Thursday, October 9, 2008

Interview 101

These days unemployment is skyrocketing and getting a (new) job can seem extremely daunting. There are many things you can do to set yourself apart from the crowd. One of the most important things you can do is to be aware of the industry culture and the individual company culture of your potential workplace. Research the company with which you will be interviewing.

Here are some things to think about before you go to a job interview. Aside from mentally preparing for your interview and selecting a well-planned and well-coordinated outfit, you may want to give consideration to your makeup for that day also. Indirectly, your makeup may affect how well you do in the interview.

1. As stated above, be aware of the industry culture and individual company culture. Is your potential workplace conservative, artsy, laid-back, etc.?
2. How do you want your potential employer to view you?
3. For what type of position are you interviewing?
4. "Dress" for the job you want, not necessarily for the job you may get, yet without being over-the-top or flashy.
5. If you show up wearing black (or even bright pink) lipstick and heavy black eye liner to an interview at a conservative corporation/company, the interviewer (who may be your potential boss) may judge you as not sharing company beliefs and values simply because of the way you appear. If the workplace seems conservative (like large corporations, financial institutions, attorneys' offices, etc.), try softer, more natural shades of makeup. Think "professional" and fresh. You can always wear your dark/bright colors on your days off.
6. If the workplace seems a little more artistic or free-spirited (such as advertising agencies, dot-com companies, some retail chains, etc.), you may be able to wear brighter/darker makeup colors without a problem. Workplaces where you would be more creative tend to be a little more tolerant of wardrobe and makeup creative expression.

Here are some pre-interview tricks:
* Be prepared to answer tough questions with confidence. Make eye contact and smile.
* Fix/Style hair in a clean and neat way so you seem pulled-together and professional.
* Wash face and moisturize at the very least. You want to look alive and ready to work, not tired or easily distracted. You also want to appear clean, organized and prepared.
* Makeup is optional. Remember that makeup can help hide blemishes, under-eye circles and so forth. Makeup can help you appear more put together (and can hide the wild night before or lack of sleep). Unfortunately, people do often judge based upon looks.
* If you wear makeup, keep it minimal and mostly natural-looking.
* In addition to perfecting your resume, it is important to perfect your image as well (appropriate clothes, makeup, good hygiene, professional body language, smile, eye contact, etc.).
* Reduce eye puffiness with a cool cloth, chilled cucumber slices or chilled eye cream.
* Cover under eye circles with concealer to hide your lack of sleep.
* Use black-brown mascara on your top lashes, and focus on the outer eye lashes so you appear more awake.
* Skip eye liner on your bottom lash lines if you have dark circles or still look tired.
* Use oil blot sheets or a toilet seat cover to pat off excess oil. Shiny skin is not 'in.'
* Eat breakfast and stay hydrated (this is extremely important for your skin and your body).
* Think at least 5 positive things about yourself, and be confident. Start your day right!

Congratulations on your interview and good luck! Go get 'em! :)

(c) 2008 CB All rights reserved.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Makeup Basics

Whether you are a makeup beginner or a professional makeup artist, there are makeup basics that each of us should have in our cosmetics arsenal.

1.) Moisturizer- protects your skin and helps makeup apply easier and more evenly
2.) Concealer in the same shade as your skin or one shade lighter if you use under foundation- covers imperfections, such as under-eye circles and blemishes
3.) Foundation/ Powder- use for a flawless and more formal makeup application
4.) Bronzer- helps you achieve a sexy, healthy, radiant glow
5.) Eye shadow colors in powders, pigments and creams that work for you
6.) Lip conditioner and gloss- these enhance your beautiful smile
7.) Eye liner & mascara- help brighten your eyes, which makes you look more awake
8.) Applicators/ brushes that are easy to work with, preferably eco- and animal- friendly (ECOTOOLS- available at Walgreens)
9.) Visine or Clear Blue (eye drops)- for use in eyes and with eye shadow as a mixing medium
10.) Makeup remover
11.) Cotton swabs and cotton balls- use for makeup application and removal
12.) Shine blotting sheets- helps keep your face looking fresh


(c) 2008 CB All rights reserved.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

My First YouTube Video


My First Makeup Art Montage
(c) 2008 CB

http://www.youtube.com/CatBstyle

I chose these particular songs because they each have a great beat.
I apologize if any of you are offended by the lyrics.

