Essential tools

Hey Everyone

There are certain tools that we all need in our makeup kit.  I wanted to take some time to tell you about some of my favorites...

Tweezers:  

This is something I will NOT skimp on... I LOVE my tweezers and tweezerman tweezers are the best I have found so far (and they are super cute too).  If you know of better tweezers, I am open to suggestions email me: Megan@MeganMelone.com  

Eye Lash Curler:

The Shu Uemera is the BOMB!!!!  I will give an honorable mention to the gold tweezerman lash curler too.  It's pretty good as well.

Sharpeners:I LOVE my Urban Decay Sharpener.  I literally just sharpened a MAC liner to a FINE FINE point, which sparked my enthusiasm for writing this blog.   It catches the shavings so that they don't fall all over the place.  It is sharp and there is a small and large side for different sized pencils.  

Brushes:

I have another blog dedicated to this, but I LOVE SIGMA's Kabuki brushes lately.. They are awesome.  Crown has some very good ones too :)  

a cute makeup bag for inside your purse

I LOVE my betsy Johnson bag... It is SOOOO cute, sturdy and I have 3 sizes, so I can vary what I put in my bags... LOVE her stuff!!!!  

As always, contact me via email or on my website http://MeganMelone.com

HELP MY ACNE!!!!

Hey There...

Who doesn't want that GORGEOUS skin that we see in photographs?  (P.S. it's probably airbrushed, models are no different, they get blemishes too).  Tried everything?  here are 2 things: my favorite QUICK fix and my favorite TRICK to gorgeous skin!



Let me first say, I am a makeup artist, not a dermatologist or esthetician, but am a Makeup artist with acne prone skin.  parts of my life (I confessed this in an earlier blog) have been so HORRIBLE with my battle with acne that it was embarrassing to leave the house.  My skin is sensitive to boot... I find that most people who suffer from acne have sensitive skin... So... these 2 things are MILD and won't break you out.



Quick Fix... you wake up the night before a big event (date, wedding, photoshoot, etc...) and you have a ZIT!  UGH.., that is the worst.  What do you do?

 when you go to bed, put a sulfur cream on it and you will be AMAZED at how much that sulfur dries up your pimple.  Be generous with the cream... Don't skimp... really lay it on the pimple (and only the pimple) thick!  I like the PROACTIVE sulfur mask (but ONLY as a spot treatment and leave it on overnight).



Long Term:  I read a LONG time ago that "egg yolk masks" will repair your skin by adding essential vitamins to your skin... I tried it--it WORKED... Just separate an egg, and put the COOOOOLD egg yolk on your skin.  Leave it on for 10 minutes or so (it will get HARD) and rinse it off with warm water.  Then moisturize as usual.  Do this daily for 3-4 days then 2-3 times a week.  Your skin will be VISIBLY better in a day or two.  This is really a HUGE trick and NOT expensive... so it is worth a try!!!




Other tips: get plenty of rest, eat healthy, drink LOTS of water...remove your makeup at night... Stay away from harsh "fixes"...

Contact Megan on http://MeganMelone.com

Flawless skin in a photo (MUF HD powder exposed)

Ok, so I have done a TON of photoshoots in my day... both as a model (mostly waaaaay back in the day) and fitness competitor... but also as the makeup artist.  I have learned a thing or 5 about what they say on the internet, what other MUA's say and what is the actual truth.

First off, there is a LOT of rumor on the internet about Makeup Forever HD powder.  Some pics show that there is a white haze on celebrities and they blame this AWESOME finishing powder...



I can honestly say this will happen with ANY powder and the wrong type of flash.  If you plan on taking a lot of self portraits with your iPhone, you will DEFINITELY see this haze on your skin.  The flash is LED and it's FAAAR different from a professional camera in a studio.  I was kind of skiddish about using this before I heard the initial allegations (even though I had used it in MANY MANY photoshoots and had no issues), but I got brave and voila... no issues.  Then I randomly took a pic of my makeup with my iPhone and CRAP, there's that haze... Son of a NUTCRACKER!  This happens with LED flashes with HD Powder and MAC Prep and Prime Translucent finishing powder (which I LOOOOOVE).  Moral of the story, no LED flashes...LOL

Foundation:
As of today, I have found the BEST foundation for a studio photoshoot to be L'Oreal Colorstay...



