Originally posted on 2009-08-19

“Melanie, what is your favourite product?”

Even though this question is posed to me almost as often as Tyra Banks changes her wig, it’s one I always struggle to answer. I have painstakingly researched, selected, and tested each item before tossing it into my bag o’ tricks, so asking me to pick my favourite product is akin to asking a doting mother which child she loves most!

After much deliberation, I realized that there are a few tried-and-true products that always deliver stunning results, some of which you probably haven’t heard of but are definitely worth tracking down. So without further ado, here are my seven MVP’s…

Cover FX Skinprep FX Nourishing Foundation Primer & Anti-Aging Serum

Until I tried this product, I had yet to encounter even a high-end primer that lived up to the hype. I personally put this product through its paces last October. On the day of the Madonna concert, I applied a full face of makeup on top of the primer at 9am, did hair and makeup all day in the middle of a crowded restaurant for a pre-show event, went out for dinner, danced up a storm at the show, and danced some more at a post-show street party! I got home at nearly 2am and I couldn’t believe my unsmudged eyes. After 17 hectic, sweaty hours, my makeup looked as fresh as it did after my final powder that morning! It’s a bit of a splurge at around $45.00, but a little goes a long way. If you struggle with the longevity of your makeup, then it’s definitely worth the investment.

Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundation

Makeup artists who guard their tricks for flawless skin the way magicians guard their secrets for pulling rabbits out of hats don’t want you to know about this wonder product. Whether used at full strength to hide a blemish or thinned out with a bit of moisturizer (I like Cetaphil Lotion or Cetaphil Cream) for sheerer coverage, this concentrated and economically priced foundation delivers a flawless complexion every time. Wear it for a special occasion and you won’t believe how immaculate your skin will look in photos! Available at Studio FX in Royal Centre at Burrard and Georgia in Downtown Vancouver (604) 685-5509 or at Holly North in Burnaby (604) 299-2000.

Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation

If you crave velvety matte skin but don’t want the emollients in a cream foundation, this is the foundation for you. Its smooth consistency is easy to apply and dries to a poreless finish with coverage unlike any liquid foundation product on the market.

Ben Nye Neutral Set Colorless Face Powder

If there is one product I use everyday on myself and on 99.9% of everyone I work with it’s this. Don’t be alarmed by it’s chalky appearance. This translucent face powder disappears into the skin and sets makeup like warpaint for battle. Press it into your skin with a powder puff and dust away any excess for maximum durability. Oh, and did I mention you can get it for under $10.00? Track it down at Studio FX in Royal Centre at Burrard and Georgia in Downtown Vancouver (604) 685-5509 or at Holly North in Burnaby (604) 299-2000.

Make Up For Ever Sculpting Kit

The word “contouring” may cause images from the 80′s to dance in your head, with the racing stripe cheekbones and noses garishly narrowed with orange stripes down either side of the bridge. Fear not! With practice and careful blending (and a light hand), the darker powder in this compact can define your cheekbones and jawline with such precision you will swear you lost 10 lbs. Use the lighter powder along the tops of your cheekbones for bone structure that Janet Jackson would envy.

MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Engraved

One of the richest, blackest, most long wearing black eyeliners I’ve ever come across, this pencil glides on like butter and blends to soft, tar-like goodness. Its waterproof durability means you can wear it on your waterlines and it won’t budge. I can’t do a smoky eye without it!

Lancome Bi-Facil – Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

Opthalmologist-tested, this eye makeup remover clears away all traces of waterproof and non-waterproof eye makeup in a flash. Yes, even your MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil will vanish in a jiffy. The non-greasy formula leaves eyes clean.

xoxo,
M.

Originally posted on 2009-09-02

Back to school season is almost upon us! From my personal collection, here is a list of recommended reading for fantastic makeup techniques and inspiration. Who knew you could get gorgeous by being a bookworm?! …And as one of these books will also point out, you can also get gorgeous by getting frisky with a loved one…nudge, nudge.

