Foundation 101: Creating Custom Shades

So I've decided to embark upon a new series for both my blog and my YouTube channel! 

Foundation 101...everything you need to know about Foundation!

Now the face, the canvas that we create our looks, that's my passion. I've always been able to paint the canvas and just know what colors and textures to use. It's a gift. Eyes, eyebrows, lips, contouring, that all took practice and work for me. 

But the face? The skin? Color Matching? That came easy to me. Even in Makeup School, when we were doing airbrushing and foundation applications, I NEVER struggled. I always knew it took "2 drops of this and 5 drops of this with just 1 tiny drop of this" and I just knew  it would create the right color by the proper amount of mixing. 

But not everyone is like me. In fact, I know a lot of people struggle with it.

I want to try to share my knowledge of what I know with you. So I am going to start a series called Foundation 101. Every video with that title will have a specific topic relating to commonly asked question about foundations. 

Before we get started with the blog, remember you can always go to the video I post on YouTUbe to see me discuss it in person. You can also see how I mix and match the colors there too.

I want to go ahead and go in depth here over each of the three demos I did in the video.

The first combination I want to talk about is combining a foundation lighter in coverage and color like the L'Oreal True Match in Natural Beige (but super light like Porcelain) 
                                               
with a darker color/heavier coverage foundation such as Estee Lauder Double Wear in the shade Dusk

You need to determine whether you are on the side closer to the lighter foundation or the darker one. 

I was closer to the lighter shade. If you are like me, you want to just slowly start adding the darker foundation into the lighter amount and mixing. You can check on the edge of your jawline whether it will work. Heck you could put it anywhere on your face to be able tell whether you need to add more or less of light or dark shade. 

Next up we were looking to use two different foundations to create a different coverage. Maybe all you have is two extremes? A super heavy coverage vs a ridiculous luminous-light coverage?

For the heavy coverage foundation, I used a THICK heavy coverage foundation such as Kat Von D's Lock it Tattoo foundation. This foundation is extremely thick and dries extremely fast. It is such a good full coverage foundation. But remember, this is such a heavy coverage that it's a fine line between looking natural and looking like a mask. This is why some people tend to shy away from it.

I used the L'Oreal True Match Lumi in Soft Ivory/Classic Ivory for the lightest coverage. This foundation is very sheer. It's great for those looking to just have a nice glow over their perfect skin. (JEALOUS) Similar to a BB cream in that way. Not good for those of us who struggle with imperfections on our skin. But great for leaving the skin dewy and fresh. 

So the demonstration was finding a happy medium between a too heavy and too light in coverage. You need to first determine whether or not you want to be on the lighter side or the heavier side. You can also determine whether you will need more coverage in a certain areas versus other ones. (Never forget concealer can be your best friend as well) The Kat Von D makeup is so thick, you want to work quickly with it. And the Lumi is so watery, it will literally run off the back of your hand or mixing pan. So the combination of the two can work to create exactly the kind of coverage you specifically desire! Additionally, the Lumi will give the Lock It foundation the dewiness to contrast with the natural matte qualities the Lock It inherently has.

Lastly, I worked on showing you how to create foundation colors using the Makeup Forever Flash Palette 

You basically need a working knowledge of the color wheel. I'd say if you are on the lighter side, go ahead and start with the WHITE color and then slowly start adding in the brown. It's a process unless you know specifically how much you need. But it's a creamy coverage, amazing pigmentation and applies flawlessly. You can add greens if you tend to have red pigmentation in your face. But my main suggestion for the novices is to start off small, then gradually add more. It's always easier to add more color than it is to take away. (Another suggestion, have a towel handy!) The colors in palette can be used for eye-shadows, blush, lipstick, eyebrow color, face painting, etc. It's the most handy little palette than I guarantee you is on on EVERY SINGLE MOVIE/TV/PHOTO-SHOOT. I've never been on any set where the makeup team didn't have this somewhere.

So that is my first edition of Foundation 101. I have a few different ideas lined up. I'm thinking of creating the series to be once a week. Ideas range from high end versus drugstore, palettes versus individual colors, ingredients, application, airbrush etc. Do you have any ideas? Please comment and let me know?! 

Foundation is my JAM! 

XOXO,

Amelia St. John

Finally got to check out some Essence makeup products!

Hey guys!

