Pretty in Pink - Bride: Cheryl

Last Saturday I had the honor of doing Cheryl's hair and makeup for her big day. When I stepped into her apartment, I immediately noticed all of the beautiful pink decorations for the wedding celebration and she noticed my pink hair. Can I say that nothing brings two people together faster than their love of pink? I believe this to be true.
And the rest of the morning was just fabulous. In the midst of wedding day chaos and excitement, Cheryl was such a sweetheart and joy to be around. It is such a sweet blessing to be allowed to be apart of an incredibly special day. Thank you, Cheryl, for sharing a little part of your day with me.
Congratulations to you and Paul!

Lipstick & loves,
Sara

Tip-full Tuesday: Healthy Summer Skin

Good morning Gorgeous!
First of all, I want to thank Camille for submitting this question. It's a great one. How do you keep your skin from unwanted breakouts in the summer months?

     As we enter into summer, we are undoubtedly going to be bogged down with sunscreen and, unfortunately and most likely, sweat. All of which can lead to us not feeling very glamorous as well as the potential for unwanted breakouts. So how can we combat it? With a few simple steps (that will help prevent breakouts and healthy glowing skin all year round) you will be ready to face the sticky summer heat with out worrying about unwanted visitors.

1. Wash your face twice a day. I am a huge fan of Neutrogena's Deep Clean Cream Cleanser and there are great generic brand alternatives as well. Wash your face in the morning before you start your day and in the evening before you go to bed. This will give you a fresh starting point that will remove any excess dirt, oil and sweat from the previous night and will remove any makeup as well as excess dirt, oil and sweat from the day's activities.  Bonus: Instead of using your fingers, use a soft wash cloth and wash your face in a circular motion. This will gently exfoliate your face removing dead skin cells. 
2. Use a moisturizer. I use Clean and Clear Dual Action Moisturizer. Not only does it moisturize my skin for the day, it also helps fight acne as well as providing a light layer of sun protection. SPF 15. 
3. Use a Sunscreen. If you're going to be in the sun a lot, you will want to use a sunscreen that is stronger than SPF 15. Use a sunscreen that is designed for specifically for your face as well as for your skin type.  Click here for a list of suggestions.  
4. Exfoliate once a week. You can skip this is you use a wash cloth to wash your face. Clinique's Exfoliating Scrub is wonderful, but a pricey for a face wash. Derma E, The Body Shop, Neutrogena and Clean and Clear all of great exfoliating facial cleansers. Just make sure that it's gentle - products like St. Ive's Apricot Scrub can be too harsh for skin which leads to irritation.  Exfoliating will help remove excess dirt, oil and dead skin cells you may not be able to get by just washing your face. Again, if you use a wash cloth to was your face, it will take care of this step. 
5. Mask. Once a week, I use a mask to help penetrate deep into pores to get rid of excess dirt. This is especially important if you're using a lot of sunscreen that may be oily as it will trap dirt even more. At the moment, I'm using Clean & Clear's Black Head Eraser. Make sure to wash the mask of entirely and moisturize afterwards. 

As far as makeup products for the summer. It's hot, so keep it is light and simple if you can. If you don't need a full coverage foundation, opt for a tinted moisturizer instead. If you don't have a tinted moisturizer, you can always make one by mixing a little bit of your foundation with your moisturizer. Evens out skin tone while moisturizing.

Hope this helps & thanks for the question - keep 'em coming!

Lipstick & Loves,
Sara

SunScreen

Summer is here, and while we're getting a slight reprieve from the heat this weekend (hey - it's only supposed to be 95* today!), the temperatures are in fact climbing to the 3 digits and will stay there for the next year. Okay okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration - but it will sure feel like that and pretty soon we will be wishing we could have a 95* day.  With the climbing temperatures, we are more aware of the sun's damaging rays than ever which means we're heading to Costco to buy 8 gallons of the best stuff we can find because we're in the dessert and it's hot.  Before you head to the store in search of the perfect sunscreen for you, here are a few sunscreen suggestions for your skin type:

Combination Skin & Oily Skin - If you have combination skin, where certain areas are oily (typically the T-zone) and others are not or oily skin, you'll want to go for a sunscreen that is oil-free. 