1. Designing Your Face: The Illustrated Guide to Using Cosmetics by Way Bandy

Way Bandy was the original celebrity makeup artist whose work epitomized the glamour of New York fashion in the 70’s and 80’s. I searched high and low for his books for years after learning that Kevyn Aucoin stole a copy of Designing Your Face from his public library as a kid and still had it (autographed no less) in his possession at the time of his death. If you are able to get your hands on a copy, you may smile at the rudimentary hand-drawn illustrations. More importantly, you will notice that Bandy had an eye that was ahead of his time. As you become immersed in his techniques for creating a glowing complexion, you may forget that you’re reading a 1977 title and not the latest issue of Allure.

2. Styling Your Face: An Illustrated Guide to Fifteen Cosmetic Face Designs for Women & Men by Way Bandy

Would you like further evidence that Way Bandy was ahead of his time? Read that title again. Who would have thought that in 1981, a makeup artist would include men in his book on makeup, let alone incorporate men into the book’s title? Much respect. What I love about each of his fifteen “face designs” is that they are built around an entire concept that he describes in vivid detail, down to the hair and wardrobe. His understanding of a look in its totality makes him a man after my own heart!

3. The Art of Makeup by Kevyn Aucoin

Kevyn, Kevyn, Kevyn…I probably would not be a makeup artist today had I not seen his work in my Mom’s early issues of Allure when I was still in elementary school. Of his three bestselling books, this one by far relies most on its massive photographs than it does on written content. Aucoin briefly outlines the basics of makeup tools and application techniques, then indulges readers in an entire segment of the signature makeup styles from the 20’s to the 90’s. The second half of the book features before/afters and celebrity portraits. It’s huge format and artful photos still make this one of my favourite coffee table books to date.

4. Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin

Now we get into the meat and potatoes of makeup artistry as the magician starts to reveal his secrets! With the same high quality photographs that became standard for all his books, Aucoin goes into much more detail on how to work with various types of products, and his trademark highlighting and contouring techniques which are undoubtedly inspired by Way Bandy’s Designing Your Face. All of Kevyn’s books I hold with near biblical reverence, but I will say if I had to pick my favourite, this one would be it.

5. Face Forward by Kevyn Aucoin

The most inspiring thing about this book for me as a makeup artist is seeing how Kevyn truly connected with his clients. Of course, each portrait is accompanied by step-by-step how-to’s, but each portrait is also accompanied by a thoughtful tribute to the person behind the maquillage. As an artist, he had an unparalleled Michelangelo-like ability to “chip away the stone that is not David” to reveal people at their most beautiful while preserving their uniqueness. In this book Aucoin also stretches the reader’s imagination further, taking famous faces and transforming them into icons of previous eras. Who else could morph Martha Stewart into Veronica Lake?

6. FINE Beauty: Beauty Basics & Beyond for African American Women by Sam Fine

My love of makeup artist Sam Fine is no secret. I’ve sang his praises and the praises of his book before and I probably will again! Whether you’re a woman of colour looking for expert advice or a makeup artist looking to expand your skills, this book is essential to understanding the specific needs and considerations for making up deeper skintones.

7. The Beauty of Color: The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color by Iman

Iman knows a thing or two about the trials and tribulations of being an ethnic beauty with limited makeup choices. Arriving in Manhattan from studying Political Science at Nairobi University in 1975 to model, she would repeatedly encounter makeup artists who were confounded by her rich skintone. In her book, she teaches women of all races how to look their best so they can unabashedly celebrate their exotic features and skin colours. Brainy, beautiful, and a lover of diversity? I need a moment to bow down to Iman’s greatness.

8. The Beauty Manual: How to Look Your Best Ever by Sandra Morris

I admit that one of the reasons I adore this 1999 title is because it features images of the great supermodels of the 90’s on nearly every page. Don’t let it’s diminutive size fool you. This is a little hardcover wellspring of beauty tips that cover a huge range of topics in addition to makeup such as skin care, body care, fitness, aromatherapy, nutrition, hair care, personal style, and…the beauty benefits of sex?

9. Makeup: The Ultimate Guide by Rae Morris

The first book by Australia’s top fashion and celebrity makeup artist Rae Morris is an ambitious, comprehensive guide to fashion makeup with captivating photography by Steven Chee. Her clean and creative applications make it easy to see why she was named Australian Makeup Artist of the Year four times over. In addition to the standard chapters on makeup techniques for each part of the face, Morris also includes chapters dedicated to makeup for Asian eyes and makeup for women over 40.

