Nars

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


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 

I Just Want to be Tan!

Special events usually require getting fancy and wearing a dress-it also means there's going to be a lot of pictures so those memories can last forever! With that being said...I like my skin to be a bit more golden when I have parties to attend.  

Here's what I did to enhance my skin's tone to look like I spent the week in the Bahamas... 

 REMEMBER TO ALWAYS EXFOLIATE FIRST!! 

1. Two days before my event, I used Bare Minerals Faux Tan Body Sunless Tanner 
2. The night before the event, I used Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads 
3. The day of the event, I mixed Nars Laguna Body Illuminator ( Or face) with my body lotion 

 ...ALWAYS hydrate the skin with a moisturizer to ensure the skin looks dewy and healthy!

Hair by Danielle Derksen 
My hair has visited every trend...and while highlights around my face warm up my skin the Hubby prefers my hair rich and dark (which makes me feel more pale). 
Danielle did a subtle balayage technique on my head this week-and I've never felt sexier! 

It's timeless. I love it. He loves it. 

BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss-Game Changer

There are a few colors that may remind you of tropical paradise like teals, yellows, and corals. Those colors will always compliment the skin and give the illusion of a deeper tan! 

1. Great Nail colors to enhance the skin tone include white, coral, and bronze, and gold/yellow.
2. Lips and cheeks are another way to amp up your tan... I would use anything with a warm undertone! Think yellow/orange or red/orange undertones as well as warm browns (not cool browns that look more mauve). 

False Lashes by Ardell 
 When I use false lashes I always grab black! I never thought to change it up with my falsies and use brown! It's softer and more day time appropriate (great for a girlfriend's bridal or baby shower).

It's also a great way to warm up my skin

because...

it pulled out a little bit of green in my hazel eyes! 


BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick - Go the Distance

Hope you enjoy a few tips on how to appear more tan with no sun involved! 

xoxo

Priscilla Francine 


p.s


I'm kinda obsessed with BareMinerals NEW Moxie launch!! Such an aaaaaaaaaah-mazing product all around... texture, pigment, wear-ability, ingredients, application/containers!!! I can go on. So stay tuned to see the 15 colors I carry in my purse everyday. Seriously, I would be devastated if my purse was stolen...

More Girly Things

Pink is not a normal hue in my own personal makeup bag. I love it on my clients, but it has never been the color I am drawn to-yet, I'm slowly coming around this season!! I want everything ubber-girly pink right now! I bought Nars New Order the other day just because it was pink with glitter in it...I'm addicted. 

When you have a medium tan to deep skin tone you have to choose the correct pastels so you don't look washed out (especially in pictures). Grey is one of my favorite eyeliner colors to opt for when wanting a lighter look...it's not as harsh as black and its not as common as brown. It is a nice change of pace for your daily look (oh and it pairs well with anything pink). I'm going to consider the color grey a pastel for the sake of this post. Light or deep skin tones can alwaaays wear a bold pink lip-I have my eye on MAC's Candy Yum Yum. If you want to create a creamier consistency or tone your hot pink lips down a bit, glosses with a white undertone can help with that. 



For those with more fair tones, feel free to slather on Nars Copacabana Liquid Illuminator. It's wonderful to brighten up the face-and rid of those dark shadows under the eyes. Mixing it with your concealor can add a nice lifting effect as well. Powders can also perk up the skin to give a refreshed glow...I will use a loose or pressed powder, just as long as it has a hydrating property in it. It is really nice during colder seasons, as our skin can get chapped and affected by the wind/cold air. Even us with oily skin need hydration, so any skin type can try Bobbi Brown's new Brightening Finishing Powder.

Nail polish is one way to bring any and every color into your life, and this New Years Eve I decided Strawberry Milkshake by Ciate complimented by tan quite well! It takes a few coats to get the right look, but well worth the effort. 

Here's to a year full of more girly things!

XOXO
Priscilla 

 


No Rules

How can October be here already?? It's been Fall for a few days now, and yet it's been the hottest it's been all Summer today (whew and yesterday!) I'm ready for a snuggle-y season of sweaters, dark nail colors, and cinnamon scents. Hmmm... but first I am going to Hawaii!! I'm ready for Fall, but I guess I'm still holding onto Summer too. So why can't you hold onto some of your Summer products and start to introduce your Fall colors to your makeup bag? It can be done.. because really there are no rules when it comes to makeup.

