OPEN DOOR POLICY

By Tamara Gold

So, here’s a reason to love the artist known as Jenny from the Block. I’m talking about working mother of two-year-old twins, Jennifer Lopez, who hit home for me when she talked about her beauty routine — or lack of one on many days.

“I’m taking a bath and my son Max climbs in the bath or the shower,” J Lo told my Red Lipstick Report Hollywood correspondent. “Literally, I don’t have a minute for myself. Even if I’m going to the bathroom, my daughter will wander in and stand at my knee. I’ll be busy and she will say, ‘Go outside?’ Play, Mommy, play!”

“You can’t spend tons of time on the hair and makeup. You have to go with the flow,” J Lo says.

This made me smile because even Mrs. Mark Anthony, I-Look-Skinny-in-Beaded-Catsuits struggles with trying to look gorgeous, do everything and take care of the kids.

I felt for her. But let’s face the truth pretty mommies: The bathroom is our one last sanctuary.

I remember when my kids were little. I used to go into the bathroom, lock the door and then put on my mascara just praying I wouldn’t hear a big crash from the outside. Yes, I was selfish and stayed in there a whole four or five minutes….six or seven, if I had to pee and put on lip-liner during the same trip.

I’ll never forget the day when I was the makeup artist for a major national TV commercial for Heinz gravy.  A Thanksgiving table  was beautifully set and the chairs were filled with the most ideal TV family including adorable children. Well, the director thought that one of the kids had huge ears, so he told me, “Pin that kid’s ears back.”

I did everything I could to ease this little kids nerves, not to mention mine and then ran to the trailer bathroom. Not one of the more glamorous locations on set. I stayed in that tiny, icky room with the cracked sink and dirty mirror. Are you kidding me? It was a bathroom and I was the mother of young children. How could I not lose myself in the peace and quiet?

But our kids are wise to us, ladies, when it comes to our hideout. Maybe they overheard Kate Hudson tell my Hollywood reporter that she used to sneak into the john for her Kate Only Time when Ryder was a toddler. Or maybe they heard my own son explain bathrooms. When my son was little, he would see me come out of the bathroom dressed up for work with nice make-up on. He would say, “When my mother goes to work, she be Tamara Gold, the makeup artist. When she come home, she be Tammy Rosenberg, my mudder.”

That just about killed me.

And this brings me back to J Lo who is gorgeous to me in every single way now. It’s not just that perfect glowing skin or the hair she wears slicked back in a pony-tail. It’s not just that she wore a little bit of beautiful spring lilac and grey eye-shadow and tons of mascara during her press junket in Beverly Hills last week for “The Back-Up Plan.”

She’s even more beautiful because of why that hair was up in a ponytail and not long, fussed and perfect.  “I was in my bathroom trying to leave for this event when my kids both started crying and saying, ‘Mommy, no, no! Don’t go, Mommy!’ So I spent time making sure they were okay and that they knew Mommy would be home while the sun was still shining.”

Oh, there was no time left for the flat iron.

Guess what?

It doesn’t matter.

Check out this inspiring Momma in her new flick; The Back Up Plan.

The perfect tool for makeup enthusiasts looking for professional airbrush results at home. The system is compact and light and can easily slip into your countertop makeup collection. This consumer version of the professional unit features foundation, blush, and highlight “pods” which eliminate the trouble of mixing shades and cleaning the system with each use. With 12 shades of foundation, it should be easy to match your skin tone. However, be sure to go to a Sephora to have one of the consultants help you pick your closest shade. The system emits a gentle mist and the pressure is adjustable though I keep mine cranked at the highest setting. I would like to see a little more power, but the current system does get the job done in about five minutes plus drying time.

The pods can be a little tricky to remove and replace and if you choose to use the TEMPTU blush, you will need to make a switch during your makeup application. I find that if I apply my usual concealer before airbrushing, the TEMPTU system provides nearly seamless coverage of my dark circles. While I do like the foundation pods, I found that the Retouch Foundation was significantly lighter in color than the airbrushed version and did not produce similar results. Because the system produces more sheer coverage, I would recommend using a silicon-based primer (I like Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer) to keep your look fresh for hours. And be sure to let the product dry on your face before applying other makeup or powders. The system is not inexpensive by any means and with replacement pods priced around $30, regular use of the system could be pricey if you prefer heavier coverage. However, because Sephora (which is the only TEMPTU retailer) offers exchanges and refunds for 60 days after product purchase, it could be worth the initial investment to experiment for up to two months. Overall, I would only recommend the product to makeup enthusiast who truly enjoy experimenting with their look and who enjoy taking time each day to create a flawless face.