So I recently got a chance to try out some Essence makeup products. Have you had a chance to try these products yet?

I Love Punk Jumbo Eyeliner Pen

This was one of my favorite things that Essence sent me. As you all know, I am a big fan of felt tip eyeliner pens. This one is so affordable at $2.99 and does a good job of line the tops of the eyes close to the lashes. my only concern is that is has a tendency to "fade" throughout the day. And what I mean by "fade" is that is becomes less BAM-in-your-face-black color and more worn looking. It's not bad by any means. Just in comparison to the Be a Bombshell liner, which will stay vibrant black all day, this one does not. 

Stays no matter what waterproof mascara

This is a SERIOUS waterproof mascara. If you are going to be in the heat, humidity, or crying at a wedding or special occasion...then DO USE THIS MASCARA. But beware, it will take quite a while to get off. I recommend Coconut Oil to help ease this off. Additionally, this is a dry formula mascara. Some people love a dry formula, I however prefer a wet mascara that really coats the eyes.

This next product is my FAVORITE EYESHADOW FROM ESSENCE!  

Essence 3D Eyeshadow in Irresistible Caramel Cream

 This eyeshadow is amazing. It is so pigmented and shimmery. I love using the lighter shade (which is like a champagne shimmer) all over the lid or in the inner corners. Then I go lightly with a fluffy shader brush with the darker brown in the crease in circular motion. With a slightly more dense fluffy shader brush, I will take a little more of the dark brown and go deeper into the crease and blending it all out together. It's absolutely stunning on its own or with other products!

Essence Night Club Eye Shadow Palette: I haven't had a chance to try this yet but it is so gorgeous!

Stays No Matter What Waterproof Eyeliner

 I used this (or tried to) on my lower water line. Not very good. Barely goes on. But looks good under the lashes on the lower lash line. Not a HUGE fan of it, but that also has to do with I like my pencils a bit on the smudgy side. This bad boy does not move!

I hope you guys liked this baby review on these products. I adore them and I can't wait to try more things. I've heard the eyeshadow primer is TO DIE FOR! I need that STAT! 

XOXO,

Amelia St. John

Something New Influenster Box

Hey y'all,

So I was invited to take part in the Influenster program recently. It's this really cool program for people who are active on social media. You fill out the forms and they determine how "influential" you are or how ACTIVE you are on social media (for me? It's pretty much 24/7) and then they send you a box filled with products to review. They are all products that are already on the market. Then they give you TASKS. Such as:

* Post on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Vine

* Blog About it (hence this blog!)

* Post a YouTube video 

* Write reviews

You have to do the tasks or else they won't send you any more boxes. It's kind of like the "job" they give you in exchange for the box of fun stuff. 

You can find more about it here: www.influenster.com

Here's what I got:

Kiss Eyelashes (2 packs of 2) 

Q-tips Precision packs -30 count (2 packs)

Lustre Now Tooth Paste 

Dr. Scholls for Her Ball of Foot Insert

HeadAche Relief Powder

My Trio Rings Discount (65% off)

I received the Something Blue Vox Box. This is a box that is tailored to "brides". Since I am getting married in October, I suppose that's me right? 

Here are my brief thoughts on them: 

Kiss Eyelashes: Every bride needs lashes to make her look her most gorgeous and open up those beautiful, happy eyes!

Q-Tips: You will need to touch up that eye makeup after a few tears have been shed after saying your "I dos"

Luster Now Toothpaste: Now is the time for those teeth to really be PEARLY white. Not "I have a cup of coffee every day and a glass of red wine every night" stained! Use this tooth paste to brighten those teeth up!

Dr. Scholls: If you are going to be on your feet all day, then you need to make sure they are comfortable!

Headache Relief Powder:  If you are like me, you are going to be drinking and letting loose on your big day. You only get this one day! Enjoy it. But use this powder to temper to hangover effects the next day!

My Trio Rings:  If you haven't gotten those rings yet, then check out the amazing discounts this company gives on a set of 3 rings! 

I'm really glad to be a part of this program. I think it's a really neat thing and I look forward to seeing what other things come in the next set of Influenster samples! I'll be giving a more detailed review on the toothpaste and lashes later!

