Naples Makeup Artist Compares Brushes to Fingers, Why use brushes??

Of course being a Naples makeup artist I get asked ALL of the time, what is the difference between using brushes and using your fingers? I use my fingers and sponges to apply everything, whats the big deal?... It's actually a HUGE deal and makes all the difference in the world. 


Ever walk into a department store or makeup store and wonder why all of the women's makeup looks so perfect? Well number one, they all use primers and know how their products are going to wear throughout the day and number two, they have BRUSHES that they use to apply EVERYTHING!

By far one of my favorite brush sets in the entire world are chanel because they last forever! But, if chanel isn't really in your budget, test out some CVS brand to make sure they're soft enough and don't irritate the skin. 

MAC has one of my all time favorite brushes as well and is very inexpensive. Some are synthetic and some have real hair, go for the ones that fit you best. 

What's the problem with using sponges or fingers?
1. Sponges soak up most of your product and end up wasting your makeup
2. Fingers are uneven and everyone knows that touching your face all of the time causes bacteria to fester. 

If you have any questions please feel free to email me :) and I'd be happy to help

JPB
Naples Makeup Artist
email me at: jpb995@msn.com 
Follow me on twitter for more articles at: http://twitter.com/pro_makeup_jess

Naples Makeup Artist Reveals "Natural Look" Secrets

One of the most frequent questions I get asked is, how do I look natural and not "too done up?" Well there isn't one simple answer on how to do makeup for one person, there's all different looks for all different types of people, but one sure fire way to get the "natural look" you're wanting is to use these products and follow this application:

1. If you want an even skin tone try an tinted moisturizer (laura mercier primer and tinted moisturizer is AMAZING- available at local department stores for $30)

2. Smile and add a dab of blush to your cheeks for a pop of color (Try MAC springsheen or blushbaby depending on skin tone $13)

3. Pencil in brows lightly with a color that matches your hair color, you can use really any line for this application. If a pencil seems to harsh try a shadow with an angle brush of some sort.

4. Apply your mascara (Try DiorShow Iconic, one of my favorite's!! $27)

5. A touch of lip gloss for an extra glow and you're out the door! (MAC suntints have spf in them for your lips)

And that's it! You're done! Of course you always need to remember to use the proper skincare and wash, tone and moisturize before makeup application AND before bedtime. If you have any questions please feel free to email me and I'd be happy to help :).

JPB
Naples Makeup Artist
email me at: jpb995@msn.com
Find me on twitter for more interesting articles: http://twitter.com/pro_makeup_jess

Naples Makeup Artist Reveals Lash Grower Secrets!!

For the first time ever I've found a mascara that not only works as a primer, but is also a mascara AND lash grower in one! Dior's DIOR SHOW ICONIC mascara is a black primer that has lash growing ingredients that lengthen, condition and protect the lash.

Many mascaras just don't do their job and dry out way too quickly. Often they can make your lashes brittle and do not condition or clump the lashes way too much. Waterproof mascara is also something that you should definitely stay away from UNLESS it's a special occasion!! When it's waterproof it does not come off easily and therefore even with makeup remover there's a lot of chunks left behind on the lash for days. This clumps and breaks lashes.

I stumbled upon the dior show iconic while looking for something that did it all! I am "obsessed" so to speak with lashes. I love long, feathery flirty eyes, who doesn't? I tried almost everything and by far one of my favorite's is this mascara.

A little tip: Many experts suggest to throw out mascara every 6 months, HOWEVER, bacteria can breed much faster than that and if you think about a mascara bottle it's dark, wet and perfect for breeding. Although difficult, try and replace your mascara every 2-3 months!

If you have any questions please feel free to email me, I'd be happy to answer!

JPB
Naples Makeup Artist
email me at: jpb995@msn.com

Naples Makeup Artist Does Spa Sampler Event!!

This weekend was SO much fun! I hosted an event with renowned makeup artist, Nancy Joseph, at her studio/spa. We had such a great turnout and all of the ladies had a BLAST. We set up a lash bar, had manicures, pedicures, skincare and makeup class, and even a spray tanner! Here are some of the photos from the event:




If you have any questions on skincare or makeup, or want to do an event, feel free to email me at jpb995@msn.com. I love to help woman feel beautiful :).






