Natural vs Synthetic

When choosing or using your makeup brushes, it is important to consider the material it is made of. 

The material of the brush will determine the quantity and the quality of application.

Synthetic brushes are generally made of nylon, acrylic, taclon or plastic fibers and are best suited for cream of liquid products such as concealers,liquid or cream foundations, lipsticks or gel eyeliners. The synthetic fibers do not absorb the product and allow a smooth application and finish.

Natural brushes are made of natural animal hair such as pony, squirrel, sable or goat and work best with powder products such as blushes, bronzers, face powders or eyeshadows. They are more textured and porous than synthetic bristles therefore picking up powder well for a greater concentration of color during application.

** If you have allergies to animals, it is probably best to stick to synthetic brushes in order to avoid reactions on the skin. A good line of synthetic brushes are the Real Techniques brushes by Pixiwoo.

Teny Xoxo

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The new trend in men's beauty... Colourful beards!

Little by little this awesome trend is creeping its way onto the internet kingdom and taking the world by storm!

I must admit, that women have about a million ways to express themselves beauty-wise, but the options for men are quite limited.

Yes, they can carve designs into the hair on their heads or style their facial hair a certain way, dress a specific manner... but this! This definitely calls attention to the man sporting it!

A man dyeing his beard is not something new; Just for men has been offering that option for years.  But #coloredbeard has taken colouring facial hair to a whole new level!

I have found some exceptionally cool ones for you all to enjoy but there are so many cool styles and colors out there!

I think it's pretty obvious that I am digging this trend, but I want to know....  how many of you out there would dare to try this?  What colour would best match your overall look?

This guy is on Fire!

        

An ombre vision!

How many of you are green with envy over this look?

My name is Bond, Purple Bond

Some men are matching their beards to their wedding outfits!

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I've got Marsala on the brain!

So Pantone declared that the color of the year for 2015 is Marsala.  For many of you those words are gibberish.  Don't worry, I wasn't sure what all this meant at the beginning too.. (queue Michael Jackson's "You are not alone" here)

Allow me to help you understand.

To start, let's talk about Pantone.  Who are they and why do THEY decide what color is color of the year?
According to the website, the "Pantone Color Institue provides color trend forecasting, color insights and customized color consulting.  They help companies make the most informed decisions about color for their brands or products to gain a competetive edge.  "

So now that that's cleared up, the next question would be.. What is Marsala?  Honestly, the best thing I can do is quote the words directly from the website. Seriously, read on and I'm sure you'll agree with me.

"Marsala is a naturally robust and earthy wine red...Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, excluding confidence and stability...Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots emanante a sophosticated, natural earthiness..."

FANCY RIGHT?! The marketing department has nailed it!  I want to meditate, eat, drink and go for a long hike all at the same time!

And I don't think I am the only one that is under the Marsala spell... It made its official debut on the runway for the Spring 2015 showcases and it is everywhere now!  Beauty, interior design, graphic design...

That being said, lets talk about the MAKEUP.  (finally right?)

Mostly every makeup company has been bitten by the Marsala bug.  It's a gorgeous versatile shade reminiscent of the 90's makeup trends.  As a makeup artist, I am signed up to many many (many) makeup-related newsletters and let me tell you... Marsala is coming up ALOT.  For those of you interested, here are some products that have been inspired by the color of the year!

• MAC lipstick in "Sin"
• Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Stained Gloss in "Nomad"
• Kevyn Aucoin expert lip color is "Bloodroses" or "Dantrice"
• Stila Foil Finish eyeshadow in "Metallic Merlot"
• L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche lipcolor in "Divine Wine"
• Rimmel Stay Glossy Lip gloss in "All Night Long"
• Makeup Forever artist shadow in "Morello Cherry"
• Bobby Brown blush in "Berry"
• Nars blush in "Almeria" or "Seduction"
• Sephora + Pantone Universe - Eyeshadow palette, Matte lip cream, Shimmering cheek trio, Liquid liner, mascara and brow highlighter..

