Just Discovered! Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara

OK, maybe not “just.” I discovered it last summer but I'm only getting around to writing about it now. However, I can still help you just discover it! When it comes to eyes, lashes can make a big difference. Some like false strip eyelashes as they are so dramatic, but it's generally not my preference because they look so, well...false. If you want to wear falsies, try individual false lashes because they lengthen and thicken without looking fake. In case you’ve never tried (or even heard of) them, they are six or so wispy lashes you can glue on where you’d like. (Gluing anywhere near eyes might sound scary but it’s only a tiny bit of lash glue that secures the pieces.) They look amazing. And while I am perfectly happy putting them on others’, when it comes to my own makeup I get so BORED if anything takes more than a few minutes. False lashes are for more dedicated makeup wearers. Which, though I am a makeup artist, is ironically not me.

I can confidently tell you that Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara is the perfect alternative. While it is called “Faux Lash,” it makes lashes fuller and more dramatic without looking fake. It goes on smoothly and doesn’t clump like a lot of thickening mascaras. And it’s easier and faster to put on than individuals. 

When I first got it, I decided to test it against another popular “false-looking lash” mascara that had just launched. I roped someone in as my guinea pig and put Mascara 1 on one eye and Mascara 2 on the other. I asked her to look in the mirror and pick one. She immediately pointed to Faux Lash and said, “I want this one!  It was no scientific test, but soon after, she ran out and got one.

This is one of my best new(ish) discovery and a staple in my makeup kit because I use it on almost everyone. I often don't have a lot of time on shoots ("Are you ready yet?" my dear producer friend Chad often says), so I love that it doesn't take any time. If you're looking for a new mascara (or just new lashes!) try this is definitely one to try.

Long Lash Tip: To go even bigger you can  put individuals on and then Faux Lash on top!

Behind the Scenes: Emmelle Fall 2012

This is a photo shoot for Emmelle’s Fall 2012 collection. Designer Mi Jong Lee’s clothing is feminine and strong and I especially like her Asian inspired pieces. She is also a very nice person! To complement the styling, we started with a softer makeup look but then decided to make it more dramatic. Below is the look I started with (via iPhone pics below); the second is what you see here in the final images. For the final look I just applied deeper shades over the first. The model – Angelika – is quite fair so it didn’t take much to add drama.

Here’s what I used:

Skin. Foundation, concealers, powders should be invisible - used as sparingly as possible. Her skin was pretty even so I just used a concealer only where she needed it. But she wasn't going outside. For most people I recommend a sheer foundation with an SPF to make sure you get daily sun protection. My friend Mary swears by Jouer Illuminizing Moisture Tint. I once gave it to her and later found out how much she liked it when the product ran out and she called me, very concerned that didn't know where to get another one (I’ve only seen it in Bendels NYC and she lives in California . . . but to her relief she found it online). I've given Mary many products over the years and she is very discriminating so I am confident in passing on her recommendation.

Cheeks. I like powder blush because it’s easy to blend and if I need to adjust application, it’s also easier to blend off. In general, a good rule is to start with less - it’s always easier to add than subtract! Here I used Clinique Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Precious Posy. It’s one of my favorite shades because it’s soft and warm. And it’s kind of a happy color.

Eyes. For eye shadow, I used one of my favorite palettes from Prescriptives, which unfortunately is no longer a brand so you can’t buy it anymore. A similar shade combination of what I used is Clinique Eyeshadow Duo in Like Mink. It has a pale shimmery cream and a dark shimmery brown. I used the light shade all over lid and the darker shade from lash to crease. For more drama, I applied a MAC Eye Shadow in Carbon and smudged it on the lid and around the top and bottom lashlines. Then I added layers of Clinique High Impact Mascara.

Lips. I kept lips soft because the eyes were so strong. I have a Bobbi Brown lip palette that has something like 20 or 30 shades so I never remember the names, but I used a peachy gloss with a Clinique Lip Liner called Honeystick (Can you tell I've worked a billion years with Clinique? I first worked with Clinique in 1990, so I have a pretty good idea of what their products do and do not do. So, yes, listen to me. I know!).

Anyway, as usual we had fun! I especially like how bride of frankenstein beautiful Angelika looks here:

Photography by  Seiji Fujimori, Styling by David Yassky, Hair by Kristan Serafino, Makeup by me.

My Favorite Products Winter 2012

Since I work with so many different brands I am lucky enough to try and evaluate products on a regular basis. And, of course, I can't help myself and buy my own as well. So my list of favorites is always evolving as I discover new things, but these are my recent discoveries.

Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder

I recently used this on many different skin tones and was pleasantly surprised to see it truly was invisible. Products often say they are "invisible" but then they are only invisible on certain - usually light - skin tones. I have not yet tried this on very dark skin, but so far it has worked on every other skin tone.  It also not only looks invisible, it feels incredibly silky smooth. I was so happy to find this because I have to powder people all day long and I'm always carrying around different shades for different people. And if I powder too much the makeup often gets cake-y. Now I have this one!

Up & Up Cocoa Butter Lotion Deep Conditioning

I am an equal opportunity cosmetic user. I am discriminating but do not brand discriminate when something is good. If there's a deal to be had, I will have it. This cream is a generic Target brand. I have a 31.8 fl oz bottle that you can buy online for $3.49USD. (It says 30% more, although I do not know what it's measuring against.) My skin gets so dry in the winter that usually only the really thick creams make my skin comfortable - but they also make it greasy. This lotion is creamy and makes skin instantly comfortable. I also put some extra on my feet right after I crawl in bed so my feet are extra-soft in the morning.

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Long-Wear Flawless Fluid Makeup SPF 10

So not only do I love Chanel packaging (who doesn't?) but their products are good too. I originally thought this foundation would be shimmery and sheer because the word "lumiere" made me think it would shimmer. It is actually lightweight like a sheer foundation, only with more coverage. It gives you that "I don't have makeup on" look, except your skin is more smooth and even. For that reason, I love it. And, if you can't or don't want to afford a Chanel bag, a little Chanel makeup is a nice mini-substitute. It's not inexpensive, but you do at least get what you paid for.

It's only January, so I expect I will find more favorite makeup gems. And when I do, you'll see them here too.