budge, use liquid. The line is more ‘harsh-looking’, but if you keep the line tight to the lashes, you don’t have to worry about looking vampy!

Hope this helps!

Related posts:
How to Make Eyeshadow Last
All Eye Posts
All Eyeliner Posts

What better way to celebrate the beginning of a New Year than with a new look! You can go dramatic and drastically change hair and make-up, or be more subtle with a slight trim and an update to your beauty routine. Here are some tips to be your best you in 2009 (the text is re-printed below each photo for ease of reading or click on the photo for the full-size view):HAIR: Always have some idea of what look you’re after when going into get your haircut. Look through magazines for desired looks. There are plenty of options out there, but be realistic about hair colour, hair texture and skin tone when scanning for looks you might be interested in. Keep in mind how much change you’ll be comfortable with - a new look works best when the person wearing it wears it with confidence!

MAKE-UP: For make-up, flip through magazines for a look you like. Don’t be afraid to bring in a pic of your desired make-up look, and have your make-up artist/beauty consultant help you find those colours. At many make-up counters, you can schedule a free make-over when you purchase a minimum amount of product (usually $45). Bring a hand mirror with you to view how each stage of the application process happens during your make-up appointment. Use it as an opportunity to learn some new techniques and don’t be afraid to ask any questions you have.

HAIR: I’d leave the actual haircutting to the hands of the pros, but why not try styling hair a bit differently? Add some loose curls. Part it on the side, rather than in the middle. If you always wear it up, wear it down one day and vice versa. It’s a small, subtle change that gets noticed - all without having to cut a strand!

MAKE-UP: Experiment and have fun with make-up! If you’re a natural beauty, try intensifying your look by adding some deeper eyeshadow and lipstick colours to the mix. If you always wear a darker eye look, do the inverse - go bold on the lips and use a light hand on the eyes. You can try as many looks as you like to narrow in on what you feel best in, and the beauty of it is that it all washes off! Put those make-up gift sets and gift cards you received for Christmas to good use and treat yourself to a new look!

You always get better results when you can predict outcomes. If you allow a hairstylist or make-up artist creative freedom, then be prepared for a style that they see on you (which may be something that you absolutely love or something that you totally hate!). Have your examples of desired looks in tow to help communicate what you want to your stylist.
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Location: Fiorio Salon (Yonge/St. Clair)

Model: Katie B
MUA/Text/Layout: Rhia Amio
Hair Stylist: Fabio Persico
Styling Assistant: Keith Sam
Styling/Photography/PP: Nadia Cheema