victoria secret – MUAHbyAlex

Victoria Secret Fashion show TONIGHT!

Well ladies, its been a year. A year since you saw last years show. A year since you promised yourself you’d go to the gym religiously, a year since you vowed to stop eating Chilis & ordering Dominos pizza every week, a year since you’d promised you would replace all the shoes in your closet with the hottest running shoes…. (sighs) Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is upon us, and is nothing less of a holiday. A holiday where no big meals can be consumed. Tonight is THE night that all you girls and yes, even guys gather around the big screen to admire the glitz, glamour, the over the top lingerie, all the LEGS and of course of the angel’s and their iconic wings.

As you may know the fashion show was filmed a few weeks ago in NYC. I wasn’t lucky enough to be there, (I think I would kill to be there doing makeup, maybe next year) but lucky enough to know a handful of people that were there. I talked to a makeup artist that participated. She told me that they were instructed to do very natural makeup this year. Only my favorite look. Hello brides! This look is for you! The bronzed look is gone. BYE! See you later. There was NO bronzer applied to the face. The look they created this year was “A healthy, sophisticated glow.” Trying to embrace my paleness this winter just got a hell of a lot easier for me. The big dramatic smokey eyes from last year got replaced with a light, neutral smokey eye. Individual lashes were used to create more fullness. Individuals are so much more natural than strip lashes but still makes a big difference in making your eyes pop. You will notice that the Angel’s skin, cheeks and lips are glowing and radiating with a healthy warm pink color. This year black mascara was used for the top lashes, and brown mascara for the bottom lashes. (Note: this is especially great for girls with lighter colored eyes, which will make them pop)

As for the hair, extensions were applied to every girl after getting a fresh blowout. Watching youtube videos, I noticed the blow driers are the T3 driers which I have and love!

The hair stylus created soft waves, which is so easy to do on yourself I’ll have to do a future post on this, since it is a question I receive often. They curled the extensions before putting them in the hair, which makes the job so much easier. Ladies please, if you wear clip in extensions, which I know more than half of you do, curl them before you put them on your head! That way you can style them before placing them on yourself, and all you need to do is clip them, this way your not clipping them in, then pulling with the curling iron which is pulling on your real hair. They used the extensions not for length, but for volume. Using the VS so sexy mousse all over, spritzing a little VS Volumizing Spray on the top, in the roots, giving it that perfect lift. The hair styles matched the makeup looks, looking soft, healthy and oh, so gorgeous.

And the model’s diets? You mean they aren’t born with super flat stomachs, amazing legs, and perfectly in shape everything else? Eating healthy and very clean is a must! Healthy food, organic protein and vegetables. Working out an 1-2 hours a day. Yoga, kickboxing and running seem to be the most popular.

Make sure to keep an eye out for their shoes! Designer Nicolas Kirkwood designed EXCLUSIVE shoes for each individual model to go with the different stories that will be featured on tonights show.

The designs are divine if you ask me. The three looks tonight are Circus, Silver screen, and Angel bloom.

Of course I will be attending the fashion show tonight at 10pm in my living room sporting my Victoria Secret undies, comfy PINK yoga pants and a PINK sweatshirt, maybe my new VS slippers also that were free with my pajama purchase last week, that is if I don’t go to the screening of the show in NYC tonight with my friend. 😉 I was an angel once for Halloween one year, so maybe I’ll pull those wings out from my Halloween decorations in the attic and run around wearing that too. For you’s that don’t know, I dedicated my closet to Victoria’s Secret. Haha obsessed much?

So ladies, have no shame, feel free to indulge in whatever you want today…. because tomorrow starts the diets and back to the gym. Bring on all the Facebook statuses tonight, the “I want to be that skinny,” “She’s not even that pretty,” “Those girls are too thin,” “I would kill someone to look like that,” “Well, I’m embracing my curves,” haha I’m ready for them all. I’m also looking forward to the performances, especially Justin Beiber’s since Selena Gomez broke up with him, after seeing a photo on twitter of him with a VS model in his hotel room after the show. But no worries, Justin & Selena are back together. Oh, young love, nothing wrong with getting a little action from a Victoria Secret model! haha cheers ladies! Last year I was pleasantly surprised to see a model on stage dancing along side Candice Swanepoel that I once did makeup for, hopefully I’ll see someone I know again!

