Just Another Day At Work

Insanity at the Fire and Reason video shoot on Sunday: Me and super stylist Valissa Yoe!

Tags: Fire and Reason, Hooker Boots, Valissa Yoe, Video Shoot

Text Files: MAC Lipstick in…Reel?

Marfa: I bought a bright fuschia lipstick today

Me: Cool.  From where?

Marfa: MAC – It is called Reel.  I channeled my inner Jilly and went for something a little radical.

Me:  Good for you!  It’s good to try new things with makeup.  It’s temporary so if you don’t like it you can change it easily!

Marfa:  Very true.  I look like one of the girls off European Vogue.

(A few hours later…)

Me:  Girl I can’t find this MAC lipstick. You’re sure it’s called Reel?

Marfa:  Sorry I meant rebel.  Obviously I can’t read.

Me:  OMG that was my first MAC lipstick ever when I was 16!  I love it!

Marfa:  I told you I channeled you.

I swear that this exchange really happened today and that these text messages are verbatim.  I guess my friends really do know me too well!  Get MAC lipstick in REBEL, here.

Tags: Lipstick, MAC, Marfa, Ridiculous Text Messages, True Life

My Make-up: Public School. Jersey City, NJ.

I’ve been learning how to skateboard.

So far so good, although I must admit it’s definitely a slow process. I’m getting more comfortable with it every day, but I can’t go THAT fast yet and I can only turn to the left – And even my left turns are still a bit wonky. Don’t even get me started on my right side turns. That’s a disaster and I usually just jump off and kick the deck to the right and jump back on. Eh…Baby steps.

So anyway, I’m out skating around the other day and my roommate and I go right pass this super cute store called Public School. It’s full of crazy kicks and really dope t-shirts – Definitely my kind of store

Last night (sans skateboard) we stepped out for a little JC jumpie at the store and I copped the cutest pair of sneakers from Greedy Genius!  I love them so much that after I put them on for this photo, I wore them out of the store.

Now, as You may know – We’ve been having a really random heat wave around here.  90 degrees in April is really weird and not even close to normal, and it was hot last night.  Normally when it’s super hot I don’t like to wear too much makeup, but my skin is really angry at the heat that came on all fast and furious – And I have some weirdo prickly heat rash all over my face.  I love the heat, and usually I’m very pro inferno…But, I was feeling a little awkies stepping out with that kind of a face sitch last night – Especially since I knew Mel would be there taking photos (He took the one featured on the left).

Thank the make-up Gods for Bare Minerals…I did a heavy coating of that stuff all over my face (F the swirl, tap and buff instructions – I popped the top off of this baby and dunked my brush in until I covered it with product), and in pictures you cant even tell my face was a red bumpy mess.  The great thing about BE is that it’s an amazing product for sensitive skin and didn’t  further irritate my skin even when it was in a state of crisis.

I’m also wearing Benetint, with a bit of apricot blush from Rimmel on my cheeks;  Posie Tint on my lips with a Bonnie Bell Lip Smacker over it; BadGal Eyeliner applied with a really heavy hand and then smushed around to give a smudgy/smokey look on my eyes; Plus 3 or 4 coats of Avon Supershock Mascara (This stuff is good).

Tags: Avon, Bare Minerals, Benefit, Greedy Genius, kicks, Mel D. Cole, Public School, Skateboarding, Skin Disaster

Bye Bye Binders

Back in the day (Ok, really just up until a month ago), I was working off a binder system.

INSPIRATION BINDERS.

Lots of people keep these – Or at least they’re pretty common with creative types.  Personally, if I came across makeup that I loved in a magazine, I would rip out the page and slide it in to a clear plastic sleeve and put it in one of the many binders that would take up way too much space around my room.  It was a system that served me well for a time, but after almost a year of ‘inspiration binder’ keeping…Things got a little out of control.

I also got a little bit lazy, and towards the end I would rip pages out of magazines and never put them inside the binders at all.  Then there were occasions where I’d find myself sorting through these binders for a reference, and I’d end up removing pages while shaking my head trying to figure out why I even thought I liked some of the images in the first place.

In any case, that antiquated system is DONE.  I’m over it.

The timing couldn’t be better since just the other day, photographer and friend, the fabulous Miss Marley Kate put me on to something much more efficient.  Gone are the days of tearing out pages from books and magazines!  A little site called Image Spark is changing the game and making it much easier to organize and refer to images that may inspire you.

Now all I have to do is upload the images that I like to my very own reference library.  I can even create moodboards for specific styles that I want to separate from the rest of the pack.  If you use firefox, there is also a plug-in that takes things one step further by allowing you to click on any image you come across while perusing the web, and automatically uploads it to your Image Spark library.

The best part is that the site is still pretty young, which means that it’s still possible to get a user name that actually is your name.

