Let's face it!

So I've briefly covered the basics on some makeup tips and ideas, which by the way I will get into depth shortly. But lets gets off topic for a second and talk about skin care. Skin care is extremely important when thinking about makeup  because if your skin ain't cutting it your makeup won't either. Whether your young and have teenage skin, in between, or aging we all need something on our skin because plain vaseline, mosturizer or water won't do you justice. Think about it like this, wouldn't you want to age like Halle Berry  or Demi Moore and be complimented for your youth and vibrance. Well its all about prevention and prepping people! You can't just use any cheap product and expect in 20 years to look like a million bucks, unless of course your one of those rare kinds that got the lucky draw with great genetics. To some it may seem like nonsense because we live in a world were the future seems so far away and the now is more important but jump on the bandwagon and take care of your skin now because you'll be paying a pretty penny when your visiting your dermatologist for botox injections. 


Moving along! So what is it that is essential to great skin and aging prevention?


1) A Great Cleanser! You need a cleanser that is good enough for you skin type and that will eliminate all the dirt/environmental pollution. If you have Normal/Dry skin always opt to a cleanser with hydration, lack of hydration is one of the main causes of wrinkles. Oily/Combination skin should cleanse with a oil or sebum eliminating cleanser, glyocic acid cleansers are great for this type of skin. I rotate between tow Mary Kay cleansers, the 3 in 1 cleanser for Combination skin and the classic skin care cleanser, Deep cleanser 3. Buy Great cleansers!


2) Great Mosturizer! You need a mosturizer again that's customized to your skin type. Going to Duane Reade and buying ponds or olay mosturizers is good for the moment because it fast and takes little thought but we are beyond that right!? We are the best! the Halle Berry's of the future, so why not pay a little more for  one the best accessories a woman has,  her face. I use Mary Kay's oil control lotion 3, its sooo good at controlling oil! Check out these amazing mosturizers!


3) SPF protection/Anti-oxidants! Sad to say and think of, but we are surrounded by pollution and the sun rays are getting worse. I remember as a kid going to the beach and maybe putting a little sun lotion and coming home black, not burnt. Nowadays I put spf 30 and I come home black. Also, take from bad experience, going to Miami and using Spf 4, thinking I was cute and going to come back golden then enduring 2 weeks of disgusting peeling and redness. The horror! Avoid it and use Spf please, burnt or leathery skin will not make you feel better. If interested in purchasing SPF before summer!


Other options to maintain perfect skin that are added bonuses are Toners/refreshers, weekly Masks and Microdermabrasion. 


Toners/refreshers are usually a step before mosturizing, great at eliminating what your cleanser didn't catch and for balancing your skins PH level. Witch Hazel is a great toner if you want a cheaper solution. Other options for Oily/combination skin would be a salycic acid toner, good for blackheads and a natural inflammatory for blemishes. Toners/Masks


Masks are great for a weekly deep cleanse. Get a clay based mask for Oily/combination skin and a hydrated mask for Normal/Dry skin.


Lastly, Microdermabrasion is skin renewal at your fingertips. Kind of like playing god with your skin cells. When you use the product it takes off a layer of your skin, exposing new vibrance underneath. Microdermabrasion kit!




One thing to always remember Ladies! Its not about Money its about quality! Invest wisely.

Let's talk coverup baby!

While most of you ladies don't like to apply or hate the look of foundation and coverup, the truth is maybe you just haven't found the right one. Trust me, I've been through trials and tribulations to find the right color and texture. The one thing that I think we've all been through is finding the right one that covers evenly and doesn't look or feel like cake. Whether its to covers those dark circles under your eyes, cover up uneven tone or to coverup that annoying zit, we should all know what we are looking for because foundation, concealer and tinted moisturizer are not created equal. So let's begin by breaking it down to a science with each type of coverage and what it is used best for



Full coverage foundation: Coverage is very opaque, and used to cover birthmarks, vitiligo, hyperpigmentation and scars. It is sometimes referred to as “corrective” or “camouflage” makeup. It generally contains up to 35% pigment,  professional brands such as "Makeup forever," is designed for use on stage, and contains up to 50% pigment. Most celebrities are wearing a full coverage makeup. Mary Kay have to types of full coverage makeup that I love! Both are customized to your skin type, one being for normal/dry skin and the other for oily/combination skin that absorbs oil and controls shine.  Make sure to check them out!
 For Normal/Dry Skin   For Oily/Combination Skin


Medium coverage foundation: Coverage is mostly used to cover freckles, discolorations, blotchiness, and red marks left by pimples. Generally contains a 25% pigmentation. I would say that Mineral Powder foundation (like Bare essentials) would fit into this category as well. 
I use Mary Kay's Medium coverage foundation in Beige 300. Mary Kay's Medium Coverage




Tinted mosturizer: Covers unevenness and slight blotchiness, but is not opaque enough to cover freckles. Generally contains a 15% pigmentation.
Check out the tinted moisturizer with Spf 20


Concealer: Used best to mask pimples, dark circles and other small blemishes visible on the skin. Can be used alone, but in my opinion best used in conjunction with foundation. Contains the highest amount of pigmentation of all.  Great Concealer!


