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Saturday, April 30, 2011

Almost My Entire Collection.. Eeks!

Hi ALL!!

Last night I was trying to organize my makeup for todays prom makeovers, and boy was it an eye opener!! I never realized how much I actually had, and most of them, I dont even use half the time! But like always, I still want more!! lol This is probably about 90% of what I have because some things I keep in my purse, but just wanted to share this with you all!


Got any organization tips? Suggestions? I am moving soon and need to organize my forever growing stash better =)

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Thank You!! and Feedback Please!!

Photo taken by: Orlando Benedicto


To all of my amazing followers and friends,

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank ALL of you for taking an interest in my beauty blog!!! I could talk about makeup all day every day, and I pretty much do to my, oh so patient boyfriend, which is basically the reason why I started this blog in the first place! So I could meet people just like you who love makeup the way I do =))

I would really appreciate it if you would be able to give me some feedback! I love hearing your comments and thoughts about... ANYTHING really.. doesnt even have to be about makeup! But if you could, I would love to know...

  • What types of posts do you like reading most? (Reviews, How To's, Favorites, etc. etc.)
  • Do you feel my posts are helpful? Are they interesting to read?
  • Is the layout too simple? too busy?
  • Suggestions or questions in general?
I take every compliment and criticism with an open mind, so dont be afraid to let me know what works and what doesnt. If you would like to shoot me an email instead, feel free! I think you can just click on my profile under the 'About Me' section and it should have a link to send me an email. If not, let me know in the comments section and I will be happy to give it to you directly =))

Mahalo!!!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Prom Special: Tips and Tricks!

Prom the Movie
It is supposed to be 'Wanted Wednesdays' here at MakeupbyJanalyn but I ended up making a bunch of unexpected purchases at MAC on Monday because I needed some things for a specific photoshoot I did yesterday and a couple of prom makeovers for this Saturday (I like to give my prom goers a lipgloss to take with them). So... instead of 'Wanted Wednesdays' I decided I wanted to give a few pointers on prom makeup since it is the middle of prom season!! Plus, some of my favorite prom scenes from movies of the past and present =))

    
    Twilight
    
  • Get your brows professionally done. If you havent gotten your eyebrows shaped by a professional before, this is definetly the perfect time to do so. Brows make a huge difference in pulling your look together. They shape your face and add definition to your eyes. But, be sure to do this a few days ahead of time so you can avoid any redness or irritation, and then pluck stray hairs the night before if necessary.
Never Been Kissed
  • Prep your skin the day/night before. Exfoliate your face the night before (St. Ives Apricot Scrub is great) so your foundation will go on smoother. If you have really dry lips, apply a lipbalm at night and that morning to avoid any cracking or chapping.
  • Shes All That
  • Its ok to use colors! Prom is supposed to be fun! Your still youthful so you can pull off wearing bright colors on your eyes. I know one of the number one rules for makeup is never to have your makeup too matchy-matchy with your outfit, but I feel like prom is an exception to the rule. If your accessories are neutral and your hair is out of your face, you can still look polished and classy. But always remember, if you go colorful on the eyes, tone it done on the lips, and vice versa.
  • 
    10 Things I Hate About You
    
  • Dont go heavy on the foundation. You want your skin to look as natural as possible. Its prom, not your wedding. If your foundation is too caked on, it will make you appear older, and I am sure your date wouldnt want to look like he went to prom with his mother. Keep it fresh and light. If you have problems with acne, dont worry, your makeup doesnt have to be heavy in order to conceal blemishes.
  • 
    American Pie
    
  • Bring a small touchup kit. If you know your going to be dancing the night away, or you have oily skin, take some blotting papers. They are compact and small enough to fit in a clutch. Also, bring some tinted lipgloss. If you are eating and drinking (non-alcoholic beverages of course) before picture taking time, you want to easily be able to slap on some color right before its time to snap that photo.
  • 
    Grease
    
  • Use waterproof mascara and eyeliner. You dont want to look back at your prom photos and see raccoon eyes! Your going to be wearing your makeup for a considerable amount of time while your dancing, laughing, chatting with friends and possible going to an after party, so using waterproof mascara (false lashes are best) and eyeliner is a must to keep your look pulled together.

