'New Beauty' magazine features La Bella Donna's Baci Baci for lips

La Bella Donna in 'In Style' magazine

La Bella Donna minerals is in In Style magazine. Click on the image to see them high res. Feel free to download these images and print out to display for your La Bella Donna clients.

Jennifer Aniston chooses La Bella Donna

Celeb Picks for Summer Glow
by Nadine Kam

While shooting the new Adam Sandler romantic comedy, “Just Go With It,” Jennifer Aniston and Nicole Kidman could be spotted all around Maui, and The Cos Bar Wailea was one of their stops.

A peek at some of their beauty picks suggest how the celebs stay looking gorgeous, even when outdoors in hot, humid weather.

La Bella Donna’s compressed mineral blush ($25 each) comes in a natural-looking pale palette that Jennifer Aniston seems to favor.

According to our spies on Maui, Jennifer purchased Chanel lip glosses, Sisley eye liners and La Bella Donna bronzer and blush.

Blog post by Nadine Kam at Star Bulletin. Here is the link to this story: http://blogs.starbulletin.com/fashiontribe/celeb-picks-for-summer-glow/

How to use Your La Bella Donna Makeup Brushes

Most of us have a drawer full of makeup brushes and little to no idea how to use them. Here are a few of my favorite brushes from La Bella Donna and how to use them:

Angle Brow Brush

This brush is for brows only. Unlike an eyeliner brush, the angle brow brush's bristles won't bend. They stay firm so you can apply brow powder and pomade with precision. The angle brow brush is great for combing your brows into shape too.

Angle Fluff brush

The Angle Fluff brush has hairs set at a clever angle. The angle takes the guesswork out of contouring the crease of the eye.

Blending brush

The generous hairs of the Blending brush make any color go on diffused. This brush is great for smooth washes of a single eyeshadow or for a naturally contoured crease.

Blush brush

This brush works very well for all powder and cream blush applications. Smile and sweep the brush over the apples of the cheeks for a classic application or use the brush on its side to sweep color on the cheekbones.

 Bronzer brush

This soft brush has a very rare shape and will quickly become one of your favorites. This is a must-have for applying bronzer. The Bronzing brush works very well for contouring the jawline and cheekbones. Simply use the wide edge of the brush and apply your favorite bronzer to the hollows of the cheeks and under the jawline. This brush can also be used to apply La Bella Donna mineral powder as an SPF for the chest and arms.

Brow Lash brush

This is the ultimate tool for grooming brows. The comb side is great to sweep through lashes after applying mascara.

 Concealer brush

The concealer brush is the petite version of the Cream Blush brush. Use the concealer brush to apply concealer to the eyelid and undereye area. The concealer brush is great to use with your eye cream too. It doesn't pull the delicate skin around the eye area.

 Cream Blush brush

Don't let the name fool you, the Cream Blush brush is not reserved for the cheeks only. This brush does it all and is fantastic for applying skincare, foundation (wet or dry), and cream blush. This is a must-have for any makeup bag.

 Eyeshadow brush

The eyeshadow brush is smaller than the blending brush, angle fluff brush, and oval fluff brushes. Because of its size, this brush is gives a very precise eyeshadow application. Dark, smokey eyeshadows are easy to put on with this brush.

Eyeliner brush

This brush makes any eyeshadow shade into an eyeliner. Great for wet or dry eyeliner application. Try this tip: Dab this brush over your mascara wand and apply the mascara as an eyeliner.

Lip brush

This sleek silver lip brush folds into itself so you can take it to-go. Great for applying bold colors with precision.

Mineral Makeup brush

This brush is not to be confused with a kabuki brush! The Mineral Makeup brush is made of much softer hairs that are flexible and bend to give you a smoother application. This is a must-have for every makeup bag.

Oval Fluff brush

This brush has very reliable hairs and is great for applying shadow when you want it to show. Because the hairs are set so tight together, shadow goes on truer to how it looks in the compact. This is a great tool to create a smokey eye.

Powder brush

The powder brush will you give you a full coverage finish when applying loose minerals. This a great overall powder brush and can be used to apply powder (loose or pressed), blush, bronzer and contour shades.

Love this website:www.3floz.com

Traveling this summer? Check out www.3floz.com for travel sizes of all your favorite beauty brands. Each haircare or skincare item is under 3 fluid ounces so they can all go in your carry on baggage when traveling. Genius!

$10k Makeup Scholarship: Enter Now!

Here's an amazing opportunity for a $10,000 scholarship to MUD. The official press release (see below) was sent to me by program manager Jasen Hunt. Send your entry by July 1st, 2010 to register@thepowdergroup.com. And if you win, you have to do my makeup! Good luck. 

