Tip #1 Brows:

Brows are one of the most important features on your face. They frame the eye and can really open the eye when groomed properly. Each brow should be measured and marked according to the shape and size of the eye. No two brows will be exactly the same as no two eye shapes are the same. As I learned while being a MAC makeup artist, "brows are sisters, not twins!" We also carry an assortment of brow fillers here at LAVISH that can enhance the shape and color of your brows. I would be happy to help you select the right one for you!

Men also need to have brows shaped and cut. Rappers are famous for having perfectly groomed brows. The days of the "uni-brow" are OVER. When you book a men's maintenance package at LAVISH, we can take care of your brows, too!

Tip #2 Enhancing Lashes

Mascara is a great product which can add that striking shimmering look in your eyes but only when it is used properly. If not used properly they will give you that awful garish look. Mascara can clearly define your eyes and adds drama to how it looks. You have to apply the product to the entire length of the lashes which would mean not only at the base and not only at the tips. This is achieved by applying it from the base towards the tips. Spread the color as much as possible by doing the brushing in a zigzag manner. That even look will surely make your eyes stand out. Gary suggests the Volume X Mascara and Lash Thickener, both from LAVISH!

Tip #3 Foundations

First off, masks are for Halloween. And a foundation should not go on like a mask. Place a little bit of foundation where it is most needed to balance uneven skintones, areas such as cheeks, jawline, or nose. For a more professional application, its is best to use a brush. You use less foundation and get more even coverage/air brushed effect. The best approach regarding applying foundation is to get a certain type that matches your skin type as much as possible. My two favorite LAVISH foundations are our Moisture Tint Foundation (for that Jennifer Lopez glow) with hydrating botanicals and sodium hyaluronate to replenish and revitalize skin, or, our liquid to powder foundations for a more matte appearance. They glide on velvety smooth and set to a soft-powder finish and provide the sunscreen and antioxidant protection that ultra-sensitive skin needs. They include micro-diffusers that keep skin looking flawless. Just because your skin will become darker in the summer months doesn't mean you have to change foundation. I recommend mixing our Honey Bronze Tint with your regular foundation to deepen the color a bit to match your tanned skin.

IT'S HERE! The UltiMatte T-Zone Mattifier!
This is perfect to take away the "shine" on your T-zone. This smooth, lightweight gel creates a smooth, matte finish in seconds. Apply to forehead, nose, chin and other areas where shine breaks through. A must-have for summer! And, since there is no color to it at all, even men can take away the shine. Use as a perfect primer for under foundation or can be applied over makeup, as necessary, throughout the day. Get it while it lasts! (Note to tv personalities, this one’s for you!!!)

Tip #4 Blush

Blush gives a warm, natural color of blood rushing to your cheeks. Blush also gives depth and contour to your cheeks and accentuates your inner glow. Its a wonderful way to add just a little bit of color to your skin. To apply, smile and locate the apples of your cheeks. Place the blush color just in that area. Whatever you do, DON'T extend the blush back to your ears. its a big no-no when trying to achieve a natural look. Follow my lead and you will have velvety-smooth, natural-looking color.

Unfortunately, blush comes in a wide variety of hues, shades, and tones that can get you confused on which shade is just right for your skin. If you have a lot of yellow tone to your skin, or if you are tan, I would suggest a pink toned blush. Our cream blush in "Crush" is one of my favorites. Cream blush is so much easier to blend. Ours is a unique, light-to-the-touch formula that positively illuminates and celebrates skin, with soothing ingredients that condition and protect. If you have a lot of pink in your skin tone, then I would recommend the more coral blush, "Sweet Cheeks."

If you have a little trouble with your blush "staying" - choose a powder tone blush with the same pink or coral undertone as your cream blush or a tad bit lighter. Our Color Tides Mineral Shimmering Powder is hypoallergenic and is enhanced with Vitamins A, C, and E for added antioxidant benefits. It comes in either "Flush of Pink" or "Peaches n Cream" and when applied lightly above the cheekbone is a wonderful way to lift up the cheek bone and add a little shimmer to the skin. This will make your cheeks look like they are contoured. Make sure that you are using a good cheek blush brush with a rounded head. These shimmering tones meld effortlessly together to brighten and highlight any complexion. And, always remember, if you have any questions, stop into LAVISH or call me at (570)558-2273 and I'll be happy to help!

