Fall Into Beauty!



Professional makeup artists are always on the edge of their seats this time of year! The fall season begins right after New York Fashion Week ends and the beauty manufacturers are bringing out this seasons “must have” products!



The Pros here at IMPO love this time of year and can’t wait to get our hands on all the gorgeous colors the fall season brings. This is the perfect time of year to update our kits and personally rock the latest in lipstick, eye shadow, blush and eyeliner!



Just like a new coat of paint brings an instant lift to the walls of your home, a new season’s makeup collection can renew your spirits and revitalize your confidence. Here is what we love…

Jewel tones are all the rage this fall and holiday season. Think hues of purple, teal, and deep red, not only for your wardrobe, but incorporated into your makeup bag. Achieve that luxurious satin finish using a combination of matte and shimmer eye shadows; best seen in a smoldering smoky eye. Deep chocolates, pewter and soft grays compliment skin tones and are versatile year round.



Bobbi Brown’s Nude Eye Shadow Palette is perfection when it comes to the ideal warm neutral shades. The palette is divided into three matte shades and three corresponding shimmer shades with a satin finish. The darkest matte shade can also double as a liner. Chino is a neutral matte that can be used as contour color for cheeks and forehead.

Combine this palette with Nars lipstick in Fast Ride to complete the sultry "fall" look. The deep mulberry shade is a semi-sheer wash so the color is buildable. Layer it with one of Smashbox’s Nude Lip Pencils (medium or dark) for a darker, more matte lip.

Make sure you snag up that Bobbi Brown Nude Palette and in October, grab Bobbi’s Earth Metal Lip and Eye Palette as well from her Holiday 2009 Collection. Meshing both palettes together by combining the matte shades, shimmer colors and metallic’s will give you hundreds of eye-popping options along with gorgeous creamy lip colors that can be layered and blended together to create a custom look!



Smashbox has unveiled the Reign Collection, featuring two truly decadent eye shadow palettes with three shades, each in a matte and shimmer. These shadows can also be worn wet for a more intense application.



The Majesty Palette from the Reign Collection has a warm vanilla, deep burgundy, and a black shadow. For dual use, apply the burgundy shadow to the high points of cheekbones using a fan brush for a gorgeous blush color. Avoid burgundy eye shadows with too many red or orange undertones, as it will bring out the redness in your eyes. Steer more towards the berry shades.

Pump it up a notch by dabbing gold eye shadow on the center of the eyelid to make the look even more regal. Our favs: Goldmine and Amber Lights by MAC, Ambient by Smashbox, and the Cheyenne Duo eye shadow by Nars, which combines gold and plum in one compact. Add a touch of Lancôme Virtuose Black Carat Gold Mascara, it is a rich inky pigment that coats and curls lashes to spectacular lengths and the formulation contains tiny gold particles!


If you love wearing a dark lip color, try OCC Lip Tar in Plum or Vintage. The stain will stay on all day and you can apply a clear lip gloss for added shine and va-va-voom!



Pair the dark lip with another hot, seasonal trend: gray eye shadow. Mix a matte slate gray like Illamasqua’s Feline with a satin charcoal color like Drama or Incubus, from the same line. Complete the soft look with the new Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara from Yves Saint Laurent, which is gray mascara.



Insider Secret: If suffering from puffy eyes, apply eye shadow in a darker shade under your bottom lashes. Because dark colors recede, it will give the illusion of a well-slept, bright-eyed beauty!

The red lip never goes out of season, but this fall the colors have more of a red/blue undertone. Don’t know where to purchase the best red colors? Try Lipstick Queen! Feeling innocent? A sheer wash across your lips makes for a pretty pout, in colors Rouge, Wine or Red from the Saints lipstick collection.


Feeling a little more adventurous? Pick a matte finish lipstick from the Sinner collection in Rouge and Red and really step out in style by layering the Hard Core gloss to your pucker. It has an intense pigment and huge shine payoff. Red Sinner and Wine Sinner are our picks.



Lipstick Queen’s creator, Poppy King, says you don’t need much else when wearing a red lip. Opt for a sheer wash of foundation to conceal skin issues, powder to a matte finish, a little pink flush on the cheeks, tight-line the upper lash line only, add mascara and that is it!



