Makeup Hygiene - Part 2: An Excuse to Buy New Makeup!

Another important part of keeping good makeup hygiene.. is keeping up with your makeup.  By that I mean, going through your products at least every 6 months and throw away the expired, old, stale or even smelly makeup.  :)  Woo Hoo!  A great excuse to buy new makeup!!

You can go by what makeup books say is the lifetime of a beauty product ... OR... just look at the back of your beauty/health products.  Look for the PAO - Period After Opening - symbol:

The above symbol is letting you know that the product will remain "fresh" for up to 12 months .. after you've opened it.  Here are more examples:

Some of the MAC products don't have the PAO symbol.  However, I contacted their Consumer Care department to get the information.

MAC Eyeshadows - PAO is 24 m

MAC Lipsticks - PAO is 24 m

MAC Lipgloss - PAO is 24 m

MAC Blushes - PAO is 24 m

I was able to find the PAO on all their other products, either on the container itself or the packaging.  I had also asked them why they didn't provide the information on ALL their products.  I was told because of limited spacing on the label.  (>.<)  Unacceptable!  *lol*  I'll be writing to the corporate headquarters.. :)

Here are other tips on when to go shopping - oops, I mean.. when to throw away expired makeup.  ;)


Lipstick / Lipgloss - If their smell changes, throw it away.


Mascara - Also if the smell changes, throw it away.  You should replace your mascara at least every 5 months .. regardless.


Pressed Powder Products - If you notice a glazing over your powder, don't use it.  This can mean that the oils may have compromised the product.


So girls, go through your cosmetic bags and see what's good to keep and what needs to be replaced!


YouTube video now up:

*This blog is intended to be viewed within www.VisualeyesDesigns.com website.  Please click on website link to view full website!  :)

Makeup Hygiene - Part 1: Sharing is NOT Always Caring!

Hey chicas!  So let's talk makeup hygiene.. Now, I know we all like to play makeup when we have our girlfriends come over and we're getting ready for a fun night.  Pero.. have you thought about the germs you guys may be sharing as well??  Eeek!  So here's a way to keep your germs to yourselves.  =P'

When sharing a new eyeshadow (don't share ones that you've already used!).. get a disposable mascara wand and a tissue.  You're going to scrape the eyeshadow with your mascara wand and let the "crumbs" *lol* fall into your tissue.

Then use your brush to apply the eyeshadow using the "crumbs" on the tissue.  Don't worry, you'll still get a good amount of product on your brush!

To share anything like creamy foundations, creamy blushes or paint pots.. get a mini spatula and scoop out the product.  You can either use your hand (sanitize first!) as a palette or get a small paint palette you can find at your local art store.  You can use this same technique when sharing a lipstick.  Once you have your scooped amount, use your lip brush to apply.

For a lipgloss.. use a disposable lipgloss applicator and DON'T double dip after you've applied it on the lips!

For lip pencils or eyeliners.. sharpen a layer away and then spray (or pour) some alcohol into a tissue to disinfect the tip.  Make sure you wave it to dry - DON'T blow on it.  Once it's dry, you can go ahead and use it.

For mascara... use a mascara wand and never double dip!


Now, there are other ways to keep your makeup clean .. but I feel this is a sure way to keep good makeup hygiene.  As a makeup artist, you definitely want to take all precautions ... 'cuz your reputation is everything.  You don't want clients saying they got a pink eye after you did their makeup!!

If for some reason you can't find any of the disposable applicators, let me know and I'll send you a few!

*This blog is intended to be viewed within www.VisualeyesDesigns.com website.  Please click on website link to view full website!  :)

She's Such a Doll! - Halloween 2011

We did it again and this time I think we did much better!!  We started off with a good amount of foundation and then went on to add blush.  From there, you'll see the photos of what we did next.  :)

We outlined the muñeca eyes in black.. just a rough outline to give us something to work with.  We used black face paint but in the end we used MAC Fluidline in black to finalize the outline.  (The black face paint goes on a bit lighter than the Fluidline.)

We then added white paint face in the white part of the eye and inside the eye (this will help the color of the eye pop).

Now we added the darkest shade of green (green face paint) that we will be using.  By using the darkest green in this part of the eye.. will give us dimension.

Next we filled in the eye using NYX and Too Faced green eyeshadows.  See how you can already see some dimension?  :)

Next, we filled in the pupil with the black face paint (later we filled it in with MAC Fluidline to make it look really black).

We continued to add dimension to the muñeca's eyes by blending in black eyeshadow to the top part of the eye.. causing the illusion of shadow.

Now, we thickened the outline above the eye... preparing it for the eyelashes.  We also went over the whole outline with the Fluidline.

With the black face paint, we added eyebrows.

Next, we added the eyelashes and the light reflections in the pupil.

Finally, finished it off with a nude shade of lipstick.

