Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Makeup by Heather A.'s NEW Website Unveiled TODAY

Hope you are all ready!!!!



Makeup by Heather A.'s NEW Website is ready to go!!!!


Can't wait for you all to see it!!




Post-Sandy ~ Be Safe & Happy Halloween

Hoping everyone is safe during this time. Even though the storm is over, doesn't mean trees can't still fall, etc. Be careful of what can still possibly occur.

I also want to say "Thank You" to all the rescue workers all over East Coast, and the ones from other parts of the country that have come to help. We really do appreciate everything you have done, and will continue to do, until people can get back to somewhat of a normal state.

And lastly, to the distressed people: Remember that the workers are doing all they can do to help. Be mindful that they have families and homes to take care of as well as helping the people of the communities they work in. Whatever damage has occurred, remember it could have always been worse.

Have a Happy Halloween, regardless if you are celebrating today, or one day next week.






Monday, October 29, 2012

Tuesday's Tip of the Day: The Brush is Key!

When applying your makeup, it doesn't matter if it's your every day makeup, or if you are going to a wedding or other special event, you want it to look it's best!

Ever notice in magazine advertisements, and also in some people that pass you by, that their eye shadows blend perfectly together? Or that their blush is applied right where it should be and looks amazing?!  That is because they used the correct tools to create that look.
Just like it's very difficult to remove a screw without a screwdriver (which I am sure you have all tried with either a key or knife, etc) you can't apply makeup correctly - and efficiently - without the correct brushes.

Note* I don't care what anyone else says - throw out the sponge tip applicators from the makeup compacts you purchase - they are icky (and don't work)!!! If you are using sponges for applying ANY type of product, they need to be trashed EACH time you use them!
However, I personally don't recommend using sponges at all because they soak up your product and waste most of it - so in my book they are a no-no!

Boo! =(


If you are going to purchase brushes, I recommend getting good ones (MAC, Laura Mercier, Chanel, etc), because if you maintain them properly, they will last a significant amount of time.
The brushes I use, which are predominantly MAC, I have owned and used them for over 6 years, and I have never once had to replace one. I have purchased new brushes, but I have never needed to physically throw out a brush due to it not working correctly or from damage from cleaning them. That alone makes the investment - which is exactly what it is, an investment - well worth it.


Love my brush set!!! =)
 
 

*If you would like to email me with specific brush questions, please do so at makeupbyheathera@gmail.com
*If you would like me to write an article or be quoted in your blog, TV show, magazine, newspaper, etc please contact Maria at maria@3pr.co  (not .com - that is not a typo)

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Making your Halloween Makeup Last!

Most Halloween parties are THIS weekend! How crazy?! It's already here!



Whatever costume you have chosen, many of you will be applying some sort of makeup. Whether it be face-paint or every day makeup, you want it to last through your party!

For face-paint type products, you want to start off with your skin being freshly clean, then apply your moisturizer, and lastly apply your face/foundation primer. I recommend one that is oil free since most of those face paint crayons have oils in them, You don't want them to run down your face half-way through the party. Make sure your face is dry, hydrated and ready to go with a matte-finish prior to the face makeup.



For regular makeup, you want to do the same, cleanse, moisturize, primer for the face, but you also want a to make sure your eye makeup lasts (and you can use this if you are applying face paints to your eye lids). Some costumes require you to enhance your eyes with a lot of makeup and possibly lashes. I recommend MAC Paints or Paint Pots as primers. These products are not considered primers, but they are all I use. They come in skin tone shades, and I always apply the appropriate one on the lid to the brow bone prior to eye makeup. This creates a clean canvas for you to work with, and it will not budge!



You want to enjoy the party, not worry about your face and makeup!



Wednesday, October 24, 2012

My Current Obsession: Chic Snacks*

While watching the Today Show on NBC a few weeks ago, I saw this idea and it just made me happy!  A really cute snack case for your purse! Bobbi Thomas called it the "Snackcessory"
Ever notice that you have bars and snacks floating all around your bag? Do you find yourself pushing them aside so that you can find your keys?
Then you need this "Snackcessory" - which you can make yourself. 

