How to: Get Clear Skin

If there is one beauty item of 2012 that I think has made the biggest impact it is the face mask. I always thought the green mask was a cute but cliche sleepover idea stemming from chick flicks and 80′s movies.

I learned the importance of the routine of cleanser, toner, lotion, scrub, and the new one to me: a face mask. Since having my own personal skin consultation which taught me the exact products to use based on not only my skin type, but also my make up routine, I found the best mix of products and after 2 weeks I saw improvement. Here we are 2.5 months later and my skin has drastically and dramatically improved.

Using a mild toner which removes foundation but does not dry out my skin. Having two face creams- a thicker one for nighttime, and a lighter one with SPF to apply every morning. I use a scrub twice a week  (tip: keep your scrub in the shower so you don’t forget to use it). And as a new ritual I apply my coveted Flower and Tonic Face Mask every, single Sunday. It has now become a cool-down Sunday night to-do that readies and relaxes me for the week.

I think the best thing anyone can do for their skin is want to take care of it. I decided I wanted to find the best for myself, I tried drugstore, top of the line brands, infamous “miracle” creams $70 a container, and finally found a company that works best for me. This is no way means any thing I love will be the best fit for you, but the routine of cleanser, toner, lotion, scrub, and mask is the best beauty routine for clean, healthy looking skin. Whether it’s through a dermatologist, facialist, or even a well-educated sales girl at the counter do the best you can to research the best fit for your skin!

 

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Makeup 101: Makeup Brushes

It’s a bit overwhelming when you enter any cosmetic store and approach the brush section. Weather you’re an artist or have a love for makeup, there are certain tools you will need to accomplish that look you’re wanting to achieve.

So if you don’t know your contour blender from your smudge stick, brush up your tool knowledge with my tips and brush recommendations to transform you from clueless to confident…

Two areas that I always invest in; PRIMERS and BRUSHES. I’ve complied a list that I share with my clients when the questions about purchasing brushes. Hopefully this eliminates all those useless brushes sitting in your makeup drawer and saves you some money!

EYES

Flat Stiff Brush ~

It’s used to pack on color to your lid. Two words to remember when purchasing this brush FLAT & STIFF. The flat allows you to pack on the color and the stiff allows you to pick up plenty of it.

Stiff Dome Brush ~

This brush allows you to feather in darker eyeshadows creating the perfect smokey eye, and for applying more color to the crease.  This is my all time FAVORITE eye brush!

Soft Dome Brush ~

It is used for blending shadow under the brow, applying a softer amount of color in the crease, and even for applying powder under the eyes to prevent that creasing thoughout the day.

Pencil Brush ~

This brush is used for smudging eyeshadow under the lower lashline, for smudging eyeliner, or for creating a very defined crease.  The smaller tip allows for more precise lines.

FACE

Stippling Brush ~

This is my FAVORITE foundation brush! It ’s used for stippling foundation onto the skin for a more airbrushed finish.  The bristles need to be stiff in order to hold up to the foundation and not streak.

Contour Brush ~

A MUST when contouring the face. This brush is used for applying darker powder under the cheekbones to create a contoured effect- it makes the cheekbones stand out and your face look slimmer.

Angled Blush Brush ~

It’s used for applying powder blush to the cheeks.  It needs to be angled so the blush is easier to blend, and it needs to be soft so it doesn’t pick up too much color. I’ve also used this brush when apply cream blush to blend out any harsh lines.

Highlighter Brush ~

This is nessary if you want that J.Lo glow! In the past I’ve used this brush for light application of foundation, applying a small amount of blush to the cheeks, or for highlighting the top of the cheekbones. It’s not a necessary to have this brush, but nice to have if you want a pretty glow.

Most makeup brands sell a range of makeup brushes to compliment their makeup. Good quality makeup brushes made from high quality fibres or hair can be pricey. You can either purchase all your brushes from your favourite brand or mix and match those you prefer or to get better value.

Here is a list of makeup brushes you’ll find in my kit:

 M.A.C., Urban Decay, E.L.F., Sonia Kashuk, Sigma, NYX & Bobbi Brown

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The Art of….Highlighting the Eye

Highlighting your eyes is becoming the most desired make-up look on the streets and in Hollywood and who can resist a five minute pick me up that helps create the illusion that you’ve been catching up on all your beauty rest, despite the fact that really your insomnia kicked in because of that fourth latte yesterday.

Taylor Swift and Blake Lively highlight their eyes any time they are seen in public and now they are widely known for being “fresh faced.” So whether you fifteen or fifty, this trick will bring life back into those I-already-need-the-weekend eyes.

