Dermatologic Cosmetic Labroatories - Makeup Artist Must-Haves for Perfect Skin

Carley Martin - Makeup Artist 

                                 

"Oooohh that feels good, what is that?"  This is the best reaction you can get after you have applied your skincare to a model who has been working for years.  Believe me, in the fashion industry, there is a plethora of cult products floating around that are used as secret weapons; I have a few of my own I would like to share with you.

I first found Dermatologic Cosmetic Laboratories  after a personal visit to the esthetician; I was in search of an affordable, powerful addition to my current skincare routine that would help my skin's appearance.  My first purchase was the 20% glycolic acid...it was love at first use!   From then on, I explored a lot of their products for personal use, but better yet - how to incorporate them in various scenarios as a professional, freelance makeup artist to improve makeup applications!

DCL Skincare

Good skin equals smooth makeup.  Troubled skin equals a stressed makeup artist.  Whether you are a soon to be bride, a fashion model, or a corporate powerhouse, skin texture issues like dehydration, excessive oil production, sun-spots, severe acne, congested pores, fine lines, and wrinkles can make your makeup look cakey, and take a toll on your self confidence.

Here are some tips on using DCL products to enhance makeup application.

OIL-FREE ULTRA LIGHT HYDRATOR and the QUICK RECOVERY POST-TREATMENT CREAM are a dream! The Light Hydrator is great for hydrating skin that produces excess oil. Oily skin still needs moisture!  If foundation is applied on skin that not been moisturized, it can appear patchy and uneven.   The Cream is a beautifully rich moisturizer that hydrates and soothes even the driest of skin.  This is great for an artist to keep in their kits for those harsh winter months.  It creates the most ideal skin texture for applying foundation! They can also be mixed with foundation for a perfect, sheer tinted moisturizer!

My skincare must-haves and my brushes

HYDRATING SERUM
This is like pure gold.  So many people suffer from surface dehydration for environmental or chemical aggressors. This serum is like giving your skin a big drink of water. What I love about it is that it absorbs quickly as well, so there is no greasy film after you apply it.  It provides the perfect amount of "slip".

Beautiful, smooth hydrated skin

HYDRATING TREATMENT MASK
I keep this in my bridal makeup kit for my female clients who are about to get married and the stress of a wedding has caused their skin to act erratically. It feels amazing while it's on, and skin is plump and ready for airbrush makeup once its off and skin is moisturized.

MULTI-ACTION PENTA PEEL
If skin is congested and has not been properly exfoliated, then the dead skin cells will become visible once foundation is applied.  Even with the use of a proper moisturizer and primer, the skin can be rough to the touch, and dull looking.  These peel pads are amazing for unblocking those clogged pores! It's strong enough to be effective, but gentle enough most people can tolerate. Plus you can neutralize it with water - easy breezy!

Glowing skin

EYE REFINING MATRIX
I love using this eye gel before applying concealer. It preps the eye area with a light moisture and the gel smooths fine lines so concealer doesn't get caught.


These are just a few products that I have integrated into my makeup kit for professional use; I also use their entire line for my personal skincare routine.  I'm so thrilled to have found such a diverse effective skincare line.  If you are interested in purchasing products or learning more, visit http://dclskincare.com/

Behind the scenes

Gold Motel

I ALWAYS enjoy working with musicians... here is a shot of the very talented band Gold Motel from Chicago Magazine shot by Brian Kuhlman. The lead singer is normally very low key for her shows letting her naturally curly hair go, but I talked her (and the rest of the creative team) to going for more of a glamorous look to suit! Such a fun day, and check out their music here:
GOLD MOTEL

Behind the Scenes for upcoming editorial with Fashion Photographer David Leslie Anthony

Fashion stylist Jessica Moazomi and I worked together to create a look for an upcoming editorial. She posted some great behind the scene pictures on HER BLOG that I wanted to share!

Photographer David Leslie Anthony.
Hair & Make-up: Carley Martin.
Nails: Rashida B.
Model: Gwen at Factor Woman
Assistant Photographer: Neal Agustin

FarmHouse Fresh Products

I first read about Farmhouse Fresh Goods in one of my many magazines that I got through every month. I was already looking for an amazing body oil (I'm on an oil kick!) that was moisturizing but light and didn't get all over my sheets...not to mention Chicago winters suck all the moisture out of your skin. BAM! There it was...Agave Nectar Ageless Body Oil . It smells light and airy, and literally seems to absorb as soon as it hits your skin. I also layer the Backcountry Caramel body milk. I looove the combo..my skin has never been softer!