It's a sunglasses case. That's it.
Maybe you have one laying around that you don't use, or you can purchase a fun, cute one, OR you can purchase a black cheap one and jazz it up yourself! Something to do on a rainy/snowy/loungy day!

 

 
 
I thought this is such a cute idea, especially since most people I know carry the biggest bags ever - and yes, I am guilty of that as well!
Instead of having snacks floating around, have them stored in your snack case!
 


Monday, October 22, 2012

Tuesday's Tip of the Day: Conceal Away!

Are you sleeping 7-8 hours and still waking up with dark circles under your eyes?
Then a little beauty product called "concealer" is going to be your new BFF!

When trying to find the correct concealer type and color, you need to first know what type of skin you have. Ask yourself, does it get oily or dry as the day goes on?
This answer will help you determine what type of concealer you will want to purchase for optimal results.

If your skin tend shine, and/or become oily under the eyes, you want to go with a thicker textured concealer – possibly one in a pot or a stick.
 
If you tend to get flaky, or dry, a tube concealer that has more of a liquid consistency may be better for every day.

 
 
The consistency of the concealer should almost be the opposite of your skin type. You want the concealer to lay flat without flaking or sliding down your face throughout the day.
No matter which skin type you are and which texture you end up going with, you want to set it with a powder once your done. Always. This will almost guarantee your concealer will stay in place all day long (as long as you are using the correct kind).

Once you know figured out the correct product for you - you then need to choose the correct color. You always want to go a shade or 2 lighter than your skin tone. Not SUPER light, but definitely enough to brighten up under the eye. You want to use a thin, stiff brush and make sure to apply starting from under the lower lash-line  going down and outward over the cheekbone. Make sure you apply product in the corner of the eyes on the side of the bridge of the nose. You want to ensure the brightness will be seen from all angles.

If you are going to be photographed, will be or on TV or film, I always recommend Makeup Forever HD powder to set it. For everyday, a translucent powder will do the trick!


Wednesday, October 17, 2012

My Current Obsession: To be "Clean"

Are you addicted to washing your hands or using hand-sanitizer?

Do you have a job where you have to wash your hands numerous times throughout the day, leaving your skin super dry?

Then you will LOVE Clean Anti-Bacterial Moisturizing Hand Cream.


 
 
 
Clean is a antibacterial hand lotion - yes, hand LOTION! It is absolutely phenomenal. You will hydrate your hands while also sanitizing them for up to 4 hours – it can’t get better than that!

I recommend it to anyone that is on the go or just needs to wash their hands all the time. Being a makeup artist & hairdresser I am washing my hands constantly. But the minute you touch that door knob in the bathroom  you think "whats the point?!" Now once your done, use the lotion to moisturize and sanitize again - two birds with one stone - LOVE IT!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Ramona Rizzo AND Cindy Barshop's Makeup in One Day?? Oh Yes!

I never get to enjoy a moment through blogging as soon as it happens. So many other appts and events going on that I forget that I even wanted to blog in the first place!

So I know I am a bit delayed, but here goes...

On September 10, 2012, my friend and client, Jene Luciani, hosted her first ever Loungerie 2012 event at PS450 in Manhattan. Brands, celebrities and editors all showed up to her Swag Suite Retreat. Guests tweeted to an exclusive hashtag, #Loungerie2012 (if you want to go & take a look!)
The venue was amazing! We had a private room where everyone was able to enjoy the excitement while sipping Prosecco.

I was given the honor of being the Celebrity Makeup Artist for the event. I was offering free makeup touch-ups, while Oasis Day Spa offered free manicures.  There were also luxury gifts from brands including Midnight Velvet Mineral Makeup, Bali Intimates, Skindinavia, Velodyne Audio, IsaBelt, Muse Activewear, Essential Cami, Beyond Clear, Hydrochic, Dukan Diet, HugrZ, Revolution Wear, Lazy Glamour, & Tyrrell’s Chips.

