Glamazons,
Maybe it’s just me, but I have faint memories of holiday parties where I danced a little too hard to Michael Jackson‘s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” and my makeup slowly disappeared in the heat. And then I would go to the bathroom and gasp at the sight of eyeshadow and liner that’s sweating off. The horror of it all!
And what about those times when you frantically trying to make your office makeup suitable for a party in the fifteen minutes before you have to hit the door? Or the struggle trying to successfully contour without going overboard?
All these beauty dilemmas and more surface during the Holiday season, but luckily, we got tips from Celebrity Makeup Artist AJ Crimson so we can avoid them.
If you guys aren’t familiar with AJ, he’s only the genius behind some of Fergie, Letoya Luckett and Estelle‘s most flawless makeup looks.
He’s also the founder of AJ Crimson BB cream, which is spectacular by the way.
You May Also Like: We Give AJ Crimson BB Cream A Test Run [Review]
And…he’s our bestie! Clearly.
He has the most vibrant, dynamic personality. And when it comes to beauty, he’s a certified whiz.
You May Also Like: AJ Crimson’s Tips For Making It In The Beauty Biz
Check out his expert advice on how to nail your holiday makeup look this season:
What makeup looks can easily go from day to night?
You can easily take a simple eye or bold lip into the night time by adding a deeper eyeshadow or kohl liner and smudging it in and around the eye. Or deep the contour for a more dramatic eye. Do the same with lip liner for the lips. At last NYC fashion week, we chose an ombre lip for one of my shows. I used a deep purple plum lipstick pencil and some black kohl liner in the center. This is great day or night!
Is there a surefire way to keep your makeup in place all day or night?
Powder! Don’t overload however apply in layers for the face and lips. Use a little foundation or lip color first, then apply a bit of loose powder on top. Repeat these steps until you achieve your desired look.
What products should you always have in your makeup bag?
A great loose powder to hold makeup in place. I just launched AJ Crimson powder which holds makeup for up to 8 hours! A great lip color from Marc Jacobs- so chic and rich. I would also suggest a great set of eyeshadow pigments such as the ones from Magnolia Makeup in New Orleans- they are highly pigmented and long lasting. You can also make your own lip color with them. Also always pack an eyelash curler and Smashbox’s Exposure Lash is my favorite non-flaky super black mascara.
What are some of your “pro” tips women can incorporate into their everyday routine?
A great tip for applying mascara is to take the flattest side of a wedge sponge and place it on the lid behind the lash and coat vigorously. This will allow you to coat the lashes without getting product all over the lid or eyeshadow your previously applied. For a more sheer skin-like coverage from foundation, dampen a foundation sponge (squeeze out the excess water) and then use the damp sponge to grab the foundation and apply. This technique will help you thin out heavy creams and liquid making them wearable even in hot summer months.
Is shading/contouring really necessary for the everyday girl?
Yes! Shading or contouring can completely change the way you look for the better! By contouring around the hairline into the forehead you will minimize the focus. Use a crème foundation in a deeper tone than your skin to contour the crease of the eyes, cheeks and along the sides of the nose. This will add dimension and reshape the face. If your nose is a bit long you can shorten it. Give it the illusion by lightly brushing or run a bit of matte bronzer or crème foundation just at the tip of the nose. It’s quick surgery without going under the knife! Just look in the mirror and you can usually see where the contouring or highlight techniques should be applied. The brighter points on the face are for highlighting and the more shadowed/recessed areas of the face will utilize the contouring techniques. Tools are also key! However you can use a small fluffy eyeshadow brush for the eyes and nose and a small/med size brush for the cheeks, hairline and chin.
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Excellent tips, right? AJ always knows.
Check out his new stellar makeup line here. What makeup looks are you excited to try this season? I’m totally going to attempt contouring now. Stay tuned.
Kisses,
Glamazon Jessica