Posts Tagged ‘lips’

Your Makeup Wardrobe Must Have Piece #2 ~ the no color lipgloss

By Melody Iafelice on April 18th, 2013   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment
Dolce & Gabbana clear gloss

Dolce & Gabbana $31 @ Sephora

Your makeup wardrobe classic #2 ‘must have’ piece:  the no color lipgloss. There are clear ones and some with a bit of shimmer, both are great. (keep away from ones with glitter pieces, they’re not always flattering and not as versatile)  Quick Lesson:  shimmer=think delicate crushed pearls and it’s très chic, glitter=shiny confetti pieces)

The choice of glosses is endless…there are luxury brands and drugstore faves. Truthfully when worn, others will not be able to tell the difference between $$ or $ versions. It’s what works well for you and makes you feel good when you use it.

Why non colored gloss?

  • it works with everyone, outfit and occasion
  • no guessing on the shade
  • always pretty and polished
  • can be applied without a mirror if needed for a quick fix
  • it layers over all your other lipcolors to make ‘new’ lip looks
  • can make lips look fuller (not talking plumping) just a smoother texture
  • formulas may contain; SPF, moisturizers, plumpers, treatments, etc.
  • great for touch-ups before photos, gloss up before the BFF takes pics with her phone ; )
  • pairs well with minimal makeup looks

 

L'Oreal COLOUR RICHE® LE GLOSS

L’Oreal COLOUR RICHE® LE GLOSS under $10 @ Walmart Canada

 

From squeeze tubes to wands and brushes, the application type and texture is totally up to you. TIP: When layering gloss over lipstick from a squeeze tube, use a lip brush to gently swipe it over the lipstick so you don’t move the lipstick around underneath. If  your gloss has a brush/sponge tipped applicator, try taping it on the lips gently, again so you don’t disturb the color under it.

 

PS In my pro-makeup kit I have the Smashbox High Shine pearl -looks white in the tube but goes on clear with a touch of pearl. Works great on camera and for everyday.

Stay tuned for the next Makeup Wardrobe Classics item.

Ciao Bellas, Until Next Time

~Melody xo

 

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What’s in my pro makeup kit? ~ Sneak a peek

By Melody Iafelice on April 11th, 2013   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

 

Here’s what I was using behind the scenes this past weekend when working with Press the Fashion Magazine as they are shooting the Summer 2013 Edition.

These are just a few of the items found in my kit and are must haves.

  • Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream), a pro artist fave moisturizer as it’s lightweight, hydrates well, works on everyone.
  •  H20 Oasis 24™ Hydrating Booster line has this amazing hydrating booster (oil free) it really is great on super dry/dehydrated skin. I layer under BTS photo 5Embryolisse on really dry skin. (a few drops can be added to foundation to thin out, change textures)
  • Carmex lip balm, 20+ yrs of love. I’ve tried others, this is still the best!  TIP: apply lip balm when you apply moisturizer, blot off excess when you get to lipstick stage.
  • Set the Stage Primer by Whip Hand Cosmetics, found via a recommendation by Kevin James Bennett (take his recommendations seriously, he knows his s#@*) This is a small and mighty pot o’ primer used before makeup. It fills in, smooths out and can mattify…it doesn’t dry out skin – I tried it on my dehydrated skin first ; )
  • Model in a Bottle – makeup setting spray. I’ve tried many but none works as great as this. I’ve seen it keep makeup application fresh looking and budge proof for12hrs+

 

After setting up my kit and before I start with each client it’s sanitize time. I much prefer to wipe away germs instead of using a gel while on set as I have to do it so often. Clean Well sanitizing wipes are amazing (alcohol free) and I love the scent of the thyme used in them. Great for sensitive skin and kids too. 

BTS photo 2

 BTS photo 3

 

If there is eyeshadow being used (most often is) then I use Shadow Shields to prevent any shadow fallout on the concealer/foundation under the eye.

