ASHLEY MANDY MAKEUP ARTISTRY

MAKEUP ARTIST'S CANDY

2009-11-05T11:49:00.000-08:00

MAKE UP FOR EVER is celebrating it's 25 years of fabulousness by offering a limited edition set of it's 'Aqua Eyes' pencils. The second I opened this little box of treasures it made me feel artistically inspired!

You get 25 gorgeous colors of these incredible eyeliners in a sturdy tin case! It's a bit of an investment, but the value is fantastic! Especially for those of you that are professionals, this kit is an excellent addition to your collection. These pencils are magic, they go on smooth, silky, and vibrant yet somehow are still wonderfully waterproof! Now I never have to dig through a bag of pencils again where the tops fall off making a mess of everything.

I'm all giddy for this new goody, and I can't wait to play with each and every color!

Go ahead and treat yourself, or put it on your wish list... the holidays are right around the corner!

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P246905&categoryId=C13402#

Aqua Eyes Collector Set $249 (valued at $425)

FINALLY A FIX FOR THE OVER PLUCKED BROW

2009-09-30T05:40:00.000-07:00

BROWS TO DIE FOR
by Peter Thomas Roth

I have always wished there was a solution for my clients that have trouble growing in over plucked eyebrows. Now that wish has seemingly come true! This eyebrow conditioning treatment supposedly will make your sparse uneven brows appear noticeably thicker and fuller.

The .14 oz container does put a small dent in your wallet at $85 a pop. But I know for a fact that for those who have to fill in their brow's bald spots everyday, that is a small price to pay to fix this beauty burden!

available at sephora.com
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P245503&categoryId=B10

2009-07-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

NOW CARRYING 'JAO' Hand Refresher!

The all natural, refreshing sanitizer that won't dry out your hands. It is packed with essential oils such as tea tree oil, clary sage, and lavender, that give it antiseptic, moisturizing and therapeutic properties. Jao's multi-purpose products are specially formulated without dyes, petroleum or artificial fragrances.
I use it obsessively, not only to sanitize but to freshen up... It's been absolutely essential to carry around in the miami summer heat. I honestly don't leave home without it! Come by the studio to covet this beauty cult item of the industries top professionals.

Beauty from the Outside-In

2009-07-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

As my awareness of toxicity levels in cosmetics has grown, I have made it a mission to find products that not only make you beautiful on the outside, but on the inside as well.

You may think, well it's just makeup, is it really getting into my system? The answer is yes. Lipsticks/ glosses don't just disappear into thin air in between touch ups, and same goes for foundations, powders, etc. It is absorbed into your skin which can lead to ingredients getting into the bloodstream.

When scanning the back of your products keep an eye out for any 'parabens' and talc. Both have been linked to various cancers. For instance, cosmetic grade talc has been scientifically linked to ovarian cancer for many years now.

So what can you do to start living cleaner and greener? Keep an eye out for the many natural products that are now on the market. They are all over the beauty industry now, and are looking better than ever. My first concern with going natural was whether they could create the same quality final product as the many other goodies in my makeup kit. I can honestly say that I have found a line that truly does stand up to the level of quality that I am used to. That line is Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics. http://janeiredale.com/

I am now carrying the full line in my studio in South Beach, and it makes me feel so good to be able to share this beauty secret with my clients. From the varieties of coverage in the foundations and concealers, to the gorgeous pigments of the eyeshadows and blushes, this line really brings it. All while cramming in 'good for you' ingredients such as pomegranite , green tea, and algae extracts.

sunbeam circle delete pure pressed base Nighttime Eyeshadow Palette

Come on in for a consultation to get your personalized clean, green, makeup makeover~
Or go to the Jane Iredale website and browse all the goodies they have to offer.

My Makeup Studio in SOBE CALM!! Come See!

2009-03-27T08:12:00.000-07:00

Finally I have a little studio in South Beach! It's in a wonderful private spa/wellness center called SOBE CALM. It's a very homey and calm environment where people can come and get beautified from head to toe!
Come in for the works...
Do a private pilates lesson with a pro, then get a fantastic facial from Tatum Fritts (skin specialist extraordinaire), a massage that will change your outlook on life, a mani/pedi from the famous Tuka, a beautiful new hair do, and then of course the icing on the cake... Magnificent Makeup by Me!
We are making a valiant effort to be clean, green, tree hugging mamas, so come on in and learn how you too can start to detoxify your life!