Available Exclusively at Sephora
TEMPTU® AIRbrush Makeup System$225
TEMPTU AIR pod™ Foundation$55

]]> http://www.theredlipstickreport.com/its-3-12-kisses-for-temptu-airbrush-system/feed/ 0 http://www.theredlipstickreport.com/has-your-favorite-lipstick-been-discontinued/ http://www.theredlipstickreport.com/has-your-favorite-lipstick-been-discontinued/#comments Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:00:20 +0000 Red Lipstick Reporter http://theredlipstickreport.com/?p=3131

Dear Red Lipstick Report,

My friend and I have been buying the same great lipstick from a boutique for years even though she’s a blond and I’m a brunette. It’s one of those fab colors that looks great with neutrals and I wear a lot of black and white. Now they say it’s discontinued. We did research and found out it’s from No Name Cosmetics. Possible it’s under a different # or name? How do I find someone to match it for me? We order 5 at a time of #42 also known as champagne.

A Desperate Color Matcher

Dear Desperate Color Matcher,

I’m sorry to hear your plight, but you should know it happens to the best of us!  Your in luck – I’ve got some good news for you. I once met a woman who was fascinated by the process of mixing lipsticks, foundations and more. She was a true blue artist and makeup happened to be where she played.  She prided herself on her magical touch, and uncanny ability to find her customers the perfect shade and texture lipstick. One day, she decided that she would open her own Cosmetic lab. Hence, Colorlab, was born! Mixology Magic.

In 1996, the talented makeup artist, Mary Swaab, created a process to replicate discontinued lipsticks and more. An immediate hit among beauty insiders, Colorlab, gained recognition from the press, including Vogue, InStyle, Mademoiselle and Seventeen magazine.

You can find Colorlab Custom Cosmetics at high end salons and spas and selected department stores. You can send a sample directly to the lab and have it matched into your own perfect shade. Instructions below.

CUSTOM LIPSTICK MATCHING
Colorlab Cosmetics can match the shade of an existing lipstick. Send the lipstick tube to:
Colorlab Cosmetics/Custom Matching
1112 Fifth Avenue
Rockford, Il 61104
Include your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address and credit card number with expiration date and CVV number. The price is $35.00 for one tube plus $7.95 shipping or $60.00 for two tubes of the same shade plus $9.95 shipping.

CUSTOM REORDERS
To reorder a custom product previously made for you at a Colorlab counter, please contact us by email at shop@colorlabcosmetics.com.

YOUR LIFE AND STYLE IS AMERICAN IDOL

by Tamara Gold

Do you go through your day feeling kind of pitchy?

Or perhaps no one is listening to you and you want to yell out, “Hey dogg, listen up, listen up, listen up. Okay, dogg…..”

You even go to your favorite store, touch a few tubes of the new Tom Ford lipstick line and think, “I’m just not feeling it.”

Your husband hums in the shower and you find yourself saying, “Honey, I love you, but I’m worried about your song selection. With all the great pop songs out there what were you thinking by humming ‘Yellow Submarine?”

What I’m thinking is that life mirrors “American Idol.”

Think about it a moment: Just like on “Idol,” we wake up every morning, style ourselves in the best way possible and then go out on that great stage of life to put on our best performances. Sometimes we win; other times we’re stuck in the bottom three. A detractor can makes our lives miserable. Other times, our personal Simon says, “You went from zero to hero. Well done. ”

What are the deeper lessons of Idol that apply to your life, business and personal style?

Just like Simon tells us on Idol, please stay true to who you are.

It’s time to recognize your own unique talents and stay true to the best vision of you. Think about the singers on Idol who are some mish-mash of what they think everyone else wants them to be as an artist. Suddenly, they’re schitzo!  One week, they’re crooning a country song and the next they’re doing some Zeppelin. It’s confusing because everyone else wonders, “Who is this person?” Just like on Idol when you figure out the best version of you then stick with it. Think about Adam Lambert and Chris Daughtry who were always true to their unique visions. No one had either of them singing show tunes. Those songs just didn’t fit. People who are true to themselves can’t be anything else but beautiful and authentic.

