Makeup Mayhem with Courtney Hughes: Glitter in the Air

Holiday time is here! So that means it's time to get ready for holiday parties.  Besides the food (haha) the dress code is my favorite part! The dresses, shoes, hats, festive coats, and of course the MAKEUP!! Hopefully you'll get to attend at least one holiday party this year, and special times call for special looks. Here are a few easy tips sure to make you a holiday hottie.....

RED: Of course my favorite is a RED lip. Very festive and sexy and definitely makes a statement.

Inspiration: Zoe Salanda

GLITTER: Glitter eyeliner, or pop a little glitter on the eyelid (on top of shadow) to make the eyes sparkle from across the room!

Inspiration: Audrey Hepburn

LASHES: OMG lashes, as we all know, just take it from A to Z...I mean....put on some lashes!

Inspiration: Kim Kardashian

NAILS: Metallics, reds, and bold shimmery shades are perfect for this type of party. And everyday too.

Inspiration: Beyonce

HAIR: Up, down, big, sleek...whatever makes u feel pretty! Yayyyyyyy!

Inspiration: Rihanna

Cheers Ladies to being a woman and fabulous and beautiful! What a life...we can wear glitter and pretty shoes and get away with it!! Happy Holidays! Muah!!

Makeup Mayhem with Courtney Hughes: Besame Mucho

Rihanna's Loud album cover- All RED er'thang

 Ok, so I give up! I guess summer is over even though I don't want to let it go. I am a summer chick...so the thought of scarves and boots and dark colors just doesn't turn me on. The transition into fall always depresses me a little bit, so to keep myself sane, I must focus on makeup.

This season is filled with trends I can definitely dig! I love the dark, bold lip that always seems to be in style for fall/winter. Not to mention flawless skin and heavily lined eyes. Yeah, yeah,yeah...but I am most excited about RED! The classic RED lip! So sexy! I envision a vintage red lip, bold and precise, oozing femininity and confidence. A lady who does not own a classic red lipstick may not yet be a lady at all! It is a classic must have like a white button down, pearls, a pencil skirt, etc. A mean red lip with some mean red bottoms just gets me all in a tizzy! Now that is a reason to pucker up....MUAH!

MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Prolong $16.00

MAC lipstick in Ruby Woo $14.50

Makeup Mayhem With Courtney Hughes: I Want My Eyes "Did"...Oh, Do You Now.....

Do people still wear flip-flops to the club? If you get all dressed up only to put on your most comfy flip flops, you probably should just stay at home. Do you get your hair done and not get a blowout? Nails done and no polish? This reminds me of women who only get their eyes "did" and don't feel the need to wear foundation or powder. Yuck! It is part of the "look" and the outfit. It's like wearing a hot dress without your sexiest heels! Or perfume! Or earrings! Just having your eyes all done up with nothing on the skin looks unfinished and unfashionable.

If you're gonna go in...go hard!! Finish the look! It doesn't have to look heavy or drag-queenish (for those with a fear of makeup). It just makes your look complete. A little powder or foundation brings the whole look together.  You may be cute and all that, and think you don't need foundation, but just putting on eye makeup is wack-a-doodle. So ladies please... don't get your eyes done with no foundation or blush, or gloss, lashes, bronzer...ok I am getting carried away. You get the point. To me the makeup can be the best part of your outfit. So complete your look chicas...don't focus on only one feature. Even if it is your best;-)

xoxox Courtney

Makeup Mayhem With Courtney Hughes: Red Bottom Nails...oh my!

Although makeup is my thing, I am also obsessed with fingernail polish. My mom taught me long ago how to bang out a homemade manicure, and I have been doing my own nails and toes ever since. I prefer natural nails myself, but I may be changing my mind soon with this latest nail trend: THE LOUBOUTIN MANICURE!!! OMG! Inspired by his signature RED bottoms, this wicked nail trend consists of a single color of your choice on the topside of your nails, with red lacquer painted on the bottom of the nail. This look is best with a long, oval nail (Rihanna style) so the red bottom really stands out. Created by Zoe Pocock from the Daniel Galvin Salon in London, this trend is popping up everywhere. I have yet to see anyone in North Cackawacka rockin' this style, however I am on the look out. I am diggin' an all black shiny nail with the red underneath...to mimic my black Louboutin Decollettes. SO HOT! I may have to treat myself to this mani on my next trip to NYC. So if you are bold and daring with a slight Louboutin obsession...go for it! As long as people don't start rockin' red bottom toe nails...now that would be nasty!

Makeup Mayhem With Courtney Hughes: Wedding Makeup....When To Call A Professional

It's that time again! Wedding season is here, and for those of you lucky enough to be walking down the aisle, listen up. PLEASE get your makeup and hair done professionally. Of course you are amazing, and he put a ring on it, put my God, pictures will be taken! You must look your best- most flawless self, straight out of a magazine.

