Archive August 2009
Autumn/Winter ’09/10 Trend: Sharp Lips
Jean Paul Gaultier A/W 09/10
Trend Report: Sharp, Precision Lined Lips
Precise, crimson lips were all over the A/W 09/10 runways this season. The flawlessness and exactness of the perfect lines is outstanding and impressive. Rocking your version of sharp lips this winter is surefire way to give yourself an instant confidence booster! There’s something about this look that just screams “self-assured.”
To get the look, you need a sharp, lipliner pencil and a hot, dark red lipstick. Carefully outline your pout, and fill in the rest of your lips with your liner pencil. Since any red lip can be difficult to master, I recommend applying your lipstick with a lip-brush. It gives you more control and lets you get super exact, which you definitely need for this dramatic look. The sharpness and extremity is up to you; you might even need to exaggerate the points a little, depending on the natural shape of your lip.
I Recommend:
Lipliners- Chanel makes an amazing liner called Precision Lip Definer. For my ladies on a budget, Wet and Wild makes great ones too (for like 99cents a pop!). The only downside: their selection of reds is a little sketch.
Lipsticks- Nars makes fabulous red lipsticks. Try “Fire Down Below” for this look.
Have fun with it! It’s only makeup
Review: L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara
L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara:
The Best of the Best
I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest mascara, but I keep running back to good ol’ L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara. It’s like one of those relationships where you have been together so long and end up breaking up to “see what else is out there.” Inevitably, 2 weeks later you come running back to the one you know has been right for you since the start. This is how it is with me and Voluminous haha. It has everything I need in a mascara, and it does the job just right.
I’m not a huge fan of spending tons of cash on a mascara. I use it everyday, and I’ve got a lot of lashes, so shelling out $25 every month for a new tube is ridiculous. At about $7.50 a pop in almost any drugstore, L’Oreal Voluminous had me at “hello.” Not only is it cheap (and I love cheap), it works! It doesn’t clump and keeps my lashes soft. I hate when a mascara gives you spider lashes that are so stiff you’re afraid they’ll break off any second..
L’Oreal Voluminous gives amazing thickness, separation and length in only 2 coats. Talk about DRAMA. I have no complaints, and it is my go-to mascara on most photoshoots. No smudging, no flaking, no problem.
Their new shade is called Carbon Black and it is ah-ma-zing. They say that it’s a “shade blacker than black.” I also like the version with the curved brush A LOT. It gives excellent curl to your lashes, but my only gripe is the curved brush doesn’t come in the Carbon Black shade (that I’ve seen). So, I have to sacrifice 
Before and After: L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black
If you haven’t tried L’Oreal Voluminous, give it a go and let me know how you like it!
When Life Gives You Lemons..
Using Lemons As Part of Your Beauty Routine
My boyfriend and I got a random hair up our butts today to make homemade lemonade. I’m not sure why, maybe it was the 150 degree heat, maybe it was the huge bag of lemons on sale at Costco for $5 that peaked our curiosity, but the whole act inspired me to write about the benefits of lemons in the world of beauty..
Believe it or not, lemons can be used to provide many cheap and effective beauty treatments. Did anyone ever spritz their hair with lemon juice and sit in the sun with hopes blonder locks?? I spent many hours with this citrus juice on my head when I was young, and believe it or not it did work! Unfortunately, my dark haired lovelies should not try this at home because it could turn your hair orange.
Here are some other beauty rituals you can incorporate lemons into:
1. Lighten Dark/Ashy Elbows and Knees.
For some reason, elbows and knees can sometimes be a lot darker than the rest of your skin. Lemon are a natural bleach, and with some patience, they can help lighten the darkened areas. Simply cut a lemon in half and rub it on you elbows or knees twice a day. I’ve also heard that lemon juice can reduce the appearance of freckles and age spots!
2. Make Homemade Masks
My boyfriend was laughing at me today because while juicing, I started rubbing the rinds all over my face to see what it would do. He thought I was going crazy lol! I love finding natural, homemade skincare recipes, and am not afraid to test any fruit or veggie. Straight lemon juice might be too strong and acidic for sensitive skin, but mixing it with other items laying in your pantry will give you some awesome and cheap face masks!
