Met Gala Beauty TREND FORECAST - Glowing Skin + Smoldering Eyes

Luminous glowing skin along with Smoldering (some more smokey than others ) was the common trend at last night at the Met Gala   'Manus x Machina'  : Fashion in the Age of Technology. Most look to the ensembles for delight and inspiration , but I love to look at the beauty trends of the night. I could not help but notice how the eyes were a real focal point on the face along the red carpet looks. I also noticed no one went for the typical "BLACK" -  instead there was shades of almost black / green hues , shades of browns with hints of gold , and glitter / shimmer and tons of silver.
Here are a few of my personal favorites .

Ciara gave us hints of silver to her eyes.  

Beyonce's eyes were a not quite black but green hue.  

Zendaya gave us Brown is the new Black with hints of Gold.  

Kerry Washington's hue was very similar to Beyonce with a hint of metal. 

Solange giving us pure Gold Glam on the eyes . 

Lupita Nyong'o in a minty /silver hue . 

On location  -  You can see some of my products are by Maybelline, Smashbox, Cargo , Viseart , Tarte, Mally Beauty , Stila , etc..  

I was fortunate enough to do makeup for an Met Gala attendee yesterday , and ironically the look we went for was a smokey/ smoldering eye as well ( on trend )  with glowing skin to match.  I went for an metallic olive green shade on the lids by Tarte ( Amazonian Clay Cream Shadows - discontinued shade )  which I paired with some taupe in the crease by Smashbox ( Full Exposure Palette) ,  layered with some Gold for an extra shine  from LORAC Pro Palette. Maybelline Push Up Drama Mascara ( sold in Drugstores ) was the finishing touch.  The skin was prepped with my favorite Moisturizer Embryolisse Lait - Creme Concentre along with Smashbox Primer Water.  Tarte Clean Slate Brightening Primer was used before I applied Smashbox BB Water in Fair/Light to the skin.   Light warming of the face with Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Powder.  Light Highlighting with the new Pur Minerals Moonlight Glow Strobe Palette  in  Brows were filled in with Smashbox Brow Tech Matte Pencil  and then Gloss Stick was applied to set in place.   The lips was kept bare with simple lip balm.  Below you will see a BTS snapshot of the final look : 

GLOWING SKIN x SMOLDERING EYES (Products used tagged) #metgala #metball #motd #naturalglam #smokeyeyes #smolderingeyes #olivegreen #metallics #skin #glow #embryolisse #tarte #smashbox #lorac #maybelline #anastasiabeverlyhills #abh #purcosmetics #glamsquad #jenlaprincesse

A photo posted by J E A N N I E 🦄💋 (JEH-nee) (@jenlaprincesse) on May 2, 2016 at 8:15pm PDT

For more info on the products mentioned check out the links above , and make sure to follow my instagram for more BTS / Product features.

The Beauty in LEMONADE

To no surprise the visuals from Beyonce's latest release LEMONADE were breathtaking.   Beyonce had her Glam Dream Team Sir John Barnett on Makeup , and Kim Kimble on hair and I am just in awe ( as usual ).

To re-create this look , all you would need is some synthetic hair ( you can find them at any local beauty supply store).  This is a quick , easy , fabulous Summer hair store . 

CORNROWS 

DISCLAIMER : Beyonce is not being "on trend" with these Cornrows -  she ( like the rest of us Women of Color) have been sporting braids since forever . Check her old Destiny's Child videos for reference.. 

I love the Blonde Cornrows with the baby hair - perfect Spring / Summer time hair style.  

KINKY CURLY HAIR 

 

  I have always been a fan of big hair and this hair was everything and more .  

BARE FACE 

 

Skin is always in , and Sir John mentioned in a past article he likes to use eye cremes for the whole face for his clients to keep their skin in tact.  As you can see here she's FLAWLESS.  If you want to try your hand at Sir John's method some eye cremes I would highly suggest are Tarte  Maracuja C- Brighter eye treatment , or Boots Botanics Organic Hydrating Eye Cream .  You can finish re-creating this look with a nice neutral rose matte lip color and emphasis on filling in / grooming the brows. 

TRIBAL MAKEUP  X  BRAIDS

First I'd like to add I've been wanting these Maasai Beaded Collar necklaces for years -  I love Kenyan jewelry .

Glossy lids ( a Beyonce staple since the beginning of her solo career she's been known to have a glossy lid look) , bold brows and Tribal adornments down the center of the face making it the focal point of the look.  You can use literally any white pencil to re create this ( Wet n Wild You're Always White Liner  or  Colourpop Exit Liner are some inexpensive options.  and some highlighter on the top lip . You could always skip the white Tribal Designs altogether and make this your signature Summer Look.  The long braids are a nice finishing touch.

