Super Seal … What’s InStyle!

This month’s issue of Instyle Magazine has mentioned Cinema Secrets Super Sealer spray in one of its articles. Along with the influx of orders for the sealer is the question: How do I use it?

Well, let's get to answering this popular question.  Super Sealer is popular for two major things

1. Sweat Stop

Oh yes, we are in the dog days of summer and that means the dreaded effect of sweat, or in beauty terms “glistening”. While “glistening” may give you a sort of glow it can wreak havoc on your makeup. Simply spritz a couple of layers of Super Sealer before you apply your makeup and it will act as an antiperspirant for the face and hairline. Give it about 30 seconds to dry and apply makeup normally. This is fantastic for humid climates.

2. Finishing Seal

Just like the name says Super Seal is meant to seal your makeup in place. A few spritz after you’ve finished applying your makeup will give you a seal that holds your makeup on for longer wear. This will work with any brand of makeup. Super Sealer gives you a beautiful matte finish, and will stand up to moisture and humidity.

*For Super protection: Try sandwiching Super Sealer by using it as an anti-sweat and as a final seal.

Did you know what else it’s great for?

1. Clothing Protector

Wearing body makeup? Covering up tattoos and you don’t want to ruin that beautiful dress? Well, a few layers of Super Sealer will keep that makeup from rubbing off on your clothing. It’s great around collars or for that tattoo your grandmother still doesn’t know you’ve got.

2.Waterproof Water Applied Makeup
Did you know that you can use Super Sealer instead of water to waterproof it? This includes cake liners, cake foundations, or dual active foundations. It works great to keep these kinds of makeup on under hot lights or in the hot sun.

*Exception to the Rule: Super Sealer does not mix well with wax-based face paints like Wolfe FX.

So now that you’ve got the knowledge under your belt you can venture forth and continue to be in style!

Dispelling Hi-Def Myths-- Part II

So I know you’ve been missing me. I do, and I’ve missed the internet surfers too. I apologize for the lack of blogging as of late but a few projects have kept me away from the computer box.


Okay with that out of the way let’s continue with this Hi-Definition hullabaloo. Today we’re talking about the biggest myth I hear on an almost daily basis: You can only use an airbrush to do makeup for hi-definition.

This is not true.

To start dispelling this nasty rumor let’s get one things straight. A good makeup artist knows that blending is their best friend. If you can blend well, you can do hi-def makeup without an airbrush.

I’ve keyed an entire hi-definition project and never once picked up my airbrush. The foundations I used: Gerda Spillman, RCMA, and Cinema Secrets. Yep, they all worked beautifully on all of my talent.

Where did this "Airbrush Only" myth come from, you ask?

1. Airbrushing is the ‘new thing’. Yes, it’s been around for a few years now, but I always have people coming in saying they NEED to learn how to airbrush.

While it’s always nice to have another skill under your belt, it doesn’t have to take over everything you know that is basic. What happens when that brush clogs and you’ve only got two minutes before your client needs to be out of your chair? Don’t get me wrong, airbrushes are great (we’ll get to that in the next point. Keep in mind that makeup is a business. Remember sometimes there’s a lot of hype about the next big thing.

2. Airbrushing is faster. This is true. Airbrushing can be much faster to apply than spending the time you might need to blend by hand.

While it can be faster in application, you really need to be familiar with the products you’re using and how to properly use the machine. This includes keeping it from becoming clogged, the proper air pressure so you don’t harm your client’s skin, and careful use around the eyes and nose area so as not to have your clients inhale the makeup.

KEY NOTE: If you’re heavy handed with a makeup sponge you can still blend the makeup down. If you’re heavy handed with an airbrush your client looks like caked plasticine. In any case, if you’re heavy handed with a makeup sponge, you’ll tend to be heavier handed with an airbrush.

Overall, when it comes to choosing whether to airbrush for hi-definition or not it comes down the same thing it does with all makeup: Skill level and familiarity. Neither is truly the right or wrong way to apply makeup—it’s about the artist.

