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

Modern Love

I have told you before about Jemma Kidd's JK line for Target, which is a great and affordable way to build a make up kit with quality products. I was recently lucky enough to be introduced to Jemma Kid Make Up School, the higher end Jemma Kidd line sold at Neiman Marcus and Space NK.

I am so privileged that I have access to so many amazing cosmetic lines, but I have to say the products I am using from Jemma Kidd Make Up School feel like they were made with my specific needs, taste, and aesthetic in mind.

The first stand out product is the STAIN, FLUSH & GLOSS LIP & CHEEK DUO.

I am a big fan of using lip and cheek stains to achieve a natural look that still pops on camera. Sometimes I will just dab a bit of lipstick in the center of the lip or on the cheeks with my fingers.

I used this lip stain for a cover shoot on Thursday. I did a dramatic smokey eye with dewey, highlighted natural skin and a stained lip. Everyone complimented me on how great the make up looked, and even straight men were telling me they love the "subtle lip". Now THAT'S a compliment!

I'm also really loving...

STARDUST CRÉME SHADOW

Unlike many creme shadows, it lasts without creasing and is highly pigmented for a great color payoff. You can build the color for added drama.

DEFINE STAY-PUT EYE LINER

Water and smudge proof (although I don't mind a smudged eye liner!), it applies effortlessly with a silky texture and comes in a great range of colors. I really love the purple one called "Peacock"!

FIRMING I-SILK LONG-LAST COLOUR

Absolutely amazing shimmery shades to achieve a perfect red carpet look! Very wearable and long lasting, and like a lot of Jemma's products, it has anti aging benefits!

I-RESCUE BIO-COMPLEX COVER from the "pro" line

This is a beautiful, creamy concealer that is also an eye "treatment". The shades brighten the eye area while working to diminish fine lines and puffiness. Available in 3 shades, light, medium, and dark... they are highly blendable and create a beautiful highlight.

Since I'm a big fan of using a concealer pencil as an eye liner to make the eyes look open and bright, I'm really looking forward to trying the I-PERFECTOR PREP & BRIGHTEN DUO

and as a fan of a glossy eyelid I can't wait to try LIP & EYE DEWY GLOSS

I told you these products were made for me!

A lot of the products are infused with jojoba oil, minerals, and/or vitamin E so they pamper your skin, and since Jemma Kidd is a make up educator, all of the products come with a little "make up lesson"!

Sometimes it seems like everything has been done before. That's why I appreciate innovative products that are changing the way we do make up. For me, right now, that includes Benefit, Beautyblender, Tarte, and now I'm adding Jemma Kidd to that list.

Check out the Jemma Kidd website for some really great "backstage tips", and register for their email newletter to hear about all of their great products and be sure to let me know what you think!

<3
Amy

Working Day and Night

When I first heard about the beautyblender I didn't give it too much thought. With so many products on the market, I really thought it was just another gimmick. Little by little I started to notice that quite a few make up artists, whose work I admire, were using this sponge. I tried it once and was totally hooked!


The beautyblender was created by professional make up artists. The shape of the sponge is amazing for all kinds of make up application, and helps you get in to little creases and corners you can't reach with a traditional sponge or brush. It's latex free, and has a unique velvety texture. The sponges are reusable (which is better for the earth) and come with the blendercleanser which is also a terriffic brush cleaner.


The sponge works best when damp, so cleaning the sponges on set doesn't pose any kind of major setback. I once had an actress tell me "I can always tell a make up artist knows what they're doing when they use those sponges." It's really worth the investment!

<3
Amy

P.S. Here's a video that will give you a better idea of how to use and clean your beautyblender.


Let me know if you try it! I'd love to know what you think! :)

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

LA's eco friendly nail salon Recess is offering free mani/pedi's if you recycle!

Turn in 10 old bottles of nail polish for a free manicure, and 15 bottles for a free pedicure.

Speaking of being green...

I've been getting more and more requests to use eco friendly products for certain clients.  My favorite eco friendly lines are Tarte and Josie Maran Cosmetics, and skin care by Juice Beauty and Dr. Hauschka...

Make up artists can find some helpful links and tips on being green on greenmua.com.  

I try to be more responsible by not using disposables.  It's a good idea to use washable puffs instead of disposables ones, and if you must use sponges (I typically prefer to use brushes or my fingers), you should check in to the beauty blender.  

It's a reusable sponge with a great shape that will literally revolutionize the way you do make up!

<3

Amy