Flawless Tan & Make-up

Why Get your Make-up Professionally Done for your Wedding?...

2012-01-12T14:09:00.000-08:00

Why have a professional make-up artist for your wedding?

1.) "The photos last a lifetime"...everyone wants to look their best on their wedding day, but rarely think about how it will look in the photos they will treasure forever
2.) It is a less stressful day for everyone, and gives the bride and her bridal party a chance to relax and enjoy the day
3.) Everyone gets done on-time and all the looks are consistent
4.) The photographer has less touch-up work to do on the bride and bridal party if everyone starts out with flawless skin and bright eyes, blushing cheeks, and beautiful lips that makes every ones teeth look white

"Why not have a friend or one of the bridesmaids do make-up for everyone?"
This question comes up often and this is usually what I think about when I give advise to a bride...
You get to boss around someone who isn't your friend!!!
This allows you to get exactly what you want and not have a friend or bridesmaid stressed about getting everyone done on time as well as themselves.

Our team of airbrush make-up technicians are well trained and experienced in bridal make-up application to ensure that the look you want for the "Big Day" will be captured exactly the same and flawlessly on camera as well. Check out more photos and personal blogs for each of our staff members coming to My Flawless Make-up.

Make-up can look very different on camera...if you have ever taken a picture where you thought your foundation looked right but then in the photo it was a completely different color. Or you thought you had enough lip stick on but it gets completely lost when you see it in the pictures later.

Working with the photographers is part of the job of a professional make-up artist. Asking the questions...
Will you be taking photos outside?...
Is the photographer doing a lot of black and white photos?...
How long does the make-up need to last that day?

A professional make-up artist not only knows how to make you look your best, but also listens to what YOU want to look like and how YOU want to feel that day. Just applying make-up in the latest trends is not always the best approach for a look that should be timeless.

New Years Make-up

2011-12-27T11:47:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorite must haves and my Do's and Dont's for New Years make-up.

Glitter on the Eyes -I like glitter and shiny things as much as the next girl, and I know everyone wants to be sparkly this time of year...but here is my general rule for using glitter make-up. Leave it to the lid and a touch under the eye only. I see everywhere that the newest trend is to use shimmer and glitter all the way up the crease of the eye almost to the brow. On most people this is going to make you look old and like a disco ball. It does nothing to define the eye or accentuate all the beautiful parts of the eye.
Glitter on the lid and just a thin smokey line under the eye is beautiful in any color that compliments your eye color.
* Blue eyes use plums or pinkish/pearl shimmer is really pretty
* Brown eyes I love golds and taupe colors even a really shimmery black (Cinderfella by MAC is a favorite)
* Green eyes look amazing in all plums and purples (don't do too much actual "purple" on the crease MAC Haux is a really nice matte color for the crease) Star Violet by MAC is beautiful on the lid and below the eye

Shimmer on the Lips -I only like shimmer lip gloss as a little extra touch on the middle of the bottom lip and the center of the upper lip. It also needs to go over a color of some kind or liner. Even if you want a "nude" lip you still need some lip stick to show up in pictures.

Blush and Body Shimmer -
I am a big fan of blush, but I only like a tiny bit of "sheen" on the apples of my cheeks. Like the favorite by Nars, "Orgasm"..it looks beautiful on almost everyone, but I only like it on the apples of my cheeks not all over. All over I like to use a matte blush or a cream blush on more mature skin. It is a softer finish and lasts a long time, especially with a little powder blush over the top.

Body shimmer is fun for a night out too. My favorite is a body bronzer with a hint of gold shimmer in it (gold is much warmer on the skin then silver shimmer which can look very harsh in photos). Brush a little on the tops of the shoulders and along the color bone...dont cover your entire decollete or chest with it...looks funny in photos as you can often use too much and then your face looks really white.
Legs -
Brush some gold shimmer or light illuminating cream down the front of your shins and on the front of your thighs if you are wearing a really short skirt. It will grab the light in photos and your legs will look thinner and have a healthy glow to them.

