Burbank Trip to Besame Cosmetics

I have been meaning to write this post for some time and, unfortunately, many of the products I have purchased and feature in this post are being discontinued.

Besame Cosmetics in Burbank Welcome Sign

Last spring, I had one of the longest and most splendid over nights in Burbank, CA.  The weather was fabulous. I needed exercise and new makeup (I had just changed my hair color), but I didn't want to go to a store I could go to in Houston.  

So, with a little help from Google, I found this great vintage cosmetic store I could walk to, called Besame.  

What a charming surprise!  Before you open the door, you are transferred to a much simpler time.  

Once I stepped inside, I could picture my grandmothers shopping at such a quaint store - everything appeared to be a storefront you would imagine visiting in the 1930s or 1940s.

The Besame cosmetic line is not overwhelming, but they offer a great assortment of products and everything is packaged with a vintage flair.  

They are able to offer cosmetics with Disney license, which has earned them quite a following with Disney fans the world over.

I am so fair, I have a hard time finding a foundation that will match my skin tone right out of the packaging.

I know how to custom create foundation, I do it for every one of my clients, but honestly, I am too lazy to do it for myself.  I was hoping to find a true vintage pancake makeup, but those are more elusive to find than a true porcelain color of foundation.

Besame actually had a perfect shade of foundation for me! 

Besame Cashmere Foundation Stick in Natural Beige

It is called Natural Beige - I have never been a beige skin tone in my life!!! 

The Cashmere Foundation Stick sounds and feels creamy, but my sales consultant warned me the cream to powder formula would be too dry for my skin, and sadly, it is.  I love wearing it, and apply plenty of moisturizer before application, but by the end of the day my skin feels too dry. 

I had to invest in the Vanilla Brightening Powder, because powder is the perfect way to polish off your makeup and this one smells like Vanilla!  I just love the little details when opening this powder!

Besame Brightening Vanilla Face Powder Packaging

The shade of blush looks subtle, it is called Sun Kissed, but the pigment was surprisingly intense and my first application resulted in me attempting to soften it with powder brushes, cotton balls and Kleenex.

I love the vintage packing of this blush, but I found it was terribly hard to open - one morning it finally flew out of my hands and broke.  If the container had been metal, as the original design was probably made of, I suspect I might have had an an easier time opening it, but I am not entirely sure.

Besame Translucen Blush in Sun Kissed, Besame Chocolate Kiss Lipstick and Travel brush and my makeup after applying all of my new Besame Cosmetics

The lipstick is a beautiful shade of red, called Chocolate Kiss.  It is a true replica of a popular lipstick in 1970.  I love how creamy the lipstick is and how it does not seem to dry out my lips.  I had lost my favorite travel lip brush and was so excited to see they carried one too - I just had to invest!  I also snagged a new eyeshadow brush, because you can never have too many of those either.

I am waiting for another Burbank overnight so I can visit this great little cosmetic store again!  The price point is very affordable.

If you find yourself on Magnolia Boulevard, I highly suggest you stop in, browse for yourself, and then be sure to let me know what treasures you found!

Makeup by Keri Ann the Flying MUA discovers Besame Cosmetics in Burbank, CA

Email me at Info@MakeupbyKeriAnn.com

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Simple Tips to Apply Makeup and Work Out

How to Work Out and Stay Made Up with The Fit Fifteen Podcast

I know many people have made New Year's resolutions to get in shape and go to the gym.  Catherine, the owner of Fit Armadillo and hostess of The Fit Fifteen podcast, asked me to share some easy tips to help incorporate a beauty regimen into your fitness routine.

All it takes is a little planning.  I hope you find these tips helpful.

Listen to our podcast by clicking here

Show notes from this podcast can be found by clicking here

You can find the Fit Fifteen on Facebook, and Instagram

I'd love to hear about how you incorporate beauty into your fitness routine, favorite products you use, etc.

For more topics on beauty/image, travel and lifestyle, be sure to stop by Makeup by Keri Ann again
OR follow me on:
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Special thanks to Teresa You Photography for the photo credit!!!

