More Girly Things

Pink is not a normal hue in my own personal makeup bag. I love it on my clients, but it has never been the color I am drawn to-yet, I'm slowly coming around this season!! I want everything ubber-girly pink right now! I bought Nars New Order the other day just because it was pink with glitter in it...I'm addicted. 

When you have a medium tan to deep skin tone you have to choose the correct pastels so you don't look washed out (especially in pictures). Grey is one of my favorite eyeliner colors to opt for when wanting a lighter look...it's not as harsh as black and its not as common as brown. It is a nice change of pace for your daily look (oh and it pairs well with anything pink). I'm going to consider the color grey a pastel for the sake of this post. Light or deep skin tones can alwaaays wear a bold pink lip-I have my eye on MAC's Candy Yum Yum. If you want to create a creamier consistency or tone your hot pink lips down a bit, glosses with a white undertone can help with that. 

For those with more fair tones, feel free to slather on Nars Copacabana Liquid Illuminator. It's wonderful to brighten up the face-and rid of those dark shadows under the eyes. Mixing it with your concealor can add a nice lifting effect as well. Powders can also perk up the skin to give a refreshed glow...I will use a loose or pressed powder, just as long as it has a hydrating property in it. It is really nice during colder seasons, as our skin can get chapped and affected by the wind/cold air. Even us with oily skin need hydration, so any skin type can try Bobbi Brown's new Brightening Finishing Powder.

Nail polish is one way to bring any and every color into your life, and this New Years Eve I decided Strawberry Milkshake by Ciate complimented by tan quite well! It takes a few coats to get the right look, but well worth the effort. 

Here's to a year full of more girly things!

XOXO

Priscilla 

 

Booking Brides {Summer 2013}

While it is only January 9th...2013 seems to be already booked up! My phone calender has too many little dots notifying me of events to come this year.

Looking back, I had an amazing 2012. I was blessed to meet some amazing women, and getting to work with them on their special day was such an honor! Honestly, every single girl I met was stunning-personality wise as well as just straight up good looking. It was so cool to connect with strangers, and once we met, there was a comfortably-like we have been friends for years. Hearing about their proposals, listening to their dreamy honeymoon plans... I love every moment I get with my brides!

Location: Rose Hotel in Pleasanton // Hair by Kellie Gish Renzulli // Photography by Ashley Maxwell

Location: Grace Vineyards in Elk Grove // Photography by Ashley Maxwell

Location: Hecker Pass Winery in Gilroy // Hair by Danielle Derksen // Photography by Ashley Maxwell

Location: Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco // Photography by Ashley Maxwell

Now, on to business! I am officially booking for the summer of 2013-it is never to early to start booking your wedding vendors. The earlier the better, because time sure does fly. If you or a friend are getting married, contact me via email at priscillafrancine.makeup@gmail.com

My commitment to you is picture perfect skin, kissable lips, and eyes your future Hubby will never forget! (...and we will have a great time together too!) Never feel like you are bothering me...this is my job-it's what I love to do. Even though it breaks my heart, if I am unavailable I will help you find another makeup artist that you will love!!

When contacting me, please provide the date and location of your special event. View more details and prices here. I AM SO EXCITED TO MEET YOU! 

Congratulations on your special day,

 XOXO
Priscilla Francine

Flawless Skin

One of the most important things to learn about makeup application is how to achieve a flawless face. ModCloth employee, Molly, was a great face model so I'm going to walk you through the steps before eyes and lips with her. First things first, learn your skin type-Most women are a combination of oily and dry, so I use multiple products to prep the skin to compliment each concern:

1. Prep the skin with Laura Mercier's Secret Finish-Mattifying liquid gel, concentrating on the T-Zone, or wherever skin is the most oily.
2. Apply an invisible creamy gel, like Laura Mercier's Oil Free Foundation Primer or Hydrating Foundation Primer on the entire face to help foundation last longer and lay natural on the skin.
3. The next step is optional, but my favorite...I love the effect Laura Mercier's Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer adds to the dull, dark, or dry skin. (Especially in photos! It adds a beautiful glow to the skin!) I only apply this product under the eyes, maybe a little on the apples of the cheeks, or anywhere necessary to add life to the face.