Remember what "everyone" says isn’t always the truth.

Dispelling Hi-Def Makeup Myths -- Part I

Hi-Def is the new buzzword. Hi-Def simply means: High Definition. Hi-Def TV, Hi-Def Cameras, and now everyone's searching for Hi-Def makeup. The new technology in digital and Hi-Def means that you see everything in crystal clarity. The problems? With makeup, it makes flaws much harder to hide. It can pick up the true translucency of skin. It picks up texture and variant color gradients easily hidden before. The days of petrolium jelly on the lenses and a filter tweak have gone the way of the dodo.

Photos, interviews, weddings everything's in Hi-def! What do you do? Well one of the keys is blending. Don't just slap something on and rush out the door. The next step is to use the proper type of makeup.

Did you know the Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundations are Hi-Def foundations? They don't use buzz words, but they've been Hi-Def ready since before there was Hi-Def. They key is the silicone, which doesn't leave a heavy, greasy look on the face--but it COVERS.

Now you can achieve the needed Hi-def tricks by thinning the makeup down with Moisture Spray or water. This way you can get a sheer coverage for the translucency the camera picks up on.

But what if you need more coverage? Fear not, the key to doing this is if you need a more masking coverage (for tattoos, scars, heavy discolorations and the like) cover everything, not just the one spot. Now don't just pile it on. Put on what you need to conceal then put a thin coat of the makeup around the area that's being focused on.

For Example: You need to cover a tattoo on your arm. Cover it. Stipple on the layers of foundation and power between each layer. Once the tattoo is covered, stipple the matching flesh tone sporadically over the rest of your arm--both in fact-- you don't want to look oddly lopsided. Powder and seal, and most people won't realize the difference.

Another question is: What about the powdery dry look? I need the skin to look dewy!

This is a really simple fix. After you've finished your application and powdered, take a natural hair makeup brush and spritz it with moisture spray or water, then draw the damp brush across the face. This will not remove the makeup, but redistribute it while giving a fresh dewy look to the set makeup.

These are some of the basics that will start you on your way to understanding the new-fangled Hi-Definition scares out there. In the next article we'll discuss Hi-Def powders pros and cons, and this whole: You need an Airbrush to make anything work in Hi-Def. So stay tuned!

Once, Twice, Three Times a Lady

It seems like everyone’s searching for the perfect Valentine’s gift.  Tired are the roses, the candy hearts (especially those little ones that taste like toothpaste)… why not the gift of a Valentine’s Day you?

What!? Oh, yes, you read it all correctly.  Today I’m going to go through three different Valentine’s Day inspired looks.  If you like them you can even buy the very colors I used in each look from this site.

Now everyone has a different sense of style, so I’ve worked on three classic looks so you can choose the one that fits you.  First we’ll start with a true classic, the look I like to call:

Red Hot Honey

Move over Marilyn, because here you come!  This look was inspired by classic Hollywood Glamour.  For this look we keep the eyes relatively neutral and really pump up those ruby red lips. 

STEP 1

Once you’ve applied your foundation I pulled out the Opal Hollywood Lights and covered the whole eye area with the soft shimmer color.

STEP 2

Then I added Pink Champagne eye shadow in the crease area and onto the outer corner of the eye, blending the two colors together for a softer look.

Remember blending is the key to a fabulous eye shadow application.

STEP 3

Gently tugging at the corner of the line to ensure a smooth application I sketch in a soft line with a dark brown pro eye pencil with a freshly sharpened tip.  This will ensure a tight line and not a smudged look. 

STEP 4

Add a bit of your favorite mascara to pop those lashes.

STEP 5

Now onto those sculpted cheeks!  Using Natural blush I start just below the cheekbone and brush upward from the temple and ear area to contour the face.  I had Sandra smile and then brushed a bit more color on the apples of her cheeks to give her a soft healthy glow. 