Okay, so now that we've got that down, let's discuss application tips! 


The absolute best way to apply foundation or any type of concealer is with a liquid foundation brush. Think about it in a different light, you wouldn't comb your hair with your fingers you would use your hair brush, so why apply foundation with your hands. Its quick and easy you think, but actually application with a foundation brush is a lot easier, corrective and way more effective for hygiene purposes. Your hands are walking germs, and even if you've washed them beforehand why have foundation all over them and taking the risk of getting your clothes dirty. But its personal preference so let's move right along! Want a foundation brush?


- Primer vs. no primer: I personally have not used a primer for my own application but I honestly will now that I'm selling primer. I've had primer put on for several occasions by another makeup artist during photo shoots. Primer works best to smooth out skin texture and extends the life of foundation throughout a long day. It is very good if you have scars and also, for those of you with oily skin since it has a very matte finish. Think of it like actual paint primer when you paint a wall, you add primer and it covers up the color under while giving the finished paint a better look.  Primer you will love!


Application of foundation: Always start at the center of your face, by applying it on your cheeks and forehead. Finish your application by blending outward. 




Ladies, if you would like a free color consultation, if you are confused or would just like your makeup done for a special occasion. Don't be afraid to email me at Jalmonte101@gmail or at jalmonte@marykay.com. I can hook you up! :-)

Eyeshadows Spring 2011

The eyeshadow trend for spring 2011 reflects tropical paradise! Think blues, corals or for the even more daring, neon shades. 

 Pretty hues of Blue make a powerful statement that any fabulous women would love to make! I personally have never used blue shadows but I love the way it was used on the model to the left, very bold but suttle in a way. Never use blue with a dark lip shade or heavy blush! Thats a big no no! You don't want your look to be clownish or to resemble halloween makeup. Nude lips are a perfect way not to compete with your eyeshadow. The key to a pretty blue shade is blending blues, don't opt for just one blue shade. You need at least two shades, light and dark. For a more sexy and professional look you can use 3 shades. Also, skip the black eyeliner if you like to use liner, instead you can use a darker shade of blue eyshadow as liner or just plain navy eye liner. Lastly, do not wear blue eyeshadow to match your clothes! It should complement the color you have on, never match!  For fair or ivory skin, I recommend, Mary Kay's blue shadow in Midnight star and Blue Metal. For olive or darker skin complexions, I recommend Denim Frost and Azure. 
Check out the recommended pretty blue hues here!

 Green is one of my personal  favorite colors of eyeshadow since it compliments dark eyed, brown haired, olive and dark skinned woman. Green is shown as a spring 2011 eyeshadow trend but honestly this color can be worn year round! The shade of green just has to be right. As with the blue shadow above, its best to apply green shadow blended in 2-3 shades, using the softest green shade at the brow line and on the lid (Mary Kay Lemongrass shadow). The third darkest on the crease and/or as a liner subsitute (Mary Kay Ivy Garden shadow) and second darkest to blend the lightest and darkest together (Mary Kay Emerald shadow). If you opt to only using two shades, light and dark, you should use the a medium dark shade on the lid and a light shade on the upper eye and brow. Lastly, stick to neutral colors for cheeks and lips, as shown in the picture to the right.
Look at all 3 Green shades as explained above!

Pastel purple is gorgeous on any complexion! For fair or ivory skin complexions I recommend that you use a lightest shade of purple on the lid/brow line (like Mary Kay Lavender Fog Shadow) and for a darker skin tone, the second darkest shade of purple on the lid/browline (like Mary Kay Iris shadow). The darkest shade should be used on the crease and/or eye line for both complexions (Mary Kay Sweet plum). The second darkest shade (Mary Kay Iris eyeshadow) for ivory/light skinned complexions should be used to blend and for darker complexions, instead the lightest shade (Mary Kay Lavendar fog) should be used to blend. The picture on the left is an example of what makeup artist calls a "dramatic" look. This look is perfect on any complexion, you can just follow the picture using the 2nd darkest on the lid, the 3rd darkest shade on the crease and the lightest shade on the brow line. 
Click here to check out the Purple shades I've recommend above!


P.S. For the ladies who don't know, I'm offering free makeup makeovers! If you or even your friends want to have makeup and mini facials, contact me by clicking on the link below.
Contact me here!

