CoverGirl at 2014 Olympic figure Skating Trials!

2014 Olympic Trials

I was honored to be one of the chosen P & G Beauty Salon Team at the 2014 Olympic Figure Skating Trials at the TD Center In Boston, Ma 1/9-1/12.

P&G Beauty Salon

Out fabulous team leader was the Talented Candace Corey, and yes you HAVE seen her work in magazines, commercials, shows... I was surrounded by a group of Very talented ladies, Jenn, Angie, Zanette, and Kay.
Originally I was brought in, alongside my charming Charlotte, NC  peer, Kay, for nails, but as the days progressed, I was fortunate to be able to jump in and help with hairstyling, as well as makeup applications!. And the best part WE got to hand out a LOT of Swag!!
Not only does our job allow us to make gals feel gorgeous, and truly good about themselves, but Covergirl- allowed us to give away all the products that we were using on our clients! Talk about fun, and HAPPY- these girls, and women were so happy to just be pampered- all complimentary, but then to get to keep all the products- well we were the cherry on the ICE-ing of that Figure skiting event!
I was so impressed with how PASSIONATE these people all were about there sport, how we had even 70 year old ladies sit down and tell us they STILL are skating, AND competing!
I have always had a great appreciation for figure skating, as a former dancer, the beauty and artistry, along with the sheer athleticism to make it LOOK effortless appeals to me.
As a professional makeup artist, I have always had an appreciation of makeup as well. My most favorite products from the event have to be the nail polishes- so pigmented! I was very impressed- and this is coming from a polish SNOB! The Diva After Dark, Silver Lining, and Bombshell were
AH-Mazing! Bombshell was gone after day 3!

I was also truly impressed with the precision of the Covergirl liquid Liner pen! wow- best flick/cat eye ever! so easy- and very long wearing!
lastly the Covergirl Liperfection Jumbo gloss balm-So gorgeous! and the hot pink was my obsession!
The days were long, but the event, and all the people- all the attendees, the marketing team, and the people from P&G, and, of course, My amazing team of stylists- were what made this entire event an experience I thoroughly loved!

Styled Wedding Shoot

A recent Styled wedding shoot made 2 blogs- here's some pics! enjoy!
Kiss My Tulle

Answers to a young, aspiring Makeup Artist

I was recently emailed by a young, aspiring makeup artist. She asked if she could question me about certain choices, and ask for advice. I was humbled, and honored to be sought out for this, so of course I wished to be of any help I could. Here are her questions, and my answer- very informal.
Her questions to me:

How did you know that you wanted to be a makeup artist for a profession?

what steps did you go to get there? Did you go to Cosmo school or makeup school? What do you recommend? As in school wise? Should I move to the west coast or east coast?

who influenced you?

what tips/advice would you give a starting out make-up artist in the real world?

Did you shadow people often?

My Response:

