#makeupsummercamp

This Summer I want to help other makeup artists and makeup lovers stay creative and feel inspired, so I have launched #makeupsummercamp. Every week I will announce a new challenge, and every week at least one happy camper will win some LEGIT prizes!  I've announced this week's challenge on my facebook page and my Instagram, but I don't want my readers to miss out!

This week your #makeupsummercamp challenge is to create a dramatic eyeliner look, and post a photo on Instagram (or to my facebook wall) with the hashtag #makeupsummercamp.  This week's winner will get a nice little goody bag filled with the products that are essential to me when I'm creating a dramatic eyeliner look!

Keep in mind, you can use a model (friend, mom, dad, boyfriend...), or create the look on yourself. Just be sure to upload your looks by Friday to be considered!

Please don't be shy, I'm not looking for perfection, I'm looking for creativity!

❤

Amy

Call Me Maybe

Check out some of my recommendations in InStyle Magazine's Best Best Beauty Buys 2012.

❤

Amy

Sephora + NARS = ❤

Last month I was browsing the Sephora website, stocking up on Lancome HYPNÔSE when I ran across this amazing, limited edition NARS Sea of Love Set

The set contains mini sizes of 

NARS Multiple in Orgasm, NARS Blush in Super Orgasm, NARS Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight, and a full size NARS Illuminator in Laguna.

These happen to be some of my favorite products for creating a beachy, bronzy, natural look.  It turns out I like the Multiple even better in this mini size because it's easier to apply.  These products are great for my personal makeup kit because they're small and easy to travel with.  It's a great and affordable way to introduce some classic NARS products into your professional kit as well!

❤
Amy

I'm Gonna Be A Supermodel

As you may know, I've been working on expanding this blog and taking it to a new platform that will include more user interaction. Well, to do it right takes time, and I want to do it right, so thanks for your patience!  There's so much I want to tell you in the meantime, so I've decided to keep updating during the transition!

Quite awhile ago a lovely makeup artist named Mae was assisting me and gave me some amazing lashes that a friend of hers had brought back from a trip to Asia. They were a brand called MODEL 21 and they were amazing!  I loved the shape, they were really full in the middle instead of the outer corners... Great for a dramatic look! I was OB-sessed.

(photos courtesy of dgsbeauty)

I kept them tucked away in my kit and only used them for very special occasions like this photo shoot with Karmin

and this shoot with Mischa Barton...

 (just some behind the scenes instagrams)

Well, the sad day came that I ran out of the lashes, but little did I realize the entire time I was hoarding them away there was a website address right on the box! www.model21eyelashes.com

I've already placed 2 orders!

The lashes are very reasonably priced and come 10 pairs to a box. Right now they offer free shipping when you buy 3 boxes, if you buy 4 boxes, they throw in a free box of lashes (of their choosing).

Well, now you have your marching orders!  They're a small company, so let's try not to crash their website!

❤
Amy

UPDATE:  The first order I placed with MODEL 21 arrived today!

Cute new packaging, same great lashes!

Turn Around Bright Eyes

As someone with very sensitive eyes, I am always on the hunt for the perfect eye makeup remover. Last week my search came to an end when I was gifted with Talika Oil Free Lash Conditioning Cleanser.

This innovative product not only removes stubborn eye makeup with ease, it actually conditions your lashes and is great for sensitive eyes like mine! Genius.

❤

Amy

Rave On

New obsession! Chanel Long Wearing Luminous Eyeshadow

Although it's a cream shadow, the formula and texture is like nothing I've ever seen before.  The colors are beautiful and, unlike other creams, the shadow stays put and does not crease! It can be used as shadow or liner, and it comes with the cutest little Chanel eyeliner brush.  I suggest you try it immediately!  My favorite shades are ILLUSIOIRE and EPATANT.

❤
Amy

Got Her Toes Done Up With Her Fingernails Matchin'

New obsession! Get ready... Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips!

I never thought in a million years that these would actually work...  I dismissed it as just another gimmick.  Surprisingly, I started hearing really great things about them, and when I actually saw someone wearing them I thought they looked great!  So... when I was at the drugstore the other night, I decided to grab a few.