Spring Lips are Delish! XXO

So, this weekend I've been looking into some hot new lipsticks.  There is nothing more feminine and beautiful than a women that can feel confident with lipstick on her lips. I've noticed that in today's world lipstick is worn less and less. Women are just opting to lip gloss or lip balm. Which is ok, but why not spice it up a little sometimes by putting on that sexy color. I'm loving the spring 2011 trend reports, introducing daring colors of  coral, dramatic red and vibrant pink. The modern finish is cream or matte, signaling a return to glamour.  I'm hoping that I see more courageous women flaunting their favorite colors, whether it be really daring or really suttle.

One of my favorite colors that I'm still  infactuated with is, Nudes and Pinks. I'm a natural brunette so I love how it makes my dark hair and features stand out . I love that it goes with my favorite eyeshadows colors, the earth tones and goes well with a nice bronzer.  Also, check out Mary Kay's  hot lipstick's for the spring . I'm sure that everyone can find a lip shade of their preference. And remember don't be affraid to let loose and have fun!! As long as you don't resemble a clown and it complements you why not? Live it up or give it up!

Check out these amazing colors (links below) and see what spring lip color is all about! 

Want to be bold! How about Daring!? Or pretty in pink?

My Mini Makeover!

In spite of all the rain, I thought it would be fun to use one of the expertly coordinated  color cards that Mary Kay gives its consultants and apply it for my own personal mini makeover. So I started from scratch with some concealer on the trouble spots. Next I applied Mary Kay's Medium Coverage Foundation (Beige 300). Once I had that done, I took out my Sephora Mineral Powder and brushed that right on.  For my eyes, I used three Mary Kay eyeshadows, White lily as the base, Midnight star on the crease and Blue Metal to blend. Of course as always for me, black liner (MK) on the undereye and mascara (MK). I blushed my cheeks with Mark Kay mineral cheek color, Strawberry Cream and applied satin lips lip balm with Mary Kay's Creme Lipstick in Dusty Rose. I don't know about you, but I love the before and after and who would've known that Mary Kay makeup looks soo good. Any makeup artist or someone who knows a lot about makeup knows that it doesn't matter the brand of the product you use its the quality! Click here to purchase Eyeshadow!

Love the Lipstick?!

Happy Earth Day!

So I thought for Earth day it would be a great idea to talk about makeup that is friendly to Momma Earth! Social media and general awareness has began to gear us toward this newly found obssession of everything organic and natural. People are finally breaking out of the bubble of ignorance our parents and grandparents were brainwashed into and realizing that our Earth is turning into a hot mess! With that said, let's get into a product that I love and would make Momma Earth proud. I absolutely looooove Sephora's Mineral powder! (featured on the right). It's fabulous! And I know what your thinking, like wasn't this girl talking about Mary Kay but honestly I haven't tried Mary Kay's mineral powder and I know when I do, if I love it, it will be definitely be discussed. But lets get back into Sephora's mineral powder :)  I use this powder after I've placed a little foundation on my face or as a touch up if I need to look fresh hours later. I just take my powder makeup brush and apply it evenly all over. It gives your face that finished, luminous and professional look we crave. But best of all, it contains Spf 10 for those aging uv rays, its talc-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, oil-free, and noncomedogenic for any skin type. Trust me I've tried other mineral makeup powders had to offer and I have to say I was highly disappointed. They advertise Bare minerals and all the other brands to be soo easy and fast and great for any situation but honestly they aren't. How can you apply that loose powder and not get any on your clothes or be in a moving car without any of the annoying powder falling somewhere. Oh my god! not to mention the powder cloud the makeup makes when you brush it on! Like is that even healthy to breathe in! Horrible! For that I stick to this $22 gem and am glad to share this amazing product with you. For those of you who don't like powder or foundation I still recommend it by itself because it has buildable coverage, so you can put as little or as much as you like without it looking chalky or feeling like you have a pound of makeup on. Let's be real, its rare to find a completely even skin tone unless your a child. So why not sexy it up? 


XXO 

Makeup For The Every day Woman! WELCOME! :-)

I'm a makeup artist/Newly Independant beauty consultant for Mary Kay who loves makeup with all my Heart! Over the years I've always been obsessed with the beautiful makeup jobs of professionals in the industry! I mean come on! Look at any magazine or ad. They make models look like dolls. Just check out Kim K below! Simply Gorgeous! But Besides that, I've designed this blog to share tips and sell beauty/skin care products. In the real world we are not airbrushed or perfected. Let's face it ladies! No matter how the makeup looks, without good skin care and products there is a fine line between trashy and classy! Most of the products and makeup shown is from the Mary Kay line because I absolutely love how its transformed my skin. I'm also open and willing to share other brands and products as well. If you have any suggestions, don't be afraid to make a comment. But don't discriminate until you've tried it and seen the results for yourself! (Mac makeup I've heard can make ppl breakout, but I don't discriminate lol) Open your mind and most importantly be fabulous!