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By Sheila
Like so many people these days, I am amongst the ranks of us who are seeking employment, which means sending out tons of resumes and hopefully getting a few job interviews lined up.
For many of us, it’s may be the first time we’re back on the job market after a few years, so with that in mind, here are some helpful hints about making yourself look your very best. After all, the first impression is most definitely the most important one!
While I do enjoy going around looking like a peacock when I’m out and about, it’s not quite appropriate to meet a potential employer with unless you’re interviewing to be a makeup artist, that is!
Here’s the basic rundown:
- Keep it simple. You want your interviewer to focus on your words rather than on what you have on your face. This is not the time for false lashes or smoky eyes!
- The look you’re going for is a more polished version of your everyday self.
- Make sure your hands are groomed and nicely manicured.
- Your hair and jewelry should not be distracting either – I tend to keep my hair back in a ponytail and wear a set of simple earrings and/or necklace.
Here’s the breakdown of my basic interview face –
Face
Concealer: MAC Studio Scuplt in NW25 under eyes and around nose and any areas with hyperpgimentation.
Foundation: Stila SPF 30 Tinted Moisturizer in Dark.
Cheeks: Stila Convertible Color in Gladiola for a great pop of coral on the cheeks.
Powder: MAC’s Invisible Set on T-zone
Eyes
I use my basic eyeshadow technique to apply two shadows on the lid; one is a shimmery champagne color on the lid, the other is a medium brown.
Base: MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre, which has been discontinued! Bah! But look for a neutral colored base, in general.
Lid: MAC Shroom (pictured on the left) applied with a medium brush (the silver one in the photo).
Crease: MAC Satin Taupe, applied with a fluffly crease brush.
Liner: This is one time I keep my liquid liner safely tucked away and use CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus in Charcoal.
Mascara: Dior Show, my personal favorite.
Brows: Stila’s Brow Set in Warm. I used the light brown color on my brows.
Lips
Although I tend to be a gloss-exclusive kind of gal, I choose to wear a pinky-beige lipstick. In this case, it’s Chanel’s Aqualumiere lipstick in Yucatan with MAC’s Stripdown liner, which is a great neutral shade to have in your kit.
The lips could be a bit more colorful, but it’s up to you and your taste.
Now, for those of you who have job interviews, make sure you have a copy of your resume on hand, have a firm handshake, and go knock ‘em dead! Well, not literally … you get the message!
By Sheila
I won’t claim to have been Spring cleaning – more like participating in re-arranging of clutter from one area to another- but I was rummaging through some brushes when I spotted something I hadn’t noticed in years. My very first makeup brush.
I remember walking into a Long’s Drugs right after I started using makeup and looking for a brush I could use that would take my purple eyeshadow application from blah to KAPOW. Those little sponge-y things just weren’t cutting it for me and I wanted more, more, more!
Luckily for me, Maybelline had a set of “professional” brushes for sale at the time and I used this little sucker for a few years for everything … base, crease, and highlight, wiping off the brush on a tissue before moving on to the next colors.
Ah, the simple days.
Eventually I bought a brush set from Victoria’s Secret and over time started accumulating MAC brushes, which comprise most of my collection today.
Looking at the numerous brushes I have today and thinking back on the memories of that very first eyeshadow brush that is sporting a dented ferrule and broken handle … I can’t help but smile at those simple times when I was first learning how to paint.
What was your first makeup brush, or brushes?
By Sheila
For you, from Mai Couture, I have a set of two Papiers with Wallets to give away to one very lucky winner!
The winner will receive a 2-1 Blotting and Bronzing Papier in Light-Med, and a Blush Papier in Prettyful. Just leave a comment and make sure to visit www.maicouture.com!
Contest ends Saturday, March 13th at 12 noon P.S.T.
Good luck!
By Sheila
In today’s beauty industry we’ve so often seen colors come and go and come again, repeated products in different packaging; it is so rare that you see any product that is so unique that you have to wonder why no one came up with the idea before.
When I made my way over to the Mai Couture booth at The Makeup Show L.A., I had no clue I was about to discover a beauty product that is unlike any I’ve seen before and so great that I want to shout about it to the Universe.