4. Hide dark circles or any pigmentation on the face with Estee Lauder's Double Wear Concealer
5. Shake and than Spray Dior's Airflash Foundation on a flat, blunt-cut brush and buff onto the skin.

6. Add shape to the face by contouring under your cheekbone, top of the forehead, nose, chin, and under the jaw with a matte bronzer. 

7. Add a rosy hue of color to the apple of the cheek, overlapping the bronzer just a bit.

8. Highlight the inside of the nose and sweep Soft Tints by Smashbox over the blush and bronzer. *A great trick to add volume to your lips...dust the shimmery powder in the bow of your upper lip!

9. Highlight under your eyebrow to lift and open up the eye, using Highbrow by Benefit.

10. Softly blend into the eye with a cream shadow brush, or your fingers.

Wedding Season is here-and ModCloth spent all of last week indulging it's readers in Momentous Marrry-ment! I was a guest artist, featured on their blog for the special occasion. Now that you have read all about the first steps to beautiful skin, check out my updated version of Pretty Pastel makeup to finish your look. It's a great look for any bride, bridesmaid, or wedding guest! 

xoxo
Priscilla Francine

Black and White

Even though it is too cold to fully commit to wearing linen and resort wear, I couldn't resist wearing my new white Gibson Linen One-Button Blazer today. I paired it with black pants and accessorized my outfit with a white statement necklace. There is something so classic and chic about the combination of black and white.

Deborah Lippmann Nail Color: No More Drama layered with Diamonds and Pearls

My makeup was in sync with my outfit today, black smokey eye with a nude lip...Follow the steps below to create this look:

1. Use your finger to prep your entire eyelid with MAC's paint pot in painterly
2. Smudge a think line of Bobbi Brown's gel liner in black ink near your lash line using MAC's 214 Short Shader Brush
3. Over lap the liner with Laura Mercier Creme Eye Color using MAC's 234 Split Fibre Eye Blending Brush... you can choose any color, but I would suggest Alloy (lighter) or Cocoa Velor (darker)
4. Apply YSL's Volume Effect Faux Cils Shocking Mascara to top and bottom lashes
5. Apply FAUX Audrey Lashes to your lash line for a complete look
6. If needed... define lash line with MAC's Penultimate' Eye Liner in black by lightly pressing against the false eyelash band.

What white blazer do you have your eyes on this season?

XOXO
Priscilla

Taylor & Joey's Engagement Photos

Back in the day...Taylor and I met each other while working at Abercrombie & Fitch. She was my manager, and she will tell you my only flaw as an employee was that I wore way too much makeup! Little did we know, I would be doing her makeup for her wedding one day.

Over the years, I have perfected the "Taylor" look: She has always favored bright pink gloss over anything else, and she loves having a little wing to her eyeliner. On the day of her engagement session, Taylor came prepared for her makeup application with an image she wanted me to recreate. My first instinct after seeing the images, was to apply Sasha Lashes by FAUX. Definition is super important in photos, and the blend of black and brown makes Taylor's eyes stand out even from afar! Online classes in cosmetology are available if you want to learn more tricks, tips, and trends.

To see more images, visit Style Me Pretty

My main goal was to give Taylor clean, flawless skin. You too can achieve perfect skin with these simple steps:

1. Primer was essential since the shoot was in San Francisco, so I first prepped the skin with a pea size of Laura Mercier's oil free foundation primer (entire face).
2. For a soft glow, I blended Laura Mercier's Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer in Natural Radiance on her cheeks, under her eyes and a bit on the T-zone. 
3. I used Benefit's Play stick like a concealer and foundation.
4. To brighten under the eye, I used YSL's Touche Eclat #2
5. To perfect the skin, I pressed Dior's Airflash over her cheeks and a bit on the nose. (application demonstrated here.)

