Thursday, February 11, 2016

Valentine's Day Makeup Suggestions with Cosmetologist CJ LaRose

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we talked with our In-House Makeup Expert, certified Cosmetologist, CJ LaRose, about makeup suggestions for the big date.

Q: What do you think the biggest stress is for women when prepping for their Valentine's Day date?

A: Women often go days thinking about what to wear; how to do their hair; and what to put on their face. Makeup can be fun and easy; it doesn’t have to be complicated and overwhelming. For me, applying makeup comes naturally. I have been doing it for years and I enjoy helping people find what works for them.

Q: Any tips on where to begin with makeup?

A: Think about this: What do you want to put on your face? Are you more simple and natural? Do you like glam? Or, are you somewhere in the middle? There are so many options out there. The Mineral Fusion line we carry is great because it not only provides us with top-quality products that look great, they also are full of minerals that are healthier for skin.

Q: Back to Basics. What's your thoughts on a liquid foundation and then a powder verses just powder?

A: I usually keep it simple with a pressed powder.

Q: Those eyes are always the tricky part for most women. Between colors and the how-to, it can be confusing for many. Any advice?

A: I opt for light, cool colors for special occasions. Use a light color on the lid, such as Buff, and a warmer color for the crease, such as Stone or Rare. Also, making sure you use the right eyeliner and mascara is important.

For eyeliner, I like to use Midnight Blue. With blue eyes, it makes my eyes stand out. This also works for other eye colors. The blue is subtle enough that it draws attention to the eyes without a lot of color.

I always use Volumizing mascara; Jet is my favorite.

Q: Lastly, let's talk lipstick. That always seems so easy, but I think we have a tendency to choose colors we like instead of what works with our skin tone.

A: Choosing the lip color you like can be challenging. Finding the right color can be even more challenging. Remember that lighter skin tones look best with pink based colors and darker tones look best with orange based colors.

You can play around with colors to help you decide what looks best. I like to swap between Melon lipstick and Honeysuckle lip butter. Or, you can use a true red – like Ruby – to really stand out - especially on Valentine's Day where bold can be beautiful.

Q: Any final tips for Valentine's Day?

A: Finding what works for you can be fun and easy. Take your time and enjoy trying on different colors. And of course, have fun pampering yourself on Valentine's Day.