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.

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Here's a glimpse of a wedding I did in June (almost up to speed with wedding pics!) with the beautiful Mary and her gorgeous bridal party. I have to thank these ladies again and again for waking up at 5:30AM so that I could get them all dolled up in time! Despite the lack of sleep and extremely early morning, everyone was in such great spirits!

On the lovely bride-to-be, Mary (pictured below), we kept the look classy and used airbrush foundation to last her throughout the day (and throughout any potential tears!).
Congratulations, Mary - thank you for letting me share in your Big Day!!

To see the full set along with before-and-after pics, go to artistrhi.com.

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BEAUTY SHOT | Mary
WEDDING | Finding a Make-up Artist
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Ok, so I'll be the first to admit that I probably do a better than average job taking care of my skin when it comes to my face...but when it comes to the rest of my body, let's just say that when winter rolls around my maintenance techniques for the rest of my skin that isn't visible also go into hibernation!

So of course on an annual basis, the warmer weather of summer comes around and it's time to fast track my once-covered skin into an acceptable level for public viewing. My usual trusted go-to product is cocoa butter, but ever the fan of trying something new, I opted to use a sample received of MAC's Naked Honey Skin Salve.

Now a month later, my skin is back to a presentable condition with the help of Skin Salve! I especially love using it on rougher areas of the body like the elbows, knees and feet. The product is derived from beeswax, sunflower oil and other organic ingredients that instantly moisturize skin (especially my dry, neglected winter skin). I'd love to see how this product would work in the winter, but of course, it's limited edition!

MAC's Naked Honey Skin Salve retails for $22.50 CAD, and is available at MAC counters and stores for a limited time only.

To get the gorgeous bride-to-be Christine's subtle smoky eye, try these easy steps:
1. Apply your medium shade as the base atop the eyelid. Keep this colour just below the hollow of the eye.

2. Deposit the darkest colour eyeshadow in the outer corner of the eyelid and blend well towards the inner corner and towards the hollow of the eye. Avoid blending the colour too far up above the hollow of the eye, as this can make the eyes look smaller.

3. Finish with eyeliner by drawing the line thinner on the inner corner that gradually gets thicker as it approaches the outer corner of the eye.

ARTIST TIP:
When using pencil eyeliner, sharpen it first but dull the sharpened edge slightly before applying it directly to the eye. Using the pencil, start with the inner corner first, as the sharpened edge will allow more precision.

When using liquid liner, usually too much product comes out on the applicator brush. Versus the pencil method, start applying liquid liner at the outer corner of the lid to deposit some of that excess product...or if you prefer to start from the inner corner, swipe the liquid liner brush a couple of times against a tissue to rid it of any excess. Remember the less product on the brush, the more control you have. Once the make-up is applied, it's much easier and less messy to add layers rather than remove them! A little goes a long way...

The subtle smoky eye pictured on Christine can work well for a daytime wedding - just be sure to blend well and avoid using black eyeshadow.

Lastly, to add some drama for the evening reception, line the bottom lashline with your eyeliner. Va-va-vooom!

Photos by Claudia Hung

Check out artistrhi.com for the latest e-shoot with the ridiculously talented Claudia Hung. Claudia always has such fun (and hot!) clients to work with , and Christine and JP were no exception! I love the life to Claud's photos -seeing the final results of these pics definitely had me smiling!

On a related note, I'm really fortunate to work with the talented and gracious people that cross my path. Doing what you love is one thing, but working with such amazing people is a super bonus. So thank you, thank you... :)

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NOTE | artistrhi.com x claudiahungweddings.com collabo!