Affordable Beauty with AJ Crimson NY| Houston| ATL| LA

We all sometimes feel we get stuck in a rut, or just don't have time to put our best face forward. However, it is no excuse why you can't look your best in just a few minutes, and we don't have to break the bank. What's the solution? Mr. AJ Crimson. Join a fellow Artist AJ Crimson, at his Affordable Beauty class. Let him show you some makeup techniques, and rework your makeup bag. You owe it to yourself. Get Beautiful!

[Beauty Statements] by AJ Crimson
Presents
“AFFORDABLE BEAUTY”
“You don’t have to break the bank to look good and feel great!” - AJ Crimson

Beauty Expert and Celebrity Makeup Artist to Celebrities including:
ESTELLE, BRANDY, LETOYA LUCKETT, ADRIENNE BAILON, AMERIE, REGINA KING
Shares Makeup Application techniques and reworks your makeup bag
For questions call 703-395-3041 btw 1pm and 6pm M-F

NEW YORK JULY 28
*Catchi Spa115 East 39th StreetNew York, NY 10016(b/w Park & Lex)*
Class begins at 7pm PLEASE BE ON TIME

ATLANTA JULY 29
*Studio Space ATL.
3080 McCall Dr., Ste 2Atlanta, GA 30340404-630-0508*
Class begins at 7pm PLEASE BE ON TIME

HOUSTON AUG 3
*L Dance Studio( Galleria Mall )5175 Westheimer Road, Suite C2150Houston, TX 77056(across from Ello’s & Next to Sak’s)*
Class begins at 7pm PLEASE BE ON TIME

LOS ANGELES AUG 5
*International Dance Academy6755 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd FloorHollywood, CA 90028323-463-8865*
Class begins at 7pm PLEASE BE ON TIME
Admission: $25.00

TO REGISTER CLICK HERE
Make Up Demo
Q+A
Bring your make-up bag, out with the old and in with the new
Space is limited
All products and sevices are on a first come first served basis

GIVEAWAY:
I am also giving away 2 Tickets to 2 Lucky Winners to AJ' Crimson's 'Affordable Beauty' Class, in the following cities: HOUSTON, ATL and LA!
What do you have to do to win this awesome giveaway? Simply leave a comment with your email address to this post sharing "why you want or need to take this class" by Friday, July 23rd 11:59pm EST, We will then pick and announce the winner!

Glow like Kim Kardashian! -Giella Custom Blend Cosmetics

I totally remember when I first got into makeup, and because I didn't have that many foundations, and had to make do with what I had.. Making do was mixing 2 or 3 foundations to get the correct matching, or mixing lipstick shades to get that marvelous red that I wanted.
That changed over time, even though I still mix, because I now have more of a supply. Okay a huge supply, but that's a different story.
Needless to say I was thrilled when I heard about Giella Custom Blend Cosmetics. It took me back to the years, when all I did was custom blend. Giella has everything though. I was quit amazed. Located at Henri Bendal in NY this dream of a line, can custom blend you anything from foundation, to your discontinued lipstick, to nail polish. Yes, nail polish.

You can also see one of my favorites, b-dazzle eyeshadows used here on Kim Kardashian, by Mario Dedivanovic (Giella B-Dazzle eyeshadow used in the inner corners of eye)
Love it!... I would go beyond and say you can perfectly highlight cheekbones, bride of nose and temples. So heavenly.


Another fav is her Matte Powder. This transluscent powder does the trick. It mattifies and gives the skin a nice smooth finish. A little goes a long way!

Find more of her amazing products at http://www.giella.com/

I'm Wanting... Nars Bridal Palette | Makeup Artist

Okay, I have to say..I have missed the past Bridal Palettes, but every time a new one comes out I am inclined to buy.. Why you say? I love that Nars creates palettes especially for Brides. Meaning it will include some of the most flattering, universal color for Brides.

I love that this palette comes with the ever so popular NARS Orgasm Blush. That is one of my staple blushes for Brides.