The Pros love the look of a "teal" eye and can't wait to get our hands on the shades that Amanda Seyfriend is wearing in the September issue of InStyle Magazine. She has a classic smoky eye, but with a fresh mermaid twist; green! Create the look by using Cle de Peau Beaute Satin eye color in Emerald No. 109, which is a deep pine color that would be amazing layered over a teal Bobbi Brown eye shadow like Bash Metallic. Makeup Pro, Mariel Barrera says, "the key to this look is to blend to death! That way the two colors will melt together!"



The latest edition of Allure Magazine says "cobalt" eyeliner is hot for the fall season and the Pros love this look combined with dark brown eye shadows and a nude pink lip. This eye look is sultry and sexy, which means a filled-in, sculpted brow would be essential. Try Giorgio Armani Beauty’s Smooth Silk Eye Pencil in #3-Blue. It is a silky formula that allows for precise and easy application. Use to fully line both the upper and lower lash line!


Bump up that gorgeous blue eyeliner or a classic black liner by layering Givenchy’s Parad’Eyes Fluid Eye Liner in Elegant Pearl. It is a soft metallic color that will make your eyes bewitching! This is an eye opening liquid with major pigment and it contains a sprinkling of mother-of-pearl particles! Long-lasting intensity that will not run or flake!



Peach cheeks are a must and will work with any of the above mentioned eye looks. This season a bold eye or lip is all the rage, which means a toned-down warm cheek color is necessary to avoid looking overly made up!

We love Julie Hewett’s Cheekie + Shimmy Duo in Peachie/Goldie! This product is so versatile and can be used to highlight your face, eyes, lips and body. Gives a sheer hint of color that will warm your cheeks and freshen up your face. You can apply with your finger; sponge or the Pros recommend using Julie Hewett’s Chubby Cheekie Brush for perfect blending ability!


Don’t forget those nails! The IMPO Pros fell in love with OPI’s deep purple Black Cherry Chutney and shimmery pewter, My Private Jet. Go bold and wear navy blue, purple, gray and even taupe polish.


Whatever products you choose to add to your current collection don't forget that jewel tones add sparkle to any look. They are deep pigments of color not neon or bright! Purchase the right colors and your look will be up-to-date well into the upcoming Holiday Season!

PRO TIPS AND TRICKS:

Our "tip" for this post is to make certain that our readers see The September Issue! A film by R.J. Cutler featuring Anna Wintour and the making of Vogue! "Fashion is a religion, this is the bible!" "Juicy...A great on to watch," Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times, "Immensely enjoyable," Krista Smith, Vanity Fair. Don't miss it!




STAY TUNED:

Up next on IMPO: It's "back to school" time so listen up!!! You are purchasing new clothes and school supplies, but how about new cosmetics and skincare? It is time to clean out and throw out those nasty products that are "so last year!" Get your teen in tip top beauty shape and help boost her confidence at the same time!



solo








kesh thinks pink....and purple....








kesh if you don't know you better get to know!

Naturalbelle of the week: China blu
















china blu age 12
likes: drum and base and moshing!
dislikes: having to walk miles to find a good saltfish pattie!

see you at the carnival

yay! its that time again! see you there

xoxo

Look-A-Like


Close your eyes and picture your favorite celebrity.  What do you see?  Do you wish you could look just like them?   Are you in love with a certain celebrity “signature” look, but think that you could not possibly replicate their makeup?

Makeup Artists create favored looks for celebrity clients all the time and as you can probably imagine, famous faces are very opinionated! They know what they like and what they don’t like!  When you are constantly in the public eye and your photo is taken daily by the paparazzi, looking your best all the time becomes an obsession.

The Pros were recently inspired by the current issue of Interview Magazine featuring Megan Fox and her "look-a-like" mannequin!  We thought if a fake, life-sized bunch of plastic parts could exactly resemble the "in-the-flesh" Megan, then we certainly can help our IMPO readers with their makeup "look-a-like" desires!

Whether you love to wear a smokey eye daily or prefer a more natural look, the point of this post is to help guide you toward a look that is comfortable and easy for you to replicate.  

The Pros have complied a few famous celebrity “signature” looks below and the products we would use to recreate their “look-a-likes,” but remember, while it is healthy for your self-esteem to improve your makeup skills and “steal” a look from one these beauties, you will not look exactly like them no matter how hard you try so, be happy with the gorgeous face you have been given!