Songs:
SR71 "Kick Me When I'm High"
All-American Rejects "Dirty Little Secret"
Eve 6 "Think Twice"

Thursday, August 21, 2008

YouTube's New Channel

I created a YouTube channel and will soon put videos up (in addition to here). Yay!!! If you have any requests, ideas, comments and/or questions, please let me know. I love 'hearing' from you and would love to post what you want to see!

There are many talented makeup artists online already if you want additional ideas, tutorials and product reviews. I highly recommend MakeupGeektv. This artist is amazing (and beautiful)! I think her name is Marlena, and she gives great advice and easy-to-follow steps for makeup looks almost any woman can wear.

Hope to see you on YouTube soon! :)

Fun & Wild Eye Makeup

Below are some samples of my work. Obviously, these looks are not for a conservative office, but they are fun for photoshoots, clubs, theatre and self-expression.

If you have requests for any makeup looks, please leave it below or email me at cs.stylelife@yahoo.com. I will then do a tutorial for your desired look. I look forward to 'hearing' from all of you. :)









Monday, August 11, 2008

Neutrogena (R) Makeup Remover REVIEW

Product: Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes
Company/Line: Neutrogena (R)
Price: under $15
Purchase Location: Wal*Mart

Neutrogena is one of my favorite skincare and makeup companies/lines. They have many great products, and their makeup remover towelettes pack is yet another amazing product.

The light blue plastic container holds 25 pre-moistened towelettes that remove most makeup with a gentle hand. I barely have to press on my face when using these towelettes to remove my makeup. I am very impressed by how easy the makeup comes off and with little residue. The towelettes leave my face feeling fresh and clean.

However, I do not have very sensitive skin so I am not certain how they would feel on sensitive skin (as the towelettes do contain a slight fragrance). I recommend trying them first in a small area to make sure you are not allergic to the formula used.

Overall, I highly recommend trying the Neutrogena (R) Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes. They are extremely convenient, and they work really well!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Subtle Smoke-inspired Look

1 2
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4 5
Subtle Smokeout ->

The above look, "Subtle Smokeout," is inspired by the smoky eye makeup that is oh-so-popular. Smoky eyes do look fabulous! But most of us only wear that look in the evening, if at all. I wanted to try something a little different this time around, something a little more muted than the fully "smoky" look. The more subtle version (pictured above) should be easier to achieve and should be more acceptable to wear during the day. Please forgive my 'undone' eyebrows.

Step 1
Apply eyeshadow base, cream, concealer, etc. on your eyelids (you can put it higher also, depends on your preference- This technique is shown in photo above). Then, use black eyeliner or shade stick to cover entire eyelid (not upper brow bone).


Step 2
Apply a dark (or black) eyeshadow/pigment over the black eyeliner. Then, apply a bronzy eyeshadow to your crease (blend with the black). Now, apply a highlighter color to your brow bone down toward the space between your nose and eyes. You can even use this color (or the dark eyeshadow) under your lower lash line. In the photo shown, the highlighter was used under the lower lash line instead of a dark color.

Step 3
Now, apply a black liquid liner to your top lash lines to enhance your lashes.

Step 4
Curl eyelashes if desired (photo does not show this technique). Then, apply mascara of choice. I recommend two or three coats of CoverGirl Lash Blast (as used in photo).

Step 5
Finish the rest of your makeup on your face (like foundation if still needed, bronzer, blush, contouring, lips, etc.).

Thank you for reading my five steps to the "Subtle Smokeout" makeup application. If you have any requests, questions or comments, I would love to see them below! :)



(c) 2008 CB All rights reserved.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Makeup Organization Ideas

How do you keep your makeup? Where do you keep it all? Do you organize your makeup? If so, how do you organize it? If you have any additional ideas or just want to comment on the following, please leave your comments below. I would love to 'hear' from you! Thanks and enjoy! :)

Here are some organization ideas for makeup:

For makeup brushes, lip liners and eye liners, try:
*Shorter Vases
*Candle Holders
*Taller Candy/Cookie Tins
*Reuse (and Decorate) an old dry food container
*Tin Pails (You can buy these at craft stores (such as Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Wal*Mart, Target).)
*Pencil Containers
*Jelly Jars
*Small Gift Bags reinforced with carboard or tape
*Terra Cotta Pots (or any other smaller flower pots)
*Random Pottery Containers

Extra TIP: Add glass pebbles, stones, etc. to the container(s) for a cool effect and an easy way to keep your brushes upright.

