Summer Glow for Sensitive Skins

yb01 Lately I had clients with extremely sensitive skin, not just the usual sensitive skin, that most Ladies like to claim for themselves, but the kind that actually has severe allergies, redness, dryness, eczema, dermatitis...you name it! It always a challenge to find products that work for those skin types and while every skin is different and no one (not even a dermatologist) knows what works and what doesn't it's a real trial and error for those people. Generally it's a good idea to stay away from heavily fragranced products, strong essential oils (although all natural they are usually too potent for sensitive skin) and most very active ingredients.

A lifesaver a thermal water sprays and really basic products. One I have been counting on a lot is the Mineral Primer by Youngblood, which works a treat in nourishing, protecting and preparing the skin for makeup application. A simple great quality product. As a staple in my kit, I was curious about trying more from this range and to see how these cruelty free, vegan and mineral products are holding up against the other Luxury and professional makeup brands, I usually use. As a professional makeup artist, I never stick to a single brand, but rather choose and pick the best products of each luxury or professional brands. Every brand has their strengths and weaknesses and so my kit included a huge variety of great international products from Chanel, over Nars, Hourglass, Laura Mercier, YSL, Urban Decay, Make Up Forever, Chantecaille, By Terry, Shu Uemura, to all natural cosmetics like Jane Irdale and Youngblood to suit all clients different needs and preferences that suit their skin and the occasion.

I created a wearable look for this time of year, when most girls have gotten a nice tan over the Summer months, but the wardrobe will change soon to deeper colours and evening looks will make their come back. Late Summer is my favourite time of year, and I wish it would last forever. At least this makeup look will last and last and last, while being gentle and kind to your skin. In fact the makeup products are pretty much perfect for humid weather and hot temperatures.

All products used were supplied by Youngblood and here is how to achieve the look: SIMPLE STEPS!

SKIN: Prime with Mineral Primer! Use a lightweight tinted moisturizer or just concealer where needed you want the skin to look as natural as possible Highlighting bronzer in Mineral Radiance in "SUNDANCE" on the highest points of your face, apply with a big fluffy brush for natural finish CHEEK: Add cream blush to Cheeks works best with fingers and gently pressed into the skin I used Luminous Creme Blush in Pink Cashmere. EYES: Use rosegold, as base colour, pale pink as highlight and chocolate to define the eye all in the gorgeous quad "ETERNITY", super easy to blend. To add an unexpected edge to all the warm colours use a cool grey liquid liner from the inner corner starting fine and flicking outwards to, which lasts and lasts and lasts, all summer night long! It's softer than black yest gives definition and shape while being more natural looking than the usual black vintage flick. Lips: Cranberry coloured creamy gorgeousness is the lipstick Kranberry which goes on like a lip balm but has lots of pigment for a real red lip look which transforms this summery beachy look into a cocktail time summer night style! Finish the face for a flawless and lasting look with "Hi-Definition" Hydrating Mineral Powder, which has a cooling effect and is really perfect for hot summer evenings.

My skin loved all this products and didn't make me break out or cause any reactions. However everyone is different, if you are sensitive Try Before You Buy. I found the quality and texture of the products outstanding, they feel truly good on the skin and I would recommend them as natural addition to your makeup bag, you can achieve professional results! Perfect for your day to day makeup.

Be my Valentine...Loving Mauve Glow

285063851383790827_b606ey55_fElisabeth Olsen via fantasticality

After a full on weekend with 2 weddings, 2 day of One Fine Day Wedding Fair and only 2 hours of sleep, there were 2 little helpers getting me through it with a glow and big smile: Jane Iredale Pommisst (mentioned here already, I know I know, it's just tooooo goood!) and a little cream blusher called "In Touch" in "Chemistry", a mauve that works great on my lips and as radiant contour cheek colour! Small enough to fit in any clutch or bag, carry it with you it will need to be reapplied, as it's sheer colour will disappear over time. It only takes seconds and can be used with fingertips or a foundation brush. I love the mauve look of Elizabeth Olsen in the above picture, which could be easily achieved with this colour product. I wore the look the whole weekend and thought it's perfect for Valentine's! Don't you think? P.S: It smells of Chocolate and is all natural! YUM.