JPB
Naples Makeup Artist

Naples Makeup Artist Reveals Truth About Skin: Does Diet help?

As most of you probably know, many expert dermatologists say that diet and nutrition have absolutely NOTHING to do with your skin! I can't tell you how many dermatologists I've visited that told me if I eat fast food, chocolate and cookies every day my skin will remain the same. I knew there was something wrong with this so went on to do some research on the subject.
One of my all time favorite books on skin is Dr. Perricone's clear skin prescription and Perricone prescription. These books talk about diet and acne, wrinkles, rosacea, etc. He explains that the experiments & studies conducted with diet and skin are completely flawed and every dermatological school in the country is based off of misinformation about diet. There are foods that inflame the skin, and non-inflammatory foods that you should eat. Mostly the diet consists of many fruits, veggies, fish, eggs, and different seeds & spices that help skin. Not only will this diet calm redness, it will also help prevent against aging. Certain supplements should be taken as well. Go to any GNC and talk about the Perricone diet and they will point out anti-oxidant supplements for you.
As a Naples makeup artist I care deeply about my clients and people who read my blog. I do extensive research to support all of my findings and go off of personal experience. After the three day cleanse diet that Dr. Perricone mentions, you will feel and look much healthier. Look online for the Perricone three day program. Email me how this worked for you, I'd love to hear about your experience!

JPB
Naples Makeup Artist
find me on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/jperretti?ref=fs
Email me at: jpb995@msn.com

Naples Makeup Artist Reviews Clarisonic Skincare Brush!

What is all this hype about the Clarisonic about?! What IS the Clarisonic some of you are wondering? This rechargeable battery operated skincare brush is one of the BEST inventions your skin has EVER experienced! Guys I am SO excited about this product! Being a Naples makeup artist I am approached daily with skincare problems and questions about how to constantly improve its appearance and reverse the damage. This product is one of the best things you can do to save your skin whether it's acne, wrinkles, enlarged pores, etc.

HOW IT WORKS:

All you have to do is use your favorite cleanser, whatever it may be, and in a circular motion run the brush gently across your face to cleanse. The Clarisonic's bristles move at about 300 times per second and clean 6 times more efficiently than normal washing!! This means that not only are you cleansing deep within the pores, you're also removing months of makeup, dirt, oil, etc. This helps your products work much better and increases the absorbency your skin has towards these products, whether they're anti-wrinkle or anti-breakout. Although expensive it is so worth the buy.

The brush is also a natural exfoliate so you don't even need to use a scrubber (in fact it's recommended that you don't use a scrub while using the brush). There are three different kinds of brushes for people with more durable skin to very sensitive skin types. This is a great product for men AND women who want to see improvement in their skin routine :). I highly recommend picking this up at your local dermatologist's office or Nordstrom.

JPB
Naples Makeup Artist & Skincare Professional
Follow me on twitter for more articles & tips: http://twitter.com/pro_makeup_jess
email me for questions or to book me: jpb995@msn.com

Naples Makeup Artist Reviews Skincare: DO EXPENSIVE PRODUCTS WORK??

First Of All, I want to congratulate our winner of the Bobbi Brown Foundation!! I will be doing more contest giveaways shortly so stay tuned for more! :). As a Naples makeup artist, I am always approached with this question, "I am on a budget, how can I get top of the line products for my skin and still get results? Do high end skin care products really compare to CVS/drugstore brand or am I paying for a package?"

My answer is simple, RESEARCH YOUR INGREDIENTS! Depending on your skin type, drugstore brand may be just fine for you (oily, acne, normal). With these types of skin, a simple, non-fragrance cleanser will do the trick. Make sure when looking at high-end vs. drug store that you are careful to avoid cheap oils. Some oils can be good for your skin, but drugstore brand uses cheap ingredients that can irritate and harm the skin. Believe it or not there are different kinds of oils! Good and Bad! "Good" oils can seap into the skin hydrating and healing it, while bad oils simply lay on top of the skin irritating it and causing redness! Try Oil of Olay foaming face wash in the black and white bottle, soap & oil free and works great! If you have more serious issues with acne, a low budget but high end skincare line that works wonders is Mario Badesco. The cleansers, toners, moisturizers and drying lotion will heal your skin and prevent future breakouts.