XOXO,

Amelia

Don't forget to come find me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ameliastjohn

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ameliastjohn

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ameliastjohn

Youtube: www.youtube,com/afrazier726  


**Note: This box was sent to me complimentary. I have not been paid. These are my honest reviews**

False Advertising (reposted from my old blog: amyinellay.blogspot.com)

**I made this blog post on my old blog (amyinellay.blogspot.com) back about a year ago. But I wanted to post on here for all of you to see again. Because I feel it's an issue worth repeating. **

I recently got posed a question that was suggested I turn it into a blog post. The question was

"Are the lashes in Cosmetic Mascara Ads real or fake? How can they get away with that sort of advertising?"

Many of you have seen this and know what I am talking about. See below for the following images: 

Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Mascara

Penelope Cruz Advertisement for L'Oreal Paris Telescopic mascara

Eva Longoria for L'Oreal Volume Millions De Cils

M.A.C Plush Lash Mascara

How many of you have bought mascara because it promised that you could get lashes like these models/celebrities? Maybe that wasn't your ONLY reason you bought it, but most of the time the advertisements have a lot to do with your decision. You want a black, lengthening, voluminizing, water proof mascara and you think " well I love M.A.C products and the artists in the store look amazing all the time, if I buy this mascara, I can look like them too." 

Or something along those lines. I bet none of you truly believe everything you hear, right? (If you do, let's chat about the word "naïve" and it's meaning later, just you and me ok?)
 

But how can they get away with this blatant false advertising? In every one of these ads, you can tell the model is wearing false lashes. Who on earth has 1.5" long and perfectly curled upward lashes? (I've met a few girls actually who have. But they are rare. Also weird, I have met SO many men who have infinitely longer and more curled lashes than most women. It's so not fair!) The companies can get away with this by just instructing the MUA (makeup artist) to use a small amount of the actual product, and then they can use whatever they feel like to get the look the client wants. So they can just do one coat of The Falsies mascara on the model, and then use their Diorshow, Lancome Hypnose, or whatever expensive mascara they have to finish the eyelashes. Then the add either individual or strip false lashes as close to the waterline as possible so as to insinuate that the mascara created that look. 

So TECHNICALLY, yes, the advertised product was used. But most of us know that isn't what created that look. Fake lashes did. 

Now many of these cosmetic companies have gotten into trouble. According to the Daily Mail (UK) dated June 1st of 2011:

The print commercial for LashBlast Volume promises a false lash effect. However a small print disclaimer running alongside the image states that lash inserts were applied to Miss Fox's eyes before the product was applied. 

The disclaimer is at complete odds with the copy in the ad, which reads: Is your volume true? Or false? LastBlast gives you true volume.

Disclaimer states: 'If your mascara promises volume but delivers clumps - that's false! True volume comes from our big brush, not from big clumps. Try LastBlast Volume for yourself. You may never go "false" again.'

 

The small print, however, which is barely visible in the bottom left-hand side on the model's neck, reads: 'Lash inserts were applied to both of Nicole’s lashes to add lash count before applying mascara.'

(Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1392461/CoverGirl-admits-using-false-lashes-ad-false-lash-effect-mascara.html#ixzz1z1L2o0eY)

 

 

To the bottom left corner of left page, there is a small amount of writing. Can you see it?  That is their disclaimer. It's SO big, I'm surprised you missed it.  Again it states, " 'Lash inserts were applied to both of Nicole’s lashes to add lash count before applying mascara.'" 

 

These companies can be held responsible by the FTC and the National Advertising Division of the Council of Business Bureaus. Another example is of the Taylor Swift Covergirl (again!)  NatureLuxe Mousse Mascara. 

You can read the whole article here:  http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/business/2011/12/procter-gamble-pulls-photoshopped-taylor-swift-mascara-ad/ 

Basically, Covergirl got busted.  AGAIN!

But, there are great mascaras out there. I'm not bashing any of these mascaras by any means. I'm just saying don't expect to turn into Taylor Swift, Eva Longoria, or Penelope Cruz just by using the mascara they endorsed. They got paid big bucks to endorse it. I love Cover Girl Clump Crusher...it's one of 3 I use every day. But I'm not stupid enough to think I'm going to have 1.5" lashes by using it either.

What do you all think about this? Have you ever been so misled by a product's advertisement that you were extremely disappointed when you got home? Or vice versa? A product that did exactly what it said it would? I'd love to hear which products you love and which disappoint you!

