Five Things I am in Love with this week:

Hi everyone! I've got a moment to myself for a minute so I wanted to get this post up. In between my busy schedule this week of picking up some materials for a makeup design I'm working on, filming 3 makeup how-to videos, doing makeup for a photoshoot, working several events, and finding time to cook meals and clean the house, I have compiled a list of the five things I am seriously in love with right now, and if you aren't already familiar with some of them, I hope you enjoy. So, here goes!

#1. Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense lipstick in shade 43 Moulin Rouge. I mentioned this color in my previous post about Red Hot Lips for this fall, and it really bears repeating. It is a GORGEOUS vibrant cool red color, and the satin finish on it leaves your lips moisturized and never cakey or streakey. It leans towards the pink side of red, and is a fabulous shade for all year round, but it is absolutely perfect for the red lips seen on the runway for fall/winter. It's a classic yet fun color that you will want to use over and over, and I guarantee it will be become a staple in your makeup bag.

#2. Cake Love by Warren Brown. I have been devouring (pun intended!) this incredibly delightful cook book that is all about baking cakes from scratch. I love to cook, but other than the occasional batch of cookies and pumpkin breads from a box, baking is sort of the last frontier for me. It's an easy read that not only explains his philosophy on baking tasty cakes, but also great step-by-step instructions with pictures. You can really tell he puts a lot of love into what he does, so 'Cake Love' is a perfect name for his bakeries and book. I mean, the guy actually used to be a lawyer and loved baking so much he quit to open a bakery! I received this book as a gift, but you can get your own copy of Cake Love here.

#3. World Market Drinking Chocolate in Mexicocoa. THIS. STUFF. IS. AHHHMAZING! It's a smooth delicious drinking chocolate with a little spicy kick to it. It has a special blend of chili spices in it that give it a subtle heat that goes fantastically with the rich chocolate. Perfect for the coming fall and winter. Everytime I drink it I imagine myself curled up all cozy in front of a fire. You really can't go wrong with chocolate. Which brings me to my next favorite...

#4. Mo's Dark Chocolate Bacon Bar by Vosges Haute Chocolat. I know you're probably thinking, did I just read that right? Bacon in a chocolate bar?! My answer to that is hell YES, and if you haven't tried this before, you better get some RIGHT NOW! Seriously! It is my hands down favorite candy bar of all time, it's THAT GOOD. It's got applwood smoked bacon, Alder wood smoked salt, and 62% cacao in it. It is truly one of the most decadent flavored chocolate bars ever. Now, you might think that bacon and chocolate doesn't exactly sound appetizing. Hey, I thought the same thing too before I tried it. Believe me, they truly are a match made in heaven. It's the perfect blend of salty and sweet, all in one treat. You can order these bars online, but they are also sometimes available in stores at World Market. Wherever you get it, just get it!

#5. Earth Solutions Aromatherapy Scent Inhalers. Now, I wasn't able to find a good enough picture of the packaging, so I'm sorry about that. However, don't let that stop you from checking these out. These things have truly changed my life. I first heard of them through a friend who is an aromatherapist. I have terrible sinus problems that plague me almost year round. So after listening to her describe them, I figured they were worth a try. I am SO GLAD I did! The two I use are Breathe Easy and Stress Less. Breathe Easy has a cool blend of essential oils that aide in expanding and calming the airways in your sinuses, and alleviating stuffiness and congestion. Plus it has a little bit of lavender in it, which actually has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties to it--excellent when fighting stuffy sinues or a pesky cold. The second one that I use, Stress Less, is not only great for my poor nose, but it is also great when I'm having a rough day and need a quiet little moment. It's particularly fantastic right before bedtime to really calm and soothe you. One of the neatest things about all the inhalers is that they come with a little affirmation printed right on the tube. It's great for a positive boost. You can pick some up for yourself online, or at your local EarthFare.

So that wraps it up for the five things I am loving this week. I hope you guys enjoyed it, and when you try one of these out let me know what you think! Oh, and if you get one of Mo's bacon bars...bring it over and share it with me :)

See you next post!

Love, b.b.

Art:UNAUTHORIZED recap

As you know, I participated in Art:UNAUTHORIZED last weekend with some extremely talented people.

