Category: Shaquira bonilla

Wedding Makeup: Do’s and Don’t’s

Wedding makeup, Where do we start?

Wedding Makeup is one of my favorite types of makeup, but also one of the most stressful. Now don’t get me wrong, the makeup isn’t the stressful part, the preparation, working in a room filled with best friends, parents, aunts etc. who feel that they know what would look best and time restrain. That is the stressful part.

The psychology:

First thing to remember about wedding makeup is that it’s all about the bride! I hate when people say; oh she was a bridezilla… No, it’s her day and everything needs to be perfect.  Can you really blame someone for getting extra excited? (weather angry, happy or sad.) When it’s (what they feel) the most important day of their life. Think about it, tensions are high as well as emotions, so any little thing can set anyone off. I get it. That is why I remember always to treat my brides and their wedding party with the highest respect and with the most care I can possible give, from the Mother of the bride to the flower girl, (and especial the bride) everyone should feel like they just got pampered. That should be your goal.

 

Preparation:

The easiest  way to be the best wedding makeup artist, is to always be prepared. I teach my students to expect the unexpected. To be prepared you would need basic things like: Doing a makeup trial with the bride and drawing up a face chart with the look and details of all the items used. You’ll need to add to your wedding makeup kit: band aids,  safety pins, bobby pins, hair ties, visine or contact solution, needle and thread, makeup remover, scissors, and extra makeup palettes just in case an unexpected person wants their makeup done differently from the wedding party.

A contract should be drawn up, it’s for their benefit and yours, you can find outlines of contract online and tweak them for every bride.

 

It’s important that your preparation includes a cleaned well maintained kit.  I cannot tell you how many events I’ve been to where  makeup artist aren’t ready. Artist show up with their brushes dirty, their kits a mess, and their eye shadow palettes dusty. This is unacceptable! The bride is paying well for your services, therefore giver her your best.

You’ll need: regular foundation, airbrush foundation in every range or enough colors to mix to custom create new colors. Last but not least Patience. I also suggest to request for the bride to choose the makeup for the bridesmaid, it makes it easier for you and  for a faster application, also it keeps anyone from trying to out shine the bride.

 

Application:

If you did a face chart and have communicated well with your bride, this step should be easy! Most makeup artist tell me that their biggest concern is that the bride won’t like the makeup. This should not be a problem, keep in mind most bride research before they call you, which means, they’ve already seen your talent and called you because they liked your makeup style the best. Be at ease they already think you are amazing, you came prepared, you’ve done a trial and now it’s just application time.

 

How to apply wedding makeup:

  1. Moisturize:

    A well moisturize skin will make any makeup look amazing! Hydration is key. If you are a licensed skin care specialist  advise your client moths in advance on what skin care regiment they should follow. You can double up your profit offering multiple services like: facials, waxing, and even spray tanning.

  2. Primer:

    A great primer will keep the makeup looking fresh all day. There are tons of primers in the market; from primers that help with the appearance of the skin, rosacea, discoloration, dryness etc. Most imperfections can be corrected with concealers and hd foundations; what you cannot correct with makeup is the appearance of fine lines and large pores, that’s why I recommend a silicone primer that can help with these problems.

  3. HD Foundation and concealers:

    A good high quality foundation can help cover most imperfections and give you a long lasting finish result without it feeling too heavy. If you want a good argument, bring up concealer and foundation and which one should go first. All makeup artist have their own opinion, and that’s all it is an opinion, because it’s up to you! In my opinion, I feel it’s best to do foundation first. Clients will always tell you that what they hate the most is foundation because it feels heavy. The truth, it’s not the foundation, it’s the amount of foundation and concealer and powder. I always do foundation first, if my foundation didn’t cover all imperfections then I add concealer. However if you have a good quality HD foundation that would be all you need.

  4. Setting powder:

    Setting your makeup is extremely important. There are a few thing you should take into consideration: Is she oily? If your client is oily then you have to use a setting powder. Does your client have dry skin? If she does then you might want to skip the powder, if not she might look too dry. Now what powder should you use?

  5. Difference Between powder:

    Translucent powder, HD powder, and touch up powder. Translucent powder, is powder without color, it could be used to set makeup and also to bake in areas where you want to highlight.  HD powder is fine and thin and it’s made to seal makeup. However if you use too much of this powder it will show up in pictures. Touch up powder is the compact powder. Compact powder either come in your shade or translucent. These powders are meant for the model to carry with them to touch up shine through the day. I mostly used the Becca Hydra Mist – set and refresh

  6. Eye shadow primer and eye shadow application:

    Just like face primer, eye shadow primer is essential. Eye shadow primer will keep your clients eye shadow lasting all day. The same way a good eye shadow will help with the longevity of the makeup of your client. Make sure you blend, when eye shadow isn’t blended correctly it will look harsh on camera.

  7. Eyebrows and eyelashes:

    Eyebrows frame the face, they are such an important part of the makeup. Women sometimes are afraid of adding eyebrow products, you have to remind your customer that for picture purpose dark brows are best. Eyelashes might not be everyone cup of tea, but they add so much glamour to any makeup look. If your client can handle them suggest that they should wear them. Always add mascara and make sure that it is water proof.