What Mai Couture makes are three types of Face Papiers that leave you with fresh skin without a touch of pastiness, and even a bit of color to boot.
There’s the 2-1 Oil Blotting and Bronzing Papier that comes in two shades: Light-Med, and Med-Dark. Shown here is Light-Med.
The Blush Papier in Sunset Blvd., Uptown, and Prettyful. Shown here is Prettyful.
And the Rejuvenate Papier in Lavandre and Revitalize Vitamin C + E. Shown here is Revitalize Vitamin C +E.
This changes the blotting paper game completely. Turns it up on its head and makes you stand up and applaud these blotting paper creations for their sheer genius.
Mai Tran, creator and president of Mai Couture, was inspired to create these Papiers based on her own experiences with blotting papers – she hated looking pasty afterwards and knew there had to be a way to get better results without a mess.
I tested the 2-1 Oil Blotting and Bronzing Paper in as well as the blush in Prettyful. Being of Middle Eastern descent, I can get very oily very quickly. After a long day of toddler wrangling, I touched up with both Papiers to great results — my skin felt refreshed, I had a bit of color going on, and I love how the blush showed on my skin.
Later on I tried the Refreshing Papier and it left my skin feeling …well, refreshed!
The Papiers come individually, but I do recommend purchasing a wallet so they don’t crumble in your purse. The wallet itself is really well made and high quality.
For more information and to order, visit www.maicouture.com …. but wait! Stay tuned … we have a fantastic contest coming VERY soon!!!
Note: Press samples of these products were provided for us to review. Our reviews will always be a 100% truthful. If we love a product, we’re going to rave about it, if we hate a product, we will equally rant about them. If you have any questions, send an email to paintedladies2009@gmail.com.
By Sheila
There’s something magical about awards season in Hollywood. The glitzy and sparkly designer dresses most of us could never afford, the jewelry, the glamourous hair, and then there’s the makeup — now that’s something accessible to all of us!
Oscar Makeup Watch has always been my favorite part of the show (natch), so here’s a little roundup of some of my favorites from Oscar Makeup Watch 2010.
Sandra Bullock
I have to go along with the general buzz over on our Facebook fan page that along with Best Actress, Sandra Bullock wins best face of the night. Girlfriend is WORKING those red lips with a subtle but defined eye and the shimmery cheeks just make it all come together.
 Courtesy of Justjared.buzznet.com Monique
Monique made some Oscar history this year, and her face looked flawless while doing so. I’m not saying anything about her refusal to shave her legs. Notice her pefectly scuplted, lightened brows? An added touch of glamour.
 Courtesy of Justjared.buzznet.com Helen Mirren
And now the poster-woman for aging done right, Helen Mirren. Could she look any more fantastic? Completely age-appropriate makeup, with soft base, lightly defined eyes, and sheer, glossy pink lips.
 Courtesy of Justjared.buzznet.com Brief Eye Candy Break
Chris Pine, Chris Pine, Chris PINE … you rocked my socks in the Star Trek movie, enough said.
Eye Candy Break Over….
Meryl Streep
How can she be 60? Meryl Streep, acting great and another example of aging done right. She looks amazing, love everything about her look and the fact that she’s (seemingly) botox-free.
 Courtesy of Justjared.buzznet.com Charlize Theron
Lot’s of red lips on the red carpet this year, and I love how Charlize Theron pulled it off with lightly definied eyes. Like Sandra Bullock, the lips are a yellow-based red and it’s a flattering color on both ladies, who have very different coloring.
Now it’s your turn for Oscar Watch 2010 — which ladies were your favorites this year?
By Sheila
Crazy week over here at Painted Ladies, but I”m not complaining! With The Makeup Show L.A. and then Oscar prep time, it was a whole lot of adventure. Loves it!
Kate takes us on a behind-the-scenes peek in the life of a counter girl.
Part One and Part Two of my trip to The Makeup Show L.A.
We visited April at an Oscar’s gifting suite.