Everything looks better with a litle color so, at the very least get a light airbrush tan so all your favorite colors will be enhanced and your new little shiny outfit will look that much better! Book now at My Flawless Tan. Where you can also find all your favorite make-up products for your night out. Remember the night only last a few hours, but those photos will be posted on Facebook forever:)

Repairing My Sun Damage

2011-12-06T13:13:00.000-08:00

My Sun Damage caused by my daily tanning bed appointments from my 20's is now showing up in my 30's!!! I started an airbrush tanning and makeup business...so it is no secret that I have a "vanity" gene. Well, I recently went to the dermatologist to have my skin looked at...everyone should do this regularly! I asked her what could be done about brown spots on my legs that only show up after I get a spray tan...then as the tan fades the spots fade. (abstaining from spray tanning is not an option for me...I am the color of a dead person naturally). She said that the spots are sun damage coming to the surface of the skin and the reason the tan attaches to them is because they are rough (not to the naked eye but when you look very closely at them). She said they can be removed by "freezing them off"...like you would a wart! Ummmm....that is scary, "Does it hurt?" I asked her. She said "It's not pleasant, but they just turn black and fall off in about 3 weeks". I thought about it for a while (they completely cover my lower legs and I hate them). So I decided if I am gonna do it, I am gonna document and share my experience with all my clients and anyone else who might be thinking about going in the tanning beds or laying in the sun.

Watch the video of the process.

Video of what she used to remove the damaged spots.

This is the first of many future postings to show you the before...during...and then future as this treatment hopefully gets better...then the END RESULT of flawless legs...LOL! The procedure was basically freezing my sun spots with a can of liquid nitrogen...looked a lot like whip cream in a can...it was not!!! It was like being stung by fire ants over and over and over!!! As you saw above in the "Before Picture" there are like hundreds of spots so this was an incredibly painful process. I am just telling myself that it will be worth it. My legs a few hours after the treatment start to swell into these red little lumps and blisters...still very painful, but tolerable. Now I just wait for them to turn black and start to flack off...attractive! I know what you are thinking....they looked better before. I know!!! But as the weeks go on, they will get even worse and then the end result will be amazing. It better be Soooo...as you watch me go thru this painful and expensive process, please remember that all of this could have been avoided if I had just listened to my mother and stayed out of the sun and tanning beds when I was a teen and in my 20's! Stay tuned to see how everything turns out....

Wen Hair Care Products

2011-11-16T10:29:00.000-08:00

I recently tried Wen Hair Care System, and have been using it now for about 3 weeks. I love it! I am not really a believer in expensive shampoos or hair products (I actually don't use a single product on my hair because I don't know how)! The system as a whole I have no idea if they work because I didn't use them...but the shampoo/conditioner worked great.

I went and saw my stylist for my usual color and it took just like normal. I actually really like the product, and all though I don't use the styling products...I will continue to use the Conditioning Shampoo.

Check out more info at their website Wen Hair Care System.

I really recommend it to anyone who has dry hair, because it seems to make my hair nice and fluffy and super soft. It isn't very expensive so I would encourage anyone who has troubled hair to try it out. Get back to me on how you like it...I am curious other peoples experiences.

Favorite Things

2011-11-15T13:22:00.000-08:00

"These are a few of my favorite things..." This Holiday Season I have a few favorite items that make great gifts and they are affordable! Some of them are limited availability for the Holiday Season only, and all of our retail items will be 20% off during the 3 days after Thanksgiving...Once a Year Sale!

Pure Illumination Lip Gloss - A fabulous lip gloss that contains Medical-Grade Lanolin, jojoba, sweet almond oil, and vitamin E has beautiful rich color and moisturizes your lips! The best part of this lip gloss is the built in LED lighted wand and mirror on the side for easy application.

Violent Lips - Temporary Lip Tattoos in tons of different designs and colors. They last 4-8 hours and are easily applied in 3 easy steps. Sold in sets of 3, they are fun for night out! Just $15 it is a perfect stocking stuffer.

Ddesigner Robes and Wraps - Wrap up by VP...recently worn by Lisa Vanderpump on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills...the most fabulous thing you will ever put on out of the shower!!!

These are a few of my favorites this year...there are always the basics that everyone loves...

Colour Couture Glow on the Go - Sunless Tanning spray to use for touch up...best for hands face and feet around day 3 after your airbrush tan. $32.00

Infinity Sun Glow on the Go - In a Travel Size...the best part about this product is you can take it on the plane with you...no longer is it necessary to buy a new spray when you get to where you are going or check unnecessary luggage. $28.oo

Most of our products are available online at My Flawless Tan & Makeup but a few will only be available for purchase at our Kirkland location and in limited amounts.

