pin up red lips

I can't even count how many girls have asked me about red lipstick and wanted advice on application. Almost everyone that's asked about it has said they just feel weird wearing it and feel like it doesn't look good on them and want to know how I pull it off. After years of answering people's questions about lipstick, I finally have my first blog and a chance to put my Esthetician and makeup training to work.

Understanding skin tones is really the key to understanding why some people pull off certain trends in makeup and why other just can't. Red lipstick scares a lot of women because they feel they don't have the right skin tone. Anyone call pull off red if it's in the right tone for them. I personally have very cool tone skin. I find it common with people who are more fair and have naturally light colored hair, but it's not always the case. So I go for cool tone reds, which will have a slight hint of pink. Now, I'm not saying wear pink lipstick, but if you compare a warmer shade of red to a cooler shade of red, you will notice the pink more in the cool and the orange in the warm. It's hard to tell unless you compare the two.

Both of these two lipsticks are Nars velvet matte lip pencil, the cool tone on the right is 'cruella' and warmer tone on the left is 'sierra.' On their own they look red, but when compared side by side you can see the difference in tone.

Once you have a shade you like, here are the steps that I follow for application. Not everyone does it this way, but it's the steps I prefer. Tools used are red lipstick, lipstick brush, lip pencil and lip stain. I've been a fan of the Nars line of lipstick pencils for a long time, but after a while I wanted something different that I didn't have to sharpen after a few uses. They are lovely colors and do feel like velvet, but my new recommendation is ruby woo by MAC. I'm not a fan of MAC and almost never recommend their products, especially anything that goes on your face (power, blush, foundation) but I can say I'm a ruby woo addict now.

For a lip brush, any lip brush will work fine. I like Sephora's retractable brush so I can carry it in my purse for touch ups without a mess.

For a lipstain, I have two colors from the Balm that I use. They have an orange stain and a dark ruby stain. I switch back and forth between the two. I only notice a slight difference in the finishing result between the two. There are also some other fabulous stains out there so I recommend trying a few. The stain is really important because it works like a primer to keep your lipstick on. 

And finally, chose a lip pencil you like. Go with something cheap and easy. I've tried all the expensive ones and I swear they are all the same. In fact, I like some of the cheap brands from the drug store over some of the brands from Sephora. Be sure to pick out a flesh or lip colored pencil, NOT RED. Everybody makes this mistake. I found a pencil in a shade a but darker than my own lip color and it works great for me.

At this point, I'm sure my steps are pretty obvious. For an extra bonus I've provided pictures for those who are more visual learners.

Fresh lips, with just a little foundation smeared from the face. Not a big deal!

Lips stain - this is using the orange colored lip stain from the Balm. I don't worry about making it look too perfect since this is under the lipstick.

Pencil - I prefer to apply the lip pencil after the stain, but these steps can be reversed. If the lip stain is still wet the wax from the pencil won't go on correctly.

 Lip stick - I apply the lipstick without worrying too much about the edges. It is impossible to get much detail out of a stick or a pencil, so leave that job for the lip brush.

Finishing - Use the lip brush to finish in the edges. Wipe the brush over the lipstick and get a good amount on the brush before you use it. If it's too dry and doesn't have enough on there, it will brush off the lipstick you already have on. 

I've used these techniques on all the makeup I've done for other photo shoots, and of course when I do my own make up for shoots. Here is MUA I did for a shoot in Seattle with Cliff W. Estes and Mackenzie Lang

Feeling Dangerous?

Bettie B Dangerous is hands down my favorite smaller designer of retro inspired swimwear. Not to mention they are out of So Cal. I purchased one of their swimsuits earlier this year to use for a couple of photo shoots. These are a steal for the price when you consider they are hand made. The quality really stands out when you compare to a cheap, manufactured swimsuit. They will be coming out with some new designs and have a few photos posted online. They also started designing men's swim trunks.

I can't post any of my photos from this shoot without mentioning some exciting news. The set will be featured in the October issue of Rebel Rodz. I don't know what photos will be used, so I guess it will be a surprise to all.

puppy love

I have a few shoots coming up before summer ends. I've been trying to gets the creative wheels turning and make them my best so far. It's my first chance modeling for a small rockabilly clothing company. I'll admit, the new puppy in my life is the total inspiration for my new obsession with pinups and pups. I can't think of a cuter combination!

glamorous swimwear for 2009

In addition to my love for playsuits and rompers, I will always believe there is nothing more glamorous than a one piece sheath swimsuit. I'm glad to see Jantzen sticking to their tradition and still going strong this many years later. If you don't mind dishing out $100+ for a swimsuit, they have, hands down, the highest quality and best selection if you are looking for something retro and modest. Most of their styles are available at Macys.com



Or there is always the sweet $29 version from Newport News. I bought it in black and found it runs a little small. If you are interested in purchasing, get it a few sizes bigger than you would normally wear. I'm normally a size 2-ish and found I could probably wear a 6 or 8 in this swimsuit. **Please ignore the extra cheezy flower arrangement. This was not my idea and is the result of a photo shoot with an old man. Not my style in any way!**

Pin up photo shoot wardrobe on a budget

A lot of other models ask me about how to put retro, vintage, rockabilly or pin up style wardrobes together for a photo shoot. But mostly, they need to do it quick and cheap. It can takes months of vintage store searching and ebay hunting to get an authentic vintage outfit put together in time for a shoot. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing like the quality of a vintage piece, but models are not made of money and when starting out as a pin up model, you are generally responsible for providing a decent wardrobe at your own cost.

This is the perfect example! I was asked by a photographer for a glamour, 1950's look. On a tight budget and no time so search vintage stores, I hit up my local stores and malls to get this look together and paired it with essential peices I already had in my wardrobe, for about $75.

I always have clean, basi,c black heels I can pair up with any outfit. They are usually extra high so I never wear them outside a shoot, and therefore, are usually clean and photo ready. This outfit bears a perfect example. These have got to be the cheapest most uncomfortable shoes in the world, but they photograph nice and go with anything. I picked up the top at Forever 21 (a great store for anyone on a budget who cares more about price than quality) for less than $20. The faux pearl jewelry was also purchased at the same time for about $5/peice. The faux diamond bracelet was given to me by my grandmother and is vintage costume jewelry. Also keep a few key vintage costumes pieces around that go with anything. And last, the skirt was purchased at Macy's on the clearance rack, about $40. Every pin up diva needs at least ONE pencil skirt. Don't hesitate starting a collection in every color. There is nothing classier and more flattering than knee length pencil skirts.

let's get down to business

Well hello there, and welcome. I decided to put my hard work and knowledge of all things rockabilly, pin up, vintage, retro and psychobilly into a nifty little package - my blog.

I must get down to business. I absolutely love romper/playsuits, and have spent countless hours searching for the perfect reproductions and real vintage pieces. Recently, I discovered a UK based designers Tara Starlet. I've been drooling over the adorable selection of rompers (not to mention, shorts, dresses and tops). Not only do they have a decent selection of color varieties, they have released a few new designs. Not too bad for £54.00. Now I just need to figure out what that converts to!