Products I Love: December 2009

- MAC Pigment Powder in Mauvement or Violet

Get in on the trend this season by trying one or both of these two shades of purple... use Violet for a pop of color or Mauvement for a more muted look.

- Make Up For Ever HD Foundation

I cannot say enough good things about this foundation, but I'll try to keep it to a minimum! It's easy to use, it lasts for hours upon hours, and the best thing of all; they have an amazing selection of shade for EVERY skin tone!

- MAC Liquidlast Liner

This liner would last through a hurricane... literally! It won't smudge, flake or run no mater what you do!

What's in Vogue: Holiday 2009

Tis' the season... for parties that is! And since I'm sure you all have a slew of holiday soirées to attend this month, I know you'll want a few fabulous makeup styles to make you look stunning!

I have chosen two looks:

Look I - Holiday Gothic Chic

This look is very dark and smoldering... and a bit vampiric if you ask me!

Eyes - I used NARS eyeshadow in Night Sun swept over the entire lid along with NARS Mekong in the creese. Then I applied MAC PowerPoint eye pencil in Bountiful Brown around the eye and smudged liner with Mekong to soften the look. I finished with generously applied black mascara.

Cheeks - I used NARS illuminator in Albatross for a soft glow but you can also use a bronzer for a little more color. Try Lorac bronzer in Glow.

Lip - I used MAC lipstick in Cyber. Try Makeup Forever lipstick in Blueberry for a softer look.

Look II - 80s Inspired Holiday Chic

This look is featured in style section of the December issue of Austin Monthly and it has 80s vintage written all over it!

Eyes - I used MAC eye shadow in Rice Paper over the entire lid with Satin Taupe in the creese and swept out from the corner of the eye creating a "winged" effect.

Cheeks - I used MAC blush in Peaches to create this 80's style cheek.

Lip - I used MAC lipstick in Vegas Volt. Try MAC lipstick in Ravishing for a softer look.

Words of advice: Cleaning your makeup brushes

Keeping makeup brushes clean and sanitary is a very important, but often overlooked step to great makeup.

I recommend this two step process:

1. For every day cleaning use 99% Isopropyl alcohol and keep it in a little spray bottle. It won't take too much time out of your schedule and will dry really fast. Just spray the brush and gently rub it on a paper towel.

2. Then about every month, wash them with a 2 in 1 shampoo (try Suave) and let them dry overnight.

Stick with these steps and your brushes will feel like new and keep your makeup looking fresh and beautiful!

What's in Vogue: October 2009

Daring lips, muted eye

Intense lipstick can be both powerful and pretty. Pair bright scarlet or deep crimson with subtle eye makeup for one of the hottest trends of the season!

products I love

NARS Illuminator in Albatross

Dust this across cheeks for a instant glow without looking too pink!

Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Makeup Remover

At the end of the day we all want to relax... let your eyes relax also by using this to remove any trace of makeup, even waterproof!

MAC Lipstick in Lady Danger

This is one of my all time favorite reds... not only do I wear it all the time, I even used it for the picture above!

Products I Love: September 2009

- MAC Blot Powder

The best for controlling oil and keeping the shine off your face, especially in the summer months!

- Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

I love this stuff. It makes any foundation or concealer go on smoother, look better and stay on longer.

- Loreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara

Never worry about getting caught in the rain or crying at a wedding because this stuff won't budge!

Photo Shoot: Beauty... its kind of a big deal

Beauty. We all love it, we all crave it, and when it comes to editorial photography, it doesn't get any better than

contributing to images like this.

Megan is extraordinarily beautiful and today, photographer Maria Bernal and I were finally able to work with her on a shoot that had been in the works for over two months... I must say, it was well worth the wait!

News: Five reasons my clients will love me... and you will too!

Over the years, my clients have told me the many different reasons why they love me... here’s the top five!

1. I specialize in bringing out the natural beauty in people from every ethnic background and creating exquisitely stunning makeup for every face. I can be counted on to come up with unique ideas and can always be relied on to be constant in the quality of my applications.

2. I always arrive on time, set up quickly, bring all my equipment and keep my kit neat, clean and organized.

3. I attended one of the best makeup artistry schools and that gives me a perspective that some others in my industry might not have. I have extensive experience in my field and I have worked on numerous commercial, editorial and catalog shoots, weddings and other occasions.

4. I am easy going and can remain calm in stressful situations. I love making my clients feel comfortable, making the best of long hours and talking and laughing with my clients.

5. The products that I use are formulated to last and look great on camera. Many of them are used on HD film and television sets and my education and experience has thought me how to pick out and use the best products for every job.