I didn't so much choose to be an mua, until I was already doing it- LOL I was the person who everybody asked to have do makeup. I worked in a salon and was getting bookings and referrals. Then I started getting more work outside of the salon. I had actually developed my own line of makeup- and was doing private consults as well. and it kept growing- and I just loved it!
For me the steps started very early- I was a dancer and was doing a lot of stage makeup by 10 years old- and all through college I danced, it was my minor- so I have always done/wore makeup- and even helped others.
I went to cosmo school for nails- and am licensed. i did that after my daughter was born so I could work 2 days per week. There is no license for Makeup in my state. If you have an interest in skincare as well, or ever want to work in a spa, or salon- you will need an esthetics license. If you wish to freelance it may not be necessary BUT you should educate yourself by taking classes with real, working pros! people who you see their work when you open a fashion magazine- they do teach as well- many of them! that, to me is the BEST education money can buy! If you want to do special effects or more prosthetics etc you really should go to school. there are several good ones in California- and 1 -Joe Blasco in Florida- really not much more anywhere else.
Again where to live- is based on what TYPE of makeup you desire to do- movies, or fx- California is busiest- and North Carolina also having a strong movie market! If you want fashion and editorial nothing beats NY. but there are pockets everywhere for all different types of makeup work- and, of course bridal is everywhere!
Starting out- MAKE connections Good ones! Look at the actual work of anyone teaching a class- or seminar etc- and if they have amazing work- they are a good mentor- as they will offer REAL advice. But, understand they will be in great demand- so don't lose hope if they can't personally take you under their wing. Go to trade shows like Makeup Show Imats, etc meet your peers- that is where you can most likely find a good mentor. Offer to assist- which will mostly be unpaid- but you will be paid In experience!
You must test, test, test. find amazing people to work with and always strive to work with people you feel are better than what you already have in your portfolio. pay them if need be- and that can be hard. But it is better to pay an amazing photographer and/or model to get pics for your port, than it is to buy a crapload of expensive makeup- I can make a model look amazing with dollar store makeup- but I can NOT make a photographer  take a better picture- or even more, EDIT it well. nor make a model emote,pose, look and better. Just a few months ago I offered to hire a very busy photographer because I wanted to shoot with him. i think I surprised him, he looked at my work, and instead he came back to me with a paid test. So I got to shoot with him, And ended up with a job. But it took awhile to get there, and had my port not been where it is, and I not wiling to PAY to get what I needed- that never would have happened.
In the very beginning shoot a lot with a lot of people to gain the experience of what happens, how things work, what you like, what you could have done better, etc. As you build you port and are getting pictures that are port worthy- then you start being more choosy about your tests. Before you say yes you ask yourself- what is the concept? is the model good, agency or agency stats?  does this fill a need in my port? When it's a concept/look you don't need then this test doesn't benefit you- you say no, or offer a rate.
I would love to shadow more, actually, even now- there is ALWAYS something to learn! I bet I could learn something from you, by watching you. That is how this industry works- since it is artistic we all have these insights/inspirations that live in us- and we get to bring it forth in our work where other can see it- THAT is what makes an artist! and it is unique to each of us.
Who influenced me??? there are so many- I adore Roshar- he is so different from me in style and he literally blows my mind and takes my breath away with his amazingness. I was just introduced to someone this past week who was from my market and doing work that I didn't think existed here- Liz Margin- major campaign stuff back in the 90's the stuff I grew up looking at in high school and college and is still just as gorgeous and relevant today! Dick Page- blah everything stunning!!!! met him and got to ask him questions at the NY makeup Show this past year-just wow! I also really love James Vincent- because he is not only an mua- very edgy and rock/punk style- BUT he is instrumental in trying to bring accessible education and connections to the mua community- and i LOVE him for that! he's sweet and nice and very generous in that way.
and current working artist friends- again soo many AND for all different reasons!
Ok i hope i answered everything you have asked- there really is so much more- and if you have any further questions I'd be happy to help if I can! Keep in touch and let me know how it's going, what decisions you've made.

Clean Beauty

One if the hallmarks of a true, professional makeup artist, is the ability to execute a clean beauty look. But what, exactly does that mean?
In layman's terms this mean making the model, or person look as if they are wearing no, or only the barest hint of any makeup.  Think of the skincare ads- and you will understand what I mean.
Now, why are these so important for a makeup artist?
Firstly- because it shows our skill. We can make a person look amazing without hiding them behind layers of color and texture. Skin must look flawless- and if you think models come to set with already flawless skin, no redness, never a blemish, well it does happen- but it is the exception rather than the rule- as models are people too- with the same skin condiotions, sun exposure, etc. The smart ones do everything in their power to protect and preserve their looks, after all it IS their job, but blemishes do happen!
To make skin look glowing, smooth, completely even, yet enhance bone structure, and contours as well as strategically utilizing highlight  and color, take a unique combination of skills- and to do it all for HD film and camera is, again the sign of a well trained, well educated artist. This is by far the most difficult look to get perfect, and yet it is the basis for every other makeup look!
So how do YOU, the everyday women, fit in this equation?
THIS should also be a goal of yours!    