For more mature skin, as I mentioned before it helps a lot to research your ingredients. For example, Garnier Nutrisse has a commercial out that claims to reduce wrinkles by 30%. That is nothing when you consider that lines such as Dior, Osmotics, Elemis & Chanel have patented products that reduce lines up to 80% and are proven to do so if you stick to the regiman! One of my favorite products for older skin is Osmotics Creaseless, Eye Surgery and Blue Copper. Developed by Francine porter, a skin GURU, this line is absolutely amazing. Ask anyone that's used it and they will tell you the results they've gotten. Chanel also is wonderful. They research their skin care products for 10 YEARS before putting them on the shelves. So again, think before you buy ;).

If you have any questions feel free to email me :). I love helping people feel beautiful on the inside and out!

JPB
Naples Makeup Artist
follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/pro_makeup_jess
if you wish to book me email me at: jpb995@msn.com

Contest Giveaway!!! Follow me, Retweet and Win! Bobbi Brown Foundation! $50 Value!!

From now through this Friday, December 4th, I will pick one lucky winner to receive this phenomenal Bobbi Brown Foundation! All you have to do is follow me on twitter if you're not already and retweet this contest! Easy as that! :), The winner will be given the foundation along with a page of tips on how to apply it.

This foundation is one of my favorites, not only because it's not cakey and heavy, but also because it's ideal for all skin types and goes on smoothly with an air brush finish! It's longwearing, evens skin tone and has SPF 15. It offers weightless coverage while hydrating the skin giving it a supple, plump and clean feeling...

Do not miss this opportunity to win! Make sure you follow the contest steps by Friday or else you'll miss out!! Happy Holidays! :)

Jessica Perretti
Makeup Artist & Skincare Professional
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/pro_makeup_jess

Naples Makeup Artist Reviews Basic Do's & Dont's of Skincare!!

Let's face it, we ALL get breakouts, dry spots, wrinkles, no one has perfect skin! Not even celebrities (as much as they like to hide it)! Inevitably these flaws are still going to pop out every once in a while, but there are a few simple, basic steps that every man/woman can take to make sure they don't get out of control.

BREAKOUTS:

The absolute number one thing to remember when it comes to acne prone skin is to wash your face every night before bed!! Ideally, you want to wash it morning and night, but if you only have time to wash it once, do it at NIGHT! Throughout the day harsh pollutants and bacteria come into contact with our skin, makeup is also harmful. At night when we sleep our body heals itself from the day, including the skin. Washing all of the harmful radicals off at night aids your body in the healing of your skin. Sleeping in makeup can cause terrible breakouts and even causes women to wrinkle faster! Secondly, you should exfoliate about 3 times a week to give your skin a nice glow and eliminate all of the dead skin cells that can also lead to clogged pores. Finally, masks are a woman's best friend. They resurface skin, draw out dirt, oil and makeup, and can hydrate if you so choose. If you have clogged pores then a mask is your best friend (only use about 1-2 times per week).

WRINKLES:

Stay out of the sun!!! The best anti-aging technique is sunblock, I promise you! If you feel ugly without a tan like many women do, get a spray tan or use bronzer. Tanning beds are the worst catalyst for premature aging. Also, Make sure you keep your stress levels to a minimum. As a Naples Makeup Artist, I can get pretty stressed because of all the activity around here. I always make sure to give myself at least 5 minutes/day to relax and just breathe, letting all of my stress disappear. Stress can cause aging and deep set wrinkles.

DRY SPOTS:

Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!! Do not be too harsh on your skin, but if you have a peeling area or your skin in general is dry, exfoliate, tone and then moisturize with some type of emollient moisturizer, which draws moisture to the skin. A great one is Clinique's Moisture surge, it delivers moisture throughout the entire day to your skin, it's oil free and is in gel form so goes on very smooth! It's by far one of my favorites.

If you have any questions on skin care or makeup, feel free to email me :). I'm always happy to answer people's beauty needs!