  8. Lipstick:

    The lipstick is the jewel of the makeup, the bright pop of color to bring everything together. Make sure the lipstick you use compliments the rest of the makeup.

  9. Setting Spray:

    This is the last step on this makeup adventure, the one item that will set all the makeup and your last security measure to make sure the makeup will last all day.

Lastly, remember that wedding makeup, is makeup. Remember the rules you already know, make sure it’s camera ready and set it that it will last all day. Most importantly, you may know what’s right and best for the customer, but listen to your customer do what she asks  and make sure they’re happy.

I hope these do’s and don’t’s and 9 makeup tips help you in your journey as a wedding makeup artist.

I want to thank all these beautiful brides, first for letting me be a part of their special day and second for providing all these beautiful photos. If you are interested in my makeup services, you can reach me on the contact page.

The Best Pop Beauty Highlighters For The Holiday Season

This post is sponsored by Pop Beauty. These products were sent to me by Pop Beauty but all my opinions are my own.

Pop Beauty Highlighters

Prismatic Pop

pop beauty highlighters

Hello beauty Addicts, let’s talk about Pop Beauty Highlighters.

Today I want to talk to you about these beautiful pop beauty highlighters. I receive these in the mail as a PR package for me to try, but my opinions are my own.

First of all, once I saw this package I was in love them and how the package looks like a candy when you open it, and that  rocks!

pop beauty highlighters

Second, who can go wrong with highlighters? I love highlight the more the better, I want to look like a glazed doughnut all the time… don’t you?

The package came with four beautiful colors In shades ranging from light to dark.

Shades:
Stellar light
Gilded light
Celestial light
Lunar light

pop beauty highlighters

They’re calling these highlighters prismatic pop, they are beautiful colors ranging from Golden to silver and even reddish pink tones.

They claim these are light reflecting illuminators, and  they’re going to help you express your luminous glow to the world and I agree.

pop beauty highlighters

What I personally liked about these highlighters is that they are a creamy texture and it does not look powdery. These highlighters feel like butter on the skin and look velvety smooth. When on the skin they look like they are part of your skin rather than something on top of your skin.  As a result, this made these highlighters stand out for me.

pop beauty highlighters

Most of all I love the quantity and quality of the product with the price of the product as well, at only $12 these highlighters won’t break the bank.

To conclude my rant I like to say that these highlighters are great! They are a great value and go on amazing on the skin. So, should you try these highlighters? I say do it,  you will not regret it.

pop beauty highlighters

Thank you for stopping by! For more pictures of these babies and pictures of me wearing them, check out my Instagram @beautybyshaq.

 

Wet-N-Wild Pro Brush Set

Hello Beauty Addicts

Welcome back to Beauty By Shaq!

Today I wanted to talk you about the new Wet-N-Wild Pro Brush set for the holidays.

Let me tell you a bit about them first:

. It’s cruelty free

. Densely packed, ultra-soft bristles

. Synthetic bristles mimic the consistency of natural hair

. Ergonomic handle for total control

My favorite thing about them is the ergonomic dip, it makes it so easy to use the brushes. Their hair is soft but still firm, and that’s why I think they are a good buy.

You can find them at Walgreens, it usually retails for $30, but this week if you have their rewards card you get them 50% off.

I first saw the pro brush set when I went into Walgreen’s for an errand I had to run. The Wet-N-Wild makeup brushes were front and center. It was like they were calling my name, I had to go to them and check them out!

The Wet-N-Wild Pro Brush set which includes 10 brushes, was advertised for $30 with a value of $90. I thought this was a great deal, so much so that I told my son that if he wanted that was something he could buy me for Christmas.

As I went on with my day I didn’t think much of the brushes. Later I start surfing through Instagram, one of my favorite accounts @trenmood1 they were  talking about the brushes. I read the description and it says they are 50% off 😮! Online or in store, but online had already sold out!

I worried a little and wondered if I should go and get it .. it was late at night, instead I waited and went first thing in the morning.

I teach at a Beauty school and of course I shared the news with the Students and by 12pm it was sold out from the two Walgreens by my Job! Lol!! If you can find it, you should definitely go get them!

Needless to say the Wet-N-Wild Pro Brush Set is worth the money, are great quality and beautiful!

