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HP x Glitter Guide: Touch of Luxury from Glitter Guide on Vimeo.

How to achieve Taylor's Daytime Look:

1. Prep skin with BareMinerals Buxom Divine Goddess Luminizer, concentrating the product under the eye area and onto the cheeks... use whats left around the lips and on the tops of the brows with your fingers.
2. Correct any darkness under the eyes with Giorgio Armani's Master Corrector and conceal with Estee Lauder's Double Wear Concealer.
3.  Perfect the skin using Christian Dior's Airflash. Learn how to apply it here.
4. Set any oily areas (mainly the T-Zone and under the chin) with a loose translucent powder.
5. Pink Blush always offers a youthful look, I used BareMinerals Ready Blush in The Tease to create structure and add some life to the complexion.
6. Eyebrows were a main focus for this styled video. I lined the brow with Dior's Universal Brow Styler and than set  the brow with Bobbi Brown's Brow kit for a softer, yet fuller look.
7. The eyes were clean and fresh, using only neutral tones from Dior's 5 Couleurs Pallette, Incognito.
8. Always match your blush's undertone with your lip color's undertone: Taylor is wearing Pink Plaid by MAC.

How to achieve Taylor's Luxury Event/Evening Look:

1. Take the first look from day to night by adding just a few extra steps!!!
2. Add drama to the eyes, and channel the 1960's with a winged liner... learn step by step here! Also, add a beige/taupe blending color in the crease. This will add a nice soft shadow to compliment the liner.
3. Apply False Lashes for extra oomph!
4. Tone down the pink blush with a little bit of foundation...and use a soft matte bronzer for a contoured look. Highlight the top of the cheekbones for a subtle glow using BareMinerals Flawless Radiance.
5. Blot your lips, and go for a nude! I created my own color mixing together a couple of glosses to achieve this peachy-nude. The main gloss was Feathered (LipTar) by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics to make it a creamier texture.

Videography: VIDDYON 
Makeup: Priscilla Francine 
Photography: Delbarr Moradi 
Dresses & Earrings: Rent The Runway 

XOXO
Priscilla Francine

Behind the Scenes

For me, 2013 is all about becoming a better Priscilla. I like to stay busy, and sometimes the hustle and bustle takes over while I am frantically trying to keep up. I got fed up with the hustle and bustle last year, it was silly to live life without really living my life. I have made very drastic changes in my routine because I am serious about seeing improvement... I'm working out every morning, juicing and eating clean, diving into my devotionals, focusing on loving my husband, and making an effort to be there for my friends (and vacation more often). I am truly happy with every change I have made.

Now it's time to push myself further in my career, I will not let anything hold me back to achieve my dreams. So, today marks a new chapter in my life...I am starting esthetician school in a few hours! I have wanted to go for a while now, but for some reason I have never had the time to attend. Today, I am making the time for me.

I fell in love with my career as a Makeup Artist within moments of being hired as a beauty ambassador at Benefit 8 years ago...Painting faces AND helping woman feel confidant and beautiful was my calling. Gradually over the years I have become a huge advocate for skincare. It is the foundation of makeup (no pun intended), with a good skincare routine makeup becomes fun verses a necessity. I love a heavy, smoldering eye...I recommend stepping outside of the box and trying that bold new lip color...but when it comes to skin, I want my clients to shine through. I want them to feel fresh and dewy-not heavy and uncomfortable. I am SO excited to take the next step to help my friends and clients with their skincare concerns.

In the midst of all the craziness with my new schedule, I will be pushing myself creatively too. Stay tuned for ALOT of images within the next months. I have been working with some new photographers, and am so blessed they have entered my life. Each photo-shoot that I have completed, and each that are lined up are quite exciting!! Wow!

Since you know a little more about my life "behind the scenes" I thought it would be appropriate to share a few behind the scene images from my last shoot with 1985 Luke Photography, Danielle Derksen Hair Design, Haute Bride, Sweet Tooth Confections, Got Light?, Lani Elizabeth Fine Design in Flowers, and Milk Glass Vintage Rentals.

Happy Tuesday my loves!

XOXO

Priscilla Francine 

The Lab Event 2013

Tomorrow is the big day! It's a wedding vendors dream-a bridal fair. Not the type of bridal fair with plastic table cloths and outdated inspiration...this is not the type of event where your fiance stands in the corner pleading to leave. Tomorrow is The Lab Event at the Cline Cellars in Sonoma-a bridal fair even married couples should attend just because it's so fun.

