Makeup for My Most Recent Photo Shoot

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I had the pleasure of working with my photographer friend Laura Vogels on a photo shoot.  I did my own hair, but for makeup, I scooted my butt on over to my neighborhood Sephora.  If you didn't already know, you can get a complimentary makeover with a $50 purchase.  Amanda, the makeup artist, did such a great job.  The photo below was not retouched, and you can see how fabulous she made my skin look.  I don't know if you consider this shine, but I thought the makeup held up really well in the heat.

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Check out the goodies Amanda used!

I bought this in 340 Bisque (N).  This is like my first Big Girl foundation purchase. Before my Tarte foundation, I wore Cover Girl and Neutrogena. At $45.50, this Lancome product is Mom-expensive status. I still think of Estee Lauder, Lancome and other department store brands as the luxury makeup that I can't afford.  And yes, my mom still gives me her free gifts she receives with her purchases.

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The Teint Idole Ultra 24H has amazing reviews on Sephora (and YouTube!). I'm not used to wearing foundation all the time, so I don't use it every day. I wear it for castings and photos since I think it has excellent coverage and keeps away shine.

You seriously only need one pump for your face, and it lasts all day.  I started using Models Own beauty sponges for application. Only $8 at Urban Outfitters for 2 sponges. I find that I get a nice, even, and "thinner" layer when I use the sponge. It's also awesome for getting in those nooks and crannies of your face. When I use my fingers, I get thicker coverage. 

I've acquired a lot of freckles this summer (and still have that sun spot). Here's how well the Teint Idole worked with just a dollop.  No powder over the foundation.

Before

After

Verdict:  I really like this foundation. Compared to other full coverage foundations such as Makeup Forever Face & Body Liquid Makeup, it doesn't feel as heavy. I also didn't get as shiny.  That Makeup Forever one made me feel pretty gross...cakey and oily. The only drawback with the Teint Idole that I noticed is that it accentuates any blocked pores on my nose and chin. Ew. But it's motivation to put my Clarisonic to my face more often!

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My other splurge was the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light ($45 at Sephora).  The powder created a luminescent effect on my skin, which worked well for the photo shoot. Since I haven't really worn it since the shoot, I will have to run more trials (very scientific). Plus, I just bought the Hourglass brush, which I heard really brings out the magic of this powder.

I liked the results of the makeup, and the look lasted throughout the day.  A quick summary of some products used:

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden: Already a favorite of mine. All the eye makeup stayed put!

Urban Decay and Sephora Eye Shadows

Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro Pencil

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion: I basically gave up on finding an eyeliner that won't smudge for me. But this one didn't. Amanda tapped on black shadow on top of the liner, and she used powder/concealer underneath my eyes. I think that did the trick.

Lancome Hypnose Drama Waterproof Mascara: No smudges! I did a post on the mascara (I think it was the non-waterproof version), and I did get some bleeding. Once again, I think it was Amanda's technique of prepping the under eye area that prevented any smudges. 

Thank you, Sephora and Amanda, for doing my face right! And if you're in the NYC area, Laura takes awesome photos!  

Her page: http://lauravogelsphotography.zenfolio.com/

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