Email me at Info@MakeupbyKeriAnn.com

Makeup Myth #2 - I Want Airbrush Makeup For My Event

Both photos are courtesy of Kasey Lynn Photography /Makeup was done by Keri Ann Reardon of Makeup by Keri Ann

 Which photo above features airbrush makeup? Feel free to leave your comments below or on my FB Page or Instagram

Maybe you do want airbrush makeup, but let's ask a few more questions:

• Why do you want to be airbrushed?
• Are you in your teens or twenties?
• Are you over 30?
• Do you have large pores?
• Do you have any fine lines?
• Are you going to cry at your event?
• Have you tried airbrush makeup before?
• Are you willing to pay more money for airbrush makeup?
• Are you only going to want to look good in photos/video or do you want to look good in person?
• Do you know airbrushed makeup is not going to give you the same look as being "airbrushed" in Photoshop?

Now that you've answered my questions, you can read my honest opinions about airbrush makeup reading the blog posts below:

Does Airbrush Makeup Really Last Longer?

Does Airbrush Makeup Really Minimize Fine Lines & Pores? 

You may also like to read the other Makeup Myths here:

Makeup Myth #1 - I Don't Need a Budget for Makeup Services

Makeup Myth #3 - I Need to Wear Significantly More Makeup Than Usual for Photos

Makeup Myth #4 - I Don't Think I Need to Wear False Lahes

Makeup Myth #5 - I Don't Need to Wear Makeup 

Makeup Myth #6 - I Don't Need to Wear Lipstick

Makeup Myth #7 - One Person Should Be Able to Do Hair & Makeup for Everyone

Makeup Myth #8 - My BFF Can Do My Makeup

Makeup Myth #9 - Caked on Makeup Looks Good in Photographs

 

Makeup Myth #8 - My BFF Can Do My Makeup

Makeup by Keri Ann Makeup Myth #8

Or 

Maybe it’s your sister doing your makeup.  Or maybe your cousin, friend or neighbor can do your makeup.

There are very many talented makeup enthusiasts out there.  And even if someone applies her makeup beautifully, she may not have the skills to apply makeup on other people.

Here are a few questions you want to ask:

• Does your BFF understand how makeup looks in different lighting?  
• Does your BFF know how to compensate for poor lighting?
• Does your BFF know how much time it will take to do your makeup & the others in the group?
• Does your BFF work well under pressure?
• Will your BFF be on time?
• Does your BFF have enough clean brushes to do all the makeup you want done?
• Will your BFF treat you like the princess you want to be on your special day?

If you are going to go with someone you know and trust to do your makeup, PLEASE do yourself a favor and do a trial run.

Make sure you have the makeup photographed (hopefully by a professional) and examine it before the day of your event.  You want to be happy with how your makeup looks in photographs before you commit to using friends and family members who may not be professionals.

There are so many hygienic problems that can happen if you select someone who doesn’t use clean and disposable tools.  Never “double dip” into eyeliners, mascaras or lipsticks that aren’t yours.

Friendships need to be stable enough to handle the stress of a special event - especially if the special event is a wedding.  Personality clashes and miscommunication can quickly put a damper on a special day (there is nothing worse than a cloud of jealousy or resentment in a room).

When your special event is over you want to remember feeling pampered and absolutely beautiful.

You never want to look back and regret your experience.

Other posts you may be interested in:

Makeup Myth #1 - I Don't Need a Budget for Makeup Services

Makeup Myth #2 - I Want Airbrush Makeup for My Event

Makeup Myth #3 - I Need to Wear Significantly More Makeup Than Usual for Photos

Makeup Myth #4 - I Don't Think I Need to Wear False Lashes

Makeup Myth #5 - I Don't Need to Wear Makeup

Makeup Myth #6 - I Don't Need to Wear Lipstick

Makeup Myth #7 - One Person Should Be Able to Do Hair & Makeup For Everyone

Makeup Myth #9 - Caked on Makeup Looks Good in Photographs

Keri Ann's Makeup Foundation Reviews

Today I thought I would provide my opinion on the latest foundations I have personally tried.

It is always a challenge for me to find the correct shade, as my skin tone is not pink or yellow.  I am really a very neutral shade of porcelain white.

I have pretty normal skin, with some oil in the T-zone during the summer and a tendency to be a little drier in the winter.

Finding a foundation that lasts all day is another challenge for me.  Even thought I am a makeup artist, I hate having to re-apply makeup.  Makeup setting sprays do keep makeup in place all day, but I don't like using them every day, as I have found that I begin to break out.

Below are my thoughts on the most recent foundation purchases I've made for my personal use.

Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation Review.

Photo: Screen grab from Lancome's website

I am currently using this foundation.  I purchased it about a month ago and took advantage of getting the gifts with purchase offers they had at the department store.  The shade I wear is 100 Ivoire N and it really is a perfect match for my super light skin tone.  This foundation blends seamlessly between my face and my neck.  This a liquid foundation and does not feel heavy.  The coverage is adequate, but, for me, I don't find that this product lasts throughout the day.  