This year I will be doing makeup and hair for the runway show...I will post some pictures throughout the event so those who cannot attend feel like they are part of the exciting action. Make sure to follow me on instagram @ priscillafrancinemakeup to see what makeup looks are trending for the modern bride.

Beauty Trends I would like to see for 2013 Brides:

1. Bold Lips!!!  Red, pink, orange...anything somewhat neon. With so many long lasting products on the market now, there is no need to worry about your color transferring to your main man's lips when you are saying your "I dos"

2. Let's overload on the bling!! Statement necklaces galore!

3. The top knot is here to stay, embrace whimsical, messy hair for your wedding day.

4. Bring some color to your special day and try a light blue or even a emerald green nail color.

5. Clean, dewy skin is always my favorite.

6. Bold lashes and intense defined eyeliner.

If you are coming to The Lab Event don't be shy to say "Hello" !!! I'd love to meet new friends!

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

Comfy and Glamorous!

Offer me a day of relaxation at anytime in the week...and I am all there! I'm not sure if it was ingrained in me as a child, but either way my father taught me to love tropical trees and my mother taught me a maxi dress is a staple in your closet. I have come to the conclusion I am definitely my parents daughter. Although I am a fan of glitz and glamour, I will always choose choose to be comfy. So the question is...How do you make comfort, glamorous?

Cotton Spandex Jersey Tube Dress in Imperial Purple {American Apparel}

Take for example, eyelashes. Some styles look heavy, and they feel heavy. It's one of the worst feelings to wear a heavy, plastic band that is forcing you to squint the entire night. The lighter the lash band the better to be comfortable. There are 3 options that are easy to apply and easy to wear... 

1. Individual lashes are great for someone who has never attempted to wear false lashes, may have sensitive eyes, or chooses to wear little makeup during "regular" life. You can add drama to the ends by applying them in a close bunch and slowing spread them out as you get closer to the inside of the eye. 

2. The Half-lash is recommended for those who desire to wear a fuller lash but may not have the desire to go all the way with a full band. This will pick up the ends of the eye and give ya a mini face lift. They are super easy to place on your eyes too! 

3. Want a full lash for more drama?! I am wearing the Audrey's by FAUX in this post. Their is a trick to blending your fake lashes with your real lashes...first curl your lashes and add 1-2 coats of your favorite mascara. Next, curl your false lash at the base before apply a small amount of glue to the band. I like to use an eyelash applicator (mine is from Shu Uemura). Always ensure the band is placed directly on your natural lash line for maximum comfort. Lastly, you can curl your lashes once more and than fluff them with your fingers.

Buxom Full-Bodied Lip Gloss In Yoo Hoo

Lip products come in all sorts of textures and flavors. Some like their gloss sticky and some can't stand it! I prefer a more hydrating gloss, one that will eventually absorb without leaving a film on the inside of my mouth. Here are a few lines I like: For a regular lip gloss try Dior Addict Ultra Shine Gloss collection, they are super shiny and still long wearing. I appreciate lip products that do more than just add color, and if you would like a lip plumper with out the tingle, try Bare Minerals Buxom Full-Bodied Lip Gloss.

Curled ends of hair with a 2" Iron {Hot Tools}

As for a foundation, it depends on your preference in formula and texture. Do you like cream? Liquid? Powder? or Minerals? For a comfortable creamy consistency, try the Benefit Play Stick (oily to normal skin type) or the Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick (normal to dry skin-type). There are SO many liquids I can tell you about, but lets start off slowly.... The Estee Lauder BB cream offers wonderful coverage with a light weight feeling (and it will do alot more for your skin in the long run), or try Vitalumiere Aqua Utra Light Skin Perfecting Makeup. MAC is sufficient for a foundation powder, with plenty of color options to choose from! Minerals are a girls second best friend...and if you like them in a loose formula I will always recommend Bare Escentuals. Yep, it's not a powder. It's creamy once you buff it into the skin (the coverage all depends on the brush.)

Once you start playing around with new products you will find makeup can be comfortable, and simplicity is always best! Enhance your natural beauty ladies-don't cover it up!

XOXO
Priscilla Francine 

Adrianna // ModCloth // San Francisco

Meet Adrianna. This little lady was super sweet, her mood was bubbly and intoxicating. While I curled her hair in the ModCloth studio she told me stories of her summer...and divulged her dreams for the future. I was inspired by her happy-go-lucky spirit...she had the best smile!! Her makeup for the stylebook was simple and chic: Grey smokey eyes, plum blush, and a berry lip color.