Flawless Breast Cancer Awareness

2011-09-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

Its October...you know what that means. Breast Cancer Awareness Month and time to buy all your fabulous pink products that support this cause. We are so excited about our newest product coming in that will complete our Breast Cancer Awareness Packages. We already love Sara Happ Lip Scrub and Lip Slip!

Now we are excited to offer the limited edition Sparkling Grapefruit Lip Scrub!
Along with this fantastic new product we are putting together a darling pink package of goodies with 20% of the sales going towards the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk. These beautiful gift packages will be available the first week of October. Many more fabulous items always available at My Flawless Tan & Make-up or shop online.

Sun Qt Cover-ups

2011-09-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

Our annual White Party was a success...Thank You to all of my flawless clients and friends who attended!!! We got some amazing photos of the evening which I will be posting on my Facebook Page, so make sure to check them out and feel free to download them or share. You can "like" us at Facebook Fan Page

A big Thank You to Erin Lindeman of Lindeman Events, she put together the entire party and is always the calm in the storm!

Each year this event is centered around saying thank you to our past clients and welcoming new ones. In order to keep our clients looking and feeling "flawless" we try to expand what we offer in our little shop. The Sun Qt line is a line of swimwear cover-ups designed for us in Washington who must vacation to see the sunshine! Since you are going on your vacation already sporting your beautiful sunless tan, the cover-ups are perfect for walking to and from your pool side cabana in Scottsdale or on the boat in Chelan!

Photos by Kirsten Honeycutt
We have a couple new styles this year and I am currently obsessed with matching head scarves, so each one of the cover-ups comes with a coordinating head scarf (also sold individually). They are feminine and sexy, but still practical to wear.

Our newest service to be offered is a line of fabulous skin care by the creators of ProActive. It is Rodan & Fields and it is just as easy...3 or 4 steps and you are done...clearly labled:) We are offering mini facials at just $20 so you can try the product out before you buy it! We will be having many more events promoting this line in the next couple months so make sure you keep watching for them on our website My Flawless Tan
More info on that in the next couple weeks. As well as the launch of Threading!!!

Best Seattle Sunless Tan

2011-05-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

Jesse Dawn airbrush technician at My Flawless Tan Seattle location has been featured in this months Allure Magazine.

Jesse has been doing My Flawless Tans for over three years now and has obviously perfected her airbrush tans. To book an appointment with Jesse just call Salon Voda at 206-838-8632 open for tans Tuesday - Saturday 10am -6pm.

If you are not able to get in to see Jesse, all of our technicians are fabulous and My Flawless Tan Kirkland is open 7 days a week, exact hours and online booking available at

The key to the best Seattle Sunless Tan is the preparation and post-care of your skin. The first question I get when someone has not done spray tanning before is "what do I do?" Here are the key's to a flawless seattle suntan.

1.) Make sure you can wait to shower until the next day (I think the tan lasts the full week if you give it a full 12 hours to process)

2.) Get your waxing and pedicure appointments done before you come in for a tan (Try Sweet Spahh located inside My Flawless Tan Kirkland)

3.) If it looks like it might rain (all the time) make sure you are completely covered up or bring an umbrella so that the tan doesn't get spotted when you walk to your car

4.) Wear loose and dark colored clothes. The tan can transfer to your clothes until you shower and although it should wash out of everything it is still best to wear darker colors

5.) Baby your skin for the next 12 hours after the tan, no workouts (anything that might make you sweat the tan off), no water on the skin (including bathing your kids, doing the dishes, careful washing your hands)

6.) Careful about strappy shoes. Wearing heels or strappy shoes that may rub on your feet or ankles can cause uneven processing of the tan and may result in streeky tan the next day

7.) Exfoliating the skin before you tan can help the tan last longer, no heavy lotions (light body moisturizer is fine)

8.) Touch up spray or lotions will help your tan last longer and is perfect for keeping your hands, face, and feet tan (they fade quicker then the rest of the body). Colour Couture or Infinity Sun Glow on the Go available online or at My Flawless Tan Kirkland, 15 Lake St Suite 105 Kirkland WA 98033 (425)-208-2284

The last question I get all the time is "What do I wear?" Women can wear anything or nothing depending on the tan lines that you may want or don't want. Men must wear something on the bottom (boxers, briefs, or shorts).

