Sheila J. Makeup

The Makeup Show Recap

2011-05-17T08:40:00.000-04:00

Can't wait to share with all of you more details about the amazing products and services I explored when at The Makeup Show this weekend. Here is just a short list of some of companies I will be bring you news on:

Beauty Addicts
Dermalogica
Dinair Airbrush
Eve Pearl
Glamcor
Inglot Cosmetics
Kevyn Aucoin
Mehron
Model in a Bottle
Naked Cosmetics
Senna Cosmetics

and more too! So much to say

The Makeup Show - Education & Inspiration

2011-05-10T07:08:00.000-04:00

Can't wait!! The Makeup Show is the biggest event of the year for me and so many other Makeup Artists. It is two days surrounded by another week of great events that help us to 1) focus on where we, as artists, 2) learn the new trends and innovations in the industry and 3) to be inspired to forge ahead in our respective areas of expertise.

I'll be looking to forward to gaining knowledge in new products that will give a flawless skin tone to one and all. Also there are new camouflage techniques and products that we can use to cover burns, scars and imperfections caused by disease or injury. One big goal I have is to keep my composure :) I can get so carried away with my excitement and love of all things makeup and beauty that I can loose track of my budget.

One thing I already have planned to buy is a new light set up by GLAMCOR that gives beautiful color-balanced lighting and is also lightweight enough to be carried to client’s homes or to any location necessary. I'm looking forward to using it within the 1st week at a wedding!

Stay tuned for other exciting finds I'll be sharing over the next few weeks!

What do you know about Retin-A?

2011-04-12T09:16:00.000-04:00

Also known as Tretinoin, Avita, Renova. It’s a derivative of Vitamin A and works to topically promote the turnover of new skin cells. It takes quite a while to see results but it can benefit acne, dark spots, and even wrinkles. (Wrinkles may take up to 6 months to see improvement)

The down side is irritation and flaking as these cells get “killed off” and “kicked out” by the new cells underneath. A lot of people will stop using it thinking it’s not working or because they are using too much their skin hurts and it’s not worth it to them. I understand. Who wants to walk around with the feeling of sunburn all the time? I think the trick is working with a dermatologist to get the right concentration and frequency that gives you the benefit without the sever irritation. But you need to realize, it doesn’t work without some irritation. Here are the suggestions I’ve learned for using this product:

1. Apply a thin layer at night to a clean and dry face (even give yourself 10 minutes after washing your face before applying the cream).

2. SUNSCREEN in the morning – every morning. It’s a must.

3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Even if you see some flaking during the day, wash gently with a washcloth and then reapply moisturizer.

4. Start off slow – every other day or every third day until your skin gets used to the medicine. Just don’t give up if it starts flaking. That means it’s working

You can see why working with your health care provider is important so you can strike just the right balance to keep you skin looking and feeling as young as you do!

starting again!

2011-03-19T16:49:00.000-04:00

"There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."

-- Albert Einstein

If I really pursue my dream of becoming an Aesthetic Camouflage Artist it will the a miracle, at least to me:)

Tune in, as I bring to you what I'm learning as my friends and I "Face the world together!"

“Hypoallergenic” - What does it mean?

2010-05-12T08:28:00.000-04:00

So after working with clients with Lupus yesterday I’m wondering about “Hypoallergenic” makeup and what that means. I looked it up on WebMD and here is some of what I learned:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) counsels that consumers should realize that no federal standards or regulations exist governing the use of the term "hypoallergenic." In other words, the decision as to whether or not a cosmetic may be labeled as "hypoallergenic" lies solely with the manufacturer.

The FDA Office of Cosmetics and Colors Fact Sheet notes that the ingredients used to make all cosmetic products are basically the same throughout the industry. Decades ago, harsh ingredients were sometimes used that indeed caused adverse reactions in some users, but these ingredients are no longer used in the cosmetic manufacturing process.

It's important to understand that it is impossible to guarantee that a cosmetic or skin care product will never produce an allergic reaction. Since the FDA does require that cosmetic ingredients be listed on product labels, consumers who have had allergic reactions or problems with a specific substance can avoid purchasing products that contain these substances.

Bottom line is we need to test our products and be responsible to know what we might have an adverse reaction to. I’m going to do some research on common ingredients that often cause reactions so you can have a list to investigate.

BTW. Back in 1975 The FDA did try to regulate the term hypoallergenic but there was a court decision overturning that.