For makeup, try:
*Plastic Drawers (various sizes)
*Platic Storage Baskets
*Wicker Baskets
*Storage Boxes (Wrapping fabric or paper around container adds personality.)
*Pencil Boxes
*Cigar Boxes (You can buy unused, craft cigar-like boxes, and they do not have the cigar smell.)
*Photo Storage Boxes
*Scrapbooking Storage Boxes (great for lots of pigments)
*Any Other Storage Container that you can think of. Be creative! :)

Extra TIP: Label each drawer/box so you know what is in each container and can get to each quickly.

For application space:
Do you have an area set aside for makeup application? If not, the following ideas are simple, inexpensive ways to achieve an amazing and personal space for you to apply your makeup. Applying makeup is one of my favorite times of day. I do have a special vanity set up, and it truly adds to the experience every morning!

*If you have an old desk, use it along with a mirror and a lamp or set up near a window to create your next-to-free vanity. In fact, I took my old computer desk, a full-lenth mirror and a desk lamp and turned them into my vanity. (I put the full-length mirror horizontally for extra mirror space.) I absolutely love having my own space to do my makeup and my makeup stays organized.

*If you have an old door or any wood you can finish or cover, two columns or sets of drawers/ file cabinets, a mirror and a good lamp, you too can create your very own vanity.

*If you have an unused dresser, you can also use that as a vanity!

Hope these ideas helped to inspire you. Pamper yourself today!
(c) 2008 CB All rights reserved.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Become a Red Carpet Goddess

Steps to a Picture-Perfect Flawless Makeup Application:
1. Wash Face.
2. Pat face mostly dry.
3. Moisturize face.
4. Apply Concealer* (under eye circles- usually cream-to-powder, liquid or even a mineral concealer- I do not recommend using a solid concealer on such a delicate area of your face.)
5. Dab on Foundation. (Use a cosmetic sponge if desired. Apply a tiny amount of foundation on outer area of lips and smudge inward for a blank canvas effect in preparation for step 12. Check the ingredients to make sure they are non-toxic.)
6. Apply Concealer* (to blemishes- usually liquid, solid or mineral concealer).
7. Apply loose (or compact) powder with big brush over entire face. You do not want to be too powdery though, just enough to set the foundation and prevent shine. Translucent powder works wonders!
8. Apply bronzer with medium or large brush in appropriate areas (cheeks, collar bone, cleavage if desired, besically where the sun would hit or where you want some extra glam).
9. Apply eyeliner (pencil, automatic or liquid), or apply wet eyeshadow with a small brush.
10. Apply eyeshadow cream on lid, and then apply eyeshadow powder on lid and under lower lashes (to prevent eyeliner from smudging).
11. Apply first coat of mascara. Then apply a second coat. Try Cover Girl Volume Exact or Lash Blast or both. ***Have you ever tried faux lashes? They provide a dramatic effect!
12. Apply lip liner, (lipstick or stain, if desired) and lip gloss. Try a nude or subtle shade for a fresh look.

*Concealer is the key to a flawless look. Find which kind of concealer and which application type works best for you.

*Makeup application is ALL about technique!!! AND practice makes perfect.

*Blend. Blend. Blend. And blend some more.

Pamper yourself today!

(c) 2008 CB All rights reserved.

Foundation & Concealer Tips

Most of us want perfect skin, or at least skin that looks perfect, right? Well, nutrition, daily facial care and makeup can help make this desire come true. Here are some tips to help you find what is right for you and your daily routine.

Skin Tone- “Cool” or “Warm”
-If you have a “cool” skin tone: Pinks, lavenders, blues and silvers are probably the most complimentary colors on you. To look the most natural, you would want to choose a “cool” foundation and/or powder. This means that the base hue in the foundation is blue/ pink. Of course, this does not mean that you should limit the rest of your makeup & style arsenal to only “cool” colors, just so long as the canvas, your face, is primed with the “cool” foundation or powder that matches your skin tone. Balance is the key here. If you want to wear a warm color, blend a cooler color with it to make sure it works with your cool skin tone. For example, a ‘warm’ copper can be ‘cooled’ by blending a pink hue. Think like an artist. Colors become what you make them!

