I haven’t been on for so long because I was on an adventure of a lifetime. I had the opportunity to do make up for a high-profile designer on the Seabourn cruise line through the most amazing seas. (With the most amazing clients.)
When I get home I will put many pictures up, unfortunately none with the clients, but many of the beautiful surrounding areas!
We have hit a harsh reality though; with the storm patterns on the easy coast, we are stuck in North Carolina.
So therefore, #musthavemonday with #emilyoliverbeauty features a forced slowing down. Sigh. From sunny seas to cloudy skyscrapers, all I want is be home. We are in North Carolina from a delayed flight out of St Maarten. Sometimes life forces you to slow down. When I’m used to running a mile a minute, slowing down is out of my comfort zone, but definitely needed.
Around this time last year, my best friend, and business partner, Robert and I were getting ready to embark on a trip of a lifetime with amazing hair stylists Christopher Corum and Jade. Not only would we be working in the Caribbean, we would be working a non-disclosure SIGNED-tight lipped-security packed-high profile project which we would never be able to capture our work in photos or have those photos to say, “look what we did!” We were able to take some photos of us on the boat, in the water, off the shore etc, which made it seem as though it was truly a dream. It’s interesting that in this time, social media, blogs, etc are the living proof that we “did something.”
There was a liberation to just “living” while we were there.
Double Rainbows and Horses in the Ocean…
We ate fresh ceviche, pulled coconuts of off the trees, and drank their juice, waded into the water, got lost and found ourselves on a private beach-airport, enjoying the private planes’ landings and take off’s. Late night piano and singing on the ship with the crew, Dom Perignon sent to our rooms, and room service 24-7. It was another life. And one I was so happy to jump into for nine beautiful days.
Coconuts with @chris4hair, @facesbyrob and Jade
Nostalgia hits in different ways. Today I am in Los Angeles, happy with my hard work, dedication to art, and passion for beauty. I can’t help but wish we could do it all over again. I sometimes wish I could go back to my former self with everything I’ve learned this year with the confidence to say, “it’s going to be great, YOU’LL be great!”
Confidence is a delicate trait (especially as a woman). If we have too much, we’re “cocky,” if we don’t have enough we are seen as “weak.” You must be strong in this industry. If I tip to “cocky,” at least I know I don’t come across as weak. Rob has always lifted me up, pushed me to be a better artist, to believe that we are here for a reason, and to share our gift. He’s encouraged me not to apologize for talent and dreams, because that’s what this country is made from.
Us!
I believe talent is inherent, though technique can be learned, and that perseverance, confidence, and execution of your dreams are just as important. I love Robert for pushing me just the right amount, and believing in me no matter where I am in my journey. He is my artistic soul-mate, and I will always love him for so many reasons.
So on this rainy Friday in Los Angeles, as I wait for a roof assessment to see what new adventure home ownership brings from our leaky front entrance way, I can’t help but think of coconuts and dreams; cruising through the Caribbean with my favorite artistic friend.
This Must Have Monday is more of a thinker. To do the work we do, survive, enjoy our lives, and carry on, we must have passion. Whether that is in what we are actually doing for our dreams, work, hobbies or extra curricular activities.
Since we weren’t able to go home for Christmas, I’ve been thinking a lot about what we are doing here in Los Angeles. Especially around the holidays, away from family, it can become quite lonely. However, because our passion drives us, we carry on.
My mother sent me this quote when I was in college and having a hard time deciding if I should major in what I wanted to do, or what I thought “everyone else” wanted me to major in (so much of that conversation is in your own head, isn’t it?) So here was the perfectly timed quote she sent to me;
“It is amazing how often people do get their dreams, whether in stages or directly. The more you don’t cutthe dream down, because of what you think you know about the real world, the more likely you are to find what you are looking for.
Most people don’t find their heart’s desire, because they decide to pursue just half their dream–and consequently they hunt for it with only half a heart.
If you decide to pursue your whole dream, your best dream, the one you die to do, I guarantee you that you will hunt for it with all your heart. It is this passionwhich often is the difference between successful career-changers, and unsuccessful ones.”
So this day before New Year’s Eve, take a look at what you TRULY desire, your passion, your drive, and when the ball drops, make a wish, and start pursuing your dreams with a whole heart filled with passion!
Happy Conquering.
Love and Beauty,
E
(Note: I wrote this to upload New Year’s Eve, and due to the internet connection in St. Lucia, was not able to post. Thank you for your patience, and enjoy!)
So obviously one thing is different…my hair! I am still getting used to it, but I figured, New Year, new do!
This week was a blur, so I wanted to show a very simple, yet effective way to spruce up any holiday style. With Christmas TOMORROW (how did that happen??) and New Year’s Eve around the corner, I felt that this easy one product demo was just the ticket.
I used Urban Decay’s “Midnight Cowboy” liquid eyeliner that I raved about in an earlier post (found here), which could easily be substituted out for anything super sparkly. Here’s the “how to…”
1. Take product
2. Apply to the inside crease of the eye
3. Blend into the crease and a little onto the top lid careful to not drag too much product past the crease into the upper lid/brow bone area
4. Smile! You’re done!
What are some of your quick make up tricks? I love this one since it’s fast, easy, and sure to bring a little pep in your step!