BTS photo 4

 

I love to contour  to build great cheekbones and jawlines. This Real Techniques contour brush is my new super hero, love it!! It fits perfectly into the hollow under the cheekbone and isn’t to large (wide) over the jawline. (reviews coming soon)

BTS photo 8

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars   100% Vegan & cruelty free  These are lip paints that can be mixed to create tons of new shades. So fun and long wearing too.

BTS photo 7

 

Time to bronze the models up for the pool scene. I sprayed Bourjois DÉLICE DE SOLEIL BRONZING POWDER SPRAY FOR FACE & BODY on 6 models head to toe, back to front.  Amazing soft bronze look, and delicate chocolate scent.

BTS photo 1

BTS photo 6

While I use these products professionally (and personally) they aren’t just for pro’s. All these items are available to shop for everyone! Enjoy : )

 

Ciao Bellas, Until Next Time

~Melody xo

 

 

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Get me some scissors…I think I want Anne Hathaway’s hair (and makeup and dresses!)

By Melody Iafelice on December 13th, 2012   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

 

Anne Hathaway is just stunning-fabulous-elegant-gorgeous (yes I’m gushing) with her short hair. Over the last couple of months we are seeing more of Anne as the press releases, interviews, her magazine covers and now the red carpeted premieres are in full swing for the new Les Misérables Movie.

My favorite look so far is the sleek side parted hair in that hot Tom Ford S/S 2013 outfit and sexy gladiator sandals in the left hand image below. Just look at her deeply shaded and shiny hair and how well it pairs against her creamy complexion.

Wenn; AbacaPress; Landov

I adore those deep berry/red lips, which are so on trend right now and the makeup is balanced with a well groomed brow, leaving the rest of the eye simple.

Not ready to crop the hair just yet? (me neither) Let’s try her makeup look instead.

   Start by creating a flawless complexion regardless of your skin tone. I’m a huge fan of the Graftobian HD Creme Foundation ($23.99US) as it is easy to apply, light weight and finishes beautifully without looking over done…a perfect canvas. (palette shown, also available in single compact)

The dark lip is seductive, however if you are intimidated by going dark, ease into this trend by trying the shade in something sheer, like this nourishing tinted lip balm… Clinique Chubby Stick ($19 CAD)  in ‘Grandest Grape’ (shown) a deep raspberry hue that’s halfway between sheer and opaque.

Finish it off with superb brows…you want them to be well shaped and evenly filled in with both of them matching each other.  Try this  IT Cosmetics Brow Power Pencil ($24 CAD)  in Universal Brow, works on all hair colors. To get your shade use light strokes for lighter tone, heavier strokes for darker tones. I got mine from the The Shopping Channel and can go from day to dramatic with this pencil!

Ok gals, let’s go get gorgeous!!!

Ciao Bellas, Until  Next Time

~Melody XO

 

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Lip Balms ~$plurge or $ave (Rodial & Sephora)

By Melody Iafelice on November 1st, 2012   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

 

When the outside temperatures begin to dip one of the first places we feel it is on our lips, they start to dry out and get chapped from the cold outside and the heat turned on inside. They crave moisture!! Here are 2 products I found to hopefully indulge your lips.

 

 Rodial Glam Balm Lip ($25 CAD)

I recently tried this lip balm (and lots of other items from this brand) through a Rodial info session held at my local Murale location. The company rep.  John A. was in sharing knowledge as well as tips and techniques to really get the most out of your items. Which of course helped me to pick up a few items from the Dragon’s Blood collection, just in time for the upcoming change of season.

“Rodial glam balm™ LIP is an intensive lip balm designed to hydrate, smooth and protect the lips. Shea Butter and Vitamin E soothe and soften the skin while Hyaluronic Filling Spheres and Rose Wax offer optimum hydration to plump up lips.”