Below I’m posting the latest music video I did makeup and grooming for featuring singer Michelle Sangalli and model/actor Christopher Lykins directed by Edwin Escobar. Enjoy 🙂

XO,

Keep Calm & Give Thanks!

Hey beauties! This week has been crazy with Thanksgiving, my 23rd birthday, and tons of work! Thanksgiving is always the time that it really begins to feel like the holidays. I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving with your loved ones and favorite people. I spent my Thanksgiving (which happened to land on my birthday this year) in Westchester at my family’s house, stuffing my face with fatty foods, opening gifts and appreciating my loved ones. This time of year I tend to reflect on my life and what I’m thankful for.

My family, who love me and support me unconditionally no matter what

My amazing friends who I adore dearly

Andrew, who always seems to guide me in the right path

My furry friends whom I’ve adopted and love so much and for all the cute things they do, that melts my heart every single day

The little things in life that make me happy like my daily morning cup of tea

Opportunities and experiences that have come my way

The support of all my readers & followers that constantly motivate me to work hard and be successful!

I am also thankful that I celebrated Thanksgiving not once but twice this year. The day after Thanksgiving I did makeup for an amazing fashion show/benefit, that Rose Kneer put together for Adopt-A-Solider Platoon.

On my way, I couldn’t help but admire the sunset!

For me this event was like celebrating Thanksgiving twice, because it made me realize, and appreciate life and everything in it. The show was hosted by actor and comedian Carlos Gonzalez and co-hosted by Mrs. NJ America 2012, Robin Vitale. Here’s a photo of my Logo on screen of the show…

The show helped raise awareness and funds for deployed soldiers in need. The mission of Adopt A Soldier Platoon is to improve the morale of service men and women, as well as their families. There were amazing performances, and some great designers that blew my mind! Recording Artist Apryl Evans performed and her voice was unbelievable. David J. Bixler who was an injured Colonel during his third tour in Afghanistan, made an amazing speech that was really moving. He shared his reasons for joining the military, and his dedication to fight for the freedoms that have been afforded to him. He described how he felt guilty taking advantage of the freedom we are all given without doing something to earn it. He didn’t complain once, he was very thankful for the Adopt a Solider Platoon contributions. It’s the smallest things that makes the biggest differences, for these soldiers.

I attended this event to do makeup for models, and after David’s speech, I realized I was there for SO MUCH MORE.

It made me thankful for everything I have in life, and motivated me to help. During the fashion show part there was a designer that immediately caught my attention. I liked how she came backstage and introduced herself to me, and described to me what looks she wanted me to create on her models. Her designs were lovely. The makeup she chose was bold. Bold blue eyeliner. But… I couldn’t help but notice her age. She appeared to be very young, and made it almost unbelievable that she was the designer! Well, my assumptions were right. Her name? Jazmin Brown. Her age? 14 YEARS OLD! Such great talent at such a young age! Check out this commercial her work is featured in!

Alexandria Gilleo: Your such an inspiration, I can’t believe how young you are! What age did you start designing?

Jazmin Brown: Thank you. I started designing about two years ago, at the age of 12. I started off modeling first, then became a designer. I was also on the Tyra Banks show when I was 11 years old.

AG: Ah, something we have in common. I was also once a guest host on the Tyra Banks show ! What is your biggest accomplishment?

JB: My biggest accomplishment was definitely getting booked with Kraft foods!

AG: What was it like filming and being chosen for the Honey Grahams commercial?

JB: Amazing! I was sent to San Francisco to film the commercial. My designs were featured in NJ Fashion week. It was a great experience.

AG: What projects do you have in the works, and where do you see yourself in 5 years?

JB: Right now I’m working on my pieces going into boutiques. That’s what I’m working out now. In the future I see myself having my own boutique. I make all the kids pieces myself. For adult wear, I’m still learning. Right now I have someone sit along with me.

Other designers included Dana Bands, Nikkay Fashions, HR Fashion, E & J Bridal Boutique, Stache Haus, Jerzy bling, and a few more. I was truly honored to work this event! This week, I also was booked to do makeup for a music video. Fun! Love these types of jobs. Incredible singer, Michelle Sangalli called me to come on set of her video and do makeup and hair. I got to work with director Edwin Escobar, for the second time. His work is great and I love working with him. He means business! I also got to meet Christopher Lykins, the male actor in the video. He is a model and upcoming actor. Look out for him in tv series Revolution, and movie Safe Haven. Here’s a photo of some of the crew.

