Category: Face

Watch Celeb Makeup Artist Sir John Create a Daytime Look With His New ‘Lion King’ Eyeshadow Palette

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Watch How Beyonce’s Makeup Artist Uses His New ‘Lion King’ Eye Palette for Daytime

If you’re like Us, you’re anxiously awaiting the premiere of The Lion King starring

Donald Glover as the voice of Simba, Beyoncé as Nala and more. And, while we’ve still got a bit of time until the film hits theaters July 19, Queen Bey’s makeup artist, Sir John, stopped by the Us Weekly studios to share a first look at his Disney’s The Lion King Limited Edition Collection by Sir John x Luminess. cosmetics line and offer some tips on how to use the safari-inspired products. Check it out the video above!

“With this Disney movie, there are no characters who are human. There are only animals,” the pro tells Us. “I had to imagine what would Nala look like if she was an actual woman.”

Calling the collection (which launches on LuminessCosmetics.com on June 15) “a labor of love,” Sir John explains that he was influenced by the “landscape in Africa” when creating the eye, face and lip shades in the range.

The jewel tone colors in the Can’t Wait to be Queen Eyeshadow Palette, for instance, draw from hues “you find in nature,” while the natural matte tones in the Kingdom Sculpting Palette call to mind the arid desert landscape. Oh, and they all just so happen to be perfect for creating a summery daytime eye makeup look.

Using a small fluffy brush, Sir John first applied the matte Safari Khaki shade along the lash line and all over the eyelid to create a neutral base and provide “a tiny bit of kick.” A hint of the metallic taupe Nala hue on the center of the lid and slightly darker Pride Rock on the corner added shimmer, depth and dimension.

For more of Sir John’s makeup tips — including how to find the perfect shade of red lipstick — check out the video above!

Beyoncé’s Makeup Artist Sir John Teams With Disney for ‘Lion King’ Collection

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To celebrate the release of The Lion King on July 19, Disney recruited Beyoncé’s makeup artist Sir John to create a makeup line inspired by the movie.

Sir John has created looks for a cast of big names, including Rosie Huntington Whiteley, Khloé Kardashian, Priyanka Chopra and Serena Williams, but he is perhaps best known for his work with Beyoncé, who is voicing the character Nala in the photo-real virtual-production remake of the cult cartoon.

The pair initially met at Tom Ford’s first womenswear show in 2010 and hit it off; Sir John quickly became Beyoncé’s go-to for everything from album art, music videos, concert tours and even her Super Bowl show and iconic September 2018 Vogue cover

The new Sir John x Luminess The Lion King makeup collection will be released on June 15.

So when the makeup artist first revealed he had a makeup line in the works last fall, speculation grew that he was working on a line with Beyoncé herself. “Disney first approached me last August, just as I was wrapping up [reality TV competition show] American Beauty Star,” Sir John told The Hollywood Reporter. “They told me B was voicing Nala and asked if I’d be interested in doing a line of cosmetics for them.”

Sir John was hesitant at first, however. “I was kind of like ‘She’s sold separately.’ But they said, ‘No we want to work with you and we want you to license it and find a partner to produce the collection.'” Sir John immediately reached out to Luminess Cosmetics, a brand known among professionals for its innovative airbrush technology, to help him realize his sweeping vision for the line, with a very tight deadline.

The resulting collection is presented in visually stunning packaging, made from etched enamel seven layers deep, where each layer has been lasered out to reveal the rose gold compact. “I fell in love with the packaging before the product — even as a makeup artist,” says Sir John. “It’s a collectors item.”

As for the makeup itself, “The line is for every woman,” he says of the limited edition products, which include a Kingdom Sculpting Palette, Can’t Wait to be Queen Eyeshadow Palette, Be Brave Matte Lipsticks, Be Prepared Liquid Lipsticks, Legacy Tinted Lip Balms and a Circle of Life Highlighter. The shade names draw on both characters and scenes from the film — the eye palette includes Nala, King, Pride Rock and African Clay, for example.