STEP 6

To emphasize her cheekbones I added just a smidgen of the Opal Hollywood Lights shimmer right on top of the cheekbone as a highlight.

STEP 7

Last but certainly not the least is that pop of red on those luscious lips.  Using a square lip brush I washed Red Passion lipstick carefully across her lips.  A square brush gives you a nice sharp line.  Red Passion is a fantastic red that flatters any skin tone.  Anyone who says they can’t wear red: You can wear Red Passion.

There you have it, a look fit for the silver screen or for a passionate Valentine’s date.

Maybe bright lips are not your forte, maybe you’re not into that retro look.  You’re definitely a more natural girl… that doesn’t mean we’ll leave you out. Give our next look a try:

Be Mine Baby

This is the second look in our series is inspired by soft, fresh faced natural beauty.   Nothing says pretty and youthful like a soft pink blush.

STEP 1

Once you’ve applied your foundation you’ll want to pull out the flamingo gold Hollywood Lights and cover the whole eye area with the soft shimmer color.

STEP 2

Then I added magenta eye shadow in the crease area and onto the outer corner of the eye, blending the two colors together for a softer look.  If you want less of the darker magenta color, add a bit more of the lighter flamingo gold to soften the look and blend!

STEP 3

Gently tugging at the corner of the line to ensure a smooth application I sketch in a soft line with a violet pro eye pencil with a freshly sharpened tip.  This will ensure a tight line and not a smudged look. 

STEP 4

Add a bit of your favorite mascara to emphases your lashes and frame your eyes.

STEP 5

Now onto those rose-y cheeks!  Using Pink blush, don’t be afraid of the color, it actually goes on much more mild than you’d think.  I had Sandra smile and then brushed a bit of color on the apples of her cheeks to give her a soft healthy glow.  Then with anything left on the brush I dusted across her forehead and down her nose, almost like a bronzer.

STEP 6

To give her a youthful glow, I added just a touch of the flamingo gold Hollywood Lights shimmer right on top of the cheekbone as a highlight.

STEP 7

To finish the look off, I used a flat lip brush to put a wash of pink flower lipstick across Sandra’s lips giving them a sensuous tint.

And now you’re ready for a romantic day or night out, sure to shock your Valentine with your natural beauty.

Maybe neither of the two looks above are your thing.  You’re a girl that likes dark smoke-y dramatic eyes.  Something that’ll make a man’s jaw drop and hit the floor, then you may want to try out the look we like to call:

Goodnight Sweetheart

This look is inspired by the ever popular smoke-y eye definition where the eyes are the center of attention and lips are left very natural.  Always a striking look.

STEP 1

Once you’ve applied your foundation you’ll want to pull out the pink lace Hollywood Lights and cover the whole eye area with the soft shimmer color.

STEP 2

Then I dotted galaxy eye shadow just above the crease and onto the outer corner of the eye, blending the two colors together for a softer look.  If you want less of the darker galaxy color, add a bit more of the lighter pink lace to soften the look and continue to blend

STEP 3

Gently tugging at the corner of the line to ensure a smooth application I sketch in a soft line with a purple pro eye pencil.  I go over the pencil with a little more of the galaxy shadow to soften and smudge the look of the line.

STEP 4

Add a bit of your favorite mascara to enhance your lashes and frame your eyes.

STEP 5

Now onto those contoured cheeks!  Using berry blush, don’t be afraid of the color, it actually goes on much more mild than you’d think. I start just below the cheekbone and brush upward from the temple and ear area to contour the face; then I had Sandra smile and then brushed a bit of color on the apples of her cheeks to give her a soft glow. 

STEP 6

To give her a dramatic flair, I added just a touch of the pink lace Hollywood Lights shimmer right on top of the cheekbone as a highlight.

STEP 7

To finish the look off, I used a flat lip brush to put a wash of champagne lipstick across Sandra’s lips giving them a neutral shine.

If you love any of the looks and want to try them out using the colors, take advantage of the Valentine's Sale available right here on Get Your Beauty. 

