And the Winner is...

Congratulations to LaLaLoes67! You are the winner of two Kevyn Aucoin Making Faces palettes. I appreciate your support and participation : )

Email me at trinajmakeup@yahoo.com to redeem your prize.

Be on the look out for more great contests!

And the Winner is...

Congratulations to LaLaLoes67! You are the winner of two Kevyn Aucoin Making Faces palettes. I appreciate your support and participation : )

Email me at trinajmakeup@yahoo.com to redeem your prize.

Be on the look out for more great contests!

Gone but not Forgotten Kevyn Aucoin

Kevyn Aucoin (February 14, 1962 – May 7, 2002)
In honor of the memory of Kevyn Aucoin, (February 14, 1962 – May 7, 2002) the makeup artist that inspired me to pursue this craft called makeup. Kevyn is a makeup legend. He worked with some of the biggest stars including Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, and Oprah. He changed ideas on beauty and taught us all how to use makeup to reveal our

Gone but not Forgotten Kevyn Aucoin

Kevyn Aucoin (February 14, 1962 – May 7, 2002)
In honor of the memory of Kevyn Aucoin, (February 14, 1962 – May 7, 2002) the makeup artist that inspired me to pursue this craft called makeup. Kevyn is a makeup legend. He worked with some of the biggest stars including Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, and Oprah. He changed ideas on beauty and taught us all how to use makeup to reveal our

Manly Makeup

In the February issue of Elle Magazine, Jessica Alba blasts Zac Efron - saying, “He looks like a child with a lot of makeup.” Oh, snap! Apparently not everyone is smitten with High School Musical’s resident heartthrob.

This got me thinking about man makeup, also known as “complexion enhancers.” I’m all for men putting their best face forward, and I consider myself to be pretty open-minded. But at the risk of sounding like a fuddy duddy, I think the concept of men wearing makeup - on any day but October 31st - is just bizarre.

While most men who don makeup do so on the down low, have you noticed how some cosmetics-loving lads are all in your face about it? Take, for example, one Pete Wentz – who’s famous for dating Ashlee Simpson and wearing ‘guyliner.’ He even went so far as to create a how-to video - his favorite is MAC Eye Pencil in Ebony.

Then there’s Jared Leto. What in the hell happened to Jared Leto?!?! I realize that a lot of people go through a goth phase…but, typically, it’s when you’re 16, not 36. Right? It’s a shame because he’s such a naturally handsome guy – and what’s worse is that he’s terrible at applying his makeup. You would think that a guy - who is rarely seen without liner - would get some lessons or pick up a Kevyn Aucoin book. Or, better yet, watch the Pete Wentz video. Ugh. I want my Jordan Catalano back.

I did some research, and was shocked to learn that these guys aren’t simply slipping into Sephora to stock up on beauty necessities - though the chain does offer a few. Oh no. Male Species, Studio 5ive, and KenMen are just a few of the Internet purveyors of male-specific cosmetics (get a load of this bronzer’s suggestive name).

And if you think that this is merely a trend among eccentric Hollywood types, guess again. In 2006, $4.8 million was spent on male grooming products in the U.S., a 7 percent increase over the year before and a 42 percent increase from 2001, according to a London-based marketing and research company. Behold the power of makeup...it's irresistable to both girls and boys.

How do you feel about men wearing makeup? Talk amongst yourselves.

Manly Makeup

In the February issue of Elle Magazine, Jessica Alba blasts Zac Efron - saying, “He looks like a child with a lot of makeup.” Oh, snap! Apparently not everyone is smitten with High School Musical’s resident heartthrob.

This got me thinking about man makeup, also known as “complexion enhancers.” I’m all for men putting their best face forward, and I consider myself to be pretty open-minded. But at the risk of sounding like a fuddy duddy, I think the concept of men wearing makeup - on any day but October 31st - is just bizarre.

While most men who don makeup do so on the down low, have you noticed how some cosmetics-loving lads are all in your face about it? Take, for example, one Pete Wentz – who’s famous for dating Ashlee Simpson and wearing ‘guyliner.’ He even went so far as to create a how-to video - his favorite is MAC Eye Pencil in Ebony.

