Oh, long-distance love in the 21st century . As you coordinate your Valentine’s Day Skype-dates (I mean, I’m assuming that’s what you’re doing, right?), I thought it’d be nice to get some tips from the pros on how to look dolled up even with the (sometimes) unflattering computer glare. Appropriately, celebrity makeup artist Pati Dubroff, who glams up stars such as Kate Bosworth, Charlize Theron, Megan Fox, and Eva Mendes, shared her tried-and-true makeup tips with you just in time for V-Day:

Here’s the breakdown again (with some of *my own* product recommendations!):
· First and foremost, find good lighting and a nice background
· Prep the skin: for those with oily skin, go for a matte primer (like Mally Evercolor Poreless Face Defender) , and for dry skin, try a radiant primer or tinted moisturizer (Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer or Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer)
· Brighten under the eyes and spot conceal where needed (like Bare Escentuals Well-Rested Face & Eye Brightener and Correcting Concealer)
· For creme blush, try CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush; For tinted lip balm, my current favorites are Burt’s Bees or Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment
· For romantic eyes, use a deep-colored eye pencil and smudge at lashline (Currently obsessed with Anastasia Covet Waterproof Eyeliners)
· Curl lashes and apply multiple coats of mascara (like Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Lashes!)

What are your Skype-date makeup essentials?

x
Shy
“Like” Beauty and the Feast on Facebook
Follow Beauty and the Feast on Twitter

By Nicci Jordan Hubert

CoverGirl is winning my heart more and more these days. Not only does their makeup continue to improve (more on this in a mo), but also they really know how to throw a party. This time, it was at the iconic and beautiful Palace Hotel. But when I entered the corner suite, instead of looking out over the gorgeous, shimmering streets of New York, I saw nothing but mirrors lining the windows. The reflections of the women in the room carried their own unique beauty, and I was happy to sacrifice the city view.

The event was an ode, of course, to makeup, but it was especially focused on learning professional tips and tricks–many of which surprised me. Jake Bailey, makeup artist to the stars (and uber-cute guy), was here to teach us how to do a summer sultry look, with the help of his friends. I sat down with my personal makeup artist Jessica Ortiz, ready to be schooled. As Jessica and I watched, Jake began with his model what I can only describe as a life-changing lesson. Not because what he said was especially revolutionary–except that what he said was so simple, so intuitive, that it was revolutionary to me. His focus was (I’m paraphrasing): keep it simple. Less is more. And use your fingers.

read more…

It’s Oscars night! How many of you will be tuning in? I had the pleasure of talking with Bruce Grayson, the Oscar’s Makeup Head, in NYC before he jetted off to LA for the makeup trials. Grayson has worked with some of the top celebs (Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Brooke Shields, Kate Walsh, Denzel Washington, the Clintons…to name a few), and he imparted some of his red carpet predictions and invaluable tips that I swear work (I know, because I’ve tried some of them I can’t go back now).

When I met Grayson at a suite in the Thompson hotel, he was re-creating one of his favorite looks from the Globes.

“I was enamored by Angelina Jolie’s look at the Globes,” he said. “To get this look, a lot of time is spent prepping the skin.”

read more…

Since you guys failed me miserably with packing tips (except you Jess and Anika..I see you!), I learned a couple things on this trip I wanted to share!

1) Divide and conquer. If you’re traveling with friends, you all don’t need your own tube of toothpaste and bronzers. Plan ahead of time so you don’t have to bring your whole makeup drawer (except mascara…it transfers bacteria way too easily).

2) Condense the important stuff. I was so sad thinking of leaving my Koh Gen Do finishing powder behind since the jar is massive. But I was able to find these little travel jars so it was easier to condense and carry. They shouldn’t be more than $0.99 at mass retailers. I found some here too! They’re also good to condense you favorite moisturizers.

read more…