Applying Blush

It is best to apply blush sparingly because the blush warms with the heat of the body to a more intense hue.

* A good blush brush is needed for blush application to create a natural look. I would not recommend using brushes that come in the compact as they are usually too small to create a natural look.

* Knowing where the apple of your cheeks appear gives a beautiful look; simply smile into the mirror to see the apples.

* Dip blush brush into blush powder and tap off the excess applying over the apple of the cheek, if you have  applied to much powder, dab bit of translucent powder to tone it down.

Tips:

Cream blush is great for older skin because it looks natural and blends easily.

A light coat of powder should be applied before and after applying blush to prevent the blush from grabbing unto the oily spots on the skin and also makes the blush go on more smoothly.

Favorite Picks: Mac , Laura Mercier, Sephora, Shu Uemura

Choosing the Right Blush Color

Blush adds colors and warth to the face and it's applied to the cheeks. Blush comes in a variety of hues and consistencies; they come in powder, cream and gel therefore care needs to be taken in choosing the right shade for the skin. For dark skin tones, auburns, bronze and plumb will work best . Fair skin tones look best in beige and pink while olive skin tones look best in brown and copper. This is just to give an insight of  how the different shades are chosen, watch out for more tutorials on the applying techniques.
The palette pictured below is one of my favorite, contains blush for all skin tones!



Mineralize Skin Finish

This is my first makeup review in year 2011 and I'm excited like most of us because so far the focus had been on skin.
The only product that I adore and probably can't do without is the M.A.C Mineralize Skin Finish, this is an outstanding product! According to the manufacturer, it is a luxurious velvet-soft powder with high-frost metallic finish. Smoothes on: adds buffed-up highlights to cheeks, or an overall ultra-deluxe polish to the face. The good thing about the Mineralize Skin finish is that they are highly pigmented and they can be used as eyeshadows, highlighters, bronzers, blusher or cheek contour depending  on your own skin tone and the color of the product - they are very versatile. A little bit goes a long way, so it will last for a long time.
I personally swipe  the "Gold Deposit" on my cheek bones after applying a blush for an instant glow and also for my brides that are after products that offer a perfect glow in one swipe.  This product is baked and therefore will not leave any wet spot when setting the makeup with water/Fix+.

Purple Eyeshadow

I've been asked a million times why I love to add purple to my eye makeup and that's why I've chosen to answer the question today before starting 2011 makeup tutorials.
I must say purple is my favorite color and it often reflects in whatever I wear daily; either my accessories, clothing or makeup. To me, the shade of purple doesn't matter whether lilac, violet,  fuchsia, amethyst, eggplant or plum; so far it belongs to the purple family!
For the eye makeup, basically any brand of eyeshadow can achieve the same result but the pallet I use often is pictured below by B.H Cosmetics which works really well with any brand of eyeshadow base. A lighter shade is applied to the inner corner of the eye and the darker shade applied to the outer to give a smokey look. Besides my eyeshadow brush, my fourth finger does a very good job applying all my eye makeup........try it and see!
So many tutorials are lined up for the new year, till then keep the skin healthy and fresh.

Eye Shadow Palette

Moi

Shimmery Skin

I love good skin! Can't stop admiring Beyonce's shimmery skin with just a simple makeup to avoid looking overdone.

Channel to Real Beauty

I believe it's important for us to know the steps to real beauty, we shouldn't just rely on makeup to cover all our flaws. We should be able to achieve a glow from inside out in this new year, below are points directly related to healthy skin, hair and nails.


*Eat diets rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
*Take a high quality multiple vitamin everyday.
*Exercise.
*Drink at least eight glasses of water everyday.
*Eat fat in moderation.
*Abstain from alcohol and don't drink too much coffee.
*Get a good "beauty sleep" everyday.
*Use sun protection everyday.
*Don't smoke.
*Relax, laugh and enjoy life.

