On Red Lips

When I was thirteen going on fourteen, I was in a beauty pageant for teenagers. I used pink lipstick whenever I made myself up for pageant events, because I felt it was fresh and youthful, basically age-appropriate.

However, the pageant organizer, who hailed from the days of perfectly coiffed and made up old school film stars, always told me to put some lipstick on.

What he meant, of course, was to put RED lipstick on.

After all, despite its status in the distant past as something that painted ladies put on to appear more enticing to customers, red lipstick had become a classy classic--an accessory that could make a woman look pulled together and dressed up, even if she wore no other makeup.

While I've grown to appreciate this item of makeup, I also still love wearing pink and nude lip shades. As a makeup artist especially, why choose only one color?

Blowing you lipstick kisses,

~Lea

P.S.: You may also like this blog entry, also on lipstick: http://yourmostbeautifullife.blogspot.com/2010/09/standout-lips.html

...and here's a recent pin-up tutorial where pink-red lipstick is used as an alternative to true red:

Click HERE for the tutorial

Early Prom Surprise ♥

Click HERE to see the video for PROM Taylor Swift American Music Awards 2010 Makeup

I know that I said in my previous blog entry that I may not be able to post my backlogged tutorials before 2010 ends.

However, one of them practically edited itself--it was ready to upload shortly after I got up this morning.

For anyone attending prom in 2011, or whenever it is you come across this, here is a timeless makeup look you might be able to use. It also isn't limited to prom, so feel free to wear it to other elegant special occasions if you please.

Right now, it's the early afternoon of December 31st where I live, so I'm off to rest before the night's festivities, which will surely stretch past midnight.

In the meantime, I hope this is helpful for any advance planners out there. Have a blast, and stay safe as you welcome 2011.

Happy New Year!

~Lea

On happy holidays and cameras that don't work so well...!

Hi everyone!

I hope your holiday season is going nicely so far. Whether you're spending it with yourself, or with family and friends too, here's to a time of joy and gratitude for all the blessings in life.

As for me, I'm doing well; I just wanted to say, if you've been following the videos on my YouTube channel, you may have noticed that the audio jumps from being too loud to too soft to somewhere in between. I do apologize if it inconveniences you, or if it's made watching some of the videos pretty uncomfortable. The camera I've been using records audio unevenly, even if the sound actually remains level on my end all throughout, and I didn't want to stop posting tutorials altogether because of that. So...

If you've stuck with the videos all this time, thank you.

The camera will be replaced when possible. In the meantime, I am being mindful to at least not speak so loudly, in order to minimize startling sudden loud bursts of sound in my recordings. (Yes, that is why my voice sometimes has a somewhat whispery quality to it in the tutorials, which for me is better than sounding like I'm yelling.)

I just had to say something about this little situtation at this point--a year and a half after I've been using that camera--because I wanted to acknowledge that I am aware of that.

For now, I am signing off, sending well wishes your way for meaningful holidays.

Much love,

~Lea

Click HERE to see an easy holiday party tutorial

I am about to...

Click HERE to see the video for this look

...do an edgy--but easy--makeup look on my sister, Anna Dee.

I already made a video a while back showing me applying similar Rihanna-style makeup on Anna, but the instructions were posted on the screen rather than spoken.

This time, Rihanna remains the inspiration for the tutorial on the chic, stylish look I am uploading soon on my YouTube channel. It's a different one though from what you see in the photo above, so stay tuned if you enjoy wearing looks along these lines.

I'll be back soon,

~Lea

Standout Lips

If you like looking pretty and polished, but don't necessarily have--or want to spend--the time to apply full-face makeup whenever you go out, you may want to experiment with bold lip colors.

Depending on the look you are going for, and the level of maintenance you are willing to give your lips throughout the day, you can wear a sheer but vivid shade (easier to reapply), or an opaque one with full color (can be more challenging).

You don't necessarily need a mirror to apply lip products with a see-through consistency, which is convenient if you can't sneak off at any given moment for a touch-up. A lipstick with an opaque finish on the other hand requires more precision of application if you want to get the best results. After all, with this kind of finish, it's easier to spot mistakes and for the lipstick to get on your teeth.

Regardless of what you choose, below are links to videos with tips on wearing standout lip colors.

Make a Statement with Red Lips

Quick Tip: Lighten Up with Bright Lips

Quickie Tutorial: Define Your Lips (Not Limited to Red Lipstick)

At first glance, the lips in the photos above may all appear the same to you, especially if you're new to makeup application. However, at closer glance and after watching the videos, you will notice that the second lip look is the least intense in terms of color, the first one is second, and the third the most dramatic.

Thanks for stopping by today. I'm off to either rest after that really hearty lunch I just had, or to edit or film another video.

See you next time,

~Lea