Advice and tips: I have a few…

1. Get yourself some good brushes. It will really help you to create all your best looks.  It all starts with the right tools and the right products.

2. Don't keep unused make-up too long. Get rid of it or give it to your lil sister and make room for some new colors. Keeping organized will help you to plan out all your best looks.

3. Have a variety of foundation formulas. A sheer formula for the days when you need just a hint of coverage. Tinted moisturizers can do the trick, as well. A medium coverage formula for days when you may need a little extra help in evening out your complexion or to cover a few breakouts. A potted concealer or stick usually does the trick. By keeping a variety of formulas, you will always have just the right coverage. Sometimes, you may need a little of both.

4. Start any makeup application with a posive affirmation. (example: "I'm a great make up artist" etc.) Repeat it in your head. It works when you start to believe it. Then go for it! Play and create whatever you want.

5. No obsessing, judging or comparing. Make your own cool list. What do you like? Consider all the good things you love or that are going on for you and actually turn them into a cool list. Read them out loud! Follow your own ideas of what you personally like. Green eyeshadow? Go for it! Be original and don’t be afraid to express your ideas. Who knows, you might start a trend or two.

6. They say the eyes are "windows to the soul." If that's the case, then the eyebrows are the window frame. Over the past few decades we have seen the coolest shapes in eyebrows. Today, trimmed, arched, and gelled brows have never been more groomed. 

Tip: Don't pluck too high of an arch, it can give you a look like you are angry all the time. Instead brush with a brow brush or a clean mascara brush and snip with nail scissors.  If your brows are a bit too dark, try brushing a little bit of gold or bronze mascara with a bit of brown gel. It will soften the face and show off your eye makeup better. If you love the look, you might want to color them lighter. Make sure you have a professional show you what to use. You don't want them too light or too brassy.

7. When using shimmers on the body or face, mix a very small amount of the shimmer in with your face/body lotion or in with your foundation. That way your skin will have a nice natural glow and not look too frosty or glittery, but fresh and sexy.

8.  I love using lashes, whether they are individuals or a full strip. Lately I’ve been using half a strip and placing it on the outter edges of the eye. 

Tip: Cut about half of the end off.  Just use the beginning part and place it where the end would’ve been. The smaller hairs blend great and the slightly longer hairs lengthen the eye with out being too long. Finish by adding a touch of mascara to the base of the lash. Always use an eyelash curler first, it helps the faux lashes to sit on the natural lash base.  It may take a little practice but once you've got the hang of it, it's a breeze.

9.  In my kit you'll find high-end products as well as all my favorites from the drug store. 

Tip: Shop around and don't feel pressured to buy. You may find something that you love on both counters.

10.  Are you stuck in a beauty rut?

Tip: Visit a makeup counter and ask to try something that catches your eye.  Such as a good moisturizer, or a little pot of loose glitter. How about a shimmer cream that works on cheeks and lips? Black eye-liner? A sexy shade of lip gloss? 

11. Do you want to change your look, like the celebrities I work with do?

Tip: be a natural girl. Try a tinted moisturizer, cream cheek color and a little mascara. Want to be a rocker chick? Try a natural self-tanner, black eye-liner and a sheer red lip gloss. Then, change to a girlie girl. Try a cream shadow and dot it on your brow bone or a shimmer face cream, dotted at the top of your cheekbones. Add a lash, like I’ve explained on #8.  Finish with a flavor scented lip gloss. These are easy because you can do almost all of it with your finger tips. Sparkle adds a feminine touch. 

So whether you want to be a low maintenance diva or a full out glamor girl, these are just a few tips to get started.

-Troy

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