And the list goes on and on and on...    Get the picture?

I am definitely looking forward to jumping on the Marsala bandwagon.  And you all can be sure that it will be coming up in many of my makeup looks this year!

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My top 5 go-to makeup products

So today, I thought to myself,  Why not talk about some of the products I actually have in my kit and actually use on myself and my clients. Simple right?  One would think... It actually took alot of focus to figure this one out... lol.

                                             

1.  Kryolan Dermacolor Camouflage mini-palette:  

This is a professional product that was created to correct and conceal skin disfigurements, discolorations and tattoos.  It is especially dense and pigmented (it has to be to live up to its claims right?)  and can withstand water, heat and physical strain.  It's no wonder that it's one of  my go to product to cover dark circles, blemishes and hyperpigmentation.  

2. L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara: 

A staple in my (and most) makeup artist's kit.  Now I know that every woman has her favorite mascara, and will swear by it to the grave - and that's fine.  I am not saying that this is better than all the 100000 mascaras out there, but it is definitely one of my faves!  It goes on smooth, with very little clumping, adds just the right amount of volume without giving you the "spider eyes", and has the most intense black-color payoff you can need in a black mascara.   

3.  L.A Girl Cosmetics Gel Glide Eyeliner:

This gel eyeliner pencil is a game-changer for me.  L.A. Girl has managed to successfully put the wonderfulness of a gel liner (which we all know I love) into and easy-to-use pencil!  Waterproof, long-lasting and pigmented as all heck.  I even carry this little gem in my own personal makeup case for day-to-day use :).   I love this product so much that I even ordered multiples in case my clients wanted have one for themselves ;)

4.  Bare Minerals SPF broad spectrum mineral foundation: 

To be fair, this product is not in my professional kit, but it is in my personal one! Great coverage, long-lasting, and such a light wear! This foundation is definitely one of my go-to products!  The website says that the product is formulated without parabens, binders, fillers or synthetic chemicals and clinically proven to promote clearer, healthier-looking skin. Sooo, win win!

5. An angle brush:  

OK OK I know this technically isn't a product, it's a tool.. so sue me!  But it is definitely a go-to for me!  It's so versatile!  It can be used to apply product, smudge product, to blend product, wet creamy and dry, on eyes, brows and lips!  See what I mean? Totally worth mentioning!

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What's in my bag... airbrush foundation edition

I carry liquid, cream, powder and airbrush foundation in my makeup case.  However, most often, for my clients, I prefer using the airbrush products.  

So what is airbrush makeup?

The simplest way to explain it is that the makeup is sprayed onto the skin using an airbrush applicator instead of being applied with sponges, brushes, fingers, or other methods. Traditional powder or liquid based make-up can settle and appear in pores and wrinkles and be visible on HD film. As the makeup is sprayed on, it connects with the skin as millions of droplets of formula.

My facvorite part about using airbrush makeup are all the benefits:
1) HD finish; Ideal for weddings, events and special occasions
2) Longer lasting than traditional powder or liquid foundation, wearing upwards of 12–24 hours.
3) The technique is more sanitary than traditional makeup application
4) Buildable-coverage application that is applied in a sheer and even manner. The result is perfect-looking skin achieved with a minimum of product.
5) Suitable for all ages and skin types
6) Hypo-allergenic (always inform yourself about the formula used if you have sensitive skin)
7) Sweat, heat and dust-resistant
8) Quick-drying, will not rub off on your clothes
9) Light-weight and natural; you won't feel "cakey"
10) Easy to color-match clients' complexions by custom color-blending

I myself use the Belletto Studio airbrush kit on my clients. Their formula is water-based, therefore silicone-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. (http://bellettostudio.com/belletto-benefits)

Feel free to ask me more about the airbrush makeup technique for your next makeup appointment!

Xoxo, Teny

*sources: wikipedia, occmakeup.com,makeuptalk.com, bellettostudio.com.