Just like Paula used to tell us on Idol, show us a little more personality.

Don’t hide out. Your personality makes you magnetic and unforgettable. This is true when it comes to your personal style. Perhaps you’re like Crystal Bowersox this season and you dress like you live in a Seattle coffee shop. You know what? She’s perfect because her clothing reflects her true personality. Can you imagine how uncomfortable she would feel if they forced her to wear a tight mini skirt and low-cut shirt? Don’t let others dictate how you will present yourself to the world.

Do it your own way – because the world has enough cookie cutter types.

Your goal is to stand out from all of those who are simply auditioning. You don’t want to look like that cookie cutter girl with the same outfit, the same hair and even the same makeup. Your individuality will make you rise from the pack, and often this does start with clothing. Siobhan Magnus might wear a short tulle skirt with legwarmers and cowboy boots next week, but somehow it all works because she has style to stand out for the rest. Look at Adam Lambert. Like him or not, he commands the room from his ever-growing hair to his pointy-shoes.

Realize that everyone isn’t always a fan.

You can’t go through the day worrying if everyone will vote for you. There will be people who don’t like you or those who judge you harshly. Remember that Simon was rude to Jennifer Hudson and basically told her that she stunk. She was low in the top ten when she got kicked off “Idol,” disappeared and came back to win an Oscar and have a hit CD. Your detractors can and will be wrong. I’m sure Daughtry isn’t still upset that he didn’t win Idol or even come in as the runner up.

Make sure to appreciate the Ellen in your life.

There will always be someone who desperately wants you to win and sees the positive in you. He or she will make you laugh and smile like Ellen does on “Idol.” Cherish this person and let their compliments sink in.

Realize that we all make bad song choices.

Big Mike, I feel your pain on Beatles week. But realize that we all make a bad decision or two in life. You might even do it in front of a lot of people like those Idol contestants. But the key is you put yourself out there and someone will “get” your tune.

Finally, just like on Idol, polish yourself, grow and evolve as you go on.

Think about the Idol contestants on week one vs. the finale of the show. Of course, they’ve had major makeovers from top industry pros. They’ve been polished up and the gold has been tumbled until it shines. Most of the ladies begin as regular people and look like beautiful stars when it’s over. You can work on your own hair, face and clothing in the same manner. Realize it’s not an overnight fix. Heck, it takes those idols all season to really look fabulous.

Oh, one more. Everyone is a winner.

Yes, if you put yourself out there, stay true to who you are and focus on doing your best then how can you not become a winner?

Right, dogg?

A DOZEN DIRTY LITTLE BEAUTY TRICKS
By Tamara Gold

Shhhhh, we need to keep this strictly on the QT. Look over your shoulder pads and make sure no one is watching.

I’m about to violate the Secret Stylist Code of Ethics by telling you the little Hollywood tricks we do to make our clients look extra fabulous including treatments stars regularly do before they sit down with us.

Remember that you didn’t hear it from me.

1. No Panty Hose.

Take a little bit of your favorite luminizer and mix it with an amazing moisturizer. Gently apply it on your legs and it looks like you’re wearing beautiful hose, but instead you have soft, natural, glowing legs. Amazing! My favorite for this…Laura Mercier. It rocks for your legs.

2. Shine on? Forget it!

If you’re shiny because of too much running around just hit the ladies room and grab the toilet seat paper cover. ( A new one of course.)  Tear off a piece and blot your face. It’s a great way to get rid of the oil without taking off your makeup. But, those of you have worked with me personally, know I love those tiny little blue oil-blotters from Clean & Clear.  Keeps you from looking shiny and helps you steer clear of that cakey look you get when you powder over your face to keep your shine at bay.

3. Spanx under it all.

Okay, Okay! I know….It’s not always comfortable, ladies, but hike ‘em up. If you have waist, hip, tummy or thigh issues – or all of the above, damn it all to hell – then get out the Spanx because they will suck in it for you. And, if you were wishing you could wear Spanx to the beach, your in luck!  This just in… Spanx Swimwear

4. Botox

A lot of the stars are  doing it. It’s true.  Same with plastic surgery.  I’m sure you knew that, right? You either think it’s okay or you don’t.  If you decide to give Botox a try…make sure you go to someone who knows what they are doing! Yikes.  And, remember…Just don’t go too far. A little bit at a time will avoid those horrid cat eyes. Who wants that look.