SECTIONED PIGTAILS

 

This eye look is more toned down than the previously mentioned look.  This eye is completely neutral and matte.  The Tribal makeup was a bit elaborate around the eye so it makes perfect sense that this look has a more bare base.  Kim gave her sectioned pig tails - which you can re create easily with some elastics .  

Both of the above looks would be perfect for a Festival like Afro Punk .

BOLD LIP 

 Beyonce has worn this same beauty look in some of her previous videos such as "Jealous" .

"Jealous" Music Video

 I think its safe to say its one of her favorite looks . The face is kept minimal and the lip is dark and bold.  The hair is pulled up into a messy up-do . I love that she is wearing Ankara fabric.  

 TURBAN 

Blue Ivy's First Birthday

Turban / Headwrap whatever term you prefer is very much a "Hair Style" in its own right.  Love that she included one in her looks.  We also see a clip of Blue Ivy's first birthday where she's wearing on as well - so Beyonce like the rest of us Women of Color is a fan of the Turban.  If you want to go for it , you can check out Famn Djanm  for a various array of  styles to choose from.  Ironically "Famn Djanm" is Kreyol for "Strong Woman" and I think Beyonce more than fits the title . 

I honestly loved every single look but I would be here all day discussing them -  these above captured my attention the most.  Hope you enjoyed !

Earthly Beauty !

In honor of Earth Day , I thought it would be fun to put together some environmentally conscious and friendly products (vegan / holistic ) that can be used to create one of my favorite go -to looks : bare luminous skin with a nude or bold lip and some liner ( wings optional) .

First we will tackle the base - SKIN.  Great skin is vital to this look because you are basically going "makeup free" ( you can opt for foundation / bb creams / etc if necessary) . and you will want to be makeup free because of the luminescence of your skin. 

1. Tammy Fender Holistic Skin Care Purifying Cleansing Gel ($50)  -  You have to start out with a great cleanser.  
2. Tammy Fender Holistic Skin Care Bulgarian Rose Water  ($65) - Rose water is so cooling and a nice treat to the skin , especially in these warmer months ahead.  I personally love to spray it on my face day and night , and also before applying makeup. 
3. Tammy Fender Holistic Skin Care Intensive Repair Balm ($130) - Originally intended for post-op clients this balm has been proven to be amazing for anti-aging.  I think its amazing to use a natural product instead of "modern science" in terms of slowing down the signs of aging. 
4. Tammy Fender Holistic Skin Care Quintessential Serum ($175) - Moisture is Key.  Putting back in the essential moisture and cell renewal are two key points in having luminous skin. 
5. Tammy Fender Holistic Skin Care Awakening Eye Gel ($84) -  You already know that keeping the delicate eye area hydrated is a MUST.  

Second, we discuss COLOR .  Some days ( or every day) you just want a quick lip and liner.  I am loving Nudes (taupes , browns, pinks, skintone) or Bolds ( deep vamp shades / Reds ) .  Its always a plus when you can find a Vegan product. 

1. Colourpop Lippie Stix in Aquarius ($5) - Pinky Nude , looks great on everyone.
2. Colourpop Lippie Stix in JujuRouge ($5) - That Bold RED.
3. Colourpop Lippie Stix in  Button ($5) - A peachy Nude
4. Colourpop Lippie Stix in Taurus ($5) -  On Trend Matte Brown, a shade I am currently choosing a lot to wear.   
5. Colourpop CRÉME GEL LINER in Swerve ($5) - A true Black liner. 
6. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Vampira ($20) -  Deep Bold Burgundy I love these shades for Spring / Summer - so unexpeted. 
7. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Bow n Arrow ($20) -  A nude /taupe shade compliments a vast amount of complexions.
8. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita ($20) - Lolita is a cult favorite this mauve nude shade looks amazing on both fair and deep tones.  You can never go wrong with a Mauve Nude.  
9. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper  ($19) -  Black Fine Tip Liner that is also waterproof .  
10. Tarte Lippie Lingerie Matte Tint in Undressed ($24) - A Brown / Rose nude shade .  
11. Tarte Lippie Lingerie Matte Tint in Exposed ($24) -  A light Nude shade
12. Tarte Lippie Lingerie Matte Tint in Envy ($24) - A Mauve/Berry shade -  you have to have at least one Mauve in your collection.
13. Tarte Lippie Lingerie Matte Tint in  Racy ($24) - A Deep Brown.
14. Tarte So Fine Micro Liner in Black ($22) - A waterproof liquid liner with a super fine applicator to give you the ultimate precision to do very demure or very dramatic. 

