Dior

Be Bold

Hello gal pals!!! I just hosted my first Makeup Seminar, and wanted to thank everyone who attended the event!! It was such an amazing night- full of laughter and lots of girl talk!! We had healthy food, yummy sweets, champagne, coconut water, amazing flowers, girly music!! Ah! It was a perfect group of ladies too!! I hope everyone had as much fun as I did!!

I demonstrated one of my favorite looks right now, and thought I would give those who were not able attend a brief overview so you can learn how to create this look too! It was all about creating a flawless complexion paired with bold brows, bold lashes, and a fun bold lip!!!! 

Skin Prep

I am going to say something crazy...Prepping your skin is more important than the actual makeup application. What??? I know it sounds odd, but it's so true!! Always cleanse, tone, detox, and hydrate-especially under the eyes!! Next apply an oil control primer in your T-Zone and/or a hydrating primer in the drier areas like your cheeks! Diffusing shadows and texture is another great trick to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sun spots before even thinking about foundation. Products like Dior's

Dreamskin

or Buxom's

Divine Goddess Illuminator

 are perfect to make the skin appear youthful and more even!

Complexion

When your complexion is clean and appears flawless- bold makeup will take on a more natural look, and won't look so wild! Apply your foundation and concealer first, and instead of using a bronzer in a powder formula, try a cream foundation in a deeper hue. Here I am using

Bobbi Brown's Foundation Stick in Warm Almond

to contour the cheek bones, forehead, jaw line, the nose, and a little under the bottom lip! I like to blend this darker foundation color into the complexion with my all time fav brush The

#130 Short Duo Fibre

by MAC.

Next add some life to those cheeks! My only rule is to match the blush and lip color for a cohesive look! Think about the undertone! Red goes with Red, Blue/Red pairs with Blue/Red, Yellow/Orange with the same undertones,  and so on with Red/Orange!

Adding a contour underneath the bottom lip and a hightlight or a glow on the top of the lip/in the bow of the lip can visually enhance the size of our lip shape. I like to add a little bit of

Baremineals Queen Phyllis 

 eyeshadow right in the bow of the lip - it catches the light perfectly and in my opinion looks better than drawing over the lip with lip liner.

Brows

Bold brows are on every gals mind right now, and the bolder the brow the more youthful we appear! But what about all the ladies who over plucked? Maybe you're experiencing hormonal hair loss, or you've got some wiry little gray hairs all of a sudden?! There are

pencils

out there to help you create new shapes, but you have to be careful with how boxy the front ends up. We don't want our brows to be too obvious or appear fake! I like to draw one line under the brow to create a seamless line - than I go back with a brush to soften and lift the product into the rest of the eyebrow. If you have empty spots, go back in with a quick hair-like strokes to create a fuller appearance. Try a

brow gel

for those wiry little guys and remember to comb upward - this will create a lifted appearance for the eyes and face making us seem more awake and lively!

Eyes + Lashes

BIG + BOLD lashes make you feel sexy! Here are a few tricks to make what you got look a lot fuller! 

1. Curl the lashes 

2. Apply

Dior's Lash Maximizer

- Wiggle the brush at the base of the lash, and than pull into the tips of the lash. Let this dry for a few moments! 

3. Apply your favorite mascara with the same application technique - base to tip! 

4. Apply some

small individual lashes

on the outside of the eye, and

mini individual lashes

on the inside of the eye to create a fuller appearance. Remember to glue them onto the actual lash- do not apply the tip of the false lash to the skin! Try a

black glue

so there is no shiny residue to be seen. 

5. To finish this look, add

Dior's Blackout

mascara to blend the false lashes into the real lashes and intensify the color. Yep, there are many depths to a black mascara, so this one is 15X the pigment of others! 

To enhance the lashline, try the tightlining technique- this means filling in the little gaps between the lashes! Pull your eyelid up a little with your thumb, and press an eyeliner into the gaps on the lash line to get product between the lashes.

Lips

The best way to hide your sleepy eyes from the outside world is to apply a BOLD lip color! People's eyes will instantly be drawn to the beautiful color instead of your dark circles! Bold colors also seem more confident, so rock that bold color at your next job interview and especially if you work in sales!! My favorite color for this season is an orange red - and

LadyBird

by Butter London is such a hot color!! Plus, you have a lip liner, a lipstick, a gloss + pencil sharpener and you only have to carry around one product! *With LadyBird lip color, I would recommend to pair it will a light peachy blush like "

Deep Throat

" by Nars. 

A special thanks to my right-hand gal Makeup Artist Kim Baker. I don't know what I would do without her sometimes! She is the best assistant ever!!! 

