Lake Bell Makeup Technique for CFDA Awards

I have the pleasure of doing Lake Bell's makeup regularly for her NYC appearance and promos and love her! Lake Bell is one of the most naturally beautiful women I've had the pleasure of applying makeup to as her features are already enhanced and her skin is mere perfection. With all this said, yes, applying makeup on celebrities never feels like work rather a special perk of my job as the makeup application is often accompanied by an insane getup (in this case Louis Vuitton head to toe) and a hair style we could only dream of sporting at least once in our lives. I got to do Lake's makeup with renown celebrity hairstylist (Angelina's hair god) Ted Gibson. He was everything you've seen on Oprah and all his TV segments and more. A true gem and oozing talent with every push of the bobby pin... All of this preparation done in the comfort of your own apartment, might I add- does it get any better than this?

Lake wanted a little more drama than she normally requests, because as you can see, the dress is black, but not simple. The dramatic shoulders and construction of the dress and shoes lent itself to having hair and makeup that enhanced the dress with some deconstruction involved so nothing looked too 'costume-y'.

Application Technique:

Skin is always the focus for me no matter how perfect the complexion. When being photographed even perfection needs to be perfected. I always use a Tinted Moisturizer on Lake and concealer where needed. Anytime I work with black around the eyes I not only wait to powder but also wait to conceal under the eye. Don't create more work for yourself...

We decided to create something different and a little more bold for Lake as she is normally a minimalist when it comes to makeup. I applied what I refer to as a 'reversed catliner' where I used a combination of black pencil and mascara with a small, smudgy liner brush to extend the wing of the liner on the bottom only. Creating an 'extended wing' from the bottom lash line worked perfectly on Lake because of her almond shaped eye.

I layered several individual lashes on the outter corners of the eye and used the tip of the mascara wand to coat and lift the outter lashes. This molded together both the individual lashes with her real lashes.

I filled in and extended the arch of her brows only with a brow powder as the front of her brows are naturally strong and you never want to over-emphasize the beginning area of a brow. It will look too sever. We placed a creamy, gold eye gloss on the lid and inner corner to add sheen without looking applied

We kept the cheeks and lips a nude-y pink. I heavily contoured her cheeks with a muted pinky-plum creme cheek color and set with powder then applied a powder cheek color on top high on the cheek bones to brighten the eye as well as pop the cheek

On Lake's Lips we used a nude lip pencil and filled in with a soft peachy-pink lipstick by patting over her lips with fingers. This pushes the pigment in creating more of a stain.

We contoured slightly with bronzer and set with a matte pressed powder to get her camera ready for her walk down the red carpet! (it may have been black but red sounds better...)

LIST OF PRODUCTS USED:

Lancome Aqua Fusion Creme Moisturizer SPF 15
Lancome Progre Eye Creme
Elizabeth Grant Vitamin C Eye Serum
Rosebud Lip Balm
Tweezerman Tweezers
Makeup Forever Individual Lashes
DUO lash glue in 'Dark' (pink and white tube)
Stila Tinted Moisturizer: Dark
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer #4
Lancome Magique Blush Plum Fantasy
Stila Blush Fade
MAC Pressed Powder
Creamy Gold Eye Gloss- Discont'd will get back to you w/ a recommedation
Lancome Le Crayon Khol Black
Makeup Forever Black Shadow #4 over pencil
Lancome High Definicils Mascara
Lancome Hypnose WP mascara as liner on outer corner and wing over pencil- then set with black shadow
Fresh Bronzer 'Here Comes the Sun'
Lancome Lip Pencil in Ideal
Tarte Lipstick in Paradise


You'll never look as good as you do today...

Dara

June Elle Magazine Tips pg 114

I am so excited to have my favorite product mentioned in June Elle pg 114 this month- Egyptian Magic! You know I swear by this magical balm for $30 www.egyptianmagic.com and it is fantastic! It truly gives your skin a dewy, healthy glow and helps you alleviate all signs of dryness, flakiness, and rough spots that sometimes keep makeup from looking natural...

Try applying to hands, feet, elbows- any rough patches and overnight you'll see a difference!

You'll never look as good as you do today...

Dara

Let's get ready for SPRING!

It's been a crazy time around here I apologize for the delayed updates but fret not! There are lots of exciting things going on in the world of Daramascara and I can't wait to bring you a TON of info for your face...

First- check out some great concealer tips in MAY COSMO pg 100-102

Second- Shooting a TV segment for Target "Beach Bag on a BUDGET" how appropriate is this topic? I'll let you know which ones I really liked after the shoot so you get the best bargain for your face with tons of payoff and protection from the sun!