Working with complications of Lupus

2010-05-12T05:20:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to work with some amazing people at the Lupus Foundation. These women and men allowed me to help them with the effects Lupus has on their appearance. The courage they show along with the support and humor humbles me. (pictures to follow)

I'm reminded of a few things in Aesthetic Camouflage:

1. Sanitation - Can't be overstated; So important for a person with a compromised immune system.

2. Hypo allergenic - good but not the "be all end all". We could use more products that have this classification, but some people will still have reactions, so TEST TEST TEST.

3. Be a learner - this one's easy for me because I have so much to learn and many who have gone before who are willing to teach me.

I'll post the pictures as soon as I have them. Thanks so much to Danielle who invited me to the support group and the members who encouraged me that what I'm doing in Aestetic Camouflage is worthwhile.

Are my eyes "close set"?

2010-04-21T07:34:00.000-04:00

What does that mean and what do I do about it? If you've ever felt your eyes were close set, here's how to figure it out:

If the space between your eyes is less than the width of one eye you probably have marginally close set eyes.

What to do about it? - Use shading to make the difference. Lighter shades make an area appear larger.

* Use a slightly lighter foundation between your eyes.
* Shadow your eyes starting with the lightest color close to your nose and working the darker color on the outside corner of your eye. Use a clean brush to blend from the inside corner outwards.
* Make your eye liner thickest on the outer corner of your eye and thinning as it gets closer to your nose. Do not take the liner all the way to the inside corner
* Don't curl your lashes but use your mascara wand to brush the lashes to the outer corner - up and out.

These simple steps will create the illusion that your eyes are further apart than they really are and you'll just love batting those lashes!!

Cancer Care beauty class with Ramy

2010-04-12T15:47:00.001-04:00

Just came from a beauty class that was marked with greatness not by the perfect skin on the models or the latest editorial trends in makeup. It was marked with greatness by the generosity of the teacher and the courage of the participants.

I sat in humility and awe as Ramy, a celebrity MUA that I really admire, shared his story of cancer survival. He was speaking to other cancer survivors at Cancer Care. His humor and strength shown through and were inspirational. He showed simple beauty techniques to help someone through what can be the hardest time of life. He spoke of using all your weapons to get into "battle mode" to fight cancer.

When he was going through chemo his big side affect was terrible dark circles. He applied a bit of concealer and some bronzer. His dentist thought he was just feeling better based how much better he looked. Even under those crazy bright lights of the dentist chair!

We agree that just making your face a bit brighter may be the weapon of choice one day to get through that particular day. I believe the patients in the class were inspired and even amazed at what a simple but profound difference a few minutes and a good application can make.

Ramy has a line of products that are beautiful, simple, hypoallergenic and fun! Check them out by clicking on the title of this post.

Look Good .... Feel Better

2010-04-09T06:34:00.000-04:00

I sat in on a group from this great organization yesterday. It's so important for a patient going through cancer treatment to feel they have some power over their appearance.

Below is a description from their website of these group programs. I know they have them at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (where I work) and at New York Hospital. They are also in many other places around the city and around the world. Feel free to recommend a patient to the LGFB website to connect - it might make a huge difference during her treatment!

Group Programs
Each two-hour, hands-on workshop includes a 12-step skin care/make-up application lesson, demonstration of options for dealing with hair loss, and nail care techniques. Held at comprehensive care clinics, hospitals, ACS offices, and community centers, local group programs are organized by the American Cancer Society, facilitated by LGFB-certified cosmetologists, and aided by general volunteers. Patients in various stages of treatment receive make-over tips and personal attention from professionals trained to meet their needs. They also use and take home complimentary cosmetic kits in their appropriate skin tones (light, medium, dark, extra dark) with helpful instruction booklets. Professional advice is provided on wigs, scarves and accessories. (Teen sessions also include social and health tips.) More than 50,000 individuals participate each year in small groups of five to ten, offering each patient a supportive circle, as well. Group programs represent the highest level of expertise available (the “gold standard”) in LGFB services. See Before/After for more information. Or find a local group program now.

5 day minimum recovery time for any kind of facelift? What to do! Aesthetic Camouflage to the rescue!!

2010-02-15T09:31:00.002-05:00

Lunchtime facelifts? - bruising, facelift, procedure, short-scar facelift, surgery, suspension lift, swelling - DailyBeauty™ - A beauty blog powered by NewBeauty® Magazine

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A new approach to an even appearance - antioxidants, avocado, brightening, cupuacu, discoloration, face cream, flavonoid, Flawless Skin Tone Perfecting Creme, grapeseed, Laura Mercier, light-diffusing, moisturizer, moisturizing, mushroom, product, quercetin, sun damage, water - DailyBeauty™ - A beauty blog powered by NewBeauty® Magazine

2010-01-25T15:46:00.001-05:00

A new approach to an even appearance - antioxidants, avocado, brightening, cupuacu, discoloration, face cream, flavonoid, Flawless Skin Tone Perfecting Creme, grapeseed, Laura Mercier, light-diffusing, moisturizer, moisturizing, mushroom, product, quercetin, sun damage, water - DailyBeauty™ - A beauty blog powered by NewBeauty® Magazine

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Botax – How does it affect me?