And on a personal note, I’ve slashed prices over at my Etsy shop, Arkeeology Designs, which has jewelry, photo prints, and greeting cards. Check it out!
By Sheila
After what seems like years of anticipation, Tim Burton’s interpretation of Alice in Wonderland is finally in theaters. As such, Alice fever has officially hit the world. Something about these literary characters are just so endearing to so many people and there are some adorable products coming out with the Alice theme.
When I was about 9, I remember being fully-obsessed with Disney’s version of Alice. Obsessed! I used to pretend I was Alice and arrange my mom’s perfume and makeup samples into a Little Twin Star’s jewelry chest. Yes, my makeup obsession runs deep. Naturally, many of these Alice-themed products are tickling my credit card. Who can resist all the cuteness?
Paul and Joe
Ok, someone take my pulse, because I’m offically slayed. I love how this set portrays the Disney version of Alice. Love!
Lisa at The Primping Parleur carries the full-line in her store and online, and according to the Parleur’s blog, here’s what’s in the set: “Each Paul & Joe Alice in Wonderland Kit contains their famous blot papers in a mirrored pleather case, one blot paper refill, a lip treatment stick, all packaged in an adorable limited edition tin.”
OPI
With an adorable set of four polishes, OPI has outdone themselves creatively. I love how whimsical the colors are, and have to say they’re a perfect way to bring in the Spring.
Also, did you know that if you go to the OPI site directly that have this cool feature that allows you to “try” the color on your hand? Go over and take a look!
 Courtesy of Chicprofile.com Urban Decay
Sadness! This adorable kit is all sold out and selling for beaucoup bucks on Ebay. Sigh … well, the set of shadows and liners and a Primer Potion.
Hopefully it will be restocked, soon!
Are you planning on purchasing any of the super cute Alice merchandise?
By Sheila
I <3 Hollywood. Even though I live about 30 minutes away (when the traffic decides to behave) and have been there plenty of times, I still get a little starstruck whenever I have the occasion to travel to the land where so many famous careers have launched.
So, when I got a message from April Chaney bright and early in the morning, inviting me to visit her as she represented L’Oreal at an Oscars gifting suite, there was no way I could say no. The Oscars? The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce? Uh, so there!
Driving up to the event, I had to make a slight detour off of Hollywood Boulevard, as the Oscars have officially taken over. The Kodak theater is fully blocked off and ready to go!
The dino around the corner has the best view, doesn’t he? Da Fonz sure thinks so.
I finally made my way around the traffic block, and I happen to have my first two celeb sightings of the day! OMG, you won’t believe who I bumped into! Huge, huge celebs!!!!
Hi Darth! Hi Mario! They sure look taller in real life.
I am a big believer in signs, and you won’t believe where I happened to park … right in front of John Stamos’s star on the Walk of Fame! The Universe is trying to tell me that at some point in my career as a blogger, I shall bump into Mr. Stamos at some event and we will fall madly in love with one another. Right? Um … moving on to the acutal event ….
Around awards season, a variety of companies provide complimentary services and information at gifting suites that happen all around Los Angeles. It’s an exciting time in the year, and lots of fun to check out some new and exciting things.
Before spotting with April, I met the people behind “Brides Night Out”, a company that provides packaged and customized bachelorette parties. Very cool!
I also met the people behind Spa Luce, which is located at the penthouse level of the Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood and Highland. I cannot imagine the superb views from that area!
And FYI for all you Bliss Spa fans, there’s a location in the brand spanking new W Hotel on Hollywood Boulevard.
And then I turned around the corner and see THE biggest celeb of the day ….
… and I could barely believe it was a wax figure from Madame Tussauds. The resemblance to real Morgan Freeman (at least the one I’ve seen in the movies for years) was eerie!
Around the corner from wax Morgan, I finally see our Expert blogger and good friend April. Along with L’Oreal artist Aliehs (That’s Sheila spelled backwards – how cool!), April was providing makeovers and makeup touchups to event attendees.
April at work.  Waiting for lash glue to dry. What a nice way to get pampered! In addition to the free makeup, participants also walked away with a free goodie bag full of L’Oreal’s Everpure shampoo and conditioner. Nice!