Try Christian Dior's '3 Couleurs' in Smokey Black 091 to get Adrianna's eyes!  

My go to blush for any occasion.... Sin by Nars! 

A long day requires a long-lasting lip color. Adrianna is wearing Keep It Red by Maybelline. 

Stop by the ModCloth website for a little Fall Fashion shopping!

xoxo
Priscilla Francine

Happy 4th of July

Enjoy some red, white, and blue inspiration!

Have fun watching the fireworks. XOXO Priscilla Francine

Keep It Red

Target is a dangerous place. period. Often times I find myself running in for cotton balls...and leave with $120 worth of bathroom accessories, cosmetics, candles! Things I always really need. My last visit to Target resulted in purchasing a variety of cosmetic brand's long lasting lipsticks. I wanted to compare Covergirl, Maybelline, and Revlon's formulas, to see which was the best. I opted for nudes and raspberry tones and over the past week I have fallen for Maybelline's Super Stay 24 Color in Keep It Red.

Necklace by Francesca's

While I adore the color, it's really the formula that I appreciate. I personally don't have time to touch-up, and I want to feel confidant with my lipsticks. Maybelline's Superstay 24 Hour Color had no feathering, fading, or caking. The others either dried my lips out, or where harder to apply. I felt free to eat, drink, and kiss with no need to look in the mirror the entire day! Other bonuses, people seemed to ask me more about what I was wearing when using Keep It Red, and the applicator was the easiest to apply to my lips.

Hairstyling Ring by H&M

*Tips for best results when applying a long-lasting lip product: Exfoliate your lips the night before and hydrate with some eye cream. Ensure your lips are dry and free from other product before a long lasting application. Allow a few moments for the color to dry before applying the conditioning balm. Remove with an oil-based makeup remover like Lancome's Bi-Facil Double Action makeup remover.

What gets you the most in trouble at Target? The cosmetic department? The bathing suits? The home decor section?

XOXO
Priscilla Francine

Photoshoot: Fleur Envy

While we all work individually, photographer Ashley Maxwell, hairstylist Danielle Derksen and I are one of the most effective "teams" when combined. Our styles merge beautifully. The last session we worked on together was for BoLee Bridal Couture's gowns...seen here. We captured some delightful moments that day with our 4 beautiful models...Well, we did it again for Fleur Envy! This is a line full of delicate handmade bridal accessories. The pieces were insane with how much detail went into the bead work...the stitching-oh, and there were feathers galore!! Enjoy these breath taking "whimsical" images.

Photography by Ashley Maxwell

Look #1 Earth Tones: Green, Gold, Nude, Brown

Audrey FAUX Lashes

 FAUX Lash

Look #2 Classic Bride: Purple Hues... Plums and Mauves

Lace FAUX Lashes

Look #3 The Sultry Swan: Black Smokey Eyes & Pale Pink Lips!

Bridal Accessories by Fleur Envy

Hair by Danielle Derksen

Makeup by Priscilla Francine
Photography by Ashley Maxwell
Hair by Danielle Derksen
Lashes by FAUX
Bridal Accessories by Fleur Envy

XOXO
Priscilla Francine

Neons

Ever since Bobbi Brown released the "Neons & Nudes" collection... I have been obsessing over statement pieces, bold lips, bright nails, and obnoxious eye shadows!!

Inspiration is all around us, and Pinterest has made it even easier for us "dreamers" to dream. I always love the "story" behind a collection, in fact when I was in fashion school, the "story board" was my favorite part of homework. 

Follow me on Pinterest to stay updated on my "inspiration"

xoxo
Priscilla

Have a Girly New Years Eve!

Can you believe it's the end of 2011? What a wonderful year it was! I am super excited to spend the evening with my hubby...and have a day off tomorrow to rest. While I won't be getting dolled up this year, I thought you gals would appreciate some Girly New Years Eve inspiration.

1. Stay true to your girly self with a light pink polish that is very close to your original nail color...ask your manicurist to jazz one finger up a bit to enter 2012 with a sparkle!

2. A classic big bun looks great with any sequin dress...party with sophistication this New Years Eve.

3. Add a touch of glitter to the corners and outside of your eyes this year just because you can!

4. When the clock strikes, make sure you leave a bright pink kiss on your man's cheek so everyone knows he is yours!

Have a safe, and fun night my friends. I have SO many fun things planned for January so check back in regularly to see some fun pictures and hear all about my adventures.

