Jen's bridal party

Jen's bridal party
Most Beautiful Day Ever!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

These are a few of our favorite things.

Recently, HollywoodLife.com did an interview with me and what products I use on Camille Grammer on a regular basis. I'd like to share it with you!
Enjoy!!

Makeup Artist Dedra Whitt Shares Camille’s Beauty Secrets!

Dedra Whitt is Camille Grammer’s best friend and makeup artist, so she knows the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star so well! Dedra tells us all about working with Camille, and how they get her looking so beautiful for the Bravo cameras!

Eye Shadow: “I like shimmery shadows because they are light and pretty. They can really pop the eye if you use them appropriately– not all over, just in certain areas.” Dedra loves to use I Nuovi’s Metallogy: “They are almost three-dimensional.” Dedra also loves the lipsticks from this line: “They have flecks of gold so they kind of change color.”

Skincare Products: Camille’s favorite line is the exclusive Epicuren, which is “an amazing, amazing skincare line that really rejuvenates the skin.” (This line is available at spas and authorized retailers.)

Tanning Products: Though Camille’s glow is mostly natural from tanning outside, Dedra uses Sally Hansen tanning spray to enhance her color: “It actually works! We use it on her body.” (Sounds like Camille knows a beauty bargain when she finds one!) For Camille’s face, Dedra skips the tanning products and instead uses foundation in a slightly darker shade. Such a great tip!

Blending: “We always use the Beauty Blender to blend her foundation flawlessly!”

Dedra says that she always does Camille’s makeup for the show. “We joke about it. If your best friend is a makeup artist and you don’t know how to do your own makeup, then you ask her to do your makeup every day!” Dedra even traveled to NYC with the housewives for a press tour. Sounds like Dedra and Camille have a truly beautiful friendship!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

My new favorite mascara

I have been using the same mascara for years now and I never thought I would ever find something I like as much. Voluminous by L'Oreal. Inexpensive but really good. Well now folks I have to say I have found my new friend. Without even looking!
Mascara by Mally. It works so well. I have been using it nonstop since I got it last week in a gift bag(thank you Oscars!)
Thick, full lashes with no flaking or clumping.
This is the real deal folks!!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Matching Foundation


So I realized that my blog was a little long yesterday so I thought I would break it down into 3 parts. Today we will focus on matching foundation which is really tough.
It is important to match to the part of your face which has the most color-the cheeks. By doing it here you will get the most natural looking application. If you have access to testers try a few and actually apply them to your cheek as shown here. See which one blends in the best or which one disappears the most. If you are at a drugstore actually hold bottles up to your cheek area. Never color match your jawline because that will only give you a ghostlike appearance.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

In answer to Julie


So Julie emailed me 3 great questions that I thought many others could benefit from so I'm posting my answers here.

Hi Dedra,

I was just reading an interview you had at IW. I had a question about picking concealer for my skin tone., I’m not sure what tone I am. , so when I’m in the store trying to buy concealer or foundation, I’m usually wrong. I’m pretty sure its light to medium. , also, I have Hazel eyes, what color shadow would you recommend? And finally, how do you get rid of age spots w/out the laser treatment. , what is the best product?

Thanks
Julie In Mass.

First Matching Foundation:
It is important to match to the part of your face which has the most color-the cheeks. By doing it here you will get the most natural looking application. If you have access to testers try a few and actually apply them to your cheek and see which one blends in the best. If you are at a drugstore actually hold bottles up to your cheek area. Never color match your jawline because that will only give you a ghostlike appearance. Concealer should then be a shade or two lighter than your foundation and make sure the color has a warm hue to it to counterbalance the blue undereye.

Hazel Eyes:
Hazel eyes have several colors in them. Depending what color you want to pull out, the same rule applies to everyone. If you want to pull out the green, use opposing warm browns and golds. If you want to pull out the brown, use charcoals and blues.

Age Spots:
Age spots unfortunately cannot be removed except by laser. So sorry to have to tell you that. However, there are a few products that can minimize the appearance of. Try Philosophy's "Help Me" which is a retinol cream which speeds up cell turnover to improve hyper-pigmentation and texture. Also by Philosophy is "Vitamin C Powder" which is 99% pure vitamin c. You mix it with your moisturizer for brightening skin and providing protection from free radicals which will cause those spots to become darker. We all could use that!!
Hope that helps Julie, and everyone!!