Third- Shot around NYC on a cold Sunday a week ago and was really inspired to create a hot trend right now- The Strong Brow! Don't be afraid to fill in and create a fuller brow with a powder and a brush. As you can see in the B&W pics if you keep the brows and skin clean and enhanced your color doesn't have to work as hard! Try Lancome Le Crayon Poudre in Sable- run over the back of your hand and use a stiff synthetic brush to shape brows like Billy B.#12 www.billybbeauty.com amazing results!!

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Lancome Genefique

I'm very selective about the products I endorse as I try a lot and have to really use for several weeks to be sure 1) it is a quality product that does not give me a reaction and 2) I can see some visible result and the end result is amazing. With this said I can truly say Lancome's new concentrate, Genefique, falls into this category. It's a youth-activator that when used under any serum and moisturizer, activates your skin's own genes to reveal a younger, more youthful look. I have been using for 3 weeks and am astounded by how smooth, bright, and healthy my skin looks. I use am and pm and can see a real difference in the lightening of my pigmentation around my eyes and cheeks.

I am a huge fan of Lancome skin care, and once again they have created an ingenius product that will give your skin a boost from the inside out.

www.lancome-usa.com

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Spring Makeup tips on www.cheapchicas.com

I met the most amazing woman, Lilliana Vasquez, whose website www.cheapchicas.com is one of the most accessible, fashion- foward, and reliable fashion blogs out there. We met through a mutual PR guru, Melissa Cassera http://casseracommunications.com and she hooked the two of us up and now I'm a guest blogger! I will be contributing weekly tips/how-tos to get you ready for spring, summer and beyond. Stay tuned and in the meantime enjoy the first Daramascara blog!

www.cheapchicas.com

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Girls' Weekend in SC = MAKEOVERS!

I had the best girls' weekend 2 weeks ago in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and of course one of the days turned into a complete makeover day for all my high school friends who are now new moms, stepmoms, or moms- to- be. In a nutshell, they have little time and still want to look and feel sexy so it was so fun to be able to bring back all the memories of having had done makeup on them in the past and put a little more skill behind this experience.

There is no better feeling than getting together with High School girlfriends and turning into a 17 yr old again doing hair, makeup, and gossiping. I love every moment I have with friends and somehow adding in makeovers to the bonding makes it even better. I am so grateful for good girlfriends and to have had the opportunity to make them look and FEEL as gorgeous as I know they are was so much fun. We have the best memories and definately made some new ones this weekend!

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Topcoat Magazing Interview- great tips!

It's been a few weeks. Craziness going on and I am gearing up for spring- are you?! The mere thought of not wearing a winter coat makes me so happy...

I did a fabulous interview with Topcoat Magazine http://topcoatmagazine.com/covering_her309a.html

My favorite part of the interview with Shauna was getting to be so general about makeup application- everyone always wants to know the trends coming out of Fashion Week, Red Carpet events, etc but in my opinion you have to know your face in terms of basics before you start wearing 'trends'.

It's like seeing belted cardigans over blouses is the new trend so you try it and feel frumpy and like your matching it incorrectly with the wrong belt, etc. If someone pointed out to you to try a thinner sweater that is less bulky with a thinner belt to give you more of a shape instead- how would you know how to modify this trend? All you would know is it didn't work for you and now you chalk it up to another trend you just read about.

I see this all the time with makeup! How can you wear purple as the new smoky eye when your eyes are pretty red inside and you'll look like a lab rat every time you wear purple?? SO- my advice is stick to what you know instinctively to work for YOU and don't get caught up in the hype of trend unless of course makeup is your 'thing'. If it's not- focus on it as an accessory to your look not the main star attraction!

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Topcoat Magazine Interview, etc

I was really excited to be interviewed by Topcoat Magazine: www.topcoatmagazine.com it is a fabulous on line magazine started by an old coworker of mine, EJ Jacobs whom I find to be one of the most energetic and fascinating people I've ever met, not to mention his fabulous British accent. Shauna Horn, a freelance writer (and actress) who conducted the interview asked me to suggest the 5 must have products I have in my kit at all times and here they are:

• Egyptian Magic: www.egyptianmagic.com those of you who know me know I swear by this magical balm that cures everything outside a hangover
• Smudgees: www.smudgees.com Pre- moistened q-tips that are damp enough it's as though you just slightly hit with your tongue to dab up shadow fallout and dots of sprinkled mascara
• Maybelline Lash Stylist Mascara: Deposits so much product at the root of the lashes that you can coat the tips with any other mascara for additional volume and you have psychotically long lashes. Hello, I should know. PS- it's $6!!!!!
• MAC Technikohl liner in Black: the BEST liner for rimming the inner lid- won't make you tear or run. It's as good an accessory for your little black purse as your little black purse
• Ponytail Brush: Like Stila #9 or Lancome #17 all lines have this black headed fluffy brush that can be used to blend an all over shadow, shade a pop of color in the crease or softly set eye concealer by rolling under eye with powder

Thank you both for allowing me the opportunity to contribute- I can't wait for the article to come out!