You may be fully capable of making yourself look great day to day, but sometimes professionals are just needed.  Professional makeup-artists will make you and your bridesmaids look picture perfect so that photographer that cost so much, will be well worth it!  This is not the time to paint your own nails, do your own hair, and apply your own makeup. This is your day! Be pampered! Be exquisite! So please hire someone to do these things for you, so you are the epitome of a beautiful, blushing bride. Remember, pictures last a lifetime!

Check out some of my work on these stunning brides and their bridal party. If you or someone you know is getting married, click here to email me.  

Contact me directly for bookings:

Happy B-Day Courtney.....Pineapple Liquor Buttercream Icing...mmm

Today is Courtney's (Makeup Mayhem) B-day!!! She's just a few years over 21, LOL, and still fabulous! I've had so many fun times with her and can't wait to have many more! Hope you get the world today CoCo! I haven't reached my millionaire status yet, so the vaca yacht style in Portofino, Italy, will be a delayed just a few years...cupcakes will do for now. HAHA! Since Courtney doesn't like tequila, Patron cupcakes would be a bad choice. One of her favorite drinks is Malibu Rum and pineapple juice, so I've found a recipe for coconut cupcakes with pineapple liquor buttercream icing. I'm sure she will love these(if I were a good baker)!!! But, for the Raleigh locals, there is a place called The Cupcake Bar that makes and delivers cocktail-inspired cupcakes.  I definitely will be buying her a round very soon!!

Here is the recipe via Bakespace.com

            Ingredients:

• For the cakes: 2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 5 eggs at room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure almond extract
• 3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 8 ounces sweetened, shredded coconut
• For frosting: 1 lb. powdered sugar
• 4 oz. pineapple juice
• 1 Tbls pineapple liquor
• 1/4 cup crushed pineapple
• 3 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, cut into small pieces and chilled
• yellow food coloring
• maraschino cherries with stems attached
• drinking straws, cut into 1 1/2 inch lengths 
•  
• Directions:
  
  
  
  
  Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  
  In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
  
  With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition.
  
  Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well.
  
  In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  
  In 3 parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined.
  
  Fold in 7 ounces of coconut.
  
  Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each liner just to the top with batter.
  
  Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
  
  Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
  
  Remove to a baking rack and cool completely.
  
  Meanwhile, make the frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, on low speed, beat sugar and 1 Tbls. liquor until light and smooth.
  
  In a small saucepan, bring juice to a boil.
  
  Add to the confectioners' sugar and beat on medium speed until fluffy.
  
  Add half butter and beat on medium high speed until light and fluffy. if desired add a few drops of yellow food coloring now.
  
  Fold in pineapple, add remaining butter and beat again on medium high speed until fluffy.
  
  Frost the cupcakes using a large star tip and a piping bag and sprinkle with the remaining coconut.
  
  Top with cerries and straws.

Makeup Mayhem With Courtney Hughes: Bronzed Beauty

Regardless of your skin tone, everyone needs a little color on their face. If you wear foundation or powder, you are making the skin one even tone. While we all have natural color in our face, neutralizing this color can make you look sick, tired, or just plain boring!  So you need to add some depth. Whether it's blush (my favorite beauty item) or bronzer, just put something on those adorable cheeks! Here are some tips on applying bronzer to your precious mug....

Step 1-Choose a bronzer that is one to two shades deeper than your skin tone. Make sure it is not too shimmery.

MAC Bronzing Powder in Golden

Step 2- Apply the bronzer with a fluffy powder brush to the top of the forehead, cheekbones (framing the face), and a little on the nose and neck.

 MAC Buffer Brush

 
Step 3- If you wear blush, apply after the bronzer to the apples of your cheeks.

MAC Ombre Blush in Vintage Grape

Adding bronzer to your face is a great way to achieve a sun-kissed, faux-glow look. Not to mention you will look more attractive in pictures. Since we all can't live like the Kardashian chicks, sunbathing in Miami every weekend, sometimes we have to fake it. Don't worry, secret's safe with me. Here's to Miami!!... Muah!

Check out some of our favorite bronzed beauties......

Jennifer Lopez wearing her favorite bronzer, Body Bling by Scott Barnes

Mary J. Blige wearing CARGO The Big Bronzer

Kim Kardashian wearing Smashbox Bronze Lights

Queen Latifah wearing her own collection, COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Minerals Bronzer in Brown Bronze

Whitney Port wearing Nars Bronzer in Laguna

Makeup Mayhem With Courtney Hughes: Moisturize Your Face

It is shocking to me how many women I meet daily who are afraid of moisturizer. These women have so many excuses as to why..."Oh my skin is way too oily for moisturizer,"  "I don't wanna break out," or "I just use vaseline". Ugggghhhh, not ok! Ladies, ladies, ladies you HAVE to moisturize! Today I want to tell you why and how it will change  your life.