Kristy Thomas, the curator for the Center for Visual Arts gallery, invited Photographers John Ryan Flaherty, John Read, Evan Brennan, and Matt Bell to set up a live model photo shoot at the second opening of "Art Unauthorized". They put together a 'live installation' photoshoot to help promote the artists' work hanging in the show.

                                              Photo by John Ryan Flaherty.

Participating in the installation were Models Melissa Stanley, Theresa Ortiz, and Kelly Keodara; and Hair Stylist Kyle Britt. Bob Smithey from At The Ritz costume rentals provided wardrobe for the shoot. And of course, me, b.b. doing makeup. Melissa called me just a couple days before the event. They had lost their makeup artist for the shoot, but fortunately for me I was free and agreed to provide makeup. I'm so glad I did!

                                              Photo by John Ryan Flaherty.

The theme for the shoot, as well as the artwork in the exhibit, was grunge/skate/graffiti/punk. So, lots of crazy colors and materials. We basically had license to do whatever we wanted within the realm of street chic, and I'm proud to say we got some amazing shots. Here are just a few:

                                        Photo by Evan Brennan. Model Melissa Stanley.

                                              Photo by Matt Bell. Model Kelly Keodara.

                                   Photo by John Ryan Flaherty. Model Theresa Ortiz.

There were a TON of people there that night. So many people came through the exhibit, and the energy was incredible. We were also able to use the entire exhibit space, not just our roped off area of the installation, for shots. Yup, that means audience participation! It was definitely a challenge at times to ignore all the people staring at you while you work, but it definitely made for a fun experience!

                                   Photo by Evan Brennan. Model Theresa Ortiz.

Did I mention there was also food, drinks, music by DJ L in Japanese, and a live tattoo demonstration by Houston Patton?

                                    Photo by Evan Brennan. Model Theresa Ortiz.

I had an amazing time to say the least, and it was one of the most fun shoots I've ever worked on. It was also great to work with such fantastic talent. John, John, Matt, Melissa, Theresa, Kelly, and Kyle are also part of Greensboro Production Photography. Greensboro Production Photography was founded under the principles of community, cooperation and progression.  They work to unite the artistic minds and elements of the city into a strengthened movement looking towards positive encouragement and development.  They work to bring together independent artists striving for something more and working towards an exciting environment which will promote fellowship and collaboration among all of those inspired artists involved.

I can't wait to get some more of the photos from the shoot. As soon as I get them, I'll post them up. I also can't wait to work with these special artists again. They were an absolute joy to be around, and they are all so talented.

Got several more posts in the works, so stay tuned. See you next post!

Love, b.b.

Today in My Busy Life:

Things have been super crazy and busy for me lately. Lots of projects and work coming together, which I love, but it's left me with little down time to work on the blog. I wanted to make a quick post about what I've been up to lately, and then I've got to run out the door for some prep work for tonight.

Come by and see me tonight, 6-9pm at the Center for Visual Artists at the Cultural Arts Center in Downtown Greensboro for ART:UNAUTHORIZED. I'll be working as the makeup artist for a 'live' photo shoot installation. This is part of the First Friday Bash for October. It's going to be a blast with some amazing work by local artists, and it's a great way to kick off your Friday evening. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Also, October 3rd I will be set up with photographer Mike Micciche at Level II Downtown for the Brides-on-Tour Bridal Event. Mike is a fantastic Bridal Photographer, and I'm so pleased to now be offering Airbrush Bridal Makeup as part of his photography packages. So let me tell you a little about Brides-on-Tour. Brides-on-Tour will take you in a luxury coach to 5 different locations with gourmet-catered receptions. Each location will be similar to a mini bridal show with all sorts of vendors there to help make your wedding great. Each location will have samples by different caterers, cake tasting, florists, beauticians, photographers, dj's, and dresses. Brides will be divided into small, private tour groups at each of the 5 locations so that there will be plenty of time to obtain all of the information you need to plan your wedding from each vendor. Each guest will also receive swag bags with more than $200 worth of merchandise from vendors and have a chance to win the the Grand Prize drawing for two round-trip tickets within the US and Caribbean, courtesy of A Way To Go Travel. Visit http://www.bridesontour.net/ for details and to purchase tickets ($50 each, $90 per couple, or $45 each for groups). 

