The 25 Days of Christie: Day 16 and 17, St. Patty’s Day + 80’s Themed Lingerie Party??

Whoa, this is one jam packed post. I hope you’re ready for all this.

So, I missed posting yesterday (my first miss in the 25DoC so far– not bad) so I am playing catch up as well as posting some fun pictures from a party I had the pleasure of attending for a very lovely and beautiful friend of mine and wishing you all a happy and safe St. Patty’s Day.

Today is Sit-Back Sunday— and boy, do I need it. Take the opportunity to relax today, go makeup-free (at least for a couple of hours since I know you’ll all be rocking green shadow for St. Patrick’s Day). Sunday is a great chance to give yourself a face mask, throw some cucumbers on your eyes and let your skin breathe. I think I may do just that…

Yesterday was a full day. I had a makeup trial for a beautiful May bride, Linda, in the morning and then got ready for a fun filled night of Madonna, bad hair, and hot pink pants (okay, maybe I was the only one guilty of the bad hair and the hot pink pants…). Something about the 80’s and showering someone in lingerie makes me a little out of control. I may have embarrassed myself, no alcohol needed. I’m pretty sure there’s video of me somewhere leading a group of women in a “choreographed” (not really) dance to I Wanna Dance With Somebody that I pray never surfaces. However, there will be some gems circling the internet one way or another, might as well break the ice.

Oh yes, I went there. Leotard and all. Even pulled out my 1/2 inch curling iron for this. I’m thinking I might perm my hair like this regularly– only I’d 100% rock the heck out of a fro. Only in my dreams…

 

NOW for the favorite things that I missed!

A Few of My Favorite Things:
Day 1: Tweezerman Tweezers
Day 2: Josie Maran Argan Oil
Day 3: Christian Dior Cuticle Cream
Day 4: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Day 5: MakeUp Forever HD Primer
Day 6: Benefit’s Benetint Tinted Lip Balm
Day 7: Buxom Full Bodied Lip Stick
Day 8: Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips
Day 9: Benefit’s “They’re Real” Mascara
Day 10: Essie Crystal Nail File
Day 11: Benefit’s Watts Up
Day 12: OPI Nail Lacquer
Day 13: MAC Brushes
Day 14: Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask
Day 15: MakeUp Forever HD Powder
Day 16: Smith’s Rosebud Salve

Day 17: Missha Signature Real Complete BB Cream

I love my Rosebud Salve, it is something I gift to people no matter the occasion and something I always have on hand (or three or four in various different locations around my house, car, purse, whatever). It is light, wonderful and magical. Yes, magical. I love my Dr. Lipp but this to me will never be replaced. It is also a little glossy so it gives your lips a nice shine as well as conditions and protects. Joy.

Now, my Missha BB Cream is out of this world. Out. Of. This. World. And, quite literally, out of this country since it’s sold in Korea. I know I’m insane but I’m so glad I ordered this it has not disappointed. It feels wonderful on my skin, it has light coverage but surprisingly is buildable. It treats and heals as well as protects from sun damage. I am over the moon for this product and know so many women that I’ve recommended this to that love it just as much. I have been testing out many different types of BB Cream from the states and haven’t found one that compares to my Missha.

Whew, a mouthful! Well, hubs has the flu it seems so I will be caring for my poor sniffly, achy man today. Enjoy your Sunday everyone and prepare those clicking fingers for tomorrow’s MAKEUP MONDAY GIVEAWAY!!!

 

The 25 Days of Christie: Day 15

Fabulous Friday!! Hooray! If you’re getting fabulous for a date tonight or just a night out with the girls, take your pics and let me see them on my Facebook page! Love to share in beauty with my fellow beauties! 😉

A Few of My Favorite Things:
Day 1: Tweezerman Tweezers
Day 2: Josie Maran Argan Oil
Day 3: Christian Dior Cuticle Cream
Day 4: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Day 5: MakeUp Forever HD Primer
Day 6: Benefit’s Benetint Tinted Lip Balm
Day 7: Buxom Full Bodied Lip Stick
Day 8: Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips
Day 9: Benefit’s “They’re Real” Mascara
Day 10: Essie Crystal Nail File
Day 11: Benefit’s Watts Up
Day 12: OPI Nail Lacquer
Day 13: MAC Brushes
Day 14: Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask
Day 15: MakeUp Forever HD Powder

This powder is great on all skin tones and types. It is super super fine, so it doesn’t leave a powdery residue. It gives your skin a polished off finish, takes away shine and sets your foundation. A wonderful wonderful thing. Loveeeeee this.