  

*This blog is intended to be viewed within www.VisualeyesDesigns.com website.  Please click on website link to view full website!  :)

She's a Doll Face - Halloween 2010

Here's a look we did for last year's Halloween .. a doll face with exaggerated eyes!  It was our first time trying it out .. but I think we did ok.  :)  We're going to do it again this year!

*This blog is intended to be viewed within www.VisualeyesDesigns.com website.  Please click on website link to view full website!  :)

REVIEW: Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes

I really like these wipies.. I would say un poco mejor than MAC's Wipes.  These are more affordable and are just as effective, if not better.  They are super soft, smell fabulous and have 4 varieties to fit your needs:  Deep Clean Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes (for Oily skin types); Hydrating Cleansing Wipes (for Dry skin types); Night Calming Cleansing Wipes (for all types, our skin goes into repair mode at night) and Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (for all skin types).  You can get all your makeup off with just one wipie!  It will leave your skin feeling clean and fresh!  Remember, to ALWAYS remove your makeup prior to going to bed.  These wipies are just perfect if you don't want to do the whole washing your face routine!

PRICE: $4.47 *refill pkg (at most Walmarts - this is the lowest price I've seen so far)

RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars

*This blog is intended to be viewed within www.VisualeyesDesigns.com website.  Please click on website link to view full website!  :)

Behind the Scenes at Last Friday's Photo Shoot

Last Friday's photo shoot was a GREAT turnout!  We can't wait to get our final photos to show you chicas!

Makeup Artist:  Daisy Torres

Hair & Stylist:  Leslie Alvarez

Model: Ashley

Photographer: Kevin Goolsby

*This blog is intended to be viewed within www.VisualeyesDesigns.com website.  Please click on website link to view full website!  :)

Sneak Peek into Yesterday's Photo Shoot

Here's a sneak peek into yesterday's photo shoot.  Photographer was Lorenzo Smith.  We can't wait to get the final photos!  Quien, Quien sera la modelo?  The one and only, my sister and MUA assistant, Leslie!

*This blog is intended to be viewed within www.VisualeyesDesigns.com website.  Please click on website link to view full website!  :)

Our Prom Girls .. All Dolled Up!

Mira que lindas!  We are so happy our girls had such a great time on their prom night!  We are even more happy to hear that we made you girls feel like princesses and that you girls received a lot of compliments!  <3

*This blog is intended to be viewed within www.VisualeyesDesigns.com website.  Please click on website link to view full website!  :)

Let's Talk About Skin Types..

Ok chicas, let's talk about the different kinds of skin types..  hopefully, this will help you figure out a good skincare regimen.


NORMAL Skin
General Appearance:  Normal skin with no visible pores, fine lines, wrinkles or excessive oiliness.
Key Identifiers:  Normal skin appears smooth (no apparent texture) and has little to no shine. The skin appears radiant and supple.
Solutions:

• Normal skin needs to be maintained
• Exfoliate regularly to maintain healthy appearance
• Continue to hydrate the skin and be sure to wear sunscreen!

COMBINATION Skin

General Appearance:  Normally shiny in the "T-Zone" and dry or normal on the cheeks or may appear in the reverse areas.

Key Identifiers:  Larger pores in the oily areas. Combination skin may have excessive oil production in only parts of the face.

Solutions:

• Use skincare designed for combination skin to create balance
• Try different formulas for the different types of skin on the face
• Blot powders/papers will help to control oily appearance throughout the day
• Exfoliate 2 - 3 times a week

OILY Skin

General Appearance:  Excessive shininess from oily layer on the skin.

Key Identifiers:  Oily skin is caused by an overproduction of sebum (oil). The pores are large and may produce an "orange peel" texture. This skin is usually thicker than other skin types and can appear yellow if excess oil is not removed properly. This skin type is prone to breakouts.

Solutions:

• Don't skip the hydrator! Look for water-based products as they will have a lighter feel.
• Don't over exfoliate! This can cause skin to become oilier.
• Don't use harsh astringents and drying agents, such as alcohol! The skin's reaction is to produce more oil to compensate for the lack there of.

FYI:  Oily skin tends to show fewer signs of aging!  :)

DRY Skin

General Appearance:  Matte, no visible shine.

Key Identifiers:  Dry skin may be flaky, feel tight and may show signs of premature again such as fine lines and wrinkles.  The skin is usually thin and can experience discomfort during extreme cold or wind. Pores appear invisible. This skin type is prone to dehydration.

Solutions:

• Use proper moisturizer. It is recommended that you use a day and night cream.
• Exfoliate regularly. Exfoliating twice a week will reduce flakiness and allow moisturizer to seep in deeper.
• Use moisturizing foundation or tinted moisturizer. If you choose a tinted moisturizer, be sure to use your regular moisturizer in addition, as most tinted moisturizers do not have sufficient moisture for dry skin.
• Wear sunscreen!

*This blog is intended to be viewed within www.VisualeyesDesigns.com website.  Please click on website link to view full website!  :)