Happy New Skin

Cabbage

We bless God for His mercies ; crossing over to year 2011 is simply by His grace.

Let's usher in the New Year with beautiful, healthy skins by focusing more on Antioxidants - which are ingredients found in vitamins and other sources. They help repair and prevent cell damage caused by free radicals and also moisturize dry, flaky skins. The best way to get antioxidants is through our diet, most potent ones are Vitamins A, C and E and beta-carotene. Everything you eat becomes a part of not only your inner being, but the outer fabric of your body as well therefore the healthier food you consume, the better your skin will look. Remember a healthy skin keeps one away from Botox & Surgery..............LMAO!

Foods rich in Antioxidants

  Lola Longe, Emerging Faces Makeup Artistry Studio.

Skin Types At A Glance

I met a lady at the cosmetics counter in the mall yesterday who was being intimidated and bullied by the cosmetics representative trying to force her into buying products that she didn't need.
That wasn't my first time seeing victims of agressive sales at the mall and that made me realize a lot of us don't even know so much about the largest external organ of the human body - SKIN. It is the only external organ shared by everyone and it's worst enemy is the SUN.
Below is a glance of the different skin types most especially on the face, so take a look and figure out what you've got!

Dry : In woman of color, skin appears dull from dead skin buildup and ashy. Generally, dry skin feel tight, especially after cleansing; fine wrinkles, flaking and red patches.
Oily: Shiny skin, enlarged pores, highly prone to black heads and blemishes; often some tightness on the skin.
Sensitive : Delicate, thin, fine pores. Prone to broken capillaries, frequently allergic, flushes easily and can be rashy.
Combination/Normal: Smooth and even texture, medium pores, good circulation, healthy color, may be oily on T-Zone, may tend toward dryness on the cheeks.
Aging Or Sun Damaged Skin: Visible wrinkles, feels tight, slack skin tone-especially around cheeks and jawline, leathery texture, broken capillaries.

Lola Longe, Emerging Faces Studio, Houston, TX

My Birthday

All I just want to do is give glory to God for His faithfulness! Celebrating another birthday is simply by His grace and being on a Sunday made it even better to worship Him.
26th of December wasn't the regular boxing day for me this time, decided to spend quality time with God and my family.................it's so certain it can only get better from here.

Merry Christmas!

It's that time of the year again when we celebrate the birth of Christ and appreciate our loved ones. Sincerely, God has been really good to me, He's blessed me so much and sent wonderful people my way this year. I have every reason to celebrate today and wishing all our customers a joyous Christmas and of course really looking forward to seeing how tomorrow will unfold - My Birthday. Not to digress from my main point "Christmas", I had to do a Christmas themed makeup on a model whom I admire so much. Keyah is highly professional, she's been modeling for years and working with her was so much fun. The makeup was done at the studio "Emerging Faces" at Harwin drive, here are a few of the pictures to wish you all a Red & Green day.

Lola Longe, Emerging Faces Makeup Artistry Studio.

Bibian's Wedding

Bibian is a wonderful client who merely just fell in love with my work after visiting my website.

She called and made an appointment with Emerging Faces and came for bridal consultation at the studio six month before her wedding. Finally, the wedding day came and I was priviledged to do her bridal makeup. Bibian wanted her face to glow all through the day without having to touch up at intervals so the makeup technique used was airbrush. It was a beautiful wedding and I'm happy to share a few of the pictures with my Bellas!!!  

Ini's wedding

Ini's wedding was meticulously planned by Zina weddings and Event Planning so I had no doubt that the ceremony would be a huge success. The timing was perfect as Ezindu, the CEO of Zina weddings is known for managing time efficiently; not the usual "African Time Themed Weddings".
The makeup technique used was Airbrush which Ini personally requested because she wanted to try something different and look flawless on the happiest day of her life. Lola Longe of Emerging Faces performed her God given talent and is happy to share some of the pictures with her Bellas.