This is a beautiful lip product and the price is great for a luxury skincare brand. It hugs the lips without being overly sticky or greasy and when it wears off, your lips feel truly moisturized. The only thing I’m not crazy about is it comes in a pot, I have a ‘thing’ about sticking my finger in lip products only because I don’t know what to do with the left-over on my finger…Don’t let that stop you from trying this balm as you can simply use it as a cuticle balm as well, no waste.  PS I had purchased the Glamtox Kit  kit so that I could try multiple items and the kit has a deluxe trial lip balm in a squeezy tube, they were thinking of me ; )

 

Sephora Super Nourishing Lip Balm ($6 CAD) limited edition 

I need to have lip balm in my professional makeup kit, however I don’t want to spend a lot on one, yet my demands are high; )  It needs to truly moisturize not just cover up dry lips, and the price has to be wallet friendly as I need to keep more than just one on hand. Can it be done? I came across this one and the price is definitely good with positive reviews. (I do not own this item)

“This hydrating balm keeps your lips soft, comfortable, and looking great… Contains shea butter, beeswax, grapeseed oil, vitamin E, and meadowfoam seed oil. Formulated without: Parabens- Sulfates- Phthalates- GMOs-Triclosan”

BEAUTY TIP: Apply lip balm to the lips at the the same step when you apply your facial moisturizer. When it’s time to add lip color simply blot extra off if you need to. Use as often as needed but for sure morning and night is great.

 

 

Ciao, Until Next Time

~Melody xo

 

 

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MOD Magazine~new portfolio work

By Melody Iafelice on October 22nd, 2012   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

Check out recent published work from MOD MAGAZINE.  Love working behind the scenes of a photo-shoot, especially when all players pull together in what seems like a magical dance. Each member moves in and around the set at what they do best and we flow to some imaginary music that only we can hear. Don’t get the wrong idea as BTS (behind the scenes) can be crazy but in a good way. We chat, laugh, and share thoughts and opinions all to reach the ultimate goal of a successful shoot, and above all, trust each others professional work. While we were all lucky on this shoot except a few glitches that were not detrimental to the day or result (like false lashes that refuse to hold, running last minute packages over to location) things can happen and egos have to be set aside, we just ride through it, help each other out and go with the flow.  Enjoy our work, so proud of what we did!!

Check out the fantastic layering of textures, fabrics and prints! The hair captures natural textures and expresses simplicity, while the makeup shows up clean radiant skin paired with a dark merlot shade of lip.

Thanks to the team xo

Tina Picard Photography,

Fashion Stylist: Erica Wark,   Stylist Assistants: Caroline and Delaney Holley,

Hair:  Kirsty MacDonald of Rinaldo’s Hair Designers and Spa,     Makeup: by Me ; )

Models:  Laura of: Models International Management,  Rose of: Angie’s Models & Talent

Ciao, Until Next Time

~Melody xo

 

 

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Back To School Part 2 ~ Personal care & Makeup

By Melody Iafelice on August 28th, 2012   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

Hello Gorgeous Gals,

In Part 1 of Back to School Beauty & Grooming  I featured hair care and skincare. In this post we’ll continue with personal care for the lips and add in fun makeup items to help you play up the lips or eyes or both!

 

Carmex Lip Balm  a cheapy but a goody. Been using it myself for 20 years and now have my kids using it. Perfect all year round as it hydrates, heal, protects from weather and kills cold sores. Guys use it too day and night. Works amazing on the ski/snowboard hill.  Use it as a night treatment because it gently exfoliates for super smooth lips in the morning. Wear it alone or apply to lips in the morning before makeup, leave on till its time for your lipstick or gloss, then blot off excess balm before lip colour. It comes in a small pot, twist stick  or the squeezy tube (my fave in the original formula) and in a few flavours. I buy it several tubes at a time so there is always one around in pockets, purses etc.  It’s more than just a lip balm, I’ve used it as a night time cuticle treatment too. (They also have a tinted lip care too)

 

Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge This has to be the best, long-lasting, non-drying, best pigmented formula of  lip product I’ve used to date. There are 12 shades to choose from, with soft nudes to daring red and bold dark trendy shades. What I also love is that you can actually play and change up the lip look or finish all in the same tube. Each one is double ended with color on one end, gloss on the other (gloss is special in that it doesn’t break down the colour) The colour has to set for about a minute before you add the gloss. May fave shade is #13 a bold dark berry/plum.