Napolean Dynamite

Alright ladies!! That's all I got on tips to help you avoid any boo-boos during your prom!! Now go out and have funnnnn!!!

Any other tips you want to share? or stories from your own prom? Photos? I would love to hear about it =)

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Mark Haul! Swatches and Review!


Happy Easter!!!! Ok I told myself I wasnt going to spend anymore this month on makeup products, buuuuut because I had a credit on Avon I decided to try some Mark products!!! I just got my order in yesterday and I tried them ALL because I was soooo excited =) Here are my thoughts!

mark. Lipclick Full Color Lipstick $10/ .106 oz

From Left to Right: Coral Fixation, Sweetie Pie, and Bare Hug

Coral Fixation: Bright deep pink when worn instead of an orangy pink
Sweetie Pie: Light baby pink
Bare Hug: My new favorite natural lipstick! Natural beige



From Top To Bottom: Bare Hug, Sweetie Pie and Coral Fixation

Wear: They are all full coverage lipsticks, very pigmented, and they go on very smoothly! They have a glossy finish which is really pretty! I didnt have a problem with them settling into any lines on my lips which is great, and they seemed to be moisturizing. They are very comparable to the MAC Cremesheens. The only downer is that they arent long lasting, so if you eat or drink anything, you will have to reapply. They come in a cute case with a magnetic cap! You wont have a problem with the cap falling off when its jumbling inside your purse =)

On a Scale of 1-10: 9

mark. Just Pinched Instant Blush Tint $8/ .14oz
Left to Right: Peachy and Nude
Peachy: Peachy pink
Nude: Bronzy beige

From Top to Bottom: Nude blended, Nude swatched, Peachy blended, Peachy Swatched
Wear: These are very sheer blush tints that give you a nice little glow. I use these as a base color for powder blush or bronzer because they dont give a whole lot of color unless you apply a lot. They go on smoothly and are very easy to blend. They are like the Nars Multiples accept less pigmented and they come in a smaller tube, probably like half the Nars Multiple. The Nude is great if you just want a little bronzy look, and the peachy looks great on the apples for a nice flushed look. Both very natural looking, probably best on fair to medium skintones.

On a Scale of 1-10: 8

mark. Glowdacious Illuminating Powder $12/ .40oz
Amped Up
Amped Up: The center is a matte bronze color, second ring is a bronzy gold shimmer and the outter ring is a peachy bronze shimmer.

Wear: This is an awesome awesome bronzer that I am soooo glad I got because it gives you such a nice bronzy glow!! Its very pigmented so you want to apply this product sparingly. Great for contouring the cheek or even just to use as a blush. If you apply it with just a wash it has a peachy tint to it which warms up your face. They have two other colors also but this one I feel could work on all skintones. It comes with a mirror and a brush too, the brush I am not a fan of because its too stiff and it applies too much product.

On a Scale of 1-10: 10

mark. Matte-nificent Oil Absorbing Powder $12/ .38oz
Buff/Natural
Wear: Its a translucent pressed powder which absorbs oil and mattifies your face. Great product for people who have oily or combination skin. It isnt drying at all which is a big plus and it goes on very light and sheer so it looks very natural. It comes with a sponge applicator which I found works good for the T-zone or more oily areas, but I like using a powder fluff brush to apply it on the rest of my face to set my foundation or any cream products. Lasts very long throughout the day! I wore it for about 6 hours last night and my face stayed shine free!!