If every other makeup look builds off of this one- getting your "perfected canvas" Ie- your clean beauty face- will only enhance every other makeup look you try. How great does a sultry smokey eye look- when you haven't corrected or covered the dark circles under your eye- or evened out the blotchy red next to your nose?
I promise you EVERYTHING you do looks better when you have that flawless face first!
And young girls- this is ALWAYS my advice. Learn to cover a pimple, redness, dark circles under the eye- learn to curl lashes, comb brows, maybe a teeny bit if mascara- touch of bronzer if needed, and a sheer slick of gloss. My mantra for these 12-13 year old gals is, "Don't you want to be the girl who walks into school and people say- Wow she is so pretty, and she doesn't wear a stitch of makeup." WHO DOES NOT WANT TO BE THAT GIRL????
And not so young ladies- this is a technique that will help you over your lifetime to be able to transition your makeup to always suit the needs of the face staring back at you in the mirror. Face it (literally) as we age, our makeup needs change; but a clean beauty look NEVER goes out of style.  And if you have mastered it, you will have the knowledge to continue to adapt as the needs of your face, skin, eye shape, etc, change, and they will.

Nail art!

Here are some pics on recent nail art that I did using Shellac, different mineral Pigments http://www.fortunatefaceminerals.com/, Glitters, and materials ie. bubble wrap, tulle, sponges, etc.

From top to bottom and left to right
Gradiant Glitter: Shellac Asphalt- w/ Noble Sparks Silver- top, Ultrafine Glitter- next, Silver Glitter tip-, and Chunky irridescent Glitter- pressed randomly. Topcoat 2x.
Marbled: Shellac Cream Puff w/ FFM Shadows red, Yellow, Blue, Purple- Pressed w/ bubble wrap wiped w/ IPA. Topcoat.
Snakeskin: Shellac left Stripe Iced Cappucino, right stripe Rubble -Mixed down center. Tulle pressed into surface to cure. Then Stunning FFM shadow rubbed into sticky layer-  More Iced Cappucino brushed randomly- cured, and top coated 2x
Japanese Blossom: Shellac Studio White. Black pool spikes w/ striping brush. Wildfire- hand painted blossoms, Cream puff w/ dotting tool pulled into red. cure 10sec. Repeat red & white. Topcoat.
2nd row
Party Nail: Studio White. Tropix dotted on nail & swirled w/ dotting tool cure 10 sec to set. Repeat with Red Baroness, then Tutti Frutti. Press chunky glitter and white fibers into surface. Topcoat 2x
Ombre Nail:  Cream Puff. Press FFM Voracious into tip, next Orange, then bronze, then yellow, & finally gold. Use brush to burnish together. Topcoat
Silver Streak: Silver Chrome. Use striping brush pulled through Black Pool to create upward stripes. repeat with Cream Puff. cure to set 10 seconds Repeat. Cure- reapeat until desired depth. Brush Silver glitter lightly onto surface. Topcoat.
Camo: Cream Puff.  Using 4 pieces torn makeup sponge dip into Black Pool, Hotski to Tchotski,  Cream Puff, & Silver Chrome and press randomly on nail surface. Cure 10 sec. to set. repeat all and set 10 sec. approx 3x. Topcoat.

My job does NOT suck!

So sunday was a beautiful day at Salisbury beach- where we shot on location- a stunningly gorgeous model Alex, and a super hot male model Adam (more on him later)
I am looking forward to the pics from this fabulous team! Talented photogrpaher Bobby DiMarzo pulled us all together to create a great storyline!
I loved working with Lindsey Coco of Coco's Closet- sweet as anything- and pulled some great stuff- She loves Rag & Bone- right there, I was a fan!
Watch out for Alexandria Serafina- because all I can say is- she is a  Dream-  6 ft and can work her angles.
And Adam, *sigh* 6'5" and I got to rub him down with body bronzer and baby oil, yup Does NOT suck! pics to come

but I don't want that much makeup!

