Primers

Everyone always wonders if a primer is really necessary. Well first lets talk about what a primer does. Primers even out the texture of the skin, keep the makeup smooth and flawless, add longevity to the makeup, and protect the moisture loss. Some MUA's always use primer to prep the skin before applying foundation. Silicone based primers are great for sensitive skin because they protect the skin from the products that may cause breakout. Primers are help fill enlarged pores, scars, fine lines, and wrinkles.

The correct way to apply a primer is to use a sponge or a brush. I prefer to use the 190 from MAC. Only use about a pea size amount, and build as necessary.

There are several awesome primers for your face as well as your eyes. Prep n prime face from MAC is wonderful and the Urban Decay Primer Potion or Mac Paint Pots great for the eyes. They will allow your products to last 8 to 12 hours, without absorbing into your skin or creasing.

My favorite for eyes is groundwork. Its a darker nude shade that you can where with everything, for lighter shades i recommend soft orche or painterly.

Hope this helps :0)

The Real Shelf-Life of Your Makeup

Makeup Expiration Dates Exposed

October 21st, 2010 by Beauty Schools Directory
When was the last time you cleaned out your make-up bag? Do you have any idea of what’s hiding in there? Eye shadow from high school…and you’ve been out for almost 10 years?

Unfortunately, most of our make-up doesn’t offer the convenience of a makeup expiration date like the items in our pantry or fridge. So it’s important to make a mental note to periodically rid your bag of old make-up. Why? Old make-up can be dry, clumpy and not wear as well on your face, but most importantly expired make-up can play host to a plethora of bacteria.

As you read this list of makeup expiration dates go through your make-up bag and if it doesn’t make the cut–toss it!

The shelf-life of make-up:

• Mascara & eyeliner—3 months
• Powders and eye shadows—2 years
• Cream eye shadows—12 to 18 months
• Foundation—1 year
• Lipstick—1 year
• Nail polish—1 year
• Make-up brushes—Clean weekly by using warm water and mild hand soap
• Make-up sponges—Replace weekly

An exception to these makeup expiration dates is if you experience an eye infection. Always throw away your mascara, eyeliner and even eye shadow, or you’ll let the infection come back!

So, there you go! Inspiration to go clean out your make-up bag tonight. What’s the scariest find or oldest find you’ve dug out of a make-up bag?

NEW VIDS

hey guys lately I have been getting alot of requests for make up tutorial videos. I have a few in the works. Stay posted!!!

www.melissaduran.com

Discontinued Products

There's so many amazing products that are produced every season, however many times they are limited edition and or available for a limited time. This is how companies test products to see if clients like them or if the products are going to sit and expire on the shelves. If you absolutely LOVE something get two !!! Its hard to find products after they are gone. Not all products are gone forever though. Several Manufacturer you can contact directly via customer service or their websites. There are a couple that i can immidately go to and search that normally i have good luck with..... Makeupalley.com, Beautyencounter.com, Ebay, Amazon, and my fave Threecustom.com. Once a month i have to replenish my freelance kit, so i frequent discount stores like Ross, T J Maxx, and Big Lots. I have stumbled upon Dove Facial Wipes, Loreal Liquid Liner in Noir Black (which is the best liner ever). 2000 lash mascara at Big Lots!!! Great finds there !!!

So Don't Worry.... I recently ran out of my Mineralize SkinFinish in Sunny By Nature and I thought i was going to die when i could see the silver pan under my product. So i started doing my research and i was able to swap for it on Makeupalley. !! YAY!!!!

Hoarding can be an issue.... But unopened beauty products can last for years .... So good luck being reunited with the products you LOVE .....

BRUSHES

m definately obsessed with brushes! I have a couple favorites that i cant live without. The #195 for MAC is definately one of them. I use it to apply the eye shadow base first before the shadow. Its a firmer brush so it really gives you a nice strong color deposit for your base. Depending on the color shadow, you canalso use it immdiately after for your shadow application. Because of its tapered edges its also great to apply concealer on any blemishes and perfect a winged out liner. I also use it when creating the perfect red lip. It allows you to get a sharp, crisp edge without having to do it with with a lipliner.

Heres so really cool information on brushes....article that shows how the brushes are made:

http://make.pingmag.jp/2008/02/06/hak..