YUP...L'Oreal!!! No this is not a joke... It has a nice matte finish (but not cakey looking) and really looks better than my high end foundations.  sooooooooooo, it's what I use.  Additionally, there are TONS of colors, 2 formulas based on your skin type and it's inexpensive and easily accessible from most drug stores.  Now, I find that some of the 'fair' color formulas are WAAAY too pink, so I may mix them with another yellow based color and it's perfect.  In fact, this is what I have been reaching for over my Studio Sculpt :)

I used Color stay on ALL of my photo's from SuperShoots (including my main pic on my makeup page) Here is a link to my FB page so you can see...  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Megan-Melone-makeup-services/202668816417684

I also used Colorstay on my photos for my website...YEAH even on myself...



The best advice I can give for photos is to AVOID mineral makeup... you WILL have a funny finish on the photos because of the reflective quality of the minerals... and find foundations with NO or LOW SPF (again, SPF reflects horribly in photos)

I hope this helps... Flawless skin in a photo is not that difficult as long as you have the right products :)

MeganMelone.com

Unique Valentine's gift for your honey?

Hey there everyone... After a short sabbatical (ok, not really, my computer was in the hospital and typing on the iPad isn't the same--LOL) I am BACK with a vengeance.  Being "out of commission" for a week made a LONG list of things I would like to talk about on the blog... But first, I had to share something really cool with you... This is really unique...



Today I want to talk about something awesome a good friend of mine has started (it's a one time thing, so get in now while you can).  Ever want to get your sweetheart something unique, sexy, and really memorable for Valentine's Day?  Consider a mini-shoot.  This is INCREDIBLE what she has set up... Here's the deal--This photographer (Jody Kavanaugh) is a good friend of mine--and a colleague.  We work together A TON!!!!!!  She shoots pageants, portraits, bodybuilders/fitness competitors, and much much more... I trust her so much, I enlisted her to do my headshots for my website!!  Check this out...



Here is the deal--I am also available for makeup/Hair for those of you who want a little extra pampering, but only on the 28th (which would be PERFECT if you plan to go out on the town in the evening).  Her studio is about an hour south of Chicago.

Sweetheart Photo shoots!

January 28 th & 29 th, 2012 ( weekdays available)

Children and couples 25 minutes sessions

Perfect time to get your Grandchildren Up to dates photos!!

$50.00 for 1-2 people

$65 for 3-5 people

Package includes: 5 edited images on a disc with a print release

Options:


*Add on Prints for $25.00 which includes 1-8x10, 2-5x7's and 8 wallets


*Professional makeup application by Megan Melone (which will be perfect for a night out after the shoot with friends or your sweetheart) $65 (false lashes additional $10)


*hair styling: $50


*If you would like to purchase a disc with the remaining images, unedited $50.00

To schedule an appointment please call me at 815 478 4937 or send me a message on fb in a pm.

All payments must be paid in full at time of appointment.





Contact me Megan@MeganMelone.com or for booking for Jody, call 815-478-4937

Why do we wear makeup?

So I got to thinking... WHY OH WHY do we wear makeup?  Who cares?  In the middle ages, women wore basically NO makeup... But prostitutes wore blush :(  Oh boy... LOL (my have times changed...LOL)  Throughout the years, gradually... makeup became commonplace but why do we CARE????  I mean guys ask this all the time... so I am asking it too.  I have researched this and come up with a few solid points.

1. Media: To some extent, this is cultural--the media shovels pretty women in our face all the time: perfect hair, skinny and awesome wardrobe.  If anything on the celeb's isn't "perfect" they get raked through the coals.  We figure, if THEY are a mess, then we are the crap below the mess (ok, we don't actually THINK this, but it's a subconscious message).



2. to enhance their beauty (my personal fave).  I think that most women choose to wear makeup to bring out their best features and balance out the symmetry in their face (many times, just an instinctual thing).  We have blue eyes--we seek colors that enhance them... We have beautiful full lips, we gloss them up to make them more profound.  Sometimes, we have to cover up a flaw or blemish (or the result of little sleep and those darned dark circles).