Have fun playing with your own looks and make it a sultry Valentine's Day!

Hey, Bright Eyes

Every year there's a new "IT" color trend for each season and sometimes it can be a little scary to play with. Anything outside the neutral color spectrum for most people is sketchy at best. Well, won't be frightened of bright colors ever again.

For eyes this winter season, the trend is a classic: The smoky eye. The cincher to make it updated is giving it a colorful twist! Instead of using your black and brown… you'll use color. You'll soon be proclaiming that blue and purple is the new black.

Blue and purple?! Don't panic. I'm sure you’re flashing back to the 70’s Barbie doll eye shadow or the iconic image of Mimi Bobeck from the Drew Carey Show, right? Maybe you’re stuck on thinking of a giant bruise. Well toss those nightmare images out the window. I’m talking about a more sophisticated use of bright colors. Remember: Classic smoky eyes. No Fear.

Again, bright colors can be downright scary if they’re just slapped on randomly, but we're almost at the dawn of a shiny new year. It’s time to make a change! It's time to be daring! You want to make a statement. If you’re not into the full burst of color—start slow and tone it down. Work with your classic smoked look in your brown or blacksand add a splash of color over the top to mute it down or maybe just use the bright color in the very center of your lid. Remember the key to a smoky eye is blending. Well, your key to color is the same thing: BLENDING.

Above are a couple of examples of a colorful smoky eye that I did with some of my favorite bright colors by Ben Nye. The tones I used were Ben Nye's Lumiere Grande Colors in Cosmic Violet, Amethyst, Royal Purple, Ice Gold, and Cosmic Blue. These colors have amazing pigment that stay bright through out the day or evening. They come in large cakes and are a steal at about $9.00 a color.

Now you can finish off your look with a nice gloss or nude lips and add a bright spot to your drab, gray winter. Don't be bashful... go on and flash those bright eyes.

Light Up Your Holidays with Hollywood Lights!

Yes, more thoughts on the holidays.  It's everywhere.  You can't escape it. Television's swarming with ads and heart-warming family movies... and you're still wondering how to add a little festive flare to your look just before the next suare. 

The Holidays should be about fun. When we think about December, images of glistening snow is usually one of the first things to come to mind, even if you live in a warm climate.  Why not add a bit of that shine to your look this season?

Now it's true that as we mature too much shimmer and glitter can be a scary thing, but done just right, it can give you a fresh glow.  I like to use Cinema Secrets Hollywood Lights Shimmers to give a soft hint of shimmer in a few key places: top of the cheekbones, browbone, and inside corner of the eye.

My favorite colors to use for this stay close to natural skin tones such as: Pink Lace, Flamingo Gold, King Midas, or Opal.  This way you suddenly don't have random bursts oddly placed color all over the face.

Why these three spots?

Top of Cheekbones
The top of the cheekbones is a great place for a hint of shimmer because it accents your natural bone structure.  Your blush acts as a natural contour giving the shadows and hollows of your face definition and a highlight right on top emphasizes the look lifting your face upward for a more youthful appearance.  A small amount of shimmer can give a dewy fresh effect.

Browbone
The browbone (the area just beneath your eyebrow and before you hit the crease of your lid) never really gets crepe-y.  It's another high point of your face that's always a great place to add some focus.  A bit of shine in this area catches the eye and draws it up away from the evil gravity that we're all trying to avoid. 

Inner Corner of the Eye
This is usually the place people go "What?!"  So allow me to explain.  Our nose likes to cast shadows so by adding a small dot of shimmer to the inside corner of the eye it brightens things up.  Rather than casting a shadow, you placed in a highlight.  A perfect little trick to give you beautiful bright eyes.

Now you can use one trick, a combination, or all three.  Just experiment with it and remember, with shimmer less is more.  Too much and you'll be shining like the big ball on New Years Eve.  Enjoy yourself, that's part of the beauty of this time of year.