Clients are often concerned and nervous at first coming in and being naked in front of someone, however I can assure you that all of our staff makes you feel very comfortable and it goes so fast you will be in and out and bronzed in no time. All of our technicians are female and we are paying more attention to your Flawless Tan.

The Week Before SeaGal Auditions

2011-04-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

It is almost here...the week before auditions!!! What should you be doing this week to make sure you are totally prepared?

My personal recommendations....

Exercises/ Conditioning - It is time to do hill sprints! These increase your endurance quickly so that you are ready to dance over and over and over again without loosing your breath! They also help increase strength in your hip flexors, the main muscle that allows you to have nice high kicks. Sprints in general help tighten everything in your core and legs so that you are ready to put on your booty shorts!!!

Dance - If you went to the clinics then you know the style and got advise from Sherri about the kinds of things she is looking for. So now it is just a matter of keeping your neck in good shape for Semi-Finals round and practicing your chosen 8-counts that you plan on doing for the judges. If you are practicing and you get stuck, DONT STOP....step clap until you remember what you wanted to do. KEEP SMILING even in practice then it will be so natural to you that you wont have to think about it when you perform! Dont adjust your outfit during or after your dance.

Appearance - Practice in the outfit that you will be wearing during auditions to make sure that you are comfortable in it and you are not pulling or tugging at anything during the audition. Book your tanning appointments, buy your eye lashes (practice putting them on), practice your make-up for that day and pack a "touch-up kit" so that you can touch up your make-up before learning the Semi-Finals Routine. Remember NO LIP GLOSS so that your hair doesn't get caught and attach to your mouth as you are dancing.

Other Suggestions - Double check the times, location, and transportation for the day of auditions. Pack a light snack. Double check that your cell phone is turned off when you arrive for auditions. Finally...Stretch, Breath, HAVE FUN!!!!

SEE YOU ALL ON SATURDAY:)

SeaGal Audition Workshops

2011-04-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

The first SeaGal Workshop is coming up on April 9th and if you have not auditioned before and you don't know about the workshops..."they are an absolute MUST"! You can get more information about them here on the Seahawks Website. There are 3 workshops scheduled...
11:00am - 12:30pm
Saturday April 9th
Saturday April 15th
Sunday April 16th

At the workshops Sherri Thompson, SeaGal Director will teach a dance similar to one of the auditions routines. She will talk to you about the process, what you will be judged on, and what the expectations are.

My biggest piece of advise, besides to ATTEND them is to dress and look like you are going to the actual audition. It may sound silly since you are not being "judged" at the workshop, but you truly perform better when you look and feel the part. Plus it is just extra practice at putting on the proper make-up, lashes, hair, tan, and attire.

Suggestions about hair....wear your hair down at least to one of the workshops so you can practice dancing with your hair down, because it may be your best look and you are going to want to wear it like that to finals.

If you are having trouble with your look or want specific guidance, I recommend looking thru the photos of the ladies who are on the SeaGal squad now and then talking to a professional. Referrals for hair, make-up, tanning, photography, and attire can be found on our website My Flawless Tan.com . There are specific specials exclusively for SeaGals on the home page. They are all trusted referrals who I work with personally.

Keep checking the website for SeaGal Exclusive Special Offers as well as upcoming videos of lash application and other beauty tips.

Next post will be about some of my favorite exersises to get help get you ready quickly for workshops and auditions!

SeaGal Make-up Tips for Photography Session

2011-04-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

If you make it to the finals round of the SeaGal Auditions you will have your photo taken for the website in the Authentic SeaGal Promo Jacket. These photos are generally on the website for several weeks after the team is chosen. You want to look your very best in these photos, as Sherri and the other judges will be looking at them during the entire weekend of auditions.

We talked about primers last time to make sure your make-up lasts as you are dancing...this time we are going to talk about colors and placement to ensure that you look good close up as well as stand out from far away. This is the essence of SeaGal make-up and it is very important to distinguish it from "Club Make-up" and "Stage Make-up"

Eyes - You want your eyes to pop and the colors of eye shadow you choose can dramatically enhance the color of your eyes. For example, purples look amazing on green eyes and peachy browns look amazing on blue eyes.
MAC Shadow Suggestions -
Hoax - plumb color for the crease
Soft Brown - peachy brown for crease
Sushi Flower - bright pink for crease for those who like extra color
Carbon - this is a must for the corner of the eye (black matte)
Emabark & Handwritten - are great to bring the corner into the crease a little without being TOO dark.
Naked Lunch & Phloof - great light shimmer colors for the lid, DO NOT USE below the brow bone, they are too shimmery for that and will catch the light of the camera

Think shimmer NOT GLITTER!!! Think dewy skin not matte, and not shiny.