SIDE BAR: ORGANIZING YOUR MAKEUP BAG

What's a big tip for organizing your makeup bag? Pick the products: you absolutely never wear, are broken and/or crushed pigment you're still trying to salvage, have worn off names, that too bright impulse buy, the pencil you can no longer hold, the mascara that has caked around the sides, the dome shaped brush that is now a rat's nest, and any product that has micro dust on it around it or smells funny- having cold sweats about really getting rid of? DON'T. Pull them out, come on, you can do it, hold them over the waste basket, now on the count of 3...1, 2, 3..

you'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Oscars makeup faves!!!

Coming off of Fashion Week 2009 where I just shot a video of how to get 3 distinct looks for Fall '09; Red Lips, Smoky Eyes, and Blue Shadow. WOW! This will be the best tutorial and I can't wait to have the final cut! Fall '09 is all about greys, browns and golds and blues making a statement in everything from Barbie inspired faces to classic red lips and everything in between.

Oscar makeup! My favorites were Natalie Portman, and Angelina Jolie by far. I loved the lavendar smokey eyes Natalie which was done by celebrity makeup artist Jeanine Lobell. I could tell immediately it was her work- clean and dramatic with a fresh flare. LOVE lavendar on brown eyes with black rimmed on the inside to enhance the gold undertones.

Angelina was sporting her traditional black liner- Le Crayon Khol Noir by Lancome. Her makuep was done by Mary Burton who really has a knack for making Angelina's eyes look amazing. Notice there is no space between the lash line and the lid and the line is beautifully smudged on the outer corner and wrapped underneath the eye slightly without looking like a 'half lined' eye. NOTICE- no lipliner! It is so fresh to have the lips soft and natural and let the eyes take center stage- gorgeous.

Here is the product used on some of the faves compliments of Lancome:

Kate Winslet looked beautiful in a multi-toned one shoulder YSL dress. Celebrity makeup artist Jillian Dempsey wanted to create a classic, natural look. First, she prepped Kate’s skin with Lancôme La Base Pro primer to create a smooth canvas for a polished complexion. She lightly brushed Lancôme Brow Expert in Naturel on the brows to play up their natural shape. Jillian Dempsey for Avon Pro Eyeshadow Trio in Ice Shimmer was applied to the eyes and the lashes were coated with Jillian Dempsey for Avon Pro Mascara in Black. To create a sheer, neutral colored lip, Lancôme Color Fever Lipstick in Old Flame was applied for a soft, matte finish.

Anne Hathaway looked regal in a sparkling jewel encrusted Armani Privé gown. Her makeup look was sophisticated and elegant. Anne’s perfect brows framed her face and her long, lush lashes really made her eyes pop. She donned a deep berry-toned lip to complete her look. To get Anne’s look, try Lancôme Le Crayon Poudre in Sable to fill in and shape the brows. Lightly dust Lancôme Color Design Eye Shadow in Ciel du Soir over the entire eyelid followed by Le Crayon Khôl in Black Ebony applied to the upper lash line. Lightly smudge so there are no harsh lines. Apply several coats of Lancôme Ôscillation Mascara for a faux-lash effect. For just a hint of color, dust Lancôme Blush Subtil in Sheer Amourose on the apples of the cheeks. To create her berry stained pout, apply Lancôme Color Fever Lipstick in Brickhouse.

Angelina Jolie looked stunning in a black strapless Elie Saab gown paired with beautiful emerald-colored jewels which added a striking burst of color. Celebrity makeup artist Mary Burton created Angelina’s flawless look. Mary applied Le Crayon Khôl in Black Ebony to the upper and lower lash lines. She emphasized the shape of Angelina’s eyes by applying more liner to the outer corners of the eye. Several coats of Ôscillation Mascara were applied to the upper lashes for added volume and length. Mary put a touch of pink to the cheeks using Shu Uemura Blush in M Pink 31 and applied it to her cheekbones near the temple. To create ultra-shiny and luminous lips, Mary used Juicy Tubes in Spring Fling.