  • Tap on colour then spread with fingers for a subtle velvet matte look.
  • Add on gloss the same way for a soft shade with a moist healthy look.
  • Add on more gloss for soft colour and super shine.
  • Add on full colour with sponge tip wand for opaque, matte velvet shades.
  • Gloss it up a little or a lot
  • Mix colours together for a new shade (but work quickly as the formula sets in about 60 seconds)

Add some colour to your eyes. The Canadian brand of  Marcelle Lux Cream Shadow + Liner pencils are waterproof and 9+ hour staying power. They are easy to apply, no tools needed really. Draw it on, then smudge with the sponge tip on the end or with your finger. Use a soft shimmer for day or you can layer powder shadow over top to create new finishes and shades. (They made for an amazing base to other shadows) and the Marcelle Lux Eye Dust worked fantastic for that! Fun shades to choose from in both items.

Lux Eye Dust

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Ciao Bellas,

Until Next Time ~ Melody xo

 

 

 

 

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Video for $plurge or $ave? ~ Summer Beauty Essentials

By Melody Iafelice on May 31st, 2012   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

 

Hello Gorgeous Gals,

Here is the CTV Morning Live TV segment that features yesterdays blog post items.

I confessed admitted to a personal choice in the video after saying I wouldn’t (I’d squeal under a bright light in a cold interrogation room LOL)

So here’s the rest of my picks:

  • Clarins Suncare ($34 CAD)for myself  but I would take the L’Oreal Ombrelle ($13.97 CAD) for the kids, as you use way to much every summer to pay top dollar for it ; )
  • Guerlain Terracotta 4 Seasons Bronzer Blew the budget on this one ($82 CAD) but the matte finish and multi-shades truly made it an ‘adjustable’ (use light or dark shades depending on season/level of existing tan) year round item. You can always add a hi-lighter on top to give a subtle shimmer.
  • L’Oreal Voluminous waterproof, I don’t like to pay high prices for mascara and for an item that I may use a handful of times during the summer, that would be $$ down the drain! It’s was under $7 CAD.
  • Maybelline Baby Lips, feels great on, love the subtle tint and can’t beat SPF 20, the price (under $7 CAD)  made it easy to own several shades and always have one on hand.

 

Ciao Bellas,

Until Next Time ~ Melody xo

 

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Fresh from the UK ~ a Sleek Makeup Haul

By Melody Iafelice on April 27th, 2012   /   Uncategorized   /   2 Comments

Hello Gorgeous Gals & Beauty Lovers

What a way to start the weekend and make my Friday cause I received my order from Sleek Makeup from the UK  (they do some pretty fine international shipping to Canada I have to say) I ordered it only last week!

Originally I had tried Sleek Makeup through a friend and fellow Makeup Artist Diana (in the UK) and we had done a beauty package swap. In mine she had included one of the i-Divine eye palettes (yes they are oh so divine) and one of their blushes. I was so impressed by the products, pigment and the price that the only tough part this order was not buying everything! Some will go into my professional makeup kit and others into my personal makeup bag ; )

See a list below.

clockwise starting at top left:

  • Blush By 3: “Pumpkin” shown (ordered all 5)
  • i-Divine Eye Palettes, “Oh So Special” is shown (also got Sunset)
  • Pout Paint lip color “Minx”
  • Eye Dust pot shown in “Vintage”
  •  gift mini High Shine Gloss “Magic Strawberry
  • Eau la la waterproof pencils for lips/eyes/brows (shown top to bottom: Molasses, Venom, Tonic, Melba)

I can’t wait to play and work with them. I have a dinner party this evening so I’ll probably try out a few of them tonight. You really can find great products with real color in them with out breaking the bank, even if it’s across the Atlantic. Stay tuned for upcoming reviews.

Ciao Bellas,

Until Next Time ~ Melody xo

 

 

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{ Tangerine Tango…freshly squeezed & oh so juicy! Sephora+Pantone Universe }

By Melody Iafelice on April 6th, 2012   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

Hello Gorgeous Gals & Beauty Lovers!

There is a hot new color taking over the Fashion and Beauty Industry. Say hello to the fresh and juicy Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango (PANTONE #17-1463)  What a happy shade, you can’t help but smile with it. Makes me think of a great sunset, some sweet candy or flowers blooming in the garden.