Black Eye Liner on both the top and bottom will make your eyes stand out from far away. Thicker on the outer corner of the eyes will help your eyes look bigger and a little wider apart.

Foundation should be a thicker foundation meant for performance make-up. MAC makes Studio Fix which is fantastic and Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation and Powder is amazing as well.

Concealer under the eyes with extra blot powder under the eye will help you avoid your liner and mascara from transferring to below your eye.

Lip Liner and Lip Stick, NO LIP GLOSS unless you have very short hair and there is no chance it will end up in your face!

Airbrush Tanning Tips for the Weekly Tanner

2011-03-31T10:27:00.001-07:00

Hello to all my Flawless Clients who come in and tan weekly....WE LOVE YOU!!!! Now that is out of the way, onto the important information about keeping the tan beautiful every week. Spray tan on top of old spray tan is a bad idea. The first time you do it...it may turn out fine, but you are going to start to notice that it fades really unaturaly and starts to get a funny texture.

Fixing the exfoliating problem....rather then using sugar scrubs (which are lovely for a light exfoliation on your skin) we recommend a natural bristle brush. These are fabulous for your feet, ankles, hands, and anywhere else the tan may stick longer to the skin. The natural bristles are aggresive enough to take off stuborn tan, but much more gental than a wet wash cloth and will not leave the skin irritated or raw. We sell these brushes for $10 or you can pick one up at the drug store. .

Hands, Feet, and Face Fade First!!!! I know!...it is frustrating, cause that is what everyone sees most of the day. We have a solution to that too. Glow on the Go, we sell 2 kinds...the best we have found after trying many many many different brands. Our aresole touch up tanning spray is light enough so you cant mess it up, but dark enough to keep it up. We will show you how to apply it lightly to your hadns and feet and brush it out like we do here at the studio. It is best applied at night starting on the 3rd or 4th day of your airbrush tan.

What do I tan in??? Ladies, get over it...its time to just get naked! Of course you can wear whatever you are comfortable in, but the best airbrush tan is one without tan lines. It makes you look even head to toe and then there is no chance of an awful tan line showing when you wear a dress or bikini. You are paying for this flawless tan, you might as well get your moneys worth.

More tomorrow. Make-up and photography.

SeaGal Auditions Right Around the Corner....

2011-03-30T20:11:00.001-07:00

This is to all the ladies out there who have dreamed of being an NFL Cheerleader. There is really no way to explain the adventure you are about to start... otherwise known as "SeaGal Auditions" 2011! Anyone who has not experianced it yet is in for the craziest month of their lives, however it can also be the best time of your life. Cherish every part of it!!!

Now down to business...I am gonna share all the tricks that I wish I had known about before auditions! I will blog something new each day between now and April 9th the first clinic , and I will see you all there!!!

You can find all my favorite people who will help you prepare on my website under "SeaGal Audition Specials". All of the businesses you see on my website are people that I personally use and trust completely.

We are gonna start off with a couple make-up tips in this blog. More to come about hair, skin, tanning, excersise, clinics, attire, and general "stuff".

Make-up:
Primers - Primers are usually kind of an extra in my book, because it isnt always necessary for your make-up to last perfectly for 10 hours or under stressful conditions. However, with SeaGal Auditions it is absolutely crutial. Smashbox primers are the best. Photo Finish Face Primer and Photo Finish Eye Primer will help your make-up stay in place as you dance.
Lashes - You are gonna have to learn how to apply lashes! Buy some black eyelash glue, so you are gonna have to get good at this...time to start practicing!!! Buy lashes from us or the drug store, DO NOT BUY MAC LASHES (they are way to thick at the base, they are too expensive, and they do not stay on as well as the Ardell). Apply a line of glue at the base and bend it in your fingers a little as it drys and becomes tacky. This will help so it doesn't slide around on your eye when you place it there and it will be in the correct shape for your eyelid. Do not curl your natural lashes because this makes it harder to get the false lashes on behidn your real lashes.

MAC COLORS
Blush - Posey
Lips - Girl About Town/ Impassioned/ Chatterbox
Powder - Blott Powder Medium

More info to come tomorrow!

