How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes

March 30th, 2013 . No Comments »

Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

 

Applying makeup with the right tools is key in achieving flawless makeup.  If you’re going to make the investment in high-quality makeup artist brushes, it would be in your best interest to keep them in tip-top shape!  Think about it.  We wash our hair virtually every day so why would we not treat our makeup brushes with the same TLC?  Dirty makeup brushes can be a breeding ground for bacteria that can acerbate or lead to unwanted skin breakouts.  When doing makeup lessons with customers, I often see makeup brushes that are dirty and laying in the bottom of soiled makeup bags. Clean makeup brushes are a blessing to your skin.

 

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Timeline for cleaning makeup brushes

Concealer and foundation brushes: after each use

Powder, blush and eyeshadow brushes: once a week

Here is how we clean our makeup brushes at The Make-up Studio:

da Vinci Conditioning Brush Soap

We love this brush soap not only because it gets our makeup brushes extremely clean but it conditions them as well!  Made with a 100% vegetable oil base, the da Vinci Conditioning Brush Soap keeps natural hair and synthetic fibers soft.

Directions for use

gregory-daniels-brush-soap

Step One: Wet your makeup brush with warm water

Step Two: Swirl the brush head in a circular motion in the tin until it gets soapy

Step Three: Massage the brush head under the water, rinsing it clean (repeat if necessary)

Step Four: Gently remove excess liquid and reshape the brush with a clean, dry towel

Step Five: While drying, store upright in your favorite mug or brush vessel.

 

Cozzette Aromatherapy Makeup Brush Cleaner

Our favorite liquid cleanser has inviting aroma consisting of lavender and lemongrass.  The Cozzette Aromatherapy Makeup Brush Cleaner revitalizes, hydrates and sanitizes your makeup brushes.

Directions for usebrush cleaner

Step One: To spot clean, spray a tissue or paper towel with this product

Step Two: Gently swipe the bristles of the brush along the portion of the towel dampened with the solution.

(Can also be used to deep clean your makeup brushes by submerging them in the product)

 

Solid Blender Cleanser by Beauty Blender

Our product of choice to clean our Beauty Blenders is the Solid Blender Cleanser.  This travel-friendly cleanser not only cleans our sponges superbly but we are able to use it on makeup brushes as well!

Directions for usebeauty-blender-solid-cleanser2

Step One: Wet your sponge with warm water

Step Two: Swirl in a circular motion in the cleanser

Step Three: Massage the sponge under the water, working up a lather targeting the areas with makeup

Step Four: Fully rinse and repeat if necessary

Step Five: Squeeze out all the remaining water using a clean, dry towel or tissue

 

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Hopefully these tips will inspire you to clean your makeup brushes and keep them in excellent condition for many a makeup application!

Posted in Tips & Lessons
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How To Contour Your Cheekbones

February 15th, 2013 . No Comments »

Contouring Your Cheekbones            

The following is a quick tip on how to contour your cheekbones and sculpt your face. This trick I learned some years ago from an incredible makeup artist in the industry and it is very simple to do. If you’ve visited other makeup tutorials, they can be a bit intimidating and complicated to achieve. With this trick it can be as simple as using one product and suddenly you have cheekbones.

Step One: Applying light powder

Use a sponge wedge and apply a light matte powder to just under the cheekbones and your blush. In this photo I used The Make-up Studio Mineral Eye Shadow in “Grace”. You can also use a light face powder but it needs to have a fair amount of pigment so it will show up.

Step Two: Blend out

Brush away and blend out excess powder with a powder brush, my personal favorite being the Cozzette S125. You should not see a white streak after blending color out and if so, you have used too light of a shade. Flesh toned colors are better than white. The end result should just be that your cheekbones look more sculpted.

Step Three (optional): Bronzer

For added depth, you can apply a bronzer to just under your cheekbones. The placement of the bronzer should be  right under your blush. Our customer favorite is the Girlactik bronzer in “Cabo”. Make sure your bronzer is matte and not too dark or it will appear like something out of the eighties!

If done correctly this quick step can create the illusion of having great cheekbones! For more in-depth tips on how to apply makeup from Julie Farley, come on in to The Make-up Studio for a Signature Lesson or a Mini Express Lesson.