Happy Friday!!!!

The 25 Days of Christie: Day 13

Wisdom Wednesday! Here’s a bit of wisdom when it comes to your makeup application– Let’s talk brows.

Brows are an essential part of a makeup application. They frame the eyes and draw attention to them, which is where most people feel their best asset on their face is! Keep them trimmed, shaped and tidy, not too thin or unruly and always fill them in when doing your makeup. This simple step adds a dramatic difference… but most people are either too afraid to do it or don’t even know where to start. The rule of thumb is to go a couple shades lighter than your actual brow color, never the same shade or darker. If you’re using a pencil, make sure it’s sharp and apply the color in strokes, almost to resemble natural hair growth to ever so subtly fill in those gaps and sparse areas. The same can be said about a powder application as well. I use a small angled eye liner brush and wet powder to apply it to the brows in small strokes. If it looks too harsh you can soften it by brushing it with a brow brush, or even just lightly tapping it with your fingers.

There you go, friends. Brow wisdom!

A Few of My Favorite Things:
Day 1: Tweezerman Tweezers
Day 2: Josie Maran Argan Oil
Day 3: Christian Dior Cuticle Cream
Day 4: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Day 5: MakeUp Forever HD Primer
Day 6: Benefit’s Benetint Tinted Lip Balm
Day 7: Buxom Full Bodied Lip Stick
Day 8: Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips
Day 9: Benefit’s “They’re Real” Mascara
Day 10: Essie Crystal Nail File
Day 11: Benefit’s Watts Up
Day 12: OPI Nail Lacquer
Day 13: MAC Brushes

Almost every single one of my brushes are MAC and I love them. I’ve had some of them since I started doing makeup and really haven’t had to buy brushes in a very long time (fact: I just bought a new brush today… but it wasn’t a replacement, it was one I never had!). They are great for applying product of all varieties and I have multiple versions of certain brushes that I use often so I can work on multiple people before I have to clean them. Great tools make a huge difference in how your product is applied!

Happy Wednesday, friends!

 

Photo Tutorial: Cat Eye Liner

CAT EYE LINER TUTORIAL!! Photo Credit: Michael Caiola
I know I’m a day late, this tutorial was supposed to be for yesterday’s Tutorial Tuesday! EEP! Better late than never =)

Usually I do my eyes first and the rest of my makeup after, but for the sake of the tutorial all of my makeup is done except my eyeliner and mascara!

Spray your black eyeshadow with a bit of water. I like to use eyeshadow first because it’s easier to wipe away or fix if you make a mistake.

Using a small, angled eyeliner brush dip it in your moistened eye shadow. Draw a straight line on your eye, not extending it just yet. Get as close to the lash line as possible.

Draw your angle with your liner brush and shadow.

Now fill in and connect your liner to the angle.

Using a cream liner or liquid liner in black, go over the line you just made with your eyeshadow. This will give it more impact and more staying power than eyeshadow gives.

Here’s the final product before mascara. (Sorry for my angry resting face… woops)

Curl your lashes and apply mascara.

Voila!

Hope this helps some of you! I get a lot of requests for a cat eye how to!

The 25 Days of Christie: Day 12 & Contest Winner!

Where did the time go?! We’re about halfway through The 25 Days of Christie already! Crazy stuff. Hope you’re enjoying it as much as I am!

Today is Tutorial Tuesday— to which I will be posting a mini photo tutorial later on in the day, so check back for that!