This versatile palatte has it all. Some of the most beautiful shadows ranging from beige to dark violet (can you see that violet in the crease! oh boy)... Three gorgeous pink lip colors, face highlighter, and our beloved Nars Orgasm blush.

I want to say this is a great palette for everyday as well. You can go neutral or go glam all in one palette..

I must go out and pick this up.. and you can too at NARS Bridal Palette $65 www.narscosmetics.com

back from 'The View' in NY

I can say I am well rested, and back in action from my wonderful few days in NY. As you know, one of my clients, is being featured on 'The View' to whip Sherri into shape.
This was the second taping of several more, that I have done, but this last one was different. I actually went to ABC Studios to do this on.The day started off beautiful, in the hotel room for makeup prep, and then heading over to the Studios to do the taping. Can I say a little surreal, Yeah it was, when Sherri Shepard just comes in an out of our room, and Joy Behar just chats it up in the green room.

It was such a great experience, and can't wait to do it again in a few weeks.
Here are a few pics from the day...

DR. RO, and SHERRI SHEPARD..

Client Siting...on 'The View'

Hi guys, I have been so m.i.a... I know.. I've been pretty busy with Wedding season, but I cannot complain. Of course you know I have been working with some great new products, that I must share.

But, before I get to that, one of my biggest highlights for this week is my clients taping on 'The View' this week . This is the 2nd of several tapings, but I am really looking forward to it.

Shuttle leaves today at 6:30, and can you believe I will only be taking one bag! Yes, I'm not playing with the airline. Makeup and clothes, all making it in one bag. Nevertheless, I'll be back in tomorrow afternoon, and I can't wait to share the pics with you when I get back.

In other news, I was so excited to receive my Skindinavia Finishing Spray in the mail . I had originally started using this when I stumbled upon it in a department store. But, I fell so in love with it, I went for a quest to find every bottle they had. I ended up with 3 bottles, and found 3 more later. But, I absolutely love this stuff. It works like a charm. If you want your makeup to stay on all day, want a smooth finish to your makeup, or even have problems with oiliness Skindinavia is the line! You bet I will be using it for the taping, I so love it.

It's on Its Way.. MAC Naked Honey Launch!

Calling all inner Queen's, Cleopatra's , and Egyptian's!

Now I saw this some time ago, and wondered when it was gonna launch.. Well I hear it's soon! Naked Honey will be launching : June 11, 2009 (North America) and July 2009 (International) at MAC stores, counters and maccosmetics.com.

Please check the lipglass in 'She's a Star'.. How gorgeous...Can you say, staple in my kit! Oh yes..

DC Wedding Makeup Artist | More Bridal Beauty Favs!

I have been so m.i.a... I started Wedding Season some weekends ago, and the weekends have become more and more hectic.. I guess that's a good thing, but I find myself not being able to post on my blog like I would like. Nevertheless, I'm back today!

I've been working with some beautiful brides this year, and can't wait for the remaining. I'm finding myself stuck with some really cool makeup, that I am using on a lot of my Brides this year. Every year, I'm pulling and trying new products to use to keep up with bridal trends and winning products, and I really think I have found a couple.

Well this staple has been one for a year or so now, but I absolutely can't start a face without using this.. (Thanks Victoria!).. its the Billy B. foundation brush. I got this at The Makeup Summit last year in NY, and purchased from Billy himself.. Ha, thanks to (@Victoria Stiles)she said I would never use another foundation brush, and she was right! I absolutely adore this little charmer. When I apply foundation it doesn't streak like other foundation brushes, and I never thought I would get away from my Armani Brush. I do still love it though ;) , But these are my staples for applying foundation, and I always get a seamless, flawless coverage.

