Lash of Love

Every 12 months a new Lash of Love is introduced by Faux Lash. It's been a while since the "Priscilla" Lash has been out, but I wanted to remind everyone about it before it's no longer around!! 

When you purchase the "Priscilla" Lash for $10 the proceeds are donated to The Women's Global Empowerment Fund.

Their mission is to reach undeserved women, create opportunities, and offer tools to alleviate poverty! I have a heart for missions, and God has put a strong desire in me to encourage women in all areas of life. While my main objective is encouraging women's confidence through beauty and cosmetics, I can't help but want to invest in helping women build livelihoods-The Women's Global Empowerment Fund strives to develop a program that helps women support their families in Uganda!!! 

Lipstick: Pretty Amazing Lip Color in Free Will by BareMinerals

Lipstick: Russian Red by MAC

Lipstick Media by MAC

The "Priscilla" Faux Lash is extremely versatile. It's just like a lady: delicately made, soft when it needs to be, and strong when the time is right!

It's weight is feminine and dainty so your eyes won't be bothered, and it's length is long and dramatic to really open up the eyes. I wanted to show you how this false lash can work for any occasion-no matter what you are wearing or feeling!

Thanks to photographer Em The Gem for capturing these images.

XOXO
Priscilla

The Perfect Eyebrows

Do you have a "trademark", something that people recognize you for? One of my trademarks would have to be my eyebrows, and honestly without my eyebrows I just don't feel the same! I feel a little uncomfortable when they are not filled in and groomed properly. 
It's a make or break the face kinda thing. Without realizing it, you can make yourself look angry, sad, or surprised depending on your eyebrow shape. With that being said, brow shaping must be done correctly according to the structure of your face. First things first, check these 3 points to ensure your eyebrows start, arch, and end in the correct places according to your personal facial features. 

You will need a straight object to help guide your "lines". 

1. Where should the brow start? The edge of your nose should line up with the inside corner of your eye...and that's where the beginning of your brow should be. 

2. How to get the perfect arch? Create an imaginary line...start from the bow of your lip, line it up with the edge of your nose...where does it end? It should end at the highest point of your brow, which is your arch. If it's not there, you can grow/pluck or fill in accordingly. 

3. Where does the brow end? Angle your "straight object" from the bow of your lip, line it up with the edge of the nose and the outside corner of the eye. 

Brow trends change season to season, but full brows seem to be sticking around!! In the past, sharp and defined brows were in style... If you are like me, and you over plucked in the early '90's you may be dealing with some sparse areas. My brows do not grow quickly, and when they do grow it is spotty, so I must fill in the gaps. 

I use Christian Dior's Universal Brow Styler to connect my arch, it's a one color fits all, it warms up to your skin so you will always have the most natural color! It has a wax texture on first application, but once your soften it into the skin it becomes more like a powder. Afterwards, I set my brows with Bobbi Brown's Brow Powder with a thick and firm brow brush.

Here are a few tools/brushes I choose to use on a daily basis:

1. MAC's #266 brush has the perfect angle, and is very thin for a precise application.

2. Smashbox's #12 angled brush is stiff and firm for a softer look and great for blending product into the skin for a more natural look.

3. I brush my hair upwards with MAC's #204 Lash Brush

Depending on your preference, and how much time you have to get ready... Brow gel is the fastest application and they are great for hair that has its own agenda, its also great to hide those stubborn little grey hairs! Pencils are the next in ease, but may take a few more seconds for precision. Powder may seem like the most time consuming, however you have more flexibility with the product, resulting in a more natural finish. Waxes are also an option and can add durability to the length of the product during a lengthy (warm) day. 

Now who is rocking the big and bold brows this season??? 

XOXO

Priscilla Francine 

Pin To Win A New HP Ultrabook // Glitter Guide

Visit Glitter Guide to learn how you can win your own HP Spectre XT Touchsmart Ultrabook™ and other great prizes!!

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

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 

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

New Products to Love

New Products to Love by priscillafrancinemakeup featuring beauty products

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics blush, $24
Beauty product, $55
Bobbi Brown Cosmetics gift sets kit, $45
Estée Lauder beauty product, $38
Bliss beauty product, $35

Updated Traditions

Traditions are so nice to have, especially during the holidays like Easter... you can count on that activity to happen ever year right!? What happens when your traditions need to be altered? Do you embrace it or do you hesitate the change?  When it comes to your image, are you more traditional or are you more updated... I tend to be a mix of both. I enjoy adding a bold statement piece to an everyday basic outfit, and I recommend using this method for your makeup bag too-just update one area, whether it's your eyes or lips...it will really transform your image.

Floral prints are a must in your closet this season, and you can't go wrong with this Bellatrix Sheer Print...it has that "old lady" kinda feel that you can't help but love, with a contemporary color palette. Pair it with a chunky bold necklace and bold hot pink lips, or some simple pearls and a light pastel lip...it's the best of both worlds.

I have been obsessed with hair bun's lately-this too can be traditional or it can be trendy depending how you are wearing it... and it's SUPER easy and fast! (Stay tuned I will give in to my secret for the perfect hair bun soon...)

Last but not least, a winged eyeliner is such a classic look that has never gone out of style. Update your eyes by trying new formulas.. maybe you've been using a liquid pen for years-try a gel formula and see if anyone notices?? And vise versa... if you've been using a gel liner or pencil-try a liquid pen next time you replenish your makeup bag. There are always new products in the industry, and when you broaden your options you will strengthen your artistry skills at the same time! To see a tutorial on a simple winged eyeliner look click here.

Happy Easter my friends! Enjoy the beautiful flowers, the wonderful feasts, and the special memories with your family and friends tomorrow!

XOXO
Priscilla

Go Green

Most photographers that have worked with me, know I love any image that has warm, romantic lighting...there is something about the tone that melts my heart. Even though the skies have been dreary and dull lately, I see no reason to have a look that it cold too. I prefer to warm my skin, eyes, and lips with golden shimmers.

Headband also from Francesca's

 On my eyes: My base color is Queen Phyllis by Bare Escentuals-a necessity for every girls makeup bag! Next,I lined my top and bottom lash line with Java Limitless Eyeliner by Smashbox. Last, for a little definition in the crease of your eye, take an already used bronzer brush (left over product should still be on the brush) and softy dust it on your eyes.

Nude Lip Trio

Sometimes I think that colors are created by accident, like this lime green sweater I purchased from Francesca's. It has a wonderful yellow undertone that matches perfectly with golden tones, so I had to have it.


Have you gone green yet?

xoxo
Priscilla

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

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

Lipstick on your tee

Lipstick on your shirt is normally not a good thing...

but I am totally ok with this...

Brigitte- Baggy Beach Jumper by Wildfox

Are you obsessed with Wildfox like me?

XOXO
Priscilla

My basics...and a "want"

I have my basics, and it's that time again- replenishment purchases. While these products are a must for my everyday routine...I found an accessory every MUA must have. Supercalifragilipstick!!!

My basics...and a "want" by priscillafrancinemakeup featuring 14k jewelry

XOXO
Priscilla