3.  To attract a man... NOW now now (forgive me while I step on my soap box)... If a man is attracted to you, while that is ALL FINE AND DANDY, he will NOT stick around if he doesn't make a commitment and love you for a deeper reason than whether your makeup is perfect. Everyone LOVES it when their man looks at them and says "WOW, you are beautiful" ... But he just may say that to you with makeup OFF too :)   Eventually, when that makeup comes off, women must also work on their inside--DAILY!!  Many times, we get obsessed with what things "appear" to be... rather than what really "IS".  Make sense?  So let's throw this reason in the Shredder!!!! (STEPPING OFF OF THE SOAP BOX)



4. To look younger.  I get this one especially... As I creep into my mid-thirties (YIKES--ok.. not quite yet)... I begin to see crow's feet, wrinkles on my lids and the taught skin of my mid-twenties isn't my reality anymore.  Sad, but makeup can make us look bright eyed as we did a decade or more ago.  Hey, if you look good, you feel good, RIGHT?  (Buzzer sounds... NOT SO FAST!!! I know plenty of beautiful women who aren't happy inside)  I will go back to a previous point... A wrinkle might JUST be the sign of all the laughs you had in your youth!  It's not such a bad thing... But you should feel good in your own skin.



So, We wear makeup... that's what we do.  I am a makeup artist with a ZUCA full of makeup... I am constantly seeking better and MORE to make my clients feel and look amazing.  Sometimes we may overdo it.... SO WHAT?  A bigger question to ask yourself is: "Are you happy?"

Megan can be reached for booking and questions at Megan@MeganMelone.com  Click the link to the right to view my website... make sure you log in and subscribe and feel free to comment below (you must be logged into your google account to comment)

How do I make my eyes STUNNING? Tricks and tips

I have been asking my audience WHAT exactly they would like to hear about... OVERWHELMINGLY, you have said eyes.... Dark circles, puffiness, saggy lids, etc... Let's fix it!  

Ok, let me first say that nature is nature and apart from chemical/cosmetic treatments such as botox, eye lifts and filling treatments, these are things that will HELP, not miraculously cure your issues.  

Let's get down to business... Issue number one--DARK CIRCLES.

I have recently found a product by Maybelline called instant age rewind eraser ... 

Now, let me first say that I DO indeed have "eye issues" but dark circles isn't really one of them.  I have however recommended this product based on my experience, to clients who do have dark circles and from what I gather, everyone has liked this product.  The pigmentation is GOOD and the formula is light enough that it doesn't crease in fine lines.  I was concerned (to say the least) with how I would like the applicator, and have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised.  If you find that this product isn't enough to cover your dark circles, I think Amazing cosmetics has the BEST and highest pigmented concealer on the market.  I really love this stuff... It is pricey, but a little definitely goes a LOOOOONG way!!!! 

For a long term solution to your dark circles... You may want to seek the advice from a dermatologist or esthetician.  Things like allergies, sun exposure, genetic factors, etc... may all play a role in dark circles

Next issue--PUFFY eyes

Now, before we talk about remedies, let's discuss possible reasons... Yes, it's true, age and genetics might be a main factor, but there are also some things you might consider: not enough sleep, excessive sodium intake, sinus problems, crying, etc... So making sure you know WHY you are experiencing puffiness might be a part in your long term solution... Until then, let me clear up a myth... I get asked a LOT about hemorrhoid cream for under eyes.  The simple answer is this is false.  Creams like this contain vasoconstrictors, which simply put will help shrink blood vessels, but aren't so good for the sensitive/thin skin under the eyes.  I have further been advised that the ingredients (Shark oil and a live yeast cell derivative called Bio-Dyne skin respiratory factor) which was most active in such creams was "yanked" by the FDA and companies were forced to reformulate their products... For this reason, such products containing these ingredients--(including Preparation H) are not available in the USA.  

Drinking a lot of water, getting plenty of rest and using a GOOD eye cream is a better call on puffiness... 

Saggy/Wrinkly eyelids... I guess this isn't really as much of a remedy as a tip.  If you feel you have wrinkly or saggy eyelids, DO NOT (and I repeat DO NOT) use eyeshadow with a lot of shimmer.  The shimmer settles in the fine lines and draws attention to your lids.. You are better off using a matte shadow.  Furthermore, a good eye cream, lots of water and plenty of rest will help :)  

I hope this helps... There are a lot of hereditary issues when it comes to who has wrinkly lids, puffy eyes, etc... but we can do certain things to help minimize those symptoms.  I will ALWAYS say, be healthy and your skin will reflect that!  

Megan Can be contacted at MeganMelone.com

Post Holiday spectacular

All of the hustle and bustle of the holidays is officially OVER and all I can say is PHEW... LOL  Just wanted to recap some of the beauty related things that took place over the past few days...