To Line or Not To Line? That is the Question!

Okay so this is not Shakespeare, but it is a question that I’m asked more often than not. Should you line the lips? Well, that really depends on a few things. Lining the lips can be a corrective technique or a fashion decision. Let me explain.
CORRECTIVE
Like fingerprints, lips come in all different shapes and sizes. Lip liner is used to help correct simple things like thin lips you’d like to make fuller, bleeding lipstick, giving a more definite look to shapeless lips, or balancing out uneven lips. If you’re trying to correct an issue you have with lipstick, this is a great reason to use a lip liner.
Making Thin Lips Fuller
One of the most popular trends are full, sensuous lips. Lining thin lips just outside the natural line will give the illusion of fuller lips.
Liner Tip – Feather or color in from the line onto your lips to keep from having that obvious “liner look” when your lipstick starts to wear down.
Stopping Lipstick Bleed
If you’ve got fine lines around your lips, or if you’re just a weird freak of lip nature (like me) and lipstick just slides off your lips, this is a perfect reason to wear liner. Lining your lips will create a makeup-based wall to stop the lipstick from sliding where it’s not supposed to. Once you’ve applied your liner, powder it down then apply your lipstick. This will set the liner in place and keep it from moving.
Liner Tip- If your liner’s tip keeps breaking when you sharpen the pencil it usually means the liner has been dropped and the inside pencil has shattered. You’ll need to replace the liner.

Shapeless Lips
So your lips don’t have that cute bow or a full enough bottom. Well, you’ve got to sketch out the shape you want. Using a freshly sharpened liner sketch (meaning short, quick lines that connect, not one big drawn on line) the shapes you want to create just beyond your natural lip line. Then apply lipstick as usual.

Liner Tip – If you keep the tip of your liner sharp it’ll keep your lines crisper and less noticeable, giving you a much cleaner and natural look.

Uneven Lips
Ah, yes, another reason I personally use liner when I wear lipstick. I have what I like to call “Joker Lips.” I have a big bow on top and a full bottom lip—but when I smile--the top sides of my lips disappear and I look like the Joker from Batman when I wear lipstick. So I correct them with liner to fill out the thinner bits, using the fuller part as a guide, I just round out the line.

Liner Tip—Use liner colors that are approximately the same color or just a shade darker than the lipstick you plan to wear. This will keep the liner looking more natural.
FASHION
You remember that wave a good while back where girls would line their lips in a really dark color and then fill in the lips with a nude lipstick or gloss? That was a fashion choice. Whenever you make a conscious decision to do something different for the sheer look, that’s what we’re talking about here.

Now with fashion you can be creative, or copy a recent trend from any of the magazines. You’re only limited here by your imagination.

Liner Tip—Putting creamier liners in the freezer for give minutes will make it easier to get clean lines when using them.

Trendy Liner with Gloss
A popular trend is people wearing lip liner all over their lips then washing it over with a close lip gloss color in place of lipstick. This gives a high shine and wet look as opposed to a matte or shimmer of a lipstick.

My personal favorite brand of lip liners are by Ben Nye. Their colors are beautiful and the most common matches to any variety of lipstick shades and natural tones. They usually run about $8.00 which is far less expensive than $14.00 or more for similar quality brands. MAC’s Spice is also a dead match of Ben Nye’s pencil of the same name.

So now you’ve got the straight line answer on lip liners. Go on, make that choice, will you? Or won’t you?

Breakouts of Holiday Stress

Ah ha, she returns! Yes, I have been missing in action the last few months due to the Halloween Horror that is my busiest time of the year. Now that I can relax, everyone else seems to be scurrying around for the Holiday craziness.

It can be a stressful time: decorating, shopping, cooking, family gatherings, parties, presents... and on top of it all you need to look stunning! That seems to be when the inevitable happens. Yes, the worst thing that could happen when you're dashing to an event: the breakout.

It happens the best of us, but fear not, because I have got a brilliant little strategy for just such an emergency. It involves two simple little products treat the problem and keep you looking cool, collected, and fabulous.

