Summer hasn’t officially hit yet but we have experienced record breaking heat. Even though the sun provides a good dosage of Vitamin D, too much sun is dangerous. What are you doing to protect yourself? If you aren't doing anything to protect yourself from the sun, l have to get you on track.

Drink PLENTY of Water - Yes it is hard to drink eight glasses a day, but trust me, we all need it. Reach for the bottle of water over the latte. The worst thing to happen is to suffer from dehydration.

SUNSCREEN!!!!! - It is a MUST HAVE - Protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays. The higher the SPF the better (the higher the number indicates the length of time required before you have to reapply), especially in sunny South Florida. Apply it before you get out in the sun.

Protect your Lips - Your lips need protection as well. The skin on the lips is very thin and is exposed to harmful sun rays as well. Protecting your lips will also keep them smoother and looking younger.

Tanning Beds - Stay away from tanning beds as they are more harmful to your skin than the sun. There are newer methods to tan – Airbrush tanning is amazing!

For Body -
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55 - $10


For Face -
Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 - $14.50


For Lips -
Blistex Ultra Lip Balm SPF 30

Some cosmetics come with a hefty price tag but there are some products that work really well for a much lower price. Most of the products below can be purchased at your local drugstore. Check out some of these amazing products that will give you a BANG for your buck.

ELF (Eyes Lips Face)
Bronzer and Blush - Only $1 each www.eyeslipsface.com

ELF’s bronzers and blushes are highly pigmented and only a buck but let me tell ya - they are awesome! There are several colors to choose from for all skin tones. ELF has several amazing products for only $1 but work like the products that are twenty times more....Gotta love that! Try the eyeshadows too.



Maybelline
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara - $4
The Best Selling Mascara since...well...since it hit the shelves.



Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation - $8 – One word “Amazing”


Covergirl
I love so many of Covergirl's products and it is difficult to only choose a few.

Wetslicks Lip Gloss - $5

Feels light but super glossy and conditions your lips so they are always kissable – MUAH!

Covergirl Eyeshadow Collection - $7
Highly pigmented shadow that last all day.




Covergirl Eyeliner – $5
Super smooth and long lasting.

Covergirl Queen Collection Liquid Foundation - $7

Have you seen Queen Latifah’s beautiful face – Always flawless – Enough Said…

Black Opal
Black Opal Foundations - $9.50

Unfortunately there are many companies that still do not cater to all skin hues. However, for women of color that has difficulties finding the right color foundation that gives perfect coverage, your search is over.

Ben Nye
Ben Nye Powder - $6

Ben Nye brand, one of the most used powders in the professional makeup artist world. Ultra fine, super sheer, and sets makeup beautifully.

Enjoy!

Running or fading eye liner? Try the best liner I’ve ever found, Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes - $17 each

 

One of my FAVE products ever! This waterproof pencil contains a unique formula that resists water all day – so no running or fading! Another plus, there are approximately 25 different colors to choose from!

Tip: A must have for creating sexy smokey eyes – I use it all over the lid to create an extra base to prepare for eyeshadow which will also create dimension to make the eyes super smokey and smoldering.

There have been several people ask me about makeup artistry training. Which school should I go to? Do I really need it? Can you teach me? The questions go on and on. I am always happy to provide everything I know about this beautiful art to aspiring makeup artists. I believe that training is essential to success in this business which is something that must be continued. Constant training and practice is key so you can stay ahead of the game with new products and techniques - as the world turns and changes, so will everything in it. I am big on continued learning as I still take classes and learn from other artists as well; it is very important to me.
 
During my training, I had the pleasure of meeting such a fascinating and talented woman several years ago by the name of Victoria Duke who is a celebrity makeup artist that travels all over the world. I received most of my training through this lovely being that teaches not only technique but guides all of her students in the right direction of the so many arenas of makeup artistry. She is more than a makeup artist or an instructor, but also a coach that will help you see your worth and give advice and guidance to help you on your journey. In her words, "Beauty starts from within, and then out." She is such an inspiration to so many!