I had the chance to speak with L’Oreal representative Will Armstrong, and asked him for some thoughts on L’Oreal’s involvement in the awards season. He said that L’Oreal is all about seamlessly taking glamour and translating it to everyday life. They love participating in events like this so they can show women how to get the glamourous celebrity experience in their own homes.
I love that sentiment!!!
Did you know L’Oreal is on Facebook? It’s the fastest and easiest way to get information about what’s new and exciting with this cosmetic industry great – check them out at www.facebook.com/lorealparis.
Here’s the best part of this adventure … thanks to the awesome people at L’Oreal we have TWO sets of Everpure shampoo and conditioner to give away to you! You’ll have your choice between the set for Regular hair or for Color-Treated hair.
This is a quickie contest, so enter by leaving a comment below telling me about your Oscar night plans. Will you be watching? Going to a party? Having a party? Going to the actual Oscars?
Contest ends Tuesday, March 9th at 12 noon P.S.T.
Good luck!
By Desiree
Ok, so I’m on a L’oreal kick lately! Ever since our lovely Painted Ladies Sheila and Nicole raved about the True Match Roller Foundation, I’ve been on the lookout for this foundation and to my dismay, either the entire display was sold out, or it was my shade that was missing. It became an obsession for me to find this that during a road trip back from visiting hubby in Virginia, I stopped by every other drugstore on route 13 looking for this. Yes, I kid you not. Granted, my daughter desperately needed the frequent breaks from the trip—or perhaps it was I who needed the frequent breaks!
So FINALLY, I scored this product at a local but very unpopular Target. Lucky for me! Why? Well, this product is all that, and then some. The finish on my skin reminded me of what I used to love about Studio Fix powder foundation—it gave me a smooth , matte, FLAWLESS finish. Over time, however, Studio Fix lost its lovely results on my skin. I’m unsure whether it was due to the formula changing or my own skin changes (perhaps both?), but Studio Fix foundation ended up just sitting on top of my skin and looking like a cakey mess!
This, on the other hand… I don’t think I can stop singing it praises! First off, it’s a heckuvalot more affordable than my other favorite foundations. Secondly, although it’s a drugstore brand, it certainly functions like a high end, $40 and more foundation. Really! It’s that good!
For my light to medium Asian skin tone, the shade N3 was a nice enough match. Applying the foundation took a little getting used to as I have never used a roller type applicator before. It felt like I was painting myself. It definitely felt weird/funny applying it to my under eye area the most…
The finish really was what sold me on this. It goes on light. The formula isn’t thick, which was what I was afraid it might be. The coverage is medium-light, but is buildable… In short, this one’s a winner!
Go run and try this stuff!
Available at Target for about $12, or find at any drugstore near you.
By Sheila
Unable to resist any kind of drugstore lip product that is a) cheap ($3.99), b) from a brand I trust, and c) pink, I picked up N.Y.C.’s Lippin’ Large Lip Plumper in shade 472A, Strawberry Mousse while at Target on a diaper run.
Oh, those seemingly innocent trips for diapers at Target! I always swear I’m there JUST for diapers, but something/s always manage to catch my eye, and, well … the next think I know I’m writing a review about them!
Promising to plump , hydrate and soothe with cinnamon, ginger and Vitamin E, the gloss does impart a tingling sensation on the lips right away; it doesn’t burn, which is the good news. You know you’ve tried those lip plumpers (ahem, ahem, I’m talking about you Lip Venom) that make you feel like you’ve actually put some kind of radioactive chemical on yourself.
The color itself is gorgeous, and it indeed smoothes and feels moist on the lips. As for any plumping properties? I’m not so sure. Here’s a picture of me with just a regular, old lipbalm – you be the judge of that!
For the price, it’s a great buy, and I happen to love this particular color … just don’t expect to have any major lip plumping action happening.
Have you tried any lip plumpers that actually plump the lips?
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Arkeeology for Painted Ladies on Etsy
Painted Ladies Recommendations
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