• Neutrogena Healthy Defense Oil-Free Daily Moisturizer SPF 50 - this non-greasy formula is light weight, oil-free while moisturizing and utilizing Neutrogena's patented Helioplex formula to provide superior protection against UVA and UVB rays. [available at: Neutrogena.com, Target, Wal-Mart, Ulta, Drug Stores, Grocery Stores]
• Neutrogena Age-Shield Sunblock SPF 70/110 - this non-greasy, oil-free, PABA (Para-Amino Benzoic Acid)-free , and fragrance free sunblock provides protection using the Helioplex formula, shielding skin 6 levels deep,combats free radicals that accelerate the signs of aging, and is enriched with an anti-oxidant blend including Vitamins A, C and E that helps to maintain your youthful appearance. [available at: Neutrogena.com, Target, Wal-Mart, Ulta, Drug Stores, Grocery Stores]
• Aveeno Continuous Protection for the Face SPF 30 - this oil-free, non-greasy formula is hypoallergenic, water resistant and utilizes Aveeno's patented Active Photobarrier Complex to maintain protection over time against UV rays and includes natural soy protein and vitamins A, C and E to promote skin health. [available at: Target, Wal-Mart, Ulta, Drug Stores, Grocery Stores]

Mature Skin - If you have skin that shows signs of aging, such as pigmentation, loss of skin tone or over-exposure to UV rays, you'll want to use a sunblock that is designed to enhance, protect and restore skin health.

•  Neutrogena Age-Shield Sunblock SPF 70/110 - this non-greasy, oil-free, PABA (Para-Amino Benzoic Acid)-free, and fragrance free sunblock provides protection using the Helioplex formula, shielding skin 6 levels deep,combats free radicals that accelerate the signs of aging, and is enriched with an anti-oxidant blend including Vitamins A, C and E that helps to maintain your youthful appearance. [available at: Neutrogena.com, Target, Wal-Mart, Ulta, Drug Stores, Grocery Stores]

Uneven Skintone - If you have uneven skintone, where a region or area of skin is lighter or darker than the majority of the area surrounding it, you'll want to use sun protection that will work to even your skin tone out. 

• DDF Enhancing Sun Protection - Enhancing Sun Protection SPF 30 blocks UVA and UVB rays while enhancing the skin tone for a healthy, radiant glow. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide physically block UV rays to prevent against sunburn, hyperpigmentation, premature skin aging and even skin cancer. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients are contained in a unique delivery system that wraps your skin in self-adjusting color spheres. These spheres change shades to perfectly match your skin tone, helping to even redness and provide sheer, flawless coverage with a soft, sun-kissed glow [Available at: Sephora, Dermstore.com]
• Tinted Moisturizers:
• Clinique Age Defense BB Cream SPF 30 - A tinted moisturizer with SPF protection, antioxidants for prevention and enough coverage to banish skin imperfections. Use as a primer before your foundation or use instead of your foundation. [Available at: Sephora, Nordstrom, Clinique.com] 
• Sara McNamara Miracle Skin Transformer SPF 20 - A multitasking complexion enhancer designed to protect your skin with an antioxidant-rich hydrating base, primed smooth finish, weightless coverage, and SPF 20. The complex is formulated with a rich combination of vitamins to improve your skintone, luminosity, and texture, while minimizing the look of pores, fine lines, and imperfections. [Available at: Sephora]

Dry Skin - If your skin is rough, flaky or chapped in appearance, feels tight which can lead to irritation/itchiness you will want to use a sunscreen that also works as a moisturizer.