They weren't hard to apply, and  the file and oragewood stick you need are included in the package. Mine lasted 4 days... I'm sure they last even longer on people who don't use their hands as much as I do.  Anyway, I am totally stoked on these and of course I'm having fun mixing and matching different designs.

In celebration of a long overdue nail post, I bring to you one of my favorite new clients, Kid Sister, and one of the best videos ever made 'Pro Nails'. You're welcome. ;)

❤

Amy

Around And Around

My week of red carpets...

On Monday I made up Sophia Bush for the premiere of Green Hornet.

Her lashes are stunning!  I used DiorShow Extase mascara with Ardell individual lashes.

Wednesday I made up Chloë Sevigny for the premiere of Big Love.  

The orangey red shade on her lips is MAC Lady Danger.

Sunday night I made up Thor actress Jaimie Alexander for the InStyle Golden Globes party. 

Her powdery pink lips are NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Roman Holiday.

I hope this gives you some fun ideas for your own makeup!

❤

Amy

Sunday Funday

From the personal files... My fridge, and my favorite lipstick (NARS Schiap, in case you were wondering).

❤
Amy

Do What You Do

Hi everybody! I hope you're Summer was amazing.  Pardon my absence, I've been busy working away!  New work with The Ting Tings, Marina and the Diamonds, Chloë Sevigny, and lots, lots more!

I was recently asked in the comments how, as a makeup artist, I would apply the TEN Natural Cheek Stain that I'm loving right now.

I like to use a small foundation brush (my favorite is Paintbrush Two from Billy B. Beauty)

and apply it to the apples of the cheeks.  You can also apply it with the container, and then blend out the edges with a foundation brush.  Be creative! There are no rules.

Check out a quick Q&A that my friends at Lipgloss Chicas did with me.

They've been doing some great updates, so follow their blog! It's amazing.

I'm working on getting my links section up to speed with all my latest blog crushes.  More updates soon!

❤

Amy

Perfect Ten

New obsession!  My friends at Tarte cosmetics sent me a lovely package recently and I am totally obsessed with their new LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain

Tarte has been a favorite of mine for a long time, and I LOVE a good lip stain!  All of the shades are amazing, but Lucky is my favorite.  It goes on smooth and evenly, and doesn't crease like a lot of stains tend to do.  It's a very nice matte texture, and it plumps the lips with a refreshing, minty tingle!

I'm also loving the new TEN Natural Cheek Stain they sent over!

It's an amazing shimmery pink, that gives your cheeks a natural flush.  TEN is a limited edition shade to celebrate Tarte's tenth anniversary so don't snooze on this one!  It's sure to sell out!

❤

Amy

I'm On The Pursuit Of Happiness

I picked up this nail varnish at a Chanel event for makeup artists back in January, and I've pretty much been wearing it ever since!

This might be the first time I've ever used an entire bottle of polish!  Totally obsessed...

❤

Amy

Flaming Lips

When designer Tom Ford did a make up collaboration with Estee Lauder, it changed my life! He made some of my favorite makeup products ever! (The line had a limited run, but you can still find some pieces on ebay.)

Now my favorite menswear/eyewear designer is at it again! This time he is keeping it strictly lipstick!



The line will include the signature red shade he uses in all of his ads, along with a plum and a nude shade.

The lipsticks will be available in the US at Neimans and Saks as of June 1st, but they've already launched in the UK. I'm dying to try them out, so if any of my UK buddies want to send me a sample... ;)

❤
Amy

Prettiest Star

I love beauty books that are filled with gorgeous pictures and inspirational how-to guides, so for tonight's gift suggestion I am recommending Paul Starr on Beauty.

Paul Starr is one of my favorite make up artists. I had the invaluable experience of assisting Paul as a young make up artist and consider myself extremely lucky to have observed the master at work. I learned so much from Paul, both about make up artistry, and life in general. We tragically lost Paul a little over a year ago, which puts an even greater urgency on his work. It has been so sad to me that we will never see another face made up by Paul Starr.

This Holiday I would like to celebrate Paul, his beautiful, meaningful work, and his commitment to beauty. Paul's book is brimming with gorgeous pictures of his work, interesting interviews with his celebrity subjects, and an easy to follow how-to guide with some of Paul's favorite tricks. I highly recommend this book for any make up artist or beauty addict!

