Face Chart Pro for iPad
March 23rd, 2012 § Leave a Comment
iPad screenshot / image Enkore Makeup
I don’t have an iPad, but EnKore Makeup’s FACE CHART PRO for iPad makes me want to get one. If you’ve ever designed a look on a textured paper face chart (using real makeup, brushes, Q-tips, your fingers, etc. ) then you understand why I appreciate what this app has to offer. With paper face charts there is little room for error as you can’t erase your mistakes. Too much eye shadow? Start over. But Face Chart Pro helps you create makeup looks on a digital canvas. I love the idea and concept of this app. Enkore describes it as the “ultimate digital tool for today’s working makeup professional (and makeup enthusiasts).” More on the app:
With the use of fingers, or a stylus, artists simply select any of the built-in brushes, color palettes, customize colors, and effects. Create colorful or neutral eye makeup looks, from eyes, skin finishes, blush, and lips. Adding effects such as rhinestones, glitter, and cheetah spots is easy. This app also features an eyelash drawer that allows artists to pick-n-tap eye lashes.
Some of the other features include:
- Canvas that fills the iPad screen.
- Five base canvas choices to begin with: Blank, Full Face with Open Eye, Full Face with Closed Eye, Open Eye, and Closed Eye.
Multi-Touch Interface:
iPad screenshot / image Enkore Makeup
- Two finger pan & zoom navigation
- Pinch in and out for controls
Brushes & Tools:
- Advanced paint engine delivers smooth and precise brush strokes.
- Multiple brushes used in the industry.
- Cotton Swab tool for cleaning and erasing
- Customizable brush settings for each brush and tools
- Undo and Redo button
- Mirror tool allows user to only create a look on one eye, or one side of the face, and then generate the other side automatically.
- Preset Makeup Color Palettes with their own separate categories.
- Custom color grid
- Eyelashes drawer
Gallery:
- Store and view work in progress
- Save finished charts to iPad’s Camera Roll
This app has been getting rave reviews, so I guess I have an excuse now to get an iPad! For more information and examples, visit www.FaceChartPro.com
NARS Artistry Sessions
March 7th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Screen grab via NARScosmetics.com
I am always working to hone my makeup artistry skills. I do that in a number of ways from reading books, flipping through magazines, taking classes, attending makeup shows, practicing on myself and other people and watching tutorials or how-to videos. Recently, I’ve been tuning into NARS Artistry Sessions which are how-to films featuring looks from NARS National Makeup Stylists. Learn how to achieve a chic and sophisticated eye, luminous cheek or bold, bright lip in their latest videos. Check them out at NarsCosmetics.com
Red Lips Done Right
February 14th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
British singer Adele on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards. Photo: GETTY
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day and my recent post on how to find the right red lipstick for your skin tone, I loved the red lip Adele rocked at the Grammy’s. It’s perfect!
The Perfect Red Lip
February 13th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Want to find the ideal red for your skin tone? With sooo many to choose from, how do you know which one will look good on you?
photo via RealSimple.com
Or maybe you’re like many women who swear they can’t wear red. Red is classic, elegant, versatile and never goes out of style. And guess what? Every woman can rock red, even you. The key is choosing the right red for your skin tone. Check out one of my favorite video tutorials (just in time for Valentine’s) on choosing the right red lip color and take a look at another tutorial I like on how to achieve it. Get ready to pucker up!
From left: A cool red, warm red and neutral red (images via: Lancome.com)
Master Your Makeup with Francois Nars
April 21st, 2011 § 1 Comment
In his new book, Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself, Francois Nars shows how a little makeup goes a long way by transforming 56 real women. I am definitely adding this book to my makeup library. I love that fact that he is not just writing about the makeup application, but shows readers how it’s applied by including “before” and “after” pictures overlaid with clear acetate diagrams. I read that the diverse group of women and men depicted in the book were scouted on the streets of NYC. From some of the “before and afters” I’ve seen, the transformations are really amazing.
Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself is available May 2. Until then, here are a few makeup tips from the man himself.
Top 3 Makeup Must-Haves
- Splurge on a good foundation that matches your skin perfectly.
- Always keep a smudge-proof mascara handy.
- Cheat your minimal routine with a product that can be used on eyes, lips and cheeks.
Three Secrets to Perfect Skin Tone
- After applying foundation, blend the excess on your neck to create a uniform canvas.
- In addition to your cheeks, lightly brush on blush around the hairline, on the temples, on your jawline, and on the tip of your nose.
- Use loose powder to soften any effect—too strong eyes, or oversculpted cheeks.
Celebrity Looks for New Year’s Eve
December 29th, 2010 § 3 Comments
Still need some inspiration for your New Year’s Eve makeup? Well, let’s look to a few celebrities who cover a range of skin tones for some party makeup ideas.
GOLDEN GLOW with Carrie Underwood I can’t remember what magazine I was flipping through when I came across this pic of Carrie Underwood. Her makeup is fabulous and her look is ideal if you to dazzle and sparkle for New Year’s Eve. It’s all about the eye makeup for this look paired nicely with nude lips. Black eyeliner is your friend for these well-defined eyes. Metallic gold on the lids and lots of mascara or falsies.
courtesy becomegorgeous.com
BROWN SMOKEY EYES with Keri Hilson Give brown smokey eyes a little twist with shimmery golden eyeshadow applied to the inner corners. This really makes hazel eyes pop. Stay in the warm color palette by complementing the look with peachy lips and cheeks.
courtesy Glam Australia
SPARKLY NAVY EYES with Estelle For my Blended Beauties with a darker skin tone, take a break from black and go navy! This looks just as sexy as all black without being too heavy or overpowering. That’s right, you can wear blue, so come out of that comfort zone and give it a try.
Happy New Year!
Master Your Makeup: Eyeliner
November 17th, 2010 § 1 Comment
Hey Blended Beauties! Master Your Makeup is a new feature that will provide easy pointers from yours truly (and occasionally other industry professionals) on what some see as beauty challenges. Our first M.Y.M is on eyeliner. Following are some simple tips to sharpen your eyeliner skills.
IT’S ALL IN THE PREP Eyeliner smudges very easily because the eyelids are the greasiest part of the face. Before applying makeup, I use an alcohol free makeup remover to reduce oily residue. Then I apply a light layer of foundation and finish with a dusting of translucent powder over the lid to set the color absorb and oils throughout the day. What about an eye primer you ask? I prefer to use foundation instead of a separate primer product. It works just as well. Why spend money if you don’t have to?
BONUS TIP: Avoid putting eye creams on your lids pre-makeup so they’re not slippery later and dab blotting papers on your lids throughout the day to keep crease buildup at bay without smudging your line. « Read the rest of this entry »