Then there’s Jared Leto. What in the hell happened to Jared Leto?!?! I realize that a lot of people go through a goth phase…but, typically, it’s when you’re 16, not 36. Right? It’s a shame because he’s such a naturally handsome guy – and what’s worse is that he’s terrible at applying his makeup. You would think that a guy - who is rarely seen without liner - would get some lessons or pick up a Kevyn Aucoin book. Or, better yet, watch the Pete Wentz video. Ugh. I want my Jordan Catalano back.

I did some research, and was shocked to learn that these guys aren’t simply slipping into Sephora to stock up on beauty necessities - though the chain does offer a few. Oh no. Male Species, Studio 5ive, and KenMen are just a few of the Internet purveyors of male-specific cosmetics (get a load of this bronzer’s suggestive name).

And if you think that this is merely a trend among eccentric Hollywood types, guess again. In 2006, $4.8 million was spent on male grooming products in the U.S., a 7 percent increase over the year before and a 42 percent increase from 2001, according to a London-based marketing and research company. Behold the power of makeup...it's irresistable to both girls and boys.

How do you feel about men wearing makeup? Talk amongst yourselves.

First Class

Fern Mallis is the SVP of IMG Fashion and the brains behind New York fashion week. She launched Mercedes-Benz fashion weeks in Los Angeles and Miami, and oversees runway shows from Milan to Mumbai. I still hold a bit of a grudge against Ms. Mallis for her part in voting Jeffrey Sebelia the winner of Project Runway’s third season, but have to admit…the woman does have impeccable taste.

The November issue of Marie Claire gives us a glimpse into this world-traveler’s carry-on bag.

Lash Lust: Kevyn Aucoin The Mascara in Black
“The Japanese volumizing technology in the formula is genius.”

Unzipped: Sephora Makeup Bag
“I love all of the zippered compartments that fit my hundreds of beauty samples.”

Skin So Soft: Wexler MMPI Skin Regenerating Serum
“I use it before takeoff, and my skin feels smooth and dewy.”

Air Kiss: Flirt! Squeeze Me Super Shiny Lipgloss
“It’s moisturizing without being sticky, and its natural color doesn’t scream.”

Winter Glow: Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder
“Bobbi knows a good natural tan.”

Lip Locked: MAC Frost Lipstick in Gilty Kiss
“This light-catching lipstick is my staple for photo shoots.”

Golden Eye: Smashbox Eye Shadow Quad in Ambient
“These metallic shades best compliment my coloring.”

Fresh Faced: Dr. Jessica Wu Gentle Foaming Cleanser
“This cleans my face after all that stale plane air but doesn’t strip natural oils.”

First Class

Fern Mallis is the SVP of IMG Fashion and the brains behind New York fashion week. She launched Mercedes-Benz fashion weeks in Los Angeles and Miami, and oversees runway shows from Milan to Mumbai. I still hold a bit of a grudge against Ms. Mallis for her part in voting Jeffrey Sebelia the winner of Project Runway’s third season, but have to admit…the woman does have impeccable taste.

The November issue of Marie Claire gives us a glimpse into this world-traveler’s carry-on bag.

Lash Lust: Kevyn Aucoin The Mascara in Black
“The Japanese volumizing technology in the formula is genius.”

Unzipped: Sephora Makeup Bag
“I love all of the zippered compartments that fit my hundreds of beauty samples.”

Skin So Soft: Wexler MMPI Skin Regenerating Serum
“I use it before takeoff, and my skin feels smooth and dewy.”

Air Kiss: Flirt! Squeeze Me Super Shiny Lipgloss
“It’s moisturizing without being sticky, and its natural color doesn’t scream.”

Winter Glow: Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder
“Bobbi knows a good natural tan.”

Lip Locked: MAC Frost Lipstick in Gilty Kiss
“This light-catching lipstick is my staple for photo shoots.”

Golden Eye: Smashbox Eye Shadow Quad in Ambient
“These metallic shades best compliment my coloring.”

Fresh Faced: Dr. Jessica Wu Gentle Foaming Cleanser
“This cleans my face after all that stale plane air but doesn’t strip natural oils.”