It’s happened again. I’m in love with yet another product line. Formula X by Sephora is fun, effective, and CHEAP!
I have been shocked, surprised, and happily so by their amazing assortment of color and quality for nails. I recently purchased their gift package that includes a nail cleanser (honestly, I think it’s just nail polish remover with a little aloe, but it seems to work) base coat, top coat, and a choice of color from what seems like hundreds of options.
I am in LOVE with the color, “Volatile,” and chose it to go along with my set. It is just the prettiest condensed sparkle that isn’t trashy or barely there- just perfect. The other thing I LOVE about this line is how quickly it dries. I am so not the patient type, so for me, this is optimal. With so many colors to choose from, you might want to give yourself a half hour to peruse the choices! I am obsessed with this for my Christmas look and plan to incorporate it into my NYE look as well.
What are some of your favorite sets you’ve seen this holiday season?
Steps for a perfect complexion can sometimes be overwhelming…you need highlights, contours, blush, and more. That’s why I am so excited to share the NARSGuy Bourdin Holiday Set as my “Must Have Monday” item of choice!
NARS has dominated the cheek category for years now with their infamous, “Orgasm” blush, and equally recommended bronzer, “Laguna.” The “Guy Bourdin” set has absolutely everything you need for a flawless face. At $65 it’s a little more of a splurge, however, I LOVE that this palette contains a stunning highlighter, to die for bronzer, and four gorgeous cheek colors!
The photo on the packaging was actually taken in the 50’s (30 years before the trend we know as “the 80’s”). NARS has always been ahead of its time on developing new and exciting ways to challenge fashion norms, which is another reason why I love the brand.
I owe you all an apology! I didn’t think about the terms and vocabulary for make up sometimes being confusing or even like another language! That’s why this “tune in tuesday” is all about the basics! Basic definitions, products, brushes, etc! I hope this helps clear up some terms and allows you more artistic freedom in addition to the ability to follow along with ease!
So let’s get started!
“Foundation”
Foundation is used all over the face to help with complexion. It evens out skin tones and ranges from sheer coverage, which would be like a tinted moisturizer or just a tint of color, to full on pigment like shalack that will not show anything underneath it. Foundation is helpful for those with malaysma, hyperpigmentation, acne, or for those who just want a more even skin appearance. My favourites: Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat, NARS Sheer Glow and Sheer Matte, Dior BB Cream, Clinique Even Better.
“Concealer”
Concealer is a product you use to get rid of dark spots, darkness under the eyes and any blemishes. It can be applied before or after foundation. My preference is after foundation because I like to see how much the foundation can cover before I start adding more product. That keeps things looking nice and clean. My choices are; Giorgio Armani High Precision Retouch, MAC, Cle De Peau, YSL.
“Blush”
Blush is applied to the cheeks for a natural flush. It makes it so people don’t look dead, and can add a fun pop of color to an otherwise natural look. My choices are NARS, Clinique, Laura Mercier, Giorgio Armani.
“Lipstick”
Traditional lipstick comes in a stick and is applied to the lips for added color and oopfm. Favourites; Rouge D’Armani, YSL Rouge Volupte, Revlon, Make up Forever.
“Lipstain”
Lip stain is a product that is applied to the lips and stays put for very long periods of time-sometimes drying, so be careful which brand you use. YSL Glossy Stain is my choice!
Lipgloss is a product you apply either by itself or on top of lipstick to add shine, sparkle, or moisture.
“Brushes”
Foundation Brush (used all over to apply foundation)
All over eye shadow brush (smaller, flat)
Contour or fluffy brush (larger, poofy)
Blush Brush (I like an angled brush)
Concealer Brush (Smaller in size than foundation)
Optional: lip, eyeliner, eyebrow, powder
What is basic shadow?
Basic eyeshadow is an easy look that is usually super simple and natural. It consists of:
“One color all over”
All over means from lash line to under the brow bone.
“Contour”
A Contour is when you use light and or dark colors to make features stand out. When I contour my eyes, I always use a different color in the crease of my eye. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a lot darker, just different than your first all over color.
“Highlight”
To highlight means to use light for features to stand out such as under the brow bone, on the cheek, down the nose and chin and forehead- insert Touche Eclat!
This product is famous for bringing faces alive and can do so by applying under the eye brow, along the bridge of the nose, under the eyes and on the cheek bones, upper lip, and chin
“Waterline”
Water line is the fleshy part of the eye area that is super sensitive, but can really pop when you add eyeliner to it
Mascara is product you use on your eyelashes to make them stand out- some is waterproof and some is water resistant– waterproof means that you can’t take it off with regular make up remover and would need a special make up remover. Water resistant is the best as it stays all day, but comes off with your cleanser. Most mascara anymore is water resistant.
“Falsies”
Fake Eye lashes, fringe, etc. So many names and so many great looks you can achieve with a little glue and lash! I LOVE the Ardelle Lashes, and Duo Waterproof Glue (comes out black).
There’s a lot to love in make up, and it doesn’t need to be complicated! I hope these terms and basics help you to learn more so we can discover more in future tutorials! Please comment your questions below for anything else you would like to know!!!
Emily in Beautyland 