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.

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.

How to Wear Fake Lashes and NOT Look Like A Hooker

Face it. Fake lashes are a new must-have for your makeup bag. But to be honest, when you first start to put them on, it seems like it should be a tag-team sport. So how do you get the lashes to look natural and still give the pop that you want to your eyes? Simple.

Demi Lashes

Demi Lashes are the easiest way to get your lashes to be full, but not look like you're part of a drag show. They are classy, and they are natural looking.


I won't say what the best way to apply is, but I will tell you this: Don't over glue. I use the ledge that the lashes come in -- put the glue on that. Then GENTLY drag the base of the lash through the glue.

[pretend I was smart enough to take a picture of this process for you]

Wave the lash in the air for a couple of seconds (think Polaroid picture), and then apply. I always put the lashes on last. After I have done everything else. Why? That's when I do my mascara. I put a coat of mascara on, add lashes, and re-coat the ones I grew to blend everything together.


Final product?

Looks good right?

Extra super close up.

This look was for an Art Gala that I was attending. I tried to keep everything toned down and subtele (everything but my red lips, that is). So what did I use?


Mostly Merle Norman, as the local studio was a sponsor. I'll start from the bottom up:


Cleanser: Luxiva Clear Complexion Gel Cleanser by Merle Norman
Toner: Luxiva Normal/Oily AHA Toner, by Merle Norman
Moisturizer: Luxiva Shine Control Hydrator, by Merle Norman


Primer: Luxiva Foundation Primer, by Merle Norman


Foundation: Luxiva Ultra Foundation with HC-12 in Cream (Merle Norman)
Powder: Luxiva Ultra Powder in Bloom (Merle Norman)
Blush: Lasting Cheek Color in Bashful (Merle Norman)


Shadow Primer: Luxiva Lasting Cream Eyeshadow in Cream Puff (Merle Norman)
Shadow (wash): Luminous Shadow in Sunbeam (Merle Norman)
Shadow (crease): Matte Eyeshadow by MAC in Copperplate


Liner: Fluidline in Blacktrak, MAC


Mascara: Creamy Flo Matic in Black (Merle Norman)
Lashes: Salon Perfect Lashes #53 Black Strip Lashes


Lips (not pictured): Lip Glaze in Hussy (Merle Norman)

Lashes purchased from Walmart, walmart.com
Merle Norman, merlenorman.com or 800-MY-MERLE
MAC, maccosmetics.com

Black Eyeliner, and why you should own it.

Black eyeliner has been around for centuries, whether in the form of kohl, charcoal, smashed up bugs, whatever. It is obviously a beauty staple. Most people don't know how to wear it though. Either they go too heavy, or their liner ends up looking like they've recently been hit in the face. And that is never attractive.

Black liner goes with every skin type and every skin color. It looks good with just about anything that you're wearing (except for weddings, but that's a whole separate story).

Black liner looks good with a minimalist eye, and with a shitton of makeup. Why? Because it's fucking amazing.

Super close up, right?

Closed this time

Ok, on my right eye, I have done a double wing (look close and you'll see it!). Double wings are subtle, but very chic and sexy.

What I used (and how I feel about it):

Eye liner: Luxiva Lasting Creme Eyeliner by Merle Norman in Black

I love this liner. It is waterproof, and generally smudge proof as well. It drys as you apply, so you don't have to worry about waiting before you blink (or whatever). It comes in a 0.09oz pot, and it applies with a brush. Brush comes separately, which allows you to decide which brush works best for you. I used a flat-tip eyeliner brush for this.

All Over Shadow (Wash): Eyeshadow from Party Eyes by Merle Norman in Berry Bubbly

Meh. It was laying around, and I grabbed it. I purchased this for the purple liquid liner on the other side. I find that this shadow tends to crease, regardless of the shadow base used underneath, so when I use this, it only goes under the brows.

Crease Shadow: Matte Eyeshadow by MAC in Copperplate

I really like this color. It is a soft taupe, and looks good as a crease on a subtle smoky eye or as a lower liner/shadow. With my skin being oily, it does tend to get darker throughout the day, but I don't mind that.

