Bare Escentuals

Be Bold

Hello gal pals!!! I just hosted my first Makeup Seminar, and wanted to thank everyone who attended the event!! It was such an amazing night- full of laughter and lots of girl talk!! We had healthy food, yummy sweets, champagne, coconut water, amazing flowers, girly music!! Ah! It was a perfect group of ladies too!! I hope everyone had as much fun as I did!!

I demonstrated one of my favorite looks right now, and thought I would give those who were not able attend a brief overview so you can learn how to create this look too! It was all about creating a flawless complexion paired with bold brows, bold lashes, and a fun bold lip!!!! 

Skin Prep

I am going to say something crazy...Prepping your skin is more important than the actual makeup application. What??? I know it sounds odd, but it's so true!! Always cleanse, tone, detox, and hydrate-especially under the eyes!! Next apply an oil control primer in your T-Zone and/or a hydrating primer in the drier areas like your cheeks! Diffusing shadows and texture is another great trick to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sun spots before even thinking about foundation. Products like Dior's

Dreamskin

or Buxom's

Divine Goddess Illuminator

 are perfect to make the skin appear youthful and more even!

Complexion

When your complexion is clean and appears flawless- bold makeup will take on a more natural look, and won't look so wild! Apply your foundation and concealer first, and instead of using a bronzer in a powder formula, try a cream foundation in a deeper hue. Here I am using

Bobbi Brown's Foundation Stick in Warm Almond

to contour the cheek bones, forehead, jaw line, the nose, and a little under the bottom lip! I like to blend this darker foundation color into the complexion with my all time fav brush The

#130 Short Duo Fibre

by MAC.

Next add some life to those cheeks! My only rule is to match the blush and lip color for a cohesive look! Think about the undertone! Red goes with Red, Blue/Red pairs with Blue/Red, Yellow/Orange with the same undertones,  and so on with Red/Orange!

Adding a contour underneath the bottom lip and a hightlight or a glow on the top of the lip/in the bow of the lip can visually enhance the size of our lip shape. I like to add a little bit of

Baremineals Queen Phyllis 

 eyeshadow right in the bow of the lip - it catches the light perfectly and in my opinion looks better than drawing over the lip with lip liner.

Brows

Bold brows are on every gals mind right now, and the bolder the brow the more youthful we appear! But what about all the ladies who over plucked? Maybe you're experiencing hormonal hair loss, or you've got some wiry little gray hairs all of a sudden?! There are

pencils

out there to help you create new shapes, but you have to be careful with how boxy the front ends up. We don't want our brows to be too obvious or appear fake! I like to draw one line under the brow to create a seamless line - than I go back with a brush to soften and lift the product into the rest of the eyebrow. If you have empty spots, go back in with a quick hair-like strokes to create a fuller appearance. Try a

brow gel

for those wiry little guys and remember to comb upward - this will create a lifted appearance for the eyes and face making us seem more awake and lively!

Eyes + Lashes

BIG + BOLD lashes make you feel sexy! Here are a few tricks to make what you got look a lot fuller! 

1. Curl the lashes 

2. Apply

Dior's Lash Maximizer

- Wiggle the brush at the base of the lash, and than pull into the tips of the lash. Let this dry for a few moments! 

3. Apply your favorite mascara with the same application technique - base to tip! 

4. Apply some

small individual lashes

on the outside of the eye, and

mini individual lashes

on the inside of the eye to create a fuller appearance. Remember to glue them onto the actual lash- do not apply the tip of the false lash to the skin! Try a

black glue

so there is no shiny residue to be seen. 

5. To finish this look, add

Dior's Blackout

mascara to blend the false lashes into the real lashes and intensify the color. Yep, there are many depths to a black mascara, so this one is 15X the pigment of others! 

To enhance the lashline, try the tightlining technique- this means filling in the little gaps between the lashes! Pull your eyelid up a little with your thumb, and press an eyeliner into the gaps on the lash line to get product between the lashes.

Lips

The best way to hide your sleepy eyes from the outside world is to apply a BOLD lip color! People's eyes will instantly be drawn to the beautiful color instead of your dark circles! Bold colors also seem more confident, so rock that bold color at your next job interview and especially if you work in sales!! My favorite color for this season is an orange red - and

LadyBird

by Butter London is such a hot color!! Plus, you have a lip liner, a lipstick, a gloss + pencil sharpener and you only have to carry around one product! *With LadyBird lip color, I would recommend to pair it will a light peachy blush like "

Deep Throat

" by Nars. 

A special thanks to my right-hand gal Makeup Artist Kim Baker. I don't know what I would do without her sometimes! She is the best assistant ever!!! 