Lola Longe, Emerging Faces Makeup Artistry.

Emmy's Big day

Makeup technique used was Airbrush.

 

 Emmy sure has some good and dependable friends; talking about Carol and Katy. These ladies came  around to my makeup studio for the bridal consultation, it was my first time doing a bridal makeup without meeting the bride before the wedding day.

Getting the makeup done on the bride was a breeze, Emmy wanted some colors on her eyes so I opted for a blend of silvery shimmer, bronze and purple. The outcome was superb and her beautiful face was glowing all through the day. 

Sharing a bit of the pictures with everyone!

Lola Longe, Emerging Faces Makeup Artistry.

Toss Or Not To Toss

 If a product has seperated, shake it. If the emulsion doesn't mix together, toss it.

Throw skincare products away after one year.

When in doubt, toss it.

If a skincare product smells or looks funny, toss it.

Lotions and creams in tubes last longer than products in widemouthed jars.

Keep containers closed; air speeds up products degradation and bacteria sneak in.

Never add water or saliva to a product that has dried out; bacteria can br introduced.

Keep makeup out of sunlight.


Lola Longe, Master Makeup Artist, Houston, TX

Dealing With Eye Problems

ark Circles: Occurs when there are vitamin & mineral deficiencies, hangovers, unhealthy eating habits, smoking and sometimes hereditary.

Eye cream containing vitamin K helps a lot. Products to consider are: Vanish Extreme Under Eye Cream,
Mary Kay Revitalizing Eye Cream, M.D Formulations Vit-A-Plus Revitalizing Eye Cream, Avon Lighten Up Undereye Treatment, Peter Thomas Roth AHA Kojic Under Eye Brightener.

Puffiness: Oily and salty foods should be avoided . Gels which firm and tighten the eyes are better then creamy  skin care products.Good products to consider are: Irene Gari Eye Puffiness Minimizer and Cellex- C Under Eye Toning Gel

Fine Lines: A good eye cream should be applied in the morning and at night. Good brands to consider: Neutrogena, Avon, Mary Kay & Ambi.

Redness : Sometimes eyes may look red, pink or brown which simply shows eyes are tired. Before applying eye shadow, try dabbing some concealers on the eyelids to even out the tone. Magic by Prescriptives Red Neutralizer is a cosmetic concealer that gets red out easily. Dermablend Smooth Indulgence Redness Concealer works great.


Crepeyness: If your top lid looks "puckery", it means your skin is "crepey". It usually occurs when there is  significant thinning of dermis followed by the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines resulting into loss of collagen and elastin. Without these two skin proteins that hold and bind skin tissues together, skin usually sags and looks old.
Apply a bit of cream concealer on the eyelid before applying eye shadow to ease the dryness and help avoid "seepage".
Avoid eye products with SD Alcohols and talc
Do not overcleanse .

Best Buys under $10 (Mascara & Lips)

Everyone wants to save money!
Here are few of my "best buys". They don't cost much and are sure to deliver the job.

Mascara

Revlon Color Stay Extra Thick Lashes, Maybelline Volume Express Mascara, Neutrogena Full Length Defining Mascara, Sephora No Clumping Mascara, L'Oreal Le Grand Mascara, L'Oreal Lash Out, Maybelline Great Lash Mascara.

Lips

Jane lip gloss, Prestige lip liner, Reviva Vitamin E stick, Duane Reade Lip pencils, Burt's Beewax lip conditioning & shine, Mattesse lip gloss.

Lola Longe, Master Makeup Artist, Houston, TX

Mariah Carey's Red dresss

 So what's actually wrong with this dress?  I've seen a lot of negative comments on Mariah Carey's  red dress and her robust figure. Well, I've decided to look beyond the comments and focused on her makeup which is so beautiful. Eyeshadows and powder were well blended in & of course lipstick shade is perfect snd compliments the dress.