 There you have it !  My complete Earth-Day inspired Beauty look that is Earth-Friendly. Hopefully one day all of our beauty products will be Natural  .  

Happy Earth Day! 

Behind the Scenes the new Web Series Stylist Wars - Mothers Day Makeover Special .

A few weeks ago I was lucky to take part in a amazing experience.  I was part of a make-over for a hard working young Mother by the name of Breanna for a new web-series called Stylist Wars .  Just in time for Mother's Day ( a few weeks before) ,  we met with Breanna and two Stylists gave her looks to choose from and Breanna got a full glam makeover ( including hair and makeup)  with Makeup by yours truly.  

Meeting Breanna / Image : clredcontent.com

Being that Breanna is a very young Mom , we both agreed that her look would young and fun with light colors for Spring.  

Consulting with Breanna /  Image : clredcontent

Given her situation - she works a lot and cares for her baby ,  Breanna like most new Moms has neglected herself.  So it was a pleasure for me to be able to take some time to not only bring out her glam , but speak to her about how important it is for her to remember to take out time for herself .  

Skin Prep

I took the time to ask Breanna what her current skincare regimen consisted of , and it pretty much was non-existent.  Luckily,  I thought ahead and made sure I was prepared with Biore Self Heating One Minute Mask ( with natural charcoal).  This product is great for Makeup Artists to keep in their kits because its only takes 1 minute to heat on contact and purify pores.  It did not take any time out of her glam session to do this extra yet so important step.  

Applying the mask to Breanna's face. / Image: clredcontent

Using a Warm wash cloth to remove the mask .  If you were at home you could just rinse it off - since I was on set I had to improvise.  / Image : clredcontent

You can see that she is already glowing.  / Image : clredcontent

Makeup  Application 

Now Breanna just had her pores purified,  now its time to prep her skin further.  I used Makeup Artist favorite -  Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre to moisturize , then Skindinavia Makeup Primer Spray to Prime the face and seal in the moisture + glow.  

Spray Skindinavia Primer Spray in a X and T motion to fully prime the face.  / Image: clredcontent

I just love using this spray primer.  / Image: clredcontent

Makeup Application 

For Foundation ,  I mixed colors to make the perfect shade for Breanna .  I used Cargo Cosmetics HD Picture Perfect Liquid Foundation in 7W CARAMEL mixed with a darker shade from my foundation palette. 

Skin is flawless - HD Foundation makes all the difference.  / Image : clredcontent

 I filled in Breanna's already naturally full brows lightly. then I used soft colors on the eyes from Cargo Cosmetics , paired with gel inglot liner.

Filling in Breanna's Brows /Image :clredcontent

Breanna's eyelashes are extremely dark long and full so I only used a few coats of Maybelline's Volum' Express The Rocket Washable Mascara . A great Mascara that is very affordable perfect for a young working Mom like Breanna.  

The final touch on the eyes - Mascara . / Image : clredcontent

 I gave her a soft contour using Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Powder. Since I saw photos of Breanna prior to meeting her I did not need to travel with my entire contour book. I just hand selected colors I knew would be flattering choices for her -  artist tip  ( travel light when you can ) .  

Contouring with Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Powders  / Image :clredcontent

Then I set her skin with a light dusting of setting powder - Mally Beauty Poreless Finishing Powder in Dark  .  

Setting the face in a finishing powder is essential when being photographed and  filmed.  / Image: clredcontent 

I finished the look with a light pinky/nude lip.  I created a custom color with Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Park Avenue Princess topped with a complimentary pink gloss by Elf Cosmetics.  

Breaking down the look on camera / Image : clredcontent 

The Final Look 

 Breanna then was dressed by the two Fashion Stylist competing on the show in the outfits that they put together for her.

 

Before and After 

The most rewarding feeling about this whole project was seeing Breanna's initial reaction to herself in the mirror -  she was very emotional ( I regret this part did not make the show).  It reinforced why I love helping women feel beautiful .  For the full episode of Stylist Wars and the actual video footage of me transforming Breanna , and to see which of these looks Breanna chose as her winning look  checkout ClredContent.com . 