Photography by Ashley Batz

Since we went bold with the lashes, I kept the eyeshadow classic and sophisticated by using neutral tones.

1. Truth by Bare Escentuals (seen here)
2. Bobbi Brown's Gel Liner (seen here)
3. White eyeliner in the water line (like this one)

I love this girl SO much...and I am so happy she is marrying Joey-He is one of the sweetest guys I know. I cannot wait for your wedding... thank you for allowing me to share in your memories on this special day.

XOXO
Priscilla

An "Exhibit" of My Own

This is the second photoshoot where photographer, Ashley Batz and I partnered with JE Model Management. We had the pleasure of meeting Emmalee Froenlich  this past week! Her own personal style reflects the trends of the 70's and she had the best eyebrows!!

Photographers Kim A. Thomas and Ashley picked out a few favorite pieces from Madewell-while I styled accessories, hair, and makeup. Special thanks to FAUX Lash for completing Emmalee's look with the oh-so fluttery Sasha lashes. SERIOUSLY. THEY ARE STUNNING!

FAUX Lash-Sasha

To achieve this hair style: curl small sections of the hair like this and use LOTS of hairspray. Pull all the hair up to the top of the head and tie with a hair band. Pull the pony tail tight! Braid a small section of the pony tail, and wrap it around the band to cover it (use a bobby pin to secure in the back). To soften the curls, and add more volume...tease the top and middle of the pony tail (in small sections). Set the look with hair spray.

Flutterfall Skirt by Madewell

I have been dreaming of using Exhibit-A blush, by NARS, for months! Ever since I saw the Thakoon Fashion Show-finally I got to paint a face with it!! It is a verrry pigmented product, so if you would prefer a lighter version of this hue, use a loosely bound blush brush. Always ensure your blush and lips coincide with their undertones. Exhibit-A, has a red/orange undertone that pairs perfectly with Laura Mercier's Sunrise Lip Colour (Also seen here).

Creme Lip Colour in Sunrise by Laura Mercier

Normally I would opt for a lighter eye, since the blush and lips are so bold. Yet, something vibrant on the eye was the only thing that seemed right. NARS Matte Eyeshadow in Outremer captivates my eyes! I wanted the color to show it's true strength, so I used MACs paint pot in painterly as my base, and simply pressed the shadow onto the lid. I stopped as I reached the crease, and used a pony tail brush to soften the edges.

Lily Lace Dress by Madewell

What is your favorite product I used on Emmalee?

XOXO
Priscilla

Hume = Happiness

August has been a very busy month for me, so it's been tough keeping up with posting on a regular basis. It's wedding season, we recently moved to a new place, annnnd I celebrated my 1 year anniversary with my hubby! I feel like we just got married! Soon-to-be-Mrs listen up-enjoy every moment of planning your wedding...indulge in the details, take joy in the mishaps of the preparation, and on your day stand still and soak it all in! The day ends SO fast. I wasn't expecting a whole year to fly by just as quick as my wedding day, so enjoy your first year of marriage to the fullest!! I guess the saying is true, time flies when you are having fun.

James and I met at Hume Lake years ago, so it was only appropriate we spend our first anniversary in this beautiful place. Ever girl squeals over her Summer Camp crush, so to come back with a husband and relive those butterflies was so fun. We hiked to the cove, played volleyball & frisbee golf, rented paddle boards to absorb the beauty of the lake, enjoyed milkshakes, sat by a campfire...sigh and just soaked in the beauty of the trees.

Living Proof Shampoo & Conditioner. Kiehl's Acai Damage-Minimizing Cleanser. Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer & Eye Basic in Buff. Dior Lip Maximizer.