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Fashion Week: Runway ready SKIN

Ever notice all the makeup you see on the runways (let it be known is applied on 19 yr olds MAX) the skin always looks clean, hydrated, dewy and fresh? Now, imagine putting your makeup on in the morning, wearing it for 2 hours and running to another place to have someone take it off and reapply a whole new look in less than 30 minutes- your face would be pretty beat up! The key to taking care of your skin no matter what trauma it's exposed to; the elements (um, hello walking in the cold in NYC), unclean brushes, heavy foundations, stress...this all takes it toll. I have found the best way to calm your skin and reinvigorate your face is to adopt a good skin care regimen. I constantly ask models what they do if they have good skin and I'm pleasantly surprised that being in 'the industry' has instilled some great habits (even if smoking and staying up late come with the territory). Here is what you HAVE to do to have runway skin:

• Remove makeup at night (no matter what) this means eye makeup remover, my favorite is Lancome Bi-Facil, Cleansing (twice if you have more foundation on than usual) saturate a cotton pad (I like Sheseido or Cle de Peau cotton pads) with a Cream Cleanser and do a once over, tissue off and cleanse again using circular motions on forehead, cheeks, chin, sides of nose
• Toner- if you have dry skin use an alcohol free toner, saturate a cotton pad and sweep in circular motions all over the face
• Serum- these tend to help lift and firm to help the moisturizer work better and improve the texture of your skin overall. HUGE difference when you use serums. I love DDF
• Moisturizer- use a heavier moisturizer for pm than you do for am. Be sure to use one that is rich enough that it is absorbed into the skin (not sitting on top) but that doesn't leave your skin feeling dry 5 minutes after you apply. I really like Remede Alchemy- it's the perfect moisturizer for night
• Eye Cream- this is the area of the face that shows aging the quickest b/c this is where collagen breaks down the fastest and dead cells are not reborn here- once the fine lines start to appear sun, smoking, lack of sleep, alcohol, dehydration- will only speed up the process. My favorite eye creme is Lancome PROGRES. You have to ask for it at the counter it's an oldie but goody they keep hidden for the real junkies.
• Lip treatment- whether it's Rosebud Salve, Fresh SPF 25 lip treatment, or chapstick- hydrated lips absolutely make or break how your color will wear!

Believe it or not- when I have 5 minutes to prep a face that already has makeup on I do all these steps every time! Now, seeing as you only have to worry about your own face, clean, well-prepped skin will make your makeup wear longer, look dewier, and more youthful no matter what age you are!

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Shadow application

When applying shadow a lot of women either use one color on the lid or maybe light on the lid something darker in the crease and then a lighter shade under the brow. In theory this makes sense except for the fact we all have different spacing on our eyes. The following guide lines will help you assess best practices when applying shadow. I guarentee the majority of you don't need a 'crease' color and can get the same effect of defining your eye by focusing more on the lash line:

• Base shadows or all over shadows work well on all eyes- these are the flat, matte, skin tone shades that should be applied from lash line to brow
• Shimmers- place where there is little space on the eye- do not assume under the brow is the best place- if you have a heavy, padded brow bone skip the shimmer and place on the lid
• Matte shades- these medium 'putty' looking shades that don't look like much in your hand are great for minimizing puffy areas on the eye including rounded lower lash lines that look like they protrude when you smile.
• Dark Shimmer or Mattes- work nicely as liners. Don't try to blend these in the crease. Darker shades are typically pressed tighter and don't blend as well. You'll actually create more work for yourself if you try to blend dark shades.
• NOTE: Where you place your brush first is where most of the product will be and trying to blend out a dark crease is actually more difficult than starting in the lash line

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Valentine's Day Look- Clean, Simple, Pretty...