Half Skull & Half Glam Halloween Makeup

Hello Beauty Addicts!
Welcome back to Beautybyshaq!
Today I bring you this awesome look for Halloween!
I wanted to create a few looks this October, some ideas you could use this festive season, for parties or even trick or treating!!
I wanted to start by sharing the products I used, and links so you can find them easy!
First thing I used is 3rd degree:
This is a 2 part silicone prosthetic material, that when mixed together, you have about ten minutes to shape and mold into what you would like before it gets hard and stays that way! This product while is still wet, you can blend and clean off  with 99% alcohol.
If you don’t have this product, don’t panic! you can still create this look without it! Simply using gel blood for the division or nothing at all! It will still look great and people will be talking about your makeup all night!
Next I used my favorite eye shadow primer at the moment.. this one is from sephora it’s their eye shadow primer and Glitter hold! 
another of my favorite products and one of my favorite brands it’s this Highlight and Contour palette from Crown brush. This palette come with neutral eye shadows and highlighters, bronzer and blushes! definitely a must have in your bag of tricks.
also from crown this amazing trio palette !
Omg i’ts all I use lately!
Another of my favorite brands (seriously i use it all the time) it’s Ofra Cosmetics.
In this tutorial I used their Bright addiction palette and as always their Black gel eye liner.

(more pictures of the look)
In this tutorial I used my Kat VonD foundation (in shade 62) which is full coverage long wear and tattoo cover up.
I love it because it covers all! I also used her Everlasting liquid lipstick in outlaw.

I use my BenNye cameo loose powder, I love how these powders set my makeup.

My latest addiction the Mary-Lou Manizer from The Balm.

For the face painting part of this look I used Mehron Paradise Makeup in Black White and LT-Brown
Last but definitely not least my Thick Blood from Bennye.
Of course all these products are amazing, but you can totally get this look using stuff you already have or things from the nearest pharmacy or Walmart.
The important thing is to have fun recreating this and other looks and rocking them out or have your own privet photo shoot! lol! If you do recreate this or any of my looks tag me on Instagram or email me or leave it here on my comments!
Have fun!

Need a make-up artist? Contact Shaquira at makeupbyshaq@aol.com or 786.879.2346

Eyeliner Tips & Tricks

Hello Beauty Addicts!!!
The question I’m most frequently ask is:
How do you apply your eyeliner?
Followed by:
How do you make it last all day?
Which bring me to creating this post!
Eyeliner is one of the most flattering things you can achieve with makeup, Eyeliner can make your eye look:
Lifted
Awake
Larger
Smaller
Seductive
Conservative 
and the list goes on and on!
So how do I apply my eyeliner? I’ll tell you, first you need to know my favorite type of eyeliner to use is Gel Eyeliner, It has the most smooth application and the darkest pigmentation.
People always say to me when I tell them that, that they don’t know how to apply it, they’ve only used pencil or liquid. Well I’m here to tell you that you are over thinking it! It’s just as simple, all you need is to find the right brush!
here are some examples:
Flat Eyeliner brush                                               Thin Eyeliner brush (perfect for liquid)    
 
My two favorites:
Round tip eyeliner brush                                                                                 Angled eyeliner brush
I think for beginners the bottom 2 are perfect, the round tip would be perfect for those pencil user, and the angled just gives you an advantage because of it’s shape.
I start my eyeliner on the outer corner of the eye and take it up as high as I want it
Then from the top of that line I go down on an angle, making it thinner to about the middle of the eye
then I start again at the inner corner of the eye until it meets up with the rest of the line

and then you should have a perfect Eyeliner with a bit of a cat eye. The higher you take the first line, the cattier the eyeliner.
For the second question (how do I make it last) it comes down to two things, either the brand of eyeliner or by setting the eyeliner. Some brands of eyeliner are great and will make it last all day (my favorite brands will be at the bottom of the post)! some not so much but once you set it, it shouldn’t go anywhere.
How to set it:
Here are 2 ways to set an eyeliner.
#1. after you apply your eyeliner, take your brush and dip it on a black eye shadow (or whatever color you are using)
Then go over the line with the powder. 
That will set the cream, gel, liquid or pencil, and should make it last longer.
or you can buy and eyeliner sealer
These work the same way and there’s two ways of using them. 
You can do just like I said above (dip the brush and then go over the line) or dip the brush on the sealer then on an eye shadow and then create the line. That’s perfect for people who don’t have many eyeliners and want to try different colors.
Now (as every makeup artist does) I have my favorite brands for smudge proof, water proof eyeliners:
L’Oreal has one of my favorite gel liners around $9.99
you can find it at Walgreens, CVS, Ulta, and some supermarkets.
Inglot lasts all day and come in a variety of colors! They have Inglot store here in FL at Aventura Mall and in downtown Miami and it cost about $14.00 
Milani is the one I use everyday! because is extreamly waterproof , some may not like that but I love it!
you can also find it at Walgreens, CVS, Ulta, and some supermarkets for only $6.00
 Make Up Forever, one of the leaders in makeup, has an eyeliner that is smooth and long lasting.
you can find this at Makeupforever.com or at spehora and it cost $18
And last but not least Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliners. Long lasting and smooth! available at Urbandecay.com & Sephoras for $19.00
I hope these tips, tricks, pictures and websites have helped you!
I would love to hear from you!!! 
What’s your favorite Eyeliner?
Have you bought any of these? did you like it?
Send me pictures of how your eyeliner came out after you tried my way, I would love to see it!!
Once again thank you Beauty Addicts!
Need a make-up artist? Contact Shaquira at makeupbyshaq@aol.com or 786.879.2346