Venue + Rentals:

Pleasanton Rentals

|| Photography by:

Ashley Maxwell

|| Floral Arrangements + Flower Wall by:

Freckled and Floral

|| Desserts by:

Ma Petite Maison Cake Design

|| Customized Pencils:

A Blissful Nest Shop

|| Napkins:

Southern Fried Paper

|| Swag Bags are filled with:

Butter London

,

TypeLites

, Fauxlash,

Rodan + Fields

, and

It Works

Lohdi

I've noticed during my bridal trials, that every soon-to-be Mrs is drawn to a similar color when it comes to their lips. There was a strong coral trend last year, and I don't think that it is over just yet. It's still in every magazine as the "it" color, and it ranges from soft peaches to neon oranges.

Orange is such a warm and inviting hue. It makes you think of a tropical island, or maybe just a nice citrus fruit. Either way, I think it is a safe color. It was ok in 1961 as Audrey Heburn's signature color in Breakfast at Tiffany's and its still ok today in 2014. I think it is a refreshing spin on the classic red lip.


I love NARS (in general), they have some pretty awesome long lasting Satin Lip Pencils. Lohdi, is one of those perfect coral shades!! I always customize my colors, and for this look I also added a bit of Harlot OCC Lip Tar on the bottom lip, finished with a little Party Starter from Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie gloss collection.

I was very pleased to see that the Satin Lip Pencil did not bleed and almost stained the lips of my model. I used it during my photoshoot with Jose Villa, which was featured on Hochzeits Guide Vol. 3 E-Magazine. Check out pages 124-133 to see more from this look to be inspired by corals.

A lot of cosmetic brands are launching new varieties of oranges and corals. If a neutral shade is your safe color, step out of your box for a softer apricot. If you love a BOLD lip, try one of the intense neons this season!!

Have fun!

XOXO
Priscilla Francine


Degrees of Dazzling

The BareMinerals "Degree Of Dazzling" Holiday Set includes 20 miniature sized eye shadows, perfect for any mood, outfit, or occasion. In my opinion, this is one of the best value sets they have launched in years. The finishes and the color range are flexible for any personality...and while it is geared towards the Holidays, this set can merge well with running errands and work too.


-There are 4 finishes to play with from creamy velvets, high shines, and sparkling glimmers, to deep liners.

-There are 5 color families, warm neutrals, seductive greys, perfect pinks, majestic purples, and luscious greens.

Yoga // Black Leather // Lagoon // Toasted Espresso // Starry Nigh 
There are a few options to apply the liners. 

1. If you want a soft look, use them dry. 
2. For a smoldering creamy finish, mix a small amount of the shadow with PrimeTime eyelid primer (half/half). 
3.To achieve fierce definition, run your liner brush under some water and mix the powder in the lid for a liquid liner. 

Iridescent Iris // Rose Gold // Deep Sea // Pewter // Stay Golden 
The High Shine shadows are perfect for Holiday parties! You can also create a foiled effect by applying them with a damp brush! 

Golden Pear // Violet Spell // Ginger Sugar // Silver Dollar // Strawberry Mouse
The Sparkling Glimmers are feminine and subtle! I love the tiny sparkly they have! They are effortless, and chic! So pretty! 
Velvet Nude // Velvet Emerald // Velvet Mauve // Velvet Charcoal // Velvet Lavender 
The Velvet shadows have a matte finish, without looking "cakey" or dry. These are great for a soft everyday look, used on the entire eyelid as your base color. You can also use them in the crease with a dramatic smokey eye to blend and create a soft finish.  

What's your favorite finish? What's your favorite hue? 
Keep an eye out online and in department stores to get your hands on this set! ($79)

xoxo
Priscilla Francine 

First Day of School

Labor Day has passed, and it's back to school we go! While you're stocking up on your sweaters and boots, here are a few basics to add to your makeup bag for this upcoming season:

Nars- Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder
I've added the Nars Light Reflecting Loose Setting powder to my professional kit because of the quality, and because it's technology is perfect for pictures! I like using product that works for every woman's skin tone and skin concern. First, this powder does not alter the complexion (foundation) at all-so it works for every skin tone! Yes, every skin tone, fair to deep! Second, it destroys the rumor "powder settles into my creases, making me look dry". It's silky, and perfects the texture on ones skin, absorbing excess oils without adding a dry finish. Last, the light reflecting powers diffuse light and adjust to new light... perfect for when a bride is inside and outside! Perfect for in person, and on camera! 

Dior- Diorshow Blackout Mascara
You saw the bold brow trend pop up...your currently watching the bold lip pop up....so let's add some balance to the face with bold lashes too!! Diorshow Blackout was created to be dramatic. The pigment is extremely rich, and offers you a true black lash!! I think it look nice paired with a clean eyelid and a defined lash line (a winged/cat eye using liquid liner).