The majority of women I know like to feel festive around the holidays but may not completely commit to a RED LIP. No problem. Here's an alternative look to keep your significant other definitely noticing you took a little extra time on yourself:

• Tinted Moisturizer: I'm a huge fan of Stila's TM. I used Bare on this model as she is pretty porcelain and fair
• Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage #2- whatever your skin tone be sure to choose a concealer that is not too light. Mix the two sides together with the the SC Brush and warm on the back of your hand first!
• Creme cheek color- Try Bobbi Brown Cheek Pot in Pink Truffle. Press into apples of cheek and blend down and back
• Gently Powder through t-zone avoiding cheeks so the sheen of the cheek color still comes through
• Apply Lancome Shadow in Mannequin damp on the lid and wrap underneath the eye with Stila Brush #15 (best double sided brush- use small end for lower lid)
• Mascara- Lancome Virtuouse. Use tip of brush to wing out lashes on outer corner
• NOTE: When choosing a look that focuses on both eye and lip keep the shades neutral (unless you are deliberately going for DRAMA)- notice I didn't apply charcoal eyes and a red lip- rather a taupy/plum eye and a soft, muted, reddy/beige lip
• Lipstick- Nars Dolce Vita the BEST neutrally, colorful, no lip, lipstick shade out there
• NOTE: Notice how harmonious the cheek and lip work together- don't let those 2 compete for attention. If they look friendly held together in your hand they'll be friendly on your face!

Happy Valentine's Day and stay tuned for tomorrow's lesson on eye shape for this particular look

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Subway Sponge application observation and new technique

I was watching a pretty girl apply her standard MAC compact powder foundation or pressed powder and minutes before she dropped her sponge on the ground (I so hope the 5 second rule does not apply here) I was desperately wanting to correct some of her technique. I love people watching and watching women apply their makeup is even more interesting. Take note:

• When using a sponge- avoid pressing lips together and rolling over teeth to really wipe the sponge over the face harder and faster- this does not work
• Sweep the sponge around the powder
• Fold slightly into a 'taco' shape around your fingers
• Gently press and roll the sponge vs. sweeping down the face
• Work one area at a time
• DO NOT slam back and forth under eyes- product settles in skin/fine lines and ages face
• Please wash sponge once a week w/ mild soap/cleanser and lay propped up so both sides dry. If sponge is grey, dirty, torn, and/or caked with moisturizer residue throw away

Sponge application of powder is a fast and effective touch up throughout the day however you're working too hard slamming all over the face- this actually removes the product as you're trying to put it on.

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Egyptian Magic

I mentioned Tuesday about one of my favorite products for dry skin. As I'm staring out the window at a sunny, yet extremely cold as I type I'm reminded that as we weather the cold air it really does a number on our skin- all over. For really dry skin apply Egyptian Magic anywhere you are extremely dry http://www.egyptianmagic.com/ it's the best product I've ever used.

I was turned onto this by celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman. She was using it on a model and I asked her what it was and she said 'You don't know about Egyqtian Magic?' I clearly had the most dumb founded look on my face that I didn't know about this product. Sure enough, I bought it that evening and have been hooked ever since. It is a true 'stranded on a desert island' product. Just read about it...

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Exfoliator Technique

As promised from yesterday I have several favorites when it comes to exfoliators: Fresh Appleseed (if you have an aversion to fruity smell I suggest otherwise), Laura Mercier Face Polish, and Cosmedicine Self Adjusting Efoliator- definitely good for sensitive skin. Whatever you are using I suggest these tips:

• Cleanse skin at night thoroughly making sure all traces of makeup are removed
• Either exfoliate next or mix in a quarter size of exfoliator into cleanser and use in circular motions around the cheek and sides of nose, chin, and forehead
• Gently use fingertips to massage on areas that are particularly dry
• Use every other day or twice a week at night. Skin repares fastest during sleep
• Apply a mild toner, moisturizer and eye cream

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Bill Blass Shoot- PREPPING SKIN!

One of my favorite things to do- a perfect model with no flaws, gorgeous skin, and size 0. Ahhh....I digress. When focusing on the whole 'less is more' motto we hear all the time it truly can only be achieved if the skin looks good. Exfoliation, hydration and correct shade all set the tone for how the rest of the makeup works. Ladies- DO NOT purchase color of any sort if you see your skin is not ready. Look in the mirror with no makeup and feel on both sides of your nose- does is feel dry, dehydrated or look flaky? If so, exfoliate first in the shower after cleansing. I have several I like and I'll list tomorrow. The pictures we took for this shoot turned out fantastic- not because she's a 19 year old model but b/c her skin was prepped correctly. I see 19 yr olds w/ bad skin all the time. It's not the age rather the investment that makes the difference. You're skin is your 401K it only get's better when you put something into it!

More later on Valentine's makeup

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

What do you want to know?

