Mineral Foundations

I have to admit that I was skeptical of the whole mineral makeup craze. I couldn't believe that something that's actually good for your skin could possibly have any coverage or lasting power. I've always been a liquid girl myself. I tend not to use powders for they can be caky and can settle in fine lines and make my skin look oh so D R Y when I actually have very oily skin.

The first mineral product I did try was id Bare Minerals. I saw a flawless,even toned complexion,even my large pores disappeared. It left a very luminous finish and looked like I had healthy glowing skin. There was one down fall to all of the pros with this product and that was that I got very shiny after I few hours of ware. This product would be perfect for normal to dry skin types.

The second powder on my list is Lancome's Ageless Minerale. Great for correcting imperfections,neutralizing redness. it also evened out my skin tone while visibly erased my pores and fine lines. Works for all skin types and lasts all day.

The only liquid version of a mineral foundation I have tried is Mac Mineralize Satinfinish SPF 15. It is very light weight and super blend-able. Leaves a luminous and radiant finish. Has moderate coverage and is also available in powders and creams for a full coverage look.

Last but certainly not least my favorite on this list Pur Minerals 4 in 1 SPF 15 foundation. (foundation,concealer,SPF and finishing powder in 1)
All the benefits of the listed above plus it's in pressed powder form that is not messy like loose powers tend to be. Enriched with shea butter and vitamin E that's so good for your skin. This product is moderate to full coverage that is build-able. Light weight and very natural looking. Leaves less of a sheen and last all day long.
Perfect for oily skin types especially if you like more of a matte look.

Tip for applying mineral powders:

Dip,tap,swirl and buff 4 easy steps to a flawless complexion

Step 1: Dip KABUKI style brush in the product

Step 2: tap off excess product

Step 3: Swirl brush in the lid

Step 4: Buff product into the skin using small circular motions starting at the center of your face working outward

Faux Lashes

Start by choosing a look. Do you want full,flirty or natural looking lashes?
Lashes are great for adding drama and allure to your look.
Full strips should always be measured to the length of your eyes.
Snip what ever needs to come off at the inner corners.
For a more natural look, try placing individual lashes on the outer corners of your lashes or fill in where ever is needed.
They come in short or long. Use tweezers for a better grip.
Try cutting full strips in two and place them on the ends of your lashes for a flirty look. This will also give you two uses.

When applying a full set:
Start by cutting in two half's. Apply outer half's first then inner corners. This will secure lashes and avoid any lifting.
Tools needed:
Duo lash glue (available in black)
Manicure scissors
Tooth picks (great for applying glue in the corners)
*NOTE -Always allow 10 seconds for glue to become tacky by fanning or blowing lashes first.

Contact info

For consultations and bookings send email to caterinaoliverio@hotmail.com

Favorite Mascaras

1. Benefit's Badgal Lash
The big bold brush deliverers long clump free lashes.
2. Lash Injection by Two Faced
The creamy formula allows you to keep building to create length and separation.
3. Dior Show
Again, I'm a sucker for the big brush. Try the waterproof formula for a flake and smudge free look.
4. Fiber rich by MAC
Tiny little fibers adds fullness to the lashes creating a soft,feathery look.
5. Bionic Mascara by Smashbox
This is a super build-able formula especially for those who just don't know when to stop. Clump free and leaves the lashes tinted even after removal.

*Tip
For perfectly curled lashes
Take a lash curler to the base of the lashes first, then the middle and the tips last.
Hold for 10 seconds at each section .
Also try bending your mascara wand. It will give them an instant lift and make an easier application for those tiny hairs in the corners.

Self-taners & glow products

For best results,exfoliate before applying any self tanners.
Always smooth evenly,applying small sections at a time. Blend in quickly and uniformly until completely absorbed. Use sparingly around hairline,knees,ankles and elbows.
Use gloves or wash hands immediately. Avoid contact with clothing for 15-20 mins and avoid white all together. DO NOT USE WHITE TOWELS!

My favs are:
1. NeoStrata Insta-Tan
2. St. Tropez Auto Bronzant Lotion
3. Clarins Auto Bronzante
4. Dr. Hauschka Translucent Bronze Concentrate(for face)
5. Jerkins Natural Glow

Removal.... Just in case

Exfoliation

The most common method of tanner removal is exfoliation. Self-tanner is essentially a dye that deposits pigment onto the skin. When the skin is scrubbed, the skin cells slough off, taking with them the self-tanner. Follow these steps to successfully remove self-tanner from the body:

1. Apply a thin layer of baby oil to the body.
2. Allow it to soak in for 25-35 minutes.
3. Immerse yourself in warm bath water.
4. Gently exfoliate the skin, using either a sugar scrub (which is less harsh than a salt scrub), a washcloth or a loofah.

Foundations, Concealers & Powders....Oh my!

Step 1:

I always start my clients off with a primer such as Photo Finish by Smashbox . This silicone based primer will smooth out any bumps,lines and pores, creating the perfect canvas.
"That Gal" by Benefit Face primer has a moisturizer like texture. It also contains raspberry extract that is an anti-oxidant that will brighten the skin.

Step 2:

I personally like to put on foundation before concealer.
Add concealer only wear it is needed,what ever the foundation did not fully cover.
Try boi-ing by Benefit for a full coverage.-(Comes in three shades)
For an easy application try L'Oreal's True Match. Comes in a variety of shades and it's creamy consistency makes it very easy to blend.

Step 3:

Finishing makeup application with a dust of powder to hold makeup in place and reduce shine.
I like MAC's Anti-shine powder in translucent and Baked Stardust by Smashbox.

Perfect Brows

My Favorite brow products are:

1. DuWop's Brow WOW
2. Browzings by Benefit
3. Brow Tech by Smashbox
4. Spiked brow pencil by MAC
5. Clear mascara by Rimmel London

Step One:
The perfect brow should start above the inner corner of your eye.

Step Two:
The arch should be aligned with the outer part of the iris.

Step Three:
The brow should end at the the outer corner of your eye.

Clear mascaras hold unruly brows in place.
Waxes are great for having the brows appear fuller.
Pencils are perfect for creating brows that are no longer there or filling in sparse areas.
shadows will create softer, more natural looking brows.

Brow Tip:
Using an angled brow brush.
Dip into wax, then run the brush w/ wax against the way the hairs grow.
Use a soft matte shadow to fill in brows.
Start by filling in the sparse areas first then fill in the rest.

*All brunettes should use a soft brown. NEVER use a black pencil!(unless it's a goth thing) Even people with jet black hair should use an esspreso shade. Blonds can use golden or ash tones. ONLY redheads should use auburn shades.