Dry Skin: Mix lemon juice and honey together. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse off for a smoother, brighter complexion!
Oily Skin: Mix one egg and half a lemon together in a small bowl. Apply to face (avoiding the eyes!) and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
3. Remove Blackheads
Lemons contain Alpha Hydroxy Acid, which is found in most acne medications. Cut a lemon in half and rub over any blackheads. If you have sensitive skin, try a light wash. Mix 1 part lemon juice with 3 parts water and splash on your face. Rinse it off and you will notice reduction of blackheads in several weeks.
4. Brighten Your Nails
Lemons act as a natural astringent, and can effectively whiten yellow or discolored nail beds. What you need to do is squeeze several lemons into a small bowl, insert fingertips and soak for 5-7 minutes. This little beauty regimen strengthens nails too. Added bonus!
So when life gives you lemons, mash them up and rub em’ on your face and elbows!
Best Celebrity Eyebrows
I’m OBSESSED with perfect eyebrows, and for me, the magic is in the arch. Great brows frame the face, call attention to the eyes and produce an all around polished look.
These celebs definitely have a one-up on the eyebrow competition:
Gwen Stefani
Eva Mendes
Hayden Panettiere
(Doesn’t She Look Amazing in This Picture?!)
Jennifer Connely
Olivia Wilde
Rihanna
Angelina Jolie
and I saved the best for last…..
My Favorite Celebrity Eyebrows:
Megan Fox
LOOK AT HER EYEBROWS!! They are insane! She is always groomed, trimmed and filled to perfection.
Back to School Beauty
Don’t Cake it On-
There is nothing worse than cake-face, and heavy foundations are the last thing you need to be concerned with when starting school. Sure, you might look bangin’ during first period, but as the day goes on, chances are you’ll start to melt, and wind up looking like a hot mess before you even make it to gym class. Instead, opt for lighter, oil-free foundation which will ensure that you look fresh all day. I am so not a fan of mineral makeup for photoshoots, but for everyday wear, they can be a great option. If you have good skin, tinted moisturizers are super light feeling, but give you enough sheer color to even out skin tone. Just dab concealer over blemishes and your good to go!
Prescriptives- Traceless Foundation
Keep it Fresh-
School days are loooong, and chances are the makeup you apply in the morning is not going to last you ’til the end of the day. If you have any after-school activities, you can pretty much forget about it. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to stay fresh all day long.
1. Blotting Sheets:
These little things can be a lifesaver on hot days. I tend to get really shiny on my t-zone. When I was in high school I would constantly take down shine with my Covergirl pressed powder compact ALL day long, and at the end of the day my face felt so gross and thick from piling product on it non-stop. Blotting sheets solve this problem. Just press it on any shiny spot and it absorbs oil, leaving your skin matte without applying any product! The best thing is they are so CHEAP. Elf carries a pack of 50 sheets for $1!!!! wtf?! I use these on set allll the time.
*Bonus Tip* If you are in a bind and all out of blotting sheets, book it to the nearest bathroom, rip a little piece off of a (clean) toilet seat cover and press it on your face. It does exactly the same thing, for free. I know… it sounds really weird and gross, but it totally works!
2. Primers
Using makeup primers are great ways to ensure you are getting enough longevity out of your makeup. I use primers for brides religiously because I am not always able to stay and make sure the makeup looks flawless all day. If a crazy bridezilla can keep her makeup fresh all day, I guarantee that you can too! I love Smashbox’s Photofinish Primer, it is a staple in my makeup kit. They also make a “light” version that is not as greasy as the original. Laura Mercier makes a great face primer as well. For eyes, I swipe Urban Decay’s Primer Potion on the eyelid before applying eyeshadow and it keeps the shadows from creasing all day. LOVE!
Smashbox- Photofinish Primer
3. Dry Shampoo-
I used to loathe gym class. Thinking about it still makes me nervous. My teacher used chase us on her mountain bike and threaten to “nip our heels” if we didn’t pick up the pace. Seriously, the bell could not ring fast enough, and when it did, I was sweaty, smelly, and my hair looked like crap.
