The Fantasticks

This is a Broadway Production that lives up to it's name. This show is absolutely hilarious, especially when performed by people who know how to make a story come alive.

For this show, the most complicated thing I did was to give someone a Black Eye. This is an easy trick that takes 3 colors.

Boom. Black Eye.

To do this you'll need the following colors: Yellow, Burgundy/Wine, Red. That's it. It can be grease paint, or powder. Doesn't really matter.

I used a grease paint, as I didn't have a whole lot of time, and I knew that that would be the quickest way to get the coloring I wanted. I used a sponge, as it has multiple sides, and I was able to flip it over to work as fast as possible. (I had like 3 minutes to throw this on.)

First, I did the Red all around the affected area (which in this case is obviously his eye). Above the brow, and on the lid, as well as under the eye, and a little on the bridge of the nose.

Then using a clean side of the sponge, I put the yellow on just under the bruise. So basically along the cheek bone.

I grabbed a small synthetic hair brush to put the burgundy/wine color on underneath the lower lid (where "bags" would be), and to create some "scratches" over the brow.

It's really that simple. For the Red you can use a blush, or lipstick. Or you can use the Theatre Effects "Injury Stack" at partycity.com, which has all the colors. Mostly available around Sept-Oct, but it's pretty cheap (like $2-3) so stock up.

Willy Wonka

So this past summer, I have been bombarded with things to do. Mostly, do the makeup of 40 small children, PLUS age one person from 50ish to 70ish, PLUS do regular stage makeup on 3 guys, PLUS do the makeup for the big cheese himself, Mr Willy Wonka. Naturally, I gathered some assistants, and had them work with the children so that I didn't lose my mind.

Originally, the children (aka Oompa Loompas) were supposed to have orange curly-cues on their cheeks, outlined in magenta, with white brows and orange and purple Vs by their eyes. Because seriously, there isn't enough time in the world to paint 40 small children's entire face orange. But somehow, one of these children got the idea that they were allowed to have an opinion, and spread that infectious thought to the other children, and the cheek designed was kaput. However, they needed something on their cheeks, and it was switched to an orange Wonka W. 

Jewelry is their own.

Products Used

1. MAC Paint Stick in Genuine Orange (cheeks) and in Pure White (brows). Applied directly to the skin, made for very quick application back stage.
2. A cheapo wine lip liner (seriously, the cheapest I could find) to line the orange. 
3. Set with MAC Set Powder in Invisible.
4. MAC Lipstick in Orchid or Wild Orchid. Something like that. Normally, I would double check the tube for the name, but some asshole child stole it. So there you go.

My favorite person to paint was Willy Wonka. He offered one request: Green Blush. 

Wonka and Me. 

To make this happen, I did his makeup from start to finish.

Products Used (and the order in which they were used)

1. Merle Norman Normal/Oily Toner
2. Merle Norman Day Creme with HC-12 (no sunscreen, so it didn't reflect under the lights)
3. Merle Norman Foundation Primer
4. Merle Norman Total Finish in Creamy Beige
5. Merle Norman Ultra Powder Foundation in Ultra Golden

To do the blush: 

1. Placed EXACTLY where normal blush would go: MAC Pro Longwear Shadow in Style Driven (this is a sky-blue color)
2. Placed EXACTLY over the blue shadow Merle Norman Crystal Eyes in Seeing Green (this is actually discontinued. It is possible that a local store may still have one, or can find you one, but it's a sheer loose shadow. it turned the blue to a green, and under the light was almost silver. A comp would be something like MAC Pigment in Golden Olive, but Pigments tend to be heavily pigmented (duh, that's how they get the name), so I would start very light, and add layers as needed for the desired effect).

For the Eye:

No actual shadow was used. I did use MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack to freehand a design on the side of Wonka's face, and to line the eyes.

I placed dots (to mark my spot), and used eyelash glue (DUO, seriously, the absolute best out there) to glue silver sequins to the side of his face. 

THE EYE DESIGN IS ONLY ON ONE SIDE OF THE FACE!