From the website:
96% natural Vegan NOT Gluten Free (has barley extract)
If you love a deep-soaking, luscious after-shower body oil, Agave Nectar will love you back! The scent is heavenly light - an oat/milk scent (comparable to a to-die-for tiramisu dessert) that women and men alike adore. But it's so much more than a body oil. Made with a special blend of extracts tested and proven to reduce the rate of your skin's water loss - one of the culprits in signs of aging. Barley, Sandalwood and Amurense bark combine with Agave Nectar and a blend of natural oils to deeply hydrate without a greasy afterfeel. This bottle of glistening comfort even turns white in the water, so any droplets on your clothing or sheets remove clean in the wash. No staining. How brilliant!




"97.5% natural Vegan Gluten Free
A sultry caramel dream! If you simply can't get enough of a warm, sleepy, vanilla-cinnamon scent, get ready for your next obsession! Our best-selling Sweet Cream Body Milk has been infused with a golden-caramel fragrance that rivals the finest creme brulee. The feel is light, and it pours like milk, but make no mistake this silky vegetable-based lotion will keep skin soft throughout the entire day. Made with our special blend of natural oils for maximum hydration.

Choose from our beautiful glass cruet with a handle for pouring or our more functional glass bottle with pump. Both make adorable gifts! Sold in a decorative box that reads "Our Cows Eat Cookies."

97.5% natural and like all FarmHouse Fresh products, Backcountry Caramel is Paraben & Sulfate free."

I also have enjoyed using their hand creams, both Whoopie Pie (smells really sweet...literally like frosting..I kind of thought it was a little strong so I wouldn't use is before doing makeup on clients). But the Fluffy Bunny is amazing, and made my nails and cuticle look great too!



So once I was saw the body oil, I started researching about this company, Farmhouse Fresh. I have an affinity for farms because my family has had a 575 acre farm off a lake in the plains of Kansas.

Here is a little excerpt from their site:

Life- Under a Canopy of Magic Trees
At FarmHouse Fresh, we dream, develop and hand assemble exquisite gifts that bring delight with every use. Whimsical. Nostalgic. Giftable to even your finickiest friends.

Each product is 88% - 99.6% natural, and Paraben & Sulfate FREE. Many of our products are also Vegan and Gluten Free. Click here to see a full chart.

All in all - amazing products that delivery, and also make great gifts because the packing is very high end and adorably adorned with cute pictures. Enjoy!

Just guess...

Which magazine this was for!! LOL :) Nothing like kicking off the Holiday season with a Holiday Bunny shoot!

Bridal Transformation

Stephanie is a natural beauty, so that makes my job very easy! We airbrushed her skin to make sure it looked even and last all day. Eva Longoria was our inspiration...I think we nailed it on the head.

I loved hanging out with her friends and family for the day; their pictures turned out gorgeous! Here are a few images. Enjoy! Many thanks fo Two Birds photography for their images.

Chicago Based Designer, Nora Del Busto

I had the pleasure of doing makeup for this Chicago based designer for one of the Chicago Fashion Week shows. Can't wait until her career blows up! Such a sweet person. www.noradelbusto.com/

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Molly Mesnick and Trista Sutter of Bachelor and Bachelorette

I recently had the pleasure of styling the hair for these two lovely ladies. They auctioned off pieces of clothing worn on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette to benefit the American Red Cross, and the after party at Rockit was a smashing success. Barry Brecheisen took pictures of the night, and I saw a few posted on Edrop-Off's facebook page! There were TV crews there filming for a reality tv show to be aired on Vh1...look out for me!

Their gorgeous jewelry was courtesy of Blue Nile.

Walgreens In-Store Ads

Well I've been wondering when the Walgreens photo-shoot that I assisted the lovely Nicole Cap was going to start popping up, and finally I saw it today! This was from a little over a year ago in a big fake Walgreens warehouse... Pretty weird.

Yelp Review

Tiffany Graydon was probably one of my favorite brides of all time...we just clicked! Not only was she absolutely beautiful, but a kind hearted girl to the core. Here's her amazing review she wrote for me on Yelp!