I committed a MAKEUP blunder on Christmas EVE... LOL... OOPS... I planned on wearing a sparkly black top to church on Christmas eve, so I did my makeup (purple smoky with MAC stars and Rockets and some silvery sparkle in the tear duct) then I decided I did NOT like what I was wearing (women... yea we do that.. LOL)... SO!!!!!!!  I wore RED with purple eyes... I laughed it off (texting my sister, Amy who is an AMAZING Makeup Artist and her laundry list of celebs she has worked with is too braggy to even discuss--lol I digress...) Amy said "I am doing the same thing"... GREAT!!  Hilarious... So I kept it!



Speaking of Amy... We like to get each other some of our favorite products for Christmas... She got me a GHD (AHHH...MAZING--*STAY TUNED*full review coming up in a few days) Flat iron to replace my Wigo...



additionally, some new MAC products and I got her the AVON liner I rave about.  Her comments when she swatched it were "WOW this is super smooth"... YUP... it is a GREAT liner!!!!!



Other products I received were a Dermalogica intensive eye repair and a moisture boost which I am STOKED to try because my skin gets pretty dry in the winter.



Other beauty products... I got the ZUCA sport PRO bag I had been expecting :)  So... I have officially retired my NYX train case.  It was a nice train case, but I really overworked that puppy... LOL


It was a great Christmas and I really really hope everyone also had a WONDERFUL one!!!  Hit me up on Facebook to talk about your new product discoveries... I love it when people share their awesome finds!!!

Contact me at Megan@MeganMelone.com

What makes someone attractive?

This post if for the scientific minded makeup enthusiasts out there… I have alluded to MANY clients about the balance of their brows.  It ALL relates to symmetry… (see below) Makeup is ART but also science.  There was a big study which assessed that a person is attractive because of their symmetry.  See the findings of surgeon Stephen Marquadt here…

http://www.whatmakessomeonebeautiful.com/

The theory is called “the Golden Rule”… Is examines symmetry and the attractiveness of a FACE.  Now, how does this apply to makeup?  Awesome... While this is very fascinating, and I LOVE to hear the theories and studies such as the ones above, from an artist perspective, I can use this info!  Balancing thing out on ones face, whether it be a lip, eyebrow or creating a shadow is CRUCIAL to proper application.  Many of my models have symmetrical issues (ok, EVERYONE does) but knowing these rules and theories really gives me (and all of you reading this) a LEG UP!  All you have to do is balance out the symmetry (or create the illusion)!!!!

Now, somethings (in my opinion) make people unique and often MORE beautiful... For example, Cindy Crawford's mole... 

AN exception to the rule of symmetry is ALWAYS viable... Kate moss is a prime example.  

Having said all of this... If someone is ugly on the inside, we MENTALLY flip a switch and they become ugly on the outside... I am sure we have ALL met someone who is "nothing special physically" (Ugly Betty ring a bell?) and gotten to know the amazing person on the inside and BAM!!!!  Beautiful!  Just like that, our brain changes everything... The rules and theories are only so good... They are a guide that we can use to help us in things like makeup application, but DEFINITELY NOT carved in stone :) 

Eyebrows...DID YOU KNOW??

*your arch should be at it’s height If you measure from the edge of your nose to the outer edge of the pupil 

**the length of the brow lines up with the edge of the nose and eye (use a makeup brush to measure). 

***the inner part of the brow should line up with the imaginary line from the edge of your nostril...

The primer issue uncovered (plus a secret)

 I was recently posed with a question what prompted me to delve into some terms I use more closely.  My hope is that this post clarifies some products for you as well as helps your makeup last ALL day.

The question I was recently asked was basically (I am paraphrasing) an athletic woman stating that because of her oily skin, her makeup basically melts off before her day is half way done.  I think this is a common problem and there is a HUGE remedy (and honestly pretty simple) and I am going to divulge my secret to you for a AMAZING primer. 

Speaking of  Foundation primers… Let’s talk about those.  What the heck is a PRIMER anyway?  A primer is a cream/gel product that you apply after you cleanse and moisturize your face, just before you apply foundation (I usually wait a few minutes after I apply moisturizer).  The purpose of a primer is to help makeup stay put on your face for 8-12 hours.  Does it work?  ABSOLUTELY!!!!  If you are extra oily, you can try an oil mattifier.  MAC makes a product called SKIN REFINED ZONE that is nice (use only in the T-Zone on top of primer)… But there are other companies that make GREAT mattifying products (Mary Kay has one that gets high marks, I personally have only sampled it—I worked out and makeup didn’t move at ALL!!!)