This is just a small taste of what I've got going on right now. I've got several posts in the works, so when I get some more time I will sit down and get them on here! In the meantime, I hope you are all safe and happy, and living a beautiful life!

See you in the next post :)

Love,
b.b.

Fall Makeup Trends 2010 Part 2: Purple Haze

I am seriously in love with purple eye shadow. I've been in love with it for years, ever since my Grandma took me shopping one day when I was a girl and let me pick out some 'big girl' makeup as a small gift. I grabbed a few things that I thought were pretty, and one of the things I got was a flirty grape colored eye shadow from Jane. When I got home I immediately locked myself in the bathroom and spread the haul out on the sink. Teetering over the counter in the bathroom with my face as close to the mirror as I could get it, I slowly swiped on the shadow in a not so very precise way with a little sponge applicator (I've since learned the magic of brushes!). I couldn't believe how it made my eyes pop. It wasn't the greatest job - I was only 13 and not very experienced with makeup yet - but I was hooked on purple from that moment on.

I've come a long way since that day as far as my skills go, and my makeup bag has certainly grown in size. I've also really come to appreciate how much this color can do. Pretty pastels for spring? Check. Funky bright pops of color for summer? Check. Delicious smoldering eggplants and icy plums for the fall & winter? CHECK!

The most beautiful thing about this color is that anyone can wear it. I repeat: ANYONE can wear purple eyeshadow! It goes with every eye color and skin tone. It looks fabulous on every ethnicity. You just have to find the shade that is right for you. Remember what I said about skin tone in the post about Red Lips? Same goes here. Look for a shade that compliments your skin tone. There are tons out there, so go ahead and play around with the testers at the makeup counter. Sephora and Ulta are great places to go if you have one near you. Their sales associates are really helpful and can steer you in the right direction.

From the coyest lilac to the smokiest plum, your favorite cosmetics lines are offering you some gorgeous collections to help you create what I guarantee is going to be your new favorite look. Everyone from Maybelline to Chanel is celebrating this fantastic color this fall. Giorgio Armani has an insanely chic looking palette called 'Eyes to Kill Eye Color Trio #7' in its new Fall 2010 Night Viper Collection that has an almost metallic sheen to its deep aubergine shade.

Lancome has also come out with a Fall Collection that is to die for. Called 'French Coquettes', this collection is avant-garde and absolutely to die for. Designed by Artistic Director Aaron DeMey, it captures the mysterious glamour of the French. If you only buy one thing from this collection, it has to be the Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quad in 'French Touch'. It is unbelievably beautiful and it's selling out fast. Seriously, you are not going to want to pass this up! Here's a peek at this fantastic quad:

Still not fully convinced purple is the way to go?  That's ok. I know it can be a little intimidating to begin with, but there is a simple and easy solution to it to help you get started. Instead of lining your eyes with your usual brown or black liner, try switching to a subtle plum eyeliner. This will give your eyes a little pop of purple without being overwhelming. Or you can try a fun colored mascara, like Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Mascara in 'Violight', for just a hint of color. I promise you'll love it, and it may even give you the courage to buy that aubergine shadow you'll be eyeing on your next trip to the makeup counter.

Before you strut your stilettos to your nearest beauty supplies store, here's one more reason to give my favorite shade a try. Gorgeous palettes of this fabulous fall color have taken over the runways too. Designers such as Brian Reyes, Preen, and Miu Miu all sent models down the runway featuring makeup in purple shades. Take a look at this gorgeous model from Carolina Herrera:

 Ok! Now you're ready to go out there and start picking out the plums you just can't live without. Just remember: it can take a little practice to get the look just right. Swiping on a ton of color at once might make you feel like that same 13yr old girl leaning over the bathroom mirror. Try a few light applications, slowly layering on the color until you're happy with it. And don't forget to blend, blend, blend!

  Hope you enjoyed this. If you find a fabulous purple, don't forget to share it below in a comment! See you next post!

Love, b.b.