Friday, February 11, 2011

I Nuovi



My new favorite makeup line is I Nuovi!! Love all of their metallogy shadows. So shimmery and gorgeous. I also love their lipsticks. Again, they take on multidimensional color when you put them on. They are not flat. For spring they have all of the hot, bold, bright colors that everyone wants. So much fun. So what ever your makeup palette is, they have something for everyone!
These pictures of me doing makeup at an UGG fashion show using I Nuovi shadows and lipstick.
Check them out http://www.inuovi.com

Monday, February 7, 2011

Getting Camille ready


So I get asked so much what goes into getting Camille Grammer of RHOBH ready for an event. Often times we don't have the luxury of time to get ready so we often tag team with her wonderful hairstylist Mitch Stone. It's not easy doing someones makeup while their hair is being pulled and curled. But after 16 years I know how to move with the flow if you know what I mean?!
I always start with moisturized skin. That's the most important element to beautiful foundation coverage. After her foundation I spot conceal. I then apply foundation to her eye area as well because it sets a nice base for eye makeup. Then we talk about color choices and how dramatic we want to go. Since Camille likes natural we always stay pretty clean. Neutrals and earth tones. If we want to go dramatic I will just apply more lashes and eyeliner.
So first I add a nice light base color all over the eye. Then I have her leave her eyes open and I apply a medium taupe in the crease to give her eye definition. Then, depending on the look, I apply a color just in the outer corner and blend in towards the center of her eyelid. That just pops the eye a bit. I line the eye with a cream liner and go over that with a dark shadow to soften it. Then mascara and lashes.
For her cheeks I always add a bright color in the apple by having her smile. It really brightens one's appearance. Then we do bronzer all over to tie it all together.
One thing I always do with my clients is to apply foundation all the way down the neck onto the decollete area to keep the skin looking flawless. Lip liner and gloss and we are done! Very easy!>


Tip:
Remember apply concealer after foundation for a more natural appearance and to keep the mess to a minimum, try doing eyes first then foundation. What ever shadow has fallen can be wiped clean before doing the skin.

Monday, January 3, 2011




A lipstick is the one makeup product that can always be found in a woman's handbag. It is irreplaceable and it has the amazing effect of adding color and life to your aspect and giving a healthy-looking face. The only thing to consider is the color as this one should flatter your skin complexion. Take a look to the hottest spring/summer 2011 lip makeup trends and choose one that suits you the most.


The famous lipstick is a must-have item for every woman. It sometimes acts magically changing completely the overall look. When finding the right lip color you have to pay a lot of attention as an unflattering shade can turn everything into a disaster. Your skin complexion and the size of your lips are two main elements for you to take into consideration when purchasing a lipstick. Then, of course, there are the main makeup trends that seem to change every season.

As for the hottest spring/summer 2011 lip makeup trends, colors vary a lot from nude and soft peachy to extremely bold and vibrant shades of red, orange and pink. All lipsticks come in a myriad of different shades suitable for every skin complexion and taste. Everything stands in what color you choose. Even though for winter we usually want to add a lip balm or a glittery lip gloss, the new trends propose daring lip makeup worn with confidence.




“Nude” seems to be the key element when it comes to spring/summer 2011 makeup trends. This is one delicate choice that is applied not only for the skin and eyes, but for your lips too. Whether you choose a soft pink or beige, nude means totally natural lips. You can wear a complete nude makeup or, on the contrary, go for a more intense and dramatic eye makeup and nude lips. When applying a nude lip makeup using a peachy or beige color, remember that your lips should be moisturized in order to look healthy. For this you need to exfoliate them and apply some lip balm.

Lighter colors work amazing on thinner lips as they make them look plumper, while darker colors flatter thicker lips, but only if the shade you choose matches your skin complexion. If you choose a natural makeup using light, soft colors you will look younger as this type of shades bring out the warmer tones of the skin. Moreover, they are an amazing choice when wanting to add freshness and health to your overall appearance.




Fuchsia, orange and pink are some of the hottest colors when it comes to lip makeup trends for spring/summer 2011. This is that type of makeup trend that should be worn with extreme self-confidence by women and girls who feel beautiful and powerful. These bold colors are the perfect manifest of sophistication and elegance. Choose vibrant colors for your lips and wear them on a flawless skin makeup.