10. The Lighting Cookbook for Fashion & Beauty: Foolproof Recipes for Perfect Portraits by Jenni Bidner & Eric Bean

Seeing repeated recommendations for this book by artists with absolutely breathtaking portfolios was more than enough to convince me to pick up a copy of this book. The detailed technical explanations of lighting and photography will arm makeup artists with the knowledge necessary to become a highly valued contributor to the team on a photo shoot.

What are your favourite makeup books? Post them in the Comments below!

xoxo,
M.

Originally posted on 2009-08-26

You have to admit…sometimes it feels pretty darn good to be bad. To help you indulge your inner rebel without landing you in jail or with a nasty case of conjunctivitis, I’ve compiled a few long established makeup rules to which you can happily flip the bird and still look fabulous.

Rule #1: Use yellow-toned concealer to cover under eye circles.

Why is it that no matter the formula of the product, no matter how precise your application, yellow-toned concealer tends to create a grayish shadow under your eyes rather than banishing the shadows altogether? Don’t get me wrong, there is definitely a place in your makeup bag for yellow-toned concealer, but it’s best saved for covering redness. The problem is that the yellow pigment is merely blending with the blue tone of your under eye circles rather than neutralizing it.

The key to covering under eye circles is orange-toned concealer! The orange tone will neutralize the bluish colour under your eyes. Yes, this may mean you will require two concealers in your makeup bag, but the end result is well worth it. Besides, the professional ones I swear by are probably less expensive than most drug store concealers!

Two of the best: Ben Nye Mellow Orange (above left) and Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundation 600 Series (above right), available at Studio FX in Downtown Vancouver (604) 685-5509 or at Holly North in Burnaby (604) 299-2000.

Rule #2: Redheads can’t wear red lipstick.

Tell that to Jessica Rabbit! For far too long our scarlet haired friends have been instilled with the fear of wearing red lipstick. Given the myriad of shades and textures on the market, there is a red lipstick that works for everyone. Just look at the various ways famous redheads have rocked the red lip:

Rule #3: You can’t wear false eyelashes during the day.

Of course, false eyelashes take a fair amount of practice before getting to the point where you can apply them as part of your daily morning routine. Furthermore, your workplace may have strict guidelines in terms of dress. However, if you have a special daytime occasion, a wispy pair of lashes paired with soft makeup will give you added polish above and beyond your usual everyday makeup.

A lovely style to try is Ardell Fashion Lashes #110, available at most drugstores for around $5.99.

Rule #4: Mature women must wear matte makeup.

The textures of makeup products have improved so drastically over the years that this rule simply isn’t entirely true. This rule originated during a time when products were created with either a matte finish or a frost finish. “Frost” meant large glittery particles which would settle into fine lines and make them more apparent. Think Helen Roper, when the desired result is Helen Mirren…

As women age, their skin tends to lose its dewiness. So why prey tell, do people who make up these rules think that mattifying mature skin further is going to make it look younger? It is much more flattering for mature women to forego powdering the skin altogether. If need be, just ever so lightly dust the forehead and nose with a large fluffy brush and loose translucent powder.

The shimmer particles in the current eyeshadows and blushes are typically so finely milled that they will actually blend seamlessly into the skin. When light plays these products, it will actually diffuse the appearance of fine lines and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.

Are there any makeup rules that you blatantly ignore? What about makeup rules that you wouldn’t dream of ignoring? Post your thoughts in the Comments below!

xoxo,
M.

On tonight’s episode of “Glee”, the adorable misfits of McKinley High celebrate the Power of Madonna. In today’s post, so will I!

Last week I posted 10 Music Videos Featuring Makeup Guaranteed to Spark Your Creativity. Dust off the MAC Russian Red Lipstick because today, I’m posting the 10 music videos that feature the Queen of Reinvention in some of her most showstopping, jaw dropping, so-beautiful-it’s-tear-jerking looks!

Reducing my list to 10 was difficult enough…as with my previous post, these are in no particular order.

xoxo,
M.

Rain

Vogue

Bad Girl

Express Yourself

Give It 2 Me

Justify My Love

Human Nature

Take A Bow

Like A Virgin

Express Yourself (Blond Ambition Tour)

Music videos have always been a huge source of inspiration. In no particular order, here are a few that I always turn to when I need to ignite my imagination. Enjoy!

xoxo,

M.