Fall Makeup Trends 2010 Part 1: Red Hot Lips

Red lips are being seen everywhere this fall. From runways to designer ad campaigns, expensive makeup counters to bargain bins at the drug store, the market is saturated in rich reds! Here's a sneak peek at Giorgio Armani's Fall campaign. Look at these luscious lips:

Surprisingly, a lot of women shy away from red lips. Never tried the look, or afraid of looking clownish? Red lipstick is actually more versatile than you think. You can go from a light sheer wash that flushes the lips, to a bold striking color that screams 'look at my gorgeous mouth'. So, you can go from Starlet to Harlot, whatever you are comfortable with!

There are an endless range in colors of red. You can find shades in the palest and softest of hues to the brightest and deepest burgundy and merlot. What you pick will just depend on the overall look you're going for. So, how DO you pick a red that is right for you? First, take a look at your skin tone. Is your skin cool or warm toned? Depending on what your skin tone is, that is the tone of red you will want to choose. Cool reds have more of a bluish undertone to them. These would be your cherry reds, pinkish reds, and purpley reds. Warm reds lean more towards an orange undertone, such as a tomato red, or brownish tones like brick red. Head to your local department store and cruise the makeup counter. This is the best way to educate yourself on the different tones and shades of red. Pick stuff that you like and swipe the tester on the back of your hand. Do they look more bluish or orangey? Do they go on sheer or bold? Are they light or dark? Compare several colors at a time on your hand. You'll soon be able to differentiate between the tones, and you'll get an idea of what you like. This is also a great way to test drive a color before you buy. Ask the sales associate if they have a sample of the color that you like. Since red is hot right now, and lots of cosmetic lines are coming out with new shades, you're bound to find a sample of something you really like.

Ok, so now you've got your lipstick picked out. How do you put it on? If you want just a hint of color, go for a simple wash. Make sure your lips are moisturized, otherwise the color will streak and be hard to spread. Simply pat on with your fingertips, or gently dab the tube to the center of your lips. Softly pat outwards towards the corners, so the color fades to the edges a little. Add a dash of lip balm or gloss for a fresh look.

If you want a bolder look, there are a few more easy steps. First, moisturize the lips. Bold colors will show any flaking or dried skin. Then use a lip liner. Now, you've probably always heard that the liner has to match the lipstick, but that just isn't true. Try using a NUDE lip liner instead! This will help even out the natural color of your lips, and allow more of the true color of the lipstick to show. Line the lips, then fill in. Lining also helps prevent feathering at the lip line. If you really have a problem with feathering, apply a little lip primer before you line. You'll have double the protection against any color bleeding. Next, apply the lipstick color. For a really precise look and even coverage, I recommend using a lip brush. This will help you get color easily into the corners and along the bow and lip line. If you don't have one on hand, don't worry. Just go slowly and carefully with the tube. Blot slightly with a tissue, then apply one more layer of lipstick.

Red lips look best with simple makeup on the rest of your face. Too much eye makeup or blush can look garish when paired with a strong red pout. Stick with a sheer blush, lightly lined eyes, and a good coat of mascara. If you do just a light wash of red on your lips, you can go slightly darker with your eye makeup, but again, don't overdo it.

Here are a few shades you might like to try:

Make Up For Ever in '43 Moulin Rouge'
This color is part of the 'Kiss For A Cause'. $1 from every qualifying red lip purchase at Sephora made before September 15, 2010 (up to $25,000) will benefit the Beauty Bus Foundation. The Beauty Bus Foundation provides in-home beauty treatments to terminally and chronically ill patients and their caregivers. For more information about the Beauty Bus Foundation, visit www.beautybus.org.

Sephora Collection Rouge Cream Lipstick in 'The Red 04'
This color is part of the 'Kiss For A Cause'.

Tarina Tarantino Conditioning Lip Sheen in 'Paramour'

Nars Lipstick in 'Shanghai Express' and 'Viridiana'

Hope you found this helpful. Now get out there and rouge those lips up! See you next post.

Love, b.b. 

The 2010 Emmys: Simply Stunning

It's the morning after the 2010 Emmy Awards, and the internet has been buzzing all night long over this year's fashion & makeup hits and misses.