On a Scale of 1-10: 8
mark. Get a Tint Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 $10/ 1.7oz
Buff/Natural
Wear: Great wearability! I really dont like wearing liquid foundations because they feel so heavy and Im a natural kinda gal so I like products that look like your not wearing anything. This is definetly the product for that! I used it over a moisturizer just because tinted moisturizer dont seem to really be very moisturizing, and it lasts all day long! It has very sheer coverage but it evens out your skintone to make it look like you dont have anything on. The only problem I had was around my nose and mouth area where it was harder to blend in. I found that using a foundation brush gave me a more even finish, whereas when I used my fingers they tended to clump up in areas. It didnt crease throughout the day, and it has SPF!

On a Scale of 1-10: 8
mark. Make It Go Away Makeup Removing Wipes $8/ 30 wipes

Usage: I got these on a whim because I use sooo many of my MAC wipes, I thought why not try something more affordable. Boy was I surprised at how well these wipes work!! They come with 30 wipes and I swear they stay moist for so so long, I left a wipe out for about 3o minutes and it was still wet! They take off your face makeup remarkably well and they are gentle enough to use around the eye area. Havent seen if it takes off waterproof products yet, but I like using a cotton pad or cotton swab for waterproof products anyways. It doesnt leave an oily residue like the MAC ones tend to which I loooove because of my oily combination skin!! These are probably the best wipes I have tried thus far =)

On a Scale of 1-10: 10

mark. Matte Chance Mattifying Lotion $18/ 1.7oz

Usage: Ive used this product 3 times in the past two days and I am really liking it so far! It hasnt made me breakout for one, and it does matify your face! It has a lot of natural ingredients in it which I think is even better! And it even has Witch Hazel, which is a natural moisturizer =) The only thing I dont care for is the pump. You have to press the top down and the product comes out through a small hole on the top. I could see this being a problem or malfunctioning in the future, plus you might waste a lot of product towards the end. But, so far so good for this one!

On a Scale of 1-10: 8

Overall: I think these products are great for the price! Although they dont come with a whole ton of product, they work amazingly well and are great for everyday use. I am very happy with what I purchased from this line and will definetly be trying more in the future =)

I would love to know: Have you tried this line before? What did you think?

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Wanted Wednesday: April 20, 2011

For this 'Wanted Wednesday' I only have some staple skincare products that I need ASAP because I have run out of my current skincare products, and I just realized I spent waaaaay to much on makeup the past few months, like waaaaay to much! lol And The Body Shop just recently came out with their Tea Tree line so I am interested to give it a try because of my acne prone skin!

I was about to get the new Nars Summer Collection, but... I decided to hold off because most of the products in this collection are going to remain permanent, so might as well wait.

Here's this weeks list!

The Body Shop 'Tea Tree Blackhead Exfoliating Wash' $13



The Body Shop 'Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash' $11



The Body Shop 'Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion' $18



Mark 'Matte Chance' Mattifying Lotion $18




EOS Clear Lipbalm 'Summer Fruit' $3.29 @ CVS

Whats on your wanted list this week? Have you tried any of these products before?

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Victorias Secret PRO Smooth FX Lip Scrub and Balm


One of my friends, who is also a makeup artist asked me about this product a couple of weeks ago so I told her after I had tried it for about a month I would post a review about it! So, here are my thoughts! This is for you Nalei! lol

VS PRO Smooth FX Lip Scrub and Balm $14



Description:
A two in one lip sugar scrub and lip balm to help with dry lips and flaking. Its very grainy so it might seem harsh to some people. The sugar scrub smells good, but the balm doesnt have much of a smell. The lip balm has a purple pink color but goes on clear and it even tingles, feels just like the MAC Plushglasses, so if you dont like those, you might have a problem with the lip balm. I found that the balm wore okay under lipstick, and it even made my lipstick look glossy, which I think was really neat!

Usage:
Take about a pea sized glob of the sugar scrub and rub it all over your lips for 20-30 seconds. Wipe off with a tissue (I prefer a warm wet hand towel because it leaves tiny grains if I just wipe it off with a tissue) and apply the lip balm after. Use about 1-2 times a week depending on your lip condition. I like to use this mainly at night but it can be used during the day.

