Sorry for the lack of updates. I was really on a roll for a few days – And then, that allergy/sinus thing I mentioned a few days ago morphed into a full on infection.

I’m better now and getting back into the swing of things, but not feeling very inspired.

Forgive me for taking the easy way out and just posting a bunch of Q & A’s…But, I get a lot of these. And, this week in particular I had quite a few that came to me in various ways…About a variety of things.

Anyway, here you go:

Sent via Twitter…

Q: @makeupartist How’s a girl to know what colors and products to choose for a simple, everyday look? – Bewildered in the Makeup Aisle

A: @shoot_the_moon never responded to your Q when I was sick. Will answer it now…Every girl should have the following in her make-up kit:

@shoot_the_moon black or black/brown mascara & eye pencil, a bronzer (drugstore: wet n’ wild; high end: benefit hula . Clear lipgloss

@shoot_the_moon damn this is too long of a response. Will elaborate on the blog…

OK…For every day you need:

Black or black/brown mascara. Avoid brown because it looks fake (unless you are extremely fair skinned, in which case brown is ok). My favorite drug store brands are Maybelline Great Lash, Loreal Telescopic, and Rimmel Glam’ Eyes.
Black or black brown eyeliner (use pencil for everyday)…Tip: There are something like 3 or 4 eyeliner manufacturers…Meaning that whether you use Lancome or Loreal – You are probably getting it from the same factory. Basically, it means you can use any brand you want and the quality is always going to be similar.
Bronzer. See above for my picks.
Clear lipgloss. This isn’t rocket science. It’s clear, so it looks lovely on everyone.
Shadow: Nude, sheer shimmers, brown and black tend to flatter a wide range of skin tones. Stick with those and you can’t go wrong.
When in doubt, make your purchases from Rite Aide – They let you exchange whatever you don’t like, even if you’ve tried it

Fowarded via email…

Q: does anyone use MAC cosmetics or have any suggestions for something from their line? I received a $50 MAC gift card and am happy with my current makeup routine but wanted to see if anyone recommends a certain MAC product that they love. I’m thinking about getting some new makeup brushes if anything.

Thanks for any ideas!

- Erin

A: I recommend the following (my list of favorite things from MAC):

Strobe Cream
Technakohl Liner
Lusterglass (Love Nectar is universally flattering)
Pigment (My favorites are Vanilla, Naked, & Golden Olive)
Brushes (Fan Brush, Tapered Blending Brush, Fluff Brush, and Buffer Brush which is excellent if you wear mineral foundation)

Hope that helps!

Jillian

Sent via text message and email:

Q: Makeup for photos – What do you go strong on, what not? Are inside and outside, afternoon and evening.
Bridesmaid photos.

A: OK, this is tricky. Mostly because you’ll have to go a little heavier than usual, and will probably not feel very comfortable.

But, resist the urge to do what you normally do – Because it’s going to be a long day – and your make-up will probably ‘fall’ a bit (meaning wear off throughout the day) – So you’ll be glad you wore a bit more than usual.

Here’s what I recommend:

Spot treat with concealer, and follow with a nice even coat of foundation.
Curl lashes (I don’t like this for every day – but in pictures it will give you that extra something that pops).
Put on an extra coat of mascara (Again, this will give you more definition in pictures).
Be sure to apply blush with a bronzer (Use the bronzer on the angles of your face as a contour color – This will keep you from looking ‘flat’ in a photo under certain lighting)

Then I would use whatever eye and lip products you feel comfortable with. Just be sure to take time to blend and layer them (I prefer to do several thin layers instead of just a few heavier layers because I think it gives product more staying power. You may also want to consider an eye primer like benefit lemonade or urban decay eyeshadow primer potion – They really do help eye makeup to last a bit longer).

Set with a light powder – I prefer the translucent kind without color. They keep you from looking cakey and overdone.

Good luck! Take pictures!

Another one sent in via text message (Seriously, you people FIND me – No mater what – It’s kind of hysterical):

Q: What do you use for bad dark circles on a Puerto Rican with a 5 month old baby who doesn’t sleep. She is using a white base, Boing and Lemonade.

A: Hmm, they must be really bad if lemonade isn’t working because that stuff is good! Try YSL Touche eclat – Expensive but best concealer ever. Strivectin has an eye cream too and I hear it really works on circles. I also like transfix concealer from Kett but she would have to order that online. Tell her to try setting the concealer with brightening powder – That helps too. I like Georgia Peach from Benefit.

Whew! And that’s all for tonight…

I’m shooting early in the morning, so I’ve got to get some sleep. G’night!

xoxo