My two favorite Met Gala Makeup Looks : Get the Look Here

Two of my favorite beauty looks of the night were by two young starlets that I happen to personally love ,  Zendaya and Rihanna .  Both looks featured Nude lips , warm sultry eyes and a flush of color on the cheeks -  Rihanna had more of a flush than Zendaya.  Both looks were very minimal in the sense that it complimented the complex fashion looks without stealing the show. I thought it would be fun to put together some key products to use to re-create both looks ( as I don't know what was actually used on them but my suggestions are pretty spot on! ) .

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Nylon Nude | Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian clay 12-hour blush in Captivating | Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 12-hour full coverage foundation | Mally Beauty In the Buff 2 Eyeshadow Palette 

Zendaya's makeup look was the perfect vision of "clean beauty" - nude lips , barely there blush and a hint of light on the eyes.  I love the shimmering nude shades in the In the Buff 2 palette by Mally Beauty, and it would be a great tool to use for this look.  The darker shades in the palette can be used in the crease and outer corners of the eye as Zendayas eyes demonstrate the hint of darker color.  Her skin has a flawless finish and Tarte's new Amazonian Clay Foundation is a great option as well as the Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush in a warm peach like the shade "Captivating". To finish off the look a nude lipstick is essential and the shade "Nylon Nude" by Smashbox Cosmetics looks almost identical to the shade Zendaya is wearing.

Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay Waterproof Pencil in Rich Brown | NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation | Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Angle Pure Pigment Gel Liner in Jet Black | Nars Limited Edition Christoper Kane Blush in Starscape | Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Latte Matte | Tarte Cosmetics Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Palette

Like Zendaya,  Rihanna also went for a clean look but Rihanna's look had a bolder approach from blunt straight brows to blush to her perfectly winged liner. Rihanna's eyebrows were in a straight shape and Tarte's Amazonian Clay Pencil in Rich Brown can be used to fill in the brow and the spooley end can be used to brush/blend in the color. Depending on your natural brow shape it may be easy to "fake" the straight brow or you will have to use makeup to cover your natural hairs to recreate this shape.  Rihannas skin always looks as if there is not any foundation "coverage" on there always a natural finish.  After recently trying out the NARS All day Luminous Weightless Foundation -  I think its the best bet to use.  Her eyes have neutral tones adorned with a blacker than black liner and the Tartelette Palette paired with the new Smashbox Gel liner would be great tools to recreate this eye look.  Rihanna's blush almost looks as if it was also used to "highlight" her face -  a trend I noticed some other women had (Jennifer lopez for example) .  Her blush was a soft bright pink and the new Limited Edition NARS Christoper Kane Blush in Starscape would be perfect.   Last but not least , the nude lip - a darker nude than Zendaya's lip and Smashbox Be Legendary in Latte Matte is a great option.


Hope you enjoyed my recommendations, and will decide to recreate them yourself!

Want FLAW-LESS Skin? Insider tips by Celebrity and Editorial Makeup Artist Sir John

Image : Beyonce.com

There is no denying that Beyonce has a great canvas to begin with ,  we've seen her without a drop of makeup on and she looks even more radiant than she does in full on glam.  In a recent interview with The Cut (Nymag.com)  Sir John , (Celebrity and Editorial Makeup Artist as well as the newly appointed Celebrity Makeup Artist / Ambassador for L'Oreal Paris ) gave a insider tip to obtaining a great glow.

Image : Beyonce Blue Video

Sir John mentioned that we can use Eye Cream beyond the eyes,  and use it on the entire face.
"I'm a skin-care junkie. I like to use eye creams around the face. I also like to use face creams on the body. I approach the body from head to toe as if the whole body will be seen. Most women concern themselves only with the area from hairline to the chin. It's not about that. It's about bringing the conversation of skin care into the décolleté, onto your back, and into your legs."  said Sir John .  Three options I like are 1.  Volante Skincare Transformative Eye Creme ($85) , 2. Tarte maracuja  c-brighter eye treatment ($38) , and lastly 3. Burt's Bees Brightening Eye Treatment ($20).  I've used all three of these eye creams personally ,  recently covered the Volante   I have been satisfied with the results of all three.

Sir John also commented on glowing from within , with the superfood Kale:

"But get your skin into good condition; drink kale. Kale is very high in vitamin K and it increases circulation and helps cell turnover. If you approach your makeup with a holistic approach to health, everything else seems a bit easier. "

You can also check out the new book The Beauty Detox Power , by Kimberly Snyder ( $19/Amazon) for great recipes ( that go beyond just the use of Kale)  to rejuvenate from within to get that glowing radiant skin.  Remember : SKIN is IN .