Sobe Calm, be beautiful, be healthy, be you.

Location: 1301 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Call for appointments: 305 531 5994
To reach me directly for makeup appointments call:305 484 0478

Easy on the Eyes

2009-03-24T17:41:00.000-07:00

KAT VON D.
making eyes easy...

To my surprise she really brought the goods with her makeup line, from quality of the products to the sexy packaging. I haven't gotten a chance to try everything in the line, but one thing that I bought and love are her "True Romance" eye shadow palettes. I got both 'Ludwig' (warm earthy tones) and 'Beethoven' (icy cool tones). The shadows have great pigment, go on smooth, and have nice staying power. Both palettes have 8 shades, giving you all that you need to create any look no matter what time of day or outfit you're rockin'.

Of course I have about a gazillion different shadows and love them all for different reasons. But these are now what I reach for when I'm about to hit the road. They really consolidate my travel kit, and for someone who is a chronic over-packer that is a Huge deal!

sold at sephora...

INCREDIBLE COVERAGE

2009-03-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

KEVYN AUCOIN
"The Sensual Skin Enhancer"

I am not often impressed when it comes to foundations and concealers. There seems to always be something wrong... not enough coverage... good coverage but too greasy or cakey.. bad color choices, etc.
But I must say that this one is different! A silky smooth result that will cover all blemishes and discolorations! I swear I heard angels sing when I first pressed this product to my face.
No it is not cheap.. at $45 for .63oz pot. But you are paying for quality with this one. The beautiful thing is, a little goes a long way. I swear, a dab will do ya with this creamy concoction. You can just concentrate it in the areas it's needed most, and then blend outward around the rest of your face. Just dust a loose powder on top and you're instantly flawless and fabulous. With the 12 shades that he created you are sure to find the perfect fit.

--can be found at www.sephora.com

Happy Shopping!

Runway Inspiration: "It's big, it's bold, it's a Blast from the Past"

2009-03-24T06:32:00.000-07:00

DIOR

Yes these looks are a bit extreme for the average gal, but if you want to take runway to the real way take it down a notch... or a few notches.

To bring this 60's/70's inspiration to your personal beauty routine you could start with LASHES!

They are always a sure bet to make your eyes look big and beautiful. And no.. it's not just for the pro's. Go to your local Walgreens or CVS and you will find a ton of options in the beauty section. Usually they're next to the nail stuff. To get the full effect I recommend going with the strip lashes, my personal favorites are #117, #45, #110, and #105. But if you want something a little more natural go with #53 which is a more like a "demi lash" which means it is smaller in length. So on those who have big eyes it will start in the middle of the lash and just lengthen the outer corners of your lashes, opening the eyes up and out. If you have smaller eyes then these are a good fit for the entire lash. Where as if you used the other styles you would most likely have to trim them to fit. If you don't trim you risk it looking messy and poking you in the eye which isn't fun for anyone. Make sure you pick up some lash glue as well and then follow these easy steps.
(side note: using a magnifying mirror is a big help)

FALSE LASH TUTORIAL

1. Carefully take the lashes out of the container. They are delicate, and if you pull too hard you can damage the structure of the lash which will make it look bizarre.

2. Make sure you put on your mascara and some eye liner at the base of your lashes. This will help them blend.

3. Hold the glue free lash up to your eye to see where you want it to go and to see if you need to trim the ends at all.

4. Squeeze some lash glue on your hand or a pallette. Then take the back of a makeup brush or tweezers, dip that into the glue and then smooth a thin layer of glue along the entire strip of the lash.

5. While looking in the mirror lift up your chin and look down to the mirror, giving you a better view of your lash line. Holding the strip from the middle and on the tips of the lash, lay the lash right at the base of your natural lash line. Secure the middle first, then let go and go back to push the rest of the strip down.