Ok I'm going to clear up a little misconception in the makeup industry here and now. Just because you "don't want a lot of makeup" doesn't mean it takes me 5 minutes to do your face. It's an often heard refrain from pretty much everyone across the board- from brides and prom gals to professional photographers (who, frankly, should know better!) If you are looking at any picture in my pro portfolio- you are seeing beautiful models with perfect skin. You will see it on every model- whether you are looking at a clean beauty look- which appears as if the model has zero makeup on - all the way to a glam punk rocker-esque look (see photos below) These looks both took the same amount of skill and effort. Oftentimes, contrary to popular belief the clean beauty is MORE time consuming- unless the model shows up with absolutely flawless skin to begin with.

Clean Beauty

Punk Rocker-Esque

My point in this little demo is to explain that It matters NOT what look you are going for- I will spend copious amount of time, effort, and product perfecting the skin, creating a flawless canvas- and using all my skill to ensure that each feature is sculpted, imperfections minimized or visually erased- in fact- no makeup looks are MORE challenging because there IS no other focus! Please understand That a professional MUA, with a port demonstrating these abilities, is an artist with a great deal of skill. It's probably the reason you contacted us in the first place, AND it has taken plenty of training and working to achieve that ability. Please know that our rates reflect our skill, training, and expertise. When I quote my rate- it is not an insult, or meant as a discouragement, but rather an acknowledegement of MY worth as an artist and the level of skill I bring to whatever job I am hired to do. 

Proofs from latest shoot!

Love posting new pics- especially ones that have the ability to take my breathe away with their loveliness. I was privileged to work with the amazing team of Daniel Elliot photography  http://www.danielelliotphoto.com/

The entire team was very professional and talented. Dan's lighting choices were spectacular, as you will see. Dan excelled at providing direction for the model as well as great energy, which is often difficult to do. Nicole, Dan's wife and partner- was on top of every detail, and also worked as a great liaison between all the talents. She kept everything running smoothly, and on track so shooting was streamlined.  Dan's assistant handles much of the technical details- as well as helping with the set. Like a well oiled machine- their working together was quite harmonious.
I also enjoyed working with Veronica the beautiful model, who was also very sweet.

Shellac!

Today's Nail- Classic French
Romantique & Cream Puff

I  wanted to take the time to do a complete write-up about CND (Creative Nail Design) product Shellac. For those  who don't know me personally, i am also a licensed nail tech, but I am also a sufferer of extremely thin, weak, ridged, too pliable nails, that are also prone to peeling with any chemical exposure (read cleaning products, ie. Clorox wipes etc.) It's probably one of the main reasons I decided as an adult to go to cosmetology school and get my license in the first place.
I first was licensed in 1999, they heyday of acrylic enhancements, and crazy nail art. I truly enjoyed both- from having sturdy long, smooth nails for the first time ever, and having free reign creatively to make some fabulous nail art. The big problem came with the long wear of the acrylics. I always hand filed- and never drilled to ensure I never thinned the nail plate itself- but even still my nails underneath were becoming weaker, and the acrylic was actually feeling heavy on my nail beds (not good) and they were sensitive to any pressure, also not good. Note- I was using CND's wonderful product line- which has always been a favorite of mine- due to the high quality- and frankly their innovation- they are always the first to make any system better. The fault was neither the product, nor my technique, but rather simply my nails, and their DNA. I removed them and my nails looked like waves on a shoreline-just from the weight of the acrylic. My already thin nails would tear like wet paper. I kept them trimmed them as short as possible.  no amount of strengtheners would truly work- and my nails, after a year, were better- but back to original weakness. Standard nail polish would last maybe 24 hours- but the minute they got wet the nails would bend- and polish chipped right off.
Then came my introduction to Shellac about 9 months ago. Frankly it seemed almost too good to be true. I did research, checked out other pros using the line- and was so excited I went out and bought everything I needed in one day! I watched videos, joined a forum-found people on facebook- you name it! it take just a bit of practice to really ensure edges are well sealed, coats are thin, etc. I've found the cream colors help by building a well of color at epinychium and pulling downward- helps keep it from streaking. but I have had astounding success- and it has surpassed all my expectations!