Next in Bridal Beauty is any and every Makeup Forever Foundation I can think of. Makeup Forever Face and Body being a lifesaver! One past Wedding I had to use face and body for a Bridesmaid who was covered head to toe in hives.. Yes, huge blotchy hives. I felt so bad, but feeling bad was not going to save the day I had to dig into the kit. Luckily I had all of my bottles of Face and Body and went to work. The bride and everyone could not believe how much it camouflaged the hives. It was amazing, I may say.

For lips, I find myself staying really neutral and using a lot of lip stains. No bride wants to be worried with reapplying lip pencils, lipsticks, and gloss. So I usually go in with my favorite neutral lip pencils, and apply a lip stain afterwards, and blend, blend blend. One of my new favorite stains is Tarte Rise and Shine Lip Plumping Stain. Great for the just bitten' mouth, but also providing a natural lip color. A gloss on top is optional, but gives a pretty, natural finish to the lips.

I have so much more on my new Bridal Beauty circuit to share. I just wanted to share my lifesavers for the past few weeks! More to come soon.

DC Wedding Makeup Artist | Bridal Beauty: Before and After 101

I had the honor and pleasure of working with a beautiful Bride this weekend in Arlington! It's amazing how just 5 months can make you feel as if you have known them forever. Bridal makeup gives a personal peek into the lives of the Bride, because doing some one's face is often a 'private' space. This is someone that is trusting you with their face, and most times your judgement. So, I take so much pride in building relationships with my Brides, as well as giving them the ultimate treatment in makeup.

Here are a few pictures of my Bride this weekend (her before and after). I will also give you a rundown of the products I used

FACE

Foundation/Powder:

Black Opal Foundation Sticks

(I can never go wrong with these sticks, I always find my shade)

MAC Blot Powder

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish for contouring

EYES

Eyebrows; 3 different MAC eyeshadows and Cappacino and Medium Brown pencil

(set with MAC Clear Eyebrow Gel)

Eyeshadow; Face Atelier eyeshadow in peach color and bone, Yaby Cosmetics eyeshadows in crease

Lined with Bobbi Brown Eye Gel in Black; lashes, and tons of Waterproof Mascara

CHEEKS

My favorite go-to's MAC Blush in Slave-to-Love, and Raizen, and MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Blush for highlight

LIPS

MAC Lip Pencil in Whirl, and a cappacino penicl, Sheer burgandy lip gloss on top

(the key was to make her lips neutral so touchups could be a breeze)

When I tell you she was flawless. She was flawless, the pictures doesn't do justice.. She said she had been getting microdermabrasionso her skin was very smooth. It made a huge difference with the application, and the foundation went on ultra smooth.She had the most beautiful weather I have seen for a Bride, and I know her Wedding Day was spectacular!

Kelley Epps-Woods, Beauty Writer

Lip Obsession ! Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars

As a makeup artist, I am always looking for the next best lip product. I'm in love with gloss, but was taken aback when I discovered this new innovation in a lip product! These new gems by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics called Lip Tar, are what a lip product is suppose to be! With the coverage of a lipstick and the application of a gloss, these pigmented colors, created the perfect satin finish!

Pic courtesy: OCC; OCC Lip Tar in Katricia
I call myself putting it on like regular gloss, but oh no! It was so ultra saturated with pigment that all I needed was a pin size amount . A little goes a very long way! They are so true to color that you may even need to sheer it out, with a clear gloss or tinted gloss (as well as for more glossiness.

Makeup Artist, it's even great for Hi-Def Video and Digital Photography, without it looking heavy. The come in 9 different shades, and are meant to be mixed with the range of colors including (black, white and a clear mixer).

Here are the shades! Fans of Ruby Woo?, check out the NSFW (Red)it is amazing!!!!

Here are a picture of a few of the Lip Tars!

left to right Lip Tar in Pageant, Melange, and Uber

You can find OCC Lip Tars at http://www.occmakeup.com/liptar.html , $12.50

Kelley Epps-Woods, Beauty Writer

Wedding Makeup Artist | 2009 BRIDES Beauty Awards!

It's that time of year for the BRIDES Beauty Awards 2009!!

