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

For more follow me on:

FACEBOOK : TenySarkissianMakeupArtist

INSTAGRAM: @tenplatinum  

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!

For more:
Facebook: Teny Sarkissian Makeup Artist
Instagram: @Tenplatinum 

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!

For more:
Facebook: Teny Sarkissian Makeup Artist
Instagram: @tenplatinum

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!

For more:

Facebook: Teny Sarkissian Makeup Artist

Instagram: @tenplatinum

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.

For more follow me on:

FACEBOOK : TenySarkissianMakeupArtist

INSTAGRAM: @tenplatinum  

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.

For more follow me on:

FACEBOOK : TenySarkissianMakeupArtist

INSTAGRAM: @tenplatinum  

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