Call or email us today!

 

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Do It Yourself (DIY) Bridal Makeup

November 28th, 2012 . 2 Comments »

Classic Bridal Makeup Tutorial

Imagine having Martha Stewart plan your dinner party or Vera Wang help you shop for your wedding dress…well that’s the level of treat we are in for today! Julie Farley, owner and make-up artist extraordinaire of The Make-Up Studio in downtown Spokane, has written a whole post for us about how to do DIY bridal make-up! And while we here at Apple Brides strongly advise you to book a professional make-up artist, we also know that sometimes it’s just not in the cards.

It is truly an honor for all of us to get some DIY tips from her! Take it away Julie…

 

 

Step 1- Prep Skin

Prep skin with eye cream  and face primer. Using an eye cream will help application of under eye concealer and the face primer improves the texture of your skin for foundation application. The one we used is our favorite because it keeps the face more matte throughout the day. Great for bridal makeup that needs to last 12+ hours!

Product Recommendations:

Step 2 – Foundation, Concealer & Powder

Use a tinted moisturizer for a natural look, followed by face and under eye concealer. Finish with colorless setting powder.

For more concealer tips see our blog posts : Under eye concealing made easy and How to hide redness on the face

Product Recommendations:

Makeup Brushes and Tools Used:

Step 3 – Eyes

Tight lining the lashline & applying lid primer

Prep lids with lid primer using brush and blend out with fingers. Then apply tight line color to root of lashes using flat stiff brush and eyeliner sealer. The eyeshadow needs to be pigment rich and can be other than black such as deep purple or navy blue.

Product Recommendations:

Makeup Brushes Used:

Bridal Eye Makeup

To create this look on the eyes apply darker bronze shadow on outside corner of eye, then a light gold shimmer on the inside half of eye. Next, apply a matte shade of light brown into crease to contour. Notice the powder we have used under the eyes to catch any fallen eyeshadow. Just brush away when done with eyeshadow application.

Product Recommendations:

Makeup Brushes Used:

Bridal eye makeup tutorial

Line waterline with black eye pencil , then tap a waterproof creme eyeshadow into lower lash line. Finish with light gold eye shadow to the inside v and highlight under brow, either using a flesh tone or soft shimmer shadow. Fill in brows as needed.

Product Recommendations:

Makeup Brushes Used:

Eyelash curling tricks

Curl lashes with a rounded pad eyelash curler and apply waterproof mascara or the tube type such as Blinc. Separate lashes with a lash comb and finish with a heated lash curler to lift outside lashes.

Product Recommendations:

Step 4 – Blush, Bronzer & Contour

Applying blush, bronzer and contour

Apply Blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend upward along cheekbones. Bronzer should be applied to the high plains of the face, such as forehead, jawline and under cheekbone as a contour. To chisel cheekbones further, apply light colored powder just under bronzer and blend. This is a great visual effect.

Product Recommendations:

Makeup Brushes Used:

 

Step 5 – Lips

Applying lip stain and gloss

Apply lip stain for a natural smudge proof color and finish with gloss.  You can add a light color gloss to mute the color of the stain if desired. Remember, your lips need to have a little more color to show up in photos.

Product Recommendations:

Makeup Brushes Used:

 

 

Step 6 – Lashes

Applying individual false lashes

Applying false lashes will pop your eyes about 40% which is great for pictures. We prefer individual lashes to strips because they look more natural and don’t lift on the edges. Apply individual lashes to the lash line alternating sizes. Finish with a thin black liner on top to hide roots of lashes.

Product Recommendations:

Makeup Brushes Recommended:

 

All of these steps can all be achieved with the proper makeup and tools. Look for a high quality, oil free foundation and pigment rich shadows and blush. Most importantly, prep your skin. Your makeup will only look as good as the texture of your skin allows. We recommend getting started several weeks early using an eye cream and moisturizer to really get your skin hydrated. For a quick and easy facial alternative we recommend using the GlamGlow Mud Mask a couple times a week prior to your wedding. This will help get your face in tip top shape for your special day.