Jennifer Lopez ft. Ja Rule – Ain’t It Funny (Murder Remix)

Gwen Stefani – 4 in the Morning

TLC – No Scrubs

Madonna – Deeper & Deeper

Janet Jackson – You Want This

Britney Spears – I’m a Slave 4 U

No Doubt – Underneath It All

Christina Aguilera, Pink, Mya & Lil’ Kim ft. Missy Elliott – Lady Marmalade

Lauryn Hill – Ex-Factor

Lady Gaga – Bad Romance

What music videos inspire you? Post your thoughts in the Comments below!

Clockwise from top left: Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation in NC20, Powder Blush in Pink Swoon (Sheertone), Lipstick in Ruby Woo (Matte), Lipstick in Plumful (Lustre), Eyeshadow in Naked Lunch (Frost), Eyeshadow in Nocturnelle (Frost), Eyeshadow in Embark (Matte), MAC Pro Sculpting Powder in Sculpt

True story: I’d been putting off a trip down to my storage locker in the basement of my apartment building for months. In the name of spring cleaning decided to bite the bullet and drag my lazy behind down there one particularly slow Friday night. What did I find amid the boxes of old cards and letters and bins of special effects paints? Not one but two gift cards for MAC! I happily discovered that not only did they not have an expiry date, but I had over $100 worth of makeup shopping to do!

With my freshly renewed MAC Pro Discount, I picked up a mix of old reliables and new potential staples. First, I picked up a tube of MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation SPF 15 in NC20. I’ve worn it a couple of times to work to test its durability and was quite impressed. Combined with my trusty Ben Nye Mellow Orange concealer under my eyes and Make Up For Ever Pressed Powder applied with a buffing motion using a fluffy brush, my face stayed flawless and not cakey for about 16 hours!

Succumbing to my love of a contoured cheekbone, I selected MAC Sculpting Powder in Sculpt, which is one of the lighter shades in MAC’s collection of contour powders. I’m pretty fair so I figured I’d skip the deep contour powders in spite of my love of 1980′s Dynasty makeup. This powder combined with MAC Powder Blush in Pink Swoon on the apples of my cheeks was a definite winner! Pink Swoon is a great basic pink blush, but because it is a sheer finish I still rate Make Up For Ever Powder Blush #88 as my favourite matte pink blush for it’s exceptional wearability.

It’s tough to bypass the plethora of MAC Eyeshadows, so I picked up some staples. Naked Lunch is a wonderfully pearly nude shadow that brightens the eye area nicely for everyday wear; Nocturnelle is a rich purple that works great in a smoky eye or as a soft eyeliner; and Embark is a deep reddish brown that works well as an eyeliner, crease contour, or smoky eye shade.

The list of purchases is rounded off with MAC Lipsticks in Ruby Woo and Plumful. Ruby Woo is a classic matte blue-red that has been my go-to red lipstick for years, and Plumful is a rosy-plum in a soft lustre finish that works great for everyday wear.

Hope this list inspires you should you find yourself with a MAC gift card in hand…or just a need for a little treat!

xoxo,
M.

Back to school season is almost upon us! From my personal collection, here is a list of recommended reading for fantastic makeup techniques and inspiration. Who knew you could get gorgeous by being a bookworm?! …And as one of these books will also point out, you can also get gorgeous by getting frisky with a loved one…nudge, nudge.

1. Designing Your Face: The Illustrated Guide to Using Cosmetics by Way Bandy

Way Bandy was the original celebrity makeup artist whose work epitomized the glamour of New York fashion in the 70’s and 80’s. I searched high and low for his books for years after learning that Kevyn Aucoin stole a copy of Designing Your Face from his public library as a kid and still had it (autographed no less) in his possession at the time of his death. If you are able to get your hands on a copy, you may smile at the rudimentary hand-drawn illustrations. More importantly, you will notice that Bandy had an eye that was ahead of his time. As you become immersed in his techniques for creating a glowing complexion, you may forget that you’re reading a 1977 title and not the latest issue of Allure.