6. Wait a few minutes for it to dry ( it will go from white to clear). Then add another coat of mascara and more liner to make it blend, and to pop the eyes even more!

In addition to the lashes you can add some color to your eyes to continue this vintage look. Think fun and flirty spring hues, like pinks and greens. To compliment those big bambi eyes a glossy lip is always key. Also pump up the volume with your hair, use big rollers after you blow it out, then do a little teasing at the root on the top of your scalp. Brush it back, spray some volumizing hair spray, and voila! Your are instantly a sexy siren right out of a bond movie!

Hot Product!

2008-01-24T15:22:00.001-08:00

Get Your Glow On!

This is an absolute staple in my makeup kit! I have used it from the start and continue to be satisfied with it's results. If you go through my portfolio, when you see the flawless glowing skin, this is how I got that look. Of course the flawless part requires a few other things like foundation and concealer, but this is like the icing on the cake.

It comes in a bunch of different colors, I own the Apricot, gold (as pictured above), bronze, and beige. It also comes in pink and rose, which are gorgeous as well, I'm sure they will be my next purchase at the bobbi brown counter. Most of these will go with pretty much all skin tones. I would say that you should match it to the colors of blush that you tend to use. If you have more of a coral or apricot blush then add the Apricot Shimmer Brick, and if you use pinks, then use the pink or rose, etc.

Once you dust this on your cheek bones you will see that it makes all the difference. It catches the light in all the right ways to make you look fresh and youthful! I seriously don't leave home without it!

Look at me Busy Bee!

2008-01-24T14:36:00.000-08:00

Hello again makeup lovers!

I have to apologize for the long delay between blog entries. "Season" has started and I have been using my liners down to small nubs! In other words, I've been super busy. The best part is that I've been able to travel quite a bit as well. This is definitely one of the benefits of this job, but at the same time it can wear on you.

Here are some pictures of one of the first trips I did this year. We were working on advertising material for a fantastic resort in Puerto Rico. So that was quite fabulous, plus the crew was great. But as usual the hours were long, so it's not like we were kicking it on the beach.

Tomorrow I'm off to Arizona for a one day shoot, then I'm back for one day, and then off again to Orlando. In Orlando I'll be working on a fashion show for Swarovski Crystals, so that should be fun and glitzy. Then I have a small break then I jet off to the Dominican Republic for 9 days for another resort shoot! I'm excited now, but I know 5 days into it I'll be very ready to sleep in my own bed.

So once the whirlwind travel spree ends I'll be posting some more fun pics of my makeup adventures!

The one and only Alejandra Alberti...

2007-11-14T16:54:00.000-08:00

I have the honor of working with a very beautiful and talented young lady, and her name is Alejandra Alberti. I can't get enough of her songs, and I don't even speak Spanish! She will amaze you with her voice and has the looks to bring her to the top. We were introduced by my friends at 'The Make Up Store' and I use only their products on her. (A must have for a fabulous and easy glam eye is their 'Cybershadow' in 'Silver'.)

Here she is featured in 'People Espanol'. I got mentioned as one of her makeup artists so I thought I'd share it with you all! She was nominated for 'Best New Artist' at the Latin Grammys this year, I was lucky enough to go along for the ride in Las Vegas. Stay tuned for some pictures from the red carpet and behind the scenes!!

Check her out:

http://www.myspace.com/alejandraalberti

Check out The Make Up Store:

http://www.myspace.com/makeupstore

http://www.makeupstore.se
or
http://www.makeupstoreusa.com
or visit them at Sunset Place in Miami, FL...

Trust me it's worth it, tell them I sent you!!

Brushes on a Budget...

2007-10-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

Buying makeup brushes can be overwhelming at times. You go to the counter and they've got a different brush for everything, by the time you've bought three of them you're already out $100 or so! Well rest assured my budgeting Betties, I have a solution for you!

Walgreens, yes I said it, drugstore makeup brushes. It's my little secret, but I'm feeling nice and sharing it with you. My favorite is the Foundation and Conceal Brush (seen to the left). You get a flawless result by smoothing on your cream or liquid foundations all over the face, you can even get into the little nooks and crannies by flipping it around and using the conceal side. It's easy to clean with a little brush cleaner or even just some baby shampoo. The best part .... it's only $9.99!!

