Makeup Artist Backstage with Victoria Stiles» Makeup

How To Sanitize Makeup: A Clean And Sanitary Makeup Application

Victoria — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:21:23 +0000

How do we as makeup artists keep our kits clean and sanitary, especially at large events like Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week where we are working with numerous faces in a short amount of time? This question is posed to me time and time again by clients, everyday people, to models who sit in my chair. Makeup cleaning and sanitary application procedures are necessary when applying makeup, even your own. Skin breakouts can occur as well as nasty infections if proper sanitary makeup application precautions are not taken.

On last evening’s episode of My Strange Addiction on TLC, they featured a “makeup obsessed” woman in her mid to late 50s, or that’s how she appeared, with her crazy pounds of caked on makeup complete with green liquid eye liner. What caught my eye was the state of her makeup bag. Her sponges were literally dissolving before the camera’s lens because of the makeup and her own oil build-up. To boot, her shadows looked as if they were growing a special green sauce, and it wasn’t her eyeliner!

How can you at home care for your own makeup products and avoid possible skin issues due to unsanitary makeup application procedures? Check out my suggestions to a clean makeup application and, by “clean”, I mean sanitary!

1. Mascara should be discarded every 6 weeks. I know ladies, for those of you who purchase the “ultimate” in mascaras, which costs $20+ dollars, this may not be what you want to hear. But think of it this way, you will avoid eye infections such as Conjunctivitis, a swelling (inflammation) or infection of the membrane lining the eyelids. If you are a makeup professional, needless to say, but I will anyway, please use disposable mascara wands when applying mascara and NEVER double dip!

2. Use a Palette Knife or Spatula to scoop out emollient, liquid, or cream based products. By removing the emollient, liquid, or cream based product from its container and working from the palette knife or spatula, you are avoiding contaminating your product’s container. Bacteria can form rapidly in any wet product, so beware! You can also remove the product and place on a Stainless Steel Palette if you need more space to work from. All tools can be sanitized by wiping with 9o% Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol), which can be found at any drugstore such as CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, Walgreens, or at your local grocery store.

3. Wipe your powder products with a tissue after each use. Bacteria has a hard time getting its act together on dry products. Stop bacteria in its track by wiping down the first layer of your powder products, eyeshadows and powder compacts, with a dry tissue. By doing this, you are removing any oil that has settled on the top of your product, thus circumventing the possibility of oil collecting on the product and producing harmful bacteria.

4. Wash your brushes each and every night, or after each use. Yes ladies, I know it’s a little time consuming but your face will thank you! Take a cup, I use the red disposable Solo cups, fill with room temperature water half full and add approximately 2 tablespoons of baby shampoo. Dip just the head of your brushes in the mixture, swish it around, remove and massage the remaining shampoo through the bristles, like you would wash your own hair. Rinse thoroughly and lay flat on a paper towel to dry overnight. To speed up drying, place a fan near the brushes. Follow this procedure and your brushes will be dry in the morning! Avoid blow-drying with a hair dryer because this can make the bristles more brittle over time.

For added precaution, sanitize everything in your kit with the Zadro NANO UV Disinfection Scanner.

Directions: To use the NANO UV Scanner simply hold it between 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches from the surface you want to disinfect, press the power button once, and the light will come on for a 10 second interval. Pass the light slowly across the item or surface until the entire area is covered. For larger areas repeat process in stages until completely scanned. It’s that fast and easy to use, and giving greater peace of mind and control over sanitation issues! – Source: Paint and Powder Cosmetics

Finally, there are some cosmetic companies that are ahead of the game and have added expiration dates or devices to their products. One in particluar is CARGO Cosmetics. They have developed and implemented their own “TimeStrip Technology” in their CARGO Classic Lip Gloss and blue_ray Gloss. Simply insert the TimeStrip in the top of the CARGO lipgloss wand and it will tell you in 3 months that it’s time to toss your lipgloss by illuminating fully red! Now that’s an expiration date!

Check out some of the sanitary procedures and CARGO’s TimeStrip technology in action in this video, Flawless Faces For All Races Episode 3:

Products featured in this post may have been received complimentary for review from a public relations professional. Please view our DISCLOSURE page for more information.
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About The Author

Victoria Stiles is a make-up artist from Washington, DC working in New York and worldwide for commercial print, editorial fashion, red carpet events and weddings. Victoria’s client roster includes celebrities Roberta Flack, Jordin Sparks, Real Housewives of New York’s Jill Zarin, and publications Glamour, O Magazine, Vogue, Surface, Virginia Living, and Washingtonian. Stiles’ expertise in make-up is frequently called upon by local and National publications. Recent articles in Washingtonian, Real Simple, Women’s Health, American Baby, and Northern Virginia Magazine showcases and quotes her knowledge in make-up and labels her as an industry leader.