I packed very light, but thought it was the perfect time to try out my Living Proof Shampoo and Conditioner. I was skeptical...I have tried some other products in the past and they didn't work for my hair. I was pleasantly surprised with these 2 choices, the results were great! When you travel to new heights, your hair reacts strangely, but my hair was soft, healthy, and not frizzy at all. Also, when I took out my pony tail, the hair was less crimped than normal!

As we were moving, I found Kiehl's Acai Damage-Minimizing Cleanser. Perfect for our trip!  I felt one with nature using such an organic based product. It is so important to find products that can target all concerns. I felt this completed the task controlling my oily skin, while preventing signs of aging in my skin. I also appreciated the foam texture.

Choose a lighter tone for your manicure, and a darker hue for your pedicure!

Our view during breakfast!

What did you do for your first wedding anniversary????

XOXO
Priscilla

Radiant Skin

There are a few "Beauty" trends that are perfect for Summer. First, a BOLD coral nail color is a must! Second, a vibrant teal shadow...see here...and RADIANT SKIN!!!

Watch by Michael Kors

To create radiant skin follow these steps:

1. Cleanse, tone, and hydrate skin.

2. Prep skin with Smashbox Photofinish light to control shine.

3. Use hands to apply a pea size of Laura Mercier's Tinted Illuminating moisturizer under eyes, on cheeks, and T-zone.

4. Swipe Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener under eyes, and gently press into skin with your ring finger.

5. Hide dark circles with Bobbi Brown's Concealer.

6. Shake and than spray Dior Airflash Foundation on Bare Escentuals Heavenly Brush (no need to spray brush more than 3-4 times...you'll have enough to cover the entire face)

7. Use Smashobox's Fan brush #22  to apply Nars blush in LoveJoy. (My secret to a great contoured cheek...start application at the same angle as the top of your ear. Keep the brush closest to the hair line, and sweep brush under cheek bone to enhance your natural shape. Fluid strokes are essential!)

To see more images on this look check out my Summer Makeup Trend Tutorial on Glitter Guide and sign up to receive all the "glittery" updates.

XOXO
Priscilla

electric eel

Taylor Sterling recently asked me to participate in a Summer Makeup post for Glitter Guide. I was ecstatic to join in on the fun. Out of the 3 looks I did, this was the most fun to create. It is the epitome of Summer Fun...

Stella & Dot Bamboleo Necklace

To create this eye follow these steps:

1. Apply MAC's Paint Pot in Painterly on entire eyelid

2. Blend Benefit's High Brow under your eyebrow

3. Apply Laura Mercier's Metallic Creme Eye Color in Gold, stop at crease

4. Use a pony tail brush to softly blend Dior's 1 Couleur Eyeshadow in Gold Torch #546 at the outside corner of eye

5. Press a black liquid liner on the lash line to intensify lashes

6. Use YSL Volume Effext Faux Cils Noir Radical Mascara

7. Wet Smashbox Double Ended Smudger Brush #20, and mix with MAC's Electric Eel eyeshadow and line bottom lash line

Make sure you check out my Summer Makeup Trend Tutorial on Glitter Guide and sign up to receive all the "glittery" updates

XOXO
Priscilla

senorita style

This week our household has been celebrating Cinco de Mayo with ceviche, tamales, and lots of avocados. Hmm, my favorite foods. Tomorrow we will officially celebrate with friends at a BBQ! What will you be doing?

I adore adding a twist to my "everyday" look, and bring out a little of my Latina side. I'll throw a flower in my hair, wear some hoop earrings, paint on a red lip...and wha-la I begin to feel like a Senorita!

Here are a few products appropriate for the holiday, wear them all or just try one... but I promise you feel like drinking a margarita after!

Have dull or dry skin? Use a pea size of Natural Radiance on the cheeks, forehead and nose before applying your foundation. You will notice a healthy glow shine through. 

Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer-Natural Radiance

YSL Automatic Eyeliner-Green

Here's a great trick...mix a drip of water with any of these bare essential colors, and apply with a flat shadow brush! They will go on very intense, but once they dry you can blend and soften the edges.