Results:
Very smooth and moisturized lips. The sugar scrub helped me for at least 3 days before it felt like I needed to do it again. It has moisturizing ingredients in them which feel a bit oily when you first use it but when you wipe it off it doesnt leave a greasy residue. I use the lip balm every night and it really really helps with the dryness and I still have some on in the morning so it lasts very long.

Other Thoughts:
My friend wanted this product to use on her clients, and I think the sugar scrub would be great to use for photoshoots. For weddings I would give the bride a sample size to do her scrub the night before to avoid any mishaps the day of. The balm, because it has a tingly minty sensation, some people arent use to it so I wouldn't recommend the balm to be used on clients. Also, because its in a pot form, you would have to scoop it out with a palette knife and then apply, which could become wasteful.


Have you tried this product yet? What are your favorite lip scrubs?

Monday, April 18, 2011

How To: Basics of Contouring Cheeks

Model Justine Stevens, Photographer: Marlowe Holt, MUA: MakeupbyJanalyn (actual photo from my final photoshoot at Bella Torre Academy)

Contouring is probably one of the most difficult techniques to perfect (I still practice contouring) but its one of the most important, especially for fashion makeup!

I helped out the Bella Torre Academy graduating class recently with their final exam (not sure if Im allowed to say what the exam is, so I wont spill the beans!). But anyways they needed to apply all the techniques and theory they learned in class throughout the entire course. I found that they needed some pointers on contouring, so I was happy to share my tips and tricks with them.

As a disclosure, all makeup artists use different techniques, tools and products for contouring, and there are many different ways to contour, but this is just one of the easiest ways I know and a great way to practice. Later on, you can experiment and even make up your own way or what works for you. There are NO RULES in makeup artistry!

In the words of the Black Eyed Peas..."Lets get it started!"




Tools/Products You Will Need:
  • Contour Brush, Blush Brush or Small Duo Fibre Brush (any one will work)
  • Kabuki Brush (or any brush you would use to buff out product)
  • Powder Bronzer (Nars 'Laguna' is my fav!)
  • Good lighting!
First Step: Analyze.
  • Of course, you always want to analyze before doing any makeup, especially contouring. Placement is key to this particular technique.
  • Feel for the cheekbone. The cheekbone will usually run from the ear down to the apples of the cheeks.
Second Step: Apply.
  • Now that you know exactly where the cheekbone is, you want to apply bronzer to the hollows of your cheekbone, which is that soft area right below the cheekbone.
  • Start from the outside (base of ear) and work your way in (towards below apples of cheeks) in a straight, slightly diagonal line (everyones face structure will be different) using light strokes
Third Step: Buff.
  • Just like with eyeshadow, you usually dont want any harsh lines, but a gradient effect.
  • Take a step back and see if you went too dark in any areas or if it travelled to places you didnt want it. Buff it out.
TADA! Pretty simple right? 'Perfect Practice, Makes Perfect'!


Model: Kaitlyn Metcalf, Photographer: Steve Dantzig, Swimsuit: Blue Nalu, Jewelry: Jane Metcalf 'JAM Designs', MUA: MakeupbyJanalyn


Contouring is such a great technique to learn, and once you get comfortable with it you can really create a wide variety of looks, characters, and even change the appearance of your facial structure!

Do you have any tips, tricks, products or tools you use for contouring?

Friday, April 15, 2011

Fashion Fridays! An Ode to Japan



Its another Friday!! That means 'Fashion Fridays!' For this week I wanted to do a Japan theme because tonight, I am going to be at an event called 'Ode To Japan' at Bar 35 where we will be doing free makeovers if you donate to the Japan Relief! There will be art, fashion, music, dancing, drink specials from 9-11pm, so if you live on Oahu and have nothing to do tonight, come check us out! Click Here For More Info!

Here are some of my Shopstyle finds!

Styled by Miss Bea Heyvin

Palettespiration #52: My Japan
Warner's, Miooggi, Laura Ashley, American Rag
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan during this devastating loss.