Whether you’re going for a full-faced look, or just sticking to the basics of tinted moisturizer and mascara, this little trick will take you from everyday to red carpet!

After using your concealer and shadows to cover those lids, take any type of white pencil, cream, highlighter stick, or shadow, my choice being drugstore Rimmel brand soft kohl eye pencil in Pure White ($4, drugstore) to widen and whitened your eye to wake up those morning eyes and give a doe-eyed pop.

 

The best way to apply this product when using a pencil is to line the inner-v of the eye (the side closest to your nose) and then carry the line out to the middle of the eye. I like to go only half-way to keep the look subtle instead of 80′s. When using a cream, you can either use your fingertips or a thin brush. You’re more likely to get heavier look by using your fingertips but if it’s a lighter cream color then using your pinky finger to apply should work perfect. Using a brush gives you more precision but I like using my fingers and afterwards putting the rest below my eyebrow line, the tops of my cheeks and the bridge of my nose. The reflection of light helps draw attention to these areas and create a look of higher cheekbones and a smaller nose!

Lucky for us many companies are creating no-hassle products to help define our inner-v such as Benefit’s Eye Bright, a crayon ($20), NARS‘ Albatross, a powder ($26) and my personal favorite, Shu Uemura‘s eye light pencil white ($18) which is double-ended with a matte white and a pearl white to let you choose depending on your mood!

Happy Shopping!! xo

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4 Reasons to use a Makeup Artist Before a Photo Shoot

Happy New Year!! This month has been a busy one. I thought I would blog about why I feel it’s important to use a MUA before a photo shoot. Last week, I had two clients contact me in regards to photo retakes for engagement pictures. The brides were sobbing on the phone at how they should of took the photographers advice and hire a MUA.

Let’s be honest, photographers can only do so much on their end to make your pictures perfect. It’s up to who is being photographed to make the same decision. I’ve worked with many photographers over the years and each one has a particular style.

Hint: take a look at their work, is there tons of light involved, are they more natural, ask if they can recommend a MUA they work with. Below is a photo of before and after.

 

Make Your Best Impression.

When you show up to a job interview, you want to look your best and put your best foot forward. You want to make a good impression on the person interviewing you, right? The same is true when you are going to be taking photographs. With the exception that a photograph lasts virtually forever. It will definitely leave an impression on everyone who’s seen that picture, whether it’s a good impression or not  is up to you.

4 Reasons why you should always have your makeup done professionally:

1. You don’t know how to do makeup very well and want to look your best. 2. It’s Your wedding day and you want to look your best. 3. It’s a photo shoot and you want to look your best. 4. It’s a modeling gig that pays and you want to look your best.

~ Common Denominator here “LOOK YOUR BEST”

Getting your makeup done professionally.

When you are going to have a photo shoot there are several ways you can go about getting your makeup professionally done. If you don’t know a professional makeup artist personally, you can ask the photographer if he has any suggestions or contacts. Chances are they will and will be more than happy to refer you to a good makeup artist.

Wishing you a Blessed 2012!! xo Leticia Benitez

(Photo provided by www.photochic.net Hair& MU by Eye Candy Glam)

 

 

 

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Glammin’ Up!!

This year has been a busy one for Eye Candy Glam.  From E-Sessions, Weddings, Glam Makeup Parties & Boudoir, I’ve had so much FUN glammin’ up these beauties.

I ”LOVE” making my clients feel and look stunning for that special moment in time. This year I’ve had so many terrific clients, I look forward to what’s in store for Eye Candy Glam in 2012 ~ Cheers

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How to Prevent Eyeliner Running

I had a client email me the question below. I thought I could share my suggestion for her, with all of you.

Hi Lety,

There is one major thing that I’m still struggling with. I love MAC’s liner in Smolder and the way it looks when I use it on my waterline and to line my lower lid, but it doesn’t seem to last more than 20 minutes without smudging, running and going everywhere. This goes for most of the pencil liners I’ve tried, I just can’t figure out how to make that look stay put. Any help you can offer is truly appreciated.

Thanks so much!

-Gaby

 

To prevent your eyeliner (in the waterline/along lower lashes) from smudging down your face, you must create a barrier using makeup.

Apply concealer under the eyes and blend it out. The next step is most important – dip a sponge in a little bit of translucent loose power and press it directly over the concealer to set it. Use a clean brush to sweep away the loose powder under the eyes. This should do the trick for you as the concealer and powder will not allow the liner to smudge down past the lashes.

To better understand it, think of flood for example. If water is coming toward your front door and leave the door open, the water will come in. If you take sand bags and build a little wall, the water will not be able to get in your front door. The concealer and powder together act as the sand bags. I hope this helps!