Beauty Tips from Mom...

2011-01-04T15:04:00.001-08:00

My mom has never been in to the beauty industry like I have, however she has offered me tips and her tricks over the years. I take them seriously, because she looks fantastic and I am hoping that some of it is in the genes. Never the less there is one beauty tip she gave me recently on a family trip to Hawaii and I have yet to try it out, but I am excited about it...

Rain water and your hair??? It seems that rain water makes your hair instantly shiny and thick and beautifully manageable. Now how is it that I have never heard of this before???

Well I thought this would be an easy one to test since I live in Washington and it is winter time, which normally means rainy and grey for like the next 4 months. However, since we have gotten back the only water from the sky that we have had is in the form of snow. So I have not had a chance to try this and thus my hair is still dull and blah!

Her other 2 pieces of advise I have tried and love.
1.) Use sunscreen
2.) Oil of Olay products apparently still work great. I mean they have been around for like 100 years.

There we go, that's it. My mothers beauty advise for me, well and one more..."its what is on the inside that matters". That is going to be a problem for me, since my entire business is focused on whats on the outside. I suppose we can try to match the outside with how beautiful we are inside, right?

Please share with me your favorite advise handed down to you from mom or grandmother. And when it inevitably starts raining I will be trying the rain water trick and you should too...tell me what you thought, and I will be back again to share my experience.

Are all nail salons the same?

2010-12-07T16:41:00.000-08:00

It always seemed to me that all the nail salons in my local area were kinda the same. I have had good and bad experiences at most of them. They all seemed to use similar equipment and products, so it was mostly a matter of convenience. There is always another one around the corner who might have an opening, right?

There are 11 of them that I can count between Juanita and Rose Hill.
I have found one that stands out in a crowd! Trendz Nail Bar (www.trendznailbar.com)is a small little boutique across from Starbucks on Lake Street in the heart of Kirkland...and there are a couple things that stand out about this particular salon. Linda the owner and her husband are just darling people and they remember their clients...but that is not necessarily a big difference, many of the nail salons are owned by very lovely people who are warm and welcoming to their clients.

The first big difference is their equipment. If you have ever read anything or seen news reports about the pedicure spa chairs and how much bacteria they can carry in their jets you will know what I am talking about. If you haven't seen any reports on this problem...google it. I promise you will not want to use those spa pedicure chairs anymore....gross. The big problem is with the pipes that are linked to the Jacuzzi style jets, they can't be cleaned so they can gather bacteria in them and then the water is circulated through leaving your feet sitting in water and leaving them susceptible to bacteria and infection...Eeewwwww. Linda has invested in spa chairs with pipeless jet technology!!! OMG, how did it take this long to figure that out. They are easily removed and cleaned so it is completely sanitary. It puts my mind at ease and now I am not worried about my pedicures any more.

Second is their product. Shellac is a nail polish option that lasts for a few weeks so you don't have to go in for a manicure every week.

Another big difference is how much Linda and her husband work with other local businesses and how involved they are in Kirkland. I like supporting businesses who feel like they want to be part of our community. As a resident in Kirkland and a Kirkland business owner, that goes a long way with me.

They have wine tasting nights featuring local wines...totally my style. Next one is Dec.16th, but they fill up fast so you need to make an appointment. 425-968-5078

2010-06-28T22:22:00.000-07:00

Time to Clean Your Make-up Brushes

Do you avoid cleaning your make-up brushes regularly because it is a nuisance??? Its time to start a new habit...listen up. I used to clean my brushes a couple times a year....yes I said a couple times a YEAR! Well, changes in my career have obviously made me much more aware of how much a dirty and unsanitary make-up brush effects your skin, not to mention how your make-up is applied.

I have come up with a fabulous way to keep my brushes clean and not spend a lot of money.

I use Dawn Dish Soap to clean my brushes. I bought a small little bottle of it that I keep on my counter in the bathroom. It just so happens that we use Crest mouth wash at our house, and it comes with a little cup as the lid. This cup is the perfect size for washing my brushes so I save them.

Every other night after I am done washing my face, I wash my out my brushes that way they can dry overnight. This is my process....