Jene Luciani is the bestselling author of The Bra Book, in case you didn't already know, and we were joined by VH1 Mob Wibes’ Ramona Rizzo, Couples Therapy star Alex McCord, former Bravo TV Real Housewife of NYC Cindy Barshop, MTV Run’s House star Angela Simmons, The Today Show’s Janice Lieberman, The Apprentice’s Ereka Vertrini and more.

And I was given the change to touch-up almost all of them, including their friends that they brought to the event!

I had a blast and can't wait to be part of the next one!!!

Ramona Rizzo from VH1's MOBWives
 
Cindy Barshop Bravo's former RHONY castmember
 

Monday, October 15, 2012

Tuesday's Tip of the Day: Makeup Bag Overload*


Do you feel like your makeup bag takes up most of the space in your handbag?


Do you pack every product you use in the morning so you can reapply throughout the day?
If that is the case, you are using the incorrect products!

Other than lip products, and possibly blush and/or a blot powder, you shouldn't need any other products in your makeup bag.
I know a few people that feel they need to reapply mascara all day long, however it really isn’t necessary if you are using the right one. Find a mascara you love, apply as needed in the morning. Same with all the foundations and powders and bronzers, oh my!


First step, purchase (or find at home) a smaller makeup bag. If you have a smaller bag, you will make you eliminate some of the products that will be going in it. If you are using a longwearing face powder, unless your going to the gym and showering there, you shouldn’t need to reapply it. if you going home after, why carry it all day? Keep that, and the brush for it, at home.

My makeup bag looks like a fabric pencil case (below). Doesn't take up too much space in my bag, and fits everything I need - which isn't much!



Wednesday, October 10, 2012

My Current Obsession: Yummy Scented Candles*

It's that time of year again! The time of year where everyone becomes obsessed with scented candles! They make everything better!
If I am getting ready to go out or just watching TV & writing blogs, I love having the scent of Freshly Baked Cookies and Winter Pine roaming through the air (my favorite scents). It’s relaxing and calming after a stressful day.


When you walk into a room that has a candle lit, or a candle that was just blown out, you want to have that scent lingering. Yankee Candle is probably the most popular of the scented candle brands, however you can spend less money looking at your local Marshalls, HomeGoods & Pier1 for great candles at great prices.

What I also love about candles, is how they can be displayed. I love the idea of placing candles with different heights on a cute plate – you don’t have to use specific "candle holders" be creative!






This also lets you have fun with themed displays – shades of brown, beige and orange candles for fall, or white, silver and gold candles for the holidays on a festive plate look pretty even when they aren’t lit.




Monday, October 8, 2012

Tuesday's Tip of the Day: Perfume fade by lunch? Let us fix!

Does your perfume fade off before lunchtime?

Is your hand lotion scent too powerful or doesn’t compliment your perfume?

Some people love using one perfume all the time, some people like having a variety to choose from each day. Either way, each day you want to use scents that work together.
I personally love floral tones, so mixing lily of the valley with honeysuckle or lavender seems to work perfectly, as well as they compliment each other all day long.

To keep the scent from fading before lunchtime, I make sure that all the products I am using are scented - from my shower gel to body lotion and perfume.
I personally love the scent of lavender - it is never overpowering and lingers throughout the day, so I use that scent for my shower gel and body lotion. Then I use my mughetto (lily of the valley) perfume to top it off.

I know some people may have a reaction to scented products. Use what you can and make sure to place perfume in a few different places on the skin to help keep from fading as fast.

Does the perfume you use already have a body wash or lotion? Perfect match!

Some scents don’t mix as well – like the musky, heavier notes. In that case use a light smelling lotion or body wash and have your perfume be your main scent. You want to spray the perfume on your pulse points, neck, wrists, etc, not your clothes. Clothing can change the scent completely and can possibly stain some types of fabrics.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Get That Look* ~ Melissa Gorga's RHONJ Reunion Makeup

There are been tweets, blogs, facebook status's and emails about Melissa Gorga's makeup from the RHONJ Season Reunion that aired this past Sunday Night (and there should be, it was a-maz-ing!)