Color created by layering
2 coats Rock Royalty w/ 1 coat Moonlight & Roses

 I will say that I do not always get a full 2 weeks- but thin nails w. almost no edge to seal, oily nails to boot, and being really good about gloves, but not perfect- are really the only reasons my Shellac may last a shorter amount of time. The Shellac makes my nails stronger, but doesn't compromise the nail underneath- it is not so heavy on the nail- even with extra coats for art. It also stays incredibly smooth and shiny the entire time- and clients can reach for their keys the second you're done- amazing!
But, truly, my favorite thing about the Shellac is that it removes in 10 minutes with no damage to the nail- no buffing and no excessive soaking in acetone.( I use, and LOVE the CND Wraps!) Other brands cannot say the same- and people who have come to me with other gel polishes on I have had no choice but to buff the rest of the color off- even after soaking for more than 30 minutes! I will show a pic of my nails directly after removing Shellac. You can see my sidewalls are very dry in this pic-( I DO solar oil nightly!) but the nails themselves are in perfect condition!

Hotski to Tchotchke
w/ raindrop design

I am also inspired by all the art possibilities- from glitter (Rock Star) nails, and raindrop design (very popular) which I have in two colors,

 to all the color layering designs-just did a cheetah print using Romantique as base, and Cream Puff, Iced Cappucino, and Black Pool for spots! etc I have only scratched the surface of what I can do! here are a few pics of some basic manicures, and colors.
Make sure you go to a licensed nail tech- as  the prep for the Shellac is very important to ensure they truly last, and look smooth and shiny, The cuticle (invisible cell layer that coats nail plate) must be removed for proper adhesion. Confirm they are using the REAL Shellac (see bottles in pics) THAT is what bottle should look like!
To maintain their beauty- simply Solar Oil at least once a day, wear gloves for any cleaning or exposure to chemicals-and voila- gorgeous long-lasting nails!

New Work 2/2012

Let's get right to the pictures shall we?

Arden-Model, Lionfish Photography,
Hair & Makeup-Me

Arden-model,  Lionfish Photography,
Hair & Makeup-Me

Arden, Victoria Richey-models, Lionfish Photography,
Hair & Makeup- Me

Victoria Richey (model),  Lionfish Photography
Hair & Makeup -Me
This entire team was fabulous- the model's faces took my breathe away- Arden is only 9- she has an amazing career ahead of her! Victoria- is such a pro- and her face is glorious! I cannot say enough wonderful things about our photographer- owner of Lionfish photography-exquisite work. I will be excited to work with this team again! would love to add in a hair styling specialist for some elaborate updo's, as a clothing stylist!

Men's grooming

Men's Grooming
 Here's what I did yesterday- click the link to view a video of my live on-air segment for Mass Appeal, a local television talk program. I worked with the show's male host, Seth Stutman, and discussed the few thing our men can do to keep themselves gorgeous! Ooh and smelling really good!
Look for postings coming soon for my next few appearances!

One of my gorgeous brides!

It is always gratifying to know that you helped create a little magic for a brides' special day- thank you nicole for your kind words, you are as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Griffin- may you have a long, blessed marriage!

Mr. And Mrs. Griffin

The Beautiful Wedding Party

 " Thank you for the wonderful job you did. We got so many compliments on the makeup.  Thanks again and I will defiantly be passing your name around to my friends who are getting married!"    Nicole