JPB
Naples Makeup Artist
Follow me on twitter for more awesome articles & tips: http://twitter.com/pro_makeup_jess
email me at : jpb995@msn.com

Naples Makeup Artist Reviews NYC makeup: Foundation & Powder

As a Naples Makeup Artist I often get asked the question, "There are so many makeup lines and skincare products, how do I possibly choose what's right for me?!" Even I still struggle with what products to use and am constantly trying new things. My newest discovery is for women on a budget but still want something matte for pictures/oily skin, etc.

NYC has awesome foundations and powders that are perfect for pictures! And guess what?! They're only $2!!!! I do not recommend this product for women with sensitive skin, but if you're looking for a quick fix for pictures and something matte, NYC is the way to go! Their color line is also very pretty, however the pigments are not quite as strong as say a MAC, HIP or Dior shadow.

If you have any questions feel free to email me!

JPB
Naples Makeup Artist
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/pro_makeup_jess
email me at: jpb995@msn.com

Naples Makeup Artist Reveals Chanel Skincare secrets

Normally I go for the foaming cleansers like Olay or MAC green gel cleanser, but lately because of the winter weather change (although I live in Naples) and the air becoming dryer, I've found that my skin is starting to peel and become more dry. Being a Naples Makeup Artist I have access to many products and know a lot of skin care reps. My friend Antoinnette from Chanel suggested that I try their Precision micro beaded cleanser.

Not only is this cleanser hydrating and a pollution preventive, it also is oil and fragrance free. The soothing botanicals smooth and hydrate skin and the micro beads are gentle enough to use daily! It exfoliates and conditions skin at the same time.

The lotion of the line is PACKED with vitamins and minerals to give your skin all of the health it needs and all of the nutrients it's lacking. I highly recommend this product for women/men who are prone to breakouts but need a little moisture. Even if you're oily it's always good to moisturize. The more you dry out your skin, the more oil you'll produce ;).

If you have any questions feel free to email me! I would be happy to help you with your beauty needs :).

JPB
Naples Makeup Artist & Skincare Professional
follow me on twitter for more awesome tips and articles every day! http://twitter.com/pro_makeup_jess

email me at jpb995@msn.com

Naples Makeup Artist Recaps Wedding Event: Outside wedding makeup

As a Naples Makeup Artist I get A LOT of wedding business! Living in Southwest Florida is beautiful and so many women love getting married here :). Today I'm going to discuss the fundamentals for wedding makeup and some tricks on a beach or outdoor wedding that will keep your makeup looking flawless!

TIP #1:

My first and best kept secret is for foundation, since that seems to be the biggest problem among outside weddings. A GREAT trick is keeping your foundation in the fridge before your wedding, (whichever foundation you choose) the cold makes it stay longer/better, and the coolness on your skin feels great and also calms redness! Apply with a brush or sponge and blend making sure it's not "cakey."

TIP #2:

Finishing powder is a must! Try MAC mineralized finishing powder, it definitely helps the staying powder of your foundation, bronzer & blush. Apply this powder after your face makeup is complete.

TIP #3:

Highlighting powder works great for weddings. It gives the bride a nice glow and makes her look extremely elegant. Just apply it right along the cheek bone and up into the temples, LIGHTLY and see how when you turn in the light it gives a great glow and shimmer!

TIP #4:

Gel liner and Waterproof mascara are a must. Any other type of mascara or liner will run either from the heat outside or the tears of joy from becoming a new bride!

All of these tips are easy to follow, just make sure that you get the right products or have the right makeup artist doing your makeup. If you follow these simple guidelines you will already be ahead of most brides ;). If you have any questions feel free to email me or contact me on facebook or twitter!