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I am oozing jealousy... For drag queens!

I am sitting in my living room watching RuPaul's drag race... And I am in absolute AWE of them! 

Forget the fact that they turn themselves into GORGEOUS women with their makeup and brushes (and other various props), they transform themselves into characters!
That is a double whammy! 

They are on point EVERY SINGLE TIME! I am envious!

The contour! The highlight! The eye makeup! The... Everything! **** Deep breaths, i need to put my excitement into words...

They have this talent to manipulate colors, lights and shades to create the look they wish to achieve, and its nothing less than magic! The lines! The details! Magic!

I already incorporate highlight and contour in all my makeup looks, but my goal is to one day be as good as these ladies are! 

*Sigh* ... It's an art... And I love it ❤️

I urge everyone who is interested in makeup (Especially the art of sculpting the face with highlight and contour) to youtube drag makeup transformations and watch in awe and the talent these ladies display!

To help you along, here are two links to get you started.  You can watch season 5 contestant Vivienne Pinay's contour magic in this link: http://youtu.be/FmjcLpLjCQMAnd her eye makeup gorgeousness in this link: http://youtu.be/SjlLj1zj3kU

And finally, below are pictures of season 6 contestant Courtney Act. And season 7 contestant Miss Fame.  Wow.

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Why makeup?

Why makeup? 

Because as far back as I can remember, it is what has always caught my eye. 

Because while watching news broadcasts, award shows, makeover shows, red carpets, commercials, tv shows, my main focus would be on the makeup.  Did I like it?  If I did i would try to figure out how to recreate it.  If i didn't, I would try to determine why and I would visualize what I would do differently to make it better.  

Because while driving past movie sets around the city, my goal would not be to catch a glimpse of a passing celebrity, but to figure out which one was the makeup trailer and whether or not they would let me in to watch them work. 

Because there was a point many many years ago where I thought wanted to be a fashion designer, but i would spend more time on what went on the model's faces rather than focusing on the clothes...

Because when I look at someone's face, I can immediately see the possibilities of what I could do if i got my hands on them...

Because I am in constant awe of the makeup I see in magazines, on models and celebrities...

Because I wish I could be as good as some of the makeup artists out there.

Because it is the only thing that makes me want to work harder to be better at it.

 

So why makeup? 

Because of all those reasons and a thousand more. ❤️

For more follow me on:

FACEBOOK : TenySarkissianMakeupArtist

INSTAGRAM: @tenplatinum  

My 3c's. Makeup as easy as 1-2-3!

Most of my clients are women with a hectic schedule; trying to juggle work and kids, and a social life.  They tell me that don't really have the time to do their makeup every day before leaving the house.

Those statements are usually followed by: I have dark circles, I look tired all the time, and I am not happy with how my skin looks... How can you help?

The truth of the matter is, doing your makeup - that statement - doesn't have to be as scary or as time-consuming as you might think!  It's actually very simple.  Day to day makeup doesn't always have to include eyeliner, foundation, lipstick or eyeshadow...

All you need is 3 easy steps to create a more awake and fresh-face and I promise it won't take more that 5 minutes.  I call these my 3 c's.

** before you start, It is important to always start with a clean and moisturised face **

Step 1: Conceal

Cover the dark circles under the eyes, and any blemishes or discolourations on the face.  This step will give you a more even complexion.  You can also use a bit of the same concealer under and just above the brow bone to give they brow a more "lifted" appearance.

Step 2: Curl

Curl your lashes!  This is an important step for *most* ladies, as curling the lashes can work WONDERS to help open and brighten the eye.

Step 3: Coat

The purpose of mascara - the whole reason it was created - is to define the lashes to help enhance the eyes.  The simple act of applying mascara will hold the curl and darken the lash line to help make your eyes pop.

Give the 3c's a try and you'll see that makeup isn't as scary and as time-consuming as you  may have thought!

** For a more enhanced look, add some blush or some bronzer before you go!

For more: 

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The hype about Castor oil...