I filled in his brows (only because they are lighter than his hair color) with a Taupe pencil

Lips were Merle Norman Creamy Lip Color in Dolled Up (a fuchsia pink)

To order MAC cosmetics: maccosmetics.com

For Merle Norman: Visit merlenorman.com or to find a local store near you, call 1-800-MY-MERLE. Merle Norman does not sell products online, but any studio will be glad to ship products to you! 

Casual Makeup. Sorta.

So it's Father's Day Eve, and I took my dad out to eat. By that, I mean I said I was paying, and he took the bill from me and paid anyways. Dads are weird.

But anyways, I decided that I wasn't going to wear a lot of makeup, because it's the middle of June in NC, and it's fucking hot. I went with a neutral look - as in not a lot of color.

I decided to use a couple of my new eye products from MAC.

The eyeshadow came out looking like a green/yellow combo, when it was definitely an opaque white and a black. But it was cute, so whatever. The eyeliner is easily one of my favorites, as it is a liquid in pen form. so easy. I did a double wing, and it came out very precise. LOVE it.

Foundation: Merle Norman Total Finish in Ivory
Powder: Merle Norman Ultra Powder in Ultra Bloom
Blush: Merle Norman Lasting Cheek Color in Bashful

Eye Primer: MAC Prep & Prime Eye in Light
All Over Shadow: MAC Pro Longwear Shadow in Carefree
Crease: Merle Norman Matte Shadow in Dusk
Eyeliner: MAC Penultimate Eye Liner (this only comes in black)

Lips: Merle Norman Creamy Lip Color in Hussy (but I wiped most of it off immediately, to have a stained look)

So this entry is short, but I'm extra busy designing Oompa Loompas. Seriously. I'm doing the makeup for the local theatre's production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Oompa Loompa makeup to be posted soon.

Makeup Must-haves

I read an article today on yahoo.com that said that the 3 must-haves for you makeup bag (and by this, I am referring to what is in your purse) are concealer, mascara, and blush. Well I disagree. You need more than 3, and the 3 they picked aren't what I would suggest.

Concealer by itself is obvious. It stands out, and has a different texture and finish than your natural skin.Your first make up must have is a pressed powder foundation. Benefits of powder foundations?

1. They are lightweight on the face, but offer a sheer to a maximum coverage (depending on how you apply)
2. It is perfect for touch-up
3. Easy to carry and apply on-the-go

Blush, I agree, is a must have. However, blush can have warm or cool undertones. If you have only one blush in your bag, then you are doing yourself a disservice. But by saying "blush" you are limiting one to think, 'Oh, I only need one blush ever in my whole life.' NO. You need at least 2 - a warm and a cool blush. What I would recommend in its place is a light bronzer. It will give color, but in the sense of 'sun' versus 'blush.' Don't go bronzer heavy. This is not a coloring contest, but a quick swipe on the cheekbones, forehead and bridge of the nose will give you the color you need.

Mascara is a must have. Period. The mascara in your makeup bag should be black, and should be waterproof. This is so you can transform your look from day to night (remember, this the the makeup that is in your purse!), but also to touch up if needed.

You need 2 lip colors. This is an absolute necessary. One should be a gloss, preferably a clear or a very sheer color. This will be for touch ups throughout the day, but also to layer with a color that is more dramatic (your choice of a second color).

You need a black eyeliner (which should be a roll-up pencil so you don't have to search for a sharpener). Duh. To line your eyes. 

You need a neutral eyeshadow quad (4 shadow compact). Think browns. 

These products will create a full face, and can easily be added to your day look to create a fab night time look. They will fit in a small makeup bag, as most compacts come with applicators so you don't have to carry brushes/sponges. Just remember to wash them REGULARLY.

The Best Facial Mask I've Ever Used

So recently, I have been plagued with acne. It started off really mild, but it was pretty persistent in marring my otherwise pretty decent complexion, so I went to the dermatologist to see if there was anything that I could do about it. (Ok, not gonna lie - my mother made the appointment and basically forced me to go, as I am currently not working and didn't want to drive 30 minutes to see a doctor over a few zits.) Said dermatologist looked at my face, and gave me a prescription for antibiotics. I took said medication and BOOM my face looks like I've been shot. Seriously, it's ridiculous. I do not blame the dermatologist - I've seen him for years regarding various skin concerns over the years.