Styled by Harperleo

Newbarbiedoll's Support Japan
Urban Expressions, Tarina Tarantino, Paloma Picasso
For our sisters rinchako, dragonrose, and abrm. May their country heal quickly.


Styled by NYClothesHorse



Styled by WildChildHJ

Hope for Japan
Kenneth Jay Lane, Benefit, Too Faced, Enzo Angiolini
I made this look in honor of the families in Japan. My respects go out to them and their loved ones.

Sephora Chic Week for V.I.B.'s 15%

Hey Everyone!

Just wanted to share with you all what I got from Sephora yesterday!! I was soooo excited to shop, I waited all day in anticipation and I actually didnt spend as much as I thought I would and I think I only got 3 of the things that were originally on my list =) Here it is!


(from left to right)
Jack Black Lip Therapy SPF 25 in Lemon and Chamomile $7.50
Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Brunette $22
Too Faced Shadow Insurance $18
Boscia Luminizing Black Mask $34
Sephora Brush Cleansing Wipes $9
Sephora Tote Bag (in the back)

A Review in Short

Love how the Jack Black Lip Therapy in Lemon and Chamomile smells! I like that it has SPF in it and it doesnt feel greasy at all, it looks more like a gel. I wore it under my e.l.f mineral lipstick and it kept my lips moist throughout the night!

The Anastasia Brow Powder Duo I think is awesome! I tried it last night because I was so excited and its the perfect color for me, I have dark brown hair, so I use the darker color to fill in my arch and outer ends and then go in with the lighter shade to fill in the inner brow.

The Too Faced Shadow Insurance I got on a whim because I really love Urban Decays Primer Potion but I wanted to try something different. I used the Shadow Insurance with loose pigment and it made my shadow go on a lot smoother, brightened the colors and didnt crease!

Ive already tried the Boscia mask and I really really like it!! It really does make your face look more luminous and feeling really fresh and clean. But, there is a but, it does sting a bit when you peel it off, almost like a band-aid, so for some people it could be painful.

Havent tried the Sephora Brush Cleansing Wipes yet, but I will let you know how they are. For $9 I figure.. what the heck, why not try it. *Updated* Ok, so I just tried these out and they suck! They dont clean my brushes, at all, and they dry out so fast its almost pointless.. oh wells.. you win some, you lose some..

Soooo... I am very very happy with what I decided to purchase (besides the Sephora Brush Cleansing Wipes) and Im so glad I didnt go over board! I had to really stop myself, trust me! lol

Do you have any great beauty buys recently? I would love to hear about them!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Wanted Wednesdays: April 13, 2011

Its 'Wanted Wednesdays' again!! Ok, so to round up from last week.. I did end up getting the MAC Powerpoint Pencil in 'So There Jade' and I absolutely just love love love it!!! I tried looking for the Urban Decay 'Rollergirl' Nail Kit, but they wont be receiving it at Macy's yet for about a week.. which is what the salesperson told me.. I was bummed =( And I changed my mind about the Smashbox stuff, I figured if in a couple weeks I really really want it, then Ill get it.

But, I am so excited this week because tomorrow is the first day to kick off Sephora's Chic Week for V.I.B.S!!! 15% off plus a free tote bag!!! and I am soooo going!! So this is the perfect day to narrow down my list of beauty wants!

Jack Black 'Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25' $7.50


Anastasia 'The Kit for Perfect Brows and Eyes' $75


Sephora Collection 'Sugar Body Scrub' $18
Sephora Collection 'Make Up Brush Cleansing Wipes' $9 for 20 Wipes
Boscia 'Luminizing Black Mask' $34 OR Juice Beauty 'Green Apple Peel - Sensitive Skin' $39


If you have tried any of the two masks, I would really appreciate your feedback or suggestions on which one I should get =)

Ok thats it for now... but knowing me, Im most likely going to end up buying a whole ton of stuff...

Are you going to take advantage of Sephoras 'Chic Week 15% off'? If so, whats on your list?