Lola Longe, Master Makeup Artist, Houston, TX

Adanne's Makeup & Headtie for Engagement Photo Shoot

I just love what I do!
I had to rush down to the Wortham Center here in Houston to do Adanne's makeup for her engagement photo shoot. It was my first time meeting Adanne though I had spoken with her on the phone (during consultation), I've never seen someone with such a beautiful smile; right from the beginning of the makeover session till the very end. Her Fiance was of course present to watch his 'bride to be' transform into an African queen.
Usually makeup comes before the headtie, so I started by priming her face (she had cleansed & moisturized her face earlier). More often than not, I apply foundation before concealing the dark circles and spots but this time, I started with the concealer and then applied the foundation. There really wasn't any explanation for this, just wanted to do things a little different. Matching eye shadows were used and the false eyelashes (I prefer the natural looking ones for engagement/bridal makeup) completed the glamorous look. Didn't waste so much time on the lips so she could continue her beautiful smile.......lol and the makeover was completed  with compact powder, cheek contour and a highlighting bronzer.
The headtie styling was a breeze, fabric was "ankara" so no time was wasted in styling it.
I really enjoyed working with Adanne and can't wait for the wedding coming up in November.

Lola Longe, Master Makeup Artist, Houston, TX

Applying a Concealer

A concealer or color corrector is a type of makeup used to hide skin imperfections, It can be used to cover up pimples, dark circles and tiny veins that show through the skin.
A Concealer will never heal skin imperfections, it is neither going to treat nor heal dark circles and acne.


Concealers come in three constituencies : Liquid, Cream and Stick . The liquid is usually too thin and runny, cream is in between the liquid and the stick which makes it the best for almost everyone and lastly the stick which can be too thick and may pull the skin as the skin underneath the eyes are really thin and sensitive.

Always choose a Concealer that is a shade lighter and has the same undertones as your foundation.

As a Makeup Artist, I always use a Concealer brush on my clients, this is because it's not only professional but it's really fast and the imperfections are covered giving a flawless look. Everyone can achieve the best and most even coverage by applying Concealers using a finger. I recommend the fourth finger because it doesn't exert a lot of pressure unlike the other fingers.

Concealers can be applied over or under foundation but I love to apply it over foundation for the simple reason of working well on those visible dark circles/acne that the foundation would not cover.

Using your fourth finger, dot on the Concealer underneath the eye and acne.
Blend in gently using back and forth dotting motion.
Check to see the Concealer hasn't crept into the fine lines around the eyes, nose and mouth. If this happens, blot gently with a tissue.


Lola Longe
Master Makeup Artist
Houston, TX

Smiling with the Eyes

Eyes add a lot of sparkle to the face especially when they are well madeup.

When making up the face, I usually start with the eyes because this is where I spend the most time. It is important to choose the right eyeshadow colors and blend them in perfectly, a good eyeliner sure adds to the glamour but what brings out the whole beauty of the eyes is smiling with them................oh yes, smiling with the eyes.

Tyra Banks is an expert when it comes to this, she sure knows how to smile with the eyes and always teaches her models how to get transformed in their pictures by smiling with their eyes.

So how may we achieve this?

If you want to be able to consistently smile with your eyes, you will have to identify and practice this, just as you did with the mouth alone.
Smiling with the eyes can also look fake. When something really makes us happy, our eyes get brighter, taking on an excited shine or gleam. In order to be able to do this on command, you will need to train your mind with practice. You have to learn to convince yourself that what you are smiling about is really something you like and are excited about. If you can't do this, you will have to practice quickly bringing to mind a memory or image that makes you happy. When you have to give your best smile (even if you don't feel happy), quickly think of this happy thought and make the smile you practiced.

Ensure the head is positioned at an angle that give the eyes smiley and sexy look.

I've practiced smiling with my eyes several times and I think I'm finally getting there, I'm always ahppy to share this tip with my brides after a makeup session so their wedding pictures can be fun to view.