5. Hair extensions

No one over 40 has the same thick, long to your butt locks that they did when they were younger. Ask your stylist about extensions if you want that look. Discuss the ones that are the least harmful to your regular hair. There are so many different techniques. Try clip in extensions before you invest the big bucks. Again, go to the pros that do this kind of thing all the time. Extensions need to match your color and blend into the cut of your hair. There is nothing worse than being able to see where the extensions start and that the hair looks fake.

6. Visit your dentist and get your teeth bleached.

There’s nothing more beautiful than a gorgeous smile without the old lady yellowish I-drank too-much-Starbucks teeth. No time today? Try baking soda on your toothbrush and Crest White Strips are another favorite of mine.

7. Get out of your lawn chair.

For those ladies who are still tanning (and I know you’re out there), just know that stars never expose their faces. It’s horribly aging. If you’re out always use sunblock, but also wash it off the minute you get in the house. If you want that tan look then just use an amazing self-tanner on your face. And, go easy. I’ve been a little too “tan” ( read- orange!) in the past from a little more self-tanner than necessary. There are new organic self-tanner’s out there today. Stars do opt for the tan look because less makeup is needed to give them that glow and well, the lights on some sets can really wash you out.

8. Pad it, Baby.

If you’ve got a little tush envy..You don’t need to toss down more carbs to get Kim Kardashian’s curves….because you might also develop a gut at the same time. You can buy butt pads and add them into your jeans the way certain stars do. It’s also fine to pad your bra a bit with those chicken cutlet type pads that look natural. Can you believe we actually add padding to give the right curves? But, it’s available if you need it. Make sure their are securely in place! Nothing worse than a little bra pad playing peek-a-boo when you’re feeling oh-so-sexy…only for your admiring friend to point and say, “What’s that?” Hmmm. Been there. Done that. Laugh it off. That’s the only way out of this one.

9. Wear nude shoes to make your legs look longer.

Check out the pictures on the Web of the “Sex and the City” gals at the recent Showest event in Vegas to hype the movie. They were in gorgeous slinky dresses with nude heels. Even shorter girls will look like tall models. It works! You don’t get the break in the line that you get when you slip on a dark shoe.

10. Buy fabric tape.

You can take a hem when your pants don’t fit perfectly or you wear flats. It’s also a way to change up  a skirt- make it longer or a mini without alterations.You need to do this one while not wearing your clothing. Taping while in the clothing leads to wrinkles, rumples, and uneven hemlines. Still in doubt; Get a second opinion,and make sure you’ve taped it all up evenly. www.hollywoodfashiontape.com

11. Splurge on false individual lashes at your salon if you have a big event.

It’s about $40 to $50 to have a professional makeup artist put them in and they will only last a few days. But if you’re going to a reunion or on a big date or a wedding then they’re absolutely worth it. Your eyes will pop. You’ll feel like a movie star and won’t even need to wear as much eyeshadow. Individual lashes look more natural if applied in between your real lashes. Applied on top of your lashes, a little more glam. Strip lashes really pop the look and take it way up to the max.

12. Smile!

So many of us are so serious (worried, frantic, busy, etc.) Your smile is your best beauty secret of all.

Thou shalt not cheat on your husband. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not wear the wrong color foundation!

Okay, that last one might not be Biblical, but it should be known to all women because a bad coat of face is one of the 5 Deadly Makeup Sins. I’m using a word as strong as SIN because these mistakes take all the fabulousness right out of your day.

Below are a collection of several beauty sins. Please repent now!

First Sin – Wearing the Wrong Color Foundation.

You’ve seen the woman at the mall or in a restaurant who is wearing someone’s else foundation color. It looks SO fake or as though she’s starring in a revival of “Cats.” Stop the insanity!  Instead, throw out that bottle and find what’s right for you. How do you know if your foundation color is wrong?

The Golden Rule: You will see that your neck and cheeks don’t match . This is called the line of demarcation. When you try on foundation at a makeup counter, don’t buy it right away. Walk around and go out in natural light so you can see if the color really matches. You won’t test it on your arm or hand, but on your jaw line. The right color dries clean and the line between the makeup and your skin disappears completely.

