2017 Spring Makeup Trends

Dolls know that I love makeup and am completely obsessed with red lipstick. I love perusing the page of magazines, eyeing the latest trends in shadows, bronzers, highlighters, and of course lipsticks. On my last birthday I decided to treat myself to professional photo session, replete with markup artist. Enter Lydia with Eyemagination Imaging and Carla, with Carla Taylor Makeup. The day was truly magical! Peep the makeup artistry and the stunning photos provided by these two talented women!

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Images: Eyemagination Imaging

I was so impressed with Carla’s makeup artistry, I asked her to spill the deets about makeup trends we can expect to see throughout the spring and into the summer. Dolls, meet Carla. 

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TPD. Tell me a little about your makeup journey. How did you get started as a makeup artist?

CTM. For as long as I can recall, I have always loved makeup! I got started as an artist by others seeing my makeup in college. From seeing me, they then asked me to do their makeup for sorority pageants, etc. 

TPD. What are the makeup trends to watch for in during the spring and throughout the remainder of 2017.

CTM. Berry, Berry, Berry!! Berry lips are all the rage this season. In addition, soft, subtle foundation with minimal contouring. 

Images: Carla Taylor

TPD. As you know, I’m obsessed with a bold red lip, but have been eye-spying the nude lip trending? Can I still do a red lip? What are the hot nudes? 

CTM. Of course you can still wear your fabulous reds! Especially because it is aligned with the current makeup trend! However, somedays you may not have on an outfit that will compliment a red lip. In this case, reach for a nude shade. My absolute favorite is from NARS called Honolulu Honey. I generally do not finish lipsticks but with this shade, I had to use a cotton swab to scrape out what remained in the tube! The great thing about this nude is that it compliments most skin tones effortlessly! 

Images: Carla Taylor

TPD. A flawlessly made-up face mean nothing with well cared for skin? We all want that true, “I woke up like this” look. What are you best tips for stellar skincare, particularly in the winter months? 

CTM. Winter months can be harsh on the skin. The key is to MOISTURIZE and stay hydrated!! My go to products are from Luminesce. I use their Youth Restoring Cleanser and their Daily Moisturizing Complex SPF30. The great thing about their products is they use stem cell technology to repair damage to the skin caused by weather, age, etc. 

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Image: Carla Taylor

TPD. What are your holy grail products for a fabulous go-to, everyday look?

CTM. My holy grail products are Colour Pop’s Liquid Matte Lipstick in the shade Avenue, Kat Von D’s Lock-it Concealer Cream and last but not least, Becca’s Ultimate Coverage Foundation. These items bring a smile to the 5-minute flawless face they create on me when I need to rush out the door.

TPD. Fortunately, I have you on speed dial, but what should the Pretty Domestic Dolls look for when selecting a makeup artist? What should they expect in terms of service and price?

CTM. I always recommend viewing your prospective artists work first prior to booking them. If they have tons of selfies on their social media, but no pictures of faces they have made up – beware! Be sure that whomever you book will take the time to listen to your wants, as their client.  You should expect to have amazing customer service and clean brushes! 

Every artist has different rates. The range you should expect to pay is $125- $250. Their are some cases where you’ll find artists less than $125 and more than $250, depending on who they service most, i.e., cosmetic counters or celebrity clientele. 

TPD. Of course wedding season is right around the corner. Talk to the brides. Any advice for bridal makeup?

CTM. Brides, it is best to invest in a quality artist for your big day. You want to make sure that whomever you hire listens to your needs. Consultations should not be optional. Your consult is your interview with the artist to ensure they are the best fit for your big day.  I wouldn’t hire cousin Susie in hopes that you’ll be flawless unless she is skilled. You should be no ones test subject on your special day. 🙂 

And a few tips:

  • Keep your makeup timeless, yet flawless. 
  • There is no need to have your eyeshadow match your bouquet. 
  • Lashes are important!  

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Image: Carla Taylor

TPD. Thank you so much Carla. We are loving your flawless face advice. I am sure we will have more questions for you! And thank you Lydia! Your photography skills are EVERYTHING! Dolls, don’t think twice if you need your head shots updated. Skip the selfies!

Until then, keep sharing the pretty,

TPD

Sephora VIB Sale is Here!

Hey Dolls and fellow beauty junkies! It’s here, the Sephora VIB Sale! You know what it means, 20% off of everything for VIB members, today through November 14th. Purchases can be made in store on online using the 20VIB code at check out. Whether for yourself, or getting the jump on your holiday shopping, you’ll be sorry you missed.

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What’s on this Doll’s wish list?

Cartier Baiser Volè Fraiche ($98)

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GLAMGLOW FLASHMUD Brightening Treatment ($69)

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Hermès 7-Piece Colognes Collection Travel Set ($224)

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Hourglass Ambient Lightening Blush ($38)

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Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo ($23)

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Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Underage Red ($21)

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Sephora Eye Opening Eye Contour Tutorial Brush Set ($45)

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Glitter, Gold & Everything Bold Clutch ($26)

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Beauty blender Two.BB.Clean Set ($40)beauty-blender

So, what’s on your wish list?

Until then, keep sharing the pretty,

TPD

Feeling Gray!

Hey Dolls! No, I’m not feeling down. It was simply too easy to title this post “50 Shades of Gray.” Any who, when the seasons change, my fall-back color (no pun intended) is black, with the ever-present perfect shade of Chanel Red Lipstick. I rock black with red lips straight through to Spring. But a funny thing happened this year when I began paying attention to  my cool weather wardrobe. My black is being overtaken by gray – gray pants, gray turtlenecks, gray jackets, gray, you name it. I even find myself attracted to gray on the racks in the boutiques and stores I shop. And, although I have been a creature of habit, I welcome the change to gray.

So what’s new in gray? Here are my fav’s in gray for the season.

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You have to love this shade, described as an “opaque cement.” Not to mention that the packaging is to die for! (And yep, they call it “nailed” lacquer!)

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Smoke is the newest edition to the Shade + Light Eye Contour Quad Collection. Touted as “color contouring,” these cool matte grays, coupled with a touch of deep taupe, are perfect for a crisp fall evening.  

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I know, I know! I am taking you out of your comfort zone with this uber-edgy look. But, I promise, it is so chic against the matte eye look above from the Kat Von D Smoke Quad. I purchased, wore it, and have yet to be kicked out of our home by my Mr.

Feeling unsure about all of this darkness? My gift to you – a makeup tutorial by my favorite YouTube beauty blogger, The Fancy Face. No one does it better than Miss Tina. Peep her tutorial below to get the deets on how to rock this look. And be sure to subscribe to  her YouTube Channel! You’ll love her!

Now, what to wear? My go-to staple for the colder weather, a cashmere turtleneck. I am loving this simple deep gray t-neck. Pair it with casual leggings, skinny jeans, or leather leggings with a haute stiletto.

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You cannot go wrong with this outerwear number from J. Crew. Truly a show-stopper, the pièce de résistance with any casual outfit!

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Why not give both of these pieces a little pizzaz with beaded tassel earrings. Also from J. Crew, these beauties are so pretty in “misty fog,” dangling for a sparkly rhinestone!

Finally, we know a Doll can’t go far without a mean shoe, or in this case, boot game. Check out these charcoal thigh highs from Stuart Weitzman. These numbers illicit a full-on swoon!

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You see why my mood is gray?! Won’t you join me!

Until then,

TPD