TREAT
First thing's first. It's there there staring at you. You need to get rid of it yesterday and you'd rather not make it worse. Well, there's this fabulous little product by Murad called Acne Spot Treatment. Now you don't have to have "acne" to use this little gem. What it is, is a sulfer based gel that you put directly on the blemish. It'll dry that baby out in no time flat and the zinc oxide in it helps sooth the redness. A little dab will do you and at less than twenty bucks, you can still shop till you drop on Black Friday.

CONCEAL
So now we've treated the problem but even soothed a little you still feel like Rudolph's red nose is glowing from that spot on your face. Time for a real concealer. This is when I whip out my handy dandy Cinema Secrets #1 Corrector Kit. This little kit has all the corrector colors I need to not only cover that little bugger; but, you can even brighten up under your eyes the morning after the office party before you have to meet the family.

The first three colors in the kit are your "red correctors". They look a little yellow or even a little green. What this means is that they're meant to cover up the red from blemishes like that nasty breakout you're concealing. Green is the oposite of red on the color scale so it cancels out the the irritated red color of the blemish.

Depending on your skin tone, or possibly the season, you'll choose one of these colors and dab it directly on the blemish. Be sure not to apply this corrector like a foundation or you'll wipe off what you're trying to cover. Now that you've applied the color powder the concealer and apply your foundation as normal over the top. The powder is important, this will not only assure your concealer stays in place, it'll keep it from mixing with your foundation color.

*IMPORTANT NOTE* Be sure you don't pick or squeeze at the blemish. Not only will this make it harder to conceal, makeup can infect it or make it worse. If you've already done this you get a slap on the hand and may need to run to your local pharmacy for liquid bandage. While I don't choose this method if you have to apply makeup over it, this will give you a reasonable barrier to keep away infection or issues.

Now you've still got two colors in your kit. The last two colors on the right of the kit are your "blue correctors". This means they're meant to cover of blue on your face such as undereye circles, five o'clock shadow, or veins. You'll notice they're a bit more orange or pinkish in color. Again, this is becase the oposite color of blue is orange on the color spectrum, so it's meant to cancel that out. Dab a bit where you need it and follow it up with powder, and you'll be all set to go!

There you have it, a quick and easy solution to the most common of beauty emergencies. Keep it handy, and you'll never need to panic again!

Don't Just Dig It

"Oh, I don't need that--I just put it on with my fingers."
Believe it or not, that is the most common phrase I hear on a daily basis and it makes my blood run cold. Why? You may ask, well if you stuck those fingers, even freshly washed, into your makeup, you've just introduced bacteria into it, which thrives in that damp atmosphere. You have just cross-contaminated your makeup. Now don't panic just yet, the Outbreak monkey hasn't been let loose and the CDC won't swoop down and demand quarentine, but let's discuss what can happen when your makeup is contaminated with bacteria.

First thing's first, there is such a thing as good and back bacteria. What we're talking about here is the bad. On a severe scale bacteria can cause some serious problems such as eye infections, styes, staff, and even blindness. On a smaller scale you can get break outs, skin irritations, redness, itchiness and other un-fun types of issues. So how do we avoid these scary things?

Touching that Product
You might have wondered with not being able to share certain cosmetics how a makeup artist doesn't just run through 50 mascaras in one sitting or buy twenty zillon foundations. We practice sanitization. We use simple tools like a metal pallet and spatula. This way we can scrape out the tof makeup we're going to use and apply it to our client's face without worrying about putting bacteria into the makeup and then closing the lid to have it gestate in there. Then we can simply wipe the pallet clean and start again fresh. You can easily do the same thing at home. If you use things such as liquid foundations try to get them in tubes that squeeze or have a pump to avoid sticking your fingers into a product.