2009-11-30T14:04:00.000-05:00

First of all, what is it? It's a proposed tax of 5% on any procedure considered optional and not medically necessary. That would include anything from Botox injections to breast augmentation. It is a piece of the health care reform bill that was passed by the Senate last Saturday.

"This tax is effectively a 'Soccer Mom' tax that will adversely impact mainstream American wives and mothers, who are the majority of plastic surgery patients," Renato Saltz, MD, President of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, said in a joint statement with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

What it means for us regular people is that less and less middle class American women will be getting Botox and smaller “lifestyle” procedures due to the cost. But do you think women will just accept the fact that “perfection” is a little further out of reach? I don't think so.

My hope is that women will take back, into their own hands, the control over their appearance. I'm all for doing the best with what you have and we now have such a wide array of camouflage makeup that can enhance our appearance. With some good education and techniques we may look back one day on this “Botax” with fond memories. We may mark these days as the time we decided to go needle-free forever!

Stages of Adjustment

2009-11-29T15:47:00.000-05:00

When something traumatic has happened to us there's something known as the Stages of Adjustment that we must pass through. If you have had a traumatic event that has altered your appearance you must also deal with these stages. I hope reading this will help you to come to the point of acceptance, for it's in acceptance we can begin to make positive steps towards healing.

1. Shock - Inability to deal with the situation - not acknowledging what has happened.
2. Denial - Refusing to accept the situation.
3. Anger - Reaction to the situation that can vary from disturbed to rage. Don't be surprised by this, it's a human reaction.
4. Bargaining - "God if only..."
5. Acceptance. True acknowledgement and a willingness to deal with the situation.

An Aesthetic Camouflage Artist may be asked to serve a client at any point throughout the Stages of Adjustment. It's important for the artist be aware of these stages, without making judgments, but with an understanding of what the client may be going through at this point in his/her recovery. How important is it to remember that we are blessed to be part of the healing process? It's a privilege and a responsibility.

I could spend my life doing something like this. Please read how one makeup artist makes a difference!

2009-11-25T16:52:00.000-05:00

CCM alum helps burn survivors at Shriners Hospital for Children, UC Magazine

Camouflage for Congenital issues

2009-10-22T20:43:00.000-04:00

According to Wikipedia “A congenital physical anomaly is an abnormality of the structure of a body part. An anomaly may or may not be perceived as a problem condition.”

Many people have such anomalies from birth and never consider doing a thing with them. More power to them. On the other hand, I grew up with freckles. From a young age they drove me crazy. When I talked to my doting father about them he just said, “Sheila, they are a sign of beauty.” Even then the obvious made sense to me, “But Dad, I’d rather have the beauty than the sign of it!”

I eventually came to terms with my freckles and now hardly notice them. I wish that for all who have a congenital issue that causes them concern. This can range from freckles to port wine stains, brown birthmarks to my personal favorite dark under eye circles. (thanks again Dad!)

I have tried every dark circle product I can think of and have had a variety of responses. I believe there is no perfect answer but with patience you can find what works for you. Eve Pearl, one of my very favorite Makeup Artists espouses the use of the color salmon. Among other things, she is famous for her concealer. www.evepearl.com

If you’ve got a solution that works well for you, I’d love to get your feedback. Until the battle of the under eye is over…

Better eyelids, better outlook? - blepharoplasty, eyelids, procedure, quality of life, research, self-esteem, study, surgery, survey, under-eye bags - DailyBeauty™ - A beauty blog powered by NewBeauty® Magazine

2009-10-19T10:10:00.001-04:00

I sheepishly admitted to my BFF last week that I would love to have this procedure done. "I know we always said we wouldn't do things like this, ya know, stay natural and all..." "Excuse me? I promised no such thing. As I remember it, we promised to do whatever was needed to look good!" Thank God for BFFs and their take (revision?) on history. After all, this article from New Beauty says it's good for us right:)

Better eyelids, better outlook? - blepharoplasty, eyelids, procedure, quality of life, research, self-esteem, study, surgery, survey, under-eye bags - DailyBeauty™ - A beauty blog powered by NewBeauty® Magazine

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