This line is called "Perfection" there is also another one called "Salon Collection". The powder and blush brushes are surprisingly soft and the selection of eye and lip brushes is quite extensive.

Trust me, I have my fair share of pricey brushes, and yes they are amazing. I recommend investing in one here and there. It will be worth it in the long run. But if you're just starting out, this is a great way to add to your collection without breaking the bank!

Hot Product Alert!

2007-10-26T06:02:00.000-07:00

For those gals on the go this is the perfect minute makeover! Keep that healthy glow through the winter months with 'Guerlain Terracotta Spray.' It's so easy and quick!

I was browsing through Sephora and was intrigued by this airbrush in a bottle technique. I've seen it done before and have never liked the results, but let me tell you this is fabulous!

It has the effect of a bronzer and comes out in a very light mist. It's very hard to mess up, just hold about 6 inches away from the face and spray in a circular motion. Then to top it off spray a little extra on the cheek bones for extra definition and glow. Be sure to apply before you dress! You don't want to bronze anything other than your beautiful skin. This is not a self tanner, so if you over apply just wash it off and try again!

It's available in two shades (light and medium), each bottle contains about 130 applications, and an added bonus is that it is SPF 10. So you will be looking sun kissed without the sun damage. If you are planning on being outside I recommend putting on a higher SPF underneath, we all know that SPF10 isn't going to block all of those devil rays!

Stay tuned for more Hot Products and Makeup Tips!

Making it while Making Up...

2007-10-17T06:03:00.000-07:00

The dream of becoming a professional makeup artist is becoming much more prevalent these days. Many people see all the glitz and glam, and think it's all about playing around with glitters and gloss. Then, BAM you're making the big bucks! Not so fast my friend!
Let me tell you, you can get there, but you're going to have to work hard. Starting out is difficult, there is a lot of dirty work, and those big bucks will seem miles away. I am still on my way, but have accomplished a lot in a small amount of time. I have some tips for you ambitious artists, hopefully they will help you on your way to stardom!

1. Education:
a. There are many options when looking for a school. There are workshops that run from a couple days to a couple weeks (which is what I did), and there are those that are a bigger commitment that are generally a couple months or so. I completely recommend both, it depends on how much knowledge you are starting with. If you're already pretty good but want to refine those skills then the workshops may be good for you. But if you are starting from scratch then I highly recommend the more thorough schooling. You won't want to leave any area of makeup out. The more you know, the more jobs you can book, hence more money$$!

b.If you are in Florida I recommend The International Makeup Career Center, by The Make Up Store. I freelance for them and the products are amazing! You can check them out at www.makeupstoreusa.com
Research online and you will find that there are many options close to where ever you may be located.

c. Take the time to learn about hair as well! I have learned by experience at this point, but I wish I had done some schooling in the beginning. It would have made my life easier and made me more marketable. On the bigger shoots there will most likely be a hair stylist and a makeup artist. But in general you will be expected to do both.

2.Start Calling Yourself a Makeup Artist!

a. Get yourself some business cards! You don't have to make them all fancy. Just make sure you have your name, number, email, and of course have it state that you are a makeup artist. Pass these around as much as you can!

b. The second you have the skills start marketing yourself. This business is all about self promotion. When you are starting out you have to hustle. There will be a lot of foot work involved. Going around to agencies and offering free testing, and hitting up fashion events is crucial. Keep in mind that your appearance is also important. If you want people to trust you with their looks, you can't be looking a mess!!

3. Build your book and your resume!

a. Once you have met up with the agencies and photographers you can start 'testing'. This is when you set up photo shoots that benefit everyone's portfolios. At first you may be asked to do this for free to prove yourself. But you may want to set a limit, like I will do three free shoots then you have to start paying me $75 per girl. Or whatever you think is fair. Eventually that rate can go up, but that comes with experience. You don't want to over price or under price yourself.

b. Assist successful makeup artists. This is where I have learned the most. You will learn more about 'set etiquette' and tricks of the trade. The more you assist the more people in the industry will start recognizing and trusting you.

c.Like I said in the modeling post, promoting yourself online is also beneficial. Set up a myspace page for your makeup work, go on modelmayhem.com, etc. But again, BE VERY CAREFUL of who you meet up with!