A Few of My Favorite Things:
Day 1: Tweezerman Tweezers
Day 2: Josie Maran Argan Oil
Day 3: Christian Dior Cuticle Cream
Day 4: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Day 5: MakeUp Forever HD Primer
Day 6: Benefit’s Benetint Tinted Lip Balm
Day 7: Buxom Full Bodied Lip Stick
Day 8: Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips
Day 9: Benefit’s “They’re Real” Mascara
Day 10: Essie Crystal Nail File
Day 11: Benefit’s Watts Up
Day 12: OPI Nail Lacquer

Love!! It goes on so smooth, no random air bubbles (what’s that about anyway) and there’s sooooooo many colors to choose from. I’m an addict I love it!

And of course, last but not least!

The winner from yesterday’s Makeup Monday giveaway!!!! Congratulations to JAIME!! Enjoy your Makeup Forever HD Primer and don’t forget to let me know how you like it! Email me your information (Name, address, etc) at Christiecaiola@hotmail.com. Thanks to everyone who played along, check back again next Monday for another chance to win something delightful and fun!

Happy Tuesday, friends!

– Christie

Most. Stunning. Bride. Ever.

Just did a trial for my bride, Heather, who will be getting married this June. She was such a joy, upbeat and is a hugger like me! With great conversation and a laid back atmosphere, we chatted and did makeup. Truly, sometimes I just feel like my job is a perpetual “Girl’s Day”. Like I’ve known these women forever and I get to play makeup. And then I remember I’m a professional. Weird. Anyway, I am so excited about her wedding day and that I get the absolute privilege to be a part of it! Here is her before and after of her trial makeup– seriously is she not stunning?

Heather, you were such a pleasure and you are absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for the opportunity to play makeup!

Enjoy your day all!

The 25 Days of Christie: Day 11

MAKEUP MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hooray another giveaway!!!!!!!!!!! Today is gray and gross and it’s Monday– what better day than to get free stuff? After much thought, I’ve decided to give away a travel sized Makeup Forever HD Primer!!!!! This was on my list of My Favorite Things a few days ago and it has been my favorite primer for years. It smooths out your skin, creates a barrier between your skin and foundation, and makes your makeup last much longer. It’s an absolute must have.

Here’s how to enter:
1. “LIKE” my Facebook fan page if you haven’t already.
2. Share this post on Facebook.
3. Comment on this blog post your can’t-leave-the-house-without product in your purse right now!

*Contest ends 11:59PM tonight. Facebook is in no way responsible or involved in the contest process.

A Few of My Favorite Things:
Day 1: Tweezerman Tweezers
Day 2: Josie Maran Argan Oil
Day 3: Christian Dior Cuticle Cream
Day 4: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Day 5: MakeUp Forever HD Primer
Day 6: Benefit’s Benetint Tinted Lip Balm
Day 7: Buxom Full Bodied Lip Stick
Day 8: Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips
Day 9: Benefit’s “They’re Real” Mascara
Day 10: Essie Crystal Nail File
Day 11: Benefit’s Watts Up

This is a highlighter that could be used really, as a go-to last minute fresh faced look or as finishing touches to a full makeup application. It can be applied to your cheek bones, your brow bone, the inner corner of your eyes, the bridge of your nose and the center of your lips (or all or just one of those). Generally I use it on my cheek bones and it gives the skin a healthy glow and a gorgeous highlight. I know, it seems I’m a little obsessed with Benefit’s products… It’s kind of true. They’re just too darn good.

Good luck on today’s Makeup Monday Giveaway! Can’t wait to hear from you!

The 25 Days of Christie: Day 10

Sit-Back Sunday!! Wow, sorry for the late post! Worked today for our Easter/Spring Mini-Sessions with Kievning Photography. Got to make up some beautiful mamas today and yesterday, it was such a joy! Stay tuned for some pics! And tonight, my cousin is visiting from Hawaii. He’s a marine and we’ve eaten a feast of corned beef and cabbage– Deeeeeeelish. Anyway, back to our fun filled themed days. Today is Sit-Back Sunday, which if you’re just tuning in means no makeup! Let your skin breathe, put on a face mask, some cucumbers on your eyes and RELAX! Give your skin a break and pamper yourself before the week starts again! If you’re feeling brave, post your beautiful, makeup-free face to my Facebook page.