2. Styling Your Face: An Illustrated Guide to Fifteen Cosmetic Face Designs for Women & Men by Way Bandy

Would you like further evidence that Way Bandy was ahead of his time? Read that title again. Who would have thought that in 1981, a makeup artist would include men in his book on makeup, let alone incorporate men into the book’s title? Much respect. What I love about each of his fifteen “face designs” is that they are built around an entire concept that he describes in vivid detail, down to the hair and wardrobe. His understanding of a look in its totality makes him a man after my own heart!

3. The Art of Makeup by Kevyn Aucoin

Kevyn, Kevyn, Kevyn…I probably would not be a makeup artist today had I not seen his work in my Mom’s early issues of Allure when I was still in elementary school. Of his three bestselling books, this one by far relies most on its massive photographs than it does on written content. Aucoin briefly outlines the basics of makeup tools and application techniques, then indulges readers in an entire segment of the signature makeup styles from the 20’s to the 90’s. The second half of the book features before/afters and celebrity portraits. It’s huge format and artful photos still make this one of my favourite coffee table books to date.

4. Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin

Now we get into the meat and potatoes of makeup artistry as the magician starts to reveal his secrets! With the same high quality photographs that became standard for all his books, Aucoin goes into much more detail on how to work with various types of products, and his trademark highlighting and contouring techniques which are undoubtedly inspired by Way Bandy’s Designing Your Face. All of Kevyn’s books I hold with near biblical reverence, but I will say if I had to pick my favourite, this one would be it.

5. Face Forward by Kevyn Aucoin

The most inspiring thing about this book for me as a makeup artist is seeing how Kevyn truly connected with his clients. Of course, each portrait is accompanied by step-by-step how-to’s, but each portrait is also accompanied by a thoughtful tribute to the person behind the maquillage. As an artist, he had an unparalleled Michelangelo-like ability to “chip away the stone that is not David” to reveal people at their most beautiful while preserving their uniqueness. In this book Aucoin also stretches the reader’s imagination further, taking famous faces and transforming them into icons of previous eras. Who else could morph Martha Stewart into Veronica Lake?

6. FINE Beauty: Beauty Basics & Beyond for African American Women by Sam Fine

My love of makeup artist Sam Fine is no secret. I’ve sang his praises and the praises of his book before and I probably will again! Whether you’re a woman of colour looking for expert advice or a makeup artist looking to expand your skills, this book is essential to understanding the specific needs and considerations for making up deeper skintones.

7. The Beauty of Color: The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color by Iman

Iman knows a thing or two about the trials and tribulations of being an ethnic beauty with limited makeup choices. Arriving in Manhattan from studying Political Science at Nairobi University in 1975 to model, she would repeatedly encounter makeup artists who were confounded by her rich skintone. In her book, she teaches women of all races how to look their best so they can unabashedly celebrate their exotic features and skin colours. Brainy, beautiful, and a lover of diversity? I need a moment to bow down to Iman’s greatness.

8. The Beauty Manual: How to Look Your Best Ever by Sandra Morris

I admit that one of the reasons I adore this 1999 title is because it features images of the great supermodels of the 90’s on nearly every page. Don’t let it’s diminutive size fool you. This is a little hardcover wellspring of beauty tips that cover a huge range of topics in addition to makeup such as skin care, body care, fitness, aromatherapy, nutrition, hair care, personal style, and…the beauty benefits of sex?

9. Makeup: The Ultimate Guide by Rae Morris

The first book by Australia’s top fashion and celebrity makeup artist Rae Morris is an ambitious, comprehensive guide to fashion makeup with captivating photography by Steven Chee. Her clean and creative applications make it easy to see why she was named Australian Makeup Artist of the Year four times over. In addition to the standard chapters on makeup techniques for each part of the face, Morris also includes chapters dedicated to makeup for Asian eyes and makeup for women over 40.

10. The Lighting Cookbook for Fashion & Beauty: Foolproof Recipes for Perfect Portraits by Jenni Bidner & Eric Bean

Seeing repeated recommendations for this book by artists with absolutely breathtaking portfolios was more than enough to convince me to pick up a copy of this book. The detailed technical explanations of lighting and photography will arm makeup artists with the knowledge necessary to become a highly valued contributor to the team on a photo shoot.

What are your favourite makeup books? Post them in the Comments below!

xoxo,
M.