Posted in Bridal DYI Makeup, Bridal/Wedding, Brushes, Cheeks, Cover Up & Concealer, Curlers, Eye Shadows, Eyes, Face, Lashes, Lips, Makeup Ideas, Makeup Looks, Makeup Products, Makeup Tools, Skin, Special Occasion Makeup, Sponges, Tips & Lessons

The Make-up Studio Holiday Open House

November 15th, 2012 . 2 Comments »

The Make-up Studio Holiday Open House

Posted in Cuffs, Earrings, Holiday, Jewelry, Makeup Products, Necklaces

GlamGlow Cure Sexy Mud Mask

October 4th, 2012 . No Comments »

Cure Sexy

GlamGlow is a 10-minute professional “facial in a Jar” for behind the scenes use in Hollywood’s Entertainment, Music, Fashion and Award industries. Giving immediate camera ready glowing skin. GlamGlow is made of a mud base from the South of France Mediterranean Sea, home to glamorous Cannes, St. Tropez and Monaco. It contains moisturizing collagen synthesis that are great for men and women. Use a couple of times a week or when you feel the need to be GLAM-tastic.  During the month of

During the month of October, 25% of all GLAMGLOW proceeds with go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation with the creation of the limited edition jar, Cure Sexy.

Posted in Makeup Products, Skin

How to hide redness on the face

May 1st, 2012 . 1 Comment »

 

Hiding Redness On The Face With Concealer

 

One of our most frequently asked questions we receive at The Make-up Studio is “how do I hide redness on the face”. If you have blemishes, broken capillaries or age spots that you wish to cover on your face, The Makeup Studio staff can help.

“It’s all about color theory”-Says Julie Farley.

The first step to hide redness on the face, is start with the color wheel to determine your shade of concealer. For example with redness on your face, you want to use a yellow/green concealer. Make sure your makeup concealer isn’t too light or dark. If you use too light of a concealer it will appear lighter on the face and will accentuate the red spots on your face. Remember you want to see the effects of the makeup but not see the makeup.

Here is a step by step tutorial to achieve even toned skin:

Step One:

It’s a good idea to prep the skin with moisturizer, then a face primer like the Senna Silky Primer or the Alison Raffaele Acne Response Primer. The primer will ensure a silky smooth surface to help your foundation and concealer glide on smoothly and help fill in fine lines.

Step Two:

Apply liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer. The Makeup Studio staff loves tinted moisturizers at The Make-up Studio because their light formula will give you adequate coverage and most of them come with a sunscreen in the formula.

Step Three:

Apply concealer with a concealer brush on all redness and blemishes. Use the warmth of your finger to stipple it in. Here are a few of our favorites:

Step Four:

Apply translucent powder to set the makeup. This final step is often overlooked, but is very important. Translucent powder will help hold your foundation and concealer in place throughout the day. We love the Alison Raffaele Transparent Finish Powder for this step.

So show your face with pride and don’t hide!

What are your favorite products that help you reduce facial redness?

Posted in Cover Up & Concealer
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Long-wear Cream Eyeshadows

March 21st, 2012 . No Comments »

 

Cream Eyeshadows That Last

We like quick and easy! And that is just what the Girlactik Eye Glazes are all about.

The velvety texture of these cream eyeshadows help them glide on smoothly with no tugging. They dry into a high pearl finish with a staying power that will last all day with no creasing. And if that isn’t enough, how about the fact that they are waterproof, smudge proof and won’t fade!

The Make-up Studio loves Girlactik Eye Glazes because:

  • They are easy to apply.
  • They will not crease or smudge.
  • They wont come off until you take them off.
  • They are lightweight and waterproof.

Makeup Artist Tip: Apply the eye glaze on your lid and blend in with your finger or small concealer brush. You have about a minute to blend it in before it dries. You can apply it under your lower lash line for a more dramatic, smokey effect.

 

 

Posted in Eye Shadows, Eyes, Makeup Products
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Beauty Blender – The Ultimate Makeup Sponge

March 15th, 2012 . No Comments »

Never thought we would be blogging about an egg shaped sponge, but it is definitely blog worthy! If you don’t have this pink sponge as a tool in your kit, you are truly missing out. Now you might say a sponge is a sponge, but not so!