Bare Essentials-Pussycat, Queen Phyllis, and True Gold

MAC-Russian Red Lipstick & Brick Lip Liner

Deborah Lippman- My old Flame and Chanel-317 Golden Sand

Have fun with golden tones, forest greens, and vibrant reds!!!
XOXO
Priscilla

Fierce Impressions

First impressions last an eternity. Sometimes when you're nervous you make a silly comment...and you give a bad impression during that dream job interview. Sometimes you wear the wrong outfit...and your dream guy's mom isn't impressed. I'm sure you all have personal stories of times where you have given the wrong impression, when it was really not your intention. When you find yourself in a situation where the first meeting counts, how do you make a good impression? Could your makeup alter the perception of who you are?

Would you wear a bold lipstick when making that first impression? When you think of Christina Aguilera, instantly your mind thinks about her signature red lips. She left her trademark, and left a fierce impression on our minds.

Leith Crop Jacket from Nordstrom

Petra Braided Bracelet by Stella & Dot

As I told you in my last post, I would use my NEW Smashbox Master Class Style File Kit and show you how it's done. Click here for application advise. My lips are a NEW collection by Laura Mercier. It is an orange, red. I normally am attracted to true reds...but this one caught my eye. It's pigment is intense, and I find it does not bleed very much. Sunrise is fierce.

Want my bracelet? Ask my girlfriend Christina Saur Papoulias how to get it here.

XOXO
Priscilla

A look into my bathroom...

Do you read Vogue? Lately, I have been buying magazines at the grocery store. It is quite pricey, so I am considering giving in and getting a yearly subscription. I also really like Allure, they have sooo many cosmetic reviews!

1. L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil...is great for dry skin, and for shaving. I was scared to venture into a "oil" body cleanser...but it was really nice. I enjoyed the product more when I applied it dry and than rinsed off...it's scent blends well with the Creme De Corps.

2. Kiehl's Creme De Corps body moisturizer has healed my dry skin! I really enjoy how "oily" it feels without a residue after application. It is full of cocoa butter and sesame oil! Great for men too!! Read more about this line here.

3.Ever fill overwhelmed with your options in the self-tanning section?? Ever felt like you didn't really see a difference...or worse-you turned ORANGE!!!? I have had my fair share of bronzing accidents. I don't usually use Lancome, but I am always down to try something once. I fell in love with their Flash Bronzer. It has a natural carmel extract, with a pearl finish. It is also full of antioxidants-so it was hydrating as well!

5.Vegans please pay attention :) Try Dr. Dennis Gross' EXTRA strength Alpha Beta Peels! First, I use my regular face wash...makeup remover...and than Step 1...and than Step 2. Step 2 tingles a bit...which I liked, because I knew it was exfoliating! *It reduced my acne, and made my skin glow the next morning!

6. After exfoliating...always use a SPF. You don't want to repeat the damage you just got rid of! Clarins "Sun Wrinkle Control" is a light weight, comfortable texture. It does not smell, and it is fine to layer with makeup.

7. Laura Mercier's Lip Glace in Bon Bon is a great coral for Summer. It has a yummy vanilla flavor, and a light texture. 

8. Neutral nails always make the skin look more tan...I just painted mine in preparation for Vegas with Chanel's Django. (Read here to learn how to make your at home manicure last longer than normal) I'm hoping I get pleanty of Vitamin D this weekend!

Ok, now I need to go pack!! Stay tuned for pictures from my trip!
XOXO
Priscilla

A look into my bathroom...

This week has been a bit busy for me...work has been crazier than normal, the house has been messier than normal...and James and I have been hitting the gym more regularly than normal-go figure, when I am the busiest I finally have time to take care of my body! I find that when I am the busiest I find the most time to take care of ME! Maybe it's my subconscious taking care of me...hmmm

I urge women to make time for themselves...you will feel healthier, happier, and more confidant to complete your tasks and duties! If you don't have time for massages, pedicures, and spa days use some of my favorites straight from my bathroom to make you feel like a princess on a schedule.