I am happy to share that Victoria Duke has embarked on her own personal journey to open a makeup school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, known as the Academy of Glam. At the Academy of Glam, there are programs for everyone. Two-week, one-month and also night classes are offered to accommodate everyone's schedules. Small class room sizes will give undivided attention to each artist. There are so many wonderful things artists will experience and just to give brief detail on the Academy, check out what is offered so far:

Training on all types of artistry, to include:

The Basics like Perfecting the Skin, Eyebrows, Brush Techniques, etc.
Creating the Perfect Smokey Eye
Makeup for TV/Film
Makeup for Print
Makeup for Fashion & Runway
Makeup for Brides
Makeup for All Eras
Body Art/Painting
Airbrush Makeup


Work With:

Life Coach
Award Winning Art Professor
Top Photographers
Real Models
Working Makeup Artists
Fashion Designers
Stylist Insider & Magazine Beauty Editor


What You Get:

A Great Makeup Kit to get you Started
Six Professional Pictures to Start Your Portfolio
Digital Comp Card
Business Plan to Market Yourself
INSPIRATION & CONFIDENCE


Classes are filling up quickly, so contact the Academy of Glam if you are interested in becoming a makeup artist. Website and Contact Info - www.academyofglam.com | Email: info@academyofglam.com | Phone: 1-888-818-GLAM

There will be other programs and workshops offered, not just to aspiring makeup artists, but for everyone. There is soooo much more to come. Stay tuned!!!

Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing System

I’ve been using the Clarisonic Plus for about two months now and I love it! I have seen a noticeable difference in my skins texture, as it is smoother and feel cleaner than when I wash the traditional way. All makeup is completely gone and I’ve noticed less breakouts. Below is some information from their website www.clarisonic.com:

Clarisonic developed the sonic technology proven to gently yet effectively loosen dirt and oil to clear your pores. The Sonic Skin Cleansing System uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth your skin. In just 60 seconds a day, the micro-massage action cleans more than twice as effectively as manual cleansing.

Clarisonic Sonic Cleansing Benefits

• Removes 6x more makeup than manual cleansing
• Leaves skin feeling and looking smoother
• Cleanses so well that products absorb better
• Gentle enough for twice daily use
• Helps reduce oily areas, dry skin patches, and blemishes
• Helps reduce the appearance of visible pores

The Clarisonic Plus is on the expensive side ($225) but very much worth it!

Tips:

Always skincare first, then makeup!!! No matter how great a product is, your makeup won't be to the fullest potential if you don't take care of your skin. Yeah sure, concealer can remove dark circles and foundation can even out the skintone; however, makeup cannot rid of pimples and bumps or permanently remove acne marks and hyper pigmentation. Always cleanse your face twice a day and never sleep with makeup on, no matter how tired you are or what fun night you had. Use a toner, especially if have oily skin. Toner will help remove any additional oils deep down in the skin and remove residue that cleansers tend to leave behind. And such an important step that so many people skip...you must moisturize, even if you have oily skin. It is imperative that you moisturize and use a moisturizer that caters to your skin type (oily, dry, sensitive, etc.) Treat yourself to a facial every two months and you will see the difference in your skins texture and clarity. Some salons charge between $50 - $150 for basic and deep pore cleansing facials. This to me, is a small price to pay for beautiful skin and plus everyone deserve to treat themselves sometimes. Remember, every skincare issue can be controlled.

Always purchase the travel size of a makeup product you want to buy first or ask for a sample of the product before making that big purchase. Trust me, there have been several times that I have bought every color of something and it didn't work out or didn't like. I've ended up giving the makeup to my little nieces so they can play with it; and lets be honest, makeup is too expensive for that!

The best tip I think I can give anyone is - a little bit goes a long way!

Until soon....thanks for reading!