Chicago, IL

4/28/2011

I honestly don't know where to start. Carley is professional, amazingly talented and full of personality. Just a pleasure to work with-I fear the day I can't afford her because the rest of the world discovered her talents! I brought Carley on to work her magic on my wedding day. I honestly didn't know anyone good in the city and was fearful of the heavy handed makeup artist that makes you look orange. She was nothing like that. Carley has the eye and talent to transform you and bring out your best without even looking like you have a ton of makeup on. She also did my sisters makeup and my moms (they are very picky) and they loved her too. On top of her talent she is so sweet, funny and CALM which was so welcoming when you are in the craziness of a wedding. All I can say is I am so happy to have found and met Carley. She is top notch. I may have to find an excuse to get my makeup done again, she's that good!

What a day!

Very exciting - I had my first in-home beauty studio client today! She was off to have a photo-shoot with the lovely photographer Bethany Fritz of Maypole Studios : ) I thought she looked like Claudia Schiffer!



























































Now I'm off to do hair and makeup for 3 models for a Design Bureau Magazine and Post 27 Party tonight- should be awesome. Is it bad that I'm already thinking of cocktails at 11:00am? Heres a couple behind the scenes from the shoot:

Here is some info below on the event pulled from Daily Candy

Welcome to DailyCandy

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DailyCandy is a handpicked selection of all that's fun, fashionable, food related, and culturally stimulating in the city you’re fixated on (and all over the Web)

Chicago - April 28, 2011

The Weekend Guide

Chicago Events and Diversions

BROWSE
Vignette
What: Post 27 owner Angela Finney-Hoffman partners with design tastemakers and Design Bureau magazine to divvy up her store into themed tableaux celebrating furniture, fashion, and art.
Why: The eye candy that is the bedroom with a graphic wall installation by Pitch Design Union.
When: Thru May 9. Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 1819 W. Grand Ave., at Wood St. (312-829-6122). Admission is free.

Beauty Shots

Sometimes I get confused when it comes to my portfolio. I'm a makeup artist so it makes sense to feature images that really feature the face, right? So I've been focusing on that for the past year, but I get a little confused when I see famous makeup artists whose books are full-length shots that you can barely see the makeup and hair! The more tears you can get the better, but those opportunities come to you randomly, so for now here are a few more beauty shots that I am in love with from the very talented Hadi Alavi. Hope you like! :)

Lisa McCowlry's Video Shoot

Here is a fun behind the scenes shot of the last shot of a 2 day shoot. I believe this was 2:00am... 14 hours of beautifying! Lisa has an AMAZING voice, and a very magnetic personality. I can't wait to follow her career, and someday do her makeup for the Grammy's! : )

Interview from Brides Chicago Spring/Summer 2011 Edition!

You may have to click to open. Anywho, they interviewed me about celebrity inspired looks, and I reported about Katy Perry. She's pretty fun.

New Hair Ad - KeraLove

Hey guys! I wanted to share with you a recent KeraLove ad that I did hair and makeup for : ) The model had GORGEOUS hair. Beautiful eh? Check out their web-site for information. Credits to Heather Talbert Photography (she is amazing!)

Roque Cozette Brushes/ Vessels Review

My kit is always changing, constantly "evolving", but most of the time I strive for efficient, small, pigmented, and compact pieces (this may have something to do with a lot of Chicago photographers having 3rd floor studios).

A part of my kit that is always changing is brushes - they are so dang expensive. The bristles can fall out (ahem Mac), the water runs black after 100 washes (ahem Crown), and the white bristles can be stained (again, ahem Mac). So at this point I think I have brush from every line out there, but I'm REALLY wanting to consolidate and focus on a high-quality, long-lasting, animal friendly line.

I came across Roque Cozette Cosmetics online (http://roquecozzette.com/). He is an AMAZING artist associated with Kett Airbrush Cosmetics, and I immediately wanted to order his makeup brush holders, which are called vessels. I've been through many brush belts where my brushes always get squished, and other plastic brush holders from the art supply store that disinegrate and break after a few uses. My entire brush collection fits in the 8" and 9" vessels. The little 4 inch vessels are amazing for sanitizing my brushes with my Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner, and holding mascara wands as well. So far so good!