Beauty Blender Sponge

This elliptical shape sponge called the Beauty Blender was designed to match the contours of the face so applying foundation and cream blush has never been easier. Not only is it the perfect shape for blending, but the texture of this sponge is amazing and you’ll never go back to the cheap ones again. These pink sponges can be washed over and over and will last for months!!! The company will even recycle your old Beauty Blender.

Why we love them here at The Make-up Studio:

  • They come in a 2 pack so you can share with a friend
  • They’re washable
  • It’s a multi tasking tool
  • Environmentally Friendly
  • Your makeup will never look better

Directions:

  1. Wet sponge, then squeeze the excess water out.
  2. Either apply foundation with fingers, then blend in with sponge, or stipple makeup directly with sponge.
  3. Apply under eye concealer with fingers then use the sponge tip to blend.
  4. Turn sponge over and use large end for applying cream blush.
  5. Clean your sponge after every use.

Click here to watch a video on the Beauty Blender Sponge

Posted in Makeup Tools, Sponges
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Why We Love Tinted Moisturizers

March 13th, 2012 . No Comments »

Tinted Moisturizers Rock!

One of the best ways to update your makeup for spring is to incorporate a tinted moisturizer.  These sheer foundations are easy to work with and they look and feel better on the skin than a traditional liquid foundation.

Some women feel that they need to apply a heavier foundation because they have pigmentation or redness to cover and don’t know how to achieve flawless skin any other way. Then there are the women who just don’t wear any foundation, but need to and are thrilled to discover that just a little coverage is a good thing!

We feel at The Make-up Studio that your skin should look flawless with the least amount of makeup. To achieve this unmade up look, and still have great looking skin, apply a tinted moisturizer followed by a face concealer. The point is to just spot touch where you need the extra coverage with the concealer and the finished look will feel lighter and fresher! We recommend setting with a colorless powder such as the Allison Raffaele transparent setting powder.

There are so many tinted moisturizers available on the market but they all have a different feel, coverage and SPF factor so it can be challenging finding the right one. Remember, if possible always ask for a sample so you can try it at home to make sure you like the color and feel, as not all tinted moisturizers are created equal!

Tinted moisturizers are easy to apply with either fingers, sponge, or foundation brush.

Here are some great options that we carry at The Make-up Studio:

Stop by The Make-up Studio for your complimentary appointment to be color matched and receive your free samples. Remember, you should be your own best makeup artist and we can teach you how to accomplish that with one of the lessons we offer here at The Make-up Studio.

 

Posted in Makeup Products
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Flawless Airbrushed Bridal Makeup

March 7th, 2012 . No Comments »


Ifong Chen Photography

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and you want to look your best. Have Julie Farley and The Makeup Studio team create your perfect look that will last throughout pictures, the wedding and on into the reception.

The Make-up Studio Bridal Makeup package includes 3 appointments.

  • Bridal Consult
    This is a 20 minute appointment where we discuss details to determine your wedding day look. We note the colors, style of your wedding gown, hair style, jewelry, your personal makeup routine and your skin type. We will make suggestions for you on your skin care, brow shaping and all the other scheduling details such as hair appointments.
  • Bridal Preview
    We apply your makeup exactly how it will look on your wedding day in this 2 hour appointment. We will go step by step and document your personal makeup design on a face sheet followed by a photograph for our records. You will have your foundation airbrushed and have the individual eyelash or strip application applied. Many brides like to use this appointment to look fabulous for a bridal shower or bachelorette party. Brides can bring examples of their favorite makeup styles from magazines which can help us in designing your bridal day makeup.


Bridal Prevew

  • Wedding Day Application
    For your wedding day application we allow up to 1 hour and fifteen minutes. Once again you will experience the flawless airbrush makeup application along with those fabulous natural looking lashes we apply. You will leave with a touch up bag that includes translucent powder, sponges, Q-tips, and a lip product of your choice.

August, 2011 Bride -Stacey Finch

Call us at 509-455-7430 for your free consultation to visit the studio and meet our staff.

View our Bridal Gallery of other past brides and hear what they have to say about Julie Farley and The Make-up Studio team.

Posted in Airbrush Makeup
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