With so many products on the market and so little time, one of my goals on this blog is to help you streamline the selection process and present you with the products that get the job done.

Fellow Tweeter @balisally posted the following question to me this morning:

Now I can’t give you the definitive yes or no with respect to all eyelid primers, but I can give you two suggestions that will lock your eyemakeup in place until you decide to remove it!

Urban Decay Primer Potion

I. LOVE. THIS. PRODUCT. When I use it on clients the feedback is often something to the effect of, “I’ve never had my eyemakeup last so long!”

Inside the “I Dream of Jeannie” style tube is a creamy, quick drying formula and a sponge-tipped wand built into the cap. The formula contains silicone, which has been the key ingredient in a lot of cosmetics in recent years in order to satisfy our craving for products that apply smoothly.

For best results, apply a small amount onto the back of your hand (or makeup artists, onto a sanitized palette!) and use a flat synthetic brush to blend a thin layer of primer onto your eyelids. A little really goes a long way with this product. Be sure to blend it into the crease as well, since this is the first place your eye makeup starts to break down through the day.

MAC Paint

MAC Paints are highly pigmented cream to powder formula eyeshadows that are available in six neutral shades with varying finishes from matte to shimmer to metallic. They have a thick, creamy consistency but dry completely so you are free to wear it on its own or use it as an eyeshadow base. I’ve been wearing MAC Paints in “Bare Canvas” and “Stilife” for years as they are fabulous neutrals for my skintone and haven’t had creased eyeshadow yet!

You apply it much the same way as the Urban Decay Primer Potion, the significant difference being that you can adjust the coverage from sheer to opaque by applying another thin layer. Trust me, this stuff is industrial strength! It does not budge!

Give these products a shot and be amazed at how vivid your eyeshadow colours look, how easily they blend, and how long they last.

If you’ve tried these products or have suggestions for eyelid primers that have worked for you (or ones to avoid!), post them in the Comments below!

Follow me on Twitter! @melaniehoken

xoxo,
M.

You have to admit…sometimes it feels pretty darn good to be bad. To help you indulge your inner rebel without landing you in jail or with a nasty case of conjunctivitis, I’ve compiled a few long established makeup rules to which you can happily flip the bird and still look fabulous.

Rule #1: Use yellow-toned concealer to cover under eye circles.

Why is it that no matter the formula of the product, no matter how precise your application, yellow-toned concealer tends to create a grayish shadow under your eyes rather than banishing the shadows altogether? Don’t get me wrong, there is definitely a place in your makeup bag for yellow-toned concealer, but it’s best saved for covering redness. The problem is that the yellow pigment is merely blending with the blue tone of your under eye circles rather than neutralizing it.

The key to covering under eye circles is orange-toned concealer! The orange tone will neutralize the bluish colour under your eyes. Yes, this may mean you will require two concealers in your makeup bag, but the end result is well worth it. Besides, the professional ones I swear by are probably less expensive than most drug store concealers!

Two of the best: Ben Nye Mellow Orange (above left) and Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundation 600 Series (above right), available at Studio FX in Downtown Vancouver (604) 685-5509 or at Holly North in Burnaby (604) 299-2000.

Rule #2: Redheads can’t wear red lipstick.

Tell that to Jessica Rabbit! For far too long our scarlet haired friends have been instilled with the fear of wearing red lipstick. Given the myriad of shades and textures on the market, there is a red lipstick that works for everyone. Just look at the various ways famous redheads have rocked the red lip:

Rule #3: You can’t wear false eyelashes during the day.

Of course, false eyelashes take a fair amount of practice before getting to the point where you can apply them as part of your daily morning routine. Furthermore, your workplace may have strict guidelines in terms of dress. However, if you have a special daytime occasion, a wispy pair of lashes paired with soft makeup will give you added polish above and beyond your usual everyday makeup.

A lovely style to try is Ardell Fashion Lashes #110, available at most drugstores for around $5.99.

Rule #4: Mature women must wear matte makeup.

The textures of makeup products have improved so drastically over the years that this rule simply isn’t entirely true. This rule originated during a time when products were created with either a matte finish or a frost finish. “Frost” meant large glittery particles which would settle into fine lines and make them more apparent. Think Helen Roper, when the desired result is Helen Mirren…

As women age, their skin tends to lose its dewiness. So why prey tell, do people who make up these rules think that mattifying mature skin further is going to make it look younger? It is much more flattering for mature women to forego powdering the skin altogether. If need be, just ever so lightly dust the forehead and nose with a large fluffy brush and loose translucent powder.