I am currently suffering a self-imposed exile from public (in-ile? I'm not going anywhere, just staying inside... and I'm not counting the volunteer job that I go to 3 times a week where I see maximum 4 people), therefore I have decided to take matters into my own hands. Hence, the reason for this particular entry.

I have tried other acne products in the past. Some things work, some things work for a bit and then quit working, and somethings just outright blow.

However, the best thing I have ever used was a facial mask called Miracol (by Merle Norman).

History

Merle Norman (who was a real woman, btw) started her skincare line by creating a burn cream in her kitchen, inspired by a grease burn that hit her face. She added color to it to blend it into her skin, and found that HELLO, THIS SHIT IS AWESOME. She put powder on it, and boom, first foundation: Powder Base. She started selling this to her friends, and they became addicts, like every woman is when good cosmetic/skin care products come out. They begged for more, and she created a cold cream: All Purpose Cleansing Cream and this face mask: Mira-col. When did all this come out? 1931. That's right - she did all this in the middle of the Great Depression. And it was amazing. Why? Because even when money is tight, women will not go around looking like hags.

All Purpose Cleansing Cream, Mira-col, and Powder Base are the original 3 products to the Merle Norman company, and they are still an integral part of the product line. AND THE FORMULAS HAVE NOT CHANGED FROM THE ORIGINAL 1931 RECIPE. What other company can say that? Each of these products have remained the same for over 85 years. These 3 products are the original 3 Steps to Beauty.

However, this post is about the second of the 3: Mira-col (or Miracol, as it is known today).

Miracol comes in 2 formulas now: Miracol Revitalizing Lotion and Miracol Revitalizing Cream. The Lotion formula is the original line, but the cream works the same. I prefer the cream as you can use your hands to apply, and it's a bit thicker, so it's less messy. However, they both produce the same results.

Miracol Revitalizing Cream is hot pink. Seriously. I use an older foundation brush that is reserved specifically for this product to apply as I hate to use my hands for anything other than moisturizers, but fingers are perfectly ok to use to apply the cream. (The Lotion formula comes with an application brush.)

Apply this mask to the forehead, nose and from the cheek bones down. Do not put on your upper lip. It will tighten, and you feel it. Leave it on for 8-20 minutes. (I usually put it on at the start of a 30 minute show, and then take it off when the show is over.) It is easiest removed with tepid (lukewarm, room temperature, etc) water - you will essentially remoisten the mask and wipe it away GENTLY. (I have also been known to do this in the shower, as I can stick my face under the water, but that is definitely not required).

*I do not have pictures of this, as when this product dries it looks like I am a burn victim (due to the color against my skin).*

Miracol can be applied either in the morning or at night.

Miracol has 5 benefits: it firms and tightens the skin, it helps to diminish the appearance of pores, controls oil, and it is a deep cleansing mask (as in, it sucks out all the nasty). You will seen and feel an immediate difference.

Although it is a deep cleansing mask, it should always be applied to clean skin - as in, skin with no makeup.

Miracol tingles on me. Some people do not notice a tingle. Any tingling sensation will stop once the mask is dry. 

Miracol (to me) smells like Pine-Sol. There is no Pine-Sol in the mask. Promise. Some people like the smell. Some people don't notice any smell at all.

Miracol can be used by ANY SKIN TYPE; ANY SKIN COLOR; ANY SKIN SENSITIVITY (although, check with your doc or do a test patch first!); ANY AGE. I have recommended (as a professional) Miracol to people from ages 13 - 85.

Miracol can be applied further down the neck onto the chest (or shoulders/back if necessary). Same rules apply for the amount of time you leave it on, but I would suggest removing it in the shower.

There really isn't anything on the market that compares with this product. I have used other products that have promised the same results, and they either stopped working (Proactiv) or they dried my face out so bad that it started to peel (looking at you, Clinique).

Miracol, hands down, is the BEST FACIAL MASK I'VE EVER USED.

Also, after doing this mask tonight, my face has cleared up slightly. It's not as red. While I still have several bumps, I can see the difference. The bumps that are remaining have gone down in size. I can hid what remains with makeup until the Miracol zaps the rest of it away.