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I though I share this as a mini post, as Valentines day is coming up and this is just the perfect duo to get the glow on. There is an ever growing demand for natural products in my makeup kit, as clients request it and I love these as they have a luxurious feel and advanced skincare ingredients. Pommisst is now a staple in my pro kit!

Thanks to Jane Iredale Australia, for sending me these products to try.

Fruity Days, Peachy Nights & Pomegranate Mists

IMG_62280x550 peachy makeup Makeup look for White Magazine by Liv Lundelius photo by Stephanie Alcaino.

I love seasonal fruit, and at the moment, the markets are overflowing with peaches, apricots and nectarines. All of which have the most delicious looking colours.

My own summer makeup is currently inspired my peach tones. And in the heat I like to keep it simple! Peach cheeks and lips and even a wash of a fruity tone on the eyes. And a hydrating face mist in the bag and I am ready to go!

My current favourite is Pommisst by Jane Iredale! It is an organic facial spritz with the added benefit of pomegranate extract, a powerful antioxidant. And it feels and smells soooo good! And I love the pretty red bottle.

An Oldie But Goldie staple in my makeup kit is Stila Convertible in Gladiola for lips&cheeks & Nars Barbarella a sheer peach lipstick! What are your summer colour staples?

Another wonderful One Fine Day is coming up!

OFD_SydFeb2014_Vendors_v4Screen Shot 2014-01-31 at 5.21.39 pmThe next One Fine Day is coming up in a week already. Check out my posts about the previous fairs, here and here!

The lovely Ladies behind the event just published a little fun interview with me, which I thought you might enjoy reading below. Please find the original post including photos on the OFD page here.

LIV LUNDELIUS – MAKE UP ARTIST Thursday, January 23, 2014

As a young girl Liv Lundelius often recalls giving fashion styling and makeup advice to her mum and friends who, living in the German country side needed that little bit of extra help and confidence. She has since worked a number of events worldwide such as NYC, Berlin and London Fashion Weeks (pretty impressive!).

Liv has a unique passion for working with brides and enhancing their individual beauty, with subtle natural makeup. It is your day to shine so head over to Liv Lundelius website to view more of her amazing bridal make up.

Most memorable moment / idea/ experience that you have seen at a wedding you have worked on? It’s beautiful each and every time to see family, friends and a happy couple all coming together to celebrate love. That in itself is the best idea ever.

Please share your best tip for a couple on their big day. Be happy & and enjoy every moment of your day. Don’t worry about anything beyond your control, all that matters is that you are getting married to one another. Just quickly complete the following sentences:

On a Sunday I like to: Have a wedding booking ;) and otherwise sleep in and go for a nice long breakfast, a walk and some exploring with the camera and my little family.

A secret no- one knows about me: I have never been homesick.

The one song guaranteed to get me on the dance floor: Ha, there are so many. A better question would be if there is one song guaranteed to get me OFF the dancefloor ;-) What can couples expect to see from me at One Fine Day: Plenty of images of my previous work, a big smile and hopefully some great inspiration for their wedding day.

Come and meet me in person at the One Fine Day Wedding Fair!

The perfect cleanse for the new year!

IMG_5255 Happy (a little belated) New Year everyone! It's been a great and very busy start for me. If you want to have a peek at how we spent our NYE have a look here. We also got an addition to the family as you can see and I am currently booked with 3 weddings per week, plus trials, photoshoots and admin.

But back to the beauty of this little space: I have written about the importance of exfoliation here before and today wanted to share my favorite hero products, that have become staples in my professional makeup kit to prep a clients/models skin and get immediate radiance and a perfect canvas for the makeup! I am known for my natural makeup looks, and while I love bold and creative makeup I also truly enjoy very minimal makeup with enhancing the unique beauty of the person, something that highlights rather than masks the personality and face.

To apply flawless and natural makeup the first and very important step is the right skincare and skin prep. I like to pamper my clients a little as well and therefore sometimes include a little mini facial in the makeup application, if there is the need for it and when time allows. To transform dull skin instantly I like to use 1 product on any skin type: The Clearisonic!!! You just have to try it, if you haven't already. ( This is NOT a sponsored post but my own opinion and recommendation!!!) Another great tool, for oily, blemish prone skin, or in humid weather for a super quick exfoliation and pore deep cleanse are the Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads. They work wonders and smell of Bellini. Absolutely fab product!

Now I let you in into some makeup artist pro secrets...try it now and thank me later ;)