Announcing The Kelly Gleason Scholarship for the Makeup Arts
Presented by The Powder Group and Make-Up Designory



The Powder Group and Make-Up Designory are pleased to announce their co-sponsorship of The Kelly
Gleason Scholarship for the Makeup Arts. The scholarship is an annual award presented by The Powder
Group, and Make-Up Designory is proud to be the first partner of this very special award. The scholarship
has been introduced to identify those who are dedicated and motivated to enhance their professional
skills and become the next generation of professional makeup artists.
This scholarship has been created in honor of makeup artist and Local 798 President Kelly Gleason.
Kelly was a talented and popular makeup artist who spent more than twenty years working on some of
the most memorable television and film productions in recent history. She was also a teacher and mentor
to many in the professional makeup artist industry. In 2008, her family and many fans lost Kelly after a
long and courageous fight with cancer.
The Kelly Gleason Scholarship for the Makeup Arts in its partnership with Make-Up Designory will consist
of a $10,000 award to be applied toward any Make-Up Designory program at their New York or Burbank
campus, and will be awarded to one person who is looking to further their education in the area of
makeup artistry. The winner will be announced in the Fall issue of On Makeup Magazine and through the
online and social networking resources of The Powder Group and Make-Up Designory.
Entrance is open to anyone over the age of 18 with a high school completion or its equivalence. Entries
will be reviewed by a panel of industry experts and members of the Make-Up Designory and The Powder
Group executive teams. Entries must be received no later than July 1, 2010, and may be received by
email to register@thepowdergroup.com with the subject heading Kelly Gleason Scholarship, or by regular
mail sent to The Powder Group 315 Seventh Avenue 6B New York, NY 10001. The entry must include a
letter of introduction, all pertinent contact information including email, phone number, street address,
social networking details. Entries will also include a statement, limited to 500 words, of why the applicant
wishes to receive the scholarship. Entrants will be judged solely on their written expression and no
previous artistry experience will be required to enter or receive the award. The announcement of the
winner will be made in September, 2010.
Entry Requirements and Legal
Entry into the Competition will require meeting the enrollment pre-requisites for Make-Up Designory.
Enrollment requirements; each individual must be over the age of 18 by the time they begin classes, and
must have proof of high school completion or its equivalent. International students must meet the
requirements for qualification for an M-1 Student Visa, under the regulations of the U.S. Department of
State. The winner must be able to provide confirmation of requirements within 30 days of the
announcement as the winner, or the Scholarship will go to the Runner-up. The Scholarship may be used
at either the Los Angeles or New York campuses, however, the student must start classes by December
31, 2011, and may be used towards tuition and supplies for any Course or Program at Make-Up
Designory - up to $10,000 USD. There is no cash award or cash value for unused funds. The Powder
Group nor Make-Up Designory are not responsible for entries not received. The decision of the panel is
final. Only the winner will be notified by phone and email. To receive email details on the winner please
register for The Powder Group Report by visiting thepowdergroup.com/join.html.

The Makeup Artist Handbook

Here's what's on my nightstand this week: The Makeup Artist Handbook. It's a must-read if you're going to be doing makeup for features, and a good read if beauty makeup is more your style.

Gretchen Davis and Mindy Hall excel at explaining the technical side of makeup. They cover everything from how colored gels change the appearance of your makeup on HD to how to work with Ultracal 30 Molds.

This handbook references artists and makeup artists who are experts in their craft. This tidbit from Daniel McNeill, author of The Face, pinpoints how the right application of makeup can give the illusion of a more symmetrical face:

"In the well known Muller-Lyer Illusion, a straight line with flanges pointed outward seems longers than the one with them turned inward. The one tugs the attention beyond the line and seems to lengthen it, the other pulls it center and shortens it. Makeup Artists exploit this effect. For instance, by daubing shadow above the outer ends of the eyes, they draw them further apart. By applying it above the inner corners, they narrow them." 

Alicia Silverstone Loves La Bella Donna

It's hard to believe that some mascaras still contain mercury in 2010. Cosmetics' Database is the leading expert on cosmetic ingredients. They give full ingredient lists on the cosmetics we're buying everyday. Here's their list of toxic ingredients and which cosmetic lines are using them in their formulations:

www.cosmeticsdatabase.com

There are great alternatives to chemical makeup. Alicia Silverstone gives away a few of her favorites in April's issue of Town&Country magazine and you can bet that her mascara does not contain mercury. She raves about La Bella Donna's mineral powder foundation and mineral mascara. Here's the story...

