makeup

MISMATCHED EYES: OUI OU NON?

photo: mateusz stankiewicz

From afar it looks like a fun use of Spring color! Look a bit longer and you’ll notice she’s wearing two different colors on her eyelids. And somehow she pulls it off! Very interesting… We’re on the fence about this daring look. If you keep it in the same family, like a teal and an aquamarine, it’s doable, but what’s the message? That you love breaking the rules and march to the beat of your own drum? I can respect and admire that. Anything is better than vanilla or cookie cutter I guess… but would my clients think I’ve lost my mind if I suggested it for the red carpet?! Most of them! What do you all think?

hair

PIN IT TO WIN IT

photos+post: Kristin Ess model: Nora Wyman

This may seem like a simple task to some of you, but I find that a lot of people struggle with hiding a bobby pin. The best way to conceal your weapon is to slide the pin back up into the hair in the opposite direction that the hair is going (see image example). By doing this, you create the strongest support while hiding your bobby pin at the same time. This is how every section was pinned in our “Twisted Sister” updo tutorial. As wedding/prom season quickly approaches this trick should come in very handy.

makeup

PRETTY IN PINK

photo: kristin ess/post: amy nadine

Today we’re on set shooting and I have to decide between my current favorite pinks. It’s not easy but each one has its own finish + color payoff. I’m sure you’ve noticed the last time you were at the store that there were a gazillion versions to choose from that are not your mother’s lipstick.  As your pocket makeup artist, I’ll walk you through each choice and why I like it…

THE JUST-BITTEN STAIN: This little beauty delivers a sheer stain to add color in a very fairy tale, “I have naturally bright pink lips, sorry!” kind of way. TBD Favorite: YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis in #14.

THE HIGH PAY-OFF TINTED BALM: This is for those of us who hate the feeling of wearing more than a lip balm, but don’t want to sacrifice color! TBD Favorite: Tarte LipSurgence in Amused.

THE INTENSE GLOSS: This is for the girl who loves a shiny glossy lip but still wants to rock a bright shade. TBD Favorite: NARS Larger Than Life Gloss in Place Vendome.

THE HIGH-PIGMENT MATTE CRAYON: This wonder stick is for the retro girl who loves the classic edge of a matte lip. TBD Favorite: Bite Beauty Matte Pencil in Grapevine.

THE DAREDEVIL MATTE GLOSS-STAIN HYBRID: This goodness-in-a-tube is like nothing you’ve ever felt before! It stains your lip for hours but in a matte finish and comes in the brightest array of colors possible. TBD Favorite: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars in Brights.

Which is your favorite? What drugstore brands do you find have the most pink payoff?

tutorials

BREAKING IN

post by Jaclyn Johnson, design by Kristin Ess

Today we’re talking tips + tricks. Jaclyn Johnson from SomeNotesOnNapkins.com is here to teach us a few things that are good for the sole…

There’s nothing better than breaking open that shoe box to find a fresh pair of heels ready and waiting for you to slip on. However, there is nothing worse than having to break in a pair of heels. Luckily, I am a Jedi Master at the art of breaking in shoes. Here are a few quick tips on how to cut down the time (and pain) of breaking in those new sky high heels!

Tip #1: Do it gradually: Bring them to the office. Slip them on while you are sitting at your desk for an hour or so each day. If they are really tight try walking around in them while wearing slightly damp socks. I know this sounds strange, but this will soften them and stretch them out. READ MORE…