Moisturizers make the skin look younger and smoother, and help balance the ph level of the skin. If they contain SPF, they will help protect the skin from sun exposure. Most facial moisturizers are OIL FREE so they will not make your skin OILY!! You have to realize the difference between moisture and oil. If you mix oil and water in a glass you will see the difference, right? Moisturizers usually contain a water base, so they are adding water based moisture to the skin, which is going to improve the quality of the skin.

Most people notice a nasty oily film on their skin by the end of the day. This is your skin's way of hydrating itself. The more you moisturize, the less your skin will overcompensate by hydrating itself. You really don't want to let your skin get to this point. If this happens, your skin will get oily, and then break down your makeup and basically push it off your face. This is why most people feel the need to re-apply their makeup by the end of the day because it looks old and seems to disappear! I promise the more you moisturize your skin, the better your makeup will look ALL DAY! Trust me on this ladies, if you are not going to moisturize with a good facial moisturizer, you might as well not put on any makeup at all.

Don't be afraid of it... your skin should feel moist before you apply your makeup. In my opinion, it should almost feel wet. Especially if you have dry skin. You can use a lightweight moisturizer during the day and then a heavier cream at night if you prefer. I suggest using a clean brush or sponge to apply all liquids or creams to your face. Touching the face at all during the makeup process (or throughout the day) can cause breakouts. Best of all, moisturizer will also help reduce breakouts.

Chances are, whether your skin is super oily or totally dry, your skin is thirsty. So up the ante on your moisture ladies...just ask J-Lo. Muah!

Some of my favorites include:

MAC Mineralize all over lotion-$29.50

MAC Oil control lotion -$29.50

Stay posted for choosing Good-for-Your-Skin Oils & Moisturizers!

Makeup Mayhem With Courtney Hughes: CLEAN YOUR TOOLS

In the beauty world, if you are still using your hands to apply your make-up, you are basically a "Glamour DON'T." Nowadays, it's all about the brushes. This big brush theory is not just a tactic for cosmetic companies to rob you blind, they actually have good reason. Yes brushes can be pricey, but they are worth it. Mainly because your makeup is going to look more blended and flawless. Also, brush use will keep your hands off of your face, allowing your makeup to stay on better. Not to mention, using a brush to apply liquid or cream foundation will use less of your product and make it last longer. Most importantly, you have to keep your brushes CLEAN! So here is how...

Place your brushes upside down in a cup with some gentle shampoo in the bottom. Add about a half an inch of lukewarm water.

Swirl your brushes around, then one by one wash the brush hair under running water. In swirling motions, keeping your brush upside DOWN, rinse clean under water. Make sure not to get the handle wet, this could cause brush damage. Do not hold brush upright while wet.

Squeeze out excess water, reshape the hair, then lay flat to dry overnight.

Taking care of your brushes will preserve their life and keep them soft for better application. If you are not ready to invest in professional brushes just yet, I have seen some decent ones at Walmart or Walgreens. I don't care where you get them for now, just jump on the brush bandwagon... ASAP. Muah!

Makeup Mayhem with Courtney Hughes: Celebrity Inspired 5 Minute Face

I can spend an hour making up my face and be perfectly happy, but I realize that most of you 9-5'ers have no time for that. So I am here to offer a few tips on a quick and easy make-up routine in 5 minutes or less.

1. First things first...Immediately after cleansing, MOISTURIZE! Then, apply an all over sheer   POWDER (MAC mineralize skinfinish natural powder is amazing) with a big fluffy brush. 

2. Next, add a little BLUSH or BRONZER to cheekbones or forehead for a nice healthy color. 

3. For your eyes, I recommend an all over base to even out the skin on the eyelid. MAC paint pots are easy to apply and can be worn alone or underneath eyeshadow. This will give your eyes a pop without complication. 

4. Then, apply your favorite MASCARA (ok you are still under 5 minutes unless you are a slow poke). 

5. I am officially obsessed with my eyebrows, so I would strongly recommend using an  EYEBROW PENCIL to fill in sparse or barely there brows. For those of you who are naturally blessed with great brows, you can skip this step.  

6. Finally, condition your lips, then apply your favorite LIPSTICK or LIPGLOSS. MAC's viva glam collection offers great neutral colors that look nice on all skin tones.

At work, I have to wear 13 products (at least) on my face everyday so I don't wanna hear any complaining! This routine is quick and easy, and I promise if you just try to accent each part of the face a little bit, you will look healthy and fresh faced all day. Oh, and don't forget your beauty sleep... Muah!

Courtney

How Often Do you Wax

Your eyebrows???? I stopped waxing my brows probably 2 years ago and started getting them threaded. Theading is 100% natural without the use of chemicals. I would always breakout due to the mystery ingredients in the wax. My friend Courtney, who is a fabulous MAC makeup artist, convinced me to purchase the MAC spiked brow pencil. Best decision ever! It's easy to use and perfect for filling in sparse areas. I can't live without it! I'll have to ask Courtney to do a before and after so you can see the difference.