Brand Spotlight: Make Up Forever

In the magical year of 1984, the Make Up For Ever cosmetic line was created by sculptor and painter, Dany Sanz. Since the 1970s, Dany's Parisian Makeup Academy has taught makeup application that range from basic to advanced stage effects. Because of the quality of her makeup formulas and special techniques, her services as a makeup artist were high in demand. Later, she was able to create a line of quality cosmetics available to the public.

Why I LOVE this brand:

My career fantasy is to be a makeup artist for music artists and bands. I love to be creative and to transform people. Make Up Forever is perfect for photo shoots and television because they offer their HD Generation collection. This line of complexion perfection (includes foundation, primer, concealer and powder) makes skin look flawless on camera no matter how close up your close-up is. They also provide a large selection of matte colors for eyes, face and lips.

Make Up For Ever is also perfect for live gigs thanks to their long lasting, highly pigmented formulas. They carry the widest selection of waterproof cosmetics I've ever seen. Their Face and Body Liquid Makeup ($38) is a super light weight water-based gel is long lasting and waterproof. Their Aqua eyes eyeliner ($17) comes in 25 shades, Aqua Creamliner ($20) has 6 shades. Tested by professional synchronized swimmers, Pro Waterproof Eyeliner is only available in black at Make Up For Ever boutiques. To top it off, (as if their makeup wasn't awesome enough already) Make Up For Ever carries a sealer for face and eyes.

All fantasies aside, I love Make Up For Ever because of the quality and selection. My favorite formulas of makeup to use are cream, gel and liquid. Major department store brands only offer a few colors of these textures. With Make Up For Ever, I don't have to bounce around from counter to counter to get every color of cream shadow I want.

Here is a list of my favorite Make Up For Ever products:

Face:

• HD Invisible Cover Foundation $40
• HD Microperfecting Primer $32
• UV Prime SPF/PA+++ $30
• 5 Camouflage Cream Palette (available in 3 intensities) $36
• Face & Body Liquid Makeup $38
• Mist & Fix $8-$27

Eyes:

• Aqua Creamliner $20
• Pure Pigments $19
• Matte Eye Shadow $19
• Aqua Black Waterproof Cream Eye Shadow $22
• Smokey Lash $22

Lips:

• Matte Lipstick $19
• Aqua Lip Waterproof Lipliner Pencil $17
• Glossy Full $20

Marissa's Pick of the Week

La Base Pro by Lancome (www.lancome-usa.com, $42) is a must have for anyone who wears foundation. I have La Base Pro at home and in my freelance box. This silicone based makeup primer is oil free and has a satiny smooth texture.

Using a makeup base is important to keep your skin healthy. The benefits of adding this extra step to your makeup routine are worth the end result. Not only does this oil free formula help to reduce shine, but the silicone sets a canvas on top of your skin to prevent your foundation from absorbing into your pores. Think of La Base Pro as a shield filling in pores and fine lines so nothing can slip through the cracks. Your makeup color stays truer longer, while your skin stays protected.

Applying La Base Pro is very easy, but there are some tricks that will help you love this product even more. One pump is enough for your entire face. It may not seem like it, but its silky consistency spreads well.

1. Pump the product onto one hand.
2. Dip a finger from the opposite hand into the base only acquiring a small amount, then blot on your forehead.
3. Repeat this again dotting your cheeks and chin.
4. Using your index and middle finger gently blend the base with a light touch until you getthe coverage you desire. Try to be as quick as possible without rubbing too hard.
5. Wait 60 seconds before applying the foundation of your choice.

If you see rolling ( the product collecting and rolling off your skin), there may be one of a few things wrong.

• you are rubbing it in too hard
• you are taking too long to apply the product and it's starting to dry while you are still blending
• you didn't wait long enough before applying foundation
• you didn't cleanse tone and moisturize your face before applying La Base Pro
• you need to exfoliate using a face scrub or pad

La Base Pro is safe for all skin types and great for all foundations (including mineral makeup). I use it on myself and all my clients. I personally would rather not wear foundation than wear foundation without a makeup primer.