Gary's Summer Tip:

First, good makeup starts with good skin care. Mario Badescu was the number one selling line while I was at Henri Bendel in Manhattan. I always use this line when preparing a face for makeup. In summer, our skin tends to become somewhat oily due to the heat and humidity. An oil free moisturizer is a MUST, and the Oil Free Moisturizer with SPF17 by Mario Badescu is one that I use myself everyday and LOVE it! But if oilfree isn't right for you, try our LAVISH PepToxyl Moisturizer with SPF 30. This powerful, anti-aging daytime moisturizer nourishes the skin while maintaining it's moisture level. And, it provides broad spectrum protection against the sun's damaging rays.

Second, bronzers. A bronzer is a wonderful item to have to give your skin a beautiful sun kissed look. My favorite one is our Lavish Mosaic Bronzing Powder, a swirl of gorgeous brown tones that produce an incredible bronzed look.

Lastly, the lips. Our sheer Super Gloss can be used alone or with any lip color to give you very sensual sexy lips.

Gary's Fall Tip:

Makeup colors this season are all about drama! . The yellows, golds, bronzes and browns in our newest shadows, blushes and lip colors reflect the angular shapes seen on the runways.

To create a unique look for the fall, I started with the eyes. I used a "Limestone" shadow on the lid to give a candelit effect. I addedd the darker "Volcanic Ash", coupled with a powderliner in "Coal," to create a seductive, smokey feel. And of course our Volume X Mascara for full, rich lashes. For the cheeks, our new blush in "Cinnabar" gives a natural, golden brown tone. And to finish the look, the lips with our new "Toasted Gold" Luxury Lipstick, lined in "Natural" pencil and a touch of "Super Nude" Gloss, compliment the blush and the eyes. The complete look is shown, right.

Gary's Winter Tip:

The latest trend into winter - I just returned from a fashion trend trip to New York City. Autumn into winter styles are full of a lot of sequins, lace, and very high gloss. This translates to makeup trend, too.

Glossy lips paired with highly defined eyes in black or brown is a must. Our brown matte shadow 3299, our Long Lasting Eyeliner in Onyx, and lots of Volume X Mascara are must-haves in your makeup bag!

For cheeks, a pop of soft Rose blush to the apple of the cheek is SO chic. And our fantastic Liquid Lustre Gloss in Super Nude for shine and luster on the lips completes the look. But I also believe each person is unique and we need to tweak any look or trend to fit your own personality and style. So give a call and make an appointment to come down so we can get started!

New Year, new you!:

Just in time for the new year 6 new products help create a new look for a new you!

Beautiful light diffusing makeup - a perfect foundation that deflects light from fine lines and wrinkles to give your skin a flawless glow.

Shadow Magnet - an incredible pre-shadow base that holds shadows all day long with no creasing. Keeps shadows color-true!

Three new quad shadow sets - including Naturalist, beautiful matte browns in a long lasting cream formula that are mistake-proof for every eye color.

Luxe Cream Liner - Gel liner that's smudge proof and waterproof in Midnight, Fresco and Mushroom.

Lush Mascara - incredible for longer, thicker, more full lashes. Outstanding. Now in Plum!

And high impact lipstick - Ultra-shiny finish adheres to lips and won't disappear. Hydrates to moisturize lips with moisturizing Jojoba Oil and nourishing vitamins.

ps - Mascaras:

One of my past tips was about using mascara to enhance the eyes. But lately, a lot of customers have been telling me about their brittle lashes. “I used to have such beautiful lashes when I was younger” is something I often hear. A lot of things can contribute to this. Eyelash curlers, dry heat/sun exposure and even harsh makeup removers can lead to brittle lashes and even lash loss. Mascaras can also pull the moisture from your lashes leaving them dry and damaged. First thing you must know is that lashes need to be conditioned. Women who don’t condition their lashes will lose them over a period of time. Our lash conditioner/thickener, with its special strengthening formula, is your best investment to help protect and condition your lashes. When you apply before your mascara, the conditioner acts as a primer base for build-able lashes. Or use it in between coats to build in extra support.

Makeup tips from Gary~