Happy Friday  + Get Glowing !! 

Marsala Holiday Inspiration !!! Getting on trend with Pantones Chicest Color of the Year Yet.

I just can't get ENOUGH of Marsala - the Color of 2015 .  So today I decided to put together some great items together (some old, some new)  that will help you get on trend for the new year.

• Wet n Wild Lipstick in 918D Cherry Bomb - The best collection of bargain lipsticks, and Cherry Bomb is spot on in the Marsala shade.  
• Smashbox Be Legendary Long- Wear Lip Lacquer in After Dark - pigment and a lacquered finish ( win - win situation).  This will be a great stocking stuffer for your girlfriends! 
• YSL Eyeshadow ( this is a old one the name is removed - yikes!)  - any shadow in a similar shade will do. 
• Mally Beauty City Chick Smokey Eye Kit in Midtown Merlot - this has been one of my favorite smokey eye kits to use out of all of the ones I have.  Nice to use this wine shade in place of the typical black shadow for a smoked out eye. 
• Tarte smolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof liner in Fig - this looks amazing on the lower lid as a pop of color on a neutral eye.  Can also be used on the whole eye as a quick smudged/ smokey look.  Paired with a lipstick / lip gloss , you have the perfect lil' gift set for the holidays.  

Hope you enjoyed this little collection I've put together, and for more fun finds you can check out my instagram.  

Brow Confidential - My favorite Brow Products RIGHT NOW!

Maybelline Master Drama Eye Studio in Bold Brown | Wet n Wild Color Icon in Mink Brown and Dark Brown | Boom Boom Brow Powder in Tina | Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow in Chocolate | Wink Brows to Go Quad in Chocolate | Tarte Tinted Brow Gel in Rich Brown 

I am all about my Brows, and the BOLDER the BROW the better.  Here is a list of my current faves (ranging in various prices   - proof that quality isn't always determined in price)  and how I like to use them.  You can certainly channel your inner Cara and Brooke with these products.  Enjoy ! 

Maybelline Master Drama Eye Studio in Bold Brown - $7.79

I LOVE this cream/gel textured pencil ( not intended for brows). It is dark and smooth for blending with a small angle brush. This gives the same effect of the Dip Brows at a fraction of the price.  

Wet n Wild Color Icon Brow & Eye Pencil -  $.97  (Target Stores) 

Now at under a dollar you would think a pencil would not be of the best quality.  That is sooo not the issue here. I bought these on a whim not thinking I would even like them but I was pleasantly surprised.  I  absolutely love these pencils , I have both the Dark Brown and the Mink Brown sometimes I like to have a darker brow ( Mink is a tad darker not black but darker than your typical brown).  If you're on a budget these pencils are perfect for you. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade in Chocolate - $18 

Do I even have to discuss ABH Dip Brow ?? It is any and every makeup lovers favorite or one of their favorites.  A little goes a long way and Anastasia is the Queen of Eyebrows so all of her Brow Products ( when used properly) give you superb results.  I did find that I can also use Medium Brown as well as Ebony due to the color of my natural brows, but when paired with a Brow Powder ( if the dip brow is too light) all is well again.  

Boom Boom Brow Bar  Brow Boostier Brow Powder in Tina - $21.99

LOVE this powder, Miss Tina as I affectionately like to call it. I use this to fill in my brows when using pencils I like the shade of brown its not too light or too dark.  It is pigmented enough that my brow hairs seamlessly blend in.  I go lighter on powder towards the start of my brows to give that natural look.  I've had it for a while and it is not anywhere near finished , it really lasts.  

Wink Brows to Go Quad in Chocolate - $28 

This Quad is complete with Highlighter ,  Wax and two Brow Powders all the tools you need to create , sculpt and perfect the perfect brow.  I love keeping this in my makeup bag during the day its about 4 products in one compact - genius !  

Tarte Colored Clay Tinted Brow Gel in Rich Brown - $21 

Nails : Zoya Nail Laqcuer Pixie Dust  in "Arlo" 

I've used this alone on my brows with no other product and it really gives you a natural effect.  You want to fill in sparse areas but you DON'T want to look like you've just filled in your brows - this is what you need.  Also perfect for those days when you want to wear that bare naked makeup as if you don't have anything else on.  

**Update 10/24 : The Tarte tinted brow gel paired with a brow pencil for a more defined brow is effortlessly chic. I've used it with the Wet n Wild pencil in "Dark Brown"  and I loved the look , you can check it out here and here . **

There you have it , my current Brow Favorites !