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 30/70/100+ - This dermatologist-tested formula uses Avobenzone to provide advanced protection against damaging UVA and UVB rays, along with Dry-Touch technology for an ultra-light, non-shiny finish. Fast-absorbing and waterproof, this non-oily formula is enriched with anti-oxidants to help skin fight the harm caused by environmental damage. It is oil-free, PABA (Para-Amino Benzoic Acid)-free, won't clog pores, sweat and water resistant. [Available at Neutrogena.com, Target, Wal-Mart, Ulta, Drug Stores, Grocery Stores] 

Sensitive Skin - If your skin is easily irritated skin, characterized by redness, itching, burning or other irritation you will want to use a sunscreen that is formulated specifically for sensitive skin.

• Dermatoligica Super Sensitive Faceblock - An all-natural combination of zinc oxide, titanium oxide and other ingredients, including lavender, green tea and licorice. Fragrance- and color-free. [Available at:
• Aveeno Natural Protection Mineral Block SPF 30 - This extra-gentle formula is specifically designed for sensitive skin and contains MINERALBLOCK™ Technology with 100% naturally-sourced active ingredients, a more natural alternative. It also includes skin-soothing Active Naturals oat to ensure that your delicate skin is protected and not irritated. It is oil-free, fragrance-free, waterproof, hypoallergenic and non-whitening. [Available at: Aveeno.com, Target, Wal-Mart, Drug Stores, Grocery Stores, Ulta]

Normal Skin - If you have normal skin, any sunblock will work for you. I always suggest an oil-free sunblock. Lately, I've been using Aveeno Continuous Protection for the Face.

Tip-full Tuesday: How to apply Bronzer

It's 110 degrees outside which means that summer is upon us and everyone wants to get that beautiful, sun kissed look. Here's a quick and easy way to accomplish that without being exposed to skin-damaging sun rays. 

First, locate the hollows of your cheeks. The easiest way to do this is to make a fish face - where your cheeks go in is what you're looking for.
Now, using a contour brush (like MAC's 168) and a bronzer that is 2-3 shades darker than your skin, apply to the hollows of your cheeks (just under the cheekbones) then blend upwards onto the cheeks.

To add more definition to your face, apply at the temples and top of the forehead by your hairline.
You can also contour your nose to make it appear smaller and a little under the chin and along the jawline to bring out your bone structure or to fake a more angular bone structure.

Many of you have asked if you should use a matte or a shimmer bronzer. Use whichever one you would like - makeup is all about self expression. There may be rules and guidelines put in place, but I whole-heartedly believe what Kevin Aucoin says - there is no right or wrong way to do makeup. It's an art form and it's limitless. 

If you have any makeup questions or Tip-full Tuesday suggestions, don't hesitate to ask.
MakeupbySaraC@gmail.com


Lipstick & Loves,
Sara

Tip-full Sunday: How to Cover-up/Hide Acne

Hello Gorgeous,
It has come to my attention that last week's "Tip-full Tuesday" did not post for some reason - so here it is - a tip-full Sunday.

At some point in your life, you will encounter the dreaded pimple and it will most likely come at an inconvenient time, like a play, picture day or your wedding. Luckily, the cosmetics industry has blessed us with an abundance of options on how to cover-up, conceal and hide those unwanted visitors.

Concealers are going to be your best bet. If your pimple is an exceptionally red one - I suggest using a concealer that comes in a pot for everywhere except under the eye. Pot concealers will be thicker than the ones that come in tubes and will therefore cover better, however use a tube concealer for under the eye. Your skin under your eye tends to be thinner and therefore having too thick of a concealer under your eyes will look cakey. 

1. The first step in hiding acne is to moisturize your skin. Stay away from moisturizers that will "brighten" your skin as it will draw out pinks and reds even more.
   