“I was inspired while on safari in South Africa for Global Citizen, and I remember looking at how warm and rich the colors were, and I didn’t need to look any further than the landscape,” Sir John says.

The collection will launch June 15 at Luminess Cosmetics online. Prices start at $24.

Facial Hair Removal Guide: How to Remove Every Unwanted Hair From Your Face

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Hair removal—and whether or not to remove hair at all—is a very personal choice. And when it comes to hair on your face, it’s a pretty sensitive one, too. We mean that literally. The skin on your face is more delicate than the skin on your legs, say, so it’s important to be thoughtful and careful about the hair-removal methods you choose.

While removing hair on most parts of your body is no biggie, removing it from your face takes extra TLC. As Shay Moinuddin, R.N., aesthetic nurse specialist and practice manager of the Few Institute (fewinstitute.com), tells SELF, scars from waxing, electrolysis or lasers can happen very easily when things go wrong during a treatment and they are much harder to camouflage on the face versus the body. And some methods are better for certain types of hair growth than others.

No matter the type of hair removal (self.com/topic/hair-removal) you’re considering, it’s important that you pay attention to your skin. “If you are noticing bumps, ingrown hairs or sensitivity, then your hair-removal method might not be the right fit for your skin,” says Dendy Engelman, M.D., a dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York. She recommends always starting with well moisturized skin, as the more pliable the skin, the less likely it will be inflamed or irritated with the pressure of the tool. Exfoliating once or twice a week to remove any dead skin cells on the surface will help prevent ingrown hairs (self.com/story/ingrown-hair-treatment), and finishing with lotion or oil will keep skin hydrated and protected.

Mustache

How to get rid of hair in this above-the-lip region is a very personal decision, says Dr. Engelman. She likes the Luminess Silk & Smooth Hair Remover, $30, which cuts the hair on the surface of the skin and leads to less irritation since it is not pulling hair from the follicle.

For individuals with darker facial hair and lighter skin, laser hair removal (self.com/story/the-pros-cons-of-laser-hair-re) is a good option. “Since the laser picks up darker pigment, it renders the best results,” she says. “Lighter hair, which has less pigment, can be much less effective.” Hair loss can be seen after as little as three sessions and full results may be achieved in up to six or eight sessions. “Caution should be taken when having laser hair removal on the face because of the proximity of the treatment to the eyes,” Moinuddin adds. “Proper goggles designed for the specific laser being used must be worn during treatment to protect the eyes from permanent damage.”

Derms don’t recommend waxing the upper lip, as that commonly leads to ingrown hairs

How to Find the Best Foundation for Your Skin

Lauren C Brown

Believe it or not, there is a perfect foundation match for every skin type. Whether your skin is oily or dry, splotchy or acne-prone, there is a Luminess Air Airbrush Foundation specifically for your needs. Our airbrush foundations come in four finishes: Mystic, Silk, Ultra and Matte. Each foundation is optimized for a specific coverage and skin type, so you never end up with a foundation that doesn’t work for your skin.

Mystic

This exclusive, concealer-, corrector-, primer- and foundation-in-one provides maximum coverage with the translucent look of natural skin. With just a few drops, Mystic easily conceals hard-to-cover areas including redness, scars, birthmarks, tattoos, vitiligo, blemishes, rosacea, discolorations, hyperpigmentation and dark undereye circles, rendering them stealthily, gloriously undetectable.

For those with acne-prone or problem skin, Mystic is infused with neem extract for its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Antioxidant compounds soothe inflammation and help defend your skin against age-promoting free radicals.