A Few of My Favorite Things:
Day 1: Tweezerman Tweezers
Day 2: Josie Maran Argan Oil
Day 3: Christian Dior Cuticle Cream
Day 4: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Day 5: MakeUp Forever HD Primer
Day 6: Benefit’s Benetint Tinted Lip Balm
Day 7: Buxom Full Bodied Lip Stick
Day 8: Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips
Day 9: Benefit’s “They’re Real” Mascara
Day 10: Essie Crystal Nail File

This nail file is un.be.lievable. It never dulls, it cleans easily, and smooths nicely. I’ve had the same nail file for years, it’s not too jagged and it doesn’t wear down. Literally, most genius invention ever. I. Love. This. Thing.

Tomorrow is Makeup Monday!!! Prepare yourselves for another giveaway!!!!!!!!

Happy Sunday!

The 25 Days of Christie: Day 9

Sound-Off Saturday!! Friends, I’d love to hear your feedback! How are you liking the 25 Days of Christie? Is it helpful or interesting? Do you have questions? Have you tried one of the “Favorite Things” and love it? Let me know! Leave them on my Facebook page so I can hear your encouragement, excitement about makeup or products, and just plain ol’ love. Also, take this Sound-Off Saturday as a reminder to send someone you love some encouragement as well. Chances are they could use it!

A Few of My Favorite Things:
Day 1: Tweezerman Tweezers
Day 2: Josie Maran Argan Oil
Day 3: Christian Dior Cuticle Cream
Day 4: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Day 5: MakeUp Forever HD Primer
Day 6: Benefit’s Benetint Tinted Lip Balm
Day 7: Buxom Full Bodied Lip Stick
Day 8: Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips
Day 9: Benefit’s “They’re Real” Mascara

I love this mascara. It is extremely long wearing (despite the fact that it’s not technically water proof). I literally need makeup remover to remove it, nothing else will do. It doesn’t flake or come off onto your makeup. It separates nicely and is pretty much just wonderful.

Today and tomorrow I will be doing some “Easter Mini-Sessions” with Kievning Photography where I will get the opportunity to pamper some beautiful moms for their family photo shoots. I love this idea because I am working with women who generally put themselves last above all the other things in life (baby, cleaning, working, cooking, errands, go go go). There is a relaxation and peace about them to just sit, be pampered, feel beautiful and wear makeup for the first time in a long time! Stay posted for some pics of some of these beauties!

Here’s a shot of Calvin and me from our Valentine’s Day Mini-Session!

Check out Kievning Photography’s facebook page here.

Enjoy your Saturday, friends! It’s supposed to be in the 50’s here!

The 25 Days of Christie: Day 8

Fabulous Friday!! This may be my favorite day of the 25 Days of Christie, hehe. Just like last week, I want to see your fabulous, brag worthy makeup! If you’re going out or just staying in, I wanna see it! Post your pictures to my Facebook page so I can delight in all my beautiful friends and their love of makeup! I will be posting mine later today :).

A Few of My Favorite Things:
Day 1: Tweezerman Tweezers
Day 2: Josie Maran Argan Oil
Day 3: Christian Dior Cuticle Cream
Day 4: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Day 5: MakeUp Forever HD Primer
Day 6: Benefit’s Benetint Tinted Lip Balm
Day 7: Buxom Full Bodied Lip Stick
Day 8: Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips

This is a heavier, more intense lip balm than most people are used to. I tend to switch between this and my Rosebud Salve, which will indefinitely be among my list of favorite things. But I do prefer this when my lips need a little extra TLC. It’s rich and thick and I like to put it on before bed or before my shower to let it really just soak in. A dry winter must!

Happy Fabulous Friday, everyone! Can’t wait to see your fabulous thank-goodness-it’s-Friday makeup!