2. Then prime your face with a face primer, such as MAC's Prep and Prime or Smashboxx PhotoFinish.  
3. Apply foundation to even out your skin. Use as much or as little as your would like. 
4. Next, using a concealer brush and a concealer that is 1-2 shades darker than your skin, apply on the blemishes and just slightly around the outer edge of the blemish. Dab the concealer on - do not sweep it. Sweeping it on will not give you the coverage that you need. If you have a lot of redness going on, you can use a green concealer - but be sure to add this BEFORE your foundation. 
5. Blend, blend, blend! Blend around the edges so there is not color difference between where you concealed and the rest of your face. If there is a noticeable difference, apply a small amount of foundation over the concealer and blend out.
6. Set your concealer with powder and either a clean powder brush or a clean, flat sponge.
7. Mist with MAC's Fix+ or Urban Decay's All Nighter Setting Spray. 

Ta-da! Hidden acne and a more flawless looking face!

I know there are a lot of people who say to conceal before you apply foundation and that's fine too. I choose to apply concealer after foundation because the foundation will cancel out some of the redness on its own and sometimes that's enough. After I apply foundation, I can re-evaluate how much concealer I actually need to use. Some blemishes won't need anything additional and some will. 

*Also, when concealing - use concealer around the nose and chin as they tend to get more red throughout the day due to hormones.

Pot Concealer Suggestions:

MAC's Studio Fix Concealer 

Benefit Erase Paste

Tube Concealer Suggestions:

Makeup Forever Full Cover Concealer

Benefit Porefessional MAC's ProLongwear Concealer

Pencil Concealer Suggestions:

Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil

And the winner is....

The blog raffle has come to a close, and with 51 entries I am pleased to announce the Priscilla V. as the lucky winner who will receive 50% off makeup application for her event! Keep an eye out for more opportunities to win!

Tipfull Wednesday: How to avoid "Cake Face"

      You all know the look I'm talking about - the one where you can see layers upon layers upon layers of foundation and powder. I've been guilty of this before, and I'm sure most of you have - because after all, how else are you going to get your foundation to cover those imperfections?
 
The first thing to do is apply a moisturizer with SPF in in. This will hydrate any dry patches, help even out the surface of your skin and help prevent sun-damage. 
  Next apply a primer, such as MAC's prep and prime or Smashboxx's PhotoFinish Primer, it will not only create a barrier between the foundation and your skin, but it will also help to even out skin tone, make your makeup stay on longer and absorb any oil.





Apply foundation a little at time; you can always add more coverage if needed, but it's harder to remove excess. Make sure you blend outward, into your hairline and your neck.

If you notice any blemishes after you've applied foundation, instead of adding more foundation to your entire face, use a concealer. Cover the blemish and slightly around the blemish with concealer and blend out.

Apply powder to set the foundation with a powder puff or a powder brush. Again, using as little as possible. This will help prevent the foundation from creasing or melting throughout the day.


To finish it off, use a mist of setting spray. For daily activities, I suggest MAC's Fix+. If you are planning on a higher level activity or have an event, use Urban Decay's Up All-Nighter. I cannot tell you how much I love Urban Decay's setting spray! If you're worried about your makeup melting, fading, or just not lasting - use Urban Decay's Up All-Nighter. 








Have a beautiful day lovelies!
Lipstick and Loves, 
Sara

Sneak Peaks

Wow things have been crazy lately!
The Angelic Magazine & Sara Model Management Fashion Show on April 27, 2012 was a blast! It was the perfect way to kick off my birthday weekend! The room was buzzing with dozens of make up artists, hair stylists, designers, photographers, coordinators, and models as we got ready for the show. Here's a photo by Rizalde Sherwood of Michelle Magana, one of the models I had the opportunity to work with. She is wearing a design by TwentyTwo Boutique. I am so thankful to have been able to work on a show with such a great purpose and am excited to see how God uses the magazine. For more information go to: www.angelicmag.com

On the following day, I had the privilege of doing T's hair and makeup for her prom as well as her mom's eye makeup for an event she was attending that evening. They were so much fun - even though we hadn't met previously, it was like entering the home of a close friend or family member. They were so sweet and fun and T looked amazing for her big night! Photo courtesy of Digital Obsession: Photography by Frank Wise. T, I hope that you had a wonderful night with friends!