XOXO
Priscilla

Intriguied by Others...

Do you ever want to know what's inside someone's bathroom cabinet?  ...do you love digging through your girlfriend's makeup bag? You could own it all, but there is something intriguing about what the girl next to you has. Enjoy a peak into some lovely gals bathrooms, see their latest purchases...ooh and look into their purses!!!

XOXO
Priscilla

Dreaming of being Emily Weiss

Into the gloss is one of my guilty pleasures...I drool over mostly everything Emily Weiss gets to do: Product reviews, networking with those in the fashion industry, and peaking into everyone's bathrooms where they store all their beauty goodies! Emily is a gal who I find inspiring. She is living her dream because of hard work and passion.

This video was too fun not to share. Check out all the glittery outfits, the fierce eyeliner, the dewy skin, Emily's signature lips...



Want to see more images behind the scenes with Dolce & Gabbana??? Click here.

XOXO
Priscilla

Backstage with Nars Spring 2012

Oh Nars, how you make my eyes get wide with excitement! I love pictures that allow you to view the craziness backstage of a fashion show. I feel the rush, the adrenaline the artist is experiencing...maybe it's the coffee and rockstar they ate for breakfast?? or...maybe it's being in the moment of creating artwork for the world to see.

DESIGNER INSPIRATION: "For Spring / Summer 2012, we were inspired by Van Gogh's brushwork within his paintings, said Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte.

LOOK: "It’s a really beautiful, round, smoky eye with gradations of blue,” said lead artist James Kaliardos for NARS Cosmetics “It’s like ‘Starry Night’ and then there’s this beautiful lavender lip, complemented by warm skin.”

DESIGNER INSPIRATION:"The Spring 2012 collection is an expression of fluidity and softness and modernity in terms of fabrics and shapes and styling," said designer Daryl Kerrigan. "This season also marks a continuation of my exploration into prints through a collaboration with artist Spencer Sweeney."

LOOK: "It complements Daryl's collection without overpowering it," said Uzo, NARS International Lead Makeup Artist. "A subtle swipe of blue along the lash line creates a playful affect but the strong brow and radiant skin add confidence."

DESIGNER INSPIRATION: "It's the idea of the iconic American cowboy gone multi-cultural. The color story came from India, inspired by the spice market -- but with a cowboy flair," said designer Thakoon Panichgul.

LOOK: "Because the collection is so colorful, I wanted to focus on a classic, strong brow. I kept the face natural, with a little pink on the cheek for healthy color. On the eyes, I focused on contouring to show strength and attitude, a cowboy attitude that is," said makeup artist Diane Kendal for NARS Cosmetics.

DESIGNER INSPIRATION: "It's Jean Michael Basquiat on the coast,” said designers Timo Weiland and Alan Eckstein. “The collection is very surf-inspired but ‘cool’ surf. Like a New York artist on the coast.”

LOOK: "The girls look really expensive,” said James Boehmer, NARS Director of Global Artistry. “The blush and loose powder that we used makes them look golden and sun-burnt.”

DESIGNER INSPIRATION: “A free-spirited woman in pursuit of love,” said designer Joy Cioci about the inspiration behind her collection. “The pieces are effortless, but luxe with a juxtaposition of soft details and vibrant colors.”

LOOK: “Radiant skin is having a moment again,” said Uzo, NARS International Lead Makeup Artist. “We were seeing very matte skin throughout the past few seasons, but dewiness is back, paired with a precisely-lined, bold lip. It’s elegant but it’s tough.”
 
Visit their Facebook to see what Nars products you need to recreate these makeup looks.

XOXO
Priscilla

My very own Makeup Office

I love art in many forms, and one that I am constantly researching and dreaming about is home interior designs. I have been contemplating creating a makeup room, a.k.a an office...we are moving soon so now I have the opportunity to make it a reality. I have a few items on my wish list...

1. Colors 42 painting by Jen Ramos
2. PB Classic Glass Canisters (Monogramming available) by Pottery Barn
3. Menswear Trays by West Elm
4. Cherie Dressing Table by Anthropologie

5. 30 Mini Lipstick Poster by Emmakisstina
6. Glass Vanity by Crate & Barrel
7. Live What You Love letter press by MadeByGirl
8. Bell Jar by Crate & Barrel

What a great place to hide ALL my extra cosmetic supplies!! CB2's Versus Galvanized Trunk

Ok...Now that I have the foundation (no pun intended) of what this makeup office will look like I need to start shopping!

Any thoughts???

XOXO
Priscilla