This year, simple and elegant makeup was gracing the faces of some of today's most gorgeous ladies. After pouring over tons of pics, I think the most outstanding makeup has to go to Rutina Wesley. First of all, her skin is AH-MAZE-ING! I mean, just LOOK at her!

 This bright pop of color on her face is the perfect compliment to her dress, which is not a dress just anyone could pull off, but she worked it! Maybe it's because I'm used to the barely there makeup look of her character Tara on 'True Blood', but this whole look just grabbed my attention from the start. The only thing I think is missing from this look is a slightly stronger brow. Going just a bit heavier on the brow color would have been a beautiful balance to her luscious lashes and bold lips. If you love this lip color, go pick it up for yourself and create your own Emmy's look. The lipstick Rutina wore is Nars Vesuvio Pure Matte Lipstick.

Next up is another one of my favorite vampire girls, Nina Dobrev. Her eye makeup is smokey perfection.

To create this eye look, use a light golden shade all over the lid. Slowly build definition in the crease and along the outer lash line with soft chocolate shadow. Go over that with a bronze shade and blend blend blend! Line upper lashes and along the waterline of the lower lashes with either a deep chocolate or black liner, depending on the effect you are going for. Smudge slightly. Add 2 coats of black mascara. Finish the look by adding just a touch of a shimmery pearl color to the inside corners of your eyes, to give them a pretty pop.

Another look that stole the show was Claire Danes.

 Her skin is absolutely glowing. You just cannot beat the look of flawless skin! It's the best accessory there is, so be sure to take good care of yours. Wear an SPF daily and moisturize!!! To get the look of Claire's rosy cheeks, sweep on your favorite summer shade of pink blush to the apples of your cheeks. Don't be too heavy handed, as you want your skin to glow softly...not like a neon sign! The perfect pop of color that I'm loving right now? MAC Sheertone Blush in 'Pinch Me'. This color will look great on just about any skin tone. To finish off that glow, add just a touch of a shimmery highlighter along the top of the cheekbone.

Last but not least, let's give a round of applause to this year's Creative Arts Emmy Award winners in makeup & hair:

Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Miniseries,
Movie or a Special

The Pacific (HBO)

Jason Baird, prosthetic designer, special makeup effects department head
Sean Genders, special makeup effects artist
Jac Charlton, special makeup effects artist
Chad Atkinson, special makeup effects artist
Ben Rittenhouse, special makeup effects artist
Steve Katz, special makeup effects artist
Robert Charlton, special makeup effects artist
Gregory Nicotero, prosthetic designer

Outstanding Makeup for a Miniseries or a Movie (Non-Prosthetic)

The Pacific (HBO)

Chiara Tripodi, department head makeup artist
Toni French, makeup artist

Outstanding Makeup for a Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic)

Grey's Anatomy: “Suicide is Painless” (ABC)

Norman Leavitt, department head makeup artist
Brigitte Bugayong, key makeup artist
Michele Teleis, additional makeup artist

Outstanding Makeup for a Multi-Camera Series or Special (Non-Prosthetic)

Saturday Night Live: “Host: Betty White” (NBC)

Louie Zakarian, department head makeup artist
Josh Turi, makeup artist
Amy Tagliamonti, makeup artist

Outstanding Hairstyling for a Miniseries or a Movie

Emma (Masterpiece/PBS)

Anne (Nosh) Oldham, department head hairstylist

Outstanding Hairstyling for a Multi-Camera Series or a Special

Dancing With The Stars: “Episode 902A” (ABC)

Mary Guerrero, department head hairstylist
Kimi Messina, key hairstylist
Jennifer Mazursky, additional hairstylist
Maria Valdivia, additional hairstylist
Cynthia Romo, additional hairstylist
Cyndra Dunn, additional hairstylist

Outstanding Hairstyling for a Single-Camera Series

Mad Men: “Souvenir” (AMC)
Lucia Mace, department head hairstylist
Anthony Wilson, key hairstylist
Mary Guerrero, additional hairstylist
Peggy Semtob, additional hairstylist


Hope you enjoyed! See you at the next post :)

Love, b.b.