To find Miracol visit your local Merle Norman. Don't have one in your area? Vist merlenorman.com to find a studio near you. International locations currently in Guatemala, Bahrain, UAE, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. (Internationally, they are still pretty limited, so if you need a recommendation as to which store to use, I know several owners/managers of studios and would be happy to provide their contact information if needed.)

You want red lips. Or do you?

Red lipstick is the hardest thing to describe to someone. What you think of as red is not necessarily red to your bff (cause let's face it, that's who you're with when you're shopping for lipstick).

Do you really want red? Or are you really wanting a wine, or a hot pink, or just a gloss? So let's talk about the options...

First, I haven't really been a red lipstick wearer in the past. I usually gravitated towards a nude, or pink lip, cause I tend to go really dramatic on the eyes. But lately, I have been loving reds!

Reds can be classified as a "true red" (which is really just neutral), "blue red" (which tends to look pink/purple when placed next to a warmer color), and "orange red" (which is kinda obvious... it tends to verge on the edge of coral).

Time for some pictures!

These are the reds that I am going to talk about, starting from left to right.

Red Number 1: Cherry on Top Creamy Lipstick by Merle Norman. This lipstick formula is excellent. It is creamy (duh), so it doesn't settle into the creases of the lip, and it lasts for pretty much all day.

*SIDE NOTE* Lipstick doesn't have a set time for how long it is supposed to stay on. We will naturally "talk/eat" it off all day. It will transfer to straws, your food when you're taking bites, napkins, etc. Smaller lips will need to reapply more often than larger lips. (Basically, Reese Witherspoon will have to reapply her lipstick 3 times as often as Angelina Jolie.)

Cherry on Top is an orange-red, but barely. It is just a little more orange than most.

Cherry on Top, after a full day of work

Red Number 2: MAC Red by MAC. This color looks like a true red in the tube, but is a very blue red. (See the picture up there? It looks fuchsia!) MAC Red is a Satin finish. It is creamy going on, and also has staying power. On me, it looks semi-matte.

MAC Red

Red Number 3: Popsicle Red Lip Glaze by Merle Norman. This red is more of a gloss. It is very sheer, and has a bit of a gold fleck to it. Popsicle Red is very pretty when you are wanting color, but not a lot of pigment.

(I would have a picture here, but since I wore red lips today that were heavily pigmented, you wouldn't get the true sense of the color. There will be another color swatch further down. Otherwise, I'm sure it will pop up in another entry sometime.)

Red Number 4: Hussy Creamy Lip Color by Merle Norman

Red Number 5: Hussy Lip Glaze by Merle Norman

Red Number 6: Hussy Lip Polish by Merle Norman

Merle Norman did something genius. They came up with a lip color, and put it in every formula lip product that they have. The color in the tube looks the same. Going on? Totally different color each time. 

Hussy Collection

The products that I used (from left to right): #2 (Lip Glaze), #3 (Creamy Lip Color), #4 (Lip Polish).

Hussy is a true red, regardless of formula. I have worn Hussy with both cool and warm color clothing. It is a bold color, so I would definitely stick with very neutral eyes, and not a lot of pattern in the clothing, so as not to compete. 

Lip Glaze: Essentially gloss in a tube. If you layer it, you will get more of a color payoff.

Lip Polish: HIGHLY PIGMENTED lip gloss. It finishes to a very wet look. 

Hussy, Creamy Lip Color

Hussy, Lip Glaze

Hussy, Lip Polish

Red Number 7: Heartthrob Age Defying Lip Color by Merle Norman. This lipstick is not as creamy as the others. It does not give a glossy shine. However, it does not feather out, and it stays on pretty well. It is more of a "brown red" in that it is more burgundy/wine than anything else.

Heartthrob

Quick Tip: The best gloss on top of a red? A sheer gold. It doesn't change the color of the red, but rather enhances it. Clear will dilute your color.

Top to bottom: Cherry on Top, MAC Red, Popsicle Red

Top to bottom: Hussy in Creamy Lip Color, Lip Glaze, Lip Polish

Heartthrob