1. No time to wash your hair? Use Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. It's acts like a dry shampoo, it absorbs oils, while adding volume for a fancy effect.

2.Unite Boosta Spray, should be used on wet hair straight out of the shower. It adds volume without making the hair hard or stiff once dry. It smells divine, like your going on vacation to a tropical island...I bought mine at the Mona Lisa Salon in Los Gatos.



3. No time for a pedicure? Click Here to learn more about philosophy's soul owner.

4. Deborah Lippman's cuticle oil is a fast remedy for not so cute cuticles-without a mess.



5.For the past 5 years I have been addicted to Laura Mercier's body souffles and body scrubs...I put it on when I'm craving sweets! This past year Laura created the Creme de Pistache scent...It's scent can take over a crowded room and have people intoxicated with you. The scrub is delicate on the skin, and the cream is luxurious.



6. Fragrances are packed full of memories. Dior's "Miss Dior Cherie Eau de Parfum" takes me to my wedding... with top notes of green tangerine, strawberry leaves, and heart notes of violet, pink jasmine, caramelized popcorn, and strawberry sorbet. It's base notes are fresh patchouli, and crystalline musk.

What is your signature scent? What special moments do you think of when you wear a specific fragrance?



I hope you all find time to pamper yourselves this weekend!

xoxo
Priscilla

BAKED!

New cosmetic launches pop up at least once a week. How new colors are consistently created amazes me...there is nothing new under the sun, yet new colors just keep arising! While new eye shadow colors can be fun to look at, sometimes the formula doesn't have the best application, or technology to back up it's pretty hue. Here is a new launch that I do appreciate the quality as well as the color.

Laura Mercier's NEW Baked eye Colours ($22) are shadows that will last throughout the day. They are lightweight, smudge resistant, and able to be used wet (creamy consistency) or dry (great for contouring!).


I am loving Black Karat and Ballet Pink. What's your favorite color?

New Beginings

The Holidays have passed, and Spring Fashion Trends are here and ready to be part of our lives. Spring is so refreshing, it's a time for new beginnings. The story of Spring is military nudes, patterns galore, and vibrant hues.

Accessories are essential this season: a new bracelet should find its way into your jewlrey box, invest into some chic espadrilles, and a must is a new color palette.

My pick of the week that I have been "ooh-ing and ahh-ing" over is Laura Mercier's New Silk Road eye & cheek palette. The color choices are ideal for any age and any style. The purple is amazing! It is a must see in person kinda color! It can be a great vivaciousness contour color for the night, or it can be a simple liner to add some definition for the day.








Have fun with your makeup this Spring, it's such a fearless season-anything goes: lined eyes, tan skin, bright lips, bare eyes...possibilities are endless, just be YOU!

XOXO
Priscilla

Peppermint Whoopie Pies

Holiday gatherings, desserts galore, and glowing makeup was constantly on my mind this week. I was determined to make time to do some baking, so I tried some new recipes. James is convinced I decided to make peppermint whoopie pies, just so I could say the word "whoopie" as I mixed up my ingredients. Really, it was because they had red filling and were covered in peppermint candies...so appropriate to pass out to the family. I will admit it was a fun word to say :)

We went to have early Christmas dinners with a few of our family members and I just didn't feel right wearing red lipstick yet, I wanted to save my red lip for Christmas Day. For those of you who aren't daring enough to break out the bright red lipstick, try this combo I did the other night: Bare Escentuals Green eyeshadow, YSL Forest Green liquid eyeliner, Bare Escentuals Pure Radiance to highlight the skin, Laura Mercier Mineral cheek powder in amberstone, Bobbi Brown Naked lip liner (all over the lips) finished with Bare Escentuals Amber Buxom.