Wear a fuchsia or orange lipstick with a light eye makeup using just a soft eyeshadow and mascara for a matte, fresh look. If you want to create the illusion of plumper lips, apply some gloss in the center of the lower lip. For a strong touch, use a matte color for the eyes too, such as blue or white.

If you want to create the illusion of fuller lips you can also make a contour using a pencil and following the natural line of your lips. Keep the contour harmonious and don't exaggerate. If what you desire is to accentuate the look, apply a lipstick coat using a brush, then a gentle touch of powder, and another coat of lipstick.




Red lips already became a timeless style and they seem to come back for spring/summer 2011 among the hottest trends. You can wear a red lipstick both for the evening, but also for a daytime look. However, when wanting to wear bold, red lipstick you shouldn't overuse the other makeup products as your lips need to stand out. Foundation, mascara and some blush are enough. Still, if you want something more dramatic, a black eyeliner is the key.

Avoid red lipstick if you have acne prone skin as you'll only emphasize the problem. Always choose the right red lipstick shade based on your skin complexion. You can also try a different approach such as spotted at Viktor & Rolf with a thick winged line of white across the lids, no mascara, soft pink blush and red lipstick. Every woman looks stunning and sexy with red lipstick as long as she knows what shade is the most flattering for her.

Friday, December 31, 2010

New Year's Eve Makeup

Want to create a dramatic New Year's Eve makeup look inspired by the runway? Mix uptown and downtown influences. Experiment with metallics and more daring colors for shadow. Think metallic silver and gold to add drama to the eyelids. Caviar liquid liner gives eyes a smoldering, smoky eye effect that stands out by candlelight…or strobe light. Don't skip (or skimp on) foundation, which creates a seamless complexion and lasts well into the wee hours when misted with a can of Evian water, held 8 inches from your face. Apply powder for extra staying power. Lips get accented with shiny red this season. False lashes and a touch of bronzer give the final accents for evening

Read more: http://www.taaz.com/beauty/special-occasions/parties/new-years-eve-makeup-ideas.html#ixzz19hyQYPqF

Monday, December 27, 2010

Trends for next year!

Dior Spring 2011 Makeup Collection
Dior Spring 2011 Makeup Collection
It seems that the most refined grays pop up on the market as the most inspiring tones for the next year. The Dior Spring 2011 makeup collection is based around the endless shades of this color that radiates a high class aura as well as elegance. Take a closer peek at the complete line of makeup products that furnish you with all the key items that should feature in the makeup kit of a real beauty bunny for 2011.

Minimalism meets elegance in an outstanding way in the next makeup collection launched by the over-popular beauty brand Dior. The collection indeed is sculpted around the visual effect of gray in combination with pink which has a deeper essence than just the matching of two complementary and harmoniously vibrating hues. Indeed as creators claim the main source of inspiration for the Dior Spring 2011 makeup collection is a little town in Normandy where Christian Dior spent his childhood. Moreover pink and gray are some of the colors the fashion guru associated with those years.

Therefore the line echoes the old time atmosphere mirrored by the classy packaging as well as the eye shadow and lip makeup color palette. Additionally designers also claim that the very first Dior store on Avenue Montaigne also had a tremendous impact on the creative process of the makeup sets envisioned for the arrival of the spring. Gray was never this elegant and overwhelming as it is presented in the unique and charming makeup products for the first half of 2011.

Friday, December 24, 2010

makeup for the holidays

In general, most holiday events happen in the evening. Even if they don't, as special engagements, you can follow the basic evening makeup advice. The essence of an evening look is to darken up your favorite daytime colors. In general, there is no need to take a step away from your own personality just to look spruced up. If you are most comfortable in your current look, enhancing it for a little extra evening contrast creates a nice holiday makeup presentation.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Here's your chance for a do-over!!

I was contacted by a casting director at WEtv. If you are what they're looking for, give her a call!!
Do You Have The Ultimate Wedding Disaster Story?


Did you suffer a wedding disaster that put a damper on your big day?

Does your wedding video play like a blooper reel?

Do you wish you could do it all over again and have the wedding
you originally dreamed of?

WEtv WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!!


WEtv is casting dynamic Los Angeles-area couples who deserve the ultimate DO OVER…a dream wedding celebration planned by an acclaimed LA-based wedding designer.

