Summer changing your make-up?

Instead of the summer heat melting your face.. fight back with an oil absorbing foundation.


It's very hard to avoid make-up meltage when it's 100 degrees outside.. but there are some things that you can do if you want to stay fresh.


Switch your foundation to a powder, or a mattifying liquid. ColorScience makes some really great powder foundations, that actually give coverage! If you know my make-up taste, you will understand that it means a lot for me to like powders as foundations, and this is the second I'm reviewing!! I was/am just very turned off by the mineral make-up boom. There was a lot of misuse, a lot of dry looking faces, and just too much hype for me. Now that things have settled, I've gotten over my disbelief, and companies have been constantly improving their formulas, I can come out with my little love for powder : )

Next up is the liquid wonder I've promised. I've seen this product as well, stand up to hours of wear, and heat. Make-up Forever's Mat Velvet+ is the one you've got to get to know. It goes on beautifully, covers wonderfully, and is buildable. I use this on almost all of my brides for looks that last. I use it on myself as well in the summer, and for events when I don't want any breakdown in my make-up. Live it, learn it, love it!! You can check it out at Sephora.

A few other little tips for keeping your make-up, use eyelid primer. Even if you aren't going to wear shadow, it will block the oils from building up on your lids, which can also mess with your liner or mascara. Urban Decay and Too Faced Shadow primers are hands down the best.

Don't be scared to carry a touch up compact with you as well if you aren't into switching foundations.

Happy Summer Lovin!!

And the award goes to...

Sunday night wrapped up Austin Fashion Week with the Fashion Award Show complete with Red Carpet for nominees and an awesome after party. Yours truly made the red carpet with a nomination in the Best Hair Stylist category. I did not take home the golden boot, but am still on a little high after being chosen as a nominee. That in itself is a great honor.

To check out some Fashion Week photos, my friend Jake Holt was the house photographer for the night and his pics can be viewed here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/smirchfa/3740193359/in/set-72157621752818004

I will say, as no one including myself new what to really expect from this week, it was pretty darn impressive. People really cam together, with an interest to not just be seen, but to meet one another and share their passions and interest in the industry. I have always been one who is not threatened by other artists, but wants to embrace hat we have in common. There is plenty of work to go around, it's much more fun to be friends and compare notes!

I really look forward to next year. May it be bigger, and better!!

Product Reviews!

Make-up testing!! Yay!!

Yesterday I did some new-kinda new product testing, and I have 2 items to brag about.

First up, Benefits brand spanking new, "Hello Flawless!". Yes Benefit has cute names for their adorable packaging, but this is a brand that also delivers more often than not. From the moment I touched this powder I knew it was a winner based on how finly milled it is. It goes on smooth, looks awesome, offers buildable coverage, AND has spf 15. Woo hoo! Why is this so special? Because many companies try to make this product, but none succeed in the "looking and feeling amazing" catagory.

Another Benefit must have, Hoola Bronzing powder. It won't turn you anything but tan.

Second rave, Tarte Lock & Roll Creaseless Eye Shadow Duo. When I first tried this a couple months back, I went for the boldest colors and thought, now this is fun! It's a double sided wand, one side a cream color that really does dry and lock into position(which is the true accomplishment of the product), the second end is a roller ball that dispenses a coordinating powder. The powder intensifies the cream, and adds more shimmer. The fun colors are exactly that, but recently I tried the more natural shades. Very lovely! Definitly could be a day to day staple, with the option to bump it up with the powder. Rosegold and Sandstone are lovely for a more natural look to brighten the eye, and smooth the lid. Patina is a beautiful fun choice, that really isn't too crazy.

Austin Fashion Week

Did you know that Austin is holding it's first Fashion Week this year? It's on July 13th-19th! Astin Fashion Week is featuring Photographers, Models, Hairstylists, Make-up artists, boutiques, and designers. There will be tons of related events all week long, and Fashion Awards at the end. With tons of huge sponsors and participants, it's guarenteed to be a hit. Check out the details here:

http://www.fashionweekaustin.com/

Yours truly will absolutely be hosting an event during the madness, come check out the shop and enjoy a drink on Wednesday July 15th! :

http://afw09.sched.org/event/f34d392105517a67573367fb450193a1

I am so excited about this week, and the prep to lead up to it. Anything that connects the fashion and beauty industry, and is a reason to get out and have fun is great in my book. Hopefully this is the first annual of many to come, with greater interest and event caliber every year. Come on Austin Fashion Week!

And who was the brains behind this all? Well I can't be certain of the whole brainstorming process, but Rare Magazines Matt Swinney seems to be doing a great job of leading the way. Way to go Matt!