I am so thankful for my career. I truly love meeting so many different people, and working with young talent CONSTANTLY!

Again, I hope you readers all had a great Thanksgiving. Christmas is next! Christmas is no doubt the most exciting time of the year! I adore everything about this season, except the cold weather 😉 I decorated the whole house, and very excited that I put up my PINK Christmas tree in my closet room. Along with Victoria Secret gifts under the tree (Yes, I’m stocking up on those secret reward cards!) Here’s some photos of my week and Christmas decor! Enjoy!

Celebrating my 23rd Birthday!

Christmas Decor! A stocking for Andrew, LaLaa, Buddah, Sonny, Banks, Tom & myself 😉

Thanks again for reading! Next post will be on Wednesday ! Xo!

Product review

This past weekend consisted of my usual routine; Makeup clients, shopping, at home facials, more makeup, dinner dates with friends followed by a trip to NYC. As I strolled around this week, I can’t help but notice that everything is Christmas! I thought Santa visits the mall AFTER Thanksgiving? Guess not this year.. Oh, well I’m not complaining. After all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year 🙂 While shopping, I found myself in Victoria Secret per usual. As much as I’m in there shopping, I seem to forget they have a makeup line. I figured I’d purchase some products and test them out to see how I like them. I purchased the VS tinted moisturizer with spf 15, VS pro radiant FX face illuminator, and VS face powder Next to Nude.

Lets start with the VS tinted moisturizer. I adore the packaging. It’s in a small squeeze tube, preventing it from squeezing too much product out. Putting it on my face this morning, it felt very lightweight. I applied it with my fingertips and lightly blended with a MAC brush. I love that is contains SPF 15 ! If your skin needs some coverage, then this product probably isn’t the best product to go with, only because it is so light weight and has only minimal coverage. It does however give your skin the overall appearance of a more even skin tone. I felt that my skin was smooth all day. This was only $15 ! Officially a fan 🙂

The Victoria’s Secret Pro Radiant Fix Face Illuminator reminded me a lot of NARS Orgasm Illuminator, which is great considering I bought the VS product for less than half the price of what I pay for Nars. It was a great highlighter that I patted on to the bridge of my nose, under my browbone and along my cheekbones. It gave me a nice glow and stayed set all day. To give your face a dewy angelic finish try mixing your liquid illuminator with your regular foundation and apply.

The VS illuminating face powder I also loved. I used it for an eyeshadow and with a small brush used it to go over my already highlighted areas on my face. I really am obsessed with highlighting the face. I want to do it to every client. Looks so good, and natural!!

500 point perk at Sephora! Nars !

I really enjoyed this new makeup, mainly because it was LIGHT! You have to really be careful and choose carefully which makeup is good for your skin. The wrong makeup can make your skin or acne worse. Being a makeup artist I tell ALL of my clients this! People with less than perfect skin (including myself!) Can NOT use heavy foundation and oily concealers! Your skin will never clear up if your not using the right products for your face. The only time I’ve used heavy foundation and powders was for commercials or films I was working on. Every major makeup company now makes oil-free foundations! My favorite foundation to use on myself and for all my brides is Makeup Forever foundation. The MF HD Foundation is housed in a typical plastic bottle which comes with a pump that dispenses just the right amount of product. I find this foundation makes the skin soft with a dewy finish. The coverage is pretty good for a liquid foundation – it covers most imperfections such as fainted acne marks, freckles etc. It lasts about 5-6 hours on me looking fresh. Best of all it photographs very well. I will absolutely wear this is I’m going out, but on an every day basis I always use tinted moisturizer. My favorite concealer is Erase Paste by benefit. The tub of product is incredibly tiny for $26 (just .15 oz), but thankfully you only need a VERY tiny bit to get the job done, so this product lasts me a very long time! This concealer comes in three different shades: Fair, Medium and Dark .. I use No. 2 Medium shade. It’s great for color correcting if you have dark under eye circles or a red pimple! It’s also a dream to blend. You can find both of these products at Sephora. For people with oily skin, use mineral foundations, it helps your skin become matte for longer.

Me & friends at brunch earlier , with some Knicks players in NYC. Here’s a photo of us and Ray Felton …

I also want to share quick, that I purchased more Karuna masks. I’m really LOVING these!!! I highly recommend them, for an affordable, great at home mask. Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend ! Xo