Remember that foundation that’s too heavy or opaque will make you look older because, it won’t blend into your skin, but sit on top of it. Your foundation should also feel like silk on your skin while it hides all your flaws.

Second Sin- Wearing Concealer That’s Too Light Under Your Eyes — Or Too Much.

Hello, raccoon eyes! Concealer that’s too light for your skin tone will look like you’re on your way to your own heavyweight boxing match or your child took a yellow crayon and colored under your eyes.  Instead of hiding your fine lines or wrinkles, you will be shining a spotlight in that direction.

The Golden Rule: Make sure that your concealer blends perfectly with your natural skin tone. Before buying from a makeup counter, ask for a sample, bring it home and try it out for a day or two in different lights. Test it under your foundation to make sure everything blends. Buy a concealer that’s creamy with a nice neutral tone. You can also add a drop of your foundation to your concealer before you put it on to make it appear unnoticeable. Make sure the foundation is not too white for your skin. My favorite comes from Kevyn Aucoin called The Senusal Skin Enhancer $31.50 (www.kevynaucoindirect.com)

Third Sin – Clumpy Mascara.

You need three coats of a mascara for that perfect look, but make sure you don’t create clumps because you put it on the wrong way. Clumps are often created when you “take a little break” to let each coat of mascara dry.

The Golden Rule: Put on your three coats of mascara quickly and one after each other, so it doesn’t dry sticky and create clumps. If it clumps do happen, use a tiny little eyelash comb to separate the lashes. Remember that my rule is to put on the mascara before your shadow, so you can easily do a quick fix if the mascara ends up in the wrong place.

Fourth Sin – Lipliner on the loose!

You know what I’m talking about here…the solid line that somehow sneaks outside your lipstick.

The Golden Rule: Find a good nude liner like my favorite from Chanel (www.Chanel.com). The next step is to color the entire inside of your lip, blot with a Kleenex to take off any excess and then apply lipstick or lip-gloss on top.  The nude liner is key because it will give you definition even if you use a red lipstick. If you’re doing on-camera work, be careful with the gloss. In this high-definition age, a little lipgloss can look like an oil slick on film and it’s distracting. Try a nice nude liner on your lips with  cream lipstick instead.

Fifth Sin - Too Much Bronzer.

Ooompa loompa, doopity don’t, indeed! Been there! Done that! Go easy on the color. And, make sure you blend.

The Golden Rule: First, don’t put bronzer everywhere. It’s not necessary. Use it to add a little sun-kissed look just where the sun would naturally tan your face.  Second, make sure to find a great blush brush and lightly dust your bronzer on your cheeks. You can use a bit of it to go down both sides of your neck and use a little swirl on your chest. If you’re going sleeveless then hit the top of your shoulders with a bit of bronzer.  For my ladies on camera, skip the  sparkling bronzer, which is distracting when filmed. Use a matte powder bronzer if you need a little more color.

Once upon a time — a long, long time ago in the ‘90s — we had a dream. It began at the top of our noggins with an ice-straight blowout and then we worked our way down to the D&G dress, Gucci purse and the fabulous jewelry that we couldn’t afford, but our benefactor Visa seemed to support.

No matter what the cost, we wanted one thing: To be glamorous. Even if we worked at the local mall stocking Haines tighty whities, we wanted to look like a movie star.

A funny thing happened after the economy collapsed. My clients are saying words that could have sent you to style penitentiary a few years ago.

“Tamara,” they lean in and confide. “I want to look good, but I don’t want to be too glamorous.”

This is an interesting phenomenon because while women want to be pretty – or even very pretty – they don’t want to be too much.

This leads me to ask you: When it comes to looks and style, what do you want? Do you want to be pretty or glamorous? A head turner or a heart breaker? Or are you still humming that U2 song when it comes to style -“I still haven’t found what I’m looking for?”

I think I can give you some resolve on this issue even if your own style has been in flux since you turned five. You do want to be pretty, but more importantly, you really need to step into who you are as a woman. Then the rest will fall into place.

Style isn’t an exercise in looking like Demi, Michelle or any number of these Jennifers or Jessicas floating around out there. Style is about finding the best shapes for you along with the best colors, best hair style, best clothes, best shoes… the best everything for just you. It’s not about what Reese is doing. Again, it’s about how you are as a woman.