The 2009 BRIDES Beauty Awards are here! This year, there are 75 favorites, in honor of BRIDES 75th Anniversary. Each item is perfect for a wedding-day arsenal in the categories of make-up, face, body, hair and tools. The BRIDES team has covered everything a blushing bride needs for her big day – and beyond. Some of this year’s favorites are: Revlon’s ColorStay Soft & Smooth Lipcolor; Aveeno Clear Complexion Cream, St. Ives Body Wash and much more!

To the Makeup Loft Readers enter to win one of over 2,300 beauty prizes including hair groomers, skin smoothers, makeup marvels, body buffers and more by going to: Brides.com Sweepstakes!

Drugstore Makeup Finds! Beauty Buzz at Second City Style!

Check out some of my favorite Drugstore Makeup Finds at Second City Style!



Let me know some of your favorite Drugstore Makeup Finds!?? Leave a Comment..
(I know there are so many!)

Total Spring Beauty Look at Second City Style! Check it out!

Total Spring Beauty Look at Second City Style!..

There are some goodies on this Spring's beauty list... Kieh's Lip Glosses, and Anastasia Brow Gel are some of them, and I am eating them up!

Check out the complete look here! Total Spring Beauty Look

Kelley Epps-Woods, Beauty Writer

Super Shiny Puckers: Makeup Forever Glossy Full

Has your gloss ever been not shiny enough, or are you tired of your matte lipsticks. Well take your shine to another level with, Makeup Forever's Full Glossy. It's not just any ol' clear gloss,it produces a 'vinyl effect'! Makeup Forever's Glossy Full is ultra glossy lip plumping gloss, that gives the lip a vinyl-shine effect. It is colorless and non sticky (for those who tend to get there hair stuck in the gloss ;) .

For an ultra glossy effect, try this Glossy Full over your regular gloss. Talking about a high shine effect! I'm excited thinking about it..
If you want a full glossy color all-in-one, try Makeup Forever's Glossy Full Couleur. These ultra pigmented, gel-textured lip glosses are long lasting, and leaves lips with an ultra shiny, vinyl-effect.

Check out the Video to see Glossy Full in action!

Make Up For Ever Glossy Full, $20

Kelley Epps-Woods

It's a Sweet Sixteen!

Wanted to post something fun today.. Its Friday!! I wanted to share this earlier in the week, but had been so tied up with Editorial post, faces and such.. Nevertheless, I got to do makeup for a fab 'Sweet 16", that was so fun. I think I enjoyed so much, because I had no idea what I did for my 16th birthday.

I brought out all the tools for this one. I arrived to the home to start makeup, and my hubby was assigned photographer. Of course, she was gleaming and excited.. After makeup was done, we headed to take a few formal pics of her and her friends, and then headed to the party.. Let's just say I'm not sure who had more fun the grown ups, or the teenages..Lol.. Good times!
Here are few pics...

(Her and her friends on their way to the party)


(UHhh this cake looks so yummy!) -> (Her candy bar Decor)

BOBBI BROWN Sale..

Great News! BOBBI BROWN is offering 25% off on all Bobbi Brown prodcuts for a few days only!

I know you just know my love for Bobbi Brown products, so if you need recommendations on products (colors, etc. ), please feel free to leave a comment.. I can tell you all of my favorites, and must haves.

Fabulous Brows: Vanity Mark

Hey everyone!... It's been a few days..I have been extremely busy with organizing home, business, and my Editorial work for Second City Style. But, I promise the neglect will be minimum.

I have a product I wanted to share with you, that yes, I have falling in love with... On the makeup front, I have been doing alot of natural beauty, and mostly for everyday women. So, I wanted to share this product with you that will put your whole look together.

What is this product you say? Well, I am totally loving Vanity Mark Eyebrow Pencils in Dark Choco. I absolutely have no brows, and really have to groom them in the morning. If I have not done my eyebrows, it throws off my whole look . When I discovered Vanity Mark Eyebrow pencils, I feel instantly in love. The color is phenomenal and is perfect for my brows, and not only that, they have somewhat like built in wax, and tames and lays down your brows as you fill them in. My brows do not move all day.