How can we work this ‘IT‘ color without looking like we tried to hard with the trend? One of the easiest and most fun ways is with makeup. What a great way to keep your makeup ‘look’ from becoming stale or dated and you don’t need to go for this exact shade, orange comes in a variety of tones from rust and coppers to soft peaches and corals. There’s one out there for you!

You can shop anywhere and with any brand to find your perfect shade, from nails, cheeks, to lips and eyes. In this post, I’ll share my pics below of the collection created by Sephora and Pantone. Visit Sephora + Pantone Universe to shop the entire collection and find additional Sephora items inspired by Tangerine Tango

My favorite must try pieces; eyeshadow quad, orange eyeliner, duo blush!  (*pricing seen is in Canadian $)  
20120406-203906.jpg

Brushes and Bags

20120406-203914.jpg

Eyeshadow Quad (I adore) & Eye Liner pencils

20120406-203922.jpg

Cheeks and Nails

20120406-203943.jpg

Flirty Lashes and Lash Curler

20120406-203950.jpg

Color of the Year - Sephora 6 pc Makeup Kit ($68 US/$82 CAD)

20120406-204033.jpg

Lovely Lip Glosses

Do you think you will try out a shade of orange this season?

Ciao Bellas,

Until Next Time ~ Melody xo

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Belmaica’s ‘Be’ Activewear ~ behind the scenes

By Melody Iafelice on March 29th, 2012   /   Uncategorized   /   Leave a comment

Hello Gorgeous Gals & Beauty Lovers,

Come on in…take a look at a ‘behind the scenes’ photoshoot I worked on this past Monday. It was a crazy, busy, and frosty cold day for the photo shoot for Belmaica‘s yet to be released Be Activewear collection.

The team was made up of the designer Merritt and her entourage, 3 Fab models (who braved the windchill)  from Models International Management (MIM) Heather, Natasha and Crystal.  Tina Picard was the official photographer, fashion styling by Erica Wark, hair by Kirsty MacDonald and myself, Melody taking care of makeup and nails. (I snapped a few pics with my iPhone during the process so the work you see is not finished)

I exclusively used nail shades from the Essie Spring 2012 Collection (coming April 2012) On Natasha I used ‘Ole Caliente‘- a hot reddish coral shade.  For Crystal and Heather, the Orange, It’s Obvious‘, a beautiful brilliant sunset orange.  The colors are vibrant and juicy and like magic they perfectly worked with each models skin tone.

'All about Essie'

'Orange, It's Obvious' shade from Essie Spring 2012

'Ole Caliente' nails. Look at the luscious shades of Natasha's cheeks and lips. Gorgeous! Lips -a mix of 3 colors of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic Lip Tars.

 

The idea and inspiration for the makeup and nail color choices come from several sources such as: pictures from the designer with added notes, the feel and vision the designer wants to portray, the actual collection, the story being told etc. For this shoot I also took inspiration from Merritt herself, the designer of Belmaica. She arrived on set with the brightest smile and the prettiest, fresh and vibrant shade of blush…it became the base idea for all the layering of blush I did on the models. A lot of pink, some orange, maybe a bit more orange and a dot of pink and so on, to achieve the brilliance and shade we were happy with. I also used it on the eyes. I blended and layered several shades of blush from the Coastal Scents 10 Blush palette. You can see the color on Natasha above, and below on Heather and Crystal.

Heather in the makeup chair, we are not quite finished...

 

The lip shades were all customized to each model. I blended 3 colors of Lip Tars from Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, a real fun way to create any lip color. For this shoot I kept lips in the same color family, but choose to go a bit darker in tone than the eyes and lips. Lip tars are truly an amazing way to get the color you want, and a little of the pigment rich formula goes a very long way, and you can see I like to use the back of my hand as a palette.

Crystal's custom shade of coral/orange lipstick. Mixing 3 shades of the FAB (OCC) Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic Liptars

Thanks for stopping by.

Ciao Bellas,

Until Next Time ~ Melody x0

 

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