1. Moisturizing Lipstick by Radiant Cosmetics {Park Avenue} $18.00
When you are spending your hard earned money on your necessities {and your wants} wouldn't it be nice to know your also helping another woman in need? Help stop human trafficking with your purchases at Radiant Cosmetics. Learn more here. For the Fall season I will be rocking these lovely deep burgundy and red tones. Most of the time I will skip the lip liner so it has a more stained, daytime appropriate look, and than bring a gloss in my purse for a touch-up halfway through my day. (Another neat thing: The lid has a clear circle on top, allowing you to see into the tube-great for a makeup artist's kit!)

2. Diorskin Nude {Natural Glowing Foundation SPF 15} $48.00
This formula feels like a tinted moisturizer, and while it offers a sheer coverage I was able to achieve a medium coverage by layering it where needed with a Full Coverage brush (see below). My skin is a bit on the oily side, so I noticed I had a dewy look after a longer work day (it was a super hot that day too). I was a bit surprised since I had used a primer and set it with a powder...I probably will use this on days where I will have a lighter work load, or maybe when I am relaxing on a day off. I would recommend it for those with drier skin types! There are a lot of color options, so it will be easy to find the right shade. Also, it has rose water and minerals in it-so its good for your skin too!

3. Eye Makeup Remover {Balms Away} by The Balm $19.99
Makeup remover in a tin!? Yep!! I'm pretty excited to finish this product just so I can re-use the tin for bobby pins or elastic bands. I'm impressed with this weird looking, kinda like lard, balm. All you have to do is apply (a small amount) product onto the eye and lightly rub in a circular motion. After, I take a cotton ball and clean up the residue. There is no product left on the face afterwards, so you don't feel like you need to cleanse all over again with a facial cleanser. It's a lot easier than it looks, and its the perfect remover right before bed. I'm hooked!

4. Bare Escentuals Ready Bronzer {The High Dive} $24.00 5. Highlighting Blush by NARS {Albatross} $28.00
I dust on my bronzer pretty much everyday (yes, Summer and Winter)...it's just how you apply it. I have a heavier hand in the Summer, and a softer approach in the Winter. Whether it's to contour with blush or a quick fix to give my skin some color all on its own its a must in my bag. I still love my Warmth, but having a pressed option makes traveling much easier. There are still no binders or waxes, Bare Escentuals used carrot oil to press this little guy!! I love the look combined with a highlighter, and you can't go wrong with a beautiful golden tone to your skin found in Albatross. In the Summer it adds a nice sun-kissed look, but in the winter is helps dry-chapped skin have a healthy glow. On lazy days, I will use Albatross as my eyeshadow too!

6. Kiehl's {Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+} $38.00-$61.00 7. Rembrandt Intense Stain {Stain Dissolving Strips}$22.99
While in Mexico, I was very thankful I had a wonderful sun guard for the face. My face was still white and bright when we returned (yeah no sun spots!!) Unfortunately I was not as kind to the rest of my body... anyways, my hubby uses it everyday too! It is extremely lightweight so I don't feel sticky and I don't mind layering on my foundation with this product. It doesn't really have a scent either, so you barely noticed it during the day. This will be a staple for every trip from now on!

Normally, I would whiten my teeth before special occasions...but I have noticed my coffee and wine is catching up to me. So now I try to do brighten my smile weekly. The great thing about my routine is it is easy, I am not as high maintenance as one would think. So adding a product that is 2-10 minutes doesn't affect my schedule in the evening (or morning). I apply the strips while washing my face, applying moisturizer...etc etc...the strips are dissolved and ready for me to brush 'em! In the past, I have used products that make my teeth sensitive, this is not the case with the Rembrandt brand!

8. Dior Backstage Foundation {Full Coverage Fluid Brush} $48.00
Sometimes you save the best for last... I love a good story behind my product. We all want to experience an "experience"  right?! This elegant black wooden handle, was crafted by Raphael, a French maker of art brushes. Each hair is assembled by hand and never cut. It is wonderful for buffing in your concealor for a flawless look, or applying your liquid foundation for a fuller coverage. Either way, it's pretty to look at!

Enjoy the sunny weather this week!

XOXO
Priscilla Francine

Adrianna // ModCloth // San Francisco

Meet Adrianna. This little lady was super sweet, her mood was bubbly and intoxicating. While I curled her hair in the ModCloth studio she told me stories of her summer...and divulged her dreams for the future. I was inspired by her happy-go-lucky spirit...she had the best smile!! Her makeup for the stylebook was simple and chic: Grey smokey eyes, plum blush, and a berry lip color.

Try Christian Dior's '3 Couleurs' in Smokey Black 091 to get Adrianna's eyes!  
My go to blush for any occasion.... Sin by Nars

A long day requires a long-lasting lip color. Adrianna is wearing Keep It Red by Maybelline


Stop by the ModCloth website for a little Fall Fashion shopping!

xoxo
Priscilla Francine