JPB
Naples Makeup Artist
follow me on twitter for more awesome articles & tips: http://twitter.com/pro_makeup_jess
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jperretti
If you wish to book me or have questions, email me at: jpb995@msn.com

Naples Makeup Artist Compares Eye Liners: Gel, Liquid & Pencils

There are many specific reasons why certain liners should be worn while others are not appropriate. All three types come in handy for different occasions. Being a Naples makeup artist I am asked constantly which liner is better to use, which one's easiest, etc. The following details a list of advantages and disadvantages of each type of liner:

GEL

Advantages

• Easy to use
  
• Doesn't smudge
• virtually water/sweat proof
• makes a clean, crisp line
• Great for everyday wear

Disadvantages

• Cannot smudge for smokey look
• Can't use in waterline
• Too harsh for under eye line

LIQUID

Advantages

• Easier to use for some people
• Comes in great colors
• Quick

Disadvantages

• Crusts up throughout the day
• messy
• No crisp line
• Not waterproof

PENCIL

Advantages

• Great for Smokey Eye
• Can be used for waterline
• Smudges well under eye

Disadvantages

• No Bold colors
• runs throughout the day
• Drags eye (more harsh)

Gel is by far my favorite eye liner because it gets the job done and lasts all day. When you first put it on it dries instantly so will not be messy. MAC as well as Bobbi Brown make wonderful gel eye liners with appropriate brushes for application. If you have any questions feel free to email me :).

JPB
Naples Makeup Artist
Follow me on twitter for more tips and articles: http://twitter.com/pro_makeup_jess
If you wish to book me (preferably 2 weeks in advance) email me at: jpb995@msn.com

Naples Makeup Artist: Recent work :)

Naples Makeup Artist Talks on How to do Makeup: Expensive makeup vs. CVS?

As a Naples makeup artist I get asked all of the time, "Isn't the cheap stuff just the same as the expensive? I keep hearing that in department stores you're just paying for the packaging!"

Well, for some products this is absolutely true. Mostly when it comes to the colored makeup (shadows, lipsticks, etc.) this is definitely true. Although some expensive lines have more pigments in their colors, drug store color can work just as well. There are some new shadows that HIP and NYC just came out with that are absolutely amazing!

HOWEVER, when it comes to skin care, foundations, bronzers, powders, etc. it ABSOLUTELY is better to go for the more expensive brand. For example, I'm sure you've all seen Garnier commercials that tell you with their new anti-wrinkle line they can get rid of 30% of your wrinkles! That's NOTHING! With proper diet and natural exfoliation you can get rid of 30% on your own... What really works are products like ELEMIS and DIOR that get rid of 80% of lines over time AND resurface the skin for more permanent affect!
Bronzers are often orangy and break easily when they are drug store ones, where as higher end ones are more of a bronze and look more natural on the skin! Same goes for foundations.

Ingredients are key when it comes to cheap vs. more expensive. In the end what price can you really put on your skin? If you have any questions feel free to email me, I love helping people and answering questions :).

JPB
Naples Makeup Artist
Follow me on twitter for more articles and awesome tips: http://twitter.com/pro_makeup_jess
If you wish to book me (preferably 2 weeks in advance) at: jpb995@msn.com

Slide Show of Current Makeup Work

Even If you just need help and don't have an event, check out this slide show and feel free to email me if you have questions on any of the looks! I'm always happy to help :)

JPB
Naples Makeup Artist
Follow me on twitter for more awesome articles and tips: http://twitter.com/pro_makeup_jess
Email me on questions or if you wish to book me :): jpb995@msn.com

Naples Makeup Artist Discusses Lash Growth: Less expensive alternative to Lash growth!!

One of the most amazing products that everyone is talking about is Latisse. Latisse is a product (available through your doctor or plastic surgeon) that grows length and thickens your lashes! As a Naples makeup artist I am aware of all the new and hip products on the market, and my clients trust me to give them a true testimony.

Latisse is an AMAZING product that does work! I have many friends/clients that tried it, loved it and continue to use it. However, Latisse can be expensive for the average consumer and has an interesting side effect: dying your lids a shade of gray. Will this happen to everyone? Of course not! But, it's something to consider. A Naples makeup artist should know about every product that WORKS, regardless of price and hype.

A GREAT alternative to expensive lash growers is LANCOME's brand NEW vibrating primer. Technically it's not "meant" to grow your lashes, but the primer contains all of the ingredients (in smaller doses) that grows and thicken lashes. After using this primer I have discovered longer lashes on their own, not just from wearing mascara! Although, if you do partner this with mascara your lashes will look much longer instantly!