The Angelina Jolie look:

Angelina is one of Hollywood’s most notorious beauties who made her film debut along side her very famous father in the 1982 film Lookin’ To Get Out, but we love her because of her incredible humanitarian work as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations.

Replicate Angie's famous Vanity Fair cover by using the following Chanel products:

Foundation: Vitalumiere Foundation, which is for skin that needs more hydration.  This formula will help target the dull, uneven areas of the face and smooth away imperfections.  Only apply product on the areas of the face that need coverage.

Concealer: Correcteur Perfection, which you should only apply where needed.  This is a lightweight, gel-based concealer with all-day staying power.  Very smooth finish so it won’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles.  Use under the eye area, on cheeks and around the mouth to brighten dark areas.

Powder: Poudre Universelle Libre, is a loose setting powder that provides sheer and light coverage with a soft matte finish.  It helps to even out skin tone and disguises imperfections.  This product does contain photo-reflective pigments so use sparingly, especially if you are going to be photographed using a flash.



Eyeshadow: Ligne Et Ombre De Chanel in Jet Gold is an eyeshadow and eyeliner in one compact.  Apply gold eyeshadow from lashes to brow bone and blend using a fluffy eyeshadow brush.  Use a pointed eyeliner brush to glide on the jet-black liner along upper lash line and “flick” up at the outer corners to create a "cat eye" look.  Remember - do not smudge liner, you are creating a very defined line.

Mascara: Inimitable in Noir Black will deliver volume, length, curl and separation in a single stroke. Contains Pro-Vitamin B5 for hydration and conditioning of the lashes.

Brows: Le Sourcil De Chanel in Brun contains three powder shades that can be blended together to achieve a perfectly arched brow.  Use a stiff bristled angle brush and short brush strokes to fill in the brows.

Cheeks: Soleil Tan De Chanel in Terre Halee illuminates the skin!  Oil-free bronzing powder that creates and sculpts those fierce runway cheekbones!  Apply with an angle brush and blend toward the ear.




Lips: Rouge Allure Laque in Dragon is pure indulgence!  Intense color and shine that last for hours. Extremely hydrating formula with full coverage. 



These products would also work to recreate the classic red lip looks below on Cate Blanchet and Taylor Swift by simply adjusting lip and cheek colors, as well as foundation, concealer and powder.

The Michelle Yeoh look:


Michelle is best known for her roles in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and her role as the graceful Mameha in Memoirs of a Geisha.  This beauty was born in Malaysia and makes turning 48 years old hot!

To recreate Michelle's look use the following products from BECCA Cosmetics:

Foundation: Luminous Skin Colour is a combination tinted moisturizer and sheer foundation all in one.  Contains an SPF 25, it protects against UVA and UVB rays.  Apply with fingers, sponge or brush over entire face. Note: additional moisturizer is not required as this is an excellent moisturizing foundation, however please feel free to use serums or other accoutrement prior to application.
Concealer: Compact Concealer is a true innovation that cleverly contains two highly pigmented formulations within one compact.  Extra coverage and Medium coverage allows you to control layering and mixing in order to hide blemishes, scars, birthmarks and under eye discolorations. Apply using fingertips in a rolling motion to blend into the skin.
Bronzer: Brazilian Bronzing Sheen is an ultra sheer bronzing crème that can be used on all areas of the face, eyes and lips.  100% orange-free, use your finger tips to blend into the temples, under cheekbones or across the cheeks and chin for a warm, sun kissed glow.  Applied too much bronzer?  No problem!  Slightly dampen a sponge with water and blend into the skin before you set with powder.
Shimmer: Pressed Shimmer Powder in Odette can be used to set bronzer and provide a pop of color on the cheek.  This product contains light shimmer particles to deflect light and illuminate the skin.  You can also apply to temples, forehead and brow bone using a fluffy powder brush.
Powder: Fine Loose Finishing Powder in Ginger can be used in place of the Pressed Shimmer Powder if you want a more demi-mat finish or in conjunction with to “set” makeup for maximum staying power!  If you choose to use both powders together, then the Pros suggest you use this product sparingly so as not to create a cakey buildup around the nose.  Apply with a fan brush and tap off excess product before applying to skin.
Eyeshadow: Avalon Palette is a combination of five universally flattering shades for the eyes and cheeks.  Begin with Doeskin (fawn pink) and apply from eyelid to brow blending with a fluffy eyeshadow brush.  In the crease use Tweed (burnished brown) and buff in the colors to look as if they blend together seamlessly. Return to the Doeskin and apply to the lower lash line and use Tweed in outer upper and bottom corners – blend.  Use Barbarella (black) and a pointed eyeliner brush to line eyes and blend.
Mascara: The Ultimate Mascara in Black with form binding “tubes” wrap around the lashes enabling fast drying, long lasting wear with easy removal.  This is an advanced, water-resistant formula that will lengthen and thicken your lashes. One to two coats on upper and lower lashes.
Brows: Brow Powders are velvety soft colors that will help you create that perfect arch. Try a combination of Medium and Auburn depending on your natural brow color.
Lips: Beach Tint in Peach, stain your lips with color!  Blot and reapply for a long lasting, smudge proof pout! Use fingertips to apply.