<3

Amy

The Kids Just Want To Have Fun

Tonight's gift idea, Chanel Nail Varnish!

(photo via tumblr)

Over the past few years I've become somewhat of a "collector" of Chanel Nail Colour. They make amazing shades, a lot of which are limited edition. It's a nice, colorful gift, and how can you go wrong giving a gift with those cute double c's? At $23, it's the perfect for coworkers or school friends.

<3
Amy

Into The Pink

Tonight's holiday gift suggestion is a tool I can't live without, the beautyblender.



This little pink sponge will change the way you do make up. Dampen the sponge to blend your foundation seamlessly. The unique shape allows for easy blending and application under the eyes and in any creases. Also, the sponges are reusable so it's a great way to be environmentally responsible!

I don't know how I ever lived without them!

<3
Amy

Pleasure Little Treasure

I've received some really sweet emails lately asking why I've fallen out of the blogosphere. Thanks for noticing! I've been so busy with my work as a make up artist, I've had very little time or energy to update this blog.

A few people have asked what I am recommending for gift giving this year...

I'll be trying to blog a great beauty gift every day leading up to Christmas. This might not be easy, as today may be my last day off until the holiday, but I'm gonna try...

I've been anticipating the release of Tarte Treasure Chest for months now!



Tarte releases a holiday Treasure Chest every year, and it always sells out. This year, they've added another layer of eye shadows for the same great price!

The cute kit includes

-16 matte shadows
-16 shimmer shadows
-16 lip glosses
-Bronzer
-Luminizer
-4 powder blushes

This is a must for your make up kit, or personal use! I love Tarte because not only do they make beautiful make up, it's all natural and paraban free!

On another note, I'm so excited that my clients the Ting Tings are nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Artist catagory!

Here's a shot I did with them from the latest issue of Paper magazine.

(photo by Jiro Schneider)

Well, see you tomorrow? Same place, same time(ish)?

<3
Amy

Black Celebration

Chanel's new campaign for Noir Obscure is the definition of drama.




These ads are hearbreakingly gorgeous! They are the epitome everything I'm loving right now.

<3
Amy

Like a Charm

Remember when I told you about Orly's Once Upon A Time Collection?

Well I've been wearing Poison Apple for four days (with no top coat) and it hasn't chipped at all!

It's pretty unbelievable considering I usually ruin a good manicure within a matter of hours. I'm so into it!

<3
Amy

Late In The Day

I know I'm late on this one, but I have finally gotten to try some products from Jouer, and I'm kind of kicking myself for not trying them sooner!

First off, I'm really excited about their Age-Repairing Perfector

I've never been a huge fan of cream or mineral foundations, but this product has made me a believer! This foundation gives amazing, buildable coverage without looking thick or cakey. It's filled with all kinds of goodies that are great for your skin, and boasts a beautiful satin finish. I love that it's available in such a wide range of shades, and unlike most mineral products I have tried, it doesn't oxidize and change color as the day wears on! I love it SO much!

The next totally amazing (and super innovative!) product I'm recommending from the line is Essential Matte Touch


I think a gorgeous beauty look should be glowy in all the right places, and more matted it out in the wrong ones, while looking effortless and NON powdery. This is a great way to mattify your (or your client's) skin where needed, without a powdery finish. And like the other Jouer products, it's packed with beneficial vitamins and antioxidants!

The Jouer Lip Enhancer is another really unique product from the line that I'm totally in love with!

It's very nourishing and hydrating like a lip balm, but with consistent use it actually plumps your lips and improves the look of your lips!

Jouer also has a beautiful range of wet to dry Powder Eyeshadow

These gorgeous shades are perfect for an effortlessly beautiful look. The light-diffusing, highly pigmented, matte and shimmer shadows have a gorgeous finish that doesn't crease. I think "bordeaux" is my favorite!

As if all of these products were not impressive and innovative enough on their own, Jouer has created the most unique packaging that allows you to interlock all of your favorite products into one convenient palette!
I love cosmetic lines that are innovative and actually CHANGING the way we use make up. Jouer is certainly at the top of that list, and I look forward to trying more from this line!

<3

Amy