Yankee Candle Video Shoot

So I will be styling another video shoot for Yankee Candle this week-  Hair, Makeup, nails, & clothing are all my responsibility. That being said, I did a little shopping- and I may have picked up a thing or two for myself.....
The execs at Yankee would like our spokesmodel to look casual, yet polished and authoritatively   professional. So in that frame of mind I purchased a few jackets that are slightly less tailored than business jackets, with detailing that lends itself to a more causal look. I also purchased a gorgeous Merino Wool/ Angora blend, gray cable knit turtleneck- so classic and beautiful! Since we are shooting for their winter product lines- a sweater like this is an elegant way to convey seasonality- plus the gray is a neutral so we can pair either of the jackets with it, or scarves, etc. the shooting is typically 3/4- though full body can appear as carolyn Steps into frame, so bottoms will also come into play.  I will keep you posted as to the final outfits- and will post a link to the final video so you can see the final product!
In my shopping trip i also managed to find a beautiful pair of dark wash, skinny jeans- perfect to complete the look for my musician friend's television performance! She rocked those skinnies! We've chosen all but the last accessory- need to show her some rings for her microphone hand- and we're done! now I just need to style the guitar player- oy vey!

New Pictures!

Well- I suppose it's about time I posted some new pictures! I have been working  a lot, but mostly on projects where I will not have pics to post since the pics are owned by the client. Suffice it to say- I'm fine with this- since it means I'm being paid for my work!
recently I've done several catalog shoots, filming commercials for Yankee Candle (with another on the way), and many television appearances as a beauty expert. Plus, of course, wedding, weddings, weddings- as tis the season! I will also be doing makeup this weekend for Boston Fashion Week- which is always fun!
Here are some great pics from a shoot with the amazing David Pankratz- who's lighting ability still takes my breathe away, and Model- Kendra Richards- model-her energy is so electric!

http://www.karriewelch.com/

Work-

I'm so bad- I neglect this poor little blog, but I suppose it's because I'm sort of busy working- so I must be excused! For those of you who do not know- I have a photo-safe, mineral cosmetics line called Fortunate Face Minerals (I'll add a link & a blog here under that name as well) I have been launching the line into several new stores, as well as just getting back from teaching a makeup class in California, and of course shooting. oh, yeah and did I mention we're moving too? same city- bigger house- but kind of a lot of work there too- so- bear with me on this.
Any way commercial catalog shoot yesterday which was kind of fun since they were male models.
Still doing several styling/makeup & hair sessions for an awesome band named Gone by Daylight- very fun guys- remember the name- You WILL know who they are! We did a few shoots for lots of promotional materials -video, pics, online ads, posters- etc. They can party like the world is going to end- but they are great guys, and very talented!
lastly here are some I did about a month or so ago- with photographer Angela Perez- very talented- I had been wanting to work with her for about a year- and it just never came together- so I was happy that kind of last minute we made something happen, we were fortunate enough to have Kate Alves clothing designer, there to showcase several of her beautiful pieces. and our two models were Claudia Snow, and Molly Shannon. hair and makeup- (as usual) by ME- Enjoy!

Claudia

Molly

here's the link!

Fortunate Face Minerals

Epic makeup!

hmmm epic zombie makeup requested- Will i do it for trade? um, no!

New Work!

Here are a few of my favorite shots from a shoot recently with the very talented photographer Greg Brown- and model-Kendra Richards.

I love Greg's lighting- and was very excited about the elevator in his studio that we shot in- as well as the Restoration Hardware where we shot our 3rd look- fun!  I was also grateful with how quickly greg was able to get these to us considering he had 10 days worth of MB fashion week shots to edit for publication ( I did mention he's super talented right?)

Loved this restoration Hardware- I had to run around and move price tags out of sight, and Greg actually climbed into a bathtub to get some of our shots! 

And if you like the makeup- most of it is my line- Fortunate Face (though the pink lips color isn't for sale yet- but soon!)

http://www.fortunatefaceminerals.com/

You want high quality work? Pay your Artists!

http://groozi.com/2010/03/12/score-this-photog-1-cheapskate-0/

This is absolutely how we professionals, photographers, makeup artists, models, hair & clothing stylists, feel!
Our work deserves to be valued just like everyone else's. You wouldn't work for pictures- particularly of non-professionals, and I can assure you random people in photographs will not add value to my port. I work at this full time, it is how I, and many others pay our bills. We cannot work for free, unless it's going in a major magazine, or something of the caliber of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, and guess what? Those artists are paid too!