While I was on the web-site, I came across the brushes, which just LOOKED luxurious. The following is an excerpt from their web-site:

"The Divinity Collection offers artists an alternative to traditional sable brushes with high-quality tools that contain no animal fur, fiber, or by-products. Instead, the Divinity Collection relies upon a range of the softest, most durable synthetic fibers available, keeping the highest ethical and professional standards of professional makeup artists in perfect harmony.

Created by Roque Cozzette, an industry veteran and the Artistic Director for Kett Cosmetics, the Divinity Collection is the link that brings his illustrious career full-circle. After starting out as a traditional makeup artist for film, print, and runway, Roque embraced the airbrushing techniques that have since defined his career. Now, with the launch of his own brand, he has returned to his roots while challenging the status quo with his refusal to use animal products. Finally, after years of development, he has successfully joined his passion for airbrushing beauty with this set of traditional tools that can create, finish, or refine any look."

Long story short, the brushes are amazing! They have been so soft, and do everything the description of the brushes promises. I can't wait to invest in more of the line.

Wish Upon a Wedding

Hello out there! I'm happy to be writing about a wonderful organization I had the privilege of working with through Sonia Roselli Esthetique.

Wish Upon A Wedding was founded in January of 2010, based on the concept that two people in love should never be denied the chance to marry their soul mate, even if they only have a few years (or months) to live, or have faced other serious circumstances which have dramatically altered their lives.

Click here to check out Debi and Wally's wedding - they are amazing people, and my heart truly goes out to them, and all the other couples in their circumstances. It's beautiful celebrating timeless love.

Images in this post are courtesy of the talented Kevin Weinstein

Hair Services? Come see me!

Welcome to Séjour: "

Séjour Hair Salon and Nail Spa is the area’s premier natural and organic salon.

Visit us at 2245 W Irving Park Road 2 floor, Chicago, IL, 60618. For an appointment call 1.773.250.5440.

Our MENU of services.

Let’s be social on FACEBOOK.

See our reviews on YELP.

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Face Atalier Foundation Review

Ahhh...finally a foundation that STAYS ON, and goes on so smooth it blends like butta. But how do I decide what shades to invest in for my kit? I like to consolidate and mix, so I ordered a whole bunch of samples before I order from the Canadian company (http://www.faceatelier.com/ free shipping over $150.00 / also available from www.camerareadycosmetics.com free shipping over $60.00 )

The lightest looks pink to my eye, and the darkest is not NEAR as dark as I'd like... but overall, I'm more than happy with the consistancy and coverage of this foundation.

From the web-site: The heart and soul of FACE atelier – an innovative approach to foundation that allows you to be in control. Ultra Foundation is a silicone-based emulsion that floats on top of the skin, doesn’t crease or flake, and lasts all day long. Hydrating yet oil-free, it obscures tiny lines and pores to ensure a smooth finish.

Got those “I can never find my shade” foundation blues? Only FACE atelier allows you to infinitely adjust your foundation shade. Add a drop of Zero Plus to go a shade darker, or a splash of Zero Minus to lighten.

TRADE SECRET!
The silicone molecule is bigger than the human pore, allowing Ultra Foundation to form a lightweight, breathable second skin that is both moisture and oil resistant. It is truly non-comedogenic and is ideal for troubled or mature skin.

Ultra Foundation's sophisticated formulation creates an optical blurring effect that diminishes fine lines and wrinkles and gives the illusion of a smoother, more uniform and naturally dewy finish. No wonder it's the foundation of choice for stars like Fergie and Lady Gaga!

PRO TIPS
· apply with #4 foundation brush to ensure smooth and hygienic application; and remember that a little goes a long way

· Ultra Foundation is ideal if you're having your picture taken as products with sunscreen will flash white (and cosmetics with sunscreen don't protect you from very much at all - find a good sunscreen, and use it as directed)

· mix with your face cream to create your very own custom tinted moisturizer

· use Ultra Foundation #Zero Minus before applying foundation to highlight and contour

Oil Free. Fragrance Free. Non-Comedogenic.

$45.00 &nbsp1 oz/30 ml
color discrepancy

Zero Minus quantity	Zero Plus quantity
#1 Porcelain quantity	#2 Ivory quantity
#3 Wheat quantity	#4 Sand quantity
#5 Sepia quantity	#6 Honey quantity
#7 Tan quantity	#8 Caramel quantity
#9 Toffee quantity	#10 Cocoa quantity

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