I have been reading alot about the various benefits of castor oil and I am most intrigued about what castor oil can do for hair growth...

I have heard many times from ladies sitting in my chair that there is hair missing in a part of their brows due to overzealous plucking or how they wish their brows/lashes were thicker/darker, etc..

So I started researching, and castor oil started popping up everywhere.

Castor oil is high in ricinoleic acid, which is very effective natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. This can help keep any fungus or bacteria from inhibiting hair growth.

Castor oil is also high in omega 9 fatty acids. Omega 9 fatty acids are nourishing to both the hair and the follicle, thus helping with hair breakage.

Castor oil has a unique ability to be deeply penetrating, and this helps it to deliver its nourishment deeply into the pores and the follicles that produce hair.

How to:

Using your fingers, gently massage a drop or two of castor oil into the brows and lash-line every night before bed.
In the morning, wash your face with a cleanser or soap to remove any oily residue (oil will cause your makeup to run)

Additional benefit: Castor oil, when applied to the skin, penetrates deep and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. This in turn helps soften and hydrate our skin,
helping it delay the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
So when applying castor oil to brows and lashes, use an extra drop and massage it around the eye area for extra hydration.

If you have had experience with castor oil, I would love to hear your results!

Teny xoxo

to my surprise.... Ponds cold cream!

I went to the store a few weeks ago looking to buy the Pond's moisturiser and I left with the cold cream by mistake. 


My first instinct was to return it, but I decided to do a little research first. Boy am I glad I did! This little jar contains 190ml of awesome! 

Cold creams have been around forever and can be used for MANY different purposes! 
It is a very effective makeup remover and skin cleanser, moisturiser, exfoliator, lip balm, face mask, and can even be used as a shaving cream for men!

The description says that it contains mineral oil, which helps to remove impurities (makeup, daily dirt, and morning sebum) and beeswax, which is a great ingredient that helps lock in moisture.

I have been using it for 2 weeks now and I must say... Wow!

First of all, it really does provide a deep clean! Generally, when cleansing my face, there is always some residue that shows up on the toner pad, but not after using the cold cream! Every ounce of dirt and makeup is gone!

Second, I noticed that the blemishes that I had been struggling with lately are gone! (How to use cold cream to reduce acne: http://m.wikihow.com/Use-Cold-Cream-to-Reduce-Acne)

This product is a little wonder and I am thrilled with the results! 

I would love to hear from you! Do you use cold cream? What do you think? Do you use it in any other beneficial ways? Let me know!

My obsession with black eyeliner

Hello. My name is Teny and I am addicted to black eyeliner... 

I am positively obsessed with black eyeliners; gels, pencils, khols, powders, liquids... You name it, I love it.  Especially the ones that say "blackest black" or "absolute black" or "ultra black" on them.   *drool* 

Black liner gives the perfect definition and intensity to the eye... Creating the most alluring "come hither" look...

But don't get me wrong.. Using black liner takes a certain finesse; there's an art behind it.  Slapping on the liner in a hurry is not enough! No no...

Black liner can be used by all, as long as it's done right!  It isn't about just pulling the line and going... Its about finding the right texture, the right shine, the right "blackness" and mostly, the right thickness and shape to suit your eye.   !! Not everyone can pull off the same black liner look !!

For example... A beauty with a more hooded eye will need to sport her black liner in a different way than someone with prominent eyes.  Also, someone with a fairer/more earthy skin tone would user her liner differently than someone with a darker/more olive tone...

The type of liner along with the application technique will differ from person to person. 

And, the prep before applying the liner (any liner for that matter) is also important.  Prepping the eye area (ie: not just putting it on the bare, oily eyelid) makes ALL the difference in the intensity and durability of your liner look.

*sigh* its an art, and I love it ❤️

So to sum up... If I were stranded on a deserted island and there could only be one item of makeup I could take with me... You guessed it!  It would be my black liner.  

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Instagram: @Tenplatinum