Step 1. A little squeeze of the Dawn Soap in a cup
Step 2. Add some warm water
Step 3. Swirl a couple brushes around
Step 4. Rinse the brushes and dump out the dirty water
Step 5. Repeat for every few brushes

Now there is no excuse to be using dirty brushes. They will last a lot longer this way too. A couple more tips for those who have very special brushes. Never smash them hard when drying the. Towel dry by squeezing out the extra water. Hang them upside down to dry, and use a brush guard.

Smashbox Rocks

2010-03-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

Recently doing make-up for a photo shoot at a local Kirkland Boutique, Chez Chic. I realized I was just not satisfied with the prime and prep products in my make-up kit. This began the journey...

This is for those of you who get sucked in by the cosmetic counters at the department stores. I can be talked into buying just about a beauty product there is...expensive habit. (Part of the reason I had to make Make-up it a job)
I have never subscribed to the idea that just one cosmetic line can do everything, I think they all have a unique strength, and one of my favorites is Smashbox. They have many fantastic products, but a few very important ones.

Although I have been a life-long MAC fan, I have not been impressed with their primers for eyes or face...so I went on the hunt for a better one. However I have to brag up a particular product from MAC... Strobe Cream is designed for us thirty-somethings...giving a little hint of glow without shimmer or shine.
I tried Nars...a little too light and just felt like more moisturizer.

Then onto Benefit...not impressed with the quality and it didn't last very long after I opened it.

Moving right along to Temptu...the makers of my favorite airbrush foundation, but again it didn't really prime my skin other than adding a little moisture to it.

I finally found The Promise Land at the Smashbox counter! Their Photo Finish Foundation Primer is a fabulous. It is just thick enough to even out my skin (after years of acne), but not so thick that it feels icky all day. You can apply any brand of foundation over the top of it, although I do prefer Smashbox foundation mixed with Studio Fix NC35 by MAC.

The price point for Smashbox is a little high at $36, however it lasts a long time and if you only need it once in a while they sell it in a travel size.

Final recommendations...Smashbox Foundation Primer, MAC Studio Fix mixed with a little Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation, contour with Smashbox Bronzer, and finish it off with Nars blush in Orgasm. Enjoy your springtime long lasting face make over!

Spring Break

2010-03-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

To all the spring breakers who are getting ready to go somewhere sunny and beautiful and leave us here in rainy Seattle...

First of all "Wear sunscreen!" that is a given. To abolish a myth that is out there about tanning to get a base before going on vacation. Beware! A "base" tan from the tanning beds only gives you the equivalent protection of a SPF 4. That means you are wasting time, money, and most important your healthy skin cells for only a SPF 4 level of protection.

Instead, I recommend...
1.) Professional exfoliation or a fabulous sugar scrub a couple days before you leave

2.) Airbrush tan the day before you leave

3.) Aveeno SPF 30 in the aerosol spray can for easy and even application

4.) Glow on the Go sunless tanning extender to apply each night to help your sunless tan last through your entire vacation

5.) A yummy tropical smelling body butter to put on in the morning to keep your skin hydrated and glowing all day

Be safe and look fantastic this spring break.

Holiday Must Haves

2009-11-25T11:44:00.001-08:00

Lashes - If you are planning on adding a little pizzazz to your make-up routine for holiday parties this year, add false eye lashes. You dont have to look like Tammy Faye or Cher. False lashes come in many sizes and shapes now and they are affrodable. Don't get 'sold' by the MAC counter or Sephora on $15 lashes. Buy them at Walgreens or Rite Aid in the yellow or pink packages by Ardell. These are the favorites used by make-up artists everyhwere...and if that isn't enough reason...Oprah herself loves yellow package #62. Although you cant get much better than "brown paper packages tied up with string..." here are a few of my favorite things for the holidays.

Lip Scrub - Sara Happ makes a fantastic sugar lip scrub that comes with an equally fantastic lip moisturizer. Not only are they darling for stocking stuffers and they come in cute little packaging, but they work really really well. Winter time is the dry lips season. How unattractive are dry, flaky lips when you are trying to apply lip stick and gloss. Gross. Use the lip scrub and lip slip right before bed to give your lips a chance to heal. Use the lip scrub right before you apply your make-up for a night out and your lips will stay kissable all night (plus it is much easier to apply your lip stick and gloss).

Sunless Tan - Of course what holiday dress would be complete without a little glow to the skin. It is winter and a crazy fake and bake look is not what we are after, however we also should not look like the Cullens. Airbrush tanning looks natural and the color can be completely customized. Chek out the video and more information at the website www.myflawlesstan.com

What is Airbrush Tanning...now you can see for yourself.