I never have much foundation makeup on my washcloth at night, so, for me, I don't believe it lasts 24 hours.  This product currently retails for $46.50.  I probably will not be re-purchasing this foundation again, as I believe there are other foundations out there I like better.

Maybelline's Dream Matte Mousse Review.

Photo:  Screen grab from Maybelline's website

It's an oil-free foundation.  I used Porcelain Ivory Light 1 (surprised?).  I really loved the feel of this foundation.  I mean, I LOVED the feel of this foundation.  It is the first foundation I've used in a long time that had me thinking back to the days of pancake makeup.  (If you have never used it before, pancake makeup was so thick and creamy it could cover everything, but had you dripping in oil.)  This Maybelline foundation is OIL-FREE.  Yes, it really is oil-free and does NOT feel thick going on at all.  It really is "dreamy" in my opinion!

It retails for under $10, which is a bargain.  It is a small jar and it probably lasted just over a month.  While I loved the feel of this product, I don't believe it was long wearing. (but I was trying it during the summer in Houston, TX.)  I think this would be a great product for teens or gals in their 20's.  While I absolutely LOVED the feel of this product, I don't think I would purchase it again, because it didn't seem to have the staying power I needed.


Maybelline's Dream Liquid Mousse Review

Photo:  screen grab from Maybelline's website

This is an oil-free liquid foundation.  I used this product maybe two to three times and I was not impressed.  I didn't even attempt to finish the bottle.  It was a very thin liquid foundation and offered very little coverage.  The shade I used was Porcelain Ivory Light 1.  For me, the shade color was great, but that is the extent of my praise.   This product retails for less than $10, but I believe there are better foundations options on the market.


Kat Von D's Lock-it Foundation Review

Photo:  Screen grab from Sephora's website

I honestly can't remember which shade I purchased.  It was either Light 44 or Light 45.  Whatever shade it was, I thought it was a little bit too dark for my skin, so I want to say it might have been the Light 45.  (Sometimes I think I actually need the darker foundations to look like I have color, but I hate being able to see foundation on my jawline.)  This foundation currently retails for $35 at Sephora, but you get a lot of bang for your buck with this one, as a tiny little bit goes a very long way!  I think my foundation lasted somewhere between 4-6 months and I used it every single day.

The coverage was EXCELLENT.  I like to feel like I am wearing foundation and this is a full coverage product, so I really liked it.  The product says it has 24 hour wear and it did a great job of wearing for at least 12 - 15 hours.  When I washed my face at night, I did have makeup come off on my washcloth, so it really does stick.  This product is pretty amazing and I will probably purchase it again because it was an excellent performer.  (Please note, I only tested this in the cooler months of the year, so I have no idea how it performs in Houston's summer heat & humidity.)


Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation Review

Photo:  Screen grab from Smashbox's website

It's probably been more than a year since I've worn this foundation, so I'm writing this review from  memory.  I purchased the lightest shade the Ulta store nearest me had in stock.  I thought the foundation was a shade too dark for my skin, but it was the only option available at the store.  (I didn't think to check on-line to see if there was a lighter shade option available for purchase.)  This foundation currently retails for $42.  I would describe this as a medium coverage foundation.  This is not as thick as the Kat Von D foundation, but it is thicker than the Lancome foundation I reviewed above.  I would say this had average wearability, it's staying power didn't leave a memorable impression though.  I might give this one a try again, but I think I will probably try a few other products in the meantime.


Cargo Oil-Free Liquid Foundation Review

Photo:  Screen grab from Ulta's website

Another MUA introduced me to this foundation and I liked the packaging and the product so much, I carry it in my professional makeup kit.  When I initially purchased this foundation, I could buy at my local Ulta store, but now it is an on-line only product, which makes it inconvenient for me.  (I don't like to shop on-line for my own cosmetic products.  I use everything until the last drop and when it's gone, I need to replace it NOW.)  The lightest shade available is F20, which worked for me, but it is a tiny bit darker than what I really need to be wearing (I corrected that easily with a lighter powder over the top).  This foundation is currently retailing for $36.  I think the portability of this foundation package is fantastic!  This is a sheer foundation, but it's consistency is thicker than the Lancome foundation.  I'm a big fan of this foundation professionally, but personally, I think I want a little thicker coverage than this product provides.