Silk

Luminess Air’s Silk Airbrush Foundation is a sheer coverage, ultra-lightweight foundation that delivers an outrageously rich, smooth and silky finish that gives the look of healthy, moisturized skin.  This luxurious, all-in-one airbrush foundation was developed for the woman who wants sheer to medium coverage with a smooth and silky finish. With just a few drops, Silk blurs imperfections including large pores, fine lines and wrinkles, redness, scars, birthmarks, blemishes, rosacea, discolorations and dark undereye circles.

Silk is universally flattering for all skin types and provides exceptionally soft and silky coverage in a range of skin-matching shades.

Ultra

Luminess Air’s Ultra Airbrush Foundation is a sheer coverage, weightless demi-matte foundation that delivers a gorgeous, lit-from-within look that’s the perfect balance between luminous and velvety.

This airbrush foundation was developed for the woman with combination skin who wants sheer to full coverage with a balanced, natural finish. Ultra is best for combination skin and provides exceptionally balanced, natural coverage in a range of skin-matching shades.

Matte

Luminess Air’s Matte Airbrush Foundation is a shine-free, weightless foundation that delivers soft, even coverage with a freshly powdered velvety-matte finish.

Matte Airbrush Foundation was developed for the woman who wants medium-to-full coverage with a shine-free velvety finish. Matte is best for oily to combination skin types and provides exceptionally powder smooth coverage in a range of skin-matching shades.

Check out this video for even more help choosing the best airbrush foundation for your skin.

How to Look Flawless When Meeting the Parents for the First Time

Lauren C Brown

The day has finally arrived and you are meeting your significant other’s parents and family for the first time. Boy do we remember those jitters. It’s such an exciting time, but also such a nerve-racking time. Good think you look flawless and radiant.

Here are just a few reasons airbrush makeup is the perfect at-home look for meeting the parents:

Airbrush foundation is long-lasting, sweat-proof and waterproof. So when it feels like his parents have been grilling you for hours upon hours, your makeup won’t give you away. Your makeup won’t run or start to fade away after just the first course – you’ll be set to carry on conversation long into the evening. That could be a good thing or a bad thing.

Natural-looking and flawless skin. Airbrush makeup goes on as a fine mist of makeup that gently lays on your face – not in the fine lines and wrinkles. The makeup looks natural and flawless and doesn’t look caked on and heavy like a traditional foundation. And we can pretty much vouch for every mom to ever walk the planet – they don’t give a thumb’s up for a girl that wears too much makeup.

It’s quick and easy. It never fails – anytime you need to be on time somewhere, something will inevitably happen and you’ll run late. Whether it’s an important meeting or a business dinner or meeting your boyfriend’s parents for the first time – being punctual is a must. That’s why using airbrush makeup at home is key here – it’s so quick and easy to apply a full face of natural-looking makeup that you’ll have extra time in case you notice a wardrobe malfunction leaving the house.

It’s dermatologist tested and recommended. Once you’ve made it through that first meeting of the parents, the coast is clear. Or is it? Using airbrush foundation won’t clog your pores and cause breakouts like traditional makeup. Plus, since you don’t use dirty sponges or makeup brushes, your skin will remain in tip-top shape. No one wants to break out after managing to make it through one of the toughest nights of your life, right?!

Those are just a few of our favorite reasons to use airbrush makeup — especially airbrush foundation, which is key to flawless coverage — before important events like meeting your significant other’s parents.

A few other things to remember include: minding your manners, not talking with your mouth full, listening — you should listen at least 60 percent of the time and talk maybe 40 percent — always saying positive and uplifting things and staying true to yourself. Applying those few tips along with flawless airbrush coverage will have his mom and dad singing your praises for a long time – we promise!

Airbrush Foundation is Perfect for Girls’ Night Out

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Girls’ Night Out — or GNO as some call it — is a tradition unlike any other. It’s a chance to get together with your gal pals and forget about — or maybe obsess over — work and all those boy problems that are keeping you up at night.

It’s a chance to laugh, flaunt a new outfit, try out a new local restaurant or bar and of course – perfect your airbrush makeup look at home and make all your friends jealous.