 
 I also had the pleasure of working with Melissa for her senior portrait session with Mike Squire Photography. Melissa is a sweet, charming, very intelligent, and driven young lady. I was very happy to have been able to meet her; she is definitely going to go far in life. Melissa, you are a very inspiring, hard-working woman. Good luck to you in all that you set out to do!

Homemade Pore Strip Fail

I decided to try this "recipe" for homemade pore strips out a few weeks ago as I was having a horrendous acne day - (ugh- I thought that ended when you got older). I liked this one because I already had all of the ingredients at home and didn't have to go to the store looking like I did. Sometimes, no amount of makeup will hide acne and that's lame. Anyways - I believed the statements on the comments on Pinterest that it worked and that it was legit and all of that, so I tried it. I followed the instructions, even double checked them to make sure I was doing it right. I essentially just ended up putting thinned out honey on my face - it never hardened up or turned into a white film. Nope, I just put had a sticky face that was a pain to wash off.

So moral of the story? Stick to a mask like the Freeman Peel-Off Cucumber Mask or the pore strips like the ones Biore has and don't believe all the comments on Pinterest. hahaha.

Your sticky-faced friend,
Sara

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Tip-full Tuesday: Makeup Tips for Teens

Hello from Cali :)
I frequently get asked questions as to what teens just starting out in the makeup world should be wearing, so I felt it was best to compile a list and post it for you lovelies.

The most important beauty accessory you can add to your look, regardless of your age, is a smile. It automatically makes you more gorgeous and welcoming; after all, you're never fully dressed without a smile!

As far as products go, you always want to apply a moisturizer and a sunblock (unless photos - if you're having photos taken, skip the sunblock - it will reflect the light and make you look white). If you do nothing else, please protect your skin. The sooner you start, the better.

Most teens don't need to use a liquid foundation - less is more when it comes to your base and it will help cut down on acne prone areas. If you don't have any blemishes to worry about, using a pressed or loose powder should do the trick.

If you do have blemishes, use a concealer only where needed and blend out. Finish with powder.

For eyeshadows, stick to neutral colors and if you feel you must wear eyeliner and mascara, stick with a brown as it will be softer than black.

If you choose to use a blush, stick with a soft pink - if you have a warm skin tone stick with peachy-pinks, if you have a cool skin tone stick with pinky-pinks. If you're neutral, either will work.

Finish off with a dab of clear, nude or light pink lipgloss and you're good to go.

Remember girls, as you are entering into the makeup world - don't be afraid to experiment but start with less - it's so much easier to build onto a look and make it more intense than to tone it down. Play around and see what works best with you and don't be afraid to step out of the box a little.

Here are some of my favorite favorite products:
Moisturizer: Cetaphil
Sunblock: Nuetrogena Faces, Banana Boat Kids Sunblock - high SPF and great for sensitive skin
Liquid Foundation: Face Atelier, Revlon Color Stay
Pressed Powers: MAC Mineral Finish, TOOFaced Pressed Powder
Loose Powders: NARS, Sephora
Concealers: Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil, MAC Studio Fix, Cover Girl has a cheap alternative too - I'm still working on investing all the drug store brands.
Neutral Eyeshadows: MAC: Dazzlelight, All That Glitters, Era, Antiqued, Twink
                                    TooFaced: Heaven, Honeymoon, Velvet Revolver, Cocoa Star
                                    Sephora: California Blonde, Milestone, Western Leather
Eye Liners: Clinique Quick Liner in Dark Chocolate or Roast Coffee, Urban Decay 24/7 in Underground or Demolition, MAC Fluid Line in Dipdown
Mascara: Benefit BadGal Lash, Sephora Atomic Volume
Blush -Peachy Pink: Nars Orgasm or Amour
Blush - Pinky Pink: Nars Cotton Candy

Lip Gloss: Pretty much any clear lipgloss, MAC Tinted Lip Moisturizer is my all-time favorite lip product