Venue + Rentals:

Pleasanton Rentals

|| Photography by:

Ashley Maxwell

|| Floral Arrangements + Flower Wall by:

Freckled and Floral

|| Desserts by:

Ma Petite Maison Cake Design

|| Customized Pencils:

A Blissful Nest Shop

|| Napkins:

Southern Fried Paper

|| Swag Bags are filled with:

Butter London

,

TypeLites

, Fauxlash,

Rodan + Fields

, and

It Works

Lohdi

I've noticed during my bridal trials, that every soon-to-be Mrs is drawn to a similar color when it comes to their lips. There was a strong coral trend last year, and I don't think that it is over just yet. It's still in every magazine as the "it" color, and it ranges from soft peaches to neon oranges.

Orange is such a warm and inviting hue. It makes you think of a tropical island, or maybe just a nice citrus fruit. Either way, I think it is a safe color. It was ok in 1961 as Audrey Heburn's signature color in Breakfast at Tiffany's and its still ok today in 2014. I think it is a refreshing spin on the classic red lip.


I love NARS (in general), they have some pretty awesome long lasting Satin Lip Pencils. Lohdi, is one of those perfect coral shades!! I always customize my colors, and for this look I also added a bit of Harlot OCC Lip Tar on the bottom lip, finished with a little Party Starter from Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie gloss collection.

I was very pleased to see that the Satin Lip Pencil did not bleed and almost stained the lips of my model. I used it during my photoshoot with Jose Villa, which was featured on Hochzeits Guide Vol. 3 E-Magazine. Check out pages 124-133 to see more from this look to be inspired by corals.

A lot of cosmetic brands are launching new varieties of oranges and corals. If a neutral shade is your safe color, step out of your box for a softer apricot. If you love a BOLD lip, try one of the intense neons this season!!

Have fun!

XOXO
Priscilla Francine


First Day of School

Labor Day has passed, and it's back to school we go! While you're stocking up on your sweaters and boots, here are a few basics to add to your makeup bag for this upcoming season:

Nars- Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder
I've added the Nars Light Reflecting Loose Setting powder to my professional kit because of the quality, and because it's technology is perfect for pictures! I like using product that works for every woman's skin tone and skin concern. First, this powder does not alter the complexion (foundation) at all-so it works for every skin tone! Yes, every skin tone, fair to deep! Second, it destroys the rumor "powder settles into my creases, making me look dry". It's silky, and perfects the texture on ones skin, absorbing excess oils without adding a dry finish. Last, the light reflecting powers diffuse light and adjust to new light... perfect for when a bride is inside and outside! Perfect for in person, and on camera! 

Dior- Diorshow Blackout Mascara
You saw the bold brow trend pop up...your currently watching the bold lip pop up....so let's add some balance to the face with bold lashes too!! Diorshow Blackout was created to be dramatic. The pigment is extremely rich, and offers you a true black lash!! I think it look nice paired with a clean eyelid and a defined lash line (a winged/cat eye using liquid liner).

BareMinerals- Buxom Full Bodied Lipstick in Scoundrel
Lip colors for Fall are always going to hold a deeper hue. While those who's styles are edgier jump right into the latest trend, it may be hard for the rest of the world to join in. Scoundrel holds that same intensity you will see this Fall on the Runway, however it has a brighter attitude. It's more on the raspberry-fuchsia side. It's adds some serious life to the complexion, without being harsh on your eyes when you look in the mirror.

OPI Nail Lacquer- So many clowns so little time 
I found this gem at the Spring Cosmoprof show for 50 cents, little did I know this color was from the Spring 2011 Femme de Cirque Collection. You may be able to find it if you search for a bit... it's a clean and professional look. I like it because it has a peach undertone verses a pink undertone, the finished result is a sheer ivory. I prefer 3-4 coats to make it stand out a bit more and compliment my tan. I'm using this on my hands, and am loving a deep purple, almost black on my toes!


Hope school is going well for everyone!

xoxo
Priscilla Francine 

The Perfect Eyebrows


Do you have a "trademark", something that people recognize you for? One of my trademarks would have to be my eyebrows, and honestly without my eyebrows I just don't feel the same! I feel a little uncomfortable when they are not filled in and groomed properly. 
It's a make or break the face kinda thing. Without realizing it, you can make yourself look angry, sad, or surprised depending on your eyebrow shape. With that being said, brow shaping must be done correctly according to the structure of your face. First things first, check these 3 points to ensure your eyebrows start, arch, and end in the correct places according to your personal facial features. 
You will need a straight object to help guide your "lines". 
1. Where should the brow start? The edge of your nose should line up with the inside corner of your eye...and that's where the beginning of your brow should be. 

2. How to get the perfect arch? Create an imaginary line...start from the bow of your lip, line it up with the edge of your nose...where does it end? It should end at the highest point of your brow, which is your arch. If it's not there, you can grow/pluck or fill in accordingly. 

3. Where does the brow end? Angle your "straight object" from the bow of your lip, line it up with the edge of the nose and the outside corner of the eye. 