For more on La Bella Donna, visit www.labelladonna.com.

Headshot Makeup and Hair

Headshot hair and makeup is designed to showcase the actors' range without overpowering their look. As with bridal makeup, LESS IS MORE. Leave the strip eyelashes and trend-driven lip shades for a fashion shoot and use your best makeup primers and contouring powders instead. Here are two of my favorite headshot clients, Shannon LaForge and Derrick Denicola. Notice how much impact their wardrobe, hair and makeup changes have on the image. Of course, the fact that they are both talented actors helps immensely.

The Makeup Show is coming!

If you see a makeup artist at The Makeup Show wheeling a cart around with tons of makeup she's purchased, that's me! Here's the show's website with more details: www.themakeupshow.com.

See you Sunday and Monday.

NEW JOB POSTING: Hairstylist needed for feature film in New Orleans

Shoot dates (tentative) are March 16th-April 12th. This is for a romantic comedy feature film. We're filming in the humidity of New Orleans so experienced hairstylist only. Please send your resume, website, and rates to: jessica@jessicadeben.com.

NEW JOB POSTING: Makeup Artist needed for 'Derrick and Smoky' feature film (March 31st-April 10th, 2010)

Feature film 'Derrick and Smoky' needs a key makeup artist. This is for 8 days of filming on/around March 31st to April 10th, 2010. Filming in Los Angeles. The film will be shot on 35mm and you'll receive a kit fee and IMDB credits. For more info on the film, visit www.derrickandsmoky.com.

The film is being produced by Vincent Pascoe. Please email your resume and links to: vincentpascoe@hotmail.com. 

Good luck!

Cirque du Soleil hiring makeup artists

Are you a makeup artist who is talented at teaching others how to apply their own makeup? Cirque du Soleil may have a job for you.

Cirque performers do their own makeup. (I've watched them apply their own makeup before an Academy Awards party performance and they're good). Someone had to teach them how to apply that intricate makeup.

I spoke with a few Cirque recruiters yesterday, and they hiring makeup artists to teach performers how to apply their makeup and to be on hand for final touches. They are also hiring wigmasters. They asked me to post the following link to their jobs site:

www.cirquedusoleil.com/jobs

Good luck!

Loreal Telescopic Explosion: Gimmick or Gotta Have It?

 

 Loreal's PR Department mailed me one of these 'breakthrough mascaras' and I took the multi-angle application for a test drive. Hhhhmmmmm.... is it a gimmick or a must-have?

 

You decide. Here's the good and not-so-good:

Good: I can finally get those tiny lashes in the corners of the lashline.

Bad: This brush takes getting used to! The look was a little too natural for me.

Have you tried it? Let me know what you think.

The Aesthetician's Advice: Exfoliators

I got to really pick aesthetician Laura Gaston's brain when I went in for my silk peel this week. I brought in all the skincare products that I'm currently using (above image). I love buying skincare. Can you tell?

I buy at-home peels and use Swissclinical's Glycolic and Clarity RX's AHA peel pads. I also have the Spacells facial sponge and a Clarity RX facial scrub with enzymes.

With all these products, I still have clogged pores! I asked Laura for her advice and she suggested a silk peel, which I loved. My skin definitely looked as smooth as glass after she finished and my pores were flawless.

Laura sent me home with samples of Epionce and explained something I never understood before:

Salicylic acid isn't just for acne. It's the one beta-hydroxy acid that's oil-soluble and can break up sebum and dead cells that create stubborn clogs.

The other glycolic and lactic acids were great for perking up dull skin but not necessarily the best at unclogging pores. She said using glycolic and lactic acid to unclog pores would be similar to using rubbing alcohol to remove nailpolish. It just doesn't work. What does work is Epionce's Lytic lotions and that's what I'm currently using to keep my pores clog-free.
Laura is located in Brentwood, so when you need a facial, give her a call (323) 393-3396. You can also book online at www.lauragaston.com.

Do Women Who Wear Makeup Earn More?

Marie Claire's February 2010 issue mentions an American Economic Review study with great findings for us makeup-wearers: "Women who wear makeup earn up to 30 percent more than those who 'can't be bothered'."

Here's another great article that points out that "physical attractiveness is associated with a number of positive outcomes, including employment benefits such as hiring, wages, and promotion, and is correlated with social and personal rewards such as work satisfaction, positive perceptions of others, and higher self-esteem."

The article is written by Samantha Kwan, Department of Sociology, University of Houston; and Mary Nell Trautner, Department of Sociology, University at Buffalo, SUNY.