Dry shampoo will save your life. Not really, but it is the perfect pick-me-up when your locks are not are luscious as they were 45 minutes ago. Spray or sprinkle the powder in your hair, brush it out and you can save yourself another day before washing. Use after gym, and your sweaty limp hair will be refreshed and ready for next period. I like and use Oscar Blandi’s Dry Shampoo (not the spray). Tigi just came out with a new one called Rockoholic. It’s pretty good and smells amazing, but the bottle doesn’t last very long.
*Bonus Tip* Baby powder is a super cheap way to soak up excess oils in your hair! Just make sure that you brush it all out ,or your hair will give off a gray hue and people might think you are prematurely aging. Not cute.
Prolong Your Summer Tan-
Everybody knows how bad tanning is for your skin, but let’s face it, it does not stop people from laying out. However you got your tan this summer, whether it be through frying in the sun, or slathering on self tanner, follow these steps to make sure your glow keeps rockin’ well into the school year.
1. Moisturize!-
Keeping your body moisturized will help prolong real tans as well as fake ones. Dry skin cracks, making your color fade much quicker. Lather on a moisturizer after you get out of the shower. Even better if it contains SPF!
2. Switch to Gradual Self-Tanners-
Once fall starts approaching, deep dark tans can scream fake. Switch to a gradual self-tanner and control the color of your skin. Gradual tanners also tend to look more natural and give you a subtle glow.
3. Bronzer-
Brush a little bronzer over your face for instant sun-kissed beauty. When applying bronzer, I like to only hit the spots of the face where the sun would normally touch: forehead, cheeks, chin and nose. Don’t go overboard or you can easily look dirty, not sun-kissed. I love NARS Laguna bronzer but N.Y.C makes an amazing bronzer for ridiculously cheap (like under $4)! It’s kind of an industry secret 
N.Y.C Smooth Skin Bronzer
Multitask-
Products with multiple purposes make my life a little easier, and I’m sure that you will be able to reap the same benefits! Add a little glow to your cheeks and your lips! These products do double duty, saving you some precious morning time.
Stila- Convertible Color: Lillium is a natural color that will brighten you up and give you a fresh look.
Nars- The Multiple: These come in 12 amazing shades. They are a bit more expensive but SOO worth it.
Benefit- Benetint: Give your lips a rosy stain and your cheeks a sexy flush.
Fake It-
Chances are you’ve been sleeping in all summer. Getting back in the swing of things once school starts can definitely prove to be difficult. Follow these simple tricks to give yourself that well rested look, even though you feel like hell.
1. White/Nude Eyeliner
Line the rim of your eyes with a white eyeliner and they instantly appear wider and brighter! If you’re feeling that white is making you look a little dated, try nude. I love using a nude pencil on models and actors that didn’t get much sleep the night before, and they love me for it!
Stila- Kajal Eyeliner: Topaz (Apricot Nude)
2. Curl Your Eyelashes.
Using an eyelash curler can do wonders to make you look like you’ve got an easy 9 hours of sleep under your belt. Follow up with some mascara and you’re good to go!
3. Put a Little Color On Your Cheeks.
Adding color to your cheeks can make a world of difference to a dull complexion. It’s an instant pick me up brings life to your face. While you’re at it, dab some color on your lips too! (See “Multitask” Above).
DISCLAIMER: ALL PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS ARE BASED OFF OF MY OWN OPINION. I HAVE RECEIVE NO COMPENSATION OR INCENTIVE IN ANY WAY TO ENDORSE THESE PRODUCTS.
About Last Looks Blog
A Little Bit About Me:
My name is Lindsey, and I am a professional makeup artist working and living out of Los Angeles, CA. Makeup and beauty are my life and I love sharing my obsession with anyone that will listen! 
I work mostly in fashion, print and television, but have been doing weddings for years and know exactly what women (and a few men) want.
Last Looks Blog is dedicated to providing you with everything from beauty tips, reviews, latest trends and everything in between (including a bit of fashion, because I really can’t help it!) Please check back often as I will try and update as much as I can.
Thanks for visiting! If you have any questions about makeup, beauty or if you just want to say hi, feel free to email me:
Lindsey@LastLooksBlog.com
A Few Samples of My Work:
“Love of Beauty is Taste. The Creation of Beauty is Art.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
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