In addition to artistry, Stiles is a presenter for The Powder Group-- an organization uniting makeup artists worldwide with relevant industry information and career guidance. She has presented seminars nationally at The Artist Summit and The Makeup Shows.

Follow her on Twitter @victoriastiles and add her on other social media networks here.
www.VictoriaStiles.com

Gwen Stefani is the New Face of L’Oréal Paris

Victoria — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 20:39:03 +0000

Photo courtesy of L'Oréal

Gwen does it again! In an announcement to PEOPLE, Gwen Stephani has stated she will be the next face of L’Oréal Paris. Obviously a fabulous decision and smart business move for the ever-expanding cosmetic company! What do you think? Read more at People.com

How To Cover A Tattoo

Victoria — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 07:02:24 +0000

Covering a tattoo can be easy, with the right products! When searching for tattoo cover-up, key features to look for include:

- Water-resistant
- Product will not transfer to clothing
- Available in a wide variety of skin-matching tones

Check out this how-to video using FerbsCosmetics.com, a product which meets all three key features necessary for a successful temporary tattoo cover-up.

Pretty In Pink: Flamingos Apply Makeup To Impress Mates

Victoria — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 16:39:38 +0000

It seems that even nature knows the importance of makeup. In a recent study, researchers found that Flamingos apply oil secreted from glands, located near their tails, to their feathers to enhance their pink color during mating season. Until now, it had been known that Flamingos applied this oil only to preserve their feathers and make them waterproof. Read more about this study here.

Source: nationalgeographic.com

Bright Eyes: The “Silver Lining”

Bellevuegrl2 — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 05:24:16 +0000

Need a quick pick me up after a late night? A great way to perk up those eyes is to line the inner third with a bright,shimmering eyeliner. Think the inner “v” of your eye.

Basically, this brightens the whites of your eyes, making you look less tired.

I love the look of a silver eyeliner, as it picks up the light very nicely! One to try? MAKE UP FOR EVER‘s Aqua Eyes in #8L, a beautiful, glimmery silver that is just right for making your eyes the focus, and keeping them bright and wide awake looking.

Photo: Imaxtree Elle.com

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Products featured in this post may have been received complimentary for review from a public relations professional. Please view our DISCLOSURE page for more information.

Fall Makeup Colors: Think Coral

JESmakeup — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 23:24:32 +0000

The right tones can be beautiful in any season. This MAC Paint Pot came out in the Spring of 2010. Coral Crepe’s soft warm colour it’s perfect for the Fall season. Think cozy fire with the leaves swirling outside!! Here is a look to try. If purples like Grape pigment are not your cup of tea try a jewel toned green as a sub!

~JES

Flawless Faces For All Races: Finale Episode 6

Victoria — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 10:00:33 +0000

It’s been a beautiful road with Flawless Faces For All Races, but unfortunately the fun of beauty and playing with new techniques in this webisode series has come to an end. The objective of this series was to teach everyday women how to properly do her own makeup using innovative products combined with the right tools. Giving you the ability to enhance your natural beauty has been a remarkable experience. I have seen first hand what this series has done for a few of my clients (Sheila, I’m talking to you!) who watched every video and, with amazing results, they are using the techniques displayed in the series for their own flawless look! I thank each of you for joining me on this journey and hope everyone picked up new beauty tips along the way!

It is my pleasure to present to you the finale of Flawless Faces For All Races with Toni, an african american female in her 20s experiencing oily skin, dark circles, and dark spots. Check out products from Cargo Cosmetics, Cover FX, and Sigma Beauty in action to resolve her issues.

Stay tuned for a HUGE sweepstakes announcement to win product from all 3 sponsors with a 1 hour consultation by me over video chat! Tip: You must watch all 6 videos! If you missed any, watch all of the Flawless Faces Webisodes here!

In the meantime check out this Special Offer From Sigma Beauty: Use promotional code PREMIUM to receive $20.00 off the Sigma Premium Professional Brush Kit.

A big thank you to Portlight Productions for an amazing project well done and to Modelogic for a great casting of fabulous models!