Just a little side note: you might just get a little glamorous along the way when you figure this one out. Sorry, it’s the fallout of finally finding your unique style. Glamour is that little pouch of makeup samples they offer you with the big purchase. You could turn it down, but why would you?

When you finally figure out the real you,  how to pull it all together and polish up what you have..you just can’t stop it. The glamorous, gorgeous, glowing version of  YOU will be on display for all to see.

You will become that woman.

You know that women.

She’s the one who shows up at the PTA meeting in the black pants, simple white shirt, the great layered haircut and looks absolutely stunning.

Everything she’s done seems right. Her skin glows; her eyes shine and that damn hair swings in the right direction even when she sits by the air-conditioning vent. She isn’t worried about buying 10 pairs of black pants (because they all fit differently). One really is enough.

She is confident in her body. Even if it’s not perfect.

This blog is dedicated to you finding your best self. It’s not about vanity because there is a vast difference between vanity and beauty. Vanity is standing in front of a mirror and getting so lost that you can’t come up for air. The type of beauty we’ll find here is the type where you say, “This is what I have to work with in life. I’ll do my best with it. I’ll own it.”

Look at Jackie O. She was never the most gorgeous, but with those trademark sunglasses, classic cardigans, slim Capri’s and that perfect dark bob, she was stunning and classic.

Look at Michelle Obama who looks so much different since she has moved to Pennsylvania Avenue. During the campaign, she was beautiful, but now she has a new rock-solid confidence and has transformed into gorgeous. What could possibly be different other than she sent out change of address cards?

Answer: She owns her beauty.  She wears clothes from J. Crew and looks like she just stepped off a runway.

She’s not a perfect beauty, but most of us would be happy to feel that good about ourselves.

By the way, she looks quite glamorous to me now.  It’s just part of the deal.

SHU NO-MORE-A
By Tamara Gold

Do you remember where you were when you heard that Elvis had died or that Michael Jackson was gone?

Recall that feeling in the pit of your stomach when Sarah Jessica Parker announced she was putting Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte out to pasture and ending “Sex and the City” on HBO?

Yesterday, it was another one of those heart-stopping moments of loss.

Shu Uemura is closing all their US counters and boutiques. Yes, the Shu stores (or little meccas in stores like Nordies and Neimans) will be forever put to rest and you won’t be able to replace your now famous eyelash curler.

Can you see the tears rolling down my face? What a sad day in the world of makeup.

First, A Little History

There is an actual Mr. Uemura, a famed cinematic makeup artist in the 1960s who turned icon Shirley MacLaine into a woman from the far Far East in the film “My Geisha.” Products were the next stop including the lush individual lash line (J Lo is a fan), a fabulous mascara, heavenly shampoo and eye shadows that went by numbers, but were number one in many makeup artists kits. Ever try the cleansing oil? Your favorite female celeb probably curls up with a bottle at night. Now, she’s clutching it for dear life.

By the way, the late Kevyn Aucoin even proclaimed that the Shu eyelash curler was one of his beloved tools. In the film, “The Devil Wears Prada,” Emily Blunt chides poor Anne Hathaway for “picking up the Shu Uemura eyelash curler and asking, ‘What is this?’” (Silly girl!)

Now comes the RIP

Shu is shutting down its makeup counters and stores in the US, but you can still get the goods on the website while the hair-care line will still be available in salons. Yes, you can breath a tiny sigh of relief. Yet, it won’t be the same because Shu also employed some amazing makeup artists at these counters who taught consumers ways to blend colors that were stunning.

Not that we don’t trust the world wide web, but it might be time to stock up on a few Shu products. This is what I’ll be hoarding:

1. The Shu Uemura eyelash curler. It’s simply the best and it can’t hurt to have another one ..or two .. in the drawer.

2. Shu’s mascara. It’s long-lasting and lightweight. I love the Ultimate Expression Mascara and the Precise Volume Mascara Waterproof.

3. Individual false lashes and lash strips. These are some of the best in the business. You can stock pile them now and use them on a need-to-glam basis.

You can always find your goodies at www.shuuemura-usa.com

There are many things in life that are singular sensations: Your first kiss, hiking the Great Wall and that one-time-only amazing dream where you’re in a love tryst with George Clooney who announces to the global media, “I found The One. It’s Sally from Wisconsin.”