-If you have a “warm” skin tone: Oranges, yellows, reds and golds are probably the most complimentary colors on you. To look the most natural, you would want to choose a “warm” foundation and/or powder. This means that the base hue in the foundation is yellow. Of course, this does not mean that you should limit the rest of your makeup arsenal to only “warm” colors, just so long as the canvas, your face, is primed with the “warm” foundation or powder that matches your skin tone. Balance is the key here. If you want to wear a cool color, blend a warmer color with it to make sure it works with your cool skin tone. For example, lavender can be ‘warmed’ by blending in a ‘warm’ copper hue. Think like an artist. Colors become what you make them!

What if you look good in ALL colors?
Then you are VERY lucky! You probably have a “neutral” skin tone, which means you should probably wear a “neutral” foundation and/or powder. However, you may be able to get away with either “warm” or “cool” foundations. “Trial and error” comes into play here! Get together with your girlfriends for a makeup play day!

How Do You Find the Perfect Color of Foundation For Your Skin?
To find your perfect color, pick out 3-4 different shades of foundation and swipe a minimal amount (with a cotton swab) on your jawline. The one that blends in the best is the shade you should purchase. However, if you do not find a shade that 'blends' well with your skin, try mixing 2 (maybe 3) shades at a time and trying the mixture on your jawline again. It is not unusual to have to mix a couple different shades. Afterall, not all skin colors are the same.

Diminish the Appearance of Fine Lines
Use a slight shimmering (light-reflecting, but not too glittery) foundation to reduce the appearance of fine lines. You can buy special formulas to reduce the appearance of fine lines, and they are labeled as such. Most of those formulas have a slight shimmer. If you use powder, use a minimal amount to prevent ‘caking’ in fine lines. I recommend applying powder with a big brush, and blend.

Changing With the Seasons
During summer, you may want to use a darker shade of tinted moisturizer/foundation/powder than what you use in the winter, that is IF your skin is darker in the summer (usually because of more sun exposure) and lighter in the winter.

Moisturizer!
-Always use moisturizer. Find which one works best for your skin, and use it every day.

-If you have fairly normal skin and live in a location where seasons change considerably, consider using a lighter (oil-free) lotion in the summer and a heavier cream in the winter.

-If your skin gets extra dry in the winter, skip powder and opt for a liquid foundation to help keep your face extra moisturized. If you do wear powder on top of foundation (good for setting), use it sparingly. Using powder without moisurizer and foundation under it can enhance the ashy/ flaky appearance of dry skin.

-If you tend to sweat a lot in the summer or will be outside for long periods, opt for tinted moisturizer because it is lighter than liquid foundation.

Mineral Makeup
This is another great option for most of us and for almost all year long. Those of you with sensitive skin, be sure to test a small area before committing to any makeup line, including mineral makeup. Some mineral makeup contain mica, which can cause an allergic reaction in some. If you do not have sensitive skin, I highly recommend using mineral makeup, even if just as a supplement to your liquid foundation. Mineral makeup helps give a flawless, natural look that feels light and fresh. Just remember to blend like crazy! :)

Make Your Own Tinted Moisturizer
To get natural-looking color and moderate coverage without the heaviness of foundation and powder, add a small amount of foundation or concealer to your normal moisturizer (with SPF, of course).

Concealer
-When covering pimples, use a solid, liquid or cream concealer that is ever-so-slightly DARKER than your skin. Sometimes using the same shade of concealer as your skin tone does work well depending on the blemish. A slightly darker concealer simply helps provide a minimizing effect for larger blemishes. Using a green-tinted concealer to neutralize redness works really well too. Some concealers even have acne-fighting ingredients. Just be careful not to use the medicated concealer near your eyes.

-For dark under eye circles, apply a liquid or cream concealer that is one shade LIGHTER than your skin, or use a yellow or orange/peach-tinted concealer to neutralize the blue circles.

-Mineral concealers also work well on both blemishes and under eye circles.

-Try each concealer type on yourself to see which works best with your skin (liquid, cream, solid, mineral, etc.).

Pamper yourself today!