And because using a Luminess Legend Airbrush System at home is so quick and easy, you can invite your girlfriends over to get ready together and make it part of the fun.

With the starter kit, you’ll be able to color match for each and every skin tone of each of your friends and you’ll all have flawless-looking skin in no time – so no need to fight over a filter later when taking pictures. You won’t need it!

Choose the airbrush foundation that’s perfect for you and in just a matter of minutes — before you’ve even finished that first glass of pinot — you’ll have radiant and perfect-looking skin, ready to lead your girl’s night all the way. And the best part is that airbrush foundation is long-lasting and will likely outlast you and your girls throughout the night, since it lasts up to 18 hours!

The full coverage of airbrush foundation is lightweight and won’t look caked on and heavy like traditional makeups. So instead of going back and forth to the bathroom to touch up your makeup every fifteen minutes, you’ll have more time to chit chat about your ongoing drama or bust a move on the dance floor – which we believe is what girl’s night is all about!

Everyone does GNO a little different – what’s your favorite thing to do with your girlfriends?

5 Tricks to Taking a Great Photo

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We love Instagram filters just as much as the next gal, but sometimes we recommend posting a photo sans filter. And while we agree certain filters can make you look tanner or slimmer (yay!), there are some other tricks, outside of apps, that will help you take great photos too.

Here are 5 of our favorite tricks to taking better photos:

  1. Change it up. Maybe you already know “your good side” or maybe it just depends on the day or the angle, but it never hurts to have options. Don’t stand in the exact same position (think head, smile, hand position, etc.) in every photo. Once you learn your angles, you’ll be wishing you had signed up for America’s Next Top Model.
  2. SMILE. No one on this planet likes being told to smile more, but there is some truth to that. (And guys, if you’re reading this, do not tell us to smile more.) You want to look like you’re having fun and loving life (even if you’re faking it), and it’s much easier to do that with a smile on your face.
  3. Airbrush it. There is a very valid reason many brides get their makeup airbrushed on their big day and models get their makeup airbrushed for fashion shows and photo-shoots and it’s because airbrush makeup just looks 10 times better in photos. Try Luminess Airbrush Makeup Systems for your everyday routine – not just a fancy photo-shoot – and see the difference it makes in your photos.
  4. Get your lighting right. Let’s face it – lighting can make or break a picture, and you’re not always guaranteed to have natural light to help with your photos. If you’ve asked someone to take your photo, don’t be afraid to check it and see if you need to switch to the other side (so the sun isn’t behind you). Shooting at sunset is ideal.
  5. Be comfortable. Whether it’s a professional photoshoot or just snapping a selfie with your bestie, being comfortable is key. Whatever you’re feeling at the moment will likely show up in the photo. Are you laughing hysterically? Yeah – that’ll probably be evident in the picture. Are you angry and grumpy? Yes, again. Make sure you’re comfortable (that goes just as much for attitude as it does what you’re wearing) while you’re taking your photo so you don’t look like Awkward Annie.

Those are our top tricks and tips for taking the best photos. What are yours? Leave us a comment in the section below and let’s talk!

4 Essentials for a Killer Complexion

Lauren C Brown

All of the skincare creams and serums and washes and exfoliants in the world can’t beat the complexion that a healthy diet can give you. But, if you’re not entirely ready to trash your chips and chocolate, start small by incorporating these yummy foods into your diet.

Sunflower Seeds
Keep your skin pimple-free and prevent wrinkles by adding sunflower seeds to your yogurt, salad or basically anything that you want! Sunflower seeds are filled with vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals while boosting your immune system.

Orange Fruits
With orange fruits like mangoes, peaches and apricots you get so many benefits. Not only are they super delicious and good for your health, but they’re also good for your skin! Orange fruits are filled with beta-carotene, a compound your body uses to make vitamin A. Eating a lot of these orange fruits helps to fight acne and psoriasis.