Okay, wake up now.

Sometimes, you need more than just one time. This brings me to your eyelashes because they need three times the love on the daily basis.

Many letters pour into this website asking me, “Tamara, how can I get that look of false eyelashes without the pain of trying to put them on or the expense of going to a professional makeup artist?”

First tip: The key is great mascara and three coats of it. Not one or two…but three.

That’s not the only way you can achieve those delicious thick lashes that all the movie stars have as their most fabulous accessory. Here is the way to have luscious lashes on a daily basis:

1. Most Important: Buy a Great Mascara

One of the best is Dior’s Diorshow in basic black, which retails for about $35 and will last at least eight months. It’s worth it because it’s thick black mascara and the wand is beyond amazing because it’s long, sturdy and will hit every little lash. It’s one of my favorite products for creating major lash action.

Tamara TIP: Often the applicator in the more expensive mascaras makes the price point worth it. Wash and save it when you use your cheaper brands.

2. Apply Mascara Before Anything Else!

Yes, I’m serious here. I promise,  you will use far less eye makeup and it will be a better look. In the studio, I always do lashes first and then the shadow. Plus, this will also save time on cleanup. There’s nothing worse than spending forever on shadow only to ruin it by missing your lashes and hitting your lids with mascara. It’s 6 a.m. and you’re on the way to work. No blame.

3. Use a Wet Q-tip Remove Fallout

My favorite are those pointed little q-tips! I think there so cute, but  don’t under estimate their power! While swiping on three coats of mascara before your shadow has been perfectly placed might just lead to a false sense of  “I don’t need to think about this anymore!” And, you really don’t, but when you find little black specks on your lid; here is your solution. Add a little water to the q-tip to dampen first.  ( This will  get rid of all fuzzies before you make another move) Then, gently glide over your eyelid where ever fallout has occurred.  Ick fact: Eye boogers should also go at this point.

4. Guidelines Baby, Guidelines!

Take a black liner pencil and go really tight onto the part of your lid that touches the lashes. Apply on the top of your lash line.

Tamara TIP: Lift your eyelid up to make sure you’re really getting to the L-spot where you’re almost jamming (I use this term loosely. Please don’t injure yourself ) the liner into the spaces between your lashes.  This is a key technique when you’re applying false lashes. It will save you the naked crack line that may appear if you don’t get the glue in tight enough to the lash line. We all know no one needs to see that, now do they? If you feel confident enough, then use a liquid liner on this spot. This one step will make your lashes appear super dense and ultra lush.

5. Curl Those Lashes Ladies

I’ve read magazine articles that say you should curl after you put on mascara. This becomes a big mess and can even break off your lashes. Always curl before you put on mascara.

Tamara TIP: Once I got a hysterical call from friend who curled while the mascara was still wet and all her lashes stuck to the curler. Permanently. There is no 911 for this tragedy. Only tears.

6. Walk This Way

Here’s the technique the pro’s use. Apply like this…. Go up and then out. Up and out! Do this fast and don’t let the mascara dry between coats or it will get all gunky. If the gunk does accumulate, grab a trusty lash separator….not a pin! Use it to  brush and comb your lashes to separate and get rid of any lumps & clumps. Make sure your lashes aren’t sticking together.

7. Save Yourself from Black Eyes!

Grab  the waterproof version of your favorite mascara when the heat starts risin’. Remember … always wash off all the mascara at night. You’ll not only save your 500 thread count Calvin Klein pillowcases, but when you don’t wash off mascara and sleep in it then your lashes have a good chance of breaking off.

Oh, you might want to save face when you roll over and see George Clooney cuddled up on the pillow next to you.

FAB FIX: So now you have the fab false lashes from just using mascara. One of my favorite stunning looks is to use a neutral, almost skin tone color  eye shadow and blend it into the crease of your eyes and the outer edges. (Don’t use shimmer, but a matte that’s a bit more than nude, but not dark enough to be brown) This tip is how you can achieve that amazing movie star look where it appears as if Gwyneth or Jennifer Garner are not really wearing shadow, but we know they did something. This is that something! I’d add a fuchsia or red lipstick – matte or sheer-  with a bit of clear gloss over it. Fabulous!