Check out Image Spark and search for me under (what else?), Jillian.

Tags: Geeky Stuff, Image Spark, Inspiration, Marley Kate, Organization

The New KareemBlack.com!

A year and a half ago when I decided I wanted to be an editorial make-up artist, hardly any of the good photographers would shoot with me.  All of my previous experience had been in television, and not many photographers were willing to take a chance on me without knowing if I’d be versatile enough to transition from television to print.  Kareem Black was one of those photographers.

I met him at a party, and for months I would ask him if he would work with me.  The answer was always ‘I’ll think about it.’  It wasn’t until he approached me one day on IM asking if I had any recommendations for places he should send his book to, that he would actually consider using me for a shoot.  When he posed that question to me, I LOST MY MIND and proceeded to explain to him that I knew NOTHING about the editorial world, and that I’d been the one asking him for a little help – So why should he bother asking me?

I guess he likes a little back talk, because a week later we were working together on a video spec he was directing for Kiser NY.  Fast forward a year and a half later, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with him on shoots for Verizon, LRG, Interview Magazine, Bust Magazine, CITY, Big Shot Magazine – In addition to some really dope side projects.

This month he’s launching a brand new website, and I encourage all of you to check it out!

Tags: Kareem Black

Shhh!

I’ve been keeping this one to myself for a while.  As a makeup artist, and a blogger I do feel a certain responsibility to let my clients and readers in on the latest and greatest in all things beauty.  Then, sometimes I stumble upon something that is such a find, that I just want to keep it to myself.

I am totally the product of my mother in that way.  For example:  I once had this AMAZING colorist.  I mean…AMAZING.  He moved to another country, so now no one in the U.S can have him.  But before he moved, he made me all sorts of shades of blonde that were all equally fabulous.  My hair was so perfectly colored that women would stop me on the street daily, desperate to know the genius behind my luscious locks.  Whenever they would ask, I would respond with ‘Oh this, this is just some box color.  My friend did it for me.’

LIES.  And all of the curious women who asked totally knew that I was lying.  But, my mother always said ‘DON’T GO TELLING TOO MANY PEOPLE ABOUT AMAZING THINGS JILLIAN, BECAUSE THEN EVERYONE WILL HAVE IT AND THEN IT WON’T BE AMAZING ANYMORE.’

I sort of agree.  I also feel kind of guilty for holding out on all of you.

It’s just that now I’m torn.  I WANT to tell you about this amazing beauty find, because it’s what girlfriends do – They share information on beauty and other girly stuff.  Then there is a part of me that wants to keep this to myself, so as not to ruin it.  Once this catches on it’s going to be huge…Like…Sephora…Only, NEXT LEVEL.

Ugh.  Ok. (Let me catch my breath).  Here it is. (I can’t believe I’m sharing this – God, I am SO GOOD TO YOU ALL).  It’s called…

SASA.

Sasa is kind of like Sephora, but they only have standing locations throughout Asia.  Thankfully, they have a website, and they do ship internationally.  The thing that makes Sasa the next level Sephora is that they have things you have never heard of in the U.S.  Products that are rare and amazing…

Looking for Bird’s Nest Eye Mask?  Yeah.  They’ve got it. (P.S.: It’s edible.  Not sure why you’d want to eat it, but just in case you feel compelled to do so – It’s safe).

Or, maybe you’d like to try hairspray for your EYELASHES.

Dying to try Bai Cheong Lung pills?  They have them!  Don’t know what Bai Cheong Lung pills are?  No problem!  Apparently they moisturize the body, give you energy, help with absent mindedness, and post-partum!  Seriously, why isn’t everyone taking this???

Desperate for that wide eye’d doll look?  Try Sasa’s Super Dolly Powerful Mascara guaranteed to give you dolly eyes that will be the center of attention everywhere you go!

I could go on and on…But I think you get the idea.  Basically Sasa has EVERYTHING.  Things that you can’t even imagine.  Things that you would never know that you needed or even wanted until you realized they were realistic options.  Sasa is all the brands that you already know (Olay, Loreal, Dior etc.), PLUS hundreds of foreign brands that you never even knew existed.

The best part is that they always have sales! I’ve even found products that are carried at Sephora on the Sasa website – FOR A DISCOUNTED PRICE! Before you let international shipping turn you off from trying them out, you should know that you get free shipping on orders over $75.00.

What are you waiting for?  Explore Sasa today!

Tags: Discounts, Mascara, Sasa, Sephora

Joey Pero Record Release!

Last week I had the pleasure of turning out to support my friend and neighbor Joey Pero to celebrate the release of his debut jazz album ‘Resonance.’

At a soiree hosted by Resonance Music Group, Veuve Clicquot, and my client ‘Rogan’ – Joey gave a fabulous performance that showcased his amazing talent on the trumpet.