Not only was her skin glowing, and eyes sparkling on camera, you can tell it was just as flawless in person! Congrats to her Makeup Artist George for being amazing at what he does!!!

Melissa has given the tips and tools on how to create that look on yourself...and I just HAD to share!!!

(This picture doesn't do the makeup justice, watch this Sunday for Reunion Part 2)

First, and I always say this, you need to prep your skin. You want to cleanse it well, then apply your eye cream and face moisturizer (important!).
Next, I work on eyes first, that way you can clean up the makeup that falls easily, then continue onto face makeup.
For the eyes, apply your favorite primer on the lid and crease (mine is MAC Paint Pots in your skin color). Then highlight under the brow bone with a lighter shimmer tone, like MAC's Ricepaper shadow. Then apply MAC's Saddle shadow on the lid (from lash line to the crease, but not beyond). Then you want to work in MAC's Folie shadow in the crease, creating a shading effect. George then uses Makeup Forever's Gold Glitter, using a damp brush, only on the lid - NOT in the crease or above.
Lastly, apply black liner top and bottom, then lashes for that va-voom effect!

After your eyes are perfected, clean up under them of any fallen makeup, then brush on your concealer and foundation. Melissa uses either Dermalogica Cover Tint or Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer.
Then add blush - George applied Nars Orgasm, then lips - MAC Whirl Lip Liner, Cream Cup Lipstick and Love Nectar Lip Gloss.

Perfection!

NOTE* You can use grey tones on the eyes and apply silver glitter if that is more your thing - switch it up! This is a great guideline and you can put your own twist on it!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

My Current Obsession: the good, the bad, & the eye-cream

The infamous "eye cream". A product that everyone has heard of, but not everyone uses.

The skin under your eyes happens to be the most sensitive out of all the skin on your body – which is why it has its own special cream. 

Just like pretty much any other product that is available, you don’t need to spend a fortune on eye cream, but I do recommend that you get one and use it!
There are drugstore branded creams, as well as department store and beyond. Go to the stores and get samples, try ‘em out, see what you like best by what fits your needs.

If you are puffy under the eyes, get a cream that will help with that. If you have dark circles often, make sure your cream has ingredients to help with that. Just like any other beauty product, it has a purpose, and everyone has a different skin "type" that needs to be catered to.

Once you find one that you love, could be in cream or gel form, you want to use your ring finger to apply it. Dabbing it lightly under the eye.
Your ring finger is the weakest, by doing this it makes sure you don’t press or wipe too hard on that sensitive skin.


Monday, October 1, 2012

Tuesday’s Tip of the Day: Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes*

Baby Shampoo. Alcohol. It's that simple.

Even if its just because there is product buildup on your brushes, you want to clean your makeup brushes often. The more often you clean and take care of them, the longer they will last. 
If you are using your brushes everyday, they should be cleaned at least weekly. If you are using one brush for multiple products and/or colors, it should be cleaned after each use.


I feel that most people don’t clean their brushes because "they don’t have time." Well, it’s time to make time, because what you are putting on your skin from those dirty brushes, is rather icky.
Not only are the brushes applying the makeup, but it’s brushing around any bacteria and/or dirt that is on your skin. Especially those face powder brushes that you apply a few times a day – I'm sure you’re not washing your face right before each of those touch-ups.

Clean gently with baby shampoo and then lay flat with brush part hanging off a ledge (off a counter or sink). I also recommend using alcohol, at least every other time. Apply a little bit of alcohol on a wash cloth and brush away other bacteria and dirt.


You don’t have to spend a fortune on name-brand brush cleaners – stop making that one of your excuses on why you aren’t cleaning them! Believe me, you will notice a huge difference in the application of your makeup with clean brushes - and your skin will thank you!