The above products would also work well in replicating the natural looks below on Jami Lee Curtis and Regina King by simply adjusting foundation, concealer and powder colors.




Artist Tip: if you would like to try a different lip color than the one suggested above, remember to find a suitable cheek color, which compliments the lip color (i.e., pinky tones on lips then choose a pinky tone for the cheeks).

The Kristen Stewart look:


Kristen Stewart is best known for her role as Bella Swan in The Twilight Saga, but the Pros loved her as Joan Jett in this year’s film The Runaways!  Born and raised in Los Angeles, her acting career began at age 8 and her entire family works behind the camera!  We love her signature rock n' roll style.

To master Kristen’s modern smokey eye look use the following products from M.A.C.:

Eyeshadow: Mineralize Eye Shadow in Blue My Mind, is a trio of matte mineralized shadow.  Start with the eyes first to make cleaning up fall out shadow easy before applying foundation.  Begin with a light wash of color from lid to crease using Satin light blue (the lightest shade) and blend with a large, fluffy eyeshadow brush.  Move on to Pearly deep teal and apply to outer lid and crease area (making a V shape) using a pressing motion and a shorter, stiffer bristled eyeshadow brush.  The pressing motion will help control fall out and payoff of color will be greater, blend and smudge using a clean, fluffy eye shadow brush. Finish this look by using Satin black in outer corners of upper lash line and under lower lash line - smudge & smoke. Clean up under eyes, reapply primer or eye cream and let sink in to the skin.

Liner: Fluidline in Blacktrack is a smooth, gel formula that provides the precision of a liquid liner with a softer finish.  Smudge proof and long wearing, apply with pointed eyeliner brush.  Dip into product and apply inside of upper and lower water line.
Foundation: Mineralize Satinfinish SPF 15 is a fluid foundation that blends naturally into the skin.  Provides a low-to-medium buildable coverage with a slightly luminous look.  Kristen is pretty fair, maybe an NC 20, but M.A.C.’s color range is wide so finding the perfect shade that matches your skin tone exactly should not be a problem.  Apply using fingers, sponge or brush. Artist Tip: match your foundation to your neck or throat to avoid a line of demarcation at the jaw.

Concealer: Select Moisturecover is a very blendable moisturizing concealer in a tube with a built in applicator.  Use under eye, on cheeks and around mouth to counter act darkness and discolorations.  Apply using applicator and blend with fingertips. Artist Tip: dark shades on the face are blue in tone so choose a concealer with a salmon (orange-ish) undertone to cut the blue color and make it disappear.
Powder: Mineralize Skinfinish Natural is a gorgeous face powder with minerals slowly baked into the product to provide a natural-matte finish.  Use to set foundation and concealer.  Apply with a large powder brush.
Cheeks: Mineralize Blush in Soft Meow is a shot of color that provides a subtle glow to the skin.  The ultimate nude cheek color!  Apply with blush brush.
Mascara: Zoom Lash in Zoomblack provides major drama, which is just what you will need to finish off your modern smokey eye look. This creamy formula builds density and conditions.  Two to three coats on upper lashes and one to two coats on bottom lashes are acceptable.
Lips: Cremesheen Glass in Fashion Whim is the finishing touch that this look demands.  This formula is non-sticky and goes on smoothly.  Skip the lip liner.  Want a lipstick alternative? Try Crème d’Nude (pale, muted peach beige).

These products would also work well to recreate the rocker chick look below on Avril Lavigne by adjusting foundation, concealer and powder.  Want to bump up that smokey eye look? Try using a pair of great false lashes!





Note: not all product photos shown in this post reflect the color choice listed.