Application -- CLEAN TOOLS!
Another way to help avoid problem issues is to use clean sponges or brushes CLEAN being the proper word. Higher quality sponges can be washed a few times before they start to break down with facial cleanser, but you can also buy a bag of sponges and toss one each day. Foundation brushes and other makeup brushes are great tools, but you have to be sure they're properly cleaned as well. Use a brush cleaner to keep them free of old makeup and bacteria.

Eye Makeup -- The Major Suspect -- Keeping Safe
Mascara is always a nasty culprit of makeup contamination as well as eyeliners. So how do you stay safe?

Never share your mascara -- Makeup Artists will usually do one of three things to keep from worrying about this issue.
1. We use disposeable mascara wands that are never dipped into the mascara twice.
2. We pull the mascara from the tube, use a cake mascara, or a cream and use a clean fan brush to apply it then sanitize the brush.
3. For certain clients we'll buy a specific mascara just for the one client and give it to them after the use.

3 Month Rule -- Toss that mascara after 3 months and no longer than 6 maximium. If you buy one tube at a time that's fantastic. If you know there's a sale on mascara buy a few, it'll be fine it it's sealed and never used, but what I do for myself (having always had issues with my eyes) is I put the month I need to toss it on with a lable maker. I see August is approaching so my mascara labled "July" will be tossed tonight.

Don't Pump -- I know you love to pump that mascara with the little cap brush to get as much as you need. The problem with this is that it forces air and bacteria into the tube and makeup. While the brush is in the tube roll it and pull out. Anyway, less mascara on the brush also means less clumping or gloppy application. So two wins!

Sharpen Eyeliner Pencils Before Each Use -- When you sharpen your pencil it takes off any of the bacteria with the pencil shavings. If you're extra worried I hit it with a spritz of 99% alcohol, but you should be safe. Also you get a really clean line with a newly sharpened tip.

Not in that Waterline -- Yes, it's the new thing. Yes, it looks cool, but the more you put eyeliner in your waterline the easier it is to irritate tear ducts and clog glands. If you must, stick to products specifically designed for that like Kajal liners.

Take off your Makeup! -- I know you're tired at the end of the day, but if you simply remove your makeup it'll keep problems from occuring. I know I've said it before, but at night your body absorbs more than any other time. Let your skin and eyes breathe. If you're lazy like me use a makeup remover wipe at least even if you're partying hard. Toss it in the bag or car. It takes literally 5 seconds. Your body will thank you.

That's it-- now you can be ready to thwart break outs and danger. Remember don't just dig in with those fingers. Be smart and be safe.

Eye Blush... Do You Blush?

Since I also work in a retail store along with working on set, I get a lot of the same questions asked by customers, so I thought this time around I’d address a good one that I get frequently. Is blush safe to use on my eyes?

Is blush safe to use on my eyes?

The short answer would be yes. I like to use my blush with a small dusting around the eyes to give a natural rosy glow rather than to in with too much eye shadow. Pressed powder is pressed powder no matter if you call it eye shadow, blush, or touch up powder.

But why would this be a concern?

The reason people usually get worried about it is that blushes tend to have more red pigments in them.

Why should that matter?

Well the skin in the area around your eye is the thinnest skin on your entire body and red pigments tend to cause the most staining. A few years back, around 1990, there was also a big issue with red dyes that were being used in food and cosmetics. If you look around eye shadow colors, most of them will not have a bright prime red— the FDA does not allow companies to make a truly red eye shadow, but there are blushes that are truly red.

Don’t panic, though, it is safe to use around the eyes, just remember they can stain the skin around the eye mildly. You can remove it with a little extra eye makeup remover or even shaving cream lightly massaged and rinsed off around the eyes will help to pull out any residual red pigment staining the skin.

Remember just because a product isn’t marketed for a certain use doesn’t mean you can’t experiment and play with it, but it’s always good to be safe and ask questions if you aren’t sure. No question is a silly question when it comes to your well-being. If anyone has any questions about products or how they work, feel free to leave it in the “Comments” section or email me a nina@cinemasecrets.com .