Green Tea
Green tea has a multitude of benefits for your whole body, including your skin! Green tea is very high in antioxidants, especially one named EGCG, which is proved to reduce redness and keep a healthier complexion.

Luminess Airbrush Makeup

Effortlessly achieve flawless, flattering results and truly radiant skin with our age-defying airbrush cosmetics systems.

 

The New Blogger Beauty Obsession

Lauren C Brown

Self-proclaimed “beauty product junkie” and blogger Camille Styles readily admits that she’s tried every beauty product under the sun … except for airbrush. “I’d occasionally hear friends mention they’d had it done for a special occasion, but assumed the at-home versions were hard to use or too clunky to fit in a drawer,” she shared on camillestyles.com.

She invited her photographer friend Kristen to come over and help her figure out the Luminess Legend. “Surprise: there was really nothing to figure out. You plug in the palm-sized device, put a few drops of foundation into the stylus, press an ‘on’ button then gently pull back on the throttle while a fine, barely perceptible mist kisses your face.”

“The mist was so subtle that I almost thought nothing was happening, but when I opened my eyes, surprise again! My skin looked flawless. I’d worried that I needed to cover up my hair and clothes so the foundation didn’t spray onto them, but somehow, magically, there wasn’t a trace.”

Camille especially loves the primer, which she uses just about every day, and how hygienic the system is. Because you apply your makeup using air and a stylus, you don’t have to worry about bacteria and infections from dirty hands or brushes. “I actually use it daily — I can apply it faster than ‘normal’ foundation, plus I do think that not using a sponge or my fingers to apply has helped keep away the occasional acne I used to get. You can apply a really light spray so that the effect is super natural, or do a few layers to make it a more full coverage ‘special occasion’ look.”

“Final verdict? I’m obsessed. Not only because of the naturally flawless finish the Airbrush provides, but also because of how quickly I can apply foundation now — literally, 30 seconds flat.”

5 Easy Ways to Stay Flawless All Summer

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Summer is arguably the most fun time of the year. (We were going to say magical, but obviously that’s reserved for the sequined, snowflake-bedecked, gift-giving days of winter.) It’s filled with picnics, fireworks, pool parties and, best of all, vacations.

What do you do, though, to keep your makeup looking flawless, no matter where you are in the world, without carting around your entire vanity?

Luminess Air’s airbrush makeup line is surprisingly easy to pack up and go. The Legend systems are the smallest airbrush systems in the world, and, thanks to the automatic perfection that comes with airbrush, you don’t need too many products. Read on for these incredibly easy ways to take perfection with you, everywhere you go.

  1. Pack it up and go. The Legend fits perfectly in our travel case, with plenty of room for your foundation, sunsreen + primer, bronzer and sealant.
  2. Power it anywhere. Even though every system comes with an American power adapter, we’ve also got you covered abroad. We have European and British travel adapters as well, and, if you’re going somewhere more tropical, a portable battery pack. Just pop in some batteries, plug it up, and you’re set to airbrush, even if there’s no outlet in sight!
  3. Take fewer products. Our new Mystic foundation packs a full coverage punch because it’s formulated with primer, corrector and concealer. You only need one product to do the job of four, saving room in your carry-on, and time getting ready so you can hit the beach quicker.
  4. Protect your skin. Like Mystic, our sunscreen has, as the name suggests, primer built in. What’s better is that this broad spectrum SPF 30 was specially formulated to be worn beneath airbrush foundation so it won’t look cakey or feel tacky. Bonus: it doesn’t have that all-too-familiar sunscreen smell.
  5. Protect your look. No matter what you’re doing on vacation—swimming, hiking, skiing—you can protect your makeup look from water and sweat with Final Seal. This waterproof airbrush sealant locks in your look to keep you flawless all day.

No matter what, vacation should be fun. Use these tips to simplify your beauty routine so you can focus on enjoying yourself this summer.

What are your vacation plans?