I hope that these starting out tips are helpful to you. From here you just have to keep pushing yourself to get out there. Read a lot of magazines to keep current on trends, and practice them all the time to stay inspired. Don't let anything get in the way of your dreams! Sometimes you may feel discouraged, I know I have, but just remember that this is makeup not brain surgery! Have fun!

So you want to be a model?

2007-10-15T19:22:00.001-07:00

It is quite often that I get asked the question; "I want to be a model, how do I get started?" I have a few steps that will hopefully be helpful to all you aspiring angels.

1. Find your market:
a. There are many places to fit in for a model in this industry. You don't always have to be 5'11" and stick thin. Although there is plenty of work for those of you who are. There is commercial, fashion, glamor, fitness,beauty, and even parts modeling.
b. 'Commercial' is a category that many people can fall into. Think about it, advertising is very broad. So if you think your face could sell a bag of chips then this may be for you!
c. 'Fashion' is what most people think of when 'model' comes to mind. These are the tall gazelles that prance along the runways. If you are 5'9" and up this could be for you. On occasion you can be shorter and be very successful, you just have to have everything else to make up for it. Also, don't think you have to be stick thin to fit in! Plus size models are making a come back!
d. 'Glamor' is for those of you that are a little sexy by nature. For this you must have curves in all the right places, natural or not. ;-) Examples of where this may take you is Maxim, Playboy, Stuff, FHM, etc. You would most likely also fall into swim wear modeling.
e. 'Fitness' models certainly work hard for their money. Days in the gym are required here! A toned physique is what will get you booked. Examples of where you may show up, Fitness RX, Shape, Muscle and Fitness, etc.
f. 'Beauty' models are either blessed with pore-less perfection or have fantastic dermatologists behind their fabulousness. This where the cameras get up close and personal with your pretty grill. These are the girls that you see in makeup and skincare ads. You never know, you could be the next face of Cover Girl!
g. Last but not least 'Parts' modeling, is for those of you who have always been complimented on those pretty piggies, or lovely limbs of yours. This section is endless, if there is one part of you that you think is exceptional then get it photographed and shake that money maker!
h. If you are one of those genetically gifted individuals that seems to fit into all of these categories, then you go girl! Strive for supermodel status!

2. Get some professional pictures!
a. Google photographers in your area and study their sites, rates, and legitimacy.
b. Of course, I recommend hiring a makeup artist, it will make all the difference I promise!
c. If you don't think you will have the funds to put this together, then skip ahead to step three. Sometimes agents will take you under their wing and get you a test shoot with a photographer.

3. Start researching agencies in your state:
a. If you happen to live in a small town, you aren't out of luck. Just look in the biggest city near you. If they like you enough they will book you from where ever you are.
b. You can either send in your pictures by email, or call and set up a meeting. I recommend the meeting, both you and the agent will have a better idea if it's going to be a good fit for you.

4. Promote yourself online:
a. The modeling industry is a whole new ball game now that the internet has stepped in. Self promotion is very popular when starting out. There are many websites that cater to modeling (modelmayhem.com, One Model Place, Models.com, etc). You will never be able to book the big jobs from here. But it may help get you a little more experience and meet local photographers, makeup artists, hairstylists, fashion stylists, and of course other models.
b. Be very careful of who you connect with online. There are many fakes and creeps that lurk online, especially where there are pretty girls. If you ever decide to go on a shoot with someone you meet online ALWAYS bring a parent, boyfriend, or trusted friend! This is very important! Safety comes first, and remember if something sounds too good to be true it probably is.

The modeling industry can be a very fun and profitable way of life. But it can also be a very unforgiving and tough place to put yourself. Just remember to never take ANYTHING personally! Just because you don't book something doesn't mean that you aren't pretty enough, or skinny enough. They are always looking for something different, so keep your head up and enjoy yourself! I always say, if it starts to cause you more pain then pleasure then it's time to move on.

GOOD LUCK MY LITTLE LOVELIES!