Because I use powders on brows for most of my clients, it is so refreshing to turn to this pencil to fill in the sparse areas, as well as groom the brows as well. It may be a tad expensive for what you may want to pay for an eyebrow pencil, but it works! From caucasian to african american women, there is one for you..

Check out their whole collection. I am a fan. Vanity Mark, $16

New Obsession: Bobbi Brown Cream Eye Shadows

I have to admit, I was fumbling through channels the other night, and got glued to QVC. I'm so not ashamed, because when they have anything Beauty, I'm tuned in. Well, the other day I caught Bobbi Brown on there previewing, and demonstrating her Long Wear 3-piece Eye Set.

So, as I watch Bobbi do her demo for the stay put cream shadow, I said ohhh interesting. The color she was using was fab, and I will be now adding to my makeup haul. But, what really sold me what the host who had placed the cream shadows, and the cream liner on her hand, and rubbed to her heart's content, and it did not budge! Oh, I was so sold... See why does QVC do that to you.. *head down in palm*.. As the host states, "... 534 Units has just been sold"..

But, yes that's right Bobbi Brown Cream Eye shadows are a must. I have always loved her line for her modern every day colors for women. She has the most fabulous neutral colors, that I love to use for Brides. I was already sold on the Gel Eyeliners, and own several now, but now I will be adding the Cream Shadows...

Check them out here! Bobbi Brown Cream Shadows, $22

Kelley Epps-Woods

New on SCS! What's in Your Makeup Bag Kelley Epps Woods?

New on Second City Style!

Editor-in-Chief, Lauren Dimet Waters interviews (me) Kelley Epps Woods (Beauty Writer), on my day-to-day skincare, favorite products of the moment, and the products I can't live without....

Take a peek into my makeup bag!

(Click here)
Beauty Interview. What's in Your Makeup Bag Kelley Epps Woods?

Are You Ready for VDay! February 7th, 2009

I will be proudly participating in VDAY!! This Saturday....

VDAY!- Love doesn't hurt. Visit www.VDAYDC.com for more details and tickets.

Vagina Monologues , DC: February 7, 2009

V-Day is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. V-Day is also a day on or around Valentines Day in February for which annual theatrical and artistic events are produced around the world to raise money and transform consciousness. The money that passes through V-Day and that is raised on its behalf comes from individuals, corporations, foundations, product and book sales and benefit and commercial performances of “The Vagina Monologues" and is directly donated to grassroots, national and international organizations and programs. V-Day came to life in 1998 as an outgrowth of Eve Ensler’s Obie Award winning play “The Vagina Monologues”.

Anyone who has seen “The Vagina Monologues” knows the play has the power to galvanize and inspire a powerful sense of self and activism. As Eve performed the piece in small towns and large cities all around the world (and eventually with celebrity friends) she saw and heard first hand the destructive personal, social, political and economic consequences violence against women has for many nations. In its first year of incorporation (2001), V-Day was named one of Worth Magazine's "100 Best Charities." In ten years, the V-Day movement has raised over 60 million.

Every celebrity/actress that participates in V-Day productions are donating their time in the name of ending violence against women and girls.GET YOUR TICKET TODAY!! www.VDAYDC.com

Inauguration Eve! Ready for Change!

It's in the wee hours in the morning... and I'm getting ready to wash my makeup brushes for tomorrow... I have some clients tomorrow for the Inaugural Balls, but I will be revealing all morning in the Swearing In.. How exciting is this!

I have been swamped over the few days with exciting news, meeting awesome people, and making faces.. I just wanted to touch in for  a few, and let you know I will resume on Wednesday..

I hope everyone is safe, warm, and will be glued to either the TV, or down on the mall witnessing History... 

I have wonderful information to share, when I return..

!Cheers..