Tell me what you want to know! I have more information in my head than I know what to do with. If I can cater to your needs and concerns and make your life a litte less complicated (at least with makeup application) I am happy to help. That is why I love to teach- I enjoy helping you get it:) I'll have videos and such coming down the pipeline- so many faces so little time. If you want email me a picture w/ what you use and I'll tell you what you need to be aware of and what to enhance/avoid when doing your makeup: Dara@daramascara.com

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

One of my favorite looks

I love this shot and for those of you who know my style of makeup will know why: Clean, pretty, makeup that enhances what's already gorgeous about the face. This not only photographs the best but also enhances the personality of the model in the shot b/c she can relate to her look. She told me before we started shooting how pretty she felt and I saw her come alive once the hair, clothes, and accessories came together. Here's what I did:

• This model has perfect skin to start with and one trick I absolutely love is to bleach the brows. As you can see they don't look 'bleached' they are just lightened so when you fill them in they look enhanced and not overly dark, done, drawn, or scary. I dislike scary, unkept brows.
• Next, I used a Tinted Moisturizer and layered to enhance the natural glow of her skin while giving her a more polished look.
• Using a small amount of concealer- actually the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage #2 made a huge difference as she was slightly red around her nose and under the eyes
• Face Stockholm makes these INSANE loose eye shadows and I used this pinky/gold one damp with a small shadow brush and patted on the lid
• Curled lashes and mascara on top only- she has dreamy eyes so I focused instead of using the mascara wand in an upward motion I swept the wand out to the side to enhance the kitty lashes on the outer corner- those really make the eye look sexy
• Used a powder brow filler a shade lighter than her natural color even after I bleached. It gives the brows definition and frames the eyes and doesn't knock w/ the hair color
• Cheeks and lips are complimentary. Notice her hair is so warm I chose a warmer red lip to harmonize better. Fire engine would have worked but I did not want the overall look to scream lips just assertively introduce themselves as having arrived
• Cheeks are subtle but a creamy, peachy warm shade that work with the lips. The biggest mistake I see is the cheek and lip being so opposite sometimes you don't see the overall look come together rather wear on the face as a bunch of separates.
• NOTE: Cheek placement huge here- she has apples slightly more enhanced when she smiles but a rounder shaped face. Applying the cheek color on the apples enhances what she already has and blending up and back toward the hairline minimizes the roundness of her face.
• No contouring or bronzer and very little translucent powder.
• No photoshopping or airbrushing can replace the beauty of good skin and anyone who knows me and has worked with me knows this is what I'm particulary passionate about- fix the skin and the rest doesn't take as much effort.

You'll never look as good as you do today.

Dara

Zink shoot

Zink shoot that was so much fun- worked with tons of individual false lashses with a focus on eyes, clean skin and pale lips- no liner, concealer, and very little powder. I love the circus theme and how fun the hair and makeup was contrasting with the blank expressions.

Mascara

I am really obsessed with mascara...Since I can remember I've worn mascara and not just a little- enough that in 8th grade Katie Dudley asked me 'Dara, how do you get your lashes all clumpy and spidery?' I remember feeling minorly insulted yet pleased that my lashes, for better or worse, stood out. And I was just getting started. Fast forward 21 years and I finally realized not only does my name rhyme with my favorite product it was destiny- I had to name my company Daramascara and there you have it...the rest is history.

You'll never look as good as you do today.

Dara

Saw Botox injections- wow

I saw Botox performed yesterday for the first time on one of my amazing clients. I met with the Dermatologist for some potential partnering with her office and have to say as someone who is completely NOT phased by needles it looked much worse coming out then it did going in. Little raised bumps on the area right away proceeded to bleed a little and appear raised afterwards but completely disintegrated within minutes. What I found so interesting was how this Derm was able to sculpt almost aristically areas that were asymetrical and correct the facial structure- fascinating!!! I loved watching the procedure and as I've become accustomed to seeing makeup only go so far- everything in moderation, as needed, can be very beneficial to the overall look of a face once the makeup is on. I had to give my first hand opinion on this as I was in complete awe of the procedure.


Stay tuned for my recommendations for peeps in NYC for specific services I have built quite a repetoire of people I believe in and credibility is a huge factor with me as you'll see. This Dermatologist is Dr. Felderman 3rd b/t 75-76.

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Down Turned Eye Shape Correction

Twitter tips this week are all about eye shapes and I used our famed Brittany Spears as an example of down turned eyes. The best way to eliminate the 'puppy dog' appearance is:

• Sketch liner slightly upward before last lash- this avoids enhancing the natural down turned shape
• Use a thin liner brush w/ a damp shadow- this will define the lash line better than a pencil if you are applying for corrective purposes
• Darker liner shades correct better- blacks, brown, navy work best to lift the eye and create more of an almond shape

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