Making Faces

If you’re a beauty junkie like me, you realize that the tools are only half of the equation. You can buy the best makeup and brushes, but if you lack the technique, you might as well be finger painting with Wet ‘n’ Wild. When it comes to technique, no one comes near the technical prowess of the late, great Kevyn Aucoin. He wasn’t merely a make-up artist; he was a makeup maestro...a magician.

Before his untimely death in 2002, Aucoin wrote three books – The Art of Makeup in 1996, Making Faces in 1997, and Face Forward in 2000. These books may be oldies, but they are most certainly goodies – as good technique never goes out of style.

If you have never heard of Kevyn Aucoin, I have some advice for you - get thee to the nearest bookstore and buy these books. They contain unbeatable tips on the basics of makeup application. Aucoin shows readers how to use these fundamentals in interesting and unconventional ways, with step-by-step directions for dozens of different looks. The biggest treat is the gallery of jaw-dropping celebrity makeovers; transformations include Lisa Marie Presley as Marilyn Monroe, Isabella Rossellini as Barbara Streisand, Tina Turner as Cleopatra, Susan Sarandon as Bette Davis, Gina Gershon as Sophia Loren, and Calista Flockhart as Audrey Hepburn.

This looks like Veronica Lake – who, coincidentally, is the muse for many of the Fall ’07 beauty trends. Can you guess the celebrity behind the makeup?

PS - Kevyn Aucoin also has a line of makeup and brushes. Check them out at kevynaucoin.com.

Making Faces

If you’re a beauty junkie like me, you realize that the tools are only half of the equation. You can buy the best makeup and brushes, but if you lack the technique, you might as well be finger painting with Wet ‘n’ Wild. When it comes to technique, no one comes near the technical prowess of the late, great Kevyn Aucoin. He wasn’t merely a make-up artist; he was a makeup maestro...a magician.

Before his untimely death in 2002, Aucoin wrote three books – The Art of Makeup in 1996, Making Faces in 1997, and Face Forward in 2000. These books may be oldies, but they are most certainly goodies – as good technique never goes out of style.

If you have never heard of Kevyn Aucoin, I have some advice for you - get thee to the nearest bookstore and buy these books. They contain unbeatable tips on the basics of makeup application. Aucoin shows readers how to use these fundamentals in interesting and unconventional ways, with step-by-step directions for dozens of different looks. The biggest treat is the gallery of jaw-dropping celebrity makeovers; transformations include Lisa Marie Presley as Marilyn Monroe, Isabella Rossellini as Barbara Streisand, Tina Turner as Cleopatra, Susan Sarandon as Bette Davis, Gina Gershon as Sophia Loren, and Calista Flockhart as Audrey Hepburn.

This looks like Veronica Lake – who, coincidentally, is the muse for many of the Fall ’07 beauty trends. Can you guess the celebrity behind the makeup?

PS - Kevyn Aucoin also has a line of makeup and brushes. Check them out at kevynaucoin.com.

Miracle Worker

I love makeup. It can work wonders. But it can't work miracles. Behold the power of Photoshop. Let's face it...Ms. Spears has been looking pretty to' up for some time now. And although I'll admit that she had some bad-ass makeup artists and photogs working on her September 2007 Allure cover shoot, even the love child of Kevyn Aucoin and Pat McGrath couldn't perform this kind of transformation.

Hopefully Britney will tack the Allure pictures up on her fridge and use them as motivation to put down the Cheetos, pick up her babies (and not drop them), and climb out of her downward shame spiral.

Miracle Worker

I love makeup. It can work wonders. But it can't work miracles. Behold the power of Photoshop. Let's face it...Ms. Spears has been looking pretty to' up for some time now. And although I'll admit that she had some bad-ass makeup artists and photogs working on her September 2007 Allure cover shoot, even the love child of Kevyn Aucoin and Pat McGrath couldn't perform this kind of transformation.

Hopefully Britney will tack the Allure pictures up on her fridge and use them as motivation to put down the Cheetos, pick up her babies (and not drop them), and climb out of her downward shame spiral.