That's it for today class. Hope you took notes. There will be a quiz. 

Just kidding! 

XOXO,

Amelia St. John
 

This Jewelry Will "Dazzle" You!

Hey lovelies!

I just wanted to take a minute to share with you this amazing bracelet set I received from www.dazzlemeus.com. They have the cutest mission statement: "Our mission is to deliver cute, trendy, and dazzling products for affordable prices. Start shopping and have FUN!" 

Here's what I got and am LOVING:

 This set is called the Pink Sugar Set and is $

It is sold out right now, because it is extremely popular. As you can see why!

 Isn't this the most gorgeous cross you have ever seen? I love the sideways nature of it. It's so bling-ing, I just love it.  I feel like the cross can be worn just by itself, or combined with other rose-gold items you have in your collection.

 The strap is a dual wrapped around the wrist. It has rhinestones on part of it and then a rose-gold chain on the other part. It is neither heavy nor bulky.

Also, if you work at a computer a lot (like many of us do), this bracelet is very easy to work near a keyboard. It doesn't bang or clang. 

Although, that has never stopped me from wearing big funky jewelry!

I have posted a YouTube Video with more of my thoughts and opinions on my channel www.youtube.com/afrazier726

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tInWPQ7mw6g

Don't forget to go check out my Instagram page where I love to feature and post lots of things I am loving (and if you love bulldogs, you will get to see my little love-bug Tucker on there from time to time!)

USERNAME: Amelia St. John

XOXO,

Amelia St. John 

Stuck in Foundation Rut? Wanna look like JLo?

Hello my lovelies!! 

Are you in a foundation rut? Do you want to try something new but you just aren't sure where to turn or what to try? Well, let me come to your rescue! 

I, too was in a rut recently. I would open my foundation drawer and just SIGH. It was always the same thing. The Covergirl 3 in 1? Sure, that's a trusty foundation but I'm just so BORED. The L'Oreal True match? Yeah, those are nice but I don't have my perfect shade and I don't feel like combining two. (I'm just lazy) 

What is there to do? 

Not sure if you ALL know this, but I am getting married in October. I STILL have yet to decide if I am going to do my own makeup (who wants to worry about it on your big day?) or if I am going to fork over the big bucks to hire a PRO. So I took this, as well as my foundation rut attitude, into the MAC store this weekend. Whenever I go into the store, I pretend like I don't know anything. I want the MAC girls/guys to tell me everything they know about the product, because just like any other customer, a professional MUA still wants to know what she's buying! 

So I tell the girl, Jennifer, I want my face to have the same sort of glow as this chick in the Pinterest pin below:

Her recommendation? MAC Face and Body combined with the new Limited Edition Strobe Liquid Lotion

 I am in the color C2. C stands for Cool undertones, W stands for Warm undertones.

 This is Golden Elixer swatched on my arm with NO flash

 This is C2 swatched on my arm with no flash.

I love this stuff. It is a very sheer application. If you have flawless/good skin to begin with, look no further than this foundation. It is sheer, but buildable. I happen to have combination skin, and lately, my hormones have been waging war on my face. And yet, even though Face and Body is sheer, it is still buildable. And should you want EVEN more coverage, you can add a smidge of your MAC Pro Longwear Concealer to the foundation for that coverage you need. That's what I had to do to cover those pesky problem areas on my chin! 

When you add the Strobe Lotion to the foundation, it gives it this nice sheen and glowy look. Exactly the dewiness I was looking for in a foundation like the girl in the picture above. 

It is best mixed together on the back of your hand with your fingers, to warm up the makeup before applying to your face. Apply with your CLEAN fingers to really allow the foundation to blend well with your skin. The warmth from your hands and fingers will make it look almost as if it was airbrushed on your face. I truly have a better understanding of why this foundation is used on so many photo shoots. 

Now, I will continue to rotate my foundations because I believe that the best thing for your face is to constantly keep switching it up.You don't want your face to get too used to something, or have a reaction because you have OVERDONE it on a specific makeup formulation. But for me? I'm keeping MAC Face and Body in my makeup arsenal. Who knows? I just may end up using on D. Day  aka My Wedding (just kidding!) 

 If you want to see my face after my very first time using it, don't forget to watch the more in-depth review I have on my YouTube Channel!

 

Have a beautiful and Blessed day!

XOXO,

Amelia St. John