Here's the link:

 

www3.interscience.wiley.com

Let me know if you agree! 

A Day in the Life of a Bellus Beauty Academy Student

What’s it like to attend the #1 beauty academy in the nation? Kenneth Moton, a current Cosmetology student, gave me the tour of Bellus Beauty Academy (www.sandiegobeautyacademy.com), the Academy of Beauty & Spa. 

Bellus Academy student Kenneth Moton and Makeup Instructor Extraordinaire Judy Edelman at the Bellus Academy Beauty Bar.

Bellus Beauty Academy is plush and looks more like a Saks Fifth Avenue sales floor than what I imagined a beauty school to look like. Kenneth’s aspirations are to master editorial hair and makeup. His course of study reflects that. Kenneth’s day starts at 9am and finishes around 4:30pm.

After a 9am roll call, Kenneth starts at Judy Edelman’s makeup class to hear the guest speaker, yours truly. I talk about chemical-free makeup and do a makeup application demo with La Bella Donna mineral makeup.

Kenneth’s day continues in Judy Edelman’s makeup class and today the focus is contouring. The class is hands on and students apply makeup on each or they snag students in the other courses (master aesthetics, cosmetology, or hair) as models.

Kenneth moves on to the stylish courses in hair, skin and nails. His day is spent learning new techniques and mastering the basics. Kenneth can build his clientele by accepting appointments at Bellus’ Student Salon. (http://www.sandiegobeautyacademy.com/salonAndSpa.html) Instructors are nearby for inspiration and all services are at a reduced cost (to book a Student Salon appointment, call 858-748-1490). Before he graduates (in about 10 months for Cosmetology), Kenneth will do 90 haircuts, 80 perms, 50 hair colors, 20 eyebrows, and 10 facials! 

Feeling inspired? Call the Academy for more info on their courses. 800-396-9187.

How to apply fake lashes

There is one thing you need to know about applying strip lashes: glue needs to be in TWO places for the lashes to stay on well. 

Here's what you'll need:

Strip lashes
Lash glue (black)
Q-tips (long)
Tweezers (dull!)






Step-by-step lash application by Jessica deBen

First, bend your strip lash together so it will be bent to fit the curve of your lashline. Then hold the lash near your real lashes (without glue) to see if they fit your eyes. You'll probably have to trim them.

Then, use the wooden end of the Q-tip and drag glue on your lashline. You'll basically make an eyeliner out of the glue. Then apply glue to the band of the strip lash. You now have TWO lines of tacky lash glue: one on your eye and one on the band of the lash. When the two lines of glue get pressed together, they won't come apart so make sure you place them on quickly and precisely. Use tweezers for this.

The final step is covering the band of the lash with black eyeliner. The image on the bottom left shows the lash band before its been covered. The image on the right has been covered.

I do all this lash work after eyeshadow. I would wait to put concealer and foundation on AFTER you do your eye makeup and lash application. The lashes go well with bold shadow and a defined lip.

Here's the finished look:

Makeup by Jessica deBen

Model: Zayda

Period Makeup and Hair : War of 1812

Here are a few images from Argentine Productions 'Battle of New Orleans' shoot on the Chalmette Battlefield. Wardrobe by Tim Pickles.

Here are a few of the wounds I applied for the battle scenes.

Working with Wigs on HD

For my latest short film on the Battle of New Orleans, I turned my lead actor, Jimmy Lee, Jr., into Andrew Jackson circa 1815. To do that, I needed to take his hair color from dark brown to white. I got great advice from wigmaster Cynthia McCourt (permasmudge@yahoo.com). She creates custom wigs and can save you a lot of hassle. I didn’t have that option due to time and budget restraints; luckily, Cynthia shared some great advice and the results are below.

Jimmy Lee Jr. as Andrew Jackson (Before & After Makeup/Hair by Jessica deBen)

The edge of the wig is where you need to be very careful. Because I was working with high def, Cynthia recommended that I cut off the hard edge of the wig and ‘lay down hairs’ one at the time to blend the edge toward the hairline.

The step-by-step picture from set is below. You can see that I left Jimmy’s real hair out of the front of the wig. I used a tiny flat iron and curled his hair to match the wig. Then I colored his real hair with Mehron’s white liquid makeup. I also coated his real hair with spray on hair color that I got at Hollywood Toy & Costume. I used a disposable mascara wand to coat the sideburn and eyebrow hairs. Be careful not to get the white makeup on the skin.

And to avoid all the hassle, just get Cynthia to create a wig for your film’s lead characters.