Quick Shopping List

FACE

Skin Prep FX from Cover FX
Conceal FX from Cover FX in Dark
Big Cover Up Kit B from Cover FX

F65 Brush from Sigma Beauty
F70 Concealer Brush from Sigma Beauty
F60 Foundation Brush from Sigma Beauty
F55 Duo Fibre Powder Brush from Sigma Beauty

Quick tip: For spatulas, mixing palettes, and disposable mascara wands, go to Paint and Powder Cosmetics

BROWS

E65 Angle Brush from Sigma Beauty
Cargo Cosmetics Essential Palette in Warm/Neutral

EYES

EyeBase from Cargo Cosmetics
Cargo Cosmetics Essential Palette in Warm/Neutral

F75 Concealer Sigma Beauty
E55 Shading Brush Sigma Beauty
E30 Pencil Brush Sigma Beauty

Cargo High Pigment Pencil Black
Cargo TexasLash Mascara

CHEEKS

Cargo BeachBlush in Coral Beach
Cargo BeachBlush in Cable Beach

E50 Large Fluff from Sigma Beauty
F35 Tapered Highlighter from Sigma Beauty

LIPS

Reverse Lip Liner from Cargo
Big Sur Classic Lipgloss from Cargo

L05 Lip Brush from Sigma Beauty

Flawless Faces For All Races: Episode 5

Victoria — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:00:25 +0000

Just two more webisodes remaining in the Flawless Faces For All Races Web TV Series! Today’s webisode features Sumita, who is of East Indian decent, experiencing fine lines and dark circles around her eyes. Check out my products of choice from Cover FX, Cargo Cosmetics, and Sigma Beauty! Check out the first 4 webisodes from Flawless Faces here!

Portlight Productions.

Quick Shopping List

FACE

Cover FX Skin Prep
Cover FX Eye Prep
Conceal FX Camouflage Concealer Medium

Sigma Beauty Concealer Brush F70

Cover FX Big Cover Up Kit B

Sigma Beauty Foundation Brush F60
Sigma Beauty Duo Fibre Powder Brush F55

EYES

Cargo Cosmetics Eye Color Palette in Vienna

Sigma Beauty Eye Shading Brush E55
Sigma Beauty Small Tapered Blending Brush E45
Sigma Beauty Angle Brush E65

Cargo Cosmetics Lash Activator Mascara

CHEEKS

Cargo Contour Palette Malibu

Sigma Beauty Large Angle Contour Brush
Sigma Beauty Small Contour Brush F05
Sigma Beauty Large Fluff Brush E50

LIPS

Cargo Cosmetics Medium Dark Reverse Lip Liner
Cargo Cosmetics Classic Lip Gloss in Luxor

Sigma Beauty Lip Brush L05

Flawless Faces For All Races: Episode 4

Victoria — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 05:35:38 +0000

Episode 4 of the Flawless For All Races Series features a beautiful teen girl, Chelsea, who experiences acne break-outs. Check out my basic techniques and product recommendations for a flawless look.

Quick product shopping list:

Face

Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Scrub Pads

Cover Fx Big Cover Fx M

Eyes

Cargo Essential Palette Warm Neutral

Sigma Brush E60

Sigma Small Tapered Blending Brush E45

Cargo High Pigment Pencil High Pigment Pencil Black

Cargo TexasLash Mascara

Blush

Tenerife Blush

Lips

Cargo Rever Lip LIner Light

Cargo Tobago Lip Gloss

Flawless Faces For All Races: Episode 3

Victoria — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:00:23 +0000

This week’s episode of Flawless Faces for All Races features Alex, who is African American and in her 50s. Alex is experiencing signs of aging in her skin, fine lines, dark circles, and her eyebrows lack definition. Check out the makeup products I use from Cover FX, Cargo Cosmetics with tools by Sigma Beauty to seamlessly disguise her problem areas.

Filmed and Edited by Portlight Productions.

Quick Shopping List

Face

Briteprep FX from Cover FX
Clearprep FX from Cover FX
Camouflage Concealer in Deep from Cover FX
The Big Cover Up Kit B from Cover FX

Duo Fibre Brush F15 from Sigma Beauty
Concealer Brush F70 from Sigma Beauty
Foundation Brush F60 from Sigma Beauty
Buffer Brush F45 from Sigma Beauty

Eyes

Essential Palette in Dark Neutral from Cargo
Black High Pigment Pencil from Cargo
Better Than Waterproof Mascara from Cargo

Angle Brush E65 from Sigma Beauty
Medium Angled Shading Brush E70 from Sigma Beauty
Small Tapered Blending Brush E45 from Sigma Beauty

Cheeks

Mendocino Blush from Cargo

Powder Brush F10 from Sigma Beauty

Lips

Medium/Dark Reverse Lip Liner from Cargo
Classic Lip Gloss in Dusseldorf from Cargo

Lip Brush L05 from Sigma Beauty

Did you miss Episodes 1 and 2? Check them out below!

Flawless Faces For All Races Episode 1

Flawless Faces For All Races Episode 2