Brow trends change season to season, but full brows seem to be sticking around!! In the past, sharp and defined brows were in style... If you are like me, and you over plucked in the early '90's you may be dealing with some sparse areas. My brows do not grow quickly, and when they do grow it is spotty, so I must fill in the gaps. 

I use Christian Dior's Universal Brow Styler to connect my arch, it's a one color fits all, it warms up to your skin so you will always have the most natural color! It has a wax texture on first application, but once your soften it into the skin it becomes more like a powder. Afterwards, I set my brows with Bobbi Brown's Brow Powder with a thick and firm brow brush.



Here are a few tools/brushes I choose to use on a daily basis:

1. MAC's #266 brush has the perfect angle, and is very thin for a precise application.
2. Smashbox's #12 angled brush is stiff and firm for a softer look and great for blending product into the skin for a more natural look.
3. I brush my hair upwards with MAC's #204 Lash Brush



Depending on your preference, and how much time you have to get ready... Brow gel is the fastest application and they are great for hair that has its own agenda, its also great to hide those stubborn little grey hairs! Pencils are the next in ease, but may take a few more seconds for precision. Powder may seem like the most time consuming, however you have more flexibility with the product, resulting in a more natural finish. Waxes are also an option and can add durability to the length of the product during a lengthy (warm) day. 

Now who is rocking the big and bold brows this season??? 

XOXO
Priscilla Francine 






change can be a good thing.

While working in the beauty industry I have noticed most people have skin concerns. Sometimes I hear people say they do not use skincare because they do not want to be perceived as high maintenance. Taking care of your skin is NOT high maintenance-It is another way of preserving your mental and physical health...AND men need skincare just as much as women do...because men have skin too! 

When I hear my clients express their frustration about their skin, I want to find them a solution so they can feel better about themselves. So lets talk about convenient products for the guys and the girls to change how we view taking care of our skin!! Let's make this change an easy change!

Great for the guys: Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturizer

Pure Oat Extract

Why he loves it...

1. My hubby is not a fan of body moisturizer due to the sticky residue it can leave behind. The Vaseline Spray & Go is great for guys because it really does dry fast, and it is non-greasy! 
2. Easy application for a guy on the go-Moisturizes in seconds, so you can put your clothes right on! 
3. There are fragrance free options or light natural fragrance options.

Why she loves it...

It's not an intimidating product so it will be used over and over again-no more dry skin for your main man! He may even go out and replenish it on his own (mine did, so there's hope for yours too!

Great for the girls: DiorSnow UV Protection BB Creme

Color "020"

Why she loves it...

1. The sun protection is an SPF 50, yet it feels light weight and does not smell like sunscreen! 
2. Acts as a primer-it wears well on the skin without separating, oxidation, or getting greasy. 
3. If you are running late it can act as a moisturizer! *However, I would still recommend using a moisturizer first on a regular basis.
4. Sheer, medium, or full coverage based on how much you use or how you apply it (Lately I have been using 2 pumps and applying it with just my fingers).

Why he loves it...

It's time saver, you will not have to apply multiple products to achieve a flawless complexion. He won't be waiting for you to get ready alllll day-you may even finish before he does on some days! What? I know! It is the truth ladies!

"Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change." - Jim Rohn

XOXO
Priscilla Francine

Makeup on The Runway {Sarah Seven}

This years Lab Event was glamorous and full of lots of inspiring ideas-it exceeded all my expectations yet again. I had the pleasure of spending the morning with Julia from Gal Meets Glam, editor Angela Tafoya from Refinery 29, Anne writer at The City Sage, and Krystal writer of This Time Tomorrow. They were our runway models for the event, showing off some glittery pieces designed by Sarah Seven.

The inspiration for the bridal looks were clean skin, lined eyes and full lashes, bold lips, and top knots for the hair. It was a long day, so I used alot of primers and hairspray to ensure the girls looked like perfection for the entire party! I'd love to see more brides attempt this look this year-it's girly, refreshing, and fun!!! Of course, these looks are great for a night out with girlfriends-or even for a romantic dinner for Valentines!

Julia writer of Gal Meets Glam
Julia writer of Gal Meets Glam
Angela editor at Refinery 29
Krystal writer of This Time Tomorrow
Anne writer of The City Sage
Julia writer of Gal Meets Glam

Products to achieve runway status: 

1. On the Models Skin: Christian Dior Airflash Spray Foundation

2. On the Models Cheeks: Benefit's Dallas

3. On the Models Eyes: Bare Minerals High Shine Eyecolor in Gold Medal

4. On the Models Lips: YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick

5. On the Models Hair: Pantene Pro-V Anti-Humidity Hairspray


All photos were taken by the talented photographer Em The Gem


I will be posting more images from the Runway on my Facebook page too!

xoxo
Priscilla Francine