Mascara: Creamy Flo Matic Mascara by Merle Norman in Black

This is a great basic mascara. It layers very well, and doesn't clump when you add additional coats. It's a similar bristle to Maybelline's Great Lash, but I find that this doesn't dry out as fast.

And on my left eye, I did a heavier application. This is probably not work appropriate, though.

What I used:

Brow Highlight Eyeshadow from Party Eyes by Merle Norman in Berry Bubbly

Lid (base)/Crease and Liner: Waterproof Shadow Liner by Smashbox in Envy

I don't know much about the waterproof claim. This actually came in a set. I bought it mostly for the brush, to be honest. It is ok, but it feels entirely too .. creamy for me to be comfortable considering this a "waterproof" product. In the container it looks like it has a bit of a glitter to it, but once on the eye, it looks pretty matte. Over all, it's ok, but I can get the same effect with things that I like a lot better.

Lid Shadow (layer): Veluxe Pearle Shadow by MAC in Silverthorn

I really like this color. I layered it on top of the black that I did all over my lid to create a dark pewter shade. This shadow blends very well (MAC shadows are definitely good for that). It is a blue-silver. Love it.

Mascara: Creamy Flo Matic Mascara by Merle Norman in Black

To find Smashbox: sephora.com

To find MAC: maccosmetics.com

To find Merle Norman: merlenorman.com or 1-800-MYMERLE to find a studio near you

**Merle Norman does not sell their products online. If you would like to purchase something, find a store that you don't mind calling, and place your order. Most stores will take a phone order and ship it right to your door!

The Best Eye Makeup Remover I've Ever Used

There are a lot of makeup removers out there, and some are good; others are absolute shit.

The best eye makeup remover? Merle Norman's Dual Action Eye Makeup Remover. It's a layered formula that removes both waterproof and regular makeup. It's gentle and not soapy. Great for people who wear contacts, as it won't burn your eyes. You just shake it up, put on some cotton, and swipe. It removes everything. This makeup remover is water and silicon based, so you don't get that oily residue once you're done.

Others I've used?
Neutrogena's Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover -- for oil free, this felt very greasy. Once I finished the bottle, I never bought it again.

Clinique's Eye Makeup Remover -- used it once years ago -- It didn't remove everything.

MAC Eye Makeup Remover -- Got this in my eye once and it burned like a bitch. I sometimes get a soapy feeling with this. It does get everything off, but it isn't the most pleasant feeling in your eye.

Merle Norman Instant Eye Makeup Remover -- This is a cheaper version of the MAC Eye Makeup Remover. I will purchase this if the Merle location I'm at does not have Dual Action (rare, but sometimes happens), and I also have this in my travel bag, as it it 3oz versus the Dual Action's 4oz.

Eyeliner

For some reason, everyone gets this wrong.

First of all, eyeliner is meant to look good. Drawing a thick black line around your eye with little to no shadow does not look good. In fact, it looks fucking ridiculous. If the goal is to look like you have been hungover for the past 2 days, then congratulations, cause that's what you look like.

Eyeliner should enhance the eye shape. It doesn't have to be natural, but the end result should not make you look like you just got hit in the eye.

There are loads of different eye liners out there, but it boils down to 3 basic ways that it's applied (the rest of it is just marketing gimmicks): pencil, liquid, or cream.

Pencil eyeliner should be obvious. It's in a pencil shape. You either sharpen it or roll it up. Pencil eyeliner is the easiest eyeliner to use, as the product is the applicator. If you can use a pencil, you can use this eyeliner. The key to not looking like a whore (and to not using too much product), is to put the pencil on the side, as if you were using the pencil to point at something.

When you put the pencil directly in front of your face, not only do you block your vision, but you put yourself in danger. 

What will you do if your neighbor's rabid cat suddenly attacked you? You'd fucking poke your eye out, and that is no fun.

Cream Eyeliner (Gel, cake, whatever. Like I said, it's all a gimmick) comes in a pot and you apply it with a separate brush. This type of liner is easy in the since that once it's there, it's dry. You don't have to worry about the liner transferring from your lash line up into your crease because it wasn't dry.

Cream liner is highly pigmented, and it is great for dramatic lines, but also for a color pop. Cream liner tends to stay in place longer, so if you're planning a long day, this liner will be your best friend.