Monday, April 11, 2011

How To: Elegant Golds


Model: Danielle Woods, Photographer: Kolohe Photo, MUA/Hair: MakeupbyJanalyn, Jewelry: Larisa Woltag

This particular shoot was all about Gold, as you can probably tell.. so to compliment Danielles beautiful dress and flower necklace, I did a very subtle golden bronze look that would brighten her eyes a bit. We wanted to keep her brows light to keep the look soft and more youthful (shes not even in HS yet!) and she is soooo talll! I actually had to stand on the stairs to do her hair! LOL

 If you want to know the scoop on this look, keep reading!!



Model: Danielle Woods, Photographer: Kolohe Photo, MUA/Hair: MakeupbyJanalyn, Jewelry: Larisa Woltag

Eyes:
  • Apply MAC Paintpot in 'Let Me Pop' (limited edition, sorry!) all over the lid and right over the crease
  • Pat on MAC Eyeshadow in 'Goldmine' onto the entire lid
  • Diffuse the gold with MAC Eyeshadow in 'Tempting' by applying it on the outer 'V' and blending it inwards on the lid to blend in the 'Goldmine'
  • Take MUD Eyeshadow in 'Spanish Gold' and lightly blend into the crease moving up towards the brow bone
  • Get a nude matte eyeshadow and apply it right under the brow, blending it into the 'Spanish Gold', I used a mixture of MUD Eyeshadows in 'Bone' and 'Wheat'
  • Tightline the upper waterline with MAC Kohl Eye Pencil in 'Smolder' (any soft black pencil would do, or even a gel liner)
  • Line upperlash line with a brown liner, Avon Glimmersticks WP Eyeliner in 'Chocolate Brown'
  • Apply glitter liner over the brown liner, NYX Candy Glitter Liner in 'Gold'
  • Line the lower lashline with MAC Eyeshadow in 'Tempting' with a pencil brush or smudge brush
  • Curl lashes and apply mascara, Lancome Eyelash Curler and  Maybelline Great Lash WP Mascara in 'Soft Black'
Lips:
  • Apply a lip balm or lip conditioner if you have dry lips, MAC Lip Conditioner SPF 15 + Lavender and then lightly blot to take away excess
  • Line lips with a neutral lip pencil, MUD Lip Liner in 'Natural'
  • Apply a matte lipstick in a pale pink shade, MAC Lipstick in 'Cream Cup'
  • Add a touch of gloss, MAC Cremesheen Glass in 'Fashion Scoop'
Cheeks:
  • Contour lightly with Nars Powder Bronzer in 'Laguna'
  • Apply a peachy pink blush onto the apples of the cheeks, MUD Powder Blush in 'Soft Peach' and 'Rose Petal'


Model: Danielle Woods, Photographer: Kolohe Photo, MUA/Hair: MakeupbyJanalyn, Jewelry: Larisa Woltag

What are your favorite gold products?!


Sunday, April 10, 2011

A Day Out In The Country

Sharks Cove, Pupukea


Sharks Cove, Pupukea

Today was a really fun shoot and I got to meet some great great people who were so easy and fun to work with!! Although the weather was a little overcast, we got some great shots of the two models who were both so beautiful inside and out =)

Justin Lambert was the coordinator of this shoot, which is going to be compiled into a swimsuit calendar, featuring San Lorenzo Bikini's. The calendar will be sold for a great cause to support Wailua Surfing Club and Chance Em Promotions. I didnt want to post photos of the actual shoot for privacy reasons, but when the calendar comes out I will definetly be posting them!

Orlando Benedicto was the photographer for this shoot who is so diverse in his work and truly a great person, always a great experience working with him. I also got to meet two amazing models for the first time, Breezy and Jamie who were so energetic and full of personality!



Pupukea Grill!
 A great way to end the day at Pupukea Grill right across the street from Sharks Cove. First time eating here and they had the BEST Spicy Ahi (Tuna) Bowl!!! Their portions are very generous also! If your ever in Hawaii on the North Shore, you must try it! They also sell sandwiches, quesadillas, acai bowls, and shave ice. YUM!