What happened to ruin your big day? Did your ex show up and object in the middle of your ceremony? Did a storm knock out your power or prevent most of your guests from attending? Were you forced to elope instead of having the great white wedding you dreamed of? If you live in LA and have your disaster caught on tape, you could get a second chance to have your dream wedding!


Contact us today with your story!

Danielle Gervais
Sr. Casting Producer
212-377-4543
IshTVCasting.Danielle@gmail.com

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

See...?!



2010 Natural Looking MakeUp



Natural Looking MakeUp is a hot makeup trend come 2010. Flawless skin and little mascara, bare lips and a mineral foundation completes this look. It doesn't get much simpler than this!

Finally, the trend I've been talking about for how long?! Now we're in ladies!!!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Going against the grain


So one question that I'm asked a lot is "What colors should I wear?" I always ask back "Well, what colors do you like?" Usually those colors are the ones that look the best on us. However, some people have an idea what they like but think they "should" wear something else. I say "abandon such thoughts!" Go against the grain!! If you love purple and you think you shouldn't wear it maybe try a deeper shade of eggplant swept thinly just above the lash line. If you love pink, there are beautiful cream blushes that can pull beautiful color on everyone. You just need to experiment with tone and application. I always say "start small and build up" until you feel comfortable.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

My New Fav


So I have had the great pleasure of working with Youngblood Cosmetics lately. Love them!! They make beautiful mineral cosmetics that are paraben free and easy to use. My favorite product is their new liquid mineral foundation. It's perfect for summer because it's lightweight, full of 20 marine extracts and calendula oil so it hydrates, heals and protects your skin all at once.
With all of that goodness who needs anything else?!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Summer Lovin'


Splash into summer using less makeup but bold color choices. I love the idea of tinted moisturizer like Laura Mercier's to even out skin tone and protect it. Over that apply a bold creme cheek color. MAC makes some great ones and use a thin line of aqua on your eyes. Add mascara and lip gloss and you've got an easy, beautiful look that's perfect for any summer day!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

back to basics

So not only am I back writing on my blog but I am getting back to basics. Since summer is a time of stripping down of clothes and school I thought I'd strip down on the makeup as well. Keeping the skin clean and hydrated is the key. Also, using a spf all over including your decollete is tres important! I love Aveeno's Continuous Protection Sunblock lotion with an spf of 100+. It's lightweight and waterproof without that nasty spf smell. It probably is the the most important product you can use during the summer months!!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Creating Glamour Simply


So I had the great pleasure of working with a beautiful actress named Dianna Agron. She had gorgeous, creamy skin so keeping to my philosophy I used very little foundation on her. All we had to do was accentuate her eyes to give her that glamourous look. Always remember, less is truly more. If you want glamour use a thin brush and black or dark brown eye shadow and draw a thin line just above the lashline. Extend out and up just a bit. Apply a few coats of mascara and that's really all you need!!

Monday, February 22, 2010

lubed lips

This time of year I do so many people's makeup who have incredibly dry, chapped lips. Besides drinking water there are a couple of things you can do. Philosophy makes a great sugar scrub for your lips. Only one use for two minutes really makes a difference. Another great treatment I've found is lipp lube. They are all natural lip balms with the highest concentration of vitamin E. The beeswax is a natural spf and they taste good in great flavors and have nice sheen. There is no excuse now for cranky lips!!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Tinted Moisurizer

So one simple way to protect skin and create even skin tone is tinted moisturizer. I love this product because if you have nice skin you really don't need a heavy foundation you just need a little something. It keeps your skin looking fresh and clean and perfect looking. My favorite is Laura Mercier's because it also gives you an spf of 20 which everyone needs everyday!!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Capturing Beauty

Ever walk by a mirror and catch your reflection in it and say "damn, I look good!" I'm sure you have. What was it about your appearance that you liked. Was it your hair? Your skin? Your eyes?
Take time today and look at yourself. I want you to find one thing about your appearance that you like and I want you to play it up. If you think you have a nice glow about your skin,don't cover it with foundation just even out the color. If you like your lips, apply a shimmering gloss. If you like your eyes add a contrasting color to the lid to bring them out more. Every day make what you got even better and what you don't got, let it go!!!
That's the way to personalize your beauty, simply!