Seen in the same reversed format it seems a little ridiculous that anyone would even ask this doesn't it?

Shellac!

Love, Love, Love the CND new Shellac gel polish- beautiful glass-like finish on the nails- and 2 weeks wear instead of a few hour wear- like regular polish on my nails!
Because I'm an MUA, I keep my nails fairly short, but I also really haven't much choice since my nails are so thin and soft- they bend like paper. the only way for me to have truly long nails are enhancements of some sort- whether  acrylic, gels, tips, or silk or fiberglass wraps. I've had/done several of these- and without exception they have all created even more problems for the natural nail underneath. after removing my acrylics- it took YEARS for my nails to stop growing out dramatically ridged!
The one thing I do notice is that the gel polish doesn't create the weight on the nail the way other enhancements do, and they retain a flexibility that enhancements and polish cannot. both the weight and the vigorous nail prep before enhancements are what typically lead to the natural nail being compromised, but this is different for each individual.
 CND claims that with wear it will improve the health and growth of the natural nail. Truly the harshest aspect of the process- is dehyradting the nail w/ Scrub fresh or other dehyrdator- which usually contain acetone & alcohol- both drying to the skin, as well as soaking for 10 minutes in acetone to remove- again drying to nail plate, epinychium, and surrounding skin. The CND wraps help, but skin is still exposed. It is, however much less harsh than prep for artificial nails, and using the Solor Oil helps re-condition the surrounding skin.
You MUST shake - rather than roll like standard polish, the bottle for at least 20 seconds to make sure gel is mixed well- this does create some air bubbles which must be brushed out- and when completing last nail before curing- let product self level a second or two to ensure a smooth surface.
The soak of time is truly 10 minutes- and it comes off amazingly clean- I was skeptical- and it impressed me A LOT! It means no buffing to remove excess product- and nails were clean, smooth, and ready for the next polish application.
The one note, and it's not a drawback, simply a not to be missed step, is nail prep prior to polish. If it's been awhile since clients last manicure, or the manicure insufficiently removed the cuticle growth- this MUST be addressed prior to polish or small bumps will appear and mar the shiny finish. The first application, therefore may take extra time to ensure the nail is in perfect condition for Shellac application.
They are pricey, at $16 for a 1/4 oz bottle- and I do wish they would increase the bottle size to the standard 1/2 oz for that price!
All, in all, I am very happy with this product and have already booked 5 appointments- if it continues to work this effectively- I am confident I will have many return clients!

French Manicure w/ Cream Puff & Clearly Pink

new products

I bought two new palettes from Kyryolan The Aquacolor and the Supracolor both in FP2 which contains the basic colors wheel colors as well as black and white, and a few other tints like teal and pink. The Supracolor is a cream based color- similar to MUFE flash palette.  The colors are creamy- and i am still waiting for my opportunity to play with this- so more to come!
The Aquacolors- are a water activated creamy cake makeup. i was amazed at how rich, and dense the color went on- they also blend amazingly well. I still have to do more playing with this one as well.
I also purchased the Ben Nye Lumiere Creme Wheel, again a cream with teh 3 primary, and 2 secondary colors (Green & purple) as well as white. This one is sparkly- with visible to the naked eye sparkle. The Supracolor is completely flat, but also has a less smooth, slightly grainy looking texture to some of the colors- such as the white, the brown, & red. This could impact the coverage and blendability, but time will see.
 I did pick up a few other things- like spirit gum remover, cake eyeliner & sealer, more lashes, "no Sweat" skin prep, my parian Spirit brush cleaner- which i adore, and some 99% alcohol to clean everything up!

The last thing I got is the entire Shellac gel nail polish System so I could add these to my beauty menu- nail polish that lasts for 2 weeks- I gotta offer that one- heck i've gotta WEAR that one!