(c) 2008 CB All rights reserved.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Glowing Skin

Your skin is important, protective, fascinating and beautiful. Treat your skin with care, loyalty and delicate hands. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the glowing skin you have always desired.

*Apply lip balm and lotion immediately after you shower and before you go to bed for extra smooth and silky lips and legs.

*To exfoliate chapped lips, dampen a cotton swab and gently rub until your lips feel smooth. A toothbrush will also work. You may want to use vaseline or other lip balm as a lubricant. Definitely apply a moisturizing lip balm immediately after exfoliating.

*Gently EXFOLIATE your skin before applying sunless tanner. (In my experience, sunless tanner works better if skin is moisturized also. However, this is a time for mini-trial applications to find what works best for you.)

*Or get an even tan with sunless tanning formulas by mixing the tanner in with a firming lotion or cream.

*If you find a streak after the sunless tanner has already dried, simply use whitening toothpaste (or lemon juice) on the problem area to lighten the tanner. If you get excess tanner on your skin and notice it right away, simply use an alcohol wipe like an eraser.

*Apply SPF daily, and wear your sunglasses when you are outside (even on cloudy days).

*Apply Vitamin E oil on legs at least once a week for even sexier legs.

*Exfoliate legs before you shave. It will help give you a smooth, clean shave and super silky legs. Moisturize legs thoroughly after you pat dry.

*Sugar and baking soda can be used as natural exfoliants. Just make sure you rinse thoroughly and moisturize after! Exfoliating your face and body once a week will really help your skin glow!

*You can create your own spa-quality facial masks in your own kitchen using a blend of apples, oranges, potatoes, oatmeal, bananas, carrots, grapes, yogurt, avocados, honey and/or cucumbers. Remember to test the formula in a tiny area before you use it on your entire face in case you develop an allergic reaction.

Apples and Tomatoes: Good for oily skin
Oranges/ lemons (harsher than oranges): Cleansers and refreshers
Potatoes: Skin-brighteners, reduces the appearance of redness
Oatmeal: Gentle on dry skin
Grapes: Good for fine lines
Avocados: Good for dry skin, also good for hair
Honey: Softens skin
Cucumbers: Calming skin-brightener, great for eye puffiness and circles
Pamper yourself today!
(c) 2008 CB All rights reserved.

Beautiful You

Beauty is that amazing quality about you that draws people in, attracts them to you, appeals to people all around you and makes you feel fabulous. Beauty is a blend of confidence, charm and grace, but it also includes a healthy attitude and appearance.

Maintaining and even enhancing your beauty is really quite simple IF you have the appropriate tips, tricks, tools and a positive attitude. Below is a list of tips to help you maintain and maybe even enhance your beauty.

1. Eating healthy foods (using moderation, NOT dieting) is extremely important.
2. Be active so you feel as great as you can and so you have lots of energy.
3. A smile adds so much to your already beautiful face!
4. An optimistic attitude and an open mind will help you face each day with grace and confidence.
5. SPF (even on cloudy days) helps protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
6. Moisturizer is imperative (on face and body).
7. Makeup that suits you and your lifestyle should make you look (and feel) even more fabulous than you already are!
8. Style/ makeup/ hair/ nail (etc.) professionals that you respect are also important. You should be able to trust that these people want what is best for you.
9. Sunglasses (to be paired with SPF) are a style staple, AND they protect your eyes from the sun's rays.
10. Putting on a fabulous outfit that makes you feel glamorous is the perfect way to start each day.

You deserve to look and feel as beautiful as you are on the inside! Pamper yourself often.

(c) 2008 CB All rights reserved.

Welcome to Chic Beauty Review



Hello, I am Catherine Burk, self-employed StyleLife consultant and makeup artist. I have a passion for art, beauty and helping people look and feel their best. My goal for this blog is to give you as much advice as you want about beauty (makeup, skincare, hair, reviews on products/services, how-tos, etc.).


I love writing and sharing my beauty knowledge. Blogging is my attempt to help as many people at once as possible. If you would like me to cover a certain topic, answer any questions, post photos and steps of desired makeup styles, post videos on specific how-tos, please leave your comments below. I would love to "hear" from you. :)


Also, if you would like to schedule an in-person consultation with me, please email me at cs.stylelife@yahoo.com, and I will then send you my cell phone number. I look forward to working with you.


Thank you for reading my blogs!