Try it! Ask your local makeup artist or email me and I'd be happy to answer any questions about this product, any makeup or skin care!

JPB
Naples Makeup Artist
follow me on twitter for more great tips! - http://twitter.com/pro_makeup_jess
If you wish to book me (preferably 2 weeks in advance) email me at: jpb995@msn.com

Naples Makeup Artist Talks on Skin Care: Clarisonic

When it comes to skin care products I have tried EVERYTHING. As a Naples Makeup Artist I get offered samples of tons of products in order to write reviews and tell my clients about certain companies that make the best skin care. Recently I tried the Clarisonic Skin Care System for five days straight. The product claims to clean your skin 6 times better than normal cleansing. The bristles move at 300 times as fast as normal cleansing and have circular motions that cleanse deeply within your pores, removing months of dirt and build up.
Over the Past five days I have noticed a significant difference in the smoothness and texture of my skin. Not only does my skin feel amazingly clean after I use it, but I also notice smoothness and and a beautiful glow. The Clarisonic removes dead skin cells so there is no need to use exfoliating cleansers with it. Simply apply your favorite cleanser on your skin and to the brush, press the button and slowly glide over your skin as if you were washing your face with an electric toothbrush! I recommend this product to anyone that cares about their skin ;)!
Feel free to email me with any questions, I love answering your questions :).

JPB
Naples Makeup Artist
Follow me on twitter for more awesome articles and tips!- http://twitter.com/pro_makeup_jess
If you wish to book me (preferably 2 weeks in advance) email me at: jpb995@msn.com

Naples Makeup Artist Talks About Eye Makeup: Matching Your Eye Color

The trick to eye makeup is getting the right shades of shadow for your eye color. Being a Naples makeup artist I constantly get asked whether you should match your shadow to what you're wearing that day, which is a good thing to do, however when it comes to every day makeup matching your clothes is not the best tactic. The key to applying correct eye makeup is coordinating the colors with your eye color. Here is a list of colors that work well with the following eye colors:

1. Brown - Blue and Green shadows work well to make brown eyes POP! Gold can also intensify the yellow/gold tint in a brown eye
2. Blue - Shades of brown and darker grays are the best color for a blue eye. They intensify the blue/teal pigments.
3. Green - Same rules apply for green as for blue, however I would experiment with golds on a green eye as they compliment green beautifully!
4. Hazel - Lucky people with Hazel eyes can wear all different kinds of colors, depending on which shade they are trying to intensify.

The concept is simple once you get it down pat :)! This does NOT mean that you can't wear the other colors recommended for different eye colors, it only means that these colors are what make the color stand out the most. If you have any questions feel free to email me!

JPB
Naples Makeup Artist
Follow me on twitter for more awesome articles and tips!- http://twiiter.com/pro_makeup_jess
If you wish to book me (preferably 2 weeks in advance) email me at: jpb995@msn.com

Naples Makeup Artist Discusses 3 Lab skin care - CELEBRITY SECRET!

As a Naples makeup artist I get asked constantly about proper skin care and what a good line is to use. There are many great skin care lines (Elemis, Osmotics, Advanced Tech). All of these skin care lines use high end ingredients but cost more than the average drug store product. Drug store products CAN WORK, however you're not going to get the same results. Some of my clients even go as far as La Prairie which is extremely expensive and is a gamble as to whether it works or not!
The line that a lot of celebrities are using now a days is called 3 lab! 3 Lab is great for all different skin types, whether you're young and having oil and acne problems, to being middle aged and older worrying about wrinkles and dry skin. Although expensive, the product really does work and I have several clients that have given great testimonials about it!
A fellow Naples makeup artist has been using it for years and she said it saved her skin! Women in their 60's and 70's use it and always tell me how they have noticed a severe reduction in the number of wrinkles! Go to any Nordstrom and sample some before actually buying it and see the results for yourself!

JPB
Naples Makeup Artist
follow me on twitter for more awesome tips and articles!- http://twitter.com/pro_makeup_jess
If you wish to book me (preferably 2 weeks in advance) email me at: jpb995@msn.com