Here’s my roommate, Lindsay, (she’s the one in the fierce leather mini skirt!) – With flawless skin airbrushed by me!

Lindsay wanted a ‘no make-up’ look, and airbrushed foundation created using Temptu aqua make-up was the perfect application technique to achieve the effortless look.

Check out Joey’s new blog, as well as his record – Available for purchase on itunes!

Tags: Airbrush, Joey Pero, Lindsay, RMG, Rogan, Temptu

Brush Cleaning Basics: A Dirty Brush Will Give You Zits

You MUST do this.  MUST.

I clean my brushes regularly – Both my own personal brushes, as well as the set of brushes I use professionally. I just assumed everyone did this since it makes so much sense to do so.  Brushes touch product, brushes touch your face which has natural oil – Basically, brushes get DIRTY.

Just the other night, I’m doing my regular weekly deep brush cleaning, and both of my roommates ask ‘What are you doing?’

When I explain they shout ‘OMG I DIDN’T KNOW I HAD TO DO THAT!’ And proceeded to break out their own (very poorly cared for) brushes.  When I saw the state of their brushes I cringed, and couldn’t help but wonder if they had any idea what kind of nasty bacteria was probably residing in them – And worse, if they had any idea what kind of bacteria they were passing on to their own face!  Dirty, ill maintained brushes can be one of the top reasons behind a breakout.  Plus, the better care you take of your brushes, the longer they will last you.  With good quality brushes running anywhere from $35 dollars to well over $100 dollars a brush, it’s probably better for your wallet if you learn to make them last.

It had never occurred to me to post about brush maintenance – But, it seems that not everyone is in the know.  So, I’m going show you 2 simple ways to keep your brushes clean which will reduce breakouts and also give your brushes some longevity.

1.  FOR DAILY MAINTENANCE:  Invest in a brush cleaner.  Sephora carries several brush cleaners in a variety of price ranges starting around $6 bucks.  I have tried them all, and honestly there isn’t a big difference between the brands.  You can use the cheapest one and it will work fine as long as you use a daily brush cleaner as written…DAILY.  It’s amazing to me how the package says daily, and some people think they can use this here and there when it suits them. This is not a substitute for a deep cleaning product. I needed to say that, before you assume brush cleaner is enough.  Brush cleaner is, however, a good way to minimize the amount of bacteria and product build up that develops between deep cleanings.  I like to spritz my brushes with this cleaner every night, so that they are dry and ready to be used again by morning.

2.  FOR DEEP CLEANING ONCE A WEEK:  Add two capfuls of a gentle shampoo (I like to use Baby Shampoo), to a bowl full of water.  Take your brushes and swirl each one around in the bowl several times.  I promise you will gag when you see the buildup at the bottom of the bowl.  Once you’ve gotten the gag reflex under control, rinse the brush under running water, and wipe off any remaining product on a tissue.  Reshape the brush, and stand upright in a bowl with the bristles facing up.  Allow brushes to air dry over night.

Tags: Acne Fighting, baby shampoo, brushes, bush cleaner

Awesome 80s by Debra

These images are courtesy of Debra:

I got Debrah these fabulous loose pigment shadows, at The Make-up Show two years ago.  They are from Naked Cosmetics and come in a little tower with 6 different colors.  Debra is wearing the “shock effect” collection.

The great thing about Naked powders, is that you can use them as shadow or liner.  They can even be added to clear lipgloss to create a custom blended color, or mixed with lotion for a subtle body shimmer.

I’ve mixed the colors into clear nail polish too.  While the polish LOOKS great, it does leave a funny taste on my hands which can transfer to food – So, I’ve stopped using the pigments in that way because it made everything taste weird.

Good job Debra – Thanks for sharing!

Tags: 80s, Debra, Naked Cosmetics

Eyeliner Modeled After Mont Blanc Pens? Fact or Fiction?

Usually I’m pretty good at being in the know about anything and everything beauty related. But, occasionally someone around me hears about a cool product and puts me on to something I hadn’t even noticed.  Such is the case with a particular eyeliner from the French cosmetic line Le Metier.

My friend Charles claims that Le Metier based their eyeliner design on Mont Blanc pens.  The reason?  Apparently Mont Blanc pens are so expertly crafted that they write under any circumstances.  And so, by basing an eyeliner on Mont Blanc technology, the result is an eyeliner that will draw a perfect line every time it’s handled. Supposedly even the shakiest of hands, and the most cosmetically challenged can achieve line perfection when armed with this eyeliner.

I haven’t tested it yet, but I’m planning a trip to Bergdorf next week to check it out and will let you know what I think.

Have any of you heard about this? Is this just another urban legend, or is this eyeliner the real deal?

Is this the Holy Grail of eyeliner?

Tags: Bergdorf, Eyeliner, Le Metier, Mont Blanc, Urban Legend