Famous Cuffs in Kirkland

2009-11-10T15:52:00.000-08:00

To all my Real Housewives Fans out there...

I recently went to a Trunk Show at a local boutique in Kirkland, Seduce. It is on Lake Street across from Lake Street Tailor. Darling shop and fabulous clothes...launching their newest line of Cuff Bracelets by Lynne Curtin of The Real Housewives of Orange County.

In all honesty I was excited to meet a "real" Real Housewife...What I didn't expect was how well made the cuffs are. They are made of hard leather and some metal, beautiful detail work has been put into the structure. I am not a very trendy gal nor have I ever been able to pull off the "hip...urban" thing, but even I could wear these and feel comfortable.

True to form, I bought one. I couldn't resist the hype!

All in all, I thought the event was fantastic, and we need more of this sort of thing in Kirkland. Next time something like this is scheduled all my blog followers will be the first to know.

To see the cuffs in more detail visit Lynne Curtin's website at http://www.lynnecurtin.com/

Wedding Networking

2009-11-05T11:37:00.000-08:00

This is sort of a business entry, but I like to discuss my plans in hopes of getting feedback and maybe helping someone else out there working on the same sort of thing.

I have recently looked into a couple different wedding industry network groups, and found that while they are a blast...I am not very good at putting my contacts to practical use. The newest of these groups is determined to teach us (members) how to make better use of our time at these events, novel idea. If they can pull that off I will be their biggest fan.

This year during the "off" wedding season I am determined to better connect with my fellow wedding industry professionals and make practical use of those contacts. What I have learned so far... ***Contacts are useless if you don't use them, and all the twittering, blogging, website updates, and facebook announcements are doing me no good unless I have an audience (the right audience). Along with posts about current events in Seattle and on the Eastside having to do with beauty...I plan to track the success of these suggestions given to me and my opinion on them in general.

Blogging is the first suggestion that was given to me. Done!

Next is Wedding Wire and The Knot. Sounds like these are free places to announce your business and list your services for potential clients. I like the free part the best, now I will try it out and see if I can get any results.

Constant Contact will be my next goal. I plan to contact my "contacts" every so often to let them know of certain events going on in the area or just to ask how things are going for them.

Reviews, reviews online can be extremely helful to clients who are seeking your services and I plan to be much better at asking for these reviews from clients and collegues.

Teens Tan for Twenty

2009-08-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

My Flawless Tan & Make-up is launching a new program to get our youth out of the tanning beds. After reading a disturbing article in the Seattle Times about Tanning Beds being as dangerous as other carcinogens like smoking and arsenic, I decided I must find a way to educate our teenagers (mostly girls) on other options. First I must make it affordable and second I must make it fun. I have an agreement that is signed with the parent stating they will stay out of the tanning beds during the school year. Each person who signs up gets a organic lip gloss form Amour and at the end of the program in July 2010 a name is drawn for a $300 gift certificate to Nordstroms. The tans are $20 each or they can elect to tan unlimited for $50/ month. I am excited to help save our young generation from the tanning beds and show them there are beautiful, easy, and natural looking options to have a tan. Check out more as this program develops at www.myflawlesstan.com

2009-06-08T18:52:00.000-07:00

My first blog. I will start by introducing myself. I own and operate a shop in Kirkland, My Flawless Tan and Make-up. I love anything local, and go out of my way to keep my dollars in our community or state. That is why I thought it would be a great oppertunity to share all of my favorite spots on the Eastside. I have lived in Seatttle for 11 years and in Kirkland for 5 years. I was a member of the Seattle Seahawk Cheerleading Squad the Seagals for four amazzing years...cheering on our beloved team go to the Superbowl. I have learned a lot about beauty and health tricks through that experiance and I cant wait to share everything.
What I intend to talk about on this blog. My passion is anything relating to skin care, beauty, fashion, and basically anything fabulous on the Eastside of Lake Washington. After living in Seattle for many years I was moved out to suburbia with my husband, and fell in love instantly with the beauty of the Eastside. I intend to share my beauty finds...and the fun little insider tricks as I learn them. This will be a great place to find information on my favorite shops, great deals, and fabulous places to spend your time and money on the Eastside. Looking forward to sharing my view of the 'beauty' Washington has to offer.