~ Lety

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Eye Candy Glam Makeup Parties!!

I’ve received  several questions inquiring about makeup parties. Since my busy summer schedule is slowing down, I’ve decided to post some information for all of you interested.

I  offer a service where you can host a makeup party. This is when you get a group of friends (5- including yourself ) to have a fun session learning makeup application skills, product tips and ideas for what might suit you individually.

          Pick one of the Four:

- Smokey Eye

- How to apply Lashes {lashes provided}

- Everyday Looks

*Custom Makeup Parties Avaliable Upon Request

Everyone brings along their own makeup and a makeup free face and we go through the application process as a group. The cost is $25 per person. The sessions usually take about 2 hours depending on the number of people. This is a great idea for a girls get together or birthday party.

I provide individualized attention to each guest, making sure your guest not only have a great time, but learn something new.

Each guest receives:

 - Goody Bag & Group Photo to document your girl time together!!

*I bring along my makeup pallets/brushes & much more. The hostess is my model for the day, price listing is located under the “About” tab under “Rates”.

~ Every Girl Needs a Little Eye Candy

 

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How-To: Classic Winged Liner

I get a lot of requests for liner tutorials, so here is a quick classic: the winged eye. I prefer to use MAC fluidline (in either blacktrack or dipdown – I used dipdown here) and a Sonia Kashuk bent eyeliner brush. The bent shape makes it super easy and the brush is thin but dense, so you have more control of the thickness of your line. Also, I swear by fluidline – I kind of hate liquid liner – but it’s completely up to you!

Step one: Apply primer. Using short, dash-like strokes, apply a thin line just above your lash line. I usually work from the outside in. I also like to line the entire upper waterline (lift your lid a little and gently line) and get between lashes (wiggle the brush between the base of your lashes to fill any gaps). Steady shaky hands by resting your pinky on your cheek. I hold my brush like a pencil and actually rest my hand the same way I would if I was writing on paper.

It’s best to start with a thin line, because it’s way easier to build it up than to make it thinner. I like for my winged tip to look almost like a continuing line from my lower lash line. To find that direction, place your brush at your lower lash line, along the outer edge. Make a dot with the tip of your brush at the point where you would like the tip of the wing to end – you can make this as subtle or dramatic as you want.

Connect the dot to the outer edge of your liner. Connect from your inner lash line to the dot in a gradual slope (this is a continuous, straight line – it just looks curved because my clients eyeball is also curved). You want the line to get thicker toward the edge and diminish toward the inner lash line, so start very close to the lash line and gradually increase the thickness/incline.

Fill in the gap and you’re done! I obviously didn’t line her lower lash line or remember to clean up her lower waterline, but this is the point where you do either of those things if necessary. You can clean up any mess with a q-tip and a little makeup remover.
 
  
Things to remember: 
Use primer! It will help keep your liner in place.
Buy that bent liner brush – it is the best and only $5.99.
Make the winged tip a continuous line from your lower lash line.
Keep it thin toward your inner lash line and build up and out.
 
 
 
 

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Stunning Eyes = False Eyelashes

 

Big, expressive eyes with thick, lush eyelashes have been a quintessential part of the image of a beautiful woman. Nothing adds more glamour to your eyes than long an well curled eyelashes. But, if nature has not blessed you with them, don’t fret! With that bit of magic called false eyelashes, you can achieve those  gorgeous eyes you’d always wanted.

Sometimes it’s fun to go for glamour with false eyelashes. That is of course, if you don’t naturally have thicker and long eyelashes. Weather you want a subtle change with a few singles, or more drama with a full lash, you might want to practice first: this can be one of the trickier beauty enhancers. Decide what look you’re trying to achieve. For starters I recommend trying your local beauty store and taking a look at what they have to offer.  One of my favorites to work with are Ardell -Sweeties, these provide just enough drama, without the fake lash feel and they are terrific for the price.

Using a tweezers, dip the base end of the lashes into the glue, then place the lashes as close to the baseline of your own as you can, filling in wherever you want the greatest impact (generally, the mid to outer lashes look fabulous in false lashes). Press gently, but firmly with something blunt. Hold the lash in place for about 5 seconds until the glue has a chance to hold.

Let the adhesive dry, and then apply dark eyeliner to camouflage the line of the fake eyelashes and then apply mascara. The mascara will help blend your own lashes with the fake ones, and make your eyes look fuller and larger.

To remove, gently pull them off with tweezers and remove any extra adhesive.

Tip: Use the darker adhesive for dark lashes and white/clear adhesive for blond lashes; also lashes are applied at the end of your regular eye makeup.

 

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