When you apply cream liner, the brush you use should not be super wide, and should have a fine point. There are TONS of brush choices out there, so what ever you're comfortable with will work.

Quick Tip: If you're trying to get the winged look, use an angled eyeliner brush. Cat eyes (a la Amy Winehouse)? go for the long, pointed brushes.

Keep in mind that using the brush is the same as using the pencil!


Liquid Eyeliner is the hardest to use, simply as it needs to try. If you're only going to use it to fill the lash line, you should be fine, but a dramatic line? Better learn patience first. Liquid eyeliner tends to have an applicator in the top, and should be used the same as any other pencil/brush around the eye.


Quick Tip: Cream and liquid eyeliners follow the same rules as mascara. Once you open it, it needs to be thrown away after 4 months. PINK EYE IS NOT SEXY.

Talking about eyebrows, bitches

That's right. Those things above your eyes? Yeah. Stop fucking with them.

First, if you don't know what you're doing, leave them alone. Eyebrows are finicky. If you don't understand the basics of brows, then leave it to the professionals.

Rule 1: You need brows. Brows frame the face, and can even aid in giving a faux-lift to the eye when done right.

This guy failed Rule 1.

Rule 2: Brows should not be over seen.

Looking at you ma'am. sir. Looking at you.

Rule 3: It's called tweezing, not plucking. You pluck a chicken. You tweeze brows. (Hence the tool, 'tweezers'). When tweezing, tweeze from underneath the brow. Do not tweeze above the brow, as you lose the shape. Brows have a natural arch to them. Depending on your face, the arch can be high or low. The arch should be just past the iris of your eye.

See those lines? Follow that guide, just like these celebrities:

• Angelina Jolie
• Anne Hathaway
• Kim Kardashian (pseudo-celeb, but look at those damn brows!
• Kate Hudson
• Drew Barrymore
• Cameron Diaz
• Megan Fox
• Scarlett Johanson
• Brooke Sheilds
• Sandra Bullock

There are more, just look around. All over the magazines, you can see what brows should look like. 

Rule 4: If you need to use a pencil, powder, brow tint or any combination of the three to get your brows to perfection, please do the world a favor, and do not color them on as if you used a sharpie.

See? She even looks like she's in pain.

All in all, if you're in doubt, suck it up, and pay the money to get them professionally done, then invest in a good pair of tweezers to maintain the shape.

...Just don't do what this girl did:

Mascara

Ok, so the title is not catchy; get over it. We're talking about mascara.

Mascara is used to define the eye. Eyeliner is an aid to that, but have you seen celebrities "without" makeup? Yeah, they're totally wearing mascara.

Mascara comes in many different colors. Simple rule for that? Stick with what is natural to you: Natural Blondes and should use brown - platinum brown, very dark brown - it doesn't matter; just use a version of brown. It looks more natural. Always use 2 coats. (Now, if you're going dramatic, black is ok, but black tends to look harsher on people with those hair colors, as they tend to have fair skin tones). That way you get the color you want, without looking like a streetwalker. Brunettes should stick with black for the same reasons. Mascara with funky colors are ok for drama, but I tend to shy away from them as you can create that same look without having to spend the money (that tip is coming, hang on!).

When buying your mascara, you should think: What do I want my mascara to do?

Lengthening mascara tends to have a long cone-shaped bristle, and have long wands.

Thickening (aka Voluminous) mascara tend to have bristles that are close together and bulkier in the middle. 

You want both? Mascara that offers both of those benefits tend to have a long, bulky, cone-shaped bristle.

Then there is the regular mascara: that wand is simple, with a spiral bristle. This bristle helps to prevent clumps, but will only define your lashes but won't do anything more than that.

Quick Tip! Mascara has a short shelf life. Throw your mascara away after 4 months. Can't remember to do that? Remember my sharpie? Label your tube.


Quick Tip! Mascara should not clump up when you are putting it on, especially not after 2 coats. If it's clumpy, toss it.


Quick Tip! Mascara should not flake off. Flaky mascara is old mascara. Time to replace it.


Quick Tip! DO NOT SHARE YOUR MASCARA. PINK EYE IS NOT SEXY!