Loreal's True Match Super Blendable Foundation Review

Photo:  Screen grab from Loreal's website

If I ever forget to pack foundation or run out and have to purchase something at the drug store, this is my old stand-by foundation.  I wear N1 Soft Ivory (Neutral), but I've had to settle for W1 Porcelain (Warm) and I can wear it just fine too.  It's a great value for liquid foundation and I believe it provides good coverage and average staying power.   This product currently retails for $10.95 according to the Loreal website and apparently, this is a favorite product with lots of other people too (see the Allure award .

***Many long-wearing foundations are matte and have a tendency to accentuate fine lines & pores, so finding the perfect balance is a challenge.***

What's your favorite foundation? 

On-Location Hair & Makeup Service FAQ's

Photo Courtesy of:  Snapped With Loved Photography

I have compiled a common list of FAQ's about hair and makeup services.  Please note that these are general questions related to on-location hair and makeup services.

Why does it seem like I am paying more for on-location services? 

To go on-location, a stylists/artist has to do quite a bit of preparation to go to and from location.  Time spent traveling is time that could have been spent with other clients.  In addition to the hair & makeup products, items like chairs, stools and lighting may also be needed on location.  It's not uncommon to have an "in-studio" and "on-location" rate.

Why do many stylists/artists charge a travel fee?  

Travel often requires more time than the actual time spent working on location.  Even if you are offering the stylist/artist an opportunity to work in beautiful & exotic venue, there is usually an additional expense when asking a stylist/artist to travel.  Offering to pay for accommodations for your stylist/artist, is a nice gesture, but it most likely will not reduce the actual cost of services.

Why do many hair stylists & makeup artists usually require a minimum number of people to provide on-location services? 

Many stylists work in salons & the busiest day for services is Saturday.  If you are asking the stylist to leave their place of business to work for you on the weekend, they are missing regular client appointments.  The services they could have provided in the salon may also have generated more revenue than your weekend on-location event.  

If the stylist/artist depends solely on special event hair/makeup to generate income, they need to see a certain number of clients a week/month to pay their bills.

Typically the average number of people required for on-location services is 3-6 people - depending on the stylist/artist.  There are some stylists/artists that don't require minimums, so do your homework.

What determines hair/makeup pricing?

Each area/region has an "average" price range consumers are willing to pay, but you are also paying for  the individual's experience, quality of service & professionalism.  You do "get what you pay for." Consider hair and makeup as an investment in your wedding day or special occasion experience.

Other factors that determine price are the estimated time to do the job and the cost of the supplies and products used.

Why does it appear that "wedding" hair/makeup is more expensive?  

Weddings are stressful - not just on the bride, bridal party & relatives, but for everyone who works with the wedding.

The professionals you hire to go on-location have a schedule to maintain.  If clients don't arrive on time or are constantly distracted by other events surrounding them (there is always something fun to look at a wedding) the time it takes the professional is either increased or decreased significantly.

As a consumer it may not seem "fair" or "right" to charge more for wedding services, but once you have worked with a few different weddings, you realize that weddings are the most unique of all special events.  The emotions in the bridal suite range from  to "happy & carefree"to "completely inebriated" and "sick from stress/excitement/hang over" to "tension so thick you could cut it with a knife"- and if you are in the bridal suite long enough, you might be around all of those emotions in a brief period of time.

In addition to being the hired makeup artist, there have been times when I've acted as a counselor, nurse, wardrobe advisor, alterations adjuster & baby sitter (yes, children make their way into the bridal suite too).

As a wedding professional, I believe I should be prepared for any variety of wedding day situations that occur in the bridal suite before the wedding.  Of course, it is impossible to pre-plan all of the the time/costs of such incidentals, but previous experiences are factored in when I create a wedding service proposal.

Be aware that large bridal parties or groups might also be subject to paying additional artist fees.  

Additional artist fees are usually used to retain and secure the services of an additional stylist(s)/artist(s).  Sometimes the bridal party may not be large, but the allotted time the bridal suite is available before the wedding is too short for one person to do all of the work.  In such cases, additional stylists/artists can alleviate stress and help get everyone ready on time.

Makeup by Keri Ann creates customized packages "for ALL of life's special events"in the Houston and the surrounding areas!

Please contact me to discover the "naturally beautiful" difference I offer my clients - including High School Seniors, Corporate Professionals, Women's Groups, Moms and Brides! 

For more information, please contact me at Info@MakeupbyKeriAnn.com