The shimmer particles in the current eyeshadows and blushes are typically so finely milled that they will actually blend seamlessly into the skin. When light plays these products, it will actually diffuse the appearance of fine lines and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.

Are there any makeup rules that you blatantly ignore? What about makeup rules that you wouldn’t dream of ignoring? Post your thoughts in the Comments below!

xoxo,
M.

“Melanie, what is your favourite product?”

Even though this question is posed to me almost as often as Tyra Banks changes her wig, it’s one I always struggle to answer. I have painstakingly researched, selected, and tested each item before tossing it into my bag o’ tricks, so asking me to pick my favourite product is akin to asking a doting mother which child she loves most!

After much deliberation, I realized that there are a few tried-and-true products that always deliver stunning results, some of which you probably haven’t heard of but are definitely worth tracking down. So without further ado, here are my seven MVP’s…

Cover FX Skinprep FX Nourishing Foundation Primer & Anti-Aging Serum

Until I tried this product, I had yet to encounter even a high-end primer that lived up to the hype. I personally put this product through its paces last October. On the day of the Madonna concert, I applied a full face of makeup on top of the primer at 9am, did hair and makeup all day in the middle of a crowded restaurant for a pre-show event, went out for dinner, danced up a storm at the show, and danced some more at a post-show street party! I got home at nearly 2am and I couldn’t believe my unsmudged eyes. After 17 hectic, sweaty hours, my makeup looked as fresh as it did after my final powder that morning! It’s a bit of a splurge at around $45.00, but a little goes a long way. If you struggle with the longevity of your makeup, then it’s definitely worth the investment.

Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundation

Makeup artists who guard their tricks for flawless skin the way magicians guard their secrets for pulling rabbits out of hats don’t want you to know about this wonder product. Whether used at full strength to hide a blemish or thinned out with a bit of moisturizer (I like Cetaphil Lotion or Cetaphil Cream) for sheerer coverage, this concentrated and economically priced foundation delivers a flawless complexion every time. Wear it for a special occasion and you won’t believe how immaculate your skin will look in photos! Available at Studio FX in Royal Centre at Burrard and Georgia in Downtown Vancouver (604) 685-5509 or at Holly North in Burnaby (604) 299-2000.

Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation

If you crave velvety matte skin but don’t want the emollients in a cream foundation, this is the foundation for you. Its smooth consistency is easy to apply and dries to a poreless finish with coverage unlike any liquid foundation product on the market.

Ben Nye Neutral Set Colorless Face Powder

If there is one product I use everyday on myself and on 99.9% of everyone I work with it’s this. Don’t be alarmed by it’s chalky appearance. This translucent face powder disappears into the skin and sets makeup like warpaint for battle. Press it into your skin with a powder puff and dust away any excess for maximum durability. Oh, and did I mention you can get it for under $10.00? Track it down at Studio FX in Royal Centre at Burrard and Georgia in Downtown Vancouver (604) 685-5509 or at Holly North in Burnaby (604) 299-2000.

Make Up For Ever Sculpting Kit

The word “contouring” may cause images from the 80′s to dance in your head, with the racing stripe cheekbones and noses garishly narrowed with orange stripes down either side of the bridge. Fear not! With practice and careful blending (and a light hand), the darker powder in this compact can define your cheekbones and jawline with such precision you will swear you lost 10 lbs. Use the lighter powder along the tops of your cheekbones for bone structure that Janet Jackson would envy.

MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Engraved

One of the richest, blackest, most long wearing black eyeliners I’ve ever come across, this pencil glides on like butter and blends to soft, tar-like goodness. Its waterproof durability means you can wear it on your waterlines and it won’t budge. I can’t do a smoky eye without it!

Lancome Bi-Facil – Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

Opthalmologist-tested, this eye makeup remover clears away all traces of waterproof and non-waterproof eye makeup in a flash. Yes, even your MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil will vanish in a jiffy. The non-greasy formula leaves eyes clean.

xoxo,
M.