BareMinerals- Buxom Full Bodied Lipstick in Scoundrel
Lip colors for Fall are always going to hold a deeper hue. While those who's styles are edgier jump right into the latest trend, it may be hard for the rest of the world to join in. Scoundrel holds that same intensity you will see this Fall on the Runway, however it has a brighter attitude. It's more on the raspberry-fuchsia side. It's adds some serious life to the complexion, without being harsh on your eyes when you look in the mirror.

OPI Nail Lacquer- So many clowns so little time 
I found this gem at the Spring Cosmoprof show for 50 cents, little did I know this color was from the Spring 2011 Femme de Cirque Collection. You may be able to find it if you search for a bit... it's a clean and professional look. I like it because it has a peach undertone verses a pink undertone, the finished result is a sheer ivory. I prefer 3-4 coats to make it stand out a bit more and compliment my tan. I'm using this on my hands, and am loving a deep purple, almost black on my toes!


Hope school is going well for everyone!

xoxo
Priscilla Francine 

Lash of Love

Every 12 months a new Lash of Love is introduced by Faux Lash. It's been a while since the "Priscilla" Lash has been out, but I wanted to remind everyone about it before it's no longer around!! 

When you purchase the "Priscilla" Lash for $10 the proceeds are donated to The Women's Global Empowerment Fund.

Their mission is to reach undeserved women, create opportunities, and offer tools to alleviate poverty! I have a heart for missions, and God has put a strong desire in me to encourage women in all areas of life. While my main objective is encouraging women's confidence through beauty and cosmetics, I can't help but want to invest in helping women build livelihoods-The Women's Global Empowerment Fund strives to develop a program that helps women support their families in Uganda!!! 

Lipstick: Pretty Amazing Lip Color in Free Will by BareMinerals
Lipstick: Russian Red by MAC
Lipstick Media by MAC

The "Priscilla" Faux Lash is extremely versatile. It's just like a lady: delicately made, soft when it needs to be, and strong when the time is right!

It's weight is feminine and dainty so your eyes won't be bothered, and it's length is long and dramatic to really open up the eyes. I wanted to show you how this false lash can work for any occasion-no matter what you are wearing or feeling!

Thanks to photographer Em The Gem for capturing these images.

XOXO
Priscilla

Yep, They are Pretty Amazing!

The Pretty Amazing Lip Colors captured my attention right away. A creamy formula applied like a lip gloss? Sounds fabulous right? It really is!!!

You get what you pay for in most cases, but as far as the Pretty Amazing Lip Colors go, I feel you get more than you're expecting. I think BareMinerals could charge more for this product based off the quality.  But I'd prefer they keep it at $16 forever (unless I become a millionaire, then I'm ok with a price increase).

What sets the amazing lip colors apart from the rest of the lip options on the market???

  • The pigment is super serious. Once the applicator touches the skin-you've got color! No need to apply multiple layers!
  • The application process is quick and easy...it even helps chapped and dry lips look decent! 
  • There is a hydrating, and glossy sheen which makes the lip shape appear more luscious.
  • It's not a long lasting stain, however I find it's color lasts extremely well. 
  • A lip liner is not necessary to keep this product from bleeding-there's not much movement with this formula. 

Pretty Amazing Lip Color: Strength 
Strength is a classic hue! Its a true red, so it will work well with every gals skin tone! Red screams confidence, so I'd recommend a red lip color for many occasions... when you're tired its a nice distraction from puffy eyes and dark circles too!

Pretty Amazing Lip Color: Ambition
Hot Pink has been my favorite for clients with Blonde hair! I think its a fun option for a bold look without feeling too overdone. I used Ambition for Taylor's feature this past May in ELLE Magazine. 

Pretty Amazing Lip Color: Moxie

Feeling girly?? Moxie is an innocently flirty color! If you have a daughter who is inquiring about wearing makeup... I think you'd find this to be a good start to her collection. 
Pretty Amazing Lip Color: Fearless 
This mauve hue is bridal perfection! I use Fearless allll the time because my brides will not look washed out on camera, grooms will still feel like their bride looks like "herself", and 20 years from now one will NOT regret this lipstick choice!

Pretty Amazing Lip Color: Free Will 

Free Will is my personal fav... you can't go wrong with a nude lip, whether it's for everyday errands or the finishing touches paired with a dramatic smokey eye. It cuts my natural lip color just right for a perfectly kissable pout! 
Pretty Amazing Lip Color: Savvy

Savvy is a great neutral color for a sun-kissed bronzed look. It has a bit more brown mixed into it, so it's also a nice nude for any gal with a medium to deep skin tone. 
This product is a staple in my personal makeup bag because of the amazing color options-it is also a staple in my professional makeup kit for my clients because of how well it lasts once applied. 

Want a video tutorial? Watch this to see how to apply the Pretty Amazing Lip Colors! 

XOXO
Priscilla Francine