Back to primers…

There are also eye primers.  I have discussed this a lot on Facebook.  (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Megan-Melone-makeup-services/202668816417684?ref=ts)The purpose of these is not only to allow your makeup to stick to your lid better, but also make the shadow more VIVID.  I won’t put eyemakeup on without a primer… YES, it works.  Concealer can be used as a primer also… I prefer MAC Painterly Paint Pot, especially for oily skin/lids. 

TOP Recommendations: (these are Primers I have tried and these are my UNBIASED opinions… I bought these primers with my own money and am not sponsored or paid for my reviews)

Best Overall (this is my secret): Monistat Chafing gel –I read about this from some WELL respected makeup artists and HESITANTLY gave it a whirl… I have been using it ever since!!!  It is cheap, works amazing and HECK, isn’t that all we need??? Don't be scared, it's not "vag cream" that's NOT it's purpose... LOL  But it is one HECK of a primer!!!

Let me try to explain how GREAT this primer is... When I was at the MAC store a month ago, I was chatting with an associate about the "technical end" of makeup.  He said they had a class with a "well known" makeup artist from France and he stated HE used Chafing Gel instead of the UPPER end ones... WOW!  (Trust me here!!LOL)

Best For sensitive skin: If you have sensitive skin, Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot is wonderful.  There are lots of anti bac properties that make this primer great for troublesome skin.  

Honorable mention: Palladio herbal primer—Worked pretty well, packaging was an issue for me though.  (I don’t really like their eyeshadow primer… VERY similar to Urban Decay, just WAY cheaper—too wet for me)

**some other tips for locking makeup on... Use a good setting product like MAC Prep and prime translucent finishing powder or Makeup Forever HD powder. As a LAST resort, Finishing sprays can be used... But I wouldn't use those daily.  

I really hope that clears it up… As always, post on my Facebook wall orEmail me (Megan@MeganMelone.com) if you have any questions J

2011 beauty trends I am happy to see come to an END

I feel the need to put a disclaimer on this one. ..These are my opinions and wheras there are exceptions to these rules, many people can take a trend and COMPLETELY overdo it.  I think in the case of these trends, less is more…Some people can pull off these looks and look stunning and HIP, while others take it to a new height and look like a Peacock on crack...LOL

1.      . Feather extensions: Ok, don’t get me wrong, feathers are fine.  I am just OVER the extensions and clip ins.  I am ok with earrings, accessories, etc… but I saw a woman in the nail salon who had at LEAST 20 multi colored extensions… She looked like a deranged peacock.  The feathers were fine while they lasted, but they have gotten a little out of control!

2.       Spring brought us a trend… BRIGHT colored eyeliner…. SAY WHATTTT?  No thanks… This was an AWFUL trend that was only mainly seen on the runways, mainstream makeup didn’t really get caught up in this (rightfully so).  Goodbye yellow and HOT PINK eyeliner… BLECH!!!

3.       

Another Spring trend was slicked back hair.  One word… GREASE!  Eew…

4.      

Foldable flats?  I am not sure I ever got this… Cute?  Yup, but are they good for your feet?  I dunno, I don’t have any but seems like there wouldn’t be a sole. 

5.      

Bright colored highlights.  Maybe it’s my age or the fact that I grew up in the ages of “rainbow bright” but I don’t get it… GOOD BYE bright locks… Please don’t come back! 

6.      

Orange lipstick… OK OK OK, maybe a coral in the summer was accaptable, but Summer 2011 brought some OUTRAGEOUS shades of orange.  This works in editorial print and the runway, but shopping at the local Target and seeing a woman with BRIGHT ORANGE lips is a bit bazaar…

7.       Speaking of Summer 2011, Colored Mascara was in… ADIOS colored mascara!  Ok, I can see a subtle plum or brown, but some of these colors were…well YIKES

There were some AMAZING makeup trends in 2011 also… Red Lips, Pin up liner, bronzed and metallic smoky eyes… AMAZING looks!!!!!!  But remember in the case of trends, don’t overdo it.  (See GORGEOUS examples below)